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03-09-1982 CCMMINUTES REGULAR MEETING - HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982 1. CALL TO ORDER U The meeting was called to order by Mayor DeMeyer at 7:30 P.M., with the follow- ing present: Alderman Mike Carls, Alderman John Mlinar, Alderman Kenneth Gruen- hagen and Alderman Ted Beatty (arrived at 7:45 P.M.), in addition to Mayor James G. DeMeyer. Absent: None. Also present: City Administrator Gary D. Plotz, City Engineer Marlow V. Priebe, and City Attorney James Schaefer. 2. INVOCATION The invocation was given by the Reverend Keith Duehn of the Bethlehem United Meth- odist Church. 3. MINUTES The minutes of the special meetings of February 9, 1982 and February 16, 1982 were approved as read upon motion by Alderman Carls, seconded by Alderman Mlinar and carried unanimously. The minutes of the regular meeting of February 22, 1982 were approved as read upon motion by Alderman Carls, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen and unanimously carried. 4. PUBLIC HEARING None 5. COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS (a) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR FIRE MARSHAL TO ATTEND INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ARSON INVESTIGATORS ANNUAL MEETING ON MARCH 10, 1982 Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman Carls to grant permission for the Fire Marshal to attend the annual meeting. Seconded by Alderman Mlinar, the motion carried unanimously. (b) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR BUILDING OFFICIAL TO ATTEND MINNESOTA BUILDING OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION MEETING ON MARCH 17, 1982 After discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Gruenhagen, seconded by Alderman Mlinar, to approve the request for the Building Official to attend the Minnesota Building Officials Association Meeting. Motion unanimously carried. 6. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES �a COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 9, 1982 (a) ORDINANCE NO. 2/82 - ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 715:20 OF THE 1974 ORDINANCE CODE OF THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON, ENTITLED "NO PARKING AREAS," BY ADDING SUB- DIVISION NO. 11 THERETO, RELATIVE TO "PARKING, LOCAL REGULATIONS" Objections were expressed by Richard Schmidtbauer and the manager of the apartment building at 215 Echo Circle regarding no parking on one side of the street on Echo Circle. They stated additional parking space was needed for visitors of occupants in the apartment building. It was pointed out that space must be available for fire apparatus to get into the area. Also, cars parked in the Circle create a problem for snow removal. Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman Carls to amend the ordinance to read: "No parking on the north side of Echo Circle straight -of -way from 2:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M. and at any time within the cul de sac." The motion was seconded by Alderman Mlinar and carried unanimously. It was moved by Alderman Carls, seconded by Alderman Mlinar and unanimously carried, to waive the second reading and adopt amended Ordinance No. 644 en- titled Ordinance Amending Section 715:20 of the 1974 Ordinance Code of the City of Hutchinson, Entitled "No Parking Areas," By Adding Subdivision No. 11 Thereto, Relative to "Parking, Local Regulations." (b) RESOLUTION NO. 7085 - RESOLUTION FOR PURCHASE After discussion, Alderman Mlinar moved to waive reading and adopt Resolu- tion No. 7085 entitled Resolution for Purchase. The motion was seconded by Alderman Carls and unanimously carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (a) MONTHLY REPORT OF BUILDING OFFICIAL - FEBRUARY 1982 There being no discussion, the report was ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. (b) MINUTES OF AIRPORT COMMISSION DATED FEBRUARY 17, 1982 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. (c) MINUTES OF SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD DATED FEBRUARY 10, 1982 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. -2- COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 9, 1982 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (a) CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING BID FOR 3/4 TON PICKUP FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Chief Schlueter reported two bids were received on February 16, 1982 for a 3/4 ton pickup. It was the recommendation of the Fire Department to award the bid to the lowest bidder, Swanke Motors, for a total cost of $10,680.94. He further reported that $680.94 would be paid from the rural account and the remainder from the city account. Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Gruenhagen, seconded by Alderman Carls, to award the bid for a 3/4 ton pickup to Swanke Motors. Motion unanimously carried. (b) UPDATE REPORT ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS MEETING BUILDING CODE AND FIRE CODE (DEFERRED FEBRUARY 22, 1982) Fire Marshal Field reported he had completed inspecting another city build- ing and will have reports on the other buildings for the next Council meet- ing. Also, he stated the State Fire Marshal will review the completed in- spections prepared by him for City Hall and the Old Armory. He asked the State Fire Marshal to review these two reports inasmuch as questions had been raised regarding the City Fire Marshal ' -s -interpretation of the fire codes. Building Official Pittman suggested that it might be wise to have a report on:one building at a time, rather than all at one time, inasmuch as there might be a lot of necessary repair within a limited amount of time. Attor- ney Schaefer then suggested that the Fire Marshal and Building Official pre- pare reports on the public buildings first and do the other buildings last. It was moved by Alderman Beatty to defer the report to the next City Council meeting. Seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, the motion carried unanimously. (c) CONSIDERATION OF 1982 IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS: (DEFERRED JANUARY 26, 1982) 1) PROJECTS 82-23 and 82-29 At the February 9, 1982 City Council meeting Alderman Mlinar had requested the City Attorney to determine the number of accesses. required for the Clifton Heights area. The City Attorney reported it was his opinion that it was not mandatory for the City to provide more than one access at this time providing it was in the plan. City Engineer Priebe stated there was long-range planning for the access, and the right-of-way had been provided. Prior to the Clifton Heights area coming into the City, provision for the access was made through basic platting of the Santelman's Addition. At present the undeveloped land is being used for agriculture, and the property owner has not re- quested anything. -3- COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 9, 1982 Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman Carts to delete Projects 82-23 and 82-29 from the list at this time. Seconded by Alderman Mlinar, the motion unanimously carried. 2) PROJECT 82-34 City Engineer Priebe reported this was a state aid project, and the streets would be built to a nine -ton road standard. An unidentified man commented there had been no street maintenance for the last two years, and the traffic on the road had declined. After discussion, Alderman Beatty moved to reject Project 82-34 for 1982 and reconsider it in 1983. The motion was seconded by Alderman Carls and unanimously carried. 3) PROJECT 82-35 City Engineer Priebe commented that in 1981 the major portion of the streets in the area of Lynn Road and Dale Street were completed. The curb and gutter was installed in 1973. This project would provide bituminous surfacing. Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Carls, seconded by Alderman Beatty and carried unanimously, that in view of the cost of the project it be deleted from the project list. 4) PROJECT 82-36 After discussion, Alderman Carls moved to discontinue consideration of Project 82-36 at this time and drop it from the list. Seconded by Ald- erman Mlinar, the motion unanimously carried. 5) PROJECT 82-39 Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman Beatty to reject Project 82-39. The motion was seconded by Alderman Carls and carried unanimously. 6) PROJECT 82-40 Mr. Delbert Crotteau of 406 Monroe Street stated he was opposed to the project because of the cost. He also remarked that his wife had sur- veyed the residents on Monroe and 90% were against the project. Mayor DeMeyer read a copy of the letter received from Shirley Crotteau, dated February 22, 1982. Out of 50 families contacted, 45 families ob- jected to the improvements at this time. There has been little mainten- ance done in this area. 10! COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 9, 1982 Mr. Leslie Smith of 346 Monroe Street stated he also represented the resident at 306 Monroe Street as well as the McLeod County Fair Board. They were all opposed to the project. After discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Mlinar to reject Proj- ect 82-40, 82-43 and 82-44. Seconded by Alderman Carls, the motion unan- imously carried. 7) PROJECT 82-41 City Engineer Priebe reported this is a joint city and county project. Maintenance Operations Director Neumann stated that Second Avenue is one of the roughest and heaviest -traveled streets in town. He felt the proj- ect should be approved. Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Mlinar, to approve Project 82-41. The motion carried, with Aldermen Mlinar, Gruenhagen and Beatty and Mayor DeMeyer voting aye and Alderman Carls voting nay. 8) PROJECT 82-42 City Engineer Priebe stated this project includes sidewalk improvements in the assessment district. The project would go out as far as Lynn Road and Dale Street. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Beatty to approve Project 82-42 for 1982. Seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, the motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 7088 entitled Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Projects 82-41 and 82-42. Motion carried unanimously. (d) CONSIDERATION OF 1982 TREE PLANTING POLICY (DEFERRED DECEMBER 22, 1981) Parks and Recreation Director Ericson reported the tree planting policy had been presented to the Council in December, 1981, and a question came up re- garding trees in subdivisions. The policy was, therefore, referred back to the Tree Board for further study. City Engineer Priebe commented that there were only two subdivision agree- ments during 1981 which included trees under the new policy. The two agree- ments could be amended to concur with the 1982 tree planting policy. Following discussion, Alderman Beatty moved to adopt the 1982 tree planting policy as presented by the Tree Board and amend the two 1981 subdivision agreements to be included in the new plan. Seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, the motion unanimously carried. -5- COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 9, 1982 9. NEW BUSINESS (a) CONSIDERATION OF SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR SWANKE MOTORS, INC. Swanke Motors, Inc. requested a renewal of their special use permit for use of the City boulevard fronting Washington Avenue at the junction of Washing- ton and Adams Street for a one-year period. After discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Carls to approve the re- quest and issue a special use permit to Swanke Motors, Inc. Seconded by Alderman Beatty, the motion carried unanimously. (b) CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION FOR SNOW REMOVAL PERMIT BY BRIAN BLOCK Following discussion, Alderman Gruenhagen moved to approve the application and issue a snow removal permit to Brian Block. The motion was seconded by Alderman Beatty and unanimously carried. (c) CONSIDERATION OF OPTION TO PURCHASE (RUSSELL J. MEADE) City Attorney Schaefer stated that the option to purchase from Russell Meade was a straight forward option in which the property owner was requesting a $500.00 payment for purchase price of the option and $190,000.00 purchase price for the property. Since there had been no appraisal of the property, the price had been set by Mr. Meade. The City Attorney inquired if the Coun- cil wished to set a precedent by paying for an option in negotiating or leave the option at a minimum fee. City Administrator Plotz commented that he and the City Attorney had encoun- tered difficulties in securing signatures of property owners on options with- out prior appraisals. They had not been authorized to secure appraisals on the property. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Beatty to reject the option to purchase and purchase price and to authorize appraisals on future negotia- tions for downtown parking sites. Seconded by Alderman Mlinar, the motion unanimously carried. It was pointed out that not all appraisers are qualified to give appraisals on commercial property. There are only two certified appraisers in the area, and they do not want to perform this type of appraisal. Alderman Beatty moved to authorize the City Administrator and City Attorney to contact and hire a certified appraiser to perform appraisals on the sug- gested parking lot sites. The motion was seconded by Alderman Mlinar and carried, with Aldermen Carls, Mlinar, Gruenhagen and Beatty voting aye and Mayor DeMeyer voting nay. COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 9, 1982 Following further discussion, it was moved by Alderman Gruenhagen that a cap of $1,000.00 City cost be established for the appraisal on the S&L build- ing. Seconded by Alderman Beatty, the motion unanimously carried. Mayor DeMeyer requested that the City Engineer prepare a layout of the pro- posed parking lot sites in the downtown parking district and determine the number of parking spaces available within the lot(s). (d) CONSIDERATION OF MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR SENIOR CENTER Personnel/Transit Coordinator Sitz reported that both the Senior Advisory Board and HRA Board had approved the proposed management plan for the Sen- ior Center. After discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Gruenhagen to approve the management plan for the Senior Center. Seconded by Alderman Beatty, the mo- tion carried unanimously. (e) CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION ON NEW FIRE STATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO VACATE EXISTING FIRE STATION BY MARCH 12, 1982 Mr. John Korngiebel of Korngiebel Architects reported two inspections were made of the new fire station building, and it was recommended that the Coun- cil accept the building. Mr. Todd Schnobrich commented on the remaining uncompleted work on the build- ing. The exterior painting and repair of the roof leak will be done in the spring. It was pointed out that the Firestone Company guarantees the roof on the fire station for a period of 10 years. Also, the block will be sealed with a clear sealer. The interior work is basically completed. Discussion was given to the amount of money withheld in escrow for the gen- eral contractor, and it was determined by the Council that 5% should be with- held on the total contract. It was moved by Alderman Beatty to accept the report and authorize reloca- tion of the fire station and to withhold 5% in escrow on the general contract. Seconded by Alderman Carls, the motion unanimously carried. The motion was made by Alderman Gruenhagen to withhold 5% of the balance due to the mechanical and electrical contractors. Seconded by Alderman Mlinar, the motion carried unanimously. (f) CONSIDERATION OF MONITORING OFF-STREET PARKING LOTS -7- COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 9, 1982 City Administrator Plotz reported that the CETA program had a six-month posi- tion available, and they would be responsible for all payroll and fringe bene- fits. One applicant, Burton Euerle, would be interested in monitoring the City's off-street parking lots for six to eight hours per day. He would be under the supervision of the Police Department. It was the consensus of the Council that a CETA employee could be beneficial in gathering data on the movement of traffic in the city -owned off-street parking lots located between Hassan and Franklin Streets. It was moved by Alderman Carls to approve the monitoring position through the CETA program. The motion was seconded by Alderman Mlinar and carried unani- mously. (g) CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTING APPLICATION AND $1,000 FEE FROM MILLER, MILLER & MAC TO PROCEED WITH INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BOND City Administrator Plotz reported that Miller, Miller & Mac needed preliminary approval from the City Council to proceed with the S&L project. They have, therefore, submitted an application for industrial revenue bonds and the re- quired $1,000.00 fee. A public hearing will be held at a future established date. Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Carls, seconded by Ald- erman Gruenhagen, to approve the application for industrial revenue bonds sub- mitted by Miller, Miller & Mac. Motion unanimously carried. (h) CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING PUBLIC HEARING DATE OF APRIL 13, 1982 FOR AMENDMENT TO TAX INCREMENT PLAN TO ACCOMMODATE DEVELOPMENT OF S&L PROPERTY (PRESENTATION BY BILL FAHEY) Mr. Bill Fahey, financial consultant from Ehlers & Associates, stated he had summarized the proposal for the S&L project submitted by Miller, Miller & Mac. He then presented three options the Council could consider for financing the project cost through tax increment. Mr. Gayle Wick indicated that since the Council intended to amend the tax increment plan, it could be expanded to include other civic projects, ie., upgrading City buildings, addition to the Library, and a new activities build- ing. The City would have a source of funds through the tax increment to do some of the things they wished to accomplish for the community. Mr. Fahey responded that he was awaiting an opinion from the legal counsel as to whether the City could use tax increment financing in this manner. Mrs. Clarice Coston, Executive Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern that if the Council chose Option C, it would affect the funds set aside for the railroad project. She reported the Burlingpon,North- ern Railroad representatives had begin to Hutchinson in December and did a -8- COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 9, 1982 user -by -user survey to determine by early spring the feasibility of upgrad- ing the railroad from Hutchinson to Minneapolis or abandoning it. This would not prove to the railroad that the City was serious about upgrading its track if they altered the funds set aside for this purpose. Mr. Wick continued to raise questions concerning the legality of the 1980 tax increment bond and the 1981 parking bonds. To his inquiry, Mr. Fahey responded that it was the position of his firm that he would no longer deal directly with Mr. Wick, but rather that all legal matters would be handled by the legal field and transferred to the City Attorney. Further, Mr. Fahey stated that in previous private conversation with Mr. Wick reference had been made to possible litigation. Therefore, in the future Mr. Fahey would only respond to questions through the City Council or City Attorney. Mayor DeMeyer informed the Council that he had sought counsel with the State Auditor's Office regarding the tax increment bonds and parking bonds, and the attorneys there showed concern about them. Attorney Schaefer stated this was the first he was aware the State Auditor's Office had been contacted and had any concern. He then remarked that if there was any potential for any litigation, the proper procedure would be to chan- nel questions of Mr. Fahey through the City Attorney or City Council. Then Mr. Fahey would answer the questions. Both Mr. Fahey and Mr. Jerry Gillagan of the Dorsey law firm, who were present at the February 22, 1982 Council meeting, had stated the tax increment plan was in fact legal. There is noth- ing at the present time to indicate otherwise. Following discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to choose Plan A for the S&L redevelopment project/tax increment financing, with the following estimated project cost: Acquisition of Land and Building $160,000.00 Less Land Sale 70,000.00 Net Project Cost 90,000.00 Cost of Issuance 7,000.00 Subtotal 97,000.00 Capitalized Interest 28,000.00 Project Cost to Be Financed 125,000.00 It was moved by Alderman Mlinar to approve Plan A for the financing of the S&L project. Seconded by Alderman Beatty, the motion unanimously carried. COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 9, 1982 (i) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST BY CITIZENS BANK & TRUST CO. FOR SIX PARKING SPACES LIMITED TO 15 -MINUTE PARKING After discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Beatty to refer the request to the Chief of Police for comments. The motion was seconded by Alderman Carls and carried unanimously. (j) CONSIDERATION OF RELOCATION OF RECREATION OFFICES AND MOTOR VEHICLE DEPARTMENT City Administrator Plotz reported there were several locations available for possible rental space to relocate the Recreation offices and Motor Vehicle Department. It was suggested that the City enter into a short-term lease ar- rangement. The second floor of City Hall has two offices that could be used by the Recreation Department. Alderman Beatty moved to relocate the Recreation Offices from the Old Armory to the second floor of City Hall. The motion was seconded by Alderman Gruen- hagen and carried unanimously. It was reported that two locations could be utilized by the Motor Vehicle De- partment. The former recruiting office in the old hotel would rent for $350 per month or $325 per month for a one-year lease. The former Shopper's Guide office located on Washington Avenue East would be available for $325 per month, including heat. Of the two locations, the latter would be a better choice. Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Beatty to relocate the Motor Vehicle Department from the Old Armory basement to the former Shopper's Guide office, with a 6 -month lease and one-month renewal with 30 days notice. Seconded by Alderman Mlinar, the motion unanimously carried. (k) CONSIDERATION OF BOARD OF REVIEW ON MAY 21, 1982 AT 10:00 A.M. The City was notified by the County Assessor that May 21, 1982 at 10:00 A.M. was the date set for the City's Board of Review. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Gruenhagen, seconded by Alderman Beatty, to approve the date of May 21, 1982 at 10:00 A.M. for the Board of Review. Motion carried unanimously. (1) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR 30 -DAY EXTENSION FOR HOSPITAL AUXILIARY THRIFT SHOP AT OLD ARMORY A request was submitted by the Hutchinson Community Hospital for an extension of 30 days to allow the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop to occupy and conduct business in the basement of the Old Armory. An alternative would be a 30 - day extension for storage in the present location. The Thrift Shop has been unable to find another location. -10- COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 9, 1982 After discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Beatty to approve a 30 -day extension for the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop to occupy and conduct busi- ness in the basement of the Old Armory. Seconded by Alderman Mlinar, the motion carried, with Aldermen Carls, Mlinar, Gruenhagen and Beatty voting aye and Mayor DeMeyer voting nay. 10. MISCELLANEOUS (a) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR City Administrator Plotz reported on two legislative bills. The special leg- islation for release of the DNR easements on the bass pond property received favorable approval .from a committee and was scheduled to go to the floor as an attachment to another DNR bill. The proposed landfill sur -charge on non- hazardous waste was deleted from the proposed legislation. Mention was made that the State Auditor, Arne Carlson, would be visiting Hutch- inson on March 16, 1982 at 1:00 P.M. to determine the City's fiscal health profile. He will also hold a press conference at 2:00 P.M. from City Hall. Mr. Plotz reported on appraisals for the LAWCON Parks Grant, S&L property, and Downtown Parking Program. A survey was taken of the Hutchmobile riders to determine whether the City should increase the fares by 100, per ride or reduce the telephone answering service by dispatchers to four hours per day. It was an overwhelming vote by the riders to increase the fare by 10C per ride, and this change in fare will be put into effect. It was pointed out by City Administrator Plotz that the City had not acknowl- edged the many years of service of the former Mayor, Ralph D. Westlund, and Councilman, Milton Lueneburg. It would be in order to adopt a Resolution of Appreciation and present plaques, which the City already has in stock. The motion was made by Alderman Mlinar to acknowledge the years of service of the former Mayor, Ralph D. Westlund,and to waive reading and adopt Resolution of Appreciation. Seconded by Alderman Beatty, the motion carried unanimously. The motion was made by Alderman Mlinar to acknowledge the years of service of Councilman Milton Lueneburg and to waive reading and adopt Resolution of Ap- preciation. The motion was seconded by Alderman Beatty and unanimously car- ried. It was moved by Alderman Mlinar to present plaques to Ralph D. Westlund and Milton Lueneburg in acknowledgment of their service to the City of Hutchin- son. Seconded by Alderman Carls, the motion carried unanimously. -11- COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 9, 1982 Mr. Plotz requested permission to attend a Region 6-E Industrial Park Sem- inar on March 18, 1982. It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Carls, to authorize the City Administrator to attend the Region 6-E Seminar. Motion unanimously carried. The Council members were reminded of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new fire station scheduled for 5:30 P.M. on March 10, 1982. (b) COMMUNICATIONS FROM PERSONNEL COORDINATOR Personnel Coordinator Sitz stated she and the Police Chief would like to at- tend a jointly sponsored meeting of the League of Cities and Coalition of Outstate Cities on March 18, 1982. The only cost involved would be for the noon meal and mileage. It was moved by Alderman Beatty to approve the Personnel Coordinator and Police Chief to attend the meeting on March 18, 1982. Seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, the motion carried unanimously. (c) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY ENGINEER City Engineer Priebe reported that when Governor Perpich was in office, the Region 6-E did a study for transportation needs, and he served on the com- mittee. The committee has been reactivated for another study, and he re- quested permission to attend a meeting on March 11, 1982 in Willmar. There would be no cost involved. The motion was made by Alderman Gruenhagen, seconded by Alderman Beatty, to approve the request for the City Engineer to attend the Region 6-E committee meeting. Motion unanimously carried. (d) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY ATTORNEY City Attorney Schaefer commented on the two memorandums distributed to the Council from him. He pointed out there was a correction on page two, second paragraph, regarding the memo on the Ordinance No. 28/81. The first reading of the Ordinance was adopted by a four to one vote; the second reading was unanimous with a three to zero vote (two Aldermen were absent from the meet- ing). The memorandum had indicated a five to zero vote. (e) COMMUNICATIONS FROM ALDERMAN BEATTY Alderman Beatty suggested that perhaps the City should establish a snow re- moval assessment district and charge the private property owners who used to receive free snow removal. With all the businesses hiring different haulers, there could be a hazard of the private haulers' trucks running into or inter- fering with City snow removal equipment. -12- COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 9, 1982 City Attorney Schaefer stated that this would be in competition with free enterprise. (f) COMMUNICATIONS FROM ALDERMAN CARLS Alderman Carls reported the Parks and Recreation Board had been considering installing electronic games in the Hutchinson Civic Arena. A petition with 144 signatures was received in opposition of the electronic games being put into the Civic Arena. Mr. Carls presented the petition to the Council. Alderman Carls commented on the length of the Council meetings the last few weeks and suggested that either the Council hold more meetings, if necessary, or use the established Council Workshop time for presentations to reduce the time at the regular meeting. The other Council members were in consensus that an effort should be made to complete City business at an earlier hour. 11. CLAIMS. APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS (a) VERIFIED CLAIMS It was moved by Alderman Gruenhagen, seconded by Alderman Beatty and carried unanimously, 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 adjourned at 11:40 P.M. upon motion by Alderman Gruenhagen, seconded by Alderman Carls and unanimously carried. -13-