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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 [07] Jul 07July 7, 2011 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, July 7, 2011 at 7:00 in the St. Joseph City Hail, 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 Others Present: Maritherese Woida, Jason Wald, Tishel Rugland, Danny Scholand, Aaron Heilem, Lonnie Abbott, Chad Krueger, Pat Schneider, Tom Klein Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. Approval of the Agenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda with the following additions /deletions: Pull 4d Millstream Festival — pulled for discussion Add 7c 16th Avenue Storm Drain Add 8c Updates The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Consent Agenda: Wick made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: a. Minutes — Approve the minutes of March 31, June 2 and June 16, 2011. b. Bills Payable — Approve check numbers 044202 -044243 and EFT numbers 000548- 000552 (Payroll) and 001540 -001541 (Accounts Payable). c. Pay Application — Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute Pay Application No 5 for the 16th Avenue SE project, authorizing payment in the amount of $69,771.87 to JR Ferche. d. Pulled for discussion. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. 4(d) — Millstream Festival: Frank questioned whether or not this event would have any budget impacts to which Weyrens stated it would not. She stated that all services provided by the City are billed back to the Millstream Arts Committee. Frank made a motion to authorize the road closure for the Millstream Arts Festival on September 25, 2011. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. St. Joseph Saints Baseball — Request for Sales Tax Funds: Pat Schneider, 8889 Crestview Drive, approached the Council on behalf of the St. Joseph Baseball Saints to present a proposal to utilize Sales Tax Revenue for an electronic scoreboard at Schneider Field. Schneider added that this concept has been on their minds for quite some time, but they do not have funding. Therefore he approached the S. Joseph Park Board seeking assistance. At the June Park Board meeting the Park Board did recommend the City Council authorize the use of Sales Tax Revenue. Schneider stated that it is his opinion that the Park is regional being it is the home of the St Joseph Saints and all the home games are played at the field. In anticipation of the meeting he surveyed all of the area ball fields in the Lakewood League and found that St. Joseph is the only one without an electronic scoreboard. There was some discussion about how the costs associated with such. The current scoreboard was donated by a vendor, several years ago. Frank stated that, in the past, local business owners would donate money for those types of things; however, there aren't as many local ties anymore. He added that the nature of "giving" has changed. Many service organizations are facing changes in membership as well as declining revenue sources. Schultz questioned the future of the St. Joseph Saints. Schneider replied that there may be some interested persons to keep the team going; however, he feels that he needs to leave before that person(s) July 7, 2011 Page 2 of 6 will step forward. Schneider stated that the field is available to Kennedy School who now has a 7th /8th grade softball team, the St. Joseph Lab School, St. Joseph Summer and Rec and the St. Joseph Legion who recently re- established a baseball team for youth. Schneider stated that there are a lot of families who have kids that are interested in baseball who want to play at Schneider Field. There have also been inquiries by both CSB /SJU and the Riverbats to use the field; however, it is in need of some updates. He stated that the St. Joseph Saints do bring business into the community. Schneider further stated Greg Reinhart from Sentry Bank has indicated an interest in assisting with the funding for the electronic scoreboards; however, he has not given an amount. Wick questioned the advertising funds and where those funds would go. Schneider replied that he would like to raise enough to pay for the sign, but he is unsure of the future of those funds. Wick questioned how much they are looking to use from Sales Tax Funds for the project. Schneider replied that they could keep it at $18,000 max. Lonnie Abbott, 409 Gumtree Street, also approached the Council to discuss the request for funding the electronic scoreboards. As a member of the Park Board, he stated that they have discussed the use of Sales Tax funds to fund the entire project and are recommending approval. He added that any other monies that are received could be used to fund other projects at the field such as replacing the shed, updating the parking lot, etc. Wick asked Abbott to clarify how this is regional in nature vs. installation of playground equipment. Abbott replied that it is regional in nature as it brings in regional tournaments and area teams come to play at the field. Schultz questioned the urgency of the project. Schneider advised the Council that they were recently awarded the regional tournament in August and they could have it installed prior to the tournament, which would be a nice feature. Schultz stated that the St. Joseph Master Park Plan designates Memorial Park as a "special use" park rather than a "regional" park. Abbott stated that the Park Board may choose to re- classify some of the City parks as "regional" due to the fact that the only Park designated as such is not yet owned by the City. Schultz added that when money is tight, he wants to make sure that it is used in the right way. Loso questioned how much of the Sales Tax Funds have been used by the Park Board. Bartlett and Weyrens replied that they have used approximately $60- 80,000. Loso then stated that he would like Schneider to try to solicit funds from other organizations since the Baseball Team is an independent entity. There was considerable discussion about whether or not this is a "regional project ". Schultz then questioned how this type of electronic scoreboard would fit the City's Sign Ordinance. Weyrens stated that she did provide a copy of the Sign Ordinance to Schneider and Abbott; however, the City does not have to meet all the requirements of the Ordinance, but have always made an effort. Weyrens stated that she is hearing the project could be better funded by using Park Board CIP funding in which case the matter could come back to the Council after a recommendation by the Park Board. Wick suggested that we get a legal opinion as to whether or not this project would be a regional project. Weyrens and Schultz stated that the definition of regional is the discretion of the entity and the Department of Revenue does not have a standard definition. Weyrens agreed to solicit definitions of the term "regional ". Wick stated that there are several dollars available and he would like to see them being used.. Wick made a motion to table request to use Sales Tax funds to fund the purchase /installation of an electronic scoreboard at Schneider Field. The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously. Fire Relief Report: Annually, the Fire Relief Association must present its Fire Relief Report to the City Council. The purpose of the report is to illustrate the fund status and required municipal contribution. David Salzer approached the Council as the Treasurer for the Relief Association. He stated that the City's contribution is $12,749.00 for 2012. The contribution is a result of retiree's and low interest rates. Loso made a motion to accept the Fire Relief Report as presented and authorize the Administrator to execute the Fire Relief Report, indicating that the Fire Relief has presented the report to the City July 7, 2011 Page 3 of 6 Council identifying the liability for 2012. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. CITY ENGINEER/PUBLIC WORKS REPORTS Wastewater Project: Sabart stated that Staff recently reported that St. Cloud requested the initiation of the rehabilitation improvement of the St. Joseph force main located north of the Sauk River. Over the past nine months, they have been testing the chemical feed rates and they have found that the continued addition of chemicals is not cost effective. Currently, the manhole is made of concrete; however, the new manhole will be made of a material which is resistant to sulfide and will measure 22' deep. The estimated cost of the improvement is $313,000 and the costs will be allocated based a proportionate share. According to Sabart, St. Cloud would like to complete the project this year which results in a tight time table to complete the design process, bid process as well as construction. They want to implement the new system this year due to the fact that one more year of hydrogen sulfide could attack the system. Frank questioned whether any permits will be required from the State. Sabart replied that they will need two permits, one of which will be from the DNR. He stated that it will take approximately 6 -8 to get the culvert fabricated and then two weeks for the actual construction. Sabart advised the Council that staff has proposed that St. Cloud take the lead on this project and we pay our share based on a cooperative share. The Council came to consensus that they acknowledge the project. Sabart stated that this will be brought back at the end of the month by way of requesting execution of a cooperative agreement with the City of St. Cloud. 2011 Seal Coat Project: Thene reported that they recently opened the bids from the vendors for seal coating. He would like more time to review the bid results 16th Avenue Storm Drain: Sabart reported that, back in May, staff solicited quotes to construct a storm drain between the lots along 16th Avenue SE and Liberty Pointe. Since then, staff visited with the affected property owner and he was concerned about the costs associated with such a project and stated that he is not interested in contributing at a cost level for a storm drain. He questioned a lesser cost project such as a Swale. Sabart added that he look at some survey shots of the area and a Swale could be constructed to drain to a catch basin in the boulevard; however, he stated that it would not be as effective as a pipe. Loso stated his concern that once we fix the problem, we are assuming responsibility. Frank stated that if the City does the right thing by correcting the problem, he would like to see some Homeowner participation. Loso stated that he believes the problem was there prior to the construction of Liberty Point. Symanietz stated that a lot of residents have water in their yards. The Council came to consensus that staff would get a final estimate on adding a Swale vs. adding the storm drain and then present both costs to the property owner. ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Assessment Policy: Weyrens stated that, since the last draft, language relating to benefit was added to each of the provisions within the policy. Frank suggested that we publish the City's 5 -year CIP as a way of keeping people up to date with projects that will be coming up. Sabart replied that, until a feasibility report is completed, they do not have good cost estimates. Frank suggested that the paragraph describing the reason for the policy be moved to the top of the document. Loso stated that he is still concerned about the use of the word shall vs. may. After discussion, Weyrens was directed to change the language which states that they "shall be assessed 60% of the total..." to read that they "shall be assessed up to 60 % of the total...". Loso made a motion to accept the Assessment Policy with corrections. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. 2012 Budget — Goals: Weyrens stated that staff is beginning to prepare the 2012 Budget and they would like to know if the Council has any specific goals, projects, etc that they would like to see included. July 7, 2011 Page 4 of 6 Schultz suggested the following items: • Park Board Funding — He would like to see additional funding for the Park Board for maintenance, amenities, etc. • Increased Revenue Streams — Schultz stated that he would like to see the City use its internal infrastructure such as banner ads on the website, digital sign, newsletter, etc to increase its revenue streams. Weyrens stated that, after September 15, the City will have full control of the digital sign. She stated that she will bring back costs for getting this system operating at a future meeting. • LGA — Schultz expressed his desire to reduce the City's LGA dependence to $0. Therefore, if the City does receive LGA, it would be a bonus and could be then allocated to various funds. • Services — Schultz questioned whether there are certain services that we provide which the City loses money on. Bartlett replied that, when setting fees, staff tries to at least break even. Schultz questioned whether there are some fees that can be increased. • Fire /Emergency — Schultz posed the question as to whether or not money is being directed towards the correct funds. It seems as though emergency calls are up, whereas fire calls are down. He stated that he would like to see a better balance. Frank then addressed his concerns: • LGA — Frank stated that LGA will continually be reduced. Loso assured the Council that we will get a July payment; however, there may be a reduction for the December payment. According to Weyrens, the last information that she saw, stated that cities LGA would remain the same for two years. Loso commented that he sees a sizable reduction in LGA. Similar to Schultz, he would like to see the City budget without the LGA and if we do receive it, great! • Wages /Benefits — Frank stated that he wants to see 0% increase in wages or benefits for 2012. Weyrens advised Frank that one group is still under contract and they will receive a 2% increase in 2012. • Fire Chief — Frank suggested that the Fire Chief be treated as part of the management team and thus be present at Budget meetings. Schultz advised the Council and staff that he has already asked Taufen to participate in budget meetings. • Fees — Frank commented that some fees may need to go up. • Revenue Sources — Similar to Schultz, Frank stated that he would like to look at new sources of revenue for the City. Loso had nothing specific that he would like to see changed, added or deleted from the budget process. Wick stated that the City has two options for increasing revenue, either raise fees or property taxes. From an EDA standpoint, he would like to see development fees reduced as a way to bring new business into St. Joseph. He believes that will pay off in the long run, but we need to raise our commercial tax base. Since the City has decided not to join with the new company, he stated that we are "on our own ". He advised the Council that both Sartell and Sauk Rapids have since decided to partner with the new company. Symanietz stated that she would like to see the City continue to work collaboratively with the area cities, similar to what they are doing with the 2011 Seal Coating. Wick questioned what the target is for the budget. Weyrens replied that, as Council members and staff, we all know that the budget will not change much. She stated that staff is not proposing any big changes, possibly a 1 % change. She stated that we may need to look at what services we can no longer provide based on our current staffing. She agrees with Wick that we need to grow as we now have an imbalance between the commercial and residential tax bases. Updates: Weyrens provided the Council with some updates of projects that are currently "in the works ". July 7, 2011 Page 5 of 6 • Cone Castle: Many people have been asking about Cone Castle. Weyrens advised the Council that they had some issues at closing. They are hoping to get the infrastructure in by fall and have the building in next spring. • College Plans for Property East of CR121: Weyrens stated that the College will be submitting plans based on 2 different zoning types. They will be applying for a PUD, but they are keeping their options open for EE zoning. • Park Board: Weyrens advised the Council that the Park Board met and discussed the proposed CR121 trail and stated that they are in support of the project. • Fire Board: Weyrens stated that the Fire Board recently met and she will provide updates at the next meeting. • Park Terrace: According to Weyrens, the appraiser has been waiting for information from the City of St. Cloud and thus they will have the report ready at the next Council meeting. She stated that there has not been a cooperative receipt of information. Schultz suggested that this be addressed at the next Intergovernmental Meeting. MAYOR REPORTS Pam's Auto: Schultz reported that Pam's Auto will be receiving a Conditional Use Permit from Stearns County. He spoke with Pat and was invited to come and tour their facility. Weyrens stated that this was a Joint Planning Issue, thus it did not need Council approval. Town Hall Meeting: Schultz stated that he, along with Councilor Frank, will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting at the Local Blend on Saturday, July 9 from 8:30 -10AM. COUNCIL REPORTS SYMANIETZ LMC Conference: Symanietz reported that she attended the LMC Conference in Rochester. She stated that she is on the Planning Committee. There were about 350 people in attendance. There were several topics discussed and she will gather information and pass it around. Next year the conference will be held in Duluth. If people are interested in any of the topics discussed at the conference, they can go online and view various presentations. Facilities Meeting: Symanietz stated that she attended the facilities meeting and Wick will report. WICK Facilities Meeting: Wick reported that he and Symanietz attended the facilities meeting at which they went over several things. They reviewed the facilities guide that was done in 2008. Staff has been asked to look at what is realistic and bring that back at the next meeting which will be held the week of the 25'n Region 7W Economic Development: Wick stated that several entities are looking to start a 7E Economic Development Group. The Committee passed a resolution and a grant application was submitted to the Federal Government for up to $50,000 to fund activities for the next couple of years while they get the process going. He stated that they may ask other cities /counties for their support. EDA: Wick reported that Strack presented a couple of projects to the EDA. There will be a meeting for City Administrators /Clerks on August 5 in Becker regarding discussions from and EDA standpoint. Rental Group: Wick advised the Council that the Rental Housing Group met with the Stearns County HRA and discussed the small cities development program. Various landlords would need to apply to meet certain income guidelines. They will be meeting with another group, Central MN Housing Partnership, at a future meeting. July 7, 2011 Page 6 of 6 LOSO Fire Board: Loso reported that the Fire Board met last night and they discussed the possibility of replacing the pumper truck. That will be brought to the next Council meeting for approval. Park Board: Loso stated that the Park Board recently met and they discussed the CR2 bypass trail, which they are in support. Bar Owner Complaint: Loso advised staff that he has received calls from a bar owner that is upset about people from the parks coming to use their facilities due to the fact that the bathrooms are locked at Centennial Park. Thene reported that there has been a rash of vandalism at Centennial Park. There have been busted toilets, bulbs, and soffits. This issue has been ongoing. Frank questioned the possibility of installing cameras, etc. Jansky advised Frank that he is currently working collaboratively with the College of St. Benedict to get a camera system installed. He added that they plan to do an article in the St. Joseph Newsleader about the recently vandalism. At this time, staff will be re- keying the doors. FRANK Webpaqe: Frank advised staff that some people continue to have issues with the webpage. Adiourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn at 9:16PM; seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Judy rens Ad ' ' trator