HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 [04] Apr 28
I
I
I
1
I
,
April 28,12004
Page 1 of2
I
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph City Council and the EDA for the City of St. I
Joseph met in joint session on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at 4:30 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. 'I
Citv Council Members Present: Mayor Larry Hosch. Councilors Gary Utsch, AI Rassier, Ross Rieke,
Dale Wick. Administrator Judy Weyrens.
EDA Members Present: Chair Ross Rieke. Members Tom Skahen, Larry Hosch, Bruce Gohman,
Michael Deutz. EDA Director Cynthia Smith-Strack.
Alternative Transportation routes: Hosch stated the City is beginning to discuss future transportation,
corridors in anticipation of the realignment of County Road 2. The City Engineer has prepared four (4)
scenarios for discussion purposes only. The Council has already discounted one option as the proposed
design routed traffic away from the downtown area. Weyrens clarified that at this time the City is onlyl
seeking feedback on general traffic patterns. The transportation study will facilitate and determine th~
exact location of the road. Hosch stated that Stearns County has scheduled the re-alignment of County
Road 2 for 2007. I
I
,
Deutz questioned how traffic will be encouraged to continue to the downtown area instead of by-passing
the City to County Road 75. Hosch stated that whatever transportation route is selected, the design 1
should not make it difficult or an effort to go to the downtown area. The main purpose of the by-pass ,is
to route truck traffic away from the residential district. Discussion also included the following: , I
· Rassier stated that he would like to see an intersection at Highway 75 and County Road 2. I
· Signalization at County Road 2 will create a viable commercial intersection and in the planning
process, consideration should be given to assure that the intersections parcels are developable.
· The proposed alignments have been forwarded to the developers of Gateway Commons for I
comment. !
· The current Orderly Annexation Agreement does not extend to all property being discussed at
this time. The City shouid consider approaching St. Joseph Township to discuss the potential!
expansion of the Orderly Annexation area. i
· At the present time there is a disadvantage to the City if property abutting County Road 2is I
annexed. If the property is in St. Joseph Township, Stearns County will pay for the right-of-way
cost of the realignment. I
· Gohman suggested the City hire a master planner to determine the optimal lot size for
commercial development. This should be done before the location of the road is determined $0
that the intersection can provide for prime commercial development. I
· Wick questioned why we would put residential developments near commercial developments. i
Gohman and Hosch agreed that different land uses should be able to co-exist with one another.
They believe that business can merge with residential developments if the business serves the
neighborhood. Rieke believes that we want to harvest on commercial developments but we also
need to help residential developments. '
Discussion on proposed Industrial Park: Strack stated that the EDA has been researching alternative
Industrial Property as there is very little property left for Industrial Development. i She further stated thaI
she has contacted the owner representative for the SI. Joseph Business Park and he has indicated that
only two lots have not been sold. Strack stated that she has had numerous discussions with I
representatives from Borgert, who have approximately 7.32 Acres of Industrial property adjacent to Elm
Street. This area has municipal services and improved roadways. _ I
Deutz questioned the zoning of the two parcels of the Buettner Plat that are designated as Highway 1
Business. He stated it is his opinion that these properties could be developed commercially as they are
not visible for County Road 75. Gohman stated that when the property was platted the EDA allowed thß
property owner to retain the frontage lots for commercial. I
,
I
Strack stated that she has also been in contact with the owners of the Feld Property and will be meeting
with a potentiai developer on April 30, 2004 to discuss a possible public/private partnership in conjunction
I
i
April 28, 2004
Page 2 of 2
with an Industrial Park. She questioned those present as to what assistance, if any, the City would be
willing to provide to help the creation of a new industrial park. The Council agreed that the City should
not be taking a risk on development and would be willing to work with the developer and possibly issue
improvement bonds.
Strack stated that the CitylEDA could develop a portion of the Feld property, perhaps starting with 40
acres, creating lots with a 3 acre minimum. In order for the Feld property to be developed, utilities and
streets would have to be extended. The estimate to extend services as provided by SEH is
approximately $ 2.6 Million. At that rate, the lots would have to sell for approximately $ 60 - $ 75 per
acre, which is greater than the market will bear. The current industrial property is selling for
approximately $ 40 per acre.
The members came to a conclusion stating that for a new industrial development to prosper, it must be in
a good location and be accessible. Right now, we are a growing metropolitan area and accessibility is not
that great.
other Matters
Buildinq Official: Skahen stated he has received some feedback regarding the new Building Official and
questioned the Council if the City has expanded the service or received the service that was promised.
Hosch stated that in his opinion the services provided have exceeded the past service as the City has a
Building Official working 40 hours per week. Some contractors have experienced difficulty adjusting to
the new process, but the concerns of the contractors are declining. Inspectron is working on providing
an Inspector for St. Joseph but has yet to find a qualified individual. It is anticipated that by early summer
an Inspector will be in place.
Next Meetinq: The members of the EDA and of the City Council have decided that they would like to meet
3-4 times per year to discuss items of mutual concem. The meetings will be scheduled as issues arise.
Wobeqon Trailhead Center: Skahen stated that on Friday, April 30, 2004, the St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce will be turning the keys for the Wobegon Trailhead Center over to the City. Skahen
commended Deutz for his time and commitment to the project.
Landscapinq: The Sentence to Serve crew will be at the City offices the week of May 17, 2004 to work
on the landscaping around CitY Hall. Rassier stated that he received quotes for the landscaping material
and will have the matter placed on the May 6, 2004 Council agenda.
The meeting was adjourned by consensus.
I
I
I