Also in attendance were the following: Herman Lensing, Jim Schulz, Kathy Korte, Bob Lindvall, Norb Renneker, Delorus Schwinghammer, Jim Hemker, Mark Middendorf, and Donny and Cindy Meyer.

Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joel Dasher.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.

Agenda

Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion approving the meeting agenda. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Minutes

Goebel moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the March 30, 2005 meeting minutes. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Local Board of Review

At 6:31 P.M. Matt Worms called to order the Local Board of Review. Robert Lindvall (commercial assessor) and Kathy Korte (residential and agriculture assessor) from the Stearns County Assessor's Office were present to review and answer questions regarding the property valuation appraisals for 2006. They gave a brief overview of the evening's agenda and of the valuations.

The assessors noted that under state guidelines, training is necessary for the local board of review to have one member that is certified. Lindvall commented that more information will be available and that there should be up to two training sessions with the first being in late November 2005.

Overall, the assessors 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 9% to 14%, commercial 7% to 11%, apartments 1% to 9%, and agricultural was not reported. It was reported that the City's total valuation was $33,685,300. The Board of Review may make changes equaling up to 1% of that amount or $336,853.

The itinerary continued with property owners addressing the Council. 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:

Norbert and Adella Renneker property R54.32101.000 and Ester Steinemann property R54.32097.000. Mr. Renneker spoke out regarding his property and Mrs. Steinemann's. He commented on the conditions of Beutz' Radiator Service. It was mentioned that that the Renneker increase does include the deck improvement. The Renneker property increased by 9%. Lindvall and Korte commented that the property valuation was lowered with the consideration with the location to Beutz' Radiator Service. Renneker commented that OSHA (U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration) should be contacted about the conditions of Beutz' Radiator Service. Worms asked if Renneker had been in contact with Jim Beutz and he stated that he had not contacted Beutz. Mr. Renneker walked out of the meeting in disgust that nothing was done with the radiator service. He also stated that he didn't care if the taxes remained the same. Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to keep the valuation at $92,200. Discussion. Motion carried 4-1. Joe Hennen noted for the record that he was opposed to the motion.

Regarding Mrs. Steinemann's home, the assessors did note that it is a modular home. Lindvall noted that the maximum deduction was made which 5% for that year of modular home. House values are the same for both Renneker's and Steinemann. The land measures 100' X140' for Steinemann and 75X140' for Renneker. Goebel moved and Humbert a motion to keep the valuation at $93,800. Discussion. Motion carried 4-1. Joe Hennen noted for the record that he was opposed to the motion.

Genevieve Dumont R54.32239.000. Ms. Dumont was not present but a letter was distributed and discussed. The assessors noted that the property experienced a 9.5% increase. The property size is 70'X115'. Humbert moved Tim Hennen seconded a motion to keep the valuation at $70,200. Discussion. Motion carried 5-0.

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 proposed by the County Assessor. His desire was to keep the valuation the same as for 2005. He also requested that the County Assessor freeze the valuation to avoid annual requests to the local board of review. Lindvall respectfully declined the recommendation. Goebel moved and Worms moved to reduce the valuation from $285,600 to $224,500, that is to match the 2005 valuation. Discussion. 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 5-0.

Delorus Schwinghammer property R54.32129.006. Mrs. Schwinghammer questioned how the valuation could rise without any improvements made to the property. She stated that she had an appraisal in 2003 for $66,500 when she purchased the property and house and no improvements made in this amount of time. She asked about the "This old house" program, which the assessors commented that it has been discontinued. The assessors commented that the home valuation was lowered, but the land price was raised. They further commented that no heating source is available for the upstairs. The property increased by 4.8%, which anticipated annually. It was noted that the County lowered the amount last year for the property. The assessors noted that the previous reduction and the building's condition was factored in to this year's valuation. Tim Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to keep the valuation at $82,200. Discussion. Motion carried 5-0.

Dennis Toeben R54.32042.000 (homestead .63 acres) and two properties owned by Toeben and Carl Botz which are R5432008.000 (11.96 acres) and R54.32040.000 (7.25 acres). The assessors noted that the request was to reclassify the properties from residential back to agriculture, a status which was changed two years ago. Lindvall and Korte noted that the valuation between residential and agriculture are the same amounts. It was noted that the local board of review does have the authority to change the classification. Korte noted that under valuation guidelines, to classify a property as ag, the land must have a minimum of 10 acres tillable land which these two parcels do not and are not tilled. Goebel moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to maintain the classifications as designated by the County Assessor. Discussion. Motion carried 5-0. Lindvall and Korte were directed to walk the land in discussion in the next year and report at a later point on the possible change of its status based on its usage.

Hearing no further requests, Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the Local Board of Review at 7:50 P.M. and fixing the total changes at $61,100. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Consent Agenda

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

Which included the following: Claims in the amount of $7,349.73. Question regarding the log book obtained by Dasher for the snow plow truck. It was stated that the log book is a state requirement. Motion carried 5-0.

New Business

Open Public Forum

Mark Middendorf commented on a request for direction on zoning his lad comprised of 57 acres south of property owned by John and Joyce Eveslage and the Freeport Farm Center. Hetland gave an update regarding information stated by Scott Hamak, attorney. The information included the point that under state statute, land zoned as agriculture or residential does not have to go through a platting process if the land is larger than 20 acres if split in two or more parcels and with a minimum of 500' frontage. Land zoned as industrial does not have to be platted if land is divided in two or more sections over 5 acres in size with a minimum front footage of 300'. JimHemker gave comments that one of the potential buyers of the land would be a private party for the benefit of building a baseball park for the Freeport Black Sox. More information would be provided at a later date. Discussion followed regarding the various zoning options of the possible placement of a baseball field in the upper 7 acres of the 57 acres owned by Middendorf.

Goebel moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to accept a request zoning from Mark Middendorf to zone the bottom 50 acres as Industrial. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Goebel moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to reconsider the previous motion. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Goebel moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to rezone the entire 57 acres owned by Mark Middendorf to Industrial. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to amend Freeport City Code to include C-1 and C-2 commercial district provisions and allowing outdoor recreational facilities as a permitted use under Industrial zoning. Discussion. Hetland noted that this would in effect have all of the same regulations for C-1 and C-2 applied in all Industrial zoned area, therein making all of those areas available for any business. Hetland also noted that such a change would allow ball parks to be built in Industrial zoned areas without a conditional use permit. He also noted Hamak's concerns that prior to the City possibly accepting a gift such as a baseball field, an agreement should be drafted to define the land's usage and other management concerns. Motion carried 5-0.

Hetland brought forward a request from John Gilk that the 30 m.p.h. zone be extended further south, especially in light of the residential development occurring in that area and that the city limits have been extended. Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion requesting that Stearns County request MnDOT for a study to move the 30 m.p.h. sign from its currently location across from the Welle Country Acres to the south to the southerly end of the Welle Plat 2. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Hetland brought to the Council's attention NIMS (National Incident Management System) Training that John Gilk scheduled for May 16, 2005 from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Hetland noted that he would post the meeting time for the event seeing the training will constitute a special meeting due to a quorum of the Council present.

Humbert brought forward concerns that the animal ordinance should also be applied to cats in the City. Hetland noted that cats were not specifically mentioned in the ordinance, but Humbert further noted that it was a part of state statute. Hetland noted as a reminder that city code can be more stringent with the law but not more flexible. Therein, a motion to include cats would not be necessary in changing the ordinance, but as a part of city policy a motion would be needed. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to integrate cats into the City's animal control policies. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Regarding the newly adopted Nuisance Ordinance, Worms brought forward for discussion a number of properties in the City in need to comply with the new ordinance. The names will not be included as a part of public record at this point to see if they comply before further action needs to be taken. Hetland will send each of the property owners a letter specifying the point that was violated.

Report – Jim Schulz, SEH, City Engineer

Schulz gave a written and verbal report which is on file for review.

Regarding the Main Street Project, Schulz distributed an artists rendering which was previously ordered by Council. He reported that MnDOT gave a verbal approval of the plans. Hetland and Schulz obtained all temporary construction easements needed, totally approximately 20 documents.

Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion for a special meeting on May 3, 2005 at 7:30 P.M. for the review of the Main Street Public Improvement Project. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. Schulz noted that the bid opening will be May 2, 2005 at 3:00 P.M. with Schulz is the contact for the project, but plans can be reviewed at City Hall.

Schulz distributed a draft of Industrial Park Plat Four. EDA recommendation pending there next meeting at noon on Wednesday, April 20, 2005.

Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to require Pilot Land Company to place the second ware course of bituminous material on the Welle Plat 2 streets by September 2005. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Report – Joel Dasher, Public Works Director

Dasher provided a written which is on file for review. Dasher reported that the contract street sweeping through the City of Melrose is completed.

There was a discussion on mailboxes. Dasher reported that Roessler will be providing a layout on a mailbox design for the Welle Plat 2.

Hetland and Dasher will work on bids and budget regarding crack sealing and seal coating for city streets. Quotes will need to be solicited.

Report – Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer

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

Humbert moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to approve of May 11, 2005 at 6:00 P.M. for the ground breaking ceremony for the Main Street Public Improvement Project. Discussion included that the Freeport Chamber of Commerce, through its Road Project Committee will sponsor the event. Motion carried 5-0.

Humbert moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to call for the summer meeting of the Freeport Area Fire Service for June 1, 2005 at 7:30 P.M. Discussion offered. Staff is to send the appropriate meeting notices. Motion carried 5-0.

Hetland reported that the duct work in the men's bathroom is still being reviewed by Mid Central Heating & Air Conditioning. Council instructed staff to continue working with Mid-Central to work on a solution.

Joe Hennen requested a time to meet with Dasher to test the sprinkler at the softball field.

Executive Session for Employee Review

Worms Moved and Humbert seconded a motion to move into closed session for the annual review of Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer at 10:35 P.M. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Goebel moved and Tim Hennen seconded a salary increase to $38,164., which is Group 9, Step 9 on the previously approved and adopted wage scale for the City Clerk/Treasurer position, which is the next step up on the wage scale. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

At 10:56 P.M., Tim Hennen moved and Worms seconded a motion to adjourn executive session and the meeting. Motion carried.