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; and Jim Gilchrest, citizen. The meeting was held as scheduled.
Motion Michaels, second Lisowski to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 9, 2004. Roll call, all yes, motion carried.
A citizen addressed the Council about a problem with trash and junk on a property. He has taken pictures; the City has also taken pictures. The owner of the property was contacted and a snowmobile was removed; however the place is not cleaned up to the mayor’s satisfaction. Bruce McFarlin will contact the City Attorney to find out what kind of action can be taken.
The Clerk has sent out three letters and applications for conditional use permits for parking semi-trailers in the City. Two applications with payment have been received. The clerk will send out follow-up letters about the Board of Appeals processs.
Bruce McFarlin will contact the City Attorney regarding the towing away of junked vehicles in the City.
There has been a request to put sand back in the volleyball pits. One pit will be sanded; the other one will be seeded.
Baseball fence: The Little League is planning to complete the outfield fencing project. The Council approved an expenditure of $2500 out of the Ballpark budget towards this project.
Castlerock Foundation is still interested in seeing the Cemetery Fencing project to completion. The most recent estimates from American Fence are: $32,238 for vinyl-coated fencing, and $24,874 for galvanized steel fencing. The Clerk will send a letter to the Foundation quoting the estimates, and asking how much they would be willing to contribute to the project.
Both docks are in.
There was discussion about the Uniform Dwelling Code law that will now affect municipalities with a population less than 2500. Previously, these communities have been exempt from enforcing this code, but the new law of December 2003 will make it mandatory to have new dwellings/remodels inspected by state certified UDC Inspectors. The Common Council has sent a document back to the state indicating that we are going to let the state handle it. The Clerk found a document dated in 2000 that may exempt Buffalo City from inspections until January 2005 if more recent legislation is passed.
Council members McFarlin and Michaels, Mayor Bruegger, Roger Loretz, and the Clerk are registered to attend the Board of Review training session in Eau Claire on April 28, 2004.
Street sweeping services fees: leave at $60.00
Weather sirens: Federal Sirens Corp. contacted Dan Wicka regarding weather sirens. Dan will meet with the representative, have him look at what is needed, and give us an estimate. Dan will talk to Steve Schively from the County about the availability of money under the Homeland Security Act.
The new city truck will be here next week. Ron Speltz will do the lettering. A Rhino bed liner and a rack light will be purchased from Universal Truck.
The City Employees will get to the potholes when they get the mix.
Motion Lisowski, second McFarlin to grant Trust to Beautiful Graves to David Kuhn (Theodore & Ella Kuhn, 344 S1/2 1&2). All yes, motion carried.
Motion Lisowski, second McFarlin to grant Trust to Beautify Graves to David Kuhn (Duane & Charlene Kuhn, 4 S1/2 1&2). All yes, motion carried.
Motion Michaels, second Lisowski to grant Beverage Operator’s License to Leah & Shawn Tennant. All yes, motion carried.
The Clerk presented a handout detailing payments made to the state, county, and schools from the February property tax settlement.
The Clerk discussed the mandate for a statewide electronic voter registration system by the end of 2005. The Clerk attended a session in Alma about this. The Clerk has talked to the Cochrane and Belvidere clerks about partnering for this project since Buffalo City has the high-speed, secure, Internet access required for this project.
The Clerk asked about the City’s participation in the Grand Excursion. No special activities are planned at this time.
Motion McFarlin, second Michaels to pay bills. Roll call, all yes, motion carried.
Motion Michaels, Lisowski second to adjourn. All yes, motion carried.
William Bruegger, Mayor Jane E. Walczak, Clerk