City of Freeborn

Council Meeting Minutes

September 18, 2013

Present: Mayor: Theo Beckmann; Council Members: Jim Beach, Ed Moser, Kaleb Bjornstad and Pat Stenzel; City Clerk-Treasurer: Nicole LaFrance; Mainteance Operator: Bill Guggisberg

Absent:

Mayor, Theo Beckmann called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m.

Kaleb Bjornstad motioned to approve the August 21st meeting minutes and agenda. Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried.

Maintenance Operator, Bill Guggisberg, reported that he leveled and reseeded the volleyball court. He placed a white cone where the Rain Garden sign is anticipated to be established. He reported vandalism on the back side of the Fire Hall and light fixers. He reported the damage to LMC and Heath (local business) fixed/repaired the damage sites. He will forward the bills to Americana Insurance. Bill is obtaining information regarding the city snow blower. He had a quote for a new snow blower at $3,600 with everything installed and included. The council discussed a light and weight kit. The size is 54’’ and shoots at an angle. The council discussed keeping the old snow blower for a year or so as a backup. Bill also spoke about the water tower and it being repainted. There is an educational training class on October 18th, 2013 for wastewater operators in Owatonna. It regards plastic piping, which the new water facility and distribution lines will consist of. The cost is $30.00.

Kaleb Bjornstad motioned to approve Maintenance Operator to attend the October 18th, 2013 wastewater operator course. Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried.

Under unfinished business, the council discussed city nuisance ordinance. Bill Guggisberg and Ed Mosser will give City Clerk a new list of properties out of compliance. The council would like more information on the city grass ordinance for a possible amendment or resolution at next regularly scheduled board meeting.

New Business, Resolution 2013-10, Authorization to Purchase Tax-Forfeited Parcel was presented. Kaleb Bjornstad motioned to approve Resolution 2013-10 authorizing the City of Freeborn to purchase a bare lot on the north side of Freeborn Lake, Freeborn, MN for $1.00. This purchase will include any necessary fees and taxes, with a cost of $73.00. This transaction will be made at the County Auditor-Treasurer’s Office on October 8, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Ed Mosser advanced; motion carried.

City Clerk discussed the bookkeeping history regarding water billings and late fees. There is concern from residents about being charged $25.00 late fees on cents owed. After discussion from the city council, the clerk was directed to remove any late fees that was added for outstanding cents owed on utility bills. Ed Mosser motioned to waive or withdrawal a $25.00 late fee on a utility account that owes a minimal amount owed such as cents or a few dollars. As long as a payment had been made, this late fee will not apply. Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried. This motion also waived the late fee applied to Mrs. Schloepper’s residence.

The council discussed the mailing of utility bills, and the personalized requests from residents. Ed Mosser motioned to keep the mailing process simplified so that all residents will receive their utility bills through the US Postal Service, and not through any other exchange. Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried.

Ed Mosser motioned to accept the Fire Departments Fundraising Event held on November 22, 2013. This event requires a one-day liquor license that the city grants to the fire department for their event. Pat advanced; motion carried.

Mayor, Theo Beckmann requested to close the regularly scheduled board meeting for the purpose of annual employee evaluations for city staff. Jim Beach advanced; motion carried.

Mayor, Theo Beckmann requested to open the regularly scheduled board meeting. Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried.

Ed Mosser motioned to approve the accounts payable and reconciliation reports. The council would like to see the actual hours that each employee works during the month. Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried.

Kaleb Bjornstad motioned to adjourn. Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried.

 

-Nicole LaFrance

City Clerk-Treasurer