05/16/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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EMERGENCY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MAY 16, 1998 City Assessor should be making an assessment of these homes. He also noted the need for an information sheet and the need to get it to the residents as soon as possible. Chief Pecchia explained that financial help from other agencies will be sought. At this time, it appears that the damage is not extensive enough to warrant a disaster declaration. Mayor Sullivan suggested contacting Anoka County Commissioner, Margaret Langfeld and asking her if there is any financial help available either to the City or the residents. Council Member Lyden said that he felt the biggest policy issue may be what to do with the tree emergency. Mr. Wojack noted that the residents should contact their insurance agencies and then get a private contractor. He noted that the City has a real liability if City crews go onto private property to do any kind of work. Council Member Lyden asked if the City could hire a contractor and pay them to go onto private property. This question will be directed to the City Attorney. Mr. Asleson noted that he had a list of private tree removal contractors. Mr. Wojack noted that in most instances, private contractors haul tree debris to dump sites. There may be added costs for dumping. The City must be careful regarding hidden costs. He noted that the County does not have a site to dump tree debris. Chief Bennett noted that his department could burn the debris. He was told that the DNR has issues regarding burning trees. Chief Bennett said that if the dump site at city hall was used and the debris pushed into windrows and not into huge piles, the debris will be burned. Council Member Bergeson noted that the City licenses all contractors. The City should make sure that tree removal contractors are licensed. Mr. DeGardner noted that Sunrise Park was heavily damaged and is now a safety concern. He was asked to close the park and place barrier tape at all access points. Mr. Tesch said that a telephone answering program will be determined with outgoing messages. Mayor Sullivan asked that the residents call only one number and that a person answer the call. This person will be instructed on how some of the questions should be answered. Chief Pecchia asked that Mr. Tesch, Ms. Kaulfuss and Mr. Asleson to prepare a press release. He asked Ms. Vaske where the City would get funds to pay for this emergency. She will prepare a plan for staff to review. Council Member Lyden asked if staff or other emergency agencies have a "ball park" estimate of the cost of this emergency. Mr. Wojack said he did not. Chief Pecchia explained that at this time, his staff is on over -time status with a supervisor working 12 hour shifts. There is mutual aid from Anoka County and officers will be patrolling on bicycles and in cars. Mayor Sullivan expressed concern regarding the policy PAGE 4