·         Accounts payable claim to North Koochiching Area Sanitary District.

Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

APPROVED recommendation to reject the only bid for the 6th Street LSL Water Service Replacement Project of 5th and 6th Street

MOTION by Councilor Buller to reject the only bid for the 6th Street LS Line (LSL) Water Service Replacement Project of 5th and 6th Street.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

• Travis Thompson – $4,890
• Steve Boyum Construction – $4,250
• J & J Contracting LLC – $6,900

MOTION by Councilor Holden to award the demolition of the property located at 1710 4th Avenue West to the lowest bidder Steve Boyum Construction in the amount of $4,250.

City Attorney Nelson stated she was contacted by the owner of the property requesting more time to remove personal belongings.  Mayor Droba indicated that at this point the city has expended funds and should move forward with the demolition.

Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

Bethany Tupper, 1000 3rd Street, discuss parking matters

Mayor Droba updated that at the last council meeting, a citizen recently recovering from surgery addressed a concern he had while he was walking throughout the community. Sidewalks were being blocked by vehicles in driveways, causing him to have to walk into the city street. Police have issued tickets as a result of these violations which are both a City Ordinance and State Statute. This matter was discussed at the Committee-of the-Whole meeting last week. Mayor Droba indicated that his belief was the City would be waiving the tickets as the violation had not been enforced in the past. Chief Kostiuk and City Administrator indicated at the C.O.W. meeting if the city alleviates those tickets, situations arise regarding all tickets and they understood that it was not something historically that has been ticketed for. Mayor Droba further noted that it was the position of the council that the tickets would not be alleviated.

Bethany Tupper, 1000 3rd Street addressed Mayor and Council. She advised that she had purchased her home five years ago and is just now dealing with the issue of parking. Her concerns were that at the time her driveway was built, there was no sidewalk. She is unable to park her truck in her driveway without it being on the sidewalk. There is calendar parking enforced in her area but construction workers working on a nearby project are utilizing most street parking. Tupper advised that she has a two year old child and has concerns about parking in the street. She was hoping that the city would come up with a compromise regarding this issue, as she is unable to afford $40/day in tickets for the two vehicles that she owns.

Councilor Wegner spoke to Tupper about the possibility of issuing calendar parking permits. Mayor Droba stated that there is a real parking concern in the community and parking solutions need to be discussed.

Brett Christianson, 1300 1st Avenue asked Mayor and Council if any of them had a sidewalk that went through their driveways. None indicated they dealt with the same issue. Christianson spoke of how only his bumper was into the sidewalk and how he had real concerns that the police were on his personal property to place the ticket on his vehicle. Mayor Droba informed Christianson that once a concern is addressed with city council that it needs to be discussed.

Marissa Ross, 1600 7th Street spoke that she was dealing with the same issue as Tupper and Christianson. She purchased her home 4 ½ years ago. Ross felt that parking in the street would only cause more issues, including snow removal. She discussed her concerns with the condition of the city sidewalks, not being able to push a stroller due to missing and uneven pieces. Ross commented that her young family moved here from out of state and if they are not able to park in the driveway of the home they purchased that they will leave the community.

Sheryl Christianson, 604 6th Street questioned Mayor and Council about why Sunday calendar parking is not enforced as well. She inquired as to why everyone attending church, funerals or potlucks at Zion Lutheran Church are getting a pass when people are not able to park on property they own.

Diane Smalley, 903 6th Street has a garage which is on 9th Avenue. She has lived in her home for 44 years. She understands laws and calendar parking but feels those laws are posted clearly for people to see. Smalley wished that notification would have been given in advance and permits and/or exceptions should be given.

Mayor Droba asked Chief Kostiuk if anyone had directed him to issue the tickets as he felt no one from council had given that order. Councilor Kalar commented it was implied at the last meeting that tickets would be issued. Chief Kostiuk stated that he had spoken to City Administrator Bergstrom about this and that his officers did exactly what they were advised to do.

Discussion continued regarding options moving forward. Chief Kostiuk indicated that all property owners had valid concerns. Discussion will continue during Public Safety and Public Works meetings. Going forward the request is that property owners follow city ordinances and calendar parking and if further concerns arise, to contact Chief Kostiuk.

49-2024 approving the application and permit for 1 day to 4 day temporary on-sale liquor license for St. Thomas Aquinas Church for a community dinner fundraiser for St. Thomas School on Saturday November 2, 2024.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

MOTION approved by Councilor Holden to approve maintenance contract for service with Hamilton Medical for two (2) Hamilton T-1 Ventilators.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

Mayor Droba stated the public hearing will be scheduled for October 7, 2024 at 5:00 P.M.

1. APPROVED the purchase of a Stepp Mfg. 3.0 CY (4-ton) diesel dump style premix heater (pothole patching machine)

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the purchase of a Stepp Mfg. 3.0 CY (4-ton) diesel dump style premix heater (pothole patching machine) with funds from Fund 402 Street Capital-Outlay 42210-5800.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

1. APPROVED advertising and hiring three (3) part-time, seasonal Parks & Facilities Assistant positions

Mayor Droba advised the three part-time positions were for Kerry Park Arena.  MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve advertising and hiring three (3) part-time, seasonal Parks & Facilities Assistant positions.  Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.

1. APPROVED the “draft” Confined Spaces Policy & Procedures

1. APPROVED Cady Business Technologies Proposal SIP Telco Service & E911 Solution and Cady Proposal and Agreement for Mitel MiVoice Business Solution

Police Chief Kostiuk added that as per state statute public comment will also be accepted both electronically (via email) and by mail as of September 26, 2024.  Input can be emailed or mailed to the Chief of Police.

Councilor Kalar stated this was a good step moving forward for the safety of our officers and the community.

Motion carried unanimously.

Councilor Holden shared that North Koochiching Area Sanitary District meeting will be held on September 17, 2024.