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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 [11] Nov 16 Page 2876 November lb, 1995 - Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City o:f St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, November 16, 1995 at "7:00 p. m. in the Gymnasium at Kennedy Elementary School. KEKBERS PRESENT: Mayor Donald Bud Reber; Councilors Ross Rieke, Bob Loso, Ken Hiemenz, Cory Ehlert; Clerk/Administrator Rachel Stapleton. UTHERS PRESENT: Judy Weyrens, Brad Lindgren, Dick Taufen, Joe Bettendorf, John Scherer, Brad Meyer, Steve Streng, Mike Hazen, Kevin Blanchet te, Dale Haug, Daniel Nierengarten, Bill Wasner, Tillie Wasner, Paul Kollmann, Carol Dolence, Claudette Klein, Hub Klein, John Loso, Grace Loso, Nancy McDarby, Mary Ann Graeve, Madeleine Beaumont, Lillian Studinski, James Studinski, Adeline Gillitzer, Tammy Lehti, Cale Johnson, Roger Beuning, Mary Hiltner, Leon Hoffmann, June Hoffmann, Dave Douvier, Rita Douvier, Vern Laudenbach, Karen Schreiner, Mary Lu Layton, David E. Schreiner, Terry Loso, Jerome Salzer, Joe Bechtold, Harold Pfannenstein, Sylvester Reischl, Marcella Gill, Bob Gill, Irma Hoffmann, Jim Graeve, Gary Sunderman, Al Schindler, Gary Bjerke, Charles Cushing, Lee Zipp, Joanne Zipp, Marvin Stanger, Monica Stanger, Fred Reber, Irvin P. Klocker, Melvin Ruegemer, Aurelia Ruegemer, Al Kalla, Margie Kalla, Nelson Lance, Scott Schuneman, Jeannie Schuneman, Linda Hinnenkamp, Loren Hinnenkamp, Charles Burg, Colette Laudenbach. Mayor Reber called the meeting to order at 7:00 p. m. with Councilors Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, and Ehlert present. AGENDA: LOBo made a motion to approve the agenda as presented; seconded by Hiemenz. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA: Loso made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda: the minutes of the November 2 meeting; seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. BILLS PAYABLE: Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens presented the bills payable. Loso made a motion to approve the bills payable check numbers 21725 - 21749, and PO -#1901, callouts and overtime; seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. UEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS BRADLEY LINDGREN: Chie:f of Police Bradley Lindgren presented his monthly police report. He also reported on vandalism o:f personal vehicles in the parking lot behind City Hall, and warnings given for winter parking violations. Lindgren discussed the status o:f the two squad cars and replacement needs. He indicated Chevrolet has stopped producing squad cars. Plans are to continue using the Chevrolet until it is no longer safe. If a new squad is ordered now :for delivery in December it would be used only minimally until the Chevrolet is taken outo:f use. The state bid with Page 2877 November 16, 1995 the F01-d Company is $1':3, 40Ø. If one new squad is not procured now replacement of two will be necessary next year. Hiemenz made a motion to approve a new squad car purchase; seconded by Rieke. Discussion - The estimated l-emaining life of the Chevl-olet was discussed. Lindgi-en indicated that it would be used until it is not safe, perhaps next summer. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, LOBo, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Lindgren proposed to purchase a pager and asked if the Council would approve paying the monthly service charges. Rieke made a motion to approve payment of the $15 per month estimated service charges as l~equested ; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Hiemenz made a motion to approve Intoxillizer Training for Officer Cichy as requested by Lindgren; seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. After short discussion on the proposed Sergeant's position, Mayor Reber moved to table the matter until the Personnel Committee makes a recommendation ta the Council; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. DICK TAUFl!:N: Public Works Superintendent Dick Taufen presented a request to purchase safety hydrant flags. Rieke made a motion to approve the proposal of 50 flags at $20.90 each; seconded by Hiemenz. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. VALl!: HAUG: Building Inspector Dale Haug discussed building permits in the business zone are required to be approved by the Planning Commission. Recently there has been some construction done at the old video and balloons building, by Millstream Park. The property ownel~ has made several contacts, but did not show up for two separate appointments for a building permit, and did not appear before the Planning Commission as he was scheduled. Ehlert reported the Planning Commission recommended stopping activity on the property until proper approval has been obtained. After :further discussion Loso made a motion that the City Attorney prepare a complaint for prosecution; seconded by Hiemenz. Ayes: Heber, Rieke, LOBo, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Upon recommendation of the City Attorney Hiemenz made a motion to authorize preparation of a resolution establishing requirements of penalties and :fees for late building permits; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Page 2878 November 16, 1995 MAYOR REPORTS: 1) Greg Reinhart and Mark Zimmer are working with the area organizations to erect three Welcome to St. Joseph signs. The proposal calls for city maintenance of landscape and lighting for the signs. Hiemenz made a motion supporting the proposal; seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. 2) Mayor Reber recommended publishing the requirements to remove snow within 24 hours of a snow fall from sidewalks, and the prohibition of pushing snow from sidewalks, driveways and property into the streets. CUUNCILORS REPORT RIEKE: The CORE Committee met on November 13 and discussed the proposed February Speakout. The next meeting will be held on December 11 in City Hall at 6:30 p.m. EHLERT: The Planning Commission met and considered several building permits in the business zone. As discussed earlier, the Planning Commission discussed proper action for construction in the business zone without a building permit nor appearing be:fore the Planning Commission. Mark Mimbach was on the agenda £or a building permit in the business zone, but did not appear. LUSU: The :federal safety act A.W.A.I.R. has specific requirements for li:fting equipment for humans. He discussed this need for putting up Holiday decorations, and other duties that require being lifted. Quotes were received for rental o£ authorized li£ts £rom $65 to $85 per day. Rieke questioned if it is time for the Council to raise the spending limit to $100 without Council permission. Hiemenz made a motion to approve renting the proper equipment as needed and required to per£orm duties requiring li£ts. The motion was seconded by Loso. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. HIEKEHZ: No report. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS: Joe Bettendorf discussed the water treatment project. He reported the plans have been readapted to change the location of the reclaim backwash tank under the parking lot without much change in the cost. Rieke questioned if these plans included additional room for sto:c'age. to which Bettendorf indicated they do not. Plans are to commence construction in May and go on St. Benedict's line June 1st. Loso made a motion to recess at 7:45 p.m.; seconded by Hiemenz. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Mayor Reber reconvened the meeting at 8:00 p.m. EAST MINNESOTA STREET PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING: Mayor Reber opened Page 2879 NovembeT' 16, 1995 the Public Improvement Hearing for East Minnesota Stl,~eet and tUl~ned it over to Joe Bettendorf. Bettendorf clal~ ified this is the public improvement hearing and the assessment hearing will be held in the fall if the project goes through. He discussed the scope of the County-City project on Minnesota Street from First Avenue East to Sixteenth Avenue East, to include widening of the street, curb and gut tel', sidewalk, drainage, sanitary sewer and water. He compared assessments with past projects and St. Cloud assessments. PUBLIC COMMENTS: FRED REBER questioned if grant assistance was available for financing this project. Bettendorf stated that st. Joseph does not qualify for most grant monies that have low to moderate median household income requirements. It is very hard to get street projects funded through grants. Heber added that there are many retired people on the assessment role for the project, and the property owners on the project get hit by taxation three times; through special assessments, special levy, and because of the improvement the assessor will increase the value of the property. MIKE; HAZEN indicated that he felt the 80Y. - 20Y. cost split is unfair because o:f the heavy traffic on this street. The S0Y. share is too high for the property owners. Additionally, he stated that the Council did not increase the taxes over the past five years to cover costs of street projects. Hazen recommended only maintenance work to be done to the street and added when the city population reaches 5,0Ø0 it will qualify for additional street repair funds. Those funds could then be used faT' this pl~Oj ect. Hazen again questioned why the budget (and levy) was not increased in past years. Bettendorf and Mayor Reber responded the 8ØY. figure is not the total cost of the street project but an adjusted amount to reflect 80Y. of the cost of a T'egulal~ residential street. The street classification project in St. Joseph is nearly completed. Additionally, street pl~ojects arE' normally financed at the time of construction through bonding, with revenue to support the bonds from assessments and special levies. There ar'e funds cur'T'E'ntly for municipal state aid streets for cities over 5,00Ø. There is no guar'antee of these funds in the future. NANCY MCDARBY felt widening the street would encourage heavier traffic, end the :cesidents would prefer this to be a residential street. She did not feel there were enough pedestrians to need a sidewalk, and the homeowne:c could be responsible if it is more hazardous to walk on the sidewalk than the stT'eet. She also questioned if the:ce werE' cUT':cent t:caffic counts, and speed dete:cminations. Bettendo:cf stated actual counts on the west end of the project were 2,800 vehicles per day in 1991. He indicted the width of the street does not really p:comote traffic, but a wide:c street will provide safety for residents coming out of driveways and entering Minnesota Street. Also Minnesota Street terminates before entering Highway 75, so it won't promote additional traffic off Highway 75. The width of the Page 2880 November 16, 1995 street is open to discussion. JIM GRAEVE questioned who was pushing to widen and develop the street, who is being served by it, and where is the common good to widen it. Graeve also questioned how much narrower the street could be without sidewalk. Grave did not want sidewalk. Bettendorf responded the County intends to do the street, and sewer is needed. The proposal is to do the project right rather than a band aid approach. He also indicated street width is unaffected by sidewalk. Mayor Reber added the days o:f the cartway are past, and the City is obligated to provide for the current and future needs. MARY HILTNER - stated there is a need for an area for non-motorized traf:fic being provided with a sidewalk on the south side. What will be on the north side. Bettendorf stated that sidewalk is only needed on one side. A bike path could be placed on both side, which would prohibit parking. MONICA STANGER questioned the need for sidewalks and curb and gutter. Bettendor:f stated that sidewalks were included in the plan because o:f the amount of :foot traffic. Streets in urbanized areas are generally built with curb and gutter. The alternative for drainage is ditches. HITA DOUVIER questioned the need for a 42 foot wide street, in comparison to 7th Avenue SE. Mrs. Douvier also questioned how sanitary sewer is in the project when previously it was not available there. The response was Minnesota Street is a major route and has been historically. The lift station on Highway 75 made sewer available in this area of Minnesota Street. DAVE DOUVIER - questioned the need for drainage in the project and the widening o:f the street. EARL KLOCKER - The last assessment was difficult for some of the property owners in this area. He stated that if the County wants to fix the street let them finance it. He discussed the Council makes the final decision, and the tax impact of the project. He felt the cost should be spread over the entire city. MARY ANN GRAEVE felt the entire community benefitted from this project and questioned the cost spread. Response - the entire tax base will pay a portion and the adjoining property owners will pay a portion. ROGER BEUNING - questionèd widening of Minnesota Street and if he his property will be service by new sewer main. Response - The sewer service will stay in the alley at 128 E. Minnesota Street. ~ LEE ZIPP - questioned the grade o:f the street. It will drop down approximately 6 inches to a foot. KEVIN BLANCHETTE - questioned if new developments could be assessed :for Page 2881 November 16, 1995 this project because they increase the traffic on Minnesota Street; and - questioned curb and gutter replacement. He asked that the alley access to Minnesota Street is closed for safety purposes. Blanchette recommended only assessing the property ownel~ for curb and gutter, and water and sewer; the street costs would be spread over the all the pl~operty owners. Bettendorf responded that pr'operty owners will be given credit for the expected life of existing curb and gutter, but curb and gutter replacement is not economically feasible on a piece meal basis in a project area. The developers of the new developments have paid 1ØØY. of the development costs. Assessment laws requir'e that there must be benefit to the property to assess it. John Scherer stated that the portion of the project costs that will be financed through general taxation or special levy will spread the costs city wide. MARY LAYTON preferred the street is not widened, and parking areas are not needed on it. JANE REBER - questioned if the st:c-eet could be reclassi:fied and have only an overlay improvement. Bettendorf stated the county has determined the construction needs. Reber also questioned the cost of the sidewalk -$35,0Ø0. BILL WASNER questioned if sewer would be available to his property if the pr'oject would not go through. Bettendorf stated that it could be serviced from the Raske property after sewer is extended to it, although depth may be a problem to deal with. CALE JOHNSON requested to reconsider the band aid approach, rather than complete reconstruction. I1AHGIE KALLA questioned sidewalk upkeep and liability. John Scherer stated that the propel-'ty owner would not have liability unless they would do something to cr'eate a condition to cause a fall. The City would retain the liability. City ordinances require the property owners to keep the sidewalks clear (of snow and obstructions) . Kalla questioned if the is any (State) funding assistance available, or would the County pay a greater share. Also she would like options of sidewalk, cur'b & gutter and a final say in the project. Response - There is very little grant funding available for street projects. Sidewalk is an option. Ditches for drainage cost almost as much as curb and gutter. The final decision is the Council's, but they al~e listening. TERRY LOSO stated if the project is not done now it will be more costly in the future. HUB KLE:IN was not supportive of cutting back on the project to a band ~ aid approach. Additionally, future County and state funding could be cut. JIM STUDINSKI would like options and ways to cut the project and asked Page 2882 November 16, 1995 the time schedule. Bettendorf stated the County has it scheduled fo:c 1996. If the project goes :for this year, we would want to bid it in early spring. Bonds and interest rates were discussed. Scherer stated that bonds normally have a 15 year term. The City has normally had 8~ interest on assessments. There being no :further public testimony or comments Mayor Reber closed the hearing at 10:10 p. m. CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS: Rachel Stapleton reported on a 1 ) Noise violation at 22 East Ash Street. This was a first violation. 2) Quotes and proposals being received for kitchen remodeling. 3) A committee is reviewing a Community Events sign proposal which will be brought to the Council at the next meeting. ADJOURN: Rieke made a motion to adjourn at 10:25 p.m. ; seconded by Hiemenz. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehler't. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Rachel Staplet n Clerk/Administrator