Also in attendance were the following: Ed Job, John Gilk, Herman Lensing, Robert and Bonnie Anrzen, Jerry Meyer, Sue Raden, Tom and Linda Vink, Tony Klassen, 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

Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve the April 14, 2004 minutes as corrected. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Rezoning Hearing

The hearing was opened by Mayor Thelen at 7:32 P.M. 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 they presented plans to answer those concerns. They also mentioned that they would be renovating the building to provide two loft apartments. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to grant the request and re-zone the property at 216 1st Ave S from R-1 to C-2. Discussion offered. Motion carried. At 7:45 P.M. Thelen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to close the hearing. Motion carried.

Report - John Gilk, Fire Chief, Freeport Area Fire Service

John Gilk was present to present the results of the bid opening for the 1974 Water Truck that were publicly opened earlier that day. The results were as follows:

No.

Bidder

Total Bid

1

Gene Bueckers

$2500

2

T&R Middendorf Farms, Inc.

$901

3

Ron Moening

$752

Council requested that the lettering be removed from the vehicle before it is permitted to leave the City. Thelen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to award the highest bidder, Gene Bueckers, the 1974 Water Truck for the amount of $2500 and that the lettering must be removed before the title is signed over. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Gilk also brought forward a request to hire 4 additional fire fighters in light of those retiring and leaving duty. Goebel moved and Worms seconded a motion to begin the process of hiring 4 new fire fighters. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Jerry Meyer Request for Economic Development Assistance

Jerry Meyer addressed the Council with his concerns that his 1.66 acres of property located at the corner of 7th Street SW and Co. Rd. 11 needs tax relief for him to establish a viable business. He stated his desire to continue his business in Freeport and to add four employees. There was a discussion on the pluses and minuses for giving the JOBZ designation to the property. They were as follows:

PRO

CON

Keeps a business in the City

Other areas may want the JOBZ designation swapped to their land. With the great deal of money invested in the Industrial Park, it could be financially imprudent to move that status out of the area even if only a small portion.

Addition of 4 new jobs in the City. Additional employees use businesses in town.

Could tax abatement or TIF accomplish the same goals?

Ads tax revenue to the City after 12 years.

Is it absolutely certain that if JOBZ would not be applied, the business could not make it in Freeport in that location?

The land in that location is and is potentially one of the most valuable pieces of land in the City.

Meyer stated that he did not want to be located in the Industrial Park in close proximity to a competitive business. There was continued discussion on the various options available to Meyer and additional uses for the land considering its high value based on its location. Hetland was instructed to meet with Meyer outside of the meeting after researching the economic development options of JOBZ, tax abatement, and tax increment financing. When asked if he would consider swapping land acre per acre in the Industrial Park, Meyer stated that he would be open to looking at all offers.

Report - Jim Schulz, SEH

Schulz was present to discuss the Main Street 2005 project. After the last road project committee meeting, he made some changes to the Main Street layout. Schulz presented maps showing two options for a downtown parking design. Various issues were raised concerning traffic flow, diagonal parking to help straighten Main Street, placement of a median on the east side of Main Street, amount of parking stalls increased, and location of the park. No action was taken and Schulz was instructed to use the suggestions mentioned at the meeting and draft a new proposal.

Report - Joel Dasher, Maintenance Worker

Dasher provided a written report which us on file for review.

Dasher brought forward a request to update the software system used for utility billing and to replace the current computer used for that software. The primary reason the system needs to be replaced is to comply with the motion made by Council to bill waste water charges based on the first four months of the year. Thelen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to not to exceed $5000 for the purchase of an update utility billing software and a new computer. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

There was discussion on the use of a scissor lift for maintenance concerns. The bucket on our tractor could not be modified to provide a maintenance box/lift because the bucket is not in full control of the person that would be placed within in, in compliance with federal safety standards. Dasher was instructed to look into other options to hang flags and perform other maintenance duties.

Hetland brought forward for discussion the idea of quarterly or multi-month utility billing. Benefits would include a significant cost savings for there would be less postage, less printing and material costs, and less staff time used. Disincentives would be the difficultly for some users to budget, would be unable to find leaks as quickly, and current ability to find other code issues while on meter readings. It was generally agreed that during the winter months the idea had greater merit and could be investigated at a future point.

Report - Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer

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

Hetland brought forward a request to provide new office machines. Much discussion followed on what and the amount of equipment needed. Thelen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to allow for the purchase of a new black-and-white laser printer not to exceed $200. Discussion offered. Motion carried. Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to allow for the purchase of two PCs and necessary hardware not to exceed $2000. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Hetland also brought forward concerns regarding the pet ordinance, specifically regarding enforcing the code on keeping pets leashed once they leave their property. A letter was previously sent to all known pet owners in the City describing the pet ordinance and including a copy of it for reference. The letter had stated that this would be the only warning. A specific case was described and it was ruled that an electronic shock collar does not comply with the City's definition of a "leash" and that a warning should be given to the pet owner. Hetland requested to fine pet owners the impounding fee if pets are found in violation of this ordinance opposed to actually impounding the animal. Council denied the request and instructed Hetland to give a warning to pet owners.

New Business

Worms brought forward concerns regarding weight restrictions on City streets. Council instructed staff to research the topic for review and discussion at a future meeting.

Thelen brought to the Council's attention that he would not be present for the May 12 meeting.

Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the claims as presented in the amount of $12,739.08. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Hennen, on behalf of the Freeport Softball and Recreation Club brought forward three temporary liquor license requests. Thelen moved and Worms seconded a motion to approve of June 5-6, 26-27, and July 31 - August 1. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

It was also brought forward the need for some truck drivers to have adequate place for the storage and parking of their vehicles. Discussion followed and concluded that the needs can be met with current private land owners.

There was further discussion on the cleaning of the new city hall. Suggestions were given to Hetland as he worked with various interested parties in providing cleaning services.

Executive Session - Annual Review of Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer

The Council did not go into executive session for the second part of the review process. Council Members stated that they would submit their written reviews in a timely manner to Hetland.

At 11:20 P.M. Humbert moved and Thelen seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.