Unemployment falls to 7.8% or does it?

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

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

• Unemployment rate dropped to 7.8 percent in September
• Total nonfarm payroll employment rose 114,000
• Number of unemployed is at 12.1 million - decreased by 456,000 in September
• Long-term unemployed was 4.8 million or 40.1 percent of unemployed
• Total employment rose by 873,000 in September
• Employment-population ratio increased by 0.4 percent to 58.7 percent
• Civilian labor force rose by 418,000 
• Labor Force participation rate was 63.6 percent
• Part-time rose to 8.6 million from 8 million

Now none of these numbers are adjusted for seasonal changes. As CEO Welch points out in his op-ed toady in the Wall Street Journal,"The unemployment data reported each month are gathered over a one-week period by census workers, by phone in 70% of the cases, and the rest through home visits. In sum, they try to contact 60,000 households, asking a list of questions and recording the responses." The BLS website confirms the process that Welch alludes to as well. Is anyone else bothered by this? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hamburg City Council Minutes - August 16, 2012

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

Public Comment

• No persons were in attendance for Public Comment.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Added – Updated Claims List
• Added – Letter from Justin Black (S.E.H.) for awarding contract for 2012 Seal Coat Project.
• Added – Updated Delinquency List

• Councilmember Barnes moved to adopt the agenda with the noted additions, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approve Consent Agenda

• Approve Minutes for July 10, 2012
• The July 10, 2012 minutes were not made available to Council prior to the Council meeting and were removed from the Consent Agenda.
• Municipal Boundary Adjustment Unit (Joint Resolution for Orderly Annexations – Gamber Property & Storm Water Pond Parcel)
• Local Government Aid for 2013
• Time-off Request for Sue Block
• Mediacom Video Rate Adjustments
• Carver County Sign Replacement Project
• MNSPECT Minute for August 2012
• June Cash Flow Statement
• Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for July 2012
• Delinquent Utility Bills Report 
• Employee Project Lists

·         Councilmember Lund moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of the July 10, 2012 Minutes, seconded by Councilmember Barns and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Parkside Tavern – Brian Eggers

·         Brian Eggers requested to have part of Railroad Street on the east side of Parkside Tavern closed for the 5^th Anniversary of Parkside Tavern.  The celebration is scheduled to be held on September 22, 2012.  The celebration would include;

o       Cindy’s Concertina Band would play from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

o       There would be no outside activities after sundown.

o       A fence would be placed from the bars main door along the sidewalk to the east side of Railroad Street and then south no further than 276 Railroad.

o       An outside bar would be set up within the fencing along with picnic tables and a few tents for shade.

o       There would be no activity on County Road 50 (Henrietta Ave).

o       Neighbors along Scheele Avenue and Railroad Street would be asked to sign a document allowing the closure of street from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.

·         Council discussed and decided to contact the cities attorney to make sure the Parkside Tavern’s liability insurance and liquor license would cover such an event and indemnify the City of Hamburg against any claims or liabilities.

·         Councilmember Mueller moved to grant Parkside Tavern permission to close part of Railroad Street for their 5^th Anniversary celebration as long as everything is approved by the City Attorney Mac Willemssen, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Justin Black – City Engineer (S.E.H.)

2012 Seal Coating/Crack Filling Project

• Justin Black (City Engineer -S.E.H.) sent a letter to Council outlining the bids for the 2012 Seal Coat Project. 
• Pearson Bros., Inc. - $18,143.75
• Allied Blacktop Company - $20,747.35
• Southwest Paving, Inc. - $22,966.75
• Caldwell Asphalt Co., Inc. - $33,047.00
• Mr. Black did not find any reason to deny awarding the contract to Pearson Bros., Inc. and recommended to Council that they award the bid to this contractor.
• Councilmember Mueller moved to award the 2012 Seal Coat bid to Pearson Bros., Inc. for the bid price of $18,143.75, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
• Council discussed and agreed to allow Pearson Bros. to put the granite rocks that they will be using at the end of George Street.

Overlay of County Road 50 – Punch List Items

• Remove all millings from the sidewalks, curbs and gutters.
• Check all manholes and gate valve to make sure they will open.
• Provide a water usage report for the amount of water they used.
• Replace catch basin that was damaged during the road construction.  The catch basin needs to be sawed out and poured back in.
• Lower all gate valves that are higher than the roadway.
• Inform the County Engineer of the inadequate communication between flaggers on traffic flow, misinformation that the road was closed, unable to go through town and blocking the street with their equipment, and informing the Ambulance crew they could not get through and they would have to turn around.
• Pick up all signs and cones that are still around town.

Sanitary & Storm Water Improvement Project

• Chard has not sent a final payment request and they are aware of the retaining fee.  Justin Black (S.E.H.) will make sure Chard has the final payment request ready for the September Council meeting.  

Private Property Service Lines (Illegal Connections/Replacement)

• Maintenance Worker Byerly is having trouble televising the Huron Apartment service lines and will talk to Joe from Infratech when he does the line tracing training on Tuesday.
• Council requested to have the Huron Apartment service lines televised by the end of August.

Old City Business

Community Center Closet Door (Replace)

• Council decided that when the door is received to have either Craig Glander or Dayton Weber install the new door.

Sign for City Hall/Township

• The new sign is almost done.

Use of SHIP Monies (Handicap Access to Parks)

• Two new paths have been installed, one at each Park for handicap access to the playground equipment.  The cost was around $5,800 to $5,900 with approximately $4,000 left over from the SHIP monies.
• Council decided to have Wm. Mueller & Sons provide an estimate on how much it would cost to shape up the existing pathway in the park and report back to Council at the next Council meeting.  The remaining SHIP monies will be used to repair the existing pathway.     

Revised NIMS Training Program (Requirements)

• Councilmember Steve Trebesch and Mayor Malz will do the training for NIMS when it becomes available in our area.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Liftstation Repairs

• Two bids were received for repairing the Liftstation however they will have to be requested again.  Neither bid had the same items listed for repairs.  One bid was $13,000 and the other one was $5,000.
• Council and Maintenance Worker Byerly discussed what type of repairs may be needed to fix the gate valves and check valves.  Council also asked Maintenance Worker Byerly to find out if by installing larger impellers the pipe carrying the water to the lagoons would be able to handle the extra flow.  Council requested Maintenance Worker Byerly to put the repair requests in writing so North Star and Electric Pump would have the same information when asked for the revised bids.
• Maintenance Worker Byerly was asked to get information on the cost to repair the electrical box and add a dialer to the Liftstation.

Nuisance Letters

• Mayor Malz will be driving the city streets to check on any nuisance violations and submit them to the city office to send out letters.

Fixing the Light Fixture in Community Center Storage Closet

• Maintenance Worker Byerly was asked for an update on when the light will be fixed in the storage closet.  Maintenance Worker Byerly will call BLI to have them come out and fix the ballast. The light has been out for at least a month.

Community Center - Painting

• Painting the inside of the Community Center is scheduled for completion this fall.

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

DNR Grant Application

• Received DNR Grant for $1,200.

Ag Star Grant

• Fire Department applied for a $1,000 Ag Star Grant.

National Night Out and Memorial Dedication for Public Servants (Protective Services) Update

• Both events went very well.  Fire Chief Droege and Council were disappointed that the Norwood Times newspaper did not attend these events.
• Council was asked to think about adding a Memorial Dedication Plaque to the Memorial.

Decorative Fountain for Park Pond (Donations)

• The Hamburg Hunt and Fish Club donated $200 towards the fountain.

Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association – (Gary Marquardt)

• The Relief Association received a notice from the State Auditor that their 2011 Reporting Year Forms had not been sent in.  Mr. Marquardt explained that the Relief Association has a new accountant and he did file an extension and the forms will be sent in with no penalties.

HFDRA Pension Increase

• Chief Droege asked Council to consider a pay increase, last year they received a $25 increase.

Purchase New Hanging Street Flags

• Chief Droege and Gary Marquardt informed Council that the current USA flags are tattered and the brackets are breaking.  They requested Councils approval to purchasing new flags with brackets.  The total cost for replacing all the old flags would be $1,611 with phasing in the new ones over a two (2) year period.
• Council discussed and decided to add this to the Wish List for next year’s budget.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

Insurance Claims from June 18 & 19, 2012 Storms

• All the insurance claims are almost completed except for 490 Brad this claim should be finalized next week.  The Hamburg Baseball Club is working on getting estimates to fix or replace the Baseball park fence, when received City Clerk Gruenhagen is to submit their claim.

Hamburg FD Sign

• Council discussed the repair of the Fire Departments sign that was damaged during the June storms.  Council decided to have City Clerk Gruenhagen contact Willard Fuellner about obtaining a new plank and routing it out for installation on new pillars.

Primary Election – August 14, 2012

• Out of 303 registered voters only 33 ballots were cast.

Filings for City Council and Mayor

• Richard Malz filed for the Mayor position. (Incumbent)
• Richard Odoms filed for one of the two open council seats.
• Susan Block also filed for City Council, however, after extended thought she decided to withdraw her application.

Election Judge

• The city is looking for one more election judge for the 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. shift.
• Councilmember Mueller suggested asking Linda Mueller if she would consider being a judge.

Council Wages

• If Council is considering Council wages then this has to be adopted by the November 6^th General Election.

Policing Cost

• The Policing cost from this year to next year is proposed to increase by $300.

Tax Forfeited Lot on Brad Street (PID #45.2000010)

• Carver County is asking the City of Hamburg if they would wave the approximant $12,200 assessment on the property to get it back on the tax roll.
• Council discussed and no decision was made at this time.

Property/Casualty Insurance Renewal

• Council discussed and decided not to waive the monetary limits on Municipal Tort Liability established by statues.  This means that if not waived an individual claimant would not be able to recover more then $500,000 on any claim with the maximum Tort Liability of $1.5 million. 
• Councilmember Barnes moved not to waive the Municipal Tort Liability monetary limit as recommended by the Hamburg City Attorney, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Host Liquor Liability for Hall, Community Center, and Park Rentals

• City Clerk Gruenhagen explained to Council the difficulty in obtaining Host Liquor Liability from insurance companies for persons renting city buildings.
• Council discussed and decided to obtain quotes for the City to carry liquor liability insurance as a back up if any thing should happen.

Budget Workshop Meetings

• Councilmember Lund moved to hold the Special Workshop meetings on August 28, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. and September 5^th at 7:00 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

City Sewer Backup Coverage

• To continue to have sewer backup coverage for the City the insurance company would like the Council to draw up a city wide plan for cleaning out the city sewer lines over the following years.
• Councilmember Mueller will obtain quotes for jetting out the sewer lines and report back at the next Council meeting.

City Council Meetings for 2012/2013

• Council discussed having one Council meeting per month unless there is additional City business to discuss.  No decision was made at this time.

Community Hall Rentals

• People renting the Hamburg Hall are requesting to gain access to the Hall sooner then the Council decided 12:00 p.m. (noon) on the Friday before the Saturday rental.  It is in the City Fee Schedule that if the renters want to get in earlier on Friday then there is an additional $200 charge for the extra day.  Several people are complaining that this is to high a price to rent the additional day.
• Council discussed and decided to leave the Hall rental fees as they are now.

Approve DEBIT Payment for June 2012 Claims ($229.00)

Approve Added July 2012 Claims ($14,318.08)

• Two ACH payments and claim number 15747 and 15748, claim numbers 15750 to 15770.

Approve Updated August 2012 Claims ($95,132.08)

• Five ACH payments and claim numbers 15771 to 15802.

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

City Council Reports

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water)

• Carver County Soil & Water verified that the City of Hamburg could receive the $10,000 grant to purchase a SAFL Baffle, however the City would have to commit to cleaning it out three times per year.
• Council discussed and decided to check into who would be able to vacuum out the SAFL Baffle and what the cost would be before agreeing to the purchase.  At this time it is not known if there is a deadline on the grant.

Councilmember Lund (Streets) had nothing further to report.

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings) had nothing further to report.

Councilmember Barnes (Parks) had nothing further to report.

Mayor Malz

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

Adjourn City Council Meeting

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

Submitted by: 

Sue Block

Hamburg City Council Minutes - September 11, 2012

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

Public Comment

• No persons were in attendance for Public Comment.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Added – Updated Claims List
• Added – Quotes from North Star Pump Service and Electric Pump – Lift Station Repairs
• Added – Quotes from Wm. Mueller & Sons and Bargen Incorporated – Park Pathways

• Councilmember Barnes moved to adopt the agenda with the noted additions, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried.

Approve Consent Agenda

• Approve Minutes for July 10, 2012
• Time-off Request for Jeremy Gruenhagen
• Time-off Request for Sue Block (Reminder)
• MNSPECT Minute for September 2012
• July Cash Flow Statement
• Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for August 2012
• Delinquent Utility Bills Report 
• Employee Project Lists

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

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

DNR Grant Application

• Received DNR Grant for $1,200.

Training Grant

• Received $3,150 Training Grant from the State

Public Service Memorial Update

• September 30, 2012 is the Minnesota Fire Fighters Memorial at the States Capital. Ten Fire Fighters from Hamburg will be attending.

Fire Department Open House – October 13, 2012

Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association

• The HFDRA will be purchasing new city flags, cost is $1,600.

Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association

• The HFDRA asked for a $50 increase.

Public Service Memorial

• Cost to build the Memorial was around $51,100.  Chief Droege turned over all the documents and pictures to the City of Hamburg.
• So far the Memorial is $550 to $600 to the good, however there a few out standing expenses still to come in. 

Box Alarms

• The FD Box Alarms are something like Auto Aid.  It will be used for personal injury accidents, heavy smoke showing, grass fires, and structure fires.
• Fire Chief Droege gave Council a spread sheet braking down which area Fire Department will respond to the initial alarm and if assistance is needed it lists who would respond to the 1^st alarm, 2^nd alarm, and so on.  Using this Box Alarm schedule it will help eliminate confusion as to what equipment is needed and what Fire Department should respond in an organized manor.

Old Brown Rectangular Tables

• Chief Droege asked Council if there will be a possibility of selling the old brown tables or giving a few to the City organizations.
• No discussion or decision was made.

NIMS Training

• Chief Droege suggested Council wait for NIMS training until the new Council is elected and then hire someone to come out to Hamburg to do the training.

Railroad Street Closure for Parkside Tavern Anniversary Party

• Chief Droege and Council discussed who will be setting up and taking down the barriers, fencing, and signs for the street closing during Parkside Tavern Anniversary Party.  Liquor liability insurance was also discussed.

Bi-Centennial Park Trails Quotes

• Brad Droege (Wm. Mueller & Sons) explained the bids received for the placement of the Park trails and how they would be constructed.

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

Old City Business

City Clean Up-Day (Fall 2012/Spring 2013)

• Council decided to have the City Clean-Up Day scheduled for some time in the spring of 2013.
• Notices of the date and time will be sent out to the City residents.

Community Center Closet Door (Replace)

• Craig Glander installed the new Community Center storage door.  He will also be helping Councilmember Mueller to hang the new outdoor City sign.

Use of SHIP Monies (Handicap Access/Trails to Parks)

• There is approximately $4,000 left over from the SHIP monies and Council decided to use the $4,000 to seal coat the Park trails.  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the quotes from Wm. Mueller & Sons and Bargen to seal coat and pave the trails in the Park, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Parkside Tavern 5^th Anniversary

• Brad Droege will be taking care of any signage and barricades.  The only other item that will have to be taken care of is a disclaimer indemnify and defend holding the City harmless if any issues that could arise from the Parkside Tavern’s Anniversary party.
• City Attorney Mac Willemssen will be asked to draw up the paperwork and have Parkside Tavern sign off on it.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Liftstation Repairs

• Two revised bids were received for repairing the Liftstation.
• Council and Maintenance Worker Byerly discussed the bids and decided to have Maintenance Worker Byerly call the companies to clarify the pricing on some of the items listed.
• Councilmember Barnes moved to have Maintenance Worker Byerly verify North Star Pump Service’s quote versus Electric Pump quote from August 7, 2012 that North Star Pump’s quote is lower than Electric Pump then Maintenance Worker Byerly would have the authority to go ahead and offer the Liftstation repair to North Star Pump, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and the motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Estimate to Clean City Sewer Lines (Empire Pipe Services)

• To keep Hamburg’s No-fault Insurance the city will have to jet and televise the Sanitary Sewer lines.
• Councilmember Mueller had called Empire Pipe Services (Mankato) and Pipe Services (Shakopee) asking for quotes on how much it would cost to jet and televise 3200 feet of the Sanitary Sewer lines.
• Lines to be jetted and televised;
• From the Lift Station to the end of Brad Street, then Robert Avenue and Donald Avenue.  Then from the manhole on George Street though the section in the field.
• The cost estimate from Empire to clean and televise approximately 2000 feet (at $1.25 per foot) would be $2,500.  To just clean 2000 feet of the lines would cost $0.60 per foot totaling $1,200.
• Council discussed and decided to wait for Pipe Services (Shakopee) estimate and make a decision at the next council meeting.

Community Center - Painting

• Council instructed Maintenance Worker Byerly to paint at least the repaired wall in the men’s bathroom.
• Maintenance Worker Byerly committed to having the wall painted this Friday.
• Mayor Malz suggested that he could get a quote to have the Community Center painted.  Council discussed if Maintenance Worker Byerly would find the time to paint the Center, Mayor Malz will obtain a quote for the next Council meeting.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

Insurance Claims Update

• All the insurance claims from the sewer back are completed.
• The Hamburg Baseball Club is working on getting the Baseball park fence fixed and will submit the cost to City Clerk Gruenhagen and he will send the claim to the insurance company.
• Members of the Hamburg Baseball Club noticed a light that was broken at the Baseball field.  City Clerk Gruenhagen asked Council if they would want a claim filed, the cost to fix the light is $270 and the Cities deductable is $250 per occurrence.
• Council decided not to turn in a claim and have the Baseball Club fix the light.

Hamburg FD Plank and Pillar Outside the Community Center

• Mayor Malz asked Council if the plank should be rough sawed or smooth and sealed or not sealed.
• Council decided to have the plank rough sawed and sealed.
• Estimates will be requested to rebuild the damaged pillar.  Council did request that the brick match the flag pole brick stand.

Tax Forfeited Lot on Brad Street (PID #45.2000010)

• Council discussed Carver County’s request to wave the approximant $12,122 assessment on the property.
• No decision was made at this time.

Host Liquor Liability for Hall, Community Center, and Park Rentals

• City Clerk Gruenhagen went over the Loss Control Recommendations When Alcohol Is Served from the League of Minnesota Cities.
• According to the LMC what the Hamburg is doing now to obtain Host Liquor Liability is sufficient.
• Council discussed when renters should be allowed into the Hall to decorate and decided to leave as it is now.  More discussion and a decision will be made when the City Fee Schedule is set.

City Council Meetings for 2012/2013

• Council decided to change the number of Council meetings per month from two to one.  If there is additional City business to discuss then a second Council meeting will be called.
• Councilmember Lund made a motion to hold one Council meeting per month for the remainder of 2012 and through 2013, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Hamburg Baseball Club

• The Hamburg Baseball Club has put in a bid to host either the 2016, 2017, or 2018 State Tournament.

Park Mini-Biff Rental

• Council decided to have the Mini-Biff removed at the end of September.

2013 Proposed Tax Levy and 2013 Budget

Council Wages

• If Council wants to increase Council wages then this has to be set by ordinance.  A Public meeting should be set on October 9^th at 7:00 p.m. before the regular City Council meeting on that day.  Any decision on employee wages and/or rates should be done at the October 9^th meeting as well.  Any decision has to be published by November 1, 2012.
• Mayor Malz suggested that as long as Council will be meeting only once per month then the current Council and Mayor wages would be sufficient.  Mayor Malz did however suggest that the Special Meeting wage be increased from $25 per meeting to $50 per meeting.
• Councilmember Lund moved to keep the current Council and Mayor’s regular meeting wages the same but increase the Special Meeting waged to $50 per meeting, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
• Councilmember Lund moved to hold the Public Ordinance Meeting before the City Council Meeting on October 9, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Water/Sewer/Storm Water Rates for 2013 (Utility Rate Study)

• City Clerk Gruenhagen presented Council with different options on billing residents for Water/Sewer/Storm Water rates.
• Yearly revenue needed to cover the Storm Water loan is $73,500.  To get up to this amount the Water Sewer fee for residents would have to be set at $27.25 and commercial at $50 per month.
• Council discussed what to charge City residents and businesses and how to generate money for the Utility funds.
• A final decision on what to set the Utility fees at does not have to be made until December 2012.
• To help set the 2013 Preliminary Budget Council decided not to transfer money from the General Fund and set the Utility fees to break even point. 

Set Proposed Property Tax Levy for 2013

• At the last meeting a zero percent Tax Levy was proposed.
• In the 2012 Budge there was $6,000 to cover Council wages and Special Meetings.  This amount could stay the same for the 2013 Budget.  The $6,000 would cover the pay increase of $25 for Special Meetings.
• Added to the Capital Improvement Funds from the Cities savings account was $2,000 to start saving for new Handicap bathrooms in the Park.
• Health insurance is scheduled to increase by 4% to 5% not the projected 10% that is in the 2013 Preliminary Budget.  Council decided to leave the 10% increase in the 2013 Budget to help keep the tax levy at 0%.
• LGA money was taken out ($58,777) with a note that if money is received it would go towards Street Maintenance or Capital purchases.
• County Road 50 aid was taken out because the County will be keeping the money to pay for the Cities portion of the mill and overlay.
• The can money could be used to put soffit and fascia on the Park buildings.  There is $2,000 in the budget now.
• With the cuts the City will be at a 51 to 53 percent cash flow which is over the guidelines.
• In the Proposed 2013 Budget there is a 3% employee wage increase.  This will be discussed at a later date.
• Councilmember Lund moved to set the 2013 Proposed Budget at zero percent increase, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

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

Approve 2013 Preliminary Budget

• Councilmember Lund moved to approve the 2013 Preliminary Budget minus the $600 for Council wages, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Set Public Comment Meeting for Final 2013 Budget

• Councilmember Lund moved to set the Public Comment Meeting on December 11, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approve Payment of Added August Claims ($29,950.38)

• It was noted that the Hamburg Lions Club and the Young America Township will each be paying 25% of claim number 15808.
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the one ACH payment and claim number 15803 to 15818, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approve Payment of September 2012 Claims ($13,957.42)

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the four ACH payments and claim number 15819 to 15845, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approve Final Payment for Storm/Sewer Improvement Project ($26,838.66)

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

City Council Reports

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water)

• Councilmember Mueller suggested the City set up a meeting with Mike Legg from the Carver County Highway Department to get the snow plowing and ice control situation on County Road 50 resolved.
• Councilmember Mueller also suggested not purchasing the SAFL Baffle and file an extension to extend payment until 2013.
• City Clerk Gruenhagen will file for the extension.

Councilmember Lund (Streets)

• Councilmember Lund updated Council on the Accel meeting.
• Councilmember Lund had checked into higher percent investment options for the City and presented the findings to Council.

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings) – had nothing further to report.

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

Mayor Malz – had nothing further to report.

Adjourn City Council Meeting

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

Submitted by: 

Sue Block

Hamburg City Council - Preliminary Budget meeting - August 28, 2012

Acting Mayor Larry Mueller called the Special Meeting of the 2013 Preliminary Budget Workshop to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, and Deputy Clerk Sue Block were present.  Mayor Malz arrived at 7:15 p.m.  Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly was absent.

General Public

• David Chadwick was also in attendance for a short period of time.

The 2013 Preliminary Budget, as presented, reflects a zero percent Property Tax Levy increase which would be the same as the 2012 Budget.

General Fund Budget

• LGA - Local Government Aid
• LGA ($58,777) was added back into the 2031 Budget.
• County Road Aid for County Road 50
• Hamburg’s County Road Aid for County Road 50 was removed from the budget.  The County will keep the scheduled payment (each year until the cities portion of cost is paid) to the City and put it towards Hamburg’s portion of the cost to mill and overly County Road 50 through town.
• General Government Expenditures
• A three percent wage increase was built into the 2013 budget.
• Health Insurance was increased by ten percent.  Actual rates for 2013 do not become available until October/November 2012.
• Added a five percent increase for all other insurance rates.
• Utilities were increased by three percent.
• General Government Expenditures should be about $16,970 less than what was in 2012.  This is based on a three year average of the Cities expenditures and taking into account the $20,000 that was used to purchase the Ford Ranger in 2012.

Public Safety General Fund Budget

• Fire Department Relief Association – Cities Municipal Contribution
• In 2012 the Cities contribution was $24,337 and in 2013 it will be $24,383 roughly the same as last year.
• Fire Chief Droege agreed with keeping the Fire Department budget the same as last year.  The Fire Department would like to start saving for a new Pumper that will be needed in about five years.

Public Works Street Maintenance & Sidewalk Repairs

• Council will have to decide what to do about street repairs.  In 2012 there was $52,536 in the budget for street maintenance but roughly $8,000 or $9,000 of that was used for the Street Improvement Plan.  This left about $45,000 for the 2013 Street Maintenance and Sidewalk repair budget.
• Council discussed which sidewalks are in need of repair.  They decided that Louisa Street should be the first to be repaired and estimates should be obtained.
• Council also discussed what portion of street repairs would be assessed to the residents.  Council discussed having an assessment policy written up this fall.
• An estimated $45,000 was added to the 2013 Street Maintenance & Sidewalk Repairs budget and there will be about $6,500 to carry over from 2012.
• Council noted that when streets are redone it should take into account the tonnage weight.

Park & Recreation Budget

• The City is paying between $700 and $900 each year to rent a handicap portable restroom.  Council decided to put aside $2,000 in the budget (Future Capital Purchases) to add a handicap bathroom at the Bi-Centennial Park.   

Community Hall

• Repair or replacement the Hall steps and ramp was put on the Wish List.  Redoing the hardwood floors was also added to the Wish List.
• Council discussed the ceiling vent in the Hall, should it be repaired or taken out.  This item is on the Wish List and there is $500 in the 2012 budget to remove the vent.  Councilmember Trebesch will check the vent and report back to Council on his findings.

Equipment Replacement Funds

• Replacing the Bobcat is on the Wish List with last year’s estimate of $35,000 to replace.  Council decided to use the current Bobcat until it dies then replace.
• It was noted that by the end of this year (2012) the City will have $74,000 in the Equipment Replacement Fund and $57,000 in the City Maintenance Fund.
• Replacing the Exmark lawnmower was discussed.  The Exmark was purchased in 2010 and in 2012 a new motor was installed.
• Council decided that Work Orders should be requested before any work is done on any City equipment especially Bobcat repairs.  Council also decided that any estimate over $200 has to be approved before any work is done. 
• By having an estimate or work order Council could track repairs of City equipment to help budget for possible replacement.

Community Center Addition Fund

• Each year $2,000 is budgeted for a future Community Center addition.

Sewer Fund

• The sewer fund should have enough in the budget to repair the Liftstation which may cost $10,000 or more and this is excluding a new electrical panel.
• Currently there is approximately $300,000 in the Sewer Fund.

Water Fund

• Added into the 2013 Water Fund Budget is $19,870 to repaint the water tower.
• By transferring $12,000 from the General Fund, and not raising water rates, the Water Fund would run a loss of $20,000 for 2013.

Storm Sewer Fund

• Currently the monthly rate for Storm Sewer is $16.75, but to cover the Storm Sewer cost for debt and expenses the rate needs to be doubled to $33.50 per month.
• Council discussed if the business’s in town should be charged more than residential units.
• Council asked City Clerk Gruenhagen to bring the formula on how to equate the cost between businesses and residential to the next Council meeting.

If the City keeps the same tax levy there will be a net income of $33,131 and if no other large projects are added.  This does include LGA funding. 

There are three main issues Council will have to consider when setting the budget;

• One – Street Repairs
• Two – Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rates
• Three – How to balance the Enterprise funds and any major improvements.

Transfers Out

• Council discussed and decided to leave them as presented in the 2013 Budget.

LGA Funds

• Council decided to take the proposed LGA funds out of the 2013 Budget just in case it is not received from the State.  If Hamburg does receive LGA funding the money could be used for capital improvements and items on the Wish List.

The City of Hamburg has been running about a 52% cash flow which is higher then the recommended cash flow of 35% to 50%.  The City should have about $200,000 to $225,000 in their General Fund to maintain a 40% cash flow. 

 

Council continued to discuss the 2013 Proposed Budget and was asked to consider checking out higher interest return options on the Cities savings account.  At the present time the Savings account is only yielding .3% and .6% on its CD.

City Clerk Gruenhagen asked Council if the Community Hall savings account could be closed and the money transferred into the Cities Saving Account.  He could make a line item for this money to be used only for Hall Renovations.  The Hall savings account has been dormant for five years and either money will have to be transferred into the account to prevent service charges or transfer the money and close the account.

• Council decided to close the account and transfer the money as an added line item to the Cities Savings Account.

Council will also be considering having the Cities checking account draw interest.

• City Clerk Gruenhagen will check with the State Bank of Hamburg on the Cities investment options. 

Councilmember Barnes moved to close the 2013 Preliminary Budget Workshop at 8:24 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

                                                                                                                        Submitted by:

           

                                                                                                                        Sue Block

                                                                                                                        Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council - Special Budget Meeting - September 5, 2012

Mayor Richard Malz called the 2013 Preliminary Budget Workshop to order at 7:16 p.m. Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, and Deputy Clerk Sue Block were present.  Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly was absent.

Highlights from the August 28, 2012 Special Preliminary Budget Meeting

• Removed LGA ($58,777), Local Government Aid, from the 2013 Budget.
• Removing LGA would leave the City with a net loss of $25,646 but by doing this the City would still have a projected balance of $250,000 in the General Fund.  Council could still set the 2013 Budget with a zero percent Levy increase, same as in 2012, while maintaining a healthy cash flow.
• Added $2,000 to 2013 Budget for (future) handicap bathrooms to be built in Bi-Centennial Park
• Street Improvement Projects for 2013.
• Trade in value of the 1993 Bobcat
• Council decided to run the Bobcat until it dies.
• Buy back and promotions to trade in the Exmark lawnmower.
• Council discussed and decided to use the current Exmark for another year.

Council requested to have Equipment Maintenance Logs created to keep track of any type of maintenance done on all city equipment.

• This has also been discussed and requested during employee staff meetings.

Equipment Fund

• Budgeted transfer of $12,000 to City Saving Account for purchasing City equipment (Future Capital Purchases).

Street Maintenance & Sidewalk Repairs

• Council discussed the prioritizing of city streets and went over the old street plan that was done in 1998 listing which streets were repaired and when. 
• Council decided that any LGA funds received would go towards street repairs or improvements.
• There is $45,000 budgeted for the 2013 Street Maintenance & Sidewalk Repairs budget.  The $45,000 could be reduced to $20,000 stating that when/if LGA is received it is to be used on Street Repairs and Capital Improvements.
• Council decided to reduce the Street Maintenance Budget Repairs from $45,000 to $20,000.  This leaves the 2013 Budget (General Fund) with a net loss of $5,646 while maintaining a healthy cash flow (6 months) for 2013.

Park Fund

• There is $1,000 in the budget for part time maintenance help and Council decided to leave this amount in.

Council Salary and Mayor Wages Increase – Add to Budget $600

• Mayor Malz and Council discussed increasing the Council and Mayor wages.
• Raise the Special Meeting pay from $25 per meeting to $30 per meeting per person. 

• Mayor salary up by $200, $1,200 to $1,400 per year.

City Employee Wage and Health Insurance

• Council discussed employee wages and health insurance but no decision was made at this meeting.

Water, Sewer, Storm Water User Fees

• Council discussed increasing user fees to have the Enterprise funds becoming self sufficient.
• City Clerk Gruenhagen will put together a spread sheet listing probable scenarios of what the fees could be by raising or lower different User Fees. 

2013 Budget Items to Consider – (Wish List)

• Mayor Malz requested the Wish List to be updated.
• Removed General Gov’t Buildings – Tables (Plastic)
• New Generator for Liftstation – move to Sewer fund and find quote received from Ziegler.
• Removed County Road 50 Overlay – Completed
• Removed Sidewalk Repairs
• Removed Paint Curbs
• Park Handicap Bathroom – added to Wish List – Added $2,000 to the 2013 Budget.
• Removed Someone to Spray Weeds ($800 per year)
• Update Replace Hall Doors to Replace Hall Door on the east side of Hall  

Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the 2013 Special Preliminary Budget Workshop Meeting at 8:15 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

                                                                                                            Submitted by:

           

                                                                                                            Sue Block

                                                                                                            Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Agenda - October 9, 2012

HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

OCTOBER 9, 2012

1. Call City Council Meeting to Order

• Pledge of Allegiance

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

3. Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

4. Consent Agenda (NOTICE TO PUBLIC: All those items listed as part of the Consent Agenda will be
approved by a single motion, unless a request to discuss one of those items is made prior to that time. Anyone present at the meeting may request an item to be removed from the consent agenda. Please inform the Council when they approve the agenda for this meeting.)

• Approve Minutes for August 14, 2012 & September 13, 2012
• Approve Election Judges for General Election
• Approve Lawful Gambling Permit for Lions Club (11/16/12)
• Approve Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for Lions Club (11/16/12)
• Approve Time-off Request (Dennis Byerly)
• Adopt Resolution Number 2012-06
• August Cash Flow Statement
• Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for September 2012
• Delinquent Utility Bills Report
• MNSPECT Minute for October 2012
• Time-off Request for Jeremy Gruenhagen (Reminder)
• City Offices Closed November 12th for Veterans Day

5. Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

• DNR Grant/Ag Star Grant
• Approve Memorandum of Understanding (FEMA Grant for Paging System)
• Approval to Add Scott Anderson to the HFD
• Fire Department Open House – October 13, 2012
• Halloween Patrol
• Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association
• HFDRA Pension Increase

6. Old City Business (Memo)

• City Clean Up Day (Spring 2013)
• 2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates (April 1, 2011)
• Signs for City Hall/Township/Fire Department (Est. from Herald Journal)
• Use of SHIP Monies (Handicap Access/Trails to Parks)
• Revised NIMS Training Program (Requirements)

7. Public Works & Utilities Department Report

• Liftstation Repairs
• Dialer
• Pumps
• Estimates to Clean City Sewer Lines (Empire & Pipe Services)
• Hall Rental Dates for Pheasants Forever/Lions Pancake Breakfast
• CCSO Business Key Holder Information
• Community Center (Paint)

8. City Clerk/Treasurer Report

• Insurance Claims Update
• HFD Sign & Baseball Park Fence
• Tax Forfeited Lot on Brad Street
• Assessments on Parcel
• Property/Casualty Insurance Renewal
• 2013 Prosecution Contract
• Garbage Cans on Street
• Public Hearing for Ordinance Number 143
• October 23, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
• Set Special Meetings for Budget Workshop Meetings
• 2013 Final Budget
• City Fee Schedule for 2013
• Set Water/Sewer/Storm Water Rates for 2013
• Closed Meeting for Employee Evaluations
• Employee Valuations – November 13th or 27th, 2012

9. Approve Payment of Added September 2012 Claims ($12,021.35)

• Approve Payment of October 2012 Claims ($)

10. City Council Reports

• Councilmember Mueller Report (Sewer & Water)
• Councilmember Lund Report (Streets)
• Carver County Leaders Meeting
• New Bar Stools for Hall
• Councilmember Trebesch Report (Buildings)
• Councilmember Barnes Report (Parks)
• Mayor Malz Report

11. Adjourn City Council Meeting

COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES
OCTOBER 6 – Wedding Reception (Schremp/Hartmann)
27 – Wedding Reception (Mackenthun/Howk)
NOVEMBER 16 – Hamburg Lions Club Fall Bingo
COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES
OCTOBER 1 – Lions Club/HFD Training
9 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
14 – Washington Lake 4-H Club
15 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting
23 – Public Hearing (Ord. 143) – 7:00 PM
23 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
29 – Hamburg Fire Department (HFDRA) – 7:00 PM
NOVEMBER 5 – Lions Club/HFD Training
6 – General Election 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
12 – Veterans Day Holiday Observed (City Offices Closed)
13 – City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
14 – Postal Service Meeting – 5:30 PM
19 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting
22 – Thanksgiving Holiday – City Offices Closed
23 – Thanksgiving Holiday – City Offices Closed
24 – Community Center Rental (Wroge)
26 – Hamburg Fire Department (HFDRA) – 7:00 PM

First Presidential Debate Eve!!!!

Tomorrow night President Obama and Governor Romney will square off in the first in a series of Presidential debates. A lot of rhetoric has already taken place from Romney taking about 47 % to Obama claiming that Washington cannot be fixed from the inside. Per an NBC/WSJ poll recently conducted, 40% of those polled view the debates as "important" which may impact voting come November.

On my way to get my eldest son I was listening to POTUS on Sirius radio, one of the benefits to owning a new Ford Focus, and the gentleman on - show ended at 5 pm - was having people call in and say what questions do they want to see from this debate asked of the candidates. Now I am new to this channel on Sirius radio but the host, for the fifteen minutes I listened, appeared to be fair and balanced. That is not to say he was a Fox News anchor just that he seemed to be middle of the road on the partisan spectrum.

The debate tomorrow night will be moderated by Jim Lehrer and it will take place in Denver, Colorado. The main topic or theme of the night is to be the economy, health care and governing. Interestingly enough no topic will touch on gun control. That being said, here are some questions I'd like to see asked of the candidates based on the topics mentioned above. To be brief I will keep them to a top ten style list.

1. With spending at 26% of GDP and current revenues at 14% of GDP when historically revenues are between 16-18% of GDP - what plans do you have to erase the 8-10% gap between current spending levels and historically average revenue levels?
2. Since both of you have successfully passed mandated health care, can either you of you provide proof that it bent the cost curb of medical expenses?
3. The current deficit is projected to hit $16T by the end of 2012, what will you do as President to cut the deficit in half over the next 4 years?
4. England is starting to see a shortage of qualified doctors due the rate of reimbursement and pay scales set forth under their Universal health care, what assurances do we have that a similar vacuum of talent won't take place here in the United States?
5. The Supreme Court upheld the Constitutionality of the Affordable Health Care Act based on Congresses ability to tax. How can Congress use the tax code to curb unwanted pregnancies or reduce our carbon footprint?
6. We hear a lot of Presidential candidate tout that they will reform/change Washington D.C. What criteria will you employ as President to ensure lobbyist or special interest groups are not part of your Cabinet, advisors or staff?
7. The US Constitution established three separate but equal branches of Government - How will you as President use Executive Privilege to ensure equality among the three branches?
8. Unemployment sits above 8% and the number of people actively looking for work has declined by over 500,000 people - What is your plan to get the American workforce back to work?
9. For the past year we have reduced they payroll tax by 3% resulting in $105B no longer going into the SSN coffers. People in the 40's are already being told that they can expect 70% of the benefit at retirement age - What plans do you have to ensure solvency of SSN for future generations?
10. A study was done in Minnesota to see if a hospital could sustain itself on Medicare patients alone last year. The conclusion was that it couldn't. Now the Affordable Health Care Act looks to reduce reimbursement rates for Medicare patients seen. How do you propose hospital and clinics recoup lost revenues without changing level of care or raising the cost of health care for those of us not using Medicare?

Those would be ten questions I'd like to see answered. What questions would you like to see asked?