HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 [10] Oct 02 October 02, 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, October 02, 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, Matt Killam, Margy Hughes, Jen Warnert
Public Comments
Margy Hughes, 128 Able Court thanked members of the Council and those members in the community
for making the Millstream Arts Festival a success. Estimates are that there were between 7-8K people in
attendance. Hughes added that this has been the 8th year that the City has hosted the festival downtown.
This past year has proven that St. Joseph has become a popular place to come to. Hughes questioned
the Council to consider in their budget, helping fund the flower basket project in 2015 and beyond.
Approval of the Agenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of item
9a, Call for TIF Hearing. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
Additions:Weyrens added item 9a, Call for TIF Hearing to the agenda.
Consent Agenda: Wick made a motion to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded
by Schultz and passed unanimously.
a. Minutes—Approved the minutes of September 18th and September 22nd 2014.
b. Bills Payable—Approved check numbers 048350-048399, Payroll EFT#000979 -
000983.
c. Application for Payment—Authorized execution of application#3 for the 2014 Park
Terrace Improvements and payment to Kuechle Underground, in the amount of
$476,410.86.
d. Application for Payment—Authorized execution of application#2 for the 2014 Main
Pump Station Improvements and payment to Geislinger&Sons Inc, in the amount of
$402,440.90.
US Aquatics—Pool Feasibility: Weyrens stated that a previous Council work session, the Council
discussed the option of conducting a water amenity study to help determine the viability of a pool or what
type of water amenity would be successful in St. Joseph. Wick had provided the Council with information
on US Aquatics, which is a firm that completes analysis for communities looking at constructing a water
amenity. Wick stated that he reached out to US Aquatics as they are a local company with 70% of their
clients being towns with populations of 7,000 or less. Wick added that he would like US Aquatics to work
with the pool committee to see if an aquatic venue is something the City would be able to handle.
Therefore, as a follow-up to that meeting, representatives from US Aquatics has been invited to the
Council meeting to discuss the services they provide.
Tom Schaefer, US Aquatics introduced himself and the services provided by US Aquatics. Schaefer
proposed that US Aquatics do a feasibility study, working with the pool committee to determine the needs
of the community, consider potential sites and prepare a cost benefit analysis (anticipated revenue and
expenditures). Schaefer presented the Council with a proposal for services to complete an analysis at a
cost of$ 7,500 and an additional $ 1,000 if a community survey is part of the process.
Frank stated he read through the proposal and was impressed by the work. He added that the common
theme had residents being charged to utilize the facilities. Frank questioned if fees can be charged on a
project that was funded through sales tax. Additionally, he was under the understanding that a splash pad
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would be built where no fees have been charged. Frank also stated he would like to see the full names of
those on the pool committee as nothing has been brought to the Council. Schaefer agreed with Frank that
you want a broad representation of the City in the pool committee.
Loso questioned if a community survey would be included in the study. Schaefer stated that some
communities do a survey and some do not. Others have community meetings to gain feedback. Loso
added he would like a community survey conducted. Wick stated that he would prefer to have people
participate in the process than complete a survey and he believes people will be more willing to
participate in the community engagement process.
Schaefer stated that US Aquatics will not build the facility; rather they are like the architects of the project.
Their job is to provide information so that the community know what and where to build. Symanietz
questioned if an estimate would be included of the cost of yearly maintenance of the facility. Schaefer
stated that a 5-year plan will be included that has estimates on revenue, costs, maintenance, and
possible repairs. Multiple options will be brought back to the City regarding different types of facilities that
could be built.
Frank questioned if the City were to build a basic splash pad, how much would that cost. Schaefer
responded that it depends on where it is located and what types of support items are needed. They have
designed splash pads for as little as$200,000. The life-span of a splash pad is around 30 years, with an
aquatic center lasting around 50 years.
Schultz stated that if the Council were to go forward, the pool committee would be broad representation of
the City. Schultz questioned what size the committee usually is. Schaefer stated that you do not want to
go smaller than 7 and not more than 12 people.
Frank made a motion authorizing the Administrator to execute the contract to engage US Aquatics
complete a water amenity study with a final report presented to the Council. The study will
include determining need,type of facility, location and cost analysis and community survey at a
cost not to exceed $ 9,500.00. The type of community survey will be determined by the pool
committee. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
Discussion: Schultz questioned if the survey could be a community forum. Schaefer stated it
could be and a survey could be done as well.
Bayou Blues, Project Update: Weyrens stated the Planning Commission has opened the public hearing
the project entitled Bayou Blues. The Planning Commission tabled action on the request to gather
additional information. At this time Weyrens stated that the developer is present at the meeting to provide
an overview of the project so that the Council has an opportunity to identify and issues or concerns they
would like to see addressed.
Colleen Petters approached the Council and stated that she represents the developer, Collegeville
Companies and handles the marketing for the Millstream Shops and Lofts. She introduced Pat Wadock,
architect for the Bayou Blues Project. Wadock stated that Bayou Blues would be a great project for the
City of St. Joseph. Wadock provided the following overview of the project: The project will include three
structures, one that will be adjacent to College Avenue and will consist of a three story facility, with the
lower level retail and restaurant and the second and third levels can either be additional office space or
residential units. The second structure will be called the Alley Flats and will consist of a two story
condominium building with garages and roof top decks. The third structure is conversion of the existing
garage to an artisan studio or retail shop. The garage is over 100 years old and has impressive
architecture that can be restored.
Symanietz questioned how the roof space will be used. Wadock stated that it will be an accessible space
for the occupants. It will be like a roof-top terrace. Loso questioned how much retail space is allocated to
the alley flats to which Wadock responded that there will be no commercial space in the flats. Those are
only to be used as residential.
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Wadock stated that there might be concerned with snow cover on the roofs. He added that the snow on
the flat roof will add insulation to the units and that there should be no cause for concern.
Colleen Petters stated that when they were before the Planning Commission, there were concerns
regarding parking. As a response, Petters stated that they reached out to Wadock who came up with a
more pedestrian friendly layout which would eliminate 7 parking stalls. Petters added that a huge plus in
these building is that there are going to be elevators in both buildings. Wadock stated that by providing
the elevators, it really caters to a larger market of people. Petters stated the purpose of them being here it
to address any concerns and questions there may be.
Wick questioned if there are concerns regarding separation between the homes that are neighboring the
project and the commercial properties. Petter stated that there are plans to construct a buffer, rather it be
fencing or landscaping. .
Frank had concerns regarding the traffic flows in the alley, and also regarding the placement of the alley
in regards to where it was platted. Frank added that it is not an uncommon thing especially in the older
areas of town. Sabart presented a map outlining where the alley currently is and where it is platted.
Weyrens stated that staff is not proposing to move the alley. The alley will be closed, but not vacated.
Whether the alley is closed or not, does not affect the progress of the project. Weyrens stated that the
main concern would be the East/West alley and how the project proposes to manage the pedestrian and
vehicular traffic.
Schultz stated that he has some concerns with how the pedestrian traffic will be managed and he is
concerned with the safety and potential conflicts. He stated that he would prefer that the alley be directed
to one way traffic, moving east. Petters stated that they are open for any suggestions on the alley, but he
would like to see it become a one-way from west to east. Petters added that he has worked close with the
neighbors and he is also purchasing two additional properties in the general vicinity of his project. He
further stated that all the property owners abutting the north south alley in the project area have signed a
petition requesting vacation or closure of the alley. Wick clarified that he understands the Council is
generally agreed to redirecting the traffic flow in the east west alley to one way, from west to east from
College Avenue to 1st Ave NE.
Schultz questioned how many retail spaces the development includes. Petters stated the intent is to fill
the space with either retail or restaurants. At this point there is a letter of intent from the owner Bello
Cucina to start a second restaurant serving New Orleans type foods and one to other individual for retail
business.
City Engineer Reports—Project Updates
Park Terrace: Sabart reported that the project is continuing on the restoration phase. There have been
questions regarding the top-soil timing. Sabart stated that discussions have been had about having a
delay in the laying of the top soil while hook-ups are being completed. Frank questioned final outcome of
the reshaping of the sledding hill. Sabart responded the angle and length of the hill is the same, but the
direction of the sledding will be different as the slope will move those sledding away from the bleachers
by the ball field, the thrill of the ride should be similar.
Main Pump Station: Sabart reported that the contractors have the gravel road restored and are waiting for
pavement. The main focus now is on the tanks and preparing the tanks for receipt of the wastewater.
Coatings still need to be applied as well as some electrical work. Frank suggested having the RV dump
station location in the newsletter so that those in the community are aware of it and can use it.
Graceview Estates 4: Construction is underway and the sanitary sewer is complete. The next step will be
water followed by curb, gutter and street.
Loso stated that in the last meeting two feasibility reports were approved. He felt that there was a project
that had been forgotten about, the alley improvements. Weyrens stated the reason it was not on the study
was because there was not Council consensus as to which areas needed improvements. Wick added that
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it has been brought up by the EDA and the EDA Director will be meeting with the business owners along
those alleys to see what they would like to see done with the alleys. Loso would like to approve a
feasibility study to prevent the delay of the improvements any further. Frank stated that there are some
business owners along the alley who would like to see more done to the alleys then paving like possible
landscaping or parking. Sabart added that he would suggest waiting to do a feasibility report until all the
possible options have been flushed out.
Committee Update
EDA: Wick reported the EDA discussed the following: Granted a two demolition grants to the developer
for the Bayou Blues project; received an update on the city maps that are being updated; and discussed
the need to develop shovel ready development sites.
Park Board: Loso reported that the Park Board met and discussed the following: update on the trail
signage as the Public Works Director is working on this project; Stearns County Parks Director Pete
Theisman discussed the Wobegon Trail extension and funds that are needed before construction begins.
He indicated that approximately 20% of the extension is located within the City of St. Joseph corporate
limits. Theisman is looking a receiving some type of contribution from St. Joseph and will need a
response sometime in 2015.
Administrator Report
Call for TIF Hearing: Weyrens presented the Council with a map outlining a potential TIF District. The
district encompasses the entire B1 Zoning District as well as property accorss CR 75. Within the TIF
District the EDA is anticipating two TIF projects, one of which is the Bayou Blues project. The first step in
the process is conducting a public hearing for the TIF District, which requires a joint meeting of the EDA
and City Council. Weyrens stated that there have been discussions regarding the second development
area, however there are no plans at this time.
Weyrens stated that the City will either have to schedule a special meeting to canvass the City Election
results as the earliest by MN Statute the Council can canvass the election is November 7, one day after
the regularly scheduled Council meeting. Therefore, Weyrens requested the Council consider moving the
regular meeting scheduled for November 6 to November 10 and conduct the TIF hearing at that meeting
as well.
Wick made a motion moving the November City Council meeting to Monday, November 10th at
6:00PM and authorized the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2014-031 calling public
hearing on the proposed establishment of redevelopment TIF No.2-3 within development district
No.2,the proposed adoption of a TIF plan relating thereto modification of TIF District No. 2-1 and
consideration of a business subsidy for the developers of the Bayou Blues &Alley Flats project.
The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously.
Mayor Reports
Planning Commission: Schultz reported the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the sign
ordinance. The public hearing discussion was tabled and extended to the next meeting. Wick questioned
when the moratorium will expire. Weyrens stated the moratorium expires in November and that the
Planning Commission would like to have the sign ordinance over to the Council after their October
meeting.
Frank questioned if the court case will have any implications on the adoption of the ordinance. Weyrens
stated the hearing was held on August 15th, and the judge has 90days to make a ruling. The ruling could
have an effect on the ordinance.
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84% Coalition of Mayors: Schultz stated he is a member of the coalition. Discussions were held regarding
potential items the coalition will consider for lobbying efforts. The next meeting will be in November and
the priorities will be narrowed down further.
St. Joseph Historical Society: Schultz reported that he has met with the Historical Society where they
discussed their current operation and future needs. Schultz stated that they need the room and are in
need of some upgrades that the Council should consider.
New Business
City Election, 2014: Frank stated he received a phone call from a resident stating he does not know who
is running for office against the incumbents. Frank suggested having each candidate running to submit a
picture along with a little bio so that members of the community can become familiar with who is running.
Weyrens stated typically municipal websites and cable access channels are not used for election
purposes. The City does have the sample ballot on the website along with the sales tax extension
information.
Snow Removal on Sidewalks: Loso stated he was approached by some people regarding snow removal
on sidewalks. Concerns were raised about people who do not plow the sidewalks because they may be
gone for the winter. Thene clarified that the City only does the trail out to the school, they do not plow the
sidewalks. Weyrens stated that in the late 90's, the City established a sidewalk district. Because of
budget shortfalls, the City decided at that time to no longer plow the sidewalks.
Schultz stated that if the City were to start sidewalks, then they would need to plow all sidewalks. Wick
added that if it were to be considered, then staff would need to provide estimates. Frank added that trails
are being used more and more. The City will need to differentiate between trails and sidewalks.
Park Terrace Water Bill Concerns: Loso stated he received communication from a member in Park
Terrace who was upset with the amount they are being charged on their water bills. The feedback he is
receiving is that this summer was cooler and wetter than last summer resulting in less water usage.
Weyrens clarified that when the project in Park Terrace started, all the residents were placed on
temporary water service, which is not metered. When this occurs, residents are billed water based on the
prior year using the same period. Therefore the residents in Park Terrace were billed for July and August
based on the amount used in 2013. Weyrens stated that this process has been used historically by the
City and is the same process used by other municipalities.
Wick questioned if the person they talked to waters their lawn. Loso stated he is unsure. Schultz stated
he received the same phone call. He offered to go over to the gentleman's home and show the billing
periods over the past few years, to which he refused. The City went along with the best practice and
policy that was passed. Schultz stated that he looked at other options of billing and no matter what
method was used, there would be winners and losers and it would be purely subjective.
Weyrens stated that this practice is common in the industry and other communities when projects like
Park Terrace are completed. The City has compared rainfall records with the past years and the
maintenance department has to keep records of rainfall for the DNR water report. With the exception of
mid August, the billing period was dry.
Frank stated that he is not disagreeing with the direction the City went in. However, Frank received
rainfall totals from a meteorologist at St. Cloud State. The reports showed more rain this season than last
year, which in turn could mean residents watering their lawns less. Frank added that the formula used is
fair, but suggests there was less water usage. Schultz added he went back and looked at the reporting
and saw that there was a discrepancy in the rainfall, but it was not as dramatic as the initial reports.
Wick reiterated that the billing was for July and August and the previous year charges were used. The
general consensus was that it would be extremely hard, with all the variables involved, to calculate fair
pricing for all. Wick stated that if it was a past practice with other projects, then it should remain that way.
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Sabart stated that the City could apply a uniform percentage to all the bills. Schultz stated that it was a
good idea, but there would be no method to picking a specific percentage. Thene believes that staff was
right in continuing with the policy and it should stay that way to be consistent across the board.
Adjourn: Motion made by Symanietz to adjourn at 7:55 PM; seconded by Schultz and passed
unanimously by those present.
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