Approval of the Agenda

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

Approval of the Minutes:

Tim Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes for February 14, 2007. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

New Business

Annual

Area Fire Service Meeting

At 7:30 P.M. the Annual Meeting Area Fire Service was called to order. In attendance were the following:

City of Freeport

  • Matt Worms
  • Dave Humbert
  • Charles Balderston
  • Joe Hennen
  • Tim Hennen

City of St. Anthony

  • Jim Cremers

City of St. Rosa

  • John Stoermann

Krain Township

  • Arnie Blommel

Millwood Township

  • Adolph Wensmann
  • Steve Notch

Oak Township

  • Bob Timp
  • Bob Roelike

Albany Township

  • Paul Luethmers

Review of the Minutes

Hetland previously distributed the Council approved minutes of the last Area Fire Service Meeting on July 26, 2006. No changes were made or suggested for the minutes.

2008 Budget

Hetland, Gilk, and Hiltner outlined and reviewed the proposed 2008 budget for the fire and rescue department. Following the budget review were several questions and comments regarding the building and equipment and the vehicle capital improvement (sinking) funds and income sources such as reinstating the rescue call fees.

Krain moved and St. Anthony seconded a motion that the Freeport Fire and Rescue Department shall once again charge for rescue calls as of March 1, 2007 and presenting uncollected bills over 90 days to the proper taxing authorities within the fire service district for collection. Discussion offered. Motion carried 6-1 with Oak Township opposing the motion.

Millwood moved and St. Rosa seconded a motion approving the 2008 balanced budget for the Freeport Fire and Rescue Department as presented in the amount of $94,511.52. Discussion offered. Motion carried 7-0.

Fire Chief Tom Hiltner recommended the hiring of three firefighters which were as follows:

  • Chris Williams
  • Andy Grieve
  • Tom Kramers

Balderston moved and Humbert seconded a motion to hire the three fire fighters. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Rescue Truck Presentation

Hiltner also presented an opportunity to purchase a used rescue truck for $74,500. He explained that the vehicle is currently in disrepair, needing body work. The amount is about half of the cost of a new vehicle. Hiltner was authorized by Council to set up a committee and report back at a later time.

Freeport Area Fire Service Agreement

City Attorney Scott Dymoke reviewed the proposed November 2006 draft of the fire service agreement between the City of Freeport and each of the fire service entities. There was discussion on the composition of the board, the fee structure calculus, the usage of surpluses, and the term of the agreement. Some felt that the budget process should take place over a few months and in at least two meetings while others felt the current system fit their needs. Oak Township asked if the proposed budget could be disseminated in December. Hetland responded that it could but the information would be incomplete considering the end of the year amounts were not accounted until the end of the year. Oak Township felt that more time was need for review of the proposed November 2006 draft service agreement and no action was taken. Dymoke stated that he would work to disseminate a draft as soon as possible.

Those present felt that a draft of the agreement with the suggested changes should be distributed as soon as possible and that the Freeport Area Fire Service meet again in July to approve the service agreement.

St. Rosa moved and Krain Township seconded a motion to close the Freeport Area Fire Service Meeting at 10:46 P.M. Motion carried 7-0.

Open Public Forum

Worms brought forward a now removal concern along County Road 157/CSAH 60 and it was agreed by Council Members that it was a Stearns County Highway Department concern and staff should contact them regarding the additional removal of snow.

Worms brought forward a proposal from Xcel Energy in brining power the second phase of the Industrial Park. Hetland will check on the electrical crossing on Co Rd 11 and how that effects the Industrial Park as described in the February 23, 2007.

Hetland was requested to analyze the Industrial Park project engineering fee estimate and the actual fees paid on the project.

Reports

Public Works Director, Joel Dasher

Dasher was not present at the meeting due to weather related duties in the City.

City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland

Hetland provided a written report which is on file for review. He also noted that he and Mayor Worms will be meeting with Sheriff John Sanner at noon on March 12. He further mentioned that the committee Hetland chairs (the Stearns County Municipal League Intergovernmental Ad Hoc Committee) will meet on March 19 at City Hall with it's monthly issue on the topic of law enforcement and all are welcome to attend.

City Council Consent Agenda

Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the consent agenda which included the following:

  • Claims in the amount of $18,183.04 (which includes payroll applicable costs)
  • Payroll in the amount of $6340.99, and Resolution 2007-006 – Trailhead Facility Grant

Discussion was offered and included withholding the bills from SEH until more information is presented from Jim Schulz. Motion carried 5-0.

At 11:28 P.M. Joe Hennen moved and Balderston seconded a motion to adjourn the City Council meeting. Motion carried 5-0.