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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-18-08September 18, 2008 Page 1 of 6 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor AI Rassier, Councilors Dale Wick, Renee Symanietz, Steve Frank, Rick Schultz., Administrator Judy Weyrens. Citv Representatives Present: City Engineer Randy Sabart, Public Works Director Terry Thene, Finance Director Lori Bartlett. Others Present: David DeMars, Sam DeLeo, Katherine Kraft, Margaret Hughes, Ellen Wahlstrom, Mariterese Woida, Thomasette Schuller, Sr. Kara Hennes Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. Agenda Approval: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes/additions. The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously. Move 4.5 Move Parkway Business Center (8a) Add 8a APO 2035 Land Use Plan Consent Agenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the consent agenda; seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. a. Minutes -Approve the minutes of September 4, 2008. b. Bills Payable -Approve check numbers 040699-040738 and EFT numbers 000211- 000215 8~ 000440. c. Election Judges -Appoint the Election Judges for the November 4, 2008 General Election. d. Treasurers Report -Accept the August 2008 Treasurer's report and Financial position as presented. e. Donations -Accept the donations for disc golf, camping and a donation to the Fire Department. f. Interim Use Permit -Accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and issue an Interim Use Permit to Michael Patnode, 117 - 4th Avenue SE. g. Interim Use Permit -Accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and issue an Interim Use Permit to Pok Ye and Crystal Hughes, 415 - 7th Avenue SE. Parkwav Business Center: Weyrens presented the Council with the final plat for the Parkway Business Center. The Planning Commission has previously recommended the approval of the plat. Weyrens stated that staff concerns have been addressed and the Engineer has reviewed the final plat documents. With regard to the improvements, Weyrens stated that the Developer is requesting the City construct the improvements as a public project. The Developer has been made aware of the security requirements and has agreed to submit the same. Igor Lenznor, Rinke Noonan, approached the Councilors to represent the developer. He stated that they are planning to develop the property in 2 or 3 phases. Lenznor submitted the revised final plat based on the requirements of the City to secure all the right-of-way at the time of the finalizing the first phase. Lenznor stated that the revised final plat includes the platting of the holding ponds for all phases with the first phase. Again this is a requirement of the City Engineer. Sam DeLeo, surveyor for the developer, approached the Council. Delo stated that the ROW is illustrated on the final plat as outlots, but the plat can be revised to show the area as ROW instead of the outlot. The area will not change only the designation is plat illustration. September 18, 2008 Page 2 of 6 Delo stated that the initial construction will include grading of the entire site, with utilities extended to the first phase only. The proposed project will include water, sewer, street, curb, gutter and storm sewer. Delo stated it is his understanding that the City has a limited number of industrial lots with utilities and the developer is requesting to phase the plat minimizing the financial risk. It is anticipated that once the lots are developed they can be marketed quickly, as it is easier to sell shovel ready lots than lots with proposed improvements. Sabart asked for clarification on the extension of utilities, particularly the development of the holding ponds. Delo stated that the water and sewer will be installed in the area illustrated with the cul-de-sac all of the holding ponds will be developed and he will provided hydrology to illustrate which lots will drain to each pond. He further clarified that while the holding ponds will be developed, only the roads in the first phase will be developed. Access to the holding ponds outside of the first phase will be temporary unimproved access. Rassier questioned where the sewer and water will be installed. Sabart stated that it will be stubbed at Commerce with the trunk watermain at the intersection of CR133 and 19`h Avenue. No additional infrastructure will be added. Frank questioned how much it would cost the City to construct this as a public improvement. Weyrens stated that their would not be a cost to the City as the developer would be required to pay for the entire improvement through assessments. The developer would be required to submit a letter of credit to secure the assessments to minimize the risk to the City. There is an opportunity for the City to refinance some the existing City debt and if the timing works, the new bond issue can be added, saving both the developer and resident issuance costs. Wick questioned whether they are being asked to approve the final plat and the Developer Agreement or just the final plat. Weyrens advised the Council that they are being asked to approve only the final plat at this time. Sabart presented the timeline for the 429 process for the public improvement project. It was stated that the developer is going to waive the requirement for a public hearing on the improvement. • Council to order Feasibility Report September 2008 • Engineer to present Feasibility Report October 2008 • Council to receive report and order plans and specifications October 2008 • Authorize advertisement of bids October 2008 • Publication of advertisement of bids October 2008 • Bids Due November 4, 2008 • Award Bid November 6, 2008 He stated that this project will be quick as the plans and specs have already been completed by the developer's engineer. The developer plans to break ground in the middle of November. He added that the weather could play a role in their project timeline. Schultz questioned whether there were any new updates on the North Corridor Project and the connections to 20~' Avenue. Weyrens stated that they aren't any further and there are no good solutions. She stated that if 20`h Avenue is not constructed, they will need to make an alternate connection to the East/West Corridor. DeLeo added that they have saved some land to the East of the property to be used for possible ROW. Wick questioned when the final plat will be brought back for approval. Weyrens stated that it can be brought back in October with the Developer Agreement. He also questioned whether the Feasibility Report will contain costs per lot to which he was advised it would. He then questioned what would happen if the costs come back more than other industrial lots. Weyrens stated that they would then discuss that with the developer. Lenznor stated that they have an idea of the costs and they seem to be slightly higher than those in the St. Cloud Industrial Park; however, they are not outrageous. DeLeo added that they have two engineering estimates and they are very close. He also stated that he spoke with a few September 18, 2008 Page 3 of 6 contractors and it would be best to lock in prices now. Lenznor stated that they spoke with their lender and public financing would make more sense. Frank made a motion to authorize the preparation of the feasibility report for the Parkway Business Center project provided the developer submits a written statement requesting the use of the public improvement process, waiving their right to the public improvement hearing. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Discussion: Wick questioned the cost of the feasibility report. Weyrens stated that the costs would be borne by the developer. Lenznor questioned the Council as to whether the approval of the final plat was contingent upon the road change. He added that they would like to move forward with a letter of credit as they have some timing issues. Wick advised Lenznor that the final plat is generally approved with the Developer Agreement. Weyrens stated that approval is contingent upon execution of the agreement. Todd Rodenwald spoke as the developer and stated that they are requesting approval of the final plat as they need to show progress. Lenznor added that they need to take something to the lender. Frank suggested a letter from the Administrator and Mayor. Wick stated that he will not support approval of the final plat at this time. Weyrens suggested adding some wording to the resolution that the plat is acceptable. Schultz made a motion to authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the resolution Ordering the Feasibility Report based on the City receiving a plat that by consensus is agreeable subject to a minor change. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS Iris Lane Construction: Sabart advised the Council that on Iris Lane west of the Northland Heights subdivision, there is an existing drain the system that is creating difficulties for the Public Works Staff. He stated that they have been working with the contractor and will be added "clean outs" in the boulevard. The construction would begin in mid-October. School Soeed Zone: Sabart discussed the possibility of a school speed zone along Jade Road. He advised the Council that in order to create a speed zone, the City must first request the completion of a traffic study. The estimated cost would be $2-3,000, but he stated he would bring back costs at a future meeting. The minimum speed in a speed zone is 15mph; however, it cannot be more than 30 miles below the posted speed limit. It is posted at 55, so the minimum speed would be 25mph. Frank questioned the possibility of lighted signs to alert drivers. Sabart stated that the more aware drivers are the better. Symanietz suggested stacked signs to lower the speed when children are present. Sabart also suggested warning drivers of the curvature in the road. Symanietz questioned whether there are any funds available from other sources. Sabart stated that is he unsure if there are any costs sharing opportunities for the City. Wick questioned if Jade Road is a City Road or a County Road. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS Sauk River Watershed District: Public Works Director Terry Thene reported that the Sauk River Watershed held their annual event at Millstream Park. It went very well and there were approximately 600 people at the event. 8~' Avenue: The Council questioned Thene and Sabart about a red mark that was placed along 8`h Avenue where sinking occurred. They questioned whether or not this area would be corrected as it appears to have a dip. Sabart stated that the contractor was advised to leave it as is as they thought it September 18, 2008 Page 4 of 6 may get worse if they try to correct it. Rassier stated that he disagreed and requested that this area be reviewed. Sod Issues: Frank stated that he has received concerns regarding contractor responsibility during sode restoration of City projects. Some residents abutting the 2006 Improvement project have been raising concerns about the quality of sod and the care provided by the contractor. Frank questioned Sabart and Thene as to how restoration is handled. Sabart stated that the general industry standard for sod restoration includes a 30 day maintenance/warranty from the contractor. He further stated that restoration is one of the most difficult parts of any City improvement. While the contractor may water the sod/seed for 30 days, many times the resident will also need to care for the new lawn to facility germination. The City could extend the warranty an additional 30 days, but that would only lead to an increase in project cost. He added that they have been communicating with residents by newsletter about their responsibility for the sod once it is past the 30 days. There are two reasons why the sod dies: 1. Placement issues 2. Property owner responsibility after 30 days Frank questioned what happens if the sod sinks after the first 30 days. Sabart stated that it may be a placement issue; however, if the sod is not watered, it will shrink. Sometimes it is hard to determine whether or not it is a placement issue or a watering issue. Thene stated that he has had some sod issues with Charter. This was not a City project and thus he referred residents to Charter to get things resolved. MAYOR REPORTS School Ribbon Cutting: Rassier stated that he attended the ribbon cutting for the new school. They had a nice turn out and they were able to have the contractor, architect, principal, teachers and students present for the ceremony. Library: Rassier advised the Council and the Public that the St. Cloud Library will be having their grand opening this weekend. They will be lowering the flag at the old library, followed by a children's parade and the grand opening of the new library. He also stated that of the regional sales tax, St. Joseph contributed the first $900,000 to the library. Email etiquette: Rassier stated that recently he has received several emails. He asked that residents avoid negative comments about City Staff. COUNCIL REPORTS SYMANIETZ Leaaue of Minnesota Cities Planning Committee: Symanietz reported that they are working on plans for the conference which will be held in St. Paul at the River Center. Park Board: Symanietz stated that the Park Board met and they are working on finalizing ideas and preparing for the public meeting. WICK Partnership: Wick reported that he attended the Partnership meeting at ING Bank. He stated that ING is doing fairly well and they are still hiring technical professionals in the St. Cloud Area. September 18, 2008 Page 5 of 6 Rassier questioned Wick to whether they are still working on a Bioscience area. He stated that they are working on this and it would be a big benefit for the St. Cloud Area. School: Wick stated that also attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and toured the new facility. He stated that it is a nice facility. Millstream Arts Festival: Wick reminded the Council and the Public that the Millstream Arts Festival will be held on September 28 in downtown St. Joseph. There will be 38 artists and 11 food vendors. They expect to have about 4,000 people attend the event. He also stated that there will be some road closures due to the event. SCHULTZ - No Report FRANK Newsletter: Frank questioned when the next newsletter would be sent and whether it addressed the Planning opportunity available for the Council. Weyrens stated that it will be addressed and it is expected to go out around October 19. Alternative Sound: Frank questioned whether or not Weyrens heard any updates from Waite Park about alternative sound options. Weyrens stated she had not heard anything yet. Budget: Frank stated that the Council recently set the levy; however they are still working on the budget. He questioned the possibility of each department using performance standards as a way to measure whether or not the goals of each new piece of equipment were achieved. He asked for each department to come up with one standard. ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS APO 2035 Plan: Frank stated that, at the last meeting, they were asked to vote on the APO 2035 Plan to which he did not have adequate information to discuss or participate in the voting process. The APO plan shows single family housing near Lake Sarah and he stated that it should be a mix ofmulti-family and commercial. Wick stated that when the plan is done, it is a mixture of all the area comprehensive plans that are put together for a traffic model. Sabart stated that the APO tries to take the area Cities land use and place it on their map for future roads. The staff can provide additional information to the Council and will review the land use plan being used by the APO. Staffin4 Reouest: Weyrens stated that the Administration Receptionist/Secretary is on leave for six weeks and requested authorization to hire a temporary staff until her return. Frank made a motion to authorize the hiring of a temporary staff person. The motion was seconded by Symanietz. Discussion: Schultz questioned who is in charge when Weyrens is unavailable. The Council was advised that Bartlett is second in command. The motion passed unanimously. 2009 CIP Plan: Frank stated that they have been doing a pretty good job with the budget, but times are bad right now. He stated that he does not believe in cuts across the board. The City may need to do a 0 increase for 2009 which would reduce the budget by 3%. He would like to see staff come up with a list of recommendations and priorities of items that can be cut. September 18, 2008 Page 6 of 6 Intergovernmental Meeting: Weyrens advised the Council that the Intergovernmental Meeting will be held on September 30 at 5:30 at the Sauk Rapid Fire Hall. The agenda will include the St. Cloud Waste Water Update. Stearns County Meeting: Symanietz reported that the meeting will be held at the Library on October 21. Rental Map: Weyrens stated that the rental map requested by the Council will be available with the Comprehensive Plan on the Website. Budget Meetings: The Council will meet on the following dates: • October 14 6:00 PM Capital Improvement Plan • October 21 5:30 PM General Fund Adjourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously. J dy yre dmin' trator