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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-16-06 November 16, 2006 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, November 16, 2006 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Richard Carlbom, Councilors AI Rassier, Dale Wick, Renee Symanietz, City Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives Present: City Engineer Tracy Ekola Others Present: Ellen Wahlstrom, Thomaseth Scheeler, Bob Wahlstrom, Kate Zinner, Mike McDonald Approve Aaenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda as presented; seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Consent Aaenda: Rassier made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: a. Minutes - Approve the minutes of November 2 and 9, 2006. b. Bills Payable - Approve check numbers 038032-038124. c. Final Plat Extension - Accept the request to extend the execution date for the final plat for Crescent Hills from October 23, 2006 to November 30, 2006. d. Gambling Application - Accept the Lawful Gambling Application for the Church of St. Joseph for an event to be held at the Church of St. Joseph on July 3, 2007. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Public Comments to the Agenda Ellen Wahlstrom, 409 Efh Avenue NE, approached the Council with some questions pertaining to the St. Joseph Transportation Plan. She stated that she attended the open house held on November 15, 2006. At that meeting, it was stated that the maps that were on display were the results of 3 stakeholder meetings held earlier this fall. Wahlstrom questioned the makeup of the stakeholders. Weyrens stated the stakeholder committee consists of the following: Business Representatives: Greg Reinert, John Meyer, Joe Leach Resident Representatives: Mike McDonald, Roger Buening, Margie Hughes Stearns County: Mitch Anderson City of Waite Park: Bill Schluenz St. Joseph Township: Matt Symalla City Representatives: Ross Rieke, Gary Utsch, Cynthia Smith-Strack, Dick Taufen, Judy Weyrens Wahlstrom added that residents were to submit comments to the City; however she questioned what the next step would be. Carlbom stated that the purpose of the Public Input meeting was to show the results of what the stakeholders have done so far. They have been working on a big picture of the transportation plan for the City. This study is in addition to the other Transportation Studies that are currently in progress. Citizens are urged to provide written comments regarding the draft plan which will then be incorporated into a draft report that will be submitted to the Council for review and comment. Wahlstrom concluded by stating that there was an inappropriate amount of notice for the Open House. North Corridor Update: Weyrens advised the Council that North easUwest corridor study is ready to move to the environmental phase for evaluation. However, before the study can move forward the Council must consider an amendment to the contract between the City of St. Joseph and SRF. Symanietz reported that the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has meet and reviewed the proposed contract amendment. In reviewing the contract documents it was noted that additional funds will be required to finish the environmental review process. SRF presented T AC with a brief financial summary illustrating that excess funds from the completed process can be shifted to pay for a portion of the additional environmental documents. Weyrens stated that it is anticipated that the funding gap will be approximately November 16, 2006 Page 2 of 4 $ 68,000. Of that shortfall, Stearns County will pay a proportionate amount based on the mile of road that is County responsibility. Symanietz also added that, at the previous Council Meeting, the Council accepted the preferred alternative with two options on the northern section between County Road 2 and County Road 133. Weyrens stated that since that time, the Project Management Team (PMT) is requesting a third alternative be reviewed for said section. During the public comment period residents within the corridor have requested the City consider moving the corridor to the north property line. After reviewing the topography it appeared as though the alternative would be as conceivable as the other two alternatives. Ekola stated that with the additional option, there would be no additional property owners affected. Weyrens advised the Council of the additional costs that will be incurred. She stated that there would be an additional cost to the City if the City wanted to pursue an urban street section for the realignment of County Road 2 South. The urban design section would include storm water, ponding and curb and gutter. The County Engineer, Mitch Anderson, has indicated that he does not support constructing an urban section as the road is located in the Township and additional costs would be incurred. Carlbom stated that it is his understanding that Anderson is also concerned with the speed of the road if designed as an urban section. Rassier added that, when constructing new roads, it is important to look at the future growth and land use of surrounding properties. With the possible annexation of this area for commercial development, it makes sense to construct the street section with an urban design. Weyrens stated that the PMT is recommending the Council authorize three environmental processes for the North east/west corridor. The alternatives are as follows: Re-alignment of CR 2 to CR 75 CR 2 between CR 3 and CR 133 CR 133 to Ridgewood Road EAW - Funded by Stearns County. EA - Joint funding - City/County/APO EAW - Funded by Developer and City Weyrens presented the following financial summary: Estimated cost of three environmental documents Remaining contract balance Additional Funds need for environmental documentation $153,910 $100.978 $ 52,932 Cost of optional services selected by PMT for design changes and cost analysis $ 15,834 Total cost of contract amendment $ 68,766 Weyrens clarified that the optional services include the following: Evaluation of the potential third alternative and construction cost for the urban street design. Council members requested additional information on contract amendment including the base contract price. Weyrens agreed to provide additional information at the November 21, 2006 Council meeting. Wick made a motion to table the amendment to the SRF Contract for the North Corridor Study until November 21,2006. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. MAYOR REPORTS APO Meetinq: Carlbom stated that he attended the APO Meeting at which they discussed two personnel policies. 1. Retirement healthcare 2. How Vacation and Sick time is accrued. Area Cities Meetinq: Carlbom reported that he attended the Area Cities Meeting in Sartell along with the other City Council members. The two items that were addressed included: November 16, 2006 Page 3 of 4 1. How different cities are moving forward with their Y2 cent sales tax since it was approved during the elections. 2. St. Cloud Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion project. EDA Meetina: Carlbom stated that he also attended the EDA meeting at which they discussed the proposed Highway 75 redevelopment project and the contract extension with Municipal Development Group (MDG). The EDA has recommended approval of the contract for EDA services with MDG through December 2007. LELS: Carlbom also stated that he and Rassier have meet with LELS regarding the 2007-2008 Labor contract. COUNCIL REPORTS SYMANIETZ Meetinas: Symanietz reported that she attended the following meetings: · LMC Planning Committee Meeting · Meeting to canvas the election results of November 7,2006. · Area Cities Meeting in Sartell WICK Downtown Committees: Wick reported that the Promotional Group has been working on a Marketing and Communication Plan. They are in the process of trying to get information out to the public. The Urban Environment Group has been working on the exterior designs for the buildings downtown. RASSIER Chamber of Commerce: Rassier stated that there would be a Chamber Decorating Contest for the Holiday Season. He stated that there would be information available in the Newsleader. ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Ordinance Updates: Weyrens reported that staff is recommending approval of the following Ordinances: 104 - Nuisance Ordinance reaardina licensina and reaulation of animals: Weyrens stated that the changes to this Ordinance are a result of a severe dog bite in St. Joseph earlier this year. This Ordinance did not require Planning Commission approval or a Public Hearing. She stated that City Staff as well as the Police Chief have approved the changes. Symanietz made a motion authorizing execution of Resolution 2006-038 approving the amendment to Ordinance 104 as well as authorizing the publication of the Ordinance Summary. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Weyrens clarified that all dogs within the City limits are required to obtain an annual dog license. The license fee is $ 10.00 and must be secured before June 1 of each calendar year. The application for license requires submission of proof of rabies vaccination. 112 - Reaulatina Exterior Solid Fuel-Fired Heatina Devices: Weyrens stated that the proposed Ordinance would regulate the use of Outdoor fuel devices. In discussing the proposed Ordinance with the Building Official, he indicated that if the setback is less than the proposed 75 feet the Ordinance does not make sense. The intent of the Ordinance is to allow fuel burners for large lots lessening the impact to surrounding properties. The proposed Ordinance does not eliminate alternative fuel burners and may different options are available such as corn burners. Indoor heating devices are smaller and are vented through the furnace in the home. Car/bom stated that he does not see a need for this type of Ordinance in the City. Rassier stated that he, on the other November 16, 2006 Page 4 of 4 hand, believes that the City needs an Ordinance for this type of activity as it affects the neighborhoods in the community when someone has an exterior fuel-fired heating device. Rassier made a motion authorizing execution of Resolution 2006-039 approving the adoption of Ordinance 112 and causing the same to be published. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Refundina Resolution: Weyrens stated the originally the Council had anticipated funding the 8th Avenue Improvement through the First State Bank. Since that time it has been determined that the City will be issuing bonds for the reconstruction of Jade Road. With that information it makes sense to combine bonds and issue one bond for multiple projects. To combine the financing the City must pass a refunding resolution verifying that the when the City bonds in 2007 the improvement cost for the 8th Avenue project will be added to the issuance. Rassier made a motion authorizing execution of Resolution 2006- refunding the improvement costs for 8th Avenue NE. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Budaet Meetina: Weyrens reminded the Council of the budget meeting scheduled for November 21, 2006 at 5:00 PM. At 6:00 PM, the Council will discuss the previous noise violations and rental housing issues at 29 E Minnesota Street. Adiourn: Wick made a motion to close the open meeting at 7:35 PM; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. ~." . . I~' "~J:.' L~/ . ..../. <-(It: A/f ~ '- ~ _-I:.:..~ _~ G Ju Weyens Ad inistrator