HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 [02] Feb 17
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February 17, 2005
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of SI. Joseph met in special sess'on
on Thursday, February 17, 2005 at 5:00 PM in the St. Joseph City HaiL
Council Members Present: Mayor Richard Carlbom. Councilors AI Rassier, Dale Wick, Ross Rieke,
Renee Symanietz. Administrator Judy Weyrens.
Citv ReDresentatives Present: Public Works Director Dick Taufen, City Engineers Joe Bettendorf and
Tracy Ekola, City Attorney Tom Jovanovich, Bond Counsel Monte Eastvold. I
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RefundinQ 2000 Citv Hall Public Revenue Bond: Monte Eastvold of Norhtland Securities presented the
City Council with an opportunity to refund the 2000 Bond Issue for the City Hall. The bond rates are still
at all time low and the City can save interest payments by re-financing. Eastvold stated he has previously
met with the EDA to discuss the refunding. Rieke stated that the EDA unanimously approved the i
refunding and only questioned the loss of a call feature. Currently the bond issue would allow the City to
call the bonds in 2007. If refunded the bonds cannot be called. The EDA came to the conclusion that if
the City were to sell the building the debt would be part of the sale.,
Eastvold stated that the Council must authorize the execution of the new lease agreement between the
City of SI. Joseph and the St. Joseph Econom'~ Development Authority and pass a concurring resolution
refunding the bonds of 2000, I
Rassier made a motion authorizing execution of the lease agreement between the City of St.
Joseph and the SI. Joseph Economic Development Authority for the St. Joseph City Hall Facility
and authorize the concurring resolution refunding the 2000 City Hall Public Project Revenue i
Bonds in the amount of $ 645,000. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed I
unanimously. I
2005 ImDrovement Bonds - Hill Street/Cloverdale: Eastvold stated that the City has requested to issUe
bonds in the amount of $ 1,655,000 for the 2005 Utility Improvements to Hill Street and Cloverdale. The
City has the option of negotiated bonds or public sale. Public Sale bonds are typically used for large I
projects and are interest rates are bid competitively. Negotiated bonds provide for a company such as
Northland Securities to make an offer to the City for the interest. The interest rate used must be verified
by an outside agency that provides the City with an opinion. The City has used both methods before and
it does not make a difference which method is used. Typically Public Sale Bonds carry a higher issuance
cost. I
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Rassier made a motion to issue Negotiated Bonds with Norhtland Securities for the 2005 Utility
Improvements. The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously.
Adiourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 5:50 PM; seconded by Rassier and passed
unanimously.
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February 17, 2005
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of SI. Joseph met in regular session
on Thursday, February 17, 2005 at 7:45 PM in the SI. Joseph City Hall.
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Members Present: Mayor Richard Carlbom, Councilors AI Rassier, Dale Wick, Ross Rieke, Renee
Symanietz. City Administrator Judy Weyrens.
Citv ReDresentatives Present: City Eng:near J('Ie Bettendorf, Public Works Director Dick Taufen, Chie, of
Police Pete Jansky I
Others Present: Mark Sakry, Don Adams, Scott Ronglien, Ken Loso, Jim Schuman, Bob Herges, Da~e &
Sharon Aistrup, Josh Robinson, Kiersten Gjerstad, Jody Terhaar
ADDrove AQenda: Wick made a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes:
Change 3f Northland Plat 7
Add 9a Wobegon Facility Rental Fee
Add 9b Cable Commission - Request to replace equipment
Change 3b Delete Minutes for February 3
The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously.
Consent AQenda: Rassier made a motión to approve the consent agenda as follows with the
change in item f and the deletion of the February 3 minutes.
a.
b.
c.
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e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
Bills Payable - Approve check numbers 35372.35449
Minutes - Approve the Minutes of January 20 and 25, 2005 i
LELS Labor Contract - Authorize the Mayor and Administrator' to execute the labor
contract between the City of St. Joseph and LELS #224.
Contract Payment - Authorize the Mayor to execute Application for Payment #12 for
the 2003 Liberty Pointe Improvements and authorize payment to R.L. Larson in the I
amount of $7,525.42. ,
Contract Payment - Authorize the mayor to execute Application for payment #1 for the
2004 Test Well Project and authorize payment to Traut Well in the amount of $8,136.28.
Contract Payment - Authorize the Mayor to execute Application for Payment #7 for the
2003 Northland Plat 7 Improvements and authorize payment to R.L. Larson in the I
amount of $2,131.06.
Ordinance Amendment - Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute an I
Amendment to Ordinance 71.11 Subd 2(f) clarifying the definition of an open container.
Contract Award - Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the contract
between the City of St. Joseph and RL Larson Excavating for the Hill Street
Improvements at a contract price of $762,067.46.
Contract Award - Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the contract
between the City of SI. Joseph and Larson Excavating for the Cloverdale
Improvements at a contract price of $429,239.86.
Discussion:
. Weyrens stated that the LELS contract has not yet been signed by the union,
however, there should be no reason why they would not sign.
The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously.
Public Comments to the AQenda: No one present wished to speak.
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Pond View RidQe 9: Bob Herges appeared before the Council to request final plat approval for Pond View
Ridge Nine. Weyrens stated that this is the last phase of Pond View Ridge and final plat is consistent
with the Preliminary Plat. Previously, the Planning Commission agreed that if the Final phase were
consistent with the Preiiminary Plat, they would not need to approve it before the City Council. '
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February 17, 2005
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Herges stated that he has had discussions with Dick Taufen in regards to possible sump pump discharge I
on the lots. He would like the lots along the west side of 12'" Avenue to have the sump pumps run back
towards Klinefelter rather than in the storm sewers. Wick stated that the drainage area along the park fills
in pretty good after a good rain. Bettendorf then stated that they could allow that with the option to require
that they drain into the storm sewers if it appears that the area will remain saturated and wet. Herges
stated that they would like to not have to put sump pumps in basements if at all possible.
Rassier made a motion to approve the final plat for Pond View Ridge Nine and authorize the Mayor
and Administrator to execute the Development Agreement between the City of St. Joseph and
Pond View Ridge LLP. The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously.
MAYOR REPORTS
SI. Cloud School District: Carlbom stated that he attended a meeting with the SI. Cloud School District in
which they discussed the Building Facilities Plan. The plan is very broad right now, but they are planning
for 10 years. He stated that during the introduction, they did clarify that SI. Joseph needs new facilities.
Sales Tax: Mayor Carlbom stated that he attended a meeting regarding the proposed one-half cent Sales
Tax. Flaherty and Hood, the lobbyists for the sales tax, reported that they met with Representative
Knoblach and asked him to author the enabling bill, to which he refused. Knoblach has stated that he only
wants to support the cities he represents; which include Waite Park and SI. Cloud.
The area Cities are also trying to work with Hosch and Severson both of which are strong supporters of
the half-cent sales tax to author a bill. They represent the cities of Sauk Rapids, Sartell, SI. Joseph and
SI. Augusta. There is a meeting next Thursday to discuss this again. Mayor Ellenbecker of SI. Cloud will
be meeting with Representatives Hosch and Sieverson. Flaherty and Hood also stated that they are going
to try to get Knoblach to support a re9ional bill, as they need him as a chief supporter of the sales tax.
COUNCIL REPORTS
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SYMANIETZ
Citv Sloaan: Symanietz stated that she has been working with the SI. Joseph Chamber of Commerce to
sponsor the City Slogan contest. The Chamber has established a committee of four (4) to sit on the
Committee.
WICK
Rec Association MeetinQ: Wick stated that he attended the Rec Association Meeting and that SI. Joseph
has been awarded by the State of Minnesota to host the Co-Rec B & B Tournament on July 30 and 31"
There is a possibility that some games could begin on July 29, 2005. He also stated that the tentative
date for the town gown tournament is April 30 and May 1.
RASSIER - No Report
RIEKE
EDA: The EDA met and discussed the proposed Southwest beltway and the need to support the
downtown area and they also discussed the refinancing of the City Hall facility.
Snow Removal: Rieke that status of the snow removal for City trails and if it will be an agenda item for an
upcoming meeting. Weyrens stated that at the previous meeting the Council agreed to solicit proposals
for the snow removal and this will be completed during the budget process. Rassier stated the Council
also referred the matter to the Park Board for consideration and recommendation.
ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS
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February 17,12005
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WobeQon Facilitv Rental Fee: Weyrens stated that the original intent was to allow the public to rent the
Wobegon Facility similar to the rental process for the Fire Hall and Parks. Once the fees are established,
the City would immediately begin to rent the facility. Due to the stainless steel interior and concrete floors,
Weyrens suggested that the fees be set as follows:
Rental Fee $75.00
Damage Deposit $200.00
Wick made a motion to establishing the rental fees for the Wobegon as recommended by
Weyrens. The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously.!
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Cable Commission - EQuiDment request: Weyrens stated that the Cable Commission is requesting to
replace all of their VCRs. There are 6 VCRs total which would cost an estimated $1800. The expenditure
would be funded through the Peg Access fee, which has sufficient funds.
Rassier made a motion authorizing the purchase of six VCR's at an estimated cost of $ 1,800.00.
The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously. I
2AM Bar Closinq: Weyrens stated that the City received a request from Mark Loso requesting I
reconsideration of the 2AM Bar closing. The Council has twice discussed this matter and both times ¡he
request was denied. The major reasons for denial were the potential overtime costs for policing and the
potential negative affects on the residential neighborhoods. i
Ken Loso, Loso's Mainstreet Pub, approached the Council and stated that he feels that St. Joseph is bn
island all by ourselves. The surrounding areas all have the 2AM bar closing and he stated that he would
like the same opportun ity as those other areas. He is asking the Council make a decision one way or I
another. Weyrens stated that if the Ordinance is changed to allow for the 2AM bar closing, all liquor
license holders would see an increase in the cost of their liquor licenses based on the current fee
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Dave Aistrup, LaPlayette, also approached the Council and stated that he feels that this is an economic
issue. He stated that the costs to run the business are increasing, and as a result, he needs an extra hour
of business to make up for those costs. ¡
Mark Zimmer, Former owner of LaPlayette, questioned why liquor license holders would see an incre~se
in their liquor license fees. Carlbom stated that they would all be responsible to pay extra to make up for
the increase costs for the City. Zimmer also stated that the bar owners are at a strict disadvantage in our
community when it is not consistent with the surrounding cities. I
Sharon Aistrup, LaPlayette, approached the Council as well to discuss the extr~ costs for law , I
enforcement. She stated that only a few bars want to participate in the 2AM bar closing and they are only
requesting the extra hour on Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Therefore the overtime would be minimal. I
After hearing the concerns of the local bar owners, Carlbom asked a few other representatives to
approach the Council with their thoughts on the issue.
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Pete Jansky, SI. Joseph Police Chief, approached the council and there were some questions raised by
the Council members. Wick questioned whether or not he has thought about the possible overtime if this
were to pass. Jansky stated that they recently set a new schedule for the officers and he would not know
how much overtime would be needed, Wick also questioned whether or not there are extra police officers
scheduled on the weekends. Jansky stated that he currently schedules 2 officers from 9PM to 3AM 01'1
weekends. However, they do schedule additional officers for special events such as Homecoming and
Senior Farewell.
Dick Taufen, 51. Joseph Public Works Director, appeared before the Council to address the 2AM Sno~
Removal Ordinance. The current parking ordinance states that cars not be parked on city streets from'
February 17, 2005
Page 4 of 5
2AM _ 7 AM between November 1 and April 1. Taufen stated that they normally start plowing at 2Am and
they generally start on Minnesota Street because the Business District takes the longest. Extending the
bar hours would push back plowing 1-1/2 hours.
Josh Robinson, SI. John's Student Senate, stated that the Student Senates of the College of SI. Benedict
and SI. John's University both passed resolutions opposing the 2AM closing. SI. John's passed a
resolution with a 14:2 vote with SI. Benedict voting unanimously to oppose the 2 AM Bar Closing.
Robinson stated that it is an economic issue for the school as well and they can't afford to have the bars
open for the extra hours. It costs the schools $5-10,000 to provide the buses for the students. Ethically,
they have to provide the buses for the students, but they cannot afford to incur any additional costs for
that service. Robinson also stated that students come to these schools for a good education and keeping
the bars open until 2AM would not be in the best interest of the students.
Kiersten Gjerstad, st. Benedict Student Senate, approached the Council as well and she stated that they
have the same feelings and concerns, as were raised by the SI. John's Student Senate. She also stated
that the College of SI. Benedict is a part of the SI. Joseph Community and they want to be good
neighbors and in her opinion the extended bar hours are not in the best interest of the Community.
Symanietz stated that she feels safety is an issue and a reason as to why the bars should remain open
the extra hour. She stated that many people may be leaving the bars in SI. Joseph and driving to
surrounding areas for the extra hour. She also stated that there is an economic issue with being the only
City to not allow bars to be open until 2AM. It is her understanding that some bar patrons no longer come
to SI. Joseph because of the 1 AM closing time.
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Rassier stated that there are two sides to this issue and that he can see the impact on both.
1. It is important for the City to show support to local businesses and the bars should have the
option to stay open later.
2. There are issues with the way things are done in the various city departments and allowing I
the bars to remain open an hour later may not be in the best interest of the City or the
residents.
There was a question raised by Wick as to how the liquor licenses are issued by both the City and the
State. Weyrens stated that the State Licenses runs concurrent with the City Licenses. She also stated
that if this were approved, it would not take effect overnight, as there would be some ordinances that
would need to be amended. Rassier stated that the City has no idea how much, if any, additional costs
will be incurred by the City due to the extended hours. However, the license fee must absorb all
additional costs. Zimmer stated that in other cities, only those bars wishing to remain open later pay an
additional fee. Carlbom questioned Weyrens on the costs associated with changing the Parking
Ordinance. Weyrens stated that she is unsure about how much it would cost, however she did state that it
would cost the City money to implement a new process to remove snow before traffic begins circulating
as well as the cost of the new parking signs.
Kevin Blanchette, 113 E Minnesota street, approached the Council stating that he is a resident of the City
and that he was awoken by noise from those leaving the bars this morning. He feels that this is a quality
of life issue for the residents of SI. Joseph. In his opinion, keep the bars open an hour later would simply
make for more damage due to their judgment being further impaired.
Jim Schuman, SI. Benedict Security Director, approached the Council and stated that SI. Joseph is
unique in that there are two colleges. He stated that he deals with these students when they have been
drinking and in his opinion they have enough opportunity with the 1AM Closing. He also stated that he
has talked to several other bar owners in surrounding cities and he was told that they have not seen more
people in the bars, rather they come an hour later.
Loso approached the Council again and stated that when the students leave the bars, they are not going
home. As a result, keeping the bars open an extra hour would not have a huge impact on the residential
neighborhoods.
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February 17, ,2005
Page 5 of 5
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Carlbom stated that this is the hardest issue he has had to face thus far being that he has to balance1two
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different interests. He also stated that this was brought upon during his campaign. Rassier stated that if
no change is going to be made, there would be no need to make a motion. I
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Symanietz made a motion to extend bar closing to 2AM on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. The
motion was seconded by Wick. '
Discussion: Wick then questioned the lengt/¡ of the Trial Period for Waite Park and St. Cloud.
Weyrens stated that she is unsure to how long their trial period was, however they are both in full force
with the 2AM bar closing. -
Wick made a friendly amendment to set a trial period for the extended bar hours, with review
before issuance of the next liquor license.
Discussion: Weyrens stated that even with a trail period affected Ordinances would need to b
modified and for the snow removal, new signs would need to ordered. Jansky concurred with Weyrens
and stated that the Council will have to modify the Liquor Ordinance and determine at what time the bars
must be empty. . '
After questioning the majority needed to pass, Rieke was advised that this would require a simple 1
majority. He stated that he has empathy for all of/hose involved. He stated that it is easy to see both I
sides of the issue; however he can see the larger picture and he does not believe a 2AM bar closing is in
the best interest of anyone, especially the City of St. Joseph. I
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Car/bom suggested adding another friendly amendment to not have this issue discussed for 2 years. I
Weyrens stated that it may be better to add that this not be discussed again until new information is 1
available. Wick stated that it is important to keep track of the costs incurred to the City for plowing and
Police. '
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Wick made a friendly amendment to extend bar closing to 2AM on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays
for a trial period of 1 year keeping track of costs incurred to the City. i
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Discussion: Wick clarified that there would be an Ordinance Amendment brought before the !city
Council if the motion were to pass. Rassier and Rieke both agreed that they should consider the
impacts of this type of change for the City, as it would be hard to revert to the 1AM closing after it
has been implemented. Rassier further stated that it may be in the better interest of the City to
keep the bar closing at 1 AM.
Ayes: Wick, Symanietz
Nays: Carlbom, Rassier, Rieke
Motion failed 3:2:0
Adiourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously.
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