City of Pembina
Pembina, North Dakota 58271
Minutes of February 4, 2002 Council Meeting
Attendance: Mayor Pat Burton. Council: Thomas Manley, John Feldman, Richard Senum, Warren Hillukka Absent: Beverly Burke, Wayne Schafer
Present: City Attorney Neil Fleming (attendance at regular mtg.); K. Johnson, Aud/Adm.; Zelda Hartje, City Assessor
Others present: Lonna Chale, Herman J. and Edith Radig, Mrs. Fleming, Mark Symington, Lisa Kneeshaw, Ken Norby and George Motl.
Public Hearing called to order at 7:00 by Mayor Burton.
1. Abatement hearings were held concerning the Radig and Chale properties. Taxable value should reflect what the home is worth on the market. Motion by Manley, second by Feldman, to define replacing siding, shingles, and windows as general maintenance, except when the dimensions of the window increases. Increasing square footage is defined as improvement, as well as decks, driveways, and fencing. Motion passed 100% voting aye.
- Motion by Hillukka, second by Senum, to approve Radig’s abatement to level in line with similar property on the block. Motion carried 100% voting aye.
- Chale property cannot be abated due to ratio required by state law. Similar property values will be going up.
2. Tax Exemptions – postponed until March Council Meeting.
Regular Meeting called to order 8:30 P.M.
1. City Attorney Update: Reviewed franchise agreement with Polar. Recommended approval.
2. Changes made to agenda—letter from Griffith; Volk
3. Minutes. Motion by Feldman, second by Manley, to approve January minutes as corrected. Motion Carried.
4. No Judges Report.
5. Employee Report: A. Ken: Would like man hired this spring to allow time for training in both positions. Council confirmed that Ken’s seniority would be retained. Sweeper is being re-furbished, bills are high. Will get more quotes on mower and snowblower. Has talked with school re: skating rink. B. George: Sludge pond was scraped. Used summer pond for 20 days. Pipe must be raised. Suggested fence moving. Preliminary approval given both projects. C. Community Center: Safety Issue: keep exit lights on at all times until sensor lights can be looked at. D. Council meeting for employee evaluations set for Friday, March 1, 7 p.m.
6. Mayoral Update: A. Upon recommendation of the council, appointed Widseth, Smith & Nolting as City Engineers for a two-year term. Council affirmed.
B. Mayor appointed Dean Warner to River Keepers survey team.
7. Aud/Adm. Update: a )Jan. General ledger, collections/disbursements, and Feb. bills to be paid presented and approved. b) Open House and meeting dates noted.
8. Committee reports:
A. Growth Committee: Drug Safety Program: felt this should be a whole Council project. Motion by Hillukka, Second by Feldman, to pay $95.00 to support 10 kids in the Community Safety Net program. 100% Aye. Council affirmed that Growth Committee may spend its money without direct Council approval, as any other committee. Approval for Rental Incentive program noted.
B.Recreation Board: Auditor to set up a meeting.
C. Street Committee: Bev to set up date. Suggest Attorney set up ordinance.
D. Police Committee: Deputy Benson moving in.
9. Issues: A. Griffith contends that dirt hauled in was not quality black dirt, therefore should not be charged for such. Tabled until further information can be gathered. B.Volk: citizen received erroneous advice from city employee. Council mistakenly accepted this advice. Later an engineer confirmed this was not city property. Council was in error, but decided to stand by their decision. Motion by Senum, second by Feldman, to pay Thorlakson that portion of the bill. Voting aye: Hillukka, Senum, Feldman. Voting Nay: Manley. Motion carried.
Notice to all: The City is only responsible for water/sewer mains. All other lines are the homeowner’s responsibility.
C. possible moving of city office discussed.
10. Motion to adjourn by Feldman at 10:20 p.m.
By: Pat Burton, Mayor
Attested to: K. Johnson, City Aud/Adm.
