Agenda

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

Approval of the Minutes

Balderston moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes for June 10, 2008. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

New Business

Insurance and Loss Control Presentation, Fritz Hoeschen, Commercial Exchange Corporation and City Insurance Representative

Hetland gave an overview of the need for community events and the potential liability concerns that have been brought to his attention the City assumes by allowing those activities. He requested that the City's Insurance Representative Fritz Hoeschen be present at the meeting to discuss it with Council

Hoeschen's overall message was that the City assumes liability and risk whenever something occurs on City property. He suggested that all persons or groups supply a certificate of liability and sign a hold harmless agreement with the City before the function occurs to aid in protecting the City from liability claims. Several examples of what other entities and cities were discussed.

Balderston moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion that staff work to implement a liability risk and protection plan for activities on City property to begin on January 1, 2009. Staff noted that they would begin working with community organizations to implement the project. Council appreciated the information and awareness from staff. Council also wanted to stress its appreciation for those people involved in activities that make our city a community. Motion carried 5-0.

Hearing to apply City expenses to 211 Main St E, PID54.32231.000 in the amount of $935 paid by the City

Worms opened the hearing at 8:25 P.M. Hetland provided detailed information specifying the amounts incurred for the clean up of the property totaling $935. Bladerston moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the amount of $935 to be applied to the 2009 taxes of the property located at 211 Main St. E. with a parcel identification number of 54.32231.000 for services rendered per the City's fee schedule for clean up of an abandoned property. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. Worms closed the hearing at 8:31 P.M.

Open Public Forum

No one addressed Council.

Old Business

Comprehensive Plan - Law Enforcement and Public Safety

Worms, Balderston, and Hetland gave a review of their meeting with police department officials from the City of Albany. In summary, it was discovered that law enforcement vehicles require dozens of modifications to be compliant with current safety standards; to buy one would be a large purchase and expensive to maintain. It was also discussed that a part-time officer would probably show the best results for the City, yet hiring a part-time person is difficult to keep employed. The two cities discussed sharing a full-time position, but the cost for Freeport would be approximately $45,000 to $50,000 which didn't seem affordable at the present time or at any projected point.

Hetland was asked to research if other county sheriff contracts are similar to Stearns County, and Hetland reported that in Wright, Sherburne, and Benton counties they are similar in that the contracts limit the sheriff department's enforcement of municipal codes. Hetland commented that administrative fines could be implemented to aid in code enforcement and reduce legal expenses. Hetland noted that policies enacting administrative fines will be presented by staff at a future point.

Council discussed the fundamental need for law enforcement. It was noted that although not much as been brought to the City's attention recently, it was a major concern in the 2006 election for many people in the City. Council further noted that the three month contract with Stearns County last year for 9.2 hours per month, produced results, appeared to be appreciated by the public, and the costs were completely augmented by violation revenue. Tim Hennen moved and Balderston seconded a motion approving a contract with the Stearns County Sheriff's Department for law enforcement services effective July 1 through December 31, 2008 at the standard rate of $40 per hour for approximately 9.2 hours per month. Council also noted that the long-term policy would be to use the Sheriff's Office to meet the needs of the City. Motion carried 5-0.

It was also mentioned that Council believed the long term strategy of law enforcement along Interstate 94 should be to work more cooperatively to gain better coverage at lower costs.

Street Maintenance and Work

Worms brought forward two quotes for the street maintenance discussed at the previous meeting. The breakdowns for the projects are as follows:

Description Hardrives Mid-Continental Asphalt
3rd Ave SE & 8th St SE mill curb line and overlay $27496.73 $35392.50
Alley behind City Hall, mill and 16" overlay $12454.25 $10063.50
Industrial Drive $2960.00 $1470
Patch at 7th Street $1210.00 $530
TOTALS $44120.98 $47456.00

Joe Hennen moved and Balderston seconded a motion approving the lowest bid with Hardrives for the amount of $64,475.07. Discussion included televising the sewer lines for 8th Street SE, but knowledge that the lines would not be replaced due to the cost, but to assess the lines. Hetland noted that there were options available to view the lines and would be scheduled as soon as possible. Motion carried 5-0.

Parking on streets

Worms brought forward a concern that according to Chapter 13 of Freeport City Code one cannot park any trailer over 24 feet long on City streets. A discussion followed that the code should be changed to remove this provision due to the intent was to project the streets from heavy vehicles not regarding length for any other reason. Hetland suggested that he would provide a suggested change at the next meeting for Council review.

Reports

City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland

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

Council requested that staff take action on the delinquent bills as noted in a copy provided at the meeting. Hetland responded that action would be taken to collect the funds due or water service would be turned off.

Consent Agenda

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

  • Claims in the amount of $57,407.80
  • Council payroll in the amount of $2207.15
  • Staff monthly payroll in the amount of $5851.23
  • Approval of check number 13925 in the amount of $790 to Meyer, Meyer, Dymoke & Dymoke P.A.

Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

At 10:18 P.M. Joe Hennen moved and Worms seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.