March 10, 2016

The City Council of Comfrey met in regular session Thursday, March 10, 2016 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.

Agenda - Approved with the addition of Clerk’s Institute and Community Ed class under new business.

Minutes – February 1, 2016 regular meeting minutes were approved on motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Evers. Carried unanimously.

Bills - The following bills were approved on a motion by Schmitt, second by Evers and carried unanimously.

Reports:

Financial Statements – January and February financial statements reviewed and approved on motion by Arnsdorf, seconded by Kastner and carried unanimously.

Maintenance Department - Written notice was received from the Minnesota Department of Health stating we passed the wellhead protection audit.  Berberich is looking into options for seal coating this year.  He would like to try and do the complete northwest section of town. Two doors need to be replaced at the lift station and he will look into options. The ballfield drag also needs to be replaced at an estimated cost of $300 to $600.  A motion was made by Arnsdorf, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously to purchase a new drag not to exceed $600.

Fire Department – The fire department may be eligible for a grant to purchase new equipment for grass fire burns. The department also installed new LED lights on truck #5 and have completed projects on truck #6 and finished the pump on truck #2.  

First Responders – Captain Barnes reported Sanborn had sent a letter stating they would like to be considered again for our first responder rig. She believes we should be getting our new rig sometime in April from the Gaylord Ambulance Department.

Police Department - Chief Meyer reviewed the police report with the council. Also with spring approaching it is time to get the weather spotters active again. 

Library - The library board report was reviewed. The school has approved the amended bylaws and joint powers agreement. 

Old Business:

Community Center – All scheduling duties of the community center have been transferred over to the city clerk’s position as of the end of February. A motion was made by Kastner, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously to pay $100 per month for added responsibilities. 

Natural Gas – Agrinatural Gas has sent out letters to all residents that have not responded to natural gas questionnaire. They are hoping this will generate the additional interest to move forward with the project.

Library Amended Bylaws – The Treasurer position on the library board was removed because the City Clerk is responsible for the accounting of library receipts and expenditures. This bylaw amendment was approved on a motion made by Kastner, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously.

Library Amended Joint Powers Agreement – Amended and restated library joint powers agreement was approved on a motion made by Kastner, seconded by Evers and carried unanimously.  Changes included removing the treasurer position as an officer and the term limitations set for officers

New Business:

Acceptance of Donation - A resolution expressing acceptance and appreciation for a donation memorial to the first responders in the amount of $25 was approved on a motion made by Arnsdorf, seconded by Evers and carried unanimously.

Bridging Brown County – The council approved Bridging Brown County at the local nonprofit rate for renting the community center on a motion made by Arnsdorf, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously.

Capital Equipment – Motion made by Arnsdorf, seconded by Kastner and carried unanimously to move $4,168.13 from the capital equipment fund to the general for the purchase of the new lawn mower.

Motion made by Kastner, seconded by Arnsdorf and carried unanimously to make payments from the capital equipment fund for the water treatment plant and water storage project until funding is put into place. Once funding is put into place, funds will be replaced that were used for the project.

Safety & Loss Control Workshops – A motion was made to give permission for Berberich and Kelly to attend the classes in Springfield on April 6, 2016 at a cost of $20 per registration. This motion was made by Evers, seconded by Kastner and carried unanimously.

Cottonwood County Landfill – A reduced tipping fee was being offered to cities for city clean up.  No action was taken.

Hanson Communications, Cable TV Franchise Extension – Discussion was had and a committee was formed to meet with a representative from the cable company to discuss services and options offered in Comfrey.  Committee members are Susan Evers, Jim Meyer and Rick Kastner.

Local Government Aid Resolution – A resolution was passed stating the importance of LGA to small cities and supporting an increase payable in 2017.  This resolution was passed on a motion made by Arnsdorf, seconded by Kastner and carried unanimously.

Municipal Clerks Institute – Motion made by Evers, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously for Kelly to attend her 3^rd and final year of Municipal Clerk’s Institute on May 2-6, 2016.

Community Education - Asked for permission to use the community center for dance on days no rooms are available in the school.  Motion made by Kastner, seconded by Schmitt and carried unanimously to allow the community center to be rented as a last option on bad weather days for dance rehearsals for a fee of $10 per time.

The meeting was adjourned on motion of Arnsdorf, seconded by Schmitt.