Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Hamburg City Council Minutes – September 13, 2011

Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. Others in attendance were Al Hahn (S.E.H.) and Senator Julianne Ortman.


 

Public Comment

  • Several residents had called the City office indicating that they were going to attend the Council meeting tonight to discuss the addition of the Storm Sewer Fee to their utility bills.
    • No one from the public was present.


 

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

  • Add – Discussion of old office chairs under City Clerk Gruenhagen report.
  • Add – Donation of three trees from the Hamburg Lions Club. Placement in Park.
  • Remove – Time-Off Request (Sue Block) from Consent Agenda.
  • Councilmember Lund moved to approve the agenda with the added and removed items, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.


 

Approve Consent Agenda

  • Approve Minutes for August 09, 2011
  • Water Usage Report for 2011
  • Cash Flow Statement for July
  • Resolution Number 2011-13
  • Time-Off Request (Jeremy Gruenhagen)
  • MNSPECT Minute (July/August/September)
  • Thank You (Monica Trebesch)
  • Thank You (Pack 361)
  • July 2011 Policing Report
  • 2012 Policing Costs (Carver County Sheriff's Office)
  • Star Tribune Giving Guide (Informational)
  • Mediacom (Cable TV Lineup)
  • CCR Internet Publishing Legislation
  • Sign Retro Reflectivity Requirements
  • Councilmember Lund moved to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.


     

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege


 

US Fish & Wildlife Grant

  • No grant will be received this year.

FEMA Grant/Training Grant

  • The FEMA Grant application will be completed on Friday, September 16th.
  • FD received a Training Grant in the amount of $3,055.50 to be used for training.

Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) – Update

  • Any one donating $100 or more will have their name on memorial statue.
  • Donations to the Memorial;
    • Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association - $2,500
    • Ridgeview - $2,500
    • Legion - $1,250
    • VFW - $1,250
      • Councilmember Mueller moved to accept the donations for the memorial statues, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All council members were present.
  • Curb Replacement Estimate (Chard Tiling & Excavating)
    • Councilmember Trebesch moved to accept Chard Tiling & Excavating, Inc. proposal to remove 320' of Bit Curb (mill existing Bit in front of curb before removal) and Replace with 320' of concrete curb B612 at $18.85 per linear foot for a total of $6,032 plus $180 for one extra pedestrian ramp, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

HFD By-Laws/City Personnel Policy – Selection vs. Election

  • Council and Fire Chief Droege discussed and Council agreed on the Election process.

Use of 1939 Pumper

  • Fire Chief Droege requested the use of the 1939 Pumper for his daughters wedding this weekend. The 1939 Pumper would transport the bride and groom from the Hamburg Lutheran Church to the Hamburg Hall.
  • Councilmember Mueller moved to allow the usage of the 1939 Pumper for his daughters wedding on September 17, 2011, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.


 

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project


 

S.E.H. Project Update – Al Hahn

  • Everything should be completed Wednesday, September 14, 2011, except for two warranty items.
    • Gate valve by Kim Avenue and George Street, which needs to be straightened.
    • Milling out area by Brian Cummiskey driveway where the water trucks turned around.
  • The grass area around the new Pond has ruts in it and Chard will come out next spring with a roller to smooth out the ground.
  • The duck pond fence and the fence going north and south between Cummiskey's land and the Cities land will be completed Wednesday.
  • The contract was for about $876,000 and total cost is $12,000 to $15,000 below that.
  • Some locator corner pins by the new pond were lost during construction but they will be relocated using the existing pin just west of Bergman's.
  • The City will receive four sets of As Built Plans.
  • Al Hahn suggested to Council that at the end of this month a final walk through should be done.
  • Al Hahn will send out one last Project Update letter to residents affected by the project.

Cost Estimate for Fencing

  • Council discussed the cost of placing a wire fence around the pond. Council decided that it was to expensive to do at this time and they will leave it as is for now.

Street Pavement Management Plan

  • There are about 3.5 miles of streets within the City of Hamburg and Council discussed having Al Hahn draft up a Street Management Plan. The Plan would list which streets within the city should be repaired first and which ones could wait for repair. Curb replacement would also be included in the plan and estimated total cost. The cost estimate would be between $6,000 to a maximum of $8,000.
  • Council discussed and decided to add this to the 2012 Budget Wish List.

Repairs of Kim Avenue

  • The City would use the $14,750 extra from the I&I Project and the remaining amount would come from the 2011 LGA to repair Kim Avenue.


 

City of Glencoe Performance Standards for Sump Pumps/Foundation Drains

  • Council discussed the City of Glencoe minimum performance standards for installation of new sump pump systems and disconnect building foundation drains from the sanitary.
  • Council decided to implement/adopt some of Glencoe's standards into Hamburg's standards for sanitary home connections.
    • Council decided that the first thing would be to purchase a camera to televise the lines.
    • After the lines are televised a letter would be sent out to residents listing what is their responsibility and what is the cities responsibility to correct any illegal connections.
      • Residents will have one year from the date of the letter to correct any illegal connections.


 

Senator Julianne Ortman


 

Senator Ortman gave an overview of what has been happening with the State budget and an update on the State Legislature. Senator Ortman provided information on the state budget and forecasts and the spending bill she is working on, which would only allow 98 percent of the budget expenses to be used and the remaining 2 percent would be for reserves.

  • Council presented some concerns regarding help and available money/services to Hamburg.
  • The elimination of the Market Value Homestead Credit was discussed and how it will affect Hamburg and its homeowners.


 

2012 Proposed Tax Levy and 2012 Budget


 

Set Proposed Property Tax Levy for 2012

  • Council discussed what to set the Proposed Property Tax Levy for 2012. Council decided to set the 2012 Proposed Tax Levy at $411,342, 2% increase.
  • Councilmember Mueller moved to set the Proposed Property Tax Levy for 2012 at $411,342 (2% increase), seconded by Councilmember Lund
    and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Approve 2012 Preliminary Budget

  • Council decided that the money from the 2% tax levy increase will be put in the street fund to be used for the Street Pavement Management Plan.
  • Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the 2012 Preliminary Budget with the addition of the moneys from the two percent levy increase for street maintenance, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Set Public Comment Meeting for Final 2012 Budget

  • Councilmember Barnes moved to hold the Public Comment Meeting for the Final 2012 Budget on December 13, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.


 


 


 


 

Old City Business


 

Employee Job Descriptions

  • City Clerk Gruenhagen, Councilmember Lund, and Councilmember Trebesch are in the process of reviewing the City employee's job descriptions.

City Clean Up Day (Spring 2012)

  • Waste Management has been contacted to let them know that the City is planning a Clean-up Day for spring 2012.

Closet for Fiber Optic Equipment/City Storage

  • Received estimate from Dan Oelfke for $4,120. Council decided to obtain one more estimate before making a decision.

Cooler for Community Hall

  • Keep on agenda to discuss in October.

Energy Efficient Lighting – Rebate Programs

  • Council decided to table this line item for discussion at a later time but to keep it on the agenda.


 

Public Works & Utilities Department Report


 

Hall Door Replacement Proposal

  • Received an estimate from Dan Oelfke to replace two Hall doors with panic bars, $4,188. Dan noted on his proposal that he will look at Menards and Home Depot to find out if he could get less expensive ones.
    • City Clerk Gruenhagen will ask Dan Oelfke if his price included reinforced door jams.

Utility Locater/Camera

  • Council decided at the last Council meeting that a Utility Camera would be purchased for the City.
  • Council and Maintenance Worker Byerly again discussed the need for purchasing a camera and what kind should be purchased.
  • Maintenance Worker Byerly will put together a list of companies and prices for the next Council meeting.

City Alleys (Add Rock/Shape Up)

  • This has been completed.

Project List

  • Project list needs to be updated with completion dates or reasons for delay in a timely manner.


 

Deputy Clerk Report


 

Delinquent Utility Bills

  • 350 Louisa – Home is still in the closing process, delinquent amount sent to closing company.
  • 421 Henrietta – Wm. Minnihan – Delinquent letter sent, have until Sept 16, to pay.
  • 153 Jacob St – Steven Buckentin – Delinquent letter sent, have until Sept 16 to pay.
  • 625 Kim Ave – Emily Siebold - Delinquent letter sent, have until Sept 16 to pay.
  • 420 Maria Ave – Betty Griffin - Delinquent letter sent, have until Sept 16 to pay.
  • Park Ave – Ken Bauer Apartments - Delinquent letter sent has until Sept 16 to pay.
  • 710 Park Ave – David Chadwick - Delinquent letter sent, have until Sept 16 to pay.

Nuisance Letters

  • A few more residents will be sent nuisance letters for violating City ordinances.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report


 

2010 Census Count – Met Council Population Estimates

  • There will be no big changes for the City of Hamburg due to the census count listing that Hamburg lost 25 residents. There will be some people going door to door to recheck the count.

Utility Rate Study/Five Year Budget Plan

  • City Clerk Gruenhagen is working with Abdo, Eick & Meyers on the Utility Rate Study. The report should be completed by the end of September.

Mini Biff Rental

  • Council decided to discontinue renting the park mini biff the end of September.

Dehumidifier for Community Center

  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will obtain a estimate on fixing the Community Center dehumidifier. He will put the estimated cost in the final budget.

Agreement for Ponds (Lagoons)

  • Council looked over the original lease agreement for mowing the city pond lagoon area.
    • Deputy Clerk will reword the agreement per Councils request.

Old Office Chairs

  • New office chairs were purchased and Council decided to donate the old chairs to Mary's Wish.

Lions Donation of Trees

  • The Hamburg Lions Club has purchased three (3) trees for the City and Council will have to decide where they would like the trees planted.
  • Council's suggestion was to place them in the Park. One by the horseshoe pit, one at the east end of the playground equipment, and one by the ball field/basketball court.


 

Approve Payment of August (added) 2011 Claims List and September 2011 Claims


 

Approve Payment of the August 2011 Claims

  • Councilmember Mueller moved to approve claim number 15187 through claim number 15197, also claim number 15150, 15151, 15153 and one ACH payment, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried. Councilmember Lund was absent.

Approve Payment of the September 2011 Claims

  • Added claim number 15234 for Memorial Fund in the amount of $7,500.
  • Councilmember Barnes moved to approve claim number 15198 through 15233 with the one addition of claim number 15234 and three ACH payments, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried. Councilmember Lund was absent.


 

City Council Reports


 

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water) had nothing further to report.


 

Councilmember Lund (Streets) was absent. Councilmember Lund had to leave the Council Meeting at 9:11 p.m.


 

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)

  • The street light by Central Street and Sophia Ave keeps plinking on and off.
    • City Clerk Gruenhagen will contact Xcel Energy.


 

Councilmember Barnes (Parks)

  • Councilmember Barnes will help City Clerk Gruenhagen in marking the areas to plant the donated trees.


 

Mayor Malz

  • Mayor Malz questioned if the City had an ordinance concerning outdoor wood burners.
    • City Clerk Gruenhagen will check into and report back to council.


 

Councilmember Barnes moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting a t10:01 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion carried. Councilmember Lund was absent.


 


 

        Submitted by:                                    


 


 

        Sue Block

                                                                                                 Deputy Clerk


 

Hamburg City Council Minutes – Special Meeting 2012 Proposed Budget Workshop September 6, 2011

Mayor Malz called the Special 2012 Preliminary Budget Workshop Meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember John Barnes, City Clerk-Treasurer Jeremy Gruenhagen, and Deputy Clerk Sue Block were all present.


 

No one from the general public was present.


 

Interest Rates

  • Interest rates for long term investments were reviewed and discussed:
    • Current interest rate on the Fire Equipment CD Bond is 1% for one (1) year.
      • Interest for 2012 would amount to $470.00
    • Current Interest rate on City of Hamburg Savings account is .35%
      • Interest for 2012 would amount to $361.00
    • Current Interest rate on Hall Savings account is .35%
      • Interest for 2012 would amount to $25.00


 

Hamburg Saving Accounts (CD)

  • Hamburg savings accounts totals/budgets were added into the 2012 Preliminary Budget.


 

City Debt Schedule

  • City Bonded Indebtedness for 2011 and 2012 was added to the 2012 Preliminary Budget.
  • The Storm Water Bonds (Debt) was added to the debt schedule also. At this time no expenses were added into the storm water account other than debt.
    • Storm Water Fee for residents should be $16.75 per month, currently charging $16.00/Month.
    • Storm Water Fee for commercial/industrial was previously decided on by Council to charge $75 per parcel per month. Council will have to decide what they want to charge commercial/industrial.
    • The end of September 2011 the city auditors should have the Utility Rate Study completed for the cities utility accounts.


 

Property and Casualty Insurance

  • Added the actual amounts for 2011 plus the 5% increase for 2012.


 

Transfers Out

  • If Council decides not to transfer out $12,000 from the General Fund to the Water Fund the water utility rate would have to be increased another 12.5% just to break even.
    • Council discussed and decided to budget the transfer instead of raising water rates.


 

Council briefly discussed the Legislature repeal of the Market Value Homestead Credit Program and how it will affect home owners. Even if the property tax levy for 2012 remains the same as 2011 property owners will see an increase in their taxes due to the elimination of the Market Value Homestead Credit program.


 

If the Council goes with a zero percent increase there is $105,320 available to put back into the 2012 Proposed Budget, as presented.


 


After some discussion the following items were added to the 2012 Preliminary Budget:

  • General Government Buildings Budget
    • Equipment & Improvements - $12,200
      • Utility Camera - $8,000
      • Closet for Fiber Optic Equipment/City Use - $4,200
  • Public Works Budget
    • Supplies & Parts (Update Street Signs) - $500
    • Sweep Streets/Trim Trees - $650
    • Street Maintenance and Sidewalk Repairs - $44,470
  • Park & Recreation Budget
    • Contracted Services/PT Help - $1,000
    • Repairs & Maintenance (Reside Food Stand) - $6,000
  • Community Hall Budget
    • Repairs & Maintenance (Replace Doors) - $3,000
    • Repairs & Maintenance (Ceiling Exhaust Fan) - $500
  • Transfers Outs (from General Fund)
    • Truck Replacement Fund (Update 1993 Pumper) - $10,000
    • New/Used City Truck - $15,000
    • Community Center Addition - $2,000
    • City Equipment Replacement Fund - $5,000
    • City Maintenance Fund - $5,000


 

Councilmember Trebesch moved to adjourn the 2012 Preliminary Budget Workshop Special Meeting at 9:21 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.


 


 

                                            Submitted by:


 

    
 

    
 

                                            Sue Block

                                            Deputy Clerk


 


 


 

Hamburg City Council Minutes – Special Meeting 2012 Proposed Budget Workshop August 23, 2011

Mayor Malz called the Special Meeting (2012 Preliminary Budget Workshop, Resolution Number 2011-13, and Kim Avenue Repairs) to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember John Barnes, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were present. Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly was absent.


 

No one from the general public was present.


 

The 2012 Proposed Budget, as presented, reflects a zero percent property tax levy increase.


 

General Fund Budget – Difference from 2011 to 2012 Budget

  • No changes in property taxes.
  • No major changes in Licenses and Permits
  • Intergovernmental Receipts
    • Local Gov't Aid (LGA)
      • Certified LGA amount for 2012 is $58,777.
      • It will be up to Council whether or not to include this amount in the 2012 Budget.
  • Charges for Services
    • Only change will be an increase in Township Fees for Fire Protection in 2012.
  • Revenues
    • No major difference from 2011 to 2012 except for accounting for Local Gov't Aid.
  • General Government Expenses
    • A three percent wage increase was built into the 2012 budget.
    • Health Insurance was increased by ten percent. Actual rates for 2012 do not become available until October/November 2011.
      • City Clerk Gruenhagen is working with the cities health group leader trying to find lower health insurance rates with other companies.
    • Workers Comp. Insurance was increased five percent. Rates for 2012 will not be available until October/November 2011.
    • Telephone & Internet Fees were increased by two percent.
    • Electricity was increased by three percent.
    • Major change from 2011 to 2012 will be the addition of Elections & Voter Registration. 2012 will be an election year.
    • Auditing Fees were slightly increased for 2012.
  • General Government Buildings Expenses
    • Repairs and Maintenance for the Community Center.
      • There is mold growing on the wall in the men's bathroom and the utility closet, this may have to be repaired by using this years budget. The wall that was repaired in the women's bathroom is also cracking and coming apart again.

Public Safety Budget

  • Police Protection will remain the same unless Council would like additional policing.
  • Animal & Mosquito Control
    • Budgeted amount will stay the same from 2011 to 2012 unless Council decides to increase the number of sprayings.
  • Fire Department Repairs & Maintenance (Equipment)
    • The Civil Defense Siren Maintenance Program was added to the 2012 Public Safety Budget in the amount of $486.00.
  • Fire Department Relief Association – Cities Municipal Contribution for 2012
    • The Cities contribution to the Fire Departments Relief Association decreased from $46,725 in 2011 to $24,337 for 2012.
      • Reasons for decrease: Increased Number of Retirements and investments are up.

Public Works Budget

  • Streets
    • Engineering Fees
      • For the past few years there has been $500 in this line item but it has never been used. Council should decide to keep this or move the money somewhere else.
    • Council will need to discuss and make a decision on what should be done about seal coating, crack sealing, street maintenance, and sidewalk repairs.
    • Snow Removal cost was increased to $10,500.

Park & Recreation Budget

  • Contracted Mowing Services/Part Time Help
    • Council will have to make a decision to keep this line item in the 2012 budget or remove it.
  • Repairs & Maintenance
    • Council will have to decide to rise or lower the $2,000 budgeted for 2012.
  • Portable Restroom Rentals will remain the same unless Council decides to rent a portable restroom for the new Community Park next summer.
  • Equipment & Capital Improvements
    • Council will have to decide what amount should be budgeted for 2012.

Community Hall

  • Repairs & Maintenance
    • No amount was listed for the 2012 Budget, however, approximately $2,000 to $3,000 are needed yearly for general repairs.
  • Equipment & Capital Improvements
    • There is only $1,000 in the 2012 Preliminary Budget for Equipment & Capital Improvements.

Transfers Out

  • Council will have to decide if $12,000 should be transferred from the General Fund to the Water Fund in 2012 or if water rates should increased to cover expenses.
  • Other transfer considerations could be made to the City Savings Account (Equipment/Maintenance Fund), Radio Replacement Fund (Equipment CD), and Truck Replacement Fund (Equipment CD). Currently there is nothing in the budget for these items.


 

City Clerk Gruenhagen informed Council that currently there is $105,000 to put back into the budget for 2012. Adding this all back into the budget would still figure out to a no tax increase for 2012.


 

Debt Service Budget

  • Expenses Removed
    • The 2001 Ford Ambulance was paid off in 2010.
    • The Community Center Bonds were paid off this year, 2011.


 

Water Fund

  • No major changes for 2012, however, the water fund will run a deficit of $12,000. Council will have to make a decision to transfer $12,000 from the General Fund or to raise water rates to cover expenses.

Sewer Fund

  • It was suggested not to increase the Sewer Fund for 2012.

Storm Sewer Fund

  • Will sustain by user fees.


 

Council discussed several items on the Wish List but no decisions for any additions or subtractions were made to the budget or wish list at this time.


 

Councilmember Trebesch moved to set the next 2012 Budget Workshop Meeting on September 6, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.


 

Councilmember Trebesch moved to adopt Resolution Number 2011-13 approving the loan with MN Public Facilities Authority for the Sanitary Sewer Improvements made in 2011, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.


 

Kim Avenue Repairs

  • Received a Change Order from Chard to repair Kim Avenue in the amount of $41,863.31. Also received a proposal from Wm. Mueller & Sons at a cost of $35,494.22.
    • Council discussed and decided to grant Wm. Mueller & Sons the project of repairing Kim Ave.
  • Councilmember Barnes moved to accept the proposal from Wm. Mueller and Sons to repair Kim Avenue at a cost of $35,494.22, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.


 

Update on Memorial

  • Brad Droege gave Council a brief update on the Memorial that is planned for the Bi-Centennial Park.


 

Councilmember Barnes moved to adjourn the 2012 Preliminary Budget Workshop Special Meeting at 8:30 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion carried. All Council members were present.


 


 

                                        Submitted by:


 

    
 

    
 

                                        Sue Block

                                        Deputy Clerk


 


 

Hamburg City Council Agenda – September 27, 2011

  • Call City Council Meeting to Order
    • Pledge of Allegiance


 

  • Public Comment
    (Individuals may address the City Council about any non-agenda item(s) of concern. Speakers must state their name, address, and limit their remarks to three minutes. The City Council may not take official action on these items and may refer the matter to staff for a future report or direct that the matter be scheduled for a future meeting agenda.)


 

  • Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption


 

  • Consent Agenda
    (NOTICE TO PUBLIC: All those items listed as part of the Consent Agenda will be approved by a single motion, unless a request to discuss one of those items is made prior to that time. Anyone present at the meeting may request an item to be removed from the consent agenda. Please inform the Council when they approve the agenda for this meeting.)
    • Approve Minutes for August 23, 2001, September 6, 2011 and September 13, 2011
    • Animal Impound Contract (Countryside Vet & Feed)
    • Resolution Number 2011-14
    • Time-Off Request (Sue Block)
    • Delinquent Utility Bills Report
    • Nuisance Letter(s) Report
    • Project Update Number 16 (I/I Program)
    • Project List (City Employees)


     

  • Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege
    • FEMA Grant
    • Fire Prevention Week (October 9th to 15th)
    • Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services)
      • Curb Replacement (Chard Tiling & Excavating)
      • Donations for Memorial (Approve)
    • Snow Removal Contract for 2011-12 (Wm. Mueller & Sons)


 

  • Carver County Attorney Mark Metz
    • 2012 Prosecution Contract


 

  • Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project
    • Private Property Service Lines (Illegal Connections/Replacement)
      • Letters for Non-Compliance
      • Utility Camera
    • Repairs of Kim Avenue
    • Assessment Hearing – Assessment Roll


       


       


       

  • Old City Business (Memo)
    • Employee Job Descriptions
      • Review Job Descriptions
    • City Clean Up Day (Spring 2012)
    • Closet for Fiber Optic Equipment/City Storage
      • Estimate from Dan Oelfke Construction, LLC
    • Cooler for Community Hall
    • Energy Efficient Lighting – Rebate Programs


 

  • Public Works & Utilities Department Report
    • Hall Door Replacement Proposal
    • Utility Locater/Camera
    • City Alleys (Add Rock/Shape Up)
    • Project List (Added Items)


     

  1. City Clerk/Treasurer Report
  • 2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates
  • Utility Rate Study (Abdo, Eick & Meyers)
  • MNSPECT On-Site Office Time
  • Project List (Added Items)


 

  1. Approve Payment of Added September 2011 Claims


 

  1. City Council Reports
  • Councilmember Mueller Report (Sewer & Water)
  • Councilmember Lund Report (Streets)
  • Councilmember Trebesch Report (Buildings)
  • Councilmember Barnes Report (Parks)
  • Mayor Malz Report


 

  1. Adjourn City Council Meeting


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES


 

SEPTEMBER                10 – Wedding Reception (Jongerius)

                    17 – Wedding Reception (Droege)    


 


 

OCTOBER                 1 – Wedding Reception (Braun/Stiff)

                     8 – Wedding Reception (Kutzke)

                    22 – Wedding Reception (Peterson/Dubbe)


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES

                    

SEPTEMBER                 5 – Labor Day Holiday! – City Offices Closed

                     6 – 2012 Budget Workshop Special Meeting – 7:00 PM

                    10 – Community Center Rental (Gruenhagen)

                    13 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

                    13 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting (Twp. Room)

                    19 – Hamburg Lions Club

                    26 – Hamburg Fire Department (Relief Assoc.) – 7:00 PM

    27 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM


 


 


 

OCTOBER                 3 – Hamburg Lions Club

                     3 – HFD Training

                     8 – Community Center Rental (Zellmann)

                    11 – Hamburg City Council – 7:00 PM

                    17 – Hamburg Lions Club

                    25 – Public Hearing (Assessments) – 7:00 PM

                    25 – Hamburg City Council – 7:00 PM

                    31 – Hamburg Fire Department (Relief Assoc.) – 7:00 PM


 

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Cain wins an upset victory in Florida presidential straw poll - The Hill's Ballot Box

Cain wins an upset victory in Florida presidential straw poll - The Hill's Ballot Box


WOW! Cain has been regulated as a token player in the Republican primary has perhaps broken the glass ceiling. The win will definitely make things interesting especially if he is able to parlay the straw poll win into a GOP nomination. Granted that is several months away, can Cain carry the victory onto the next debate and contest unlike Bachman?

Monday, September 19, 2011

Buffet rule - Class Warfare or Simple Math?

I received this today from the Obama administration after President Obama announced the "Buffet rule" at a Rose Garden ceremony today:

This morning, the President proposed the "Buffett Rule," which would require those earning more than $1 million a year to pay the same share of their income in taxes as middle-class families do.

This proposal makes sure millionaires and billionaires share the responsibility for reducing the deficit. It would correct, for example, the fact that Warren Buffett's secretary currently pays taxes at a higher rate than he does.

The other side is already saying it's "class warfare" -- that's their rhetorical smokescreen for providing millionaires and billionaires special treatment.

As the President said this morning, "This is not class warfare -- it's math."

The wealthiest Americans don't need further tax cuts and in many cases aren't even asking for them. Requiring that they pay their fair share is the only practical way forward. The Republican alternative is to drastically slash education, gut Medicare, let roads and bridges crumble, and privatize Social Security. That's not the America we believe in -- but many in the Republican leadership actually prefer those policies, which explains their refusal to act.

That's why they'll say "tax increase" over and over again, trying to muddy the waters and trick ordinary Americans into thinking the Buffett Rule will hurt them. And if we don't speak out right now, they just might get away with it.
Of course, the Buffett Rule won't really touch most Americans -- only 0.3% of households will even be affected.

And without it, the only way to reduce our debt is to savage the programs that seniors and middle-class families rely on.

That's exactly what the President refuses to do -- in fact, he's said he'll veto any bill that changes benefits for folks who rely on Medicare but doesn't raise serious revenue by asking the wealthiest Americans or biggest corporations to pay their fair share.

This isn't just a commonsense approach to cutting the deficit -- it's the only way to make sure we can provide security to people who work hard and play by the rules.

So right now, I'm asking you to say you'll stand with the President on something that won't be easy. Get the President's back today:

http://my.barackobama.com/Buffett-Rule

Thanks,

Messina

Jim Messina
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

My question is why do we distorting the facts? It is true the Warren Buffet effective tax rate is less than his secretaries nominal rate but if his secretary is making under $60,000 there is a very good chance that she pays 0% in an effective tax rate. So why don't we all get on the same page when talking about these rates. That being said it is widely accepted that our revenue, no matter the tax rate, ranges between 16-18% of GDP historically. The other widely accepted truth is that our current spending is north of 22% of GDP.

To get a handle on our deficit spending is not to raise revenue as President Obama would like for us to think; rather we need to get our spending under control. Notice that President Obama is not out there trying to defend the $535M given to Solyndra from the last Stimulus package that has now gone belly up! Perhaps we could use that money to help fix Medicare, Medicaid or SSN. Instead the notion is to raise taxes on the wealthy and claim it is not class warfare.

If we want to get serious about our deficit then start with the tax code. Flatten the tax code to 8% and eliminate all tax credits and deductions for everyone. Eliminate the corporate tax rate, and all tax credits and incentives, as corporations simply pass along those taxes onto the consumer. Then on investment income - raise short term capital gains to 55% while putting long term capital gains at 15% - this will curb some of the hedging that exists and encourage people to think long term as well.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

2011 American Jobs Act - More of the same or something new?

President Obama is traveling across the United States promoting his jobs plan and asking people to contact their Legislature to pass this bill. A lot of talking points exist on both sides of the aisle. Here is the link to the 199 page bill: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/legislative/reports/american-jobs-act.pdf

Let's all take a moment to read it and discuss it from a firsthand account of the bill.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Hamburg City Council Agenda – September 13, 2011

  • Call City Council Meeting to Order
    • Pledge of Allegiance


 

  • Public Comment
    (Individuals may address the City Council about any non-agenda item(s) of concern. Speakers must state their name, address, and limit their remarks to three minutes. The City Council may not take official action on these items and may refer the matter to staff for a future report or direct that the matter be scheduled for a future meeting agenda.)


 

  • Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption


 

  • Consent Agenda
    (NOTICE TO PUBLIC: All those items listed as part of the Consent Agenda will be approved by a single motion, unless a request to discuss one of those items is made prior to that time. Anyone present at the meeting may request an item to be removed from the consent agenda. Please inform the Council when they approve the agenda for this meeting.)
    • Approve Minutes for August 11, 2011
    • Water Usage Report for 2011
    • Cash Flow Statement for July
    • Resolution Number 2011-13
    • Time-Off Request (Jeremy Gruenhagen)
    • Time-Off Request (Sue Block)
    • MNSPECT Minute (July/August/September)
    • Thank You (Monica Trebesch)
    • Thank You (Pack 361)
    • July 2011 Policing Report
    • 2012 Policing Costs (Carver County Sheriff's Office)
    • Star Tribune Giving Guide (Informational)
    • Mediacom (Cable TV Lineup)
    • CCR Internet Publishing Legislation
    • Sign Retroreflectivity Requirements


     

  • Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege
    • US Fish & Wildlife Grant/FEMA Grant/Training Grant
    • Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services)
      • Curb Replacement Estimate (Chard Tiling & Excavating)
      • Donations for Memorial (Approve)
    • HFD By-Laws/City Personnel Policy
      • Selection vs. Election


 

  • Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project
    • Private Property Service Lines (Illegal Connections/Replacement)
      • Letters for Non-Compliance
      • Utility Camera
    • Cost Estimate for Fencing
    • Repairs of Kim Avenue
    • Punch List
    • City of Glencoe Performance Standards for Sump Pumps/Foundation Drains


 

  • Senator Julianne Ortman
    • State Legislative Update
    • City Concerns/Issues


 

  • 2012 Proposed Tax Levy and 2012 Budget
    • Set Proposed Property Tax Levy for 2012
    • Approve 2012 Preliminary Budget
    • Set Public Comment Meeting for Final 2012 Budget
      • December 13, 2011


       

  • Old City Business (Memo)
    • Employee Job Descriptions
      • Review Job Descriptions
    • City Clean Up Day (Spring 2012)
    • Closet for Fiber Optic Equipment/City Storage
      • Estimate from Dan Oelfke Construction, LLC
    • Cooler for Community Hall
    • Energy Efficient Lighting – Rebate Programs


 

  • Public Works & Utilities Department Report
    • Hall Door Replacement Proposal
    • Utility Locater/Camera
    • City Alleys (Add Rock/Shape Up)
    • Project List (Added Items)


     

  1. Deputy/Utility Billing Clerk Report
  • Delinquent Utility Bills Report
  • Nuisance Letter(s) Report
  • Project List (Added Items)


 

  1. City Clerk/Treasurer Report
  • 2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates
  • Utility Rate Study (Abdo, Eick & Meyers)
  • Mini Biff Rental
  • Dehumidifier for Community Center
  • Agreement for Ponds
  • Project List (Added Items)


 

  1. Approve Payment of August/September 2011 Claims


 

  1. City Council Reports
  • Councilmember Mueller Report (Sewer & Water)
  • Councilmember Lund Report (Streets)
  • Councilmember Trebesch Report (Buildings)
  • Councilmember Barnes Report (Parks)
  • Mayor Malz Report


 

  1. Adjourn City Council Meeting


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES


 

AUGUST                 2 – National Night Out (Park)

                    14 – Park Rental (Oelfke)

                    17 – Cub Scouts (Park)

                    20 – Emanuel Ribfest (Park)

                    27 – Wedding Reception (Grams) – Park/Hall        


 

SEPTEMBER                10 – Wedding Reception (Jongerius)

                    17 – Wedding Reception (Droege)    


 


 

    
 


 


 


 

COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES

                    

AUGUST                 1 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting (YA Twp Room)

                     1 – Hamburg Fire Department Training

                     9 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

                     9 – Young America Township Meeting

                    15 – Hamburg Lions Club

                    23 – Special Meeting – 7:00 PM

                    29 – HFD (Relief Association) – 7:00 PM


 


 

SEPTEMBER                 5 – Labor Day Holiday! – City Offices Closed

                     6 – Special Meeting – 7:00 PM

                    10 – Community Center Rental (Gruenhagen)

                    13 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

                    13 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting (Twp. Room)

                    19 – Hamburg Lions Club

                    26 – Hamburg Fire Department (Relief Assoc.) – 7:00 PM

    27 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 8, 2011

President Obama lays out Jobs plan.....

r. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, and fellow Americans:

Tonight we meet at an urgent time for our country. We continue to face an economic crisis that has left millions of our neighbors jobless, and a political crisis that has made things worse.

This past week, reporters have been asking “What will this speech mean for the President? What will it mean for Congress? How will it affect their polls, and the next election?”

But the millions of Americans who are watching right now: they don’t care about politics. They have real life concerns. Many have spent months looking for work. Others are doing their best just to scrape by – giving up nights out with the family to save on gas or make the mortgage; postponing retirement to send a kid to college.

These men and women grew up with faith in an America where hard work and responsibility paid off. They believed in a country where everyone gets a fair shake and does their fair share – where if you stepped up, did your job, and were loyal to your company, that loyalty would be rewarded with a decent salary and good benefits; maybe a raise once in awhile. If you did the right thing, you could make it in America.

But for decades now, Americans have watched that compact erode. They have seen the deck too often stacked against them. And they know that Washington hasn’t always put their interests first.

The people of this country work hard to meet their responsibilities. The question tonight is whether we’ll meet ours. The question is whether, in the face of an ongoing national crisis, we can stop the political circus and actually do something to help the economy; whether we can restore some of the fairness and security that has defined this nation since our beginning.

Those of us here tonight can’t solve all of our nation’s woes. Ultimately, our recovery will be driven not by Washington, but by our businesses and our workers. But we can help. We can make a difference. There are steps we can take right now to improve people’s lives.

I am sending this Congress a plan that you should pass right away. It’s called the American Jobs Act. There should be nothing controversial about this piece of legislation. Everything in here is the kind of proposal that’s been supported by both Democrats and Republicans – including many who sit here tonight. And everything in this bill will be paid for. Everything.

The purpose of the American Jobs Act is simple: to put more people back to work and more money in the pockets of those who are working. It will create more jobs for construction workers, more jobs for teachers, more jobs for veterans, and more jobs for the long-term unemployed. It will provide a tax break for companies who hire new workers, and it will cut payroll taxes in half for every working American and every small business. It will provide a jolt to an economy that has stalled, and give companies confidence that if they invest and hire, there will be customers for their products and services. You should pass this jobs plan right away.

Everyone here knows that small businesses are where most new jobs begin. And you know that while corporate profits have come roaring back, smaller companies haven’t. So for everyone who speaks so passionately about making life easier for “job creators,” this plan is for you.

Pass this jobs bill, and starting tomorrow, small businesses will get a tax cut if they hire new workers or raise workers’ wages. Pass this jobs bill, and all small business owners will also see their payroll taxes cut in half next year. If you have 50 employees making an average salary, that’s an $80,000 tax cut. And all businesses will be able to continue writing off the investments they make in 2012.

It’s not just Democrats who have supported this kind of proposal. Fifty House Republicans have proposed the same payroll tax cut that’s in this plan. You should pass it right away.

Pass this jobs bill, and we can put people to work rebuilding America. Everyone here knows that we have badly decaying roads and bridges all over this country. Our highways are clogged with traffic. Our skies are the most congested in the world.

This is inexcusable. Building a world-class transportation system is part of what made us an economic superpower. And now we’re going to sit back and watch China build newer airports and faster railroads? At a time when millions of unemployed construction workers could build them right here in America?

There are private construction companies all across America just waiting to get to work. There’s a bridge that needs repair between Ohio and Kentucky that’s on one of the busiest trucking routes in North America. A public transit project in Houston that will help clear up one of the worst areas of traffic in the country. And there are schools throughout this country that desperately need renovating. How can we expect our kids to do their best in places that are literally falling apart? This is America. Every child deserves a great school – and we can give it to them, if we act now.

The American Jobs Act will repair and modernize at least 35,000 schools. It will put people to work right now fixing roofs and windows; installing science labs and high-speed Internet in classrooms all across this country. It will rehabilitate homes and businesses in communities hit hardest by foreclosures. It will jumpstart thousands of transportation projects across the country. And to make sure the money is properly spent and for good purposes, we’re building on reforms we’ve already put in place. No more earmarks. No more boondoggles. No more bridges to nowhere. We’re cutting the red tape that prevents some of these projects from getting started as quickly as possible. And we’ll set up an independent fund to attract private dollars and issue loans based on two criteria: how badly a construction project is needed and how much good it would do for the economy.

This idea came from a bill written by a Texas Republican and a Massachusetts Democrat. The idea for a big boost in construction is supported by America’s largest business organization and America’s largest labor organization. It’s the kind of proposal that’s been supported in the past by Democrats and Republicans alike. You should pass it right away.

Pass this jobs bill, and thousands of teachers in every state will go back to work. These are the men and women charged with preparing our children for a world where the competition has never been tougher. But while they’re adding teachers in places like South Korea, we’re laying them off in droves. It’s unfair to our kids. It undermines their future and ours. And it has to stop. Pass this jobs bill, and put our teachers back in the classroom where they belong.

Pass this jobs bill, and companies will get extra tax credits if they hire America’s veterans. We ask these men and women to leave their careers, leave their families, and risk their lives to fight for our country. The last thing they should have to do is fight for a job when they come home.

Pass this bill, and hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged young people will have the hope and dignity of a summer job next year. And their parents, low-income Americans who desperately want to work, will have more ladders out of poverty.

Pass this jobs bill, and companies will get a $4,000 tax credit if they hire anyone who has spent more than six months looking for a job. We have to do more to help the long-term unemployed in their search for work. This jobs plan builds on a program in Georgia that several Republican leaders have highlighted, where people who collect unemployment insurance participate in temporary work as a way to build their skills while they look for a permanent job. The plan also extends unemployment insurance for another year. If the millions of unemployed Americans stopped getting this insurance, and stopped using that money for basic necessities, it would be a devastating blow to this economy. Democrats and Republicans in this Chamber have supported unemployment insurance plenty of times in the past. At this time of prolonged hardship, you should pass it again – right away.

Pass this jobs bill, and the typical working family will get a fifteen hundred dollar tax cut next year. Fifteen hundred dollars that would have been taken out of your paycheck will go right into your pocket. This expands on the tax cut that Democrats and Republicans already passed for this year. If we allow that tax cut to expire – if we refuse to act – middle-class families will get hit with a tax increase at the worst possible time. We cannot let that happen. I know some of you have sworn oaths to never raise any taxes on anyone for as long as you live. Now is not the time to carve out an exception and raise middle-class taxes, which is why you should pass this bill right away.

This is the American Jobs Act. It will lead to new jobs for construction workers, teachers, veterans, first responders, young people and the long-term unemployed. It will provide tax credits to companies that hire new workers, tax relief for small business owners, and tax cuts for the middle-class. And here’s the other thing I want the American people to know: the American Jobs Act will not add to the deficit. It will be paid for. And here’s how:

The agreement we passed in July will cut government spending by about $1 trillion over the next ten years. It also charges this Congress to come up with an additional $1.5 trillion in savings by Christmas. Tonight, I’m asking you to increase that amount so that it covers the full cost of the American Jobs Act. And a week from Monday, I’ll be releasing a more ambitious deficit plan – a plan that will not only cover the cost of this jobs bill, but stabilize our debt in the long run.

This approach is basically the one I’ve been advocating for months. In addition to the trillion dollars of spending cuts I’ve already signed into law, it’s a balanced plan that would reduce the deficit by making additional spending cuts; by making modest adjustments to health care programs like Medicare and Medicaid; and by reforming our tax code in a way that asks the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations to pay their fair share. What’s more, the spending cuts wouldn’t happen so abruptly that they’d be a drag on our economy, or prevent us from helping small business and middle-class families get back on their feet right away.

Now, I realize there are some in my party who don’t think we should make any changes at all to Medicare and Medicaid, and I understand their concerns. But here’s the truth. Millions of Americans rely on Medicare in their retirement. And millions more will do so in the future. They pay for this benefit during their working years. They earn it. But with an aging population and rising health care costs, we are spending too fast to sustain the program. And if we don’t gradually reform the system while protecting current beneficiaries, it won’t be there when future retirees need it. We have to reform Medicare to strengthen it.

I’m also well aware that there are many Republicans who don’t believe we should raise taxes on those who are most fortunate and can best afford it. But here is what every American knows. While most people in this country struggle to make ends meet, a few of the most affluent citizens and corporations enjoy tax breaks and loopholes that nobody else gets. Right now, Warren Buffet pays a lower tax rate than his secretary – an outrage he has asked us to fix. We need a tax code where everyone gets a fair shake, and everybody pays their fair share. And I believe the vast majority of wealthy Americans and CEOs are willing to do just that, if it helps the economy grow and gets our fiscal house in order.

I’ll also offer ideas to reform a corporate tax code that stands as a monument to special interest influence in Washington. By eliminating pages of loopholes and deductions, we can lower one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world. Our tax code shouldn’t give an advantage to companies that can afford the best-connected lobbyists. It should give an advantage to companies that invest and create jobs here in America.

So we can reduce this deficit, pay down our debt, and pay for this jobs plan in the process. But in order to do this, we have to decide what our priorities are. We have to ask ourselves, “What’s the best way to grow the economy and create jobs?”

Should we keep tax loopholes for oil companies? Or should we use that money to give small business owners a tax credit when they hire new workers? Because we can’t afford to do both. Should we keep tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires? Or should we put teachers back to work so our kids can graduate ready for college and good jobs? Right now, we can’t afford to do both.

This isn’t political grandstanding. This isn’t class warfare. This is simple math. These are real choices that we have to make. And I’m pretty sure I know what most Americans would choose. It’s not even close. And it’s time for us to do what’s right for our future.

The American Jobs Act answers the urgent need to create jobs right away. But we can’t stop there. As I’ve argued since I ran for this office, we have to look beyond the immediate crisis and start building an economy that lasts into the future – an economy that creates good, middle-class jobs that pay well and offer security. We now live in a world where technology has made it possible for companies to take their business anywhere. If we want them to start here and stay here and hire here, we have to be able to out-build, out-educate, and out-innovate every other country on Earth.

This task, of making America more competitive for the long haul, is a job for all of us. For government and for private companies. For states and for local communities – and for every American citizen. All of us will have to up our game. All of us will have to change the way we do business.

My administration can and will take some steps to improve our competitiveness on our own. For example, if you’re a small business owner who has a contract with the federal government, we’re going to make sure you get paid a lot faster than you do now. We’re also planning to cut away the red tape that prevents too many rapidly-growing startup companies from raising capital and going public. And to help responsible homeowners, we’re going to work with Federal housing agencies to help more people refinance their mortgages at interest rates that are now near 4 percent – a step that can put more than $2,000 a year in a family’s pocket, and give a lift to an economy still burdened by the drop in housing prices.

Other steps will require congressional action. Today you passed reform that will speed up the outdated patent process, so that entrepreneurs can turn a new idea into a new business as quickly as possible. That’s the kind of action we need. Now it’s time to clear the way for a series of trade agreements that would make it easier for American companies to sell their products in Panama, Colombia, and South Korea – while also helping the workers whose jobs have been affected by global competition. If Americans can buy Kias and Hyundais, I want to see folks in South Korea driving Fords and Chevys and Chryslers. I want to see more products sold around the world stamped with three proud words: “Made in America.”

And on all of our efforts to strengthen competitiveness, we need to look for ways to work side-by-side with America’s businesses. That’s why I’ve brought together a Jobs Council of leaders from different industries who are developing a wide range of new ideas to help companies grow and create jobs.

Already, we’ve mobilized business leaders to train 10,000 American engineers a year, by providing company internships and training. Other businesses are covering tuition for workers who learn new skills at community colleges. And we’re going to make sure the next generation of manufacturing takes root, not in China or Europe, but right here, in the United States of America. If we provide the right incentives and support – and if we make sure our trading partners play by the rules – we can be the ones to build everything from fuel-efficient cars to advanced biofuels to semiconductors that are sold all over the world. That’s how America can be number one again. That’s how America will be number one again.

Now, I realize that some of you have a different theory on how to grow the economy. Some of you sincerely believe that the only solution to our economic challenges is to simply cut most government spending and eliminate most government regulations.

Well, I agree that we can’t afford wasteful spending, and I will continue to work with Congress to get rid of it. And I agree that there are some rules and regulations that put an unnecessary burden on businesses at a time when they can least afford it. That’s why I ordered a review of all government regulations. So far, we’ve identified over 500 reforms, which will save billions of dollars over the next few years. We should have no more regulation than the health, safety, and security of the American people require. Every rule should meet that common sense test.

But what we can’t do – what I won’t do – is let this economic crisis be used as an excuse to wipe out the basic protections that Americans have counted on for decades. I reject the idea that we need to ask people to choose between their jobs and their safety. I reject the argument that says for the economy to grow, we have to roll back protections that ban hidden fees by credit card companies, or rules that keep our kids from being exposed to mercury, or laws that prevent the health insurance industry from shortchanging patients. I reject the idea that we have to strip away collective bargaining rights to compete in a global economy. We shouldn’t be in a race to the bottom, where we try to offer the cheapest labor and the worst pollution standards. America should be in a race to the top. And I believe that’s a race we can win.

In fact, this larger notion that the only thing we can do to restore prosperity is just dismantle government, refund everyone’s money, let everyone write their own rules, and tell everyone they’re on their own – that’s not who we are. That’s not the story of America.

Yes, we are rugged individualists. Yes, we are strong and self-reliant. And it has been the drive and initiative of our workers and entrepreneurs that has made this economy the engine and envy of the world.

But there has always been another thread running throughout our history – a belief that we are all connected; and that there are some things we can only do together, as a nation.

We all remember Abraham Lincoln as the leader who saved our Union. But in the middle of a Civil War, he was also a leader who looked to the future – a Republican president who mobilized government to build the transcontinental railroad; launch the National Academy of Sciences; and set up the first land grant colleges. And leaders of both parties have followed the example he set.

Ask yourselves – where would we be right now if the people who sat here before us decided not to build our highways and our bridges; our dams and our airports? What would this country be like if we had chosen not to spend money on public high schools, or research universities, or community colleges? Millions of returning heroes, including my grandfather, had the opportunity to go to school because of the GI Bill. Where would we be if they hadn’t had that chance?

How many jobs would it have cost us if past Congresses decided not to support the basic research that led to the Internet and the computer chip? What kind of country would this be if this Chamber had voted down Social Security or Medicare just because it violated some rigid idea about what government could or could not do? How many Americans would have suffered as a result?

No single individual built America on their own. We built it together. We have been, and always will be, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all; a nation with responsibilities to ourselves and with responsibilities to one another. Members of Congress, it is time for us to meet our responsibilities.

Every proposal I’ve laid out tonight is the kind that’s been supported by Democrats and Republicans in the past. Every proposal I’ve laid out tonight will be paid for. And every proposal is designed to meet the urgent needs of our people and our communities.

I know there’s been a lot of skepticism about whether the politics of the moment will allow us to pass this jobs plan – or any jobs plan. Already, we’re seeing the same old press releases and tweets flying back and forth. Already, the media has proclaimed that it’s impossible to bridge our differences. And maybe some of you have decided that those differences are so great that we can only resolve them at the ballot box.

But know this: the next election is fourteen months away. And the people who sent us here – the people who hired us to work for them – they don’t have the luxury of waiting fourteen months. Some of them are living week to week; paycheck to paycheck; even day to day. They need help, and they need it now.

I don’t pretend that this plan will solve all our problems. It shouldn’t be, nor will it be, the last plan of action we propose. What’s guided us from the start of this crisis hasn’t been the search for a silver bullet. It’s been a commitment to stay at it – to be persistent – to keep trying every new idea that works, and listen to every good proposal, no matter which party comes up with it.

Regardless of the arguments we’ve had in the past, regardless of the arguments we’ll have in the future, this plan is the right thing to do right now. You should pass it. And I intend to take that message to every corner of this country. I also ask every American who agrees to lift your voice and tell the people who are gathered here tonight that you want action now. Tell Washington that doing nothing is not an option. Remind us that if we act as one nation, and one people, we have it within our power to meet this challenge.

President Kennedy once said, “Our problems are man-made – therefore they can be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants.”

These are difficult years for our country. But we are Americans. We are tougher than the times that we live in, and we are bigger than our politics have been. So let’s meet the moment. Let’s get to work, and show the world once again why the United States of America remains the greatest nation on Earth. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Labor Day Weekend

As we all spend one last weekend of summer the week ahead will play out with a lot of political theater. Wednesday Congress will be back in action and that night there will be a GOP debate. Last week the Obama Administration played political games by asking the Joint Congress to allow President Obama to address them on the same night the GOP debate was to take place. The denial by House Speaker Boehner, some say, was a sign of disrespect. While I recognize the brinkmanship by the Obama Administration to ask to address the Joint Session knowing that the GOP had a debate already planned, I don't fault House Speaker Boehner for saying no to the request.

From a political standpoint it was a brilliant move by the Obama Administration attempt to paint the GOP as the party of "No" with re-election season upon us. The trouble is that the ploy did not give Obama's re-election bid a bump as was hoped it may. Nor did the GOP see a backlash by denying the request. Instead President Obama will address the Joint Congress on Thursday prior to the opening game of the 2011 NFL Season. As I watched the morning shows on Sunday I did notice one thing missing; none of the Democrats on the panels were touting any part of President Obama's job plan.

Everyone agreed that the plan needs to be historic but offered very little in regards to detail. One would think the Administration would be out in front of this and leading the a build up to the speech on Thursday. Has the Obama Administration lost its bite or fight when Rham Emmanuel left? Regardless which side of the aisle you sit on this week will be filled with political theater. I do look forward to President Obama's speech on Thursday and hope that he can lay out plan that would be worthy of the Nobel Prize he was given when elected.