A regular meeting of the Council for the City of Crystal Falls was held in the Council Chambers of the City Hall on Monday, April 12, 2004, at 4:30 P.M. Central Time.

Roll call: Mayor Sabo, Councilors Hendrickson, Koszyk, Thrasher, and Benda.

Also Present: City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk/Treasurer, a contingent of City employees and several members of the community.

Mayor Sabo led all present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Councilor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Benda moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 8, 2004 and special meeting of March 29, 2004 as written with a correction to page 435, line 29 which should read "Meeting reconvened at 4:54 p.m." (typed as 5:54 p.m.)

Motion carried.

Mayor Sabo amended the agenda by moving Item 7(D)- CATV – Cost for WLUK FOX 11 (Green Bay) to be discussed before Item 7(A).

Mayor Sabo reported on the Downtown Development Authority noting that the focus continues on the TIF Plan, which should be ready for the Council in about 3 weeks.

Councilor Thrasher seconded by Councilor Koszyk moved to conduct a survey of the Crystal Falls Cable TV subscribers to determine the interest in the adding of WLUK FOX 11 Green Bay to secure the receipt of "Packer Football", at the cost of $1.00/month per subscriber, with all responses returned to the City by June 1^st for consideration at the June 14^th meeting of the City Council.

Motion Carried.

At 4:55 p.m., Mayor Sabo opened the Public Hearing for the Michigan Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) MSC 980053 EDIG, Industrial Park Project closure. Manager Nordeman explained the process of closing out the project including: certification of funds received and expended, letters from each participating business in the industrial park certifying the total number of permanent jobs created, completion of Low and Moderate Income Certification forms for jobs still in place at the industrial park, and the compilation of a final program progress report. Mayor Sabo called for public comments regarding the Industrial Park Project. There were no comments from the public.

Mayor Sabo closed the public hearing at 5:05 p.m.

Councilor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Benda authorized Manager Nordeman to proceed with the closure of the Michigan CDBG MSC 980053 EDIG, Industrial Park Project by completing the requirements for said closure as set forth by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Ayes: Councilors Thrasher, Benda, Koszyk, Hendrickson, and Mayor Sabo.

Nays: None

Motion carried.

Jeff Sjoquist reported on the water project.

Mayor Sabo suggested postponement of action on the employee personnel policy pending the separation of administrative code items from the document. Councilor Thrasher suggested that Attorney Lawrence ask the opinion of the Attorney General regarding the definition of "Administrative Code".

Councilor Koszyk seconded by Councilor Benda moved to take membership in the Michigan Municipal Electric Association (MMEA). The cost of this membership is determined by the annual electric sales of the City.

Motion carried.

Councilor Benda asked Manager Nordeman if "Employee Only" signs have been placed on the garage doors. Further discussion showed that Council consensus was that the signs were not necessary.

Councilor Koszyk seconded by Councilor Thrasher moved to participate in the Upper Peninsula Public Power Agency (UPPPA) Voluntary Additional Capital Call Up in the amount of $4,761.00.

Motion carried.

The consideration of a request to purchase property from the City by Sentinel Technologies was postponed pending the drafting of an ordinance to allow for the sale and leasing of city property, and further, to secure a determination of the value of the property.

Councilor Thrasher seconded by Councilor Benda moved to accept the Crystal Theatre Annual report for 2003, and further, to release the annual contribution of $2,200.00 to the Crystal Theatre Board.

Motion carried.

The lease of the Golf Course to the Crystal Falls Golf Club was postponed pending the adoption of an ordinance authorizing the conveyance and leasing of city property. Attorney Lawrence was instructed to draft said ordinance.

A request from Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency (DICSA) for a donation to its Volunteer Services Auction was suggested that DICSA forward the same request to the golf clubs as their funds may not be as restricted as those of the City.

John Force, Forester, presented the Council with a proposal to plant trees in the industrial park. The Council requested Mr. Force seeks the opinions of the industrial park occupants and report back at the May meeting.

Councilor Koszyk seconded by Mayor Sabo moved to enter into a contract with Trico Opportunities of Iron County for the landscape maintenance of the Paint River Walkway area in the amount of $1,200.00 for the period of April – September 2004.

Motion carried.

Councilor Thrasher seconded by Mayor Sabo moved that the payrolls and disbursements in the amount of $273,565.16 for the month of March 2004 are approved and the City Clerk be instructed to draw checks on the City Treasury in payment of same.

Motion carried.

Councilor Koszyk seconded by Councilor Hendrickson, moved to accept the following reports for the month of March 2004:

Police Chief’s report indicating 101 complaints, 6 of which were closed by arrest and 2,315 patrolled miles.

Joint Fire Authority report submitted by Fire Chief John Ahola indicating answering 3 fire calls; spending approximately 57 man-hours fighting fires; and holding 1 practice and training session.

Chief Electrician’s report of department activities.

Public Work foreman’s report on department activities.

Motion carried.

Councilor Koszyk seconded by Councilor Benda move to adjourn the meeting at 6:25 p.m.