Worms introduced Scott Lange and Dave Blommel for the presentation
Scott Lange reviewed the project purpose, funding options, and solicit public opinion. No action was taken at the meeting. Lange mentioned all phases of the USDA Rural Development projects.
Attached to these minutes are the documents presented at the hearing.
Lange noted that the projected assessments would be approximately $496,000 yet it would be consistent with what was assessed on the Main Street project. He also noted that the schedule is different than the other projects because it is being led by the Stearns County Highway Department in 2011. The City will be responsible for any water, waste water, and additional sidewalks in the project. For drainage reasons insurmountable curb and gutter or State designed ditches will be used along the project as discussed at the project meeting held a couple months earlier.
Worms moved and Goebel seconded a motion opening the hearing Goebel at 7:42 P.M.
Rodney Atkinson asked about a further breakdown of the total cost for all of the projects and the grant allocation for the County Road 11 project. Lange answered that the total cost is approximately $2.5 million for all of the projects and that the breakdown of the grant would be about 1/3 for each of the projects.
Ron Bertram asked if the bid amount would go down, would the assessments would go down. Lange stated that the grant is dependant on the affordability of project, in that if the price goes down, so does the grant, but the price is capped.
Hetland asked Lange to review the recent news about DEED’s assessment relief program. Lange mentioned the approximate income level numbers. Hetland noted that the income privacy of such a solicitation would be paramount, but assured individuals present that based on his experience with the Small Cities Development Program and working with property owners in other areas that some property owners would be eligible for the program.
Darlene Gruber commented that the Freeport tax capacity rate (formerly called the millrate) is currently among the highest in Stearns County and such improvement projects should only proceed without raising taxes. Worms noted that if assessments are reduced then the tax capacity rate would likely increase to pay for the added costs to all tax payers. Hetland clarified that the tax capacity rate has been reduced in the last few budget cycles and that taxes were reduced for 2009 and 2010. He further noted that it is the City’s intention to continue lowering taxes to encourage sustainability and further economic growth. The added bonds for the USDA projects are intended to be added at a time when other bonds end, thus creating no new financial burdens for the City. It was noted that the “affordability” of the USDA bond has not been finally determined, but all staff analysis’ to date have shown no added debt from what is currently being paid and no increased in taxes.
Gerald Weichman stated that his area does not need sidewalks.
Dennis Toeben stated that he is ok with curb and gutter in some areas, but that the ditches are already present and unnecessary. Worms and Goebel both stated that either curb and gutter or a ditch will be installed per the Stearns County Highway Department’s previous statements.
Margaret Atkinson stated that she does not want City water extended on the north end of County Road 11. Worms asked those present if anyone would like to see the water line extended. No one present in the audience responded that they wished to see the water line extended.
Ron Gruber stated he had confidence in that the City would take a common sense approach to the project’s design. He also stated that he would like to see the road widened to accommodate the transportation of farm equipment. He further noted that stripping of the road will be essential in helping slow down traffic on the road.
Rodney Atkinson asked about the total cost of the City’s share of the project. Lange answered that it would be about $100,000.
Worms stated that sidewalks would be replaced where they currently exist. It was suggested that sidewalks be extended on the northwest end of County Road 11 from where they are now to the Fire Hall.
Richard Nienober asked if the road would be the same height as the current road. Lange mentioned that if it is a rural section with ditches then the road would be higher but would actually be slightly lower if in a curb section.
Ron Bertram mentioned that if the road is going to be wider than a sidewalk is not needed.
Gerald Wiechmann asked is further meetings could be established for further design work on the project. Lange and Council agreed that the design phase of the project would solicit more public opinion on specific needs and wants before the project is finalized.
Those present commented primarily on the design of the road and Hetland gave out the Assistant County Engineer’s, Jodi Teich’s, contact information for further questions or comments.
Lange mentioned and Worms confirmed that the public hearing will remain open until the February 23, 2010 regular monthly meeting.
Worms announced that the special meeting would continue in the next room to address other business, and that County Road 11 property owners were encouraged to remain in the Council Chambers to discuss the road project further with city engineers Lange and Blommel.
Council and Staff welcomed the Stearns County Assessor Gary Grossinger and Assistant County Assessor Jeff Johnson. The assessors were present to review the relationship between their office and the City as well as review the valuation trends expected to effect the City in 2011. Grossinger and Johnson distributed trend information which is on file for review.
It was agreed that the annual Board of Appeal and Equalization Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. until approximately 7:30 P.M. All those interested in making appointments for the meeting should contact the County Assessor’s office as will be noted on the announcement information. .
Hennen asked about the drastically increased valuations of vacant properties on the south side of the City and if there would be considerations in lowering those amounts. The assessors noted that those increases would be re-evaluated. They also stated that when significant increases occur, there is usually a courtesy letter sent to the property owner of which did not occur for those property owners in the last few years.
Worms requested that a the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s guide for board of appeals booklet should be obtained for Council member Ron Ritter and reviewed by all of the Council before the April meeting.
Council thanked Grossinger and Johnson for their presence at the meeting and Staff stated they looked forward to working with them in the future.
Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion requesting a 3.2 liquor license for Charlie’s Cafe for the Valentine’s weekend. Discussion included that DRAM shop liquor insurance is not needed for the permit. Motion carried 4-0.
Humbert mentioned that the fire hydrants around the City were deeply covered with snow due to the recent storms and ought to be cleared out. Hetland brought forward a memorandum from City Attorney Scott Dymoke that the City should not acquire the liability of cleaning out hydrants and encourage residents to do so without the establishment of an ordinance either. Humbert noted that only a few hydrants were cleaned out by residents and that may property owners are physically unable to clean out their hydrants on their property. Hetland stated that in a discussion with the Freeport Fire and Rescue Department at their last monthly meeting, the firefighters would be willing to clean out the hydrants at their monthly drills but requested the Public Works Department assist in removing the large quantities of snow were currently present. Hetland stated he would obtain a hydrant map from the City Engineer, give it to the Public Works Department to mechanically clear out as much snow as possible and when large snowfalls occur to again do the same, and Hetland would inform the Fire and Rescue Department to ensure the hydrants remain clean during their monthly drills. Council agreed with the plan Hetland outlined. Fritz Laing noted that the fire department was responsible for hydrant clearing when he was an active firefighter.
Hennen requested on behalf of David Brooks to flush his hydrant for better water quality. Hetland stated that the hydrant is flushed about every two weeks, but due to it being one at the end of the line, the water could be flushed weekly or even daily. Worms noted that each time a hydrant is flushed in the winter the City needs to ensure it does not cause an ice slick endangering public safety and that the hydrant is pumped free of water so it does not crack with the water remaining in it. Hetland stated that he would ask the Public Works Department to address it again and Hennen understood the concerns and appreciated the attention to the matter.
Rodney Atkinson asked about whether the Freeport Area Fire Service will be asked at their upcoming meeting to contribute to the funding of the new water tower. Hetland responded that the request was not planned in the proposed 2011 budget, but it could certainly arise at the meeting.
At 9:43 P.M., Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0.
