Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Background Checks voted down by Senate

On my way home from a late meeting tonight I heard on the radio that the Senate failed to reach 60 votes required to add the expanded background check to the Gun Control bill 54-46. As I checked my email I came across an email from the White House with the subject line "Shameful".

The email stated:


A few hours ago, President Obama stood with parents who lost children in the Newtown tragedy and said: "All in all, today was a pretty shameful day for Washington."
That's because a minority of senators blocked legislation that would have made America safer and better protected our kids. Forty-five lawmakers stood in the way of improvements to the background check system that would keep guns out of the hands of violent criminals and the mentally unstable -- something that 90 percent of Americans support.
Watch President Obama
-- The President's Remarks --
A few months ago, in response to too many tragedies -- including the shootings of a United States Congresswoman, Gabby Giffords, who's here today, and the murder of 20 innocent schoolchildren and their teachers -- this country took up the cause of protecting more of our people from gun violence.
Families that know unspeakable grief summoned the courage to petition their elected leaders -- not just to honor the memory of their children, but to protect the lives of all our children. And a few minutes ago, a minority in the United States Senate decided it wasn't worth it. They blocked common-sense gun reforms even while these families looked on from the Senate gallery.
By now, it's well known that 90 percent of the American people support universal background checks that make it harder for a dangerous person to buy a gun. We're talking about convicted felons, people convicted of domestic violence, people with a severe mental illness.  Ninety percent of Americans support that idea. Most Americans think that's already the law.
And a few minutes ago, 90 percent of Democrats in the Senate just voted for that idea. But it's not going to happen because 90 percent of Republicans in the Senate just voted against that idea. 
A majority of senators voted "yes" to protecting more of our citizens with smarter background checks. But by this continuing distortion of Senate rules, a minority was able to block it from moving forward.
I'm going to speak plainly and honestly about what's happened here because the American people are trying to figure out how can something have 90 percent support and yet not happen. We had a Democrat and a Republican -– both gun owners, both fierce defenders of our Second Amendment, with "A" grades from the NRA -- come together and worked together to write a common-sense compromise on background checks. And I want to thank Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey for their courage in doing that. That was not easy given their traditional strong support for Second Amendment rights.
As they said, nobody could honestly claim that the package they put together infringed on our Second Amendment rights. All it did was extend the same background check rules that already apply to guns purchased from a dealer to guns purchased at gun shows or over the Internet. So 60 percent of guns are already purchased through a background check system; this would have covered a lot of the guns that are currently outside that system.
Their legislation showed respect for gun owners, and it showed respect for the victims of gun violence. And Gabby Giffords, by the way, is both -- she's a gun owner and a victim of gun violence. She is a Westerner and a moderate. And she supports these background checks.
In fact, even the NRA used to support expanded background checks. The current leader of the NRA used to support these background checks. So while this compromise didn't contain everything I wanted or everything that these families wanted, it did represent progress. It represented moderation and common sense. That's why 90 percent of the American people supported it.
But instead of supporting this compromise, the gun lobby and its allies willfully lied about the bill. They claimed that it would create some sort of "big brother" gun registry, even though the bill did the opposite. This legislation, in fact, outlawed any registry. Plain and simple, right there in the text. But that didn't matter.
And unfortunately, this pattern of spreading untruths about this legislation served a purpose, because those lies upset an intense minority of gun owners, and that in turn intimidated a lot of senators. And I talked to several of these senators over the past few weeks, and they're all good people. I know all of them were shocked by tragedies like Newtown. And I also understand that they come from states that are strongly pro-gun. And I have consistently said that there are regional differences when it comes to guns, and that both sides have to listen to each other.  
But the fact is most of these senators could not offer any good reason why we wouldn't want to make it harder for criminals and those with severe mental illnesses to buy a gun. There were no coherent arguments as to why we wouldn't do this. It came down to politics -- the worry that that vocal minority of gun owners would come after them in future elections. They worried that the gun lobby would spend a lot of money and paint them as anti-Second Amendment. 
And obviously, a lot of Republicans had that fear, but Democrats had that fear, too. And so they caved to the pressure, and they started looking for an excuse -- any excuse -- to vote "no."
One common argument I heard was that this legislation wouldn't prevent all future massacres. And that's true. As I said from the start, no single piece of legislation can stop every act of violence and evil. We learned that tragically just two days ago. But if action by Congress could have saved one person, one child, a few hundred, a few thousand -- if it could have prevented those people from losing their lives to gun violence in the future while preserving our Second Amendment rights, we had an obligation to try. 
And this legislation met that test. And too many senators failed theirs.
I've heard some say that blocking this step would be a victory. And my question is, a victory for who? A victory for what? All that happened today was the preservation of the loophole that lets dangerous criminals buy guns without a background check. That didn't make our kids safer. Victory for not doing something that 90 percent of Americans, 80 percent of Republicans, the vast majority of your constituents wanted to get done? It begs the question, who are we here to represent? 
I've heard folks say that having the families of victims lobby for this legislation was somehow misplaced. "A prop," somebody called them. "Emotional blackmail," some outlet said. Are they serious? Do we really think that thousands of families whose lives have been shattered by gun violence don't have a right to weigh in on this issue? Do we think their emotions, their loss is not relevant to this debate?
So all in all, this was a pretty shameful day for Washington. 
But this effort is not over. I want to make it clear to the American people we can still bring about meaningful changes that reduce gun violence, so long as the American people don't give up on it. Even without Congress, my administration will keep doing everything it can to protect more of our communities. We're going to address the barriers that prevent states from participating in the existing background check system. We're going to give law enforcement more information about lost and stolen guns so it can do its job. We're going to help to put in place emergency plans to protect our children in their schools. 
But we can do more if Congress gets its act together. And if this Congress refuses to listen to the American people and pass common-sense gun legislation, then the real impact is going to have to come from the voters. 
To all the people who supported this legislation -- law enforcement and responsible gun owners, Democrats and Republicans, urban moms, rural hunters, whoever you are -- you need to let your representatives in Congress know that you are disappointed, and that if they don't act this time, you will remember come election time. 
To the wide majority of NRA households who supported this legislation, you need to let your leadership and lobbyists in Washington know they didn't represent your views on this one. 
The point is those who care deeply about preventing more and more gun violence will have to be as passionate, and as organized, and as vocal as those who blocked these common-sense steps to help keep our kids safe. Ultimately, you outnumber those who argued the other way. But they're better organized. They're better financed. They've been at it longer. And they make sure to stay focused on this one issue during election time. And that's the reason why you can have something that 90 percent of Americans support and you can't get it through the Senate or the House of Representatives.
So to change Washington, you, the American people, are going to have to sustain some passion about this. And when necessary, you've got to send the right people to Washington. And that requires strength, and it requires persistence. 
And that's the one thing that these families should have inspired in all of us. I still don't know how they have been able to muster up the strength to do what they've doing over the last several weeks, last several months.
And I see this as just round one. When Newtown happened, I met with these families and I spoke to the community, and I said, something must be different right now. We're going to have to change. That's what the whole country said. Everybody talked about how we were going to change something to make sure this didn't happen again, just like everybody talked about how we needed to do something after Aurora. Everybody talked about we needed change something after Tucson.
And I'm assuming that the emotions that we've all felt since Newtown, the emotions that we've all felt since Tucson and Aurora and Chicago -- the pain we share with these families and families all across the country who've lost a loved one to gun violence -- I'm assuming that's not a temporary thing. I'm assuming our expressions of grief and our commitment to do something different to prevent these things from happening are not empty words. 
I believe we're going to be able to get this done. Sooner or later, we are going to get this right. The memories of these children demand it. And so do the American people. 
Thank you very much, everybody.

President Obama complains that "And a few minutes ago, a minority in the United States Senate decided it wasn't worth it. They blocked common-sense gun reforms even while these families looked on from the Senate gallery" as families from Newtown stood in his back drop. The moron that shot up Newtown did not buy his weapons from an online store, gun show or even a registered gun dealer; rather the moron stole them from his mother. That being said, I don't see how forcing law-abiding citizens of the United States to be subjected to a background check would have stopped Newtown. Nor would the background check stopped the daily gun play in the streets of South Chicago.
Not to mention the fact that HIPPA protects the patients right to privacy. Connect the dots people. The Affordable  Health Care Act establishes a non-elected board to dictate to America treatment parameters. Had this amendment passed, one seeking assistance for depression, bipolar, PTSD, etc would have their Due Process Right violated along with their right to privacy as the background checks would have stripped away the privacy of HIPPA. If they were to strip away mental disorders from HIPPA what would be the next item the Health Care Advisory board would look to strip away?
Mr. President you want a solution that meets the common sense approach - then look to allow citizens to arm themselves more. Use that Executive Order power to tell the Department of Education that schools are to require their staff to take fire arms safety classes as they will be carrying weapons going forth. The manic in Colorado choose his target because of the threat of possible guns on the premises at other movie theaters. 
Then to complain against the Senate rule of requiring 60 votes instead of a simply majority; really! The rule is there to protect the minority vote and the people of the United States from the majority passes laws that may discriminate against those not in power. Let's stop the insanity, let's stop treading on the Rights afforded a free society, let's look at the heart of the problem - and the heart of the problem is the criminal element when it comes to gun violence in America. The criminal doesn't obey the law of the land; hence they are a criminal. If mental illness is on the rise then let's look at how we treat it, how we diagnose it, and how we help people be productive members of society - don't take away my right under the veil of "the greater good". That only washes in societies that are not free!

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Sunday News that isn't being reported

It is Sunday morning and instead of sleeping in I was up earlier to read the various media outlets I do every Sunday. Nearly every site I read had articles about North Korea, Gun Control debate, Budget debate, Tiger Woods debacle at the Masters, and Governor Dayton's Budget mess. Then I came across an article on slate.com - http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2013/04/12/kermit_gosnell_the_alleged_mass_murderer_and_the_bored_media.html

I had heard Sue Jeffers discuss Dr. Kermit Gosnell on the Saturday Round Table show she has as I took my oldest son to Trap shooting practice - believe it or not but it is a new sport for his school this year. North Dakota Governor recently signed legislation that enacted some of the most restricted laws in regards to abortion. That, and other states looking to do the same thing, have received plenty of media coverage.

When it comes to abortion I don't view abortion as the responsible thing to do but recognize that it is a personal decision that ought to be left to the individuals and their doctor. The only roll the government is to have is to ensure the procedure is safe. Granted it is only safe for the mother as the child will not be safe in the end. But I digress.

Dr. Gosnell is being charged with murder for the method used to complete the abortion process. Here is the grand jury report: http://www.phila.gov/districtattorney/pdfs/grandjurywomensmedical.pdf An Epic Failure exists here on several levels.

The first level of failure starts with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The clinic run by Dr. Gosnell is Women's Medical Society that started by in 1979. Per the grand jury findings, Governor Ridge decided to stop auditing and inspecting abortion clinics in Pennsylvania because it would be "putting a barrier up to women" who seek abortions. Really?!?! Even after several reports of violations by Dr. Gosnell including one that he performed an abortion on a 14 year old female that was in her 30th week the Pennsylvania Department of Health did nothing.

Dr. Gosnell method of abortion for those with child beyond the 20th week is to induce labor and when the child is born - alive - is to "snip" the spinal cord. Ironically the way the Department of Health in Pennsylvania brought the murder charges to Dr. Gosnell is by their raid to look for prescription drug misuse by the clinic.

The second level of failure is various watch dog groups that look for violations of civil rights. Nothing from NAACP, ACLU, NOW or any other watch dog group over the disparate conditions that white clients had versus minority clients of Dr. Gosnell. During the raid it was noted that the clinic was in horrible condition - stench of urine in the air, non-sterile equipment, blood soaked linens, etc. Despite the horrible conditions, Dr. Gosnell did attempt to give white clients better rooms in the clinic because Dr. Gosnell believed they be "more" apt to report the clinic than minority clients.

The final level of failure is the media. Very little investigative journalism has taken place and likely little will. Reporting on a doctor that performs abortion in conditions that Dr. Gosnell did and as late in the term has he did would not promote the Liberal ideal of abortions or the women's right to choose. As troubling as this sounds, I am all for the women's right to choose but women need to assured the choice is not going to kill them too.

Perhaps going forward more coverage of this issue will take place but I am not holding my breath. We will be more focused on gun control that will not stop the needless deaths that took place at Sandy Hook or any other place.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Fair Share Equals 18.4%

Yesterday the White House released the First Families tax return for this year. Ironically the Obama's paid a lower tax than Mitt Romney's Secretary! Harkening back to the campaign, the Democrats were all in on the fact that Romney's effective tax rate was lower than his secretaries nominal rate. The rate difference per the Democrats was not fair. Since that time we saw Congress raise the top nominal rate on the highest income earners and increase the capital gains rate as well all in the cloak of "paying  your fair share".

The release of the Obama's tax return illustrates the hypocrisy of Liberals. I do applaud the Obama's for donating over $150,000 to charity. Perhaps some of the charity can rub off on the Biden's who could only muster $7900 to give to charity. Then again the $150,000 in charitable givings by the Obama's is a tax deduction. Why didn't the Obama's give that $150,000 to the government since they firmly believe that government knows best!

It is tiring to hear the rhetoric of "paying your fair share" and then to see wealthy people that tout this mantra pay less tax rate than Mitt Romney's secretary.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Gun Control find a compromise

Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced today a bipartisan approach to the gun control debate. The compromise is called  The Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act. While legislative language hasn't been penned yet both Senators put forth fact sheets on what the frame work of the bill will look like.

Sen. Toomey posted (http://www.toomey.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=965):

Bottom Line: The Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act would require states and their federal government to send all necessary records on criminals and the violently mentally ill to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The bill extends the existing background check system to gun shows and online sales.

The bill explicitly bans the federal government from creating a national firearms registry, and imposes serious criminal penalties ( a felony with up to 15 years in prison) on any person who misuses or illegally retains firearms records.

TITLE ONE: GETTING ALL THE NAMES OF PROHIBITED PURCHASERS INTO THE BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM

Summary of Title I: This section improves background checks for firearms by strengthening the instant check system. 


  • Encourage states to provide all their available records to NICS by restricting federal funds to states who don not comply.
  • Allow dealers to voluntarily use the NICS database to run background checks on their prospective employees.
  • Clarifies that submissions of mental health records into the NICS system are not prohibited by federal privacy laws (HIPAA).
  • Provides a legal process for a veteran to contest his/her placement in NICS when there is no basis for barring the right to own a firearm.
TITLE TWO: REQUIRING BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR FIREARM SALES

Summary of Title II: This section of the bill requires background checks for sales at gun shows and online while securing certain aspects of 2nd Amendment rights for law abiding citizens.


  • Closes the gun show and other loopholes while exempting temporary transfers and transfers between family members.
  • Fixes interstate travel laws for sportsmen who transport their firearms across state lines in a responsible manner. The term "transport" includes staying in temporary lodging overnight, stopping for food, buying fuel, vehicle maintenance, and medical treatment.
  • Protects sellers from lawsuits if the weapon cleared through the expanded background checks and is subsequently used in a crime. This is the same treatment gun dealers receive now.
  • Allows dealers to complete transactions at gun shows that take place in a state for which they are not a resident.
  • Requires that if a background check at a gun show does not result in a definitive response from NICS within 48 hours, the sale may proceed. After four years, when the NICS improvements are completed, the background check would clear in 24 hours. Current law is three business days.
  • Requires the FBI to give priority to finalizing background checks at gun shows over checks at store front dealerships
  • Authorizes use of state concealed carry permit instead of a background check when purchasing a firearm from a dealer.
  • Permits interstate handgun sales from dealers
  • Allows active military to buy firearms in their home states.
  • Family transfers and some private sales (friends, neighbors, other individuals) are exempt from background checks.
TITLE THREE: NATIONAL COMMISSION ON MASS VIOLENCE

Summary of Title III: This section of the bill creates a commission to study the causes of mass violence in the United States, looking at all aspects of the problem, including guns, school safety, mental health, and violent media or video games.

The Commission would consist of six experts appointed by the Senate Majority Leader and six experts appointed by the Speaker of the House. They would be required to submit an interim report in three months and a completed report in six months.

WHAT THE BILL WILL NOT DO

The bill will not take away anyone's guns
The bill will not ban any type of firearm
The will not ban or restrict the use of any kid of bullet or any size clip or magazine.
The bill will not create a national registry; in fact, it specifically makes it illegal to establish any such registry.
The bill will not, in any way at all, infringe upon the Constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.

Sen Manchin has very similar fact sheet on his webpage as well. Here is the link for comparison: http://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=71c2e977-5a10-412c-ad8b-a3339ae525f9

I do applaud Sen. Toomey and Sen. Manchin in finding a starting point of compromise in partisan Washington, but a slippery slope is created by their proposition. The claim that HIPPA doesn't prohibit the reporting of Mental health to the NICS what will be the next aspect of ones doctor/client relationship be violated? Another point of concern is the overreach of the Federal government by threatening States funding, notice they don't say what type, if they don't comply with the mandate of reporting. Yes, I understand it is voluntary but is it really?

Another question I ask myself as I read the fact sheets and hear other proposals on gun control - How does this prevent another school shooting, how does this stop another assassination attempt, how does this infringe upon my God given right to protect my property and family?

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Hamburg City Council Agenda - April 12, 2013


HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
MARCH 12, 2013

  1. Call City Council Meeting to Order
    1. Pledge of Allegiance
  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.)
    1. Approve Minutes for February 12, 2013
    2.  Cash Flow Statement for January 2013
    3. 2011-2013 Mosquito Contract
    4. Board of Appeal & Equalization Schedule for 2013
    5. Carver County Opposes Transit Sales Tax (Resolution)
    6. Rate Increase Notice (Xcel Energy)
    7.  Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Sale
    8. Water Usage Report for 2013
    9. Delinquent Utility Bills Report
    10. Time-Off Requests for Jeremy Gruenhagen
  5.  Fire Department Report
    1. HFDRA 2012 Donation Summary
    2. 2012 Annual Township Report/Meeting
    3. Fire Department Instructors Conference
    4. Outdoor Warning Siren
    5. New Flags/Brackets
    6.  Old Pagers (Sell)
    7.  Easter Egg Hunt – March 24th @ 2:00 PM
  6. Old City Business (Memo)
    1.  City Clean Up Day (Spring 2013)
    2. 2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates (June 1, 2013)
    3.  Revised NIMS Training Program (Requirements)
    4. Tax Forfeited Lot on Brad Street
      1. Assessments on Parcel 45.2000010
    5. City Shirts/Fleece Jackets
  7. Public Works & Utilities Department Report
    1. Empire Pipe Services Estimate for Cleaning/Televising Sanitary Lines
    2. Electrical Control Panel for Liftstation
      1. Emergency Call List for Alarm System
    3. LMCIT Loss Control Recommendation Letter
      1. Sanitary Sewer System Assessment
  8. City Clerk/Treasurer Report
    1. 2012 Financial Audit (Abdo, Eick & Meyers)
    2. 2013 Annual Area Guide
    3. Spring Medicine Take Back Day Event
    4. City Assessment Policy
    5. Brush Site Schedule – Open/Close
  9. Approve Payment of Added February 2013 Claims ($) 
    1. Approve Payment of March 2013 Claims
  10.  City Council Reports
    1. Councilmember Odoms Report (Streets)
    2. Councilmember Bob Gregonis (Water/Sewer)
    3. Councilmember Lund Report (Parks)
    4. Councilmember Trebesch Report (Buildings)
    5. Mayor Malz Report
  11. 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
MARCH 6 – Bongards Creameries
19 – Waconia Farm Supply
22 – Hamburg Lions Club Spring Bingo
24 – Easter Egg Hunt – 2:00 PM
26 – Fahey Inc Auction
APRIL 6 – Wedding Reception
COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES
MARCH 4 – Hamburg Lions Club (Lions/YA Twp. Room)
4 – Hamburg Fire Department Training
11 – Community Center Rental – YA Mutual Ins.
11 – Hamburg Fire Department Training – 7:00 PM
12 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
12 – Young America Township Meeting
16 – Community Center Rental
18 – Hamburg Lions Club
19-20 – Wm. Mueller & Sons Safety Meetings
22 – Community Center Rental
25 – Hamburg Fire Dept. (Relief Association) Meeting
28 – Zebra Ditch Meeting – 7:30 PM
31 – Community Center Rental

Hamburg City Council Minutes - February 12, 2013


Public Hearing and Hamburg City Council Meeting
February 12, 2013

Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg Public Hearing to order at 6:45 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember Bob Gregonis, Councilmember Richard Odoms,
City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, and Deputy Clerk Susan Block were present. Spencer Lund (Observer for
School Project) was also present.

Ordinance Number 145 (Accessory Apts. In R-1 Single Family District)


  • Rick and Pat Logelin (St. Bonifacius, MN) requested an ordinance amendment to Chapters 160 and 160A of the Hamburg Zoning Ordinance to regulate Accessory Apartments in an R-1 Single Family district by Conditional Use Permit Standards.
  •  No one from the public was in attendance to object to the ordinance amendment.
    • Councilmember Odoms moved to adjourn the Public Hearing on Ordinance Number 145 at 6:55 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Steve
Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember Richard Odoms, Councilmember Bob Gregonis,
City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Susan Block, and Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly were in attendance. Others in attendance were Spencer Lund (Observer for School Project), Rich Schug (NYA
Baseball Club), Chris Dammann (Victoria Baseball Club), Larry Mueller (retired Council member), and Bob
Bossert (Floyd Security). Fire Chief Brad Droege was absent.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

  • Added – Updated Delinquency List.
  • Added – Bid Estimate from American Environmental.
  •  Added – Updated February 2013 Claims List
    •  Councilmember Gregonis moved to approve the Agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Odoms and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Approve Consent Agenda

  • Removed from Consent Agenda: Hamburg Fire Department Donation Summary and Cash Flow Statement for January 2013.
  • Approve Minutes for January 22, 2013
  • Approve Exempt Permit for Lawful Gambling for Hamburg Lions club
    • March 22, 2013 (Spring Bingo)
  • Adopt Ordinance Number 145 (Accessory Apartment Use In R-1 Single Family District)
  • Time-Off Requests for Deputy Clerk Sue Block
  • Water Usage Report for 2013
  • Delinquent Utility Bills Report
    • Councilmember Lund moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of the two items, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Hamburg Baseball Club – Resolution Number 2013-04

  • Resolution Number 2013-04 requesting the Minnesota Baseball Association to act favorable on the bid of the Hamburg, Norwood, & Green Isle Baseball Clubs to co-host the 2016, 2017, or the 2018 State Amateur Baseball Tournament.
    • Councilmember Odoms moved to adopt Resolution Number 2013-04, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Hamburg Baseball Club – Baseball Park Lights

  • Rich Schug and Chris Dammann asked Council if they could pursue looking into electrical improvements at the Hamburg Baseball Park. The Baseball Club would like to move and secure the field’s breaker switch box to a more suitable location.
    • Council suggested having an electrician come out to make sure the box could be moved and to give an estimated cost for the project.

Floyd Total Security – Bob Bossert

  • Mr. Bossert presented Council with his companies monitoring options for the Cities Liftstation. The cost to install the monitoring equipment would be $600 with a $28.95 monthly monitoring fee. The contract is set up for a three year commitment. The equipment has a one year warranty.
    • Councilmember Odoms moved to contract with Floyd Total Security, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Old City Business (Memo)

  • A meeting will be set up in March to plan for the City Clean-up Day which is scheduled for early May 2013.
  • Revised NIMS Training Program (Requirements)
    • A Sunday meeting will be set up for members of Council and Maintenance Worker Byerly to go through the required NIMS training.
  • Purchasing City shirts and Fleece jackets for the two new Council members.
    • Councilmember Gregonis moved to approve the purchase of City shirts and Fleece jackets for Councilmember Gregonis and Councilmember Odoms, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

  • Estimates to Clean/Jet and Televise Sanitary Sewer Lines
    • American Environmental bid to jet and televise the sanitary sewer lines was $2.15 per foot.
    •  Empire Pipe Services bid to jet and televise the sanitary sewer lines were $1.15 per foot.
  •  Councilmember Lund moved to approve Empire Pipe Services bid to jet and televise Hamburg’s sanitary sewer lines at $1.15 per foot, seconded by Councilmember Odoms and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
    • Councilmember Trebesch suggested asking Empire Pipe Services if they would do a two year contract for $1.15 per foot. Doing a two year contract the City could possibly receive a discount.
  • Electrical Control Panel for Liftstation.
    • The control panel should be received and installed by the end of March 2013. Robb’s Electric price for the electrical installation will be $80 per hour.
  • Removal of the barrels of oil left on the outside of the Hall from the Hamburg Fish Fry.
    • Mayor Malz requested the barrels of oil be removed as soon as possible before someone tips them over.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

  • 2012 Financial Audit (Abdo, Eick, & Meyers)
    •  The auditors will be at the City Office February 21st and 22nd of this year.
  • Assessment Policy
    • Council was asked to think about how to handle future assessments for street improvements. The City should have an assessment policy in place before any street projects are done. This will be added to the next Council agenda along with the current policy for further discussion.
  • Delivery of Council Agendas
    •  Council members agreed to have the City Council agendas delivered on the Friday before the scheduled Council meeting.

Approve Payment of Added January 2013 Claims

  •  Councilmember Trebesch moved to approve the one ACH payment to PERA, two ACH payments to the MN Dept of Revenue, and the two payroll claim numbers 16097 and 16098, for a total of $2,677.80, seconded by Councilmember Gregonis and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Approve Payment of February 2013 Claims

  • Councilmember Lund moved to approve the three ACH payments and check numbers 16099 through 16130 totaling $29,980.07, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

City Council Reports

  • Councilmember Gregonis (Water & Sewer)
    • The Hall microphone is not working. Mayor Malz volunteered to purchase a new microphone for the City Hall.
    •  Ask Waste Management to place a recycle bin at the Hall.
    • Permanently secure the end of the Hall bar counter by the new upstairs cooler so it does not collapse.
  • Councilmember Lund Report (Parks)
    •  The Lions Club is forming a group to draw up plans and cost for a handicap bathroom at the Bi-Centennial Park.
  • Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)
    • Ceiling tiles for the Community Center are on sale at Menards and the purchase of the needed quantity of tiles should be pursued.
    •  Councilmember Odoms moved to purchase the number of 2 x 4 panels needed to replace the existing ceiling tiles at the Community Center while they are on sale at Menards, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  • Mayor Malz
    • Requested a print out of the City ordinance pertaining to the number of cars that can be parked at a resident’s property.

Adjourn City Council Meeting

Councilmember Gregonis moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 8:45 p.m.,
Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Submitted by:

Susan Block
Deputy Clerk