Council approves audit, police car purchase

The New Prague City Council had a busy agenda at its Monday, May 2, meeting, ranging from the annual audit to the purchase of two squad cars.

2015 Audit The council accepted the city’s 2015 Financial Audit Report, which was presented by Kyle Meyers of Abdo, Eick & Meyers, LLP. He said overall the city is in pretty good financial shape. During a special meeting earlier that evening, he explained that the city’s total debt has decreased while its general fund operation was favorable. The audit covered the city’s utilities from the sewer to electric to storm water and found they were doing well.

Squad Car purchase The council approved the purchase of two 2017 Ford Utility Police Interceptors. Acting Mayor Dave Bruzek asked why there was a request for two cars when the city usually budgets for one a year. Police Chief Jim Gareis explained the second vehicle was needed to replace a 2009 Ford Fusion. It was budgeted for 2015, but the vehicle ordered was used to replace a car that had been totaled in an accident. Funds for the second vehicle are available from insurance and monies that had been set aside for it. Chief Gareis said the department was replacing its last Ford Crown Victoria with the new squad car. The city received two bids, one from Jeff Belzer New Prague Ford, the other from Nelson Auto Center in Fergus Falls. While New Prague Ford had a slightly higher bid, it was noted that buying locally will allow for a vehicle inspection before final acceptance. The department had budgeted $27,000 for the vehicle, with both bids coming in under that price. The total purchase for both vehicles was $49,590.

Seal Coating Bid The council approved Pearson Brothers Inc., for its 2016 street seal coating project. City Public Works Director Glen Sticha presented the three bids for the project, noting that Pearson Brothers Inc., of Hanover had the lowest bid at $1.16 per square yard. Public Works had budgeted $150,000 for the project. An estimated 126,409 square yards of streets are to be done, with Pearson Brothers Inc., doing the work for $146,634.

GME incentive The council considered Golf Management Enterprises (GME), LLC’s contract, pertaining to its incentive provision. GME operates the New Prague Golf Club and as part of its contract it receives an incentive based on two factors:

To see more on this pick up the May 5, 2016 print edition of The New Prague Times.