Hamburg City Council Minutes – October 12, 2010

Mayor Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Brian Cummiskey, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. Also in attendance was Dean Schule, Joe Hubler and John Hubler (411 Maria Ave), Chris Lund (612 Kim Ave.), Jim Keeler (Carver County Attorney), Steve Taylor (Carver County Commissioner), and Jim Ische (Carver County Commissioner). Deputy Clerk Sue Block was absent.

 

Miscellaneous Business

• Dean Scheele was in attendance to hear about the Fiber Optic line.
  

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Added – Updated 2010 October Claims List
  
• Added – October Check Detail
  
• Added – Updated Council's Old Business Memo
  
• Added – Updated City Employee Project Lists
  
• Added – Updated Delinquency Report
  
• Added – Letter from Richard Odoms
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to adopt the agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Review Claims List for October 2010

• Check #14681 (Sun Patriot Newspapers) should be for Legal Notice for Ordinance #138 not #128.
  
  • Claims list will be corrected.
    

Old City Business

• Item #8 – Mayor Malz to contact Adam Glander to look at city office floors.
  
  • Mayor Malz and Councilmember Mueller met with Adam Glander concerning the deterioration of the city office floors. Mr. Glander was asked what could replace the flooring and the estimated cost.
    
    • Adam Glander is putting together some ideas and estimated cost to replace the flooring.
      
• Item #5 – To The Home Internet Wiring at the City Water Tower
  
  • Robb's Electric should be out this week to take a look at the wiring and what has to be done to bring the wiring up to code. Mr. Sprengeler (To The Home) will then be contacted to correct the wiring that is currently there.
    
• Item #3 – Project Screen, Projector, and Sound System
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will comment on this during his report.
    
• Item #4 – Schedule someone to close the pond gates on October 16^th.
  
  • Councilmember Trebesch volunteered to close the pond gates on October 16^th.
    
• Item #6 – Install new playground equipment in Hall Park.
  
  • Councilmember Barnes will comment on this during his report.
    
• Item #7 – Decide if the City should require additional liquor liability coverage for Hall, CC, and Park rentals.
  
  • Council will discuss during the City Clerk Report.
    
• Item #10 – Name that Park
  
  • Will be discussed at the same time item #6 is discussed.
    

 

 

 

 

 

Fire Department Report

 

2010 FEMA Grant

• No new information on whether or not the Grant has been given out yet.
  

US Fish & Wildlife Grant/DNR Grant

• Grants were received and items have been ordered.
  

State Fire Chiefs Convention – October 21, 2010

• Fire Chief Droege, Adam Glander, Jared Mackenthun, and Brenda Droege will be attending the Fire Chiefs Convention in Rochester, MN on October 21, 22, and 23, 2010.
  

New Paging System

• During the Fire Chief's meeting on October 14^th the paging system will be discussed.
  

Defibrillator Recall

• Two of the Fire Departments defibrillators are on a recall list and will be replaced by two new defibrillators.
  

Hamburg Fire Department Officers – Selection vs. Election

• More information will be gathered from surrounding Fire Departments on the Pros and Cons of Selection vs. Election.
  

Snow Removal Contract for 2010 (Wm. Mueller & Sons)

• Council discussed the proposed snow removal contract with Wm. Mueller & Sons. Council also discussed who will be making the decision of when to plow and sand the city streets.
  
• Councilmember Trebesch moved to accept the Snow Removal Contract for 2010 from Wm. Mueller & Sons and to have Mayor Richard Malz and/or Maintenance Worker Byerly act as City Contacts to make the decision, along with Wm. Mueller & Sons, as to when to plow or put sand/salt on the City Streets, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Hamburg Lions Club

• Lawful Gambling Permit for November 19, 2010
  
  • Councilmember Cummiskey moved to grant the Hamburg Lions Club a Lawful Gambling Permit for their annual Poultry Party on November 19, 2010, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
    

 

Joe & John Hubler (411 Maria Avenue)

• WAC & SAC Fees
  
  • Ann Perry (Planning Consultant) researched and drafted a letter for the City Council showing comparisons of WAC & SAC charges from other smaller cities in Carver County. The comparisons indicated that the City of Hamburg was within the range of rates charged by other nearby communities.
    
    • Hamburg's fee is $3,500 per utility or approximately $7,000 to hook-up to the Cities sewer and water services.
      
  • Council discussed lowering the Cities WAC & SAC fees or the possibility of setting up a payment plan with Joe & John Hubler to hook up to the Cities water and sewer services.
    
    • Council decided to set up a three (3) year payment plan with an interest of $1 per year.
      
  • Councilmember Cummiskey moved to offer Joe & John Hubler a three (3) year payment contract with a $1 (one dollar) per year interest rate and a final payment due on or before November 1, 2013, upon City Attorney Mac Willemssen approval of the payment plan, for payment of the City of Hamburg's WAC & SAC fees, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
    
• Public Hearing - Rezoning of 411 Maria Avenue – C.U.P.
  
  • A Public Hearing was set up for October 26, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. The reason for the meeting is to discuss the request by Joe Hubler to rezone the property located at 411 Maria Ave from R-1 Single Family Residential to B – Downtown Business Mixed Use. A conditional use permit was also requested for 411 Maria Avenue to allow storage, repair, and servicing occupying between 30 to 50 percent of the building and associated with the business use of the property.
    
  • Councilmember Barnes moved to hold a Public Hearing on October 26, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. for the rezoning (R-1 Single Family Residential to B- Downtown Business Mixed Use) and conditional use permit request from Joe & John Hubler for the property located at 411 Maria Avenue, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
    

 

Carver County Attorney Jim Keeler – 2011 Prosecution Contract

• County Attorney Jim Keeler presented Council with an overview of the 2010 Prosecution Contract and what is planned for in the 2011 Prosecution Contract.
  
  • The current (2010) contract rate is $305.82 and the proposed contract rate for 2011 is $406.65.
    
• Councilmember Cummiskey moved to approve the 2011 Prosecution Contract with the Carver County Attorney's Office, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Carver County Commissioner Jim Ische & Steve Taylor

• Commissioner Ische and Commissioner Taylor went over the Carver County Open Fiber ARRA Funding and instillation of the Fiber Optic line.
  
  • Mayor Malz questioned if Emanuel School will be included in the fiber optic ring.
    
    • Commissioner Ische responded that because Emanuel School is outside of the proposed loop and a private school would not be included in the optic ring or qualify for ARRA funding.
      
  • Councilmember Mueller and Commissioner Taylor discussed adding an additional line for the Hamburg Fire Department.
    
    • Commissioner Taylor suggested setting up a meeting with City Clerk Gruenhagen and members of Council to iron out the small details of installing and hooking up to the optic line.
      
• County Road 50 Overlay
  
  • The County is looking to do the overly on County Road 50 through town. The County will complete the overlay when the City completes the portion of the I & I project that will cross County Road 50.
    
• TCW Disposal – Glass on County Road 50
  
  • Council and Commissioner Ische discussed the issue of glass on County Road 50 coming from TCW trucks. They also discussed the Conditional Use Permit between the County and TCW.
    
  • Council requested another inspection by the County to find out if the requirements of the Conditional Use Permit are being met.
    
    • Commissioner Ische commented that he would have this done.
      

 

 

 

Dennis' Report (Public Works & Utilities)

 

Community Hall Ramp Canopy Repairs

• K&K Construction (Kip Trebesch) was contacted about being selected to fix the Hall Ramp Canopy. No information on when the work can be started.
  
  • Maintenance Worker Byerly to follow up on when K&K Construction can start the project.
    
• City Clerk Gruenhagen submitted the Scope of Work to the Cities Insurance Company (LMCIT) and requested an outline of what they will be covering.
  

Mock OSHA Inspection – July 14^th, 2010

• Maintenance Worker Byerly will replace the bulb in the outdoor light at the Community Center.
  

Water Well Usage/Water Consumption for 2010

• Water usage vs. consumption was down again from last month, however it still does not account for about 20% of usage.
  

Project List

• Fall – Spray for Dandelions in Park
  
  • Has been completed.
    
• #26 – Mark Sewer and Water lines at 411 Maria Avenue
  
  • Continuing to work on.
    
• #15 – Check Chimneys in Fire Station (Leaking)
  
  • Has been completed
    
• Find all service lines and curb stops within the City especially the ones along County Road 50.
  
• #22 – Move Fire Apparatus from the City Shop to the WTP
  
  • Will be completed when Mayor Malz has more time to check if the Shop area could be rearranged to store the apparatus rather than moving it.
    

Request Time Off

• Maintenance Worker Byerly requested time-off from November 5, 2010 through November 16, 2010. Using 48 hours of vacation time and 8 hours of Holiday pay.
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to grant Maintenance Worker Byerly's requested time off, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Deputy Clerk Report

 

Delinquent Utility Bills

• Diana Payne (350 Louisa St) – Home is in foreclosure – no information on who to contact.
  
• Chris Tordsen (618 Kim Ave) – Home is in foreclosure – MN Abstract & Title Co. requested assessment & utility search.
  
• Nick Nordin (419 Railroad St) – Utility bill will be paid in full at time of closing.
  
• Fay Buckentin (153 Jacob St) – Set up a Payment Agreement.
  
• Wm. Minnihan (421 Henrietta Ave) – Shut Off Notice sent.
  

Project List

• Council had no additions or comments on the project list.
  

 

 

 

 

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

 

I/I Abatement Program (Sanitary Sewer/Storm Water Improvements)

• William & Deanna Panning (631 Park Ave) have signed their easement.
  
• There are still three (3) Easements remaining to be signed.
  
  • Brian Cummiskey - 724 Park Avenue
    
    • In negotiations.
      
  • David Klugherz - 613 David Ave
    
    • Mr. Klugherz stated he would sign a temporary easement.
      
  • Schoeppner/Alling - 619 Park Avenue
    
    • Stated they would sign their easement.
      
  • Mackenthun Estate - 631 Park Avenue
    
    • Mayor Malz will talk to them about signing their easement.
      
• Pre-Construction Pictures
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will follow up with Doug Parrott (S.E.H.) on when the pictures need to be completed by.
    
• Project Schedule
  
  • A project schedule will be set up once the remaining easements are signed.
    
• Funding for Sanitary Sewer/Storm Water Improvements
  
  • Council will have to make a decision on how they want the assessments handled along with setting up a Public Hearing to discuss the assessments and the full scope of the project.
    
• Clean Water Revolving Fund (2011 Project Property List)
  
  • The City of Hamburg is currently 111^th on the list and is in the fundable range.
    
    • The Storm Water portion of the project is not fundable according to PFA & MN PCA.
      
  • Estimated fundable cost of the I&I Project, excluding the Storm Water portion of the project, will be approximately $371,000 for Sanitary Sewer.
    

Proposal from EPA Audio Visual, Inc. (Projector & Screen)

• EPA Audio Visual provided Council with an estimated cost of installing a projector and screen in the Community Center. The estimate was $4,331.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen requested another estimate placing the speakers in the ceiling instead of the walls as stated in the current estimated cost.
    
• EPA Audio Visual has not gotten back to Council with an estimate for a Portable Sound System.
  

2010 Budget Items to be completed in 2010

• Robb's Electric was asked to come up with an estimated cost to replace the Hall, Shop, and Community Center lights. Once the estimates are received this project could possible be completed this year. There are rebates for replacing or upgrading the lights.
  
• Council also discussed other projects that could be completed this year but no decisions were made.
  

Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP)

• The City of Hamburg has an opportunity to receive grant money through the SHIP program for active living incentives.
  
• There are three (3) stages to go through for requesting grant monies.
  
  • 1^st – Conduct an assessment
    
  • 2^nd – Create an action plan.
    
  • 3^rd – Implement action plan
    
• There is approximately $10,000 that the City could possible receive through this Grant.
  
• Possible Projects
  
  • Improve traffic areas in town with the new reflective traffic signs that are now required by Federal law. Cities have until 2013/2015 to replace their current signs with the new ones.
    
  • Sign for Hall Park with a safety barrier around it.
    
  • Install a bituminous path from the Park parking lot down to the playground equipment.
    
  • Have the County widen County Road 50 on the west side of town to Hwy 25 for a pedestrian walk way.
    

Request for Time-Off – October 21^st - October 22^nd, 2010

• Councilmember Mueller moved to accept City Clerk Gruenhagens request for time off, Councilmember Cummiskey seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Project List

• Tax Forfeiture Land Sale – 470 Brad Street
  
  • There were no bids for 470 Brad Street during the land sale.
    

 

City Council Reports

 

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water)

• Councilmember Mueller reminded Council that by 2013 all traffic signs except no parking signs have to be replaced with the new high density reflective signs with six inch letters.
  
  • This is a Federal unfunded mandate whereas the City will have to pay for the replacements.
    
  • By 2015 all city street signs will also have to be replaced with the new reflective signs.
    
  • The good news is that the County will make the signs free of charge for the City.
    

Councilmember Cummiskey

• Councilmember Cummiskey informed Council that he and Russ Schneewind have lined up people to help install the Hall Playground Equipment.
  

Councilmember Trebesch

• Councilmember Trebesch asked if the street light located at Sophia and Jacob could be checked by Xcel Energy. The light is continually on.
  
• Council mentioned other street lights that should be checked.
  
  • Light by 311 Jacob Street is out and the one in front of the Myron Stuewes (661 Park Ave).
    

Councilmember Barnes (Parks) had nothing further to report.

Mayor Malz had nothing further to report.

 

Approve Claims List for October 2010

 

Claims List October 2010

• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the October Claims List from claim number 14650 through 14688 plus the six (6) ACH payment, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Councilmember Mueller moved to recess the City Council meeting at 9:30 p.m., Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

 

Councilmember Barnes moved to open the closed City Council meeting at 9:30 p.m. for the purpose of land acquisition discussion for purchase of private property for the storm water pond, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

 

 

Councilmember Barnes moved to close the Closed Meeting at 10:12 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion carried. All Council members were present.

 

Councilmember Cummiskey moved to reopen the City Council meeting at 10:12 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

 

Council discussed opening up naming the Community Hall Park to the public. City Clerk Gruenhagen will put something on the City Sign – City looking to name Park by Community Hall. For Information Call City Offices.

 

Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 10:13 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

 

 

Submitted by:                                                    

 

 

Sue Block

                                                                                                 Deputy Clerk

City of Hamburg Special Meeting – 2011 Preliminary Budget Workshop – August 31, 2010

Mayor Malz called the Special Meeting of the 2011 Preliminary Budget Workshop to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Brian Cummiskey, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, and Deputy Clerk Sue Block were present. Councilmember Steve Trebesch was absent.

 

General Fund Budget

 

Intergovernmental Receipts

• Local Gov't Aid (LGA)
  
  • Council decided not to include the proposed LGA ($58,777) in the 2011 Budget. This amount may not be received due to the current economic status and the States Budget deficit.
    
  • If any LGA is received Council will then decide what item on the 2011 Other Items to Consider List should be completed.
    
• County Road Aid (County Rd 50)
  
  • Added $6,750 into the 2011 Budget to be used towards the County Road 50 overlay.
    
• Revenues
  
  • The 2011 Revenues are very similar to what they were in 2010 minus LGA.
    

General Government Expenses

• No Wage increases for 2011.
  
• Payroll Tax increased by point five percent (.5%) mainly due to PERA increases.
  
• Health Insurance was increased ten percent (10%). Will not know actual amounts until the end of October.
  
• Workers Comp. Insurance increase of five percent (5%).
  
• Telephone increase of two percent (2%).
  
• Electricity was increased by three percent (3%).
  
• Natural Gas was increased by ten percent (10%) increase.
  
• Property & Casualty Insurance increase of five percent (5%) for 2011.
  
  • Will not know the actual amounts until the end of October 2010.
    
• Office Equipment Expenses for 2011 are $1,600.
  
  • Budgeted purchases for 2011 are for a new Laptop Computer ($1,000) and Copier ($600).
    

General Government Buildings Expenses

• Equipment & Improvements
  
  • Budget includes $1,000 for new tables for the Community Center. This line item could be eliminated or the money used for a different item(s).
    
• Repairs and Maintenance
  
  • There is $3,000 Budgeted for 2011 for (minor) every day repairs.
    
• New/Used City Truck
  
  • Council discussed purchasing a new/used city truck to save on mileage costs and wear & tear on the current City Truck which is ten years old.
    
  • Council decided to include $5,000 in the 2011 Budget with an estimated cost of $17,000.
    

City Reserves

• The Cities cash flow estimate (surplus) could be within the 48% to 52% threshold by the end of the year.
  
• Money from the Cities Reserve could be used for capital purchases needed, set aside for future capital purchases, or used to lower the 2011 Tax Levy. The Auditors could question why the City is carrying a surplus above the recommended 40 to 50 percent range; a 40% to 50% surplus is recommended due to cash flow needs. This will be looked at in more detail when the 2011 Final Tax Levy (Budget) is set.
  

 

Public Safety

• Police Protection – Tri-City Police Plan (Hamburg, NYA, Cologne)
  
  • Hamburg's Portion for 2011 is $15,263 - A decrease of $8,678 from the 2010 Budget.
    
    • Hamburg Hourly Costs - $9,463
      
    • Hamburg CSO Costs - $3,7000
      
    • South West Minnesota Drug Task Force (SWMDTF) - $2,100
      
• Mosquito Control
  
  • Council discussed increasing the 2011 Budget to include an additional spraying for next year.
    
    • Council decided to add one more spraying for 2011 and increased the Animal & Mosquito Control Budget from $2,650 to $3,000.
      
• Fire Department
  
  • FD Relief Association (Cities Contribution)
    
    • Currently $46,725 is budgeted for 2011.
      
    • Council discussed if the City should add an additional $2,000 for 2011. This would be the same amount the City has added in the past years. No decision was made at this time.
      

Public Works

• Seal Coating and/or Crack Sealing
  
  • Council discussed various ideas on what should be done with the city streets and the amount of money that should set aside in 2011.
    
  • There was $6,000 set aside in last year's budget. Council decided to add $4,000 into the 2011 Budget for Seal Coating and Crack Sealing.
    
• Street Maintenance & Sidewalk Repairs has $7,500 in the Budget. Council discussed and decided to add an additional $1,000 to the 2011 Budget.
  

Park & Recreation

• Part-Time Help/Contracted Services (Mowing)
  
  • Council discussed if they should add Part-Time Help and what amount.
    
  • Council decided to add $1,000 for Part-Time Maintenance help.
    
• Pop (Pop Machine in Park)
  
  • Has $700 in the 2011 Budget
    
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will check expenses versus cash receipts if the pop machine at the Park is making any profit.
    
• Repairs & Maintenance
  
  • There is $3,000 in the budget for 2011.
    
  • Council discussed and decided to make no changes.
    
• Equipment & Capital Improvements
  
  • Council discussed if the $200 should be left in the budget. The $200 was added in 2010 for the purchase of a tree for the Park.
    
  • Council decided to leave it in the 2011 Budget.
    
• New Siding for the Park Food Stand
  
  • This item was put on the "Wish List" and will be considered if the City receives LGA money.
    

Community Hall

• Repairs & Maintenance has $8,000 budgeted for 2011.
  
• Equipment & Capital Improvements has $15,000 in the 2011 Budget.
  
  • Council discussed both items and decided to leave them as is.
    

 

Debt Service Budget

 

2001 International Heavy Duty Rescue Truck

• Council discussed how the 2001 International Rescue Truck certificate was going to be paid due to the old Heavy Duty Rescue Truck not being sold.
  
• The full amount ($24,133) was added to the 2011 Budget minus the $15,160 coming from the two Townships leaving the City with $8,973 to pay. This remaining amount ($8,973) will be paid through City taxes.
  
  • City does not know what amount the HFD Relief Association will be contributing towards the payment. This amount will not be known until the end of the year.
    
  • The old Rescue Truck has not sold increasing the amount paid by the City through taxes.
    

  
   

Water and Sewer Fund Budget

 

• There is $15,000 budgeted in the General Fund to be transferred to the Water fund.
  
  • Council discussed and decided to transfer the $15,000 into the Water fund and nothing to the Sewer Fund. The Water and Sewer Fund budgets will be discussed in more detail when the final 2011 Budget is set.
    

 

Note: LGA funds amount to about 10% of the Hamburg City budget (revenues).

 

Council discussed what to set the Proposed Tax Levy at and agreed on a 3.3% increase. The total Proposed Tax Levy for 2011 was set at $416,601.

 

Councilmember Barnes moved to adjourn the 2011 Preliminary Budget Workshop at 8:58 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Cummiskey and motion carried. All Council members present voted aye. Councilmember Trebesch was absent.

 

.

                                        Submitted by:

 

    
 

    
 

                                        Sue Block

                                        Deputy Clerk

 

 

 

City of Hamburg Special Meeting – Sanitary & Storm Sewer Improvements – October 5, 2010

Mayor Malz called the Special Sanitary & Storm Sewer Improvements Meeting of the to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Brian Cummiskey, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen and Deputy Clerk Sue Block were present. Others in attendance were Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly and Doug Parrott (S.E.H.).

 

The reason for the special meeting is to discuss improvements related to but not limited to the construction of sanitary sewer, sanitary sewer services, water main, storm sewer, storm water ponding, easement needs, illegal connections, and miscellaneous items required to properly complete the improvements.

 

The reason for the special meeting is to also discuss the placement of the new Park Equipment at the Hamburg Community Hall.

 

Remaining Easements

• Brian & Maggie Cummiskey - 724 Park Avenue
  
• David Klugherz & Becky Hammers - 613 David Ave
  
• John Schoeppner & Anna Marie Alling - 619 Park Avenue
  
• William & Deanna Panning - 631 Kim Avenue
  
• Dustin Mackenthun Estate - 631 Park Avenue
  

 

Broken Sewer Line

• Sean & Heidi Peters, 630 Kim Avenue, had to repair their sanitary sewer service line and when the line was dug up an illegal connection was discovered. A new sewer line was installed and the illegal connection was not reconnected or addressed at this time.
  
  • During the I & I project more of this type of connection will probable be discovered.
    

 

Storm Water Ponding

• Council discussed other alternatives and possible different sights for the Storm Water Pond.
  
  • The City has been in negotiations with the Cummiskeys to purchase part of their property to build the Storm Water Pond. At this time no agreement has been reached.
    
• Council and Mr. Parrott discussed if Councilmember Cummiskey could be at the Special Meeting.
  
  • It was decided that as long as no decision was made effecting Mr. Cummiskey directly he could be in attendance as a Council member.
    

 

Remaining Easements

• Council discussed various ways to obtain the remaining easements and what changes the residents are requesting before they sign.
  
• Council decided to draft a letter to each resident stating what they are requesting, have the easements changed to meet their requests, and then call to make appointments as to when it would be convenient for them to sign.
  
• Council also suggested going to the resident's home with the easement document and Deputy Clerk Block (Notary) and asking them to sign the easement.
  

 

 

 

 

Storm Water Pond

• Council discussed alternative sights on where the Storm Water Pond could be located.
  
• Council decided the alternatives would be to eliminate the eastern section of the storm sewer project , work with the Cummiskeys or go through the process and expense of using Eminent Domain.
  

 

Placement of Hall Park Playground Equipment

• Councilmember Barnes presented Council with a diagram of where the new Hall Park playground equipment could be located in the Hall Park.
  
  • Fire Chief Droege had previously approved the location.
    
• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the submitted diagram for the location placement of the new Hall Park playground equipment, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  
• Council also agreed to name the park and put up a sign stating the site is a Park.
  

 

Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Special Sanitary & Storm Sewer Improvements at 8:26 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

 

 

 

                                        Submitted by:

 

    
 

    
 

                                        Sue Block

                                        Deputy Clerk

 

 

 

Tea Party: Racists or Diverse?

http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentary/107001988.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:U0ckkD:aEyKUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

Since the rise of the Tea Party the accusations flew about their racist and bigoted thoughts. At every turn the Liberal media and pundits attempted to paint all Tea Party goers as angry, white, middle aged men. While there was a fringe group that joined the fray for a chance to vent their anger against a black president, the majority of them were just fed up with over taxation, deficit spending, loss of freedoms and the arrogance of a growing central government.

Democrats did their best efforts to put a face on their liberal agenda with Obama because it offered them the opportunity to paint the GOP as the Party of "Fat Cat" white guys. Unfortunately, the Democrats didn't realize the ground swell of fiscal Conservatism that existed in America. Personally, I wished the Tea Party movement had started during the 2010 Primary season to avoid the racist, angry, white man moniker the Left has attempted to paint them.

As the article points out, the Tea Party backed candidates are more diverse then what the media leads on. Probably the biggest Tea Party backed candidate is Marco Rubio and he is a Latino. It will be interesting if the Congressional Black Caucus will offer an invitation to the newly elected black Congressman that are cloaked in the GOP.

7:00. Call Canvass Board Meeting to Order @ 7:00 PM
• 2010 General Election Results
o Adopt Resolution 2010-06

7:05. Call City Council Meeting to Order @ 7:05 PM
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Miscellaneous Business (Public Comments)
• Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption
• Review Claims List for November 2010
• Old City Business (Memo)
• Approve Minutes for August 31, 2010, September 28, 2010,
October 5, 2010 & October 12, 2010

7:15. Fire Department Report
• 2010 FEMA Grant/US Fish & Wildlife Grant/DNR Grant
• New Paging System
• Civil Defense Siren Operation
• Old HFD Recue Truck
• Hamburg Fire Department Officers
o Selection vs. Election

7:25. Dennis’ Report (Public Works & Utilities)
• Community Hall Ramp Canopy Repairs
o Insurance Coverage (Repairs)
• Mock OSHA Inspection (July 14th, 2010)
• 420 Maria Avenue Curb Stop
• Sweep City Streets
• Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption for 2010
• Project List (Additional Items)

7:55. Deputy Clerk Report
• Delinquent Utility Bills Report
• Project List (Additional Items)

8:00. Hamburg Improve Parks Group
• Playground Equipment for Community Hall (Park)

8:15. City Clerk/Treasurer Report
• I/I Abatement Program (Sanitary Sewer/Storm Water Improvements)
o Easements for Project
o Pre-Construction Pictures
o Funding for Sanitary Sewer/Storm Water Improvements
o Land Purchase for Storm Water Pond/Storm Sewer Options
 Options to Reduce Property Purchase
o Project Schedule
• Proposal from EPA Audio Visual, Inc. (Projector & Screen)
o Proposal from EPA Audio Visual, Inc. (Sound System)
• 2010 Budget Items
o Review 2010 Budgeted Items to be completed in 2010
• 2011 Health Insurance Rates for Employees
• Closed Meeting for Employee Evaluations
o Employee Valuations – November 23, 2010 Meeting
• Project List
• Informational Items (Comments)
o Carver County Open Fiber Initiative BIT Cities Group
o Policing Contract Clarifications (Memo from Jeff Enevold)
o Public Hearing – Highway 212 ROW in Dahlgren Twp.
o Mediacom Rate Increases
o City Offices Closed November 11th for Veterans Day!

8:45. City Council Reports
• Councilmember Mueller Report (Sewer & Water)
• Councilmember Cummiskey Report (Streets)
• Councilmember Trebesch Report (Buildings)
• Councilmember Barnes Report (Parks)
• Mayor Malz Report

9:00. Approve Claims List for November 2010

9:05. Recess City Council Meeting

9:05. Move to Closed Meeting for the purpose of Land Acquisition Negotiations (Purchase of Private Property for Storm Water Pond)

9:20. Move to Reopen the City Council Meeting

9:20. Adjourn City Council Meeting (Adjournment of City Council Meeting following completion of Closed Meeting)




"The times set forth above are estimated. Some subjects may take a longer time to discuss and take action on; some subjects may take less time than set forth."

Election Day Results

Well the Republicans won back the House in Congress and gained seats in the Senate. In Minnesota we will have to wait for the official results of our Governor's race as 9000 votes differ between Dayton and Emmer. Surprisingly both chambers of the Minnesota State Legislature will be in the control of Republicans. On a personal note I did win election for City Council to which I appreciate all those that voted for me.

It was entertaining to watch the pundits interpret the national and state results over the past couple of days. While many on the Left point to this being a referendum on the economy those on the Right contend it's the policies enacted by Obama. Which do you think it was? For those in Minnesota, no matter how the recount comes out will either side raise concern over the findings?

Election Day - Go Vote

Today is a special day in America. It is a day that every person on the planet has the freedom to participate in. No matter what you political ideology is find your nearest voting place and cast your lot. You owe it to yourself, to your family, to your fellow citizens, and most importantly to all those that came before you.


For those eligible to vote in Hamburg, please darken the circle next to Chris Lund for City Council.