Also in attendance were the following: Jim Schulz, Herman Lensing, Gary and Linda Pierskalla, Jerry Butkoski, Everett Schepring, Charlie Balderston, Dennis Poepping, Mike and Jean Renneker, Graeme Mahler, Jackie Atkinson, and Mark Middendorf.

Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joe Dasher.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.

Agenda

Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion approving the meeting agenda. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Approval of the Minutes

Tim Hennen moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes for October 25, 2006. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

New Business

Industrial Park Final Assessment Hearing

Worms opened the hearing at 7:34 P.M. Schulz gave an overview of the assessments and the improvement project. Tim Hennen requested that Schulz further detail the methods used in the three method plans presented and Schulz complied. Tim Hennen questioned why Whirlwind Steel Buildings wasn't included in the assessment and it was noted that it was part of the development agreement. Worms asked why the newly acquired Famo Feeds lot was not added. Schulz explained that Famo was not added because the property wasn't benefited. Hetland commented that the City received verification that Business Development Infrastructure Grant was awarded as planned in May which assists in greatly reducing the assessment amounts. Gary and Linda Pierskalla noted that their property brings benefit and taxes to the City and they felt that part of their property was lost in the project. Schulz responded that the right-of-way was the same but a greater amount of the easement was used but their property was the same size at .74 acres. It was openly calculated that if one would take away the ditch, the Pierskalla's would have approximately .7 acres of land. Pierskallas felt that the Famo Feeds property should be added to the area for benefit. Schulz noted that the cost of the ponds was about $70,000 to $100,000 which equates to about $2300 per acre. Hetland noted that assessments could be added for storm water benefit at a later time but there may not be enough time to notice property owners and ready an assessment roll in this year for 2007. Discussion also included a comparative per acre cost on assessments between the Industrial Park Project and the Main Street Project completed a year earlier which indicated an amount far less for the Industrial Park Project. Worms moved and Joe Hennen seconded motion to approve the second assessment roll method as presented and to adjust the land assessment for the Pierskalla lot at .7 acres with an amount of $19,696.59. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Worms closed the hearing at 8:28 P.M.

Preliminary and Final Plats for the Island Paradise Development (and approval of the addresses for the development)

Worms opened the hearing at 8:28 P.M. Graeme Mahler, representing the Island Paradise development, noted that the design from the previously approved version added a buffer near Freeport Lake that can't be developed for storm water retention. He also noted that he had worked with Stearns County Environmental Services and the City of Freeport for wetland mitigation to correct the wetland issues concerning the development. He further mentioned that an onsite holding pond will be included as required for storm water retention. Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the Island Paradise preliminary and final plats and the addresses for the development. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0 with Tim Hennen abstaining. Worms closed the heating at 8:35 P.M.

Unpaid Utility and Violation Bills

Hetland presented a list of unpaid utility bills which were over 90 days late and clean-up services rendered which is on file for review. Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve placing the unpaid bills onto the respective parcels for tax collection in 2007. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. Worms closed the hearing at 8:38 P.M.

Wood Pile Residential 1 (R1) – Ordinance 2006-007

Worms opened the hearing at 8:38 P.M. Hetland described that he contacted other communities regarding the size and regulations concerning wood piles. Goebel moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion approving Ordinance 2006-007 limiting each residential property to 2 cords of exposed wood. Discussion included having a March timeline to implement the ordinance. Motion carried 5-0. Worms closed the hearing at 8:48 P.M.

Canvassing the 2006 General Election Results

Joe Hennen moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2006-045 canvassing the 2006 General Election results. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Reports

City Engineer's Report, Jim Schulz, SEH

Provided a written report which is on file for review.

Dasher and Schulz gave a proposal for a waste water alarm system from Preferred Controls for $6869.25 with tax and a $1500 software system upgrade for a total amount of $8369.25. Dasher estimated about $7000 was generated from the security fee since its installation in 2003 with only about $600 spent since 2003. Dasher mentioned that with this new runtime system the weekend checks could be eliminated. Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the proposal in the amount of $8369.25. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Worms mentioned the idea of scheduling an open house in the City for the newly renovated maintenance building and for city hall. He mentioned that the City of Melrose does a similar activity and we should do the same. No time or date was discussed or set.

Council noted that the payment to Annandale Construction is still be reviewed and is expected to be released by November 17.

Public Works Director, Joel Dasher

Dasher provided a written report which is on file for review.

Dasher presented a proposal to correct the waste water line near 3rd Street NE in the amount of $2932 to be completed by Brietbach Construction. Goebel moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the manhole repair. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Dasher gave a brief progress report on the acquisition of a generator for water and waste water emergency purposes. He reported that Freeport State Bank and Ervin Bueckers had generators to inspect. Council encouraged Dasher to continue reviewing the generators.

Dasher also reported that the water tower was cleaned out on the day of the Council Meeting. He also reported that the flag poles were improved to resist against breakage in high winds.

City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland

Hetland provided a written report which is on file or review.

Hetland gave a public thank you to the election judges for a job well-done during the General Election. Hetland reminded Council that further election work may need to take place due to the new State review process after elections.

Council noted that the lot in the Y2K addition belonging to Rodney Atkinson is in an unsightly condition and should be given a 30 day notice to bring the property into compliance. Worms also noted that that the vehicles should be inspected to ensure that they are properly licensed under the State of Minnesota's Well Drillers license program. Worms suggested contacting the County Sheriff. Hetland stated that he would contact the Sheriff's Office the following day.

Hetland also reported that Beutz Radiator Service was still not in compliance with the nuisance violation and a court date has been set for November 28, 2006 at 2:30 P.M. of which he and a few other citizens would be testifying on the City's behalf.

Consent Agenda

Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion approving the consent agenda which contained the following:

  • Claims in the amount of $32,406.09
  • Renew the contract with Tri-County Humane Society for animal control
  • Approval of Freeport's attendance at the Hometown Minnesota Workshop on November 17 in Melrose for the amount of $75
  • Sauk River Watershed Grant request for support and authorization for the City Clerk to write a letter of approval for funding

Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

At 9:50 P.M. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.