Agenda
Balderston moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to approve the agenda. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Worms, on behalf of the People of Freeport, presented Tim Hennen with an award for his four years of service as a City Council Member.
Open Public Forum
No one addressed City Council.
Consent Agenda
Joe Hennen moved and seconded Balderston a motion approving the Consent Agenda which included the following: Approval of the minutes from the December 9, 2008 Regular Council Meeting; claims in the amount of $19,016.35; Council payroll in the amount of $2,276.42; and employee payroll in the amount of $7,472.03. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Old Business
Hearing Wood Burning Stoves
Hetland reported that he has requested City Attorney Scott Dymoke to draft a restriction on exterior wood burners in the City and awaits a draft for review.
New Business
In light of fiscal challenges from the State budget deficit, Council Member Joe Hennen proposed having one meeting per month. Balderston moved and Humbert seconded a motion canceling the first meeting for each month in 2009. Discussion included that it would reduce meeting wages per year in half, approximately $4100, and aid in the reduction of staff time dedicated toward meeting preparation. Motion carried 5-0.
Reports
City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland
Hetland provided a written report that is on file for review.
Hetland asked Council for direction regarding hosting the Stearns County Municipal League meeting on January 20, 2009. The organization pays for half of the amount and the host city pays for the other half. Tim Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve of a chicken dinner for the January 20, 2009 meeting at Charlie's Cafe´ at a cost of $7.00 per meal. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
The proposed contract with the Stearns County Sheriff as provided in Council's materials was discussed. Council requested that Hetland discuss a recent winter parking rules violation towing be discussed with the Sheriff. Hetland was also asked to speak with Hiltner Company to verify if they are still interested in towing vehicles which have violated City Code. Worms moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve of the contract at $45 per hour at the same 2009 budgetary amount of $4416 through resolution, the number of which to be assigned by Hetland. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Public Works Director's Report, Keith Koehler
Koehler reported that the lift station on 7th Street SE was properly repaired and has been working according to specifications and intentions. The repair is expected to reduce operational costs per month to the device and reduce staff time spent on cleaning out the lift station reservoir due to accumulations of various deposits.
Koehler and Hetland brought forward examples of snow removal routines that have been consistently executed in the City for years. The various areas were reviewed by Council and it was determined that for the remaining part of the winter season, the historical routines should continue and a full discussion should commence in the late spring or early spring to correct any overall inequities in snow removal in the City.
City Engineer, S.E.H.
April Bielejeski commented on the progress of the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) rural development and stimulus money on the proposed projects. Bielejeski and Hetland also noted that should funding be limited or reduced, that staff recommends the priorities for the funding as follows: 1.) a new water; 2.) a new water tower and its looping to increase pressure in the system; and 3.) a new water, looping the system, and the County Road 11. Council concurred with the recommended priority scale. Bielejeski also noted that she continues to work on a proposal for a Capital Improvement Plan.
Bielejeski reported that Koehler and her reviewed the cracked Main Street light poles Jim Pederson and the company reported that they will be replaced. Council also noted that they noticed the lights out on the east side of Main Street were out twice that week. It was confirmed that the lack of lights did not have anything to do with lights being shinned on the photometric eye at the junction box. Bielejeski stated that she would bring the matter to the attention of Jim Pederson.
At 8:53 P.M. Worms moved and Balderston seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting sine die. Motion carried 5-0.
