A regular meeting of the Council for the City of Crystal Falls was held in the Council Chambers of the City Hall on Tuesday, February 10, 2003, at 4:30 P.M. Central Time.

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

Absent: Councilor Thrasher

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 January 14, 2003 were approved as written.

Mayor Sabo called for amendments to the agenda and added the annual report of the Contemporary Center and recognized the center’s director, Flora Dawe.

Flora Dawe relinquished the floor to Maureen Elson, President of the Contemporary Center Board. Mrs. Elson announced that earlier in the day the Contemporary Center building was purchased and ownership turned over to the City of Crystal Falls. This transaction was accomplished with a Michigan Council of the Arts grant award, City funds from the sale of the previous Contemporary Center building, and the receipt of various donations. Mrs. Elson presented Mayor Sabo with a key to the newly acquired building.

Councilor Hendrickson, seconded by Councilor Benda, moved to accept the Crystal Falls Contemporary Center annual report as presented.

Motion carried.

Councilor Benda, seconded by Councilor Hendrickson, moved to release the annual contribution of $1,000.00 to the Contemporary Center Board.

Motion carried.

Brian Rose of Crystal Falls Springs, Inc. presented the Council with a request for a lot in the Industrial Park for the construction of a warehouse/bottle manufacturing/office complex. Mayor Sabo directed Manager Nordeman to set up a meeting with Mr. Rose and the Council’s Industrial Park Committee to discuss this request prior to any further commitment by the City Council.

Mayor Sabo, seconded by Councilor Koszyk moved to approve the

revised Downtown Development Authority budget as follows:

Public Space = $1,000.00

Welcome Comm. = $ 490.00

Blight = $ 0.00

Signage = $1,800.00

Lighting & Decoration = $1,100.00

Public Events = $2,410.00

Clerical Support = $1,200.00

Downtown Feasibility Stdy = $3,000.00

Total = $11,000.00

Motion carried.

Mark Agnessi, Iron County Economic Developer reported on the progress of the marketing of the Crystal Manor building.

At 4:58 p.m. Mayor Sabo temporarily adjourned the meeting to conduct a Public Hearing regarding proposed Ordinance 3.07.

Police Chief Jack Bicigo addressed the need to pass the proposed Ordinance 3.07, to Adopt by Reference the Michigan Vehicle Code, revised Uniform Traffic Code for Cities and Townships. He noted the adoption of this ordinance allows for the continuous coverage of traffic law.

There were no other comments from the public regarding this Ordinance.

Public Hearing was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Councilor Hendrickson, seconded by Councilor Benda, moved to adopt Ordinance 3.07 as follows:

Ordinance No. 3.07

An Ordinance to Adopt by Reference The Michigan Vehicle Code, revised Uniform Traffic Code For City/Townships, and Part 821 sec 324.82101 to 324.82160 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Act 451 of 1994).

The City of Crystal Falls hereby Ordains:

Sec. 1. The Codes/Acts Adopted

The Michigan Vehicle Code, 1949 PA 300,

The revised Uniform Traffic Code for Cities/Townships as promulgated by the director of the Michigan Department of State Police pursuant to the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to 24.24328 and made effective October 30, 2002, and all future amendments and revisions to the Uniform Traffic Code when they are promulgated and effective in this state are incorporated by reference.

Part 821 sections 324.82101 to 324.82160 of Act 451 of 1994 Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Sec. 2. References in Codes

References in the Michigan Vehicle Code to "local authorities" shall mean the City of Crystal Falls.

References in the Uniform Traffic Code for Cities/Townships to a "governmental unit" shall mean the City of Crystal Falls.

References in Act 451 of 1994 Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to "local city" shall mean the City of Crystal Falls.

Sec. 3. Notice to be Published

The city clerk shall publish this ordinance in the manner required by law and shall publish, at the same time, a notice stating the purpose of the Michigan Vehicle Code, Uniform Traffic Code and Act 451 of 1994 (Snowmobile Section) Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, and the fact that a complete copy of these codes are available at the office of the clerk for inspection.

Sec. 4. Penalties

The penalties provided by the Michigan Vehicle Code are adopted by reference, provided, however, that the city may not enforce any provision of the Michigan Vehicle Code as an Ordinance Violation for which the maximum period of imprisonment is greater than 93 days, and should not write as an Ordinance Violation if sentence may include imprisonment.

The penalties provided by the Uniform Traffic Code for Cities/Townships are adopted by reference.

The penalties provide by Act 451 of 1994 Part 821 Sec. 324.82101 to 324.82160 of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act is adopted by reference.

Ordinance Adopted.

The effective date of the adopted ordinance is March 13, 2003.

Councilor Benda, seconded by Councilor Koszyk, moved to change the definition of non-local for golf course memberships to read: "Non-local is any person not residing in the City limits of Crystal Falls."

Motion carried.

MEMBERSHIPS: LOCAL NON-LOCAL*

Husband & wife $440.00 $450.00

Single $275.00 $285.00

College Student (18-23 yrs old) $120.00 $130.00

High School Student $ 75.00 $ 85.00

Student, 8th Grade & Under $ 50.00 $ 60.00

GREEN FEES: MON-FRI SAT/SUN/HOLIDAYS**

9 Holes $ 15.00 $ 17.00

18 Holes or All Day $ 20.00 $ 22.00

GREEN FEES (14 & UNDER W/PARENT):

9 Holes $10.00

18 Holes $15.00

10-PLAY CARD $115.00

(may be used at any time)

(respecting Men's & Women's days)

SENIOR CITIZENS: (MONDAY'S ONLY)

9 Holes $ 13.00

18 Holes $ 17.00

GOLF CART STORAGE:

Electric Cart $125.00

Gas Cart $110.00

Trail Fee, Yearly $ 50.00

Trail Fee, Daily $ 10.00

GOLF CART RENTAL FEES:

9 Holes $ 15.00

18 Holes $ 20.00

*Non-local is any person not residing in the City limits of Crystal Falls.

**It is understood that for the purposes of these rates, "Holidays" include the Friday of Bass Festival and the Humongus Fungus Fest.

Motion carried.

Mayor Sabo advised the Council he had consulted with the current Board of Review members and both Donald Boulanger and Gerald Hegstrom supported the appointment of Kristine Coopman, the sole applicant, to fill the vacancy on said Board. Councilors Koszyk and Hendrickson each read statements voicing their displeasure with Coopman as a candidate for the Board of Review vacancy, and further, that they would not support her appointment to this position. Councilor Benda, seconded by Mayor Sabo, moved to appoint Kristine Coopman to fill the vacancy on the Board of Review.

Ayes: Mayor Sabo and Councilor Benda.

Nays: Councilors Koszyk and Hendrickson.

Absent: Councilor Thrasher.

Motion lost.

Mayor Sabo moved the Council into 10-minute recess at 5:25 p.m.

Meeting reconvened at 5:33 p.m.

Councilor Koszyk, seconded by Councilor Benda, moved to set the 2003 Board of Review compensation at $50.00/day plus meals.

Motion carried.

Manager Nordeman asked the Council for direction on what to do with the "old library" area in the City Hall. It was the consensus of Council to move the Council Chambers into the area as soon as possible. Manager Nordeman was instructed by Mayor Sabo to secure bids for new carpeting prior to the next regular meeting of the City Council. Manager Nordeman was also instructed to prepare estimates to be included in the next fiscal year budget to allow for the construction of a new Manager’s office on the East End of the area.

Manager Nordeman announced that an old clock that previously hung in the Crystal Inn (now Crystal Manor) building has been restored by Max Woelffer and Donald Boulanger to excellent working order and has been offered to the City Council for placement in the City Hall building. The Council accepted this offer and promised to find a fitting space to display this extraordinary timepiece.

Councilor Koszyk, seconded by Councilor Hendrickson moved to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, it is necessary to maintain a military to protect the country and preserve the freedoms we all enjoy, and

WHEREAS, the military personnel and their families make sacrifices on a daily basis beyond that of the average citizen, and

WHEREAS, the current situations in the Middle East and North Korea are likely to increase the need for these people to make sacrifices, and

WHEREAS, a number of local families have members of the military and with the call up of Reserve and Guard units more and more local families are affected including the family of Marcel Fraser, an employee of the City of Crystal Falls,

NOW BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that we wish to show our appreciation and gratitude to all military personnel and especially those from local families who are sacrificing to defend freedom and this country and give our best wishes and hopes for their safe and speedy return to family, friends, and country.

Resolution adopted.

Councilor Koszyk, seconded by Councilor Benda, moved to increase the monthly fee for Home Box Office to $8.00 per subscriber, effective immediately. Motion carried.

Councilor Benda, seconded by Councilor Koszyk, moved to extend the meeting past the preset 6:00 p.m. adjournment time.

Motion carried.

Councilor Koszyk seconded by Councilor Benda moved that the payrolls and disbursements in the amount of $320,466.50 for the month of January 2003 be approved, and the City Clerk be instructed to draw checks on the City Treasury in payment of same.

Motion carried.

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

Police Chief’s report indicating 126 complaints, 11 of which were closed by arrest and 2,834 patrolled miles.

Joint Fire Authority report submitted by Fire Chief John Ahola indicating answering 7 fire calls; spending approximately 134.5 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.

Mayor Sabo, seconded by Councilor Benda, moved to temporarily adjourn and move into closed session to discuss strategy regarding the ongoing "Oberstar v. City of Crystal Falls" litigation.

Meeting temporarily adjourned at 6:04 p.m.

Meeting reconvened at 6:19 p.m.

Councilor Benda asked Manager Nordeman if the purchase order process sited by Auditor Kenney has been addressed. Manager Nordeman advised that steps have been taken to correct the problems with the purchase order process used by the city employees. He also noted an upcoming meeting with Mike Ferguson and Dave Sherby to set up a purchase order process for use by the DDA.

There being no further business to come before the Council, meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.