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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a] Minutescrra o� K r. JcxH rK Council Agenda Item 4(a) MEETING DATE: August 18, 2011 AGENDA ITEM: Minutes — Requested Action: Approve the City Council minutes of August 04, 2011 SUBMITTED BY: Administration ATTACHMENTS: Request for Council Action .................................. .......................4(a):1 -2 DRAFT CC Minutes — August 4, 2011 .................. .......................4(a):3 -8 REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the City Council minutes of August 4, 2011. 4(a):1 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 4(a):2 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph City Council met in regular session on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 7:OOPM in the St. Joseph City Hall; opening the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz, Councilors Renee Symanietz, Steve Frank, Bob Loso and City Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives Present: City Engineer Randy Sabart, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Police Chief Pete Jansky and Public Works Director Terry Thene Others Present: Bruce Hemmesch, Tom Klein, Renee Grise, Cary Swenson, Mariterese Woida PUBLIC COMMENTS Bruce Hemmesch, 115 12th Avenue SE, approached the Council regarding a neighbor issue relating to a fence potentially extending over the property line. Police Chief Jansky advised the Council that he has already discussed this issue with Mr. Hemmesch and advised him that he needs to contact an attorney for legal advice as this is not a City matter. Hemmesch replied that he cannot afford to hire an attorney and he spoke to several attorneys and nobody will help him. Cary Swenson & Renee Grise, 813 3'd Avenue SW, approached the Council to address a drainage problem on their property. They presented the Council with pictures of their ditch and stated that the cattails in the ditch are 6' tall, or more, there is water constantly in the ditch and the ditch is infested with mosquitoes, snakes and frogs. According to Swenson, something needs to be done. He advised the Council that Mr. Thene has been out there several times to address the issue. He is aware of the fact that they have a water problem on their property; however, the company that they have hired to address their water problems does not want to begin work until the drainage issue has been addressed. Sabart advised the Council that he has been out there as well and has reviewed the project drawings. In his opinion, there is adequate grade and there should not be an issue with standing water. Loso questioned whether this is related to the street project which Sabart replied that drainage was a concern at the time, but he is not sure exactly. He re- stated that the grades are adequate and added that the standing water may be a result of the soils in that area and the spring action. He believes that there are other things going on. Approval of the Agenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda as presented; seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. Consent Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: a. Minutes —Approve the minutes of July 21, 2011. b. Bills Payable — Approve check numbers 044357 - 044396 and EFT numbers 000569- 000573 (Payroll). c. Donations — Accept the donations and their stated purposes. The motion was seconded by Frank. Discussion: Frank questioned the bills payable with respect to union dues. Bartlett stated that the City pays the union dues; however, the dues are withheld from the employee's paychecks. He also questioned some charges relating to the Army Reserve. Weyrens explained that staff is in the process of a development review on that property and those charges will be reimbursed, by the Developer, at a later date. The motion passed unanimously. Treasurer's Report: Bartlett presented the 2nd Quarter financial report. She stated that the cash balance increased by approximately $158,264 from the beginning of the year. Bartlett added that the City received 70% of the first half property tax and assessment settlement in June and the remaining 30% was received in July. The City's cash position represents about 4.5 months of the year's expenditures. Bartlett advised the Council that the General Fund spent down 45% of its 2011 budget and received only 25% of its 4(a):3 revenue budget thus far. The Enterprise Fund shows expenses being greater than revenues and that is due to the fact that the City bills on a bi- monthly basis. She explained that the Water Fund does show some connection activity and that is due to the fact that Coborns paid their WAC /SAC fees that were deferred when the project was completed. The agreement required the fees be paid no later than June 1 2011. Frank questioned whether there are any red flags that the Council should be aware of. In response, Bartlett stated that the City is on track for the year. When the State Budget passed, it was indicated that there was a reduction in LGA and market level credit which means that the City will receive less than budgeted. She added that we have reserves set aside for future cuts. Frank then expressed his concerns about bonding and the possibility of paying more. Bartlett advised the Council that bond rates are favorable at this time and reported that the City had an A+ bond rating due to its strong reserves and good financial policies. The City will go thru another bond rating when the next bond is issued for the refinancing of the Fire Hall, along with the pumper truck, etc. Schultz questioned what happened to the funds that were originally budgeted for the Partnership. Weyrens responded that those funds remain in the EDA fund. This item will be addressed during the next budget cycle. Symanietz made a motion to accept the financial reports as presented. The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously. Five Year Capital Improvement Plan: Weyrens questioned the Council as to how they wanted to address the City's proposed 5 -year Capital Improvement Plan. She questioned whether there are projects that the Council would like to see completed, whether the Council wants to see the CIP cut back or whether it should be expanded. Schultz stated that he continually sees the same projects over and over again and questioned which projects are urgent. He feels that the CR75 Storm Water project is urgent, along with addressing the ditch issue along 3 I Avenue SE. He added that the Water Tower has been on the CIP for the past 10 years and he doesn't see that being built for another 10 years. Until things turn around and the economy takes an upward swing, he does not feel it is pertinent. In conclusion, he stated that there are some small things that he feels the City needs to concentrate on. Sabart agreed and stated that they have attempted to attack the smaller projects; however, that is a challenge because some of the capital projects are so large. Frank followed up on the large question and stated that he would like to get a sense of priority. He feels that staff deals with these issues on a daily basis, therefore he likes their expertise. Loso stated that he has a problem with how the process is currently handled. He would like to see a realistic five year plan. He would like the City to put the money where something can be done. Symanietz added that she would like to see the items separated to see where the funds will come from. Bartlett explained that some of the items cannot be removed if the City intends to complete the project in the future. Schultz then stated that he would like to see a dream list from each department. He added that he sees no problem spending money if it saves money in the long run. Frank stated that, from an EDA perspective, it would be a good idea for the City to define who we are and who we want to be. ENG -1209 — Northland Heights — Jasmine Lane Extension: Schultz questioned whether the City would be responsible for any of those costs. Weyrens explained that this could be completed using the 429 process to assess the costs. The extension of Jasmine Lane is a condition of the Developer Agreement for Northland Heights. She advised the Council that this property is no longer owned by Lumber One; rather it is under new ownership. Sabart added that it may be an option to extend water and sewer out to that area as the road would already be dug up. 4(a):4 ADM -1201— Election Equipment: Frank commented that, previously, the College donated three scanners to the City, which he stated may not be good anymore due to the fact that fake ID's are getting harder and harder to detect. He added that there is a good chance that we will have Voter ID at the next election and he questioned how election judges will be expected to handle those kinds of things and how judges will verify residence. Weyrens replied that the City carries a fund balance in that account for that specific reason. She added that, eventually, there will be a need for a 3rd precinct again. ENG -1244 — Field Street ROW and Construction (CR 121 to 12"' Avenue): Frank stated that he is not opposing construction of "Field Street" to the east; however, he questioned the design. He stated that the preferred plan shows a 2 -lane road; however, we are looking to purchase ROW for 4 lanes. In these economic times, Frank stated that it would be best to scale that back and only purchase land to construct a 2 -lane road. Sabart explained that it is cheaper to purchase raw land now before it is developed. The plan is to construct the eastern segment in 2012 -2013. ENG -1243— Monument Sign: The proposed CIP includes construction of a new Monument Sign along the new County Road 2 as the old sign will be removed during the realignment. Symanietz questioned why the old sign cannot be moved. Thene explained that the current sign is made out of brick and will not be able to be moved. ENG -1211— CSAH 2 Realignment — Trail extension MN St. E —CSAH 75: With respect to the proposed trail along the realignment of CSAH2, Schultz questioned whether the costs could be broken down by design, ROW and construction, rather than a total. Weyrens explained that the City would be required to pay 100% of the costs. According to Sabart, SEH designed the trail on the City's behalf and thus they have only quoted the City for the design. ADM -1211— Electronic Sign: Weyrens stated that staff is requesting that the City take over the sign and use it for advertising to generate revenue. She stated that she received one quote of $31,000 to update the sign to a digital sign. She will solicit quotes for a 2nd bid. Schultz then questioned the possibility of adding advertising to the City's webpage. Weyrens stated that that has been added into the software as part of the CIP. In conclusion, Weyrens questioned the Council as to whether or not they would be supportive of the City applying for a "Round -Up Grant" through Stearns Electric and use that money towards the Community Sign. Symanietz made a motion to allow the City to apply for the "Round -Up Grant" through Stearns Electric. The motion was seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS 3rd Avenue SE: The Council questioned Sabart in regards to the drainage issues on 3`d Avenue SE. Sabart explained that they had the contractor for the project did return to complete additional work shortly after the project was completed. However, the soils in this area are clay and hold a considerable maount of water creating site limitations. Frank questioned if the existing sump pumps that are draining int the ditch can be relocated to help the ditch dry. Sabart responded the only location would be in the property owner's backyard. Sabart advised the Council that the improvements were ordered without having storm sewer. Loso clarified that if the City were to fix the issue, it would not be a cost to the City. 16th Avenue Improvements: Symanietz questioned Sabart as to the status of the 16th Avenue project. Sabart explained that the project is almost completed. The contractor will be returning to address some sod issues. POLICE CHIEF REPORTS 4(a):5 Party House Grant: Jansky advised the Council that the City will not be receiving the Alternative Enforcement Grant this year which helps to offset overtime for officers at high peak times. As a result, the City will see more overtime costs. Jansky added that there are very few grants available for law enforcement. Symanietz stated that there is a sign in Sherburne County related to speeding. Schultz questioned whether having the students living on campus will lessen the number of party houses. Jansky replied that they generally find a place to gather. ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS St. Cloud Airport Support: Weyrens stated that the City of St. Cloud is looking for support from the area cities and counties in their efforts to secure a SCAD grant to encourage commercial air travel back to St. Cloud. Frank stated that the EDA discussed this and they support the effort, but are suggesting that no money be contributed at this time. Loso made a motion to authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2011 -018 supporting the grant funding of the St. Cloud Regional Airport and table the request for a monetary donation at this time. Discussion: Frank explained that they are requesting a monetary donation as it shows a commitment to those that fund the grant that there is some seriousness outside of St. Cloud. If the City were to approve donating funds for that purpose, Schultz questioned when they need would need the money. Weyrens explained that they have already submitted the grant application for award next year. Symanietz questioned where the funds could come from. Weyrens replied that they could come from either reserves or refuse funds, or possibly be allocated from the CIP. The Council also discussed the possibility of using Sales Tax Funds. Schultz commented that he can envision the expansion of the Northstar before anymore air travel to St. Cloud. He suggested that this item be talked about at the Mayor's meeting as he finds it hard to support this financially. Frank stated that subsidies for small airports are already starting to dry up and the price of tickets will begin to go way up. He stated that St. Cloud could possibly be a freight hub. He agreed with Schultz and stated that it would serve more people to make sure that the Northstar expands. He added that he believes fast trains will come eventually. In conclusion, he stated that higher priorities are those that serve more people. The motion was seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously. Proposed Development Request: Weyrens stated that staff has been working with a fast food provider about the possible development at the corner of CR75 and CR133. She questioned the Council as to whether or not they would allow the City to issue 429 bonds for a 5 year term, contingent upon this project being financially backed by the Credit Union. This would allow all lots to be shovel -ready and have utilities. Weyrens stated that the proposed improvement cost is $ 200,000 and if the City authorized the use of 429 bonds, the property owner will submit a waiver for the initiation of the improvement and assessment. The Council came to a consensus to allow staff to continue the process. Frank stated that he doesn't see this having any financial risks to the City. He stated that they may have some sign issues down the road to which Weyrens stated that nothing would preclude them from meeting the City Ordinances. Wobegon Trail Extension: Schultz stated that he, along with Stearns County Parks and other area Mayors will be meeting with Senator Frank and his staff to see about possible federal backing for the extension of the Wobegon Trail. Transportation Plan: At the previous meeting, a committee was going to be formed to work on amending the City's Transportation Plan. Schultz stated that he has appointed most of the committee members, but is awaiting confirmation from a few members. He will contact Weyrens when he has the full group. 4(a):6 Development Update: Weyrens advised the Council that the City has been working with the College of St. Benedict on a proposed development. She stated that staff found some agreements that were executed by previous Councils that may need to be negotiated. She questioned whether they would like staff to work with St. Ben's or whether they want to appoint a committee to do such. The Council directed staff to work with St. Ben's to negotiate the terms those agreements. COUNCIL REPORTS FRANK Transportation Meeting: Frank stated that a transportation meeting was held; however, only two members were aware of the meeting and thus in attendance. He stated that, based on recent discussions between MN Dot and Tri -Cap, there may be a discontinuation of bus services in December 2011. If the City were to fund the bus service 100 %, the cost would be $40,000. Schultz added that ridership was up 80% in June. LOSO — No Report SYMAN I ETZ St. Cloud Chamber: Symanietz reported that she attended a meeting of the St. Cloud Chamber at the Armory building. It was stated that St. Joseph is a Yellow Ribbon City. Weyrens advised the Council that the Yellow Ribbon Committee will be present at the next meeting to give a presentation. Seal Coating: Thene advised the Council that Astech will begin seal coating the streets on Monday. Adiourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn at 8:20PM; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Judy Weyrens Administrator 4(a):7 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 4(a):8