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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 [06] Jun 24 June 24, 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 Tuesday, June 24, 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 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, Police Chief Joel Klein Others Present: Tom Klein, Tim Ortmann, Thomas Ortmann, Al Keller, Don Rachel, Ellen Wahlstrom, Ken Hiemenz, Sr. Kara Hennes, Irene Reber, Margaret Hughes, Ardella Kvamme, Approval of the Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda with clarification on consent agenda items b) Bills Payable and c) Election Judges and adding 10(b) Property Purchase, 1st Ave NW; 10(d) Outdoor Liquor Event. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. b. Bills Payable: Frank stated that he has some questions regarding an item that was$19,000. Weyrens stated that it was made to Hagemeister, Mack for services performed for the Government Center. Frank questioned using Sales Tax funding to which Schultz stated the Council agreed to the funding source at the time of approval. c. Election Judges: Frank thanked those listed to help with the elections adding that job has continued to become more complex. Consent Agenda: Wick made a motion to approve the remaining items on the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. a. Minutes—Approved the minutes of June 5, 2014. b. Bills Payable—Approved check numbers 048002—08065; payroll EFT#000944— 000948 and accounts payable EFT#001656-001657. c. Election Judges—Appointed election judges for the August 12 primary and November 4, 2014, State General Election. d. Transfer—Authorized the transfer of the portion of the bond proceeds for the Lift Station to the Sewer Fund. e. Fee Schedule—Amended the fee schedule to reflect the fees to cover the costs for the new kennel service for stray dogs. Public Hearing, Storm Water Permit:Weyrens stated that every year, the City is required to conduct a public hearing to discuss the managing of the City's storm water infrastructure. A large part of the program is education and outreach. The area Cities formed a working group entitled "Central MN Water Education Alliance" (CMWEA). CMWEA meets regularly and plans the outreach efforts with all cities participating. Some of the programs include: water education at Millstream Park and rain barrels. Schultz opened the public hearing. As no one present wished to speak, Schultz closed the hearing. Symanietz made a motion to accept the 2013 Storm Water Annual report, authorizing the same to be submitted. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Discussion: Frank stated that many of the Council members attended the LMC Conference and felt it was one of the best he has been to. He mentioned that there are area Cities that do green things. He is asking that staff can find out ways that the City can participate in green steps. Symanietz added that there is no cost to join the Green Step program. Final Plat/Development Agreement, Graceview Estates 4: Weyrens stated that staff has been meeting with Al Keller of Elite Development regarding submission of a final plat. The final plat is comprised of the southern portion of Graceview Estates. The Planning Commission has a policy whereby if the final plat is consistent with the preliminary plat, the final plat may be submitted directly to the City Council without review by the Planning Commission. The developer intends to construct homes in 2014, with the June 24, 2014 Page 2 of 5 developer installing the public utilities. Sabart stated that he has reviewed the documents provided by the developer and their out some outstanding issues, but nothing that would hinder the approval of the Final Plat and Developer's Agreement. Weyrens asked if the Council would be okay approving the final plat and the agreement, or would they want those to be brought back for approval. Loso stated that there are questions remaining that were not answered previously. Sabart stated that a previous Council workshop, the Council discussed the proposed development and requirements for transportation. The proposed development is divided into two phases and the Council suggested that the developer construct the length of road or at the minimum agree to maintain the temporary road that current connects the developed portions of Graceview Estates. Sabart stated that in discussing the matter with the developer, it would be cost prohibitive to construct the additional road section as the utilities would have to be extended at the same time; therefore they will maintain the existing temporary road. Linda Brown, engineer for the developer, affirmed that the developer will maintain the temporary road and it is his intent to complete the second phase in the spring of 2015. Frank asked if there are going to be street lights included in the plans. Sabart stated that the developer's agreement will include utilities and street lights. The types of lighting will be something that is worked out between staff and the developers. Frank discussed the use of LED lights to which Sabart stated that the City has already been working with developers to install the newer technology. Schultz asked if the developer's agreement includes anything regarding trails. Sabart stated that the agreement does include a trail component and is a detail that staff is working with the developer on the requirement and location. Wick made a motion to authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Final Plat and Development Agreement for Graceview 4 provided all the requirements are fulfilled. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and carried unanimously. Interim Use Permit, Timothy Ortmann (308— 10th Ave SE) Kathy Walker(1212 Dale St E): Weyrens stated that the Planning Commission conducted two public hearings in June recommending issuance of an interim use permit to allow for non-owner occupied rental in a R1 zoning district. The first hearing was for property located at 308— 10th Ave SE, Timothy Ortmann who has had his home for sale since February without success. The second hearing was for Kathy Walker, 121 Dale St E, who has had her home for sale since August 2013. Both applicants have met the requirements of the Ordinance and objection was not heard at the public hearings. Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the findings of fact granting a contingent Interim Use Permit to allow a non-owner occupied rental at 308—10th Ave SE owned by Timothy Ortmann and an Interim Use Permit to allow a non-owner occupied rental at 1212 Dale St E owned by Kathy Walker.The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously. Rezoning —Annexed Property (MN St W): Weyrens stated that the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to consider rezoning recently annexed property south of Minnesota Street up to and adjacent to 1-94. The 2008 St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan guides the area towards mixed development. The annexed property includes property owned by the Monastery of St. Benedict(84-53436-0002-Outlot E; 84-53470-0090—Outlot D; 84-53436-0004—Outlot F; 84-53470-0091 Outlot G), Stearns County(Park and Ride), GTI (PID 84-53436-0006), Walz Properties (84-53436-0008 and 0010), and Firmin Krupa (84- 53436-0012). The property was annexed with the anticipation of commercial development, therefore the Planning Commission has recommended that the properties owned by GTI, Walk Properties, Firmin Krupa, and Outlot D & E of Benedict Plat be rezoned to B3 General Business; the property owned by Stearns County be rezoned to Public and Outlot F & G of Benedict Plat remain agricultural. Frank made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission amending the Zoning map as follows: B3 General Business: Parcel Numbers 84-53436-0002; 84-53470-0090; 84-53436-0006; June 24, 2014 Page 3 of 5 84-53436-0008; and 84-53436-0012 Public: Stearns County Park Ride Agricultural: Parcel Numbers 84-53470-0091; 84-53436-0004. The motion was seconded by Wick. City Engineer Reports Project Update: Sabart reported that the Water Tower repair project is on schedule stating that the bowl and column of the water tower have been sanded and primed. The Main Lift Station and Park Terrace projects will begin after the 4th of July Holiday. Minnesota St W Turnback: Frank questioned the location of the existing speed limit signs and if the City could reduce the speed limit. Sabart responded that the road is still under the jurisdiction of Stearns County and to change the speed at this time would mostly require a speed study. Sabart stated that the County would be willing to turn back the road to the City, however without making any improvements to it. Sabart added that he will begin the discussions to hopefully move along the turn back of the road to the City. Committee Updates Park Board: Loso reported that the Park Board met at Cloverdale Park. There will be a dedication on July 14th at Cloverdale Park and invitations will be sent to those who have donated their time to help with the renovations. Loso thanked Terry Thene for all the work he put towards the project. Thene stated that a list of all those that donated has been compiled and thank you letters will be sent. Thene thanked the Council, the Park Board, and Administration for their help with the project. Loso stated that the Park Board discussed the concept of adopt a park with the hopes that all parks will be adopted; discussions on the splash pad were tabled until further information is received and the Park Board is looking at designing the bathrooms for Klinefelter Park. Loso questioned if the City has resubmitted the grant for possible funding of the restoration work need for the monument. Weyrens stated that the City has not, but could. By consensus the Council requested staff submit a request for legacy funding to restore the historical marker. Frank asked if anyone attended the Keynote speaker at the LMC conference who presented "What makes a city loveable?" Frank stated that Cities need to be fun. Frank added that a small city in Indiana created their own type of splash pad as they were not able to afford a larger splash pad. They purchased some turf and a few sprinklers and it was a big hit with the kids in the City. It was a temporary solution to a type of waterpark in their City. He believes that City's should be fun. Administrator Reports Joint Powers Agreement, Sales Tax: Weyrens presented the Council with the final draft of the Joint Powers Agreement for the regional half cent sales tax. The JPA includes the following three regional projects with the annual contribution as follows: $ 500,000 Regional Trails; $ 200,000 St. Cloud Regional Airport; $200,000 Regional Aquatics Center. After the first$ 900,000 is distributed, the remaining funds are forwarded to the participating cities using a formula that combines both population and collection, consist with the existing agreement. As of this meeting the Cities of Waite Park and St. Cloud have already approved the JPA. Weyrens clarified that only projects that begin after 2018 can be included for funding; therefore the portions of the St. Joseph connections to the Wobegon are not included. Excess trail funds from the regional portion could be used to enhance the trail in St. Joseph. Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Joint Powers Agreement for the administration and distribution of the half cent sales tax. The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously. Discussion: Frank stated that the Mayor has worked very hard to get additional funding out of the sales tax for the City. The parks and trails receive$500,000. The aquatic center and the airport receive June 24, 2014 Page 4 of 5 $200,000 each. Schultz added that the distribution of the monies is frustrating and would like to see additional funds go towards the trails near St. Joseph. Weyrens added that any money that is left over will be put in a pool to go towards Parks and Trails. This could include adding lighting and benches to the Wobegon trail. Property at 1st Ave:Weyrens stated that at the previous Council meeting she was requested to solicit a cost estimate to remove the asbestos at the property the City is considering purchasing on 1st Ave NW. In discussing the matter with testing companies, the evaluation to determine the abatement cost would be $ 800 and it is estimated that minimal abatement would cost between $ 3,000 and $ 5,000. Frank stated that the costs keep increasing and the negatives are outweighing the costs. Loso stated that this is a one-time opportunity and the City will be regretting the decision not to purchase it in the future. Frank added that there are some positives and negatives to the property and the Council should weigh the options. Schultz stated that he does not see the house being purchased anytime soon and feels the Council could wait on the decision. He does not want to go any further. Frank Made a motion to not move forward with the purchase of the property at 33—1st Ave NW. The motion was seconded by Wick. Ayes: Schultz,Wick, Frank, Symanietz Nays: Loso Motion Carried: 4:1 Discussion: Schultz stated that there are too many unknowns with the property at this point. He does think it is a great location, but is leery about the City going into a remodel project without knowing the exact costs or how the property will be used. Facilitation Services: Weyrens stated the Council had a special meeting regarding the City facilities. In that meeting, RA Morton was asked to put together a proposal in which they would help with community outreach. RA Morton would be the facilitator conducting stakeholder meetings gathering input from the community. Weyrens added that the cost would be$5,500.00. Loso stated that at the LMC Conference, both he and Frank attended a session where Phil Barnes discussed a City Hall Project. Loso enjoyed the presentation and was impressed with his ideas and approach to community engagement. He stated that he could help the City move the City Hall project forward. Frank concurred with Loso but added that the City should look more than one proposal option to see what who else is out there. Frank stated that the focus should be on the community center rather than on City Hall. Loso stated that he is not ready to discuss the community center because it is still an idea and there is nothing on paper. Schultz stated that if a new facilitator comes in, then the same process that was begun 18 months ago would repeat itself. He added that RA Morton understands where the City has been and what they have gone through, which could be beneficial when reaching out to residents. Loso made a motion for staff to create an RFP for facilitation services for the Community Center and City Hall.The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Discussion: Loso stated that the city hall and community center should be separate issues. Schultz believes that they should be tied together and would be hard to talk about one without the other. Wick mentioned that in the RA Morton proposal, they joint both projects together, with the majority of the focus being on the City Hall facility. Mayor Reports Central MN Housing Grant: Schultz stated that he received an email from the MN Housing Authority requesting additional background information on the Cloverdale Grant Application. Current Traffic Counts: The APO does have the traffic counts out at the MN Street and County Road 2 intersection and the City should request those numbers. June 24, 2014 Page 5 of 5 ISD 742 Facilities: Schultz added that he has met with District 742 regarding the possible usage of the old Kennedy Building due to the Roosevelt School fire. New Business Frank stated that one of the sessions he went to at the LMC Conference was on E-Cigarettes and whether to regulate or ban the selling of the product. Another session was on broadband and how the increase speeds have helped attract residents to Cities. Frank handed out information regarding a presentation from a former Fire Chief that focused on city cooperation. Area cities that have individual fire departments are working together. For example, if there is a fire that is closer to one fire department, but may be out of their jurisdiction, that fire department can still respond. It makes response time quicker. Schultz mentioned that he would like to Council to hold a workshop to discuss the different sessions that the board members attended once the material used at the conference is available online. Outdoor Liquor License:Weyrens reported that she has received and application from The Middy for an outdoor event on August 16, 2014. The event is for a fund raiser for an employee with a medical issue. Police Chief Klein has met with the license representative to discuss the event to include fencing and security. The music for the event will start at 7 PM, ending at 9 PM. Klein has signed the application requesting the Council approve the license for an outdoor event Symanietz made a motion to approve the Outdoor Liquor License application submitted by the Middy for an outdoor event to be held on August 16, 2014.The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously. Frank thanked the Police Department for tracking down the two missing hanging baskets. Klein stated that with the help of an anonymous tip, they were able to track down the baskets. Adjourn: Motion made by Loso to adjourn at 7:33 PM; seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously. 64 c�Lie Jud eyrens/ Ad .trator THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK