According to a recent bulleting from the League of Minnesota Cities, the state legislature has changed a longstanding practice of cities for awarding veterans preference points during a hiring process.
Since 1974, when the Legislature extended veterans point-based preference to cities and other governmental subdivisions, cities have been awarding five points to the application of a qualified nondisabled veteran and 10 points to the application of a qualified, disabled veteran. As of April 19, 2012, cities are now required to award 10 points to a nondisabled veteran and 15 points to a disabled veteran.
The Legislature also amended another section of the law dealing with veterans preference in city hiring. Under current law, when the city is preparing to discharge or demote a veteran, the city must notify the veteran of his or her right to a hearing in front of the city’s civil service commission. If there is no civil service commission, a three-person ad-hoc panel must be appointed. The city selects one member of the ad hoc panel, the veteran must select another member, and those two members select the third member.
The new law also clarifies that cities have the same timeframe as the veteran to appeal a veterans preference decision in court should they so choose. A recent Minnesota Supreme Court decision called into question the timeframes for appeals by cities. The change in law was advocated by the League in cooperation with the Veterans Affairs Office in order to clarify the issue.
For several months the city, school district and hospital has been compiling a list of existing shared services between governmental units or local non-profits in the community. This is being done to better educate ourselves on what is already being done, and also as a catalyst into where we may want to go in the future. To date our list includes:
SHARED SERVICES WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL UNITS OR NON-PROFITS
City/County
-Airport (City/County own airport-city handles zoning, fiscal and management duties.)
City/County cost each year, ongoing maintenance ($7,000 to $12,000 year average)
City/County cost each year, capital projects ($5,000 to $50,000 year)
-Hospital and Clinic (City/County own-some fiscal administration by the county.
(On request the city has helped with lot sweeping and lot maintenance. All law
Enforcement agencies assist with security issues, video conferencing is available for all
entities to use, and wellness testing is available upon request to all agencies.)
-Library (County System with Pioneerland as overall manager.)
Library Board (City/County jointly own building and share services). ($85,100/year)
City maintains outside (mowing and snow removal) of Library Building
-City Assessing contracted out of the County ($48,300/year)
-Emergency Management contracted out to County ($1,200/year)
-Dispatch services paid to the county ($15,000)
-City/County share of software contract (Police/Sheriff) for $19,000/year
-Montevideo PD transports prisoners to 1st appearances (county function under statutes)
-Montevideo PD administers “Pawn Shop” search software (used by Sheriff and Clara City)
-Montevideo Sergeant act as Assistant County Coroner\
- Agreement for Impound Services
- MPD has two DRE's "drug recognition evaluators", county has none. We welcome the
county and other agencies to use our evaluators on drugged driving cases, in addition,
Montevideo schools regularly call to have students evaluated to see if they are under the
influence of controlled substance.
- MPD has a law enforcement phlebotomist for use in drawing blood on DWI cases. All law
enforcement agencies can use this service on their cases.
- in 2011, MPD assisted other law enforcement agencies (primarily sheriffs office) 128
times with either handling calls when county is not on duty, or backing up county on calls.
The County/State Patrol also routinely assist with backup.
-Shared In-pound Lot
-County maintains city special assessment lists.
-Monthly organizational meetings between Police and Sheriffs Dept.
-City/County/Highway Patrol work jointly in the area.
-Nixle Services (text alerts) shared by city/county/school
-PW and County Share Equipment: (trucks, trailers, backhoe, chippers, skid steers, crack
sealer, brush mower
-Salt Shed built 50/50 city and county and we mix and share sand/salt
-City crews use city bucket truck and trim trees in county
-City crews sweep county streets in city limits.
-MCDC-City grant funds administered by a joint body of city, county, MIDC and Chamber
appointees. Grants/Loans are approved that benefit all.
-City provides space on Water Tower for governmental communications, county pays
for some equipment and installation costs
-Historical Society Building Upgrades and Travel Information Center Construction
-Election administration and training
-Special assistance during flood events and other emergencies
-City maintains grounds at Chippewa Village/Historical Society
City/School
-DARE education by Montevideo Police Officer
-Quarterly meetings for information/idea exchanges (School Supt./City Staff)
-Nixle Services (text alerts) shared by city/county/school
-Tennis Courts built by city and school ($180,000)
-ECSU/and Regional ECSU Membership
Product purchases, from paper products to Fire Trucks
-Equipment use (city equipment used to winterize stadium and sprinkler lines)
-On occasion: city sweeps parking lots, hauls snow, uses bucket truck for flag poles
-City assists with water/irrigation issues and time of usage coordination
-Election assistance (equipment)
-School provides assistance during flood events
-School (ALC) assisted with All America City contest (twice as finalists, once as winner.)
City/City of Watson
-City handles all of the waste water produced. ( by contract)
-On occasion Montevideo provides staffing for water/wastewater licensing issues with state
or other utility assistance or expertise.
City/Townships
-City offers fire services to adjacent townships. Six townships in three counties take
part, and pay approximately 27% of the budget and a share of some new truck purchases.
-Joint Small Cities Grant (Admin.by Monte), Milan, Big Bend and Kragero Townships
-Joint Orderly annexation agreements/cooperation
-Economic development assistance and coordination (JobZ)
-Building Code enforcement/inspections in Township areas
- Some shared zoning duties within a 2-mile limit of the city (Three counties)
City/State
-State Bid packages used
-City sweeps state ROW
-City mows state ROW
The 2010 spring flooding damaged the stone bridges in Lagoon Park. FEMA approved some funding for their repair later that year. Initially repairs were scheduled for 2011, but high water during most of the year did not allow us to complete the repairs. Bids were taken this spring to repair the bridges this summer, and Peters Construction of Montevideo were chosen to complete the work. Work on the bridges will start this summer, likely in mid-June, to coincide with the removal of the Chippewa River Dam. In mid-June a hole will be punched in the dam to allow water built up behind the dam to drain, which will also lower the water in the river and adjacent channels. This will also allow easier work on the bridges. The bridges were built by the WPA in the 1930’s and are considered important historic structures, and part of Montevideo history.
Update on Construction in and Around Montevideo This Summer
As we have mentioned before, both the City of Montevideo and Mn/DOT are planning a number of projects for summer construction.
Mn/DOT PROJECTS FOR THIS SUMMER:
Pavement Rehabilitation Highway 212 West: This project starts at the East Intersection of Highway 212 and Highway 59 (Trailway’s Corner) and continues West to approximately 3 miles past the West intersection of Highway 212 & Highway 59 (Where Highway 59 heads South towards Marshall). The project starts up again ½ mile East of Dawson and continues West to the intersection of Highway 212 and Highway 75 including a short piece of Highway 75. This project will rehabilitate the pavement and will be constructed using a detour. The project will take a majority of the summer to complete. Work should begin around dJune 1st and plans are for it to be done by August 31st.
Bituminous Mill & Overlay on Highway 7/Highway 29: This project starts just South of the intersection of Highway 212 and Highway 59 (Trailway’s Corner) and continues West approximately 1 mile to the bridge over the entrance to Lagoon Park. The project consists of removing and replacing 4” of bituminous pavement, guardrail & pipe repair. Highway 7/Highway 29 will remain open to traffic during the project, delays should be expected. Work likely will not begin until September 1st to allow the other projects in the area to be completed.
LEVEE CONSTRUCTION- CITY OF MONTEVIDEO PROJECTS :
Highway 212 from Trailways Corner East to Flinn’s Salvage: This entire stretch will be rebuilt and raised as part of Phase 2 of the levee project. This project starts just east of the intersection of Highway 212 and Highway 59 (Trailway’s Corner) and continues east approximately 1 mile to Flinn’s Salvage. At some point in the project County Road 42 will be affected. Highwat 212 will be closed on April 23rd, by the intersection with OCunty Road 42 and Highway 212 will remain open until June.
Internal Projects: A number of internal city projects have been bid and should begin in late June. They include North 6th Street, from Highway 7 north to Ost Avenue; Town Road; Orchard Circle; and Linda Lane and some Storm Sewer work on Lincoln Avenue.
Airport Main Runway Reconstruction: The city anticipates that approval will be given for reconstruction of the main runway at the airport. This work will not begin until August 1st.
According to a recent bulletin from the League of Minnesota Cities, “On April 10, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released the April 2012 Economic Update, a quarterly report providing updated information on state revenue collections. According to the report, Minnesota’s net general fund revenues totaled $2.496 billion for the months of February and March, which is $106 million, or 4.4 percent, more than projected in the state’s February Forecast.
The $106 million increase was led by higher individual income tax receipts, which were $60 million, or 5.1 percent, above the February Forecast level. Net sales tax receipts also exceeded forecast by $27 million, or 4.2 percent.
According to the April Economic Update, the $60 million increase in individual income tax receipts was almost entirely due to a $56 million increase in individual income tax withholdings. The report cautions that the income tax withholding variance appears to be the result of one-time income, such as larger-than-projected bonuses, and not the result of underlying wage growth due to higher employment or higher base wages.
The report also provides a summary update of economic information used by the state’s economic forecasting firm, Global Insight, to forecast state revenues and expenditures, which concludes that the U.S. economic expansion is continuing but at a “sub-par” rate until 2014. The report cautions that the U.S. is still recovering from the Great Recession, and the U.S. economy remains fragile. Global Insight’s analysis acknowledges that oil price increases, further sovereign debt problems, or geo-political shocks could push the U.S. economy into recession once again, but these risks are now less of a concern than they were just six months ago.
The next full state budget forecast will be release in late November, but there will be economic updates issued in July and October that will report on state revenue collections.”
The City of Montevideo was informed On April 2nd that the Army Corps of Engineers planned to shut down all or a portion of Highway 212 from the Trailways intersection to Flinns Salvage on Monday, April 23rd. This closure may also shut down the intersection of County Road 42 and Highway 212 on that same date. The detour to get in and out of Montevideo along Highway 212 will be onto County Road 16 (Farmer’s Co-Op corner), up to County Road 15, then up to Highway 7.
The city is attempting to get the Army Corps of Engineers to keep that portion of Highway 212 open to and from County Road 42 as long as possible, and it is possible this detour may not happen until May. But at this point in time everyone needs to plan that access to Montevideo along Highway 212 and onto County Road 42 may be lost as early as April 23rd.
Once work begins, it will be closed until completed. Completion is scheduled for August 31, 2012.
An Open House is planned for Wednesday, April 11, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Montevideo Community Center to answer any questions that the public might have on this project and the other closures or overlays being planned by MNDOT this summer along Highway 212 west out of Montevideo and along Highway 7 in Montevideo.
State Legislation to Expand the Sale of Certain Types of Fireworks is Being Debated
According to the League of Minnesota Cities, a bill to expand fireworks sales in Minnesota from the current sparklers and novelties to the powerfully explosive aerial and multi-tube variety, also known as Class C fireworks, has made its way through the legislative committee process.
In spite of vigorous opposition from some fire service and from burn unit medical professionals, the bill was heard and passed to the Senate floor on March 23. The House companion is awaiting action on the House floor.
The bill not only would legalize larger, more powerful fireworks, it would also limit local control over the sale and use of these products.
Although the bill has not reached the governor’s desk, it is expected to pass off the floors of the House and Senate. It is possible the measure will be stalled in the conference committee process, or that the governor will refuse to sign it. The Department of Public Safety indicated in testimony that the agency prefers the status quo as it pertains to fireworks.
If you have an opinion about this bill we urge you to contact your legislators.
Possible Water Conservation Rate Repeal
The City of Montevideo has been working on a possible update to its water rate structure due to state statutes that require us to have conservation based water rates. In other words, the more you use, the higher the rate you will be charged. Such rates typically penalize heavy water users.
But HF 1923would repeal so-called water demand rate structures for municipal water suppliers. What the proposed bill does is now make the mandated practice optional, and also delays state-mandated “demand reduction measures” to reduce water demand and nonessential water uses from Jan. 1, 2013, to Jan. 1, 2015.
Passed 71-60, the bill now goes to the Senate.
The bill also deletes a requirement that public water suppliers create conservation rate price structures and a public education program that includes water-conserving toilet and showerhead retrofits.
Repeal of the bill did draw criticism. Some fear that demand from groundwater sources is too great and that underground pollution could be drawn into municipal water supplies if demand is too strong, or in some areas we may run out of water.
If passed, any changes to the water rate structure in Montevideo will be delayed.
On Wednesday a contingent of city staff, mayor, council member, citizens, and veterans will visit the capitol to take part in a hearing before the State Government Finance Committee to ask for their support of a new proposed Veterans Home in Montevideo. Less than 1/2 of 1 percent of our veterans have access to such a home. This is a follow-up to the successful Community Based Outpatient Clinic (Veterans Clinic) built in 2004 by the City of Montevideo and Chippewa County through our partnership at the hospital. In 2009 the City of Montevideo put together a comprehensive plan to erect a new Veterans Home in Montevideo. Partners in this endeavor include Chippewa County, LQP County, Yellow Medicine County, Renville County and the City of Granite Falls. When built this home will house 90 veterans or their spouses. The city already owns the 13 acres necessary to build this project.
Due to state budget constraints, it is not likely that this will be built next year, and there is competition for the site from around the state. We do believe our project is the most mature, well throught out and planned of all the proposals we have seen. Such a project can be more like a marathon than a sprint, but we are committed to keep this project on the front burner until the time comes when that the state is ready to build a new home.
The Montevideo City Council has approved plans for a new disc golf course in Lagoon Park. The plan calls for a complete course, with tee boxes, signage, and disc catchers. This project is contingent upon private funding for the entire project. If you are interested in funding this project contact City Manager Steve Jones for details. The hope is to have it up and running by Fiesta days.
According to the League of Minnesota Cities Bulleting, a League-supported bill that more strictly regulates synthetic drugs easily cleared a key House committee.
The House Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance Committee on March 1 passed a League supported bill that more strictly regulates synthetic drugs.
The bill, HF 2508 (Rep. Bob Barrett, R-Shafer), updates the statutory controlled substance schedules so that they match the controlled substance schedules maintained by the Board of Pharmacy. The bill grants the Board expedited drug scheduling authority. The bill also modifies the definition of synthetic cannabinoids and enhances the penalties for selling such substances.
Although the Legislature passed a measure last session that was expected to stifle the sale and use of these dangerous substances, the criminal justice system has continued to struggle with enforcing the intent of the law.
The bill passed with little opposition and will travel next to the Government Operations and Elections Committee. The Senate companion has not yet been introduced.
According to the State “Session Daily Interactive”, the State Forecast shows a $323 million budget surplus for this biennium. According to Nick Busse “Minnesota’s economy is improving and the state budget has begun its slow climb toward solvency.” But despite the good news, top budget officials warned that the state still has a stack of IOUs it needs to pay off. The new surplus will mostly go to pay back K-12 school districts, which the state borrowed from during the course of the last several budget cycles. It’s not a matter of choice; current law requires the K-12 buyback before any new spending can take place. In effect, this zeroes out not only the current surplus but any future ones until the full $2.7 billion is paid back.
State Economist Tom Stinson said that overall the forecast seems to point toward better days for Minnesota. Unemployment is falling, wages are growing, consumer confidence is up and the risk of another recession has dropped. Minnesota’s unemployment rate is significantly lower than the national average. Despite that good news a $1.1 billion budget shortfall is projected for the next fiscal biennium and that’s not counting the $2.4 billion that will still be owed to the schools.
Redistricting is Completed in the State
The courts have spoken, new legislative district lines have been drawn, and there will be changes in our area. Rep. Lyle Koenen, DFL-Clara City, and Rep. Andrew Falk, DFL-Murdock now live in the same new House District 17A, and Sen. Gary Kubly, DFL-Granite Falls, and Sen. Joe Gimse, R-Willmar, will now both live in the new Senate District 17. It is our understanding that Sen. Kubly has said he will not run again. What does this mean? In the very least, it appears that, in at least one case, incumbents from two different districts may now have to run against each other. It also means that whoever represents our area will have new constituents, and there will be a learning curve for both the citizens in the district and the representatives who will now serve a different mix of citizens.
At the local level, voting districts will also change slightly. In Montevideo, we have two voting precincts. During city elections, there is no real change because all elected city positions are “at-large,” but it does mean that during future county commission elections, the commissioners will have slightly altered districts. Precincts 1 and 2 in Montevideo will change slightly, with Precinct 1 taking some territory from Precinct 2, in a small area just south of Black Oak Avenue.
At the Federal level, Congressional District 7, which is currently represented by Congressman Collin Peterson, remains basically the same. The largest district in the state, and one of the largest congressional districts in the nation, remains essentially the same, with some expansion, notably in the southern part of the state.
Redistricting takes place every 10 years, following completion of the census.
Montevideo-Chippewa County Airport
The Montevideo-Chippewa County Airport is jointly owned by the City of Montevideo and Chippewa County. An airport commission meets monthly and is responsible for a number of functions, including recommending a yearly budget, formulating policies and procedures for operation of the airport, and working with state and federal agencies. According to the joint powers agreement between the city and the county the airport commission may not incur obligations or enter into contracts. The airport commission does review any proposed agreements or contracts and make recommendations to the city and the county.
The city acts as manager and fiduciary agent for the airport on behalf of the city and county. Any employees are city employees and the airport is operated as a department of the city, under administration of the city manager. The city manager also undertakes general oversight of the airport manager. No capital expenditures can be made without approval of both the city council and the county board, and all expenditures over $10,000 are to be approved in advance by the city and county.
The budget is in two pieces. The first piece is the main budget which is reviewed and approved by all parties each year. Generally speaking, after all revenues are taken into account, the city and county, (at least this has been the case over the last few years), has had to spend only $4,000 to $8,000 per year to balance out the airport budget. This is possible because the airport gets revenue from its adjacent farm lands, and is reimbursed by the state for some of its yearly maintenance costs. In 2007 the airport took in about $25,000 on the farm leases (and paid about $8,000 in taxes). This revenue has continued to climb, and for 2012, $40,000 was budgeted (but we are going to actually receive closer to $55,000), with taxes likely in the $13,000 range. The city manager arranges for bids on the farm leases every two years, and they are reviewed and approved by the city council on behalf of the city and county.
The second piece of the budget is the expenses for capital projects at the airport. The cost to the city and county has varied, from about $5,000 per year to $25,000 per year. In 2012, the cost is estimated to be closer to $50,000 each because of a proposed $2.1 Million runway renovation project.
Chippewa Dam Removal
Work on the removal of the Chippewa River Dam continues. Our current project timeline (per the DNR) is:
February/March 2012: Permits Completed.
March/April 2012: Bids Solicited.
April/May: 2012: Montevideo City Council Awards Project.
June 2012: A notch is cut in the dam to allow the water to lower and silt to stabilize.
August-October: The dam is demolished and rapids are constructed.
Removal of the dam is considered important because of safety reasons, environmental reasons (fish would be able to migrate up the Minnesota into the upper reaches of the Chippewa River) and recreational (allows for safer and easier passage).
Major sponsors of the project include the City of Montevideo, The U.S. Fish and Wilife Service, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Airport Financing:For the first time in a number of years the federal government appears to be on the verge of approving a long term capital improvement financing plan for airports. This is important for our airport because we currently have a $2.1 Million runway reconstruction project at the airport waiting for final approval. If the federal financing bill is passed, the FAA will pay 90% of the project, the state 5%, and the city and county will split 5%. The federal share of this project comes from fees that are collected every time you fly a commercial airline. The airport is an important piece of the local economy, contributing over $1 Million each year in direct or indirect benefits, and according to the state, activity allowed by the airport is equal to the impact of over 12 full-time jobs in Montevideo. You would be surprised by the level of business activity at the airport, with large twin engine and small jet business traffic becoming more frequent.
MONTEVIDEO CITY NEWS FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
Monday, Feb. 6, 5:00 PM, Council Work Session to Discuss Building Issues, City Hall
Monday, Feb. 6, 7:00 PM, Regular City Council Meeting, City Hall Council Chambers
INFORMATION:
Levee Work: The city continues to do work to upgrade its levee system. Phase 2 of the levee project will culminate this summer with the raising of Highway 212 from the “Trailways” intersection east to approximately Flinn’s Salvage.
Engineering for Phase 3, which will rebuild the old 1969 levee, has been completed, but the city still needs to find the approximate $3 Million dollars to complete that work. It is still hoped that this final section of the project can be completed in 2013.
Both Sen. Kubly (SF0816) and Rep. Koenen (HF 1295) have drafted bills to help in our attempt to pay for additional levee work.
VA Home: The city continues to pursue the construction of a new VA Home in Montevideo. Rep. Koenen has introduced bill (HF0017) to build a Montevideo VA Home. There is a companion bill in the senate from last year (Kubly). It is not likely much progress will be made this year, but these projects take years to plan and complete.
Dam Removal: Plans for removal of the old dam on the Chippewa River at Montevideo continue. The DNR expects to bid the project yet this spring for summer/fall completion. The city has applied for an additional $100,000 grant in case the existing $300,000 now in hand is not enough to complete the project.
Flood Forecast: The long range forecast from the weather service shows very little chance this spring of the Minnesota River reaching 14 feet (flood stage).
Please contact the city at 320-269-6575 if you have any questions or comments.
Both the City of Montevideo and Mn/DOT are planning a number of projects for summer construction. Some of the projects will last only a few weeks, others will last all season. At this time all projects are still subject to change, but both Mn/DOT and the city plan to hold a joint information meeting later this spring. On city projects that will be assessed to adjacent property owners the city will hold a number of hearings and property owners affected by those projects will be notified by the city.
PROPOSED Mn/DOT PROJECTS (2012):
Pavement Rehabilitation Highway 212 West: This project starts at the East Intersection of Highway 212 and Highway 59 (Trailway’s Corner) and continues West to approximately 3 miles past the West intersection of Highway 212 & Highway 59 (Where Highway 59 heads South towards Marshall). The project starts up again ½ mile East of Dawson and continues West to the intersection of Highway 212 and Highway 75 including a short piece of Highway 75. This project will rehabilitate the pavement and will be constructed using a detour. The project will take a majority of the summer to complete.
Bituminous Mill & Overlay on Highway 7/Highway 29: This project starts just South of the intersection of Highway 212 and Highway 59 (Trailway’s Corner) and continues West approximately 1 mile to the bridge over the entrance to Lagoon Park. The project consists of removing and replacing 4” of bituminous pavement, guardrail & pipe repair. Highway 7/Highway 29 will remain open to traffic during the project, delays should be expected.
PROPOSED CITY OF MONTEVIDEO PROJECTS (2012):
Highway 212 from Trailways Corner East to Flinn’s Salvage: This entire stretch will be rebuilt and raised as part of Phase 2 of the levee project. This project starts just east of the intersection of Highway 212 and Highway 59 (Trailway’s Corner) and continues east approximately 1 mile to Flinn’s Salvage. At some point in the project County Road 42 will be affected. The road will be closed and work will take a majority of the summer to complete.
Internal Projects: A number of internal city projects are planned for the summer but have yet been finalized. They may include North 6th Street, from Highway 7 north to Ost Avenue; Town Road; Orchard Circle; and Linda Lane. Work will likely begin in early July and be completed by the end of August.
ESTIMATED TIMELINE FOR INTERNAL PROJECTS
March 5 : - Council holds public hearing to review 2012 construction plans.
- Council orders plans, specifications and the solicitation of bids.
- (Resolution Ordering the Improvement After a Public Hearing.)
April 12 - Bid Opening Date (This does NOT take place at a council meeting.)
April 16 - Council reviews bids.
- Council sets assessment rates for the project (resolution).
- Council calls for final assessment hearing (resolution), (May 21)
May 21 - Council holds final assessment hearing and sets final rates.
(Resolution to Adopt the Final Assessment Role.)
- Council Awards Bids
- Council Calls for Bond Sale
June 18 - Bond Sale
Late June - Work Begins
Steve Jones, city manager of Montevideo, has been working as a city manager for 24 years. He has a bachelors degree in Urban Affairs/Urban Planning from the University of Missouri, Kansas City and a Masters of Public Administration from Andrew Jackson University. He is an ICMA credentialed city manager and a certified floodplain manager.
During his 14 years as city manager of Montevideo, some key items Steve has worked on are upgrades to the city's infrastructure including the wastewater treatment plant and water plant, flood mitigation work including levee reconstruction and work on making Montevideo an All-American City. His favorite project was the Community Built Playground Project in Smith Park.
