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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 [12] Dec 07 Page 2885 December 7, 199~, Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City I of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thul~sday, December 7, 19'35 at ?:0Ø p. m. in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Donald "Bud" Reber. Councilors Ross Rieke, Bob Loso, Ken Hiemenz, Cory Ehlert. Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens. Others Present: City Engineer Joe Bettendorf, City Attorney John Scherer, Rachel Stapleton, Steve Streng, Leo Sadlo, Dick Taufen, Irma Hoffmann, Kevin Blanchette, Bill Wasner, Jim Graeve, Dave Theisen, Steve Frank, Ai Kalla, Pat Schneider, Joanne Zipp, Fred Reber, Jane Reber. ~J!rove Aqenda: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda with the following additions: 1 ) Police Sergeant Position; 2) Background Investigation for Liquor License Applicant. The motion was seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0~0 Consent Aqenda: Ehlert requested to remove item b) Computer Service Contract :from the consent agenda and made a motion to offer Cyberstar the computer service contract provided their quote is less than quotes already received. The motion died :for lack o:f a second. Council Members concurred that since quotes have already been received and a recommendation is before them, they would have Cyberstar placed on the I list to solicit bids in the :future. Street Addressing Ordinance Amendment: Hiemenz discussed the portion of the Ordinance dealing with the naming of cul-de-sacs, 31. 1 (e) . The Council had previously requested to name cul-de-sacs with the wording circle or court and this is not represented in the amendment. Rieke made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follo\'lS: 1. Approval of the November 16 and 30 City Council Minutes 2. Awarding the Computer Maintenance Contract to KLN. 3. Approving the Non-Intoxicating Liquor, Cigarette, and Amusement licenses as on :file in the City Offices. 4. Approving the Amendment to Ordinance 31 - Naming of Streets and Avenues with a correction to paragraph E section 31. 1. Cul-de-sacs are to be named with the wording circle or court. The motion was seconded by Loso. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Bills Payable~ During the discussion o:f the Bills Payable, the Council requested the Department Heads be reminded to use both car repair shops in the City when repairs are needed. Loso made a motion to approve the bills payable, check numbers 21706 - 21853; seconded by Hiemenz. Ayes~ Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert I Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Treasurer's Report: LOBo made a motion to approve the October Page 2886 December 7, 1995 Treasurer's Report as presented; seconded by Rieke. -. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 - Water Treatment Project: City Engineer, Joe Bettendorf presented the final plans for the water treatment plant. The revised layout does not require construction easements :from the adjoining prope).~tie8. The price breakdown is as follows: Treatment Plant $ 490,000 Building Addition 100,000 Computer System 20,000 After discussing the alternatives to the building addition and the future expansion possibilities, Hiemenz made a motion to proceed with the water treatment plant, building addition and computer system. The motion was seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 1996 East MN Street Improvement: Bettendorf discussed the functional classification of streets. According to this classi:fication there are three (3 ) types of streets: 1. Arterial - Streets through the Community (ie: CSAH 75) Typical Assessment: $58.00 per foot 2. Collector - Within the Community and commercial areas (ie: College Avenue, East MN Street) Typical Assessment: $46.00 per foot 3. Residential - Streets within neighborhoods Typical Assessment: $37.50 per foot Bettendor:f stated when calculating the assessment :for East MN Street, the residential rate of $37.50 per :foot was used. The resident was then assessed 80~ of that figure, calculating at $30.00 per foot. Steve Frank questioned if there is an advantage to re-classifying the street a State Aid Street. Bettendorf responded that the City must have a population of 5,00Ø before a street can be designated a State Aid Road. Jim Graeve questioned the classification of West Minnesota Street in cQmparison to East Minnesota. Bettendorf stated that West MN Street is considered an Arterial because of the number of cars exiting the interstate, connecting to CR 75. HebE::'r stated that he feels the current assessment policy places too much ox a burden on the property owners. The Council concurred and discussed alternative formulas and establishing a useful life for roads. If the useful life of a street is not met, the resident would be given credit on the restoration/overlay. Loso made a motion adopting the following assessment formula: Residents shall pay 60 percent of the residential street rate for street overlays, seal coats, and reconstructions. Additionally, the project will be assigned a useful life and if the street needs to be re-done before that time, the resident will be given credit xor the Page 2eS7 December 7, 199::. remaining years. .- The motion was seconded by Hiemenz. Ayes: Reber', Rieke, Loso, Hiernenz, EhlE'i.-,t Nayes: None. Motion Cal~l~ ied 5:0:Ø - The Council requested that an assessment policy be written for the assessment of street over lay, street reconstl~uct ion, and seal coating of streets. Bettendorf stated that with regard to the proposed 1996 East Minnesota Street Improvement, two decisions need to be made, the width of the street and if ther'e will be sidewalk. Hieke made a motion approving the plans and specifications and ordel-ing advertisement o:f bids for the East Minnesota Street reconst:cuction with the following change: The sidewalks will stop at 12th Avenue BE. The motion was seconded by Loso. Discussion: If in the future the residents East of 12th request sidewalk, the City will install the sidewalk. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Adoption of the 1996 Budqet: Mayo:c Reber stated that since Steve Frank could not attend the hearing on November 30, he would give him time to discuss his concerns with the Council. Nr. Frank stated that his taxes have been consistently increasing since he purchased his home. He questioned the Council if they rfi2viewed the revenue received from licenses and services and if the fees need to be r'aised. He also encouraged the Council to review such things a("~ . Does ~. 'the crime rate justify additionally services?; What does thE' Star City provide?; Is the recreation we provide in the best interest of the City and a:ce the :fees cover'ing the expenses?; Has the City requested competitive bids for Attorney and Engineering services? Is leasing of equipment a consideration? Mayor Reber stated that the budget process is a lengthy process and encourages residents to attend these meetings. It is at this time that department heads are required to make adjustments to the budgets and cost saving ventures are reviewed. At this time Clerk/Administrator Stapleton reviewed the budget process with the Council and stated the Council must make a decision with regard to the 1995 budget and levy. Ther'\;? being no further comments or questions, Loso made a motion that the following sums of money be levied for the current year, collectible in 19<::16, upon the p:coperty in the City of St. Joseph for the following pur'poses: General Fund Levy $246,372 1992 Bond Levy 8,Ø0Ø 1993 Band Levy 2Ø,Ø0Ø Page 2888 December 7, 1995 AND WAIVER OF . .1':386 Bond Levy 16,780 ---------- ... Total Levy 274,372 Total General Fund 88'3,230 The ml.Jtion was seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Department Head Report: Fire Chie:f, Dave Theisen, presented the 1995 annual Fire Report. During 1995 the Fire Department responded to 175 calls, o:f which 141 were medical. The overall payroll is down slightly from 1994. Theisen also reported that the new fire engine is working to their satisfaction. Rieke questioned if they charge for :fire responses and if so what the collection rate is. Theisen responded that only those calls which are not residents in the Fire District are charged, and o:f those they collect about half. Since it is very time consuming to collect these charges, Rieke suggested Theisen contact Accu Serve, (a medical billing company) , to see if they would be interested in assisting the Fire Department for a :f ee. This matter was turned over the Fire Board :for - review and recommendation. Loso made a motion to recess at 8:55 p. m. ; seconded by Rieke. - Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Mayor Reber reconvened the meeting at 9:05 p. m. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS Industrial Park: Bettendorf stated that he attended a meeting along with the Mayor and other' interested persons with regard to the possible relocation o:f Vic West Steel. Vic West Steel is in need o:f a new building and is willing to sign a long term lease :for who ever constructs the building. Along with this is the re-alignment o:f CR 133. The County will pay 80% o:f the reconstruction of CR 133 and has scheduled it for 1997. In order for the re-alignment to be complete an easement needs to be acquired from Leo Buettner. Bettendor:f stated that he and the City Attorney, John Scherer will meet with the property owner and try and negotiate an easement. Roske Property: As the City has agreed to reconstruct East J1N Street, a decision needs to made with regards to the Roske Property and i:f the utilities and road will be extended. The Council agreed that since b:ast Minnesota Street will be reconstructed it would be prudent to improve the Roske Property at this time. However, since the Township is part owner, their approval would be needed. Rieke made a motion authorizing Joe Bettendorf to proceed with plans specifications Page 2889 December 7, 1995 contingent upon Township approval. The motion \vas seconded by Hiemenz. Ayes: Reber, R iel'~e, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlel't - Nayes: None. Motion Cal'ried 5:0:0 Water Improvement Prolect: Loso made a motion approving the resolution ..-- to proceed with the plans, specifications, and ordering the advel'tisement of bids for the water treatment improvement. The motion was seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 12th Avenue: Bettendorf questioned the Council as to their intent regaT'ding the extension of 12th Avenue. The Council agl-eed that since CR 133 will be re-aligned, it is important to secure an easement fOl-' the extension o:f 12th Avenue. The Council authorized Joe Bettendorf and Ken Hiemenz to negotiate an easement with the affected property owners fo:c the extension of 12th Avenue. Waqe and Benefit Proposal - Police Federation: The Personnel Committee presented the request of the st. Joseph Police Officer's Federation, a<=' follo\'ls: l. Wage incl-ease - 5% foundational increase and an increase in wages based an the cost of living ( 1994 - 4% ). Loso made a motion to offer the St. Joseph Police Officers Federation a - wage increase based on the Social Security Administration Cost of Living Inc:cease. The index will be available mid-December. The motion was seconded by Hiemenz. - Ayes: Heber, Loso, Hiemenz. Nayes: Rieke, Ehlert Motion Carried 3:2:0 2. Step Increase - Gustin & Klinefelter. This is approved contingent upon Department Head approval. ::!. Uniform Allowance: The federation is requesting an increase of $10Ø.Ø0 per year for uniforms, making the annual allowance $=IØØ. øø. LOBo made a motion to increase the uniform allowance up to $5Ø0.Ø0. Howeve:c, uniform checks will only be disbursed upon Office:cs providing the City Office with receipts fo:1' the purchase of unifürms. This disbursement can be paid at any time during year. Thus an Officer does not have to wait unit the beginning of a quarter to pUT'chase uni:fol-ms. The motion \'188 seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motiün Carried 5:0:0 4. Longevity: The federation is requesting an increase in longevity pay. As requested by the Personnel Committee, this matter will be tabled until early 1996, so as not to disregard it, but to conside:1' it separately. Page 2890 December 7, 199~i - 5. Exercise Equipment/Health Club: The federation is requesting an allowance of $300/yr, per Officer to be used for Health Club Membership. The Personnel Committee recommended and the Council agreed to consider this item separately at a later date. There might be a possibility o:f a small exercise room in the new fire :facility that would be available 'Lo all the City employees. Kayor Report.s Entrance Siqn: Reber presented sketches o:f the proposed entrance signs welcoming people to St. Joseph. The Lions are working on funding to construct three signs at a total cost of $18t000 to $20t000. Reber stated he will continue to update the Council on this matter. Snow Plowinq - Business District: Mayor Reber stated that he met with Mike Deutz concerning sidewalk snow removal on Minnesota Street. Deutz is proposing the City remove the snow :from the sidewalks :from 1st Avenue East to 2nd Avenue West and College Avenue :from Minnesota Street to the Funeral Home. The sidewalk snow would be removed be:fore the streets are plowed. This would save the Maintenance Department time since they must replow the street when the sidewalk snow is removed after the street is plowed. Reber stated that he discussed this snow removal change with Dick Taufen, Public Works Director, and he :felt it would be worth while trying. There:fore, Hiemenz made a motion to amend the snow removal policy as stated above :for a trial period o:f one year; seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Rebert Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Councilor Reports RIEKE CORE: The CORE Committee will be meeting on December 11, 1995 to begin planning the February Speak Out. The meeting will be held at CSB. EHLERT APO: Ehlert reported that he attended an APO meeting on November 30, 1995. The meeting was a forum with the MET Council. LUSU Skatinq Rink: Loso reported that he hired :four (4 ) people to be attendants at the warming house. Weather permitting the rinks will be open on December 15, 1995 with the following hours: Monday - Friday 4:00 p. m. - 9:00 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and School Holidays 11:00 a. m. - 9:00 p. m. Bathroom facilities will also be available this year as a satellite P<:ìge 28<:--11 December 7, 1995 will be placed down by the warming house. - HI~MENZ Resident Concerns: Hiemenz stated that he received calls concerning the signs on the Roske Property objecting to the early sale of the proper'ty and calls supporting the East MN Improvement Project. CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Kitchen Remodelinq: AfteT reviewing the alternatives available, and the associated costs, the Senior Citizens have wi thd:cawn theh-' reqw:,:'st to have the kitchen remodeol€'d. Mandated Druq Testinq: Stapleton reported that all Cities al-e requil-'ed to perform l~andom drug testing and a policy needs to be in place January 1, 1996. Aiter discussing the l~equirements, Rieke made a motion authorizing Stapleton to execute an agreement with the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association for random drug testing io:c the City - -~ C,I.i. St. Joseph. Ayes: Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlel-t Nayes: Reber. Motion Carried 4:1:0 Roske Property Annexation: The resolution for annexation of the Roske Property and County Rd 75 will be ready for approval at the Decembel- 21, 1995 meeting. Scherer discussed the options available for annezinç¡ the remaining property along MN Street to square off the boundar'ies. It was his recommendation to proceed with the annexation of the Rosl,:e Property and CR 75 and then follow "lith a second annexation resolution fox- the remaining p:coperty. Mayor Heber extended the meeting 15 minutes at 10:00 PI' ffi. Backql~ound Investiqation: Todd Fultz is in the process o:f making application faT' a liquor license transfer of Sal's Bar. As a new licensee, the Council must authorize a background investigation. Riel.;:€? madE::> a motion authorizing Police Chief Lindgren to pE?rform a background check on the new owner(s) oi Sal's Bar; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Mark Mimbach - Buildinq Remodelinq: Scherer reported that he has been contacted by the person doing business in the former Video and Balloons 1'0 Go building questioning what he needs to do to clear matteTG. The City at this time can make the pl~operty ownel~ go trŒough the process of appear-ing beiore the Planning COTOmission and upon their approval a building permit could be issued. State Building Codes allo';l a penalty which doubles the permit fee ior building ",i thout a permi t. The City also has an option of continuing the process of prosecuting through the court system. After considerable discussion, Ehlert TOade a motion to continue the process in prosecuting Debra Mimbach property owner of 405 West County Noad 75, and requil-e said owner to go through the pl~ocess oi obtaining Page 2892 Dec.ember 7, 199=1 a building permit which includes appearing before the Planning Commission and doubling the permit fee. The motion was seconded by Reber. Rieke made a motion to amend the motion to require Mimbach to go through the process of obtaining the building permit and stay the prosection for a period of time; seconded by Hiemenz. Vote call on the amendment: Ayes: Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz. Nayes: Reber, Ehlert Motion Carried 3:2:0 Vote call on the amended motion: Ayes: Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz. Nayes: Reber, Ehlert Motion Carried 3:2:0 Mayor Reber extended the meeting 15 minutes at 10:15 p. m. Serqeant Position: Rieke made a motion to accept the job description o:f a Police Sergeant as revie''led by the City Attorney, deleting the word "SOME" as it appears be£ore the word "KNOWLEDGE" . The motion was seconded by Hiemenz. Ayes: Reber', Rieket Loso t Hiemenz, Ehlert Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Rieke made a motion to contact Paul Neis of the League o:f MN Cities to have him review the City's point system/pay scale and the placet,he Sergeant Position within the system; the motion was seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenzt Ehlert Nayes: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Pat Schneider - Baseball Facilities: Pat Schneider appeared before the Council to request possible funding assistance for the Memorial Park Lights and the construction o£ a ball field at Kennedy School. Schneider stated that he has been receiving donations and he has been questioned if the City is willing to participate; and if so to what level. Ehlert thanked Schneider for all his work and ef:forts. At this time the Council did not make a commitment but Rieke and Hiemenz encouraged him to appear be£ore the Council again. At 10:30 p. m. Mayor Reber extended the meeting 15 minutes and went into a closed session to discuss pending litigation. <Rieke stepped down from his chair and left the building. ) The meeting was opened at lØ:45 p. m. at which time Rieke re-entered the building. Hiemenz made a motion to dismiss the City -vs- Rieke without costs or disbursement awarded to either party including both sides paying their own expenses incurred with regard to this litigation ; seconded by , PagE' 2~¡9::i December '7 199~1 , , ~hlert. Ayes~ ReLe:c' , Loso, Hìemenz, Ehlert Nayes~ None Motion Carried 4~Ø:0 Nieke resumed his chair at lØ~47 p. m. Adj Qur'n ~ Loso Made a motion to adjourn at 10:47 p. m. ; seconded by Hiemenz. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert Nayes: None. 110tion Car-ried 5:0:0 ~--'