Also in attendance were the following: Scott Dymoke, Jim Schulz, Herman Lensing, John Gilk, and Carol Moorman.
Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joel Dasher.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.
Agenda
Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the meeting agenda. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.
Approval of the Minutes
Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes with minor corrections noted for July 26, 2006. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.
Reports
Fire Chief, John Gilk
John mentioned that he has six fire fighters due for the required physical examinations at a cost of $200 a person which totals $1200.
He also reported that he knows of five fire fighters that wish to retire in the next year and that the fire department seeks authorization to begin the hiring process emphasizing the need for daytime responders.
Gilk further reported and request that a soft suction 5" by 18' hose sprung a leak and they are in need of replacing it at a cost of $325.
He also mentioned that a DNR matching grant is available to replace the device used to fill the air bottles after fires at a total cost of $6595.36 which half would be $3297.68.
Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve all four proposals from the fire chief. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.
Gilk proceeded to bring forward his recommendations on a Freeport Area Fire Service Budget Committee. He and Hetland agreed that the composition of the committee must include participants from each of the Fire Service's members. It was further discussed that practice of the City Clerk and Fire Chief drafting a budget should continue and then it is presented to the Budget Committee to be then presented to the membership at the Annual Meeting. Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to establish a budget committee for the 2008 budget process. Discussion included that it would be the first year of a budget committee and after the conclusion of the 2007 Annual Meeting the committee's value would be evaluated and determined if it should continue as a standing committee of the Area Fire Service. Motion carried 4-0.
City Engineer's Report, Jim Schulz, SEH
Schulz reported that on the Industrial Park project that 7th Street SW up to Whirlwind Drive is subcut and is scheduled to be backfilled by the following week. Schulz further noted that the light utilities come in when the remaining fill in installed. Schulz expected the fill and light utilities to be finished in the next week or so assuming there is no rain.
Regarding the Main Street Project, Schulz placed a call into Tri-City Paving to obtain a schedule as to when they anticipate the project's completion. Schulz asked if the City has any concerns regarding the project. No concerned were mentioned other than stressing with Tri-City the City's intentions to complete the punchlist items therein completing the project as soon as possible.
Worms mentioned about the status of Xcel Energy removing the old light poles by Hoeschen Auto and Smiley Gas Mart. Schulz stated that he would investigate the matter and report back at the next meeting.
Public Works Director, Joel Dasher
Dasher gave a verbal report.
Dasher reported that he inspected the storm drains of the Welle Estates Plat 2 Phase 2 and all were in order. He mentioned that the curb stops should be lowered in the next week.
He also reported that he and Middendorf built some work benches in the new Maintenance Building. He noted that the new Main Street planters were moved into the Maintenance Building which was about a 6 or 7 hour project. It is planned that the planters will be moved each spring and fall.
He reported that the raising of the waste water man hole northeast of the City and County Road 11 did not work out for Annandale Contracting to add to their work schedule. No action was taken.
He noted that the water mains were flushed in the new phase of the Industrial Park and the samples were taken in for testing.
Dasher brought forward a couple concerns regarding Lions Park maintenance with the lawn sprinkler heads and the tennis court. The sprinkler heads are lower than the sod in many locations and as a result the water does not adequately cover all of the areas of grass it was originally designed to cover. There are approximately 150 to 200 sprinkler heads and Dasher noted that nearly all of them need to be raised. Dasher inquired whether it was cost effective for him to raise all of the heads or hire a contractor specializing in sprinkler systems. No action was taken. Dasher also mentioned that the posts around the tennis court need to be pounded down due to the freeze-thaw cycle over the past several years. He also noted that the surface is in need of repair and would probably need a repainting in the next few years. Dasher would solicit a quote for the repairs and present it at a future meeting. A discussion followed regarding the usage of the tennis court and justification of the repairs needed. Worms mentioned that the costs would be measurably higher to allow the court to fall into total disrepair or to remove it only to have interested parties wanting to erect another one at some future point. Worms also noted that there is a need in our City for the options to partake in outdoor recreational activities and the court should, therefore, remain and be repaired. No action was taken. Further discussion will take place between the City the Freeport Lions Club as to the costs of the needed repairs.
City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland
Hetland provided a written report which is on file for review.
New Business
Scott Dymoke Proposal – Legal services per meeting with a one-hour charge ($95)
Scott Dymoke, City Attorney was present to deliver a proposal regarding offering legal service at each Council Meeting for a fee of one hour regardless of the amount of time spent at the meeting or issues addressed. He stated that he worked out a similar proposal in Melrose and he feels it gives him a better understanding of City issues if he is present. Through further discussion, he mentioned that he would be willing to come to meetings as requested and charge only a one hour fee regardless of the time spent at the meeting. The Council appreciated the proposal and would take it under advisement. Dymoke conveyed his appreciation for the City's time in this matter.
Northstar Railroad Proposal
Hetland presented information from the Northstar Railroad commission requesting a donation to the program. Council discussed the matter and stated that the City would be interested when the line proposal is closer to the City. No action was taken.
Main St. – Change Order 8 – Adding power to the shelter - $1051.92
Schulz presented information on Change Order Number 8 regarding bringing power to the Main Street park shelter. The proposal was requested by the City in September 2005 and approved unanimously by City Council. The work was completed shortly afterward and was omitted on the original plans. No action was taken on the change order considering the action taken previously by City Council.
Urban Conservationist
Hetland brought forward information from the Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District (SCSWCD) regarding their proposal to fund a new "urban conservationist" position. Questions followed regarding the structure and authority of the SCSWCD. Hetland noted that there are several other Stearns County cities concerned about the funding formula and questioning the equity of the position if some cities fund it and others don't in who is able to utilize the position. He also noted that the services proposed can be sought from Stearns County Environmental Services or are a part of engineering projects through the City Engineer. No action was taken. Council requested Hetland to contact the SCSWCD regarding more information on the position.
Consent Agenda
Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the consent agenda as presented which included:
- Claims in the amount of $9998.41
- A 3.2 Temporary Permit Request for the Freeport Softball & Rec Club for August 11 and 12
- Resolution 2006-034 regarding the Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) updating the Residential Guidelines which replaces Res. 2006-019
- Resolution 2006-035 regarding the SCDP updating the Commercial Guidelines which replaces Res. 2006-018
At 8:50 P.M. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
