2006.10.16 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council meeting of October 16, 2006 Page 5 DISCUSSION ON NATIONAL RECYCLING INC. AND REQUEST FROM WCSO FOR ASSISTANCE IN TRACING STOLEN COPPER AND ALUMINUM The Washington County Sheriffs Department notified the City that there had been a marked increase in stolen copper in the City, particularly around residential construction sites. The significant increase in copper and aluminum prices has pushed thieves to steal from contractors, copper tubing, electrical wire, and even aluminum concrete forms. There has been some stolen aluminum and copper brought to National Recycling Inc (NRI) and identified later by the WCSO as stolen merchandise. This issue is a big concern for the WCSO, who seeks assistance from the City or the Washington County Board, for the drafting of an ordinance that would direct recyclers, like NRI, to track incoming material much the same way as pawn shops are directed to do so, according to state statute. On Friday, October 13, 2006, City staff made a site inspection visit with the Washington County Sheriffs Department of the NRI facility, with owner Rick Mark. Washington County Deputy Sergeant Brad Marquardt reported to Council the discussion of issues related to the facility and its operation in the collection and salvaging of copper and aluminum, as well as new procedures that will be taken by NRI to document customers with driver's license and vehicle license and the WCSO's ability to track possible stolen property. Rick and Melissa Mark have cooperated with the City are already implementing the new recordkeeping procedure. No official Council action was taken. APPROVE DATE FOR CITY OF HUGO COUNCIL, COMMISSIONS. AND STAFF HOLIDAY GATHERING Each year, Council, along with City commissions and City staff, gathers together to celebrate the holiday season. City staff recommended Council select a date to hold the annual City Hall Christmas gathering, which has been held at the Hugo American Legion for the past two years. Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to hold the holiday gathering on Thursday, November 30, 2006 at the Hugo American Legion. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE OCTOBER 23.2006 GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY AT POSTAL CREDIT UNION The Hugo City Council received an invitation from the president of the Postal Credit Union to attend the groundbreaking ceremony on October 23, 2006 for the construction of its new facility. Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to schedule a public meeting on October 23, 2006 at 10:30 am on the site of the new Postal Credit Union building located adjacent to the Festival Foods grocery store. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE COUNCIL BOARD OF CANVASS MEETING ON NOVEMBER 8, 2006 After the general election on November 7, 2006, Council must meet as the Canvass Board to canvass the votes. City staff requested Council direction as to a time to meet on November 8, 2006.