HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 [02] Feb 15February 15, 2011
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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
Lighting Fee — Those present discussed the concept of implementing a street lighting fee that
would charged as a utility and billed bi- monthly. Weyrens reminded the Council that the annual street
lighting fee is between $ 30,000 to $ 40,000 so implementing the fee would not capture a large amount. It
was clarified that all property owners regardless of tax status would be charged the fee.
Snow Removal Fee — Implementation of a snow removal fee was discussed in the same context
as the Street Lighting Fee. It is a fee that would be applied to all property owners equally and charged as
a utility. In addition to the snow removal utility, the Council discussed the snow removal in the
commercial district. Currently the City removes all the snow regardless of the amount in the Central
Business District, and the City could look at changing the policy of when the snow is removed.
PILOT- Schultz reported that he would like to begin the process to initiate discussion with St.
Benedict and Tax Exempt properties to contribute to the level of services they receive. There are 18
states that already have negotiated payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) with large tax exempt properties.
While the City can look at services and alternatives revenues, the most significant revenue would be
PILOT. The Council concurred with Schultz and discussed the importance of starting the discussions.
The Council agreed that Schultz will work with the Administrator and Finance Director to prepare material
to approach St. Benedict. Weyrens stated that at a recent meeting a couple of business representatives
offered to be part of the committee that approached St. Benedict for a financial contribution as they could
present a different perspective. The Council agreed with the addition of business representation when St.
Benedict is approached.
Park Maintenance Fee — Schultz reported that it is getting increasingly more expensive to
maintain the parks and the City may wish to consider a park maintenance utility.
Gold Cross — It was questioned if the City would benefit by contracting with Gold Cross to stage a
unit in St. Joseph thereby saving first responder expenses. Jansky stated that if Gold Cross where to
stage a unit in St. Joseph it would only 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
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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.
Building 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 Wasmund as to how much time is currently devoted to the
St. Joseph services, to which he stated 1.25 (one full time and part time support staff). He stated that he
is experiencing a growth in the number of Cities that are contracting for services. Cities such as Ramsey
and Big Lake have laid off their entire building inspection staff and outsourced the service. Loso stated
that he questions the process would save money and he could not support the effort unless it would result
in a cost reduction. The Council was of the general consensus that the proposed process seemed to
add another layer of government that could have the potential for delay. At this time the Council agreed
that the information provided was what was requested but at this time the Council agreed to continue with
the current service.
In an effort to provide additional information, the staff agreed to utilize the Finance Officers listsery to
survey other Cities to see what types of fees have been implemented or alternative revenue sources.
Adiiourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 7:20PM; seconded by Symanietz and passed
unanimously.
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