Consent Agenda
Balderston moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the Consent Agenda which included the following: Approval of the agenda, approval of the minutes from the August 26, 2008 Regular Council Meeting, setting a hearing for September 30, 2008 for the consideration of amending sanitary sewer discharging regulations, and claims in the amount of $12,709.18. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.
New Business
Open Public Forum
Norb Renneker addressed Council that he was upset about the property condition of Beutz's Radiator Shop. He requested that the City take action against the property to bring it into compliance again with City Code. He also requested the contact information of the Minnesota State Fire Marshall's Office. Hetland stated that he would begin actions to bring the property into compliance and provided Mr. Renneker with the Fire Marshall's contact information during the meeting. Renneker was pleased with the City's response and left the meeting.
Approval of the lowest bidder for the 2008 Industrial Drive Drainage Project
Three bids were received for the Industrial Drive Drainage Improvement Project. The three submitted estimates were as follows: Hagemeier Excavating $25,595.00; Lange Trenching $27,678.50; and Brian Brix Excavating $24,400. Tim Hennen moved and Balderston seconded a motion approving of the lowest bid with Brian Brix Excavating for the amount of $24,400 which would be started by October 1 and completed October 31, 2008. Discussion included asking Brian Brix if driveways and approaches would be repaired and Mr. Brix responded that they would be. Motion carried 4-0.
Approval of the 2008 Preliminary Levy
Hetland proposed a preliminary levy and budget for 2009. Through the discussion it was felt that due to various economic challenges of taxpayers in Freeport that a concerted effort would be made to minimize the tax impact on taxpayers while still meeting the needs of the People of Freeport and our financial responsibilities. Hetland provided documents and graphs explaining the potential impact on homeowners taxes during the discussion of the levy. Balderston moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion approving a preliminary levy of $337,680. Discussion included that the levy would have a near zero impact for taxpayers in the City assuming valuations increase by 3% and that no reserve funds were used. It was mentioned as an example that a property valued at $200,000 in 2008 would have a City of Freeport property tax increase of $4. It was also noted that the preliminary levy can be lowered for the final levy by December 28, but not raised. Hetland also noted that a truth in taxation hearing was not necessary due to the amount of the preliminary levy. Motion carried 4-0.
Old Business
Comprehensive Plan - Road Projects
Hetland brought forward a revised proposed zoning map of the City. Through further discussion a few alternations were suggested. It was suggested that the C-2 zone should flow from the southwest corner of the interstate interchange down to City limits along the west side of County Road 11. It was also suggested that the industrially zoned area on the east end of the City adjoining the interstate (the area to the east of the property currently owned by Glen and Julie Meyer) be zoned R-1. Hetland noted that he will ask the city engineer to make the requested changes for further review at a future meeting.
Weight Restrictions on City Streets
Hetland provided a revised ordinance regarding weight restrictions on City streets. Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion approving Ordinance 2008-02. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.
Reports
City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland
Hetland provided a written report that is on file for review.
Public Works Director's Report, Keith Koehler
Koehler provided a written report that is on file for review.
Koehler gave a summary review of the violations from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and provided copies of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's documents for Council review.
Stearns County Sheriff
The Stearns County Sheriff provided a written report which is on file for review.
Hetland was asked if a deputy could attend the meeting once per month to report in person to Council and the Public.
Hetland brought forward a request from the Freeport Chamber of Commerce to share the cost of having a Freeport ad in a publication distributed throughout the region, especially in the St. Cloud area advocating tourism in Freeport. Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion approving half of the cost of the ad of approximately $580, which would be $290. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.
Balderston moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion approving a 3.2 temporary liquor license for the Freeport Softball Club for September 20 and 21, 2008. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.
At 9:15 P.M. Worms moved and Balderston seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0.
