Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 [03] Mar 20 March 20, 2014 Page 1 of 3 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 6:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall, opening the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz, Councilors Dale Wick, Renee Symanietz, Bob Loso, Steve Frank, City Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives: City Engineer Randy Sabart, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Chief Joel Klein, Public Works Director Terry Thene, City Attorney Tom Jovanovich. Others Present: Colin Marcusen Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. Approval of the Agenda: Frank made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously by those present. Consent Agenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the consent agenda.The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously by those present. a. Minutes—Approved the minutes of February 6, 2014 and March 6, 2014. b. Bills Payable—Approved check numbers 047667—047730; payroll EFT#000909— 000913 and accounts payable EFT#001647—001648. c. Treasurer Report—Accepted the February 2014 Treasurer Report as presented. d. Equity Classifications—Approved the 2013 Year End Equity Classifications. e. Adopted Late Fees for Police Administrative Violations. Discussion: Frank asked for clarification as to what equity classifications are. Finance Director, Lori Bartlett explained that the Council approves the classifications yearly. It is a way for the City to classify the fund balance in the audit. The audit findings will be presented next month. 2014 Benefit Analysis, Park Terrace: City attorney Tom Jovanovich presented the Council with the benefit analysis report for the proposed 2014 Park Terrace Improvement as prepared by Bill Waytas of Nagell Appraisal. The report indicated that the estimated benefit to each property in the project area is between $6,000 and $10,000. The report clarifies that the benefit amount is not an appraisal, but the numbers are general observations based on the overall market. Jovanovich stated that Waytas thought the city could assess on the high end of the benefit number. He believes that the numbers he provided are conservative and justifiable. In a phone conversation with Waytas Jovanovich stated he questioned the cost of a vacant lot in St. Joseph, which is approximately$ 28,000, as typically 40 to 50% of the lot price is attributable utilities. Waytas believes his numbers are very defensible. Jovanovich stated that the Sabart applied current assessment policy, using the benefit analysis received, assessing between 25% -30%, and nine lots would exceed the maximum identified in the benefit analysis. While the City could assess 25% -30% of the eligible costs, the project includes significant City costs, and in order to utilize the 429 bond process, at least 20% of the total project cost must be assessed. Based on the engineers estimate, assessing 30% of the eligible costs and capping any assessment at$ 10.000 would not meet the threshold for issuing 429 bonds. If 20% of the costs are not assessed the City would be required to place the matter on the ballot or consider issuing capital improvement bonds would could also result in the matter being placed on the ballot for election by the residents. Frank stated he reviewed the credentials of the appraising company and they are very credible and has no concerns on the validity of the report. Frank reiterated that this preliminary opinion was done on a drive-by, where as the one prior was more thorough and comprehensive. Jovanovich stated that the prior appraiser was paid over$17,000 to do that appraisal and a different approach was used. March 20, 2014 Page 2 of 3 Loso stated that the previous appraiser did not go unit to unit. Frank responded that that was not was he was saying, rather there were additional comparative analyses completed. Jovanovich stated at that at the time of her appraisal (2011) for 42 of the subject parcels the maximum benefit was $4,500. Jovanovich stated he had talked with her recently and if the appraisal was completed now, those numbers would increase to between $5,000 and $8,000. Jovanovich added that Mr. Waytas was sent all the information the City had on the project including the feasibility report, the previous appraisal, and the city engineer's estimate reports. The report was based heavily on the feasibility report. City Engineer, Randy Sabart, stated that drainage on the streets was accounted for in the reports. Loso stated that there is flooding in Park Terrace whenever there are heavy rains. In the report Waytas stated that in the report, the road is listed as fair, but that could worsen depending on the season. Frank stated that for some residents the costs of moving the line from the back to the front could potentially be more. One resident in particular will need to remove his deck which will cost thousands more. Frank did feel this is a fair assessment. Jovanovich stated that he researched appraisers and called local attorneys to see whom they would recommend. He felt that Mr. Waytas was very sound in their approach. Frank stated that he would like to see the project get done being as fair as possible to the property owners. He wants the Council to remain open on the topic to residents as well. Jovanovich stated that the City is not going to be able to set a percentage point for an assessment rate. The assessments will be different for each project and therefore cannot be set to a specific rate. What makes the difference in the amount of assessments per parcel is the street, curb, and gutter dimensions. There were nine homes that came in above the$10,000. Those properties are capped at that amount and then given a $2,000 allowance for the new hook-up to the line. Sabart stated the next step will be the opening of bids. The bids open on March 26, 2014. The estimate of the project came in at 1.6 million. Sabart stated that if the bid came in at 1.5 million, it would help the city out a lot. Loso stated that as long as he has been around, the engineer estimates have come in at 10- 15% above what the bids come in for. Sabart stated that Loso is correct and that there have been contractors that have said it is a good time to get bids on a project. Sabart stated that they are still working to figure in a subsidy to help reduce the cost of the hook-up fee. City Engineer Reports 2014 Lift Station Improvement: Sabart stated that the project engineer Collin Marcusen is present to answer any questions about the Main Lift Station Project. Sabart added that the council has previously viewed the feasibility report and are now at the stage to solicit public bidding for the project. The project includes improvements to, gravity sewer, wet well, ventilation system, and other collection systems. Symanietz made a motion authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator to execute Resolution 2014-011 ordering advertisement for bids of the 2014 Main Pump Station and Collection System Improvements project.The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously by those present. Stearns County, CR 2 Improvement: Sabart reported that two meetings ago, the Council was asked to approve Stearns County's improvements to CR2. A resolution was passed at that time concurring with the County. Since, the County found that they also needed to include a no parking resolution while the project is under construction. Weyrens added that right now there is no parking allowed in that area anyways. Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and City administrator to execute Resolution 2014-012 Relating to Parking Restrictions on CSAH 2 from the CSAH 75 to the north limits of St.Joseph. The motion was seconded by Frank and motion was carried. (Wick arrived at 6:30 PM) Ayes: Schultz, Frank, Loso, Symanietz Nays: None Abstain: Wick Motion Carried: 4:0:1 Frank stated that he was looking over the program for the League of Minnesota Cities conference that is being held in St. Cloud. A portion of the conference is focused on the LED lighting in the City and how March 20, 2014 Page 3 of 3 much money that will save. It includes the benefits along with a panel of those form cities who currently use it. Frank feels that it would beneficial from someone in the City to attend. Committee Updates Joint Planning Board: Schultz reported that the Joint Planning Board meet on March 10 and approved a conditional use permit for the office expansion of Looking Good located on CR 75 near CR 134. The Board will be meeting in April to consider proposed rural housing development near Kennedy School. Schultz stated it would be good for the City Council, and Planning Commission to get together to discuss annexation opportunities relating to the rural development before the Joint Board meets. Weyrens will coordinate a joint meeting. Administrator Reports CMHP Request for support: Weyrens stated that she had met with the Central Minnesota Housing partnership and they are interested in purchasing the townhomes on East Baker Street. The buildings are income restricted to Low to Moderate Income and in dire need of updating to the interior and exterior. They are looking for support from the city to waive some rental housing fees, and building permit fees. The grant is very competitive and any support from the city scores well. Frank asked if there could be a stipulation to where the potential tenants would need to get a background check prior to occupying the unit. Weyrens stated that background checks are already being completed on potential tenants. By consensus the Council was supportive of the project. Cable Policy: Weyrens stated that she had redrafted the cable policies as there are certain areas that no longer apply. Loso made a motion to adopt the revised Community Access Policy to reflect the current practice of the City, based on formal actions by the City Council. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Discussion: Frank applauds having a two person cable system. He added that the policy is clean and nice. The policy would allow future councils to televise even more meetings and to have meetings televised live. Mayor Reports APO: Schultz reported that the APO met on March 13. They will be publishing a new transportation planner position with the resume deadline at the end of this month. The APO executive committee is reviewing the sick leave/termination policy. The APO trip to Washington DC is planned for April 28-May 1st and June 17th-19th. Schultz stated that he is planning on attending the June trip. Schultz added that an evening at the capital for the St. Cloud area will be held on March 31St Closed Meeting: Schultz made a motion to enter a closed meeting to discuss the purchase of the property located at 33—1st Ave NW pursuant to MN Statute 13D.05 Subd. 3. The motion was seconded by Wick. Frank asked Weyrens to quick provide some insight as to why the City is considering purchasing the property. Weyrens stated that the property is next to an existing City facility. There is the possibility of the City use the property for expansion. Schultz reopened the March 20, 2013 City Council Meeting. Adiourn: Motion made by Symanietz to adjourn at 6:55 PM; seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. lift. '-(dv/ zei/0/ Judy eyr'ens 7 Ad •• istrator