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Home My WebLink About[04a] Minutes(;[W OF ST. JOSEPH MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM: SUBMITTED BY: ATTACHMENTS: Council Agenda Item 4(a) May 5, 2011 Minutes — Requested Action: Approve the City Council minutes of April 14, 2011. Administration Request for Council Action .......................... ............................... DRAFT CC Minutes —April 14, 2011 ........... ............................... REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the City Council minutes of April 14, 2011. 4(a):1 -2 4(a):3 -8 4(a):1 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 4(a):2 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in special session Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph Community Fire Hall. Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz. Councilors Dale Wick, Bob Loso, Renee Symanietz. City Administrator Judy Weyrens, City Representatives Present: City Engineer Randy Sabart, City Attorney Tom Jovanovich, Public Works Director Terry Thene. Others Present: Tom Klein, Roman & Dorothy Meyer, Dan Aschnewitz, Brian Kellner, Jerry Johnson, Ed Kacures, James Bruemmer, Jared Ethen, Greg Hartung, Bill Lorentz, Don & Jeanne Hoodecheck, Marge & 011ie Lesnick, Rick & Marsha Retterath, Nathan Schatz, Joann & Dave Keller, Dan & Pat Weisser, Rosanne & Ron Eiynck, Pat & Carolyn Anderson, Mary & Steve Niedfhfuer, Ross & Mary Rieke, Charles Potter, Janice Pfannenstein '' Mayor Rick Schultz stated that the purpose of the public hea ofil to_consider the proposed improvements for the project known as the Park Te 9 7✓ Yi n, rrace In q�remep ,Project. Schultz stated that the City Engineer Randy Sabart will begin with a short pr es anon and then the hearing will be opened to the public to either ask questions or comment on the ed improvements. Schultz requested that, when approaching the Council, they state their na address and as a public to limit their comments to five minutes. City Engineer Randy Sabart stated that this is the fir o publi arings that iiu "` , e conducted for the proposed project. If the improvement is ordered, the as e g would occt�.abart provided the residents with some background oq*e existing condi proposed protect area. He stated that the proposed project includes street '� truction and improvements for the Park Terrace neighborhood to include 4th Avenue NW Ash W and Birch Street W. Sabart also explained that the proposed improvement in o altern • Alternate A: Reconstruct approx tely 1 � f,gtlities a overlying street on Old Hwy 52. It would i cating the tang s sewer a anhole from one of the properties to the s t to le ccess at the street. • Alternate constru utilities a eying roadv(±ai on Birch Street W from Old Hwy 52 to 2 "d A NW. Sabart explained that the st I Z werftt reconstructed in 1985 and seal coated in 1997. The streets,r an Urba which ans that they have curb and gutter. They were constructed ais'a4igtll 5 -7 h� bituminous width of thirty two feet. Sabart advised the`Council thafthe pa s to deteriorate as there is alligator /fatigue cracking,.:btock cracking, larga ng and weathering. In addition, Saban explained thifthe exisrm sewers are 12 " -15" and are believe to be constructed between the 1966'iand 1985. ThO)Axisting storm sewer drains north through the Hollow Park Subdivision to the south fork of the -Watab Rivet �Sabart explained that large volumes of run -off have been observed at the intersection of Ash Street/4t47,147 Aenue NW. He added that there is a slow drainage problem which has resulted in ponding o►` =BirchsSiiiet W near 2 "d Avenue NW. Sabart stated that the sanitary`sewer mains along Birch Street W and east of 4th Avenue NW consist of 12" clay pipe with all other sanitary sewer lines 8' clay, installed in the 1960's. He further clarified that typical clay pipe deficiencies that have been observed to include root intrusion, cracked or broken pipe, offset or open pipe joints and cut -in /protruding service taps. The clay pipes are located in the backyard without easements resulting in limited access. He stated that staff relies heavily on the "good will" of the residents to allow them to access the manholes. The water mains in the Park Terrace addition are also inadequate as most of the lines are one to one and one -half inch, equivalent to a residential service line in today's standards. In 1960, 1 " -1 W copper water mains were installed along Ash Street W, south side of Birch Street (west of 4th Avenue NW), north side of Ash Street W, and the east side of 4th Avenue NW. He stated that 2" and 4" cast iron water mains were installed in 1960 along the north side of Birch Street West (west of 4th Avenue), 4th Avenue NW and 5th 4(a):3 Avenue NW. Sabart advised the Council that, in 1985, a 6" water main was installed and, so far, only one home has connected to that main. He added that the existing water mains are buried in front yards /boulevards rather than in the street. Staff has reported that some residents are experiencing low water pressure during hydrant flushing operations. Due to the size of the current water mains, they do not meet the current standards for domestic flows with fire protection. After providing the residents with an overview of the scope of the project and the existing conditions, Sabart explained the two proposed project alternatives: Option 1: [Recons truction] Option'2: [F2ehab[iita #ion] Sanitary Sewer Sanitary Sewer • Construct new 8 " -10" sanitary sewer mains Rehabilitate existing 8" sanitary sewer in the street. main h CIPP methods, apply CIP • Construct new building service pipe to co manholes. homes al sewer services would not be • Abandon existing sewer & manholes ated. Water Main Wat in • Construct new'8" water main in the street. * Constru 8" water main in the street. • Reconnect building ervice pipes in the g p p Reconnec ing service pipes in the front yards.% front yards. Storm Sewer Storm Sewer • Reconstruct storm sewer along 4th Avenue • Recotstruct storm r along 4th Avenue �._ and Birch Street. a h Street. • Extend new storm sewer to 5th eon Ash Street. . rid new storm sewe 5th Avenue on Street. Streets Reconstruct 32' wide urban include curb and gutte�rexi Reconstruct drivewOMI"' A Sabart advised the After presenting the two to the Counc' 1. F 2. ate A: 3. Sabart then presented an ct 32' wide urban section to rb and gutter. [existing] i0it %driveways, in kind. ility easements for utility access. this time. the project alternates that were presented materials generated by project. :ary suer to locate sewer to the street from the side yard. place 1973 CIP) street. Hwy 52 & 2 "d Avenue NW) 2" clay pipe. vain (replace 1960 CIP) portion of street. probable costs associated with the proposed improvements: Construction Category Option 1 Reconstruction Option 2: Rehabilitation Street & Restoration [Includes an estimated $27,100 for Centennial Park] ['] $813,400 ["] $755,900 Sanitary Sewer [Includes an estimated $9,700 for Clinton Village] ['] $314,800 $399,700 Sanitary Sewer Services $340,300 $106,700 Water Main [Includes an estimated $9,300 for 5" Ave W realignment] [") $240,000 $230,300 Water Services $81,900 $81,800 Storm Sewer $155,400 $155,100 Alternate A — Old Hwy 52 $39,100 $40,300 Alternate B — Birch Street W $164,900 $166,500 TOTAL [Does not include any easement acquisition costs] $2,149,800 1 M $1,936,300 4(a):4 After presenting the estimated costs, he explained to the residents how this would affect them by way of special assessments. The special assessments were based on a number of assumptions: • Assessments based on benefitting footage for street and number of units for utilities. • City would not assess sewer service reconnection costs. • No water main assessment for residents on 5th Avenue due to existing 6" water main. Water services would be assessed. In the past, similar reconstruction projects were assessed based on a 60/40 split based on the following: • Interior lots would be assessed 100% of the benefitting front footage. • Corner lots would be assessed 100% of the short-side footage and 50% of the long -side footage. • Irregular lots would be assessed based on the lot area being divided by 110/130' (average lot depth) to determine the average footage. Sabart explained the preliminary funding allocations for each omillAtriclude both alternates: . vpavr� �� rCCGVIIfi>lrt,iG.il(7rij," spectal � Ct #y ' "- �F1Dfi� G: �'C�iIF�I)Itltat10i1� "; 0-161 jr Construction t #em Assessment Scbstdy Total :: Assesment Subsidy Total Street & Restoration ["] $471,800 $314,50 'x$786,300 37,300 $291,500 $728,800 Centennial Park Slopes $0 $27, " °" $27,100 $0 $27,100 $27,100 Clinton Village Sewer $0 $9,� $9,700 - - - Realignment [60/40] 1 Unit Sanitary Sewer Main $183,100 $122,00, $305,1Oii:" $239,8 $159,900 $399,700 Sanitary Sewer Services $ $340,300 ��,: $0 106,700 $106,700 Water Main $138,4 92,300 0 $138,200 $92,100 $230,300 Water Main Realignment $ 00 0 - - - 5th Avenue NW EXAMPLE TOTAL [Typical 80 -foot wide interior lot A Water Services $49,100 2,8 $81,90(r $49,100 $32,700 $81,800 Storm Sewer $0 ,400 400 $0 $155,100 $155,100 Alternate A �% �� $0 00 $0 $40,300 $40,300 Old Hwy 52 6 Alternate B '40 $164, $194,90 $0 $166,500 $166,500 Birch Street W TOTAL %x$842 40Ox, $,1,307,4 149, 800 $864,400 $1,071,900 $1936,300 0 800 44.6% 55.4% [Includes at @da�aaattit %; a that the ?i '',00" i to seniors and those with disabilities. This process is explained in Ordinance 38. In order to qualify for this program, the property must be homesteaded and the property owner must be 65 (or older) or disabled. The City has applications forms that must be completed and the owner must provide a complete financial disclosure form as well. Sabart reminded residents that interest accrues on the principal and this is simply a deferral program. Sabart also stated that there may be some grant/loan programs that the City could 'qualify for. The City could apply for assessment abatement through the Small Cities Development Program. If approved, this would provide assessment abatement to eligible households in the reconstruction project area. If awarded, the grant would pay for the entire assessment of all eligible (VLI) households. VLI (very low- income) households are defined as a household having a total income of 50% or less of the Stearns County median income. An income survey would be done to determine how many households would meet this criterion. He advised the residents that this program is currently under attach for funding. Sabart concluded by providing the residents with a preliminary schedule, provided the Council decides to continue with the proposed improvement. If the C oses the reconstruction option, Sabart advised the residents that staff would need to meet F , � e tarty owners to review their household plumbing /basement. He added that, current[ market �Spme significant competition which will result in very aggressive pricing by contra eping the c6". The public hearing was opened. Rob Rolling, 34 4`n Avenue NW, approached the Coun ques ' e proposed assessments. He stated that he is confused over the pre[ ary assessme a showed that "Ne st practice was to assess 60 %, but the other showed th 3l6irse. Sabart a that when the proposed assessments were calculated, the additional City cosh were ,'dded, reducin overall assessment costs. That affects the overall percentage breakdown.,, Steve Niedenfuer, 202 5`n NW, addre d the 0'6� 1 and st at he is in opposition to the proposed project. Niede extract fry the L g0e,f 1itlinnes Cities entitled the "Special Assessment Benefit T ich a ses the hid City ive the benefits of the proposed project and the need f essment be unifor' plied He st"', d that in his opinion this project does not "pass the test ". ntly, th the resident ave water, sewer, pavement, as well as curb and gutter. After the proposed i e would have the same. Based on that, he questioned the benefit to the pribperty owners us polrtts" are not given for those items being "new ". Niedenfuer' h h stated �tftet in his on the f eport seems to be a litany of mistakes to include' eize of the pipes',and th Ilation o in areas where the City does not have legal access "it^a,ppears as though" ose mi s are the reason for the proposed improvements. He questioned whether the City woutt! like t e problem(s), apologize for it or thank the residents for the use of their properties all these years. In hi ion, it seems as though the City is seeking to steak their money (the residents) to fix its mistakes. He s ted he is unsure as to whether or not it needs to be fixed, but stated that if se, atshould be done on the City's dime rather than on the backs of those who can ill afford it and who will not see an increase to their property values based on the proposed improvements. In closing, he stated that =he js confident that the District Court would be unlikely to agree with the City and that he will do whatever he neeids to do to prevent this scam on him, as well as his neighbors. Ron Eiynck, 13 4`h Avenue NW, approached the Council and stated that this presentation painted a grim picture of what is there. He questioned how many areas actually have problems with the sewer. Sabart explained that he is not exactly sure as they do not typically count the number of intrusions, but stated that there are multiple instances. Eiynck stated that he is from the "old school" meaning one should fix things that are broken. With respect to the issue of low water pressure, Eiynck stated that they do experience low pressure during flushing, but that is not a problem. He added that the roads do need some care, but stated that had the roads been built right originally, this would not be an issue. If there was an intersection of 194/CR75, that would have eliminated heavy traffic in the project area. In his opinion, it is a waste of City funds to tear up good material and replace it. As far as the location of the current sewers and the need for staff to access private property to do maintenance, Eiynck stated that 4(a):6 staff has been flushing the sewers the same way for the past 30 years and he feels that it is their job and that is what they are being paid to do. 011ie Lesnick, 32 5rh Avenue NW, approached the Council to address the issue of possible grants for low income households. It was stated that those types of grants are hard to secure. He stated that, recently, Sauk Rapids received funding as well as St. Cloud. According to Lesnick, the grants may be difficult and time consuming, but feels that staff should do the research. Ed Kacures, 107 5tb Avenue NW, spoke to the Council and stated that, with the rising cost of fuel, the Council may want to reject the project and do nothing at this time. Ed Kacures Jr., 9180 le Avenue (Rice), approached the Council a tated that he is not a property owner in the project area; however, he does have a vested intere father is a resident affected by the proposed improvements. He stated that many of the reside retirees, which means that they are on a fixed income. By assessing them up to $16,000, he fee City is robbing them of a good share of their retirement funds. Many of them do not make 0 ally. He feels that this should be considered when making the decision as to move forw o ot. Kac tated that, in St. Cloud, the assessments can be stretched out over twenty years doing that, he that many of the property owners would not be alive to see the last paymen F ed on the economy, uld be difficult to sell n these properties with an assessment attached to r�u Tammy Kohl, Birch Street W, approached the Council aiitid people, some are older and some are a lot You s1 the project will improve the area as the not assess increase the value of the home. She co tating I they should pay for it. Weyrens read a letter by project. They questioned absolutely necessary, co stated that many of the ,r to see anyone lose their Schultz K Carol Tnnkle 16 Bi t W, sil ty of the re Oovements. profadt�be done r po is do ntt:;have the o pay for 1 due to proposed The motion passed u !!he room is fMIEWith a number of 'with families. Sh stioned how ants more than wha the project will City wants to correct their mistakes, dressing their concerns with the verrents, whether the project is but off until a later date. They assessments and they would hate the prop+ Park Terrace Improvements until the May 5 s seconded by Wick. that a copy of the tape will be made available to Councilor Frank. I'mation, point urifil May 5, the City will have the ability to bring in an d properties to determine whether or not there is a benefit. On May ion to discuss the proposed project and decide whether to move or suspend the project. She added that this requires a 4/5 Ad'ourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Judy Weyrens Administrator 4(a):7 4(a):s