Open Public Forum

Jeremy Birr addressed City Council asking a few questions regarding law enforcement and the Minnesota State Patrol. His first question was how the City views law enforcement and do they feel that they support it? Mayor Matt Worms responded that the City currently contracts with the Stearns County Sheriff and that the City does support law enforcement. Birr's next question was if the City Council directed the city administrator to contact the State Patrol about various complaints heard? Mayor Worms stated that Council did so instruct. Birr then asked for all of the names of all of the people that had complained and when they complained about the State Patrol's service in Freeport. City Attorney Scott Dymoke responded that he did not believe that information was public information and that the City would take it under advisement and contact him at a later date. Birr asked when that date would be and the Mayor responded that it would be at a later date. Birr then stated that he questioned whether the City should be involved in interjecting its influence in the actions of law enforcement officers. It was not a formal question, but a comment so there was no response from Council. Birr then stated that on August 21, 2009 in a phone conversation with Mayor Worms that the Mayor made the statement that a situation could "come down on you [Jeremy Birr] like a ton of bricks." Birr cited state statute and that Worms' statement could be seen as a threat. Worms explained that he was trying to give some reasonable and practical advice that Birr should move on with a particular situation before it caught a public momentum that could not be controlled any longer and that the phrase was a common expression and not in any way intended to be a threat. There was no indication that Birr understood or agreed with Worms' reasonable explanation. Birr did not apologize to the Mayor for publicly insinuating that Mayor Worms broke the law or that the Mayor threatened Birr.

There were no further comments made in Open Public Forum.

Consent Agenda

Goebel moved and Hennen seconded a motion approving the Consent Agenda which included the following: Approval of the agenda; approval of the minutes from the July 28, 2009 Regular Meeting; and claims in the amount of $13,737.82 paid on August 17, 2009. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.

New Business

USDA RD Projects Funding Presentation

Todd Hagen, from Ehler's and Associates and the City's financial advisor, gave a presentation on various funding models for the proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development (RD) projects. The documents were distributed and on file for review. The template was created to use a combination of funding options from general levies to assessments to utility service rates while combining outside funding sources like the State and County contributions for County Road 11, the federal Recovery Act monies, and available funds in the City's reserve. Hagen stated that if there were any questions, that they could be directed to him or City Clerk Paul Hetland.

2010 Preliminary Budget and Levy

Hetland gave a review of the proposed preliminary levy and the preliminary General Fund budget for 2010. Hetland's recommendation was to not raise taxes for the second year in a row considering the state of the economy and yet relocate some of the funds to address other priorities. Council agreed. Considering that the County Assessor's market value information was not conclusive and that the preliminary levy could not be raised, that $10,000 should be added to the levy that could be lowered to keep taxes the same in the final levy discussion and decision in December. Humbert moved and Balderston seconded a motion approving the preliminary levy at $357,500 (with $189,000 toward the General Fund; $79,000 toward the Main Street Bond; $49,000 toward the 2003 street improvements; $30,500 toward the EDA's Welle Country Acres Bond; and $10,000 toward the Freeport Economic Development Authority) and the balanced preliminary General Fund budget of $397, 368.95. Discussion followed. Motion carried 5-0.

Reports

City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland

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

Public Works Director, Jon Stueve

Stueve reported that he has requested a time for the annual water tower cleaning. He also stated that he created a Phosphorus management plan as required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. He further reported that Hardrives was scheduled to undergo its approved projects in the City the day prior to the meeting, but due to mechanical failures need to reschedule the contracted work. Stueve also reported that the newly hired Maintenance Worker, Ryan Hoelscher was working out well.

City Engineer's Report, Scott Lange

Lange provided a written report which is on file for review.

Stearns County Sheriff Report

Sgt. Joe Litchy reviewed the written report for July 2009 as previously distributed and on file for review. Council Member Ken Goebel requested if more informational and timely reports could be e-mailed or faxed to City Hall. Sgt. Litchy stated that the Sheriff's Department should be able to provide custom reports to meet the City's needs. Litchy also stated that citizens and City officials alike can feel free to contact the Sheriff's Office at anytime that it is never a bother.

Worms called a brief recess at 9:16 P.M.

Annual Staff Reviews: Closed Session

At 9:21 P.M., Worms moved and Balderston seconded a motion moving into closed session for the reviews of Abby Cunningham, Jon Stueve, and Paul Hetland per the request of each staff member. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Balderston moved and Hennen seconded a motion setting Administrative Assistant Abby Cunningham's wage to $12.00 per hour as recommended by the City Clerk. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Hennen moved and Balderston seconded a motion setting Public Works Director Jon Stueve's wage to $20.00 per hour as recommended by the City Clerk. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion approving an increase for City Clerk/Treasurer Paul Hetland of 4% to his annual salary of $51,000 to be effective January 1, 2010 per his recommendation. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion approving of an increase of 4% as of January 1, 2010 for Jon Stueve, Abby Cunningham, and Ryan Hoelscher and 4% set on an annual basis for staff increases, to also include Paul Hetland, if they are in good standing with the City and performing their duties. This motion is intended to also repeal any other previous approved wage scales and the current staff agrees not to request future wage adjustments. It was felt that the wages are competitive and give incentive for employee stability. Motion carried 5-0.

At 10:21 P.M. Goebel moved and Worms seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting and adjourn the closed session. Motion carried 5-0.