HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 [04] Apr 15
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April 15, ;2004
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session
on Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. ¡
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Members Present: Mayor Larry Hosch. Councilors Gary Utsch, AI Rassier, Ross Rieke, Dale Wick. City
Administrator Judy Weyrens.
City ReDresentatives Present: City Engineer(s) Joe Bettendorf and Tracy Ekola, Building Official Ron
Wasmund i
Approve AQenda: Wick made a motion to approve the agenda with the foll~wing changes:
Remove 3(b) Minutes
Add 13(d) Amendment to developer's agreement for Northland Plat 7
Move 3(c) Discuss Investment Policy after MHI
The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously.
Consent AQenda: Utsch made a motion to approve consent agenda as follows. A motion was
seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. !
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
I f.
g.
Bills Payable - Approve check numbers 34058 - 34149
Removed
Investment Policy - Removed for discussion later in the meeting
Gambling License - Accept the Premise Permit for the St. Joseph Recreation for lawful
gambling to be conducted at the La Playette.
Business Associate Agreement - Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute and
Agreement between the City of St. Joseph and Holland & Frank to share protected
information (HIPPA).
Ordinance Adoption - Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the adoption of
Ordinance 44, Storm Water Utility.
Cigarette License - Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Cigarette License
for Coborn's Inc" for 304 College Avenue North.
Public Comments to the AQenda: No one present wished to speak.
St. JoseDh Park Board-Park Dedication Fee, calculation methods Bruce Berghorst chair of the Park
Board appeared before the Council to present a proposed amendment to Ordinance 54.18, Park'
Dedication. Berghorst stated that the Park Board has recently received an analysis of the area Cities
Park Dedication policies. In reviewing the analysis, it was noted that the fees ili St. Joseph are less than
the surrounding Cities. In addition, the area Cities base the Park Dedication fee on a per iot basis, I
determining the amount of parkland that is required per capita.
The current method of calculating park dedication fees is based on the totai per acre paid for the property
being developed. While the current method has worked weii for the City, it is inconsistent when I
comparing developments. For example, if Northland only paid $8,000 per acre and Graceview paid I
$15,000 per acre, Graceview would have a much larger requirement with the need for parks being th~
same. Therefore, changing the Parkland dedication fee to a per lot fee would be more consistent anq
provide for equal contribution. ¡ I
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Rassier questioned whether or not traiis would be included in these park dedication fees and was
informed that they are not. Hosch stated that he is supportive of the proposed change as the City needs
to continue providing and maintaining park areas. Rassier agreed with Hosch and stated that he wish'es
the City is able to accept the cash in lieu so that the funds could be used for maintenance of existing
parks rather than adding additional parks that we have to fund the maintenance.
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April 15, 2004
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Rassier made a motion authorizing the Planning Commission to conduct a public hearing for the
possible amendmentto Ordinance 54.18, Park Dedication. The motion was seconded by Wick and
passed unanimously.
Honer Homes-Prellminarv Plat. Braden & 6enit Place Weyrens reported that the Planning Commission
conducted a public hearing on March 1, 2004 for a preliminary plat for the two duplexes owned by Honer
Homes on East Minnesota Street. The platting is requested to allow the existing duplexes to be sold as
separate housing units. The Planning Commission tabled action on March 1,2004 and requested the City
Attorney review if the rental licenses for the property are transferable and if the density could be reduced
after the piatting is completed.
It was the opinion of the attorney that after the plat is completed; the property would be allowed to
continue as rental. However, upon issuance of a rental license, the property must meet the requirements
such as parking and room size. If the property meets the licensure requirements, each unit would be
aiiowed to rent to a maximum of five persons.
After reconsidering the matter at the Planning Commission on April 5, 2004, it was the recommendation
to approve the Preliminary and Final Plat of Braden and Benit Place. Weyrens clarified that the Plat
before the Council is more administrative, as the property is already developed. The proposed plat is
consistent with the Ordinance governing Common Interest Communities.
Rassier made a motion accepting the recommendation ofthe Planning Commission and
approving the preliminary and final plat for the following properties:
504 and 508 East Minnesota Street - Platted as Braden Place
606 and 608 East Minnesota Street - Platted as Benit Place
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The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
Minnesota Home ImDrovement. SDecial Use Request: Tom Borresch of Minnesota Home Improvement I
appeared before the Council requesting issuance of a Special Use Permit. Utsch stated that the Planning
Commission conducted a public hearing on April 5, 2004 to consider issuance of a Special Use Permit to
allow used trailer saies at the property located at 9 - 17'" Avenue NE. The property is zoned as 62,
Highway Business.
Utsch stated that the Planning Commission recommended approval with the contingency that the Special
Use Permit is only valid until May 1, 2005. The sunseting of the permit was included as 60rresch
indicated the use was for a one-year period, and he did not wish to meet the Ordinance requirements
regarding the parking area. If the use would extend beyond one year he would be required to do so. The
Planning Commission also recommended approval contingent upon the property owner adhering to the
Temporary Sign reguiations and the Outdoor Storage provisions.
Rassier stated that he is not opposed to the Special Use Request, but is concerned that the property
owner is not being required to meet all the provisions such as parking lot surface. Rassier stated it is his
opinion that the City should not be relieving requirements on a temporary basis and each use should be
viewed as a new business with adherence to the Ordinance.
Utsch made a motion to issue a Special Use Permit to Minnesota Home Improvement, 9 - 17'"
Avenue NE to sell used trailers with the following contingencies:
1. The Special Use Permit sunsets on May 1,2005.
2. Temporary signs will not be used for advertising the sales, unless application is made
in accordance with the Ordinance, including the maximum number of days allowed.
3. The property will meet all the outdoor standards for granting a special use permit in a
B2 Business District. This includes screening of areas that abut residential districts.
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Ayes: Hosch, Utsch, Wick, Rieke
Nays: Rassier Motion carried 4:1:0
Investment Policy: Weyrens stated that she has been approached by the Central Minnesota Federal
Credit Union to be considered as an official depository of the City as they are locating a branch in St.
Joseph. While the Council has already added the Credit Union as an official depository, the City also
needs to amend the Investment policy to add the regulatory agency requirements for Credit Unions. In
addition, all references to Bank will need to be changed to financial institutions. I
Wick made a motion to approve the Investment Policy as revised and cor~ected. The motion was
seconded by Utsch and passed unanimously. '
CITY ENGINEER REPORTS
RFP for Field Street Corridor Study: Bettendorf presented the Council with a proposed Request for
Proposal (RFP) for the Field Street Corridor Study. The RFP includes a project overview, project goa
and scope of work and deliverables. Rassier questioned where the RFP indicates that two alternative~
will be provided and if that is limiting the consultant to only provide two alternatives. Bettendorf stated
that the RFP indicated that two is the minimum but they could present more. Wick questioned if the I
minimum should be increased to provide additional alternatives. Bettendorf stated that he has submitied
the RFP to the St. Cloud APO for review and comment and will report back to the Council when a final
RFP is ready for circuiation. I
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Cellular 2000. Antenna Request: Bettendorf reported that he and the Public Works Director reviewed the
request of Cellular 2000 to install six (6) cabinets outside the water storage facility. Bettendorf stated that
the cabinets have been located so that they will not be a hindrance when the Wobegon Parking lot is I
paved on adjacent property. The recommendation authorizing the additional cabinets should include a
provision that the area be fenced and maintained. !. I
Hosch questioned what happened to the proposal where the equipment would be installed inside of the
water tower. Bettendorf responded that the Public Works Director reviewed the request and is of the I
opinion that the storage space may be needed by the City at some point, and installing equipment in that
area would eliminate future City use. In addition, to be in compliance with the Homeland Security Act,lthe
City should limit the number of persons who have access to the public water supply.
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Rassier questioned if the fencing could be expanded to include the existing cabinets already located at
the facility. Paul Vershure of Cellular 2000 stated that a competitor owns the equipment Rassier is I
referring to and they do not have any authority to enclose their equipment. However, he stated that he
would be willing to contact the competitor to see if a joint fence would be feasible. i
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Rassier made a motion to accept the drawing and placement of equipment at the water tower site
as requested by Cellular 2000 and as recommended by the City Engineer and Public Works :
Director. Approval is contingent upon the entire area being fenced. The motion was seconded by
Wick and passed unanimously. I
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New State Aid Routes: Bettendorf reported that the additional growth of the City has provided the City
with an opportunity to designate additional State Aid Roads. To maximize State Aid funding, Bettendorf is
requesting the Council consider including the following road segments as State Aid Roads:
1. 12th Avenue NE from Baker Street E to CSAH 75 (0.30miles)
2. 4th Avenue NE from Minnesota Street E (CR134) to CSAH 75 (O.11miles)
3. Field Street from Minnesota Street W (CSAH 2) to College Avenue S (CR121)
(O.90miles).
Bettendorf requested that the Council adopt three (3) separate resolutions identifying each of the
segments stated above as State Aid Roads. Wick questioned if some of the ex}sting State Aid Roads
April 15, 2004
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could be extended such as Field Street to 9151 Avenue. Bettendorf stated that the City cannot designate
any roads that are not located in the corporate limits. If the boundaries change, the City can always
reallocate the roadways. Hosch questioned Bettendorf if State Aid Funding can be utilized for
Transportation Studies, to which Bettendorf stated he would check.
Utsch made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the following
Resolutions adding road segments to the St. Joseph State Aid Road System:
2004-14 12th Avenue NE from Baker Str. E to CSAH 75 (0.30 miles)
2004.15 4'h Avenue NE from MN Str E (CR 134) to CSAH 75 (0.11 miles)
2004-16 Field Street from MN St W (CSAH 2) to College Ave S (0.90 miles)
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The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously.
WobeQon WelcominQ Center ParkinQ Lots: Bettendorf presented the Council with two proposed layouts
for parking lots for the Wobegon Welcoming Center. The building plans for the facility did not include
paving the parking area. Bettendorf stated that the City is also in the process of securing excess ROW
from Mark Lambert on the south side of the facility. The estimate to construct both parking areas is
approximately $ 163,000, with the north lot being $ 63,000. The parking lots would be complete with
drainage, curb and gutter.
Michael Deutz of the Building Committee approached the Council and stated the Wobegon Committee
felt it was important to provide parking for vehicles with trailers hauling snowmobiles or bicycles. The
proposed parking lot on the south would accommodate such. Deutz stated that the Committee has not
raised funds for the parking lot therefore the request is un-funded.
Bettendorf stated it is his recommendation that the north parking lot be constructed this Spring as it is
anticipated that the trail will be well used. Bettendorf stated it is important to establish the parking
boundaries before people establish their own parking areas. Hosch stated the he concurs with Bettendorf
that the north parking lot needs to be constructed. However, he is concerned how the parking lot
construction will be funded. Weyrens stated that she will contact Bond Counsel to determine if the costs
could be added to the 2003 Bond Issue with the re-payment through tax levy. Bettendorf stated that he is
requesting that the Council approve the layout, so he can send it to the Steams County Parks
Department for their concurrence and inclusion on their permit.
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Utsch made a motion to accept the parking lot plans for both the north and south parking lot and
authorize the construction of the north parking lot. Construction of the north lot is dependent
upon the City securing financing. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
TransDortation ConceDts: Bettendorf presented the Council with four (4) different transportation
alternatives in concept form, to be used for discussion purposes only. Bettendorf stated that the Council
shouid start visioning transportation routes as the City begins planning for the County Road 2 bypass to
County Road 75. The illustrations presented at this time are for discussion only and should be shared
with members of the Community for input. Bettendorf further requested authorization to forward the
illustrations to the College and Monastery of St. Benedict, the Stearns County Engineer and the
developers for Gateway Commons, to which the Council agreed.
Feasibility ReDort-MorninQside Acres: Ekola presented the Council with the Feasibility Report for
Morningside Acres and the housing development abutting 295'" Street and 103"' Avenue. The proposed
improvements will consist of constructin~ utilities and improving existing 295'" Street from CR 121 to 103"'
Avenue, existing 103"' Avenue from 295 Street to the south end of Momingside Acres, and new street
and utiiity improvements in Morningside Acres. She stated that if Morningside Acres and the 295'"
Street/103"' Avenue are to be done at the same time, they should be combined into one project and it
should be a public improvement project with City financing and managing the project.
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April 15,i2004
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Bettendorf stated that the feasibility report has been prepared for two reasons: 1) the developer of I
Momingside Acres has requested the City construct the improvements publicly; and 2) the City is I
considering extending utilities to a rural area that will be surrounded on both sides by City.
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Hosch clarified that the City is intending on conducting an informational meeting for the residents in the
rural section. The Council authorized the feasibility report so that costs estimates are available for thè
informational meeting. Bettendorf stated that the feasibility report includes two alternatives for I
construction, a rural section road and an urban section road. Since the improvements are being installed
in an already developed area, it may make sense to construct a rural section road, one with ditches, If
curb and gutter are installed the design will become difficult as the road will have to be lowered. I
Bettendorf stated that the proposed assessment roll illustrates the significant cost difference of a rural
road versu~ an urban road. i. I
Wick questioned whether or not those residents who own two lots would be charged water and sewer on
both lots. Ekola stated that she did figure it that way because they each have separate parcel numbers
and they can sell one lot and then it would be available on that lot. The Council agreed to schedule an
informational meeting on April 22, 2004 for the affected residents. '
Feasibilitv Report- Callaway Street: Ekola presented the Council with the Feasibility report for the
proposed improvements for Callaway Street. The proposed improvements will consist of extending
Callaway Street from Graceview Estates to County Road 121 at an estimated cost of $ 306,096.99. The
right-of-way for Callaway Street has already been secured from the College of St. Benedict and as part of
that agreement the City waived the opportunity to assess the College property unless the property is I
developed. At the time of development, the City can negotiate an assessment. The same is true for
District 742. ,
The City also was required to purchase ROW from District 742 and as part of that acquisition, the City
agreed to not assess the District for the improvements as it will not increase their property value. In i
addition, the City is required to relocate some fencing and a trail. ;
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Ekola stated that before Callaway Street can be constructed, the City must receive approval from the I
Steams County Engineer for the access to County Road 121. The Steams County Engineer has
indicated that he will not approve the access as proposed, as it is too close to an existing ingress/egress.
Ekola stated that she will submit a formal application to Steams County for consideration, but is
requesting authorization to appeal the decision if needed. If the project is to be constructed this year,
timing will become important.
Rassier stated that it is his opinion that the construction of Callaway Street must be completed. The
residents adjacent to the area have been promised that the road will be constructed and the Council
should follow through. Weyrens stated that the project can be funded with proceeds from the 2002
Improvement fund. .
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Rassier made a motion adopting Resolution 2004-_, Accepting the Fea~ibility Report and
Ordering the Improvement and Preparation of Plans. In addition, this motion authorizes the City
Engineer to complete the appeals process with Stearns County if access is denied to County i
Road 121. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. '
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BuildinQ Official ReDort: Building Official Ron Wasmund presented the Council with the first quarter 2004
Building Activity Report as well as information from December 2003. The following is a summary of I
building activity: I
MONTH No. Issued Project Value Revenue
I December 22 3,518,494 21,268
January 10 729,063 4,682
February 8 183,994 1,110
March
HVAC
Plumbing
15
21
25
850,115
April 15, 2004
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5,502
1,787 I
2,323
$ 36,379
Total
101
$
5,281,666
Wasmond stated that his firm is stiil in the process of establishing the forms and procedures, but it is his
opinion that everything is going weil. Of the permits issued, 28 of the total permits are for new home
construction. He further stated that Inspectron has completed 200 inspections and 55 plan reviews. His
staff is in the process of receiving approval to load the Building Inspection software at the City Offices and
hopes to have that completed shortly. The software will allow the City to analyze the data in a wide
variety of ways.
The Council questioned Wasmond as to the status of an onsite Building Official. Wasmund reported that
he has been working on this, but is running into issues with wages and qualifications. He said he has two
interviews scheduled next week. He has hired a consultant to help him put wages and job descriptions
together to help make the process easier. Wasmund stated that he would like to hire someone local so
that people in the area will able to adjust easier.
As far as rental inspections, Wasmund reported that he is working on putting together a checklist for the
inspection guidelines that will be used for inspections. Once the checklist is completed. he will hold an
informationai meeting with the landlords/property owners. The checklist would allow the property owners
to do their own pre-inspection before the rental inspector arrives on site.
MAYOR REPORTS - No Report
COUNCIL REPORTS
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UTSCH - No Report
WICK
Park Board: Wick mentioned that there are two open spots on the Park Board and they are looking for
new members.
RIEKE
EDA MeetinQ: Rieke reported that the EDA will be meeting in regular session April 21, 2004 and in joint
session with the City Council on April 28, 2004.
RASSIER - No report
ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS
AIISDec Service Contract: Weyrens reported that the City has come to an agreement with AlISpec
Services regarding the outstanding building permits.
Northland 6 DeveloDer's AQreement: Weyrens reported that the Development Agreement for Northland
Plat 6 contained a typographical error in the legal description which has been discovered by a title search
company. The City Attorney has prepared an amendment to the Development Agreement to correct the
typographical error.
Rassier made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute an amendment to the
Northland Plat Six Development Agreement as requested, correcting a typographical error in the
legal description. The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously.
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Adiourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 9:10 PM; seconded by Rassier and passed
unanimously.
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April 15, 2004
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Mayor Hosch reconvened the Board of Review and Equalization to consider the 2004 Assessment
payable 2005 for the Senior Apartments located at 410 West Minnesota Street. Catholic Charities
submitted a request for review for the April 6 meeting. However, since the request was received late in
the day on the 6th, the County and City Assessor did not have ample time to research the property. I
At this time the City Assessor has provided the Council with a recommendation to reduce the value from
the current $ 526,100 to $ 442,700. I
Rassier made a motion to make the following 2004 Assessment adjustmerit, based on the i I
recommendation of the City Assessor: PID # 84-53440-010 Reduction of ($ 83,400) 2004 Value $
442,700, The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
Adiourn: Utsch made a motion to close the Board of Review and Equalization at 9:11 PM;
seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously.
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