HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 [04] Apr 01April 1, 2013
Page 1 of 2
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph City Council met in special session on Monday,
April 1, 2013 at 6:30 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall.
City Council Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz, Councilors, Steve Frank, Bob Loso and City
Administrator Judy Weyrens
Planning Commission Present: Chair Ross Rieke. Commissioners Gina Dullinger, Chad Hausmann,
Matt Killam. (Liaison Rick Schultz)
Park Board Present: Chair John Anderson. Members Jodi Keeler, Peggy Fogherty, Troy Gorake, Sharon
Young, Andrew Deuhs. (Liaison Bob Loso)
EDA Present: Larry Hosch, Gary Osberg, Doug Danielson (Liaison Steve Frank)
City Representatives Present: City Engineer Randy Sabart, City Attorney Tom Jovanovich
Mayor Schultz welcomed those present and stated the purpose of the joint meeting is to allow all Board
and Commission members to meet one another and discuss the focus of each Board /Commission.
PARK BOARD: John Anderson introduced himself as chair of the Park Board and stated that the Park is
focusing on developing Cloverdale Park in 2013. He stated that the primary funding source for the park
board is Park Dedication Fees and due to lack of development, funding has been minimal. The
Cloverdale project will be managed by the Public Works Director and will include a meditational
component, as outlined in the Master Park Plan. The Park Board hosted the first annual Joe Town /Snow
Town event in February and will be hosting a 5K run in conjunction with the Millstream Arts Festival. By
sponsoring community events the Park Board is hoping to enhance the sense of community in St.
Joseph. Other projects under construction include the trail extension along the new CR 2 and creation of
an Archery Range. The Archery Range is fund in large by community donations from the Lions, Archery
Country and C & L Excavating. Look for a grand opening in May.
EDA: Steve Frank spoke on behalf of the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority. He stated that
the EDA continues to work on the downtown area with an effort of creating an active downtown. A survey
was recently conducted of the property owners in the Central Business District questioning what they see
as needs, barriers and what plans they have for the future. Frank stated interestingly enough, of those
surveyed, and only four thought the City had a downtown parking issue. The EDA is also working on
what is called the Gateway Project. This project is a proposed commercial development adjacent to 1 -94
both on the north and south side of Minnesota Street (formerly CR 2). The City has determined that this
area should be the focal point for future growth end are looking at the alternatives to providing city sewer.
The area already has water accessible.
PLANNING COMMISSION: Ross Rieke introduced himself as chair of the Planning Commission and
stated that the Planning Commission will be reviewing Ordinance Amendments and working with the City
Council on updating the Orderly Annexation Agreement. The Planning Commission activity has reduced
due to the lack of development, but they continue to be as proactive as possible.
CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Schultz stated that the City Council continues to explore the possibility of
constructing a Community Center. The Council has conducted information meetings or public input
sessions soliciting input from residents as to what they would like to see in a community center. The
focus of the facility committee recently was a government center with the addition of a community room
that could be rented, similar to the fire hall. The project was delayed when concern was expressed that
the Community Center should be more than a room and include active recreation.
A survey in 2008 indicated that residents were looking for a water amenity, but constructing a pool is not
realistic due to costs. A second need identified was a meeting room for residents to rent for family or
special events. It was questioned whether or not the City had investigated the possibility of renting space
April 1, 2013
Page 2 of 2
at the former Kennedy School as it could serve as a gauge as to how a new facility would be utilized.
Weyrens clarified that the sales tax money can only be used for capital and rent would not qualify as a
legal expenditure. Hosch stated that the City does not need to build an elaborate space, just a space that
would allow parents to bring their children to burn their excess energy. He stated that as a parent to two
young children, during the winter months when they cannot go outside, he takes them to crossroads just
to burn energy.
Those present also discussed that if a community center is constructed, it should not compete with local
businesses, particularly those that handle weddings. The competition is already disadvantaged with the
College advertising weddings at the Gorecki Center. Schultz stated that the Facility Committee will
continue to look at the needs of the community and thanked those present for attending the special
meeting.
Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM
Ye y ens
rator