COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS NOVEMBER 3, 2015 The City Council of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, met in regular session at 5:30 p.m. on November 3, 2015 in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The following Councilmembers were present: Holmer, Howe, Narverud, Schmalz, Hagen and Brown. Councilmembers Prudhomme and Sollom were absent. Holmer chaired the meeting. PUBLIC FORUM/PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/PUBLIC INFORMATION/ ANNOUNCEMENTS Wayne Johnson, Water Systems Superintendent, discussed the turbidity issue at the Water Plant Councilmembers Sollom and Prudhomme entered the meeting. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Brown motioned, being seconded by Councilmember Schmalz, to approve the agenda with the addition of two items. RESOLUTION NO. 11-236-15: APPROVAL OF COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS 236-15, being seconded by Councilmember Narverud, that: RESOLVED, by the City Council, to approve October 19, 2015 and Hearing Proceedings. RESOLUTION NO. 11-237-15: APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF BILLS 237-15, being seconded by Councilmember Narverud, that: RESOLVED, by the City Council, to authorize payment of bills and disbursements in the total amount of $1,497,705.60. A printout of the approved payments and disbursements is attached hereto and made a part hereof. RESOLUTION NO. 11-238-15: APPROVAL OF OFF-SITE GAMBLING APPLICATION FOR THIEF RIVER FALLS AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (TRFAHA) TO CONDUCT RAFFLE AT THE RALPH ENGELSTAD ARENA 238-15, being seconded by Councilmember Narverud, that:
Page 2 of 5 WHEREAS, the Thief River Falls Amateur Hockey Association (TRFAHA) is required to obtain the City s approval to conduct a raffle at the Ralph Engelstad Arena, prior to TRFAHA submitting an Off-Site Gambling application to the State of Minnesota. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, to authorize the Thief River Falls Amateur Hockey Association to conduct a raffle at the Ralph Engelstad Arena, 525 Brooks Avenue North, Thief River Falls; property located in the City limits of Thief River Falls, on April 30, 2015. RESOLUTION NO. 11-239-15: APPROVAL TO ACCEPT LOW BID OF RDO EQUIPMENT FOR 624K WHEEL LOADER 239-15, being seconded by Councilmember Narverud, that: WHEREAS, the City used the Minnesota State Bid to evaluate and select a Wheel Loader. Ziegler had a comparable machine with attachments for $265,440 and RDO Equipment of Grand Forks had a similar unit for $254,438. Staff evaluated the optional equipment and separate equipment provided by other manufactures and found them to be comparable. Delivery is anticipated in late 2015 or early 2016. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, to accept the low bid of RDO Equipment, of Grand Forks North Dakota for a new 624K Wheel Loader in the amount of $254,438. RESOLUTION NO. 11-240-15: APPROVAL OF JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT BETWEEN STATE OF MINNESOTA AND THE THIEF RIVER FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT 240-15, being seconded by Councilmember Narverud, that: WHEREAS, The City of Thief River Falls wishes to provide employees of the Thief River Falls Police Department with the technology and equipment that allows for the most effective and efficient delivery of public safety services in the City of Thief River Falls; WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota, acting through its Commissioner of Public Safety, State Patrol Division and the Thief River Falls Police Department have made available hardware, software, and support to allow the Thief River Falls Police Department to participate in a nationwide police communication system;
Page 3 of 5 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Thief River Falls Council members hereby approves a Joint Powers Agreement between the State of Minnesota, acting through its Commissioner of Public Safety, State Patrol Division and the Thief River Falls Police Department to allow the Thief River Falls Police Department to participate in said nationwide police communication system; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Thief River Falls City Council Mayor Brian Homer and Chief of Police Dick Wittenberg are authorized to sign this Joint Powers Agreement on behalf of the City of Thief River Falls and the Thief River Falls Police Department. RESOLUTION NO. 11-241-15: APPROVAL OF INTERNAL TEAMSTER TRANSFER OF JEREMY SRNSKY FROM ELECTRICIAN/POWER PLANT OPERATOR INTO POSITION OF ELECTRONIC TECHNICIAN A Request for Council Action was reviewed. Following discussion, Councilmember Brown introduced Resolution No. 10-241-15, being seconded by Councilmember Hagen, that: WHEREAS, The City Council authorized to fill the position of Electronic Technician by Resolution No. 10-214-15. The position was opened to Teamster #320 employees and Jeremy Srnsky submitted his application. The Electric Superintendent, City Administrator and Human Resources Specialist interviewed Mr. Srnsky and it was determined that he was a qualified candidate for the transfer into the position of Electronic Technician. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, to approve the internal Teamster #320 transfer of Jeremy Srnsky, Electrician/ Power Plant Operator into the position of Electronic Technician effective November 4, 2015. Mr. Srnsky shall remain at his current wage of $24.24 per hour, the top of the Grade Level 6 salary schedule. Mr. Srnsky has 30 days to return back to his former position, as per Union Contract. On vote being taken, the resolution was unanimously passed. The annual MnDOT meeting to review projects has been set for December 8 th at noon. AMI & Fees: Waters Superintendent Johnson responded to concerns about how the Advance Meter Information (AMI) system was going. Several Council members had received complaints from citizens who received a letter stating if they do not schedule an appointment to move the water meter node to the exterior they will be charged a $25 per month fee. Some had been had previous appointments and been told they are ok to have the node inside. A brief discussion ensued about whether that fee was too high. Johnson expressed disappointment with the prime contractor Eaton s subcontractor (Vanguard). Some Council members questioned just leaving the node inside and move on, however others in fairness to the majority who complied stated we should complete the project as planned. The Council expressed a desire to complete the project
Page 4 of 5 as soon as possible and encouraged residents to make there appointment as per the letters received. RESOLUTION NO. 11-242-15: APPROVAL OF PURCHASE OF 2016 FORD INTERCEPTOR - UTILITY AWD SQUAD CAR FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT Pulled from the Consent Agenda, Councilmember Schmalz introduced Resolution No. 10-243-15, being seconded by Councilmember Narverud, that: WHEREAS, the following bids were received: Option A: State Bid price purchased through Nelson Ford in Fergus Falls, $26,492.95 Option B: Thief River Ford bid (Specs exactly the same as above), $26,577.00 WHEREAS, since the bids are within $84.05 of each other, it is strongly recommend ordering the vehicle through our local dealer. The delivery time for any vehicle ordered is between 90 and 120 days, and I have been advised that for every day later that the order is submitted, it adds approx. 1 week to the delivery time. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, to accept the Public Safety Committee s recommendation to approve the purchase of a new 2016 Ford Interceptor-Utility AWD Police Package in accordance with the previously approved replacement schedule of one squad per year. RESOLUTION NO. 11-243-15: APPROVAL OF ENERGY IMPROVEMENT LOAN TO DON T PANIC PC REPAIR Pulled from the Consent Agenda, Councilmember Narverud introduced Resolution No. 10-243-15, being seconded by Councilmember Sollom, that: WHEREAS, the Community Development Advisory Board makes recommendation for energy and business loans. The project located at 111 East 3 rd Street, Thief River Falls includes a new heating, door replacement, Insulation, Roof Repair and window replacement. The building is currently occupied with retail on the main level and apartments on the second level. RESOLVED, by the City Council, to accept a Community Development Advisory Board recommendation authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign documents granting a seven year Energy Improvement Loan in the amount of $22,650, secured by a mortgage on the property with monthly auto payment from the Mr. Myhrer s bank.
Page 5 of 5 On vote being taken, the motion was unanimously approved with Hagen abstaining. UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS Meeting with the Coalition of Greater MN Cities November 3 rd at 5:00 p.m. City Council Meeting November 3 rd at 5:30 p.m. Utilities Committee Meeting November 9 th at 4:30 p.m. Public Works Committee Meeting November 10 th at 7:00 a.m. Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting November 10 th at 4:30 p.m. Administrative Services/Public Safety Committee Meeting November 12 th at 4:30 p.m. City Council Meeting November 17 th at 5:30 p.m. Joint City/School Meeting Monday, November 29 th at 4:30 p.m. at the School Holiday Train December 13 th ADJOURNMENT There being no further discussion, Councilmember Brown moved, being seconded by Councilmember Sollom to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. On vote being taken, the Chair declared the motion unanimously carried. Brian D. Holmer, Mayor Attest: Larry Kruse, City Administrator