"Where Fillmore County News Comes First"
Online Edition
Friday, May 24th, 2013
Volume ∞ Issue ∞
- 11:44:26, May 21st 2013 - airmaxs52274 - Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your a ... [Read More]
- 5:56:33, May 18th 2013 - modgudur - I guess the child is anti-gun control since Obama went to all that trouble ... [Read More]
- 9:27:41, May 16th 2013 - caal girl - Nice outfit on you. I loved some of the dresses but am holding my breath ... [Read More]
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- 4:12:01, May 9th 2013 - Amanda Ziebell - Wow! Thanks to the Fillmore County Journal for this kind story. For a ... [Read More]
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- 10:25:25, May 7th 2013 - Thunder6 - Great article! I love to see the Youth of Fillmore County receiveing acco ... [Read More]
- 6:52:10, May 6th 2013 - Jason Sethre, Publisher of Fillmore County Journal & Olmsted County Journal - Maryh, ... [Read More]
- 7:29:56, May 5th 2013 - maryh - Where are OCJ's available for pickup...other than at the new office? ... [Read More]
- 2:41:47, May 3rd 2013 - Remark1976 - Mrs. Buckbee, I just looked up Senate File 796 and in it there are said p ... [Read More]
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Should consumers have to pay sales tax on online purchases?
Harmony City Council Report: Council approves loan for new restaurant
Fri, Dec 15th, 2006
Posted in Government
Posted in Government
Comments
Harmony - On Tuesday, December 12, Miles Petree and Lisa Miller petitioned the Harmony City Council to approve a revolving loan for a future restaurant business. The loan will be for $25,000 at 4% interest over a 7 year period to help establish a new restaurant on Main Street in Harmony. Council member Sherry Hines reported that the restaurant anticipated bringing 3-5 new jobs to the city over the first two years. After minimal discussion the council approved the loan request.
Garbage & Recycling Clarification
Council member Gerry Shuck questioned the city's policy of charging landlords garbage and recycling fees in the event their rental units are empty. He asked the council why these services couldn't be discontinued if the property was vacant. Jerome Illg, Administrator, replied that a landlord could discontinue the un-rented residence's garbage and recycling fees but only if the other utility services were disconnected as well. Illg explained that the reason for this policy is that often landlords use the garbage and recycling services when cleaning or repairing the property in-between renters.
Ambulance Rates
Eileen Schansberg, Deputy Clerk and Harmony Ambulance Crew representative requested an increase in the on-call reimbursement for the crew on weekends. Schansberg reported that the current reimbursement of $20/weekend had not been increased since 1996. While the ambulance membership has remained fairly stable it has become more difficult to recruit for the weekend shifts - a pay increase may help ease these scheduling difficulties. Schansberg proposed that the reimbursement rate be increased to $50/weekend and $50/major holidays. Council member Shuck asked what this increase will mean towards the budget. Schansburg and Illg explained that this increase would be covered through increases in ambulance service fees to city residents and surrounding townships. With no further discussion the council approved the ambulance reimbursement rate increases as proposed.
City Truck
Chris Johnson, City Maintenance, reported his findings in obtaining bids for a new city truck. Johnson explained that he had worked with three different truck dealers for bids on a one-ton, duel-wheel, six-liter, 4x4 truck. Only two dealers came back with bids - one for $25,261 and the other for $24,865. The dealer that supplied the $24,865 bid would also give $10,000 towards trade-in for the city's old truck. Johnson added that equipment to fit the truck for snow removal would also be required.
One of the bidding dealers, McKean Auto, had a few '07 fully equipped trucks available on their lot for about $40,000 with a 5 year, 100,000 mile warranty. Johnson recommended purchasing one of these vehicles.
The council discussed whether a new truck should be bought or if the old truck could be repaired. Johnson and Illg provided a brief rundown of the existing truck's needed repairs. Afterwards the council agreed that the needed repairs and equipment costs could easily add-up to half the cost of a new truck. The council approved Johnson's request to move forward with purchasing one of the available McKean trucks.
Other Business
In other business, the council:
• Received updates that Heritage Grove is doing well financially. There is currently one opening in the facility's Memory Care unit but there are already 1-2 applicants.
• Learned the EDA committee had developed a campaign to increase shopping in local business entitled "10 Reasons to Shop in Harmony." Campaign information will be distributed to residents via this month's city utility bills.
• Heard the city's wastewater facility was running well and continued to meet all of its monthly permits.
• Learned a member of the city's Personnel Committee had resigned. The committee will begin investigating a replacement soon.
• Received updates on the city's building project to renovate the Harmony Community Center.
Garbage & Recycling Clarification
Council member Gerry Shuck questioned the city's policy of charging landlords garbage and recycling fees in the event their rental units are empty. He asked the council why these services couldn't be discontinued if the property was vacant. Jerome Illg, Administrator, replied that a landlord could discontinue the un-rented residence's garbage and recycling fees but only if the other utility services were disconnected as well. Illg explained that the reason for this policy is that often landlords use the garbage and recycling services when cleaning or repairing the property in-between renters.
Ambulance Rates
Eileen Schansberg, Deputy Clerk and Harmony Ambulance Crew representative requested an increase in the on-call reimbursement for the crew on weekends. Schansberg reported that the current reimbursement of $20/weekend had not been increased since 1996. While the ambulance membership has remained fairly stable it has become more difficult to recruit for the weekend shifts - a pay increase may help ease these scheduling difficulties. Schansberg proposed that the reimbursement rate be increased to $50/weekend and $50/major holidays. Council member Shuck asked what this increase will mean towards the budget. Schansburg and Illg explained that this increase would be covered through increases in ambulance service fees to city residents and surrounding townships. With no further discussion the council approved the ambulance reimbursement rate increases as proposed.
City Truck
Chris Johnson, City Maintenance, reported his findings in obtaining bids for a new city truck. Johnson explained that he had worked with three different truck dealers for bids on a one-ton, duel-wheel, six-liter, 4x4 truck. Only two dealers came back with bids - one for $25,261 and the other for $24,865. The dealer that supplied the $24,865 bid would also give $10,000 towards trade-in for the city's old truck. Johnson added that equipment to fit the truck for snow removal would also be required.
One of the bidding dealers, McKean Auto, had a few '07 fully equipped trucks available on their lot for about $40,000 with a 5 year, 100,000 mile warranty. Johnson recommended purchasing one of these vehicles.
The council discussed whether a new truck should be bought or if the old truck could be repaired. Johnson and Illg provided a brief rundown of the existing truck's needed repairs. Afterwards the council agreed that the needed repairs and equipment costs could easily add-up to half the cost of a new truck. The council approved Johnson's request to move forward with purchasing one of the available McKean trucks.
Other Business
In other business, the council:
• Received updates that Heritage Grove is doing well financially. There is currently one opening in the facility's Memory Care unit but there are already 1-2 applicants.
• Learned the EDA committee had developed a campaign to increase shopping in local business entitled "10 Reasons to Shop in Harmony." Campaign information will be distributed to residents via this month's city utility bills.
• Heard the city's wastewater facility was running well and continued to meet all of its monthly permits.
• Learned a member of the city's Personnel Committee had resigned. The committee will begin investigating a replacement soon.
• Received updates on the city's building project to renovate the Harmony Community Center.
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