--------- We'll call the meeting order at 7 o'clock. Please stand for the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. We will open the public hearing ordinance 2025-G. Okay. You open it at 7:02, I think. Yeah. Yeah, sure. 701 and 72. I don't Okay. We've talked about this for a
couple council meetings here. Um the trainers are requesting that we have them exempt from the franchise fee that they pay monthly. Uh they're in business, you know, only a few months of the year. So they haven't been paying
all 12 months of the franchise fee. Uh working with Centerpoint on this. This is kind of a a common thing that Centerpoint's working on with some of their grain dryer customers. Uh what we do tonight is if we adopt this ordinance, we are making it effective
September 1st, 2025 that agricultural grain dryer customers in all customer classifications shall be exempt from the franchise fee. And once this is adopted tonight, I will send the information to Centerpoint. I
think they have so many days to to make the arrangements and stuff work for the customer. I do want to point out one thing real quick. If you look at the very first page of the ordinance number four, um it references notices to the city of Jamesville shall be mailed at and that
is a private residential address. So we will get that fixed. We'll fix page one to have it be city hall address. You see that on number four there? Let me paraphrase. I had some concerns and questions
earlier regarding uh this whole ordinance or when it was first proposed to us talking about tariffs and why the city had to uh uh be a part of it. Uh
um Mini Gasco or Centerpoint Energy now does pay royalties to the city to do business inside their community along with all the other utilities, the phone
and uh the uh TV people and everybody else. So, um, uh, Clinton showed me the amount that Center Point has paid so far this year. It is a sizable amount and, uh,
it changes my opinion on this this whole deal and and I think we should go forward and and approve this exemption to the rain. Was
that a motion? I'll make it a motion. Yeah. Okay. Second. All in favor? I I That's a motion with the change item number four. Yep.
Close the public hearing at 7:05. Do we have any changes or additions to the agenda? Uh, no. Motion to approve. All in favor? I set agenda.
Yeah, you have two sets of minutes from the special meeting and then the regular meeting prior to that. Uh do want to point out we will fix page one of both sets of minutes. It says that member Andy Arnold called the meeting to order, but it was the other Andy. So we'll fix that.
Um, and then you have the accounts payable and accounts receivables in here. Any questions? Um, one thing I noticed going through through the budget on the um,
uh, the income and the expenses, our expenses, anytime it says insurance, we seem to be overbudget on them by about 25% right now. And I understand that we have
problem getting a insurance quote while we're budgeting, but I'm wondering, it's been that way for the 3 years I've been on, if we shouldn't be budgeting more for insurance so that we're not showing that we're
we're over all the time. Yeah. And um to make another point too, a lot of our insurance premiums are due in the spring of every year. So you're going to look at the line item and you're going to see now like today in October 100% or more has been spent. But the premiums are due like in I think
it's in March or April, something like that. So they're all paid in full. Now if there's some changes to some of these line items, it may be because um a different employees here. So the workers comp changed from the previous fall, you know, things like that.
But yeah, we can certainly uh it was just something that that I wanted to question and and you know every if you if you know we've got that percent of budget column and as
you read down there anytime it's at 125% it's an insurance issue. So that's why I'm thinking that we should be budgeting another 20 or 25% for those columns.
Uh we still have time for budgeting yet this year. So we don't have to address it. Our insurance numbers won't come in till December either. So yeah. And yeah, there's still some work to do on the budget. So yeah,
I just wanted to make the rest of the council members aware of what I was thinking. I have a question on page three uh for the Senate Wreation for 14 grand. Is that the new equipment or what's that miscellaneous for?
Minnesota Wisconsin playground equipment. That's the new That is the new hammer part of the new and the uh the monthly state or bill of Mano Motor Sports. Uh
it it looks like a 2025 can. Yes, that uh ATV for the park and street department. Half went to the from the park fund and half went from the street department fund. That was and that was something that was uh budgeted.
Yep. Budgeted for 2025. I make a motion we accept the consent agenda. Second. Second. All in favor? 401 I will abstain. All right.
Public forum. Anyone wish to speak through public forum tonight? Public forum noticing communications. Uh yeah, that I did add one here since your packets were delivered last week. The the League of
Cities magazine came in. I'll give that to you tonight. Um, and that's all I have for notices, communications, council reports. The only report I had was from the Gulf Advisory Board meeting which um I got
caught up at work and I was unable to attend but might be able to um we are going to meet again at the end of October, the last week of October, Wednesday of the 29th. Okay. And the advisory board will look at some budget
ideas and some you know equipment ideas and scheduling. So, we'll do that in a couple weeks. And Kevin, hopefully we'll be there for that meeting. Yeah. Uh we had the EDA meeting before or earlier today.
um or one of the topics of discussion was uh music in the park and uh uh Caitlyn has done a survey on the uh farmers market uh vendors. Uh she had 12 vendors
applied to be here. Uh she sent them all a survey. She got seven results back and they were all positive. Um, yes, most of those vendors are open to coming back next year. Uh, probably a
5:00 start. Um, possibly every week, even on the weeks there's not music, they would be here. Um, they would like to uh
have someplace they could go on rainy days. if if it gets rained out, the vendors that have made baked goods kind of need to get rid of them anyway. So that that was their concern.
Uh you were there. What else do we do on the EDA? We didn't move forward with the business challenge a little bit trying to get new ideas on that. Yep. So, we're not able to we haven't been able to receive any bids
on fixing the walls up at 109 North Main. Certainly not for lack of trying, but so that's currently at a standstill. We're going to keep trying. I guess that's all we can say.
That's all there was from there. Huh? Uh, park board. We didn't really talk about much. We just kind of spitball some ideas on how to improve the parks. Nothing real concrete.
Definitely some pipe dreams there. Planning commission hasn't met for a while meeting next week. So, okay. utility commission met tonight. Uh everything's still moving forward
with our electrical upgrade which we actually got some of that on the agenda tonight. We had a water main break which was fixed by city staff. So nothing nothing real serious in the utility department
right now. Administrator report. Yes. Attached to the report for this meeting is a reconciliation statement for September the bank. We also have the cash balance report dated last Friday the 10th. Uh we did receive the invoice from Waste
Management for the citywide cleanup that we had this fall. Uh we were charged $5,150. Uh last year we were charged about 2,000 more than that. So there was a little bit of a less expense this year. And I
guess I I think we should probably determine if we want to budget for this every year or if we want to maybe try to do an every other year thing. Um I mean it just it wasn't as expensive as uh you know the last year. So sorry.
Well, it looks like obviously the cost and the tonnage is on a downward trend. I think you know maybe people are getting caught up with some of the stuff they had left. If if you go every other year, you're going to have more tonnage though. Yeah, but this has been every year and
we're still dropping. So, I I guess we're at a sitting at around a 13% increase right now. That would be something we could probably take out of next year's budget and try to look at it every other year. We're going to have some some work to do on
the budget this year. That would be an easy one for me, I guess. If we put it back in, could we do something like maybe have people pay a flat rate for certain things? Have it cheaper so it's cheaper than having to go to the dump in
SEA but still having them have to pay some sort of a flat fee. So then we're not picking up the full cost of it. Yeah. Mhm. Like a flat fee for dumping anything or just for certain items
like size items, maybe have set fee for different things. You know, if you're if something's going to be bigger, have a set fee for, you know, maybe weight or something like that. Brainstorm, look into it. But I'm just saying anything could be a little bit
cheaper than having them to have to drive it to, you know, have the option. Find the convenience option, too. Yeah. convenient of having it here or maybe just talk with the waste management people and see if they have a thought on it. I mean, obviously we I don't we take time to weigh every single thing, but
maybe they have an idea. Maybe they do in other cities. I don't know. Sure. Sure. Maybe check in with them on it. That's a good idea, Sarah. Um, for the remainder of my report here for you, uh, Kevin Cumberland with the clubhouse manager will begin Monday,
October 27th. Um, all employees did fill out the open enrollment information for our new health insurance with Blue Cross and Blue Shield. That's all been submitted, so they're working on getting all that set up. And I just want to point out that the employer paid health premiums
for next year actually decreased because we had some changes with certain individual coverages and things like that. So basically the health insurance line item overall decrease. So that's that's a good thing.
uh boards and commission vacancies. That is in our current newsletter. Um attached information on which board seats expire this year. Individuals have until Wednesday, December 3rd to apply and then the council will make all
appointments at the December 8th council meeting. Uh the only other thing I have for you is that we did contact the individuals who offered some paint bids for the library and um the one lowest bid is
still going to honor that number. Uh and we did get what's it called? Free paint on Main Street. What's it called? Smith Town. Paint your town. Thank you. That sounds so much better than what I just said.
Um, so we will get paint at no charge and then, you know, he's going to honor that that uh price. So, I think I'll just call him and say, you know, let's schedule it. Let's get it done. Okay. So, I will do that. That's all I have for the administrative
report tonight. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? All right. Uh, electric certificates. Yes. A couple meetings ago, George was here to discuss, um, the debt limit that
we are allowed to take out for improvements with the electric utility. So, that cover letter from early September, I put back in the packet for you to review. And then the attached resolution number 14 um offers the equipment certificate bond for just a
little over $4 million. That's the same dollar amount we talked about in September. And then once this is adopted tonight, um I need to fill out some more information and I have to uh send some material to Michael for the paper. So I
just talked to him before the meeting started. We'll get all that lined up tomorrow. Motion to adopt resolution 202514. All in favor? I I aid family medical leave policy.
Yes. uh working with Jason Moran and then with also the council of governments on this uh new Minnesota paid family medical leave law that goes into effect January of next year. We need to have a policy in place that we will put in our personnel policy. So the
first part of tonight's agenda item is that um the policy itself and then we're also required on dece by December 1st we have to give all employees the official notice that the new benefit begins in January. So that is also attached for
you to review. One thing I do want to point out is that it this is obviously a state-run program. So the benefit will be coming through the state the payments. Um, if you are on paid leave, you're not going to your check is not going to be 100% of
what your wages are. You know, it's a graduated percentage of what you're what you're earning. Um, the state law, the rate right now is 888% of your wages goes to this program. State law says that the employer has to pay a minimum
of half that. So we recommend that the employer pay 044 of a percent and then the employee pays 044 which would be basically a a deduction from their payroll. Uh
personnel committee had been talking about this earlier about having the city cover the entire 88. After looking into that a little bit more, it was it was found that if the employer pays more than the
required minimum 44, the employee has to pay an additional income tax because it's something extra that they earned. I'm thinking that would kind of be a payroll nightmare for software. So, I suggest that we stick with the 88
for now. Um44, sorry. Yeah. 24 split. Yeah, they got um and then they don't have to claim it. Correct. Okay. Uh you can go with a private company as well. There's a few out there that the rates are a little smaller. Um
but I didn't really get into that too much. I I just I would think at the very first year, let's go with the state program. I'm sure there's going to be some changes to it. the rates may go up in July of 2026.
That's possible. So, is it okay if it's okay with you? I think we uh let's go with the state program for the first year. And if you are comfortable with both of these documents tonight, uh because I have a motion to approve these or if you want to bring them home, read
through them. If you have any questions, you know, let Sarah, Joe, or I know we can we can always vote on this at the next meeting. We just it has to be done by December 1. Is this a mandatory program for the employees or can they opt out?
Mandatory. All right. In lie of this, can we maybe have the personnel committee um circle back to the ESST policy that was put into place? Um, I believe that we've got a little bit more
information that has come out with that policy and that we could maybe go back to acrewing the sick time instead of frontloading the 80 hours. Um, when that all came
out, I think the city actually had a good policy in place, but because the state wasn't very clear about it, we opted to take the 80hour front-loaded when we could have actually kept what we had in place and they kept acrewing
their sick time. But I feel like if the state's possibly going to give somebody 20 weeks of paid time and we frontload another 80 hours onto that, that's a 22
week time period that somebody could have off and say two people in the city took that off. I think it was potentially bankrupt the city by having people gone and then having to have people replaced
and we're kind of in a budget crunch right now. And I just think we should have maybe the personnel committee look into that and see if we can maybe acrew our hours the city acrewing their hours instead of having that frontloaded at the beginning of the year
would just go back to the way it was before. Okay. Yeah, we can look into that. I'll try to get us together in the next couple weeks in before the next meeting. Sounds good.
Pretty flexible. Okay. Um, are you comfortable with what you have in front of you tonight or do you want me to put this back on the agenda in a couple weeks? you want to I mean if you want to review it and if you have any questions just come on in and chat with us you know need some more
clarification on things. I think we should circle back on this. Okay. Cuz our options are this or private, right? Yep. And what does the private necessarily do? Um I did a little research on Is it Metife?
That's one of them. Um that's what they're doing over there. Okay. Yeah. the private company that would run this basically goes through all the claim process. Um all of the number crunching as far as the benefit paid. Um they do all of that. Um
but then you have to pay them. Mhm. Okay. Yes. So let's uh put it on for two weeks from now. Okay. And we'll get the personnel committee together before that. All right, fair enough.
We have a couple of donations to accept. Yeah, third quarter donations. We have a grand total of three of them from the last few months. So, resolution number 15 identifies those. And you guys, you'd be very proud of me this time. I whited
out all the account and routing numbers this time. Good Last council meeting that we had these everybody countless governmental transparency. Yay. We're just being
motion to approve resolution 2025. Second. All in favor? I I'm not doing a very good job following up here. Uh permit for Wasika Area Hockey
Foundation. Wasa Area Hockey Association has contacted me. They are asking for a premise permit for charitable gambling at the Purple Goose. Um in order for that to happen, the city council needs to approve this uh state form. and I I
work with uh Josh Lynch from the hockey association on this. If you can make a motion to approve this, I can sign the back and I'll get the resolution to him tomorrow. I didn't see any dates on here. Is it a
annual thing or uh is it a one-time deal? Um it'll they'll have scheduled events just like bingos and raffles and stuff. They won't be doing uh pull tabs or they don't plan on that now. Oh, okay. That was my Gotcha.
Yeah. But it's the same thing where what is it? 50% gets donated. Yep. 50% gets donated back to the city. Yep. Some type of city charitable thing. Mhm.
So yes, the resolution number 16 approves the premise permit. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? Right. Um fire department relief contribution level.
Yes. Jeremy Earl, president of the relief is here tonight. Jeremy, I'm going to put this presentation up real quick and they do have a copy paper copy of it. So, okay. Wonderful. Thanks everyone for inviting me in to speak about the
increase that the firefighting the firefighter relief association is um asking for. So um why I'm here tonight is the James Fire Fighters Relief Association provides
essential benefits and financial security to our dedicated volunteer firefighters upon retirement, disabilities or death. These funds are critical for attracting and retaining retaining the brave individuals who protect our communities. Um we currently
receive an annual um contribution of $2,400. So um through some work that we've done um there's been a change there's some changing in the financial landscape.
Administrative costs and state fire aid have been consistently increasing at about 3.5% annually. This erodess the value of our current contributions. Market volatility. Um while we project a conservative 5%
rate of return on our investments, this is not guaranteed and can fluctuate. And the other part is recruitment and retention. um to remain competitive and properly reward the firefighters, we need to ensure our benefits remain
robust. Current compl um contribution level is no longer sufficient to keep pace with these factors. So our request is we respectfully request an increase in the Minnesota Fire State aid contribution through the
city of Jainsville to the Jainsville Fire Department Relief Association. Um, our proposed increase is from $2,400 a year to $2,800 starting fiscal year 26. Um, it is a $400 increase, approximately
16.7%. The increase is proactive measure to ensure long-term um, sustainability for the Jainsville Fire Department Relief Association. The next page that you're seeing in there is the financial impact on the
city of Jainsville. Um, this came to us from the state auditor's office. So, it assumes a 3 and 12% increase on state fire aid and administrative expenses. The rate of return of the Jainsville Relief Association was set at 5% to be
conservative. Um, the projections are not set in stone. Market conditions that affect these investments and member retirements can dictate u municipal contribution are required. So, if you look at the chart at the bottom,
um, with the contributions we the city gets through state fire aid and the investments that were making as a relief association, um, there wouldn't be any cost to the city to do this increase
until we got to $2,900. So, that's why we're asking for 2,800. Um if we did go to 2900 it would cost the city $536 that or a year. However, I think um with
the way our investments have been over the last 5 years um just looking back a short term um there wouldn't be a contribution because we've done so well with investments. Um state fire has increased an average of 8.37%
over the past four years. The Jainsville Relief Association return on investments has averaged a positive 9.26 return on the last over the last 5 years. This information does recognize that the
Firefighters Relief Association has nine members that have 20 years of service in the Jainsville Fire Department and are eligible to retire for retirement payment or deferred payment until the age of 50. Um, we're always looking for a secure
and strong department. So, we're looking for financial stability, firefighter morale, community safety, and being proactive versus reactive. So, in conclusion, the Jamesville Fire Department Relief Association is a cornerstone to our
community safety. Our request to increase the municipal contribution for the from 2400 to 2,800 is a necessary and responsible step. This increase accounts for the raise raising rising cost and ensures our ability to provide
for our firefighters. This investment will not negatively impact the city's budget and is a direct investment in the safety and well-being of the city of James. So, we respectfully request the city council approve to increase the Jamesville Fire Department relief
association contribution for fiscal year 26 any input. So there's no cost to us if we keep it at 28 or so nine if these nine firefighters retire next year, we're still fine
and we pay out $350,000, that's going to drop our principal down that much. And you think it still covers? Yes. from the information we've gained from our investments in the state auditor's office. I would also reassure you that we're not
going to have nine firefighters resign next year. To my knowledge, there's only one that is retiring next year. I've got in front of me here that the times that you've came to us for
this over the past well just even the last 5 years since I've been mayor. I'm wondering if there's a simpler way to do it where we would set a percentage and just do it every single year. You know, like a cost of living type
raise so you don't have to keep coming to us. What is council's thoughts on that? You guys can type in. You can't vote, but you can still give your opinion. Still respect your guys's opinion. Hers
for sure. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. If there's a simpler way, sure, why not? Definitely firefighters shouldn't come and beg to be taken care of. Exactly. you wouldn't have to do this.
I like to see him do it. This stuff is easy for me. It It's Yeah, it it's communication between the two groups. So, between the firefighters and the council and aside from that and the pancake breakfast, we don't see a lot of
guys unless we have a fire. Right. But if you'd like if you'd like us to do reports, we could I'm sure you can talk to our or the fire chief about Yeah. I mean, your fire chief is here twice a year, but
what is the cost of living increase right right now? Is it 4%. Roughly? Yeah. I just did. If you did 5% of 2,400, that's $120. Yeah. 4% it' be $96.
So it' be 120 this year and it would be 36 next year. It would continue to grow your your number year by year. Mhm. And that would be coming off the current 2400. Yeah.
Or that's what you would That's where we're at now. So we based it off the 24. So this year it' be a 5% next year it' be 5% of 2520 the following year you know it would continually increase.
I like that because it has some structure to it and it's simple. That's just one guy's opinion. Doing it that way makes it harder to uh not do it on years where we have a tight budget and
this isn't anything we budget in really in for anyway. So So and you understand what Jeremy's talking about, right? Um if if there is a good return, if there's a good audit report, then the city, you know, does not contribute to the roof. Right.
But if there is a year where they fall short, we are responsible. Then we are responsible. And that comes from the state office or state auditor's office. The numbers they crunch is a it's a a number we get from St. Paul. So it's not a
Jeremy or Clinton thing. It's what St. Paul I didn't mean to pick on you. Sorry. No, that's mine. It's a a St. Paul number. Right. I've been on the fire department 11 years and it's we've had positive investments.
All 11 years. I've been on 24 years and I don't believe we've had a negative investment since I've been on. My biggest problem with it is, don't get me wrong, I love the fire department. I love what they do for the
city, but we've constantly done $1 to $200 to go to $400. Is that uh maybe not look the greatest for the people that just retired last year and the year before all of a sudden it's that's a big jump.
It is, but does it keep members on longer, too? The ones that are thinking about retiring, are they going to stay on longer, too? I don't know. And this was kind of new information that was brought to light to us as well. Yes. That we didn't know we could possibly
ask for more. Yeah. Last year it went from 22 to 24. In 22 it went from 21 to 22. And in 20 it went from 19 to 21.
What are simulator side communities doing? Um, I don't know off top of my head. I would have to look into I know that last year we did have that information. Yeah. Do you have it there? Well, so this is what we had last year here. I looked at the kind of the four
county area for towns our populationish. Um the average for these are actually 2022 numbers. They were the most recent that the state auditor's office had, but that was 2200. Um and last year we were
at 21, right? Uh last year we were at 22 22 to 24. We were we were at that average um last year with the increase we made. We went to the 24 then
but we don't know what the others Yeah. We don't know. Yeah. And and the data that we collected was what people had in 22. Yeah. And that and that was in 24 for us. Mhm. Yep.
I like your thought of the increase. I'd like to see us get to 28 and then set the increase at the cost of living increase annually after that. Boy, you're not Bashful, are you? No. So does that reset then is so if you
look in here it says 28 is 0 the city's contribution and then it says 29 is 536. So if we went to it's going to depend on our investment depend on the investment could possibly go back to zero zero for 29.
It could it could Okay. It could be $500 too. Okay. Or $1,000. We don't know that yet. Life's a risk. I could be persuaded to go either way. Possibly not both.
Yeah, I I have no preference really. I I'm well pleased with our department. Absolutely. I am too. So if we went with the 5% essentially it gives us a little cushion in here probably
if we went with the 28 and 5% is possibly taking away any type of cushion we have and we are sharing down a 13% levy right now. So, if we moved it to 28, I would say, then we don't implement a cost of living
raise. We make them come back and beg for it so that we can see where it's at each time. Absolutely. I'd be great with that. Or we just implement the the percentage. Quinton, as a administrator, do you have an opinion on this?
Well, I it's like Jeremy is saying, you know, we've had such good returns. You said the same thing for how many years? The city itself is not putting an additional amount of money into the relief accounts because of that, right? You know, and there are years that we did 1,100 a year or whatever it ended up
being to to balance things out. Fairly minimal amount. Yeah. Right. I just because we gave them an increase last year, I would rather not go to the full 28 this year. Okay.
How about if how do how about this? How about if we split hairs? we go to 26 and then starting for 27 we will do just do the 5% increase.
How does the council feel about that? So from 24 to 26 for fiscal right and that would take on f the fiscal year of 26. So then for fiscal year of 27 5% just implement a 5% increase per year
beginning in 27. That's my motion. You're off to 2900. I'll second the motion. All in favor? I I Okay, so we have two
opposed. I assume you're opposed. Yeah, I'm going to be opposed to that. So we have 212. Does a motion carry on the voting members or on the members present or how do we do it?
I just thought it was members present. Okay. So the motion doesn't carry title you're the descending vote. What is your concern? I don't have a concern. I think we should give them something. I personally
they've shown a good track record for returns. Whether that's luck or skills. I think we should just give them what they're asking for. Well, like I said before, I could go either way. I could give them the 28. I But I wouldn't necessarily implement that 5% increase then. We'd want to
watch it. I agree with that. If we give him and I can go either way on that. I'm fine. Give the full amount that we got to recheck next year. This is a one time thing. Somebody is that a motion? Then make that motion that we do the full amount this time and then they can come back next year.
Effective fiscal year 26. I can second. All in favor? I 302. Motion carries. Thank you. Jamesville firefighters appreciate it. You are more than welcome. We appreciate
them. Okay. Uh consent assessment agreement for 125 North Main. Yes. 125 North Main has some sanitary sewer um fixes that are needed. We can do a consent assessment like we've done
in years past for properties. What happens is the city will cover the cost of that repair and then we will place on their as a special assessment over four years. Uh this one, the bid came, you saw the paperwork, it came in at $9,000
to make the repairs. So that's all laid out in that resolution. And you notice we did receive all signatures for all parties involved. So, it's pretty much a formality tonight to
uh to approve this. Motion to approve resolution 25 202517. Second. All in favor? I motion to adjurnn.
All in favor? I Part: 2
We'll call the meeting order at 7 o'clock. Please stand for the pledge. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. We will open the public hearing ordinance 2025-G. Okay. You open it at 7:02, I think. Yeah. Yeah, sure. 701 and 72. I don't Okay. We've talked about this for a
couple council meetings here. Um the trainers are requesting that we have them exempt from the franchise fee that they pay monthly. Uh they're in business, you know, only a few months of the year. So they haven't been paying
all 12 months of the franchise fee. Uh working with Centerpoint on this. This is kind of a a common thing that Centerpoint's working on with some of their grain dryer customers. Uh what we do tonight is if we adopt this ordinance, we are making it effective
September 1st, 2025 that agricultural grain dryer customers in all customer classifications shall be exempt from the franchise fee. And once this is adopted tonight, I will send the information to Centerpoint. I
think they have so many days to to make the arrangements and stuff work for the customer. I do want to point out one thing real quick. If you look at the very first page of the ordinance number four, um it references notices to the city of Jamesville shall be mailed at and that
is a private residential address. So we will get that fixed. We'll fix page one to have it be city hall address. You see that on number four there? Let me paraphrase. I had some concerns and questions
earlier regarding uh this whole ordinance or when it was first proposed to us talking about tariffs and why the city had to uh uh be a part of it. Uh
um Mini Gasco or Centerpoint Energy now does pay royalties to the city to do business inside their community along with all the other utilities, the phone
and uh the uh TV people and everybody else. So, um, uh, Clinton showed me the amount that Center Point has paid so far this year. It is a sizable amount and, uh,
it changes my opinion on this this whole deal and and I think we should go forward and and approve this exemption to the rain. Was
that a motion? >> I'll make it a motion. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I >> That's a motion with the change >> item number four. >> Yep.
>> Close the public hearing at 7:05. >> Do we have any changes or additions to the agenda? >> Uh, no. Motion to approve. >> All in favor? I >> set agenda.
>> Yeah, you have two sets of minutes from the special meeting and then the regular meeting prior to that. Uh do want to point out we will fix page one of both sets of minutes. It says that member Andy Arnold called the meeting to order, but it was the other Andy. So we'll fix that.
Um, and then you have the accounts payable and accounts receivables in here. Any questions? Um, one thing I noticed going through through the budget on the um,
uh, the income and the expenses, our expenses, anytime it says insurance, we seem to be overbudget on them by about 25% right now. And I understand that we have
problem getting a insurance quote while we're budgeting, but I'm wondering, it's been that way for the 3 years I've been on, if we shouldn't be budgeting more for insurance so that we're not showing that we're
we're over all the time. >> Yeah. And um to make another point too, a lot of our insurance premiums are due in the spring of every year. So you're going to look at the line item and you're going to see now like today in October 100% or more has been spent. But the premiums are due like in I think
it's in March or April, something like that. So they're all paid in full. Now if there's some changes to some of these line items, it may be because um a different employees here. So the workers comp changed from the previous fall, you know, things like that.
But yeah, we can certainly uh >> it was just something that >> that I wanted to question and and you know every if you if you know we've got that percent of budget column and as
you read down there anytime it's at 125% it's an insurance issue. So that's why I'm thinking that we should be budgeting another 20 or 25% for those columns.
Uh we still have time for budgeting yet this year. So we don't have to address it. >> Our insurance numbers won't come in till December either. So >> yeah. >> And yeah, there's still some work to do on the budget. So >> yeah,
I just wanted to make the rest of the council members aware of what I was thinking. >> I have a question on page three uh for the Senate Wreation for 14 grand. Is that the new equipment or what's that miscellaneous for?
>> Minnesota Wisconsin playground equipment. That's the new That is the new hammer part of the new and the uh the monthly state or bill of Mano Motor Sports. Uh
it it looks like a 2025 can. Yes, that uh ATV for the park and street department. Half went to the from the park fund and half went from the street department fund. That was >> and that was something that was uh budgeted.
>> Yep. Budgeted for 2025. I make a motion we accept the consent agenda. >> Second. Second. All in favor? >> 401 I will abstain. All right.
Public forum. Anyone wish to speak through public forum tonight? Public forum noticing communications. Uh yeah, that I did add one here since your packets were delivered last week. The the League of
Cities magazine came in. I'll give that to you tonight. Um, and that's all I have for notices, communications, council reports. The only report I had was from the Gulf Advisory Board meeting which um I got
caught up at work and I was unable to attend but might be able to um we are going to meet again at the end of October, the last week of October, Wednesday of the 29th. Okay. And the advisory board will look at some budget
ideas and some you know equipment ideas and scheduling. So, we'll do that in a couple weeks. >> And Kevin, hopefully we'll be there for that meeting. >> Yeah. >> Uh we had the EDA meeting before or earlier today.
um or one of the topics of discussion was uh music in the park and uh uh Caitlyn has done a survey on the uh farmers market uh vendors. Uh she had 12 vendors
applied to be here. Uh she sent them all a survey. She got seven results back and they were all positive. Um, yes, most of those vendors are open to coming back next year. Uh, probably a
5:00 start. Um, possibly every week, even on the weeks there's not music, they would be here. Um, they would like to uh
have someplace they could go on rainy days. if if it gets rained out, the vendors that have made baked goods kind of need to get rid of them anyway. So that that was their concern.
Uh you were there. What else do we do on the EDA? We didn't >> move forward with the business challenge a little bit trying to get new ideas on that. >> Yep. So, >> we're not able to we haven't been able to receive any bids
on fixing the walls up at 109 North Main. Certainly not for lack of trying, but so that's currently at a standstill. We're going to keep trying. I guess that's all we can say.
>> That's all there was from there. Huh? >> Uh, park board. We didn't really talk about much. We just kind of spitball some ideas on how to improve the parks. Nothing real concrete.
Definitely some pipe dreams there. Planning commission hasn't met for a while meeting next week. So, >> okay. utility commission met tonight. Uh everything's still moving forward
with our electrical upgrade which we actually got some of that on the agenda tonight. We had a water main break which was fixed by city staff. So nothing nothing real serious in the utility department
right now. Administrator report. Yes. Attached to the report for this meeting is a reconciliation statement for September the bank. We also have the cash balance report dated last Friday the 10th. Uh we did receive the invoice from Waste
Management for the citywide cleanup that we had this fall. Uh we were charged $5,150. Uh last year we were charged about 2,000 more than that. So there was a little bit of a less expense this year. And I
guess I I think we should probably determine if we want to budget for this every year or if we want to maybe try to do an every other year thing. Um I mean it just it wasn't as expensive as uh you know the last year. So sorry.
Well, it looks like obviously the cost and the tonnage is on a downward trend. I think you know maybe people are getting caught up with some of the stuff they had left. If if you go every other year, you're going to have more tonnage though. >> Yeah, but this has been every year and
we're still dropping. >> So, I I guess we're at a sitting at around a 13% increase right now. That would be something we could probably take out of next year's budget and try to look at it every other year. We're going to have some some work to do on
the budget this year. That would be an easy one for me, I guess. If we put it back in, could we do something like maybe have people pay a flat rate for certain things? >> Have it cheaper so it's >> cheaper than having to go to the dump in
SEA but still having them have to pay some sort of a flat fee. So then we're not picking up the full cost of it. >> Yeah. Mhm. >> Like a flat fee for dumping anything or just for certain items
>> like size items, maybe have set fee for different things. You know, if you're if something's going to be bigger, have a set fee for, you know, maybe weight or something like that. Brainstorm, look into it. But I'm just saying anything could be a little bit
cheaper than having them to have to drive it to, you know, have the option. >> Find the convenience option, too. >> Yeah. convenient of having it here >> or maybe just talk with the waste management people and see if they have a thought on it. >> I mean, obviously we I don't we take time to weigh every single thing, but
>> maybe they have an idea. Maybe they do in other cities. I don't know. >> Sure. Sure. >> Maybe check in with them on it. That's a good idea, Sarah. Um, for the remainder of my report here for you, uh, Kevin Cumberland with the clubhouse manager will begin Monday,
October 27th. Um, all employees did fill out the open enrollment information for our new health insurance with Blue Cross and Blue Shield. That's all been submitted, so they're working on getting all that set up. And I just want to point out that the employer paid health premiums
for next year actually decreased because we had some changes with certain individual coverages and things like that. So basically the health insurance line item overall decrease. So that's that's a good thing.
uh boards and commission vacancies. That is in our current newsletter. Um attached information on which board seats expire this year. Individuals have until Wednesday, December 3rd to apply and then the council will make all
appointments at the December 8th council meeting. Uh the only other thing I have for you is that we did contact the individuals who offered some paint bids for the library and um the one lowest bid is
still going to honor that number. Uh and we did get what's it called? Free paint on Main Street. What's it called? >> Smith Town. >> Paint your town. Thank you. That sounds so much better than what I just said.
Um, so we will get paint at no charge and then, you know, he's going to honor that that uh price. So, I think I'll just call him and say, you know, let's schedule it. Let's get it done. Okay. So, I will do that. That's all I have for the administrative
report tonight. Motion to approve. Second. All >> in favor? All right. >> Uh, electric certificates. >> Yes. A couple meetings ago, George was here to discuss, um, the debt limit that
we are allowed to take out for improvements with the electric utility. So, that cover letter from early September, I put back in the packet for you to review. And then the attached resolution number 14 um offers the equipment certificate bond for just a
little over $4 million. That's the same dollar amount we talked about in September. And then once this is adopted tonight, um I need to fill out some more information and I have to uh send some material to Michael for the paper. So I
just talked to him before the meeting started. We'll get all that lined up tomorrow. Motion to adopt resolution 202514. >> All in favor? >> I I aid family medical leave policy.
>> Yes. uh working with Jason Moran and then with also the council of governments on this uh new Minnesota paid family medical leave law that goes into effect January of next year. We need to have a policy in place that we will put in our personnel policy. So the
first part of tonight's agenda item is that um the policy itself and then we're also required on dece by December 1st we have to give all employees the official notice that the new benefit begins in January. So that is also attached for
you to review. One thing I do want to point out is that it this is obviously a state-run program. So the benefit will be coming through the state the payments. Um, if you are on paid leave, you're not going to your check is not going to be 100% of
what your wages are. You know, it's a graduated percentage of what you're what you're earning. Um, the state law, the rate right now is 888% of your wages goes to this program. State law says that the employer has to pay a minimum
of half that. So we recommend that the employer pay 044 of a percent and then the employee pays 044 which would be basically a a deduction from their payroll. Uh
personnel committee had been talking about this earlier about having the city cover the entire 88. After looking into that a little bit more, it was it was found that if the employer pays more than the
required minimum 44, the employee has to pay an additional income tax because it's something extra that they earned. I'm thinking that would kind of be a payroll nightmare for software. So, I suggest that we stick with the 88
for now. Um44, sorry. Yeah. 24 split. >> Yeah, they got >> um and then they don't have to claim it. >> Correct. >> Okay. Uh you can go with a private company as well. There's a few out there that the rates are a little smaller. Um
but I didn't really get into that too much. I I just I would think at the very first year, let's go with the state program. I'm sure there's going to be some changes to it. the rates may go up in July of 2026.
That's possible. So, is it okay if it's okay with you? I think we uh let's go with the state program for the first year. And if you are comfortable with both of these documents tonight, uh because I have a motion to approve these or if you want to bring them home, read
through them. If you have any questions, you know, let Sarah, Joe, or I know we can we can always vote on this at the next meeting. We just it has to be done by December 1. >> Is this a mandatory program for the employees or can they opt out?
>> Mandatory. >> All right. >> In lie of this, can we maybe have the personnel committee um circle back to the ESST policy that was put into place? Um, I believe that we've got a little bit more
information that has come out with that policy and that we could maybe go back to acrewing the sick time instead of frontloading the 80 hours. Um, when that all came
out, I think the city actually had a good policy in place, but because the state wasn't very clear about it, we opted to take the 80hour front-loaded when we could have actually kept what we had in place and they kept acrewing
their sick time. But I feel like if the state's possibly going to give somebody 20 weeks of paid time and we frontload another 80 hours onto that, that's a 22
week time period that somebody could have off and say two people in the city took that off. I think it was potentially bankrupt the city by having people gone and then having to have people replaced
and we're kind of in a budget crunch right now. And I just think we should have maybe the personnel committee look into that and see if we can maybe acrew our hours the city acrewing their hours instead of having that frontloaded at the beginning of the year
would just go back to the way it was before. >> Okay. Yeah, we can look into that. >> I'll try to get us together in the next couple weeks in before the next meeting. >> Sounds good.
Pretty flexible. >> Okay. Um, are you comfortable with what you have in front of you tonight or do you want me to put this back on the agenda in a couple weeks? you want to I mean if you want to review it and if you have any questions just come on in and chat with us you know need some more
clarification on things. >> I think we should circle back on this. >> Okay. >> Cuz our options are this or private, right? >> Yep. >> And what does the private necessarily do? >> Um >> I did a little research on >> Is it Metife?
>> That's one of them. Um >> that's what they're doing over there. >> Okay. >> Yeah. the private company that would run this basically goes through all the claim process. Um all of the number crunching as far as the benefit paid. Um they do all of that. Um
>> but then you have to pay them. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> Yes. So let's uh put it on for two weeks from now. >> Okay. >> And we'll get the personnel committee together before that. All right, fair enough.
We have a couple of donations to accept. Yeah, third quarter donations. We have a grand total of three of them from the last few months. So, resolution number 15 identifies those. And you guys, you'd be very proud of me this time. I whited
out all the account and routing numbers this time. Good >> Last council meeting that we had these everybody countless >> governmental transparency. Yay. >> We're just being
motion to approve resolution 2025. >> Second. >> All in favor? I I'm not doing a very good job following up here. Uh permit for Wasika Area Hockey
Foundation. Wasa Area Hockey Association has contacted me. They are asking for a premise permit for charitable gambling at the Purple Goose. Um in order for that to happen, the city council needs to approve this uh state form. and I I
work with uh Josh Lynch from the hockey association on this. If you can make a motion to approve this, I can sign the back and I'll get the resolution to him tomorrow. >> I didn't see any dates on here. Is it a
annual thing or uh is it a one-time deal? Um it'll they'll have scheduled events >> just >> like bingos and raffles and stuff. >> They won't be doing uh pull tabs or >> they don't plan on that now. >> Oh, okay. That was my Gotcha.
>> Yeah. >> But it's the same thing where what is it? 50% gets donated. >> Yep. >> 50% gets donated back to the city. >> Yep. Some type of city charitable thing. Mhm.
So yes, the resolution number 16 approves the premise permit. Motion to approve. Second. >> All in favor? >> Right. Um fire department relief contribution level.
>> Yes. Jeremy Earl, president of the relief is here tonight. Jeremy, I'm going to put this presentation up real quick and they do have a copy paper copy of it. So, >> okay. Wonderful. Thanks everyone for inviting me in to speak about the
increase that the firefighting the firefighter relief association is um asking for. So um why I'm here tonight is the James Fire Fighters Relief Association provides
essential benefits and financial security to our dedicated volunteer firefighters upon retirement, disabilities or death. These funds are critical for attracting and retaining retaining the brave individuals who protect our communities. Um we currently
receive an annual um contribution of $2,400. So um through some work that we've done um there's been a change there's some changing in the financial landscape.
Administrative costs and state fire aid have been consistently increasing at about 3.5% annually. This erodess the value of our current contributions. Market volatility. Um while we project a conservative 5%
rate of return on our investments, this is not guaranteed and can fluctuate. And the other part is recruitment and retention. um to remain competitive and properly reward the firefighters, we need to ensure our benefits remain
robust. Current compl um contribution level is no longer sufficient to keep pace with these factors. So our request is we respectfully request an increase in the Minnesota Fire State aid contribution through the
city of Jainsville to the Jainsville Fire Department Relief Association. Um, our proposed increase is from $2,400 a year to $2,800 starting fiscal year 26. Um, it is a $400 increase, approximately
16.7%. The increase is proactive measure to ensure long-term um, sustainability for the Jainsville Fire Department Relief Association. The next page that you're seeing in there is the financial impact on the
city of Jainsville. Um, this came to us from the state auditor's office. So, it assumes a 3 and 12% increase on state fire aid and administrative expenses. The rate of return of the Jainsville Relief Association was set at 5% to be
conservative. Um, the projections are not set in stone. Market conditions that affect these investments and member retirements can dictate u municipal contribution are required. So, if you look at the chart at the bottom,
um, with the contributions we the city gets through state fire aid and the investments that were making as a relief association, um, there wouldn't be any cost to the city to do this increase
until we got to $2,900. So, that's why we're asking for 2,800. Um if we did go to 2900 it would cost the city $536 that or a year. However, I think um with
the way our investments have been over the last 5 years um just looking back a short term um there wouldn't be a contribution because we've done so well with investments. Um state fire has increased an average of 8.37%
over the past four years. The Jainsville Relief Association return on investments has averaged a positive 9.26 return on the last over the last 5 years. This information does recognize that the
Firefighters Relief Association has nine members that have 20 years of service in the Jainsville Fire Department and are eligible to retire for retirement payment or deferred payment until the age of 50. Um, we're always looking for a secure
and strong department. So, we're looking for financial stability, firefighter morale, community safety, and being proactive versus reactive. So, in conclusion, the Jamesville Fire Department Relief Association is a cornerstone to our
community safety. Our request to increase the municipal contribution for the from 2400 to 2,800 is a necessary and responsible step. This increase accounts for the raise raising rising cost and ensures our ability to provide
for our firefighters. This investment will not negatively impact the city's budget and is a direct investment in the safety and well-being of the city of James. So, we respectfully request the city council approve to increase the Jamesville Fire Department relief
association contribution for fiscal year 26 any input. So there's no cost to us if we keep it at 28 or so >> nine if these nine firefighters retire next year, >> we're still fine
>> and we pay out $350,000, that's going to drop our principal down that much. And you think it still covers? >> Yes. from the information we've gained from our investments in the state auditor's office. I would also reassure you that we're not
going to have nine firefighters resign next year. To my knowledge, there's only one that is retiring next year. I've got in front of me here that the times that you've came to us for
this over the past well just even the last 5 years since I've been mayor. I'm wondering if there's a simpler way to do it where we would set a percentage and just do it every single year. You know, like a cost of living type
raise so you don't have to keep coming to us. What is council's thoughts on that? You guys can type in. You can't vote, but you can still give your opinion. Still respect your guys's opinion. >> Hers
for sure. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> If there's a simpler way, >> sure, why not? Definitely firefighters shouldn't come and beg to be taken care of. >> Exactly. you wouldn't have to do this.
>> I like to see him do it. >> This stuff is easy for me. It It's Yeah, it it's communication between the two groups. So, between the firefighters and the council and aside from that and the pancake breakfast, we don't see a lot of
guys unless we have a fire. >> Right. But if you'd like if you'd like us to do reports, we could I'm sure you can talk to our or the fire chief about >> Yeah. >> I mean, your fire chief is here twice a year, >> but
what is the cost of living increase right right now? Is it 4%. >> Roughly? Yeah. I just did. If you did 5% of 2,400, that's $120. Yeah. 4% it' be $96.
>> So it' be 120 this year and it would be 36 next year. It would continue to grow your your number year by year. >> Mhm. >> And that would be coming off the current 2400. >> Yeah.
>> Or that's what you would >> That's where we're at now. So we based it off the 24. So this year it' be a 5% next year it' be 5% of 2520 the following year you know it would continually increase.
>> I like that because it has some structure to it and it's simple. That's just one guy's opinion. Doing it that way makes it harder to uh not do it on years where we have a tight budget and
>> this isn't anything we budget in really in for anyway. So >> So >> and you understand what Jeremy's talking about, right? Um if if there is a good return, if there's a good audit report, then the city, you know, does not contribute to the roof. Right.
>> But if there is a year where >> they fall short, we are responsible. >> Then we are responsible. And that comes from the state office or state auditor's office. The numbers they crunch is a it's a a number we get from St. Paul. So it's not a
Jeremy or Clinton thing. It's what St. Paul I didn't mean to pick on you. Sorry. >> No, that's mine. >> It's a a St. Paul number. >> Right. I've been on the fire department 11 years and it's we've had positive investments.
>> All 11 years. >> I've been on 24 years and I don't believe we've had a negative investment since I've been on. >> My biggest problem with it is, don't get me wrong, I love the fire department. I love what they do for the
city, but we've constantly done $1 to $200 to go to $400. Is that uh maybe not look the greatest for the people that just retired last year and the year before all of a sudden it's that's a big jump.
It is, but does it keep members on longer, too? The ones that are thinking about retiring, are they going to stay on longer, too? >> I don't know. And this was kind of new information that was brought to light to us as well. >> Yes. >> That we didn't know we could possibly
ask for more. >> Yeah. Last year it went from 22 to 24. In 22 it went from 21 to 22. And in 20 it went from 19 to 21.
What are simulator side communities doing? >> Um, I don't know off top of my head. I would have to look into >> I know that last year we did have that information. >> Yeah. >> Do you have it there? >> Well, so this is what we had last year here. I looked at the kind of the four
county area for towns our populationish. Um the average for these are actually 2022 numbers. They were the most recent that the state auditor's office had, but that was 2200. Um and last year we were
at 21, right? >> Uh last year we were at >> 22 22 to 24. >> We were we were at that average um last year with the increase we made. We went to the 24 then
>> but we don't know what the others >> Yeah. We don't know. >> Yeah. >> And and the data that we collected was what people had in 22. >> Yeah. >> And that and that was in 24 for us. >> Mhm. Yep.
I like your thought of the increase. I'd like to see us get to 28 and then set the increase at the cost of living increase annually after that. >> Boy, you're not Bashful, are you? >> No. So does that reset then is so if you
look in here it says 28 is 0 the city's contribution >> and then it says 29 is 536. So if we went to >> it's going to depend on our investment >> depend on the investment >> could possibly go back to zero zero for 29.
>> It could it could Okay. >> It could be $500 too. >> Okay. >> Or $1,000. We don't know that yet. Life's a risk. I could be persuaded to go either way. Possibly not both.
>> Yeah, I I have no preference really. I I'm well pleased with our department. >> Absolutely. I am too. So if we went with the 5% essentially it gives us a little cushion in here probably
if we went with the 28 and 5% is possibly taking away any type of cushion we have and we are sharing down a 13% levy right now. So, if we moved it to 28, I would say, then we don't implement a cost of living
raise. We make them come back and beg for it so that we can see where it's at each time. >> Absolutely. I'd be great with that. >> Or we just implement the the percentage. Quinton, as a administrator, do you have an opinion on this?
>> Well, I it's like Jeremy is saying, you know, we've had such good returns. You said the same thing for how many years? The city itself is not putting an additional amount of money into the relief accounts because of that, right? >> You know, and there are years that we did 1,100 a year or whatever it ended up
being to to balance things out. >> Fairly minimal amount. >> Yeah. Right. I just because we gave them an increase last year, I would rather not go to the full 28 this year. Okay.
How about if how do how about this? How about if we split hairs? we go to 26 and then starting for 27 we will do just do the 5% increase.
How does the council feel about that? >> So from 24 to 26 for fiscal >> right and that would take on f the fiscal year of 26. So then for fiscal year of 27 >> 5% >> just implement a 5% increase >> per year
>> beginning in 27. >> That's my motion. You're off to 2900. I'll second the motion. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> Okay, so we have two
>> opposed. >> I assume you're opposed. >> Yeah, I'm going to be opposed to that. So we have 212. Does a motion carry on the voting members or on the members present or how do we do it?
I just thought it was members present. >> Okay. So the motion doesn't carry >> title you're the descending vote. What is your concern? >> I don't have a concern. I think we should give them something. I personally
they've shown a good track record for returns. Whether that's luck or skills. I think we should just give them what they're asking for. Well, like I said before, I could go either way. I could give them the 28. I But I wouldn't necessarily implement that 5% increase then. We'd want to
watch it. >> I agree with that. If we give him >> and I can go either way on that. I'm fine. Give the full amount that we got to recheck next year. This is a one time thing. Somebody is that a motion? Then >> make that motion that we do the full amount this time and then they can come back next year.
>> Effective fiscal year 26. >> I can second. All in favor? >> I 302. Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Jamesville firefighters appreciate it. >> You are more than welcome. We appreciate
them. Okay. Uh consent assessment agreement for 125 North Main. >> Yes. 125 North Main has some sanitary sewer um fixes that are needed. We can do a consent assessment like we've done
in years past for properties. What happens is the city will cover the cost of that repair and then we will place on their as a special assessment over four years. Uh this one, the bid came, you saw the paperwork, it came in at $9,000
to make the repairs. So that's all laid out in that resolution. And you notice we did receive all signatures for all parties involved. So, it's pretty much a formality tonight to
uh to approve this. >> Motion to approve resolution 25 202517. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I motion to adjurnn.
>> All in favor? I