Open Public Forum
No one addressed Council.
Consent Agenda
Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the Consent Agenda which included the following: Approval of the agenda; approval of the minutes from the January 26, 2010 Regular Meeting; approval of the minutes from the January 28, 2010 Special Meeting; approval of the minutes from the February 4, 2010 Special Meeting; approval of the minutes from the February 9, 2010 Special Meeting; approval of the claims distributed on February 3, 2010 in the amount of $11,114.74; approval of the claims distributed on February 16, 2010 in the amount of $8093.10; approval of claims in the amount of $6013.56; Resolution 2010-004 – Out of State Travel Policy; and Resolution 2010-005 – USDA feasibility study and ordering the public hearings (retroactive resolution to the motion in December 2009). Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. It was noted that Council Member Joe Hennen was not present at the January 26, 2010 meeting as incorrectly noted in the minutes. Hetland stated that he would made the change.
New Business
Review and approval of the 2009 Audited Financial Statements
Steve McDonald of Abdo, Eick, and Meyers was present to review the 2009 audited financial statements for the City of Freeport. The Management Letter and the 2009 Audited Financial Statements are public record and are on record and available for review upon request.
McDonald stated that the City’s accounting is a cash-based opposed to an accrual-based system which is based on a calendar year basis and reports are due to the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor (OSA) annually by March 31. McDonald stated that the City has good fiscal, internal controls in place, and as an auditor is pleased with the system. He stated the importance of reviewing all financial information. He noted that the reserves are still healthy and in the 33% to 66% of the General Fund budget recommended by the OSA, with a year-end reserve of 48%. He noted that all funds are reviewed in the process including enterprise funds, TIF funds, and fire department funds. McDonald concluded that with good City procedures and Staff preparation, the auditing field work was again timely and efficient. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the 2009 Audited Financial Statements as presented. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Old Business
USDA Rural Development Project Hearings – Review and possible closure of hearings
Considering of Resolution 2010-006 – USDA Projects the ordering of the plan and specs
Worms asked if there were any more questions or comments from the public before the project hearing would be closed. Ron Gruber asked what the cost difference was between a 100,000 gallon water tank and the proposed 200,000 gallon tank. Lange responded that the cost difference would be approximately $50,000. Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion closing the hearings for the water tower project, the County Road 11 project, and the 2nd Avenue SW and 3rd Street SW project. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Humbert moved and Hennen seconded a motion approving Resolution 2010-006 ordering plans and specifications for the 2010 USDA Rural Development Projects including the water tower project, the County Road 11 project, and the 2nd Avenue SW and 3rd Street SW project. Lange noted that the next step would be to order the project and then bid the project. Discussion included Rodney Atkinson asking the question of how long does the City have to make a decision after the bids are opened and Lange responded that the City has 60 days Motion carried 5-0.
It was asked if there would be future meetings regarding the projects and Worms noted that there would be formal meetings for various steps in the process but also informational meetings like those conducted during the Main Street Public Improvement Project.
2011 Fire And Rescue Department Budget
Annual Area Fire Service Meeting
At 8:03 P.M. the Annual Meeting Area Fire Service was called to order. In attendance were the following:
City of Freeport
- Matt Worms
- Dave Humbert
- Joe Hennen
- Ron Ritter
- Ken Goebel
City of St. Anthony
- Bob Craemers
- Jim Craemers
City of St. Rosa
- John Stoermann
Krain Township
- Arnie Blommel
Millwood Township
- Adolph Wensmann
- Steve Notch
- Irene Bredth
Oak Township
- Bob Timp
- Peter Welle
- Mike Rosner
Albany Township
- Not present
Budget
Hetland gave an orientation of the Freeport Fire and Rescue Department and its relation to the area fire service contracted entities and the Fire Relief Association. He then explained the budgetary process and proposed 2011 Fire and Rescue Department and 2010 amended budgets. Unchanged copies of the information were mailed to each Council Member and to the service agreement entities prior to the meeting for review.
A discussion followed regarding fee collection and rates. No action was taken.
Freeport moved and St. Anthony seconded a motion approving the 2011 Fire and Rescue Department Budget as proposed with $161,917.20 revenue, $116,437.88 in expenditures, and $45,479.41 left unallocated as carry forward into the next year or for capital improvement funds. Discussion offered. Motion carried 6-0.
New Business
HEARING: Ordinance 2010-01 – Prohibiting Open Burning
Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to open the hearing at 8:51 P.M. Hetland reviewed the proposed ordinance which is on file for review. Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion approving Ordinance 2010-01. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. Worms closed the hearing at 9:03 P.M.
HEARING: Ordinance 2010-02 – Amendments to Fences
Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to open the hearing at 8:53 P.M. Hetland reviewed the proposed ordinance which is on file for review. Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving Ordinance 2010-02. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. Worms closed the hearing at 9:04 P.M.
HEARING: Ordinance 2010-03 – Amendments to the Winter Parking Rules
Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to open the hearing at 8:55 P.M. Hetland reviewed the proposed ordinance which is on file for review. Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving Ordinance 2010-03. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. Worms closed the hearing at 9:04 P.M.
HEARING: Ordinance 2010-04 – Amending the Council Meeting Time
Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to open the hearing at 9:03 P.M. Hetland reviewed the proposed ordinance which is on file for review. Goebel moved and Hennen seconded a motion approving Ordinance 2010-04. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. Worms closed the hearing at 9:04 P.M.
Industrial Park Bidding for Grass Mowing Consideration
Hetland brought forward a proposal to open the cutting of grass in the Freeport Industrial Park to a bidding process based on a complaint that the offer was not publicly offered in 2009. The City’s primary concern is to cut the cover crop that is present in the area whereas there are those that would like to be able to harvest the cover crop per personal use. The discussion included not allowing tall grains and that any possible damage to implement, rock picking, fertilization, and weed control would be the responsibility of the person harvesting the crop. With this in mind, Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion creating a 3 year contract with the advertised highest bidder. Discussion followed. Motion carried 5-0.
City Engineer, S.E.H. – Scott Lange
Lange provided a written report that is on file for review.
Lange asked for Council direction regarding the proposed electrical line relocation away from County Road 11. It was stated that Xcel Energy has a $5000 fee to study such a proposal in which to give an estimate for the project. No action was taken and the matter was tabled until there is more information available from the Stearns County Highway Department as to their intentions of the power lines along County Road 11.
It was further noted by Lange that County Road 157 on the east end of the City is proposed to be paved from Freeport to Albany this year. It was suggested that the Chapter 429 process be investigated for the area.
Pubic Works Director’s Report, Jon Stueve
Stueve provided a written report that is on file for review.
Council stated that they had heard many compliments about snow removal throughout the season.
Reports
City Clerk/Treasurer’s Report, Paul Hetland
Hetland provided a written report that is on file for review.
2010 Budget Amendments and Action Plan
Hetland brought forward a proposal in his written report regarding the Governor’s proposed local government aid cuts in 2010 and 2011. Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion approving the recommendations including General Fund budget amendments, changing City Hall office hours, a switch from monthly to quarterly utility billing, and authorization for the Clerk to research additional franchise and service fees for Council consideration at a future meeting. Discussion included praise that the proposal was prudent. Motion carried 5-0.
At 9:59 P.M. Hennen moved and Worms seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
