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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-20-07 September 20, 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, September 20, 2007 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor AI Rassier, Councilors Renee Symanietz, Dale Wick, Rick Schultz, Steve Frank, City Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives Present: City Engineer Randy Sabart Others Present: Mike Deutz, Monte Eastvold Approve Aaenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda with the following additions/deletions: 3c 7 Add 11 c Weyrens stated that she received proof of 50% ownership. Delete Final Plat - Northland Hills Habitat for Humanity 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 039289 - 039344. b. Door Replacement - Authorize the expenditure of $1 ,532.00 from Mid Central Door for the replacement of the doors at the Water Plant located at 25 1st Avenue NW, with funds being expended from the Water Filtration Bond Fund. c. Interim Use Permit - Accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and issue an Interim Use Permit to William Capecchi, 209 E Minnesota Street to operate an owner occupied rental unit. d. Interim Use Permit - Accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and issue and Interim Use Permit to Bryce Deters, 106 Jasmine Lane to operate an owner occupied rental unit. e. Application for Payment - Approve Pay Application #4 for the CR121 Reconstruction Project and authorize payment to Stearns County in the amount of $308,231.94. f. Alternate Enforcement Grant - Allow the Police Department to receive the Alternate Enforcement Grant from the State of Minnesota. Discussion: Schultz stated that there are several invoices to K & L for lawn mowing services totaling more than $1,000. He questioned whether it would be more feasible to have staff do the work instead. Weyrens stated that staff does not have the time to do the work and she added that the property owner is billed for those services. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Public Comments to the Aaenda: No one present wished to speak. Bond Issue Review: Monte Eastvold approached the Councilors with respect to the City's debt. He stated that while updating the City's Debt Management Study, he noticed that the City has the opportunity to refinance two bond issues reducing the interest cost to the City. Eastvold stated that the following bond issues have a refunding opportunity: 1. Call a portion of the 1998 Bond Issue, saving approximately $20,000 in interest expenses. 2. Refund the 1999 Bond Issue - issuing new debt in the amount of $755,000. The savings would be approximately $23,905. Wick questioned whether or not the new bond issue would have the same term, if it is refunded. Eastvold stated that it would be the same payment terms; however, the interest rate would be lower. September 20, 2007 Page 2 of6 Rassier questioned whether or not calling or refunding the bonds would affect the City's Bond Rating. According to Eastvold, it would not have a negative effect as Moodys looks for less debt when assigning a new bond rating. With respect to the budget, Frank questioned how much it would cost the City. Weyrens advised Frank that it would have no impact on the general fund. Eastvold stated that the City budgeted $50,000 for bonding payments. As the Council was of the consensus to re-finance the debt, Eastvold stated that he would present the Council with a new bond issue at the October 18 Council Meeting. R1 Sinqle Familv Rental License Moratorium: Weyrens advised the Council that on September 10, the Planning Commission met and discussed the issuance of interim Use Permits. With a 5:2 vote, the Planning Commission recommended that the Council place a moratorium on Interim Use Permits within the R1 Zoning Districts. Members stated that the Moratorium is needed to determine if the Interim Use Permits are effective and if they are balancing residential and rental in residential neighborhoods. Weyrens stated that enforcement is also an issue. While the City receives a number of complaints that rental units are exceeding the maximum density it is difficult to enforce. The City responds to all complaints, but if the City Office is informed the property is not rental, is difficult to prove otherwise. On behalf of the Planning Commission, Wick reported that they reviewed two Interim Use Permits, both of which are in the R1 Zoning District. They accepted input from the Public. After much discussion, the Commissioners concluded that the current Ordinance is 5+years old and is in need of review. They recommended a 90day moratorium to review the Ordinance and make any necessary changes. Weyrens stated that the Department Heads suggested the following alternatives: a. Changing the ownership requirement from 50% to 100% or something slightly less. b. Placing a minimum distance between Interim Use Permits and or between current rental licenses. c. Establishing a percentage of a block that can be rental. d. Prohibit completely. Frank made a motion to authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2007-037 adopting Interim Ordinance 2007-001. The motion was seconded by Wick. Discussion: Frank stated that there are at least 30 known party houses in St. Joseph. He added that, in cities such as Chaska, parents or property owners are held more accountable. In his opinion, rentals are a poison to a neighborhood. With the current Interim Use process, these houses are bought and sold every few years. Many of these homes do not have current rental licenses. According to Rassier, the Rental Process has improved with the requirement of owner-occupied rentals. He stated that none of the Ordinances are perfect and he does not believe that the City needs to place a moratorium on these permits to review the Ordinance. Wick, on the other hand, stated that a 90 day moratorium will not be a burden to those wishing to apply for an owner occupied Interim Use Permit. The reason for the moratorium is to place some controls on the process. Schultz questioned whether the Interim Use Permits for the Business Districts will be reviewed as well. As the Interim Use provisions for the Business Districts are fairly new, Schultz was advised that it is too early to review those as well. Frank stated that, after the review of the Interim Use Process for the R1 Zoning District, it may be necessary to review the Business Districts as well. Ayes: Symanietz, Wick, Schultz, Frank Nays: Rassier The motion passed 4:1. Northland Hills. Preliminary Plat: Weyrens advised the Council that the Planning Commission conducted the Public Hearing on September 10 for the Preliminary Plat entitled Northland Hills. This plat is located adjacent to the Northland Development and Fir Street and contains 10 lots. There was considerable September 20, 2007 Page 3 of6 discussion regarding a walking trail between lots 6 and 7. Based on their discussion, the Planning Commissions are recommending that no trail access be required as it could have a negative impact on the adjoining properties. Weyrens clarified that the proposed plat meets the density, setback and R1 Zoning restrictions. However, the City Engineer has presented a list of issues that need to be addressed before the Council can consider the final plat. In addition, the developer must agree to the terms of the Development Agreement prior to final plat approval. Therefore, at this time the City Council is only considering the preliminary plat. Mike Deutz approached the Council on behalf of the MG Development and discussed the desire to keep as many of the trees on the plat as possible. It is not his intent to mass grade the site; rather, each building pad will be established. Rassier questioned where the trails are located. Wick stated that they can access the Wobegon Trail along Fir Street or by using the trail along the Boulder Ridge Apartments. Schultz questioned Weyrens as to the requirements for Trails. Weyrens stated that the Park Dedication Ordinance requires trails; however, they are part of the total requirement and not an addition to the land and/or cash in lieu of land. In this particular area the proposed plat is the last area for development and the other sections do not have trail. A trail at this time would not connect to an existing trail and will just end. Rassier added that, currently, the road serves as the Walking Trail in the Northland Developments. Wick then stated it would be hard to connect to the City trail system as there are no trails to connect to. Schultz questioned the steep drop in elevation behind some of the lots. Sabart advised the Council that in those situations there may be more tree loss to allow for that area to be filled. Wick questioned whether or not it would be better to keep the natural vegetation for usability and safety concerns. Frank clarified that this would be brought back for final approval once all conditions are met. Wick made a motion to approve the Preliminary Plat entitled Northland Hills. The motion was seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS No Report MAYOR REPORTS St. Cloud APO: Rassier stated that he attended the St. Cloud APO meeting at which they discussed the appropriations for next year. Water Treatment Plant Open House: Rassier thanked staff for doing a good job at the Open House and stated that there was a good turnout. Approximately 350 people came to tour the facility. He added that this is a nice facility and it will serve the community for a long time. Weyrens stated that another open house will be scheduled for next spring. COUNCIL REPORTS SYMANIETZ St. Cloud Area Economic Development Partnership: Symanietz reported that she attended the St. Cloud Partnership meeting at which they had a presentation from Northern Lines Railway. Items such as lumber, fuel, coal and plastics are hauled using the railway. Due to the rising fuel costs, she stated that more and more companies are using the railways as one car holds the equivalent to 3 semi trucks. The railway comes through St. Joseph to Borgert Products. WICK Millstream Arts Festival: Wick advised the Council that the Millstream Arts Festival will be returning to St. Joseph on September 30. The festival will include local artists and businesses. Admission is free with a non-perishable donation to the St. Joseph Community Food Shelf. September 20, 2007 Page 4 of 6 SCHULTZ - No Report FRANK Power Line Update: Frank stated that recently residents may have noticed equipment being installed on the power lines. The purpose of the equipment is to allow Xcel to do meter readings electronically for gas/electric services. Water Treatment Plant: Frank stated that he was unable to make the tour of the Water Treatment Plant, but stated he does plan to visit the facility. ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Street Markinas: With respect to the 2006 Interior Street Improvement Project and the 8th Avenue NE Improvements, there were some concerns with the street markings. Sabart advised the Council that they may look somewhat distorted as the glass beads were added to the paint with the excess removed. Downtown Desion Standards: Recently, the Downtown Group's Urban Environs Committee completed a document for the landscape and design of the Downtown. This document is to be used as a complimentary guide to the Ordinances to provide guidance. The Planning Commission recently held a Public Hearing to review the proposed design standards. They recommended that definitions and a table of contents be added to the document. Schultz questioned the Core Downtown vs. Greater Downtown. Wick advised the Council that the "Core Downtown" will include the current Kennedy School and the "Greater Downtown" will extend to Birch Street over to 2nd Avenue. Rassier stated that along CR75, there are already some design standards in place. Wick stated that this document was distributed to local businesses and also put on the City Website for review. There were a few minor updates that need to be made, but there were no additional comments received. Weyrens advised the Council that the EDA set aside $5,000 to be used by local businesses to help design new streetscapes with a maximum cap of $ 1,000 per business. Rassier added that a committee will be set up to help review the financing for the local businesses. Wick stated that one of the goals mentioned in the document was to provide adequate parking and to relocate the power poles. The group does; however, understand that those things will not happen in the near future. Frank questioned the sidewalks downtown as the sidewalks near the new Millstream Shops and Lofts seem to be narrower than those to the West of College Avenue. Wick stated that the sidewalks are narrower to the East of College Avenue. Schultz stated that these standards are not enforceable to which Rassier stated that this is to be used as a Comprehensive Plan for the Downtown Area. According to Wick, the Urban Environs Committee worked very hard to come up with the standards by first looking at the old standards as proposed by the Design Team. The group also visited other cities to get a closer look at their downtown. He added that they understand that these standards will be updated over time. Wick requested that a letter of appreciation be sent to those members of the Urban Environs Group. Symanietz made a motion to accept the Downtown Design Standards as presented and authorize the Staff to use the standards as a planning tool for future development. The motion was seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously. Water Meter Bids: Weyrens advised the Council that the City received only one bid that met the requirements for an electronic metering system. The bid was submitted by Hydro Meterin and is as follows: Meters $179/meter September 20, 2007 Page 5 of6 Software $18,500 The City also received one bid for meter installation, that being Midwest Testing. The bid is as follows: Installation $43/meter Old Meters Credit $2.00/meter The Council decided that the City would not charge residents for the new meters so the cost to the City is approximately $ 325,000. Weyrens stated that the project will be funded through the Water Fund. She added that it would be best to start the process towards the end of January/beginning of February, 2008. There was some discussion about converting one half of the City in 2008 and the other half in 2009; however, for billing purposes, it would be best to do it all in 2008. By using the electronic metering, the City will be able to recapture water. Contractors will now have their water usage metered as well as they must get any bulk water from the bulk water station at the new Water Plant. Symanietz questioned how long the installation will take inside the residence. Weyrens stated that no timeframe was given; however, Taufen stated that the current meters take approximately % hour to 45 minutes to install. Taufen advised the Councilors that the Company will contact the residents directly to set up an appointment for installation. According to Weyrens, they did check references and they are very experienced in this field. Rassier made a motion to authorize the City to work with Hydro Metering and Midwest Testing to negotiate a contract for the purchase and installation of the new water meters for the City. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Habitat for Humanitv: Recently, Habitat for Humanity approached the Council with a request for fees to be waived for the St. Joseph Project. Weyrens stated that there is little that the City can do to waive fees. In anticipation of this meeting Weyrens states she contacted the City of St. Cloud, who only relieves development fees. As of this time St. Cloud has not waived any inspection or access fees. Rassier stated that with respect to water and sewer fees, it does not seem right to waive them for the Habitat for Humanity Project as all other citizens pay those fees. Wick stated that he is unsure as to whether or not fees should be waived. Weyrens advised the Council that the building inspection fees can be absorbed through the General Fund. There are limits as to what fees the City can waive. The amount of fees paid for Park Dedication is $914.00. Schultz questioned the different fees and stated that it is his opinion that all fees associated with the Building permit should be waived. Fees associated with the Building Permit are as follows: $ 600.00 Building Permit $ 6,000.00 WAC/SAC $ 300.00 Trunk fees According to Wick, the City has worked with various groups to provide affordable housing within the City and believes that the Habitat project falls in the same category. Frank stated that he would like the City to explore what they can do for the Habitat Project. Schultz made a motion to waive all fees associated with the Building Permit including the water and sewer access fee. The motion was seconded by Frank. Discussion: Weyrens stated that the fees for the water and sewer access fees would have to be transferred from the general fund as those fees represent debt of the City. The Council agreed that the waiver of fees should be reviewed by the City Attorney. Ayes: Schultz, Frank, Wick Nays: Rassier, Symanietz The motion passed 3:2. Maintenance Position: Weyrens reported that the City received 102 applications for the Maintenance Position. She stated that she, along with Rassier, Wick and Taufen, met to review the applications. Of September 20, 2007 Page 6 of6 those 102 applications, 45 applicants were called for testing and 8 will be interviewed. When questioned why there were so many applicants, Weyrens explained that there were some changes to the hours and construction is slow this season. Human Riahts: Weyrens stated that St. Joseph and Waite Park will be moving forward with the Human Rights process limiting services to those cities participating. Adiourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 8:30; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. r'O" /\ 00 J ,'. . . \ ,'~I (tv t-/:UJ!l!jU4~'O , f' Jud1 Weyrens !Administrator