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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 [09] Sep 18 I September 18, 2003 Page 1 ?f 6 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of SI. Joseph met in regular sessioh on Thursday, September 18, 2003 at 7:00 PM in the SI. Joseph City Hall.: I City Council Members Present: Mayor Larry Hosch. Councilors Ross Rieke, Dale Wick, Gary Utsch, and AI Rassier. Administrator Judy Weyrens. I , I Citv Representatives Present: City Engineer Joe Bettendorf. ! Others Present: Ted Schmid, Robbie Robinson, Paul Vershure, and Albert Kangas. Approve Aaenda: Utsch made a motion to approve the agenda with the deletion of 7 (a) Application for Payment #6, 2002 Interior Street. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Consent Aoenda: Rassier made a motion to approve consent agenda with corrections to the September 4 minutes; seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously. a. b. c. d. e. f. I g. Minutes - Approve the September 4, 2003 Minutes with corrections to the alcohol matrix. I Bills Payable - Approve Check Numbers 33130-33220 I Erosion Control, Maintenance Facility - Authorize the expenditure of $ 2,350 to Schroden's In~. for the repair and seeding of the holding pond and surrounding property for the Maintenance Facility. Fiscal Agent, Wobegon Trail- Authorize the Sf. Joseph Chamber of Commerce to be the fiscal agent for the Wobegon Trail Welcoming Center and release the designated to the Chamber fOf the construction. . I Fiscal Agent, Wobegon Expansion - Authorize the Administrator to execute a grant agreement between the City of Sf. Joseph and the Initiative Foundation. I Maintenance Facility - Accept Change Order # 12, rough in plumbing for the kitchen sink and I Change Order #14 deducting $ 2,005 for site grading (credit). I Application for exempt Gambling - Accept the application for two one day gambling licenses for events to be held on the foJ/owing days: February 1,2004 - St. Joseph Lab School; October 9, 2004 - Sf. Joseph Lab School. I Public Comments to the Aaenda: No one present wished to speak. Ted Schmid. Lumber One Avon - Northland Plat Seven. Amend Development Aareement to provide for Lifecvcle Housina: Weyrens reported that when the Developer's Agreement for Northland Plat Seven! was being prepared, it did not include the language for Lifecycle Housing. The Developer, Ted Schmid, is requesting to utilize the financing for one lot in Northland Plat Seven. In order to do so, the Developers Agreement must be amended to include the lifecycle housing provisions. ! I Rassier made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute an amendment to the Developers Agreement for Northland Plat Seven, adding the provisions of the lifecycle housing agreement. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. I Ted Schmid. Lumber One Avon - Northland Plat Eiahl. Final Plat: Ted Schmid, COO of Lumber One I Avon approached the City Council requesting final plat approval for Northland Plat 8. Schmid stated that the final plat is consistent with the preliminary plat previously approved by the Planning Commission and City Council. Weyrens stated that the Planning Commission does not review a final plat if the plat is I consistent with the preliminary plat. Hosch questioned Schmid as to how many homes in Northiand Plat Seven sold under the price point of $131 ,000, the price point identified in the Affordable Housing, I Agreement. Schmid repiied stating that he believes six or seven homes had sold under the price point. , Hosch stated he supports the agreement for Lifecycle Housing, but that the CiJ,s hands are somewhit tied when it comes to what counts and what does not count for Lifecycle Housing. Hosch reported that they have recently conducted a housing study that shows the City's housing prices have remained I stagnant over the years and in some cases they have actually decreased. Hosch stated he would like to see the development of homes, range from affordable housing through different income ranges. Hosch September 18, 2003 Page 2 of6 stated that one issue he has with public financing is how can we insure that there is a mixture of homes in a development. Weyrens reported that the housing study has indicated that the average home value for new construction is approximately $ 130,000. In reviewing the new construction permits for January 1 2003 through July 31,2003, the home value has dropped below the average of $ 130,000. Weyrens concurred that the City should encourage developments with a mix of housing types and values. Schmid reported that the lots in Northland Plat Eight are larger than Northland Plat Seven and expects to see price points increase between 10-30%. Schmid also reported that the same size home they are currently selling for $131,000 had sold for $105,000 in Northland Plat Five two years ago. Wick questioned if the Lifecycle Housing will be included in Northland Plat Eight. Weyrens replied stating that the Developer's agreement has not been drafted at this point and Schmid is not committing to a specified number of lots in phase 8, as he met the obligation in prior phases. Schmid stated since the lots are larger in Plat 8, it will not be cost effective to construct homes at the value required by the Lifecycle housing agreement. Schmid stated that while lots 1-3 of Block 2 are smaller and could qualifty for the lifecycle housing, he cannot construct just three homes at the value required. It is only cost effective to construct lifecycle housing if 15 to 30 homes could be constructed at one time. Schmid requested authorization to utilize public financing for the improvements for Northland Plat Eight. Hosch stated that he personally does not have a problem with the public financing for Northland Plat Eight. Rassier sated that it is his opinion that the City has done public financing in the past with Lumber One Avon and it has worked well. Weyrens stated that it is anticipated that Northland Plat 8 will begin in the Spring of 2004. Weyrens informed the Council that at this time the City has not completed the capital planning for 2004 and the Council needs to be aware that the City is limited to the amount of bonds that can be issued in any given year. Bettendorf reported that his staff has had the opportunity to review the preliminary documents and does not anticipate any problems with the review of the final plat. At this time the Council can approve the final plat contingent upon the review of the Engineer and Attomey. Weyrens reported that if the project is to financed publicly, the Council will need to approve a resolution authorizing the City Engineer to prepare a feasibility report. Rassier made a motion approving the Final Plat for Northland Plat Eight contingent upon the approval of the City Engineer and approving the resolution declaring adequacy of the petition and authorizing the City Engineer to prepare a Feasibility Report for the proposed utility improvements. The motion was seconded by Utsch and passed unanimously. Discussion: Hosch questioned Schmid what his plans are now that Northland Plat Eight is in its final phase. Schmid stated he would be working with Rothfork and by December 2005 he is hoping to have the turkey bams dismantled and to complete any necessary environmental cleanup as needed. Schmid stated he is also in the process of providing two access points. Cellular 2000. Reauest to lease additional water tower space: Paul Vershure and Albert Kangas, of Cellu/ar 2000 approached the Council regarding the telecommunication equipment Northem PCS currently has located on the top of the SI. Joseph Water Tower. Venshure stated that currently Northem PCS operates towers and a repeater from the SI. Joseph water tower. At this time Northem PCS (Cellular 2000) is requesting to add additional equipment to the tower. The proposal would include routing Coax cable inside the tower and installing cabinets either inside or outside of the tower. Northem PCS would prefer to install the cabinets inside the tower as they would be protected and the tower would not have to be cut into. I I Weyrens reported that the Public Works Director has requested that the equipment be stored outside of the water tower, as the City may need the tower storage space in the future. Weyrens requested the I Council delay action on this request so that the City may negotiate the lease rates and applicable fees. At this time the Council should decide if the equipment wiil be located inside or outside of the water tower. I I I September 8, 2p03 Page 3 of 6 , ! It was consensus that the City Council review the information provided tonight and make a final decision at the October 2, 2003 City Council meeting. Rassier stated that it is his personal opinion that the negotiations can be done at an Administrative level as they have handled the negotiating in the past. Rassier stated if the Public Works Director feels the equipment should be placed outside the tower, he:is not adverse to having six additional cabinets outside of the water tower. However, if the cabinets are to be located outside, he would prefer to have the cabinets completely fenced with cedar or metal, compléte with slating. Wick questioned if the equipment needs to be located on the north side of the water tower. Vershure replied stating the reason it would be located on the north side is that the existing carrier is I located on the north side and it was his understandin9 that they were going to keep the equipment ' together. Vershure clarified that it makes no difference to them as to where the equipment should be ! located. . I Hosch stated it is his opinion that the equipment should be located inside the water tower as the City h¡¡s recently expanded the storage space for the Maintenance Department. Hosch questioned what exactly is stored in the water tower and if the old and new Maintenance Facilities would meet the City's storage needs. Bettendorf stated that the water tower currently stores the emergency generators and I miscellaneous parts and equipment. , Bettendorf stated that the community is investing a fair amount of resources in the Wobegon Welcomin9 Center and questioned if the Council has considered how the cabinets will aesthetically affect the trail. I Wick stated he has a concern regarding the size of the equipment and concurs with Bettendorf regarding the aesthetics of the cabinets. , I Utsch questioned the noise level if the equipment were to be placed outside. Vershure stated the noise from the equipment can be heard approximately 50 yards away. Kangas clarified that they have simil~r equipment located in the City of Mankato, which abuts a residential neighborhood, and they have not I received any complaints. Utsch further questioned if the equipment interferes with any other frequenci'es, to which Venshure stated it does not. ' I Rassier made a motion to table the request to expand the tower lease agreement between the City of 51. Joseph and Northern PCS until the October 2, 2003 City Council meeting so that the staff can gather additional information and present the Council with a final proposal. The motion Was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS PROJECT UPDATES Northland Plat Seven: Bettendorf reported that Northland Plat Seven is near completion and is waiting for blacktop, which was to have been completed by Labor Day. : I Pond View Ridae Seven: Bettendorf reported that Pond View Ridge Seven is also near completion and that the paving has been completed. : I Interior Streets / Baker Street Lift Station: Bettendorf stated for all practical purposes, the 2002 Interiol Street Project and East Baker Lift Station are considered completed. However, there is one outstanding issue, constructing steps at the Menzhuber property. Rieke questioned if Bettendorf had the opportunity to review the intersection at 20d Avenue NW and County Road 75 and widen the turning radius. I Bettendorf responded that he not reviewed that matter but will in the next week] .' I Graceview Estates I: Bettendorf reported that the paving has been completed, however there IS an Issue with the trail that will be discussed at the September 23, 2003 Joint City Council and Planning Commission meeting. September 18, 2003 Page 4 of 6 Graceview Estates II: Bettendorf reported that the City is waiting for the Developer's Agreement to be executed as they would like to begin construction. Rassier questioned if the Developer has been given authority to begin work and drill core samples. Bettendorf responded that since the Development I Agreement has not been executed, no work should be done. He will research this matter and report back to the City Office. County Road 121: Bettendorf reported that the Stearns County Engineer would be setting up a walk- through sometime next week. Libertv Pointe: Bettendorf reported that Liberty Pointe is progressing as planned in the construction documents. SE Utilitv Improvement: Bettendorf reported that there are some minor issues that are unresolved, including a casting adjustment that needs to be completed. ARCON Development: Bettendorf reported that the developer for ARCON Development is working on the AUAR and as part of their environmental review, they would like to identify the future transportation corridors. Specific corridor discussion should include the impact of the development in relation to potential connections between Jade Road and 88th Avenue. Bettendorf also reported that he participated in a meeting with City, Township and County representatives regarding the proposed development. The engineer for the Acron Development was also present and discussed potential corridors and access to the Heim/Bechtold property. The engineer for Arcon will be providing the City with proposed transportation routes and it is anticipated that the City and Township will meet jointly to discuss the alternatives. . State-Aid Citv: Bettendorf reported that he had been informed by the Department of Transportation that the City's population has been certified and is now considered a State-Aid City again. MAYOR REPORTS I Maintenance Facility: Hosch reported that the EDA has officially taken ownership of the Maintenance Facility and is holding a retainage in the amount of $ 48,000 for any outstanding issues Hosch questioned Bettendorf if the City should be seeding or planting around the holding pond. Bettendorf stated he would recommend laying a wood fiber blanket around the pond area which would then establish a ground cover. However, the risk with a wood fiber blanket is if a heavy rainfall would occur before vegetation is established, the holding pond could washout. 5-Year Transportation Plannina Meetinq: Hosch reported that Steams County will be conducting a public meeting on the County 5-Year Transportation Plan. The meeting will be held on September 30, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at the Stearns County Highway Department Building. Hosch stated that he will be encouraging the County to place the CR 2 bypass back into their five year transportation plan. The inclusion of the road will help the City in its efforts to route truck traffic to County Road 75 and will help provide commercial growth around Interstate 94. Growth Related Issues: Hosch reported that he has received numerous complaints from residents in SI. Joseph regarding dirty streets and washouts. Due to the amount of activity/development in SI. Joseph, the City cannot enforce erosion control measures effectively. Weyrens concurred with Hosch that the City does not have the staff to strictly enforce erosion control. However, in an attempt to hold the Developers responsible, enforcement measures are being drafted into the Development Agreement. Enforcement measures include requiring a deposit for street cleaning and the City would contract with an outside vendor if needed. In addition, the agreement will include language that will allow the City to stop construction until violations are corrected. I I I I ! , I September 18, 2p03 Page 5 þf 6 Levv Limits: Hosch reported that the new levy limits restrictions imposed by the Legislature does not I include a provision for growih. Therefore, Hosch questioned if the City should be monitoring the growth of SI. Joseph and determining when building permits need to be limited. Hosch stated it is his opinion I that SI. Joseph is growing too fast. I ¡ Field Street Studv: Hosch stated he would like to expedite the Field Street study and questioned if the I City can advance fund the study. The funds were awarded for the year 2006. Bettendorf stated that th'e City can move forward with the study and advance fund the expenditure. When funds are advanced th'e City either fronts the costs internally or issues a short term bond. I , SI. Cloud APO Executive Board Meetina: Hosch reported that he recentiy attended an APO meeting of the Executive Committee where they discussed funding for the Sauk Rapids bridge. Sauk Rapids is I requesting to place the funding for the Bridge as a high priority. The Executive Committee has not made a recommendation at this time. ' Industrial Park: Hosch reported that the EDA is in the process of identifying a new Industrial Park i.n St¡1 Joseph. EDA consultants, Municipal Development Group, have been working with property owners to identify potential sites. Using the current absorption rate for industrial property, It is anticipated that the City will run out of Industrial Property in 18 months. COUNCIL REPORTS RIEKE - No Report. RASSIER Crosswalk - SI. Joseph Parish: Rassier reported he has been contacted by several residents regarding the crosswalk located by SI. Joseph Church and College Avenue South and questioned if the County has resolved the issue as to how may crosswalk will be allowed on College Avenue and where they will bel located. Further, Rassier questioned if there was a crosswalk prior to the reconstruction of CR 121, I would it be replaced automatically. Bettendorf stated he would do further research and report back to ¡the City Council. ! Weyrens reported that the Stearns County Engineer did conduct a meeting regarding the designation bf crosswalks on College Avenue South. The SI. Joseph Church has requested to have a crosswalk froin the entrance of the church to the parking lot and another crosswalk at the main entrance of the College of SI. Benedict and College Avenue South. Weyrens stated she has not heard what the outcome of the I meeting was at this time. I I Chamber of Commerce: Rassier thanked the SI. Joseph Chamber of Commerce for the luncheon they provided at the new Maintenance Facility and their efforts in promoting and retaining local businesses! Rieke reported that he too attended the meeting and was excited to see cooperation between the City: and the Chamber of Commerce regarding the Wobegon Welcoming Center. I I WICK . Flexible Spendina Accounts: Wick reported that he had viewed the LMC Bulletin and noticed that on September 3, 2003, the IRS approved the inclusion of ovver-the-counter drugs to be expended through the employees' Flexible Spending Accounts. i UTSCH - No Report. ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS September 18, 2003 Page 6 of6 Joint City Council and Plannina Commission MeetinG: The City Council and Planning Commission will meet in joint session on September 23, 2003 at 7;00 p.m. at City Hall. The agenda includes the public hearing for the Zoning Ordinance, Graceview Estates Trail System and tree preservation. Adiourn: Rassier made a motion to adjourn at 8:10 PM; seconded by Utsch and passed unanimously. I I I