A regular meeting of the Council for the City of Crystal Falls was held in the Council Chambers of the City Hall on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 5:00 P.M. Central Time.

Roll Call: Mayor Hendrickson, Councilors Heikkinen, Valesano, Bicigo, and Smokevitch.

Absent: None

Also Present: City Manager Nordeman, City Attorney Lawrence, and City Clerk/Treasurer Olson.

Mayor Hendrickson led the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Councilor Heikkinen seconded by Councilor Valesano moved that the items on the Consent Agenda be approved as noted below:

The minutes of the meetings of January 14, 2008, January 21, 2008 and January 28, 2008 as written.

The following reports for the month of January 2008:
A. Police report, as submitted by Police Chief Sherwin, indicating 194 complaints, of which 2 were closed by arrest, and logging of 2,546 miles on patrol duty.

B. Joint Fire Authority report, as submitted by Fire Chief Ahola, indicating answering two (2) fire calls; spending approximately 19 man-hours fighting fires; and holding one (1) practice and training sessions.

C. Electric Dept report as submitted by Chief Electrician David Graff.

D. Public Works Dept report as submitted by Foreman Kelly Stankewicz.

E. Treasurer’s Revenue Report as submitted by Clerk/Treasurer Dorothea Olson.

Payrolls and Disbursements in the amount of $629,086.63 and instruct the City Clerk/Treasurer to draw checks on the City Treasury in payment of same.

Ayes: Mayor Hendrickson, Councilors Heikkinen, Smokevitch, Valesano, and Bicigo. Nays: none
Motion carried.

Mayor Hendrickson recognized and welcomed four (4) cadet scouts from Girl Scout Troup 344 who were present at the meeting as a requirement toward working on their law and order badges.

Councilor Valesano seconded by Councilor Heikkinen moved to approve the 2008 maintenance contract with TRICO Opportunities for the Paint River Walkway in the amount of $1,560.00.

Motion carried.

Scott Kenney, CPA presented the 2006-2007 Annual audit of the City’s financial records.

Mayor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Valesano moved to accept the 2006 – 2007 audit report as prepared and presented by Scott Kenney, CPA.

Motion carried.

Manager Nordeman suggested the discontinuance of the present MERS plan for future hires and going to a percentage match on the 457 plans as an alternative to gain control over the escalating costs of this benefit. Nordeman will have cost figures prepared for the next Council meeting.

Julie Melchiori, Iron County Economic Development Coordinator, introduced Robert Grell who would like to purchase land in the City’s industrial park. He proposed purchasing lots one thru six for "Grell’s Crystal Truck Wash and Accessories", which will service heavy duty trucks and equipment. Mayor Hendrickson thanked Mr. Grell for his presentation and consideration of relocating in the Crystal Falls area. The Council will consider the proposal presented by Grell with action postponed until a future meeting.

Manager Nordeman advised that he will seek quotes on the remediation of the radon at the City Hall for consideration at a future meeting.

There was no DDA report as the meeting was not held due to the lack of a quorum.

Regarding the Crystal Manor project, Manager Nordeman reported that negotiations continue regarding the securing of the property to the North of the building for use as a parking area.

Mayor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Heikkinen moved to approve the estimate of funds needed for the water project in the amount of $33,932.27.

Motion carried.

Councilor Valesano seconded by Mayor Hendrickson moved to approve the grant payment request to MEDC in the amount of $29,191.97 for the water meter project.

Motion carried.

Mayor Hendrickson temporarily adjourned the meeting to conduct the scheduled public hearing on the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments at 6:23 PM.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Mayor Hendrickson explained the proposed amendments to Ordinance No. 4, Zoning Ordinance for the City of Crystal Falls. One of the amendments adds "Automobile Dealership" as a permitted principal use to section 3.14, B-1 Central Business District. The other amendment will change the wording regarding fences from "in a required front yard," to "in a yard,".

Mayor Hendrickson called for comments from the public.

There were no public comments.

Mayor Hendrickson called for comments from the Council.

There were no Council comments.

Public Hearing closed at 6:25 PM

Councilor Heikkinen seconded by Councilor Bicigo moved to amend Ordinance No. 4, Zoning Ordinance , Section 13.3 (2)(f) to read "f. Concrete, stone, wood, masonry, or other fences in a yard, of any district shall require permits. The Zoning Administrator shall also require permits for any fences or other structures within the sight triangle establishment at intersections. See Section 5.5, Traffic Visibility."

Ayes: Mayor Hendrickson, Councilors Heikkinen, Smokevitch, Valesano, and Bicigo. Nays: None

Motion carried.

Mayor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Valesano moved to amend Ordinance No. 4, Zoning Ordinance, Section 3.14 B-1 Central Business District, with the addition of item "n. Automobile Dealership."

Ayes: Mayor Hendrickson, Councilors Heikkinen, Smokevitch, Valesano, and Bicigo. Nays: None

Motion carried.

Attorney Lawrence reported on his findings regarding Ordinance No. 2.03, Open Storage of Disable Vehicles regarding how it applies to open storage of accessory vehicles such as a dump truck and a race car on a trailer. He advised that neither were in violation of the ordinance.

Mayor Hendrickson set the date of March 10, 2008 at 5:00 PM for a public hearing on amendments for Ordinances No. 2, (Public Nuisances) and No. 2.18 (Blight), and instructed Clerk Olson to post notices of said hearing in accordance with the City Charter.

Councilor Heikkinen seconded by Councilor Valesano moved to authorize Manager Nordeman to hire a consultant to request proposals from wholesale power suppliers for a power supply agreement for the City when the City’s contract is up with WE Energies in May 2011 with said consultant fees not to exceed $2,000.00.

Motion carried.

Mayor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Heikkinen moved to meet in closed session pursuant to PA 267, 1976, Section 15.268 (d) to consider the purchase of property.

Ayes: Mayor Hendrickson, Councilors Heikkinen, Smokevitch, Valesano, and Bicigo. Nays: None

Motion carried.

Meeting temporarily adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

Meeting reconvened at 7:20 p.m.

Councilor Heikkinen seconded by Mayor Hendrickson moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m.

Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.