Repel of DADT should be catalyst of getting the Federal Government out of the rite of marriage

Last week Congress passed legislation that will pave the way for the repel of "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy in the United States military. In response, Vice President Joe Biden told ABC's "Good Morning America" last week, "I think the country's evolving. And I think you're going to see, you know, the next effort is probably going to be to deal with [the Defense of Marriage Act]" http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2010/12/25/biden_says_repeal_of_dont_ask_will_pave_way_for_gay_marriage/. The undercurrent of tolerance in America is moving perhaps "evolving" from the bigotry, racist and sexist thoughts of the 50, 60, 70, and 80's. What Vice President Biden is missing is that while society is becoming more tolerant of alternative views and lifestyles it is not the role of government to enact legislation to reflect in the manner Democrats are wanting to.

Instead of eroding State rights by enacting laws that re-defines marriage our Federal government needs to focus on stripping out marriage from our tax codes. Marriage is not something that government should be involved in. The rite of marriage is something that citizens enter into and should be allowed to do so without the interference of government. That interference comes in many forms. That being said, if groups of people in California, Michigan, Iowa, etc...want to enact amendments to their State Constitutions to define marriage then so be it. The definition of marriage is not a power enumerated to the Federal Government by the Constitution. And if people within these States agree/disagree with the new laws they have options – they can leave the state, fight to propose legislation to change the law, or plainly accept the law of the State.

In the end, I believe that marriage should be done within the framework of one's beliefs and not something sanctioned by the Federal Government. Vice President Biden is correct we are becoming more tolerant as a society so let's take the right step and remove the Federal Government from the marriage industry instead of expanding it.

Outdoor Football

Watching tonights football game between the Vikings and the Bears was enjoyable for many reasons. The biggest reason is that Minnesota football is back outside. I recall growing up going to the Met and watching the Viking games on television when they played like Purple People Eaters. Let's face it, the Dome has made the Vikings soft and the fan base even softer.

The snow, freezing drizzle and the announcement of the 50 greatest Vikings of all time is just what Bud Grant ordered. I am just glad that they didn't drop Grant at halftime. I know there will be a push for a new Vikings stadium and the Dome will be the catalyst. If Vikings are serious about a new stadium then let it be an open air stadium. Although 54,000 Viking fans could not fill the TCF Bank Stadium tonight; granted weather may have played a factor.

Call your local legislator and make the case for a new stadium by using proceeds from a Racino.

Section 5000A. Requirement to maintain minimum essential coverage.

Viper's A Moron brought to light just a section of the Health Care Mandate section of the new IRS tax code. As we will soon discover is that if one does not meet the requirements of the code "for 1 or more months during any calendar year beginning after 2013" they will be subject to fines. Here is the code Section 5000A

Section 5000A. Requirement to maintain minimum essential coverage.–

(a) Requirement To Maintain Minimum Essential Coverage.–An applicable individual shall for each month beginning after 2013 ensure that the individual, and any dependent of the individual who is an applicable individual, is covered under minimum essential coverage for such month.

(b) Shared Responsibility Payment.–

(1) In general.–If an applicable individual fails to meet the requirement of subsection (a) for 1 or more months during any calendar year beginning after 2013, then, except as provided in subsection (d), there is hereby imposed a penalty with respect to the individual in the amount determined under subsection (c).

(2) Inclusion with return.–Any penalty imposed by this section with respect to any month shall be included with a taxpayer’s return under chapter 1 for the taxable year which includes such month.

(3) Payment of penalty.–If an individual with respect to whom a penalty is imposed by this section for any month–

(A) is a dependent (as defined in section 152) of another taxpayer for the other taxpayer’s taxable year including such month, such other taxpayer shall be liable for such penalty, or

(B) files a joint return for the taxable year including such month, such individual and the spouse of such individual shall be jointly liable for such penalty.

(c) Amount of Penalty.–

(1) In general.–The penalty determined under this subsection for any month with respect to any individual is an amount equal to 1/12 of the applicable dollar amount for the calendar year.

(2) Dollar limitation.–The amount of the penalty imposed by this section on any taxpayer for any taxable year with respect to all individuals for whom the taxpayer is liable under subsection (b)(3) shall not exceed an amount equal to 300 percent the applicable dollar amount (determined without regard to paragraph (3)(C)) for the calendar year with or within which the taxable year ends.

(3) Applicable dollar amount.–For purposes of paragraph (1)–

(A) In general.–Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), the applicable dollar amount is $750.

(B) Phase in.–The applicable dollar amount is $95 for 2014 and $350 for 2015.

(C) Special rules for individuals under age 18.–If an applicable individual has not attained the age of 18 as of the beginning of a month, the applicable dollar amount with respect to such individual for the month shall be equal to one-half of the applicable dollar amount for the calendar year in which the month occurs.

(D) Indexing of amount.–In the case of any calendar year beginning after 2016, the applicable dollar amount shall be equal to $750, increased by an amount equal to–

(i) $750, multiplied by

(ii) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year, determined by substituting ‘calendar year 2015′ for ‘calendar year 1992′ in subparagraph (B) thereof.

If the amount of any increase under clause (i) is not a multiple of $50, such increase shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $50.

(4) Terms realting to income and families.–For purposes of this section–

(A) Family size.–The family size involved with respect to any taxpayer shall be equal to the number of individuals for whom the taxpayer is allowed a deduction under section 151 (relating to allowance of deduction for personal exemptions) for the taxable year.

(B) Household income.–The term `household income’ means, with respect to any taxpayer for any taxable year, an amount equal to the sum of–

(i) the modified gross income of the taxpayer, plus

(ii) the aggregate modified gross incomes of all other individuals who–

(I) were taken into account in determining the taxpayer’s family size under paragraph (1), and

(II) were required to file a return of tax imposed by section 1 for the taxable year.

(C) Modified gross income.–The term ‘modified gross income’ means gross income–

(i) decreased by the amount of any deduction allowable under paragraph (1)(a), (3), (4), or (10) of section 62(a),

(ii) increased by the amount of interest received or accrued during the taxable year which is exempt from tax imposed by this chapter, and

(iii) determined without regard to sections 911, 931, and 933.

(D) Poverty line.–

(i) In general.–The term ‘poverty line’ has the meaning given that term in section 2110(c)(5) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397jj(c)(5)).

(ii) Poverty line use.–In the case of any taxable year ending with or within a calendar year, the poverty line used shall be the most recently published poverty line as of the 1st day of such calendar year.

(d) Applicable Individual- For purposes of this section–

(1) In general.–The term `applicable individual’ means, with respect to any month, an individual other than an individual described in paragraph (2), (3), or (4).

(2) Religious exemptions.–

(A) Religious conscience exemption.–Such term shall not include any individual for any month if such individual has in effect an exemption under section 1311(d)(4)(H) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which certifies that such individual is a member of a recognized religious sect or division thereof described in section 1402(g)(1) and an adherent of established tenets or teachings of such sect or division as described in such section.

(B) Health care sharing ministry.–

(i) In general.–Such term shall not include any individual for any month if such individual is a member of a health care sharing ministry for the month.

(ii) Health care sharing ministry.–The term ‘health care sharing ministry’ means an organization–

(I) which is described in section 501(c)(3) and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a),

(II) members of which share a common set of ethical or religious beliefs and share medical expenses among members in accordance with those beliefs and without regard to the State in which a member resides or is employed,

(III) members of which retain membership even after they develop a medical condition,

(IV) which (or a predecessor of which) has been in existence at all times since December 31, 1999, and medical expenses of its members have been shared continuously and without interruption since at least December 31, 1999, and

(V) which conducts an annual audit which is performed by an independent certified public accounting firm in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and which is made available to the public upon request.

(3) Individuals not lawfully present.–Such term shall not include an individual for any month if for the month the individual is not a citizen or national of the United States or an alien lawfully present in the United States.

(4) Incarcerated individuals.–Such term shall not include an individual for any month if for the month the individual is incarcerated, other than incarceration pending the disposition of charges.

(e) Exemptions.–No penalty shall be imposed under subsection (a) with respect to–

(1) Individuals who cannot afford coverage.–

(A) In general.–Any applicable individual for any month if the applicable individual’s required contribution (determined on an annual basis) for coverage for the month exceeds 8 percent of such individual’s household income for the taxable year described in section 1412(b)(1)(B) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. For purposes of applying this subparagraph, the taxpayer’s household income shall be increased by any exclusion from gross income for any portion of the required contribution made through a salary reduction arrangement.

(B) Required contribution.–For purposes of this paragraph, the term `required contribution’ means–

(i) in the case of an individual eligible to purchase minimum essential coverage consisting of coverage through an eligible-employer-sponsored plan, the portion of the annual premium which would be paid by the individual (without regard to whether paid through salary reduction or otherwise) for self-only coverage, or

(ii) in the case of an individual eligible only to purchase minimum essential coverage described in subsection (f)(1)(C), the annual premium for the lowest cost bronze plan available in the individual market through the Exchange in the State in the rating area in which the individual resides (without regard to whether the individual purchased a qualified health plan through the Exchange), reduced by the amount of the credit allowable under section 36B for the taxable year (determined as if the individual was covered by a qualified health plan offered through the Exchange for the entire taxable year).

(C) Special rules for individuals related to employees.–For purposes of subparagraph (B)(i), if an applicable individual is eligible for minimum essential coverage through an employer by reason of a relationship to an employee, the determination shall be made by reference to the affordability of the coverage to the employee.

(D) Indexing.–In the case of plan years beginning in any calendar year after 2014, subparagraph (A) shall be applied by substituting for ’8 percent’ the percentage the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines reflects the excess of the rate of premium growth between the preceding calendar year and 2013 over the rate of income growth for such period.

(2) Taxpayers with income under 100 percent of poverty line.–Any applicable individual for any month during a calendar year if the individual’s household income for the taxable year described in section 1412(b)(1)(B) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is less than 100 percent of the poverty line for the size of the family involved (determined in the same manner as under subsection (b)(4)).

(3) Members of Indian tribes.–Any applicable individual for any month during which the individual is a member of an Indian tribe (as defined in section 45A(c)(6)).

(4) Months during short coverage gaps.–

(A) In general.–Any month the last day of which occurred during a period in which the applicable individual was not covered by minimum essential coverage for a continuous period of less than 3 months.

(B) Special rules.–For purposes of applying this paragraph–

(i) the length of a continuous period shall be determined without regard to the calendar years in which months in such period occur,

(ii) if a continuous period is greater than the period allowed under subparagraph (A), no exception shall be provided under this paragraph for any month in the period, and

(iii) if there is more than 1 continuous period described in subparagraph (A) covering months in a calendar year, the exception provided by this paragraph shall only apply to months in the first of such periods.

The Secretary shall prescribe rules for the collection of the penalty imposed by this section in cases where continuous periods include months in more than 1 taxable year.

(5) Hardships.–Any applicable individual who for any month is determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 1311(d)(4)(H) to have suffered a hardship with respect to the capability to obtain coverage under a qualified health plan.

(f) Minimum Essential Coverage.–For purposes of this section–

(1) IN GENERAL- The term ‘minimum essential coverage’ means any of the following:

(A) Government sponsored programs.–Coverage under–

(i) the Medicare program under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act,

(ii) the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act,

(iii) the CHIP program under title XXI of the Social Security Act,

(iv) the TRICARE for Life program,

(v) the veteran’s health care program under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, or

(vi) a health plan under section 2504(e) of title 22, United States Code (relating to Peace Corps volunteers).

(B) Employer-sponsored plan.–Coverage under an eligible employer-sponsored plan.

(C) Plans in the individual market.–Coverage under a health plan offered in the individual market within a State.

(D) Grandfathered health plan.–Coverage under a grandfathered health plan.

(E) Other coverage.–Such other health benefits coverage, such as a State health benefits risk pool, as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Secretary, recognizes for purposes of this subsection.

(2) Eligible employer-sponsored plan.–The term ‘eligible employer-sponsored plan’ means, with respect to any employee, a group health plan or group health insurance coverage offered by an employer to the employee which is–

(A) a governmental plan (within the meaning of section 2791(d)(8) of the Public Health Service Act), or

(B) any other plan or coverage offered in the small or large group market within a State.

Such term shall include a grandfathered health plan described in paragraph (1)(D) offered in a group market.

(3) Excepted benefits not treated as minimum essential coverage.–The term `minimum essential coverage’ shall not include health insurance coverage which consists of coverage of excepted benefits–

(A) described in paragraph (1) of subsection (c) of section 2791 of the Public Health Service Act; or

(B) described in paragraph (2), (3), or (4) of such subsection if the benefits are provided under a separate policy, certificate, or contract of insurance.

(4) Individuals residing outside United States or residents of territories.–Any applicable individual shall be treated as having minimum essential coverage for any month–

(A) if such month occurs during any period described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 911(d)(1) which is applicable to the individual, or

(B) if such individual is a bona fide resident of any possession of the United States (as determined under section 937(a)) for such month.

(5) Insurance-related terms.–Any term used in this section which is also used in title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act shall have the same meaning as when used in such title.

(g) Administration and Procedure.–

(1) In general.–The penalty provided by this section shall be paid upon notice and demand by the Secretary, and except as provided in paragraph (2), shall be assessed and collected in the same manner as an assessable penalty under subchapter B of chapter 68.

(2) Special rules.–Notwithstanding any other provision of law–

(A) Waiver of criminal penalties.–In the case of any failure by a taxpayer to timely pay any penalty imposed by this section, such taxpayer shall not be subject to any criminal prosecution or penalty with respect to such failure.

(B) Limitations on liens and levies.–The Secretary shall not–

(i) file notice of lien with respect to any property of a taxpayer by reason of any failure to pay the penalty imposed by this section, or

(ii) levy on any such property with respect to such failure.

Central Planning dealt a blow by Virginia Judge

Yesterday Virginia federal judge ruled that Obamacare's provision to require, by law, that everyone purchase insurance by 2014 is unconstitutional. The reason given by the Virginia judge was that Congress cannot regulate "an individual's failure to purchase health insurance under the pretense that it is an economic activity that affects interstate commerce". The argument being pushed by Sebelius and Holder is that, "as two federal courts have already held, this unfair cost-shifting harms the marketplace. For decades, Supreme Court decisions have made clear that the Constitution allows Congress to adopt rules to deal with such harmful economic effects, which is what the law does – it regulates how we pay for health care by ensuring that those who have insurance don't continue to pay for those who don't."

It's called insurance people. The notion of insurance is simple; one pays for the potential use against needing to use it while another takes on the risk of paying if the use is acted upon. We, as a free society, shall never be dictated to by any form of government to what we have to purchase in order to part of the free society known as the United States of America. Some have pointed to car insurance as a similar instance where one is obligated to purchase a product to drive a car but what they fail to recognize is that one does not need a car to be a citizen of the United States. The Commerce Clause and the Supremacy Clause have been abused by the Federal Government and here is just another liberal interpretation of the Commerce Clause. If the Supreme Court hears this case, or a similar one, and rules that mandating health insurance as a right of citizenship then what is next? Where does it stop?

Perhaps these words will fall on deaf ears because the American Spirit was waned in recent decades. Apathy is the order of the day instead of entrepreneurial spirit. The masses have been trained and enslaved by the federal government with the passing of entitlement programs and bailouts. The health care mandate is a blatant attempt to pave the way for more central planning in all aspects of our lives. Wake up now before it is too late and you are herded into ghettos.

Hamburg City Council Agenda – December 14, 2010

 

 

 

7:00. Call City Council Meeting to Order @ 7:00 PM

• Pledge of Allegiance
  
• Miscellaneous Business (Public Comments)
  
• Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption
  
• Old City Business (Memo)
  
• Approve Minutes for November 23, 2010
  

 

7:05. Fire Department Report

• 2010 FEMA Grant/US Fish & Wildlife Grant/DNR Grant
  
• Amend Ordinance Number 126
  
  • Fees for Emergency Protection Fire Services
    
• HFDRA Lucky 10 Gun Raffle
  
• Toy Drive Breakfast – December 12, 2010
  
• Fire Department Officers for 2011
  
• New Paging System
  
• Hamburg Fire Department Officers
  
  • Selection vs. Election
    

 

7:15. Hamburg Baseball Club

• MN Lawful Gambling Permit (52 Club Raffle)
  

 

7:15. Green Isle CPA

• MN Lawful Gambling Permit (January 29, 2011)
  

 

7:20. 2011 Final Tax Levy and Final Budget (Set & Adopt)

• 2010 General Fund Transfers (Approve)
  
• Public Comments on 2011 Final Budget & Tax Levy
  
• 2011 Final Tax Levy Certification to Carver County
  
• 2011 Final Budget
  
• City Fee Schedule for 2011
  
  • Set Public Hearing to Adopt City Fee Schedule
    
    • January 11, 2011 @ 6:45 PM
      

 

7:40. Dennis' Report (Public Works & Utilities)

• Community Hall Ramp Canopy Repairs
  
  • Insurance Coverage (Repairs)
    
• 420 Maria Avenue Curb Stop
  
• Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption for 2010
  
• 2010 Overtime Hours/Holiday Work Schedule
  
• Project List (Added Items)
  

 

8:10. Deputy Clerk Report

• Delinquent Utility Bills Report
  
• Project List (Additional Items)
  

 

 

 

 

8:15. City Clerk/Treasurer Report

• I/I Abatement Program (Sanitary Sewer/Storm Water Improvements)
  
  • Easements for Project
    
  • Pre-Construction Pictures
    
  • Funding for Sanitary Sewer/Storm Water Improvements
    
  • Land Purchase for Storm Water Pond/Storm Sewer Options
    
  • Project Schedule
    
• Employee Reviews for City Employees
  
  • 2011 Wages and Benefits
    
• Approve Cigarette Licenses for 2011
  
  • Parkside Tavern
    
• Carver County Water Management Plan (2010 Update)
  
• Carver County Fiber Ring Project
  
• December 28^th City Council Meeting (Cancel)
  
• Informational Items (Comments)
  
  • Retirement for Sheriff Olson & Chief Deputy VanDenBroeke
    
  • Public Hearing – December 1^st - Variance for James Stuewe
    
  • MN Rural Water Association (Assistance from Cities)
    
  • City Offices Closed December 23^rd & 24^th & 31^st for Holidays
    

 

8:30. City Council Reports

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

 

8:45. Approve Claims for November/December 2010

• Adopt Resolution Number 2010-07
  

 

8:50. Move to Recess City Council Meeting

 

8:50. Move to Closed Meeting for the purpose of Land Acquisition Negotiations (Purchase of Private Property for Storm Water Pond)

 

9:20. Move to Close Closed Meeting for Land Acquisition Negotiations (Purchase of Private Property for Storm Water Pond)

 

9:20. Move to Reopen the City Council Meeting

 

9:30. 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."

Hamburg City Council Minutes – November 9, 2010

Mayor Malz called the Canvass Board Meeting to order at 7:00. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. Councilmember Brian Cummiskey was absent.

 

2010 General Election Results - Resolution 2010-06

• Hamburg Precinct on Election Day, November 2, 2010 at 7:00 a.m., there were 293 registered voters with 34 new registered voters totaling 327 registered voters for the day. Number of people casting ballots was 234 giving Hamburg a voter turn out of 71.56%.
  
• City Council canvassed the following Hamburg City Election Results:
  
  • Mayor – Richard Malz
    
    • Received 190 votes
      
    • Write-Ins – 30
      
    • Over Votes – 0
      
    • Under Votes - 14
      
  • Council Members – Vote for two (2);
    
    • Chris Lund received 138 votes
      
    • Brian Cummiskey received 106 votes
      
    • Steven E. Trebesch received 150 votes
      
    • Write-Ins – 13
      
    • Over Votes – 0
      
    • Under Votes – 61
      
  • Councilmember Mueller moved to adopt Resolution Number 2010-06 to certify the Election results for the November 2^nd, 2010 General Election, Councilmember Barnes seconded and motion carried by attending Council members. Councilmember Cummiskey was absent.
    
    • Hamburg Mayor for 2011 through 2012 term will be Richard Malz
      
    • The two offices for Council members for the 2011 to 2014 term will be Chris Lund and Steve Trebesch.
      
• Councilmember Trebesch moved to close the 2010 Election Canvassing Board Meeting, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion carried by attending Council members. Councilmember Cummiskey was absent.
  

 

Mayor Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. Attending later in the Council meeting was Maggie Cummiskey & Connie Byerly (H.I.P. Group). Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly and Councilmember Brian Cummiskey were absent.

 

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Added – Updated Check Detail & Claims List for November
  
• Added – Updated October 2010 Claims List
  
• Added – Updated Utility Delinquent Report
  
• Added – Letter from Diana Kroells (Name the Park)
  
• Added – Water Usage Report
  
• Added – Building Permits Report
  
• Councilmember Barnes moved to adopt the agenda with the six (6) added items, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion carried by attending Council members. Councilmember Cummiskey was absent.
  

 

Review Claims List for November 2010

• Council reviewed and one change was for Check Number 14733 to Wells Fargo HBS. HSA Participant Fee should be changed to HSA Participant Fee.
  

Old City Business

• Item #2 – Install hand railing for stairs by the City Shop.
  
  • Councilmember Trebesch currently has no extra free time to install.
    
• Item #3 – Projector, Projector Screen & Sound System
  
  • Information will be updated during City Clerks Report.
    
• Item #4 – Electrical Wiring (ToTheHome Internet) at the Water Tower.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will address this item with Maintenance Worker Byerly.
    
• Item #6 – Cost to replace City Office and Fire Department Office flooring.
  
  • No additional information has been received from Adam Glander.
    
  • Council suggested removing the old wax and re-waxing the City office floor before installing new flooring.
    
• Item #7 – Emergency Service Calls
  
  • Change wording from charged for the Service Call to "shouldn't the Township be credited for the service call instead of the City of Hamburg".
    
• Item #9 – Mayor Malz to check if the Shop area could be rearranged to move the FD apparatus away from in front of the electrical box.
  
  • Mayor Malz has not had a chance to survey the area.
    

 

Approve Minutes for August 31, 2010 – September 28, 2010 – October 5, 2010 – October 12, 2010

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the August 31, 2010 (Special Meeting), September 28, 2010 (Council Meeting), October 5, 2010 (Special Meeting), and October 12, 2010 (Council Meeting), seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion carried by attending Council members. Councilmember Cummiskey was absent.
  

 

Fire Department Report

 

2010 FEMA Grant – US Fish & Wildlife Grant – DNR Grant

• All items have been ordered, the fire hose is the only item left to be received. Once received the paper work will be sent in for a $2,000 reimbursement.
  

New Paging System

• The Fire Departments will receive more information on the new Paging System this coming January.
  

Civil Defense Siren Operation

• The Civil Defense Siren will not be sounded during the months of December, January, and February. Too much stress on the equipment during the cold temperatures.
  

Old HFD Rescue Truck – 1981 International HD Rescue Truck

• Fire Chief Droege requested approval to drop the price of the old rescue truck to $12,500.
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to give authority to Fire Chief Droege to lower the price of the old Hamburg Fire Department Rescue Truck to $12,500, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion carried by attending Council members. Councilmember Cummiskey was absent.
  

Hamburg Fire Department Officers – Selection vs. Election

• At the beginning of January 2011 Fire Chief Droege would like to schedule a meeting with a representative of the League of Minnesota Cities. Chief Droege has some questions he would like to directly ask someone from the League instead of over the phone, by fax, or email in relation to Selection versus Election.
  

Bloodborne/Airborne Pathogens - Right to Know and Weapons of Mass Destruction

• The Hamburg Fire Department will be hosting this year's training on January 3, 2010 at the Hamburg Community Center.
  

EPA Audio Visual Estimates – Portable Sound System & Projector w/ Screen

• Fire Chief Droege commented on the EPA Sound System priced at $1,334. It would be a great benefit for the City and could start being used for the Hamburg Easter Egg Hunt. Chief Droege also commented that he thought the City should purchase the system.
  
• Fire Chief Droege questioned if the projector screen would be a manual or electronic.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen responded the $4,384 quote included the price for a manual pull down screen.
    
  • Chief Droege suggested asking EPA if they could make a rod to pull down the screen so renters do not attempt to pull the screen down while standing on a chair or something else that would be unstable.
    
• Fire Chief Droege also requested a wireless microphone for the Portable Sound System.
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the purchase of the Audio Visual Sound System (Projector & Screen) for the Hamburg Community Center and the Portable Sound System, checking first if the price of $1,334 includes speakers for the Sound System and check on the price of a wireless microphone for the Portable Sound System, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion carried by attending Council members. Councilmember Cummiskey was absent.
  
• Fire Chief Droege requested the system be installed before the end of the year. He would like to use it for the Bloodborne/Airborne Training.
  

Plaque for City's Electronic Sign

• Fire Chief Droege and Council discussed placing a plaque on the electronic sign listing who donated towards the purchase.
  
• Chief Droege and City Clerk Gruenhagen will work together in gathering the information and getting a plaque made.
  

I & I Project

• Chief Droege and Council discussed when would be a good time to take landscape pictures for the I/I Abatement Project.
  
  • They decided to wait until they hear back from Doug Parrott (City Engineer).
    
• Councilmember Mueller moved to have Wm. Mueller and Sons work with a representative from S.E.H. in taking the pre-construction pictures, Councilmember Barnes seconded and motion carried by attending Council members. Councilmember Cummiskey was absent.
  

Park Equipment Installation

• Councilmember Barnes will stake out where the new playground equipment will be placed in the Hall Park. It was suggested to have Maintenance Worker Byerly dig out the area and then ask members of the Fire Department if they would help install the equipment.
  

 

Councilmember Mueller asked Brad Droege (Wm. Mueller & Sons) if he could have someone drive the city streets to see if any gate valves or manholes need to be lower so the snow plows don't sheer them off.

 

Councilmember Mueller also asked Brad Droege (Wm. Mueller & Sons) if one of his employees would work with Maintenance Worker Byerly, using their Metrotech Locator, in finding some curb stops.

• The City especially needs to locate the water shut off for the homes that are in foreclosure and the ones along County Road 50.
  

 

 

Dennis' Report (Public Works & Utilities)

(Maintenance Worker Byerly was absent, report given by City Clerk Gruenhagen)

 

Project List

• Item #31 – Locate shut off valve at 420 Maria Avenue.
  
  • Make sure the special key that was made to turn the water off at this address works. The homes water will be shut off on November 23^rd if no water payment is made.
    
• Locate the shut off valve for 960 Park. This home is also vacant.
  
• Council commented on Maintenance Worker Byerly's Project List and that projects are not getting done in a timely manner.
  
• Item #29 – Follow up with K&K Construction on when the Hall canopy will be repaired.
  
  • No updated information has been received from Maintenance Worker Byerly or K&K.
    
  • Council also mentioned that pictures of the repairs have to be taken for Insurance purposes.
    
  • The Insurance agency has provided the City with a letter showing bullet point items and has requested estimated hours be listed as to how long it will take for each bullet point.
    
• Item #1 – Purchase a paint spray gun up to $150.
  
  • Council questioned if a spray gun was purchased and it was noted that one has not been purchased. This has been on Maintenance Worker Byerly's Project List since February 9, 2010.
    

Water Usage For 2010

• Water usage pumped versus billed for November was up from last month. Last month the difference was 200,792 gallons and this month it was 267,897 galloons. There is a 26.40% difference from usage pumped versus billed. The City is currently not accounting (metered) for 26.4% of water usage.
  
• Council discussed that part or all of the problem could be the old meters in the resident's homes. Council discussed and agreed to get pricing on radio readers and regular meters that can be converted to radio read.
  

Sweep City Streets

• The streets have been swept however only a one day notice was given. The city office would like at least a two day notice so city residents can be properly notified.
  

 

Deputy Clerk Report

 

Delinquent Utility Bills

• Letters have been sent out to all delinquent residents.
  
• Any residents that were over 30 days delinquent were also sent a shut-off notice. Shut-offs for these residents is scheduled for November 22, 2010
  
• Nick Nordin (419 Railroad St)
  
  • Mr. Nordin was sent a delinquent notice requesting payment to his last known address in Minneapolis.
    
• Diana Payne (350 Louisa St) – An Assessment Company handling the foreclosure was sent copies of the delinquent water bills.
  
• Chris Tordsen (618 Kim Ave) – The Real Estate Company handling the selling of this home have been sent requested paperwork for payment of the delinquent water bill. Company does understand that the water bill has to be paid before the water will be turned back on.
  
• Betty Griffin (420 Maria Avenue) – Owners requested shutting off the water to this renter if she does not contact the City office before the shut off deadline on November 22.
  

Council Meeting Minutes

• The Council Meeting Minuets for October 26^th have been completed they just need to be reviewed.
  

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

 

I/I Abatement Program (Sanitary Sewer/Storm Water Improvements) - Easements for Project

• No new information on the Easements.
  
• Easements remaining to be signed.
  
  • David Klugherz - 613 David Ave
    
  • Dustin Mackenthun - 631 Park Avenue
    
  • Brian Cummiskey – 724 Park Avenue
    
    • His easement also correlates with the land purchase.
      
• Council discussed the letters from Doug Parrott (City Engineer)
  
  • Council discussed how it would affect the project if the Eastern Storm Sewer is eliminated and options if the size of property purchased would be reduced.
    

2010 Budget Items

• City Clerk Gruenhagen reported on the Cash Flow surplus projected for the end of 2010.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen suggested using $13,000 to zero out the proposed 2011 levy.
    
  • Use $7,075 to pay off the ambulance certificate this year, it would save the City $500 in interest and take the payment off the books. This would leave the City with an additional $40,000 to complete 2010/2011 Projects and to set monies aside for future capital purchases.
    
  • By doing this the City would still have a 5 to 6 month cash flow to meet needs with a General Fund balance at the end of the year in the $250,000 range.
    
  • Council and City Clerk Gruenhagen discussed what projects should be completed this year versus next year and at the next budget meeting a decision will need to be made.
    

 

H.I.P. Group (Hamburg Improve Parks)

 

Playground Equipment for Community Hall Park

• Connie Byerly (171 Martha Street) and Margaret Cummiskey (724 Park Avenue) presented Council with an update on installation of the new park equipment by the Hamburg Hall. They also gave an update on the amount of money still needed to complete the installation.
  
• Council, Connie Byerly and Margaret Cummiskey discussed various ways to come up with the additional funding needed to complete the project and the possibility of installing the equipment yet this year. The Purchase of Picnic Tables for the Hall Park was also discussed. The City Council informed Connie & Maggie that a local resident has two maintenance free picnic tables for sale for $200.
  
• It was decided to have the H.I.P. Group order the boarder and purchase the picnic tables, Councilmember Barnes will pick up the picnic tables for the Hall Park, and ask members of the Fire Department to help with the installation.
  

Name That Park

• There have been three suggested names for the Park area by the Hamburg Hall:
  
  • Hamburg Community Hall Park or Community Park
    
  • Heritage Park
    
  • Fireman's Park
    

 

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report (Continued)

 

2011 Final Budget

• City Clerk Gruenhagen suggested holding the Budget Workshop meeting on Tuesday, November 30^th, the Truth In Taxation Meeting (Public Meeting) would be held on Tuesday, December 7^th at 7:00 PM, and the Final Budget meeting could be approved at the December 14^th Council meeting.
  
  • Councilmember Barnes requested the Special Meetings be held on a different night other then on Tuesdays.
    
    • A couple other members of Council mentioned that the Budget Work Shop meeting could be held on December 1^st. A decision will be made at the next Council meeting.
      

2011 Health Insurance Rates for Employees

• The Health Insurance plan for City Employees (Clerk Gruenhagen and Maintenance Worker Byerly) increased overall by 4.26% for the same coverage (plan).
  
• Council discussed several different options for providing health insurance for the City Clerk and Maintenance Worker. This will be discussed further at the next meeting.
  

Closed Meeting for Employee Evaluations

• Employee evaluations will be held on November 23, 2010 during the regular City Council Meeting. The evaluations will be conducted in a closed meeting unless the employee requests that his/her's evaluation remain open.
  

Jeremy's Project List

• Item #7 – Contact Ron Seymour to find out if the City of Hamburg can get on the PP Storm Water Funding List. This has been completed.
  
• Item #8 – Follow up with Shawn once Robb's Electric has checked the wiring. Jeremy will follow up with Dennis on when Robb's Electric is coming out to check on the wiring requirements.
  
• Item #9 – Follow up with LMC about Selection vs. Election. Jeremy will follow up with Fire Chief Droege on this.
  
• Item #11 - Ask Excel Energy if the City could get a rate reduction if the City generator is used during peak electrical usage. City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen will follow up with Michelle Swanson from Xcel.
  
• Item #13 – Ask other cities about their Travel & Personal Expense policies. Jeremy will follow up on this also.
  

 

City Council Reports

 

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

 

Councilmember Cummiskey (Streets) was absent.

 

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings) had nothing further to report.

 

Councilmember Barnes (Parks) had nothing further to report.

 

Mayor Malz

• Mayor Malz brought up the subject of purchasing a smaller truck for Maintenance Worker Byerly to use when he takes samples to New Ulm and drives to Norwood/Young America. This would save on mileage costs and wear and tear on the City truck. He asked members of Council to think about it.
  
• The second Council meeting in December should be scheduled only if needed.
  
  • Council discussed and decided to schedule a City Council meeting on December 28, 2010 but if one is not needed it will be posted as cancelled.
    
• Mayor Malz suggested City employees start using time clocks.
  
  • Members of Council voiced there opinions and Mayor Malz asked if they could just keep it in mind.
    

 

Approve Claims List for November 2010

 

Claims List November 2010

• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the November Claims List from claim number 14709 through 14738 plus the three (3) added ACH payments, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion carried by attending Council members. Councilmember Cummiskey was absent.
  

 

Councilmember Barnes moved to recess the City Council meeting at 8:54 p.m., Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion carried by attending Council members. Councilmember Cummiskey was absent.

 

Councilmember Barnes moved to open the closed City Council meeting at 8:54 p.m. for the purpose of land acquisition discussion for purchase of private property for the storm water pond, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried by attending Council members. Councilmember Cummiskey was absent.

 

Councilmember Trebesch moved to close the Closed Meeting at 9:20 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion carried by attending Council members. Councilmember Cummiskey was absent.

 

Councilmember Barnes moved to reopen the City Council meeting at 9:21 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried by attending Council members. Councilmember Cummiskey was absent.

 

Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 9:21 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried by attending Council members. Councilmember Cummiskey was absent.

 

 

 

Submitted by:                                                    

 

 

Sue Block

                                                                                             Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Minutes – October 26, 2010

Mayor Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Brian Cummiskey, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. Also in attendance was Joe Hubler and John Hubler (411 Maria Ave), Chris Lund (612 Kim Ave.), Norm Thoele (421 Louisa Ave), Kip Trebesch (K&K), and Adam Glander (201 Martha St). Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly was absent.

 

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Added – Updated 2010 October Claims List
  
• Added – Service Requested for 2011 Policing Plan
  
• Added – Mandelkow Flooring Estimate
  
• Added – Print Out of 2010 Budget Items to Consider
  
• Councilmember Cummiskey requested the letter from Brian and Maggie Cummiskey be moved up in the agenda to just after the Fire Departments report.
  
  • Council and Mr. Cummiskey discussed the reason for the request and decided to leave the discussion of the letter where it is listed on the agenda.
    
• Councilmember Barnes moved to adopt the agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Review Claims List for October 2010

• Councilmember Barnes questioned, check #14689, #14690, #14691, and #14698, reimbursement to the four Fire Department attendees at the Rochester Fire Chiefs Convention for travel and lodging expenses. The total amount of $1,431.56 seemed high.
  
  • Fire Chief Droege explained that the four (4) room rates listed were for a two night stay for each attendee.
    

Old City Business

• Item #6 – Cost to replace City Office and Fire Department Office flooring.
  
  • Council looked over the estimate from Mandelkow Flooring, estimated cost $3,908.69.
    
    • Council discussed the estimate and asked Mr. Glander if he would submit an estimate including floor removal.
      
    • Adam Glander will also give an option 1 and option 2 as to what the cost difference would be if the backdrop is replace with tile or put back the existing backdrop.
      
• Item #9 – Mayor Malz to check if the Shop area could be rearranged to move the FD apparatus away from in front of the electrical box.
  
  • Mayor Malz has not had time to look at the area yet.
    
• Item #5 – Install the new playground equipment at the Hall Park.
  
  • Councilmember Cummiskey has not been able to coordinate a time when the volunteers would be available.
    
• Item #3 – Projector Screen & Projector
  
  • Information will be updated during the City Clerks Report.
    
• Item #4 – Electrical Wiring (ToTheHome Internet) at the Water Tower.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will address this item with Maintenance Worker Byerly once he has returned to work.
    

 

 

 

 

 

Fire Department Report

 

2010 FEMA Grant – US Fish & Wildlife Grant – DNR Grant

• The Fire Department has received some of the equipment they ordered and have a few more items to order.
  

Travel & Personal Expense Reimbursement Policy

• Council and Fire Chief Droege discussed Hamburg's Expense Reimbursement Policy for overnight lodging. Currently it is set at $75 per day per room and lodging of a greater cost must be pre-approved by Council.
  
  • Fire Chief Droege commented that the cost of overnight lodging has gone up since the policy was written.
    
  • Council discussed the issue and decided to reword the lodging policy and have it approved at the next Council meeting.
    

State Fire Chiefs Convention – October 21, 2010

• Fire Chief Droege, Adam Glander, Jared Mackenthun, and Brenda Droege attended the Fire Chief's Convention at Rochester, MN on October 21, 22, and 23, 2010.
  
• Fire Chief Droege gave a brief overview about the Convention and a few interesting facts.
  
  • There were 489 delegates that attended and 117 venders.
    
  • Next years Convention will be at St. Cloud.
    
  • There is a Fire Department Response in the State every two (2) minuets and a fire every 35 minutes.
    
  • Total Fire Department calls are down but fires are up. The leading causes are cooking, heating, and open flame.
    
  • There has been a rash of break-ins at Water Treatment Plants because the treatment plants have wiring and copper tubing. Break-ins at foreclosed vacant homes are also up.
    
  • Any new Council member(s) by Federal Law must take NIMs Training classes.
    
  • There are 12,500 FBI agents in the United States with 56 field offices and 38,000 Police officers in New York City.
    
  • Adam Glander received a five (5) year pin at the State Fire Chief's Convention and Fire Chief Droege received a twenty (25) year pin.
    
• Fire Chief Droege suggested obtaining a white board, on wheels, that you can write on then erase. This would be a valuable item to have during emergencies. The white board could also be used for drawing diagrams during Council meetings.
  

New Paging System

• The Fire Department is receiving pricing on the new Paging System. Currently the cost could be $100 to $150 per month.
  

Donation from Xcel Energy

• The Fire Department received a $200 donation from Xcel Energy.
  

Selection vs. Election

• This will remain on the agenda for future discussion.
  

Christmas Lights

• The Cities Christmas Lights will be hung before Thanksgiving.
  

Installing Chevron and Side Lighting

• An area resident would like to volunteer his time and talent on installing Chevrons and side lighting to the older (2^nd) tanker and the Grass Rig. This would be done at no cost to the Fire Department or the City.
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to grant Fire Chief Droege permission to have Chevrons and the extra emergency lighting installed on the older (2^nd) Tanker and Grass Rig, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.
  All Council members were present.
  

 

Joe & John Hubler (411 Maria Avenue)

• WAC & SAC Fees
  
  • Hamburg's WAC & SAC fee is $3,500 per utility or $7,000 to hook-up to the Cities sewer and water services.
    
  • Council discussed a couple of different options on how Joe and John Hubler could hook up 411 Maria Avenue to the Cities water and sewer lines.
    
    • One would be to hold a Public Hearing on whether or not to lower the City Fees for the Hubler's.
      
    • Chang the City Ordinance
      
    • Third option would be to have City Attorney Mac Willemssen draw up a three (3) year payment plan for the Hubler's to pay the $7,000 Wac & Sac fees.
      
  • After some discussion the City Council agreed to set up a three (3) year payment plan with $1 per year interest.
    
  • 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.
    

Adopt Ordinance Number 139 – Rezoning

• Amending the official zoning map of the City of Hamburg
  
  • This was discussed during the Public Hearing on October 26^th at 6:45 p.m.
    
• Councilmember Cummiskey moved to adopt Ordinance Number 139, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Adopt Resolution Number 2010-05 – Conditional Use Permit for 411 Maria Avenue

• During tonight's 6:45 p.m. Public Meeting several residents voiced their concern on available parking spaces for renters once the upstairs apartments are finished.
  
  • Council had previously discussed this issue and a Certificate of Occupancy will not be granted for 411 Maria Avenue until additional parking is made available to persons renting the upstairs apartments of the building.
    
• John Hubler questioned the wording in Section B on page number three of the Conditional Use Permit: No exterior storage shall be permitted – periodic drying of granite slabs on the outside of the building will be sporadic. Drying of granite slabs outside will not be defined as "outside storage".
  
  • Council and Joe & John Hubler discussed the wording as to what would constitute exterior storage.
    
    • Council decided that the current wording of Resolution Number 2010-05 is pertaining to allowing storage, repair, and servicing occupying between 30 and 50 percent of the building located at 411 Maria Avenue. The Resolution is not about allowing outside storage. If this becomes a problem it will be addressed at that time.
      
  • Councilmember Barnes moved to adopt Resolution Number 2010-05, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
    
  • John and Joe Hubler will take the signed copy of the Resolution to the County and have it filled with the property. They then have to provide City Clerk Gruenhagen proof that it was filed with the County.
    
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will contact Ann Perry (Cities Planning Consultant) to verify what constitutes outside storage.
    

 

Dennis' Report (Public Works & Utilities)

(Maintenance Worker Byerly was absent. Report given by City Clerk Gruenhagen)

 

Community Hall Ramp Canopy Repairs

• K&K Construction (Kip Trebesch) should be able to start the repair of the Canopy in a week or two.
  
  • Kip Trebesch asked Council several questions to clarify what and how the Council would like the Canopy repaired. Kip will also install heat tape to the repaired area to help any ice build up again this winter.
    

Sweep City Streets

• City Clerk Gruenhagen will discuss this with Maintenance Worker Byerly.
  

 

Deputy Clerk Report

 

Delinquent Utility Bills

• Diana Payne (350 Louisa St) – An Assessment Company handling the foreclosure was sent copies of the delinquent water bills.
  
• Chris Tordsen (618 Kim Ave) – An Assessment Company called requesting copies of any delinquent utility bills. Copies of the bills were sent in for payment.
  
• Nick Nordin (419 Railroad St) – No information on who to contact for payment
  
  • Council requested a delinquent bill be sent to Mr. Nordin's last known address.
    
• Fay Buckentin (153 Jacob St) – Set up a Payment Agreement.
  

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

 

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

Easements for Project

• Schoeppner/Alling – 619 Park Avenue – signed their Easement agreement.
  
• There are still three (3) Easements remaining to be signed:
  
  • Brian Cummiskey - 724 Park Avenue
    
    • In negotiations.
      
  • David Klugherz - 613 David Ave
    
    • Councilmember Mueller will talk to him.
      
  • Mackenthun Estate - 631 Park Avenue
    
    • Mayor Malz will talk to them.
      

Pre-Construction Pictures

• No further information.
  

Funding for Sanitary Sewer/Storm Water Improvements

• Council will have to look at this in the near future and keep it on the agenda.
  

Land Purchase for Storm Water Pond/Storm Sewer Options

• Council received the following letter from Brian and Margaret Cummiskey:
  

  After a summer of getting nowhere on negotiations for purchasing some of our land we feel it is time to declare an impasse and end the closed sessions of the council meetings and allow the information, actions and minutes of these meetings to become public record.
  

  If for some reason you feel you are unable to end the closed session then we request that the information be released under a mutual consent agreement.
  

• Council and Mr. & Mrs. Cummiskey discussed their request and other possibilities of where the storm water pond could be located. Council then agreed that the information from previous closed meetings should become public. However, if further discussion on purchasing the land from Mr. Cummiskey arise, those negotiations will be conducted in Closed Meetings.
  
  • Councilmember Trebesch moved to agree to a Mutual Consent Agreement between City Council and Mr. and Mrs. Cummiskey that previous closed meeting information be released to the public, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion carried. Councilmember Cummiskey abstained.
    
• Council had no comments on the memo from Doug Parrott (S.E.H.) on the possibility of eliminating the Eastern Storm Sewer.
  

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

• City Clerk Gruenhagen gave an update from EPA Audio Visual changing the installation of the speakers from the walls to the ceiling. Updated estimate is $4,384.
  
• City Clerk Gruenhagen is waiting for information on the Portable Sound System.
  
• Council discussed the wording in the EPA Project Proposal under System Costs that stated "84"x"84 Manual Wall Screen". Council was under the impression that the projector screen would be mounted in the ceiling with a remote control to lower it.
  
  • Council discussed what they would like to have installed an automatic or manual screen.
    The decided to go with the manual pull down screen but have it installed in the ceiling.
    
    • City Clerk Gruenhagen will follow up on this with EPA Audio Visual.
      

Hamburg 2010 audit Engagement Letter (Abdo, Eick & Meyers)

• Council received a letter from Abdo, Eick & Meyers on their auditing fees for the 2010 Financial Statement. The cost would be $15,810.
  
  • The City of Hamburg does have a three year contract with Abdo, Eick & Meyers, this being the second year of the contract.
    
• Councilmember Barnes move to approve the audit agreement with Abdo, Eick & Meyers for the amount of $15,810, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Annexation Request by Brett & Julie Gamber (851 William Street)

• Brett & Julie Gamber have requested that the land they had their pool constructed which is located in Young America Township be Orderly Annexed into the City of Hamburg.
  
• Council will act on the requested annexation at the next City Council Meeting when the Young America Township has their meeting also.
  
• City Clerk Gruenhagen will have Ann Perry (City Planning Consultant) draw up the paper work.
  

2011 Policing Plan (Contract) for the City of Hamburg

• Council reviewed the 2011 City of Hamburg Police Plan. Total police service costs for 2011 would be $13,125.
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the 2011 Carver County Policing Contract for the amount of $13,125, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Review 2010 Budgeted Items to be completed in 2010

• The projected cash flow for the City at the end of the year will be approximately 60%. The City Auditors recommend a 40-50% cash flow.
  
  • Dollar amount estimated for the end of 2010 is between $300-350,000 in the General Fund.
    
• Council discussed several different ideas on what could be done to lower the end of year cash flow to around 40 – 50%.
  
  • The number one priority would be to try and set the property tax levy to 0%.
    
• Council will make their final decision on or before December 7^th.
  

Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP)

• City Clerk Gruenhagen will be working with Ann Perry (City Planning Consultant) to submit a request to receive up to $10,000 for the Improve Your Health Walk Ability Program.
  
  • Council came up with several ideas on how the City could use the money especially for handicap accessibility access to the playground equipment at both City parks.
    

General Election

• Reminder that the General Election is on November 2^nd.
  
• Canvass Board Meeting will be during the November 9, 2010 City Council Meeting.
  

Request for Time Off (Maintenance Worker Byerly) – Reported by City Clerk Gruenhagen

• Maintenance Worker Byerly had requested time off from November 5, 2010 through November 15, 2010.
  

Request for Time-Off

• City Clerk Gruenhagen requested November 12, 2010 off.
  
• Councilmember Mueller approved City Clerk Gruenhagens Time-Off Request for November 12^th, Councilmember Barnes seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

City Council Reports

 

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

 

Councilmember Cummiskey (Streets) had nothing further to report.

 

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)

• Councilmember Trebesch asked if City Clerk Gruenhagen had reported to Xcel that the street light located at Sophia and Jacob is continually on.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen commented that he did report the one by 311 Jacob Street is out. He will check with Xcel to find out if there is a reason why some of the street lights turn off then on again during the evening hours.
    

  
   

Councilmember Barnes (Parks) had nothing further to report.

 

Mayor Malz had nothing further to report.

 

The Hamburg Fire Department will be patrolling the streets again for Halloween starting at 5:30 p.m.

 

Approve Claims List for October 2010

 

Claims List October 2010

• Councilmember Trebesch questioned claim #14705, Robb's Electric. He thought that the bill had already been paid.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen stated that Robb's Electric has been doing several different Electrical jobs at the Hall and this one is different from the last bill that was submitted.
    
• Councilmember Barnes questioned why there were four (4) members of the Fire Department attending the Fire Chiefs Convention in Rochester.
  
  • Mayor Malz and Councilmember Cummiskey commented that this convention is for Fire Department Officers. Attendees to the Fire Chiefs Convention from Hamburg were:
    
    • Brad Droege – Hamburg Fire Chief
      
    • Adam Glander – Chiefs Assistant
      
    • Jared Mackenthun – Hamburg Training Officer
      
    • Brenda Droege – Secretary/Treasurer
      
  • $3,500 is budgeted every year for members of the Fire Department to attend conventions. Convention Expenses cover room, mileage, and meals.
    
    • About $3,100 will be use this year for conventions.
      
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the October Claims List from claim number 14687 through 14708 plus the three (3) added ACH payments, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Councilmember Cummiskey moved to remove tonight's Closed Session Meeting from the agenda, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

 

Councilmember Barnes moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 9:09 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 Meeting Minutes – Rezoning October 26,2010

CITY OF HAMBURG

PUBLIC HEARING ON REZONING & C.U.P. FOR 411 Maria Avenue

October 26, 2010

 

 

Mayor Malz called the Public Hearing to order at 6:45 p.m. Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember Brian Cummiskey, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, and Deputy Clerk Block were in attendance. Also in attendance was Norman Thoele (421 Louisa), William Panning (631 Kim Avenue), Roger Wolter (361 Maria Avenue), and Chris Lund (612 Kim Avenue).

 

The reason for the public hearing is for the request by Joe Hubler to rezone the property located at 411 Maria Ave. (also known as the former City Hall) from R-1 Single Family Residential District to B - Downtown Business Mixed Use to allow commercial use of the first floor of the building and multiple family residential use of the second floor. Additionally, a conditional use permit is requested at the property located at 411 Maria Ave. to allow storage, repair and servicing occupying between 30 to 50 percent of the building and associated with the business use of the property.

 

The building will be renovated and the first floor will be utilized as a fabrication shop and office for the Tonka Granite Company.

 

---------------------------------------------------

 

Comments from the Public

• Mr. Thoele, Mr. Panning, and Mr. Wolter all voiced concern about where the owners of 411 Maria Avenue would park also the renters of the two proposed upstairs apartments.
  
  • Council assured the audience that the Hubler's would only be parking on the city streets during their daytime business hours and would be off the streets at night.
    
  • Council also mentioned that the upstairs apartments will not be able to be rented out until additional parking is made available for them.
    

 

Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Special Public Hearing on Rezoning and Conditional Use Permit at 6:57 p.m., Councilmember Barnes seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

 

 

Submitted By;

 

 

 

Sue Block

Deputy Clerk

FCC push to regulate news draws fire - The Hill's Hillicon Valley

FCC push to regulate news draws fire - The Hill's Hillicon Valley

When will government take a hint. We do not need regulations set to determine if a broadcasting company is being "fair and balanced". The entire aspect of using the airways is to express ones point of view and for broadcasting companies it means attracting viewers that will increase ad revenue. It is not about content. Any "Fairness Doctrine" or tying ones license to "balanced" programming infringes on the companies right to do business. What is so wrong with allowing viewers to decide which programs stay on the air and which ones go? Isn't that the American Spirit in action?

Per the article the FCC is looking to: "prove they have made a meaningful commitment to public affairs and news programming, prove they are committed to diversity programming (for instance, by showing that they depict women and minorities), report more to the government about which shows they plan to air, require greater disclosure about who funds political ads and devote 25 percent of their prime-time coverage to local news."

Does this mean that Lifetime will have to air more programming dealing with men? Or the History Channel will have more programming dealing with ex-cheerleaders bloodlust? I understand that both Lifetime and History Channel are typically tied to cable or satellite providers but once we start the ball rolling where does it stop? The FCC is not, or should not, be in the position to dictate a social agenda in regards to programming. I see no problem with restricting the time frame for "mature" topics to after 8 pm but I do have a problem with them dictating or mandating x% of programming being anything.

Plus, why should the stations be held liable or disclose the funding of the political ads being run? Isn't that already part of the agreement that someone "approves" the ad? Government is not meant to be in our lives this much. The Framers, granted did not have television, established a country that people would have more freedoms and choices. The mandate or regulation being proposed by the FCC is neither; rather it is a restriction. Perhaps if we had more non-PC shows like Archie Bunker on, we as a society could openly deal with some of the issues facing America. Instead we must be careful on our word choices as to not offend someone.

To require broadcasters to report their programming they intend to air is a form of censorship and central planning that one comes to expect from China or Russia not the United States of America.

Senators unveil anti-WikiLeaks bill - The Hill's Hillicon Valley

Senators unveil anti-WikiLeaks bill - The Hill's Hillicon Valley


In the age of the internet our ability to print, say, and post is being tested with the dumping of classified documents by Wikileaks. While I do not think we should treat the data dump lightly but we are allowing our Government to enforce upon us something we may regret in the future. Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and the ability to pursue life without tyranny are at stake here. The article talks about the move by Amazon.com to remove Wikileaks from it's server was not due to Government pressure; really we are suppose to believe that?

From all the reports I have, including international press clippings, Assange has scrubbed the data of any active personnel information outside of naming dignitaries. And I think that is what really has the ruling class upset. Has Assange gone to far? Are we focusing our efforts in the wrong place? I mean, shouldn't the United States re-look at its own data sharing sources. If I recall correctly, a relatively low-level official leaked these documents to Assange. Or is Assange no different than a Russian Cold War operative?

City of Hamburg Special Meeting - 2011 Final Budget/tax levy

 

 

 

CITY OF HAMBURG

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

2011 FINAL BUDGET/TAX LEVY

 

 

 

Notice is Hereby Given that the Hamburg City Council will hold a Special Meeting on December 7, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hamburg City Hall at 181 Broadway Ave, Hamburg, MN.

 

The reason for the special meeting is to discuss and review the 2011 Final Budget/Tax Levy. This special meeting will allow the public to review and comment on the 2011 Final Budget/Tax Levy. The 2011 Final Budget/Tax Levy will be finalized at the December 14, 2010 City Council meeting.

 

Following the 2011 Final Budget/Tax Levy Special Meeting the Hamburg City Council will hold a Closed Meeting for the purpose of Land Acquisition Negotiations (Purchase of Private Property for Storm Water Pond in relation to Hamburg's I/I Abatement Project)

 

If you have any questions or concerns about this special meeting feel free to attend the meeting, call the City Offices at (952) 467-3232 or write in advance to the City of Hamburg, 181 Broadway Ave., Hamburg, MN 55339.

 

 

 

 

                            Jeremy Gruenhagen

                            City Clerk-Treasurer

 

 

 

(Posted at City Hall, Post Office, and State Bank of Hamburg on December 1, 2010)

 

Senate votes down ban on earmarks, 39-56 - The Hill's On The Money

Senate votes down ban on earmarks, 39-56 - The Hill's On The Money

In a show of bipartisan support the Senate voted down an amendment that would have banned all earmarks for 2012 and 2013. Voters went to the mid-term voting booths with one message in mind - stop spending that increases the deficit.

"I believe I have an important responsibility to the state of Illinois and the people I represent to direct federal dollars into projects critically important for our state and our future," Durbin said. I think this is telling and really disturbs me. The money that our Federal Government brings in should be going for Federal Projects and not State projects. This reliance by States on Federal handouts is just another reason why we have seen an erosion in the 10th Amendment and a lack of accountability of the Federal Government by the States. Sen. Durbin is correct that he has the responsibility to ensure that Illinois has a voice at the Federal level but it should be directed at protecting the Rights of Illinois to be free of Federal mandates like "No Child Left Behind", highway funding, and the health care mandate to name a few.

We need to start electing officials that are willing to go to Washington D.C. and wrestle back control that the States have willfully lost through decades of poor representation of their elected House of Representatives and Senators. That is part of the message, I believe, the Tea Party movement is trying to assert. To allow the further erosion of the 10th Amendment is to put the United States on the same financial footing as Greece and Ireland.

On a side note I started reading a book my daughter gave me for my birthday: Lincoln President-elect: Abraham Lincoln and the Great Secession Winter 1860-1861 by Harold Holzer

The Lame Duck Session of Congress starts today!!!!

It is Cyber Monday and many of us will be going back to work after a four-day weekend as well. For those that work in the corporate world with a computer be mindful of your company's internet policy as you can find yourself unemployed by partaking in Cyber Monday. That aside the citizens of the United States wake up this morning to the start of the Lame-Duck session of Congress. A lot of conversation will be focused on the expiring Bush Tax cuts. Earlier this year a Deficit committee was established to tackle the growing deficit and out of control spending, to which I already talked about, the trouble is a lot of the suggestions made by the Deficit committee won't take place until 2015. Why?

Other issues facing the Lame-Duck Congress are the START Treaty, "Don't ask, Don't Tell", and the extension of Unemployment Benefits. If you are politically junkie, which I am, it will be fun watching this session of Congress as it will be entertaining and most likely unproductive. Then throw into the realm the fiasco in the Korean peninsula and the wikileaks new document dump. Another point to watch is if Republicans stick to their pledge to no pork added to bills or will that pledge not really begin until they take control of the House?

Hamburg City Council Agenda – November 23, 2010

 

 

 

7:00. Call City Council Meeting to Order @ 7:00 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 October 26, 2010 & November 9, 2010
  

 

7:10. Fire Department Report

• 2010 FEMA Grant/US Fish & Wildlife Grant/DNR Grant
  
• New Paging System
  
• Hamburg Fire Department Officers
  
  • Selection vs. Election
    

 

7:20. Dennis' Report (Public Works & Utilities)

• Community Hall Ramp Canopy Repairs
  
  • Insurance Coverage (Repairs)
    
• Mock OSHA Inspection (July 14^th, 2010)
  
• 420 Maria Avenue Curb Stop
  
• Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption for 2010
  
• 2011 Budget Items
  
• Project List (Additional Items)
  

 

7:35. Deputy Clerk Report

• Delinquent Utility Bills Report
  
• Project List (Additional Items)
  
• Time Off Request for December
  

 

7:45. City Clerk/Treasurer Report

• I/I Abatement Program (Sanitary Sewer/Storm Water Improvements)
  
  • Easements for Project
    
  • Pre-Construction Pictures
    
  • Funding for Sanitary Sewer/Storm Water Improvements
    
  • Land Purchase for Storm Water Pond/Storm Sewer Options
    
    • Options to Reduce Property Purchase
      
  • Project Schedule
    
• Metropolitan Livable Communities Act 2011 – 2020 Housing Action Plan
  
  • Adopt Resolution Number 2010-07
    
• Proposal from EPA Audio Visual, Inc. (Projector & Screen)
  
  • Proposal from EPA Audio Visual, Inc. (Portable Sound System)
    
• Mosquito Control Contract – Clarke Environment
  
• 2010 Budget Items
  
  • Review 2010 Budgeted Items & Estimated Year-End Totals
    

 

 

 

 

 

• Set Special Meeting for Budget Workshop Meeting
  
  • 2011 Final Budget
    
  • City Fee Schedule for 2011
    
• December 28^th City Council Meeting (Cancel)
  
• Time Off Requests (December)
  
• Project List
  
• Informational Items (Comments)
  
  • Public Hearing – December 1^st - Variance for James Stuewe
    
  • New Federal Regulations – Fiduciary Responsibility for Municipal Advisors
    
  • City Offices Closed November 25^th & 26^th for Thanksgiving!
    

 

8:15. City Council Reports

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

 

8:30. Approve Claims List for November 2010

 

8:35. Recess City Council Meeting

 

8:35. 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
  

 

9:20. Move to Close Closed Meeting for Employee Reviews

 

9:20. Move to Closed Meeting for the purpose of Land Acquisition Negotiations (Purchase of Private Property for Storm Water Pond)

 

9:40. Move to Close Closed Meeting for Land Acquisition Negotiations (Purchase of Private Property for Storm Water Pond)

 

9:40. Move to Reopen the City Council Meeting

 

9:40. Adjourn City Council Meeting (Adjournment of City Council Meeting following completion of Closed Meetings)

 

 

 

"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."