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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 [09] Sep 03September 3, 2009 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, September 3, 2009 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph city Hall, opening the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Mayor AI Rassier, Councilors Renee Symanietz, Dale Wick, Bob Loso, Steve Frank and City Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives Present: Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Public Works Director Terry Thene, Police Chief Pete Jansky, City Engineer Randy Sabart Others Present: None Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. Approval of the Agenda: Wick made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Symanietz. Discussion: Frank questioned the minutes of August 19. He was concerned that not all of their priorities were addressed. Rassier assured Frank that everything was noted; however, they may not have been all in one section of the minutes. The motion passed unanimously. Consent: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: a. Minutes -Approve the City Council minutes of August 19 and August 20, 2009. b. Bills Payable -Approve check numbers 041930-041965 and EFT numbers 000315- 000319 and 000466-000467. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Mike Deutz. 31 Minnesota Street W. Special Use Permit: Weyrens reported that the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on September 3, 2009 to consider an amendment to the Special Use Permit issued on July 16, 2009 for the property located at 31 Minnesota Street West. The Special Use Permit allowed for a mixed density development consisting of residential and commercial. The Special Use Permit issued required the exterior improvements, including landscaping and bituminous paving to be completed no later than September 30, 2010. Since July 16, 2009, the property has changed ownership and the new property owner, Mike Deutz, has requested additional time to complete the exterior requirements. The Planning Commission has recommended the Council extend the time period for exterior improvements to September 2012. Loso made a motion to approve the amendment to the Special Use Permit at 31 Minnesota Street W, providing relief of exterior requirements until September 2010. The motion was seconded by Symanietz. Discussion: It was indicated that this property is eligible for TIF and Frank questioned whether or not the owner will make application for such. Weyrens replied that there has been no indication of that, but added that he has the option to use if needed. Frank questioned what happened to the students that were originally going to live in the upstairs apartment. Weyrens stated that they will be living in the units at 31 Minnesota Street West. Deutz has completed the rental license process and they are ready for occupancy. The motion passed unanimously. 2010 Preliminary Budget: Loso made a motion to authorize execution of Resolution 2009-020 Adopting the Proposed Collectible 2010 Levy and establish the hearing for the budget on December 3, 2009 with anticipated adoption on December 17, 2009. The motion was seconded by Wick. September 3, 2009 Page 2 of 5 Discussion: Frank stated that it would be worth it to take a few minutes and go through the budget section by section. Since the budget was discussed in a workshop setting, it is not televised and he stated it would be good for the public to get a general sense of the overall budget. Weyrens began by stating that the overall proposed budget shows a reduction of $146,506. Part of that amount is due to an open staff position that is not going to be filled. Staff has also reviewed the proposed projects including the five year capital improvement plan and the capital has been reduced by $40,000 as some equipment purchases will be held off until a later date. Staff has decided to continue seal coating the streets to keep the integrity of the streets. The proposed budget does not include any wage increases. Overall, this has been a pretty lean budget year. Frank asked Weyrens to discuss the effects on the average home. Weyrens stated that the property taxes are based on a tax capacity rate. Currently, that rate is 48.407% and the proposed rate is 48.501 %. She stated that they are hoping to keep the rate the same, but it is difficult to see a true impact at this time as home values may have changed as well. Frank then questioned the Expenditure General Budget Summary. He stated that it appears that the overall spending is down $174,000. Overall, it seems that most categories decreased; however, there are a few that show modest increases. He then questioned those increases. Weyrens advised the Council that Street Maintenance has increased quite a bit and that is due to the purchase and storage of salt and sand. Although they have increased some supplies, they have taken away the temporary staff. She added that legal fees have increased slightly as the prosecution costs have increased. Frank added that there is a small increase in Fire Protection which Weyrens stated amounted to approximately 2%. Frank stated that staff did a good job trying to keep the budget level and they had to deal with decreased revenues and a decline in state aid. The proposed General Revenue Budget shows a gain in policy fines. Weyrens stated that administrative fines will be used more effectively for violations of the nuisance ordinances. Frank asked Weyrens to explain the bond indebtedness. She explained that those are the balances for previous bond issues. Weyrens stated that the General Fund Levy revenue is used to support the general fund budget. The PERA Levy is used to make up the difference for the additional contribution that is required. The Unalotted LGA Levy is used to make up for a portion of the LGA that was lost. The total 2010 proposed levy is $1,813,655. Frank questioned specific projects such as the proposed water tower and the road east to County Road 121 from Graceview. He questioned whether those projects are included in the budget. Weyrens stated that the Water Tower project will be discussed when the Council reviews the enterprise funds in October and the south east/west road is part of the Capital Improvement project. Loso then questioned the upcoming schedule for budget meetings. Bartlett advised the Council that Truth and Taxation laws have changed and the Public Hearing can now be held during the regular Council meeting. Loso clarified that there will be additional Council workshops prior to the final budget. Bartlett stated that once the City received the 2010 market value, the true impact of the budget can be determined and the Council will continue discussing the proposed budget. The motion passed unanimously. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS APO TAC Meeting Update: Sabart stated that he attended the last meeting of the APO TAC at which a majority of the meeting was spent on discussions regarding the bike and pedestrian community. They looked at a vision statement as well as the goals and policies of the Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. They also discussed different investment options for Bike, Pedestrian, Expansion, Operations, Preservation, Safety and Transit. All of the options included 50% use of federal formula dollars for expansion projects and 50% for preservation. They discussed how the expansion funds should be divided. This item was tabled for further discussion. Sabart stated that the TAC also discussed how those projects should be prioritized and that item was also tabled. Sabart advised the Council that the September 3, 2009 Page 3 of 5 APO Staff presented information regarding the State Rail Plan. The State has initiated studies to analyze the demand passenger and freight rail. He stated that there seems to be particular interest in ridership between the Twin Cities and St. Cloud. They also discussed the results of the APO's non-scientific 2035 Transportation Plan survey. Previously, they discussed the TIGER program and Sabart stated that the APO submitted five project letters to MnDOT. TAC members provide brief updates for various stimulus projects in the district. Sabart added that a representative from MnDOT was present to give an update on the ongoing discussion between district 3 and the state office regarding the equity of funding. This item will be addressed at the next meeting. Frank stated that, recently, he was driving on Northway Drive and noticed the pedestal (movable) cross walks. He questioned whether this type of signage could be used in St. Joseph. Sabart advised Frank that, in most communities, they are funded by donations. He added that when those are hit, they are expensive to replace. The APO TAC report also mentioned the status of the orders for bus purchases. Based on the report, Frank stated that it does not appear that any of those buses came from New Flyer. Sabart stated that he is not sure where they come from, but they are more than likely on a state contract. Crack Sealing: Thene reported that the crack sealing is almost complete and it should be finished on Tuesday, September 8. They will finish with Baker Street and Minnesota Street. This will complete all of the work for 2008/2009. Lift Station Repairs: Thene advised the Council that the necessary repairs have been completed and the lift station is operating again. He added that this will be covered by insurance as the damage was a result of a weather event. MN WARN: Thene stated that MN WARN is a mutual aid agreement for cities with municipal services for use in time of disaster. He stated that the City is not obligated to provide assistance, it would be determined based on whether or not we have the ability to do so. He added that this would enhance the Emergency Services Plan that Jansky is working on with the H1 N1 planning. According to Thene, MN WARN is a recognized organization throughout the state. Pat Shea of the City of St. Cloud is the regional representative and will coordinate all mutual aid requests. Frank made a motion authorizing execution of Resolution 2009-021 authorizing participation in MN WARN. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Sauk River Watershed District: Loso stated that recently he spoke with the Mayor of St. Martin and was advised that there may be some financial costs to Cities in the Sauk River Watershed District. Loso questioned Sabart if he was aware of any such cost. Sabart stated that he was not aware of anything, but check with the watershed district. Water Plant Issues: Frank stated that the Council received information regarding molding/leaking in the 2006 Water Filtration Plant and questioned Sabart as to the specifics. Sabart advised the Council that staff noticed some black spots on the wall near the water tank. They thought that perhaps the concrete tank may have been leaking. After reviewing the plans and the areas of concern, it has been determined that the cause can be related to a wall that is not insulated in the entry. The fluctuation in temperature may cause the tank to sweat and penetrate into the sheet rock. SEH will work with the Public Works Staff to resolve the issue. Sabart stated that the previous warranty issue at the Water filtration plant regarding the checking of the glue laminated beams has been resolved. The contractor completed the necessary work. Root Control: Thene advised the Councilors that previously Duke Root Control was hired to treat sewer lines with excessive roots. As part of the contract the lines treated have been televised and some of the lines still show a significant amount of roots. The Contractor has agreed to treat the sewer lines again at no charge to the City. September 3, 2009 Page 4 of 5 Chamber Welcome Sian: Frank stated that the St. Joseph Chamber President has inquired about the street banner to welcome back students. Thene stated that he has been working on identifying an area for an over street banner, but the overhead lines along Minnesota Street make it is difficult task. In addition, if a banner is displayed across the street, the height requirement of Stearns County is problematic. MAYOR REPORTS Administrator Review: Rassier stated that he and Council Wick met with Weyrens to discuss the complied performance review. As the review as favorable, Rassier stated that he and Wick are recommending that Weyrens advance one step on the pay scale. While the 2009 budget did not include a cost of living increase, the budget did include step increases for eligible employees. Loso made a motion to accept the recommendation of the personnel committee and move the Administrator to the next step level. The motion was seconded by Symanietz. Discussion: Frank stated that he questioned the step increase as recommended and clarified that the step increase is for 2009 and is retroactive. Frank stated that it is important to recognize that the step is not for 2010 as employee compensation for 2010 has yet to be discussed and the City has two open union contracts. The motion passed unanimously. 9-11 Ceremony: Rassier stated that he will be participating in the 9-11 Ceremony in St. Cloud as well as the other area Mayors and representatives. COUNCIL REPORTS SYMANIETZ APO: Symanietz reported that she also attended the APO Meeting at which they discussed the Northstar link. Beginning on November 16, people will be able to catch a ride on a bus from St. Cloud to connect with Northstar in Big Lake. WICK - No Report LOSO - No Report FRANK Rental of the Wobegon Trail Center: Frank stated that he, as well as Councilor Symanietz, received a phone call regarding the rental of the Lake Wobegon Trail Center. The caller was questioning the $75 fee as well as the $200 damage deposit. Specifically, they were questioning why anon-profit organization is charged to use the facility Weyrens stated that it is used for a wide variety of uses. The facility needs to be cleaned similar to any other facility. There were some questions as to why certain groups such as the Quitters can use the Fire Hall for free. Weyrens stated that when the Fire Hall was built, there were certain groups that are able to use it at no charge and it was structured that way. The Fire Hall is a community building. Frank also stated that there was some concern as to why the Center is not open during daylight hours. Weyrens explained that it is due to vandalism. She advised the Council that the bathrooms are open and on a timer. Of all the park reservations, there are maybe 2 or 3 that do not receive the deposits back in a given year. She concluded by stating that all other parks require a fee and a damage deposit. 2AM Bar Closing: In a memo to the Council, it was stated that there were three bars that expressed interest in the 2AM Bar closing and as of this date the City has not received an application for such. Frank questioned if it was due to the fees being too high. Weyrens stated that the license for 2AM bar September 3, 2009 Page 5 of 5 closing is established and collected by the State of Minnesota. The City does not receive a portion of the fee nor does the City have a separate 2 AM license fee. The new ordinance regulations required those staying open until 2 AM to invest in and use a card reader; however, it was not specified that a certain reader be used. The new provision for garbage being cleaned up and the turning over of ID's pertain to all liquor license holders, not just those applying for the 2AM bar closing. ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Meetings: Weyrens advised the Council that a new calendar showing their meetings will be distributed.. Adjourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 7:50 PM; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Jud Wey ens inistrator