By Clark Natalie

The Harris City Council met on Columbus Day addressing issues surrounding the county's restoration of Ginger Avenue in preparation of turning it back the city. One issue was where the yellow center line would be placed and adequate parking without having vehicles on the grass of the boulevard. City Engineer Charles Schwartz said parking can be either parallel or angle or a combination of both. Different drafts were provided.

With parallel parking, 21 stalls would be available on the west side of Ginger, and 48 on the east side. With diagonal, only one side would have parking, 53 stalls would be available on the east side of Ginger with no parking on the west side of the street. With angle parking, the south driving lane would be 14 feet wide, the northbound driving lane would be 13.6 feet wide, and the stalls would take up the remaining footage.

The city clerk had asked the affected local businesses what their preference would be.

Councilman John Pelant asked how the parking would effect the Legion as some nights each month the building is used extensively. It was estimated that 30 to 50 cars are there.

Different options were explored, with the best idea to have parallel parking on both sides of the street, up to and past the Legion, then transfer to angle after. The center line would then move to accommodate the difference in space.

Schwartz will take this option to the traffic engineers and have them check the feasibility. The Council's consensus was that the dual parking design would best handle the parking issues on the Avenue.

City Attorney Peter Grundhoefer provided a draft contract to be forwarded onto Genesis Wireless concerning their request to install antennas on the water tower in exchange for the city getting free access for their city offices. Grundhoefer said that the draft was a starting point to work out different issues. It calls for a non-exclusive license to put the antenna on the water tower for a three year period. The contract included proposed profit sharing based on future revenues. It also requires the city engineer to examine the equipment to be installed and the method of installation to make sure no problems are caused.

City Maintenance Supervisor Mike Kriz had discussed the issue of the installation of the antenna on the water tower with the Minnesota Department of Health. Kriz indicated that care must be taken to make sure the installation does not cause problems by disturbing the lead paint on the tower. And that the installation would not cause structural damage to the already deteriorating tower.

Grundhoefer also will have the city engineer make sure that the frequency that the antenna will transmit will not interfere with any city radio frequencies. The water treatment plant and the wastewater treatment facility both have radios transmitting.

Also, new water meters are being installed that will be read by a wireless method. Those transmissions will also have to be protected.

Councilor Pelant had questions that some of his constituents had asked about the new water meters. Some residents had asked how they will be able to check to make sure the meters are reading the correct gallons. In the past, they could look at the meter, run a measured 10 gallons, and check to make sure that is what the meter had registered. Will the new wireless meters provide someway for the homeowners to verify the gallons used?

The consensus was that the meters are of the latest design and good quality. Much better than what is in use now. When the present meters were installed, a legitimate question of accuracy came up.

The question of shut offs and curb stops was also asked. Who's responsibility are those and should maintenance on the curb stops or shut offs be necessary, who will have to pay for the maintenance, the homeowner or the city?

Kriz said that it was his understanding that the homeowner is responsible for maintenance from the water main to the house. Grundhoefer indicated that most cities maintain the equipment from the main to the shut off or curb stop. From that point to the house is the homeowner's responsibility. Grundhoefer will review the Harris ordinances to verify the ownership and maintenance issues.

City Clerk Jennifer Wothe said as of last Wednesday, 115 meters had been installed of the 127 meters that are to be done. The company felt they would be done by the Thursday. Wothe said that there is one resident who does not want a new meter installed. Wothe asked how the council wanted to handle that meter. Would someone have to continue to read the old meter?

Grundhoefer said that most cities have an inherent authority to install and maintain the equipment. Grundhoefer suggested that someone visit with the individual to ascertain the problem the resident is having and resolve the issue. The other option would be to terminate or discontinue service.

The city also authorized the contractor to install meters in the fire department hall to monitor the water going into the fire trucks. The city has to provide water usage to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and must provide the gallons used by the fire department.

The fire department also has submitted a bid for a grant to obtain safety equipment to update old equipment still in use. If the fire department should qualify for the grant, it would be in the amount of $145,000. The city would have to provide some matching funds. The amount the city would have to provide to get this grant is $7,223. The council authorized this amount. The fire department should find out in December if the grant has been awarded.

Kriz asked about funding of the plow truck. Harris was high bidder on a truck put up for bids by Mahtomedi. The council indicated that a check for $17,000 had been approved with the bills to cover this cost.

Big Daddy's requested a change in organization that will be selling pull tabs at their establishment. Marjorie Pratlow, bar manager, was before the council, representing the owner who could not be in attendance. Pratlow indicated that Bid Daddy's has not been happy with the present vender, North Branch Area Hockey Association. Big Daddy's has had problems with communications with the association and wishes to change the non-profit organization that will sell pull tabs.

Kevin Kimes with an organization known as CHOPS was in attendance with Pratlow. CHOPS is a non-profit organization that provides musical opportunities to youth. CHOPS is based out of East Bethel and has been providing this service for 15 years. CHOPS presently sells pull tabs in Bethel and Oak Grove.

CHOPS deals mainly with musical instrument training. Approximately 75 to 100 children participate in their summer programs. This includes a field trip to Scranton, Penn., where they compete on a national basis and have done quite well. CHOPS also participates in local parades and has a field unit, such as at half times at football games.

Kimes pointed out that each organization that sells pull tabs contracts on a two year basis. The North Branch Area Hockey Association's lease is expiring. CHOPS will merely take their place. CHOPS assured the council that a tight organization is run and that bar bingo will be held on time, and that meat raffles will be held when advertised.

Wothe pointed out that Big Daddy's had been in the prior month for renewal of the association's lease which the council had approved. Grundhoefer said that the city regulates the gambling in local taverns and restaurants. Grundhoefer felt that the city should facilitate a meeting with the present organization selling pull tabs and Big Daddy's owners. If the problems could not be worked out, then a review of an application by CHOPS could be considered. At the time of the council meeting, a formal application had not been made to the council. Kimes indicated that they wanted to make sure of the requirements the city wanted so they could make sure the application would provide all that the city wanted.