Also in attendance were the following: Jeanne McDonnald, Jackie Atkinson, Ted Hoeschen, Rodney Atkinson, Karen Young, Bruce Powell, Dave and Sue Raden, Jim Beutz, Don Timp, Steve Notch, Ivan and Renee Blenker, Norb Gerads, Steve Husby, Tom Dumont, Sue Malm, Mary Gaebel, Father Roger Klassen, Charlie Heidgerken, Ed Hennen, Ed Overmann, Jan Middendorf, Jim Obermiller, Jim Schulz, Simon and Mary Hellermann, Randy Synstad, Fritz Laing, Alquin Borgerding, Ed Atkinson, Jerry Meyer, Ed Harren, Betty Timp, Brian Borstad, Jerome Klapake, Tom Ettle, Norb Renneker, Jenny Hiltner, and Gary Gerads.
Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joel Dasher.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.
The purpose of the special meeting was to discuss the 2005 Main Street Road Improvement Project, to deliver an update of the progress on the project and discuss the proposed assessments.
Jim Schulz began with a presentation on an overview of the project. He then discussed the probable costs, the engineering estimates. The overall cost came to $1,857,889.60. He then explained the City's assessment policy and applied it to the project. Property owners affected by the project's scope were mailed a letter describing the proposed assessments to their property. This was the first letter and this hearing was not a formal hearing under Minnesota Chapter 429. This was an informal event to gain public opinions on the project.
There was extensive discussion on the possible assessments on this project. From the meeting, it was the consensus that the sidewalks, parking lot, and street lights should not be assessed to the surrounding property owners due to the overwhelming use of these assets by others in the community. Some also brought forward concerns regarding current water and sewer access from other streets and the possibility of deferring their assessments until if and when they would connect to the lines.
The issue concerning the extremely long frontages was brought forward for discussion. Whereas there was sympathy from those present, there was no action on a formula or relief to alter the amount that could be assessed. Others raised concerns regarding the possible excessive curbing of their properties that would be mandated by the county engineer. Other shared in this concern and the City stated it would assist in advocating for the businesses needs in this process.
Mayor Thelen and the Council expressed the City's gratitude in the presence and participation of so many property owners and encouraged them to continue to be open minded and involved in this project.
By call of the chair, there was a recess at 9:45 P.M. Most of those in attendance left the meeting at this point. The Council reconvened at 10:00 P.M.
Utility Relocation
Bruce Powell, Xcel Energy was present to deliver a presentation on the possible relocation of overhead utility lines from the downtown area to rerouted areas to the east of downtown. Discussion involved the need for utility easements to accomplish the design plan. Steve Husby was also present to explain that he had contacted Albany Mutual Telephone, US Cable, and Xcel - all were willing to help move the lines. The cost for the project was approximately $135,000.
Further discussion on the project included financing. It was the intention of the City to work within the amounts currently given to sinking funds and not to levy for the amount.
Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve the claims as presented in the amount of $2,988.68. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the June 30, 2004 meeting minutes with a spelling correction on a name. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Hetland asked for clarification on the Main Stub out charge of $3800 for waste water and $3800 for water. This fee is paid if a property owner wants to hook up to a line that does not have a connection to the property's building. Also, the resident pays for the curb to the dwelling charge.
Thelen moved and Worms seconded a motion to approve of a 3.2 Malt Beverage license for the Freeport Softball Club for August 20, 2004. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
At 11:15 P.M. Humbert moved and Thelen seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
