Open Public Forum

Rodney Atkinson presented a proposal to handle winter snow emergencies. He recommended the use of email to notify residents of temporary parking restrictions as opposed to the seasonal no parking restrictions currently required under the City Ordinance.

Consent Agenda

Goebel moved and Hennen seconded a motion approving the Consent Agenda with the correction of Neil Worms’ name and included the following:

  • Approval of the agenda; approval of the minutes from the September 28, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes
  • Approval of the claims distributed on October 4, 2010 in the amount of $8,872.32
  • Approval of the claims distributed on October 7, 2010 in the amount of $11,109.17
  • Approval of the claims distributed on October 18, 2010 in the amount of $8,888.59
  • Approval of the claims distributed on October 21, 2010 in the amount of $4,000.63
  • Approval of the claims distributed on October 28, 2010 in the amount of $4,357.61
  • Approval of the claims distributed on November 4, 2010 in the amount of $5,222.86. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0

Old Business

No old business was addressed.

New Business

Mayor Worms congratulated Ron Ritter and Carrie Goebel on winning the local election for Council. Mayor Worms also thanked Member Dave Humbert for his many dedicated years of service to the City.

2nd / 3rd Avenue Water Main Looping Plans, Specifications and Bid Authorization, Engineer Scott Lange

Pending authorization from Rural Development the City can proceed with bids on the 2nd / 3rd Avenue phase of the project. Lange noted that this phase is separate from the County Road 11 work that needs separate bidding, as ownership of the project is separate.

Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2010-021 2nd/3rd Ave/Watermain Looping Plans, Specifications and Bid Advertisement pending authorization from Rural Development. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.

Canvassing 2010 Municipal General Election Results

The Council was presented the results of the 2010 General Election for the City of Freeport.

Goebel moved and Hennen seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2010-022 Canvassing 2010 Municipal General Election Results. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.

Interfund Loan Resolution TIF 1-3

Holthaus explained that Ehler’s presented the Interfund Loan Resolution to provide authority to transfer the increment generated in District 1-3 to the debt service fund for the 2006 Industrial Park Improvement bonds issued to finance the public improvements in the Industrial Park.

Goebel moved and Hennen seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2010-023 Interfund Loan Resolution TIF 1-3. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.

Approving Donations

Holthaus explained that under Minnesota Statutes all donations must be approved by the City Council. Additionally, the resolution approves a donation to the City for the purchase of a brush truck. Chief Van Beck briefly discussed the brush truck purchase and donation conditions with the Council.

Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2010-024 Approving Donations. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.

Reports

City Engineer: Scott Lange, SEH

USDA Project Update

Lange provided a brief review of the project including the proposed financing through Rural Development. Lange reviewed the proposed assessment calculations and updates to the calculations with alternative scenarios should certain portions of the project be removed.

Members of the Council and the public discussed the advantages and disadvantages of proceeding with the watermain extension to properties currently not serviced by municipal water. Additionally, members and the public discussed the proposed sidewalk west of County Road 11.

Lange recommended the Council make a decision on the watermain extension and sidewalk plans at their November 30th meeting.

Lange noted that Xcel’s proposal for the removal of the overhead utility lines along County Road 11 had been received and was currently being review. Lange will provide a summary at an upcoming meeting.

Public Works Director: John Stueve

Stueve reviewed the requests for signage at the intersection by Sacred Heart School and along 9th and 10th Street. Council recommended Stueve paint a crosswalk from the playground to the manor and extend the yellow area along the curb close to the intersection. Stueve noted that additionally a yield sign coming out of parking lot would be helpful. Council consensus was to proceed as discussed. Stueve would talk with residents along the 9th and 10th Street area.

City Clerk/Treasurer: Vicki Holthaus

Holthaus updated council on the following: address change for parcel combination requested by Rahn’s Oil Company to 203 Main Street East; shared services proposal received by a member city of the Stearns County Municipal League; Health Partner’s medical coverage renewal is down 3% from 2010 rates; set January council meeting date.

Goebel moved and Hennen seconded a motion set January 11th as the Regular Meeting date for the month of January. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.

At 8:29 P.M. Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0.