HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 [09] Sep 18 September 18, 2014
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St.Joseph met in regular session
on Thursday, September 18, 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, Dale Wick, Steve Frank, Bob Loso,
City Administrator Judy Weyrens
City Representatives: City Engineer Randy Sabart, Public Works Director Terry Thene, Police Chief Joel
Klein, Finance Director Lori Bartlett
Others Present: Tom Klein, Michelle Hansmann, Joel Ostendorf, Logan Gruber, Leroy Forbes Jr.
Public Comments
Michelle Hansmann, CSB Senate approached the Council stating that CSB has an election task force and
she has passed this year's election information on to that group. Hansmann added that hopefully some of
the candidates running will be able to come to campus for a meet and greet with students. Symanietz
asked if the meetings would be in a debate-like format. Hansmann responded that the meetings could be
either or and would leave that up to the candidates which they would prefer.The meeting ideally would
occur towards the middle or end of October.
Joel Ostendorf, 1215 MN ST approached the Council objecting to a notice he received regarding an
outstanding bill for a water connection fee. He is confused as to why he is being charged for a fee that
should have been paid when the property was first connected to services. Weyrens stated that this
matter is part of the public hearing later in the evening.
LeroyForbes Jr, introduced himself as a representative of SJU Senate: Forbes stated that he looks
forward to working with the Council thissemester.
Approval of the Agenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda. The motion was
seconded by Loso and passed unanimously.
Consent Agenda: Wick made a motion to approve the consent agenda with the changes to the
August 7th minutes as discussed.The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously.
a. Minutes—Approved the minutes of August 7th, August 25th, and September 4th, 2014.
b. Bills Payable—Approved check numbers 048303-048349, Payroll EFT#000974-000978
and accounts payable EFT#001665-001666.
c. Application for Payment—Authorized execution of application#2 for the 500,000 Gallon
Water Tower Reconditioning and payment to Classic Protective Coatings, Inc. in the
amount of$192,232.50.
d. Treasurer's Report—Accepted the August 2014 Treasurer's Report.
e. Donations—Accepted the following donations: Anonymous: $23.00 Disc Golf; $62.53
Archery Range; $73.00 Millstream Camping
f. Bond Redemption—Authorized execution of Resolution 2014-028 calling for the
redemption of the outstanding GO Bonds, Series 2007A.
Discussion: Frank stated that if you look on page 3 of 7, the minutes should read, "Frank asked when the
antennas will be placed on the tower, rather than when will the tower be placed on the tower."
Final Assessment Hearing, Delinquent Bills:Weyrens stated the Council has been provided with a list of
delinquent accounts. There are opportunities each year for residents to contest their assessments. Most
of the items on the list are associated with weed cutting.
Schultz opened the final assessment hearing regarding delinquent bills.
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Ostendorf reiterated that he objects to the bill he received from the City for a water connection fee. He
stated that when he purchased the home in 2003 he understood that the property was connected to both
water and sewer. He was surprised when he received a notice stating that he would be required to
connect to city services.
Weyrens clarified that in 2013 the City sent letters to all property owners not connected to city water
informing them that they will be required to connect to city water and would be responsible for paying the
associated connection fees. The city had approximately 40 property owners that were not on city water.
At one point the City allowed residents to install the water service line into the home when the City was
constructing a project to save expenses in the future. When a service line is installed the City loses
control as some plumbers have the ability to open the curb box.
After the letters were sent, 3 residents informed the City they were already connected to the service, one
of which was Ostendorf. Weyrens stated that she has been working with Ostendorf and encouraged him
to contact his closing company to see if they would cover the claim for an undisclosed expenditure.
Ostendorf stated that he tried to make a claim and it was denied. He stated that he does not feel he is
responsible for the charges as he cannot believe the city did not know that is was connected to water and
he should not be penalized.
Loso asked if meters were involved. If so, how could it not be tracked that they were using City water.
When residents are not connected to city water, the well serving the property is monitored so that sewer
can be billed. Therefore, meter readings were taken and sewer has been billed. Ostendorf stated that he
thought he was being billed for water. He added if he knew that he was not paying for City water, he
would have come to the City.
Wick questioned if the City should have known when the water meters were converted, Weyrens stated
that the water meters were installed by a third party and they simply replaced the existing meter, not
determining what type of water source was being used. Weyrens stated that she has checked with the
City Attorney and the City can charge the water connection fee which is$4,600 or go back six years to
bill for water and can double the actual fee.
Wick and Frank believed it would be unfair to charge Ostendorf the hook-up fee as the home ownership
switched possession without Ostendorf knowing that he would have to pay the fee.Weyrens asked if the
Council feels the owner should be charged for the 6 years of water usage he was not billed as other
property owners did pay the connection fee.
As no one else was wishing to speak, Schultz closed the public hearing.
Loso made a motion to suspend the WAC charge to Joel Ostendorf at 1215 MN ST E from the
current assessment roll and have staff calculate three years of water usage.The motion was
seconded by Wick.
Discussion: Schultz asked if there are any other residents who may be in the same
situation.Weyrens stated that there are no new ones that the City knows of. Wick stated
he is unsure about assessing an unknown amount. He added it would be beneficial to
have the three year water usage calculated, bill it out, and if it's still not paid, it will be
back on the assessment roll. The motion was passed unanimously.
Wick made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute resolution 2014-029
adopting final assessment for outstanding invoices.The motion was seconded by Schultz and
passed unanimously.
2015 Preliminary Budget: Weyrens presented the Council with the final 2015 preliminary budget and
resolution. Based on information received from the Stearns County Assessor, the market value increase
for St. Joseph is .57%. The proposed budget includes the following: $ 75,000 increase in the general
fund levy(2.11%); $ 28.050(.79%) increase in debt levy; total general fund budget of$2,641,300 which
is support by a$ 1,312,645 operating levy and $464,590 debt levy. The proposed impact of the budget
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is 5.57%and on a home valued$ 150,000 the increase in tax would be approximately$ 36.62. Weyrens
stated that it has yet to be determined if the levy is needed for the 2011 Debt, if it is not needed up to$
20,000 could be reduced from the budget, reducing the impact to 4.48%. Since this is only a preliminary
budget the Council has the option to reduce the budget, but cannot increase they levy. The public
hearing for the final budget is scheduled for 6:00 PM, December 4, 2014.
Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute resolution 2014-027
adopting the 2015 Preliminary budget and setting the final budget hearing for December 4, 2014 at
6:00 PM.The motion was seconded by Frank and passed unanimously.
City Engineer Reports—Project Updates
Feasibility Report—2015 Projects: City Engineer Randy Sabart stated the Council has previously
discussed proposed improvements for 2015 which include street overlay projects in Clinton Village and a
portion of Northland Addition. If the Council would like to move the projects forward,the first step in the
process is ordering a feasibility report which includes survey work and identifying the scope of work to
include preliminary assessment projections.
Frank made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2014-030,
Ordering Preparation of Report on Improvement for the 2015 Street Improvements.The motion
was seconded by Loso.
Discussion:Wick asked what types of street repairs will be constructed. Sabart responded that for
the Northland area, it would be a basic overlay similar to what was done on Baker Street.The streets in
Clinton Village, due to their age, will have to have a full reclaim and pave.The project will not include
storm sewer or water main improvements. Frank questioned if the curb will be replaced in Clinton
Village. Sabart responded that he does not anticipate replacing all the curb; rather, only bad sections will
be replaced. The feasibility report will identify what if any curb will be replaced.
Park Terrace: Sabart reported that the first layer of blacktop has been laid in the Park Terrace project.
The contractor will be working in the next week or two to reconstruct driveways. Sabart added that notices
to residents will be sent out next week regarding hook-ups. Because the curb is still susceptible to
damage, the City will ask that the homeowners communicate with their contractors to take measures to
protect the curb.
Sabart discussed with the Council the expectation for restoration. He is contemplating requiring the
contractor to wait until 2015 to prepare the area for final restoration. While it is a given that the area will
only be temporary seeded, the question is whether or not to bring in the borrow and top soil. Residents
will be connecting to the sewer starting next week and will flow into 2015. If the material is placed now,
there is a risk that additional material will be needed next year as residents will be disturbing the area to
install service lines. The additional material would be at a cost to the City
Loso stated he would rather wait and make sure that it is done right. It would make more sense to wait
until all the hook-ups are completed to place the final material, excluding the sod as they was schedule
for 2015. Frank questioned if the hydrants are sufficient for firefighting at this time. Sabart stated that the
hydrants are up and running. The Fire Department will no longer need to bring a pumper truck. Frank
added that he would be concerned with rocks being left in the yards. Sabart stated that after observing
the area, there is no significant safety hazard as the larger rocks should have already been taken out.
Frank asked when the park will be restored. Sabart stated that the park could be restored at any time as
no hook-ups have to be completed there.
Wick questioned the status of the sewer connection and old sewer line. Sabart stated the old system is
still alive and is hooked up to the new system. Once everyone is hooked up, the contractors will go back
in, fill up the manholes and grass will be planted on the top. Sabart stated in the newsletter that he will
explain how residents will be reimbursed by the city up to$2,000 for hook-up fees incurred.
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The general consensus of the Council is to wait to delay the top soil and sod until next year.
Thene asked if Sabart would foresee anyone wanting to finish their own yards. Sabart stated it is possible
and there may be some residents who will want to do that. However, it will be at the residents'costs and
they will not be reimbursed if they choose to finish their own yards.
Main Pump Station: The contractors work has been focused on preparing the tanks and reconstructing
the site to prepare for paving.
Committee Update
Fire Board: Loso reported that a Fire Board meeting was held last week. Discussion was held regarding
repairs to the tank on the tanker truck as the department has had problems since purchasing the vehicle.
The tank leaks and various attempts have tried to remedy the leak without success. The Fire Chief has
received a quote on a poly tank which can be installed on the new truck. The tank has a cost of$28,000
to$ 33,000; however, installing the new tank will provide the truck with an additional 20 years of service.
The cost of a new tanker is$ 350,000. The Fire Board authorized the Fire Chief to move forward with the
tank replacement as the funds are available in the CIP and it reduces the need to replace the vehicle in
five years.
Administrator Report
Weyrens reminded the Council that the next meeting will be Monday, September 22 at 3PM at the fire
Hall. The Planning Commission will be meeting on Tuesday the 23m. EDA will meet on Wednesday, and
the Park Board will meet on Monday, September 29tH
Mayor Reports
CGMC: Schultz reported they were over budget by$62,000 that was spent on lobbying for LGA. He is
unsure how it missed the budget books, but it was caught in an audit.
St. Cloud Chamber: Schultz stated that the mayor of the 6 area city's met with the Chamber to discuss
the benefits of the 1/2 cent sales tax.
WSB Meeting: Schultz stated that facilitation for City facilities begins on October 13th at 6:00PM at the
Fire Hall. Post cards will be sent to residents. The purpose of the meeting was to go over the contract for
services.WSB asked for Council and Staff representation. Schultz stated that he, Symanietz, and
Weyrens would be a part of the meetings. The other stakeholders would be residents.After the initial
meeting,WSB will ask for additional volunteers to become part of the committee.
Frank stated he would like to see the meetings televised. Schultz stated that the meetings will not be
televised due to costs, but they will all be open to the public. Minutes will be taken and published.
Upcoming Meetings:
• Transportation Forum at the Best Western, Kelly Inn: 9/22/14, 11:30— 1:30
• Inauguration at CSB this weekend.
New Business
EDA Round Table:Wick reported that local real estate agents, residents, and members of the EDA met
regarding development of the City. Schultz added that a good portion of the conversation was about how
having a high school in the City would result in growth of the City. He would like to bring the topic back up
to the district to see if that would be a future option.
Regional Human Rights: Symanietz reported that the Human Rights Commission is short three people
and they are now looking for members.There is an application available online. Students are qualified as
well. The applicants will be doing the outreach, informing people of human rights.
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Frank mentioned that the State has pulled funding for the board. Symanietz added the funding has not
been pulled, it is sitting there. The current funding goes until the end of the year. It is possible that St.
Cloud will be asking local cities to help fund the Human Rights Commission
Adiourn: Motion made by Loso to adjourn at 7:50 PM; seconded by Wick and passed unanimously
by those present.
7
iezel
Jud Weyrens
A• inistrator