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

City of Bigfork

Regular Meeting October 9, 2007

Members Present: Mayor Amy Tendrup, Richard Salmi and Jean Lexvold Absent: Linda Koppelmann Also Present: City Engineer Julie Kennedy, Steve Johnson, Gene Ward, Public Works Superintendent Chuck Almhjeld, Gus David, Warren & Caroline Welch, Mike Stevens, Mike Bakke, Police Chief Jon Babcock, Police Officer Pat Richards, and Dave Schminkey

Mayor Tendrup called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Public Forum: Tendrup asked anyone wishing to address the Council to do so at this time. Salmi addressed the Council with concerns about the cracked sidewalk and protruding curb stop in front of the Over 50 Club. A number of people have tripped and fallen. Public Works Superintendent Chuck Almhjeld will look into this.

Motion to approve the agenda by Lexvold, seconded by Salmi, motion carried unanimously (MCU).

Consent Agenda #1- approval of the minutes of the September 14th regular City Council meeting and September 20th City Council and Budget Committee Work Session #2- approval of the Police Report for September 2007 #3- approval of the City Clerk’s Office Report for September 2007 #4- approval of the Financial Report for September 2007 #5- approval of the Public Works Department report for September 2007 #6- approval of the annual performance review of Public Works Superintendent Chuck Almhjeld #7- confirmation of the hire of David Schminkey as Casual Maintenance Laborer and Patrick Richards as Police Officer #8- approval of the Claims Paid in the amount of $15,352.24 including the September 14th and 28th payrolls and to approve the Claims for Payment in the amount of $13,844.82. Motion by Tendrup to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Lexvold, MCU. Copies of documentation relating to any consent agenda item are available at the City Clerk’s office.

Commissioners' Reports: Airport Commissioner Salmi reported a new windsock is up at the airport and the runway looks good. He would like to see a chemical used to kill the trees that are coming back up where the brushing was done at the end of the runway. Almhjeld will look into this. Water/Wastewater Commissioner Kacon reported that a meeting was held at Bergquist about the mound system and City Engineer Julie Kennedy would be updating the Council on this. Kacon also reported that the main lift station generator was hit by lightening and the insurance company will pay for the repairs. Almhjeld added that the pumps are beyond repair and asked permission to order two new ones. Motion to allow Almhjeld to order the pumps needed by Lexvold, seconded by Salmi, MCU.

Steve Johnson - Experimental Aircraft Association: Steve Johnson introduced himself as the president of the EAA Chapter 1446 of Bigfork. He stated that the group is looking for opportunities to be a part of the community and they would like a space at the Bigfork Airport for a meeting facility and possibly a hangar. The group has sixteen members so far and they are looking forward to providing aviation opportunities to the community. The Council felt this was a great idea but had some concerns about airport zoning regulations. It was determined that Johnson would meet with Salmi and Kacon to review the airport zoning ordinance and the layout of the hangar lots. A motion was made by Tendrup and seconded by Salmi to allow the EAA Chapter to have a space at the airport contingent upon approval of the plan by the City Attorney, Kacon and Salmi, MCU. Johnson thanked the Council for their consideration.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Julie Kennedy: Kennedy reported that the soil scientist had completed his report on the airport site and the Council was provided a copy of the report. The soil will support a flow of 750 gallons per day. Another 250 gallons of capacity per day can be obtained from the existing system with proper rehabilitation. Representatives from Bergquist report that they do not anticipate exceeding 550 gallons per day. Kennedy stated that the Council must now decide how to proceed. A new mound system would only support the airport and Bergquist with no possibility of hooking up any future developments. The cost of a new mound system should be weighed against the cost of using the existing tanks as holding tanks and pumping them out on a regular basis with the intention of eventually extending the municipal sewer system from the City out to the airport. Kennedy's recommendation to the Council was to authorize her to draw up the proposed costs of each facet of the situation for the November meeting. Motion to authorize this by Salmi, seconded by Tendrup, MCU.

Kennedy reviewed that the Council needs to set another work session to discus water and sewer rates. She explained that there are inconsistencies with pumping rates, usage and calibration of pumps that need to be looked into before viable rates can be set. A work session was set for Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.

Kennedy's final item was an easement for the water line running parallel to Cedar Street that services three properties. Due to the number of houses serviced by it, the line is considered a main and the City needs to document easement for it. Motion by Lexvold to direct Kennedy to have the line surveyed and draw up a legal description for City Attorney Andy Shaw to process easements with, seconded by Tendrup, MCU.

Ordinance #137: This ordinance grants a franchise to Northwest Gas. Storlie explained that the Council considered and passed this ordinance at the last meeting but had failed to determine a length of the franchise granted. Shaw had recommended ten years. Motion to set the agreement length at ten years and to approve the ordinance by Tendrup, seconded by Salmi, MCU. Motion to approve the summary for publication by Lexvold, seconded by Tendrup, MCU.

Resolution 2007-20: This resolution is to appoint a person to fill the Council seat vacated by the resignation of Eugene Rajala. A letter of interest was received from Mike Stevens. Motion by Tendrup to pass the resolution appointing Stevens, seconded by Lexvold, MCU. As Stevens had another meeting to attend, he will take his seat at the next meeting.

Ordinance #138: This ordinance establishes a street light utility. Motion to approve Ordinance #138 by Lexvold, seconded by Tendrup, motion carried with Salmi opposing. Motion to approve the summary for publication by Tendrup, seconded by Lexvold, MCU.

Ordinance #139: This ordinance establishes regulations for working in the right-of-way. Motion to approve Ordinance #139 by Tendrup, seconded by Lexvold, MCU. Motion to approve the summary for publication by Tendrup, seconded by Lexvold, MCU.

Ordinance #140: This ordinance amends the Fees and Charges Ordinance to include the new street light fee, right of way permit fees and amended zoning permit application fees as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission. Motion by Lexvold to approve Ordinance #140, seconded by Tendrup, MCU.

Ordinance #141: This ordinance establishes a system for administrative enforcement of certain violations. Motion by Lexvold to approve Ordinance #141, seconded by Tendrup, MCU. Motion to approve the summary for publication by Tendrup, seconded by Lexvold, MCU. Resolution 2007-21 sets the fee for an administrative fine. Police Chief Jon Babcock recommended a few additions to the list that had been compiled. Motion by Lexvold to approve Resolution 2007-21 with additions noted by Babcock, seconded by Tendrup, MCU.

Ordinance #142: This ordinance restricts the taking of wild game (other than in an area zoned Agriculture) and the discharge of firearms/dangerous weapons within City limits. Motion to approve Ordinance #142 by Lexvold, seconded by Salmi, MCU.

Ordinance #143: This ordinance prohibits parking on school property in a way that violates school policy/rules. Motion by Tendrup, seconded by Lexvold to approve Ordinance #143, MCU.

Ordinance #144: This ordinance prohibits the use of City of Bigfork or privately-owned trash receptacles for the dumping of household or excessive garbage. Motion to approve Ordinance #144 by Salmi, seconded by Lexvold, MCU.

Schedule Meeting for Union Negotiations: A closed meeting of the Council for union negotiations was set for Tuesday October 23rd at 7:00 p.m., immediately following the work session.

NEW BUSINESS:

Correction of terms of office: After Salmi's inquiry at the last Council meeting, Storlie found that all Council seats are to be four-year terms and City Attorney Andy Shaw recommended that the two-year term currently held by Linda Koppelmann be extended to a four-year term to get the City in compliance with state statute. Motion by Tendrup to follow statutory guidelines regarding City Council terms of office, seconded by Lexvold, MCU.

Public Works Department Training: The Public Works Department is requesting that Water/Wastewater/Maintenance Assistant Joe Zimmer be allowed to attend water training in November and that Public Works Superintendent Chuck Almhjeld be allowed to attend supervisor training in December. Tendrup made a motion to approve both trainings, seconded by Lexvold, MCU.

Educational Pay Increase: Zimmer has obtained his wastewater license and the City Council has previously granted a one dollar per hour wage increase for licenses earned. Motion by Tendrup to grant the increase as of the date Zimmer passed the license exam, seconded by Lexvold, MCU.

Application of MN Cold Weather Rule: Storlie reported that Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule places some restrictions on the City's ability to disconnect certain water services between October 15th and April 15th. She stated that it has been the practice of the City in the past to simply not do shut-offs during that time. The Council has proven a desire to adhere strictly to ordinances and statues and Storlie questioned if she should amend the delinquent account notices to allow the City to continue disconnecting for nonpayment during the cold weather months. Motion by Lexvold to follow the process of the Cold Weather Rule for service disconnections, seconded by Salmi, MCU.

Planning & Zoning Commission Recommendation: As requested by the City Council, the Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the cost of operating City Hall and the rental charges. They made a recommendation to increase the fees for daily rental of the Hall and for group users of the Hall. Salmi made a motion to approve the rates as recommended, seconded by Lexvold, MCU.

Minnesota Rural Water Training: The Council received notice of free training put on by Minnesota Rural Water on water system planning and management. Storlie will register any Council person who is interested in attending.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Babcock provided the Council with information on tasers and express his interest in purchasing two for the Police Department. Both he and Police Officer Pat Richards attested to the safety benefits of having tasers. Motion by Lexvold to allow the purchase of two tasers and the required training, seconded by Salmi, MCU.

Babcock asked about the condition of Cedar Street where sewer repairs were made earlier in the year and Almhjeld reported that Itasca County would be patching the area this fall.

Mayor Tendrup adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m.

Angie Storlie City Clerk/Treasurer

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.