I would be sadly remiss if I didn't acknowledge the 'other City of Hamburg employee' who works diligently for us; the taxpayers of the City of Hamburg; Dennis Byerly.
Fortunately, I have had several 'involvements' with Dennis ; he has ALWAYS been polite to me and ALWAYS has represented the City of Hamburg in an admirable fashion. Yet, when I have previously attended Hamburg City Council Meetings, Dennis is usually portrayed, at least in MY eyes, as something less than an acceptable city employee. Unfortunately, these orchestrations and disrespectful behaviors are usually initiated by Hamburg City COUNCILMEMBER LARRY MUELLERandCOUNCILMEMBER BRIAN CUMMISKEY. Also, sadly, I have PERSONALLY OBSERVED, numerous times, COUNCILMEMBER MUELLER'S'condescending and demeaning attitude', in the 'public forum' of a city council meeting (read the city council minutes), toward Dennis, a dedicated city employee who is doing his best to serve the City of Hamburg and it's residents.
Next time you see Dennis Byerly on the street, PLEASE WAVE AT HIM as a friendly gesture to let him know how much you appreciate his efforts for ALL of us. And if you see COUNCILMEMBER MUELLERorCOUNCILMEMBER CUMMISKEY on the street, maybe you could come up with a gesture for them as well. NO city employee should have to tolerate being publicly humiliated by ANY elected city official !! (I believe it's called a 'hostile work environment'.) Instead, they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
Ain't 'small town politics' fun ? I, too, 'played that game' back in the late '60's when I began my career of 'public service' in a 'small town' (population 1,000) where there were only three full time employees; the City Clerk, a Public Works employee and me; I was the 'local cop'. 'Small town politics'; been there; done that. I KNOW how it all 'works' !!
Ongoing Information about, and some of the recent 'actions' of, the Hamburg City Council that once appeared on this Webpage have been moved, for a variety of reasons, to my personal Webpage and are available for viewing atwww.deltadickshow.com. That has now changed, so please check back frequently.
Automated, Customized Weather Advisories, Watches & WarningsAffecting Our City Are Now Available On My Website About The City of Hamburg !!
If there are any weather advisories, watches or warnings in effect for the Hamburg area, the words WEATHER ALERT will appear in red below the current weather information displayed on the 'weather decal' shown above.
When the words WEATHER ALERT are displayed on the 'weather decal' above, complete information about the particular advisory, watch or warning affecting our area can be obtained by clicking on those words.
You will then be brought to the 'Official' DELTA DICK OLDE TYME MUSIC INTERNET SHOW WEATHER CONDITIONS WEBPAGE where complete information about the weather advisory, watch or warning will be displayed.
To See The Historical Climatological Data For Hamburg Such As Rainfall Amounts, Highest Wind Speeds, Highest/Lowest Temperatures, Humidity, Dewpoint and Barometer Readings CLICK HERE.
Every Sunday Morning You Can Hear Several Hours Of Specially Selected Uninterrupted Religious Music. I've Recently Increased The Number Of New Songs That Are ow Available From A Variety Of Artists.
This Special Sunday Morning Music Offering Is Available Simply By Logging On To www.hamburgminnesota.com and Turning Up The Sound On Your Computer.
CHECK IT OUT !!! And, I'm Curious To Know How You Like It.
Let Me Know How You Like It By Sending Your E-mail To Me
Ever Wonder Where The Information About The Climatological Conditions In Hamburg Is Gathered ??
Here's A Picture Of The Electronic Sensing Unit That Began Collecting Information On September 21, 2007 About The Temperature, Humidity & Dew Point In Hamburg And Wirelessly Sends It To The Receiver And Is Uploaded To The Internet Every Five Minutes. (See Kerry's Barn In The Background?)
To View More Detailed Information About Our Weather Conditions And To See 'Archived' Information,
Chief Droege has been a member of the Hamburg Fire Department for thirty-five years and has served as its Chief for the past fifteen years.
Most recently, Chief Droege (who is also an Emergency Medical Technician) was named 2009 MINNESOTA FIRE OFFICER OF THE YEAR !!
To lean more about this outstanding Hamburg, Minnesota citizen and his many accomplishments, available EXCLUSIVELY on 'DELTA ON DEMAND', please CLICK HERE.
ACKNOWLEDGING THE BEST...............
Just Some Of The Other GREAT PEOPLE Who I've Had As Guests On My
"DELTA ON DEMAND" Series !!
Byron "Bud" Olson
Sheriff of Carver County
Michael Fahey
First Judicial District Court Judge
Randy Maluchnik
Carver County Commissioner
Captain Chris Omodt
Former Commander
Minnesota Financial
Crimes Task Force
Rich Stanek
Sheriff of
Hennepin County
Dean Barkley
Former
UInited States Senator
Bill Finney
Former
St. Paul Police Chief
To Visit My Webpage of "DELTA ON DEMAND" Interviews, Please CLICK HERE.
NOTE: The dates listed above that are not underlined indicates that the Hamburg City Council Minutes for that date are not yet available on-line; most likely because they haven't yet been approved. Please check back later.
To see the proposed agenda for the previous, current or next Hamburg City Council Meeting, please CLICK HERE !!
(THANKS !! To fellow Hamburg Resident Chris Lund of The Hamburg Post for providing the above links.)
No Portion Of This Webpage May Be Photocopied, Duplicated or Reproduced In Any Manner Without Written Permission Of The Webmaster.
WHERE'S THE 'STUFF' ABOUT THE
CARVER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
YOU ASK ??
To Pay Homage To Carver County Sheriff Byron 'Bud' Olson Who Has Faithfully Served
Carver County For The Past Eleven + Years As Its Sheriff And Will Be Retiring
At The End Of This Year, I Am In The Process Of Designing A
SPECIAL WEBPAGE
Dedicated To Sheriff Olson And The Entire Carver County Sheriff's Office.
PLEASE CHECK BACK LATER !!
Just Some Of The Many E-mails Received About Me, My Show & My Websites .........
"I enjoy your Webpage and check it quite often."
"Dick, always nice to view your Website."
"Hi Delta – I sent a mass e-mail to my fan club and told them all to listen to your show and heard back from a few of them that did. All positive responses. You did a wonderful job – thanks so much for your work you do on our behalf. We really appreciate it."
Julie Lee & The White Rose Band.
"Dick: We actually have your site on our Intranet, so we can check it if we think there may have been severe weather! It's fun to see all the weather stations on Weatherunderground. Thanks also for promoting Awareness Week. We do appreciate it. Watch out for the sirens on Thursday! Make sure you simulate going to the basement. Todd" (Todd Krause, National Weather Service Forecast Office-Chanhassen, Minnesota)
"Dick: Thanks for your public service; you do so much and probably don't get recognized for any of it. But, you are a wonderful asset for Carver County and Hamburg and for your radio listening community; you're just a great guy. Thanks so much."
"My prayer would be more Dick Odoms' would rise up and get involved in their lives, in their communities and in our way of life! Our future needs courageous leaders who are not afraid to “challenge” the process and our leaders. America needs our involvement more than ever because of the polarizations that is taking place at all levels of government and our lives. I have tried to think of any part of my life where government in NOT involved in some way, shape or form. While I believe we cannot live without “the people” looking out for each other, I believe we have created a monster that has an appetite we cannot sustain. Something has to give……"
Wishing you Life’s Best today and everyday!!"
"Thank you for keeping our posting on your Website. No new sightings since the day after Christmas, so who knows which direction they headed! It has been nearly 8 weeks and my hope is dwindling, but.....everyone tells me dogs are very good at fending for themselves.....even backyard-city dogs??"
Thanks again. I appreciate your concern (and love your Website!)." Terri Denney
"Was out at the Website today. Really liked the picture of the tree covered with snow."
"Hello Delta! It's really very interesting to read all this information concerning your Hamburg and to see these nice pictures!"
"Mr. Odoms, Website looks great !!" Jeremy Gruenhagen, Hamburg City Clerk-Treasurer
"Hey guy; you took a picture of my house on Sunday the 22, when will it be on your Webpage? Thanks."
"Your web site about Hamburg is awesome, Thanks for taking the time and doing it. Hope you have great New Year and please keep up the great job you have done with your web site for the City of Hamburg." Linda Mueller, lifelong resident of Hamburg and Larry Mueller, assistant Mayor to the honorable (former) Mayor Mike Buckentin.
"I am the vice president of the Hamburg Hunting and Fishing Club. I am sending this email to see if it is possible to advertise our 2010 sportsmen's calendar on your hamburg Website. You are free to check out our Website at www.hamburghuntingandfishingclub.org. Click on the sportsman's calendar and it will show you everything you will need to know. I also do sales for www.bohlmannexteriors.com is it possible to put a ad on the Website for bohlmann exteriors? Thanks." Josh Kroells
"Delta Dick, I like what you have done with the Website. It is much easier to open in the new Windows." Chris Lund
"Information on the Alex Gieseke benefit is attached. Alex's grandparents Gus & Linda Peterson live near Hamburg. Please post info on your Website. Thanks!"
"Good Morning Dick: Thank you for your email. The credit on your invoice for $6.72 is due to a lower rate. The rate changed for all residents in your City effective 8/1/08. A new contract was negotiated with your City therefore we had to post the credit on your December invoice. The recycling charges are not dependant upon the size of the container. Recycling is an unlimited service therefore there is one flat charge to all customers regardless of the size of your container. Thank you for choosing Waste Management!
Jennifer, Customer Service"
"Can you give details on this year Zummerfest?"
"I recently came across the Website for Hamburg and noticed St. Paul's Evangelical Reformed Church, Hamburg, is absent from the Website. Could you please add our church as well as link it to our Website. If you are not the one I need to contact please let me know."
"Hello!! I was on the unofficial Website, www.hamburgminnesota.com, but I didn't see a listing of events for the Zummerfest in June. Did I miss it??"
"Sir, I had recently sent you a flyer presenting an upcoming event for veterans to obtain information at a Veterans Benefits Fair on October 28th. I was reassured that it could be viewed on the unofficial Hamburg Website that you provide. As of today, I still have not seen it posted. If there was a problem with the attachment please let me know if I can be of any assistance."
"I appreciate your Website to serve the Hamburg area."
"Hi Delta Dick - How's it goin? I am so glad you have a WX station - is it much trouble? Hey - Did you listen to the broadcast about Pawlenty getting to be V.P. ( if McCain gets it & it looks like he will) then Molnau will be our gov!! Can't we get rid of her????? I mean without hurting her that is. Have a good Valentines Day! From Green Isle."
"Dick, Yesterday afternoon, we were able to view the flyer on your Website. I would like to thank you for your assistance with the posting, and for making it possible to reach out to the public on information that may impact the lives in the community of Hamburg. With sincere appreciation !"
"Hello Delta! Thank you very, very much for your e-mail! It's really very interesting to read all this information concerning your Hamburg and to see these nice pictures!"
"At the moment I'm still investigating for the article concerning all the Hamburg's in the world; as soon as it will be written I'll send you the link so that you read the text - and see your photo in our newspaper! Bye!"
"Hi Delta Dick - For quite a while your station info came up whenever I plugged into Weather Underground, but now Faxon is there - I don't want Faxon, you are the closest to me (Green Isle) so what happened? And how do I fix it? See ya from G.I."
"Hi: My name is Wendy and am originally from Hamburg. My dad used to be the postmaster in the 1950's-1960's. I was wondering if anyone has any photos of the old public school or teacher Miss Hildur Carlson? We moved from Hamburg when I was 12 but I attended the school up until then and would love to see photos or make copies as I have none. Thank you for your help."
To Go To The HAMBURG HAWKS Baseball Team Website, Please CLICK On Their Logo Shown Below
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE TWIN CITIES MOST POPULAR METEOROLOGIST ON THE
E-mail received from KSTP Chief Meteorologist Dave Dahl after being notified he was selected as the 'Meteorologist Of Choice' for my Website about the City of Hamburg:
Thanks for the honor Dick! Very unexpected but nice to say the least!
Hamburg City Councilman Steve Trebesch has an impressive collection of tractors from years gone by; please see the pictures that I took of them parked in front of his building, below. To see them in person, drive by his building just east of the Parkside Tavern on County Road 50. (That's the road that Carver County doesn't plow or sand in the winter; the City of Hamburg says: "We'll take care of it." ) Yeah; right'! CLICK HERE to see the poor job the city and its elected officials (NOT Wm. Mueller & Sons) are responsible for last winter.
Councilman Trebesch is one of two Hamburg City Councilmen whose City Council term expires at the end of this year. While it's unknown to me whether or not he will seek reelection to his position with the Hamburg City Council, I've attended several Hamburg City Council Meetings and have seen our 'elected officials' in action. At times, it's been pretty pathetic, actually embarrassing, to see how the other three of our City Councilmen of the city conduct themselves. Councilman Trebesch is the only City Councilman that impresses me. He's more concerned about what's taking place in the City of Hamburg and what's good for the city and its residents rather than boasting about the fact that "I'm a City Council Member" like the other three are.
While it's unknown whether Councilman Trebesch will face opposition in this falls city election, if he does, I urge Hamburg city residents to reelect Steve to another term as a Hamburg City Councilman. Unless, of course, he suddenly adopts the 'attitude' of the other three Councilmen. But I don't think that will happen; he has more 'class' than that. The other three City Councilmen should pattern themselves, and their behaviors, after Councilman Trebesch and forget how important (they think) they are.
While we're on the subject, I also believe that Mayor Richard Malz, too, is 'down to earth', has a level head on his shoulders and also has the best interests of the city in his 'sights'. Well; two out of five is a start; maybe it'll be three out of five this fall should Cummiskey get tossed out of office.
This Website Is NOT The Official Website Of The City of Hamburg, Minnesota. It Cudda Been and Shudda Been; But Instead Of Having A Hamburg Resident Design And Maintain It For Fre And Save The Taxpayers Some Money, The 'GOOD OLD BOYS CLUB' Thought It More Prudent To Spend The Taxpayers Hard Earned $$$ To Have Some Outside Company Make One For The City. Fact Is Stranger Than Fiction !!
DENNIS BYERLY
HAMBURG MAINTAINENCE WORKER, DEDICATED AND ON THE JOB
Last Friday night (7-9-10) as I was approaching Hamburg from the east, I noticed that several of the street lights from the 'Bongard's Intersection' westward were off. A little closer observation revealed that many of the homes and farms along County Road 50 were also dark. It quickly became evident to me that there was a power outage affecting quite a large area. As I drove toward our quaint little city, I began wondering if the City of Hamburg might also be without power. It didn't take long for me to find out.
As I entered the eastern city limits, I noticed that some of the street lights on Park Avenue were out; yet, many of the homes had their lights on. I was intrigued about how the street lights could be out but the homes still have power. I also wondered if the sewage lift station in Bicentennial Park was without power. It didn't take me long to find out the answers to my questions.
As I approached the State Bank of Hamburg, I immediately noticed that the generator that provides emergency power for the lift station had its side doors open and was running. I also noticed the City of Hamburg Utility Truck parked nearby and Hamburg Maintenance Worker Dennis Byerly was sitting inside.
I pulled my car up next to his truck and learned that a portion of the city had lost power just before 8PM. It was at that time that Dennis got notified and went to Bicentennial Park and got the lift station operating on emergency power. I'm certain that after connecting the emergency generator up to the lift station, he didn't go home and crack open a beer or go to bed. I'm sure that he stayed with the generator and lift station like a mama bear stays with her cubs until the power came back on; whatever time that was. Because that's the kind of person he is.
Dennis does so much for the City of Hamburg and its residents that goes unnoticed and that many residents, I'm sure, don't even realize. He's a diligent worker, a somewhat shy, but personable guy who has dedicated himself to the City of Hamburg for, as I recall the City Clerk telling me, fifteen or eighteen years. I've been at Hamburg City Council meetings where members of the City Council, particularly Councilman Mueller, have publicly humiliated Dennis. He deserves much more than that; dignity, respect, appreciation, etc., for all of the good work he does for us.
Whenever I pass him on the street, I always wave to him. That's my way of saying "Thanks for doing a good job!" He always waves back. Next time you pass Dennis on the street or see him working around the city, wave to him; I'm just sure he'll wave back.
The thought has occurred to me of appearing at a Hamburg City Council meeting and presenting Dennis with a 'DELTA DICK EXCELLENCE AWARD' for all of the great things he does for the city and its residents.But I'll probably have to do it in private; just me and Dennis.
You'll recall that I did the same for our loyal and outstanding Fire Chief who has dedicated thirty-two years to the City of Hamburg. I, as a local resident, wanted to recognize him for everything that he's done (and still does) for Hamburg, Carver County, the surrounding area and the Fire Service in general. But my actions were later ruled 'OUT OF ORDER' by the 'Good Old Boys Club'. (See elsewhere on this Webpage.) Once burned; twice shy.
Folks; 'ya gotta love it; you CAN'T make this stuff up !! I can see the headline now in the Norwood-Young America Times fishwrap:
HAMBURG RESIDENT APPEARS BEFORE CITY COUNCIL TO COMMEND CITY EMPLOYEE;
EJECTED FROM CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR BEING 'OUT OF ORDER' !!
That's A GOOD QUESTION. And A Fair One !! I'm Just Your NEIGHBOR Who Thinks Government Officials,REGARDLESSOf Which Unit Of Government They Have Been Elected To, MUST Be Held Accountable
To It's Citizens For How They SpendOURHard Earned Taxpayer Dollars !!
"Council discussed the estimates that were received from Hanson & Vasek Construction",(LOCAL Hamburg based company) "Wm. Mueller & Sons, and Southwest Paving. Council also discussed if the Shop Driveway should be concrete or blacktop".
"After a lengthy discussion and input of various ideas, Council decided to award the project to Hanson & Vasek Construction, Inc. from Hutchinson, MN. Council decided to use concrete for the shop driveway instead of blacktop."
Instead of supporting a locally based company, "COUNCILMEMBER CUMMISKEYmoved to award the Shop Driveway project to Hanson & Vasek Construction using Option #2: remove and construct sidewalk for $9,522.12, remove and construct concrete driveway for $9,800, and install the optional Trench Drain for $3,000 totaling $22,322.12, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BARNESand motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present."
As I've said many times before, folks; YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP !!! When his Hamburg City Council Term expires this fall,
CUMMISKEY HAS TO GO
And
NOT
Be Reelected To Another Term As A Hamburg City Councilmember !!!
In response to my inquiry as to why the Hamburg City Council selected the bid from Hanson & Vasek Construction in lieu of the bid from Wm. Mueller & Sons, I received this response from Hamburg City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen on July 27th:
"Mr. Odoms,
Here is a breakdown of the estimates that were submitted from Wm. Mueller & Sons and Hanson & Vasek Construction:
Wm. Mueller & Sons Estimate (Bituminous Surface Driveway):
Remove and Replace City Shop Driveway with 4" Bituminous and 10" of conbit (base) for $8,485.00
Added Cost to include Trench Drain is additional $4,500 (per bid from Hanson & Vasek Construction)
Wm. Mueller & Sons did not include cost to remove & replace sidewalk & curb
Total Cost to remove and replace City Shop Driveway with 4" Bituminous ($8,485), per Wm. Mueller & Sons estimate, plus cost of Trench Drain ($4,500), per Hanson & Vasek estimate, totaled $12,985.
Hanson & Vasek Construction Estimate (Concrete Surface Driveway):
Remove & Replace City Shop Driveway with 6" of concrete and Rebar 30" OC for $9,800
Added Cost to include Trench is additional $3,000 (the cost of the trench drain is lower as compared to doing a concrete driveway versus doing a bituminous driveway for the cost difference of having to do a concrete apron for the trench drain)
Total Cost to remove and replace City Shop Driveway with 6" Concrete and Trench Drain totaled $12,800.
Bottom Line: Concrete versus Bituminous....this was the main discussion."
If Somebody Locally Is An OUTSTANDING PERSON Or Has DONE SOMETHING OUTSTANDING And I've Found Out About It, You'll Probably Read About It On This Website !!
Examples of some of the people I've acknowledged have also been guests on my "DELTA ON DEMAND" Series Internet Shows. Check out its Website at www.deltaondemand.com to learn more.
AND THEN, THERE'S THE REST......
Likewise, If I Hear About Somebody Doing Something That I Think Is INCREDABLY STUPID Or Says Something That I Think Makes Them LOOK LIKE AN IDIOT, You'll ALSO Read About It On This Webpage !! (ALL Elected officials included!!)
HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL..... Do ANY Of The Residents Of Hamburg Have A CLUE (Or Care) As To What's Going On In Our (Small) Town Of ONLY 566 Residents ?? Look At JUST SOME Of The City Council's 'Antics' Described Below.
Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks.
HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL: DYSFUNCTIONAL, ELECTEDOFFICIALSCHARGEDWITH 'RUNNING' THE CITY?
I've spent some time reviewing the Minutes of the 2010 Hamburg City Council Meetings. Additionally, I've personally attended many City Council Meetings. Through both experiences, I've 'unearthed' some pretty disturbing facts about what's taking place in the City of Hamburg by its elected officials. Just SOME of what I've discovered is listed on this Website.
What's even more scary is that all of what I've discovered has been taking place, 'right under our noses' because (almost) nobody living in Hamburg cares enough about our city to 'poke around' and see what's taking place !! Well, folks; I've done some 'poking around' for you. All of the information that I'm exposing below was taken from the OFFICIAL HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.
Mayor Malz and Councilmember Trebesch appear to be the only elected officials that have any clue of (or really, sincerely care about) what's taking place in our city. While I don't consider either of them 'dysfunctional', they, none the less, are part of the Hamburg City Council. Whether it's 'fair' or not, that's 'guilt by association'. With the three other elected Councilmembers 'outnumbering' the Mayor and Councilmember Trebesch, there's no hope whatsoever of them, alone, ever getting our little city 'back on track'.
While reading the deleterious happenings taking place within the city and obtained from what I 'transcribed' from the 'OFFICIAL' City Council Minutes, you'll pretty much find a 'common thread': CURRENT COUNCILMEMBER CUMMISKEY. He's a 'loose cannon' that MUST BE REPLACED this fall !! Sadly, he's also a member of the otherwise EXCELLENT HAMBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT !!
That's why it's EXTREMELY IMPORTANT (and URGENT) that any interested city resident, who wants to help get Hamburg 'back on track', to come forward and file for the City Council position now occupied by CURRENT COUNCILMEMBER CUMMISKEY. According to the Hamburg City Clerk's office, the first day to file is August 3, 2010; the last day to file is August 17, 2010.
Do your fellow 'Hamburgonians' a favor: File for CURRENT COUNCILMEMBER's City Council position and help us get 'back on track' !! I'll even provide, at NO CHARGE, the design and maintenance of a FREE WEBSITE to help advance your election efforts.
CUMMISKEY HAS TO GO
No ifs, ands or buts about it !!
As stated previously, each reference shown below was transcribed directly from the 'Official' Hamburg City Council Meeting minutes. If yoyu'd like to read more than just what I've transcribed, or if you'd like to review all of the minutes for that particular City Council meeting, simple 'CLICK' on the date given for the City Council meeting minutes referenced.
If I cut somebody's vacant lot and couldn't do any better than this, I'd SELL MY MOWER
and DRINK BEER !!
The well manacured lawn in the lower
portion of the picture is OUR lot.
The 'absentee owners' of this vacant lot with the dead grass on it are Dennis & Doris Mielke of Cologne.
The vacant strip of land (that has NEVER been cut this year) is owned by David and Diane Mackenthun of Hamburg.
"Dick: Thanks for your public service; you do so much and probably don't get recognized for any of it. But, you are a wonderful asset for Carver County and Hamburg and for your radio listening community; you're just a great guy. Thanks so much."
"My prayer would be more Dick Odoms' would rise up and get involved in their lives, in their communities and in our way of life! Our future needs courageous leaders who are not afraid to “challenge” the process and our leaders. America needs our involvement more than ever because of the polarizations that is taking place at all levels of government and our lives. I have tried to think of any part of my life where government in NOT involved in some way, shape or form. While I believe we cannot live without “the people” looking out for each other, I believe we have created a monster that has an appetite we cannot sustain. Something has to give……"
"Wishing you Life’s Best today and everyday !!"
ITEM OF INTEREST FROM THE OFFICIAL HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
"Carver County Sheriff's Office will be providing a Child Safety & Drug Prevention Education Program to provide child safety and drug prevention material for children. The Sheriff's Office was asking the Council for a donation to help provide this material. "
"Members of Council decided not to participate in this program."
Is it too much to ask for the Hamburg City Council To Be Supportive Of Our Local Sheriff's Office That Helps Make Us Safe And Secure In Our City And In Our Homes ?? Also, I'm Sure That The Hamburg City Council's Action Is An Embarmessment ToCOUNCILMEMBER MUELLER'sSon Who Works For The Carver County Sheriff's Office !!
Here's another example of the Hamburg City Council 'In Action' .................
At a recent City Council Meeting when I presented the Hamburg Fire Chief with a "DELTA DICK EXCELLENCE AWARD" for being selected the 2009 MINNESOTA FIRE OFFICER OF THE YEAR and for his lifelong dedication to the Fire Service and the citizens of the City of Hamburg as well as all of Carver County. Quite simply, my action was no more than just a gesture of good will from a local resident showing the Fire Chief his appreciation for the Fire Chief's efforts and dedication.
Yet, the Hamburg City Council ruled that my actions at the City Council Meeting were "OUT OF ORDER" !!
Perhaps I should present a "DELTA DICK DOORKNOB AWARD"to the Hamburg City Council for its stupidity in their subsequent recent dysfunctional ruling !!
Or, would that, again, make me "OUT OF ORDER" ??
There's allot more going on in our small town of just 566 people that nobody realizes or even knows about because it takes approximately TWO MONTHS FOR THE HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TO GET PUBLISHED !!
Please check back to this Website frequently to learn more about what the Hamburg City Council is doing (or NOT doing) in our city of ONLY 566 PEOPLE !!
No Portion Of This Webpage May Be Photocopied, Duplicated Or Reproduced In Any
Manner Without Written Permission Of The Webmaster.
WHY WOULD A CITY COUNCIL MEMBER WHO IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE HAMBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT (CUMMISKY)VOTE AGAINST THE PURCHASE OF A NEW PIECE OF EQUIPMENT ??
The Old Hamburg Rescue Truck Needed To Be Replaced; Yet BOTH COUNCILMEMBERS CUMMISKEY & BARNES Apparently Thought That Placing A Value On Human Lives Was More Appropriate .......
ITEM OF INTEREST FROM THE OFFICIAL HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
"COUNCILMEMBER CUMMISKEY moved to DECLINE the purchase of the heavy Rescue Truck at this time.COUNCILMEMBER BARNES seconded the motion. Mayor Malz; motion made and seconded all in favor, COUNCILMEMBER CUMMISKEY aye and COUNCILMEMBER BARNES aye. Mayor Malz; all opposed Councilmember Mueller aye and Councilmember Trebesch aye. Mayor Malz also opposed (and questioned if he could vote)."
"Mayor Malz asked what happens now."
"Councilmember Trebesch moved to go ahead with the purchase of the Rescue Truck as Brad has it set up. Mayor Malz asked for a second. Councilmember Mueller seconded. Mayor Malz; motion made and seconded to approve the purchase of the used Rescue, all in favor, Councilmember Trebesch aye and Councilmember Mueller aye, Mayor Malz also aye. Mayor Malz; all opposed COUNCILMEMBER BARNES aye and COUNCILMEMBER CUMMISKEY aye. Mayor Malz, the vote is three to two. Motion made, seconded, and carried, it passes."
After reading the February 23rd City Council Minutes, I couldn't figure out what took place and who voted which way so I asked the city for clarification. Here's their response:
"Mr. Odoms, I will look at the motion and correct the wording if needed....if any corrections are made I will get the correct wording to you. Deputy Clerk Block wrote the minutes and I will review them for clarification."
"The Following Members voted accordingly on the first motion (to DECLINE the purchase of the Rescue Truck):"
"COUNCILMEMBER CUMMISKEY and COUNCILMEMBER BARNES voted Aye."
"Councilmember Mueller, Councilmember Trebesch and Mayor Malz voted Nay."
"The Following Members voted accordingly on the second motion (to purchase the Rescue Truck:"
"Councilmember Mueller, Councilmember Trebesch and Mayor Malz voted Aye."
"COUNCILMEMBER CUMMISKEY and COUNCILMEMBER BARNES voted Nay."
"The first motion failed whereas the second motion passed to purchase the Rescue Truck."
"Sorry for the confusion and Thanks for the email...I will clarify these motions."
"COUNCILMEMBER CUMMISKEY suggested that Council should think about regulating resident Christmas Light displays."
"Council discussed and decided to have City Clerk Gruenhagen check with Ann Perry (City Planning Consultant) if she has ever come across issues like this."
"Brian Biermann (210 Broadway Avenue) addressed Council concerning a ticket he received about his dogs excessive barking on September 25, 2009. Mr. Biermann asked if the City has a policy about receiving a warning before a ticket is issued. He has had no prior complaints or warnings about his dogs creating a public nuisance."
"CITY CLERK GRUENHAGEN and City Council discussed contacting Jim Keeler (City Attorney) and request the County to waive the ticket and decline prosecution."
"Council discussed and agreed that Mr. Biermann should not have received the ticket."
"COUNCILMEMBER CUMMISKEY moved to have City Clerk Gruenhagen call Jim Keeler (City Attorney) and ask if the City can decline the ticket and prosecution for Mr. Biermann.COUNCILMEMBER MUELLER seconded and motion unanimously carried. All Council members were present."
Whenever men take the law into their own hands, the loser is the law. And when the law loses, freedom languishes. There's a LOT more information about this incident that wasn't reflected in the Minutes of the Hamburg City Council, INCLUDING comments by Carver County Sheriff 'Bud' Olson !!
"COUNCILMEMBER BARNES commented on check number 14300 to Richard Malz for mileage to Chelsea, MI to look at the used Rescue Truck they had for sale. Before the trip COUNCILMEMBER BARNES had informed Mayor Malz of his objection to the trip until it was brought before Council for their approval. When the cost to the city is in the hundreds it should be brought before Council first."
"Council discussed this issue and decided to have City Clerk Gruenhagen check into how other cities handle out of travel."
"City Clerk Gruenhagen will also check into the cities current out of sate travel policy to find out what it states about reimbursement for mileage."
"Council decided to hold payment of check number 14300 to Richard Malz in the amount of $694.50 until the cities travel policy is clarified."
"During the Public Hearing (which was held this evening at 6:50 p.m.) the letter from Mr. Odoms was taken into consideration. It seemed that Mr. Odom's main concern was the research fee for public data."
"Currently stated on the City Fee Schedule, Schedule A, Information Research Fee (Public Data Only) - If over 30 minutes the charge is $35 per hour plus materials."
"City Clerk Gruenhagen suggested to Council that the wording "if over 30 minutes" should be removed from the fee schedule. Another item to discuss is electronic publications or transfers."
"Council discussed if city organizations should or should not be charged for using the City Hall or Community Center."
"Council decided to have City Clerk Gruenhagen check with the city auditors to find out if the City of Hamburg can accept donations from organizations for using the halls."
"Councilmember Cummiskey moved to adopt Ordinance Number 135, City of Hamburg Fee Schedule as printed minus the wording "If over 30 minutes." relating to the research fee."
"Currently there is $63,125.55 in Cable Franchise Fund."
"Councilmember Cummiskey moved to approve the request from the Norwood/Young America Council to use the Cable Franchise Fees in the amount of $18,361 plus tax to purchase the optional media control system and the optional projection equipment for the Oak Grove City Center Council Chambers,Councilmember Mueller seconded and motion was carried. Councilmember Barnes was absent."
WHY DID THE HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL PAY OVER$18,000.00 FOR THE PURCHASE OF AUDIO & VIDEO EQUIPMENT TO BE INSTALLED IN THE NEW NORWOOD/YOUNG AMERICA CITY HALL ??
This made NO SENSE to me at all so I asked for a clarification of the information contained in the City Council Meeting Minutes shown above. I had a tough time understanding, and accepting, why the City of Hamburg would buy, pay for and have installed, audio and video equipment in the new NYA City Offices. Here is Jeremy's response
"The Cable Franchise Fund consists of the City of Hamburg and the City of Norwood-Young America. A Franchise Fee of 3% is collected from each consumer and paid quarterly to each city respectfully which is then deposited into the Cable Franchise Fund which is currently being administered by the City of Hamburg.
Hope this helps clarify any misunderstanding.
Jeremy Gruenhagen
City Clerk-Treasurer
City of Hamburg (Pop. 566)"
City Clerk Gruenhagen's response clarified what was written in the Hamburg City Council Minutes. But it STILL doesn't make any sense why Hamburg residents are paying for something that's going to be installed in the new NYA City Offices.
How do we (Hamburg) benefit by spending our money to pay for something being bought for the City of Norwood Young America and installed in their new City Office complex ?
What is the City of Hamburg getting out of all of this? I don't 'get it' !! Am I 'missing' something ??
"Councilmember Cummiskey commented that at the last City Council meeting Richard Odoms was out of order in coming unannounced to the Council Meeting and personally awarding Fire Chief Droege his own plaque of recognition. Council, on behalf of the city, had previously acknowledge Chief Droege in his accomplishments and agreed that Mr. Odoms was out of order. If it happens again during a City Council Meeting he will be addressed as being out of order."
I may be "Out of Order" but the Hamburg City Council IsDYSFUNCTIONAL !
ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM THE OFFICIAL HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
There's More, 'Interesting' Information That I Have 'Gleaned' About What The Elected Officials Of The Hamburg City Council Are Doing & How They're Spending Our Hard Earned Tax Dollars. I've Found Out This Information Simply By Reading The 'Official' Minutes Of The Hamburg City Council Meetings. Nobody's Going To Jail, But What I'm Finding Out Should Get Your Attention And Make You Start Asking Questions Of Our Elected Officials (And City Employees)!! THAT'S GOOD !! I'll Also Be Bringing You MORE INFORMATION Of How It's So Easy For Politicians, To Spend 'Other People's Money' (THAT'S BAD !!). And Where It's Going !!
Thanks for stopping by and please CHECK BACK REGULARLY as this Website is constantly
being updated and added to so that YOU WILL KNOW what's going on. THANKS !!
”Government is NOT the solution; it is the PROBLEM."
Ronald Regan
"THE GREAT COMMUNICATOR"
40th President Of The United States
Here's my response to an e-mail that I received from a Hamburg resident:
Thanks for taking time to send me your e-mail regarding your thoughts regarding my Website about the City of Hamburg. I appreciate your visiting my Website and sharing your thoughts with me and hope that you, and other Hamburg residents, will continue to do so frequently.
I guess I don't quite understand what you mean when you suggest that I 'should really tone down the Website'. The information that I've just recently begun adding to my Website about the City of Hamburg that (I assume) your are referring to, is the information that is contained in, and derived from, the Official Minutes of the Hamburg City Council.
Any objection or criticism directed to me regarding information that is obtained directly from Hamburg City Council Minutes and placed on my Website, is misdirected. I'm merely making that information available to the public, information, generated by the officials of the City of Hamburg, that is contained in the official Hamburg City Council Minutes which, apparently, not allot of residents read; partially because it takes about six to eight WEEKS for the Minutes to be made available to residents. (I'm going to work on getting that 'speeded up').
And, because it is MYWebsite about the City of Hamburg, I'm allowed to make my comments. And I respect the comments of visitors, like you, to my Webpage
Quite simply put, if you, or any other Hamburg resident, disapproves of what I report that is based on information contained in the Hamburg City Council Minutes, you should talk to your elected officials and voice your concern to them of what they're saying and how they're saying it; not to me.
Citizens must hold their elected officials accountable for their actions. Sometimes people, especially township, city, county, state and federally elected officials, have to be reminded that elected officials are/were elected by the citizens they serve and are responsible to us.
Often times, elected officials forget that their absolute responsibility is to us, not ours to them.
They are NOT our masters; we are theirs. When citizens unite, they collectively gain power that single citizens, individually, can not achieve.
As for the second part of your e-mail, your comment suggesting that I begin 'talking about some policy for a change instead of attack everyone who disagrees with you', deserves some explanation, and here it is:
My Website about the City of Hamburg was never designed to be a 'forum' where people could 'congregate' and discuss, good or bad, the City of Hamburg or it's elected officials. My Website has been pretty much very 'upbeat' about our nice little community and its fine people; people like our Fire Chief and our Carver County Sheriff. Even a Carver County Commissioner as well as a former United States Senator.
Brian at the Parkside Tavern, Jill at the Post Office; the elderly and life long Hamburg resident, 'John' who walks our streets almost daily, even Jeremy Gruenhagen, the Hamburg City Clerk, have all, at one time or another, been positively 'featured' on my Websites.
You having a comment that you want to make (or something that you think needs to be said) about something contained in my Website about the City of Hamburg, is your right. It's ALMOST your obligation to 'speak up' !
Conversely, if I have something that I want to say (or I think needs to be said), I, and others, too, have that same right as do you. And obligation.
My Website about the City of Hamburg will continue to 'depict' what's going on in our little city of only 566 people in the future, but in greater detail. And, you'll see much more (relvant) information (obtained from the Hamburg City Council Minutes) on my Website about the City of Hamburg, in the future.
Thanks again for your e-mail. While I can't be certain, I suspect that you are Councilmember Cummiskey's son. If, in fact that is true, I'd like to close with one parting comment:
If you are who I think you are, I want to tell you (but you probably already know) how wonderful a person your grandma, Marion Schatz, was. She and I first met back in 2002 when I began working at KCHK radio in New Prague. Immediately upon our first meeting, we formed a very close bond. Never did a holiday or birthday go by without my receiving a card from her. I can't even begin to count the number of telephone calls that we had between us, even after I left the radio station. I visited her frequently at her apartment on Liberty Park, as well as when she was in St. Francis hospital, St. Gertrude's Health Care Center, and, finally, at the Mala Strana Health Care Center in New Prague until she passed away.
And, I always made sure that she had a generous supply CDs of my DELTA DICK OLDE TYME MUSIC SHOWS, that contained the music she loved so much; many of which where I mentioned how wonderful a person she was.
Like you, I, too, miss her, and her almost daily telephone calls, deeply.
Enjoy what's left of the summer !!
Sincerely,
Dick Odoms
I Took These (And Several Other Pictures) At Marion's Birthday Party That I Attended On July 19, 2008.
Chris Lund Is Another Hamburg Resident That Takes
An Interest In What Takes Place In The City Where He Lives. Chris Has Created A 'Blog Site' About
"City Attorney Mac was previously contacted on the correct procedure Council should take when discussing and purchasing the land for the storm water pond from COUNCILMEMBER CUMMISKEY."
"Attorney Mac suggested that at the end of a regularly scheduled City Council meeting to close the meeting and ask all those attending and COUNCILMEMBER CUMMISKEY to leave the council meeting area. Council could then discuss how they would like to purchase the property from MR. CUMMISKEY and at what price. Once a final decision is made MR. CUMMISKEY and any remaining attendees would be asked to rejoin the Council meeting. MR. CUMMISKEY could then discuss with the other members of Council his ideas on the city
purchasing his property for the storm water pond."
"City Attorney Mac had informed City Clerk Gruenhagen that no special meeting was required."
"The discussion and possible purchase agreement will be put on the next Council meeting agenda for July 13, 2010."
I HAVE AN IDEA !!! HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL: ARE YOU LISTENING ??
Why even 'negotiate' with COUNCILMEMBER CUMMISKEY ??Condemnation via eminent domain indicates the government is taking ownership of the property or a lesser interest in it, such as an easement. In most cases the only thing that remains to be decided when a condemnation action is filed is the amount of just compensation on the grounds that the taking is for a public use. Aren't 'storm water ponds' for 'public use' ??
Seems to me that by the City of Hamburg exercising it's right of 'Eminent Domain', COUNCILMEMBER CUMMISKEY won't get a 'butt load' of taxpayer dollars; he'll receive only that which is fair and proper and Hamburg taxpayers won't be overburdened. This is a 'no brainer' !!
This is how we keep our lot so that we can help contribute
to the positive image of the City of Hamburg.
Carver County Sheriff Bud Olson Sent Me A Copy Of An E-mail That He Sent To Hamburg City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen; I Told Sheriff Olson I'd Post It My Website About The City Of Hamburg. Here It Is ..............
Dear Jeremy,
I learned our National Child Safety Crime Prevention campaign may have sent you a letter asking for financial support. I want to inform you , the Mayor and Council I did not approve this organization to send the financial support letter. I have spoken with our local representative from this organization and requested they remove all the cities and townships in Carver County from this mailing. We have over the years asked our business community for financial support in providing materials to educate and inform our children, youth and adults about how to deal with a number of crime related issues. It has been very successful for us.
It was never my intent to ask our communities or townships for tax dollar support for these crime prevention initiatives. We appreciate the financial support we receive from our communities for police services and drug task force investigations.
John and Tom I am copying you in case you received the same solicitation. I have asked for a report from our representative to see if your communities have been mailed to as well. I have not received a response yet.
I apologize for this letter and hopefully have stopped this from happening again.
Best regards,
Bud Olson, Sheriff
The
CARVER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Has Issued A
'CRIME ALERT MESSAGE'
Regarding FOUR Burglaries Occurring In Carver County On July 12, 2010.
Also, Night Time Occupied Residential Burglaries In New Germany.
No Portion Of This Webpage May Be Photocopied, Duplicated Or Reproduced In Any Manner Without WrittenPermission Of The Webmaster.
In 2009, The City of Hamburg had the highest property tax rate of any other city, village or township in Carver County. That got me to wondering: Does the City of Hamburg STILL hold that 'dubious distinction' of having the HIGHEST PROPERTY TAXES IN CARVER COUNTY IN 2010? To get an 'unbiased' answer, here's an e-mail that I received:
To briefly clarify; shown below is a list of 5 Carver County cities with the highest tax rates for 2 given years. The city with the highest rate is listed first. As shown, the list of the highest 5 differs only slightly from pay 2009 to pay 2010.
2010: Hamburg, Mayer, Norwood Young America, New Germany, Cologne
2009: Hamburg, Mayer, New Germany, Norwood Young America, Cologne
And then I asked, "What about the years 2005 through 2008 inclusive?" That garnered this response from Carver County:
Dick,
Shown below is a list of 5 Carver County cities with the highest tax rates for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. The city with the highest rate is listed first.
2008: Hamburg, Mayer, New Germany, Norwood Young America, Carver
2007: Hamburg, Mayer, New Germany, Norwood Young America, Cologne
2006:Hamburg, Mayer, New Germany, Norwood Young America, Cologne
2005: Hamburg, Mayer, New Germany, Cologne, Norwood Young America
(Lowest tax rate for all years listed above: Chaska)
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Laurie Engelen
Taxpayer Services Manager - Carver County Government Center, Administration Bldg., 600 East 4th St. Chaska, MN 55318
I have made repeated requests to the City of Hamburg to provide me with the correct date of birth (DOB) of Deputy City Clerk Block so that the status of her Minnesota Driver's License can be verified. To date, the City of Hamburg has failed to provide me with the information that I have requested; with the excuse that the date of birth of a city employee who is paid with taxpayer funds is NOT public information !! Doesn't it seem ODD to you that they city won't provide something as basic as the date of birth of one of OUR city employees (who lives with a City Councilman) ? Are they 'protecting her' or 'hiding' something?? (I think I KNOW the reason!)
It just gets 'stranger and stranger' !!
While Hamburg, Minnesota Had The Highest Tax Rate Of Any Other City or Township
In Carver County in 2009, the Hamburg City Council has determined that city
residents 2010 property taxes will increase by less than 1% (actually .71%) for 2010.
"LET'S CUT SPENDING TOGETHER"
HAMBURG CITY OFFICIALS
The Elected City Officials Of The City Of Hamburg WOULD NOT ALLOW Their Pictures To Be Taken For This Website !!
(Imagine; Politicians Who DON'T WANT Their Pictures Taken and Published !!! WHY NOT ??? Are They 'Hiding' Something ???)
