Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland, Joel Dasher, and Mark Middendorf.

Also in attendance were the following: Pete Carlson and Heidi Peper from SEH, Rodney Atkinson, Mike Renneker, Steve Notch, Bud Heidgerken, Ron Gruber, Darlene Gruber, Jerome Wickmann, Fr. Roger Klasen, Norb Gerads, Jerome Rosen, Mary Ellen Rosen, Renee Blenker, Norb Renneker, Ed Harren, Marilyn Harren, Tom Vink, Dennis Toeben, Fritz Laing, Viola Borgerding, Mary Goebel, Jim Hemker, Tim Hennen, Ron Nordmann, Jan Middendorf, Dennis Poepping, Jenny Hiltner, Jackie Atkinson, Ed Atkinson, Simon Hellerman, Ed Hennen, Sue Raden, Gene Raeker, Tom Hiltner, Gene Renneker, Phil Ostendorf, and Ted Hoeschen.

The Pledge of Allegiance was delivered by those present.

Overview and Introduction

Thelen announced to those present the purpose of the evening's meeting: to discuss the proposed road projects for CR (County Road) 157 and CSAH (County State Aid Highway) 11 for 2005 and 2006 respectfully. Pete Carlson, SEH engineer Principal/Branch Office Manager, discussed the proposed projects as much as information has been detailed from the office of the Stearns County engineer. The plans are as follows:

  • CR 157 (CSAH 60 - Main Street) - 2005. Resurface 8.6 miles from CSAH 65 to TH 238. Estimated cost of project $860,000. Hetland noted that the .7 of a mile section of the road through Freeport was not included in the county engineer's funding request. The oversight was brought to the county engineer's attention and monies will be sought.
  • CSAH 11 (1st Avenue North) - 2006. Reconstruction 1 mile and resurface 4.4 miles on the north limit of Freeport to CSAH 17. Estimated cost of projects $750,00 and $374,000 respectfully.

Heidi Peper, SEH Community Development Manager, due to her time constraints requested to deliver her presentation to the group regarding funding options. She provided a handout and a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The purpose of the program is to provide decent housing, suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low-and-moderate income. Three categories of eligible projects are as follows: housing grants, public facility grants, and comprehensive grants. The maximum amount available per public facility or housing project is $600,000 and for a comprehensive project it is $1.4 million. Peper discussed other detailed of the program and made herself available for questions. Carlson noted that individuals interested in the program should make ones intentions known to Paul Hetland which can be forwarded to SEH. Carlson also noted that the grant application process is incredibly competitive and that first time applicants have a 33% success rate.

City of Freeport's Project Proposal

Hetland, on behalf of the Council, facilitated the work shop/meeting. He gave an overview of the evening's goals and decorum which consisted of respect for ideas and others, he desire not to lose a business, consensus building, and the approximate timeline of two hours for the meeting. The group agreed and added no other points and the meeting began.

The task of composing a road project plan was broken down into three exercises: devising a "wish list" or brainstorming, discussing funding options, and sketching out a draft proposal suitable and thorough enough to present to the assistant county engineer on October 29, 2003. Through these exercises, there was great interaction between property owners, public officials, and other interested parties. The group reached a proposal for both road projects and discussed a timeline, and reluctantly agreed upon an evenly supported timeline. These are outlined as follows:

County Road 11

  • Waterline extended to residents on north end of the City - near Margaret Atkinson's residence.
  • A culvert reconstruction to assist in residential water drainage - Borgerding concern.
  • Fill for "sink hole" on the east side of the roadway near the Interstate.
  • No curb and gutter to be extended past where it currently exists.
  • County would pay for milling of existing tar, reworking a few of the catch basins and gutters, and the paving of the road.
  • Property owners could be assessed up to 100% of the cost of the total project, but every effort will be made to obtain grants to accomplish the group's wishes.

Main Street

  • If money s available, tar the parking lot.
  • Vacate the water line in front of the businesses on the north side of Main Street going to the east. The new line would be placed in the back alley. Businesses would absorb the cost of rerouting interior water lines, but would circumvent water main issues in the future and the disruption to customer traffic as a result of any repairs in the front.
  • Downtown lights. Bury all of the existing power lines and replace current wooden poles rented from Xcel Energy with rod iron poles.
  • Drive-over curbing and a catch basin near Hennen Lumber to better manage waters produced in the spring and during heavy rains.
  • Replacement of curb wherever it exists.
  • Use direct boring whenever and wherever possible to avoid disturbance.
  • Sidewalk replacement as needed, but could be completed at a more convenient time.
  • County would pay for milling of existing tar, reworking a few of the catch basins and gutters, and the paving of the road.
  • Property owners could be assessed up to 100% of the cost of the total project, but every effort will be made to obtain grants to accomplish the group's wishes.

Timeline - when to begin the road projects

  • Keep 2005 and 2006 - It was mentioned that we could apply for the funding for 2005 and then if rejected next year, the project could be moved to the following year. The down side to sticking with this plan is the accelerated timeline needed for the Corner Store to complete its tasks.
  • Combined in 2006 - By combining the years, which 2006 seemed to be more static, the City may be less disrupted if a reasonable plan can be made to create access to traffic and people. The down side to this plan is that there is no definitive plan established that could direct construction and traffic with minimal disruption to the businesses, residents, and especially out-of-town guests. Thelen mentioned that small pieces of the project could be completed to aid in fewer disturbances. The group thought it was a fairly reasonable option.
  • Split years 2006 and 2008 - With 2006 static, a "breather" year could be 2007 and then begin Main Street in 2008. This would allow the corner businesses (the Corner Store, the Corner Pub, and First Stop) and other effected businesses a year to recoup losses to business.
  • The group agreed that the 2005 and 2006 timeline would be followed at this point and that the date could be changed at a later point due to the need for additional planning, lack of appropriate funds, or due to unforeseen circumstances.

It was also discussed the possibility of losing the Corner Store due to the construction. As explained by Hetland and Sue Raden, the brick needs to e taken away prior to any construction on County Road 11 or on Main Street. This effort, without any assistance, would seriously jeopardize the existence of the Corner Store. It is hoped that with placement of the projects and possible monies through the Small Cities Development Program, the store may remain operational.

By request of the mayor, a road project committee sign-up sheet was distributed. The following individuals signed up: Ed Atkinson, Susan Raden, Jim Hemker, Tim Hennen, Darlene Gruber, Bud Heidgerken, Ed Hennen, Joel Dasher, and Mark Middendorf. Membership on the committee will remain open and the first meeting is yet to be determined.

By acclamation, the meeting adjourned at 7:50 P.M.