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02-13-1979 CCMMINUTES REGULAR MEETING - HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1979 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Black called the meeting to order at 7`:30 P.M., with the following members present: Aldermen Westlund, Peterson, Gruenhagen and Huntwork, in addition to Mayor Black. Absent: None. Also present faere: Administrative Assistant Plotz, City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe and City Attorney Schantzen. 2. INVOCATION The invocation was given by the Reverend John H. Longley of the First Congregational United Church of Christ. 3. MINUTES The minutes of the Regular Meeting dated January 23, 1979 and Special Meeting dated February 5, 1979 were approved upon motion by Alderman Peterson, seconded by Alder- man Huntwork, and unanimously cafried. 4. PUBLIC HEARING - 8:00 P.M. (a) CONSIDERING THE ISSUANCE OF "ON -SALE" INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSE TO LUZ CAMPA, JR., OWNER OF THE LA CASA DE CAMPA (FORMERLY THE CHALET SUPPER CLUB) Mayor Black called the public hearing to order at 8:00 P.M. and read Publica- tion No. 2138, Notice of Public Hearing. He then asked if there was anyone present wishing to be heard. Mr. Luz Campa, Jr. informed the Council that a closing date of March 1, 1979 had been set. The chhrter of incorporation has been completed and a manager, Dahlia Clifton (his sister), will be living in Hutchinson by that date. Alderman Westlund made the motion to close the hearing at 8:05 P.M. Seconded by Alderman Peterson, the motion unanimously carried. Alderman Gruenhagen moved that the application be approved and an intoxicat- ing liquor license be issued, contingent upon a manager living in Hutchinson by March 1, 1979, the proper fee received, and consummation of closing. The motion was secondeid by Alderman Peterson and unanimously carried. (b) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST BY CABLE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM, INC. FOR: 1.) CABLE RATE CHANGE 2.) UPDATE OF FRANCHISE CONTRACT s Council Minutes February 13, 1979 Publication No. 2139, Notice of Public Hearing, was read by Mayor Black. Mr. Hubertus Sarrazin appeared and presented material on the proposed rate change and franchise update. The Minnesota Cable Board has issued new rules within the State of Minnesota which require the present franchise to be amended. He further commented that additional service will be available in Hutchinson by the middle of March, and the new rate will take effect when it is in oper- ation. City Attorney Schantzen was asked for legal counsel regarding the amended fran- chise, and he reported the changes are strictly "housekeeping" to comply with the State requirements. The motion was made by Alderman Westlund to close the hearing. Seconded by Alderman Huntwork, the motion unanimously carried. It was moved by Alderman Peterson to approve the cable rate change and fran- chise update, seconded by Alderman Westlund, and unanimously carried. 5. COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS (a) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO PURCHASE PORTABLE RADIO FOR FIRE INSPECTION DEPT. Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund to approve the purchase of a portable radio for the Fire Inspection Department in the amount of $2,256 from Motorola Communications. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huntwork, and unanimously carried. (b) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST BY RALPH NEUMANN TO ATTEND MANAGEMENT SEMINAR FEBRUARY 21-22, 1979 Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen and unanimously carried, to approve the request for Ralph Neumann to attend the Management Seminar. 6. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES (a) ORDINANCE NO. 1/79 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 464 CONCERNING ZONING REGULATIONS IN THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON AND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP (MCLEOD COUNTY FAIR BOARD) After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund to waive second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 574 entitled An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 464 Concerning Zoning Regulations In the City of Hutchinson and the Official Zon- ing Map (McLeod County Fair Board). Seconded by Alderman Huntwork, the motion unanimously carried. -2- Council Minutes February 13, 1979 (b) ORDINANCE NO. 2/79 - AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE UTILITY EASEMENTS ON LOTS 12 THROUGH 19 OF BLOCK ONE AND LOTS 1 THROUGH 11 OF BLOCK 2 AND ROLLING OAKS LANE AND SERVICE DRIVE, ALL IN ROLLING OAKS THIRD ADDITION After discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Westlund to waive second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 575 entitled An Ordinance to Vacate Utility Easements on Lots 12 through 19 of Block One and Lots 1 through 11 of Block 2 And Rolling Oaks Lane And Service Drive, All In Rolling Oaks Third Addition. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huntwork and unanimously carried. (c) RESOLUTION NO. 6279 - RESOLUTION ADOPTING POSITION CLASSIFICATION ASSIGNMENT TABLE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 7, 1979 Following discussion, Alderman Peterson made the motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6279 entitled Resolution Adopting Position Classifica- tion Assignment Table Effective January 7, 1979. Seconded by Alderman West- lund, the motion unanimously carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (a) MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT - DECEMBER 1978 There being no discussion, the report was ordered by the Mayor to be received for filing. (b) BUILDING OFFICIAL'S MONTHLY REPORT - JANUARY 1979 There being no discussion, the report was ordered by the Mayor to be received for filing. (c) MINUTES OF HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS DATED NOVEMBER 21, 1978 AND DECEMBER 19, 1978 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be received for filing. (d) MINUTES OF BURNS MANOR MUNICIPAL NURSING HOME DATED JANUARY 18, 1979 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be received for filing. 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (a) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT SUBMITTED BY DUMAX, INC. WITH UNFAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION (DEFERRED JANUARY 23, 1979) -3- Council Minutes February 13, 1979 After the Council members had been asked for comments, the discussion was opened to the public. Attorney Bill Haas reported he was representing Mr. Jim Paulsen. He had re- viewed the documents submitted by DuMax. He further commented on the objec- tion of his client. The ordinance has not been complied with by DuMax show- ing development has been planned so it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; also, not in harmony with existing development. There was no breakdown of school age children, adults and family. The development would adversely affect the value of the property around it. He did not see any open air rec- reation uses in this situation. Mr. Haas commented he did not understand the term "density." He referred to page 73, paragraph 3-e and page 75, paragraph K -5-d of the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Haas also made reference to the creation of traffic congestion. Attorney Kerry Olson responded that if density is the issue, they are willing to negotiate a density that would be agreeable. He would not want to repeat what had already been said before at the previous Council meeting. Alderman Huntwork reported on the decision of the Planning Commission and that it was their opinion the Commission had a discretionary authority. It was their conclusion it was not in the best interest of the community to approve the PUD. Alderman Westlund drew attention to the letter enclosed in the Council packet for this evening's meeting and commented the number of units had been reduced from 34 to 28. The Planning Commission had felt that without the PUD this was too dense. City Engineer Priebe reported there is enough land to make 13 lots to allow two unit structures on each lot and meet full lot requirements for R-2 zoning. Under R-2 zoning, there could be 13 duplexes. PUD would be required if they were built like the Stoney Point units. Attorney Olson requested to change the application to a maximum of 26 units. Alderman Huntwork commented the change in number of units was not the point, but rather the type of building being put up. Attorney Olson commented on the double ownership vs. the single ownership. Attorney Haas asked if the Planning Commission had considered the traffic in the area in relation to the City. David Skaar (970 Goebel Circle) commented that the Planning Commission took time and effort to go over the plans and determined it was not in the best interest of the area involved for this type of unit to be constructed. City Engineer Priebe asked if DuMax was still considering a mixed size of buildings or just reducing the total number. Mr. Duane Dickey stated he would be willing to drop the 4 -unit townhouse for just a concept of 13 two -unit townhouses. -4- Council Minutes February 13, 1979 Rev. John Longley stated there are no neighbors who feel it would enhance the community to have the townhouses in the area. These units will devalue the property in the area. Mr. Dale A. Smith (700 Goebel Street) commented he had lived in the neighbor- hood 10 years. He wanted to know when it was rezoned. Mayor Black responded the rezoning took place on January 14, 1975 at the time the new City Zoning Ordinance was adopted. The area was previously zoned R-1 (single and two-family). Today the single and two-family are called R-2. The only change was in the number assigned to the classification. The density allowed under the old zoning was greater than it is now under R-2. Attorney Olson commented that with the true townhouse concept, the ownership would be only the ground under the building. Attorney Haas corrected that the house itself and the ground under it would be owned by the owner and the rest would be community owned. Roger Laabs (725 Goebel Street) asked if there is a need for the developer to provide proof of ability to finance before he can build to ensure the contrac- tor will be able to complete the project. Attorney Olson repsonded that financing proof has been provided. Mr. Duane Dickey commented he has built several buildings in Hutchinson and has no financial problem and good credit. Attorney Haas asked if the buildings would be changed or would they all be the same. Mr. Dickey reported there would be some changes in the buildings on the exterior. Mr. Roger Laabs asked if the townhouse concept had been tried in a small com- munity, and if so, how had it gone over. Most of the proposed developments have been along freeways and highways in larger areas. Mr. Dickey responded this is a new idea for small communities, but 50% of new construction in the Minneapolis area is the townhouse concept. He further com- mented he has studied the ordinance and feels the neighbors have a right to be cautious, but he assured them it would not depreciate the property in the area. The units will sell at approximately $60,000 for each unit or $120,000 for the townhouse unit. The concept will go back to the Planning Commission for ap- proval, and he saw this as no problem. The matters under question will be worked out at that time. -5- Council Minutes February 13, 1979 Attorney Haas stated he interprets the ordinance that proof has to be pro- vided that the units will not cheapen the value of the surrounding property. He would like to see such proof. Attorney Olson commented the only proof provided was the plans presented. Mr. Dickey and assistants checked the homes to determine assessed values and resident sales in the last year and multiplied them out. The cost of these homes will be higher than more than one-half of the homes in the area. Mr. Darwin Calusen (710 Goebel Street) asked for clarification on the value of the homes in the area. Mayor Black commented that in the last several weeks he had examined the documents and felt the developer had fulfilled the obligations and require- ments of the ordinance which permits this type of development. If there are conditions in the ordinance that should be changed, it is subject to change. The Council has no basis for denying tentative approval of the application. The conditions have been met, and it is his judgment that the basic conditions of the ordinance have been complied with and there is no bais for denying approval. Alderman Huntwork expressed a different point of view. There are different interests and conflicting interest. These matters are to be determined by the Board and the decision of the Planning Commission is an important one and it is in their discretion to state it is notin the interest of the neighbor- hood. Alderman Westlund commented that the Planning Commission did not have all the facts that are available to the Council with the reduction of units to 26. The fact that there is no need for a PUD may not have any bearing on the Planning Commission because the same number of people would be in the area. Alderman Peterson asked for the reasons why the request had been turned down. Alderman Huntwork made the motion to reject the request. There being no second, the motion died. Alderman Westlund moved to refer the matter back to the Planning Commission for further recommendation. The motion was not valid so it died. Mayor Black pointed out that if no decision is made, a complaint can be filed after 20 days. The Council must either approve or disapprove or it will go to the court for resolution. If no decision is made, it may go to court. The Chair made the motion to give tentative approval by written resolution with reduced density of 26 units and two -unit townhouses only and refer it Council Minutes February 13, 1979 back to the Planning Commission for final detail approval. The motion was seconded by Alderman Peterson. Alderman Westlund, Peterson and Mayor Black voted yes; Alderman Hutnwork voted no, and Alderman Gruenhagen abstained from voting. Mr. Haas took objection against Mayor Black's interpretation of Alderman Westlund's motion. He then asked if the minutes would reflect that the ac- tion taken was as directed on tentative approval. (b) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BOND FUNDING FOR HUTCHINSON MALL BY DEVELOPERS DIVERSIFIED Mr. John McGill of Developers Diversified appeared before the Council and made reference to past information given at the previous meeting. He then presented photographs of shopping centers in other areas which were built by his company. Alderman Westlund questioned whether this is the type of project the City should issue industrial revenue bonds to. It is in opposition to the down- town development project since this shopping center would be in competition with the downtown area. He understood the shopping center would be built with private funds and wondered why Developers Diversified was now asking for fi- nancing through bonds. Mr. McGill answered that, as pointed out at the last meeting, the increase in costs has gone higher than anticipated for the project. Mayor Black commented that industrial revenue bonds have been used on two oc- casions for assistance of development of activities in effect "free standing" (non- competitive) with other activities in the community. If the request was ac- cepted, these facilities would be placed at an advantage over the other retail facilities in the community using private capital for their development. In using the good name and credit rating of the City to give one facility a com- petitive advantage over another is not proper for the City to do. It was dis- cussed at the last meeting that this project is competitive with the downtown project. He would, therefore, not be favorable to this type of project. He further commented that the City did not stand in the way of the development of the shopping center on Highway 15, but it would not assist or help in the project either. His recommendation would be to tentatively deny the request for industrial revenue bond financing. However, if the developer would be in- clined to use a part of the savings to assist in the downtown area, the Council would reconsider the bond. He stated they are open-ended and have nothing spe- cific in mind. Mr. McGill inquired what would be expected of Developers Diversified regarding downtown development. To utilize the industrial revenue bond, it would be -7- Council Minutes February 13, 1979 difficult to develop two projects in the same area, and it would go beyond the $10 million limit if work was done on both projects. They could, how- ever, assist with expertise necessary to put the project together and help with completion, but not go through completion. He further commented that shopping centers are dictated by the consumers, and Highway 15 is a good lo- cation. Developers Diversified does not intend to put up only one-half a project if the industrial revenue bonds are rejected, and every effort will be made to do a good job. Mayor Black asked if Developers Diversified would consider relocating some of their project to the downtown area and cut back on the shopping mall. Mr. McGill responded that the national tenant "draws" bring in business for the small shops in a mall. The economics of the project would not work to scale it down. There would be no income to make it feasible if some of the tenants were relocated downtown. When asked if Developers Diversified would be willing to assist on the down- town proposal, Mr. McGill answered "yes." Alderman Westlund commented that when the first industrial revenue bond was issued to Hutchinson Industrial Corporation, there was no guideline for its use. He felt there is now a need to determine a position statement on indus- trial revenue bonds, and this should be done before any further action is taken. Mr. Milton Lueneburg remarked he was surprised Developers Diversified had other plans than first class for Hutchinson if the industrial revenue bond is not granted. He stated he was on the City Council when Hutchinson Indus- trial Corporation applied for bond financing. He had contacted all the former Council members who were on the Council at the time industrial revenue bonds were issued as to their intent for issuing bonds. It was not their intent to give financing to private business outside the downtown area. Mr. Lueneburg stated there is a need to determine some guidelines for issuing bonds. Ted Beatty didn't feel there is room in Hutchinson for both a shopping mall and downtown development. Joe Wesley remarked that when the industrial revenue bond is considered, one needs to think about the benefits for the City. Some other type of industry or business might be better for the City than a shopping mall. Earl Fitzloff stated that if industrial revenue bonds are available for retail, perhaps the local scene should be looked at first. The people of Hutchinson would favor it being used on a local level. Mayor Black commented he had received correspondence from consumers in the Council Minutes February 13, 1979 last few weeks who are interested in this type of development being encouraged. It would be his recommendation the request for industrial revenue bonds be denied but that the door be left open for re -consideration if an arrangement could be worked out for financial assistance on the downtown development with the developer. It was moved by Alderman Westlund to deny the issuance of an industrial revenue bond to Developers Diversified, contingent upon reconsideration if financial assistance (investment) by Developers Diversified is made to accomplish down- town development objectives. Seconded by Alderman Peterson, the motion car- ried, with Aldermen Huntwork and Gruenhagen voting no and Aldermen Peterson and Westlund, and Mayor Black voting yes. Mr. McGill inquired when the Downtown Development District Advisory Board meetings are held. Mayor Black instructed him to contact Administrative Assis- tant Plotz and Consultant Simonowicz to determine a meeting date. 9. NEW BUSINESS (a) CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION FOR SNOW REMOVAL PERMIT BY TRAILS END, INC. Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Huntwork and unanimously carried, to approve the application for a snow removal permit for Trails End, Inc. (b) CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION FOR LICENSE TO SELL CIGARETTES AT RETAIL SUBMITTED BY LUZ CAMPA, JR. After discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Westlund to approve the application and issue a cigarette license to Luz Campa, Jr. The motion was seconded by Alderman Peterson and unanimously carried. (c) CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION FOR "ON -SALE" NON -INTOXICATING MALT LIQUOR LICENSE SUBMITTED BY LUZ CAMPA, JR. Following discussion, Alderman Gruenhagen made the motion to approve the ap- plication and issue an'bn-Sale" Non -Intoxicating Malt Liquor License to Luz Campa, Jr., contingent upon proper payment being received. Seconded by Alder- man Huntwork, the motion unanimously carried. (d) CONSIDERATION OF COMPENSATORY TIME POLICY After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund to approve the Compensa- tory Time Policy and waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6280 entitled Reso- lution Amending Section 8 of City Personnel Policy (Overtime Pay). The motion was seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen and unanimously carried. ISO Council Minutes February 13, 1979 (e) CONSIDERATION OF SERVICE CONTRACT WITH INFILCO DEGREMONT, INC. FOR WATER PLANT EQUIPMENT City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe reported this is an on-going serv- ice contract for specialized equipment and requires expertise in this area. Infilco Degremont, Inc. is a company well qualified to service the water plant equipment. It was moved by Alderman Peterson that with the recommendation of the City Engineer, to enter into a service contract with Infilco Degremont, Inc. The motion was seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen and unanimously carried. (f) CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION FOR "ON -SALE" NON -INTOXICATING MALT LIQUOR LICENSE BY ELKS LODGE NO. 2427 FOR GRAND PRIX SNOWMOBILE RACES ON FEBRUARY 17-18, 1979 After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Peterson, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen and unanimously carried, to approve the application and issue an "On -Sale" Non -Intoxicating Malt Liquor License to the Elks Lodge No. 2427. (g) CONSIDERATION OF PURCHASE OF 1979 PICK-UP TRUCK BY HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Gruenhagen to approve the purchase of a 1979 pick-up truck with a plow from Trails End, Inc. in the amount of $4,740.00 for the Hutchinson Community Hospital. Seconded by Alderman Peterson, the motion unanimously carried. (h) PRESENTATION BY JON GEISS REGARDING FINANCING FOR PLANT EXPANSION AT HUTCH- INSON INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION Mr. Jon Geiss, President of Hutchinson Industrial Corporation, appeared be- fore the Council and introduced Mr. Robert Sanders of Juran & Moody and At- torney Richard Solum of the firm of Henson & Efron in Minneapolis. Mr. Geiss referred to his presentation on future expansion plans at the April 25, 1978 Council meeting and the Council's indication of willingness to assist Hutchinson Industrial Corporation with funding. Due to the $5 million limi- tation on industrial revenue bonds, they had decided to proceed with the Farm- ers Home Administration Guaranteed Business Loan Program. However, with the recent change in tax laws and the increase to $10 million for industrial reve- nue bond capital spending, Hutchinson Industrial decided to request approval from the City for a bond. Mr. Sanders reported that his firm had reviewed the bond material and proposed -10- Council Minutes February 13, 1979 resolution and found the project to be financially feasible. Either bonds or notes would be marketable. City Attorney Schantzen also reported he found everything to be financially feasible and sound. Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the resolution and accompanying documents and to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6281 entitled Resolution Reciting A Proposal for A Industrial Development Project and Giving Preliminary Ap- proval to the Project Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes and Authorizing the Sub- mission of An Application for Approval of Said Project to the Commissioner of Securities of the State of Minnesota and Authorizing the Preparation of Necessary Documents and Related Matters In Connection with Said Project. Seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, the motion unanimously carried. (i) CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF AIRPORT CUSTODIAN After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Peterson, seconded by Alderman Huntwork and unanimously carried, to approve the employment of Arnold A. Luthens as airport custodian on weekends, effective February 10, 1979. (j) CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION OF DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD TO RESCIND ALTERNATIVE PLAN C-1 AND TO ADOPT PLAN A-1 The Downtown Development Advisory Board held a meeting at noon today. It was determined from the commercial site cost analysis that Site A (West of Main Street) was more economically feasible than Site C (East of Main Street. It is therefore, the recommendation of the Advisory Board to rescind adoption of the Plan C-1 and adopt Plan A-1 as the site for the downtown development in Hutchinson. Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Westlund that with the recommendation of the Downtown Development District Advisory Board to rescind Alternative Plan C-1 and adopt Plan A-1 for downtown development. Seconded by Alderman Huntwork, the motion unanimously carried. Mayor Black commented that one site has finally been selected for the down- town development. However, unless the entire business community is behind it, there is no chance that the development will be successful. He pointed out that considerable sums of money have been spent on the study for the downtown development, and the City Council would not approve any plan that was not sup- ported by the downtown business community. (k) CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION OF DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD TO ADOPT INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BOND POSITION STATEMENT -11- £ Council Minutes February 13, 1979 Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman Gruenhagen to table this matter until a future Council meeting. The motion was seconded by Alder- man Huntwork and unanimously carried. (1) CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION OF DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD TO ESTABLISH A TIME SCHEDULE WITH A & P GROUP It was the recommendation of the Downtown Development District Advisory Board to establish a two-week time schedule for the A & P Group to develop a schedule for the downtown development at Site A-1. After discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Westlund to adopt Resolution No. 6282 directing the A & P Group to develop a schedule for the downtown development. Seconded by Alderman Huntwork, the motion unanimously carried. 10. MISCELLANEOUS (a) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CLERK -ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Administrative Assistant Plotz reported on the public meeting held February 12, 1979 regarding airport development. Mr. Westly Hendrickson of T.K.D.A. presented three alternative crossway alignments which had been suggested by the Airport Commission. The Airport Commission will be meeting to select a crosswind runway option and make recommendation to the Council. Mr. Plotz informed the Council of the progress on the LAWCON Grant. Hutchin- son has been reconsidered so it will be necessary to provide appraisals of property for the park land. A meeting was held last week with the property owners involved, and the appraisal report will be sent to the LAWCON people. It was recently called to Mr. Plotz' attention that another sanitation hauler was hauling refuse within the City limits. He was advised by letter that the City ordinance states a permit is required and is against the law inasmuch as the City has a contract with Junker Sanitation for refuse hauling. Mr. Plotz made mention of the Department Head meeting scheduled for February 22 and suggested the Council could meet with Steve Cook, Federal Shade Tree Representative, following the meeting. Consultant Clarence Simonowicz would like to meet with the Council regarding a study on project priorities that he and Mr. Plotz had prepared. This meet- ing is scheduled for 7:30 A.M. on February 21, 1979. A resolution was adopted at the last Council meeting declaring February 26 through March 2 as Minnesota Cities Week by Governor Quie. In conjunction with this week, tours are being planned for various City buildings. More information will be available at a later date. -12- Council Minutes February 13, 1979 (b) COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR Mayor Black commented that the League of Cities has undertaken the project of Minnesota Cities Week, and he volunteered that the City of Hutchinson would participate by conducting a tour on Tuesday, February 27, 1979. The City Council will be asked to participate. The Annual League of Minnesota Cities Legislative Conference will be held March 1, 1979 in St. Paul. Senator John Bernhagen and Representative Adolph Kvam have been invited to the reception and dinner with the Mayor and Council members. Reservations need to be made soon so commitments of which Council- men will attend are needed. With the resignation of Mrs. Rod Keith from the Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Mayor Black appointed Mrs. Walter (Mildred) Nelson to fill the unexpired term to August, 1979, and asked for Council ratification. It was moved by Alderman Westlund to ratify the appointment of Mrs. Walter Nelson to the Housing & Redevelopment Authority. Seconded by Alderman Hunt - work, the motion carried unanimously. (c) COMMUNICATIONS FROM ALDERMAN WESTLUND Alderman Westlund inquired if consideration had been given to reducing bus service during the slow period. Both Alderman Gruenhagen and Personnel Coordinator Sitz informed Mr. Westlund that the use of the bus is cut down during the summer months. The shuttle service requires the use of two buses, especially during certain hours of the day. (d) COMMUNICATIONS FROM ALDERMAN GRUENHAGEN Alderman Gruenhagen reported there are two new apartment buildings on Echo Drive requesting service for refuse pick-up from Junker Sanitation. 11. CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS (a) VERIFIED CLAIMS It was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen and unani- mously carried, to approve the verified claims and authorize payment from the appropriate funds. 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was ad- journed at 10:37 P.M. upon motion by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruen- hagen, and unanimously carried. -13-