HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 [02] Feb 09
February 9, 2005
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in special session
on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 at 4:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall.
Members Present: Mayor Richard Carlbom. Councilors AI Rassier, Dale Wick, Ross Rieke, Renee
Symanietz. Administrator Judy Weyrens.
Others Present: EDA Consultant cynthia Smith-Strack, Sean Teai, Brian Schoenberg, Kip Cameron.
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Gatewav Commons: Carlbom stated that the purpose of the meeting was to meet the developers for the i
project known as Gateway Commons and review the proposed commercial development. I
Sean Teal introduced himself to the Council and stated that he and Brian Schoenber9 and Kip Cameron I
have been working with the City for over two years to develop a commercial project adjacent to Interstate'
94. The project includes hi9h scale retail and food establishments. The project cannot move forward i
until Field Street is located, as the project will utilize the road for access to the development. Teal stated:
that he has been meeting with the adjoinin9 property owners to determine if there is interest in developing
a larger commercial district.
The Council spent considerable time discussin9 the proposed development and the importance of
determinin9 the location for Field Street. Before the project can move forward the concept plan must be
submitted to the appropriate Boards and Commissions.
Wick made a motion to amend the agenda to include discussion on Council policy and procedure
The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously.
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Council Poiicv and Procedure: The Council discussed the importance of recognizing that the City CounCil
is a policy and procedure board that has power as a collective 9rouP of five. Items discussed included
the followin9:
~ Council reports are intended to report committee activity to the Council as a whole. Items i
requiring action should be placed on the agenda so the public has an opportunity to provide input.
~ The City in the past has taken a stance that City Staff and Councilors do not create news stories:
rather we respond to inquiries.
~ The City Council must make decisions based on the best interest of the City and it is not POSSibl~
to please all the residents all the time.
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~ While representing the City it is important to remember to carry forward the direction of the City
Council. Their will be times when the Council action is contrary to the way an individual voted.
However it is important to support the action of the Council.
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~ As Mayor and Councilors it is common to receive phone calls and correspondence requestin9 a ,
specific action. It is important to know when to forward those calls to the Administrator or i
appropriate Department Head. '
~ City Staff will be responsible for knowing when to involve the Council in a project. Historically thk
Council has been aware of projects, but the project is not presented to the Council until it has I
completed the required approvals, such as Planning Commission. The exception to this practice
is when a decision needs to be made before the project can move forward and this is typically I
done at the concept stage. The Council agreed to continue this practice and will rely on staff td
know when to involve the Council.
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February 9, 2005
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In an effort to provide for continued discussion on an on-going basis, the Council agreed to meet monthly.
This meeting will be an opportunity to discuss current or pending projects or items of mutual concem.
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Adiourn: Rassier made a motion to adjourn at 5:50 PM; seconded by Wick and passed
unanimously.
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