Staff persons on hand were Joel Dasher, Anton Massmann, and Paul Hetland. Many citizens were also in attendance for the proposed city hall presentation.
New City Hall Presentation
On behalf of the City Council and EDA, John Thelen gave a brief overview of the proposed city hall project and delivered the presentation. The cost breakdown is as follows:
- Land. Donated for the market value of $18,900 by the Freeport State Bank and Freeport Bancshares, Inc.
- Plans and Specifications. Donated by the Freeport State Bank and Freeport Bancshares, Inc.
- Furnishings. $25,000 cash pledge -- Donated by the Freeport State Bank and Freeport Bancshares, Inc.
- Building. $335, 564 estimated building cost based on low bid
- ($150,000) Cash pledge from Freeport State Bank and Freeport Bancshares, Inc.
- ($11,000) Cash pledges from private citizens
- $174,564 Sub total
- ($75,000) City’s building and equipment sinking fund
- ($20,000) State monies received in the Fall of 2002
- ($67,500) Unallocated funds from 2002
- $12,064 Remaining balance to the City
The City’s goal is to raise $50,000 in total cash pledges from private citizens to create a zero remaining balance to the City.
There were a few questions from those present. It was made clear to those present that the city was not going to be raising taxes to pay for the new facility. Moreover, there would not be a need to bond for the project due to available funds and generous donations as noted in the presentation. There was a question regarding Ivan’s Auto Body and the conditional usage it was under. Staff would be forwarding information to the owner to answer the question. There were concerns raised about the alley regarding snow removal and ownership of it. It was also discussed that the AFSA would be leasing out the office and building minus the cold storage for city equipment. A multi-decade projection was discussed regarding fire department and City facility usage and equipment storage and it was concluded that the current facilities adequately met those needs. City administration and maintenance would be separated in the new city facility model. It was also noted that there would be storage in the basement and that the building would be handicapped assessable, compliant with American Disability Act standards. Arnzen Construction was the lowest bidder at $335,564.00 and that the architect was currently reviewing the bid submissions.
Freeport Fire Department
John Gilk, Fire Chief requested the Council approve a recommendation for a new water truck. Worms moved and Goebel seconded Resolution 2003-11 to approve the 2000-Gallon Fire Department Water Truck/Tanker submit the plans to bid. Discussion offered. Staff was instructed to have the specs available at the office. The bids would be due on 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at the Freeport City Hall., the Fire Chief and City Clerk will would open at 12:00 P.M. the same day and a joint meeting of the Council and AFSA would review on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. Resolution carried.
Gilk also requested permission to use Pumper #2 for ceremonial purposes at the Sauk Centre speedway at a special event honoring local firefighters. Thelen moved and Hennen seconded a motion allowing Pumper #2 to be used for this event up to three separate times as requested. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Gilk brought forward a Minnesota DNR matching grant proposal for new overalls. Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion allowing up to $1230 to be allocated from the equipment fund in compliance with the grant. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Water Tower Cleaning
There were two proposals presented by staff for the routine and required cleaning of the water tower. A presentation was made by Chris Walgren of Utility Service Company. Worms moved and Hennen seconded to approve the presented contract with Utility Service Company. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Public Works Report
Joel Dasher presented a written Public Works Report. Dasher reported that the security system will be completed the next day with the well and the tower portions being the final items. The wells are now running in alternation which may help reduce energy costs and increase pump life. Flushing the hydrants is now in process. The waste water ponds have been discharged one time a total of five feet. A second discharge may be possible if the test limits are met. Otherwise the ponds are below the four foot mark which was requested by Dan Vealz with SEH. Some plastic lines are being flushed while flushing the hydrants. Dust control has been applied along the trail and on 3rd St SE. Mark Middendorf will be sweeping the following day as a part of the weekly sweeping of those areas that need service. By request of the Council, the City has placed the grader and the lawn wagon in front of City Hall for bid. The sealed bids will be opened at 7:30 PM at the City Council meeting and read aloud with the highest bidder receiving the bid.
Industrial Park
Anton Massmann reported the status of the Industrial Park project. It was discussed the continued and frequent delays in installing curb and gutter and laying bituminous material. Staff brought to Council’s attention the contract with Kuechle Underground, Inc. and the lack of substantial completion of the project. Thelen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to enact the City’s rights under the contract with Kuechle Underground, Inc. to fine them $500 per day, beginning on this day May 14, 2003 until substantial completion is reached as described by the contract. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
7th Street SW
A brief update on this project was brought forward by staff. The bids for the project will be opened on Friday, May 30, 2003 at 2:00 P.M.
3rd Street NE
Pete Carlson, SEH was present to discuss the progress of the project and to answer questions. He reported that the sub-cutting of the street was completed. There was a question whether or not clay was found and being removed. It was reported by staff the bids for the rerouting of sewer service. The results were as follows:
- Thull at $2345.00
- Kemper at $3475.00
- Lange at $5486.75
The bids were for three homes but were broken down as a per foot cost due to the fact that other homes may be added. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the lowest bidder and award the project to Butch Thull. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Downtown Parking Lot
Pete Carlson, per request of the Council, brought forward an estimate for the proposed paving of the main street parking lot. Option #1 came to a total amount of $84,400.00. There was a discussion on the price and Carlson noted that the engineering fee is negotiable. There was also discussion about the compaction of the lot; Council felt the lot was reasonably compact considering the history of the traffic on the lot. The feeling was that the lot should be scrapped and then paved. Carlson noted that there would be reasonable risks associated by not excavating the material and replacing it with recommended materials. The Council took Carlson’s recommendations under consideration and appreciated his work on the project.
Waste Water Ponds
Carlson stated that at the next meeting he would be bringing an estimate for the stabilization of the waste water ponds. At the meeting, he gave an approximate estimate of $90-95,000. Council asked if any grants for the work would be available and Carlson stated that he would look into the possibility of obtaining one, but was doubtful of the availability of funds.
At 9:25 P.M. the Council recessed. At 9:30 P.M. the Council reconvened.
It was brought to the Council’s attention that flags and banners would be forwarded to the City within the following week, Bill Wolke would be the contact person.
Hetland informed the Council that the Sacred Heart Catholic Church requested that all users of their facilities submit a usage agreement and proof of insurance. Humbert moved and Thelen seconded a motion approving the facility usage agreement for our 2003 Summer Recreation Program. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
There were some corrections noted and made for the minutes regarding the spelling of names and clarification that Council approved paying the bill for the Lion’s Park vandalism and not to have it applied to our deductible. Humbert moved and Worms seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes for April 15; April 29; and May 5, 2003 as amended. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
EDA
From the discussion at the EDA meeting earlier during the day, Jim Hemker and Paul Hetland would be bringing forward the EDA’s concerns regarding the plans and specifications of the proposed City Hall to Norm Cole the next day. It was also requested that Cole be present at the next meeting of the EDA.
At 9:50 P.M. Worms moved and Hennen seconded a motion to move into Executive Session to discuss an employee matter concerning Anton Massmann at his request. Motion carried. At 10:10 P.M. Thelen moved ad Worms seconded a motion closing the Executive Session. Motion carried.
There was a brief discussion regarding the funding of street improvement projects. It was the general feeling by the Council that the appropriate bonds should be taken on all of the projects.
Thelen moved and Hetland seconded a motion to adjourn the EDA meeting at 10:49 P.M. Motion carried
Goebel moved and Worms seconded a motion to adjourn the Council meeting at 10:50 P.M. Motion carried.
