HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a-1] Sept 22September 22, 2014
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in special session
on Monday, September 22, 2014 at 3:00 PM in the St. Joseph Community Fire Hall.
Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz. Councilors Dale Wick, Bob Loso, Steve Frank, Renee
Symanietz. Administrator Judy Weyrens.
City Representatives Present: Police Chief Joel Klein, Public Works Director Terry Thene, Finance
Director Lori Bartlett, City Engineer Randy Sabart.
Others Present: Ellen Wahlstrom, Bob Wahlstrom, Stephanie Drickell.
Mayor Schultz opened the meeting and stated that the purpose of the meeting is to discuss vision and
goals for the City. He stated that he has been frustrated as of late as he feels the City is not moving
forward in a specific direction and he would like to have some discussion on what the Council would like
to see as goals for the City and where the City should expend resources for infrastructure.
Schultz further stated that the City has been trying to work with the property owners adjacent to 1-94 and
has been unsuccessful in securing commitment to develop despite a generous offer for cost sharing.
Therefore, he would like to see the City/EDA discuss where resources should be invested, it is developing
shovel ready lots for industrial and/or commercial or is it developing lots in the Central Business District?
Schultz stated that it is his opinion that one of the strengths of the City is its small town, people/pedestrian
friendly town; therefore, does the City spend resources developing this theme in the downtown area.
Schultz stated that the City should also consider services provided versus services residents would like to
see. For example, does the City focus on water amenities, recreation programing, park development or
facilities. At the same time the City needs to look at housing alternatives available in the City versus
housing needs that area not available such as senior housing. Streetscape is another issues, does the
City want to pursue landscape amenities in the downtown or extending out to the recently annexed
property adjacent to Minnesota St W.
Wick discussed water amenities and balancing those that are looking for a pool and those seeking a
splash pad. He stated that he had an opportunity to talk to a company who prepares feasibility studies for
communities looking at adding a water feature. The study includes identifying the type of amenity,
analysis of revenues and expenditures and site selection. The City could collect revenue if the water
amenity is more than a splash pad. He further questioned if sales tax revenue would be appropriate for a
splash pad as they are located in Waite Park, Sauk Rapids and St. Cloud seeming like a community effort
not regional. Conversely, an outdoor water park or pool is not located in the six area Cities and would be
regional.
Frank stated that he is agrees with the comments of the Mayor and also supports looking at busing,
provided that CSB is a partner. He would also like to see the Fire Hall technology increased adding wi-fi
and presentation material. Sitting on the EDA he supports the pedestrian friendly downtown and they
have been discussing different amenities.
Other items discussed include:
• Develop streetscape design to promote pedestrian activity
• Review standards for complete streets and possibility incorporate into development procedures.
• Potential development of shovel ready downtown or industrial lots — discussion should continue
as to where the City should invest resources.
• Consider green initiatives and becoming a green step community.
• Technology — security cameras, adding video of meetings to the website
• Promotion of'h cent sales tax extension
• Community facility discussion will resume after WSB completes the community engagement
process.
• Continue family friendly events such as the movie in the park
September 22, 2014
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The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 5:15 PM.
Judy Weyrens
Administrator