Minutes - Council - 11/10/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case #5: Brush Chipping Bids City Attorney Goodrich stated that the City advertised for bids for the brush chipping project as directed by Council at their October 14, 1997 meeting. One bid was received on October 31, 1997, from the Ceres Company. However, at the meeting of October 28, 1997, because of the issues revolving around the SMC Company and a previously signed contract with that company, the Council determined to reject all bids to be received on October 31. He recommended that Council reject the bid from the Ceres Company and apologize to them for any inconvenience caused. Motion by Councilmember Haas Steffen and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to reject Ceres Company's bid for brush chipping received on October 31, 1997, and direct staff to write a letter of apology to Ceres Company. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Haas Steffen, Beyer and Beahen. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Zimmerman. Case #6: Youth Access to Tobacco Ordinance City Attorney Goodrich stated that this case is presented basically for information for Council. The 1997 legislature passed the Minnesota Youth Access to Tobacco Law (the "ACT") effective August 1, 1997. The Act requires licensing of all retailers who sell tobacco or tobacco products. The City is required to adopt a licensing ordinance after August 1, 1997. Most cities will be adopting these ordinances in early 1998. The ordinance needs to comply with at least the minimum standards set by the State law. The goal is to limit access of youth to tobacco products. There will be compliance checks annually and penalties for selling tobacco to minors. He mentioned an agreement with youth age 15 to 17 to go to local establishments and try to purchase tobacco products. The League of Minnesota Cities feels that a minor should not be able to sell cigarettes because of peer pressure. Mr. Goodrich summarized the information received from the League of Minnesota Cities and stated he would like to have this ordinance on the December 9 Council meeting for adoption. Case #7: Upcoming Meetings Mayor Gamec listed some upcoming meetings that should have City representation. Case #8: Report from Personnel Committee 1) Police Chief's Performance Appraisal Acting City Administrator Waite Smith reported that the Police Chief's performance appraisal was satisfactory and a few of the things the Personnel Committee suggested the Chief should work on is using citizen volunteers for snowmobiles and other things, the large animal control problem, an extension of the Crime Watch Program, training to work with the mentally handicapped and that he be issued a pager for emergencies. City Council/November 10, 1997 Page 6 of 7