A regular meeting of the Council for the City of Crystal Falls was held in the Council Chambers of the City Hall on Monday, March 8, 2004, 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/Treasurer, a contingent of City employees and several members of the community.

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

Councilor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Benda moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 9, 2004 and special meeting of February 17, 2004 as written.

Motion carried.

Mayor Sabo called for visitors to address the Council and City employee David Graff asked for the floor. Mr. Graff reminded the Council of a request for 30-day notification and meetings with the Mayor and Manager prior to Council action on any employee benefits. Mr. Graff felt that this procedure was not followed regarding the suspension of CDL reimbursements to the employees. Mayor Sabo advised that the Personnel Policy revisions scheduled to be acted upon at this meeting will be postponed to the April 12^th meeting of the Council and directed notification of such to be forwarded to the employees.

Mayor Sabo reported on the Downtown Development Authority noting that the focus is now on the TIF Plan. Councilor Koszyk suggested that the TIF Plan come to the City Council prior to any incurring of expense, i.e. review by the City Attorney.

At 4:50 P.M. Mayor Sabo temporarily adjourned the regular meeting to conduct a Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing.

Meeting reconvened at 4:54 P.M.

Jeff Sjoquist of Coleman Engineering reported on the water project test well drilling. He will forward a summary letter to Manager Nordeman soon.

The Council discussed a few additional changes to the personnel policy including: Article VI, paragraph 4, replace the word "may" with "shall" and add "however, may maintain hospitalization coverage by paying the premium themselves." Article VIII, Section II, Funeral Leave, paragraph 2, delete "the Department Head and/or". Article XVIII, paragraph 1, delete "unless approved by the City Manager". Councilor Thrasher also asked Attorney Lawrence to review the "Military Leave" section to be sure of compliance with State and Federal laws. These will all be officially acted on at the April meeting of the City Council.

Councilor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Koszyk moved to approve and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the 2004-2005 Cemetery Agreements with Crystal Falls, Mastodon, and Mansfield Townships.

Motion carried.

Councilor Koszyk seconded by Councilor Thrasher moved to increase the monthly fee for HBO (Home Box Office) to $8.50 per subscriber to cover the fee increase to the city.

Motion carried.

Councilor Koszyk seconded by Councilor Hendrickson moved to send a letter to the Forest Park High School Committee for Alcohol Free Part for Graduating Senior to explain why the City can no longer donate to this event.

Motion carried.

A Special Meeting of the City Council will be held on Monday, March 29, 2004 at 4:30 p.m. to hear a presentation from Jim Weeks of the Michigan Municipal Electric Association.

Councilor Benda seconded by Councilor Thrasher moved to stop practicing the policy on employee hospitalization that was adopted December 13, 1993.

Motion carried.

(Said policy was to send a get-well message, a floral arrangement, to hospitalized employees from the City of Crystal Falls.)

City Manager Nordeman was directed to place "Employees Only" signs on the doors to the City garages.

Councilor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Benda moved to approve the request of the Crystal Falls Business Association to hold a street dance and close S. 3^rd Street between Superior and Marquette Avenues on August 13, 2004 in concurrence with the Fungus Fest.

Motion carried.

City Manager Nordeman reported on damages done to the Mechanic Shop wall from a hit & run accident. In addition, he advised the Council that the DEQ has extended the sewer separation deadline to November 15, 2007.

Councilor Benda asked about the ownership and liability issues concerning the gym equipment currently located on the West End of the stage in the City Hall auditorium. Manager Nordeman was instructed to check with the City’s insurance carrier regarding the matter.

Councilor Benda asked Public Works Foreman Dennis Fabbri to explain the need to plow and remove snow from the parking lot used by the Catholic Church, Peddler’s Corner, and the Crystal Manor employees. Mr. Fabbri responded that removal of piled-up snow was done periodically to eliminate hazards and to allow for full use of the alley by delivery trucks, however, plowing of the parking lot by the City does not occur.

Councilor Hendrickson seconded by Councilor Benda moved that the payrolls and disbursements in the amount of $504,887.72 for the month of February 2004 are approved and the City Clerk be instructed to draw checks on the City Treasury in payment of same.

Motion carried.

Councilor Koszyk seconded by Councilor Benda, moved to accept the following reports for the month of February 2004:

Police Chief’s report indicating 144 complaints, 12 of which were closed by arrest and 2,460 patrolled miles.

Joint Fire Authority report submitted by Fire Chief John Ahola indicating answering 1 fire call; spending approximately 13 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.

Councilor Koszyk seconded by Councilor Benda move to adjourn the meeting at 6:04 p.m.