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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992 [07] Jul 16 Page 208-é July 16, 1992 I Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, July 16, 1992 at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Steve Dehler. Members of the Council Leo Sadlo, Ross Rieke, Bob Loso, Stephanie Hazen. Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens. Others Present: Clerk/Adm Rachel Stapleton, Police Chief Brad Lindgren, Ken Twit, Cheryl Josephs, Stuart Goldschen, Linda Schyma, Mary Kaye Nordmann, Les Hensen, Roger Steichen. Approve Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda with additions; seconded by Sadlo. Ayes: Dehler, Sadlo, Loso, Hazen. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 4:0:0 Approve Minutes: Loso made a motion to approve the minutes with the following correction: Page 2083: . . . and allow the Park Board to Seed, should be seek the motion was seconded by Hazen. I Ayes: Dehler, Sadlo, Loso, Hazen. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 4:0:0 Treasurer , s Report: Sadlo made a motion to table the June 1992 Treasurer , report until the August 6, 1992 meeting. The motion was s seconded by Loso. Ayes: Dehler, Sadlo, Loso, Hazen. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 4:0:0 Mayor Reports: 1 ) Received correspondence from both Senator Joe Bertram and Al Vogel, Rai I Planning Director, on the abandonment of the Otter Tail Valley Railroad from four (4) miles east of Avon to Fergus Falls. Council Members discussed the possibility of requesting removal of the rail through St. Joseph. After discussion, the Clerk/Adm was requested to send a letter to Mr. Vogel requesting information on the possibility of abandoning the rai I tracks through St. Joseph. During discussion it was noted that the weeds along the railroad right-of-way are in need of cutting. This matter will be referred to the Weed Inspector. 2) Mayor Dehler announced that he will not be seeking re-election this fall, as he has filed with the Secretary of State to run for House Representative - District 14A. I Council Member Rieke arrived at 7 : 11 p.m. Page 2087 July 16, 1992 COUNCIL REPORTS I Sadlo: 1 ) At the July 2, 1992 meeting Councilor Rieke suggested giving a credit to the residents along the 7th Avenue & Baker Street Improvement area, for additional water used to maintain the sod in the boulevard area. Since the last meeting, Sadlo received information from the City Clerk's Office on the additional amount of water used by those residents. After looking at the analysis, Sadlo recommended that those residents who used 1 ,000 cubic feet or less additional water, based on an individual yearly average, be given a $10.00 credit on the September water bill. Those residents using 1,000 cubic feet or more additional water, based on an individual yearly average, be given a $20.00 credit on the September water bill. The total credit to all affected would amount to $340.00 of water credit. Councilor Loso felt that the credit should be cut in half since the residents would have watered regardless. Rieke, Hazen, and Dehler felt that this effort would be a positive gesture. Sadlo made a motion to allow the water credits as described above. The motion was seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Dehler, Sadlo, Rieke, Hazen. Nayes: Loso. Motion Carried 4:1:0 2) The seal coating project has been going well. One alley was missed between First Ave NE and Second Avenue NE. Next week they will begin picking up the excess rock. All the excess rock that is picked up will be set aside for the City to use at a later date. I 3) Sadlo informed the Council that he met with the Mayor, City Engineer, City Building Official, Jim Marthaler, Roger Steichen and his contractors on the problems with the construction of Gary's Pizza. It was recommended to put a manhole in the alley and one in the easement area. Then a 50' line with a 8" pipe could provide sewer services to all four properties. I f this were to be done, it would be advantageous for the City to take the line over, as far as maintenance. For this to be done, the people involved would need to petition the City. The other option, is for each property to have their own sewer line. During excavation of the site for Gary , Pizza, a french drain was discovered, s but due to the location and size of the drain, it was allowed to remain in ground. Loso: No report. Hazen: 1 ) The Planning Commission met and will be conducting a public hearing on August 3, 1992 for Mary Kaye Nordmann. Ms. Nordmann is requesting a special use permit to allow living quarters above a business in the General Business Zone. 2) John Forsythe appeared before the Commission to request authorization to apply for a building permit to allow for future planning. Even though he does not plan to expand this year, because of the construction on the adjacent property, it would be advantageous to place the footings at this time. The Commission concurred and wished I him god luck. 3) Ken Twit came before the Commission to discuss the relocation of his garage. Mr. Twit is adding to his residence and would like to move the existing garage to the back. However, with the addition of his new Page 2088 July 16, 1992 garage, he would be in violation of the current zoning ordinance regulating the maximum allowed square footage. Since the Commission is in the process of updating that portion of the Ordinance, Hazen made a motion to approve the request of Mr. Twit, as recommended by the Planning Commission, with the following stipulations: If after the Commission reviews and updates the Ordinance, the garage does not fit within the guidelines, Mr. Twit will either have to apply for a variance, or remove the garage. The motion was seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Dehler, Sadlo, Rieke, Hazen. Nayes: Loso. Motion Carried 4:1:0 4) The Planning Commission discussed the Assessment Policy, Size of Accessory Buildings, and Parking. They requested Council approval to have the City Attorney provide them with additional information. After discussion, the Council requested the Clerk/Adm to request this information from the League of Minnesota Cities research staff. 5) Discussed with the Planning Commission including a recreational goal in the comprehensive plan. 6) The Planning Commission was questioning their role in the recent talks with the Township. The Council generally agreed that it is too early for planning commission participation, but they will continue to receive updates as the talks proceed. When the process comes into the planning stages, they will be an integral part of the process. Rieke: No report. Police Chief Reports: Police Chief Brad Lindgren appeared before the Council to present the June 1992 Police report. As part of the report, Chief Lindgren requested authorization to purchase a duty weapon ( 9mm) and security holster for approx. $459.00. Currently Lindgren is using his personal weapon. Sadlo made a motion to authorize the purchase of a 9mm duty weapon and security holster for $459.00. The mo ti on was seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Dehler, Sadlo, Rieke, Loso, Hazen. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Lindgren proceeded to discuss the general activity during the month of June. Sadlo made a motion to approve the Chief's report as presented; seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Dehler, Sadlo, Rieke, Loso, Hazen. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Mark Loso ~ Expansion of Liquor License: Mark and Donna Loso appeared before the Council to discuss their recent purchase of Herk's Restaurant. It is their intention to continue to operate Herk's as a restaurant, changing the name to Loso's Restaurant & Diner. Additionally, they will be connecting the restaurant to Loso , s Pub by two doorways. They are asking the Council to extend their current liquor li cense to include the newly purchased diner. Loso stated that they are not looking to run the restaurant as a bar, but would like to offer patrons the opportunity to purchase alcohol wi th their dinner. As recommended by the City Attorney, Loso made a motion to extend the current liquor license of Loso's Pub, 21 Minnesota Street West, to include 19 Minnesota Street West, upon the purchase of the property, Page 2089 July 16, 1992 installing the connecting doorway, and abiding with all Minnesota Liquor Laws. The Motion was seconded by Hazen. Ayes: Dehler, Sadlo, Rieke, Loso, Hazen. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Mayor Dehler clarified that upon completion of the sale, all licenses held by Herk's Restaurant became null and void. The Council congratulated Mark and Donna, and wished them good luck in their endeavor. Ken Twit ~ Fire Relief Association: Ken Twit, Treasurer of the St. Joseph Firefighters Relief Assoc, appeared before the Council to discuss the financial report of the association, and to request an increase in retirement benefit of $150.00, per year of service. Mr. Twit stated that the retirement benefit is the chief means of retaining dedicated and qualified firefighters and first responders. The Relief Assoc. appeared before the Council in 1988 to request an increase. Due to the investments, it only took four (4) years to retire the liability created by the increase. Hazen made a motion to increase the retirement benefit of the St. Joseph Fire Fighters to $950.00 per year of service, an increase of $150.00, effective September 1 , 1992. The motion was seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Dehler, SadIo, Rieke, Loso, Hazen. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 GAMBLING LICENSE APPLICATION: Ken Twit, representing the St. Joseph Volunteer Fire Department presented an application for exemption from Lawful Gambling License, for a fund raiser for the profits to go to the Volunteer Fire Fighters of St. Joseph. The event is to be held at the La Playette Bar & Restaurant on August 21 , 1992. He also requested that the Council waive the 30 day waiting period and allow the State Control Board to consider the Application at their earliest convenience. Sadlo made a motion to approve the application and waive the thirty day waiting requirement, as requested; seconded by Hazen. Discussion: Mayor Dehler questioned the legality of the Fire Department gambling in the La Playette, due to the recent gambling violation of the La Playette. The motion was amended to approve the license as requested, provided that gambling is allowed in the La Playette. Ayes: Dehler, Sadlo, Rieke, Loso, Hazen. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Open to the Public: No one present to speak HRA Resolution: Cheryl Josephs, St. Cloud Housing and Redevelopment Authority, appeared before the Council to discuss a low rent public housing project. The project is for a total of twenty (20) three bedroom housing units. These units can be single family houses or duplexes with up to six ( 6) duplexes ( 12 units) per site depending upon site capacity. If the City of St. Joseph approves a resolution approving the housing project, the HRA could then explore vacant land Page 2090 July 16, 1992 sites in St. Joseph that would meet the appropriate Department of Housing and Urban Development criteria. The Council questioned Ms. Josephs on the property taxes of the low income housing. Ms. Josephs stated that the City would only receive a portion of the property taxes, but the total of special assessments would apply. She stated that she is looking for authorization to look for potential property. Rieke made a motion to approve the following resolution approving low rent public housing; the motion was seconded by Loso. Ayes: Dehler, Sadlo, Rieke, Loso, Hazen. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 RESOLUTION APPROVING LOW-RENT PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT WHEREAS, it is the policy of this locality to eliminate substandard and other inadequate housing, to prevent the spread of slums and blight, and to realize as soon as feasible the goal of a decent home in a suitable living environment for all of its citizens; and WHEREAS, under the provisions of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended, the United States of America, acting through the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (herein called the "G ") is authorized to provide financial assistance to local overnment , public housing agencies for undertaking and carrying out low-rent housing projects which will assist in meeting this goal; and WHEREAS, the Act and Minnesota Statutes 469.005 provide that there shall be local determination of need for low-rent housing to meet needs not being adequately met by private enterprise; and WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Stearns County, Minnesota (herein called the "PHA") is a public housing agency and has received funding for low-rent public housing project number MN46P172001F; and WHEREAS, the PHA desires to locate a portion of the low-rent public housing project number MN46P172001F within the jurisdiction of this locality; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council for the City of St. Joseph as follows: 1. There exists in the City of St. Joseph a need for such low- rent housing at rents within the means of low-income families; 2. The PHA's request to undertake a project within this locality is approved. Hazen made a motion to recess at 8: 15 p.m.; the motion was seconded by Sadlo. Ayes: Dehler, Sadlo, Rieke, Loso, Hazen. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Page 2091 July 16, 1992 Mayor Dehler reconvened the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Roger Steichen - Overhang Request: Roger Steichen, owner of Gary , s - Pizza, appeared before the Council to request authorization to extend a four ( 4 ) foot overhang over the sidewalk. The overhang will be a permanent part of the building/structure and will be approximately nineteen ( 19) feet from street 1 eve 1. Councilor Hazen felt that this issue should be brought before the Planning Commission before Council action. Loso made a motion to approve the four ( 4 ) foot overhang as requested by Steichen; the motion was seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Dehler, Sadlo, Rieke, Loso. Nayes: Hazen. Motion Carried 4: 1 : 0 Mary KaYe Nordmann: Mary Kaye Nordmann, owner of Grand Slam Pizza and Eateries, formerly Gary , Pizza, appeared before the Council requesting s approval for a wine and 3.2 beer license. Ms. Nordmann discussed that she will be opening her Restaurant in Early August. Loso made a motion to approve the wine and 3.2 beer license application of Mary Kaye Nordmann, for Grand Slam Pizza and Eateries, located at 11 Minnesota Street West. The motion was seconded by Hazen. Ayes: Dehler, Sadlo, Rieke, Loso, Hazen. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 The Council welcomed Mary Kaye to the St. Joseph Community, and wished her good luck in her business venture. CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Resolution to set fee for Fence Permit: Tabled until a recommendation is received from the Building Official. Election Equipment Training: Clerk/Administrator Rachel Stapleton, requested authorization for personnel in the Clerk's Office to attend a one day seminar on the optical scan equipment in the Twin Cities. The Council was in general agreement that the company who we purchased the equipment from should come to the office to train City Personnel. If they wi 11 not, than one staff member from the Clerk's Office can attend the seminar in the Twin Cities. Park Equipment: The St. Joseph Jaycees are requesting authorization to purchase and install two (2) spring toys in the tot lots. They will reimburse the City for all costs associated with the toys. Loso made a motion to authorize the Jaycees to place two (2 ) spring toys In the tot lots, pending approval of the loss control agent. The motion was seconded by Hazen. Ayes: Dehler, Sadlo, Rieke, Loso, Hazen. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Page 2092 July 16, 1992 Meeting with Auditor: The Council agreed to call a special meeting on August 4, 1992 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the 1991 Audit. Reschedule Township meeting: The meeting Scheduled for July 22, 1992 with the Township to discuss Annexation issues, had to be cancelled. Pending Township approval, the Council agreed to call a special meeting on August 5, 1992, with the time to be established, to met with the Township to discuss Annexation issues. Adjourn: Sadlo made a motion to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Dehler, Sadlo, Rieke, Loso, Hazen. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 9:::íw~~ Deputy Clerk