Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joel Dasher.

Also in attendance were Herman Lensing and Harold Sand.

The Pledge of Allegiance was delivered by those present.

Report - Rich Romness, Bolton & MENK

7th Street SW

Romness reported that gravel would be placed on the road the next day and that the following Monday bituminous material would be laid down. He further stated that the final coat of bituminous would be placed on the road in the fall. Romness further noted that three metal culverts were salvaged and that the owners of the culverts should have them in their possession.

Industrial Park

Romness reported that the subcontractor is still grading the Middendorf lot to the east of Ellingson Plumbing and Hardware. He noted that the subcontractor will not be paid until the road is cleaned and the grass along the boulevard is satisfactory.

There was discussion regarding the performance of Bolton & Menk on both of these projects. Concerns were raised regarding the onsite management of projects and the direction that the contractor and subcontractor were receiving in executing the project design plan and areas of communication. There was special concern raised regarding the Middendorf property and the discussion and miscommunications between Romness and Neil Middendorf. Romness noted that there would be a greater effort to communicate with the parties involved with the project. Thelen and Romness left the meeting after the report to examine the work being done on the Middendorf property. Humbert became chair of the meeting.

Report - Joel Dasher, Public Works Department

Dasher provided a written report to the Council of the activities of Mark Middendorf and himself. The report is as follows. There are 2 new water services at the Welle addition for Homecraft and Hennen lots. Much time was spent on locating and raising valve boxes to grade on 7th Street SW for services on the north side. Replaced the water meter and cleaned up water service for the Finken and Hiltner residences. He took lead and copper samples this month for 2003. Valves, curb stops, manholes, and catch basins on Industrial Drive have been inspected. From that information, two valves are not operable. Dasher also requested the need to purchase a trash pump for which the cost would be approximately $500 to $1000. The pump would be primarily for pumping out valve boxes in the fall during annual valve operation. Worms mentioned that the pumps can be purchased at a lower cost in the fall and suggested the purchase be reconsidered by Council at that time when some prices are researched. Dasher reported that a short key is needed due to the installation of a riser in the curb boxes. Council agreed that staff should purchase the key. He reported that the sewer jetting was done on this day; 3000 feet of line was cleaned. The ballpark was also covered - a repaired water leak, replaced toilet and clean up, repaired fencing, lawn work aerating and seeding, and front hall landscape and repair.

Old Business

Sidewalk Information

Matt Worms presented information regarding a uniform standard of sidewalks and concrete aprons. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to incorporate the changes in our city building code and to include the information as a part of the appropriate permit process. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

8:30 PM Thelen returned to the meeting and became chair.

New Business

Harold Sand called in advance of the meeting to request placement on the agenda, and was given the floor to ask questions regarding Lot 1, Block 1 of the Welle Country Acres. Sand requested information regarding all costs, fees, and actions to be incurred upon purchase of the lot. Council and staff informed Sand of the following: water and sewer hook up costs, assessments on the property (payable by the current owner), and the current situation with the lot and construction. A letter from Charles Durenberger and Dan Marthaler, state building officials, was presented to Sand for his review to explain their stipulations on the property. It was explained that as the current plans and specifications state, under the state building code, the dwelling would have to be occupied by the owner. Sand stated that he had no desire to live on the premises. Council and staff informed Sand that the property could meet his desire to rent to two parties if the building's middle wall and other aspects were brought in compliance with the state building code. Also, it was understood that the lot would have to be split in two to accommodate the duel occupancy by a non-owner and that two water and sewer hook-ups would be needed. This was the understanding of the Council and staff and Sand was encouraged to discuss matters further with the local building inspector Dan Marthaler for confirmation and clarification of the facts presented. Sand appreciated the facts from Council and left the meeting.

New City Hall

Thelen moved and Goebel seconded Resolution 2003-24 Accepting the transfer of land from the Freeport State Bank to the City of Freeport subject to the results of an environmental study and a statement of the well closing. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Hetland announced that the ground breaking for the new city hall would be Monday, August 18, 2003 at 7:00 P.M.

A copy of the subcontractors for Hennen Lumber was provided at the meeting. They are as follows:

  • Soil testing, Kevin Reiler
  • Excavating, Butch Thull
  • Block, Central MN Concrete
  • Brick, Randy Servatius
  • Blacktop, Craigs Backtopping
  • Cabinets, Woodshop
  • Plumbing, Ellingson's Plumbing and Heating
  • Heating and A/C, Mid Central
  • Electrical, Scherping Electric
  • Tile and Carpet, Hennen Floor
  • Building Contractor, Gaebel Construction

Council requested Hetland to follow through with Romness to ensure that the second coat of bituminous was not applied on 7th Street SW as earlier stated in the evening. Rather, that the layer be placed on in the spring as it was understood to be completed in the contract.

Claims

Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve change order number 3 to construct the cul-de-sac at the end of 3rd Street NE. Discussion offered. Motion carried. This payment was not a part of the claims during this meeting. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve the claims as presented by staff. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Development Joint Meeting

9:05 PM a joint meeting of Oak Township, Millwood Township, and the City of Freeport was called to order. Including those from the City of Freeport in attendance, the meeting also included Bob Timp. Bob Roeike, and Giles Reiland from Oak Township and Adolph Wensmann from Millwood Township. Greg Bechtold and his staff were present from the Stearns County Environmental Services office.

Bechtold introduced himself and his staff and the purpose of the joint meeting: To begin the discussion of the three entities regarding the future zoning and development of the area. Discussion followed regarding the definition of the zones surrounding the area, primarily A40 and A80 which require 40 and 80 acres respectively of agricultural land for each residence. Examples of cooperative zoning in the area were discussed. Staff was requested to contact Rich Romness again regarding the "wetland bank" that the City is supposed to have developed. Much discussion occurred regarding the areas around Freeport for development and possible timelines for development. The group mutually concluded that the zoning and the long range plan would remain the same due to the lack of any current land owner intending to sell property.

Humbert brought to Council's attention the need for a charitable gambling resolution for the Lions Club. Goebel moved and Thelen seconded a motion approving Resolution 2003-26 approving the Freeport Lions Club gambling permit application. Discussion offered. Humbert abstained. Motion carried.

Humbert also noted that the Lions Club would augment the price of signs for Industrial Park and 7th Street SW. In addition, the Lions intend to pay for the new toilet installed at the Lions Park due the former's destruction by vandals. Staff was instructed not to place the charge on our insurance's deductible, rather to pay the bill.

Staff was instructed to inform the property owners on 7th Street SW that street address numbers are available at the City Hall.

Regarding 3rd Street NE, Council instructed staff to ask questions of the residents on the boulevard if they have any specific concerns to bring forward to the hearing.

Council discussed their preference toward having future meetings on Wednesday evenings when considering next year's meeting schedule.

Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the Council meeting at 10:30 P.M. Motion carried.