Consent Agenda
Joe Hennen asked that the minutes be removed the Consent Agenda. Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the Consent Agenda which included the following: approval of the minutes from the November 5, 2008 Special Council Meeting and claims in the amount of $78,172.57. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Council discussed the October 28, 2008 Regular Council Meeting minutes. Council Member Joe Hennen questioned whether a statement in the minutes that the water tower was structurally unsafe actually occurred. Without the Public Works Director or the City Engineer present, it could not be confirmed at the meeting and Council tabled the minutes until next meeting after Hetland reviews the meeting recording and speaks with Koehler and Bielejeski.
Old Business
Hearing Wood Burning Stoves
Worms noted that the hearing on the issue is still open for public comment. Council discussed allowing such wood burners if they would comply with the potential upcoming federal higher emission standards. More information would need to be reviewed before any further discussion could occur. Council also discussed completely prohibiting exterior wood burning stoves. No action was taken.
Joe Hennen moved and Balderston seconded a motion to allow for one spot (and up to two) on the east end of the Main Street Municipal Parking Lot to be used for a handicapped accessible parking spot to accommodate the newly installed Freeport Veterans Memorial. Discussion included changing the direction of traffic in the parking lot area to reduce vehicles from driving over the curb where the memorial now stands. Council advised continuing to evaluate the area considering objects are now installed of whether it will occur again. Further action may need to be taken at a future point. Motion carried 5-0.
Humbert reported that the Main Street lights on the east end were out again a few days earlier as of 6:00 A.M. Hetland was asked to notify the City Engineer.
Worms mentioned the Arc Reader mapping program as previously mentioned by the City Engineer as a useful tool for City maps for Council, Staff, and the Public. Hetland requested that the item could be tabled for a future meeting for further review of other cities that have the same system. Council tabled the item for consideration.
New Business
Open Public Forum
No one was in attendance.
Comprehensive Plan
Hetland asked for an extension for the Comprehensive Plan's approval into 2009 considering the prospects for road and water tower funding. Council agreed with the extension.
Reports
City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland
Hetland provided a written report that is on file for review.
As Emergency Management Director, Hetland brought forward a concern by the County of defining the best management practice when responding to serve weather alerts from Stearns County. The basic decision before the public safety community is weather to disburse rescue vehicles to weather spot and keep the vehicles safe from destruction in one area or keep the vehicles in the same location and keep public safety personnel out of harms way until the serve weather passes. Council clearly stated the latter option, stating that vehicles and equipment are replaceable but people are not. Hetland appreciated Council's input and stated that he would convey the policy at his upcoming monthly Stearns County Emergency Management and Planning Committee Meeting.
Worms moved and Balderston seconded a motion to no longer maintain the recently paved area behind the Main Street businesses and residences until the agreement to officially establish the utility and street easement is signed by all of the adjacent property owners. Discussion followed. Motion carried 5-0.
Council also discussed the condition of Beutz's Radiator Shop and asked Hetland to contact the League of Minnesota Cities based on Building Inspector Dan Marthaler's review of the condemnation process.
Public Works Director's Report, Keith Koehler
Koehler provided a written report that is on file for review.
At 8:48 P.M. Joe Hennen moved and Worms seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
