HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 [02] Feb 28
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February 28, 2005
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of SI. Joseph met in special sessiJ
on Monday, February 28, 2005 at 7:00 PM. I
SI. JoseDh Citv Council Members Present: Mayor Richard Carlbom. Councilors AI Rassier, Dale WiCk,1
Ross Rieke, Renee Symanietz. Administrator Judy Weyrens. '
Citv ReDresentatives Present: City Engineers Joe Bettendorf and Tracy Ekola, City Attorney Tom
Jovanovich. Moderator Bob Heim.
SI. Wendel TownshiD Board Members Present: Supervisors Carl Stich, David Douvier, Greg Salk.
Township Clerk Renee Salzer. '
SI. Wendel TownshiD PlanninQ Members Present: Ron Schroden, Dan Schmitz, Jim Volker
Stearns Countv ReDresentatives Present: County Commissioners Mark Sakry, Larry Haws, Vince
Schaefer. Environmental Services Director Don Adams.
Others Present: Brian Phlipsen, Karl Koenig, James Becker, Charles Kern, Dean Budde, Tom & Ellen
Woods, John Lahr, David Mieike, Bob Ethen, Tom Ethen, Amy Casperson, Marianne Hansen, Lorraine,
Coffell, Ken Fuchs, Ken Raiber, Kevin Schroden, Don Vanheel, Bob Posch, Cathy Posch, Tom Corrier,1
Daniel Butkowski, Larry Tillemons, Raymond Weyer, Will Duhhausen, Laurie Schwitters, Wayne & Sue'
Paumen, Mary Brazys, Richard & Nancy Hamilton, Gary & Mary Killmer, Kevin & Leah Nelson, Mark & 1
Tammy Maslonkowski, Dan & Carrie Johnson, Brian & LuAnn Bedel, Grant & Teresa Fogle, Carol
Robinson, John & Linda Hollenkamp, Michael Frericks, Rhonda, Magedanz, Alice Lenhardt, Patricia
Gohmen, Julie Braun, Ruth Dolren, Deb Robinson, Heidi & Dave Herron, Donald Hieserich, Allen
Moonen, Ed Brophy, Jerry Schroden, Randy Schroden, David & Mary Menzhuber, Joe Rennie, Jeff
Taufen, Scott Andersen, Sandra Chew, Jerry & Renee Gapinski, Carole Tamm, Tasha Marwitz, Kurt
Sauer, Thomas Geers, Mary & Tom Backes, Ralph Bolcken, Mark Berg-Arnold, Roger Faber, Peter
Spaniol, Courtney Zack, Graig Ruegemer, Bill Maceska, GiI Peck, William Salzer, Don Honer, Susan
Krippner, Jeff & LuRae Scotes, Joyce Weber, Dick Taufen, Rick Nelson, Steve Johnson, Jim Marthaler"
John Johnson, Curtis Lilleodden, Tim Sanborn, Elaine Anderson, Greg Anderson, Larry & Shirley i
Petersen, LeRoy Forney, Robert Valek, Norman Lahr, Chuck & Sue Krippner, Gary Kraft, Ernie Diedrich,
David Rothstein, Lloyed Bruemmer, Vince Roob, Kenneth Schmidt, Pat Ehlert, Allen Ehlert, John Shorba,
Lyle Lemke, Kurt & Ana Krekelberg, Ron Scholz, Sandy Schold, Tara Bayerl, Brenda Eibensteiner, Dale
Hinnenkamp, Susan Hinnenkamp, AI & Millie Hennen, Brenda & Mark Voigt, Dennis & BettyWeisbrich:
Joe & Linda Heinen, Gary Sunderman, Delrose Fischer, Star Moree, Dave Moree, Robert Terres, Rick'
Wieber, Dale & Kathy Klein, Rob & Colleen Schwegel, Herb & Emmy Torborg, Alan Lepinski, John
Albers, John Osendorf, Walter Theisen, Billlmte, Steve Streng, Jerry Reischl, Rose Reischl, Rita·
Klassen, Bob Klassen, Tom Opatz, James & Carol Kuklok, Richard Schleper, AI Seifert, Othman Schmitz,
Mark Gohman, Lawrence Wensman, Vern Anders, Glen Hoppe, Craig Tiffany, Jerry Lahr, Cliff Mcilwai;
Jim & Tracey Birr, John & Pat Kutzera, Jan & Bill Frank, Dan & Brenda Scherer, Wilfred Notsch, Irene i
Zierden, Sandy Maus, Roger Zierden, Phii Moua, Donna Guslenger, Mary kay Weis, Dale Weis, Bernard
1m holte, Mathew Palmersheim, Cindy & Bruce Austin, Gail Stock, Harvey Roske, Josh Fiedler, Ray I
Fiedler, Vern Dullinger, Thomas Shoenfelder, Gerry & Connie Horsch, Allan Boehmer, Daria & Rich I
Schwegel, Tom Sibley, Gregg Roekike, Jerry Whitley, Robert Stueve, Kevin Rennie, Glen Schuller, Roger
Frie, Gregg Carlson, Wendy Hanson, Michael & Bonnie Budde, Larry & Karen Schristen, Bruce & Kelly
Kiffmeyer, Gary Bjerkness, Eidred Gill 'I
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Bob Heim introduced himself stating that he will be the moderator for this meeting. Heim stated that h~
has worked with numerous jurisdictions establishing Orderly Annexation Agreements. At this time Heiin
introduced City, Township and County dignitaries. After the introductions were complete Heim turned the
meeting over to City Engineer Joe Bettendorf. I
Bettendorf stated that he is the City Engineer for the City of SI. Joseph and he along with Tracy Ekola I
have been preparing the feasibility of extending services to the SI. Wendel Area. The City of SI. Joseph
did not request to extend the services or annex any of the Township. Rather, the City is responding to' an
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February 28, 2005
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inquiry of the Township Board as to whether or not services could be provided to the Pleasant Acres
area. This discussion has been ongoing for the past four years and came to a head in November. The I
City has meet with the Township to share the probable costs of the improvements and the City requested
that a public information meeting be established to share the information. That is the purpose of this
meeting. No action will be taken tonight and this an opportunity for residents to see the proposed plans
and ask questions. With that in mind, Bettendorf presented the following information:
» The Southern portion of SI. Wendel Township has been divided into four (4) potential service
districts with the first service district including the Pleasant Acres Addition and properties
surrounding the lake.
» The utility lines will be extended north on County Road 2. Therefore the annexation would extend
from the north corporate limits on CR 2, north to Pleasant Acres. All property in this area would
potentially be assessed.
» In determining the cost of the improvement, the City determined the cost of extending the existing
mains and reviewed if lift stations would be required. If this project moves forward each resident
will pay the following fees: 1) Trunk Sanitary Sewer Fee; 2) Regional Lift Station; 3) Trunk Water
Main. These fees are unit based and are typically charged for each residential unit. If a property
has the potential of being split, an "In-Lieu" of assessment will be established and will be
collected upon subdivision.
» In addition to the trunk fees, the City charges a connection/access fee for water and sewer. This
fee allows new residents to buy into an existing utility system. The Sewer Access Charge (SAC)
includes the following associated costs: 1) Main Lift Station; 2) Force main to SI. Cloud; 3)
Interceptor Sewer in SI. Cloud; 4) Treatment Plan Capacity in SI. Cloud. The Water Access
Charge (WAC) includes the following associated costs: 1) Water Treatment Plant; 2) Wells; 3)
Water Tower; 4) General System Trunk Mains.
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» Once the trunk lines are established local water and sewer lines must be extended. These cost
are recouped through special assessments. The costs included in special assessments inciude
the following: 1) Sewer mains; 2) Local lift stations; 3) Water Mains; 4) Service Stubs; 5) Replace
Streets; 6) Restore Driveway and lawns.
» Estimated projects using both 2005 estimates and projected 2008
2005
2008
Trunk Fees
SAC/WAC
Special Assessment
(estimate)
Total Cost per Unit
$1,200
5,000
16,500 to 20,100
$1,320
5,900
18,000 to 22,000
22,700 to 26,300
25,200 to 29,220
» The property owner is responsible for extending the service line from the curb box to the house
and for required inspections and the water meter.
» The City has researched grant opportunities and financing alternatives. Grant funding is very
competitive with a poor chance of success. The City can provide bonding or secure a low interest
loan from the Minnesota Department of Health. If the project moves forward financing will be
determined.
» The following is a proposed timeline if the project is to move forward: 1) May 200 - Begin I
Feasibility Report; 2) September 2005 - Information meeting; 3) June 2006 Well and Septic
Testing; 4) July 2006 - Begin Facilities plan; 5) March 2007 - Project Priority List: 6) June 2007
Intended Use Plan; 7) June 2007 - Public Improvement Hearing; 8) July 2007 Begin Design; 9)
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February 28, 2005
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February 2008 - Request Bids; 10) May 2008 - Construction, Phase I; 11) June 2009 -
Construction Phase II.
» The City is under pressure to determine if the Pleasant Acres area will be served as the City
needs to construct a new water filtration facility and determine how much sewer treatment the
City will purchase from SI. Cloud. If the SI. Wendel area is not served the City will construct a
smaller facility, but that decision needs to be made within 30 days.
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» The next step in the process is to prepare a feasibility report to determine the exact costs of the
project and determine if there are any development impediments. The estimated cost of the I
report is $ 20,000 to $ 25,000. I
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Don Adams, Stearns County Director of Environmental Services discussed the existing septic systems in
the proposed annexation area. Based on available information he estimates that if all the affected I
properties septic system were inspected only 56% would pass with 44% needing replacement. Adams
stated that a major concern with replacing septic systems is available land. While septic systems can þe
replaced properties have to have available land for the same. Adams further stated that the cost of septic
replacement is approximately $ 6,000 to $ 8,000 and wells can cost between $ 3,000 and $ 5,000. i
Adams stated that he has had the opportunity to review the cost of cluster systems and there is not much
difference in price that that estimated by the City Engineer. '
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John Johnson of 9613 Wildwood Drive questioned the statement made by Bettendorf regarding the I
random sampling of septic systems. He questioned if during the testing systems are failing is it the City's
intent to report those systems to Stearns County Environmental Services.
Bettendorf stated that the survey will be a blind survey and properties will not be identified
individually. Typically when testing systems areas of high probability are checked. In this case the
smaller lots will be checked or areas that have been identified as possible sites for failure.
At this time Heim opened the fioor for questions from those present.
steve Johnson of 32341 Meadow Lane questioned if the project cost include open trench construction, or
boring. I
Bettendorf responded that the project costs include open trench as it can be cost prohibitive to
use boring. 1
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Steve Johnson of 32341 Meadow Lane questioned the difference in tax rates between SI. Joseph an<1 SI.
Wendel. '
Weyrens responded that currently the City tax rate is approximately 45% and it is her I
understanding that SI. Wendel is at approximately 19 - 22%. If that is correct the City portion'of
the taxes would double. Heim reminded those present that typically the largest portion of the lax
statement is the County portion. Therefore he clarified that the total taxes would not be doubled
only the City portion. Weyrens stated that as residents of SI. Joseph they would receive full City
services including police, refuse, snow removal, street lighting and public utilities. I
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Ken Raiber of 8808 Crestview Drive stated that he found the information confusing and questioned if the
only purpose of this meeting is to teil 81. Cloud if SI. Wendel needs services. He also questioned if it is
imperative that the property be annexed to receive services. ¡
Bettendorf responded that the City has been experiencing rapid growth and the City needs to'
start the process for expanding the water and sewer systems. With regard to sewer, the City has ple~ty
of capacity, but need to participate in the St. Cloud Treatment Plant expansion. The amount of, I
participation in the expansion is based on the amount of usage, as SI. Joseph is part of the 81. Cloud i
Interceptor System. With regard to water the City needs to expand the Water Filtration system. If St.
Wendel participates that plant will have to accommodate an additional .5 Million Gallons per day. It would
not be fiscaily responsible for the City to construct a facility that is undersized or that will need to be
expanded within a two year period. The City has been trying to resolve this matter and have had on
going conversations with the St. Wendel Board and now is the time that a decision must be made.
February 28, 2005
Page 4 of 6
With regard to annexation, the agreement with the City of St. Cloud requires that all property connected to I
the system be attached to a participating municipality. Therefore the property would be required to be
annexed to the City of St. Joseph.
Ruth Dolven of 32332 Meadow Lane stated that this is the first time most of the residents are aware of
the discussion and it does not seem feasible to make a decision within 30 days. Due to the large number
of residents she encouraged the Township to conduct a surveyor election.
Those present briefly discussed the upcoming Township Election and whether or not the matter
could be placed on the agenda. It was determined that the required time frame does not allow for
inclusion on the ballot. Township Supervisor Renee Salzer stated that it would take approximately two
months to prepare a mailing or prepare for an election.
Tom Corrieri of 32518 Robert Road and Gary Killmar of 8773 Crestive Drive stated that they many
questions regarding the improvement such as: will the existing systems need to capped or drained? Will
the roads be lowered? Does the City have enough capacity to accommodate SI. Wendel Township? Will
the extension of service force growth? Have the pro's and con's of extending services been determined.
Corrieri stated that in his opinion the proposed schedule is to aggressive and the Township residents will
need more time and more answers to questions.
Bettendorf reiterated that this is not the first time this matter has been discussed. The Board has
been aware of the proposed improvements for at least four years. This City is responding to an inquiry of
SI. Wendel to determine if services are available. The City completed the analysis of the existing system
and future system needs and determined the best way to serve the area. With regard to the capacity of
the City, the time has approached where a decision needs to be made. The water filtration plant must be
on line in 2006.
Richard Carlbom stated that the City of St. Joseph is not aggressively seeking this annexation.
The extension of services is risky for the City and the City does not need additional housing. The City I
has been experiencing rapid growth and housing does not provide a huge tax base for the City.
Generally the costs of services exceed the revenue provided. Carlbom also reiterated that the City is
ONLY responding to an inquiry.
Lyle Lemke of 9443 Crestview Court questioned the cost of the improvement as developers are
constructing improvements at a lower cost. It appears that the costs continue to increase year after year.
Bettendorf stated that construction improvements in a corn field is different that retro fitting an
existing neighborhood. Installing utilities in existing neighborhoods is more difficult as they contain
impediments that are difficult to overcome. The price has been increasing over the years. Within in the
last 12 months ductile iron increased substantially. The infiation factor alone with keep the price
escalating, the cost for the project as presented will not go down.
Brian Zoeller of 32755 Pamela Lane questioned if the proposal is being driven by the need of the City to
expand the water and sewer systems.
Bettendorf stated that the City needs to determine how to build the infrastructure. If the residents
do not want the services the project goes away. The City is not pushing the project, we are merely
responding to an inquiry. However, if the services are not extended at this time their may not be another
opportunity for ten to fifteen years. This is not a threat it is a mere fact. Extension of services requires a
considerable amount of planning. The City cannot financially build a system to connect SI. Wendel at
some point in the future. If the system is expanded connections must be required to pay the debt.
David Herron of 8964 Crestview Drive stated that he just installed a new septic system and it does not
make sense to pay for sewer and water system.
Bettendorf responded that no matter when the utilities are installed their will always be residents
who have failing systems and residents who installed new systems.
Craig Tiffany of 9634 Wildwood Drive stated that he does not like the reference that if annexed they will I
receive police services as they already have services.
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February 28, 2005
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Carlbom stated that if annexed they will have a different level of service provided by the local I
police department While he is sure the neighborhoods are safe, they will have routine patrol in the ,
neighborhood and be able to relate to the Officers. I
Rob Schwegel stated that as a member of the Stearns County Sheriffs Department he I
does not appreciate the comments of Carlbom. I
Ernie Diedrich of 9674 Wildwood Drive stated it is his observation that people are not totally opposed tq
the proposed improvements, rather they are requesting additional information. Diedrich suggested the
Township complete a mail in survey to determine need and interest.
County Commission Mark Sakry stated that this is a difficult situation, but there are some
residents that are experiencing health risks such as high nitrates in the water system. Nitrates are
dangerous to children and can prevent homes from being sold. Sakry encouraged the residents to
consider the long term advantage of municipal systems.
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Donna Stockinger of 9668 Ironwood Drive stated that the PCA website contains information regarding
high levels of nitrates and related health risks. Stockinger stated that most of those present at this
meeting are aware of the problems in the Pleasant Acres Addition and something needs to be done.
Further, she stated that while you individually may not need services your neighbor might and the big
picture should be considered.
Cindy Corrieri of 32518 Robert Road is tired of the pushing to provide services. The excuses always
seem to be the same you will get police services.
Carl Stich stated it is his opinion that the St Wendel Township Planning Board and SI. Joseph Plannin,g
Commission should be meeting to discuss an Orderly Annexation Agreement (OA). After they are done
then they can discuss services. I
Again, Bettendorf stated that the City cannot wait one or two years, a decision must be made I
soon. '
Bob Heim clarified the process that has occurred thus far. Heim stated that he has been working with 'SI.
Joseph for a long period of time and they have never taken the position of land grabbing. SI. Joseph and
SI. Joseph Township have an OA that works well. Annexation can only occur if 100% of the property 1
owners request such or a hearing is conducted if 60% of the residents request service. Township I
residents have more protection with an OA than without. If there is not an OA, 20% of a land area car)
petition for annexation creating a hearing. This could not occur with an OA. Heim reiterated that SI. I
Joseph is not the "bad guy". Rather, there is an opportunity and they are questioning if a certain
geographical area in St Wendel Township wanto to participate. No one is pressuring a decision at this
meeting. I
Steve Johnson of 32341 Meadow Lane questioned if the Township could agree to buy into the plant and
water filtration plant, making annual payments, but connect at a later time. i
Bettendorf stated that this would be a violation of the contract with the City of SI. Cloud and place
the financial risk on the existin9 St Joseph residents. I
Linda Hollenkamp of 32664 Meadow Lane questioned the next step in the process 1
Carl Stich stated that the matter will be discussed at the Township Board meeting next week·1 At
the annual meeting the Board must decide if they are going to fund the feasibility report. Stich stated that
it might be difficult to receive approval from the constituents to spend a considerable amount of money on
one section of the Township.
Heim stated that while there are many questions, the meeting is coming to an end. The information from
this meeting will be discussed between the City and Township on Thursday night. For this project to I
move forward, St Wendel Township must decide if they will fund the feasibility report. Even if the
feasibility report is prepared, there is no guarantee the project will move forward. This report will provide
detailed information on the cost of the project. The detail will include parcel specific assessments as 'well
as overall costs, The City will make the final determination if the project goes forward. This decision'will
February 28, 2005
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be based on whether or not the project is cost effective. Heim encouraged those present to talk to the
officials from SI. Wendel and SI. Joseph to discuss their concerns.
Adiourn: The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:40 PM
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