City Council Minutes 07-03-1997 SpecialMINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Wednesday, July 3, 1997 - 8 a.m.
Members Present: Bill Fair, Roger Carlson, Bruce Thielen, Brian Stumpf
Members Absent: Clint Herbst
Others Present: Representatives from various civic organizations
1. Review RiverfestIn ans.
The Mayor reviewed the impact of the storm on the community. He noted
that the clean-up is progressing and wondered if there is a possibility that
Riverfest could be held as planned. He noted that the Lions Club is leaning
toward cancellation. He wanted to have this discussion to allow input on the
decision from other organizations affected by potential cancellation.
Public Works Director John Simola observed that we could direct more of the
effort to park clean-up and temporary power could be installed at the park in
time for the event. Bruce Thielen noted that County crews are working on
Third Street and that it is likely that the parade route will be clear.
Mayor Fair suggested that the City consider assuming a portion of the
financial liability if the event is held and the Lions Club loses money due to
holding the event so soon after the storm.
Roger Belsaas of the Lions Club stated that the potential for financial loss is
a concern, but the bigger concern is the ability of the club to get the
volunteers necessary to run the event. Many of the people that volunteer are
busy at home cleaning up after the storm.
Kitty Baltos of the Chamber noted that the Chamber of Commerce has
already incurred costs that will be lost if the event is cancelled or postponed.
It was noted that it may be days before electricity is restored, and there are
many property owners that are in the process of recovering. Ken Maus noted
that so many people have immediate needs right now. Perhaps we should be
focusing on getting basic needs addressed first.
After discussion, it was the consensus of the group to postpone Riverfest to
August 9 and 10 due to the storm. The additional time is necessary to allow
the community and volunteers to recover prior to holding the event.
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Special Council Minutes - 7/3/97
2. Storm recovery efforts.
Public Works Director John Simola noted that thousands, not hundreds, of
trees have been destroyed and need to be removed. Under ordinary
circumstances, property owners are responsible for removing trees in the
boulevard areas. He asked Council how it wants to handle the cost
associated with boulevard tree removal.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY BRUCE THIELEN AND
SECONDED BY ROGER CARLSON TO MANAGE AND FUND REMOVAL OF
BOULEVARD TREES AND STUMPS. Motion carried unanimously.
Due to the size and maneuvering limitations of equipment, it was determined
that the effectiveness of National. Guard troops is maximized if their work is
focused on boulevard clean-up.
O'Neill reported that the city hall staff is continuing to issue press releases
on the latest storm information, and staff is coordinating the dispatch of
volunteers to citizens that have asked for help. 'The Salvation Army and Red
Cross are busy addressing immediate needs for food, clothing, and shelter to
the victims and are providing meals to clean-up crews and. volunteers.
Chief Building Official Fred Patch reported that the preliminary information
shows that 61 buildings have been. posted as uninhabitable and 150 have
been identified as having struca_.urul damage. The numbers are very
preliminary at this time and are likely to rise. Patch noted that we may need
to bring in help from outside services to keep up with the reconstruction
process. Building permit procedures were discussed. It was the consensus of
Council to waive fees for cosmetic repair of structures and defer payment of
other building permit fees relating to the storm.
Security in Cardinal Hills was discussed. It was determined that road
accesses into Cardinal Hills would be controlled in an effort to discourage
gawkers or potential looting.
Darrin Lahr of NSP urged everyone to take their time in clearing debris. All
downed power lines should be considered as being live even days after the
storm. This is because downed lines can be accidently re -energized in the
process of restoring power.
There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned.
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Jeff' O'Neill
Assistant Administrator
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