Also in attendance were the following: Herman Lensing, Sue Raden, and Jim Schulz.

Staff person on hand was Paul Hetland.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.

Agenda

Goebel moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion approving the meeting agenda. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Minutes

Humbert moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to approve the February 9, 2005 meeting minutes. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda

Goebel moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the consent agenda.

Which included the following:

  • Sign Request – Freeport Floral
  • Claims $37,399.46

Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Open Public Forum

No one was present to bring forward any issues.

Report – Jim Schulz, SEH, City Engineer

Schulz reported that contingent upon MnDOT approval, the bid opening for the Main Street Project will be Tuesday, April 19, 2005. Humbert moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to move the last meeting in April from the 27th to April 20. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2005-011 Approving the Plans and Specifications and Ordering the Advertisements for Bids for the 2005 Main Street Public Improvement Project. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Schulz gave an update on the Main Street Project. He reported on the meeting with Jodi Teich, Stearns County assistant engineer and Paul Hetland. From that meeting, Schulz revised the plans to reflect a 40' approach for Hennen Lumber Company.

Concerns were raised regarding the relocation of the power lines and the progress from Xcel Energy. Staff was asked to contact Steve Husby and Bruce Powell to expedite the process.

Schulz delivered the proposed easement vacations to Hetland which will be brought forward for the appropriate action up at a future meeting.

Humbert brought forward his research on the back alley. Schulz and staff were asked to research the issue further with Scott Hamak regarding whether the alley was ever recorded on the county level.

Hetland brought forward a proposal for a company to place an antenna on the water tower. Information was provided to show that it could be placed upon one of the legs and painted to match the water tower. There would be a monthly fee for the access, but the negotiation was still in the conceptual stage. Concerns were raised regarding insurance issues, legal issues, and whether there may be private options available for the company to consider. Hetland was instructed to continue with the research and negotiations and to report at a future meeting.

Humbert and Hetland reported on their research regarding the softball field southeast of the Intestate. The land was sold to the City for $1500 from the Thelen Brothers and no contingencies were made on the land. No action was taken on the issue.

Humbert brought forward concerns regarding the drafting and implementation of an updated comprehensive plan. It was generally agreed that the comp plan should include the outlook for planning future developments and possible annexation. It should also include other types of growth, street projects, water tower and sewer projects. Staff was instructed to continue working on the comp plan to provide Council with updates.

Report – Joel Dasher, Public Works Director

Dasher provided a written report which is on file for review. Council discussed and encouraged staff to conduct further research on commercial storm water management policies and guidelines.

Report – Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer

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

In response to a question regarding a sign permit, Hetland reported on the fact that there are no restrictions on the height of a business sign in Freeport.

Worms brought forward information regarding the Minnesota Municipal Clerks Institute July 11-15, 2005. Hetland stated he was interested in attending the training, which is a three year program, but would take into consideration the absence during the Main Street Road Project and report at a future meeting. The training cost is less for registration prior to May 16.

New Business

Worms reported on the costs and issues regarding mail boxes in new developments. Melrose does not encourage individual mail boxes and also has no mail boxes on dead end streets or cul-de-sacs. Due to the size our city, including neighboring cities, we cannot get a foot carrier. The USPS will supply route carriers, but only to boxes. The approximate prices reported for a group mail box of 12 ranges from $800 to $1000. Typically, group mail boxes are paid in halves by the developer and the local post office.

By the call of the chair, there was a recess at 8:53 PM to prepare for the Annual Area Fire Service meeting.

Annual Area Fire Service Meeting

At 9:00 P.M. the Annual Meeting Area Fire Service was called to order. In attendance were the following:

City of Freeport

  • Matt Worms
  • Dave Humbert
  • Ken Goebel
  • Joe Hennen
  • Tim Hennen

City of St. Anthony

  • Jim Cremers

City of St. Rosa

  • Not present

Krain Township

  • Don Trimbol

Millwood Township

  • Adolph Wensmann
  • Steve Notch
  • Carl Toenyan

Oak Township

  • Bob Timp
  • Bob Roelike

St. Martin Township

  • Ken Utsch
  • John Feldewerd

Albany Township – not present

Also present were Mike Renneker; John Beste; John Gilk, Fire Chief and Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer.

John Gilk and Paul Hetland gave a brief review of the agenda.

Financial Review and 2006 Budget

Gilk and Hetland gave an extensive financial and budget review and Hetland provided copies of the financial review and the 2006 proposed budget. Krain moved and Millwood seconded a motion to table the passage of the 2006 until the Area Fire Service reconvenes in the summer for more information regarding the charging of services, the fire relief association, and late fees to invoices. Discussion offered. Motion carried. Members responded that they generally agreed with the numbers proposed for the 2006 budget and would bring them forward at their upcoming township meetings.

The fire service encouraged the fire chief to continue the solicitation of outside funds for needed services with the approval to accept the funds ratified by the Freeport Area Fire Service or the Freeport City Council (statutory authority representing the fire service in the group's absence) depending on the time the monies are awarded.

Hetland distributed an updated schedule for the building & equipment and the vehicle sinking funds. Gilk will work to gain grants to help in the purchasing of items dedicated in these funds.

An information memo will be forwarded to the members of the area fire service and will be on file for review.

Krain moved and St. Rosa seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 11:10 P.M. Those present were encouraged to visit the remodeled fire hall and inspect the new water truck.

The City Council meeting resumed at this time.

At 11:10 P.M., Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.