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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 [06] Jun 05 June 5, 2014 Page 1 of 5 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 6:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall, opening the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Councilors Renee Symanietz, Steve Frank, Dale Wick, Bob Loso, City Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives: City Engineer Randy Sabart, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Public Works Director Terry Thene Others Present: Tom Klein, Carol Theisen, Monte Eastvold Public Comments Approval of the Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Frank to include the removal of items e, i, and j, from the consent agenda. The motion passed unanimously by those present. e. Donations— Frank thanked those who made donations. Frank moved to accept the following donations: Dean Schenk $1,000 (Reserve Program); Anonymous: $34.13 Disc Golf; $51.00 Archery; $40.00 Camping. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously by those present. i. Liquor Licenses- Frank asked if the Council will be getting a report for violations. Weyrens stated that the Council will only receive notice when a violation occurs. Frank motioned to authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the intoxicating, on-sale and Sunday Liquor Licenses as presented. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously by those present. j. School Resource Officer- Frank asked if providing a resource officer for$10,000 is similar to that of surrounding cities. Weyrens stated that other cities have the same types of arrangements with area schools with funding levels based on the amount of staff time. Frank made a motion authorizing the execution of the JPA with ISD 742 funding $10,000 for a school resource officer.The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously by those present. Consent Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the remaining items on the consent agenda.The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously by those present. a. Minutes—Approved the minutes of May 15, 2014. b. Bills Payable—Approved check numbers 047667—047730; payroll EFT#000909— 000913 and accounts payable EFT#001647-001648. c. Fire Fighter Hire—Accepted Andrew Kramer and Joseph Orcutt as pay per response firefighters. d. Fire Relief—Acknowledged the 2013 Report indicating a $0.00 liability for the 2015 Relief Contribution. f. Gambling Report—Accepted the 1st Quarter Gambling Report g. TIF Reports—Accepted the 2013 TIF Reports for TIF 2-1 Millstream Shops and Lofts; TIF 2-2 St. Joseph Meat Market. h. Work Comp Deductible—Assigned the Workers Compensation deductible at$2,500 per occurrence. Delinquent Assessment Hearing: Weyrens stated that twice a year the City Council conducts a public hearing for delinquent accounts, giving the property owner the opportunity to appeal the fees. The hearing includes 13 property owners with outstanding fees, with nine of the thirteen foreclosed properties. The total of the outstanding invoices is $ 2,549.08. Acting Mayor Wick opened the public hearing and with no one present wishing to speak, closed the hearing. June 5, 2014 Page 2 of 5 Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2014-024 Adopting the Final Assessment Roll for Delinquent Accounts, attaching the balances for collection with the 2015 real estate taxes. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously by those present. Flower Basket Project: Carol Theisen approached the Council thanking them for the support of the haning baskets. The flower basket committee has reached their goal in 2014, selling 80 baskets. While selling the baskets they were asked why the cost is so high. Theisen stated that the cost of the baskets is based on the expenses to include the cost billed by the City. In talking to the City of Red Wing, who display 230 baskets, the City only bills for the labor to water the baskets, not rental for equipment or full time staff hours. She requested the City consider helping fund the basket project so that the cost per basket can be reduced. When questioned about the hours of full time staff, Public Works Director Terry Thene stated that it includes attaching/removing brackets, setting up equipment each morning and miscellaneous maintenance. Frank asked why the brackets could not stay up all year. Thene stated that some of brackets could stay up, while others will need to be taken down because they interfere with the holiday decorations. When questioned by the Council how the City could help, Weyrens suggested the City could consider not charging for equipment rental and full time staff hours. Theisen had an invoice from August and they were billed $3,911.69. Removing the costs of labor and gator use will cut the pricing by about half. Frank questioned if there are other area organizations that help fund the baskets. Theisen stated that the Y2K Lions hold a brat sale and proceeds from that go towards the baskets. He asked what would be the most reasonable contribution the City could make towards this. Weyrens stated that not charging for the rental of the equipment or for the labor associated with taking down the brackets. Loso moved to approve not charging for use of the gator or for the City labor associated with taking down the brackets starting in 2015. The motion was seconded by Frank. Wick moved to amend the previous motion making the start date 2014. The motion was seconded by Frank. Ayes: Symanietz,Wick, Frank Nays: Loso Motion Carried 3:1:0 Vote on Amended motion Ayes: Wick, Symanietz, Frank, Loso Nays: None Motion Carried 4:0:0 Theisen thanked Terry Thene for always being available to her. She added that she has received calls from St. Cloud who are also looking at doing the same program with hanging baskets in their City. Northland Securities, 2014 Debt Issue: Monte Eastvold approached the Council to present the 2014 Bond Sale for the 2014 Park Terrace Improvement Project and the Main Lift Sewer Station improvements. Eastvold stated that annually, the City goes under review from S&P and this year's results have reaffirmed the City's A+ rating. Loso asked if the A+ rating could change throughout the year. Eastvold stated that it could change throughout the year depending on what happens in the City that year. This is the reason that the agencies take an annual review so that any changes will be reflected in the next review. Eastvold stated that there is a reoffering premium for this bond issue. The issue is broken down into two parts, the utility portion which includes the Water Tower Refurbishing, and the Main Lift Station Project. The second portion is for the Park Terrace project. The summary provided shows the interest rate that the City will be locking into. Eastvold mentioned that it may look on paper that the City will be paying over $40,000 extra in interest. However, at closing, Northland Securities will give that amount back to the City. The smaller of the two issues is the Utility portion which accounts for$660,000. The reoffering premium is June 5, 2014 Page 3 of 5 $10,055 which reduces the size of the bond issue. The Park Terrace reoffering premium is$33,000. Eastvold added that reoffering premiums are only offered when interest rates are low. Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2014-023 Providing for the issuance and sale of$2,715,000 general obligation bonds, series 2014A, pledging for the security thereof special assessments and net revenues and levying a tax for the payment thereof.The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously by those present. Discussion: Frank asked why the water and sewer financing amount was reduced. Eastvold stated that he issue was lowered by $15,000. The reduction on the Park Terrace Issue was due to the reoffering premium. A total reduction was around $40,000. Symanietz made a motion authorizing Northland Securities as the official Underwriter of the 2014 Debt Bond Issue. The motion was seconded by Loso and carried unanimously by those present. The tentative closing date is June 26, 2014. City Engineer Reports Jade Road: City Engineer, Randy Sabart, reported that the Township communicated to the City that they are planning on paving Jade Road from CR121 to 1-94. Half of the road is in the City and half is in the township. The Township is requesting the City pay for the portion of the road that is in the City. Sabart stated that the proposed improvement is not included in the current Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) as it was anticipated that the road would be improved through the development process. St. Joseph Township submitted a quote from Hardrives for the improvement illustrating a City cost of$114,000. Sabart added that staff is looking for direction from the Council as to how to proceed or respond to the Township's request. The Council questioned Sabart as to the condition of Jade Road and if the improvement is warranted at this time. Sabart responded that the road does show signs of wear and he agrees with the method of reclaim and pavement. However, if the City were to construct the improvement, the material would be more robust. He further stated that the City has roads that are in much worse condition, such as Clinton Village. Sabart stated that when Arcon develops, Jade Road will be disturbed to install utilities, so there is a potential that the new road would have to be excavated. Weyrens stated that St. Joseph Township has offered to hold the costs to 2015 allowing the City time to plan for the expenditure. Loso made a motion to not participate in the Jade Road Paving project presented by St. Joseph Township.The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously by those present. Mayor Schultz arrived at this time. Parking Alternatives, Park Terrace: Sabart stated that at a previous Council meeting during open to the public, a resident requested the City consider adding parking for the ball players in the Park Terrace area since the area is being disturbed. Sabart presented illustrations of where additional parking could be accommodated to include: 12 spaces near well house#3, 15 spaces behind the concession stand and 10 spaces across from the dugouts. At this time costs of the different options have not been developed as staff is looking for direction and feedback from the City Council. Sabart questioned what the goal of the additional parking is and which audience is going to use it. Thene stated that a current problem is that people are worried about getting hit with the foul balls and do not use the existing parking lot. They currently park in the east/west alley at the top of the hill or on the sledding hill area. June 5, 2014 Page 4 of 5 Schultz stated that he doesn't know what problems are trying to be solved. He added that he is not sure if it is worth adding parking for such few games throughout the year. He further stated that once the Park Terrace project is completed and the sledding hill is reshaped and sodded parking will not be allowed in that area. Weyrens questioned if parking were added south of the existing parking lot, would the grade of the sledding hill be changed and if so, would it still function as a sledding hill. Sabart stated that the grade of the hill would be reduced. Loso stated that during the winter, people would have a place to park to utilize the rink and the snow hill. Wick asked if the Park Board has reviewed the option. Loso stated that it has not. Schultz added he would not invest in areas where people could potentially be parking on the grass. The Council agreed by consensus to not add additional parking at this time. Committee Updates EDA:Wick reported that the EDA is looking at another EDA outreach event and options are being compiled. The housing grant is going well in the community as residents are taking advantage of the funding. Frank stated that the Americlnn survey will be coming up on the June 25th meeting. The internship will probably not happen this year and the commercial development on College Avenue is continuing through the development process. Planning Commission: Schultz reported that the Planning Commission had a discussion with sign companies on the draft sign ordinance. Three local sign companies attended the meeting and direction was given to staff to meet with the companies to help with the ordinance. Two public hearings were held. The Planning Commission recommended approval of a non-owner occupied interim use permit and the rezoning of the recently annexed property from the township. Both will be brought to the Council. Administrator Reports Parking Pads: Weyrens stated that parking pads have been brought up in prior council meetings in public comments. It was recommended that the City Council amend the parking ordinance to regulate parking pads in the rear yard in addition to the front and side yards. Weyrens asked for direction from the Council whether to pursue an amendment to the Ordinance. Loso and Symanietz stated that they would not like to regulate the backyard parking. Frank added he would like to get the regulations on the front and side yards in order before the City starts regulating the parking in backyards. By consensus the Council agreed to not regulate parking pads in the rear yard. Whitney Senior Center:The City received a request from the City of St. Cloud to help contribute towards the emergency repairs to the roof at Whitney Center. Frank stated that the City of St. Cloud has$100,000 in unexpected expenses for the Center. In reviewing the funding shortfall, if all the Cities participated on a population formula he estimates the St Joseph contribution to be approximately $ 5,000. If the City were to contribute to the shortfall, he would be hesitant to do so unless at least two of the five area cities also participated. Symanietz asked if it is non-profit. Weyrens stated that the City of St. Cloud owns the Whitney Center. Schultz asked if the repairs are strictly for the Whitney Senior Center or does it include the Rec Center as well. Weyrens stated that it is for the Senior Center portion. Schultz stated that he is not comfortable with contributing unless all the area cities contribute. Additionally, Schultz stated that the funding should come both ways. If other area cities have projects that need to be funded regionally, then requests for contributions should be sent to other cities as well. Loso moved to decline the request from the City of St. Cloud for contributions to the repairs to the roof structure of the Whitney Senior Center. The motion was seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously. June 5, 2014 Page 5 of 5 Proposed Property Purchase-33 1st Ave NW:Weyrens stated the Council has previously discussed purchased the property at 33 1st Ave NW, agreeing to offer the property owner$40,000 to include all costs. The property owner is requesting the City pay closing costs and all costs associated with preparing a gift letter. The total of the additional costs is$ 1,000, after continued discussion with the property owner representative, they would be willing to split the additional costs; therefore the City would have to authorize the additional $ 500. Schultz stated he is in favor of purchasing the property and believes it will benefit the City in some way. Loso moved to approve the additional $500 in addition to the$40,000 already budgeted to purchase the property at 33— 1st Ave NW. The motion was seconded by Schultz. Discussion: Symanietz stated that there is asbestos in the home and it would be at the City's expense to remove that as the home is selling as is. Weyrens added that the cost to demo the building would be around $7,000. The cost of abatement is unknown at this time. Schultz asked if staff could obtain the costs for the asbestos removal. Finance Director Bartlett stated that the EDA had a grant when the demo occurred at the Cone Castle location in which the asbestos removal cost was about$8,000. Wick stated that the EDA has it in the budget for an additional asbestos removal grant. Loso stated that the house could be refurbished to house the Historical Society. Schultz added that he is leery to approve the purchase due to the added costs that will come with the property. Weyrens stated that staff can meet with companies to get estimates on asbestos removal and being that back to the Council. Wick moved to table discussion until the cost for asbestos abatement has been determined,with anticipation that being the next Council meeting. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and carried unanimously. Mayor Reports APO: Schultz announced that he is the new APO Chair for the executive committee. Joint Planning: The Joint Planning Board meeting with the Township is Monday. The agenda is small and has an interim use permit. Joint Planning Commission/City Council: The Council Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, 2014. The first part of the meeting will be joint with the Planning Commission with the last piece will be just the Council. New Business Symanietz stated that the League of Minnesota Cities has their annual Conference in St. Cloud on June 19th and June 20th. The Council agreed to reschedule the June 19th City Council meeting to Tuesday, June 24th. Additionally, the City Council meeting on July 3rd will be canceled due to the 4th of July celebration. There will be only one Council meeting in July. Adjourn: Motion made by Wick to adjourn at 7:33 PM; seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously. di id 7 Ju• eyrerSs • istrator THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK