A special meeting of the Council for the City of Crystal Falls was held in the Council Chamber of the City Hall on Monday, July 17, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. Central Time.

Present: Mayor Hendrickson, Councilors Heikkinen, Thrasher and Stachowicz

Absent: Councilor Valesano.

Also present were City Manager Nordeman, City Attorney Lawrence, and City Clerk/Treasurer Olson.

Visitors in attendance included: Mike Premo and David Bradley representing MDOT; Scott McNeilis and Bob Manninen representing Coleman Engineering; Nancy Roberts representing U.P. Engineering; members of the Downtown Development Authority, business owners, and various citizens. Those present who signed in were: Jeff Syrjanen, Ginger Suheski, Dennis Hulbert, David Sherby, Mike Koszyk, Doug Bates, Pat Sommers, Janet Kunz, Jim Kunz, Michael Ferguson, Clete VanErem, Julie Harp, Adrienne Rossi, Ray Bortolini, Ken Santi, Emil Bicigo, Jack Bicigo, Kristine Coopman, Dick Hendrickson, Maureen Elson, MaryAnn Harrington, Geraldine Trzeciak, Marilynn Moon, John J. Moon, Toivo Hietala.

The purpose of this special meeting was to conduct a discussion and to make a decision regarding the control of traffic on Superior Avenue during the construction of the water, sewer, and streetscape projects in 2007, and, to consider a Phase II Environmental Assessment of the Crystal Manor building.

Mayor Hendrickson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mike Premo began with an explanation of the water, sewer, and streetscape projects coordination and MDOT’s participation in the project.

Scott McNeilis of Coleman Engineering explained how the projects will progress with construction moving from east to west with trenches as deep as 10’ in some places.

Bob Manninen provided a handout with the three options for traffic control during the projects. Option 1 called for maintaining two way traffic with two 11-foot lanes of traffic. Option 2 suggested maintaining one 11-foot traffic lane with traffic going one way. Option 3 called for closure of Superior Avenue to through traffic with a detour on Crystal Avenue. All of the options included a suggestion that truck traffic use Wagner to Fairbanks to N. 6^th Street as an alternate route. All of the options will have parking removed from Superior Avenue during the construction.

There was a great deal of discussion regarding these options and others.

Councilor Thrasher seconded by Councilor Heikkinen moved to approve Option #3 with amendments as follows: Close Superior Avenue to Through Traffic with a detour on Crystal Avenue for west bound traffic and a detour on Marquette Avenue for east bound traffic. Crystal Avenue and Marquette Avenue will be designated as One-Way streets with no parking throughout the duration of the project, and further, that no two consecutive side streets will be closed during the construction. It is understood that the implementation of this option is pending MDOT approval.

Motion carried.

Julie Melchori of the Iron County Economic Development Corporation addressed the Council regarding the need for an update of the environmental assessment of the Crystal Manor building.

Councilor Thrasher seconded by Councilor Heikkinen moved to proceed with a request for proposals for a Phase II Environmental Assessment of the Crystal Manor Building.

Motion carried.

Mayor Hendrickson announced a Special Meeting of the City Council will be held on Monday, July 24, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. to consider a Request for Proposals for Developer/Architectural/Contractor Team for Crystal Manor Property Renovation.

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

Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m.