City Council

September 23, 2019 Special City Council Meeting MINOT CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING – SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 at 5:30 PM ROLL CALL: Members Present: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky Members Absent: None Mayor Sipma presiding and led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. ORDINANCE NO. 5419 – ADOPT THE 2020 ANNUAL BUDGET – SECOND READING – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council place and pass ordinance no. 5419 on second reading, adopting the 2020 Annual Budget. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer. Alderman Podrygula complimented City Council President, Jantzer for submitting a well-written message to the Council about the budget. He was particularly impressed that for the second year in a row, the President’s message did not suggest any changes to the proposed budget. He attributed that to the fact the Council is much more involved throughout the budget process and have the opportunity to attend workshops and meetings prior to adoption of the budget. The Council is not just a rubber stamp for the final budget but rather, play a role in the development of the budget from the beginning. He also said, he admired Alderman Wolsky for proposing amendments to the budget during the first reading. Although he did not support the amendments and they did not get approval by Council, they were well thought out and the proposals were clear. Alderman Wolsky thanked Alderman Podrygula. He then commented that his opposition to the overall budget would have been the same regardless of whether the amendments he proposed were adopted. He continued by saying, there was a motion made during the discussions on the landfill that would allocate dollars in the 2020 budget toward siting and relocation of the landfill. He said, that funding was not included in the 2020 budget. He also brought up page 3 of the budget regarding the Regular Employee line item. He pointed out that the percent change was only 1.28% but that figure was a result of the Recreation/Auditorium staff being transferred to the Park District. The actual percentage was closer to 3.8%. He raised concerns about the rate of growth being higher than a cost of living adjustment. He also stated, he would like to see more appropriated toward economic development and the goals of the IEDC report. He commented that in the future he would like to see priorities in terms of dollars rather than just prioritizing the tax rate remaining flat. Alderman Straight said he will support the budget as proposed and added, the priorities are a matter of perspective. He commented on the pay plan and said it demonstrates support for employees but questioned if the public could have a larger say or greater understanding of how it works. He also emphasized the need for a greater discussion on Hub City funding and Community Facilities funding, both of which, the community would like to hear about. Public Works Director Jonasson came forward to assure Alderman Wolsky that $350,000 was included in the landfill contract items to look at different locations for a landfill. Whereupon a vote was taken on the above motion by Alderman Pitner, seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Sipma, Straight; nays: Wolsky. RESOLUTION NO. 3635 – ESTABLISHING 2020 RATES, FEES, AND CHARGES – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council adopt resolution no. 3635 establishing the 2020 rates, fees and charges pertaining to Minot International Airport, Sanitation, and Bus. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Sipma, Straight; nays: Wolsky. Page | 1  September 23, 2019 Special City Council Meeting BALLANTYNE SETTLEMENT (EMINENT DOMAIN) – APPROVED Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council accept a tentative agreement reached by property owners and their attorney, which is as follows: 1. Agree to purchase a portion of the Ballantyne property necessary for the construction of the flood protection project for the amount of $48,000.00; 2. Property owner will petition the District Court for reimbursement for reasonable attorney’s fees and costs; and 3. Possession of property to be promptly transferred to City to allow construction of necessary flood protection. Motion seconded by Alderman Pitner. Attorney Jessica Merchant, representing the Ballantyne’s came forward to clarify that item #3 was a counterproposal by the City. Both parties are in agreement however, and can move forward. The City Attorney confirmed that the clarification does not change the approval. Whereupon a vote was taken on the above motion by Alderman Jantzer, seconded by Alderman Pitner and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: None. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Alderman Pitner moved the City Council meeting be adjourned. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 5:45 pm. ATTEST: ___________________________ APPROVED: ____________________________ Kelly Matalka, City Clerk Shaun Sipma, Mayor Page | 2