Open Public Forum
No public comment was provided.
Consent Agenda
Hennen moved and K. Goebel seconded a motion approving the Consent Agenda which included the following: Approval of the agenda; approval of the minutes from the October 30, 2012 Regular Council Meeting; approval of the minutes from the November 13, 2012 Special Meeting; and approval of the claims distributed October 23, 2012 through November 19, 2012. Motion carried 5-0.
Open Business
Deputy Clerk Job Description
Holthaus explained that on the job training was the most effective for the deputy clerk position and much had already taken place out of need. Holthaus had sent Feldewerd to liquor license training and Feldewerd attended clerk training through LMC upon hire. Worms suggested Holthaus look at extending office hours for residents that cannot make it in during current business hours.
Hennen moved and C. Goebel seconded a motion to approve the job description for the Deputy Clerk position and the internal promotion of Feldewerd from Administrative Assistant to Deputy Clerk. Motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 2012-065: Award Bid
Hennen moved and Ritter seconded a motion on Resolution 2012-065: Award Bid with the changes to the work estimates as indicated. Motion carried 5-0.
Other
Donny and Cindy Meyer asked about the valuation of their commercial building in Freeport. Worms noted that the Local Board of Appeals would be in the spring and that they should attend that meeting or be in contact with Jeff Johnson prior.
New Business
Resolution 2012-064: Abdo, Eick & Meyer Contract
Holthaus noted that the contract included the price freeze offered and authorized in 2011.
Hennen moved and Ritter seconded a motion on Resolution 2012-064: Abdo, Eick & Meyer Contract. Motion carried 5-0.
Health Partner’s Contract
Holthaus noted that she evaluated a couple of alternative plans with the current for cost savings and asked if the Council desired to modify the existing contract.
C. Goebel moved and Hennen seconded a motion to approve renewal of the health care insurance plan with Health Partner’s. Motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 2012-063: Final 2013 Budget & Tax Levy
Holthaus presented the proposed budget on the overhead. Holthaus noted several changes from the preliminary budget review in August. Members inquired about specific budget items.
Hennen moved and K. Goebel seconded a motion on Resolution 2012-063: Final 2013 Budget & Tax Levy, setting the 2013 levy at $390,000. Motion carried 5-0.
Reports
City Engineer – Dave Blommel, S.E.H.
Blommel asked if there were any questions on his written report. Blommel noted that the final payment application on the water tower would be submitted soon. The existing pumps were sized adequately to fill the tower. Blommel recommended they see how the pumps continue to operate and if there would be additional gain from switching to a larger motor next spring.
Public Works – Jon Stueve
Stueve noted that the tower would be online the next morning after disinfection. After that, Stueve will do some flushing. Stueve noted that water pressure would have been highest during the filling process several weeks before, while pumping against a closed system. Stueve noted the benefit that will come from the ability for public works to drain the tower without hiring the service out at $2,000 per draining. Stueve will begin working on bids for a new lawn mower.
OLD BUSINESS (continued)
Consider Sale of City Property: 206 3rd Street Southeast
K. Goebel moved and C. Goebel seconded a motion to temporarily recess the Regular Meeting and go into Closed Session at 7:56 P.M. to discuss the sale of City property at 206 3rd Street Southeast. Motion carried 5-0.
Closed Session: Determine asking price for City property
Worms moved and C. Goebel seconded a motion to re-open the Regular Meeting at 8:47 P.M. Motion carried 5-0.
Worms summarized that the City had received an inquiry into the sale of the City property at 206 3rd Street Southeast and that the City Council had reviewed information from real estate professionals regarding the potential sale price for the property.
REPORTS (continued)
City Clerk/Treasurer’s Report, Vicki Holthaus
Holthaus briefed the Council on upcoming NIMS training through Stearns County. Holthaus briefly discussed winter parking warnings that had been issued by the Sheriff and noted that they were intended to make residents aware of the requirements.
Other
Hennen noted that the Rec Club had donated new lights at the softball park. Worms acknowledged and thanked the Club for the contribution and noted that they will be a nice improvement to the park.
Goebel asked Stueve about some of the holiday lights that were not working. Stueve said that the lights would need to be replaced and that they had fixed as many as they could. Hennen will talk with the Lion’s about contributing to the cost of replacing the lights.
Hennen moved and K. Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:02 P.M. Motion carried 5-0.
