The Hamburg Post

Hamburg City Council Agenda – January 24, 2012

2012-01-21T08:16:00.001-06:00

Call Public Hearing to Order @ 7:00 PM
- Ordinance Number 142 (2012 City Fee Schedule)
Call City Council Meeting to Order
- Pledge of Allegiance

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

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

Consent Agenda
(NOTICE TO PUBLIC: All those items listed as part of the Consent Agenda will be approved by a single motion, unless a request to discuss one of those items is made prior to that time. Anyone present at the meeting may request an item to be removed from the consent agenda. Please inform the Council when they approve the agenda for this meeting.)
- Approve Equipment Sharing Agreement (Carver County Cities)
- Approve Minutes for January 10, 2012
- Approve MN Lawful Gambling Permit for Hamburg Lions Club (Spring Bingo)
- 2012 American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast/Heroes Award Nominations
- Water Usage Report for 2011
- Delinquent Utility Bills Report
- Employee Project Lists
- Approve Time Off Requests for Jeremy Gruenhagen
- Policing Report for December 2011
Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege
- FEMA Grant
- HFDRA 2011 Donation Summary
- DNR Online Open Burning Permit System/System Access
- Insurance Coverage for Employees or Volunteers Individual Vehicles
- Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) Update
- Keyless Entry for Community Center/Fire Hall
- HFDRA Retirement Account
City Fee Schedule for 2012
- Adopt Ordinance Number 142 (2012 City Fee Schedule)
Old City Business (Memo)
- City Clean Up Day (Spring 2012)
- 2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates (June 1, 2013)
- City Electronic Sign
- Purchase Tables for Community Center/Hall
- Norwood Young America Chamber of Commerce Membership
Public Works & Utilities Department Report
- Purchase Utility Locater/Camera
  - Ordinance Number 124
- Purchase of New Wed/Dry Vac
- Paint Community Center (Color)
Deputy Clerk & City Clerk/Treasurer Report
- 2012 MCFOA Conference (March 20-23)
- Additional Lateral Quotes for Carver County Fiber Optic Ring
- Business/Professional Directory for Hamburg (Update)

Approve Payment of January 2012 Added Claims

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

Adjourn City Council Meeting

COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES

JANUARY 7 – HFDRA Banquet/Dance

15 – Lions Pancake Brunch

21 – Pheasants Forever

24-25 – Fahey Auction

28 – Green Isle CPA Banquet

FEBRUARY 4 – HHFC Fish Fry

COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES

JANUARY 2 – New Year's Day Observed – City Office's Closed

2 – Lions Club (Lions/YA Twp. Room)

2 – Hamburg Fire Department Training

7 – Community Center Rental (Karen Wolter)

8 – Community Center Rental (Karen Wolter)

10 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

16 – Holiday – MLK Jr. Day – City Office's Closed

16 – Hamburg Lions Club

24 – Public Hearing – Ordinance #142 – 7:00 PM

24 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

28 – Hamburg Baseball Club

30 – Hamburg Fire Dept. (Relief Association) Meeting

FEBRUARY 6 – Hamburg Lions Club (Lions/YA Twp. Room)

6 – Hamburg Fire Department Training

14 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

20 – Hamburg Lions Club

20 – Holiday – Presidents' Day – City Office's Closed

27 – Hamburg Fire Dept. (Relief Association) Meeting

28 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

Obama Rejecting Pipeline, Pokes Back At GOP - Amy Harder - NationalJournal.com

2012-01-19T06:51:00.001-06:00

Obama Rejecting Pipeline, Pokes Back At GOP - Amy Harder - NationalJournal.com

When President Obama took office he demanded that we pass legislation that would cost over $780 Billion because it would create over 3 Million jobs and keep unemployment below 8%. Included within that bill was "shovel ready jobs". A year after the passing of the "stimulus" bill the White House finally admitted that there was "no shovel ready jobs" as originally billed. Now, Congress passes a bill that put a timeline on President Obama to approve a "shovel ready job" and he claims that the timeline is to soon. Perhaps if we had not vacationed in Hawaii we'd have the studies completed on environmental impact. I wonder if the Hoover Dam, Mount Rushmore or the vast road system would have been able to be built when they were if those projects came up today. The White House told said the company can reapply and would most likely get approved in 2014. Really, why 2014? Pipelines have dramatically improved and are a safe way to transfer oil with limited impact on the environment. Plus, this pipeline would create over 100,000 jobs! Why is President Obama playing politics and not agreeing to a jobs creation bill that Congress passed?

Hamburg City Council Minutes – December 13, 2011

2012-01-11T19:57:00.007-06:00

Mayor Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, Fire Chief Brad Droege, and Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly were in attendance. Also in attendance were Justin Black (S.E.H. – Hutchinson), John Rodeberg (S.E.H. – Hutchinson), and Justin Buckentin (Hamburg Fire Relief).

Public Comment – No one from the public was in attendance.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

Add – Carver County Sheriff's Report
Updated – Delinquency Report
Updated – Claims Report
Remove from Consent Agenda – Minutes for September 27, 2011, October 11, 2011, and October 25, 2011.
Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the agenda with the added and removed items, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.

Approve Consent Agenda

Approve Resolution Number 2011-17
Approve Resolution Number 2011-18
Approve Contract for Policing Services for 2012 with Carver County
Approve Cigarette License for Parkside Tavern (2012)
Adopt Fund Balance Policy (GASB 54)
Cancel December 27^th City Council Meeting
- Next City Council Meeting January 10, 2012
Potential Refunding of Existing Debt (Memo from Ehlers)
MAOSC December News Update (Traffic Sigh Replacement)
Water Usage Report for 2011
Nuisance Letter(s) Report
Delinquent Utility Bills Report
Project Lists (City Employees)
City Offices Closed December 23^rd and 26^th for Christmas Holiday
Councilmember Barns moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of the three City Council Meeting minutes, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Fire Department Report

Fire Department Relief Association

Justin Buckentin (FD Relief Association) updated Council on the Hamburg Fire Department Relief audit.
- This years audit cost the Relief Association $7,200 and after checking with other cities the next lowest audit cost was $4,400. The Hamburg Relief Association has started to look for a different auditor for the 2012 audit, one that is more in line with other city auditor costs.

Firemens Banquet

The Firemens Banquet & Dance will be held January 7, 2012 at the Hamburg Community Hall.

Toy Drive

The Hamburg Fire Department had a Toy Drive Breakfast and raised $758 to purchase toys for the area Toy Drive.
On Thursday, December 15, 2011, Hamburg, Norwood/YA, and Cologne Fire Departments will be collecting donated toys for the annual Toy Drive. The toys will be delivered to the Southwest Food Shelf located in Norwood/Young America which benefits the three areas.

Gun Raffle

Hamburg Fire Department hosted a gun raffle on December 10 with all tickets being sold.

Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services Update)

A lot of positive comments have been received about the Memorial.
Next spring about $8,000 to $9,000 will be needed to finish the Public Servants Memorial.

FEMA Grant

FEMA Grants should be out in December; so far HFD has not received a rejection notice.

HFD Elected Officers for 2012

Fire Chief – Brad Droege
1^st Assistant – Adam Glander
2^nd Assistant – Justin Buckentin
Training Officer – Jared Mackenthun
Secretary/Treasurer – Brenda Jurek

Fire Department Accident on December 2, 2011

Fire Chief Droege explained to Council as to what caused the accident on December 2^nd between a civilian vehicle and the departments Grass Rig.

City Engineers – S.E.H. Inc

City Engineers Justin Black & John Rodeberg

Justin Black and John Rodeberg introduced themselves to Council as the new city S.E.H. Engineers. They will be serving the City from Hutchinson instead of the engineers from the Mankato S.E.H. office.
Justin and John will be working on the following for the city;
- Local Water Management Plan (June 2012)
- Water Tower Maintenance Program
- Phosphorus Management Plan (2014
- Street Maintenance Plan with Al Hahn

2012 Final Tax Levy and Final Budget (Set & Adopt)

No public in attendance to voice their opinions on the 2012 budget.

Utility Rate Study

According to the Cities auditors (Abdo, Eick & Myers) the storm water rate should be set at $31 a month. This would be for residential and commercial. City Clerk Gruenhagen also gave some variations on what could be charged to residents and commercial property to cover the storm sewer costs.
- It was suggested to increase the storm water fee to $16.75 for the 2012 budget. In 2012 Council will have to decide the storm water rate going forward.
Rates to be set on January 10, 2012.

City Fee Schedule for 2012 – Council discussed the following.

Community Hall Rental Fee – increase by $50 or $100
Pop Rate – Look to increase rate due to increased pop fees.
What to set the water, sewer, and/or storm sewer rates at.
Election judges pay is now $10 per hour should this amount be lowered to $8 per hour?
Council Special Meetings payment is now $25 per meeting; increase to $30 per meeting?
- This would have to be changed by ordinance before the General Election in 2012 and would go into effect in 2013.
Councilmember Barns moved to hold the Public Meeting for the City Fee schedule for January 10, 2012 at 6:45 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

2012 Final Budget – Council discussed the budget (as presented) and made the following changes;

Equipment & Improvement expenses for general government buildings were increased from $3,000 to $23,000 for the purchase of a light duty truck.
Transfer from the General Fund to Cities Savings account was reduced to $12,000 from $27,000.

City Clerk Gruenhagen and Council discussed reducing the 2012 Property Tax Levy by 2%. They also discussed moving $25,000, fiscal year 2011, from the General Fund to Cities Saving Account for future Capital Purchases.

Councilmember Barnes moved to set the 2012 Levy at $395,210, a two percent decrease (-2%), seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Councilmember Lund moved to approve the 2012 Final Budget with the changes as stated, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Councilmember Mueller moved to approve transferring an additional $25,000 from the General Fund to the Cities Savings Fund, fiscal year 2011, for future Capital purchases, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

For the record no one from the public was present and Council set the 2012 Tax Levy and final 2012 Budget.

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

The PFA loan disbursement should be finalized by the end of this month.
The accident claim to Chard is still outstanding. If they have not paid by the end of the month it will be turned over to the City Attorney.

Old City Business (Memo)

Community Hall Cooler

The Hamburg Lions Club volunteered to paint the Hall Cooler. Council did not have any objections.

City Clean Up Day (Spring 2012)

City Clerk Gruenhagen will be meeting next Wednesday with Norwood/YA and Cologne to discuss setting a City Clean Up Day.
- Council suggested including Young America Township in the event.

2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates

This will be discussed next year.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Utility Locater/Camera

Have one more vendor to demo their camera.

Purchase Tables for Community Hall

Council discussed what type of table they would like to have in the Community Center and the Hall.
- Council decided to purchase 10 - 6' x 2' plastic tables for the Community Center and use the wood tables at the Hall.
The Hamburg Lions Club is looking at round plastic tables for the Community Center.

Broken Side Mirror - City Truck

Mayor Malz will pick up a side mirror for the City Maintenance truck.

Shop Organization

Councilmember Mueller asked Maintenance Worker Byerly to organize his desk and tools in the City Shop area.

Keys for City Buildings

Cologne Internet Service (ISP) Company requested a key to the water tower so they could have access to their equipment when needed instead of contacting the City office first.
- Council discussed and decided not to allow the water tower keys to be given out. They also discussed changing the locks on all City buildings.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

Employee Reviews

All City employee reviews have been completed.
Employees were given a 2% increase for 2012 wages.
Health Insurance was changed to where the City will only contribute $3,500 of the $4,000 contribution to the H.S.A.

Donations

The Hamburg Lions Club donated $250 to be used toward the purchase of the trees for the Park.
A resolution accepting all donations will be made at the beginning of next year.

City Office Hours

The City office will be closed December 23, 2011 and December 26, 2011 for the Christmas Holiday's, also January 2, 2012 for New Years Day.
City Clerk Gruenhagen will be off December 22, 2011 and December 27, 2011.
- Council discussed what hours Deputy Clerk Block should work and decided to have her work 9:00 to 4:00 on the days Jeremy is off.

Approve Payment of December 2011 Claims

Approve Payment of November 2011 Claims

Council discussed claim #15345 to Dr. Dan's Refrigeration in the amount $2,563.50 for work he had done on the Hall cooler. Council decided to hold the check until Dr. Dan can be contacted and ask if he would consider lower his cost.
Councilmember Barnes moved to approve claim number 15334 through claim number 15381, less claim number 15345, and the three ACH payment, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.
All Council members were present.

City Council Reports

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water)

Councilmember Mueller requested Maintenance Worker Byerly to clean up the shop area.

Councilmember Lund (Streets) – no further comments

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)

Councilmember Trebesch reported that two street lights were out on Henrietta Ave.

Councilmember Barnes

Councilmember Barnes questioned if the lights on the Memorial are on a timer.
- Council commented that the lights on the statues are on a timer but the light on the flag is always on.

Mayor Malz

Mayor Malz commented that the City keys keep walking off and should consider re-keying all the locks.
- Council also suggested checking into the price of electric locks for all doors.

Adjourn City Council Meeting

Councilmember Lund moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 8:51p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.

Submitted by:

Sue Block - Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Minutes – November 22, 2011

2012-01-11T19:57:00.005-06:00

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

Public Comment – No one from the public was in attendance.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

Add – Updated Claims List
Add – Temporary On-Sale Liquor License (4) for Lions Club
Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried.

Approve Consent Agenda

Mediacom Rate Changes (December 15, 2011)
Cash Flow Statement for October
MCFOA Region V Training
City Government Update Seminar (Abdo, Eick & Meyers)
Xcel Energy Customer Feedback Letter
MNSPECT Minute for November
Water usage Report for 2011
Draft Carver & Bevens Creek Turbidity TMDL Report & Request for Comment (MPCA)
Temporary On-Sale Liquor Licenses (4) for Lions Club
Exempt Gambling Permit for Pheasants Forever (January 21, 2012)
Time Off Request (Jeremy Gruenhagen)
City Offices Closed November 24^th and 25^th for Thanksgiving
Removed from the Consent Agenda – Delinquent Utility Bills Report and Employees Project Lists
Councilmember Lund moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the noted changes, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried.

Fire Department Report

FEMA Grant

FEMA Grant – no update

HFD Officers Election

The Hamburg Fire Department will be electing officers at their November 28^th meeting.

Firemens Dance

The Firemens Dance will be held January 7, 2012 at the Hamburg Community Hall.

Toy Drive

The Hamburg, Norwood/YA, and Cologne Fire Departments will be holding a toy drive again this year, November 23^rd to December 23^rd. The toys will be delivered to the Southwest Food Shelf located in Norwood/Young America.

Aridazzle Festival

The City of Arlington will be hosting an Aridazzle Festival on December 3^rd. The Hamburg Fire Department will have one its fire trucks decorated and attending the event.

Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services Update)

Brad Droege gave Council an update on the Memorial project.
- The lights for the statues and flag should be installed on Wednesday, November 23^rd.
- To date everything installed has been paid for.

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

Repair of Kim Avenue is complete.
During the construction of the Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer project the Hamburg Fire Department responded to a hazardous call when Chard Tiling hit a gas line. The cost for the Fire Department to respond is $800 of which Chard has not yet paid.

Old City Business

Community Hall Doors (Replace)

Laurel Builders (Mike) sent in an estimate of $3,350 to replace the two Hall doors.
Dan Oelfke submitted an estimate of $4,188.
Councilmember Barnes moved to accept Laurel Builders bid on the commercial doors with panic bars at the Hall for $3,350, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion carried.

Cooler for Community Hall

Council discussed the progress of installing the new cooler and what still needs to be done.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Utility Locater/Camera

Maintenance Worker Byerly and City Clerk Gruenhagen have met with two venders and have one more vendor to demo their camera.

LED Lights

Maintenance Worker Byerly asked Council if he could order four LED lights for the Community Center Exit Lights. The LED lights cost $33 per light but last longer then the lights currently used.
Council discussed and decided to have Maintenance Worker Byerly purchase the LED lights.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates (June 1, 2013)

Added to agenda so Council will know how long the City has to contest the 2010 Census Count.

Mediacom Business Phone Service

City Clerk Gruenhagen followed up with Mediacom asking if they would change their required three year service agreement to one year. The answer he received was that Mediacom would not put in writing an agreement for one year.
Council discussed and decided to table the idea for now.

2011 Budget Items

City Clerk Gruenhagen informed Council that he should be able to finish the 2011 Budget and deliver it to Council on December 23^rd.

Budget Workshop Meeting – November 28, 2011 @ 6:00 p.m.

Items to be discussed will be the 2012 Final Budget, 2012 Tax Levy, City Fee Schedule for 2012, and Water/Sewer/Storm Water Rates for 2012.

December 27^th City Council Meeting (Cancel)

Canceling the December 27^th Council meeting will be decided on at the next meeting.

Approve Payment of November 2011 Claims

Councilmember Barnes moved to approve claim number 15324 through claim number 15333and one ACH payment, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried.

City Council Reports

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water) – was absent

City Clerk Gruenhagen
reported for Councilmember Mueller that a tree stump located in the Park should be removed.
- Council discussed and decided to have it removed when the duck pond is dredged out.

Councilmember Lund (Streets) – no further comments

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings) – had no further comments

Councilmember Barnes – had no further comments

Mayor Malz – had no further comments

Recess City Council Meeting

Councilmember Trebesch moved to recess the Hamburg City Council meeting at 7:42 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion carried.

Move to Closed Meeting for the purpose of Employee Reviews (Unless any employee requests an Open Meeting for his/her review. Any Open Meeting for Employee review(s) shall be held prior to any Closed Meeting for Employee Review(s).

Councilmember Trebesch moved to move to a Closed Meeting for Employee Reviews, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion carried.

Move to Close Closed Meeting for Employee Reviews

Councilmember Trebesch moved to close Closed Meeting for Employee Reviews at 9:03 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion carried.

Move to Reopen the City Council Meeting

Councilmember Trebesch moved to reopen the City Council Meeting at 9:03 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion carried.

City Clerk Gruenhagen noted after the Closed Meeting the following motions were made and seconded;

The City to continue to pay insurance premiums for Maintenance Worker Byerly and City Clerk Gruenhagen with the City contributing $3,500 of the $4,000 deductable for insurance during 2012.
Motion was made, seconded, and carried to approve a two percent (2%) pay increase for all employees with Councilmember Barnes abstaining.

Trees for the Park

Council discussed and decided to purchase 10 trees from Dick Ames to be planted in the park.
Councilmember Trebesch moved to purchase 10 trees (@ $75 per tree) from Dick Ames and plant them in the Bi-Centennial Park, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion carried.

Adjourn City Council Meeting

Councilmember Lund moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 9:12 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried.

Submitted by: Sue Block - Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Minutes – November 8, 2011

2012-01-11T19:57:00.003-06:00

Mayor Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 8:02 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly was absent.

Public Comment – No one from the public was in attendance.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

Add – Updated Nuisance List
Add – Updated Delinquency Report
Add – Updated Claims List
Add – Updated Employee Project Lists
Add – Phone Pricing from Mediacom
Add – Commercial Building Rehabilitation Loan Program
Add – Change Order
Add – Pay Request #7 – Sanitary Storm and Sewer Project
Add – 2012 Health Insurance Rates
Add – Installation of Drain Tile
Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Approve Consent Agenda

Notice of Information Meeting on November 23, 2011 (Joint ditch No. 3A)
Public Hearing – November 2, 2011- James Stuewe Variance Request
Mediacom Digital Open House Information
MNSPECT Holiday Schedule
Cash Flow Statement for September
Delinquent Utility Bills Report
Nuisance Letter(s) Report
Project Lists (City Employees)
City Offices Closed November 11^th for Veterans Day
Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Fire Department Report

FEMA Grant

FEMA Grant – no update

Narrow Banding Grant (Siren)

Due to a new FCC mandate all outdoor warning sirens are to be upgraded to narrow band. Hamburg's warning siren is being upgraded to narrow band at the cost of $872.00. The estimated Grant award to Hamburg is $607.16 and the Cities obligation is $264.84.

Narrow Banding Grant (Pagers)

The Hamburg Fire Department will be receiving 23 new narrow band pagers from a County FEMA Grant however Chief Droege has the opportunity to purchase eight more pagers at a reduced cost. If Council agreed to the purchase it would save the city $125 per pager over regular cost per pager. Cost for the eight additional pagers would be $465 per pager totaling $3,720. The Hamburg Fire Department would donate $2,500 from their Charitable Gambling Fund to help pay for them.
- Total number of Firefighters including the Rescue Reserve is 33 members.
Council discussed and decided to agree to the Fire Department's request to purchase eight additional pagers.
Councilmember Mueller moved to give the Hamburg Fire Department permission to purchase eight (8) additional pagers for $3,720.00, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) – Update

Brad Droege gave Council an update on the Protective Services Memorial.
Councilmember Mueller asked Council if they would like to have the City donate $100 towards Christmas decorations for the two evergreens by the Memorial.
- Council discussed however no decision was made.

Engine 11 Repairs

Repair of Engine 11 was completed.

HFD Officers Election

The Hamburg Fire Department will be electing officers at their November 28^th meeting.

Halloween Patrol

No instances to report on.

Toy Drive

The Hamburg, Norwood/YA, and Cologne Fire Departments will be holding a toy drive again this year, November 23^rd to December 23^rd.

Garbage Can for Memorial

Council discussed and decided to purchase a stone sided garbage can for the Memorial next spring.

Park Duck Pond

The duck pond needs to be dredged out and Wm. Mueller & Sons (Brad Droege) estimated the cost to be about $800 to $900.
Council discussed and decided to contribute up to $500 to dredge the duck pond with Wm. Mueller & Sons picking up any additional cost.
Councilmember Mueller moved to contribute up to $500 towards dredging the Park Duck Pond, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Repair of Kim Avenue

Brad Droege (Wm. Mueller & Sons) gave an update on the completed repair of Kim Avenue.

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

Annexation of Storm Water Pond Parcel – Joint Resolution 2011-16

Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the joint Resolution 2011-16 annexing the public property located adjacent to the east side of Bicentennial Park and currently located within the Town of Young America to the City of Hamburg for use as a storm water pond, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Extra Piping by Robert and Brad

Councilmember Mueller informed Council that extra piping is needed by Robert Ave and Brad Street for a resident to hook up their sump pump into the new storm sewer. It would be in the best interest of the City to install a larger 4" pipe when the area is dug up. The resident has agreed to pay for the digging and the City should pay for the larger pipe and rock.
Councilmember Trebesch moved to have the City of Hamburg pay for the larger pipe upgrade and rock to be installed by Robert Ave and Brad Street, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Change Order for I & I Project

No. 3 – Remove Valley Gutter by David Avenue and George Street and No. 4 – Construct 7" Thick Valley Gutter by David Avenue and George Street were not completed correctly and should not be charged to the city.
- City Clerk Gruenhagen will contact Al Hahn and have him follow up with Chard.

Old City Business

Community Hall Doors (Replace)

City Clerk Gruenhagen is waiting for Laurel Builders to verify if their estimate includes panic bars on the commercial doors.

Cooler for Community Hall

Council discussed the progress of installing the new cooler.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Utility Locater/Camera

Maintenance Worker Byerly and City Clerk Gruenhagen have met with two venders and have one more camera /locater to look at.

Utility Service Full Service Maintenance Program (Water Tower)

Council was presented with a projected full service maintenance program from Utility Service (Ryan Baum - Water System Consultant) to maintain the cities water tower. A six year full renovation inside and exterior would cost the city approximately $250,000.
Council decided not to accept this maintenance program.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

Mediacom Business Phone Service

City Clerk Gruenhagen presented Council with information on switching to Mediacom Business Telephone service.
Council discussed and asked City Clerk Gruenhagen to follow up with Mediacom if they would change their required three year service agreement to one year. If Mediacom agrees to a one year contract Council will discuss at that time.

2011 Budget Items Budgeted to be completed in 2011

Council requested to keep this on the agenda incase someone comes up with a project for this year.

Health Insurance Rates and Employee Evaluations

Discussion on Health Insurance and Employee Evaluations will be on the November 22^nd Council Agenda.

Set Special Budget Workshop Meeting Dates

Councilmember Trebesch moved to set the Special Budget Workshop Meeting on November 28, 2011 at 6:00 p.m., Councilmember Barnes seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Small Cities Commercial Building Rehabilitation Loan Program

Council discussed a joint venture with Norwood/Young America, Cologne, and Hamburg to apply for the Small Cities Commercial Building Rehabilitation Cooperative Agreement loan program. Council decided that it was in the best interest for the community to apply for the loan.
Councilmember Trebesch moved to approve to participate with Norwood/Young America and Cologne in applying for the Small Cities Commercial Building Rehabilitation loan program, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Deputy Clerk Block informed Council that during March 20-23, 2012 there is a MCFOA conference in St. Cloud that she would like to attend.

Council discussed and decided to add this to the 2012 budget and make a final decision whither or not to allow her to attend once the total cost of the conference becomes available.

Approve Payment of November 2011 Claims

Council discussed the following check:
- #15323 Chard Tiling & Excavating for $35,696.19
  - Hold cost of change order amount until better clarification of charges but approve the pay request for $32,143.46.
Councilmember Barnes moved to approve claim number 15291 through claim number 15323, changing the payment amount of claim number 15323 to $32,143.46 and the three ACH payments, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

City Council Reports

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water) – had no further comments

Councilmember Lund (Streets) – no further comments

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)

Street light by Central Street and Sophia Ave is blinking, requested a fix ticket be sent to Xcel.

Councilmember Barnes – had no further comments

Mayor Malz – had no further comments

Councilmember Lund moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 9:52 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Submitted by:

Sue Block

Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Minutes – October 25, 2011

2012-01-11T19:57:00.001-06:00

Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg Special Meeting for the Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Assessment Roll to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, and Deputy Clerk Sue Block were in attendance. Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly was absent. Chuck Vermeersch (S.E.H.) was also in attendance.

Residents in attendance were; Glenn & Mary Mueller (624 Kim Ave), William Panning (631 Kim Ave), Joyce Kroells (637 Kim Ave), Richard Lehrman (638 Kim Ave), Brad Droege (507 George St), Dale Stuewe (636 Kim Ave), Lois Droege (719 Park Ave), also Nichelle Schug and Dave Towner (618 Kim Ave).

Chuck Vermeersch (S.E.H.) presented Council and the public an over view of the Assessment Hearing Agenda, Purpose of Hearing and Description of Project;

Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Project Cost and Funding Summary
- Total Estimated Project Cost - $1,175.143
- Estimated Project Financing (Neighborhood Contribution) - $150,200
- Estimated Project Financing (Public Utility Revenues City-wide Contribution) $1,024,943
Assessment Policy
- Only Sanitary Sewer improvement costs are proposed to be assessed.
Assessment Rates
- Total Estimated Sanitary Sewer Cost - $289,326
- Neighborhood Contribution Assessments - $150,200
- Total Number of Assessable Units – 42 units
- Assessment Rate per Unit - $3,576.19
- Assessment Years – 19 years
- Assessment Interest Rate – 3.256%
Special Assessment Payments by Residents
- The total amount of the Assessment can be paid without interest for thirty (30) days from the date the Assessment was approved by Council.
- After the thirty (30) days one year of interest would be added to the payment if paid off within one year after Assessment approval.
- After one year from the approval date the Assessed amount plus interest would be applied to the resident's property taxes.
- Payment of the special assessment for homestead property owners 65 years of age or older, one retired by permanent and total disability, or a member of the National Guard or other reserves ordered to active military service for whom it would be a hardship to make payments can be deferred with approval from Council.
  - If payment is deferred the interest will continue to accrue.

Public Comments

Lois Droege requested the undeveloped lot she owns, PID #45.1760040, which has no service hookups be removed from the Assessment Roll.
- Council will discuss during the regular City Council Meeting if the lot should be removed and the Assessment Roll modified.

Councilmember Mueller moved to close the Special Assessment Hearing at 7:25 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly was absent. Others in attendance were Ryan Baum (Utility Service Company), Dale Stuewe (636 Kim Ave), Chuck Vermeersch (S.E.H.)

Public Comment

Dale Stuewe (636 Kim Ave) requested his water usage for last month be lowered. He was watering the new sod placed in his back yard due to the Storm Sewer and Storm Water project.
Council discussed and decided not to lower Dale Stuewes water usage amount. Council also decided to wait until next spring to find out if the sod should be replaced.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

Add – Norwood/Young America Chamber of Commerce Letter
Add – Updated Delinquency Report
Add – Updated Claims List
Add – Resolution Number 2011-15
Added to the City Clerk Report
- 2012 Health Insurance Rates
- Changing November 8, 2011 Council Meeting Time and/or Date
Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Approve Consent Agenda

Approve Minutes for September 27, 2011 and October 11, 2011
- Mayor Malz requested one change in the September 27^th Minutes, change City Attorney Metz to Carver County Attorney Mark Metz.
2012 MBA Scholarship Program
MN State Bid Trucks – North Central International
Melchert-Hubert-Sjodin Open House December 6, 2011
Mediacom (Analog to Digital) & (New Digital Tiers)
Gambling Permit for Conservation Partners of America (Jan. 28, 2012)
Public Hearing – Chaska (November 2, 2011) – James Stuewe Variance Request
Delinquent Utility Bills Report
- Owner of 481 Sophia Ave contacted the Hamburg City office concerning the delinquent water bills of renter and will send in a partial payment.
Nuisance Letter(s) Report
Project List (City Employees)
Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the one change, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Hamburg Water Tower – Ryan Baum (Water Systems Consultant)

Ryan Baum gave a presentation on what Utility Service could do in repairing, painting, and general maintenance of the cities water tower.
Council asked Mr. Baum to put some figures together as to what it would cost the City if they entered into a contract with Utility Service to maintain the water tower.
- Mr. Baum will have the annual fee cost available for the next Council meeting on November 8^th, 2011.

Fire Department Report – Presented by City Clerk Gruenhagen

(Chief Brad Droege was unable to attend tonight's meeting.)

FEMA Grant

FEMA Grant – no word yet.

Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) – Update

Cement will be poured Thursday.
Flagpole will be installed this week.
Last two statues pick up on Wednesday.
Setting statues up Thursday night.
Finish landscape and benches on Saturday.

Fire Department Garage Door

The bay door will be fixed this Thursday.

Hydrant Extensions

Maintenance Worker Byerly will have the hydrant extensions painted however there is no time frame as to when this will be completed.

Park Duck Pond

The duck pond needs to be dredged out again and Brad Droege was wondering if the City could help cover some of the cost. Wm. Mueller & Sons would also help with some of the costs.
- City Clerk Gruenhagen informed Council that there is about $2,000 left in the Park Repairs and Maintenance budget to help cover a portion of the cost.
Council requested that Brad Droege, Wm. Mueller & Sons, put together an estimate of how much this would cost before making a decision. City Clerk Gruenhagen will speak with Mr. Droege.

Repair of Kim Avenue

Wm. Mueller & Sons will start working on repairing Kim Avenue on October 27^th – 28^th or the week of November 31^st.

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

Annexation of Storm Water Pond Parcel

The resolution to annex the Storm Water Pond parcel into the City will be ready for approval by the next Council meeting on November 8^th. This will be a joint resolution with the Township during their regular meeting accruing on the same date and time.

Assessment Roll

Council discussed removing or leaving parcel number 45.1760040 on the Assessment Roll. This parcel does not have any services stubbed in and no access to a public street.
- Councilmember Mueller moved to remove parcel number 45.1760040 from the Assessment Roll, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Resolution Number 2011-15

Councilmember Barnes moved to approve Resolution Number 2011-15 with the removal of parcel number 45.1760040 from the Assessment Roll, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Old City Business

Closet for Fiber Optic Equipment/City Storage

Laurel Builders were awarded the contract at the last Council meeting.

Community Hall Doors (Replace)

Council discussed the estimates from Dan Oelfke and Laurel Builders and decided to have City Clerk Gruenhagen verify if the estimate from Laurel Builders includes panic bars on the commercial doors.

Cooler for Community Hall

Councilmember Barnes contacted Danny and he will be out Monday to disconnect the electrical wiring on the old cooler.
Maintenance Worker Byerly is working on pressure washing the cooler paneling.
Councilmember Trebesch requested someone else be the main contact in organizing and completing the project. Councilmember Barnes will look at what needs to be done.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Utility Locater/Camera

Maintenance Worker Byerly is setting up appointments for different companies to come out and demonstrate their utility cameras.

Re-Strip Community Center Parking Lot – Estimate from Kohl's (Lonnie)

Councilmember Mueller moved to have Kohls Sweeping Service (Lonnie Kohls) re-strip the Community Center parking lot for his proposed cost of $293.00, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

Dehumidifier for Community Center

Hilgers Plumbing and Heating submitted an estimate for installing a dehumidifier on the Community Center heating unit. The proposed cost was $2,470.
No action was taken at this time. Another estimate will be obtained.

Handicap Accessibility for City Parks

This item will be kept on the agenda to be decided on next spring as to where the paths should be located.

Mediacom Business Phone Service

City Clerk Gruenhagen will follow up with his contact at Mediacom for more information if the city would save any money bundling phone and internet with them.

2011 Budget Items Budgeted to be completed in 2011

Hall Improvements and Repair has $5,500 to replace the Hall doors this year.

Health Insurance

If the City would change its Health Provider to Medica it would save $4,300 per year for the same coverage it now has with Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Council requested City Clerk Gruenhagen to check the cost of health care if the city went directly through a broker and report back at the next Council meeting.

Changing the November 8^th City Council Meeting Date and/or Time

November 8, 2011 is National Election Day and no meetings can be held between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. There will be a School Board Election on that day so Council will either have to hold their Council meeting before 6:00 p.m. or after 8:00 p.m. The other alternative would be to move the Council meeting to another date.
Councilmember Barnes moved to move the City Council meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on November 8, 2011, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Approve Payment of Added October 2011 Claims

Approve Payment of October 2011 Claims

Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the one ACH payment and claim number 15272 through claim number 15290, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

City Council Reports

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water) – had no further comments

Councilmember Lund (Streets)

Councilmember Lund questioned the Hall Rental fee published in the local newspaper as being incorrect.
- City Clerk Gruenhagen will call the paper and have them print a retraction.

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)

Councilmember Trebesch asked if the Park water has been turned off for the winter months.
- Maintenance Worker Byerly watches the weather and keeps the Park bathrooms open as long as possible before shutting off the water.

Councilmember Barnes – had no further comments

Mayor Malz – had no further comments

Councilmember Lund moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 8:58 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Submitted by:

Sue Block

Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Agenda – January 10, 2012

2012-01-06T17:49:00.001-06:00

Call City Council Meeting to Order at 7:00 PM
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Designations/Appointments for 2012
  - Appoint Assistant (Acting) Mayor
  - Designate Departments for City Council Members
  - Set City Council Meeting Start Time for 2012
  - Designate Official Depository (Bank) and Official Newspaper
  - Designate City Engineer(s) for 2012

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

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

Consent Agenda
(NOTICE TO PUBLIC: All those items listed as part of the Consent Agenda will be approved by a single motion, unless a request to discuss one of those items is made prior to that time. Anyone present at the meeting may request an item to be removed from the consent agenda. Please inform the Council when they approve the agenda for this meeting.)
- Approve Resolution Number 2012-01
- Approve Minutes for October 25, 2011, November 8, 2011, November 22, 2011 and December 13, 2011
- Approve MN Lawful Gambling Permit for Hamburg Baseball Club (52 Club Raffle)
- Move Public Hearing for 2012 City Fee Schedule (Ordinance No. 142) to:
  - January 24, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
- 2011 Property/Casualty Dividend
- Letter from MCFOA
- Local Board of Appeal and Equalization/Open Book Meetings
- Memo from Carver County Emergency Management Department
  - Outdoor Warning Siren Work – Narrow Banding Grant Funding
- GASB Statement Number 54 Memo
- Cash Flow Statements for November & December 2011
- Water Usage Report for 2011
- Delinquent Utility Bills Report
- Time Off Requests for Jeremy Gruenhagen
- City Offices Closed January 16, 2012 for MLK Jr. Day
Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege
- FEMA Grant
- Insurance Coverage for Employees or Volunteers Individual Vehicles
- Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) Update
- HFDRA Henry .22 (Firefighter Edition) Gun Raffle
- Fire Department Banquet/Dance (January 7, 2012)
- HFDRA Retirement Account
City Fee Schedule for 2012
- Public Hearing to Adopt City Fee Schedule
  - January 24, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project
- PFA Loan Disbursement
Old City Business (Memo)
- City Clean Up Day (Spring 2012)
- 2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates (June 1, 2013)
Public Works & Utilities Department Report
- Utility Locater/Camera
- Purchase Tables for Community Hall
City Clerk/Treasurer Report
- Keyless Entry for Community Center/Fire Hall
- Equipment Sharing Agreement (Carver County Cities)

Approve Payment of December 2011/January 2012 Claims

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

Adjourn City Council Meeting

COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES

JANUARY 7 – HFDRA Banquet/Dance

15 – Lions Pancake Brunch

21 – Pheasants Forever

24-25 – Fahey Auction

28 – Green Isle CPA Banquet

FEBRUARY 4 – HHFC Fish Fry

COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES

JANUARY 2 – New Year's Day Observed – City Office's Closed

2 – Lions Club (Lions/YA Twp. Room)

2 – Hamburg Fire Department Training

7 – Community Center Rental (Karen Wolter)

8 – Community Center Rental (Karen Wolter)

10 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

16 – Holiday – MLK Jr. Day – City Office's Closed

16 – Hamburg Lions Club

24 – Public Hearing – Ordinance #142 – 7:00 PM

24 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

28 – Hamburg Baseball Club

30 – Hamburg Fire Dept. (Relief Association) Meeting

Montana Supreme Court Uphold's Corporate Ban

2012-01-04T21:01:00.002-06:00

The Supreme Court of Montana upheld a 1912 state law that banned corporations from spending money in "connection with a candidate or political party that support or opposes a candidate or political party". The original law in Montana was in response to Copper Baron's that had used their purse strings to purchase judges and legislators to do their bidding. The Montana Supreme Court upheld the law by a 5-2 vote.

While many will see this as a great victory to encourage the United States to reverse their Citizen United case from last year, I see this as a state exerting their 10th Amendment Rights. The 1912 law deals with state and local elections and does not impact the national elections that come through town every four years. If Montana gets a chance to argue their case before the Supreme Court and make a valid case that the 1912 law only effects state and local elections thus doesn't fall under the Citizen United precedent; rather the 1912 law is protected by the 10th Amendment then it could have a ripple effect to other laws of the land.

The ripple effect would be seen first through commerce and actually be a means for states to Constitutionally opt out of Obamacare since their is no interstate commerce going on. Possible even see challenges to Roe v. Wade, Affirmative Action, DOMA and other social concepts that not all States may agree with. Which brings me back to may original point that many that don't agree with Citizen United see this as a possible victory, if it stands I see it having a larger impact on States being able to wrestle back the 10th Amendment that has been eroded since it's birth.

Happy New Year!!!

2011-12-31T17:14:00.002-06:00

We are just under 7 hours away from ushering in 2012 and a handful more hours away from the first Republican Primary vote in Iowa. Many of us will venture out this evening to embark in celebrating 2011 while introducing oneself to 2012. If you are one that will be venturing out of the home this evening be safe and responsible for your actions. Tradition of New Year will have many of us professing resolutions that will go largely unfilled. My goal is to make resolutions that will be achieved. Here is the short list:

1. I resolve to lose 15 pounds by exercising vigorously three times a week.
2. I resolve to dig deeper into the issues of the day.
3. I resolve to vet all candidates that will be running for office.
4. I resolve to help educate children.

I wish all that read/follow this blog a Happy New Year! May all your wishes come true.

The Politics of the Payroll Tax Cut

2011-12-20T21:46:00.002-06:00

Before going on vacation the Senate passed a temporary bill that would extend the payroll tax relief, passed previously under the Bush tax cut plan, for the first two months in 2012. The bill passed with bi-partisan support while ignoring the House passed version that called for a yearlong payroll tax relief. Originally, President Obama wanted a yearlong payroll tax relief and is now pushing House Speaker Boehner to pass the Senate bill. Instead of complying with President Obama's request, the House never entertained the bill instead they put forth a resolution that the Senate identify members of their chamber for a conference committee to iron out the difference between the two bills. That being said, much is being blown out of portion on the payroll tax relief. President Obama and Democrats are saying that without passing the Senate Bill the average America will see their payrolls slashed by $1000.

Now, this $1000 does not come out in the first or second check one will receive in 2012; rather it is spread out over the entire year. What are being missed in this conversation are two things: that the payroll tax is actually what fuels SSN and Democrats railed against the extension of Bush tax cuts last year. The payroll tax is that line item known as FICA that adds money to SSN. During the past debt ceiling discussion the Democrats said that Republicans were looking to take away SSN benefits to seniors. By extending the payroll tax relief it is projected to underfund SSN by $250M. SSN is already set to be paying out more than it takes in with then next decade. Democrats are now arguing that the extra 2% reduction in payroll tax will help stimulate the economy but when the lame duck Congress was in place in 2010 Democrats voice opposition to extending the Bush tax cuts because it didn't result in stimulus of the economy.

If Congress is serious about ensuring more people have money in the pocket to spend and stimulate the economy they why not pass real tax reform. While I know that scrapping our tax format all together for a flat tax is not likely to take place why not alter all the tax brackets downward by the 2% and leave FICA alone. Even companies that deal with payroll acknowledge that instituting a two-month temporary fix will make a logistical nightmare and increase payroll expenses. How does that help or encourage a business owner to hire a new employee? I hope the Speaker Boehner sticks to his guns and demands that Congress agree to a permanent fix or at the minimum a one-year extension; something the President Obama wants anyway.

Paul rips Romney, Gingrich as 'from the same mold'

2011-12-11T21:13:00.000-06:00

Paul rips Romney, Gingrich as 'from the same mold'

I know Ron Paul has been the castoff in the Republican party because of his small government ideals but does this man make sense? Can he have the answers that we need to make our country strong again? I know he wants to cut $1T today. Doesn't that make more sense then cutting it over then next 10 years? I mean, why do we allow taxes now and cuts to spending over a period of time?

Hamburg City Council Agenda – December 13, 2011

2011-12-11T10:24:00.001-06:00

Call City Council Meeting to Order at 7:00 PM
- Pledge of Allegiance

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

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

Consent Agenda
(NOTICE TO PUBLIC: All those items listed as part of the Consent Agenda will be approved by a single motion, unless a request to discuss one of those items is made prior to that time. Anyone present at the meeting may request an item to be removed from the consent agenda. Please inform the Council when they approve the agenda for this meeting.)
- Approve Resolution Number 2011-17
- Approve Resolution Number 2011-18
- Approve Contract for Policing Services for 2012 with Carver County
- Approve Cigarette License for Parkside Tavern (2012)
- Approve Minutes for September 27, 2011, October 11, 2011, October 25, 2011
- Adopt Fund Balance Policy (GASB 54)
- Cancel December 27^th City Council Meeting
  - Next City Council Meeting January 10, 2012
- Potential Refunding of Existing Debt (Memo from Ehlers)
- MAOSC December News Update (Traffic Sign Replacement)
- Water Usage Report for 2011
- Nuisance Letter(s) Report
- Delinquent Utility Bills Report
- Project Lists (City Employees)
- City Offices Closed December 23^rd & 26^th for Christmas Holiday
Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege
- FEMA Grant
- HFD Officers for 2012
- FD Accident on December 2, 2011
- Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) Update
- HFDRA Lucky 10 Gun Raffle – December 10, 2011
- Toy Drive Breakfast – December 11, 2010
  - Holiday Toy Drive
- Fire Department Banquet/Dance (January 7, 2012)
- HFDRA Retirement Account
City Engineers – S.E.H. Inc.
- Justin Black & John Rodeberg
  - Local Water Management Plan Update (June 2012)
  - Water Tower Maintenance Program
  - Phosphorus Management Plan (2014)
2012 Final Tax Levy and Final Budget (Set & Adopt)
- Utility Rate Study (Abdo, Eick & Meyers)
- City Fee Schedule for 2012
  - Set Public Hearing to Adopt City Fee Schedule
    - January 10, 2012 @ 6:45 PM
- 2011 General Fund Transfers (Approve)
- Public Comments on 2012 Final Budget & Tax Levy
  - Adopt/Approve 2012 Final Tax Levy Certification to Carver County
  - Adopt/Approve 2012 Final Budget
Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project
- PFA Loan Disbursement
Old City Business (Memo)
- City Clean Up Day (Spring 2012)
- 2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates (June 1, 2013)
Public Works & Utilities Department Report
- Utility Locater/Camera
- Purchase Tables for Community Hall
City Clerk/Treasurer Report
- City Employee Reviews
  - 2012 Wages and Benefits
- Equipment Sharing Agreement (Carver County Cities)

Approve Payment of December 2011 Claims

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

Adjourn City Council Meeting

COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES

NOVEMBER 14-15 – Fahey Inc. Auction

18 – Hamburg Lions Fall Bingo

DECEMBER 3 – Wedding Reception (Kraemer)

10 – Hamburg Lions Club Lunch with Santa

COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES

NOVEMBER 7 – Hamburg Lions Club

8 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

8 – Young America Township Meeting

11 – Veterans Day Holiday – City Offices Closed

13 – Washington Lakers 4-H Club

20 – Community Center Rental (Biermann)

21 – Hamburg Lions Club

22 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

24 – Community Center Rental (Sprengeler)

24 – Thanksgiving Holiday – City Offices Closed

25 – Thanksgiving Holiday – City Offices Closed

26 – Community Center Rental (Wroge)

28 – Budget Workshop Meeting – 6:00 PM

28 – Hamburg Fire Dept. (Relief Association) – 7:00 PM

DECEMBER 2 – Hamburg Lions Christmas Party

5 – Hamburg Lions Club

11 – Washington Lakers 4-H Club

13 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

16 – Community Center Rental (Wolter)

17 – Community Center Rental (Kroells)

18 – Community Center Rental (Tiggelaar)

19 – Hamburg Lions Club

23 – Christmas Eve Holiday Observed – City Offices Closed

25 – Community Center Rental – John Kuenzel

26 – Christmas Day Holiday Observed – City Offices Closed

26 – Hamburg Fire Dept. (Relief Association) – 7:00 PM

Thanksgiving Day!!!!

2011-11-24T08:39:00.001-06:00

Yesterday millions of Americans traveled via airplane, bus and car to arrive at their destination to spend Thanksgiving Day with family and friends. I recall big celebrations leading up to this day while attending elementary school. I recall creating a cornucopia, dressing up as pilgrims and Indians, and exploring the history of Thanksgiving. Today schools barely even mention Thanksgiving; why is that? Not to mention that some in our society see Thanksgiving as the start of the destruction of North America. A friend of mine on Facebook wrote this yesterday – "Today is the eve of the day that people celebrate another sad day in "White Washed History". People will give thanks to God for the slaughter,rape,torture,giving of small pox,erasure of a civilization of peoples,as they sit back get fat,& watch football,& then go stand in a long azz line to get screwed over for Black Friday."

While we will never know for certain, we can recognize that had Europeans not traveled to North America many of us would not be here nor may I have the opportunity to write this blog. Life in pre-colonial, colonial, industrial revolution, and the 21^st Century are all different to their challenges and triumphs. That being said, I am thankful that the Europeans crossed the ocean and established the New World because it has allowed our society to evolve to a point where everyone has the opportunity to create their destiny in life. Sure some of us start out better than others but I heard this question recently – "If you could choose any country to be born into knowing that you'd be brought into the world as the poorest person in that country – What country would you choose?"

I cannot think of any other country in the world that one would choose to be born into than the United States of America. With all her faults the fact remains that the United States is the only place on Earth that has an environment that everyone (no matter your race, gender, class status) is given the opportunity to create their own future. I give thanks to that. Our Forefathers had the wisdom and courage to create a form of government that broke the chains of serfdom as imperfect it may have been. I give thanks to that. In less than 300 years the United States has gone from militia units to the most powerful military force on the planet. Through that time we have defended the freedoms our Forefathers crafted and I give thanks for that.

As we continue through the second decade of the 21^st Century we face tyranny within our shores. Our elected officials have become drunk with power and greed. They have lost their way to remember who they really represent – the people – not the special interest groups that give copious amounts of dollars to their campaigns. We have an opportunity today to reflect on the things that we are thankful for and what is important to us. My hope is that as people gather around the kitchen table to feast that people recognize that we are at a crossroads. As much as today is about giving thanks for the bounty of the past it is also an opportunity for us to discuss our future. I am thankful for the Tea Party and OWS rallies for the assembly of people into a common theme to protest the government is a cornerstone of building that our Forefathers erected.

Other things that I am thankful for today are: to have my health and my children's health, to have the ability to provide shelter, food and clothing for my family, to be given the opportunity to run my own business, to have friends that agree and disagree with me, and to have been born in the United States. Happy Thanksgiving Day!!!!

Hamburg City Council Agenda – November 22, 2011

2011-11-21T21:11:00.001-06:00

Call City Council Meeting to Order at 7:00 PM
- Pledge of Allegiance

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

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

Consent Agenda
(NOTICE TO PUBLIC: All those items listed as part of the Consent Agenda will be approved by a single motion, unless a request to discuss one of those items is made prior to that time. Anyone present at the meeting may request an item to be removed from the consent agenda. Please inform the Council when they approve the agenda for this meeting.)
- Mediacom Rate Changes (December 15, 2011)
- Cash Flow Statement for October
- MCFOA Region V Training
- City Government Update Seminar (Abdo, Eick & Meyers)
- Xcel Energy Customer Feedback Letter
- MNSPECT MINUTE for November
- Water Usage Report for 2011
- Draft Carver & Bevens Creek Turbidity TMDL Report & Request for Comment (MPCA)
- Temporary On-Sale Liquor Licenses (4) for Lions Club
- Exempt Gambling Permit for Pheasants Forever (January 21, 2012)
- Time Off Request (Jeremy Gruenhagen)
- Delinquent Utility Bills Report
- Project Lists (City Employees)
- City Offices Closed November 24^th & 25^th for Thanksgiving
Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege
- FEMA Grant
- Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) Update
- HFD Officers Election
- Firemens Dance (January 7, 2012)
- Holiday Toy Drive

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project
- Kim Avenue Repairs
Old City Business (Memo)
- City Clean Up Day (Spring 2012)

Community Hall Doors (Replace)
- Estimate from Laurel Builders
- Estimate from Dan Oelfke Construction
Cooler for Community Hall – Update

Public Works & Utilities Department Report
- Utility Locater/Camera

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates (June 1, 2013)
Mediacom Phone Service
2011 Budget Items
- Budgeted Items to be Completed in 2011
Budget Workshop Meeting - November 28, 2011 @ 6:00 PM
- 2012 Final Budget/2012 Tax Levy
- City Fee Schedule for 2012
  - Water/Sewer/Storm Water Rates for 2012
December 27^th City Council Meeting (Cancel)

Approve Payment of Added November 2011 Claims

City Council Reports

Councilmember Mueller Report (Sewer & Water)
Councilmember Lund Report (Streets)
Councilmember Trebesch Report (Buildings)
Councilmember Barnes Report (Parks)
Mayor Malz Report

Recess City Council Meeting

Move to Closed Meeting for the purpose of Employee Reviews [Unless any employee requests an Open Meeting for his/her review. Any Open Meeting for Employee Review(s) shall be held prior to any Closed Meeting for Employee Review(s)]

Sue Block
Dennis Byerly
Jeremy Gruenhagen

Move to Close Closed Meeting for Employee Reviews

Move to Reopen the City Council Meeting

Adjourn City Council Meeting

COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES

NOVEMBER 14-15 – Fahey Inc. Auction

18 – Hamburg Lions Fall Bingo

DECEMBER 3 – Wedding Reception (Kraemer)

10 – Hamburg Lions Club Lunch with Santa

COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES

NOVEMBER 7 – Hamburg Lions Club

8 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

8 – Young America Township Meeting

11 – Veterans Day Holiday – City Offices Closed

13 – Washington Lakers 4-H Club

20 – Community Center Rental (Biermann)

21 – Hamburg Lions Club

22 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

24 – Community Center Rental (Sprengeler)

24 – Thanksgiving Holiday – City Offices Closed

25 – Thanksgiving Holiday – City Offices Closed

26 – Community Center Rental (Wroge)

28 – Budget Workshop Meeting – 6:00 PM

28 – Hamburg Fire Dept. (Relief Association) – 7:00 PM

DECEMBER 2 – Hamburg Lions Christmas Party

5 – Hamburg Lions Club

11 – Washington Lakers 4-H Club

13 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

16 – Community Center Rental (Wolter)

17 – Community Center Rental (Kroells)

18 – Community Center Rental (Tiggelaar)

19 – Hamburg Lions Club

23 – Christmas Eve Holiday Observed – City Offices Closed

25 – Community Center Rental – John Kuenzel

26 – Christmas Day Holiday Observed – City Offices Closed

26 – Hamburg Fire Dept. (Relief Association) – 7:00 PM

Hamburg City Council Minutes – October 11, 2011

2011-11-21T21:10:00.005-06:00

Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly was absent.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

Add – Payment #6 for the Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvement Project
Add – Membership to Health Partnership
Add – Estimates from Laurel Builders for the Community Center fiber optic room and Hall doors
Add – Updated Delinquency Report
Add – Carver County Sheriff's Report
Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Approve Consent Agenda

Time-Off Request (Dennis Byerly)
Snow Removal Contract for 2011-12 (Wm. Mueller & Sons)
Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for the Lions Club (November 18, 2011)
Preliminary Flood Insurance Study Report & Flood Insurance Rate Map
2010 Generalized Land Use Data for Metro Area (Met Council)
2011 Water Usage Report
Cash Flow Statement for August
Delinquent Utility Bills Report
Nuisance Letter(s) Report
Project List (City Employees)
Councilmember Lund moved to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

FEMA Grant

FEMA Grant has been submitted.

Fire Prevention Week (October 9^th to 15^th)

October 14^th a fire prevention demonstration for kids will be held at the Fire Station.

Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) – Update

Chief Droege gave a brief update on the progress of the Park Memorial.
The City of Hamburg will carry insurance for the Memorial at $1 per $100 per evaluation.
Councilmember Barnes moved to approve insuring the Memorial for actual replacement cost, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

Kim Avenue Repairs

The repairs on Kim Avenue will begin during the week of October 24^th to October 28^th.

Annexation of Storm Water Pond Parcel

A resolution to annex the Storm Water Pond parcel into the City should be ready for approval by the next Council meeting. It will be a joint resolution with the Township.

Storm Water Fees – Vacant City Parcels

According to City ordinance vacant parcels will not be charged a Storm Water fee until the land is developed.
Council requested verification if a building is on two or more lots if the county taxes each lot separately or as one lot.
Council also requested verifying if the Assessment Roll is by units or parcels and why one vacant lot was added into the proposed Assessment breakout.
- City Clerk Gruenhagen will contact Chuck (S.E.H.) and have an answer at the next Council meeting.

Old City Business

Councilmember Mueller requested to have Deputy Clerk Block be shown what to inform Hall renters on when doing a walk through.

Employee Job Descriptions

Council discussed and decided to add the following to the General Maintenance Worker/Sewer & Water Operator Job Title;
- A required 30 minute response time.
- Maintain a valid Minnesota Class B Driver License.
Councilmember Lund moved to approve the Employee Job Descriptions with the two added items effective October 31, 2011, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch. Councilmember Barnes voted aye on the General Maintenance Worker/Sewer & Water Operator Job Description and aye on City Clerk/Treasurer Job Description and abstained on the Deputy Clerk/Utility Billing Clerk Job Description. Motion carried.

Closet for Fiber Optic Equipment/City Storage

Received estimates from Dan Oelfke and Laurel Builders (Mike);
- Dan Oelfke - $4120
- Laurel Builders - $2625
Council discussed the bids and decided to go with Laurel Builders
Councilmember Lund moved to accept Laurel Builders estimate of $2,625 to build the storage closet for the Fiber Optic equipment and City storage, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Community Hall Doors (Replace)

Council discussed the estimates from Dan Oelfke and Laurel Builders and decided to have City Clerk Gruenhagen verify if the estimate from Laurel Builders is for commercial doors. A decision on who to award the project to will be made at a later time.

Cooler for Community Hall

Council discussed and decided to plan on installing the new cooler at the Hall starting the week of October 24^th.
The following personal will help take out and install the cooler;
- Councilmember Barnes will contact Danny to disconnect the wiring and help install the new cooler.
- Maintenance Worker Byerly will pressure wash the cooler paneling.
- Members of the Hamburg Fire Department will be asked to help.
- Councilmember Trebesch will be the main contact in organizing and completing the project.

Hall Rental Fee for Auctions

Council discussed and decided to increase the Hall rental fee for auctions due to the extra wear and tear on the flooring, additional heating costs, and higher electrical usage. The rental fee will increase from $250 for two days to $450 for two days.
Councilmember Barnes moved to increase the Hall Rental Fee for auctions being held in the Hamburg Hall to $450 for a two day rental, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
Council also decided that the key for the Hall will not be given out until noon on the day of setup.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Community Center Repairs

Council discussed and decided to have Laurel Builders (Mike) fix the Community Center bathroom walls.

Utility Locater/Camera

Council decided to have Maintenance Worker Byerly set up times for three or four different companies to come out and demonstrate their utility cameras.

Hall Roof Vent

Next year Councilmember Trebesch will remove and seal up the old hall ceiling vent. $500 has been budgeted for this project.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

Utility Rate Study (Abdo, Eick, & Meyers)

Auditors still working on.
Updating the number of parcels within the city will also be looked at.

Municipal Mapping Status Report (MN DOT)

The mapping report was sent out from Met Council and Council decided that every thing looked correct. City Clerk Gruenhagen will return the report with no changes.

Mediacom Business Phone Service

Mediacom dropped off some business phone service brochures for Council to look over. Council discussed the possibility of changing the Cities internet and phone service to Mediacom. If Council decides on the switch over then they will ask Mediacom for a one year contract instead of the required three year agreement.
City Clerk Gruenhagen will follow up with Mediacom (Brad) for more information on the city bundling phone and internet with Mediacom.

Dehumidifier for Community Center

Hilgers Plumbing and Heating will be submitting an estimate on installing a dehumidifier on the Community Center heating unit.

Handicap Accessibility for City Parks

The City of Hamburg has received $10,000 from the S.H.I.P. Grant. Council will be considering where to place the handicap accessible paths in the parks to the playground equipment.

2011 Budget Items Budgeted to be completed in 2011

Street and Sidewalk repairs have $550 left for the year.
Hall Improvements and Repair has $5,500 left for the year.
- The $5,500 could be used to replace the Hall doors this year.
The other funds are mostly used up because of all the budgeted projects that were completed this year.

Vacation

City Clerk Gruenhagen will be on vacation next week. Council decided to have Deputy Clerk Block work eight hours Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Closing the City office on Tuesday.

Approve Payment of Added September 2011 Claims

Approve Payment of October 2011 Claims

Council questioned claim #15269 to Ziegler Inc. for the Fire Department Light Tower repair.
- Council was informed that the Hamburg Fire Department loaned the Light Tower to the Waconia Fair Board and during that time the Light Tower was damaged. Total repair cost was $3,337.15 with Hamburg's insurance covering $2,420.00 minus the $250 deductable. The remaining $667.15 was for other needed Light Tower repairs and will be taken out of the Fire Departments budget.
- Council discussed that the Waconia Fair Board's insurance should have covered the cost of the Light Tower repair.
- City Clerk Gruenhagen will follow up with Fire Chief Droege about what kind of arrangement the Fire Department had with the Fair Board. He will also ask Hamburg's insurance representative if this repair should have been covered by the Waconia Fair Board's insurance company.
Added Claim #15271 from Chard Tiling & Excavating for $64,508.46.
Councilmember Mueller moved to approve claim number 15243 through claim number 15271, plus the six ACH payments, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

City Council Reports

Councilmember Barnes – had no further comments

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water)

Two city residents would like to cut down the dead ash tree in the park. Council decided to put their names in a hat and draw who will get the job. The two names were Steve and Mike and Mike's name was drawn by Mayor Malz.

Councilmember Lund (Streets)

Councilmember Lund questioned why the Cities website has not been updated.
- City Clerk Gruenhagen responded that after several requests he has not received the password so the website could be updated. He will email another request for the password.

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings) – had no further comments

Mayor Malz – had no further comments

Councilmember Barnes moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting a t 8:48 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Submitted by:

Sue Block

Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Minutes – August 9, 2011

2011-11-21T21:10:00.003-06:00

Acting Mayor Larry Mueller called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember John Barnes, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. Others in attendance were Darryl Will (431 Maria Ave), Nichelle Schug and Dave Towner (618 Kim Ave), Jim Ische (Carver County Commissioner), Gary Marquardt (624 David Ave - for Fire Department), Tara Chevaller (Green Isle Softball Tournament), and Jen Meyer (Green Isle Softball Tournament). Mayor Malz was absent.

Public Comment

Darryl Will asked Council if they would reconsider allowing the residents along the through alley ways to place their garbage and recycling containers back in the alleys instead of street curb side. Council had previously changed the policy from having the heavy garbage trucks pick up containers in the alley ways to the street curb.
- Council discussed and decided to allow garbage and recycling pick up in the alley's except when the spring weight restrictions are in place.
- A motion to approve the change will be made during Councilmember Lund's report.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

Updated Claims List for June, July, August
Updated Delinquency List
Added – Updated Nuisance Letter List
Added – Memo from Carver County concerning the memorial monument.
Added – Memo from Ehlers, Todd Hagen, concerning Kim Avenue Repairs.
Added – Memo from City Auditor concerning can collections.
Added – Updated Punch List for Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer project.
Added – Garbage pick up in alleys to Councilmember Lund's report.
Councilmember Lund moved to approve the agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Approve Consent Agenda

Approve Public Hearing Minutes for May 24, 2011 and CC Minutes for June 12, 2011.
On-Sale Temporary Liquor License (Lions Club).
Postcard Memorabilia from 1936
Safety Partners Article – Regional Safety Groups
- Certificate of Appreciation from LMCIT
Water Usage Report for 2011
Cash Flow Statement for June
Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association 2011 Year To Date Return Summary
Councilmember Lund moved to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

DNR Grant

A new DNR Grant was applied for.

FEMA Grant

The FEMA Grant application starts Monday, August 15, 2011, and runs for a month. If the Hamburg Fire Department receives the grant they will be requesting the purchase of a thermo imaging camera.

2012 MESB User Fee for Radios – Extended Warranty for Pagers

Fire Chief Droege suggested to Council that they approve the four (4) year extended warranty for the Pagers. The cost for the extended warranty would be $75 per pager.
- There is money in the budget for this type of purchase and Council agreed to the extension.

National Night Out – August 2, 2011

Fire Chief Droege thanked Council for serving and Maintenance Worker Byerly for cooking the sweet corn on National Night Out.
Total cost for National Night Out was $293.55. Several donations were received to help off set the cost.

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

Fire Chief Droege asked Council to think about the City selecting Fire Department Officers instead of the Department electing the officers. Firefighters who are interested in serving as an officer could put in an application with the Council deciding on whom to select.
The Fire Department usually starts organizing an election committee in September.

Dehumidifier for Community Center

The City Office requested if a dehumidifier could be purchased for the Community Center. Fire Chief Droege informed Council that the Fire Department had just purchased one and they would share it with the City Office/Community Center.

Chard Payment to Fire Department

During the construction of the Storm Water/Storm Sewer project Chard hit a gas line and has not paid the Hamburg Fire Department for their service call amounting to $800. Chard is disputing the claim saying the gas line was not marked.
- After some research, by Fire Chief Droege, the billing goes to the person or company that hit the gas line and then that company would have to request payment from the locating company.

Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services)

Brad Droege is collecting information and donations to build a memorial monument at the Bicentennial Park. Mr. Droege gave Council an overview of the progress he has made and a diagram of the proposed memorial.
- Carver County approved to allow the concrete circular slab and park benches to be no closer than 31 feet from the existing centerline of CR50 instead of the required 33 feet (ROW).
- Carver County will also wave the permit and permit cost if the City of Hamburg informs the County that the City approves of the project.
  - City Clerk Gruenhagen will work with Carver County on any documentation that they might need.
Councilmember Trebesch moved to give Brad Droege permission to proceed with the memorial monument on City property, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Carver County Commissioner Jim Ische

Commissioner Ische gave Council an updated overview of the counties 2012 proposed budget plans, the fiber optic line schedule, and an update as to when County Road 50 will be redone.
- Council and City Clerk Gruenhagen requested a City cost sheet for redoing County Road 50 through town.
- Council asked Commissioner Ische if he could check into building a bike/walking path from Hamburg to Norwood and Hamburg to Emmanuel Lutheran School.

Rachel Drees – Request to use Portable Air Conditioners at Hall for Wedding Reception

Ms. Drees was not in attendance.

Softball Tournament – Green Isle

Tara Chevaller and Jen Meyer asked Council if the Green Isle Softball Teem could hold their two day softball tournament in Hamburg. They requested the use of the Park on September 10^th and 11th.
Council commented that September 10^th is the annual Steak Fry held at the Park and that they would have to look at a different date. Council also would require the club to have liquor liability, personal injury waver forms, and pay the required Park Rental Fee of $300 for two days. If these requirements are met then Council had no objection of allowing the Green Isle Softball Tournament to be held in Hamburg.
Tara and Jen will be talking with the Lions Club to find out if they would like to partner with the Softball Club in hosting the tournament. The softball club then could use the Lions liquor liability and liquor license during the event.
Tara and Jen will find out what other dates would work out for the tournament and get back to City Clerk Gruenhagen.

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

Public Facilities Authority Loan

The City of Hamburg's application for a PFA loan was approved on July 26, 2011. The Authority's financing package consists of a $290,242 Clean Water Revolving Fund 20-year term loan with an interest rate of 1.256 percent. This financing will approximately save local taxpayers $61,642 in interest costs compared with the City of Hamburg's general obligation bond and elated certifications.

Change Order – Substantial Completion Date

Chard Tiling requested a Change Order to extend the Substantial Completion date to September 15, 2011, for all work related to the Stormwater pond construction only, including fencing. Every item listed on the Punch List will have to be completed by August 19, 2011.
Councilmember Barnes moved to accept the Change Order from Chard Tiling to extend the Substantial Completion date from August 19, 2011 to September 15, 2011 for all work related to the Stormwater pond construction only, including fencing, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Private Property Service Lines (Illegal Connections/Replacement)

Residents receiving the letter of non-compliance (illegal connections) have asked for more clarification on what they need to fix. Some of the questions most often asked were:
- Who pays the contractor for services if the illegal connection is dug up and it really is not an illegal connection.
- Residents are asking for direction from the City on what they have to do. The letters they received are vague and some of the information dates back to 2004.
Council discussed and decided it would be to the cities advantage to purchase a camera to re-televise the lines. This would give the city and residents a more definite answer if the resident does or does not have illegal connections before digging (floor and garage drains can run into the Sanitary Sewer lines).
- Council directed Maintenance Worker Byerly to obtain at least three (3) estimates of how much a camera would cost and report back to Council.

Repairs of Kim Avenue

Chard Tiling & Excavating and Wm. Mueller & Sons submitted estimated proposals to repair Kim Avenue. Wm. Mueller & Sons had the lowest estimate.
Council discussed and decided to make a final decision after August 19, 2011 and to hold a special meeting on August 23^rd, 2011 at 7:00 to discuss this issue.

Over or Under Budget

City Clerk Gruenhagen will ask the City Engineer and Al Hahn to send the City documentation showing if the project is over or under budget.

Punch List

City Clerk Gruenhagen will ask Al Hahn what is the amount of the per day fine if Chard does not complete all the items on the Punch List.
Al Hahn will be asked to go through the areas of construction to see if anything else should be added to the punch list. Council asked to have Al go through the Punch List to verify if the projects listed are complete or need to be completed.

Old City Business (Memo)

Community Park Sign

The new Community Park sign was installed at the Community Park.

Cement Slab for Community Park

City Clerk Gruenhagen will follow up with K&K Construction as to when they will be pouring the cement slabs in the new park.

Review of Employee Job Descriptions

Councilmember Lund and Councilmember Trebesch will meet with City Clerk Gruenhagen to go over the descriptions.

City Clean Up Day

Council decided to start this fall to plan a City wide spring clean up day.

Energy Efficient Lighting – Rebate Programs

This year may be the last year the rebate program will be available for energy efficient lights.
- Council decided to discuss the installation of energy efficient lighting during the budget meeting on August 23, 2011.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Hall Door Replacement Proposal

Council decided to discuss replacing two Hall doors, with panic bars, at the budget meeting on August 23, 2011.

Utility Locater

Maintenance Worker Byerly will check on how much it would cost to purchase a utility locater.
- Until one is purchased the City could use Wm. Mueller and Sons locater.

G&K Contract for Cleaning Supplies

The City has not signed a renewal contract with G&K which would extend the contract for seven (7) years. The City prefers to sign a contract on an annual basis.

City Alleys (Add Rock/Shape Up)

More red rock was requested by a resident to fill in the alley by his home. Maintenance Worker Byerly will follow up on this.

Cooler in Community Hall Basement

The basement cooler has been blowing fuses and is not energy efficient due to its age. The Lions Club informed Council that the club will pay up to $300 to have the cooler fixed. Council discussed and decided it was not economical for the City to continue to pay for the coolers electricity usage and to shut it off.
Councilmember Trebesch moved to shut down (unplug) the cooler located in the Hall basement, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
- Maintenance Worker Byerly was instructed to shut the cooler off tomorrow.

New Upstairs Cooler for Community Hall

Council discussed when it would be a good time to install the new upstairs cooler. The old one would have to be dismantled and removed, two feet has to be cut off the edge of the bar, and the new one installed and wired.
Council decided to remove and replace the coolers the last week in October 2011. A new floor will also have to be installed for upstairs cooler.

Deputy Clerk Report

Delinquent Utility Bills

350 Louisa – Home is still in the closing process with no information on who the new owner will be.
360 Henrietta – Leona Enger – A delinquent letter was sent with payment due by August 17^th.
421 Henrietta – Wm. Minnihan - A delinquent letter was sent with payment due by August 17^th.
625 Kim Ave – Emily Siebold - A delinquent letter was sent with payment due by August 17^th.
420 Maria Ave – Betty Griffin - A delinquent letter was sent with payment due by August 17^th.
Park Ave – Ken Bauer Apartments - A delinquent letter was sent with payment due by August 17^th.
410 Sophia – Darrell Grams, Jr. - A delinquent letter was posted and they have since paid.

Nuisance Letters

The two abandoned vehicles located behind the Car Wash at 679 Park Ave have been removed.
Dennis Mielke owner of the vacant lot at 146 Jacob Street did have the lot mowed.
Teresa Swenson – Brad Street Vacant Lot – was sent violation letter 93.48 Elimination of Weeds and Grass. No response.
Possible abandon car at 470 Maria Ave – CSO checked ownership, however, the car was moved by the next day.
David Chadwick – 710 Park Ave was sent violation letter 93.19 and 93.20 Vehicles. He has until August 23^rd to reply.
Carver County Auditor owner of vacant lot on Brad Street will be sent violation letter for Elimination of Weeds and Grass.
Darrell Grams – 410 Sophia – will be sent a violation letter listing several ordinance violations.

MCFOA Clerks Conference – July 11 – 15, 2011

Deputy Clerk Block gave a brief overview of the MCFOA Clerks Conference she had attended in July.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

2010 Census Count – Met Council Population Estimates

FYI - According to the 2010 Census the City of Hamburg has gained 16 homes since the 2000 Census and lost 25 persons from 2000 to 2010.

Liquor Liability Insurance Clause for Hall/Park/Community Center Rentals

City Clerk Gruenhagen informed Council that he made some changes to the wording in the lease agreements concerning liquor liability insurance. The new wording is based on information received from City Attorney Mac.

Utility Rate Study/Five Year Budget Plan

City Clerk Gruenhagen is starting to work with Abdo, Eick & Meyers on the Utility Rate Study. The main focus will be on the dept portion then the OEM cost will be looked at.

Local Government Aid

Hamburg will receive $58,777 in LGA for 2011 and the same amount is certified for 2012.

Property/Casualty Insurance Renewal

Cities obtaining liability coverage from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust must decide whether or not to waive the statutory tort liability limits to the extent of the coverage purchased.
Councilmember Barnes moved that the City of Hamburg does not waive the monetary limits on municipal tort liability established by Minnesota Statutes 466.04, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Park Rentals – Use of Hot Water

Council had previously decided that park renters would not have access to the hot water located in a room at the back of the park restroom building. The Lions Club is now requested that park renters be allowed to use the hot water area during their rental.
Council discussed and decided to allow park renters the use of the hot water as long as the Lions Club does not hold the City responsible if anything in that area turns up missing. Maintenance Worker Byerly will place a lock on the door separating the hot water area from the electrical panels located to the side of the building.
- Maintenance Worker Byerly will turn the water heater on before the rental and turn it off after.
Councilmember Trebesch moved to open the hot water up to public use during park rentals, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Can Trailer – Can Proceeds

The H.I.P. Group will no longer be handling the proceeds from the aluminum cans and would like the City to take over the responsibility. After checking with the city auditors there is no reason why the city could not take over hauling the cans to the recycling center and depositing the proceeds into a park improvement fund.
Councilmember Barnes moved to take over the recycling of the pop cans, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Special Meeting for August 23, 2011

A special meeting will be held on August 23, 2011 to discuss; 2012 Workshop Budget, adopting resolution for accepting MN PFA loan, and discussion on estimates for repairing Kim Avenue. Meeting time was set for 7:00 p.m.

Agreement for Ponds (Lagoons)

The original agreement for mowing the Pond area was located and Council will send out for bids next spring.

Approve Payment of June/July/August 2011 Claims

Approve Payment for Added June 2011 ACH Claim and Transfer

Harland Clarke Check Orders - $44.89
City of Hamburg Transfer Back to Cities Savings Account - $80,000

Approve Payments for Added July 2011 Claims

Two added ACH payments to PERA and Check Numbers 15139 through 15149.

Approve Payment of August 2011 Claims

Two ACH payments and Check Numbers 15152 through 15186.

Councilmember Trebesch moved to approve the June, July, and August 2011 Claims List as stated, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

City Council Reports

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

Councilmember Lund (Streets)

Councilmember Lund made a motion to allow garbage and recycling pick up in the through alley's except when the spring weight restrictions are in place, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)

Councilmember Trebesch asked who's turn it was to close the ponds.
- Deputy Clerk Block will email Council a copy of the Pond Closing List.

Councilmember Barnes (Parks) had nothing further to report.

Mayor Malz was absent.

Councilmember Trebesch moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 9:47 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Submitted by:

Sue Block

Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Minutes – May 24, 2011

2011-11-21T21:10:00.001-06:00

Mayor Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:21 p.m. Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance.

Public Comment

No one from the public was present.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

Added – Closing Memorandum General Obligation Public Utility Revenue Bonds
Updated – 2030 Transportation and Regional Parks Plan
Updated – Project Lists
Added – Fire Department Pay Information
Updated – Claims List
Updated – Delinquency List
Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Approve Consent Agenda

Approve Minutes for May 10, 2011
Sanitary & Storm Sewer Project Update No. 8
Thank you from the Cub Scouts
MN Association of Small Cities Membership Letter
Carver County Sheriff's Report - April
Councilmember Barnes moved to approve all items listed on the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present

Fire Department Report

FEMA Grant

No new information on the Grant.

US Fish & Wildlife Grant

Finishing out this Grant.

DNR Grant

Put in for a new Grant

Training Grant

Applied for and will receive a State Training Grant. The State will pay $200 per person; Hamburg has 30 Fire Fighters on their roster for a total of $6,000. It is unknown if the five Hamburg Rescue Reserve persons will be included in this grant money.

Regional Grant (Carver County) for Pagers

This is continuing. Received the first bill amounting to $150.43 for the E Dispatching, this is for pages coming across the Firefighters cell phones.

Firefighters Charity Chili Cook-Off

The Schell's Brewery (New Ulm, MN) put on a Chili Cook-Off for area fire departments to participate in. Hamburg's Fire Department did not do as well as they had hoped however everyone did have a good time.

Ready Watt Electric – Civil Defense Siren Maintenance Program

Ready Watt Electric sent in for Councils review a three year contract for preventive maintenance service on the civil defense siren. The cost for the three year maintenance program would be $486 per year.
No discussion or decision from Council on whether or not to consider signing the contract.

Hydrants

The new hydrants that were installed are higher than the old hydrants. Fire Chief Droege asked if the pipe showing under the hydrants could be painted red so their appearance would look better. One exception would be the fire hydrant by Brad Street and Robert Ave. The hydrant should have a riser installed.
- Council discussed and decided to have Councilmember Mueller order a riser from MN Pipe (Farmington, MN) and Wm. Mueller and Sons will pick it up.
Councilmember Trebesch moved to have Councilmember Larry Mueller order an extension from MN Pipe, Farmington, MN with Wm. Mueller and Sons picking the Hydrant Extension, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Fire Department Pay Information

Fire Chief Droege briefly commented on the updated Fire Department Pay Information handout and asked Council to look it over.

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

Storm Water Utility Ordinance (Ordinance Number 141)

Council will need to decide on the amount they want to set for the Storm Water Utility Fee at the next Council meeting on June 14^th. Council will also have to decide if the Storm Water Utility Fee should fund the entire project and/or look at taxes.
City Clerk Gruenhagen will work with Greg Kimman (S.E.H.) and City Attorney Mac Willemssen on the correct wording for Ordinance Number 141.

North Ditch Clean Out

Council discussed cleaning out the North Ditch and decided not to have it done at this time, maybe at a latter date.

Private Property Service Lines (Illegal Connections/Replacement)

Four residents have replaced their connections with approximately 20 left to complete.
Council discussed and decided to have City Clerk Gruenhagen send out letters, before June 1st, to residents informing them that a permit must be pulled before replacement work is started. Council also decided not to charge a permit fee.

Update on Construction Meeting held May 24, 2011

Hopefully the curb and gutter will be installed Thursday or Friday and the streets paved the following week.
Service lines will be televised again to make sure all service connections are holding, not leaking, and on grade.
During the meeting it was discussed to have the contractors start cleaning up the areas that were worked on.
The garbage on Donald Ave was not picked up because the road was blocked. Chard will be working with Waste Management on having them pick up the garbage or Chard will have to pick it up. Either way Chard will be paying the bill.
The digging for the Pond has been delayed again for about two weeks due to the rainy weather.
The construction company is looking at eliminating the curb radiuses going into Brian Cummiskey's driveway. This would save the city some money and there is no need for them because a road will not be going through that area.
- Council decided that if Mr. Cummiskey is ok with eliminating the radiuses then the City would prefer that they are not put in.
The Bond closing will be June 2, 2011. Chard has sent in the first payment installment for $304,858.92. This payment is on the claims list to be approved tonight. To cover the payment before the bonds are received on June 2^nd $80,000 will need to be moved from savings to checking. Once the bond money is received the money will be moved back into savings. The City auditors have no problem with these transactions.
- Council discussed and decided to ok the transfers so Chard will get paid this month. A motion to approve the transfers will be made during the approval of the claims list.

Old City Business (Memo)

Handicap Bathroom for Community Hall – Update

Framing and the dry wall are completed.
Completion date is set for June 2, 2011.
Two unisex handicap signs will be ordered to place on the bathroom door and side wall.

Park Sign

Council was asked if they would like the lettering on the Community Park sign to be in all capital letters or upper and lower casing.
Council discussed and decided to go with the upper and lower case lettering.
City Clerk Gruenhagen will place the order.

City Council Meeting Dates for June, July, and August

Council discussed and decided to change the monthly City Council meetings from twice a month to once a month for the summer months of June, July, and August. City Clerk Gruenhagen would have the discretion to call another Council meeting if needed.
Councilmember Barnes moved to hold one meeting per month for June, July, and August to be held on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Motion died due to a lack of a second.
Councilmember Mueller moved to hold one meeting per month for June, July, and August to be held on the second Tuesday of each month, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
The Councils agenda will be delivered on Thursday instead of Friday.

Sidewalk Replacements – Estimates from Chard Tiling & Excavating and Hanson Vasek Construction

Estimate for sidewalk replacement on west side of the Community Center.
- Chard - $2,241.50
- Hanson & Vasek - $2,499.00
Estimate for the area around the Hamburg Fire Department sign and school plaque insert.
- Chard - $1,328.60
- Hanson & Vasek - $1,112.00
Combined total cost for sidewalk repair by the Community Center.
- Chard - $3,570.10
- Hanson & Vasek - $3,611.00
Estimate for sidewalk repair along Henrietta Avenue from the alley to Railroad Street.
- Chard - $5,350
- Hanson & Vasek - $5,864.00

Estimate from alley up to Louisa Street.
- Chard - $4,600.00
- Hanson & Vasek - $5,106.00
Estimate for construction of 6'x 20'x 8" concrete Apron.
- Chard - $775
- Hanson & Vasek - $870
Council discussed and decided only to have the east side of the Community Center repaired now and put the other areas on the Wish List.
Councilmember Trebesch moved to have Chard Tiling & Excavating, Inc. complete the Fire Hall sidewalk, 67 feet by 6 feet plus the 3 feet by 6 feet and also the 8 feet by 22 feet by 5 inch area by the city sign, school plaque and bell, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Energy Efficient Lights (Rebates) for City Buildings

Council discussed the estimates from Robb's Electric and Norwood Electric Inc. for replacing the current light fixtures to the new energy efficient lights in the Hall, Community Center, and Fire Department bay area.
Council discussed and decided to place this project on the Wish List.

Reclaim & Pave Kim Avenue

Council discussed the estimates from Chard Tiling & Excavating, Inc. and Wm. Mueller & Sons to Reclaim & Pave Kim Avenue.
Council decided that this repair is a city obligation and have City Clerk Gruenhagen ask Shelly Eldridge (Ehlers Financial Advisor) if any left over Enterprise Funds could be used to pay for this project.

RFP for Contracted Garbage Services for Residential/Commercial

The RFP notice for garbage services has been listed in the paper and letters were sent out to Elite Waste Disposal (Jordan, MN), Waste Management, Franck's Sanitation, Randy's Sanitation, and Gaylord.
Hamburg's garbage service contract with Waste Management expires July 31, 2011.

Dennis' Report (Public Works & Utilities)

Garage Doors

Garage doors have been ordered and safety sensors will be added.

G&K Contract for Cleaning Supplies

Maintenance Worker Byerly had no further information on renewing the contract with G&K.
Council discussed only renewing the contract for one (1) year not the seven (7) years that are already set in the contract. Maintenance Worker Byerly commented that he will check with the G&K driver if the company would be willing to work with the city on renewing the contract for only one (1) year.

Flush Hydrants

Hydrants will be flushed after the construction project is completed.

Replacement of Shed

The shed located at 624 Kim Avenue (Glenn Mueller's) has been moved back however it still needs to be leveled.

City Alleys (Add Rock/Shape Up)

One alley is left to be shaped up the rest of the alleys are done.

City Office Floor Repairs

Stripping and waxing the Community Center floors is on hold until this fall.

Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for 2010/2011

Rural Water will be coming back this fall to check more areas for possible water leaks.
There have been no major changes in the usage versus consumption. For the year it is a 23.35% difference which comes out to losing seven (7) gallons of water per minute.
- Council discussed the possibility that the older water meters may not be reading correctly.

Sewer Reports

Mayor Malz requested Maintenance Worker Byerly bring the sewer reports up to the council meeting tonight so he can sign them. The reports should have been mailed last Friday.

Deputy Clerk Report

Delinquent Utility Bills

350 Louisa Street (Foreclosed Property) is now owned by R.V, Holdings. This is a world wide holding company and their policy is not to pay any delinquent bills until the property is sold. A delinquent bill for $142.45 was sent however to the management company for R.V. Holdings.
Jon Reed (416 Jacob St) – Paid $330 on May 16, 2011, will try and pay more before the end of the month.
419 Railroad (Nick Nordin) - There was a Sheriff's sale on 01-07-11 and the property is now owned by Wells Fargo.

Nuisance Letter

960 Park Ave (Vacant Home) is still owned by Kim Barstad. A nuisance letter will be sent to have her mow the lawn.
There are two abandoned cars parked on the north side of the Car Wash, Ken Bauer's property. According to the Sherriff's department one of the cars has not been registered since 1999. The other car is listed to a person from Glencoe, MN. A nuisance letter will be sent to Ken Bauer to have the vehicles removed.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

Xcel Energy Saver's Switch

Council discussed signing up for Xcel's Energy Saver's Switch Program that could possible save the city on its summer electricity bills. Council decided to sign up for the program.

Water Tower Replacement

Council discussed and decided to add replacing the cities water tower to the Wish List. The current water tower was installed in 1941.

Utility Rate Study/Five Year Budget Plan

Estimates were received from Ehlers and Abdo, Eick & Myers.
- Ehlers estimated total cost - $9,500.
  - $3,000 – Water Utility
  - $3,000 – Sewer Utility
  - $3,500 – Storm Water Utility
- Abdo, Eick & Meyers – $3,000 for a five year study and for an additional $5,000 they would incorporate all city activities into the plan.
PFA requires a Utility Rate Study be done for the Storm Sewer PFA funding.
City Clerk Gruenhagen suggested going with Abdo, Eick & Meyers for one they are cheaper and two see what they would charge for the Storm Sewer debt to project it out until the debt is paid not just the Five Year Study.
Council discussed and will make a decision at the next Council meeting on June 14, 2011.

Employee Job Descriptions

A committee was set up to review the employee job descriptions and report back to the other Council members at the June 14^th meeting with any changes, additions, or deletions.
- Committee members are Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, and City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen.

Project List

#10 – Ask Xcel Energy if there would be a reduction in billing if the City used its generator during peak electrical usage.
- Council discussed and decided that as long as the City is signing up for the Energy Saver's Switch program this could be taken off the list. No need to pursue any further.

Met Council – 2030 Transportation Plan and Park Plan

Ann Perry (City Planner) reviewed Met Council's 2030 Comprehensive Plan and did not see any inconsistencies between Met Councils plan and the City of Hamburg's 2030 Plan. Therefore, the City of Hamburg does not need to propose any amendments to their existing Comprehensive Plan.

Approve Payment of May 2011 Claims

Added – Payment to Jerome Bergman for cleaning out the north ditch in the amount of $600 check number 15059.
City Clerk Gruenhagen requested Councils approval to transfer $80,000 from the Cities saving account to checking account. This transfer would cover the payment to Chard Tiling and Excavating in the amount of $304,858.92, check number 15041, until receipt of the Bond proceeds are received on June 2, 2011. Once the Bond proceeds are received then the $80,000 would be transferred back to savings.
Councilmember Trebesch moved to approve transfer of $80,000 from the Cities saving account to the General Fund. Then when the City receives the Bond proceeds the $80,000 will be transferred back to the Cities saving account, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the four ACH payments and check number 15012 through check number 15059, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

City Council Reports

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water)

Councilmember Mueller commented that he wants Maintenance Worker Byerly to fix the curb stops that are not working especially the one at 419 Railroad Street.
Councilmember Mueller will be unable to attend the June 2^nd ACCEL meeting and asked if any other council member would be interested in attending.
- Councilmember Chris Lund agreed to attend.
Councilmember Mueller asked if anyone remembers who the farmer was that contracted with the City of Hamburg to bail the grass out at the Lagoons.
- City Clerk Gruenhagen will check into this and get back to Council.

Councilmember Lund (Streets)

A number of residents have complained to him about the flooding at the corner of Park Ave and Brad. If this happens again he will advise the residents to contact the construction company (Chard) directly with their complaints.

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)

Councilmember Trebesch volunteered to close the pond gate on Saturday, June 18^th.

Councilmember Barnes (Parks) – Had nothing further to report.

Mayor Malz – Had nothing further to report

Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 9:10 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present

Submitted by:

Sue Block

Deputy Clerk

Taxpayer Support of Stadiums

2011-11-13T10:39:00.003-06:00

A few weeks back Gov. Dayton announced that increasing taxes will not be an option to help fund a new Vikings stadium. Recently, a number of options have been floated that include a heavy gamble proceed angle. For more than three decades tribal casinos have held a monopoly on gaming in Minnesota. With that monopoly tribes in Minnesota have been able to improve their reservations - granted some have done better than others. Today the Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/133748223.html, had an article talking about the new proposed ideas of a casino downtown and allowing the two race tracks in Minnesota to have slots with the revenue going to pay for sport stadiums and school funding.

Personally I don't care if Minnesota keeps the Vikings but I do care on how the new stadium is funded. For years I thought the NFL and the players association missed the boat by not requiring that 10% of all TV revenues be put in a kitty for updates to stadiums. That being said, if a new Vikings stadium is the catalyst to breaking the tribal gaming monopoly I am all for it.

I also found this article, of all places, on Politico - http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/68160.html - to which I think it is about time as well. Taxpayers for years have subsidized professional stadiums and when teams cannot sell out they have not been able to watch the team they subsidized per NFL rules. While I can understand why the NFL has a rule that they want the stadium sold out because that is where they get a lot of revenue. At the same time, I wonder how much TV revenue is lost by not showing the local game. I say that as long as taxpayers subsidize the stadiums then no more blackouts.

Deer Camp

2011-11-07T23:08:00.003-06:00

Well I have been in the hinter land of Minnesota the past four days. I did hear that we lost Andy Rooney and Frazier. A couple of icons that cannot be replaced. Today I just want to throw out some thoughts from the past four days in the woods. The weekend started out interesting as my dad and I drive up to deer camp we come across a cattle drive. The cattle drive stops traffic, I am still kicking myself for not kicking myself for video taping it with my phone, we had to wait for about 100 cattle pass us before we could move. After setting up the deer stands we ventured to dinner and ate the typical bar fair. Saturday was really windy and mild. A ton of gun shots early but I did not see anything. It wasn't until 12:45 and I was about to fall asleep when I noticed to the southwest of my stand a buck. The buck was slowly moving through the popples with his two spikes atop his head. He paused about 20 feet in front my stand. I had buck fever but I steadied the cross hairs. Took a deep breath, exhaled, and pulled the trigger. Missed. The antler went flying though. The buck didn't know what to do. Jumped the ATV track and went into the woods about 40 yards away. I re-aimed and went to take the shot; dry shot. The cartridge was not all the way in so no re-load.

Had to manual re-load. The buck was still standing. Took the shoot and sliced his neck. The buck jumped then broadsided. I took aim and "click". Again the bullet didn't re-load for me. Manual re-loaded then re-aimed and bang. The buck ran off. Many words were said. After about ten minutes I got down to check for a blood trail. Got to the point where I thought I hit the buck and found nothing. Was thinking how I missed, just before heading back to the stand I found a huge blood splatter on a popple tree. Followed the blood trail to a buck standing tall to which I shot again and dropped him for the final time. A successful deer camp and the family gets another year of venison!

Occupy Wall Street kitchen slowdown targets squatters - NYPOST.com

2011-10-27T17:11:00.001-05:00

Occupy Wall Street kitchen slowdown targets squatters - NYPOST.com

I thought this occupation was for the 99%? I love this comment - A security volunteer added that the cooks felt “overworked and underappreciated.” Perhaps now the 'occupiers' understand how those that pay taxes feel about being asked to pay for more in taxes to cover those that do not. Perhaps it is time that the 'occupiers' realize that in order for government to work that we all need skin in the game. If not, then feed those criminals and 'professional' homeless. This raises another question - To become a 'professional' homeless person does one need to go to college first or be drafted?

Hamburg City Council Minutes – October 11, 2011

2011-10-25T22:55:00.003-05:00

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

Add – Payment #6 for the Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvement Project
Add – Membership to Health Partnership
Add – Estimates from Laurel Builders for the Community Center fiber optic room and Hall doors
Add – Updated Delinquency Report
Add – Carver County Sheriff's Report
Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Approve Consent Agenda

Time-Off Request (Dennis Byerly)
Snow Removal Contract for 2011-12 (Wm. Mueller & Sons)
Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for the Lions Club (November 18, 2011)
Preliminary Flood Insurance Study Report & Flood Insurance Rate Map
2010 Generalized Land Use Data for Metro Area (Met Council)
2011 Water Usage Report
Cash Flow Statement for August
Delinquent Utility Bills Report
Nuisance Letter(s) Report
Project List (City Employees)
Councilmember Lund moved to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

FEMA Grant

FEMA Grant has been submitted.

Fire Prevention Week (October 9^th to 15^th)

October 14^th a fire prevention demonstration for kids will be held at the Fire Station.

Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) – Update

Chief Droege gave a brief update on the progress of the Park Memorial.
The City of Hamburg will carry insurance for the Memorial at $1 per $100 per evaluation.
Councilmember Barnes moved to approve insuring the Memorial for actual replacement cost, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

Kim Avenue Repairs

The repairs on Kim Avenue will begin during the week of October 24^th to October 28^th.

Annexation of Storm Water Pond Parcel

A resolution to annex the Storm Water Pond parcel into the City should be ready for approval by the next Council meeting. It will be a joint resolution with the Township.

Storm Water Fees – Vacant City Parcels

According to City ordinance vacant parcels will not be charged a Storm Water fee until the land is developed.
Council requested verification if a building is on two or more lots if the county taxes each lot separately or as one lot.
Council also requested verifying if the Assessment Roll is by units or parcels and why one vacant lot was added into the proposed Assessment breakout.
- City Clerk Gruenhagen will contact Chuck (S.E.H.) and have an answer at the next Council meeting.

Old City Business

Councilmember Mueller requested to have Deputy Clerk Block be shown what to inform Hall renters on when doing a walk through.

Employee Job Descriptions

Council discussed and decided to add the following to the General Maintenance Worker/Sewer & Water Operator Job Title;
- A required 30 minute response time.
- Maintain a valid Minnesota Class B Driver License.
Councilmember Lund moved to approve the Employee Job Descriptions with the two added items effective October 31, 2011, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch. Councilmember Barnes voted aye on the General Maintenance Worker/Sewer & Water Operator Job Description and aye on City Clerk/Treasurer Job Description and abstained on the Deputy Clerk/Utility Billing Clerk Job Description. Motion carried.

Closet for Fiber Optic Equipment/City Storage

Received estimates from Dan Oelfke and Laurel Builders (Mike);
- Dan Oelfke - $4120
- Laurel Builders - $2625
Council discussed the bids and decided to go with Laurel Builders
Councilmember Lund moved to accept Laurel Builders estimate of $2,625 to build the storage closet for the Fiber Optic equipment and City storage, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Community Hall Doors (Replace)

Council discussed the estimates from Dan Oelfke and Laurel Builders and decided to have City Clerk Gruenhagen verify if the estimate from Laurel Builders is for commercial doors. A decision on who to award the project to will be made at a later time.

Cooler for Community Hall

Council discussed and decided to plan on installing the new cooler at the Hall starting the week of October 24^th.
The following personal will help take out and install the cooler;
- Councilmember Barnes will contact Danny to disconnect the wiring and help install the new cooler.
- Maintenance Worker Byerly will pressure wash the cooler paneling.
- Members of the Hamburg Fire Department will be asked to help.
- Councilmember Trebesch will be the main contact in organizing and completing the project.

Hall Rental Fee for Auctions

Council discussed and decided to increase the Hall rental fee for auctions due to the extra wear and tear on the flooring, additional heating costs, and higher electrical usage. The rental fee will increase from $250 for two days to $450 for two days.
Councilmember Barnes moved to increase the Hall Rental Fee for auctions being held in the Hamburg Hall to $450 for a two day rental, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
Council also decided that the key for the Hall will not be given out until noon on the day of setup.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Community Center Repairs

Council discussed and decided to have Laurel Builders (Mike) fix the Community Center bathroom walls.

Utility Locater/Camera

Council decided to have Maintenance Worker Byerly set up times for three or four different companies to come out and demonstrate their utility cameras.

Hall Roof Vent

Next year Councilmember Trebesch will remove and seal up the old hall ceiling vent. $500 has been budgeted for this project.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

Utility Rate Study (Abdo, Eick, & Meyers)

Auditors still working on.
Updating the number of parcels within the city will also be looked at.

Municipal Mapping Status Report (MN DOT)

The mapping report was sent out from Met Council and Council decided that every thing looked correct. City Clerk Gruenhagen will return the report with no changes.

Mediacom Business Phone Service

Mediacom dropped off some business phone service brochures for Council to look over. Council discussed the possibility of changing the Cities internet and phone service to Mediacom. If Council decides on the switch over then they will ask Mediacom for a one year contract instead of the required three year agreement.
City Clerk Gruenhagen will follow up with Mediacom (Brad) for more information on the city bundling phone and internet with Mediacom.

Dehumidifier for Community Center

Hilgers Plumbing and Heating will be submitting an estimate on installing a dehumidifier on the Community Center heating unit.

Handicap Accessibility for City Parks

The City of Hamburg has received $10,000 from the S.H.I.P. Grant. Council will be considering where to place the handicap accessible paths in the parks to the playground equipment.

2011 Budget Items Budgeted to be completed in 2011

Street and Sidewalk repairs have $550 left for the year.
Hall Improvements and Repair has $5,500 left for the year.
- The $5,500 could be used to replace the Hall doors this year.
The other funds are mostly used up because of all the budgeted projects that were completed this year.

Vacation

City Clerk Gruenhagen will be on vacation next week. Council decided to have Deputy Clerk Block work eight hours Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Closing the City office on Tuesday.

Approve Payment of Added September 2011 Claims

Approve Payment of October 2011 Claims

Council questioned claim #15269 to Ziegler Inc. for the Fire Department Light Tower repair.
- Council was informed that the Hamburg Fire Department loaned the Light Tower to the Waconia Fair Board and during that time the Light Tower was damaged. Total repair cost was $3,337.15 with Hamburg's insurance covering $2,420.00 minus the $250 deductable. The remaining $667.15 was for other needed Light Tower repairs and will be taken out of the Fire Departments budget.
- Council discussed that the Waconia Fair Board's insurance should have covered the cost of the Light Tower repair.
- City Clerk Gruenhagen will follow up with Fire Chief Droege about what kind of arrangement the Fire Department had with the Fair Board. He will also ask Hamburg's insurance representative if this repair should have been covered by the Waconia Fair Board's insurance company.
Added Claim #15271 from Chard Tiling & Excavating for $64,508.46.
Councilmember Mueller moved to approve claim number 15243 through claim number 15271, plus the six ACH payments, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

City Council Reports

Councilmember Barnes – had no further comments

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water)

Two city residents would like to cut down the dead ash tree in the park. Council decided to put their names in a hat and draw who will get the job. The two names were Steve and Mike and Mike's name was drawn by Mayor Malz.

Councilmember Lund (Streets)

Councilmember Lund questioned why the Cities website has not been updated.
- City Clerk Gruenhagen responded that after several requests he has not received the password so the website could be updated. He will email another request for the password.

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings) – had no further comments

Mayor Malz – had no further comments

Councilmember Barnes moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting a t 8:48 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Submitted by:

Sue Block

Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Minutes – September 27, 2011

2011-10-25T22:55:00.001-05:00

Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. Councilmember John Barnes was absent. Others in attendance were Mark Metz (City Attorney) and Richard Lehrman (638 Kim).

Public Comment

Richard Lehrman addressed Council with his concern about the dying sod on his property.
- Council informed Mr. Lehrman that the job is not final and that they will discuss what can be done with Al Hahn (S.E.H. Engineer).

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

Add – Resolution 2011-14 - Declaring Cost to be assessed for Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvement Project and Calling for a Hearing on Proposed Assessment.
Add – Updated Assessment Roll
Add – Lions request for a Gambling Permit for November 18, 2011.
Add – Nuisance and Delinquent Lists
Add – September Claims List
Add – Revised City of Hamburg Job Description's
Add – Letter from Mr. Odoms.
Add – Chapter 160A Zoning Ordinance (page A-26) – Outdoor wood burning furnaces.
Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried. Councilmember Barns was absent.

Approve Consent Agenda

Approve Minutes for August 23, 2011, September 6, 2011, and September 13, 2011.
Animal Impound Contract (Countryside Vet & Feed)
Resolution Number 2011- 14
Gambling Permit for the Hamburg Lions Turkey Bingo on November 18, 2011.
Time-Off Request (Sue Block)
- Mayor Malz requested a change in the Time-Off Request for Deputy Clerk Block. Mayor Malz would like the office covered at least a half day (8:00 to 12:00) on Friday when City Clerk Gruenhagen is also absent. Deputy Clerk Block agreed to the change and the Time-Off Request will be amended.
Delinquent Utility Bills Report
- Mayor Malz requested the Delinquency Report to be changed to include which column lists residents that are 30 and 60 days delinquent. Deputy Clerk Block will change the report.
Nuisance Letter(s) report
Project Update Number 16 (I&I Program)
Project List (City Employees)
Councilmember Lund moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the two changes, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion carried. Councilmember Barnes was absent.

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

FEMA Grant

Received $5,500 grant money to purchase a thermal imaging camera.
Submitted an application for another FEMA grant.

Fire Prevention Week (October 9^th to 15^th)

On October 14^th a demonstration of fire prevention will be presented to the area school children.

Fire Convention

Fire Chief Droege, Adam Glander, and Jared Mackenthun will be attending a conference in St. Could on October 20 thru October 22, 2011. .

Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) – Update

Chief Droege gave a brief update on the progress of the Park Memorial.

Halloween – October 31^st – Monday

The Hamburg Fire Department will be patrolling the city streets again this year during the time that the Trick-or-Treaters will be out.

Donation from Jill Buckentin

Jill Buckentin donated a large air compressor to the Hamburg Fire Department.
Councilmember Mueller moved to accept the donation of the air compressor from Jill Buckentin, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried. Councilmember Barnes was absent.

Rifle Auction

The Hamburg Fire Department will be holding their annual gun raffle.

Fireman's Dance

The Hamburg Fire Department will be hosting its annual Fireman's Dance at the Hamburg Hall on January 7, 2012.

Snow Removal Contract with Wm. Mueller and Sons

Snow removal contract with Wm. Mueller and Sons will be added to the next City Council consent agenda.

Carver County Attorney Mark Metz – 2012 Prosecution Contract

2012 Prosecution Contract

Carver County Attorney Mark Metz gave Council an overview of the proposed 2012 Prosecution Contract. There will be an increase from the 2011 surcharge due to the increase in case load that occurred over the past three years.
- Hamburg's payment for the 2012 Prosecution Contract with Carver County will increase from $406.61 in 2011 to $709.97 for 2012.
Councilmember Trebesch moved to approve the 2012 Carver County Prosecution Contract, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion carried. Councilmember Barnes was absent.

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

Private Property Service Lines

Letters for Non-Compliance will be sent out next week.

Assessment Hearing – Assessment Roll

Letters will be sent out notifying residents of the scheduled Assessment Hearing/Assessment Roll meeting that will be held on October 25^th, 2011 starting at 7:00 p.m.

Utility Camera

Councilmember Mueller and Maintenance Worker Byerly will be attending a Conference/Show at St. Cloud on October 6, 2011. Vendors will be available to demonstrate utility locators and cameras.

Repairs of Kim Avenue

Wm. Mueller and Sons will be asked for a time schedule as to when the repairs on Kim Avenue will begin.

Old City Business

Employee Job Descriptions

Review of the City employee's job descriptions was tabled until the next City Council meeting.

Letter from Mr. Odoms (150 Jacob St)

The letter from Mr. Odoms was considered by Council to be informational only and no action by Council is needed.

Closet for Fiber Optic Equipment/City Storage

An estimate was received from Dan Oelfke however, Council decided to obtain one more estimate before making a decision.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Hall Door Replacement Proposal

Received an estimate from Dan Oelfke to replace two Hall doors with panic bars, $4,188.
- Reinforced door jams were included in the estimate.
Laurel Builders (Mike) from Shakopee will be asked to submit an estimate also.

Utility Locater/Camera

A utility camera has been budgeted for 2012 and the average cost is around $8,000 to $10,500.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

2010 Census Count – Met Council Population Estimates

Item will be removed from the agenda and moved to the Old City Business List so it is not forgotten.

Utility Rate Study (Abdo, Eick, & Meyers)

City Clerk Gruenhagen should have the rates by the next City Council meeting.

MNSPECT On-Site Office Time

MNSPECT would like to have a meeting with the public, Council and staff. Council thought this is a good idea but no date or time was set.

Hamburg Lions Club

The Lions Club donated three trees for the cities park. The trees will be planted; one by the horseshoe pits, one east of the playground equipment, and one between the basketball court and parking lot.

Outdoor Wood Burning Furnaces

By City ordinance outdoor wood burning furnaces, stoves and/or boilers are not permitted within the Hamburg City limits.

Approve Payment of Added September 2011 Claims

Approve Payment of the September 2011 Claims

Councilmember Trebesch moved to approve claim number 15235 through claim number 15242, and the one ACH payment, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion carried. Councilmember Barnes was absent.

City Council Reports

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water)

There is a dead ash tree in the park by the playground area that should be cut down. Hamburg City residents should have the first chance to cut it down and clean up the area. If any Council member knows of anyone wanting the wood have them contact the city office.

Councilmember Lund (Streets)

Councilmember Lund requested a map of where the City would like future trees purchased by the Lions Club to be planted.

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)

Councilmember Trebesch suggested that Council should start thinking about where to place the handicap path in the City parks.

Councilmember Barnes (Parks) – was absent.

Mayor Malz

Mayor Malz asked if the cities phone service could be changed from Century Link to Media Com. Media Com is about half the price of Century Link
- City Clerk Gruenhagen will check into and report back to council.

Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting a t 8:38 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried. Councilmember Barnes was absent.

Submitted by:

Sue Block

Deputy Clerk

Budget Fix for the Federal Government

2011-10-20T17:52:00.002-05:00

Let's face it we cannot bind future session of Congress to the point that they have no room to deal with war,natural disaster or any other unforeseen issue that threatens the United States. Since 1974 our budgets for the Federal government have automatically increased from the prior year regardless of need. In recent years debate has surrounding cutting the budget but in reality all that has been done is a rollback of automatic increases.

2011 is no different. With the raising of the debt ceiling and all the spending that has taken place - the cuts passed only will reduce the government increase in spending to 5% over 2010. Right now the Super Committee is trying to figure out how to trim $1.2T from the budget over the next ten years. That is what our problem is. We attempt to bind future sessions of Congress to budget limitations that they can change if they don't like them. What we need is a binding element to this process; we need a Constitution amendment.

The new Constitutional Amendment would:

1. Require all budgets by the Federal Government and agencies established on a zero sum basis.
2. Congress can only budget 85% of revenues when debt of the United States exceeds 25% of GDP.
3. Congress can only budget 90% of revenue when debt of the United States is under 25% of GDP.
4. Establish a flat tax at 10% for individuals making over 2x the poverty line. Anyone making less would not be taxed.
5. Establish a flat tax on all corporations at 10%.
6. Abolish all tax credits and deductions to individuals and businesses.

Al Davis (1929-2011)

2011-10-09T10:03:00.004-05:00

Yesterday the Raider Nation received bad news as the father of Raider football passed away. A huge void exists now in the NFL. Say what you will about Al in recent years his impact on the NFL is like very few other owners had. In listening to former players, Raiders and non-Raiders, they all admit to wanting to wear the Silver and Black because of Al. Al loved and lived football. Al will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace Al! To the Raiders - Just Win Baby!!!!

Occupy Wall Street - So what's the real deal?

2011-10-04T19:37:00.003-05:00

For the past week a group of people have come together to "Occupy Wall Street" and several other similar groups have sprung up around the United States. Interesting enough when a group of people, not to many years ago, started a ground swell of protests to the overspending and raising debt by our Government they were tagged as racists. The current group is not touted in a similar method. So, what is it that these "occupiers" want? A list of demands has materialized on the website for "Occupy Wall Street" so let's take a look(http://occupywallst.org/forum/proposed-list-of-demands-for-occupy-wall-st-moveme/):

Demand one: Restoration of the living wage. This demand can only be met by ending "Freetrade" by re-imposing trade tariffs on all imported goods entering the American market to level the playing field for domestic family farming and domestic manufacturing as most nations that are dumping cheap products onto the American market have radical wage and environmental regulation advantages. Another policy that must be instituted is raise the minimum wage to twenty dollars an hr.

How does "re-imposing trade tariffs" level the playing field while raising the minimum wage to $20? Ironically this demand sort of contradicts a demand made later in the list.

Demand two: Institute a universal single payer healthcare system. To do this all private insurers must be banned from the healthcare market as their only effect on the health of patients is to take money away from doctors, nurses and hospitals preventing them from doing their jobs and hand that money to wall st. investors.

How does the private insurer prevent health care operatives from doing their business? Isn't Medicare and Medicaid that are dictating to these same health care operatives how much they will be reimbursed?

Demand three: Guaranteed living wage income regardless of employment.

Is the guaranteed living wage $20 hr? What happens when the cost of goods go up with the increase in the minimum wage?

Demand four: Free college education.

If we are guaranteeing a living wage why do we need college education? Not to mention we have lost our manufacturing base and skilled jobs. How will a liberal arts degree help us reclaim those jobs?

Demand five: Begin a fast track process to bring the fossil fuel economy to an end while at the same bringing the alternative energy economy up to energy demand.

I agree that we need to bring alternative energy to the forefront but we cannot ignore the short term solution to job creation is through fossil fuel. Right now alternative energy does not produce enough for the cost required - plus it is a net job loss notion - See the Spanish report that came out three years back.

Demand six: One trillion dollars in infrastructure (Water, Sewer, Rail, Roads and Bridges and Electrical Grid) spending now.

Now this is the role of government. To ensure our means of transporting of goods and services are capable to met demand. The question comes as to how do we pay for it? We have already mortgage the futures of our grandchildren to fund entitlement programs and current spending in the United States.

Demand seven: One trillion dollars in ecological restoration planting forests, reestablishing wetlands and the natural flow of river systems and decommissioning of all of America's nuclear power plants.

Does this gentleman believe that companies that rely on timber for their livelihood are not replanting trees for those being harvested? Also, we need a certain amount of harvesting otherwise the undergrowth from dead trees and plant life created a tinder box waiting for Mother Nature to strike. I find it interesting that he'd want to decommission all Nuclear Power plants since much of the rest of the world rely more on this type of energy then fossil fuels.

Demand eight: Racial and gender equal rights amendment.

We already have this in place. It is through continued legislation that we have blurred this line and created second class citizens.

Demand nine: Open borders migration. anyone can travel anywhere to work and live.

Okay, here is one that goes against Demand One. If we have free flowing borders how do we ensure all goods and services coming into the United States are having the correct amount of tariffs levied against them? Also, will these migrant workers file IRS tax forms, will they contribute to our tax base so we can spend one trillion dollars on infrastructure since they will be using our roads, rails and waterways.

Demand ten: Bring American elections up to international standards of a paper ballot precinct counted and recounted in front of an independent and party observers system.

Now I agree that we election reform - but this doesn't do it. We need to eliminate all campaign donations and reduce the amount of time in our campaign season. I am reading a book on the election of Lincoln and one thing that strikes me odd is that candidate Lincoln did no campaigning and didn't even talk to his Vice Presidential running mate until after the election.

Demand eleven: Immediate across the board debt forgiveness for all. Debt forgiveness of sovereign debt, commercial loans, home mortgages, home equity loans, credit card debt, student loans and personal loans now! All debt must be stricken from the "Books." World Bank Loans to all Nations, Bank to Bank Debt and all Bonds and Margin Call Debt in the stock market including all Derivatives or Credit Default Swaps, all 65 trillion dollars of them must also be stricken from the "Books." And I don't mean debt that is in default, I mean all debt on the entire planet period.

If we forgive all debt then how will we pay for entitlements? What happens to all those retirement plans?

Demand twelve: Outlaw all credit reporting agencies.

Really? So we go back to buyer beware then? When one invests or goes for a loan, how will the person lending the money out have a standard of comparison?

Demand thirteen: Allow all workers to sign a ballot at any time during a union organizing campaign or at any time that represents their yeah or nay to having a union represent them in collective bargaining or to form a union.

Okay, I trust that this process will work in the opposite direction as well. If a group of people do not want to have a union they can simply sign a ballot and be done with it?

Hamburg City Council Minutes – September 13, 2011

2011-09-27T22:22:00.001-05:00

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

Public Comment

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

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

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

Approve Consent Agenda

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

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

US Fish & Wildlife Grant

No grant will be received this year.

FEMA Grant/Training Grant

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

Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) – Update

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

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

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

Use of 1939 Pumper

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

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

S.E.H. Project Update – Al Hahn

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

Cost Estimate for Fencing

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

Street Pavement Management Plan

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

Repairs of Kim Avenue

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

City of Glencoe Performance Standards for Sump Pumps/Foundation Drains

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

Senator Julianne Ortman

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

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

2012 Proposed Tax Levy and 2012 Budget

Set Proposed Property Tax Levy for 2012

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

Approve 2012 Preliminary Budget

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

Set Public Comment Meeting for Final 2012 Budget

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

Old City Business

Employee Job Descriptions

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

City Clean Up Day (Spring 2012)

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

Closet for Fiber Optic Equipment/City Storage

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

Cooler for Community Hall

Keep on agenda to discuss in October.

Energy Efficient Lighting – Rebate Programs

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

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Hall Door Replacement Proposal

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

Utility Locater/Camera

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

City Alleys (Add Rock/Shape Up)

This has been completed.

Project List

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

Deputy Clerk Report

Delinquent Utility Bills

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

Nuisance Letters

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

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

2010 Census Count – Met Council Population Estimates

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

Utility Rate Study/Five Year Budget Plan

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

Mini Biff Rental

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

Dehumidifier for Community Center

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

Agreement for Ponds (Lagoons)

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

Old Office Chairs

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

Lions Donation of Trees

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

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

Approve Payment of the August 2011 Claims

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

Approve Payment of the September 2011 Claims

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

City Council Reports

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

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

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)

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

Councilmember Barnes (Parks)

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

Mayor Malz

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

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

Submitted by:

Sue Block

Deputy Clerk

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

2011-09-27T22:21:00.001-05:00

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

No one from the general public was present.

Interest Rates

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

Hamburg Saving Accounts (CD)

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

City Debt Schedule

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

Property and Casualty Insurance

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

Transfers Out

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by:

Sue Block

Deputy Clerk

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

2011-09-27T22:20:00.001-05:00

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

No one from the general public was present.

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

General Fund Budget – Difference from 2011 to 2012 Budget

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

Public Safety Budget

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

Public Works Budget

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

Park & Recreation Budget

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

Community Hall

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

Transfers Out

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

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

Debt Service Budget

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

Water Fund

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

Sewer Fund

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

Storm Sewer Fund

Will sustain by user fees.

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

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

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

Kim Avenue Repairs

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

Update on Memorial

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

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

Submitted by:

Sue Block

Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Agenda – September 27, 2011

2011-09-27T17:04:00.001-05:00

Call City Council Meeting to Order
- Pledge of Allegiance

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

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

Consent Agenda
(NOTICE TO PUBLIC: All those items listed as part of the Consent Agenda will be approved by a single motion, unless a request to discuss one of those items is made prior to that time. Anyone present at the meeting may request an item to be removed from the consent agenda. Please inform the Council when they approve the agenda for this meeting.)
- Approve Minutes for August 23, 2001, September 6, 2011 and September 13, 2011
- Animal Impound Contract (Countryside Vet & Feed)
- Resolution Number 2011-14
- Time-Off Request (Sue Block)
- Delinquent Utility Bills Report
- Nuisance Letter(s) Report
- Project Update Number 16 (I/I Program)
- Project List (City Employees)
Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege
- FEMA Grant
- Fire Prevention Week (October 9^th to 15^th)
- Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services)
  - Curb Replacement (Chard Tiling & Excavating)
  - Donations for Memorial (Approve)
- Snow Removal Contract for 2011-12 (Wm. Mueller & Sons)

Carver County Attorney Mark Metz
- 2012 Prosecution Contract

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project
- Private Property Service Lines (Illegal Connections/Replacement)
  - Letters for Non-Compliance
  - Utility Camera
- Repairs of Kim Avenue
- Assessment Hearing – Assessment Roll
Old City Business (Memo)
- Employee Job Descriptions
  - Review Job Descriptions
- City Clean Up Day (Spring 2012)
- Closet for Fiber Optic Equipment/City Storage
  - Estimate from Dan Oelfke Construction, LLC
- Cooler for Community Hall
- Energy Efficient Lighting – Rebate Programs

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

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

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

Approve Payment of Added September 2011 Claims

City Council Reports

Councilmember Mueller Report (Sewer & Water)
Councilmember Lund Report (Streets)
Councilmember Trebesch Report (Buildings)
Councilmember Barnes Report (Parks)
Mayor Malz Report

Adjourn City Council Meeting

COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES

SEPTEMBER 10 – Wedding Reception (Jongerius)

17 – Wedding Reception (Droege)

OCTOBER 1 – Wedding Reception (Braun/Stiff)

8 – Wedding Reception (Kutzke)

22 – Wedding Reception (Peterson/Dubbe)

COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES

SEPTEMBER 5 – Labor Day Holiday! – City Offices Closed

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

10 – Community Center Rental (Gruenhagen)

13 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

13 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting (Twp. Room)

19 – Hamburg Lions Club

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

27 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

OCTOBER 3 – Hamburg Lions Club

3 – HFD Training

8 – Community Center Rental (Zellmann)

11 – Hamburg City Council – 7:00 PM

17 – Hamburg Lions Club

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

25 – Hamburg City Council – 7:00 PM

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

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

2011-09-24T18:07:00.001-05:00

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

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

Buffet rule - Class Warfare or Simple Math?

2011-09-19T20:03:00.003-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks,

Messina

Jim Messina
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

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

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

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

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

2011-09-15T07:01:00.003-05:00

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

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

Hamburg City Council Agenda – September 13, 2011

2011-09-09T17:55:00.002-05:00

Call City Council Meeting to Order
- Pledge of Allegiance

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

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

Consent Agenda
(NOTICE TO PUBLIC: All those items listed as part of the Consent Agenda will be approved by a single motion, unless a request to discuss one of those items is made prior to that time. Anyone present at the meeting may request an item to be removed from the consent agenda. Please inform the Council when they approve the agenda for this meeting.)
- Approve Minutes for August 11, 2011
- Water Usage Report for 2011
- Cash Flow Statement for July
- Resolution Number 2011-13
- Time-Off Request (Jeremy Gruenhagen)
- Time-Off Request (Sue Block)
- MNSPECT Minute (July/August/September)
- Thank You (Monica Trebesch)
- Thank You (Pack 361)
- July 2011 Policing Report
- 2012 Policing Costs (Carver County Sheriff's Office)
- Star Tribune Giving Guide (Informational)
- Mediacom (Cable TV Lineup)
- CCR Internet Publishing Legislation
- Sign Retroreflectivity Requirements
Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege
- US Fish & Wildlife Grant/FEMA Grant/Training Grant
- Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services)
  - Curb Replacement Estimate (Chard Tiling & Excavating)
  - Donations for Memorial (Approve)
- HFD By-Laws/City Personnel Policy
  - Selection vs. Election

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

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

2012 Proposed Tax Levy and 2012 Budget
- Set Proposed Property Tax Levy for 2012
- Approve 2012 Preliminary Budget
- Set Public Comment Meeting for Final 2012 Budget
  - December 13, 2011
Old City Business (Memo)
- Employee Job Descriptions
  - Review Job Descriptions
- City Clean Up Day (Spring 2012)
- Closet for Fiber Optic Equipment/City Storage
  - Estimate from Dan Oelfke Construction, LLC
- Cooler for Community Hall
- Energy Efficient Lighting – Rebate Programs

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

Deputy/Utility Billing Clerk Report

Delinquent Utility Bills Report
Nuisance Letter(s) Report
Project List (Added Items)

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

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

Approve Payment of August/September 2011 Claims

City Council Reports

Councilmember Mueller Report (Sewer & Water)
Councilmember Lund Report (Streets)
Councilmember Trebesch Report (Buildings)
Councilmember Barnes Report (Parks)
Mayor Malz Report

Adjourn City Council Meeting

COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES

AUGUST 2 – National Night Out (Park)

14 – Park Rental (Oelfke)

17 – Cub Scouts (Park)

20 – Emanuel Ribfest (Park)

27 – Wedding Reception (Grams) – Park/Hall

SEPTEMBER 10 – Wedding Reception (Jongerius)

17 – Wedding Reception (Droege)

COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES

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

1 – Hamburg Fire Department Training

9 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

9 – Young America Township Meeting

15 – Hamburg Lions Club

23 – Special Meeting – 7:00 PM

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

SEPTEMBER 5 – Labor Day Holiday! – City Offices Closed

6 – Special Meeting – 7:00 PM

10 – Community Center Rental (Gruenhagen)

13 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

13 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting (Twp. Room)

19 – Hamburg Lions Club

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

27 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

President Obama lays out Jobs plan.....

2011-09-08T21:09:00.002-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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