Also in attendance were the following: Herman Lensing, Rodney Atkinson, Mark Middendorf, and Fritz Hoeschen.

Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joel Dasher.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.

Approval of the Minutes

Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve the October 29 meeting minutes as amended. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

2003 Renewal Premium/Insurance Coverage

Fritz Hoeschen of the Commercial Exchange Corporation presented the 2004 insurance coverage for the City of Freeport and answered questions. Thelen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to eliminate all items covered under $5000 and to raise the premium's deductible to $5000. Discussion followed. Hennen wanted it noted that items that may be damaged in the baseball fields previously covered, would be replaced by the City in the event of damage or destruction of such property. These items are the ball park well, park shelter, park sign, city hall sign, radio tower, and flag pole. Council concurred. Motion carried. Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion to raise the Medical Expense Limit to $5000 per occurrence and $25,000 for the aggregate amount. Discussion offered. Motion carried. Hoeschen stated that the rate should come down and he would forward the information on to the League of Minnesota Cities Trust to adjust the amounts and policy accordingly.

Report - EDA

Thelen reported that all is on schedule and progressing well with the City Hall. Furnishings and cabinetry were examined by EDA and most of the decision have been made and decisions forwarded to appropriate parties. The small conference room table will not be the one currently in the Freeport State Bank. Jim Hemker offered to donate the expenses to build a matching meeting room table. Discussion on donations. Goebel mentioned an example of a plaque indicating all donations similar to the Catholic church in Albany has displayed in their entry way. The EDA and Council agreed that 4 levels are established:

  • Bronze (all donations under $1000)
  • Silver (under $5000 to 1000.01)
  • Gold (under $10,000 to 5000.01)
  • Platinum (10,000.01 to $15,000 and over)

EDA also met with the D&L Anderson developer interested in residential expansion in Freeport. From the limited information presented from the representative, it didn't appear advantageous to begin the development but the EDA encouraged the agency to provide the City with more information and encouraged their interest in us.

Report - Joel Dasher, Maintenance Worker

Dasher provided a written report to Council. Dasher requested from Council what to do with snow removal in the alley behind the new city hall and Main Street businesses. After thorough discussion, it was generally agreed that the snow should be placed in the area near Dairyland Graphics or ultimately hauled away. Regarding the ponds, at this point all work must be completed in spring. The area along the top of the riprap on Dike One where the damage has been could possibly be filled with more riprap instead of black dirt. In this case, the difficulty in mowing would be lessened, and the integrity of the dike would be increased in a case of a full pond situation. Being the east side of the dike has the strongest winds do impact that side of the ponds the most. SEH and Landwehr have not made a comment on how to resolve the situation. On other maintenance areas, a snow fence was placed along the southern border of the Lions Park in efforts to keep unwanted vehicles out of the park. The skating rink was filled today. Dasher reported that he will have it good shape as soon as possible, especially before the Christmas break period.

Report - Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer

Hetland reported that Rich Romness resigned his position from Bolton & Menk on December 2, 2003 taking a position at Survey and Engineering Professionals in St. Cloud. Council requested that Hetland remove the City's intellectual property from Bolton & Menk and transfer it to SEH.

Hetland reported that the Road Projects Committee will be meeting the following Monday at 9:00 A.M. He also reported that the 2003 payout for the Area Fire Service Firefighters and Officers were made. He reported that the survey posts recently installed in the Industrial Park were mandated by state statute due to platting the area.

Mark Middendorf reported that the Stearns County Sheriff's Office has implemented new coverage hours throughout the county which explains the greater service recently noticed in the City.

A discussion regarding parked vehicles, especially large trucks, included the following action. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to fine $100 per offense for trucks parked in violation of Winter Parking Rules, Freeport City Code 1310.11. Discussion offered. Motion carried. Staff was encouraged to meet with the truck drivers involved and look for alternative parking options. Discussion also followed regarding the updating of parking signs. Staff was instructed to update the signs to include the new time of 2:30 A.M.

New Business

Humbert moved and Thelen seconded a motion approving the claims as presented in the amount of $47,819.69. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Thelen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the zoning permit for the Smiley Gas Mart's signage. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Humbert brought forward a concern regarding the placement of a sign warning drivers of children at the end of the 9th Street SE (Welle Country Acres). No action was taken.

Thelen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve of a exempt gambling permit for the Sacred Heart Parish as long as the preceding information is in order and compliance with state statute. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Brief discussion on marketing ideas for Freeport Chamber of Commerce to review.

At 11:10 P.M. Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.