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PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
Tuesday, September 24, 1996

The city council of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota met in special session in the council chambers in the Civic Auditorium on Tuesday, September 24, 1996 at the hour of 12:00 noon with Mayor Owens presiding, pursuant to call by Mayor Owens, which was served on all members on September 18, 1996: Document No. 7167.1 - Notice.

Present at roll call were Council Members Beach, Polovitz, Ellingson, Hamerlik, Hanson, Glassheim, Carpenter, Sande, Klave, Beyer, Babinchak, Hafner, Hagness - 13; absent: Council Member Bakken - 1.

Mayor Owens called attention to a written communication from Council Member Bakken which was distributed to the council members.

ADOPT RESOLUTION CALLING FOR SPECIAL CITY
ELECTION

Council Member Beach introduced the following resolution which was presented and read: Document No. 7167.2 - Resolution.

It was moved by Council Member Beach and seconded by Council Member Carpenter that this resolution be and is hereby adopted.

Howard Swanson, city attorney, advised the council that this is an advisory vote, that they are not addressing any changes in the Home Rule Charter, are not addressing any changes in sales tax, are merely asking direction in an advisory issue as to whether or not you should proceed to expend an excess of what was originally estimated.

Council Member Glassheim moved an amendment to the resolution to substitute the language he had proposed and distributed to the council, and to have two questions placed on the ballot as follows: Question 1. Should Grand Forks build a multi-purpose events center, using the 3/4 cent sales tax which was approved by voters in November 1995 and is currently being collected? Yes No ; Question 2. If a majority votes in favor of building a multi-purpose events center, should the amount which is dedicated to construction of the building from the 3/4 cent sales tax be capped at $49 Million or $59 Million? Cap at $49 Million Cap at $59 Million The motion was seconded by Council Member Polovitz.

There was considerable discussion on the pros and cons of the amendment to the resolution as opposed to the language in the original resolution. One of the main concerns was with the Cap amounts of $49 or $59 million. It was agreed that most of the problems that have arisen were from putting a dollar amount in the original ballot language and this language ballot should not include a dollar figure. Council Members Ellingson and Polovitz felt that the resolu- tion should be binding.

Council Member Hagness called for the question; carried 11 votes affirmative.

Upon call for the question on the amendment and upon voice vote, the motion was defeated by a vote of 11 - 2.

Gene Schneeweis, 1510 University Avenue, spoke against the resolution, that the vote should be binding, that he is circulating petitions and will force the issue if the council does not make this a binding vote. He asked for further information re. First National Bank's connection with financial dealings with Mr. Danks' property, and questioned what the cost of the special 14657
September 24, 1996

election would be. Council Member Carpenter stated that the First National Bank has no financial dealings with Keith Danks.

Ron Fischer, 2297 South 38th Street, stated that he felt that if the City wants to build confidence they should make this a binding vote.

Richard Wakefield, 1121 Chestnut Street, stated that this vote should be a binding vote.

Bob Gustafson, Chamber of Commerce, reported the results of a survey of their membership which indicated that the events center should be constructed despite the increase in costs.

Upon call for the question on the original motion to approve the resolution and call for a special election, and upon roll call vote, the following voted "aye": Council Members Beach, Hamerlik, Hanson, Carpenter, Sande, Klave, Beyer, Babinchak, Hafner, Hagness 10; voting "nay": Council Members Polovitz, Ellingson, Glassheim - 3. Mayor Owens declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

Mayor Owens made a brief statement, that the credibility of the council is such that if people vote no on this issue, the city council will adhere to that; that her stand is that council will listen to what the people have to say and if go back to the table and are told they can only spend the $49 Million, then need to decide what they can or cannot produce for the community; and if can make a marketable building at that point, then it will be well thought through before anything comes forth.

Mayor Owens reported that a map showing an alternate site for the Aurora Center had been presented; and asked if anyone wished to discuss the matter; they did not.

ADJOURN

It was moved by Council Member Beach and seconded by Council Member Carpenter that we do now adjourn. Carried 13 votes affirmative.

Respectfully submitted,



John M. Schmisek
City Auditor