Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 [10] Oct 18 October 18, 2012 Page 1 of 4 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St.Joseph City Council met in regular session on Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 7:OOPM in the St. Joseph City Hall, opening the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Ma or Rick Schultz, Councilors Renee S manietz, Dale Wick, Steve Frank, Bob Loso Y Y and City Administrator Judy Weyrens Citv Representatives Present: Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Police Chief Peter Jansky Others Present: Lisa Ruprecht, Rachel Dunham, Melissa Flaig, Sarah Fiedler, Sara Mickolichek, Sarah Dingmann, Jenny Brattensborg, Tom Klein, Dean Connolly Public Comments:No one was present who wished to speak. Approval of the AQenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes: Weyrens requested to remove item 4(a)and add to the end of the agenda a closed meeting to discuss labor strategy. Schultr would like to add item 4.5 to review the Rules of Order. Council will move into a closed session in pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13(d)to discuss labor strategies.The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. Consent AQenda: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda with the removal of item 4(a).The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. a. Deleted b. Bills Payable—Approved check numbers 045818-045874, payroll EFT#000723-000727 and accounts payables 001588-001592. c. Treasurer Report—Approved the Sept 2012 and 3'�Quarter Treasurer's Report d. Donations—Accepted the donations and their purposes as stated. Rules of Order: Mayor Schultz stated that he wanted to review the Rules of Order regarding communicating effectively at Council meetings. While he encouraged Council members to speak at meetings, he requested that they wait to speak until recognized and to be respectful of others opinions. Park Board Bud et: Park Board Chair J hn nd n red before the Council to discuss the ca o A erso appea proposed budget for 2012. He stated that the funding has decreased over the years due to the lack of park dedication funds. He understands the reaction to cut parks and recreation funds during budget years; however,when people look at moving to a community they do consider the amenities. Regarding the Budget, $400 has been included in the budgeted for flowers at Monument Park.The Park Board is proposing to make improvements to Cbverdale Park.The long-range plan of the City guides Cloverdale Park towards a Zen or meditative park which has a proposed development cost of$250,000. Using the same concept, the Park Board reque$ted a local vendor, Scenic Specialties, to design a concept plan for the park including a cost estimate. The concept plan included a cost estimate of$ 22,000. Anderson stated that before the Park Board is ready to move forward they will seek public input as he has already received comments regarding the lack of playground equipment. Frank questioned the dedication fees listed on the Park Board Financial Statement regarding the Army Reserve Center. Weyrens stated that the Army Reserve project is in the planning stages and it is uncertain as to whether or not they will be platting and if they do not, a dedication fee is not collected. Frank questioned if the project for Cloverdale Park will be competitively bid to which Anderson stated yes. Wick questioned the proposed trail path for the Cloverdale Park project and whether it would be paved or gravel. Anderson informed Council it is to be concrete.Wick also inquired about the$7500 dollar expenditure in 2012 for a memorial. Finance Direct Lori Bartlett stated that expenditure related to the Scoreboard in Schneider Field. Wick made a motion to accept the proposed 2013 Park Board Budget.The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. � _ October 18, 2012 Page 2 of 4 Administrators Report Leqislative Priorities:Weyrens shared that the next Inter Governmental Meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 30, 2012. The area Administrators met on October 12, 2012, to discuss the draft Joint Legislative Priorities List, using the 2012 Legislative Priorities a guide. The items completed have been removed and two new areas have been added. One addition is to request changes to the 429 Statutes regarding minimum assessment ratio needed for bonding purposes and to include language to allow for benefit for underground infrastructure. The seconded item is modifications to the Government Data Practices regarding when names of victims need to be provided to the media and a second provision to keep private email addresses of residents paying their utility bill through email. Weyrens stated the request for modifications to the Data Practices Act is a result of the Verso accident. Frank stated that he does not support the proposed priority regarding eminent domain as he has concerns when government takes private property. In addition he stated that while is a supporter of the North Star commuter train, he does not see any evidence that the link from Big Lake to St. Cloud is a financially feasible. Therefore, this priority may not be a reality. Communitv Sian: Weyrens reported that she has been working with Rich Feneis,from Custom Signs to replace the existing community sign located on CR 75 and College Avenue. It is anticipated that the new sign will cost approximately$ 100,000 and Feneis has offered to serve as a broker for the sign, paying for the cost of the sign in exchange for collecting the revenue. The City would be allowed 00:20 seconds per minute to advertise community events on the sign. The remaining time would be limited to the business sponsors which Feneis would solicit. In addition, Feneis would manage the sign including the rotating messages. Feneis offered a second alternative where he would just assist the City with the construction and the City would pay for the sign and control the advertising revenue. This scenario would be cash neutral for the first five years, and would require personnel to solicit sponsors for the sign. The Council concurred that the City is not in a position to construct and manage the sign and prefer the option with Feneis controlling the sign. Weyrens clarified that the City will own the City, as in the past and after five years the City could exercise the option to manage the advertising. During the first five years the City would be responsible for the electricity and cable modem as in the past. The expense would be about$1200 a year for the City. Weyrens presented the City with a draft of a proposed agreement between the City and Feneis for the Community Sign. Loso stated that the agreement should be clear as to the types of advertising the City will be permitted during the 00:20 time allotment. When questioned for the next step in the process,Weyrens stated that once the contract is executed, Feneis will begin soliciting advertisers and has 90 days to secure four sponsors which meet City approval. At this time the sign would be constructed. Jansky questioned if the City will be able to place public service announcements on the sign to which Weyrens responded yes, but they will be placed by Feneis. Wick made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the agreement between Rich Feneis and the City of St.Joseph for the construction and management of a community sign to replace the existing sign located on CR 75 and College Avenue. The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously. Ordinance Amendment—Noise Ordinance 102:Weyrens presented the Council with an amendment to the Noise Ordinance 102. The amendment corrects inconsistencies between Ordinance 55 and 102 and formalizes the noise violation policy as it relates to rental property. In addition, the proposed amendment adds the restrictions for construction noise that is currently identified in the subdivision ordinance. Schultz and Frank requested the Ordinance be modified to include current terms as the existing Ordinance seems outdated. Loso made a motion to table the discussion on Noise Ordinance.The motion failed due to lack of second. Frank questioned the reference to exhaust in the noise Ordinance and why such language is in a noise Ordinance as exhaust does not create noise. The Council concurred to remove the reference to exhaust. Wick requested clarification in regard to the provision for construction noise and questioned if that related to home projects. Weyrens stated that the construction times relate to construction projects that create October 18, 2012 Page 3 of 4 noise that can be heard beyond the property line. The majority of complaints regarding construction are new construction and utility improvements. Ordinance Amendment—Ordinance 112: Ordinance Prohibiting Disruptive Intoxication. Jansky explained the background for this Ordinance and that the State of Minnesota does not have a public intoxication law.Where the City has problems is with large crowds.This Ordinance would allow for better crowd management. The Ordinance has been adopted by several other Cities. Ordinance 112 would only affect the individual breaking the law. Frank would like to see more defined language with the Ordinance. Jansky expressed that the language being used is standard in law enforcement State-wide and will hold u in court. P Ordinance Amendment—Ordinance 74: Keg Permits. Jansky commented that the City of St. Cloud has this Ordinance along with several other communities. It would require individuals to purchase a permit if they intend to have a keg within the City limits. Jansky explained that this permit will afford the police department the opportunity to know the location of parties. The permit process would not change the existing Ordinance that limits the number of kegs per property to one. Weyrens clarified that the retail store sellin the ke does not have an obli ation to enforce the Ordinance. S manietz wanted 9 9 Y 9 Y clarification on how the process would work. Schultz recommended that the Council should investigate what the policies are for the City of St. Cloud for the permit process. There is concern regarding multiple permits being filed from neighboring addresses or how leases are written for room rentals at the same property so muttiple permits are not given out. Ordinance Amendment—Ordinance 75:Jansky stated that the City has once before considered adopting a Social Host Ordinance, but delayed action based on a pending case for the same Ordinance in St. Cloud. The matter was resolved without litigation;therefore, Jansky requested the Council again consider adopting such an Ordinance. The purpose of the Social Host Ordinance is to hold the property owner or tenant responsible for behaviors that occur as a result of alcohol or from large gatherings which become disruptive. The purpose is to discourage underage possession and consumption of alcohol, even if done within the confines of a private residence, and intends to hold persons criminally responsible who host events or gatherings where persons under 21 years of age possess or consume atcohol regardless of the person hosting the event or gathering supplied the alcohol. Jansky explained that there have been several instances where the private party stated they did not supply the alcohol to the individual under the age of 21 and this Ordinance would offer better enforcement. Loso inquired if there is a State law covering this issue. Jansky replied yes, that State Statute does cover this topic, but it does not clarify if the individual who is under age brings their own alcohol and the Host knowingly allows the consumption of alcohol. This Ordinance will make the Host criminally responsible. Jansky reported meetings with both colleges have been held and they are very supportive of the Ordinance.This Ordinance would make only the person(s)who are responsible for the resident in violation of the Ordinance. The Council requested additional information on the Ordinance to which Weyrens stated that she will contact the St. Cloud City Attorney to see if he would be willing to come and discuss their experiences. Council Wages:Weyrens advised the Council if they intend to modify their wages in 2013 any action must be ratified before the election on November 6, 2012. Weyrens provided the Council with a summary of the area City Council compensation and most Cities have moved towards a set fee, not a per meeting fee. Frank suggested moving to a standardized fee and felt it may less complicated. Loso felt it would be more efficient. The Council will continue the discussion at the November 1, 2012 meeting. Sunset Ridae Plat:Weyrens reported the Joint Planning Board has been working on a plat entitled Sunset Ridge which is owned by the Roman Notch Trust. One of the major discussion items is access and the need to have access for the future both to the east and west. City staff has forwarded the proposed easements to Stearns County Environmental Services for consideration. The Joint Planning Board will be considering this matter on October 29, 2012. While the plat is located in the Township, it falls within the Orderly Annexation area where the Joint Planning Board has final authority. Weyrens stated that as with plats in the City, the developer will be required to enter into a development agreement ' to memorialize the terms and conditions of the plat. October 18, 2012 Page 4 of 4 Mayor Report Meetinqs Attended: Schultz reported that over the past could of weeks he attended the following meetings: October 10—attended a listening session with Michelle Bachman's Deputy Chief of Staff Robert Boland. Transportations issues were discussed along with healthcare, and there were many interesting ideas shared. , They also shared their concern with the access to propane in rural Minnesota and how cost prohibitive it was to bring in. October 11 —attended the APO executive committee meeting at which they announced changes in the Federal formulas for allocation of more funds internally. There was a discussion for maintenance versus new projects. A full Board study is required regarding funds that must be used or they will be lost. A request from The Greater St. Cloud Area Corp.for money was approved and they are not members of the APO.This is the first time that the APO has granted monies to a non-member. Questions were raised on how it will affect future funding availability. There will be future discussions within the APO on how to distribute the funds to non AP members. Council Reports Frank—No report I Loso—No report . Wick—No report Symanietz--No report Closed meetinp:A motion was made by Wick to go into a closed meeting pursuant to MN Statute 13(d)to discuss labor strategies.The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously.Weyrens confirmed that no action will occur when the Council comes out of closed session. Adiourn:Wick made a motion to adjourn at 8:45 PM.The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. Judy e1��ns Admi istrator This page intentionally left blank