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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 [07] Jul 11 & 16 {Book 41} ~ Administrdtor judy Weyrens MdYor Richdrd Cdrlbom Councilors Steve Frdnk AI Rdssier Renee Symdnietz Ddle Wick CITY Of ST. JOSEPH WW\'(I. cityofstjoseph .com St. Joseph City Council July 11, 2007 5:30 PM The purpose of this meeting is to rank the candidates for the open City Council seat. The top candidates will be interviewed on July 16, 2007 beginning at 6:00 PM. 00000000000000000000000000000000000000 St. Joseph City Council July 16, 2007 6:00 PM 1. Call to Order 2. 6:00 -7:00 PM 3. 7:00 - 8:00 PM 4. 8:00 PM 5. Adjourn City Council Members interview Candidates Public is invited to ask questions of the Candidates City Council discuss candidates - filing vacancy 2) College Avenue North, PO Box bb8 . Sdint. joseph, Minnesotd )6,74 Phone )2o.)b) 7201 FdX )20.)b).0)42 ~ ~. __=~ _- [t::;~~u..- -_ ~_._ -_ =__ m___=-==:=-- J01t:J ~ ___- =.~~~~_~~___-.. u __u..- u _ .... ... _. ~ / ..., _. _.~_~____________~_____._(j. ..~'... _.1...- ___ .. .~_II.... J _."..- ._.._ _ ov:r- -clj(/, -- - - - - ----- - -- - - - u_ -- -- . _._...__._-----_._--~- -----.-- --~_. --....,,- --- -'--- --,,---------------------- ___________. IV~ ~ I ~/;;;~~- --- -- - - -- - - - - - - - _u ---- --- --------- ____~__________ _______ _____ .__.__.____~______ ._______L_(c-~~:_~_____ --- - - -- - -~-~ - --- - --- - --~- --- ---- - --------------- ,- '.I! - - - - --- ?/ i~, 1: -----~ - ------ -~- - ~ ! ~ -,? I ';{I) . \ ~<' , ==.--=--.+_:/~~___.--- --------=-. ---.--.. .-- - --=-- ....-----}jt~m--. NC~--..--- ---- - - -------------- ----- -- -~---- - -----~ - - --- - ----- ---lJbk~t _ _______ __m -- ------ ~ ----- -~ --- - ----- --- --__._____'_________.__.___________._.______n___ IV 11 : i r , ' ft., Ii lA -714 ; rJ ft 1 (1 ~ ------------------~~- .1UJL~:-6_7-GAY~- J---=""-------- . ------------------------- n ----- - ----i-- -r~ ~ J-!~ (/~ By signing below I acknowledge that I am a resident of St. Joseph over the age of 21 and the name as written at the top of this form is my true name by which I am commonly, and generally know in the community. p~"," 2" ;g~ SI ture b ~c7 6' - ,.:2t7c/ 7 Date Roger Buening Page 1 on / CIlY of ST. JOSEPH 1. (A) What do you consider the three most important issues fi1cing the City of St. Joseph. (I) Transportation Needs (roads, public transportation) (2) Developments (commercial, industrial, residential) (3) Neighborhood Preservation, which includes Downtown Transportation- -We as a City need to start being Positive, Positive in all things we do! This City is sorely in need of A Quality Road System, east to west and north to south now before the Population grows even larger. Having a Quality Road System would be a Positive for the City attracting Business and Residents.! This City could use a Metro Bus Route also! (B) What strategies might you purpose for dealing with the issue you feel is most Important? You asked my Strategy on this topic. I agree with moving ahead with Mapping for all Roads & Streets were the studies suggest that even being the highly disputed Field Street from 20th Ave. to CoWlty Road 2! I don't take this decision "lightly". It's a Positive for the Cities growth, all roads are! CoWlty Road 2 By-pass. Being the first Road built. Should be built to the east of the Bechtold Farm! In a way that it jWlctiOns with COWlty Road 75 and County Road 3 to the north and Minnesota St and Field Street to the south, somewhat behind 61h Ave. N. W. You wouldn't have to deal with so many Property Owner's, as you do to the west! This way also only one Road is needed for the City ofSt. Joseph Main use of deflecting Tmck Traffic off City Street, but still maintaining a Traffic flow of Cars for Proposed Commercial Business in that area! Comprehensive Plan indicates Commercial Zoning behind 61h Ave. N.W. Another reason to go east. This Road will attract Commercial Business immediately! A real Positive for this City with new Tax Base. A lot offuture customer base is already living near by! The Road west of the Bechtold Fann still remains part of the Mapping. Let the Land Developers pay for the Road or Roads to the west when the need arises! ( C) What Wlique strengths or perspective do you bring for addressing this issue. Point of view or perspective on the issue of Transportation (roads). Like I said before, I don"t take this issue of Roads .. IightV! Being a member of the Transportation Study Group. Been at all the Meetings. Hearing both sides oftbis, is how I came up with my fore mentioned .StrategylPlan. One of the question on this Questionnaire, can you make tough decision's. I just did and believe its for the best interest of all the Residents ofSt. Joseph! Commercial Development St. Joseph is the new Gold Mine For Developers. There waiting to come. Commercial Development comes so do Residents and more CommereiaJ. When this time comes . We as a City got to Challenge these Developers. There's a way that St. Joseph would like to see its Developments. The City tells them instead oftllem telling us! There will always be another Developer there to take the place of tile one that won't comply . (B) What strategies might you propose for dealing with the issue you feel is most Important? My Strategy on this topic. You first o:ffhave to have Quality Roads so Commercial Business can build. That attracts more Business. which attracts Neighborhood Developments. We as a City can 't be sitting on our bands anymore. We have to be real Proactive now! WIth Roads and Business. plus our Industrial Park. We don't have to be the next SarteD or Waite Park, but balfwon't be bad. We need to get the Tax Monkey off tile present Tax Payers back's soon. Placing Commercial Business in certain areas of this City that is easily accessible by foot or cars makes sense now. This issue should be on the front burner, those Roads need to come now also (C) What Wlique strengths or perspectives do you for addressing this issue I I Roger Buening Page 2 of3 You asked for my view on the topic. Living here for many years visibility watching as a once Viable Business District with many Business's struggle or go away because of no Parldng very little foot traffic, other reasons we won't mention. Watching. customers going to S1. Cloud because of it! Seriously, we need to bring Business back to S1. Joseph, not just Downtown. We need to be Very Proactive an Positive! Neighborhood Preservation. S1. Joseph is a :fine City. A Star City., we all should be very "Proud" of that fact. To keep that Star "shining". Promoting a Healthier Lifestyle with Preservation is needed for Neighborhoods ~ There Should be no Debating this issue. If so you have your eyes closed? You live 4 blocks on either side of College Ave., what you have are decent Tax Paying Residents trying to survive in a sewer of un-kept Rental Properties. Like many people ftom out of town comment. " driving down Minnesota S1. or College Ave, is like driving in Beirulr That's some sad commentary directed at a Star City! (a) What strategies might you propose for dealing.with the issue you feel is most Important? You asked my Strategy on this topic. Enforcement. enforcement, enforcement of all rules and Ordinances that Residents followl What's really sad, 10 to IS people profit ftom theses Properties and 100 have to Suffer. It's the Sacred Cow of this City and nobody will touch it.? This mainly is the Commerce of this City, that's really sad! Shortly, if an when these Colleges start to make Students live back on Campus. Is the Perfect time to turn a Real Negative into a Very Positive situationl We need to support creation of new incentive programs to increase ownership of existing homes and their renovation, (preservation) not Rentals when many of these Rental Homes come on the Market because of lack of Renters. There will be Re-hab money out .fono local Financial OJ'vni7aUOns to aid in this. Many cities surrounding S1. Joseph restore their Core Homes, increasing their population and Quality of Life issue. S1. Joseph is dying ftom the inside out because of this lack of Preservation of Core Homes and Business! R-I Neighbod100ds are once again R-I Neighborhoods! The starting point for Neighborhood Preservation begins with the City Council and ultimately the Mayor (C) My view on this topic and how can I say these things. When I moved here many a year ago There was no Commerce called student Rentals. I've watched this fine City being destroyed by "Greed". and lack ofleadership to stop the Negative effects! I watch also as more and more of8t. Joseph became a Transit Community as it is today on those 4 blocks on either side of College. In the summer as you know in this part of town its pretty much vacant, so how ~ you support a Downtown Business District? Draw back the Family aspect to these Core Neighborhoods again., which will greatly help with the Revivification of the Downtown Business. R-I Neighborhoods will once again invest an reinvest in St Joseph! 2 Many times the Council is faced with making difficult decisions.. How do you balance competing interests, making sure decisions are made in the best interest of all the residents of S1. Joseph. Answer- First thing you have to do as a Councilperson is leave all your Bias at home! The job is to act in a Professional manor. The Residents have in-trusted in you the power ofLeadersbip to do what is fair for all Residents ! You also have to have a lot of"integrit;Y' and the Competing interest know that and will Respect a decision for or against them! 3 Do you see any areas where opportunity exists for increased regional cooperation with our Neighboring Units of Government? Answer We as a City already have Mutual Aid Programs with many of our Neighbors, with Fire & Police issues. When our City Representative's go to the APO or League of Cities meetings. Get together with our Neighbors and open up a Dialogue on issues behind the scene! I personally know several Council Members from Waite Park, it's my home town! Just ask! S1. Joseph and Waite Park are going to be joined together side by side soon. Example, maybe there are some Roads they would like to match up with ours? . .. Roger Buening Page 3 of3 A joint Festival of some kind or a vote we need or they need to secme some1hing? Ask other Cities also! 4. Changing demographics! popuIation require the Council to review and change services offered to the Residents. One of the current needs ofSt Joseph is to define what type of recreation should the City Provide and how to fund that need. Rising operating costs and declining revenue options make Balancing a City budget difficult Given that the City does not currently budget for summer recreation What approach would you use to fund this need and what do you see as the need? Answer Parle & Recreation is needed, This City does need a Summer Parle & Recreation Program, definitely Yes! Residents in this City never have gotten their bang for their buck with Summer Park Recreation Programs over the years. This is why the majority of children from this City who are interested say sports go to Waite Park or other Cities for different Crafts! Park & Recreation Personnel have got to put together a Solid Program first and introduce or sell that to Residents City Council and Mayor with some Public Meetings. What s going to be offered next Summer or when the start-up begins? If start-up is next Summer . The reason I say this is because in early spring Waite Park and other's start signing up children ~ they have Solid Programs with Baseball, etc, etc. There's a waiting list! Residents will have to choose here or there! This is why a Solid Program has to be there! Residents are the ones who are going to fund this Parle & Rec Program with Taxes possibly 1aken from one of their pet projects! I've mentioned this several times now we need a Solid Program. We pay for this Program with Residents paying small fees for this Program. We also need to see if there is any Government Monies out there for this project, Being it's basicaIly a start-up Recreation Program for this City. How do we get it and how long will it be there? I would be willing to Vote to allocate Tax Payers Money to fund a Solid Program for Summer Recreation. I would be hesitant to allow any Tax Payers money whatever amounts to :fund or just be tbrown out there just because this is a Project that needs relieving! Or a Poster Child? This City needs a Summer Program definitely, a Solid One! I know I only had to comment on one main topic but I felt I needed to cover them all. As you can see I didn't 1ake the easy way out here and answer only the not tough issues! I believe to much in St Joseph to do that! f(~ ? e~ Application for City Council Instructions: Use thi$ forrh to app1r to fill the vacant City Council seat Please fill oat the form completely,\ If a question does not apply, type or write MIA in the $pace provided. When completed, plea,se retumto the City Administrator, 25 College Avenue North, PO Box 668, St.JOSfqptt; MN 56374, Applications are due not later than 3:00 PM, June 26. All applications will be reviewed by the City Council and interviewS AJ~N.e'" Litt M /oJ = <':.. /lI/lJ 14 'bb( {'..,,- I . I j, yRA.,($ ~ S .:: I "~Il f'rlllfA ~4'~ ~~/lt#.e/<" :U~ Y~I( s MIl 1.1/1.T/ ,,;'14 L.. Gqr;,(, 9 }/JRt'. fi E3-..~'4f.~.I~.... ed.if..........ec.'S J1U#7 B-AA., ~. (YI.efr? J-,f}/Z, f /(/c-e. ce If ~~ SP/R.{T $ ~,,;-.t 61.. ~il3 . if:! !~~) ~...!:. ,l1;(tP/{ I:: J(P ~s &~ ..~... ~ s- bvvt-€-fIJ /7 Da~ 1. (B) (C) /)tf;)l Hll (J t711() J RECEr~JED .lUl 1 0 l007 CITY OF S1. JOSEPH CITY OF ST. JOSEPH Interview Questions (A) What do you consider the three most important issues facin~ the City of St. Joseph J (1) ~..e.~ ~. c.oc;,J- c J l i \J 1'V'.,5 InSf-. JOs~f" oJ- Q. l e \J el ~0..1- &-o-e..s V\. 0+ CQ V J V~ % e.... c! ( -I- rz. -e n..s a.. vJ~ 4-0 o-.tk.y- c:.. 0 V"Y\ rr. u.... hi" + \ ~..s (2) ~)~_.\...d! -S.\-v-ee...+ COlrVld<2>!l'-- r.e..s6lve.- (3) rY\or-e Co ~m Uh. i J..'{ i \1'\ V 0 \ v e.~ What strategies might you propose for dealing with the issue you feel is most important? L~ Skh I~J .J- 0 ~ ~--eo .pL-c... d J?-- sfc Jo~~~- wh.o1- a:..V--L- ~~ ....0Vevvd-SJ n.e..-edls) de~ly-e..s What unique strengths or perspectives do you bring for addressing those top three issues? ( A d ~ 'vV'- 0 Q. V 0\... J...l c.... \5 \..e lA..J -t- 0 '-^.) a V c1 5 0.... 'Y\..j I 'SSU-e .. 2. Many times the Council is faced with making difficult decisions. How do you balance competing interests, making sure decisions are made in the best interest of all the residents of St. Joseph? D~OCy-Jl~ \Jl-€-W ~J Wlt\ ..5u...r~cv-+ UJ~ ~ rv'\.CS6Y't~ O+- ~ Q.l+7<€h.S wMCf- - Y'.C+ "JU-S+ ~ ~ ~ 3. Do you see any areas where opportunity exists for increased regional cooperation with our neighboring units of government? rC~f/\ S'fA..fPQV+ COOp..elr"o..+l6h U01~ O~r-- IJ.J.r\.l + 'S .{.. J- C' a.J\ ~ I r\ k: 6.-F- Cl. +-e. GO c:( V' eqs Wk.e..rB lAJ<2- Cct.V\ b~e+l+ -\?\roVv\ \J-hts ~ 4. Changing demographics/populations require the Council to review and change services offered to the residents. One of the current needs of St. Joseph is to define what type of recreation should the City provide and how to fund that need. Rising operating costs and declining revenue options make balancing a City budget difficult. Given that the City does not currently budget for summer recreation, what approach would you use to fund this need and what do you see as the need. :r. ho..\t€..... no+- h.a-&. ~ cWo Y~I.frJ + () WOfe W \% ex \ou..~J oJ:- ~tS $f7---e:56 r W()uj~ n lc-e. CL Y\ 0 rpp 0 V Luh t +<1 ..f-o \f I ~ (5,...J-U-rf:-tj ,I'+- b-e..+o'rC-- 1 c~ a[fE?-r ~'h... i!J'prh (On ~ App)icatiou(9rCity ~Qtlncil Instructions: Use this form to apply to fill the vacant City C;mlnc:i{seat. PlefjSi;fill out the form completely. If a question does not apply, type or write N/A iri the space provided. When completed, please return to the City Administrator, 25 COliege Avenue North, PO Box 668, St. Joseph, MN 56374. Applicatioris are later than 3:00 PM, June 26. All applications will be reviewed by the City Council and inteNiews nfO~. 61'~ t:) P fUo.o:. r;. -$Otlrlt-IP j//Aewz ~ t?Rt.. +P1I ~~k- oPsOe;#f'l Po' pf$6t..t5 3d'$"O' Bo~ ~A1/"eit ~PL-,-ry.e~ Sa 'tf!(jff~/..t'f~.";;I),~'!~/~.~~:::t :~~<; ~ ttt~IU-SS. co s-r oS 75'1';e~'~ cOi~6/rs/~iiit.~, .76.......... "'.. . /U~e P,H';<.. 'f7Coct it V>"~F decesz:AJ --:;;:. ;:e~ t ~ +$:+'Jtjrf;;.rI;l!cry ,-hJ't~il'tf crf~u-' oP:[f u.'f f-o b-eh-e~ ct hAV-e A ct,~ +0 (/ I?IC.-<:- ~~e; . ..; ~...fk"" /lc>PMJ .~.' .' By signing below I acknowledge that I am a resident of St. Joseph over the age of 21 and the name as written at the top of this form is my true name by which I am commonly, and generally :::~~ Date &~O -07 4. ~,., r Or7'7 G u )~~O(\ CITY OF ST. JOSEPH Interview Questions t~ECFNVIr.::r:; ~H t~ ~t:':~'J .JUL 1 0 2007 1. (A) What do you consider the three most important issues facing the City of St. Joseph CITY OF ST. JOSEPH (1). " loci /e; IE!. c.{ S'(l-c-c-e f-' e c'l /(., rJ r<. k.i-/ i:L. fi~ (2)-~ rntl.dl 9~'tA-1'(,'l n (3) ;U,j- /;:T5<....:7 10 '~ ~. 5 <>-f /Ueel.r c) P. cJ i.{ R.. c ~\i-( ''Z,B-v J' (B) What strategies might you propose for dealing with the issue you feel is most important? lfed/~'J::... _ M.e bR,s7- f/)!'{I.. ~r<- ~ 1/~41 5,/-t,(,(:-e.7 CeJ/<,zcLz,;rC.. 4flm<..e J9-.. cL-e l:'"i'S/i) /\. 6/fH-ecJ..... 0 ~~ -tt~ besif- 'i7v~F'/,~ flZc.1 (.J-J ;4.1 o'r- 17~ b(-?sf- deL~~.# ,_ What unique strengths or perspectives do you bring for addressing those top three.fssues? CP...e. e' c~ c"" (C) ,E-fjtl d)ry ,.4 A. ;4-''- L ... 2. Many times the Council is faced with making difficult decisions. How do you balance competing interests, making sure decisions are made in the best interest of all the residents of St. Joseph? 1- ~ e k{~ ;1-:1-" /HI f!~ j90 S 1+1 ueJ~ y fI-'Li&tU i~ IIfe1 ~ Ver y. t,u-el, A C) t,cr- -t1~ ,;(")tc f"e~-(.e~ce ~ 3. Do you see any areas where opportunity exists for increased regional cooperation with our neighbUrifi,g units of government? f. &S';; ~ 1-7 ~ ~5-c 0 f' ..ti^-e .. S*I5'<C~s. ~ k it.Ad~25 cJ p~" c-e -to h t.vr-A. ..tt~ co.;; rj-J fc)L.{c~;""9 t~H~ Cf''fy. I<.emte~~ ti^-e /.. .fA'-/ ~Irt. &> 4-s .. Changing demographics/populations require the Council to review and change services offered to the residents. One of tM current needs of St. Joseph is to define what type of recreation should the City provide and ho\v t(,) fund that need. Rising operating costs and declining revenue options make balancing a City budge'!' difficult. Given that the City does not currently budget for summer recreation, what approach WA)uld you use to fund this need and what do you see as the need. Otl41f1e R<~AtH;e/l.S. pSfI ?I-e 7~"47 Llce,~'J-( A, .../t fr^e ~ec. d,ep~ 00 Iy~^-:fe >?6;vr;;,?~~ ,hA.- F:l~~Y-~ /tt~-z.t1-~..5' ~ f' /,.e C!- /~ 13C/ee'.v73~ co C D u/I'C'f;;J., dP ';:'a.h I<./f' Application for City Council a:TYOFST.~ Instructions: Use this form to apply to fill the vacant City Council seat. Please fill out the form completely. If a question does not apply, type or write N/A in the space provided. When completed, please return to the City Administrator, 25 College Avenue North, PO Box 668, St. Joseph, MN 56374. Applications are due ndt later than 3:00 PM, June 26. All applications will be reviewed by the City Council and interviews will be held on July 10, 2007. €....lJ e.. ~ \=\'R"t. Oo~ .A Q. 0 tJ\~V\V\\\f\~ . P A t'\.<..g ~ rot. ~ou..\'\e;1.1M( A-nY\ine> ov'Y\'\~'S6/0(\ JOY <L,o yvn ~,' *e. ~ .. rY"\ A~ " f\ A-b le... H- ,. PJ ""~ C() Y>>1yl+1 I {.} e 'S M'....;.. U1 C-. It: ~O'-\ s.c..c::> ~ LeA Q." t~ -'I ('.S \) A'Jcee'.s ~ 6>0{...\ .6t Co4,^ e.... \ l,.;L b . gou..ncL O~\Q.\.. 0 V"\ V""" 1+ k.. t"l8 .IT b; ki l'e.:5 . t: )! p ei' \ e nee. .) w ,-\- "'" -\ h ~ <a. '~'i) ,..1. 'S \:)I.(.c! Cf ~ {. J -;. ~ ~ ~ e..o~ \ e,) A-11 cL ~ v:J 0 Len' ~ W h E V' o4t. "~'S be:" -' .AM...t... b €.I 111 ~ A b).e., J -\. 0 s e..e.- \.c..1~-e (\~ \ -\. ~ s 0~ l V)~ . A-J +hrs fO;"''1 IV) 4- he.. ~C)c..( t'\ci( l-eo-e( 4-~~ n -e e oA... t-+ r ~ -t- 0 Vl A () ~ ,4- WV1 e""'" b -e (\ -+ \., -e... + C,AY\ 0 e.A- \ Y\ t..c.:> \~ h -\-- Va..ct.. .Jl1 0 f..,(..) I A l'1 d- & -\. A V'+- W a(\. '^ ; V) 5 J W <!) CA.,! a.J... b-e...A- <.9 0 a oZ tJ CJ i C~ . -J aV\ + h -e. p-eap l e J ,4-,..,e<. ("VVI'I 14 n 0 evl-ed8 ~d jJ -+ h..e c,--l.-'f u)oc...cjc{. I? ~ ~ ~S"'...{.. -+ 0 -+h--c. .. C)CA.n 0" I /W .A-/A l . ( (p/~ t) eJ '7. Date Bob Loso 1a) What do you consider the three most important issues facing the City of St. Joseph 1) Proactive planning of; land use, other services provided by the city such as administrative, police, fire, safety, parks & recreation, streets, ordinances 2) Communication to its residents 3) Dwindling revenue sources from the state and other agencies 1 b) What strategies might you propose for dealing with the issue you feel is most important? Proactive planning I feel is the most important. Adopt a transportation plan and plan accordingly. Be continuously forward thinking for the ever changing needs of the City. 1c) What unique strengths or perspectives do you bring for addressing those top three issues? Knowing where the city has been, what has worked in the past and where there have been challenges. Analysis of facts and deciphering what are needs vs. wants and ability to make hard decisions that benefit the city first, even though the decisions may not be popular with all. 2. Many times the council is faced with making difficult decisions. How do you balance competing interests, making sure decisions are made in the best interest of all the residents of St. Joseph? It is important to make sure that we have all the facts and review all the facts and base our decisions on this information and do not allow personal interests to interfere in making these decisions. It is not always possible to balance the interests of everyone, so we just need to feel confident that our decisions benefit the City first with the least possible negative impact. 3. Do you see any areas where opportunity exists for increased regional cooperation with our neighboring units of government? Fire and rescue, possibly Police equipment. This would have to be researched and the numbers would tell the story. 4. Changing demographics/populations require the Council to review and change services offered to the residents. One of the current needs of St. Joseph is to define what type of recreation should the City provide and how to fund the need. Rising operating costs and declining revenue options make balancing a City budget difficult. Given that the city does not currently budget for summer recreation, what approach would you use to fund this need and what do you see as the need. A total cost should be calculated, a user fee should be assessed, if the cost is too high, Park Development funds could be explored to use. Remaining costs could also be built into the budget, or participating townships could be assessed for part of the cost of the program. Local organizations could also be approached to sponsor or supplement the cost of the program. Application for City Council Instructions: Use this form to apply to fill the vacant City Council seat. Please fill out the form completely. Ir a question does not apply, type or write NIA in the space provided. When completed, please return to the City Administrator, 25 College Avenue Norlh, PO Box 668, St. Joseph, MN 56374. Applications are due not later than 3:00 PM, June 26. All applications will be reviewed by the City Council and interviews will be held on July 10,2007. - Waite Park City Councilman 1984 to 1992 (didnottunfor 3rd term due to move) --Served as. city representative on various groups such as the Area Planning Organization- (APO) and Area.Economic Development Partnership - Saint Joseph Park Board 2001 -- Was forced to resign due to work conflicts - Saint Joseph Transportation Plan Advisory group 2006 -Co-Coordiriator(with wife) of Saint Joseph Meals on Wheels program (Aug 2005 to Present) -Supervisory Board member ofSt. Cloud Federal Credit Union (1992 to 1996) -Various offices held as member of the St. Cloud Jaycees (1977 to 1984) -Present member of Eagles, VFW, American Legion, Navy Retirement Association, Federal Government Retirement Association, Saint Joseph Chamber of Commerce -Eight years of experience as a city council member -Strong financial experience ($100 million annual VA Budget/Tax Business, owner 28 years) -1 have the time available to serve the city of Saint Joseph -1 can respect the ideas of others, even when 1 do not agree with them . , . ':I'd like t6 use my ;xperienc~asafurmer councilman'imcfas a manager to help make the'.41fficult decisions that lie ahead. ' _ The tax burden on homeowners continues to grow beyond what the present council seems to expect. 1'd like to help bring those taxes (and fees) more in line with the rate of inflation. _ Decisions on some hard issues have been delayed. I'd like to bring these issues to the table for a vote. 1 'do not believe that "having run for this position in the past" should be a qualifying- factor in the selection for this vacancy. The reason I did not run in the previous election was that 1 was satisfied with the incumbents. If you do decide to give an applicant"anA for effort" due to the fact they ran for office, you should also give some weight to the actual results of the last election. By signing below I acknowledge that I am a resident of 81. Joseph over the age of 21 and the ~. e. as.wri.tten at. th.. e.to. P Of. th. is form is m. y. true name by which I. am commonly, and generally knowi ,he J!?qtO~ b(~S/07 Si tu Date Mike McDonald Page 1 of 4 CITY OF ST. JOSEPH Interview Questions 1. (A) What do you consider the three most important issues facing the City of St. Joseph (1) Planning for growth (2) Bringing our city taxes/fees back closer to the rate of inflation (3) Working more closely with St. Benedict's in order to explore new fees, possible use of some of their facilities, getting notice of their long-term plans, etc. (B) What strategies might you propose for dealing with the issue you feel is most important? The present council truly believes that they are being conservative stewards of our tax dollars. My first strategy would be to help them become more aware of how high our taxes and fees really are. The following table shows 2006 information, 2007 information will not be available until later this month. 2006 Area City's Portion of Property Taxes (from League of MN Cities) Note: the data matches my property tax bill City portion on City portion on City $192,600 value $150,000 value Waite Park $ 895 $ 661 St. Joseph $ 848 $ 624 Sauk Rapids $ 739 $ 553 Cold Spring $ 696 $ 511 St. Cloud $ 664 $ 487 IAvg for all MN Cities $ 644 $ 472 Sartell $ 532 $ 394 St. Augusta $ 324 $ 233 Note: St. Joseph city taxes are the 2nd highest in the area and are 32% higher than the average of all MN cities in 2006 and this will likely be similar (if not worse) for the 2007 budget year. The city portion of my 2007 property taxes went up 9%. I also developed Excel spreadsheets based on the 2007 proposed budget and shared the spreadsheet with the council last year in order that they could more easily sort and compare information to aid in the decision making process. Some numbers that immediately jumped out to me was the fact that Salary Benefit group of accounts (Account 121-171) increased a total of over 78% from 2005 to 2007. That would be an area for the council to look harder at during the budget process. I Mike McDonald Page 2 of 4 Besides examining the expense side of the ledger for possible tax savings, 1 want to become actively involved in both growing the businesses presently located in town as well as bringing in more commercial/industrial growth. (C) What unique strengths or perspectives do you bring for addressing those top three issues? -Former Finance Officer V AMC St Cloud -8 years of city councilman experience in Waite Park (was never defeated in election but did not run for third term due to pending move) -Retired from full-time job and have the time to devote to the issues -Ability to work, respectfully, with people who have ideas different than mine -Desire to study the hard issues, hear opinions regarding the issues, discuss the pros and cons among the council/staff, and then bring the issue to a final vote (rather than constantly delaying actions) 2. Many times the Council is faced with making difficult decisions. How do you balance competing interests, making sure decisions are made in the best interest of all the residents ofSt. Joseph? I will do my best to make sure we base our decisions on facts rather than emotions or hearsay. The Field Street issue presents a good example of how facts can be misrepresented or placed in a better light than what actually exists. -All nine applicants got a letter from Mr. Welter and the St. Joseph Action Group stating their opinions on the proposed location of a future Field Street. The letter with attached alternatives contained errors and only presented one side of the issue (1 can understand it being one-sided due to the fact it came from a lobbyist type group). As a councilman I'd consider the below information (along with the more publicized opinions) when making a decision. -The brochure given out when the group was canvassing for the signing of petitions contains either errors or very liberal interpretations of fact and the brochure does not state that some of the groups own alternatives could cause the same results as the proposed route. Some examples include: -Route gives priority to commercial development -Eliminates prime agricultural land -Endangers safe drinking water for the entire city by possible pollution of the aquifer under the proposed road. -Cuts off safe access to woods and walking trails to sisters, students, residents of St. Joseph, and visitors. (proposed below grade construction coupled with pleasingly designed walking bridge are part of the plans to address the problem). 2 Mike McDonald Page 3 of 4 -The letter states that well over 1.100 St. Joseph residents have given witness to their opposition to the Field Street proposal as well as 36 core St. Joseph business firms. Below are the facts: -After duplicate signatures were removed, there were a total of 1,070 signatures in the following categories on the five petitions presented to the council. -City Resident 483 -Township Resident 66 -Student 363 -SJU/CSB EE 5 -Monastery 87 -Other (cities) 32 -Business owners 34 It should also be noted that some of the business signatures were from employees who worked at the business rather than the owners of the business and I was unable to find some of the "core" businesses listed in the phone book (Tour of Saints-Carmel Roll, MLBPA, etc). The letter also mentions that the MDOT Transportation Cultural Resources Unit states that the proposed route has negative impact on several "historic" properties along the route. There is a big difference in being eligible to be on a historic register and actually being on a historic register. MDOT did not examine if any of the groups proposed alternatives might also contain such property. One must examine why that much has been said about losing historic property and farmland when is associated with Field Street but nothing is said when the Order of St. Benedict razes a 12 I-year old historic building (Marmion Hall) to make room for a new residence. There also is no similar outcry when they sell farmland to a private development group. Some of the present council even calls the farmland that St. Benedict owns as "sacred" when speaking of the proposed route. I don't believe that land is any more sacred than the land that was sold or the farmland that may be in a path the action group shows as an alternative. Much time and money has been spent on this subject. For the sake of those proponents and opponents of the proposed Field Street, it is time to make a decision. Some of the alternatives presented by the Action Group have already been studied and rejected. Some of the alternatives do not meet the criteria required from a sound overall transportation plan. The remaining alternatives should be looked at and a decision made. 3. Do you see any areas where opportunity exists for increased regional cooperation with our neighboring units of government? Regional groups already exist (APO/League of MN Cities/Economic Development Partnership/etc. Others are formed as new needs develop (i.e. Technical Advisory Groups for regional transportation planning). The difficult aspect of participating in these groups is balancing doing what is best for the city of St. Joseph with doing what is best for the area as a whole. The Southwest Beltway Study is a good example of that. The St. Cloud area will be in need of another North/South transportation corridor but we likely would not want it to be our 20th Ave SE route due to potential lost business opportunities. Ifwe are not actively involved with our neighbors, they may not realize the impact of choosing the 20th Ave alternative. Another area of opportunity is with District 742 when the new school is built. The new facility should allow the citizens far better opportunities in adult education and recreational opportunities to all ages. 3 Mike McDonald Page 4 of 4 4. Changing demographics/populations require the Council to review and change services offered to the residents. One of the current needs ofSt. Joseph is to define what type of recreation should the City provide and how to fund that need. Rising operating costs and declining revenue options make balancing a City budget difficult. Given that the City does not currently budget for summer recreation, what approach would you use to fund this need and what do you see as the need. The first step would to better define if and what the need for summer recreation is in St. Joseph. A short-term committee has already been meeting to discuss this issue so I called the co-chair of that group, Margaret Hughes, for her impressions. Evidently the group's scope in the recreational area is far greater than just the summer recreation program. The Boys and Girls Club run our summer recreation program (and have since 2004). Margaret said that the focus ofthis year's program changed to 2 week mini-sessions where participants have a chance to work in a variety of areas including swimming, Language immersion (Spanish), the arts, and having an opportunity to work on a play at St. Benedicts. She seemed to think the program was working well but stated a need for the program to be better publicized and for the budget to be prepared far earlier than in previous years. Those appear to be sound suggestions. The number of actual St. Joseph residents' children participating in summer recreation has drastically diminished over the last few years. It appears that only 44 St. Joseph children were involved in the program in 2005 and 39 in 2006. Counts are not yet available from this year but when St. Wendel and St Joseph Township children are subtracted from the total, the number is likely low again. One should ask if the numbers are low due to lack of interest (electronic games replacing outdoor activities), very good programming available in neighboring cities (organized baseball in Waite Park, organized soccer in St Cloud, etc), or due to lack of planning by the city. It is likely a combination of the above factors. I believe that the Boys and Girls Club have been doing a good job with the limited resources budgeted to them. Due to the limited amount of children participating in the summer activities I don't believe the city should go back to hiring an employee. Looking over the financial records for the past 10 years, it has been far more cost effective to contract this function out. I am not entirely sure if supplying summer recreation is an inherent function of city government. The small usage somewhat reinforces that belief. I believe that the vast majority of the cost should be funded by user fees. The city only spent $2,179 on summer recreation in 2006. As a councilman I would see no problem with spending two to three times that amount if the demand for the services were present. The city's 2007 budget for the general fund was over $2.3 million so finding an extra two to four thousand dollars is not super difficult. Specifically I'd switch the money from the operating supply account within the "Park Area" department and shift it to summer recreation (if the usage numbers warrant the program). 4 ReCSIVED JUN 2........ .1' . . . lOO? APPl.'.icatiiin,i9f,qj.ty(jo~iiL'lisr .JQSSPH ..', ,"',--.' -,'",' -.... ....;.. ",,-'-', " ,,',.-.. -, .. .... ,_"" .._'_",___ .'.'.C''"','. .. .... _' " .',":, .,:",""'" :"" 't,",":, "":"<_;-":~" .....,'.:._.,., "-." ?E~::9F;,~I.:~P:Sf:I~~t. . ;", -',_ '/. ',. .. ,..... .. ,--- _"'C.'_",.' Instructiorys; LJsrthis form to apply tofi/lth~vacantrJity (.)ol.!t1pilseat. . P/~at>~ fi.lr:Q~tthe.for.mcC>!T7pletely. , If a question.CJ(?e~rpta'pplY',type qr writ~NI~in th~ space provide(j~ , Whenqompletrd;.please. retumtq th~. City AdrninistrElfq(,,25 CoJieg~ A venue North. PO. 8ox6f58, St. Joseph, fy1N'$~74iApplipEltionsare' due not IEltfir tharT 3:09 PM. Jure 26. All appJicationswi/l be. reviewedPY th~ City G6uflr;:i{andinterviews wi/t.beheltf Of] JU/y10, 20.0}. . ' , . ,... '.. ...-, , None hut' a l.bt of .t\ccountin.gand Nqn-PrQfits positions . " ........ .- '_' "C'_ .' ",,___" '."". .'. _ " r have, party Xe4f!). ()ft1nahd~ e~p'erie~gepot;iti(m$itlclude . 'Fitlan~eDirector SCS'UpoundatioI1.... .. Finance Director United Jewish Fund and CouncilStPaul CoritrollerChildren's ~ome Soci~ty& Family SerVice J hav~WorkedinSt. Paul for fuaoy yearS and one of the IDallyprojects was 40 mil1iondoHarShalom Home that was a combinatiQtlofBonds, HUn funds and priyate dOIlatiotls.. rveworked. heavily with ittvest~entsand human resources ai1deven rf.My broad range of experience wolildbeatl asset. . '" '," ,',' -,' ,-,:", By. s.igh.... in. 9 b.... $.1...0... ...w.. .......1. ack.n..(jw. .. 'iedg. $ t.ha. t.' am.. a.. .re.. sidentof Sf. J.ose..... ph o. v~...(.the a. g. e of .2. 1, 8.nd...... t...he nalTlea$'\I\Iriftenatthe .top 6fthis.fprm i~tmy true oameby Which I am commonly, andgeflerally know.j. he community. CITY OF ST. JOSEPH Interview Questions 1. (A) What do you consider the three most important issues facing the City of St. Joseph? These are not placed in priority order (I) Getting a balance between residential and business development to insure a balanced tax base that will keep Saint Joseph an attractive community to live in. We have increased businesses; however what would be advantageous would be a high quality service industry. I know of several businesses that have been looking for locations and have never been contacted by the city, some of these were well known and others were confidential. (2) Revitalization of the core city and older residential housing. We have a degree of blight in the city and this should be cleaned up and the city should develop a plan to revitalize the current downtown area, even if the businesses continue to develop on Co RD 75 or other transportation arteries as they developed. (3) Infrastructure needs to be developed to address current issues, but also to have the ability to determine, to what ever degree possible, the needs of the future. Infrastructure includes roads and other utilities but also other needs. These needs are quality of housing and entertainment. Although the college can provide a degree of entertainment there is a need for other types including restaurants and possibly a Community Center. When businesses are looking for a place to relocate they look at many things beside the proposal to build. Having consulted for major companies I know they look at quality of housing, restaurants, entertainment, education and nearly every facet of a community. (B) What strategies might you propose for dealing with the issue you feel is most important? Taking a hard and futuristic look at the comprehensive plan and the input of outside consultants, from this develop the ordnances to provide the policies and procedures to improve the development of the City to insure a balance between residentiallbusiness and consequently even taxation. Plus have the courage to re-address all plans on a continuing basis. I've worked with organizations that have found much of the information provided by the APO and other organizations to be inaccurate to a large degree. We have to be able to separate the speculative items from the statistical items. (C) What unique strengths or perspectives do you bring for addressing those top three issues? I'm both a CPA and a Certified Internal Auditor and have worked on many major projects from residential development, $50 million dollar housing project in St. Paul, many business construction and developments in St. Joseph, Sauk Centre, Annandale, St. Cloud and Elk River. Some of the projects I've worked on were in the business and residential areas of St. Joseph. The projects overall involved HUD funds, private capitalization campaign, major private investors, EDA funds, trust companies and banks. I have an open mind and I'm willing to listen to all points of view from the public and fellow council members. Due to the fact I have an analytical perspective I'm able to weigh all the options on a situation. This coupled with my personal business background gives me the opportunity to provide an in depth, futuristic perspective and engage in a constructive dialog with the St. Joseph City Council. I've been the Finance Director of non-profits for over ten years and I'm very familiar with budgeting, investments, monthly reports, and many types of funding sources. I've been on the finance committee of both St. Joseph and the Cathedral of St. Mary's Parish, worked on the capital campaign developing the needs assessment to support the Capital campaign at St. Joseph Parish. Part of the reason I've waited until now to become involved is client (CPA) privileges and confidentiality. I've been a resident of St Joseph since 2000 and lived in St. Cloud for three years prior to relocating to St. Joseph, prior to that I owner Meyer's Orchards in Collegeville. I know some other applicants have had experience on the council but my experience is as strong or stronger. I've had to get information together for several Cities, and have made presentation at the St. Cloud and St. Paul City Council's. I'm familiar with how city government works due to having had some experience with auditing some communities. I've review the current ordinances of the city and due to projects had to review other cities ordinances. 2. Many times the Council is faced with making difficult decisions. How do you balance competing interests, making sure decisions are made in the best interest of all the residents of St. Joseph? My process is to weigh all the options and decide based on what is best for the City for the entire community currently and in the future. It is important to listen to all sides and weigh what they have to offer. It is inappropriate to be a quasi representative for one of the groups. All citizens should have the ability to express their opinion, but a council member represents the entire community this includes yearly residents, students, representative of the College of St. Benedicts, the Order of St. Benedicts and the business community. 3. Do you see any areas where opportunity exists for increased regional cooperation with our neighboring units of government? I know we share some equipment with other cities and to the extent that can continue we should continue the relationship. The city may be involved with a combined representative to communicate with the State Legislature and other offices. We should be involved with as many law enforcements and fire endeavors as St. Joseph's departments can handle. The methamphetamine task force which may lack funding needs to be utilized by all the cities in the area. The problem will not dissipate but we need to be as proactive as possible to minimize it through combined education and enforcement. 4. Changing demographics/populations require the Council to review and change services offered to the residents. One of the current needs of St. Joseph is to define what type of recreation should the City provide and how to fund that need. Rising operating costs and declining revenue options make balancing a City budget difficult. Given that the City does not currently budget for summer recreation, what approach would you use to fund this need and what do you see as the need? Summer recreation programs are needed for the youth in St. Joseph. With a budget to tight for funding it becomes difficult to develop a comprehensive summer program. It would be possible to find some grants that could at best get programs started, but grants have a limited life span. A combination of grants and a sliding fee based on income could get a limited amount of programs started. The problem is grants require someone to develop the program and write the application. I'm not sure if the staff would have time to do this work. I've been the Finance Director of many non-profits for over ten years and have written many grant proposals. I could be of great assistance in this area, and possibly develop a plan and application. A more permanent solution would be to develop a community center that would be an entrepreneurial service for the city. The center would require some outside fund to operate and as a visionary it could even include utilization of CSB and SJD. This would require a commitment form the community and additional taxes, but it would provide a place for youth to senior citizens' to gather. Community Centers are costly with is why we need a balanced tax base of business and residential. ,Applica.tion for City Council I nstructionS';~i~s;e t~i$form to 'apply to' fi/ltha,vacant t;ity Cotmcil,$ept. Please, fill put the fprmqQ1Jl.J?(f:(;{!f!'y. If a. qL!~s.ti$RtJP,~s1J.Btc8ppl~itY'peor'Wfite; NIA ill' the' EJpaqe PFOviof)c!,,,J4/hen c()mpfftted, . pleaEjfJ reJifr?lR. . the'City" AdmInIstrator, 26 College Avenue,Norffj,PCt. 'fJoXq6?, St. ~J.OS,ephifV1N '56374-"fPp/icatl,iJi}$arfj.' c!@.'fJ.Qjtlate~.than3r'O()f'fVIl .June 2Q..AII E!RPUcationsWi/l be reviewed 6y the City Counqi{ and intervieW~\' '"b';t;''IA''''A'{'1'()'''2'()'O''''''''''''''''''''' 'C'"''';''' ....., . .,"', ,.' W11I:.f!.!IeI.:i.OT!uUY "j ..f,. "', ..""'d...,.' .... i......,' ". .....,.>'. ',. \. " \ '. ... ...... -' ..', . " ';,..:..;". ,:-r; j~~~~~'I~~~~(~~~1t;~~~.~:~;~~~1~;ti~i~;'; S+~A.I~ on ~t.~o.b~~ (1~l.s.s'~1W~ ~ ~~~\Y\vo\Vt~~~t o~ Y~rtI\l\~Q,W'MI6Si~ C;~iec;""'mii+~f.,1 b~s.,lJn""1E.eo.W\Y\'5'~1j. ~D.....~.. ..... '. ....^......J-l. .t;)......... ,..../'f\...t\N..................~...~............. ...1'1. ........V........Pt....,~.D.......~... R.... ....,. '.\... E.. ...~................ oR.(07.rT:r;~ (~6Clt~R. - ~MBER. - OR..PAR.'1"XCrf'APT)-'j A,l?D7:Tr'()NAut",:,) F'v.~iM ~~ "1l\ ":~::N.r~s- A~t>1 O~ W oltKS tfots- ""IV\.- ~9" ln~ ~ V Q,$ t. btlC~{1t'~~~J 0' ~el'\ene..c.. h~ ?~'V'e! r-e -for- /o.VI.+O/ +'"f'ite. ~rye St.J,,~b1 n1lJ~ ~ e g t at I m a resident of St.Joseph over the age of 21 and the is my true name by which I am commonly I and generally ~-~S-:20D7 Date City Council Nominee: Ross Rieke Page 10f2 CITY OF ST. JOSEPH Interview.Questions 1. (A) What do you consider the three most important issues facing the City of St. Joseph (1) Planning is the #1 Issue: Whether we plan for it, or not -: being Proactive or Reactive is the choice ~simplyby default - the City must be "planning". Additionally, at any level we can encourage, facilitate, and/or participate (upon invitation) in planning; in thelocal (or larger) Comm~nity, anytime it makes sense, it's critical to be planning. It's my conviction thatwe've done a good job so far; as Citizens, within our many Community Circles and within the City. However, we can set our sights higher, developing even more opportunities to work together, communicate, participate and interact. We can expand and grow the many different levels of . what "planning" may currently mean or be perceived as (i.e. not just growth/transportation) and keep thinking both: "Inside The Box" and "Outside The Box" (2) Quality of Life - Economic Vitality- Stewardship: . This includes providing fiscally sensible, safe, smart, "family friendly" services and infrastructure to meet (sometimes exceed) the needs of our Citizens (residents, visitors, guests, labor force, city employees, etc.) - then,. balance that with the right blend of equally comprehensive services and infrastruCture to meet (sometimes exceed) the needs of our Business Community. Understanding and recognizing how all "communities" are interwoven and integral to the larger - Great Community - Tomorrow With Tradition (3) Prioritization and ACTION: With a history (and future) both in and out oflocal government, and considering the "strengths and challenges" we can each bring with our "service" - it would be easy to skip Prioritization and ACTION - at the same time, recognizing my own "challenges" and the importance of both the Quality and Quantity of what Citizens deserve, this is critical. (B) What strategies might you propose for dealing with the issue you feel is most important? Having been a past Councilor, I would propose that once the Council "team" is in place, as soon as reasonable, a working session should be scheduled and the timing of the schedule should allow enough time for our employee/support "team" to assemble the participants and information to facilitate a productive day of work. After proposing that action plan, assuming the Council agreed and embraced it, we would prioritize the agenda - "goals" - for the session. As an . example, if the session was a full day, we might use the first 3 hours for a State of the Union orientation... then move to very specific and focused Planning dialogue... as consensus develops, the "strategies" and "next steps" would become clear. .. then - with "clarity" - begin Action. (C) What unique strengths or perspectives do you bring for addressing those top three issues? Serving 16 of the last 23 years on the City Council has allowed me to experience a wide variety of opportunities to gain insight. As a result of that, along with having chosen St. Joseph as our home (three children and wife: Mary,~27yrs) and being active in the Community at many levels over the years; my aspiration would be to bring the unique strengths of: Understanding, Calm Open-Mindedness, Communication, Relationship Building, Ability To Consider Varied Points Of View - Then Hone In On The Next Step And Do What's Right - Even When It's Tough And Most Often Not What I'd Do If Only Considering Myself. . City Council Nominee: Ross Rieke Page 2 of2 2. Many times the Council is faced with making difficult decisions. How do you b~llance competing interests, making sur~ decisions aremade in the bElst interestofall the Residents ofSt.Joseph? Along the same lines as suggested in previous questions... it's best to take as much time as reasonable to consider the many impacts of each decision and to do thl;lt without protecting your own interests, while at the same time allowing all your personal experiences, background... and so on,to guide you. It's also at these times, where it's nice to have a larger group of broader perspectives to help with the consideration. 3. Do you see any areas where opportunity exists for increased' regional cooperation with our neighboring units of government? Aside from Family and Community... my Work experience includes (especially recently) being in an industry (printing) that is going through many changes. Of course those changes involve all the obvious business and economic impacts.. .' yet, with the "human" component being so personaL.. I've gained and am daily gaining, a real understanding of how to "evolve". As the question proposes, Opportunity Exists' for considerable Cooperation, Consolidations, Partnerships, Jurisdictional ExpansionslReductions, and so on. Technology in particular will continue to advance "government" as we know it. This progress would be an area of special interest to me... I'd encourage the City and Citizenry to consider and participate in any opportunities that make sense (often based on the projected "snap shot" of the long range impacts). 4. Changing demographics/populations require the Council to review and change services offered to the Residents. One of the current needs ofSt. Joseph is to define what type of recreation should the City provide and howto fund that need. Rising operating costs and declining revenue options make balancing a City budget difficult. Given that the City does not currently budget for summer recreation, what approach would you use to fund this need and what do you see as the need. Specific to "recreation" and the proposed "need" - the Community (the City as a participant) may want to Quantify our desires... What are the demographics? What populations are requesting the service? What ages and/or genders impact the level of service being considered? What jurisdictions need to partner and what are the various contributions needed to develop the opportunity? What role can volunteerism, internships, and/or partnerships, etc... play? Are there programs already being offered around us? Is transportation to a near-by program more economical than providing the program or programs? These questions are just the beginning of the "brain storming" that a "win-win-win" may grow out of... Considering that this "scenario" is to help you decide the likelihood of my "fit" for the open Council seat; please know that I would bring to the dialogue any and all strengths available t6 me, but most of all work to guide the process - working together with all parties to move forward... suggesting that "Where There's A Will- There's A Way". Application for City Council crI'tO'(l'S'r.J~ Instructions; Use this fonn to apply to fill the vacant City Council seat. Please fill out the fonn completely. If a question does not apply, type or write N/A in the space provided. When completed, please return to the City Administrator, 25 College Avenue North, PO Box 668, st. Joseph, MN 56374. Applications are due not later than 3:00 PM, June 26. All applications will be reviewed by the City Council and interviews will be held on July 10,2007. ' ' -So, JbSe:1>~ i>A(l,!.,. ~AlU) Si. ~ eDu<..A'71GU Cs.lY\"YHl're:e: ~ 14J/Jr~ 6''1 ~ /ib.,~ Comp~~ R~ ~e.Clrn nIS~T 1 Mi'.'l.. c.t..1.e,J1) Ate- to in l\'H "If e E.. 'ii. W,;!::) A~ 'k>"G;T)\ 6As~t.L.. A'l>SOCtM~ - R...T p~, De "'1j {Ol1l-... O~(.6.$ CeIolTlZA\... fr'I,.J "'6/U~At.(' C.L<1 ~. ft."iLmb~ "b~Ilec1iOJI.. '6\;0 b...rrf2-es.Pc:.,.3~ 1St 1..01'1 ~ ~~ I/.$QUf,.;b W {n-\ /JO,.r P.'W'FH' Qthf~1 ZAn&iS. ~rv\()Jn::t<..; PcePLe. ~1'Y'iT.. - :tv~A71.w ~c..e"r Hll.l~/OpA,- ~ ~S'"'1ertlG ~....t"Ur ~~ 'l~~ ~\hI'<J~.s.; ~fWo( { Ih-mCj -r~ 70 Ilc:::P <;1'.3b.st'iPn- A-u;~ ~ :)hI A H &:o~ "l Ct.,torn~hJ ~~. EsT1\I!:oW<.;.i~ e.,'Y't'It'IUJ"'!'i",/, ~ ~t.J) ~... ~) A-M> Aa-1\/1'1,~ ~ \.{e"'n4I~~ vJou- Wt.m e~I"Tllllb'B&he'h-fo ta'..{> ~(\'\~IJI ~~ As ';S..T GAa/iJS Y\'\~QQ.. o-'F ST. j\$I~f{. e.c..yurWw 1'"'1 SIN'c.e. ttfSS: 6:\"'-'")..;"10 J'l\1c:.e A,., Acr,vS. fl.4>t..e /,.., ~lMPI""'" Sr. 3JseO+4,) 7lt-1LD1.I~ C'T11 Ce,,~ ~' ~ \ ~ By signing below I acknowledge that I am a resident of St. Joseph over the age of 21 and the name as written at the top of this form is my true name by which I am commonly. and generally know in the community. ~~~4: Sig ature . ~ b'S 1;)cJ(J1 Date Rick Schultz Page 1 of 5 CITY OF ST. JOSEPH Interview Questions 1. (A) What do you consider the three most important issues facing the City of 51. Joseph (1) Field Street - time to make a decision... (2) Definition and utilization of downtown space; attract and retain business in the community. division of the community with County Road 75. I lump these together because of what I perceive as intermingled topics. (3) Provide recreational opportunities for all ages (community center) ** From the Comprehensive Plan (circa 2003): · Providing recreational opportunities for all ages (community center, safe places for children) · Transportation planning and the division of the community with County Road 75. · Creating/maintaining a kindergarten through 12th grade education system within the community. · Retaining small local businesses and an attractive downtown area. Utilization of · downtown space; keeping downtown alive; developing a theme for the downtown · Long range planning - planning for a livable community; planning beyond city limits. · Retaining residents and businesses that have a stake in the community. · Equalizing the tax base % commerCial/industrial to % residential · Preserving the small town identity · Working relationship between the college, residents and businesses. · City and college working relationship; senior population and youth population integrating · Avoiding being assimilated into St. Cloud and maintaining St. Joseph's individuality · High costs of city improvements · Development of a mission statement so the town is not defined by absentee owners · Quality of student housing as it relates to rental costs. (B) What strategies might you propose for dealing with the issue vou feel is most important? (2) Definition and utilization of downtown space; attract and retain business in the community. division of the community with County Road 75 Assist Planning and Zoning to define business corridors with the clear delineation between County 75 and established downtown. With community volunteers and other informed officials, create a defined vision to where and how downtown will be shaped. Working with the EDA, establish a Business Attraction and Retention Team. The members of this team will be assigned various duties and roles in an organized scheme to address identified objectives. This team will interface with the business community including private sector companies seeking to do business in the area as well as associations, groups and individuals, including, but not limited to business improvement projects, industry-specific resources and other business associations. Create economic development marketing strategies and implement those efforts to attract and retain business and industry to the City of St. Joseph. The EDA identifies factors necessary to attract and retain new economic development interests, and coordinates promotional activities such as tours, presentations for and meetings Rick Schultz Page 2 of5 between local area business and prospective client companies. Enhance access and availability to downtown and business community on both sides of county 75. New stop lights and walking overpass at 4th Ave SE and County 75. Connect all parks (Klinefelter, Centennial, MiIIstream...etc) and Wobegon trail via city walking paths. City festival (not July 4th) to bridge the North and South (maybe the non-civil, County 75 divide celebration @) (C) What unique stren~hs or perspectives do you bring for addressing those top three issues? Leadership. I love to see action and get involved. I love to see people and things progress. I enjoy challenges, pursuits and work toward forward movement. I use a task-centered and results-based leadership style During my tenure with both non-profits I managed (CMBC, SCAYBA), each year was bigger than the prior. Finances, gym space, players, parents, coaches, programs...all rolled into one big challenge that was always moving forward. Communication. I share things openly and seek interaction from large groups. I encourage clarity and good honest discussion. Within Information Technology, in order to manage people and projects, it is sometimes necessary to talk things over, in order to get a better understanding and differing viewpoints of the same topic. Problem Solving. I employ objective based analysis and logic, avoiding emotion and personalities when working through problems and conflict. As a basketball coach, parents, players and peer coaches have come to me with a different expectations involving conflict of some nature. When making a decision during these episodes, I try to remain as detached as possible, weighing pros and cons and seeking to be fair. Hard working and responsible. I seek practical, realistic solutions to issues, opportunities and obstacles. 2. Many times the Council is faced with making difficult decisions. How do you balance competing interests makin sure decisions are made in the best interest of all the residents of St. Jose h? There are codes of ethical practice for most professions, guidelines for privacy and security of information, research conduct, laboratory records, conflict of interest, quality standards, and employment practices. These methods reflect competing interests, interaction, choice, and an innate concern for fairness. Today's complexities mean decisions are less clear-cut. Possible courses of action offer more complex series of options and increased complexities. At certain decision points, a sense of balance is very helpful. So, how does one achieve balance? Understanding is, perhaps, the most important basis for finding balance. I allow different ideas and perspectives to stretch my thinking. Discovery, creativity, innovation and decision-making derive from thought, perspective, historical fact and written rule. I interact with people from a diverse backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and viewpoints, seeking commonalities and new approaches, allowing differences to freshen and inform my thinking. I am not afraid to engage others. I am positive and strong. Nothing and I mean nothing, is gained through being cynical or negative thinking. Rick Schultz Page 3 of 5 It is tempting to think that many of the tough issues of the day do not involve us directly. But in reality, everyone is involved. The decisions and judgments that an individual within this civic body make, by themselves may not seem important. They become important, however, because each of these decisions and choices mingle within every individual and the community. In the end, this civic bOdy has both the power and the obligation to confront fairness (moral and ethical) issues - issues that are a matter for us to decide. The confrontation is necessary for balance, which we carry with us as a tool. There will come a time, when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politically correct, nor popular; but one must take it because it is the right thing to do. 3. Do you see any areas where opportunity exists for increased regional cooperation with our neighboring units of government? 1. St. Cloud HRA. I am a personal friend of Executive Director. The St. Cloud HRA is an award winning housing authority. They administer housing programs for the citizens of the City of St. Cloud, Benton, Sherburne and Wright counties, utilizing local, state and federal funds. This type of organization could extend their reach and lend credence and perhaps collaboration to newer development projects, including design, finance, legal...etc. 2. Anderson Entrepreneurial Center. Founded in 1997 with a donation from the late Harold E. Anderson, founder of Anderson Trucking Service, Inc. Mr. Anderson envisioned creating a Center that would facilitate and stimulate the formation and expansion of enterprises within central Minnesota by community members. Since 1997, the Anderson Entrepreneurial Center has played a key role in the growth and success of local businesses through our educational and recognition programs. Anderson Entrepreneurial Center is structured as a 501/c/3 not-for-profit corporation, governed by an independent board of directors. The Anderson Entrepreneurial Center brings together, under different roles, central Minnesota's leading industry executives, consultants, and esteemed faculty, who value and are committed to promoting excellence in entrepreneurial performance. 3. ISD742 (St. Cloud School District). It would be in St Joseph's best interest to begin dialogue with the district, to determine and prepare for the use and availability of the existing Kennedy Elementary building. Being prepared to have this site available for the citizens of St. Joseph, would accommodate one of the items within the comprehensive plan (A recreation/community center for youth espeCially in winter and for seniors with a library) 4. Parks and Recreation (see answer to #4 below) 5. Rural Economic/Community Development - establish a collaborative partnership with Avon, Cold Spring, Sartell (other), to promote economic development opportunities in the rural portions of Stearns County. 6. Metro-Transit - Provide for a rudimentary type of public transportation for those local citizens who do not possess that ability. I do know it has been communicated, worked on, tried, attempted, a failed before, however, one demographic trend points to an increase in the number of seniors living in this community. This is a trend across the nation and necessary services and access to basic necessities (shops, food, clothing...etc.) should be available. 7. Great River Regional Library System - provide for library space and services to residents of St. Joseph. Rick Schultz Page 4 of5 8. regional planning and zoning. I think it's important for all regional cities and townships to understand and perhaps participate in zoning regulation changes. Sartell was caught off guard when a developer cut down a wide swath of trees for a new project. I understand St. Joseph already had in place am ordinance protecting this type of action. A collaborative effort to share information regarding additions, changes or deletions to localized government ordinances and policies may prevent something like this in the future. 9. Develop an open house/social meeting for officials from all local units of government within region to facilitate networking and communication on at least a bi-annual basis. (St. Cloud, Sartell, St. Augusta, Waite Park, Sauk Rapids, Avon...other) 4. Changing demographics/populations require the Council to review and change services offered to the residents. One of the current needs ofSt. Joseph is to define what type of recreation should the City provide and how to fund that need. Rising operating costs and declining revenue options make balancing a City budget difficult. Given that the City does not currently budget for summer recreation. what approach would you use to fund this need and what do you see as the need. This is a very vague question.... Are you seeking information on recreation for pre-k elementary, junior high, teenage children, young adults or senior citizens? You first need to define your target audience to provide for the necessary programs you wish to pursue. Each demographic will be different and funding may be also. There are four possible shared opportunities I believe exist, that would be fee based and not cost the city anything. I would explore them in this order: 1. College of St. Benedict. Currently, the College allows members of the community to use their facilities for a very small monthly or yearly fee. It is one of the best local exercise facilities, (aka. Gold's Gym), sans instruction. 2. City of St. Cloud recreation department. John Anderson is Recreation Supervisor for the city of St. Cloud, living in St. Joseph. He once served as the leader on the St. Joseph Park and Recreation Board. I would establish a dialogue with John to explore branch or shared summer programs with the City of St. Cloud, which may be hosted locally. A similar exercise could be done with Whitney Senior Center and it's programs. . 3. Community Education. ISD 742 provides education and summer opportunities by offering a variety of programs through collaborations, partnerships, and connections with community resources. St. Joseph is a member of the ISD 742 Community and should take full advantage of their services. I would again establish a dialogue and insist upon localized opportunities that could be provided by Community Education. By the way, the Boys and Girls club, which has a branch at Kennedy elementary and I assume the new Kennedy Elementary, has provided summer recreation opportunities for elementary aged children in the past. 4. SCSU and the College of St. Benedict. Both have recreation departments that may allow for students and/or staff to design, build and administer a program for the residents of St. Joseph. I would approach both Ron Seibring (SCSU, Director of Sport Faci/ities and Campus Recreation) and Carol Howe-Veenstra (CSB - Athletic Director) to entertain their thoughts and suggestions in this area. Other funding sources: I have long been in favor of a municipal (city owned and operated) off-sale liquor store. I come from Osakis, where my father was the manager for many years. The income derived from that establishment was used for maintenance, services, special events...etc. Most of the 226 cities with city-owned liquor stores have an off-sale monopoly on these products within their city boundaries. These cities, representing close to 18 percent of the state's Rick Schultz Page 5 of 5 population, generally do not allow private off-sale liquor stores to operate within their boundaries. Overall, Minnesota ranked 9th highest among the 50 states in 2002 in revenues from government-operated retail stores and wholesale operations. Here is a report from the state auditor concerning the operations of municipal (government owned) liquor stores in Minnesota. http:j jwww.auditor.state.mn . usjreportsjgidj2003jliquor jliquor _03_report. pdf Profits derived from our own off-sale concession, could be used to fund recreational activities as well as other needed improvements to parks, roads...etc. If one could take some time, I believe there may be Grants (state, Federal, Private) available to provide opportunities such as these for residents of communities. It would take some time to find, them, establish the standards and thresholds, write and submit the grant application. Perhaps partnering with the grant writers from SCSU andjor District 742 would provide necessary gUidelines whether this is a viable alternative to long term funding of recreational activities in the community.