Also in attendance were the following: Jim Schulz, Herman Lensing, Rodney Atkinson, Ken Utsch, John Gilk, Courtney Borderding, Brad Wiehoff, and Charlie Balderston.
Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joe Dasher.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.
Agenda
Tim 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 for November 8, 2006. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.
New Business
John Gilk, Fire Chief, Freeport Fire and Rescue Department – Approval of two new members
John Gilk addressed City Council presenting two firefighter applicants for approval. Tim Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve of Jason Hoppe and Brandon Roering as recommended as fire fighters. Gilk noted that they had the two highest scores. Motion carried 4-0.
Gilk also reported that the fire department was charged two times a fee pf $2.00 for a gas spill clean-up fee at Smiley Gas Mart on the dates of October 5 and 26, 2006. Council stated that the charge should be at the time at the time of payment before signing the ticket and not added onto the bill at a later time. Gilk stated that he would write a letter to the owners of Smiley Gas Mart about the situation.
Gilk noted a $500 grant for traffic and safety vests was awarded to the fire department.
Gilk also reported that there were four outstanding fire call bills and requested permission to telephone the parties. Hetland explained that permission is respectful, but not required to collect bills. Hetland also reminded Council that if the fire effect property owners in the fire district, those fees can be collected through taxes. He further noted that to avoid the temptation to simply have all bills go on taxes, there should be a late fee or interest penalty system implemented.
Ken Utsch, St. Martin Township
Ken Utsch from St. Martin Township was present to present a resolution approving the release of St. Martin Township from the Freeport Area Fire Service as of January 1, 2007. Goebel moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to accept the 30 day notice but under protest on behalf of the Freeport Area Fire Service that the 2007 service fee amount was not paid. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0. The Mayor, City Council Members, Fire Chief, and City Clerk shook hands with Ken Utsch.
Open Public Forum
Atkinson Lot in the Y2K Addition
Rodney Atkinson was present to discuss the issues raised at the previous City Council Meeting pertaining to the condition of a lot in the Y2K Addition along 7th Street SW. Council asked questions regarding the licensing of the vehicles on the lot. Atkinson responded that well-drilling vehicles are considered equipment under state statute and do not need license plates. He also commented that the owner of the cars has been notified to remove the vehicles as soon as possible. Council also noted that the general condition of the lot appeared to be in an unsightly condition. Atkinson responded that he did not want City representatives to trespass on his property. He asked why he was not included on the agenda. Council requested that Atkinson bring the lot into compliance with Freeport City Code.
League of Minnesota Cities
Worms presented information for a newly elected officials workshop sponsored by the League of Minnesota Cities. The document was made available for Tim Hennen and Charlie Balderston and are to forwarded the information to Hetland in December to make the necessary arrangements.
Soil and Watershed Urban Conservationist Position
Worms and Hetland presented the Urban Conservationist position for re-review in light of a recent request from the Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District. Worms read the letter for the position which stated that the goal to have it funded by Stearns County and grants but requested a fee from cities based on their size to aid in the interim. Hetland and Schulz gave a review of the Sauk River Watershed District's newly proposed rules and regulations and sited the situation as one that the Urban Conservationist position could be a city advocate. Worms stated that he was not in favor of the fee system, as originally discussed, to fund the position. Goebel moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to give support to the Urban Conservationist position only is all cities and townships pay the fee or if the fee concept is removed. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.
Reports
City Engineer's Report, Jim Schulz, SEH
Schulz gave a review of the Sauk River Watershed District proposed changes and how they could effect development in the area.
Public Works Director, Joel Dasher
Dasher was not present at the meeting due to his attendance at the annual five-year road project meeting conducted by the Stearns County Highway Department. Council noted that a few recent water shut off notices had the wrong date on the notice and that they should be resent with the correct date.
City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland
Hetland provided a written report which is on file for review.
Hetland gave a brief update on the court results of the Beutz Radiator Service case. He reported that the owner pleaded guilty to two counts (two separate offenses) to Chapter XX of Freeport City Code pertaining to nuisances. The sentence included a $300 fine and that the lot must be in compliance with Freeport City Code per the inspection of the City Clerk or report to 30 days of jail time on June 1, 2007 at 9:00 A.M.
Consent Agenda
Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve the Consent Agenda which included claims in the amount of $76,763.73, claims with payroll applicable payments in the amount of $22,752.31, payroll for the General Election in the amount of $906.42, payroll for city employees in the amount of $6306.69, and periodic pay out of vacation and personal time in the amount of $3256.79. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.
At 9:46 P.M. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0.
