People work at jobs for many reasons. Some of the reasons include the rewards of the job itself. Some involve the reward of helping others. Some are rewarded in the personal pride of doing a job well. All of us work to receive a paycheck. That paycheck provides for our subsistence but also our quality of life.
Recently the city was involved in the negotiations with a labor union. Union goals, among other things, are to help maintain and grow the quality of life for their members. The quality of life that remains of a primary focus is that of compensation. A labor contract provides for a set amount of wages for the type of job being accomplished and the growth in rates that can be expected over time. In simple language how much do I make this year and what can I expect for a raise next year? A contract may only last 2-3 years but expectations in wage rate growth are defined so employees know what to expect. A contract was agreed to and those in the union have a clear expectation as to what will happen concerning wage rates.
Other employees of the city have the same concerns as those of union members. They want some assurance of how they will move through the salary range. They understand that you don’t start at the top of the range but want to know that if they work hard and do a great job, they will receive some rewards in an increase in salary.
The city has been working on a pay plan to do just that. The plan provides for an approach to periodic increases in salary that are given employees that do quality work. Increases are not automatic as positive performance reviews are required. Increases are not guaranteed at times of extreme fiscal stress. The policy does however give an expectation that good employees have the ability to move through the salary range.
Recently the city council recognized the need to give non-union employees some assurance in how they would be compensated over a period of time. They adopted a pay plan for these employees starting in 2013. The plan is somewhat in keeping with the pay arrangements made for the union employees, trying to maintain some parity among all employees of the city. With parity in mind, fairness to all employees is important in managing an organization and its personnel.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
2007 Crown Victoria
The Breezy Point Police Department generally replaces a vehicle on an annual basis. This year the city will be selling on sealed bids a 2007 Crown Victoria. The vehicle has slightly over 102,000 miles on it.
Sealed bids will be accepted until October 30th at 3:00 pm. A bid form can be found on the city website at www.cityofbreezypointmn.us under the section entitled Surplus Property. Forms can also be received at City Hall or the Public Safety Building. The vehicle can be viewed at the Public Safety Building at 8361 Co. Rd. 11.
Bids may be delivered or mailed to:
Sealed Bid
Breezy Point City Hall
8319 County Road 11
Breezy Point, MN 56472.
Sealed bids will be accepted until October 30th at 3:00 pm. A bid form can be found on the city website at www.cityofbreezypointmn.us under the section entitled Surplus Property. Forms can also be received at City Hall or the Public Safety Building. The vehicle can be viewed at the Public Safety Building at 8361 Co. Rd. 11.
Bids may be delivered or mailed to:
Sealed Bid
Breezy Point City Hall
8319 County Road 11
Breezy Point, MN 56472.
Memorial Day 2013
The All Veterans Memorial at the Pelican Woods Cemetery will be taking one more step towards completion. The immediate project has been completed with the construction of the site, installation of the sculpture and benches. These improvements were paid for using donated dollars.
The next phase of construction will include a bronze plaque naming the memorial “All Veterans Memorial” and installing a flag pole to fly the United States Flag. The Cemetery Commission wants to ensure these are installed yet this fall to provide for a dedication ceremony to be held on Memorial Day in 2013.
The City Council approved this phase of construction again using donated funds for the improvements. The final details for these improvements have been worked out budget of $1600 designated for the construction. We will have a 16 by 20 inch plaque and a 20 foot flag pole. The Cemetery Commission, being frugal by nature, hopes to limit the expense for these improvements but now has a budget to work with. A rock for the plaque has been moved in. The plaque has been ordered and the flag pole has arrived. Installation of these will be accomplished as soon as possible.
The commission would like to install two other flag poles for the memorial in the future. These would include a POW-MIA flag and also a State of Minnesota flag at the site. They are seeking donations for these. If this is something you have an interest in please contact city hall.
The next phase of construction will include a bronze plaque naming the memorial “All Veterans Memorial” and installing a flag pole to fly the United States Flag. The Cemetery Commission wants to ensure these are installed yet this fall to provide for a dedication ceremony to be held on Memorial Day in 2013.
The City Council approved this phase of construction again using donated funds for the improvements. The final details for these improvements have been worked out budget of $1600 designated for the construction. We will have a 16 by 20 inch plaque and a 20 foot flag pole. The Cemetery Commission, being frugal by nature, hopes to limit the expense for these improvements but now has a budget to work with. A rock for the plaque has been moved in. The plaque has been ordered and the flag pole has arrived. Installation of these will be accomplished as soon as possible.
The commission would like to install two other flag poles for the memorial in the future. These would include a POW-MIA flag and also a State of Minnesota flag at the site. They are seeking donations for these. If this is something you have an interest in please contact city hall.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Preliminary Levy
Each year the city develops a budget for the following year. The process starts along about June and continues through the summer. The budget process involves a look at current finances, service levels and needs of the city. There is also consideration given to the revenue side of things. We all have to work within our means.
The council has concerns with the level of taxation as the city has experienced a reduction in the overall market value of the city. Property values have sided lower with changes in the market. Tax appeals have occurred reducing values and some property formally part of the city is no longer within the city. The State of Minnesota has also changed tax policy in reducing overall values. There have been lots of factors that come into play in reducing overall values of property.
Keeping this in mind the council had established goals for the 2013 budget and levy. They wanted to maintain or possibly reduce the overall levy. They also wanted to maintain current service levels and have departments live with the current expenditure limits that exist for 2012. With that in mind each department looked at priorities for spending, working their budgets to meet these needs.
A balanced draft budget was accomplished working around the same levy request as that for the 2012 budget year. The preliminary levy saw increases in the debt service levy with some reductions in the general fund levy. In the end, the preliminary levy certified for 2013 is the same levy as that requested for 2012. We continue to work on the budget and hope to find additional economies to further reduce the final levy. The final levy will be accomplished at the December meeting with an overview to our budget.
The council has concerns with the level of taxation as the city has experienced a reduction in the overall market value of the city. Property values have sided lower with changes in the market. Tax appeals have occurred reducing values and some property formally part of the city is no longer within the city. The State of Minnesota has also changed tax policy in reducing overall values. There have been lots of factors that come into play in reducing overall values of property.
Keeping this in mind the council had established goals for the 2013 budget and levy. They wanted to maintain or possibly reduce the overall levy. They also wanted to maintain current service levels and have departments live with the current expenditure limits that exist for 2012. With that in mind each department looked at priorities for spending, working their budgets to meet these needs.
A balanced draft budget was accomplished working around the same levy request as that for the 2012 budget year. The preliminary levy saw increases in the debt service levy with some reductions in the general fund levy. In the end, the preliminary levy certified for 2013 is the same levy as that requested for 2012. We continue to work on the budget and hope to find additional economies to further reduce the final levy. The final levy will be accomplished at the December meeting with an overview to our budget.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Walkways at City Hall
The city hall will soon sport new sidewalks.
If you have been to city hall you may have noticed the sidewalks have seen some deterioration. They were installed when the building was built in 1995. Exposed aggregate was used presumably to retard slipping in winter months. This may have been the thing to do at the time but with application of salt over the years the sidewalks have really taken a beating. The main walkway into the building has a large crack and hole creating a tripping hazard. They need to be replaced.
It was also felt that an additional sidewalk for handicap accessibility could be created on the east side of the building adjacent to the ramp to the council chambers. Recently we added door openers for accessibility on both entrances to the building, thus further improving access.
Quotes were received for this replacement. Quotes ranged from $1,200 to $1,625. The low quote was awarded and sidewalk replacements should be accomplished in the next week or so. Along with that installation we’ll take the time to do some minor repairs and staining of the wood boardwalks and railings. During the construction there will be some shifting of accesses as the main entryway will be closed. With any luck the disruption will only last a few days.
In the end, the sidewalks will be installed with a smooth broomed finish. A sealer will be applied to the concrete to aid in its durability. The concrete strength will be improved to stand up to salt applications that winter brings. And besides looking better, we’ll also have improved access with safer conditions.
If you have been to city hall you may have noticed the sidewalks have seen some deterioration. They were installed when the building was built in 1995. Exposed aggregate was used presumably to retard slipping in winter months. This may have been the thing to do at the time but with application of salt over the years the sidewalks have really taken a beating. The main walkway into the building has a large crack and hole creating a tripping hazard. They need to be replaced.
It was also felt that an additional sidewalk for handicap accessibility could be created on the east side of the building adjacent to the ramp to the council chambers. Recently we added door openers for accessibility on both entrances to the building, thus further improving access.
Quotes were received for this replacement. Quotes ranged from $1,200 to $1,625. The low quote was awarded and sidewalk replacements should be accomplished in the next week or so. Along with that installation we’ll take the time to do some minor repairs and staining of the wood boardwalks and railings. During the construction there will be some shifting of accesses as the main entryway will be closed. With any luck the disruption will only last a few days.
In the end, the sidewalks will be installed with a smooth broomed finish. A sealer will be applied to the concrete to aid in its durability. The concrete strength will be improved to stand up to salt applications that winter brings. And besides looking better, we’ll also have improved access with safer conditions.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Charter Improvements
Perhaps you have seen some construction near the ball fields at City Park. The area in question is just off North Drive on the west end of the ball field. There has been survey stakes at this location for about a month. What’s this all about?
Charter Cable has been operating their cable system from a small metal box at the intersection of Co. Rd. 11 and North Drive. You may have seen a Charter Cable truck there from time to time. This metal box has become too small to house all the equipment that serves the city with Cable TV. It is also subject to problems such as high temperatures. Charter had requested to build a larger box at this location but doing that would create safety issues with sight lines at the intersection. In working with them it was discussed that what they really wanted was a building that could house their equipment. Then it could be air conditioned to maintain proper operations and better quality with all the room they needed.
Locating at the present location was not an option. Trying to locate immediately south of the public works building was also not an option. Proper setbacks couldn’t be met. In continuing to look at property the city owns a location was found that would meet their needs. They wanted a 40 by 40 foot footprint for a concrete slab to house a 20 by 20 foot building. The slab would be enclosed by a chain link fence. The building would house the equipment needed for cable TV. The building would be outfitted with air conditioning and a backup generator to deal with power outages. As luck would have it the site was “shoehorned” into a location between the paved trail and a sanitary sewer easement. This location had little use except for green space.
The city agreed to lease this property to Charter for the purpose of improving their ability to serve the community. The process of construction has stated. We now have a small structure in this location. And with a good deal of work there will be new equipment serving Breezy Point with Cable TV.
Charter Cable has been operating their cable system from a small metal box at the intersection of Co. Rd. 11 and North Drive. You may have seen a Charter Cable truck there from time to time. This metal box has become too small to house all the equipment that serves the city with Cable TV. It is also subject to problems such as high temperatures. Charter had requested to build a larger box at this location but doing that would create safety issues with sight lines at the intersection. In working with them it was discussed that what they really wanted was a building that could house their equipment. Then it could be air conditioned to maintain proper operations and better quality with all the room they needed.
Locating at the present location was not an option. Trying to locate immediately south of the public works building was also not an option. Proper setbacks couldn’t be met. In continuing to look at property the city owns a location was found that would meet their needs. They wanted a 40 by 40 foot footprint for a concrete slab to house a 20 by 20 foot building. The slab would be enclosed by a chain link fence. The building would house the equipment needed for cable TV. The building would be outfitted with air conditioning and a backup generator to deal with power outages. As luck would have it the site was “shoehorned” into a location between the paved trail and a sanitary sewer easement. This location had little use except for green space.
The city agreed to lease this property to Charter for the purpose of improving their ability to serve the community. The process of construction has stated. We now have a small structure in this location. And with a good deal of work there will be new equipment serving Breezy Point with Cable TV.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
StormReady
The City of Breezy Point has recently been designated a “StormReady” city. This is a program that was established by the National Weather Service. Breezy Point is one of only 10 cities in the state with this designation. There are only 761 communities recognized nationwide.
To accomplish this goal an application must be made that shows we have the capability to deal with weather events in an efficient and expedient manner. The National Weather Service states:
“StormReady communities are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through advanced planning, education, and awareness. No community is storm proof, but StormReady can help communities save lives.”
StormReady has established a program where a community can measure just how prepared you are in the case of an emergency. It gives us some tools to look at concerning what has been accomplished and what areas need to be worked on. It helps to develop a structure or plan to deal with emergencies with expanded alert and notification capabilities, and a better understanding of threat areas and response/recovery responsibilities.
With the designation of StormReady the city will be installing signs at entrances to our community indicating our designation. We’re also allowed to use the logo as we see the need for its use.
Accomplishing this goal was an initiative of Police Officer Jason Rieber. Jason is also one of our Paramedics and has a great concern for public safety and welfare. Our thanks go out to him for this effort and with his help we have become a safer city.
To accomplish this goal an application must be made that shows we have the capability to deal with weather events in an efficient and expedient manner. The National Weather Service states:
“StormReady communities are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through advanced planning, education, and awareness. No community is storm proof, but StormReady can help communities save lives.”
StormReady has established a program where a community can measure just how prepared you are in the case of an emergency. It gives us some tools to look at concerning what has been accomplished and what areas need to be worked on. It helps to develop a structure or plan to deal with emergencies with expanded alert and notification capabilities, and a better understanding of threat areas and response/recovery responsibilities.
With the designation of StormReady the city will be installing signs at entrances to our community indicating our designation. We’re also allowed to use the logo as we see the need for its use.
Accomplishing this goal was an initiative of Police Officer Jason Rieber. Jason is also one of our Paramedics and has a great concern for public safety and welfare. Our thanks go out to him for this effort and with his help we have become a safer city.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
New Park Shelter
Through a great deal of insight and forethought the City of Breezy Point had worked with many interested citizens to develop the city park. This park gets tremendous use and is busy most days with all sorts of activities. The park includes a ball field, playground area, basketball and volleyball courts. It also has a large picnic shelter that is used by many groups and is routinely busy with activity.
The Park and Recreation Committee has considered the park use and felt an additional park shelter was warranted and planned for its construction in 2012. Funds were set aside for this use. Construction will occur in the next few weeks with it being built on the north side of city hall. The structure will be a smaller shelter than the existing one being 16 by 24 feet.
The city received quotes from several contractors to do the work. The contractors were generous with their time giving the city reduced or free labor. They recognized the public good in having additional services available for the community. Public Works has also participated in the construction with ground preparation. Preliminary excavation, tree removal and fill were needed to prepare the site. The total price for the shelter came in under budget with the quotes received. The budget was $11,500 and the final cost is $9,609.98.
Many thanks go out to the contractors who will be doing the work. Trana Masonry of Breezy Point will be doing the concrete work. Gibbons Construction of Pequot Lakes will be doing the framing and wood work. Fiks-Con of Crosslake will be doing the shingling.
With the addition of a new shelter additional users will be able to enjoy the park.
The Park and Recreation Committee has considered the park use and felt an additional park shelter was warranted and planned for its construction in 2012. Funds were set aside for this use. Construction will occur in the next few weeks with it being built on the north side of city hall. The structure will be a smaller shelter than the existing one being 16 by 24 feet.
The city received quotes from several contractors to do the work. The contractors were generous with their time giving the city reduced or free labor. They recognized the public good in having additional services available for the community. Public Works has also participated in the construction with ground preparation. Preliminary excavation, tree removal and fill were needed to prepare the site. The total price for the shelter came in under budget with the quotes received. The budget was $11,500 and the final cost is $9,609.98.
Many thanks go out to the contractors who will be doing the work. Trana Masonry of Breezy Point will be doing the concrete work. Gibbons Construction of Pequot Lakes will be doing the framing and wood work. Fiks-Con of Crosslake will be doing the shingling.
With the addition of a new shelter additional users will be able to enjoy the park.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Labor Day Weekend Entertainment
The Northern Lakes Youth Hockey Association has been working on a fund raising event for the Labor Day weekend. They will be hosting an outside concert with the headliner of Hairball. In proposing the event they worked with the city to address concerns of managing a large event. The event will be held at the Ice Arena parking lot on September 1st. The gates open at 5:00 pm. Music will end at 10:00 pm.
The association has requested and received a Temporary Liquor License allowing them to sell beer. The aspect of checking identifications and dealing with beer serving was a major concern. Servers will be trained to deal with their obligations under Minnesota Statutes. Measures will be taken to prevent underage sales and drinking.
Security will be provided both on and off site through various means. A police officer will be on site. Some off duty police officers as well as private security will be assisting at the event. Parking attendants will direct parking on site and overflow parking has been planned for in the event it is needed. Crow Wing County Sheriff’s office will also assist as the need dictates.
Portable toilets and garbage service has been arranged to meet the needs of the event. Cleanup of the grounds will be required to be completed by 10 AM on the following morning.
The concern is for both a successful event and one that addresses public safety. Having an event such as this will be a nice addition to the activities surrounding Labor Day. We hope all goes well and those that attend have a great time. We also hope the event for Northern Lakes Youth Hockey Association is all they want it to be.
The association has requested and received a Temporary Liquor License allowing them to sell beer. The aspect of checking identifications and dealing with beer serving was a major concern. Servers will be trained to deal with their obligations under Minnesota Statutes. Measures will be taken to prevent underage sales and drinking.
Security will be provided both on and off site through various means. A police officer will be on site. Some off duty police officers as well as private security will be assisting at the event. Parking attendants will direct parking on site and overflow parking has been planned for in the event it is needed. Crow Wing County Sheriff’s office will also assist as the need dictates.
Portable toilets and garbage service has been arranged to meet the needs of the event. Cleanup of the grounds will be required to be completed by 10 AM on the following morning.
The concern is for both a successful event and one that addresses public safety. Having an event such as this will be a nice addition to the activities surrounding Labor Day. We hope all goes well and those that attend have a great time. We also hope the event for Northern Lakes Youth Hockey Association is all they want it to be.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Storage by the Lake
Crow Wing County has spent a good deal of time reworking their zoning ordinance. Many of the changes reflect a more common sense approach. One of these changes provided for a lake shore accessory building. This is a small accessory building such as a shed that is used for storage of water related items such as life vests, sand toys, fishing rods, floaty toys or lawn chairs. This provision allows up to 120 square foot building no closer to 20 feet of the ordinary high water line as a permitted structure.
The city was approached about a similar provision to our code as it was available for the majority of the lake front properties, but not available to Breezy Point residents. The Planning Commission felt the idea of having it available to residents brings us in parity to others who reside in the townships. It also makes it easier for lakeshore property owners to maintain an orderly shoreline by allowing storage of those items commonly used in this area.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing for this change and after consideration of the county ordinance made a couple of minor changes. The ordinance forbids this accessory structure to be used as a kennel and also wanted the setback to be 10 feet from the side property line. The other provisions included in the county ordinance were included. They recommended approval to the city council.
The City Council reviewed the change and also determined it to be in the best interest of the community to allow this type of use, adopting the change. A property owner can now have an accessory structure within 20 feet of the lakeshore. This structure can not exceed 120 square feet and only requires a zoning permit from the city to install.
The city was approached about a similar provision to our code as it was available for the majority of the lake front properties, but not available to Breezy Point residents. The Planning Commission felt the idea of having it available to residents brings us in parity to others who reside in the townships. It also makes it easier for lakeshore property owners to maintain an orderly shoreline by allowing storage of those items commonly used in this area.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing for this change and after consideration of the county ordinance made a couple of minor changes. The ordinance forbids this accessory structure to be used as a kennel and also wanted the setback to be 10 feet from the side property line. The other provisions included in the county ordinance were included. They recommended approval to the city council.
The City Council reviewed the change and also determined it to be in the best interest of the community to allow this type of use, adopting the change. A property owner can now have an accessory structure within 20 feet of the lakeshore. This structure can not exceed 120 square feet and only requires a zoning permit from the city to install.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Subdivisions
The city adopted a comprehensive plan almost two years ago and one of the goals of the plan was to provide for public improvements at the expense of those that benefited from them rather than the city footing the bill through property taxes. Doing this requires property owners to pay for improvements through assessments or if a developer establishes a subdivision the improvements become their responsibility.
When the city provides for a subdivision the process is defined by the subdivision ordinance. The ordinance the city had been using was adequate in a number of ways but also inadequate in others. More particularly in those areas where improvements were required to get a surety they would be installed on a timely basis. In addition the city has many lots that are unable to be built on due to size, served by adequate roadways and meeting other standards of zoning.
Having issues with the past has surfaced with a change in philosophy towards the subdivision of land. A subdivision ordinance that was more in keeping with the times and the responsibility of the developer was needed. Accomplishing that goal was the job of the Planning Commission in working through a new subdivision ordinance.
The commission spent about one and a half years going through the ordinance, a section at a time. This process involved policy questions and final outcomes being considered. Standards were established. Timelines were reconsidered. The commission also changed the review process to provide that the final decision for preliminary plats became a council decision. They also established the parameters of a development agreement, giving those who want to develop a better understanding of what is expected.
After this work the ordinance was fine tuned with grammar and formatting. It was then recommended to council after calling a public hearing to address any concerns of the public.
The council approved and adopted this ordinance at the July 2nd meeting. Any new subdivisions within the City of Breezy Point will need to comply with the revised subdivision ordinance requirements for development as well as have the developer responsible under a strengthen development agreement.
When the city provides for a subdivision the process is defined by the subdivision ordinance. The ordinance the city had been using was adequate in a number of ways but also inadequate in others. More particularly in those areas where improvements were required to get a surety they would be installed on a timely basis. In addition the city has many lots that are unable to be built on due to size, served by adequate roadways and meeting other standards of zoning.
Having issues with the past has surfaced with a change in philosophy towards the subdivision of land. A subdivision ordinance that was more in keeping with the times and the responsibility of the developer was needed. Accomplishing that goal was the job of the Planning Commission in working through a new subdivision ordinance.
The commission spent about one and a half years going through the ordinance, a section at a time. This process involved policy questions and final outcomes being considered. Standards were established. Timelines were reconsidered. The commission also changed the review process to provide that the final decision for preliminary plats became a council decision. They also established the parameters of a development agreement, giving those who want to develop a better understanding of what is expected.
After this work the ordinance was fine tuned with grammar and formatting. It was then recommended to council after calling a public hearing to address any concerns of the public.
The council approved and adopted this ordinance at the July 2nd meeting. Any new subdivisions within the City of Breezy Point will need to comply with the revised subdivision ordinance requirements for development as well as have the developer responsible under a strengthen development agreement.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Request for Proposals - Auditing
Under Minnesota Statues the city is obligated to do an annual audit of its books, making sure all accounting has been done appropriately with balances that balance. With this last audit cycle we completed the three year arrangement we had with the current auditor.
Looking forward, a Request for Proposal was developed and reviewed by the finance committee. The Request for Proposal is to receive proposals from accounting firms that do governmental accounting. The proposal gives them a better understanding of us while allowing them the opportunity to explaain what they can offer us. The proposal requests we receive quotes for the next three year cycle of audits.
The City of Breezy Point has a current population of about 2400. When the city population exceeds 2500, the form of accounting changes from a cash basis to modified accrual. Making that transition requires a somewhat higher level of accounting which includes additional standards that need to be met. The reporting also gives us a slightly better picture of the financial position of the city. The proposal requests that we find a way to transition slowly to this new standard. That being said the transition can occur as quickly as we want it to.
The council approved the seeking of proposals which will be received in mid August with proposals going to the City Council at the September meeting.
Looking forward, a Request for Proposal was developed and reviewed by the finance committee. The Request for Proposal is to receive proposals from accounting firms that do governmental accounting. The proposal gives them a better understanding of us while allowing them the opportunity to explaain what they can offer us. The proposal requests we receive quotes for the next three year cycle of audits.
The City of Breezy Point has a current population of about 2400. When the city population exceeds 2500, the form of accounting changes from a cash basis to modified accrual. Making that transition requires a somewhat higher level of accounting which includes additional standards that need to be met. The reporting also gives us a slightly better picture of the financial position of the city. The proposal requests that we find a way to transition slowly to this new standard. That being said the transition can occur as quickly as we want it to.
The council approved the seeking of proposals which will be received in mid August with proposals going to the City Council at the September meeting.
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