City Council

January 19, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting MINOT CITY COUNCIL – SCHEDULED MEETING – JANUARY 19, 2021 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 COVID-19 UPDATE Lisa Clute, Executive Officer of First District Health Unit, said they continue to test but appreciate the Fire Department for conducting Binax testing. It has allowed them to shift most of their resources toward vaccinations. She said, there are 27 enrolled provider sites in Ward County, including pharmacies, although not all of them are providing vaccinations yet. They have administered 3,572 doses which is 5.3% of the population, and the target vaccination rate is 70%. They have met with healthcare providers who are still vaccinating the 75 and up age group. They estimate that it will be about three weeks before they start vaccinating the next tier on the priority list. There is high demand for the vaccination and as soon as they receive the vaccine, it is distributed. First District Health Unit will receive more doses the next week but they are already spoken for and they do not know when additional vaccines will be available. She reminded, everyone is encouraged to get the vaccine but if a person has tested positive in the last 90 days, it is suggested they wait to receive the vaccine. They are currently distributing vaccines through appointments only, but are planning for mass vaccinations. Alderman Podrygula asked why they were not utilizing mass vaccinations since they have been trained on the process. Ms. Clute explained that this vaccine presents some challenges such as maintaining distancing and utilizing an indoor area large enough to hold everyone. They also require a holding area for 15 minutes after the vaccine is given to ensure there are no allergic reactions. Alderman Ross asked if rapid testing is being utilized at long term care facilities. Ms. Clute said yes, it is up to the individual nursing home but they have been conducting testing once or twice per week, first using the pcr test and then the rapid test. Alderman Ross moved the City Council follow the state and remove the mask mandate. Mayor Sipma said he would first like to bring up the recommendations discussed in Bismarck during testimony earlier that day. After conversations with First District Health Unit and Trinity Hospital, considering the continued Binax testing and the fact that vaccinations haven’t gone past Tier 1B, it makes sense to continue the mask mandate for one month and reconsider at the February 16th City Council meeting. He said, an appropriate time for removal of the mask mandate will be after the at- risk population has been vaccinated, paired with the infection rate reduced to a reasonable level and continued accessibility of vaccines. Alderwoman Evans moved the City Council extend the mandate for reconsideration at the February 16th regular Council meeting. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Olson. The Mayor invited the public to speak on behalf of the issue. Tiffany Fettig, a Minot resident, spoke about her daughter who has a medical condition that prevents her from wearing a mask. She said they have been mask-shamed while in public and it is causing undue stress on their family. She said it is more important to live than to wear a mask and there are plenty of treatments available now. She provided statistics on the rate of infection and death rates in North Dakota. Jasahel Stewart, spoke against the mask mandate and said it is robbing people of their liberties. He said he believes that doctors have been suppressed by the media. He then pointed out Bible passages in support of his comments.  January 19, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting Jimmy Van Huus, a former bio-environmental engineer in the Air Force, provided information based on his experience mitigating environmental hazards and working with personal protective equipment. He said, he would never recommend a cloth mask or even a surgical mask to prevent transmission of micro-particles as they would be ineffective. Masks provide a false sense of security. Alderwoman Olson acknowledged all of the passion in the comments they have received from the public both in support and opposed to the mask mandate. She said, she understands that business owners want normalcy and for some, a mask gives the appearance of danger. She also acknowledged that the number of infections declined after implementing the mask mandate, whether it caused it or not, it appears to have been successful. She said, when she voted in favor of the mask mandate, she wanted to see schools open, businesses open, and hospitals below capacity. We are achieving that and don’t want that to go away. She spoke about how she was able to be with her mother when she passed away because we had capacity at the hospital in Minot, which wasn’t the case a few months earlier. Alderman Ross thanked the speakers for coming forward. He said, there will always be a reason to extend the mandate but there are so many more studies now compared to when this started and there are many more treatments. Small business owners are stressed and millions of dollars have been lost. The mask should be a personal responsibility and should be put in the hands of the business owner to enforce or not. He asked, if masks are preventing the spread of illness, why are students still passing around colds and the flu. Alderman Pitner said he voted against the mask mandate since there is no penalty and it is basically a mask recommendation. They don’t know if masks attributed to the decline in cases and the issue has become too political. He agreed that it should be up to businesses and individuals to comply. Mayor Sipma brought up the issues with hospital capacity and storage at the morgue that was discussed a few months earlier. The mask was never intended to be the cure but it is a mitigation method along with social distancing and hand-washing. He mentioned the city of Devil’s Lake where a group created buttons to identify individuals who couldn’t wear a mask for medical reasons to avoid mask shaming. He said, he does not want to regress since Minot has been doing so well. There is no definitive timeline for the vaccine so until the vaccination rate is higher, he recommends keeping the mask mandate in place. Alderwoman Evans pointed out that a lot of businesses have been affected by the loss of Air Force customers. They are not allowed to visit dine-in establishments, bars, or sporting events which has accounted for a significant loss in revenue. The entire county needs to do better at wearing masks and reducing the spread of the virus so that everyone, including Air Force members can get back out in the community. Whereupon a vote was taken on the above motion by Alderwoman Evans, seconded by Alderwoman Olson and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Podrygula, Sipma; nays: Pitner, Ross CITY MANAGER REPORT The City Manager provided a written update. He said, the memo is a work-in-progress but it is the first step in improving the transfer of information to the Council and the public. The executive summary included in the memo will be a substitute for the monthly City Manager presentation. He then provided recent updates that took place since the memo was written. Lutheran Social Services Housing LLC, who was working on the Broadway Circle family homeless shelter and LMI housing project declared bankruptcy. Staff is working toward a solution to continue to provide these services to the community as was committed in the NDR application. He also stated, he testified at the State Legislature earlier that day relating to three bills. He explained that the bill regarding property tax structure and limitations has been amended for further study and he offered for Minot to provide assistance if necessary. He said they are sensitive to the needs of the community but also need to ensure there is a sustainable revenue source to continue to provide services. Mayor Sipma commented on the need for many communities to focus on long-term budget strategies and said Minot is on a good path since we began forecasting the budget several years at a time. Alderman Podrygula said he was pleased with how the information was communicated and it is an excellent start for sustained discussion. Alderwoman Evans pointed out her favorite piece of the report was the mention of free wi-fi that will be available on City buses.  January 19, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council approve the minutes of the January 4, 2021 regular City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5561 – AMEND THE 2021 ANNUAL BUDGET - NETWORK SWITCH UPGRADE – SECOND READING – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5561 on second reading amending the 2021 annual budget to increase the Data Processing Capital Equipment Purchases expenditures and General Fund department operation supplies, equipment materials, software and technical services expenditures for the purchase of a network switch upgrade. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Alderman Pitner moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5561 on second reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. DVCC COVID FUNDING GRANT APPROVAL – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council review the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program grant award and authorize the Mayor to sign the subrecipient agreement with Domestic Violence Crisis Center. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5562 – DVCC FUNDING GRANT – FIRST READING – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5562 on first reading to amend the 2021 annual budget to increase the Pass-Through Grants Fund federal revenues and expenditures for the Office of Justice Programs’ Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program grant awarded to the Domestic Violence Crisis Center. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Alderman Pitner moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5562 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. PUBLIC WORKS COOLING TOWER AND HEAT EXCHANGER – BID AWARD (PROJECT NUMBER 4444) – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council award the bid for the cooling tower and heat exchanger project to Mowbray & Sons Inc in the amount of $154,788.00. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5563 - PUBLIC WORKS COOLING TOWER AND HEAT EXCHANGER – FIRST READING – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5563 on first reading to amend the 2021 annual budget to increase the Property Maintenance HVAC Repair and Maintenance expenditures for the replacement of the Public Works Cooling Tower and Heat Exchanger. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Alderman Pitner moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5563 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. ORDINANCE NO. 5564 - EMERGENCY SIREN BATTERY REPLACEMENT FUNDS – FIRST READING – APPROVED  January 19, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting Alderman Pitner moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5564 on first reading to amend the 2021 annual budget to increase the Property Maintenance Security System Maintenance expenditures for the replacement of emergency siren batteries. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Alderman Pitner moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5564 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. ORDINANCE NO. 5565 – AMEND THE 2021 ANNUAL BUDGET- ASSETWORKS PURCHASING AND RECEIVING CHANGE ORDER (4423) – FIRST READING – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council approve the change order from AssetWorks for the Purchasing and Receiving Interface and place ordinance no. 5565 on first reading to amend the 2021 annual budget to increase the Engineering Department’s technical services and data processing maintenance and repair agreements expenditures for the purchase of an interface program to be use with the citywide asset management software with the use of General Fund cash reserves. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Alderman Pitner moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5565 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. RETAIL BEER & WINE LICENSE TRANSFER- NOK BACK TAVERN – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council approve the transfer of the Retail Beer & Wine license from Don and Dawn VerBruggen dba the Ice Box to KnR, LLC dba Nok Back Tavern effective on or before January 29, 2021. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. OFFER LEASE RENEWAL OPTION TO FLYING S REAL ESTATE, LLC, FOR LOT 6, BLOCK 9, MINOT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, SECOND ADDITION – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council approve the Ground Lease agreement renewal option with Flying S Real Estate, LLC and authorize the Mayor to sign any applicable documentation. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. 2021 SPECIFICATIONS & DETAILS FOR CONSTRUCTION – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council approve and adopt the 2021 Standard Specifications and Details for Construction. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. ORDINANCE NO. 5566 - ADOPTION OF 2018 NORTH DAKOTA PLUMBING CODE, NDPC (2018 UPC) – FIRST READING – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5566 on first reading adopting the 2018 North Dakota Plumbing Code (NDPC). Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously. Alderman Pitner moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5566 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. ORDINANCE NO. 5567 - ADOPTION OF 2020 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, NEC (NFPA 70) & 2020 LAWS, RULES AND WIRING STANDARDS OF NORTH DAKOTA – FIRST READING – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5567 on first reading adopting the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried unanimously.  January 19, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting Alderman Pitner moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5567 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. ASSESSOR OFFICE INTERIM MANAGEMENT PLAN The City Assessor provided an Assessor's Office Management Plan to address the City Assessor's extended leave of absence. MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS – APPROVED Mayor Sipma stated, there is an additional appointment for the Renaissance Zone Review Board, Josh Wolsky. He clarified, the expiration would also be December 31, 2023. Alderman Pitner moved the City Council ratify the following Mayoral appointments: Renaissance Zone Review Board Kerry Candrian representing the Minot Housing Authority with a term to expire December 31, 2023 Justin Anderson representing Minot Area Council of the Arts with a term to expire December 31, 2023 Josh Wolsky representing Downtown Business & Professional Association with a term to expire December 31, 2023 Motion seconded by Alderman Ross and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. PUBLIC HEARING FOR TAXI LICENSE DENIAL – EDDIE LIDDELL – RATIFIED The City Council held a public hearing to consider an appeal by Eddie Liddell who filed an application for a City of Minot Taxi Driver’s License. A background check was conducted which revealed that Mr. Liddell had a conviction for an offense while operating a vehicle, therefore, the Police Chief denied the license application. Chief Klug came forward to explain that the ordinance states, an applicant shall be denied a license if the background examination reveals evidence of criminal activity involving the use of a motor vehicle within the last ten years. Due to the way the ordinance is written, he has no choice but to deny the license. There being no further comment, Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council close the public hearing and ratify the decision to deny a City of Minot Taxi Driver’s License to Eddie Liddell based on his disqualifying driving record. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Olson and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. STACKING SPACE APPROVAL – HOLT CAR WASH – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council grant approval of approximately 13 stacking spaces for Holt Car Wash as illustrated on the site plan provided in Attachment ‘A’. Motion seconded by Alderman Pitner and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. RESOLUTION NO. 3681 – CREATE PAVING & UTILITY DISTRICT 2021-1 (4585) – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council adopt resolution no. 3681 to create Paving & Utility District 2021-1. This improvement district is a petitioned project brought forth by the Minot Park District. The pavement and utility improvements are located on 1st St NW from 19th Ave NW to 15th Ave NE. Approximately 2,000 linear feet of roadway and utilities would serve the impending development of the Magic City Discovery Center (MCDC) and other future Park District developments in the area. Details are included in the Engineer’s Report. 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. 3682 – DIRECT PREPARATION OF ENGINEER’S REPORT PAVING & UTILITY DISTRICT 2021-1 (4585) – APPROVED  January 19, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council adopt resolution no. 3682 to direct preparation of the Engineer’s Report for Paving & Utility District 2021-1. 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. 3683 – APPROVE THE ENGINEER’S REPORT PAVING & UTILITY DISTRICT 2021-1 (4585) – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council adopt resolution no. 3683 to approve the Engineer’s Report for Paving & Utility District 2021-1. 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. 3684 – DIRECT PREPARATION OF PLANS & SPECIFICATIONS PAVING & UTILITY DISTRICT 2021-1 (4585) – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council adopt resolution no. 3684 to direct preparation of Plans and Specifications for Paving & Utility District 2021-1. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. AE2S ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT- PAVING & UTILITY DISTRICT 2021-1 (4585) – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council Approve the request for AE2S to provide the necessary engineering services and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract on the City’s behalf. 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. 3685 – WAIVE THE RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY AND PUBLIC HEARING PAVING & UTILITY DISTRICT 2021-1 (4585) – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council adopt resolution no. 3685 to Waive the Resolution of Necessity and Public Hearing since all of the district area has petitioned for the project. 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. 3686 – APPROVE PLANS AND SPECS AND AUTHORIZE CALL FOR BIDS PAVING & UTILITY DISTRICT 2021-1 (4585) – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council adopt resolution no. 3686 to approve the Plans and Specifications and authorize a call for bids for Paving & Utility District 2021-1. 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. 5568 – AMEND THE 2021 ANNUAL BUDGET - PAVING & UTILITY DISTRICT 2021-1 (4585) – FIRST READING – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5568 on first reading to amend the 2021 annual budget to increase water, sewer, storm sewer and capital infrastructure expenses/expenditures and refunding bond revenue for the Minot Park District paving and utility improvements. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried unanimously.  January 19, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5568 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. REIMBURSEMENT RESOLUTION NO. 3687 - PAVING & UTILITY DISTRICT 2021-1 (4585) – APPROVED Alderwoman Olson moved the City Council adopt resolution no. 3687 declaring official intent to comply with requirements of the Regulations with respect to Paving & Utility District 2021-1 in order to preserve the option of the City to finance the costs of the Projects with tax-exempt obligations for a cost of approximately $3,500,000. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Evans and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. BRIC GRANT APPLICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF LOCAL MATCH 4087 – APPROVED Alderman Ross moved the City Council authorize staff to apply for the FEMA BRIC grant, authorize the Mayor and staff to execute the grant application, and certify the proposed local match from Storm Sewer Development funds. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Olson. City Engineer, Lance Meyer, gave a presentation on Storm Sewer District 121. He explained that in 2015, the City began working on a proposed storm sewer assessment district to replace the culvert infrastructure around the Dakota Square Mall that carries storm flows from Puppy Dog Coulee. Due to the size and cost of the project, it became clear that the project would be difficult to special assess and other funding sources would be needed to make the project come to fruition. He described the issues they are trying to alleviate and the options available. He then said that FEMA has a program called Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) that staff believes would fit this project. If awarded, it would cover 75% of the eligible project costs. The estimated federal share is $9.4 million and the City share of $4.0 million for a total cost of approximately $13.4 million. The City has been budgeting for the project over the last few years so the City share is available. The City’s application for the BRIC Program will be reviewed by the NDDES and sent to FEMA, who would make a decision summer 2021. After Mr. Meyer’s presentation, the City Manager asked if there is a plan B in case the application is not successful. Mr. Meyer said, there are low interest loan options as well as traditional bonding methods. They could also delay the project and continue to save over time. Upon further questioning Mr. Meyer said, the corrugated steel culverts are located throughout the city. Many will be replaced in the Flood Protection Project. The life expectancy of the pipes is not good and Public Works has been addressing them as they can. Alderman Pitner asked about a timeframe if they needed to save enough money for the project. Mr. Meyer said, they have about $5 million budgeted and can accumulate about $1.5 million per year. The City Manager asked if flood insurance is required in the area and if the maps would be redrawn after completion of the project. Mr. Meyer explained that it is currently Zone A as it related to flood maps and several properties are required to have insurance. They have a CLOMAR submitted to FEMA meaning FEMA will remap the floodplain after certifying the improvements have been made. Whereupon a vote was taken on the above motion by Alderman Ross, seconded by Alderwoman Olson and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: none. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT AMENDMENT FOR MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC – APPROVED Alderman Ross moved the City Council approve a three-month contract extension with Minot Area Chamber EDC (formerly Minot Area Development Corporation) for the continuation of economic development services. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer. Alderman Pitner spoke about the importance of a collaborative effort regarding economic development. He said he looks forward to the next agreement however, he hesitates to support the extension. The use of taxpayer dollars should have a corresponding return on investment, as well as measurable deliverables and evidence of job creation. He said, he wants to see more out of the organization.  January 19, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting Mayor Sipma recognized the efforts of the Minot Area Chamber EDC in getting the intermodal facility up and running despite all of the setbacks. He said, the facility is an opportunity for additional economic development as well as the benefits from transporting goods internationally. The organizations have also spent the last few months focusing on merging the Chamber with MADC, hence the extension rather than a full agreement. Alderman Ross also commented on the intermodal facility by saying, it has been in the spotlight at a state level and paves the way for future development. Whereupon a vote was taken on the above motion by Alderman Ross, seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Evans, Jantzer, Olson, Podrygula, Ross, Sipma; nays: Pitner PERSONAL APPEARANCES None MISCELLANEOUS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS Mayor Sipma provided some updates on the current Legislative session. He said the bonding bill regarding the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project was pulled for political reasons but a different bill that was introduced still has a line item for Minot. If passed, the Flood Protection project would be reduced from a 20-year build to a 10-year build and save about $137 million in inflationary construction costs as well as provide flood insurance savings for residents. He testified against repealing the Governor’s Emergency Declaration and said if it were repealed, communities would no longer be eligible for the emergency funding that can reimburse costs for things like Binax testing and vaccination clinics. He then said, there were about 1,000 bills introduced and they have not yet identified all of the items that Minot should take an interest in but suggested the Council review to determine any specific bills to testify on. Mr. Goettle will keep them up to date on the status of all pertinent issues. Mayor Sipma said, Alderwoman Evans will be testifying against HB1182 which will allow local candidates to identify a party during elections. The Council agreed and directed Alderwoman Evans to work with Special Assistant Attorney Goettle to draft the testimony. The Mayor said he would be testifying against HB1260 regarding Emergency Declarations. The bill would declare that if an emergency declaration is put forth by a governing body, and results in financial harm to anyone affected, then employees within the entity making $125,000 or more would forfeit all pay until the emergency declaration is removed. Alderman Ross asked if Mr. Goettle will be providing a report on bills relevant to Minot. Mayor Sipma said the best source of information will be the weekly phone calls from North Dakota League of Cities taking place every Friday. The calls are followed by another call focused on planning for Minot. He also reminded the Council they can testify virtually, however, in- person testimony is taken first. LIAISON REPORTS Alderman Pitner had no meetings to report since his committees meet later in the week. Alderman Jantzer said the City/County/Park/School Liaison Committee will meet the following week. Alderman Ross said the Zoning Ordinance Steering Committee met to review the staff comments and public input of the Zoning Ordinance. It will then be placed on the Planning Commission agenda for approval. The Mayor said Task Force 21 was focused on the change in leadership. Alderman Jantzer added, there was discussion on COVID as well as budgetary discussion on modernizing the Triad. Alderwoman Evans said the Library is moving toward normal hours. Alderwoman Olson mentioned the upcoming Liaison Committee and Souris Basin Planning Council meetings.  January 19, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting Alderman Podrygula attended the Emergency Resource Council Steering Committee and is attending a webinar on threat assessment and cyber security. He also will attend the County Planning and Zoning meeting on Thursday. 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 7:17 pm. ATTEST: ______________________________ APPROVED: _______________________________ Kelly Matalka, City Clerk Shaun Sipma, Mayor