A special meeting of the Council for the City of Crystal Falls was held in the Council Chamber of the City Hall on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

Present: Mayor Hendrickson, Councilors Heikkinen, Valesano and Stachowicz. Councilor Thrasher arrived late at 5:30 p.m.

Absent: Attorney Lawrence.

Also present were City Manager Nordeman, City Clerk/Treasurer Olson, Bob Dalpra, Trisha Nylund, Lee Nylund, Ali Easley, and Lynn Perry.

The purpose of this special meeting was to hear a proposal for the Crystal Manor Building, to discuss a contract with Attorney Lawrence for services regarding the water project, and to consider a resolution recognizing Ken Lamprecht.

Mayor Hendrickson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Councilor Valesano seconded by Councilor Heikkinen moved to approve the agreement with Attorney Geoffrey Lawrence to perform all legal services necessary to the organization, financing, construction, and initial operation of a water supply system.

Motion carried.

Ali Easley, co-founder of Help a Willing Kid Foundation, gave a presentation on how his foundation is interested in obtaining the Crystal Manor building to establish a community friendly working environment in Crystal Falls. He advised that the business would revolve around grant writing and fundraising for various programs that the foundation offers. The plan is for the foundation to occupy the upper floors of the building with office space and use the main floor as a reception area and possibly let out space to small businesses.

Trisha Nylund enlightened the Council on her involvement with the foundation and the children it helps.

Mayor Hendrickson thanked Mr. Easley for his presentation and advised that the Council would consider his proposal along with others expected in the near future regarding the re-use of the Manor building.

Manager Nordeman was directed to write a letter to Mr. Easley thanking him for his interest and requesting additional information of his foundation prior to any Council decisions regarding the Manor building.

Mayor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Heikkinen moved to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION

Whereas, The Council for the City of Crystal Falls recognizes Ken for his countless volunteered hours, leadership, and dedication to the attainment and refurbishment of the Crystal Theatre, and 

Whereas, Ken has served as the Crystal Theater Manager for many years, and 

Whereas, Ken was among those instrumental in the acquisition, restoration and installation of the mighty Moeller Theater Organ, a significant contribution to the overall success of the Crystal Theatre’s completion and popularity, and 

Whereas, through Ken’s efforts the Crystal Theatre has grown to become a cultural center in downtown Crystal Falls for enjoyment by young and old alike, and 

Whereas, the Council is dismayed to learn that Ken will soon be leaving the Crystal Falls community in pursuit of other ventures, 

Now Therefore Be it Resolved, that the Council for the City of Crystal Falls hereby extends a sincere "Thank you" and extends a wish of "Good Luck" to Mr. Ken Lamprecht, truly a shining example of this city’s slogan, "City of Community Pride", Ken, you will truly be missed. 

Resolution adopted. 

Mayor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Heikkinen moved to amend the agenda of this special meeting to include a discussion regarding the maintaining of heat at the Crystal Manor building.

Motion carried.

Mayor Hendrickson relayed the information regarding the incident of last week at the Manor building when the Iron County FIA Board ordered the boilers shut down due to the high cost of heating the building. Mayor Hendrickson noted that the heat was important in order to keep the hardwood floors from warping. Manager Nordeman offered that the lease agreement between the City and Iron County for the Manor building clearly states that the cost of the utilities, including heat, is the responsibility of the County. For now, the heat is on until a solution is presented to the City.

Mayor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Heikkinen moved to adjourn this special meeting of the City Council.

Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.