CITY OF FREEBORN
MEETING MINUTES
February 24, 2016
PRESENT: Mayor: Ed Mosser; Council Members: Pat Stenzel, Jeremy Henke; City Clerk-Treasurer: Nicole LaFrance; City Maintenance Operator: Bill Guggisberg
ABSENT: Council Member(s): Jim Beach, Kaleb Bjornstad
Mayor, Edward Mosser called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.
City Clerk, Nicole LaFrance called roll.
Council Member Pat Stenzel motioned to approve the January 20, 2016 meeting minutes. Council Member Jeremy Henke advanced; motion carried.
Present was Owen Todd, Principal Engineer from Bolton & Menk to discuss the bids received Thursday February 11th, 2016 at 1:00p.m. There were three companies present that submitted bids for the water meters and software portion of the water improvement project. The engineer’s estimate for project cost was an average, of bids, that the City of Hartland received for same water meter project a year or so ago. Dakota Supply Group was the lowest bidder, and contingent on USDA Rural Development approval, the city will approve to accept this lowest bid for project. Council Member Jeremy Henke motioned to approve Dakota Supply Group for the water meter portion of the water project. Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried. City clerk will email USDA in the morning on the approval of bid contingent on USDA Rural Development approval.
Bill Guggisberg, Maintenance Operator was present. He spoke about a city official opening the city hall in the mornings, for the coffee group, as he will be in St. Cloud for training next week. He spoke about a flow meter going to the ponds, and has been working with MPC for additional information and costs associated. At water school next week he may be able to speak with more vendors regarding this issue. Lastly he discussed a plan for street improvements, as Ulland Brothers is already setting their schedule up for the season. It would be important to come up with an idea of how many streets will be repaired at a time, so that the company can reserve the time, material and equipment for the improvement. He believes a chip sealing program should be set up thru the street fund over the years to come.
There was no unfinished business to report.
Under new business, Council Member Pat Stenzel motioned to approve city clerk to attend the MCFOA City Clerk Annual Training Conference in St. Cloud March 16-19, 2016. Jeremy Henke advanced; motion carried.
Council Member Jeremy Henke motioned to approve the accounts payable and reconciliation reports. Council Member Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried.
Under accounts receivable, 407 4th Avenue sewer billing was discussed. Since the resident did not have sewer hookup to her property on or before January 2016, the city will reimburse the sewer portion of the utility invoicing since the time she acquired ownership of the utility billing. Council Member, Pat Stenzel motioned to approve the abatement and credit of the past sewer charges, once the resident shows proof of ownership of the utility billing for the residence. She will sign formalities that this was brought forth and approved by the city clerk and we are in agreement of the amount credited. Council Member Jeremy Henke advanced; motion carried.
Under miscellaneous items to report, Mayor Ed Mosser spoke about his visit with Freeborn Mower Cooperative Services. He would like to see more efficiency lighting on street poles, and the electric company will split the cost for the update, as long as the city pays for the bucket truck.
Council Member Pat Stenzel motioned to adjourn the meeting. Council Member Jeremy Henke advanced; motion carried.
Nicole LaFrance
-City Clerk-Treasurer