Hamburg City Council Agenda – January 24, 2012

• Call Public Hearing to Order @ 7:00 PM
  
  • Ordinance Number 142 (2012 City Fee Schedule)
    

  
   

• Call City Council Meeting to Order
  
  • Pledge of Allegiance
    

 

• 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.)
  

 

• Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption
  

 

• 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 Equipment Sharing Agreement (Carver County Cities)
    
  • Approve Minutes for January 10, 2012
    
  • Approve MN Lawful Gambling Permit for Hamburg Lions Club (Spring Bingo)
    
  • 2012 American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast/Heroes Award Nominations
    
  • Water Usage Report for 2011
    
  • Delinquent Utility Bills Report
    
  • Employee Project Lists
    
  • Approve Time Off Requests for Jeremy Gruenhagen
    
  • Policing Report for December 2011
    

  
   

• Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege
  
  • FEMA Grant
    
  • HFDRA 2011 Donation Summary
    
  • DNR Online Open Burning Permit System/System Access
    
  • Insurance Coverage for Employees or Volunteers Individual Vehicles
    
  • Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) Update
    
  • Keyless Entry for Community Center/Fire Hall
    
  • HFDRA Retirement Account
    

    
     

• City Fee Schedule for 2012
  
  • Adopt Ordinance Number 142 (2012 City Fee Schedule)
    

    
     

• Old City Business (Memo)
  
  • City Clean Up Day (Spring 2012)
    
  • 2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates (June 1, 2013)
    
  • City Electronic Sign
    
  • Purchase Tables for Community Center/Hall
    
  • Norwood Young America Chamber of Commerce Membership
    

    
     

• Public Works & Utilities Department Report
  
  • Purchase Utility Locater/Camera
    
    • Ordinance Number 124
      
  • Purchase of New Wed/Dry Vac
    
  • Paint Community Center (Color)
    

  
   

• Deputy Clerk & City Clerk/Treasurer Report
  
  • 2012 MCFOA Conference (March 20-23)
    
  • Additional Lateral Quotes for Carver County Fiber Optic Ring
    
  • Business/Professional Directory for Hamburg (Update)
    

 

• Approve Payment of January 2012 Added Claims
  

 

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

 

• Adjourn City Council Meeting
  
  

 

 

COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES

 

 

JANUARY                 7 – HFDRA Banquet/Dance

                     15 – Lions Pancake Brunch

                    21 – Pheasants Forever

                 24-25 – Fahey Auction

                    28 – Green Isle CPA Banquet

                

FEBRUARY                 4 – HHFC Fish Fry

 

COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES

                    

 

JANUARY                 2 – New Year's Day Observed – City Office's Closed

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

                     2 – Hamburg Fire Department Training

                     7 – Community Center Rental (Karen Wolter)

                     8 – Community Center Rental (Karen Wolter)

                    10 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

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

                    16 – Hamburg Lions Club

24 – Public Hearing – Ordinance #142 – 7:00 PM

24 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

28 – Hamburg Baseball Club

30 – Hamburg Fire Dept. (Relief Association) Meeting

 

                    

FEBRUARY                 6 – Hamburg Lions Club (Lions/YA Twp. Room)

                     6 – Hamburg Fire Department Training

                    14 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

                    20 – Hamburg Lions Club

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

27 – Hamburg Fire Dept. (Relief Association) Meeting

                    28 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

                    

 

Obama Rejecting Pipeline, Pokes Back At GOP - Amy Harder - NationalJournal.com

Obama Rejecting Pipeline, Pokes Back At GOP - Amy Harder - NationalJournal.com

When President Obama took office he demanded that we pass legislation that would cost over $780 Billion because it would create over 3 Million jobs and keep unemployment below 8%. Included within that bill was "shovel ready jobs". A year after the passing of the "stimulus" bill the White House finally admitted that there was "no shovel ready jobs" as originally billed. Now, Congress passes a bill that put a timeline on President Obama to approve a "shovel ready job" and he claims that the timeline is to soon. Perhaps if we had not vacationed in Hawaii we'd have the studies completed on environmental impact. I wonder if the Hoover Dam, Mount Rushmore or the vast road system would have been able to be built when they were if those projects came up today. The White House told said the company can reapply and would most likely get approved in 2014. Really, why 2014? Pipelines have dramatically improved and are a safe way to transfer oil with limited impact on the environment. Plus, this pipeline would create over 100,000 jobs! Why is President Obama playing politics and not agreeing to a jobs creation bill that Congress passed?

Hamburg City Council Minutes – December 13, 2011

Mayor Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, Fire Chief Brad Droege, and Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly were in attendance. Also in attendance were Justin Black (S.E.H. – Hutchinson), John Rodeberg (S.E.H. – Hutchinson), and Justin Buckentin (Hamburg Fire Relief).

 

Public Comment – No one from the public was in attendance.

 

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Add – Carver County Sheriff's Report
  
• Updated – Delinquency Report
  
• Updated – Claims Report
  
• Remove from Consent Agenda – Minutes for September 27, 2011, October 11, 2011, and October 25, 2011.
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the agenda with the added and removed items, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.
  

Approve Consent Agenda

• Approve Resolution Number 2011-17
  
• Approve Resolution Number 2011-18
  
• Approve Contract for Policing Services for 2012 with Carver County
  
• Approve Cigarette License for Parkside Tavern (2012)
  
• Adopt Fund Balance Policy (GASB 54)
  
• Cancel December 27^th City Council Meeting
  
  • Next City Council Meeting January 10, 2012
    
• Potential Refunding of Existing Debt (Memo from Ehlers)
  
• MAOSC December News Update (Traffic Sigh Replacement)
  
• Water Usage Report for 2011
  
• Nuisance Letter(s) Report
  
• Delinquent Utility Bills Report
  
• Project Lists (City Employees)
  
• City Offices Closed December 23^rd and 26^th for Christmas Holiday
  
• Councilmember Barns moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of the three City Council Meeting minutes, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Fire Department Report

 

Fire Department Relief Association

• Justin Buckentin (FD Relief Association) updated Council on the Hamburg Fire Department Relief audit.
  
  • This years audit cost the Relief Association $7,200 and after checking with other cities the next lowest audit cost was $4,400. The Hamburg Relief Association has started to look for a different auditor for the 2012 audit, one that is more in line with other city auditor costs.
    

Firemens Banquet

• The Firemens Banquet & Dance will be held January 7, 2012 at the Hamburg Community Hall.
  

 

Toy Drive

• The Hamburg Fire Department had a Toy Drive Breakfast and raised $758 to purchase toys for the area Toy Drive.
  
• On Thursday, December 15, 2011, Hamburg, Norwood/YA, and Cologne Fire Departments will be collecting donated toys for the annual Toy Drive. The toys will be delivered to the Southwest Food Shelf located in Norwood/Young America which benefits the three areas.
  

Gun Raffle

• Hamburg Fire Department hosted a gun raffle on December 10 with all tickets being sold.
  

Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services Update)

• A lot of positive comments have been received about the Memorial.
  
• Next spring about $8,000 to $9,000 will be needed to finish the Public Servants Memorial.
  

FEMA Grant

• FEMA Grants should be out in December; so far HFD has not received a rejection notice.
  

HFD Elected Officers for 2012

• Fire Chief – Brad Droege
  
• 1^st Assistant – Adam Glander
  
• 2^nd Assistant – Justin Buckentin
  
• Training Officer – Jared Mackenthun
  
• Secretary/Treasurer – Brenda Jurek
  

Fire Department Accident on December 2, 2011

• Fire Chief Droege explained to Council as to what caused the accident on December 2^nd between a civilian vehicle and the departments Grass Rig.
  

 

City Engineers – S.E.H. Inc

 

City Engineers Justin Black & John Rodeberg

• Justin Black and John Rodeberg introduced themselves to Council as the new city S.E.H. Engineers. They will be serving the City from Hutchinson instead of the engineers from the Mankato S.E.H. office.
  
• Justin and John will be working on the following for the city;
  
  • Local Water Management Plan (June 2012)
    
  • Water Tower Maintenance Program
    
  • Phosphorus Management Plan (2014
    
  • Street Maintenance Plan with Al Hahn
    

 

2012 Final Tax Levy and Final Budget (Set & Adopt)

 

No public in attendance to voice their opinions on the 2012 budget.

 

Utility Rate Study

• According to the Cities auditors (Abdo, Eick & Myers) the storm water rate should be set at $31 a month. This would be for residential and commercial. City Clerk Gruenhagen also gave some variations on what could be charged to residents and commercial property to cover the storm sewer costs.
  
  • It was suggested to increase the storm water fee to $16.75 for the 2012 budget. In 2012 Council will have to decide the storm water rate going forward.
    
• Rates to be set on January 10, 2012.
  

City Fee Schedule for 2012 – Council discussed the following.

• Community Hall Rental Fee – increase by $50 or $100
  
• Pop Rate – Look to increase rate due to increased pop fees.
  
• What to set the water, sewer, and/or storm sewer rates at.
  
• Election judges pay is now $10 per hour should this amount be lowered to $8 per hour?
  
• Council Special Meetings payment is now $25 per meeting; increase to $30 per meeting?
  
  • This would have to be changed by ordinance before the General Election in 2012 and would go into effect in 2013.
    
• Councilmember Barns moved to hold the Public Meeting for the City Fee schedule for January 10, 2012 at 6:45 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

2012 Final Budget – Council discussed the budget (as presented) and made the following changes;

• Equipment & Improvement expenses for general government buildings were increased from $3,000 to $23,000 for the purchase of a light duty truck.
  
• Transfer from the General Fund to Cities Savings account was reduced to $12,000 from $27,000.
  

 

City Clerk Gruenhagen and Council discussed reducing the 2012 Property Tax Levy by 2%. They also discussed moving $25,000, fiscal year 2011, from the General Fund to Cities Saving Account for future Capital Purchases.

 

Councilmember Barnes moved to set the 2012 Levy at $395,210, a two percent decrease (-2%), seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

 

Councilmember Lund moved to approve the 2012 Final Budget with the changes as stated, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

 

Councilmember Mueller moved to approve transferring an additional $25,000 from the General Fund to the Cities Savings Fund, fiscal year 2011, for future Capital purchases, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

 

For the record no one from the public was present and Council set the 2012 Tax Levy and final 2012 Budget.

 

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

• The PFA loan disbursement should be finalized by the end of this month.
  
• The accident claim to Chard is still outstanding. If they have not paid by the end of the month it will be turned over to the City Attorney.
  

 

Old City Business (Memo)

 

Community Hall Cooler

• The Hamburg Lions Club volunteered to paint the Hall Cooler. Council did not have any objections.
  

City Clean Up Day (Spring 2012)

• City Clerk Gruenhagen will be meeting next Wednesday with Norwood/YA and Cologne to discuss setting a City Clean Up Day.
  
  • Council suggested including Young America Township in the event.
    

2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates

• This will be discussed next year.
  

 

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

 

Utility Locater/Camera

• Have one more vendor to demo their camera.
  

Purchase Tables for Community Hall

• Council discussed what type of table they would like to have in the Community Center and the Hall.
  
  • Council decided to purchase 10 - 6' x 2' plastic tables for the Community Center and use the wood tables at the Hall.
    
• The Hamburg Lions Club is looking at round plastic tables for the Community Center.
  

Broken Side Mirror - City Truck

• Mayor Malz will pick up a side mirror for the City Maintenance truck.
  

Shop Organization

• Councilmember Mueller asked Maintenance Worker Byerly to organize his desk and tools in the City Shop area.
  

Keys for City Buildings

• Cologne Internet Service (ISP) Company requested a key to the water tower so they could have access to their equipment when needed instead of contacting the City office first.
  
  • Council discussed and decided not to allow the water tower keys to be given out. They also discussed changing the locks on all City buildings.
    

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

 

Employee Reviews

• All City employee reviews have been completed.
  
• Employees were given a 2% increase for 2012 wages.
  
• Health Insurance was changed to where the City will only contribute $3,500 of the $4,000 contribution to the H.S.A.
  

Donations

• The Hamburg Lions Club donated $250 to be used toward the purchase of the trees for the Park.
  
• A resolution accepting all donations will be made at the beginning of next year.
  

City Office Hours

• The City office will be closed December 23, 2011 and December 26, 2011 for the Christmas Holiday's, also January 2, 2012 for New Years Day.
  
• City Clerk Gruenhagen will be off December 22, 2011 and December 27, 2011.
  
  • Council discussed what hours Deputy Clerk Block should work and decided to have her work 9:00 to 4:00 on the days Jeremy is off.
    

 

Approve Payment of December 2011 Claims

 

Approve Payment of November 2011 Claims

• Council discussed claim #15345 to Dr. Dan's Refrigeration in the amount $2,563.50 for work he had done on the Hall cooler. Council decided to hold the check until Dr. Dan can be contacted and ask if he would consider lower his cost.
  
• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve claim number 15334 through claim number 15381, less claim number 15345, and the three ACH payment, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried.
  All Council members were present.
  

 

City Council Reports

 

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water)

• Councilmember Mueller requested Maintenance Worker Byerly to clean up the shop area.
  

Councilmember Lund (Streets) – no further comments

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)

• Councilmember Trebesch reported that two street lights were out on Henrietta Ave.
  

Councilmember Barnes

• Councilmember Barnes questioned if the lights on the Memorial are on a timer.
  
  • Council commented that the lights on the statues are on a timer but the light on the flag is always on.
    

Mayor Malz

• Mayor Malz commented that the City keys keep walking off and should consider re-keying all the locks.
  
  • Council also suggested checking into the price of electric locks for all doors.
    

 

Adjourn City Council Meeting

• Councilmember Lund moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 8:51p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried.
  

 

 

Submitted by:

 

 

 

Sue Block - Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Minutes – November 22, 2011

Mayor Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember John Barnes, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Fire Chief Brad Droege, and Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly were in attendance. Councilmember Larry Mueller and Deputy Clerk Sue Block were absent.

 

Public Comment – No one from the public was in attendance.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Add – Updated Claims List
  
• Add – Temporary On-Sale Liquor License (4) for Lions Club
  
• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried.
  

Approve Consent Agenda

• Mediacom Rate Changes (December 15, 2011)
  
• Cash Flow Statement for October
  
• MCFOA Region V Training
  
• City Government Update Seminar (Abdo, Eick & Meyers)
  
• Xcel Energy Customer Feedback Letter
  
• MNSPECT Minute for November
  
• Water usage Report for 2011
  
• Draft Carver & Bevens Creek Turbidity TMDL Report & Request for Comment (MPCA)
  
• Temporary On-Sale Liquor Licenses (4) for Lions Club
  
• Exempt Gambling Permit for Pheasants Forever (January 21, 2012)
  
• Time Off Request (Jeremy Gruenhagen)
  
• City Offices Closed November 24^th and 25^th for Thanksgiving
  
• Removed from the Consent Agenda – Delinquent Utility Bills Report and Employees Project Lists
  
• Councilmember Lund moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the noted changes, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried.
  

 

Fire Department Report

FEMA Grant

• FEMA Grant – no update
  

HFD Officers Election

• The Hamburg Fire Department will be electing officers at their November 28^th meeting.
  

Firemens Dance

• The Firemens Dance will be held January 7, 2012 at the Hamburg Community Hall.
  

Toy Drive

• The Hamburg, Norwood/YA, and Cologne Fire Departments will be holding a toy drive again this year, November 23^rd to December 23^rd. The toys will be delivered to the Southwest Food Shelf located in Norwood/Young America.
  

Aridazzle Festival

• The City of Arlington will be hosting an Aridazzle Festival on December 3^rd. The Hamburg Fire Department will have one its fire trucks decorated and attending the event.
  

Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services Update)

• Brad Droege gave Council an update on the Memorial project.
  
  • The lights for the statues and flag should be installed on Wednesday, November 23^rd.
    
  • To date everything installed has been paid for.
    

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

• Repair of Kim Avenue is complete.
  
• During the construction of the Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer project the Hamburg Fire Department responded to a hazardous call when Chard Tiling hit a gas line. The cost for the Fire Department to respond is $800 of which Chard has not yet paid.
  

 

Old City Business

 

Community Hall Doors (Replace)

• Laurel Builders (Mike) sent in an estimate of $3,350 to replace the two Hall doors.
  
• Dan Oelfke submitted an estimate of $4,188.
  
• Councilmember Barnes moved to accept Laurel Builders bid on the commercial doors with panic bars at the Hall for $3,350, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion carried.
  

Cooler for Community Hall

• Council discussed the progress of installing the new cooler and what still needs to be done.
  

 

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

 

Utility Locater/Camera

• Maintenance Worker Byerly and City Clerk Gruenhagen have met with two venders and have one more vendor to demo their camera.
  

LED Lights

• Maintenance Worker Byerly asked Council if he could order four LED lights for the Community Center Exit Lights. The LED lights cost $33 per light but last longer then the lights currently used.
  
• Council discussed and decided to have Maintenance Worker Byerly purchase the LED lights.
  

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

 

2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates (June 1, 2013)

• Added to agenda so Council will know how long the City has to contest the 2010 Census Count.
  

Mediacom Business Phone Service

• City Clerk Gruenhagen followed up with Mediacom asking if they would change their required three year service agreement to one year. The answer he received was that Mediacom would not put in writing an agreement for one year.
  
• Council discussed and decided to table the idea for now.
  

2011 Budget Items

• City Clerk Gruenhagen informed Council that he should be able to finish the 2011 Budget and deliver it to Council on December 23^rd.
  

Budget Workshop Meeting – November 28, 2011 @ 6:00 p.m.

• Items to be discussed will be the 2012 Final Budget, 2012 Tax Levy, City Fee Schedule for 2012, and Water/Sewer/Storm Water Rates for 2012.
  

December 27^th City Council Meeting (Cancel)

• Canceling the December 27^th Council meeting will be decided on at the next meeting.
  

 

 

 

Approve Payment of November 2011 Claims

 

Approve Payment of November 2011 Claims

• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve claim number 15324 through claim number 15333and one ACH payment, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried.
  

 

City Council Reports

 

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water) – was absent

• City Clerk Gruenhagen
  reported for Councilmember Mueller that a tree stump located in the Park should be removed.
  
  • Council discussed and decided to have it removed when the duck pond is dredged out.
    

Councilmember Lund (Streets) – no further comments

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings) – had no further comments

Councilmember Barnes – had no further comments

Mayor Malz – had no further comments

 

Recess City Council Meeting

• Councilmember Trebesch moved to recess the Hamburg City Council meeting at 7:42 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion carried.
  

Move to Closed Meeting for the purpose of Employee Reviews (Unless any employee requests an Open Meeting for his/her review. Any Open Meeting for Employee review(s) shall be held prior to any Closed Meeting for Employee Review(s).

• Councilmember Trebesch moved to move to a Closed Meeting for Employee Reviews, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion carried.
  

Move to Close Closed Meeting for Employee Reviews

• Councilmember Trebesch moved to close Closed Meeting for Employee Reviews at 9:03 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion carried.
  

Move to Reopen the City Council Meeting

• Councilmember Trebesch moved to reopen the City Council Meeting at 9:03 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion carried.
  

 

City Clerk Gruenhagen noted after the Closed Meeting the following motions were made and seconded;

• The City to continue to pay insurance premiums for Maintenance Worker Byerly and City Clerk Gruenhagen with the City contributing $3,500 of the $4,000 deductable for insurance during 2012.
  
• Motion was made, seconded, and carried to approve a two percent (2%) pay increase for all employees with Councilmember Barnes abstaining.
  

 

Trees for the Park

• Council discussed and decided to purchase 10 trees from Dick Ames to be planted in the park.
  
• Councilmember Trebesch moved to purchase 10 trees (@ $75 per tree) from Dick Ames and plant them in the Bi-Centennial Park, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion carried.
  

Adjourn City Council Meeting

• Councilmember Lund moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 9:12 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried.
  

 

Submitted by:    Sue Block - Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Minutes – November 8, 2011

Mayor Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 8:02 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly was absent.

 

Public Comment – No one from the public was in attendance.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Add – Updated Nuisance List
  
• Add – Updated Delinquency Report
  
• Add – Updated Claims List
  
• Add – Updated Employee Project Lists
  
• Add – Phone Pricing from Mediacom
  
• Add – Commercial Building Rehabilitation Loan Program
  
• Add – Change Order
  
• Add – Pay Request #7 – Sanitary Storm and Sewer Project
  
• Add – 2012 Health Insurance Rates
  
• Add – Installation of Drain Tile
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Approve Consent Agenda

• Notice of Information Meeting on November 23, 2011 (Joint ditch No. 3A)
  
• Public Hearing – November 2, 2011- James Stuewe Variance Request
  
• Mediacom Digital Open House Information
  
• MNSPECT Holiday Schedule
  
• Cash Flow Statement for September
  
• Delinquent Utility Bills Report
  
• Nuisance Letter(s) Report
  
• Project Lists (City Employees)
  
• City Offices Closed November 11^th for Veterans Day
  
• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Fire Department Report

 

FEMA Grant

• FEMA Grant – no update
  

Narrow Banding Grant (Siren)

• Due to a new FCC mandate all outdoor warning sirens are to be upgraded to narrow band. Hamburg's warning siren is being upgraded to narrow band at the cost of $872.00. The estimated Grant award to Hamburg is $607.16 and the Cities obligation is $264.84.
  

Narrow Banding Grant (Pagers)

• The Hamburg Fire Department will be receiving 23 new narrow band pagers from a County FEMA Grant however Chief Droege has the opportunity to purchase eight more pagers at a reduced cost. If Council agreed to the purchase it would save the city $125 per pager over regular cost per pager. Cost for the eight additional pagers would be $465 per pager totaling $3,720. The Hamburg Fire Department would donate $2,500 from their Charitable Gambling Fund to help pay for them.
  
  • Total number of Firefighters including the Rescue Reserve is 33 members.
    
• Council discussed and decided to agree to the Fire Department's request to purchase eight additional pagers.
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to give the Hamburg Fire Department permission to purchase eight (8) additional pagers for $3,720.00, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) – Update

• Brad Droege gave Council an update on the Protective Services Memorial.
  
• Councilmember Mueller asked Council if they would like to have the City donate $100 towards Christmas decorations for the two evergreens by the Memorial.
  
  • Council discussed however no decision was made.
    

Engine 11 Repairs

• Repair of Engine 11 was completed.
  

HFD Officers Election

• The Hamburg Fire Department will be electing officers at their November 28^th meeting.
  

Halloween Patrol

• No instances to report on.
  

Toy Drive

• The Hamburg, Norwood/YA, and Cologne Fire Departments will be holding a toy drive again this year, November 23^rd to December 23^rd.
  

Garbage Can for Memorial

• Council discussed and decided to purchase a stone sided garbage can for the Memorial next spring.
  

Park Duck Pond

• The duck pond needs to be dredged out and Wm. Mueller & Sons (Brad Droege) estimated the cost to be about $800 to $900.
  
• Council discussed and decided to contribute up to $500 to dredge the duck pond with Wm. Mueller & Sons picking up any additional cost.
  
• Councilmember Mueller moved to contribute up to $500 towards dredging the Park Duck Pond, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Repair of Kim Avenue

• Brad Droege (Wm. Mueller & Sons) gave an update on the completed repair of Kim Avenue.
  

 

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

 

Annexation of Storm Water Pond Parcel – Joint Resolution 2011-16

• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the joint Resolution 2011-16 annexing the public property located adjacent to the east side of Bicentennial Park and currently located within the Town of Young America to the City of Hamburg for use as a storm water pond, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  
  

Extra Piping by Robert and Brad

• Councilmember Mueller informed Council that extra piping is needed by Robert Ave and Brad Street for a resident to hook up their sump pump into the new storm sewer. It would be in the best interest of the City to install a larger 4" pipe when the area is dug up. The resident has agreed to pay for the digging and the City should pay for the larger pipe and rock.
  
• Councilmember Trebesch moved to have the City of Hamburg pay for the larger pipe upgrade and rock to be installed by Robert Ave and Brad Street, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Change Order for I & I Project

• No. 3 – Remove Valley Gutter by David Avenue and George Street and No. 4 – Construct 7" Thick Valley Gutter by David Avenue and George Street were not completed correctly and should not be charged to the city.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will contact Al Hahn and have him follow up with Chard.
    

 

Old City Business

 

Community Hall Doors (Replace)

• City Clerk Gruenhagen is waiting for Laurel Builders to verify if their estimate includes panic bars on the commercial doors.
  

Cooler for Community Hall

• Council discussed the progress of installing the new cooler.
  

 

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

 

Utility Locater/Camera

• Maintenance Worker Byerly and City Clerk Gruenhagen have met with two venders and have one more camera /locater to look at.
  

Utility Service Full Service Maintenance Program (Water Tower)

• Council was presented with a projected full service maintenance program from Utility Service (Ryan Baum - Water System Consultant) to maintain the cities water tower. A six year full renovation inside and exterior would cost the city approximately $250,000.
  
• Council decided not to accept this maintenance program.
  

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

 

Mediacom Business Phone Service

• City Clerk Gruenhagen presented Council with information on switching to Mediacom Business Telephone service.
  
• Council discussed and asked City Clerk Gruenhagen to follow up with Mediacom if they would change their required three year service agreement to one year. If Mediacom agrees to a one year contract Council will discuss at that time.
  

2011 Budget Items Budgeted to be completed in 2011

• Council requested to keep this on the agenda incase someone comes up with a project for this year.
  

Health Insurance Rates and Employee Evaluations

• Discussion on Health Insurance and Employee Evaluations will be on the November 22^nd Council Agenda.
  

Set Special Budget Workshop Meeting Dates

• Councilmember Trebesch moved to set the Special Budget Workshop Meeting on November 28, 2011 at 6:00 p.m., Councilmember Barnes seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Small Cities Commercial Building Rehabilitation Loan Program

• Council discussed a joint venture with Norwood/Young America, Cologne, and Hamburg to apply for the Small Cities Commercial Building Rehabilitation Cooperative Agreement loan program. Council decided that it was in the best interest for the community to apply for the loan.
  
• Councilmember Trebesch moved to approve to participate with Norwood/Young America and Cologne in applying for the Small Cities Commercial Building Rehabilitation loan program, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Deputy Clerk Block informed Council that during March 20-23, 2012 there is a MCFOA conference in St. Cloud that she would like to attend.

• Council discussed and decided to add this to the 2012 budget and make a final decision whither or not to allow her to attend once the total cost of the conference becomes available.
  

 

Approve Payment of November 2011 Claims

 

Approve Payment of November 2011 Claims

• Council discussed the following check:
  
  • #15323 Chard Tiling & Excavating for $35,696.19
    
    • Hold cost of change order amount until better clarification of charges but approve the pay request for $32,143.46.
      
• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve claim number 15291 through claim number 15323, changing the payment amount of claim number 15323 to $32,143.46 and the three ACH payments, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

City Council Reports

 

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water) – had no further comments

Councilmember Lund (Streets) – no further comments

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)

• Street light by Central Street and Sophia Ave is blinking, requested a fix ticket be sent to Xcel.
  

Councilmember Barnes – had no further comments

Mayor Malz – had no further comments

 

Councilmember Lund moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 9:52 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

 

        Submitted by:                                    

        Sue Block

                                                                                                 Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Minutes – October 25, 2011

Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg Special Meeting for the Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Assessment Roll to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, and Deputy Clerk Sue Block were in attendance. Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly was absent. Chuck Vermeersch (S.E.H.) was also in attendance.

 

Residents in attendance were; Glenn & Mary Mueller (624 Kim Ave), William Panning (631 Kim Ave), Joyce Kroells (637 Kim Ave), Richard Lehrman (638 Kim Ave), Brad Droege (507 George St), Dale Stuewe (636 Kim Ave), Lois Droege (719 Park Ave), also Nichelle Schug and Dave Towner (618 Kim Ave).

 

Chuck Vermeersch (S.E.H.) presented Council and the public an over view of the Assessment Hearing Agenda, Purpose of Hearing and Description of Project;

• Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Project Cost and Funding Summary
  
  • Total Estimated Project Cost - $1,175.143
    
  • Estimated Project Financing (Neighborhood Contribution) - $150,200
    
  • Estimated Project Financing (Public Utility Revenues City-wide Contribution) $1,024,943
    
• Assessment Policy
  
  • Only Sanitary Sewer improvement costs are proposed to be assessed.
    
• Assessment Rates
  
  • Total Estimated Sanitary Sewer Cost - $289,326
    
  • Neighborhood Contribution Assessments - $150,200
    
  • Total Number of Assessable Units – 42 units
    
  • Assessment Rate per Unit - $3,576.19
    
  • Assessment Years – 19 years
    
  • Assessment Interest Rate – 3.256%
    
• Special Assessment Payments by Residents
  
  • The total amount of the Assessment can be paid without interest for thirty (30) days from the date the Assessment was approved by Council.
    
  • After the thirty (30) days one year of interest would be added to the payment if paid off within one year after Assessment approval.
    
  • After one year from the approval date the Assessed amount plus interest would be applied to the resident's property taxes.
    
  • Payment of the special assessment for homestead property owners 65 years of age or older, one retired by permanent and total disability, or a member of the National Guard or other reserves ordered to active military service for whom it would be a hardship to make payments can be deferred with approval from Council.
    
    • If payment is deferred the interest will continue to accrue.
      

 

Public Comments

• Lois Droege requested the undeveloped lot she owns, PID #45.1760040, which has no service hookups be removed from the Assessment Roll.
  
  • Council will discuss during the regular City Council Meeting if the lot should be removed and the Assessment Roll modified.
    

 

Councilmember Mueller moved to close the Special Assessment Hearing at 7:25 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

 

 

Mayor Richard Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, Councilmember John Barnes, Councilmember Larry Mueller, City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Sue Block, and Fire Chief Brad Droege were in attendance. Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly was absent. Others in attendance were Ryan Baum (Utility Service Company), Dale Stuewe (636 Kim Ave), Chuck Vermeersch (S.E.H.)

 

Public Comment

• Dale Stuewe (636 Kim Ave) requested his water usage for last month be lowered. He was watering the new sod placed in his back yard due to the Storm Sewer and Storm Water project.
  
• Council discussed and decided not to lower Dale Stuewes water usage amount. Council also decided to wait until next spring to find out if the sod should be replaced.
  

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Add – Norwood/Young America Chamber of Commerce Letter
  
• Add – Updated Delinquency Report
  
• Add – Updated Claims List
  
• Add – Resolution Number 2011-15
  
• Added to the City Clerk Report
  
  • 2012 Health Insurance Rates
    
  • Changing November 8, 2011 Council Meeting Time and/or Date
    
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

Approve Consent Agenda

• Approve Minutes for September 27, 2011 and October 11, 2011
  
  • Mayor Malz requested one change in the September 27^th Minutes, change City Attorney Metz to Carver County Attorney Mark Metz.
    
• 2012 MBA Scholarship Program
  
• MN State Bid Trucks – North Central International
  
• Melchert-Hubert-Sjodin Open House December 6, 2011
  
• Mediacom (Analog to Digital) & (New Digital Tiers)
  
• Gambling Permit for Conservation Partners of America (Jan. 28, 2012)
  
• Public Hearing – Chaska (November 2, 2011) – James Stuewe Variance Request
  
• Delinquent Utility Bills Report
  
  • Owner of 481 Sophia Ave contacted the Hamburg City office concerning the delinquent water bills of renter and will send in a partial payment.
    
• Nuisance Letter(s) Report
  
• Project List (City Employees)
  
• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the one change, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Hamburg Water Tower – Ryan Baum (Water Systems Consultant)

• Ryan Baum gave a presentation on what Utility Service could do in repairing, painting, and general maintenance of the cities water tower.
  
• Council asked Mr. Baum to put some figures together as to what it would cost the City if they entered into a contract with Utility Service to maintain the water tower.
  
  • Mr. Baum will have the annual fee cost available for the next Council meeting on November 8^th, 2011.
    

Fire Department Report – Presented by City Clerk Gruenhagen

(Chief Brad Droege was unable to attend tonight's meeting.)

 

FEMA Grant

• FEMA Grant – no word yet.
  

Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) – Update

• Cement will be poured Thursday.
  
• Flagpole will be installed this week.
  
• Last two statues pick up on Wednesday.
  
• Setting statues up Thursday night.
  
• Finish landscape and benches on Saturday.
  
  

Fire Department Garage Door

• The bay door will be fixed this Thursday.
  

Hydrant Extensions

• Maintenance Worker Byerly will have the hydrant extensions painted however there is no time frame as to when this will be completed.
  

Park Duck Pond

• The duck pond needs to be dredged out again and Brad Droege was wondering if the City could help cover some of the cost. Wm. Mueller & Sons would also help with some of the costs.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen informed Council that there is about $2,000 left in the Park Repairs and Maintenance budget to help cover a portion of the cost.
    
• Council requested that Brad Droege, Wm. Mueller & Sons, put together an estimate of how much this would cost before making a decision. City Clerk Gruenhagen will speak with Mr. Droege.
  

Repair of Kim Avenue

• Wm. Mueller & Sons will start working on repairing Kim Avenue on October 27^th – 28^th or the week of November 31^st.
  

 

Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project

 

Annexation of Storm Water Pond Parcel

• The resolution to annex the Storm Water Pond parcel into the City will be ready for approval by the next Council meeting on November 8^th. This will be a joint resolution with the Township during their regular meeting accruing on the same date and time.
  

Assessment Roll

• Council discussed removing or leaving parcel number 45.1760040 on the Assessment Roll. This parcel does not have any services stubbed in and no access to a public street.
  
  • Councilmember Mueller moved to remove parcel number 45.1760040 from the Assessment Roll, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
    

Resolution Number 2011-15

• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve Resolution Number 2011-15 with the removal of parcel number 45.1760040 from the Assessment Roll, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

 

 

Old City Business

 

Closet for Fiber Optic Equipment/City Storage

• Laurel Builders were awarded the contract at the last Council meeting.
  

Community Hall Doors (Replace)

• Council discussed the estimates from Dan Oelfke and Laurel Builders and decided to have City Clerk Gruenhagen verify if the estimate from Laurel Builders includes panic bars on the commercial doors.
  

Cooler for Community Hall

• Councilmember Barnes contacted Danny and he will be out Monday to disconnect the electrical wiring on the old cooler.
  
• Maintenance Worker Byerly is working on pressure washing the cooler paneling.
  
• Councilmember Trebesch requested someone else be the main contact in organizing and completing the project. Councilmember Barnes will look at what needs to be done.
  

 

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

 

Utility Locater/Camera

• Maintenance Worker Byerly is setting up appointments for different companies to come out and demonstrate their utility cameras.
  

Re-Strip Community Center Parking Lot – Estimate from Kohl's (Lonnie)

• Councilmember Mueller moved to have Kohls Sweeping Service (Lonnie Kohls) re-strip the Community Center parking lot for his proposed cost of $293.00, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

 

Dehumidifier for Community Center

• Hilgers Plumbing and Heating submitted an estimate for installing a dehumidifier on the Community Center heating unit. The proposed cost was $2,470.
  
• No action was taken at this time. Another estimate will be obtained.
  

Handicap Accessibility for City Parks

• This item will be kept on the agenda to be decided on next spring as to where the paths should be located.
  

Mediacom Business Phone Service

• City Clerk Gruenhagen will follow up with his contact at Mediacom for more information if the city would save any money bundling phone and internet with them.
  

2011 Budget Items Budgeted to be completed in 2011

• Hall Improvements and Repair has $5,500 to replace the Hall doors this year.
  

Health Insurance

• If the City would change its Health Provider to Medica it would save $4,300 per year for the same coverage it now has with Blue Cross Blue Shield.
  
• Council requested City Clerk Gruenhagen to check the cost of health care if the city went directly through a broker and report back at the next Council meeting.
  

 

 

 

Changing the November 8^th City Council Meeting Date and/or Time

• November 8, 2011 is National Election Day and no meetings can be held between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. There will be a School Board Election on that day so Council will either have to hold their Council meeting before 6:00 p.m. or after 8:00 p.m. The other alternative would be to move the Council meeting to another date.
  
• Councilmember Barnes moved to move the City Council meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on November 8, 2011, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

Approve Payment of Added October 2011 Claims

 

Approve Payment of October 2011 Claims

• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the one ACH payment and claim number 15272 through claim number 15290, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
  

 

City Council Reports

 

Councilmember Mueller (Sewer & Water) – had no further comments

Councilmember Lund (Streets)

• Councilmember Lund questioned the Hall Rental fee published in the local newspaper as being incorrect.
  
  • City Clerk Gruenhagen will call the paper and have them print a retraction.
    

Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)

• Councilmember Trebesch asked if the Park water has been turned off for the winter months.
  
  • Maintenance Worker Byerly watches the weather and keeps the Park bathrooms open as long as possible before shutting off the water.
    

Councilmember Barnes – had no further comments

Mayor Malz – had no further comments

 

Councilmember Lund moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 8:58 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

 

        Submitted by:                                    

        Sue Block

                                                                                                 Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Agenda – January 10, 2012

• Call City Council Meeting to Order at 7:00 PM
  
  • Pledge of Allegiance
    
  • Designations/Appointments for 2012
    
    • Appoint Assistant (Acting) Mayor
      
    • Designate Departments for City Council Members
      
    • Set City Council Meeting Start Time for 2012
      
    • Designate Official Depository (Bank) and Official Newspaper
      
    • Designate City Engineer(s) for 2012
      

 

• 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.)
  

 

• Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption
  

 

• 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 Resolution Number 2012-01
    
  • Approve Minutes for October 25, 2011, November 8, 2011, November 22, 2011 and December 13, 2011
    
  • Approve MN Lawful Gambling Permit for Hamburg Baseball Club (52 Club Raffle)
    
  • Move Public Hearing for 2012 City Fee Schedule (Ordinance No. 142) to:
    
    • January 24, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
      
  • 2011 Property/Casualty Dividend
    
  • Letter from MCFOA
    
  • Local Board of Appeal and Equalization/Open Book Meetings
    
  • Memo from Carver County Emergency Management Department
    
    • Outdoor Warning Siren Work – Narrow Banding Grant Funding
      
  • GASB Statement Number 54 Memo
    
  • Cash Flow Statements for November & December 2011
    
  • Water Usage Report for 2011
    
  • Delinquent Utility Bills Report
    
  • Time Off Requests for Jeremy Gruenhagen
    
  • City Offices Closed January 16, 2012 for MLK Jr. Day
    

  
   

  
   

  
   

  
   

  
   

  
   

  
   

• Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege
  
  • FEMA Grant
    
  • Insurance Coverage for Employees or Volunteers Individual Vehicles
    
  • Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) Update
    
  • HFDRA Henry .22 (Firefighter Edition) Gun Raffle
    
  • Fire Department Banquet/Dance (January 7, 2012)
    
  • HFDRA Retirement Account
    

    
     

• City Fee Schedule for 2012
  
  • Public Hearing to Adopt City Fee Schedule
    
    • January 24, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
      

    
     

• Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements Project
  
  • PFA Loan Disbursement
    

  
   

• Old City Business (Memo)
  
  • City Clean Up Day (Spring 2012)
    
  • 2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates (June 1, 2013)
    

    
     

• Public Works & Utilities Department Report
  
  • Utility Locater/Camera
    
  • Purchase Tables for Community Hall
    

  
   

• City Clerk/Treasurer Report
  
  • Keyless Entry for Community Center/Fire Hall
    
  • Equipment Sharing Agreement (Carver County Cities)
    

 

• Approve Payment of December 2011/January 2012 Claims
  

 

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

 

• Adjourn City Council Meeting
  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES

 

 

JANUARY                 7 – HFDRA Banquet/Dance

                     15 – Lions Pancake Brunch

                    21 – Pheasants Forever

                 24-25 – Fahey Auction

                    28 – Green Isle CPA Banquet

                

 

FEBRUARY                 4 – HHFC Fish Fry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES

                    

 

JANUARY                 2 – New Year's Day Observed – City Office's Closed

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

                     2 – Hamburg Fire Department Training

                     7 – Community Center Rental (Karen Wolter)

                     8 – Community Center Rental (Karen Wolter)

                    10 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

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

                    16 – Hamburg Lions Club

24 – Public Hearing – Ordinance #142 – 7:00 PM

24 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM

28 – Hamburg Baseball Club

30 – Hamburg Fire Dept. (Relief Association) Meeting

 

                    

 

Montana Supreme Court Uphold's Corporate Ban

The Supreme Court of Montana upheld a 1912 state law that banned corporations from spending money in "connection with a candidate or political party that support or opposes a candidate or political party". The original law in Montana was in response to Copper Baron's that had used their purse strings to purchase judges and legislators to do their bidding. The Montana Supreme Court upheld the law by a 5-2 vote.

While many will see this as a great victory to encourage the United States to reverse their Citizen United case from last year, I see this as a state exerting their 10th Amendment Rights. The 1912 law deals with state and local elections and does not impact the national elections that come through town every four years. If Montana gets a chance to argue their case before the Supreme Court and make a valid case that the 1912 law only effects state and local elections thus doesn't fall under the Citizen United precedent; rather the 1912 law is protected by the 10th Amendment then it could have a ripple effect to other laws of the land.

The ripple effect would be seen first through commerce and actually be a means for states to Constitutionally opt out of Obamacare since their is no interstate commerce going on. Possible even see challenges to Roe v. Wade, Affirmative Action, DOMA and other social concepts that not all States may agree with. Which brings me back to may original point that many that don't agree with Citizen United see this as a possible victory, if it stands I see it having a larger impact on States being able to wrestle back the 10th Amendment that has been eroded since it's birth.