Also in attendance were the following: Jim Schulz, Herman Lensing, Carol Moorman, Heidi Peper, Jerry Butkowski, Clarence Borgerding, Pete Welle, and Sue Slupe.
Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.
Agenda
Tim Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion approving the meeting agenda Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Minutes
Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the October 12, 2005 meeting minutes with minor corrections. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
New Business
Worms opened the hearing at 7:35 P.M. Heidi Peper, S.E.H. Community Development Manager gave an overview of the Small Cities Development Program (SCDP)application process and provided handouts outlining the application which is on file for review.
Humbert asked about the breakdown and chances for receiving the grant in 2006. Peper responded that the chances increase with each year, but typically there is a 1:3 chance of being awarded. It was also noted that many of the recipients in 2005 were from bording communities and in southwest Minnesota. Peper mentioned that the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is currently reviewing its process to be more objective. She mentioned that Hetland and her met with DEED, SCDP personnel earlier year and noted that the program's process has been primarily a subjective one. Tim Hennen asked about a cost for the application. Peper noted that there would be no fee applied to the application and would continue until the City wishes to discontinue applying or receives a grant.
Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2005-032 regarding the designation of slum and blight conditions in the target area. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2005-031 regarding the approval of the Small Cities Development Program application. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Open Public Forum
Jerry Butkowski, Clarence Borgerding, and Pete Welle were present to discuss storm water management concerns, especially in the area south of 7th Street SW. Worms mentioned that the Freeport EDA will be reviewing the topic at its November 16 meeting and making a recommendation to the Council on November 30. It was discussed that the City will be reviewing the feasibility of routing the water from the east side of the Industrial Park and Industrial Drive to the storm sewer behind the southern curb and gutter of 7th Street SW. It was noted that the water that was coming from the Industrial Park area prior to construction may need to continue to flow at the same rate as it did prior to development to be in compliance with federal and state law. The Council heard the concerns of the property owners present, addressed the issue with as much information that has been available, and noted that the body will await further recommendations from the EDA and City Engineer.
Main Street Project
Change Order No. 4
Schulz gave an overview of the change order. Worms asked about taking out the sand in front of First Stop and the Corner Pub to dry out the area. Schulz responded that was not reflected as a City cost. It was mentioned that the extra two feet of subgrade removal and granular fill opposed to the initial proposal of 1' subgrade/granular and a layer of fabric will produce a longer lasting, stronger road. Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve of Change Order No. 4. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Payment Application No. 4
Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve of Payment Application No. 4 in the amount of $422,280.13. Discussion followed. Motion carried 5-0.
Overview of Costs
Worms asked about whether the contractor achieved substantial completion in accordance with the contract. Schulz mentioned that the contractor largely met the requirement short approximately a day and half. Goebel asked about the anticipated completion of the shelter and Schulz stated that the shelter was expected to be constructed within the next few weeks. Schulz noted that Xcel Energy was in town on Monday but was unclear on what was completed.
Goebel mentioned that there are two spots along Main Street in excess of light due to the new decorative lights – an area by Smiley Gas Mart and one by the Perish House. Worms mentioned that there is an south on County Road 11, near the new development Welle Plat 2 and the baseball field, that could use more light coverage. Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to remove the "cobra head" lights from near Smiley Gas Mart and the Parish House to install on County Road 11 near Welle Plat 2 and the new baseball field. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Smiley to baseball field
Corner pub to 11
Hiltner Co. move to further west side of Cremery
2nd Ave NW take out find out cost and come back with.
Joe Hennen requested that the trees be seedless for the Main Street park and parking lot area.
Assessment Hearing Preparation
Worms brought forward for consideration the decorum and process for the assessment hearing scheduled for November 2. Goebel moved to allow up to three minutes for each property owner to have the floor for comments or questions. Goebel's motion died for a lack of a second. Worms mentioned that the questions and comments in the hearing would remain respectful and germane to the purpose of the hearing: To discuss the formulas and value brought to each property.
Hetland asked Schulz to explain the difference in the driveway estimates of August 2004 and the proposed final assessment. Schulz noted that the August 2004 estimates were only estimates and that no one was assessed for concrete past the right-of-way line.
Worms also noted that he would mention at the meeting that any discussion on the imperfections of the project should be directed to Jim Schulz, Joel Dasher, or another Council meeting.
Old Business
Snow Removal Proposed Contract
The proposal from Dan Bueckers regarding the snow removal from city sidewalks was discussed. Council noted that the cost for the service would be greater than purchasing a walk-behind snow blower. Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion instructing the Public Works Director to solicit a couple bids for walk-behind snow blowers from the Freeport Farm Center and Hiltner Company. Discussion followed and Hetland noted that he will assist Dasher in the process. 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 $520.690.25, Payroll in the amount of $6,144.66, a contract with Abdo Eick & Meyers for the City's 2005 audit for a limit of $8000, and the City's Insurance Policy Renewal. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Report – Jim Schulz, SEH, City Engineer
Schulz gave a verbal report and written report which is on file for review.
Report – Joel Dasher, Public Works Director
Dasher gave a verbal report and written report which is on file for review.
Discussion on water tower issues. Dasher mentioned the fail safe system on overflow issues. Cold look at a treatment plant option for the water quality near the tower. He asked Schulz about the possibilities.
There was a conversation regarding the yellow to orange discoloration with the water supply in a few areas of the City. Dasher noted that Freeport's water issue is an aesthetic contaminant not one effecting water quality. He requested that Schulz work on water quality proposals for those areas of the City.
Dasher noted that leaf and yard waste pick up is scheduled for Saturday, November 5. Schulz noted that there will be another street sweeping from the contractor before winter.
Report – Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer
Hetland provided a verbal report.
He noted that the League of Minnesota Cities Legislative Review is in his office for review.
He also noted that the Melrose School District Election is on November 8, 2005 from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. in City Hall. Hetland also reported an Office of the State Auditor directive that the 2005 audit will be submitted electronically due to the fact that Freeport is a user of the CTAS accounting system (Small City and Town Accounting System).
Hetland gave a brief overview of the issue and process in the last several months regarding the snow removal on private property concern raised the previous winter. Hetland noted that the contracts and a cover letter (which was distributed to the Council Members) was sent out to Community Care, Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, and Tri-City Christian Center. Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to discontinue plowing snow on the three properties previously mentioned regarding if a contract is signed. Discussion included the point that regardless of contract, the City could ultimately be held liable in the event of an accident. Motion carried 5-0.
He further noted that due to a recent legislative change, all cities must have an Elected Official Travel Policy passed prior to January 1. Information will be forthcoming. Hetland noted the results of the Stearns County Highway Department's 5 Year Program meeting attended the prior night. Hetland noted he will provide written information for the next meeting.
He also noted that a $1000 City Hall donation was received from Rodney Atkinson.
Worms called a short recess at 9:58 P.M.
Annual Review, Public Works Director
Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to moved into executive session at 10:05 P.M. for the annual review of the Public Works Director Joel Dasher. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve a wage scale increase from Group 9, Step 3 to Group 9, Step 4 for a yearly wage of $32,002. It was also noted that Joel Dasher was in good standing with the City. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
At 11:03 P.M. Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn executive session and the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
