Agenda

Tim 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 Balderston seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes for May 13, 2008. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

New Business

Open Public Forum

No one addressed Council.

Fire Department Mutual Aid Proposal and Recommendation to Hire 5 Firefighters, Fire Chief John Gilk.

John Gilk approached Council with a proposal for automatic mutual aid responses for structural fires with the City of Melrose. Gilk noted that fuel would be filled for the fire trucks by the party making the call. Discussion included budgetary, time-of-day and equity concerns.

Joe Hennen moved and Balderston seconded a motion authorizing the fire chief to negotiate an automatic mutual aid agreement with the City of Melrose for structural fires for a trial period of six months to be in effect from 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. and that the requesting party would refill fuel in the other department's vehicles. Discussion offered . Motion carried 5-0.

Gilk also recommended the approval of hiring five firefighters. He stated that the firefighters will be fully trained after three years. Balderston moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving to hire the following firefighters: Gary Pirkl, Jason Berg, Scott Blais, Adam Hoppe, and Justin Spanier. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Gilk noted that two firefighters retired this past month they are Tom Hiltner with 30 years of service, 5 years as first chief, and 3 years as chief and Jerry Meyer with 29 years of service. Mayor Worms publicly congratulated Hiltner and Meyer.

Gilk mentioned that the department current has one vacancy and a few more are expected in the next year. He said that the department will continue to keep searching for candidates.

Gilk further mentioned that there is a ventilation concern in the fire hall caused by exhaust of the trucks and the humidity. Further information on cost, installing a humidistat, carbon monoxide concerns, and fans would be presented at a future meeting.

2008-2009 Annual Liquor License Renewals

Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the Annual Liquor License Renewals for the Corner Pub, the Corner Store, the Freeport Softball and Recreation Club, Ackie's Pioneer Inn, and the Freeport Black Sox. Hetland stated that payments and insurance verification were received for all license holders. Motion carried 5-0.

Old Business

Worms brought to Council's attention mentioned he solicited a bid with Mid-Continental Asphalt for maintenance on 8th Street SE and awaits an estimate. While reviewing that street, the Mayor and a company representative toured other parts of the City. They noted that the alley behind City Hall, the area in front of the Fire Hall, and 2nd Street SE are also in need of an overlay before a complete reconstruction would be needed within five years. The overlay for 8th Street SE would include milling our near the curb and gutters to crown the road and allow water to flow to the gutter and maintain a flush road level with the concrete. Discussion also included that an increased budgetary amount and a schedule should be adopted for street maintenance to address these and other issues around the City. Worms noted that 7th Street SE needs to be seal-coated next year. Hetland noted that a resident along 8th Street SE was considering some waste water service line repairs that extend into the cul-de-sac and the work will be coordinated with any possible street repairs. No action was taken. Worms noted that he would contact another company or other companies for other analysis and bids and bring more information to a future meeting.

Reports

City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland

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

Hetland noted that due to a recent installation of an above ground pool and surrounding deck, he had conducted some research on liability and regulatory concerns. Hetland asked Council if any action to create City policy or change City Code regarding pools was desired and Council responded that no further action was requested at this time.

Hetland also reported that the public works director search was going well with about a dozen applications expected before the end of the week. Worms asked Council Members to submit to Hetland by the end of the week their written comments on position traits desired to assist in the interview process. A forthcoming recommendation for the position would be presented at the next regular meeting.

Consent Agenda

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

  • Claims in the amount of $ $26,344.87
  • Claims for payroll in the amount of $6153.12
  • Approval of Four (4)Temporary 3.2 On-Sale Liquor Licenses for the Freeport Softball Club, Inc. for the following dates in 2008:
    • June 6, 7, 8
    • June 27, 28, 29
    • July 18, 19, 20
    • July 25, 26, 27

Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

A discussion followed regarding the City's development fee and recouping costs in transactions while still be fair to the parties involved. Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to amend the Industrial Park interest and business subsidy fee to be a $5000 deposit with the difference returned or owed at the end of the transaction with the deposit due before any actual expenses are incurred. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

At 9:05 P.M. Humbert moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.