Also in attendance were the following: Jim Schulz, Mark Middendorf, Jason Kunkel, Jim and Diane Niska, Dennis Poeping, Steve Huseby, Leroy Hoerschen, Herman Lensing, Al Beste, MaryAnn and Bernie Laing, Shirley and Fritz Laing, Everett Scherping, Rodney Atkinson, Gary Pierskalla, Steve Klapake, Tom Ettle, Kathy Welle, Don 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
Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve the April 27 and May 4, 2005 meeting minutes. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Open Public Forum
Rodney Atkinson spoke out that the general tax paying populace should not pay for the entire Main Street parking lot, that something should be assessed to nearby property owners. Worms responded that through a few previous meetings, with many representatives of the general public, it was the overwhelming consensus that the lot should be paid for by the City of Freeport. One of the primary reasons was based on the fairness of usage by adjacent property owners opposed to benefits to property owners unattached to the parcel. Another reason cited was usage after an assessment whereby some businesses wished to have employees park in the lot if they were assessed and other businesses wanted the lot free of other business employees if they were assessed.
Tom Ettle brought forward concerns regarding his residential driveway along the Main Street Public Improvement Project. Schulz responded regarding a 32 foot county maximum road, 14' is standard residential width. Ettle was satisfied with the response and Schulz stated that he would work with the property owner.
New Business
Hetland reported on some changes have been made administratively regarding zoning issues and building permits.
Old business
Joe Hennen brought forward a report on the baseball field proposal. The Freeport Baseball Association expressed desires to have the water and sewer costs in part of all paid for by the City. Worms recommended that baseball association meet with Mark Middendorf privately to further discuss property options. Public hearing on the project Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to hold a public information meeting on the proposal at the next meeting, May 25, 2005. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. Hetland referenced the City costs for sac and wac fees and other related costs. The association requested Water and sewer $40 per foot water each (About $80 per foot). Would be a composite with manholes and all. The City reminded those present that it must review the 57 acre site plan prior to the zoning being established.
Consent Agenda
Tim Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve the consent agenda.
Which included the following: Claims in the amount of $3,466.06 and other items as follows this motion listed B through E. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
- Claims
- NIMS Resolution 2005-019
- Annual Liquor License Renewal Hearing for May 25, 2005
- Sacred Heart Church Festival – Fireworks Permit
- Resolution 2005-020 – Lions Gaming permission
Report – Jim Schulz, SEH, City Engineer
Schulz gave a written and verbal report which is on file for review.
Pierskalla property plat, Industrial Park Plat 4, expected in three weeks. Schulz is working on Industrial Park Plat 5 and it is expected to have more of the Industrial Park platted. Further review will be given to the EDA.
On Pilot Land Development's residential addition, Schulz reported that they are working accepting the utilities, and on a settling problem. Work is progressing.
Regarding drainage easements along 7th Street SE, Scott Hamak and Schulz are working on it.
Steve Husby is working on electrical project relocation. Price tag for what expects it to be. Bruce Powell, Xcel Energy has been working on the project for five months. Prices being close approximately $150,000 for 80% for the westerly route. Al Beste, property owner, was present and agreed to signing the easement.
It was reported that the light fixtures came this week. Poles 28 poles are coming in mid-June. Illum-A-Nation requested signature on its proposed contract with which the City is reviewing and will provide shortly.
Report – Joel Dasher, Public Works Director
Dasher provided a verbal report.
Seal coat proposals to discuss at the end of the month. Appromxaitely 23,000 square yards, last year was at $1 a square yard. More information forthcoming at a future meeting.
Tim Hennen moved and Goebel seconded to buy new stainless steel water fountain needed for the softball field in the amount of $895.00. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Report – Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer
Hetland provided a written and verbal report which is on file for review.
Hetland brought forward information regarding a proposed change to the sign ordinance on the height of signs. Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to hold a hearing to make the sign height limit in the City 30'. Discussion followed with information regarding temporary signs, which there is no regulation in business districts, and request from Hetland to understand the purpose of the sign codes. It was expressed by the Council that the signs in the Freeport Industrial Park did not appear to be cluttered that that the code is to be interpreted to mean each side of the property and that a free-standing sign was separate from the building limit. Further revisions of the sign ordinance were believed to be needed and staff was requested to bring more information for a future meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
S E H request, previously outline in a City Council meeting, was discussed. . Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to pay the amount proposed for $5,416.00 to S E H. Discussion followed. A roll call vote was called and the votes were cast as follows: Joe Hennen – nay, Ken Goebel – yea, Matt Worms yea, Dave Humbert – yes, and Tim Hennen - nay. Motion carried 3-2.
Joe Hennen brought forward a request to change city codes to allow a ground level residence in a Commercial-1 district. After discussion of the negative aspects of a change in city zoning policy, Joe Hennen decided to take the recommendations and look into other options.
Hetland provided copies of an emergency management agreement between the Freeport Fire Department and the American Red Cross submitted by John Gilk, Fire Chief. Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the agreement. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Hetland noted a recent conversation with a MnDOT official for the agency's desire to place light rail lines in replace of the Lake Wobegon Trail. Hetland brought it to the Council's attention in for public discussion.
Hetland also mentioned that the MnDOT property in the City does not have a lien on it from a previous assessment process. Under Minnesota State Statute, the State must accept a assessment prior to it being recorded. In this instance, the State specifically did not accept the assessment, the lien on the property.
At 10:40 P.M. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
