Also in attendance were the following: Jim Schulz, Jim Hemker, Mark Middendorf, Rodney Atkinson, Bob Roelike, Bob Timp, Jerry Butkowski, Pete Welle, Ron Gruber, and Sue Raden/
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 Joe Hennen seconded a motion to approve the April 20, 2005 meeting minutes. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Hearing
Worms opened the hearing at 7:34 P.M . City Ordinance No. 2005-002 amending Section 910 regarding Industrial Zoning to allow a permitted use of outdoor recreational facilities and to add the provisions as stated under C-1 (Community Commercial District) and C-2 (Highway Commercial District). Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded the passage of Ordinance 2005-002. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to close the hearing at 7:45 P.M. Motion carried 5-0.
Hearing
Worms opened the hearing at 7:45 P.M. The purpose of the hearing is to consider a request to rezone an area as I-1 (General Industrial District as specified in Freeport Code 500.33) to be consistent will intentions of the land and structure and the expansion of nearby I-1 zoning. The area is currently zoned A (Agricultural/Rural Residence District 500.23). The property is located to the south of 7th Street SW, to the west of County Road 11 (1st Avenue S), and is comprised of approximately 57 acres to Vogel's Lake. The request for the variance was submitted by Mark Middendorf, 711 Main St E, Freeport.
Pete Welle commented that water pooled in the area. Schulz noted that the rate of discharge will remain the same. Welle also had a question regarding tile line on the easterly line of his property. Middendorf commented that the line will not be disturbed in his plans to develop his 57 acres.
Hetland noted and Mark Middendorf confirmed the comment that in an earlier conversation Middendorf agreed to put in an easement for a road, and water and sewer services at private expense.
Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded the passage of the Middendorf zoning request contingent upon the placement of a 66' road easement midway on the 57 acre property and the City review and acceptance of construction plans for water, sewer, and storm sewer drainage. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to close the hearing at 8:15 P.M. Motion carried 5-0.
Open Public Forum
Proposed baseball field. Jim Hemker mentioned that still working on where to place the ball field. Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion to hold an executive session near the end of the meeting to read a letter from legal counsel regarding the issues pertaining to the proposed agreement between the City and the Freeport Baseball Association. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Bob Timp noted that Oak Township was requesting some Class 5 for some of its roads and asked if the City would be interested in coordinating efforts to apply more material to Freeport's roads. Council requested staff to work with Oak Township in coordinating the process for an application of Class 5 for 7th Street SW and for 2nd Street SE (by Famo Feeds). Staff was also asked to coordinate with Norb Gerads to grade the property.
Ron Gruber asked a number of questions regarding the proposed baseball field and Jim Hemker answered questions. The baseball association's intention is that overall the City's involvement will be limited. The City will not maintain the field. The baseball field would be deeded to the City. The Freeport Black Sox are looking at playing in the ballpark next year. More information will be forthcoming from the baseball association after the City's comments are reviewed.
Consent Agenda
Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the consent agenda.
Which included the following: Claims in the amount of $27,379.31. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
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 reported that the number of plan holders are 18 and that there should be 5 or 6 bidders. He reported that the excess dirt has been lined up verbally with many property owners. He also reported that work is beginning again on the Welle Country Acres Plat 2. It was also reported that Heidi Peper is working on the state road project grant. Schulz also reported that he is working on the Beste easements and electrical line process.
Report – Joel Dasher, Public Works Director
Dasher provided a written and verbal report which is on file for review. He brought forward a recommendation for replacing the urinal and drinking fountain by the Lions Park. Council requested that Dasher further research stainless steel urinal and drinking fountain options and report at a later point. He also reported that he toured the Laing (maintenance building) building. Council was requested to tour the building.
Report – Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer
Hetland provided a written and verbal report which is on file for review. Worms called a recess for 5 minutes at 9:21
Comprehensive Plan
Hetland gave an introduction, which was largely described in his report for the evening, regarding the history of the City's land use plan, a description of what a comprehensive plan entails, and when one should be completed for Freeport. His recommendation was to engage in a comprehensive plan at the end of the year when the Main Street Project is basically completed. Council agreed a comp plan was important in the future planning of the City and that Hetland was to gather information throughout the summer and fall to begin work in the winter. Hetland was also encouraged to seek grants for the project and other sources for low cost to free services, such as through the U.S. Economic Development Authority.
The Council proceeded to work on the zoning proposal from the EDA. The information will be further reviewed throughout the summer and fall and acted upon in the winter.
Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion to enter into executive session to read a letter from the city attorney addressing concerns about the baseball association agreement at 11:10 P.M. for attorney letter and employee matter.
Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to hire back Mark Middendorf as the part-time maintenance worker at $11.00 per hour with a job description including the following: lawn mowing, snow removal, two-person tasks with the Public Works Director – which would be greater defined in a job description and through working with the City Council and the Public Works Director at a later time, weekend duties shared with the Public Works Director (every other weekend or as worked out between the two people), and water meter readings. Motion carried. 5-0.
At 12:20 A.M. Thursday, April 28, 2005 Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
