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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-04-07 October 4, 2007 Page 1 of5 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, October 4, 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 Others Present: Tim & Susan Flaherty, Sr. Paula Revier, Sr. Kara Hennes, Ellen & Bob Wahlstrom, Thomasette, Erin Moore, Margy Hughes Aoorove Aaenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda with the following additions/deletions: Add 11 b Add 11 c Cable Equipment Update Personnel Update The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Consent Aaenda: Wick made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: a. Minutes - Approve the minutes of September 6,2007. b. Bills Payable - Approve check numbers 039345 - 039401. c. Gambling Site Permit - Accept the Application for Lawful Gambling of the Outdoor Without Limits to conduct off-site gambling at the Trobec's Event Center on October 23,2007. d. College Avenue/CR121 Sanitary Sewer Repair at MH#21 - Accept the sanitary sewer repair pursuant to mediation settlement agreement. e. Application for Payment - Authorize the Mayor to execute Pay Application #2 for the 2007 Jade Road Improvement Project and authorize payment to RL Larson Excavating in the amount of $572,697.29. f. Application for Payment - Authorize the Mayor to execute Pay Application #9 for the 2005 Northland Heights Project and authorize payment to Erin Contracting in the amount of $60,381.96. g. Application for Payment - Authorize the Mayor to execute Pay Application #3 for the East Side Improvements and authorize payment to Hardrives in the amount of $130,077.93. h. Application for Payment - Authorize the Mayor to execute Pay Application #4 for the 2006 8th Avenue NE Improvements and authorize payment to C & L Excavating in the amount of $14,084.89. i. Application for Payment - Authorize the Mayor to execute Pay Application #10 for the 2006 Street Improvement Project and authorize payment to C & L Excavating in the amount of $10,987.59. j. Treasurer's Report - Accept the August 2007 Revenue/Expenditure Report as presented and authorize the funds transfer as requested. k. Variance/Building Plan - Accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission granting a variance on the parking requirements for the Monastery of St. Benedict and approve the development plan to construct a residential facility entitled Marmion. I. Capital Equipment Request - Authorize the computer replacement for the Police Chief at an estimated cost of $2,000. m. Liquor License Transfer - Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the on Sale/Sunday liquor license to Stonehouse Tavern & Eatery LLC, with new partnership. Discussion: Schultz clarified that the Monastery will not be adding any additional parking spaces with their new construction. Weyrens advised Schultz that they currently have enough parking capacity for their current uses, so no additional parking will be provided. She also stated that the variance is contingent upon the facility being used for housing for the Monastery of St. Benedict and, upon change of use, the property would be required to submit a parking plan meeting the Ordinance requirements, providing the additional 48 spaces. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. October 4, 2007 Page 2 of5 Public Comments to the Aqenda: No one present wished to speak. Public Hearina - Delinauent Receivable Hearina: Weyrens stated that the City annually reviews all unpaid invoices for services. These services can include weed cutting, utility services and development fees. Invoices that are past due can be certified to the County Auditor for collection with the real estate taxes. The process to certify unpaid invoices includes a public hearing and notification. All the properties in question have received multiple notices and have been given the opportunity to dispute the invoice at this meeting. The majority of the invoices for this hearing include weed cutting fees for the Liberty Pointe area. Mayor Rassier opened the public hearing and there being no one present to wishing to speak, the hearing was closed at 7:05 PM. Rassier made a motion to authorize the certification of the delinquent invoices to the County Auditor for collection. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities: Tim Flaherty approached the Council representing the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities to present an overview of the services provided by the Coalition. Flaherty discussed the following: · Summer Conference · Loss of LGA: The Coalition continues to lobby for continued support of Local Government Aid in its present form for its members. Flaherty stated that the Suburban cities have been lobbying to create a new formula for LGA distribution which could have a negative effect on non-metro Cities. · Environment: According to Flaherty, the Pollution Control Agency continues to create rule changes and unfunded mandates. The PCA has indicated that they will be using legal means to enforce mandates and rules. · Transit: He reminded the Council that if more and more money is spent on transit, there will be less available for roads. · Labor Relations: The Coalition provides Labor Relations and legal services to participating Cities. This service is fee based and the fee is based on the population. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS Northland Drive Sianal: Sabart advised the Council that crews are working on the boring for the new signal light at the intersection of Northland Drive and CR75. They will begin the foundations next week. Watermain Leak: Sabart stated that they were hoping to finish the blacktop for the Jade Road Improvements; however, they found a watermain leak that must be taken care of first. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS Old City Hall: Taufen stated that there were two structures at the Old City Hall that were made of granite. The fire bell has been moved to the Fire Hall, but the flag pole remains at the Old City Hall and is in need of repair as the granite is coming loose. Taufen questioned whether or not the Council would like it removed or repaired. Wick suggested that he contact the Historical Society to see if they are interested in preserving the structure. Water Treatment Plant: Taufen spoke to the Council in regards to some issues at the New WTP. It has been noticed that the facility does not have United States Flag. Taufen stated that the flag was overlooked during the planning process but he is working on cost estimates for installation in the spring of 2008. A recent letter to the Editor in the Sf. Joseph Newsleader commented on the dead trees and leaking pipes. Taufen clarified that the landscaping is all under warranty and any plant that is dead in the Spring will be replaced at no cost to the City. With regard to the pipes, the day of the open house the dehumidifiers were turned off as they are noisy. Without the dehumidifier running condensation occurs, the pipes were sweating, not leaking. October 4, 2007 Page 3 of5 Winter Parkina Sians: Taufen reported that new winter parking signs have been ordered and they will be lettered in red. The red lettering indicates that no parking is allowed. Signs limiting parking are lettered in green. Retirement: After serving the City of St. Joseph as the Public Works Director, Taufen notified the Council that he will be retiring as of April 1, 2008. MAYOR REPORTS Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities: Rassier advised the Council that he will be attending the Fall Conference of the Coalition held in Alexandria November 7 - 9. Millstream Arts Festival: Rassier stated that, although the weather was not the best, there was a good turnout for the festival. COUNCIL REPORTS SYMANIETZ APO: Symanietz reported that she attended the APO meeting at which they discussed the alternate recommendation for 40th Street in St. Cloud. She added that the metro area beltway will not be a reality for approximately 60 years. Leaaue of Minnesota Cities Plannina Committee: Symanietz stated that the LMC Planning Committee recently met and they have picked the speakers and topics for the 2008 Annual Conference. WICK Millstream Arts Festival: Wick thanked the vendors and volunteers for their hard work at the Millstream Arts Festival. Plannina Commission: Wick stated that the Planning Commission will be meeting to discuss Interim Use Permits in the R1 Zoning Districts as well as the R4 Ordinance to determine if any adjustments need to be made to the Ordinances. Schultz stated that the City needs to make sure that the R4 Ordinance fits the City, not the developer. SCHULTZ Recreation Study: Schultz stated that he recently met with the Mayor, Administrator and one of the Chairs of the Recreation Study Committee. Discussion included: the possibility of combining the Park Board with the Recreation Association and Recreation Committee; providing year round recreation for all ages; surveying the community for recreation needs; and sponsoring a City recreation program -vs- outsourcing the program. Schultz added that staff will work on gathering information and surveying the residents via the next City Newsletter. As a member of the Ad Hoc Recreation Committee that was formed, Frank stated that it was a big step and that they have come up with a $10,000 budget for planning. Wick stated that all of those items will be discussed. Frank then questioned whether or not the bylaws will need to be changed as well. Rentals: Schultz questioned Weyrens as to the number of rental units within the City and where they are located. Weyrens advised him that she will be providing a map to the Planning Commission to show where all of the rental houses are located. Park Board - Y:z Cent Sales Tax: Schultz stated that the Park Board is lacking funds and he stated that they would like to see if they could get any funds from the Y:z cent sales tax. He added that there is no steady stream of funds for the Park Board and the parks are in need of Maintenance. Weyrens stated that Sales Tax funds can only be used for capital expenditures, not maintenance and the money must be spent for regional activities. October 4, 2007 Page 4 of5 FRANK APO: Frank reported that he also attended the APO Meeting. He stated that they discussed the beltway and that they will begin to look at different alternatives. Rec Committee: Frank thanked Margy Hughes for all her help and stated that things will happen. VotinQ: Frank questioned Weyrens as to why College Students are allowed to vote in the City. Weyrens stated that, according to State Law, if they register that St. Joseph is their primary residence they are legally allowed to vote in St. Joseph. ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Habitat for Humanitv Fees: Weyrens presented the Council with a memo from the City Attorney whereby he states that the City is prohibited from waiving the utility fees for the habitat project. The Ordinance request all residents to connect to and pay a connection fee. The City is also prohibited from gifting and the waiver of the utility fees would be a gift to one person. Frank made a motion to rescind the original motion to waive all fees for the Habitat for Humanity Project based on the attorney's legal opinion. Discussion: Schultz stated that he disagrees with the opinion of the City Attorney and stated that he has completed research on his own. While not specifically donated to Habitat for Humanity, Schultz read extracts of where other Cities have made some type of a contribution. Rassier questioned whether or not the City has the authority to waive the building permit fees. Weyrens stated that they have in the past, the only portion they cannot waive is the State Surcharge portion. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Schultz made a motion to waive the building permit fees and inspection fees for the Habitat for Humanity Project. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Weyrens suggested that, in the future, the City request that developers provide a lot for this type of project during the development phase rather than after the platting process is completed. Cable Eauipment Reauest: Weyrens stated that the Cable Commission is requesting to purchase a sound stabilizer at an estimated cost of $1,028.12. This would be used to help with the broadcast of City meetings and would prevent the audio from changing decibels. Schultz made a motion to approve the expenditure of $1,028.12 from the Peg Access fees for the purchase of a sound stabilizer. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Personnel Update: Weyrens advised the Council that the City received 102 applications for two open Maintenance Worker positions. Of those, 30 were tested and 9 were interviewed. The Personnel Committee is requesting permission to make a conditional offer to two of the applicants contingent upon on a background check and physical examination. Frank made a motion to make conditional job offers to the two candidates for the Maintenance Position. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Weyrens stated that the Police Chief has requested authorization to hire a part-time Records Specialist to work evenings. As this is a new position for the City of St. Joseph, Weyrens requested authorization to begin the hiring process. Schultz made a motion to allow the administrator to begin the hiring process for the part-time Records Specialist Position. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. October 4, 2007 Page 5 of5 Area Cities Meetina: Weyrens reminded the Council that the Area Cities meeting will be held on October 30 in St. Cloud. The main topic for discussion is the St. Cloud Area Wastewater Advisory Committee. Budaet Meetina: Weyrens advised the Council that they will need to hold another budget meeting after receiving the final numbers from the County. Adiourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 8:35 PM; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. ( .' / :;>..f(t{ l/) 0.:/ t/o<. i<-t::l- Judy Weyrens IAdministrator