Shakopee Native And Official Public Address Announcer For The Minnesota Golden Gophers Announces Plans To Retire After 31 YEARS Of Being "The Voice Of The Golden Gophers".
With The Expiration Of My Four Year Term As A Hamburg City Council Member On January 31, 2016, Every Effort Has Been Made To Remove Any Reference On This Website
To My Being A Current Hamburg City Council Member. Should Anyone See ANYTHING On My Website That Implies, Or Even Remotely Suggests, That I Am Still
A Current Hamburg City Council Member, Please Send Me An E-mail to thedeltashow@gmail.com so that I make the necessary correction. Thanks !
LET'S LOOK AT SOME OF THE THINGS THAT I WAS INVOLVED WITH
AND SOME OF THE THINGS THAT I ACCOMPLISHED
WHILE SERVING ON THE HAMBURG CITY
COUNCIL FROM 2013 to 2016
Below Is A Partial 'Chronology' Of My Observations And 'Experiences' While I Served As An Elected Hamburg City Council Member. While The Information
Is Correct And Verifiable, There May Be Some Discrepancies Regarding Dates Listed. Information Sources, Paid For With Taxpayer Dollars Are; Public
City Council Meetings Held In Our Public City Hall, Public City Council Agendas And Accompanying Public Information, Public City Council
Meeting Minutes And Public Recordings. My Personal Recollection and Personal Notes Made and Taken Were Also Considered.
One Of My Initial Primary Concerns Even Before Being Elected To The Hamburg City Council Was That Instead Of Soliciting Completive Bids
From Multiple Contractors To Save Taxpayer Dollars For Electrical Work Done For The City, A SINGLE Electrical Contractor Always
Seemed To Be 'Given The Job' !! Somehow, That Just Didn't Seem 'Right' With Me.
2013
JANUARY: Because he received the most 'write-in' votes, former City Council member Larry Mueller (who received only about 29 votes and would later become one of my most vocal adversaries) was given the opportunity, first, by the Hamburg City Council to fill the remaining City Council seat that remained vacant. But Mueller declined that position. The second vacant City Council seat was then offered, by the Hamburg City Council, to 'write-in runner-up' Robert Gregonis. Receiving only about 24 votes, Gregonis, who has a propensity for being crude, rude and bombastic, accepted the position for the second City Council Vacancy.
City Council Members have designated 'areas of responsibility' for various functions/departments within the city. Those 'designations' are made at the first City Council meeting of the year. I was the City Council Member designated to be 'responsible' for "Streets".
I also learned about the requirement for ALL City Officials to be certified in a FEMA Training Course entitled National Incident Management System; (shortened to the acronym NIMS). I received ALL THREE of my NIMS certifications REQUIRED, within just THREE MONTHSof being elected to the Hamburg City Council.
JANUARY: At the very first City Council meeting that I attended in my 'newfound career', I openly opposed all increases in both property taxes to residents and all wages to City Council members.
FEBRUARY: I arranged for a representative from Floyd Security to make a presentation to the City Council about installing an alarm system in the Sewage Lift Station in Bi-Centennial Park. (Interestingly enough, I appeared before the Hamburg City Council about 25 or 30 YEARS AGO when I owned DELTA SECURITY SYSTEMS and the city was considering 'alarming' the lift station way back them !!)
At our February meeting, I was able to secure installation of the alarm system for a substantially lower price ($600.00) than normally charged. (By comparison, a somewhat similar 'telephone dialer' alarm system proposed for the Water Treatment Plant by a local company was to cost the city IN EXCESS OF $1,500.00 !!!)
MARCH: I successfully passed the required National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses; (Series 100, 200, 700) required of all city employees. It would then be many, many months of many, many excuses why two other Councilmembers hadn't received the required NIMS certification.
EXACT DATE UNKNOWN: Detected a natural gas leak at the Water Treatment Plant on a Saturday, notified Xcel Energy and, so that City Clerk/Treasurer Jeremy Gruenhagen wouldn't have to be away from his family on his day off, I waited at the Water Treatment Plant for about two or three hours for their arrival. When their Serviceman finally did arrive, a serious leak was found; so serious, in fact, that the Xcel Energy Serviceman 'red tagged' the gas service line to the emergency standby generator in the building and turned off ALL gas to the building. All the while, I kept the City Clerk/Treasurer updated as to what was taking place and what the problem at the Water Treatment Plant was determined to be.
For about the NEXT THREE WEEKS as I recall, the City of Hamburg was without ANY form of emergency power for the Water Treatment Plant. In the event of prolonged commercial power outage, once the water tower was drained, the CITY RESIDENTS WOULD HAVE NO WATER and THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WOULD HAVE NO WATER IN ITS FIRE HYDRANTS FOR FIGHTING ANY FIRES THAT MIGHT BREAK OUT !!
Once the defective gas line was replaced, the emergency generator wouldn't start because the battery in the generator was totally 'dead'; and apparently had been 'dead' for some time. I notified the City Clerk/Treasurer and, with his approval, I arranged for the procurement of a new battery, bought battery corrosion sealant for the battery posts (with my own money) and had the new battery installed. I also instituted a regular test schedule for the generator to ensure that it would be operational in the future when needed.
MAY: I was the only City Council member to participate in "CITYWIDE CLEAN UP DAY" with City Clerk/Treasurer Jeremy Gruenhagen.
MAY: I was able to successfully convince the rest of the City Council that signing a Service Agreement with Carver County for it's newly installed fiber optic network was unwise and not in the best interests of the city for a variety of reasons. Specifically, the system had NOT been operational long enough to prove its reliability, Carver County's monthly fee for usage was $75.00/month for Internet access for a download speed of only 20MB yet; was $20.00/month MORE than what the city was already paying for comparable service with Mediacom cable and the initial Carver County contract period was for five years with 'automatic annual renewals', as required by Carver County.
I explained to the other members of the City Council that aligning the city with Carver County simply wasn't a prudent idea and was not realistic because of the constant and fast changing technology we all are experiencing, and not in the best interests of the city.
The City Council voted NOT to sign Carver County's fiber optic agreement.
MAY: Upon approval of the entire City Council, I began to record City Council Meetings and for the City Clerk/Treasurer to make them available to city residents for listening 24/7 by posting them on the 'official' City of Hamburg Website.
AUGUST: Resignation of Public Works employee Dennis Byerly. Hamburg Mayor Richard Malz told me that I was 'getting under his skin'.
AUGUST: Provided sound system and recorded music at 2013 National Night Out.
SEPTEMBER: I was the only City Council Member to take the (required) daily meter readings at the Water Treatment Plant and the Sewage Lift Station in Bi-Centennial Park during the time that the city didn't have a Public Works employee. (Councilmember Trebesch and Mayor Malz showed up in August or September to learn how to take the readings along with me, but, as far as I know, I was the only City Council Member that ever actually took them until a full time Public Works employee was hired in approximately October 2013.)
SEPTEMBER: I researched the possibility of implementing a semi-automated Water/Sewer billing system to reduce the amount of time now spent preparing utility bills and increase accuracy of city water meter reading. I attended a meeting about automated water meter reading and billing with Hamburg City Clerk/Treasurer Jeremy Gruenhagen in Waconia, but nothing was ever done to update the way the City of Hamburg reads its water meters and prepares its utility bills. To the best of my knowledge, while the concept was approved and budgeted $8,000.00 for by the City Council, I don't have knowledge of any new water meters, or other hardware, being installed yet.
SEPTEMBER: I was issued a key to the City Shop by the City Clerk/Treasurer. By having access to the City Shop, I also then has access to all other city keys; keys for both city vehicles and all city buildings; including the Water Treatment Plant and both Sewage Lift Stations. I purposely did NOT request a key to City Hall or to the City Clerk/Treasurer's Office.
OCTOBER: Met with representatives from a local company about installing a monitoring system for the Water Treatment Plant so the city would be notified of a malfunction there rather than finding out about it when 'the city runs out of water'.
OCTOBER: Began preparation of the site at the Sewage Lift Station in Bi-Centennial Park for a new, permanent emergency standby generator would be mounted on a poured cement slab. I was able to save Hamburg taxpayers approximately $8,000.00 from a previous proposal that the city received from another generator company for approximately $31,000.00. Here are some pictures that I took while the area was being prepared and the slab being poured and 'troweled out' by our Public Works employee and the EXCELLENT volunteer services of Kyle Trebesch. To see pictures of Kyle's 'masonary talent', PLEASE CLICK HERE.
To see the entire 'Site Plan' that I designed for this project, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
Also, by my arranging for installation of the natural gas line in the fall (rather that during the winter), the city SAVED$ 800.00 !!
NOVEMBER: I oversaw the preliminary design and installation of cement pad on which the new emergency standby generator would be mounted. I also continually updated the status of this project on my OFFICIAL HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL MEMBERWebsiteto keep all Hamburg residents informed of what was taking place. I also made a point of keeping the City Clerk/Treasurer updated and fully informed of what was taking place.
Again, "The SAME information to ALL city residents from a single source!"
NOVEMBER: The Universal Power Supply used in the control panel at the Water Treatment Plant was eight years old. In the event of a power failure, it more than likely would NOT proper supply the power needed by the electrical panel controlling the well's pumps because of the age of the batteries. Manufacturers of Universal Power Supplies recommend the total replacement of the ENTIRE unit every five years. (But, of course, you must understand that they are in the 'business' of selling their product!)
I sought, and received, approval from the City Council to purchase a new U.P.S. with new batteries from Amazon.com. I ordered an adequately sized U.P.S. and charged it to my personal credit card; knowing that I would be reimbursed by the city.
When the new U.P.S. was received, I noticed that some of the L.E.D. segments did not work. I contacted Amazon.com and they stated that they would send me out a replacement unit. I asked Amazon.com about returning the unit that I had just received that had burned out LED segments; they said it wasn't necessary to return it to them; it was mine to keep.
NOVEMBER 26, 2013 E-mail message to the City Clerk/Treasurer:
"Jeremy:
In addition to getting a new UPS for the Water Treatment Plant control panel
(http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR1000G) for $129.00, I've also arranged to get a new, SECOND identical unit AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE for the computers, server, modems, etc. in your office."
Now; I COULD have kept that unit for myself; (it really belonged to me) because I had already paid for it, and knowing that Amazon was going to send a second, 'replacement' unit to me. Still, I paid for it; it belonged to me.
INSTEAD, I brought this unit (with the partially burned out LED segments), to City Hall, where it has been ever since (and still is), so that the computers at City Hall will receive the benefit of a new Uninterruptible Power Supply, valued at $129.99, this all at NO CHARGE TO TAXPAYERS !!
DECEMBER: Resignation of Deputy City Clerk Sue Block. Using the recording of the December City Council meeting that I had made, I even constructed the Minutes for the December City Council meeting for the City Clerk/Treasurer to help 'ease his workload' because the city no longer had a Deputy City Clerk.
DECEMBER: I openly opposed increases in property taxes for residents and increase of wages of Mayor and City Council Members.
DECEMBER: I reimbursed the city $81.88 for the cost of the Knit shirt with embroidered city logo as well as the fleece jacket with the embroidered city logo. I also requested that the city NOT purchase any 'business cards' for me; it would be a waste of taxpayer dollars. I printed my own City Council member business cards; at my own expense.
Later, after seeing my professionally designed business cards that I had designed and printed, Council Member Trebesch asked me if I would print some similar City Council business cards for him. I did so, cheerfully. (And at NO CHARGE to Council Member Trebesch, to the city or to taxpayers.)
DECEMBER: Arranged for the Chief Fire Officer in Hamburg, Germany to recognize Hamburg Fire Chief Brad Droege for all of his service to the City of Hamburg (Minnesota) as well as our surrounding communities. Here's the e-mail that I received that accompanied the (framed) letter from the Hamburg (Germany) Chief Fire Officer that was presented to Brad:
"Dear Mr. Odoms,
We were very much honored to be part of a huge number of congratulators. Please find attached the letter, that Mr. Maurer – Chief Fire Officer of all fire fighters in Hamburg, Germany – prepared for Brad Droege.
Moreover from Hamburg-Germany to Hamburg-Minnesota our very best wishes and a happy New Year.
Sincerely
Kerstin Prang
Office of Chief Fire Officer
DECEMBER: Returned all of the monies ($988.15) that I received as a Hamburg City Council member during 2013, back to the city to be deposited back into the 'General Fund'.
2014
JANUARY: At the first City Council meeting in 2014, it was unanimously agreed by the entire City Council that, because of my deep involvement, knowledge and expertise in the design, the purchase and installation of the new automatic standby emergency generator at the lift station in Bi-Centennial Park, it would be in the best interests of the city, and I could better serve the city, if my 'city responsibility duties' were shifted from 'Streets' to "Water and Sewer".
That change of 'responsibilities' was approved by the entire City Council.
FEBRUARY: Remember the freeze ups of water service lines in February, March and April in early 2014? ?
I, along with the City Clerk/Treasurer, personally met with three city homeowners to assess the problem of their water service lines freezing up. And also remember those postcards that you receive in the mail advising you to let your cold water 'trickle' to prevent the water service line to your house from freezing up?
I was the one who came up with that idea. With the approval from the City Clerk/Treasurer, I designed the initial postcards, printed them up, addressed them, 'stamped' them, brought them to the Post Office and arranged for 'same day' delivery to residents. I also did the same for two more 'mailings' to city residents to keep them updated. During this particular event, I continuously updated my Official Hamburg City Council MemberWebsite so that ALL residents would receive the SAME information INSTANTLY about the status of the water service line freeze-ups without ever having to leave the comfort of their homes. No charge to the city; of course.
It was also my OFFICIAL HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL MEMBER Website, available to all city residents, that served as an accurate, up-to-the-minute resource as to the status of the frozen water service lines and what the city was doing and advising residents to do. PLEASE CLICK HERE to view the 'Water Service Line Freeze-Up Website' where Hamburg residents could receive IMMEDIATE and UPDATED information to keep them informed about what the city was doing. One source for "The SAME information to ALL city residents!"
My Website is STILL doing that today !!
FEBRUARY: City Hall would have been closed this weekday (I believe the City Clerk/Treasurer was ill) but because of the urgent situation involving the freezing up of residential water service lines, I volunteered to go to city hall and spend the day there to 'handle' any telephone calls from residents. This was a normal work day for me at my 'regular job', but I took the day off (and 'lost' eight hours pay) so I could be of service to, and available for, Hamburg residents.
FEBRUARY: The neighbors in the adjoining townhouse had their water service line freeze up and were without water service for eight days while the city tried to figure out what to do. While 'digging up the street' (at a cost to taxpayers of anywhere from $-2,500.00 to $-5,000.00 or more) seemed to be the only option, I came up with the idea of allowing our neighbors to 'tap into' our water service by simply drilling a hole through our common wall and 'interconnecting our water service to theirs.
Here's an e-mail from the (contract City Attorney that was forwarded to all City Council members on February 26, 2014 from the Hamburg City Clerk/Treasurer:
"City Council,
I just talked to Mac (contract city attorney) and we came to the conclusion that the proposal from Mr. Odoms may be the best alternative at this time."
My idea worked flawlessly, our neighbors had BOTH hot and cold running water and my idea SAVED HAMBURG TAXPAYER DOLLARS; anywhere from between $ 2.500.00 to $ 5,000.00 (or more) !!
FEBRUARY: I, and Mayor Malz, met with city resident (Consior) who sustained basement flooding of sewage backup due to excessive rainwater entering the sanitary sewer system; took pictures of the damage and provided them to the city.
FEBRUARY: I was able to personally resolve, in the city's favor, a long overdue, outstanding, past due balance owed to Century Manufacturing in the amount of $ 835.85, that the City Clerk/Treasurer had been unable to resolve; and had been turned over to a collection agency.
MARCH: GENERATOR INSTALLATION DAY !! To see the Webpage that I designed for Hamburg residents documenting the installation of the emergency standby generator at the Sewage Lift Station in Bi-Centennial Park, PLEASE CLICK HERE !!
MARCH: There was an older computer that was collecting dust in a closet at city hall. I suggested to the City Clerk/Treasurer that this computer could be set up in the Public Works employee's office in the basement of the Hamburg Community Hall so that he could access the Internet without having to go to city hall. In addition to getting the computer set up and operational on the Internet, I also established a unique e-mail address for our Public Works Department and its employee.
MARCH: Lift Station generator design and oversight; physical installation of generator, transfer switch and alarm panel.
MARCH: After reviewing the exorbitant telephone bills for the Water Treatment Plant and the Hamburg Community Hall/City Shop, I set out to find a way to dramatically reduce our cost to Century Link for those to facilities.
By reconfiguring the telephone lines and telephone service at both locations, I was able to save Hamburg taxpayers a substantial amount of money each month on 'wired' telephone service at the city's Water Treatment Plant and Community Hall/City Shop.
APRIL: Because of the magnitude of duties and responsibilities that the Public Works employee was involved with and responsible for, I went to Menard's in Hutchinson and picked up the necessary materials that were needed to finish the remaining wiring at the sewage Lift Station project in Bi-Centennial Park.
APRIL: Took photos of children's Easter Egg Hunt at Hamburg Community Hall and posted them on my OFFICIAL HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL MEMBER Websiteavailable to the world.
APRIL: Because of his heavy work load, I assisted Hamburg's Public Works employee by cutting the grass in Bi-Centennial Park and at the Hamburg Service Memorial numerous times during April and May.
APRIL: Designed a means and arranged for installation of a 'hard wired' telephone line at city hall so that if the fiber optic cable serving all of city hall fails, city hall will still have a backup means to contact the 'outside world'.
MAY: The City Council originally was going to 'donate' about $3,300.00 that Councilmember Lund had requested to purchase an inflatable 'bouncy house'. However, after reading numerous news accounts of injuries sustained in 'bouncy houses', I withdrew my support. The Hamburg City Clerk/Treasurer received the following response from the (contract) city attorney after I raised the 'liability issues' that the city would be subjected to:
"Jeremy,
I had a chance to review Council Member Odom’s email regarding the inflatable jumping house. From a conservative legal standpoint, my advice to the City of Hamburg pretty much echoes the concerns set forth by Mr. Odoms. I have heard some horror stories about how use of these types of inflatable's can result in injuries and lawsuits." (To learn about just some of those 'horror stories' referred to by the (contract) Hamburg City Attorney,PLEASE CLICK HERE.)
Councilmember (now Hamburg Mayor) Lund's rediculous suggestion of the 'bouncy house' idea was 'scrapped'. But it is very evident that he ever forgot that.
JUNE: Spent several days working with Technician from NORTH STAR PUMP getting the new sewage flow meters installed in the sewage lift station at Bi-Centennial Park. Because the Technician was literally being lowered/raised into the pit where all of the city's raw sewage collects, a second person is required to be 'on-site' at all times. Was 'on-site'; all day, for several days, while this project was taking place. I sacrificed some of my schedule 'work days' at my 'regular job' so that I could be available to assist the North Star Pump Technician; thus allowing our Public Works employee to continue doing his normal daily routine and 'duties'.
JUNE: Suggested the possibility of adapting the old diesel powered generator previously used at the Sewage Lift Station, to be able to provide emergency power at the Hamburg Community Hall so that if the entire city, for whatever reason, would lose power for an extended period of time during the winter, city residents would have a temporary, centralized location that they could go that would provide them with heat, telephone, water and toilet facilities until such time as when either power to the city was restored, or they could make arrangements to be picked up by relatives.
JUNE: Designed and coordinated the final installation of wiring at the Sewage Lift Station and the reconnection of the lights on the flagpole in Bi-Centennial Park; letter of appreciation sent to Robb's Electric.
JUNE: Vividly described and reported the serious mold problems and unhealthily working conditions that exist at the Hamburg Community Hall to the rest of the members of the City Council.
JUNE: On June 19, 2014 at 3:12AM, I, along with Hamburg's Public Works employee, were alerted to a 'HIGH EFFLUENT' alarm at the city's sewage lift station at Bi-Centennial Park by Floyd Security; the company that monitors conditions at both the sewage lift station as well as the city's Water Treatment Plant. The city had been receiving heavy rain for a number of hours and eventually, due to 'infiltration' of rainwater into the city's sanitary sewer system coupled (probably) with residential sump pumps discharging into the sanitary sewer, the capacity of the lift station was 'overwhelmed'.
From the time that we were notified until 'things returned to normal' at 6:51PM that evening (about sixteen hours later), I worked 'shoulder-to-shoulder' with Hamburg's Public Works employee (I even missed a day of work because of the flooding) ensuring that city residents would experience 'minimal impact' of the heavy rainfall (3-5"+ inches) received. Ultimately, it was necessary to contact the Pollution Control Agency and tell them of our 'plight' and they gave us permission to pump (much diluted) sewage water from the city's sanitary sewer system into the city's storm water drainage system. In so doing, the city was able to prevent major sewage backup into residents homes; only about three or four homes sustained any damage from sewage backup; it certainly could have been much worse.
To see some of the pictures that I took that day as a result of the flooding that the city, PLEASE CLICK HERE. experienced.
I continually updated my OFFICIAL HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL MEMBER Website to keep Hamburg residents up-to-date' as to what was taking place in the city. In so doing, EVERYBODY in the city got the SAME information !!
SUMMER: There was allot of 'work' that needed to be done at the sewage settling ponds due to extensive 'overgrowth' of weeds, trees, bushes, etc., that hadn't been 'tended to' for several years. I made numerous trips to the city sewage ponds; discussed and complimented the new Public Works employee as to the massive improvement he had made in this very difficult project.
JULY: The "Jacob Street Grinder Station" was totally demolished on July 31st when it was 'crashed into' by a motor vehicle. For about the next week or ten days, an emergency generator was 'on-site' to provide temporary power so that sewage wouldn't 'back up' into residents basements. This generator had to be 'monitored' 24/7 and it was run periodically, by the city's Public Works employee, and myself, during the entire time that the 'grinder station' was being rebuilt. I also used my OFFICIAL HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL MEMBER Website as a means to keep the residents of Hamburg (and anyone else who was interested) about the 'status' of the 'grinder station' repairs. To see just one, of many, Webpages that I designed during this time to keep everyone living in Hamburg informed, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
Even though I kept the City Clerk/Treasurer and the City Council fully informed as to the 'progress' of the reconstruction' I was the city representative responsible and the 'contact person' who coordinate the entire project with North Star Pump, Xcel Energy and the electrician from Robb's Electric in Carver, who was their 'on-site' electrician.
When the topic of installing 'barrier posts' (at a cost of $2,000.00 as I recall) to protect the lift station from sustaining damage should a similar 'event' occur in the future, the City Council 'deadlocked' on committing to make that enhancement.
The Mayor 'broke' the tie vote by voting AGAINST having the barrier posts installed; his reasoning was that they 'weren't necessary'. It is highly 'noteworthy' that this was the FIRST TIME since taking my seat, that the City Council had not unanimously agreed on an 'issue' and the Mayor had to 'break the tie'.
I personally thought that was very commendable !!
AUGUST: Provided sound system and recorded music at 2014 National Night Out.
AUGUST: Arranged for a second alarm system to monitor the control panel at the Water Treatment Plant. The system proposed by another vendor was over $1.500.00; I was able to have Floyd Security install it for just $400.00 !!
To save taxpayer dollars, I designed, and coordinated the reconfiguring of telephone service at City Hall/Community Center and Water Treatment Plant; met several times with installers from Century Link.
Because of the 'screw up' in the initial order for reconfiguration, I was able to get Century Link to 'waive' any 'early disconnection fees' should the city wish to cancel their service before the expiration of their three year contract.
Because all of the telephone lines at the City Hall/Community Center have been converted over to Carver County's Fiber Optic 'Ring', should that fiber optic 'ring' fail, for any reason, the City Hall/Community Center would have no telephone service whatsoever. I designed, and caused to be installed, a 'hardwire' landline telephone at the City Hall/Community Center so that in the event of a catastrophic telephone failure at City Hall/Community Center, the city would still have contact with the 'outside world'.
I set up and installed a computer system in the Hamburg Public Works employee's office and also arranged for Internet service to also be available there.
I also created a Website for the Hamburg Volunteer Fire Department; complete with an interview with Chief Justin Buckentin. To see that Website and hear that interview, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
When 35 year veteran firefighter Brad Droege was Hamburg's Fire Chief, I also went went to his house and conducted an interview with him and talked about his long and dedicated, impressive career as a member of the Fire Service. Brad is also currently a Paramedic with the Ridgeview Medical Center's Ambulance Service and a member of the Norwood Young America Volunteer Fire Department.
To see the Webpage that I designed to honor Brad, PLEASE CLICK HERE. And, I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the fine performance of Hamburg's Public Works employee; who also happens to be our neighbor. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him, as well !!
THE 2014 'TURNING POINT'
SEPTEMBER: I learned early on; even before being elected to the Hamburg City Council, that Hamburg City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen wanted to know EVERYTHING about ANYTHING that was taking place within the City. And that is as it should be. But there is a very important distinction between knowing what's taking place and what I consider being a 'control freak'.
Having dealt with them for a very long time (since March 2007), I was very familiar with Gruenhagen's idiosyncratic traits. For that specific reason, and many others, I basically ALWAYS consulted with him on anything that I, as a City Council Member, was involved with. Because of the magnitude (and expense) of the installation of the new standby emergency generator at the city's main lift station, as well as because of the complexity of the rebuilding of the 'Jacob Street Grinder Station', I continually made very conscious, documented efforts to be sure to keep Gruenhagen updated on EVERYTHING that was taking place.
I did the same thing when the telephones at the Water Treatment Plant, city shop and Community Hall were 'reconfigured'; thereby saving Hamburg taxpayers hundreds of dollars each year !!
In short, I went out of my way to ensure that Gruenhagen knew EVERYTHING about ANYTHING, involving the city, that I was involved in. But, for whatever reason, that didn't seem to be 'good enough' for him.
At a particular City Council meeting where the 'reconstruction' of the 'Jacob Street Grinder Station' was being discussed, Gruenhagen, who for many months purported to be my 'friend', chose instead, to 'ambush' me in front of the full City Council and a City employee whom I had worked very closely with in that reconstruction. While I was 'blindsided' by what Gruenhagen did, I must admit I never anticipated that he would do what he did. I thought he was a much better person than that.
Gruenhagen told the City Council, at this meeting, that the electrical contractor that was doing the electrical work on the 'grinder station' (and did the work on the new standby generator at the city's main lift station), came to him and 'complained' about their having to 'work' with me. Instead, Gruenhagen told the full City Council, the 'vendor' wanted to work with someone else 'from the city', instead of me.
Gruenhagen further went on to delineate a variety of vague 'complaints' that were expressed to him by 'the vendor' (who he initially, and carefully, failed to identify). Being caught off guard and totally shocked by what Gruenhagen was telling the City Council, I went to my own defense and I cited NUMEROUS examples of where I had forwarded my suggestions to Gruenhagen and he, after reviewing them; forwarded them to 'the vendor'.
It seemed truly 'strange' to me that same 'vendor' with whom I had worked with previously on the emergency standby generator at the city's main lift station, would suddenly 'complain' to Gruenhagen about my 'interaction' with them. I find this allegation by Gruenhagen to be very troubling at best. I personally met with the electrician from the company retained, by the city, to discuss what the city wished to be done to 'finalize' the electrical work at the main lift station. Once that task was accomplished (perfectly), I wrote a letter of appreciation to the electrical contractor on June 24, 2014 stating what an outstanding job the electrician representing their company had done !!
A copy of that letter that I wrote to Robb's Electric commending their electrician and his workmanship, is shown below. (I apologize for the somewhat poor quality of the letter due to the fact that it's a photo-copy image that has been used for illustrative purposes.) :
COPYRIGHT 2017 - RICHARD ODOMS
The Following "Disclaimers & Legaleeze" Apply To ALL Webpages (Past, Present & Future) Of This Website !!
This Website, which was launched on August 21, 2007, has been viewed from as far away as New Zealand, Viet Nam and the
Philippine Islands as well as by people living in Hamburg, Cologne and thousands of the other nearly 2,469,501
cities and about 600,000 towns throughout the world.
This Website and/or any of its contents, may NOT be printed, photographed, reproduced, copied, recorded,
altered, modified or adapted, in any manner, without the prior written consent of the Webmaster.
The entire content of this Website remains the exclusive and sole property of the Website owner and
publisher and is protected under the First Amendment Of The Constitution of the United States of America.
RAY OF HOPE
Finally, Somebody Is Doing Something About The Reckless Disregard Of Consumers By
While Serving As A Member Of The Hamburg City Council From 2013-2016, I Believe That I Was The ONLY Elected Public Official In The ENTIRE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA That Had His Own Hour Long REGULARLY SCHEDULED INTERNET SHOW That Was HEARD AROUND THE WORLD Four Times A Week !!
This Privately Funded Website Provided Me A Primary Means To Communicate Useful, Meaningful & Interesting Information To The (Approximately) 500 Residents Of
The City Of Hamburg Allowing Them To Know What Was Taking Place
In Our City By Their Elected City Officials.
As A Result, Interestingly Enough, This Website Also Became A Very Popular Website With Others Because Of Its Content, And Was Viewed By Visitors Throughout
The Entire World !! For That Reason, (And Many Others) This Website
Will Continue To Be Maintained, Updated And Flourish.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
The views, ideas, thoughts, comments and opinions expressed on this Website do not reflect
those of the City of Hamburg, it's employees or it's other city officials.
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HEY !!
BETTER
BUSINESS
BUREAU .......
GIVE IT A REST !!!THEY'RE A+ IN OUR HOME
ABOUT MY WEBSITES ...............
My Website, www.hamburgminnesota.com, as you learned from reading above, was first launched by me, as a private citizen, on August 21, 2007; shortly after having moved to the City of Hamburg. From that time forward, it's primary focus was on local and area events and items of interest. My Websites, over which I have always had sole, total control of the information they contain, became, and continue to be, very popular 'showpieces'. As of March 8, 2017, my two, combined Websites have now eclipsed more than 63,000 'Hits'; a testament to their popularity.
In August 2012 after witnessing what was taking place within the City of Hamburg, I made the decision to file for one of two vacancies on the City Council that would become available on January 1, 2013. I had some very serious concerns that I wanted brought out and it was evident to me that as a resident, I would only receive 'lip service' from City Officials. I used this Website to 'publicize' my election campaign. After the ballots were cast and counted, as I recall, my nearest 'competitor', former City Council Member Larry Mueller (who chose not to file for reelection), received something like 29 'Write-In' votes with Robert Gregonis receiving about 24 'Write-In' votes. I received about 150-something votes. Upon being elected, this Website would then become my OFFICIAL HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL MEMBER Website.
While I was clearly elected to office, former Council Member Mueller declined the offer and opportunity, by the City Council, to be appointed to the remaining City Council vacancy (a two year term as I recall) as the 'runner-up' vote-getter. Then, the offer was made to 'Second Runner-Up' Gregonis. Unlike Mueller, Gregonis accepted the appointment offered him by the City Council.IMAGINE: In essence, Gregonis, who didn't even file for the position, became a Hamburg City Council Member BY DEFAULT !! I thought, "This CAN'T be good !!" (As it turned out, it WASN'T !!) But, there's one more important point that you probably haven't realized or didn't even notice, but certainly you should be made aware of.
You'll note that while I DID file for re-election this past fall, I did NOT actively seek anyone's vote !! Did you get ANYTHING from me in the mail, or see ANYTHING posted on my Website, asking for your support and/or for your vote last fall ?? Obviously, the answer is a resounding "NO" !! The November 5th letter I sent to all City residents (see below) merely explained some of what was really taking place within our City. My intent in filing for re-election was to send Hamburg residents the clear message that while I'm not a 'quitter', I also WANTED NO PART WHATSOEVER of what had already taken place in our City by its own City Officials. So, I didn't 'seek any votes'.
I have always been a staunch proponent of citizens "knowing what 'their government' is doing". During my four year ELECTED City Council term, it was ALWAYS my intention, by means of my OFFICIAL HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL MEMBER Website, to let Hamburg residents know what was 'going on' within their City by their City Officials. The primary 'target audience' of my Website then as a City Council Member, was the Hamburg resident. But it's popularity also attracted thousands and thousands AND THOUSANDS (over 47,000, in fact) of others from all around the world. It seemed that people were interested in, and wanted to know, just what 'goes on' in 'Small Town America'.
Now, I've shifted the 'focus' of this Website from my 'target audience' of residents within the City to those other loyal, interested souls that found my Website about what was taking place in Hamburg, so interesting. And revealing. REMEMBER THIS: I've had four years to amass my information. I also have downloaded, directly off of the City's very own 'official' Website, almost four years of Hamburg City Council Meeting recordings, too, for you to get a 'sense' of the 'ugly atmosphere' at some those City Council Meetings !! Everybody who ever spoke (or screamed) at a Hamburg City Council Meeting, was recorded. STAY TUNED !! (Sound card required.)
BUT I KEPT "TRUDGING ON" !!
OCTOBER: Assisted in getting the Hamburg Service Memorial 'cleaned up' for the coming winter by blowing away the leaves, general cleanup, cutting back of plants and arranging for water to be brought to the site by the Hamburg Fire Department to give the plants their 'final watering' for the season.
NOVEMBER: Openly supported a Hamburg family that was opposed to having part of their property in Young America Township annexed by the City of Hamburg.
DECEMBER: Opposed a proposed ten percent (10%) increase in property taxes for residents and increase of wages of Mayor and City Council
Members.
2015
APRIL: Assisted in the preparation of the Hamburg Service Memorial for the coming season. That included blowing the leaves away from the plants, removing the debris that had accumulated over the winter months, removing, and replanting nine black- eyed Susan plants and six rose bushes that didn't survive last winter's harshly cold temperatures.
APRIL: Three young boys living in Hamburg (by the Post Office) stopped by the house on a Friday afternoon; they
were looking to 'line people up' for grass cutting this summer. I told them that because our yard was very small and
manageable.
However, I offered, with their parents approval (of course!!), to design, print up and pay for the mailing of 'postcards'
to city residents 'advertising' their 'service'.
The boys stated they would stop back on the following Monday to pick up the sample 'postcard' that I said I'd design
for them over the weekend. A picture of the sample that I designed appears to the right. Please "Click' on the
'thumbnail' image to the right to make the picture larger.
The sample 'postcards' that I designed for them and offered to pay to have printed and mailed out to Hamburg residents, are still sitting on an end table by our front door waiting to be picked up.
APRIL: Offered to cut the grass on city-owned property again this year to help ease the workload of our lone Public Works employee, until a part time employee could be hired by the city.
MAY: Re-negotiated additional discounts for Measured Service telephone line whose initial discount of about $36.00/month, had expired. I was able to secure an additional monthly discount of about $28.00 taxpayer dollars from the telephone company.
MAY: Re-negotiated additional discounts for Measured Service telephone line whose initial discount of about $36.00/month, had expired. I was able to secure an additional monthly discount of about $28.00 taxpayer dollars from the telephone company.
JUNE: Designed a Webpage for the Hamburg Fire Department, and Business Cards for Chief Buckentin and his Fire Command Staff, at no charge to the department or Hamburg taxpayers.
JUNE: For the first six months of the year, as well as ever since the alarm systems were installed and up until June 16th of this year, in addition to the city's Public Works employee being notified of all alarms, I arranged to also be notified notified 24/7 of ALL alarms at either location and responded accordingly.
JULY: A severe thunderstorm coupled with damaging winds hit Hamburg in the early morning hours of July 18th. (This same severe thunderstorm spawned a tornado south-southwest of Watertown where it cause substantial damage.) As a result of the storm, much of the city was without electricity for a substantial period of time; the Water Treatment Plant and City Hall/Community Center and Fire Department complex were required to operate on emergency power for over twelve hours !!
And, even though it was Saturday, our very reliable and responsible Public Works employee was on the job getting branches and other debris off the streets and out of the park as well as clearing the branches, twigs, etc., that were clogging the catch basins in the city's streets.
I offered to help him with the 'clean up' but he said he had everything 'pretty much under control'.
And he did !
AUGUST: I apologized for being unable to attend the NATIONAL NIGHT OUT event on August 4th, but was unable to do so because of a 'work conflict' with my 'regular' job.
SUMMARY
I could continue to describe many of the other, very positive things that I've done for the City of Hamburg and its residents since being elected to the Hamburg City Council in 2012; (like making sure that I stayed 'in town' those times that the city's Public Works employee would be out of town, so that I would be available should any problems arise with the city's Water Treatment Plant or two Lift Stations), but I believe that I've 'made my points'. I further believe it is evident that I have worked very hard for the City of Hamburg and for the many fine residents that call Hamburg 'home', as well, to help increase their quality of life.
I'm VERY PROUD of my many accomplishments that I've made within the city while serving as a member of the Hamburg City Council, that have helped to improve the lives and comfort of our city's residents and have helped to make the City of Hamburg a better place to live, learn, work and play !!
I'll match my 'track record' and my accomplishments with the Mayor or any other City Council member, and let YOU be 'the judge' of how I've 'done my job' as YOUR elected Hamburg City Council Member since being elected to the Hamburg City Council in the 2012 election.
To those of you who have supported me during my four year term; my heartfelt 'THANKS' to you !! To those new City Council members who took office on January 1st, I wish you all my very best. So they can totally know what has taken place over the past two and a half years, know what 'challenges' they are sure to face and what they can expect to 'deal with', I strongly encourage those new City Council Members (and citizens, alike) to become totally familiar with the following by seeking access to the seven items listed below. (City residents as well as the newly elected City Council Members can expect the City to REFUSE to provide them with details of, and information contained in, the seven items listed below !!)
1). A copy of my November 5, 2014 written, formal, ten page report submitted to Councilmember Chris Lund; a member of the City of Hamburg 'Personnel Committee', and
2). An audio copy of what took place and what was said during the proceedings of the 'closed' City Council meeting (that cost taxpayers between $500.00 - $800.00+) held in November 2014, and
3). A copy of my July 30, 2015 (the date that my Website has EVER had the most 'hits'), letter and TWO ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS, sent to the (contract) City Attorney, Kelly Dohm of the Waconia based law firm of Melchert, Hubert and Sjodin; the law firm that the city 'contracts with' for legal services and that has received about $50,000.00 of OUR hard earned tax dollars, and
4). An audio copy of what took place and what was said during the proceedings of the 'closed' City Council meeting (that cost taxpayers between $500.00 - $800.00+) held on August 1, 2015, and
5). An audio copy of what took place and what was said during the proceedings of the 'closed' Special City Council meeting (that cost taxpayers between $500.00 - $800.00+) held the last week in September 2015, and
6). An audio copy of what took place and what was said during the proceedings of the 'closed' City Council meeting (that cost taxpayers between $500.00 - $800.00+) held in November 2015, and
7). An audit and summary of City Hall employee attendance records beginning January 1, 2015 to the present time as well as the other information requested in my May 17, 2016 letter to Hamburg City Council & 'Personnel Committee' Member Christopher Lund.
As the ones that 'pay the bills', residents of the City of Hamburg have the right to demand absolute accountability of a City employee that enjoys a wage and benefits 'package' of more than $75,000.00 taxpayer dollars annually, plus enjoying the luxury of having a part time 'Deputy City Clerk' costing residents yet another $500.00 to $1,000.00 a month, OR MORE, of our hard-earned taxpayer dollars !! Does a City with only 516 residents really need a 'Deputy City Clerk' ??
O.P.M.; OTHER PEOPLES MONEY !!
While Hamburg's City Clerk/Treasurer Jeremy Gruenhagen was the 'catalyst' behind what began in the summer of 2014 and then continued for over two and one-half years and has cost US Hamburg taxpayers somewhere in the neighborhood of $50,000.00 in legal fees, former Hamburg Mayor Richard Malz, could have easily prevented everything from escalating to the point that it did and the subsequent HORRENDOUS WASTE OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS !!
But because of his lack of leadership and also because he was vindictive and subjective instead of being unbiased and objective, Malz, much to the financial detriment of Hamburg residents, is as guilty as Gruenhagen, for allowing everything that took place, to happen and the CONSEQUENTIAL WASTING OF THOUSANDS OF HAMBURG TAXPAYER DOLLARS !! And then they try to 'dump the blame', for their own irresponsible actions, on me. GO FIGURE !!
Because of the actions of Gruenhagen and Malz, supported by other 'city officials', (contract) Hamburg City Attorney Kelly Dohm, of the Waconia based law firm of Melchert, Hubert & Sjodin, 'walked away' with about $50,000.00 of Hamburg taxpayer dollars !! And, GET OUT YOUR CHECKBOOK; did you know that the 'new' Hamburg City Council has retained that same Waconia based law firm of Melchert, Hubert & Sjodin, to represent the City of Hamburg for yet another year ? BAD DECISION !!
The City of Hamburg is very fortunate that because of the wise choice of Hamburg voters last fall, Malz, as well as former City Councilmember Robert Gregonis, are no longer involved in our 'city government'. I think it's also a 'safe bet' that much of what I previously disclosed on this Website about Malz and Gregonis largely contributed to their political defeats. Yet, until such time as the City of Hamburg makes a full, public disclosure to the residents of the City of the information referenced in items 1-7 listed above, a 'cloud of secrecy' will continue to remain over Malz, the City, its former, and some current City Officials and suspicion (and evidence) of a political 'cover-up', will continue to exist.
Gruenhagen, who I thought was my friend, never once discussed with me, any issues or 'negative feelings' that 'the vendor' stated they had toward me. At the very least, Gruenhagen should have done that; that's just common sense and decency.
But instead, Gruenhagen suddenly telling the City Council that 'the vendor' that I worked so closely with in getting the emergency generator installed at the city's main lift station in Bi-Centennial Park, as well as getting the Jacob Street Grinder Station replaced after it was demolished by an out of control motor vehicle, 'smelled bad'. REAL 'bad' !! I wasn't about to let Gruenhagen 'get by' with what the 'classless act' against me that he was attempting.
And, I also quickly learned that I could NEVER trust Hamburg City Clerk/Treasurer Jeremy Gruenhagen, ever again !!
I attempted to call ' the vendor' several times. If I had done something to 'offend' them or piss them off, I wanted to apologize to them. But I never was able to speak to a 'live person'; I always received their voice mail. But each time I received their voicemail, I left a message asking 'someone' to call me back.
But my calls were never returned.
I then sent two or three letters to 'the vendor'; again inquiring about any 'misunderstanding' that may have existed; I certainly would have apologized if that was the case and an apology was in order.
Still no response from 'the vendor'.
Because I could not substantiate any of what Gruenhagen told the Hamburg City Council, I summarily formed the opinion that what Gruenhage had told the City Council, never took place. Instead, I believed it all to have been 'fabricated', for whatever reason, by Gruenhagen.
Click on the audio link below to hear Gruenhagen's comments to the City Council, my responses and the subsequent discussion that took place at that meeting; including the payment of my water & sewer bill that seemed to just 'evaporate' into thin air !! (Please check back frequently for additional, pertinent audio excerpts, INCLUDING THE SCREAMING & YELLING, from other Hamburg City Council Meetings by other City 'Officials' and downloaded from the city's 'Official', PUBLIC Website:
Copyright 2017 Richard Odoms
This Website and/or any of its contents, may NOT be printed, photographed, reproduced, copied,
recorded, altered, modified or adapted, in any manner, without the prior written consent of the Webmaster.
Copyright 2017 Richard Odoms
This Website and/or any of its contents, may NOT be printed, photographed, reproduced, copied, recorded, altered, modified or adapted, in any
manner, without the prior written consent of the Webmaster.
COPYRIGHT 2017 - RICHARD ODOMS
This Website, which was launched on August 21, 2007, has been viewed from as far away as New Zealand, Viet Nam and the Philippine Islands as well as by people living in Hamburg, Cologne and thousands of the other nearly 2,469,501 cities and about 600,000 towns throughout the world.
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The entire content of this Website remains the exclusive and sole property of the Website owner and
publisher and is protected under the First Amendment Of The Constitution of the United States of America.
Copyright 2017 Richard Odoms
This Website and/or any of its contents, may NOT be printed, photographed, reproduced, copied,
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AVOID THE HASSLE; JOIN A CREDIT UNION LIKE I DID !!
To Control The Background Music/Audio Of This Website, Please UseThe
Audio Control Above
Copyright 2017 Richard Odoms
This Website and/or any of its contents, may NOT be printed, photographed, reproduced, copied, recorded,
altered, modified or adapted, in any manner, without the prior written consent of the Webmaster.
AUGUST
Sunday August 6
Adam &
The Jolly Jammers
Sunday August 13
Harvey Becker & The
Riverside Dutchmen
Friday August 18
MN Po.L.K. of A.
MusicFest
Barefot Becky & The Ivanhoe Dutchmen
7:00PM - 11:00PM
Saturday August 19
MN Po.L.K. of A. MusicFest
Malek's Fisherman
Noon - 2PM &
4PM- 6PM
Dain's Dutchmen
2PM - 4PM &
6PM - 8PM
Sunday August 20
MN Po.L.K. of A. MusicFest
Leon Olsen Show
Noon - 2PM &
4PM - 6PM
Harvey Becker & The Riverside Dutchmen
2PM - 4PM &
6PM - 8PM
Sunday August 27
Chuck Thiel & The
Jolly Ramblers
SEPTEMBER
Sunday September 3
Jerry & Joyce
Sunday September 10
Dain's Dutchmen
Copyright 2017 Richard Odoms - This Website and/or any of its contents, may NOT be printed, photographed, reproduced, copied, recorded, altered, modified or adapted, in any manner, without the prior written consent of the Webmaster.
This Page Was Last Updated On: March 4, 2024
And The 'Hits' Just Keep On Coming .........
NOW OVER
TOTAL ACCUMULATED COMBINED WEBSITE 'HITS'
Copyright 2017 Richard Odoms
This Website and/or any of its contents, may NOTbe printed, photographed, reproduced, copied, recorded, altered, modified or
adapted, in any manner, without the prior
written consent of the Webmaster.
THIS CAN'T
BE GOOD !!
Copyright 2017 Richard Odoms - This Website and/or any of its contents, may NOT be printed, photographed, reproduced, copied, recorded, altered, modified or adapted, in any manner, without the prior written consent of the Webmaster.
This past December marked the four year 'anniversary' of us throwing out 'subscription' Cable/Satellite TV service. Yet; we STILL RECEIVE about FIFTY Twin City DIGITAL
launched against me by Hamburg City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen at a City Council Meeting in late 2014 that 'started everything' and subsequently has cost Hamburg residents somewhere around $50,000.00
of OUR taxpayer dollars !!
"YELLING & SCREAMING"
Just one example of all of some of the chaotic times of the screaming and yelling that took place during 'open' Hamburg City Council Meetings but mostly at 'closed' City Council Meetings that the public was PROHIBITED FROM ATTENDING !!
To Hear A 'Classic, Vintage' ''COACHES ROUNDTABLE'' Radio Program That I Produced And Co-Hosted With This Entertaining,
AN 'OPEN LETTER' TO ALL HAMBURG RESIDENTS & ANYONE ELSE VISITING THIS WEBSITE
November 5, 2016
Other Hamburg City Officials have blamed me, and would like everyone to believe, that it was necessary for them to WASTE (about) $50,000.00 of your hard earned taxpayer dollars on legal expenses, to initiate various legal actions and ’maneuvers’ against me and my very popular and informative OFFICIAL CITY COUNCIL MEMBER Website, www.hamburgminnesota.com.
That simply is not true. Instead, this massive waste of taxpayer ‘hush money’ is an attempt to ‘silence’ me, and my Website, because I’ve exposed, on my Website, ‘unsavory’ information about just some of what is really taking place in our small City of about 516 residents, by some other City Officials.
Below, I've partially explained why they are trying to 'silence’ me in an attempt to prevent me from further exposing their heinous acts taking place, as well as their 'scurrying around' in an attempt to ‘block’ my attempt to be re-elected to a second term as your City Council Member.
I am truly puzzled how any City Official could/would even think that, based on my 18+ year impeccable Law Enforcement career, I would accept, tolerate or even 'overlook', much of what was/is taking place within our City. In many instances, what was, and is, taking place has totally violated many of my personal beliefs, morality and 'core values'; beliefs, morality and 'core values' that I believe Hamburg residents also share with me.
When I refused to ‘go along’ with whatever it was that some of the other City Officials were trying to ‘steamroll’ and 'cover up', I then became the target of their relentless, vicious and personal attacks; which have continued for over two years. I even was physically accosted by a fellow City Council Member after a recent City Council meeting and hastily had to flee City Hall and retreat to the safety and security of my car because my personal safety was in jeopardy !!
Those of you that are acquainted with me professionally and personally (and that includes persons living in the City of Hamburg), know me for the truly honest and professional person that I am. And yes; I certainly like to enjoy life, have fun and ’help out’ my ‘fellow man’ when it’s needed, possible and if I can.
My professional acquaintances include two ‘sitting’ County Sheriffs, the now retired, three term Carver County Sheriff (who regularly appeared as a guest on my very popular Internet programs and shows), the former Carver County Attorney and now a ‘sitting’ District Court Judge of Minnesota's First Judicial District, a whole host of active and retired professional Law Enforcement Officers including a former St. Paul Police Chief, a United States Senator, the former Director of the Minnesota Crimes Task Force, the Executive Director of the Minnesota Sheriff's Association, two former Hennepin County Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigators, several former Minnesota Police Chiefs, former and current professional Public Safety coworkers (sworn and civilian alike), the former Director of the Minnesota Department Of Public Safety, a former Minnesota Attorney General, a Computer Security and Identity Theft expert, numerous former Paramedics, the Presidents of at least two Minnesota companies, hundreds of past and present wonderful, dedicated co-workers, Team Members, Supervisors and Managers at my current place of employment (where I have continuously worked since August 2006 as a Security Officer), as well as countless other personal friends and acquaintances. (To learn a little more about me, PLEASE CLICK HERE.)
If ANYONE thinks that I would do ANYTHING to sacrifice the personal reputation that I enjoy, and treasure, with any or all of those persons listed above, then they must believe in the rabbit that hides the colored eggs under their sofa at Easter time.
When I say that there is a major ‘cover up’ taking place‘ in the City of Hamburg involving City Officials, I mean just that. I am so suspect of the 'highly questionable and devious nature’ of some of our other City Officials because of what's taken place coupled with what I have heard, seen and observed; particularly during the past two years, that I filed a formal complaint, on approximately June 13, 2016, with Sheriff James Olson of the Carver County Sheriff’s Office reporting to him my observations of what has been taking place within the City of Hamburg by certain City Officials and I have requested that an impartial, full, complete and thorough criminal investigation be conducted of what has already taken place.
Thank you for taking the time to visit, read and digest, the content of my OFFICIAL HAMBURG CITY COUNCIL MEMBER Website. I hope that it, and the information that it contains, assists you in making your decision as to who to elect as your City Officials in this fall’s General Election.
Please don't drink and drive, please don't text while driving, please wear your seat belts and please support those men
and women in uniform that make our communities, cities, towns, counties, state and country, safer places in which to
Thank you for visiting my Website today; please check back frequently. I'm sure you'll find it INTERESTING, INFORMATIVE and EYE OPENING!!
The, totally unexpected, 'surprise'
"GRUENHAGEN AMBUSH"
launched against me by Hamburg City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen at a City Council Meeting in late 2014 that 'started everything' and subsequently has cost Hamburg residents somewhere around $50,000.00
of OUR taxpayer dollars !!
"YELLING & SCREAMING"
Just one example of all of some of the chaotic times of the screaming and yelling that took place during 'open' Hamburg City Council Meetings but mostly at 'closed' City Council Meetings that the public was PROHIBITED FROM ATTENDING !!
It appears that my
"UTILITY PAYMENT EVAPORATED" !!
The City admitted that incorrect utility bills were sent to some residents (about 100!!); mine was one of them. When I brought this up at a City Council Meeting, Hamburg City Clerk Treasurer Jeremy Gruenhagen stated a 'corrected bill' had been mailed out earlier in the day. Yet, Gruenhagen would later state publicly at a City Council meeting that the City had
NO RECORD of ever receiving my personal check that I personally deposited in the Sewer/Water 'dropbox' at City Hall !!
It appears that my
"UTILITY PAYMENT EVAPORATED" !!
The City admitted that incorrect utility bills were sent to some residents (about 100!!); mine was one of them. When I brought this up at a City Council Meeting, Hamburg City Clerk Treasurer Jeremy Gruenhagen stated a 'corrected bill' had been mailed out earlier in the day. Yet, Gruenhagen would later state publicly at a City Council meeting that the City
had NO RECORD of ever receiving my personal check that I
personally deposited in the Sewer/Water 'dropbox' at City Hall !!
I Think You'll Find The Newspaper Article Linked To Below As Interesting As I Did ..............
In A Situation Similar To What Took Place In Hamburg While I Was A City Council Member, The Lake Elmo
CITY ATTORNEY FINDS THAT CITY COUNCIL ACTED IMPROPERLY AGAINST A CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
"Because Legally, An Elected Official Is Entitled To Hold And Enjoy His Office Without Any Restrictions".
"Investigating a public official, especially in a small town, is a difficult challenge. It required a great deal more secrecy on our part. But it's our job to protect the people from illegal behavior, no matter who's committing it."
"What a mess, and farce, and taxpayers are footing the bill. Where is common sense ?" "I looked at your website – you have quite the story."
"Dick, I don't think people care, plain & simple. The fact they don't "know" is apathy, laziness for many, some are working several jobs, trying to raise a family, and are exhausted."
"How much money did the City of Hamburg waste on attorneys fees related to your website?" (So far; the city has spent, as near as I can calculate, about $33,000.00 !! At the Budget Meeting in September, Hamburg Mayor Richard Malz called for the 2016 budget for legal fees to be INCREASED by an ADDITIONAL$9,000.00; for a total of $15,000.00 for 'legal expenses' in 2016 !!)
"Hello Mr. Odoms, I saw your website in the NYA Times. Bravo!!! Who says an “alien implant” (a term I’m using to explain how some of us feel who are not “native born sons”) can’t be heard and can’t have some say? I’ve heard one disgruntled newcomer to the local area describe it this way: “You’re a nobody and have no real sense of belonging or feeling welcome unless you have three generations of ancestors buried in the local cemetery.” The citizens of Hamburg and the surrounding area are very fortunate to have you “telling it like it is”. Don’t let anyone intimidate you into giving up. You are a TRUE public servant and so much more!!! More small towns around here need a Richard Odoms. Perhaps you will be the “spark” that will spread."
(Signed)
"A nearby local “implant” since 1974."
To read more comments that I received, PLEASE CLICK HERE. Thank you !
Please Continue To Send Me Your Comments About This Website, And Its Content !!
THANKS !!
THANKS To EVERYONE That Has Voiced Your 'Support' For Me, My Website And
For What My Website & I Represent !! THANK YOU !!
I'M STILL
LISTENING !!
Please Send
Me Your
Thoughts & Comments !!
"Love the Website. It's incredible."
"Looked at some of your life time; Great job. You looked like a person that did his job well. We need good people like that; keep it up and GOD BLESS."
Copyright 2017 Richard Odoms - This Website and/or any of its contents, may NOT be printed, photographed, reproduced, copied, recorded, altered, modified or adapted, in any manner, without the prior written consent of the Webmaster.
This is an opportunity to hear from professionals on the front-line of drug prevention including a law enforcement officer, medical personnel, school district staff and parents, all engaged in this critical mission. For more information, PLEASE CLICK HERE to learn what took place at the Town Hall Meeting held March 20, 2017 at the Wayzata High School.
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office continues to provide parents, teachers and community members with the tools and resources they need to talk to their kids about drug abuse and intervene when drug use occurs. For that reason, they are looking forward to their next #NOverdose Town Hall at Eden Prairie High School on Tuesday, May 9 at 6:00PM.
To learn more about their upcoming #NOverdose Town Hall, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
NEXT #NoOverdose TOWN HALL MEETING:
TUESDAY MAY 9 * 6:00PM
EDEN PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL
Recently Received E-mail: "I continue to be impressed with your accomplishments and am proud to call you my friend."
Please check back later to see just some of the similar e-mails that I received while serving four years as a Hamburg City Council Member.
Do YOU have a comment about this Website or anything else?? Please send it to me at thedeltashow@gmail.com. THANKS !!
PC-MATIC vs MALWAYBYTES 'WARS'; Which Product Is Better For Your Computer ?? PLEASE CLICK HERE To Learn About My Experience.
AUTOMATED RIVER LEVELS & STREAM FLOW
As Reported By The Folks At National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration/National Weather Service
Click On The Links Listed Below To See Current River Levels At The Locations Listed
Rich Stanek
Sheriff Of
Hennepin County
Rich Stanek
Sheriff Of
Hennepin County
Rich Stanek
Sheriff Of
Hennepin County
Rich Stanek
Sheriff Of
Hennepin County
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Eden Prairie, Minn. - The Minnesota Minute Men Ltd. have announced that Dick Jonckowski will be the 2017 Recipient of the Courage Award. The award will be presented to Jonckowski during a Roast and Toast Luncheon in his Honor at Jax Café, Friday, May 5th at Noon.
The Courage Award has been presented by the Minute Men since 1979 to individuals for their outstanding service to the community. Some past recipients of the Minute Men Courage Award include: Hubert Humphrey, John Mariucci, Doug Woog and Cal Stoll. In addition a Roast and Toast portion of the luncheon will include some of Jonckowski “closest friends” like Jim Carter, U or M Alum; Lester Bagley, Minnesota Vikings; Billy Robertson and more.
9401 83rd Avenue North | Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55445 | www.HennepinSheriff.org | (612) 348-3744
To See A Tribute To The 139 Law Enforcement Officers That Died In The Line Of Duty In 2016
You Are Currently Listening To The VERY FIRST EDITION of "COACH'S ROUNDTABLE REUNION - 2017"; Very Similar To A Radio Show Hosted Every Saturday Morning By
Dick Jonckowski And His Son Jeff That Was Originally Heard During 2002, 2003 And 2004 On KCHK Radio In New Prague (Minnesota). In Addition To Being The Show's Producer,
I Also 'Engineered' The Program That Featured Live Interviews With Various High School Sports Coaches From Throughout The Local Area.
So Far, We Have Recorded Two Shows With Many More Planned.
To Visit My Website About Dick Jonckowski akaTHE POLISH EAGLE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
My GOLD STAR PERSONAL WEATHER STATION Used To Report Weather Conditions In Hamburg Is Certified By WEATHER UNDERGROUND As A High Quality Weather Station
