HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-28-08May 28, 2008
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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 Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 5:00 PM in the St. Joseph City hall.
Members Present: Mayor AI Rassier. Councilors Dale Wick, Renee Symanietz, Steve Frank, Rick
Schultz.
Citv Representatives Present: Public Works Director Terry Thene, Police Chief Peter Jansky
Election Precincts: Weyrens reported that with the elections scheduled in 2008 the staff has been
reviewing the election precincts and boundaries. The City is divided into three precincts:
Precinct One Person residing north of Minnesota Street and west of College Avenue
Polling location: City Hall, 25 College Avenue North (City hall)
Precinct Two Persons residing east of College Avenue
Polling location: 323 - 4th Avenue NE (Fire hall)
Precinct Three Persons resident south of Minnesota Street and west of College Avenue
Polling location: 37 College Avenue North (Haehn Student Center)
When Precinct Three was established the voters consisted primarily of residents of the College and/or
Monastery. Over time the precinct has grown to include more residents to include the Wilshire
Apartments, Foxmore Hollow, Morningside Acres, 29th Street and Hill Street. This area added between
300 and 400 voters to this precinct.
Over the years the City and District 742 has had difficulty securing a site for the election. Even though
arrangements were made a year in advance, we could still be moved. In addition to a floating space,
parking was not convenient for the residents. The City has an opportunity to move the precinct to the
new school on Jade Road. Weyrens stated that she has contacted the Monastery and College of St.
Benedict.
The Monastery is supportive of the change of polling location and stated that they had to transport some
of the members at the current location, so that would not be an issue. The College on the other hand, is
not support of the change. They prefer to have the precinct on campus and they feel that moving the
precinct may reduce the number of students that will vote. Weyrens stated that the relocation of the
precinct is the best for all the voters as the space at Kennedy is large and parking is adjacent to the
precinct.
Frank stated his initial concern was moving the precinct could be seen as disengaging the students from
the voting process. He further stated that it is not uncommon to have a precinct on a College Campus;
however, he understands the rationale for requesting the precinct change. Weyrens stated that the
decision really came down to access for voters and a stable voting place. Wick and Rassier stated they
too support the precinct change and this is a good opportunity to work with District 742.
Frank made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2008-009
Combing Precinct 1 and Precinct Three, creating a new Precinct One to include all eligible voter
residing West of College Avenue / CR 121. Further, the County Auditor is requested to notify each
affected household as required by MN Statute. The motion was seconded by Schultz and passed
unanimously.
Capital Purchases: Public Works Director Terry Thene approached the Council regarding the approval
for the construction of the salt/sand storage facility. Previously the City Council approved the financing
through an equipment certificate to construct the salt/sand shed. At this time Thene presented the
Council with a quote for the building and stated that the maintenance staff will prepare the site. The total
cost of the facility and site work should not exceed $ 60,000. Thene stated that he brought this matter
forward at this meeting as the vendor for the shelter, Coverall, has indicated that steel prices will be rising
at the end of the month and the quote provided will expire on May 31, 2008.
May 28, 2008
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Symanietz made a motion to authorize the expenditure of up to $ 60,000, including site
preparation for the construction of the SaIt/Sand Facility. The motion was seconded by Wick and
passed unanimously.
Thene stated that he will be requesting the Council approve the purchase of a 14' wing deck mower.
Currently the Parks are mowed using a residential type mower with a 7' blade. The purchase of the
larger mower will save the City over 50% of time currently spent on mowing. Thene stated that he is in
the process of reviewing the Capital Improvement Plan for the Public Works Department and will updating
the CIP during the budget process. While the total dollar assigned for the CIP will not change the
equipment within may. Thene stated that he is looking at the equipment and if he can add efficiencies
with larger or different types of equipment.
Police Chief Pete Jansky stated that he will be requesting the Council authorize his attendance at the
International Association of Police Chiefs being held in San Diego November 7 -11. Jansky stated that
he has budgeted for this conference and is only requesting to attend the International Conference every
other year. The Council agreed that this matter could be placed on the consent agenda for consideration
at the next regular scheduled meeting.
Ad~iourn: Schultz made a motion to adjourn at 5:20 PM; seconded by Wick and passed
unanimously.
J dy eyr ns
A mi istrator