Agenda

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

Approval of the Minutes

Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes for August 8, 2007. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

New Business

Open Public Forum

No one was present to address Council.

Old Business

Wetland Mitigation Update

Hetland noted that the seeding was completed as requested. He noted that hundreds of varieties of native seeds were planted and will flower over the next few years. He noted that the city engineer had not given his approval to release the payment. Hetland advised holding the payment until the city engineer authorizes its release.

Senior Center Siding

Hetland reported that Senior Center officer Rosie Hiltner noted that the building's siding is less of a concern than the windows and the insulation.She also stated that traditionally any inside improvements are generally paid by the Senior Center organization and the outside improvement are paid by the City. Tim Hennen volunteered to review the suggested improvements and report back to Council at a future meeting.

Road Repairs

Worms brought forward idea of patching the alley between 3rd Avenue SE and 4th Avenue SE and making street repairs to 3rd Street SW. Worms reported that Dasher had contacted Mid-Continental Asphalt Company for a bid for the repairs. The estimated total would be $200 for the alley repair and $4000 the overlay of the street. Balderston moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to approve of the bid up to $200 to make the alley apron between 3rd Avenue SE and 4th Avenue SE and $4000 for the overlay of the tar on 3rd Street SW for approximately 170'. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Reports

City Engineer, Jim Schulz, SEH

Schulz was not present at the meeting.

Public Works Director, Joel Dasher

Dasher was not present at the meeting.

City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland

Hetland presented a written report that is on file for review.

Budget Preview

Hetland gave a review and accompanying documents of a preliminary budget and levy. He noted that the information is preliminary considering that the Stearns County Assessors Office had not forwarded the necessary tax capacity and valuation information yet to the City. Without the Assessor's information, staff was unable to convey the impact of the levy on actual taxes. In the proposed levy, Hetland made the assumption that the General Fund portion would remain constant at $130,000 until the Assessor's information could be presented. The EDA amount was also constant at $9500. The remaining amounts of the levy correspond to fixed debt service amounts. Hetland also provided information that indicated the continual decline of Minnesota local governmental aid, totaling over a $22,000 loss per year difference from 2002 to 2008. That difference, he noted, is made up annually in spending decreases and levy increases. The overall goal Hetland proclaimed was to compare the Assessor's information and with the increased valuation in the last year, to hold the tax rate and possibly taxes to the same amount or a minimum.

Hetland also noted that a preliminary levy must be approved and forward to the Assessor by September 15. The amount can be lowered, but not raised by the approval of the final levy due to the County on December 31. Hetland further noted that by state statute, the City must approve a General Fund budget by December 31. Hetland asked Council to review the preliminary information prior to the next meeting, but more information would be available in the next meeting packet.

Consent Agenda

Tim Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the Consent Agenda which included the following:

  • Claims in the amount of $61,840.04
  • Claims for payroll in the amount of $7260.01
  • Authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Development Agreement with Freeport Properties, LLC for the third phase of residential development

Discussion noted holding the $20,700 check for Minnesota Native Landscapes until the city engineer approves of the seeding improvement. Humbert also brought forward discussion on the repairs made to the mower and requested information on the repair costs for the next meeting. Worms asked about the exact areas that were being graded by Norb Gerads. Staff present responded that the grading was only for 7th Avenue NE but would contact Mr. Gerads to confirm that assumption. Motion carried 5-0.

Closed Session: Annual Review of Ann Beard, Administrative Assistant

At 8:45 P.M., Worms called a Closed Session for the annual review of Administrative Assistant Ann Beard beginning with a small recess. Hetland provided documentation on the review conducted with Ann Beard. Hetland and City Council found Ann Beard to be in good standing with the City and to be exceeding requirements. Joe Hennen moved and Balderston seconded a motion to approve a wage increase of 47 cents per hour, bringing the wage to $9.97 per hour. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

At 8:57 P.M. Worms moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to adjourn the closed session and regular meetings. Motion carried 5-0.