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12-28-1976 CCMMINUTES REGULAR MEETING - HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1976 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Black called the meeting to order at 7:40 P.M. with the following members present: Aldermen Westlund, B. Peterson, Haag, and K. Peterson in addition to Mayor Black. Members absent were: none. Also present were: City Engineer Priebe, Community Development Director Pauley, and City Attorney Schantzen. Alderman K. Peterson left the meeting at 9:20 P.M. 2. INVOCATION The invocation was given by the Reverend Darrel F. Thalmann of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. 3. MINUTES On motion by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Haag, the minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 14, 1976 with amendment, Special Meeting of December 14, 1976, and Special Meeting of December 28, 1976 were unani- mously approved. 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS None 5. COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS (a) REQUEST OF MR. JOHN KRUSE, REPRESENTATIVE OF LUCE LINE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE LUCE LINE TRAIL Messrs. John Kruse of Hutchinson and Arthur Bohlsen of Clara City ap- peared before the Council regarding the Luce Line Trail. They feel the City is not benefiting from the Trail and requested the Council to pass a resolution opposing the Trail. Mr. Bohlsen remarked that the state has not kept up the property along the Trail, thus creating problems for the farmers. Weeds have sprung up and grown into their adjoining fields. Mayor Black presented a brief review of events when the Luce Line Trail was first opened. He further commented that the City is working in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources with respect to the Trail passing through the City. Alderman Westlund pointed out that he was on the Council when the Trail e�l Council Minutes, December 28, 1976 was first opened, and their feeling then was that the City would not oppose the Trail as long as they could go through the City. He still feels the same way. Alderman Haag raised the question if weeds were the main concern for opposing the Trail. Mr. Kruse replied that he is opposed to the fact that the Trail runs through their land. He feels the land should be put back to use by the farmers whose land adjoins the Trail. Mr. Bohlsen said he is looking to the future of cleaning up the land. There is nothing scenic about the Trail, and where will the money come from for the additional parcels of land needed. Mayor Black expressed his opinion that the idea of the Trail is good, and residents have expressed support of the Trail to him personally. There is a need for urban people to have an outlet such as the Trail provides. He would like to see it have a fair chance to succeed since in the long run it would be of great benefit to a large number of peo- ple. Mayor Black would, therefore, like to go on record as in support of the development of the Trail and not in favor of the proposed reso- lution. Alderman K. Peterson stated that she would not use the Trail personally but would be in favor of a mutual arrangement between the Trail users and the farmers. Her main concern is what happens to the Trail from city limit to city limit. As long as there is a Trail, she wants to see control kept over what happens to it. It was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Haag, to deny the request for a resolution in opposition to the Luce Line Trail. The motion carried unanimously. 6. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES (a) RESOLUTION NO. 5822 - AUTHORIZATION TO REQUEST AND OBTAIN FROM MINNE- SOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEEDED TRAFFIC COUNTS ON CITY MSA STREET After discussion, it was moved by Alderman B. Peterson, seconded by Alderman Haag, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5822 entitled Authorization to Request and Obtain from Minnesota Department of Trans- portation Needed Traffic Counts on City MSA Street. Motion carried unanimously. (b) RESOLUTION NO. 5820 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF A PRE - APPLICATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT -2- Council Minutes, December 28, 1976 Community Development Director Pauley gave a brief report and described the nature of the project which will start in the fall of 1977 for the duration of one year. The proposed funding is for $300,000. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alder- man B. Peterson, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5820 entitled Resolution Authorizing the Filing of a Pre -Application for Community Development Block Grant. Motion carried unanimously. (c) RESOLUTION NO. 5848 - DESIGNATING DEPOSITORIES OF CITY FUNDS IN COMMERCIAL BANKS After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5848 entitled Des- ignation of Depositories. Motion carried unanimously. (d) RESOLUTION NO. 5849 - DESIGNATING DEPOSITORIES OF CITY FUNDS IN SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5849 entitled Designation of Depository of City Funds First State Federal Savings and Loan Association. Motion carried unanimously. (e) RESOLUTION NO. 5850 - DESIGNATING OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5850 entitled Designating Official Newspaper. Motion carried unanimously. (f) RESOLUTION NO. 5851 - APPOINTING CITY OFFICERS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 1977 After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5851 entitled Appointing City Officers 1977. Motion carried unanimously. (g) RESOLUTION NO. 5852 - APPOINTING LEGAL COUNSEL After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5852 entitled Appointing Legal Counsel. Motion carried unanimously. (h) RESOLUTION NO. 5853 - ENTERING AGREEMENT WITH CROW RIVER REGIONAL LIBRARY FOR CALENDAR YEAR 1977 After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alder- man B. Peterson, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5853 entitled Entering Agreement with Crow River Regional Library for Calendar Year 1977. Motion carried unanimously. -3- Council Minutes, December 28, 1976 (i) RESOLUTION NO. 5854 - AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE TRANSPOR- TATION DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SERVICES After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5854 entitled Agreement with the State Transportation Department to Provide Engin- eering and Technical Services. Motion carried unanimously. (j) RESOLUTION NO. 5855 - AUTHORIZING MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPOR- TATION TO ACT AS AGENT FOR THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alderman B. Peterson, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5855 entitled Minnesota Department of Transportation Agency Agreement. Motion car- ried unanimously. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (a) MINUTES OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR REGULAR MEET- ING OF NOVEMBER 18, 1976 AND SPECIAL MEETING OF DECEMBER 9, 1976 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor received for filing. (b) MINUTES OF HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION FOR REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 16, 1976 AND SPECIAL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 23, 1976 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor received for filing. 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (a) CONSIDERATION OF PETITION FOR ANNEXATION WITH FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION: (DEFERRED FROM NOVEMBER 23, 1976 MEETING) 1. KABLE FURNITURE 2. RICHARD LARSON CONSTRUCTION CO. 3. VELVET COACH In addition to the three above names, petitions for annexation have been received from five property owners and Clifford and Gene Betker of Clifton Heights. Mayor Black also reported that he has received two letters which were unfavorable of annexation. Mr. Roman Haas presented a petition to the Council with 38 signatures, representing 21 property owners, opposing the annexation of Clifton Heights. Mayor Black commented that one of the letters he received referred to 11M Council Minutes, December 28, 1976 some remarks that he had made at the open meeting on December 2, 1976. He expressed no personal feelings regarding annexation of Clifton Heights and felt good judgment would have to be used in this situation where the residents are split 50-50 for annexation. Mayor Black fur- ther pointed out that Clifton Heights fits the Orderly Annexation Law. He stated that some of the residents are missing out on benefits and feels that the area should be annexed into the city. Although the area has not paid city taxes, it is enjoying the benefits of the city. Alderman K. Peterson asked what the recommendation of the Planning Com- mission is for the whole area. Community Development Director Pauley responded by stating that the Planning Commission favors Clifton Heights being brought into the city by Orderly Annexation upon recommendation of staff. City Engineer Priebe pointed out on a map the area to be included in the annexation and showed that Clifton Heights would become an island among those interested in becoming annexed. Alderman K. Peterson expressed her opinion that if the majority of the people are against annexation, it should not be forced upon them. How- ever, she felt it was inevitable it will happen. Alderman Westlund questioned if four parcels along the highway could be taken into the city without annexing the whole area. City Engineer Priebe explained that a portion of those wishing to be annexed could be taken in, but the Minnesota Municipal Commission might question that type of annexation when it is all urban in char- acter. Alderman Westlund pointed out that his area was annexed a few years ago, and he has been very happy with the results. He doesn't feel that annexation should be forced upon those opposed to it. Alderman Haag concurred with Alderman Westlund and expressed respect for the other people's wishes. It was moved by Alderman K. Peterson, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to recommend to the Minnesota Municipal Commission those commercial properties, as well as abutting residential properties, requesting annexation and to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5869 entitled Request for Annexation. Motion carried unanimously. It was further agreed that the 7 -Hi Motel would be taken into the city by Orderly Annexation inasmuch as its property abuts that of the pro- perties requesting annexation. -5- Council Minutes, December 28, 1976 (b) CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION OF BIDS FOR: (DEFERRED FROM DECEMBER 14, 1976 MEETING) 1. VAN/BUS 2. TWO-WAY RADIO SYSTEM 1) After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman K. Peterson, to accept the bid of Plowman's for $12,095 with a 90 -day delivery to purchase a new van/bus for Burns Manor Nursing Home. Motion carried unanimously. 2) Mayor Black remarked that a letter had been sent to Mr. John DuBois, a communications consulting engineer, to seek his pro- fessional expertise regarding the specifications and bids for a two-way radio system. He then reported on the response that had been received from Mr. DuBois. Alderman Westlund raised the question if Mork could still be con- sidered low bidder if the two items which were not in compliance were changed. City Engineer Priebe expressed his concern that this is not the system the city needs. He further recommended that the city either reject all bids and write new specifications or else take more time in reaching a decision. He wondered if the radio range was not too great for our area. The Mayor reported that Doug Hedin had reviewed the specifications and called upon him for comments. He directed the question to Mr. Hedin as to whether the system under consideration is more or less than what the city needs. Mr. Hedin replied that it depends on what the city wants as to what it should have. He pointed out that the use of a repeater would permit any radio to become a base. This flexibility is missing from the present system. It is his recommendation to add a repeater to the radios. Mr. Gene Lunde of Air Comm, one of the vendors who bid on the two- way radio system, addressed the Council and explained the opera- tion of the two frequency radio. He pointed out that the advan- tage of the two tone system is each section or department does not have to listen to the other one but it can be turned into one system. This system is designed with growth in mind and would last 15 to 20 years. Alderman Westlund suggested that each department head be.asked to submit his particular need and then write new specifications for a radio system. It was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman B. Peter- son, to reject all bids on the two-way radio system. The motion carried unanimously. Council Minutes, December 28, 1976 9. NEW BUSINESS (a) CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF JODELL ANDERBERG AS SECRETARY FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT The Mayor commented that this is a new position which has been created in the Police Department and has been entered into the 1977 budget. It was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman B. Peterson, to approve the employment. Motion passed unanimously. (b) CONSIDERATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT HOME REHABILITATION GRANT APPLICATIONS WITH FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS SUB -COMMITTEE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE Community Development Director Pauley gave a brief report on the grant applications. The first grant is in the amount of $1,067.00, the second grant for $2,104.86, and the third grant for $1,196.73, effective the first of the year. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alderman B. Peterson, to approve the grant applications. Motion passed unani- mously. (c) CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF TWO PART-TIME BUS DRIVERS WITH FAVOR- ABLE RECOMMENDATION OF TRANSPORTATION BOARD: 1. ALLAN SOLSETH 2. RAY FIELD After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Haag, to approve the employment. Motion carried unanimously. (d) CONSIDERATION OF 1977 PUBLIC WORKS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS City Engineer Priebe gave a report on some of.the problems involved with the improvements projects. There will be,a decrease in the total project costs. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlynd, seconded by Alder- man Haag, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5843 entitled Ordering Preparation of Report on 1977 Improvements. Motion passed u-aanimously. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Haag, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5844 entitled Resolution Receiving Report and Calling Hearing on 1977 Improvement Project. A hearing was set for January 25, 1977.,, Motion passed unanimously. -7- Council Minutes, December 28, 1976 City Engineer Priebe presented the following improvement projects for approval of curb and gutter work only: 77-14 77-16 77-20 77-22 77-15 77-17 77-21 It was moved by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alderman B. Peterson, to approve the above mentioned improvement projects and waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5857 through 5863 entitled Resolution Order- ing Improvement and Preparation of Plans., Motion carried unanimously. (e) CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION OF STREET AND PARK DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to approve the employment of: Basil Bell - Street Department Douglas Meier - Street Department (New Position) Floyd Groehler - Park Department (New Position) Motion carried unanimously. (f) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR VARIANCE SUBMITTED BY ELKS CLUB OF HUTCHINSON WITH FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION Mr. Patrick J. Flynn, Attorney for the Elks Club, gave a brief report on the Planning Commission meeting. He pointed out that a variance was the recommendation of the Planning Commission and he was now seeking approval from the Council for the variance for the Elks Club. Mayor Black raised a question on the parking facilities at the Elks Club. He pointed out that the Elks has been aware of inadequate park- ing in that area for some time. A variance is not in keeping with the intent of the Ordinance and only compounds the problem, and he does not feel the City should compromise on this issue. Alderman Westlund commented that he felt the group has contributed to the community and that in the future the Elks Club will be located in the downtown Hutchinson area. He would be in favor of approving the variance. After discussion, Alderman B. Peterson made the motion, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5865 en- titled A Resolution Granting Variance from Section 10.01 of the Zoning Ordinance to Allow the Existence of One Parking Space for Every 137 Square Feet of Floor Space Instead of the Required One Parking Space for Every 75 Square Feet of Floor Space. The motion carried with a four to one vote, with Mayor Black voting in opposition. (g) CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 464 RE. PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS WITH FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION Council Minutes, December 28, 1976 Community Development Director Pauley explained why an amendment should be made to the Zoning Ordinance No. 464 inasmuch as the Planned Develop- ment District provisions presently require a minimum of three acres of contiguous land for a planned development to be approved. This is not possible within the older and developed sections of the city. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to waive first reading of Ordinance No. 26/76 and set second reading for January 11, 1977. (h) CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW FOR REZONING OF LOTS 1-10, BLOCK 1 OF STONEY POINT ADDITION FROM R-1, R-2, AND DESIGNATION OF THE AREA AS A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT BY ELDRED MILLER WITH FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION Mr. John Korngiebel of Korngiebel Architects presented drawings of the proposed units to be built on School Road. The planned unit would include 22 townhouses. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman K. Peterson, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5866 entitled A Resolution Granting Conditional Use Permit Under Section 8.10 of the Zoning Ordinance to Allow for the Designation of a Planned Development District. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman K. Peterson, to waive first reading of Ordinance No. 28/76 and set second reading for January 11, 1977. Motion carried unanimously. (i) CONSIDERATION OF PRELIMINARY PLAT LOREN'S SECOND ADDITION WITH FAVOR- ABLE RECOMMENDATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alder- man B. Peterson, to approve the Preliminary Plat. Motion carried unani- mously. (j) CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 464 RE. CONDITIONAL USE REQUIREMENT FOR COMMERCIAL DISTRICT WITH FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION Community Development Director Pauley explained that the present ordi- nance is restrictive in respect to the maintenance of residential properties. If these amendments are approved, all types of residential uses would be permitted in all four commercial zones as conditional permitted uses. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to waive first reading of Ordinance No. 27/76 and set second reading for January 11, 1977. Motion carried unanimously. Coun`gil Minutes, December 28, 1976 (k) CONSIDERATION OF FINAL PLAT HUTCHINSON INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION SECOND ADDItTON WITH FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman B. Peterson, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5867 entitled Resolution Giving Approval of Final Plat Hutchinson Industrial Corporation Second Addition. Motion carried unanimously. (1) CONSIDERATION OF FINAL PLAT SCHRAMM'S ADDITION WITH FAVORABLE RECOM- MENDATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION City Engineer Priebe presented a drawing of the area under consider- ation. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman B. Peterson, seconded by Alderman Haag, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5868 entitled Resolution Giving Approval of Final Plat of Schramm's Addition. Motion carried unanimously. (m) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST OF MR. JIM KELLY, GENERAL MANAGER OF HANDS, INC., REGARDING BUS SERVICE FOR PLANT EMPLOYEES Mr. Jim Kelly of Hands, Inc. appeared before the Council and asked if the Council was aware of the policy recently set by the Transportation Board regarding the Hands employees. Mayor Black then called upon Dan Huntwork, Chairman of the Transpor- tation Board, to give a report. Mr. Huntwork explained that the hours of the shifts for Hands employees are in conflict with the bus system and were not written into the program. He further commented that the usage of Dial -A -Ride has gone beyond expectations and projected expenses. Community Development Director Pauley remarked that he and Dorothy Braun, Manager/Dispatcher of the Transportation System, had spent considerable time trying to work out a way to give Hands service. Their shifts are set at hours that make it impossible for the city to provide bus service. Mr. Pauley continued to point out that with present provisions and pro- jected provisions, we are over budget. Alderman Westlund commented that Mr. Kelly had been unofficially told the service would be provided for Hands and that the Council was un- aware of any commitments made to Hands for bus service. Alderman B. Peterson then asked Mr. Kelly when Hands was told they would be provided service. He was not aware of any such promises. Mr. Kelly gave a report of events from May, 1976 to present, giving him the impression that Hands would be included in the transit system service. He further stated that Hands would even be willing to pay the salary for a morning and evening bus driver, with board approval. -10- Council Minutes, December 28, 1976 Chairman Huntwork remarked that the person writing the plan did not have the numbers and hours involved in mind when he considered ser- vice for Hands. Mr. Kelly expressed a concern to know as soon as possible whether or not the city plans to provide bus service for Hands employees so he can act accordingly. Alderman Westlund commented that the Transportation Board and its Chairman were not aware of previous commitments made to Hands and any letters that existed. Alderman Haag raised a question as to what alternative was given to Hands. He recalled a conversation that Hands would be included at some time but was not aware of any commitments made or letters sent. Mayor Black asked Mr. Huntwork what goals for service were established by the Transportation Committee when it was studying a possible transit system for Hutchinson. To this question Mr. Huntwork replied that the goals were: 1. Service for the elderly, 2. Service for the handicapped, and 3. Service for essential social services. In view of the cost for providing service to Hands, Mayor Black did not feel that the city could go ahead at this point. He expressed sincere apologies on behalf of the Council for the misunderstanding between Hands and the bus system. (n) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR SNOW REMOVAL PERMIT APPLICATION FOR ROBERT DUHAMEL After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alderman B. Peterson, to approve the application. Motion carried unanimously. (o) CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF PART-TIME SEASONAL EMPLOYEES: 1. TERRY IVERSON 2. JEFF STAVE 3. VAL GUNDERSON 4. JERRY KRECHOW After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alder- man Haag, to approve the part-time seasonal employees listed above. Motion carried unanimously. (p) CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD BID FOR SAFETY LANES T.H. 15 - PROJECT 76-01 City Engineer Priebe recommended that the bid of Atkinson Blacktop Service, Inc. of Litchfield, Minnesota be accepted for the construc- tion of safety lanes, T.H. 15, City Project 76-01 for a total cost of $68,907.50. -11- Council Minutes, December 28, 1976 After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman B. Peterson, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 5856 entitled Resolution Accepting Bid City Project No. 76-01 State Project No. S.P. 4304-28. Motion carried unanimously. 10. MISCELLANEOUS (a) COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR Mayor Black commented on the fact that the City of Hutchinson signa- ture plates carry two signatures, namely that of Mayor and City Clerk. He has checked with several banks to determine how this matter should be handled. ',If the City Council would adopt a resolution directing the bank to honor the two names on the signature plate until notified otherwise, all checks issued by the City of Hutchinson would be honored. It was moved by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to adopt Resolution No. 5864 entitled Authorizing the Signatures on Signature Plate. Motion carried unanimously. It was reported by Mayor Black that the house being rented by the Vietnamese family will go on the tax roll the first of the year. It had been removed from the tax roll when it was previously vacated. The taxes will amount to approximately $500 per year. The rent re- ceived will cover this amount, but the Mayor suggested that a nominal rent increase be made from $50 to $75 per month. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to increase the rent to $75 per month on a temporary basis. Motion carried unanimously. A Seminar for new Council members will be held on Saturday, January 29, 1977, and information will be available from the Mayor for anyone wish- ing to attend. With the closing of ore fiscal year and the beginning of another, the Mayor pointed out that a salary schedule needs to be determined. A 7-8% cost of living increase has occurred during the past year, and the Mayor suggested a straight -across-the-board increase for the em- ployees. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alder- man Haag, to give city employees an 8% cost of living increase effec- tive the beginning of the first new pay period in the fiscal year of 1977. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Black mentioned that it may be necessary to hold a special meet- ing of the Council for the purpose of closing out the bills for the end of fiscal year 1976. -12- Council Minutes, December 28, 1976 (b) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY ATTORNEY SCHANTZEN City Attorney Schantzen reported that there has been a problem with the bonds for the hospital. A resolution will need to be passed to authorize the Assistant City Clerk to sign the bonds. It was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman B. Peterson, to adopt Resolution No. 5871 authorizing Joleen Runke as Assistant City Clerk to sign the bonds for the hospital. Motion carried unani- mously. (c) COMMUNICATIONS FROM ALDERMAN WESTLUND Alderman Westlund made reference to Resolution No. 5809 regarding the hockey arena and adopted by the City Council on November 23, 1976, and asked if any response had been received from the school district. He will check into the matter. (d) COMMUNICATIONS FROM ALDERMAN HAAG Alderman Haag reported that there are two renters at the airport who are in arrears on their rent. The Airport Commission would like per- mission from the Council to turn these bills over to the City Attorney. Upon motion by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alderman B. Peterson, it was moved that the two delinquent bills at the airport be submitted to the City Attorney for collection. Motion carried unanimously. Alderman Haag also commented that bills for airport rent are to be paid at the beginning of the month instead of at the end of the month as in the past. A statement will be sent to all renters informing them of such policy. Alderman Haag also reported that the bids received for dictation equip- ment by the Hutchinson Community Hospital were rejected. 11. CLAIMS. APPROPRIATIONS, AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS (a) VERIFIED CLAIMS A motion was made by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Haag, to approve the verified claims and authorize payment from the appropriate funds. Motion passed unanimously. 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:43 P.M. on motion by Alderman Haag, seconded by Alder- man B. Peterson. Motion carried unanimously. -13-