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PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
August 18, 2003

The city council of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota met in the council chambers in City Hall on Monday, August 18, 2003 at the hour of 7:00 o’clock p.m. with Mayor Brown presiding. Present at roll call were Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Christensen, Kerian (teleconference), Kreun - 6: absent: none.

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.

Mayor Brown thanked 1) Chamber of Commerce and Grand Forks Herald for making Disney Leadership Program available to our community last week, this type of leadership and management customer service training is important to our city especially as we continue to work on having the best possible customer service for everyone from residents to businesses, need to be good leaders and managers and realize that every person in our community is a representative and a salesperson for our community.
2) that this past weekend was involved with interviewing an anesthesiologist candidate from Russia who wants to come here, she liked the community and also a good job for her here.
3) he stated he is planning to take a look at the whole city side of economic development and determine where we can implement changes to make it more business friendly.
4) this past weekend had the fortune to participate across the river in East Grand Forks' 28th Annual Heritage Pioneer Days and great way to pay tribute to our rich past.
5) on behalf of the City of Grand Forks welcomed the delegation from Sarpsborg, Norway led by Mayor Jan O. Engsmyr, that our region and community have good ties through organizations like Nordic Initiative and the Sons of Norway, not to mention natural family ties and can benefit by enhancing these relationships and building new ones.

There was a presentation by delegation from Sarpsborg, Norway, they hope to learn from activities and culture of citizens of Grand Forks, hope to build relations from mutual benefits, hope to exchange on cultural level, etc., hope to give to Grand Forks and also up to Grand Forks to seek what want from this relationship and want to be good reliable partners (sister city relationship). There was an exchange of gifts by Mayor Brown and Mayor Engsmyr.

COUNCIL MEMBERS KERIAN AND GERSHMAN PRESENT
(ON TELECONFERENCE)

ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 3992, RELATING TO OFF-
STREET PARKING OR STORAGE

An ordinance entitled "An ordinance adopting Section 18-0302(5)D) of the grand Forks City Code relating to off-street parking or storage", which was introduced and passed on its first reading on July 7, 2003 and upon which hearing had been continued until this evening, was presented and read for consideration on second reading and final passage.

Mayor Brown opened the public hearing; there were no comments and the public hearing was closed.

The staff report from the Inspections Department relating to second reading of an ordinance amending Sections 18-0302(5) of the Grand Forks City Code relating to off-street parking and loading, with recommendation to give final approval to the attached ordinance.

Upon call for the question of adoption and upon roll call vote the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the ordinance adopted.

APPROVE FINAL PLAT; ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 3993,
AMENDING STREET AND HIGHWAY PLAN TO INCLUDE
PUBLIC R/W SHOWN AS DEDICATED ON THE PLAT OF
OAKWOOD THIRD ADDITION

An ordinance entitled "An ordinance to amend the Street and Highway Plan of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, to include the public rights of way shown as dedicated on the plat of Oakwood Third Addition, Grand Forks, North Dakota", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on July 21, 2003 and upon which public hearing had been scheduled for this evening, was presented and read for consideration on final approval.

The city auditor reported that the required legal notice had been published calling for a public hearing to be held on this matter this evening and further that to date no protests or grievances had been filed with his 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.

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to matter of request from Gary Thompson on behalf of Roland Young for final approval of the plat of Oakwood Third Addition to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota (located at East Lake Drive and 62nd Avenue South), with recommendation to give final approval to the plat subject to the conditions shown on or attached to the review copy to include final approval of an ordinance amending the Street and Highway Plan.

Upon call for the question of adoption of this ordinance and upon roll call vote, the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the ordinance adopted.

APPROVE APPLICATION FOR MOVING PERMIT TO
MOVE HOUSE AND GARAGE TO 3803 REUMMELE ROAD

The city auditor reported that the notice of public hearing on the application by Brad Carroll to move a building from 235 Northridge Hills Court to 3803 Reummele Road, had been published and posted as required, and that no protests were filed.

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

The staff report from the building and Zoning Administrator, relating to request to hold public hearing for moving permit application to move single family home and garage from 235 Northridge Hills court to 3803 Reummele Road, with recommendation to approve the moving permit to move a single family home and garage from2 35 Northridge Hills Court to 3803 Reummele Road to be used as a single family home and garage.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved and further that Mr. Carroll be authorized to move the buildings subject to meeting any conditions established. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

APPROVE APPLICATION FOR MOVING PERMIT TO
MOVE SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE AND GARAGE TO
2050 44TH AVENUE SOUTH

The city auditor reported that the notice of public hearing on the application by Wally Rodgers to move a building from 231 Northridge Hills Court to 2050 44th Avenue South to be used as a single family home and garage, had been published and posted as required, and that no protests were filed.

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

The staff report from the Building and Zoning Administrator relating to request and hold public hearing for moving permit application to move single family home and garage from 231 Northridge Hills Court to 2050 44th Avenue South, with recommendation to approve the moving permit to move a single family home and garage from 231 Northridge Hills court to 2050 44th Avenue South to be used as a single family home and garage.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved and further that Mr. Rodgers be authorized to move the buildings subject to meeting any conditions established. Carried 7 votes affirmative

APPROVE APPLICATION FOR MOVING PERMIT TO
MOVE SINGLE FAMILY HOME TO 5419 OMEGA CIRCLE

The city auditor reported that the notice of public hearing on the application by Tom Waind to move a house from rural Langdon, ND to 5419 Omega Circle to be used as a single family home, had been published and posted as required, and that no protests were filed.

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

The staff report from the Building and Zoning Administrator relating to request that public hearing for moving permit application to move single family home from rural Langdon, ND to 5419 Omega Circle, with recommendation to approve the moving permit to move a single family home from rural Langdon, ND to 5419 Omega Circle to be used as a single family home.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved, and further that Mr. Waind be authorized to move the building subject to meeting any conditions established. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

APPROVE APPLICATION FOR MOVING PERMIT TO
MOVE GARAGE TO 1607 8TH AVENUE NORTH

The city auditor reported that the notice of public hearing on the application by Todd Curran to move a garage from outside city limits to 1607 8th Avenue North had been published and posted as required, and that no protests were filed.

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

The staff report from the Building and Zoning Administrator relating to request for public hearing on application to move garage from outside city limits to 1607 8th Avenue North, with recommendation to approve the moving permit to move a garage from outside city limits to 1607 8th Avenue North to be used as a garage.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved and further that Mr. Curran be authorized to move the building subject to meeting any conditions established. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

APPROVE APPLICATION FOR CLASS 3 ALCOHLIC
BEVERAGE LICENSE TO PANDA BUFFET, INC., 2451
SOUTH COLUMBIA ROAD

The staff report from the city auditor relating to application for Class 3 (Off and/or On-Sale Beer & Wine) license by Panda Buffet, Inc. dba Panda Buffet, 2451 South Columbia Road (Yi Lan Lin, owner), with recommendation to approve issuance of the license contingent upon the approval of the city attorney and sign off by appropriate departments.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved.

Council Member Gershman asked to be recused from voting on this issue; and it was so moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Christensen. Carried 6 votes affirmative.

Upon call for the question on the motion to approve and upon voice vote, the motion carried 6 votes affirmative.

RECEIVE TABULATION OF BIDS, ESTIMATE OF TOTAL
COST AND AWARD CONTRACT, FOR SEWER PROJECT
NO. 5536, DISTRICT NO. 425; WATERMAIN PROJECT NO.
5537, DISTRICT NO. 279; AND SEWER PROJECT NO.
5538, DISTRICT NO. 426

The city auditor presented and read tabulation of bids which had been received and opened on August 11, 2003 fro Sewer Project No. 5536, District No. 425; Watermain Project No. 5537, District No. 279; and Sewer Project No. 5538, District No. 426, utilities on 49th Avenue South, indicating that Wagner Construction, Inc. was the low bidder based upon their bids in the amounts of $50,096.00, $25,891.00 and $27,925.00, respectively, for a total bid of $103,912.00: Document No. 8381 - Bid Tabulation.
The city engineer's estimate of total cost on Sewer Project No. 5536, District No. 425, Watermain Project No. 5537, District No. 279, and Sewer Project No. 5538, District No. 426, in the amounts of $63,622.00, $32,882.00, and $35,465.00, respectively, were presented and read.

The staff report from the engineering department relating to consideration of bids for Project No. 5536, District No. 425, 49th Avenue South (North Pines Subdivision Sanitary Sewer; Project No. 5537, District No. 279, 49th Avenue South (North Pines Subdivision) Watermain; Project No. 5538, District No. 426, 49th Avenue South (North Pines Subdivision Storm Sewer, with recommendation to award to Wagner Construction in the total amount of $103,912.00.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kerian that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

Council Member Hamerlik introduced the following resolution which was presented and read: Document No. 8382 - Resolution.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this resolution awarding the contract for Sewer Project No. 5536, Watermain Project No. 5537 and Sewer Project No. 5538 to Wagner Construction, Inc. be adopted. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the resolution adopted and the contract awarded.

APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR RELOCATION OF
ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINE FOR PHASE III,
PERMANENT FLOOD PROTECTION PROJECT

The staff report from the engineering department for Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc., relocation for Phase III, Permanent Flood Protection Project, with recommendation to approve an agreement with Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc. to relocate an electric transmission line needed for the Phase III levee construction project.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Upon voice vote, the motion carried 7 votes affirmative.

APPROVE BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR PUBLIC
BUILDING FUND (ROOF REPLACEMENT AT CENTRAL
FIRE STATION)

The staff report from the finance department relating to budget amendment for Public Building Fund, Roof Replacement Central Fire Station, with recommendation to approve a budget amendment of up to $50,000 in Public Building Fund using cash carryover for capital expenditure, roof replacement Central Fire Hall (will leave $350,000 of cash carryover entering 2004 budget).

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.



APPROVE GRAND FORKS RENAISSANCE ZONE
PROJECT GF-8

The staff report from the Planning Department relating to Grand Forks Renaissance Zone Project GF-8, with recommendation to grant approval to Grand Forks Renaissance Zone Project GF-8 and direct staff to submit the project application to the Division of Community Services for its action.

It was moved by Council member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

APPROVE PETITION TO VACATE SIDEWALK EASEMENT
ADJACENT . TO LOTS 43-44 AND 45-46, BLOCK. 1,
SUNBEAM ADDITION

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to matter of the petition from John and Jera Sorby and Todd and Lynette Franks for approval to vacate a sidewalk easement adjacent to Lots 43-44 and 45-46, Block 1, Sunbeam Addition (located between 784 and 788 Great Plains Court), with recommendation for approval to the request and seta public hearing date as prescribed by law.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved, that the petition filed is in proper form and contains the requisite signatures, that it be filed with the city auditor, that a notice of public hearing be published as required and the public hearing be set for Monday, October 6, 2003. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

APPROVE PETITION TO VACATE STREETS AND
UTILITY EASEMENTS IN AUDITOR'S SUBDIVISION
NO. 32

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to the matter of the petition from Branden Bartholomew on behalf of the City of Grand Forks, ND for approval to vacate the streets and utility easements lying within Lots 11 and 12, Block 2, Lots F, G, H, I, and 9, Block 3, Lots 4 - 15 and C, Block 4, all in Flaat's Addition and Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, Flaat's 5th Resubdivision and also to be known as Auditor's Subdivision No. 32 (located in the 3100 block of Elmwood Drive from East Elmwood to 32nd Avenue South), with recommendation to set a public hearing date as required by law.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved, that the petition filed is in proper form and contains the requisite signatures, that it be filed with the city auditor, that a notice of public hearing be published as required and the public hearing be set for Monday, October 6, 2003. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

APPROVE PETITION TO VACATE STREET AND
UTILITY EASEMENTS IN AUDITOR'S SUBDIVISION
NO. 33

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to the matter from Branden Bartholomew on behalf of the City of Grand Forks, ND for approval to vacate the streets and utility easements lying within Lots 1 - 4, A, B and 8, Block 1, Lots NB, D and 4, Block 2, Lots 2 and 3, Block 3, all in Flaat's 2nd Addition and Lots 4, 5, A and 7, Sprucewood Addition, also known as Auditor's Subdivision No. 33 (located in the 200 block of 34th Avenue South from Belmont Road to Elmwood Drive), with recommendation to set a public hearing dates as required by law.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved, that the petition filed is in proper form and contains the requisite signatures, that it be filed with the city auditor, that a notice of public hearing be published as required and the public hearing be set for Monday, October 6, 2003. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

APPROVE REQUEST FOR VARIANCE TO LAND
DEVELOPMENT CODE FOR PROPERTY DESCRIBED
AS LOT 1, BLOCK 1, MAC'S NGF

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to the matter of the request from James Hiebert for approval of a variance to the Land Development Code, Article 9, Subdivision Regulations, Section 18-0907, subsection (2), Rights of Way, paragraph (L) Right of Way Access; subparagraph 3, Arterials (located at the property described as Lot 1, Block 1, Mac's NGF (5857 North 42nd Street), with recommendation to approve the request for a variance subject to the conditions that the proposed driveway located be relocated to the north property line and limited to a width of 20 feet).

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

APPROVE PRELIMINARY PLAT OF AUDITOR'S SUB-
DIVISION NUMBER 35

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. on behalf of the City of Grand Forks, ND for preliminary approval of the plat of Auditor's Subdivision Number 35 Addition to the city of Grand Forks, ND (located in the 500 through 700 blocks of Reeves Drive from Reeves Drive to the Red River), with recommendation to give preliminary approval to the plat, subject to the conditions shown on or attached to the review copy, and give final approval to the plat on September 15, 2003.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative

APPROVE PRELIMINARY PLAT; AND INTRODUCE
ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE STREET AND HIGHWAY
PLAN TO INCLUDE PUBLIC R/W SHOWN AS DEDICATED
ON THE PLAT OF COLUMBIA PARK 28TH ADDITION

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to the request from Steven L. Adams on behalf of Arthur Greenberg, Jr. for preliminary approval of the plat of Columbia Park 28th Addition to the city of Grand Forks, ND (located at 36th Avenue South and South 42nd Street), with recommendation to give preliminary approval of the plat, subject to the conditions shown on or attached to the review copy to include preliminary approval of an ordinance amending the Street and Highway Plan and set a public hearing date for September 15, 2003.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kerian that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

Council Member Brooks introduced an ordinance entitled "An ordinance to amend the Street and Highway Plan of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota to include the public rights of way shown as dedicated on the plat of Columbia Park 28th Addition, Grand Forks, North Dakota", which was presented, read and passed on its first reading.

INTRODUCE ORDINANCE TO AMEND ZONING MAP
TO INCLUDE WITHIN COLUMBIA PARK WEST PUD
AND COLUMBIA PARK 5TH PUD AMENDMENT NO. 1,
ALL OF COLUMBIA PARK 28TH ADDITION

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from CPS, LTD. on behalf of Steve Adams for preliminary approval of an ordinance to amend the zoning map to exclude from the A-2 (Agricultural Reserve) District and to include within the Columbia Park West (formerly Columbia Park 4th PUD and Columbia Park 5th PUD (Planned Unit Development), Concept Development Plan Amendment Number 1, all of Columbia Park 28th Addition to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota (located at 36th Avenue South and South 42nd Street), with recommendation to give preliminary approval and to set a public hearing for September 15, 2003.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

Council Member Brooks introduced an ordinance entitled "An ordinance to amend the Zoning Map of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, to rezone and exclude from the A-2 (Agricultural Reserve) and to include within the Columbia Park West PUD (Planned Unit Development), (formerly Columbia Park 4th PUD and Columbia Park 5th PUD), Concept Development Plan, Amendment No. 1, all of Columbia Park 28th Addition to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota", which was presented, read and passed on its first reading.

INTRODUCE ORDINANCE TO ANNEX LAND TO BE
PLATTED AS COLUMBIA PARK 28TH ADDITION AND
ADJACENT AREAS

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from Art Greenberg on behalf of Greenberg Enterprises of an ordinance to annex all of Columbia Park 28th Addition not previously annexed to the city of Grand Forks, ND (located at 36th Avenue South and South 42nd Street), with recommendation to give preliminary approval of the ordinance and set a public hearing as required by law.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved with public hearing set for September 2, 2003. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

Council Member Brooks introduced an ordinance entitled "An ordinance to annex the land to be platted as Columbia Park 28th Addition and adjacent areas to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota", which was presented, read and passed on its first reading.

APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER

The staff report from Mayor Brown relating to appointment of Grand Forks Public Health Officer, with recommendation to approve reappointment of Dr. James Hargreaves as the Public Health Officer for a two-year term.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this appointment be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

APPROVE APPOINTMENT TO REGIONAL AIRPORT
AUTHORITY BOARD

The staff report from Mayor Brown relating to appointment to the Grand Forks Regional Airport Authority Board, with recommendation to approve reappointment of Brad Beyer as a representative for the City of Grand Forks on the Airport Authority Board for a five(5) year term.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this reappointment be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

APPROVE APPOINTMENT TO BOARD OF HEALTH

The staff report from Mayor Brown relating to appointment to Board of Health, with recommendation to approve reappointment of Dorette Kerian as the city council representative on the Board of Health.

It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this reappointment be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

APPROVE PRELIMINARY BUDGET FOR 2004

The staff report from the finance department relating to the preliminary approval of 2004 budget, with recommendation that the council give preliminary approval of the 2004 budget.

Council Member Glassheim moved to give preliminary approval of the budget for 2004. Council Member Kreun seconded the motion.

Council Member Gershman moved to amend to the preliminary budget for economic development, 2163, to put an additional $25,000 into the Contribution from the City of Grand Forks to the Economic Development Corporation from the sales tax revenue that is allocated to the Economic Development section of the sales tax. The motion was seconded by Council Member Christensen.

It was noted that it has been several years since the last time it was raised, and Council Member Gershman stated that this year the County of Grand Forks did increase their contribution by $10,000 and that Economic Development will be hiring a new administrator and more administrative costs and more promotion and this gives flexibility for some outreach, coming from existing funds. The city auditor stated that if this were passed, they would reduce Contingency line item under 2163 that is now at $1,300,000+ and move the money between the line items - would be a transfer to the Economic Development Corporation of $25,000 and that would bring the total to $190,000 from the $165,000.

Council Member Brooks stated he would look forward to some regular reports from our members on the Board of the EDC telling us what they are up to and how it was used.

Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 7 votes affirmative.

The city auditor reported that he would like to ask for several amendments which are really more housekeeping in the area of wages and salaries: under 4103, Flood Control Project, delete and take out a civil engineer senior at 15%, change the senior project engineer title to civil engineer principal; under 4117, Permanent Flood Protection Project, take out a civil engineer senior budgeted at 70% and change the senior project engineer title to civil engineer principal; in 4119, which is part of the Flood Control Project, take out the 15% vacant civil engineer senior item, and also in 4119, have a civil engineering technician titled in the various categories budgeted at 160% and need to get the 60% out of there, and those will be reductions of the budget. It was so moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Hamerlik.

Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 7 votes affirmative.

Council Member Brooks stated they will be approving the budget at the next council meeting and currently looking at vote for 1/4% increase in sales at the end of October, with budget approved long before that occurs and should the 1/4% increase happen, what is procedure. The city auditor stated that if the increase in sales tax passed, would come back and request a budget amendment based on unanticipated revenue as have that authority under State Statue - budget amendment would include designated uses of those funds.

Council Member Christensen stated there was discussion about the EDC and periodic reports and would appreciate having a report when we get the final numbers from the Alerus, January or February, and that the projected budget for next year is rather aggressive and they might be behind in their revenues this year, and question is when will the City rediscuss with the University whether or not we will have alcohol at the football games. Council Member Hamerlik reported that the contract with the University was brought up on the agenda of the Events Center Commission for the second or third time and Chairman Evenson appointed Darrel Larson as the negotiator; the University had expressed an interest after we had expressed an interest to start at least six months before the end of the contract which happens to be the end of June, 2004; they should be in negotiations now, and this will be on the agenda this Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m. for progress report in the negotiation, and that will include many different things. Council Member Christensen stated that may increase the revenues for the Alerus.

Upon call for the question on the motion to approve the preliminary budget as amended and upon voice vote, the motion carried 7 votes affirmative.

Council Member Kerian asked what the plan is for the utility rate increases relative to the budget. The city auditor reported that at your next committee of the whole meeting, you will have a report for the budget for final adoption but will also have the preliminary actions on the utility rates that go along with that, will have two hearings on that because that is still in ordinance form as they didn't get through the resolution issue.

CITIZEN ITEMS

Mark Zeigelman stated he owns property at 621 North 3rd Street, that he appeared before council two weeks ago and was told he would receive updates re. opening of 3rd Street but has not received any communication and would like to know what is happening. Al Grasser, city engineer, stated he would provide copies of e-mail that had been sent re. this issue;

that the last report he provided was based on meeting with contractors and Corps of Engineers and didn't have a changed updated schedule from two weeks ago, they are progressing on the project and some issues still to be addressed; City receives information from the contractor and the Corps of Engineers; and will provide a weekly update as to progress on that project to Mr. Zeigelman.

APPROVE BILL LISTING

Vendor Payment No. 03-16, dated August 15, 2003, totaling $829,210.41, were presented and read.

It was moved by Council Member Kreun and seconded by Council Member Hamerlik that these bills 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, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the bills ordered paid.

APPROVE MINUTES AUGUST 4, 2003

Typewritten copies of the minutes of the city council meeting held on Monday, August 4, 2003 were presented and read. It was moved by Council Member Christensen and seconded by Council Member Kreun that these minutes be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS

1) Council Member Brooks commented on budget process for 2005 and will present ideas for process to bring council, mayor and staff together in working towards budget.

2) Council Member Brooks stated he understands Alerus Commission's situation with contracts and would ask Council Member Hamerlik as they have their meetings to relay to them the amount of pressure that comes to bear on city council members in terms of budget and importance of bottom line in generating additional revenues. Council Member Hamerlik stated that some members of the Commission feel a little uneasy because they get mixed signals - is the bottom line the final and number 1 priority for the Alerus Center or is it for the welfare or good quality of life for the whole area or a combination of the two or three or four - they are always looking at the bottom line but get mixed signals when for some people that is the only thing they are concerned with; they are in the final stages of strategic planning and that will spell out very well for the community as well as the council what current members see as goals/mission, etc.

3) Council Member Hamerlik stated that last week he mentioned that KBM had sent letter to council members (request for additional compensation on the engineering agreement for the wastewater treatment plant) and Mark Walker had indicated that a letter was in process and was to go out the next day; but he didn't get a copy of the letter to KBM and asked that a copy of that letter to KBM be sent to council members. Todd Feland stated he received a copy of that letter and will make sure council members get copies of that.
4) Council Member Hamerlik stated he brought up the matter of the League of Cities meeting in Grand Forks and checked with the Alerus staff and they were not involved at all, what has happened is that it has been programmed out of Bismarck and asked if the council or Commission should be doing something and have something out there, maybe something could be changed and maybe host them, etc., thinks Alerus is something worth showing off, and especially to the League of Cities people from throughout the state, so that in the future they may belong to organizations coming to Grand Forks. Mayor Brown asked Mr. Haga to check into us hosting an event for the League of Cities participants at the Alerus while they are here.

5) Council Member Christensen stated as we go forward in the budgeting process for 2005, recognizing that we have the 2004 budget that will soon be passed and maybe some swings in the Alerus budget revenue, etc. but can deal with that because we have some revenues in 2163 which seems to be catch-all for discretionary revenues in this community. He stated it is important that this group and future groups give the Alerus Commission some direction in that they think it is important that they realize that we're always concerned about the bottom line because we're accountable - that they generally don't make money and have to recognize that as a community that it's probably not going to be a major profit center - it is important going forward that they get a sense of what is acceptable because that's the message we would be sending - that is one of the things he is looking forward to in future discussions.

6) Council Member Kerian stated that one of the things that has been in the news lately is where several of the counties in our region, north and west of us, are coming together to try to look for efficiencies in government, and wants to applaud that and is a good step for our state and hope that in any way we can help with that or at least watch it. She stated that another item is that in some of the city publications there have been a couple awards for good ideas about pulling together or purchasing blocks to try to get some advantages in what we need to buy for the public - and as looking at how managing budgets, whether that might be a possibility for us to look at.

7) Council Member Kreun stated that may need to get together with County Commissioners to see what we can do together as a city and county as far as looking for efficiencies in bringing those two together - have a lot of duplication in a lot of areas and maybe start looking at that..

8) Council Member Gershman stated with the Alerus Commission that the Alerus Center is the city's most important investment at this time, most expensive, and have a group of citizens that the Mayor appointed and council approved who are volunteers and doing a terrific job and he would like to publicly thank them for the efforts they are putting in as they get no remuneration for it.

ADJOURN

It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Hamerlik to adjourn. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

Respectfully submitted,

John M. Schmisek, City Auditor