WESTBROOK, Minnesota (STPNS) --     The Walnut Grove City Council met in a regular session on the 18th day of June, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the council room.  Greg Hansen, Jeff Harnack, Xiong Yang, Leonard McLaughlin, Mike Zeug, Lisa Zmeskal (Hoffman & Brobst), Tom Hansen were present.  Todd Harrington was absent.  

    Lisa Zmeskal from Hoffman & Brobst reviewed the 2011 audit report with the council.  Key financial highlights include the following:  



    *The assets of the city exceeded its liabilities at the close of the most recent year.

    *The Senior Housing Fund remains self-sustaining.

    *The General Fund Balance decreased $17,239 to $483,445.  This amounts to 119.8% of next year’s budgeted expenditures which exceeds the fund balance goal of a minimum of 40% of next year’s expenditures.

    *The city’s financial statements were restated for January 1, 2010 to change where the city had been reporting the assets and related debt for the 2004 street and utility improvement project, and to reflect deferred revenue in the governmental funds statements for the EDA loans receivable.

    *The city implemented GASB Statement No. 54, Fund Balance Reporting and Governmental Fund Type Definitions during the current fiscal year.  This statement required the city council to establish various fund balance policies as they pertain to the city.  The city council approved the city’s fund balance policy on Dec. 12, 2011.  

    The overall audit report was very good.  A copy of the report is available at the city office for review.  

    The Maintenance report was given by Tom Hansen.  The council discussed the purchase of a lift for trimming trees and putting up decorations verses renting the lift.  No decision was made at this time.  

    The Federal Highway Administration enacted final rules regarding minimum sign retroreflectivity levels allows cities to replace signs based on the city’s resources and conditions rather than by a specific date.  Under the new rule, the city is required to have a policy in place to maintain sign retroreflectivity at or above the established minimum levels by June 13, 2014.  

    The new basketball backboards have been installed in the city park.

    Discussion was held about slowing traffic down around the city park.  Tom will look into purchasing signs stating the “State Law requires motorists to stop for pedestrians”.  Also, Chief Zeug has been asked by the council to patrol around the park and either warn or ticket drivers going over the 20 MPH on Bedal Street & Main Street.

    The Police Report was given by Chief Zeug.  Discussion was held regarding a complaint from someone questioned by the police.  The council discussed the complaint and determined that Chief Zeug handled the situation appropriately.  

    Zeug asked the council for permission to hire another part time officer to help cover weekends when he and Isaac are not available.  Zeug also has asked the council to review police wages for both part time and full time.  The council agreed to raise the starting rate for the part time police and will review wages for current police employees at a later date.  

    The council approved the Land Use Permit Applications for 220 Bedal Street; 341 Bedal Street; Trinity Parsonage on 7th Street.  

    The council approved the minutes for the May 14, 2012 regular meeting and approved claims #34316 through 34379.