May 2 Council Action

The Freeman City Council held two consecutive meetings on Tuesday evening, May 2. The first meeting began with an executive session followed by final approvals needed for Dakota Protein Solutions to move forward with their new facility to be located one mile east of Freeman.

A second council session involved the swearing in of four councilors beginning new terms of office. The following were unopposed in their bids for a seat on the council: Clifford “Lonnie” Tjaden for a 2-year term in Ward 1; Blaine Saarie, for a 2-year term in Ward 2; Elizabeth Waltner for a 2-year term in Ward 3; and Tabitha Schoenwald for a 1-year term in Ward 3. Councilors Charlie Gering & Charly Waltner continue in their terms of office representing Wards 1 & 2, respectively, & Michael Walter has one more year in his term as mayor. The council voted to name Blaine Saarie as council president and Elizabeth Waltner as council vice president.

The following individuals were appointed to continue to serve as part of the Planning & Zoning Commission: Reno Huber, Randy Koerner, Penny Smidt, Janver Stucky, Charly Waltner, & Lonnie Tjaden.

After coming out of the second executive session of the evening, the council voted to hire Erin Uecker and Kate Miller to manage the swimming pool and concessions for the 2023 season. The council also accepted the resignation of Police Chief Scott Brewer and approved advertising to fill the position. Chief Brewer will continue to serve in his current capacity through the end of May.

Watch for session minutes to be posted in the “Government” section of this website & for an employment posting to come soon, as well.