| An expensive break |
| Written by REBECCA KOMPPA |
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Abbreviated report Public Works Superintendent Thomas Hoppe presented three invoices totaling $3,557.51 to the Sebeka City Council, at their November 10 monthly meeting, for repairs made to a broken sewer line and water main. The lines were broken by Spindler Improvement in October during excavation work to connect the Norbert Ament residence to city sewer/water. Spindler repaired the broken sewer and water lines, but Ritter & Ritter, Inc. of Aitkin was called by Hoppe to vacuum the debris that entered the sewer line during the break, at a cost of $1,500. It was several days after the incident before Ritter & Ritter cleaned the sewer line. By that time, sand and rock had traveled to the lift station. Hoppe called North Star Pump Service of Lakeville the following week on October 21 to check out problems with the pump at the main lift station and again on October 23 for continuing problems at the wastewater lift station that were caused by rock and sand. Invoices for the two service calls totaled $2,057.51 for parts and labor. Adam Spindler told the council that he did not have a problem with paying for the parts. However, he stated that the city should employ workers who are able to pull the pump, take it apart and fix it themselves, without calling others in to do the work for them. He contended that he should not have to pay for the city employees’ inexperience. Hoppe replied that the Public Works Department did not have the necessary equipment to pull the pump, and Ritter & Ritter would have had to be called to clean the lines regardless of their work experience. Hoppe adjusted the invoices to remove the cost of any repairs not directly related to the break. He determined the City should pay $833.98 of the cost, but that Spindler Improvement should be responsible for the remaining $2,740.01. This total also includes $16.48 for couplings to repair the broken lines. After more discussion, an additional $40 was removed from Spindler’s bill, bringing the amount Spindler Improvement owes the City for the broken water/sewer lines to $2,700. 31. Liquor Store Update The Sebeka Municipal Liquor Store reported a profit of $4,155.96 in October, the first gain since August. Month-end reports for the first ten months in 2009, reveal that the Sebeka Municipal Liquor Store made money five out of the ten months. Profits in January, February, April, July and October totaled $20,570.06, but were offset by losses in March, May, June, August and September totaling $14,854.13. October’s income brought the year-to-date profit back up to $5,715.93, after a dismal profit margin of $1,559.97 at the end of September. According to the month-end reports passed out to the council, the improvement in the profit margin does not indicate an increase in patronage at the liquor store, but less expenses going out. Payments made in October totaled $35,882.75; payments in September were $42,303.09 and in August $45,421.85. Sales deposits, on the other hand, have remained fairly constant at $35,412 in August, $33,714 in September, and $34,733 in October (with on-sale price adjustments going into effect in October). Police Department Update Police Chief Eric Swenson reported that the administrative fine tickets have been purchased from the State and are ready for issuance as soon as anyone does something to deserve one. He also reported that Greg Anderson of MSVcTV, Menahga, has offered to serve as the city’s neutral third party [arbitrator]. A neutral third party is mandated by the State as part of the new revisions made to the laws governing administrative fines. Persons receiving a citation are to be told at the time it’s issued that they have a right to challenge it before a neutral third party who will settle the dispute. The arbitrator is a paid position. According to Chief Swenson, the pay is set at $30 per case. Councilmember Ann Kluenenberg opined that the position needs to be opened up to the community since it is a paid position. The council passed a motion to advertise in the Review Messenger for persons interested in serving as the neutral third party to submit a cover letter and résumé to the City. The council did not define what qualifications are needed for the position, except interested persons must be at least 18 years old. It was not discussed if there would be a time limit on how long one would serve in that capacity. The position will be appointed at the December 8 council meeting. Other Business In other city business, the Council: •passed a motion to pay the auditing firm, Carlson Highland, $15,500 for their 2009 city audit; •passed a motion to authorize City Hall to be closed on the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 27. |