McFadden Construction Corp

CITY OF THOMPSON PUBLIC HEARING THOMPSON

CITY OF THOMPSON PUBLIC HEARING THOMPSON

Oct 11, 2023

CITY OF THOMPSON PUBLIC HEARING THOMPSON COMMUNITY CENTER August 7, 2023 The public hearing to consider variances to the Ordinances of the City of Thompson, County of Grand Forks, ND was held August 7, 2023, at 7:00 PM. Mayor Hughes, Council Members Bergeron, Fretheim, Wojciechowski, City Administrator, City Auditor, Public Works Director (PWD), Plant Services, Chief of Police (COP) and City Engineer Melissa Knutson were present. Mayor Hughes called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 PM. City Engineer Knutson explained that the variances under consideration were applied for by Applegren Construction as part of the final plat application for the Replat of Lot 4, Box 7 Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson. Three variances are being considered: • A variance from the minimum lot width specified in Section 17.0401 of the ordinances of the City of Thompson to apply to the properties to be known as Lots F and G, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota. • A variance from the side yard requirements specified in section 17.0401 of the ordinances of the City of Thompson to apply to the properties to be known as Lots F and G, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota. • A variance from the buildings and uses requirements specified in section 17.0303 of the ordinances of the City of Thompson to allow construction of townhomes on the properties to be known as Lots F and G, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota. Mayor Hughes asked if anyone in the audience would like to offer comment. Mr. Ray Tozer indicated he was in favor of the variances. Mayor Hughes asked if anyone on the City Council would like to offer comment. Hearing none, Mayor Hughes requested a motion to adjourn the public hearing. Council member Bergeron motioned to adjourn the public hearing. Council member Wojciechowski seconded the motion. All said aye. The motion carried. Barbara Robinson, City Auditor Jeremy Hughes, Mayor NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR REQUESTS FOR VARIANCE APPEALS FROM THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF THOMPSON, NORTH DAKOTA Notice is hereby given that the City of Thompson, ND, Board of Adjustments will conduct a public hearing on Monday, August 7, 2023, at 7:00 PM at Thompson City Hall, 306 Pacific Avenue, Thompson, ND, on the appeals below. • Woodland Estates of the City of Thompson has made a request for variance from the lot width requirements (Section 17.0101 of the Ordinances of the City of Thompson, North Dakota) in order to accommodate the proposed subdivision of Lot 4, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota into two lots. • Woodland Estates of the City of Thompson has made a request for variance from the buildings and uses requirements (Section 17.0303 of the Ordinances of the City of Thompson, North Dakota) in order to allow construction of townhouses on the properties to be known at Lots F and G, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota. • Woodland Estates of the City of Thompson has made a request for variance from the side yard requirements (Section 17.0401 of the Ordinances of the City of Thompson, North Dakota) to delete the required setback on each side of the property line between the properties to be known as Lots F and G, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota in order to accommodate construction of townhouses on said lots. Any member of the public seeking to submit comments relating to this public hearing prior to the meeting should submit their comments to City Administrator Terri Herbert at therbert@cityofthompson.org or call 701-599-2973 for further information. All comments received prior to 1:00PM on Thursday, August 3, 2023, will be considered part of the record of the meeting as if personally presented. Any Individual requiring special accommodations (i.e., alternative formatting of literature, an interpreter, or help in accessing the facility) should advise the city by contacting the City Auditor at PO Box 266, Thompson ND 58278, or by phone at 701-599-2973. Requests should be made seven (7) days prior to the meeting. CITY OF THOMPSON PUBLIC HEARING THOMPSON COMMUNITY CENTER August 7, 2023 The public hearing to consider the final plat application for Replat of Lot 4, Block 7 Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, ND was held August 7, 2023, at 7:03 PM. Mayor Hughes, Council Members Bergeron, Fretheim, Wojciechowski, City Administrator, City Auditor, Public Works Director (PWD), Plant Services, Chief of Police (COP) and City Engineer Melissa Knutson were present. Public Hearing Attendee, Ralph Applegren. Mayor Hughes called the public hearing to order. Mayor Hughes asked if anyone in the audience would like to offer comment. Hearing none, Mayor Hughes requested a motion to adjourn. Council member Bergeron motioned to adjourn the Public Hearing. Council member Wojciechowski seconded the motion. All said aye. The motion carried. Barbara Robinson, City Auditor Jeremy Hughes, Mayor NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED SUBDIVISION Notice is hereby given to the public that the Thompson City Council will conduct a public hearing on Monday, August 7, 2023, at 7:00 PM at Thompson City Hall, 306 Pacific Avenue, Thompson, ND, on the request for final approval of the Replat of Lot 4, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota. Any member of the public seeking to submit comments relating to this public hearing prior to the meeting should submit their comments to City Administrator Terri Herbert at therbert@cityofthompson.org or call 701-599-2973 for further information. All comments received prior to 1:00PM on Thursday, August 3, 2023, will be considered part of the record of the meeting as if personally presented. Any Individual requiring special accommodations (i.e., alternative formatting of literature, an interpreter, or help in accessing the facility) should advise the city by contacting the City Auditor at PO Box 266, Thompson ND 58278, or by phone at 701-599-2973. Requests should be made seven (7) days prior to the meeting. CITY OF THOMPSON BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING THOMPSON COMMUNITY CENTER August 7, 2023 The meeting of the Board of Adjustments of the City of Thompson, County of Grand Forks, ND was held August 7, 2023, at 7:04 PM. Mayor Hughes, Council Members Bergeron, Fretheim, Wojciechowski, City Auditor, Public Works Director (PWD), Plant Services, Chief of Police (COP) and City Engineer Melissa Knutson were present. Mayor Hughes called the Board of Adjustment Meeting to order. Mayor Hughes called for a motion to approve or deny the Resolution granting a variance from the minimum lot width specified in section 17.0401 of the ordinances of the City of Thompson to apply to the properties to be known as Lots F and G, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota. Council member Wojciechowski motioned to approve the resolution. Council member Bergeron seconded the motion. All said aye. The motion carried. Mayor Hughes called for a motion to approve or deny the Resolution granting a variance from the side yard requirements specified in section 17.0401 of the ordinances of the City of Thompson to apply to the properties to be known as Lots F and G, Block 7, of Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota. Council member Bergeron clarified that the variance applies strictly to the 5ft setback requirement from the center property line of the area in question. Knutson confirmed that is the case. Council member Wojciechowski motioned to approve the resolution. Council member Fretheim seconded the motion. All said aye. The motion carried. Mayor Hughes called for a motion to approve or deny the Resolution granting a variance from the buildings and uses requirements specified in section 17.0303 of the ordinances of the City of Thompson to allow construction of townhomes on the properties to be known as Lots F and G, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota. Council member Bergeron asked if this variance includes specifications for complete construction of a proposed project. City Engineer Knutson explained that this variance simply indicates that if someone were to develop these lots, a twinhome may be built. It does not address all requirements associated with the building permit application/process. Council member Bergeron motioned to approve the resolution. Council member Wojciechowski seconded the motion. All said aye. The motion carried. Mayor Hughes requested a motion to adjourn the Board of Adjustment meeting. Council member Bergeron motioned to adjourn. Council member Wojciechowski seconded the motion. All said aye. The motion carried. Barbara Robinson, City Auditor Jeremy Hughes, Mayor A RESOLUTION APPROVING A VARIANCE FROM THE MINIMUM LOT WIDTH SPECIFIED IN SECTION 17.0401 OF THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF THOMPSON TO APPLY TO THE PROPERTIES TO BE KNOWN AS LOTS F AND G, BLOCK 7, MAXINE’S SECOND RESUBDIVISION TO THE CITY OF THOMPSON, NORTH DAKOTA WHEREAS, Section 17.0101 of the Ordinances of the City of Thompson sets forth minimum lot width requirements; WHEREAS, Woodland Estates of the City of Thompson has made application for a subdivision of land entitled Replat of Lot 4, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota; WHEREAS, as part of said plat application, Woodland Estates of the City of Thompson has made application for a variance from the 75-foot minimum lot width requirement for R-1 One Family Districts to accommodate the proposed subdivision; WHEREAS, published notice of a public hearing to consider the proposed variance was given in accordance with Section 18.1001.2 of the Ordinances of the City of Thompson; WHEREAS, the City of Thompson does not currently have a Planning Commission separate from the City Council, therefore the Planning Commission and City Council act concurrently in terms of Ordinance requirements; WHEREAS, the Thompson City Council has considered the application against the variance criteria outlined in Section 17.1001.2.b of the Ordinances of the City of Thompson; IT IS RESOLVED, that the Thompson City Council hereby approves the request of Woodland Estates of the City of Thompson for a variance from the 75-foot minimum lot width requirement for R-1 One Family Districts to accommodate the proposed subdivision entitled Replat of Lot 4, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota, subject to the following conditions: 1. If subsequent approval and recordation of the referenced plat document is not executed, this variance becomes null and void. 2. Dwelling units constructed on the properties to be known as Lots F and G, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota, shall be limited to townhouses subject to applicable requirements of the Ordinances of the City of Thompson. Dated this 7th day of August, 2023. CITY OF THOMPSON By: Jeremy Hughes, Its Mayor ATTEST: Barbara Robinson, Its City Auditor A RESOLUTION APPROVING A VARIANCE FROM THE SIDE YARD REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 17.0401 OF THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF THOMPSON TO APPLY TO THE PROPERTIES TO BE KNOWN AS LOTS F AND G, BLOCK 7, MAXINE’S SECOND RESUBDIVISION TO THE CITY OF THOMPSON, NORTH DAKOTA WHEREAS, Section 17.0401 of the Ordinances of the City of Thompson sets forth minimum side yard requirements; WHEREAS, Woodland Estates of the City of Thompson has made application for a subdivision of land entitled Replat of Lot 4, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota; WHEREAS, as part of said plat application, Woodland Estates of the City of Thompson has made application for a variance from the 5-foot minimum side yard requirement, to delete the required setback on each side of the property line between the properties to be known as Lots F and G, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota; WHEREAS, published notice of a public hearing to consider the proposed variance was given in accordance with Section 18.1001.2 of the Ordinances of the City of Thompson; WHEREAS, the City of Thompson does not currently have a Planning Commission separate from the City Council, therefore the Planning Commission and City Council act concurrently in terms of Ordinance requirements; WHEREAS, the Thompson City Council has considered the application against the variance criteria outlined in Section 17.1001.2.b of the Ordinances of the City of Thompson; IT IS RESOLVED, that the Thompson City Council hereby approves the request of Woodland Estates of the City of Thompson for a variance from the 5-foot minimum side yard requirement, to delete the required setback on each side of the property line between the properties to be known as Lots F and G, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota, subject to the following conditions: 1. If subsequent approval and recordation of the referenced plat document is not executed, this variance becomes null and void. 2. Dwelling units constructed on the properties to be known as Lots F and G, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota, shall be limited to townhouses subject to applicable requirements of the Ordinances of the City of Thompson. Dated this 7th day of August, 2023. CITY OF THOMPSON By: Jeremy Hughes, Its Mayor ATTEST: Barbara Robinson, Its City Auditor A RESOLUTION APPROVING A VARIANCE FROM THE BUILDINGS AND USES REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 17.0303 OF THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF THOMPSON TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF TOWNHOMES ON THE PROPERTIES TO BE KNOWN AS LOTS F AND G, BLOCK 7, MAXINE’S SECOND RESUBDIVISION TO THE CITY OF THOMPSON, NORTH DAKOTA WHEREAS, Section 17.0303 of the Ordinances of the City of Thompson sets forth requirements for buildings and uses permitted in R-1 Residential Districts; WHEREAS, Woodland Estates of the City of Thompson has made application for a subdivision of land entitled Replat of Lot 4, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota; WHEREAS, as part of said plat application, Woodland Estates of the City of Thompson has made application for a variance from the requirements for buildings and uses permitted in R-1 Residential Districts to allow construction of townhouses on the properties to be known at Lots F and G, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota; WHEREAS, published notice of a public hearing to consider the proposed variance was given in accordance with Section 18.1001.2 of the Ordinances of the City of Thompson; WHEREAS, the City of Thompson does not currently have a Planning Commission separate from the City Council, therefore the Planning Commission and City Council act concurrently in terms of Ordinance requirements; WHEREAS, the Thompson City Council has considered the application against the variance criteria outlined in Section 17.1001.2.b of the Ordinances of the City of Thompson; IT IS RESOLVED, that the Thompson City Council hereby approves the request of Woodland Estates of the City of Thompson for a variance from the requirements for buildings and uses permitted in R-1 Residential Districts to allow construction of townhouses on the properties to be known at Lots F and G, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota, subject to the following conditions: 1. If subsequent approval and recordation of the referenced plat document is not executed, this variance becomes null and void. 2. Dwelling units constructed on the properties to be known as Lots F and G, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota, shall be limited to townhouses subject to applicable requirements of the Ordinances of the City of Thompson. Dated this 7th day of August, 2023. CITY OF THOMPSON By: Jeremy Hughes, Its Mayor ATTEST: Barbara Robinson, Its City Auditor CITY OF THOMPSON REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING THOMPSON COMMUNITY CENTER August 7, 2023 The regular meeting of the City Council, City of Thompson, County of Grand Forks, ND was held August 7, 2023, at 7:09 PM. Mayor Hughes, Council Members Bergeron, Fretheim, Wojciechowski, City Administrator, City Auditor, Public Works Director (PWD), Plant Services, Chief of Police (COP) and City Engineer Melissa Knutson were present. Mayor Hughes called the meeting to order. He confirmed the next meeting will be held Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 7:00 PM. “Any Individual requiring special accommodations (i.e., alternative formatting of literature, an interpreter, or help in accessing the facility: should advise the city by contacting the City Auditor at PO Box 266, Thompson, ND 58278, or by phone at 701-599-2973. Requests should be made seven (7) days prior to the meeting.” Council member Wojciechowski motioned to approve the City Council meeting minutes of July 10, 2023. Council member Fretheim seconded the motion. All said aye. The motion carried. Council member Bergeron motioned to approve the financial reports. Council member Fretheim seconded the motion. All said aye. The motion carried. Council member Fretheim motioned to approve the payment of bills totaling $48,652.76. Council member Bergeron seconded the motion. All said aye. The motion carried. Council member Bergeron motioned to accept the resignation letter from Lance Monson. Council member Fretheim seconded the motion. All said aye. The motion carried. Mayor Hughes explained that the City Council must wait a minimum of 15 days before appointing someone to the vacancy. The position will be advertised. Any Statements of Interest submitted will be considered at the September 5th meeting. Upon review, the City Council will appoint their candidate of choice. City Engineer Knutson reported that all conditions of the preliminary plat submittal for the replat of Lot 4, Block 7, Maxine’s Second Resubdivision to the City of Thompson, North Dakota have been met. Mr. Ralph Applegren, representing Woodland Estates, submitted “ “, and indicated the developer had no concerns at this time. The draft letter providing comment on the final plat submittal will be edited to reflect the submitted documentation and mailed. Council member Bergeron confirmed that the entire process is going according to the original schedule. Knutson concurred, explaining that if conditional approval is given, the developer has 30 days to complete the process. Council member Fretheim inquired if the developer planned to complete the build this fall. Applegren reported that the project will start this fall with a completion in the spring of 2024. Council member Bergeron motioned to conditionally approve the final plat submittal. Council member Wojciechowski seconded the motion. All said aye. The motion carried. City Engineer Knutson submitted all bid proposals for the proposed fog seal project to the City for permanent filing. Council member Bergeron asked for an explanation on how the project was bid. Knutson explained that the project was bid offering three options: A base bid (small section of town). A base bid, with alternate one (base with an additional section of town) and base bid, with alternate one and alternate two, (includes the entire town). Both contractors with the lowest bids stated they would prefer to do the work in the spring, but are willing to do it yet this fall. Council member Wojciechowski asked if there was any reason to not wait? While there is always a concern of waiting for maintenance, City Engineer explained that a fog seal restores moisture to the asphalt, and didn’t feel it should be an issue in this case. Council member Bergeron asked if there was any reason to not go with the lowest bidder? All companies that submitted are very reputable, relatively local, and the engineer has confidence they will do a good job. Based on the age of the asphalt throughout town, and that the project has been budgeted for, it is her recommendation that the entire town receive the fog seal. If a fog seal is done in 2024, the next round of maintenance would be a chip seal in 3-5 years. A chip seal provides more structural support than a fog seal. Council member Fretheim motioned to approve the base bid to include alternate one and two to Bituminous Paving for $60,385.00. Council member Wojciechowski seconded the motion. All said aye. The motion carried. The 2024 Preliminary Budget was presented. City Administrator Herbert offered explanation for new items and those that had significant changes from previous budgets. Council member Bergeron asked what stage of the Shared Use Path project would the appropriated funds provide for? The $260,000 budgeted would get the City to a shelf-ready project. This does not include any construction costs. Having a shelf ready project would allow the City to apply for the next round of TA Federal Funding. Mayor Hughes asked the council how invested they feel the City is in this project? If the $260,000 is spent, and the City is unsuccessful in securing a grant, are we willing to spend over a $1,000,000 to build it? Is this something the whole town wants? City Engineer Knutson mentioned again that when the last rounds of TA Funding were available, the city did not have a shelf ready project ready to apply. The council at that time felt this project is a safety issue and the City should move forward with getting a plan in place. Mayor Hughes asked if there is more of a safety issue crossing Hwy 15 or traveling East and West? That safety factor is hard to define. Engineer Knutson explained that as a city, you build to make things as safe as possible, but the level of safety is contingent on everyone following the rules and regulations. Council member Fretheim asked what the savings might be if the city did not apply for federal funding and just funded the project locally? Knutson responded that construction may possibly go down by approximately 20%, but because the area proposed is in the NDDOT right-of-way, most of the other requirements would still be in place. City Administrator asked how long the various studies are valid? Most studies are good for a couple of years, and many have the ability to be updated without having to start completely over. The next round of TA funding comes out in 2026. The council determined to leave the budget as is for now, and will discuss further at the September and October meeting. Council member Wojciechowski motioned to approve the 2024 Preliminary Budget with the inclusion of the additional funds for computer replacements. Council member Bergeron seconded the motion. All said aye. The motion carried. The Police Monthly Report was presented. Mayor Hughes thanked Chief Kurtz for his continued documentation of his patrolling efforts. The Public Works Monthly Report was presented. Mayor Hughes asked if any of the building permits have been outstanding for an excessive period. Public Works Director Aasen stated that building permits are valid for one year. None have expired at this time. Considerable discussion was had with regard to full trees being deposited in the branch dumpsters. The dumpsters are strictly available for general trimming or yard waste. Any major tree disposal is the responsibility of the resident or their contractor of choice. A reminder notice will be posted on Facebook and the app. City Engineer reported that there is a drainage issue just south of 4th Street on Pacific Ave. Water pools for significant amounts of time because there is no place for it to go. City Engineer Knutson offered a synopsis of the solutions available. The least expensive option would basically move the puddle to a less problematic location, within the city right-of way and not in the way of access to a building. However, to fix the issue appropriately, the logical route would be to have the water go north and east down 4th Street. This option would require a culvert to be installed under the alley headed east. The issue is that there are a number of fiber and gas utility lines in that area. Mayor Hughes expressed concern that there are several areas in town that have drainage issues. Council member Bergeron pointed out that there have been many changes in this particular area, to include rezoning to commercial, the demolition of dilapidated buildings, and construction of large steel structures. There is no longer permeable surfaces to soak up the moisture. Mayor Hughes concurred. City Engineer Knutson explained that the City’s agreement with the utility companies will determine who pays for the relocation of utilities. Council member Wojciechowski expressed that any changes made to take potential improvements to Pacific Ave into consideration. It was determined that Public Works would rent the necessary equipment and perform the work. An estimate of costs will be presented at the September meeting. Mayor Hughes mentioned that the school is looking to increase safety measures for before and after school pick-up. There are many options to consider. The city is willing to work with the school, and will await a proposed plan from them. Council member Fretheim motioned to adjourn. Council member Wojciechowski seconded the motion. All said aye. The motion carried. Barbara Robinson, City Auditor Jeremy Hughes, Mayor (Oct. 11, 2023) 266516