February 8, 2012
The City Council of Comfrey met in regular session Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the community center with all members present. Attorney Matthew Muske was also present. Mayor Richter presided.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited.
The agenda was approved as presented
Minutes of the January 4, 2012 meeting were read and approved on motion of Evers, seconded by Herrig and carried unanimously.
On motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously, the following bills were approved:
|
Alpha Wireless |
share of annual maint for base & mobile |
$ 67.20 |
|
Choice Financial Bank |
printing 500 checks |
$ 76.00 |
|
Clements Lumber |
flashlight, softener salt, foam cover |
$ 72.43 |
|
Comfrey C-Store |
gas |
$ 429.28 |
|
Comfrey Fire Dept |
expenses |
$ 2,584.93 |
|
Comfrey First Responders |
3 jackets, radio battery, med oxygen, mileage |
$ 349.41 |
|
Comfrey Market |
case toilet paper, garbage bags |
$ 163.08 |
|
Comfrey Times |
publication |
$ 297.81 |
|
Frontier |
telephone/Internet - 2 months |
$ 877.69 |
|
GopherStateOne-Call |
2 line locates |
$ 2.90 |
|
Gov't Training Service |
registration-clerk's conference |
$ 190.00 |
|
Hawkins, Inc. |
chemicals for WWTP, demurrage |
$ 1,910.93 |
|
Heiderscheidt Digging |
snow removal 1/20/12 |
$ 1,030.00 |
|
J P Cooke Co |
pet license tags, receipt book |
$ 46.40 |
|
Linda Kelly |
year end reports |
$ 580.00 |
|
Tammy Kelly |
mileage, meals-2 day class, reimb for City recognition award |
$ 113.59 |
|
Library |
bills and wages |
$ 1,847.23 |
|
Moonlight Floor Cleaning |
strip, seal, wax floors-municipal bldg (balance) |
$ 5,622.50 |
|
MVTL, Inc. |
3 wastewater tests |
$ 297.00 |
|
Muske & Muske |
professional services |
$ 60.42 |
|
New Star Sales & Service |
toner for printer |
$ 70.46 |
|
New Ulm Glass Co, Inc. |
parts/labor on glass door repair |
$ 300.00 |
|
Payroll Expense |
January |
$ 3,811.92 |
|
Plunkett's PestControl |
quarterly pest control |
$ 55.58 |
|
Post Master |
3 cent stamps for post cards |
$ 15.75 |
|
Rob'sServiceCenter |
degreaser, penetrating oil, cans of air fresh. |
$ 49.43 |
|
Verizon Wireless |
police cell phone |
$ 67.33 |
|
Vessco, Inc. |
repair parts for chlorinator, fluoride pump |
$ 980.48 |
|
Waste Management |
Residential Garbage pickup 2-months |
$ 2,167.98 |
The January financial report was reviewed and approved on motion of Herrig, seconded by Evers and carried unanimously.
The monthly police report was presented by Chief Meyer. He reported to councilors it had been an active month with 22 calls.
Steve Berberich reported both plants have been running well with good test results reported this month. Berberich also updated council on a meeting with the Brown County engineer regarding a mill and overlay project on County road 17 and 36 to take place this summer. This project will be done at no cost to the city. State Highway 258 was also briefly talked about. The State is looking at turning back this highway to the county in 2013. A total reconstruction project is in the beginning planning stages for this highway. Berberich also touched very briefly about the possibility of new water meters. The majority of the meters in town are close to 20 years old and in need of update. The new meters would be radio read and very accurate. Council asked Berberich to look into pricing and gather some additional information for the March council meeting. Low interest financing from MN Rural Water may be available, if necessary.
Fire Chief Warner reported FEMA turned down both grants the fire department had applied for. He is going to request an explanation as to why they were denied. The department will now be looking at purchasing a used pumper truck from the Golden Valley Fire Department. The cost of the truck would be shared at a 60/40 split with the city and townships after a portion being paid by the Relief Association raffle funds. Chief Warner mentioned Allan Barnes is currently going through 1001 training for a new fire fighter. Training is also required of everyone who uses the 800 Mhz radios.
Arnsdorf presented minutes from the January library board meeting. The library board voted to amend article 2, section 4 of the Joint Powers Agreement to combine the secretary and treasurer position. On motion of Herrig, seconded by Evers and carried unanimously, council approval was given for the Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement to Establish the Comfrey Area Library.
On motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Evers and carried unanimously, Julie Schmitt was re-appointed as first responder captain.
A second reading was held of an updated personnel ordinance which corresponds with the current personnel policy. On motion by Herrig, seconded by Arnsdorf and carried unanimously ordinance #168 was passed.
The 2011 clerk and treasurer reports were reviewed and approved on motion of Herrig, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously.
During the presentation of the financial report discussion was held regarding the water and sewer rates. No action taken at this time.
On motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Evers and carried unanimously approval of the Pay Equity Report as prepared, was given.
State Aid for Local Transportation Resolution #001-2012 for improvement of County State-Aid No 17 was passed on motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously.
State Aid for Local Transportation Resolution #002-2012 for improvement of County State-Aid No 36 was passed on motion of Herrig, seconded by Evers and carried unanimously.
On motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously it was voted not to recertify the abated amounts on parcel 005.000.029.11.110. This is consistent with past practice on tax forfeiture property.
Board of Equalization is scheduled for April 23, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the community center. The appropriate notice will be published in the Comfrey Times.
Discussion was held regarding the need for pet owners to clean up after their pets. Complaints have been received by the city and Mayor Richter is going to follow up with the City Attorney for what actions should be taken.
Linda Kelly has served as treasurer for the City ofComfreyfor 21 years and the council would like to recognize and thank her for the many years of service. Effective January 1, 2012 the clerk and treasurer positions were combined
The meeting adjourned on motion of Herrig, seconded by Arnsdorf.