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 September 10, 2008 Regular Council Meeting; re-setting a hearing from September 30, 2008 to October 14, 2008 for the consideration of amending storm water discharging regulations; claims in the amount of $64,759.29; claims for Election Judge payroll in the amount of $874.56; claims for Employee payroll in the amount of $6047.50; Resolution 2008-020 - Approval of the 2008 General Election Judges; claims for Council Payroll in the amount of $2087.10; and claims in the amount of $66,139.85. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
New Business
Review and approval of Resolution 2008-021 to hire the Administrative Assistant
Hetland gave a review of the proposed administrative assistant Abby Cunningham which was described in detail in Resolution 2008-021. Mrs. Cunningham was introduced and gave a few brief comments about her enthusiasm to take on the position. Tim Hennen moved and Balderston seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2008-021 hiring Abby Cunningham as the part-time, permanent Administrative Assistant at $10.50 per hour with no benefits to start October 13, 2008. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. Mrs. Cunningham was welcomed by Council and those present. Hetland thanked Council for their confidence in him in the entire hiring process.
Fire Chief John Gilk project request to insulate the Fire Hall
Fire Chief John Gilk and Firefighter Tim Hennen reviewed the insulation repairs needed for the Fire Hall as reviewed by a committee of the Fire and Rescue Department. They explained that there is a significant amount of heat loss due to the lack of and deterioration of insulation along the roof and walls of the Fire Hall. A bid from Hennen Lumber of $15,706.00 was distributed but no action was taken. Discussion included various options to help address the problem. More information would be available at the next meeting. The repair is expected to be concluded before winter and Hetland confirmed that capital improvement funds for just such repairs are available to cover the costs being discussed. Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to table the discussion until the next meeting. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Open Public Forum
Brian Brix explained his work on the Industrial Park drainage improvement project was substantially complete and was expected to be completed by the end of the following day. Mayor Worms noted that the total bid amount was in the claims that evening and was approved to be released once the project is completed the following day. Mr. Brix thanked the City for the business and Council conveyed the City's appreciation for his good work, fair price, and speed in completing the project well before the agreed upon October 31 deadline.
Building Code Fee Change consideration and recommendation from the City Building Inspector Dan Marthaler
Hetland distributed a recommended building code fee increase document from City Building Inspector Dan Marthaler. Marthaler recommended a $10 increase for Freeport, Albany, Avon, Glenwood, Melrose, Osakis, and Starbuck. Council took the recommendation under advisement and instructed Hetland to discuss the matter with the other cities listed and report back at a later date. Marthaler asked that the new fee schedule be implemented on January 1, 2009.
Old Business
City Engineer's Report
Scott Lange, S.E.H. engineer and April Bielejeski of S.E.H. were present to discuss a change in the assigned engineer to the City of Freeport. Lange noted that cities like Freeport are critical to the success of their firm and wish to do everything possible to better meet their client needs. It was worked out with the Mayor and staff that the engineer would be present at the last Council meeting of the month and meet with the Mayor and staff earlier in the month to fill the two complementary meetings offered by S.E.H. Worms and Hetland both agreed that the changes will provide better communication and service. Council welcomed Bielejeski back to working directly with the City and she noted her enthusiasm to work again with the City. She gave a written report summarizing a recent meeting with the Mayor and Clerk of the outstanding projects the city engineer is involved in such County Road 11 scheduled for 2011 and the proposed construction of a new water tower for 2013.
Hearing continuation from July 29, 2008: Wood Burning Stoves
No action was taken.
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.
Hetland thanked Koehler for incredible attention and service given to addressing the 18 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency violations.
Koehler reported that Mark Middendorf stated that he would like to be available for only winter hours. Koehler also stated that he needs approximately 20 hours per week of assistance for City maintenance.
At 8:32 P.M. Worms moved and Balderston seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
