Agenda

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

Approval of the Minutes

Tim Hennen moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes for November 28, 2007. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

New Business

Guest Speaker

Tom Rich, Superintendent of the Melrose Area School District, was welcomed by Mayor Worms. Rich introduced his wife and that School Board Member Ann Beard was also in attendance. Rich stated that he and his wife were pleased to live in the City and to keep his services in mind if there is something the School District can do for the City. Worms stated the City's appreciation for their statements and attendance.

Open Public Forum

Ann Beard stated her well-wishes on behalf of the School District and her appreciation of her employment with the City.

Terminating separate bond coverage of Fire Relief Association Treasurer due to automatic inclusion in the City's coverage.

Hetland gave a review of the recommendation from the Freeport Fire Relief Association. Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to discontinue the separate bonding coverage for the Freeport Fire Relief Association Treasurer which is already covered by the City's general liability coverage with the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Report on Speed Study on 1st Avenue S (County Rd 11 by the Welle additions)

Hetland presented a speed study from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Stearns County Highway Department. Hetland noted that at this stage the report is a preliminary one and the final determination of changing the speed limits has not been determine or the signs moved and if Council has any comments or objections, that they should be stated for the record as soon as possible. Worms requested if the Freeport population sign could also be moved on County Road 11 on the south end further to the south to better reflect the City limits.

Donny Meyer request for a lot split

Hetland gave an update that Donny Meyer is no longer seeking tax assistance on his property but looking at splitting his lot into 5 pieces in total. Hetland noted that the City's subdivision ordinance is activated whenever a property is requested to be split into two pieces or more.He will work with Meyer to ensure the proper processes are followed to make the request. Hetland stated that Meyer requested a hearing on December 26, but after a brief discussion Hetland and Council agreed that a hearing should be set once more information is obtained from Meyer.

Beutz Radiator Service

Jim Beutz was present regarding the apparent violation of 500.25, Subdivision 2, part j. which states as a permitted use of a "Limit to two (2) cords of exposed wood." Hetland also provided pictures of the property taken earlier that day indicating at least three cords of wood if not more. Worms initially made an offer to allow Beutz to have the wood down to two cords by the end of March 2008, the end of the City's winter parking restrictions. Beutz stated that it should be until the end of the burning season or April 1, 2008. Worms also noted that Beutz had not kept his word a couple years before regarding removing debris and wood from the property. Beutz stated that at the time, he did not know that Worms was the Mayor because he did not introduce himself as the Mayor. Beutz did not comment on why he did not keep his word whether Matt Worms was the Mayor or not through introduction. Tim Hennen noted that Beutz appeared to be antagonizing the City and its codes rather than working toward compliance and a professional resolution. Council felt that a two cord limit was satisfactory and that City Code did not need to be altered. Worms requested a motion which was made by Balderston and seconded by Humbert to bring the wood pile into compliance on December 22, 2007 at 8:20 A.M. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Old Business

2008 Budget and Final Levy – Recommended Approval

Hetland gave a presentation of the updated expenditures of the General, EDA, Water, and Waste Water funds.He noted that the budget amounts had not been altered since the September Preliminary Levy and Budget presentation.During the discussion, the Parks Department budget area under the General Fund was altered moving $1000 from Miscellaneous to Park Maintenance.No other changes were offered or made.

Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the Final Levy in the amount of $336,685 comprised of $163,000 to the General Fund; $90,000 to the Main Street Bond; $48,000 to the 2003 Street Improvements; $25,685 to the EDA's bond for the Welle Country Acres; and $10,000 for the EDA and to approve the following fund budgets:General Fund budget of $370,750; EDA Fund budget of $10,500; Water Fund budget of $77,700; and a Waste Water fund budget of $115,485. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Reports

City Engineer, Jim Schulz, SEH

Schulz was not present but provided a written report which Hetland provided a copy and is on file for review.

Public Works Director, Joel Dasher

Dasher reported that snow blower was repaired since the last meeting and in good working order.

City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland

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

Consent Agenda

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

  • Claims in the amount of $40,761.22
  • A Small Cities Development Program Guidelines deletion and addition which was a recommendation from Heidi Peper reflecting a new DEED change
  • Authorization for the Mayor and the Clerk to sign and distribute the claims for the 2007 Freeport Fire and Rescue Department officers and employees payroll before the next meeting

Discussion followed. Motion carried 5-0.

At 9:12 P.M. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.