Also in attendance were the following: Jim Schulz, Mark Middendorf, Herman Lensing, Jim Hemker, Fritz Hoeschen, Steve Klapake, Fritz Laing, Chad Hess and the Freeport Black Sox Baseball Team, Ron Gruber, Sue Raden, Donny and Cindy Meyer, Carrie and Loren Goebel, and Rodney Atkinson.

Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joel Dasher.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.

Agenda

Tim Hennen moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion approving the meeting agenda. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Minutes

Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the May 11, 2005 meeting minutes. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Baseball Field information

7:32 P.M. Worms opened the informational hearing on the proposed construction of a baseball field. Jim Hemker, President of the Freeport Baseball Association was present to deliver a synopsis of the project and the group's intentions to date. In response to a question regarding possible future City ownership of the baseball field, he responded that it may be considered at a future date and contact with the City will continue. He further responded that possible proposals on the field's management could follow models established by the softball field in 1970 and the Community Center in 1992 or the Lion's Park.

Hemker also praised the favorable press received to date about the project and honored the players present by noting that they are one of the better teams in the state. Hemker stated that the Association will keep lines of communication open with the City for its ownership and retain a commitment with the Freeport Black Sox to build a field.

Questions were raised with the water and sewer needs considering the group previously requested city water and sewer to be provided without charge. Hemker stated that the Association will install and own a well and treatment system in compliance with city code and other governmental regulations. The costs for these services, the land price, and construction costs will be funded privately. There are no requests for city assistance. Hemker wanted to publicly thank Mark, Neil and Kathy Middendorf on the purchase agreement negotiations. He also noted that structural and environmental engineering will be included in the final design. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to close the hearing at 7:41 P.M. Motion carried 5-0. Worms welcomed the Freeport Black Sox player to the City.

Liquor License Renewal

Paul Hetland presented the DRAM shop insurance information, the properly completed documents, and the full fee payments for Freeport Softball Club. Hetland reported that all was in order and he recommended passage of the renewal application. Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the Freeport Softball and Rec Club's renewal liquor application. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0

Hetland also recommended that the renewal applications for Ackie's Pioneer Inn and the Corner Pub be approved contingent upon receiving DRAM shop insurance and receiving payment in full of the liquor license fees. Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the licenses for the Corner Pub and Ackie's Pioneer Inn contingent upon receipt of their insurance information and payment. Discussion. Joe Hennen wanted to encourage the others to submit their application in a timely manner considering the fee remains unchanged and the hearings have been at the last meeting in May for a number of years. Motion carried 5-0.

Sue Raden gave an update on the off-sale license for the Corner Store. Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the off-sale license contingent upon receipt of insurance, an improved inspection by the City, and payment of $100. Discussion offered. Motion carried.

Hemker inquired about the proper permits necessary for the Freeport Black Sox or Freeport Baseball Association to sell on-sale liquor on a temporary basis. Hemker stated that he would contact Hetland to gather more information.

Open Public Forum

As a condition of the zoning of the 57 acre property owned by Mark Middendorf, he provided a map with a utility a road easement designated on it. He provided a copy for each of the Council members present. Middendorf and others present inquired about possible future assessments that could be placed on owners along the proposed roadway. Much discussion followed regarding past practices and possibilities. With knowledge that an absolute binding answer could not be given, it was stated that it is the City's intention, at this time, to allow private funding to fully fund current and future development.

Rodney Atkinson encouraged promoting the baseball field.

Ron Gruber asked about law enforcement. Worms reported that the Stearns County Sheriff patrols the area on a regular basis and encouraged citizens to continue contacting that office for law enforcement needs. The major concern was about trying to slow down traffic coming in to the City. Atkinson commented on citizen responsibility and taking initiative. Hetland mentioned that the Stearns County Sheriff has offered to contract with the City at its standard rate of $40 per hour and to tailor-make a contract. No action was taken.

Old Business

By request, Hetland reviewed the animal ordinance and that the City is still on-track for full implementation by August 2005.

Regarding the possible turn over of the State of Minnesota property in the City, there was discussion that there should be a lien on the property based on a a prior City assessment. Schulz stated that through S E H's, his personal research, that there was not a lien on the property. Hetland stated a conversation with William Meyer, city attorney at the time of the assessment process, that he stated the State needs to accept a lien on its property prior to it being recorded. In this instance, the State specifically did not accept the lien via a personal visit with MnDOT officials Meyer had regarding the assessment. Hetland further noted that perhaps the City should authorize Meyer to draft a formal letter to address the concerns held by some in the community. Council strongly discouraged the expenditure as unnecessary and no action was taken.

Consent Agenda

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

Which included the following: Claims in the amount of $99,456.25 and $88.74 and the Citi Lites lighting location agreement. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

There was a discussion on the renting of utility location equipment. Dasher was asked to check into the rental cost of a location unit.

Report – Jim Schulz, SEH, City Engineer

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

Regarding the Main Street Project, he noted that the contracts are expected to be executed within the next few days and that a proposed schedule the next day.

He also noted that there was not news regarding the MnDOT road project grant.

Hetland was asked to get in contact with other bonding agencies negotiate a bid for the Main Street Project.

Report – Joel Dasher, Public Works Director

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

Dasher will get more prices on pumps and prices for spraying noxious weeds.

Humbert moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion for spraying the weeds around the stabilization ponds for the amount of $594.68. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve the staff recommendation for seal coating the city streets in the amount of $16,000, with the cheapest bidder as reference in Dasher's report, for as far as the allowance can go and do so as soon as possible. Discussion offered. Council recommended coordinating the project around the city festival.

Joe Hennen mentioned that Loren's Lawn Care Service sprayed and fertilized the softball field.

Report – Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer

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

EOC City Hall and the Senior Center as back. Per Hetland's recommendation, Goebel moved Humbert seconded a motion to officially designate Freeport's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as the Freeport City Hall and the Freeport Senior Center as a back up location. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0

Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve of the relocation of the city warning siren to a place approximately in the same area it is currently located. Discussion included being mindful of the sirens location to large buildings that may block the sound. Motion carried 5-0.

Hetland brought forward a signed agreement for the 2005 Summer Recreation Project to be contracted by the Sacred Heart School. Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to give $2400 and sign the contract. Discussion. Motion carried 5-0.

Hetland's accumulated monthly vacation and personal time was discussed. The amounts were in accordance with the employee policy yet Council felt the time ought to be used and encouraged Hetland to use more of the time.

At 11:09 P.M. Joe Hennen moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.