November4, 2013
The City Council of Comfrey met in regular session Monday, November 4, 2013 at 7:00 PM in the community center with all members present except councilor Herrig. Attorney Paul Muske was also present. Mayor Richter presided.
The Public Hearing on Special Assessment was opened by Mayor Richter.
The following property owners were present at the hearing: Chris and Becky Rathman, Randy and Muxiang Schroepfer, Nick Ludewig, Linda Weber, Mark Warner, Tom Schumann, and Greg Hoffman. City Engineer Andy Kehren was also present. Kehren gave an overview of the State Highway 258 project (now known as County State Aide Highway 16) with the attendees. Kehren also reviewed the assessment procedures which are consistent with past practices for the City. The council listened and addressed concerns from the property owners present relating to the interest rate and length of payment. Discussion was also had regarding interest rates, term of loan and prepayments.
Mayor Richter closed the public hearing.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited.
The meeting was opened with a moment of silence for councilor Robert Herrig who sadly passed away after a long battle with cancer. The City of Comfrey will forever be thankful for all Rob contributed to City as a first responder, fireman, EDA board member and council member. He truly will be missed.
Resolution Adopting Assessment for the reconstruction of curb and gutter, sidewalk and infrastructure of water and sewer mains was passed on motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously.
The agenda was approved with the addition of hall rental waiver under new business.
October 7, 2013 regular meeting minutes were read and approved on motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Evers and carried unanimously.
On motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously, the following bills were approved:
|
Alliant Energy |
Electricity - September |
$ 1,859.07 |
|
Bolton & Menk |
Professional Services for County Road 16 Project |
$ 1,752.50 |
|
City of Springfield |
Impounded Dog |
$ 471.44 |
|
Clements Lumber |
softener salt, furnace filter, mat, dry erase board |
$ 66.14 |
|
Comfrey C-Store |
Fuel |
$ 369.97 |
|
Comfrey Fire Dept |
Expenses |
$ 4,928.07 |
|
Comfrey First Responders |
Mileage for training, oxygen |
$ 750.00 |
|
Comfrey Market |
Paper Towels |
$ 109.27 |
|
ComfreyPublic School |
Frontier Erate reimbursement from check deposited |
$ 206.78 |
|
Comfrey Times |
Publications |
$ 350.67 |
|
Electric Pump |
Complete Pump Inspections, intake tubing |
$ 887.98 |
|
Frontier |
Telephone/Internet - October |
$ 454.34 |
|
GopherState |
4 line locates |
$ 5.80 |
|
Hawkins |
Tank Demurrage |
$ 25.00 |
|
Indoff Incorporated |
Paper Clips, black ink cartridge |
$ 25.34 |
|
Janitor's Closet |
3 cases of garbage bags |
$ 123.26 |
|
Kelly, Tammy |
Sales and Use Tax Workshop, mileage, meal |
$ 38.80 |
|
LMCIT |
Additional Ins premium for playground equip |
$ 42.00 |
|
Library |
Bills and Wages |
$ 4,913.33 |
|
Mathiowetz Enterprises, Inc |
Sludge removal |
$ 35.69 |
|
MDH |
Water Supply System Operator Renewal |
$ 23.00 |
|
Meyer, Jim |
Reimb for Police Target for Training |
$ 51.28 |
|
Muske & Muske |
Professional Services |
$ 144.00 |
|
Payroll Expense |
Payroll |
$ 4,060.54 |
|
Plunkett's |
Quarterly Pest Control - Insects |
$ 57.80 |
|
Richert's Live Bait |
Ammunition for police training |
$ 100.00 |
|
Rob's ServiceCenter |
oil change and maint on squad car |
$ 58.45 |
|
Schwarzrock, Eric |
Repair of Computer |
$ 142.50 |
|
Utility Consultants, Inc |
WWTP Tests |
$ 218.25 |
|
Verizon Wireless |
Police Cell Phone - October |
$ 116.31 |
|
Waste Management |
Res. Garbage pickup - September |
$ 1,242.40 |
The October financial report was reviewed and approved on motion of Evers, seconded by Arnsdorf and carried unanimously.
Fire Chief Warner informed the council the FEMA grant was denied for last year and they will be applying again for 2014. The funds would be used to purchase new SCBA equipment. The fire department’s share would be 5% of the total costs with the grant covering the remaining expense.
Police Chief Meyer presented the monthly police report. He has completed his ammunition and target practice training which is required annually. Jim also noted he will be working with the police chief in Springfield directly when dealing with stray animals to avoid any miscommunication.
Public Works Director Berberich reported both plants are working well. He did some checking into costs of an electronic message display sign for posting community information and initial estimates are $20,000 to $30,000. No action taken.
Arnsdorf presented the library board minutes.
A second reading was had of ordinance #171 annexing land located in BashawTownship, adjacent to the Mary Alice Berberich property.
Councilor Arnsdorf reported the Legion has requested permission to place a display case in the hallway of the municipal building to display memorabilia from the B-47 crash. The Legion will work with Steve Berberich in placement of the cabinet.
Mayor Richter reported that with the untimely death of Rob Herrig a vacancy exists on the council that will need to be filled by appointment. Consideration will be given at December meeting to fill the vacant council position.
Discussion was had regarding Community Center fees and costs involved if additional set up, take down or cleaning is required during rental. On motion of Evers, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously, an additional $50 fee will be charged for this extended service if needed.
A motion was made by Arnsdorf, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously to waive the community center rent for the funeral of Robert Herrig.
The meeting was adjourned on motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Schmitt.