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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 [01] Jan 15 (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 following: • Mayor - AI Rassier • Councilor -Renee Symanietz • Councilor -Robert "Bob" Loso Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. Approval of the Agenda: Frank made a motion to approve the agenda with the following addition: Add Council Reports (after Mayor Reports) The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. Consent Agenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: a. Memorandum of Understanding -Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the MOU between the City/Township and Stearns County regarding land use controls. b. Gambling Application -Accept the Application for Exempt Permit for the Stearns County Pheasant Forever for an event to be held at the Gorecki Banquet Center on March 7, 2009. The motion was seconded by Frank. Discussion: With respect to the MOU, Loso stated that, in the past, the City already agreed to this type of agreement with the County. Weyrens stated that this is part of what was already agreed upon; however, the only difference was that of accessory buildings. The motion passed unanimously. Wick stepped down from his chair. Rec Association -Gambling Fund Donation: Weyrens presented the Council with a letter from the St. Joseph Recreation Association that they are ceasing to operate lawful gambling effective December 31, 2008. As part of the process to dissolve any access funds must be distributed according to MN State guidelines. Therefore, the Recreation 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 athletic teams. 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. 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 January 15, 2009 (b) Page 2 of 5 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. Wick returned to his seat. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS APO TAC Report: Sabart stated that he attended the January APO TAC meeting. He provided the Council with information presented at the meeting. Frank questioned the potential park and ride site along CSAH 2. He stated that he mentioned this at a previous meeting and it is now developing. He questioned whether it would be a county or city project. Sabart stated that it would be more of a county project; however there are some questions relating to lighting, security, etc. There are lots of questions that have not yet been answered. Wick asked Sabart for clarification that the North Corridor project is no longer on the 2035 plan. Sabart replied that it is not off the list yet; however, if may be depending on the nature of the funding. The North Corridor and Field Street projects may be off the list. Considering inflation in construction costs, there are likely to be fewer projects. He added that the North Corridor is not eligible for federal funding, but there may be some ear marks available. Sabart advised the Council that the Federal Highway Administration stated that the APO's list of illustrious projects is too big. The APO is receiving pressure to dwindle the list down to more constrainable projects. Loso questioned when, in reality, the North Corridor is to be built. Sabart replied that there was no direct timeframe for the construction of Northstar as they need to build a case for ridership and financing. He added that the North Corridor is at least six years out. Weyrens stated that CR133 to the West is a longer phase out and CR133 to the East is a shorter phase out. Sabart added that both are several years out and financing may not be available. With budget cuts, Wick stated that the City may need to cut programs. He questioned what benefit the APO has to the City if the City will not have any projects on the list until 2035. Sabart stated that the City has received funding for Field Street in the past as well as the North Corridor Study. There was some question about the extension of the 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. III January 15, 2009 (b) ~', Page 3 of 5 Symanietz questioned who is being appointed to the Fire Ad isory Board as the Council Liaison. Weyrens stated that Loso has been appointed to serve on that commi~tee. Rassier appointed Loso to the Recreation Association and Symanietz to the Park Board. Ldso; however, believes that one person should serve on both boards as they are similar. Rassier advlised 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 with the replacement of Schultz to the Planning Commission. The motion was seconded by Lobo. Discussion: Frank questioned his appointment to they Area Planning District Board, questioning the mission of the Board. Symanietz stated that she~was on the board previously and that she will provide him with all of her paperwork. They have discussed issues such as Green Initiatives, equal housing and discrimination in the workplace amd in the housing market. They meet once every three months. She added that she is the alternative for that board. Rassier stated that the Council must either accept on reject the appointments and they are the Mayors Appointments and the list presented to the Gouncil are the appointments he is seeking Council ratification. Wick concurred with Rassier; however, since there is a motion the Council must act on such. Ayes: Frank Nays: Rassier, Wick, Symanietz, Loso Motion Fails 1:4:0 Wick made a motion to accept the Mayor Appointments ~s presented, excluding the Acting Mayor. The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously. Acting Mayor: Frank made a motion to nominate Wick for~the position of Acting Mayor. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. SYMAN I ETZ COUNCIL REPORTS Women in City Government: Symanietz stated that, due to the weather, she recently conducted a phone conference with Minnesota Women in City Government. They discussed budget information and the annual meeting with the League of Minnesota Cities. They will be voting on leadership awards and holding elections for new board members. WICK - No Report LOSO U~coming 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 bieen authorized at this time. He advised Loso that the extension of Jasmine Lane was identified two year ado for construction in 2009; however, nothing has been started yet. Per the developer agreement, there wos 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 6th 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 EDA Consultant Contract with Municipal 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 met with potential businesses. As in 2008, the 2009 contract includes a provision that allows the City to sever the contract in the event the City hires a staff person for the EDA. The contract includes a transition period to assist the new hire. Frank questioned what happened to the Downtown Development Project. Wick stated that the EDA is now working on this based on the direction of the different groups that worked on the Downtown Development project. Weyrens stated that the EDA is also working on the transitional housing and the financial impact of the College on the City. Loso questioned whether the redevelopment of downtown is a reality. Weyrens stated that the Millstream Shops and Lofts project is a result of the downtown project and it is anticipated that will help generate business interest. The EDA is currently faced with a dilemma of wanting to increase the industrial base; however, the City is short land to market. The City needs to determine when and how to make the investment of adding more commercial land. Wick stated that the EDA is in the process of reviewing the 2008 annual report which highlights the activity for the year. Frank questioned what happens if the City chooses not to use their services or hire staff. Loso questioned if the City is required to fulfill the contract. Rassier suggested that the City hire a staff person part-time to provide EDA services. If push comes to shove, the Council will need to determine if the City receives enough from certain groups to cover the dues that are paid. Frank questioned whether it is an option to ask staff to provide those services to which Weyrens stated it is. Frank made a motion to authorize execution of the contract for services between the City of St. Joseph and MDG for Economic Development services. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Update on Liquor Ordinance: Weyrens advised the Council that they are still working on the 2AM bar closing issue. She has been working 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) Page 5 of 5 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. Currently there are no exceptions. Jansky stated that a majority of the problems occur at rental units. The issue of mailboxes was also addressed. Thene stated that if the plow hits the mailbox and it was built according to proper standards, the City will pay to replace the mailbox. If the mailbox is damaged to the amount of snow pushing against the box, the City would not be responsible as residents should be shoveling around their mailboxes. Residents were asked to shovel around their fire hydrants as well. The City will be working on that as they have time. Upcoming Meetings: • Intergovernmental Meeting -January 27, 2009 at Waite Park Dinner at 5:30, Meeting to follow at 6:00 The Area Mayors and Administrators will be meeting on the 21S'to discuss a letter from Mayor Kleis regarding public safety. Asub-committee will be formed to discuss safety issues and joint ventures. APO Full Board -January 29, 2009. • S & H Case -January 28, 2009 at 5:00 PM • Council Workshop -Weyrens stated that she would like to schedule a council workshop and they discussed possible Tuesdays in February. Adjourn: Frank made a motion to adjourn at 8:30PM; seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. _ ~~~~ Ju eyren~ A mi istrator