Agenda
Balderston moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion approving the meeting agenda. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Approval of the Minutes
Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes for August 29, 2007 with minor changes. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
New Business
Open Public Forum
No one was present to address Council.
2008 Preliminary Levy and Budget
Hetland gave a review and supplied accompanying documents of a preliminary budget and levy for 2008.Through extensive review and discussion, Council Members and Hetland felt that more monies should be added to the General Fund's saving accounts for street projects and future maintenance of City buildings and equipment. Hetland provided a worksheet from the City's contract finance officer that allowed the funding and levy discussions to show the effect on taxes to property owners. There was also discussion on having a separate levy line for law enforcement.
Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the 2008 Preliminary Levy in the total amount of $336,685 which is broken down as follows:
- General Fund $163,000
- Main Street Bond Levy for $90,000
- 2003 Improvement for $48,000
- EDA Bond for $25,685
- EDA for $10,000
Discussion included the information being based on a General Fund budget of $370,750. Motion carried 5-0.
Rewards System
In response to some of the vandalism in the City in the last few months, Hetland brought forward the idea of further investigating rewards as a method to bring offenders to justice and help deter these offenses. Joe Hennen mentioned that the organization Crimestoppers has a rewards system and recommended that Hetland further research that system.
Old Business
Auxiliary Voluntary Firefighter Assistance – Engine Company No. 2
After a brief presentation from Fire Chief Tom Hiltner regarding the need to address day-time fire and rescue calls and to incorporate the interest of retired firefighters, Joe Hennen moved and Balderston seconded a motion authorizing the Fire and Rescue Department to create bylaws for volunteer auxiliary firefighter assistance. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Wetland Mitigation Update
No news to report and with the vegetation stabilized and doing well, Council requested that the updates each meeting are no longer necessary.
Reports
City Engineer, Jim Schulz, SEH
Schulz gave a verbal report which included a notice that paving will start on the newest phase of the Welle Country Estates development in the next two weeks.Schulz also noted that he is closing out the paperwork on the Industrial Park and Main Street projects.
Public Works Director, Joel Dasher
Dasher presented a written report that is on file for review.
Hetland and Dasher provided a review of the City's riding lawn mower repairs for review as requested from the last meeting.After discussion, Council recommended that the City's United cargo trailer be sold and requested that staff work on a sealed bid process.
City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland
Hetland presented a written report that is on file for review.
Worms asked what was the code compliance deadline for the Malm's grain bin. Hetland stated that he would report at the next meeting with the information.
Worms also asked about the progress of the home of Al Finken and that a letter should be sent to the property owner. Hetland responded that he would contact the property owner and report back to Council at the next meeting.
Consent Agenda
Joe Hennen moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion approving the Consent Agenda which included the following:
- Claims in the amount of $96,553.14
- Approval of payment application number 10 to Annandale Contracting in the amount of $92.732.21 (which was included in claims amount)
- Changing the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting from October 31 to October 24 for 2007
Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
At 10:38 P.M. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the closed session and regular meetings. Motion carried 5-0.
