Staff persons on hand were Joel Dasher, Anton Massmann, and Paul Hetland.
Approval of the Minutes
Goebel moved and Worms seconded a motion to approve the minutes for the March 11, March 25, April 1, and April 8 meetings. Discussion offered. A spelling correction for a name was made. Motion carried.
Reports
Northland Securities. George Eilertson provided information and answered questions regarding the current and projected state of the City of Freeport. Of special concern was the condition of the city to proceed with the anticipated projects for the summer of 2003. Eilertson recommended that early call dates should be obtained when obtaining loans, typically a call date half-way through the term of the loan. If the call-date is earlier, higher interest rates will apply. Regarding the proposed construction of a new city hall, he reported that there are sufficient cash reserves for the project. It is estimated that the building would cost approximately $350,000 to build, and approximately half of the cost has been donated. In addition, the land itself has been donated.
At 8:10 P.M. the variance hearing for Don Timp was opened. It was stated to Council the purpose of the hearing, and the floor was open for questions. None were asked and the regular meeting continued.
There was an open discussion regarding the construction of a new city hall. It was suggested from John Botz and confirmed by Al and John Beste that the downtown Famo Feeds building (two parcels on one acre of land) is for sale, as is, for $250,000. Council advised that there would need to be further discussion and recommendation from the EDA regarding this property, especially regarding financing. On May 14, a special forum will be held for the discussion of the city hall project. The meeting will begin at 7:00 P.M.
At 8:35 P.M. Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to close the hearing and approve the variance for Don Timp. Discussion was offered. Motion carried.
John Beste brought to the Council’s attention the possibility of extending water and sewer mains west of their current location in the Industrial Park Road. Al Beste stated that M & B Enterprises would not be interested in paying for or absorbing any special assessments for the extension. Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion to not approve the extension of water or sewer to west of the Industrial Park at this time. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
As requested by Council, staff brought forward a full report and recommendation regarding meeting the City’s needs for street sweeping. As suggested, Thelen moved and Worms seconded a motion to contract services with the City of Melrose for spring sweeping needs to be then evaluated for future use. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Local Board of Review
Tim Mitchell from the Stearns County Assessor’s Office brought to the City’s attention that the city exceeded the 1% total valuation limit at the April 15 meeting. The property values would need to be adjusted or all of the changes would be null and void. A future meeting will be held to reconvene the Local Board of Review and make the necessary adjustments.
Worms moved and Hennen seconded a motion to approve the accounts payable receipts. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Staff brought to the Council’s attention the vandalism of April 24, 2003. Staff prepared a written report and breakdown of the damages for review. The total was $35.00. Thelen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the report and to pay the expenses and make the necessary repairs. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Hetland brought a request to Council to attend the League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conference June 18-20, 2003. Council encouraged the attendance. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to allow Paul Hetland to attend the LMC 2003 Annual Conference. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Rich Romness from Bolten & Menk addressed the Council to discuss the progress of the Industrial Park and 7th Street SW projects. Romness reported the need for a lift station near the top of 7th Street SW. There was discussion regarding the assessments that would be needed to install a lift station to bring water and waste water systems to the area. Romness also stated that curb and gutter work could start during the next week in the Industrial Park, but most likely the work would begin the third week in May. He informed Council that road restrictions have been the contributing factor in the delay and that they would be lifted in early to mid-May. John Beste reiterated the need for a drainage plan for the Industrial Park especially near the cul-de-sac. Council encouraged Romness to make every effort to encourage progress on the road work in the Industrial Park.
It was reported that at the May 14 meeting Pete Carlson from SEH will present a breakdown of the drainage and project progress of 3rd Street SE.
Staff brought to the Council’s attention a letter submitted by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Steinemann and Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Renneker regarding the Jim Beutz property. The Council directed staff to contact the owner about taking the necessary steps to clean up the property, to alert the Fire Marshall, to inform the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and all other appropriate authorities.
Three liquor licenses were brought to the Council’s attention for approval. Humbert moved and Worms seconded a motion to approve the Freeport Softball Club for the following dates: June 27-29, July 25-27, and August 15-17. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Humbert moved and Hennen seconded a motion to move into a closed session to interview and conduct employee business. Discussion offered. Motion carried. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the hiring of Mark Middendorf at $10.50 per hour to be employed for no less than 10 hours and no more than 20 hours per week. Discussion offered. Motion carried. Humbert moved and Worms seconded a motion to close the executive session. Motion carried.
Goebel moved and Worms seconded a motion to adjourn the Council meeting at 10:15 P.M. Motion carried.
