Marriage Amendment is more than same-sex discussion

I know it has been awhile since I have posted a topic and adding my thoughts. To that I do apologize to my avid readers. Being a business owner has opened up my world to how incredibly difficult it can be to run a business, a home, and find time for family and friends. Not to mention finding time to do research into the topics of the day. I suppose I could just tune into MSNBC, CNN, and Fox News every night to get the hot topics of the day. To which I'd just get the spin and no substance.

Last night I flipped back and forth between watching the Minnesota Legislature and some of my favorite fictional television. Although the Minnesota Legislature was not able to gain a compromise on the budget - a budget was veto'd by Gov. Dayton - they were able to pass a potentially polarizing Constitutional Amendment - Definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman.

Here is how the Amendment reads: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/showPDF.php

Now I went back to read the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution and no where in there did I see where marriage was a right afforded within. As the November nears I am sure a lot of conversation will take place, my hope is that labels can be avoided. Just because someone disagrees with the notion of same-sex marriage does not translate into them being a bigot. Having this type of amendment on the ballot is precisely how the Founders wanted our country to be - States are the test tubes of democracy while the Federal Government is there to ensure the ability for these types of tests to take place.

Many times I have stated that marriage is not a right; rather it is a rite that should be returned to the Church to decide. It is time for Minnesotans to demand that our State and Federal government remove all the "rights" of marriage from the government realm. Allow people to live their lives free of government intervention. By having any marriage definition or a role in by the government is not allowing people to do so.

Hamburg City Council Agenda – May 24, 2011

1. Call Continuation of Public Hearing (Ordinance #141) to Order @ 7:00 PM
   

 

1. Close Public Hearing for Ordinance Number 141
   

 

1. Call City Council Meeting to Order
   

• Pledge of Allegiance
  

 

1. 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.)
   

 

1. Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption
   

 

1. 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 May 10, 2011
  
• Sanitary & Storm Sewer Project Update No. 7
  
• Thank You from Cub Scouts
  
• MN Association of Small Cities Membership Letter
  
• Carver County Sheriff's Office Policing Report for April 2011
  

 

1. Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege
   

• FEMA Grant/US Fish & Wildlife Grant/DNR Grant
  
• Regional Grant (Carver County) for Pagers
  
• Firefighters Charity Chili Cook-Off
  
• Siren Maintenance Program
  
• Hamburg Fire Department Officers (Selection vs. Election)
  

 

1. Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project
   

• Storm Water Utility Ordinance (Ordinance Number 141)
  
• North Ditch Clean Out
  
• Private Property Service Lines (Illegal Connections/Replacement)
  
• Construction Meeting May 24, 2011 @ 9:00 AM
  
  • Project Update/Project Schedule
    

 

1. Old City Business (Memo)
   

• Handicap Bathroom for Community Hall (Update)
  
• Community Park Sign
  
• City Council Meeting Dates for June, July, and August
  
• Sidewalk Replacement
  
  • Estimates from Chard Tiling & Excavating/Hanson Vasek Const.
    
• Energy Efficient Lights (Rebates) for City Buildings
  
  • Estimate from Norwood Electric
    

 

• Reclaim & Pave Kim Ave.
  
  • Estimates from Chard Tiling/Wm. Mueller & Sons
    
• RFP for Contracted Garbage Services for Residential/Commercial
  
  • Advertisement for RFP
    

 

1. Public Works & Utilities Department Report
   

• City Shop Garage Door Repairs
  
• G&K Contract for Cleaning Supplies
  
• Flush Hydrants
  
• City Alleys (Add Rock/Shape Up)
  
• City Office Floor Repairs
  
• Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for 2010/2011
  
• Project List (Added Items)
  

 

1. Deputy/Utility Billing Clerk Report
   

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

 

1. City Clerk/Treasurer Report
   

• Xcel Energy Saver's Switch
  
• Water Tower Replacement
  
• Utility Rate Study/Five Year Budget Plan
  
  • Estimates from Ehlers/Abdo, Eick & Meyers
    
• Employee Job Descriptions
  
  • Review Job Descriptions
    
• Project List (Added Items)
  

 

1. Approve Payment of April & May 2011 Added Claims
   

 

1. City Council Reports
   

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

 

1. Adjourn City Council Meeting
   
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES

 

 

MAY                     7 – Parkside Tavern Kickball Tournament (Park)

                    14 – Wedding Reception – Siewert & Cohrs

                    14 – Cub Scouts (Park)

 

 

June                     4 – Wedding Reception – Schrupp & Stender

                     4 – Graduation – Mackenthun (Park)

                     5 – Graduation – Schneewind (Park)

                 10 & 11 – Wedding Reception - Erickson

                 17 & 18 – Zummerfest Celebration

                 25 – Wedding Reception – Netwal

                    26 – Mackenthun Family Reunion (Park)

                 28 & 29 – Fahey Auction

 

 

 

 

COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES

                    

 

MAY                     2 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting (YA Twp Room)

                     2 – Hamburg Fire Department Training

                     5 – Carver County Hazmat Meeting – 6:00 PM

                     9 – HFD Training (Safety Initiatives)

                    10 – Public Hearing (Ordinance #141) – 6:45 PM

                    10 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

                    16 – Hamburg Lions Club

                    21 – Community Center Rental (Byer)

                    24 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

                    30 – Memorial Day Holiday (City Offices Closed)

 

 

June                    

                     6 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting (YA Twp Room)

                     6 – Hamburg Fire Department Training

                    11 – Community Center Rental (Hoernemann)

                    12 – Community Center Rental (Stockman

                    14 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

                    14 – Young America Township Meeting

                    20 – Hamburg Lions Club

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

                    28 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

                                

Hamburg City Council Minutes – April 26, 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, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. Also in attendance was Jacci Harms (representing the Cub Scouts), Brian Eggers (Parkside Tavern), and Wendell Stuewe (188 Scheele Ave). Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly was absent.

 

Public Comment

• There were no comments from the public.
  

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Updated – Claims List
  
• Updated – Delinquency List
  
• Updated – Project Lists
  
• Added – Estimate from Ready Watt Electric (Civil Defense Siren)
  
• Added – S.E.H. Change Order (I & I Project)
  
• Added – Braun Intertec Cost Estimate (Soil, Concrete, and Pavement Observations)
  
• Added – Email from Christie Rock (Small Cities Housing Rehabilitation Program)
  
• Added – Estimates from Norwood Electric and Robb's Electric (Change Electrical Panel in Hall)
  
• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Approve Consent Agenda

• Approve Minutes for April 12, 2011
  
  • Change on page number 4; "Weekly construction meeting has been changed from Monday to Tuesday" it should be; "Weekly construction meeting has been changed from Wednesday to Tuesday".
    
• Mediacom Addition of Channel 108 (WUCW Country TV)
  
• Sanitary & Storm Sewer Project Update No. 4
  
• March Cash Flow Statement
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve all items listed in the Consent Agenda with the one change to the April 12, 2011 Council Minuets, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present
  

  
   

Fire Department Report

 

Recognition of Service for Firefighter Brian Cummiskey

• Fire Chief Brad Droege presented retired firefighter Brian Cummiskey with an Honorary Life Membership in the Minnesota State Fire Department Association certificate.
  
• Mayor Malz and members of Council presented Brian Cummiskey with a plaque recognizing him for his valuable contribution to the City of Hamburg for serving 20 years 9 months as a volunteer firefighter.
  

FEMA Grant

• No new information on the Grant.
  

US Fish & Wildlife Grant

• Finalizing tomorrow.
  
• Will be requesting $1,300 reimbursement from the US Fish & Wildlife Grant for some fire equipment that was purchased.
  

 

DNR

• Put in for a $1,000 Grant to purchase some fire equipment.
  

Regional Grant (Carver County) for Pagers

• A consultant will be hired to get the ball rolling.
  

New Pagers for Fire Department

• The new pagers for the Fire Department should be arriving December or January.
  

Ready Watt Electric – Civil Defense Siren Maintenance Program

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

Safety Initiatives – Everybody goes Home

• On Monday, May 9, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. the Hamburg Fire Department will be hosting an Everybody goes Home 16 Point Safety Initiatives program at the Hamburg Fire Station. Anyone interested can attend.
  

Hamburg Fire Department Officers – Selection vs. Election

• City Clerk Gruenhagen has emailed the League several times for information on Selection vs. Election with no reply. Fire Chief Droege will give them a call to find out if he can get a response.
  

New Sign for the Community Park

• Prices for the new sign are being worked on.
  

Playground Equipment

• The playground equipment has been installed however the area around the equipment needs to be leveled and seeded. Council decided to have Maintenance Worker Byerly handle this project.
  

Fire Department Training Grant from State

• Fire Chief Droege will be filing for reimbursement of $2,750 for their training grant from the State.
  

 

Jacci Harms – Cub Scouts

 

Jacci Harms representing the Cub Scouts requested the use of the Hamburg Park on May 14, 2011 for the Cub Scout Graduation Ceremony and August 17, 2011 for the Cub Scouts Summer Day Activities event.

• Councilmember Mueller approved the Cub Scouts request to use the Hamburg Park on May 14, 2011 and August 17, 2011, at no cost, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Brian Eggers – Parkside Tavern

 

Brian Eggers, manager of Parkside Tavern, requested a 3.2 Liquor License for Saturday, May 7^th, and to rent the Park on May 7, 2011 for his 3^rd annual Kickball Tournament.

• Council discussed and commented that any alcohol purchased inside the Tavern can not be brought outside and all insurance papers must be received at the City office before the event.
  
  • Brian Eggers commented that everyone will be instructed to be out of the Park by 9:00 p.m.
    
• Councilmember Mueller moved to grant Brian Eggers (Parkside Tavern) a 3.2 Liquor License for May 7, 2011 on the condition that all required insurance papers are received at the City office before the event, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

I & I Project

 

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

• Wendell Stuewe, 188 Scheele Ave, gave a presentation to Council concerning the Storm Sewer project and assessments to property owners.
  
• Council discussed with Mr. Stuewe his questions and concerns however it was concluded that the past is the past and the City must move on into the future. Council agreed that the city must look out for its taxpayers in any future developments.
  

Storm Water Utility Ordinance

• The Storm Water Utility ordinance will be updated and ready for the May 10, 2011 council meeting.
  

Set Storm Water Utility Public Hearing

• Councilmember Mueller moved to set the Storm Water Utility Public Hearing meeting on May 10, 2011 at 6:45 p.m. at the Community Center, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

North Ditch Clean Out – (This is a Private Ditch)

• Dan Chard and Al Hahn looked at the north ditch and suggested that it should be cleaned out.
  
• Council discussed and concluded that the entire ditch should be walked. City Clerk Gruenhagen will discuss this with Dan Chard and Al Hahn.
  

Old City Tile Line along Railroad Street

• The old tile line by the railroad tracks and Brad Street will be left in. At this time there is no reason or need to remove it. By not digging it up is a cost savings to the City.
  

Private Property Service Lines (Illegal Connections/Replacement)

• Some residents along the project have already started to replace their service lines.
  
• All residents will have one year from the date of the letter they will be receiving to correct any illegal connections.
  

Update on Construction Meeting held April 26, 2011

• The pond should be started in a few weeks. Construction has been delayed due to the rains.
  
• The storm sewer has been completed by David Avenue and Robert Avenue. They are currently working on the area between Kim Avenue and David Avenue. In the next couple of weeks they will be working on Brad Street from David Avenue to Donald Avenue.
  
• During the construction meeting it was brought up that to help differentiate between which down spout is which the sanitary sewer down spout will be a light green and the drain tile riser will be black.
  
• Council also discussed and decided not to allow house down spouts to be connected into the storm sewer drain.
  
• In the next project news letter a statement will be added that sprinkler heads, invisible dog fences, shed's moved back in place, etc can not be done until the final grad and sod is laid.
  
• Three days were lost due to rain otherwise the project was ahead of schedule.
  
• It was discussed if sod or seed will be put down if a resident requests one over the other. The decision was made that sod will be used unless the resident requested seed before the project began.
  

Revised Pre-Sale Report for Utility Revenue Bonds

• The revised Pre-Sale Report for $1,120,000 General Obligation Public Utility Revenue Bonds (Series 2011A) were received for Councils review.
  
• Shelly Eldridge (City Financial Advisor) from Ehlers will be at the May 10^th City council meeting to present sell of the bonds.
  

 

Old City Business (Memo)

 

Current Contract for Garbage Service

• On April 19, 2011 a letter was sent to Waste Management giving them an official notice that the City of Hamburg will honor the current contract with Waste Management through July 31, 2011. The City will be going to separate bids (RFP) for Contracted Garbage Services for Residential and Commercial/Businesses.
  
• The advertisement for RFP's will go out with the notice that the RFP's will be accepted until June 9, 2011. During the June 14^th City Council meeting the RFP's will be reviewed.
  
• Council reviewed the Proposal Requirements and decided to go with what was printed, no changes or addition are needed.
  

Councils Old City Business List

• #3 – Decide if Ord. #126 (Fees for Emergency Protection Fire Services) should be amended
  
  • This is on hold until a final decision is made whether or not a change will be made by the County.
    
  • This is a Fire Department issue and will be taken off the Councils list.
    
• #6 – Finish Installation of New Playground Equipment at the new Community Park.
  
  • This has been completed ok to take off list.
    
• #7 – Viking Distributing to install new lines and pop guns at Hall.
  
  • Councilmember Barnes will follow up with Viking Distributing to make sure we are still on their list to do the project and if so when.
    
• #11 – Decide what type of sign to be put up at the new Community Park
  
  • The sign will be composite with the name, Community Park, and address, 351 Henrietta, on it. It will be placed between the two pillars where the old bell had previously hung.
    
  • Councilmember Trebesch will build a bracket for the sign once the dimensions are decided on.
    

 

Dennis' Report (Public Works & Utilities)

Maintenance Worker Byerly unable to attend, report given by City Clerk Gruenhagen

 

Project List

• Item #1 – Flush Hydrants
  
  • Hydrants will be flushed after the streets are swept.
    
• Item #3 – Sweep City Streets
  
  • The streets have been swept.
    
  • Council requested to have at least a one day notice or a notice of which week Kohl's (Lonnie) would be coming to sweep the city streets. No advance notice was given this time so residents were not notified to keep their vehicles off the city streets.
    
• Item #7 – Contact Henning's for help in locating curb stops.
  
  • No information at this time whether or not Henning's were contacted.
    
• Item #11 – G&K Contract for Cleaning Supplies
  
  • Council discussed the wording in the current contract with G&K which states the contract will be automatically renewed for 184 months (7 years). After the 7 years it will automatically renew for three (3) more years.
    
  • Council decided to have the G&K contract be amended to a yearly renewal.
    
• Item #14 – Obtain estimates to install (T-3) energy efficient lights, Hall and Community Center.
  
  • Council discussed and decided to continue getting estimates. Maintenance Worker Byerly will contact Norwood Electric to submit a price.
    
• Item #20 – Handicap Bathroom
  
  • There was a hold up on the Plumbing permit because the contractor sent the permit to Glencoe instead of to the Hamburg City office. It was received and given to MNSPECT to review. It should be here sometime this week. Due to the delay the project is planned to start the week of May 16^th and completed by May 31.
    
• Item #21 – Strip and wax all floors in the Community Center
  
  • This will be delayed due to the extra projects to be done in the spring and summer.
    
• Item #31 – Contact Chard for estimates on three sidewalk replacements.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen had asked Maintenance Worker Byerly to obtain another estimate however he has not met with Chard yet. Maintenance Worker Byerly will be instructed to have the estimates available at the next council meeting, May 10.
    

Railroad Crossing on Jacob Street

• Lother Wolter has been notified of the possible repairs needed to the roadway (Jacob St) crossing the railroad tracts. City Clerk Gruenhagen will bring this up at their next Township meeting as to what they want to do.
  
• Council also decided to have Maintenance Worker Byerly move the barricades to the side of the road. The bump is going down where traffic has been driving so hopefully by moving the barricades to the side the traffic will push down the bump in the middle of the road also.
  

City Alleys and Yard Divots

• Council requested to have Maintenance Worker Byerly fill the pot holes in the alleys with red rock and to fix the divots in residents' yards. During the winter when the snow had to be pushed back onto residents' lawns some of the grass was dug up causing unsightly divots.
  

Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports (2010/2011)

• No new update, Jeff Dale will be coming out May 5, 2011 to try and find out if the city has a leak somewhere causing the discrepancy in usage versus consumption.
  

Electrical Panel in Hall Basement

• Two estimates were received to change out the electrical panel in the Hall basement.
  
  • Robb's Electric - $1,385
    
  • Norwood Electric, Inc. - $540
    
• Councilmember Trebesch moved to grant the contract to replace the electrical panel in the Hall basement to Norwood Electric, Inc. for the amount of $540, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

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) – Will pay $100 on March 25^th. Update – no payment received sent delinquent letter to shut off on April 20^th. Update – payment agreement received requesting payment of $218.33 on May 13^th. Sent letter Jon Reed requesting $25 or $50 per week until able to pay remaining amount on May 13^th.
  
• Steve Peterson (900 Park) – Delinquent Letter Sent 04/05/11. Update – shut off notice posted with payment due no later than noon on April 26^th.
  
• Nick Nordin (419 Railroad St) – Home in foreclosure, delinquent amount was sent to Freddie Mac.
  
• Darrel Grams (410 Sophia) – Scheduled to pay $75 on 03/21/11 did not receive, sent delinquency letter with shut off on April 20^th. Update – no payment received posted shut off for noon April 26^th.
  

Work Schedule for Week of April 25^th

• Council was asked what hours they wanted Deputy Clerk Block to work while City Clerk Gruenhagen was on vacation.
  
• Council decided on Wednesday 8 to 4, Thursday 8 to 4, and Friday 10 to 4. Next week Monday to Wednesday 8 to 4, take Thursday off then work Friday 8 to 4.
  

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

 

Utility Rate Study - Five Year Budget Plan (Abdo, Eick & Meyers)

• City Clerk Gruenhagen has requested Abdo, Eick & Meyers to put together a five year budget plan and a utility rate study. One report including a five year budget plan with a utility rate study and another report listing each separately.
  

GoCarverGo Website

• Once the web site is completed persons can go on the site then go to the city they would like information on. The city sight would be a directory of what is available and a schedule of events for that town.
  

Letter from Metropolitan Council

• The Metropolitan Council updated their 2030 Transportation Policy Plan and the 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan. City Clerk Gruenhagen is waiting on information from Ann Perry (City Planner) if Hamburg has to update the cities now that Met Council updated theirs.
  

Braun Cost Estimate – I & I Reduction Project

• Council looked over the cost estimate from Braun concerning the cost of Soil, Concrete, Pavement Observations and Testing. They questioned if the cost of $9,980 was included in the Engineers cost or if it has to be taken out of the Contingency fund.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will check into this and report back to Council.
    

S.E.H. Change Order

• S.E.H. sent in a change order for the Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Improvements on reclaiming, shaping, and paving Kim Avenue from Brad Street to George Street. Council looked over the pricing and decided to ask Wm. Mueller & Sons for an estimate on the same three items; Bituminous Pavement Reclamation, 2.5" Bituminous Base Paving, and 1.5" Bituminous Wear Paving.
  

Small Cities – Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program Update

• There are still two openings for Hamburg residents to apply for the program. City Clerk Gruenhagen will work with Christie Rock on marketing the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program here in Hamburg.
  
• Hamburg was not invited to submit a full application for the 2011 Commercial Rehab Loan Program. Christie Rock (Economic Development Coordinator) will try again for the grant when the funding becomes available.
  

Hall Table and Chair Rentals

• Dale Schmidt who lives outside Hamburg City limits towards Green Isle and Plato area asked to rent some tables and chairs from the Hall.
  
  • Council discussed and decided to keep table and chair rentals within the Hamburg fire district as previously decided on.
    

Vacation Request

• City Clerk Gruenhagen reminded Council that he will be on vacation April 28^th through May 4^th.
  

 

Employee Job Descriptions

• Council decided to review employee job descriptions at the May 10^th Council meeting.
  

 

Approve Payment of April 2011 Claims

 

Approve Payment of April 2011 Added Claims

• The added PERA Withholding April ACH payment needs to be changed from $324.73 to $927.28.
  
• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the April 2011 Claims list from check number 14995 through check number 1513 plus the amended ACH payment of $927.28, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

City Council Reports

 

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water) – Had no further comments.

Councilmember Lund (Streets) – Had no further comments.

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings) – Had no further comments.

Councilmember Barnes (Parks)

• Councilmember Barnes asked if the Bi-Centennial Park bathrooms have been opened.
  
  • It was decided to have the bathrooms open for the Kickball Tournament on May 7^th and put Ag-lime down on the ball fields before Community Ed starts.
    

Mayor Malz – Had nothing further to report.

 

Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 8:47 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 – May 10, 2011

6:45. Public Hearing – Ordinance Number 149

 

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

• Pledge of Allegiance
  

 

1. 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.)
   

 

1. Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption
   

 

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

• Approve Minutes for April 26, 2011
  
• Mediacom Monthly Service Changes
  
• Sanitary & Storm Sewer Project Update No. 5 & 6
  
• Thank you from Alva Rankin (S.E.H.)
  
• MNSPECT Minute – Nick Qualle
  
• Carver County Sheriff's
  

 

5. Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

• FEMA Grant/US Fish & Wildlife Grant/DNR Grant
  
• Regional Grant (Carver County) for Pagers
  
• Siren Maintenance Program
  
• Safety Initiatives
  
• Playground Equipment
  
  • Community Park Sign
    
• Hamburg Fire Department Officers (Selection vs. Election)
  
• Firefighter Training 4/11/11 & 4/18/11 "Defensive Driving"
  

 

6. Shelly Eldridge (City Financial Advisor)

• Sell of Utility Revenue Bonds
  

 

7. Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

• Storm Water Utility Ordinance
  
  • Set Public Hearing for May 10^th, 2011
    
• North Ditch Clean Out
  
• Private Property Service Lines (Illegal Connections/Replacement)
  
• Construction Meeting May 10, 2011 @ 9:00 AM
  
  • Project Update/Project Schedule
    

 

 

8. Old City Business (Memo)

• RFP for Contracted Garbage Services for Residential/Commercial (Draft)
  
  • Advertisement for RFP (Draft)
    
    • Time Schedule
      

 

9. Public Works & Utilities Department Report

• Handicap Bathroom for Community Hall (Update)
  
• Sidewalk Replacement
  
  • Proposal from Chard
    
• Energy Efficient Lights (Rebates) for City Buildings
  
  • Estimate from Norwood Electric
    
• G&K Contract for Cleaning Supplies
  
• Flush Hydrants
  
• Community Center Sidewalk Repairs
  
• Railroad Crossing on Jacob Street
  
• City Alleys (Add Rock/Shape Up)
  
• City Office Floor Repairs
  
• Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for 2010/2011
  
• Electrical Panel in Hall Basement
  
• Reclaim & Pave Kim Ave.
  
  • Estimate from Wm. Mueller & Sons
    
• Project List (Added Items)
  

 

11. Deputy/Utility Billing Clerk Report

• Delinquent Utility Bills Report
  
• 960 Park Ave – Vacant Home
  
  • Lawn mowing
    
• Project List (Added Items)
  

 

12. City Clerk/Treasurer Report

• Utility Rate Study
  
  • Five Year Budget Plan (Abdo, Eick & Meyers)
    
• GoCarverGo Website
  
• Letter from Metropolitan Council
  
  • Up-date from Ann Perry
    
• Project List (Added Items)
  
• Employee Job Descriptions
  
  • Review Job Descriptions at the May 24^th Council meeting.
    

 

13. Approve Payment of April & May 2011 Added Claims

 

 

 

14. City Council Reports

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

 

15. Adjourn City Council Meeting

 

 

 

 

COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES

 

 

MAY                     7 – Parkside Tavern Kickball Tournament (Park)

                    14 – Wedding Reception – Siewert & Cohrs

                    14 – Cub Scouts (Park)

 

June                     4 – Wedding Reception – Schrup & Stender

                     4 – Graduation – Randy Mackenthun

                    10 & 11 – Wedding Reception - Erickson

                    17 & 18 – Zummerfest

                    25 – Wedding Reception – Netwal

                    28 & 29 – Fahey Auction

 

COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES

                    

 

MAY                     2 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting (YA Twp Room)

                     2 – Hamburg Fire Department Training

                     5 – Carver County Hazmat Meeting – 6:00 PM

                     9 – HFD Training (Safety Initiatives)

                    10 – Public Hearing (Ordinance #141) – PM

                    10 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

                    16 – Hamburg Lions Club

                    21 – Community Center Rental (Byer)

                    24 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

                    30 – Memorial Day Holiday (City Offices Closed)

 

June                                                                        12 – 60^th Wedding Anniversary – Stockman

                    14 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

                    28 – Hamburg City council Meeting – 7:00 PM

                                

Today we celebrate all the moms in our lives. We appreciate them for the guidance and sacrifice they make to nurture and raise us to be respectful, accountable and ethical people. As we reflect upon the important role our mothers have played in the development and shaping of our lives I left to wonder what message was sent today at Churches around the world. More specifically I wonder what message was espoused at Christian places of worship. I wonder if the following tale was given light. The story below is from The Infancy Gospel of James. It espouses upon the birth of Mary. A figure, as with many of the female roles, rarely mentioned yet critical to message that Christians hear. Take a moment today and reflect upon this and celebrate the importance all mothers play in the role of our lives.

 

IN THE RECORDS OF THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL was Joachim, a man rich exceedingly; and he brought his offerings double, saying: There shall be of my superabundance to all the people, and there shall be the offering for my forgiveness to the Lord for a propitiation for me. For the great day of the Lord was at hand, and the sons of Israel were bringing their offerings. And there stood over against him Rubim, saying: It is not meet for thee first to bring thine offerings, because thou hast not made seed in Israel. And Joachim was exceedingly grieved, and went away to the registers of the twelve tribes of the people, saying: I shall see the registers of the twelve tribes of Israel, as to whether I alone have not made seed in Israel. And he searched, and found that all the righteous had raised up seed in Israel. And he called to mind the patriach Abraham, that in the last day God gave him a son Isaac. And Joachim was exceedingly grieved, and did not come into the presence of his wife; but he retired to the desert, and there pitched his tent, and fasted forty days and forty nights, saying in himself: I will not go down either for food or for drink until the Lord my God shall look upon me, and prayer shall be my food and drink.

2. And his wife Anna mourned in two mournings, and lamented in two lamentations, saying: I shall bewail my widowhood; I shall bewail my childlessness. And the great day of the Lord was at hand; and Judith her maid-servant said: How long dost thou humiliate thy soul? Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand, and it is unlawful for thee to mourn. But take this head-band, which the woman that made it gave to me; for it is not proper that I should wear it, because I am a maid-servant, and it has a royal appearance. And Anna said: Depart from me; for I have not done such things, and the Lord has brought me very low. I fear that some wicked person has given it to thee, and thou hast come to make me a sharer in thy sin. And Judith said: Why should I curse thee, seeing that the Lord hath shut thy womb, so as not to give thee fruit in Israel? And Anna was grieved exceedingly, and put off her garments of mourning, and cleaned her head, and put on her wedding garments, and about the ninth hour went down to the garden to walk. And she saw a laurel, and sat under it, and prayed to the Lord, saying: O God of our fathers, bless me and hear my prayer, as Thou didst bless the womb of Sarah, and didst give her a son Isaac.

3. And gazing towards the heaven, she saw a sparrow's nest in the laurel, and made a lamentation in herself, saying: Alas! who begot me? and what womb produced me? because I have become a curse in the presence of the sons of Israel, and I have been reproached, and they have driven me in derision out of the temple of the Lord. Alas! to what have I been likened? I am not like the fowls of the heaven, because even the fowls of the heaven are productive before Thee, O Lord. Alas! to what have I been likened? I am not like the beasts of the earth, because even the beasts of the earth are productive before Thee, O Lord. Alas! to what have I been likened? I am not like these waters, because even these waters are productive before Thee, O Lord. Alas! to what have I been likened? I am not like this earth, because even the earth bringeth forth its fruits in season, and blesseth Thee, O Lord.

4. And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood by, saying: Anna, Anna, the Lord hath heard thy prayer, and thou shalt conceive, and shall bring forth; and thy seed shall be spoken of in all the world. And Anna said: As the Lord my God liveth, if I beget either male or female, I will bring it as a gift to the Lord my God; and it shall minister to Him in holy things all the days of its life. And, behold, two angels came, saying to her: Behold, Joachim thy husband is coming with his flocks. For an angel of the Lord went down to him, saying: Joachim, Joachim, the Lord God hath heard thy prayer Go down hence; for, behold, thy wife Anna shall conceive. And Joachim went down and called his shepherds, saying: Bring me hither ten she-lambs without spot or blemish, and they shall be for the Lord my God; and bring me twelve tender calves, and they shall be for the priests and the elders; and a hundred goats for all the people. And, behold, Joachim came with his flocks; and Anna stood by the gate, and saw Joachim coming, and she ran anti hung upon his neck, saying: Now I know that the Lord God hath blessed me exceedingly; for, behold the widow no longer a widow, and I the childless shall conceive. And Joachim rested the first day in his house.

5. And on the following day he brought his offerings, saying in himself: If the Lord God has been rendered gracious to me, the plate on the priest's forehead will make it manifest to me. And Joachim brought his offerings, and observed attentively the priest's plate when he went up to the altar of the Lord, and he saw no sin in himself. And Joachim said: Now I know that the Lord has been gracious unto me, and has remitted all my sins. And he went down from the temple of the Lord justified, and departed to his own house. And her months were fulfilled, and in the ninth month Anna brought forth. And she said to the midwife: What have I brought forth? and she said: A girl. And said Anna: My soul has been magnified this day. And she laid her down. And the days having been fulfilled, Anna was purified, and gave the breast to the child, and called her name Mary.

6. And the child grew strong day by day; and when she was six months old, her mother set her on the ground to try whether she could stand, and she walked seven steps and came into her bosom; and she snatched her up, saying: As the Lord my God liveth, thou shall not walk on this earth until I bring thee into the temple of the Lord. And she made a sanctuary in her bed-chamber, and allowed nothing common or unclean to pass through her. And she called the undefiled daughters of the Hebrews, and they led her astray. And when she was a year old, Joachim made a great feast, and invited the priests, and the scribes, and the elders, and all the people of Israel. And Joachim brought the child to the priests; and they blessed her, saying: O God of our fathers, bless this child, and give her an everlasting name to be named in all generations. And all the people said: So be it, so be it, amen. And he brought her to the chief priests; and they blessed her, saying: O God most high, look upon this child, and bless her with the utmost blessing, which shall be for ever. And her mother snatched her up, and took her into the sanctuary of her bed-chamber, and gave her the breast. And Anna made a song to the Lord God, saying: I will sing a song to the Lord my God, for He hath looked upon me, and hath taken away the reproach of mine enemies; and the Lord hath given the the fruit of His righteousness, singular in its kind, and richly endowed before Him. Who will tell the sons of Rubim that Anna gives suck? Hear, hear, ye twelve tribes of Israel, that Anna gives suck. And she laid her to rest in the bed-chamber of her sanctuary, and went out and ministered unto them. And when the supper was ended, they went down rejoicing, and glorifying the God of Israel.

7. And her months were added to the child. And the child was two years old, and Joachim said: Let us take her up to the temple of the Lord, that we may pay the vow that we have vowed, lest perchance the Lord send to us, and our offering be not received. And Anna said: Let us wait for the third year, in order that the child may not seek for father or mother. And Joachim said: So let us wait. And the child was three years old, and Joachim said: Invite the daughters of the Hebrews that are undefiled, and let them take each a lamp, and let them stand with the lamps burning, that the child may not turn back, and her heart be captivated from the temple of the Lord. And they did so until they went up into the temple of the Lord. And the priest received her, and kissed her, and blessed her, saying: The Lord has magnified thy name in all generations. In thee, on the last of the days, the Lord will manifest His redemption to the sons of Israel. And he set her down upon the third step of the altar, and the Lord God sent grace upon her; and she danced with her feet, and all the house of Israel loved her.

8. And her parents went down marvelling, and praising the Lord God, because the child had not turned back. And Mary was in the temple of the Lord as if she were a dove that dwelt there, and she received food from the hand of an angel. And when she was twelve years old there was held a council of the priests, saying: Behold, Mary has reached the age of twelve years in the temple of the Lord. What then shall we do with her, test perchance she defile the sanctuary of the Lord? And they said to the high priest: Thou standest by the altar of the Lord; go in, and pray concerning her; and whatever the Lord shall manifest unto thee, that also will we do. And the high priest went in, taking the robe with the twelve bells into the holy of holies; and he prayed concerning her. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him, saying unto him: Zacharias, Zacharias, go out and assemble the widowers of the people, and let them bring each his rod; and to whomsoever the Lord shall show a sign, his wife shall she be. And the heralds went out through all the circuit of Judaea, and the trumpet of the Lord sounded, and all ran.

9. And Joseph, throwing away his axe, went out to meet them; and when they had assembled, they went away to the high priest, taking with them their rods. And he, taking the rods of all of them, entered into the temple, and prayed; and having ended his prayer, he took the rods and came out, and gave them to them: but there was no sign in them, and Joseph took his rod last; and, behold, a dove came out of the rod, and flew upon Joseph's head. And the priest said to Joseph, Thou hast been chosen by lot to take into thy keeping the virgin of the Lord. But Joseph refused, saying: I have children, and I am an old man, and she is a young girl. I am afraid lest I become a laughing-stock to the sons of Israel. And the priest said to Joseph: Fear the Lord thy God, and remember what the Lord did to Dathan, and Abiram, and Korah; how the earth opened, and they were swallowed up on account of their contradiction. And now fear, O Joseph, lest the same things happen in thy house. And Joseph was afraid, and took her into his keeping. And Joseph said to Mary: Behold, I have received thee from the temple of the Lord; and now I leave thee in my house, and go away to build my buildings, and I shall come to thee. The Lord will protect thee.

10. And there was a council of the priests, saying: Let us make a veil for the temple of the Lord. And the priest said: Call to me the undefiled virgins of the family of David. And the officers went away, and sought, and found seven virgins. And the priest remembered the child Mary, that she was of the family of David, and undefiled before God. And the officers went away and brought her. And they brought them into the temple of the Lord. And the priest said: Choose for me by lot who shall spin the gold, and the white, and the fine linen, and the silk, and the blue, and the scarlet, and the true purple. And the true purple and the scarlet fell to the lot of Mary, and she took them, and went away to her house. And at that time Zacharias was dumb, and Samuel was in his place until the time that Zacharias spake. And Mary took the scarlet, and span it.

11. And she took the pitcher, and went out to fill it with water. And, behold, a voice saying: Hail, thou who hast received grace; the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women! And she looked round, on the right hand and on the left, to see whence this voice came. And she went away, trembling, to her house, and put down the pitcher; and taking the purple, she sat down on her seat, and drew it out. And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood before her, saying: Fear not, Mary; for thou hast found grace before the Lord of all, and thou shalt conceive, according to His word. And she hearing, reasoned with herself, saying: Shall I conceive by the Lord, the living God? and shall I bring forth as every woman brings forth? And the angel of the Lord said: Not so, Mary; for the power of the Lord shall overshadow thee: wherefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of the Most High. And thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. And Mary said: Behold, the servant of the Lord before His face: let it be unto me according to thy word.

12. And she made the purple and the scarlet, and took them to the priest. And the priest blessed her, and said: Mary, the Lord God hath magnified thy name, and thou shall be blessed in all the generations of the earth. And Mary, with great joy, went away to Elizabeth her kinswoman, and knocked at the door. And when Elizabeth heard her, she threw away the scarlet, and ran to the door, and opened it; and seeing Mary, she blessed her, and said: Whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? for, behold, that which is in me leaped and blessed thee. But Mary had forgotten the mysteries of which the archangel Gabriel had spoken, and gazed up into heaven, and said: Who am I, O Lord, that all the generations of the earth should bless me? And she remained three months with Elizabeth; and day by day she grew bigger. And Mary being afraid, went away to her own house, and hid herself from the sons of Israel. And she was sixteen years old when these mysteries happened.

13. And she was in her sixth month; and, behold, Joseph came back from his building, and, entering into his house, he discovered that she was big with child. And he smote his face, and threw himself on the ground upon the sackcloth, and wept bitterly, saying: With what face shall I look upon the Lord my God? and what prayer shall I make about this maiden? because I received her a virgin out of the temple of the Lord, and I have not watched over her. Who is it that has hunted me down? Who has done this evil thing in my house, and defiled the virgin? Has not the history of Adam been repeated in me? For just as Adam was in the hour of his singing praise, and the serpent came, and found Eve alone, and completely deceived her, so it has happened to me also. And Joseph stood up from the sackcloth, and called Mary, and said to her: O thou who hast been cared for by God, why hast thou done this and forgotten the Lord thy God? Why hast thou brought low thy soul, thou that wast brought up in the holy of holies, and that didst receive food from the hand of an angel? And she wept bitterly, saying: I am innocent, and have known no man. And Joseph said to her: Whence then is that which is in thy womb? And she said: As the Lord my God liveth, I do not know whence it is to me.

14. And Joseph was greatly afraid, and retired from her, and considered what he should do in regard to her. And Joseph said: If I conceal her sin, I find myself fighting against the law of the Lord; and if I expose her to the sons of Israel, I am afraid lest that which is in her be from an angel, and I shall be found giving up innocent blood to the doom of death. What then shall I do with her? I will put her away from me secretly. And night came upon him; and, behold, an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream, saying: Be not afraid for this maiden, for that which is in her is of the Holy Spirit; and she will bring forth a Son, and thou shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. And Joseph arose from sleep, and glorified the God of Israel, who had given him this grace; and he kept her.

15. And Annas the scribe came to him, and said: Why hast thou not appeared in our assembly? And Joseph said to him: Because I was weary from my journey, and rested the first day. And he turned, and saw that Mary was with child. And he ran away to the priest? and said to him: Joseph, whom thou didst vouch for, has committed a grievous crime. And the priest said: How so? And he said: He has defiled the virgin whom he received out of the temple of the Lord, and has married her by stealth, and has not revealed it to the sons of Israel. And the priest answering, said: Has Joseph done this? Then said Annas the scribe: Send officers, and thou wilt find the virgin with child. And the officers went away, and found it as he had said; and they brought her along with Joseph to the tribunal. And the priest said: Mary, why hast thou done this? and why hast thou brought thy soul low, and forgotten the Lord thy God? Thou that wast reared in the holy of holies, and that didst receive food from the hand of an angel, and didst hear the hymns, and didst dance before Him, why hast thou done this? And she wept bitterly, saying: As the Lord my God liveth, I am pure before Him, and know not a man. And the priest said to Joseph: Why hast thou done this? And Joseph said: As the Lord liveth, I am pure concerning her. Then said the priest: Bear not false witness, but speak the truth. Thou hast married her by stealth, and hast not revealed it to the sons of Israel, and hast not bowed thy head under the strong hand, that thy seed might be blessed. And Joseph was silent.

16. And the priest said: Give up the virgin whom thou didst receive out of the temple of the Lord. And Joseph burst into tears. And the priest said: I will give you to drink of the water of the ordeal of the Lord, and He shall make manifest your sins in your eyes. And the priest took the water, and gave Joseph to drink and sent him away to the hill-country; and he returned unhurt. And he gave to Mary also to drink, and sent her away to the hill-country; and she returned unhurt. And all the people wondered that sin did not appear in them. And the priest said: If the Lord God has not made manifest your sins, neither do I judge you. And he sent them away. And Joseph took Mary, and went away to his own house, rejoicing and glorifying the God of Israel.

17. And there was an order from the Emperor Augustus, that all in Bethlehem of Judaea should be enrolled. And Joseph said: I shall enrol my sons, but what shall I do with this maiden? How shall I enrol her? As my wife? I am ashamed. As my daughter then? But all the sons of Israel know that she is not my daughter. The day of the Lord shall itself bring it to pass as the Lord will. And he saddled the ass, and set her upon it; and his son led it, and Joseph followed. And when they had come within three miles, Joseph turned and saw her sorrowful; and he said to himself: Likely that which is in her distresses her. And again Joseph turned and saw her laughing. And he said to her: Mary, how is it that I see in thy face at one time laughter, at another sorrow? And Mary said to Joseph: Because I see two peoples with my eyes; the one weeping and lamenting, and the other rejoicing and exulting. And they came into the middle of the road, and Mary said to him: Take me down from off the ass, for that which is in me presses to come forth. And he took her down from off the ass, and said to her: Whither shall I lead thee, and cover thy disgrace? for the place is desert.

18. And he found a cave there, and led her into it; and leaving his two sons beside her, he went out to seek a widwife in the district of Bethlehem. And I Joseph was walking, and was not walking; and I looked up into the sky, and saw the sky astonished; and I looked up to the pole of the heavens, and saw it standing, and the birds of the air keeping still. And I looked down upon the earth, and saw a trough lying, and work-people reclining: and their hands were in the trough. And those that were eating did not eat, and those that were rising did not carry it up, and those that were conveying anything to their mouths did not convey it; but the faces of all were looking upwards. And I saw the sheep walking, and the sheep stood still; and the shepherd raised his hand to strike them, and his hand remained up. And I looked upon the current of the river, and I saw the mouths of the kids resting on the water and not drinking, and all things in a moment were driven from their course.

19. And I saw a woman coming down from the hill-country, and she said to me: O man, whither art thou going? And I said: I am seeking an Hebrew midwife. And she answered and said unto me: Art thou of Israel? And I said to her: Yes. And she said: And who is it that is bringing forth in the cave? And I said: A woman betrothed to me. And she said to me: Is she not thy wife? And I said to her: It is Mary that was reared in the temple of the Lord, and I obtained her by lot as my wife. And yet she is not my wife, but has conceived of the Holy Spirit. And the widwife said to him: Is this true? And Joseph said to her: Come and see. And the midwife went away with him. And they stood in the place of the cave, and behold a luminous cloud overshadowed the cave. And the midwife said: My soul has been magnified this day, because mine eyes have seen strange things -- because salvation has been brought forth to Israel. And immediately the cloud disappeared out of the cave, and a great light shone in the cave, so that the eyes could not bear it. And in a little that light gradually decreased, until the infant appeared, and went and took the breast from His mother Mary. And the midwife cried out, and said: This is a great day to me, because I have seen this strange sight. And the midwife went forth out of the cave, and Salome met her. And she said to her: Salome, Salome, I have a strange sight to relate to thee: a virgin has brought forth -- a thing which her nature admits not of. Then said Salome: As the Lord my God liveth, unless I thrust in my finger, and search the parts, I will not believe that a virgin has brought forth.

20. And the midwife went in, and said to Mary: Show thyself; for no small controversy has arisen about thee. And Salome put in her finger, and cried out, and said: Woe is me for mine iniquity and mine unbelief, because I have tempted the living God; and, behold, my hand is dropping off as if burned with fire. And she bent her knees before the Lord, saying: O God of my fathers, remember that I am the seed of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob; do not make a show of me to the sons of Israel, but restore me to the poor; for Thou knowest, O Lord, that in Thy name I have performed my services, and that I have received my reward at Thy hand. And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood by her, saying to her: Salome, Salome, the Lord hath heard thee. Put thy hand to the infant, and carry it, and thou wilt have safety and joy. And Salome went and carried it, saying: I will worship Him, because a great King has been born to Israel. And, behold, Salome was immediately cured, and she went forth out of the cave justified. And behold a voice saying: Salome, Salome, tell not the strange things thou hast seen, until the child has come into Jerusalem.

21. And, behold, Joseph was ready to go into Judaea. And there was a great commotion in Bethlehem of Judaea, for Magi came, saying: Where is he that is born king of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship him. And when Herod heard, he was much disturbed, and sent officers to the Magi. And he sent for the priests, and examined them, saying: How is it written about the Christ? where is He to be born? And they said: In Bethlehem of Judaea, for so it is written. And he sent them away. And he examined the Magi, saying to them: What sign have you seen in reference to the king that has been born? And the Magi said: We have seen a star of great size shining among these stars, and obscuring their light, so that the stars did not appear; and we thus knew that a king has been born to Israel, and we have come to worship him. And Herod said: Go and seek him; and if you find him, let me know, in order that I also may go and worship him. And the Magi went out. And, behold, the star which they had seen in the east went before them until they came to the cave, and it stood over the top of the cave. And the Magi saw the infant with His mother Mary; and they brought forth from their bag gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by the angel not to go into Judaea, they went into their own country by another road.

22. And when Herod knew that he had been mocked by the Magi, in a rage he sent murderers, saying to them: Slay the children from two years old and under. And Mary, having heard that the children were being killed, was afraid, and took the infant and swaddled Him, and put Him into an ox-stall. And Elizabeth, having heard that they were searching for John, took him and went up into the hill-country, and kept looking where to conceal him. And there was no place of concealment. And Elizabeth, groaning with a loud voice, says: O mountain of God, receive mother and child. And immediately the mountain was cleft, and received her. And a light shone about them, for an angel of the Lord was with them, watching over them.

23. And Herod searched for John, and sent officers to Zacharias, saying: Where hast thou hid thy son? And he, answering, said to them: I am the servant of God in holy things, and I sit constantly in the temple of the Lord: I do not know where my son is. And the officers went away, and reported all these things to Herod. And Herod was enraged, and said: His son is destined to be king over Israel. And he sent to him again, saying: Tell the truth; where is thy son? for thou knowest that thy life is in my hand. And Zacharias said: I am God's martyr, if thou sheddest my blood; for the Lord will receive my spirit, because thou sheddest innocent blood at the vestibule of the temple of the Lord. And Zacharias was murdered about daybreak. And the sons of Israel did not know that he had been murdered.

24. But at the hour of the salutation the priests went away, and Zacharias did not come forth to meet them with a blessing, according to his custom. And the priests stood waiting for Zacharias to salute him at the prayer, and to glorify the Most High. And he still delaying, they were all afraid. But one of them ventured to go in, and he saw clotted blood beside the altar; and he heard a voice saying: Zacharias has been murdered, and his blood shall not be wiped up until his avenger come. And hearing this saying, he was afraid, and went out and told it to the priests. And they ventured in, and saw what had happened; and the fretwork of the temple made a wailing noise, and they rent their clothes from the top even to the bottom. And they found not his body, but they found his blood turned into stone. And they were afraid, and went out and reported to the people that Zacharias had been murdered. And all the tribes of the people heard, and mourned, and lamented for him three days and three nights. And after the three days, the priests consulted as to whom they should put in his place; and the lot fell upon Simeon. For it was he who had been warned by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death until he should see the Christ in the flesh.

And I James that wrote this history in Jerusalem, a commotion having arisen when Herod died, withdrew myself to the wilderness until the commotion in Jerusalem ceased, glorifying the Lord God, who had given me the gift and the wisdom to write this history. And grace shall be with them that fear our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory to ages of ages. Amen.

I originally read this text in The Other Bible (p 379) but took it from http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/infancyjames-roberts.html

Minnesota Constitutional Amendment: Definition of Marriage

The House of the Minnesota State Legislature passed a measure this past week that would put a Constitutional Amendment on the ballot to define marriage between one man and one woman. I am not surprised by the Republican led House but doesn't this fly in the face of expanding government? That being said, if the measure reaches the ballot in November I will vote against it. My vote won't be because I believe in same-sex marriage; rather the vote is against the expansion of government into our lives.

Marriage is not a right. Now one does have the right to liberty endowed by their creator. If that creator accepts same-sex or multi-marriage families then so be it. Who am I to say that creator is wrong? No more marriage option on the tax return, no more marriage license, no more Justice of the Peace ceremonies, and no more restrictions on adoption to "married" couples. It is time to return marriage to the creator and the dogmas of the creator. It is time to declare marriage is a rite!

Hamburg City Council Minutes – March 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, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. Justin Buckentin (Hamburg Fire Department Relief) and Al Hahn (S.E.H.) were also in attendance.

 

Public Comment

• There were no comments from the public.
  

 

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Added – Updated March Claims List
  
• Added – Letter from Met Council
  
• Added – By-Law change request for the Hamburg Fire Department Relief.
  
• Councilmember Lund moved to accept the agenda with the three added items, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Approve Consent Agenda

• Approve Minutes for February 22, 2011
  
• MNSPECT – Building Inspection Open Houses
  
• Mediacom Transfer Fee (Letter from Mediacom)
  
• Potential Refunding of Bonds (Letter from Ehlers)
  
• Service Quality Tariff (Letter from Xcel Energy)
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve all items listed in the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present
  

 

Old City Business

• Item #6 – Councilmember Barnes and Mayor Malz to check if the pop canisters in the Hall basement can be moved upstairs.
  
  • After review it was decided to leave the pop canisters where they are and have Viking Distributing just change the lines and install new pop guns.
    
  • Councilmember Barnes will contact Viking Distributing to set up a time when they will able to install the new lines and pop guns. Viking Distributing will not be charging the City for the upgrades.
    
• Item #7 – ToTheHome Internet Electrical Wiring at the Water Tower.
  
  • Mr. Sprengeler did correct the wiring for his equipment located at the water tower, however City Clerk Gruenhagen requested Mr. Sprengeler to have an electrical inspection completed.
    
• Item #8 – Make a decision on the Clean Water Revolving Fund (Resolution)
  
  • Approved at last Council meeting. Take off list.
    
• Item #10 – Waste Management will be contacted informing them that Council has decided to go out for bids.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will have the RFP's completed for Councils review at the next Council meeting on March 22^nd.
    
• Item #11 - Finish installation of the new play ground equipment at the Hall Park.
  
  • The playground boarder was ordered and is ready to be picked up. Councilmember Barnes will pick up the boarder at Delano.
    

  
   

Fire Department Report

 

FEMA Grant

• No new information.
  

US Fish & Wildlife Grant

• Should start receiving stuff today.
  

Retirement of Volunteer Firefighter Cummiskey

• Firefighter Brian Cummiskey will be retiring from the Hamburg Fire Department after 20 years 9 months of service.
  
• Councilmember Mueller granted Firefighter Brian Cummiskey request to retire from the Hamburg Fire Department, Councilmember Barnes seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Energy Efficient Lights (Rebates) for City Buildings

• Fire Chief Droege commented on brightness of the new energy efficient lights that he had installed at the Wm. Mueller and Sons shop area. He suggested that the City should install the energy efficient lights in all the Cities buildings before the rebates are discontinued.
  

Civil Defense Siren Upgrades

• Installation of the Civil Defense Siren upgrades is being worked on.
  

Hamburg Fire Department Officers – Selection vs. Election

• Keep on agenda for future discussion.
  

Hamburg Fire Department 2010 Annual Township Report

• Total Operating Expenses - $97,534.53
  
• Total Expenses Paid by City of Hamburg - $75,214.53
  
• Non Operating Expense (Rescue Truck) - $98,500.00
  
• 2010 Total Department Calls Summary
  
  • Rescue – 18 calls – 224 hours
    
  • Fire – 11 calls – 168 hours
    
  • Mutual Aid – 11 calls – 196 hours
    
  • Sky Warn – 8 calls – 153 hours
    
• Washington Lake Township Payments 2010 – 2012
  
  • Payable 2010
    
    • 86 units x $120/unit = $10,320
      
    • 2^nd payment of 5 for Tanker/Skid Unit = $8,250
      
    • Remaining Balance $33,000 plus interest
      
  • Payable 2011
    
    • 87 units x $125/unit = $10,875
      
    • 3^rd payment of 5 for Tanker/Skid Unit = $8,250
      
      • Remaining Balance $24,750 plus interest
        
    • 1^st payment of 5 for Heavy Rescue = $7,580
      
      • Remaining Balance $30,320
        
  • Payable 2012
    
    • 87 units x $130/unit = $11,310
      
    • 4^th payment of 5 for Tanker/Skid Unit = $8,250
      
      • Remaining Balance $16,500 plus interest
        
    • 2^nd payment of 5 for Heavy Rescue $7,580
      
      • Remaining Balance $22,740
        
• Young America Township
  
  • Payable 2010
    
    • 100 units x $120/unit = $12,000
      
    • 2^nd payment of 5 for Tanker/Skid Unit = $8,20
      
      • Remaining Balance $33,000 plus interest
        
  • Payable 2011
    
    • 100 units x $125/unit = $12,500
      
    • 3^rd payment of 5 for Tanker/Skid Unit = $8,250
      
      • Remaining Balance $24,750 plus interest
        
    • 1^st payment of 5 for Heavy Rescue $7,580
      
      • Remaining Balance $30,320
        
  • Payable 2012
    
    • 100 units x $130/unit = $13,000
      
    • 4^th payment of 5 for Tanker/Skid Unit = $8,250
      
      • Remaining Balance $16,500 plus interest
        
    • 2^nd payment of 5 for Heavy Rescue $7580
      
      • Remaining Balance $22,740
        

New Firefighter

• Christopher Petz has requested membership in the Hamburg Fire Department, a Background Check will be sent out tomorrow.
  

Drain Pipe Cover by Parkside Tavern

• A slip resistant coating will be put on the metal plate now covering the drain pipe by Parkside Tavern.
  

 

Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association

Presented by Justin Buckentin

 

Relief Association Increase

• The Relief Association approved a $100 raise through membership for the Hamburg Fire Department's President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The increase will be from $200 per year to $300 per year. It is the first raise for the three positions since 1999. The By-Laws will change so a motion from Council to approve the increase is needed.
  
  • The City of Hamburg puts money into the Relief Association Retirement account so any change to the By-Laws have to be approved by Council.
    
• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the change to the Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association By-Laws to pay the President, Secretary, and Treasurer $300 per year, a $100 per year increase, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

 

Tabulation of Bids

• On Thursday, March 3, 2011, nine (9) bids were received for the City of Hamburg Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Improvement project. The bids ranged from a high of $1,288,305.36 to a low of $846,590.25 for the Base Bid only. The low bid for the Base Bid was submitted by Chard Tiling & Excavating, Inc. for the amount of $846,590.25.
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to adopt Resolution Number 2011-08 awarding the bid to Chard Tiling & Excavating, Inc. for the Base Bid of $846,590.25 plus all four (4) Alternatives as stated, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Service Connections

• S.E.H. will be doing the inspection for the service connections.
  

Stating Date

• The estimated start date for the project is mid April, weather permitting.
  

Assessment Options

• Option 1 – This formula is similar to the 1978 City-Wide Project.
  
• Option 2 – This formula was based on a grant amount but the time has past and no grant money will be received.
  
• Council discussed and decided to proceed with Option 1.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will work on updating Option 1 and will present the estimated assessment for Councils approval at the next Council meeting on March 22.
    
  • The approved assessment has to be submitted to S.E.H. by March 25, 2011.
    

Financing Options

• City Clerk Gruenhagen will be working with the Cities financial advisors, Abdo, Eick & Meyers. The first week in April the financing options should be ready for Councils review.
  

 

Dennis' Report (Public Works & Utilities)

 

Project List

• Item #17 – Repairs to Hall Canopy
  
  • The League of Minnesota Cities (Hamburg's Insurance Company) paid the invoice amount of $5,767.24 submitted by K&K Services less the property deductible of $250.00
    
  • Council discussed and decided to have the City pay the additional cost of $500 for Engineering Fees. This cost was for cosmetic repairs which the insurance company will not pay for. Also pay $284.25 to K&K for completion of the north ramp wall. Total amount the City will pay for the repair will be $1034.25.
    
• Item #13 – Bids for Handicap Bathroom in Community Hall
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen checked into the building code regulation if adding a Handicap Bathroom in the Hall would require a Fire Suppression Unit.
    
    • According to code a fire suppression unit does not have to be installed unless the occupancy of the building changes.
      
  • Maintenance Worker Byerly was instructed to contact all companies interested in putting in a bid to build the handicap bathroom to have their bids in by March 22, 2011.
    

G&K Contract for Cleaning Supplies

• Deputy Clerk Block asked G&K to itemize in more detail what supplies are being purchased by the City. Example would be to itemize what is all included in the miscellaneous total instead of just Misc. - $200. The driver for G&K said it would be no problem and the next billing will be broken down into specific categories.
  
• Maintenance Worker Byerly will contact other cleaning supply companies to get their pricing on the same items the city is using now. Maintenance Worker Byerly can then decide what company would be the best to order from.
  

 

Industrial Storm Water General Permit – No Exposure Exclusion Certification

• City Clerk Gruenhagen is working on this to get it renewed.
  

Estimates for Pallet Fork (Bobcat)

• Council discussed whether to purchase a pallet fork for the cities Bobcat or to borrow them from Wm. Mueller and Sons when they are needed. Council decided to purchase a pallet fork from Waconia Farm Supply.
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to purchase a pallet fork from Waconia Farm Supply for their quoted amount of $742, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Lawnmower

• Council discussed Waconia Farm Supply annual Spring Tune-Up promotion and decided that the price was too high for what could be done by Maintenance Worker Byerly.
  
• Council also instructed Maintenance Worker Byerly to check on the cities lawnmower that was taken to Waconia Farm Supply over a month ago to have an oil leak fixed.
  

Water Treatment Plant Generator

• Council discussed and decided someone should come out this summer to check the generator unit. Council will discuss putting out bids at a later Council meeting.
  

Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption for 2010

• Council discussed and decided to have Maintenance Worker Byerly contact Rural Water asking them to come out this spring to do locate and leak detection.
  

MN Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (MnWarn) Update

• Maintenance Worker Byerly will be working on filling out the paper work to apply for membership in MnWarn. City Clerk Gruenhagen will draft a resolution and agreement for Council to approve.
  

Shop Garage Door

• Maintenance Worker Byerly accidently damaged the Shop garage door. City Clerk Gruenhagen will work with the League of MN Cities Insurance on filling a claim.
  
• Council asked Maintenance Worker Byerly to check into why the garage door does not have a safety sensor and if one is required.
  

Key for Elmwood and Eastwood Apartments

• Maintenance Worker Byerly is working on obtaining a key to read the meters.
  

Estimates for Energy Efficient Lights – Hall and Community Center

• Council discussed and asked Maintenance Worker Byerly to obtain estimates to replace the lights in the Hall and Community Center. Also to obtain clarification on the estimate's that are already received.
  

 

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) – Will pay $100 on March 25^th.
  
• Emily Siebold (625 Kim) – Delinquency letter sent 03/02/11 – Shut off March 15^th.
  
• Betty Griffin (420 Maria Ave) – Unable to turn water off curb stop. Delinquent amount sent to Betty and Anit Elke (owner).
  
• Brian Cummiskey (724 Park) – Set up a payment date.
  
• Nick Nordin (419 Railroad St) – Home in foreclosure, delinquent amount was sent to Freddie Mac.
  
• Darrell Grams (410 Sophia Ave) – Set up a payment plan.
  

Location of Water Shut Off Form

• Council was given a copy of the Location of Water Shut-Off form for their review. This project is on Maintenance Worker Byerly's Project List to complete.
  

Project List

• Item #7 – Cover Office when Jeremy is out of the office.
  
  • Deputy Clerk Block will adjust her hours to cover the office on March 17 & 18 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days.
    
• Item #32 – Contact S.E.H. about helping with basic Phosphorous Plan
  
  • Project due date is 12/31/2014. City Clerk Gruenhagen will help Maintenance Worker Byerly with completing the project. Moved project to Jeremy and Dennis's Project lists.
    
• Item #33 – Research various companies for their cleaning supplies and find out when contract is up with G&K.
  
  • Contract end date 08/05/11 and gave Maintenance Worker Byerly the names of other supply companies. Moved project to Maintenance Worker Byerly's list.
    
• Item #34 – Follow up on Robb's Electric billing as to charge for labor when Maintenance Worker Byerly installed motor. Ask Robb's Electric to itemize their invoices.
  
  • Deputy Clerk Block called Robb's Electric and they will itemize their billing.
    
  • Moved project to Maintenance Worker Byerly's Project list to find out why charged for labor.
    
• Item #35 – Find out where the drain pipes in the shop floor come out.
  
  • Councilmember Mueller explained to other members of Council why this is needed and project was moved to Maintenance Worker Byerly's Project list.
    
• Item #36 – Order Councilmember Lund a City shirt.
  
  • Received order book from G & K. and shirts should be ordered by March 25, 2011.
    
• Item #38 – Call G & K requesting an itemized invoice.
  
  • G & K were called and the driver will itemize the invoices.
    
• Item #37 – Create an information pack to send new city residents.
  
  • Councilmember's gave their input as to what should be in the packet. City Clerk Gruenhagen and Deputy Clerk Block will update the packet.
    

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

 

C.U.P. for 953 Park Avenue (TCW)

• Bonnie Thaemert is requesting a change to her Conditional Use Permit. She would like to rent out the buildings on her property. To do this she will need to get a variance with the County because the County has a stipulation that to have a contractor's yard there must be a Homestead on the property.
  
• The request is in the preliminary stages and any further developments the City of Hamburg will be copied on.
  

2010 Policing Contract Refund ($357.47)

• The City of Hamburg received a refund of $357.47 from the 2010 Policing Contract.
  

2011 NYA Area Guide

• Council discussed and decided to advertize the Hamburg Hall as a Wedding and Banquet facility in the NYA 2011 Annual Guide.
  
• Councilmember Barnes moved to advertize the Hamburg Hall in the 2011 NYA Guide with a half page ad in the amount of $339.00, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

January Cash Flow Statement

• City Clerk Gruenhagen will be giving Council a monthly cash flow breakout for their review. During this years audit the auditors mentioned that this should be in the Agenda packets.
  

2010 Financial Audit (Abdo, Eick & Myers)

• An overview of the Cities 2010 Financial Audit will be presented to Council at the next Council meeting on March 22^nd.
  

Project List

• Item #12 – Obtain key to Fred Paweks' apartments is being worked on by Mayor Malz.
  
• Item #13 – Follow up with Shawn about completing the wiring at the water tower.
  
  • This has been corrected however an electrical inspection still needs to be completed.
    
• Item #14 – Update the Cities Website.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen is working on this.
    
• Item #15 – Follow up on the title transfers for the FD trucks.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen is working with Fire Chief Brad Droege on this.
    
• Item #16 – Contact electricians to provide updated estimates to install the new Civil Defense Siren.
  
  • Tim Walsh (County Emergency Management Director) was contacted asking if the County could create a RFP for the installation because all cities have to upgrade.
    
• Item #17 – Contact Waste Management 90 days before July 31^st that the city is going out for bids.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will work on this to make sure this gets done.
    
• Item #18 – Check building code regulations for Hall handicap bathroom.
  
  • This has been completed and reported to Council.
    
• Item #19 - Put on List Serve if other cities charge apartment's for water by the unit or as just one unit.
  
  • Has not been done.
    
• Item #20 – Talk with City Attorney Mac about additionally insured coverage for the Hall (liquor liability).
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen is working with Mac on this.
    

Special Meetings

• Council has been asked to keep track of any Special Meetings they have attended through out the year. Deputy Clerk Block can enter them on a spreadsheet for end of year payment.
  

 

Approve Payment of March 2011 Claims

• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the March 2011Claims list from check number 14915 to 14941 plus the two (2) ACH payments, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

City Council Reports

 

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water)

• Councilmember Mueller mentioned that the water at his home has dark specks in it.
  
  • Maintenance Worker Byerly will monitor the water.
    

Councilmember Lund (Streets) – Had nothing further to report.

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)

• Councilmember Trebesch asked when the land purchase from Brian Cummiskey would be completed.
  
  • Council would like this completed by the end of April 2011.
    
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will send out a reminder.
    

Councilmember Barnes (Parks)

• The boarder for the play ground equipment was ordered and Councilmember Barnes will pick it up in Delano when received in.
  
• Councilmember Barnes will also contact Viking Distributing to come out and replace the pop lines and guns at the Hall. This will be done with no cost to the city.
  

Mayor Malz

• Mayor Malz commented that during the Accel meeting last Thursday it was mentioned that this years flooding could be worse than the one in 1965.
  

 

Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 8:53 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present

 

Submitted by:                                                    

 

 

Sue Block

                                                                                             Deputy Clerk