Also in attendance were the following: Kent Roessler, Don Anderson, Al Roessler, Herman Lensing, Al Beste, Jerry Meyer, Gary Pierskalla, and Pete Carlson.
Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joel Dasher.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.
Approval of the Minutes
Goebel moved and Humbert seconded the August 11, 2004 meeting minutes. Discussion offered. A spelling correction was made. Motion carried.
EDA report and JOBZ hearings
Worms delivered a report regarding the findings and recommendations of the Freeport Economic Development Authority. By advice from legal counsel, it was suggested that the City update its overall business subsidy policy, create a JOBZ business subsidy policy, and then work with interested parties to create a business subsidy agreement. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to table the public hearings to the next meeting on September 29, 2004 to discuss and pass a JOBZ business subsidy policy and a an agreement. Discussion offered. Motion carried. Hetland was instructed to meet with all interested parties as soon as possible.
Development Agreement
Hetland presented information as drafted by Scott Hamak, Rinke-Noonan and reviewed the information. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the development agreement of Welle Estates Plat Two. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Planned Unit Development
Hetland presented information as drafted by Scott Hamak, Rinke-Noonan and reviewed the information. Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the planned unit development of Welle Estates Plat Two. Discussion offered.. Motion carried.
Final Plat Phase 1, Welle Estates Plat Two
It was mentioned that the plat should be changed to reflect the following streets - 2nd Ave SE, 3rd Ave SE, and 4th Ave SE. It was noted that an inspector be looking at the grading plan and ensure it is . Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion approving the final plat of Phase 1, Welle Estates Plat Two. Motion carried. Roessler noted that work should be starting the following day with Breitbach Construction as the contrator. It was Roessler's intention to sell lots in the next couple of weeks and that homes would be on the lots by the end of this year. H also plans on paving the streets in Phase 1 this fall. Thus, 25 lots will be ready to go and seeded. He will be meeting with builders in the next few weeks.
Middendorf property land correction request
Hetland brought forward a request by the Middendorf Brothers Partnership and a misinterpretation of where the farm site should be marked and where the actual survey draws the boundaries. Pete Carlson noted that the survey was conducted by SEH and will make the necessary corrections to rectify the mistake. Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve of the property line change to include the manure pit on the farm site including 10 feet to the west of the concrete structure. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Main Street Project
Hetland brought forward a request from Jim Schulz to begin the survey work on the project as soon as possible. Goebel moved and Worms seconded motion to conduct a survey as it pertains to the Main Street Public Improvement Project. Discussion included a question regarding the advantage of completing the work early and it is avoidance of winter concerns. Motion carried.
Small Cities Grant
By request of Heidi Peper, SEH grant specialist, Hetland brought forward a resolution for consideration. Goebel moved and Humbert seconded Resolution 2004-008 identifying "slum and blight" conditions. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Hetland gave an overview on his meeting along with Jim Schulz with assistant county engineer Jodi Teich. Teich noted that the county would not pay for bonding neither costs nor interest charges should the City decide to continue with the project by taking the lead. Upon further discussion, she noted that the City could borrow against the CSAH County Road 11 project to pay for the Main Street project. Hetland informed her that the City would be interested in the proposal and more information would be needed. Teich was going to discuss the proposal with County Engineer Mitch Anderson and prepare a proposal by the October 5 Road Construction 5 year plan meeting. She conveyed optimism that monies could be dedicated in this manner for this project.
Lighting for the Industrial Park
Two proposals were brought forward, one from Allum-A-Nation and one from Signature Lighting. Pete Carlson will be reviewing the proposals and prepare a recommendation for the next meeting.
Claims
Goebel moved and Worms seconded a motion approving the claims as presented in the amount of $15,537.09. Motion carried.
Animal Ordinance
Hetland presented the League of Minnesota Cities draft animal ordinance for review considering the large amount of pet issues in the last few months. Council discussed the draft ordinance. Humbert moved Goebel seconded a motion to schedule the hearing for October 27, 2004. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Snow Removal
Dasher reported on the various parties contacted for possible snow removal contracts. Kemper reported that he was not interested in renewing the contract. Herdering, Thull, Mayers, and Donny Meyer also reported that they were not interested. Proposal of snow removal, definitely a two man job. Looking at options of pricing. Staff was instructed to place an ad in the Melrose Beacon for snow removal services and to continue exploring options in preparation for the winter.
Report - Joel Dasher, Maintenance Worker
Dasher provided a written report which is on file for review. Drainage for 2nd Street NE taken care of by Breitbach Construction and all repairs appear to be satisfactory. Dasher completed the installation of the new utility billing system. Minor problems exist and will be rectified shortly.
Laing's Variance Hearing
Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion for a variance hearing for Fritz and Shirley Laing on September 29, 2004 for the construction of accessory use building from 10 feet of the side and rear setbacks to five feet on their property at 110 4th Street NW. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Hennen's Request for Reimbursement of Fill
EDA reviewed the request and recommended not paying for the reimbursement. Council discussed the request and recommendation. Discussion included comparing the request with the actions taken on the Andy Welle lot. Mention was made to the fact that the lots were sold in an "as is" barring the unique circumstances of the Andy Welle property. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to deny the request as presented from Hennen Lumber Company. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
By call of the chair, Council recessed at 9:37 P.M. and reconvened at 9:45 P.M.
Levy and 2005 Proposed
Hetland presented information to Council and to the public regarding the proposed budget and levy for 2005. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a proposed 2005 City budget of $665,366 in revenue and $577,501 in expenditures and 2005 levy for $229,948.00. Discussion included issues involving the Main Street construction project and lot sales in the Industrial Park. It was mentioned that the intent was to keep the budget and levy relatively unchanged but that a preliminary levy could be lowered but not raised. Further discussion will take place prior to final passage in December and meeting with the city auditor. Motion carried.
Report - Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer
Hetland provided a written report which is on file for review. Hetland reported that the storm sewer water in City Hall was being routed in a perforated drain tile line and causing a cyclical process. Tim Hennen working on problem and found that rerouting the system to the waste water line solved the problem. It was suggested that a pipe could be inserted into the drain tile line to bring the water to the storm sewer. Staff would be bringing the suggestion to Tim Hennen.
Humbert brought forward concerns to reduce the costs on the Main Street Project with a possible estimate savings of $60,000. More would be discussed upon Jim Schulz's return at the next meeting. Hetland presented information on postponed and deferred assessments.
City Hall meeting policy
Humbert moved and Worms seconded a motion that City Hall can be used for public meetings during regular business hours with the city clerk's approval. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
At 11:24 P.M .Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
