October 7, 2013
The City Council of Comfrey met in regular session Monday, October 7, 2013 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.
September 4, 2013 regular meeting minutes were read and approved on motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Evers and carried unanimously.
On motion of Herrig, seconded by Arnsdorf and carried unanimously, the following bills were approved:
|
Alliant Energy |
Electricity – August |
$ 2,053.72 |
|
Bolton & Menk |
Professional Services for Cty Rd 16 Proj |
$ 2,027.50 |
|
Brown County Hwy Dept |
Cty Rd 16 Project - Pmt #4 |
$ 13,574.80 |
|
Carrot-Top Industries |
15 Flags for street light poles |
$ 595.72 |
|
Clements Lumber |
Air Freshener, bolts, muriatic acid |
$ 11.16 |
|
Comfrey C-Store |
Fuel |
$ 751.09 |
|
Comfrey Fire Dept |
Expenses |
$ 898.54 |
|
Comfrey First Responders |
4 pagers, FR Training Classes, oxygen |
$ 4,803.25 |
|
Comfrey Times |
Publications |
$ 328.75 |
|
Frontier |
Telephone/Internet - September |
$ 453.38 |
|
GopherState |
7 line locates |
$ 7.25 |
|
Halvorson's Office Express |
Laptop Repair |
$ 133.59 |
|
Harris Computer Systems |
Utility Billing Cards (2 cases) |
$ 171.30 |
|
HarvestLand |
Fuel Oil |
$ 446.59 |
|
Hawkins |
Tank Demurrage |
$ 5.00 |
|
Indoff Incorporated |
Ink for police printer |
$ 53.44 |
|
Library |
Bills and Wages |
$ 3,540.91 |
|
MCFOA |
Annual Membership Dues |
$ 40.00 |
|
MCFOA Region 5 |
Sales and Use Tax Workshop |
$ 10.00 |
|
New Star Sales & Service |
Magenta Toner |
$ 189.01 |
|
Payroll Expense |
Payroll |
$ 6,428.64 |
|
Plunkett's |
Quarterly Pest Control |
$ 57.80 |
|
Rainbow Play Systems |
PlaygroundEquipment-SouthPark |
$ 6,728.10 |
|
Rob's ServiceCenter |
Oil filter, oil, Kwik Shine |
$ 20.79 |
|
Salonek Concrete & Const |
Washed sand for Park |
$ 370.86 |
|
Utility Consultants, Inc |
WWTP Tests |
$ 218.25 |
|
Verizon Wireless |
Police Cell Phone - September |
$ 64.98 |
|
Waste Management |
Res. Garbage pickup - August |
$ 1,242.40 |
Andy Kehren the City Engineer from Bolton & Menk reviewed with council the proposed assessment roll for the Highway 258 (County Road 16) project. After discussion of the assessment roll, a resolution for Hearing on Proposed Assessment was passed on motion of Evers, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously. The hearing was set for 7:00 PM November 4, 2013 in the ComfreyCommunity Center.
The September financial report was reviewed and approved on motion of Herrig, seconded by Evers and carried unanimously.
Police Chief Meyer presented the monthly police report. He let the council know he had received calls reporting Spoofing using a local telephone number. There was also discussion about the handling of stray animals in the City of Comfrey. Currently the City of Springfield allows us to utilize their resources for impounding animals. A miscommunication happened and a large bill was allowed to accumulate for a stray dog that was brought over. After discussion, on motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously the council would like the written agreement for impounding animals reviewed and also proposed to split the fees 50/50 with the City of Springfield.
Public Works Director Berberich reported the mixer at the waste water treatment plant got a cord wrapped up in it because of extra length that was left after installation. The warranty would not cover but the company that installed the mixer agreed to fix it at no charge. There was also some discussion about new signs for the City at the entrances and also the possibility of an electronic message display sign by the municipal building. Additional information will be gathered and brought to a future council meeting.
Arnsdorf presented the library board minutes. The new chairs have been delivered and people are starting to use the new reading area that was set up.
No action will be taken at this time regarding the garbage contract.
The new playground equipment was installed at the SouthPark and many positive comments have been voiced. The installation process went very smoothly and the City is happy with the final outcome.
No action was taken at this time on the annexation of property.
A policy change was discussed for the first responders pertaining to the first responder training course. Language was added to state an applicant must serve with the Comfrey First Responders for at least one year from the certification date in order to have the training course fees covered by the first responders. If they do not serve for at least one year, the fees or a portion of the fees will become the applicant’s responsibility. This policy change was approved on a motion by Herrig, seconded by Evers and carried unanimously.
A Resolution expressing acceptance and appreciation for donations of $1500 from Alliant Energy and $600 from Comfrey Area Pride for use by the fire department, $600 from Comfrey Area Pride for use by the first responders and $3000 from Comfrey Area Pride towards the playground equipment was approved on motion of Herrig, seconded by Evers and carried unanimously.
On motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously a land use permit was granted to ComfreyPublic School for relocation of a storage shed.
Approval was given for Tammy Kelly to attend a Sales and Use Tax Workshop in Westbrook on October 9th, 2013 on a motion by Evers, seconded by Arnsdorf and carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Arnsdorf, seconded by Evers and carried unanimously to accept letters of resignation from Jim Schwab (First Responder squad) and David Huhn (Part-time Patrol Officer). The council would like to thank both Jim and David for their many years of service.
On motion by Evers, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously approval was given to cash out certificate of deposit #15585 for $125,000 maturing on November 3, 2013 to help cover costs of the Highway 258 project.
The meeting was adjourned on motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Herrig.