Also in attendance were the following: Roberta Olson, Kathy Korte, Robert Lindvall, Mark Middendorf, Viola Borgerding, Rodney Atkinson, Norb and Adella Renneker, Jim Schulz, Ester Steinemann, Jim Hemker, David Lang, Robert and Bonnie Arnzen, Sue Raden, and Everett Scherping.
Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joel Dasher.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.
Local Board of Review
At 6:30 P.M. John Thelen called to order the Local Board of Review. Robert Lindvall and Kathy Korte from the Stearns County Assessor's Office were present to review and answer questions regarding the property valuation appraisals for 2005. They gave a brief overview of the evening's agenda and of the valuations. Overall, they reported that taxes had dropped across the city and values went up, which is typically what is desired by a city. They further reported that the typical increases across the city were as follows: residential 10% to 12%, commercial 20% to 22%, apartments 23% to 25%, and agricultural 17% to 19%. It was reported that the City's total valuation was $29,595,500. The Board of Review may make changes equaling up to 1% of that amount or $295,955.
The itinerary continued with property owners addressing the Council and the audience from the podium until all cases were heard. After which time, the Council discussed the merits of each and how to appropriate decide on each request. The following paragraphs indicate the synopsis of that process including the property, the proposed change, and the final action by the Board of Review:
Middendorf Brothers Partnership properties R54.32129.050, R54.32129.051, R54.32129.54, and R54.32129.057. Mr. Middendorf brought to the Council’s attention his desire to devalue his property based on his calculations. Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to reduce the first property to $13,600, the second property to $4,300, the third property to $6000, and keep the fourth property unchanged at $331,700. Discussion offered. Motion carried. Thelen moved and Worms seconded a motion to document the thoughts and concerns raised over the fourth parcel, R54.32129.057, that the amount is currently $5500 per acre and that the City has an option agreement until 2012 with the Middendorf Brothers Partnership to buy the land for $6000 per acre, and therefore, the amount should not be raised more than that amount. Lindvall concurred. Further discussion offered. Motion carried.
Norbert and Adella Renneker property R54.32101.000 and Ester Steinemann property R54.32097.000. Mr. and Mrs. Steinemann brought to the Council's attention their desire to devalue his property based on the devaluation of their property due to the unsightly condition of the adjacent property owned by Beutz Radiator Service. Hetland noted that for taxes payable in 2000, the Renneker property valuation was reduced by 5% and in 2001 their valuation was reduced by 10%. The Steinemann property was reduced by 5% for 2001. Thelen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to place an obsolescence factor on both parcels R54.32101.000 and R54.32097.000 of 10%, thereby $84,200 and 87,200 respectively. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
David Lang property R54.32192.000. Mr. Lang brought to the Council's attention his desire to devalue his property based on supposed improvements included on the valuation statement that were not made in the previous year. Discussion followed and included the information that new siding was added to the residence six years ago. With the assessment cycle through the County Assessor's office, the change was first noted this year. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to keep the Lang property R54.32192.000 at the proposed valuation, to keep it at $101,500. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Sue Raden property R54.32137.000. Mrs. Raden brought to the Council's attention her desire to devalue the property based on the poor condition of the building. Through discussion, it was proposed to raise the valuation by 5% from year's valuation of $67,900. Humbert moved and Hennen seconded to reduce of the Corner Store property R54.32137.000 to the valuation to $71,300. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Everett Scherping property R54.32275.100. Mr. Scherping brought to the Council's attention his desire to clarify and properly value the small amount of property now stated to be within the Freeport Industrial Park. Discussion followed regarding the incorrect surveying of the land which incorrectly included his property in the Industrial Park. Worms moved and Goebel second to reduce the valuation of the Scherping property R54.32275.100 to the minimal amount allowed by law of $500. Discussion offered. Motion carried. Hetland was instructed to write a letter to the County Assessor and Auditor to make the necessary corrections to omit the Scherping property from all the Freeport Industrial Park records.
Delorus Schwinghammer property R54.32129.006. Mrs. Schwinghammer was unable to attend the meeting, but forwarded a letter via the city clerk to the Council. The letter was read aloud and is available on file. It was reported that her valuation went up by approximately 9%. Discussion noted that this increase was below the average increase across the City. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to keep the Schwinghammer property at the proposed valuation at $83,100. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Community Care & Service Corp property R54.32079.010. Jim Hemker brought to the Council's attention his desire to devalue the property to offset the large adjustments in the last few years. Goebel moved and Worms seconded to reduce the valuation to year's amount of $224,500. Discussion included the unique limitations of the non-profit organization to sell the building and that future action may need to take place in an effort to avoid future complications. Motion carried.
Freeport State Bank/hardware building property R54.32218.000. Mr. Hemker brought to the Council's attention the building's proposed assessment was for $52,800. There was considerable discussion on adjacent properties and their varying functions and abilities to raise other funds. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to reduce the property amount to $47,000. Discussion was offered. Motion carried.
Hearing no further requests, Worms moved and Dave seconded a motion to adjourn the Local Board of Review at 8:40 P.M. and fixing the total changes $231,800. Motion carried.
A brief recess was called by the chair at 8:40 P.M. and reconvened at 8:50 P.M.
Rezoning Request
Robert and Bonnie Arnzen were present to discuss their intentions on the property located at 216 1st Ave S (the Famo Feeds barn) and their request to rezone the property from R-1 to C-2 which adjoins the property to the east of 1st Avenue S. The Arnzens indicated that they would intend to place a antique/small business enterprise in the lower level and two apartments in the upper level. Concerns were raised about the parking around the building and a proposal needed for the hearing. Thelen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to initiate the rezoning process to post the notice, contact the nearby property owners, and set the hearing for a time appropriate during the next regularly scheduled Council meeting on April 28, 2004. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Approval of the Minutes
Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve the March 10 and March 26, 2004 minutes. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Report - Jim Schulz, SEH
Jim Schulz provided information on the capacities of our water and waste water systems. His findings were as follows:
WATER
- Water Tower Capacity 60,000 gallons
- Existing Usage 45,000 gallons per day
- Excess Capacity 15,000 gallons
15,000 gallons capacity would allow the approximate development:
- Added population of +/- 136 people
- An additional 50 single family homes
- 6.8 acres Industrial development (2000 gal per acre)
SEWER
- Treatment Pond Capacity 100,000 gallons per day
- Average Daily Flow 50,000 gallons per day
- Excess Capacity 50,000 gallons per day
50,000 gallons capacity would allow the approximate development:
- Added population of +/- 500 people
- An additional 180 single family homes
- 25 acres Industrial developed (2000 gal per acre)
Discussion followed and included great concern about the lack of adequate capacity, especially regarding the water system. Discussion also included applying trunk charges for current development proposals. Staff was instructed to contact Utility Services Company and discuss the findings and to seek out further recommendations.
Schulz also presented further information on the 2005 Main Street public improvement project. He reported that the feasibility report is nearly completed. The major discussion needs to take place regarding assessments and the current assessment policy. Discussion followed regarding including all project costs - water, sewer, curb and gutter, side walks, lights, etc. It was also stated that an overall schematic of the project should be developed to indicate a clear view of the project. Hetland reported the activities of the Main Street Construction Committee and the lighting presentation by Jim Pederson of Illum-A-Nation, and positive reaction from those present. He also indicated that this company could provide the needed overviews of the lighting parts of the project.
Schulz also reported on the proposed residential land development in and around the City. A proposal will be drafted as soon as survey work and results are completed. Four property owners are currently involved in the project from Kent Roessler's company Pilot Land Development - Pungs, Middendorfs, Fleischhackers, and Welles. The City continues to work with Scott Hamak at Rinke Noonan regarding a subdivision ordinance and land use planning.
Report - Joel Dasher, Maintenance Worker
Dasher provided a written report which us on file for review. Dasher was requested to get pricing options for street repairs on 8th Street SE. Also, he was instructed to get an estimate on the repairs needed for in front of the fire hall. Council noted that Dasher was doing an excellent job keeping them well informed on the items in need of service and completing those tasks. Dasher thanked Hetland for his efforts and Council concurred.
Report - Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer
Hetland provided a written report which is on file for review.
There was discussion regarding Hetland's proposal to increase service and efficiency by setting office hours in the new city hall. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to set the new city hall's office hours from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Further discussion offered. Motion carried.
Worms volunteered to meet with the building inspector Dan Marthaler to create the final punchlist for the project. Hetland noted that he would also develop a list based on the items he was aware of to develop a composite list. Council discussed and concluded that an open house for the new city hall should be held when the punchlist is complete.
There was also discussion on the design of a donation board. It was agreed that a minimum amount should be set for the four level system. The minimum will be $250.
Old Business
Worms asked about the progress of the waste water rate adjustment set last fall. Hetland indicated that an update would be provided at the next meeting.
New Business
Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion approving the claims as presented in the amount of $9196.13. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Executive Session - Annual Review of Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer and Business Develepment Confidential Discussion
Thelen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to move into executive session to discuss the annual review of Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer and to discuss a confidential matter regarding a potential business in the City. Motion carried.
Thelen moved and Worms seconded a motion to set Paul Hetland's wages at Group 9, Step 8 at $36,767 annual wage. Discussion included unanimous compliments on the excellent work and service from Hetland. Documented reviews will be completed and further discussion at the next Council meeting. Motion carried.
Hetland initiated the sensitive discussion about a potential business developing in Freeport. No action was taken.
At 11:00 P.M. Humbert moved and Worms seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
