City of Freeborn
Council Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2013
Present: Council Members: Jim Beach, Ed Moser, Kaleb Bjornstad and Pat Stenzel; City Clerk-Treasurer: Nicole LaFrance; Maintenance Operator: Bill Guggisberg
Absent: Mayor: Theo Beckmann;
Ed Mosser called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m.
Pat Stenzel motioned to approve the September 12, 2013 meeting minutes and agenda. Jim Beach advanced; motion carried.
Kaleb Bjornstad motioned to approve the September 18, 2013 meeting minutes with the amendment of maintenance operator reports not yet reseeding the volleyball court. Jim Beach advanced; motion carried.
Albert Lea Tribune representative Rich Mirelli was present regarding the present problems of residents not receiving their newspaper in time, and carrier delay. Mr. Mirelli spoke about adding tubes next to mail boxes, and have the county newspaper carrier deliver the papers. This will provide same day service of their newspaper. There are 25-30 subscribers. Council members discussed this option, and mentioned that most of the residents have P.O. Boxes, and there are no mail boxes by the road. This has made snow removal more successful. The council suggested to put up poles five-feet into the residents driveway to provide this service. There are also local newspaper dispensers downtown. Before the Albert Lea Tribune starts to mark driveway spots, the council would like a white flag for location abilities.
Kaleb Bjornstad motioned to approve the new Albert Lea Tribune newspaper boxes to be installed five-feet into the driveway of the subscriber, and marked with a white flag prior to digging. Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried.
Bill Guggisberg, Maintenance Operator spoke about the rain garden and the current black edging for the garden depreciating. To resolve the issue, next spring the Bill would like to repair and replace the exterior with a bullet edging for better protection. The bullet edging runs around $1.00 piece. Bill also spoke about obtaining receipts for the rain garden sign to take to the Freeborn County Soil & Water Conservation District for possible reimbursement. Bill discussed Mr. Honstad’s properties as it was on tonight’s agenda. There are currently two connections to the house and apartment and Mr. Honstad would like to consolidate to one meter. The council discussed the situation as there is rental properties included. They also spoke about another resident Ms. Ketterling with similar situations. Jim Beach motioned to approve one meter and three garbage’s for Rich Honstad’s properties. He does have a separate siding business. Sherri Ketterling is able in the future to reduce to one meter and two garbage’s for her duplex. Kaleb Bjornstad advanced; motion carried.
Maintenance Operator, Guggisberg discussed the property located at 602 3rd Avenue and the dog nuisance and preventing him from reading the meter. He asked for City Clerk, to provide action and charge a $25.00 fee. The council discussed council member Ed Mosser reading the residents meter. Next spring the council will discusses rates for ordinance violations they will also address this issue and fees applied.
Pat Stenzel motioned to approve the purchase of a new city snow blower from Ag Power with attachments (front light kit and ballast box). Jim Beach advanced; motion carried.
Bill Guggisberg will go around town videotaping or take pictures. Gold pavers will be displayed in each front yard for new laterals and curb stops expected with the designing of the water project. This will prevent accidents made by contractors, etc. Guggisberg also mentioned he will start locating the water shut offs with council member Pat Stenzel’s assistance. He also reported that the city of Hartland’s water plant is up and running. If anyone would like to see pictures, Larson Contracting’s webpage has many photos during the construction to current up and running. City Clerk also has a few photos of the new plant.
Guggisberg also would like to take advantage of the Home Depot credit account. City Clerk will apply for the city.
Kaleb Bjornstad motioned to approve Mainteance Operator to purchase filters from Big A (Car Quest) in Albert Lea. There is a cost savings. Pat Stenzel advanced; motion carried.
There was no old business to report.
Under new business, City Clerk presented the city council with Ordinance #52 “Relating to Municipal Water Service in Regulating Use and Connections Thereto”. The council tabled the water billings/connections –Ordinance #52 until next month’s meeting.
Pat Stenzel motioned to approve the accounts payable and reconciliation reports. Kaleb Bjornstad advanced; motion carried.
Pat Stenzel motioned to adjourn the meeting. Kaleb Bjornstad advanced; motion carried.
-Nicole LaFrance
City Clerk-Treasurer