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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 [01] Jan 16 I I I -- , Page 3072 I January 161 1997 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, January 16, 1997 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall. I I :MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz, Councilors Bob Loso, Cory Ehlert, Mary Niedenfuer, and Ken Twit. Clerk/Administrator Rachel Stapleton. ! i OTIIERS PRESENT: Judy Weyrens, Brad Lindgren, Jim Graeve, Mary Ann Graeve, Mary knn Poepping, Ben Poepping, Mike Deutz, Steve Johnson, Dick Taufen, Diane Schneider, Dm-id Pfannenstein, . Mayor Hiemenz called the meeting to order with Councilors Loso, Niedenfuer and Twit present; ! CONSENT AGENDA: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded by Niedenfuer. I a) Approve the minutes of the January 2, 1997 meeting. b) Approve attendance of Mayor, Clerk/Administrator and an EDA Representative at a TIFfED Seminar in St. Cloud with registration $60 each., , c) Approve attendance of Rachel Stapleton at the MCFOA Annual Comerence in St. Cloud with registration fee of $150. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carned. BILLS PAYABLE: Judy Weyrens, Deputy Clerk, presented the bills payable and discussed thç costs of snow removal due to the extreme winter. She stated the League of Minnesota Cities has Isent a survey request to all the cities on these costs, prior to recommendations to the legislature for furlding assistance. After a short discnssion of the bills payable, Twit made a motion to approve the bills payable as presented, check numbers 23548 - 23592, seconded by Loso.. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion canied. Ehlert anived at 7:05 p.m. The Council discussed the overtime and call outs, and possible scheduling to reduce overtime. It was discussed that accumulation of holidays hours was relaxed last year to allow them to be retained rip to six months. Loso made a motion to approve the overtime and call outs as presented; seconded by Ehlert. . ! Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. , Nays: None. Motion canied. I IiFUND TRANSFERS - YEAR END: Loso made a motion to approve the following fund transfers as recommended by Weyrens; seconded by Twit. 1996 WATER FILTRATION BOND $10,000 ÍÌ'om Refuse Fund Page 3073 3,560 from Water Fund (rate increase) 28,509 from 1986 hnprovement I 1992 WATER STORAGE FACILITY $4,653.09 from Water Fund (surcharge) Close Fund 307 - 1986 hnprovement (Wastewater Interceptor) Transfer the balance to the General Fund Transfer from the General Fund to Fund 314 Water Filtration Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. REFUSE POLICY REVIEW: Weyrens presented a review of the cutTent policy and statistic for refuse collection charges. After a short discussion of the costs, revenues, subside.d customers and revenue uses, Loso made a motion to retain the status quo of the refuse collection fee structure with no adjustment to those customers who are away for a period of time. The motion was seconded by Niedenfuer. Discussion _ The revenue derived from this fund and the costs associated v.'Ìth it are interrelated with the other utility funds. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. PAY EOUITY REPORT FOR 1996: Weyrens presented the 1996 pay Equity Report and stated it would be sent to the state as required. Loso made a motion to accept the report as presented; seconded by Ehlert. Discussion - The points assigned are CutTent and were fe\.iewed early last year. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. I PUBLIC COMMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Mike Deutz expressed a desire to include student rentals in the City refuse contract and have the billing done through the City. He felt the renters would then be required to have refuse service and alleviate some of the rental garbage problems. The Council discussed ordinance requirements that all residents of the City are required to have refuse service. The spring and fall cleanup service is part of the City contract. :Mayor Hiemenz recommended further discussion with the BF1 representative. MAYOR'S REPORT: 1) The EDA will hold their first meeting January 17,1997. The EDA ordinance structures payment for members at the same rates as other subcommittees.. Loso moved to allow payment to the EDA members at the same structure as other subcommittees ofthe Council. The motion was seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. 2) A snow plow policy is be:.ng prepared by Mayor Hiemenz with help and recommendations from I Dick Taufen. Loso recommended reviewing the winter parking policy to allow more flexibility. 3) In the past the Mayor had radio contact \\ith maintenance and police. Subsequently that radio was turned over to the police for use by a new officer. :Mayor Hiemenz has found a need for this ~ I I I I -- I Page 3074 I I , communication and requested to purchase a radio. There was a short discussion of the budget allocation (if the cost would be split between the Mayor and Police budgets). Mayor Hiemenz will review the budget and present a proposal at the next meeting. I 4) The Steams County Municipal League meets January 21 at Sauk Centre. Mayor Hiemeni ~ill be out of the area during that time. Mary Niedenfuer and Rachel Stapleton will attend.. I 5) The draft Comprehensive Plan has not been adopted yet. Mayor Hiemenz is requesting the: Planning COmmission review and update the draft plan, incorporating the Star City i recommendations, and present the updated draft plan to the Council witlùn the next 60 dayS.. Portions which can not be approved should be left out of the plan to be adopted. ! 6) Mayor Hiemenz received a letter :&om the President of the First State Bank of St. Joseph, i commending Chief Lindgren and Officer Meyer on the professional work done in relation to the recent bank robbery. The entire letter was read at the meeting.' I 7) The Mayor and Councilor received a letter from the City Attorney addressing his role. 8) Ken Twit will attend the meetings of the Great River Round Table, a recently fonned area planning group. 9) Acknowledged a few complaints received relating to snow removal.. COUNCILORS REPORT TWIT: An ED A meeting will be held January 17 and a Chamber meeting on January 21. EHLERT: 1) Calls were received concerning snow removal and fire hydrants. 2) The Plamùng Commission met January 2. J. R. Studinski requested the Plamùng Commission consider the zoning of the land where his station is located and if it is appropriate for selling used cars.. Approval of his request 'would require rezoning this property (currently R-3). The Planning Commission wishes to gather infonnation for that area and the adjacent area by holding an I informational public hearing. LOSO: In Alic,oust 1996 the City received and rejected the bids for a proposed trail in the Brian. Klinefelter Memorial Park Loso made a motion to allow the City Engineer to re-advertise the project and call for bids. The motion was seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carned. 2) The 1996 proposed overlay project for 41h and Slh Avenues SE was delayed with the proposal for another public hearing this winter to reconsider planning the project along with the affected residents and interested persons. Loso recommended setting a public hearing and revisit this project. 3) The City's Capital Improvement plan also should be looked at now and decisions made on progressing as planned or revise the plan, NIEDENFUER: A local resident has asked for equal time at the ice rink for skaters. It is important to provide time for non-hockey skaters on quality ice. She felt this problem could be worked out kith scheduling. Page 3075 CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS: 1) An application for pay request of $37,517 was received from the contractor for the Water Treatment Facility. The Council discussed the status of the facility and considered the recommendation of Joe Bettendorf. After further discussion of retainage and the functioning of the facility, Twit made a motion to approve $20,000 v.ith the stipulation that payment will not be made until approved and recommended by Dick Taufen and Joe Bettendorf. The motion was seconded by Loso. ' Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Elùert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. I 2) Steams Electric relocated a power line in conjunction with the East }.finnesota Stre.et project on an exclusive easement on private property. After reviewing the information concerning the matter Loso made a motion to approve the bill of Steams Electric of $4,680.08 as recommended by City Engineer Joe Bettendorf; seconded by Elùert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Elùert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. 3) After short discussion of an offer of insurance coverage for elected officials Loso made a motion to ignore the offer; seconded by Niedenfuer. ' Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Elùert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. , 4) Law Enforcement Labor Services has contacted the City with a desire to negotiate. Mayor Hiemenz recommended setting a closed meeting with our attorney to review the process and discuss proposals. A meeting was set for Monday, January 27 in the mOfl'm~. I 5) The bids have been advertised for the Fire Station. 6) The League of Minnesota Cities has presented its 1997 policies for members re\-iew. i 7) Snow removal equipment was discussed. Loso felt snow blower equipment is needed. Mayor Hiemenz indicated the cost of it is prohibitive. The City is requesting to rent a Loader from St. Joseph Equipment Company for $3,500 for one month. Mayor HiemenZ indic.ated a need for backup equipment in emergency needs. Elùert made a motion to approve the rental of the Loader as discussed; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Elùert, Niedenfuer, T"it. Nays: None. Motion carried. Ben poepping commended the City Maintenance Crew on their snow r~oval. 8) The City Assessor has presented a request for his annual increase at the'established $8.68 per parcel. Loso made a motion to approve the request; seconded by Elùert. Discussion - T"it expressed discomfort with beillg presented this information at the meetiT1~ and not having time for prior review. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Elùert, Niedenfuer.. Nays: None. Twit abstained. I Motion carried. , ~ I I Page 3076 cmEF OF POLICE REPORTS: Brad Lindgren, Chief of Police presented his annual repJrt and discussed several items trom the past year. He also discussed scheduled training as reqUÙ'ed by the POST Board for certification. I I Lindgren also infonned the Council there would be an open house at the City Hall on January 29, the fIrSt anniversary of Brian Klinefelter death. Memorabilia will be available for viewing. The Council expressed appreciation on the report on the reserves by Officer Cichy. CABLE FRANcmSE: Steve Johnson, representing Mark Twain Cable Company expressed concern to begin the process of tranchise renewal. Mayor Hiemenz stated he is in the process Jf setting up a three member Cable Committee to review the needs of St. Joseph and how it fits into current technology. Johnson stated $5,000 for the access channel has been paid and the other i $5,000 is budgeted for 1997. Mayor Hiemenz stated the Cable Committee will become enabled and get back to Johnson within three months. i There was further discussion of the effect of the cable utility on the East Minnesota Street proje~t. Johnson indicated the cable company was impacted by NSP's delays. ¡ I Bob Loso will be the Council member on the committee with Cory Ehlert as alternate. Mayor Hiemenz declared a recess at 9:10 p.m. Mayor Hiemenz reconvened the meeting at 9:20 p.m. CORE RECOMMENDATIONS: I. Consider increasing street lighting in some areas. NSP Company will assist in a survey an~ look at specific locations. The Council indicated a need for safe lighting for the citizens as w~ll as unifomúty in the City. Loso renùnded the Council that a street upgrading project along with the County is scheduled for 1998 for South College Avenue. The proposed project includes I decorative street lighting if funds are available. I I 2. Provide means for resident contact with landlords. Ehlert indicated he had spoken with Linda Sniezek about this matter. She has not gotten a landlord meeting together yet. Diane Schneider indicated she would contact them if the City would provide a list with the landlords home ! addresses. : I Mike Deutz requested the neighborhood should be defined. Mayor Hiemenz suggested 350 as land issues reqUÙ'e, but recommended CORE consider this matter. There was further discussion of the need of the landlord to personally go to the door to contact neighbors or to make it a ' component of the license. I 3. Facilitate neighborhood meetings. Ehlert recommended St. John's Alumni Association get' , involved in org.'1IÙzip..g these meetings by hosting a barbecue or such, Ehlert will follow up on this matter. - Page 3077 4. Hold landlords accountable through defining a "disorderly house". The Council requested the CORE Committee review and make a recommendation on the "disorderly house" issue. Loso stated that Gar Kellom had plans to have a "Code of Conduct"in place as a contract when the student register in the fall. ' I Dave pfannenstein appeared before the Council. He complemented Dick Taufen and the Maintenance Department for the good job of snow removal. ' , pfannenstein also rebuked the Council for not supporting local business. The City (and Tm'inslñp) did not list with a local realtor to sell their (Roske) property. He also recommended not being hasty in selling the parcels as he felt they will only increase in value. J\1ayor Hiemenz indicated St. Joseph realtors would be considered when the listing is renogitiated. i PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS: Dick Taufen, Director of Public Works reported the transnùssion on the plow truck is going bad. Loso made a motion to approve having it rebuilt or to get a rebuilt transnùssion at an estimated cost of $3,500 to $4,500; seconded by Niedenfuer. Discussion - The snow removal equipment has to be repaired. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, EMert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. Taufen also questioned the Council's position on moving snow back on street not plowed by the City. He had received a request to move snow back ITom between County Road 75 and Cedar Street East by Rocky's. Council generally felt it is not a City function to remove snow that the City does not pillw. ' I At 10:00 p.m. Mayor Hiemenz extended the meeting fifteen minutes. CUITently the snow is being hauled to the compost area, Taufen reported. But due to the large amount of snow, if additional space is needed, the Council agreed to allow snow be hauled to the east side of the Roske property when the compost area is full \\iith agreement ITom the Townslñp. MISCELLANOUS ITEMS: Mayor Hiemenz reported that the Park Commission minutes note that camping rules were tabled until spring. He recommended they be in place by spring. Loso stated they rules are being fonnulated and anticipated to be in place by spring. I Mayor Hiemenz also noted there is a vacancy on the Park Commission and recommended advertising again to fill this position. Loso made a motion to adjourn at 10:10 p.m.; seconded by T\\iit Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, EMert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. I Rachel Stapleton I Clerkí Administrator ---