Littlefork to discuss structure proposal, By FAYE WHITBECK, Staff Writer

Also, sign-up set for home repair loans

Representatives from the Littlefork Ambulance Service are scheduled to speak at the regular council meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at City Hall.
The service is responding to the council’s instructions to Sam Hegge to take a plan for a new structure to house the city’s ambulances, through the proper channels.
Sam Hegge made his proposal at the last council meeting as the contractor/developer, although he also serves on the ambulance service.
Hegge previously presented two floor plans of a new building, which he would own, to house the city’s ambulance service. The building could be leased by the service at about $1,000 per month, and $300 of that amount could be accrued toward the purchase price. He said the building would be constructed on a lot south of Deerwood Bank in Littlefork.
Hegge would require a two-year commitment to lease the building. The current ambulance building is not compliant with the state, all agreed at last month’s meeting.
City Administrator Mike Fairchild expects the ambulance representatives to report on dollar amounts as they will affect property owners, after reviewing the plan with the Littlefork Ambulance Service and the Taxing District Board.
May 28 is the date that homeowners who are interested in applying for a portion of the $195,000 granted to Littlefork by the Minnesota Small Cities Grant Program, should sign up at the Littlefork Community Building. Those with low-to-moderate incomes may be eligible for up to $20,000 in low-interest loans for home restoration projects. The funds will be dispersed on a first come, first served basis, to those eligible.
Fairchild will be presenting the language that he and City Attorney Joe Boyle have formulated on a disclaimer regarding wetlands, that is planned to accompany all land use permits issued to property owners this year. Who will govern and assess Littlefork’s wetlands is still undecided and the council agreed that a disclaimer is necessary.
A committee will also report on the in-progress city ordinance on 911 addressing for property owners.
The council will discuss the city-wide clean up as it continues through May 15. Fairchild reports that the wet weather may have hampered residents’ ability to meet the deadline.
An individual for the summer maintenance position is expected to be selected at the meeting.
Whether a badly deteriorated 12-foot section of the city’s hockey rink should be repaired or replaced is also scheduled for discussion.
Fairchild said he will be presenting information to the board on applying for federal dollars to purchase a fire truck or ambulance through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program. The program is facilitated through North Star Electric Co-op.
The board is also scheduled to discuss the possibility of offering the “Texas Hold ‘Em” game at the Littlefork Liquor Store, in conjunction with Big Falls participation.