LOWDEN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

PROCEEDINGS OF LOWDEN CITY COUNCIL, SPECIAL MEETING, MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2008, 6:00 PM

The special budget meeting of the Lowden City Council was called to order by Mayor Dan Hamdorf. Councilmembers present on roll call: Conrad, Ryan, Olsen, Decker, Tucker. Visitors: Gene Hamdorf, Bob Tucker, Laurie Millam, Jan Olsen, Pat Kroemer, Joey Wenndt.

Jan Olsen, Laurie Millam, and Bob Tucker presented the FY09 budget request for the Lowden Public Library. It included an increase for the librarian to $11.00/hr. with a total library budget of $33,198. Anticipated library revenues from the county and state would be $8916, with the City funding the remaining portion of their expenditures.

Jan Olsen, Lowden Tree Committee, recommended to the council they budget a line item of $1000 for tree preservation. This would allow to contract with a certified tree arborist when problem trees need examination.

Joey Wenndt, Lowden Fire Dept. asked the council to have their budget remain the same as FY08, $28,000. which will include their payment for the new tanker. Wenndt said if the council saw the need, to increase the budget by 3-5%. The township fire rates will remain the same. Wenndt presented information on how a new water tower could be funded with borrowed money and local option tax money. Discussion followed later by the council and they will not pursue a new water tower at this time.

Lowden Rescue budget will remain the same as FY08 at $5925.

Police costs with Cedar County will increase 3% to $30,030/year.

Other budget discussions included hiring an engineer to do a study for wastewater plant upgrades. Steve Laughlin, Shoemaker & Haaland Engineers, will be asked to attend the March council meeting.

City Council budgeted $12,000 for a different dump truck. Councilman Conrad will begin looking for a used truck possibly from Clinton or Cedar County.

Council also decided to proceed with the purchase of Radio Read water meters for Lowden at a cost of approximately $70,000. $35,000 will be budgeted for FY09 with the expenses to be paid from wastewater, water, garbage, and local option tax money.

Council discussed wages for maintenance men Gene Hamdorf, Tim Burmeister, and City Clerk Peggy Kedley. Council agreed on 5% salary increases with Gene’s wage increasing to $16.00/hr., Tim - $14.50/hr., and their insurance compensation to $335/mo. and Peggy - $18074/yr., insurance compensation to $325/month.

M/S Ryan, Decker to approve the FY09 budget proposals as presented to the council. Ayes: All.

Council set March 3, 2008, 6:00 PM, for the Public Hearing on the FY09 budget.

Next regular meeting is February 4, 2008, 5:30 PM.

Dan Hamdorf, Mayor
Peggy Kedley, City Clerk

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