A regular meeting of the Council for the City of Crystal Falls was held in the Council Chambers of the City Hall on Tuesday, April 15, 2003, 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 and various citizens of the community.

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

The minutes of the regular meeting of March 10, 2003 and special meeting of March 27, 2003 were approved as written.

Mayor Sabo called for amendments to the agenda and added as the first item under unfinished business – a report from STS Consultants regarding Phase III of the sewer separation.

Visitor John Moon asked questions regarding garbage pickup and sewer charges.

Donald Boulanger and Max Woelffer gave a presentation on the clock that was formerly a fixture in the Crystal Manor building and now hung in the City Council room. They had restored it to working order and turned it over to the City for display. Mr. Woelffer said he is compiling the history of how the clock came to be in Crystal Falls and upon completion will frame it for display next to the clock. Mayor Sabo thanked Boulanger and Woelffer for their efforts in the restoration of the timepiece.

There was no report from the DDA.

Mike Gatzow, representing STS Consultants, reported on the need to proceed with the televising of sewer lines under Superior Avenue in order to determine costs relative to Phase III of the sewer separation project. Councilor Koszyk seconded by Councilor Benda moved to approve entering into a contract with STS Consultants, in the amount of $5,365.00, who will oversee the televising of certain sewer lines, compile a report of the findings, and develop a cost estimate for the completion of Phase III of the sewer separation project.

Motion carried.

Mark Agnessi, Iron County Economic Developer reported on the progress of the marketing of the Crystal Manor building. He advised that the application for the Market Study Grant would be considered at a meeting of the MEDC on Thursday, April 17^th.

Councilor Benda seconded by Councilor Koszyk moved to suspend the Medicare Part B rebates to the current retirees and their spouse effective April 1, 2003.

Ayes: Councilors Benda, Koszyk, Hendrickson, and Thrasher

Nays: Mayor Sabo

Motion carried.

Councilor Koszyk seconded by Councilor Hendrickson moved to accept the annual report from the Crystal Theatre Board and to release the annual contribution of $2,200.00 with the stipulation that the invoice for the tuck pointing of the building will be the responsibility of the Crystal Theatre Board.

Motion carried.

Manager Nordeman reported that the paperwork for the sale of Lot #11 in the Industrial Park has been completed by Attorney Lawrence and includes a mortgage, restriction on resale, a revert to clause, and is contingent on the creation of four (4) new jobs by December 31, 2003.

Councilor Koszyk seconded by Councilor Benda moved to authorize Manager Nordeman to proceed with securing a scope of services agreement with North American Hydro for the power plant automation project.

Motion carried.

Councilor Benda reminded the Council of the need to set a date for the annual "Budget Workshop". The date of April 28, 2003, immediately following the public hearing scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. on that date, was set for the "Budget Workshop".

Councilor Koszyk seconded by Councilor Hendrickson moved to approve the appointment of Marlene Bicigo to a term on the Planning Commission that will expire April 30, 2006.

Motion carried.

Councilor Koszyk seconded by Councilor Hendrickson moved to approve the appointment of Michael Divine to a term on the Planning Commission that will expire April 30, 2006.

Motion carried.

Councilor Benda seconded by Councilor Koszyk moved to allow the Iron County Little League to use the softball field and operate a concession stand during their games for the duration of the little league season pending compliance with health department rules and insurance requirements of the city.

Motion carried.

Councilor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Koszyk moved to authorize Manager Nordeman to negotiate with the firm of Stauder/ Barch to handle the finance and bonding issues of the power plant automation project.

Motion carried.

Councilor Benda seconded by Councilor Koszyk moved to approve the purchase of the Accuvote upgrade in the amount of $3,148.85 pending the quote from Fidlar Doubleday can be extended into the next fiscal year.

Motion carried.

Councilor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Koszyk moved to authorize Manager Nordeman to advertise for bids for routine sidewalk replacement.

Motion carried.

Councilor Koszyk seconded by Councilor Thrasher moved to extend the Council meeting beyond 6:00 p.m.

Motion carried.

Councilor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Benda moved to place a full page ad in the 2003 U.P. Fireman’s Tournament Book in the amount of $160.00, and further, to request the ad be placed inside the front cover of the book.

Motion carried.

Councilor Hendrickson requested setting a date for the City Clean Up days. The dates of Thursday May 15^th and Friday May 16^th were designated for City residents to drop off items at the Bristol Mine site.

Manager Nordeman also noted that the city wide spring pickup of lawn rakings would be held the week of May 26^th.

Councilor Benda commended the city works crews for "A Job Well Done" on the City Council Chambers and the adjoining map room remodeling.

Councilor Koszyk seconded by Councilor Benda moved that the payrolls and disbursements in the amount of $272,896.49 for the month of March 2003 be approved, and the City Clerk be instructed to draw checks on the City Treasury in payment of same.

Motion carried.

Councilor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Benda, moved to accept the following reports for the month of March 2003:

Police Chief’s report indicating 123 complaints, 12 of which were closed by arrest and 3,019 patrolled miles.

Joint Fire Authority report submitted by Fire Chief John Ahola indicating answering 3 fire calls; spending approximately 25 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.

Clerk Olson was instructed to send "thank you" letters to Donald Boulanger and Max Woelffer for their efforts in the restoration and placement of the clock which now hangs in the Council Chambers.

There being no further business to come before the Council, meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.