Also in attendance were the following: Roberta Olson, Tim Hennen, Robert Roelike, Duane and Kathy Pung, Bob Timp, Jim Schulz, Rodney Atkinson, Jerry Meyer, Kathy Welle, Jim Hemker, Jackie Atkinson, Kent Roessler, and Don Anderson.

Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland, Mark Middendorf, and Joel Dasher.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.

New Business

Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion approving the claims as presented in the amount of $25,401.26. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Approval of the Minutes

Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the meeting minutes for the May 26 and July 8, 2004 meetings. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

EDA Special Meeting - Residential Development

7:30 P.M. a special joint meeting of the Economic Development Authority and City Council was called to order regarding the proposed residential development of the 28 acres south of the current Welle Country Acres.

Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve Resolution No. 2004-04 a Joint Resolution of the City of Freeport and the Township of Oak Regarding the Orderly Annexation of the Property from the Town into the City. Discussion offered. It was mentioned and agreed upon by City and Township representatives present that in the future the City and Township should look into an orderly annexation process to more efficiently annex land. Motion carried.

Hetland provided a colorized version as a reference aid of the lot frontages of the proposed development from Pilot Land Company. Ample discussion followed regarding lot frontage size and side yard setbacks and the proposed development. Roessler mentioned that he was excited of how far the process was at and that he "would not hold the City hostage" regarding the possible vacation of his developmental plan in replacement of purchasing the land to another, larger frontage lot development. There was discussion by those present that had attended the special meeting to Clearwater to investigate the Pilot Land Co residential design there. It was mentioned that the development did not look "cookie cutter." It was also clarified that Roessler himself is the architectural control committee that will be responsible for protecting the standards and integrity of the neighborhood. Tim Hennen was concerned that there was a limited number of styles to choose. Roessler discussed that there are 11 different plans and 8 of them have 3 car garage possibilities. He also clarified that each lot is intended to have a single family dwelling on it. It was mentioned that the real estate agents on the Clearwater trip stated that the smaller lots were more difficult to sell. There was no explanation of this comment. Tim Hennen brought forward concerns on the City's water, waste water, and law enforcement needs with the growth being proposed in this development. Thelen and Humbert responded that these issues have been looked into in depth and facts were brought forward regarding the city engineer's estimates on our water and waste water capacity needs. Discussion followed on the merits and philosophies of residential growth. Roessler responded that flat roofs and mobile homes would not be allowed in the development. Drive over curb was discussed and it is Roessler's preference in the construction of the streets in his developments. After discussion, there was no opposition to the proposal of surmountable curbs.

Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to rescind the motion made at a previous meeting for minimum lots of a 100' frontage by 125' depth. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Jim Hemker spoke out against the development believing that the process was preconceived and that the City was making too many concessions to Pilot Land Company and he publicly stated he was not thrilled with the proposed development. Jackie Atkinson was present for a short time during the discussion and aired her displeasure with the project before she left the room. It was noted that many concessions were made by Pilot Land Company in this process; Roessler noted that more concessions have been given to Freeport than any other city he has worked with in over two decades. Many were made, but most notably was on the most contentious issue of lot frontages: Initially he wanted most lots to be a minimum of 60' frontage that was negotiated to 75'. Hetland noted the breakdown of frontages for the record. They are as follows:

  • Frontages proposed out of 74 lots
  • 70's = 32 = 43%
  • 80's = 18 = 24%
  • 90's = 2 = 28%
  • 100+ = 3 = 4%

Hemker again noted is dissatisfaction with the proposal and accused the Council of not following the recommendations of the EDA. Goebel noted that he attended many of the EDA meetings and that their advice was followed in this process. It was also noted that only one motion was approved by EDA and was brought to Council which was unanimously approved by the EDA that the lot minimum frontage to be set at 75'. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to move forward with the development process. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

At 9:35 PM Thelen moved and Hetland seconded a motion to adjourn the special EDA meeting. Motion carried. The Council then recessed and reconvened at 9:45 PM.

Report - Jim Schulz, SEH

Schulz was present to give a brief update on the Main Street project. He presented information showing a preliminary total of approximately $1,700,000 for the entire project. This amount did not indicate the amount for relocation of utility lines in the downtown area as a suggested part of this project. Thelen noted that the bonding process should be investigated as soon as possible. Hetland noted that he would bring information for the next available meeting. Schulz noted that about 18% of the project is engineering fees.

Schulz also presented information for review regarding the Auditor's Subdivision #5 and the easements that could be released. The information was accepted and will be reviewed at a future meeting.

With Schulz presented, Council noted additions necessary for the new development. The were as follows: wider easements between homes, developer pays for lighting, water mains should be increased in size for future development, a civil defense siren should be paid for by the developer, maintenance of the storm water ponds, and concrete paths to the park.

Report - Joel Dasher, Public Works Drector

Dasher provided a written report which is on file for review. Schulz and Dasher presented information regarding the possible overlay of 8th Street SE. Staff will prepare information more information for possible assessment on the project. Dasher also noted that the state waste water permit is due February 28, 2005 and that he has begun the process. Dasher also noted that there are many infiltration issues in many parts of the City needing attention. Hetland noted of Dasher's assistance with the auditors since the last meeting.

Report - Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer

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

A formal request was brought forward by the Department of Employment and Economic Development for 21 acres of JOBZ land to be given to Anderson Trucking in the City of Rockville. Humbert moved and Worms seconded a motion to deny the request. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Hetland also noted that he spoke with Mark Renn, MnDOT and Lake Wobegon Trail supervisor that all beautification plans for near and on the trail right-of-way would be approved if it was safe for the trail users.

Hetland was asked to look into lighting options in the Industrial Park. More information will follow at a future meeting.

New Business

Thelen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to move into Executive Session for the annual review of Mark Middendorf. The Council noted that Middendorf was doing an exceptional job. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve of an increase from $10.50 per hour to $11.00 per hour. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the Executive Session at 11:40 PM. Motion carried.

Middendorf noted that there were a number of motorized scooters in the City and was concerned about the possible effect.

At 11:45 P.M. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.