HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 [11] Nov 30
Page 2883
NLivembe:!' 3Ø, 1995
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City
of St. Joseph met in special session on Thursday, November 3Ø, 19'35 at I
'7:0Ø p. m. in the City Hall.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Donald Bud Reber; Councilors Ross Rieke, Bob
Loscl, Ken Hiemenz. Clerk/Administrator Rachel Stapleton.
OTHERS PRESENT: Judy Weyrens, Steve Streng, Doris Johnson, Jerry
Johnson, Mike & Mary McDonald, Joe Miller, Mike Rennie, Bruce Gohman,
Mike Deutz, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Pfannenstein.
Mayor Reber called the meeting to order at 7:00 p. m. and opened the
Truth in Taxation Hearing.
Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens gave a presentation on the 1996 Proposed
budget and levy, along with graphs o:f budget areas and comparisons with
area cities tax rates.
Mayor Reber then opened the floor to questions and comments :from the
public.
Bruce Gohman stated that he has three parcels of property in the city
and none of them have the same ratio of increase. He stated he would
be happy to pay the taxes if he had services to the properties. Gohman
was directed to discuss the di:fferences in his property valuations with
the Assessor. Loso stated that property valuation concerns are to be I
discussed at the Board of Review meeting. These values were
established and approved at the past (April 1995) Board of Review
meé"ting.
Joe Miller stated that his property received large valuation increases
over the past two years. The matter will be reviewed with the
Assessor.
Dave P:fannenstein questioned his increase in property valuation. He
was informed that this is a Board of Review concern.
Michael Deutz discussed the need :for a snow removal policy for
sidewalks in the business zone, and requested snow removal :from the
sidewalks. Council discussed past methods o:f financing this service,
and recommended that financing methods be pursued through the Chamber
of Commerce.
Doris Johnson stated that both the County and School District levies
went down and questioned the City increase. She recommended not
budgeting :for frills and luxuries.
Mike McDonald questioned the amount of salary increases. Loso stated
the police increases have not yet been finalized, but the other
employees salary increases are at the C.P.I., budgeted 3Y. . I
Joe Miller questioned if any monies are budgeted to redirect the
traffic into the Northland Addition. Another entrance into this area
is badly needed. Mayor Reber discussed the difficulties in getting a
Page 2884
November 30, 1995
- railroad crossing, to allow another entrance. Miller stated he would
like to see a roadway built to provide another entrance - exit to this
area. Loso stated that there is a roadway plan for this need.
Mike McDonald questioned the increase in the Fire Fund and Water Fund.
Loso stated the Fire Fund included preliminary work including
architectural fees for the new f ire hall. The Water Fund includes the
expenditures :for the Water Treatment Facility project with revenue from
bonding.
Dave P:fannenstein stated the snow removal from Minnesota Street is
great. Dick Taufen and the Maintenance Department are doing a great
job. Pfannenstein stated that he is opposed to the four way stop which
was installed this past summer.
Joe Miller questioned the status of the Fire Hall project. Mayor Reber
responded the time :frame for construction is in progress.
Stapleton stated the of:ficial adoption o:f the budget and levy hearing
will be held December 7 at 8:00 p. m. The Council recommended the
public is informed next year in the advertisement, that this is not an
equalization meeting.
Uther discussion - Gar Kellam is having a meeting set up to discuss
student problems as they relate to the city. Mayor Reber and Councilor
Loso will attend it along with the City Attorney.
Loso made a motion to close the hearing at 7:55 p.m. ; seconded by
Rieke.
Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz.
Nayes: None. Motion car-ried.
~
Rachel Stapleton
Clerk/Administrator