The Regular Meeting of the Common Council of the City of Buffalo City was called to order by Mayor William Bruegger.  Roll Call:  present: Lisowski, McFarlin, Michaels.    Absent: Briggs.  Other attendees: City employees Dan Wicka, Chris Hund; Dave Brommerich, news reporter.  The meeting was held as scheduled.

Motion Lisowski, second McFarlin to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 21, 2004.  Roll call, all yes, motion carried.

 The Health & Safety Committee reported that there are currently three violations of the ordinance prohibiting semi-trailers from parking in the city without a conditional use permit.  The Clerk will send out letters and applications for the Board of Appeals conditional use permit. 

The Finance committee reported that the city loan will be paid off on Tuesday, February 10, 2004.  The city will be debt free.

 The Mayor announced that there will be a Public Hearing regarding the Drainage Ditch between Buffalo City and Cochrane.  This hearing will be held March 17, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the Buffalo City Community Room.

The Mayor re-visited the issue of automatic bank pay for utility bills.  He spoke with the auditors and they recommended that this type of payment be implemented whenever possible.  The Clerk will contact Riverland Energy and Xcel Energy about switching to automatic pay.

 The City Employees reported on Christmas decoration updates.  There will be a 40% savings if decorations are ordered by the end of the month.  Motion McFarlin, second Michaels to buy two Skyline Christmas decorations by the end of February 2004.  (one will be purchased from insurance reimbursement funds).  Roll call, all yes, motion carried.  The new city truck will be ready by the end of March.  The buffalo head logo will be on both doors and will read: City of Buffalo City. 

 Motion Michaels, McFarlin to pay bills.  Roll call, all yes, motion carried.  It was noted that the payment to the Scenic Valley Swimming Association represents Buffalo City’s 2003 contribution and is being paid at the auditors’ recommendation. 

 Motion Lisowski, second Michaels to convene into closed session per State Statue 19.85 (1)(c) for employee performance review.  All yes, motion carried.

          Summary: Chris Hund to be taken off  Probation Period and given a $.75/hr raise effective

                            February 18, 2004. 

 Motion Lisowski, McFarlin second to reconvene into open session.  Roll call, all yes, motion carried.

 Motion Michaels, Lisowski second to adjourn.  All yes, motion carried.

 

______________________                                                                           _____________________

William Bruegger, Mayor                                                                                    Jane E. Walczak/Clerk

                                                                                                                                ______________________

                                                                                                                                Date approved