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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983 [04] Apr 21 ! R /1 !L J Ll April 21, 1983 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the City Council of the City of st. Joseph met in session on Thursday, April 21, 1983 at 7:30 p.m. in city Hall. Memb,ers Present: Mayor Mike Loso; Councilmen: Herman schneider, Donald "Bud" I Reber, steve Dehler, Mike Husen; City Clerk, Bob Johnson. City Attorney Jovanovich (8:00 p.m.). HEARINGS: 7:30 p.m. - utility Delinquencies: (2 ) No one appeared for a hearing. Council Minutes: A motion was made by Schneider seconded by Reber to approve minutes of the April 7, 1983 Council meeting as presented. Ayes: Loso, Schneider, Reber, Dehler, Husen. Nayes: None Motion carried. (Amendment #1) Manufactured Homes: Building Inspector, Roman Reber and Councilman Bud Reber reviewed Amendment #1 to Ordinance #1982-A Zoning Ordinance. The amendment relates to Manufactured Homes. The following changes were recommended after review: 16.08 - Minimum Dwelling Structure 1) section B. - change roof pitch from 3/12 to 4/12 pitch. 2) Eliminate words "or shed" in second sentence. Sentence to read: "flat roofs are not permitted unless," etc. Capital Outlay Purchase Request: The following requests for purchase of 1983 budget items was presented: (Maintenance Department budget) 1) push mower 2) fertilizer 3) scrub pail and mop I Approval for submission of statement for Fire Dept. van trade-in - all items approved .on motion by Reber seconded by Dehler. Ayes: Loso, schneider, Reber, Dehler, Husen. Nayes: None Motion carried. Stump Removal: A motion was made by Dehler seconded by Reber to approve the low bid of $330.00 for removal of 30 stumps by Tree Stump Removal, Sauk Centre, Mn. (19 from parks and 11 from boulevards); Ayes: Loso, Schneider, Reber, Dehler, Husen. Nayes: None Motion carried. Rick Mattox - Bruce Olander Statements: Rick Mattox statement: (Public defender - Bush case) 87 hours - 2,298.16 clerical - 181.45 personal - 278.42 Total $2,758.03 Bruce Olander statement: (Arbitrator - Bush case) 24.2 hours - $1,936.00 Total Bills approved on motion by Reber seconded by schneider. Ayes: Loso, Schneider, Reber, Dehler, Husen. Nayes: None Motion carried. District Court Appeal: Regards the Randall L. Bush appeal to District Court: I 1 ) transcript of hearing being prepared; 2) Attorney Rick Mattox to handle appeal with research provided by city attorney Tom Jovanovich's office. Library Committee Hearing - 8:00 p.m.: The Library Committee hearing opened at 8:00 p.m. The follo~ing committee members were present: Don Hoodecheck, Sr. Anne 1165 Marie Biermier, walter Bruns, James Landwehr; Mike Husen and steve Dehler (Council appointees); Mona Carmack, Regional Library Board representative. others Present: Dr. and Mrs. stanley Idzerda, Mariette Lodermeier, Sal Schneider, I Mike Nierengarten, Rudy Gapko, Ralph Notch, Mike Strickler, Ellen Wahlstrom, Mary Ann Krebsbach, Mr. & Mrs.Alfred Zimmer, Mark Zimmer, Mildred Reisinger and daughter, Donna Blanchette, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Notch, Elizabeth Doyle, Bill Elfering, Mike Doyle, Courier reporter. Don Hoodecheck read a letter recently submitted to the Mayor and Council members containing the following cost estimates and four proposed site suggestions for the operation of a branch lrbrary in the City: Cost Estimates: 2,690.00 equipment 6,636.00 re-renovation of City Hall (Police Dept.) space 7,500.00 childrens books 16,826.00 - 2,500.00 st. Joseph Township commitment for children's books 14,326.00 plus utilities and maintenance There would be an additional cost, of course, in moving the Police Department. Four proposed site suggestions: 1. Rennovation of the basement of the adjacent city annex building. This space is currently used as a rental unit. The contractor estimated the cost of removing the walls and opening up the facility would be around $5,000. 2. Another proposed site is the Landmark Realty building north of I the La Playette. Renovation cost $3,000 to $4,000 Rent $4,500 per year utili ties $700 per year 3. Another alternative to house the Police Department would be to construct a new facility south of the city hall annex. The contractor has given us a rough bid of $65,000 to construct a free standing 30' x 50' building with a full basement. This facility could house the Police Department or the library. 4. Yet another alternative, and perhaps the most sound is for the Council to establish a committee to study the feasibility of constructing a new municipal building to house the police, city clerk, building inspector, water department, etc. and provide for a community room for civic meetings. Our committee believes that this may be the best proposal considering the growth and future of our city. However, let me return to our first concern--that of a branch library. If the Council moves to accept our first proposal, that of a library in the City Hall and moving the Police Department to the Annex, we could have a library in st. Joseph by January 1, 1984, for under $20,000. Other sites considered were: the williams Funeral Home, the basement of the First state Bank, the Krebsbach property east of the garage, the property west of the Krebsbach garage, the second story of Linnemann's store, and the Landmark Realty office building. These sites were eliminated from consideration because of lack of accessibility for the handicappeò and elderly or because of the need for extensive renovation costs. (Copy of letter has been placed in Library file.) Mona Carmack, consultant, Great River Regional Library, indicated a $5,000 to $10,000 matching grant may be available through the Federal Jobs Bill recently passed by Congress. llß6" Councilman Reber: Councilman Bud Reber questioned the proposal of changing police department renovation again after an investment of $54,000 a year ago. Mark Zimmer: Mark Zimmer questioned need of library, citing the numerous school I libraries in the area. Zimmer also questioned the proposed operation of the police department out of the Annex building basement. The spending of $60,000 one year and changing it the next year. The people of the City should not be underestimated citing the donations for labor, etc. toward construction of the softball parks. Dr. Idzerda: Dr. Stanley Idzerda spoke in favor of a branch library and stated college libraries are primarily oriented toward college students. Idzerda also indicated the library committee needed positive encouragement from the City Council at this time. He also stated by placing the library question on referendum the Council would be avoiding its responsibility. Sal Schneider: Sal Schneider expressed concern about loss of space at City Hall for senior citizens and cited the need for additional space for seniors. All committee members spoke in favor of immediate action on operation of a branch library: Walter Bruns: Walter Bruns spoke at length, about needs, benefits, funding alternatives, use of unallocated revenue sharing funds, referendum vote or house to house survey. The cost of referendum also was questioned. Bruns also stated a $65,000 expenditure not practical now but Council should consider the police department move for positive action at this time. A need for Council encouragement and approval also expressed by Mr. Bruns. In conclusion, Bruns indicated the option of space rental had been explored but costs were found to be to high. I Councilman Dehler (member of committee): Dehler indicated branch library opera- tion was on a calendar year basis, therefore there was a need for a decision nOH. The matter cannot be tabled. Dehler also stated the only items to be taken out of present police department would be a wall. Councilman Husen (member of committee): Husen suggested Council glve library committee an additional 2 or 3 weeks to: 1 ) demonstrate community support, 2) fine tune its proposed plans, 3) complete financing proposals, 4) allohT committee more time for study of library question. Mayor Loso: Mayor Loso suggested committee continue their work but did not believe two weeks sufficient time. Expressed city concern, during current legislative session, regards money bills and their impact in 1984 and beyond. There is not time, the Mayor felt, to meet a July, 1983 deadline on the library matter. The Mayor also felt there Has not much the Committee could do as far as space was concerned. Also the question of referendum vote should be examined. The Mayor also stated the feelings of the community as a whole were most important. Chamber of Commerce Letter: Mayor Loso presented a letter of support from the st. Joseph Chamber of Commerce indicated the Chamber strongly favors a public library provided funding is divided among the City of st. Joseph, st. Joseph Township and st. Wendel Township as users of the library facility. The letter also stated the Chamber did not have the freedom to pursue the financing of such an undertaking (according to its guidelines), ho;vever the Chamber may be able to donate toward the library in some other way, and perhaps with membership approval, a financial donation may be made at some future date. The letter was signed by Pre2ident of the Chamber Mike strickler. (Letter placed in Library file.) 11 (',n . ,j' Mona Carmack, Board Member, Regional Library: Carmack stated she was invited to join and assist the library committee as some people expressed an immediate need ~or a branch facility. She also indicated there would be no great sacrifice if more planning was done at this time and the library was not opened this year. I Mike Nierengarten: Mike Nierengarten indicated he was not opposed to a library but with the $27,798 cut in state aid recommended in a bill being considered in the legislature he was concerned about the impact on property taxes in 1984. Ellen Wahlstrom: Ellen Wahlstrom, st. Joseph Township resident, expressed support for a branch library. Wahlstrom felt the committee should continue planning and also explore community fund raising options. Bill Lorentz, Police Chief: Bill Lorentz, Police Chief, stated solving library problem would create a problem for the police department. Lorentz also stated a lack -of planning has been a problem for years. state Building Code: Remodeling of City Hall ~nex basement would require adherence to State Building Code regards accessibility for handicap and elderly by requiring installation of an elevator. Elizabeth Doyle: Elizabeth Doyle expressed concern that senior citizens would be put out of City Hall to make room for library project. she received assurance the seniors would not be without space at City Hall. Mary Ann Krebsbach: Mary Ann Krebsbach stated the present amount of space allocated to senior citizens was insufficient and needed other side of City Hall for use as occasions demand. . Mayor Loso: Mayor Loso suggested committee continue and report again at Council meeting on May 19, 1983. - city Clerk: City Clerk Bob Johnson responded to several statements regarding lack of city planning and the lack of priorities or needs assessment. The City appointed its first Planning Commission in 1959, also adopted the first Comprehensive plan for the City after receiving the first 701 planning grant in central Minnesota. The following priorities have been on the City's needs assessment list for a number of years: 1) Wastewater plant - upgrading and expansion project (EPA and MPCA agreement signed in 1972) - Federal funding level uncertain - the current apportionment of: Federal 75% - state 15% - Local 10% is scheduled to change on Oct. 1, 1983. The City is trying to obtain final approval prior to that deadline. The new funding level may result in a 40% local cost impact. Cost estimate today: $1,250,000.00. 2) Water System - increased storage need - the City is currently undertaking a $10,000.00 system analysis study. Cost estimate today for increased storage: $500,000.00. 3 ) Streets - seal coating and reconstruction program - 5 year program: 1 year completed - program placed on hold 2 years ago due to economy and fiscal problems in Washington and st. Paul. Total Cost: $244,960.00. 4) C4D's - ( a) (st. Benedicts) - Morningside Park area purchase - Balance: $13,020.00 (b) (First state Bank) - Annex building purchase Balance: $51,453.56 (balloon payment due Aug. 1,1985: $41,629.36). 1 -I R R __ _ J 5 ) Capital Outlay Budgets - postponed (a) maintenance equipment (b) computer installation (c) electronic voting equipment. 6) Police Investigation Case - (estimated cost: $31,000 to $33,000). I 7) Wastewater Plant Clarifier Repair - $15,000.00 (to be completed this summer). 8) Senior Citizen Request - to install wide doorway between rooms in Ci ty Hall. Hearing Closed: Hearing was closed at 9:35 p.m. by Mayor Loso. Recess called (10 minutes). Meeting Re-Opened: The Council meeting re-opened at 9:45 p.m. Clinton Village Addition: Persons present were: Rudy Gapko, Ralph Notch, Mildred Reisinger and daughter, Bill Elfering, James Landwehr, Engineer Joe Bettendorf and City Attorney Tom Jovanovich. James Landwehr - Developer: 1 ) 49 SF lots in project and four (4 ) lots on County Road #2 share costs on apportionment basis. 2) Easements can be on Clinton Village Addition property. 3) All street surfacing and curb and gutter to be assessed against the 49 lots of Clinton Village Addition. 4) Sewer apportioned over 49 lots plus 4 properties on County Road #2. 5 ) Total project cost estimated at $515,000.00. Rudy Gapko expressed his objection to water line installation costs. Ralph Notch also expressed concern over costs of sewer and water estimated between . $4,000 and $5,000. Financing arrangements or agreements: have not been completed. Reisinger lot size of one acre presented question of cost apportionment. Mrs. Reisinger indicated they had no intention of ever subdividing and selling a portion of the one acre tract and requested only one service be provided to their property. James Landwehr, developer, indicated an August date for sewer and water installation. Cost estimates presented by Engineer Bettendorf were: $108.882 T 54 lots '= $3016.00 for sewer 112,839 T 52 lots - 2170.00 for water Cost of oversizing water main on County Road #2 from 8" to 10" has been estimated at $4,200.00 by Bettendorf. st. Benedicts assessment question along County Road #2 discussed. The following steps were presented by Attorney Jovanovich as necessary for project movement: 1 ) preparation of feasibility report 2) schedule public hearing 3) prepare final plans and specs A motion was made by Dehler seconded by Schneider to instruct engineer to provide a feasibility study for the proposed Clinton Village Addn. project. Ayes: Loso, Schneider, Reber, Dehler, Husen. Nayes: None Motion carried. Cedar Village II: A motion was made by Reber seconded by schneider to approve the final plat of Cedar Village II subject to the following stipulations: 1. The blueprint shows a 4-inch cleanout near each building on the 1169 water service. I assume this is to be on the sewer service. 2. The blueprint shows curb boxes (water shutoffs) just off the asphalt drive. I Though I do not have a copy of the plat, I understand the asphalt drive covers the entire width of a 50-foot-wide drainage and utility easement. The water shutoffs should be on the easement, not on private property. This, however, will put them into the asphalt pavement which increases the risk of freezing. In view of this, I recommend narrowing up the asphalt pavement to a maximum width of 40 feet so that the water shutoffs can be placed in the five-foot "boulevard" that remains in the easement area. 3. Since the water lines will be under a paved surface, sufficient depth to prevent freezing is crucial. At least eight feet of cover to the finished surface is necessary. 4. The 4-inch sewer service lines should connect to the 6-inch line with a "wye" and "bend", not a tee. 5 . The location of the 6-inch cleanout on the east-west line is unclear. It should be directly on the 6-inch line, not angled off. 6. The 6-inch sewer line should enter a manhole approximately five feet inside the street right of way, then go north to a manhole connection at the existing sewer service line. A copy of the street utility plan is enclosed. Be careful not to disturb hydrant blocking. 7. The 2-inch water line must go around, not through, sanitary sewer manholes. 8. The following materials (or approved equals) are required: Water service: - ASTM B88 seamless copper tubing, Type K, soft annealed temper Curb stop: - Ford B22-444M Curb Box: - Ford EM2 80-56 Water Service Tee: - As approved by City Maintenance Department Sewer Service: - Gasket joint PVC, ASTM D3034 Manholes: - Precast concrete ASTM C-478 with 27-inch cone opening and a miximum of 6 rings. Joints and rings to be mortared. Aluminum steps. Manhole Castings: - Neenah R-1733 or equal, concealed pickholes, solid cover. 9. Depth of sewer should be verified to insure adequate service to buildings. A minimum of 1/8 inch per foot grade is required. 10. Maintenance of and jurisdiction over the lines must be arranged with the City. Ayes: Loso, Schneider, Reber, Dehler, Husen. Nayes: None Motion carried. Baker Street West: Gravel surfacing problems cited. Traffic around rear of Kennedy School creating serious dust problems in area. Engineer Bettendorf suggested: 1) oil, 2) calcium cloride, 3) granite base/class 2 - with seal coat Engineer to examine street conditions and determine cost estimates. Dan Heurung Employment: A motion was made by Schneider seconded by Reber to continue Dan Heurung's employment through August, 1983. Ayes: Loso, Schneider, Reber, Dehler, Husen. Nayes: None Motion carried. 1J70 Police Radar: Police Chief Lorentz reported problems with radar unit (antenna) . Unit seven years old. On motion by Reber seconded by Dehler the Council approved purchase of radar unit at $1,650.00 with trade-in. I Ayes: Loso, Schneider, Reber, Dehler, Husen. Nayes: None Motion carried. Safety Council Attendance: A motion \Vas made by Husen seconded by Schneider to approve Chief Lorentz's attendance at the 1983 Governor's Traffic Safety Conference in st. Paul on May 24-25, 1983. Ayes: Loso, Schneider, Reber, Dehler, Husen. Nayes: None Motion carried. Street Sweeping: A motion \Vas made by Dehler seconded by Reber to approve 24 hours of street sweeping. Ayes: Loso, Schneider, Reber, Dehler, Husen. Nayes: None Motion carried. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m. Ayes: Loso, Schneider, Reber, Dehler, Husen. Nayes: None Motion carried. ~. , J City Clerk