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17587
June 4, 2001
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
June 4, 2001

The city council of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota met in the council chambers in City Hall on Monday, June 4, 2001 at the hour of 7:30 o’clock p.m. with Mayor Brown presiding. Present at roll call were Council Members Brooks, Bjerke, Stevens, Hamerlik, Burke, Glassheim, Gershman, Lunak, Christensen, Klave, Kerian, Bakken - 12; absent: Council Members Kreun, Martinson - 2.

Mayor Brown announced that anyone wishing to speak to any item may do so by being recognized prior to a vote being taken on the matter, and that the meeting is being televised.

FLOOD REPORT

Al Grasser, city engineer, presented a brief review of the Flood Report.:

Technical Work Update:
Corps of Engineers - had an initial technical review of the Phase II design on May 23; Phase I levee project is scheduled for advertising on June 7. English Coulee Diversion project is being advertised and are breaking into several different phases to continue project - first phase for construction is a 3.5 mile segment where acquisitions are complete; Gowan Construction is in the process of demolishing 5 foundations and 3 houses in Phase I and Phase II (Sun-Beam, Olson and Elmwood areas). Final technical review of plans and specs. for English Coulee closure was held on May 24, and still looking for that to be operational for the 2003 spring run-off. Bids have been received for pumps and generators for pump stations, delivery this year, and includes all pumps and generators so have uniform material throughout the flood protection project.
City and Consultant Update: Construction is still ongoing on Lift Stations #1 and #5 (in Lincoln Park area and near St. Anne’s), are about 60% complete; English Coulee Diversion have numerous utility relocates; on Phase I will be starting the watermain and utility line relocations - some in Olson and Elmwood areas and Sun-Beam.
Property Acquisitions: Acquisition continues to be one of the controlling factors on timeline, coming to agreement and acquiring those houses, several under eminent domain. Phase I: The areas that we missing are going to be bid as options under the Corps project and this gives them the ability to bid the project and where don’t have the property, they can add it back in as an option under the base bid. English Coulee, have several commercial properties and homes that are yet to be acquired. English Coulee Pump Station - 4 parcels are out; Historic Properties: under Corps standard mitigation agreement, have 14 historical properties and one of the prime objectives is not to hinder the rest of the project, 3 houses demolished and 4 offered to be moved into the existing city-owned lots in Riverside neighborhood.
Southend Update: Have received the Barr Phase II Study report on March 27 and did have a senior leadership meeting between the County and several city council members on April 25 and are still awaiting some of the final regulatory reviews from that report from the agencies and are planning to have a meeting with the residents in the area on June 14 and review all the information at that time.
Upcoming Meetings: Will have a transmission pipeline and residuals forcemain project public hearing on June 5 at Phoenix Elementary School; and Southend Alignment public meeting on June 14 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.

Council Member Christensen asked for status on house behind the dike in Elmwood; Mr. Swanson stated that after filing a brief the property owner and their attorney withdrew their objection, the order for taking has been reinstated and is one of the properties that is pending demolition under the contract with Gowan. Mr. Yavarow stated that the City did not own that property at the time the request went to the Corps and is on a request for modification that the Corps is negotiating with Gowan Construction today.

Melanie Parvey-Biby, interim greenway coordinator, provided the Greenway update for June - there was a nature study public meeting held May 17 and are just gathering information from that meeting and there will be a report on June 11 committee of the whole meeting; that they have been working on the mowing in the Greenway area - some areas left unmowed either because too wet or trying to move some of the flood debris. Phase II: there are streets and infrastructure being removed in Riverside and Lincoln, old neighborhoods, and did have Phase II of Greenway cleanup planned, although delayed because want to keep the streets in case there is a flood next spring. She noted Greenway events: GOALS group is putting on a 1st Annual Greenway Bike Day on June 16 and Lions Club is working on providing information for the council at the next committee of the whole meeting on a possible community event called “Christmas in the Park”.

Council Member Christensen asked if there would be a recommendation on report on June 11, nature center update, and whether located in Sun-Beam Addition; Ms. Biby reported staff will be making a recommendation on the process of how we should continue with the nature center. Council Member Christensen stated he had asked that council be provided with an estimate of number of staff persons to staff the center and costs by July 1 and asked if this information could also be provided on the 11th, and that residents be notified. Council Member Lunak asked how much damage the greenway received during the last flood; Ms. Biby stated they are just now getting the area cleaned up and should have an estimate within the next month. Council Member Gershman asked that at that meeting they also look at the Lincoln Park Clubhouse with Park District. Ms. Biby stated there has been some discussion with Park District re. other locations.

ADOPT RESOLUTION VACATING ALL OF SOUTH 17TH
STREET AND UTILITY EASEMENT LYING WEST OF AND
ADJACENT THERETO, AS PLATTED IN ULLAND PARK
FIRST ADDITION, EXCLUDING ANY PORTION OF
INTERSECTING 47TH AVENUE SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY

The acting city auditor reported that pursuant to instructions by the city council after having received a petition to vacate all of South 17th Street and the 10-foot wide utility easement lying west of and adjoining thereto, as platted in the plat of Ulland Park First Addition, excluding any portion of the intersecting 47th Avenue South right of way, the required legal notice had been published calling for a public hearing to be held this evening, and further that no protests or grievances had been filed with the auditor’s office.

Mayor Brown called upon the audience to see if there was anyone present who had comments to make on this matter. There were none and the public hearing was closed.

Council Member Klave introduced the following resolution which was presented and read: Document No. 8074 - Resolution.

It was moved by Council Member Klave and seconded by Council Member Glassheim that we do hereby find and determine an insufficiency of protest on the petition for vacation, and that the resolution of vacation be adopted. Carried 12 votes affirmative.

ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 3891, AMENDING SPECIFIC
SECTIONS OF CHAPTER XVIII AND ENACT NEW
SECTION RELATING TO WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
ANTENNAS AND TOWERS

An ordinance entitled “An ordinance amending specific sections of Chapter XVIII of the Grand Forks City Code and enacting a new section relating to wireless communication antennas and towers”, which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on March 5, 2001, and upon which public hearing and second reading of the ordinance had been continued until this evening.

Mayor Brown called upon the audience to see if there was anyone present who had comments to make on this matter. There were none.

Council Member Christensen moved an amendment to the ordinance as follows: on page 8, C) Denial of Application, that if denied an application the applicant could appeal his denial to the city council rather than have two levels of appeal, and would be deleting the words “and/or from the proceedings of the Planning and Zoning Commission”; and item D) would have appeal directly to the city council - delete the Planning and Zoning Commission; and to include “Grand”.

Dennis Potter, city planner, also noted that on page 9 in section C) Response to co-location request, strike the terminology “Planning and Zoning Commission”. Council Member Gershman seconded the amendment.

Howard Swanson, city attorney, stated that the original introduction of the ordinance and asked the mover to include in his amendment those changes which were made in the interim from the first reading to second reading. Council Members Christensen and Gershman included those changes in the amendment.

Upon call for the question on the amendment to the ordinance and upon voice vote, the motion carried 12 votes affirmative.

Upon call for the question on the ordinance as amendment and upon roll call vote, the following voted “aye”: Council Members Brooks, Bjerke, Stevens, Hamerlik, Burke, Glassheim, Gershman, Lunak, Christensen, Klave, Kerian, Bakken - 12; voting “nay”: none. Mayor Brown declared the ordinance adopted.

APPROVE ASSESSMENTS, SNOW REMOVAL PROJECT
NO. 5207

The acting city auditor presented and read the assessments as certified to her by the superintendent of streets on Snow Removal Project No. 5207, in the amount of $5,825.00, and reported that the legal notice to the public that these assessments would be presented to the city council this evening had been published as required, and further that no protests or grievances had been filed with his office.

Mayor Brown asked if there was anyone in the audience who had comments to make on these assessments. There were none.

It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Burke that these assessments be and are hereby accepted and confirmed and that they be levied against the property benefited in one annual installment to be collected with other taxes by the proper authorities. Upon roll call the following voted “aye”: Council Members Brooks, Bjerke, Stevens, Hamerlik, Burke, Glassheim, Gershman, Lunak, Christensen, Klave, Kerian, Bakken - 12; voting “nay”: none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.

APPROVE APPLICATION FOR MOVING PERMIT TO
MOVE BUILDING FROM 1205 LINCOLN DRIVE TO 1119/
1123 ALMONTE AVENUE FOLLOING PUBLIC HEARING

The acting city auditor reported that the notice of public hearing on the application by Urban Development to move a building from 1205 Lincoln Drive to 1119/1123 Almonte Avenue to be used as a single family residence, had been published and posted as required.

Mayor Brown called upon the audience to see if there was anyone present who had comments to make on this matter. There were none.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this application for moving permit be approved, and that Urban Development be and is hereby authorized to move the building subject to meeting conditions established by the Inspections Department. Carried 12 votes affirmative.

APPROVE BUDGET AMENDMENTS FOR HEALTH
DEPARTMENT

The staff recommendation from the Health Department relating to a budget amendment in the amount of $1,410.00, with recommendation to approve budget amendment of $1,410.00, new 2001 revenue.

The staff recommendation from the Health Department relating to a budget amendment in the amount of $2,372.00, with recommendation to approve budget amendment of $2,372.00, new 2001 revenue.

It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Lunak that these recommendations be and are hereby approved. Carried 12 votes affirmative.

APPROVE APPLICATION FOR ABATEMENT OF 1999
AND 2000 TAXES ON PROPERTY AT 1107 ALMONTE AVENUE

The staff recommendation from the Health Department relating to an application for abatement for 1999 and 2000 taxes by Roscoe Hill, 1107 Almonte Avenue, with recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners that the applications be approved as submitted.

It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Lunak that this recommendation be and is hereby approved, and further that we adopt the findings, conclusions and recommendations as prepared by the city attorney. Carried 12 votes affirmative.

APPROVE APPLICATION FOR ABATEMENT OF 1999 AND
2000 TAXES ON PROPERTY AT 1324 6TH AVENUE NORTH

The staff recommendation from the Health Department relating to an application for abatement for 1999 and 2000 taxes by Monica Jackson, 1324 6th Avenue North, with recommendation to Board of County Commissioners that applications be approved as submitted.

It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Lunak that this recommendation be and is hereby approved, and further that we adopt the findings, conclusions and recommendations as prepared by the city attorney. Carried 12 votes affirmative.

AWARD CONTRACTS FOR PROJECTS NOS. 4648.0 AND
4648.5, 2001 CLEARWELL/HIGH SERVICE PUMPING
STATION AND GFWTP PUMPING MODIFICATIONS

The staff recommendation from the engineering department relating to bids for City Projects Nos. 4648.0 and 4648.5, 2001 Clearwell/High Service Pumping Station and GFWTP Pumping Modifications, with recommendation to award Contract No. 1 (general construction) to Construction Engineers, LTD in the amount of $6,562,945.40 for the base bid and not include Alternate 1; award Contract No. 2 (mechanical construction) to Lunseth Pluming & Heating Co. in the amount of $283,000.00; and award Contract No. 3 (electrical construction) to Sun Electric in the amount of $1,287,500.00, contingent upon review and approval by the North Dakota Department of Health.

It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Lunak that this recommendation be and is hereby approved. Upon roll call the following voted “aye”: Council Members Brooks, Bjerke, Stevens, Hamerlik, Burke, Glassheim, Gershman, Lunak, Christensen, Klave, Kerian, Bakken - 12; voting “nay” none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.

REJECT BIDS FOR PROJECT NO. 5250, AND AUTHORIZE
REBIDDING OF THE PROJECT

The staff recommendation from the engineering department relating to bids for City Project No. 5250, bio-solids removal at the Wastewater Treatment stabilization ponds, with recommendation to reject bid received at May 14, 2001 bid opening and rebid the project.

It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Lunak that this recommendation be and is hereby approved. Carried 12 votes affirmative.

DECLARE PROPERTIES AS SURPLUS AND AUTHORIZE
STAFF TO PROCEED WITH SALE/RELOCATIONS THROUGH
COMBINED BID/RFP PROCESS

The staff recommendation from the engineering department relating to RFP for sale of home/lot packages for relocation of historic homes, with recommendation to declare Lots 4 and 6, Block 8, Skidmore Addition (1600 block of North 6th Street) surplus, declare houses at 1411 and 1417 Lewis Blvd. surplus and authorize staff to proceed with their sale/relocation through a combined bid/RFP (request for proposals) process.

Council Member Hamerlik reported that at the committee of the whole he indicated he was in favor of oral bidding after interested people have submitted a bid, that in discussing with staff, it appears that an RFP is in order rather than bidding because to restore historic houses to a reasonable level, which they want, would not be appropriate in his estimation oral bidding, but still that in all future bidding except historic houses have that opportunity.

It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Lunak that this recommendation be and is hereby approved. Carried 12 votes affirmative.

APPROVE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SITE LEASE
AGREEMENT WITH NEXTEL WIP LEASE CORPORATION

The staff recommendation from the Public Works Department relating to the matter of wireless communication premises site lease agreements, with recommendation to approve wireless communication premises site lease agreement with Nextel WIP Lease Corporation.

It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Lunak that this recommendation be and is hereby approved. Upon roll call the following voted “aye”: Council Members Brooks, Bjerke, Stevens, Hamerlik, Burke, Glassheim, Gershman, Lunak, Christensen, Klave, Kerian, Bakken - 12; voting “nay”: none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.

AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL OF PRE-APPLICATION TO
STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR AN INERT
LANDFILL PERMIT

The staff recommendation from the Public Works Department relating to the matter of pre-application for Grand Forks, ND inert landfill permit, with recommendation to approve the City of Grand Forks providing the North Dakota Health Department a pre-application for an inert landfill permit.

It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Lunak that this recommendation be and is hereby approved. Carried 12 votes affirmative.

APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 16 TO ENGINEERING
SERVICES AGREMENT FOR PROJECTS NOS. 4815 AND
4816, PHASE I, UTILITY RELOCATIONS

The staff recommendation from the engineering department relating to construction phase engineering agreement Project No. 4815 and 4815.1, Phase I Utility Relocations, Greater Forks Engineering Group Amendment No. 16, with recommendation to approve Amendment No. 16 to the Greater Forks Engineering Group agreement in the amount of $32,854.20 (hourly not to exceed).

It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Lunak that this recommendation be and is hereby approved. Upon roll call the following voted “aye”: Council Members Brooks, Bjerke, Stevens, Hamerlik, Burke, Glassheim, Gershman, Lunak, Christensen, Klave, Kerian, Bakken - 12; voting “nay”: none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.

APPROVE BUDGET AMENDMENT AND GRANT
AGREEMENT FOR HEALTHY FAMILIES

The staff recommendation from the Health Department relating to budget amendment of $62,220.00 and grant agreement for Healthy Families, with recommendation to approve budget amendment of $62,220.00, and approve grant agreement to support an ongoing Healthy Families grant program, new 2001 revenue.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Lunak that this recommendation be and is hereby approved.

Don Shields, Health Department, reported this is a preventative program to prevent child abuse and neglect for newborns in the community, and to prevent people from ending up in a different social agency that’s much more expensive than doing the assessment and helping them to learn those skills early.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Lunak that this recommendation be and is hereby approved. Upon roll call the following voted “aye”: Council Members Brooks, Stevens, Hamerlik, Burke, Glassheim, Gershman, Lunak, Christensen, Klave, Kerian, Bakken - 11; voting “nay”: Council Member Bjerke - 1. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.

APPROVE REQUEST TO DESIGNATE FRONTAGE ROADS
AS COLLECTORS SO ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL AID

The staff recommendation from the engineering department relating to request from North Dakota Department of Transportation to designate frontage roads as collectors so they are eligible for federal aid, with recommendation to approve including all frontage roads as designated on the NDDOT map as collectors.

Council Member Bjerke questioned if the City designates these roads and if in the future we can un-designate these roads. Al Grasser, city engineer, stated that we’re having the option of designating collector streets as long as they meet certain criteria, but doesn’t mean we have to designate them to apply and use them for federal dollars, and believes we would have the ability to un-designate them and take an action of the city council.

It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Christensen to amend the recommendation with the inclusion of “for the purpose of federal funding”. Carried 12 votes affirmative.

It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Lunak to approve the recommendation, as amended, and upon voice vote, the motion carried 12 votes affirmative.

REFER RECLASSIFICATION OF POSITIONS TO CIVIL
SERVICE COMMISSION FOR REPORT BACK PRIOR TO
COUNCIL ACTION

The staff recommendation from the Human Resources Director for job description changes (reclassifications), with recommendation to approve job description changes for the positions of: finance accountant, accounting specialist, accounting technician, client services coordinator, housing administrator I/II, wastewater/stormwater supervisor, platting and right of way officer, civilian records supervisor, police support specialist II.

The staff recommendation from the Human Resources Department relating to job description changes (reclassifications), with recommendations to approve job description changes for the position of Building Inspector I.
Council Member Klave stated it appears they have to go back to the Civil Service Commission for their review that we should table this and let the Civil Service Commission make their recommendations and then we vote on their recommendations; and moved by refer the matter to the Civil Service Commission for report back prior to any action. Council Member Hamerlik seconded the motion.

Mr. Swanson stated there is a history of doing that, there is a prerogative of getting their information or potential action before you act.

Council Member Burke questioned dates; Mr. Hovland, Human Resources, stated Civil Service has to have heard all the reclassifications prior to July 15 and report back on findings on reclassifications to city council prior to July 20. He also stated that Civil Service does not need the approved job description, can go with the reclassification because the employee will be presenting their case to the Commission and Commission can act upon Human Resources recommendation. Council Member Burke questioned if the reclassification points are based on the job description and if the job description doesn’t change, then some of those points go away. Mr. Hovland stated that several portions of the job description (experience, education, supervision and working conditions) are set, the others go through deliberation as to the degree of decision making, degree of expertise that you may need in a position. Council Member Burke asked if the staff recommendation from Human Resources on the reclassifications is based on the assumption that the job descriptions as submitted would be approved; Mr. Hovland stated they would; and Mr. Burke stated there would be a different recommendation if those job descriptions were denied, and that what we do here is important before the Civil Service Commission takes up this matter and that we are not voting on reclassification, which is not within our jurisdiction, but are simply deciding whether or not we want these job descriptions to be approved as submitted or not, and need to make that decision before the Civil Service Commission takes up this matter.

Council Member Klave reported that the information from Human Resources was just received and needs to be reviewed by the council. Mr. Hovland stated that a majority of the council members had asked for this type of information as a part of the clarification so have provided it, but apologized that they did not receive it before tonight. Council Member Glassheim asked if there was anything that speaks to the job description, lot has to do with the point count but is not relevant to what they are supposed to do. Mr. Hovland reported that information submitted tonight only covers the reclassification process.

Council Member Brooks stated that the arguments he heard were irrelevant and have to stay on the issue before us - the changes in the job description, that this is an involved process that the City has, and that after vote by council tonight this goes to the Civil Service Commission who deals with the issue of reclassification itself and dollar issues; that large operations have to have very involved personnel, salary administrations systems, human resource systems, and owe to employees because they are asset if service industry, and need to protect ourselves from suits and other things that happen if not treating everybody equally; council looking at frustrations with current system we have, and if start varying from that and if we want to address the overall system then should look at that in an orderly process, and first thing is to get vacant position in Human Resources filled.

There was some discussion relating to the process and Mr. Hovland stated that our pay system classification is based on a point factor system and in packet provided to council members tonight, shows how the system works.

Council Member Glassheim stated that the process we’re going through now tells us that we need to have a smaller group that sits down with HR which has gone through a process of evaluating whether these changes be made or not, and to try to iron out in advance; and asked if council can go through particular ones which are not at the discretion of the Civil Service Commission, and Civil Service Commission act on those at their discretion; and asked if HR could explain which ones are changes in supervision, experience so council can determine if want the change made or not.

Council Member Burke called for a point of order, that we are debating the motion to refer, not the main motion so previous discussion is not germane. Council Member Glassheim stated that is his request if they do not refer.

Mr. Hovland stated that according to City Code all or any changes to a job description have to be approved by this body. Council Member Klave stated we have referred these in the past; Mr. Swanson stated they have done that typically either for a new position that’s being created and want to know what grade will be assigned to that position if approved job description, you typically don’t get that many changes in job descriptions to have a long history of practice. Council Member Klave stated he wanted it referred and understands that when Civil Service looks at this, they have 2 or 3 days blocked out to do this and very in depth process that’s gone through and is asking that we refer it to them and let them run the process, and send us their recommendations and we can then vote on it. Mr. Hovland stated that the reclassifications will go on as scheduled this week and are 3 days of intense deliberation and could have it referred back to council. Mr. Swanson reported that the only thing before council is a change in a job description or approval of a new job description, and if do not act on the job description and refer it, the Commission will be acting upon what information they do have available and perhaps would get a referral back or report back indicating that they would assign or approve a reclassification subject to the adoption or approval of a new job description; they have no authority unless they find that the present job description and present duties warrant a reclassification, and have no ability or authority to implement a change in classification without an adoption of the job description by this body; that the report would have to come back to the city council. Mr. Swanson stated that the Commission probably would not render an opinion as to whether they should or should not have a job description change, they most likely would provide you with an opinion that even with a job description change, it would not warrant a change in the classification.

Council Member Hamerlik called for the question, seconded by Council Member Bakken. Carried 12 votes affirmative.

Upon call for the question to refer the matter to the Civil Service Commission, Carried 10 votes affirmative; Council Members Burke and Glassheim voted against the motion.

APPROVE BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR HUMAN
RESOURCES

The staff recommendation from Human Resources relating to the 2001 budget amendment, with recommendation to approve the 2001 budget amendment for the Human Resources Department in the amount of $7,000 from cash carryover.

The acting city auditor explained that if had known about an expense that should be a 2000 expense, would have put it in accounts payable and would have come out of the 2000 budget and since it didn’t, it went into cash carryover - because of the delay in receiving until after the end of the year.

It was moved by Council Member Klave and seconded by Council Member Kerian that this recommendation be and is hereby approved. Carried 12 votes affirmative.

ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FILING OF
AN APPLICATION WITH THE NORTH DAKOTA DEPRTMENT
OF HEALTH FOR A LOAN UNDER THE CLEAN WATER ACT

The staff recommendation from the engineering department relating to resolution of the City to authorize the filing of an application with the North Dakota Department of Health for a loan under the Clean Water Act, with recommendation for approval of the resolution, which would authorize the City of Grand Forks to file an application for obtaining a Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan for City Project No. 4948, Water Reclamation Facility Improvements Interim Residuals Management Plan, 4948.1, Residuals Force Main Phase I, and 4948.2, Residuals Force Main Phase 2. Document No. 8075 - Resolution.

Council Member Lunak questioned amount of money for the projects; Steve Burian, Advanced Engineering, stated the total project cost for this is $9.2 million; that the existing water reclamation facility is where residuals are handled is on the unprotected side of the flood protection levee and that this project is part of the overall flood protection project, that the $9.2 million is a water utility project and is in totality eligible for the flood protection project local match. Once approved, 45% of the $52 million granted from the State goes towards any of the water system projects and the other 55% is to be funded by the City; that the 55% comes from a special loan program called the Clean Water State Revolving Fund administered by the North Dakota Department of Health; that payment will come through the existing plans for the flood protection project; no new water utility costs for this project and paying for it through the different mechanisms that are in place for the flood protection project.

It was moved by Council Member Lunak and seconded by Council Member Klave that the recommendation be approved and the resolution adopted. Upon roll call the following voted “aye”: Council Members Brooks, Bjerke, Stevens, Hamerlik, Burke, Glassheim, Gershman, Lunak, Christensen, Klave, Kerian, Bakken - 12; voting “nay”: none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.

APPROVE APPOINTMENT TO PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION

The recommendation from Mayor Brown relating to the appointment to the Grand Forks City Planning and Zoning Commission, with recommendation to confirm appointment of John Jeno as one of the Grand Forks County Commission representatives to the Grand Forks City Planning and Zoning Commission.

Mayor Brown asked for concurrence in the appointment of John Jeno as a representative of the Grand Forks County Commission. Council Member Gershman asked if in the future they could receive bios on the people who are recommended for positions.

It was moved by Council Member Lunak and seconded by Council Member Kerian to approve the appointment. Carried 12 votes affirmative.

INTRODUCE ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH CHAPTER XXII
OF THE GRAND FORKS CITY CODE RELATING TO AN
EXCISE TAX ON TELEPHONE ACCESS LINES (EXTENSION
OF FIFTY-CENT SURCHARGE FOR 911 SERVICES)
The request to extend the fifty-cent surcharge for the E-911 PSAP Service for the City of Grand Forks by Allen Morken, PSAP Director, with recommendation to approve the request to extend the fifty-cent surcharge on phone bills in the city of Grand Forks to fund the PSAP service.

Council Member Bakken stated that we may be short with the fifty-cent surcharge, and may want to look at increasing that to $1.00 as they have equipment issues coming up, etc. and moved an amendment to the ordinance to increase the amount of the surcharge to $1.00; Council Member Christensen seconded the motion.

There was some discussion as to the amount of surcharge, whether to increase it without a budget proposal, etc. and upon call for the question on the amendment, the motion failed.

It was moved by Council Member Kerian and seconded by Council Member Brooks to approve the recommendation as presented. Carried 11 votes affirmative, Council Member Lunak voted against the motion.

Council Member Klave introduced an ordinance entitled “An ordinance adopting Article IV, Chapter XXII of the Grand Forks City Code relating to an excise tax on telephone access lines”, which was introduced and passed on its first reading.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS

1) Council Member Glassheim asked for status on question he had raised last week re. to having a discussion or task force in response to the population decline, and suggested that Urban Development put it on the next week’s agenda with recommended time frame and suggestions for membership for task force on population growth. He also reviewed a handout from a business magazine for Visual Artists calling attention to an ad from Paducah, KY advertising an artists relocation program including low interest loans, health care, free web sites, free lots for new construction, etc. and as part of luring people to their town they list cultural attractions, not proposing this to be done here, but this is something people care about.

2) Council Member Glassheim asked for status on items which had been presented at the previous meeting re: executive committee; and for status on striping of driving lanes - which will be done in the next week.

3) Council Member Burke asked for status on committee of the whole procedures, and asked this be placed as an item on the next committee of the whole meeting agenda.
4) Council Member Burke reported he had reviewed budget materials he had received last week and more detailed materials today - that this is a preliminary budget and that there is a lot of work to be done, and concerned that it purports to be a budget with no tax increases yet it doesn’t include anything for cost of living increases for salaries, and if do something as did last year about 3% based on a cost of living index of 3.4% that we would be looking at an additional $330,000 in expenditures which would be approx. 4 mills; and concerned that there are some shifting of funds going on that haven't done in the past - moving an additional $600,000 from Highway Users Fund into the General Fund (8 mills) to take up operating expenses from the Street Department, increase reimbursable wages to some departments of approx. $180,000 which is shifting General Fund burdens in the past over to Enterprise Funds (utilities); have new spending under Economic Development line item of $100,000 for events, $100,000 for arts, $160,000 for an item he doesn’t understand at all, $200,000 for seed funds for University of North Dakota research which they haven’t had in the budget for 2 years - all new money that has to be for out of property taxes or sales taxes in economic development and very concerned about the budget where have a lot of work to do if meet that goal of holding mill levy where it is now.

5) Council Member Bjerke asked that the Alerus Commission give them an update on status of contract with University of North Dakota. Council Member Hamerlik reported as a member of that committee, that it’s in its final stages, that they will be having another meeting on Wednesday.

6) Council Member Brooks presented a request of the Mayor’s Office that we have an economic development summit between the City and Economic Development Corporation, that economic development is crucial to revenue side of our budget and need to expand our tax base, and need to develop a plan and to monitor that plan; his concern was increased at their budget meeting where staff presented discussion on economic development - that this was poorest attended budget meeting, that if going to discuss budgets and future of the city, have to have economic development plan together, and requested that meeting be set up within the next 3 weeks.

7) Council Member Brooks asked that the topic of city council executive committee be placed on the agenda for the committee of the whole on June 11 for discussion; that he was in favor of eliminating the city council committee but with 14 people, needs to be some formal structure in any organization of this size, we have two officer positions, but need executive structure that has to answer to some things, including open meeting laws, etc. and need to have restriction on that.

8) Council Member Brooks stated we have 3 positions that are vacant - Human Resources director, Urban Development/Economic Development position, and administrative coordinator; that 75% of our budget is personnel costs - crucial positions and need to look at filling those.

9) Council Member Bakken stated our next budget will carry over some of the same problems from last year - that we’re preparing to spend more money than take in, can’t depend on sales tax every year to bail us out - need a long term plan that addresses the things we want to do - only way to raise revenue is raise taxes or cut expenses.

10) Council Member Kerian stated that there are going to be tough choices ahead, that trying to decide what’s the best use of the funds that we have is important, economic development is important, infrastructure is important, and would be in favor of a meeting stating primary function that city government has and need to carry that out as best we can and see if opportunities beyond that; and would like to see us go through a planning process. Mayor Brown stated they have asked council members to each turn in 3 items of importance to their office.

11) Council Member Lunak reported he had reviewed the budget last week comparing it to overtime, etc. and that he received a detailed budget today - his concern is that every dollar we take out of the general fund, we’re paying a dollar out to our bond principals, etc. and when going through the 3 issues of each member and hopefully won’t have to raise any mills.

12) Mayor Brown thanked the community for its tremendous response to the Relay for Life in University Park and the Race to the Border in Pembina this weekend.

APPROVE MINUTES OF MAY 21, 2001

Typewritten copies of the minutes of the city council meeting held on Monday, May 21, 2001, were presented and read. Council Member Bjerke stated that on page 19 on approval of a lawsuit with Camus vs. City of Grand Forks, the vote should read 10 aye and 1 no rather than 11 and 1; and approved the minutes as corrected. The motion was seconded by Council Member Brooks. Carried 12 votes affirmative.

APPROVE BILLS AND ESTIMATES

Vendor Payment Listing No. 01-11, dated June 4, 2001, and totaling $930,850.64; and estimates totaling $2,033,529.47 (Flood Estimate Summary, $3,637.50, and Regular Estimate Summary of $2,029,891.97), were presented and read.

It was moved by Council Member Lunak and seconded by Council Member Gershman that these bills and estimates be allowed and that the city auditor be authorized to issue warrants in payment of the same. Upon roll call the following voted “aye”: Council Members Brooks, Bjerke, Stevens, Hamerlik, Burke, Glassheim, Gershman, Lunak, Christensen, Klave, Kerian, Bakken - 12; voting “nay”: none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the bills ordered paid.

ADJOURN

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Gershman that we do now adjourn. Carried 12 votes affirmative.

Respectfully submitted,



Candi Stjern
Acting City Auditor

Approved:
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Michael R. Brown, Mayor