HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a] Minutes
March 21, 2013
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph City Council met in regular session on Thursday,
March 21, 2013 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall opening with the pledge of allegiance.
Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz, Councilors Renee Symanietz, Dale Wick, Steve Frank, Bob Loso
and City Administrator Judy Weyrens
City Representatives Present: Police Chief Pete Jansky, Public Works Director Terry Thene, City
Engineer Randy Sabart
Others Present: Samantha Eckstad
Public Comments: Samantha Eckstad, 37 College Avenue South approached the Council to announce
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that representatives of the CSB/SJU will be hosting a community craft fundraiser on April 7 in the
HCC/Alumnae Lounge. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to Anna Marie Alliance in St. Cloud.
Loso made a motion to approve the agenda adding item 6(c) water
Approval of the Agenda:
connection. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
Symanietz made a motion to approve the consent agenda; seconded by Loso
Consent Agenda:
and passed unanimously.
a. Minutes – Approved the minutes of January 28, 2013 and March 7, 2013.
b. Bills Payable – Approved check numbers 046382-046421, payroll EFT #000780-000784 and
accounts payable EFT #001609-001610.
c. Treasurer’s Report – Accept the February 2013 Treasurers Report.
d. Transfers – Approved the annual transfer from the Fire Fund to cover administrative costs
($11,654.73)
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e. Gambling Report – Accept the 4 Quarter Gambling Report.
f. Surplus Property – Declare the 2009 Ford Crown Vic, 1983 Plymouth Reliant and 1994
Chevy ½ Ton as surplus.
Finance Director Reports
Donations: Bartlett stated that the City received a donation from the Jaycees in the amount of $ 1,739.78
Loso made motion to accept the donation from St.
to fund the replacement of CPR mannequins.
Joseph Jaycees for the purpose stated. The motion was seconded by Frank and passed
unanimously.
Equity Designations: Bartlett stated that the 2012 Audit field work has been completed and as part of the
year end closing process, the Council must review and confirm the proposed designated balances.
Bartlett stated that it appears the City has increased the working capital balance end the end of 2012,
with a balance equal to approximately 5.75 months of expenditures. The City fund balance policy
indicates the City will maintain a working capital balance equal to 4 to 6 months of expenditures; therefore
Wick made a motion to accept
the preliminary audit numbers indicate the City is meeting expectations.
equity designations; seconded by Loso and passed unanimously.
City Engineer Reports
2013 Street Improvement – Feasibility Report: City Engineer Randy Sabart presented the Council with
the feasibility report for the proposed 2013 Street Improvement. The following streets will be impacted:
Baker Street, from 2nd Avenue SE to 7th Avenue SE; 7th Avenue SE from Baker Street to Minnesota
Street E; Ridgewood Court, from Ridgewood Road (CR 134) to the cul-de-sac, approximately 1,100 feet
west of Ridgewood Road (CR 134); Cedar Street E, from 1st Avenue NE to Northland Drive; 1st Avenue
NE, from Cedar Street to Date Street E; Date Street E, from College Avenue N (CSAH 2) to 1st Avenue
NE; Date Street W, from 1st Avenue NW to College Avenue N (CSAH 2); and 1st Avenue NW, from
CSAH 75 to Date Street W. The proposed project only will only include street improvements.
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The streets proposed for improvement have been identified in the 2008 Pavement Maintenance Plan as
candidates for improvement with the exception of Ridgewood Court. The streets are between 21 and 23
years old and preventative maintenance has been performed on the streets including seal coating and
crack sealing. At this time they need to be replaced, as they have served their useful life. In reviewing
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the existing conditions it should be noted that the water main on 1 Ave NW and Cedar Street is old cast
iron that was installed between 1949 – 1950. While they should be updated, the City has tried to relate
the improvement to redevelopment. The approved CIP for the City indicates the upgrading of utilities as a
future project. This does create a dilemma, as if the City does the project at this time without updating the
utilities, the road may have to be disturbed when development occurs.
The proposed improvements include reclaiming the existing pavement and constructing new bituminous
base and wear course, replacing the sidewalk and pedestrian ramps, replacing street name/regulatory
signs, and replacing street marking on Cedar Street. The following is a summary of probable costs:
Construction $ 307,300
Contingency 30,800
Engineering 52,300
Soil Borings 3,500
Fiscal/Legal/Engineering 30,800
Total $ 424,700
The project includes assessing the property owners 60% of the cost, basing the assessment on the
existing policy, using front footage. The proposed assessment indicates a lineal footage rate of $ 20.81
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for 1 Ave NW, Date Street, 1 Avenue NE and Cedar Street; $ 27.32 for Baker Street and 7 Ave; and $
.009 per square foot on Ridgewood Court. The square foot calculation is used on Ridgewood Court due
to the irregular lot configurations.
Loso requested clarification on the proposed improvement for Ridgewood Court. Sabart responded that
the improvements are a combination of reconstruction and overlay. The majority of the road is in too poor
of a condition to overlay and must be reconstructed. The cul-de-sac near the lift station is in fair condition
and is a candidate for overlay. The Council questioned if Ridgewood Road is a private or public road.
Sabart responded that the road is public as it was originally CR 75. Over time the road has turned to
gravel and the only option is reconstruction. This area is also unique as water service is not available and
while sewer services are available, no one is connected. The sewer was installed in 1998 and the pipes
were installed in the boulevard. The Council questioned the possibility of extending water service to this
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area. Sabart stated that if water were to be extended it would come east from 19 Ave SE.
Based on projected estimates, the total City cost is approximately $ 233,829 or 55%. Wick questioned the
financing of the project and if Stearns County and the State will be assessed for property that is included
in the project. Sabart stated that he contemplated including the public entities in the assessment role, but
determined it would be difficult to prove benefit. Weyrens stated that the City will debt to pay for the
improvement cost, using the assessment and tax levy as the revenue source. The term of the bond issue
have yet to be determined as the City will issue one debt for all the 2013 projects.
Loso questioned if the City will be preparing a benefit appraisal as it is his understanding the assessment
policy requires such. Weyrens stated that the policy does not require the a benefit appraisal for each
project; rather it indicates that the assessment will relate to the benefit received from the improvement.
Sabart responded the proposed assessment role is consistent with the adopted assessment policy.
Schultz requested that staff review the assessment policy to verify that a benefit analysis is not required.
Frank stated that he supports the construction of sidewalks he is frustrated that they are not maintained
during the winter months, citing McDonalds as an example. Thene stated that he did have a discussion
with the property owners and will continue to work with them to assure they are clearing the sidewalks.
Sabart stated that he had a discussion with Stearns County about clearing the sidewalk under their
control and they informed his that they would clear the areas, but it would not be a priority.
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Fog Sealing: Sabart stated that he and Public Works Director Terry Thene have been researching
methods for extending the life of trails and one such method is called fog sealing. The application of a fog
sealant can extend the life of the trail. They are recommending the City Council approve fog sealing the
new CR 2 trail. Based on the volume of material, it is estimated the cost to be approximately $ 3,300.
Sabart stated that he would recommend contracting with Knife River to apply as they are the contractor
for the realignment project. The City can take advantage of the existing contract between the County and
Knife River as well as the project warrantee.
The Council questioned if this material could be applied to other trail sections in the City. Sabart stated
that using a fog sealant is more effective on new trails and has not been as effective on existing trails
showing wear. Loso stated concern that we don’t have a short or long term plan with regards to
maintaining the older trails. Thene stated that maintenance has been completed, but it comes down to
funding. Schultz and Loso questioned if the City has a trail maintenance plan to which Sabart stated we
do not, but one could be developed.
Loso made motion to authorize the expenditure to apply a fog sealant to the CR 2, using Knife
River as the contractor; seconded byWick and passed unanimously
Water Connection: Weyrens stated that the City was recently contacted by a new property owner who
did not know that the property he purchased was not connected to water nor had the water connection
fee been paid. In this particular case, the water lines when extended from the main into the home, but
never connected. Weyrens stated that the City as a list of property owners that are not connected to
water service and requested the City authorize notification to those property owners requiring connection
to the municipal water system. The MN Building Code as well as the plumbing and mechanical code
requires connection.
The concern of the new resident is that the City should have disclosed the lack of connection to the water
system. While the City is not obligated to disclose on assessment searches that the property is not
connected to municipal services, this can create future issues. Residents are already required to connect
to sewer services one reasonably available. The current water connection fee is $ 4,600 and if the City
were to require connection to the water system, residents could be provided a three year period to pay
the access fee.
Loso agreed that the City should require all residents to connect to the system and likes the idea of giving
them three years to make the payment. Frank questioned if there are any health reasons for requiring the
connection to which Weyrens stated she was not aware of any. Weyrens stated the argument is if they
have a working well and it’s been tested, etc… why connect? We allow people to keep the water for
outside irrigation but once you have the pipes run in, you lose a little bit of control if there is cross
connections, which is a big risk to us. There are about 24 properties not connected at this time.
Loso made motion to send letter to all affected parties that they have three years with no interest
to pay the hook-up fee and connect to the municipal water system. If the pipes area already
plumbed into the house, then the connection must be made immediately, allowing for the three
year payment of the access fee. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
Director of Public Works Report
Vehicle Purchase: Public Works Director Terry Thene stated that the Public Works Department is
requesting approval to purchase a ½ ton Chevy 4-wheel drive/extended cab for daily operation. The truck
would be purchased through the Capital Improvement Plan and is fully funded. He stated that he has
been using his personal vehicle during times when the staff needs additional vehicles and it occurs about
two months out of the year.
Wick questioned Thene as to how many vehicles the City maintains in relation to the number of
maintenance employees. Thene stated the City maintenance staff consists of eight employees and six
vehicles for daily use are maintained. Wick questioned why the proposed truck is an extended cab and if
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Thene considered a standard pickup truck. Thene stated that there are many times he has plans or items
that should not get wet; therefore the request is to purchase an extended cab. When questioned the cost
difference between an extended cab and standard cab Thene stated he did not know, but he could
research.
Loso made motion to purchase ½ ton Chevy, 4-wheel drive with extended cab as requested;
seconded by Frank.
Wick made a motion to table the purchase of the ½ Truck until the next meeting at which time
Thene will present the cost of an extended cab and standard cab. The motion was seconded by
Mayor Schultz.
Ayes: Schultz, Wick, Frank, Symanietz
Nays: Loso Motion Carried 4:1:0
Mayor Reports
Coalition of Greater MN Cities (CGMC): Schultz reported that the CMGC continues to work on revising
the LGA formula and have been trying to find a compromise that would be acceptable to the metro cities
as well as greater MN. Schultz stated the proposed formula is not what he was hoping for, but it does
increase the aid the City would receive.
CSB/SJU Relations: Schultz reported that he and Frank along with Police Chief Jansky participated in a
forum at St. John’s regarding Keg Permit and Social Host Ordinance recently adopted by the City
Council. Students had considerable questions regarding the impact of the Social Host, Keg Permit and
Disruptive Intoxication Ordinances and they were seeking clarity and the need for what they labeled
“drastic changes”. The students expressed concern with lack of communication and education for those
that would be most impacted by the Ordinances. They felt they were let down by their own
administration. The forum was well attended. One suggestion expressed at the meeting was to publish
the public hearing notices in the SJU Record when they have a direct impact on the students. Frank said
it’s a two-way- street. He clarified that the annually one student from SJU and CSB are designated to be
representatives at City Council meetings. Typically they come to one or two meetings and then they stop.
Frank suggested taking small steps like putting something in their campus newsletter that they read and
doesn’t cost much.
City Council Reports
SYMANIETZ: No Report
LOSO: No Report
WICK: Reported the EDA will be meeting on March 27, 2013.
FRANK: No Report
Loso made motion to adjourn at 8:40 PM; seconded by Symanietz and passed
Adjourn:
unanimously.
Judy Weyrens
Administrator
April 4, 2013
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph City Council met in regular session on Thursday,
April 4, 2013 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall opening with the pledge of allegiance.
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
Others Present: Tom Krebsbach, Frank Ostendorf
Public Comments
Tom Krebsbach, Kramer Lake Road approached the Council to request the City allowing residents to use
golf carts within the City limits. Krebsbach stated that he had a discussion with Police Chief Pete Jansky
and he stated that when he (Krebsbach) moves to town, he will not be able to use his golf cart on City
streets. He stated that a number of communities allow such and requested the Council consider
amending the Ordinances.
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Frank Ostendorf, 615 7 Ave NE, approached the Council regarding the use of golf carts in the City.
Ostendorf stated that he too owns a golf cart that is also known as a neighborhood electric vehicle and
when he purchased the vehicle he was told by the Police Department they he could use it in the City. He
requested that the Council clarify if they are allowed and if not, then consider amending the Ordinances to
allow.
Weyrens stated that she discussed the matter with Krebsbach and informed him that the matter would be
considered by the staff at the monthly meeting with a recommendation to the City Council in May.
Loso made a motion to approve the agenda with the following
Approval of the Agenda:
additions/deletions:
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Deleting (4a) Minutes – Approval of March 21 minutes
Adding (7b) Confirmation of Meetings (including APO)
The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
Wick made a motion to approve the consent agenda including deleting (4a) and
Consent Agenda:
adding (7b); seconded by Loso and passed unanimously.
a. Minutes – Deleted
b. Bills Payable – Approve check numbers 046382-046421, payroll EFT # 000780-000784 and
accounts payable EFT #001609-001610.
City Engineer Reports
2013 Street Improvement Project: Sabart stated that since the last Council meeting he had an
opportunity to review the assessment policy and verify that the City does not need to complete a benefit
analysis for each project. The policy leaves it to the discretion of the Council. Sabart stated the amount
being assessed is all above ground improvements which are visible and the amounts are relatedly small
compared to reconstruction projects. If the Council is ready to move forward with the project, the next
step would be the conducting of the public improvement hearing.
Weyrens stated that a proposed schedule has been provided to the Council and it illustrates a tight
schedule. The City would propose to conduct the assessment hearing immediately following the opening
of bids. Therefore, if the Council conducts the improvement hearing in April and orders the improvement,
the project will take approximately four to six weeks to design. Sabart stated that the earliest the project
could begin is the end of July or beginning of August.
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Weyrens stated the assessment roll has been reviewed by the City Attorney and he is comfortable with
the proposed assessments, understanding that they are preliminary. Frank questioned the average
proposed assessment to which Sabart responded that most interior lots have a proposed assessment
between $ 1,500 and $ 2,500. Schultz questioned about drop dead date to complete the project. Sabart
stated that the project is relatively small, with a short construction period. He would not recommend
starting the project in mid-September or later.
Frank made motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2013-016
Receiving Report and Calling Hearing on Improvement 2013 Street Bituminous Overlay (STJOE
123390); Setting the Public Hearing for the 2013 Street Improvements for April 25, 2013 at 6:30PM
at the St. Joseph Fire Hall. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously.
Phase II CR 2 Sidewalk: Sabart stated that in 2012 St. Joseph submitted a funding application to the
APO for enhancement funding for 2016-2017 Transportation Improvement Program. The APO is now
anticipating some leftover funds from a trail project in St. Cloud that would utilize 2015 dollars. There is
$130,000 of excess proceeds available for the next eligible project on their list which is the Phase II CR 2
Sidewalk/Trail expansion. The estimated cost in 2016 dollars for Phase II project was $1.1M for both
segments on Phase II. The APO Director, Scott Mareck is questioning if the City has an interest in
accessing the funds for construction in 2015.
Based on the estimated cost the excess funding would amount to less than 15% of the project cost. Wick
questioned the disproportionate cost share. Sabart stated that typically federal enhancement dollars
include a larger contribution, which the City can still apply for through the enhancement funding. The
APO has excess turn back funds that have to be put back into a project that qualifies for the program. St.
Joseph was the first project on the list. The Council questioned Sabart if Phase II could be split into two
portions, with the first segment the continuation from Minnesota Street to Cr 2. Loso also suggested that
Sabart check to see if Stearns County Parks has an interest in partnering with the City. Sabart stated that
he would contact Mareck to determine if the City could apply for the excess funds if Phase II were divided
into two phases and report back to the Council. Schultz stated that Stearns County Parks have
considerable obligations and is not sure that they would contribute, to which Sabart agreed.
Director of Public Works Report
Vehicle Purchase (1/2 ton truck): Thene reported that he contacted the Schweiters regarding the price
difference between an extended cab and standard cab truck and the price difference is $ 1,629. Thene
stated that the extended cab is important as he carries items that are weather sensitive and he also has
passengers at times that would require the additional space. The total cost of the equipped truck is $
30,591.99. Loso questioned Thene if he checked prices on a used truck due to the low usage off the
maintenance staff. Thene stated that he did not check into a used vehicle as the City receives a lower
price on the new trucks and can still utilize the dealer incentives. Loso stated that it is his opinion that
significant cost savings would be realized but without checking he would not know.
Frank made a motion to approve the purchase of a 2013 ½ ton Chevrolet four wheel drive
extended cab truck; seconded by Symanietz.
Ayes: Symanietz, Wick, Frank, Schultz
Nays: Loso Motion Carried 4:1
Vehicle Purchase (Front End Loader): Thene reported that he has checked into used loaders and
alternative plow truck as requested and still maintains that the most efficient piece of equipment to aid the
maintenance staff in snow removal is a second front end loader. When looking at the cost of a new plow
truck fully equipped, the cost is approximately $ 185,000 to $ 164,000 and the cost of a used plow truck
equipped is approximately $ 41,000. Thene stated that he is not requesting authorization to purchase a
plow truck at this time, as it is included in the 2015 CIP. At this time Thene requested authorization to
purchase a new front end loader, trading in the grader for a total equipment cost of $ 162,970. Schultz
questioned Thene as to how many hours are on the meter of the existing loader to which Thene stated he
was uncertain. Thene stated that the purchase of a second front end loader would extend the life of the
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existing loader as the use will be reduced. Loso stated it is his opinion that the need for a second loader
has not been demonstrated and does not feel it should be purchased. Schultz stated that his concern is
the cost versus hours of use and if the purchase is the best use of financial resources.
Frank makes a motion authorize the purchase of a 2013 John Deere Loader 624K with wing and
blade at a cost of $193,413 plus tax. The cost will be offset by $ 18,500 for the trade-in of the
grader. The equipment will be funded through a combination of equipment certificate and existing
CIP funding. The motion was seconded by Wick.
Ayes: Symanietz, Wick, Frank
Nays: Schultz, Loso Motion Carried 3:2
Cloverdale Park: Loso stated the Park Board recently met and approved the redevelopment of
Cloverdale Park, setting a budget of $ 25,000. The Park Board hired Scenic Specialties to design the
park and provide an estimate for construction. Thene added that a subcommittee has been established
to work on the project and in an effort to reduce costs; labor from Sentence to Serve will be utilized. Frank
questioned if the Park Board solicited a second bid for the design to which Thene stated they did not.
Frank encouraged the City to continue soliciting competitive bids when possible for work within the City.
Schultz made a motion approving the budget
The budget does include funding for a trail or gazebo.
of $ 25,000 to redevelop Cloverdale Park, utilizing Park Development Fees. The motion was
seconded by Loso and passed unanimously.
Compost Site: Thene stated that over the past months he was been working with the City of Sartell to try
and establish a joint compost site. At this time it does not seem financially feasible as the City would be
charged a land lease rate of $ 5,000 and the City would have to complete maintenance on the City
portion of the compost area, taking the loader to the site every two weeks. Thene stated that a second
Loso made a motion to keep
site has recently presented itself and he is looking into the details.
compost area as is and if a new site presents itself the Council will consider changing sites during
the compost season. The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously.
Administrator Reports
IPAD Purchase: Weyrens stated that she has recently spoke with other administrators and they are
going the paperless route using IPAD’s as the electronic device. St. Augusta is the only City considering
laptops which are more costly and have a tendency to have more maintenance issues. Mike McDonald
questioned the budget amount as it was higher than the actual cost of five laptops. Weyrens stated that
the cost to convert to IPAD’s is more the devices and includes setting up email accounts for each Coucnil
Member, accessories such as Cover/screen protector and miscellaneous costs. With regard to the
question McDonald raises regarding the use of PEG Access Fees, it is a legitimate expense and all
communities are using the same source.
Loso made a motion to transition to paperless packets, purchasing an IPAD for each member of
the Council. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
Confirmation of Meetings: Weyrens provided the following summary of upcoming meetings:
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April 15 (Monday) Joint Planning, City Council and Township Board 6:30
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April 16 (Tuesday) Meet and greet with Police Chief candidates 4-5:30
Council will follow-up that evening to interview the top 3 candidates at 6PM
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April 18 (Thursday) Council agrees to cancel unless business comes up
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April 25 (Thursday) Public Hearing for the 2013 Street Improvement at the Fire Hall
Mayor Reports
Community Center: Schultz reported that he spend the day at the Capital lobbying for funding for the St.
Joseph Community Center. He testified before the Senate Finance Sub-Committee who seemed
engaged in the proposal. Over the past months he has been working with Senator Michelle Fischbach to
include the St. Joseph Community Center in the bonding bill, if one is to be passed this legislative
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session. He presented project as two phases. The Community Center being considered as Phase I and
then adding Government Center as Phase II. Total project estimated cost up to $4.1M and that could be
low or high. He presented the committee with information on the disproportionate amount of tax exempt
properties in St. Joseph, making it difficult to complete capital projects. This is a first step in getting the
community center visible in the eyes of the legislature.
Joint Meeting: Schultz thank all those who attended the recent meeting of all City Board and
Commissions. He appreciated the discussion and the opportunity to hear the status of each
board/commission.
Army Reserve Center: Schultz reported that the Corp of Engineer is hosting a ground breaking for the
Army Reserve Center on April 5 at 10:30. He encouraged Council members to attend.
City Council Reports
FRANK
EDA: Frank reported that the EDA met recently and discussed moving the Farmers Market downtown in
2014 and modified some language in the Business Façade Grant program.
LOSO – No Report
SYMANIETZ – No Report
WICK – No
Loso made motion to adjourn; seconded by Wick.The meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM
Adjourn:
Judy Weyrens
Administrator
April 25, 2013
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in special session
on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 6:30 PM in the St. Joseph Community Fire Hall.
Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz. Councilors Bob Loso, Dale Wick, Renee Symanietz, Steve
Frank. Administrator Judy Weyrens.
City Representatives Present: City Engineer Randy Sabart, City Attorney Tom Jovanovich.
Others Present: Tom Klein, Brad Veenstra, Al Stellmach, Greg Kacures, Gladys Schneider, Don
Schneider.
2013 Street Improvement Public Hearing: Mayor Schultz opened the public hearing and stated the
purpose of the hearing is to consider the making of an improvement on the following streets: Baker
Street, from 2nd Avenue SE to 7th Avenue SE; 7th Avenue SE from Baker Street to Minnesota Street E;
Ridgewood Court, from Ridgewood Road (CR 134) to the cul-de-sac, approximately 1,100 feet west of
Ridgewood Road (CR 134); Cedar Street E, from 1st Avenue NE to Northland Drive; 1st Avenue NE, from
Cedar Street to Date Street E; Date Street E, from College Avenue N (CSAH 2) to 1st Avenue NE; Date
Street W, from 1st Avenue NW to College Avenue N (CSAH 2); and 1st Avenue NW, from CSAH 75 to
Date Street W by bituminous overlay
Sabart stated that streets are typically designed for a twenty year life, which can be extended by routine
maintenance such as crack sealing and seal coating. The streets being considered for improvement are
those that have been identified in the 2008 Street Maintenance Plan in need of repair. Within the project
area, the majority of the utilities are relatively new and operational; however there is one section along
Cedar Street and 1st Avenue NW that has old cast iron pipes that need replacement. Ridgewood Court
is unique as water service is not available and properties are serviced by wells but sewer service is
provided. Sabart presented illustrations of the pavement deterioration on each section of the project.
The proposed improvement will include a 1.5 inch Bituminous Overlay, with a six foot wide edge mill,
some areas will include a reclaim and pave which includes pulverizing existing pavement into aggregate
mixture and pave new bituminous base and wear course. Other improvements include replacing
sidewalk and pedestrian ramps at intersections, replace street/name and regulatory signs as needed and
replacing pavement markings.
The proposed improvements include reclaiming the existing pavement and constructing new bituminous
base and wear course, replacing the sidewalk and pedestrian ramps, replacing street name/regulatory
signs, and replacing street marking on Cedar Street. The following is a summary of probable costs:
Construction $ 307,300
Contingency 30,800
Engineering 52,300
Soil Borings 3,500
Fiscal/Legal/Engineering 30,800
Total $ 424,700
Sabart stated that it has been the past practice of the City to assess the affected property owners a
portion of the cost. In this case it is proposed that the property owners be assessed 60% of the costs
based on the front footage with the exception of the property located adjacent to Ridgewood Court. Due
to the configuration of the lots abutting Ridgewood Court/Road, the proposed assessment is based on
total area. The proposed assessments are consistent with the Assessment Policy adopted by the City
Council.
Constructing a public improvement and assessing a portion of the costs requires a series of public
hearings. The first hearing, being conducted at this time is to determine if the project is needed. The
second hearing is an assessment hearing, where the actual assessment cost per lot is prepared and the
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Council is considering adopting and certify the assessment, passing the costs to the affected property
owners.
In conclusion Sabart stated that if the Council adopts a resolution at this meeting ordering the
improvement, the project will be designed and bid. The Council would conduct an assessment hearing in
late July and construction could begin in August. The project is a relatively small project and will only
require one to two weeks for construction.
At this time Mayor Schultz opened the floor to those present for questions.
Al Stellmach, owner of Ridgewood Storage requested clarification on how the property owners abutting
Ridgewood Road are being assessed as he has a large front footage compared to others and they will all
enjoy the same benefit.
Sabart responded that the project as it relates to Ridgewood Road is being assessed on a total
square footage due to the configuration of lots. All the property owners who access their property via
Ridgewood Road are being assessed on a per square foot basis.
Greg Kacures, 307 1st Ave SE, stated it is his opinion that Date Street is not in need of repair and has
seen streets in worse condition. He further stated that if the City is not reconstructing the streets the
cracks will only come back after time. In addition he stated that Minnesota Street West is in need of
repair and maybe the City should consider putting the resources on that street rather than Dale Street.
Sabart responded that the City is proposing the improvement to Date Street to extend the life of
the street. The goal of the City is to get 30 t0 35 years of life on the streets. If the City waits until the
street is in too bad of shape, then the only recourse is reconstruction which is more costly. Sabart
concurred with Kacures that the existing cracks will eventually surface again, but that is where the City
maintenance plan is important. The City reviews streets and seal coats and crack fills area routinely to
maximize the life of the road. With regard to the condition of Minnesota Street West, that road is under
control of Stearns County and the City is in the process of negotiating the terms of the turn back and what
improvements will be required.
Al Stellmach questioned access during construction. Sabart stated that the project proposed is relatively
quick with the work being completed in one to two days. The only time that access will be limited is when
the pavement is being laid down and by the end of the day access will be provided.
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Gladys Schneider, 118 – 3 Ave SE, questioned the need for the project. She stated that Baker Street
was reconstructed in 1992 and in her opinion is not a road that is heavily traveled and is in good shape.
She further stated that the road cracked within the first year after reconstruction and questions why now it
needs to be repaired.
Sabart responded the purpose of the improvement is to extend the life of the road to get the most
life out of the street before having to reconstruct again. It is important to complete maintenance before
the streets are too are gone.
The public hearing was closed at 7:05 PM.
Schultz questioned what percentage of streets in the City go through the process of maintenance as
proposed at this time. Sabart state that all streets are reviewed with the goal of protecting the investment
in infrastructure. The timing of the improvement is based on the life cycle of the street. The City tries to
keep street from deteriorating by making overlay improvements. The goal of the City is to preserve the
investment in the most cost effective manner. Schultz questioned how much longer an overlay
improvement will extend the life of the street to which Sabart responded at least ten years. The City
typically sees a life of 30 to 35 years by constructing the improvements.
Frank questioned that one area does not have water and would it make sense to include water at this
time. Sabart stated that the area that does not have water is on Ridgewood Road/Court. Due to financial
constraints the project does not include the extension of water service, but it could be added if the Council
is inclined to do so. At the time the City installed sewer, the improvements were placed in the boulevard,
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not in the street; therefore, if water is not extended at this time, the road would not have to be disturbed in
the future.
Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2013-017
ordering the 2013 Street Improvement. The motion was seconded by Symanietz.
Discussion: Wick clarified that at this time the Council is authorizing the design of the project
which will then be presented to the Council for authorization to advertise for bids. Sabart affirmed and
stated that after the bids are received the City Council will conduct a special assessment hearing. All
affected residents will be mailed a notice which illustrates the exact amount to be assessed for the
project. If the Council accepts the assessment roll the project is awarded after the appeal time period has
expired. It is at this time that the project officially moves forward.
Frank questioned the ability to add water service to the project for those areas where water is not
available. Sabart stated that he could estimate the cost of the project and bring back to the Council at a
future meeting. Property owner Al Stellmach stated that in his opinion the properties on Ridgewood Road
do not have a need for water and it might be cost prohibitive. Loso stated the water improvements being
th
discussed would also benefit property to North, adjacent to 19 Ave NE.
The motion carried unanimously.
Frank made a motion to adjourn at 7:15 PM; seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
Adjourn:
Judy Weyrens
Administrator
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