Meeting Minutes for December 04, 2000
MOUNTAIN IRON CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor Mitchell Brunfelt called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with the following members present: Carolyn Olsen, Stephen Skogman, Joe Matanich, Curt Piri, and Mayor Mitchell Brunfelt. Also present were: Craig J. Wainio, City Administrator; Jill M. Forseen, Municipal Service Secretary; Don Kleinschmidt, Director of Public Works; and Larry Nanti, Recreation Director.
It was moved by Skogman and supported by Olsen that the consent agenda be approved as follows:
1. Add the following items to the agenda:
VI. B. Communications
Terry Leoni, City of Virginia, a letter requesting to meet with the City to discuss a joint fire and public safety facility.
2. Approve the minutes of the November 20, 2000, regular meeting as submitted.
3. That the communications be accepted, placed on file, and those requiring further action by the Council be acted upon during their proper sequence on the agenda.
4. Authorize the payment of the bills and payroll for the period November 16-30, 2000, totaling $277,482.67, (a list is attached and made a part of these minutes).
5. Acknowledge the receipts for the period November 16-30, 2000, totaling $50,533.55, (a list is attached and made a part of these minutes).
The motion to adopt the consent agenda carried unanimously on a roll call vote.
At 6:32 p.m., it was moved by Skogman and supported by Matanich to recess the regular meeting and open the Truth in Taxation public hearing. The motion carried.
The City Administrator explained that the public hearing is required by state statute to discuss the proposed property tax levy and the proposed 2001 budget. He said that the City of Mountain Iron is anticipating a 3% overall budget increase and a 5% levy increase to fund the increased cost of services and capital improvements within the City.
The City Administrator said that a letter was received the International Union of Operating engineers regarding their proposed property tax increase for 2001. The Mayor stated that this letter would be included as part of the official record.
The Mayor announced that the 2001 levy and budget would be presented for formal adoption at the December 18, 2000 budget adoption hearing at 6:30 p.m.
At 6:36 p.m., it was moved by Skogman and supported by Matanich to adjourn the truth in taxation hearing and reconvene the regular meeting. The motion carried.
During the public forum, the Mayor advised Mr. Ronald Klabunde that he would take his comments from him now or during the discussion on his Conditional Use Permit.
During the public forum, Thomas Pariseau, International Union of Operating Engineers, requested that the Council answer his questions from the letter he wrote regarding the substantial tax increase on the property. The City Administrator advised Mr. Pariseau that the major cause of his tax increase was the increase in the market valuation of the property. The Mayor advised Mr. Pariseau to attend the Board of Review meeting in May to challenge the valuation of his property.
David Bratulich was present and also questioned the increase in taxes and valuation of his property.
Mark Westerbur was present and also questioned the increase in taxes and valuation of his property.
It was moved by Piri and supported by Olsen to accept the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and approve the Conditional Use Permit for Ronald Klabunde on Parcels 175-0065-01570 and 01580 for an off-site sign to be located on the property. The motion carried.
The Council reviewed the proposed 2001 Enterprise Fund budgets. The Director of Public Works said that the Utility Advisory Board reviewed the budgets and approved them. The City Administrator said that these budgets would be presented for formal approval at the December 18, 2000 City Council meeting.
The City Council reviewed the proposed 2001 Housing and Redevelopment Authority budget. The City Administrator said that this budget would also be presented for formal approval at the December 18, 2000 City Council meeting.
The City Council reviewed and discussed the proposed 2001 City budget and levy.
The Council review the capital improvement projects and funding. It was the consensus of the Council to fund the following capital improvement projects.
BOND FUNDS:
Develop Commercial Sites $300,000
8th Street $300,000
TOTAL $600,000
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS:
Fire Department � Pumper $100,000
Sheriffs Department-Squad Car $ 23,000
Infrastructure-Water Tank Mtce. $150,000
Parks – Crack Sealing $ 20,000
Parks � Dugouts $ 10,000
Parks � Bleachers $ 7,000
Streets�Maintenance (Class 5/Crack Sealing) $ 25,000
Streets � Construction $ 65,000
Buildings � Library $ 50,000
TOTAL $450,000
The Fire Chief requested that the 2001 Fire Department operating budget be increased by $6,000 for gear and safety equipment.
The Council discussed developing a truck route into the Higgins Industrial site. The Director of Public Works said that he was reviewing the situation.
The Council reviewed the list of communications. It was the consensus of the Council to have the City Administrator, the Fire Chief, and Councilor Skogman meet with Terry Leoni, City of Virginia, to discuss a joint safety building to be built in the City of Virginia.
During the open discussion, Councilor Matanich said that he would not be at the next regular meeting.
At 8:30 p.m., it was moved by Piri and supported by Skogman that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried.
