Bloomer, Wisconsin
February 24, 2010

Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Bloomer was called to order on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall – Mayor Thur presiding.   Roll call was taken:  Mayor Thur, Alderpersons Young, Hofmann, Steinmetz, Koehler, Clerk Stoik and Attorney Thiel.

All present gave pledge to the flag.
Alderperson Koehler made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting (February 9, 2010 & February 17, 2010) with a change as recommended by Clerk Stoik as presented.  Alderperson Steinmetz seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Alderperson Steinmetz made a motion to approve all claims against the City & Utilities as presented.  Alderperson Hofmann seconded the motion and all present voted aye.  The claims were in the amounts listed below:

AUDIENCE COMMENTS

There were no audience comments.

No action was taken to approve the ETZ zoning ordinance or the moratorium at this time.  Mayor Thur stated that a hearing has been scheduled on March 17, 2010 between the ETZ committee and the Planning Commission.

Attorney Thiel reported the next agenda item concerns IAPW, LLC Project.  They are requesting to use Industrial Revenue bonds to fund their project.  In order for them to receive the funding the City of Bloomer needs to support the project.  In no way, does this obligate the City financially.  He has reviewed the documents and they are in order.

Alderperson Hofmann made a motion to approve Initial Resolution 1081 – Reciting a Proposal for Issuance of Industrial Development Revenue Bond, Giving Preliminary Approval to the Project and Authorizing Preparation of Necessary Documents and Materials in Connection with the Project (IAPW, LLC Project).  Alderperson Young seconded the motion and a roll call vote was taken:  Alderperson Young, aye; Hofmann, aye; Steinmetz, aye; Koehler, aye. Mayor Thur stated that any of the costs to the City for review of this project can be billed back to IAPW, LLC.  Mark Hebert, a representative of the company was present to update the Council on the progress of construction.  He reported that the building should start going up the first week in March and they should be fully operationally by September of 2010.

Alderperson Koehler made a motion to approve Resolution 1082 – Waiving Bidding Requirements of Wisconsin Statutes, Section 66.1103(11)(b)(1) as Amended.  Alderperson Steinmetz seconded the motion and a roll call vote was taken:  Alderperson Young, aye; Hofmann, aye; Steinmetz, aye; Koehler, aye.

Alderperson Hofmann made a motion to approve replacing the ambulance garage furnace for a not to exceed price of $2,400 from Erickson Heating & Cooling as described by Alderperson Young to be taken from the building maintenance fund. Alderperson Steinmetz seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Alderperson Hofmann made a motion to approve an application for a license to serve fermented malt beverages & intoxicating liquors for Malia S. Carlson.  Alderperson Steinmetz seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

DEPARTMENT HEADS

Peter Paulson, Electric Administrator – was not present.

Michael Meindel, Street, Water & Sewer Administrator reported that he would be exploring possibilities of switching chemicals in the future to meet new DNR standards that will be implemented.  He also would be exploring mutual assistance agreements with surrounding municipalities.  This is recommended by Wis. Rural Water.  He will bring back to the Council for consideration.

Police Chief Rick Carr reported the police department had received a $4,000 grant for Highway Safety from the State of Wisconsin.  He also reported that Short, Elliott & Hendrickson has requested him to conduct some studies for the traffic issue on 17th Avenue.  He will be working on this soon and will be using the police department, students and volunteers to complete.  He stated it will be time consuming.

ALDERPERSON COMMENTS

Alderperson Young – no comments.

Alderperson Hofmann reported that he and Mike Meindel will be attending a meeting at the Barron County Incinerator on Thursday concerning E-Waste.  He will report at the next meeting.

Alderperson Steinmetz – no comments.

Alderperson Koehler – no comments.

MAYOR COMMENTS

Mayor Thur commented that she had attended Ehlers conference last week and it was very interesting and informative.  She also attended the Strategic Planning meeting sponsored by the Bloomer School District last week.

Alderperson Steinmetz made a motion to go into closed session under Wis. Stats. 19.85 (1) (c) & (g) as read by Mayor Thur.  Alderperson Hofmann seconded the motion and a roll call vote was taken:  Alderperson, Young, aye; Hofmann, aye; Steinmetz, aye; Koehler, aye.

Alderperson Young made a motion to come out of closed session and report on action taken.  Alderperson Steinmetz seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Alderperson Koehler made a motion to hire Steve Sarauer as a Shop Mechanic effective March 8, 2010 starting at $17.10 per hour.  Alderperson Young seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Alderperson Young made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Alderperson Steinmetz seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Sue A. Stoik, CMC/WCMC
City Clerk