HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 [05] May 01
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Pursuant to due notice and call thereof the City Council for the City of St. Josephmet in regular
session on Thursday, May 1, 1997 at 7:00 p.m. '
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MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz; Councilors Bob Loso, Cory Ehlert, and
Mary Niedenfuer. Clerk/Administrator Rachel Stapleton. Ken Twit was absent.
OTIIERS PRESENT: Judy Weyrens, Dick Taufen, James Marthaler, Jim Graeve, Mary Ann
Graeve, Steve Fischer, Fred Reber, Edith Hiemenz, .Art Hiemenz, Bob Wahlstrom, Ellen
Wahlstrom; Tom Gustafson, Mmjorie Lesnick, Bob Herges, Bob Brendt, Steve Streng, Peter
Donohue, Mike Novak, Russ Pickus.
AGENDA: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Niedenfuer.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Niedenfuer.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda including the
minutes of the April 17, April 22, and April 24 Council meetings with a corrections as
recommended by Mayor Hiemenz, to the April 22 meeting as follows:
lO.l After 21 years of service an additional eight hours of vacation will be accrued per year
(with a maximum of 200 hours), except for Jeff Young who shall continue to receive an
additional "day" (remove "ten hours") per year to a ma.ximum of 200 hours.
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And a correction to the April 24 meeting as follows:
Ken Heinen recommended considering locating new facilities by the new Fire Hall. Ellen
Wahlstrom recommended having a study "done." (mther than "one.") She also recommended
ge~ more citizen involvement.
The motion was seconded by Niedenfuer.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Niedenfuer,
Nays: None.
Motion carried.
Cory Ehlert arrived at 7:05 p.m.
Mayor Hiemenz stated Councilor Ken Twit is representing the City as Acting Mayor at a state
award ceremony in Mlnneapolis honoring Steve Schirber as Fire Fighter of the Year.
PUBUC COMMENTS: Mary Ann Graeve discussed chemicals in the municipal water. She
indicated concern for the health effects of the chlorine in the water.
Jim Graeve questioned why Budget Propane is on the agenda after the Special Use permit was
denied by the Planning Commission. Mayor Hiemenz stated the Planning Commission makes a
recommendation to the City Council. The next step is for the City Council to consider the
matter, Graeve spoke in favor of the Planning Commission's recommendation, stating the tanks
are not aesthetically pleasing nor beneficial to the community.
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Fred Reber 1) questioned the allowance for property in the city to be farmed with corn crops. He
stated he has ''to fight the corn stalks all year." He also understood Pond View Ridge would be
developed to the North first, as is not being done.
Mayor Hiemenz recommended administration check ordinances concerning allowances for
agricultura1 uses and controls of farming residues.
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2) Reber recommended selling the Roske property as originally proposed to the public.
Ellen Wahlstrom questioned if the City encouraged a cleanup of the trash and refuse lying
around. Mayor Hiemenz and Councilors discussed the street sweeping, spring refuse pickup, I
park cleanup (1" Saturday in May) and supported a City wide cleanup, encouraging everyone to
participate, i
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Weyrens also stated the City anticipates receiving in excess of $10,000 from Federal Emergency
Management Assistance for the snow removal emergencies, She also indicated the police I
computer crashed and will have to be replaced. The company will upgrade it at a small cost to I
the City. Weyrens also stated the Administration Department needs a replacement printer as well
as a plain paper fax machine. Both of these items are budgeted items. Quotes were received frbm
Chader and Marco, office equipment suppliers, with the low quote of $772 (the State Contract ¡
bid) from Marco. Loso made a motion to approve purchasing both items as requested; secondbd
by EWert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, EWert, Niedenfuer.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
BILLS PAYABLE: Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens presented the bills payable, overtime and
callouts. She requested to add the EDA members costs to the bills payable with Mike Deutz, ,
$120; Ross Rieke, $120; Bruce Gohman, $30. After short discussion of various bills, Loso made
a motion to approve the bills payable as presented with the addition of the EDA bills; seconded
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Ayes: Hiemenz,Loso, EWert, Niedenfuer. I
Nays: None. Motion carried. ¡ I
CALL OUTS AND OVERTIME: Weyrens presented a list oftime indi~ated as donated time bn
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past employee time sheets. This matter as well as Brad Lindgren's time for attendance at a I
Council meeting was referred to the Personnel Committee for recommendation at the next regular
meeting. Loso made a motion to approve the call outs and overtime with the exception of
Lindgren's Council meeting time to be determined; seconded by Niedenfuer.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, EWert, Niedenfuer.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
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The Capital Outlay Rollover amounts need to be addressed at the next Council meeting.
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The three past due bills were reviewed and recommended to pursue collection of them through
available means.
MAYOR REPORTS: I) The Mayor attended a St. Joseph Township meeting concerning two
plats, Both plats are near the City and may affect it in the future. The Mayor recommended
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establishing a policy that would allow input from the City when there is a platting activity near
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2) There has been correspondence with Burlington Northern Railroad concerning the
abandonment process requesting the City have fIrst option on the railroad property as it is sold.
Addressed were the need for more crossings and development of property in relation to the
Wobegon Trail. He also reiterated to railroad officials that the water tower was placed at that site
thinking the future use of the railroad property would be public. The Mayor requested and is
waiting for a response from the railroad officials. I
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3) Street lighting is needed by the post office and at the corner of 7th Avenue and Ash Street NW.
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4) Mayor Hiemenz recommended the City Attorney review the Comprehensive Plan prior to the
Public Hearing on it. Loso made a motion to have the City Attorney review the Comprehensive
Plan as recommended; seconded by Hiemenz. Discussion - Ehlert stated the plan will go to the
City Attorney after the hearing for inclusion of recommendations from that meeting. He
questioned if this would be a duplication of the legal service. Mayor Hiemenz indicated he felt
the Plan should be reviewed prior to the hearing so there are no misconceptions presented at the
hearing,
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer.
Nays: None. Motion carried
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5) Niedenfuer made a motion to approve the attendance of Mayor Hiemenz at a meeting with the
Governor, cost of the dinner is $15; seconded by Loso, Discussion - Ehlert will attend the
meeting also as a member of the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer.
Nays: None. Motion carried
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6) Mayor Hiemenz has been meeting with residents on Hickory Street to solve a drainage
problem,
COUNCIL REPORTS
EHLERT: 1) Ehlert met with Jim Hardwick and Brother Isaac from St. John's. They indicated
they would like to include the Mayor and City officials in the Freshman Orientation. The off
campus brochure was also discussed at this meeting. !
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2) A meeting with the Sno-Joes on the concerns of a resident resulted in invitIDg them to the
next Council meeting. I
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3) The Parle Board was recommended to establish guidelines for camping controls including the
length of time any party may camp in Millstream Park .
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4) The Personnel Committee is still working on several issues and will report ~ progress soon.
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LOSO: l) The pre-construction meeting for the Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park Trail was held
The construction will begin about July 7.
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2) The Cable Commission met with the City Attorney and sent out a Req\rest for Proposal to thb
Cable Company, The Commission hopes to complete the franchise renewal process by mid June.
Also an access channel will be set up with micro wave dishes donated by Mark Twain Cable. A
company with portable transmission equipment is being reviewed for possible use with the access
channel,
3) A basketball court will be installed in Centennial Park.
4) A Committee from Nortbland met with the Park Board with a proposal to develop that park
with donated materials, This proposal is in the initial stages. Drainage will have to be considered
along with the development.
5) Soccer Fields are being developed in Millstream Park.
6) Seedling trees will be planted in Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park on May 9th.
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BUDGET PROPANE SPECIAL USE PERMIT: Peter Donohue and Mike Novak, representing
Budget Propane, Inc., appeared before the CO\mcil to discuss the request to allow a propane
distribution center on a parcel of property zoned Industrial. The Planning Commission held a
public hearing on the request and upon their findings denied the request. Mr. Donohue and
Mr. Novak discussed the proposal and presented infonnation relating to safety issues raised at
the Planning Commission meeting,. They specifically discussed the invohmtary risk schedule,
likelihood of accidents in comparison to other natural, transportation or storage accidents. They
further discussed the traffic to this proposed facility would be only occasional, They then
requested the City Council override the Planning Commission's recommendation, and approve
the Special Use Pennit.
Mayor Hiemenz indicated he would like to have Councilor Twit at the meeting to consider this !
matter and questioned if Budget Propane, Inc. would waive the 60 day requirement to act on the'
matter in order for it to be considered at a meeting of the full Council.
Mayor Hiemenz granted Budget Propane a short recess of this agenda item to confer, After a
short conference Mr. Donohue stated his client is willing to waive the 60 day requirement with
Council action at the next regular Council meeting. This waiver being an unusual decision,
Budget Propane Inc. will provide such waiver in writing.
CITY ENGINEER RATE INCREASE: After short review of the proposed rate increase Loso
made amotion to accept the 3.6% increase as proposed effective May I, 1997 and send a letter of
appreciation for all his efforts and assistance; seconded by Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
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DIRECTOR OF PUBUC WORKS REPORTS: Dick Taufen I) presented and reviewed the I
annual water report. He discussed the status of the chlorinating, and stated we are not obligated'
to chlorinate the water until 1998, according to current regulations. After short discussion Losd
made a motion to shut down the chlorinating mechanism upon assurance that the equipment is I
operating properly, Seconded by Niedenfuer.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer..
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Nays: None.
Motion carried
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2) Tamen discussed the status of water meters with the CounciL Loso suggested and it was
generally agreed to get more infonnation from Water Pro on costs and financing upgrades.
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3) Quotes are being received for the well cleaning.
4) There are still several items that need attention with the Iron Removal project. The cost to
change the roof drain is estimated at $600 so that it will not drain and freeze by the doors. An
effluent meter is not working. This meter is not part of the project, but needs a new transducer.
After short discussion Loso made a motion to approve the change to the roof drain of $600 and
the meter repair; seconded by Niedenfuer.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer.
Nays: None. Motion carried
5) Along with the signage the Police Department requested is a need for signag by the cemetery.
Parking in front of the old cemetery and blocking it when needed for funerals has been a
problem. Council generally agreed to get appropriate signs allowing only funeral and cemeteIy
parking. I
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6) Capital Outlay Requests a) Tommy Lift, $1,700; b) used pickup to install th~ Tommy Lift on,
$5,000 estimate; c) box scraper $1,400. Loso made a motion to approve the three capital outlay
items as presented; seconded by Mayor Hiemenz.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer.
Nays: None, Motion carried.
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SEWER EXTENSION: Mike Deutz appeared before the Council to request eXtending the sewer
to a new unit of a triplex at 322 Old Highway 52. Extending water and sewer to this new unit
from the main would require installing it under the new street. After discussion Loso made a
motion to allow the water and sewer to be extended from the adjacent unit, because the units are
owned as one property and any unit may not be separated for single ownership.' The engineers
water and sewer maps will document this allowance. Should there ever be single ownership of
one unit, each utility must be colUlected directly to the main. The motion was seconded by
Niedenfuer.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
NIEDENFUERREPORTS: 1) Lori Lee's house, 115 Able St. E, has the only approach to it
from the alley. She is requesting a 60-40 cost split in reconstruction of the alley. Council
discussed this indicating the City Engineer will be reviewing the alleys and reporting to the
CounciL Mayor Hiemenz recommended Lee bring a proposal to the CounciL I
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2) There are no truck route signs on County Road 2 entering the City from the -lvest. The County
Engineer will be contacted for a response on this issue. I
3) The Food Shelf is seeking quarters. Any suggestions for a site would be appreciated
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4) A Field Services Director with the State Historical Association indicated the old bank bUilding
is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has a rare Greek Revival front, and would be ~
excellent place for a museum, There may be grant funding available. I
5) CORE Committee met and the student Graduation Party was discussed. Neither CSB nor sm
wanted the party on their campus because alcohol will be served. CSB is doing all they can to
curb a duplication of last years type of activities. The event will be held at the Pelican Lake
Ballroom. Niedenfuer recommended the bars do not hold specials that night.
CLERK! ADMINISIRATOR REPORTS: 1) A request was received for signs indicating "slow
children" on 10'" Avenue SE, between Dale and Callaway Streets. Council discussed signs are I
costly, and they would take this matter under advisement. . I
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2) Loso made a motion to approve a work study agreement between St. John's University and the
City of St. Joseph for two summer workers; seconded by Ehlert. '
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. I
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Nays: None. Motion carried. I
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3) Insurance deductible of $500 is iIn;O~d on each separate claim. Council requested premiJ
cost proposals on a lesser deductible as well as a cost proposal for insuring trees. I
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4) The First State Bank has been preparing and flnancingthe Welcome Packets. This is
becoming burdensome in relation to the number of coupons returned from the packets. Council
felt local organizations such as the Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce may be willing to ¡
assist in the Welcome Packets and will be approached, I
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5) The City Attorney responded on the alley issue (28 Ash Street E) brought up by Richard I
Hansen, concerning a portion of the property owned by him being used as an alley. The Council
recommended sending the property owner and the City Assessor a copy of the information. I
6) Niedenfuer made a motion to approve the request of the College of St. Benedict to sell strong
beer as an allowance with their non-intoxicating malt liquor license and wine license. This I
approval is based on compliance with all the requirements of this allowance. The motion was
seconded by Ehlert. '
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
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7) The City received notice of an application fl1ed by InfoTel Communications to provide local ¡
telephone service in competition with US West. '
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POUCE OFFICERS LABOR AGREEMENT: Niedenfuer made a motion to approve a three I
year Labor Agreement Between the City of St. Joseph and Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.
as exclusive representative of the Officers of the St. Joseph Police Department. The motion wa:i
seconded by Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Ehlert, Niedenfuer.
Nays: Loso. Motion carried,
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MISCELLANEOUS OR ANNOUNCEMENT ITEMS: 1) A noise violation h~ will be held
at the May 15 meeting,
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2) A letter was received from Victoria Osendorf expressing concern of the incnkse in traffic on
First Avenue NE into the Northland Addition, and the need to address the traffic concerns.
3) A letter was received from Donna Theisen discussing a need for a Recreation Center for the
children.
4) Niedenfuer questioned if three or more Council members could attend the ~ of
Minnesota Cities annual conference. Mayor Hiemenz indicated the open meeting law would not
prohibit more than two Cmll1cil members to attend the conference. The Mayoralso stated the
City flag will be displayed at it along with other City flags. .
The meeting was adjourned at 1 0:00 p.m. with a motion by Loso; seconded by Niedenfuer.
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\2cd.l~
~hel Stapleton '
Clerk! Administrator
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