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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-05-07 April 5, 2007 Page 1 of6 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, April 5, 2007 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Richard Carlbom, Councilors AI Rassier, Dale Wick, Steve Frank, City Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives Present: City Engineer Tracy Ekola, Public Works Director Dick Taufen Others Present: Gary Grossinger, Jason Krebsbach, Mike Heidermann, Dennis Dahlman, Margaret Hughes, Kelly Lemke, Bob Lindvahl, Jeri Bechtold, Tom Wicks, Beth Gallus, Janice Willis Approve Aaenda: Wick made a motion to approve the agenda with the following additions/deletions: Add 5b Delete 3f Move 3e Add 7b Add 11c Boys & Girls Club District 742 - Development Agreement & Final Plat Maintenance Department Promotion for discussion with Mayors Report Public Works Director Reports Acceptance of Donation The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. Consent Aaenda: Rassier made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: a. Minutes - Approve the minutes of March 15, 2007. b. Bills Payable - Approve check numbers 038597-038671. c. Application for Payment - Approve Pay Application #13 for the Water Treatment Plant and authorize payment to John T. Jones in the amount of $112,763.07. d. Water Meter Purchase - Authorize the expenditure of up to $7,600 to install new meters for well numbers 4 & 5, accepting the quote of William E. Young Company. e. Maintenance Department Promotion - Promote Randy Torborg from Maintenance Worker to Utility Operator effective April 6, 2007 placing him at a step 4 of the Wage Scale. f. Deleted The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Public Comments to the Aaenda: No one present wished to speak. Stearns County Assessor: Gary Grossinger, Kelly Lemke and Bob Lindvahl of the Stearns County Assessors Office approached the Council to discuss the 2007 Assessment Valuations. Grossinger advised the Council that the 2007 Equalizations/Market Valuations are complete and are in the mail. He added that there will be an open book meeting held on May 16 in the Council Chambers at which residents can come and share any concerns regarding their property tax statements. Kelly Lemke worked as the appraiser for the residential properties in St. Joseph. She reported that in 2006, there were 81 qualified sales. Based on these sales, residents will see an average increase in market value between 7-11 % from the previous year. Lemke added that they viewed 553 parcels in St. Joseph with 148 of them being commercial. Based on the building permits issued in 2006, the total new construction increased from 2005 as well. Residents will have the ability to discuss their proposed market value for 2008 at the open book meeting that will be held on May 16. If residents disagree with the amount that is shown on their tax statements, they should bring a current appraisal as well as a market analysis of their home with them to the meeting. Frank questioned whether people can call the Assessors Office prior to attending the meeting to which Lemke stated would be preferred. Frank questioned why the City switched to Stearns County for assessor services. Weyrens stated that the City Assessor retired in 2006 and at that time the City agreed to contract with the Stearns County for the services. The Stearns County Assessor is responsible for administering the market value and were April 5, 2007 Page 2 of 6 involved in the process with the City Assessor. It make sense to contract with the County. The cost of the City Assessor versus the County is similar. The City will save on efficiency. Residents will not have to deal with the City Assessor first and then the County. Rassier stated that the appeal process is different with the County then with the local assessor. He added that in his opinion the City has grown past the point of having a local assessor. Bob Lindvahl approached the Councilors stating that he was in charge of the commercial properties. He stated that the apartment values increased approximately 9% in the general market area which consists of St. Joseph, Waite Park and Sartell. The commerciallindustrial properties were broken down into three markets: 1. Downtown 2. Highway 3. Industrial Park These properties saw the least increase. These properties saw a large increase. These properties saw a large increase. According to Lindvahl, the Highway properties and those in the Industrial Park saw large increases primarily due to the increased land values. He stated that since some of the non-residential properties will see considerable increases, they would like to be proactive and send a letter to those property owners before sending the notice of market value. These property owners could see increases as much as 20%. The land values are determined by the land sales. Lindvahl stated that there are approximately 50 parcels which are affected by the large increase, three of which are improved parcels and 4 or 5 that are vacant land. He added that they would like these property owners to call them to make an appointment to go the County and discuss their changes. Carlbom stated that while the Council agrees that a letter should be sent non-residential property owners who will see a significant increase; however, Carlbom requested a list of affected commercial/industrial properties showing the increases. Boys and Girls Club: Tom Wicks, director of the Boys and Girls Club approached the Council to discuss the programs they have available. He stated that they currently have three buildings in St. Cloud as well as sites in 12 of the St. Cloud area schools. The Boys and Girls Club has had a site at Kennedy School since 1986 which is open Monday - Friday. Approximately 25% of the students attend the Kidstop Program at Kennedy. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, they also offer an evening program at which they normally get 40-50 students per night. Wicks stated that they would like to continue to offer the summer rec program and they expect a 20% in participation this summer. Jeri Bechtold approached the Council as well on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club. Bechtold stated she is responsible for the summer recreation and Kidstop programs. The proposed program for 2007 will be expanded this year to try and keep the kids in town active by adding some sports and theatre programs. They also plan to add a keystone group for those kids who are 15 and older. Bechtold introduced Beth Gallus as the Youth of the Year and asked her to share her experience with the Boys and Girls Club. Gallus discussed the positive impact the St. Cloud Boys and Girls Club has had on her life and how it has shaped her for the future. Carlbom stated that the Council has approved the financing of the 2007 Summer Recreation program for St. Joseph up to $1,500. He added that the City will need to find ways to finance the projected program shortfall. Premises Permit - Boxers Club: Mike Heidermann, President of the St. Cloud Boxers Club, was present at the meeting to discuss their request for a Premises Permit at Trobecs Event Center. He stated that their group works with approximately 70-90 area students. His main focus is to help facilitate wrestling for girls. The main issue of concern was that of whether or not they provide a broad base benefit to the trade area. Carlbom questioned if any proceeds are kept in St. Joseph. According to Heidemann, they have donated money to the Boys and Girls Club in the past and they are open to requests for donations. He added that approximately 90% of their proceeds stay within the St. Cloud area. Although their proceeds won't benefit St. Joseph directly, there are kids from St. Joseph that do participate in their programs and they will make sure that 10% of their proceeds are spent in town, similar to Sauk Rapids. Weyrens asked whether or not their program will meet the broad base criteria set in the Ordinance, Rassier stated that they have donated to the local Police and Fire Departments, which he feels is broad-based. Carlbom questioned April 5, 2007 Page 3 of6 Heidermann to their approval process. Heidermann stated that funds are donated to different groups based on their needs and whether or not they are legitimate requests. Rassier made a motion to accept the Premises Permit for Boxers Workout Gym for lawful gambling at Trobec's Event Center, 213 - 20th Avenue for a trial period of one year. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Affordable Housina: Jason Krebsbach, Central Minnesota Housing Partnership, was present to speak to the Council on behalf of the Life Cycle Housing Board and the proposed changes to the resale process for Life Cycle homes. Krebsbach stated that there are 28 homes currently using the GAP financing. The current GAP financing does not maintain long-term affordability for these homes. To maintain long term affordability, they are proposing that these homes be converted from Life Cycle homes to Community Land Trust Homes at the time of re-sale. Currently, 1 of the 28 homes financed through GAP financing is in St. Joseph. There were some questions raised by the Councilors. Carlbom stated that with the previous financing, the homeowner would have some value after 11 years. With the new program, the home will stay at the same price. Krebsbach explained that they will use a shared equity formula as well as the 99 year land lease program. Wick questioned where the funds would come from once the seller pays back the original GAP loan. He also questioned whether any current homeowners would see any changes. Krebsbach stated that they would not see any changes until there is a change in ownership. At that time, the new owner would sign a land lease for $25/month. By converting to a Community Land Trust program (CL T), they will be able to get people into homes easier. Wick questioned whether the homeowner would continue to pay the property taxes as they do not own the land; rather they are renting the land. Krebsbach stated that the homeowner would continue to pay the full property tax. According to Krebsbach, the homeowner has the first right to buy the property; however the lease on land would disappear if the home were foreclosed on. Krebsbach stated that Councilor Symanietz is the City Representative and Vice Chair of the Life Cycle Housing Board. They are looking to amend the Joint Powers Agreement however there is no resolution needed, rather a motion showing the City's approval of the conversion. The main change is that with the CL T, the home cannot be sold to anyone not income qualified for 99 years. Carlbom stated that it would only affect those future homebuyers. Krebsbach advised the Council that if the Council does not approve the program, the program would disappear. He added that there is a need for residential housing and this is the future of financing affordable housing. Krebsbach stated that lenders are no longer funding Life Cycle Housing. Although the Life Cycle Housing Board is not requesting that this Joint Powers Agreement be amended, Carlbom stated that this issue will be reviewed and discussed at the next Council meeting at which a decision can be made. Wick stated that he would like an opinion from the Attorney as to whether or not the Joint Powers Agreement should be amended to show the change. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORT Plow Truck Purchase: Dick Taufen, Public Works Director, approached the Councilors requesting authorization to purchase a 1991 Ford F800 Truck from the City of Apple Valley. The truck has approximately 65,000 miles of use and has a new box. This truck would be the 4th truck that the City has purchased from the City of Apple Valley. The minimum bid was $19,000. Taufen stated that Apple Valley has purchased a new truck, thus selling the old one. According to Taufen, there is no need to spend the additional money to purchase a brand new one as it is used primarily only in winter. Weyrens stated that this type of purchase was included in the Capital Improvement Plan. Frank made a motion to approve the purchase of the 1991 Ford F8000 from the City of Apple Valley at a bid price of $20,966.66. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. New Emplovees: Taufen stated that the new employees seem to be working out well and both seem to be good workers. April 5, 2007 Page 4 of 6 Meters: Rassier questioned when the new well meters will be installed. Taufen stated that they will be installed in the next month. He added that the new meters will help with the amount of miscalculated water and that they are less expensive to repair than the old meters. Water Plant: Taufen reported that they will begin training at the New Water Plant next week. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS 2007 East Side Improvements - Advertisement for Bids: Ekola reported that the Council previously ordered the Plans and Specifications for the 2007 East Side Mill & Overlay Project. She added that since then, the improvements to the Klinefelter Parking Lot have been added. The proposed schedule is as follows: Public Improvement Hearing Council Ordered Advertisement of Bids Advertisement of Bids Bid Date Assessment Hearing Award Bid (30 days after hearing) Substantial Completion March 7 April 5 April 16 and April 23 May 8 May 31 July 5 August 31 According to Ekola, the Council will hold the Assessment Hearing before awarding the bid to see the impacts of the improvement prior to awarding a bid. Rassier made a motion to adopt Resolution 2007-013 Approving the Plans and Specifications and Ordering the Advertisement for Bids for the 2007 East Side Mill and Overlay Improvement. The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously. MAYOR REPORTS Speed Study: Carlbom reported that previously a resident had requested that the City conduct a speed study of that portion of County Road 2 from the City limits to 1-94. He added that the request was received when Hosch was Mayor and nothing has yet been done. Wick stated that by doing a speed study, the speed could increase. Carlbom stated that there would most likely not be an increase as it is only a 2-lane road. He is asking that the City authorize Weyrens to send a letter to Stearns County requesting that they do a speed study for that area. Carlbom made a motion to authorize Weyrens to formally request Stearns County to conduct a traffic study on CR 2 as you go to Cold Spring, with the understanding that the City will not cost share in the Study. The motion was seconded by Frank. Rassier stated that he is not in favor of a traffic study being completed for this area. Carlbom advised the Council that it would be at no cost to the City as we would ask the County to fund the study. Ayes: Carlbom Nays: Rassier, Frank, Wick Motion Fails 1 :3:0 Kennedv School Site: Carlbom reported that the School Board has accepted the letter regarding the City securing a first right of refusal for the Kennedy School Site. He stated that he will be meeting with District 742 Superintendent Bruce Watkins to discuss the matter further. Frank stated that before this goes too far, the City needs to hold meetings with the residents to get their input as to what they want for the City. He added that it is important to have a vision before making a bid. Wick stated that the first step is to begin discussions with the School Board and then to look at the pros and cons of renovating another facility. He questioned whether that park would be used as a City Park. Rassier stated that the 17 acres that come with the school is the big benefit to purchasing this property. April 5, 2007 Page 5 of6 Wick and Frank both believe in holding town meetings to discuss this further. According to Weyrens, the first step would be to inquire about the costs for purchasing the property and then secondly to look at the costs for possibly renovating the site. Carlbom stated that one big question is whether or not City Hall should move. He stated that he received several phone calls regarding a possible community center in St. Joseph. According to Rassier, there are a lot of options for the City to look at. He did state his concern for taking this property off of the tax roll as it would be a government center. Before making too many decisions, Weyrens stated that it would be best for Carlbom to first meet with Mr. Watkins and get the information. She added that the City is not looking to make a bid at this time. COUNCIL REPORTS WICK Centennial Park Remodel Update: Wick advised the Council that the bathroom and kitchen facilities at Centennial Park have been demolished as part of the 2007 Improvement. The cabinetwork and electrical improvements are scheduled to be completed the week of April 20, 2007. Wick reported that St. Joseph Resident Dave Mehr, owner of Central Minnesota Ceilings has donated his time and materials for the ceiling. The improvements to the shelter must be complete no later than May 1, 2007 as that is when the parks open for the season. Carlbom made a motion to accept the donation of time and materials for the ceilings from Dave Mehr of Central Minnesota Ceilings. The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. RASSIER Plannina Commission Meetina Update: Rassier advised the Council that the Planning Commission recently met and discussed the possible splitting of the LaPlayette property. Mark Zimmer, owner of the La Playette, has requested authority to split the building so that a portion can be sold to a new business. Rassier stated that the main focus of discussion was parking; however, due to the fact that they are not changing the use, the City cannot require any additional parking. Weyrens added that when the LaPlayette was originally built, the Zoning Ordinances were not in place. Zimmer is required to have parking for past approvals such as when the building was increased in 1984. This addition required 15 parking spaces. Weyrens stated that the matter will be placed on the next City Council agenda and the parking detail will be included. FRANK APO Full Board: Frank stated that he attended the APO Full Board meeting at which they discussed future growth and transportation in the St. Cloud area. They also continued their ongoing discussion of the possibility of Hwy 15 being an interstate with 6 lanes. There is also some concern with the number of accidents near the intersection by Sam's Club as the accident rate in the St. Cloud area is higher than the State averages. He added that there was also some discussion about the closing of several access points along Hwy 23. According to Frank, the Southwest Beltway will possibly connect Hwy 23 with CR 75 and there may, at some point, be an outer beltway similar to that of 694/494. He was surprised to hear that if the Light Rail is continued to St. Cloud that it would not affect traffic along 94; however, it would have an impact on Hwy 10. Frank mentioned that Ekola is on the APO T AC as the City's representative. Ekola advised the Council that the TAC meets approximately 4-6 times per year. She added that the possible outer beltway is not planned for the next 50-100 years, but she stated that they are beginning to plan now to secure right of way. Recreation Committee: Frank advised the Council that the Recreation Committee is beginning to form and they have begun to put meetings together. ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS April 5, 2007 Page 6 of 6 Liauor Ordinances: Previously the Council has been reviewing possible changes to the Liquor Ordinances. Since the last meeting, there were some minor changes made to be consistent throughout the Ordinances as well as some minor grammatical errors. Wick made a motion to approve the amendments to Ordinances 71, 72, 73 and adopt Resolutions 2007-009,2007-010,2007-011, authorizing the summary publications to be published. The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. Gamblina Application - Church of St. Joseph: Weyrens presented the Council with a Special Event Gambling application for the St. Joseph Church. The license coincides with the Fourth of July celebration scheduled on July 3 and 4. The gambling will take place on Parish property. Frank made a motion to accept the Exempt Gambling Application for the Church of St. Joseph for an event on July 3 and 4,2007. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Tax Capacity Rates: Weyrens advised the Council that she provided a table showing the final tax capacity rates for other cities within Stearns County and the area cities as well. She added that few cities saw an increase for 2007. Adiourn: Frank made a motion to adjourn at 9:20 PM; seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. (\ u{ly'c 'I/i'j:il~j:d cis (,/ L~' I Judy eyrens A nistrator