Agenda
Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion approving the meeting agenda. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Approval of the Minutes
Balderston moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes for March 28, 2007 with correction noted. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
New Business
Rescue Truck Proposal
Fire Chief Tom Hiltner gave a verbal and written (which is on file for review) proposal for the purchase a 1998 rebuilt Freightliner Type 1 rescue truck with approximately 72,000 miles for $39,000 (after a $5000 trade in of the old truck) and with all accessories totaling $45,250.The truck committee estimates that the truck will be in operation for about 20 years.
Hetland reported that in regards to purchasing of the truck, the Area Fire Service vehicle fund currently has $89,833.64, which would accommodate the purchase and bring that fund down to about $44,000. At the proposed July Area Fire Service meeting there will be more information pertaining to projected truck purchases in the next several years.
Hiltner noted that the accessories will be primarily installed by the fire fighters.
Joe Hennen moved and Balderston seconded a motion to approve the purchasing of the rescue truck and necessary accessories plus applicable tax for the total amount of $45,250. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Open Public Forum
Joe Hennen mentioned that St. Cloud Riverbats baseball team will be having a June youth clinic giving out shirts and demonstrating baseball fundamentals.
Alley Updates
Hetland mentioned that Scott Hamak is currently working on all of the alley matters and Hetland expected a report by the next meeting.
Road Restriction Update
Hetland distributed information compiled by himself and attorney Scott Hamak. From the research provided, it is understood that all roads in Minnesota are assumed to be 5 ton roads by the Commissioner of MnDOT when road restrictions are in place unless the roads are otherwise noted. The State and County have jurisdiction to enforce this law on City streets.Moreover, Hetland spoke with representatives from the State and County regarding the likelihood of enforcement on city owned roads and they anonymously responded that they do not and have no desire to enforce road restrictions on city owned roads. Humbert moved and Tim Hennen moved to erect an 18"ÂťX24"Âť sign at the east entrance of 7th Street SW describing that the roads branching thereafter are 10 ton roads to alert truck drivers and law enforcement for a cost of approximately $65. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Justin Overman, Boy Scout – Eagle Scout Project Update
Council reviewed and discussed at length the questions given by Justin Overman at the last meeting. Council consensus was that the sign should look similar to the earth-toned, stucco version presented in the lower, right-hand corner of the example sheet provided by Overman. Council also noted that they desire to see the sign made of more durable and long-lasting components, especially the frame made of metal and not wood.The locations agreed upon were at the softball field on the south end and at the fire hall on the north end, thus having only two signs. The signs are not designed to be lighted but hopefully with reflective elements.The City Seal design suggested should also simply say "Welcome to Freeport."Âť Overman also stated that he would like to have a section for donors to be recognized and discussion followed on methods of doing so. The suggestions were welcomed by Overman and he would begin work on the project and report back as necessary for approval on the details as they arise.
Worms mentioned that the Girl Scout sign downtown appears to be leaning and inquired as to whose responsibility it is for maintenance. Those present believed it was MnDOT's responsibility considering they approved the permit, but staff would look into the matter and report at a future meeting.
City Engineer, Jim Schulz, SEH
Schulz gave a verbal report. He spoke with Tim Otremba of Tri-City Paving about the status 2005 Main Street Public Improvement Project. Worms mentioned that the cross walk where the Lake Wobegon Trail crosses County Road 11 is in need of painting. Dasher mentioned that is was the County that painted it in 2005, but staff would look into ensuring that the responsible party completes the painting. Schulz noted that all of the paint is not under warranty because the warranty period has not started yet because the City ahs not accepted the project. Schulz noted that the park shelter’s work is the major item outstanding on the project's punchlist. Joe Hennen asked how much time was spent completing the punchlist insofar as phone calls made, and Schulz responded that it was about an hour in the last several months.
Schulz and Hetland gave an update on Annandale Contracting's request to set up an escrow account to capture the interest amount on the Industrial Park Project's retainage amount per state statute. Both noted that the request was not per state statute according to a past letter of legal advise from Scott Hamak, but it wasn't the responsibility of the City to indicated exactly how the law would be enacted to begin the escrow process. Hetland further described a couple phone calls with the owner of Annandale Contracting regarding the Pierskalla property matters in the fall of 2006.The owner was amazed and shocked as to their employees' performance on the project. Hetland felt from his conversation that the owner was sincere and understood the City's perspective and he also felt the matter may be soon dropped.
Public Works Director, Joel Dasher
Dasher gave a minor verbal report. Dasher asked about when the softball field bathrooms should be opened for the season and Joe Hennen responded that maybe it could be on Friday, but he would contact Dasher to confirm the day.
City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland
Hetland presented a written report that is on file for review.
Hetland asked Council about the status of law enforcement, and Humbert suggested a law enforcement presentation in the community from the Sheriff or a representative. Hetland stated that he will contact the Sheriff and request the event. Hetland also presented a break down of the possible costs for law enforcement services from the City of Melrose totally approximately $85 per hour. The Sheriff provides services at $40 per hour. The City of Albany wrote an e-mail message that stated they are not interested in providing services to Freeport and suggested Melrose because we are in the same school district.
Hetland also provided information regarding a Sacred Heart School Playground lease agreement. Joe Hennen mentioned that the agreement may alter the Church's tax exempt status with such an arrangement and it should be investigated.
Hetland provided in the Council packet an e-mail response to the City's formal application inviting Governor Tim Pawlenty to an Industrial Park open house. The response indicated that the Governor was unavailable for all of 2007. The Mayor and Council alike were disappointed with the response. Mayor Worms indicated that he would write a letter to the Governor conveying the City's disappointment. Humbert also noted that a letter shold also be written to Representative Bud Heidgerken.
Hetland noted that a playground equipment grant opportunity was provided and asked for guidance on how to proceed. Council directed Hetland to compose a grant request as soon as possible and submit it.
Consent Agenda
Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion approving the Consent Agenda which included the following:
- Claims in the amount of $76,363.48
- Ordinance 2007-001 relating to Chapter 13 by providing changes made at the hearing from the previous meeting
Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Worms called for a recess at 9:33 P.M. He reconvened the meeting at 9:40 P.M.
Closed Session:
Regarding the Annual Review of the City Clerk/Treasurer
At 9:40 P.M. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to move into closed session for the Annual Review of the City Clerk/Treasurer. Worms moved and Balderston seconded a motion to move out of closed session at 10:16 P.M. and announced that the wage for the remainder of 2007 for the City Clerk/Treasurer would be set at $47,000 and set at $51,000 for 2008 after which time an annual increase will be based on a wage scale-type increase of 2 to 5%. Discussion also noted that the proposed wages for both years was less than the average wage was based on six 2006 comparable market studies from the League of Minnesota and the offer was found acceptable to Paul Hetland. The motions had carried 5-0.
At 10:18 P.M. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
