Agenda

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

Approval of the Minutes

Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes for December 12, 2007. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

New Business

Open Public Forum

No one addressed Council.

Change Order No. 16 – Final with Annandale Contractingand Final payment application No. 11 – Annandale Contracting

Council questioned the common excavation in the exact cubic yard in a planned quantity.Schulz responded that the amount was accurate. Schulz reported that the entire 2006 Industrial Park Improvement project came in under the total estimated project cost bid at $1,998,427.96 with the final amount being paid at $1,966,458.01 a difference of $31,969.95.

Balderston moved and Tim Hennen a motion to approve Change Order Number 16 and the final payment application in the amount of $30,535.40. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Old Business

Wetland Sales Update

Hetland gave brief report that the monitoring proposal was accepted by the Stearns County Environmental Services Department and the City continues to work with Al Beste and Famo Feeds to complete the mitigation plan.

Donny Meyer lot split update

Hetland reported that Donny Meyer is now currently reviewing at a lot split proposal opposed to a business subsidy agreement to aid his property taxes and financial condition.The City awaits further information and requests from Mr. Meyer per his schedule.

Beutz Radiator Service update

Hetland provided a brief verbal report and a diagram noting inspection of the property on December 21, 2007 and he through his calculation found the property 4.5 cubic feet out of compliance, but noted a factor of error due to the empty spaces in the woodpiles and found the piles in compliance. Council concurred with the Clerk's findings. Hetland noted that Beutz had contacted him well before the 8:20 A.M. December 22, 2007 deadline and during office hours which was appreciated. Hetland also indicated to Beutz his appreciation that the two cords of wood were stacked in a manner easily measured considering City Code does not specify how the wood is to be stacked. Hetland noted to Council that Beutz behaved civilly and fully cooperated with the inspection.

Welle 3 – Freeport Properties, LLC – Project Acceptance

Hetland and Schulz provided Resolution 2007-012 for review and approval. Schulz noted that the Stearns County Highway Department requests a plat review of the development. Balderston moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving Resolution 2007-012 accepting the second phase of the Welle Estates plat. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Reports

City Engineer, Jim Schulz, SEH

Schulz gave an update on the Main Street Project. Once the engineer receives the last payroll report noting the verification that Tri-City Paving has paid their appropriate labor costs, the final payment can be allocated.This information is expected in January.

Mayor Worms asked whether some Main Street lights could be turned off at a particular time in the early morning to conserve energy. Hetland will research the concept with the lighting representatives who designed the system and report back at a future Council Meeting.

Hetland reported that the Main Street account has $181,644.62 remaining in it. That amount will be needed to cover the final payment and bond payments.If more of the amount were to be used for the utility line relocation, more funds would need to be levied to compensate the difference. The short-coming originally allocated for the utility line relocation was offset by reduced assessments and early assessment payments (therein not receiving the interest revenue) in 2005. No action was taken.

Public Works Director, Joel Dasher

Dasher reported that the waste water pump that seal went out of a liftstation and the repair is being addressed.

Worms noted that the snow should be removed from the sidewalk on the west side of the Corner Store and that it should be inspected whether or not the vending machine produced a condition allowing less than 36 inches of space on the side walk in violation of the American Disabilities Act. Hetland will contact the owner of the Corner Store regarding both matters.

City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland

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

Worms asked whether the Relief Association audit costs could be shared with the City's general audit. Hetland will ask Steve McDonald of Abdo, Eick and Meyers about combining the audit and potentially sharing fees.

Hetland noted that Section 200 of Freeport City Code is not constant on the meeting frequency of City Council and suggested that the Code be altered. Balderston moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to hold a hearing for Ordinance 2008-01 for the considering of amending Section 200 of Freeport City Code on January 30, 2008. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Hetland provided information on law enforcement income from the three contract months with the Stearns County Sheriff totaling $1179.55.The contract amount was for $1100 from August until the end of October.

Consent Agenda

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

  • Claims in the amount of $32.28, claims in the amount of $5,498.62
  • Claims in the amount of $42,792.71
  • Claims for Council payroll in the amount of $1879.33
  • Claims for employee payroll in the amount of $6811.37

Discussion included Worms inquiring whether the snow blower auger repairs should warrant review of purchasing a new one.Dasher responded that with the auger repaired, the machine is in excellent condition again. Motion carried 5-0.

At 8:54 P.M. Worms moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting sine die. Motion carried 5-0.