Staff persons on hand were John Sanner County Sheriff elect, Rich Romness of Bolton & Menk, Pete Carlson SEH, Joel Dasher and Bonnie Sunderman.
Public Hearing For Sign Ordenance
Mayor Atkinson opened the hearing
Staff Reports
Sheriff elect John Sanner introduced himself to the City of Freeport and reviewed the hourly increase of $2.00 per hour to the annual contract. The council made clear the concern of inconsistent reports of monthly activity and lack of communication. After further review the council maintained their concerns and will hold the issue until the next regular meeting.
Public Hearing For Sign Ordenance
Mayor Atkinson closed the public hearing. Motion by Thelen to pass sign ordinances, seconded by Humbert and carried.
Public Hearing for Zoning Ordinance
Mayor Atkinson opened the hearing. After a brief review of the ordinance, motion by Thelen to continue hearing until the January meeting to notify affected residents by mail, seconded by Boelter and carried.
Staff Reports
Dasher presented costs for a new lawn mower. Atkinson stated that he would prefer to have the council discuss the mower needs at the next meeting.
After Dasher presented the idea of a new sweeper the council decided to review it at a later date. The road maintenance grading was discussed, and Dasher expressed concerns regarding problems areas on gravel road ways. Humbert indicated that council should revisit the issue in the spring after Gerads grades the road ways.
The council visited the idea of summer help to assist Dasher, and decided to discuss additional help as needed.
Thelen and Dasher will meet regarding well security and present a proposal at next months meeting.
Additional Christmas decorations were discussed by the Freeport Chamber of Commerce; Dasher will obtain quotes on refurbishing the old decoration for the chamber.
Dasher thanked the out going council and welcomed the incoming council.
The city employee policy was reviewed; motion by Heidgerken to extend current policy until a new policy is passed seconded by Boelter and carried.
The cost of living increase for the pay scale was reviewed by the council, motion by Atkinson to approve a 2% increase, seconded by Boelter and carried.
City Employee Managment
Atkinson would like to see Heinen work with Massmann on the TIF districts a few days a week. The council would like to put in a max budget of $10,000 for Heinen to assist in 2003.
Thanks went out from the council to Sunderman for her help in 2002.
New Business
Atkinson brought to the council's attention that according to City Ordinance Sect. 205.01 Sub Sec. 5 council member are to be reimbursed for all related meetings. Atkinson attended a 2 day mayors meeting along with one meeting which he and Thelen attended for industrial park closing. Motion by Heidgerken to pay Atkinson for 3 additional special meetings and Thelen for 1, seconded by Humbert and carried.
Motion by Heidgerken to pay bills, seconded by Humbert and carried.
Outgoing Mayor Atkinson made a thank you speech to the fire department, council, EDA and honored the incoming Mayor Thelen.
At 8:43 PM John Thelen resigned his council seat. Motion by Heidgerken to accept his resignation seconded by Humbert and carried.
The final meeting for 2002 was adjourned at 8:47 PM.
