Agenda

Tim Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the meeting agenda. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.

Special Visit Girl Scout Troop

Worms welcomed Girl Scout Troop 329 to the Freeport City Council meeting. Hetland gave an approximately 20 minute presentation, along with slides, on the governmental structure and each of those functions of the City of Freeport. Council and those in the audience appreciated the educational program for the troop's benefit. The Girl Scouts provided a small gift of cookies for the Council Members and City Clerk and posed for pictures as they sat in the seats at the Council table.

Approval of the Minutes

Tim Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes for March 25, 2008. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.

New Business

Open Public Forum

Rodney Atkinson approached Council to discuss his desire to erect a vintage windmill on his property located along 7th Street SW. Council requested that Hetland continue to investigate the proposal regarding any possible City or other governmental restrictions or guidelines. Atkinson stated that the windmill would initially be decorative but cold be a functional wind-powered pump with minor modifications. Atkinson also noted that he would work with the City's building officials to erect the windmill in a proper and safe manner.

Atkinson also brought forward his concerns regarding the condition of 8th Street SE. Humbert mentioned that he and Joel Dasher have looked at the road and acknowledge that the street is in need of repairs. Worms mentioned that other areas are also being considered in the City and recommendations will be made this year in the Comprehensive Plan process as to which street would be addressed and in what order.

Hetland gave an update to the JOBZ (Job Opportunity Building Zone) program in this legislative session. He noted, from a DEED (Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development) e-mail notice that the Senate has recommended the programs elimination and the House of Representatives recommend it's general abolishment in replacement of a grant program for current recipients. Hetland was asked to forward the information to the City's only JOBZ business Mid-Central Heating and Air Conditioning.

Old Business

Hetland was asked to look into prosecution services through the Stearns County Attorney's Office as the City discusses more efficient methods of code enforcement through discussions using the Stearns County Sheriff.

Comprehensive Plan

Council appreciated Hetland's effort to provide a rough draft of the Comprehensive Plan process and monthly topic areas. Tim Hennen proposed adding the topic of rental properties somewhere in the planning process. Hetland stated that he would add the topic in where most appropriate. Council agreed that criminal and civil law enforcement was a major topic and should be included in the planning process. Humbert also mentioned that his areas of concern were the water tower, road maintenance, parks and recreation, law enforcement, economic development, residential needs, and a capital improvement plan. Worms conveyed the sentiments by Council and Hetland that strict prioritization is difficult because there are many important items that should be addressed at the same time, but that the process was a good start as providing a guide into the future. Worms also added storm water needs to be included in the process.

Reports

City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland

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

Worms mentioned that garbage collection was getting earlier, as early as 4:15 A.M. opposed to approximately 6:30 A.M. in the past and it is an inconvenience to some residents because they aren't getting their garbage collected. Hetland was asked to contact the garbage collection service about the concern.

Consent Agenda

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

  • Claims in the amount of $63,567.44
  • claims in the amount of $1983.84
  • Claims for Council payroll in the amount of $1759.27

Discussion offered.

Motion carried 4-0.

At 9:21 P.M. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0.