Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The Final Debate of 2012

Last night the Presidential debates saw some competition with the NLCS in game 7 and the Lions visiting the Bears; okay no one really tuned into the football game unless you were in those markets. The debate moderated by Bob Schieffer was on foreign policy - or on Middle East policy. Much of the debate stationed itself in the Middle East dealing with the fallout from the Libya embassy attack, the threat of a nuclear Iran, the devastation in Syria and how to back our ally Israel in the area.

While there was a brief entanglement on China, there was very little discussion of foreign policy outside of the Middle East. I do agree that the unstable nature of the Middle East poses a threat to World Peace, there is a lot more going on that the next President of the United States will need to address. Namely the economy.

The United States makes up 5% of the world population yet we consume nearly 35% of the worlds goods and resources. Countries like Russia, India, Brazil and China are seeing their middle class exploding as we did back in the 50's. Combine that will a United States economy that is slowing to a growth rate of 1.3%, our government needs to assist businesses located here in trade abroad. I know many of you are wondering how can a small government person look to the Federal government to assist business in trade outside of the United States.

It is simple. The role of the Federal government is to be that buffer in trade with foreign nations along with providing a solid infrastructure, security of private property, and settle disputes between the States. Outside of that, the Federal government needs to step out of the way and allow the States to deal with other issues of the day. But I digress.

A number of polling done after the debate has President Obama beating Governor Romney but as the commentary went along the question rose - Will the performance move the needle back to President Obama as Governor Romney had gain a lot of momentum from the first debate?

With two weeks left we will find out the answer to that question. The other observation from last night's debate was the masterful pivot that Governor Romney made from the extreme Right wing aspect of his base to the center. The pivot is similar to the one that Governor Clinton made during his campaign against President Bush. Two weeks to go and it will be interesting to see where the money is being spent and the places the candidates visit.

To those that live in states that will are already decided, when you go to the poll to vote find another candidate other than the major two to cast your die for that more closely aligns with your ideals. By doing this you will potentially give that third or fourth party increased status and we may just be able to end the gridlock in Washington D.C.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Hamburg City Council Agenda - October 23, 2012


1.         Call Public Hearing to Order @ 7:00 PM
·         Ordinance Number 143 (Mayor and Council Compensation and Regular Meetings of the Hamburg City Council)

2.         Call City Council Meeting to Order
·         Pledge of Allegiance

3.         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.)

4.         Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

5.         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.)
·         Adopt Ordinance Number 143
·         Delinquent Utility Bills Report 

6.         Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege
·         Update - Fire Department Open House on October 13, 2012
·         Reminder - Halloween Patrol
·         Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association
o       HFDRA Pension Increase

7.         Old City Business (Memo)
·         City Clean Up Day (Spring 2013)
o       Meet to Discuss Late April or Early May 2013
·         Updates or Comments

8.         Public Works & Utilities Department Report
·         Liftstation Repairs - Update
·         Community Center (Paint)

9.         City Clerk/Treasurer Report
·        Reminder - Special Meetings for 2013 Final Budget
o       November 27th @ 7:00 p.m. and December 4th @ 7:00 p.m.
·        Reminder – Special Meeting to Set City Fee Schedule for 2013 and Set Water/Sewer/Storm Water Rates for 2013
o       December 11, 2012

·        Reminder - Closed Meeting for Employee Evaluations
o       Employee Valuations – November 27th, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m.

10.    Approve Payment of Added October 2012 Claims ($4434.81)

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

12.    Adjourn City Council Meeting





COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES                                                            


OCTOBER                                            27 – Wedding Reception (Mackenthun/Howk)

NOVEMBER                                         16 – Hamburg Lions Club Fall Bingo





COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES
                                                                                               

OCTOBER                                            23 – Hamburg Public Hearing/City Council Mtg – 7:00 PM
29 – Hamburg Fire Department (HFDRA) – 7:00 PM

NOVEMBER                                           5 – Lions Club/HFD Training
                                                              6 – General Election 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
                                                            12 – Veterans Day Holiday Observed (City Offices Closed)
                                                            13 – City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
                                                            14 – Postal Service Meeting – 5:30 PM
                                                            19 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting
                                                            22 – Thanksgiving Holiday – City Offices Closed
                                                            23 – Thanksgiving Holiday – City Offices Closed
                                                            24 – Community Center Rental (Wroge)
26 – Hamburg Fire Department (HFDRA) – 7:00 PM
                        

Hamburg City Council Special Meeting - October 23, 2012


 City Of Hamburg
Ordinance Number 134

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 30.03 AND CHAPTER 30.15 OF THE HAMBURG CITY CODE PERTAINING TO MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMPENSATION AND REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL.


THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAMBURG, CARVER COUNTY, MINNESOTA, ORDAINS:

SECTION 1.  Section 3 of Chapter 30 of the Hamburg City  Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

§ 30.03  MAYOR AND COUNCIL; COMPENSATION.

Pursuant to the authority granted by M.S. § 415.11, as it may be amended from time to time, salaries of the Mayor and Council members shall be set by ordinance.  No change in salary shall take effect until after the next succeeding municipal election.  The salary of the Mayor shall be $1,200 annually.  The salary of each Council member shall be $720 annually.  In addition, the Mayor and each Council member shall receive $50 for each special meeting of the City Council attended by the Mayor and any Council member, not to exceed payment for two special meetings per month.

SECTION 2.  Section 15 of Chapter 30 of the Hamburg City Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

§ 30.15  MEETINGS.
               
Regular meetings of the Council shall be held on the second Tuesday (and at times the fourth Tuesday, only if a second monthly meeting is deemed necessary by the City Council) of each calendar month beginning at 7:00 p.m., commencing in November 2012.  Any regular meeting date falling on a holiday shall be rescheduled and held at the time and place set by the City Council at a regulary scheduled meeting.        

SECTION 3.  Effective Date of Ordinance.

This ordinance shall be in effect from and after its passage and publication according to law.

Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Hamburg this 23rd day of October, 2012.


                                                                                                CITY OF HAMBURG:


                                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                Richard Malz, Mayor

Attest:                                                            
            Jeremy Gruenhagen, Clerk-Treasurer


(Published in the Norwood-Young America Times on October 25, 2012)

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Rose Garden Speech by President Obama on 9-12-12

Last night's debate touched on an array of topics and resulted in a more two-sided debate than the first one. Each candidate did their best to bring out their points and to counter the others assertions. To President Obama's credit he did go more on the attack but Governor Romney didn't waiver from the onslaught. In one exchange on the topic of Libya and the death of  the US Ambassador, President Obama did a masterful job of saying the buck stops here. Earlier in the day Secretary of State Clinton fell on the sword saying that her department, more specifically, that it responsibility and blame fell squarely on her shoulders.

Without having that tag line, Governor Romney attempted to seize on the notion that President Obama and his administration hadn't declared the attack on the Embassy a terror attack. The moderator Candy Crowley informed Governor Romney that President Obama had indeed called the attack on the embassy a terror attack. Afterward on the major channels it was discussed and video was shown of the statement that President Obama made. Yet, the clip shown and the quip used may not have been used accurately in the context of President Obama's speech that day because for the next two weeks after the attack the Administration denied the fact that it was a terrorist attack; rather they blamed it on a spontaneous riot due to a Youtube video. Here is the transcript from the September 12th Rose Garden speech given by President Obama:


“Good Morning. Everyday all across the world, American diplomats and civilians work tirelessly to advance the interest and values of our nation.

Often, they are away from their families, sometimes in great, great danger.
Yesterday, four of these extraordinary Americans were killed in an attack on our diplomatic post in Benghazi. Among those killed was our Ambassador Chris Stevens, as well as his Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith.

We are still notifying the families of the others who were killed and today the American people stand united in holding the families of the four Americans in our thoughts and in our prayers.

The United States condemns, in the strongest terms this outrageous and shocking attack. We’re working with the government of Libya to secure our diplomats. I’ve also directed my administration to increase our security at diplomatic posts around the world.
And make no mistake, we will work with the Libyan government to bring to justice the killers who attacked our people. Since our founding, the United States has been a nation that respects all faiths.

We reject all efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others. But there is absolutely no justification to this type of senseless violence. None.

The world must stand together to unequivocally reject these brutal acts. Already, many Libyans have joined us in doing so, and this attack will not break the bonds between the United States and Libya. 
Libyan security personnel fought back against the attackers alongside Americans. Libyans helped some of our diplomats find safety, and they carried Ambassador Stevens’ body to the hospital, where we tragically learned that he had died.


It’s especially tragic that Chris Stevens died in Benghazi because it is a city that he helped to save. At the height of the Libyan revolution Chris led our diplomatic post in Benghazi.
With characteristic skill, courage and resolve he built partnerships with Libyan revolutionaries and helped them as they planned to build a new Libya.

When the Gadhafi regime came to an end Chris was there to serve as our ambassador to the new Libya, and he worked tirelessly to support this young democracy. And I think both Secretary Clinton and I have relied deeply on his knowledge of the situation on the ground there.




He was a role model to all who worked with him and to the young diplomats who aspire to walk in his footsteps. 
Along with his colleagues, Chris died in a country that is 
still striving to emerge from the recent experience of war. And today the loss of these four Americans is fresh, but our memories of them linger on. 
I have no doubt that their legacy will live on through the work that they did far from our shores and in the hearts of those who loved them back home.


Of course, yesterday was already a painful day for our nation as we marked the solemn memory of the 9/11 attacks. We mourn with the families who were lost on that day. I visited the graves of troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan at the hallowed grounds of Arlington Cemetery, and had the opportunity to say thank you and visit some of our wounded warriors at Walter Reed. And then last night we learned the news of this attack in Benghazi.

As Americans let us never, ever forget that our freedom is only sustained because there are people who are willing to fight for it, to stand up for it, and in some cases lay down their lives for it. Our country is only as strong as the character of our people and the service of those, both civilian and military, who represent us around the globe.

No acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation, alter that character or eclipse the light of the values that we stand for. 
Today we mourn for more Americans who represent the very 
best of the United States of America. We will not waver in our commitment to see that justice is done for this terrible act. And make no mistake, justice will be done.


But we also know that the lives these Americans led stand in stark contrast to those of their attackers. These four Americans stood up for freedom and human dignity. They should give every American great pride in the country that they served, and the hope that our flag represents to people around the globe who also yearn to live in freedom and with dignity.

We grieve with their families, but let us carry on their memory and let us continue their work in seeking a stronger America and a better world for all of our children. Thank you. May God bless the memory of those we lost, and may God bless the United States of America.

Now, President Obama does not call out directly the attack on the embassy as a terror attack nor that it was planned effort by known terrorists. President Obama actually calls the attack a "terrible act". While I am sure that Governor Romney had his talking point on this one, he missed a golden opportunity to set the record straight. What are your thoughts to the parsing of words by moderator last night and the words from the transcript? Did President Obama call out the attack on the US Embassy a terrorist attack or was he talking in general terms?

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Second Presidential Debate

The format for the second Presidential debate is the town hall. The town hall format allows everyday voters an opportunity to ask questions of the two major party candidates. The moderator in this format is there to ensure that the two candidates do answer the question without trying to sidestep the question. Unfortunately the cynic in me doesn't believe that the questions being asked by the undecided voters of Hoffstra University will be that tough. I suspect a lot of softball's will be thrown up.

Now the debate is to focus on foreign policy which unfortunately is not on the top five issues on the minds of Ameicans. The last Presidential debate President Obama allowed Governor Romney to rule the debate despite talking for an additional 4 minutes. During the Vice Presidential debate, Vice President Biden was more on the offensive although some of the Biden bite was lost on his snickering, smiling and overall condescending demeanor. The question is will President Obama come out "swinging"?

Both candidates need to be cautious in the town hall format as they attempt to make their points and counter their opponents as to not alienate the audience. In the past two the debates the moderator played the role of directing the conversation but in the town hall it will be the audience that will be setting the stage via the questions they ask. With the race a virtual tie and Governor Romney closing the gaps in the swing states it will be critical to the re-election of President Obama that he have a strong showing.

What will constitute a strong showing for President Obama? At the same time, Governor Romney cannot sit back and allow President Obama to dictate the tone and tenor of the debate while not looking stiff and lacking apathy for the audience. What will Governor Romney need to do for a strong showing tonight?

Unfortunately I won't be able to catch the majority of the debate and will have to rely on replays and pundits to help determine the outcome. If I were in the room and was chosen to ask a question, I'd ask:

Are you going to continue the imperialistic agenda that the United States has undertaken since participating in World War II?


Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Unemployment falls to 7.8% or does it?

Last week the unemployment numbers came out for September and fell from the previous month to 7.8%. The Democrats applauded the numbers as they needed good news after the pathetic showing of President Obama at the first Presidential debate a few night prior. Since those numbers have come out the validity has been raised by former CEO Jack Welch.

On October 5th, CEO Jack Welch tweeted, "Unbelievable jobs numbers..these Chicago guys will do anything..can't debate so change the numbers." The tweet sent the punditry and the White House into a tizzy over the next few days. President Obama, Gibbs, and Axlerod all took turns lambasted Welch for the comments. So let's look at the hard data per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported:

  • Unemployment rate dropped to 7.8 percent in September
  • Total nonfarm payroll employment rose 114,000
  • Number of unemployed is at 12.1 million - decreased by 456,000 in September
  • Long-term unemployed was 4.8 million or 40.1 percent of unemployed
  • Total employment rose by 873,000 in September
  • Employment-population ratio increased by 0.4 percent to 58.7 percent
  • Civilian labor force rose by 418,000 
  • Labor Force participation rate was 63.6 percent
  • Part-time rose to 8.6 million from 8 million
Now none of these numbers are adjusted for seasonal changes. As CEO Welch points out in his op-ed toady in the Wall Street Journal,"The unemployment data reported each month are gathered over a one-week period by census workers, by phone in 70% of the cases, and the rest through home visits. In sum, they try to contact 60,000 households, asking a list of questions and recording the responses." The BLS website confirms the process that Welch alludes to as well. Is anyone else bothered by this? 

Why are we not using payroll information that can be harvested from various payroll servicing companies? That seems to be a better and more accurate look at unemployment. That being said, when President Obama took office there were 233,788,000 people (civilian noninstitutional population) with 154.287,000 considered part of the work force or 62.2%. At the end of 2009, we had 235,801,000 people with 154,142,000 considered part of the work or 65.4%. In 2010 and thus far in 2011 the numbers are respectfully - 237,830,000 people 153,889,000 workforce or 64.7% and 239,618,000 people 153,617,000 workforce or 64.1%. The unemployment rates for 2008, 2009, 2010 and thus far for 2011 are 5.8%, 9.3%, 9.6% and 8.9%. (All data in this paragraph can be found on the BLS website under the table Household Date Annual Averages).

One may ask, "Chris, why are you focusing on this information and not the most recent months data?" That is a great question. I will let Alan Krueger, President Obama's Economic Advisor, who is reported as say back in March of this year, "The monthly employment and unemployment numbers can be volatile, and employment estimates can be subject to substantial revision. Therefore, as the administration always stresses, it is important not to read too much into any one month report" (On jobs, former Obama aid Goolsbee warns against irrational exuberance, March 9, 2012, yahoo news). The monthly reported unemployment numbers for January, February and March of 2012 were 8.3%, 8.3% and 8.2%.

Mr. Goolsbee, President Obama's Economic Advisor prior to Krueger, said in an op-ed in the New York times back in 2003 in response to unemployment numbers reported under President Bush didn't add up by claiming, "the government has cooked the books." The month to month gyrations of the unemployment numbers can be an indicator but looking at data over a period of time gives us a better trend. 

In 2008 we had 79,501,000 people out of the work force and as of today we have 86,001,000. At the same time we have seen the participation rate go from 66% to 64.1%. These are not good trend lines for someone seeking re-election at any level of government let alone the President.

Perhaps Larry Elder and Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo. and chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, are posing the right questions. Mr. Elder penned, "What if President Obama were white?" in his article from October 4, 2012 on www.onenewsnow.com. Or when Rep. Cleaver stated, "As the chair of the Black Caucus, I've got to tell you, we are always hesitant to criticize the President. With 14 percent (black) unemployment, if we had a white president we'd be marching around the White House." The irony is that in April of 2003, Sen. Obama railed against President Bush over high black unemployment and it was only 10.3 percent at that time. President Bush did get black unemployment as low as 7.9 percent during his term in office.

No matter how you slice it, the employment situation in the United States is not better under President Obama. How can we be pleased or how can anyone make 7.8% unemployment rate, not adjusted for seasonal change, a good thing? Especially when we have less people looking for work then we did four years ago. Personally, I say throw out the numbers that are done via a survey of calling people and let's start looking at number based on more concrete data. 

I think Ron Florance, managing director for investments strategy for Wells Fargo Private Bank, sums it up best, "It's a little confusing, to be honest with you. The number of jobs created wasn't that high but the unemployment rate came down and the participation rate went up a little bit, so it's confusing. All in all, it doesn't change the trajectory of what the jobs environment has been really for the last year" (Unemployment rate falls to 7.8% as economy creates 114,000 jobs, October 10, 2012, economywatch.nbcnews.com). 

Hamburg City Council Minutes - August 16, 2012


Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Susan Block, and Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly were in attendance.  Councilmember Larry Mueller arrived at 7:04.  Fire Chief Brad Droege and Gary Marquardt (HFD Relief Association) arrived at 8:40 p.m.  Brian Eggers (Parkside Tavern) was also present.

Public Comment
  • No persons were in attendance for Public Comment.
Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption
  • Added – Updated Claims List
  • Added – Letter from Justin Black (S.E.H.) for awarding contract for 2012 Seal Coat Project.
  • Added – Updated Delinquency List
  • Councilmember Barnes moved to adopt the agenda with the noted additions, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
Approve Consent Agenda
  • Approve Minutes for July 10, 2012
    • The July 10, 2012 minutes were not made available to Council prior to the Council meeting and were removed from the Consent Agenda.
  • Municipal Boundary Adjustment Unit (Joint Resolution for Orderly Annexations – Gamber Property & Storm Water Pond Parcel)
  • Local Government Aid for 2013
  • Time-off Request for Sue Block
  • Mediacom Video Rate Adjustments
  • Carver County Sign Replacement Project
  • MNSPECT Minute for August 2012
  • June Cash Flow Statement
  • Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for July 2012
  • Delinquent Utility Bills Report 
  • Employee Project Lists
·         Councilmember Lund moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of the July 10, 2012 Minutes, seconded by Councilmember Barns and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Parkside Tavern – Brian Eggers
·         Brian Eggers requested to have part of Railroad Street on the east side of Parkside Tavern closed for the 5th Anniversary of Parkside Tavern.  The celebration is scheduled to be held on September 22, 2012.  The celebration would include;
o       Cindy’s Concertina Band would play from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
o       There would be no outside activities after sundown.
o       A fence would be placed from the bars main door along the sidewalk to the east side of Railroad Street and then south no further than 276 Railroad.
o       An outside bar would be set up within the fencing along with picnic tables and a few tents for shade.
o       There would be no activity on County Road 50 (Henrietta Ave).
o       Neighbors along Scheele Avenue and Railroad Street would be asked to sign a document allowing the closure of street from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
·         Council discussed and decided to contact the cities attorney to make sure the Parkside Tavern’s liability insurance and liquor license would cover such an event and indemnify the City of Hamburg against any claims or liabilities.
·         Councilmember Mueller moved to grant Parkside Tavern permission to close part of Railroad Street for their 5th Anniversary celebration as long as everything is approved by the City Attorney Mac Willemssen, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Justin Black – City Engineer (S.E.H.)

2012 Seal Coating/Crack Filling Project
  • Justin Black (City Engineer -S.E.H.) sent a letter to Council outlining the bids for the 2012 Seal Coat Project. 
    • Pearson Bros., Inc. - $18,143.75
    • Allied Blacktop Company - $20,747.35
    • Southwest Paving, Inc. - $22,966.75
    • Caldwell Asphalt Co., Inc. - $33,047.00
  • Mr. Black did not find any reason to deny awarding the contract to Pearson Bros., Inc. and recommended to Council that they award the bid to this contractor.
  • Councilmember Mueller moved to award the 2012 Seal Coat bid to Pearson Bros., Inc. for the bid price of $18,143.75, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
  • Council discussed and agreed to allow Pearson Bros. to put the granite rocks that they will be using at the end of George Street.
Overlay of County Road 50 – Punch List Items
  • Remove all millings from the sidewalks, curbs and gutters.
  • Check all manholes and gate valve to make sure they will open.
  • Provide a water usage report for the amount of water they used.
  • Replace catch basin that was damaged during the road construction.  The catch basin needs to be sawed out and poured back in.
  • Lower all gate valves that are higher than the roadway.
  • Inform the County Engineer of the inadequate communication between flaggers on traffic flow, misinformation that the road was closed, unable to go through town and blocking the street with their equipment, and informing the Ambulance crew they could not get through and they would have to turn around.
  • Pick up all signs and cones that are still around town.
Sanitary & Storm Water Improvement Project
  • Chard has not sent a final payment request and they are aware of the retaining fee.  Justin Black (S.E.H.) will make sure Chard has the final payment request ready for the September Council meeting.  
Private Property Service Lines (Illegal Connections/Replacement)
  • Maintenance Worker Byerly is having trouble televising the Huron Apartment service lines and will talk to Joe from Infratech when he does the line tracing training on Tuesday.
    • Council requested to have the Huron Apartment service lines televised by the end of August.



Old City Business

Community Center Closet Door (Replace)
  • Council decided that when the door is received to have either Craig Glander or Dayton Weber install the new door.
Sign for City Hall/Township
  • The new sign is almost done.
Use of SHIP Monies (Handicap Access to Parks)
  • Two new paths have been installed, one at each Park for handicap access to the playground equipment.  The cost was around $5,800 to $5,900 with approximately $4,000 left over from the SHIP monies.
    • Council decided to have Wm. Mueller & Sons provide an estimate on how much it would cost to shape up the existing pathway in the park and report back to Council at the next Council meeting.  The remaining SHIP monies will be used to repair the existing pathway.     
Revised NIMS Training Program (Requirements)
  • Councilmember Steve Trebesch and Mayor Malz will do the training for NIMS when it becomes available in our area.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Liftstation Repairs
  • Two bids were received for repairing the Liftstation however they will have to be requested again.  Neither bid had the same items listed for repairs.  One bid was $13,000 and the other one was $5,000.
  • Council and Maintenance Worker Byerly discussed what type of repairs may be needed to fix the gate valves and check valves.  Council also asked Maintenance Worker Byerly to find out if by installing larger impellers the pipe carrying the water to the lagoons would be able to handle the extra flow.  Council requested Maintenance Worker Byerly to put the repair requests in writing so North Star and Electric Pump would have the same information when asked for the revised bids.
  • Maintenance Worker Byerly was asked to get information on the cost to repair the electrical box and add a dialer to the Liftstation.
Nuisance Letters
  • Mayor Malz will be driving the city streets to check on any nuisance violations and submit them to the city office to send out letters.
Fixing the Light Fixture in Community Center Storage Closet
  • Maintenance Worker Byerly was asked for an update on when the light will be fixed in the storage closet.  Maintenance Worker Byerly will call BLI to have them come out and fix the ballast. The light has been out for at least a month.
Community Center - Painting
  • Painting the inside of the Community Center is scheduled for completion this fall.

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

DNR Grant Application
  • Received DNR Grant for $1,200.
Ag Star Grant
  • Fire Department applied for a $1,000 Ag Star Grant.
National Night Out and Memorial Dedication for Public Servants (Protective Services) Update
  • Both events went very well.  Fire Chief Droege and Council were disappointed that the Norwood Times newspaper did not attend these events.
  • Council was asked to think about adding a Memorial Dedication Plaque to the Memorial.
Decorative Fountain for Park Pond (Donations)
  • The Hamburg Hunt and Fish Club donated $200 towards the fountain.
Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association – (Gary Marquardt)
  • The Relief Association received a notice from the State Auditor that their 2011 Reporting Year Forms had not been sent in.  Mr. Marquardt explained that the Relief Association has a new accountant and he did file an extension and the forms will be sent in with no penalties.
HFDRA Pension Increase
  • Chief Droege asked Council to consider a pay increase, last year they received a $25 increase.
Purchase New Hanging Street Flags
  • Chief Droege and Gary Marquardt informed Council that the current USA flags are tattered and the brackets are breaking.  They requested Councils approval to purchasing new flags with brackets.  The total cost for replacing all the old flags would be $1,611 with phasing in the new ones over a two (2) year period.
  • Council discussed and decided to add this to the Wish List for next year’s budget.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

Insurance Claims from June 18 & 19, 2012 Storms
  • All the insurance claims are almost completed except for 490 Brad this claim should be finalized next week.  The Hamburg Baseball Club is working on getting estimates to fix or replace the Baseball park fence, when received City Clerk Gruenhagen is to submit their claim.
Hamburg FD Sign
  • Council discussed the repair of the Fire Departments sign that was damaged during the June storms.  Council decided to have City Clerk Gruenhagen contact Willard Fuellner about obtaining a new plank and routing it out for installation on new pillars.
Primary Election – August 14, 2012
  • Out of 303 registered voters only 33 ballots were cast.
Filings for City Council and Mayor
  • Richard Malz filed for the Mayor position. (Incumbent)
  • Richard Odoms filed for one of the two open council seats.
  • Susan Block also filed for City Council, however, after extended thought she decided to withdraw her application.
Election Judge
  • The city is looking for one more election judge for the 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. shift.
    • Councilmember Mueller suggested asking Linda Mueller if she would consider being a judge.
Council Wages
  • If Council is considering Council wages then this has to be adopted by the November 6th General Election.
Policing Cost
  • The Policing cost from this year to next year is proposed to increase by $300.
Tax Forfeited Lot on Brad Street (PID #45.2000010)
  • Carver County is asking the City of Hamburg if they would wave the approximant $12,200 assessment on the property to get it back on the tax roll.
  • Council discussed and no decision was made at this time.

Property/Casualty Insurance Renewal
  • Council discussed and decided not to waive the monetary limits on Municipal Tort Liability established by statues.  This means that if not waived an individual claimant would not be able to recover more then $500,000 on any claim with the maximum Tort Liability of $1.5 million. 
  • Councilmember Barnes moved not to waive the Municipal Tort Liability monetary limit as recommended by the Hamburg City Attorney, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
Host Liquor Liability for Hall, Community Center, and Park Rentals
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen explained to Council the difficulty in obtaining Host Liquor Liability from insurance companies for persons renting city buildings.
  • Council discussed and decided to obtain quotes for the City to carry liquor liability insurance as a back up if any thing should happen.
Budget Workshop Meetings
  • Councilmember Lund moved to hold the Special Workshop meetings on August 28, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. and September 5th at 7:00 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
City Sewer Backup Coverage
  • To continue to have sewer backup coverage for the City the insurance company would like the Council to draw up a city wide plan for cleaning out the city sewer lines over the following years.
  • Councilmember Mueller will obtain quotes for jetting out the sewer lines and report back at the next Council meeting.
City Council Meetings for 2012/2013
  • Council discussed having one Council meeting per month unless there is additional City business to discuss.  No decision was made at this time.
Community Hall Rentals
  • People renting the Hamburg Hall are requesting to gain access to the Hall sooner then the Council decided 12:00 p.m. (noon) on the Friday before the Saturday rental.  It is in the City Fee Schedule that if the renters want to get in earlier on Friday then there is an additional $200 charge for the extra day.  Several people are complaining that this is to high a price to rent the additional day.
  • Council discussed and decided to leave the Hall rental fees as they are now.

Approve DEBIT Payment for June 2012 Claims ($229.00)
Approve Added July 2012 Claims ($14,318.08)
  • Two ACH payments and claim number 15747 and 15748, claim numbers 15750 to 15770.
Approve Updated August 2012 Claims ($95,132.08)
  • Five ACH payments and claim numbers 15771 to 15802.
Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the Debit Payment for June 2012 ($229.00), the added July 2012 Claims List of two ACH payments and claim number 15747 and 15748 and 15750 to 15770 ($14,318.08), the updated August 2012 Claims List of five ACH payments and claim numbers 15771 to 15802 ($95,132.08), seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

City Council Reports

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water)
  • Carver County Soil & Water verified that the City of Hamburg could receive the $10,000 grant to purchase a SAFL Baffle, however the City would have to commit to cleaning it out three times per year.
  • Council discussed and decided to check into who would be able to vacuum out the SAFL Baffle and what the cost would be before agreeing to the purchase.  At this time it is not known if there is a deadline on the grant.
Councilmember Lund (Streets) had nothing further to report.

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings) had nothing further to report.

Councilmember Barnes (Parks) had nothing further to report.

Mayor Malz
  • Mayor Malz commented on the Countryside Vet bill for the two dogs that were picked up in Hamburg.  It is unknown who the owners were.

Adjourn City Council Meeting

  • Councilmember Lund moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 9:04 p.m., Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present. 

Submitted by: 


Sue Block

Hamburg City Council Minutes - September 11, 2012


Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.  Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Susan Block, and Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly were in attendance.  Councilmember Chris Lund arrived at 7:25 p.m.  Fire Chief Brad Droege was also present.

Public Comment
  • No persons were in attendance for Public Comment.
Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption
  • Added – Updated Claims List
  • Added – Quotes from North Star Pump Service and Electric Pump – Lift Station Repairs
  • Added – Quotes from Wm. Mueller & Sons and Bargen Incorporated – Park Pathways
  • Councilmember Barnes moved to adopt the agenda with the noted additions, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried.
Approve Consent Agenda
  • Approve Minutes for July 10, 2012
  • Time-off Request for Jeremy Gruenhagen
  • Time-off Request for Sue Block (Reminder)
  • MNSPECT Minute for September 2012
  • July Cash Flow Statement
  • Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for August 2012
  • Delinquent Utility Bills Report 
  • Employee Project Lists
·         Councilmember Trebesch moved to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Barns and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

DNR Grant Application
  • Received DNR Grant for $1,200.
Training Grant
  • Received $3,150 Training Grant from the State
Public Service Memorial Update
  • September 30, 2012 is the Minnesota Fire Fighters Memorial at the States Capital. Ten Fire Fighters from Hamburg will be attending.
Fire Department Open House – October 13, 2012
Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association
  • The HFDRA will be purchasing new city flags, cost is $1,600.
Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association
  • The HFDRA asked for a $50 increase.
Public Service Memorial
  • Cost to build the Memorial was around $51,100.  Chief Droege turned over all the documents and pictures to the City of Hamburg.
  • So far the Memorial is $550 to $600 to the good, however there a few out standing expenses still to come in. 
Box Alarms
  • The FD Box Alarms are something like Auto Aid.  It will be used for personal injury accidents, heavy smoke showing, grass fires, and structure fires.
  • Fire Chief Droege gave Council a spread sheet braking down which area Fire Department will respond to the initial alarm and if assistance is needed it lists who would respond to the 1st alarm, 2nd alarm, and so on.  Using this Box Alarm schedule it will help eliminate confusion as to what equipment is needed and what Fire Department should respond in an organized manor.
Old Brown Rectangular Tables
  • Chief Droege asked Council if there will be a possibility of selling the old brown tables or giving a few to the City organizations.
    • No discussion or decision was made.
NIMS Training
  • Chief Droege suggested Council wait for NIMS training until the new Council is elected and then hire someone to come out to Hamburg to do the training.
Railroad Street Closure for Parkside Tavern Anniversary Party
  • Chief Droege and Council discussed who will be setting up and taking down the barriers, fencing, and signs for the street closing during Parkside Tavern Anniversary Party.  Liquor liability insurance was also discussed.
Bi-Centennial Park Trails Quotes
  • Brad Droege (Wm. Mueller & Sons) explained the bids received for the placement of the Park trails and how they would be constructed.

Note:  City Clerk Gruenhagen thanked Brad Droege for all the time and work he put into the Memorial.

Old City Business

City Clean Up-Day (Fall 2012/Spring 2013)
  • Council decided to have the City Clean-Up Day scheduled for some time in the spring of 2013.
    • Notices of the date and time will be sent out to the City residents.
Community Center Closet Door (Replace)
  • Craig Glander installed the new Community Center storage door.  He will also be helping Councilmember Mueller to hang the new outdoor City sign.
Use of SHIP Monies (Handicap Access/Trails to Parks)
  • There is approximately $4,000 left over from the SHIP monies and Council decided to use the $4,000 to seal coat the Park trails.  
  • Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the quotes from Wm. Mueller & Sons and Bargen to seal coat and pave the trails in the Park, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
Parkside Tavern 5th Anniversary
  • Brad Droege will be taking care of any signage and barricades.  The only other item that will have to be taken care of is a disclaimer indemnify and defend holding the City harmless if any issues that could arise from the Parkside Tavern’s Anniversary party.
    • City Attorney Mac Willemssen will be asked to draw up the paperwork and have Parkside Tavern sign off on it.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Liftstation Repairs
  • Two revised bids were received for repairing the Liftstation.
  • Council and Maintenance Worker Byerly discussed the bids and decided to have Maintenance Worker Byerly call the companies to clarify the pricing on some of the items listed.
  • Councilmember Barnes moved to have Maintenance Worker Byerly verify North Star Pump Service’s quote versus Electric Pump quote from August 7, 2012 that North Star Pump’s quote is lower than Electric Pump then Maintenance Worker Byerly would have the authority to go ahead and offer the Liftstation repair to North Star Pump, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and the motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
Estimate to Clean City Sewer Lines (Empire Pipe Services)
  • To keep Hamburg’s No-fault Insurance the city will have to jet and televise the Sanitary Sewer lines.
  • Councilmember Mueller had called Empire Pipe Services (Mankato) and Pipe Services (Shakopee) asking for quotes on how much it would cost to jet and televise 3200 feet of the Sanitary Sewer lines.
  • Lines to be jetted and televised;
    • From the Lift Station to the end of Brad Street, then Robert Avenue and Donald Avenue.  Then from the manhole on George Street though the section in the field.
  • The cost estimate from Empire to clean and televise approximately 2000 feet (at $1.25 per foot) would be $2,500.  To just clean 2000 feet of the lines would cost $0.60 per foot totaling $1,200.
  • Council discussed and decided to wait for Pipe Services (Shakopee) estimate and make a decision at the next council meeting.
Community Center - Painting
  • Council instructed Maintenance Worker Byerly to paint at least the repaired wall in the men’s bathroom.
    • Maintenance Worker Byerly committed to having the wall painted this Friday.
  • Mayor Malz suggested that he could get a quote to have the Community Center painted.  Council discussed if Maintenance Worker Byerly would find the time to paint the Center, Mayor Malz will obtain a quote for the next Council meeting.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

Insurance Claims Update
  • All the insurance claims from the sewer back are completed.
  • The Hamburg Baseball Club is working on getting the Baseball park fence fixed and will submit the cost to City Clerk Gruenhagen and he will send the claim to the insurance company.
  • Members of the Hamburg Baseball Club noticed a light that was broken at the Baseball field.  City Clerk Gruenhagen asked Council if they would want a claim filed, the cost to fix the light is $270 and the Cities deductable is $250 per occurrence.
    • Council decided not to turn in a claim and have the Baseball Club fix the light.
Hamburg FD Plank and Pillar Outside the Community Center
  • Mayor Malz asked Council if the plank should be rough sawed or smooth and sealed or not sealed.
    • Council decided to have the plank rough sawed and sealed.
  • Estimates will be requested to rebuild the damaged pillar.  Council did request that the brick match the flag pole brick stand.
Tax Forfeited Lot on Brad Street (PID #45.2000010)
  • Council discussed Carver County’s request to wave the approximant $12,122 assessment on the property.
  • No decision was made at this time.
Host Liquor Liability for Hall, Community Center, and Park Rentals
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen went over the Loss Control Recommendations When Alcohol Is Served from the League of Minnesota Cities.
    • According to the LMC what the Hamburg is doing now to obtain Host Liquor Liability is sufficient.
  • Council discussed when renters should be allowed into the Hall to decorate and decided to leave as it is now.  More discussion and a decision will be made when the City Fee Schedule is set.
City Council Meetings for 2012/2013
  • Council decided to change the number of Council meetings per month from two to one.  If there is additional City business to discuss then a second Council meeting will be called.
  • Councilmember Lund made a motion to hold one Council meeting per month for the remainder of 2012 and through 2013, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
Hamburg Baseball Club
  • The Hamburg Baseball Club has put in a bid to host either the 2016, 2017, or 2018 State Tournament.
Park Mini-Biff Rental
  • Council decided to have the Mini-Biff removed at the end of September.

2013 Proposed Tax Levy and 2013 Budget

Council Wages
  • If Council wants to increase Council wages then this has to be set by ordinance.  A Public meeting should be set on October 9th at 7:00 p.m. before the regular City Council meeting on that day.  Any decision on employee wages and/or rates should be done at the October 9th meeting as well.  Any decision has to be published by November 1, 2012.
  • Mayor Malz suggested that as long as Council will be meeting only once per month then the current Council and Mayor wages would be sufficient.  Mayor Malz did however suggest that the Special Meeting wage be increased from $25 per meeting to $50 per meeting.
  • Councilmember Lund moved to keep the current Council and Mayor’s regular meeting wages the same but increase the Special Meeting waged to $50 per meeting, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
  • Councilmember Lund moved to hold the Public Ordinance Meeting before the City Council Meeting on October 9, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
Water/Sewer/Storm Water Rates for 2013 (Utility Rate Study)
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen presented Council with different options on billing residents for Water/Sewer/Storm Water rates.
    • Yearly revenue needed to cover the Storm Water loan is $73,500.  To get up to this amount the Water Sewer fee for residents would have to be set at $27.25 and commercial at $50 per month.
  • Council discussed what to charge City residents and businesses and how to generate money for the Utility funds.
    • A final decision on what to set the Utility fees at does not have to be made until December 2012.
    • To help set the 2013 Preliminary Budget Council decided not to transfer money from the General Fund and set the Utility fees to break even point. 
Set Proposed Property Tax Levy for 2013
  • At the last meeting a zero percent Tax Levy was proposed.
  • In the 2012 Budge there was $6,000 to cover Council wages and Special Meetings.  This amount could stay the same for the 2013 Budget.  The $6,000 would cover the pay increase of $25 for Special Meetings.
  • Added to the Capital Improvement Funds from the Cities savings account was $2,000 to start saving for new Handicap bathrooms in the Park.
  • Health insurance is scheduled to increase by 4% to 5% not the projected 10% that is in the 2013 Preliminary Budget.  Council decided to leave the 10% increase in the 2013 Budget to help keep the tax levy at 0%.
  • LGA money was taken out ($58,777) with a note that if money is received it would go towards Street Maintenance or Capital purchases.
  • County Road 50 aid was taken out because the County will be keeping the money to pay for the Cities portion of the mill and overlay.
  • The can money could be used to put soffit and fascia on the Park buildings.  There is $2,000 in the budget now.
  • With the cuts the City will be at a 51 to 53 percent cash flow which is over the guidelines.
  • In the Proposed 2013 Budget there is a 3% employee wage increase.  This will be discussed at a later date.
  • Councilmember Lund moved to set the 2013 Proposed Budget at zero percent increase, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Note:  From 2009 to 2013 the City taxes have, on average, increased only 1.51% over the five years.

Approve 2013 Preliminary Budget
  • Councilmember Lund moved to approve the 2013 Preliminary Budget minus the $600 for Council wages, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
Set Public Comment Meeting for Final 2013 Budget
  • Councilmember Lund moved to set the Public Comment Meeting on December 11, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approve Payment of Added August Claims ($29,950.38)
  • It was noted that the Hamburg Lions Club and the Young America Township will each be paying 25% of claim number 15808.
  • Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the one ACH payment and claim number 15803 to 15818, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
Approve Payment of September 2012 Claims ($13,957.42)
  • Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the four ACH payments and claim number 15819 to 15845, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.


Approve Final Payment for Storm/Sewer Improvement Project ($26,838.66)
  • Council discussed withholding payment to Chard until the ruts on Brian Cummiskey’s property are fixed.  Repair of the ruts was on the Punch List for completion.
  • Councilmember Barnes moved to approve final payment to Chard for the Storm/Sewer Improvement Project with the contingency of fixing the ruts on Mr. Cummiskey’s property to his satisfaction, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.  

City Council Reports

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water)
  • Councilmember Mueller suggested the City set up a meeting with Mike Legg from the Carver County Highway Department to get the snow plowing and ice control situation on County Road 50 resolved.
  • Councilmember Mueller also suggested not purchasing the SAFL Baffle and file an extension to extend payment until 2013.
    • City Clerk Gruenhagen will file for the extension.
Councilmember Lund (Streets)
  • Councilmember Lund updated Council on the Accel meeting.
  • Councilmember Lund had checked into higher percent investment options for the City and presented the findings to Council.
Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings) – had nothing further to report.
Councilmember Barnes (Parks) – had nothing further to report.
Mayor Malz – had nothing further to report.

Adjourn City Council Meeting

  • Councilmember Barnes moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 9:20 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present. 

Submitted by: 


Sue Block