Agenda

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

Approval of the Minutes

Joe Hennen moved and Balderston seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes for May 27, 2008. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.

New Business

Open Public Forum

No one addressed Council.

Public Works Director position

Hetland reported that 13 applications were received and 7 people were interviewed. Worms, Balderston, and Hetland recommended Keith Koehler based on his skills and experience be hired as the Public Works Director with Resolution 2008-017.

Balderston moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion approving Resolution 2008-017. Discussion followed. Koehler and his wife were present and stated he was excited to accept the position and looked forward to move into town and begin work. Motion carried 4-0.

Hetland thanked Mayor Matt Worms for his assistance in the challenging transition period, especially with street sweeping which Worms had noted he would be performing again the next morning. Worms, Council, and Hetland welcomed the Koehler’s to City.

Duane Pung Drainage Concern

It was mentioned that Duane Pung had concerns that a vacated waste water line may be emptying into his field north of County Road 157 and east of his driveway along that road. Worm stated that he would investigate the issue with staff and report back at the next meeting.

Albany Mutual Telephone Letter of Intent

Hetland presented a letter of intent from Albany Mutual Telephone (AlbanyTel) requesting to work out an agreement to place antennas on the water tower for wireless internet services. Council advised Hetland to continue discussions with AlbanyTel. Council further noted that they would like to see a picture of the antennas as they would look on the water tower, noted concerns with liability issues, and inquired what the franchise amount AlbanyTel is considering. Hetland stated that he would meet with their general manager Steve Katka in the near future.

Worms called for a small recess at 8:51 P.M. and reconvened at 8:57 PM

Old Business

Freeport State Bank Day for June 12, 2008

Hetland presented a framed letter proclaiming June 12, 2008 as Freeport State Bank Day. Worms stated that he would present the proclamation on that evening to Freeport State Bank President James Hemker at a ceremony at the Freeport Community Center.

Street Paving and Maintenance

Worms brought forward two quotations regarding road maintenance projects around the City. The bids were from Mid-Continental Asphalt for $55,532.00 and Hard Drives for $64,330.17. Discussion followed on the breakdown of the two bids and the different recommendations each company had to repair the following areas: the alley behind City Hall, the area in front of the Fire Hall, 8th Street SE, 7th Street SE, Industrial Park Drive, and other smaller patches around the City. It was recommended that before a decision is made that the waste water lines along 8th Street SE should be televised to decide whether or not a complete street construction would be necessary. Hetland reported that there is approximately $115,000 to $176,000 of undedicated funds in the General Fund. However, he stressed that those amounts reflect the remaining amounts of 1/3 to ½ of the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor’s recommended balances a city should have in the General Fund. Hetland also noted that the sealed bid process requires two sealed, not solicited bids if the total amount is more than $50,000 which increases by law to $100,000 after August 1, 2008. No action was taken and the subject was tabled until 8th Street SE is televised.

Comprehensive Plan

Law Enforcement and Public Safety

Hetland presented a worksheet regarding possible areas of concern regarding public safety and law enforcement. A copy of those notes is on file for review and will be compiled and completed by the end of the year as a part of the comprehensive plan process. In summary, Council stated that the City should continue to research the option of greater law enforcement presence in the City to help deter criminal and civil offenses. They further noted the need for a more efficient citation process in extreme cases when a violator refuses to take action to mitigate a violation to City Code. Council noted that fire and rescue department and emergency management efforts were being appropriately and adequately addressed and the information would be included in the comprehensive plan.

Reports

City Clerk/Treasurer’s Report, Paul Hetland

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

Consent Agenda

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

  • Claims in the amount of $15,327.69 (holding check number 13925 in the amount of $790 for further questions to the vendor)
  • Resolution 2008-016 – fee change for business subsidy and I-Park purchase and Zoning permit back to $20 from $40
  • Approval of amended Industrial Park Land Purchase and Business Subsidy Interest Form

Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.

Humbert moved and Joe Hennen approve contracts proposed by Maguire Iron for clean out and inspection of the water tower in the amount of $1650 and to repair and modify the existing clean out line in the amount of $3550 totaling $5200. It was noted that this was per the previous discussion with Rich Kemmis at a previous meeting. Motion carried 4-0.

At 10:42 P.M. Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0.