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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17-07 May 17, 2007 Page 1 of 4 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, May 17, 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, Police Chief Pete Jansky, City Attorney Tom Jovanovich Others Present: Ken Hiemenz, Eunice Antony OSB, Thomasette Schueller, Mariteme Woida, Irene Reber, Katherine Kraft, Mackenzie Ryan, Linda Hutchinson, Paula Revier, Grace Donovan, Mriam Ardolf, Ellen Wahlstrom, Jon Petters, Margy Hughes Approve Aaenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda with the following addition: Add 10b Safe & Sober Grant The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Consent Aaenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: a. Bills Payable - Approve check numbers 0388816 - 038886. b. Ordinance Amendment - Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the amendment to Ordinance 52.12 establishing the rear yard setback of an accessory building in a R1 Zoning District. c. Premise Permit - Accept the Premise Permit Application of the St. Joseph Jaycees to conduct lawful gambling at JM Speedstop (27 Birch Street W) and Amoco Liquor (21 Birch Street W). d. Moved to 6c e. Development Agreement - Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute a Development Agreement between the City of St. Joseph and American Manufacturing allowing the construction of a 7,600 square foot facility. f. Liquor Licenses - Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the 2007-2008 Intoxicating Liquor Licenses. g. Capital Equipment - Authorize the purchase of a Check Valve and Safety Net ($6,459.00), Gas Monitors ($2,907.45) and Manhole Cover Lift ($1,252.39). h. Development Agreement - Authorize execution of the Development Agreement between the City of St. Joseph and Collegeville Development Group LLC for TIF 2-1. The motion was seconded by Frank. Discussion: Frank questioned whether or not the Jaycees have spent their 10% in the trade area as required by Ordinance. Weyrens advised him that they will submit that information in their annual report in July and that this is simply a state application, so that information is not required to be submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Public Comments to the Aaenda: John Petters, Collegeville Development Group, approached the Councilors to thank them for working with them on their project. He advised them that the ground breaking will take place on May 24 at 11 a.m. Set Bond Sale. 2007 Bond Issues: Weyrens stated that the Council must set the bond sale for the 2007 Bond Issues. This will include the Jade Road project, Truck Watermain Improvements, Corridor Studies, SW Beltway, Stormwater Costs, Mill & Overlay Project, and 8th Avenue Improvement. The bids for the Jade Road project will be opened next week. She stated that it will be a 10-year bond. The notice of sale stated a sale amount of $3,215,000; however that amount may be reduced based on the bid results of the Jade Road project and the Mill and Overlay Project. May 17, 2007 Page 2 of 4 Rassier made a motion to approve Resolution 2007-027 setting the bond sale for the 2007 Bond Issues for June 21, 2007 providing for the competitive sale of GO Bonds. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS 2007 East Side Improvements - Bid Update: Ekola reported that the bids for the 2007 East Side Improvements were opened. The low bid was submitted by Hardrives at $316,797.61 which was less than the Engineer Estimate of $422,201. Overall, the bids were very competitive. She stated that this was information only at this time as the bid will not be awarded until after the Final Assessment Hearing which is scheduled for May 31,2007. Water Tower Desian Update: According to Ekola, the scope of services for the 750,000 gallon water tower has been in the Capital Improvement Plan since 2004. The following is a breakdown of engineer services for the project: Final Scoping Final Design/Document Preparation Bidding Services Contract Administration Resident Proiect Services TOTAL $3,500 $33,500 $4,800 $14,700 $77.200 $133,700 Wick made a motion to authorize SEH to complete the Final Design for the future 750,000 elevated water storage tank. The motion was seconded by Rassier. Discussion: Ekola advised the Council that Trunk Watermain is already extended to the Maintenance Facility in the Industrial Park. Frank clarified that the necessary repairs to the existing water tower will be delayed until the new tower is up and running. The motion passed unanimously. Comprehensive Plan Update: Weyrens stated that the EDA has requested that the entire Economic Development Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan be re-written to include new statistics and current information. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on May 3, 2007 at which the amendment was accepted and recommended for Council approval. According to Frank, this is a large document and he needs more time to review the information as he has some questions. Carlbom advised Frank that there were no major changes made, rather the statistical information available was updated. He stated that this information is very important to new businesses when coming into St. Joseph. Wick added that the amendment has included the revitalization of downtown, which has been a goal of the EDA. Frank made a motion to table adoption of the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Chapter 11, to the next regular Council meeting. The motion was seconded by Symanietz. Ayes: Frank, Symanietz, Rassier Nays: Wick, Carlbom Motion Carried 3:2:0 MAYOR REPORTS APO: Mayor Carlbom stated that at the recent APO meeting the transportation bill was the major item of discussion. Carlbom reported that the Legislature previously passed a Scent per gallon tax increase; however, the bill was vetoed by Pawlenty. This is crucial to transportation funding. The last gas tax increase was in the 1980's and Minnesota is way behind other states. Representatives Steve Gottwalt and Dan Severson are critical votes for this item. Symanietz added that if it is not passed, the matter may go to a referendum for a vote. May 17, 2007 Page 3 of 4 COUNCIL REPORTS SYMANIETZ Meetinas: Symanietz reported that she attended the following meetings: . Corridor Advisory Committee - They will begin the Corridor Study. . Stearns County Meeting . Water Advisory Board . Safe Routes to School- She stated that there are $8 million available for this program. WICK EDA: On behalf of the Urban Environs Group, he stated that they have a draft document that they are working on distributing to the public for comment. RASSIER Transportation/Gas Tax: Rassier stated that it is important for all cities to support the gas tax increase. FRANK EDA: Frank stated that he has received many questions from residents on various issues. He stated that he is very impressed with how well the EDA Director has followed up with residents on issues relating to Economic Development. Rec Committee: Frank stated that the Rec Committee met and they are waiting for information from other cities as to what they do for Park and Recreation. According to Frank, there is a growing demand with less money available. ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Affordable Housina Update: Weyrens reported that previously the Life Cycle Housing Board has recommended termination of the Joint Powers Agreement. By terminating the agreement, affordable housing efforts are not being abandoned; rather the energies are being re-focused to research alternative Affordable Housing Programs. Weyrens stated that Sauk Rapids has already approved the same resolution. St. Cloud has tabled this item until the other area cities have had a chance to consider the same. Rassier made a motion to approve Resolution 2007-024 terminating the Joint Powers Agreement for Affordable Housing and establishing a Board of Directors to organize and govern a community based affordable housing effort. The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously. Safe & Sober Grant: Weyrens presented the Council with a request from Chief Jansky to participate in the Safe and Sober program for 2007 - 2008. The program provides for additional law enforcement regarding speed, DUI, seatbelt and child restraint. The programs reimburses the City the labor costs and the City is responsible for the Work Comp premium. Stearns County will serve as both the grant and finance administrator for the program. Wick made a motion to adopt Resolution 2007-026 supporting the Safe and Sober Grant and authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the same. The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. Senior Farewell: Mayor Carlbom reported that last Friday was Senior Farewell for the College of St. Benedict and St. John's. In previous years, there have been items burning in the street and several arrests. This year; however, the City worked with the Colleges and Sal's bar to create a controlled event for the students. Chief Jansky stated that this was a good collaborative effort and there were very few problems. In fact, there were fewer violations during this event than during a normal weekend. May 17, 2007 Page 4 of 4 City Council Membership: On May 8, 2007, Mayor Carlbom announced his intent to resign. As a result, the Council must first decide on a process to fill the vacancy in the position of Mayor. Rassier stated that it would be best for the City to promote from within for the position of Mayor and then declare a vacancy for the Council seat. Frank, on the other hand, stated that he would like to see the acting mayor fill the spot until a special election can be held. In his opinion, the public should decide on who would fill the open spot(s). City Attorney Tom Jovanovich advised the Councilors that State Statute states that a vacancy must be filled by a Council member until the next election. That is generally done by appointment. After discussing the process to fill the vacant position, Mayor Carlbom read his resignation as Mayor thanking the residents, staff and Council Members for support during his tenure. Carlbom stated that since Councilmember AI Rassier is the acting Mayor he assumes the role of Mayor until a time a new Mayor is appointed or elected. At this time Carlbom stepped down from his chair. Rassier made a motion to adopt resolution 2007-022 accepting the resignation of Richard Carlbom as Mayor and thereby declaring a vacancy in the office of Mayor. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. With a vacancy in the office of Mayor, Wick encouraged the Council to appoint a Mayor from within the existing Council. He further stated that in his opinion the voters gave the Councilors the authority to appoint the replacement for Mayor. Symanietz agreed with Wick and stated that she is confident that any member of the Council would be a good replacement for Carlbom. Wick made a motion to nominate AI Rassier as Mayor for the City of St. Joseph. The motion was seconded by Rassier. Ayes: Wick Nays: Symanietz, Frank Abstain: Rassier Motion Fails 1 :2:1 Frank made a motion to nominate Renee Symanietz as Mayor for the City of St. Joseph. The motion was seconded by Symanietz. Ayes: Frank Nays: Wick, Rassier Abstain: Symanietz Motion Fails 1 :2:1 Jovanovich stated that the Council must decide on how to fill the vacancy in a reason amount of time. Wick made a motion to table the appointment of Mayor until the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Rassier. Ayes: Wick, Rassier, Symanietz Nays: None Abstain: Frank Motion Carries 3:1:0 Adiourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 8:20 p.m.; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. ,.-..~. ..' / I I /7'. J// . Ud; ~~~~ /V'L"/,J/~/ Ad nistrator