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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 [03] Mar 01 March 1, 2012 Page 1 of 5 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz. Councilors Dale Wick, Renee Symanietz, Steve Frank. City Administrator Judy Weyrens. City Representatives Present: City Engineer Randy Sabart, Police Chief Pete Jansky, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Public Works Director Terry Thene. Others Present: Richard Cousins, Pat Schneider, Consent Agenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the consent agenda; seconded by Wick. a. Minutes — Requested Action: Approve the minutes of February 16, 2012. b. Bills Payable — Requested Action: Approve check numbers 045041 - 045088, payroll EFT # 000639- 000643 and accounts payable EFT #001566- 001567. The motion passed unanimously by those present. St. Cloud Regional Human Rights: At the request of the City Council, St. Cloud Regional Human Rights Director Richard Cousins approached the Council. Cousins stated that the St. Cloud Human Rights Office has been busy and of the current open cases, 37 of those involve a St. Joseph resident. The majority of those cases involve a St. Cloud Business. Cousins stated that in reviewing the cases handled by the local office, 27% are age related, terminated because of age and 60% are related to sex discrimination. Cousins stated the most significant difference between cases handled at the State versus the St. Cloud office is that he has been given authority to settle cases. He cited a recent case involving a CSB student who did not receive her damage deposit back. Her landlord had returned those of the men in the building but she has been waiting over one hear. Had she called the St. Paul office they would not have handled the matter as students are not listed as a protected class; whereas, in St. Cloud he will listen to all claims to determine if he can provide assistance. In this case he contacted the landlord and the student received in damage deposit back the same day he called the landlord. Cousins stated that this case is a good example of the benefit St. Joseph residents receive from participation in the regional office. Cousins stated that the example provide is a simple case and in the event an egregious violation occurs, the charges can be drafted much quicker by the location of the office in St. Cloud. As far as outreach, it is anticipated that the outreach will be a function of the Human Rights Commission and just because it has not happened yet does not mean it will not. The State Department has stringent guidelines as to the outreach he can provide. Based on department guidelines, Cousins stated that he can only provide training or outreach if he is invited. Frank stated that a great deal of time is spent on educating and informing. A good majority of the cases educate to eliminate. Symanietz suggested that the regional office consider education for bullying in the local schools. Cousins stated that recently the office did provide outreach in Cold Spring and at St. Cloud Cathedral. Suggested they look into the bullying and educate the school children. They did an outreach in cold spring and cathedral. Schultz questioned if the since the office has been opened there has been an increase in requests for service. Cousins stated that he has seen a decrease and takes that to mean that he is doing his job. Frank stated that at the time the City of St. Joseph agreed to participate in the regional human rights office, it was his understanding that other Cities were waiting for the office to open to determine the local benefits of the office. With that understanding, Frank questioned if other Cities have reassessed their position. Cousins stated that he is unaware of any such discussions. Cousins stated that when he was hired he was told that the majority of the cases would probably center on race and religion; however that March 1, 2012 Page 2 of 5 is not the case. As stated earlier, the majority of cases center on older white males and females asserting harassment claims. Wick stated that based on the Joint Powers Agreement, annually the City should receive an activity report, audit and goals for the coming year. He questioned Cousins as to the status of those items. Cousins stated that he would be responsible for generating the annual report and is uncertain as to the status of the audit report, but it can be requested from the City of St. Cloud. Symanietz stated that she is the chair of the Joint Powers Board and they have discussed goals for 2012. Wick stated the Council should receive a copy of the required information. Cousins stated the hierarchy structure of the St. Cloud office is as follows: State of Minnesota, Regional Office, Joint Powers Board, Human Rights Commission and lastly the participating cities. Symanietz and Frank stated that the Joint Powers Board is requesting an amendment to the JPA to change the structure of the Human Rights Commission. The Board currently identifies protected classes that must be represented on the Human Rights Commission and this requirement has made it difficult to fill the open positions. Cousins stated that all individuals are part of a protected class all individuals have a race, sex, religious preference etc...; therefore, it makes sense to broaden the qualifications for membership. Upon being questioned by Wick, Symanietz stated that St. Joseph will still have representation on the Human Rights Commission. Frank made a motion to authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Human Rights Joint Powers Agreement to modify section 8.1 of the agreement relating to the qualifications for membership on the Human Rights Commission. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously by those present. Engineer / Public Works Director Capital Request — Track Mower: Public Works Director Terry Thene requested authorization to replace 2005 John Deere Z Mower. The City has been maintaining a five year rotation on the mower to maximize value. Midwest Machinery provided the low quote giving the City a trade in value of $ 8,534.59 with a purchase price of $ 14,734.59. The final cost to the City is $ 6,626.25. Thene stated that the capital item is part of the five year CH with funding available. Schultz made a motion authorizing the trade -in and purchase of a John Deere 997 Mower at a final cost, after trade -in of $ 6,626.25. The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously. . Compost: Councilor Frank stated that he was watching the St. Cloud Council meeting where they discussed composting and how they entered into an agreement to sell the material to a third party. He questioned if Thene has looked into something similar. Thene stated that St. Cloud process the compost by screening and cleaning whereas St. Joseph simply lets it process; therefore, the value of the St. Cloud compost is higher. In addition, St. Cloud has a large volume so a company is willing to come and pay to transport the material. St. Joseph does not have near the volume and transportation costs for a third party would most likely not make it feasible, but he will check. Committee Reports FIRE BOARD ATV Replacement: Symanietz made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Fire Board declaring the 1996 ATV surplus, causing the same to be advertized and sold with a minimum bid and authorize the purchase of a new ATV with trailer and pump. The motion was seconded by Wick and passes unanimously by those present. Turnout Gear: Turnout gear, Frank made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Fire Board, replacing 14 sets of turnout gear at a cost of $ 14, 000. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously by those present. March 1, 2012 Page 3 of 5 EDA Demolition grant: Wick reported the EDA approved a demolition grant for KJ Construction to demolish the former Del Win Building. The property owner indicated the total cost for demolition is $ 90,000 of which $ 16,000 is for asbestos abatement. The property owner hopes that the removal of the building will make the property more marketable as it is a shovel ready site. PARK BOARD Sidewalk Extension: Weyrens stated that the Park Board has previously discussed the extension of trail and sidewalk and the importance of connecting the City system to the Wobegon Trail. In January the Park Board recommended the Council approve the installation of sidewalk adjacent to 12 Avenue SE from Minnesota Street to Coborns and adjacent to CR2 from CR 75 to the Wobegon Trail. In addition, the . EDA has prepared a downtown streetscape that included a monument at the intersection of CR 2 and CR 75 along with some plantings. If sidewalk is installed along CR 2, the Council should consider the first phase of the streetscape. The Park Board is recommending funding the projects through the one -half cent sales tax. City Engineer Randy Sabart presented the various sidewalk alternatives to the Council. With regard to the sidewalk extension from CR 75 north on CR 2, the City Council must determine which side of County Road 75 the sidewalk should be constructed. If the sidewalk is constructed on the west side, the exiting sidewalk would be removed and replaced. Placed on the east side, some trees would have to be removed. With regard to the sidewalk along 12 Ave SE and CR 133, the proposed sidewalk will be placed on the east for two reasons. First, the large driveway for Scherer Trucking poses a safety risk and the free right to CR 75 from CR 133 creates an additional safety concern. Therefore the sidewalk needs to be placed on the east side. Schultz stated that he has had some discussion with Coborns and they indicated that they along with Centracare are willing to partner with the City so that the trail can be extended. Schultz made a motion to authorize SEH to design the sidewalk extension on the east side of CR 2, extending to the Wobegon Trail and on the east side of 12 Avenue SEICR 133 extending to the private drive into Coborns. Discussion: The Council discussed whether or not the sidewalk should extend to Elm Street or stop at the private drive into Coborns. It was the consensus to stop the sidewalk at this time at the private drive but the sidewalk may be extended in the future. The motion carried unanimously. Frank questioned the design for the entrance sign and questioned if the City is committing to the use of the skyline as the "brand" for the City. Weyrens stated that the City logo was established at the time of the water tower construction. The City sponsored a contest and the winning entry is the one used today for the logo and is a skyline. The City has since used this logo on official correspondence. The Council discussed the logistics of constructing a monument in the northwest corner CR 2 and 75. Schultz questioned if there would be enough room. Sabart stated that we would have to work with Stearns County but it should work. Schultz also questioned the outline of the skyline and how that will visually appear. Schultz made a motion to move forward with the streetscape design at the intersection of CR 2 and 75 with the construction specifics presented to the Council. The motion was seconded by Wick. Discussion: Before expenses are incurred for construction the Council requested design specifics to assure that the monument will work in the proposed location. The carried unanimously. St. Joe Saints Scoreboard: Weyrens stated the Park Board has recently recommended the City Council approve the installation of the electronic scoreboard in Memorial Park and provide funding in the amount of $ 15,000. It is anticipated the cost of the sign will be approximately $ 20,000.00. Pat Schneider, St. Joe Saints stated that the Council previously requested he solicit donations for sign and he received a commitment from Sentry Bank in the amount of $ 4,000 and the Saints will contribute $ 1,000. The Park March 1, 2012 Page 4 of 5 Board proposed the Council authorize the use of $ 7,500 from the one -half cent sales tax proceeds and $ 7,500 from Park Dedication funds. Schultz questioned if the cost of the sign includes all the additional costs such as electrical, construction, labor, etc., and questioned what the look of the sign. At this time the Council does not have the proposed sign face. Frank questioned if sales tax funds can be used if ad revenue is received, to which Weyrens stated she was uncertain. Schneider clarified that the donation from Sentry Bank is a one -time donation. Councilors stated that their biggest concern is the utilization of the half cent sales tax for a portion of the funding. The one -half cent sales tax is for regional parks /trails, roads or community facilities and the question remains is the sales tax funding appropriate for the scoreboard. Memorial Park is not classified as a regional park in the master park plan and Schultz stated in his opinion it does not fit the requirements for the funding source. Wick concurred and questioned if Park Development funds are appropriate as well. Schultz suggested that discussion on this matter be delayed until Councilor Loso can be present as he is the liaison to the Park Board and may have additional comments /information. Wick made a motion to table discussion on the electronic scoreboard to the March 15, 2012 Council meeting. The motion was seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously by those present. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE 2012 Non Union Compensation: Schultz reported the Council did not finalize 2012 compensation for non union employees. The Council has previously discussed offering the same insurance as COLA offered to other employees and to modify the vacation schedule to match that of the union contracts. Frank questioned the status of authorizing the Police Chief to take home a squad car. Schultz stated that as Councilor Loso is not present, this item should be moved to a later meeting so he can participate. Wick made a motion to establish the following 2012 Non Union Compensation: COLA — 35; Insurance Premium Contribution — 20 %; Insurance Deductible - $ 4,000 (Family), $ 2,000 (Single) and modify the vacation schedule to match the current union contracts. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously by those present. Administrator Reports Parking Pads: Weyrens presented the Council with a revised draft regulating parking on lawns. The proposed draft prohibits parking in front laws and requires impervious surface for parking in side or rear yard areas. This amendment has been reviewed a number of times by the Planning Commission with recommendations rejected by the Council. The Planning Commission requested direction from the City Council if they were being asked to reconsider. Weyrens stated that any change to the Ordinance regulating parking pads would require a public hearing which must be conducted by the Planning Commission. Wick made a motion to forward the draft amendment regarding parking on lawns to the Planning Commission for public hearing. The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously by those present. Human Rights — Insurance Cost: Weyrens stated that the City of St. Cloud has provided the liability insurance for the regional human rights office for the past year and they are requesting the City of St. Joseph to participate in 2012 based on the established cost sharing formula. The estimated additional cost is $ 128.00. Schultz made a motion authorizing the additional payment to the City of St. Cloud for the proportionate share of liability insurance for the St. Cloud Regional Human Rights Office. The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously by those present. Mayor Reports APO Personnel Committee: Schultz reported that he is part of the APO personnel committee and they have been interviewing candidates for the two open positions. While two offers were extended, one was rejected. The committee will consider additional candidates. March 1, 2012 Page 5 of 5 Council Reports Frank — No report Wick — No report Symanietz — No report Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:15 PM. J • y eyr s dmi istrator • THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK