Freeport City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - December 8, 2009

Open Public Forum

John Eveslage was present to voice his concerns about his property at the corner of County Road 11 and 7th Street SW (PID 54.32084.000) of which experienced a 79% rise in valuation from 2009 to 2010. As stated on the truth-in-taxation statement previously distributed by the County Assessor’s Office, the valuations had already been set for 2010 in the spring of 2009 and that only the proposed levy and General Fund Budget were up for discussion and approval on that evening. Council and Clerk Hetland understood his concerns and stated they tried to obtain the valuation of all properties in the City in early 2009 and would have notified Eveslage at that point if they knew the property was rising by such an extreme factor. Eveslage appreciated the City’s time and left the meeting before the Consent Agenda.

Consent Agenda

Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion approving the Consent Agenda which included the following: Approval of the agenda and approval of the minutes from the November 24, 2009 Regular Meeting. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.

Old Business

2010 Levy and General Fund Budget Review and Approval

Hetland briefly reviewed the proposed 2010 levy and General Fund budget. Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve the 2010 Final Levy in the amount of $357,500 and General Fund Budget in the amount of $362,507.70. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0. The budget and levy are on file for review.

USDA Rural Development Projects Update

Lange and Hetland gave brief review of the project’s status. The City sent a letter responding to the USDA’s review of the project. More information should be coming forth in January.

New Business

Approval of claims in the amount of $7324.01 was presented at the meeting. Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to remove $335.40 of the $1060.40 claim to Scherping Electric regarding placing lights in the Main Street Park Shelter in the total amount of $6988.61. The claim was removed because it covered an improvement which was installed without City approval. Further discussion was offered. Motion carried 4-0.

Reports

City Clerk/Treasurer’s Report, Paul Hetland

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

At 8:57 P.M. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0.