Agenda

Tim Hennen moved and Balderston seconded a motion approving the meeting agenda. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Approval of the Minutes

Humbert moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes for May 30, 2007. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

New Business

Open Public Forum

Joy Balderston stated that she thought the City was doing a great job. Worms responded with appreciation.

Insurance Overview and Discussion

Fritz Hoeschen was present to discuss his May 10, 2007 letter regarding various insurance related questions.

Hoeschen mentioned that the current property deductible is $5000 and the premium on all of the property totaling $15,027. He also stated that the City of Melrose has a higher deductible of $15,000. Hoeschen's feelings were that although there haven't been many claims in recent years, there are issues that eventually arise for city property. He felt that for a city of our size with the property (not vehicles) we own, that a having a $15,000 deductible would be excessive. It was asked what kind of damage could occur to a lift station to justify insuring it for its full value. Hoeschen noted that lightning can cause the largest amount of damage to a lift station's mechanical and electrical components, which is the largest cost of a lift station.Hoeschen noted that there is some time to look at raising the deductible. A decision would need to occur before October 28.

Hoeschen was asked about the possibility of blanket insurance coverage and he noted that the practice was ended several years ago due to abuse and subsequently larger premiums for all cities. Tim Hennen asked about the premium on the fire hall and Hoeschen responded that it is $88.

It was discussed about the potential liabilities and opportunity of creating Engine Company #2, a volunteer outlet for retired firefighters.Hoeschen recommended that each fire fighter should be covered under the City's policies with a special rider which would cost about $75 per fire fighter. He further recommended that the City should be selective with each fire fighter volunteer evaluating levels of exposure to risk.Hoeschen was asked to look into the opportunity of providing a waiver to reduce the risk to the City, and he said that he would do so, but noted that waiver forms often still lead to claims.

Curbing in the Softball Field Proposal

Joe Hennen brought forward a proposal to place curbing in the parking areas on the south side of the Freeport Ball Park. He noted that any and all expenses would be incurred by the Freeport Softball and Recreation Club. It was noted that all of the possible improvements would be in City-owned right-of-ways. Joe Hennen asked if the City could assist in the distribution of crushed granite and Dasher responded that he could assist in the effort. Balderston moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to authorize the Freeport Softball and Recreation Club to make the public improvements as described in the proposal, which is on file for review, at no cost to the City. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.

Area Fire Service Meeting

Hetland recommended that a date be set for the special meeting of the Freeport Area Fire Service for the continuation the Annual Meeting to take action on the proposed service agreement. Tim Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion setting July 25, 2007 at 7:30 P.M. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Hearing: Fencing Change Ordinance 2007-004

Hetland brought forward an ordinance conveying the discussion made at the meeting regarding changes in the City's fencing codes. Hetland reviewed each of the changes.

Joe Hennen moved and Balderston seconded a motion approving Ordinance 2007-004. Discussion followed. Motion carried 5-0. Worms closed the hearing at 8:24 P.M.

Playground Update

Hetland gave a brief update that a meeting is being scheduled to address the comments from both attorneys regarding the proposed playground agreement.

Law Enforcement Presentation

Hetland reported that Sheriff John Sanner will be present to give a presentation on Meth labs and general law enforcement on June 27, 2007. Hetland asked how the information regarding the special program should be communicated and those present suggested that it be placed on the City marquee, bill cards, parish bulletins, and at the fire department's ham barbeque.

Humbert brought forward a concern with a deputy sheriff and an incident reported to him of possible excessive force being applied to break up a fight in the City a few weeks prior to the meeting. It was reported that multiple taser blasts were given to a person who appeared to be under control.

Reports

City Engineer, Jim Schulz, SEH

Schulz was present and gave a verbal report.

He reported that the tar work is done. He also reported that the lift station panel is ready to install when the electrical service line is operational. Schulz responded to Worms and Balderston that some repair work still needs to occur along the roadsides and with the driveway apron of the Pierskalla property.

Schulz also reported on the Main Street Project, that the curb and gutter have settled by the Corner Pub alley and is noted for repair. Schulz noted that there are perennials that need and will be planted in the next few weeks.

Hetland announced that the developer, Kent Roessler, will be pursuing the second phase of the project this summer with more information forthcoming in the next couple months.

Public Works Director, Joel Dasher

Dasher gave a written report which is on file for review.

Worms asked if the park in the Welle 2 addition was being mowed and maintained and Dasher responded that it was being done on a regular basis.

City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland

Hetland presented a written report that is on file for review.

Consent Agenda

Humbert moved and Balderston seconded a motion approving the Consent Agenda which included the following:

  • Claims in the amount of $206,969.84 (which included Pay App No. 8)
  • Sign Ordinance 2007-003
  • Approval of payment application number 8 to Annandale Contracting in the amount of $144,479.13

Discussion followed. Motion carried 5-0.

At 9:00 P.M. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.