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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04-a] Minutes/~ C['1'ti' t}F 5T. Jt~N PH MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM: SUBMITTED BY: March 5, 2009 Council Agenda Item 4 a Minutes -Requested Action: Approve the Council minutes of February 19, 2009 Administration BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: BACKGROUND INFORMATION: BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: ATTACHMENTS: Minutes of February 19, 2009 REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the minutes of February 19, 2009 February 19, 2009 Page 1 of 9 Pursuant to due call and .notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, February 19, 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 Citv Representatives Present: City Engineer Randy Sabart, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Public Works Director Terry Thene Others Present: Darrin Lahr, Paul Revier, Alison Gresback, Mariterese Woida, Margy Hughes, Monte Eastvold Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. Approval of the Agenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes: Move for discussion 4a Minutes Move for discussion 4b Bills Payable Move for discussion 4e MN Dot Agency Agreement Move for discussion 4j Transfers Add 12b Laserfiche Server Add 12c Fire Department Training The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously. Consent Agenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: a. Moved for discussion b. Moved for discussion c. Gambling Permit -Accept the Gambling Application of the St. Cloud Heritage Quitters for an event to be held on October 3-4, 2009 at the College of St. Benedict, Clemens Field House. d. Gambling Permit -Accept the Gambling Application of the St. Joseph Parish for an event to be held on July 3-4, 2009 at the St. Joseph Parish Grounds. e. Moved for discussion f. Interim Use Permit -Issue an Interim Use Permit to Irma Hoffman to allow anon-owner occupied rental at 1041St Avenue NW as recommended by the Planning Commission. g. Quarterly/Annual Gambling Report -Accept the 3`d Quarter, 4th Quarter and Annual Gambling Reports. h. Treasurer's Report -Accept the January 2009 Treasurer's Report. i. Acceptance of Gifts -Accept the donations and their purposes as presented. j. Moved for discussion The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Frank pulled the following items from the Consent Agenda for further discussion: • Minutes: Frank asked Weyrens to clarify the wording from the discussion regarding the park board budget. • Bills Payable: Frank questioned the dues to the St. Joseph Chamber which he was advised were $200.00 annually. • MNdot Agency Agreement: Frank questioned where the request came from. Weyrens stated that it was populated from MNdot. He also clarified that this amendment is revenue and policy neutral. The purpose for the amendment is to extend the time for completing the transportation study. • Transfers: Frank stated that he believes in having a consent agenda; however he is unsure as to whether or not this should be a part of it as it is not a routine budget function. Weyrens advised Frank that typically those transfers are approved by the Council prior to the actual transfer taking place as the transfers are done annually. Frank questioned whether these transfers throw up any February 19, 2009 Page 2 of 9 warning signs? It was stated that, in February, the Council approved the transfer of funds from the 2008 Capital Improvement Plan back into the General Fund. Frank stated that it is a reaction of losing state aid. Bartlett added that the City cannot show a deficit on the financial statements for receivables and funds have been set aside to take care of those issues. Frank made a motion to approve the following items pulled from the consent agenda: a, Minutes -Approve the minutes of February 5, 20.09. b. Bills Payable -Approve check numbers 041284-041345 and EFT numbers 000240-000245. e. MNdot Agency Agreement -Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute Amendment No. 2 of MNdot Agreement No. 86510 regarding the timeframe for the completion of the Field Street Study. j. Transfers -Accept the 2008 Financial Transfers as presented. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously, 2009 Refunding Bond Issue: Monte Eastvold approached the Council on behalf of Northland Securities to discuss some possible refunding of some previous bond issues. He presented the Council with some new information with current interest rates. Prior to discussing the refunding of those bonds, the City discussed some fire bond issues and went and got a bond rating. Each time that the City has received a bond rating it has been `BAA1 ". In his opinion, the City should have moved up on the rating scale. In the past, the City has always used Moody's for its rating; however, this time the City used S & P, New York, to get a bond rating which resulted in an "A" rating. This will result in a lower interest rate. There is a fee to pay for the bond rating, .but it will reduce interest costs by approximately $40,000. Eastvold stated that the Sewer Revenue Bonds of 2001 and the 2002 Improvement Bond are callable 12- 1-2010 and he suggested issuing a crossover refunding bond. The City would be responsible for paying principal and interest on the existing issues until the call date and then they would cross over to the new bond issue. Because the City will not be paying the bond issue off at this time, the City will be making an investment with the money. He stated that he was here back in September 2008 when rates were low. Since then rates increased and are now coming back down. He provided the Council with a comparison of the current bonds and the possible crossover refunding bond. Based on the currenf interest rates, the City will see a savings of approximately $139,083.44. The average interest rate will be 2.81 % which is substantially lower than the current interest rates of 5.01 (2001 Sewer Revenue Bond) and 4.06% (2002 Improvement Bond). The bond proceeds invested in the SLGS will receive a rate of .55%, which may change as rates change daily. In conclusion, he stated that the interest savings for the 2001 Sewer Revenue Bond will be $36,483.44 and $102,600 for the 2002 Improvement Bond. He advised the Council that the amount shown on the original resolution has changed from $2,735,000 to $3,010,000 as the minimum savings for a crossover refunding bond is 3% or greater. Since the rates have dropped, they have included all principal callable in 2010. He is asking the Council to approve the resolution for the issuance of the bonds with the new amount as well as approve Northland Securities to purchase the bonds for the City. Frank stated that it seems to be a good idea for the City to refund those bonds. He questioned Eastvold if that is his recommendation to the City which he stated it was. Eastvold added that the new stimulus package includes a provision for bank qualified bonds. Previously, the City issued two bonds to pay for the construction of the new Water Treatment Facility as there was a $10 million limit on bank qualified bonds. With the new program, there is no such thing as a non bank qualified bonds. There are fewer banks buying bonds and, as a result, interest rates are starting to increase. He, as well as the finance director, is recommending the refunding of those bonds. Frank made a motion to authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2009--002 providing for the issuance and sale of $3,010,000 General Obligation Crossover Refunding Bonds. February 19, 2009 Page 3 of 9 The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Wick made a motion to approve Northland Securities as the agent to purchase the bonds for the City of St. Joseph. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. CapX2020 Update: Darrin Lahr approached the Council on behalf of CapX2020 and Excel Energy. CapX2020 consists of 11 utility companies who are looking to upgrade the electric transmission grid. This is a two step process. The first step is the certification of need, which was filed in August 2007, and is nearing completion. It is expected that a decision on the need will be made in early summer. An Administration Law Judge will make the recommendation in the next month or so. He stated that the need case that was submitted is that wind developers and the Office of Energy Security say that the lines are not big enough. The second step is that of a route permit which will be submitted in two parts. The first part will be from Monticello to St. Cloud and the second from St. Cloud to Fargo. The route between Monticello and St. Cloud is moving along quicker as there is a growing demand in St. Cloud. So far, there have been 23 open houses, 11 routing work group meetings and they have spoke with 1,500 people. They have been working with MNdot over the past five months to secure right of way and it was determined that the logical corridor is that of 194. They have been talking with MNdot at length as to where the line could go in relation to 194. With a proposed ROW, it is anticipated that an application to the Public Utility Commission will be submitted in the middle of March and letters will be sent to the affected property owners. The application will be reviewed by all required agencies and open houses will be conducted. While the preferred route is the 194 corridor, they are required to establish an alternate route which they have labeled alternate A and alternate B. Alternate B does not use the Interstate. There is some discussion as to how far the poles must be set back from the interstate. He added that the closer the poles are to the fence line, the happier the property owners will be; .however, MNdot is not sure that they like that idea. According to Lahr, they are also planning to build a new substation near the. north side of the intersection of Hwy 23 and 194 on east either the east or west side. That has not yet been determined. The question is where to go from there. Lahr stated that they are still working on the 2"d half extending from St. Cloud to Fargo. They will be filing the Route Application in early summer and additional public meetings will be held once that gets closer. He encourages participation. Wick questioned the circle for the substation and whether that interacts with the area transportation studies under way. Lahr replied that most studies are consistent with their plans. The substation will need approximately 5-7 acres when built and 14 acres at full build out. They are seeking to purchase 40 acres to aNow for a buffer as well as approaches. Wick then questioned whether ROW would be required for roadways to be constructed though those 40 acres as the potential route for the Southwest Beltway extends through that property. He stated that they can build to accommodate. Headed towards Fargo, Wick added that residents in Pleasant Acres may be affected. Weyrens then questioned the new Corridor near the Industrial Park. Lahr stated that the only issue with transmission lines is that one cannot build beneath it; however, that are can be used for parking spaces. He stated that transmission lines are compatible with Industrial uses. Sabart questioned whether the ROW would be granted by easement or by land ownership to which Lahr stated that they generally secure easements. Loso questioned whether or not. the lines will be built above ground. Lahr stated that they would be above ground. Symanietz questioned the possibility of burying the lines. Lahr replied that the cost would be 7- 10x the cost which is approximately $1.5mi1/mile. As a result, they are typically built overhead. Wick questioned the next steps. Lahr advised the Council that they plan to submit a route permit which is good for 12 months, but the State generally files for an extension of up to 18 months. So, it is an 18 month permitting process before they can begin construction. Lahr stated that they need to have the line constructed to Alexandria prior to 2015 and they plan to have it completed by 2020. February 19, 2009 Page 4 of 9 Rassier questioned whether the proposed location for the substation has been set in stone. Lahr stated that the desired location works best for the capacity. He added that they have looked at other substations in the area for possible extension and that is not a possibility. Another location could; however, be proposed and may be entertained by the State. Frank questioned where the power will be coming from. According to Lahr, this will be a network line. A grid at the 345 level will create an open box network connection to feed power to multiple areas. He added that the general flow of electricity is from West to East. There is need for another source of power for this area. Lahr added that wind energy is booming; however, they cannot get it online until there are transmission lines with capacity. When questioned on the dimensions of the power structures, Lahr stated they are proposing a single steel pole structure to be bolted onto a concrete foundation. They are approximately 150' to 170' in height. The poles are built for double circuit so that they are capable of carrying a second circuit. Frank questioned whether the existing transmission towers will stay in place. Lahr discussed some possible effects of the transmission lines. Stray voltage is mostly associated with distribution lines. Not typically associated with transmission lines. The studies regarding the potential harms of EMF are inconclusive. The Council questioned their plans for working with those living in the country. Lahr stated that they plan to work with the property owners. Minnesota has a law "buy the farm" which means that the utility company must buy the entire parcel at the market rate. State Law requires the use of the eminent domain process if a voluntary settlement is not reached. Weyrens questioned whether they look at future land uses in the Comprehensive Plans. Lahr stated that these transmission lines can be developed near residential areas. Does a Comprehensive Plan play into the process? According to Lahr, it is not an overriding factor. Frank questioned the need for access roads.. Lahr stated that they would need access roads for ROW. Wick advised Lahr that the City boundaries are incorrect on the map. Weyrens questioned Lahr if the proposed route is certified with the property so that if the property is sold new buyers are aware of the route. Lahr stated that he is not sure about disclosure laws; however, there is no land record until it is completed. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS APO Update: Sabart presented the Council with the APO 2035 Augmented Network Congested Lane Miles. This takes into account what the APO has done for population and land use. He stated that an A or B level of service is good; whereas, levels D, E, or F are bad. There are a lot of roads with congested lane miles. Frank stated that although we strive for an A or B level, a C or D is becoming more acceptable. Sabart stated that MNdot Website had information regarding the Economic Stimulus package as referenced in the St. Cloud Times. The local project in district 3 was awarded to Waite Park as that project was already a State Aid Project (STIP). Wick stated that the. paper only mentioned three projects that were submitted and questioned why St. Joseph's weren't listed. Sabart stated that the St. Joseph Projects were not STIP Projects. North Corridor EAW: Sabart stated that the consultant working on the North Corridor has submitted a new EAW based on review comments from MnDot. The update is a result of the discussion on the purpose and need. The original EAW document indicated that the road section between CR 3 and CR 133 was based on a four lane road design. During Federal Highway Administration review it was stated that the 2030 projections do not warrant a four land roadway. Sabart stated that the language has been modified since it will not be built in the short term and it will be reviewed again. According to Sabart, the next step is for the City Council to accept and execute the updated EAW. Symanietz stated that she was on the committee for the study. They proposed a four land road with a boulevard in the middle as well as a bike lane. Weyrens stated that they are proposing to have staff February 19, 2009 Page 5 of 9 review and then execute it for comment period. She added that the public will have a chance to comment on the document after it has been executed by the City. Frank stated that there seems to be a lot of pressure for the construction of bike lanes. Weyrens stated that design will be handled at a later date. Symanietz added that they have already held some public meetings. Fee Schedule: Weyrens stated that the 2009 Fee Schedule is not completely ready yet. She suggested that the Council schedule a special meeting to discuss the fee schedule. Based on the proposed fee schedule presented to the Council, Frank questioned the following: • Dog License: Why is there a special license fee for a dangerous dog? Bartlett stated that it is due to a new state statute. Weyrens added that there have been significant changes in the laws and owners of such dogs must have insurance and licensure. Frank then questioned if that only applies to particular breeds to which Rassier advised him that a dog is considered dangerous once it has been written up as such. • Building Permits: Frank then questioned whether or not there is an additional fee for the electrical permit. Weyrens stated that, in most cases, the electrical permit is included with the building permit fee. When there is no building permit required, a separate electrical permit would then be needed. He also questioned whether or not the building permit fees are in line which he was told they are. • Cigarette/Alcohol: Frank suggested that staff review the fees for Cigarettes and Alcohol as charged by other cities.. • Special Events: With respect to special events, Frank stated that they have talked about staff time, police protection and cleaning time. He questioned if the $1,000 should be increased. Weyrens stated that staff will look at the permit application and the applicant is made aware that there may be more charges associated with the event. She added that the $1,000 is a damage deposit. • Garbage pickup fees: Bartlett stated that the refuse fees are included in the appendix under utility fees. Ordinance Matrix: Weyrens stated that staff has prepared an Ordinance Matrix for the Council to review to illustrate any Ordinance that includes a compliance component, along with the staff person responsible for enforcement and a potential fee for non compliance. Weyrens stated that while the list seems extensive, the entire Ordinance Book was reviewed. Frank stated that there are some Ordinances that he was shocked to see such as those relating to obscene movies and throwing candy at a parade. Rassier stated that the parade Ordinance was drafted as the throwing of candy during parades became a safety issue. The Council agreed that there are lots of items in the Ordinance book that need to be addressed. The Council will meet on Thursday, March 5 at 5:OOPM prior to the regular Council Meeting to discuss the proposed 2009 Fee Schedule and the Ordinance Matrix. Weyrens stated that if anyone has any changes or comments they should contact her ahead of time so that the changes or comments can be noted. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS Wastewater Plan Rehab: Public Works Director Terry Thene presented the Council with a request to modify/repair the existing main lift station. The Capital Improvement Plan indicates that the main lift station is scheduled for updating at a cost over one million dollars. Weyrens clarified-that the item referred to by Thene is more than just modifications and repairs. Sabart concurred and stated the CIP item includes adding capacity. With the slowdown in the economy the capacity is a future item. Thene presented the Council with a proposal to repair the following: • Generator -The voltage regulator went out on the generator. The cost to repair this is $3,300. February 19, 2009 Page 6 of 9 • Pumps -The pumps are over twenty years old and although they are good pumps, the seals and bearings need to be changed out on the motors. The cost to replace these seals is $4,500. • Building -The building was constructed in the 1960's. He has spoke with SEH and the building is structurally sound; however, there is no insulation. On very cold days, the furnace must run continuously. The estimated cost to insulate the building is $14,276. • Controls -Thene stated that the controls are getting to the point where they will need replacing and repair parts will be difficult to acquire. The cost to replace the controls is $33,298.. • Heating -The furnace is worn out as it has been running continuously. The cost to replace the furnace is $4,550. To replace or repair all of those items, the cost is estimated at approximately $100,000. Wick questioned if the funds to pay for this would come from Storm Water. Thene advised Wick that they would actually come from the Sanitary Sewer funds. Thene added that the building was rehabbed about twenty years ago Rassier questioned Thene about the noise of the new external generator. Thene advised the Council that a new generator would actually be quieter than the current one. Rassier also stated that he is concerned about the amount of foot traffic near the lift station. Thene assured Rassier that the area is fenced in. Rassier stated that eventually the City will need a larger building. He questioned whether the repairs will hold us until we have a need for a new building. Sabart stated that they can do some projections, but the need for a larger building is difficult to plan for because it is based on growth. The City is looking at the Sewer Comprehensive Study and this study will help identify the needs. Thene stated that the generator is failing now and it is his recommendation to replace the generator and replace the seals and bearings on the pumps. The cost for the pumps. could be a little more once they determine what the shafts are like. Weyrens stated that in the struggling economy, we don't know how long the controls will last and where to put the money. Loso questioned the current capacity of the pump station. According to Thene and Sabart, it is at approximately 60%. Wick stated that eventually there will be growth to the west. He questioned how much of the current building can be reusable in the future. In most cases, the current equipment would not be used as generally a new building is equipped with new equipment. He stated that it may be better to repair the items for now rather than replacing them. Frank suggested that items that cannot be reused be used elsewhere in the City or sold to a different City. Sabart stated that if the City were to lose power at a lift station, there needs to be a source of backup. Wick questioned the timeframe for the repairs versus the replacement of those items. Thene stated that if all of the items are addressed, it could take all summer. The generator will take approximately 8-10 weeks if a new generator is ordered. He added that he is unsure how long it would take to get a part to repair the generator. If the generator is repaired, it is unknown whether or not there will be more problems and whether or not other parts can be purchased. Thene stated that the current pumps are Smith and Loveless which is a good brand. As a result, they are only looking at the seals. He added that they have the seals and bearings on hand. Rassier stated that he is not sure about the building. When the City reaches a need for a new building, then new equipment could be installed. In his opinion, the City cannot lose with a new generator and the replacement of the seals should be general maintenance. He added that the City can look at the other items once we find out how much money the City will be receiving. Loso, on the other hand, stated that there is no need to purchase a brand new generator. He suggested purchasing a used one. Wick agreed with Loso. Thene stated that they would look into that as a possibility. Rassier asked the Council which direction Thene should go in the event that he cannot find a used generator. Rassier and Frank stated that they would be in favor of purchasing a new one. Thene stated that it is still working, but there are problems. February 19, 2009 Page 7 of 9 Thene advised the Council that he would like to have this completed prior to the spring storms. Weyrens suggested to the Council that this be brought back when there is more information about a used generator. Wick questioned what would happen if the power went out and the generator did not start. Thene replied that there would be sewage running up on the ground and the City would need to report a sewage spill with the State. He stated that he is unsure about the total damage. Frank added that there would be major fines if sewage would spill into the river. Wick stated that it is better to repair the generator than to replace it. Thene also advised the Council that, in the past, there was a chlorine leak and chlorine is corrosive on metals. He is unsure if that had an effect on the generator. Loso questioned Thene as to whether or not an electrician has looked at the generator. He replied that they have looked at it and the voltage regulator is out. Wick and Loso suggested that the voltage regulator be repaired. Loso made a motion directing Public Works to make the necessary repairs to the generator as well as the seals on the pumps. The motion was seconded by Frank. Discussion: Frank added that Staff is to look for a replacement generator and bring it back to the Council if one is found. Ayes: Wick, Symanietz, Frank, Loso Nays: Rassier Motion Carried 4:1:0 MAYOR REPORTS Recent Visits: Rassier stated that he recently went to visit with the 3~d graders at Kennedy School. They had a time for questions for the Mayor. He stated that it is exciting to see students learning about government. He was also asked to be a part of an event held at the VA Hospital.. There were Vikings Cheerleaders, Old Mayors, etc who were there to go and visit with the patients and take valentines to the different wards. FRANK COUNCIL REPORTS Cable Broadcast of Council Meetings: Frank stated that there seems to be a problem with Charter as portions of the City Council meetings are not being seen. He added that Charter is in the process of filing bankruptcy to allow for restructuring. Weyrens stated that she is aware of the problem and the screen simply goes blank. Council Workshop: Frank stated that he would have liked to see the budget discussed at the beginning of the workshop that they recently attended. The City needs to look at items similar to how other cities and counties have such as services. Again, he brought up the possibility of joint ventures with Waite Park for animal control or summer recreation. The City needs to look at services and how we can continue to offer them to the residents. We also need to listen to the people to see what they want. In his opinion, there will be a few more years of budget troubles and the budget drives everything in the City. He urged the City to meet with the Boys and Girls Club to see what can be offered. Weyrens stated she has met with them once and they have talked about possibility working with Waite Park, evening programs or specific programs such as soccer, etc. She added that they plan to meet again. Rassier stated that the City needs to do some restructuring and things will disappear as we currently see it, but be replaced with something new. Frank is aware that the area Mayors and Administrators have meetings set up in the next few weeks and he feels that these issues need immediate attention. Weyrens stated that the purpose of their meetings is to work on Collaborative efforts. Rassier added that Waite Park feels the same as St. Joseph. February 19, 2009 Page 8 of 9 Opportunities with the Department of Agriculture: Frank added that he recently met with Carol Anderson, Community Development Director for Morrison County. Anderson has worked for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in the past and she advised Frank that there are Agricultural Grant opportunities available through the power companies with low interest. Weyrens stated that, in the past,. the City has helped Stearns Electric to get their first revolving loan fund. LOSO - No Report WICK St. Cloud Area Economic Development Partnership: He attended the meeting of the SCAEDP. At the workshop on February 10, Tom Moore gave a brief presentation. He advised the Councilors that the Board has approved the application for a comprehensive economic development strategy. Wick added that St. Joseph has the potential to benefit from this effort. This issue will be addressed again at the next EDA Meeting. This is very important from an infrastructure standpoint. SYMAN I ETZ Catholic Charities: Symanietz reported that she recently attended a fundraising event for Catholic Charities at which they helped to raise money for the food shelf. She added that she also received an invitation to attend a tour of the food shelf for the St. Cloud Children's Home. If anyone is interested in touring any of the places that they sponsor, they are more than welcome. They can contact her for more information. ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Laserfiche Server: Weyrens stated that the Laserfiche server is in need of updating to Windows 2000. The cost will be approximately $7,500 and Laserfiche will perform the labor for free, She iS requesting that the Council authorize the use of the balance of the equipment certificate for the Laserfiche server. Rassier clarified that this was part of the capital budget. Symanietz made a motion to approve the expenditure of up to $7,500 for the upgrade to the Laserfiche server. The motion was seconded by Wick. Discussion: Wick advised Weyrens that he has been experiencing some issues with the website. Weyrens stated that those issues should be fixed. Loso questioned why there were problems. Weyrens stated that the City website has been changed and files will now be available using weblink. This will allow staff to attach files directly from the server rather than as an attached file. This will allow for better searching capabilities. She added that more information will be added to the site such as archived Council packets and minutes as well as plat maps. The motion passed unanimously. Fire Department Training: Weyrens stated that there are some grants available through the State for training reimbursement. Ken Jacobson of the Fire Department is working on writing the grant application and is requesting approval to submit the completed application on behalf of the City. Weyrens stated that it must be approved once it is received as well. Frank questioned the local match to which Weyrens said there is none. Wick made a motion to authorize the Fire Department to submit the grant application for the reimbursement of costs for training. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. St. Cloud State Agreement: The EDA has authorized the completion of a study to assess the financial. impact of the residency requirements of the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University. Both the February 19, 2009 Page 9 of 9 City Council and EDA have discussed the potential impact and the EDA has taken the initiative to identify such. The EDA has agreed to contract with St. Cloud State University to complete an economic impact study. The College and University have agreed to provide the required data and St. Ben's has agreed to pay a portion of the costs. The remaining portion of the study will be paid by private contributions and the EDA. The total cost of the study is less than $ 7,000. The benefit that the City will receive from the Study is to help when applying for government grants. It is always more beneficial to have data to quantify the need for the grant. Frank stated that he would like to see the landlords assist in paying for some of the survey. Weyrens stated that a letter will be sent to the landlords asking for their participation. She stated that the City wants to avoid foreclosure or abandoning of those properties as that would be a bigger negative. The City. would like to have access to funds to help with the rehabilitation of the affected neighborhoods and downtown. Wick made a motion to accept the recommendation of the EDA that City Council execute the agreement with St. Cloud State for the survey. The motion was seconded by Symanietz. Discussion -Frank stated that this creates some queasiness for him. Loso questioned what percent the College will be paying and where the funds will come from. Weyrens stated that they hope to receive $3,500 and the balance of the funds would come from the EDA funds and private donations. Ayes: Wick, Symanietz, Rassier, Frank Nays: Loso Motion Carried 4:1:0 Adlourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Judy Weyrens Administrator