City of Freeborn
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 17th, 2019
Roll Call: Present: Mayor: Ed Mosser; Council Members: Jim Beach, Arik Matson, Dale Hedensten, Pat Stenzel; City Clerk: Nicole LaFrance; Maintenance Operator: Bill Guggisberg; Public: Sharon Honstad
Meeting was called to order by Mayor Mosser at 6:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance was said
Motion was made by Stenzel to approve the June 19, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes —2nd by Matson—carried.
Public Comment: Sharon Honstad was present to give an update on the new playground to be established by residents and through donations. She brought an estimate from Schroeder’s and Troska to complete landscaping. They are proposing around $40,000 for landscaping and first phase of equipment. She would like to see interest in city volunteers and residents to assist digging out the proposed area. Also to cut cost she would like city officials to help place swing set. A cement path was discuss with city officials. There are certain ADA guidelines to follow, and possible permitting done through county, as it will sit on a county road. Honstad also discussed her status in applying for a grant through Diamond Jo Casino. Mayor Mosser will speak will Sue Miller at County Highway Department on permitting questions. Council discussed park project in depth. Considering funds already received the city recommending starting on landscaping and playground equipment as donations are continuing to be deposited. There are different phases of the playground project, and this committee will continue to raise funds over the next few years to add more equipment to play park. The city will assist getting the project started, and if the funds are somewhat short the playground committee agrees to repay city so they do not come to a halt in phase one.
Maintenance Report: Guggisberg gave his monthly maintenance report. Spoke of generator being delivered first week of August. He spoke of obtaining two quotes for chip sealing city streets. Spoke of unlicensed vehicles. Brakes needing redone in city truck, and brush pile.
Unfinished Business: Delinquent water/sewer accounts were discussed. City council would like to raise the late fee to $25 through a resolution next board meeting.
Unfinished Business: Nuisance Ordinance was discussed regarding unlicensed vehicles and grass. Letter will be generated to owners of property from city clerk.
Unfinished Business: Street Sweeper was discussed, and Hartland approved joint ownership agreement for insurance purposes. Waiting on getting back signed copy from City of Hartland to send to insurance company.
Motion made by Matson to approve Resolution 2019-7 Donations Park Department for Park Equipment – 2nd by Stenzel -carried. Beach abstained.
New Business: Guggisberg spoke of quotes received or waiting on for chip sealing.
Motion made by Beach to accept and approve the Accounts Payable and Reconciliation Reports –2nd by Stenzel—carried. This includes water bond payment to Public Facilities Authority.
Miscellaneous Items: Garbage containers were discussed, and the residents that have two, how is that handled and charged with Thompson Sanitation. Property owner at 107 2nd Avenue contacted city official on the strip of land, the city owns, adjacent to her property. She shows interest in purchasing this strip of land.
Motion made by Beach to adjourn —2nd by Stenzel—carried.
-Nicole LaFrance
City Clerk-Treasurer