Also in attendance were the following: Roberta Olson, Andy Grieve, Betty Hennen, Heidi Peper, Kent Roessler, Don Anderson, and Jim Schulz.
Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland, Mark Middendorf, 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 February 25, 2004 minutes as amended. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Variance Hearing - Andy and Holly Grieve
The variance hearing was called to order at 7:35 P.M. Andy Grieve presented his variance request for no more than 5 feet between the Grieve property and Betty Hennen's property for the replacement and construction of a accessory use building. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve the variance as requested. Discussion followed and included Betty Hennen's approval of the variance. Motion carried. Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to close the variance hearing. Motion carried.
Report - Jim Schulz, SEH
Jim Schulz was present to further clarify and discuss the 2005 Main Street public improvement project. Schulz presented assessment information for the project based on the current City of Freeport assessment policies. Discussion followed on the topic. No formal action was taken.
He also reported that Pilot Land Company's request for lot size information and Hetland added that the EDA met and formally recommended that a minimum lot size be no smaller than 75' in the front and 150' deep. More discussion would take place later in the meeting with Kent Roessler and Don Anderson.
Schulz further reported on the meeting with Mitch Anderson and Jodi Teich the preceding Friday on Main Street. He noted that the key to the drafting of plans on the project is determining elevations through a survey.
Report - Heidi Peper, SEH
Heidi Peper was present to review the small cities grant program and its applicability to our project next year and in 2007. She described that if we were awarded a grant, it could pay for tens of thousands of dollars worth of improvements throughout the City. She noted that the application fee would be $10,000 and could be split up between two years and that it would cover a two year submission process to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). She mentioned that typically the first year applicants are denied but chances are better in the second and third years of application submissions. Thelen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to proceed with the Small Cities Development Program grant process including the preparation and distribution of community development surveys for the amount of $10,000 to be split by $5000 in 2004 and $5000 in 2005. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
New Business
There was great discussion regarding proposals for residential development in and around the City. Thelen brought to discussion the recommendation from the EDA that a minimum lot size be no smaller than 75' in the front and 150' deep. Kent Roessler and Don Anderson were present and added to the discussion that they felt the recommended minimum was too large. It was formally agreed that the frontages would be no smaller that 75' and that the lot depths would be no smaller than 125' with a 30' setback from the lot line in the front. A formal subdivision ordinance would need to be drafted and approved, moreover, the development would most likely be a planned unit development before the development could begin. There was also discussion on water and sewer service to any new development and the respective trunk and other fees to appropriately apply fair costs. Roessler mentioned that his company was currently working with Middendorfs, Fleischhackers, and Pungs.
Joe Hennen brought to the attention of those present an idea to build a baseball field needing approximately 7 to 8 acres. Roessler state that he would be willing to work with the idea.
One acre lots were also discussed. Ideas in this concept included ditches, no curb, sanitary sewer, property owners drill their wells, and perhaps covenants on larger garages. Roessler indicated that he would research the feasibility of the concept.
There was also discussion on assessments on the Main Street project. Goebel mentioned that he and others he spoke with on the east side of County Road 157 desire curb and gutter if there is going to be an assessment placed on their properties. The point was noted, no formal action was taken, and further future discussion was encouraged.
Report - Joel Dasher, Maintenance Worker
Dasher provided a written report which is on file for review. Council mentioned to Dasher that the water and waste water hook-up fees be discussed and billed for each new utility service. It was also mentioned how low the City's fee is for both of these hook-ups and that a higher amount should be considered.
Dasher brought to the Council's attention the need for a small grader for maintaining many areas throughout the City. He noted that such a unit would work well in alleys and in parking lots. Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve of the Road Boss grader for the amount of $1500 if after the period on loan to the City it is approved by Joel Dasher and Mark Middendorf. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Dasher mentioned that the following Tuesday, the City of Melrose will be sweeping the streets.
Report - Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer
Hetland provided a written report which is on file for review. He requested guidance on proceeding with filling the need for office administrative assistance. It was suggested that he investigate using a volunteer from the Senior Center or other volunteer to help out with extra work in the office.
It was also mentioned that Hetland look into hiring out an individual to clean the new city hall. Various names were mentioned and Hetland stated that he would follow through and report back at a future meeting.
Thelen brought forward his appointments for 2004. They are as follows:
- Official Depository: Freeport State Bank, League of Minnesota Cities Credit Union, Central Minnesota Federal Credit Union
- Finance Committee: City Council
- Street Commissioners: David H. Matt W.
- Legal Advisor: Meyer & Meyer/Rinke Noonan
- Legal Prosecutor: Robert E. Pottratz
- Meeting Date 2nd and Last Wednesday (check 2004 schedule)
- Park & Rec. Board:: Ken Goebel
- Economic Dev. Authority: No appointment necessary
- Chief of Police: John Thelen
- Zoning Officers: City Council
- Acting Mayor: Matt Worms
- Weed Inspectors: Joel D. Mark M.
- Health Officer: Melrose Clinic
- Assessor: Stearns County
- Official Newspaper: Melrose Beacon
- Public Examiner: Schlenner Wenner and Co.
- City Police Officers: Served by the Stearns Co Sheriff's Office
- City Engineer: SEH
- Liaison Fire Dept.: City Council
- Liaison Chamber: Paul Hetland
- Building Inspector: Dan Marthaler
Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the appointments as recommended by Mayor Thelen. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Humbert brought to Hetland's attention a gray 4-door pick up that was parked by the Corner Store and that he should contact Steve Notch about moving it.
The area behind the Main Street businesses was brought up regarding its maintenance. Discussion followed and it was agreed that major renovation of the area should wait until after the road project.
Regarding the 2005 Main Street project, Thelen mentioned that we should look into the possibility of replacing the bituminous material with concrete for the entire section of CASH 60 and that the City, in such a change, could pay for the upcharge for using concrete. It was noted that other cities, such as Osakis have used concrete on their roads to gain greater life.
Thelen also mentioned the high cost of health care that the City pays for Hetland and Dasher. Questions included the amount of the deductible for both employees at their health care visits and the possibility of medical savings accounts. Council's intentions are to lower the amount spent by the City annually and still maintain the high level of health care benefits to the City's employees. Hetland said that he would investigate options and report to Council at a future date.
Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion approving the claims as presented in the amount of $12,545.14. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Mark Middendorf brought to the Council's attention a past issue concerning the usage of the City's tennis courts. Thelen stated that he would discuss the matter with the effected parties in hopes to bring back their participation at the tennis courts.
At 10:39 P.M. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
