09-11-2007 CCMMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING – HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
CALL TO ORDER – 5:30 P.M.
1.
Mayor Steve Cook called the meeting to order. Member present were Bill Arndt, Jim Haugen, Casey Stotts, and
Kay Peterson. Others present were Gary Plotz, City Administrator, Kent Exner, City Engineer, and Marc
Sebora, City Attorney.
INVOCATION
2. – No Invocation
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
4.
MINUTES
5.
(a)REGULARMEETING OF AUGUST 28, 2007
(b)BID OPENING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 5, 2007 (CUSTOMER ELATION CALL CENTER)
Motion by Arndt, second by Stotts, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA
6.
(a) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
1.FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT FOR AUGUST 2007
(b)RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
1. RESOLUTION NO. 13262 – RESOLUTION FOR PURCHASE (COMPOST BAGS AND
BIODIESEL)
2. CONSIDERATION OF VACATION OF DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS FOR
CHARTER SCHOOL FACILITY IN THE I-1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL) DISTRICT LOCATED AT
TH
AVENUE SOUTHEAST WITH FAVORABLE PLANNING COMMISSION
1000/1010 5
RECOMMENDATION (SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 07-0472)
3. CONSIDERATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REGARDING NON-
CONFORMING USES AND STRUCTURES WITH FAVORABLE PLANNING COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATION (SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 07-0468)
(c)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CHANGE ORDERS
- CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 – LETTING NO. 13, PROJECT NO. 06-15 (WASTEWATER
TREATMENT FACILITY SCADA SYSTEM)
- CHANGE ORDER NO. 4 – LETTING NO. 12, PROJECT NO. 06-14 (WASTEWATER
TREATMENT FACILITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING EXPANSION)
(d)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF GENERAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BONESTROO
(e) APPOINTMENT OF STEVE SHERMAN TO THE POLICE COMMISSION TO MAY 2010
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
(UNEXPIRED TERM OF TOM SCHWARTZ)
Motion by Haugen , second by Peterson,to approve consent agenda with the exception of Item 6(c) .
Motion carried unanimously.
6(c) Council Member Arndt inquired about the total extra cost. Kent Exner, City Engineer, explained the
total extra cost. Council Member Arndt noted that it was not really a change order but just incorporating
work. Discussion was held.
Motion by Arndt, second by Stotts, to approve Item 6(c). Motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – 6:00 P.M.
7.
(a) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 13263 – A RESOLUTION GRANTING
HOST APPROVAL TO CERTAIN OUTSTANDING GENERAL OBLIGATION MEDICAL FACILITIES
REVENUE BONDS OF THE CITY
Ken Merrill, Finance Director, explained the purpose of the public hearing is to transition the bonds from the
City to hospital. The IRS has a requirement that a public hearing be held in order to take the next step. In
order for the tax exempt organization to be able to utilize and continue tax exempt status of those bonds, a
public hearing is needed.
Marc Sebora, City Attorney, explained that it is simple maneuver to allow these bonds to keep their tax
exempt status, but in order for the hospital to keep the tax exempt status the City Council needs to give their
approval.
Mayor Cook noted a correction to the name change of Hutchinson Area Health Care to Hutchinson Health
Care.
Motion by Arndt, second by Peterson, to close public hearing. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Arndt, second by Stotts, to approve Resolution No. 13263 granting host approval to certain
outstanding general obligation to medical facilities revenue bonds of the City. Motion carried unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS
8.
(a)WATER PLANT OPERATIONS UPDATE
Randy Devries, Director of Waste Water Treatment Plant, gave a presentation about the sixty water samples
taken from homes around Hutchinson. In the past the City has had a problem with copper. The copper level
has dropped in one year from 3000 micrograms per liter to 1300 micrograms per liter. Randy Devries,
Director of Water/Wastewater, would still like to have an open house at the plant, but there is still piping
going on in the plant. The open house could be this fall or next spring.
Council Member Peterson would like the open house to be scheduled when the plant is complete. Discussion
was held to pick a date tonight or discuss it at a later date.
Council Member Arndt inquired whether the water was warmer now than what it was before. Discussion
was held on the water temperature difference.
Council Member Haugen inquired whether the staff knew where the lead water pipes are located. Randy
Devries, Director of Water/Wastewater, explained that there should be no more lead water pipes, and if there
are the staff does not know about them, but he is confident that those pipes are gone. Council Member
Haugen asked if the sixty samples from homes were taken from all over town. Discussion was held about
what homes were chosen for the study. Randy Devries, Director Water/Wastewater, explained that it is
called the first draw sample, and it is collected right at the beginning from a collection of homes.
Mayor Cook asked to have an update on the bass pond. Wastewater staff will be meeting with EarthTech on
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
September 27, or the 28, and it is looking positive.
(b) DISCUSSION OF CITY COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION FEE
Mayor Cook believes it is in the public’s best interest to have the safety inspections. The City is already
providing these services but for no charge.
Council Member Stotts would like to get through the rental inspection program first and then take a look at
the fire safety inspections. Council Member Peterson agreed with Council Member Stotts and noted that
they are two separate issues.
Marc Sebora, City Attorney, noted that the building department has had a few calls about the process, and
also they have had a few meetings to put together an ordinance for the Council’s consideration. Council
Member Stotts noted that he has received one phone call about the cost of $25.00 per year. Discussion was
held.
Brad Emans, Fire Chief, explained that they are getting the word out to eliminate the misconceptions. There
has been one meeting and there is a lot of input, and they would like to come up with a good proposal for the
City Council. Mr. Emans explained that the fire department has been doing commercial inspections since the
early 1980’s. When the fire department is doing the inspections they are also getting the footprint for those
buildings for firefighter safety issues. They hope to have better information and group recommendations to
the Council soon. Mr. Emans also expressed that the City does not want to hire extra staff and the
inspections will be handled by current city staff. Discussion was held.
Council Member Peterson recommended that the staff look at the options and come back to the Council.
(c) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SETTING DATE FOR CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY
VISIONING PROCESS WORKSHOP
Mayor Cook noted that November 13, 2007, is a regular City Council Meeting. The cost would be $200.00
maximum ($100/ hr). The visioning workshop could begin at 4:00 p.m. and last until the Council meeting.
Discussion was held.
Council Members Stotts inquired about what benefits the City will acquire by having the workshop.
Mayor Cook noted that there are different ways to do a visioning process, and the facilitator would explain
various options. Also, depending on how the Council would go about it, there could be some training that
would be done. Discussion was held.
Council Member Stotts’ recommendation is that the Council go back to the gentleman that they had a couple
of years ago, Doug Peters, and have him come back and the Council will look at those options. Council
Member Stotts noted that he would like a process that is consistent. Discussion was held.
Council Member Haugen believes that the facilitator from the extension office would be a good investment,
and it is not threatening in anyway, but a good opportunity, and that the entire Council needs to be on the
same page.
Mayor Cook suggested giving the facilitator information that has completed recently, and he noted that this
workshop is just a way to get new ideas.
Motion by Haugen, second by Stotts, to approve visioning workshop for November 13, 2007, at 4:00 p.m.,
Motion carried unanimously.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
(a)CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 07-0471 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION
73.15 OF THE HUTCHINSON CITY CODE RELATED TO REGULATIONS OF ALL-TERRAIN
VEHICLES (WAIVE FIRST READING AND SET SECOND READING AND ADOPTION FOR
SEPTEMBER 25, 2007)
Council Member Peterson had a question about the two different classes of ATV’s, and also wanted to
know if it covered what Council Member Stotts was concerned about.
Mayor Cook inquired about referencing the state law, that way the ordinance would automatically
update every year if it changes. Discussion was held. Mayor Cook also noted his concern about liability.
Council Member Arndt explained that most vehicles are going to have insurance through homeowners’
insurance, farm insurance or business insurance.
Marc Sebora, City Attorney, noted that people can buy insurance, but generally homeowners’ insurance
only covers vehicles with 49 cc or less. He noted that there are insurance policies that can be purchased
to protect themselves. Discussion was held.
Motion by Arndt, second by Stotts, to approve Ordinance No. 07-0471 an ordinance amending Section
73.15 of the Hutchinson City Code related to the regulations of all-terrain vehicles. Roll call vote was
taken: Haugen – aye; Arndt – aye; Peterson – aye; Stotts – aye; Cook – nay. Motion 4 to 1.
(b) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF TAX INCREMENT ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT DISTRICT
NUMBER 7
Ken Merrill, Finance Director, explained that changes were made in the agreement. Ken Merrill also noted
one more change that should be made in the 2004 Revenue Bonds, which should read 2003. The agreement
continues authorization to pay the tax increments that are captured in District 7 and repay them to the Prince
of Peace. It will reimburse them for the expenses that were acquired in the redevelopment of that district.
Documents to support the numbers are listed and the District can continue to pay until 2019, which is the
official end of the district or until the dollars are all reimbursed to the Prince of Peace. The documents were
reviewed by the Board.
Diane Gordon, representative of Price of Peace, explained that the Board has a meeting tomorrow, and have
checked out the numbers with the executive director. Ms. Gordon also reviewed the documents and has been
in communication with Ken Merrill, Finance Director.
Motion by Stotts, second by Peterson, to approve Tax Increment Assistance Agreement District Number 7.
Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
10.
(a)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING LEASING OF CERTAIN
LAND, BUILDINGS AND OTHER PROPERTY TO HUTCHINSON HEALTH CARE (SECOND
READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 07-0473)
Paul Torgerson, special legal counsel, noted that the final changes have been made, and explained Section
27.3 in the lease. This was the only change that was not describe in the first reading. The lease property
may change, so the language in Section 27.3 notes that and the exhibit lists still need to be populated.
Motion by Stotts, second by Peterson, to approve Ordinance No. 07-0473 approving leasing of certain land,
buildings and other property to the Hutchinson Health Care. Motion carried unanimously.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
(b)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION AND RESTATED BYLAWS OF HUTCHINSON HEALTH CARE (SECOND
READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 07-0470)
Paul Torgerson, special legal counsel, explained that no substantive changes were made other than noted in
the first reading.
Motion by Stotts, second by Cook, to approve Ordinance No. 07-0470 approving the Articles of
Incorporation and Restated Bylaws of Hutchinson Health Care. Motion carried unanimously.
(c)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE DEBT SERVICE
RESERVE ESCROW AGREEMENT WITH HUTCHISON HEALTH CARE (SECOND READING
AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 07-0474)
Paul Torgerson, special legal counsel, explained that no substantive changes were made other than noted in
the first reading.
Motion by Haugen, second by Arndt, to approve Ordinance No. 07-0474 approving the debt service reserve
escrow agreement with the Hutchinson Health Care. Motion carried unanimously.
(d)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE OUTLINING ATTORNEY SERVICES
BETWEEN THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON AND HUTCHINSON HEALTH CARE (SECOND
READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 07-0476)
Paul Torgerson, special legal counsel, explained that no changes were made.
Motion by Arndt, second by Haugen, to approve Ordinance No. 07-0476 approving the attorney services
between the City of Hutchinson and the Hutchinson Health care. Motion carried unanimously.
(e) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON AND HUTCHINSON HEALTH CARE TO DETERMINE
THE VALUE OF PROPERTY CURRENTLY USED BY THE HUTCHINSON AREA HEALTH CARE
(SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 07-0475)
Paul Torgerson, special legal counsel, explained that no substantive changes were made other than noted in
the first reading.
Council Member Arndt inquired if the ordinance included the new property being acquired. It was noted that
this will cover assets in place up to the effective date (December 31, 2007). Discussion was held.
Mr. Torgerson expressed his thanks to the City and the hospital for all the hard work.
Mary Ellen Wells, President of Hutchinson Area Health Care, thanked everyone for the hard work exerted
on this project. The Board is looking forward to the responsibility and wanted to assure the Council and the
community that they will not see a difference in care. The change is long term, so they can benefit the
community in the long run. They are now a non-profit, but still remain strong ties to the community.
Marc Sebora, City Attorney, noted that at the next City Council meeting the Council will consider a
resolution involving PERA augmentation rates for hospital employees.
Motion by Peterson, second by Haugen, to approve Ordinance No. 07-0475 approving an agreement
between the City of Hutchinson and Hutchinson Health Care to determine the value of property currently
used by the Hutchinson Area Health Care. Motion carried unanimously.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
(f) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF CALLING FOR SALE OF 2007 GENERAL OBLIGATION
IMPROVEMENT BONDS (ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 13269)
Ken Merrill, Finance Director, explained that the resolution is for funding the improvement projects the City
has already approved.
Steve Apfelbacher and Cathy Cardell, Ehlers & Associates, City’s financial advisors, presented before the
Council. Mr. Apfelbacher explained that the improvement bond resolution that has been prepared is to
finance the projects that the Council has already approved. It is a typical issue to secure the financing One-
third of the $425,000 is retrieved by special assessments and the remaining piece is a levy of about $40,000
per year. He recommends a ten year issue. Ehlers & Associates will prepare the official statement and
distribute that to interested investors. October 9, 2007 is the sale date to collect the bids. Discussion was
held.
Mayor Cook noted that the Council should get together and finish up the bond plan, and that Ken Merrill,
Finance Director, should look at a date to finish the bond plan. Discussion was held.
Motion by Haugen, second by Peterson, to approve Resolution No. 13269 calling for a sale of 2007 general
obligation improvement bonds. Motion carried unanimously.
(g)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SETTING 2008 PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY FOR SPECIAL
TAXING DISTRICT HUTCHINSON REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Ken Merrill, Finance Director, explained that some language was added to include the calculation of the
Hutchinson Redevelopment Authority and levy request the Board has made on the preliminary basis is lower
than the number that could be authorized under the statute. The resolution is to set the levy at $116, 252.
Also, at one of the workshops before the final adoption, both the Hutchinson Redevelopment Authority and
the Economic Development Authority will go before the Council to review the budget for 2008.
Mayor Cook inquired if this was a similar amount to last year. Ken Merrill, Finance Director, explained that
last year the Hutchinson Redevelopment Authority asked for and received $108,000. This year the amount
is roughly $8,000 more.
Motion by Haugen, second by Stotts, to approve Resolution No. 13269 setting a preliminary tax levy for a
special taxing district Hutchinson Redevelopment Authority. Motion carried unanimously.
(h)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SETTING 2008 PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY FOR SPECIAL
TAXING DISTRICT HUTCHINSON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Ken Merrill, Finance Director, explained that the Economic Development Authority calculation that could
be requested is $146,000 for 2008. All preliminary levies can be adjusted. Discussion was held.
Miles Seppelt, EDA Executive Director, explained that last year when it was initially set up it was set at a
certain tax rate of 1.525% and as city tax capacity grew with new projects the City would keep the rate the
same and the levy would go up and reflect the increased levy tax capacity. That is what accounts for the
increase of $140,000 to $146,000.
Motion by Peterson, second by Arndt, to approve Resolution No. 13269 setting 2008 preliminary tax levy
for special taxing district Hutchinson Economic Development Authority. Motion carried unanimously.
(i)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SETTING 2008 PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY FOR CITY OF
HUTCHINSON
Ken Merrill, Finance Director, explained that the goal is to set a preliminary levy for a deficit of $270,000.
Mr. Merrill noted that on a sub-agenda, the Wage Committee would report their recommendations.
Brenda Ewing, Human Resource Director, explained the Wage Committee’s recommendations. The
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
recommendations on the market adjustment is to leave it at 2.7% at this time. This rate can also go down
before the final budget is adopted. The recommendation on the current compensation plan is to keep the
existing matrix until the Council was to approve another study. The recommendation for the performance
increase is to use calendar year rather than anniversary year. The dental insurance program will not be
seeing an increase in rates, but health insurance is not running well, and the City will be at a maximum
increase of 19%. The coverage of 80/20 is recommended to stay the same for 2008. The Wage Committee
will be doing further research and have recommendations on a short-term disability plan. The Wage
Committee will be meeting again to look at the various options and will come back to Council with any
changes.
Mayor Cook noted that just for reference purposes the information that he submitted to the Wage Committee
looked at historical trends of the CPI for national, Midwest, and Minneapolis and the average of all three
verses what the City has awarded. Mayor Cook thought there was room for a lower adjustment this year as
far as the matrix was concerned. It is basically a longevity increase but based on a little performance.
Council Member Peterson explained that the Wage Committee had received Mayor Cook’s recommendation
but the committee but felt they maybe they would look at it next year, because the committee did not have
enough time to do more research. Discussion was held.
Ken Merrill, Finance Director, explained that the Wage Committees recommendations are included in the
2008 budget. Ken Merrill explained three different scenarios. Scenario number one would be to levy for
$5,605,900. Scenario number two includes the parameter of LGA loss, $192,000, and the amount that would
be levied for would be $5,797,900. Scenario number three would be to levy for the whole $270,000. Ken
Merrill, Finance Director, noted that the preliminary levy can not be increased but can only be decreased.
Mayor Cook noted that he felt that the average property values that were used were too light. Mayor Cook
recommended scenario number one because that was the only one that reduced the tax rate, which the
Council has discussed in the past.
Council Member Stotts and Council Member Peterson recommended scenario number two. Both council
members noted that things can be cut out of the budget and if they went with scenario one there might not be
any room to move.
Mayor Cook expressed his concern with being serious about decreasing the tax rate. Discussion was held.
Motion by Stotts, second by Peterson, to approve setting the preliminary tax levy amount at $5,797,900 for
the City of Hutchinson for 2008. Roll call vote was taken: Haugen – aye; Arndt – aye; Peterson – aye;
Stotts – aye; Cook – nay. Motion 4 to 1.
(j) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SETTING TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING DATE FOR
DECEMBER 3, 2007, AT 5:00 P.M. AT THE HUTCHINSON EVENT CENTER
Ken Merrill, Finance Director, explained that December 3, 2007, and December 10, 2007, is reserved for the
Truth in Taxation hearing. The earliest it can convene is 5:00 p.m. but it can go later.
Mayor Cook inquired about having it in the Council Chambers so it would be able to be televised.
Ken Merrill, Finance Director, noted that the second meeting is only if the City would need it, and
historically they have not needed a second meeting.
Motion by Stotts, second by Arndt, to approve truth in taxation hearing date for December 3, 2007 at 5:00
p.m. at the Hutchinson City Center, Motion carried unanimously.
(k) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF PROJECT AWARD FOR THE EDA CUSTOMER ELATION
CALL CENTER
Miles Seppelt, EDA Executive Director, explained that the low bid for the call center building was from
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
Ebert Construction, Loretto Minnesota, for $1,738,200. The EDA financial team and board of directors
recommend the award go to Ebert Construction.
Council Member Arndt inquired about how soon the construction would start. Miles Seppelt, EDA
Executive Director, explained the construction would start a week or two after the documents are signed.
Discussion was held.
Motion by Peterson, second by Stotts, to approve project award for the EDA customer elations call center to
Ebert Construction subject to various agreements being entered into. Motion carried unanimously.
Miles Seppelt, EDA Executive Director, noted that an RFP was created to go out for bonds to finance the
call center project. Staff received three proposals back. One of the proposals that was received was from a
company called RBC Capital Markets. They had the most competitive proposal, proposing a twenty year
term with a fixed rate of 6.91% and a 1.25% fees on the bond. It is subject to a little fluctuation.
Cathy Cardell, Ehlers & Associates, explained that Ehlers has solicited proposals on a taxable basis and the
Cities general obligation improvement bonds shall be tax exempt and the City will then see rates in the 4%
range rather than in the 6.91% range.
Miles Seppelt, EDA Executive Director, and EDA financial team and board of directors would like to
request permission for RBC Capital Markets to negotiate final project financing, subject to the company
signing a lease agreement, development agreement and a business subsidy agreement.
Motion by Stotts, Second by Haugen, to approve negotiations with RBC Capital Markets. Motion carried
unanimously.
(l)CONSIDERATION OF SCHEDULING ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF CITY
ADMINISTRATOR GARY PLOTZ
Motion by Stotts, second by Peterson, to set annual performance review for Gary Plotz on September 25,
2007 at 4:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
MISCELLANEOUS
11.
(a)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SALE OF SURPLUS VEHICLES
John Olson, Public Works Superintendent, explained that the vehicles that would be auctioned are from the
police department, and two of the vehicles were handed down to other city departments. They would like to
put the other two in the auction.
Mayor Cook inquired about what option is better than the other. Discussion was held.
Motion by Stotts, second by Cook, to approve the sale of surplus vehicles. Motion carried unanimously.
(b)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE WATER EMERGENCY AND CONSERVATION PLAN
Kent Exner, City Engineer, explained the letter proposing the Water Emergency and Conservation Plan.
The City adopted a plan before and would like to consider an updated plan. Mr. Exner would like the
information to be analyzed and reported. His recommendation would be to utilize the $6,000, and not to
exceed that amount. Mr. Exner also noted that there are funds available.
Motion by Stotts, second by Peterson, to approve the Water Emergency and Conservation Plan. Motion
carried unanimously.
Council Member Arndt would like to thank the Engineering department as well as the Street department
who have been trying to save the water on South Grade Road. Some leaking problems have occurred.
Everyone worked together to try and get a project done. He hopes they can succeed in keeping some water
there. Kent Exner, City Engineer, explained what had been done to create a temporary dam. After the
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
weekend the dam had to be removed. Discussion was held.
Council Member Stotts wanted to bring the Retirement Sick Leave Policy survey to the attention of the
Council. Gary Plotz, City Administrator, explained that there are two separate retirement sick plans. Brenda
Ewing, Human Resources Director, explained that the first type of retirement sick plan is if an employee is
going to receive PERA, the City will pay out 1/3 of any sick hours they have over 240 hours. The second
option is for an existing employee when they reach a maximum accrual of 720 sick hours. They will start the
year off with 720 hours and will continue to earn 96 hours a year. The employee will be paid 1/3 of their
sick hours over 720 hours that they may not use in that calendar year. Council Member Stotts would like to
make sure that we are not falling behind and would like to make sure the employees are being treated fairly.
Gary Plotz, City Administrator, wanted to remind the community about the City Recognition event coming
up on September 20, 2007 at 5:30 p.m.
Kent Exner, City Engineer, reminded people that the Crow River’s annual meeting is on September 13, 2007
at 7:00 p.m. and the annual cleanup is schedule September 15, 2007.
Motion by Arndt, second by Peterson, to approve the Crow River meeting on September 13, 2007 at 7:00
p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
Kent Exner, City Engineer, explained that Friday September 28, 2007 Hwy 7 will open, and there will be a
similar celebration to the one this past fall for the opening.
CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS
12.
Motion by Peterson, second by Cook, to approve claims, appropriations and contract payments. Motion
carried unanimously.
ADJOURN
13.
Motion by Arndt, second by Cook, to adjourn at 7:53 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
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