HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 [06] Jun 19
I
I
I
i
I
,
I
June 19, 2003
Page 1 of9
I I
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session '
on Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall.
City Council Members Present: Mayor Larry Hosch. Councilors Ross Rieke, Dale Wick, Gary Utsch, and
AI Rassier. City Administrator Judy Weyrens. I
~ity Reoresentatives Present: Fire Chief Dave Theisen, Wastewater Operator Jim Marthaler I
Others Present: Roger Beuning, Barb Beuning, Jerry Hettwer, Ken Twit, Joyce Stock, Dick Stock, Karen
Kalkman, Sue Meers, Nel Pfannenstein, AI Maleska, Bob Pfannenstein, Jeannette Pfannenstein I
Aoprove Aaenda: Utsch made a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes: II
1. Removal of the approval of the May minutes.
2. Remove consent agenda item 3(d), North Central Truck Accessories Development
Agreement, as Councilor Wick stated he has a conflict of interest regarding that
matter.
The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously.
Consent Aaenda: Wick made a motion to approve consent agenda as presented; seconded by
Rieke and passed unanimously.
a. Removed.
b. Bills Payable - Approved Check Numbers 32902 - 32964
c. Liquor License Renewal - Authorized the Mayor and Administrator to execute the 2003-2004
Intoxicating Liquor Licenses.
d. Removed.
e. Development Agreement - Authorized the Mayor and Administrator to execute a Development
Agreement between the City of St. Joseph and BTL for the construction of a 16,000 square foot
faciiity in the St. Joseph Business Park. ' I
f. Public Works Faciiity _ Change Order: Approved change Order #9 adding wainscoting to the éast
and west of the facility. I
g. Preliminary/Final Plat Buettner Plat 3: Approved the Preliminary and Final Plat for Buettner
Business Park 3 contingent upon the approval of the City Engineer. '
h. Easement Encroachment: Authorized the Administrator to execute the permit to allow a fence'
across an easement for property located at 209 - 9" Avenue SE contingent upon the Installation of
M~~~~ . i
i. Premise Gambling License: Approved the Premise Gambling Applications for the St. Joseph I
Jaycees to conduct lawfui gambling at Sal's Bar & Grill, S1. Joe Amoco Liquor and JM Speedstop.
j. Ordinance 36 Repeal and re-enact. Authorized the Mayor and Administrator to execute an i
amendment repealing Ordinance 36 and reenacting the same to allow the City to receive PEG fees
and to re-establish the Cable Franchises. I
Development Aareement. North Central Truck Accessories: Rassier made a motion to authorize the
Mayor and Administrator to execute a Development Agreement between the City of 51. Joseph' and
I North Central Truck Accessories for the construction of a 30,000 square foot facility in the 51. I
Joseph Business Park. The motion was seconded by Utsch. I
Ayes: Hosch, Rassier, Utsch, Rieke '
Nays: None Abstain: Wick Motion Carried: 4:0:1
Public Comments: No one wished to speak.
Residents of Ash Street. discussion on proposed Interim Use Permit: Joyce Stock of 220 Ash Street E:ast,
approached the City Council as a representative of concerned citizens who want to keep their I
neighborhood comfortable and family friendly. Stock stated that Ash Street is becoming a neighborhood
I of rental units and long term residents are feeling "pushed out" of their homes. It appears that everytime
a home in the Ash Street area is placed on the market, it is converted to rental property. i
I
June 19, 2003
Page 2 of 9
Stock clarified that in her opinion property that is converted to rental units do not receive the same care
as a home that is not rental. The recent City clean up day is a good example of the difference between a I
rental home and one that is not. The pickup day was scheduled for May 29, 2003 and the rental property
had mattress, furniture and miscellaneous garbage at the curb three weeks prior to the scheduled pickup.
Stock stated that non-rental property did not follow the same practice and the City should require
landlords to keep their garbage inside a garage until the next scheduled pickup. Stock encouraged the
Council to deny the Interim Use Permit that is before the Council at this meeting and continue to work
towards saving the integrity of the neighborhoods.
Jeannette Pfannenstein of 208 Ash Street East, approached the City Council speaking in opposition of
the Interim Use Permit proposed at 209 East MN Street. The Interim Use Permit will allow an owner
occupied rental unit in a Residential Zoning District. Pfannenstein stated that she owns property directly
behind 209 Minnesota Street East.· She stated that she attended the Planning Commission meeting on
June 2, 2003 and did not feel the residents were afforded the same opportunity to speak at the meeting
as the petitioner. Pfannenstein stated she had asked the Planning Commission Chair if her questions
would be responded to and his response was "if I can remember them all". However, when Mr. Kalkman
approached the Planning Commission, he was able to give his opinion and received answers. She stated
it was her understanding that a public hearing is to listen to both sides of an issue.
Pfannenstein stated that it is her understanding that John Kalkman and his daughter Kathryn are the
owners of the property in question. Pfannenstein questioned if the Council has considered what happens
in the event that one of the property owners become deceased, does the Interim Use Permit continue or
cease. She further questioned if the matter has to be reconsidered, will the Planning Commission
conduct another hearing and notify the owners?
Utsch clarified that as long as the property is owner occupied, regardless if one of the owners is
deceased, the Interim Use Permit would be valid. Utsch stated it is his opinion that the implementation of
Interim Use Permits for owner occupied rental units, provides the City a greater opportunity to control I
unacceptable behaviors. Interim Use Permits allow the City to review the license each year and establish
an expiration date for the permit. The former method of issuing a Special Use Permit allowed the
property to continue indefinitely as a rental unit.
Pfannenstein stated that at the public hearing before the Planning Commission, Commissioner Deutz
stated that Kathyrn Kalkman is a young adult trying to establish herself. Pfannenstein stated it is her
opinion that Kalkman is pursuing the Interim Use Permit to reduce living costs while attending the College
of St. Benedict. As all freshman and sophomores are required to live on campus unless the College
relieves the requirement, the City should have required a written release from the College before
conducting a public hearing.
Pfannenstein expressed frustration with the actions of the Planning Commission. The Commission was
presented with a petition signed by 41 property owners expressing opposition to the proposed Interim
Use Permit and it did not appear to be considered by the Planning Commission. Pfannenstein clarified
that the property owners signing the petition are not against student housing, rather the conversion of
residential neighborhoods into rental districts. In her opinion the issuance of the Interim Use Permit will
eventually devalue the existing housing stock. Pfannenstein encouraged the Council to protect the
downtown residential districts.
Pfannenstein questioned what happened to the recommendations of the former housing committee that
reviewed the absorption and conversion of single family homes. A moratorium was placed on rental
licenses during the study and it was her understanding that when the moratorium was lifted rental units
would not longer be allowed in a Residential Zoning District. Pfannenstein stated that she along with the
residents that signed the petition do not understand how the City Council could change the Ordinance
without notifying the residents. She further stated that since rental licensure and allowance of such is a
major concern, the City should send a mailed notice to all the residents of St. Joseph.
I
I
I
I
I
June 19, 2003
Page 3 of 9
I
Hosch clarified that the members who are currently on the City Cguncil, were not members at the time the
moratorium was rescinded. Hosch clarified that the City Council did place a moratorium on rental. I
licenses three years ago so that a committee could review how to preserve the older housing stock and I
keep the integrity of the neighborhood. The moratorium resulted in the Ordinance being amended to only
allow owner occupied rental in R1 Zoning Districts and require a special use permit for the issuance of I
such. During the moratorium the Council did grant an Interim Use Permit to allow a home on Ash Street
to be rented while the property owner was in a nursing home. The Interim Use Permit was issued for I
specific tenants and ceases when they move out. I
i
--.'.~''''''''"'''.'''''''~'''''''-..~,,"-.'i'
Rassier stated that he was on the City Council when the moratorium was in place and concurred the
reason was to review the process for securing a rental license and at the same time try to establish an
Ordinance that would protect the integrity of the neighborhoods. With regard to the recent Ordinance
change, Rassier stated that in his opinion the new Ordinance further protects the neighborhoods and the
residents need to give the Ordinance a chance before criticizing the provisions. Before the new " I
Ordinance was adopted a public hearing notice was published in the St. Joseph Newsleader and a copy
of the proposed Ordinance was available for review in the City Offices. i
I
Pfannenstein quoted a reading from an editorial in the St. Cloud Times, "If people think their I'
neighborhoods have a distinct character, they had better define it now and be ready to fight like hell to
preserve it. A home is not only a place you can choose to leave, but is also something that can be take
from you and utterly changed when you are not paying attention." Pfannenstein feels the neighborhood
she resides In are paying attention. I
I
Roger Beuning of 120 Minnesota Sf. E., approached the City Council objecting to the proposed Interim!
Use Permit. Beuning stated that if the Council approves the request before them at this meeting i
precedence will be set and the Council will have no alternative but to approve each request. Beunlng I
further stated that it is his opinion that the Ordinance should prohibit rental units in the residential
neighborhoods as it is beginning to deteriorate the neighborhoods. Beuning stated that he has lived in' St.
Joseph since 1963 but due to the over-saturation of rental units in the residential districts he will be forced
to sell his home, moving to another City" I
John Kalkman. Interim Use Permit - Rental in R-1. 209 Minnesota Street East: Weyrens reported the I
Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on June 2, 2003 for the issuance of an Interim Use
Permit that would allow an owner occupied rental unit at 209 Minnesota Street East. John Kalkman along
with his daughter Kathryn Kalkman are listed as the property owners, validating that the property will be
I owner occupied. Weyrens stated that proof of ownership was provided at the public hearing on June 2,
2003 I
I
The Planning Commission recommended the Council approve an Interim Use Permit to John and Kathryn
Kalkman to allow an owner occupied rental in a Residential Zoning District. Th,e recommendation for I
approval included the following contingencies: .
1. The rental license will be reviewed by the Planning Commission in July of 2004 at which time 'any
violations wili be discussed and continuance of the rental license wili be determined.
2. The annual rental iicense application must provide proof of ownership to verify that the renta
license is issued to a property owning living at the same premise.
3. The Interim Use Permit wili expire on August 14, 2006.
Weyrens stated that since the public hearing, the College of St. Benedict has forwarded a letter
discussing the release of Kathryn from the housing requirement that all freshman and sophomores li'Ie on
campus. The release is only granted If the City Council approves the Interim Use Permit. As of this date,
Kathryn has not been released. At the public hearing the Planning Commission was presented with a
petition of 41 property owners surrounding the subject property all of whom objected to the issuance bf
the Interim Use Permit. .
I Hosch stated he believes that if someone were to own a home, he/she should be allowed to rent a portion
of the home, as they have a vested interest in the property and the community. Hosch stated that he has
June 19, 2003
Page 4 of 9
been a supporter of the Ordinance allowing owner occupied rental in residential zoning districts, but has
concerns as to how the application before the Council was submitted. He stated that proof of ownership
was not presented until June 2, 2003 and questioned why, if Kalkman was aware of the Ordinance
requirements, was the daughter not listed on the purchase agreement when the application for Interim
Use was submitted.
I
In addition to Kathryn not being listed on the purchase agreement, Hosch questioned the letter from the
College of St. Benedict. Hosch stated that it was his understanding that Kalkman represented at the
public hearing that Kathryn had been released from the housing requirement, when in reality she has not.
Based on the application received for the Interim Use Permit and the letter from the College of St.
Benedict, Hosch questioned if the intent of the Ordinance has been met or manipulated. Wick concurred
with Hosch and questioned the process used by Kalkman and stated it is his opinion that the intent of the
Ordinance has not been met.
John Kalkman of 209 Ash Street East, approached the City Council and clarified that Kathryn was not
involved in the original purchase of the property but has since been listed as owner by quit claim deed.
Karen Kalkman of 209 Ash Street East, approached the City Council on behalf of her daughter Kathryn.
She stated that Kathryn was unable to sign the purchase agreement as she was studying abroad when
the property was purchased. The bank recommended that the property be placed in John's name alone
or John and herself until a time when the property could be quit claim deeded to Kathryn.
Weyrens clarified that the original purchase agreement presented the City along with the application was
dated April 18, 2003 and did not bear Kathryn's name. The City Offices received several amendments,
all which were dated April1S'h, with the final submittal including Kathryn's name but a signature page was
not included. It was shortly before the public hearing that Kalkman indicated that his daughter was
studying abroad and would not be available to sign the purchase agreement. Weyrens stated that he did
agree to quit claim the property to Kathryn, which has been completed.
I
Karen Kalkman stated she has not viewed the letter the City received from the College of St. Benedict
and was not aware they submitted written testimony. She further stated they had notified the College of
their intent to purchase the property and that Kathryn had attended a hearing to consider her request to
be relieved from the housing requirement. The College had informed her that she would be released and
that if something were to happen she would be provided College housing.
Rieke questioned if there was discussion that he was not aware of, as to what saturation level is there in
a neighborhood and how does the City define a neighborhood in that regard. Hosch stated the Planning
Commission will be establishing density guidelines for rentals within a neighborhood at an upcoming
meeting and will forward a recommendation to the City Council.
Rassier stated that he is of the opinion that there should not be any additional rental units in R-1 Zoning
Districts. However, with the economy as it is today, that there are people who do need to rent a portion of
their home to make it affordable.
Rassier made a motion to issue an Interim Use Permit to John and Kathryn Kalkman of 209
Minnesota Street East, allowing an owner occupied rental unit at said address. Issuance is
contingent upon the following:
1. The rental license will be reviewed by the Planning Commission in July of 2004and
each subsequent year thereafter that a rental license application is submitted, at
which time any violations will be discussed and continuance of the rental license
will be determined.
2. The annual rental license application must include proof of ownership to verify that
the rental license is issued to a property owning living at the same premise.
3. The Interim Use Permit will expire on August 14, 2006.
I
The motion was seconded by Utsch.
I
I
I
':k""¡·-<i·'¡
.;,.,~.,-."
I
June 19,2003
Page 5 of 9
I
i
I
Ayes: Rassier, Utsch, Rieke
Nays: Hosch, Wick
~ ... . "'oi."
Motion ~arried: 3:2:0
i
,
,
Discussion: Weyrens clarified that the City Ordinance requires a full majority of the entire Council,
not just those present. Therefore, approval would require a minimum vote of 4 ayes. Kalkman I
questioned if there is an appeal process or if he can re-apply for the Interim Use Permit. Kalkman
was instructed to contact Weyrens and she wíll provide the requested information. I
I
The Council recessed at 7:35 PM, reconvening at 7:45 PM.
Linda Schvma. Special Use Permit - Allow a rental in a General Business Zonina District: Weyrens
reported the Planning Commission initially considered a request by Linda Schyma for a Special Use
Permit and Variance to allow a rental unit in a General Business Zoning District. The variance would
have allowed parking for the rental unit to be in excess of 350 feet of the property. The Planning
Commission recommended the Council deny the request and Informed Schyma that If parking could be
secured within 350 feet of the property they would reconsider her request. I
Since the May 5, 2003 public hearing, Schyma has received a letter of intent whereby the St. Joseph i
Parish would permit seven parking spaces in their parking lot for the rental unit. Weyrens stated that she
has discussed the proposed parking with the Parish Administrator and she stated that the Parish Council
has not considered the matter as the property owner for Papa Guiseppe has not returned a contract for
the parking. When the contract is submitted the Parish Council will review the request and make a fimll
determination. I
Rieke made a motion to approve the Special Use Permit request of Linda Schyma issuing a I
Special Use Permit allowing a rental unit in a General Business Zoning District for property I
located at 11 College Avenue North. Issuance is contingent upon the following:
1. A copy of the contract for parking must be provided to the City annually with the i
license application. The contract must coincide with the rental license period and if
the parking ceases, the Special Use Permit shall become null and void. I
2. The parking spaces must be designated for the exclusive use of the rental unit and
must be available 24/7.
3. The rental license must meet all applicable building and fire codes. If the codes ar
not meet the license will not be issued or will be suspended at the time when a
violation occurs.
The motion was seconded by Hosch and passed unanimously.
,
Nancv Scott. Buildinq Official. Plat Review Fee: Building Official Nancy Scott presented the Council with
I information regarding adoption of the new Uniform Building Code. As stated at the May 15 Council I
meeting, the Building Code requires that all building permits include a fee for plan review. Scott stated
that the language of the new code is confusing. The old code states, "Said plan review fee shall be 65%
of the building permit fee" and the new code makes no specific reference to plan review fees other thim
stating that multiple plans shall only be charged a plan review fee of 25%. I
i
Scott requested the Council adopt a plan review fee for residential permits equal to 25% of the building
permit fee with a flat fee for decks, roofing, windows and siding. . She further reported that the permit fee
schedule would remain the same since the new code makes no specific dollar amount recommendations
for permit fees.
,
Utsch and Rassier stated that is was their understanding the building permit fee in place covers all fees
and compensation, including the plan review fee. Scott stated her job as Building Official is more than
issuing the a permit. As a Building Official she must review the plan for building code compliance, I
complete all the required inspections, respond to all inquires regarding permits and she has liability for
new homes for a period of ten (10) years. Scott further stated the plan review fee is treated differently
than the inspection fees, whereas the current fee structure is to cover the costs of the actual inspections,
the new fee would verify that the building meets the St. Joseph Code of Ordinances. i
June 19, 2003
Page 6 of 9
Scott expressed concern with information Councilors received regarding a cost analysis on altemative
Building Inspection Services. First, Scott stated that she did not receive the information until shortly I
before the meeting and in reviewing the information it appears to be inaccurate. Secondly Scott stated
that in February she informed the City that based on the high volume of building activity the City will need
to consider hiring a full time Building Official. Scott stated that she would assist the City with the transition
and completing an accurate cost analysis. Scott also questioned the statement on the information that
insinuated that bids were being received.
Weyrens stated that she had been asked by the Council to provide information as to what options are
available for Building Inspection Services. Weyrens stated that she is aware of three altematives: 1)
Contract service on an as need basis; 2) Contract service staffing the office with regular hours (similar to
the services provided for Economic Development) and 3) Hiring a staff inspector. Weyrens stated that
information included in the packet is not for action at this time and was a response to a Council inquiry.
Requests for services have not been requested at this time as additional research is needed. Hosch and
Rieke clarified that the City is not unhappy with the services of Allspec, rather question at what time it is
fiscally responsible to hire a staff person.
Hosch cautioned the Council against trying to assume what fee is too much and what fee is not enough
without knowing the intricacy of Scott's position. Hosch further stated that the 'ntemational Building Code
clearly states that a plan review fee must be collected and the Council needs to implement MN Statute.
He further stated that he is in favor of a plan review fee, but wants to make sure that the City is not
burdening themselves into a fee structure that is substantially higher than our neighboring cities. Rieke
stated he knows that a plan review fee will be adopted but is uncertain at this time what that fee should
be.
Hosch made a motion to amend Appendix A of the 51. Joseph Code of Ordinances to include a
plan review fee for all residential building permits. The plan review fee will be equal to 25%of the
Building Permit fee. Within the next 30 the plan review fee should be negotiated with the Building
Official, Nancy Scott, with a final recommendation forwarded to the City Council. The motion was
seconded by Wick.
I
Hosch amended his motion to the following: Hosch made a motion acknowledging that
the International Building Code requires that all building permits include a plan review fee.
At this time the City is not ready to determine the amount of the plan review fee and a
recommendation will be forwarded to the Council for the July 17, 2003 City Council
Meeting. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
Fire Chief Reports: Fire Chief Dave Theisen presented the Council with the six month activity report for
the period December 1, 2002 through May 31, 2003. As requested by the Council, the following table
illustrates the call summary for the current period along with a comparison to the prior year. Theisen
stated that since the call cost is derived from the number of responders for each call, the six month fire
contribution will vary.
2003 2002
Emergency Calls $12,980 $9,835
Drill hours 1170 @ 5.00 5,850 7,240
Chiefs Salary 800 800
Assistant Chiefs Salary 425 425
Secretary's Salary 150 150
Treasurer's Salary 290 290
Total $20,495 $18,740
City of St. Joseph Calls 55 61 I
St. Joseph Township Calls 46 48
St. Wendel Township Calls 24 12
I
I
I
I
June 19,2003
Page 7 of9
Mutual Aid Calls,
Total Calls
1
126
1
122
Medical Calls
Fire Calls
95
31
93
29
I
Rassier made a motion to accept the Fire Report for the period December 1,2002 through May 31,
2003 and authorizing the expenditure of $,20,495. The motion was seconded by Rieke and passlid
unanimously. I
Victor Aho. Request for Annexation. Morninaside Estates (County Road 121 ): Victor Aho, owner of Aho
Homes approached the Council requesting annexation for Morningside Estates. 'Aho stated that he I
recently appeared before St. Joseph Township requesting detachment of Morningside Estates.
Morningslde Estate is located adjacent to the St. Joseph Township Hall and contains 23 acres. Aho
presented the Council with three concept plans for single family development.
Weyrens stated that utility services area available to the property and St. Joseph Township has approv~d
the detachment request as the three criteria (petition, services are available and the property is I
contiguous) have been satisfied. Weyrens clarified that the property owner has been notified that building
permits may be limited in the event the City infrastructure cannot accommodate growth and the petition
has been made aware of the affordable housing requirements. I
Rassier made a motion to adopting Resolution 2003-_ Ordering annexation of Morningside
Estates as requested by Victor Aho. The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed
unanimously.
James Schweael. discussion on the 2nd Avenue NW Truck Route Desianation: 'James Schwegel
approached the City Council requesting justification as to why the truck route has been moved from
County Road 2 (Minnesota Street) to 2' Avenue NW. Schwegel stated in his opinion designating 2'd
Avenue NW as a truck route Is a safety hazard as the intersection radius at Minnesota StreeUCounty
Road 2 is not designed for truck traffic. Schwegel also questioned how the property owners on 2'd ,
Avenue NW are going to be compensated for the repairs that will be required due to the truck traffic. !
Schwegel stated that if the City designates a truck route then they should be prepared to pay for street
repair and the abutting property owners should not be assessed. '
Hosch stated that the City needs to provide a route for the trucks to gain access to 1-94 and County Rbad
2. The alternative truck route is Minnesota Street and Hosch stated that he cannot justify directin~ trutks
14 blocks down a residential street. When the City assessed the adjoining property owners on 2' I
Avenue NW the City Council recognized the truck traffic and reduced the assessment of the overlay by
10%. Hosch further stated that the only good alternative at this time is to expedite the process of :
redesigning the direction of County Road 2.
, Rieke stated he sympathizes with Schwegel as his neighborhood provided the detour in 2002 when 2~d
Avenue NW was being overlayed. Rieke further stated that while some streets are designed and built as
commercial streets, homeowners are not penalized for living on such. Weyrens stated the Council I
adopted an assessment policy whereby street assessments are based on the tax classification. Property
classified as homestead are assessed for the construction of a residential street while non-homestead
property is assessed for a commercial street. I
i
Hosch stated he could advocate for establishing a reasonable expectation for the life expectancy of 2nd
Avenue NW. If the road were to deteriorate at a faster rate, the property owner should not be expected to
pay the full assessment rate. Rieke concurred with Hosch and requested that the City enforce the weight
restrictions of the City streets as posted. i
June 19, 2003
Page 8 of9
CITY ENGINEER REPORTS
Water Main Extension - Elm Street East to 8th Avenue NE (Vet Clinic): Weyrens reported that Bettendorf
is requesting approval to p,repare construction plans and specifications to construct a 16-inch Water Main
from Elm Street East to 8 h Avenue NE. The purpose of the project is to continue the 16-inch water main
loop from 8th Avenue NE, west to the existing 12-inch water main line located near 1" Avenue NE. The
urgency of this project has escalated due to construction of the Lake Wobegon Trail and the storm water
piping for the apartment complex being developed by Mark Lambert. It would be beneficial to get the
water main in the ground before either of the aforementioned projects are completed.
The estimated project cost, construction and engineering, is $238.228. In addition to the construction and
engineering costs, the City will be required to obtain a permit from the State Rail Bank (SRB) as the
watermain will be installed in the MNDot railbed. The initial permit fee is $1,000 for the underground
utility crossing to Cedar Street East. In addition the City must sign a 20-year lease fee paying $2 per
lineal foot of the corridor that is used. The total permit fee is estimated at $7,250.
Weyrens stated that while the Trunk Sewer Fund has sufficient funds to pay for the water line extension, it
would drain the fund to zero and the City would have to rely on growth to pay for other utility line
extension charges and to provide the annual debt service payment for outstanding bond issues.
Therefore, Weyrens recommended the Council add the cost to the 2003 Bond Issue with the revenue
being contributed from the Trunk Sewer Fund.
Rieke made a motion authorizing the Engineer to prepare the plans and 'ï'ecifications for the
extension of the 16" watermain, to complete the water system between 8 Avenue NE and Elm
Street East. The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously.
Discussion: Wick questioned if the old Burlington Northern Railway will be paved at the same
time the City is installing the watermain. Weyrens stated that the paving of the Wobegon Trail
between A van and St. Joseph is scheduled to begin in July. The City will coordinate the
construction with MNDot as they control the permits required by the City.
Hosch emphasized that even though this is the most cost effective time to complete this project, ff
the completion requires a contribution from the General Fund or levy, it cannot be completed.
The City is restricted by levy limits and he wants to assure that the reserves for the City remain
healthy.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS
Generator Conversion: Wastewater operator Jim Marthaler approached the Council to request
authorization to convert two generators from 208 volts to 240 volts. Marthaler stated that before the
reconstruction of the East Baker Lift Station, the existing generators provided alternative power in the
event of a power failure. The lift station could have been converted to accommodate 208 volts but the
cost to do so exceeded $ 17,000. Therefore, it seemed more economical to convert the generator at a
cost of $ 2,300. If the City would experience a power failure, the generator would only operate the lift
station for 1 or 2 hours. Marthaler requested the Council authorize the expenditure of $ 4,600 to convert
two generators to 240 volts.
Rassier made a motion authorizing the expenditure of $ 4,600 for the conversion of two
generators to 240 volts as requested. The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed
unanimously.
I
I
I
I
I
I
.. ·",·i.:'""·,,^"^:"'''''-···~·'-'''-''·.- ~.:,,_..",'<
I
June 19, 2003
Page 9 of9
i
I
MAYOR REPORTS
Stearns Countv Meetina: Hosch stated that participated in a meeting with City stàff and the Stearns
County Engineer. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss outstanding issues and included the
following:
1.
I
County Road 2 bypass - The current Stearns County Highway Five Year Transportation
Plan does not include the County Road 2 bypass as the County does not have funding I
for such. However, the Stearns County Engineer stated that the City can work with the'
County to move this project to a funding level. Hosch stated that he will be pursuing this
matter and contacting the St. Cloud Area Planning Organization. '
2. Northland Drive Signal Light - Hosch reported that the St. Cloud Area Planning
Organization and Stearns County Highway Department are in the process of preparing' a
traffic analysis for the intersection of Northland Drive and County Road 75. Hosch stated
that once the analysis is completed a meeting will be established to discuss what options
for signalization are available.
3. County Road 121 _ Hosch stated that the County is aware of the concerns of the City i
regarding the sewer line installation and they are working with the general contractor to
resolve the problem.
Ordinance Amendments: Hosch requested the Planning Commission review th'e temporary Sign I
Ordinance as it relates to real estate and leasing signs. At the recent EDA Meeting it was discussed that
leasing signs could only be displayed for 45 days and that may not be sufficient for a new building. Utsch
stated that he would forward the concern to the Planning Commission.
EDA Update: The St. Joseph EDA met recently and discussed the marketing agreement between th~
City of St. Joseph and Leo Buettner. The marketing agreement allows the EDA staff to sell property at an
established price. As the agreement expires in September 2003, the EDA is working with Leo Buettner to
determine If the agreement will be renewed. Buettner has requested a substantial increase in lot price
and the EDA will be meeting specially to discuss the extension of the agreement. I
COUNCIL REPORTS
RIEKE - No Report
RASSIER
Leaaue of Minnesota Cities Conference: Reported that he attended the League of Minnesota Cities
Conference in St. Cloud and it was very informative.
WICK - No Report
UTSCH
I
Plannina Commission Matters: Utsch reported that the Planning Commission will be meeting on June 23,
2003 to discuss proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Topics of discussion will include:
density requirements in R1 Zoning Districts, exterior requirements in R3 Zoning Districts, setback
requirements in R1 Zoning Districts and the Sign Ordinance.
Adiourn: Utsch made a motion to adjourn at 8:45 PM; seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
I
,
;
( ifJ¡1:~
I
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
I
I