Also in attendance were the following: April Bieljeski, Curt Hanson, Dan Frank, Herman Lensing, Rose Hiltner, Mary Goebel, and Sue Slupe.
Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joel Dasher.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.
Agenda
Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion approving the meeting agenda with corrections. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Minutes
Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the July 13, 2005 meeting minutes with changes as noted. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. Hetland was asked to attach to the minutes letters of testimony that were made during the dangerous animal hearing.
New Business
Fire Chief John Gilk – Approval of Mutual Aid Agreement
Gilk asked for approval of the mutual aid agreement with the Stearns County fire departments. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to accept the mutual aid agreement. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Gilk also requested approval to replace a fire hose. Tim Hennen moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to approve the purchase of a fire hose. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Main Street Project Update
April Bieljeski, S E H Project Coordinator reported on Jim Schulz's behalf. She reported that the curb should be installed the next day. She expects water services to be a little problematic and perhaps add time along the Main Street businesses.
Worms asked a question regarding the water service to the unoccupied Famo Feeds office building. It was understood that a curb stop located in the northwest corner of the Main Street parking lot controls the building. It was discussed that if the line would ever go bad, the water service should come from another direction. City staff was directed to work with the city engineer and discuss the matter and options with Beste's about the curb stop.
Worms also asked if a water service was planned in the Main Street Park. Council requested staff to work with the city engineer to put in water access for the main Street city park.
Hetland reported that Stearns County Engineer Mitch Anderson and Assistant County Engineer Jodi Teich visited the site today. They requested an additional two feet of subcut for most sections of the project. It is understood by S E H, that the County/State funds will pick up the cost on the additional project costs to meet this directive. More information is needed regarding the needs on County Road 157 on the west end of the project as to what needs to be added and if the costs will be covered by County/State funds.
Hetland stated that there has been consistent low attendance at the weekly update meetings. However, it was also noted that property owners have conveyed that they generally feel well-informed and their needs are being met by S E H, Tri-City Paving, and the City.
Initiative Foundation Presentation
Curt Hanson and Dan Frank were present from the Initiative Foundation. They gave a presentation on the opportunities available from their organization regarding grants, economic development, and project assistance.
Much discussion was dedicated to their Healthy Communities Partnership program. It was noted that for a city the size of Freeport, a group of 12-25 people would be recommended a dedicated three-year group for the program. Completion of the program included a $10,000 grant and access to more funding opportunities. The training required in the program would be free. Council and audience members present thought the commitment and number of people required for the program would be realistic and obtainable considering inclusion of members from Oak and Millwood townships and a diverse representation of the citizens of the City. The next round of trainings would need to be submitted by the end of December and trainings would begin in March. Training sessions are usually for one day from about 9:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. Other local cities that have taken part in the program are Upsala, Avon, and Melrose is currently investigating it. The Initiative Foundation would be available for future visits regarding the details of this program.
Hanson and Frank wished to note that their organization is not one that recommends policies for a city, but helps facilitate the changes desired by the community.
Worms discussed the point that youth programs are needed in the community.
Council requested that future planning be written into a article for the next Chamber newsletter. Hetland acknowledged he would do so.
Heidi Notch Request for Conditional Use Permit – set hearing
A request was brought forward for a day care facility in a residential area, 213 2nd Ave NW. Humbert moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to hold the conditional use hearing on August 10 at 7:30 P.M. or as soon after as it could be heard. Discussion included asking the owner if the owner could provide a diagram of the property and cold show the development of a fence in the site plan. Motion carried 5-0.
Senior Center Request for Repairs on Air Conditioner
Mary Goebel reported that the 5 ton compressor needs to be replaced in the Senior Center. There was a request made of Ellingson Hardware, the initial installer, for a bid on the repair. It was suggested that a bid be gathered from Mid-Central Heating and Air Conditioning. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to repair the air conditioner in the Senior Center by form of a bid between Ellingson Hardware and Mid-Central Heating and Air Conditioning and to approve the lowest bid and/or complete the project by August 17. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Open Public Forum
No one requested to address Council.
Law Enforcement in the City of Freeport – Update
Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to contract with the Stearns County Sheriff for law enforcement services in the amount of $500 per month for August and September, which is approximately 3 hours per week, not to be three hours in any one day, and to provide a report at the last Council meeting of those two months. Discussion included requesting the use of the speed limit machine which was offered as a free service to help monitor vehicles reportedly speeding into the City. It was noted that Hetland, on request of Council to gather further research, met with the Melrose City Council and they offered to continuing the discussions with Freeport to draft a law enforcement program. Council wanted to note that the major issue of concern was regarding the enforcement of speed limits and creating a presence in the City to deter criminal activities. Joe Hennen noted that a contract should not be necessary considering the essential functions of the County Sheriff to address these concerns. Motion carried 4-1. Joe Hennen moved against.
Driveway and curb codes – permit required but no specifications or limits in City Code
Hetland brought to the Council's attention that Freeport City Code 810.01 addresses the point that all modifications to driveways and curbs need Council approval, yet there are no guidelines on the size of the driveways or curbs or whether or not the proposed change is a zoning improvement and should be accordingly charged $20, the current zoning permit amount. A copy of the ordinance was provided for review. It was discussed that the curb size should match MnDOT and County specifications. Council further discussed that the issue should be an administrative one with the approval of the zoning administrator and/or the public works director. Discussion also included 24' wide driveways with the ordinance. Hetland was asked to work with the city engineer and draft language for review and to recommend scheduling a public hearing to update the ordinance.
Old Business
2nd Street – proposed work
Worms discussed with A-1 Pumping. Won't do anything until after the ground freezes. Pay for part on year and one the other. Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the proposal to contract with A-1 Concrete Leveling for restoration services to the curb and gutter along 2nd Street North. Discussion included working with the service to pay half of the amount in 2005 and half in 2006 for budgetary reasons. Worms reported that the company could accommodate the request. Motion carried 5-0.
Consent Agenda
Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the consent agenda.
Which included the following: Claims in the amount of $208,997.38 and $469,123.40, Resolution 2005-024 regarding updated fees, Main Street Change Order No. 1 and Change Order No. 2, Main Street Payment Application No. 1, and July payroll in the amount of $5809.97. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Report – Joel Dasher, Public Works Director
Dasher provided a verbal report and written report which is on file for review.
Dasher brought forward a concern regarding delinquent water and sewer accounts from renters and the proposal of making the responsible party the property owner and not the renter. Hetland noted that the ordinance does not directly specify and appears to indicate the user and not the property owner. For city code to be clear and if a change would be desired, Hetland recommended that a hearing be held and notices published to alter the city code. Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to call for a hearing at a time when the city code could be drafted and notice published. Discussion included Council instructing staff to contact the landlords about the proposed change and when the hearing would be set. Motion carried 5-0.
Dasher also brought forward a request to replace the tires for the street sweeper. Dasher was asked to investigate tires at St. Cloud Tire and Tred.
Report – Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer
Hetland provided a written and verbal report which is on file for review.
Hetland noted that the Main Street park shelter was salvaged by Tri-City Christian Center which was a savings of $5000. He also noted that Ivan Blenker assisted in the removal of the trees in the park which was $150 per tree, totally $900 for the six trees. Hetland wished to publicly thank Tri-City Christian Center and Ivan Blenker for their assistance.
Hetland presented a form he drafted and the Economic Development Authority approved regarding business subsidies and interest in purchasing land in the Industrial Park. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the form entitled Industrial Park Land Purchase and Business Subsidy Interest Form. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Hetland also reported that the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust annual audit of the Workers Compensation program was conducted and all information was in compliance.
Hetland presented a letter from Judy Hoppe regarding the release of a one-time assessment on the property. Council requested Hetland to investigate the County policies on the penalties from lack of payment and the duration the assessment is recorded before it's removed as a lien.
Tom Ettel requested the placement of his business name on the detour directional sign. After discussion of the zoning policies, Council requested that Hetland discuss with Ettel the choice between purchasing a directional sign with an estimate of $700 and enforcing the residential zoning codes regarding usage non-compliance, that is – a business in a residential zone.
Hetland requested that the City adopt a policy on prior notification of flushing waste water lines. Council agreed with the policy.
At 11:14 P.M. Joe Hennen moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
