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

City of Bigfork

Regular Meeting January 11, 2005

Members Present: Mayor Amy Tendrup, Jean Lexvold, Bob Zimmer, Amy Pifher and Richard Salmi Absent: none Also Present: Julie Kennedy, Dick Grabko, Mark & Connie Maki, Lonnie Kacon, Joyce Holsman, Robin Custer, Chet & Irene Cook, Tom Boland, Nathan & Jenny Hale, Marilyn Salmi, Andy Shaw, Jon Babcock, Gus & Marilyn David and Mike Bakke

The Clerk administered the oath of office to incoming Mayor Amy Tendrup and Councilors Bob Zimmer, Amy Pifher and Richard Salmi.

Consent Agenda Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Lexvold to approve the consent agenda as follows: #1- approval of the minutes of the December 2nd public hearing and December 14th regular City Council meeting #2- approval of the Police Report for December 2004, report is attached to the minutes as Appendix A #3- approval of the library report for December 2004 of 77 books checked out and 22 readers using the library #4- approval of the December 2004 budget report #5- approval of the Public Works Department report for December 15, 2004 through January 7, 2005, report is attached to the minutes as Appendix B #6- approval of the 2005 summary budget statement for publishing #7- approval of the claims for payment in the amount of $101,683.23, including the December 15th, 31st, vacation, cemetery and annual payrolls. Motion Carried Unanimously. (MCU).

OLD BUSINESS:

Julie Kennedy & Dick Grabko – SEH, Inc.: Kennedy explained that she and Grabko were present to give a recap of the grant and short-term loan options that are available to the City. She reminded the Council that we have spent the last year identifying the projects that need our attention and classifying them as long- or short-term projects. Grabko provided a handout which had the projects classified and had recommendations from SEH on how best to proceed with these projects. He explained that the short-term projects include a sanitary sewer extension to the city house, 3rd Street utility improvement, inflow & infiltration replacement, the purchase of safety equipment for the public works department, and repair of the main sewer lift station. SEH is recommending that the City apply for a short-term loan from the Midwest Assistance Program Community Facility Loan program. The funds accessed through this program would then be rolled over to permanent financing when primary financing for the long-term projects is secured. Grabko stated that the advantage to using this program is the timeframe and the cost. These projects, by themselves, are not of a big enough scale to qualify for any of the larger grant monies. Also, they are fairly urgent needs, and using the MAP program is the best option for obtaining funding for smaller projects that need to be addressed in a short time frame. Salmi questioned if there are any grant monies available for these projects and expressed concern with moving too fast on these items. Grabko explained that grant monies that were available in the past have dried up and there are no real grants available for small projects at this time. Grabko briefly reviewed the long-term projects. These include dredging and building an access road to the sewer ponds, sanitary sewer system improvements, well #4, and housing assistance. SEH is recommending that the City pursue funds from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Small City Development Program, USDA Rural Utility Service, and DEED Public Facility Authority. Kennedy finished by explaining that SEH is recommending that the City start on both processes, the short-term and long-term projects, at this time. She stated that she would be able to obtain project cost estimates within two weeks and would like to meet with the Council again at that time to go over the costs. The Council would then decide whether or not to go ahead and pursue funding for the projects. The total cost for SEH to put together the grant/loan applications would be $7000 and these costs are reimbursable up to ½ by IRRA. She also reminded the Council that we budgeted for $5000 of debt service funds for 2005. A motion was made by Zimmer and seconded by Lexvold to proceed with the short-term project loan application, and to have SEH work on a hourly basis as agreed on in the past, MCU. It was decided to table the long-term projects until we have cost estimates on the short-term projects. Kennedy requested that she be allowed to utilize City Staff as much as possible on the short-term cost estimates and applications in order to save money. The Council was in agreement with this.

At this time, Mayor Tendrup recognized City Attorney Andy Shaw who was present to address the Council. Shaw stated that at the public hearing regarding the liquor store which was held on December 2, 2004, the former City Clerk had stated that the losses shown in the liquor fund in the past few years were due to the fact that funds were transferred out of that fund to other city funds. Shaw stated that this needs to be investigated. If this is found to be true, the liquor fund did not truly lose money and the City would not have needed to hold the hearing. Furthermore, it would not be acceptable for the Council to consider any petition that may be filed regarding this issue. Shaw recommended hiring our current auditor to do a re-audit of the liquor fund for the past three years, and to specifically address the issue of transfers made from the fund. Motion was made by Zimmer and seconded by Lexvold to accept Shaw’s recommendation regarding the liquor fund, MCU.

Personnel Policy Amendments: Storlie presented the recommended personnel policy revisions from City Personnel Attorney John Licke. These amendments relate to performance reviews and performance based pay increases. As discussed previously, the City will no longer offer performance based pay increases and these amendments will provide for that in the personnel policy. Storlie informed the Council that Public Works Superintendent Mark Maki will be the last employee to be eligible for a pay raise at his one-year performance review. After that, yearly performance reviews of all employees will continue to be performed, however raises will not be given at that time. Motion by Zimmer seconded by Lexvold to accept the amendments to the personnel policy, MCU.

NEW BUSINESS:

American Legion Request for Funds: Storlie explained that the American Legion has requested $215 of their funds to be used to send a candidate to Boys State. Motion by Lexvold, seconded by Zimmer to release the funds, MCU.

2005 Summer Recreation Program: Tendrup stated that if we want to have a swim instructor this summer, we must start looking to hire now so that the necessary training can be obtained. The Council determined that if our lifeguard from last summer is interested in teaching lessons, the City will pay for the training. If she is not interested, we will advertise the position.

Land Use Permit Application: The Council received an application from Erin Johnson to place a trailer home on Block 3, Lots 2 & 3. Motion by Lexvold, seconded by Pifher to approve the application, MCU.

Resolution 01-11-2005: Appointments: The Council went over the appointments and filled in any vacant positions. Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Salmi to pass the completed resolution, MCU. Resolution is attached to the minutes as Appendix C.

City Insurance Policy Renewal: Storlie informed the Council that it is time for the annual renewal of the City insurance policy. The City has the option to waive the statutory tort limits if they so choose. We have not done so in the past. Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Lexvold to accept the default limits, MCU.

Powell Lift Station: Maki addressed the Council regarding the main sewer lift station. He stated that they have been pulling the pumps to clean them out one to three times per week. They are getting plugged with rags, diapers, and, most recently, plastic piping. A basket has been built to help catch this debris before it reaches the pump, however it cannot be installed until the proper safety equipment is obtained. Maki stated that repairs are needed to the current pump, or a new pump needs to be purchased. If the Council chooses to purchase a new pump, the old pump can be refurbished and retro-fitted to be used in the Rajala lift station which is in dire need of upgrading. Maki further stated that when the company we purchase the pump from comes to install it, we can utilize their safety equipment in order to install the basket at the same time. The approximate cost for this is $6,100. Salmi questioned if Maki had obtained quotes from more than one company and Maki stated that he had. Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Lexvold to replace the pump at the main lift station and move the current pump to the Rajala lift station, Motion Carried with Salmi abstaining.

Quotes for Repair Work at Picaroon Saloon: Zimmer abstained from any discussion on this item as he has a conflict of interest. One quote was received for the repair work necessary at the Picaroon Saloon. The quote was from Handy Old Timers for $2,000. This quote will be turned over to our insurance company.

Update on City House: Paul Hanson reports that he has had many calls inquiring about the house and has shown it several times. He feels that the wet basement and mold problems are the biggest issues and that both could be solved with repair to the rain gutters and landscaping. Maki stated that all water except for that to the boiler has been shut off. Salmi stated he would like to go take a look at the house and Maki agreed to accompany him.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Zimmer reported that he has been reviewing our cable franchise agreement after hearing numerous complaints from residents about the quality of service. It was determined that Storlie should write a letter to the cable company informing them of the complaints and inviting them to the February council meeting to discuss the problems.

Gus David submitted a bid for the use of his bobcat for snow removal. Maki stated that he is looking into our options for snow removal. The backhoe that was being rented has brake problems and will not be used any more. Maki will give a recommendation to the Council once he has reviewed all the options. Salmi requested to be allowed to work with Maki on this item.

Maki stated that he has contacted Minnesota Power regarding installing another light at the Cemetery. They are looking into the cost and will get back to Maki.

Mike Bakke presented a petition to the Council regarding the Picaroon Saloon. This petition will be given to Shaw for verification and recommendation on how to proceed.

Chet Cook addressed the Council regarding the cemetery. He stated that there is a considerable amount of nighttime traffic in the cemetery. There has been vandalism, theft and poaching of deer. Tendrup informed him that this issue was addressed at the last meeting and the Council is looking into it. It was suggested that two of the three entrances be gated. Maki will look into the costs of this.

There being no further business, Mayor Tendrup adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.

Angie Storlie City Clerk

These minutes are available on the City website at www.cityofbigfork.com. To sign up to receive the minutes by email, send your email address to ctyclerk@bigfork.net.

Appendix A

Bigfork Police Department Police Report December 2004

3 16:01 fuel/gas spill 9 20:04 falsely reporting a crime 15 15:34 illegal possession of tobacco by a minor 15 15:37 illegal possession of tobacco by a minor 15 23:07 hit and run mv crash 17 04:50 weapon fire 17 11:24 lockout 29 00:56 atl/death message 31 16:06 hit and run mv crash 30 19:31 burglary/home forced

Appendix B

Public Works Department Report December 15, 2004 – January 7, 2005

§ Powell lift station pump #2 plugged 2 times week, build basket for station, inform public of what can & cannot be placed in sewers § Plow snow start times usually at 2:30 & 3:00 am to move snow off sidewalks, main street § Called MN Dept of Health on business permits for sewers § Hauled scrap iron from city house to Gus David’s – 1 man, 2 man hours, 1 man, 3 man hours § Repairs to plow on green pickup, new pump and motor § Met with County about roads, airport § Prices on replacement pump for Powell Station, old one no longer manufactured, hard to find parts § Airport effluent pump plugged with mouse, pulled & repaired pump § Hauled snow by City garage § Hauled snow from Hwy 38 intersections § Sand & salt sidewalks § Remove sluch and snow from storm drain covers to get water off streets § Rope off walk ways at Pic, remove broken timbers § Clear snow at lift stations

Appendix C

RESOLUTION 01-11-2005

RESOLUTION APPROVING OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS FOR 2005

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BIGFORK, MN that the following appointments for 2005 are hereby approved:

Official Publication Western Itasca Review Official Depository First State Bank of Bigfork Acting Mayor Bob Zimmer City Attorney Andy Shaw City Personnel Attorney W. John Licke City Engineer Short, Elliot, Hendrickson Representatives to Engineering Firm Amy Tendrup Angie Storlie Mark Maki Water/Sewer Superintendent Mark Maki Airport Manager Loren Hovila Street Commissioner Lonnie Kacon Assistant Street Commissioner Bob Zimmer Parks & Recreation Commissioner Bob Zimmer Assistant Parks & Rec Commissioner Connie Maki Sewer Commissioners Lonnie Kacon, Richard Salmi Water Commissioners Lonnie Kacon, Richard Salmi Civil Defense Director Amy Pifher Librarian Marilyn David Board of Health Amy Pifher City Clerk/Treasurer Angie Storlie Cemetery Sexton Jerry Pula Cemetery Commissioner Bob Zimmer Liquor Store Manager Joyce Holsman Marshal Jon Babcock Planning Commission Lonnie Kacon Amy Tendrup Gus David Ann McGarry Renee Willett Liquor Store Commission Bob Zimmer Richard Salmi Jean Lexvold Angie Storlie Joyce Holsman Assistant Weed Inspector Jean Lexvold Police Commissioner Lonnie Kacon Police Commission Dave Waters Jean Lexvold Richard Salmi Joint Powers Board Amy Tendrup Alternate – Joint Powers Board Angie Storlie Appendix C (cont.)

Bigfork River Board Dave Waters Hwy 38 Leadership Board Lonnie Kacon Bigfork Wilderness Celebration Gwen Olson Committee Gail Johnson Angie Storlie Nan Fisher Connie Maki Fire Chief Ron Root 1st Assistant Mark Maki 2nd Assistant Mike Larson Secretary Scott Baker Treasurer Vance Koppelmann Communications Officer Stan Marthaler Maintenance Officer Curt Snyder Training Officer Tyrone Hubbard Safety Officer Dale Olson