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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 [02] Feb 18February 18, 2010 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, February 18, 2010 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall, opening the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Mayor Al Rassier, Councilors Dale Wick, Renee Symanietz, Steve Frank, Bob Loso and City Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives Present: City Engineer Randy Sabart, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Public Works Director Terry Thene and Police Chief Pete Jansky Others Present: Tom Klein, Dave Leitzman, Eurice Adjei, Hedy Tripp, Deb Robinson, Mariterese Woida, Michael Williams, Thomasette Schuler PUBLIC COMMENTS Deb Robinson, St. Joseph, approached the Council on behalf of Great River Interfaith Partnership to discuss the issue of a regional human rights office. She understands that they have spent a lot of time discussing this issue already. She stated that she understands that the original amount that the City agreed to was $10,000 and that was taken back once budget cuts were made. Now, St. Joseph is being asked to contribute $3,100 which is much less. On a personal note, Robinson stated that she has two children of color and she worries about what will happen to them and how they, as well as others, may be affected by discrimination. She questioned where people can go for help. Although she has the resources to get to the Cities, many do not and it would be nice to have a regional place to go to make sure that our human rights are protected. She stated that she would like for St. Joseph to re- consider joining St. Cloud for a regional human rights office. In conclusion, she stated that she is asking the Council members to use their leadership and vision to protect the human rights for those in the St. Joseph area and join the regional human rights effort. Approval of the Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda with the following additions /deletions /changes: Move 4(f) Fire Department Grant — Frank asked for this to be pulled for discussion. Move 4(a) Minutes — to be approved separately following the consent agenda. Add 9(b) APO Requested Resolution The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Consent Agenda: Wick made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: a. Moved for separate approval b. Bills Payable — Approve check numbers 042502 -042548 and EFT numbers 000376 - 000380 and 000486. c. Park Equipment — Accept the low quote from Minnesota Playground Equipment in the amount of $30,632.00 for the purchase of playground equipment for Centennial Park. d. Park Equipment — Accept the quote from Minnesota Wisconsin Playground in the amounts of $4,387.38 for a swing set for Northland Park. e. Interim Use Permit — Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Resolution of Findings granting an Interim Use Permit to Jordan Onnen, 22417' Avenue SE as recommended by the Planning Commission. f. Moved for discussion. g. Treasurer's Report — Accept the January 2010 Treasurer's Report. h. Quarterly Gambling Report — Accept the 4th Quarter Report. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. (4a) Minutes: Frank made a motion to approve the City Council minutes of February 4, 2010. The motion was seconded by Rassier. Ayes: Rassier, Frank, Loso Nays: None. Abstain: Wick, Symanietz Motion Carried 3:0:2 February 18, 2010 Page 2 of 6 (4f) Fire Department Grant: Frank questioned whether or not the Fire Chief was present to which Weyrens stated he was not. Frank stated that he has concerns with the expenditure given that the City has seen significant reductions and LGA and is projected to lose additional aid in 2010. Specifically he has the following questions. • How old is the current piece of equipment? • How many miles are on it? • What is the useable life of that type of equipment? Loso added that it is used as a mini - tanker as well as grass fires. The Fire Board annually reviews the Fire Capital Improvement Plan of which this equipment was listed. Loso further stated that the Fire Capital Improvement Plan is not included with the City General Fund CIP as St. Joseph and Wendel Townships are contributors. Wick stated that, based on the CIP, the current piece of equipment is 12 years old. Frank stated that this was not originally part of the planned equipment certificate and, as a result, he does not see supporting this purchase simply due to a grant. Loso advised Frank that the Fire Department has their own budget to which Weyrens added that this was budgeted to be purchased in 2011 and there are reserve funds available. Wick stated that this, most likely, would not be awarded this year as this is simply applying for the grant. He added that, after the budget cycle, the DNR may not have enough funds available to fund all of their projects. Wick made a motion to authorize submission of a grant application to the DNR for a 6- wheeler for the Fire Department and accept a grant from MN Training in the amount of $4,000. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Public Hearing — Easement Release, 626 Fir Street: Weyrens stated that the purpose of the hearing is to consider a request to release the eastern ten (10) feet of the 20 foot easement located parallel to the western property line on property legally described as Lot 34 Block 2, Northland Plat 5. The easement release is being requested to provide clear title to the property owner as a portion of the home was constructed over the easement. She added that the house was built in 1999 and she is not sure how this happened. Staff has contacted all of the utility companies and has received positive responses from all but Xcel Energy. Xcel stated that the proposed easement release would have an impact to their utilities. City Engineer Randy Sabart spoke with the representative from Xcel and they are working to find out more about the impact that this would have on their services. So far, the gas and electric lines have not been located. The observation is that the utilities that they claim are impacted are actually the service lines to the individual home. Weyrens advised the Council that the individual building services are not in a public utility easement so staff is still working to try to understand why there is a problem for Xcel. Weyrens stated that this property is scheduled to close, but they cannot do so until this is approved. She requested the Council approve the easement release contingent upon release from Xcel Energy. Rassier opened the Public Hearing. No one present wished to speak regarding the proposed easement release. Frank made a motion to close the public hearing at 7:17 PM; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Frank made a motion to authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Certificate of Compliance releasing the eastern 10 feet of the 20 foot easement located parallel to the western property line, contingent upon release from Xcel Energy. The motion was seconded by Loso. Discussion: Sabart noted that, based on the location report, the side of the house is encroaching on the easement by approximately 8'. Wick questioned how the City can prevent this in the future. Weyrens stated that this was an inspector issue in 1999. The motion passed unanimously. February 18, 2010 Page 3 of 6 Human Rights: Mike Williams, City of St. Cloud, approached the Council to speak on behalf of the proposed regional human rights office. Williams began by presenting the Council with a summary of the Human Rights initiative from 2008. During the last attempt at funding a Human Rights Office the structures was nearing completion when Waite Park and St. Joseph withdrew. He stated that there are four main components of the regional office and they include: Complaint Processing (35 %), Contract Compliance /Other (5 %), Education & Outreach (55 %) and Support Staff to the Regional Human Rights Commission (5 %). The main point is that they will begin to provide human rights services on a regional basis and, more importantly, bring the State Department of Human Rights to help provide regional enforcement. In 2008, he stated that they were very close to making this a reality. They had a concept in mind as well as a Joint Powers Agreement in place. Williams added that Governance would be through a Joint Powers Board which would appoint a commission to oversee the board, monitor the contracts and advise the governing board. Since this was originally discussed, there have been some funding changes. Williams advised the Council that St. Cloud has put in an application to use CDBG funds to fund a portion of the human rights office. He added that this is a significant change in the financial structure; however, they will be able to fund the same program using the Community Development Block Grant Funds. In the event that only St. Cloud and St. Joseph are the participating members, Symanietz questioned whether only residents from those cities would be able to utilize the office. Williams advised Symanietz and the Council that other people may come to the office and they would not be turned way. They would simply refer those complaints to the State for follow -up. He added that education and outreach would be focused more on the Cities involved in the initiative. Loso asked for clarification on the number of cities participating. Williams replied that Waite Park recently denied the request to join the initiative and stated that the issue will be addressed with the area cities at a later date. Rassier questioned the budget as to whether or not it will be enough to cover all costs including salaries. Williams stated that the amount that they feel that the amount budgeted will be enough to cover salaries for 1 % staff persons as well as rent, etc. Those numbers have been presented to the State and they have agreed as well. Loso questioned where the office will be located yet to which Williams stated that it has not yet been determined and stated that those discussions still need to take place. Wick questioned Williams as to whether or not the St. Cloud City Council has voted on this issue. Williams replied that the Council approved the Joint Powers Agreement in 2008 and advised him that the St. Cloud City Council has not yet approved the new initiative. Wick questioned how much St. Cloud will lose in LGA. Williams stated that they are projected to lose almost $3million. He added that he is confident that, based on their previous actions, the St. Cloud City Council will endorse this activity. Williams also added that this is a good use of CDBG funds. Symanietz questioned whether or not the City has budgeted for this program to which Weyrens stated that they have not, but the funds would come from an enterprise fund. Wick questioned whether or not the state has been contacted to see if they are willing to help with some resources. Williams reported that he spoke with Mr. Brown at the State Office and they are in support of the arrangement. Frank stated that he appreciates all of the work that has been done and added that he watched a previous St. Cloud City Council meeting at which this was discussed and he did get a sense that the St. Cloud City Council does support this initiative. Williams advised Frank that they voted unanimously on the past Resolution that was brought before them. Rassier advised the Council that the next step would be to give staff some direction. He added that, last time, he was most concerned about the complaint processing and whether or not this regional office will be able to help people. He stated that there seem to be a lot of programs focused on education and outreach. His concern is whether or not those that come to this office will have their claims handled through this office or whether or not it will still need to be investigated through St. Paul. At a time when the Governor is looking to cut half of a city's revenue, each little bit is a big deal. At this time, Rassier stated .that he cannot see the City approving this. He attended a meeting regarding human rights to try and understand the problems that people face. He stated that he will never understand until he is on that side of the fence. In his opinion, this regional office will not give St. Joseph what it needs. It was stated February 18, 2010 Page 4 of 6 that St. Cloud is going to continue to try and get this program to move forward. Wick stated that the City needs to continue to offer certain services to the residents and he stated that, although this is a bargain deal, it is hard to cut other services to duplicate services such as this. According to Loso, this is a small cost and there are benefits to everyone. He stated that there is a diverse population out there and there are no local offices where people can go to vent or voice an objection and many of the people that need this type of service do not have a way to get to St. Paul. He sees this as the start of something that could be very good for the region. Symanietz questioned how many complaints the State Human Rights Office has received that involved a resident of St. Joseph. Wick reported that they have received 4 complaints over the past 10 years. Frank stated that most of the complaints are related to either people with disabilities or aging; however, it is expected that the number of veterans' issues will increase. He believes that the City does need a true regional approach to human rights; however, he stated that maybe some of the area cities know something that we do not. Rassier advised the Council that the veterans have access to programs at the VA Hospital. In his opinion, if the process is not being done 100% locally, then St. Joseph is not getting all it needs. Weyrens questioned whether or not the breakdown of the programs is set in stone. Williams stated that some of those percentages may�change. He added that a bulk of the work will be done by a person in the St. Cloud office and they will have access to the state for additional backup. Wick questioned what portion of the $110,000 budgeted will be salaries. Williams stated that approximately $80,000 will be spent on salaries to which Wick questioned whether or not the budgeted amounts are low. The question was raised as to whether or not the City is being asked to make a full 3 year commitment and what happens in the event that the City feels that they are not receiving what they expected. Williams stated that there is a clause in the Joint Powers Agreement that gives cities the right to rescind. Williams stated that the CDBG funds are funds that are received from the Federal Government and he is confident that they can comply with all of the recommendations. Williams also stated that the St. Cloud HRA receives much more than $70,000 each year in CDBG funds. Loso made a motion to support and participate in the Human Rights Initiative of St. Cloud. The motion was seconded by Frank. Discussion: Symanietz stated that she sat on the board for the Human Rights Committee and she sees the need for such. Ayes: Symanietz, Frank, Loso Nays: Rassier, Wick Motion Carried 3:2:0 CITY ENGINEER REPORTS — No Report POLICE CHIEF REPORTS Monthly Report: Jansky reported that the monthly report was included in their packets for review. Frank stated that it seems like the numbers have decreased; however it seems that there is more and more interaction with Waite Park. Jansky agreed and stated that, at times, there is more interaction as their call load can be high at times. Frank stated that he is not always in favor of regional governments; however, in tight budget times, there may be some economies of scale. Jansky added that St. Joseph and Waite Park work very well together. They do a lot of joint training and are always looking at ways to share equipment and manpower. He added that they work, not only with Waite Park, but with the other five cities as well. Patrol Cars: Jansky advised the Council that, in the past, the City has leased its patrol cars. He has been doing some research about leasing vs. buying as there have been some changes being made to the lease program. Currently, the patrol cars are leased through Travel Management and the lease payment includes all costs for fuel, repairs, etc. The only cost that is not included is the cost to replace the tires. In the future, the cost of fuel will be dropped from the lease program and the lease costs have been February 18, 2010 Page 5 of 6 adjusted accordingly. He added that the other squads will continue as normal until turned in. At that point, the new terms would go into effect. As he mentioned, he did a cost analysis between buying and leasing. Jansky stated that, when a vehicle is leased, repairs are covered. When a vehicle is purchased, all repairs would be the City's responsibility once the warranty is expired and the entire cost must be put up front. At this point, Jansky is recommending that they continue with the lease program as it is less strenuous to the budget process. Rassier stated that he understands the need to run the vehicles year round to keep the equipment running; however, he questioned whether a starter system could be installed in the patrol cars. He questioned whether that could be included in the lease to which Jansky stated it could be purchased and installed as a separate item. Rassier also questioned the average number of miles put on a vehicle in a given year to which Jansky replied 30,000 miles. Jansky stated that his staff takes very good care of their vehicles. Frank questioned how fuel will be purchased and if there was a way to purchase it at a contract rate. Jansky stated that it will be purchased on in -store cards and added that he is looking to see about getting bulk rates for fuel. Jansky advised the Council that he has looked into different types of vehicles such as Chevys, Chrysler and the Crown Vic. All of the current City equipment is set up for the Crown Vic. He also stated that they have looked at the Chevy Tahoe as it is known as a police pursuit vehicle. Jansky concluded by stating that his recommendation is to lease one Crown Vic and one Chevy Tahoe. Loso made a motion to authorize the execution of the lease agreements for a Crown Vic and one Chevy Tahoe. The motion was seconded by Frank. Discussion: Rassier stated that he does not feel that the City needs a Tahoe at this time and he is in support of leasing two Crown Vics. Ayes: Wick, Symanietz, Frank, Loso Nays: Rassier Motion Carried 4:1:0 Loso questioned whether or not it is possible to get diesel vehicles. Jansky stated that there is a vehicle being looked at for future police vehicles, which is a high performance diesel. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR Street Repairs: Thene stated that they will begin working on W Minnesota Street tomorrow. Frank stated that this is only a temporary fix and questioned what the permanent solution will be. Thene stated that we will need to wait until summer and then have discussions with the County. Sabart added that, based on the County's Maintenance Agreement, St. Joseph is only responsible for minor repairs and the County would be responsible for the major repairs. Snow Removal: Rassier asked Thene to thank Mike Johnson for responding to a snow removal complaint on County Road 121. Equipment Certificate: Weyrens stated that when the 2010 budget was approved, the budget included issuance of an equipment certificate. In January the Council approved a refunding resolution to authorize the purchase of a plow truck. The resolution authorizes the purchase of equipment before the bonds are issued. At this time Thene is looking for approval to replace the snow hauling vehicle which is a 1981 vehicle. Thene stated that he found a 2006 C7500 for $ 51,000. The vehicle has never left the lot and a new truck the same model would cost an additional $ 30,000 to $ 35,000. Being that it is new off the lot; the vehicle will come with a full warranty. Wick stated that, due to budget cuts, he would like to limit equipment to that which is necessary. Thene stated that the current truck has some transmission and rear end issues and feels that the City will not find another truck like this with offering the same savings. During the last snow event the 1981 truck had to be towed back to the office for repair. Wick questioned if Thene priced repairing the existing vehicle rather than purchased a new to which Thene stated he did not. February 18, 2010 Page 6 of 6 Rassier made a motion to move forward with the purchase of the 1996 C7500 for the Public Works Department and issue a refunding resolution for such. The motion was seconded by Loso. Ayes: Rassier, Symanietz, Frank, Loso Nays: Wick Motion Carried 4:1:0 APO Requested Resolution: Sabart stated that, at the last meeting, he gave a brief report of the APO TAC and reported that they considered a list of projects for Federal Appropriations. At this point, APO Staff is looking for support from the member cities for this slate of candidates. The list of candidates were submitted by the member cities and then ranked according to a technical rating. Loso made a motion to approve Resolution 2010 -004 Endorsing the St. Cloud Metropolitan Area Federal Fiscal Year 2011 Transportation Appropriations Priorities. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. MAYOR REPORTS — No Report COUNCIL REPORTS FRANK — No Report LOSO Fire Board: Loso reported that the Fire Board met and they discussed the following: • Approval to send two of the firefighters to the State Firefighter Convention. Arson Training — Board opted not to fund member training • Christmas Lights — Chief Taufen requested that this task be taken over by City employees. • Department Changes — Loso reported that Tom Lowell will be retiring and Bill Lowell will be on a 6 month leave. As a result, the Fire Department will work to create an eligibility list. Information will be posed in the next couple of months. • 2010 Budget — Loso stated that the Fire Department had a $78,000 surplus carryover from 2009. WICK — No Report SYMAN I ETZ Park Board: Symanietz reported that she recently spoke to all three of the new Park Board members and advised the Council that they will be meeting on Monday, February 22, 2010 at 7PM. Rassier stated that he would like to be there to welcome the new members. Adjourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 8:25; seconded by Frank and passed unanimously. J d W rens A nistrator