November 5, 2012

The City Council of Comfrey met in regular session Monday, November 5, 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.

            October 1, 2012 minutes were read and approved on motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Herrig and carried unanimously.

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

Alliant Energy

Electricity   - September

 $     1,672.64

Steve   Berberich

WasteWater    School hotel, meals, mileage

 $        465.42

Steven   Carson

Building   Inspection

 $        114.20

Clements   Lumber

Furn.   filter,sand mix, weather strip,antifreeze

 $          74.49

Comfrey   C-Store

Gas

 $        347.63

Comfrey   Fire Dept

Expenses

 $     1,583.90

Comfrey   First Responders

reports,   mileage, medical supplies, groceries

 $        768.46

Comfrey   Times

Publications

 $        287.43

Creative   Products

Drug test   kits

 $        220.29

Dakota   Supply Group

Trimble   hand held, 2 pit meters

 $     2,923.20

Friesen   Plumbing & Heating

Service   Call at WWTP

 $          35.00

Frontier

Telephone/Internet   - October

 $        441.69

GopherState One-Call

4 line   locates

 $            5.80

HarvestLand

Fuel for   snow plow

 $        461.17

Hawkins

WWTP   Chemicals, tank dumerrage

 $     1,256.02

Indoff

Case TP,   tape, calendars, ink cartridges

 $        223.18

Infratech

Jet/Vac   cleaning of sanitary sewer lines

 $     1,925.00

Library

Bills and   Wages

 $   2,342.52

Miller   Sellner

skid   loader Filter

 $        23.00

Muske   & Muske

Professional   Services

 $        265.50

MVTL, Inc.

4 WWTP   Tests

 $        223.50

Payroll   Expense

October   Payroll

 $     4,192.24

Plunkett's

Quarterly Pest Control

 $          57.80

Rob's ServiceCenter

oil, oil   filter, bolts, squad car repair, batteries

 $     1,090.18

Softline   Data, Inc

shipping   and tax on utility bill cards

 $          24.75

Verizon   Wireless

Police   Cell Phone - October

 $          80.61

Waste   Management

Residential   Garbage pickup - Sept

 $     1,082.05

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

Fire Chief Warner reported the fire department had its first fire call with the new fire truck and it went well.  He also reported the ARMER radio system is up and running. 

Police Chief Meyer presented the monthly police report.

            Berberich reported both plants are working well.  The first water meter reading was successfully done with the new meters and radio handheld equipment.  Berberich reported the total cost of the new truck without trade will be $50,312.  The current city truck will be sold on bids.  He is still researching sanders for the truck and would like to put it into the budget for next year.  Discussion was had about replacing the fan in the concession stand at the North park.  Quotes for replacement ended up being quite high and the council recommended looking into the prices of a large pedestal fan instead.  The maintenance shop is in need of a new outside light. Berberich would like to try an LED light, which would use less electricity and last much longer.  On motion of Herrig, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously to purchase a LED light at an estimated cost of $250.

            Arnsdorf reported the library budget has been approved for 2013.

            Update was given on nuisance properties.  A resolution ordering the repair or removal of a hazardous building located on South Broad Street was passed on motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously.

            A second reading was held on the amendment of Ordinance #154, council salary, but it died for lack of motion to adopt.

            Sara Beavers from Oberloh and Associates was present and discussion was held regarding budget and fund accounts.  Different scenarios were presented to the council regarding the allocation of water meter project costs.  On motion of Herrig, seconded by Arnsdorf and carried unanimously the council decided to allocate the cost 50% to water and 50% to sewer with no transfer of funds from the capital equipment account.

            Kelly updated council on utility software conversion. 

            Church of St. Paul’s gaming application for February 10, 2013 was approved on motion of Herrig, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously.

            A motion to certify unpaid utility bills to be assessed on property taxes was made by Evers, seconded by Arnsdorf and carried unanimously.   

            A quote was reviewed from Moonlight Floor Cleaning to deep scrub and re-wax municipal building and post office floors as part of the upkeep and maintenance of floors.  On motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Evers and carried unanimously the council recommended hiring Moonlight Floor Cleaning at an estimated cost of $3634. 

On motion of Herrig, seconded by Arnsdorf and carried unanimously the council adopted a resolution receiving the feasibility report and calling for a Public Hearing on Improvement for the State Highway 258 project.

On motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Herrig and carried unanimously, it was voted to continue this meeting on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 5:30 pm in the Community Center to canvass the votes of the November 6, 2012 election.