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PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
September 21, 2009

The city council of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota met in the council chambers in City Hall on Monday, September 21, 2009 at the hour of 5:30 o’clock p.m. with Mayor Brown presiding. Present at roll call were Council Members Bjerke, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken (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.

Council Member McNamara reported present.

Mayor Brown commented on various items during the past week and upcoming events:
Congratulations to Sgt. Keith Schroeder of the Grand Forks Police Department, that after 23 years with the Department, he is leaving to begin his new position as chief of police of the Devils Lake Police Department, and congratulations to Officer Ben Johnson who is being promoted to sergeant this week. Both the farewell and promotion ceremonies will be held this Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the Police Building.
He stated he attended the Tour de Fourchs Walk and Bike Ride for cancer research last week, over 250 people attended and the event raised over $10,350, great job to organizers and sponsors.

Terri Keehr from Public Health assisted him with his annual flu shot as a way to encourage everyone to get their flu shots, Public Health Department will be having "Flu Shot Fridays" every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., no appointment necessary, but bring insurance information. Public Health Department is located in County Office Building, 151 South 4th Street on third floor.

Mayor Brown stated they have a special presentation from Piper Welsh who will talk about important public awareness effort. Piper Welsh along with her brother Brody and sister Katie, stated they were here to promote seat belt safety in memory of their brother Patrick Welsh; who was killed in a car accident this year, that he wasn't wearing his seat belt, a passenger in the car, wearing a seat belt survived the accident with minor injuries. She stated they don't want others to go through what she and family members are going through, and in his memory made decals as a reminder to use your seat belt when driving. A decal was presented to Mayor Brown and also to council members. Mayor Brown stated it is important to Buckle Up not only for yourself but for those you love.

ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 4278, AMENDING COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN, AMENDING CHAPTER XVIII, ARTICLE 8, SECTION
18-0802, ELEMENTS OF CITY CODE OF 1987, AS AMENDED,
PERTAINING TO GRANDS FORKS YEAR 2035 LAND USE PLAN
UPDATE

An ordinance entitled "An ordinance amending the Comprehensive Plan, amending Chapter XVIII, Article 8, Comprehensive Plan; Section 18-0802, Elements of the Grand Forks City Code of 1987, as amended, pertaining to the Grand Forks Year 2035 Land Use Plan update", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on August 17, 2009, and upon which public hearing had been scheduled for this evening, was presented and read for consideration on second reading and final passage.

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

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

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from the Grand Forks Planning Department on behalf of the City of Grand Forks, ND for final approval of an ordinance relating to the Comprehensive Plan, amending Chapter XVIII, Article 8, Comprehensive Plan; Section 18-0802, Elements, of the grand Forks City Code of 1987, as amended, pertaining to the Year 2035 Land use Plan, with recommendation to grant final approval of the ordinance.

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

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

ADOPT FINAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF GRAND
FORKS FOR 2010 AND ANNUAL TAX LEVY

The city auditor reported that a notice calling the attention of the general public to the fact that the final budget of the City of Grand Forks, North Dakota, for the year ending December 31, 2010 would be presented to the city council this evening at which time anyone interested might be heard, had been published as required; and presented the final budget of the City of Grand Forks for the period ending December 31, 2010.

The staff report from the city auditor relating to final adoption of the 2010 budget was presented to the council along with annual appropriations bill and tax levy and certificate of levy.

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

Council Member Bjerke moved to transfer the entire reserve amount from Fund 2157 Noxious Weed Control to the General Fund. Council Member Christensen seconded the motion.

Council Member Bjerke stated next year is scheduled to make $2821 and only spend $1700 per year and by next year it will be 50% of annual basis back into it - Don Shields, Health Department, stated that they would want to keep a mill levy there because you keep control of the dollars that are levied within the city limits and don't turn that over to another taxing entity. That the majority of those dollars are spent at the end of the year where they reimburse the County Weed Authority for doing some treatment, i.e., along the English Coulee and in terms of expenses will only see a couple hundred dollar expense out of there and probably spend another $1500 to $2,000 toward the end of this year; in terms of the reserve that is sitting there you probably have $28,000 or more that has been built up over time that is at your discretion to use, but would want to leave $2,000 or more to pay the bills for this year.

The city auditor recommended transferring $25,000 out of the $31,000 in reserve, and could make another transfer next year. Council Members Bjerke and Christensen amended the motion to transfer $25,000. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

It was moved by Council Member Christensen and seconded by Council Member Gershman to approve the 2010 budget and adoption of the resolution and certificate of levy which is $15,223,790.00, and to introduce the following resolution and adopt the budget: Document No. 9235.1- Resolution.

There was some discussion and McNamara stated that the only solution is not to raise taxes, another challenge might be to deliver it flat again knowing have to find mills for different things, municipalities all over the country face those challenges.

Council Member Gershman stated that over the last 8 to 10 years this council has cut close to 28 mills in listening to the citizens because were hearing that they wanted more efficiencies in government and staff, mayor and employees of the city helped find that, and that today approx. $4 million/year in operating expenses that have been reduced and that means that $4 million is in the pockets of our citizens; and will be good exercise next year to look at where we might find more efficiencies if possible, and hoping that the economy continues to turn around, but so that the public understands what this council has done over the last 8 to 10 years, $4 million is a lot of money, and approx. 80 to 90 positions have been cut, some were flood related and went away, but lot of things going on and will vote for this budget.

Council Member Bakken stated concern that can keep cutting, can cut until there is nothing left and no services left, but sooner or later have to fix something, that have been doing this for 10 years and getting to the point now where have to pay for some of the things that we haven't done, some of the things put off, but is time that everybody pays their way, that he doesn't want his services cut and will vote for this budget, but we have cut and time to man up and do what supposed to do.

Council Member Glassheim stated in looking ahead to next year, that all supporting this year's budget, and good job was done by staff and council, but seems that we probably will need a modest increase in mills next year and should prepare citizens for it; that if look at cutting, that in the 1980's California passed Proposition 13 and disaster that wrecked upon the people there, took them decade or two to recover from the cutting of taxes. That if want appropriate fire protection have to pay for it, if want appropriate police protection have to pay for it, public health protection, streets taken care of, have to pay for it, and these are things most citizens want, and want at level we have them now, and in order to do that will have to probably have to raise taxes because we have squeezed the budget for a decade, and next year need to be ready to look forward to it, that modest tax increases are something we have to prepare ourselves if we want to continue to have Grand Forks be a modern up to date city.

The city auditor presented the matter relating to the proposed change in utility rates, which are included in the 2010 budget, with a 3% increase for wastewater rates and with a 5% increase for specific base rates for stormwater. It was moved by Council Member Kreun and seconded by Council Member Gershman to amend the utility rate schedule relating to the increase in rates, effective January 1, 2010. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 7 votes affirmative.

Upon call for the question of adoption of the resolution and certificate of levy and upon roll call vote, the following voted "aye": Council Members McNamara,, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": Council Member Bjerke - 1. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the budget adopted.
Mayor Brown thanked everyone for their work on the budget.

APPROVE EXPANSION OF PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS

The staff report from the city assessor relating to expansion of remodeling exemption for residential and commercial buildings (NDCC 57-02.2-03), with recommendation to consider expanding this exemption as shown on guidelines. (This law provides for a property tax exemption for the added value due to renovation, remodeling or alteration and additions; residential property must be at least 25 years old, while commercial property has no age limitation, and allows for an exemption for up to 5 years.)

The staff report from the city assessor relating to property tax exemption for new single-family residential property, while owned by the builder and unoccupied, with recommendation to consider exemption as shown on draft resolution. (This law provides for a property tax exemption for new single-family residential property while it is owned by the builder and unoccupied, and allows the exemption to the year in which construction starts and the first two years thereafter.)

The staff report from the city assessor relating to property tax exemption for new single-family, condominium and townhouse residential property after it is occupied, with recommendation to consider exemption as shown on draft resolution. (This law provides for a partial property tax exemption for new single-family, condominium and townhouse residential property for the first two taxable years after which construction is complete and is occupied for the first time, exemption is limited to $150,000 of building value.)

Mel Carsen, city assessor, reported that Council Member Gershman came to him a few months ago and wanted this brought forward and expanded from what we currently have. There is no recommendation from his department, but laying out to expand the exemption to the full extent of the state law.

Council Member Christensen suggested it would be appropriate to discuss these items because it appears that there is going to be some debate as to the exemptions and the amount of revenue that may be foregone if we expand the exemption for single family homes to the builders for two years and if we expand the exemption from $75,000 to $150,000 for people who buy new homes, townhomes and condominiums, etc. and how much revenue would we be giving up by doing that. Mr. Carsen reported he had submitted a comparison of what it is costing us now and what it would cost us if we expanded to the full limit.

There was considerable discussion as to amount of taxes on the three separate exemptions. Estimated loss to the City for its portion of taxes on an annual basis for the three exemption categories of $265,300.00.

The following spoke in favor of the exemptions:
Rusty Wysocki, 1625 Rider Road, builder and rep. of Forx Builders Assn.
Jerry Youngberg, 3514 10th Avenue North, member of this community for 30 years, and a realtor in this community for 25 years.

Mr. Carsen stated that he should have included a condition to exclude property in the Renaissance Zone
as they already receive an exemption (a 5-year exemption plus income exemption and a condition in State Law that excludes them) that this would codify that to make sure that we would exclude these two exemptions from homes in the Ren Zone, not the remodeling exemption but the other two.

Council Member Christensen moved to approve the expansion of remodeling exemption for residential and commercial buildings, and to extend it to five (5) years, Council Member Kreun seconded the motion. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 6 votes affirmative, Council Member Bjerke voted against the motion.

Council Member Christensen moved to approve the property tax exemption for new single-family residential property, while owned by the builder and unoccupied, with exemption effective January 1, 2009. Council Member Gershman seconded the motion.

Mr. Carsen stated that the finance committee had talked about starting exemption on August 1, 2009 but after tonight's discussion, start it on January 1, 2009, the State law allows us to go back to January 1. He stated it is possible to have a new property built in a Ren Zone that doesn't qualify as a Ren Zone project and would not like to exclude that property from this exemption - excluded only if it qualifies as a Ren Zone project. Mr. Christensen stated his motion was to approve the builder exemption effective January 1, 2009 and granting that exemption to a new structure in the Ren Zone that does not qualify for Ren Zone credits. Mr. Gershman agreed to the friendly amendment.

Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 6 votes affirmative; Council Bjerke voted against the motion.

Council Member Christensen moved to approve the property tax exemption for new single-family, condominium and townhouse residential property after it is occupied and to raise the exemption from $75,000 to $150,000, effective January 1, 2009, except that it would not be granted for a new structure constructed in the Ren Zone that does qualify for Ren Zone credits for two years. Council Member Gershman seconded the motion.

Council Member McNamara moved to amend the motion to apply this to first time homebuyers only. Council Member Bjerke seconded the motion. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion failed by a vote of 2 to 5, Council Members McNamara and Glassheim voting for the motion.

Upon call for the question on the original motion and upon voice vote, the motion carried by vote of 4 to 3, with Council Members Glassheim, McNamara, Bjerke voting against the motion.

APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATE MUNICIPAL
JUDGE

The staff report from the Mayor's Office relating to appointment of alternate municipal judge for the city of Grand Forks, with recommendation to approve appointment of Alvin O. Boucher.

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

AWARD CONTRACT FOR PROJECT NO. 6506, REPLACE
ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTING ON 12TH AVENUE SOUTH

The staff report from the engineering department relating to bids for Project No. 6506, Replace Electrical and Lighting on 12th Avenue South (South 48th Street to South 52nd Street), with recommendation to award the contract to low bidder, RBB Electric, Inc. in the amount of $27,531.10.
It was moved by Council Member Kreun and seconded by Council Member Christensen that this recommendation be approved. Upon call for the question and upon roll call vote, the following voted "aye": Council Member Bjerke, McNamara, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the contract awarded.

APPROVE PROJECT CONCEPT REPORT FOR PROJECT
NO. 6405, CONCRETE PANEL REPLACEMENT ON
PORTION OF CHERRY STREET, FEDERAL AID PROJECT

The staff report from the engineering department relating to Project Concept Report for Project No. 6405, Concrete Panel Replacement on Cherry Street (25th Avenue South to 47th Avenue South), Federal Project No. STM-SU-6-986(089)093, with recommendation to approve the Project Concept Report, concur that the project should continue to be advanced, concur with the project concepts as proposed, and select Alternative B, Concrete Pavement Repair and Mill and Overlay.

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

APPROVE COST PARTICIPATION, CONSTRUCTION AND
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR PROJECT NO. 6420, SIGN
REPLACEMEWMTN AT CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS

The staff report from the engineering department relating to Cost Participation, Construction and maintenance Agreement for Project no. 6420, Sign Replacement at Controlled Intersections, with recommendation to approve the agreement with the NDDOT for Project No. 6420.

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

APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 2, PROJECT NO. 6357

The staff report from the engineering department relating to Change Order No. 2 for Project No. 6357, Bus Shelter Relocation, with recommendation to approve the Change Order in the amount of $945.10.

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

APPROVE BID SPECIFICATIONS FOR PORTABLE
CHEMICAL IDENTIFIER FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT

The staff report from the Fire Department for bid specifications for portable chemical identifier, with recommendation to approve specifications and allow bidding.

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

APPROVE BUDGET AMENDMENT AND SPECIFICATIONS
FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS VEHICLE

The staff report from the Fire Department relating to budget amendment and hazardous materials vehicle specifications for Regional Response, with recommendation to approve budget amendment to purchase hazardous material response equipment and vehicle to support statewide regional response ($412,556.80) on this particular grant). Monies are from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) FY 2008 State Homeland Security Grant Fund. In addition, approve vehicle specifications and allow Department to advertise for bids. The City of Minot plans to purchase a vehicle using our specifications and bids.

It was moved buy Council Member Kreun and seconded by Council Member Christensen that this recommendation be approved. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 7 votes affirmative.

APPROVE APPOINTMENT TO PENSION/INSURANCE
COMMITTEE

The staff report from the Mayor's Office relating to appointment to Pension and Insurance Committee, with recommendation to confirm the reappointment of Maureen Storstad to a three-year term to the Pension and Insurance Committee as a plan member representative.

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

APPROVE BID FOR ROAD REPAIR MACHINE FOR
STREET DIVISION

The staff report from the director of public works relating to bid for Public Works Department, Streets Division trailer mounted spray injected road repair machine, with recommendation to approve the bid as the lowest and best bid per bid tabulation, to Swanston Equipment in the amount of $51,300.00.

It was moved by Council Member Kreun and seconded by Council Member Christensen that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call vote the following voted "aye": Council Members Bjerke, McNamara, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.

APPROVE REDEVELOPMENT OF CITY-OWNED
LOT AT 1510 BELMONT ROAD

The staff report from the director of urban development relating to redevelopment of City-owned lot at 1510 Belmont Road, with recommendation to approve proposal and convey lot per review committee's recommendation, approval of proposal of Paul and Jill Prout with lot bid of $91,900 and proposal to construct house with est. value of $95,400.

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

APPROVE FINAL PLAT OF REPLAT OF LOTS 7 AND 8,
BLOCK A OF REPLAT OF ALL OF BLOCKS 1, 2, 4, 5 6 AND
7, COLUMBIA PARK 26TH ADDITION

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from John Miskavige on behalf of EVI Columbus, LLC for final approval (fast track) of the Replat of Lots 7 and 8, Block A, of the Replat of all of Blocks 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7, Columbia Park 26th Addition to the city of Grand Forks, ND (located at 2051 and 2151 36th Avenue South), with recommendation to give final approval to the plat, subject to the conditions shown on or attached to the review copy.

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

APPROVE FINAL PLAT OF REPLAT OF LOTS 5, 6 AND
7, BLOCK 12, SWANGLER'S SUBDIVISION

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from Widseth, Smith, Nolting and Associates on behalf of Red River Valley Habitat for Humanity for final (fast track) approval of the Replat of Lots 5, 6 and 7 Block 12, Swangler's Subdivision to the city of Grand Forks, ND (located at North 24th Street and 7th Avenue North), with recommendation to give final approval to the plat, subject to the conditions shown on or attached to the review copy.

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

INTRODUCE ORDINANCE TO AMEND ZONING MAP TO
REZONE AND INCLUDE WITHIN R-2 (ONE AND TWO-
FAMILY RESIDENCE) DISTRICT ALL OF REPLAT OF LOTS
5, 6 AND 7, BLOCK 12, SWANGLER'S SUBDIVISION

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from Widseth, Smith, Nolting and Associates on behalf of Red River Valley Habitat for Humanity for preliminary approval of an ordinance to amend the zoning map to exclude from the R-1 (Single-Family Residence) District and the R-4 (Multi-Family Residence) District, and include within the R-2 (One- and Two-Family Residence) District, all of the Replat of Lots 5, 6 and 7, Block 12, Swangler's Subdivision to the city of Grand Forks, ND (Located at North 24th Street and 7th Avenue North), with recommendation to give preliminary approval to the ordinance and set a public hearing for October 19, 2009.

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

Council Member Kreun 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 R-1 (Single Family) District and the R-4 (Multi-Family Residence, High Density) District and to include within the R-2 (One- and Two-Family Residence) District, all of the Replat of Lots 5, 6 and 7, Block 12, Swangler's Subdivision to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota", which was presented, read and passed on its first reading on September 21, 2009

INTRODUCE ORDINANCE TO AMEND ZONING MAP TO
REZONE AND INCLUDE WITHIN VILLAGE PUD (PLANNED
UNIT DEVELOPMENT) CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT PLAN,
AMENDMENT NO. 6, LOT B, REPLAT OF LOTS 17 AND 20,
BLOCK B OF THE REPLAT OF BLOCK 2, VILLAGE RESUB-
DIVISION NO. 2

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from Grand Forks West Properties for preliminary approval of an ordinance to amend the zoning map to rezone and exclude from the Village PUD (Planned Unit Development), Concept Development Plan, Amendment No. 5 and to include within the Village PUD (Planned Unit Development) Concept Development Plan, Amendment No. 6, Lot B, Replat of Lots 17 and 20, Block B of the Replat of Block 2, Village Resubdivision No. 2, Grand Forks, North Dakota (located at 4324 University Avenue), with recommendation to give preliminary approval to the ordinance and schedule a public hearing for October 19, 2009.

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

Council Member Kreun 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 Village PUD (Planned Unit Development), Concept Development Plan, Amendment No. 5 and to include within the Village PUD (Planned Unit Development), Concept Development Plan, Amendment No. 6, Lot B, Replat of Lots 17 and 20, Block B of the Replat of Block 2, Village Resubdivision No. 2 to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota", which was presented, read and passed on its first reading.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

The Statement of Changes in Cash Balances as of August 31, 2009 was presented and read for council's information.

APPROVE BILL LISTING

Vendor Payment Listing No. 09-18, dated September 16, 2009, totaling $1,123,141.52, was presented and read.

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

APPROVE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2009

Typewritten copies of the minutes of the city council held on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 were presented and read. It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Gershman that the minutes be approved as read. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

COMMENTS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL
1) Council Member Bjerke stated he would like to refer to finance committee and to the city attorney, the following items: 1) 2008 Venu Works Alerus Center contract, if there is a pay for performance clause in the contract; and what happened; is any money owed to the Alerus Center due to the contract; and if they owed money, did they pay the money and if not, why. He stated he would also like the finance committee and Mr. Swanson to review the new contract and let council know if there is pay for performance clause in that contract and how it works and any other information that would be pertinent on the new contract. If there are any questions about this or the other one, would refer to the Alerus ordinance, paragraph 7, where he is doing oversight. Question 2) would like to have a review of open meetings, open records procedures re. Alerus Commission and Executive Committee, our committees are treated under the open meetings, open records law and all rules apply, and if that is true of the Alerus Center's executive committee, and in reading 6 on the Alerus Events Commission ordinance, it seems as though the Alerus Commission executive committee would be applied the same. Those documents should be kept on file with the City, attendance, votes, recording of votes and what was said and done, and wants clarification on that as far as the executive committee what is going on there, and if not, need to amend the ordinance, but seems that would apply. That he wants review of the 2008 contract and also on the open meetings, open records, not saying anything is wrong but find out publicly. Mayor Brown asked Mr. Bjerke to make those requests available in writing to Mr. Swanson.

2) Council Member Bakken stated department heads did an excellent job in getting budget done, and tell Todd Feland he did a wonderful job on the landfill and thank him greatly for all his work.

3) Council Member Kreun reported Service/Safety Committee meeting tomorrow will have two more items on their agenda: one is update on North 51st Street, and street sign inventory replacement plan to tomorrow's meeting at 4:30 p.m.

4) Council Member Gershman reported that the gas station at 24th and Columbia Road that is for sale, weeds growing, broken sign on site, looks bad, and is a major corridor and asked that be taken care. He stated that last week Monday and Tuesday was the Connect US Canada Economic Summit in Winnipeg, that he and the Mayor attended and was very well attended, Mr. Doer who will be the ambassador to the United States was there and Mayor gave a very good speech, and well received, very beneficial and hopefully next year have it back here. Brochures were distributed to the council members.

ADJOURN

It was moved by Council Member Christensen and seconded by Council Member Kreun that we adjourn. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

Respectfully submitted,



Saroj Jerath
City Auditor

Approved:
________________________________
Michael R. Brown, Mayor