City of Freeborn
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 11th, 2024
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Seipp at 6:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance was said.
City Clerk called roll.
Roll Call: Present: Mayor: Seipp, Council Members: Jim Beach, Dawn Beckmann, Curt Backeberg, Pat Stenzel City Clerk Barbara Jones, Bill Guggisberg, Gene Chicos, Diane Rudy, Sandy Anderson, and Leanne Tukua.
Motion was made by Jim Beach to approve the April 9, 2024, Regular Meeting Minute. Seconded by Curt Backeberg – Motion carried.
Public Comment
Sandy Anderson made an observation about the tree by the water tower. It appears to be ¾ dead and wanted the City Council to be aware of it before it falls and damages property.
There was concern over the home at 510 Park Ave and the City relayed that there would be letters going out to residents in regard to unwanted property where it should not be.
Concern over the property owned by Bob Ruble.
Leanne Tukua discussed the possibility of grants from the State – they have a funded loan program – “take it down and rebuild” or “take it down”. This might be something to look into later.
Maintenance Report: Bill was unable to attend the meeting and wanted the Council to:
- Look into the siding on the south side of the city shop, (Park Street), we need to replace it, or the header above the overhead door will rot away.
- Any updates on the rural water connection contracts.
- County Road 29 right of way is 50 feet from center line, no permit needed for government entities. (sign)
- Please go out and look at the brush pile, it is getting abused, and Bill doesn’t believe the majority of it is coming from the City residents.
- City Truck, Pat B has been contacted more than once, still no show, could someone on the council talk to him?
- Bill has been in contact with Brandon concerning the slow water drainage on 3rd Also the catch basin on Park and 5th.
The Council discussed the siding and will look into repairing the siding on the City Shop Building.
Non Resident Water Connection:
Steve and Beau are working on the agreement. Steve asked the Council their thoughts on connecting to Hy-Yield. Concerns that it is a business, do we limit the meter size or gallons of water they can use. Tabled to later meeting.
Brush Pile – they will take a look at it and we might have to lock the gate.
Truck – Council gave direction to call Dulas in Wells and have them come look at the City Truck.
Catch basin (Hole at the end) of Park Street has a cone in it and needs to be repaired, Bill will again get a hold of Brandon to ask when this can be done.
Hydrants are to be flushed 2 times a year: Council has decided that they will be flushed the first week of the month in April (provided it is not snowing) and then the first week of October. The City Clerk will let the residents know this is going to happen in the March and September water bill so they can be prepared. Motion by Curt Backeberg and seconded by Dawn Beckman to approve these dates for hydrant flushing. Motion carried. City Clerk to write a Resolution.
Clerk report: City Clerk Kristen Anderson presented a letter from the Historical Museum in Albert Lea asking for a donation. The Council decided to not donate. Kristen Anderson presented her hours to the Council with the amount of PTO she has earned and used. She wanted the Board to know that she would be available by phone to answer questions and realizes that this payroll check would not be the last, but would like to be paid as she will be out of state. The Council agreed that she could collect her payroll check with the designated PTO.
Motion by Dawn Beckmann to remove Kristin Anderson and add City Clerk Barbara Jones to the Arcadian Bank accounts listed: General Fund, #8909; Housing Management – #3552; Economic Development #6364; City Reserve – #6250; Filter Plant Reserve – #9450; Fire Dept Account #1 – #0074; Freeborn Fire Dept Public Funds State Aid – #0120; Freeborn Ambulance Public Funds – #0090; Savings – #0750; CD – #2286-5292286; CD – #7988-7988; CD – #2623-3542623; CD – #3903-5013903. Seconded by Curt Backeberg. Motion carried.
Unfinished Business:
New Business:
Discussion of New city ordinance with Chickens, Residents can have 5 chickens, No Roosters, and they can Not be in the Front or side yards. More discussion to follow. Discussion on the Resolution for Chickens. City Clerk Kristen stated how we researched several cities for their ordinances regarding Chickens within the City limits. There is so much detail and the Council should take into consideration what is going to happen to the waste from the chickens, how close will they allow them to the neighbor’s property, are they going to have a permit application, and a penalty if not kept in. These were items that were listed on the ordinances that were looked at. The Council asked us to check with Waseca, Austin, and Albert Lea.
Jim Beach expressed that Mike from Arcadian Bank was concerned about the curb and gutter in front of their business. Discussion. Most Cities will do the work but charge it back to the business or resident. Possible contact Dan Glazier to do the concrete work. Steve Seipp to check into it. City will handle the quote and contact Mike at the Bank.
Accounts Payable/Reconciliation Reports
May bills presented and discussed. Stamps will be going up and the Council approved the City Clerk to purchase extra rolls.
Jim Beach said he received a call from Tony from O’Connell Tree Service asking about payment. His invoice is for $2,025.00. Marcia McKean has purchased flowers for the City with an approximate cost of $20.00.
Motion made by Jim Beach to approve Accounts Payables, Receivables and Reconciliation Reports– seconded Pat Stenzel – motion carried.
Joint Boards will not be meeting due to farmers being in the fields.
Steve Seipp asked if the Ambulance license could be paid before the 30th. If paid by check it is $300.00 and if paid by credit card there is a convenience fee added.
He will also be presenting the Ambulance call pay for payment on June 1st. This pay, approximately $3500.00 will be for calls from December 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024.
Steve Seipp reported that the Siren’s did not work for the tornado test. He has asked to have the box removed from City Hall and placed on the pole by the Siren. It was not able to be placed on the pole and is back by the radios in the Fire Department.
Curt Backeberg reported that on December 26 he received a communication stating that the City is to receive the sum of $11,377.00 for Public Safety Money. He would like to see it go to the Fire Dept. Dawn Beckmann said she would like to research the program and see if some of that money could be used in other resources. Discuss at next meeting.
Steve Seipp reported that he has taken pictures of the properties in town and violation letters will be going out within the next 2 weeks.
Jim Beach reported that he heard that the City of Alden applied for a grant from CFS. He said there was a County Commissioner that attended their meeting and proposed other grants.
Dawn Beckmann provided a “Thank you” to Kristen Anderson for her efforts supporting the City as their Clerk. And Welcomed Barbara Jones for accepting the position of City Clerk/Treasurer.
Pat Stenzel extended his “Thank you” also to Kristen Anderson and Barbara Jones.
Motion made by Pat Stenzel to adjourn —2nd by Dawn Beckmann – Motion carried.
-Barbara Jones
City Clerk-Treasurer
City of Freeborn