City of Pembina, ND

Attendance: Beverly Burke, Richard Senum, Nancy Thompson, John Feldman, Pat Burton, Mayor Warren Hillukka. Absent: Kyle Dorion

Present: K. Johnson, Aud./Adm.; Attorney Daniel Gaustad, Pearson & Christensen, Dan Johnson of WSN

Others Present: Ken Norby, Gary Helland, Gordon Johnson of NVRWS, Cal Thelen, Tom Masloski, George Guttu, George Christensen, Norman Brandt, Larry Wilwant

Public Hearing called to order at 7:00 by Mayor Hillukka.

· Masloski reported that dirt "stored" at Airborne Alley was taken to S. Pembina. Council had been unaware of the "stored" status, and promised to replace the 500 yards removed.

· Guttu requested dropping street repair charges billed him, as the sewer line being repaired had dropped due to previous poor street repair by city contractors. Norby supported the claim. Motion by Feldman, second by Burton to drop the charges for street repair. Motion carried unanimously.

· Wilwant – State Engineer and State Water Department have decided to proceed with set-back dikes along Pembina River west of Neche. Requested city join in protesting this action to the Governor’s office, State Water Commission, and the county water board. Auditor to follow up.

· Request from Greg Volk regarding maintenance of sewer line in front of his property on N 6th St. Norby stated that the proper clean-out at the Car Wash is in place, and the situation is monitored yearly when manholes are flushed.

· Christensen and Brandt appeared to follow up with the Golf Course’s request for funding. Action tabled until Attorney presents his findings.

· NVRWS – Johnson reported that the 70% MRI Grant will extend to the complete project, including a new building if the city should so desire to construct one. Motion by Burton, second by Feldman, to rescind the motion of Sept. 7 approving North Valley Rural Water System contract option 1. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Burton, second by Thompson, to select Contract Option 2, including a new well house. Motion carried unanimously. Thelen then reported that the goal is to bid the project in early spring, build in summer, and be on-line by fall. Federal funding requirements may cause some delays. Currently they are finalizing the design plans. Gordon also reported that as of Jan. 1, 2005, South Pembina will be billed at the commercial rate.

· Dan Johnson proposed Widseth Smith & Nolting contract to oversee the city’s aspect of the new water line and the motel projects. Written proposals will be presented in January.

1. Changes to agenda – liquor license renewals, TIF District, ice on sidewalks

2. Motion by Feldman, second by Thompson, to approve November minutes as corrected. Motion carried unanimously.

3. City Attorney Update: a) Motion by Burton, seconded by Senum, to approve the second reading and final passage of Ordinance 2004-2, creating a special fund to be used exclusively for mosquito control. Motion carried unanimously. b) South Pembina "Title opinions" were not final. Gaustad will issue final opinions, and request payment from grant administration. c) Verbal contact with AG’s office suggests written criteria be set up for the dispersal of Sales Tax funds; written response yet to come. Motion by Senum, to give $6,000 to the Golf Course for their building loan. Motion by Burke to hold a special meeting to adopt a resolution before disbursing the funds. Feldman seconded Senum’s motion. Voting aye were Burton, Senum, Thompson and Feldman. Voting nay: Burke. Motion carried. Criteria for such resolution will be presented in January. d) Gaustad provided a written outline and discussed options to TIF district formation. (See attached)

4. Employee Report: a) Review of staff and auditor goals/priority lists. b) Norby presented request for snow tires for utility truck and new Christmas ornaments. Given OK for tire purchase, and Growth Committee directed to follow up with decorations. Aud/Adm. to publish snow removal protocol. Norby to follow up on Internet options for shop and fixing gaskets on Ford.

5. Mayor’s Update: Reserve II fund remainder tabled until a future date.

6. Auditor’s Report: a) November collections/disbursements and general ledgers reviewed & approved. Motion by Feldman to transfer Reserve II NOW account funds into the Water/Sewer account and close out Res. II collections. Seconded by Burton; motion carried unanimously. b) Budget to actual reviewed. c) Bills to be paid approved. d) Motion by Burton, seconded by Burke, to approve the renewal for 2005 of existing city liquor licenses if paid for by Dec. 27, 2004. Motion carried unanimously. e) Aud/Adm. directed to proceed with Debit card procurement.

7. Committee Reports: a) Recreation – Santa Day held Dec. 4, with 60 adults playing bingo and 50+ children playing games. b) Growth – no quorum at Nov. meeting.

8. Issues: Aud/Adm. to send letters to businesses re: snow removal on adjacent sidewalks.

9. Motion to adjourn by Burke at 9:40 p.m.

By:Warren Hillukka, Mayor

Attested to: K. Johnson, City Aud/Adm