Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Debt Ceiling back again!!!

Congress acted prior to the flip of the calendar to avert the "Fiscal Cliff" by raising the top nominal tax rate on those making over $450,000 while extending a plethora of "tax cuts" for everyone else. In addition Congress did not extend the payroll tax holiday which took money out of the depleted SSN kitty. Over the past few days we witnessed history with the swearing in of our President as it was a peaceful transition of power. Also, MLK was celebrated and Roe v. Wade had it's 40th anniversary.

Today, the House of Representatives will vote on raising the Debt Ceiling to ensure the United States can pay its debt for the next three months. The GOP lead House also put in a provision that if the Senate cannot pass a budget then the payroll of both houses of Congress would be held in escrow and if they are unable to establish a budget by the end of the 2014 budget year Congress still get's paid. Here is the bill: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c113:H.R.325:

Some see the extension of the Debt Ceiling with the caveat of the no pay clause as a gimmic by the GOP. While Congress should give back their pay and not get paid going forward until a budget is passed, it is really just a gimmic by the GOP because the no pay pledge is really just a deferral of payroll. That being said, others claim that the United States is Constitutionally obligated to pay all debts incurred by the Government. Actually under Article 1 Section 8 the Constitution reads:

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

Can someone please help me understand where it states that Congress is Constitutionally obligated to pay all debts? I see that Congress has the power to pay the Debts but I don't read that as it is obligated to pay the Debts.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Real Cause of Mass Shootings?

Today Gov. Cuomo of New York signed into law new legislation that replaced existing law to redefine the assault rifle, limit the size of clips and place more restrictions on gun ownership in New York. Tomorrow, President Obama, surrounded by children, will announce Vice President's Biden's suggestions that President Obama agrees with as he looks to stem the tide of gun violence. Many believe that it will call for the ban on assault rifles and the elimination of large magazine clips.

Mother Jones, http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/07/mass-shootings-map?page=2; has posted a guide to mass shootings in the United States dating back to 1982. 62 mass shootings in all took place over the past 30 years. I took a look at the past ten years of history. Per the shootings reported by Mother Jones we 29 mass shootings with 475 people killed and injured. What the article doesn't discuss is the method used outside of the fact that they were shootings. Let's compare that ten year record to homicides reported in Chicago for 2012.

RedEye data, http://homicides.redeyechicago.com/, has listed a link to all homicides reported in 2012 and by method. After downloading the data and stripping out anything not gunshot related one is left with 442 people killed by gunshot. Now the data doesn't discern from handgun, shotgun, assault rifle, etc. 442 people were killed by gunshot in 2012 alone while we saw 475 people killed and injured during mass shooting over tens year period. Now, I do not diminish the deaths nor mock those that senselessly perished during mass shootings but we need to put the numbers into perspective as we allow our elected officials to use the Second Amendment as a hot political potato.

We can all agree that access to an assault rifle is not for hunting of any sort and the same time we can all agree that guns do not kill. What I mean is that a ridiculous it is to shield your pro-gun stance based on the recreational exercise of hunting as a reason to own an assault rifle lays on the same plane of logical argument of the anti-gun advocates that claim the gun is the killer. The gun does nothing until someone picks it up and uses it.

That person can use it to provide food, target practice, protection, and mass shootings. Again it goes back to the person behind the trigger and their intent on if the gun is being used with respect or being abused. Looking back at the list that Mother Jones put together a common theme exists among the shooters; degrees of mental illness. The trouble is that its not nearly as sexy or politically correct to put our thumb on mental illness as it is on the gun. The gun is the smoke; yet that smoke cannot materialize without the flint - human being.

While I do not promote the notion that returning to the arcane methods of dealing with mental illness and sending the medical community back into the Stone Age, there is something to be learned. Rumor has it that President Obama will address the mental illness aspect insofar that during the background check one will be searched, violating HIPPA in the process, for a history of mental illness along with a felony record. How do we tackle this slippery slope? If we say today it is okay to background check for mental illness what doors will that open for other illnesses for services or rights? When will someone in our political elite display a sober temper and re-direct the ship and deal with the issue at hand - the person behind the gun?

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Hamburg City Council Minutes - December 11, 2012


Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Susan Block, Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance.  Richard Odoms was also present.

 

Public Comment

·         No comment from the public.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

  • Added – Lawful Gambling Permit for Pheasants Forever Raffle on January 19, 2013
  • Added – Updated Delinquency List
  • Added – Xcel Energy Requests for Rate Increase
  • Added – Updated November and December Claims Lists

  • Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the agenda with the added items, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approve Consent Agenda

  • Approve Cigarette License for Parkside Tavern (2013)
  • Approve MN Lawful Gambling Permit for Pheasants Forever
    • January 19, 2013
  • Approve Contract for Policing Services for 2013 with Carver County
  • Approve NYA Chamber of Commerce 2013 Membership
  • City Offices Closed December 24th & 25th for Christmas Holiday
  • Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for November 2012
  • Delinquent Utility Bills Report 
  • December MNSPECT Minute (Informational)

·         Councilmember Lund moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

 

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

DNR Grant

  • All paperwork was turned in, waiting for a $600 return.

Toy Drive & Breakfast (December 9, 2012)

  • The Toy Drive Breakfast raised $456.00.
  • The Holiday Toy Drive is going well with donations; the end date is Thursday, December 20, 2012.

Fire Department Banquet/Dance (January 12, 2013)

HFDRA Lucky 10 Gun Raffle (December 8, 2012)

  • The tickets were sold out and the money will go towards payment of the Rescue truck.

Hamburg Fire Department Sign Quote

  • Herald Journal Sign & Graphics sent in a quote of $1,389 for a new 2’ x 16’ Hamburg Fire Department sign.  Purchasing a new sign will be put on the Wish List and discussed next year.

Old Christmas Lights (Sell)

  • The Lions Club will be selling the Christmas candles and lights with the money going the Club.
  • Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the Hamburg Lions Club selling the old Christmas candles and lights with the old bells being saved, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

 

 

 

New Stove for Community Center

  • Councilmember Muller moved to approve Mayor Malz to purchase an electric stove for the Community Center with the maximum price set at $500, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Hamburg, Norwood/Young America, and Cologne Fire Departments Explorers Group

  • There will be an Explorers kick off meeting at the north Norwood/YA Fire station on Sunday, January 6, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  To join the group persons (kids) have to be at least 14 and out of 8th grade and no older than 20 years of age.

Hamburg’s Holding Pond

  • Kids have been seen walking on the ice at the holding pond.  Council will order four “Warning Thin Ice” signs to be placed on each side of the pond.

 

2013 Final Tax Levy and Final Budget (Set & Adopt)

 

City Employee 2013 Wages

  • Councilmember Lund moved to approve a 3% wage increase for city employee wages, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion carried.  Councilmember Barnes abstained.

City Fee Schedule for 2013

  • Councilmember Barnes moved to set the Public Hearing to adopt the 2013 City Fee Schedule on January 8, 2013 starting at 6:45 p.m., Councilmember Lund seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

2012 General Fund Transfers (Approve)

  • Councilmember Barnes moved to transfer a total of $42,000 from the General Fund to Hamburg’s Saving Account for the year, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Public Comments on 2013 Final Budget and Tax Levy

  • Public comment was that it is a good move for the City to have a 0% Tax Levy increase.

Community Center Lighting

  • Councilmember Mueller moved to have Robb’s Electric install two new LED exterior lights at the Hamburg Community Center to shine on the new sign for their quote of $840, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
  • Councilmember Mueller amended his motion to include the new sign lights, entrance door lights, and wall pack fixtures for Robb’s Electric quote of $2,940, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Adopt/Approve 2013 Final Tax Levy Certification to Carver County

  • Councilmember Lund moved to approve the 2013 Final Tax Levy Certification to Carver County at the amount of $395,210, Councilmember Barnes seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Adopt/Approve 2013 Final Budget

  • Councilmember Trebesch moved to adopt and approve the 2013 Final Budget with the addition of the Community Center lights replacement for $2,940 and purchase of a new stove for the Community Center for $500, Councilmember Barnes seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

LGA Money

  • If the City receives any LGA money it will go towards either future capital purchases and/or street repairs.

 

 

Old City Business

 

City Clean Up Day (Spring 2013)

  • A meeting will be set up in March 2013 to send letters out.

 

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

 

Dialer for Liftstation

  • One bid was received from North Star Pump Service.  The bid was for three hours of work, Council request this be transferred into dollars per hour.
  • Richard Odoms will check with Floyds Security about installing an alarm system at the Liftstation.  A representative from Floyds will be asked to give a presentation at the next City Council on January 8, 2013.
  • Installation of an updated control panel will be handled as a separate item to be replaced at the Liftstation.

Easement for 12” Sewer Line (Lois Droege Property)

  • Brad Droege will be asked to take some elevations to find out how much dirt is needed to even the grade over the sewer line.  The low spots will have to be filled in and Council should ask Lois Droege not to have the area farmed.  Farming removes the covering of soil over the sewer line.

Ditch Drainage

  • A water issue was brought to the attention of the City Council concerning the drainage ditch north of the city.  The drainage ditch use to flow north out of the city however with all the storm water and sewer line upgrades the water is now draining to the south.  This is helping to reduce flooding of any farm land north of the City of Hamburg.

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

 

Use of Tables and Chairs Owned by the City of Hamburg

  • There have been some instances where people have taken tables and chairs from the Community Center and Hall with out returning them.  The City Office does have a sign in and out sheet however the forms will need to be monitored more closely. 
  • Mayor Malz recommended a deposit for the use of the tables and/or chairs will have to be implemented.  When the items are returned the deposit will be returned.
    • Setting up a deposit amount will be discussed at the January 8, 2013 Public Hearing.

 

Approve Claims

 

Approve Payment of Added November 2012 Claims

  • Councilmember Trebesch moved to approve the two (2) added payroll checks #15973 and #15974 for a total amount of $1,852.49, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approve Payment of December Claims

  • Councilmember Trebesch moved to approve the four (4) ACH payments and claim number 15975 to claim number 16020, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

 

 

City Council Reports

 

Councilmember Mueller Report (Sewer & Water)

  • Next year before any street repair is started Council should look at a new assessment policy, especially for mill and overlay. 
  • Members of Council thanked Councilmember Mueller for his 10 years of service and all the work he has done for the City and its residents.
    • Council also thanked Councilmember Barnes for his 4 years of service as a Council member.

Councilmember Lund Report (Streets)

  • Other members of Council were updated on the Carver County Leaders meeting.  The next meeting will be on January 8th and the topic will be on the Fiber Optic line.

 

Adjourn City Council Meeting

 

Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 8:35 p.m., Councilmember Barnes seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present. 

 

 

Submitted by:                                         

 

 

 

Deputy Clerk Susan Block

Hamburg City Council Minutes - November 27, 2012


Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Susan Block, Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance.  Richard Odoms was also present.

 

Public Comment

·         No comment from the public.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

  • Added – Lawful Gambling Permit for Green Isle CPA Banquet on January 26, 2013
  • Added – Updated Delinquency List
  • Remove – Minutes for November 13th; not sent to Council members for review.
  • Added to the Public Works Report – Estimate from Robb’s Electric for Community Center lighting.

  • Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the agenda with the added items and removal of the November 13, 2012 Minutes, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approve Consent Agenda

  • Approve Time-off Request (Jeremy Gruenhagen)
  • October Cash Flow Statement
  • Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for October 2012
  • MN Department of Health (Grant Funding to Seal Wells)
  • Hamburg Post Office Public Meeting (Survey Results)
  • Public Notice – MN Prairie Line Railroad
  • Delinquent Utility Bills Report
  • Lawful Gambling Permit for Green Isle CPA Banquet (January 26, 2013)

·         Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of the November 13, 2012 Minutes and addition of Green Isle CPA Banquet Lawful Gambling Permit, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

 

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

DNR Grant

  • Will be closing at the end of this week.

Ag Star Grant

  • Has been closed out.

HFD Officer Elections

  • Fire Chief – Brad Droege
  • 1st Assistant – Adam Glander
  • 2nd Assistant – Justin Buckentin
  • Training Officer – Chris Petz
  • Secretary/Treasurer – Brenda Jurek
  • Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the election of Hamburg Fire Department Officers for 2013, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Toy Drive & Breakfast

  • The annual toy drive is going on until December 17th.
  • The Toy Drive Breakfast will be held at Parkside Tavern on December 9th from 9:00 till noon.

 

Hamburg & Norwood/Young America Fire Department Explorers Group

  • There will be an Explorers organizational meeting at the Hamburg Community Center on November 28th starting at 7:00 p.m.  

Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association – HFDRA Pension Increase

·         Councilmember Mueller moved to approve a $50 pay increase to the HFDRA Pension Fund which would take effect in 2014, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion carried. Councilmember Lund opposed. 

 

Old City Business

 

Signs for City Hall/Township/Fire Department

  • The signs will be delivered Thursday, November 22.

Revised NIMS Training Program (Requirements)

  • Training for the NIMS program will be addresses in January 2013.

 

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

 

Clean City Sewer Lines

  • The sewer lines from William Street to Brad Street, Robert Avenue, and Donald Avenue were televised and cleaned.  About 4,000 feet of sewer lines were completed with only one bad connection. 
  • It was suggested that about 5,000 to 6,000 feet of the sewer lines east of the Railroad tracks should be televised and cleaned next spring.

Paint Community Center

  • Maintenance Worker Byerly is planning to start painting next week.

Liftstation and WTP Pumps

  • The Liftstation and WTP pumps were calibrated and were to close to be adjusted.

Community Center Lighting

  • Robb’s Electric submitted a quote to install new LED exterior lights at the Community Center and Xcel Energy may have a rebate on changing the lights to LED.
    • A decision on how to proceed with changing the lighting will be discussed next year.

Hamburg Fire Department Bell

  • The HFD Bell that was damaged during a storm last spring will be re-hung this Friday.

Hall Tiles

  • Floor tiles behind the bar area are loose and will be replaced this week.

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

 

2013 Final Budget/2013 Tax Levy

  • 2013 Health Insurance
    • Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the 2013 Health Insurance as stated, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
  • City Fee Schedule Proposal for 2013
    • Hall Rates - $600 non-resident, $550 resident with entry to building no sooner than 9:00 a.m. on Friday.  Requests for Thursday entry would be no earlier then 4:00 p.m. on Thursday with an additional $100 charge.  Saturday Renters can guaranty all day Friday rental for an additional $200.  Hall must be cleaned up by 12:00 p.m. on Sunday.
    • Pop Fee – possible increase.
    • Council Special Meetings was changed from $25 per meeting to $50 per meeting.
    • Water Fund – Basic Rate increase by 7%.  (Funding for future Water Tower needed.)
    • Sewer Fund – Basic Rate decrease by 5%.
    • Storm Water Fund – Increase to $33.50 per month and decide on how to bill residential vs. businesses.

2013 Budget Workshop Meeting

  • Scheduled for December 4, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

2013 Final Budget Meeting

  • December 11, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

 

Approve Claims

 

Approve Payment of Added November 2012 Claims

  • Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the two (2) added ACH payments and check number 15948 to 15968, Councilmember Barnes seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

 

City Council Reports

 

Councilmember Mueller Report (Sewer & Water)

  • The police report has been listing 140 Jacob Street as a city address which it is not, it is a township address.  If any issues go to prosecution the City of Hamburg should not be billed.
  • A city resident was walking his dog from his home, across the street to the railroad tracks when he was stopped by the CSO.  The CSO told the resident to put the dog on a leash or he was going to give him a ticket.  Two days later the same CSO parked at the end of Brad Street and waited for the resident to come out with his dog.  The CSO then stopped by the resident’s house and took down the license plate of his car.  The City of Hamburg does have an ordinance that all animals must be leached when in the city limits.
    • Council agreed that the CSO did not conduct himself in a professional manner.

 

Employee Reviews

  • Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, and City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen all requested a closed meeting for their reviews.

 

Recess City Council Meeting

 

Councilmember Lund moved to recess the Hamburg City Council Meeting at 8:55 p.m. to hold the employee reviews, Councilmember Barnes seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

 

Open Closed Meeting

 

Councilmember Trebesch moved to open the closed meeting at 9:00 p.m. for the purpose of employee reviews, Councilmember Barnes seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

 

Close Closed Meeting

 

Councilmember Mueller moved to close the closed meeting for employee reviews at 9:57 p.m., Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

 

Reopen the City Council Meeting

 

Councilmember Barnes moved to reopen the Hamburg City Council Meeting, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

 

Adjourn City Council Meeting

 

Councilmember Barnes moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 9:57 p.m., Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present. 

 

Submitted by:                                         

 

 

 

Deputy Clerk Susan Block

Hamburg City Council Minutes - November 13, 2012


Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg Canvass Board meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Susan Block, Maintenance Worker Dennis, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance.  Richard Odoms was also present.

 

Resolution 2012-07 - Certify Results of the Tuesday, November 6th, 2012 General Election

  • Mayor
    • Richard Malz – 230 votes
    • Write-Ins – 24
    • Over Vote – 1
    • Under Votes – 37
  • Council (2 Open Seats)
    • Richard Odoms – 161 votes
    • Write-Ins – 136
    • Over Votes – 0
    • Under Votes – 287
  • Councilmember Lund moved to adopt Resolution Number 2012-07, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

 

Councilmember Mueller moved to close the Hamburg Canvass Board meeting at 7:06 p.m., Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

 

Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.  Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Susan Block, Maintenance Worker Dennis, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance.  Richard Odoms was also present.

 

Public Comment

·         No comment from the public, Richard Odoms.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

  • Added – November Claims List
  • Added – Water Usage 2012 Report – Usage report shows water billed is 93,686 gallons more than total water pumped.  Report will have to be looked at tomorrow as to why the discrepancy
  • Added Reminder – Postal meeting Wednesday, November 14th, at the Community Center.
  • Added Change – Under Consent Agenda, City Clerk Gruenhagen had requested a half day off on Friday, November 16th, and would like to change the time off to all day (eight hours) on Friday.

  • Councilmember Barnes moved to adopt the agenda with the added items but excluding the Water Usage 2012 Report, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approve Consent Agenda

  • Approve Minutes for August 16th & 28th, 2012
  • Approve Minutes for September 5th & 11th, 2012
  • Approve Minutes for October 9th & 23rd, 2012
  • Approve Temporary On-Sale Liquor Licenses for Hamburg Lions Club
    • January 12, 2013 (Fireman’s Dance)
    • January 19, 2013 (Pheasants Forever Banquet)
    • January 26, 2013 (Green Isle CPA Banquet)
    • February 2, 2013 (HHFC Fish Fry)
  • Approve Service Agreement for Joint Assessment with Carver County
  • Approve Time-off Request (Sue Block)
  • Approve Time-off Request (Jeremy Gruenhagen)
  • September Cash Flow Statement
  • Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for October 2012
  • Delinquent Utility Bills Report 
  • MNSPECT Minute for November 2012
  • City Offices Closed November 12th for Veterans Day
  • City Offices Closed November 22nd & 23rd for Thanksgiving

·         Councilmember Lund moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of the Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for October 2012, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

 

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

DNR Grant

  • Waiting for the last of the equipment that was purchased.

Ag Star Grant

  • The money received from this grant was used to purchase grain elevator rescue equipment.

Siren Activation (Narrow Banding)

  • Ready Watt Electric changed the siren from wide to narrow banding however the siren is not working on the narrow band.  Ready Watt will be called to come out and check the equipment.

NFFF Project – (National Fallen Fire Fighters)

  • The Hamburg Fire Fighters are volunteers and are not recognized by the National Fire Fighters Association if a fire fighter losses his/her life in the line of duty.  Chief Droege is sending in a request to have Hamburg’s fallen Fire Fighters be recognized at the National level.

Equipment Purchases

  • Gloves, helmet lights, and grain bin rescue equipment.

Rescue 12 Repairs

  • Rescue 12 was not starting.  The on board charger and battery were replaced resolving the issue.

HFD Officer Elections

  • Election of officers will be held on Monday, November 26th, 2012.

Toy Drive

  • The Hamburg, Norwood/YA, and Cologne fire departments will be hosting the annual toy drive from November 13 to December 17th.

Flag Kit

  • A flag kit for emergency triage was purchased for the Hamburg Fire Department.

Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association – HFDRA Pension Increase

·         Will be decided on at the end of the year budget meeting.

 

Old City Business

City Clean Up-Day (Spring 2013)

  • Scheduled for late April or early May 2013.

2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates (April 1, 2011)

  • This will be discussed in spring 2013.

Signs for City Hall/Township/Fire Department

  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will check on when the signs will be completed.

Revised NIMS Training Program (Requirements)

  • Members of Council should take the NIMS 100, 200, and 700 training for city disasters.

 

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Liftstation Repairs - Update

  • Dialer and pump repairs are done.

Clean City Sewer Lines (Empire Services)

  • Empire Services are planning to clean the city sewer lines this week.

Mock OSHA Inspection

  • The inspectors suggested more detailed reports on equipment maintenance, sewer repairs, etc.

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report – No Report

 

Special Meetings for 2013 Budget Workshop Meetings

  • A Special Meeting is scheduled for December 4, 2012 to discuss the 2013 Budget.  The main topic will be setting the Water/Sewer/Storm Water rates for 2013.

Additional Second Monthly Council Meeting

  • Councilmember Barnes moved to hold an additional City Council Meeting on November 27, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. to have employee evaluations and budget workshop, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

New Desktop Computer

  • Councilmember Trebesch moved to approve the purchase of a new desktop computer, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approve Claims

 

Approve Payment of Added October 2012 PERA ACH payment of $334.80

  • Councilmember Trebesch moved to approve the added ACH payment of $334.80 to PERA, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approve Payment of November 2012 Claims

  • Councilmember Trebesch moved to approve the four (4) ACH payments and check number 15909 to 15047 for a total of $66,233.97, check number 15047 was the addition to EMS Innovations for $114.43, Councilmember Barns seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

City Council Reports

 

Councilmember Mueller Report (Sewer & Water)

  • A light should be installed to shine on the new Community Center City sign.  Chuck (Robb’s Electric) will be called to suggest lighting for the sign.

 

Adjourn City Council Meeting

 

  • Councilmember Barnes moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 7:57 p.m., Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present. 

Submitted by:                                          Susan Block

Monday, January 7, 2013

Hamburg City Council Agenda - January 8, 2013



1. Call City Council Meeting to Order at 7:00 PM

  • Pledge of Allegiance
  •  Designations/Appointments for 2013
    • Appoint Assistant (Acting) Mayor
    • Designate Departments for City Council Members
    • Set City Council Meeting Start Time for 2013
    • Designate Official Depository (Bank) and Official Newspaper
    • Designate City Engineer(s) for 2013

2. 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.)

3. Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

4. 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 Resolution Number 2013-01
  • Approve Resolution Number 2013-02
  • Approve Minutes for November 13, 2012, November 27, 2012, December 4, 2012 and December 11, 2012
  • Approve MN Lawful Gambling Permit for Hamburg Baseball Club (52 Club Raffle)
  •  Approve Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for Lions Club (3/22/13)
  • Move Public Hearing for 2013 City Fee Schedule (Ordinance No. 144) to:
    •  January 22, 2013 @ 7:00 PM
  • Hold City Council Meeting on January 22, 2013 @ 7:00 PM
  • 2012 Property/Casualty Dividend
  • GASB Statement Number 63 & 65 Memo
  • NSP Authority to Increase Rates for Electric Service in the State of MN
  • Carver County Library Public Input Sessions
  • January 2013 MNSPECT Minute
  • Cash Flow Statements for November
  • Water Usage Report for 2012
  • Delinquent Utility Bills Report
  • Time Off Requests for Jeremy Gruenhagen
  • City Offices Closed January 21, 2013 for MLK Jr. Day

5. Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

  • Fire Department Banquet/Dance (January 12, 2013)

6. Rich Schug

  • Hamburg Baseball Club
  • Central School Board Update

7. City Fee Schedule for 2013

  • Public Hearing to Adopt City Fee Schedule
    •  January 22, 2013 @ 7:00 PM
  •  Hold City Council Meeting on January 22, 2013 @ 7:00 PM

8. Old City Business (Memo)

  • City Clean Up Day (Spring 2012)
  • 2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates (June 1, 2013)
  • Revised NIMS Training Program (Requirements)
  • Tax Forfeited Lot on Brad Street
    • Assessments on Parcel 45.2000010

9. Public Works & Utilities Department Report

  • Dialer/Control Panel for Liftstation
    • Estimate from Electric Pump
  • Easement for 12” Sewer Line (Lois Droege Property)
  • Purchase Tables for Community Hall

10. City Clerk/Treasurer Report

  • 350 Maria Avenue (Apartment Unit)

11. Approve Payment of December 2012 Claims Approve Payment of January 2013 Claims
12. City Council Reports

  • Councilmember Odoms Report\
  • Councilmember Lund Report (Streets)
  • Councilmember Trebesch Report (Buildings)
  • Mayor Malz Report

13. Adjourn City Council Meeting

COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES
JANUARY 12 – HFDRA Banquet/Dance
19 – Pheasants Forever
20 – Lions Pancake Brunch
26 – Green Isle CPA Banquet
FEBRUARY 2 – HHFC Fish Fry
COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES
JANUARY 1 – New Year’s Day – City Office’s Closed
7 – Lions Club (Lions/YA Twp. Room)
7 – Hamburg Fire Department Training
8 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
12 – Community Center Rental (Karen Wolter)
13 – Community Center Rental (Karen Wolter)
21 – Holiday – MLK Jr. Day – City Office’s Closed
21 – Hamburg Lions Club
22 – Public Hearing – Ordinance #144 – 7:00 PM
22 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
28 – Hamburg Fire Dept. (Relief Association) Meeting
30 – Hamburg Fire Department Training