Bloomer, Wisconsin
MARCH 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, March 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 Steinmetz made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting (March 10, 2010) as presented.  Alderperson Koehler seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Alderperson Hofmann 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.

Discussion was held with Tim Blizek from Chippewa County Dispatch regarding the City’s dispatching with the County.  The transition has gone smoothly on their end.  Everything is working great. They have not received any complaints of any nature. They have not been overwhelmed with any extra work load. They have good cooperation with the two departments and feel they have created a good back up system for both departments. The telephone system has been working well.  Fire Chief Brian Bleskacek stated he has had no problems.  They appreciate the cooperation.

Discussion was held with Bloomer Aquatic Center Bruce Barlow representing their building progress.  Everything is going well.  They expect to open the offices in the following weeks.  The pool is probably 2 to 3 weeks out for completion.  They had trouble with finishing the blacktop in the fall.  They are requesting the City to allow opening of the offices and fitness center prior to the blacktopping being completed.  Alderperson Koehler made a motion to approve the opening of Bloomer Aquatic Center without the blacktop driveway.  Alderperson Young seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Alderperson Koehler made a motion to approve a Certified Survey Map submitted by Patrick Shadick for a parcel of land owned by him on the southwest corner of State Highway 40 & 64 as approved by the Planning Commission.  Alderperson Steinmetz seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Alderperson Young made a motion to adopt Ordinance 10-02 – To Amend Chapter 4 of Title 13 of the City Code; Extraterritorial Zoning as approved by the ETZ Board and the Planning Commission.  Alderperson Steinmetz seconded the motion and all present voted aye. Attorney Thiel stated he had spoken to Doug Clary from Chippewa County Zoning and he also approved the final draft of the ordinance.

Dan Masterpole from Chippewa County presented a handout regarding the ETZ and how it relates to AEA – Agricultural Enterprise Area in the Town of Bloomer.  He has corresponded with the State regarding this and would like the City to recognize this AEA area.  Attorney Thiel stated that this was not on the agenda and could not be acted upon by the City at this meeting.  The Clerk was requested to place this on the next agenda for consideration.

Discussion was held regarding the City employee’s health insurance policy and agent representative.  Kate Ludwigson, Area Financial Services and Dave Stiehl, Stiehl Agency was present.  They had previously met with the Mayor, Dept. heads and employees to review options and a possible change to the agent. Ms. Ludwigson presented documentation showing the current plan highlights with HealthPartners and the renewal summary.  A committee had been set up to review both proposals prior to this meeting.  It was submitted to the Council that the employees were requesting to continue with HealthPartners at a 4.15% increase and to continue with the current agent of Kate Ludwigson.  Dave Stiehl, Stiehl Agency was present also.  He explained the need to keep tax dollars in Bloomer. He felt he should be given the opportunity to also bid on the insurance.  He had presented to the committee a proposal from WPS.  He also explained that he would need to bid this out of an Eau Claire office, because he was not a broker of health insurance.  Alderperson Koehler made a motion to approve the HealthPartners coverage and Kate Ludwigson as the agent. Alderperson Hofmann seconded the motion and all present voted aye. An agreement will be worked out between Ms. Ludwigson and Mr. Stiehl on the possibility of sharing the contract.  Ms. Ludwigson will need to go to her supervisor to work out an agreement. 

Alderperson Steinmetz made a motion to assign the rights and responsibilities of RCHS to IAPW, LLC per development agreement drafted by Attorney Thiel.  Alderperson Young seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Discussion was held regarding supporting the Bloomer Lake Association in an application to be submitted to DNR to control duck weed. Alderperson Koehler explained that the Bloomer Lake Association had installed a silt fence berm on the end of Como Creek where it enters Lake Como.  This has worked well for many years of controlling duck weed.  The City has invested many dollars into the dredging and the dam.  He would like to see the Lake Association continue with their efforts.  A complaint had been filed with the DNR and The Lake Association was issued a notice to remove the silt fence.  The Lake Association will be trying to complete a variance and a plan to control duck weed in the future.  They are asking for the City’s support. Alderperson Young made a motion to approve supporting the Bloomer Lake Association in an application to be submitted to DNR to control duck weed.  Alderperson Steinmetz seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Discussion was held regarding the fire siren.  It currently is not being sounded at 9:00 p.m.  Chief Carr checked into prices and to have a clock purchased to sound it at 9:00 p.m. would cost approx. $420.  Programming would cost approx. $150.  Questions were asked if this was a one time programming fee.  Chief Carr will check into it and report at the next meeting.

Alderperson Steinmetz made a motion to approve a community water/wastewater mutual assistance agreement with the Village of New Auburn.  Alderperson Koehler seconded the motion and all present voted aye. Mr. Meindel stated that they would probably have more requests like this in the future.

Alderperson Young made a motion to approve attendance at the following conferences and meetings listed below.  Alderperson Hofmann seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

• Annual Local Government Seminar-April 27, 2010
• League of Municipalities-New Municipal Official Workshop-April 30, 2010
• League of Municipalities-Regional Dinner Meeting-April 29, 2010

Michael Meindel presented a rough draft of estimation for converting city hall into a handicapped accessible building.  Discussion was held regarding the law and construction standards to be followed to meet state requirements.  Mr. Meindel stated at this time – he would not recommend proceeding with it as it did not meet the standards of the code.  The west side of the street is narrower and could not be completed the same as the project across the street.  Other options will continue to be explored. No action was taken.

Alderperson Hofmann made a motion to approve a Class “B” Combination Beer & Liquor license for Leann Rae Kollwitz (Transport Bar) at 1602 Martin Road effective April 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010 formerly operated at Transport Bar – Michael Lindeman, MVL Enterprises as approved by Chief Carr.  Alderperson Steinmetz seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Alderperson Steinmetz made a motion to approve an application for a license to serve fermented malt beverages & intoxicating liquors for Mitchell R. Nelson, Tricia A. Nelson & Danielle M. Smetana as approved by Police Chief Carr.  Alderperson Koehler seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

DEPARTMENT HEADS

Peter Paulson, Electric Administrator – nothing to report.

Michael Meindel, Street, Water & Sewer Administrator – nothing to report.

Police Chief Rick Carr – nothing to report.

Tony Rubenzer, Building Inspector, Brian Bleskacek, Fire Chief and Kim Korbel, Library Director – nothing to report.

ALDERPERSON COMMENTS

Alderperson Young – no comments.

Alderperson Hofmann – no comments.

Alderperson Steinmetz – no comments.

Alderperson Koehler – no comments.

MAYOR COMMENTS

Mayor Thur stated that the Veterans had contacted her about placing a stainless steel panel behind the stove at the old clubhouse.  They are willing to pay for it and she gave them permission.

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

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

Alderperson Steinmetz made a motion to approve the sale of Lot 29 in the Iron Horse Industrial Park to Michael Poirier for the listed price of $17,500 contingent upon the building of a condominium which meets the R-2 zoning.  Attorney Thiel will prepare the closing and provide title insurance.  Alderperson Koehler seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

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

Sue A. Stoik, CMC/WCMC
City Clerk