REGULAR MEETING—MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2004—7:00 P.M.—MUNICIPAL BUILDING
 

The Regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Buffalo City was called to order by Mayor William Bruegger. Roll call: Briggs, Lisowski, McFarlin, Michaels. Other attendees:

City Employees Dan Wicka, Chris Hund; Dave Brommerich, news reporter; and Lynda Rickoff, CPA, Hawkins, Ash, Baptie & Company. The meeting was held as scheduled.

Motion Lisowski, second McFarlin to amend the February 9, 2004 minutes to read “probation” not “promotion” under Summary of Employee Performance Review. All yes, motion carried.

Motion Michaels, second Lisowski to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 15, 2004. All yes, motion carried.

Lynda Rickoff, from HABCO, gave the 2003 audit report. The City is debt free and in good financial shape, however the Cemetery, which is considered a separate entity, is operating at a loss. This is mostly due to the fact that the interest earned from the Trust to Beautify Graves is not covering the cost for the floral arrangements. Lynda also announced that in 2004 the audit would include the accounting and financial reporting requirements for capital assets, with depreciation, in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 34 (GASB).

Health & Safety Committee: McFarlin noted that improvements have been made at some of the properties. He is working with the City Attorney to develop an ordinance that would allow the City to more effectively enforce its ordinances.

It was reported that the Buffalo County Health Officer found no health hazards at the property she inspected.

Recreation Committee: The Committee received 4 applications for various Little League coaching positions. Michaels will meet with the Cochrane Little League committee members and report back to the Council.

Public Works Committee: the streets are getting swept

Cemetery Committee: The Mayor reported on the fencing project. The Committee met on April 8 with Gary Schlosstein from Castlerock Foundation, and Shane Arneson from American Fence. Castlerock Foundation has agreed to contribute 50% of the fencing costs up to $17, 500. Shane showed the Committee a Master Halco powder-coated fence in addition to the black vinyl fence that was being considered. Schlosstein and the Committee agreed that on paper the Master Halco fence was superior in looks and quality. Arneson will bring down a section of fence for viewing. Motion Lisowski, second McFarlin to approve the Cemetery Committee recommendation to purchase the Master Halco fence IF the Committee and Schlosstein like the fence once they see it. Roll call. All yes, motion carried. The Mayor approached the subject of the Trust to Beautify Graves not paying for itself. Motion Briggs, second Michaels to accept the Cemetery Committee recommendation to raise the price of Trust to Beautify graves from $500 to $750 effective July 1, 2004. All yes, motion carried. The Clerk will place a notice in the C-FC Recorder.

Riverfront Committee: Mayor Bruegger met with a Fish & Wildlife representative and was informed that the drawdown of Pool 5 will be in 2005 if all conditions are perfect. More information on this will be forthcoming, as it may impact river access from Buffalo City.

Building Update: The Building Committee needs more information before making a recommendation regarding the implementation and enforcement of the UDC law. This item will be on the agenda for the next meeting.

Mayor’s Update: We have received quotes from Wausau Insurance for 2004-2005 insurance policies. We have declined to take out a policy for terrorism coverage. The Mayor

recommended that the Public Officials Liability deductible be raised from $2500 to $5000 to lower the premium. Motion McFarlin, second Lisowski to accept the Mayor’s recommendation of raising the deductible for this type of insurance. Roll call. All yes. Motion carried.

Duane Becker wants to buy a piece of land owned by the city, which is located behind his home. He has paid for the surveyor, and willing to pay taxes on it. Edmund Hagan, the assessor, has assessed the value at $.64/sq. ft and the land is approximately 1500 sq. feet. The Mayor will consult with the City Attorney about legalities; Becker will incur all costs. Motion Briggs, second McFarlin to approve sale of land to Duane Becker pending attorney endorsement. Roll call. All yes, motion carried.

City Employees: The topic of purchasing weather sirens was brought up, but tabled until the next meeting when more information will be available.

Clerk/Treasurer: Motion Lisowski, second Michaels to grant sale of cemetery lot 83 N1/2 1&2 to Roy D. Mueller. All yes. Motion carried. Motion Lisowski, second Michaels to grant sale of cemetery lot 83 S1/2 1&2 to Betty Jean Muench. All yes, motion carried.

The Buffalo City-Cochrane citywide rummage sale will be held May 15, 2004. More information will be published in the C-FC Recorder, and posted on the Buffalo City web site.

The second April meeting will be held Thursday, April 22, 6:30 p.m. The re-organization meeting will be held Thursday, April 22, 7:00 p.m.

Motion Lisowski, second Briggs to pay bills. Roll call. All yes, motion carried.

Motion McFarlin, second Michaels to convene into closed session as per State Statute 19.85 (1)(c) to conduct employee review. All yes, motion carried.

Summary: The clerk received an excellent review. Effective May 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004 the clerk to receive a salary of $585.00 bimonthly, plus $10.00/hr for extra hours. Position will be reviewed in September 2004.

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

Jane Walczak

Clerk