Bloomer, Wisconsin
MARCH 10, 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, March 10, 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 Hofmann made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meetings (February 24, 2010 & March 3, 2010) with a change as recommended by Clerk Stoik to the March 3, 2010 as presented.  Alderperson Koehler seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

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

AUDIENCE COMMENTS

There were no audience comments.

Alderperson Koehler discussed handicapped accessibility to City Hall.  He had a citizen contact him and suggest that the property across the street from city hall was able to accommodate their building.  He feels it is time for the City to consider making City Hall accessible.  Discussion was held regarding the law and construction standards to be followed to meet state requirements.  City staff will research more and report back.

Alderperson Young made a motion to approve a participation agreement with Boardman Law Firm for the Northern States Power Municipal Group for 2010 rate increase for a cost of $5,536.99.  Alderperson Hofmann seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Alderperson Steinmetz made a motion to approve posting for the Light Equipment Operator in the Street Department as recommended by Mike Meindel, Street, Water & Sewer Administrator.  Alderperson Hofmann seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Alderperson Hofmann made a motion to approve Sue Stoik to attend the Municipal Treasurers conference on April 29-30, 2010.  Alderperson Koehler seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Alderperson Hofmann made a motion to approve a Class “B” Combination Beer & Liquor license for Charles Edward Bowe (Badger Hole, LLC) at 1019 15th Avenue effective April 27, 2010 – June 30, 2010 formerly operated at Bloomer House.  Alderperson Young seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Alderperson Koehler made a motion to approve an application for a license to serve fermented malt beverages & intoxicating liquors for Jeffrey A. Rubenzer & Dave J. Bungartz as approved by Police Chief Carr.  Alderperson Steinmetz seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

DEPARTMENT HEADS

Peter Paulson, Electric Administrator reported he had met with the contractor and engineer for the electrical shop building and the final repairs should be made soon, so that final payment can be made to them.

Michael Meindel, Street, Water & Sewer Administrator reported that he had received a mutual aid agreement from New Auburn.  Attorney Thiel is reviewing and will place on the next agenda for approval. He also reported that the new shop mechanic started on March 8th and everything is working out great.

Police Chief Rick Carr reported at the last meeting he had been approved for a grant.  He plans to use the money to purchase a speed zone sign in the 17th Avenue school area and also portable video cameras to be used by the officers. He also is on a committee regarding parents who host, lose the most.  He will report back on their progress.

Sue Stoik, City Clerk reported that the City of Chippewa Falls would be hosting the next Joint Area meeting of Mayors & Council members on Thursday, April 29, 2010.  Invitations will come later.

ALDERPERSON COMMENTS

Alderperson Young – no comments.

Alderperson Hofmann reported on the meeting he attended with Mike Meindel and David Lambert at the Barron County Incinerator.  The purpose was their intention of helping municipalities to dispose of electronics properly.  The City of Bloomer was ahead of many of the other members present.  Staff will continue to work to find markets for electronics.

Alderperson Steinmetz – no comments.

Alderperson Koehler – no comments.

MAYOR COMMENTS

Mayor Thur reported a letter had been sent to the computer programmers for the police dept. and they will be presenting an alternative for the Council to consider.  Mayor Thur also thanked the Bloomer Woman’s Club for the chili dinner served to the employees last week.  She thanked them for all that they do for the City.

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

Sue A. Stoik, CMC/WCMC
City Clerk