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Edition:
September 02, 2010
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NEWS
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Frazee City Council OKs FHS scoreboard for $2,000
Clerk presents school’s proposal; vote is 3-2
• by John W. Dermody
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
After the Frazee Economic Development Authority had turned down a spending proposal Oct. 27 for a lighted scoreboard panel in the Frazee High School gym, a second bid was approved Monday evening, Nov. 9, by the city council.
The amount approved after a resolution put forth by Councilperson Donna Ouart and seconded by Councilman Ken Miosek was $2,000, while a previous bid in October had listed $1,900 as the cost. However, during all discussions, past and present, the approximate figure of $4,000 was mentioned, with each party to an agreement obligated for half the total cost.
At the earlier Oct. 27 meeting of the EDA, five members were unanimously against a recommendation to spend $1,900 for the amenity promoted as a form of advertising. While there wasn't a formal vote, the consensus was that the proposed technology involving a lighted scoreboard panel was "outdated" and the expenditure was "not appropriate."
Earlier vote was 'thumbs down'
Five members - EDA Chairman Bryce Anderson, Mayor Hank Ludtke, Heath Peterson, Fred Daggett and Joe Clauson - had expressed reservations. Members Ken Miosek, a member of the city council, and Pat Furey were absent.
Daggett had first appeared to favor an affirmative position Oct. 27, but then joined Clauson in using the term "not appropriate." Members appeared to feel that newer technology would be a better path if the city were to be a partner in any type of advertising with the school district.
But Monday, the topic of the lighted scoreboard panel appeared on the council's agenda as "Contribution for School Scoreboard," although the preliminary agenda given to officials Friday had no such reference.
And it passed.
John Dermody and Dave Jopp voted against spending the money, citing the fact there are better ways to advertise and promote the school district and its activities.
Mayor Ludtke, Ouart and Miosek decided the issue with their affirmative vote.
Immediate decision sought
During a discussion, Dermody said he felt the district and City Clerk Jonathan Smith were combining to do "an end run" to push the proposal even though the EDA had looked at it with considerable skepticism.
It was asked why the council should go against the EDA's recommendation, although such recommendations are not binding in any way, and what was the reason for the rush to gain approval?
Smith said Supt. Deron Stender had told him the decision had to be made by Tuesday. No explanation was given why, but presumably there was some type of deadline looming.
Recommendations by any city panel, whether offered by planning and zoning or some other committee, are not binding; the council can vote up or down during any final decision-making process.
The original proposed lighted table carried a base price of $2,865. That was the cost before add-ons, which would include some LED lights, bleacher mounts and freight for the 10-foot wide panel in green and white colors. During the October discussion by the EDA, the estimated price was projected at slightly over $3,800.
In order, left to right, approximately half of the lighted area would carry "Welcome to Frazee" with the city's logo, and the other would state "Home of the Hornets" with the "stinging bee" emblem.
Sales rep commented
Bob Wilkowski, a retired Perham High School activities director, is the sales representative for Aim Electronics, Edina, the company that makes the electronic scoreboard units like the one sought by District 23.
He said the new scorer's table/panel will slide into the bleachers, but not extend out in front because it will be elevated slightly. He said the previously mentioned sums are on target regarding costs.
The apparatus will be padded, with a lighted panel that is covered by high-density Plexiglas. Therefore, if an athlete were to slide into the panel while diving for a ball, he would bounce off.
The creation would be ready within four weeks, Wilkowski said, and is similar to those in Hawley and Perham.
Basically, he is waiting for the district to finalize exactly what it wishes to have and then the order will go to the Edina firm.
Liquor complex numbers increase
Compared to years past, the municipal liquor complex is doing very well in terms of net income, according to a report submitted to the council by the clerk-treasurer.
The off-sale category had a net of $4,792 for October, with a year to date (net) of $27,709.
For the on-sale venue, last month's net income was $5,312, giving a year-to-date figure of $40,462. That total is more than $7,000 better than 2008 at the same juncture.
With an October net loss of $259 for the White Pine Room, that facility shows a net loss of $935 to date for 2009.
Overall, the resultant net figure for the three venues was very positive for the year-to-date.
The aggregate net profit for the month of October was $9,846. The overall net profit for 2009 to date was $67,236, which was almost $30,000 above last year's mark at the end of October.
With the Frazee Event Center in a different category, it was revealed that net income for last month was $5,683, which was more than $4,500 more than October 2008. The FEC's net profit for the year to date is $19,890, more than nine times the net at the same point a year ago ($1,946).
In other action, the council:
• Approved a monthly consent agenda. There was also approval of a Lions Club gambling renewal permit, plus approval of liquor permits for the two meetings hosted by the Frazee Fire Department Jan. 13 and Jan. 21.
• Heard Miosek report that the Rescue Squad responded to 11 calls in October, with 10 medical-related for 40 man hours.
• Listened as Fire Chief Paul Thon reported five calls last month, including a truck rollover, and mutual aid calls to assist the Wolf Lake Department. One was a precarious situation involving a propane tank, he noted. There was also a response to a mobile home fire. The department logged 126 training hours in October, with a total of 1,316 for the year-to-date. Thon noted that at least one pumper is due for new tires because, while mileage isn't high, they become "checked." He said the Jan. 21 meeting would be a regional session involving numerous departments and area legislators would be invited.
• Heard Public Works Director Larry Stephenson report that a total of 3.38 million gallons of water was pumped in October. In addition, 2.87 million gallons of wastewater were flushed. He suggested potential sewer and water line problems should be explored by an engineering firm using TV equipment inserted into the lines where they pass under the BNSF rails.
• Received a report from Police Chief Mike Lorsung that the Frazee department had 365 calls in October. The total calls for the year is 3,541. He also gave a report on administrative fines in regard to traffic violations.
• Heard the mayor touch on the fact that the Economic Development Authority had discussed the proposed partnership in sharing the cost of a lighted scoreboard panel for the FHS gym.
• Heard a report from the Personnel and Finance Committee that District 23 teacher Dustin Geiser has been hired as summer recreation director at a salary of $3,000. Former director Nicky Courneya will stay on through the next summer to assist in the transition. She will be paid up to $1,000.
• Approved a salary step for Donnie Tate, who completed his work to earn a Class C Waterworks license.
• Approved a cell phone policy for the city.
• Listened to a Public Safety Committee update concerning rental inspections. With more than 200 such units, Lorsung explained that half are inspected each year.
• Heard a brief report from Dermody concerning activities of the Special Events Committee. Talent Showcase III held Thursday raised about $400 for the Frazee Ministerial Association.
The next regular meeting of the Frazee City Council is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. However, a budget hearing will precede the regular session at 6:30 p.m. Smith said a holiday meet and greet will also be held at 5 p.m., which will be a potluck occasion. Invited will be members of committees, along with the board of education of District 23.
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