Also in attendance were the following: Susan Slupe, Jim Schulz, Carol Moorman and Herman Lensing, Jim Notch,

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 an alternation of deleting the need for a closed session. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Minutes

Tim Hennen moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to approve the January 25, 2006 meeting minutes. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

New Business

Open Public Forum

There were no comments made to Council.

Old Business

Maintenance Building Status Report

Tim Hennen reported the following: the Styrofoam for the walls has been installed, the steel was coming that following Friday, overhead doors have been ordered and expected for delivery in 2 weeks, and that the electrical work will all be in conduit and expected to be completed shortly.

Consent Agenda

Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the consent agenda which included the following: Claims in the amount of $12,616.21, setting April 26, 2006 (Regularly Scheduled Meeting) as the Annual Board of Equalization Meeting, Welle Plat 2 address changes, authorizing the City Clerk to Amend the City Credit Card Policy to include Members of the Freeport Fire Department for the purchase of gasoline for the Fire Department, authorizing the City Clerk to attend the second of three years of the Minnesota Municipal Clerks Institute (approximately $759.50 total [$349.50 hotel and $410.00 fee] – Hetland also reported for reference that in 2005 the City received a $250 scholarship and he reapplied for it this year and that it was a budgeted item in the 2006 budget). Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Report – Jim Schulz, SEH, City Engineer

Schulz presented a verbal report at the meeting. He reported that on the Island Paradise project. Of special concern was the storm water drainage for the development. He recommends a 6" drain tile and requested guidance from the City regarding its placement whether to the backyard or the streets. A discussion followed. Worms asked if a sump pump is needed for the building code. Hetland stated that he will ask Dan Marthaler, Building Inspector. Schulz noted that items ultimately accepted by City should not begin without a development agreement.

Regarding the Main Street Public Improvement Project, Schulz mentioned a grading issue between the walkway and street in front of the doorway at Hennen Lumber where ice has been forming. He will address the issue with Tri-City Paving, the contractor. He also reported that he will forward a breakdown of the Picnic Shelter to Hetland as requested and will forward to Council for review.

Report – Joel Dasher, Public Works Director

Dasher provided a verbal report and written report which is on file for review. On Tuesday, February 21, 2006, a water tower meeting is scheduled with Chris Walgren from Utility Services Company. Dasher also reported higher than normal levels of infiltration caused by heavy rains in the fall were reported across the Central Minnesota region.

Report – Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer

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

Part-Time Maintenance Worker Employee Status Report

Hetland reported that Mark Middendorf, part-time Maintenance Worker, has officially notified the City that he has accepted employment elsewhere. He further wished to state to the City that he will remain available for every other weekend rounds and back-up assistance during snow storms and vacation periods of the public works director. He further noted that that it was acceptable to him that if the City's interests require the hiring of someone else meaning Middendorf's complete employment termination. Hetland stated that through meeting with the Public Works Director, staff accepted the proposal and felt the process could remain open and flexible to meet the City's needs. Hetland also noted that there is not a formal hiring process requiring postings and advertising for this position that was created in the spring of 2003. Council asked if there was an age limitation of hiring employees with the City, especially with the operation of potentially dangerous equipment. Hetland will investigate with the League of Minnesota Cities.

At 8:26 P.M. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.