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

City of Bigfork

Regular Meeting and Work Session May 10, 2005

Members Present: Mayor Amy Tendrup, Richard Salmi, Amy Pifher, Jean Lexvold and Bob Zimmer Absent: none Also Present: Chet Cook, Ted Jacobson, Lonnie Kacon, Mark Maki, City Engineer Julie Kennedy, Father Steve Daigle, Dan Odegaard, and Edward Shearen

Mayor Tendrup called the work session to order at 6:00 p.m. and stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues relating to the sewer pond access road and sewer forcemain with representatives from the Bigfork Valley Hospital and Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church.

City Engineer Julie Kennedy gave some brief background information. Bigfork Valley Hospital is currently expanding and remodeling and has future plans for more expansion. They would like to obtain land currently owned by Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in order to facilitate their expansion. From the City’s standpoint, the expansion of the hospital will require relocation of a city sewer forcemain that is currently located on hospital property. Also, relocation of the access road to the city sewer ponds is a high priority, not only because of the hospital’s expansion, but because of the city’s need in the near future to get heavy equipment back to the sewer ponds. The current access road is not able to handle heavy equipment traffic, nor is it desirable for this type of equipment to be going across hospital property, near the day care facility, senior housing facility, etc. In addition, the City does not have easements for the section of the road that crosses hospital property. The three entities involved need to come to an agreement that is acceptable for to all.

Kennedy presented a map showing a possible option for relocating the road and sewer forcemain. This option relocates the road and forcemain across the existing property line between the hospital and church. It would involve the City acquiring approximately 50 feet of land from the church for the road right-of-way. This area likely contains wetlands. Kennedy’s rough estimate on the cost of building a road and relocating the forcemain in this location is $538,554.72. She explained that there are other options. The road could be built to wind around the wetlands as much as possible rather than just be a straight-shot through the property. This would cause the road to veer further to the south and would require more land from the church, but would probably cost less to build since wetlands would be avoided.

Father Steven Daigle, representing the church, stated that the leaders of the church are concerned about the future use of any property that they may sell. He felt that the church leaders are resistant to selling property and are very cautious about who it is sold to and what it is going to be used for. However, while cautious, they are also willing to entertain proposals and discuss the issues in order to find a solution that will work for everyone involved.

Dan Odegaard, representing Bigfork Valley Hospital, stated that the hospital is also willing to work cooperatively for the best solution for everyone. He communicated that the hospital is willing to assist the City financially if necessary. The hospital is interested in obtaining additional land from the church for future expansion, utilities, etc.

It became apparent through the course of the discussion that many of the decisions to be made hinged on whether or not the hospital and the church could come to an agreement about the possible acquisition of land. Father Daigle agreed to call a meeting of the church board to review this information with them and see what their thoughts are. He was asked to keep in contact with Odegaard. Once the church and hospital have come to an agreement, they will come back to the City so that plans can be made at that point.

Mayor Tendrup adjourned the Work Session at 7:05 p.m.

Mayor Tendrup called the regular meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. with all Council Members present and announced the results of the April 12, 2005 closed meeting. At the meeting, a performance evaluation of Liquor Store Manager Joyce Holsman was performed. Holsman was given 37 out of 45 points on her review and was presented with an award and certificate for 20 years of service to the City.

Also Present (in addition to those present at the work session): Connie Maki, Joyce Holsman, Marilyn David, Caroline & Warren Welch, Gene Madsen, Robin Custer, Dan Johnson, Anne & Tim Collins, Floyd A Hennagir, Bonnie Cole, Irl Sinclair, Tim Johnson, Joan Lester, Mary Aurell, Jason Hall, Jason Engstrom, Mike Caron, John McCann, Clarence York and Jon Babcock

Consent Agenda Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Salmi to approve the consent agenda as follows: #1- approval of the minutes of the April 12th regular and April 18th special City Council meetings and the April 18th City Council/Planning Commission public hearing #2- approval of the Police Report for April 2005, report is attached to the minutes as Appendix A #3- approval of the library report for April 2005 of 36 books checked out and 10 readers using the library #4- approval of the April 2005 budget report, copies of report are available at the City Clerk’s Office #5- approval of the Public Works Department report for April 2005, report is attached to the minutes as Appendix B #7- approval of the job description for the position of lifeguard as presented #8- approval of the revisions to the personnel policy as recommended, copies of the policy are available at the City Clerk’s Office #9- approval of the revisions to the administrative policy as recommended, copies of the policy are available at the City Clerk’s Office #10- approval of a land use permit for Gene Collins for a foyer and garage on his property #11- approval of the claims for payment in the amount of $69,996.90 including the April 15th and 29th payrolls Motion Carried Unanimously (MCU).

OLD BUSINESS:

Julie Kennedy – SEH: Kennedy’s first item was a recommendation from the Planning Commission to approve the preliminary plat for Scenic Estates by Legacy Development. The project has been downsized from the previously planned 55 units, to 25 units. Four of these units would be affordable housing and the other 21 units would make up the senior housing community. Motion by Zimmer seconded by Lexvold to approve the preliminary plat as presented, MCU. Salmi questioned if this project will be held up by the MPCA-imposed moratorium on any more connections to the sewer system. Kennedy stated that Legacy Development will be unable to develop the project in it’s entirety until the moratorium is lifted. Salmi expressed concern that there was no space for an expansion of the sewer ponds and asked if the dredging of the ponds will take care of the issues. Kennedy stated that it would if we were at normal water usage, which we are not. One option that has been informally discussed is to build a pond #3 and drain through the currently existing wetland before discharging into the river. Salmi pointed out that the need to dredge the ponds is another reason that we must have a better access road to them. Anne Collins asked how much the pond dredging and possible expansion will cost and where the money is going to come from. Kennedy stated that it is roughly $700,000 and it will be included in our grant application for the previously identified long-term projects. Dan Johnson asked at what point area landowners would be notified that there is a pond project planned. Kennedy answered that it has been talked about for almost a year now at City Council meetings and that the project will be subject to environmental review that includes notification to surrounding landowners. She added that it is not a sure thing that the project will happen. The City is not in a financial position to do the project unless grant funds are obtained to help off-set the costs. For the benefit of those not in attendance at the work session, Salmi stated that the hospital is willing to assist the City financially with relocation of the access road and sewer forcemain.

At this time in the meeting, Mayor Tendrup moved the Bigfork School Alumni group to the top of the agenda. Floyd A. Hennagir passed out information to the Council on the proposed new sports facility. He explained that the Alumni Association is working on getting a state of the art track facility and new football field to be located adjacent to the school. He added that they need more space to get the project done. They would like to see about the possibility of obtaining and/or using two lots that are adjacent to the school property. One of these lots is owned by the City and the other is tax forfeit. There was some concern regarding utilities and drain fields located on the city-owned lot. Zimmer felt that it would be best for the City to hold ownership of the property, however he did not see a problem with granting the school an easement for the use of the space. Hennagir explained that the City is able to acquire tax-forfeit property and the Alumni group is asking for their assistance in acquiring the land and turning it over to them. He stated that the group would cover the costs of obtaining the land as long as it wasn’t overly expensive. Motion by Salmi seconded by Pifher to start the process of obtaining the tax forfeit parcel, MCU. Hennagir asked that the Council contact the Alumni Association when they have had time to review the information and were ready to sit down and draw up a formal agreement on land acquisition and usage. Kennedy added that she may be working with the Fine Arts Center on improving drainage in that area.

NEW BUSINESS:

Jason Hall – Unicel: Hall introduced himself as a consultant for Unicel/Cellular 2000. He stated that they are requesting permission to erect a cell tower on the north edge of town near the site of the current tower. He informed the Council that a lease agreement with the landowner is already place. Hall had sent information for the Council to review prior to the meeting and asked if there were any questions he could answer. Salmi questioned if the tower would interfere with aeronautics. Hall answered that he works with the FCC and FAA on a daily basis and has already determined that the tower will not be in the flight pass. Along with approval to erect the tower, Hall is asking for an easement from the City to use the currently existing access road located on city property (the old railroad corridor) as their access. Anne Collins felt that the adjacent landowner should be talked to before an easement is granted. Dan Johnson communicated that the local four-wheeler club was working on getting a trail from Bigfork to Effie and asked if this easement would affect that project. Hall stated that they will not be gating the access road so there will be no interference from them. Tendrup stated that once the club knows where they would like the trail to go, they could also request an easement from the City if necessary. Motion by Zimmer seconded by Pifher to have Storlie work with City Attorney Andy Shaw in drawing up a resolution allowing the erection of the tower and proper documents granting the easement, pending contact made with the adjacent landowner, MCU.

Gene Madsen: Madsen stated that he was present to talk about the municipal liquor store. He reviewed that there is a vote next month on whether or not to keep it open. He is against closing it because Northome and Big Falls are netting $20,000 to $25,000 per year and Bigfork should be able to double that. He reminded the Council of a comment made by the City Auditor that the City of Littlefork did away with the liquor store manager position and it was a money-saving move for them. He strongly urged the Council to consider this type of set-up in order to save money. He also reminded them that their only consideration is what is best for the City, not what is best for the individual people involved. John McCann stated that the problem was not the manager, it was the clientele, road construction and the economy. Tim Collins stated that when he was in business on Main Street, the road was torn up for six months. He added that he did not give his employees raises when they did not do their work and that you can’t continue to run a business that loses money. Anne Collins asked if the city’s budget for this year was on target and Storlie answered that it was.

Jon Babcock – Deputy Coroner Training: Babcock reported that he has been approached by Dr. Baich of Grand Rapids and asked if he would be willing to be trained as a deputy coroner. There is a need for another deputy coroner in our area and Babcock would like to do this if the Council does not have a problem with it. He stated that it will not take up a lot of his time and usually consists of just a phone conversation. Salmi asked what the expense to the City would be. Babcock stated that the only expense would be if he used the squad car and the County will reimburse for mileage. Anne Collins asked the Council to explain the difference between being a law officer and being an ambulance attendant and the use of the City vehicle. Tendrup asked for clarification. Collins asked why Babcock is allowed to use the squad car to respond to ambulance calls. Babcock stated that the Council had previously authorized the use of the vehicle for this. Tendrup added that she did not have a problem with this arrangement. Collins voiced other concerns and complaints regarding the City police department. Tendrup stated that the Council had adopted a policy that no complaints regarding individual employees would be heard at Council meetings. The complainant must fill out a form available from the City Clerk and it will be forwarded to the proper authority. Motion was made by Zimmer and seconded by Lexvold to approve Babcock’s participation in deputy coroner training, MCU.

Donation Requests: The City received donation requests from three different entities, Star of the North Animal Shelter, the Bigfork Elementary Carnival Committee, and the City of Effie. Motion by Lexvold, seconded by Salmi to grant $50 to each requestor, MCU.

Mark Maki: Maki explained that there are several issues he has discovered that need to be brought to the Council’s attention. The Public Works Department has recently completed an extensive study of the water treatment plant and found a number of items that need to be repaired. One chlorine pump has bee non-operation for a number of years and the second chlorine pump is in need of attention. The cost for a new pump is over $900. Some of the backwash valves are inoperable, they do not seal up and this becomes a contamination problem. The main water meters are not working. Filters need to be inspected and rusty bolts need attention, as does some of the electrical controls. One of the lift stations needs a new controller which costs $715 and a new style heater is $140. The PW Department has been nursing this lift station along since the middle of winter and it is time to take action to get these problems corrected. Maki stated that the Public Works Department began flushing hydrants today and discovered that two hydrants are not working at all. A maintenance plan needs to be put in place to avoid these types of problems. Maki reported that he is working with Team Laboratories to reduce sludge in the sewer ponds chemically. This will reduce the amount of sludge that needs to be removed by dredging. He added that if we document our experience for Team Laboratories to use for promotional purposes, they may give a substantial discount on the chemicals we need. He concluded that these items are extremely important to get corrected and we need to apply for financing and include these items in the budget in order to do so. Maki requested permission from the Council for the Public Works Department to hold an open house. This will be an opportunity for the members of the community to come in and ask questions, take a tour of the facilities, etc. Motion was made by Pifher and seconded by Lexvold to allow an open house to be held, MCU.

Fire Department Vehicle Specs: Fire Chief Ron Root had supplied vehicle specs for the new fire truck. The Fire Department has called for bids on the vehicle.

OTHER BUSINESS:

There being no other business, Mayor Tendrup adjourned the meeting at 8:20 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 April 2005

7, 21:16 burglary, home, forced 8 09:09 drug info 8 17:44 two vehicle motor vehicle crash/no injuries 8 18:06 3rd degree dwi /endanger child 9 05:08 felony fleeing a peace officer/felony probation violation 12 14:41 no mn drivers license 12 14:55 felony fleeing a peace office/felony escape/obstruct legal process felony probation violation 15 14:21 info from other agency 18 04:51 natural death/ male adult 18 22:09 domestic argument/ adults 22 11:48 driving after suspension 23 21:36 minor consume/possess alcohol and drive/probation violation 23 21:40 minor consume/possess alcohol possession of small amount of marijuana possession of drug paraphernalia

Appendix B Public Works Department Report April 2005 § Check Savich Station heater and controls. Heater B.O. resistor to heater wires broken. Controller for #2 pump needs replacement § Swept Main Street to loosen center dirt pick up loose garbage around City § Cut brush area by Huskie Café and City park drainage ditch, ditches need to be re-landscaped due to build up § Grade alley behind Cenex, Bank, phone company and Kocian’s with personal skid steer, County here after their roads are done § Repair chlorine booster pump #1 need to repair #2 pump with no backup prices coming § State water samples taken and sent bacteria, nitrates, fluoride § Quotes for street signs posts and snow and grass equipment § Quotes for water meters for Woodland Terrace, well house, well house 1 meter ordered § Flow test #2 well, max 10 gpm, drawdown affected when #3 well came on line § Start burning around pond evening burn after 6pm § Washed trucks and snowplows to get rid of winter salt, moved plows to cold storage § Clean storm drain grit pits south Hwy 38 to Picaroon Saloon § Heat and water shut down at City house § Meeting with County on Airport snow removal and Division Ave culvert project § Check airport runway, major cracks need repair, will get quotes § Change ballast light in Angie’s office § Loss Control Workshop in Biwabik, attended for beach info § Sample predischarge #2 pond, prepare for discharge § Discharge from #2 pond started samples, 1 to Virginia, 1 to Grand Rapids § Check on water problem, Division Ave North § Start culvert clean out, South Rajala Mill Rd, many areas need to be cleaned and re-landscaped for drainage issues § Met with MN Rural Water/City Engineer on vulnerability assessments, City projects and pond issues

Wastewater 1.955 mg Water 1,231,199 I&I .724 mg Snow/Rain 1.4 inches

Chemical Usage Pot. Perm 38 gal solu 1.9# x 5# 9.5@ 1.9552 $17.60 Flouride 47 gal 1.6 x 3 4.8# .3958 1.90 Caustic Soda 8# 8# @ 4.1285 33.03 Chlorine c/2 18# @ 1.1617 20.91 Total: 73.44

Backwash Water Indication water 588 gal Backwash 13500 14,088

Trucks Gallons Cost Miles White 11 gal $28.00 335 Green 58.5 gal 139.50 847 Total 69.5 $167.50