Also in attendance were the following: Jim Schulz, Herman Lensing, Bob Timp , Bob Roelike, Mark Middendorf, Jim Hemker, Ben Fleischhaker, Brian Hennen and Jordon Meyer, and Sue Slupe.

Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.

Agenda

Goebel moved and Humbert 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 November 2 and 30 meeting minutes with minor corrections. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Annexation Request on Fleischhacker Land

Hetland gave an overview of the annexation discussion at the Oak Township Board meeting on Monday, December 5, 2005. Hetland and Mayor Worms were in attendance and the Board voted to approve the annexation.

Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2005-034, as amended to annex 67.5 acres, and to reimburse Oak Township $200 for 6 years (2006 through 2011) for compensation due to lost tax revenue. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Old Business

Message Center Proposal

Worms brought the proposed message center issue off of the table. Jim Hemker, Freeport State Bank President was present and mentioned that the Bank itself intends to periodically display ads on the sign. He also noted that the signs primary purpose would be to display community events, with specific access for all Chamber Members and the Freeport Lions Club, and would produce written guidelines regarding its usage. He noted that the proposed changes to the draft lease agreement were satisfactory and would be willing to work with the City to incorporate the suggested language. Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to accept the message center proposal as recommended and discussed and to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to complete the final version of the lease agreement for signature. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

New Business

Open Public Forum

Worms mentioned that he received two complaints regarding the snow plowing of the cul-de-sac on 8th Street SE requesting that the snow could be taken to the curb. The concern was conveyed to staff and Council suggested erecting reflectors in such difficult areas in the City.

Consent Agenda

Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the consent agenda which included the following: Claims in the amount of $10,498.53, payroll for the fire department in the amount of $19,453.63, and the replacement of marquee sign on the Freeport State Bank building. Discussion included snow plow and fire truck repairs. Motion carried 5-0

Report – Jim Schulz, SEH, City Engineer

Jim Schulz had no formal report. He made reference to a letter from Xcel Energy regarding relocated power lines and provided a copy of the letter.

Report – Joel Dasher, Public Works Director

Dasher was not present at the meeting due to snow removal early in the day and anticipated during the night.

In a discussion regarding snow removal for the south side of Main Street East, Tim Hennen mentioned his research of renting a skid loader with the minimum charge $66 per use and an additional $22 per hour. Tim Hennen also mentioned that Dasher did a great job clearing the streets and downtown area in particular. Discussion continued on the clearing of snow in the downtown area. No action was taken and further research was recommended.

Report – Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer

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

Hetland noted that he will, as Emergency Management Director, work with the City of New Munich to in the creation of a service agreement for the use of their three phase generator in the event of prolonged power outage and to assist in providing water to Freeport subscribers. Hetland was also encouraged to continue working with other communities to aid in this matter and to share resources.

Council agreed with the recommendation brought by Hetland to delay the implementation of a comprehensive plan to explore cooperative local government agreements, funding sources, and planning options.

Regarding the recommended moratorium on new building permits in the Welle Acres Plat 2 addition from Dan Marthaler, City Building Inspector, Council agreed with the recommendation and encouraged staff to work with the developer to determine a timeline and direction as to when construction will be completed.

2006 Final Levy and 2006 Budget Approval

Hetland provided a levy and budget for review covering the following funds: General, EDA, Water, Waste Water, TIF Districts, and Project Bonds. He noted that by law, only a general fund and the final levy need to be approved at the meeting to ensure timely submittal of information to the Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer's Office and to forward to the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor.

The entire City budget and levy were discussed at length. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the 2006 final levy of $237,235.00 as stated. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Joe Hennen and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the General Fund budget at amended and balanced in the amount of 360,527.36. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve all other budgets as presented. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

At 10:40 P.M. Tim Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.