HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993 [01] Jan 21
January 21 , 1993
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the
City of St. Joseph met in regular session, on Thursday, January I
21 , 1993 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Donald Bud Reber; Members of the Council
Bob Loso, Stephanie Hazen, Ken Hiemenz. Clerk/Administrator
Rachel Stapleton.
OTHERS PRESENT: Raymond Bechtold, Bradley Lindgren, Bruce
Lindgren, Mark Watercott, Dan Lichty, Bob Sadereaski, Leo Sadlo,
Stuart Goldschen, Joe Bettendorf.
AGENDA: Hazen made a motion to approve the agenda as amended;
seconded by Loso.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
RETIRING FIREFIGHTER: The Mayor and Council honored Raymond
Bechtold, a retiring firefighter, with a presentation of a plaque,
for twenty three years of service to the St. Joseph Volunteer Fire
Department.
MINUTES: The Council discussed form and content of the minutes of
the meetings. Reber felt there should be more discussion
included. Hazen concurred. Clerk/Administrator was instructed to
present ways of doing minutes for the Council to consider as a
whole. Loso made a motion to approve the minutes of the December I
17, 1992 and January 7 , 1993 meetings as corrected; seconded by
Hiemenz.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hiemenz.
Nayes: Hazen. Motion carried.
MAYOR REPORTS: Mayor reported 1 ) MPCA on North Central Regional
Wastewater Issues workshop to be held in St. Cloud on February 18.
Hiemenz expressed interest in attending and Mayor stated that the
Wastewater Superintendent should attend it also. 2) Reber
presented a letter from the US Environmental Protection Agency,
which stated closure of a grant. Hiemenz made a motion to approve
closure of Environmental Protection Agency Wastewater Construction
Grant No. 271372-01, 02 & 03, which covered the planning and
construction of the wastewater facility; seconded by Loso.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
3) St. Cloud Economic Development Partnership, Inc. has requested
payment of membership dues of $5000 for first year membership.
Mayor Reber stated that he felt St. Cloud would have a higher
level of benefit than St. Joseph. Loso made a motion to recind
any previous action to join the St. Cloud Economic Development
Partnership, Inc. and deny the request for payment of membership
dues; seconded by Hazen. Discussion -Hiemenz requested that the I
Planning Commission study and make recommendations for development
of the Industrial Park. Loso stated that the Star City program
wi 11 assist the City in Planned development. Development which
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January 21 , 1993
occurs too quickly puts a strain on City services.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
4) The City Attorney received a bill from Attorney Greg Engel, for
residential sewer problem. After review of the situation, the
Mayor asked the City Attorney to deny the claim, because it is not
a City problem.
5) The City of St. Cloud is hosting the Annual League of Cities
Annual Conferece, and requested the City of St. Joseph consider
assisting in financial sponsorship. Loso made a motion to deny
the claim; seconded by Hazen.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
6 ) Mayor stated a locked box is needed for a suggestion box, and
he will keep the key. Hiemenz made a motion to get a locked
suggesion box, with the Mayor to keep the key; seconded by Hazen.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: Hazen. Motion carried.
COUNCIL REPORTS - HAZEN: 1 ) The City of Cold Spring received a
planning grant, to do a feasibility study, from the Central
Mi rmesota Initive Fund. We should see if we qualify for funding
for planning studies.
2) The Ordinance approving a Star City Commission has been
published. Hazen questioned the mechanics of the ordinance.
2) Hazen requested that all employees receive a memo, shortly
after each meeting, spelling out the particuliars of all the
issues handled at the meetings, in addition to the copies of the
minutes which they currently receive.
LOSO: No report.
HIEMENZ: No report.
TREASURERS REPORT: No report.
POLICE CHIEF REPORTS: Chief Lindgren presented his annual report
of police activity. The Council was complimentary of the report.
The Chief will s ubmi t a letter of request to the Council, to pay
the cost of recertifying Reserve Officer Dani Bérubé as a trainer
of CPR.
PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL: Hiemenz stated that the committee is
working on it in sections and asked if the Council would like to
review each section as it is completed, or review the draft
document as a whole. Council requested to review it as a whole.
MILLSTREAM PARK RENTAL: Mark Watercott, Dan Lichty and Bob
Sadereaski, representing the Dryriders, discussed and presented
their schedule for Memorial Day weekend while their group will be
renting Millstream Park. Loso stated that the Park Board has
considered this matter, and waived a bond requirement. Loso made
a motion to set the damage deposit at $100; seconded by Hazen.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
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January 21, 1993
EMPLOYEE WAGE RATES FOR 1993: Loso discussed that average health
insurance costs went up 18.48Ç'{¡ and recoDID1ended a salary and wage
increase of 2%. He recommended that Dick Taufen I salary be
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elevated to the level of the Clerk/Administrator , salary, because
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the pos i ti ons have the same value points. He recommended that all
Department Head postions are considered administrative and
salaried, with comp time allowed for hours worked over forty five
hours per week. Hiemenz stated he would like to put all employee
updates in the personnel manua 1 . Also vacation time needs to be
looked at before making changes. Loso made a motion to a II ow a
cost of living increase to salary and wage levels of 2%, to be
added to the whole step system. The motion was seconded by Hazen.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. \'otion carried.
Hazen made a motion to allow the increased cost of health
insurance premium to be split at the current level of 85 % - 15%,
seconded by Hiemenz.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Hazen made a motion to approve for those employees who have
attained their maximum 90 days accumulated sick days, payment of
one eight hour wage, by a single check, for each month that an
employee goes without using a sick day; seconded by Loso.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Loso made a motion to approve up to five days of vacation time
carry over, to the next June 30, to be paid at the rate i t was
earned; seconded by Hazen. Hiemenz moved to amend the motion to
December 31 of the next year;seconded by Hazen.
Vote on the amended motion as follows:
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Mo ti on carried.
Loso made a motion to elevate the position of Superintendent of
Public Works at the same level as the Clerk/Administrator;
seconded by Hazen. Discussion - Hiemenz suggested tabling the
matter for further study.
Ayes: Hazen, Loso.
Nayes: Reber, Hiemenz. Motion failed.
Loso discussed that all department heads should be salaried to a
maximum of 45 hours. Hiemenz stated that Fair Labor Standards Act
requirements need to be looked at and applied. Hiemenz moved to
table the matter, along with the vacation package. The motion to
table was seconded by Reber.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
NON-INTOXICATING MALT LIQUOR LICENSES: Hiemenz made a motion to
approve the on sale and off sale non-intoxicating malt liquor
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January 21 , 1993
license applications of the College of St. Benedict; seconded by
Hazen.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
WATER AND SEWER CONSULTANT: The Council considered the
remuneration proposal submitted by Leo Sadlo to function as water
and sewer consultant. The request was for $100 per month and the
current fee for water and sewer inspections when he performs in
that capacity. He also requested fees, mileage and per diem at
the same rate as Council members. Hazen made a motion to approve
the proposal as presented; seconded by Reber.
Ayes: Reber, Hazen.
Nayes: Loso, Hiemenz. Motion failed.
Hiemenz felt the fee was out of line, for the amount of work.
Mayor stated that he intends to cut back on employee overtime.
Joe Bettendorf stated that this summer was unusual for overtime,
because of the projects. Hazen made a motion to table this issue
for until the full council can consider it; seconded by Loso.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
The Mayor declared a ten minute recess at 8:30 p.m.
The Mayor reconvened the meeting at 8:46 p.m.
CITY ENGINEER REPORTS: 1 ) Joe Bettendorf discussed hookup fees for
industrial properties. Council was in general agreeement to study
the matter and have Mr. Bettendorf present some proposals at the
next meeting for consideration.
2) Loso made a motion to approve the following applications for
payment for the following projects; seconded by Hazen.
a) Utility Improvements - DBL Labs
1. Contract I : Sanitary Sewer and Lift Station - S. J.
Louis Construction, Inc. Application for Payment No.
2 : $38,503.20.
2. Contract I I : Control Building - W. Gohman
Construction Application for Payment No. 2 : $1,737.51.
b) 1992 Water System Improvement
1. Contract I - Water Transmission Mains - S . J. Louis,
Applicaiton for Payment No. 3 : $1,776.00
2 . Contract I I - Elevated Storage Reservoir, CBI Na-
Con, I nc. , Application for payment No. 2 : $52,986.25.
Vote on the motion:
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
MINNESOTA STREET IMPROVEMENT: Mr. Bettendorf discussed West
Minnesota Street Improvement project and presented preliminary
figures. Loso made a motion to approve beginning preparation of
plans; seconded by Hiemenz.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
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January 21, 1993
The study being done, to serve the northeast area of the Township
with utilities will be completed in March, for presentation to the
City and Township.
RAILROAD PERMIT: Burlington Northern Railroad has issued a permit
to a II ow a utility line under the tracks to serve Northland
Addition. Since the Ci ty required the developer to oversize the
line to provide for future development, Hazen made a motion to
approve the engineers recommendation of a cost split of the $450
fee, between the City and the developer at 50% each; seconded by
Loso.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Naves: None. Motion carried.
WATER TESTING FOR LEAD AND COPPER: Leo Sadlo discussed with the
Council the state and federal mandates of testing for lead and
copper. Requirements are to test water within residential units,
under restrictive guidelines. Hiemenz made a motion to a II ow the
Water Superintendent and Mr. Sadlo to prepare a letter of
information and permission to allow testing of water within the
residence, to be sent to a II the residents, after review by the
Mayo r ; seconded by Hazen.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
WELL NUMBERS 1 AND 2 MAINTENANCE: Hazen made a motion to approve
pulling and acid treatment of wells number 1 and 2; seconded by
Hiemenz.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Sadlo also discussed that Bruce Ostendorf and Jay Stanger wish to
be annexed in order to get municipal water.
SNOW REMOVAL: Loso made a motion to approve repair to the damage
done to Ben Hollermann I door frame, from hitting it during
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snow removal from the street. The motion was seconded by Hiemenz.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Council discussed a request of the EI Paso owner, that the Ci ty
remove the snow from the south side of their building.
Superintendent of Public Works is to get the past and current
po Ii cy on snow removal for the Council to consider at the next
meeting.
Council received a complaint of the appearance of a business on
Main Street. The Council referred the matter to the Planning
Commission for their consideration and r econm1enda t i on.
INSURANCE: The Council discussed the proposal for excess
liability insurance coverage ( umb r e II a) , which would cover the
City in excess of the statory limit, in areas of federal
violations such as human rights violations. Hazen made a motion
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January 21 , 1993
to retain the monetary 1 imi t on tort liability of $600,000 and to
deny the proposal for excess liability coverage; seconded by
Hiemenz.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
EMPLOYEE TRAINING: Loso made a motion to approve the attendance
of Jim Marthaler at the Annual Wastewater Operators school in St.
Cloud on February 23; seconded by Hazen.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Loso made a motion to approve the attendance of Officer Jean
Gustin at D.A.R.E. Officers Conference in St. Cloud February 12-
15; seconded by Hazen.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Hiemenz made a motion to approve the attendance of Rachel
Stapleton at the Annual Clerks MCFOA Conference at Brainerd, March
16- 1 9 ; seconded by Loso.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
1992 AUDIT: Requests for Proposals for the City audit were sent to
the following auditors or audit firms:
Mr. Bill Conboy
Mr. Marlin Boeckmann
Frieler, Habben & Company
Mr. Tom Murray
Kern, Dewenter, Viere, Ltd.
The Council considered a letter of request from Ken Twit to waive
a variance hearing fee of $150.00, due to the lengthy delay
involved in resolving this issue. The matter was deferred
previously during consideration of possible change to the area of
the zoning ordinance which deals with garages and accessory
buildings. Hiemenz made a motion to deny the request to waive the
fee because, dely of resolution of the matter is not adequate
basis for waiver; seconded by Loso.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hiemenz.
Nayes: Hazen. Motion carried.
STEARNS COUNTY LEAGUE: After discussion of meetings of the
Stearns County League, Hazen made a motion to offer to host the
fall Stearns County League meeting; seconded by Hiemenz.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Hiemenz made a motion to adjourn at 10:06 p.m. ; seconded by Loso.
Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hazen, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion carried.
-- ~el Staplet n
Page 2169 Clerk/Administrator