Minutes of the Fairmont City Council meeting held on January 11, 2010, in the City Hall 
Council Chambers.

Mayor Randy Quiring called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.  Council members Anderson, 
Clerc, Gorath, Kallemeyn and Lucas were present.  Also in attendance were:  City Administrator 
Jim Zarling; Assistant City Administrator Mike Humpal; City Attorney Elizabeth Bloomquist; 
Finance Director Paul Hoye; Public Works Director/City Engineer Troy Nemmers; Police Chief 
Greg Brolsma; and City Clerk Susan Olson.

It was moved by Council member Lucas, seconded by Council member Clerc and carried to 
approve the minutes of the December 14, 2009, City Council meeting as presented.

The following comments were received by the City Council during Open Discussion:
o	Council member Lucas requested an update from City Administrator Zarling on the 
current status of the Fairmont Power Plant.  Effective January 1, 2010, the Power Plant is 
under contract with SMMPA (Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency) to generate 
power, as needed, using the two existing diesel engines.  Staff size has been reduced to 
three employees to keep these engines operational.
o	Council member Gorath applauded the Street and Park Department employees for the 
excellent job they continue to do with snow removal this winter.

Mayor Quiring read a proclamation declaring the month of January, 2010, to be “National 
Mentoring Month”.  Police Chief Greg Brolsma, Loren Dunham, Stephanie Busiahn, Tracy 
Meadows, Helen Rode, and Char Kahler, all addressed the Council and presented an update on 
the ongoing mentoring efforts in the City of Fairmont and Martin Council area.

In December, 2009, the Public Utilities Commission made a recommendation to the City Council 
to increase soft water rates by 25% effective January 1, 2010.  The City Charter requires a public 
hearing be held to allow all interested parties an opportunity to speak to this proposed rate 
increase.  There being no one present to be heard, Council member Clerc made a motion to close 
the public hearing.  Council member Kallemeyn seconded the motion.  Following Council 
discussion, Council member Lucas introduced and moved for the adoption of Ordinance No. 
2010-01 amending Ordinance No. 2009-01 relating to soft water rates and approving a 25% 
water rate increase.  Council member Anderson seconded the motion for its adoption.  On roll 
call:  Council members Anderson, Clerc, Gorath, Kallemeyn, and Lucas all voted aye.  No one 
voted nay.  Mayor Quiring declared said ordinance to have received the affirmative vote of the 
entire Council and he then declared the same to have been duly passed, approved and adopted.

In addition to an increase in soft water rates, the Public Utilities Commission also recommended 
the City Council approve a  3% increase in public utility wastewater rates, effective January 1, 
2010.  A public hearing was held to allow all interested parties an opportunity to speak to this 
proposed rate increase.  There being no one present to be heard, Council member Gorath made a 
motion to close the public hearing.  Council member Lucas seconded the motion.  Following 
Council discussion, Council member Clerc introduced and moved for the adoption of Ordinance 
No. 2010-02 amending Ordinance No. 2009-02 relating to public utility wastewater rates and 
approving a 3% wastewater rate increase.  Council member Lucas seconded the motion for its 
adoption.  On roll call:  Council members Clerc, Gorath, Kallemeyn, Lucas, and Anderson all 
voted aye.  No one voted nay.  Mayor Quiring declared said ordinance to have received the 
affirmative vote of the entire Council and he then declared the same to have been duly passed, 
approved and adopted.

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