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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 [02] Feb 15 I I I , , Page 2909 ,February 15, 1996 ! I ! Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, February 15,11996 at 7:00 P.M. in the City Hall to do current business and business!from the February 1 meeting, cancelled due to the tragic death of Officer Brian Klinefelter. I MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Donald Bud Reber; Councilors Ross Rieke, Bob Loso, Ken Hiemenz, Cory Ehlert; Clerk/Administrator Rachel Stapleton. OTHERS PRESENT: Judy Weyrens, Joe Bettendorf, Steve Streng, John Scherer, Art Reber, Fran Court. Mayor Reber called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. with Loso, Ehlert and Hiemenz present. i Councilors , , I I by Ehlert. I I AGENDA: Loso made Ayes: Reber, Nayes: None. a motion to approve the agenda; seconded Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Motion carried. , I CONSENT AGENDA: Hiemenz made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as follows; seconded by Ehlert. 1. Minutes of the January 22, 1996 Council meeting. l 2. An Amendment to Ordinance No. 31 making directional correct10ns. 3. St. Cloud Area Economic Development Partnership proposed code of ethics. i 4. Approval for Councilors to attend a Local Government Forum in St. Cloud on February 16. ! 5. Approval of an Application from the College of St. Benedict, for an Exemption from Lawful Gambling License along with a waiver of the thirty day waiting period for review and comment, for the May Sowle to be held May 4, 1996 at the College of St. Benedict. Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hiemenz, Nayes: None. Ehlert. Motion carried. BILLS PAYABLE: Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens presented the bills payable. After discussion of various bills, including vehicle repair and maintenance, it was agreed to distribute repair and maintenance to other business establishments in the City that do repair and I maintenance. Loso made a motion to approve the bills payable pheck numbers 22046 - 22101; seconded by Ehlert. Discussion - gloveS for the police officers will be deducted from their clothing allowancel Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. I Nayes: None. Motion carried. I , Loso made a motion to approve the overtime and callouts as presented; seconded by Hiemenz. Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. TREASURER'S REPORT: Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens presented and d1scussed Page 2910 February 15, 1996 the November/December 1995 Treasurer's report. She stated that another fund will be established as required by the Fast Cop grant agreement. After short discussion Loso made a motion to accept the report as presented; seconded by Hiemenz. Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hiemenz, Mayes: None. Ehlert. Motion carried. I ftAYOR'S REPORT: 1} Mayor Reber recommended to change the name of Morningside Park to the Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park, and refer the recommendation to the Park Board for it's consideration. A tasteful granite monument honoring Officer Klinefelter could be designed and installed in the park. Deputy Sheriff Rob Schwagel is planning a Peace Officer run/walk from the DelWin to the park to raise funds. Hiemenz supported Mayor Reber's recommendation and made a motion to refer the name change of Morningside Park to Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park to the Park Board for consideration and recommendation. The motion was seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Reber, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Ross Rieke arrived at 7:25 p.m. 2} Chief Lindgren has requested authorizing two officers from our city to attend the funeral of any officer slain in the line of duty. After short discussion Council recommended a resolution be prepared by the Administrator and Chief of Police for Council consideration at the next meeting. I 3} There is a need for a three stall garage for the patrol cars due to the vandalism to patrol cars and private vehicles behind city hall. Rieke recommended considering this proposal while formulating a long range plan for the City complex. Reber indicated that the need for the garage is now and a city complex is far in the future. It was generally agreed that Joe Bettendorf would be consulted for proposed layouts and recommendations to accommodate a garage on the western part of the city hall property. 4} Mayor Reber made a motion to set the earliest construction date for the fire hall as 1997. When the plans are finalized in 1996, the people will vote knowing the impact on their taxes, along with the impact of the other necessary city projects. The motion was seconded by Loso. Discussion -Rieke recommended letting the project develop at it's own pace, and allow circumstances to push it back if they may. Hiemenz recommended capitalizing on the excellent financial market and stated the tax burden will be there the next year also. Loso stated the Council has consistently planned for 1997 construction. Ehlert stated that the community center proposal has been resurrected again in relation to the fire hall property and proposal. I Ayes: Reber, Loso. Nayes: Rieke, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Motion failed. I I I Page 2911 February 15, 1996 I I , 5) Mayor Reber discussed the recommendation of Chief Lindgren to retire Officer Brian Klinefelter's badge number, 775, with a plaque hÓnoring him to be hung by the City. Ehlert made a motion to approve the honor as recommended; seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. 6) Mayor Reber thanked the personnel in the City Office, Judy Weyrens, Mary GenerouS and Rachel Stapleton for their excellent work iniall the additional duties during this difficult and tragic time. He also thanked the maintenance department personnel for their excellertt cooperation during this period, and the police department for their contributions, suppport to the family and community and decorum. COUNCILLOR REPORT RIEKE: because be held The CORE Committee decided not to hold a Speakout this year there is no big issue. An event to honor some individual will in the spring. EHLERT: A committee has been formed to oversee and make recommendations concerning Brian Klinefelter Memorial fund raisers. The next meeting of the committee will be held at 7:45 a.m. February 21, at the First State Bank of St. Joseph. i 1} The Fire Board met and considered the following iSsu~S. ! by St. Benedicts that it wlll $5,000 to $10,000 for the hext LOSO: a} The Fire Board was notified increase its contribution from fiscal year. b} Tanker grant application will be resubmitted, showing additional donations received. c} Fire Board approved an increase for the Fire Department , officers and volunteers. Loso made a motion to support the Fire Board's approval of the following pay increases effective' June 1, 1996 if recqmmendation from the League of Minnesota Cities indicates this increase would not be detrimental to the Fire Fighters volunteer status: Annual Salaries: Chief from $900 to $1,100 Assistant Chief from $450 to $550 Secretary from $200 to $300 Treasurer from $440 to $540 Hourly Firefighters wages from $8.00 to $10.00 The motion was seconded by Ehlert. Discussion - Hiemenz Istated that the League of Minnesota Cities should be consulted prior to these increases taking effect. These increases may raiSe them to a level that might affect their volunteer status. Page 2912 February 15, 1996 d) Ayes: Reber, Nayes: None. Replacement of Rieke, Loso; Hiemenz, Ehlert. Motion carried. the grass rig was discussed. I e) A second phone line is being removed from the fire hall to save dollars. f} Loso made a motion to support the Fire Board in approving four first responders to attend State Fire Convention in June; seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Mayes: None. Motion carried. g} Loso made a motion to EMS manuals at a cost of Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Mayes: None. support the Fire Board to purchase about $500; seconded by Rieke. Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Motion carried. new 2} Loso also discussed reviewing the street lighting map, for areas in need of more street lights. 3} Loso and Chief Lindgren are working on the mechanics of a proposed impound lot. HIEMENZ: The Star City Commission met and is in the final stages of I the Star City process. The documentation is nearly ready to be mailed. GAMBLING LICENSE: Hiemenz made a motion to approve the gambling license applications as presented by Fran Court, for the St. Joseph Lions Club, for two locations, the El Paso Club and the Main Street Pub, for the period of June 1, 1996 through May 31, 1998; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Mayes: None. Motion carried. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Art Reber expressed thanks to responsible for installing speed limit signs on the He indicated they had reduced the speeds somewhat. continues to be a need to control snowmobile speeds recommended moving the trail to an area where there and less residences. Mr. Reber also stated that he that the snowmobile trail be moved. the persons snowmobile trail. He stated there in the city and are more businesses is again requesting CITY ENGINEER JOE BETTENDORF REPORTS EAST MINNESOTA STREET: The tentative bid date for the East Minnesota Street project is in March. He discussed properties in the vicinity that do not have water or sewer, and recommended sending a letter to them asking if they wish to have either utility extended to their property. These services could then be included in the project. Council was supportive of contacting those property owners by letter asking their intentions. I I I I I Page 2913 February 15, 1996 , Bettendorf discussed the storm sewer drainage pond on East Minnesota Street that will be enlarged to trap the 100 year storm, and the overflow from it. He also discussed the drainage ponds on theiRoske Addition and if the Council wished to fence these ponds. Rieke made a motion to construct the drainage pond on East Minnesota Street!with fencing and landscaping as determined to be adequate by the Engineer; seconded by Reber. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. ponds on may be , i I status of this is tentatively The Council generally agreed that fencing of the drainage Roske Addition is not necessary at this time. The matter considered when further development occurs. WATER FILTRATION PROJECT: project, and stated that a being set for February 29. Bettendorf discussed the pre-construction meeting Loso made a motion to recess at 8:4Ø p.m. Mayor Reber reconvened the meeting at 8:50 p.m. the 1995 STREET OVERLAY ASSESSMENTS: Loso made a motion adopting ~ resolution approving a revised cost split assessment role, with 60Y.of the cost to the property owner and 401. of the cost to the City¡ The assessment is for the project area of Cypress Drive beginning! at Old Highway 52 following the entire loop back to Old Highway 52; East Baker Street from Seventh Avenue Southeast to a point 30Ø feet east Öf Tenth Avenue Southeast; and Ninth Avenue Southeast from East Baker Street to East Minnesota Street. The assessment shall be over five years with the interest rate at 71. and total assessment of $25,005.0Ø. There shall be no capitalized interest assessed. The motion was secbnded by Rieke. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS: 1} Council discussed accident inshrance for elected and appointed officials proposed by the League. Council requested more information on the coverage, if it is 24 hour cbverage or only while acting in their capacity as a city official. Stapleton will review this further and report to the Council. I i agreement to delay action on a proposed , of tobacco until after the legislature has I 2} Council was in general ordinance regulating sale considered this issue. 3} A request to contract with the City for mowing of the park land was received. Council discussed a minimum five year commitment an'd , requesting quotes for the service. Loso stated that maintenance time could be redirected to tasks that get omitted, because of time shortage. Rieke stated that a study was done by our accountirig firm within recent years. Their recommendations should be considered. Mayor Reber will consult with the Superintendent of Public Wo~ks and ! ! I Page 2914 February 15, 1996 bring it back to the Council. 4} One of the utility customers on sewer only has a heat pump that uses I water. He feels his sewer bill is too high because we use the November/December period for the full years calculation for billing. He has indicated that the water from the heat pump does not go into the sewer but goes back into the well. Council generally agreed that he could rehook the meter to measure only the domestic use, or could provide us with copy of a recharge permit from the Department of Health that allows him to operate this way. 5} Annexation of Highway 75 and the Roske Addition. The County needs to sign off on the resolution and get a legal description of the area. As soon as these documents are compiled and executed the matter will move forward. 6} Loso made a motion to approve the attendance of Rachel Stapleton at a Tax Increment Financing seminar in St. Cloud on March 6; seconded by Mayor Reber. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. 7} Council reviewed proposed resolutions to provide assessment relief through deferral for hardship cases. Hiemenz made a motion to refer the matter to City Attorney John Scherer for recommendations and drafting of an ordinance; seconded by Rieke. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. I 8} The Board of Review for the City of St. Joseph will be held at 7:00 p.m. on April 17, in the City Hall. Council encouraged informing those individuals that appeared at the truth in taxation hearing and discussed concerns of their individual property taxes to attend this meeting. 9} The State of Minnesota requires all operators of fire works displays to be certified. The State is administering tests at locations throughout the State. 10} Stapleton reported that she has recently been asked to apply and was appointed to the State Intergovernmental Information Systems Advisory Council. This council sponsors educational conferences, acts as the liaison between the state and local governments in the area of information systems and management; fosters communication between various levels of government and provides grant funds for development and innovation. 11} The APO Traffic study East of College Avenue on East Minnesota Street and County Highway 75 was reviewed by the Council. 12} Stapleton commended all the City Employees for their cooperation, actions, generous contributions and assistance to the City, community and family during the week of mourning in our city. I I I I Page 2915 February 15, 1996 ! ! COMMUNITY EVENTS - ADVERTISING SIGNS: The Council discussed the proposed locations for the Community Events - Advertising signs! and , , generally agreed the location near the intersection of County Road 2 and County Highway 75 is appropriate but omit sign proposed for! County Road 2 and Second Avenue NW. They recommended contacting st. Benedicts to see if they would desire a much smaller sign to be placed on their campus. CITY ATTORNEY JOHN SCHERER REPORTS GRAND SLAM PIZZA: The owner of Grand Slam Pizza business filed for bankruptcy. No measures should be taken to collect the utility: bill from the business owner but charges for water and sewer used from the date of bankruptcy may be collected through the usual procedures. ! INDUSTRIAL PARK: Scherer discussed meetings he has had with industrial , park property owners, Leo Buettener, Dr. Koenig and Borgert family representatives recently. It appears that negotiations for de~elopment of the area is workable, with possible donation of road right bf way. ! p.m.; seconded by Loso made a motion to adjourn at 10:08 ADJOURN: Ehlert. Ayes: Reber, Nayes: None. Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Motion carried. ~ Rachel Stapleton Clerk/Administrator