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A regular meeting of the Council for the City of Crystal Falls was held in the Council Chambers of the City Hall on Monday, May 14, 2001, at 4:30 P.M. Central Time. Roll call: Mayor Cram, Councilors Hendrickson, Benda, and Lind.
Absent: Nylund
Also Present: City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk. Mayor Cram opened the meeting by leading all present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Cram supported by Councilor Benda, moved to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of April 9, 2001 and the special meeting of April 25, 2001 as written. Motion carried. Kathy Moore asked the City Council to consider the adoption of an ordinance to prohibit bicycles, skateboards, roller skates/blades and other such devices on the sidewalks in the downtown business district. Mayor Cram suggested Mrs. Moore to write a letter to the Council with her reasons and ideas for consideration by the Councilors. Geri Treziak, a resident of the Western location, complained about the dirty water caused by the water being turned on at the golf course. She requested a warning sent to the residents to allow for preparation of these events. Manager Nordeman said he would be sure that notification would made in the future. Al Skurka, representing the Chippewa Sno-Kats, asked the Council to consider granting a permit for a relocated snowmobile trail in the area of the city wells. Mayor Cram requested a mapping of the area and noted the Council would consider this request at the June meeting. Marilyn Moon asked what the status of the water bottling plant was and if the Council was still considering the proposed Class A road through the Runkle Lake Park area to service this plant. Mayor Cram advised that no decisions have been made concerning the road and he was not sure of the status of the water bottling plant. Mrs. Moon also asked if the City had a plan to deal with the growing deer population in the City limits. Manager Nordeman advised he had contacted the DNR and was told the City would need to impose a ban on feeding of deer and enforce it. Manager Nordeman was instructed to look into this matter and possibly ask for the attendance of a DNR officer at an upcoming Council meeting to address the issue. Robert Graham asked about the status of his request to have his water line looped. Manager Nordeman advised the project was on the list and when the funds were available, it would be completed. Mr. Graham requested the Council reconsider the Daily pass at Runkle Lake Park. He noted that the Lion’s building is rented for private parties and used for community events and considered the daily pass as a "Slap in the Face" that is causing an inconvenience to the visitors. Councilor Hendrickson explained that the fee was implemented to generate funds for park improvements for those very users. She also reminded Mr. Graham of all the City has done for the Lion’s Club. Mayor Cram offered representatives from the Lion’s Club and the Council meet prior to next summer to seek solutions to these conflicts. There was no representation from the Contemporary Center present. There was no representation from the DDA present. Mike Gatzow updated the Council on the Riverwalk project. He noted contract specs were being compiled and ads for bids on the project should be in the papers next week. Construction is expected to begin in late June or early July with completion this fall. The Sewer Project was discussed regarding the restoration of the terraces and the completion of some paving and repair work. Mr. Gatzow advised the Council that the final comprehensive plan of the Water System Master Plan would be presented to them at the June meeting. Beth Berkheiser, Iron County Economic Development Advisor, presented a resolution for the Council to consider. She also announced that the Crystal Falls Industrial Park has been included in a Multi-County Renaissance Zone. The resolution is one of the final steps necessary to make this become a reality. Councilor Lind, supported by Councilor Benda, moved to approve the Resolution of Support for the Creation of a Renaissance Zone. Resolution Adopted. (Said resolution is attached and made a part of the minutes of this meeting.) Councilor Benda, supported by Councilor Lind, moved to name the new streets in the Industrial Park as: Industrial Parkway (the East-West street that intersects Zavada Drive and U.S. 141) and Commercial Avenue (the street that intersects Zavada Drive and Industrial Parkway). Motion carried. Councilor Hendrickson, supported by Mayor Cram, moved to set the following rates for camping at the Runkle Lake Park: Weekly rate – Camp seven (7) consecutive nights and receive the 7th night free. Monthly rate – Requires 31 day of continuous camping West side sites = $375/month East side sites = $275/month Motion carried. Mayor Cram once again called for suggestions for the Iron County Time Capsule. Councilor Lind suggested a listing of all the tax payers. Manager Nordeman suggested a copy of the "Reflections of Old Crystal Falls" book. Clerk Olson was instructed to proceed with the inclusion of these articles into the Time Capsule. Councilor Lind, supported by Councilor Hendrickson, moved to increase the compensation of the election inspectors to $6.75/hour and the election chairperson to $7.00/hour effective immediately. Motion carried. Councilor Hendrickson, supported by Councilor Benda, moved to contribute $2,337.00 to the Forest Park Community Schools Summer Recreation Program. Motion carried. Roberta Jacobs, representing a group of youths who are seeking assistance in the creation of a "Skate Park" approached the Council with their ideas. Ms. Jacobs noted that the group would really prefer to secure a site for a year round skate park, an endeavor that would require a large building. Mayor Cram asked Beth Berkheiser if she could assist the youth with their project as they would need to do fund raising and possibly grant writing. Mrs. Berkheiser suggested she meet with Manager Nordeman and the youths to see what could be done to help. No action was taken on the request from the USDA Forest Service for a contribution to the "Tree of Hope Planning Committee". Councilor Hendrickson supported by Councilor Benda, moved to approve the payrolls and disbursements in the amount of $267,698.38 for the month of April 2001, and the City Clerk be instructed to draw checks on the City Treasury in payment of same. Motion carried. Mayor Pro-Tem Nylund supported by Councilor Hendrickson, moved to accept the following reports for the month of April 2001: Police Chief’s report indicating 117 complaints, 5 of which were closed by arrest and 3,059 patrolled miles. Joint Fire Authority report submitted by Fire Chief John Ahola indicating answering 5 fire calls; spending approximately 73 man-hours fighting fires; and holding 1 practice and training session. Chief Electrician’s report of departmental activities. 4. Public Works Foreman’s report of department activities. Motion carried. Mayor Cram read a thank you note from Joanie Heitala, Citizen of the Year, for the City’s plaque of recognition presented to her. Councilor Hendrickson reported on the Library Board meeting, the Dickinson-Iron Community Service Agency meeting, and commented on the Northern Michigan Public Service Academy Elected Officials workshop attended by herself and other Councilors. Councilor Hendrickson supported by Mayor Cram, moved to adopt a Resolution of Commendation for Police Officers Anthony Starr and Tim Bean for their part in the arrest of armed robbery suspects. Motion carried. (Said resolution will be presented to the officers at the June meeting of the Council and included in the June meeting minutes.) Councilor Lind asked Manager Nordeman about the replacement or refurbishment of city street signs, noting that many are in deplorable condition. Manager Nordeman advised he will look into the matter and see they are replaced or fixed. Councilor Hendrickson asked the balance of the Councilors to join her in a clean up of the downtown sidewalks. The date of Wednesday, May 23rd, in the morning, was selected for the task. The Councilors will remove dirt, weeds, and debris from the Superior Avenue sidewalks and invite the business owners to join them. Mayor Cram supported by Councilor Benda, moved to temporarily adjourned the meeting to meet in closed session to allow for consultation with Attorney Lawrence regarding strategy in connection with pending litigation with C. Oberstar Excavating, Inc. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Meeting reconvened at 7:05 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Council, meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
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