City Council

February 18, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting MINOT CITY COUNCIL – SCHEDULED MEETING – FEBRUARY 18, 2020 AT 5:30 P.M. ROLL CALL Members Present: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky Members Absent: Podrygula PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Sipma presiding and led the City Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Mayor then acknowledged the passing of former City Finance Director and Representative from District 40, Bob Frantsvog. He offered condolences to his family and friends. PUBLIC HEARING: STARR SUBDIVISION LOTS 1 & 2 The City Council held a public hearing to consider a request by Jessie Starr, owner, and Ackerman Surveying & Associates, Inc, applicant, to rezone lots 1 & 2 Starr Subdivision from AG (Agricultural District) to RA (Agricultural Residential District). No one appeared on behalf of the request. Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council close the public hearing and approve the requests. Motion seconded by Alderman Olson. SUBDIVISION OF STARR SUBDIVISION LOTS 1 & 2 – APPROVED Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council approve the subdivision to separate the North Half of Outlot 7 into two (2) rural residential lots to be known as Lots 1 and 2 of Starr Subdivision. Motion seconded by Alderman Olson and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5458 - REZONING OF STARR SUBDIVISION LOTS 1 & 2 – FIRST READING – APPROVED Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5458 on first reading to change the zone from AG (Agricultural District) to RA (Agricultural Residential District) on Starr Subdivision Lots 1 & 2. Motion seconded by Alderman Olson and carried unanimously. Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5458 on first reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Olson and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5459 – AMEND THE ZONING CODE CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TEXT AMENDMENTS - CHAPTER 30 – FIRST READING – APPROVED Community Development Director, Brian Billingsley explained that Planning staff conducted research of other North Dakota cities on which types of planning requests require public hearings and which do not in the interest of eliminating duplicative public hearings before the City Council. Currently, the Minot ordinance requires public hearings before both the Commission and the Council for text amendment applications, rezoning applications, conditional use permits, and interim use permits. The proposed text amendment prepared by staff will eliminate the need for a second public hearing at City Council since the requirement for public input will be satisfied at the Planning Commission meeting. He explained that the Planning Commission modified the staff proposal by recommending that rezoning amendments and conditional use permits require a second public hearing at the Council level, while removing the hearing requirement for interim use permits and text amendments. The Council can decide to approve either the staff recommendation, the Planning Commission recommendation, or another combination they choose.  February 18, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting City Manager Barry clarified, staff is not recommending public hearings be eliminated, only duplicative public hearings. Staff is concerned the public may not be aware of the second public hearing at City Council and assume the Planning Commission recommendation is final. Alderman Wolsky asked if having two public hearings creates notification issues. The City Attorney responded by saying, current requirements include notification to any property within 300 feet prior to either Planning Commission or City Council. There is also a requirement to publish in the newspaper seven days prior to the public hearing. Alderman Wolsky said he prefers a less restrictive model and thinks the requirement is not necessary but should continue the practice. Mr. Barry said, the first public hearing is held at Planning Commission but there is still an opportunity for comment at City Council. City Attorney further clarified that the amendment proposed by Planning Commission states, the Council should act based on the application, evidence, and recommendation of the Planning Commission. She said, we could insert any public comment in that section. Alderman Pitner asked if it could be put on the applicant to request a public hearing. Ms. Hendershot said, the Council takes final action on the recommendation of the Planning Commission so whether the public hearing takes place before Planning or City Council, the Council has the final approval. The Council can take comment on any item on the agenda regardless of whether it is a public hearing. Alderman Jantzer said, there are instances where it is good for the Council to hear public comment first hand and he prefers there be two opportunities for discussion. Alderman Straight moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5459 on first reading amending Chapter 30 of the Zoning Supplement of the City of Minot Code of Ordinances as follows:  Section 30-3(b) Conditional Use Permits shall require a public hearing at both Planning Commission and City Council in the same manner as a rezoning request.  Section. 30-4(b) Interim Use Permits shall be processes in the same manner as Conditional Use Permits, except that no public hearing is required at City Council  Section 30-5(i) differentiates actions by the Council for zoning map amendments which require a public hearing at City Council as well as Planning Commission, and zoning text amendments which only require a public hearing at Planning Commission, not City Council. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Alderman Straight moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5459 on first reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. CONSIDER THE REPORT OF THE MAGIC FUND SCREENING COMMITTEE The City Council accepted and filed the annual compliance report for the MAGIC Fund Screening Committee. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council approve the minutes of the February 3, 2020 regular City Council meeting and the February 10, 2020 special City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5449 - 2019 FEED POINT REPLACEMENT BUDGET AMENDMENT (4506) – SECOND READING – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5449 on second reading amending the 2020 annual budget to increase Traffic department revenues and expenditures for the street light feed point replacement that had been appropriated in the 2019 budget. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously.  February 18, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting Alderman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5449 on second reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5450 – HPS TO LED STREET LIGHT CONVERSION BUDGET AMENDMENT – SECOND READING – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5450 on second reading amending the 2020 annual budget to increase the Traffic department revenues and expenditures for the HPS to LED street light conversion that had been appropriated in the 2019 budget. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Alderman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5450 on second reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5451 - BROADWAY CORRIDOR STUDY BUDGET AMENDMENT (4443) – SECOND READING – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5451 on second reading amending the 2020 annual budget to increase Street department revenues and expenditures for the Broadway Corridor Study. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Alderman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5451 on second reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5452 - PURCHASE GPS RECEIVER (4473) – SECOND READING – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5452 on second reading amending the 2020 annual budget to increase the Engineering Capital Equipment Purchases expenditures for the purchase of a GPS Receiver. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Alderman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5452 on second reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5453 – AMEND THE 2020 ANNUAL BUDGET - REPAIR OF BANK, STABILIZATION, DREDGING AND CULVERT CLEANING (3135.2E) – SECOND READING – APROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5453 on second reading amending the 2020 annual budget to increase the Street Department levee maintenance revenues and expenditures for the SWIF repair of bank, stabilization, dredging and culvert cleaning project. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Alderman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5453 on second reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5454 – 2019 LINE ITEMS OVER BUDGET – SECOND READING – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5454 on second reading to amend the 2019 annual budget to adjust department budgets for funds approved by the City Council for Sales Tax Flood Control, Various Grants, Library Memorial, and Interest Distribution. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Alderman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5454 on second reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5455 – AMEND THE 2020 ANNUAL BUDGET- CITY HALL SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS – SECOND READING – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5455 on second reading amending the 2020 annual budget to increase Property Maintenance buildings and grounds revenues and expenditures for the City Hall Security Improvements. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously.  February 18, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting Alderman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5455 on second reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5456 - AMEND THE 2020 ANNUAL BUDGET- ASSET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE – SECOND READING – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5456 on second reading amending the 2020 annual budget to increase the Engineering Department’s professional and technical services revenues and expenditures and decrease the Engineering capital equipment purchases expenditures for the Citywide Asset Management Software Project. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Alderman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5456 on second reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none ORDINANCE NO. 5457 - PARKING AUTHORITY BOOKKEEPING DUTIES – SECOND READING – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council grant approval of $200/month compensation to Phil Schultz for bookkeeping duties through the use of Parking Authority cash reserves. Also, to place ordinance no. 5457 on second reading amending the 2020 annual budget to increase the Parking Authority contracts expenditures for the bookkeeping services. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Alderman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5457 on second reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. APPROVE RETAINAGE PAYMENTS FOR DEMOLITION CONTRACTS – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council approve retainage payments to Dig It Up Backhoe Service, Inc. for demolition contracts in amounts of $18,513.50 (205/215 Maple Street) and $5,213.05 (400 Maple Street). Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. UPDATED WARD COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council adopt the updates to the Ward County Emergency Operations Plan and authorize the required entities, ex. Police, fire, Mayor, Public works, PSAP to sign the signature sheet. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. REQUEST FOR BIDS HAY LAND/CROP – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council authorize the Airport Director to advertise and issue a Request for Bids for Hay Land/Crop and authorize the Airport Director to sign the contract once the highest bidder is determined. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. WASTEWATER TESTING AGREEMENT – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement between the City and Ageiss Inc. to provide wastewater testing services to the MAFB. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. TRAILER MOUNTED PUMP PURCHASE (PROJECT NUMBER 3992) – APPROVED  February 18, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting Alderman Olson moved the City Council approve the purchase of two trailer mounted pumps utilizing $20,307.97 in excess funds from the 2013 and 2014 flood projects. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5460 – BUDGET AMENDMENT- TRAILER MOUNTED PUMP (3992) – FIRST READING – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5460 on first reading amending the 2020 annual budget to increase the Storm Sewer Department Capital Equipment Purchases revenue and expenditures for the purchase of two trailer mounted pumps. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Alderman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5460 on first reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5461 – 16TH STREET NW SPEED REDUCTION (4469) – FIRST READING – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5461 on first reading modifying the posted speed limit on 16th Street NW between 21st Avenue NW and 36th Avenue NW from 40 mph to 30 mph. Motion seconded by Alderman Pitner and carried unanimously. Alderman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5460 on first reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Pitner and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5462 - WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES AND ACCOMPANYING “SMALL CELL” AGREEMENTS – APPROVED Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5462 on first reading Repealing Section 28-3 And 28-3.1 of Article I of Chapter 28 and Enacting Article VII, Divisions 1, 2, and 3 of Chapter 28 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Minot, North Dakota Relating to Encroachments on Public Right-of-Ways. Motion seconded by Alderman Olson and carried unanimously. Alderman Wolsky said the adoption of the policy is a challenge without putting the information into context. He requested the Council be incorporated in the development of policies because it would be helpful to be included earlier in the process. Alderman Jantzer commented on the implementation of 5G and said that being early in deployment will be beneficial as 5G rolls out infrastructure. Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5462 on first reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Olson and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES AND ACCOMPANYING “SMALL CELL” AGREEMENTS – APPROVED Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council approve the Master Attachment Form Agreement with Verizon Wireless, and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreements, contingent upon final passage of ordinance no. 5462. Motion seconded by Alderman Olson and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. RESOLUTION NO. 3651 - WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES AND ACCOMPANYING “SMALL CELL” AGREEMENTS – APPROVED Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council approve resolution no. 3651 to adopt Wireless Telecommunication Facilities Guidelines, contingent upon final passage of ordinance no. 5462. Motion seconded by Alderman Olson and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none.  February 18, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT: ASSISTANCE FOR THE CITY MANAGER – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council authorize the development of the temporary Special Assignment role; and Approve the Pay Differential Budget Amendment required to implement the Special Assignment role. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer. At the request of Alderman Wolsky, the City Manager explained the temporary aspect of the special assignment. He said, the role will last about 12-15 months in order to get through the current workload. He said, we will not be hiring for a new position but rather assigning a current department head to take on additional duties during that time. Mayor Sipma mentioned some of the special projects including strategic planning and additional tasks from City Council. There is also a large workload from NDR, Flood Control, NAWS, open record requests and other activities that could use additional resources. Alderman Straight asked about the panel that will review candidates. Mr. Barry stated, it will be similar to the process for vetting other staff positions. It will be composed of four or five members including himself, the HR Director, one Council member, and others. Alderman Straight then raised concerns about the 35%-40% of time a department head would need to spend on the additional workload. He asked if anyone had that amount of free time and how that would affect their current duties. Mr. Barry responded by saying, none of the department heads are sitting around with free time. This would include a salary differential to compensate for the amount of work done above and beyond their current position. Alderman Straight inquired about the Economic Development Specialist position. He wondered if it would be more beneficial for the City to hire an Assistant City Manager and save the money that was budgeted toward the Economic Development Specialist. He also said he would like to have the panel confirmed before approving the item. HR Director, Lisa Jundt, stated, an offer has not yet been made to the candidate who was interviewed for the Economic Development position. She has reached out to the recruiter and is waiting for confirmation on a few details before contacting him. Mayor Sipma said, they can discuss the Economic Development position later in the agenda, but the Council already approved filling the position quite a while ago at another meeting. Alderman Wolsky said he struggles with the idea of any growth but said it is not reasonable to expect the City Manager to oversee 16 departments. He suggested the Council prioritize the direction for the City and identify its values. He also said they may need to reduce the number of special projects. Mayor Sipma said, he is hopeful the strategic planning process would achieve that and reduce the workload going forward. Alderman Pitner asked if the department’s workload is being considered. Mr. Barry said, it would be included as part of the scoring criteria. It will be based on skills, capabilities, time and support and it is possible that after considering all factors, no one fits the assignment. He said, they won’t know for sure until approval is granted to explore the idea. Alderman Straight asked about different pay scales and how they plan to compensate adequately. Mr. Barry said, the range was set between $12,000-$15,000. He explained that when a department head leaves an interim takes over and is assigned a percentage of compensation. The range covers the possible compensation needed. The benefits were also calculated as a proportion of the salary. Tim Greenheck of 3756 White Pine Circle SE, spoke in opposition of the request. He said there have been conflicting messages regarding the amount of time devoted to the special assignment. He was upset that subordinates would need to increase their workload without additional compensation. The City Manager responded by saying, their evaluation of the assignment concluded it would take up 35%-40% of a Full Time Equivalent position. The department head in this special assignment would likely work overtime to accomplish the additional tasks, which is why compensation would be added. The City does not pay overtime to exempt employees so the compensation could be viewed like overtime. The actual time spent would depend on the talent and skills of the employee.  February 18, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting Mr. Greenheck said he does not believe a department head should be compensated for overtime if they cannot get the work done during a regular work day. He asked if subordinates would be compensated for doing the work passed on from the department head. He said the interview panel should be set before this is approved. He also raised concerns about the City Manager’s pay increase that was approved by Council and suggested he should use his raise to pay for the position. Whereupon a vote was taken on the above motion by Alderman Olson, seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Wolsky; nays: Straight. ORDINANCE NO. 5463 – AMEND THE 2020 BUDGET- SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT: ASSISTANCE FOR THE CITY MANAGER – FIRST READING – APPROVED Alderman Olson moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5463 on first reading amending the 2020 annual budget to increase the City Manager Department Salaries and Benefits expenditures for the Assistance for the City Manager Special Assignment and approve the use of General Fund cash reserves. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried. Alderman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. on first reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Wolsky; nays: Straight. PERSONAL APPEARANCES None FEMA RISKMAP FIRM APPEAL (3888) – APPROVED The City Engineer began a discussion on whether the City should appeal the preliminary FIRM or allow the process of map approval to continue and have the maps go effective in early 2021. Mayor Sipma presented some estimates to calculate the risk versus the reward. He said, based on FEMA numbers, Minot has about 1,929 active flood policies, with a total premium of about $1,020,783. The premium on a $250,000 residential policy with $100,000 in contents is $582 with about $130 in fees, which equates to a bill of $712. He continued by saying that in two years, the average premium would be just over $800 with the anticipated premium increases. Using rough calculations, it would be around $1.6 million in premiums paid in Minot in 2023. Assuming a 10% increase in numbers of residents carrying insurance, that number could jump to $1.82 million. He explained that if map implementation is delayed, the total premium would only be $1.08 million in 2023, reflecting a significant savings even after subtracting $250,000 spent on an appeal. The Mayor countered anticipated opposition by saying, there are some who believe the only savings is to those living in the valley. He reminded however, that as insurance costs go up, the home value is likely to go down leading in an overall mill increase across the community. He made comments about the basis of the appeal, which would be to prove that base flood elevation is 8,000 cfs and not 10,000 cfs. Mr. Meyer added, there are many variables to consider. If we are successful in an appeal, a change in base flood elevation could also save thousands of dollars when considering construction elevation. He explained the appeal process by saying, they have 90 days to file an appeal and if it is not immediately dismissed, it could take anywhere from six months to a matter of years before a conclusion is made. He mentioned the advantages of filing an appeal and said he recommends doing it. Upon questioning by Alderman Jantzer regarding additional risk, Mr. Meyer said, by changing the base flood elevation, there is a risk the Corps of Engineers could say that components of flood control are not necessary at a Federal level. He said, however, they can have those conversations with the congressional delegation and withdraw the appeal. Alderman Jantzer then asked Mr. Meyer if he was confident in the assertion that the flow rate should be 8,000 rather than 10,000, to which Mr. Meyer said, yes, there are some things that should be challenged. He described the modelling limitations specifically with international agreements. He said, FEMA was very conservative in their calculations which adds properties to the flood plain. Actual functioning of the dams is less conservative and they used calculations based on actual operations in 2011.  February 18, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting Alderman Pitner asked if the appeal would affect the surrounding areas. Mr. Meyer explained that it would have a county- wide effect. Appealing the hydrology will affect the entire way through the basin. Alderman Straight said, as a resident of east Minot, they need to do everything they can to delay implementation of the maps and it is in the best interest of the community. Alderman Pitner brought up the need for more contributions from other jurisdictions besides Minot. When asked about a funding source for the appeal, Mayor Sipma mentioned using sales tax infrastructure cash reserves. Alderman Wolsky pointed out that sales tax is a regional source of funding. He then asked about Mr. Meyer’s confidence in the Appeal Board. Mr. Meyer stated, appeals are not common so we don’t have previous examples to reference. He explained the scientific resolution panel of independent consultants who analyze the data presented and give their professional opinion. Alderman Jantzer said, considering the damage from the 2011 flood and recognizing future threats, he believes it is worth the risk for $250,000. He added that the engineers on the project have a good track record and he trusts their calculations. The Finance Director then presented the Council with a budget amendment and the City Engineer gave his recommendation to move forward with the appeal. Mr. Lakefield said, there are sales tax reserves due to conservative estimates in the budget and some funds leftover from projects that were under budget. Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council authorize the City Engineer to negotiate a scope and fee with Ackerman Estvold to prepare the FIRM appeal documents and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement; authorize the Mayor and City Engineer to sign and submit the required appeal documents to FEMA; and approve the budget amendment. Motion seconded by Alderman Olson. Mayor Sipma asked the City Engineer to explain why Ackerman Estvold was chosen to conduct the appeal. Mr. Meyer stated, Ackerman Estvold has been working with the City and surrounding communities on the appeal comments throughout the process. The City has leaned on them throughout that time and they haven’t charged anything. He further stated, they developed the models, have the ability and expertise and they have the available staff. Alderman Wolsky commented on the process with the Scientific Board and said it gives him a level of confidence in proceeding. Whereupon a vote was taken on the motion by Alderman Jantzer, seconded by Alderman Olson and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5464- FEMA RISKMAP FIRM APPEAL (3888) – FIRST READING – APPROVED Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5464 on first reading amending the 2020 annual budget to increase the engineer professional service contracts expenditure and revenue for the FEMA Riskmap Firm Appeal. Motion seconded by Alderman Olson and carried unanimously. Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5464 on first reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Olson and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. DEPARTMENT REPORT: CDBG-DR/NDR PROGRAM MANAGER The CDBG-DR/NDR Program Manager, John Zakian, described all of the activities that were included in the National Disaster Resiliency application and the dollar amounts were awarded to each project. He then reviewed the funds spent in each activity and the remaining balance of funds. LIAISON REPORTS Aldermen Straight and Jantzer had nothing to report.  February 18, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting Alderman Olson provided several updates. She said she will be participating in the Women United Little Black Dress Campaign February 24-28 to raise money for “Girls Who Code.” She also mentioned a meeting of Women Lead, Women Run that will take place February 29th at the Minot Library at 1:00pm for anyone interested in learning more about public office. She has been meeting with the CTE technical team and updates will be provided soon. The Census Count Committee has continued to meet and has adopted the slogan “More Means More.” The Liaison Committee will meet February 26th. She is providing the welcome at the Mother Language. She also attended a gap financing committee meeting. Alderman Wolsky said, the Planning and Zoning Steering Committee meets the following day and the County Planning Commission meets on Thursday. Alderman Pitner said, Lance Meyer and Brian Billingsley gave presentations during the Realtor Board meeting regarding the FEMA Flood maps and the Census. MISCELLANEOUS: Alderman Straight asked for an update on the Economic Development Specialist position. Mayor Sipma stated, there was one applicant interviewed by three panels, one of which was the IEDC Steering Committee. There was a unanimous decision to proceed with an offer of employment. He said, the position will address ordinance challenges to provide value by improving economic development. 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 7:40 pm. ATTEST: ______________________________ APPROVED: _______________________________ Kelly Matalka, City Clerk Shaun Sipma, Mayor