February 6, 2006

SURREY CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2006

Present were Council Members Steve Fennewald, Terry Johnson, Blaine Klein, Dana Larsen, Jarvis Sasse, and Laura Volk.  Also present were Chief of Police Brad Seideman and City Auditor Elaine Christianson.

Council President Steve Fennewald called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

The agenda was reviewed. 

Larsen moved to approve the minutes from the January 9, 2006 Regular Meeting.  Klein seconded.  All aye, motion carried.

Council Member Laura Volk entered the meeting.

Discussion held on the attorney’s bill.  Larsen moved to approve the financial reports - payroll in the amount of $12,706.04 and bills to be paid in the amount of $12,415.88 ($12,482.88 less the $67.00 adjustment to the attorney’s bill).  Johnson seconded.  All aye, motion carried.

Deputy Laura Forbes from the Ward County Sheriff’s Department was available for questions.

Larsen moved to appoint Council President Steve Fennewald to fill the vacated position of Mayor.  Volk seconded.  Discussion held.  Roll call:  Johnson-aye; Larsen-aye; Sasse-aye; Klein-aye; Volk-aye.  All aye, motion carried.

Discussion held regarding vacancy of Ward 1 Council Member position.  Residents have 15 days to petition for special election.  If the council receives a petition for special election, since the City is less than six months from a regular election, council can vote down the request.  The council can appoint a resident from Ward 1 to fill the position for the remaining term or can leave the position vacated until the June 2006 election. 

Klein moved to approve First Western Bank of Minot as the official depository for the City of Surrey.  Sasse seconded.  All aye, motion carried.

City Auditor Christianson presented information on a Flexible Benefits Plan offered by Discovery Benefits.  Discussion held.  Larsen moved to accept proposal.  Johnson seconded.  All aye, motion carried.

Souris River Basin Longbeards applied for a local raffle permit.  Discussion held.  Klein moved to approve permit.  Volk seconded.  All aye, motion carried.

Mayor Fennewald discussed setting up a “Vision of Surrey” committee to meet with Mr. Briggs from the Surrey School about growth in Surrey.  Discussion held.  Larsen, Johnson, and Klein volunteered.

Larsen recommended increasing the City of Surrey’s Unincorporated Territory from the current 1/2 mile limit to the full 1 mile limit allowed by Century Code.  Discussion held on requirements.  Sasse moved to increase the City of Surrey’s Unincorporated Territory to 1 mile.  Larsen seconded.  All aye, motion carried.

Police Chief Seideman requested vacation in March.  Police Officer Al Schlag and the Ward County Sheriff’s Department will be on patrol during this time.  Discussion held regarding thefts in Northeast Surrey in January.  Seideman exited meeting.

Discussion held regarding options for purchase of Surrey Fire Protection District building.  Council advised City Auditor Christianson to get a municipal loan quotes from a minimum of 2 banks.

Klein exited meeting.

City Auditor Christianson presented the Year-end Report.  Discussion held.  Larsen moved to amend year-end transfers as proposed by City Auditor Christianson and to accept the Year-end Report.  Johnson seconded.

City Auditor Christianson will attend a SBPC Economic Development Meeting and requested someone else attend.  Mayor Fennewald volunteered.  Discussion held regarding a Manufactured Home Installation Program being offered by the State.  Council advised this matter be turned over to Building Inspector Charles Tollefson for review.  A packet for ND Forest Service Grants was turned over to Tree Committee Member Larsen for review. 

City Auditor Christianson requested background information regarding an easement from the Senior Citizen’s organization.  Discussion held.  City Auditor Christianson will advise City Attorney Deb Hoffarth to issue final letter to the Senior Citizen’s attorney regarding City’s needs.

Volk made a motion to approve the Municipal Court Report, the Police Report and the Public Works Report.  Johnson seconded.  All aye, motion carried.

Under other business, discussion was held regarding the June 2006 election.  Monday, April 17, 2006 at 4:00p.m. is the deadline for completed nominating petitions and statement of interest forms to be turned in to the City Auditor’s office.