Providence plans to pink slip all teachers | Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal

Providence plans to pink slip all teachers | Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal


I wonder how this will play out in light of what is going on in Wisconsin. Will Union workers see this as Union busting? Based on the article the move is required to notify any teacher that may or may not be employed next year by March 1st. Should be interesting to see this one plays out!

Hamburg City Council Minutes – February 8, 2011

Mayor Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. Others in attendance were Richard Odoms (150 Jacob St), Judy Feltmann (319 Casper St., NYA), and Kipp Trebesch, Jr. (K&K Construction). City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen was absent.

 

Miscellaneous Business (Public Comments)

 

Benefit at Hall

• Judy Feltmann (319 Casper St., NYA) requested a reduced fee to rent the Hamburg Hall to hold a benefit for Brandi Yaeck on April 16, 2011.
  
  • Council discussed and decided to grant the request to hold a benefit for Brandi Yaeck at the Hamburg Hall at the rental rate of $225 provided all liquor licenses, liability insurance, and gambling permits are in order before the benefit is held.
    
  • Councilmember Barnes moved to rent the Hamburg Hall for the Brandi Yaeck benefit on April 16, 2011 at a reduced rate of $225 provided all permits are in order, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
    

 

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Added – Updated January Claims List
  
• Added – Hall Canopy Estimate from K&K Construction
  
• Added – Email about Fiber Optic Equipment Location
  
• Added – Drawing of proposed request to build on 470 Brad St. (vacant lot).
  
• Councilmember Barnes moved to adopt the agenda with the four added items, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Approve Special Meeting Minutes for December 1, 2010, December 7, 2010, and January 11, 2011.

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the December 1, 2010, December 7, 2010, and January 11, 2011 Special Meeting Minutes, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Review Claims List for February 2011

• Councilmember Trebesch questioned claim #14879 to Robb's Electric in the amount of $402.72. This amount seemed high for just a blower fan.
  
  • After review the check will be withheld from payment until further information is received as to why labor was added to the billing when Maintenance Worker Byerly installed the motor.
    

 

Old City Business

• Item #3 – ToTheHome Internet Electrical Wiring at the Water Tower.
  
  • Councilmember Lund requested this project be completed before the previously requested deadline of March. Other members of Council agreed that Mr. Sprengeler has had almost a year to complete the project and should not be allowed any further delay.
    
• Item #6 – Rearrange Shop Area
  
  • Mayor Malz commented that the cleanup in the shop area has been completed. It is ok to take off the list.
    
• Item #10 – Councilmember Barnes and Mayor Malz to look into if pop canisters in the Hall can be moved upstairs.
  
  • They will get together this week.
    
• Item #12 – Waste Management Contract with the City
  
  • This item will stay on the Councils Old Business report incase Council decides to obtain other bids for garbage removal before the contract with Waste Management is up on July 31, 2011.
    

 

Fire Department Report

 

2010 FEMA Grant

• No new information.
  

US Fish & Wildlife Grant

• There is a recall on some filter brackets and replacement will be free.
  

FEMA Grant for New Paging System

• The Hamburg Fire Department received 35 new pagers.
  

New Paging System

• Fire Chief Droege has applied for the new paging system and is trying to get everything setup and ready to go before the possible flooding this spring.
  

Civil Defense Siren Upgrades

• City Clerk Gruenhagen will be contacting an electrician to install the upgrades to the Civil Defense Siren. The cost to have this done will come out of the County Emergency Management which received $54,000 in grant money to help cities pay for new upgrades.
  

Fees for Emergency Protection Fire Services (Ordinance Number 126)

• Discussion on amending Ordinance Number 126 was tabled until the next City Council Meeting on February 22, 2011.
  

Adoption of Ordinance Number 126A

• Councilmember Mueller moved to pass Ordinance Number 126A amending Ordinance Number 126, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Hamburg Fire Department Officers – Selection vs. Election

• Keep on agenda for future discussion.
  

 

Dennis' Report (Public Works & Utilities)

 

Community Hall Ramp Canopy Repairs

• Kipp Trebesch (K&K Construction) handed in an estimated cost, including labor, to repair the Hall Ramp Canopy.
  
  • Deputy Clerk Block informed Council that this information was faxed to the insurance company earlier in the day.
    
• Kipp Trebesch also commented that he has three people ready to start the project as soon as the weather warms up.
  

Handicap Bathroom for Hall

• Maintenance Worker Byerly and Councilmember Trebesch are coordinating with each other in contacting contractors to get this project completed.
  

Industrial Storm Water General Permit

• City Clerk Gruenhagen is working with Doug Parrott (S.E.H.) to renew this permit.
  

Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption for 2010

• Tabled to next meeting.
  

Employee Call out Pay – Letter from Richard Odoms

• Council briefly discussed the letter from Mr. Odoms stating his opinion on the process of eliminating employee overtime pay for weekends and holidays.
  
  • Council decided to leave the call out pay as it was voted on at the last Council meeting.
    

Project List

• Councilmember Lund suggested that on Dennis's Project List all projects should have a completion date listed. This would give more direction to Maintenance Worker Byerly as to when projects should be completed in addition to his regular daily duties. At evaluation time Council could look back on the list to see if Maintenance Worker Byerly is meeting the deadlines that Council put out there for him.
  
  • Council discussed and decided to have Mayor Malz, Councilmember Lund, Maintenance Worker Byerly, and Deputy Clerk Block schedule a meeting to go over the project list and add completion dates to the projects listed.
    

 

Deputy Clerk Report

 

Delinquent Utility Bills

• Diana Payne (350 Louisa Street) – Delinquent amount sent to Re/Max Advisors West for payment.
  
• Jon Reed (416 Jacob St) – Delinquent letter sent with shut off scheduled for 02/15/11.
  
• Emily Siebold (625 Kim) – Delinquent letter sent with shut off scheduled for 02/15/11.
  
• Betty Griffin (420 Maria Ave) – Unable to turn water off curb stop. Working with owners to have renter set up a payment plan. Delinquency letter sent to owners and renter.
  
• David Chadwick (701 Park) – Delinquent letter sent with shut off scheduled for 02/15/11.
  
• Brian Cummiskey (724 Park) – Delinquent letter sent with shut off scheduled for 02/15/11.
  
• Nick Nordin (419 Railroad St) – Home Foreclosure – Contact Freddie Mac.
  
• Darrell Grams (410 Sophia Ave) – Delinquent letter sent with shut off scheduled for 02/15/11.
  
• Liz Jaunich (617 Donald) - Delinquency letter sent to owners and renter with scheduled shut off for 02/15/11.
  

 

Project List

• Add to Deputy Clerk's Project List was to schedule a meeting with Councilman Lund, Mayor Malz, Maintenance Worker Byerly, and Deputy Clerk Block to update Maintenance Worker Byerly's Project List.
  

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

(City Clerk Gruenhagen was absent Mayor Malz and Deputy Clerk Block presented the report.)

 

Clean Water Revolving Fund (Resolution)

• The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority is offering a loan to replenish the cities sewer fund for money already spent on engineering fees. If Council would decide to apply for the loan and would receive any money then interest would have to be paid on that amount over a 20 year period.
  
• Council was asked to look over the resolution and make a decision at the next City Council Meeting on February 22^nd.
  

2010 Financial Audit (Abdo, Eick & Meyers)

• Hamburg's end of year (2010) audit is scheduled for February 14^th to 16^th, 2011.
  

 

 

 

Time Off Request

• City Clerk Gruenhagen requested to leave a half hour early (4:00 p.m.) on February 14, 17, 18, and 25^th, 2011.
  
  • Councilmember Mueller moved to grant City Clerk Gruenhagens requested time off, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
    

City Electronic Sign

• The Cities Electronic Sign is not working there is a break in the electrical wire somewhere between the sign and the Park band shelter. Council discussed and decided to wait until spring to locate the breakage.
  
  • Councilmember Trebesch commented that the outage should be reported to the insurance company just in case when the power line is fixed something does not damage the sign itself.
    

Carver County Fiber Ring Locations in City Community Center

• Randy Lehs (Broadband Fiber Project Manager) will be doing a site visit within the next couple of weeks. Mr. Lehs has asked Council to decide on where they would like the fiber equipment rack to be placed at the Community Center.
  
  • Council discussed and decided the room for the fiber equipment could be located just to the ease of the ladies bathroom where the folding chairs are currently located. Another spot could be on the east wall by the coat rack.
    

Request To Place a Trailer Home on 470 Brad Street

• Council was presented with a drawing to place a trailer home on the vacant lot at 470 Brad Street. Council discussed and decided to have City Clerk Gruenhagen check into the Cities Zoning and Ordinance policies concerning this request and report back to Council at a later date.
  

 

City Council Reports

 

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water)

• Councilmember Mueller questioned if any further information has been received from Brian Cummiskey concerning the paper work needed to continue forward with the purchase of his land and the I&I Project.
  
  • Deputy Clerk Block responded that there was no new information available at this time.
    
• Councilmember Mueller also brought up that Doug Parrott had spoken with a soil engineer and the engineer recommended adding some pipe bedding material and soil correction to the bottom of the waste water pond. If Council decides to go along with this proposal it will increase the cost of the project by $6,000 to $9,000. Mr. Parrott also added a drawing of a fence between Mr. Cummiskey's property and the storm water pond.
  
• If the City keeps on the scheduled time frame for the I&I Project then County Road 50 will be overlaid next fall.
  

 

Councilmember Lund (Streets)

• Councilmember Lund asked who is responsible from removing snow from in front of individual's post office boxes on city streets, the City or the Residents. A resident complained that after the snowplow bladed the snow off to the side the mail carrier was unable to deliver their mail.
  
  • Mayor Malz commented that most residents remove the snow from in front of their mailboxes themselves or neighbors take turns removing the snow.
    
  • Council discussed and decided that the residents should be clearing the snow away from their mailboxes.
    

 

 

• Councilmember Lund suggested using a consent agenda during the City Council Meetings.
  
  • Council discussed and decided to start using a consent agenda at the next City Council Meeting.
    

 

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)

• Councilmember Trebesch brought up the subject of not allowing city employees the use of the Cities bobcat to clean out their private driveway.
  
  • Council discussed and no decision was made on this matter.
    

 

Councilmember Barnes (Parks)

• Councilmember Barnes mentioned that two residents on Williams Street have complained that a couple of times snow removal on their street has been neglected.
  
  • Mayor Malz will check into this.
    

 

Mayor Malz had nothing further to report.

 

Approve Added Claims List for February 2011

 

Claims List for February 2011

• Claim #14879 to Robb's Electric in the amount of $402.72 will be held until more information is obtained as to why labor was added to the bill when Maintenance Worker Byerly installed the motor.
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the 2011 February Claims List with the three ACH payments and check number 14862 through 14886 withholding check number 14879 for review for more information, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 8:46 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present

 

Submitted by:                                                    

 

 

Sue Block

                                                                                             Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Minutes – January 25, 2011

Mayor Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. Others in attendance were Doug Parrott from S.E.H., Richard Odoms (150 Jacob St), and Brian Cummiskey (724 Park Ave).

 

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Added – Updated January Claims List
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to adopt the agenda with the one added item, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Approve Minutes for January 11, 2011.

• Councilmember Lund moved to approve the January 11, 2011 City Council Minutes, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Old City Business

• Item #3 – ToTheHome Internet Electrical Wiring at the Water Tower.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen met with Shawn Sprengeler (ToTheHome Internet) and Mr. Sprengeler now has all the information needed to correct the wiring at the cities water tower.
    
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen requested Mr. Sprengeler to check into the possibility of the City using ToTheHome Wireless Internet services. The two main concerns are if the wireless internet service would work inside of the metal city building and if transferring of emails would be a possibility without losing any data during the transfer.
    
• Item #6 – Rearrange Shop Area
  
  • Mayor Malz commented that the cleanup in the shop area has been completed. It is ok to take off the list.
    
• Item #11 – Change of Motion for Land Purchase
  
  • Mr. Cummiskey will be attending the Council meeting later in the evening to discuss changing the motion from the City purchasing 3.8 acres of his land to purchasing 3.7 acres.
    
• Item #12 – Waste Management Contract with the City
  
  • This item will stay on the Councils Old Business report incase Council decides to obtain other bids before the contract with Waste Management is up on July 31, 2011.
    

 

Fire Department Report

 

2010 FEMA Grant

• No new information.
  

US Fish & Wildlife Grant

• No new information.
  

FEMA Grant for New Paging System

• Carver County received a Grant for the new paging system.
  
• With the new paging system members of the Fire Department will now be able to hear a page on their cell phones. First the page will go to their pagers then if no answer the page will go to the firefighters' cell phone. Fire Fighters will also be able to receive a page by text message.
  

 

 

 

Civil Defense Siren Upgrades

• By 2013 Civil Defense Sirens will be going to narrow banding so the Fire Department radios will need to be upgraded. The County Emergency Management received $54,000 in grant money to help cities pay for new or updated radios.
  

Amend Ordinance Number 126

• Discussion on amending Ordinance Number 126 has been tabled until more information is received from other area City Fire Departments on how they charge for fire protection. The question is if the City of Hamburg should bill and collect fees for Emergency Protection Fire Services to individuals and businesses that have an address within the City Fire Department's area of service for accident service calls.
  

NIMS 100/200/700 Training

• All city officials are required to have 100/200/700 training. The Head Departments such as the Mayor, City Clerk (Administrator), and Fire Chief (Civil Defense Coordinator) should have 800/900.
  
  • The City of Hamburg previously passed a resolution to have Carver County handle the Head Departments responsibilities during a disaster. This eliminates the need for the Mayor, City Clerk, and the Civil Defense Coordinator from taking the 800/900 NIMS training.
    

Chevron Lights for Grass 11 and Tanker 12

• The Chevron lights are on the Grass 11 and Tanker 12 vehicles.
  

Hamburg Fire Department Officers – Selection vs. Election

• Keep on agenda for future discussion.
  

Old International 1981 HD Rescue Truck

• Fire Chief Droege informed members of Council that the 1981 HD Rescue Truck has been sold to a private party from Kent, MN. The party purchased the truck for $4,000.
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the sell of the International 1981 HD Rescue Truck for the amount of $4,000, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Snow Removal on City Streets

• Brad Droege (Wm. Mueller & Sons) asked Council if they would like to have them scrape off some snow from the city streets during the warmer weather.
  
  • Council decided to have Wm. Mueller & Sons do one pass through town and windrow the loose snow off to the side of the streets.
    

 

Presentation of City Appreciation Plaque

• Mayor Malz presented former Councilmember Brian Cummiskey a plaque of appreciation for his dedication to the City during his four year term (2007-2010) as a Council member.
  

 

Doug Parrott (S.E.H.) – I/I Abatement Program

 

Easements for Project

• The City has all easements needed for the project except Brian Cummiskey's (724 Park Ave). The signing of the easement will be done during closing when the purchase of property from Mr. Cummiskey is completed.
  
• The easements not obtained were from the Mackenthun Estate. Members of council tried to contact them numerous times however they never responded back.
  
  • Doug Parrott (S.E.H.) will devise a plan for the I/I Project to go around their property so the project can continue forward.
    

Land Purchase for Storm Water Pond

• During the December 14, 2010 City Council Meeting an offer was made to Mr. & Mrs. Cummiskey to purchase 3.8 acres of their land at $10,000 per acre totaling $38,000 with the agreement to sign the easements during closing. After reviewing the original survey the requested amount of land to be purchased from Mr. & Mrs. Cummiskey was 3.7 acres of land.
  
  • Brian Cummiskey acknowledged that this was a clerical error.
    
  • Council requested a Statement of Acceptance from Brian and Maggie Cummiskey to sell the City of Hamburg 3.7 acres @ $10,000 per acre for the Storm Water pond.
    
• Councilmember Barnes moved to offer to purchase 3.7 acres from Brian and Maggie Cummiskey at a cost of $10,000 per acre totaling $37,000 also with the agreement to sign the easements at closing and closing to be done as soon as possible, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  
• Brian Cummiskey made a Statement of Acceptance stating; I, Brian Cummiskey along with Margaret Cummiskey agree to accept the City of Hamburg's offer to purchase 3.7 acres of our property for the Storm Sewer Pond at a cost of $10,000 per acre totaling $37,000 and also to sign the easements at the time of closing and the time of closing will be done as soon as possible.
  
• City Clerk Gruenhagen requested Brian Cummiskey to bring in a partial Release of Mortgage from their mortgage holder.
  

Updated Project Schedule

• January 25, 2011 – Pass Resolution 2011-04 approving plans and specifications to advertise for bids.
  
• Advertise for bids in the Cities official paper and in the Construction Bulletin during February 2011.
  
  • S.E.H. will handle placing the advertisements in the paper and Construction Bulletin.
    
• March 3, 2011 – Bid Opening
  
• March 8, 2011 – Award Construction Contract (Dependent upon permitting and funding plan.)
  
  • It may be necessary for MPCA (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency) or PFA (Public Finance Authority) to review the bids because they are providing some funding on the project.
    
• March 2011 – Preconstruction Conference with the contractor.
  
• April 2011 – Begin construction
  
• August 19, 2011 – Substantial completion date.
  
• October 4 or October 11, 2011 – Hold Assessment hearing.
  
• June 29, 2012 – Final Completion Date
  
• In the contract there will be provisions that if these dates are not met without justifiable cause for an extension the contractor could be assessed liquidated damages. The contractor could be fined $1500 per day (according to MnDot specifications).
  

 

Resolution Number 2011-04 – Approving Plans and Specifications and Ordering Advertisement for Bids for Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Improvements

• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve Resolution Number 2011-04, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Doug Parrott made an announcement that the Gaylord S.E.H. office will be closing and moving to Mankato. Mr. Parrott has decided to retire on February 28, 2011 however he will be stopping in and will be available to help until the Hamburg's I/I project is completed.

• Council wished Mr. Parrott the best of luck and thanked him for all his time and effort that he has put into this project.
  

 

 

Dennis' Report (Public Works & Utilities)

 

Community Hall Ramp

• Council directed Maintenance Worker Byerly to contact K&K and have them complete the Scope of Work List requested by the cities insurance company. The list requested an estimated time and cost for each step needed to complete the Community Hall Ramp project. This information must be submitted to the insurance agency no later than February 13, 2011 or they will close the claim file with no further action.
  

Handicap Bathroom for Hall

• Council discussed contracting out the building of the proposed handicap bathroom in the Hall. It was decided to have Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings) head the project with Maintenance Worker Byerly obtaining two to three estimates. The last estimate the Council received was $14,000 to $15,000 to complete the entire project.
  
• Council also noticed that an exhaust fan should be added to the plans and the custodial door should be 36".
  

Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption for 2010

• The city is unable to account for 28.16% of the water usage in 2010. Jeff Dale from MN Rural Water will be coming out this spring to do some leak detection. Newer water meters may also need to be installed due to the current meters not reading correctly.
  

Install Water Meter at Hall

• Maintenance Worker Byerly was instructed to contact Mr. Swanson again about installing a water meter at the Hall. If he is to busy to come out then Maintenance Worker Byerly is to find someone else to do the project.
  

Employee Handbook - Lodging

• Currently the Employee Handbook states that; Overnight lodging will only be allowed when the employee must travel beyond a reasonable daily driving distance from Hamburg. Normally, travel within a sixty (60) mile radius of Hamburg will not qualify for overnight lodging.
  
  • Council discussed and decided to remove this statement from the Employee Handbook and keep the wording that was adopted at the last council meeting; Lodging - Lodging reimbursement will be made for the actual cost of lodging for a single attendee of a conference or meeting at the least expensive single room rate available at the location of the approved conference or meeting.
    

Employee Handbook – Call out Pay for Weekends and/or Holidays (Overtime Pay)

• Council discussed if call out pay should be at overtime pay or at regular pay.
  
  • Currently the Employee Handbook states; For scheduled rounds on the weekend and holidays, employees will be paid a minimum of two hours overtime wages.
    
  • Council decided to change the policy to; For scheduled rounds on the weekend and holidays, employees will be paid a minimum of two hours wages.
    
• Councilmember Barnes moved to change the Employee Handbook call out pay for scheduled rounds on the weekends and holidays to: employees will be paid a minimum of two hours wages. Effective February 1, 2011, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch. Council members Barnes, Lund, and Trebesch voted aye with Councilmember Mueller voting nay. Motion carried.
  

 

St. Cloud Conference

• Maintenance Worker Byerly commented that he would like to attend a conference in St. Cloud on March 1, 2, and 3, 2011 regarding water and wastewater treatment. He will not be staying overnight.
  
  • Council approved Maintenance Worker Byerly to attend the conference.
    

 

Project List

• Item #16 – Obtain estimates to change lights (T-3) and put in new fixtures at Hall.
  
  • Tabled until a later time.
    
• Item #18 – Compare companies for purchase price of cleaning and shop supplies.
  
  • Maintenance Worker Byerly working on.
    
• Item #36 – Repair cooler in Hall basement.
  
  • Completed and ok to take off list.
    
• Councilmember Lund questioned if it would be possible to work with Dennis to first quantify his daily duties and then prioritize the Project List. Council should give Dennis more direction as to when projects are to be completed by. If projects are not completed by the due date then reasons why the projects are not done should be listed on the report.
  
  • Council discussed and decided that this would be a good idea to start listing due dates.
    
  • Deputy Clerk Block will rearrange the project list for Councils review at the next meeting on February 8, 2011.
    

 

Deputy Clerk Report

 

Delinquent Utility Bills

• Diana Payne (350 Louisa Street) – Delinquent amount sent to Re/Max Advisors West for payment.
  
• Betty Griffin (420 Maria Ave) – Unable to turn water off curb stop. Working with owners to have renter set up a payment plan.
  
• Nick Nordin (419 Railroad St) – Home Foreclosure – Contact Freddie Mac.
  
• Darrell Grams (410 Sophia Ave) – Received $75 on 01/21/11 however still delinquent $40.25 for Octobers payment. Delinquent letter sent with shut off scheduled for 01/24/11.
  

MMCI Conference

• Deputy Clerk Block requested to attend the MN Municipal Clerks Convention on July 11-15, 2011. If attending is ok'd by Council she would send in for grant money to help pay for the cost.
  
  • Council agreed to have Deputy Clerk Block attend the convention.
    

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

 

Annexation of Property to 851 William Street

• City Clerk Gruenhagen informed Council that in the printed Resolution Number 2011-05 the word Gambler should be changed to Gamber.
  
• Councilmember Trebesch moved to approve Resolution Number 2011-05, with the word Gambler changed to Gamber, which is a joint resolution of the City of Hamburg and the Town of Young America Township for agreeing to immediate annexation of the area to the City of Hamburg, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Local Board of Appeal and Equalization/Open Book Meetings

• By Resolution the County takes care of the City of Hamburg's Open Book meetings. The scheduled meetings for Hamburg will be held at the Carver County Assessor's Office on April 11 through the 15^th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  

 

 

 

 

City Council Reports

 

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

 

Councilmember Lund (Streets)

• Councilmember Lund suggested having the Cities Website be updated and asked if there was a process to continue to update the site. The Norwood/Young America Chamber of Commerce would like to provide a link to Hamburg's website.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will look into this.
    

 

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings) had nothing further to report.

 

Councilmember Barnes (Parks) had nothing further to report.

 

Mayor Malz

• Mayor Malz volunteered to take the brass removed from old or damaged water meters to Mankato on Friday, January 28, 2011 to be sold at $1.92 per lb.
  
  • Council agreed that Mayor Malz could take the brass to Mankato.
    

 

Approve Added Claims List for January 2011

 

Claims List for January 2011

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the 2011 January Claims List with the added ACH payments and check number 14843 through 14861, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 8:56 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present

 

Submitted by:                                                    

 

 

Sue Block

                                                                                             Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Agenda – February 22, 2011

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

• Pledge of Allegiance
  

 

1. Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption
   

   
    

   3. 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.)
   

   
    

   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 January 25, 2011 & February 8, 2011
  
• Approve Payment of Claims for February 2011
  
• Adopt Resolution Number 2011-06
  
  • Approve Application to Conduct Off-Site Gambling for NYA Lions
    
• Adopt Resolution Number 2011-07 (Clean Water Revolving Fund)
  
  • Approve Forms 5 & 6 of CWRF Application
    
• Approve Final Board of Appeal and Equalization Schedule for 2011
  
• Approve Temporary On-Sale Liquor Licenses for Hamburg Lions Club
  
  • April 15, 2011 and April 16, 2011
    

 

5. Old City Business (Memo)

 

6. Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

• FEMA Grants/US Fish & Wildlife Grant
  
  • FEMA Grant for Pagers (Carver County)
    
• New Paging System
  
• Civil Defense Siren Upgrades
  
• Hamburg Fire Department Officers
  
  • Selection vs. Election
    

 

7. Public Works & Utilities Department Report

• Update on Community Hall Ramp Canopy Repairs
  
  • Insurance Coverage (Repairs)
    
• Update on Handicap Bathroom for Hall
  
• G&K Contract for Cleaning Supplies
  
• Industrial Stormwater General Permit – No Exposure Exclusion Certification
  
• Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for 2010/2011
  
• MN Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (MnWARN) Update
  
• Project List (Added Items)
  

 

 

8. Deputy/Utility Billing Clerk Report

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

 

9. City Clerk/Treasurer Report

• Pre-Bid Conference for I/I Abatement Program
  
• Payment from JPBCC Account to CHS Media News Class
  
  • $500 for Equipment needed for Filming City Council Meetings/Events
    
• Data Closet Location for CCOFI Fiber Line
  
• 2010 Financial Audit (Abdo, Eick & Meyers)
  
• Project List (Added Items)
  
• Time Off Request
  
  • March 4^th, 17^th, 18^th
    

 

10. City Council Reports

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

 

11. Adjourn City Council Meeting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES

 

 

JANUARY                 8 – Firemen's Dance

                     16 – Lions Pancake Brunch

                 17-18 – Fahey Inc. Auction

                    22 – Pheasants Forever

                    29 – Green Isle CPA Banquet

                

 

FEBRUARY                 5 – HHFC Fish Fry

                    26 – Wedding Reception – Graupmann/Stobel

                    

 

 

 

 

 

COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES

 

                

JANUARY                 1 – Holiday – New Year's Day – City Office's Closed

                     3 – Lions Club (Lions/YA Twp. Room)

                     3 – Hamburg Fire Department Training

                     9 – Community Center Rental (Karen Wolter)

                    11 – Public Hearing – Ordinance #140 – 6:45 PM

11 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

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

25 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

31 – Hamburg Fire Dept. (Relief Association) Meeting

 

 

FEBRUARY                 2 – HFD Training

                     7 – Hamburg Lions Club (Lions/YA Twp. Room)

                     7 – Hamburg Fire Department Training

                     8 – Public Hearing – 6:45 PM (Ordinance #126A)

                     8 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

                     8 – Young America Township Meeting

                     9 – HFD Training

                    16 – HFD Training

                    21 – Hamburg Lions Club

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

23 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

                    28 – Hamburg Fire Dept. (Relief Association) Meeting

 

 

                    

Public Unions: ???

I have not figured out if I favor public unions or see them as a barrier to economic freedom and balanced budgets yet. Our new Governor put out his budget which seeks to tax the "rich" but doesn't really address the spending aspect of the budget. Why is it that we look at revenue more often then we look at spending when trying to balance the budget?

Also, why are there sacred cows, i.e. Teacher pensions, when dealing with budgets? Unions do serve their purpose but not in closed shops. The unions that hold hostage our government is a closed shop. Many unions were upset that the US Supreme Court allowed Corporate interest to donate money to candidates but didn't bat an eye at the fact the same case legitimized Unions to do the same thing.

That being said, there should not be a public/government union. We need to restructure the public union deals and ban the them from being established. The one aspect of our lives that we cannot control or find an alternative to is our government thus Unions should not be party to that process. Wisconsin Unions, namely the teacher union, is all up in arms about the Governor's attempt to dissolve them. Many in the United States have lost their jobs and/or seen their pensions trimmed but not the public unions. Why are they sacred cows?

To Photo or Not!

The Minnesota Legislature is attempting to tackle voter fraud that has been alleged in the past couple of election cycles here in Minnesota. The new plan, if passed, would require all voters to present a photo ID that is issued by the State of Minnesota. Proponents of the bill point to other states, i.e. Georgia, Florida, and Indiana, require photo ID's for all those voting while opponents to the bill believe that 135,000 eligible voters would not be able to vote because they lack a government ID. Let's face it, being elected to State or National positions is big business. To ensure that our voting process is as free from fraud as possible has lead the Minnesota Legislature, and others states, to go toward a photo ID requirement.

Another objection to the requirement of a photo ID is that it may restrict access to the voter booth for those low-income and low educated people. In a Rutgers University study reported that, "Voters in states that required photo identification were 2.9 percent less likely to vote than voters in states where individuals had to give their name." My question is how do these same people purchase alcohol, tobacco, and lottery tickets where IDs are required and often asked for? In listening to talk radio I heard one pundit assert that requiring a photo ID equates to a poll tax which is banned. I don't see the requirement of a photo ID as a poll tax because vast majority of us have one and in addition to the three items I listed above one is often asked for a photo ID when writing a check or using a debit or credit card. In an age where ID theft is prevalent and honor, integrity and giving ones word has been eroded requiring a photo ID to vote is starting to make sense.

Now, what I don't like about this bill is that it sets aside $25M to assist with people to get a photo ID. The Government should not be handing out these photo ID's for free. That being said, the cost of getting a non-driver license ID should be sold at cost to those that "cannot" afford it. Does it make sense to have a photo ID? Has giving ones Word or Honor been eroded over the past several decades?

Hamburg City Council Agenda – February 8, 2010

6:45. Public Hearing – Ordinance Number 126A

 

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

• Pledge of Allegiance
  
• Miscellaneous Business (Public Comments)
  
• Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption
  
• Approve Minutes for December 1, 2010, December 7, 2010, January 11, 2011 (Public Hearing)
  
• Review Claims List for February 2011
  
• Old City Business (Memo)
  

 

7:10. Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

• FEMA Grants/US Fish & Wildlife Grant
  
  • FEMA Grant for Pagers (Carver County)
    
• New Paging System
  
• Civil Defense Siren Upgrades
  
• Ordinance Number 126A amending Ordinance Number 126
  
  • Fees for Emergency Protection Fire Services
    
  • Adopt Ordinance Number 126A
    
• Hamburg Fire Department Officers
  
  • Selection vs. Election
    

 

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

• Community Hall Ramp Canopy Repairs
  
  • Insurance Coverage (Repairs)
    
• Handicap Bathroom for Hall
  
• Industrial Stormwater General Permit – No Exposure Exclusion Certification
  
• Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption for 2010/2011
  
• Employee Call Out Pay
  
  • Letter from Richard Odoms
    
• Project List (Added Items)
  

 

7:40. Deputy Clerk Report

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

 

7:45. City Clerk/Treasurer Report

• Clean Water Revolving Fund (Resolution)
  
• 2010 Financial Audit (Abdo, Eick & Meyers)
  
  • February 14^th to 16^th
    
• Project List (Added Items)
  
• Time Off Request
  
  • February 14^th, 17^th, 18^th, 25^th
    
    
• Informational Items
  
  • Newsletter from MNSPECT
    
  • New Limits on Toxic Chemicals (Perchlorate) in Drinking Water
    
  • 2010 Year End Policing Report
    

 

8:00. City Council Reports

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

 

8:15. Approve Claims for February 2011

 

8:20. Adjourn City Council 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

Egypt uprising: Opportunity for change in America’s Middle East policy?

For the past several days we have watched an escalating situation in Egypt to the point of violence. Many point to pro-Mubarak "thugs" for inciting the violence. Press Secretary Gibbs said yesterday that we need change "now". When Obama took office he toured the Middle East and gave speech after speech trying to reach out to the Muslim world while apologizing for the heavy hand of America. Ironically, now, the same man that railed against prior Middle East policy is trying to influence the situation in Egypt. The protesting in Egypt raises bigger questions as it appears the wind of change is blowing throughout the Middle East. A week back Tunisia saw similar change, earlier this week Jordan dismissed part of their government due to protestors and now Yemen is heating up.

In reading the foreign papers and American papers this week the bogey man has ranged from the CIA to the Muslim Brotherhood. We all understand why President Obama is pushing Mubarak to step aside and why America continues to meddle in the Middle East; oil. Just because a Democrat or a Progressive is in the White House does not change the root reason for America's Middle East foreign policy. If Obama wants a switch to more Western style Democracy in Egypt then allow Mubarak and/or his "party" to run in the September election. What role should the United States take in Egypt and the Middle East?