Middle Class Unite!!!!

Middle Class of the United States it is time to unite against the tyranny of the political elite. Right now Congress, the GOP led US House of Representatives and the Democratic led US Senate, are using us as a ping pong ball in their debate on  the fiscal cliff. The "rich" are being asked to "pay their fair share" as our debt that rises above $16 trillion while our yearly budget adds another $1 trillion a year. Increasing the tax rate on the "rich" brings in another $80 billion if the Democrats get their way. It does not take a rocket scientist to understand that $80 billion in tax revenue from the "rich" each year doesn't make up for the $1 trillion in extra spending taking place today. Without a balanced budget we will continue to add to the deficit. Without a budget that spend's less then it revenues we will never reduce the $16 trillion debt that has been amassed thus far. 

Where do Americans think the difference will be made up? That's right, the difference will be made up on the backs of the Middle Class. The political elite view the Middle Class as mindless drones; well it is time for that to stop. It is time for the Middle Class to rise up and make their voice heard. Today it is the "rich" paying their fair share and tomorrow it will be the Middle Class "sharing" in the struggle or it will be our "patriotic duty". The GOP and the Democrats play us to score political points knowing that we will do little to threaten their status as the political elite. That time has come to an end. 

Middle Class it is time to shed ourselves of our GOP, Democrat, Tea Party, Coffee Party, Liberal, Conservative, Libertarian and Progressive labels for the label of Middle Class. Other Third Parties have attempted to make headway into the Two Party system but they have too far Right or too far Left. Well, Middle Class America it is our time. The biggest fear of the political elite is that the Middle Class will wake up, step away from the bar stool and think with a clear head about their role in America.

Join me in the formation of a new political party; the Middle Class Party. We need to organize now before the "rich" are no longer around to buffer us from the tax code and the spending glutton of the political elite is extended to the point of no return. The political elite talk about the fiscal cliff and Thelma and Louise. Let's make the fiscal cliff debacle and the debt ceiling debate the two party system Waterloo.

Violence in America

The tragic and senseless killing of 28 innocent lives yesterday in Newtown, Connecticut is a microcosm of the ills our society faces today. Unfortunately Americans and the world will talk more about the Second Amendment, Gun Control, and mental disorders than what is really at the heart of these senseless acts. Guns don't kill people; rather it is the person behind the gun that does. President Obama spoke on the shooting and expressed his concern as a parent which is commendable.  Yet, President Obama stated, "And we're going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this; regardless of politics."

Mayor Bloomberg has come out and said, "President Obama rightly sent his heartfelt condolences to the families in Newtown. But the country needs him to send a bill to Congress to fix this problem. Calling for 'meaningful action' is not enough."

Rep. Jerold Nadler (D-NY) on the Ed Schultz show yesterday said, "These incidents, these horrible, horrible  incidents...are happening  more and more frequently. And they will continue to happen more and more frequently until someone with the bully pulpit, and that means the President, takes leadership and pushes Congress."

Really? So the answer to stem the tide of violence that has rocked our society - Newtown, Oregon Mall, Colorado movie Theater  the Temple in Wisconsin, Arizona Congresswoman - is to limit the ability to own guns? The trouble is not the method of choice - in these cases a gun - rather it is societies loss of core family values. The demands on the family unit has eroded the respect, understanding and nurturing of core family values.

Our educators will be the first to state the fact that over the past several decades students have become increasingly disrespectful to them, to each other and to authority figures. Part of this stems back to the family unit where it is no longer common place for a family to have a single bread winner. Instead most family units are fractured due to the need of two incomes to make ends meet. Items like internet, cell phone, computers, TV's, and Xbox are considered necessities  The concept of a family dinner is being eroded due to dual income households and the use of television as a baby sitter or a pacifier for out children.

Take a moment today and over the holiday season as you gather with family to evaluate the importance of the material objects in  your life and how they contribute to the erosion of core family values. It is very possible that one may understand that events like Newtown are not the guns fault but lies right inside the family unit.

Right to Work Legislation in Michigan

Today the Governor signed into law Right to Work legislation in Michigan amidst a lot of protest from Union workers. US Sen. Carl Levin (D) claims the Right to Work legislation in Michigan, “For millions of Michigan workers, this is no ordinary debate. It’s an assault on their right to have their elected bargaining agent negotiate their pay, benefits and working conditions, and to have all who benefit from such negotiations share in some way in the cost of obtaining them.”

I wonder if Sen. Levin read the bill passed and signed in Michigan. If you have not, please take a moment to do so: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(lsyxcd55bpr3vn2h1txdn1yw))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectname=2011-HB-4003

The Michigan bill, in a nutshell, states that under no condition of employment shall anyone be forced to join or not to join the Union or pay for the a representative to collectively bargain for them. I ask, How is this a bad thing for workers? It doesn't prevent people from being in a Union. Let's put the rhetoric aside and actually look at the bill and discuss the "right" one has to gain employment without being forced to join or not to join a Union. Interestingly enough the bill doesn't alter Police or Fire department Unions.

Hamburg City Council Agenda - December 11, 2012

HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
DECEMBER 11, 2012
1. Call City Council Meeting to Order
 Pledge of Allegiance
2. Public Comment (Individuals may address the City Council about any non-agenda item(s) of concern.
Speakers must state their name, address, and limit their remarks to three minutes. The City Council may not
take official action on these items and may refer the matter to staff for a future report or direct that the matter be
scheduled for a future meeting agenda.)
3. Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption
4. Consent Agenda (NOTICE TO PUBLIC: All those items listed as part of the Consent Agenda will be
approved by a single motion, unless a request to discuss one of those items is made prior to that time. Anyone
present at the meeting may request an item to be removed from the consent agenda. Please inform the Council
when they approve the agenda for this meeting.)
 Approve Cigarette License for Parkside Tavern (2012)
 Approve MN Lawful Gambling Permit for Pheasants Forever
o January 19, 2013
 Approve Contract for Policing Services for 2013 with Carver County
 Approve NYA Chamber of Commerce 2013 Membership
 City Offices Closed December 24th& 25th for Christmas Holiday
 Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for November 2012
 Delinquent Utility Bills Report
 December MNSPECT Minute (Informational)
5. Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege
 DNR Grant
 Toy Drive Breakfast (December 9, 2012)
o Holiday Toy Drive
 Fire Department Banquet/Dance (January 12, 2013)
 HFDRA Lucky 10 Gun Raffle (December 8, 2012)
 Hamburg Fire Department Sign Quote
 Old Christmas Lights (Sell)
 New Stove for Community Center
6. 2013 Final Tax Levy and Final Budget (Set & Adopt)
 City Employee Reviews
o 2013 Wages and Benefits
 City Fee Schedule for 2013
o Set Public Hearing to Adopt City Fee Schedule
 January 8, 2013 @ 6:45 PM
 2012 General Fund Transfers (Approve)
 Public Comments on 2013 Final Budget & Tax Levy
HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
DECEMBER 11, 2012
o Adopt/Approve 2013 Final Tax Levy Certification to Carver County
o Adopt/Approve 2013 Final Budget
7. Old City Business (Memo)
 City Clean Up Day (Spring 2013)
 2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates (April 1, 2011)
 Signs for City Hall/Township/Fire Department
 Revised NIMS Training Program (Requirements)
 Tax Forfeited Lot on Brad Street
o Assessments on Parcel 45.2000010
8. Public Works & Utilities Department Report
 Dialer for Liftstation
 Easement for 12” Sewer Line (Lois Droege Property)
 Community Center (Paint)
9. City Clerk/Treasurer Report
10. Approve Payment of Added November 2012 Claims ($)
Approve Payment of December Claims ($)
11. City Council Reports
 Councilmember Mueller Report (Sewer & Water)
 Councilmember Lund Report (Streets)
 Councilmember Trebesch Report (Buildings)
 Councilmember Barnes Report (Parks)
 Mayor Malz Report
12. Adjourn City Council Meeting
HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
DECEMBER 11, 2012
COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES
DECEMBER 8 – Hamburg Lions Club Lunch with Santa
31 – Wedding Reception (Schultz)
COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES
NOVEMBER 5 – Lions Club/HFD Training
6 – General Election 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
12 – Veterans Day Holiday Observed (City Offices Closed)
13 – City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
14 – Postal Service Meeting – 5:30 PM
19 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting
22 – Thanksgiving Holiday – City Offices Closed
23 – Thanksgiving Holiday – City Offices Closed
24 – Community Center Rental (Wroge)
26 – Hamburg Fire Department (HFDRA) – 7:00 PM
27 – City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
DECEMBER 1 – Community Center Rental (Venske)
3 – Lions Club/HFD Training
4 – Budget Workshop Meeting – 7:00 PM
7 – Hamburg Lions Club Christmas Party
11 – City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
16 – Community Center Rental (Feltmann)
17 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting – 7:00 PM
17 – Hamburg Fire Department (HFDRA) – 7:00 PM
23 – Community Center Rental (Hasse)
24 – Christmas Eve Holiday (City Offices Closed)
25 – Christmas Day Holiday (City Offices Closed)
25 – Community Center Rental (Panning)

Suicide is never the Answer!

Yesterday a tragic event took place in the NFL. A linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs took the life of his girlfriend then Jovan Belcher went to the practice facility and took his own life. Now, as I watch the pregame programming on ESPN, CBS and Fox a lot has been said about how tragic it is that former Chiefs linebacker took his own life. The only person that I have heard to this point that actually got the story into perspective was on ESPN when former Denver Bronco Tom Jackson articulated that former Chiefs linebacker killed someone and that due to his murder and death that there will be a little girl without her mom and dad.

Tom Jackson hit the nail on the head of where my frustration has been with the coverage of this event. Apparently, the NFL gave the Chiefs until 9:30 pm last night to decide if they wanted to play this game in light of recent events. Coach Romeo and the Chiefs GM were eye witnesses to the former Chiefs linebacker's cowardly act as he walked away from them and shot himself as the police were rolling up on the scene. The focus of this story shouldn't be on the former Chiefs linebacker; rather it should be focused on Kasandra Perkins, 22 year old, that had her life ended prematurely.

The two, the former Chiefs linebacker and Perkins, had a three month old girl. THREE months old. Imagine the questions this little girl is going to have as she grows up without her parents. I am sure more information will come out in the coming days to soften the suicide of the former Chiefs linebacker as that is the nature of our society. The focus should be on the fact that suicide is never the answer. Take a moment today to do a person inventory and realize that life is short enough. Talk to your kids, your family and your friends today about the importance of life and that suicide doesn't impact the coward that takes their own life as it does those that are left to deal with it. My prayers go out to Perkins family and to Kasandra's three month old daughter.

In full disclosure on why I view suicide in the nature that I do. I once was in Romeo's shoes.

Fry Cook a Career?

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/29/nyregion/drive-to-unionize-fast-food-workers-opens-in-ny.html?ref=nyregion

When I saw this article yesterday in the New York Times my first thought was - WHAT! One of the workers at McDonald's quoted in the article said she is getting paid $8 hour but feels she deserves $15 hour. Really? Now I know that it is expensive to live in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and other major metropolitan areas but are we to this point as a society that being a fry cook or a cashier at McDonald's, or any fast food establishment, is a career.

Don't get me wrong, working for McDonald's is a great place to learn business, develop client service skills and test one's ability to multi-task. Not to mention that one can move from Fry Cook or Cashier to an owner of a franchise as well. Instead of complaining about the $8 hour wage, why not try to obtain more skills to move up the food chain at McDonald's or with another company.

I am okay with private Unionization of workers but we need some common sense to take place here. If Fry Cooks and Cashiers start making $15 a hour we will either have a value menu at $5 an item or the portion sizes with be even smaller than they are today. And as the one owner in the article states, if the wage does go up then that means fewer jobs. McDonald's has a great educational reimbursement program for the workers, why isn't the $8 hour Cashier trying to take advantage of that so she can move up in McDonald's or find gainful employment elsewhere?

Thanksgiving Day

Many of us will embark on a journey today to meet with friends and families and gorge on the bounty of the fall harvest. Others will find that comfortable recliner and doze off and on with whistles and pads hitting each other in the background. Then there will be a segment of our population that won't participate in any of this for one reason or another. No matter the location, the activity, the abundance of food and people one surrounds themselves with today - Just be thankful that we all go to sleep at night and then wake up in the morning in a country that allows us freedom to pursue the path in life we wish.

I am thankful and blessed that my family has the freedom to pursue any path in life they desire. I am also thankful and blessed for the conversations I have on a daily basis ranging from mundane weather to the complex economy. A recent conversation surrounded around the topic that received a lot of press from the Left based off an interview that Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fl.) gave to GQ magazine.

In case you missed the article or don't tune into the Left wing media outlets, the interviewer asked Sen. Rubio on how old he thought the Earth is. To which Sen. Rubio responded, "I'm not a scientist, man. I tell you what recorded history says, I can tell you what the Bible says, but I think that's a dispute amongst theologians and I think it has nothing to do with the gross domestic product or economic growth of the United States."

Sen. Rubio expanded his thoughts, "I think parents should be able to teach their kids what faith says, what science says. Whether the Earth was created in 7 days, or 7 actual eras, I'm not sure we'll ever be able to answer that. It's one of the great mysteries."

Based on this interview, and there is more to the GQ interview on this topic,Sen. Rubio is being branded by the Left as "Anti-Science" or pandering to the "Religious Right of the GOP party". Let's stop for a second and reflect on the conversation of Creationism and Evolution. Simply put the Creationism camp believes that God, or a higher power, essentially created the Universe and all that we see and interact with. The Evolution camp believe that Man has evolved from a subspecies and has become what we are today.

Now, why must we talk in terms of two camps - perhaps it is because we are so conditioned to Right vs. Wrong, GOP vs. DFL, White vs. Black, Straight vs. Gay,etc...Why can't these two theories of life and the Universe coexist as one larger theory?

Something created the Universe, Solar System and everything within it. Our world, our person, our everything is made of tiny molecules. Decades ago a great medical cure all was discovered - Penicillin - yet today some are allergic to it, some respond well to it while in some cases it has no effect anymore. Why might Penicillin have a reaction differently for some? Because organism adapt or evolve in order to stay in existence.

God, or the One, it is taught in religious circles, created the Universe in 7 days but days as we know it is very defined yet days may have an entirely different meaning. At the end of those 7 days we finally had Man - Adam. Yet the story of the Garden of Eden doesn't come alive or I should say Adam and Eve are not aware of their nakedness until they eat from the Forbidden Tree.

The awareness of their nakedness is a sexier story to tell then to say that Man became aware after years of evolution from being a chimp to the discovery of fire. God created the Universe and within the Universe established globes of laboratories to track the progress of his creation. The progress that God watches over are the forces in play from the creation thus elements within these globes will adapt, change or evolve over time. Within these globes of laboratories, God waited until a creature - Man - evolved to the point of being able to speak, procreate and develop a social strata. At this point God injected Man with the Spirit or the Essence of Man.

The Essence of Man is created to give Man uniqueness from the rest of world within Man operates. Over time God sent messengers to help guide the evolution of Man in hopes of creating a more perfect image or creature. The messengers have taken several forms - Noah, Moses, Abraham, Jesus, Allah, Budha - and these messengers where to influence what God created and direct the evolution of the physical surroundings of the Essence of Man.

I ask again, Why do we speak of Creationism and Evolution as mortal enemies and bitter rivals when it is feasible that they coexist in a larger theory or grand plan? As you go about your day today think about this and be thankful that you live in a country that protects your freedom to the ability to discuss such a topic.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Hamburg City Council Minutes - October 23, 2012

Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg Public Hearing meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.  Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Deputy Clerk Susan Block, Maintenance Worker Dennis, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance.  City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen was absent (vacation).

·         No one from the public was present to discuss Ordinance Number 143; Mayor and Council Compensation and Regular Meetings of the Hamburg City Council.

Mayor Malz moved to close the Hamburg Public Hearing meeting at 7:08 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.  Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen was absent.

Public Comment

·         No one from the public was present.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Added – Updated Claims List
• Added – Updated Delinquency Report
• Added – Letter from Mosquito Control of Iowa
• Added – Notice of Public Hearing at Chaska for Appeal for a Variance

• Councilmember Barnes moved to adopt the agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approve Consent Agenda

·         Adopt Ordinance Number 143

·         Delinquent Utility Bills Report

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

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

Fire Department Open House on October 13, 2012

• Low attendance but great displays and activities.

Halloween Patrol – October 31, 2012

·         The Hamburg FD will be on patrol again this year starting around 5:00 or 5:30 p.m.

Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association – HFDRA Pension Increase

·         Will be decided on at the end of the year budget meeting.

Applications for Hamburg Fire Department

·         Two persons have requested to join the Hamburg Fire Department.

Old City Business

City Clean Up-Day (Spring 2013)

• Scheduled for late April or early May 2013.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Liftstation Repairs - Update

• Valves and Check valves are done, however the pumps still have to be pull to put the bigger impellers in.

Street Sweeping

·         Loni (Kohl’s Sweeping Service) has been contacted and will let the City know when he is available to sweep the streets.

Park Bathrooms

·         The Park bathrooms will be closed for the winter after Halloween, October 31^st.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report – No Report

Approve Claims

Approve Payment of Added October 2012 Claims ($8,302.55)

• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve claim number 15893 - 15908, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

City Council Reports – No Reports

Adjourn City Council Meeting

• Councilmember Barnes moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 7:38 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present. 

                                                Submitted by: 

                                                Sue Block

Hamburg City Council Minutes - October 9, 2012

Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.  Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance.  City resident Wendell Stuewe was also present. Deputy Clerk Susan Block was absent.

Public Comment

• Wendell Stuewe – Storm Water Fee
• Mr. Stuewe commented on his dissatisfaction with paying the Storm Water fee and asked questions as to what the money is used for.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Added – September and October Claims List
• Added – Updated Delinquency Report
• Added – 2012/2013 Winter Snow Plowing Proposal from Wm. Mueller & Sons
• Added – Survey Letter from the Postal Service concerning the future of the Hamburg Post Office.
• Added – Councilmember Chris Lund revision of the August 16, 2012 Council Meeting Minutes.

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

Approve Consent Agenda

• Approve Minutes for August 14, 2012 & September 13, 2012
• August 14^th minutes should read August 16, 2012 and will be removed from the Consent Agenda to Councilmember Chris Lund report.
• Approve Election Judges for General Election
• Approve Lawful Gambling Permit for Lions Club (11/16/12)
• Approve Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for Lions Club (11/16/12)
• Approve Time-off Request (Dennis Byerly)
• Adopt Resolution Number 2012-06
• August Cash Flow Statement
• Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for September 2012
• Delinquent Utility Bills Report 
• MNSPECT Minute for October 2012
• Time-off Request for Jeremy Gruenhagen (Reminder)
• City Offices Closed November 12^th for Veterans Day

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

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

DNR Grant/Ag Star Grant

• DNR Grant – half completed
• Ag Star Grant - $1,000 for Rescue Bin Equipment

Approve Memorandum of Understanding (FEMA Grant for Paging System)

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Cologne, MN and the City of Hamburg, MN, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approval to Add Scott Anderson to the Hamburg Fire Department

• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve Scott Anderson as a member of the Hamburg Fire Department, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Fire Department Open House

• The open house will be from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on October 13, 2012.

Halloween Patrol – October 31, 2012

• The Hamburg firefighters will be on Halloween patrol again this year. 

Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association Request for $50 Pension Increase

• No comments or discussion.

Public Service Memorial

• Mayor Malz and Council thanked Chief Droege for all his time and effort he put into the Public Service Memorial. 

Snow Plow Contract with Wm. Mueller & Sons

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve Wm. Mueller & Sons quote for snow removal for the 2012/2013 winter season, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
• Councilmember Mueller requested a meeting between a representative from Wm. Mueller & Sons and Mike Legg (Carver County Maintenance Supervisor) to resolve the issue of who will be responsible for clearing County Road 50 after a snow fall.  Who will sand and/or salt the road and also request that the County leaves the blade down when going through town.
• City Clerk Gruenhagen will work on setting something up with the County.

Old City Business

City Clean Up-Day (Spring 2013)

• Waste Management and the City of Hamburg have agreed to schedule the City Clean-Up Day for late April or early May 2013.

Signs for City Hall/Township/Fire Department (Est. from Herald Journal Sign & Graphics)

• Councilmember Muller made a motion to purchase from Troy Feltmann, Herald Journal Sign &  Graphics, two Fire Station Signs (8”x 32”x 1/2”) at the price of $140.51 each (total $281.02) and one City – Township sign (12” x 42” x 1/2”) for the price of $284.42, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Liftstation Repairs - Pumps

• North Star Pump Service is scheduled to start the repair work on Tuesday, September 16, 2012.

Estimate to Clean City Sewer Lines

• Two estimates were received to clean and televise 3,000 feet of the sanitary sewer line from the Lift Station to the end of Brad Street, Robert Avenue and Donald Avenue, then from the manhole on George Street though the section in the field.
• Empire Pipe Services (Mankato) - $3,600
• Pipe Services (Shakopee) - $4,200
• Councilmember Mueller made a motion to have Empire Pipe Services, Mankato, clean and televise approximately 3,000 feet of  the sanitary sewer lines for the estimated bid price of $3,600, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Hall Rental for Pheasants Forever & Lions Pancake Breakfast

• The Pheasants Forever Club rented the Hall for their yearly banquet on January 19, 2013 and the Lions Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for the next day, January 20^th.  To avoid overtime and the inconvenience to have Maintenance Worker Byerly come in at 2:00 a.m. to clean the Hall the Lions Club volunteered to clean the Hall after the banquet if Maintenance Worker Byerly would come in later to clean the restrooms.

Carver County Sheriff’s Office City Contact Key-Holder List

• The Sheriff’s office requested information on who the Communications Center should contact in the event of an emergency, unsecured door, alarms, etc.  Council decided;
• First Contact – Maintenance Worker Byerly
• Second Contact – Mayor Malz
• Third Contact – City Clerk Gruenhagen

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

Insurance Claims Update

• All claims for the sewer backups have been completed.
• Repairing the Fire Department sign and pillars are being worked on.  When completed the full amount of the claim will be filed with the insurance company.
• The Hamburg Baseball Club is working on fixing the Baseball park fence.  When completed the claim will be filled.

Tax Forfeited Lot on Brad Street (PID #45.2000010)

• Council discussed and decided to not make a decision on whether or not to wave the assessment due on the property until someone is serious about purchasing the lot.

2013 Prosecution Contract

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the 2013 Prosecution Contract, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Public Hearing for Ordinance Number 143

• The Public Hearing for Ordinance #143 has been rescheduled for October 23, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

Set Special Meetings for Budget Workshop Meetings and Closed Meeting for Employee Evaluations

• Councilmember Mueller moved to hold Employee Evaluations on November 27, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Budget Workshop Meeting and a Budget Workshop Meeting on December 4, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
• On December 11, 2012 during the regular City Council meeting the 2013 Final Budget and the 2013 City Fee Schedule which includes the 2013 Water/Sewer/Storm Water Rates will be set.

Hamburg Post Office

• The Postal Service will be holding a meeting at the Community Center on November 14, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the best course of action for providing postal services to the Hamburg community.

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

• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the one ACH payment and claim number 15846 to 15863, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approve Payment of October 2012 Claims ($67,223.43)

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the four ACH payments and claim number 15864 to 15892, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

City Council Reports

Councilmember Lund (Streets)

• During the Carver County Leaders meeting Mike Carrier (Waconia) was elected Chair and Dick Stolz (Norwood/Young America) was elected Co-Chair.
• Councilmember Lund and Council discussed how the City Council minutes could and should be shortened.
• Councilmember Lund suggested that the Lions Club and City Council form a subcommittee to check into grants to build a handicap bathroom for the Park.

Adjourn City Council Meeting

• Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 8:40 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present. 

Submitted by: 

Sue Block

Hamburg City Council Minutes - October 9, 2012

Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.  Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance.  City resident Wendell Stuewe was also present. Deputy Clerk Susan Block was absent.

Public Comment

• Wendell Stuewe – Storm Water Fee
• Mr. Stuewe commented on his dissatisfaction with paying the Storm Water fee and asked questions as to what the money is used for.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Added – September and October Claims List
• Added – Updated Delinquency Report
• Added – 2012/2013 Winter Snow Plowing Proposal from Wm. Mueller & Sons
• Added – Survey Letter from the Postal Service concerning the future of the Hamburg Post Office.
• Added – Councilmember Chris Lund revision of the August 16, 2012 Council Meeting Minutes.

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

Approve Consent Agenda

• Approve Minutes for August 14, 2012 & September 13, 2012
• August 14^th minutes should read August 16, 2012 and will be removed from the Consent Agenda to Councilmember Chris Lund report.
• Approve Election Judges for General Election
• Approve Lawful Gambling Permit for Lions Club (11/16/12)
• Approve Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for Lions Club (11/16/12)
• Approve Time-off Request (Dennis Byerly)
• Adopt Resolution Number 2012-06
• August Cash Flow Statement
• Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for September 2012
• Delinquent Utility Bills Report 
• MNSPECT Minute for October 2012
• Time-off Request for Jeremy Gruenhagen (Reminder)
• City Offices Closed November 12^th for Veterans Day

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

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

DNR Grant/Ag Star Grant

• DNR Grant – half completed
• Ag Star Grant - $1,000 for Rescue Bin Equipment

Approve Memorandum of Understanding (FEMA Grant for Paging System)

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Cologne, MN and the City of Hamburg, MN, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approval to Add Scott Anderson to the Hamburg Fire Department

• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve Scott Anderson as a member of the Hamburg Fire Department, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Fire Department Open House

• The open house will be from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on October 13, 2012.

Halloween Patrol – October 31, 2012

• The Hamburg firefighters will be on Halloween patrol again this year. 

Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association Request for $50 Pension Increase

• No comments or discussion.

Public Service Memorial

• Mayor Malz and Council thanked Chief Droege for all his time and effort he put into the Public Service Memorial. 

Snow Plow Contract with Wm. Mueller & Sons

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve Wm. Mueller & Sons quote for snow removal for the 2012/2013 winter season, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
• Councilmember Mueller requested a meeting between a representative from Wm. Mueller & Sons and Mike Legg (Carver County Maintenance Supervisor) to resolve the issue of who will be responsible for clearing County Road 50 after a snow fall.  Who will sand and/or salt the road and also request that the County leaves the blade down when going through town.
• City Clerk Gruenhagen will work on setting something up with the County.

Old City Business

City Clean Up-Day (Spring 2013)

• Waste Management and the City of Hamburg have agreed to schedule the City Clean-Up Day for late April or early May 2013.

Signs for City Hall/Township/Fire Department (Est. from Herald Journal Sign & Graphics)

• Councilmember Muller made a motion to purchase from Troy Feltmann, Herald Journal Sign &  Graphics, two Fire Station Signs (8”x 32”x 1/2”) at the price of $140.51 each (total $281.02) and one City – Township sign (12” x 42” x 1/2”) for the price of $284.42, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Liftstation Repairs - Pumps

• North Star Pump Service is scheduled to start the repair work on Tuesday, September 16, 2012.

Estimate to Clean City Sewer Lines

• Two estimates were received to clean and televise 3,000 feet of the sanitary sewer line from the Lift Station to the end of Brad Street, Robert Avenue and Donald Avenue, then from the manhole on George Street though the section in the field.
• Empire Pipe Services (Mankato) - $3,600
• Pipe Services (Shakopee) - $4,200
• Councilmember Mueller made a motion to have Empire Pipe Services, Mankato, clean and televise approximately 3,000 feet of  the sanitary sewer lines for the estimated bid price of $3,600, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Hall Rental for Pheasants Forever & Lions Pancake Breakfast

• The Pheasants Forever Club rented the Hall for their yearly banquet on January 19, 2013 and the Lions Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for the next day, January 20^th.  To avoid overtime and the inconvenience to have Maintenance Worker Byerly come in at 2:00 a.m. to clean the Hall the Lions Club volunteered to clean the Hall after the banquet if Maintenance Worker Byerly would come in later to clean the restrooms.

Carver County Sheriff’s Office City Contact Key-Holder List

• The Sheriff’s office requested information on who the Communications Center should contact in the event of an emergency, unsecured door, alarms, etc.  Council decided;
• First Contact – Maintenance Worker Byerly
• Second Contact – Mayor Malz
• Third Contact – City Clerk Gruenhagen

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

Insurance Claims Update

• All claims for the sewer backups have been completed.
• Repairing the Fire Department sign and pillars are being worked on.  When completed the full amount of the claim will be filed with the insurance company.
• The Hamburg Baseball Club is working on fixing the Baseball park fence.  When completed the claim will be filled.

Tax Forfeited Lot on Brad Street (PID #45.2000010)

• Council discussed and decided to not make a decision on whether or not to wave the assessment due on the property until someone is serious about purchasing the lot.

2013 Prosecution Contract

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the 2013 Prosecution Contract, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Public Hearing for Ordinance Number 143

• The Public Hearing for Ordinance #143 has been rescheduled for October 23, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

Set Special Meetings for Budget Workshop Meetings and Closed Meeting for Employee Evaluations

• Councilmember Mueller moved to hold Employee Evaluations on November 27, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Budget Workshop Meeting and a Budget Workshop Meeting on December 4, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
• On December 11, 2012 during the regular City Council meeting the 2013 Final Budget and the 2013 City Fee Schedule which includes the 2013 Water/Sewer/Storm Water Rates will be set.

Hamburg Post Office

• The Postal Service will be holding a meeting at the Community Center on November 14, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the best course of action for providing postal services to the Hamburg community.

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

• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the one ACH payment and claim number 15846 to 15863, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approve Payment of October 2012 Claims ($67,223.43)

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the four ACH payments and claim number 15864 to 15892, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

City Council Reports

Councilmember Lund (Streets)

• During the Carver County Leaders meeting Mike Carrier (Waconia) was elected Chair and Dick Stolz (Norwood/Young America) was elected Co-Chair.
• Councilmember Lund and Council discussed how the City Council minutes could and should be shortened.
• Councilmember Lund suggested that the Lions Club and City Council form a subcommittee to check into grants to build a handicap bathroom for the Park.

Adjourn City Council Meeting

• Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 8:40 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present. 

Submitted by: 

Sue Block

Hamburg City Council Minutes - October 9, 2012

Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.  Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance.  City resident Wendell Stuewe was also present. Deputy Clerk Susan Block was absent.

Public Comment

• Wendell Stuewe – Storm Water Fee
• Mr. Stuewe commented on his dissatisfaction with paying the Storm Water fee and asked questions as to what the money is used for.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Added – September and October Claims List
• Added – Updated Delinquency Report
• Added – 2012/2013 Winter Snow Plowing Proposal from Wm. Mueller & Sons
• Added – Survey Letter from the Postal Service concerning the future of the Hamburg Post Office.
• Added – Councilmember Chris Lund revision of the August 16, 2012 Council Meeting Minutes.

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

Approve Consent Agenda

• Approve Minutes for August 14, 2012 & September 13, 2012
• August 14^th minutes should read August 16, 2012 and will be removed from the Consent Agenda to Councilmember Chris Lund report.
• Approve Election Judges for General Election
• Approve Lawful Gambling Permit for Lions Club (11/16/12)
• Approve Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for Lions Club (11/16/12)
• Approve Time-off Request (Dennis Byerly)
• Adopt Resolution Number 2012-06
• August Cash Flow Statement
• Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for September 2012
• Delinquent Utility Bills Report 
• MNSPECT Minute for October 2012
• Time-off Request for Jeremy Gruenhagen (Reminder)
• City Offices Closed November 12^th for Veterans Day

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

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

DNR Grant/Ag Star Grant

• DNR Grant – half completed
• Ag Star Grant - $1,000 for Rescue Bin Equipment

Approve Memorandum of Understanding (FEMA Grant for Paging System)

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Cologne, MN and the City of Hamburg, MN, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approval to Add Scott Anderson to the Hamburg Fire Department

• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve Scott Anderson as a member of the Hamburg Fire Department, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Fire Department Open House

• The open house will be from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on October 13, 2012.

Halloween Patrol – October 31, 2012

• The Hamburg firefighters will be on Halloween patrol again this year. 

Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association Request for $50 Pension Increase

• No comments or discussion.

Public Service Memorial

• Mayor Malz and Council thanked Chief Droege for all his time and effort he put into the Public Service Memorial. 

Snow Plow Contract with Wm. Mueller & Sons

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve Wm. Mueller & Sons quote for snow removal for the 2012/2013 winter season, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
• Councilmember Mueller requested a meeting between a representative from Wm. Mueller & Sons and Mike Legg (Carver County Maintenance Supervisor) to resolve the issue of who will be responsible for clearing County Road 50 after a snow fall.  Who will sand and/or salt the road and also request that the County leaves the blade down when going through town.
• City Clerk Gruenhagen will work on setting something up with the County.

Old City Business

City Clean Up-Day (Spring 2013)

• Waste Management and the City of Hamburg have agreed to schedule the City Clean-Up Day for late April or early May 2013.

Signs for City Hall/Township/Fire Department (Est. from Herald Journal Sign & Graphics)

• Councilmember Muller made a motion to purchase from Troy Feltmann, Herald Journal Sign &  Graphics, two Fire Station Signs (8”x 32”x 1/2”) at the price of $140.51 each (total $281.02) and one City – Township sign (12” x 42” x 1/2”) for the price of $284.42, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Liftstation Repairs - Pumps

• North Star Pump Service is scheduled to start the repair work on Tuesday, September 16, 2012.

Estimate to Clean City Sewer Lines

• Two estimates were received to clean and televise 3,000 feet of the sanitary sewer line from the Lift Station to the end of Brad Street, Robert Avenue and Donald Avenue, then from the manhole on George Street though the section in the field.
• Empire Pipe Services (Mankato) - $3,600
• Pipe Services (Shakopee) - $4,200
• Councilmember Mueller made a motion to have Empire Pipe Services, Mankato, clean and televise approximately 3,000 feet of  the sanitary sewer lines for the estimated bid price of $3,600, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Hall Rental for Pheasants Forever & Lions Pancake Breakfast

• The Pheasants Forever Club rented the Hall for their yearly banquet on January 19, 2013 and the Lions Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for the next day, January 20^th.  To avoid overtime and the inconvenience to have Maintenance Worker Byerly come in at 2:00 a.m. to clean the Hall the Lions Club volunteered to clean the Hall after the banquet if Maintenance Worker Byerly would come in later to clean the restrooms.

Carver County Sheriff’s Office City Contact Key-Holder List

• The Sheriff’s office requested information on who the Communications Center should contact in the event of an emergency, unsecured door, alarms, etc.  Council decided;
• First Contact – Maintenance Worker Byerly
• Second Contact – Mayor Malz
• Third Contact – City Clerk Gruenhagen

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

Insurance Claims Update

• All claims for the sewer backups have been completed.
• Repairing the Fire Department sign and pillars are being worked on.  When completed the full amount of the claim will be filed with the insurance company.
• The Hamburg Baseball Club is working on fixing the Baseball park fence.  When completed the claim will be filled.

Tax Forfeited Lot on Brad Street (PID #45.2000010)

• Council discussed and decided to not make a decision on whether or not to wave the assessment due on the property until someone is serious about purchasing the lot.

2013 Prosecution Contract

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the 2013 Prosecution Contract, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Public Hearing for Ordinance Number 143

• The Public Hearing for Ordinance #143 has been rescheduled for October 23, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

Set Special Meetings for Budget Workshop Meetings and Closed Meeting for Employee Evaluations

• Councilmember Mueller moved to hold Employee Evaluations on November 27, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Budget Workshop Meeting and a Budget Workshop Meeting on December 4, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.
• On December 11, 2012 during the regular City Council meeting the 2013 Final Budget and the 2013 City Fee Schedule which includes the 2013 Water/Sewer/Storm Water Rates will be set.

Hamburg Post Office

• The Postal Service will be holding a meeting at the Community Center on November 14, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the best course of action for providing postal services to the Hamburg community.

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

• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the one ACH payment and claim number 15846 to 15863, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

Approve Payment of October 2012 Claims ($67,223.43)

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the four ACH payments and claim number 15864 to 15892, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present.

City Council Reports

Councilmember Lund (Streets)

• During the Carver County Leaders meeting Mike Carrier (Waconia) was elected Chair and Dick Stolz (Norwood/Young America) was elected Co-Chair.
• Councilmember Lund and Council discussed how the City Council minutes could and should be shortened.
• Councilmember Lund suggested that the Lions Club and City Council form a subcommittee to check into grants to build a handicap bathroom for the Park.

Adjourn City Council Meeting

• Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 8:40 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.  All Council members were present. 

Submitted by: 

Sue Block

Hamburg City Council Minutes - September 11, 2012

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

Public Comment

• No persons were in attendance for Public Comment.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

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

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

Approve Consent Agenda

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

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

Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

DNR Grant Application

• Received DNR Grant for $1,200.

Training Grant

• Received $3,150 Training Grant from the State

Public Service Memorial Update

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

Fire Department Open House – October 13, 2012

Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association

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

Hamburg Fire Department Relief Association

• The HFDRA asked for a $50 increase.

Public Service Memorial

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

Box Alarms

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

Old Brown Rectangular Tables

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

NIMS Training

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

Railroad Street Closure for Parkside Tavern Anniversary Party

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

Bi-Centennial Park Trails Quotes

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

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

Old City Business

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

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

Community Center Closet Door (Replace)

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

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

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

Parkside Tavern 5^th Anniversary

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

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

Liftstation Repairs

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

Estimate to Clean City Sewer Lines (Empire Pipe Services)

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

Community Center - Painting

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

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

Insurance Claims Update

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

Hamburg FD Plank and Pillar Outside the Community Center

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

Tax Forfeited Lot on Brad Street (PID #45.2000010)

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

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

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

City Council Meetings for 2012/2013

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

Hamburg Baseball Club

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

Park Mini-Biff Rental

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

2013 Proposed Tax Levy and 2013 Budget

Council Wages

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

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

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

Set Proposed Property Tax Levy for 2013

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

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

Approve 2013 Preliminary Budget

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

Set Public Comment Meeting for Final 2013 Budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

City Council Reports

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water)

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

Councilmember Lund (Streets)

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

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

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

Mayor Malz – had nothing further to report.

Adjourn City Council Meeting

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

Submitted by: 

Sue Block