Campaign Financing - Foreign Dollars in play

Progressives were up in arms after the United States Supreme Court ruled that Corporations have the right to run ads for or against candidates as well as contribute money to Super PAC's. The Citizen's United case paved the way, and the recent ruling by the SCOTUS this past week, for a large influx of money and energy to be poured into every campaign in the United States. A prime example is the recent recall attempt of Governor Scott Walker in Wisconsin.

The recall election saw pro-Scott Walker camps outspending anti-Scott Walker camps nearly 8 to 1. Progressive pundits claimed that the large difference in money spent was the main contributor to Governor Walker remaining in office. Progressives are upset because their Union coffers no longer give them an advantage with the decision of Citizen's United.  One of the fears discussed after Citizen's United was the influx of foreign cash into campaigns.

To date the Democrat National Party has raised over $335M while the Republican National Party has raised over $320M. PAC's have raised, collectively, just as much as both parties. Unfortunately I couldn't find a breakout of the PAC's based on who they backed on the Federal Election Commission website (www.fec.gov). All this being said, George Clooney will be assissting President Obama in Geneva, Switzerland to raise "euro-cash" for re-election. http://www.fec.gov/disclosure/partySummary.do?cf=phome

First, Progressives rail against the lost monopoly of Union warchest with the upholding of Citizen's United. Now, Progressives are bringing in foreign dollars and influences which they said Conservatives would do with the Citizen's United decision. When will the Federal Election Commission rule that no money but a small stipend from the Federal Government may be spent on elections? Even though I contend that every American has the God given right to voice their opinion in favor or against a candidate, I do draw the line at foreign influences. I do acknowledge that both sides are guilty too.

Obamacare is a tax!!

SCOTUS ruled on ObamaCare today.

http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/11pdf/11-393c3a2.pdf 


Chief Justice Roberts joined the four other left leaning justices to agree that Congress has the ability to mandate every American must purchase health care or risk being "taxed". All Justices, except for Ginsberg, agreed that the mandate fails and is unconstitutional based on the limited powers the Commerce Clause places on Congress.

A TAX! Back in 2009 in an interview with George Stephanopoulos, President Obama asserted that Stephanopoulos was making up words by calling the health care mandate a tax.

http://youtu.be/bg-ofjXrXio

During the three day questioning earlier this year, it was Justice Kagan had to help the Solicitor General through the tough questioning to get out the fact that the mandate is a tax.

What is next? What new tax will Congress place upon us to mandate us do something? Here is an example. Democrats fought hard to require health insurance companies to be required to provide free birth control to all women even if it violated ones religious beliefs or tenets. The Affordable Care Act also established a non-elected governance board that will make decisions on what will be covered and not. Environmentalists have argued that the worlds food supply is not enough to sustain the current population. What prevents Congress now from passing a "tax" for each additional child one has past the first born? Or What prevents Congress from passing a "tax" that requires all adults to be sterilized after the first or second child?

The Chief Justice's decision to consider this a tax has opened Pandora's Box of the use of a tax to mandate Americans to do or not to do something.

The Most Transparent President Ever!

While on the campaign trail, Sen. Obama blasted past administrations for allowing special interest groups access to the White House and the lack of transparency too. Interesting that as the Fast and Furious debacle plays out that President Obama would exercise Executive Privilege over information Congress is asking Attorney General Holder to provide.

Then the Wall Street Journal is reporting that David Axelrod's advertising group, which he supposedly cut ties with, was intragal in promoting ObamaCare. American's can only hope that the US Supreme Court strikes down ObamaCare but that still doesn't take away the recent efforts of the White House to cover-up and conceal. Perhaps we are witnessing another Watergate!

Hamburg City Council Minutes - May 8.2012

Hamburg City Council Meeting
May 8, 2012
1
Mayor 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, Deputy Clerk Susan Block, Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly, and Fire Chief Brad
Droege were in attendance.
Public Comment
 No one from the public was present.
Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption
 Added – Updated Claims List
 Added – Updated Delinquent Report to Consent Agenda
 Added – Print out of new City Sign
 Added – Water Usage for 2012 to Consent Agenda
 Added – Memo from LMC on the Federal Flag Code
 Added under Councilmember Lund’s Report: Update on Accel Meeting
 Councilmember Trebesch moved to approve the agenda with the added items, seconded by
Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
Approve Consent Agenda
 Approve Minutes for March 13, March 27 & April 10, 2012
 Adopt Resolution 2012-04
 Local Government Pay Equity Act Compliance Letter
 MNSPECT Minute for May 2012
 2012 Clark Mosquito Schedule
 Corridor Investment Management Strategy Spring 2012 Stakeholder Meetings
 Xcel Energy Customer Service Letter
 March Cash Flow Statement
 Delinquent Utility Bills Report
Note; Council discussed the Cities Delinquent policy asking if there are any other ways to collect delinquent
accounts in addition to the policy we now use. City Clerk Gruenhagen and Deputy Clerk Block will check if
there are any other ways to have residents pay up on their delinquencies.
 Employee Project Lists
 Time Off Request for Jeremy Gruenhagen
 Time Off Request for Sue Block
Note; Council discussed the time off requests from City Clerk Gruenhagen and Deputy Clerk Block. The
time off requests overlap on May 29th and May 30th. Council decided to grant both requests for time off
however, City Clerk Gruenhagen was asked to keep the City office open as much as possible on May 30th.
Note; Mayor Malz requested a report to be emailed to all Council members showing City employees
vacation and sick time used and available to use in 2012.
 Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember
Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege
DNR Grant Application
 Chief Droege has applied for a $1,200 DNR Grant.
Hamburg City Council Meeting
May 8, 2012
2
Carver County Open Burning Program
 The online Carver County Open Burning Permit program should be available on May 15, 2012.
Hamburg city residents will be able to purchase an open burning permit online.
Grain Bin Rescue Training
 Training for grain bin rescue has been completed. The Fire Department is planning on budgeting
money to purchase updated equipment for grain bin rescues later this year.
National Tractor Pull in Green Isle (August 24, 2012)
 The National Tractor Pull will be held this year in Green Isle and the Hamburg Fire Department has
been asked to sell concessions during the event.
 Chief Droege asked Council if the Green Isle Fire Department could use and/or rent the Cities
bleachers during the tractor pull.
o Council discussed and decided to have City Clerk Gruenhagen check into how Council
handled other city requests for the bleachers and handle Green Isles request the same way.
Zummerfest Festival (June 15 – 17, 2012)
 Chief Droege updated Council on some of the events planed for Zummerfest. Most of the events will
be the same as last year including wrestling at the City Hall starting at 7:00 p.m. This years Tractor
Pull will have two sleds going at the same time instead of one.
Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) Update
 Some flowers and shrubs have been planted at the Memorial and the granite plaque should be
arriving May 14th or 15th.
Severe Weather Program
 Fire Chief Droege informed Council of the Carver County Severe Weather Program. Its purpose is to
have a document that shows what public safety agencies may provide during a weather spotting event
in our community. The document addresses how to notify fire department personnel for spotting,
reporting of severe weather and finally siren activation.
Trails for City Parks
 Brad Droege updated Council that a plan is being put together on where the trails could be placed in
the parks from the parking areas to the play equipment.
Old City Business
City Clean Up Day (Fall 2012)
 The city clean up day has been scheduled for the third Saturday in September (15).
2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates (June 1, 2013)
 No new information
Purchase Tables for Community Center
 It was brought up if Council would like to order an additional set of twenty-two white plastic tables
for the Hamburg Hall. The Lions Club had already committed to purchasing twenty-four white
plastic tables for the Community Center.
o Council discussed and decided to purchase three sets of twenty-two tables. Twenty-four to be
used at the Community Center and forty-two for the Hall.
 Councilmember Barnes moved to purchase three sets of twenty-two white plastic commercial grade
tables with the ten year warranty, Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion unanimously
carried. All Council members were present.
Park Food Stand (Re-Siding)
 The re-siding of the Park Food Stand has started. The only addition to the estimate was to wrap the
window serving area with aluminum.
Hamburg City Council Meeting
May 8, 2012
3
Estimate for Sidewalk Replacement – Henrietta Ave.
 The sidewalk replacement by Hanson & Vasek should start the end of this month.
Community Center Closet Door (Repair/Replace)
 The door has been ordered.
National Night-Out – (August 7th)
 There was a meeting on May 1, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center. The food list and who
was going to do what was discussed. The next meeting is scheduled for June 5th at 7:00 p.m.
Revised NIMS Training Program (Requirements)
 Councilmember Trebesch picked up a packet to complete his training.
City Council Meeting Dates
 Council was reminded that the City Council meetings will only be held once a month (May, June,
July, and August) on the second Tuesday of the month from May through August.
Public Works & Utilities Department Report
Flush Hydrants
 The hydrants have been flushed.
City Alleys (Added Rock/Shape Up)
 The City alleys were shaped up but no additional rock was added.
Paint Community Center
 Sentence to Serve will be called to help paint the interior of the Community Center.
Street Repairs for 2012
 Al Hahn (S.E.H.) has not turned in the Street Maintenance plan. Council requested that the plan be
presented at the next Council meeting.
 City Clerk Gruenhagen was asked to contact NYA for specs on what type of rock and oil they use for
seal coating.
Grinder Station Pump
 A new pump for the Jacob Street Grinder Station has to be replaced. One quote was received from
EP Electric Pump for $2,506.22 which does not include delivery, installation, or trip charges.
Council requested Maintenance Worker Byerly to obtain another quote.
 Council discussed the purchase of a new pump and decided to permit Maintenance Worker Byerly to
purchase a pump (lowest estimate) if both estimates are for new pumps and is all inclusive.
Time Off Request (no paperwork presented)
 Maintenance Worker Byerly requested June 1st and June 4th, 2012 off. He will be available to do
rounds.
 Councilmember Barnes moved to grant Maintenance Worker Byerly his requested time off on
June 1 and June 4, 2012, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried.
All Council members were present.
City Clerk/Treasurer Report
Sanitary & StormWater Improvement Project
 City Clerk Gruenhagen updated Council that the items on the Punch List are being worked on so this
project can be wrapped up. Council was asked if any more items need to be added to the Punch List
to let him know as soon as possible.
Hamburg City Council Meeting
May 8, 2012
4
Abdo Eick & Meyers Proposal
 Abdo, Eick, & Myers sent in a request to perform the Cities auditing services (Financial Audit) for
the years of 2012, 2013, 2014. The fee for 2012 would not change from what was charged for the
2011 audit however, an increase of two percent (2%) for 2013 and 2014 would be applied.
o 2012 - $15,500
o 2013 - $15,810
o 2014 - $16,120
 Council discussed and decided to hire Abdo, Eick, & Meyers as the Hamburg City Auditors for the
next three years (2012-2014 Financial Audits).
 Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the auditing contract from Abdo, Eick, & Meyers for
the years 2012, 2013, and 2014 at the cost per year as stated in the contract, seconded by
Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
Sign for City Hall/Township
 Councilmember Mueller presented a proof for a new City Hall/Township sign which would be placed
on the outside of the Community Center building. Council discussed and agreed with the design of
the sign at a cost of $1,210.96. Council will be asking the Hamburg Lions Club and the Young
America Township for a contribution to help pay for the sign. A final vote on whether or not to
purchase the sign will be taken at the next City Council meeting on June 12th.
Use of SHIP Monies (Handicap Access to Parks)
 Plans for handicap pathways to the play equipment in the parks are being worked on.
o It was suggested that at the Community Park; the design should keep as much green space as
possible.
Minnesota Flag
 Council discussed flying the Minnesota Flag at the Bi-Centennial Park. After checking flag etiquette
it was determined that the Minnesota Flag could be hung by itself. Council decided to go ahead and
hang the Minnesota Flag on the flag pole located on the west side of the park.
Approve Payment of May 2012 Claims
Approve Payment of May 2012 Claims
 Check #15632 for $4,000 paid to the HFDRA was questioned if it was going to be reimbursed to the
City.
o City Clerk Gruenhagen replied that the $4,000 was received from the State and then is
distributed to the Relief Association for retiring firefighters.
 Check #15625 for $6,998.43 to Budget Lighting for installing the new lighting for the City was
questioned if instillation was complete.
o City Clerk Gruenhagen replied that installation of the new lights has been completed.
 Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the four ACH payment and claim number 15620
through 15648 amounting to $29,363.15, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion
unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
City Council Reports
Councilmember Mueller (Sewer &Water)
 Councilmember Mueller commented that there is still $10,000 of Grant monies available from the I
& I project. He suggested using the money to install a SAFL Baffle in the storm water catch basin
before it drains into the ditch on the south side of the park.
Hamburg City Council Meeting
May 8, 2012
5
o Council discussed and decided to give permission to Councilmember Mueller to talk to the
City Engineer about installing the SAFL Baffle at a cost of $10,000 or less.
Councilmember Lund (Streets)
 Councilmember Lund updated Council on the Accel meeting he attended.
Councilmember Trebesch (Buildings)
 Councilmember Trebesch asked if a door from the Hall basement to the Shop area could be installed
so the old tables stored there could be easily loaded onto trucks when residents requested to use them.
o Councilmember Mueller commented that the floors between the Shop and Hall basement are
not in alignment so installing a door would not be feasible.
Councilmember Barnes (Parks) – had nothing further to report
Mayor Malz – had nothing further to report
Adjourn City Council Meeting
Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 8:26 p.m., seconded by
Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
Submitted by:
Sue Block
Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Minutes - April 24,2012

Hamburg City Council Meeting

April 24, 2012

Mayor Malz called the Hamburg City Council meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Councilmember John Barnes,
Councilmember Larry Mueller, Councilmember Steve Trebesch, Councilmember Chris Lund, City Clerk
Jeremy Gruenhagen, Deputy Clerk Susan Block, Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly, and Fire Chief Brad
Droege were in attendance. Rich Schug (Baseball Team), Brian Eggers (Parkside Tavern), and Jacci Harms
(Cub Scout Pack 361) were in attendance.


Public Comment

• No Public Comments were made.

Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption

• Added – Updated Claims List
• Added – Updated Delinquent Utility Bills Report
• Added – Chaska Town Hall meeting; Drugs, Community & Family
• Added – Mediacom Channel Update
• Added under Maintenance Report: Estimate from Laurel Builders for removal and installation of door
• Added under Public Works: Jason Buckentin driveway
• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve the agenda with the added items, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present. Note: City Clerk Gruenhagen asked Council if they wanted NYA Chamber email notices added to the Consent Agenda or if forwarding the notices to City Council by email was sufficient.
• Council agreed that forwarding the NYA email notices would be fine, no need to print.

Approve Consent Agenda

• Payable 2012 Property Tax Distribution Dates
• Fiber Optic Project Status Update
• Potential Refunding of Existing Bonds (Ehlers)
• Taste of NYA
• NYA WTP Open House
• Medicine Take-Back Day – April 28th 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• NYA Citywide Garage Sale Days
• January/February Cash Flow Statements
• Delinquent Utility Bills Report
•  Employee Project Lists
• Time Off Request for Jeremy Gruenhagen
• 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

• Sibley County Mutual Aid Agreement for Emergency Management
• Council discussed Sibley County’s request to provide or receive mutual aid between the City of Hamburg and Sibley County. City Council agreed to sign the agreement.
• Councilmember Lund made a motion to adopt the Sibley County Mutual Aid Agreement for Emergency Management, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
• Fire Department Instructor Conference
• Fire Chief Droege updated Council on the FDIC Conference that he and Mayor Malz attended in Indianapolis, IN. Chief Droege commented it was a very informational conference and he suggested that other Hamburg Fire Fighters should attend the next conference.
• Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) Update
• Chief Droege updated Council on the progress of the Public Servants Memorial.
• Two new trash receptacles were purchased and paid for by the City however the Memorial fund will reimburse the City.
• The draft listing the names to be engraved on the granite plaque was sent back for name spelling corrections. The plaque should be available for installation in the next two weeks.
• Pump Test withWaconia
• Pump testing of the fire trucks was completed and no known repairs were needed.
• Fire Department Training
• The Fire Department is going through grain elevator rescue training. About $2,000 worth of equipment should be purchased for elevator rescue. Fire Chief Droege is trying to obtain the money from various companies to help pay for the needed equipment.
• Wm. Mueller & Sons Street Repair
•  At the last Council meeting Council decided to have Wm. Mueller & Sons repair some of the City streets for $4,500. The repair went over the projected estimate by $560. Additional unforeseen repairs were needed.
• National Night-Out Meeting
• A meeting to discuss National Night-Out will be held next Tuesday, May 1st, at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center.
• Trench by Electric Sign
• Council asked Wm. Mueller & Sons to patch the trench by the electric sign, fill has already been added.

Richard Shug – Hamburg Baseball Club

• Hamburg Baseball Club will be hosting the Summer Baseball Tournament with Green Isle on June 21st to 24th. Rich Schug informed Council that they will be allowing limited camping, Friday & Saturday nights, at the ball parks this year. The bathrooms will remain open and their stand will close an hour or an hour and half after the last game or at midnight, which ever comes first. A person(s) from the Lions Club will be staying all night, Friday and Saturday, at the camping sites to monitor the noise level and to be there if any issues arise.

Brian Eggers – Parkside Tavern

• Brian Eggers requested three (3) 3.2 liquor license for the following events.
• Kickball Tournament at the Park on May 5th.
• Pool Tournament Fund Raiser headed by Brian Droege at the Park on May 19th.
• Parkside 1st Annual Yard Olympics on July 21st.
• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve three (3) 3.2 liquor licenses for the events to be held on May 5th, May 19th, and July 21st, seconded by Councilmember Mueller and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Jacci Harms – Cub Scout Troop 361

• Jacci Harms from Cub Scout Troop 361 requested the use of the City Park on August 15, 2012 with the rental fee waved.
• Councilmember Barnes moved to approve Cub Scout Troop 361 the use of the City Park with no rental fee charge on August 15, 2012, seconded by Councilmember Lund and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

Old City Business

• Purchase Tables for Community Center
• City Clerk Gruenhagen will be ordering the tables.
• Estimate for Sidewalk Replacement – Henrietta Ave.
• City Clerk Gruenhagen asked the City Attorney if Council had to take the lowest submitted estimate to replace the sidewalk along Henrietta Ave. City Attorney Mac Williemssen stated if the City is only obtaining estimates (not sealed bids) the lowest bid does not have to be accepted but Council should have a reason why the lowest bid was not taken.
• Mayor Malz questioned if the damaged curbs around town could be fixed.
• Council discussed and decided to check on the cost first.
• Estimates for Residing Food Stand (Park)
• Pat Shanahan is checking into what the warranty of the cement board is. Mr. Shanahan is also checking on prefinished colors to match the other buildings.
• Community Center Closet Door (Repair/Replace)
• Mike Laurel (Laurel Builders) submitted the cost of a 3-0 hollow core oak door with jambs, casing, and entry lever; the cost was $255 delivered but not installed.
• Council discussed and decided to have Laurel Builders order and deliver the door
•  Councilmember Mueller moved to have Laurel Builders order and deliver the Closet Door, jambs, casing, and entry lever for the cost of $255, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
• National Night-Out – (August 7th)
• A meeting date of May 1, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center is scheduled to plan National Night-Out. A meeting notice will be posted tomorrow to cover the open meeting law.
• Revised NIMS Training Program (Requirements)
• City Clerk Gruenhagen will put together a NIMS Training packet for Council.

Public Works & Utilities Department Report

• Quotes for Tree Trimming
• City Clerk Gruenhagen had contacted Lawn Ranger and asked if their quote included travel time. Their quote did include travel time to and from the site. 
• Council discussed and decided that out of the minimum of five hours charged only three hours would be actual working time.
• Councilmember Barnes rescinded his motion from the last Council meeting to award the tree trimming contract to Lawn Ranger. Councilmember Barnes then made a new motion to issue the tree trimming contract to Bob Shanahan (Shanahan’s Tree Service) per his bid and to also include chipping and cleanup, seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
• Council’s reason for rescinding the motion was the cost Lawn Ranger quoted, a minimum of five (5) hours at $130.00 per hour which included two (2) hours of travel time to an from the site. This rate including travel time would not be cost effective for the City.
• Sanitary Survey Report for Hamburg PublicWater Supply
• The Minnesota Department of Health did an on-site inspection of Hamburg’s public water system to provide safe drinking water to the public.
• The MDH provided some recommendations for the City:
• Well #2, Creamery Well, should be sealed. The owner of the property would be the responsible party to seal the well however money to cover the cost would be a problem.
• Council decided to notify the owner that the well will have to be sealed and that the City will be looking into possible grant monies to help cover the cost.
• Jason Buckentin (351 Sophia) – Driveway
• When there is a heavy rain the water running down the curb on the north side of Sophia Ave drains over Jason Buckentin driveway and washes it out.
• Council discussed and decided that the water naturally wants to drain into the open field at the back of his property. Council agreed that they will not pursue fixing this problem at this time.
• PowerWasher – Purchase
• Council had previously approved the purchase of a power washer for City projects. The Hamburg Fire Department offered the use of their power washer so the City would not have to purchase one.
• Graffiti on Park Buildings
• Two Park buildings were spray painted with graffiti. A Police report was filed and it was turned into the Cities insurance company.
• Park Shelter – Light Fixture
• Council discussed and decided to call Rob’s Electric to come out to fix the light fixture that is broken on top of the Band Shelter.
• Resident Request
• A resident on Donald Avenue had called the City office asking if he could dump a load of black dirt on the City Street and then use a bobcat to move the dirt to his garden.
• Council discussed and decided to allow the resident to dump the dirt on the street (dirt cul-de-sac area on Donald Avenue) but he will have to clean-up the street when finished. Council also decided the dirt could be on the street for one day only.
• Televise Services
• Maintenance Worker Byerly will be televising two service lines this week.
• Lawn Sprayer for Lawnmower
• Councilmember Mueller suggested checking into purchasing a larger sprayer, one that will attach to the lawnmower. Council discussed and decided this is something that can be put on the budget for next year. Estimated cost is around $700.

City Clerk/Treasurer Report

• Local Water Management Plan Update – Cost Estimate/Options
• City Clerk Gruenhagen updated Council on the meeting held for the Storm Water Management Improvement updates needed. Clerk Gruenhagen informed Council the following items would have to be updated/addressed: Pond Maintenance Program, Education Requirements (Use County Materials), and TMDL (Fecal & Turbidity) for Bevens Creek.
• Sanitary & StormWater Improvement Project
• Council was updated on the remaining items to be completed on the Punch List with a few more items being listed. It was also noted that the accident service call for the hit gas line has not been paid and will be taken out of the final payment.
• Brian Cummiskey (724 Park Ave) is requesting the end of his driveway be widened. There was a miss communication on the width during the I & I Project. Council discussed and decided to widen the driveway as requested.
• Brian Cummiskey also requested approval to bail the one and a half acres of land that the city purchased from him to build the pond. Council discussed and decided to allow him to mow and bail the pond parcel for this year (2012) only.
• Councilmember Lund moved to allow Brian Cummiskey (724 Park Ave) to mow and bail the one and a half acres of land that the City purchased from Mr. Cummiskey for one year only (2012), seconded by Councilmember Barnes and the motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.
• Private Property Service Lines
• Council discussed the start date and end date of when residents have to have their service lines inspected. Council decided residents would have one year from the time they receive a letter informing them that an inspection would have to be made.
• Handicap Mini-Biff Rental for Park
• City Council agreed to rent a handicap mini-biff for Bi-Centennial Park from May to September.
• Sign for City Hall/Township
• Councilmember Mueller will work on the type of City sign, design, and cost to replace the current sign on Broadway Avenue.
• Use of SHIP Monies (Handicap Access to Parks)
• Hamburg has money from the SHIP program and decided to work with Brad Droege and Roger Siewert on drafting plans for handicap pathways to the playground equipment in the parks.

Approve Payment of April 2012 Claims

• Approve Payment of April 2012 Claims
• Council questioned Check #15600 to Hilgers Plumbing & Heating – Service Call and Labor to Inspect Water Heater Leakage. This was changed to read – Service Call & Labor to Inspect Air Conditioner Unit for leakage.
• One claim was added for Councilmember Lund for mileage (48 miles @ .555) to and from an Accel meeting. Check number 15619 in the amount of $26.64.
• Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the one PERA ACH payment and claim number 15595 through 15619 amounting to $21,513.82, seconded by Councilmember Barnes and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present.

City Council Reports

• Councilmember Mueller (Sewer &Water) had nothing further to report
• Councilmember Lund (Streets)
• Councilmember Lund asked if the minuets will be up to date by the next Council meeting.
•  Deputy Clerk Block reported that they should be completed for the next meeting.
• 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 Mueller moved to adjourn the Hamburg City Council meeting at 8:44 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Trebesch and motion carried.

Submitted by:
Sue Block
Deputy Clerk

Hamburg City Council Agenda - June 12, 2012

HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
JUNE 12, 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 Minutes for April 24, 2012 & May 8, 2012
•  Approve Liquor License Renewals
• Parkside Tavern – On/Off Sale & Special Sunday
• Hamburg Lions Club – 3.2 Liquor
• Hamburg Baseball Club – 3.2 Liquor
• S.E.H. Letter to MPCA (I/I Reduction Efforts)
• Sign Retroreflectivity Rule Finalized
• League of MN Cities 2013 Dues Increase
• Public Hearing to Amend Carver County Code, Chapter 50 (SWM)
• Mediacom Channel Lineup Changes
• MNSPECT Minute for June 2012
• April Cash Flow Statement
• Water Wells Usage/Water Consumption Reports for May 2012
• Delinquent Utility Bills Report
• Employee Project Lists

5. Fire Department Report – Chief Brad Droege

•  DNR Grant Application
• Explorers Group
• Memorial for Public Servants (Protective Services) Update
• Zummerfest Festival (June 15-17)

6. Old City Business (Memo)

•  City Clean Up Day (Fall 2012)
• 2010 Census Count/Met Council Population Estimates (April 1, 2011)
• Tables for Community Center/Hall
• Park Food Stand (Re-Siding)
• Sidewalk Replacement (Henrietta Ave)
• Community Center Closet Door (Replace)
•  Sign for City Hall/Township
• National Night Out (August 7th) – Committee Meeting June 5 @ 7:00 PM
• Next Meeting Scheduled for June 26, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
• Revised NIMS Training Program (Requirements)

7. Public Works & Utilities Department Report

• Street Pavement Management Plan
• Street Repairs for 2012
• Overlay of County Road 50
• Joint Powers Agreement
• Service Estimate for WTP Transfer Switch Display
• Liftstation Repairs
• Community Center (Paint)

8. City Clerk/Treasurer Report

• Sanitary & Storm Water Improvement Project
• Final Check/Punch List Items
• Private Property Service Lines (Illegal Connections/Replacement)
• Property/Casualty Insurance Renewal
• Liquor Liability
• Use of SHIP Monies (Handicap Access to Parks)

9. Approve Payment of Added May 2012 Claims ($2,165.81)

• Approve Payment of June 2012 Claims ($58,978.26)

10. City Council Reports

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

11. Adjourn City Council Meeting

COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES
JUNE 2 – Park Rental (Jaus)
9 – Park Rental (Cummiskey)
10 – Park Rental (Williams)
15-17 – Zummerfest Celebration (Park/Hall)
23 – Wedding Reception (Clark)
JULY 13 – Wm. Mueller & Sons (Park)
21 – Parkside Tavern (Park)
28 – Wedding Reception (Neubarth)
COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES
JUNE 3 – Community Center Rental (Leonhardt)
4 – Hamburg Lions
4 – HFD Training
5 – National Night Out Committee Mtg. – 7:00 PM
9 – Community Center Rental (Aguilar)
10 – Washington Lake 4-H Club
12 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
12 – Young America Township Board Meeting
18 – Hamburg Lions Club
25 – Hamburg Fire Department (HFDRA)
26 - National Night Out Committee Mtg. – 7:00 PM
JULY 2 – Hamburg Lions Club
2 – HFD Training
10 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
10 – Young America Township Board Meeting
16 – Hamburg Lions Club
21 – Community Center Rental (Eggers)
30 – Hamburg Fire Department (HFDRA)

Wisconsin Recall

As many of us know by now Gov. Walker survived the recall bid last night by a wider margin than he beat Barrett the first time around. While I waited for the polls to close and the results to stream I decided to watch MSNBC to listen to the Liberal pundits spin the results. I will admit that I found humor in their dejected faces as they had to report that not only Gov. Walker kept his position so did the LT. Gov and the Speaker as well.

The spin though was that Gov. Walker's win was not a reform on Obama since exit polls had him leading Romney by 8 points. One brave soul on MSNBC pointed out that Wisconsin has voted Democrat in every Presidential election dating back to Clinton. The assessment is correct. Wisconsin will more than likely go to Obama but this wasn't about the national election for President; rather this vote was a referendum on public unions and austerity measures; both went for Conservative ideals.

Lawrence O'Donnell repeated the fact that the GOP outspent the Dem's by a 7-1 margin and blamed the United Supreme Court decision Citizen United for it. Early reports stated that voter turnout was more than 65 percent which was about 15 points more than in 2010. The big winner last night was Wisconsin and America as Democracy reigned.

While the sat watching MSNBC, I posted on Facebook (in jest) that "Just got back from Wisconsin. No ID required to vote. Love this country!" One post took me very seriously and actually thought I'd commit a felony to prove my point. My ruse rubbed a friend of mine's so wrong that he may have defriended me but not prior to his wife posting - This is Matt's wife - as a former resident of WI I am digusted by your actions. I am guessing you are trying to prove a point but all you are doing is coming off like a complete asshole. don't try to prove their needs to be voter fraud laws by actually participating in voter fraud. Laws should not have to be passed to account for assholes like you.

As I stated above, I didn't actually go to Wisconsin to vote rather thought it comical to state what I did originally. Most of our laws are to protect stupid people from harming themselves or government officials (on both sides of the aisle) thinking they know what is best for us. We have become a society of lazy, dumb and entitled people. No longer does the vast majority of people take the time to read the morning newspaper, engage in critical thought or investigate a claim made. 

The Government has said that we need SSN, we need Medicare, we need Health Care, we need free abortion services, we need (fill in the blank). So when Government says things are getting better then why should we question it or when Government says we need to just take the wealthy to pay the bill then why should we question it? Now the Mayor of New York is saying no to soda over 16 ounces yet if you are really thirsty just buy two! WHAT! 

Americans wake up! Government is in our lives far to much.