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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 [10] Oct 15October 15, 2009 Page 1 of 4 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, October 15, 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 Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives Present: Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Police Chief Pete Jansky, Public Works Director Terry Thene Others Present: Wahlstroms, Mike Kosloski Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. Approval of the Aaenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Consent Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: a. Minutes -Approve the City Council minutes of October 1, 2009. b. Bills Payable -Approve check numbers 042070-042118 and EFT numbers 000330-000334 and 000470-000-472. c. Acceptance of Gifts -Accept the donations and their purposes as presented. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Public Hearing - Delinquent Assessments: Mayor Rassier called the hearing to order and stated the purpose of the hearing is to consider adopting the final assessment roll for delinquent invoices. Weyrens stated that the fees that are being assessed are for services such as weed cutting, snow removal or other miscellaneous charges. Any charges that are not disputed will be turned over to the County Auditor for collection with the 2010 property taxes. The assessment is a one year term with 0% interest. To each assessment will be added a $ 35.00 certification fee. Weyrens stated the largest assessment is for unpaid services for the Parkway Business Plat. The hearing was closed as no one was present wishing to speak. Wick made a motion to approve the final assessment roll for unpaid invoices. The assessment will be collected with the 2010 Property taxes, with 0% interest and a $ 35.00 certification fee. Invoices paid before November 16, 2009 will not be assessed the certification fee. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. FINANCE REPORTS 3`d Quarter & September 2009 Financial Reports: Bartlett stated that the Council received the monthly report for September as well as the 3` Quarter Report for the months of July, August and September. She advised the Council that cash has increased since last year; however it will be decreased when the refinanced debt is paid in December. By the end of the year, Bartlett stated that the City will be in a similar position to 2008. Currently, the cash position represents 2 %4 months of the year's expenditures. Bartlett added that the General Fund spent down 69% of the 2009 budget and received 58% of the revenue budget. Without transfers into the General Fund, the revenues received represent only 51% of the revenue budget. Generally, the City would receive half of its revenues by Jul 1 and the balance by the end of the year. The Enterprise Funds are different in that they show greater expenses than revenues. This is due to the billing cycle for utility bills. With respect to Capital Expenditures, Bartlett stated that very little was spent. The City did some crack filling for 2008 and 2009 and those funds were taken from the General Fund rather than the Capital Expenditures. As a result, the funds are still available and there are now funds in there to cover next year's costs. Based on an email he received, Frank questioned the 602 October 15, 2009 Page 2 of 4 Sewer Fund. Bartlett stated that St. Ben's has not yet been billed for 2009. It was stated that it is the goal to get them on the same payment schedule as the rest of the City and treat them similar to any other commercial business. Wick made a motion to accept the 3`~ Quarter 2009 and September 2009 Financial Reports as presented. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. POLICE CHIEF REPORTS Monthly Report: Jansky presented the Council with the monthly activity report for September. The report shows the comparison for 2007, 2008 and 2009. He reported that Homecoming was uneventful compared to last year, which he feels has a lot to do with the weather and the fact that staff has been working with representatives from both institutions. He advised the Council that there will be a football game between St. John's and St. Thomas this upcoming weekend. As a result, there will be more officers on duty. Loso noticed a spike in parking tickets. Jansky responded that this was discussed on his call-in show and it will be brought back to the Council at the next meeting. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS Hydrant Flushing: Public Works Director Terry Thene advised the Council that the Maintenance Staff has finished flushing hydrants and they are working on winterizing the City and getting ready for snow. Plow Truck: Thene reported that he has been working with the City of Apple Valley on the possible purchase of a 1994 plow truck. The City has been purchasing used equipment from Apple Valley and the equipment has performed well. The Capital Improvement Budget for 2010 includes a used plow truck at an estimated cost of $ 25,000. The 1994 Truck is fully loaded including plow wing and sander and they are asking $21,000 which is lower than what has been paid in the past. Members of the staff will be viewing the truck next Monday. This would replace the 1988 truck that the City is currently using. Thene stated that the truck has already been traded in and if the City would purchase the vehicle before October 31, lot markup would not be added. Frank questioned where the funds will come from. Bartlett stated that there is an extra $26,000 sitting in the general capital reserve fund. They anticipated this purchase in 2010 with the equipment certificates. She spoke with Monte Eastvold and they could pay for it now with the reserve funds and reimburse it through the equipment certificate. Weyrens stated that they have done this in the past. Thene stated that the cost does not include tax, license, stickers, etc. Those additional costs would increase the price to approximately $23,000. Frank made a motion to authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute resolution 2009-025, allowing for the purchase of a 1994 plow truck from the City of Apple Valley, at a cost not to exceed $ 23,000 and reimbursing the General Fund with proceeds from the Capital Equipment Bond upon issuance. The motion was seconded by Wick. Discussion: Frank stated that this is quick, but this has been discussed before. He added that it needed to be done. The current plow truck has reached its full life. Loso stated his concern that staff has not yet inspected the vehicle. Thene stated that staff will look at it and drive it prior to purchase. According to Frank, the City has purchased a fair amount of equipment from Apple Valley. Thene added that they have a good working relationship with the supervisor in Apple Valley. The motion passed unanimously. Water Concerns: Frank stated that they have had a lot of brownish-yellow water. Thene advised the Council and residents that they have flushed all the hydrants in the area. He added that residents should bypass their water softener and flush their systems by running the cold water through the pipes. This will help to flush the pipes in their homes similar to when staff flushes the pipes underground. October 15, 2009 Page 3 of 4 MAYOR REPORTS APO: Rassier stated that he attended the APO Executive meeting. He advised the Council that they will hold an APO full board meeting next month. Ride Along: Rassier reported that he went on a ride-along with the Police Chief in the SUV. He agreed with the Chief, it was a quiet night. Transportation Forum: Rassier advised the Council that there will be a Transportation Forum at the Kelly Inn in St. Cloud on November 5 and he will be attending. COUNCIL REPORTS SYMANIETZ - No Report WICK Planning Commission: Wick reported that the Planning Commission met on Monday October 5. He added that the Council will be discussing one of those items later, under Administrator Reports, and added that they will be meeting with the Township regarding Orderly Annexation. LOSO St. Ben's Sewer Update: Loso stated that Council Members have received correspondence from CSB regarding their proposal for sewer services. The negotiating committee will be meeting on September 21St to continue the discussion and submit a response to their proposal. FRANK Budoet Meeting: Frank stated that the budget meetings are not televised and stated that the next meeting is scheduled for October 20 at 4:30. Refuse: Frank reported that he along with the other Councilors received a concern regarding the refuse contract for the City. He stated that he has recently read an article in the Minneapolis Tribune regarding refuse rates in the metro area. The articles clarifies that typically refuse rates are lower when the City contracts with one provider. In addition, if a City provides the refuse service there is less where and tear on the City streets. In fact, a garbage truck is the same weight as 1,279 cars. Connector Road to 20th Avenue: Frank stated that he read a recent Court of Appeals case in which a public sidewalk could not be placed on religious property as there is a Statue which does not allow the taking of property for public roads from religious entities. Frank stated that his could have an impact on the City regarding the proposed south east/west corridor. There are some concerns about the Kluesner and Rassier properties. Weyrens stated that she spoke with Mr. Kluesner and he is asking to be made aware of any plans. If and when it is constructed, a feasibility report will be completed and then neighborhood meetings will established. ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Interim Use Permit -Luke Birr: Weyrens stated that the Planning Commission met on October 5 and discussed an application for Interim Use to allow an owner occupied rental unit. Luke Birr, 212 Ash Street East has submitted an application to allow up to two tenants at his property. Weyrens stated that 212 Ash Street East has considerable history with the City. In 2000 the City placed a moratorium on rental licenses and at that same time the owner of 212 was moved to a care facility and the family could not sell the property with financial implications. The Council at that time allowed a temporary rental license that would expire when the tenants at that time left or upon the death of the property owner. The property owner has since passed away and the City Offices contacted the owner representatives regarding use of October 15, 2009 Page 4 of 4 the property. The property has functioned as a rental unit since 2000 and at this time the property needed to be in conformance. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the Interim Use Permit. Loso made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Resolution of Findings, issuing an Interim Use Permit to Luke Birr, 212 Ash Street E. The motion was seconded by Frank. Discussion: Frank agreed with the Planning Commission's recommendation, but he stated that he would like to see a notice in the newsletter as well as notices sent to neighboring properties when this is up for renewal. Rassier stated that this should be treated as a new rental license as it is a new property owner. Wick questioned why Frank would like this one singled out and Frank stated that there were a lot of neighbors expressing their concern. He was advised that there have been several residents voicing their concerns when it comes to IUP in their neighborhood. Rassier suggested that it be put in the newsletter one month prior to renewal for all the permits. The motion passed unanimously. District 742 -Portable Classrooms: Weyrens reported that District 742 has marketed the portable classrooms for sale at the former Kennedy School site. According to a representative from the School District, Brainerd is interested in purchasing the portables; however, they do not want to move them until March 2010. If the City would allow the portable classrooms to remain, the School District will restore the openings to the original condition before installation of the portables. Rassier questioned what would happen if the building were to be sold prior to them being removed. Weyrens suggested that they be allowed to remain on the site until March or when the property sells. Rassier stated that he would like to see them moved; however, he understands that this would save them the costs of moving the buildings twice as well as the cost of storage. Loso made a motion to allow the School District to keep the buildings as is until March 31, 2010 or until the building sells, whichever comes first. At the time of removal, the School District must restore the buildings to the original condition, prior to the installation of the portable classrooms. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Graceview Apartment Update: Weyrens reported that the wet weather has created erosion issues on CR 121 from the temporary road used for the Graceview Construction vehicles. The City has reminded the developer that the roads must be cleaned on a regular basis and that a rock entrance must be placed on the temporary road as it abuts CR 121. The developer has also been notified that the temporary road connection to 7~h Avenue SE must be completed by October 28, 2009. AdJourn: Symanietz made a motion to adjourn at 7:45 PM; seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. Judy Weyrens y Ad nistrator