HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-05-06
October 5, 2006
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session
on Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall.
Members Present: Mayor Richard Carlbom, Councilors AI Rassier, Dale Wick, Ross Rieke, Renee
Symanietz, City Administrator Judy Weyrens
City Representatives Present: City Engineer Tracy Ekola
Approve Aaenda: Wick made a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes:
3a Add minutes of September 7,19, and 21.
The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously.
Consent Aqenda: Rassier made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows with minor
corrections to the minutes of September 7,2006 as presented by Wick.
a. Minutes - Approve the minutes of September 7,19,21, and 21(closed).
b. Bills Payable - Approve check numbers 037836-037897.
c. Application for Payment - Authorize the Mayor to approve Pay Application #4 for the
2006 Street Improvement Project and authorize payment to C & L in the amount of
$413,051.69.
d. Application for Payment - Authorize the Mayor to approve Pay Application #8 for the
Northland Heights Project and authorize payment to Erin Contracting in the amount of
$20,519.14.
e. Application for Payment - Authorize the Mayor to approve Pay Application #1 for the
2006 Trunk Waterman Improvement Project and authorize payment to Randy Kramer
Excavating in the amount of $245,189.28.
f. Application for Payment - Authorize the Mayor to approve Pay Application #5 for the
2004 Callaway Street Improvement Project and authorize payment to Larson
Excavating Contractors in the amount of $4,622.06.
g. Application for Payment - Authorize the Mayor to approve Pay Application #7 for the
Water Treatment Plant and authorize payment to John T. Jones Construction in the
amount of $714,316.70.
h. Water Treatment Plant Security System - Award the Security Improvements to
Heartland Security.
i. Centennial Park Restroom Building Change Order - Recommend approval of Change
Order #1 as submitted by Gorman Construction.
j. Park Board Resignation - Accept the resignation of Dedra Duehs from the St. Joseph
Park Board effective January 1, 2007 and authorize the advertisement for the opening.
The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously.
Public Comments to the Aaenda: No one present wished to speak.
29 Minnesota Street E - Noise Violation and Rental License: Weyrens presented the Council with a
police report indicating that they responded to a noise complaint on September 26,2006 at 29 East
Minnesota Street. Weyrens stated that she contacted the land owner on September 27 to notify him of
the alleged violation in addition to mailing and faxing a written notice. As of this date the landlord, Grant
Erdhal has not contacted the City Office or Police Department. Symanietz made a motion
acknowledging that a noise violation did occur on September 26, 2006 at 29 Minnesota Street E.
The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously.
Based on the police report, the noise violation resulting in eight squad cars responding with 32 citations
issued for underage consumption and one citation for a keg violation. Weyrens stated that the property in
question has not completed the rental license process for the 2005-2006 or 2006-2007 license year.
October 5, 2006
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Carlbom questioned how the City could impose a fine on rental property when there is not a valid rental
license. Rassier questioned whether the license lapsed for more than 12 months Weyrens advised the
Council that in January 2006, Erdahl contacted the City stating that there was a transfer of ownership on
October 1, 2005. He then met with the rental inspector; however, he never followed through with the
completion of the rental process. As a result, there was no license issued due to lack of follow through.
Rieke clarified that at the first of the year, the rental license was not transferred; however, there was
application and payment made for the rental license.
There were some suggestions as to how to handle the disposition for the noise violation; however the
Council then decided that it would be best to table the issue until there was further clarification from the
City Attorney. Carlbom stated that he is very disappointed with the lack of responsibility from the tenants.
Rassier made a motion to table the determination of what fine should be imposed as well as the
rental license issue until October 11, 2006 for clarification from the City Attorney. The motion was
seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
MA VOR REPORTS
APO MeetinQ: Carlbom reported that he recently attended the APO at which time they agreed to keep the
dues constant for a period of fives years and they promoted Scott Mareck to Executive Director, replacing
Bill Hansen who has announced his retirement.
MeetinQ with CSB: Carlbom stated that he and Weyrens attended a meeting with the College of St.
Benedict at which they discussed the 20-year plan for the college.
Mavors Luncheon: Carlbom advised the Council that he attended the monthly Mayors Luncheon. The
main topic for discussion was the amount of money spent on overtime for College events and how the
City can be reimbursed for such.
COUNCIL REPORTS
SYMANIETZ
MeetinQs: Symanietz reported that she attended the following meetings:
· September 27 Capital Improvement Meeting
· September 26 Isaiah Great River Interfaith Partnership Meeting - They discussed issues such
as equality, healthcare, Home Ownership as well as shelters for battered women and children.
· Downtown Committee Meeting - They discussed different events that can be brought to the City
to help the Downtown.
· APO Meeting
WICK
Downtown Committee: Wick reported that he attended the Downtown Design Committee Meeting at
which they discussed their goals as well as some communication issues.
Park Board: Wick advised the Council that the Park Board has been working on their capital improvement
plan. He also stated that the Centennial Park project seems to be going well.
RASSIER
Ordinance Discussions: Rassier stated that the Planning Commission spent several hours discussing
various Ordinance Amendments and they are ready for Council review. Rassier commended the
Planning Commission for their efforts.
Noise Violations: Rassier shared his concern with the increase in the number of noise violations and
suggested that the Council consider increasing the minimum fine from $ 200.00 to $ 250.00.
October 5, 2006
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Stearns Countv Feedlot Board: Rassier advised the Council that he attended the Stearns County Feedlot
meeting and stated that the appointment to this board has increased his knowledge of farm operations.
Based on information at the meeting, farming is increasing in the Stearns County area.
RIEKE - No Report
ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS
Meetina with School Board: Weyrens advised the Council that recently City Staff met with the School
Board as well as the developer. The School intends to begin construction in spring with substantial
completion July 2008. To assure the project is coordinated with City improvements, the staff agreed to
meet monthly with school representative and the affected developer, Arcon Development.
Ordinance Updates: Weyrens stated that previously, the Planning Commission and City Staff have been
working on updating several of the City's Ordinances. The following Ordinance Amendments have been
recommended for approval by the Planning Commission. Since they do not require a public hearing,
Weyrens requested the Council consider adoption of the following Ordinances:
· Ordinance 121 Firearms
· Ordinance 34 Right-of-Way
· Ordinance 84 Parking
· Ordinance 108 Junk Car
Rassier made a motion to accept the recommendations of the Planning Commission and
authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the following resolutions, causing the same to
be published:
Resolution 2006-029
Resolution 2006-030
Resolution 2006-031
Resolution 2006-032
Amendment to Ordinance 121, Firearms
Amendment to Ordinance 34, Right-of-way
Amendment to Ordinance 84, Parking
Amendment to Ordinance 108, Junk Car
The motion was seconded by Symanietz.
Discussion - Junk Car Ordinance: Carlbom stated that he had some questions relating to the
Junk Car Ordinance and he would like this to be discussed further at another date. He stated that he feels
the property owners affected by this Ordinance should have an active role in the amendment to this
Ordinance. Wick stated that the neighbors to these particular property owners would benefit from the
proposed Amendment. He stated that the Ordinance is requiring that the owner prove that they are
indeed working on a vehicle that is parked on their property. Carlbom again stated that he would prefer to
table action on this matter but will not delay the Ordinance if the Council wishes to move forward.
Discussion - Fire Arms: Wick questioned if the Ordinance was meant to prohibit shotgun slugs.
Rassier stated that the Planning Commission had considerable discussion on this Ordinance and agreed
that shotgun slugs should be prohibited. Wick further questioned if the use of firearms would be
permitted throughout the City. Weyrens stated that the area where firearms will be permitted will only be
outlying areas not adjacent to residential or commercial development. An example of this would be the
Arcon Development. The entire plat will be built out over a seven year period and it is currently used for
hunting. Before a permit is issued the Police Chief would assure that the proposed hunting area is safe
for hunting.
The motion passed unanimously.
Assessment Hearinas: Weyrens reminded the Council that the assessment hearing for the Northland
Heights and the 2006 Street Improvement Projects are scheduled for October 11, 2006 at 7:00 PM at the
Fire Hall.
October 5, 2006
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Sian Ordinance: Weyrens advised the Council that there is a preliminary draft of the sign ordinance ready
for review.
Plannina Commission: Weyrens stated that the City received three applications for the open Planning
Commission seat and they have been forwarded to Mayor Carlbom for review and appointment.
Adiourn: Rassier made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously.
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