DRAFT – These minutes are not official until approved at the next regular City Council meeting.

City of Bigfork

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting May 1, 2007

Members Present: Gus David, Lonnie Kacon, Richard Salmi, Ann McGarry and Amy Tendrup

Members Absent: None

Also Present: Howard McKinney, Farrell & Judy Gunelius, Shirley Sigler, Public Works Superintendent Chuck Almhjeld, Boone Danielson, Mike Bakke and Clarence York

Chairman Gus David called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Motion by McGarry, seconded by Tendrup to approve the minutes of the April 3, 2007 meeting, motion carried unanimously (MCU).

Water/Sewer Rates for Non-Residents: David explained that the Planning & Zoning Commission had discussed the annexation of the Logger's Inn property due to the fact that they have City water and sewer service and should be a part of the City. Bigfork Township expressed that it would challenge any attempt by the City to annex any property from the Township into the City. In light of this, the suggestion was made that the City should charge a higher water and sewer rate to Logger's, as well as to any other property serviced with water and sewer but not in City limits. There are three such properties in the City and the owners of those properties had been invited to this meeting to discuss the issue. David explained that it was mainly the Logger's Inn service that was an issue for the City at this time. The City has had to pay on a number of occasions to have the line thawed or jetted out. In addition, the lift station has had to be cleaned a number of times due to grease presumably coming from Logger's Inn. David felt that the water and sewer rate should be raised enough so that it would actually be cheaper to be annexed into the City. Salmi reported that Logger's Inn now pays about $500 less in taxes to the Township than the Bigfork Wilderness Bar pays to the City. He felt that was an accurate comparison and that Logger's rates should be raised enough to cover that difference. Judy & Farrell Gunelius were present. They own property just outside City limits that is serviced with water. They reported that there had been no issues with their line as far as they knew and felt that if Logger's has issues with their line, they should be responsible to pay for it. Almhjeld verified that there were currently no issues with the Gunelius's line, but pointed out that the City would incur costs if their line broke. City ordinance states that the user is responsible for the line between the curb stop and their home plumbing. Gunelius's curb stop is very close to their home so if there was an issue between it and the City main, the City would be responsible for the cost of the repairs. It was felt that it would not be fair to raise non-resident commercial rates and not non-resident residential rates, however it was the consensus of all Commission members that there should be a difference between the two. An increase of 50% for commercial and 15% for residential was suggested. It was also felt that the grease issues at Logger's would need to be addressed no matter the decision about rates. It was unknown if Logger's had a grease trap as is required by City ordinance and no representative was present at the meeting. It was also unknown if the trailer home located on the same property was hooked up to the municipal water and sewer system. Salmi suggested that Almhjeld visit the property to check into these items. A motion was made by Tendrup to recommend that the City Council consider raising commercial non-resident water and sewer rates by 50%, residential non-resident rates by 15%, to have Almhjeld check Logger's for a grease trap and connection of the trailer home and to have Storlie send a letter addressing these items based on what Almhjeld finds, seconded by Salmi, MCU. A motion was made by Tendrup, seconded by Salmi to recommend to the City Council that, in the future, any property outside City limits requesting water and/or sewer service be required to annex into the City before service is provided, MCU.

Howard McKinney asked about the availability of sewer service to his property. Almhjeld noted that this area is being looked at due to the fact that the City is trying to get well #4 up and running and correcting the non-conforming septic systems in that area is part of that process. McKinney stated he would rather be on the City system that to put in a private one. Tendrup stated that well #4 is now the City's number one priority and we should know soon if sewer service will be extended to that area.

Sign Ordinance/Fine Arts Center Sign Permit: Storlie reviewed that the Commission had approved sign permits for the Fine Arts Center pending approval by the State. Storlie reported that the State and County do not allow signs to be placed in their road right-of-ways and so the permit will have to be denied. Also, the City sign ordinance should be amended to reflect this. Storlie reported that other changes are also needed to the sign ordinance and that the League of Minnesota Cities was currently reviewing it and would be making recommendations.

Review of County Roads in City: The City Council had received information on Itasca County's 5-year highway plan. They requested that the Commission review County Roads in the City and make a recommendation on which projects should be pursued with the County. City Engineer Julie Kennedy had reported to Council that the County had penciled CSAH 78 in as a possible project for 2010, however they have since indicated that they may not be interested in that project due to issues with the right-of way on portions of the street. Salmi had indicated at the Council meeting that he felt a different road should be done. Kennedy learned that the City may transfer the County State Aid (CSA) designation to a different road and use the funds there. The other Commission members felt that the City should still request that the County do the CSAH 78 project due to the fact that is a much-traveled road. They did not feel it was a street that the City would want to take over if the CSA designation were transferred to another road. Furthermore, with the need for a new access road to the sewer pond and relocation of the sewer main in that area, CSAH 78 is the most desirable project for the City to pursue at this time. Salmi wanted traffic count information before a decision was made. A motion was made by McGarry to recommend that the City Council send a letter to the County requesting that CSAH 78 be done and to provide Council with traffic count information, seconded by Tendrup, MCU.

Use of Tent: The Centennial Celebration planning committee is requesting use of the City's tent for the June 9th celebration. The tent will be set up at Bigfork Wilderness Bar and used for musical entertainment throughout the day. Motion by Salmi, seconded by Kacon to allow this, MCU.

Update on Beach Donations: Storlie reported that letters requesting donations had been sent to area townships, People in Business Care, Bigfork Lions Club, North Itasca Electric Company's Operation Round-Up, Bigfork Valley Hospital and School District #318. So far no donations have been received. Bigfork Township will be at the next City Council meeting to discuss their contribution. It was suggested that letters be sent to area churches requesting donations.

Computer Use Policy: This item had been discussed at a meeting when Storlie was not present. Tendrup reviewed that a few changes were made to the policy obtained from the Marcell Family Center. She will go over these changes with Storlie and a policy will be forwarded to the City Council for approval.

Regional Transportation Grant: The City received notice of a grant available from the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission for transportation planning. The Commission felt that this grant should be utilized to complete a transportation needs assessment, recommendations and funding identification for the City of Bigfork street system as well as the municipal airport. Storlie was directed to complete the application and present it for approval by the City Council at their next meeting in a motion by Tendrup, seconded by Salmi, MCU.

Salmi reported that the corner of Ottum Ave and East Ottum Ave is in very bad shape and wanted to tar it. Almhjeld noted that the $6,000 that had been earmarked for improvements to that road was not sufficient for a tarring project. Also, a portion of that money will be used to complete patch jobs elsewhere in the City. Finally, it is not advisable to tar that area at this time as there will likely be utility work there related to well #4 and it would not be cost effective to tar it now only to have it torn up in the near future. It was suggested that a speed bump be put in to slow drivers down. Tendrup stated there are a lot of roads in bad shape in the City. Salmi asked if the Commission would be in favor of tarring it if donations were received.

Salmi reported that Schwartz Excavating is interested in obtaining land in the City of Bigfork to put a concrete plant and to store Class V. They would need water for this but would be willing to put in their own well. Salmi thought the City's land on Highway 38 north would be a good location.

David asked what the status of the land requested from Itasca County for cemetery expansion was. Storlie stated that Councilman Gene Rajala had been told that the appraisal would be done within a month or two. David suggested that the Commission being thinking about alternative solutions to the space issues in case the City is unable to purchase the land it needs.

Salmi suggested that the City increase the request to Itasca County for airport funding from the $6,000 they have contributed the past few years, to $10,000. Storlie reported that she was preparing the letter requesting a contribution this week and would include the $10,000 figure.

The Planning Commission meeting was adjourned at 7:34 p.m.

Angie Storlie

City Clerk/Treasurer