City of Freeborn
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10. 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, Maintenance Bill Guggisberg, City Clerk Barbara Jones, and Sandra Anderson.
Motion was made by Pat Stenzel to approve the August 12 th , 2024, meeting minutes. Seconded by Curt
Backeberg. All in favor: Aye. Opposed: None. Motion carried.
Public Comment
Maintenance Report:
Bill Guggisberg reported that the tree at Lakeshore and 5th will be taken care of by the County. Thursday,
September 12, he will be attending the Lead & Copper training along with Barbara Jones, City Clerk. He
explained that the fencing estimate from Rolling Green for the Basketball Court fence came in over
$3,000.00. He stated that he felt with the help from the council it could be fixed.
Streets should be considered for Seal Coating. Discussion ensued and Bill Guggisberg said that the
Council should consider a 25% increase. There are 3 catch basins in Granite Falls that Brandon is waiting
to pick up.
Discussion on flushing hydrants for the first week in October. Maintenance Bill Guggisberg stated that he
had flushed them in the spring and usually flushes them in November.
Clerk’s Report
Barbara Jones reported that she attended the two day City Clerk Training and found it to be very beneficial.
She also reported that meetings should be recorded, especially closed meetings. Council recommended to
check the recorders on hand if they are not in working condition, to order one.
Unfinished Business:
Public Meeting Rules on Conduct – City Clerk explained that she had taken the advice of Beau Hartmann,
Attorney, to remove items in the first draft and has presented the final to the Council. Discussion ensued.
Motion from Dawn Beckmann to accept the Public Meeting Rules on Conduct. Seconded by Curt
Backeberg. All in favor. Aye. Opposed. None. Motion carried.
Steve reported that Mark from the Bank had approached him about the curb. Steve talked with Eric
Grunzke and Eric said he would get the Bank on the list for fixing the curbs. He also said he could help fix
the concrete over at the Park.
City of Freeborn September 10, 2024
Minutes Page Two
Steve Seipp asked about the purchase of cameras for the compost site. Was hoping to purchase cameras
at the cost of $500.00. He could purchase Stealth game cameras and have them be cell phone enabled. A
motion from Pat Stenzel to purchase three (3) cameras and monthly service for the Compost Site.
Seconded by Jim Beach. All in favor: Aye. Opposed: None. Motion carried.
New Business:
Flu Shot Clinic will be on October 1 st from 9 am to 10 am in the City Hall.
Website: City Clerk reported that she has been sending information to Matt Leverson to add to the Website.
City Clerk stated that Itron recommended purchasing an I-pad, I-phone or Android for the meter reading
process. Will need to get a wireless service for the system. Product should be here in February. Council
recommended the City Clerk check into a service plan.
Resolution 2024-11 – Canvassing the August 13 th 2024 Municipal Election Returns and Declaring Results.
Curt Backeberg made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-11. Seconded by Pat Stenzel. All in favor.
Aye. Opposed: None. Motion carried.
Freeborn County Cannabis Ordinance No.: 2024-00 was presented and discussed.
Steve Seipp, Fire Chief, asked if the City would permit a 1 day liquor and 1 day gambling license for their
fall fundraiser in November 2024. Dawn Beckmann made a motion to allow the Freeborn Fire Department
and Ambulance to apply for a 1 day liquor and gambling license for their fall fundraiser. Seconded by Pat
Stenzel. Steve Seipp abstained from the vote. All in favor: Aye. Opposed: None. Motion Carried.
Discussion on setting the levy for 2025. This is a preliminary decision. Discussion ensued and review of
the past budget years was reviewed. Jim Beach made a motion to set the preliminary levy at a six (6)
percent increase. Curt Backeberg seconded the motion. All in favor: Aye. Opposed: None. Motion
Carried.
Accounts Payable/Reconciliation Reports
Bills were presented and discussed. Motion made by Jim Beach to approve Accounts Payables,
Receivables and Reconciliation Reports and pay bills – seconded by Dawn Beckmann – motion carried.
Motion made by Jim Beach to adjourn at 7:25 p.m. —seconded by Curt Backeberg – Motion carried.
Barbara Jones
Barbara Jones
City Clerk-Treasurer
City of Freeborn