The purpose of the special meeting was to conduct the improvement hearings for 7th Street SW and for the Industrial Park.

Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joel Dasher.

Also in attendance were Herman Lensing, Jerry Meyer, Jerry Butkowski, Rich Romness, Floyd Sand, and Rodney Atkinson.

The Pledge of Allegiance was delivered by those present.

EDA Report

Thelen and Hetland reported that shingling on the new city hall would be completed by the weekend.

On Lot 1, Block 1 of the Welle Country Acres, there was a proposal brought forward via Scott Dymoke at the EDA meeting that the City consider demolishing the building and making the lot suitable for building. The lot would meet the aesthetic needs of the community and allow the owner greater chances in selling the property. Discussion followed. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve up to $6500 for the demolition of the building on Lot 1, Block 1 of the Welle Country Acres with the amount payable to Dave Gerads Construction and the contract made by Dave Anderson. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

There was a discussion regarding an offer made by Steve Lieser and the sale of property in the Freeport Industrial Park. Lieser offered to purchase Block 1, Lots 1 and 2 for $23,000 per acre. He wanted the 6.22 acres and freeway visibility. The asking price for the lots is $28,000 per acre which is broken down in the following manner: $16,000 for assessments, $6000 to the Middendorf Brothers Partnership, and $6000 for the City to develop the park. The Council rejected his offer and offered to accept the price on Block 2, Lot 2. Hetland was instructed to convey this message to him the following day.

8:00 P.M. Hearing:

Consider, and possibly adopt, the proposed assessment for the (nature of improvement, i.e., laying of bituminous, storm sewer, etc.) improvement of 7th Street south west. A punchlist of the remaining activities on the project was distributed to those present. There was a large discussion on the culverts along the street, especially with the replacement of Rodney Atkinson's and Quality Trailer's culverts. At 8:20 P.M. Humbert moved and Worms seconded a motion to close the hearing. Motion carried. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2003-29 to adopt the assessment role as presented for the 7th Street SW Improvement Project at the rate of 6%. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Dasher provider information to the Council regarding a few trash pumps. Thelen moved and Worms seconded a motion to approve the PTV model trash pump. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

8:30 P.M. Hearing:

Consider, and possibly adopt, the proposed assessment for the (nature of improvement, i.e., laying of bituminous, development, etc.) improvement of Industrial Park Drive. Thelen moved and Worms seconded a motion to open the hearing. Motion carried. Rich Romness gave an overview of the assessments concerning Quality Trailer. Thelen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to close the hearing at 9:00 P.M. to close the hearing. Motion carried. Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2003-30 to adopt the assessment role as presented for the Industrial Park Improvement Project at a rate of 6%. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

A brief overview was made by Humbert, Goebel, and Hetland regarding their attendance at the September 30, 2003 Stearns County Engineer's 5-year plan meeting. They brought to the Council's attention information on CR 11 and CSAH 157/60. It was mentioned that our county commissioner Don Otte should be contacted regarding the proposed road projects.

Hetland provided a letter from Larry Zins of Market Landscape Tactics (MLT) the marketing firm for Preferred Controls, Inc.'s water security system. Council appreciated the letter for a request of a meeting but would like to have a benefit for the City such as a reimbursement of employee(s) wages. Council also suggested delaying a workshop until after the new city hall is operational.

Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the Council meeting at 9:30 P.M. Motion carried.