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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[06a] Minutes - July 17, 2014 July 17, 2014 Page 1 of 4 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, July 17, 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, Bob Loso, City Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives: City Engineer Randy Sabart, Public Works Director Terry Thene, Police Chief Joel Klein Others Present: Tom Klein, Ralph Finken, Ted Schmid Frank made a motion to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded Approval of the Agenda: by Symanietz and passed unanimously by those present. Symanietz made a motion to approve the remaining items on the consent Consent Agenda: agenda. The motion was seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously by those present. a. Minutes – Approved the minutes of June 24, 2014. b. Bills Payable – Approved check numbers 048066 – 048154; payroll EFT # 000949 – 000958 and accounts payable EFT # 001658-001661. c. Special Use Permit – Granted a special use permit allowing an accessory building without a principal structure at 1338 Jasmine Lane. d. Application for Payment – Authorized execution of application #1 for the Water Tower Maintenance Project and payment to Classic Protective Coatings in the amount of $258,780.00. Public Hearing, Delinquent Utility Bills: Schultz opened the public hearing. As no one present wished to speak, Schultz closed the public hearing. rd Public Hearing, Vacation of a portion of 3 Ave SW: Schultz opened the public hearing and stated the rd purpose of the hearing is to consider vacating a portion of 3 Ave SW as it enters the College of St. Benedict. Weyrens stated that City staff has been working with representatives of CSB regarding the rd improvements. The College has recently demolished three homes adjacent to 3 Ave SW so they can rd create a second entrance to the campus. Since the College owns the property on both sides of 3 Ave SW, and the street is only one-half block in length, their does not appear to be a public purpose of the roadway. Police Chief Joel Klein stated that both he and Weyrens had been approached by the property owner across the street, Tim Borresch, who requested the City require CSB to eliminate the bus stop. Borresch stated that the bus stop creates problems in the residential areas after bar close. Klein stated that property owners in the area do have legitimate concerns regarding garbage, noise and other nuisances while the students are waiting for the bus. Therefore, Klein stated that the meet with CSB Security and they have agreed to suspend buses on Friday and Saturdays evenings at 5:00 PM. In addition during bar close hours CSB Security and the St. Joseph Police Department will pay special attention to this area. Schultz closed the public hearing. Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute resolution 2014-025 rd vacating a portion of 3 Ave SW and retaining an easement for the sanitary sewer main. The motion was seconded by Schultz and carried unanimously by those present. Preliminary TIF Application, Collegeville Companies: Weyrens stated that Jon Petters (Collegeville Companies) submitted a preliminary application for tax increment financing. The development project includes the construction of a $ 2.3 M mixed use facility to be constructed in two phases. The project has been labeled Bayou Blues. The St. Joseph EDA considered the application on June 25 and recommended the City Council accept the application and authorize the applicant to continue through the July 17, 2014 Page 2 of 4 TIF process to include submittal of a final application. Weyrens stated the City only utilized pay-as-you- go TIF so there is no risk to the City. The developer is refunded the TIF amount after the taxes are paid, if the Developer does not pay the taxes, reimbursement does not occur. Weyrens clarified that at this time the Council is only considering if the project is eligible for TIF, the amount of TIF and terms will be determined during the next process, including a public hearing. Schultz motioned to accept the Preliminary application of Collegeville Companies and authorize submittal of the Final TIF application for the project entitled Bayou Blues. The motion was seconded by Frank and carried unanimously by those present. Discussion: Jon Petters approached the Council to speak to the success of the Millstream Shops and Lofts which utilized TIF, of which he was the developer. He stated that since construction of the Shops and Lofts the facility has employed over 67 employees, of which 22 are full time and there are approximately 395 customers per day, with 80% outside the City. City Engineer Reports Water Tower Update: Sabart stated that the Water Tower is heading towards the tail end of the project. The contractor is currently paining the logo and once that is complete the rest of the tower will be painted. Frank questioned if the relocation of cellular antennas if the location could reduce service. Sabart stated that it could due to the height, but is not sure, only the vendor would know this information. Park Terrace Improvement: The Park Terrace Improvement is meetings scheduled bench marks and nd they are currently working on sanitary sewer on Birch Street up to 2. The plan is to continue working west on Birch Street with the sewer main. Main Lift Station: The main pump station phase 1 is beginning and progressing along nicely.. Minnesota Street Lighting Update: Frank asked if there has been any work about the radar traffic signal on CR2 and Minnesota. Sabart stated he spoke with the County and they are in the process of meeting with their consultants to review the almost complete plans. Sabart stated that there are two systems on the east side of Mora if anyone would like to see how they work. Committee Update Planning Commission: Schultz stated that the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to consider the construction of an accessory building before a principal structure and they continue to work on the Sign Ordinance. EDA: Frank that the EDA reviewed the hotel feasibility which included an expenditure of $ 9,000 of which half was paid by a potential developer. The study focused on the two sites with the interstate site being the better of the two. Weyrens stated that there are talks between the investors and the land owners about purchase of the property but nothing has been completed. Police Chief Reports th Klein stated that the 4 of July events went very well and is looking for feedback from the Council and community on any areas they feel would need improvement or if there were any traffic issues with the th detour on 4 Ave NW. Frank noticed that there were people parking in front of hydrants and that would be something to watch. th On Monday, the 14, the post board came for an audit. Klein stated that the audit went by with flying colors and the PD is good until the next audit comes around. July 17, 2014 Page 3 of 4 Parking Pad: Klein stated that notices were sent out to residents in violation of the parking pad ordinance and the conversations have been mild. People have been understanding. Klein stated that if anyone received a letter and has any questions to reach out to either the administration or himself. Klein stated that there has been some cars broken into the City lately. People are going from car to car until they find ones that are opened. He recommends always locking car doors. th Klein stated that the start date of the college is August 25 and about two weeks before the athlete will be moving in. Administrator Reports Budget: Weyrens stated that the budget process is underway and the department heads are working on it. The next three meetings will all have budget components to them. Frank stated he compiled a list of items for the budget. He would like to see reflections to changes in assessment. He would like to see a goal to keep within the adjusted inflation and costs. He would like to take a more detailed look at how the sales tax monies are being used. Frank stated he would like to see some of the money used for unique projects for example implementing LED lights in some areas in town. Symanietz suggested having the City’s contribution towards the flower baskets implemented into the budget. Loso stated that he would like to see a fund for a building for the historical society, whether that be a 5 or ten year plan. Mayor Reports th Schultz stated he would like to congratulate all those who organized the July 4 activities. The Joint Planning Board Meeting approved a 4 year interim use permit to St. Joseph Sand & Gravel. It was a renewal. Schultz stated that he and CSB have discussed getting bus transportation in which MN Department of Transportation would pay 80% and the remaining would go to the City, CSB and any other key members. This is in the preliminary discussion and could affect the 2016 budget. Frank added that he has been interested for some time in getting Metro Transit to St. Joseph. A fire relief meeting was held and there were questions regarding retiree payout. The City ended up paying out more than what they were supposed to. APO: Schultz stated that the APO moved forward with ground and construction projects. Schultz handed out the listing of projects under APO consideration. The APO also decided to utilize all the funds from MNDOT rather than using a portion and giving the remaining back. There are many projects that the money can be used for. Preliminarily costs will be given and the APO will go over all the different project options. Mayor Town Hall: Schultz reported that recently the mayor town hall was held. Some of the topics brought up by residents included: The status of the golf cart permit. Weyrens stated that the process has slowed due to the County implementing laws on golf carts. Rather than having the residents get two permits, the City will issue the County permit. There were discussions regarding the signals along County Road 75 and the amount of time waiting to turn. Sabart stated that it could be due to the cameras not functioning properly. In this case the cameras are working correctly. The county will be repainting the stop bar and then the intersection will be analyzed again. The other item that was brought up was the intersection at County Road 2 and Minnesota. July 17, 2014 Page 4 of 4 th The grand opening for the Cloverdale Park was held on July 14. There were about 15 people that attended. Thank you letters were sent to the organizations who donated their time and money to the renovation. Schultz stated that months ago he has had conversations with District 742. Because of the Roosevelt fire, the Old Kennedy School will be utilized for three years. The District is taking input from the Community regarding future plans for schools in the area. Schultz stated that he will be presenting at the meeting and that the Old Kennedy can be used not only as a K-8 school but a K-12 school. New Business th Outdoor Movie Night: Weyrens stated that the City is sponsoring Movie in the Park night on August 5. The Jaycees will be doing concessions. The area will be sprayed for mosquitos. The PD will be in control of parking and security. Notices will be sent to all residents with the 56374 zip code. Schultz stated that the event will be simple, fun and will be a great event in the City. There are eight sponsors who are funding the entire event. Klein stated that the event also coincides with the National Night Out. Schultz stated that the Coalition of MN Cities hold their annual conference at the end of August which he will be attending. rd Frank stated that on July 23 there will be a closed special meeting for the Council. Additionally, there will be another Sales Tax meeting on 7/21/14 at 5:30 PM. Loso stated that he was approached by residents stating they were not made aware of the meeting until the day of. Weyrens stated that the announcement was put on the website, in the St. Cloud Times, in The Newsleaders, and in the Newsletter. Loso stated that at a conference he was at, Cities were implementing paint that is imbedded into the asphalt. He would like to try that in the City. Sabart stated that it is significantly more costly than paint. Frank and Schultz stated they would be interested, but would like to know the costs first. th Klein stated that next Thursday, July 24 8:30-11:30 AM, there will be Coffee with the Cops at the McDonalds which is a way for people to get to know the police in the community. Additionally the City will be doing another Metro Citizens Academy this year which will start in September. Klein added that he may be able to get 4 or 5 people from St. Joseph to participate. Sabart stated that at the turn lane at Northland and CR75, it would be helpful if those who experience the delayed turn signal to report the date and time when that occurred. Motion made by Frank to adjourn at 7:33 PM; seconded by Schultz and passed Adjourn: unanimously by those present. Judy Weyrens Administrator