NEW ULM - The New Ulm City Council will meet today at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
The Council will consider annual salary increase for the City Council and the Mayor, starting in 2013. The Mayor's salary would increase $3,900 to $10,500 per year while the City Councilors would each increase $2,000 to $8,000 per year. The annual salaries were previous increased $1,200 in 2007 and 1999.
The Council will also present the reading of an revised City of New Ulm ordinance regarding keeping animals in city limits. Part of the revisions are designed to allow Chammy, the popular horse living at Charles Hintz's residence, to stay in the city.
The new ordinance will also allow residents to legally keep guinea pigs, rabbits, fish, ferrets, non-venomous reptiles, frogs, toads, salamanders and turtles for non-commercial pets. Additionally, animals will be allowed to be kept for wholesale or retail sale in businesses located in areas zoned for such sales.
Also, the Council will consider removing any competing interest in the Marktplatz Mall sign to either remove it or repair it for other use.
The City of New Ulm signed an agreement with then mall owner John Petroff for the "message board" on the City Hall parking lot. The agreement was for 10 years. The new owners of the mall have not sent any indication of renewing the agreement. The sign has been unused for two years, primarily due to needed repairs and failure to pay utilities. The New Ulm Chamber of Commerce wishes to see the sign used for community messaging.
The Council will consider award the contract for the Minnesota River Levee Project.
The Council will also appoint election judges for the 2012 Primary and General elections.