Also in attendance were the following: Jim Schulz, Herman Lensing, Phil Osendorf, Joe Schultzetenberg, Jim Hemker, Sue Slupe, Donny and Cindy Meyer, and Pastor Bob Bernard.
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 with the addition under the section Reports to add the discussion and review of city maintenance building changes. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.
Minutes
Goebel moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the October 26, 2005 meeting minutes with minor corrections. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
HEARING: Henry Duclos Lot – 210 2nd Street NW
Worms opened the hearing at 7:33 P.M. to consider a lot split. Hetland gave an overview of the lot split request. The primary consideration was regarding the ability to construct a new residence in the remaining area of the lot. The narrowest point was noted to be approximately 66 feet. Discussion and questions followed regarding a property boundary between the lot and land belonging to Joe Schultzetenberg who was present. He stated that that he was in favor of the construction of a new house in the newly proposed lot, and desired to settle property line questions. It was agreed by Donny Meyer, representing the proposed owner of the lot, that property lines could be agreed upon outside of the meeting. The matter was not germane to the issue, but fostered constructive communication between the two land owners. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded to approve the lot split as described in the certified survey from Ron Englemeyer. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. Worms closed the hearing at 7:46 P.M.
New Business
Open Public Forum
Jim Hemker brought forward a message center proposal and lease agreement. The document is on record for review, but the basic premise of the proposal includes a $125 per month lease for the area of land the sign would with total management of the sign by the Freeport State Bank. All costs related to the operation of the sign would be born by Freeport State Bank. Hemker stated that he felt the Lions logo and Chamber logo should adorn the sign. The sign would be operated with a remote unit. Worms asked about type of advertising on the sign. Hemker stated that the sign would be used as the old sign was, to promote community activities and events, and would include advertisement from Freeport State Bank. Sue Slupe commented that the Chamber reacted positively to the sign proposal. Goebel asked about Slupe's opinion regarding the proposed location of the sign regarding visibility of the Corner Store. She noted no objections and stated that with the new radius of the street design, the sign would not adversely affect her storefront visibility. Worms asked about the possible sale of the sign. Hemker mentioned that they would possibly consider, but it wouldn't be their intention to sell the sign at the end of the proposed 5 year lease agreement. Council took the proposal into consideration and asked to have legal counsel review the lease agreement.
Consent Agenda
Goebel moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the consent agenda.
Which included the following: Claims in the amount of $10,627.44 and approval of the annual contract with Tri-County Humane Society for animal control. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Snow Removal – Tri-City Christian Center, Pastor Bob Bernard
At approximately 8:00 P.M., Pastor Bob Bernard approached the Council in request to reconsider the decision to disapprove all snow plowing on private property (specifically three placed plowed in the past – Sacred Heart Parish, the Community Center, and Tri-City Christian Center) and to approve of plowing the parking lot at Tri-City. He stated that was grateful for past services and would not hold a grudge if the City decided to not plow the lot.
Worms lead the discussion that a "hand shake" in the review process of these properties was made between the two parties and it should be honored. Joel Dasher responded that it takes approximately 15 minutes to complete the lot. Pastor Bernard requested that priority be given to Sunday mornings and Wednesday mornings and all other times were not as critical.
Humbert and Joe Hennen moved to authorize the mayor or the city clerk to sign an agreement allowing either or all of the select properties of Sacred Heart catholic Parish, the Community Center, and/or Tri-City Christian Center for snow plowing services to be reviewed in the Spring of 2008. Discussion offered . Motion carried 5-0.
Report – Jim Schulz, SEH, City Engineer
Jim Schulz gave a verbal report.
Schulz received quotes for storm water management on the easterly line on Millwood Metalworks property and presented the information to Council for review. The proposal was recommended to the Freeport EDA for review and recommendation.
Discussion followed regarding the construction and feasibility of storm water management in the Industrial Park. Schulz mentioned that mitigation of the delineated wetland was a matter of time and not possibility. Council instructed Schulz to continue working to mitigate the wetland area to avoid having to construct a hold pond around the existing lowland wetland. Further recommendations regarding storm water management are pending from the EDA.
Regarding the Main Street Project, Schulz stated that the shelter should be constructed in the near future. Worms mentioned that there was a powder coating issue on some of the metal beams in need of attention.
Report – Joel Dasher, Public Works Director
Dasher gave a verbal report and written report which is on file for review.
Dasher brought forward a snow blower removal plan. Discussion followed including the need to remove snow from the sidewalk on the south side of Main Street. Tim Hennen moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion authorizing the Public Works Director to purchase a snow blower as described in the proposal which is preferably an 8 horse, 2 cycle model for approximately $800 from Hiltner Company. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Report – Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer
Hetland provided a verbal report and written report which is on file for review.
Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve of Joel Dasher and Paul Hetland to attend the 2nd Annual Water and Utility Management Institute on November 29, 2005 in St. Cloud. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Hetland noted that there was a Minnesota Small Cities Association meeting today about septic issues in City Hall. The organization was appreciative of the space and it was determined that the tables and chairs in the Council Chamber can accommodate a small conference of about 40 individuals.
He also noted that he had a meeting with Steve McDonald, conducting the independent audit for the year 2005, on Monday and that he received a letter regarding recommendations today.
Hetland was requested to report on the progress of the Clearwire agreement at the next meeting.
Hetland was also asked to report on the progress of the Albany Mutual Telephone Company's agreement at the next meeting.
Displaying Christmas lights was discussed and staff was directed to erect a few of the current lights where available and that a design committee be put together to make recommendations for the 2006-2007 holiday season.
Hetland reported that the Small Cities Grant was submitted before November 1 and a copy of the grant is on file for review.
Goebel mentioned that the County Road 11 sign outside City Hall does not reflect well. Dasher stated that he would address the problem.
Council noted to Dasher that the street light by Margaret Atkinson's residence is dim.
Worms mentioned that had a conversation with Dan Marthaler and that he was disappointed with recent curb cuts in the Industrial Park at the lot owned by Ken and Peg Hartung. Dasher noted the issue and has been working with the contractor and Hetland and staff will work on addressing the concern with policy recommendations.
Worms also mentioned that if a property is requesting a variance, they need a certificate of survey. Staff will work on a proposal for a change in policy.
Dasher also brought up the idea of rock entrances to each lot for construction. Worms mentioned that Council should further discuss the matter and other building and construction matters over the 2005-2006 winter.
Worms mentioned about the City Maintenance Building estimates for the project. All together reconstruction would be approximately $60,940. Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded to accept Scherping Electric's bid and begin electrical work in the building during this winter with a bid of $7,850. Discussion followed. Motion carried 5-0.
Hetland noted that a he had heard from three sources a letter of resignation was submitted by Joel Dasher and that it was not true. Dasher was present and confirmed that he had not submitted a letter of resignation.
At 10:07 P.M. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
