Also in attendance were the following: Jim Schulz, Jim Notch, Carol Moorman, Herman Lensing, Tom Eveslage, and Randy Synstad.
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. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Minutes
Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve the February 8, 2006 meeting minutes with minor corrections. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
New Business
Open Public Forum
There were no comments made to Council.
Hearing for lot split on Block 1, Lot 2 with the addresses 107,109 9th St SE
Worms opened the hearing at 7:35 P.M. Hetland gave an overview of the ordinance the request to split the lot. Jim Notch was also present to discuss the request. Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the splitting of Block 1, Lot 2 in the Welle Country Acres plat with the addresses of 107 and 109 9th Street SE. Discussion was offered. Motion carried 5-0. Worms closed the hearing at 7:40 P.M.
Albany Mutual Telephone Association Cable Franchise Agreement Approval
Tom Eveslage, Albany Mutual Telephone Association was present for any questions relating to passage of the agreement. Eveslage requested that the minutes document that they were opposed to the gratuity equaled in the previously adopted agreement with U.S. Cable. Humbert moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to adopt the Cable Franchise Agreement with the Albany Mutual Telephone Association. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Hearing for the Consideration of a Trailhead Facility Grant
Worms opened the hearing at 7:48 P.M. Hetland brought forward the formal resolution as drafted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and explained that from his understanding that the passage of the resolution as is was critical in receiving the monies. The resolution is included in the consent agenda. Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the grant resolution. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. Worms closed hearing at 7:51 P.M.
Request for a Hearing on March 29, 2006 for an Annual 3.2 Liquor License to be added to Freeport City Code
Hetland gave a brief overview of the request to add a 3.2 on-sale liquor license to Freeport City Code stating that the code currently does not permit the practice allowable by state statute. He further stated that the request was being made on behalf of Randy Synstad, co-owner of Charlie's Cafe. Discussion followed on the possibility of fees and a collective understanding of the license. There were many questions raised and more information would be provided at a later hearing. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to set a hearing for March 29, 2006. Discussion was offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Approval of Payment Application No. 6
Schulz discussed and presented Payment Application No. 6 for the Main Street Public Improvement Project. Goebel stated that the park shelter shouldn't be paid because it's not complete. Discussion followed regarding the cost of the shelter at $40,000. Schulz stated that the material cost was approximately $25,000 and the contractor's increase was about 15%. Schulz did state that there was a considerable mark-up for the item, but reminded Council and the public that bid for Tri-City Paving overall was considerably lower that the next lowest bid for the project. Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve Payment Application No. 6. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Old Business
Maintenance Building Status Report
Dasher and Tim Hennen reported the following: The building's construction is completed. Regarding the plumbing of water and waste water services, it was understood that this would be accomplished when the frost was out of the ground. Goebel suggested that an eye wash area be installed in the building seeing that caustic chemicals are often used. Dasher mentioned that the well houses should also have eye wash units. Council stated that it would be a good idea to add an eye washer in the new maintenance building and the well houses.
Worms came up with some prices for shelving in the building. Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve of the purchase of shelving for the new maintenance building for the amount of $2350.46 which comprised of used beams in excellent condition and wire decking with new uprights. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Worms mentioned that the whirlybird vents and ridge vent are in need of repair and work should continue to repair those damaged items. Worms also mentioned that he thought the area looked in good order. Council requested that Dasher remove all refuse from the area and continue organizing items in the facility.
Consent Agenda
Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the consent agenda which included the following: Claims in the amount of $79,685.97, approval of the 2005 Audited Financial Statements, recommendation from the Fire Chief to adjust the 2007 Area Fire Service Budget to increase the salary of the First Assistant from $430 to $550 (current line item in the amount of $2700), approving Resolution 2006-005 – Outdoor Recreation Grant Application, Zoning Permit, and approval a sign permit for Ellingson Plumbing & Heating for the replacement of an old sign with one of approximate equal size. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to place a moratorium on all signs and adult use oriented businesses until revised sign and adult use ordinances can be adopted. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Report – Jim Schulz, SEH, City Engineer
Hetland thanked Schulz for all of the Industrial Park development assistance in the preceding few days. Schulz reported that the Stearns County Highway Department had originally requested to place 5 ton road restrictions on Main Street, but through discussions with the County Engineer's Office, it was increased to 7 ton restrictions.
Report – Joel Dasher, Public Works Director
Dasher provided a verbal report and written report which is on file for review.
He commented that the water and sewer rate calculations were mistakenly omitted from the Council packets, but would be provided at a later meeting. He also noted that a catch basin sunk near 9th Street SE and is scheduled for repair. He also noted that some sidewalks have heaved up along 2nd Street North. He further reported that Lawrence Shriffler gave a quote of about $8000 for crack fill along 2nd Street North and all of Industrial Drive for the Council's consideration. No action was taken. Dasher mentioned that he had a meeting with Harold Klaphake, City of New Munich and Klaphake gave Freeport a switch box for our generator.
Report – Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer
Hetland provided a verbal report and written report which is on file for review.
Hetland noted that on March 20, 2006 at 8:00 P.M. there will be a Special Freeport City Council Meeting with Oak Township regarding intergovernmental cooperation. Tim Hennen mentioned that he will be unable to attend the meeting. Hetland publicly thanked Rodney Atkinson for the written appreciation of Hetland as addressed to City Council and the City.
At 10:08 P.M. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
