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*The council set a public informational meeting for the city's 2004 street improvement project for Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 6:30 at city hall. The 2004 street improvement project will include rebuilding portions of Belmont Street, Belmont Drive, Hudson Street, Railroad Street, Lake Avenue, and Minnie Street as well as overlaying the Industrial Loop, Ampe Drive, and Claire Drive.

Because of a large amount of side frontage (which is assessed at half of the actual footage) included in the project, assessments for property owners on streets to be upgraded could be as high as $65 per foot. City engineer Pete Carlson told the council that he would refigure the assessment rates using full footage amounts for side frontage to see if the new amount is more fair for property owners.

*The council set a public hearing for assessments on Service Road for Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 6:30 p.m. The city also plans to pave this road (on the south side of Highway 55) and build a bike trail to the city's new BMX park next year.

Carlson has refigured these assessments with the city absorbing the cost of the Highway 55 side of the street. If curbs and gutters are installed when the street is paved, the estimated assessment rate could be lowered from $62 per foot with a $6,270 access fee to $72 per foot with no access fee.

*The council approved a new assessment for property owned by Lee and Barb Lund on Lake Avenue. Originally, their property was to be assessed $783 for storm water improvements during this summer's street project; however, before purchasing the property, the Lunds received a letter from the city informing them that there would be no sewer or water assessments for the property.

In a compromise, the Lunds and the city agreed to assess the property half the original amount or $391.

*The council approved having SEH design a fuel system for the Paynesville Municipal Airport, costing $7,200.

Council member Harlan Beek expressed concern about the methods used by SEH in determining engineering estimates. Council member Dave Peschong told Beek that the airport commission also questioned the method and would ask a representative of the firm to explain the firm's billing methods at the next meeting of the airport commission.

According to city administrator Steve Helget, the fueling system is estimated at $50,000, half of which would be paid by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

*The council also approved a MnDOT grant for airport maintenance and operation. This grant could pay up to $13,795 per year for two years with supplemental funds available for training personnel. The grant would be reissued at a different amount after two years.

*The council also approved a payment to Southside Steel Systems in the amount of $103,460 for construction on a tee hangar at the airport.

*The council certified past-due garbage, water and sewer, snow removal, and mowing bills to the county auditor to be put on real estate taxes.

*The council approved Mayor Jeff Thompson's attendance at a League of Minnesota Cities' Leadership Conference for Experienced Officials to be held in Plymouth in February. The cost of the program is $175 plus the cost of a hotel.

*The council approved declaring 11 bicycles acquired by the Paynesville Police Department as abandoned property. The bikes will be advertised for bids.