HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974 [10] Oct 24
592
CITY OF ST. JOSEPH, MINNESOTA
MINUTES OF SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1974'
The City Council of the City of St. Joseph met in special session on Thursday,
October 24, 1974 with the following members present: Mayor Harry J. Kneve1; I
Councilmen, Herman Schneider, Roman Reber, Bud Reber, Hugo Weyrens; Clerk Bob
Johnson.
Minutes of Sept 26, 1974 meeting were approved as presented on motion by Herman
Schneider seconded by Hugo Weyrens. Motion carried.
Bob Schwartz, Stearns County Civil Defense Director, was present and indicated
city is qualified for surplus equipment. Fire equipment grant possibilities dis-
cussed. Mr. Schwartz will return for the Nov. 7, council meeting.
Police answering service vdth sheriff's office reported no word received from
county to date.
Motion made by Hugo Weyrens to install police phone in Patrolman Chamberlin res-
idence, seconded by Herman Schneider. Motion carried.
Electrical wiring needs at City Hall and new buildings in plant area examined
and approved on a motion by Herman Schneider seconded by Hugo Weyrens. Herman
Schneider to obtain estimate. Motion carried.
Park Board report - waiting for surveying. Council to meet with park board in
future.
sidewa1J(project restoration placed on spring agenda. Communications system -
clerk office to city employees - more information to be obtained by clerk. I
Councilman Schneider and Roman Reber reported on Stearns County League meeting
relating to county court system.
Attorney Knapp reported no FHA grants available at this time. City attorney to
meet with St. Benedict and Township attorney on Dec 1, 1974 - regards - fire
protection proposal.
Attorney reported on annexation boundary question- East Minnesota street - center
boundary line - 7th Ave S.E. - east side of street, road on west side of 40 acre
line. Fee title locations.
A motion was made by Roman Reber seconded by Bud Reber to approve release of
monies in escrow ($23,077.20) on project 73-82A (Wally Honer, Eastern Park,
4th Ave S.E. street surfacing) on condition notification is received from Hardrives,
Inc. of final payment in full. Motion carried.
Joe Fitzgerald - forester presented a dutch elm and oak wilt disease report.
Inventory almost complete - spring action. 750 elms estimated - 5% are reported
diseased or dead. Tree planting program to be initiated next spring - 3 inches or
larger in diameter necessary for survival. Specie of trees - green ash and
hackberry- second choice hard maple and basswood - conifer pondersoa or norway.
County soil conservation work and program. Soils map $50.00 - 60.00 only cost of
program. Membership question- possibility of tree replacements to be made available
to residents - sign contract - follow land uses. Establish burning date in I
November - F4rester to provide contract form for city to examine prior to application
for memb~rship in County Si1 Conservation program.
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Police Dept program - Mrs. Hagen presented a petition containing 305 names -
second petition presented by O.C. Dierkhising to reconsider the resignation of Bud
Reber as a police officer. Mayor Kneve1 explained he and the council believed
I and hoped Bud Reber had not or would not resign as a police officer.
1~ Bud presented the following questions and statements: indicated complaints of
locating police when there is a need.
2. Calls have no results - police do not answer calls.
3. Police car is in other town locations too often.
4. Objection to reserves carrying weapons.
5. Night time patro1ing necessary.
6. Regulation of coffee break time in police dept.
7. Reserves taught public relations rather than harrassment.
8. No police salaries to be paid while working (improvements) on range.
9. No trespassing sign not authorized on dump gate.
10. People want to know if police are paid while attending council meetings.
11. On call duty - 24 hours or 48 hours for weekend available.
12. Traffic control after Sat. eve masses not present.
13. Removal of reserve from dept. question people are requesting removal of
a member of reserves.
14. Gun situation with reserves - use of shotgun for minor traffic offense.
15. Reported 4th incident of reserve dropping gun.
16. Some reserves doing good job - some are dangerous going "gung ho" with weapons.
(a) Mayor cited police work 15 years ago
~b) present time needs increased
c) absence of job description in police dept
(d) night patrol need discussed
I Employed an additional patrolman on CETA program. Plans of staggered patrol scheduled
ans sheriffs answering service reported. Calls will be answered - records of com-
plaints to be made. Police dept to be moved to city hall - clerk office also to
move to city hall in future
Mayor Knevel also suggested an advisory police commission to be appointed.
Commission to recommend to council police needs and desires.
Saturday night traffic control after masses requested.
Discussion held on communications and publication of information.
Bicentennial committee forming to be explored.
Motion was made by Hugo Weyrens seconded by Bud Reber to authorize city clerk to
invite representative of Traynor, Hermanson & Hahn architect to Nov 7, 1974 meeting
to discuss city hall renovation.
Terry Schmidt - Hub Klein present regards Hollow Park project. Roman Reber to
notify Schmidt after planning commission meeting Nov 4, 1974.
.
Motion to adjourn made at 11:45 p.m. ~.~~
Harry J. Kneve1, Mayor
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