Rory Hermsen

The council approved various financial vouchers, salaries, and a financial report. Key actions included authorizing an encroachment agreement for a garage located on city property, adopting a resolution to apply for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to renovate tennis courts, and approving a quote for a sprinkler system and seeding at City Hall. The council also hired seasonal staff for the clubhouse and pool, approved a travel request for a staff training event, and discussed future equipment purchases, hazard mitigation planning, and various department report items regarding sewer, golf course, and community center maintenance. The council held an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The council convened the board of equalization and addressed several departmental updates. Key discussion items included an increase in water rates, the evaluation of new fire extinguisher recommendations for the pump houses, and the acceptance of a groundskeeper's resignation. The council also explored plans for renovating tennis courts to include pickleball lines, reviewed a support resolution for the Freeman Regional Hospital, and discussed upcoming promotional activities, including an open house for the local golf course.

The council convened as the Board of Equalization and then as the City Council. Key business included the approval of various financial vouchers, the adoption of a resolution amending city water rates, and the acceptance of a staff resignation. The council also discussed grant opportunities for tennis court repairs, authorized a letter of support for a hospital and clinic project, and received departmental reports covering golf, garbage, library, community center, police, and sewer operations. During an executive session, the council approved hiring for multiple seasonal positions across the ambulance, golf, clubhouse, park, and pool departments.

Key discussions during the session included the approval of vouchers and the financial report. The council acted on personnel matters by dissolving the development and marketing position effective April 1, 2026, and appointing Joan Dreessen as a trustee for the Freeman Public Library. The council accepted the Fire Department annual report and roster. Financial actions included approving a $24,375.00 donation to the Freeman Community Development Corporation for 2026. Operational decisions involved approving the repair of the recycle building's North garage door, authorizing the Mayor to sign the 2026 slurry seal project notice of award, and approving sewer line cleaning for approximately 8000 feet. The council also decided to proceed with bidding the sewer lining project. Department reports covered updates on the new garbage truck, water meter upgrades, the temporary closure of the community center for floor maintenance, and a zoning clarification regarding portable structures on residential property. The session concluded with an executive session concerning personnel matters.

The City of Freeman Council meeting addressed several administrative and operational items. Key discussions included the approval of vouchers and salaries, and the review of the financial report, noting changes across the general, water, sewer, refuse, and ambulance funds, as well as long-term debt. The council approved the Fire Department's annual report and roster, noting the Fire Chief's five-year tenure and plans for replacing an aging tanker and city truck. A significant action was taken regarding personnel, which involved dissolving the Development and Marketing Coordinator position, with plans to donate $24,375 (prorated for 2026) to the FCDC to assume those responsibilities starting April 1st. The board also approved necessary repairs for the main recycling garage door, estimated at $1,750, and passed a motion to solicit bids for a sewage lining project, after reviewing cost estimates that showed an increase from previous figures. Finally, a new member, Joan Dreon, was appointed to the Library Board effective April 1st or May 1st.