Also in attendance were the following: Herman Lensing, Jim Schulz, Andy Grieve, and Mark Middendorf.

Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joel Dasher.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.

Variance Request

Andy Grieve approached the Council with a request to replace his existing garage with a new structure located at 210 2nd Ave NE. The requested variance was on the allowance of a garage to be reconstructed within the 10 foot side yard setback. The proposed garage, from the overhang, would be approximately 5 feet from the northerly side of the premises. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to initiate the variance process as outlined in Freeport City Code Section 500. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Report - Joel Dasher, Maintenance Worker

Dasher provided a written report which is on file for review. He reported that Famo Feeds is working on a plan to keep Industrial Park Drive free of road debris.

He outlined a proposal for lawn fertilizer and weed killer on city maintained areas. Thelen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to proceed with Option 1 from Loren's Tree and Lawn Service which included spraying all 8 locations with a total of $448.79 which includes tax. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Thelen commented and Council agreed that the flags displayed for the Governor's visit were well placed and that Dasher and Middendorf did a great job lowering them.

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 present the draft feasibility report and further discussion on the 2005 Main Street public improvement project. Schulz reported on the frontages and possible assessments for each property. The totals were reported as follows: water main at $134,800.81; water services at $46,667.86; sanitary sewer at $38,776.83; sanitary services at $5,504.40; and street at $119,296.75. The grand total is $345,046.65. It should be noted that this total does not reflect possible curb and gutter extensions, sidewalk replacement, new downtown lighting or the rerouting of electrical wires.

There was much discussion on possible methods of assessing properties on CSAH 60 and Co. Rd. 157. No action was taken or conclusion reached. Further research and discussion is needed.

New Business

Thelen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the claims in the amount of $71,004.01 which included the deletion of a payment to the I-94 Recreation Club for $2000 . Discussion offered. Motion carried.

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