Letter from Congressmen John Kline – June 22, 2011

June 22, 2011         Dear Mr. Lund:         Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the national unemployment rate rose to 9.1 percent in the month of May.  Two years ago, when Americans needed a jobs plan, the President instead offered a spending plan.  The "stimulus" was accompanied by an assurance from advocates that it would keep unemployment below 8 percent.  Unfortunately, we have had 28 consecutive months of joblessness greater than 8 percent and anemic economic growth. The American people deserve a new direction.  That's why my colleagues and I have introduced the "Plan for America's Job Creators," which will put an end to overwhelming regulatory burdens, simplify the tax code, improve trade opportunities, and support burgeoning entrepreneurs.  We are determined to stop Washington's wasteful spending and provide fresh opportunities for families and business owners.  Click here to read more about our plan. America is at a crossroads and I remain committed to taking every possible step to spur job creation and get our economy back on track so Americans can do what they do best: create, innovate and lead.  Sincerely,     JOHN KLINE Member of Congress         P.S.: If you have questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.  If you would like to receive e-mail updates on issues important to you, please sign up on my website at http://kline.house.gov/issues     P.P.S.: Please visit any of the following links to read more about issues affecting Minnesota's job creators and workers:  Delta moving Minnesota jobs to Atlanta – click here "All of the Above" approach increases our energy independence, creates jobs – click here Standard & Poor reduces America's debt outlook from stable to negative – click here Repeal burdensome, job-killing tax reporting requirement – click here This e-mail box is unable to accept responses. If you would like to send a comment to Congressman Kline, please visit: http://kline.house.gov/.  This mailing was prepared, published, and mailed at taxpayer expense.

  

Sen. Ortman Update – June 24, 2011

UPDATE FROM THE CAPITOL

Dear Friends,

The message is clear! It's time to get this budget completed. A state shutdown is the absolute worst case scenario, and no one wants to see that occur. We are working day in and day out to effectively engage the Governor, have meaningful negotiations, and find consensus on the state budget. I am just as concerned as each and every one of you about the negative impacts on state workers and the many others who depend on state funding, if an agreement is not reached.

The truth is, only Governor Dayton has the power to call a special session. He has been asked many times to call us back, which at the very least would enable us to pass a "lights-on" bill to avoid a shutdown and continue negotiations. As of today, with only 6 days until July 1, time is running out. Unfortunately, the Governor's signals indicate that he is striving to shut down the government in order to further inflate our State's budget. He strategically vetoed the Legislature's complete balanced budget package after the 2011 Session deadline, and he has yet to call a special session to enact a compromise budget or even a "lights-on" bill.

In the meantime, we have been trying to have meaningful negotiations with the Governor and his staff. Multiple offers have been presented to the Governor on the budget. These include meeting 100% of his Education funding requests, 100% of his court funding requests, and 98% of his public safety budget request. So far, the Governor has shown no interest in passing these bills and moving forward on the rest of the budget.

Make no mistake; a government shutdown would represent a terrible failure of the system. We passed and presented the governor with a balanced budget that lives within our means and provides a ground work for future job growth and a new prosperity.

The Governor's proposed tax increase is both unnecessary and counterproductive to future economic growth and prosperity. Our focus needs to be on things we can agree on and I am committed to negotiating with the Governor and finding common ground. I remain confident that it will be found.

THE TOP 5 THINGS YOU DESERVE TO KNOW:

1. Governor Dayton needs to act quickly to call a special session in order to prevent a government shutdown.

He is the only one with the power to call a special session, necessary for the

Legislature to get back to work and avoid a shut down. So far, the Governor has shown no interest.

2. Governor Dayton claims a tax increase will only affect the "Top 2%."

A Department of Revenue study shows that a tax increase proposal will impact all income earners in the State of Minnesota, especially small business.

3. A recent KSTP poll released on June 20 states that 87% of Minnesotans want state spending to decrease or stay the same. Only 8% support an increase in state spending.

4. The Legislature passed a balanced budget and made it publicly available for the Governor and all citizens of Minnesota to review.

- A budget which increased overall state spending by 6%

- A budget which raises $4 billion more in revenue than Minnesota's previous budget

- A budget which does not raise taxes.

5. Serious offers have been presented to Governor including:

Offering the Governor 100% of his funding requests for Education.

Offering the Governor 100% of his funding requests for the courts.

Offering the Governor nearly 100% of his funding requests for public safety.

Giving up $200 million in tax relief proposals and applying them to spending areas of the budget.

CALL US BACK TO WORK WEBSITE:

A website www.callusbacktowork.com has been launched with messages to Governor Dayton to call lawmakers back to work to prevent an unnecessary government shutdown. The website features messages from leaders and new messages are being added continuously. The site is also available at https://www.facebook.com/callusbacktowork.

MEETING PROGRESS:

Legislative leaders agreed to all-day meetings Friday and Saturday. The plan is to focus on budget areas where there is significant consensus with the governor, such as K-12 education and transportation funding, and work out agreements on those first. Governor Dayton has frequently stated that he wants a deal on new revenue before discussing individual budget bills, but legislative leadership and Governor Dayton have agreed to this negotiation plan.

If held in good faith, this meeting is long overdue and very positive development.

POLL UPDATE:

KSTP-TV updated SurveyUSA poll information Tuesday, June 21 with a new story from Capitol reporter Tom Hauser focusing on poll questions about state spending, specifically results to the question "Going forward, should Minnesota's government increase spending? Decrease spending? Or continue to spend about the same amount as it has been?"

Results were: 60% Decrease, 27% About the Same, 8% Increase, 5% Not Sure. Hauser reminded viewers that neither the Governor's proposal or the plan passed by the GOP Legislature cut spending, but had the state stayed on "autopilot" spending would have increased by 29%. Said Hauser: "Most Minnesotans agree, that just shouldn't happen."

Watch online at http://kstp.com/article/stories/S2167530.shtml?cat=0?video=YHI&t=a

Thank you for staying in touch with calls, e-mails and letters to my Senate office. Your input truly does shape our conversations at the Capitol. I welcome your comments and feedback, and I encourage you to stay in touch as we work to resolve the budget.

 

Sincerely,

Julianne Ortman

State Senator, District 34

Proudly Serving the Residents of Carver and Scott Counties

Wisconsin Legislature Not in violation of Open Meeting law

http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/123859034.html

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled "...that the Legislature did not violate the Wisconsin Constitution by the process it used". The Wisconsin Supreme Court added that "concluded that Sumi exceeded her jurisdiction, "invaded" the Legislature's constitutional powers and erred in halting the publication and implementation of the collective bargaining law".

Remember folks that collective bargaining is not a right it is a contract between, in this case, the State and the union that represents State employees. As with any collective bargaining agreement they are subject to change. What was lost in this court challenge was the question if the Legislature violated the open meeting law not if the Legislature had the power to make changes to the collective bargaining agreement. Am I the only that sees the hypocrisy here in the hissing fit that Unions and the Left raised over the Legislation that removed a number of provision from the collective bargaining process?

All to often we hear about the "fat cats" getting richer or the demonizing of businesses, like Target, for contributing money to a pro-business outfit to support pro-business candidates. Yet there is nothing wrong with Unions from using their dues to support Pro-Union candidates which if elected will be sitting across the negotiation table at collective bargaining time; I am sure the elected official that received money will have the taxpayer's best interest in mind!

Hamburg City Council Agenda – June 14, 2011

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 24, 2011
  
• Sanitary & Storm Sewer Project Update No. 11
  
• Approve Resolution 2011-12
  
• Approve Liquor License Renewals
  
  • Parkside Tavern
    
  • Hamburg Lions Club
    
  • Hamburg Baseball Club
    
• Healthy Living Memo – Ticks
  
• Letter from Concerned Residents and Ridgeview Medical Center
  

 

1. Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege
   

• FEMA Grant/US Fish & Wildlife Grant/DNR Grant
  
• Regional Grant (Carver County) for Pagers
  
• Siren Maintenance Program
  
• Fire Convention
  
• Pension Increase HFDRA
  

 

1. Mike Stuewe – Storm Water Drainage
   

 

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 June 7, 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 - Update
  
• RFP for Contracted Garbage Services for Residential/Commercial
  
  • Eliot and Waste Management
    
• National Night Out – August 2, 2011
  
  • Set up a Planning Committee
    
  • Post for possible Quorum
    

 

1. Public Works & Utilities Department Report
   

• Coolant Sample Report
  
• City Shop Garage Door Repairs
  
• Hall Door Replacement Proposal
  
  • Dan Oelfke Construction, LLC
    
• Park Cement Slab Proposal
  
  • K&K Services, Inc.
    
• 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
  
• Turn on Hot Water Heater for Park Rentals
  
• Project List (Added Items)
  

 

1. Deputy/Utility Billing Clerk Report
   

• Delinquent Utility Bills Report
  
• Nuisance Letter(s) Report
  
• MCFOA Clerks Conference - July 11 – 15, 2011
  
  • Expenses/Hours for MCFOA Conference
    
• Donation of Park Picnic Table Umbrellas from Lavern Graupman (735 Park)
  
• Change Park Rental Contract Ending Time (currently 2:00 a.m.)
  
  • Set by Ordinance
    
• Policy for Renting Over Holidays
  
  • July 3rd
    
• Project List (Added Items)
  

 

1. City Clerk/Treasurer Report
   

• Garbage Service
  
  • Alleys
    
• Liquor Liability Insurance Clause for Hall/Park/Community Center Rentals
  
• 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 June 2011 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

 

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

                    25 – Anniversary Party – Kamps (Park)

                    26 – Mackenthun Family Reunion (Park)

                 28 & 29 – Fahey Auction

 

July                     4 – Offices Closed

16 – Wedding Reception – Rodemacher & Moe

                 18 – 23 – Park Program Community Ed    

 

COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES

                    

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

                    

August                    16 – Baby Shower (Kranz)

                                

Hamburg City Council Minutes – April 12, 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. John Douville (City Administrator - Cologne), Shelly Eldridge (Ehlers City Financial Advisor), and David Chadwick (710 Park Ave) were also in attendance.

 

Public Comment

• There were no comments from the public.
  

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Updated – Councils Old City Business List
  
• Updated – Time Off Request (City Clerk)
  
• Updated – Project List
  
• Added – Estimate from Hanson & Vasek Construction, Inc. for sidewalk repairs
  
• Added – Ordinance Number 124
  
• Added – Update on the Sanitary and Storm Sewer improvement
  
• Updated – Delinquency Report
  
• Updated – Claims List
  
• Added – Letter (email) from Mr. Odoms
  
• Added – Memo from Ehlers (Jeanne Vogt, Financial Specialist) for Proposed Utility Rate Study
  
• Councilmember Barnes moved to accept 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 March 22, 2011
  
• March 2011 Policing Report
  
• MnWARN Mutual Aid Agreement
  
  • Resolution Number 2011-09
    
• Blogs Memo (LMC)
  
• Xcel Energy Rate Increase Notice
  
• Carver County Sheriffs Recognition Night
  
• Carver County Public Hearing (Amend Chapter 52)
  
• MNSPECT Minute
  
• Clarke Mosquito Control 2011 Schedule
  
• Mediacom Online Rates
  
• February Cash Flow Statement
  
• Time-off Request for City Clerk Gruenhagen
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve all items listed in the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present
  

  
   

Fire Department Report

 

FEMA Grant

• No new information on the Grant.
  

US Fish & Wildlife Grant

• In the process of closing out.
  

DNR

• Put in for a grant.
  

Emergency Services Agreement with Washington Lake Township

• Fire Chief Droege updated the agreement with this year's township unit count and returned it to Washington Lake Township for signage.
  

Severe Weather Awareness Week

• The week of April 11-15, 2011 is scheduled to be "Severe Weather Awareness Week" in Minnesota with Thursday, April 14, 2011 deignated as the statewide tornado drill day.
  
  • The Hamburg siren will be activated at 1:45 p.m. and at 6:55 p.m.
    

Estimate from Ready Watt Electric – Civil Defense Siren Upgrade

• Ready Watt Electric sent in an estimate of $872 for the new banding of the Fire Departments paging system.
  
• The estimate will be sent to Tim Walsh, Emergency Management, and there should be enough money available to have Carver County pay for the update.
  

Playground Equipment for Community Park

• Councilmember John Barnes picked up the playground equipment boarder and Roger Siewert will organize the installation of the boarder, when the weather cooperates.
  
• Council and Fire Chief Droege discussed using mulch or buck shot to be placed under the equipment and decided on using buck shot.
  

Fire Department ID Badges

• All members of the Hamburg Fire Department will be receiving new ID Badges which will have their picture and a bar code on it. The new badges can be scanned to allow the firefighters to check in and check out during a disaster. The new scanning device will be able to monitor and keep track of what fire department personal are at the disaster and their in and out time.
  

New Sign for the Community Park

• Council and Fire Chief Droege discussed what wording should be put on a sign for the new Community Park.
  
  • It was decided to have the parks address on the sign for possible emergency service calls.
    
  • They also decided to have Herald Journal Sign & Graphics from Winsted come out and look at what type of sign could be placed between the pillars that are located by the sidewalk in front of the Community Park.
    

Hamburg Fire Department Officers – Selection vs. Election

• Keep on agenda for future discussion.
  

 

John Douville – City of Cologne

 

ToTheHome.com Service

• Mr. Douville presented Council with information about the City of Cologne purchasing ToTheHome Internet Service from Shawn Sprengeler and how it would affect the City of Hamburg.
  
• Mr. Douville also presented Council with a Joint Powers Agreement and an Internet Service Provider Agreement that the City of Cologne is asking the City of Hamburg to enter into with them.
  
• Council and Mr. Douville discussed the agreements and Council decided to enter into the Internet Service Provider Agreement and Joint Powers Agreement with Cologne.
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the Internet Service Provider agreement with the City of Cologne with the change to Section 2. Compensation, letter C. to read The installation of up to two antennas at Hamburg municipal sites shall be installed at the expense of the City of Cologne, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present
  

 

Shelly Eldridge - Ehlers (City Financial Advisor)

 

Pre-Sale Report for Utility Revenue Bonds

• Shelly Eldridge presented Council with an overview of the proposed $1,150,000 General Obligation Public Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2011A.
  
• The purpose of the Bonds is for the 2011 Project to replace selected sanitary sewer and water lines and the upgrade of a portion of the City's storm sewer system and the construction of two ponds.
  
  • Approximately $1,069,677 will be the costs for the water and storm sewer improvements and $290,242 for the sanitary sewer improvements. The remaining bond proceeds will pay for underwriter's discount and costs of issuance.
    

Resolution Number 2011-10 and 2011-11

• Resolution 2011-10 provides for the sale of $1,125,000 General Obligation Public Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2011A.
  
• Resolution 2011-11 authorizes the City of Hamburg to enter into a credit enhancement program agreement with the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority.
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to adopt Resolution 2011-10 and 2011-11, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  
• Shelly Eldridge went on record stating the Bond has been reduced from $1,150,000 to $1,125,000 for the purpose of taking out the capitalize interest.
  

Utility Rate Study

• Council discussed having Ehlers Inc. conduct a utility rate study for the City of Hamburg. This study would help determine what the Storm Sewer rate should be set at to help pay for the Storm Sewer project. Council decided to put this on the agenda for the next City Council meeting on 04/26/11.
  

Storm Sewer Ordinance

• A public hearing will be held on May 10, 2011 to go over Ordinance #124; the Hamburg City code regulating prohibited connections to the sanitary sewer system.
  

 

Old City Business (Memo)

 

Current Contract for Garbage Service

• Council discussed continuing the cities garbage contract with Waste Management or go out for bids. Council decided to go to separate bids (RFP's) for Contracted Garbage Services for Residential and Commercial/Businesses.
  
• Changes or Additions to the RFP
  
  • Include single sort recycling
    
  • Include a fall or spring clean up day.
    
  • Free dumpsters for up to five (5) special city events during the year.
    
• Councilmember Lund moved to put out the garbage collection and recycling out for bids, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Garbage in Alley

• A letter was sent out to residents who currently place their garbage and recyclable containers in alleys to placing them at the street curbside instead. This request is in an effort to help preserve the life of the alleys during the spring thaw and rains.
  

RFP for Contracted Garbage Services for Residential/Commercial (Draft) – Advertisement (Draft) – Letter to Waste Management

• The official notice to Waste Management will be sent out as soon as possible. The RFP time table will be presented at the next Council meeting on April 26^th.
  

Councils Old City Business List

• #7 – Renew contract with Waste Management or go out for bids.
  
  • Decision made take off list.
    
• #11 – Inspection of electrical wiring at Water Tower – ToTheHome Internet Service
  
  • Completed take off list.
    
• #12 – Pick up playground boarder at Delano
  
  • Completed take off list.
    
• #16 – Decide what type of sign to be put up at the new Community Park
  
  • Update will be given at the next City Council meeting.
    
• #17 – City wide clean-up day
  
  • Change from spring to fall
    
• #18 – Decide on how apartment units should be billed.
  
  • Council decided to leave as is for now.
    
• #20 – Replacing Sidewalk across from Parkside Tavern
  
  • Update will be given during Dennis's Report.
    

 

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

 

Private Property Inspections Billing for March 25, 2011

• Council discussed paying the additional $380 for four (4) hours of additional time it took the S.E.H. Inspector to do the private property inspections.
  
  • One resident cancelled and rescheduled for a later time during the day.
    
  • 613 Park Avenue required the equivalent of two inspections due to lack of access to the property.
    
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the additional $380 payment to S.E.H. changing the original cost of $2310 to $2690, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Private Property Service Lines (Illegal Connections/Replacement)

• Some residents are calling the City office inquiring as to why they would have to pay for replacing illegal connections located on their property.
  
  • Council discussed and decided to follow City Ordinance #124 pertaining to regulating prohibited connections to the sanitary sewer system.
    

Project Update

• Completion of boring the third sewer line was going to be completed tonight however they ran into a problem so it might not be completed until tomorrow.
  
• Connecting service lines has already started.
  

Construction Meeting April 13, 2011 @ 9:00 AM

• The weekly construction meeting has been changed from Wednes to Tuesdays. The next scheduled meeting will be on April 13 at 9:00 here at the Community Center.
  

 

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.
  
• David Chadwick (701 Park) – Delinquent Letter Sent 04/05/11.
  
• Steve Peterson (900 Park) – Delinquent Letter Sent 04/05/11
  
• 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.
  

Waste Management Delinquent List

• Four residents are delinquent on paying their Waste Management garbage/recycling bills.
  
• Waste Management will send a delinquent list quarterly to the city office.
  

MMCI Conference (July 11-15)

• Deputy Clerk Block received a $150 grant to attend the 3^rd year MMCI Conference. Full registration fee is $410 and with the $150 grant the registration fee drops to $260. Deputy Clerk Block requested Councils approval to attend the conference.
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve Deputy Clerk Block attendance at the MMCI Conference on July 11-15, 2011 and reimbursement for mileage @.51 per mile, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion passed. Councilmember Barnes abstained. All Council members were present.
  

Project List

• Item #32 – Order City Shirts and Fleece Jackets
  
  • Waiting for logo diagram of what the City logo will look like when placed on the jackets.
    

Pond Closing Schedule

• Council signed up for Saturday pond closing.
  

 

Dennis' Report (Public Works & Utilities)

 

Project List

• Item #1 – Flush Hydrants
  
  • Hydrants will be flushed after the streets are swept.
    
• Item #2 – Sweep City Streets
  
  • Lonnie has been contacted.
    
  • Council requested to have Lonnie sweep the gutter lines.
    
• Item #13 – G&K Contract for Cleaning Supplies
  
  • If unable to obtain pricing from other companies stay with G&K Services.
    
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will look over G&K Service contract before it is signed.
    
• Item #17 – Obtain estimates to install (T-3) energy efficient lights, Hall and Community Center.
  
  • The two estimates received are not apples to apples, no further discussion. Will be taken off project list.
    
• Item #24 – Handicap Bathroom
  
  • Waiting for plumbing permit. Will follow up with Dale's Plumbing to check if he has applied for a Commercial Permit and if the plumbing permit was sent to the State or if MNSPECT will be able to approve.
    

 

Estimates for Lift Station Repairs (Replace Brackets for Pumps)

• Councilmember Mueller moved to grant Electric Pump (EP) the contract to replace the Lift Station brackets for the pumps with the estimate of $1,975.04, Councilmember Barnes seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Estimates for Generator Inspection (Service)

• Councilmember Mueller moved to grant Interstate Power Systems the Generator Service contact with the estimate of $409, Councilmember Barnes seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Community Center Sidewalk Repairs

• City Clerk Gruenhagen informed Council of the deterioration of the sidewalk by the Community Center.
  
  • Estimates to repair the sidewalks by the Community Center, Henrietta Ave/Across from Parkside, and Henrietta Ave/Alley to Louisa St were received from Hanson & Vasek.
    
• Council discussed the estimates and decided to obtain another estimate from another contractor to compare prices.
  

Railroad Crossing on Jacob Street

• Keep on agenda and monitor if the dip levels out when the frost is out of the ground.
  
• City Clerk Gruenhagen will contact the Township informing them that the crossing may have to be repaired this summer.
  

City Alleys (Add Rock/Shape Up)

• Council discussed and decided to just fill in the pot holes with red rock, shaping up the alleys would be too expensive at this time.
  

City Office Floor Repairs

• Fire Department office flooring was stripped and waxed. Council decided that the floor was salvageable, no need to replace.
  
  • The rest of the flooring in the Community Center is to be stripped and waxed also.
    
• Chair floor pads will be purchased to help save the flooring in the Fire Department office.
  

Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption for 2010

• City Clerk Gruenhagen reported that April's water usage was 18.36%.
  
• Council and Maintenance Worker Byerly are still unable to determine why the difference from water pumped to water usage.
  

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

 

Five Year Budget Plan (Abdo, Eick & Meyers)

• Mayor Malz and City Clerk Gruenhagen met with a representative from the Abdo, Eick & Meyers to discuss the possibility of having them put together a five year budget plan also to do a utility rate study. Abdo, Eick & Meyers could do a utility rate study for around $5,000 where as Ehlers price was $9,500.
  
• City Clerk Gruenhagen will request a formal proposal from Abdo, Eick & Meyers on what it would cost to do a budget plan and also a utility rate study. This information would be presented at the next City Council meeting.
  

New Copier for City Office

• A new copier was purchased for the city office and the cost was $534.00. City Clerk Gruenhagen purchased it with his personal charge card and will be requesting reimbursement at the next Council meeting. Receipt of purchase is in the office and was verified.
  

Vacation Request

• City Clerk Gruenhagen informed Council that he may be taking April 14^th off. He reminded Council that he will be taking April 28^th through May 4^th as vacation days.
  

 

Approve Payment of April 2011 Claims

 

Approve Payment of April 2011 Claims

• Two claims were added to the Claims List for payment.
  
  • Check #14994 – reimbursement to Mayor Malz for mileage to New Ulm in the amount of $45.90.
    
  • Check #14994 – additional private service line inspection cost from S.E.H. in the amount of $2,690.
    
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the April 2011Claims list from check number 14961 through check number 14994 plus the five (5) ACH payments, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

City Council Reports

 

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water)

• Councilmember Mueller commented that Al Hahn is a great inspector and works well with Chard.
  

Councilmember Lund (Streets) – Had no further comments.

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)

• Councilmember Trebesch suggested a light with a timer be placed by the basketball court. There have been a lot of kids using the court at dusk.
  
  • Council discussed but did not make a final decision.
    

Councilmember Barnes (Parks) – Had no further comments.

Mayor Malz

• Mayor Malz gave an update on the Accel meeting he attended last Thursday night, April 7^th.
  

 

Councilmember Trebesch moved to recess the City Council meeting at 10:01 p.m., Councilmember Lund seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

 

Councilmember Trebesch moved to a closed meeting for the purpose of employee evaluations.

• Maintenance Worker Byerly, Deputy Clerk Block and City Clerk Gruenhagen requested an open meeting.
  

Motion died

 

Councilmember Trebesch moved to reopen the City Council meeting, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

 

Question to Council was if they wanted to conduct employee evaluations quarterly or two per year.

• Mayor Malz indicated that he would prefer to take care of any issues as they come up.
  
• Council and employees discussed holding a closed meeting after a regular Council meeting to address any issues that came up during working hours.
  

One item discussed was the letter from Mr. Odoms to Chris Lund and forwarded to the other Council members and Mayor Malz.

• Mayor Malz and Council discussed the contents of the letter and decided that if a resident has an issue they should come before Council during a regularly scheduled Council meeting to voice their opinion. If they do not attend then their comments will be ignored.
  

Weekly employee meetings will be held every Monday to go over what has been completed on their project lists and their goals as to what will be accomplished during the week.

• City Clerk Gruenhagen commented that if projects are not getting done with any legitimate reason why then the employee will be written up.
  
  • Councilmember Barnes, Councilmember Mueller, and Mayor Malz all agreed that City Clerk Gruenhagen has the authority to write up employees when needed.
    
• Another discussion was that employees should manage their time more efficiently and how they would go about it. Be proactive and organized.
  

Another suggestion was to update employee job descriptions listing all required duties.

• This could help in determining if there is any "down" time.
  

Communication and cooperation between all employees and with Council (and vise versus) could also be improved.

 

Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 10:33 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 – May 10, 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. Also in attendance were Andy Franck and Josh Kroells (Hamburg Hunting and Fishing Club), David Chadwick (710 Park Ave), Maggie Cummiskey and Connie Byerly (H.I.P. Group). City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen was absent.

 

Public Comment

• Andy Franck and Josh Kroells representing the Hamburg Hunting and Fishing Clubs requested a 2012 Gambling Permit for their annual Calendar Raffle.
  
  • Councilmember Mueller moved to approve a 2012 Gambling Permit for the Hamburg Hunting and Fishing Club for their annual Calendar Raffle to be held at the Hamburg Hall on January 2, 2012 starting at 7:00 p.m., Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
    
• Andy Franck and Josh Kroells representing the Hamburg Hunting and Fishing Clubs donated $500 towards adding a cement slab for the picnic tables at the Community Park.
  
  • Councilmember Barnes moved at accept the $500 Donation from the Hamburg Hunting and Fishing Club for a cement slab for the picnic tables at the Community Park, Councilmember Trebesch seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
    

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Added – H.I.P. Group will be presenting a donation to the Community Park.
  
• Councilmember Lund moved to approve the agenda with the added item, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Approve Consent Agenda

• Approve Minutes for April 26, 2011
  
• Mediacom Monthly Service Changes
  
• Sanitary & Storm Sewer Project Update No. 5 and 6
  
• Thank you from Alva Rankin (S.E.H.)
  
• MNSPECT Minute – Nick Qualle
  
• Carver County Sheriff's Report - March
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve all items listed on the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Barns and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present
  

  
   

Fire Department Report

 

FEMA/US Fish & Wildlife Grant

• No new information on the Grants.
  

Regional Grant (Carver County) for Pagers

• No new information at this time.
  

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

• About 70 people attended the Safety Initiatives meeting which was held on Monday, May 9, 2011, at the Hamburg Fire Department station.
  

Hamburg Fire Department Officers – Selection vs. Election

• On going.
  

Firefighter Training 4/11/11 and 4/18/11 "Defensive Driving"

• Fire Chief Droege requested a check for $1200 to cover the training course, check number 15008 was issued and approved at the last Council meeting, however when the invoice arrived the amount was $1250. The check for $1200 was voided and a new check (#15032) was issued for $1250.
  

New Sign for the Community Park

• Council discussed and decided to have the new Community Park sign painted a navy blue with white lettering.
  
• Maintenance Worker Byerly will pressure wash and clear coat the stone pillars where the new sign will be hung.
  
• Councilmember Mueller will place the order for the sign.
  
• Councilmember Trebesch moved to have Councilmember Mueller order the sign for the Community Park, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

I & I Project

 

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

• The pipe between where the pond will be dug and going through Brian Cummiskey's property has started to be laid.
  
• County Road 50 will be closed starting May 11, 2011, will open during the weekend, and then close again on Monday (May 16, 2011) to Tuesday (May 17, 2011). This will all depend upon the weather.
  
• Residents must obtain a Permit before any work is done to reconnect their home line to the new city service line.
  

Update on Construction Meeting held May 10, 2011

• The main item discussed was the detour for County Road 50.
  
• The digging for the pond has been delayed because the ground is still to wet from the recent rains.
  
• Councilmember Mueller suggested that the contractors installing drain till or sump pumps should make sure the homeowner is at home and that they run water down their floor drains. This will make sure that there is no leakage around the old septic tank.
  

Move Shed Back

• The shed at 624 Kim Avenue will be moved back to it original spot sometime this week or early part of next week.
  

 

H.I.P. Group

 

H.I.P. Donation

• Connie Byerly and Maggie Cummiskey representing the H.I.P. Group donated $1,234 towards the purchase of the Community Park playground equipment boarder. The H.I.P. Group had $1,284 in their checking account to help pay for the boarder but to keep the checking account open they had to leave $50 in the account or it would be closed.
  
  • The total cost of the boarder was $1,584 and Council had previously decided to pay for any additional cost that the H.I.P. Group could not cover. The additional cost covered by the city was $350.
    
• Councilmember Barnes moved to accept the $1,234 donation from the H.I.P. Group for the Community Park playground equipment boarder, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Old City Business (Memo)

 

RFP for Contracted Garbage Services for Residential/Commercial (Draft)

• Advertisement for RFP (Draft) and Time Schedule
  
  • This will be kept on the agenda to discuss at the next Council meeting on May 24^th.
    

 

Dennis' Report (Public Works & Utilities)

 

Handicap Bathroom for Community Hall (Update)

• Start date planned for May 16, 2011.
  

Sidewalk Replacement

• Received bids from Chad and Hanson & Vasek Construction, Inc.
  
  • Council will review and discuss at the next Council meeting May 24, 2011.
    

Energy Efficient Lights for City Buildings

• Waiting for an estimate from Norwood Electric.
  

G&K Contract for Cleaning Supplies

• Aramark was asked for pricing however no pricing list has been received.
  

Flush Hydrants

• Hydrants have not been flushed yet should be completed sometime this week.
  

Railroad Crossing on Jacob Street

• The road is getting better however it may not settle completely back to the way it was.
  
• Leave on agenda and watch crossing.
  

City Alleys (Add Rock/Shape Up)

• All alleys have new rock and were graded except the alley by Scott Feltmann (331 Maria Ave).
  
  • Maintenance Worker Byerly ran out of rock but will get more to complete the project.
    

City Office Floor Repairs

• With more summer duties the floors will not be done until possibly this fall.
  
• Leave on agenda.
  

Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for 2010/2011

• No report at this time for Council's review.
  
• Rural Water checked the hydrants and found that they are not leaking. A few more curb stops were located by Rural Water while they were out checking for leaks. They will come back at a later date to check if there are anymore water leaks.
  
• Maintenance Worker Byerly will be replacing old water meters that are still in use.
  

Electrical Panel in Hall Basement

• This has been completed.
  

Reclaim & Pave Kim Ave

• Received estimate from Wm. Mueller and Sons.
  
• Council will discuss the project at the next Council meeting.
  

 

Project List (Added Items)

• Maintenance Worker Byerly was instructed by Council to obtain two estimates for replacing the damaged Shop garage door and present them at the next Council meeting on May 24^th.
  

Hours

• Maintenance Worker Byerly requested to work 40 hours per week instead of the current 36 hours. Council discussed and decided to change the current weekly hours to 40 per week.
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to allow Maintenance Worker Byerly to work 40 hours per week plus weekends during the summer months, to be reviewed this fall, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Deputy Clerk Report

 

Delinquent Utility Bills

• Delinquent letters were sent out to Emily Siebold (625 Kim), Betty Griffin and owners (420 Maria), David Chadwick (710 Park), Steve Peterson (900 Park), and Darrell Grams (410 Sophia).
  
• 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. Update – Per phone call they will try and pay on May 13th if not then they will pay $431.48 by the end of May.
  
• Sonny Kleman (619 Park) has a credit balance of -$207.26. Deputy Clerk Block called and asked if he was aware of the credit amount. Mr. Kleman is aware of the credit and asked to keep this on the books for when he is unable to pay, usually during the winter months.
  
  • Council did not have a problem with this.
    

Lawn Mowing Vacant Home Yards

• Council discussed if the City should mow the lawns of vacant homes. It was decided not to have the cities Maintenance Worker mow the lawns but to contact the agencies responsible for homes and have them arrange for upkeep of the property.
  

Project List

• Item #26 – Order Office Supplies
  
  • An order has been placed.
    
• Item #35 – Order Shirts & Jackets for Council
  
  • These were ordered on May 19^th.
    

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

(City Clerk Gruenhagen was unable to attend meeting.)

 

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

• City Clerk Gruenhagen was unable to attend tonight's meeting this will be discussed at the next Council meeting on May 24^th.
  

GoCarverGo Website

• City Clerk Gruenhagen was unable to attend tonight's meeting this will be discussed at the next Council meeting on May 24^th.
  

Letter from Metropolitan Council – Update from Ann Perry

• City Clerk Gruenhagen was unable to attend tonight's meeting this will be discussed at the next Council meeting on May 24^th.
  

Employee Job Descriptions

• Council decided to review employee job descriptions at the May 24^th Council meeting.
  

 

Approve Payment of May 2011 Claims

 

Approve Payment of May 2011 Claims

• Added - Landscape Structures in the amount of $1584.00 to pay for the boarder surrounding the Community Park playground equipment.
  
• ACH listing for Wells Fargo with no description or dollar amount will not be approved.
  
• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the May 2011 Claims list from check number 15014 through check number 15037and the four ACH payments excluding the ACH for Wells Fargo, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

City Council Reports

 

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water)

• Councilmember Mueller requested to have two picnic tables moved from the shed to the Community Park.
  

Councilmember Lund (Streets)

• A number of residents living along Kim Ave have complained about a dark blue Z71 with white CB antennas driving over the speed limit on Kim Ave.
  
  • Councilmember Mueller commented that he knows who owns the vehicle and will talk to them.
    

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)

• Councilmember Trebesch asked if there are any updates on the Fiber Optic Lines.
  
  • Other members of Council did not have any new information. City Clerk Gruenhagen will be asked to follow up.
    

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

Mayor Malz – Had two questions for Council.

• Is there a back up plan for covering the City office if both City Clerk Gruenhagen and Deputy Clerk Block are out sick?
  
  • Council discussed and decided that when both were out on Monday it was a rare occurrence and there is not much that can be done in a situation like this.
    
• Would Council want to only meet once a month during June, July, and August?
  
  • Council discussed and decided to think about this and have it brought up at the next Council meeting.
    

 

Shelly Eldridge (City Financial Advisor) – Sell of Utility Revenue Bonds

• Shelly Eldridge updated Council on the sale of the $1,120,000 General Obligation Public Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2011A.
  
  • These bonds are for the Storm Sewer and about 5% for the Water improvements.
    
  • The bonds were sold at a Triple Rating.
    
  • There were two (2) bids. The lowest bidder was Bernardi Securities, Inc. in association with Kleinbank of Chaska, Minnesota.
    
  • True Interest Cost will be 3.6159%.
    
  • The cost of issuance was over estimated so there is an additional $20,000 which will go into the construction account to cover any additional construction costs. If the money is not completely use by the end of the project the remaining can be transferred into the Debt Service fund to help pay for principal and interest payments in the future.
    
• Council and Shelly Eldridge discussed principal and interest payments, maturity of bonds, and various other items within the report.
  
• Councilmember Barnes moved to pass the Resolution providing for the issuance and sale of $1,120,000 General Obligation Public Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2011A and pledging for the Security thereof Net Revenues, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  
• Closing date is June 2, 2011.
  
  

 

Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 8:34 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present

 

 

Submitted by:                                    

 

 

Sue Block

                                                                                             Deputy Clerk

 

Poverty line people not mandated to have coverage

Hold the phone...I thought the entire premise behind ObamaCare was that everyone would be covered. Check the defense out in the article here:

http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/2011/06/obama-solicitor-general-if-you-dont-mandate-earn-less-money

"I think this paragraph sums up the horrific attempt to defend ObamaCare insurance mandate:

If we’re going to play that game, I think that game can be played here as well, because after all, the minimum coverage provision only kicks in after people have earned a minimum amount of income,” Kaytal said. “So it’s a penalty on earning a certain amount of income and self insuring. It’s not just on self insuring on its own. So I guess one could say, just as the restaurant owner could depart the market in Heart of Atlanta Motel, someone doesn’t need to earn that much income. I think both are kind of fanciful and I think get at"

Wasn't the case made to American public that we'd be insuring everyone so that we'd all say in the burden of the medical expenses. How does this help lower the cost of medical insurance when one does not have to earn enough to qualify? What is that amount? And if you don't qualify, who picks up the tab?