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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a] Minutes - January 15, 2009(b)CITY {3F ST. Jc)SIGt'H MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM: SUBMITTED BY: February 5, 2009 Council Agenda Item 4 8 Minutes -Requested Action: Approve the Council minutes of January 15, 2009 (b) Administration BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: BACKGROUND INFORMATION: It is typical to separate the minutes from the meeting on January 15, 2009, from the Old Council to the New Council. Therefore, under the consent agenda I have added the minutes from the new Council and after the consent agenda I have added the minutes for the old Council, It is done this way so that any new members can abstain from voting on minutes they were not part of. BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: ATTACHMENTS: Minutes of January 15, 2009 (b) REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the minutes of January 15, 2009 (b) January 15, 2009 (b) Page 1 of 5 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor AI Rassier, Councilors Renee Symanietz, Dale Wick, Bob Loso and Steve Frank, City Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives Present: City Engineer Randy Sabart, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Police Chief Pete Jansky, Public Works Director Terry Thene Others Present: Margaret Hughes Oath of Office: Weyrens administered the Oath of Office to the foll • Mayor - AI Rassier • Councilor -Renee Symanietz • Councilor -Robert "Bob" Loso Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. Aayor a dministrator to execute the t rega land use controls. ~ ~e pt Permit for the Stearns County ore anquet Center on March 7, 2009. iat, in the past, the City already agreed to this that this is part of what was already agreed ~sory buildings. Rec Association - Garii lin Fund~~i~ation: Weyrens presented the Council with a letter from the St. Joseph Recreation Ass ~ n hey are ceasing to operate lawful gambling effective December 31, 2008. As part of the proce solve any access funds must be distributed according to MN State guidelines. Therefore, the R cation Association has requested the City accept the surplus gambling funds in the amount of $ 6,567.06 and accept the commitment of the Recreation Association to fund the purchase of uniforms for the St. Joseph Lab School Basektball Team. Frank made a motion to accept the excess gambling funds from the St. Joseph Recreation Association and honor the commitment to donate $2,100 to the St. Joseph Lab School. The motion was seconded by Symanietz. Discussion: Frank stated that later in the meeting, they are to approve the Mayor Appointments which include an appointment to the Rec Association. He questioned whether this group is still viable without the gambling funds and if so, where they will get their financing from. Weyrens stated that the group is still viable and that they would receive funds from user fees. January 15, 2009 (b) Page 2 of 5 Frank questioned the donation of funds to the Lab School. He questioned why there were no funds being donated to Kennedy for uniforms. Weyrens stated that the Recreation Association began the process of turning over the funds at the same time they were approached by the Lab School. Since the close out process had been started with MN Gambling they could not make the donation to the school without starting the process over. Therefore, the Recreation Association is requesting the Council accept the donation and honor the request to donate up to $ 2100 for uniforms for the basketball team. Weyrens stated the balance of the donation, approximately $4,400, will be put in a separate gambling fund. Loso suggested that this be reviewed by the attorney prior to acceptance to make sure that it is proper for the City accept. Weyrens stated that City's are allowed to accept gambling funds, in fact some City's required that 10% of gambling proceeds be donated to the City. The City is required to keep the funds in a separate special revenue fund. Frank clarified that they could have given funds to Kennedy as well, but they already began the process of turning over funds to the City ~::: The motion passed unanimously. ~' , :y-- , ~,~~ CITY ENGINEER REPORTS£ ~~ f r;: ~~,~. APO TAC Report: Sabart stated that he attended the~lanuary APO TAC meeting. He provided the Council with information presented at the meeting` ~~ ~x~- ...~w~ ~_ ,~ ~. Frank questioned the potential park and ride site along OSAH 2 I~e'`stated that he #ioned this at a previous meeting and it is now develop~ng,_ He questioned w : t er~'t'would be a coun ~r city project. Sabart stated that it would be more of ab ountyEproject; howev, xfhere are some questions relating to lighting, security, etc. There are lots of questions,#hat have no a een answered. Wick asked Sabart for clarification that the North Con~d4 .project is nger on the 2035 plan. Sabart replied that it is not off the ' e,however, if~~ay be de """~i~g on th ature of the funding. The North Corridor and Field Stree a ay be off the~t. Go erifag:i flatio n construction costs, there are likely to be fewer proj e added;tl~at the North Cp orris noble for federal funding, but there may be some ear mar v ilable. ~~~4,, Sabart advised the Council ~: he deral Highway'Administration stated that the APO's list of illustrious projects is .pt~ rf APO is ~ rig pressure to dw~ dle the list down to more constrainable projects. <, ~',~ Loso q oned when, i ~ lity, th orAth Corndoras3o be built. Sabart replied that there was no direct timefram r the constructs f_ Northstac~as they need to build a case for ridership and financing. He added tha orth Corridor t,least six}years out. Weyrens stated that CR133 to the West is a longer phase out an 133 to the Easy shorte~r~phase out. Sabart added that both are several years out and financing m _ got be available:*, With budget cuts, Wi~ °' ted that~tie City may need to cut programs. He questioned what benefit the APO has to the City if t e *-it w~,lt~a`t have any projects on the list until 2035. Sabart stated that the City has received funding for ~.5t~,eet in the past as well as the North Corridor Study. There was some question about the extension ~; a Wobegon Trail to St. Cloud as that was on the list at one time and now it is off. If the stimuli money were received, there was some question as to whether or not the projects could be moved up. If the City is not part of the APO, they would need to find other ways in which to get projects submitted. The APO and State Aid Staff have submitted projects that can be done in a short amount of time such as safety and maintenance issues. Sabart concluded by stating that there is still a lot of uncertainty. MAYOR REPORTS Mayor Appointments: Rassier advised the Council that he received applications for openings on both the Park Board and the Planning Commission. He added that there is still one opening on the Park Board. January 15, 2009 (b) Page 3 of 5 Symanietz questioned who is being appointed to the Fire Advisory Board as the Council Liaison. Weyrens stated that Loso has been appointed to serve on that committee. Rassier appointed Loso to the Recreation Association and Symanietz to the Park Board. Loso; however, believes that one person should serve on both boards as they are similar. Rassier advised Loso that he would like him to serve on the Recreation Association. Brian Orcutt was appointed to the Planning Commission and Councilor Frank questioned why former Council member Schultz was not appointed. According to Rassier, he chose Orcutt based on the various personalities of those currently serving on the board. He felt that he would be the best candidate. Frank made a motion to accept the Mayor Appointments excluding the Planning Commission appointment. The motion was seconded by Loso. ~ _ Discussion: Frank questioned his appointment to the A ~ea~{anning District Board, questing the ~. ~~. mission of the Board. Symanietz stated that she wa ' he~board previously and that she will provide him with all of her paperwork. They have n se~~'is"s~u~es such as Green Initiatives, equal housing and discrimination in the workpla a d in the~iousmg market. They meet once every three months. She added that she is t ernative for tha ard. Rassier stated that the Council must eith ept or reject the appoi is and they are the Mayors Appointments and the list presente o e Council re the appo ents he is seeking Council ratification. Wick concurred with Rass oweve since there is a ~ 'on the Council must act on such. .rte Ayes: Frank Nays: Rassier, Wick, Symanie o tion Fails 1:4:0 Wick made a motion to a ~ he Mayor intme resented, excluding the Acting Mayor. The motion was secon_„_ s__ k and pa un _ .y.~_ Acting Mayor: Frank r~iac7e a motio nominat for the position of Acting Mayor. The motion was seconded by Syma etz and p ~~,ed unani sly. SYMAN women~na;ity yovernmen . arneP conferenc ~"'th Minnesota n in ~ annual meeti ith the League in holding elections ew board m E >a:, WICK - No Report r~x ~:.~. LOSO L that, due to the weather, she recently conducted a phone ernment. They discussed budget information and the pities. They will be voting on leadership awards and Upcoming City Projects: Loso questioned Sabart as to whether or not there are any projects up and coming for bid in 2009. Sabart stated that no projects have been authorized at this time. He advised Loso that the extension of Jasmine Lane was identified two year ago for construction in 2009; however, nothing has been started yet. Per the developer agreement, there was to be a second access from Jasmine Lane on to Northland Drive. According to Sabart, there are other projects in the Capital Improvement Plan for 2009 as well which have not yet been approved for construction. Loso questioned the extension of 15tH Avenue to County Road 133. Weyrens stated that the extension of 15th Avenue was associated with the Crescent Hills project which is no longer an active project. Per the Developer Agreement for Northland Heights, it will be constructed at a later date when there is adequate development. FRANK January 15, 2009 (b) Page 4 of 5 Refuse Contract: Frank stated that there have been lots of concerns regarding the new refuse contract. Weyrens stated that Allied Waste has provided the City with some information regarding the new recycling program and it will be distributed to residents with the next newsletter. She clarified that the cost for refuse will not increase more than $2-$3 per month. Weyrens also stated that Allied will be contacting all of the local businesses asking for their participation with the new recycling program as well as those in the St. Cloud Area. Snow Removal: Frank stated that he is impressed with the great job that the Maintenance Staff has been doing with snow removal. He stated that he was concerned about the banks at the corner of County Road 2 and 6~h Avenue, but after calling to make staff aware of it, it was taken care of right away. ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS.:,° ,~ ~,, EDA Contract: Weyrens presented the Council with the 2009~DA Consultant Contract with Municipal ~.r, z.;~ Development Group (MDG). The contract includes a fee for°service in the amount of $ 28,000. When questioned what benefit the City receives from the contract. Wick stated that they serve as the EDA Director for the City. They respond to inquiries and m~~t.with potential businesses. As in 2008, the 2009 contract includes a provision that allows the City tosever the contract in the ~~ t the City hires a staff person for the EDA. The contract includes a trans~,ori; period to assist the new hire. Frank questioned what happened to the Downtown Development~r'oject. Wick sta at the EDA is now working on this based on the direc i n of the different.~rou15`s~Xhat worked on the ntown Development project. Weyrens stated t DA is also working an the transitional housing and the financial impact of the College on the Ci uestioned whether the redevelopment of downtown is a ~~~-~ . reality. Weyrens stated that the Millstrea o i~d Lofts projeCt~s,a result of the downtown project and it is anticipated that will help generate nessintetss„~t. ~'~ -,;. The EDA is currently fa t short land to market. ~~ ity nee commercial land. Wic ed that highlights the activity for ear. Frank questi ~ t apper'" ~ff if the Citys~x quire Y q` ulfJl the ~ _r~act. provide~DA services. If~aJ'st:comes enough'From certain groups~io,~;rover t ask staff to~~rovide those servir es, to wh Frank made a m ion to authorise x4 Joseph and MDG o Economic e~ el and passed unanim ~S,~I r. a of wa ting to se the industrial base; however, the City is etermi d ho ,e o rt~ake the investment of adding more )A is in t ~~ ess of revieliving the 2008 annual report which ~ s not ~0 ise their services or hire staff. Loso questioned ugge"sd that the City hire a staff person part-time to the~Codncil will need to determine if the City receives that are paid. Frank questioned whether it is an option to ~vrens stated it is. of the contract for services between the City of St. t services. The motion was seconded by Symanietz Update on Liquor Ordinanc~;`1N,e ;Tens advised the Council that they are still working on the 2AM bar closing issue. She has been or ing with Chief Jansky and Building Official Ron Wasmund. They will continue to discuss the Ordinance and inspections and their impacts. Snow Removal Issues: Weyrens stated that the recent snow has caused several problems. She reminded residents that snow must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours as the City does not have enough staff to do such. Chief Jansky and Public Works Director Terry Thene are working on a solution. According to Jansky, there is an entire City block on Iverson Street which has not been shoveled. He has spoken with the property owners and explained the penalties. He added that it is the same people over and over who do not remove the snow from the sidewalks and staff time is being wasted by asking them to shovel. In the future, if it is not done by the property owner, the City will have it done and they will be assessed for the service. January 15, 2009 (b) Page5of5 Jansky added that they will deal with this issue administratively rather than criminally. Thene will be responsible for coordinating removal of the snow. Jansky stated that the Ordinance states it must be removed within 24 hours. By the time the City coordinates the removal, it will be at least 48 hours as staff will need to first identity violations and contact a contractor. This is a safety issues as people want to walk and they should be using the sidewalks rather than the roads. Wick questioned snow removal in the associations and trails. Currently, the Ordinance only applies to public sidewalks and trails are not required to be shoveled. Frank suggested looking at trails in the future, especially the trail along CR121 to Kennedy School. Wick clarified that the contractor will only get paid if they remove snow. He also questioned who would be responsible if there were damages during the removal of the snow. Weyrens stated that the contractor would be required to provide proof of insurance. Frank questioned if there are any exceptions for those that cannot remove the snow due to the amount of snow, age, etc _ u~r~ently there are no exceptions. Jansky stated that a majority of the problems occur at rental un' ~;Ne issue of mailboxes was also addressed. Thene stated that if the plow hits the mailbox an as built according to proper standards, ~;=_: the City will pay to replace the mailbox. If the mailbox is da ed to ahe; amount of snow pushing against the box, the City would not be responsible as residents o be shovel ^around their mailboxes. Residents were asked to shovel around their fire hyd ~ swell. The Ci ill be working on that as they have time. Upcoming MeetingS: • Intergovernmental Meeting -January 27, Dinner at 5:30, Meeting to folio t 6:00 • The Area Mayors and Adminis all Kleis regarding public safety. A - ventures. • APO Full Board -January 29, 2009. • S & H Case -Jan 009 at 5: • Council Works b ~ stated th discussed poje'Tuesda Februar Adiourn: Frank made a Judy We' Administ be meetin a 21 S~ to discuss a letter from Mayor rte' tee will be owed to discuss safety issues and joint a council workshop and they by Wick and passed unanimously.