By Clark Natalie

Another residential developer has expressed an interest in Harris.

Thomas Wilkinson was before the City Council Monday, March 12, to present Alpine Development, a residential project he would like to create on the Mold farm in Sunrise Township. Wilkinson's purpose was to discuss access to the water and sewer services that Harris could provide.

Wilkinson has created a number of options to develop the area, depending on which governmental agency the project would proceed under. If Wilkinson has the development remain in Sunrise Township, the intent is for the development to create a community sewer system and also drill a well to provide water to all residents. By providing community systems instead of each individual house having their own, county criteria would allow the development to have 85 units. By coming into Harris, the development can increase to 100 units. Wilkinson said the development will go forward, either in Sunrise Township or by having the property annexed to the city.

The homes will be approximately $200,000 in value. Where in the development they are located, either close to CR 9 or back along the bluff, overlooking the creek are the two extremes.

Councilman John Pelant asked Wilkinson how the rates presently set for water access, sewer access and area access will effect the sale of houses in the development.

Wilkinson said the cost of those charges are of minor to the development; they are paid no matter where the development is located.

Wilkinson said that the cost of a lot in Harris/Sunrise Township would have a value of $65,000. In an area closer to the Cities, that same lot would be $85,000. That difference would offset any increase in fees that are charged.

The company which is creating Alpine Development has done nine other projects. Wilkinson said the plan for Alpine Development is to have all the units sold in 24 to 28 months. Wilkinson noted that that time frame was used in a 66-unit development in Forest Lake which will now be completely sold out in 14 months.

The money that Alpine Development will generate to the city in fees to be used to pay for the new water treatment plant and wasteswater treatment facility in those 24 months will be $1,447,700. And that does not include the monthly usage fees for each home, he said.

There was no action.

Questions from the public

During public comment, Richard Hansen went over the community guide that listed Harris as having an industrial park that had been developed in 1989.

Hansen also asked the vouncil to loosen the restrictions on the amount of time residents can approach the council, as it is one of the best sources of public input.

Resident Lisa Jorgenson brought up again the question of who prepares the minutes for each meeting, pointing out that Mayor Rick Smisson had said that the clerk has that responsibility. Yet, going back to when Dan Walton was on the council, Smisson has said that he had revised the minutes prior to presentation to the council.

Jorgenson also asked why it was necessary to cancel the Feb. 26, council meeting when the mayor was not present. The four remaining council members would have constituted a quorum, she said. And an acting mayor is appointed each year to fill in when the mayor is absent.

An accounting of the costs associated with the firing of former city clerk Kim Hugger was also requested. Also notification if any pending litigation is still outstanding. Jorgenson also noted that a number of typographical errors had been made on draft minutes presented to the council and wanted to make sure personnel has been notified in a timely manner of these mistakes so that another situation similar to the past clerk does not arise.

Don Cardinal wished to have a rumor quashed that someone on the Harris Fire Department had been allowed to borrow funds from the Fireman's Pension Fund or the Relief Association. Cardinal pointed out that borrowing from those funds is against the law. Cardinal wanted to know if it actually happened or if what was going around town was all talk.

No responses were given at the meetings to the public comments.

The council went on with the agenda items.

Bev Weston asked for an update on her road, 480th Street. Weston had been before the council concerning the maintenance of the road, whether it is a city street or a county road. Attorney Pete Grundhoefer responded that according to the county engineer's records, the road had been abandoned in 1956. But that the county would plow the road this winter while it is being straightened out.

The county has expressed an interest in turning the road over to the city, much as they intend to turn over Ginger Ave. Grundhoefer was directed by the council to proceed to see if the same process would be followed and the road brought up to code before it is turned over.

Councilor Pelant asked if the road was abandoned, would it have to be brought up to code before the city takes it over. Grundhoefer said no, it would not. Also, that a staff meeting will be held shortly to discuss what will be done with 480th Street. Grundhoefer will report back to the council on the outcome of that meeting. And Clerk Jennifer Wolthe will let Weston know.

In other business:

• Maintenance Supervisor Mike Kriz updated the council on the search for a single axle dump truck to replace the present one that is worn out. The present truck has been a sand and salt truck since 1985. It is rusted and ready to fall apart and Kriz is not sure the back end will stay on much longer. Kriz has the state searching for a used dump truck. The state will search on a national basis, and if one is found, have it delivered to Minnesota for the city to inspect. Even if the truck meets all the specifications set by Harris, it can decline to take the truck. The council authorized Kriz to begin the search with a maximum amount of $15,000 .

• The fire department requested funds to repair the Cascade System that is used to fill the air tanks on the Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. The system needs to be vented. Presently, with the diesel engines in the fire hall, diesel fumes are entering the tanks. An offer to repair the system at a cost of $2,350 was presented. Pelant agreed that this would be reasonable, but requested that at least one other bid be presented before agreeing to the repair.

• Kriz and city clerk Jennifer Wolthe will review the applications for the maintenance position. There have been 27 applicatants.

• Grundhoefer had the council meet in closed session at the end of the meeting to discuss the agreement with Don Kennon.