‘Not that bad,’ says Arctic Plunge adventurer

      About 30 adventurous people took part in an Arctic Plunge at the Maple Lake Ice Fishing Derby last Saturday, Jan. 30.  A Maple Lake American Legion Club group called “Mo Peep and Her Sheep” is shown here.  That’s Mike Stumpf leaping and hollering just before hitting the frigid water.  Monica “Mo Peep” Scheiber was the first to make the leap, followed by Melissa Drossel, Stumpf, Angie McClelland, and Amy Forsyth.  Scheiber said they plan to come back again next year.  “It’s not that bad,” she commented.  The event helped raise money for the local lake association, the fire department and the high school.  Meanwhile, close to 6,500 people reportedly took part in the Ice Fishing Derby.  (Photo by Ed DuBois)

So far, BHM not affected by delay of state funds

By Ed DuBois

      Many school districts in Minnesota are facing a delay in state aid funds because of the state’s budget troubles.  But so far in the Buffalo Hanover Montrose (BHM) School District, no delay is taking place this spring.

      Supt. Jim Bauck explained a state statute calls for temporarily withholding funds to schools when the state is short of funds.  A formula is used to determine which school districts will face a delay in the payment of state funds.  The formula involves the size of the school district’s fund balance, the number of students in the district and funds received by the district from the county treasurer last year as revenue for this year.

      BHM officials learned recently their district is below the cutoff in regard to a delay of state funds.

      Payments from the state could have been delayed in March and April, and the state would have planned to provide the funds by May 30.  Bauck said the payback date is significant because school districts have higher payroll amounts in June to cover the summer months when school is not in session.

      School districts whose state funds are delayed will likely need to borrow money and pay interest on the loans until the state funds arrive.

      Chuck Klaassen, BHM director of finance and operations, said some area school districts are facing delays of state funds.  The state is holding back the payment of about $4 million to St. Michael-Albertville.  The amounts being delayed in other area districts include: about $1.9 million in Dassel-Cokato, $1.9 million in Delano, $900,000 in Maple Lake, $1.4 million in Becker, and $1.5 million in Annandale.

      Besides BHM, Klaassen said other area district whose state funds are not being delayed include Rockford, Big Lake, Monticello, and Elk River.  Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted is also not affected.

      This does not mean these school districts are totally out of the woods.  The 2010 session of the Minnesota Legislature begins this Thursday, Feb. 4, and no one knows at this point if the Legislature and the Governor could decide to reduce funds for education or call for more delays of fund payments.

      The delays that the school districts already know about were administered by the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) agency.

Wind energy rules, airport safety addressed by County Board

By Ed DuBois

      With wind energy becoming more prevalent, Wright County officials underwent a process of establishing a Wind Energy Conversion Systems amendment to the Wright County Zoning Ordinance.  The County Board adopted the amendment during the board meeting last Tuesday, Feb. 2.

      In another matter, the Board took action on a request from the City of Buffalo regarding plans to add safety improvements at the Buffalo Airport.

      Tom Salkowski, the county’s planning and zoning administrator, was on hand for both the wind energy matter and the airport matter.  The purpose of the wind energy amendment is to regulate the installation and operation of wind energy conversion systems (WECS).  Some of the topics addressed include: commercial and noncommercial WECS, fall zones, setbacks, feeder lines and transmission lines, towers, rotor diameter, substations, total height, design standards, abandonment, and wind turbines.

      In other business:

AIRPORT

      Safety improvements being proposed for the Buffalo Airport include a new taxiway and additions on both ends of the runway.  Salkowski said the improvements would not upgrade the aircraft size capacity of the airport.

      A resolution reconvening a Joint Airport Zoning Board and naming two county representatives to this board was approved by the county commissioners.  The two county representatives are Gordon Weber, a member of the Wright County Planning Commission, and Wayne Fingalson, the county’s highway engineer.

      Buffalo Township and Rockford Township may each also appoint two representatives to the Joint Airport Zoning Board.

MISC.

      In other actions, the Board:

      * scheduled the 2010 County Board of Appeal and Equalization on June 22, 4-7 p.m., and, if needed, June 23, 1 p.m.; and

      * canceled the county board meeting of March 30 (The commissioners routinely cancel one meeting in each month with five Tuesdays.).

Kids need dose two of H1N1 flu vaccine

      Wright County Public Health (WCPH) reminds parents that young children need two doses of the influenza vaccine.   Data from the state immunization registry show that as of Jan. 21, 44 to 58 percent of children had received their second dose of the flu vaccine.

      This means there are still children needing their second dose to be fully protected. For best results, children under 10 years old should receive two doses of H1N1 vaccine and those under 9 years old should receive two doses of seasonal flu vaccine if it’s their first year to be vaccinated. The two vaccine doses should be spaced about four weeks apart.  The H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine can be given together, unless both are being given as a nasal spray.

      The WCPH WOW Van has the H1N1 vaccine for all ages, along with other vaccines.  The WOW Van visits four different cities most weeks every month.  During the week of Feb. 1, the WOW Van will be in Clearwater, Albertville, Buffalo and Monticello.  The week of Feb. 8 the Van will be in Delano and Annandale.  The week of Feb. 15 the Van is in Montrose, St. Michael, Cokato and Buffalo.  During the last week of February, the WOW Van will be in Otsego, Maple Lake, Howard Lake and Rockford.

      The WOW Van schedule can be found on the Wright County website at www.co.wright.mn.us.  For more information call the WCPH Flu Vaccine Line at 763-684-2335.  WCPH does not charge a fee for receiving the vaccine.  Both injectable vaccine and the FluMist nasal spray are available.  Wright County medical clinics also have H1N1 vaccine on hand.

Legislators have budget cutting on their minds in a non-budget year

By Ed DuBois

      Heading into the start of the Minnesota Legislature’s 2010 session this Thursday, Feb. 4, the two legislators from Buffalo both had the same thing in their minds.  They both talked about the state budget in what was supposed to be a non-budget session.

      Belt tightening will have to take place, said State Senator Amy Koch (R-Buffalo).

      The Legislature will have to decide “what we can live without,” said State Rep. Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo).

      “We have to deal with the deficit,” Anderson stated.

      The state is faced with a $1.2 billion deficit, and that doesn’t include anything that might be added to that as a result of the Governor’s disagreement with the Minnesota Supreme Court in regard to his unallotments last year.

      “We could end up with an even bigger deficit than we already have,” Anderson said.

      So, how will the deficit be solved?  What will have to be cut from the budget?

      “No one wants to touch education,” said Anderson.  However, education represents about 45 percent of the total state budget, he estimated.  The state budget is around $35 billion to $36 billion, and roughly $12 billion to $15 billion goes to education, Anderson said.

      Delayed state aid payments is one way education is being affected by the state’s budget crunch.  The state can withhold payment of state aid to schools for a few months, and during that time the affected school districts will likely need to borrow money to meet financial obligations.

      Education is one of the largest areas of spending, Anderson pointed out, but he added that budget reductions will be needed across the board.  The “big four” areas of spending are education, health care, public safety, and transportation.

      Beyond reducing the budget, Anderson said the Legislature and the Governor need to work on how to create more jobs.  When more people have jobs, more tax revenue is generated and the economy improves.  He is heading into the 2010 session hoping some progress can be made in the areas of providing incentives to business and stimulating the economy.

      Koch agrees, saying she hopes the 2010 session is about improving the economy, not just solving the immediate budget problem.  She would like to see business “incentivized” so increased hiring can take place and investing in the future can proceed.  She would also like to see some progress in tax reform.

      Koch explained that now is not the time to add more taxes on businesses and add more regulation.  Specifically, he spoke about a state level cap and trade proposal that could come about soon.  Capping emissions and adding a carbon tax at this time would be “very destructive,” she said.  Business could not take it right now, and Minnesota would be hampered in competition with other states that do not have cap and trade, she said.

      “I am keeping my eye on that … like a hawk,” Koch stated.

      “If they (proposals) threaten jobs, that’s a ‘no’ for me,” she added.

      Beyond the state budget, changes in the Green Acres program have been a focus for Koch.  She is not hopeful for any major action this year, but the program could be “tweaked.”  For example, a May 1 deadline regarding nonproductive land could be moved back.

      She tried to get the 2008 Green Acres changes repealed in 2009.

      “That (the 2008 changes) was a bad deal.  It should never have happened,” Koch said.

      Some of the other topics that might come up during the session include nuclear plants, raising the state’s debt level, a bonding bill, and a new stadium.  Koch is opposed to raising the debt level.  She expects the bonding bill to be a big issue, and she suggested a bonding bill does not necessarily have to happen.

      She has been involved with an effort to lift the state’s moratorium on new nuclear plants.  More nuclear plants would add to the state’s mix of energy sources.  But the question of what to do with nuclear waste remains.

      Both Koch and Anderson are cool to the idea of building a new stadium.  They understand that many people want to keep the Vikings in Minnesota, but the state is not in a position right now to add more spending.  Anderson said a stadium is a “want,” and the Legislature is busy with “needs” right now.

      “Spending on a stadium is asking a lot when we are in a hole,” Anderson said.

      He mentioned that he would prefer to see a vote, such as the Legacy referendum a few years ago, on whether or not to provide public funds for a stadium.  That way, the people could decide.

      Koch said she will listen to ideas regarding a stadium.  Maybe creative financing will come about, she suggested.  Meanwhile, she is opposed to direct public funds for a new stadium.

      Both Anderson and Koch mentioned 2010 is an election year.  Koch says, “Pay attention, voters.  See what’s going on.  This could be a good thing.  It could bring about more accountability.”

      Koch and Anderson also mentioned 2010 is a census year.  They are wondering how the 2010 Census will affect the legislative districts a few years from now.

Scott Palmer named State Track Coach of the Year 

The State Track Coach of the Year Award is held by Scott Palmer of Buffalo High School.  He has also been honored with a state award for assistant football coaches.

By Heather Reinhart

Sports Editor

      Scott Palmer was hit with a double whammy last week, but it was a good thing.

      Buffalo High School’s head track coach and assistant football coach learned last Thursday that he would be one of eight recipients of this year’s Butch Nash Award, which is given to the top assistant football coaches in Minnesota. Then on Saturday, Palmer was treated to a big surprise when he was named the Minnesota Boys Class AA Track and Field Coach of the Year.

      Palmer, who led the Bison boys track team to its first ever state title last June, has had a ton of conference, section, and state success over the years.

      “I’ve been fortunate to have really great kids,” Palmer said. “It’s a reflection on our staff and our program more than anything. They’re passionate about the sport of track. It’s definitely not a one-person job at all.”

      Palmer received the track Coach of the Year award during an annual track clinic and banquet at Park Center High School on Saturday. After listening to a guest speaker, Palmer and the rest of the Bison coaching staff headed to Culvers for lunch and to discus what they had learned. When they returned to the banquet, Palmer was told that he had been named Coach of the Year.

      While Palmer knew he was in the running for the award after being named Section 2AA Coach of the Year last spring, the state award was a shock.

      “I was very surprised,” he said.

      Palmer has been with the Bison track team for 18 years and has been the head coach for the past 16 years. During his first year with the team, he was a volunteer middle distance coach. The next year, he joined the staff. A year after that, former Coach Ed Saxton left to become superintendent of the St. Francis School District, and Palmer took over head coaching duties.

      During his years as head coach, Palmer has led the boys to five top-six finishes in the state meet, two section championships and seven conference titles. Buffalo athletes hold two Minnesota State All-Time Records, and the Buffalo boys have been constant figures in the 4x400 and 4x800 meter relays at state. Palmer has also coached the Buffalo girls team to three conference titles, and has had numerous male and female state meet participants.

      Palmer is quick to give credit to his assistant track coaches, and specifically pointed to last year’s staff of Boyd Emmel, Jason Karn, David Knutsen, Mary Bremmer, Ben Wandmacher, and Evan Ronken.

      As for the football award, Palmer was nominated by Head Coach Gerard Rohl who said the award is a big honor. This is the third time that Rohl has nominated Palmer, but his first victory.

      “It’s hard to get, but nobody deserves it more,” Rohl said, adding that Palmer has always had a good work ethic and gets to know the players well.

      Palmer has been coaching football in Buffalo for 18 years. The first year, he served as a defensive line coach and also worked with the receivers. The following year, he took over as the offensive coordinator and has been there ever since. Rohl said it is nice to be able to depend on Palmer to get the offense ready.

      “I never have to worry about it and they’re ready to go every week,” Rohl said.

      “It’s a collaborative effort that I’m fortunate to have my name attached to,” Palmer added.

      The Butch Nash Award is named for the former University of Minnesota Gophers Assistant Coach, and will be presented by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association during a ceremony on March 27.

      Palmer was a football and track athlete himself at Blaine High School, and played college football for Moorhead State University. He said he plans to continue coaching in both his football and track roles for many years to come. Palmer also teaches social studies at Buffalo High School.

Buffalo City Council approves airport improvements plans

By Lori Seppala

     The February 1 Buffalo City Council meeting had most of its focus on the airport with information and public input added to the record.  

Open Forum

     Brian Gustafson addressed the council stating there was a notice in the paper of some airport considerations and it was incorrectly stated that all property owners have been notified.  Mr. Gustafson said he knows of one, besides themselves, that were not notified and were not aware of anything until they saw it in the paper. 

Airport Improvements

     Mayor Fred Naaktgeboren stated that the Airport Board and engineers have been working on airport improvements for quite a while, the council talked about it at length at our council workshop, and now we are ready to make a presentation.

     Councilor Steve Downer stated he has been attending the Airport Advisory Board meetings for a little over a year now and much of their time has been spent working on the improvement plan.  Downer has found the board is knowledgeable, involved, and committed to making this airport a better place for the users. This board and other boards in the past have done a lot of the leg work to get on the funding list that we are on now stated Downer, and we need to extend our thanks to them for all their work on our behalf.

     Downer informed that the airport is currently self sustaining and there were no general fund transfers in 2009.  The hanger rent and fuel increases have been made to help fund these improvements, and the meetings have been a good process.  The project will extend the runway from 2600 to 3200 feet and widen it from 60 to 75 feet.  The main purpose for the project is safety.  A parallel taxiway is a big improvement for the airport and lighting is another big improvement.  Downer added that this is an ongoing process required by the FAA.  Plans have been submitted and approved by the state, Mn/DOT Aviation, and the FAA.

     Rich Demeules, Chair of the Airport Board, addressed the council stating the board has unanimously approved the recommendations.  Buffalo Airport’s runway is he believes the second shortest in the state.  The Airport Board has stepped up to the plate, raised fuel prices, and overall the key to this project is safety.  Councilor Nauman thanked the Airport Board for all the hard work they have done and questioned if they have prioritized the project.  Mr. Demeules stated the problem with expansions is that once you do this, it all kind of goes together.  They are looking at a shut down of about six weeks. 

     Engineer DeWolf went over the funding sources.  On the airside portion there is Federal FAA funding entitlement of $150,000 and they are competing for Federal discretionary funds, this is at a 95/5 ratio.  On the landside portion of the project Mn/DOT Aeronautics will fund at 70% with 30% local.  The taxilane will be a 50-50 funding ratio. 

     Councilor Haag stated that sometimes funding is promised and doesn’t always come through and he doesn’t want to see the project partially completed.  Mr. DeWolf explained that in the process of bidding, no award will be made until funding is guaranteed, based on grant agreements. 

     Bob LaMont asked to address the council stating he is a local pilot and a past member of the Buffalo Airport Board.  Mr. LaMont said that there are some dissenting opinions on this and a handful of pilots would vote no.  As a federal, state, and local taxpayer the timing is just not very good.  They have worked hard at the airport to get it in the black and he would hate to see this go into the red.  Mr. LaMont stated it is just really poor timing and the council should really explore alternatives of waiting. 

     Brian Gustafson said he is a landowner north of the airport and stated a lot is discussed through the Airport Advisory Board.  Mr. Gustafson talked about meetings held years ago and stated there was no talk of runway extensions.  Now he is questioning safety and asked if planes are landing inappropriately or have the rules changed?  Mr. Gustafson said he went to Buffalo’s website and a lot of work goes back to 2008 or before and questioned why have the landowners not been formally invited; owners read about it last week in the paper. 

     Mr. Demeules informed that insurance dictates the size of plane going in and out and he is not aware of anyone landing illegally.  Mayor Naaktgeboren stated that at previous meetings the runway talk was going from 2600 to 4800 feet.  Mr. Demeules added that for FAA it is to get to 3200 feet and once done, there is no room to do anything else.  

     A motion was made by Councilor Downer and seconded by Councilor Haag to approve plans and specs and call for bid letting on March 3 and bids are approved or disapproved on March 15.

     When the mayor asked for comments on the motion, Councilor Nauman added to the comment that Mr. LaMont had made; in ordinary times it would be an easy vote to support.  Other comments by Nauman are that these are not ordinary times, we have had to raise the levy, employees had a 0% wage increase, and we have cut salaries at the golf course and adding $78,000 a year cost for what we would have to bear is just too much in these times.  Nauman added that 2010 is the time of tough decisions and he cannot vote to approve. 

     Councilor Downer stated he understands what Brad is saying.  Downer added that he hates to work towards this, it is hard to get to this point, and then say we just can’t do it; he would like to take care of it. 

     Mayor Naaktgeboren commented that the funding is better than 10 to 1 to bring funds into this community, the airport is a pretty important community asset, and he would like to see us maintain it. 

     Councilor Haag stated that bids have typically been coming in low and he thinks for safety and value now is a good time to do it. 

     The motion on the floor carried on a 3 to 1 vote with Councilor Nauman opposed.      

Dedication of Property to City

     Assistant Administrator Bodin informed that Michael and Bonnie Fadden own property along CSAH 12 (Montrose Boulevard) that they wish to turn over to the city for $1.00.  This property is located just next to the city’s lift station and the city attorney has reviewed the dedication.  Wright County is preparing the warranty deed, there will be no cost associated with the transaction to Buffalo, and staff is recommending acceptance of the dedication. 

     The Council voted to accept the land dedication with gratitude.   

CASH 12 Forcemain Improvements

     City Engineer DeWolf went over the CSAH 12 Forcemain plans and specifications in detail. 

     The council authorized the advertisement for bids on this project.

Call for Hearing

     Assistant Administrator Bodin reported staff is requesting the council call for a hearing to consider annexation of parcels PID 202-000-162100 and 202-000-162103 into the city that is currently in Buffalo Township.  The parcels were recently purchased by Michael and Pamela Mensinger of 2002 Pulaski Road whose house is adjacent to these parcels.  The Statute requires a 90-day notice of intent to the township, Chief Admin Law Judge, and property owner. If no objections are filed within the 90 days the city may adopt an ordinance. 

     The council approved the call for hearing as recommended by staff.

Other Business

     The council approved a call for hearing to be held on February 16, 2010 at 7:00 pm to certify delinquent accounts.

     A Temporary 3.2 Malt Liquor license was approved for the Buffalo Lions for the Buffalo Rodeo event to be held June 24-26, 2010 at the rodeo grounds. 

     A Temporary Liquor license was approved for the Buffalo Lions for the Wright County Pheasants Forever event to be held March 29, 2010 at the Civic Center.

     Councilors Nauman and Downer audited the claims and the council approved claims and payroll. 

     The January council minutes were approved.

Council Reports

     Councilor Haag reported the completion of the library project and it opened today.  Community Education is now on Facebook.  This is also Catholic Schools Week and Haag wanted to recognize all the churches, they do take a load off the city, for all they do. 

     Student Liaison Graham Wyatt reported they have finished the fundraiser and on the Buffalo end they raised $2,170 and he will have to dye his hair, probably hot pink.  The Maple Grove end of the fundraiser is still going on.

     Administrator Auger reported that the City of Buffalo employees have raised over $1,700 in their Haiti relief challenge.

     Councilor Haag also spoke about watching Graham Wyatt in a Mock Trial event held last Wednesday; it was pretty interesting. 

Proclamation

     Mayor Naaktgeboren signed a proclamation that February 7-14 is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week and the public can learn more by going to the web site tchin.org/aware.

 
Feature Story