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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 [06] Jun 06June 6, 2013 Page 1 of 6 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph City Council met in regular session on Thursday, June 6 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall, opening the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Acting Mayor Dale Wick, Councilors Renee Symanietz, Steve Frank, Bob Loso and City Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives Present: Police Chief Pete Jansky, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Public Works Director Terry Thene and City Engineers Randy Sabart and Colin Marcusen Others Present: David Salzer, Colin Marcusen, Loretta Steckelberg, John Steckelberg, Andy Canfield, Paul Walgren, Karen Walgren, Tim Neisen, Bryan Allen, Michelle Allen, Jason Krebsbach, Cory Ehlert PUBLIC COMMENTS John and Loretta Steckelberg, 301 11th Avenue Southeast, spoke in regard to the Ordinance requirement for improving parking pads. He stated that he received a notice that he has 30 days to improve his existing gravel parking part and he does not understand the rationale behind the Ordinance and requested the Council explain the Ordinance. He further stated that the requirement will be a financial burden for his family. Karen Walgren, 1007 Callaway Street, spoke in regard to the Ordinance requirement for improving parking pads. She stated that is confused by the letter she received as her parking pad doesn't have Class 5, but rather large rocks that aren't creating an erosion or dust issue. In contracting vendors for pricing the improvements, the cost ranges between $ 2,600 and $ 5,000, with asphalt being the cheapest. This is a financial burden for her family and she's uncertain how they will finance such improvements. Michelle Allen, 1003 Callaway Street East, spoke in regard to the Ordinance requirement for improving parking pads. She stated that the requirement is a financial burden for many families. In her opinion, the Ordinance was targeted to the older neighborhoods where a majority of homes have single family garages with single driveways that do not accommodate growing families. As their family has grown, they do not have the needed space to park extra vehicles: two vehicles, a camper, boat and trailer, and they cannot park on the street. Allen also questioned why the requirement for paving was changed. They installed a parking pad five years ago that met the requirements and today it does not. She ended by stating that it is her opinion that the parking pads are not creating a nuisance and requested the Council reconsider the Ordinance or to consider residents being grandfathered into compliance. Andy Canfield, 1006 Callaway Street, spoke in regard to the Ordinance requirement for improving parking pads. He stated that it is his opinion that the City does not enforce all the Ordinances equally and questioned why this Ordinance is needed. He stated that he spends a lot of time and money on his yard and notices that other properties do not cut their grass and have weeds. He stated that the City should be enforcing all the Ordinances equally and not just the one that impacts his neighborhood. What does it mean that the city will fix the problem for the property owner if they don't comply? The Council confirmed with those present that they will be addressing these issues. Approval of the Agenda: Frank made a motion to approve the agenda with deletion of Item 4(c) - School Resource Officer, for discussion after the consent agenda. Motion seconded by Loso and passed unanimously by those present. Consent Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously by those present. a. Minutes — Approved the minutes of March 21, April 4, April 18, April 25, and May 2, 2013. b. Bills Payable — Approved check numbers # 046612- 046672, payroll EFT # 000805 - 000813 and accounts payables EFT #001617 c. Removed for discussion. June 6, 2013 Page 2 of 6 d. Cable Equipment — Authorized the purchase of a wireless microphone system to enhance the cable system expending $ 1,975 from the PEG Access Fund. e. TIF Reports — Accepted the annual TIF Reports for districts 1-4, 2 -1 and 2 -2. f. Liquor License — Authorized the Mayor and Administrator to execute the intoxicating, on sale and Sunday Liquor Licenses as presented and to accept the Liquor License transfer of Pequot Liquor to Speedstop Liquor LLC (21 Birch St W). School Resource Officer: Frank stated that he requested to remove this item from the consent agenda to better understand how the position is utilized and if services are occasional, half -time, or continuous? Police Chief Jansky stated that District 742 is allocating $10,000 of legislative funding collected in a safety fund which comes out of a tax base for each city to use for police assistance and presence. The St. Joseph Police Department spends occasional time at Kennedy on an as needed basis. Frank questioned if the police services requested were similar to those provided in 2012 to which Jansky stated yes. Loso made a motion to authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Joint Powers Agreement with Independent School District #742 funding $10,000 for a school resource officer. Motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously by those present. Storm Water Public Hearing Annual Meetinq: Wick called the public hearing to order. Weyrens stated the purpose of the hearing is to review the City's Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program ( SWPPP) and to accept public input. Weyrens stated that part of the SWPPP is education and outreach for which the City is part of the Central MN Water Education Alliance (CMWEA). In addition to education and outreach, Public Works Director Terry Thene stated the maintenance team tracks and collects rain data, performs routine pond maintenance to include burning and mowing (targeting noxious weeds) and cleans streets and catch basins. The St. Joseph Boy Scouts assisted City staff and cleaned up all the City ponds this year. Wick opened the public hearing at 7:10 PM. Since no one present wished to speak, the hearing was closed. Frank questioned the role of rain gardens in effective storm water management as he is a proponent of their use and he sees more articles regarding their use. City Engineer Randy Sabart stated that the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES) guidelines are being reviewed and updated with the focus on containing volume. This is a shift from the current guidelines of controlling rate. This change may create a change in types of gardens or methods for containment. Frank stated that he noticed that Walmart and Sam' Club utilized rain gardens. Sabart stated that Coborn's in St. Joseph intended to use the same concept; however, due to costs they changed their plans. The challenge of promoting rain gardens is the additional costs, not only for installation, but on going maintenance. With regard to using rain gardens in residential street projects, it would require willing residents, again with maintenance the larger issue. After time they become eyesores filled with garbage and weeds. Symanietz stated that the City of Cold Spring offers an incentive to residents to maintain rain gardens. Sabart stated that he is not familiar with the specifics of implementation. In other communities where rain gardens were built as a reconstruction project, the city had subsidized them as long as there was a willing property owner to maintain it. Loso made a motion to accept the 2012 Storm Water Annual report, authorizing the same to be submitted. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously by those present. St. Joseph Fire Relief Fund: David Salzer, Treasurer of the St. Joseph Fire Relief Association, approached the Council to present the Fire Relief Association Annual Report and contribution requirement for 2014. Salzer stated that the annual audit and reporting forms for the Relief Association have been completed and based on the report, the 2014 relief liability is $ 15,736.00, which is a reduction from the prior year. Weyrens stated the City is responsible for any liability within the relief retirement fund; therefore any liability must be identified and acknowledged by the City so that it can be budgeted in June 6, 2013 Page 3 of 6 the following year. Salzer stated the recent retirements and low interest rates account for the liability and it should stabilize or the next years. Loso made a motion to authorize the Administrator to execute the Fire Relief Report indicating that the Fire Relief has presented the City Council with a report identifying the liability for 2014. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously by those present. Central MN Housing Partnership: Cory Ehlert, resident, landlord and concerned citizen, along with Jason Krebsbach of Central MN Housing Partnership (a non - profit organization), approached the Council to discuss a proposed grant opportunity. Ehert stated that he has been working with the City and Relators Association to try and find a mechanism to assist landlords with converting their student rental homes back to single family homes. With the residency requirement of CSB and SJU implement, the City has a surplus of rental property that in its current condition is not suitable for single family homes. Ehlet stated that he has had an opportunity to discuss the situation with the Central MN Housing Partnership to solicit federal funding. Jason Krebsach stated that the City would have an opportunity to submit a grant application to assist with the transition. It would be his intent to apply for a $ 250,000 grant, to serve as a revolving loan fund for 22 months. If awarded the funding the CMHP would purchase a rental home, remodel and sell. As the property would sell the funds would go back into the program to purchase another home. He anticipates they could do two or three homes each year. The grant program is competitive and those applications that have financial support and collaboration with partners would receive a higher rating. Ehelrt stated that he and Krebsbach attended the recent EDA meeting at which time they supported the program but indicated it was important to have a financial commitment from CSB and SJU. Ehlert stated that if the City supports the application, he would solicit partners such as CSB, SJU, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, MN Realtors Association and local landlords. At this time Ehlert stated that he would encourage the City to commit to financially supporting the application. Wick stated that the EDA backed the project as part of a plan a couple of years ago for rehabilitation, unfortunately there was no money allocated at that time. The City has submitted a grant application for homeowners who qualify to fix their homes. The application was submitted by CMHP and the City /EDA supported the application using dedicated funds for low to moderate income. Weyrens clarified the funds leveraged or those from an assessment abatement for the improvements to CR 121. When CSB purchased the College Park Apartments they no longer qualified for low to moderate income and as per the assessment agreement, the portion of the assessment remaining at the time of purchase must be reimbursed to the City. These funds then can only be used for projects benefitting the low to moderate income. If the City would not receive funding for the current grant application the Council could consider allocating the funds for a new grant application. The Council questioned when the City will be notified if awarded funding for the current application submitted; to which Krebsbach responded within the next two weeks. Wick stated that since the City cannot allocate the funds to two different grants, it would be advantageous to wait until the City receives notification. Frank stated that the EDA was adamant that CSB and SJU partner with the City on this application. Kresbach stated that he does not need an answer at this meeting, as the application is not due until July 12, 2013. Frank made a motion supporting the grant application concept with the City Council making final decision on at a future meeting. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously by those present. Discussion: Loso stated that he would like some written information on the program. Ehlert stated that, for three to four years, Krebsbach's organization has focused on vacant or foreclosed property. Fixing and marketing again is quite a new concept and they have not had a project buying a rental property for conversion over to single family. Loso questioned what dollar amount has been historically received? Krebsbach stated that each project is different so it is hard to place a value on it. He anticipated they will probably ask for $200, 000- June 6, 2013 Page 4 of 6 $300,000, no more than $500,000, in interim financing to be placed in a revolving loan fund to help purchase the homes. (ie: six houses for 20 month period). Depending on value gap, down payment assistance to homeowners and participation, they would ask for funds from Minnesota Housing Assistance for down payment assistance. Loso confirmed that it's not perpetual, but the program stops at 20 months. If there's a positive balance at the end of the 20 months, those funds are undetermined at this time and they would need to work with Minnesota Housing. This is different than the Small Cities Development Program where the city is the grantee and has more duties. This program is where CMHP is requesting the funds for projects within the city and there's nothing that the City would have to do to administer the program in terms of grant totals, draws, payments, etc. Symanietz asked, under this program of "flipping" homes, could first home buyers still qualify? Ehlert answered yes in an example that it could be used to fill the gap between a loan of $110,000 vs. an asking price of $117, 500. If the consumer would get a Rural Development or FHA loan, good programs that have helped St. Joseph maintain some good market values through tough times; they could use a combination of the programs. Engineer Reports 2013 WW Plant Rehab: City Engineer Sabart reported that their staff has been working with Public Works Director Thene to study potential improvements at the main pump station. Wastewater Engineer Collin Marcusen, coincidentally a St. Joseph resident, presented a brief presentation of the Lift Station Evaluation Report for 2013. The report highlights the station's capacity and longevity. The City's wastewater is pumped to St. Cloud for treatment at the old wastewater treatment plant location. The following is a summary of his presentation: Current Facility: Constructed in 1960 with the wet and dry wells added in 1986. The facility has three three 25hp pumps, pumping at a rate of 1,300 gallons /minutes at the highest speed through a 12" force main. Existing electrical and controls are all part of the 1986 construction and the system is monitored with an automatic dialer. The facility experienced a chlorine leak in the 1990's so some of the equipment has corrosion and is in need of repair and the control building is not wired to meet code Regarding capacity, a comprehensive sanitary sewer plan update was done by SEH in 2009 including population trends and wastewater flows. As long as projections on in line, the pipes are adequate. However, when the flow gets over 2,500 gallons /minute, the following will be needed: pumps (3), lift station, and force main, which is tied upstream to the Tri -City Lift Station in Waite Park, very likely after a 20 -year planning period. From a capacity standpoint, everything seems fine. Proposed Improvements: Marcusen recommend improvements to the control building and site to keep it running efficiently and solve other onsite issues. Budget for said improvements would be $150,000 - $175,000. It was recommended to expand the wetwell or do immediate surface and concrete repair work to the existing to eliminate eroding concrete. Mechanical screening was considered rather than the manual raking twice a day. Small screening tank improvements are needed, such as concrete repair and coating to protect the structure. It was recommended to use an inline magnetic flow meter installed on the force main downstream of the pumps so the operators don't need go into a manhole to for maintenance. Miscellaneous gate, fencing, pavement, tank removal, and other outside improvements were mentioned. Internal instrumentation and electrical system controls need to be brought up -to -date to provide better plant efficiencies. Frank questioned if the existing buried fuel tank must be removed to which Marcusen stated that that is will be removed. It was recommended to relocate the RV dump station as the current location is not easily accessible and a new station would be built to applicable codes. Estimated costs for the above are $1.94 M, all included. Sabart confirmed this was included in the capital improvement plan under two sections: one project was the under County Road 75 sewer and another was the Lift Station Control. Process would be implementation, design, and prioritization of the plant improvements. Frank commended the public works staff in maintaining the equipment, yet mentioned some immediate concerns need to be addressed. Thene commented that some of the controls cannot be replaced as you June 6, 2013 Page 5 of 6 cannot find parts for them. Sabart stated that as the Council just received the information at this meeting, it was intended as information for a discussion at a future meeting. Minnesota and County Road 2 Update: Sabart reported the detour is still up after two weeks as some of the utility and fiber optics were in conflict with the proposed grading. They now have to order materials and obtain staff to get it done. CenturyLink needed until June 20, 2013, to lower fiber optic line. The detour could be up another two to four weeks. Frank mentioned the undesirable higher traffic in his neighborhood. Administrator Reports Parking Pads: Weyrens provided a background of the parking pad ordinance. The city talked about the parking pads for six months and received calls regarding those parking on the grass, grass growing up, what other cities do, and that the city wanted an acceptable hard surface. About 40 parking pad letters were sent to residents in addition to approximately 45 weed and grass letters. Frank commented that most cities in this area have similar ordinances to what St. Joseph just implemented. He clarified that it was not a money maker for the city. Property owners have big investments in their homes and are concerned about property values and aesthetics. Frank is an advocate for providing more time, yet we need to make sure the standards are correct. Loso questioned where on the property the majority of pads in violation were located. Weyrens stated the majority of violations were located in the front yard setback area, adjacent to the driveway. Loso made a motion to extend the time period for residents to comply until June 1, 2014; seconded by Frank. Discussion: Symanietz asked if residents are getting the letter because there's a vehicle parked there or if they have a parking pad in Class 5? Police Chief Jansky responded that officers went around at night to see what was parked. Some driveways had an established parking area with nothing parked there. Nothing says you can't have it there, as long as people don't park on it. Part of the problem is that times have changed, families are getting bigger, and there is not enough places to park. What one person considers a parking pad is different to many people. Police officers needed a parameter establishing what a parking pad is. Frank suggested by using media or webpage, the City provide a range of costs if you would buy paving stones and do it yourself, what a contractor would charge or use the same contractor for a bulk rate. Perhaps we could look at these ideas to provide information to the residents. Ayes: Loso, Frank, Symanietz Nays: Wick Motion Carried 3:1:0 Council Reports FRANK EDA: Realizing the EDA is separate; we have appointment powers and budget powers. The EDA sets their priorities. Frank can think of five things for the Council to prioritize and bring back to the EDA: 1 -94 corridor industrial commercial (including development along County Road 2 and sewer connection to 94), downtown renovation, rental housing, retaining existing business, and marketing /presenting the City. LOSO Park Board: The park board expressed appreciation to the Lions of their generous donation toward the vinyl clad gazebo at Cloverdale Park, which is now closed for construction. They also discussed the budget process coming up. The Rec Association discussed liability insurance and there are two different types of liability: under the city's umbrella if the Rec Club relinquishes control vs. what the state softball association official has told them. From the APO, Loso updated that St. Joseph did receive the $130,000 grant for Phase II of the trail. Symanietz thanked neighboring cities for their support. SYMANIETZ — No Report June 6, 2013 Page 6 of 6 WICK EDA: Wick distributed an email regarding EDA happenings. They approved $1,350 from the Downtown Revitalization Project for more lamppost brackets for flowers. They discussed the grant program as well as downtown marketing. They are looking for shovel -ready sites for more business sites. Adiourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn at 8:35 PM; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously with those present. Judy Y a liens Ad ' istrator