HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 [04] Apr 20 April 20, 2015
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Closed Session: Wick made a motion to go into closed session pursuant MN Statute 13D.05 Subd 3(c)to
discuss the proposed purchase of prope�ty located at 124 15�Ave SE for a possible Community Center.
The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously.
The Council came out of closed session withou#taking any action.
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session
on Monday, April 20, 2015 at 6:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall, opening the meeting with the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz, Councilors: Dale Wick, Bob Loso, Matt Killam, Renee Symanietz.
City Administrator Judy Weyrens
Citv Representatives: City Engineer Randy Sabart, Police Chief Joel Klein, Finance Director Lori Bartlett,
Public Works Director Terry Thene
Others Present: Bob &Darlene Kroll, Mary Schaffer, Joel Voget, Joanne Schneider, Kay Lemke, Nelda
Dehn, Donna Kellerman, Rosanne Eiynck, Ronald Eiynck, Angela , Alissa Rennie, Shantell Carpenter,
Jen Warnert, 011ie Lesnik, Gerri Potter, Charles Potter, Logan Gruber, Kevin Cox, Noreen Loso, Bruce
Bechtold, Bob&Bernadette Ethen, Mary Ann &Jim Graeve, Margy Hughes, Lynn Valek, Spencer
Sawyer, Ellen& Bob Wahlstrom, Marian 8 Bill Durrwachter, Pat Meyer, Steve Wischmann, Irene Reber,
Frank Osendorf, Heidi Voigt, Jan Pfannenstein, Bob 8�Kathy Lyon, Patrick&Shelly Flynn, Richard
Schwegel, Tim &Sue Borresch, Matt Loehlein, Karen Tadych
Public Comments
Margy Hughes, 128 Able Court Hughes approached the Council stating that at the last Council meeting,
many people at home were unable to hear what was being said as the microphones were not picking up
the conversations.
Hughes added that at the Council meeting on April 6f", Phil Barnes presented the recommendations of the
facilities committee. Hughes stated the committee met five times and came up with a lot of good
feedback. Hughes felt that Barnes's presentation was put at the end of the agenda, with the majority of
the meeting given to other topics.
Hughes stated that she disappointed that the agenda for the meeting was not ready until Friday
afternoon. Hughes added that the topic on the agenda should have been moved to a later date to allow
for use of a bigger space.
Tim Borresch, 11 —3'd Ave NW: Borresch approached the Council regarding repeat viewings of the
Council meetings. Borresch stated that the repeat viewings should be put on earlier in the day and
additional times throughout the week for a way to get the information to the public. Borresch suggested
putting the agenda on the Cable Access Channel.
Apnroval of the Aqenda: Wick made a motion to approve the agenda.The motion was seconded by
Loso and passed unanimously.
Consent Aqenda: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda.The motion was seconded
by Symanietr and passed unanimously.
a. Minutes—Approved the minutes of April 06, 2015.
b. Bills Payable—Approved check numbers 079118-049174, Payroll EFT#001053-001057
and Accounts Payables EFT#001687-001690.
c. Street Closure—Approved the closure of a portion of MN Street from 3'�Ave NW to 16cn
Ave on July 4 between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
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d. Street Closure—Approved the road closure of CR 121 south of MN Street and north of
Baker St E on July 3(12:01 PM—3:00 AM July 4); and July 4 (10 AM to 6 PM).
e. Financial Report—Accepted the 1 S�Quarter 2015 & March 2015 Financial Reports
f. Performance Measure:Authorized the release of the survey questions to meet the
requirements of the Performance Measurements.
Public Hearinq. Outdoor Special Event: Richard Schwegel approached the Council on behalf of the
Church of St. Joseph to request the approval of a special outdoor event on July 3`d, 2015. The outdoor
music will be from 6:00 PM to midnight. Hotel rooms are offered to those within the vicinity of the concert
area if the music is too loud. The room is paid for by the Church. Schwegel added the parish is working
closely with the Chief of Police regarding security for the concert. The concert and festival grounds will be
fenced and security officers will be at all entrances as well as patrolling the grounds.
Schultz opened the public hearing.
Tim Borresch, 11—3'd Ave NW asked if the Church is required to have a public hearing each year for the
concert as nothing changes. Weyrens stated that the Ordinance requires a public hearing for an outdoor
event that extends beyond 9:30 PM. While the Church concert has not presented problems in the past,
all permits have to be treated equally. The only option for not conducting a hearing is to amend the
Ordinance.
Mary Scheffer, 100 MN St E approached the Council with concerns regarding the concert. Scheffer
approached the Council and stated that not everyone in St. Joseph supports the festival. Scheffer added
that it is two days of noise, unwanted people in yards, finding bottles of liquid, and peeling candy off of her
sidewalk. Scheffer realizes the importance of the tradition of the festival, but would like to see it not affect
the nearby property owners.
Schwegel agreed that there are lots of people in town for the concert and parade. In an effort to
prevent debris in the City, on the night of the concert, participants are not allowed to take anything out of
the fenced area that could be discarded as they walk to their car. He does recognize that participants in
the parade leave debris along the route and the Parish is not responsible for that, as the parade is the
responsibility of another organization.
As no one else present wished to speak, Schultz closed the public hearing.
Symanietr made a motion to approve the application for temporary outside music/liquor permit to
the St. Joseph Parish for July 3,2015.The motion was seconded by Wick and passed
unanimously.
KDV. Presentation of 2014 Audited Financial Statements: Steve Wischmann approached the Council to
present the 2014 Audit findings.Wischmann stated the purpose of the auditor is to provide an opinion on
the City's basic financial statements, report on the results of testing on MN Legal Compliance, and report
on internal control over financial reporting. Segregation of accounting duties has been a carryover on the
audit since 2006.Wischmann stated that with the limited number of staff, it makes it hard segregate those
duties. In order to eliminate that finding it would take a couple more full time employees.Wischmann
stated they are not recommending that the City change anything, but those deficiencies need to be
reported.Wischmann sfated that in 2014 there were no adjustments that needed to be reported and no
changes have had to been made to the financia!statements.
The general fund operating results showed an actual increase in fund balance of$19,000 with the ending
fund balance being $1.7 million.Wischmann stated the fund balance is right where it should be as it
accounts for about 5 months of expenditures. The five year synopsis of the general fund remained stable.
The largest revenue fund increase was due to an increase in Local Government Aid. There was an
increase in the market value which has been declining since 2008. The increase is a good indicator of
market rebound and St. Joseph in one of the first clients they have that have realized an increase.
Wischmann stated the general fund expenditures increased slightly in 2014. Overall in 2014 the City was
$18,000 over budget.
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Enterprise Funds: The water fund remains consistent and has improved since the 2010-2012 timeframe.
The sewer fund saw a slight decrease in revenues and increases in expenditures. The refuse revenue
was down and expenditure increased slightly. There has been an increase between revenues and
expenditures since 2010. Storm water saw a slight decrease in both the revenue and expenses.The
street light utility saw a$20,000 increase in revenue.
Wischmann thanked Finance Director Bartlett for her work on the audit and preparing the statements.
Bartlett thanked KDV and City staff for helping prepare the information for the audit.
Schultz made a motion to accept 2014 Audited Financial Statements.The motion was seconded
by Wick and passed unanimously.
Jasmine Lane Extension:Weyrens stated the City has been approached by the developer who purchased
the former Armaline Rothfork property about developing the site. The development plan for the City
indicates that Jasmine Lane is proposed to extend through the site to Northland Drive. The City has a
developer's agreement with Lumber One, who developed Northland Heights and part of that agreement
requires Lumber One to pay for the extension. Lumber One is not opposed to contributing to the cost of
the road, but since it benefits a private developer, Lumber One does not feel the obligation to pay for the
entire road.
Kevin Cox, developer, approached the Council to discuss the proposed project. Cox stated that he
purchased the property and is intending to develop the parcel with 10 single family homes. He received
from the City the concept drawing that was prepared in 2005 and intends to develop the site as
conceptualized. He was aware that the water line has already been extended through the site and the
City does not have an easement for the pipe. Due to the cost of the development and the few lots
available to recapture the cost, Cox is requesting the City contribute towards the construction of Jasmine
Lane.
Weyrens stated that the extension of Jasmine Lane is in the City five year Capital Improvement Plan;
however, not all the costs are included. The total estimated cost of the road is$ 195,000 of which
Lumber One has agreed to contribute$ 75,000, leaving approximately$ 125,000. In reviewing the costs,
the Council could consider paying for the easement and storm sewer costs for a total contribution of$
42,066.
Loso made a motion to approve the contribution in the amount of up to$42,066.00 for the
extension of Jasmine Lane.The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
Public Input—Water Aauatic Facilitv: Schultz stated that the City Council will be accepting input on the
proposed Outdoor Water Amenity. Whife there are no flawless decisions, the goal is to�nd a solution to
benefit the entire community. Schultz thanked all the community members that took their time to be a part
of the water amenity committee. Schultz stated that those wishing to speak should be respectful of each
other as different views are being presented and voiced and comments should be limited to a maximum
of 5 minutes per individual.
Joe/Vogel, 212— 16t`'Ave SE: Vogel suggested the Council make notes of suggestions made at this
public input session.Vogel stated he is unsure if he is for or against the amenity as there has not been
enough information provided to make a decision on a project costing over$6 million.Vogel added he
used to run a facility that has swimming pools and feels the Council needs to be more educated on what it
takes to run such a facility.
Vogel called the inspector from Stearns County who goes around inspecting the area pools. For pools the
chlorine needs to be at certain fevels and pools will need to be shut down due to sanitation issues.Water
clarity will close the pool, life safety equipment will need to be readily available, and the numbers of water
pumps for the facility will need to be taken into account.
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Vogel researched the area splash pads and waiting pools.There are 3 splash pads and 6 wading pools.
There are also heated swimming pools at business in St. Cloud. The Becker facility can be used for
$232.00/family quarterly. Vogel added that the amount to charge the residents was not reasonable for this
area and feels additional research is needed prior to moving forward. Vogel also questioned the quick
process and would like to have all the facts together prior to making any decisions.
Vogel stated he would like to see what other options are available that money can be spent on. He
requested the Council slow down and bring back additional information as there are a lot of hidden costs
with a water amenity.
Steve Frank, 606 Birch St W: Frank suggested having an additional meeting on the topic in a larger place
with more advanced notice. Frank agreed with Vogel that the City needs a sense of priorities. Frank
stated the broad based facility committee recommended priorities, the community center first and the
police department second, they did not address a water amenity. With regard to the water amenity study,
it is his opinion that the study did not include all of the operating costs.
Frank stated there is over a mile of clay piping that needs to be replaced in the City that will cost a
fortune. Frank added that the City does not have the means to do all the projects that are on the table.
Frank is in favor of purchasing the old Kennedy School as it could be a Community Center, Police
Department, and Government Center.
Frank stated that sales tax cannot be used to pay for operating costs. Currently public works has 8
employees. Frank asked how many additional workers would need to be hired to monitor the water park.
Frank was also concerned about the safety issue of crossing CR75. Frank believes the cost to enter the
park at$6.00 is obscene and that number is to just break even. Frank stated that those raising concerns
are not naysayers; rather they would like to go about it in a reasonable manner.
Amanda, Sf. Joe Summer Rec:Amanda stated she has lived in St. Joseph for 12 years and has three
younger chiidren. Amanda added that in summer rec alone, there are 13 new children signed up for
activities.Amanda agrees that sewer, streets, and safety are very important, but added that t is all that
has been done. There has been no growth in the community aspect of the City.Amanda noted there are
other pools in neighboring cities, but iYs not in the St. Joseph Community.
Amanda added she is for anything that would be beneficial to the younger families and kids in the
community as there is nothing for kids to do in the summer.There is a kidstop program, but it is full during
the summer months.
Michelle Killam, 120 Jasmine Lane: Killam approached the Council in support of the water facitity. Killam
stated she has lived in St.Joseph her entire life and has three young boys. Killam added that when she
takes her children to a water park similar in scale to the one presented, the drive is about 1 %z hours, the
cost of admission is more, and any additional money they spend on food goes to that City. Killam believes
the businesses in the City would benefit from the facility during the months when coilege students go
home for the summer.
Mary Langley, 304 Jefferson Lane: Langley stated she has lived in St.Joseph for 3 years and would love
for this to be a place where they stay. Langley supports the water amenity and feels it would benefit
many of the businesses in town. Langley stated it is a large price tag and that maybe some of the
amenities could be cut to reduce costs, but feels some type of activity is needed for the youth.
Ellen Wahlstrom, 409—8��'Ave NE: Wahlstrom stated that one of the common statements from tonight is
that something is needed for the youth in the community.Wahlstrom stated she is at the meeting to ask
questions.Wahlstrom asked if the entire project is going to be in the enterprise or general fund.
Weyrens stated that it has not been finalized, but the recommendation would be in the enterprise
fund if the project moves forward. For bonding purposes, the Council would first need to decide how
much of the project would be paid using sales tax.The City can issue Sales Tax Revenue Bonds for this
project.
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Wahlstrom asked if the sales tax wil{ be used to pay the interest on the bond.Weyrens stated the sales
tax will be used for that.
Wahlstrom asked if there are wetlands on the proposed site. Weyrens stated that there are about 12
acres of usable land at that site.The wetlands will not be affected.Weyrens added that the site has not
yet been finalized.
Wahlstrom questioned the concept estimates listing the amounts the city would contribute, the amount to
fundraise, and project alternatives. Weyrens stated it was an illustration showing how fundraising would
be incorporated, and making it easier to fundraise by separating out features that could be funded.
Wahlstrom questioned how insurance coverage will be provided.Weyrens stated it would fall under the
City's current plan with an estimated increase of$5,500 to the policy. Wahlstrom stated she has looked
up other cities that were running in the red for their water amenity and weather was a major facto�.
Wahlstrom added she is not against the project, but is concerned about the City owning it, the liability to
tax payers, and what would have to come out of the general fund to pay for it.
Lynn Valek, 116— 13`"Ave SE:Valek approached the Council regarding the survey. Valek stated she
supports a water amenity, but not one of this size. Valek added that St. Cloud is expanding the YMCA
and feels St. Joseph could be a part of that. Valek is concerned about the liability if someone were to get
extremely hurt or drown. Valek asked if anyone has considered the amount of water iYs going to take to
run such a facility and whether that is environmentally responsible.
Valek stated the community committee came up with priorities and none of them were a water amenity.
Valek added that there was a Council member that put on their Facebook page that the water amenity
project was going to be passed. Valek stated that is a wrong way of using their Facebook page.
Joanne Schneider, 1408 Pondview Lane: Schneider stated she has been in the community for 33 years
and has asked for a pool all of those years. Schneider added that the water facilities that people are
driving to are completely different than what is being proposed. Schneider believes that money can be
made on it.
Schneider stated she is unsure what a community center would look as there is are plenty of other
spaces and gyms in town that can be used. Schneider suggested having a fund of money that can be
used to rent out these spaces rather than building.
Schneider added she would like the amenity to be on the south side of CR75 as the majority of the
population resides on that side and would be much safer for the children.
Bill Durrwachter, 1516 Pondview Court: Durrwachter stated building an outdoor facility in St. Joseph
would be like him moving to Arizona and building a home without air conditioning. Durrvvachter added
there are many alternatives. The amenity could be built partly indooNoutdoor.
Jim Graeve, 619 MN ST E: Graeve stated he is concerned about the priorities of the Council. Graeve
served on the facility committee and would like the sa{es tax money to be used for a community center.
Graeve stated the water amenity looks like a private enterprise project.
Alissa Rennie, 305 Gumtree St E: Rennie stated she would like to have an amenity outside or partly
outside for the children in the community. Rennie added it would draw people to the City and those in the
City wou{d want to stay.
Shantel/Carpenter, 711— 19th Ave NE:Carpenter stated she moved to the community for a job
opportunity five years ago. Carpenter is in favor of the water amenity and feels it would greatly benefit the
community. It would keep the youth in town and additional money being put into local businesses.
Bruce Bechtold, 9842 Jenny Lane: Bechtold approached the Council congratulating them on moving
forward with the project. Bechtold added he drove to Eagan when his children were younger and large
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family groups were organized to make trips down there. Bechtold encouraged the Council to contact
Eagan to see how they were able to make money and how they made it a regional attraction.
Tom Mattocks, 229— 16`h Ave SE: Mattocks stated he is in support of something that can be done all year
round and against the project due to the price of the amenity. Mattocks stated that previous discussions
had been had about tunneling under CR 75, but the cost was too high. If the City is going to build projects
like this then there needs to be a safe bypass around CR 75.
Gerry Klaphake, 252— 96`h Ave SE: Klaphake approached the Council stating that he has three grown
children and they did not miss a water park growing up. All three had swimming lessons taken at the St.
Ben's pool and if the City worked with the College the costs would be a lot less to rent the space rather
than building a new facility. Klaphake added that he worked in real estate and had to decide each year
how much he would donate and to which causes. The City has many issues that need to be taken care of
and building a water park is not one of them. Klaphake is in favor of purchasing the old Kennedy building
to house the Community Center and City Offices.The purchase will dictate other big future decisions that
the City will need to make. Klaphake added the best investment is to purchase an existing building as the
cost of new construction is through the roof.
Ron Eiynck, 93—4fh Ave NW: Eiynck approached the Council stating he is unsure if he is for or against
the project. He is unsure how the aquatics center has jumped to the top of the list. Eiynck added he
thought the community center was the main priority followed by the police.department. Eiynck suggested
saving for a few years in order to get money for the project. Schultz stated it could be an option.
Pat Meyer, 245—4�n Ave SE:Meyer approached the Council stated additional recreation resources are
needed in the community for all ages. Meyer stated that she has grandkids that are involved in summer
rec programs that are not very well organized. Meyer added she moved to the city because of the culture
and would like the goal of the community to be have recreation activities for all.
Tim Borresch, 91—3rd Ave NW: Borresch stated he has spoken with many of the Council members.
There are good and bad to the project. Borresch stated he always had something to do as a kid and does
not know why all of a sudden there is nothing for kids to do. Borresch added that the kids should be
utilizing what the City already has at the local parks, but the parks are not used unless rented out.
Borresch stated he is bothered by the approval of the$71,Q00 to move forward with plans on the water
amenity prior to the public input session. Borresch added it is unfortunate that the vote was taken without
the public being aware. Borresch agreed with Eiynck that the City needs to start saving so that the
projects are more affordable. Borresch asked what would happen if a child were to drown?Where would
the money from the increased insurance rates and legal fees come from?
Irene Reber, 118—2"d Ave SE: Reber stated the City has a skating rink and a warming house that the
City cannot even take care of.Years ago, it was always open at 4pm in the afternoon.
Bob Kroll, 125— 7�''Ave SE: Kroll stated he has lived in the City since 1973. Kroll believes the City gets
mixed up between what the City wants and what the City needs. Decisions need to be based on the
needs of the City. Kroll asked why the project couldn't be put on a referendum.
Weyrens stated that only certain questions can be put on the ballot. MN Statute regulates the
types of questions can be placed on the ballot.
Angie Gjerdahl, 1006 Baker St E: Gjerdahl approached the Council stating the last thing this town needed
was a McDonalds. Gjerdahl added there are many families that get together and drive long distances for
activities for their children. She would like to see facilities here in town so that children in the community
can be together outside of school as well.
Bob Lyon, 131— 7�''Ave SE: Lyon stated he is unsure if he is for or against the project. His main concern
is spending half of the half cent sales tax on the project when the money is not there. Lyon would like the
City to wait until money is saved up before spending it. Lyons added he understands the young families
wanting things for their children, but not at this price.
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Kay Lemke, 33 Ash St E: Lemke stated that Avon public beach is not that far down the road, neither is
Summerland. Lemke added that the current parks are underuti{ized.
Maft Loehlan, 32—2"d Ave SE: Loehlan asked how much a splash pad like Waite Park would cost and
how it went from being a splashpad idea to a larger water facility.
Wick stated splash pads can run from $250,000-$500,000 and that it would probably need to be
funded through the general fund as sales tax monies need to be used for regional items.
Cory Ehlert, 427— 12rh Ave SE: Ehlert stated he is not in support of raising taxes to support the project.
Ehlert stated the Council should be looking at the bigger picture and he suggested purchasing the old
Kennedy School. Ehlert added when he was on the taskforce years back and were told the building had
lived its useful life. Years later the building is still functioning and kids still go there. Ehlert encourages the
option as there is space and a gym and a larger population could be serviced.
Ehlert stated additional activities are needed for children. Ehlert takes his children to St. Ben's to use their
pool but are often kicked out due to lap swimmers wanting to use the pool. Ehlert added there are very
limited hours to the pool in the summer. Ehlert stated St. Joseph is one of the best residential se{ling
communities in the St. Cloud area. Ehlert is in favor for building something for the youth. Ehlert added
that it will increase the value of homes, but cannot say it will offset the increase in taxes.
Frank Osendorf, 615— 7`h Ave NE: Osendorf stated he was a member of the taskforce for community
facilities. Osendorf was unable to attend the last meeting but would like to ask USAquatics representative
if they would be willing to underwrite any cost overwrites. Osendorf stated the taskforce struggled with
whether the community center or police department should be the top priority. Osendorf suggests the
taskforce and water amenity committee should join forces that would include all needs in one place.
Jan Pfannenstein, 414 Ash St W: Pfannenstein stated she is worried about the possibility of the amenity
not being a success and what would happen if it failed. She added very few local people use the ice rink,
rather it is the college students. Pfannenstein would like to see the focus of the community on getting the
kids out and using the existing facilities.
Jen Warnert, St. Wende/Township:Warnert approached the Council with a couple letters she had
received from other residents who could not attend the meeting.Warnert read letters from Holly& Larry
Hosch, and Becka Sauer providing support for the water amenity. Warnert was asked to read a
Facebook post from Alison Stewart who was unable to attend the meeting. Stewart is supportive of
building the amenity as it would be great for both children and adults.
Warnert stated she was at the community showcase and both positive and negative feedback.The
negative comments consisted of the cost, the location, and how often it will be used.
Warnert stated she is for the project, but does recognize those against it.The amenity proposed has
three separate bodies of water, there will be different pumps that can be turned off separately. Addressing
the questions raised about the rush to build,Warnert stated the facility has been an idea that has been
talked about for years and the momentum is not wanting to be lost.Warnert acknowledged that there are
other pools in the area, but when deciding what to incorporate in the facility, the committee wanted to be
unique. �
Margy Hughes: Hughes stated a lot of comments have been heard tonight. Hughes added the most
common theme is that youth needs additional activities in the summer. Hughes stated kids want to be
organized and the parks and recreation needs to be more organized. Hughes would like to see the City
develop ways for kids to become more active.
Steve Frank:Frank suggested hiring a part time park director focused on ways to get the parks updated
and for the kids.
April 20, 2015
Page 8 of 8
Symanietz stated she received phone calls and emails from 18 people that were all against the amenity.
Feedback was given that a new survey should be done and the students shouldn't be included. Would
there be a fence and a large parking lot. Wick stated there would be a fence around it as well as a large
parking lot. Symanietz asked if an extra charge would be applied for the tubes.Wick stated there would
not be an extra charge for the tubes but extra would be charged for concessions.
Symanietz stated it would take a lot of purchases at concessions in order to provide for the salaries of the
new employees. Additionally she asked if the half cent sales tax could be paid back.Wick stated that it
was never intended that the concessions would pay for the salaries. The report prepared by USaquatics
illustrates the expenses and the gate fee that would pay for the operation. Weyrens stated that the Water
Amenity would be operated as an enterprise and as such transfers to other funds is possible. If the funds
were to be used to pay back the half cent sales tax, those money could only be used for the regional
projects agreed upon by the area cities.
Symanietz stated she would like to see pledges coming in to show that the community and businesses
are willing to help fund the project.
Schultz stated there are a lot of different projects currently being discussed. On April 29'h, the City will
have a work session to discuss the projects. More meetings will occur if need be.
Vogel stated that if another meeting takes place, he would like to have handout providing a recap of this
meeting, along with answers to questions, and steps to move forward so that it is not a meeting where the
same issues keep getting hashed out. Schultz stated that staff is currently looking at other cities with
similar facilities to find out financial information.
A comment from the audience suggested the Council has already made up their decision and moving
forward with the water amenity rather than the community center. Schultz stated that there are not plans
and estimates for the community center yet and details of that cannot be discussed without knowing
potential costs.
Ehlert stated that the Sisters of St. Benedict donated the land to build the old Kennedy school and sold it
to the District of 742 for$1.00. Now the district wants to sell it back to the City for millions of dollars. Ehfert
suggested citizens reach out to the school board asking why they are charging a large amount of money
for a school the City gave to them. Ehlert added that because the Sisters donated the land it would
always have to be used for the good of the community. Hughes added that the district is going forward
on two bond issues that residents of St. Joseph get to vote for.
Schultz stated the City is not buying the school as negotiations are just beginning. Schultz added he will
bring up that point during negotiations.
Symanietz stated the Newsleader should do a story on all the activities avaiiable to the youth in the
community such as; skateboard, basketball, parks, Frisbee golf, sledding, skating, swimming, hockey,
and walking trails.
Weyrens stated at Wednesday morning, there will be a closed session to continue the discussion on the
negotiations for the possible purchase of Colts Academy. Additionally, there will be a meeting on
Wednesday, April 29th to discuss all the facility projects.
Adiourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn at 8:45 PM.The motion was seconded by Killam and
passed unanimously by those present.
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