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04-14-2009 CCMMINUTES REGULAR MEETING – HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2009 CALL TO ORDER – 5:30 P.M. 1. Mayor Cook called the meeting to order. Members present were Jim Haugen, Bill Arndt, Eric Yost and Chad Czmowski. Others present were Gary Plotz, City Administrator, Kent Exner, City Engineer, and Marc Sebora, City Attorney. INVOCATION 2. – Rev. Kaye Brandt of Vineyard United Methodist Church delivered the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS 4. MINUTES 5. (a)REGULARMEETING OF MARCH 24, 2009 Motion by Haugen, second by Czmowski, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA 6. (Purpose: only for items requiring Council approval by external entities that would otherwise have been delegated to the City Administrator. Traditionally, items are not discussed.) (a) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 1. FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT FOR MARCH 2009 2. HUTCHINSON PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES FROM JANUARY 26, 2009 3. PARKS, RECREATION, COMMUNITY EDUCATION BOARD MINUTES FROM MARCH 2, 2009 (b) RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES 1. RESOLUTION NO. 13554 – RESOLUTION APPROVING THE DECERTIFICATION OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT #12 OF THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON 2. RESOLUTION NO. 13555 - RESOLUTION REVOKING MUNICIPAL STATE AID STREET (MCLEOD AVENUE/SIXTH AVENUE) 3. ORDINANCE NO. 09-0525 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALLY-OWNED REAL PROPERTY TO HUTCHINSON HEALTH CARE (SECOND READING AND ADOPTION) 4. ORDINANCE NO. 09-0526 – AN ORDINANCE REZONING ENERGY PARK PROPERTY FROM R- 1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO I-1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL) SUBMITTED BY THE HUTCHINSON EDA AND HACKBARTHS (SECOND READING AND ADOPTION) 5. ORDINANCE NO. 09-0527 – AN ORDINANCE REZONING 900 HWY 7 WEST FROM C-4 (FRINGE COMMERCIAL) TO I-1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL) FOR INDUSTRIAL USE REQUESTED BY TOM DAGGETT, PROPERTY OWNER (SECOND READING AND ADOPTION) 6. ORDINANCE NO. 09-0528 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 154.071 OF THE CITY CODE ADDING PERMITTED USES TO THE GATEWAY DISTRICT (SECOND READING AND ADOPTION) CITY COUNCIL MINUTES –APRIL 14, 2009 (c) ON-SALE 3.2 MALT LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS . HUTCHINSON HUSKIES BASEBALL ASSOCIATION SKY VENTURES (PIZZA HUT) (d)OFF-SALE 3.2 MALT LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS COBORN’S INC – CASHWISE SPEEDWAY SUPERAMERICA ERICKSON’S DIVERSIFIED CORPORATION (ECONO FOODS) CATTOOR OIL COMPANY – SINCLAIR GAS STATION WALMART SUPERCENTER (e) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SHORT-TERM GAMBLING LICENSE FOR MINNESOTA GOOD SAM CLUB ON MAY 23, 2009 (f) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF PARADE PERMIT FOR UNITED STATES POLICE CANINE ASSOCIATION ON JULY 20, 2009 (g) CITY OF HUTCHINSON WEB PAGE STATISTICS SUMMARY (h) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENSE FOR SUSTAINABLE FARMING ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA ON AUGUST 15, 2009 (i) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF TRANSIENT MERCHANT LICENSE FOR BETTY JODZIO TO OPERATE A HOT DOG AND BEVERAGE CART IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY (j) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF PARADE PERMIT FOR FOUNDATION FOR CHALLENGED CHILDREN ON MAY 16, 2009 (k) REAPPOINTMENT OF YVONNE JOHNSON AND ROGER VACEK TO THE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD TO APRIL 2012 (l) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CHANGE ORDERS - CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 – LETTING NO. 1, PROJECT NO. 08-05 (2008 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM PHASE 2) - CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 – LETTING NO. 2, PROJECT NO. 08-02A (NORTHEAST TRUNK STORM SEWER PHASE 2) th (m) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVALS AND PERMITS FOR THE 67 ANNUAL HUTCHINSON JAYCEE WATER CARNIVAL FOR JUNE 15 – 21, 2009 (n) CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS Item 6(b)2 will be pulled and discussed separately with the public hearing scheduled for tonight. Motion by Arndt, second by Haugen, to approve consent agenda with the exception of Item 6(b)2. Motion carried unanimously. OTHER Bruce Kimmel, Ehlers & Associates, presented before the Council. Mr. Kimmel explained that Ehlers has been having some discussions with staff in reference to refinancing bonding projects. Mr. Kimmel asked for the Council’s consent to pre-sale water/sewer debt bonds due to the favorable market. If approved, Ehlers will come forth at the next Council meeting with the pre-sale reports. Two refinancing opportunities 2 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES –APRIL 14, 2009 are available pertaining to debt related to the hospital as well. The Council consented to moving forth with looking at the available refinancing options. PUBLIC HEARINGS – 6:00 P.M. 7. (a)PUBLIC HEARING FOR 2009 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM PHASE 2 – LETTING NO. 4, TH PROJECT NO. 09-04 (ELM STREET & 10 AVENUE) – CONSIDER ORDERING IMPROVEMENT, APPROVING PLANS & SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Kent Exner, City Engineer, presented before the Council. Mr. Exner explained that this project is for roadway rehabilitation and utility infrastructure installations by construction of lateral storm sewer, drain tile installations, lateral watermain, lateral sanitary sewer, surface reclamation, grading, aggregate base, concrete curb and gutter, bituminous base, bituminous surfacing, landscaping, street lighting, restoration and thth appurtenances on Elm Street (from McLeod Avenue to North High Drive) and 10 Avenue NE (from 11 Avenue to Maple Street). The estimated total project cost is $992,000. The estimated total assessment for a typical city lot is $3100. If approved, bids for the project will be opened on May 12, 2009. Mayor Cook asked if assessments could be deferred for up to one year if a property owner is unemployed. Marc Sebora, City Attorney, noted that there is no statutory provision that allows for deferred assessments due to economic hardship. Kent Exner noted that one objection to the project was received by the Engineering Department. Roger O’Malley, 106 North High Drive, presented before the Council. Mr. O’Malley inquired as to whether or not there will be a tile available for sump pumps. Mr. Exner explained that a 4” drain tile will be put in place near the curb stop that can be utilized for sump pump discharge. th Barb Otte, 105 10 Avenue, presented before the Council. Ms. Otte asked that staff look at the curbs where standing water is to determine which curbs should be replaced. Mr. Exner noted that staff does take those opportunities when available. Motion by Haugen, second by Czmowski, to close public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Exner addressed the resident’s concern over the project being done on Elm Street, at which she operates an in-home daycare. Mr. Exner noted that typically these projects do not cause too much interruption overall. Motion by Haugen, second by Cook, to order improvement, approve plans & specifications and order advertisement for bids on Letting No. 4, Project No. 09-04. Motion carried unanimously. (b)PUBLIC HEARING FOR 2009 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM – PHASE 1 – LETTING NO. 3, PROJECT NO. 09-03 (314 COLLEGE AVENUE NE) – CONSIDER ORDERING IMPROVEMENT Kent Exner, City Engineer, noted that 314 College Avenue is a landlocked parcel fronting on an alley that th Avenue NE and College Street NE. Since this parcel does not directly front a city street, connects to both 6 but still benefits from the assessments provided by both of the before-mentioned streets, City staff has th determined that this property should be assessed for the improvements to 6 Avenue NE within the 2009 pavement management program Phase 1 project. This property was not assessed for the improvements to College Street in 2008. Motion by Arndt, second by Haugen, to close public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Arndt, second by Haugen, to order improvement on Letting No. 3, Project No. 09-03. Motion carried unanimously. (c) ASSESSMENT HEARING FOR SA-5090 – 2009 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM – PHASE 1 TH – LETTING NO. 3, PROJECT NO. 09-03 (MCLEOD AVENUE & 6 AVENUE) – CONSIDER ADOPTING ASSESSMENT, ACCEPTING BID & AWARDING CONTRACT 3 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES –APRIL 14, 2009 Kent Exner, City Engineer, presented before the Council. Mr. Exner noted that William Mueller & Sons, Inc. submitted the apparent low bid in the amount of $758,470.26. The total bid amount includes the TH 15/Main Street trail improvements at a cost of $150,895.96. This project includes sidewalk construction thth along TH 15 (from 5 Avenue NE to North High Drive), sidewalk construction on Bluff Street NE (from 5 th Avenue to 6 Avenue) and wetland mitigation area construction by roadway rehabilitation and utility infrastructure installations by construction of lateral storm sewer, drain tile installations, lateral watermain, lateral sanitary sewer, surface reclamation, grading, aggregate base, concrete curb and gutter, bituminous base, bituminous/concrete surfacing, sidewalks/trails, landscaping, street lighting, restoration and th appurtenances on McLeod Avenue NE (from TH 15 to Prospect Street) and 6 Avenue NE (from Prospect Street to Bluff Street). Mr. Exner clarified that the trails being considered will be enforced the same way sidewalk usage is enforced. th Mr. Exner also spoke about McLeod/6 being a state aid street. Staff is asking that the Council consider revoking the municipal state aid street designation, which can then revoke the truck route designation. Signage could be placed on this route for a length of time indicating that the route is no longer a truck route. Mr. Exner noted that an objection to the trail construction and truck route designation was received. A total th of 10 city trees on McLeod/6 Avenue will need to be removed. Jan Conner, 95 McLeod Avenue, presented before the Council. Ms. Conner noted that she was the individual objecting to the trail construction. Ms. Conner noted concerns for the properties at the corner of TH 15/McLeod Avenue with the construction of the trail due to their small lot size. Ms. Conner has th concerns with the trail being constructed on the south half of McLeod/6 Avenue. Ms. Conner submitted a th petition signed by 20 property owners who are opposed to the sidewalk/trail construction on McLeod/6 Avenue. th Mr. Exner spoke about the benefits of constructing a sidewalk/trail on McLeod/6 Avenue and some of the inaccurate information that was presented to the residents when asked to sign the petition. Discussion was held regarding appropriate sidewalk/trail width. Greg Moran, 595 Prospect Street, asked about snow removal on the sidewalk. Mr. Exner explained that per city ordinance property owners are required to maintain a four foot wide corridor on sidewalks/trails that run parallel/adjacent to their property. However, he reminded residents that the city does establish trail routes where snow is removed by the city on a priority-based level. Motion by Arndt, second by Cook, to close public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Cook noted that he has received comments regarding this project due to the uncertainty of HTI and the EDA federal grant that was applied for for the industrial park. Because of these issues, Mayor Cook suggested holding off on moving forward with this project for a couple of weeks until after HTI is scheduled to make an announcement about their future. Mayor Cook also suggested holding off on construction of the trail on Hwy 15 to save bonding costs as well. He would like to wait to hear about the HTI situation and then, dependent on the announcement that is due, perhaps defer this project to 2010. Motion by Czmowski, second by Haugen, to adopt assessment, accept bid and award contract to William Mueller & Sons, Inc., on Letting No. 3, Project No. 09-03. This includes construction of the trail on Hwy 15. Haugen asked about holding off on the construction of the trail on Hwy 15. Mr. Exner noted that if this piece of the project is pulled separately, the cost of construction could perhaps be double of what was bid in conjunction with the entire project. Mayor Cook also spoke about the Gopher Campfire Sanctuary Road improvement project as well. Roll call vote was taken: Haugen – aye; Arndt – aye; Yost – aye; Czmowski – aye; Cook – nay. Motion carried 4 to 1. (d) PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PETITION FOR ANNEXATION BY ORDINANCE REQUESTED BY MCLEOD COUNTY TO ANNEX 5.97 ACRES INTO THE CITY FROM HASSAN TH AVENUE SE VALLEY TOWNSHIP LOCATED AT 1105 5 4 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES –APRIL 14, 2009 Rebecca Bowers, Planning/Zoning/Building Director, presented before the Council. Ms. Bowers explained that this property is west of Warrior Manufacturing and east of Hazardous Waste. The need for the annexation is for future expansion of the solid waste facility in the future as well as development of the industrial park as the new north/south road is planned to be constructed along the east property line of the th site from 5 Avenue SE. Motion by Arndt, second by Haugen, to close public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Arndt, second by Haugen, to approve annexation requested by McLeod County of 5.97 acres into th the City of Hutchinson from Hassan Valley Township located at 1105 5 Avenue SE (waive first reading and set second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 09-0529 for April 28, 2009). Motion carried unanimously. (e) PUBLIC HEARING FOR GRANTING OF A BUSINSS SUBSIDY AND TO PROVIDE CITIZEN NOTIFICATION PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA INVESTMENT FUND Miles Seppelt, EDA Director, presented before the Council. Mr. Seppelt explained that a new economic development project is happening in the City of Hutchinson – Atomic Crane Corporation. Bruce Kimmel, Ehlers & Associates, presented before the Council. Mr. Kimmel explained that manufacturing companies can tap into conduit bond financing (EDA is conduit issuer through bonding mechanism and approval by the state). There is no recourse libel to the City or the EDA for this type of financing. Mr. Seppelt explained that Atomic Crane Corporation (ACC) is being established in partnership with Hutchinson Manufacturing, Inc. (HMI). HMI currently has expertise and some infrastructure in place for ACC, which has made Hutchinson an attractive place for this new business. Atomic Crane Corporation manufactures massive cranes and associated control boxes and electrical assemblies. ACC will be constructing a 51,000 square foot building on a 3.77 acre site located at 900 Hwy 7 West between the Victorian Inn and Hutchinson Manufacturing. Initial employment at this new facility is estimated to be about 15, ramping up to approximately 65 or 70 by 2012. Average wages will be over $15 per hour. The EDA is proposing the following business subsidies to assist with the project: JOBZ, $400,000 loan at 2% for 7 years from the Minnesota Investment Fund (if grant is approved), $300,000 loan at 2% for 10 years from the Ag & Economic Development board loan program. The State of Georgia is also vying to get Atomic Crane Corporation to locate there. The purpose of offering this assistance to gain ACC is to enhance economic diversity, create high-quality job growth, stabilize the economy and increase the local tax base. Two Resolutions need to be considered by the Council – one to authorize staff to apply to the Minnesota Investment Fund on behalf of Atomic Crane Corporation and the other to authorize the proposed business subsidies for ACC. Motion by Arndt, second by Czmowski, to close public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Czmowski, second by Arndt, to adopt Resolution No. 13553, approving the granting of a business subsidy to Atomic Crane Corporation. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Haugen, second by Arndt, to approve the “Local Government Resolution” for application to the Minnesota Investment Fund. Motion carried unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS 8. (Purpose: to provide Council with information necessary to craft wise policy. Always looking toward the future, not monitoring past) (a) VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL PROJECT UPDATE – TOM KLOSS Tom Kloss, Information Technology Director, presented before the Council. Mr. Kloss reminded the Council that in July 2008 he presented to the Council the estimated costs for implementing a Voice Over IP system. The project is a system that utilizes the City’s existing high speed network infrastructure as a phone 5 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES –APRIL 14, 2009 line. The system takes the place of New Ulm Telecom’s Centrex system and replaces it with the City’s own, internally managed phone system. Mr. Kloss reviewed the numerous benefits with having an internal system. The total one time charges are $238,926.66 with yearly service fees of $45,185.40. The savings over ten years equate to over $500,000. The payback is seen in three years. Jeremy Carter, Finance Director, presented before the Council. Mr. Carter outlined the funding sources identified for this project, which is the capital projects fund. The enterprise funds will be funding the project from their own funds currently used for their phone systems. If the project was delayed one year, best case scenario would be a cost neutral effect. Council Member Arndt raised concern about any adverse effects on public access that is currently provided by New Ulm Telecom. City Attorney Marc Sebora pointed out that the requirement of public access is included in the franchise agreement that New Ulm Telecom holds with the City. Motion by Czmwoski, second by Cook, to move forward with the VOIP project as outlined. Motion carried unanimously. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9. (a) CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 09-0524 - AN ORDINANCE REVISING SECTION 31.20 – ORGANIZATION AND APPOINTMENT (WAIVE FIRST READING AND SET SECOND READING AND ADOPTION – TABLED FROM MARCH 10, 2009) Mayor Cook noted that this ordinance contained language addressing term limits, however excludes the EDA from those provisions. Motion by Yost, second by Cook, to approve this ordinance as revised however remove the language that states “Except for the Economic Development Authority”. Council Member Haugen noted that when this topic first came up, it was noted that the enabling Resolution of the EDA instituted six-year terms as well as compensation for the EDA, with neither provision being in accordance with city ordinance (five-year terms not in excess of ten years only HUC members receive compensation). Council Member Haugen likened this establishment to entering into partnerships such as with the City’s financial advisor and the benefits of such long-term relationships or term limits. Council Member Czmowski stated he feels that EDA Members should serve as long as the City will have them. Council Member Yost noted that an EDA Member could serve potentially 17 years and that appears to be more than adequate. Roll call vote was taken: Haugen – nay; Arndt – nay; Yost – aye; Czmwoski – nay; Cook – aye. Motion failed 3 to 2. Motion by Haugen, second by Arndt, to accept the EDA enabling Resolution as adopted previously. Roll call vote was taken: Haugen – aye; Arndt – aye; Yost – nay; Czmowski – aye; Cook nay. Motion carried 3 to 2. (b) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SETTING COUNCIL WORKSHOPS TO ADDRESS GOVERNANCE PROCESS These workshops being considered are for Council Member training pertaining to Policy Governance. Two four hour sessions have been suggested. Council Member Czmowski suggested having a pre-meeting facilitated by staff prior to meeting/paying the consultant to meet with the Council. City Attorney Marc Sebora and City Administrator Gary Plotz will aid in facilitating this meeting. Motion by Czmowski, second by Cook, to set Council workshop for April 30, 2009, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. to address governance process. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Czmowski, second by Haugen, to table setting Council workshops with Stacy Sjogren until after the April 30, 2009, workshop. Motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS 10. 6 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES –APRIL 14, 2009 (a)REVIEW OF INVOLUNTARY SEVERANCE PROGRAM Brenda Ewing, Human Resources Director, presented before the Council. Ms. Ewing explained that staff has developed an involuntary layoff severance program which includes the following: 1.Two weeks of pay and one day pay for each year of service up to a $5000 maximum combined payout. 2.Payment representing the 35% of the COBRA cost of the current medical and dental insurance premiums for the 9-month period as defined by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Ms. Ewing provided examples of how the involuntary layoff severance would be calculated for individuals with various years of service and the different levels of insurance coverage. Council Member Yost asked about the $5000 maximum. Ms. Ewing correlated this to the $20,000 maximum being offered to the identified retiree-eligible employees and the direction that the Council had given that the involuntary package be less advantageous. Mayor Cook asked about the termination date of June 30, 2009. Gary Plotz, City Administrator, noted that the directors conceded that the termination date should be the same as those voluntarily leaving employment, which is required to be June 30, 2009. The target the City identified to cut was $1million in the 2009-2010 budget cycle. This number is based on the budget reductions being stated by the governor. Mayor Cook felt that there is time to identify further involuntary cuts and perhaps June 30 could be pushed out further. Mr. Plotz noted that management feels it is best to make decisions sooner rather than later in order to be respond to the proposed cuts. An actual reorganization will need to be approved by the Council and if their wish would be to push out any involuntary terminations, that would be their discretion. Ms. Ewing noted that accrued vacation and compensatory time will be paid out in addition to the involuntary program presented. Motion by Yost, second by Cook, to approve involuntary severance program as presented. Motion carried unanimously. (b) DISCUSSION OF CITY ENERGY CONSERVATION EFFORTS AND MEASUREMENTS – JOHN PAULSON, ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST John Paulson, Environmental Specialist, presented before the Council. Mr. Paulson updated the Council on steps staff has taken to decrease energy consumption. Overall, electric usage has declined .25% city-wide. Natural gas usage has declined in a few areas but has increased city-wide by 10%. This is mainly due to more heating degree days. An inventory of all tempered buildings and their HVAC systems is near completion. Staff is also completing energy benchmarking for all city facilities over 5000 square feet. Energy conservation training awareness training will be conducted in the near future for city staff. General discussion was held regarding funding and grants that may be available to continue with energy conservation. Gary Plotz, City Administrator, noted that private firms have contacted the City regarding performing energy audits. Mr. Plotz noted that an independent contractor may be utilized to conduct an audit at the police department to start. (c) DISCUSSION OF PREPARING A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A LOCAL CITY SALES TAX OPTION –STEVE COOK Mayor Cook presented before the Council. Mayor Cook noted that he thought of this as related to the bill in the House being considered for a County sales tax option. However, the bill excludes cities from being able to have local city sales tax options. Mayor Cook noted that the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities and the League of Minnesota Cities have received complaints of the county sales tax with the option being taken from the cities. CGMC has recommended that the City wait on anything until the House considers the bill. The bill still requires voter approval before a local sales tax could be put in place. Mayor Cook clarified that 7 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES –APRIL 14, 2009 the intention of this discussion is just to keep the option open for the city and there are no specific projects slated for use of a local sales tax. (d) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF RESCHEDULING CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP FOR THE WATER/WASTEWATER RATE STUDY PROCESS Kent Exner, City Engineer, presented before the Council. Mr. Exner requested that the workshop set for May 26, 2009, be rescheduled to June 9, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. Motion by Haugen, second by Czmowski, to reschedule the workshop set for May 26, 2009, to June 9, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. to review the water/wastewater rate study process. Motion carried unanimously. (e) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SETTING COUNCIL WORKSHOPS (2010 BUDGET PARAMETERS AND VACANT/NUISANCE HOUSING ORDINANCE) Motion by Czmowski, second by Cook, to set Council budget parameter workshop for May 26, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. and vacant/nuisance housing ordinance for May 12, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Cook noted that a Policy Governance session was set for April 16, 2009, however attendance has been noted to be limited. He suggested postponing this session and at a future session include the school board with this group. GOVERNANCE 11. (Purpose: to assess past organizational performance, develop policy that guides the organization and Council and manage the logistics of the Council. May include monitoring reports, policy development and governance process items.) (a) LIQUOR HUTCH FINANCIAL REPORT FOR MARCH 2009 No action necessary. MISCELLANEOUS 12. Jim Haugen – Council Member Haugen acknowledged Charter School students and Chief Brad Emans for their work in the Moorhead area on the Red River. Mayor Cook also noted that the Moorhead Mayor also sent him a note thanking residents for their help, as well as the help of college students from around the state. It was noted that action was neglected to be taken on Item 6(b)2. Motion by Czmowski, second by Arndt, to adopt Resolution No. 13555. Motion carried unanimously. Exner noted that this Resolution will be forwarded to Mn/DOT and the Commissioner of Public Safety for their consideration. Gary Plotz – Mr. Plotz noted that he was contacted by Casey Stotts, State Fire Marshall’s Office. Mr. Stotts noted that the city should have emergency training on disaster preparedness for the council members. A two-hour training session should be scheduled. This will be considered at a future meeting. Mr. Plotz also mentioned that several department directors have provided year-end reports and, in the past, have provided brief synopses at City Council meetings. Staff is considering providing different reporting mechanisms in the future. Mr. Plotz asked the Council if they would like verbal presentations or if the written reports are satisfactory. Council suggested having two brief reports per meeting throughout the next several meetings. Lastly, Mr. Plotz mentioned the wage freeze currently in place on regular full-time and part-time employees. Mr. Plotz inquired as to whether or not the wage freeze should be put in place on seasonal employees as well. Past practice in the parks department has been to increase the seasonal wages by $.25 - $.50 per hour. Dolf Moon, PRCE Director, noted that the intention is to reduce the seasonal work week in the Parks 8 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES –APRIL 14, 2009 Department from 40 hours to 36 hours per week. Motion by Czmowski, second by Haugen, to allow seasonal employees a wage increase. Motion carried unanimously. Kent Exner – Mr. Exner noted that bids were advertised last week for the Industrial Park improvement project and at least 20+ bid packages have been sent out. Mayor Cook – Mayor Cook noted that one of the house bills being considered was to allow cities to shift the lodging tax money to the general fund. This would take a lot away from the Chamber CVB whom works so hard for these dollars. It has been requested of the City to make a pledge that if this bill is passed, the City would not divert these dollars to the City’s general fund. Marc Sebora will draft a Resolution pledging that these funds not be diverted. Mayor Cook asked about the no parking on the east side of Sunset Street. He asked that Kent Exner look into that. Mayor Cook also asked for an update on the Legacy Act and allocation of funds for trails. Dolf Moon noted that it is still in the works. Discussion was also held regarding crosswalks and motorists failing to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. ADJOURN 13. Motion by Arndt, second by Cook, to adjourn at 9:20 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. 9