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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a] Minutesowk crry OF ST. J SYPH MEETING DATE: March 3, 2011 Council Agenda Item 4(a) AGENDA ITEM: Minutes — Requested Action: Approve the City Council minutes of February 15 and 17, 2011. SUBMITTED BY: Administration ATTACHMENTS: Request for Council Action 4(a):1 -2 DRAFT CC Minutes — February 15, 2011 4(a): DRAFT CC Minutes — February 17, 2011 4(a): REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the City Council minutes of February 15 and 17, 2011 4(a):1 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 4(a):2 February 15, 2011 Page 1 of 2 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in special session on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 5:OOPM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz, Councilors Dale Wick, Renee Symanietz, Steve Frank, Bob Loso and City Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives Present: Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Public Works Director Terry Thene and Police Chief Pete Jansky Mayor Schultz opened the meeting and stated the purpose of the meeting is to discuss revenue and service alternatives. It is likely that the City will again see reduced Local Government Aid (LGA) and the Council needs to consider looking at either alternative revenues or reduced services. The following is a summary of items discussed: REVENUES Liphting Fee — Those present discussed the J would charged as a utility and billed bi- monthly. Weyr( lighting fee is between $ 30,000 to $ 40,000 so implem was clarified that all property owners regardless of tax Snow Removal Fee — Implementation of a snow as the Street Lighting Fee. It is a fee that would a utility. In addition to the snow removal utility, commercial district. Currently the City remov the sr Business District, and the City could look at c ging the present aT Benedict is maintain the parks street lighting fee that Jhat the annual street amount. It ssed same context rs equally and charged as removal in the mount in the Central 6 is removed. to n the plillk to initiate discussion with St. tot vel of they receive. There are 18 eu s (P ) with large tax exempt properties. s rev ost significant revenue would be iscusse portance of starting the discussions. Administrator and Finance Director to prepare material a recent meeting a couple of business representatives & Benedict for a financial contribution as they could ith the addition of business representation when St. reported that it is getting increasingly more expensive to to consider a park maintenance utility. Gold Cross — It Wwoonly d if the City would benefit by contracting with Gold Cross to stage a unit in St. Joseph thereby s esponder expenses. Jansky stated that if Gold Cross where to stage a unit in St. Joseph i be in early morning and late evening. It was also discussed that the rescue function includes both Townships. SERVICES Compost- Weyrens stated that she has been receiving calls from the St. Wendel area regarding the recent Council decision discontinue providing service for that area. St. Wendel Supervisor Carl Stich also contacted the City to see if St. Wendel contributed annually to the compost fund it the residents could participate. Public Works Director Terry Thene stated that it is not the money that is an issue, but the land space. He further stated that the City should continue to look for land space in the event that the Emerald Ash Borer becomes prevalent in St. Joseph. February 15, 2011 Page 2 of 2 The Council discussed the amount St. Wendel owes St. Joseph for the utility study that was completed a number of years ago and concurred that if St. Wendel pays the outstanding balance the Council would reconsider compost participation. In addition, the Council requested the Administrator to meet with St. Joseph Township and St. Wendel Township to see if there is an interest to have a community compost area. Buildinq Official Services — Weyrens stated that in December the Council requested that she continue to explore with the City of Waite Park the concept of creating a Building Inspection Service that was joint powers agreement. At this time a draft joint powers agreement has been established and the Council needs to determine if they wish to move forward to continue with the next step. The process included established a service entitled "Metro Inspections" and the service would be managed by a Board consisting of representation from each jurisdiction. The Council questioned if other Cities will be participating at this time and Weyrens stated that it will start with Waite Park and St. Joseph and would be available for others to join. The Council questioned current inspector Ron Wasm 1he s to he St. Joseph services, to which he stated 1.25 (one full Wndpa is experiencing a growth in the number of Cities that and Big Lake have laid off their entire building inspec that he questions the process would save money and in a cost red uction. The Council was of the general add another layer of government that could have the potential for that the information provided was what was requ ``'' lh,, .at this the current service. In an effort to provide additional information, survey other Cities to see what types o es Adjourn: Wick made a motion to unanimously. 4 Judy W Admini� is currently devoted to the 1 staff). He stated that he Cities such as Ramsey ervice. Loso stated le would result .e emed to time IFIWWuncil agreed icil agreed to continue with Officers listsery to or alternative revenue sources. February 17, 2011 Page 1 of 8 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 7:OOPM in the St. Joseph City Hall, opening the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz, 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: S. Thomasette Schuller, Brian Tadych, Karen Tadych, Matthew Tadych, Tom Klein, Erik Tomlinson, Karen Voz, Mike Hayman Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. 'AA Approval of the Agenda: Symanietz made a motion to addition: Add 8e Laundromat MOU The motion was seconded by Loso and Consent Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve tM a. Minutes — Approve the City C cil minutes b. Bills Payable — Approve chefflftkers 043' c. Treasurer's Report — Accept t 201 d. Gambling Report — Accept the u Wellhead Protection Pl! was notified on Deceml conduct a public inform with the following da as foil 3, 2011. and EFT numbers is Report. WcomillWhe requirements for Part 1 of the inesota De rtment of Health (MDH). The City pted and the next step in the process is to f government with the drinking water supply id Karen Voz (MDH) were present at the Tomlins ovided those ent wit of overview of the process and activity that was completed to meet the equirements art 1. ocess started with computer modeling identifying the type of aquifer. T ity wells are dr from s and gravel aquifer which is considered unconfined requiring conju ndelineation. Tomlinson ated that the purpose of Part 1 is to delineate the area and Part 2 is to manag area. Cur tly, the Management Area is very large, but during the Part 2 process the area will feviewed h*, redefined. He advised the Council that he will be working with Ms. Voz to develop a plan f `Part 2 nz approached the Council on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Health. She stated that th a ead Protection Area indicates a 10 year time of travel. The emergency response area would indicat year time of travel. She, too, indicated that the Management Area may be reduced if it is determined that the surface water is not influencing the recharge. Voz stated that Part 2 will identify the contaminants and come up with reasonable strategies to deal with those. It will also deal with underground storage tanks, feedlots, etc. The purpose is to find a way to inventory and prevent a contamination to the City water supply. She advised the Council that this is a preventive measure, not a response to a contamination. Due to the City's proximity to the Sauk River, Schultz questioned whether or not the Sauk River Watershed plays a role in this process as a governing body. Voz responded that they, as well as other governmental entities, have already been notified of this. February 17, 2011 Page 2 of 8 Frank questioned sand point wells. Voz explained that, at one time, the City did not have the authority to manage new wells; however, now, the League of Minnesota Cities has said that the City does have some control over new wells. Voz advised Frank that residents must register their sand point wells with the State. Frank then questioned whether there are any potential pipelines that could affect this. Sabart and Tomlinson stated that they are not aware of any. Wick questioned whether the reports for the various wells were normal. Voz replied that they were normal and added that all of the wells use the same aquifer. Sabart added that most of the wells are 100 -150' deep. According to Tomlinson, the wells have more to do with the geology of the area. Schultz opened the meeting to the public and closed it as there was no one present wishing to speak. EDA MATTERS Preliminary TIF Application, St. Joseph Meat Market: Cynthi track approached the Council on behalf of the St. Joseph EDA. She stated that the EDA rec r ed a preliminary TIF Application for the St. Joseph Meat Market for an expansion to the AM retail Smith - Strack stated that the owners of the St. Joseph Meat Market, Harvey and annenstein with their accountant Steve Meyer and City TIF Consultant Traci Ryan were a ent at the meetin swer questions. The purpose of the expansion is operational efficienc . Harvey Pfannenstein spoke on his own behalf. He sta at th oseph Mea et has been in operation for over 50 years of which hiskgk been owner 4 years. Pfann in stated that he plans to construct an addition to the retail facilit would allow for processing at the same location. Currently they have to transpo ct betwee wo facilities and the addition would increase efficiencies. Loso questioned Pfanne Pfannenstein replied th spaces. Symanietz Pfannenstein, they ma or noMev will ied w r they ire adcUl em date the required parking. required to provide 23 employees. According to Smith - Strack stated that the ans' h the d own revitalization and the zoning regulations will be reviewe mith- e pro :identifies a small gap, beyond what TIF would capture g. could b vered t us excess TIF funds from another district. St. Josep istrict 1 -4 s pan a s, revenue proximately $ 41,000. Legislation that was passed in 2010 owed Cities to re locate ex evenue to redevelopment projects but it had to be completed by July of If excess revue are allocated they are returned to the County for disbursement to the Schoo trict, County a fate. Loso made a mo to accept t toreliminary TIF application for the St. Joseph Meat Market and set the public heap The mote n was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Wick made a motion to auth&liie execution of Resolution 2011 -006 Calling for the Public Hearing on the Adoption of a Spending` Plan for Tax Increment Financing District No. 1 -4. The motion was seconded by Symanietz. Discussion: Frank asked Strack to explain the public financing options that are available. Strack explained the possibility of using both TIF and Tax Abatement. In this case, she presented the possibility of using excess revenues from TIF District 1 -4 which have been saved for administrative purposes. She stated that if these funds are not spent locally, they would be split between the City, County and School District. The motion passed unanimously. 2010 EDA Annual Report: Strack presented the Council with the 2010 Annual Report and 2011 Goals. She stated that, annually, the EDA is required to provide a report to the Council. The 2010 Annual Report February 17, 2011 Page 3 of 8 includes an Executive Summary of the 2010 projects. She stated that the mission of the EDA is to "provide a professional municipal economic development program that assists industrial and commercial development activities which minimize impacts to the environment, transportation system, municipal water /sewer use, and financial resources for the City of St. Joseph ". According to Strack, there are four core functions: • Organizational Development [19% staff time in 2010]: Strack stated that the Organizational Development Function includes the following activities: monthly EDA meetings, special EDA meetings, preparation of packets, preparation of minutes, updating of official minute book, attendance at City Council workshops, preparation and presentation of annual report to the Council, presentations to other entities, goal setting and work planning as well as review of the EDA structure. IAL Infrastructure Development [10% staff time in 2010]: A g to Strack, the purpose of this core function is to "set the table" for development. In 201 tion included work on the I- 94/CSAH2 Gateway Program, Wobegon - Downto et Landscape Plan, Rental Housing Conversion Working Group, creating " ' = ready" Parkway Business Center Platting, Concept Planning — Gateway & W erty, create v lots in the Central Business District, Finalizing of the "Professional PI structure Extensio ateway Property. Business Development [64% staff time in 2 ' track ad ' ed the Cou at this function centers on three general programs: business r i en preneurial ment and retention /expansion. In 2010, t ere success ollowing: followe with 25 existing business contacts, cultivation business c s, meetings, research and distribute information to 35 businesses, to tance to siness contacts, business cluster strategy: farm to school, 5 inquirie a abatem 0 inquiries regarding tax increment financing, 12 inquiries and 6 award the nt, 15 acts used revolving loan fund program, 1 inquir ard'n JOBZ, iries fo [ ss pl irg, finance and management assistance, 3 i all busine sso ' sotalnvestment Fund promoted to 3 projects, Mn ohW ill Opp o ity promo 3. "rospe n Public Infrastructure Grant promoted to 5 cospects. t Marke evelopmen 96,s '' 010]: ck stated that there are two ways to bring in new d rs`attfactnew in s'an ct n organizations ". In 2010, the following items �.4 5;W o iUl ket Dev k h�ent: we t 'n nance to include "One Stop Business ,Information" and usiness } Ibox ", Bu in uilder Breakfast, New flyers for BFA Grant and \a!entation o t[eet/lan cape plan to the Chamber, EDA Chair on Partnership Board, on in SCAE creation ional economic development strategy, shopping and to visit with I I busine es to conduct outreach and check business status as well In he City Ne letter. Strack concluded by pTsenting t F o Council with the goals for 2011. Along with each goal, she indicated which development fund+ xn th relates to. 1. Extension of saniiar�y►,� �e�wer and drinking water to new CSAH 2. [infrastructure Development] 2. Manage response to ' i nomic impact of the implementation of four -year residency requirement at CSB /SJU. [Business Development and Market Development) 3. Market St. Joseph opportunities within greater Minnesota and market available commercial and industrial lots, land, lease space, buildings, etc. [Market Development] 4. Investigate and pursue proactive measures to secure and provide for shovel ready industrial sites and encourage build -out of Parkway Business Center. [Infrastructure Development] 5. Work with property owner to proceed with "St. Joseph Professional Plat ". [Infrastructure Development] 6. Continue to work with property owners seeking development of land adjacent to proposed CSAH2. [Infrastructure Development and Business Development] 7. Host at least two events for business owners. [Business Development] February 17, 2011 Page 4 of 8 8. Implement capital improvement projects. [Organizational Development, Infrastructure Development and Business Development] 9. Respond to inquiries and continue proactive follow up of viable leads /prospects. [Business Development] 10. Continue to pursue revitalization within the Downtown. [Infrastructure Development and Business Development] Wick thanked Strack for preparing the report. The report is a road map of where the EDA has been and where they are going. In response to the goals mentioned by Strack, Frank questioned what would happen if the Council were to have different goals. If that is the case, she replied that those nee be discussed. For example, Frank stated that it may be the responsibility of the Council to det which direction they want growth to go, whether it be along CR133 or 194. Strack stated that' w' ing at future development, they first look at the future land use plan included in the Comprehensi hey try to develop industrial land adjacent to current industrial land and develop commercial a led intersections. She stated that there are limited resources available. When there was I' vemen the realignment of CSAH2, it did not make sense to talk about development near I ack stated th ources determine development and added that demand will dictate t will develop first. ding to Strack, CR133 is a busy road, the price tag is much lower than Ian the Interstate and infr lure is much closer. The problem is that there are only a limited number vel ready ites. Strack advised the Council that, if they are looking for a quicker rate of return, 194 best o go. Frank sted that this be discussed a future workshop. Based on the annual report, Frank stated businesses already there. He questioned new businesses. Strack replied that 70% business in St. Joseph an;�spent Frank commented th not s that he spent some tim with the Sta effective for people to bu iK own h 6 -7 years. Strack advised ha a way to c either c parking `cces�; r=t" ere have h would wire a large su of.mone i V4, . they are'tooking at is, if pro rk'es are She concl ed by stating that `ove stated that uld like to see epc Ne ars that rowth within the City comes from e is spen king with current businesses versus t worki those already conducting with b s out elf St. Joseph. it he is a "lent ng task force; however, he stated found )emograp th%,' the future, it may not be cost ices. It has b said that most young people change jobs every of the ng group is to determine whether or not there is a e ren homes to vacant commercial space or public )me c rtls,a ut what to do with large rental spaces that onvert to w`use or to continue its use. The big question that `onger able to cash flow, what will happen to those buildings. I:.of the rental housing task force is revitalization. Schultz fro I I t rental housing task force to the City Council. Schultz asked Struck whether or n t she keeps tracks of the City's wins and losses. He would like her to try nd in point why I e'Cit is m' sin some and getting others. Strack replied that the EDA discussed Y P� P Y Y� 9 9 9 P this in January. There a some ngs such as taxes being too high, utility rates being too high, etc. She suggested putting togethe o e'.anecdotal information. Frank made a motion to accept the annual report for 2010. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. 2011 MDG Contract for Services: Wick stated that the EDA reviewed the 2011 Contract for Services with MDG and unanimously recommended the Council accept the 2011 contract for services as presented. Wick stated that MDG has not raised the hourly rate in over three years and are not proposing to do so in 2011. Loso made a motion to extend the MDG contract for 2011, but suggested that the City solicit quotes for 2012 EDA services. The motion was seconded by Frank. February 17, 2011 Page 5 of 8 Discussion: Frank clarified that the City can opt out at any time. Frank questioned Strack to her response to the following: "If the City had more money available, say $70,000 and offered that to MDG, what would they do different ". Strack responded that they would say "Thank you ", but she would suggest that the City hire an assistant to handle the day to day activities of the EDA. She would also suggest that the City spend the extra money on infrastructure to get lots ready for development. The motion passed unanimously. CITY ENGINEER/PUBLIC WORKS REPORTS DNR Trails: Sabart advised the Council that there may potentially b e trail funding opportunities available to the City that could be leveraged for a trail along the r CR 2. He stated that, in 2008, the City discussed the possibility of developing a trail in conjun h the realignment of CSAH2. Since then, staff has identified a possible grant opportunity throug Local Trail Connections Program or the DNR Park and Trails Legacy Grant Program. Previo visioned that a trail would connect to the Wobegon Trail near Millstream Park at t o h end, t sidewalk on Minnesota Street at 4th Avenue NW and the east end and to the CSA Ider at 194, o e intersection of CR51 at the south end. He stated that applications are due NR by March 3 1 and, if approved, the project must be completed by June 30, 2013. Th estion is whether or not nstruction timeline would coincide with the County's plan for the recon 'on of CSA 2. Staff ha a letter to Stearns County to check the status and has not yet received a ponse. y; Sabart stated that there are costs ass ith submittin pplication as prelimin ry trail exhibits and cost estimates must be included. Lo ed Sabart the estimated cost of the trail to which Sabart replied that the County estimated 50, a art, on th ' der hand, believes that the cost may be as much as $500,000. Weyrens added t if thigional t Sales tax funds could possibly be used. There was some he ' bout spen the m on the a cation as there is no guarantee that they will receive the '' evens quest ed w oul ve once the application is completed. Sabart re at the uld have t n cos tes. Symanietz questioned whether or not this wa .� beady done the Coun hich Saba 11 plained that they looked a possible line where the trail couldl- ,le state at this is m reinvolved than a "normal" trail. Wick m motion the DNR Local Trail Grant Program. The Schultz7advised the Counci at he spy erryith Mark &omenschenkel and he stated that he would like to help the C "'with the CSAH2 ` ject. He hed for the City to get him some information. 2011 Street Im0myement: Sabart` tatted that the City may qualify for the Small Cities Development Program which isa� assessment batement program. He added that this is a program which could be considered for potential assistanc to the residents of Park Terrace. This program is targeted to low to moderate income famili ,and all families will qualify. Sabart also stated that the City may qualify for the State Revolving Loann as well. Water Tower Repairs: It was questioned how long it will take to complete the Water Tower repairs. According to Sabart, the level of repairs that are necessary will determine the duration of the maintenance. The City may need to implement a partial watering ban to ensure that there is adequate supply for domestic use and fire supply. ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Sales Tax Committee Report: Weyrens reported that the Sales Tax Committee met twice in the last three weeks. Originally, the Committee presented a formula for disbursement based on the ballot questions. That, however, is only one suggestion as to how the funds can be distributed. She stated that the Committee would like to know what the expectation is for the Committee. Weyrens presented the Council February 17, 2011 Page 6 of 8 with a summary of the Sales Tax revenues and expenditures thus far. Schultz stated that he thought the purpose of the Committee was to be an overseer of the funds. Weyrens presented the Council with a Form for Allocation of Sales Tax Funds. Wick stated that the form works well. It was stated that the Sales Tax Committee needs Council approval prior to spending any money. One question raised was why the meeting funds were being paid thru this fund rather than the General Fund. Bartlett stated that these meetings fees were not budgeted in the General Fund and added that the stipends were paid thru the interest earnings. Weyrens suggested that $2,000 be transferred from the interest earnings into the General Fund. Wick advised the Councilors that he doesn't agree with the current formula which states: Transportation 65% Community Facility 22% Parks and Trails 13% Loso and Symanietz stated that the funds should be split inep. Sqkz replied that he met with the Committee and they based the percentages on the &Fgreed tions a total value of each category, they were looking for some objective methodology. with L nd Symanietz and stated that each type of project should receive 1/3 of the After meeting with the Sales Tax Committee, Schul question the role a onsibility of the advisory committee and who handles the requests. Lo ted t does not b that there is a need for the committee anymore. Wick iggsstioned what is. Sewer Use A reed :n U date: Pr - busty, the Council reviewed a draft Sewer Use Agreement to which Weyrens stated that are are so a changes yet to be made. She stated that the Sewer Rate Ordinance sets the methodology u d.for b7 ng: %For example, if a new charge were to be added, the City could not amend the Ordinance with Ufte approval of St. Benedict. The Ordinance does not prohibit the City from increasing the rates and St. nedict is like any other user in the City, they have the right to express their opinion at the public hearing setting the rate. Wick questioned the tying of an entire ordinance to one contract user. Weyrens stated that they will work on this further. Laundromat. MOU: Weyrens stated that the Building Official has been working with the property owner of 31 Minnesota Street West on the development of a Laundromat. During review of the project the Water /Sewer Access (WAC /SAC) fees came to question. The property owner disagrees with the calculation for the increased use as he does not believe it will generate the water indicated in the ordinance. The City staff proposed execution of a Memorandum of Understanding whereby the property currently has a credit of 2.35 WAC /SAC. Of the credit 2 units are consumed by the existing rental units leaving a February 17, 2011 Page 7 of 8 credit of .35. The City would charge one unit at the issuance of a building permit, less the .35 remaining credit and the property owner would agree to monitor the water usage for one year and after that twelve months of operation, the average consumption will be calculated. The average consumption will then be applied to Ordinance 44 for calculation of the number of WAC and SAC Units. The developer will have 30 days to pay the additional charges. Wick stated that the City has done this before and feels that this is fair. Wick made a motion to authorize the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of St. Joseph and Deutz Housing relative to the charging of water and sewer access fees for the Laundromat project located at 31 Minnesota Street E. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Cable Upgrade: Weyrens stated that Veenstra spoke to other Citi have upgraded with Marco and all have had pleasant experiences. She advised the Council th d the webcast option would be an additional $10,000. She questioned what the Council wants ultz questioned whether she received a quote broken down by each item to which Weyr at t she received a quote broken down by server, annual fees, maintenance, video on d an , sound , etc. The total cost would be $57,736. Wick advised Weyrens that he would like t here the fun come from. Schultz stated that he would like to see the basic infrastructure. sieves that the cur stem works fine and does not think it is fiscally responsible to upgrade gable equipment. Accor to Frank, the upgrades would allow staff to integrate with the webpage as gas change h w things ar ed on the community access channel. This would allow people, 'out ca ;to.have acces ity Council meetings. Wick questioned the extension of fiber o ch Weyren led that they are also looking at that. According to Wick, the Council must unde hey procd with the cable upgrade, they are giving up the extension of the fiber optics. AV APO Executive Comml e a Schultz rted that ded the APO Executive Committee meeting at which they discussed the ` rnmen o'liars and s dollars that are available. There are approximately $153 million toIbe o from th fate and he requested staff work with the APO to determine ' e�11as any a ig� poty hich r-ding could be requested. COUNCEPORTS APO: Symanli# announced thaXthe APO '._'ng for next week has been cancelled. WICK Troop 84: Wick advised,the Coy#alffiat he recently spoke to members of Troop 84 and did a question and answer session. He sit t afthey may see several of them in attendance at upcoming Council meetings as they work towar 'ttheir badge. Partnership: Wick reported that the Partnership has started the transition to the new format. The transition has created some concern from Cities and what role they will play and what benefit they will receive. In order to facilitate discussion, the Partnership Transition Team is willing to attend Council meetings to clarify the benefits of the Partnership. LOSO — No Report FRANK — No Report February 17, 2011 Page 8 of 8 Adiourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 9:20PM; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Judy Weyrens Administrator