The Oath of Office was administered by Paul Hetland, City Clerk at 7:33 P.M. for Matt Worms as Mayor, Joe Hennen as Council Member, and Tim Hennen as Council Member. At such time henceforth the Council conducted its affairs with Mayor Matt Worms with members Dave Humbert, Joe Hennen, Ken Goebel, and Tim Hennen also in attendance.

Also in attendance were the following: Mark Middendorf, Jerry Meyer, Herman Lensing, and Jim Schulz, John Gilk, Pastor Roger Klassen, Jim Hemker, Tracy Morgan, Sue Raden, Alquin Goebel, Alquin Borgerding, Ted Hoeschen, Steve Notch, Kenneth Vanderweyst, Stephanie Hennen, Phil Osendorf, Randy Synstad, Mike Gardes, Glen Meyer, Simon Hellerman, and Cal Harms.

Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joel Dasher.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.

Agenda

Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion approving the meeting agenda. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Report – John Gilk, Freeport Area Fire Service

Gilk gave a brief report on the new officers for 2005. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the 2005 officers as follows: Chief John Gilk, 1st Assistant Mike Renneker, 2nd Assistant John Beste, Secretary Steve Notch, and Treasurer Fritz Hoeschen and for the Relief Association as follows: President Tim Hennen, Vice President Tom Hiltner, Secretary Gary Thelen, Treasurer Fritz Hoeschen, Directors Steve Notch and John Harren, Mayor Matt Worms, and City Clerk Paul Hetland. Discussion offered. Motion carried. It was announced that the Freeport Fire Department Relief Association meets every first Monday of the month.

Gilk also brought forward an update on the 800 mHz radio system and a request to pursue funding options.

New Business

HEARING – 2005 Main Street Public Improvement Project – Hearing on Improvements – Res. 2005-001

Worms moved to open hearing at 7:42 PM. Jim Schulz, presented the information in accordance with Minnesota Chapter 429. Schulz gave a brief overview of the purpose of the hearing and stated clearly that it was not an assessment hearing, rather a hearing on the city engineer's construction estimated amounts and whether or not to continue with the project. Schulz then gave a detailed overview of the project. A concern was raised regarding the property belonging to Genny Hiltner; it was stated by Schulz that it will still have storm water running across the road and then into the southern ditch to the west. Alquin Goebel brought forward an inquiry regarding the sidewalk in front of their property regarding its recent replacement from personal funds and that they didn't want to pay again in assessments. No action was taken. Stearns County has yet to give a formal commitment to the remaining monies of their share of the project. Schulz presented the proposed phasing plan. Sue Raden, on behalf of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce delivered their recommendations regarding the phasing beginning with the area from 1st Avenue to 2nd Street NE. Schulz responded that he would consider the phasing. Mike Gerads asked a question on where the driveways would be placed. Schulz responded that it would be decided by length and by the property owner with stakes. Schulz also responded to a question with the statement that in reference to the concrete: It would be removed. Humbert moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to close the hearing at 8:33 P.M. Motion carried. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the passage of Resolution 2005-001. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Resolution 2005-001 – Fees resolution

Hetland brought forward the amended fees resolution and discussion followed. Goebel moved and Tim Hennen seconded the passage of Resolution 2005-002. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

At 8:48 P.M. by call of the Mayor, the Council recessed. The Council reconvened at 9:06 P.M.

Animal Ordinance 2005-001

Glen Meyer, Cal Harms, and Joel Dasher presented their recommended changes to the League of Minnesota Cities template animal ordinance. Dasher mentioned that overall there weren't many recommended changes. Major changes were as follows: defined the number of dogs from 2 to 4 with 2 indoor and 2 outdoor, defined a dog running at large, and defining an enclosure. The City will require a tag for all dog owners to be purchased by the dog owner and require the vaccination and rabies. The City will maintain a record of each dog. Discussion followed regarding the tagging and vaccination of cats. No action was taken and they will not be included. Policy implementation on dogs-at-large was outlined as the first time the dog will be taken back to the owner and a verbal warning will be given, the second time given back and a letter, and the third time the dog will be impounded. A suggestion was made to put animal ordinance reminders on the utility billing system. It was also recommended to change the ordinance language to include the covenants in the Welle Country Acres. Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve of Ordinance 2005-001 and to be implemented by August 2005. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Appointments 2005

Joe moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the 2005 appointments as amended and presented. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda

Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve the amended consent agenda which included

  • Claims as presented for $58,221.98
  • A sign for Jackie Atkinson

Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Minutes

Goebel moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to approve the December 23, 2004 meeting minutes with minor corrections as noted. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Report – Jim Schulz, SEH, City Engineer

Schulz gave a written and verbal report which is on file for review.

Report – Joel Dasher, Public Works Director

Dasher provided a written and verbal report which is on file for review.

Dasher also reported on the possible purchase of a waste water monitor. He stated that the fire service wasn't interested in the purchase. Dasher will report further at a future meeting.

Humbert mentioned that snow plowing appeared to be close in a few sections of city streets. Staff and Council discussed the concern.

Report – Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer

Hetland provided a written and verbal report which is on file for review. Commented on his attendance at a recent meeting regarding rural community funding that he attended with the Albany city administrator and Rep. Bud Heidgerken.

Hetland was asked to further investigate refinancing options with the City's cash deposits.

Joe Hennen announced that he will be unable to attend the next meeting.

Tim Hennen brought forward a concern that a resident forwarded to him regarding tracks left in the snow around resident's homes near 9th Street SE. Discussion followed and concluded that the tracks were probably left by a paper being delivered opposed to a more sinister act.

At 10:15 P.M., Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.