Also in attendance were the following: Herman Lensing, Rodney Atkinson, and Jim Schulz.
Staff person on hand was Paul Hetland.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.
Report - Jim Schulz, SEH
Schulz was present to discuss the formal process of vacating the old blanket easements in the northeast portion of the City. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to allow the city engineer to continue with the process of vacating the land in auditor subdivision #5. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Schulz brought forward a proposed layout for the housing addition from Pilot Land Company for the Welle property south of the current Welle Country Acres. He also brought forward issues concerning a Stearns County ordinance on feedlot setbacks and the issues concerning development of the land. There were many questions regarding this finding and Schulz and Hetland will work to bring more information to the attention of the EDA and Council at meetings as soon as possible.
For the 7th Street SW and 3rd Street NE projects, Schulz is working on the final punchlists and will report at an upcoming City Council meeting. There was a question why the word "REMOVE" was written on a sidewalk on 3rd Street NE. Schulz would investigate and report back to Council. Also, there was a concern raised about the first manhole on 7th Street SW that needed attention prior to the application of the final ware course.
Report - Joel Dasher, Maintenance Worker
Hetland delivered a verbal report in Dasher's absence. In the last two weeks, crack filling was done on many streets throughout the City. The ponds have been drained. The Senior Center ceiling work is complete. The vast majority of the work has been moving and organizing into the new city hall. Dasher stated his public appreciation for all of the hard work from Ken Goebel in helping in the past week with the move.
Report - Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer
Hetland provided a written report which is on file for review.
Hetland brought forward the concerning regarding Beutz's Radiator Service. Hetland recommended and Council discussed the matter and felt the Mayor should be present before formal action is taken. Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion to table the matter until the next meeting. Motion carried.
Hetland brought forward a request for a meeting of the Main Street Road Project Committee meeting. Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion to hold the next meeting on Tuesday, May 25 at noon in the new city hall. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
Hetland brought forward a design created by Scenic Sign Corp. for Freeport's city seal. There was discussion on the design and Hetland was requested to solicit more designs from the company and include a design with no clouds and one with a skyline.
Hetland also brought forward the matter as to when to hold an open house for the new city hall. There was much discussion on the matter. Hetland noted that John Thelen and Jim Hemker discussed the issue and recommended having it on a weeknight. Further discussion included the American Legion's availability on a weekend. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to hold the open house on Sunday, June 6 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Hetland asked for assistance as to an invitee list for the grand opening. Council gave many suggestions.
New Business
Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the claims as presented in the amount of $25,428.34. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
There was a discussion on street cleaning after construction projects. Hetland was instructed to bring the matter to Dasher's attention and look into recommendations for Freeport.
Executive Session
At 8:55 PM, Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to discuss the possible contract with Experience Works and hiring of an employee through that organization. Motion carried.
Hetland brought forward his recommendation and an e-mailed recommendation from John Thelen.
Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion to authorize the city clerk to begin a formal relationship with Experience Works and hire Ann Beard for a period from June 1 through August 31. Discussion offered. Motion carried.
At 9:20 PM, Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the executive session. Motion carried.
There was a discussion on the use of city hall. No formal action taken or recommendation made regarding renting or using the city hall space by outside groups.
At 9:30 P.M. Goebel moved and Worms seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
