City of Freeborn

Council Meeting Minutes

June 18, 2014

 

Present:  Mayor: Theo Beckman; Council Members: Jim Beach, Pat Stenzel, Ed Mosser, Kaleb Bjornstad; Maintenance Operator: Bill Guggisberg; Pettipiece & Associates: Stephen Moline; Bolton & Menk Engineer’s John Graupman & Owen Todd; Hill, Larson, Walth & Benda, P.A.: Andrew Bernau; Gary Peterson

Absent: City Clerk: Nicole LaFrance

Mayor Theo Beckmann called the meeting to order at 6:30pm.

Ed Mosser called roll.

Council Member Pat Stenzel motioned for Ed Mosser take meeting minutes notes. Council Member Jim Beach advanced; motion carried.

Council Member Pat Stenzel motioned to amend the agenda. Council Member Jim Beach advanced; motion carried.

Principal Engineer, Owen Todd updated the city council with the water project information and the status of USDA Rural Development. A hard copy of the right-of-way certificate needs to be submitted to USDA for project requirements.

Gary Peterson, resident of Amboy was present in regards to moving a newer remodeled home from New Richland to the City of Freeborn. He has been in touch with the Freeborn County regarding specifications, permits, and requirements. The process has been moving forward, and would like the city council’s approval on relocating the home to the City of Freeborn. Council Member Jim Beach motioned to approve the house relocating to the City of Freeborn in a vacant lot planning to be purchased by Gary Peterson soon. Council Member Kaleb Bjornstad advanced; motion carried. All in favor 4-1 with Council Member Stenzel opposed.

Steve Moline, with Pettipiece & Associates was also present. There are about 13 residents involved in the Housing and Rehabilitation Program. Currently there are two spots left regarding funding still available. A document was prepared and witnessed by the City of Freeborn city council regarding conflict of interest within the Housing Rehabilitation Program and a local Council Member, Kaleb Bjornstad as he is an applicant for housing rehabilitation project. Council Member, Kaleb Bjornstad signed the document regarding the conflict of interest, and it was witnessed by the city council and Stephen Moline from Pettipiece & Associates. Stephen Moline does the administrative work for this project. When City Clerk returns she will email city attorney’s contact information to Stephen Moline.

Andrew Bernau was present from Hill, Larson, Walth & Benda, P.A. with the city’s 2013 Audit and Financial Statements. The council discussed the audit with Bernau and he answered questions regarding last year and current year expenditures and income. The city council thanked Bernau for his time.

 

 

Bill Guggisberg, Maintenance Operator gave his maintenance report.  Guggisberg spoke about furniture vacated in the old school building. The street sweeper is in the shop for a radiator reflush or repair. Guggisberg has been working on the brush pile and pushing the brush back. The well house was hit by lighting Monday night and is being repaired. A resident Sandy Anderson property was also hit by lighting. Guggisberg did contact the insurance company about the repairs needed for the well house. Guggisberg also reminded council that he is taking vacation July 3, 2014 through July 11, 2014. Council Member Stenzel will do mowing for the city during that time. City of Hartland’s Maintenance Operator will assist during vacation. MDH Paul Halvorsen was in Freeborn for water testing, and was aware of the city needing to switch wells because of the lighting strike. Mr. Halvorsen will need a copy of the Joint Powers Board Agreement between the City of Hartland and the City of Freeborn. City Clerk will mail a copy. Lastly, Guggisberg will start spraying for mosquitos once the rain and water starts to dissipate.

There was no unfinished business to report.

Under new business, 710 Lakeshore Drive property was discussed regarding tree leaning. The council spoke with the property owners and it is the responsibility of the property owner to trim and care for trees on their property. The information was relayed to the property owners and they assumed that it was their responsibility.

The city ordered a new bulletin board, although the amount with shipping included was denied using the city debit card, as the funds approved were capped at $500.00 through the bank. Council Member Jim Beach used his credit card to complete the transaction but would like the city to approve a higher balance so that employee’s funds do not mix with city transactions. Council Member Kaleb Bjornstad motioned to increase the credit card limit to $1,000.00 through Farmer’s State Bank existing debit cards, for city clerk and maintenance operator. Council Member Stenzel advanced; motion carried.

Council Member Beach motioned to approve the accounts payable and reconciliation reports.  Council Member Stenzel advanced; motioned carried.

Council Member Bjornstad motioned to adjourn the meeting.  Council Member Beach advanced; motion carried.

 

Nicole LaFrance

City Clerk-Treasurer