October 1, 2012

The City Council of Comfrey met in regular session Monday, October 1, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the community center with all members present.  Attorney Paul Muske was also present. Mayor Richter presided.

            The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited.

            The agenda was approved as presented.

            August 28, 2012 and September 4, 2012 minutes were read and approved on motion of Herrig, seconded by Arnsdorf and carried unanimously.

On motion of Herrig, seconded by Evers and carried unanimously, the following bills were approved:

Alliant Energy

Electricity - August

 $     2,083.32

Choice Financial Savings   Bank

Replenish Petty Cash -   Postage

 $       37.79

Clements Lumber

Paper towels, air fresh.,   gorilla tape

 $       132.99

Comfrey C-Store

Gas

 $       257.93

Comfrey Fire Dept

Expenses

 $       737.34

Comfrey First Responders

3 radios, oxygen

 $    7,311.93

Comfrey Market

Case of toilet paper

 $       146.10

Comfrey Times

publications

 $       264.33

Creative Products

Police - wall calendars

 $       269.53

Frontier

Telephone/Internet - Sept

 $       437.19

GopherState One-Call

1 line locate in August

 $           1.45

Library

Bills and Wages

 $    2,125.00

Mathiowetz Enterprises, Inc

Sludge removal

 $         53.53

Minnesota Chiefs of Police Assoc

Annual Membership Dues

 $      180.00

MN Dept of Labor &   Industry

Air compressor inspection

 $         70.00

Minnesota Pollution Control   Agency

Class B exam fee - Berberich

 $         55.00

Minnesota Rural Water Assoc

Wastewater Exam Prep Class

 $      225.00

MVTL, Inc.

4 wastewater tests

 $      223.50

Payroll Expense

September

 $    5,603.47

PT Steel and Fabrication

Sweeper bucket & new   cutting edge

 $       535.30

USPS

Stamps for utility bill   cards (6 months)

 $      384.00

Rob's ServiceCenter

Driving bulbs, ball valve

 $         22.44

Softline Data, Inc

Utility Bill Cards and Late   Notice Cards

 $      119.00

Verizon Wireless

Police cell phone -   September

 $        67.11

Waste Management

Res Garbage pickup-Aug, 2   cases bags

 $    1,827.05

The September financial report was reviewed and approved on motion of Evers, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously.

Fire Chief Warner reported the fire department received a $1000 grant from AgStar to purchase equipment.  He also reported the new radios will be hooked up in the trucks this month and at this time there is no set date on the change over to the ARMER radio system. 

Police Chief Meyer reported it was a fairly quiet month and reviewed the police report with the council.

            Berberich reported both plants are working well and tests are coming back with good results.  He informed councilors that Infratech cleaned (jet/vac’ed) the sewer main along County Road 17 as approved at a prior meeting.  Berberich also noted he is still researching prices and options for new city truck.  Discussion was held regarding the present truck and an outright sale of the truck may benefit the city verses trading it in.  Berberich will be attending waste water schooling on October 9, 10, and 11th to help prepare for his Class B license exam.  

            Arnsdorf reported on the September library board meeting.  Arnsdorf notified the council the library board is working on a computer usage policy for students.

            Andy Kehrn from Bolton and Menk was present to update the council on the Highway 258 project and to discuss the infrastructure needs for city water and sewer mains.  The state highway will be turned over to the county in April of 2013. Turnback funds from the state are available to the county for the street and storm sewer upgrade portion of the project.  The water and sewer infrastructure, which run from County Road 17 to the Mark Evers residence, will be the city’s responsibility.  Combined utility services will be separated.  The project may include straightening of the curve at the intersection of State Hwy 258 and County Road 17, depending on MNDOT funding.  Curb and gutter improvements and water and sewer service hookups, as is customary with street projects, will be assessed back to the adjoining property owners.  Public hearings with estimates on assessments, as required by law, will be held at the appropriate time.  Following this discussion, the council directed the engineer to finalize preliminary plans and the first public hearing was set for Monday, December 3, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the community center on motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously.

Additional discussion was held regarding the nuisance properties and the progress that has been made.

A first reading of an ordinance increasing council and mayor salary was held.

The meeting adjourned on motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Herrig.