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

City of Bigfork

Regular Meeting June 22nd, 2004

Except for Motions made by the Council this is not a verbatim record of every statement made during the Council meeting. Discussions have been paraphrased to give general direction and understanding.

Members Present: Mayor Lonnie Kacon, Jean Lexvold, Steve Grover, Bob Zimmer and Amy Tendrup Absent: None Also Present: Mark & Connie Maki, Joyce Holsman, Marilyn & Gus David, Gary W. Schwersinske, Tarry Edington, Jon Babcock

Mayor Kacon called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Consent Agenda Motion by Tendrup, seconded by Lexvold to approve the consent agenda as follows: #1- approval of the minutes of the June 8th regular meeting #2- approval of the Public Works Dept. Report for May 17 through June 18, 2004, this report is attached to the minutes as Appendix A #3- approval of Resolution 6-22-2004(2): Accepting BWC Donations. This resolution is attached to the minutes as Appendix B. #4- approval of the claims for payment in the amount of $22,139.82, including the June 15th payroll Motion Carried Unanimously (MCU)

OLD BUSINESS:

WilderNest: Resolution 6-22-2004 (1): Endorsing Development of WilderNest: This resolution was requested by Tarry Edington of the Itasca County Housing and Redevelopment Authority to be used as a part of their applications for funding. Motion by Tendrup seconded by Grover to pass the following resolution, MCU: RESOLUTION 6-22-2004 (1) A RESOLUTION ENDORSING DEVELOPMENT OF WILDERNEST WHEREAS, additional housing has long been identified as a need in our community; and, WHEREAS, a community survey completed by the city of Bigfork in the year 2000 showed over 95 percent of respondents stating the City needed additional housing and 68 percent indicating “rental units” would best fit the needs; and, WHEREAS, a housing study completed in 2004 by Community Partners Research, Inc. recommended the addition of 16-19 units of general-occupancy rental housing targeted to households of low-moderate income; and, WHEREAS, the Itasca County HRA is proposing to develop 12 units of general-occupancy multifamily-rental housing in our city targeted to households of low-moderate income; and, WHEREAS, the City of Bigfork is desirous of having additional units of housing built in our city to accommodate families; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Bigfork enthusiastically endorses the proposed development of housing by the Itasca County HRA and commits to working in concert with it in bringing the proposed development to fruition. Threshold Letter and General Letter of Support: These two letters were also requested by Edington to be used in funding applications. The threshold letter simply conveys to funding sources the passage of Resolution 6-22-2004 (1) and the general letter of support simply shows local support of the project to any outside sources. Motion by Tendrup seconded by Lexvold to send the two letters as written, MCU.

Edington presented a request for Tax Increment Financing (TIF). He explained that 90% of the capital for WilderNest will come from outside sources. These outside sources look for local community support before they offer their support. The City’s creation of a TIF district provides proof of local support as well as the actual capital it provides to the project. Edington did not have exact numbers to present at this time. He did present an estimated number of $99,000 for the bond. Of this, $10,000 is estimated for costs of issuance and $17,033.88 for capitalization of interest. Capitalization of interest provides money for bond payments due during the time gap between the time the project starts, and the time that the City actually starts receiving tax revenue to pay the bond. This would leave $72,966.12 of actual capital provided to the project. Edington again stated that these are not firm numbers, but estimates at this time. He will be returning to the Council with a definite request at the next meeting. He also re-emphasized that the City will be bonding for the amount of the TIF. This is not a General Obligation bond. It is dependent on the revenues from the project paying the bond. Edington’s understanding is that the City is taking no financial risk with a TIF bond and that taxes would not increase to cover these costs, however he suggested that the Council could double-check these facts with Northland Securities.

Kacon stated that the July 13th regular meeting needed to be rescheduled due to Storlie being gone for training all that week. It was decided to reschedule the meeting to Monday, July 19, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.

Employee Performance Reviews/Performance Based Raises: Storlie had contacted City Personnel Attorney John Licke to ask his opinion on how to proceed with employee performance reviews and raises. Previously, the Council had voted that the two City employees who had received 8% and 9% raises would not be eligible for raises at their next review. Since that time, the two employees have given back their raises and accepted 4% increases instead. It was Mr. Licke’s recommendation that the City should now finish out the year using the performance review and raise procedure with the top possible raise being 4%. This will give each employee equal opportunity. After the year is up, it is the recommendation of both Mr. Licke and the League of Minnesota Cities to discontinue raises based on performance reviews. The Council accepted these recommendations.

Zimmer asked if the Police Commission had met regarding hiring a part-time officer. Kacon stated that he and Police Chief Jon Babcock have talked but no Commission meeting has taken place. He explained that they are taking a little more time to look into the issue.

NEW BUSINESS:

City Clerk Computer: Storlie stated that she has been having problems with the computer in her office. Bob Lawler has looked at it and suggested that a new tower would be the best option. He estimated it would cost around $550 and this would include the installation of Windows XP on the new computer. Lawler could also clean off and refurbish the old tower which could then be used for the Public Works Department. Storlie did not yet have a firm price quote from Lawler for the new unit. The item was tabled until a quote is received.

Private Wastewater System Application: The Council received an application for a private wastewater system from Melvin Root. Root plans on having a mound system installed. Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Grover to grant preliminary approval of the private wastewater system application from Melvin Root, MCU.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Tendrup presented a letter of resignation from her seat on the Liquor Store Commission. Zimmer thanked Tendrup for her contributions to the Commission. Motion by Lexvold, seconded by Zimmer to accept her resignation, MCU. Grover was willing to accept the open seat. Motion by Lexvold, seconded by Tendrup to appoint Grover to the vacant Liquor Store Commission seat, MCU.

Babcock reported that he is having trouble with cars driving up the trestle trail from the north end. He asked for permission to have a sign installed stating that the trail was for recreational vehicles and pedestrians only. Motion by Zimmer seconded by Lexvold to allow the purchase and installation of a sign with the appropriate wording, MCU. Babcock also asked about fishing at the swimming beach. He did not think that fishing should be allowed in the beach area or that people should be allowed to access the lake for fishing from the beach property other than ice fishing. Motion by Zimmer seconded by Lexvold to allow the purchase and installation of a sign with the appropriate wording, MCU.

Grover questioned if something more could be done about speeding on Cedar Street. Babcock stated that he could patrol the area more often.

Grover questioned the lifeguard’s work hours. He did not think it was necessary to start as early as 9:00 a.m. and felt that the lifeguard should be on duty later than 5:00 p.m. Babcock added that he thought they lifeguard should work some weekends as well. Zimmer and Connie Maki explained that when they met with the lifeguard to discuss work house, they decided on a 9 to 5, Monday through Friday schedule to start with and it could be switched if it wasn’t working. Part of the reason behind the schedule was that it was thought that in the evenings and on the weekends, parents were more likely to accompany their children to the beach and there would be more adult supervision available than during the day when parents are likely to be at work. Babcock asked if the lifeguard was scheduled to be on duty over Rodeo weekend. Zimmer stated she is not but that he and Maki will talk to her about possible working that weekend.

Mark Maki stated that Casper Construction is going to be in town on the 23rd and he will talk to them about getting a price quote for running the sewer line to Tendrup’s property on Division Ave. Sue Foss, the property owner behind Tendrup’s, has contact the Clerk and they are also interested in obtaining sewer service, as well as water. Maki will include this in the quote from Casper. It was suggested that formal connection applications be collected from both parties so that we know where the connections will be made. Tendrup is working on her application and Storlie will send the appropriate forms to Foss.

Grover questioned who places the detour signs and stated that he has received complaints that people don’t know they can get into Bigfork from Hwy 14. Kacon stated that the contractor places the signs by MnDot’s regulations and the City doesn’t have the authority to move anything.

Grover questioned if the City has access to a street sweeper. Maki stated that there is a small sweeper on the riding mower but it causes quite a dust storm when it is used. Much of the dirt comes from the contractors hauling dirt to the projects going on in town. Maki will be talking to contractors working in town about helping to take care of the problem. He will also talk to individuals who have left dirt on the road after dragging their driveways about clean up.

Zimmer stated that he has received complaints about the length of the grass at the cemetery. He questioned if the Boy Scouts could be used to help get the mowing done. Due to labor laws, Kacon and Maki did not feel that using the Boy Scout group would be a good option. Maki stated that he has donated some of his time already to get necessary mowing and trimming done at the airport and the cemetery. He will continue to work on the cemetery one hour each day until he is caught up. He explained that the Public Works Department is now down to one employee since the other employee is currently out on a work comp claim.

There being no further business, Mayor Kacon adjourned the regular meeting at 8:10 p.m. and announced that a closed meeting would be held immediately for a performance review of Public Works Superintendent Mark Maki.

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

Public Works Department Report May 17 – June 18, 2004

§ daily rounds of lift stations, water treatment plant § 3 lift station repairs, total of 6 man hours § 2 repair water treatment plant, total of 4 man hours § wastewater monthly test airport, 4 man hours § 6 sump pump inspections, 2 man hours § flow test hydrants Performing Arts Center area, 2 man hours § discharge sewer ponds, 2 completed total 10.9 million gallons discharged § 3 samples run to Virginia, 9 man hours § 9 samples sent UPS, 4.5 man hours § quotes and patch airport fuel spill, 3 man hours § filled graves and mow at cemetery § 4 hours rental 4-wheelr for hauling fill for graves § clear culverts various locations dirt buildup § rebuild ramps at beach for changing house § replace several boards on changing building § set dock for summer beach use § contact several contractors on specs for water meters at hospital § met with Bergquist on phosphate issue, further testing to be completed § contact MPCA on Bergquist and pond discharge violations, informed them on plans to alleviate problems in both areas § scrape and first coat library entrance § preparations for celebration, chairs from Grand Rapids, back to Rapids, power drops and banner installation, distribute garbage cans and picnic tables, place new brackets on front of City Hall fro banners, place cones, barricades for parade, assist with Pic set up and tear down § locates for signs, construction manhole and water mains § rebuild fire hydrant for Performing Arts Center § realign water main for Hammerlund Const., inspections on water service P.A.C. § mow grass on City properties

Appendix B

RESOLUTION 6-22-2004 (2)

A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING ACCEPTANCE OF AND APPRECIATION FOR THE GIFTS OF VARIOUS BUSINESSES IN SUPPORT OF THE ANNUAL BIGFORK WILDERNESS CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES

Business Amount Short-Elliot-Hendrickson, Inc. $250.00 Haley Logging, Inc. 350.00 Kocian’s IGA 200.00 Lakeside Lumber 150.00

WHEREAS, the above-listed businesses have presented to the City donations of the stated amounts and have designated that these donations be used for the annual Bigfork Wilderness Celebration; and

WHEREAS, the City Council is appreciative of the donations and commends the businesses listed for their civic efforts,

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Bigfork, Minnesota; 1. that the donations are accepted and acknowledged with gratitude. 2. that the donations will be appropriated to the Bigfork Wilderness Celebration activities.