City Council

October 19, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting MINOT CITY COUNCIL – SCHEDULED MEETING – OCTOBER 19, 2020 AT 5:30 P.M. ROLL CALL Members Present: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma Members Absent: None PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Sipma presiding and led the City Council in the Pledge of Allegiance PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE NO. 5536 - REZONE CHAPARELLE SUBDIVISION, SUNDRE VALLEY ADDITION, AND OUTLOTS 27 & 47 OF S4-155N-82W – FIRST READING – APPROVED The City Council held a public hearing to consider an application by the City of Minot to rezone 30 lots in Chaparelle Subdivision, 21 lots in Sundre Valley Addition, and Outlot 27 of S4-155N-82W from C2 (General Commercial) or M1 (Light Industrial) to R1 (Single-Family Residential) and rezone Outlot 47 of S4-155N-82W from M1 (Light Industrial) to RA (Agriculture-Residential). No one appeared on behalf of the request. Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council close the public hearing and place ordinance no. 5536 on first reading to change the zone from M1 “Light Industrial District” and C2 “General Commercial District” to R1 “Single-Family Residential District”. Motion seconded by Alderman Pitner and carried unanimously. Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5536 on first reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Pitner and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. SUBDIVISION OF RAMSTAD HEIGHTS, 10TH ADDITION – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council approve a subdivision to consolidate Lot 4 of Ramstad Heights 2nd Addition, Lot 6 of Ramstad Heights 3rd Addition and a vacated portion of Kodiak Street NW into two new lots to be known as Ramstad Heights 10th Addition, Lots 1 & 2. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. PUBLIC HEARING: SOUTHEAST BUSINESS PARK, 2ND ADDITION The City Council held a public hearing to consider a request by Schatz Properties, LLC for a Future Land Use Map amendment from Medium Density Residential to Manufactured Home and Light Industrial, a rezone on lots 1-5 and 22-24 from MH (Manufactured Home) to M1 (Light Industrial), and a conditional use permit for propane storage tanks. No one appeared on behalf of the request. Alderman Pitner moved the City Council close the public hearing and approve the requests. ORDINANCE NO. 5537 – REZONE SOUTHEAST BUSINESS PARK, 2ND ADDITION – FIRST READING – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5537 on first reading to change the zone from MH “Manufactured Home District” to M1 “Light Industrial District” on Southeast Business Park, 2nd Addition, Lots 1-5 and 22- 24. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Alderman Pitner moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5537 on first reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none.  October 19, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting RESOLUTION NO. 3673 - AMEND THE COMPREHENSIVE LAND MAP- SOUTHEAST BUSINESS PARK, 2ND ADDITION – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council adopt resolution no. 3673 to amend the Comprehensive Land Map from “Medium Density Residential” to “Industrial” on Southeast Business Park, 2nd Addition. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. SUBDIVISION OF SOUTHEAST BUSINESS PARK, 2ND ADDITION – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council approve a 24-lot subdivision to be known as Southeast Ridge Business Park 2nd Addition, Lots 1-24. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. RESOLUTION NO. 3674 – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT- SOUTHEAST BUSINESS PARK, 2ND ADDITION – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council approve resolution no. 3674 for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to place bulk propane storage tanks on one of the lots that will be zoned M1 of Southeast Business Park, 2nd Addition. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council approve the minutes of the October 5th regular City Council meeting and the October 13th special City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5533 - AMEND THE 2020 ANNUAL BUDGET- LIBRARY MEMORIAL REVENUE – SECOND READING – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5533 on second reading to amend the 2020 annual budget to increase the Library Memorial revenues and operating and capital expenditures for the purpose of purchasing books & materials, an electric lift and other memorial expenditures. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried unanimously. Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5533 on second reading. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5534 – AMEND THE 2020 ANNUAL BUDGET - RADAR SPEED TRAILER PURCHASE (PD0185) – SECOND READING – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5534 on second reading amending the 2020 annual budget to increase Police capital equipment expenditures and revenues and decrease Police operation supplies expenditures and revenues for the purchase of a speed trailer funded by the FY2019 Edward Byrne JAG Grant. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried unanimously. Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5534 on second reading. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5535 – AMEND THE 2020 ANNUAL BUDGET- DONATION TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT (PD0195) – SECOND READING – APPROVED  October 19, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5535 on second reading to accept local electrical companies’ donations to the Minot Police Department in the amount of $8,000 and amend the 2020 annual budget to increase the Police department operation supplies revenues and expenditures for the donations to be used to purchase an unmanned aircraft system. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried unanimously. Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5535 on second reading as amended. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. FY 2020 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council approve the FY 2020 State Homeland Security Grant Program and Award and authorize the Mayor to sign the Notice of Grant Award. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5538 – AMEND THE 2020 ANNUAL BUDGET- FY 2020 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM – FIRST READING – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5538 on first reading to amend the 2020 annual budget to increase the Police department operation supplies revenues and expenditures for the award of the FY2020 State Homeland Security Grant. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried unanimously. Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5538 on first reading. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. SAND AWARD OF BID (PROJECT NUMBER 4229) – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council award the bid to Sundre Sand and Gravel, Inc. in the amount of $13.44 per ton for washed sand for the upcoming winter season. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. WATER AND WASTEWATER CHEMICALS AWARD OF BID (PROJECT NUMBER 4232) – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council award the bid to the following suppliers for water and wastewater treatment chemicals as follows: • Carbon dioxide awarded to American Welding and Gas for $240.00/ton • Chlorine awarded to DPC Industries for $625.00/ton • Ammonium Sulfate to Thatcher Company for $0.294/lb • Calcium Nitrate awarded to Thatcher Company for $2.807/gallon Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. NORTH DAKOTA FOREST SERVICE MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council authorize the Mayor to sign the North Dakota Forest Service Mutual Aid Agreement. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. WARD COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT RANGE – FACILITY USE AGREEMENT – APPROVED  October 19, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council approve the Facility Use Agreement for the Ward County Law Enforcement Range between the City of Minot and ND Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and authorize the Chief of Police to sign the Facility Use Agreement. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. BURDICK EXPRESSWAY VIADUCT IMPROVEMENTS NDDOT PE AGREEMENT (4563) – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council approve the agreement with the NDDOT for the Burdick Expressway Viaduct Improvements project and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. US 2 INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS BURDICK TO EVERGREEN NDDOT PE AGREEMENT (4564) – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council approve the agreement with the NDDOT for US 2 Intersection Improvements of Evergreen Avenue/US 2 and Burdick Expressway/US 2 and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. US 2 BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS NDDOT PE AGREEMENT (4565) – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council approve the agreement with the NDDOT for US 2 Bridge Improvements and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. US 83 BYPASS BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS NDDOT PE AGREEMENT (4566) – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council approve the agreement with the NDDOT for US 83 Bypass Bridge Improvements and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. SRT CONTRACT FOR SERVICES AT FIRE STATIONS – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council authorize the Fire Chief to sign the contract with SRT for the internet at the fire stations and authorize the Fire Chief to sign future contracts with SRT for internet services at the fire stations. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. STRUCTURE AUCTION AUTHORIZATION – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council authorize auction of the following listed structures acquired in the flood mitigation buyout program:  1624 Burdick Expy E – House  1527 Burdick Expy E – House, Garage, Shed  1416 1st Ave SE – House  1412 1st Ave SE – House  1404 1st Ave SE – House  1520 Burdick Expy E – House, Garage, Shed  October 19, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. RETAIL LIQUOR LICENSE EXTENSION- MP WINE & SPIRITS – TABLED – APPROVED Alderwoman Evans moved the City Council approve the extension of the MP Wine & Spirits Retail Liquor License until December 21, 2022. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer. Alderman Pitner stated, there are ordinances in place that draw up timelines. This establishment has not been open for a year and they have had time to relocate or sell the license. He said he would be in favor of waiting until the deadline comes and follow the procedure at that time. Extending the license would set a bad precedence that license owner can close their establishment and hold onto the license for a year. He said, they should stand by the guidelines they have set forth. Alderman Pitner moved the City Council table the item until December to coincide with the expiration of the license, at which time the revocation process will take place. Motion seconded by Alderman Podrygula. Mayor Sipma requested clarification from the City Attorney regarding the expiration of the license and revocation process. Ms. Hendershot explained, if a license holder is believed to be in violation of the City’s ordinances, the City would have to initiate a suspension or revocation process. Once the year has passed, the City will send out a notice and there would be a hearing where the City would have to prove that there has been a violation. The Council would have final authority to decide whether to grant an extension, revoke, or suspend the license based on the facts relating to the alleged violation. Whereupon a vote was taken on the motion to table by Alderman Pitner, seconded by Alderman Podrygula and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: Evans, Jantzer PARKING REVISION ON S MAIN STREET BETWEEN 5TH AVENUE S AND 8TH AVENUE S – FAILED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council place and pass an ordinance on first reading to modify parking restrictions to the following location:  Add a parking restriction to the east side of S Main Street between 5th Avenue S and 8th Avenue S.  Remove the parking restriction from the west side of S Main Street between 5th Avenue S and 8th Avenue S.  Add a parking restriction to the west side of S Main Street between 100-feet and 160-feet south of the center of the 5th Avenue S intersection. Motion seconded by Alderman Ross. The City Engineer explained that when traffic changes like this are being considered, they send a letter to the surrounding property owners for input. The residents for this area have mixed feelings and at this time, there is no consensus on how to resolve the issues. He said, the Engineering Department is recommending the Council leave parking as-is and they will continue monitoring and see what other solutions they can come up with. Kasper Ziegler, a resident of the area, said the street slopes toward the curb and there is a risk of accidents in the winter. Parking as proposed would make the situation worse. Sara Bloom, came forward to say she requested the parking modifications because vehicles block visibility when pulling out of her driveway. She raised concerns about the safety of her family when vehicles speed down the hill. She requested something be done to resolve the issue, whether it is limited parking for residents only or a speed reduction. She also suggested warning signs for hidden driveways. Upon questioning by Alderwoman Evans about posting signs, the City Engineer said, there have been studies regarding signs but they show limited effectiveness. He further stated, they try to balance safety with the geometric grades and the narrow roadway and will continue to come up with other ideas. Whereupon a vote was taken on the motion by Alderwoman Olson seconded by Alderman Ross and failed by the following roll call vote: ayes: none; nays: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma. ORDINANCE NO. 5539 – AMEND THE 2020 ANNUAL BUDGET- EMERGENCY DAYCARE OPERATIONS PAYMENT – FIRST READING – APPROVED  October 19, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council approve payment to Minot Public School District for the staffing and facility costs associated with the emergency daycare operation that was hosted in their facilities and place ordinance no. 5539 on first reading amending the 2020 annual budget to increase the Emergency Fund revenues and professional service contracts expenditures for the Minot Public Schools Childcare Services. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried unanimously. Alderwoman Olson stated she is thankful to have the CARES Act funding and asked the Finance Director if the costs were what they expected. Mr. Lakefield said, the cost was not anticipated. The City entered into a contract with the care provider and the school was the location of the site. It was initially thought that the schools were covering their costs since they would be operating anyway, however, that was not the case. At the direction of State leaders, it was believed the CARES Act funding would be a good vehicle to cover the cost. Upon request for further clarification, Mr. Lakefield said, the City of Minot is covering the entire bill, not Minot Public Schools. Mayor Sipma further explained, they expected to use Federal after-school funding but then found the dollars had expired when the program began. He said the Ward County Emergency Management Response Guidelines under Pandemic Response will now include information on all aspects of the pandemic including childcare. Alderman Ross asked how much the daycare was utilized, to which the Mayor said, they planned for a capacity of about 50 per site. They started with about 10-25 during the first few weeks and numbers increased from there. It was available to first responders in Fire, Police, Community Ambulance, First District Health Unit, and a couple other key providers of essential workers. Whereupon Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5539 on first reading. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. RESOLUTION NO. 3675 - CITY BUILDING MASK POLICY – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council adopt resolution no. 3675 approving a temporary policy imposing a “mask mandate” on members of the public entering City owned and operated buildings. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans. Alderman Podrygula said, he encouraged City administration to consult with authorities and implement their recommendations. He also requested First District Health Unit be present at the meetings to respond to questions. Mayor Sipma stated, he had spoke with Lisa Clute, Director of First District Health Unit and is available to share her comments. He said, the main issue they are dealing with is the time it takes for test results. Currently, the lab takes about 5-7 days and the clinic 2-3 days, which is concerning. There is also a severe backlog of contact tracing which is about 1,000 behind. They are trying to find a balance between focusing on tests or tracing contacts. The Fargo Mayor is urging the Governor to issue a mask mandate but Mayor Sipma said, it is not likely it would work here. A mandate is unenforceable and would encourage personal enforcement by the community. Mr. Lakefield thanked the legal staff for developing a straight-forward resolution. He then reminded the Council the resolution requires an effective date. Alderwoman Olson clarified her motion to include and effective date of October 20th. Alderwoman Evans, as the second, agreed. Alderwoman Olson then said, she was concerned about enforcement but encouraged people to do the right thing. Alderwoman Evans reminded the community, masks will provide protection for residents and staff. If there was an outbreak among City employees, it could result in a loss of City services. Alderman Ross asked about feedback and anxiety level of staff, to which Mr. Lakefield responded by saying, the anxiety level varies depending on individual circumstance. For example, Utility Billing is located behind glass but they have said that about 80% of customers are already wearing a mask so it is not a big issue. The Airport Director responded to questions about how it could affect Airport customers. He said, City employees include facilities technicians and operations staff who roam outside of the second-floor administrative area. Airlines already  October 19, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting communicate to passengers that masks are required so it is not an issue for travelers. The only instance he anticipates is for people greeting arriving passengers, but believes there won’t be an issue with compliance. Upon questioning by Alderwoman Evans, Mr. Lakefield said signage will be provided by the Public Information Officer and displayed in all locations. Alderman Pitner said, if the policy will allow buildings to stay open, then he is willing to accept it. It is a small sacrifice for personal responsibility but he would not support a city-wide mask mandate. Whereupon a vote was taken on the above motion by Alderwoman Olson, seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. FEMA FIRM APPEAL (3888) – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council approve the FEMA FIRM appeal documents and authorize the Mayor and staff to sign the required documents to submit to FEMA. Motion seconded by Alderman Ross. City Engineer, Lance Meyer, came forward and reminded all citizens located within the flood area to purchase flood insurance so the property can be grandfathered into current rates when the flood maps change. He then thanked Ryan Ackerman of Ackerman Estvold for all of the work he and his team have put in to recreate the models used by FEMA. Mr. Ackerman presented information on the appeal and explained the differences between the statistical hydrology calculated by FEMA compared to their calculations. He said, Ackerman Estvold used actual water levels described in International agreements pertaining to the reservoirs. FEMA based their calculations on conservative assumptions. He then explained the benefits gained if the appeal was accepted and how it would affect future flood maps. After his presentation Mr. Ackerman responded to questions from the Council about the appeal process and how it would affect the Flood Control project. Whereupon a vote was taken on the above motion by Alderman Pitner, seconded by Alderman Ross and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. 4443 - BROADWAY CORRIDOR STUDY – VIRTUAL PUBLIC INPUT MEETING City Engineer, Lance Meyer, provided information about the Broadway Corridor Study. He said, they are at a point in the project where they are looking for public input. The goal is to determine where the community sees concerns so the Engineering Department can design improvements for future conditions. He used the website www.movingbroadway.com to demonstrate how comments and concerns would be collected from the public. The link is provided on the City website and provides four videos describing various aspects of the project. Comments will be collected October 16th through November 15th and can also be submitted by email to KLJ. DEPARTMENT REPORT: PUBLIC WORKS & FLOOD CONTROL Public Works Director, Dan Jonasson presented information on projects taking place in Public Works. He described the Rosehill Cemetery gazebo project, provided a transit update, discussed details of the NAWS project and provided an update on the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project. Following his presentation, he responded to questions from the Council. PERSONAL APPEARANCES Juliana, a Minot resident, spoke on behalf of a city-wide mask mandate. She said, it should include more than just City buildings. She mentioned that children in school are required to wear masks and asked why adults aren’t being held to the same standard. She raised concerns about employees working throughout Minot who are at risk of contracting COVID-19, not just City employees. She suggested the mandate should be followed and there should be fines for non-compliance. The number of cases throughout Ward County have been increasing and the Council should do something. Alderman Pitner commented that the Council members also work in the private sector.  October 19, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting Mayor Sipma said, the City Council does not control the rules for Minot Public Schools. PANDEMIC RESPONSE Lisa Clute, of First District Health Unit called in to respond to questions. She provided an update on the number of active cases in Ward County including long-term care facilities. She described the matrix used to determine risk level by county. The data would indicate that Ward County should be at a risk level of red according to the 14-day average of active cases per 10,000; blue according to the number of tests per 10,000; and orange according to the 14-day average positivity rate. She said however, it is hard to predict what the Governor will do. Mayor Sipma said the Fargo Mayor has issued a mask mandate. Alderwoman Olson asked whether there is a shortage of ICU beds. Ms. Clute responded by saying, hospitals are typically running at capacity but they have been coming up with creative ways to increase capacity. Issues would arise however, if there was an accident requiring ICU beds while space is taken up for COVID patients. She emphasized the importance of all hospital staff staying healthy because there are no other options locally. She advised everyone to follow the recommendations from medical professionals and credible sources and she encouraged businesses to adopt mask requirements. Alderwoman Evans moved the City Council direct the Mayor, based on the reasons Fargo Mayor Mahoney listed, including, Increased Hospitalizations, Increased Death Rate, Risk Level Escalation, High Level of Community Spread, Contact Tracing Overwhelmed, Requests by 65 Pediatricians and the North Dakota Medical Association for a Mask Mandate, Increasingly Negative Impact on The City of Minot’s Workforce, and Governor Burgum’s Recommendation for Local Control, to create a Mayoral Mask Mandate modelled after the City of Fargo’s, which does not include a penalty for non-compliance. Motion seconded by Alderman Podrygula. Mayor Sipma asked the Police Chief to comment on enforcement since there would be no penalty included in the mask mandate. Chief Klug said it is hard to predict the impact for the Police Department but a mandate would show effort on behalf of the City. There is more compliance when a mandate is implemented but without a penalty, the Police Department has little influence. They might not have officers available if responding to calls. Upon questioning by Alderman Podrygula, Chief Klug said they are managing staffing while quarantining when necessary. He also said, they would rely on the community to respond to the mandate and on business owners to enforce. It would be up to the business owner to request removal of a person who does not comply with the order. Mayor Sipma emphasized that there should be no mask shaming. He gave an example of Williston, which reduced gathering sizes but as a result, residents moved gatherings to the outskirts of the community. If a mask mandate would work in Minot, it also needs to be adopted by Ward County. He said, Fargo has led the charge with their mask mandate but asked if it would be beneficial to Minot to impose. Alderwoman Evans said the City Council needs to show leadership and she read the mandate adopted in Fargo including exemptions. Alderman Podrygula read the eight-point memo that he had provided for the Council meeting, ending with the most progressive step, a mask mandate. Ms. Clute recommended a media campaign include proper mask usage and information to stand firm against anti-maskers. She also said, masks are not a solve-all solution and that people must stay home when they are sick and avoid large gatherings. Alderman Ross asked what kind of media campaigns First District Health Unit has conducted. Ms. Clute stated, there was collaboration between the City and County on a Joint Information Campaign. They have coordinated messages with the City on social media including daily posts. She has done news interviews almost daily with local news outlets but has not done any paid advertising at this point. Alderman Ross said the community is living in fear and he is opposed to a mask mandate. He believes masks might be necessary in crowded places and airplanes but every scientific study has an opposing study with opposite results which creates skepticism. He then said a friend in the medical field told him the best treatment is zinc, and vitamins D and C.  October 19, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting Ms. Clute responded by saying, First District Health Unit has advertised the importance of self-care including taking vitamins and staying home when feeling sick. Their intent is to provide facts, not fear. Their job is to prevent the spread of disease and the end-game is herd immunity through vaccinations. Alderman Pitner said he would not support a citywide mandate, especially when it has no penalty and seems like empty words. Alderwoman Evans commented that the economically vulnerable population cannot simply stay home when they are sick since they may not be financially able to miss work. Alderwoman Evans then clarified her motion to state that it is effective immediately until the State of Emergency is lifted unless it is sooner modified or lifted by the Mayor or City Council. Members of the Council emphasized the need for the community to participate and take this seriously. They hoped to lessen the numbers of cases until a vaccination is developed. They also discussed the desire to keep businesses operating without the need for another shutdown. A vote was taken on the above motion by Alderwoman Evans, seconded by Alderman Podrygula and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Podrygula, Sipma; nays: Pitner, Ross LIAISON REPORTS Alderman Podrygula discussed the Emergency Resources Committee and said the County plan should be finalized in November. Commission on Aging is handling routine business. County Planning Commission was presented with the revised planning and zoning code. He said, he has been critical of the consultant and the process of revising the plan but is impressed with the result. Alderwoman Olson attended the Souris Basin Planning Council meeting virtually. She also said the CTE committee has not met but individuals are working diligently to move the project forward. She also attended the Liaison Committee of which Alderman Jantzer is the Chair. Alderwoman Evans reminded the public to check the Library website for their revised hours. She said, they are the first department to be recognized by Sustainable Minot for environmentally friendly practices. She also said she met with representatives from organizations regarding homelessness in Minot and will have a proposal for the Council to consider. Alderman Ross said Zoning Ordinance Steering Committee completed a few more sections. They anticipate the revised ordinance should be completed by March 2021. Alderman Jantzer said the Liaison Committee discussed the election, among other things. He reminded everyone to vote. He also mentioned the importance of the Broadway Corridor study which was presented to the Council earlier in the meeting. Alderman Pitner said the Renaissance Zone map amendment was approved and he encouraged property owners in the area to reach out for information on tax abatements. He then mentioned his meeting with Visit Minot and said they are planning an application for the MAGIC Fund. Mayor Sipma thanked Executive Secretary Tami Stroklund for her years of service to the City. She has accepted employment elsewhere so he presented her with the Mayor’s coin prior to the meeting. He also mentioned the intermodal train that made its first arrival in Minot. He thanked the MADC Board Members and John MacMartin for finally achieving what has been decades in the making. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Alderman Pitner moved the City Council meeting be adjourned. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Olson and carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:42 pm. ATTEST: ______________________________ APPROVED: _______________________________ Kelly Matalka, City Clerk Shaun Sipma, Mayor