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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 [03] Mar 17 I , March 17, 2005 , Page 1 þf6 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of SI. JOSlPh met in regular seslion on Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 7:00 PM in the SI. Joseph City Hall. I Members Present: Mayor Richard Carlbom, Councilors AI Rassier, Dale Wick, Ross Rieke, R~nee Symanietz. City Administrator Judy Weyrens. Citv ReDresentatives Present: Building Öfficial Ron Wasmund, Public Works Director Dick Taufen Others Present: Julie Klocker, Sauk River Watershed District ! ADDrove AQenda: Wick made a motion to approve the agenda with the following change: Add 10d Job Descriptions The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously. Consent AQenda: Rassier made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows. a. b. c. d. e. I f. Bills Payable - Approve check numbers 35509-35565 Minutes - Approve the minutes for February 2005. Capital Equipment Requ¡¡st - Authorize the purchase of 2 lawn tractors: 1) 997 Z Tractor with 60' deck ($12,700); 2) 1545 Tractor ($6,750). The funds have been budgeted and included in the Capital Improvement Plan. Squad Car Lease - Authorize the Administrator to execute the lease with Travel Management for replacement of the 2003 Squad Car at a lease rate of $833. , Application for Payment - Authorize the Mayor to execute application for payment #5, Northland Improvements and authorize payment to Molitor Excavating in the arnount of $6,234.89. ,I Application for Payment - Authorize the Mayor to execute application for payment #3 for the 2002 Test Well Improvement and payment to Traut Wells in the amount of $19,844.55. I The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. Sauk River Watershed. Water ManaQement Plan: Julie Klocker, Administrator of the Sauk River Watershed District approached the Council to discuss the Sauk River Watershed District. Klocker stated that SI. Joseph is part of the Sauk River Watershed District and with the annexation of the .f>.rcon property, the River is within the municipal boundary. The SRWD Is funded through levy and all property owners in SI. Joseph are taxed annually for the functions of the SRWD. I ¡ Klocker stated that SRWD is requesting that all affected member municipalities support an initiative to study and manage water quality and quantity within the Sauk River watershed, including management of storm water discharges, the effects of land use changes, development and other alterations to the environment on water quality and quantity management, and the management of natural and open ~pace areas, including floodplains, in order to balance future economic and social growth with the water and other natural resources found within the watershed. I The study will include: a) Complete diagnostic study of the lower reaches of the Sauk River in older to gain information upon which to build future water resource management strategies within the lower Sauk Region; b) Implement a long-term monitoring program on the lower reaches of the Sauk River, in older to augment the diagnostic study, provide statistically relevant trend data, and monitor the impacts of'future development and management strategies; c) complete a land and water resource inventory and a0alysis within the Region, in order to enable targeted future water resource management strategies; d) Implement, in coordination with Petitioners, projects and programs to improve water and land resource March 17, 2005 Page 2 of 6 management, reduce adverse impacts on lower stretches of the Sauk River and other waters within the Region, and improve application and implementation of Best Management Practices throughout the Region, in order to improve and protect regional water resources. Klocker stated that the following municipalities are being asked to participate in the study: SI. Cloud, Waite Park, Cold Spring, Rockville, and SI. Joseph. The project could extend over a 15 year period. Following is a summary of questions raised by the Council: · Carlbom asked about the financial impact of the project. Klocker stated that the entire Watershed District will pay the cost of the study, which is funded through the annual levy. It is anticipated that the financial impact to a residential homeowner will be $ 1.70 annually. In addition to the levy, drainage fees are collected from any person draining into the Sauk River. · Carib om questioned what would happen if not all cities sign the petition. Rassier asked what would happen if only one city would sign the petition. Klocker stated that only one entity needs to sign the petition to proceed with the project, however that one city can stop the project as well before the project is done. · Carlbom also asked about the possibilities of the groups not agreeing with the study and if SI. Joseph will be obligated to make any changes. Klocker stated that the SRWD does not have any authority over the City of SI. Joseph they can only make recommendations. SRWD does not want to control planning or land use. · There was some question as to whether or not the execution of the resolution would place any additional burdens on the City. It was agreed to contact the City Attorney to review the document before executing. I Klocker reiterated that there is no risk to the City if the petition is signed. Even if SI. Joseph didn't sign the petition and the other municipalities did execute the petition, SI. Joseph would be part of the study. I The SRWD is requesting all municipalities to execute the resolution and petition to show that it is a cooperative effort. Rassier made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2005-10 to execute the petition for the Lower Sauk River Water Management Project. Approval is continent upon 50% of the affected municipalities executing the same action and approval of the City Attorney. The motion was seconded by Wick. Ayes: Rassier, Wick, Symanietz, Carlbom Nays: None. Abstain: Rieke Motion Carried 4:0:1 BUILDING OFFICIAL REPORTS PlumbinQ & Mechanical Permits - Rate Structure: Building Official Ron Wasmond addressed the Council in regards to the Plumbing and Mechanical Fee Schedules. Wasmond stated that he has previously requested authorization to modify the fee schedule for mechanical and plumbing permits. The former Building Official implemented the current fee structure with plumbing fees based on the number of fIXtures and mechanical permits are based on the input BTU of the heat plan, type of ventilation and gas supply openings. Wasmund stated that the current fee raises questions for both staff and homeowners who are not familiar with the terminology for plumbing and heating. He stated that he has studied the fees over the past year and those fees collected by the former Building Official, AIISpec. There seems to be some discrepancies in the number of fixtures or the types of heating units being reported. In an effort to simplify the process, Wasmund suggested that the change the fee schedule to a fiat fee based for residential and percentage based on the value for commercial projects. Commercial projects are percentage based since those projects require a plan review and are much larger projects. The proposed fees to be collected are as follows: I I I I i , , 1 March 17, 2005 Page 3'of 6 ¡ Plumbinq Permit Mechanical Permit Residential Alteration $50.00 Residential Alteration $50.00 Residential Water Conditioner $35.00 Residential Fireplace, $45.00 (if not included in original permit) (if not included in original permit) Residential New $95.00 Residential New $95.00 Commercial % see below Commercial % see below If value is $0-5,000, fee is 50 or 1.5% of value. (whichever is greater) If value is $5,001 - $50,000, fee is $75 or 1 % of value (whichever is greater) If value is $50,0001 and up, fee is $500 or .5% (whichever is greater) Fire Suppression & Alarm Svstems Valuation based on fee schedule Inspections outside normal business hours $60.00/hour (1 hour minimum) Inspections for which no fee is specificallv indicated $30.00 per inspection State Surcharqe Fixed fee permit surcharge is $0.50 State surcharge, the greater of ($0.0005 x valuation) or $0.50 , I Wasmund stated that he has three main goals for changing the plumbing and mechanical fee schedJies. 1. To make the application process easier for both City Staff, Contractors, and Homeowners : 2. To charge a uniform fee for similar projects. , 3. To allow Inspectron to add this type of permitting to the Permit Works software that is used for building permits. i Carlbom questioned the fee schedules for other area cities. Wasmund stated ¡hat there are still threJ Cities that use a per fixture fee schedule. However, Waite Park is working on a similar schedule as proposed. Rieke made a motion to adopt the new fee schedule as presented effective April 1, 2005. The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. Rental HousinQ Ordinance: Wasmund stated that last year was the first year Inspectron completed the rental housing inspections and he is preparing for the 2005 inspections. Last year they fell behind schedule and he hopes to be finished by August in 2005. Typically the inspeCtions are completed between June 1 and August 30. Any property that is rented must complete the inspection process. BuildinQ Permit Activitv: Wasmund stated that the contractors have become accustomed to the new process and required inspections. Carlbom questioned Wasmund as to whether or not he anticipates a lot of Building Permit activity in 2005. Wasmund stated that last year 75 new single-family home permits were issued, however he anticipates that 188 new single-family home permits will be issued in 2005' i PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS : 2004 Annual Water ReDort: Public Works Director Dick Taufen presented the Council with the 2004 : annual water pumping report. Taufen stated that unlike 2003, the City accounted for over 98% of all water pumped, well within the DNR requirements. I , Surolus ProDertv: Taufen stated that the recent equipment purchase of two trucks and the sewer rodder allow for the disposal of the following equipment: 1. 1970 Tanker Truck March 17, 2005 Page 4 of6 2. 1965 Sewer Rodder Truck 3. 1985 Chevy Van Municipalities are limited on how to dispose of surplus equipment. First, the equipment must be declared surplus by the City Council and then the City can either accept competitive bids for the surplus equipment or place them for sale via an auction. Annually Stearns County conducts an auction for surplus equipment and the surrounding Cities are invited to participate. Therefore, Taufen is requesting that the Council declare the equipment identified above a surplus and auction the Tanker Truck and Chevy Van and seek competitive bids for the sewer rodder. The sewer rodder is a specialized piece of equipment and the City may receive a higher return seeking competitive bids, advertising through the League Magazine. Rassier made a motion to declare the three items identified above as surplus property auctioning the Tanker Truck and Chevy Van and seeking competitive bids on the Sewer Rodder. The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously. MAYOR REPORTS District 742 BuildinQ Facilities Committee: Carlbom stated that he attended the District 742 School Committee meeting at which they further discussed the long-term goals for District 742. He further stated that they are planning to form sub-committees to look at the different areas identified as District concerns. Carlbom recommended that the District contact Councilor Wick has he has been involved in the School Committee that has been meeting in SI. Joseph. CSB President: Carlbom announced that the College of SI. Benedict has hired a new President for the College and that her inauguration will be the third week in April. Carlbom and Rassier will be hosting a welcome lunch on behalf of the City on April 19. PartnershiD: Carlbom stated that he attended the meeting with the Partnership on Wednesday morning. At the meeting the Partnership discussed the difficulty they are having meeting rising expenditures. Carlbom reminded the Partnership that the decision to join the Partnership was not unanimous and the City cannot afford an increase in membership fees. To help offset the rising operating costs, the Partnership is considering expanding the membership to include associate members for smaller businesses. Carlbom stated that as the City currently has an EDA, it might be best for the City to become an associate member. Chamber Lunch: Carlbom stated that he attended the Chamber lunch along with Rassier. There seems to be some confusion over who attends what meetings. As a result, he stated he will be doing an addendum to the Mayor Appointments to clarify the City representatives. COUNCIL REPORTS RASSIER - No Report RIEKE Minutes: Rieke questioned whether or not the minutes are available on the website. Weyrens stated that the minutes of City Council meetings are posted on the website. Typically they are posted at the end of every month. SYMANIETZ SloQan Contest: Symanietz stated that she met with the three chamber members who were on the Chamber sub-committee for the City Slogan. The submission deadline has passed and 75 slogans were I I I I I I I : March 17, 2005 Page 5 'of 6 1 , submitted. It is anticipated that the winner will be present at the City Council meeting on April 7. Rassier questioned if the Chamber is aware of the selected slogan as some Chamber members have approa~hed him stated that they are not aware of the selected slogan. Caribom stated that it was brought up at the March meeting and no questions were asked. Symanietz stated that the Chamber will hear more about it at the Chamber meeting after the winner is revealed. I WICK Recreation Association: Wick stated that the SI. Joseph Recreation Association is preparing for the I upcoming softball season preparing the fields and seeking teams. In addition, the Recreation Association is working with the SI. Cloud Boys and Girls Club to provide summer recreation for youth. Park Board: Wick stated that the Park Board will be holding a public hearing on March 21, 2005 to discuss the DNR grant submittal requesting funding for a shelter and restrooms. , TAC Meetinq: Wick mentioned that the TAC Committee for the Field Street corridor met and the minutes are included in the Council Packet. I , State Softball Tournament: Rassier questioned Wick as to whether or not the Recreation Association 'wiil be hosting the State Tournament for Softball. Wick stated that the City wiil host the tournament in JuiY. , i Field Street Studv: Weyrens stated that he TAC Committee has met twice. The information given to the Council wiil be available on the Website as well to keep everyone invoived. I ZoninQ Amendments: Weyrens stated that the Planning Commission has been working to amend the following Ordinances: ' ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS 1. R4 Zoning District: The Planning Commission has been working on the creation of a R4 Zoning District. The purpose of this district is to allow for Townhome or Patio home construction on I smaller lots. Typically residents purchasing a TownlPatio home are not interested in a large yard or the desire property maintenance through an association. The proposed Zoning District will allow for 6,000 square foot lots. Before the Ordinance is enacted, the Planning Commission must conduct a public hearing, which will be scheduled for April 7, 2005. 1 I 2. Sign Ordinance: The Pianning Commission is also looking to make some changes to the Si9n Ordinance. The changes include: · Limitation on the size of the structure holding the sign face · Establishing the maximum height · Requiring landscaping around the base of the sign. 3. Business and Industrial Zoning Districts: Currently, the Planning Commission must review a building permits in these zoning districts. Both Staff and the Planning Commission have a9reed that small additions to existing buildings should not need to come before the Planning I Commission if all Ordinance requirements are fulfilled. The Planning Commission has identified small additions as those additions not exceeding 25% of the main structure. I GamblinQ Ordinance: Weyrens reported that she has been presented a Premise Permit Application for Loso's Main Street Pub. In reviewing the Ordinance requirements it states that organizations are limited to one premise permit. Before the Council can consider the new application the Ordinance must be: , reviewed. Weyrens will contact the current license holders to discuss a proposed Ordinance and report back to the Council. March 17, 2005 Page 6 of6 Job DescriDtions: Weyrens requested authorization to contract with Rajkowski Hansmeier to update the job descriptions for the Maintenance Department. The updating of job descriptions will assist the City in estabiishing any new positions such as water and sewer operators. Rassier made a motion authorizing Weyrens to work with Rajkowski-Hansmeier to review and update the job descriptions for the Maintenance Department. The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously. SI. Wendel TownshiD: Weyrens stated that she contacted the SI. Wendel Township Clerk, Renee Salzer, requesting and update on the proposed extension of services. Salzer indicated that the SI. Wendel Township Board is sending a survey to all affected households and it is anticipated that it will be mailed over this coming weekend. . Adiourn: Symanietz made a motion to adjourn at 8:15 PM; seconded by Wick. Ayes: Symanietz, Rieke, Carlbom, Wick Nays: Rassier Motion Passed 4:1:0 ~~, f]~ I I I