CITY OF FREEBORN

MEETING MINUTES

AUGUST 20, 2014

PRESENT: Council Members: Ed Mosser, Jim Beach, Pat Stenzel and Kaleb Bjornstad; City Clerk: Nicole LaFrance; Maintenance Operator: Bill Guggisberg

ABSENT: Mayor: Theo Beckmann

Council Member Ed Mosser called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

City Clerk called roll.

Council Member Jim Beach motioned to approve the July 16, 2014 meeting minutes. Council Member Kaleb Bjornstad advanced; motion carried.

Council Member Ed Mosser motioned to approve the August 5, 2014 special meeting minutes. Council Member Jim Beach advanced; motion carried.

Fire Chief, Steve Seipp was present regarding the vacant school building in Freeborn. The property is depreciating from vandalism. There is damage to the property inside and outside. More than half of the doors are unlocked, and people are entering in and out of the building. There is a concern because there is a smell of cigarette smoke inside the building and this is a fire risk for the community. The Sheriff’s department was notified and visited the vacant school and the city should be receiving a letter soon. Fire Chief Seipp urged the council to take action before a situation occurs. The building needs to be secure and people kept out of unsafe areas. The City Council discussed this issue. The council would like city maintenance operator to assess situation and board up the windows and doors to keep the building secure.

Principal Engineer, Owen Todd was present regarding the water project. Todd spoke about permission to advertise for bids from USDA Rural Development. The advertisement will run for four weeks and one day. Todd is tentatively scheduling Friday, September 19th, 2014 to open bids for the project. When it get closer the city will schedule a set time. Todd also spoke about PFA and the governor’s office helping the city obtain additional grant dollars. City officials have done a great job of lobbying for additional funds, and the governor’s office is working with us and agencies to help the offset. Lastly, Todd will get a set of plans and specifications to leave at city hall for contractors to review for bidding purposes.

Bill Guggisberg, Maintenance Operator gave his maintenance report. Guggisberg spoke about cleaning up the rain garden and brush pile. He sprayed the 2nd pond, and resprayed after heavy rains. He did some mosquito spraying last week and once this week. The park equipment has depreciated, and Guggisberg will check into the parallel bars and bubble needing replaced. He will also check into sheets of plywood to board up school windows for safety.

Under unfinished business the council discussed city ordinance #39 State Building Code (Fencing) Resolution 2014-7 State Building Code Fencing Requirements. Council Member Pat Stenzel motioned to approve the height requirement to seven feet for all residential fencing in the City of  Freeborn. Council Member Jim Beach advanced; motion carried.

The city council discussed nuisance properties in Freeborn.

Council Member Kaleb Bjornstad motioned to approve Resolution 2014-8 Donation from the Sons of American Legion Donation for $500.00. This donation is designated to the beautification project for the city.

Council Member Kaleb Bjornstad motioned to approve Resolution 2014-96 Donation from Bolton & Menk for  $300.00 This donation is designated to the beautification project for the city.

Under New Business, council member Jim Beach discussed water-sewer consumption charges. This is in reference to sewer charges on garden and swimming pools.

The city council discussed the 2015 proposed levy to the Freeborn County Auditor Treasurer. Council Member Jim Beach motioned for a 2% increase for property taxes on 2015 Levy. Council Member Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried.

Council Member Jim Beach spoke about the old time clock.

Council Member Pat Stenzel motioned to approve the accounts payable and reconciliation reports. Council Member Kaleb Bjornstad advanced; motion carried.

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

Nicole LaFrance

-City Clerk-Treasurer