DRAFT – Minutes are not official until approved by Council at the next regular meeting.
City of Effie
March 9, 2009 Minutes
In attendance were Mayor Matt David, Lil Black, Tim Stewart and Liza Erickson
The meeting was called to order.
Mayor David opened the public forum. Tom Boland representing North Itasca Electric Company’s Operation Round-Up gave a brief overview of the funding available this round and stated that applications are due by April 6th. As no one else wished to address the Council, the public forum was closed.
Minutes: Minutes were approved in a motion by Erickson, seconded by Stewart, motion carried unanimously (MCU).
OLD BUSINESS
Sewer Update: Chuck Almhjeld had provided a wastewater report for each of the three previous months. David reported that the system is running at about a quarter of the design flow. Stewart inquired if these reports are kept on file for future reference and David stated that they were. City Attorney Kent Nyberg is still working on the letter to Wagner and hoped to have it sent this week.
Housing Rehab: Notice was posted that rural Effie residents are eligible for the program, but three spots still remain. The Clerk and Mayor both have applications. Fifteen homes are in process right now.
Bigfork Airport: Dick Salmi, Amy Tendrup and Mayor Roger Logdahl from the City of Bigfork were present to discuss the Bigfork Airport. Tendrup noted that she had discussed the issues with the Effie City Council in the past as well. Her concern at this time is that there is false information out in the communities about the purpose of establishing an airport authority and that needs to be cleared up before any progress can be made. It was made clear that the City of Bigfork will have the runway extension and reconstruction requested by the Bergquist Company completed in 2009. The establishment of an airport authority is not a means for the City of Bigfork to pass that problem off to another entity. Tendrup stated that joint operation of the airport will be necessary in order to sustain what is there and it puts you in a better position to be able to make further improvements in the future. Salmi provided copies of news articles illustrating what other communities have been able to accomplish with their airport facilities. He felt the Bigfork Airport could be a real jewel for this community and could foster economic development. He reiterated that the City of Bigfork is not looking to pass off a problem. The airport currently carries no debt, the day-to-day operating costs are covered by reimbursements from the State and County and the mound system is operational. Salmi recognized that people would be concerned about tax increases if an airport authority were formed. He pointed out that a cap can be set on the amount the authority is able to levy. In addition, each entity involved in the authority must approve the levy on an annual basis. David agreed that the entire area benefits from the airport and the Bergquist Company being located where it is and that the burden of operating the airport should not solely be the City of Bigfork’s.
Another community meeting will be held in the near future on this issue and the City of Effie will certainly be invited to participate.
NEW BUSINESS
Hwy 38: David stated that the Minnesota Department of Transportation has talked about pushing the streetscape project back to 2012 and he suggested the Council adopt a resolution asking them to try to keep the project as originally planned. This will be on the Council’s April agenda.
Resolution 2009-01: Resolution 2009-01 establishes a committee to oversee the Community Center Building as was discussed at the last meeting. Motion by David to approve the resolution as written, seconded by Stewart, MCU. Motion by David to appoint Stewart as second City representative on the Committee, seconded by Erickson, MCU. As soon as the Legion and Auxiliary pass their resolutions, the first meeting can be set up. It was determined the meeting would take place on April 10th at 6pm at the Community Center.
Resolution 2009-02: Resolution 2009-02 sets up a special fund for sewer reserves as required by the City’s grant agreement with the Public Facilities Authority. Motion to approve Resolution 2009-02 by David, seconded by Black, MCU.
Resolution 2009-03: Resolution 2009-03 transfers the appropriate amount of funds for 2008 from the Sewer Fund to the newly created Sewer Reserve Fund. Motion to pass Resolution 2009-03 by David, seconded by Erickson, MCU.
Reimbursement Agreement – David Olson: Storlie reported that she had paid the 2008 taxes and added the church property to the City’s insurance policy as directed at the last meeting. The insurance bill was not received yet so the total amount Olson owes the City for reimbursement is unknown. Storlie talked with Olson who stated he intends to reimburse the City in full for all costs with his 2008 tax return. Motion by David to give Olson until June 1, 2009 to reimburse the City in full, seconded by Black, MCU.
2009-2010 Itasca County Snowplowing Contract: Motion to approve the contract by David, seconded by Erickson, MCU. Stewart stated that Corky Hasting would need to be notified that he can stop plowing Anselmo Drive. David clarified that this contract did not take effect until next plowing season so the City would want Hastings to continue to plow at this time.
Sheriff’s Report: The annual report of emergency calls within the City was received from the Itasca County Sheriff’s Department.
City Clerk Training: Storlie is attending clerk training next week and Bigfork has asked if Effie would be willing to contribute to the cost of the training. Motion by Erickson to reimburse Bigfork $100 for the training, seconded by Black, MCU.
Bills: Motion to approve the bills by David, seconded by Erickson, MCU.
Motion to adjourn by David, seconded by Erickson MCU at 8:08 p.m.
Angela L. Storlie
City Clerk
