Also in attendance were the following: Herman Lensing, Jim Schulz, John Botz, and Tim Hennen.

Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joel Dasher.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.

Approval of the Minutes

Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the January 28 and February 11, 2004 minutes as amended. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Governor's Visit

John Botz addressed the Council regarding Governor Tim Pawlenty's intended visit to Freeport on Friday, March 5. He proposed the idea of a Freeport proclamation "Governor Tim Pawlenty Day" and gave a formal invitation to the Council to attend the event.

Report - Joel Dasher, Maintenance Worker

No report was provided. Council discussed the idea of a maintenance building and what would be needed regarding size. It was discussed that 42' X 60', 2500 square feet would suffice. Various locations around the City were also discussed.

Report - Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer

Hetland provided a written report which is on file for review.

City Hall Project

In Hetland's written report, there was a breakdown of the activities since the last meeting. Placement of the chair rail was discussed and Hetland was directed to omit it from the Council chamber, run into the corner blocks in the small conference room, and for the front section of the building run into the corner blocks on the interior windows and into the casing on the exterior windows. It was mentioned that the front sidewalk was cracked due to frost, which is outside of all quality controls, and that the City was not going to expect the Contractor to replace the concrete.

Report - Jim Schulz, SEH

Jim Schulz was present to further clarify and discuss the 2005 Main Street public improvement project. Discussion followed regarding the exact route of service being proposed. Schulz provided maps and answered questions regarding the proposed water and waste water services.

Annual Area Fire Service Meeting

At 9:00 P.M. the Annual Meeting Area Fire Service was called to order. In attendance were the following:

City of Freeport

  • John Thelen
  • Dave Humbert
  • Ken Goebel
  • Joe Hennen
  • Matt Worms

City of St. Anthony

  • Jim Cremers

City of St. Rosa

  • John Stoernman

Krain Township

  • Bret Olson

Millwood Township

  • Adolph Wensmann
  • Steve Notch

Oak Township

  • Bob Timp
  • Giles Rieland
  • Ralph Koetter

St. Martin Township

  • Ken Utsch

Albany Township - not present

Also present were Herman Lensing, John Gilk, Fire Chief and Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer.

John Gilk and Paul Hetland gave a brief review of the agenda. Gilk mentioned that the new water truck is in service and that the old one would be placed out for sale via bid process within the next couple of weeks.

Fire Hall Ownership

John Thelen lead the discussion on the Area Fire Service's ownership/sole user of the entire fire hall and property. Hetland provided information from a recent county assessor's estimate on the building and the land. The land was valued at $31,300 and the building at $123,000 totally $154,000. Much discussion followed and revolved around the price of $65,000 to $75,000. Krain moved and Millwood seconded a motion to purchase the building and land for $100,000 with the stipulation that the City of Freeport would relocate all supplies and equipment within two years and that each of the entities of the Area Fire Service, with the exception of the City of Freeport, would pay their percentage of $100,000 of what they currently contribute. The amounts would be Albany $1500, Krain $6200, Millwood $37,800, Oak $17,000, St. Martin $3300, St. Anthony $1300, and St. Rosa $2400 totaling $69,500. Discussion offered. Motion carried unanimously. Humbert moved and Worms seconded an agreeing motion. Discussion offered. Motion carried unanimously.

Financial Review and 2005 Budget

Thelen, Gilk, and Hetland gave a brief financial and budget review and Hetland provided copies of the financial review and the 2005 proposed budget. Millwood moved and Krain seconded a motion approving the 2005 budget for $97,731.00 and combining the building and equipment sinking funds. Discussion offered. Motion carried. Of the remaining $8899 unspent in the 2003 budget, there was discussion on the allocation of the amount. Krain moved and Millwood seconded a motion to allocate $8899 to the building and equipment sinking funds. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Krain moved and St. Rosa seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 11:10 P.M.

The City Council meeting resumed.

New Business

In Hetland's report he requested action on final payment to Kuechle Underground but considering the previous actions on assigning liquidated damaged due to lack of substantial completion on the project, as contract stated and allowed, as of October 15, 2002. Thelen moved and Worms seconded a motion to approve of the final payment, with the liquidated damages subtracted as outlined in Hetland's report, for the amount of $6412.05. Discussion. Motion carried.

Worms moved and Thelen seconded a motion to approve of and pay for the attendance of Dave Humbert and Paul Hetland for the March 3 League of Minnesota Cities Legislative Conference for a fee of $70 per person. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve of the attendance for Paul Hetland at the Region III Municipal Clerks and Finance Officers Association's Meeting on February 27. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Worms moved and Hennen seconded a motion to approve the claims in the amount of $14,162.02. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

At 12:03 A..M. February 26, 2004 Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.