By Clark Natalie

Bars in Harris can stay open to 2 a.m. New Yearís Eve. A month ago, the city council received a request to modify the existing ordinance relating to Sunday on-sale liquor.

New Yearís Eve falls on a Sunday this year. The cityís existing ordinance would not allow the bars in Harris to be open to their regular closing hour of 2 a.m.

The approved change will extend Sunday hours until 2 a.m. Monday morning, but only on the Monday after a Sunday New Yearís Eve.

A public hearing was held earlier in the evening with minimal public input. It was pointed out at that time, that it will be 17 years before this occurs again. The change in the ordinance passed unanimously.

First Responders are helpful

The Council also had a presentation from Lakes Region EMS executive director Aaron Reinert who spoke about the ambulance service in the area and how important it is to have First Responders such as Harris.
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Reinert explained why it is a great aide to the patient to have both the EMS and the First Responders on the scene, whether the First Responders arrive before the ambulance, with the ambulance or after the ambulance.

Reinert went into detail as to what it takes to provide state-of-the-art patient care, and how many different items have to be addressed in the first few minutes.

If a cardiac arrest patient can have the proper medical attention within the first 3 to 4 minutes, including a health care person using a defibrillator, the survival rate jumps from 5 percent to 70 percent.

The First Responders are qualified to administer this care before EMS arrives. If the First Responders arrive after EMS, while EMS is administering aide, the First Responders can collect vital signs and do other activity that is required to aide the patient.

Reinert stressed that Harris Fire Department has a strong First Responder Unit, and Lake Region EMS relies on their expertise.

Reinert also asked the council for their help. Lake Region EMS relies on wireless internet access in its vehicles. This allows them to respond quickly and accurately without having to plug into a system. The wireless service is provided by a company based in Chisago County called Genesis.

At the present time, wireless service is not available in Harris because there is not an antenna to cover the area. Reinert said that he was not aware of the details, but Genesis would be interested in obtaining space on the Harris water tower for an antenna.

Reinert said usually when a community puts an antenna up, Genesis provides wireless broadband Internet service to City Hall for a reduced rate. Reinert asked that they approach Genesis to open a dialogue to see if this would be possible. Mayor Rick Smisson said they would be interested.

Water billing made easier

The council also approved the purchase and installation of the Banyon Data Systems software for streamlining water and sewer billing. The city can not only track addresses, but also the water used and compare it to the water usage billed. It can track if an address is being billed to a renter or owner. This is important when a renter moves out with an unpaid bill. The cost of $3,860 will not come from the general fund, but will qualify under the bond issue for the water treatment plant.

Smisson noted that the Banyon system will eliminate errors.

In other business:

ï The council reviewed the job description of city treasurer and authorized City Attorney Pete Grundhoefer to run ads to fill the position. The ads will be run on the League of Minnesota Cities Web site, which is free, along with ads in the local papers and a small ad in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

This position will be part-time between 15 to 25 hours a week. Grundhoefer asked the vouncil to make sure the salary offered would fit into the budget that will be set for next year. Smisson said that he had reviewed both the city clerk proposed salary and the treasurerís proposed salary and they would meet the budget that will be set.

ï They also approved a resolution to request a grant from the Clean Water Legacy Phosphorus Reduction Program. This grant will be for approximately $166,000. They will not know the results of the application till next May.

ï During acting city treasurer Richard Hillís report, he noted that the city will have two audits this year. Along with the cityís own audit, an Independent Fund Audit will be done because of the PFA funding for the Water Treatment Plant and the Wastewater Treatment Facility. This independent audit is required because of the size of the loans that the city is obtaining.

ï The council accepted the canvassed election results. Rick Smisson received 19 more votes than the challenger Larry Nelson. Kathy Olson had the most votes of the four candidates running for council, John Pelant was second with only 2 more votes than Rodney Larson. Douglas Payne had the least votes and lost his seat on the council. After the time to contest the election has passed, the acting city clerk will issue a Certificate of Election.