HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 [03] Mar 07 March 7, 2012
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council met in special session Wednesday, March 7,
2012 at 5:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall.
Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz. Councilors Dale Wick, Renee Symanietz, Steve Frank, Bob Loso.
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: Mike McDonald.
Liberty Pointe: Weyrens stated that previously the City Council authorized the staff to review the
possibility of assuming ownership of the private road (Jefferson) and utilities in Liberty Pointe. The City
recently assumed the private streets and utilities in Graceview Estates and the Liberty Pointe
Homeowners Association (Liberty Pointe HOA) is requesting similar action.
In an effort to identify the issues in Liberty Pointe, staff met to review the impacts of assuming the private
utilities. City Engineer Randy Sabart stated that while there are similar issues to Graceview there are
some significant differences. The streets are very narrow, only 24' wide and houses are closer to the
road. In fact some homes cannot park a car on the driveway with the car sitting at the edge of the road.
This is only compounded with deep utilities, as some of the sewer lines are 18' deep requiring larger
trenches. This could be problematic in the future when /if the utilities need work or replacement as it will
require delicate work. In Graceview Estates the City could acquire additional ROW for the future adding
the need work room, this is not possible in Liberty Pointe.
Weyrens stated during staff discussion four alternatives evolved:
1) There are currently nine (9) lots that vacant and on the surplus property listed being sold
at Stearns County. The City would have the opportunity to purchase those lots to prevent
building; however, this would require the purchase of the lots and assumption of the
outstanding assessment.
2) Accept the street and utility as they are today assuming risk and challenges in the future.
3) Agree to provide snow removal
4) Do not make any changes
Symanietz questioned parking and if it would be permitted. Jansky stated that as a private street they
can park on both sides of street and he has seen the difficulty maneuvering around cars. If the City
assumes the snow plowing the agreement would include following the winter parking restricts and only
allowing parking on one side. Thene stated that the City would have to look at the location of mailboxes
and street irons if the maintenance department is responsible for snow removal. He also stated that due
to the physical location of the homes, when the plow goes through the snow will project to the homes as
there is no room for snow storage.
The Council requested staff meet with the homeowner association representatives and offer to provide
snow removal services only at this time.
Community Sign: Weyrens stated that the Council had previously notified the Council about the City
assuming full control of the Community Sign. Since that time letters have been sent to the two
businesses that currently use the sign for advertising along with a bill for the advertising. One of the
business owners, Cory Ehlert, suggested the City enter into a partnership agreement with him for
upgrading and sign and advertising. He would pay for the cost of the upgrade and in exchange he would
manage the advertising, sharing in the revenue.
Symanietz discussed the retail rates for advertising in St. Cloud and how the advertising is managed to
avoid competing companies advertising at the same time. The Council stated support of partnering with a
vendor to upgrade the sign and revenue share. Bartett stated that she contacted the City of Sartell who
has an identical sign and they partner with the same vendor that constructed and operated the City sign
for the past fifteen years. In addition they have two new signs which the City has full control and sells the
advertising.
March 7, 2012
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Based on this information, the Council requested Weyrens contact the original vendor for the City sign to
examine if they have interest in upgrading and partnering with the City. In the event they do not, then the
preference is for the City to manage and sell the advertising and upgrade the sign.
Rental License Violation: Weyrens updated the Council on a rental violation on 6 Avenue NW. The City
has been working with the prosecuting attorney to notify and remedy the situation. The property owner
has admitted that he has more than the license permits, and has for a number of years, but has yet to
comply.
Compost Site: Weyrens stated that the Thene has been working with the Townships and area Cities to
find a new location for the compost area. At this time the Townships have not produced any areas that
are suitable and available. Thene stated that one property that may work is adjacent to the Maintenance
facility, but the price provided by the owner may be cost prohibitive. Therefore, it appears that the current
compost area will be utilized at least for 2012, recognizing that the space is limited.
Weyrens questioned the Council as to the intent of providing service to St. Wendel Township. Last year
the Council authorized St. Wendel to participate for one more year provided they work with the City to find
additional space. Weyrens requested clarification if the use of the compost was tied to the outstanding
invoice as well. The Council confirmed that the authority for St. Wendel to participate in the compost was
limited to one year and included the provision that the City be made whole with regard to the outstanding
invoice. Therefore, since additional land was not secured and the City did not receive payment for the
outstanding invoice, the Council affirmed that St. Wendel would not be invited to participate in the
compost service. Weyrens stated that she would notify the St. Wendel Board of the action of the Council
so that they can budget for the outstanding invoice at the upcoming annual meeting should they decided
to pay the invoice.
Police Chief Squad Car: Frank questioned if the Council was prepared to discuss the potential of the
Police Chief taking home a squad car, to which the Council agreed to discuss. Frank stated that it is his
understanding that most Police Chiefs do have take home squad cars, similar to the State Patrol and
County Officers. Therefore he does not see the request as unreasonable. Wick concurred with Frank.
Jansky stated that all the Chiefs in the area do have take home squad cars and some live the same
distance from the jurisdiction as he does. Taking home a squad would allow him to start working on
emergency items as he is coming in as he would have available the radio and computer. In addition,
there are many times that he covers extra shifts or comes back for meetings, using his own vehicle.
Frank questioned the amount of over time that is saved by the Chief covering shifts, to which Jansky
stated he was uncertain as to the dollar figure, but identified 4 of July, Senior Farewell and weekends in
spring as times he covers extra shifts. Schultz stated that he already receives calls concerning
department heads or employees not living in town and stated that the take home squad car would elevate
this concern. Jansky stated that while he does not live in Town he does care about the City and spends a
considerable of on work hours in the City at events or businesses. Weyrens stated that this is a difficult
subject as it can be difficult for employees to live in town as people tend to think employees are on duty
24/7 and it becomes difficult to separate work from your personal life.
Loso and Symanietz stated that they do not support the take home squad car as they would have a
difficult time explaining why a St. Joseph squad car is out of town and why the City is paying for the gas.
The Council agreed that as a department head Jansky has discretionary authority, so that if there are
times when he needs to come back or it is important to take home the squad car he has that ability.
Therefore the Council opted not to act on this request at this time.
Adiourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 7:15 PM; seconded by Symanietz
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