City of Freeborn

Council Meeting Minutes

May 15, 2013

Present: Mayor: Theo Beckmann; Council Members: Jim Beach, Ed Moser, Kaleb Bjornstad and Pat Stenzel; City Clerk-Treasurer: Tiffany Krueger; Interim City Clerk-Treasurer: Nicole LaFrance

Absent:

Mayor, Theo Beckmann called the meeting to order at 8:30p.m.

Ed Moser motioned to approve the April 17th meeting minutes. Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried.

Jeanette from Freeborn Area Cancer Auction and Sharon were present and spoke about using the city building for storage again this year. Pat Stenzel motioned to approve the Freeborn Area Cancer Auction to use the city building again this year. Jim Beach advanced; motion carried.

Ed Moser motioned to approve the Cancer Auction given by the Freeborn Area Cancer Auction this year. Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried.

Andrew Bernau was present from Hill, Larson, Walth & Benda P.A. He presented the 2012 Annual Audit for the city, and issued a “clean opinion” to the State Auditor’s Office for 2012 financials. Andrew spoke about an A1-33 Audit for a city spending over $500,000 in projects (referring to proposed Water Improvement Project). This type of audit estimates about $15,000-$25,000. Grant money from the project can be used for this type of audit. Ed Moser motioned to accept the 2012 Annual Audit. Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried.

Mainteance Operator, Bill Guggisburg, received a letter from the MN Dept of Health regarding the city’s water compliance. The city is aware of the high arsenic values reported, and is currently moving forward with the new water facility with the City of Hartland. Bill reported that he cut plants, had the water tower cleaned, hydrants flushed and swept the streets. He also pulled the volleyball poles and is taking bids for the Water Heater Venting in the boiler room. Bill has found a cheaper store to buy his city maintenance shirts. Bill would like to move forward with the Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Hartland regarding the water improvement. After inspection, Bill does not recommend payment to Freeborn Lumber yet for the cabinets in the city hall. The countertop is short, and the cabinets were not the correct sizing. Bill also spoke about Memorial Day approaching and he wanted the okay from the council to mow around the vacant school property and removing the shrubs in front of the school. He completed cold patching for the streets, as wells as adding sand to the playground and some general landscaping. Bill is getting pricing from Heath on a light sensor for outside the city hall. He would also like to use or lease a tiller for additional landscaping for the city. Lastly he will contact Brandon Flatness or Tukua’s (Ryan) about the water drainage in the ditch on 8th Avenue being full of water and is near a resident’s driveway.

Under Unfinished Business, the council tabled the signs for the Rain Garden. Interim City Clerk, Nicole LaFrance will call and inquire information about obtaining another bulletin board for the outside the city hall.

The Joint Powers Agreement between Hartland and Freeborn was discussed and Interim City Clerk, Nicole LaFrance will contact members from both cities about setting up a JPA meeting and agreement regarding the water project.

Under New Business, Jim Beach motioned to approve Interim City Clerk, Nicole LaFrance to sign checks, authorization to manage all online accounts and attend the LMC Clerk’s Orientation Conference in June. Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried.

Ed Moser motioned to approve mileage, meals, and hotel to be split with Hartland regarding LMC Conference. Kaleb Bjornstad advanced; motion carried.

The council discussed transferring keys to building to Interim City Clerk on May 29th. They would also like to get the number of hours worked by city employees on reports included in the monthly board meeting.

Cabinets for the city hall were discussed and the city will hold payment until it is completed correctly.

401 4th Street, have requested for a second garbage can for garbage overflow. The council discussed a larger can, rather than being possibly charged for two cans. Nicole LaFrance will contact Thompson Sanitation and assist the resident.

The Nuisance Ordinance and Summary of Publication was tabled.

Mayor, Theo Beckmann spoke about Freeborn Days this summer. TB3’s is working on the dates.

Ed Moser motioned to approve the accounts payable and other reconciliation reports, with the exception of Freeborn Lumber’s check for hall cabinets. Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried.

Ed Moser motioned to adjourn the meeting. Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried.

 

-Nicole LaFrance

City Clerk-Treasurer