Agenda

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

Approval of the Minutes

Humbert moved and Balderston seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes for January 30, 2008. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.

New Business

Playground Presentation

On behalf of a citizen group, Mary Hetland presented a request for new playground equipment for the newly formed north end park. Her complete statement is on file for review.

The group noted that the current equipment was well-worn and not in compliance with current or practical safety codes. They noted that they had met in several meetings over a year and presented diagrams of the proposed playground facility. They noted funding mechanisms for the approximately $60,000 project and requested its approval.

Daniel Lanes from Midwest Playscapes was also present to give detailed information about the equipment.

He noted that the playweb section was made of reinforced steel cables. He further noted that this was nearly the only low maintenance items of a nearly no maintenance design composed of metal and long-lasting plastics. The cables on the playweb would need to be tightened about once a year. He explained that the playground was designed with the citizen group to accommodate various age groups from preschool to teenagers. More specifically, it was noted that older kids prefer the playweb, the monorail, the rock-climbing wall, and the tire swing and that the younger children will like the slides and monkey bar area. He mentioned that a few benches are also included in the design

Lanes mentioned that they are the only company in Minnesota with a full time installation crew. He noted that if their crew installs the playground the cost would be approximately $14,000 whereas if they only supervise the project, the cost would be about $3400. The latter was recommended by the citizen group and included in the overall price quotation of $59,090.47.

Worms asked about the composition and construction of the playground's border and Lanes informed him that it is made of recycled plastic or could be made of concrete curb. The high access to the park would have a small access ramp. Either option would cost approximately the same amount.

Humbert inquired about the safety of the playweb and Lanes responded that it is designed to catch children if they would fall from the top portions of the equipment.

Joe Hennen asked about how many people are needed to erect the playground. Lanes responded that about 20 people would be needed to help the supervision crew. He also mentioned that all of the tools and supplies would be available for the construction crew.

Worms asked about the material used within the playground. Lanes mentioned that wood chips are typically preferred because of the cost and because building maintenance personnel do not like the reasonable alternative, pea rock because it is tracked onto building floors.

Lanes did not recommend phasing the project in any way because from his experience, the vast majority of phased projects never complete the remaining phases past the first one.

Lanes further mentioned the possible colors of the project and Council had no preferences on the color of the playground equipment and would defer to the counsel of the citizens group.

Worms expressed the City's sincere appreciation of the time and effort spent by all of the people involved in the planning of the playground proposal. Worms said that Council would take the proposal into consideration, look at funding options, and make a decision.

Open Public Forum

Mary Schieffer was present to discuss the possibility of installing a sledding hill in the City. Hetland noted that some preliminary research had been conducted through the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust and it was found out that at least tow rope systems were not recommended. Detailed information was provided the previous meeting to City Council. Balderston mentioned that the City should take the proposal under consideration but there is a greater need for updated playground equipment. Further discussion included possible locations for the construction of a sledding hill, possibly near the softball field. There was also mention of a couple sledding locations in the area such as behind the Sacred Heart School and by the Catholic Church in Albany but it was not determined if these were public locations nor was the City recommending public usage of these areas. No action was taken.

Old Business

Fire Department Control Burn Policy Consideration

Worms tabled the topic for a future meeting.

Reports

City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland

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

Consent Agenda

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

  • Claims in the amount of $14,795.71
  • Approval of a 3.2 Temporary Liquor License to Sacred Heart Parish on July 19 and 20, 2008
  • approval of the City Clerk/Treasurer to attend the 2008 Minnesota Municipal Clerks and Finance Officers Association Annual Conference March 11 - 14, 2008 in the amount of $265.

Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.

Humbert mentioned that the Freeport Lions Club may not pay for the maintenance of the Lions Park this upcoming summer. Worms mentioned that when the Lions Club formally approaches the City with this information, a decision regarding management of the Lions Park will be considered.

At 8:22 P.M. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0.