HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-19-08June 19, 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 Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the St. Joseph City Hall.
Members Present: Mayor Alan Rassier, Councilors Renee Symanietz, Dale Wick, Rick Schultz and Steve
Frank, City Administrator Judy Weyrens
City Representatives Present: Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Public Works Director Terry Thene, City
Engineer Randy Sabart
Others Present: Stearns County Engineer Mitch Anderson
Public Comments to the Agenda: No one present wished to speak.
Approve Agenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda with the following
additions/changes/deletions:
Delete 7 Representative Hosch -Legislative Update
Add 10a Liquor License Transfer - Stonehouse
Add 10b Field Street Process -Update
Move 4d Interim Use Permit -Move as 10c under Administrator Reports
The motion was seconded by Wick.
Discussion: Schultz asked for clarification on the following items:
• 4b: Bills Payable -Schultz questioned how much of the construction of the Water Treatment
Plant is complete. Sabart advised the Council that all of the punch list items have been completed
and the contractor is working on warranty items.
Schultz also questioned whether or not the City pays a fee to the APO. Weyrens replied that we
do pay a fee to the APO twice a year and it is on a per capita rate.
4e: Treasurer's Report - Based on the Month End Expenditure report, Schultz questioned the
budget for Planning and Zoning. Weyrens advised Schultz that those numbers were incorrect;
rather the department is actually under budget. The Fire Training fund also seemed to be over
budget to which Weyrens stated that while the expenditure is over budget, a portion of the
expenditure is grant funded which is illustrated on the revenue report. Schultz also had some
questions relating to the water fund. Weyrens advised the Council that the large payments made
from the water fund include:
o $370, 000 for the water meter conversion
0 1Sr half of the debt payment
o Residual transfers to correct the fund balance
nth respect to the minutes of May 8, Frank clarified what he meant to say regarding the inspection of
rental properties. Frank stated that he meant that there may need to be additional inspections if there are
any identified problems or safety issues with certain rental properties.
The motion passed unanimously.
Consent Agenda: Wick made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows:
a. Minutes -Approve the minutes of May 8 and 28, 2008.
b. Bills Payable -Approve check numbers 000172-000177 & 040394-040442.
c. Capital Equipment -Authorize the purchase of simunition equipment.
d. Moved to 10c
e. Treasurer's Report -Accept the May 2008 Treasurer's Report as presented.
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f. Quarterly Gambling Report -Accept the 15t quarter gambling report.
g. Transfers -Authorize the 2008 residual and operating transfers as presented.
h. Acceptance of gifts -Accept the donations and their purposes as presented (Disc Golf/Camping).
i. Capital Purchase -Approve the purchase of the manhole cover lift, spool gun and salt sander
replacement.
The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously.
Stearns County -CSAH 2 Design: Stearns County Engineer Mitch Anderson approached the Council to
discuss the design of the CSAH 2 realignment. He stated that Stearns County is currently working on the
design for the improvements to County Road 51 between County Road 2 and County Road 50 and will
begin designing the County Road 2 bypass shortly. Anderson stated that previously the Council
requested that the road section for the realignment be constructed as an urban section, with curb and
gutter while Stearns County prefers to construct the road with a rural design. Anderson stated that it is
anticipated the road will have a design speed of 45 to 50 mph and as such an urban street section is not
compatible unless the City changed the curb design. Based on MnDot safety standards, curb should not
be used with speeds in excess of 40 mph as it becomes a safety hazard. Typically, in an urban section,
the roadway would be depressed with the drainage going over the curb as opposed to a rural section
where the ditches are used for drainage.
Frank stated that, originally, he was in favor of the urban section; however, now he realizes the savings of
constructing a rural section. Based on safety and cost factors, the County is recommending that a rural
section be constructed. Frank added that the City is unable to spend $8,000 on a regional human rights
office; therefore, the City should agree to the rural section due to the cost savings. Rassier responded
that there are some items that the City needs such as a water tower. As a result, the City cannot make
decisions based on past Council actions. Rassier added that on County Road 2 near St. Stephen, it is
constructed with curb and gutter and the speed is reduced to 30 mph. Based on the visions for the future
of this area, it would be a good idea to slow the traffic down. Anderson replied that the purpose of the
bypass is to go around St. Joseph and avoid the slow down to 30 mph as it is currently. If the purpose of
the alignment is not met, then it does not make sense to realign County Road 2.
Rassier stated that he believes an urban section would be best for this area based on the future plans for
this area. He understands that it may take 15-20 years for it to develop, but he would hate to have to
reconstruct the roadway at a later time due to lack of foresight. Anderson stated that they originally
planned fora 2-lane roadway. Wick agreed with Rassier and stated that, based on new discussions of the
comprehensive plan; it is shown to be industrial/commercial in that area. He stated that the first access
point is a half-mile up the road and questioned whether people could reach the maximum speed by that
time. Anderson advised the Council that there will be turn lanes at the access points. He added that they
were asked to look at access, safety and mobility and they have addressed safety and mobility. Rassier
added that currently, the Business Parks do not have rural roads as there have been standards set for the
business parks within St. Joseph.
Anderson questioned Rassier to what disadvantages he sees along County Road 75 as it is primarily a
rural section. Rassier advised Anderson that he would like to see no ditches along County Road 75 as the
appearance is not as nice as an urban section. Anderson stated that they were asked to look at realigning
County Road 2 to get the traffic out of town and speed is important when bypassing town. He added that
he appreciates the City's good gesture to pay the difference if the County were to construct an urban
section. Currently, this area is in the township and, as a result, the costs are that of the County.
Wick questioned whether or not they were in the design phase at this time. Anderson stated that they are
not, but will be shortly. Wick asked Anderson to look at the pros and cons of each design. Schultz
questioned what the County goal is for the reconstruction to which he was told it was to get traffic from
County 2 to County Road 3. Weyrens stated that they are not being asked to bypass the City, rather get
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the truck traffic out of downtown. Wick stated that he appreciates the County taking the time to talk to the
City about the reconstruction of County Road 2 as it may impact future development.
Rassier expressed his frustration with the fact that this, at one time, was one of the APO's top ten projects
and now it is not mentioned. Anderson stated that it has been removed from the APO's priority list as the
County does not want to wait for federal funding before constructing the roadway.
With respect to utilities, Sabart advised the Council that it does not matter whether the realignment is
constructed as a rural or urban section. The City will be constructing utilities on both sides of the roadway,
not in the roadbed as in some sections of the City.
Frank questioned the costs of this project to the City. Sabart replied that a couple of years ago, it was
estimated at approximately $700,000. He then questioned how this project will be financed and whether it
will be bonded for to which Weyrens it would be bonded with the Storm Water Utility serving as the
revenue source.
Wick re-stated his concern about the 1 mile stretch being 55 mph. He asked staff if they had any issues
relating to the proposed speed. Sabart stated that he has no direct concerns and he can react to either.
He was asked whether or not curb and gutter affects development in other cities. According to Sabart, he
sees both urban and rural sections in various other cities. He stated that there needs to be a balance
between being maintenance friendly and environmentally friendly.
Rassier asked for a timeline for this project. According to Anderson, they plan to begin the design phase
very soon. Weyrens suggested that the Council schedule a work session in the next couple of weeks to
discuss this issue. Anderson added that he could plan to attend the work session as well if the Council
would like. Frank stated that he would like to see the fiscal impacts associated with this project. He then
questioned whether or not the County is working with St. John's University for the County Road 51 project
to which Anderson stated they are.
CITY ENGINEER REPORTS
Discussion of Commercial Allevs: Sabart advised the Council that the City has received numerous phone
calls regarding the dust on the alleys. When the 2002 Street Project was completed, the surfacing of the
alleys were removed from the project. At that time residents did not see a cost benefit from the
improvement and they were already being assessed for other improvements. Staff is requesting direction
from the Council as to whether they would like to revisit the idea of paving alleys. Sabart stated that a
feasibility report has not yet been done, so he did not have the 2008 estimates to compare to those of
previous projects where the alley surfacing was included.
Frank questioned how this issue has been dealt with in the past in St. Joseph or in other cities. Thene
stated that the alleys in question are high commercial alleys. The two alleys of concern are the east west
alley between 1~ Avenue NW and 2"d Avenue Northwest and both the north/south and east/west alley
between College Avenue North and 1 gt Avenue NW. Thene stated that the area of concern is that
between Ash Street and Birch Street as well as the alley near Dr. Contardo. Weyrens suggested that the
City contact the affected property owners and get their opinion on the improvement of the alleys. Sabart
stated that there is the option of changing the construction materials, using calcium chloride or upgrading
to a concrete surface. Currently, the City uses class 5 gravel or crushed concrete. Sabart added that by
using crushed granite, which is more costly, they can reduce the amount of dust. He also mentioned that
potholes develop on gravel surfaces. Thene stated that in one of the areas, the gravel washes into the
storm sewer which causes problems for the City. Weyrens stated that the City has also received
complaints about the alleys between 1ST and second; however, they are not commercial alleys.
Frank questioned the assessment procedure. Generally, alley improvements are assessed on a 90/10
split. He questioned why the property owner is responsible for 90% of the costs, if the problems are not
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due to the property owners themselves. Sabart responded by stating that if the alley is improved, it will
add a benefit to the property owner. Schultz questioned the possibility of vacating the alleys. He was
advised that it was not possible to vacate the alleys as some serve as access to people's homes, there
are utilities in some of the alleys as well as the need for emergency personnel access. Frank then
questioned how the City could enforce the possibility of limiting the use to local traffic only.
Rassier questioned how much it would cost to improve the alleys. Wick stated that it would be best to
begin the process by surveying the residents impacted by the proposed improvements. Sabart stated that
it is best to deal with the drainage and sewer issues in these areas as well.
MAYOR REPORTS - No report
COUNCIL REPORTS
SYMAN I ETZ
League of Minnesota Cities -Annual Conference: Symanietz reported that she attended the LMC Annual
Conference. She stated that she was a speaker at the conference this year. She also announced that she
has been elected fora 2-year term for Women in City Government.
WICK
Leaaue of Minnesota Cities -Annual Conference: Wick stated that he attended the conference as well.
They spent a lot of time discussing the foreclosures process. He added that he is working on compiling all
of the information that they received to be distributed at a future meeting. He also received the report from
the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities and that will be distributed as well.
Planning Commission: Wick reported that the Planning Commission will be meeting on Wednesday,
June 25 at 6PM to continue discussion of the Comprehensive Plan.
SCHULTZ - No report
FRANK
Street Strioina: Frank commented that the street painting looks very good. He questioned whether or not
the neighborhoods will be done as well to which Thene stated they would.
Audio Devices for the Council Chambers: Frank stated that he has heard concern expressed regarding
the audio for those in attendance at the Council meeting. The hearing appears to be okay for the
television; however, those in the audience seem to have troubles hearing. He stated that in area cities
such as St. Cloud and Waite Park, they have devices for the audience to use to assist them with hearing
in the chambers.
St. John's University Planner: Frank advised the Council that St. John's University has hired a planner to
look at County Road 51. They have offered for that person to meet with the Planning Commission to look
at St. Joseph's Planning issues. He stated that this is a free service that he would like the City to take
advantage of.
Upcoming Election Information: Frank asked Weyrens to explain the deadlines for filing for office.
Weyrens stated that the primary election is the first Tuesday after Labor Day and those filing for office
must do so two weeks prior. There is a filing fee of $2.00.
Personal Website: Frank stated that he realizes his website is out of date; however, residents are able to
email him to be added to receive his newsletter to get the latest information.
June 19, 2008
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ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS
Liquor License Transfer -Stonehouse: Weyrens stated that the City Office has received a liquor license
transfer request for the Stonehouse. The ownership is being transferred back to the original owners, Paul
Petrak and Bill Nelson, effective July 1, 2008. Weyrens stated that the City Office has received the
required information and the Police Department has conducted the background check.
Schultz made a motion to approve the Liquor License transfer for the Stonehouse. The motion
was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously.
Field Street Update: Weyrens presented the Council a brief update on the progress of the Field Street
Study process. Previously the Council approved two corridor alignments to be forwarded for further
review. The two alternatives are:
• Along I-94 on the East side to Lake Sarah
• Over the Interstate to County Road 51
Weyrens stated the additional review has been completed and it is anticipated that the State Agencies,
Consulting Parties and staff representatives will be meeting in July to further discuss the alternatives. It is
possible that a final determination will be made at this time. Frank questioned whether the public was
welcome to attend to which Weyrens stated that she was advised that it was not a public meeting.
Luverne Harris, Interim Use Permit: Weyrens stated that the Planning Commission recently conducted a
public hearing to consider issuance of an Interim Use Permit to allow an owner occupied rental unit) at
201 Minnesota Street East.
Schultz questioned why some Interim Use requests are presented to the Council as consent items and
others are agenda items. Weyrens stated that it is generally presented as a consent item unless it does
not pass unanimously at the Planning Commission level or the timing of the meetings are off and the
information is not available prior to packets being prepared.
The Commissioners questioned the rental saturation in certain areas as well as the number of Interim
User Permits and how that was incorporated into the new Ordinance. Weyrens stated that it was not
included; rather they included more enforcement. According to Schultz, the saturation issue should have
been included. Frank stated that there are some concerns with the number of Interim Use Permits in this
area. According to Weyrens, there are only two Interim Use Permits in this area; the others are purely
rental units. The question was raised as to what is better, homes being foreclosed or having them turned
into rental units. Weyrens stated that she has received several calls requesting to rent their homes
without being owner occupied. Symanietz advised the Council that the Counties will be receiving grant
funds to assist with foreclosure education.
Schultz then questioned the following contingency to the approval of the Interim Use Permit:
• The property owner has been notified that the property is zoned R1 and the accessory buildings
cannot be used for a business unless specifically identified in the Ordinance. The property cannot
be used as a repair shop. Further, the City will enforce the parking and weed control.
He questioned why that was added to the Resolution of Finding as it is already in the City's Ordinances.
Weyrens stated that it was included to make him aware of the fact that it would not be allowed as there
were some concerns about him operating such a business.
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Schultz made a motion to authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the resolution of
findings granting an Interim Use Permit to Luverne Harris, 201 Minnesota Street W. The motion
was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously.
Upcoming Meetings: Weyrens advised the Council that a list of upcoming meetings will be going out
shortly.
Police Report: The May Police Report was included for Council Information. Frank questioned the
numbers of calls for escorts and clarified that they were escorting for funerals.
AdLourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously.
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