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

City of Bigfork

Regular Meeting and Public Hearing November 8th, 2004

Members Present: Mayor Lonnie Kacon, Amy Tendrup, Jean Lexvold, and Bob Zimmer Absent: Steve Grover Also Present: Joyce Holsman, Mark Maki, Julie Kennedy, Jon Babcock, and Marv Richards

Mayor Kacon called the public hearing on the Cedar Street water and sewer assessments to order at 7:00 p.m.

City Engineer Julie Kennedy of Short-Elliot-Hendrickson, Inc. gave a brief overview of the two Cedar Street Projects. The sanitary sewer project was budgeted at $34,894 and the actual cost of the project was $33,994. The proposed assessment for this project was $6,106.47 and the actual amount to be assessed will be $4,759.16. This large reduction was due to the addition of a service so that the project was split between five properties rather than the original four. For the water project, the feasibility cost estimate was $34,931.59 and the actual costs were $30,950.00. The proposed assessment was $6,113 and the actual amount to be assessed will be $5416.

There being no questions or comments from the public or the Council, Mayor Kacon closed the public hearing at 7:02 p.m. and called the regular meeting to order.

The first item on the agenda was two resolutions adopting the assessments for the Cedar Street water and sewer projects respectively. A motion was made by Tendrup and seconded by Lexvold to pass resolution 11-08-2004 (1): Adopting Assessment on water project, motion carried unanimously (MCU). A motion was made by Lexvold and seconded by Tendrup to pass resolution 11-08-2004 (2): Adopting Assessment on sewer project, MCU. A copy of these resolutions is available at the City Clerk’s Office.

Mayor Kacon announced the results of the closed meeting held on October 12, 2004. At this closed meeting, a performance review of bartender Marilyn David was conducted. David received 45 out of 45 points on her review.

Consent Agenda Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Lexvold to approve the consent agenda as follows: #1- approval of the minutes of the October 12th regular City Council meeting #2- approval of the Police Reports for September and October 2004, reports are attached to the minutes as Appendix A #3- approval of the library report for October 2004 of 117 books checked out and 23 readers using the library #4- approval of the October 2004 budget report #5- approval of the Public Works Department report for October 11, 2004 through November 8, 2004, report is attached to the minutes as Appendix B #6- approval of the claims for payment in the amount of $49,640.59, including the October 15th and 29th payrolls. (MCU).

At this time, Mayor Kacon recognized Marv Richards and added him to the agenda. Richards was present to request a sign permit for Scenic Rivers Health Services for a sign to be located near the clinic entrance. This sign will be of the same design and style as the other new signs on the hospital property. Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Lexvold to approve the permit, MCU. Richards thanked the Council and left the meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

Letter Regarding Signage: The Council reviewed a letter from a resident of Iowa expressing concern over a lack of directional and identification signage at the school and hospital this summer during construction. Motion by Tendrup, seconded by Zimmer to forward the letter to the school, hospital, and the County Highway Department, and to inform the party that the complaint has been forwarded to the appropriate agencies, MCU.

2005 Water/Sewer Rates: Julie Kennedy presented some comments on the proposed water and sewer rates for 2005. She recommended raising the base rate as well as the cost per thousand gallons. The reason for this is that the base rate is used to cover the administrative costs that go into the water and sewer funds. The additional cost per thousand is used for maintenance, etc. Other suggestions that Kennedy had were to build in some funds for emergency repair of things like water main breaks, etc. Also, we had previously discussed the possibility of taking out a small loan in 2005 to cover a number of our smaller projects that need to be done. Kennedy felt that now would be a good time to implement an additional amount for debt service on this anticipated loan. The addition of $5000 to each fund for “rainy day money” and $6000 to each fund for additional debt service would increase the average residential user’s monthly bill about $15.00. Zimmer felt that this was too much of an increase at once and asked Kennedy and Maki about the possibility of adding the two amounts to only the fund that was in the most need at this time. Both Kennedy and Maki felt that the sewer fund was the one that needed the most attention at this time. Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Lexvold to use the 25% increase in the base rate, and to add $5000 to the sewer fund budget for “rainy day funds” and $6000 to the sewer budget for additional debt service funds, MCU. Storlie will figure the actual new water and sewer rates and have an ordinance setting the new rates for 2005 ready for approval at the December Council meeting.

Kennedy had one update for the Council on the Hospital’s storm sewer and parking lot project that she is handling for them. The Hospital has decided at this time to wait until next spring to start the actual work due to the cost savings involved.

Kacon questioned Kennedy regarding the City’s access road to the sewer ponds. Kennedy felt that it was time for a meeting to take place between the City and any property owners that might be affected by the City needing an easement to the ponds. Kacon pointed out that the City cannot sell the timber near the sewer ponds until there is adequate access to it. Kennedy will contact Kacon about setting up a meeting with the appropriate parties.

Real Estate Contract – City House: Storlie had talked with Andy Shaw and it was Shaw’s recommendation that the Council approve of the use of the chosen realtor at the proposed commission, and to direct him and Storlie to complete the necessary disclosures and other documents. Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Tendrup to use Paul Hanson of Minnesota Lakeshore Properties as the realtor at the suggested six percent commission, MCU. Motion by Lexvold, seconded by Tendrup to direct Storlie and Shaw to complete any necessary documents for the sale of the house, MCU.

NEW BUSINESS:

Transfer to Investment Fund: Storlie reported that the $7500 from the sale of land to Peoples Telephone Company had been received. This money had not been previously set aside for any specific purpose and Storlie asked if the Council would like it transferred into an investment account as opposed to letting it sit in the general checking account. Motion by Tendrup, seconded by Zimmer to transfer the $7500 to the General Investment Fund, MCU.

Sign Proposal: The Council received a proposal from NorthTec Imaging for the replacement of the “Welcome to Bigfork” sign. NorthTec Imaging is proposing this replacement after being chosen to replace the similar sign in Marcell due to road reconstruction and structural problems with the sign. After inspecting the Marcell sign, they looked over the Bigfork and Effie signs and found similar structural problems. Zimmer felt that this issue should be tabled until the Council members and Maki could look at the sign.

Date Change of Liquor Store Public Hearing: Kacon stated that the date of the Liquor Store Public Hearing needs to be changed from the previously chosen date of November 17th. This type of public hearing requires a two-week published notice, rather than the usual ten-day posted notice of other public hearings and Storlie did not get notice published in the paper on time. Also, Tendrup has a conflict with the November 17th date. December 2nd is the first possible date the hearing could be held in order to allow sufficient time for publication of the notice. It was determined that the liquor store public hearing will be held on December 2nd, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.

Mark Maki: Maki had several issues to address the Council about. The first was an update on the airport training he recently attended. This training focused on funding and financing options for airports. Maki learned that our Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) needs to be updated and submitted by December 10, 2004 in order to be included in the next fiscal year’s grant cycle. He has asked Storlie to contact Airport Manager Loren Hovila, representatives from the Bigfork Flying Club, and representatives from The Bergquist Company in order to set up a meeting to review what needs to be done at the airport in the near future. An inspection of our airport was recently done and Maki is awaiting the results of that. These results will inform us of any safety issues that will need to be addressed such as height and distance from runway of brush, height of grass, etc.

Maki’s second item was the city house. He questioned the Council as to what they would like done as far as heat, water service, the moisture problem, and the junk pile in the front yard. The Council felt that the house should be heated, and that the water service could be shut off and the pipes blown out and winterized in order to avoid any problems with freeze-ups. Zimmer offered to contact the past tenant and set up a time to help haul away the junk pile.

Maki reported that Corky Hastings has offered the use of his backhoe to the City for snow removal purposes at a cost of $50 per hour of actual use. Hastings’ stipulations are that the backhoe be parked indoors when not in use and that Maki be the only person authorized to operate the machine. Zimmer questioned if this would be in conflict with the City’s snow removal contract with Gordy Kinn. Maki stated that it would not since the contract with Kinn spells out specific roads and areas for him to plow. The backhoe will mainly be used to remove piles of snow on the intersections of Main Avenue until such time as the State can get the windrows completely removed. Zimmer questioned who would be responsible for liability, maintenance, etc. Maki stated this would all be spelled out in a written agreement with Hastings. Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Tendrup to have a written contract drawn up reflecting the cost and maintenance/liability agreement, to have Shaw review the agreement, and to authorize the Clerk and Mayor to execute the agreement upon Shaw’s approval of the same, MCU.

Maki reported that the septic tank on the Cedar Street lot has been properly abandoned.

The plugged sewer service line at the Wanner house is being repaired by Casper Construction. They have not yet applied for a new connection permit, however they are relocating the service line as the City recommended. Maki asked for approval of a permit for this project. Motion by Lexvold, seconded by Tendrup to approve the connection, MCU.

North Itasca Electric Operation Round-Up: Storlie reported that North Itasca Electric is starting a program in which bills will be rounded up to the next highest dollar amount. The excess money will be used for a trust to fund community grants. Zimmer did not think that City of Bigfork organizations and residents would be eligible for any grants through this new program since they are not in the North Itasca Electric Service Area. Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Tendrup to opt-out of the Operation Round-Up program, MCU.

Canvassing and Certification of 2004 General Election Results: Storlie read the results of the 2004 General Election as follows:

For the office of Mayor, Amy Tendrup received 137 votes. There were 14 write-in votes including three each for Lonnie Kacon and Paul Gustafson, two each for Richard Salmi and Karen Campbell, and one each for Lawrence Swanlund, Susie Schmickle, David Waters and Chet Cook. Amy Tendrup is the winner of this office.

For the four-year Council seat, Richard Salmi received 122 votes. There were 22 write-in votes including nine for Mike Stevens, eight for Lonnie Kacon, and one each for Chet Cook, Ann McGarry, Kevin Peterson, Glen Unger and Paul Gustafson. Richard Salmi is the winner of this seat.

For the two two-year Council seats, Robert Zimmer received 116 votes and Amy Pifher received 126 votes. There were 20 write-in votes including ten for Chet Cook, two for Lonnie Kacon, and one each for David Waters, Mike Bakke, Robert David, Billy Jo Pitzen, Amy Tendrup, Orbin Holt, Paul Gustafson and Ann Collins. Robert Zimmer and Amy Pifher are the winners of these seats.

On Election Day, there were 191 registered voters. Twenty-five new voters registered on Election Day. A total of 185 ballots were cast by mail for a 96.86 percent voter turnout.

Motion by Lexvold, seconded by Zimmer to approve and certify the results of the 2004 General Election, MCU.

Land Use Permit: The Council received an application from Cheryl White to move a trailer house onto the lot located at 111 Ash Street. Kacon questioned if this lot already had a residence on it. Storlie stated that it did, but that our current zoning ordinance did not prohibit this. Zimmer questioned if they had applied for water and sewer connection for this trailer. Storlie stated that they had not and Tendrup stated that she was under the impression that the trailer was being moved onto the lot for storage purposes only. The Council asked Storlie to remind them that a separate application for water/sewer connection would need to be made if they wish to have those services to the new trailer. Motion by Tendrup, seconded by Lexvold to approve the land use permit, MCU.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Zimmer questioned Maki about the flags at the Cemetery that had been taken down. Maki was not the one to remove them and has been unable to find anyone who knows about them. He will continue to ask around about them.

Zimmer stated that the entrance lights over the side door of the Fire Hall are not working. Maki will check on this.

Maki reported that the red public works truck would be moving soon. We are waiting for return of the executed title before the winning bidder is allowed to pick it up.

There being no further business, Mayor Kacon adjourned the meeting at 8:23 p.m. and announced that a closed meeting would be held immediately for a performance review for Police Chief Jon Babcock.

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 September 2004

3 12:55 lockout 3 13:31 two vehicle crash no injuries 3 15:18 illegal possession of tobacco 3 19:35 criminal sexual conduct 5 12:38 mail box damage 6 15:40 dog bite 10 18:20 execute search warrant 15 13:58 lockout 21 10:41 burglary business/ forced 22 12:58 theft/ home 25 12:49 burglary/home 28 10:09 furnish tobacco/minor 28 17:34 child custody dispute 29 12:45 disorderly conduct 29 12:55 assault/5th degree 30 22:33 public assist

Bigfork Police Department Police Report October 2004

1 22:50 minor consume 1 23:19 D.W.I. 4th degree 2 01:30 illegal possession of tobacco/juvenile 8 13:15 possession of marijuana 10 10:00 one vehicle/property damage crash 11 22:02 minor consume alcohol and drive/open bottle 11 22:15 minor consume/probation violation/transport I.J.C. 15 08:40 sale of controlled substance 15 15:51 lockout 15 16:15 abandoned vehicle 15 16”53 atl/welfare check 16 22:38 barking dog 18 11:30 theft from business 20 05:01 ambulance call 20 22:10 atl/welfare check 21 21:46 domestic argument 28 14:47 ambulance call

Appendix B

Public Works Department Report October 11, 2004 – November 8, 2004

§ 2nd Discharge treatment ponds § contact MPCA about sample handling for City, problems continue on tie of sample to time of testing § assess problem sewer service line for private service with League of MN Cities, City Engineer and City Attorney § install air pump at airport § year end mowing § 3 outside lights at Pic, ends burnt off § camera several lines, grease build-up § cement in lines by Bank § remove beaver dam Ottum Ave § contact DNR for permit, beaver trapped out § changed 3 water meters and remotes § many Gopher One locates § abandoned septic tank, City Lot B § pumped permangenate tank at treatment plant § cut brush several areas of community § hauled planters off Main Ave § attend 2 school, 1 water/wastewater, 1 airport § remove insulating jackets, 2 filters, water treatment plant § Powell lift station control out, repair contact clean and replace § wax floors at Pic § repair drain at Pic § pick up roadway § blow out dirt from valve boxes