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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-18-07 January 18, 2007 Page 1 of 8 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, January 18, 2007 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Richard Carlbom, Councilors AI Rassier, Dale Wick, Steve Frank, Renee Symanietz, City Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives Present: City Engineer Tracy Ekola, Public Works Director Dick Taufen Others Present: Margy Hughes, Phil Welter, Brenda Schenuh, Nancy Betts, Maritime Woida, Paula Revier, Thomasette, Sue Schultzenberg, Bob & Ellen Wahlstrom Approve AQenda: Rassier made a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add 10e Move 3d Quest Communications Contract Move for discussion after the Legislative Update The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Consent AClenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows with changes made to the minutes as noted: a. Bills Payable - Approve check numbers 038309 - 038367. b. Minutes - Approve the minutes of December 21, 2006. c. Easements - Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the easements for the 2007 Storm Sewer Replacement. d. Removed The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. Public Comments to the AQenda: - No one present wished to speak. St. Joseph Action Group: Phil Welter approached the Council to speak on behalf of the St. Joseph Action Group regarding possible Field Street alternatives. The group believes that the study currently in progress has not looked at a broad enough range of criteria. They also feel that the current study uses traffic models rather than looking at the impacts on noise and air pollution. Welter added that the Cultural Resources Unit of MN Dot has completed a study of the proposed Field Street and it is his understanding that they are recommending several properties that are eligible to be part of a historic district or are classified as historic property. He also stated that several petitions in opposition to the proposed Field Street Corridor were signed by approximately 1,100 citizens and they were submitted to the City. Welter suggested that the Council look at different alternatives keeping in mind that they may not all be the most ideal. While he acknowledged that the following proposals are not based on technical information he encouraged the Council to review the following alternatives evaluated. 1. Alternative Component 1: This route would include the construction of a connection from Jade Road immediately sough of 1-94, to connect with the existing frontage road which connects to County Road 2 near its interchange with 1-94. The apparent advantages of this alternative include: · Uses some existing roadway · Provides residents in the south of St. Joseph with access to 1-94 as well as anticipated commercial development around the 1-94/County Road 2 interchange. · Offers the long range possibility of adding an access to 1-94 from Jade Road · Relieves traffic on College Avenue and Minnesota Street 2. Alternative Component 2: This route would include the construction of a connection from County Road 121, at or near, what is currently designated as 290lh Street, running in an January 18, 2007 Page 2 of 8 easterly direction to connect with the proposed extension of 20th Avenue, looping 20th sufficiently east to avoid the Rassier property. The apparent advantages of this alternative include: · Serves essentially the same purpose, only farther south, as the proposed Field Street, that is, providing an easterly route for those living in the south of St. Joseph toward St. Cloud while avoiding College Avenue and Minnesota Street. · Impacts significantly fewer private properties · Avoids Historic Properties · Is proximate to the new St. Joseph school, positively impacting traffic flow to and from the school 3. Variation to Alternative Component 2: Instead of connecting with CSAH 75 via 20th Avenue, extend this road farther east, nearly to the Sauk River, then turn north and, while following the contour of the river, become a "greenway boulevard" eventually connecting to CSAH 75. There is an additional possibility of continuing east and crossing the river connecting with County Road 138. The apparent advantages of this alternative include: · This variation offers a road which could protect from the river from development and, along with walking and bike trails in a park-like setting, could become and attractive and environmentally sound component. · Utilizing the additional option of crossing the river, this variation then offers access to the west of St. Cloud and points beyond without using the heavily traveled CSAH 75. 4. Alternative Component 3: This route would consist of upgrading the present connection to County Road 138, enabling through access north to CSAH 75. There is also an additional possibility of improving the existing connection between County Road 138 and Hwy 23, enabling access to west St. Cloud and points beyond without using the heavily traveled CSAH 75. The apparent advantages of this alternative include: · Uses existing roadways throughout · Takes no private property · Provides relief from congestion on CSAH 75 · Provides for additional access to St. Cloud for residents in the south of St. Joseph 5. Alternative Component 4: This route would consist of the construction of only a portion of the proposed Field Street, a connecting road from County Road 121 to 7'h Avenue. The apparent advantages of this alternative include: · Offers residents in the south of St. Joseph access to existing east-west streets, some of which could become through streets and provide access to CSAH 75. · Uses some existing roadways · Relieves traffic on College Avenue and Minnesota Street In conclusion, Welter stated that in his opinion the City needs to take a more step-by-step approach to transportation planning rather relying solely on traffic projections. He also stated that the options presented are a worthwhile set of options and he would like to see those options considered when making a decision on the proposed Field Street Corridor. Discussion: Frank stated that he has listened to Welter speak many times regarding this issue. He agrees with Welter in that the City should take an incremental approach to transportation planning. Although it may cost the City more, there would be fewer mistakes made during the process. Minier stated earlier during the transportation plan presentation that it is important to look at more than two options as there January 18, 2007 Page 3 of 8 are other considerations. Frank stated he agreed with Minier. Frank concluded by stating that the Council needs to make a decision very soon regarding the Field Street Corridor. Carlbom stated that he has a different opinion regarding incremental planning. According to Carlbom, the community needs a general sense of what direction it is headed in. He added that he has seen, first hand, how it can be very costly for cities when they do not map roads before development occurs. For example, in St. Cloud, they will need to demolish homes in order to construct Pinecone Road. Carlbom also stated that the Council has extended the discussion regarding Field Street due to many reasons. He stated that it was obvious that the City needed to be more careful in soliciting public advice as that is needed along with the technical advice. The social factors were not gathered as quickly as the technical factors. Carlbom added that if the Council votes in opposition to the Field Street Corridor as presented, the Council must come to a conclusion as to how traffic should be directed in town. According to Carlbom, it appears to be a development vs. monastery issue; however it is a community issue as a whole. Leaislative Update: Larry Hosch, House Representative, approached the Council to provide a brief Legislative update. Currently there is a proposed $2million surplus. Hosch stated that of that proposed surplus, $1 million will be 1-time money and the other million is structural surplus, which does not include inflation. According to Hosch, the State is in its best shape in the past five years. The following items will be up for discussion during this legislative session: 1. Property Tax Relief. Hosch stated that he will be introducing a bill to restore $175 million to LGA. This year, $193,834 in LGA funds will be distributed to St. Joseph. 2. Buying back $125,000 in local school levies. 3. Authorization for administrative fines. 4. Provide for build-out of the 800 MHz radio system. 5. Extend Northstar to the St. Cloud/Rice area. 6. Watershed District Issues Discussion: In response to Hosch's presentation, Frank mentioned the following items: · Sales Tax: He stated that he read that Minneapolis was required to send an informational letter to all residents regarding the implementation of a City Sales Tax and questioned the burden this requirement places on municipalities. · Inflation: He thinks that the State should take inflation into consideration during the budget process. · Smoking Ban: Frank questioned whether or not there is a State Law that prohibits Cities from going stricter than the State on smoking. Hosch stated that he is confident that there will be a state-wide smoking ban. In his opinion, a smoking ban is much more fair as a statewide ban rather than by each community. This year, Wick stated, that it was announced that there were no funds available for grants from the DNR. Hosch replied that there may be some additional funds available as the legislature is looking to pass an emergency bonding bill to help with these issues. Hosch added that there will be a bill presented to acquire property abutting Kraemer Lake for a State Park. With respect to the new rules being proposed by the Sauk River Watershed District, Weyrens questioned what issues would be addressed by the legislature regarding Watershed Districts. Hosch stated that it is his understanding the Sauk River Watershed District is proposing new rules rather than new legislation. The State Auditor has reviewed the authority and operation of Watershed Districts and those findings will be released on January 25, 2007. Carlbom questioned why Cities are no longer able to issue administrative tickets. Hosch stated that the previous State Auditor gave a legal opinion which did not support administrative tickets. This issues will again be addressed by the Legislature and with a new State Auditor, the position may change. Frank also addressed the issue of Photo Cop. Carlbom stated that the reason for the Photo Cop is to monitor motorists running red lights at intersections. Hosch stated that he is not a strong supporter if they are used for the purpose of issuing traffic tickets, but is okay with them being used for safety purposes. January 18, 2007 Page 4 of 8 Wick advised Hosch that the Downtown Committee would be appreciative of any money available to assist with the burying of power lines downtown. Hosch stated that 2008 is a bonding year for the state for regional projects, so the City should let him know of any regional projects for which funding is needed. Carlbom questioned whether connecting trails over County Roads would be a regional project. Hosch advised Carlbom to gather the information and get that to him if the City is interested in pursuing that as a regional project. Mavor Appointments: Carlbom presented the Council with his 2007 Mayoral Appointments. He stated that there are a few changes. · Park Board: Allison Brown-Bell will replace Deedra Deuhs and complete the 2004-2008 term. · Planning Commission: Marge Lesnick resigned and Ross Rieke will complete her term. · Cable Commission: Tom Nahan has been re-appointed for the 2007-2009 term. · Downtown Committee: Janelle Von Pinnon will be a co-chair for the Promotions Group. Frank suggested that in the future all board openings be posted on the City Website. Wick made a motion to approve the 2007 Mayor Appointments. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS Water Tank Evaluation: Previously, the Council authorized an evaluation of the current Water Tank. Ekola stated that the purpose of the evaluation was to look at whether or not the tank is still sound. She reported that after the evaluation, it seemed as if the interior and exterior were both in good condition with only minor repairs needed. Along the interior of tank, there were some minor to moderate coating failures and along the exterior there were some moderate rust occurring. According to Ekola, the tank was built in 1992. Generally, the coating on these tanks will last for 19-20 years and the tank itself will last for approximately 50-60 years. Based on the results of the evaluation, Ekola reported that SEH is recommending that work be done to both the interior and exteriors with an estimated cost of $51,000. In order to do the interior repairs, Ekola advised the Council that the tank would need to be out of service which is not an easy task. At this time, she stated that she would like to first speak to a specialist at SEH along with Public Works Director Dick Taufen before the Council authorizes any work to be done. She stated that the City has been discussing a possible new water tower in 2008. If the tower is constructed within the next two to four years, it would make more sense to wait on the repairs to the current tank until the second tower is in operation. She also stated that in about 5 years, it would be a good idea for the City to look at sand blasting and re- coating the existing tank. Frank stated that he spoke with Ekola regarding the results of the evaluation and he questioned whether any of the repairs could be done underwater. According to Ekola, some repairs can be done underwater; however they are not long term. He then questioned whether the exterior and interior repairs can be done at different times, to which Rassier and Ekola stated that the prices would be higher than if they were done together. Frank also questioned whether it would be a good idea for the City to get a Maintenance Agreement for the tank. Rassier stated that it would be best to first fix the repairs and then look at whether or not it is an affordable option. 2007 Jade Road Improvements: Ekola stated that previously the Council ordered preparation of the Feasibility Report for the 2007 Jade Road Improvements. That report has been completed and now Ekola is requesting that the Council schedule the Public Improvement Hearing for February 1, 2007. It is anticipated that construction would start in the summer of 2007 with the Assessment Hearing in the fall of 2007. She added that this project is part of the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan as well as the River's Bend Development Agreement. Trunk Utilities and the trail along 121 have been added to the project. While the proposed improvement will have an impact on Township Property, the Developer will be required to financially carry the cost of the improvements. The City will enter into a re-capture agreement January 18, 2007 Page 5 of 8 with the Developer at the time of Development. The assessment process requires that the City notify the affected Township residents, but the assessment becomes a "charge in leiu". Ekola also added that school will need City services and, as a result, the Developer will be putting in utilities for the River's Bend Development. The Jade Road Improvement Project will include upgrading the old Jade Road to a new 3-lane road with a center turn lane. Sidewalks, curb and gutter, and stormwater improvements will also be added. Ekola stated that there will be turn lanes at the intersections of CR121 and Jade Road and Iverson. Utilities for the new school will start at the CR121 Lift Station. The trail will begin at Iverson Street and continue along CR121 to the River's Bend plat line. The project costs are as follows: Sanitary Sewer Water Main Stormwater Street, Curb & Gutter, and Sidewalks CR 121 Turn Lane @ Jade Road CR 121 Turn Lane @ Iverson Street CR121 Trail/Liahtina TOTAL PROJECT COSTS 489,392 542,772 151,049 507,799 193,126 136,449 224.095 2,244,686 According to Ekola, funding for the project will be as follows: ARCON District 742 Sand Companies City TOTAL 1,718,191 390,046 60,038 76.412 2,244,687 Ekola stated that the City will carry the additional costs for the turn-lane at Iverson Street for future development. She added that the project costs include extending services to the school property; however they do not include costs to extend services to the buildings, access roads or storm sewer improvements on the school property. Frank questioned the need for traffic lights along 121 near Jade Road as many students will be walking to school. Ekola stated that there have been discussions with the School District, the Developer and the County Engineer. The County Engineer stated that when the school is built, there will not be enough traffic to warrant a signal light and those must be approved by the Highway Department. If a light is needed because of the school, then the school would be required to pay for those costs. Frank made a motion to authorizing execution of Resolution 2007-001 accepting the Feasibility Report for the 2007 Jade Road Improvements and set the Public Improvement Hearing for February 1, 2007 at 7:05 PM. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. MAYOR REPORTS Chamber Meetina: Carlbom stated that the City and College have been working on a Market Research Study for the Downtown. He added that they plan to have that available at the first meeting in February. APO Full Board: Carlbom reported that the APO Full Board met and there were a lot of items on the agenda. They discussed the retirement of Bill Hanson and the transition for his replacement. They also discussed some policy recommendations. Downtown Committee - OrQanizational Group: Carlbom stated that the Organization Group met recently and he added that between March and May, there will be a lot of visible changes happening downtown. Stearns County Leaaue of Cities: Carlbom stated that he attended this meeting with Rassier. January 18, 2007 Page 6 of 8 EDA Carlbom reported that the EDA met and they elected the new officers as follows: · Chair - Richard Carlbom · Co-Chair - Ken Jacobson · Treasurer - Carolyn Yaggie-Heinen · Secretary - Tom Skahen He also reported that they recommended final TIF approval for the Collegeville Development Group Project on Minnesota Street. On February 12, there will be a joint EDAlPlanning Commission/City Council meeting at 7:00 PM at which Collegeville Development Group will be presenting their concept plan and a possible site plan as well. He added that they plan to break ground in April. Partnership: Carlbom reported that he attended the Partnership meeting at which the Central Minnesota Workforce Center gave a brief presentation. He stated that there are a lot of opportunities for residents in Central Minnesota. Contract Reviews: Carlbom stated that he and Rassier have been working on the reviews for the City Administrator and Police Chief and they are in the process of negotiating their 2007 contract. Sisters of St. Benedict: Carlbom advised the Council that the Sisters of St. Benedict will be celebrating their sesquicentennial and they will be coming to a future Council Meeting to talk about their plans for the celebration. COUNCIL REPORTS SYMANIETZ - No Report WICK Downtown Committees: Wick stated that the Promotions Group and the Urban Environment Groups have met and things seem to be going good with both groups. Park Board: Wick reported that the Park Board meeting has been changed due to the Martin Luther King Holiday. He also stated that they will begin working on the necessary information for the bonding bill for the bridge to connect the trails over CR 75. LMC Traininq: Wick stated that next week he will be attending a training session for Newly Elected Officials. The main focus of the training is Land Use and Comprehensive Planning. RASSIER Stearns County Leaque of Cities: Rassier stated that he attended this meeting with Carlbom. At the meeting, they elected new officers. They also had a presentation regarding an Intergovernmental Ad-Hoc Committee. They are also suggesting that Stearns County adopt a new Comprehensive Plan. Sprinqsted: Rassier advised the Council that he and Carlbom have been working with the different departments to implement the Springsted Study to the different departments. FRANK - No Report ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS US Cable Aqreement for Services and Qwest Communications Contract: Weyrens stated that previously the City Council accepted a plan to connect all City Facilities through a Cable Network. The networking includes both US Cable and Qwest Communication. The Attorney has reviewed the agreements from both companies and although he has made some notes as to some possible amendments, it is highly unlikely that either company will change their agreements, as they are standard agreements. Weyrens stated that the prices have already been agreed upon. According to Weyrens, all of the Attorney's comments will be forwarded to both US Cable and Qwest along with the contracts. January 18, 2007 Page 7 of 8 Frank made a motion to approve the execution of the US Cable Agreement for Services and the Qwest Communications Contract per the advice of the City Attorney. The motion was seconded by Rassier. Frank questioned what would happen if either company was merged or bought out by another company. Weyrens stated that this has happened before and the new company would honor the contract. The motion passed unanimously. Leaislative Concerns: Weyrens stated that previously the Area Mayors and Administrators have been discussing area concerns that need to be addressed by the Legislature. The Area Cities are looking to have a master list of issues to present to the legislature at the January 31, 2007 Intergovernmental Meeting. Weyrens provided the Council with a draft list and asked the Council which issues they would like considered. The following issues were discussed: · Role of St. Cloud: Frank questioned the role of St. Cloud with the Area Cities. Carlbom stated that, at one time, St. Cloud was part of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities; however they withdrew from the Coalition due to financial reasons. Carlbom added that St. Cloud now lobbies outside of the Coalition. · Property Tax Relief (LGA): Wick stated that there were some questions based on the information provided and the information presented by Representative Hosch. Weyrens stated that the language would be modified to state the actual numbers. · Photo CoP: Rassier questioned whether Photo Cop is pertinent to the City of St. Joseph. Carlbom stated that it is not pertinent to the City; however, he supports it as part of a regional approach. Wick stated that it is important to help with traffic issues near St. Cloud. · Local Option Sales Tax Authoritv: Wick questioned the following: "Lift restrictions and caps on previously authorized local option sales tax bills." He stated that we do not want the Sales Tax to sunset at the end of the terms of the legislature. Weyrens stated that the voters agreed to 17 years; however the legislature only approved 13 years. Wick stated that he would like it to read "voter authorized" rather than just "authorized" to tie the sales tax back to the referendum. · Transportation Fundinq: There were some questions regarding the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax amendment that was approved. This is an important issue as the St. Cloud area needs money for transportation projects. Southwest Beltwav: Weyrens reported that the APO is funding the Transportation Corridor Study known as the Southwest Beltway. She stated that this road affects St. Joseph, Waite Park, Sartell, St. Cloud and Stearns County. The APO prepared a request for proposals and the following four proposals have been received: SRF WSB Ayres E&K $ 199,544 269,357 267,177 249,975 The Committee reviewing the proposals recommended that SRF be retained to complete the Southwest Beltway Corridor Study. Weyrens presented the following cost sharing allocation for the study: Stearns County 50 Percent ($31,500) less $ 9,750 City of St. Joseph 25 Percent ($15,750) less $ 4,875 City of Waite Park 25 Percent ($15,750) less $ 4,875 January 18, 2007 Page 8 of 8 Rassier made a motion to accept the recommendation of the APO and retain SRF to complete the Southwest Beltway Corridor study and to agree to the cost sharing as stated above. The motion was seconded by Symanietz. Weyrens stated that the Council has previously appointed Carlbom as the representative on the Stakeholder Committee and Weyrens/Ekola will serve on the project management team. Frank questioned the Councilors as to which of the three Corridors options is the best for St. Joseph. , they feel would be best. Carlbom stated that, in his opinion, the middle option would be the best. However, the study may determine other routes that are better for the City. The motion passed unanimously. liquor Ordinance Amendment: Weyrens stated that staff has been reviewing the outdoor event provision in the Ordinance. The current Ordinance requires that all events with music end by 9:30 PM. One of the considerations in reviewing the Ordinance is that all of the liquor establishments are located near residential neighborhoods. Therefore, staff is recommending that each establishment be allowed one permit that extends beyond 9:30 PM. The recommendation also includes detailed plan and a higher license fee. The license fee will cover the additional time for review of the event. Weyrens stated that the staff will also be requesting that a public hearing be conducted for any outdoor permit past 9:30 PM. The purpose of the hearing is to assure that the surrounding neighborhood is aware of the proposed event. Frank stated that he spoke to the Police Chief prior to the meeting and questioned if the City is reimbursed for police time. Jansky advised Frank that the City bills establishments for the extra police services. The Police services are separate from the permit fee and damage deposit. He also questioned if the same rules would apply to the College of St. Benedict and St. Benedict Monastery, to which he was told it would apply to all groups/establishments. Carlbom suggested that the Ordinance include a minimal submission deadline of 90 days prior to the vent. The extended notification should help assure that the event is planned. He stated that a Public Hearing process is a good idea to inform the residents. Rassier concurred with Carlbom and encouraged an extended planning period. Carlbom did question; however, whether or not 1 per year is appropriate for all groups. He added that establishments such as Trobec's may have the opportunity to do more than 1 per year. Weyrens reiterated that the licensed establishments are adjacent to residential neighborhoods and the staff is recommending one per year to determine the affects. Rassier concurred with Weyrens and stated that adopting a new Ordinance is a trail. If the Council determines that it is not effective, the Council can discuss amending the Ordinance. It was the consensus of the Council that the staff should continue working on the proposed amendment and bring a final draft back to the Council for review and consideration. " Adiourn: Symanietz made a motion to adjourn at 9:25PM; seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. r-- " ,//. I, ," , '/;' / /! ~/I;1"'/I/~' // ,I,,/,I ,'/~;;/4'.1fl'//r~ / ;/( ^" ' ' /~' '"',~ -~ - - tady Weyr n9' ' Adm' istrator , I /