HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 [06] Jun 19
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular
session at 7;00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 1997 in City Hall.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz; Councilors Bob Loso and Cory Ehlert,
Clerk! Administrator Rachel Stapleton. Mary Niedenfuer and Ken Twit were absent.
OTIIERS PRESENT; Judy Weyrens, Dave Theisen, Chad Carlson, Dick Taufen, Steve Streng,
Lee & JoAnne Zipp, Ken Heinen, Leon Hoffman, Bob Wahlstrom, Ellen Wahlstrom, Art Reber
Tim Flaherty, Les Heitke.
Mayor Hiemenz called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. with a quorum present.
AGENDA Loso made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert,
Nays; None. Motion carried.
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CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Hiemenz requested to remove items g) and h) to the next Council
agenda upon recommendation of the City Attorney. Loso asked what were the City Attorney's I
concerns. Mayor Hiemenz indicted the City Attorney felt the fmdings of the Planning I
Commission did not meet the criteria of the ordinance, He would be advising the Council on this
matter before the next meeting. The Council further discussed any land use issue needs 4/5'¡'
majority vote of the Council to pass.
Loso made a motion to allow the removal of items e) through h) as follows:
e) Construction of Mini Stonage Units A1 StelJmach & Steve Hoffman-
l) Approval Special Use Pennit - Planning Commission recommended approv~l.
2) Deny Variance - zero rear yard setback - Planning Commission recommended
denial of variance because applicants withdrew request. '
f) Deny Re-Zoning 414 East Minnesota Street, Greg Smoley, from R-l (Single Family)
to R-3 (Multiple Family) - Planning Commission recommended denial. I
g) Approve Variance, Leander Zipp, 308 East Minnesota Street, 636 foot variance on I
accessory building maximum size, and 602 foot variance on maximum lot coverage - I
Planning Commission recommended approval. '
h) Approve Variance - Leon Hoffmann, 314 East Minnesota Street, 288 foot variance on
maximum lot coverage, Planning Commission recommended approval.
And approve items a) through d) as follows;
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a) Approve Minutes - June 5,1997
b) Liquor Licenses: American Legion John Kuebelbeck Post 328 - Club license and
Sunday on-sale license; Bo Diddley's Inc. - Wine license; College of St. Benedict - I
Wine license; El Paso Club & Lanes, Inc. - Off-sale, on-sale, Sunday on-sale licenses;
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LaPlayette, Inc. for LaPlayette Bar & Restaurant - Off-sale, on-sale, Sunday on-sale I
licenses; Loso's Inc. for Loso's Main Street Pub - Off-sale, on-sale, Sunday on-sale I
licenses; M & T Off Sale Liquor, Inc. - Off-sale license; Sal's Bar & Grill- Off-sale, I
on-sale, Sunday on-sale licenses; Hollander's/St. Joseph Inc, for St. Joseph Liquor I
Shoppe - Off-sale liquor, I
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c) Gambling Special Event Watab Creek Whitetails, LaPlayette, Sept. 10, 1997.
d) Cable Franchise Ordinance Number 36 and Resolution Renewing and Extending the
term of a Cable Television Franchise with Mark Twain Cable.
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Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert.
Nays: None.
Motion carried.
Leander Zipp indicated it was very burdensome for him to attend this meeting,' particularly in
light of consideration of the matter being postponed, He also inquired if the City Attorney woul '
be contacting the property owners about the land use issues that were deferred to the next
meeting, Mayor Hiemenz stated the City Attorney serves to advise the Council.'
PUBLIC COMMENTS TO TIIE AGENDA: Ellen Wahlstrom questioned if matters discussed at
this time had to be on the agenda. Mayor Hiemenz stated other matters could be presented to the
Council but they would not be discussed further at this meeting.
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Wahlstrom questioned if the Council has a liaison to the EDA and if the EDA will report to the
Council. Mayor Hiemenz stated Ken Twit as an EDA Board Member will be reporting to the
Council (he is not a liaison). '
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Wahlstrom also questioned how much weight the Comprehensive Plan holds. Council stated the
Comprehensive Plan is a legal document and the City is responsible for the Plan.
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BJLLS PAYABLE: Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens presented the bills payable, can outs and
overtime. After discussion of several bills Loso made a motion to approve the bills payable,
check numbers 24147 - 24207; seconded by Ehlert,
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert,
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Loso made a motion to approve the overtime and can outs as presented; seconded by 1Jayor
Hiemenz,
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert.
Nays: None. Motion carried
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MAYOR REPORTS: 1) Mayor Hiemenz introduced the recently hired EDA Director Chad
Carlson to the Council. EDAmeetings are held at 8:00 a.m. on the 2"d WedneSday of each
month in the City Hall. There was a short discussion concerning the convenienCe of the meeting
time,
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2) The St. Joseph Lions Club requested to hold a 5 k. run for a foot race from Memorial Park
down Minnesota Street to 91" Avenue at 7:00 p.m, on July 3'd The Lions Club has coordinated
this event with the Police Department. Loso expressed a need to contact the County due to
Minnesota Street being a County Road. He also recommended changing the roUte because a high
volume of traffic by the Church can be expected during that time, :
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3) The storage building at the baseban park (donated by Don Schneider) needS repair. City
Maintenance will be requested to check on the cost of re-roofmg it with a metal roof or like
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material, and to move it further away from the nearby building, to prevent further damage from
youngsters climbing on it,
4) Mayor Hiemenz requested Department Head meetings be replaced with meetings of all
employees after Council meetings. Discussion of time and location of meetings was discussed,
5) The drainage problem in Northland has been reviewed by Joe Bettendorf. He recommended
putting in two catch basins and run the drainage down the utility easement, tying it into the
existing drain line in the park. Loso advised that plans call for a future parking lot in that area
and plans should provide for it.
6) Police coverage will be according to an adjusted schedule until the Personnel Committee geJ
a plan worked out with the Chief Lindgren for coverage of the duty time for the vacant position.!
Council discussed the level of coverage needed, Loso generally felt in the summer less coverage:
was needed, '
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7) Mayor Hiemenz discussed meetings attended while at the League of Minnesota Cities' I
Conference. While talking to other officials with educational institutionS within their borders he
learned St. Joseph is advanced in our communication and interaction with the colleges.
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Loso discussed taxation methods of other states in relation to tax free institutions,
COUNCJLORS REPORT
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EHLERT: l) The Personnel Committee met recently and will be presenting proposed changes to
the Personnel Policy at the next Council meeting.
2) The Planning Commission will hold a special meeting June 24. The Commission will
schedule future special meetings as needed,
Mayor Hiemenz stated the proposal Dale Victor presented does not meet with the requirements of
the ordinance, including set back requirements and zoning use, The Mayor and EDA Director
will meet with Mr, Victor to work out these problems,
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3) Ehlert and Matjorie Lesnick will be meeting to review the Northland Addition transportation
ISSueS.
LOSO: 1) Loso questioned when the next GSJAC meeting will be held, Stapleton stated that
meeting will be held on July l5, at which time the history to current of the issues will be
reviewed.
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2) Loso stated that in his opinion the main street boulevards in the City do not all get adequate
maintenance and care, Looo recommended the City consider assisting in the maintenance, such
as weed control. Mayor Hiemenz stated this matter will be taken under advisement.
Mayor Hiemenz discussed the problems encountered with the sod installation, in conjunction
with the East Minnesota Street project.
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3) The status ofNSP Company updating the street light plan and installing needed street lights
was discussed Mayor Hiemenz indicated an NSP representative will be doing a survey at night
of the lighting. !
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4) A company that sells water meters recently gave a demonstration to the Council. Loso
questioned the status of the fInancial analysis that company agreed to provide, Stapleton will
check on this matter, '
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5) The Cable Commission and Planning Commission are reviewing a proposed model ordinance
regulating communication towers. Mayor Hiemenz recommended allowing them only by special
use permit for all zones.
6) The cable access microwave dishes should be installed soon. Loso will bring in a company to
demonstrate the opemtion of the channel after the transmitting equipment is installed The access
channel may be on line by the end of August. '
7) Loso requested the Council amend ordinances relating to membership of Conimittees, Boards,
and Commissions, The amendment would require all subsidiary Committees. Commissions and
Boards to solicit, receive and review applicants for membership. The Committee, Board, or
Commission shall then make a recommendation to the City Council for approval. Loso made a
motion to amend ordinances, as stated above, where membership to a Committee, Commission or
Board is appointed by the Mayor. The motion was seconded by Ehlert. Discussion - t-fayor
Hiemenz stated state law addresses this matter in some situations, Also Boards and
Commissions are considered extensions of the Council. He recommended deferiing this matter
to the full Council. Also the Council may wish a Board to function differently than it has been
due to it's membership.
Ayes: Loso, Ehlert.
Nays: Hiemenz. Motion carried,
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8) ClarifIcation of the odd-even watering ban was discussed Notice was provided in the St.
Cloud Times and has been in effect since June 13. Ehlert stated the Water Superintendent stated
the system is working well but the high pumping volumes is taxing the system. i
9) Loso questioned the process for the 1998 budget preparation, Mayor Hiemeriz stated he, the
Clerk! Administrator and Deputy Clerk will review and provide information and constraints to the
Department Heads for budget preparation, Five years to the future along with anticipated growth
and revenue constraints will be considered as well as goals for the future. The first draft will be
provided to the Council in July.
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COAUTION OF GREATER MINNESOTA CITIES: Tim Flaherty and Mayor Les Heitke
appeared before the Council and gave a presentation on the scope and benefIts of the Coalition,
as well as the lobbying efforts and member assistance with specifIc issues. They discussed the
current fee structure and invited the members of the Council to their armual conference, waiving
the registration fee.
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DEPARTMENT HEADS REPORT
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FIRE CHIEF REPORTS: Chief Dave Theisen gave the six month fIre report on Fire Department
activity, The Council discussed various aspects of the report. I
The construction of the new Fire Station is currently 4 to 8 days ahead of schedule, reported I
Chief Theisen, A few minor plan changes have been brought to the members of the Fire Board,
Quotes are being received for the telephone system. Loso advised installation of emergency lines
and pads be included in order to designate the Fire Station as an emergency center in the event of
a community emergency or disaster. The emergency lines do not need to be activated until the
need arises, The status of the platting of the property will be checked, as requested by Theisen. I
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORTS: Dick Taufen reported on the Water Treatment
Facility project and SCADA system, He reported BenTech, the SCADA system supplier was I
requesting payment. The company has received partial payment but is requesting the majority of
the balance. The Company has not yet provided program manuals, training, or software licenses i
We have not yet received the radio communication license either. The Council agreed to
continue withholding payment and involve the City Attorney.
Taufen reported the chlorine system has been shut off now. Council questioned if the supplier
would take the equipment back and refund the City. Taufen will check with the supplier.
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The roof drain system was changed as approved as well as the pulse transmitter on the effluent
meter,
A quote was received for a % ton pickup truck. Loso made a motion to approve the purchase of a
% ton pickup truck for $5,700 to be used with a Tommy lift (approved in April). The motion was
seconded by Ehlert. I
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert,
Nays: None, Motion carried.
Taufen recommended making the odd-even water restrictions permanent in order to conserve
water pennanently, making it part of our water conservation plan.. Taufen was requested to
prepare a memo of such recommendation for the Council to consider at a future meeting.
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Two applications were received for a third summer maintenance worker. Council generally
agreed to allow Taufen and Ehlert to proceed with interviewing and hirin1; allowing the selected
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applicant to begin work as soon as POSSible" I
CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS~ l) The Council was updated on the escrow agreement
issue for the retainage for the construction of the Fire Station. Loso made a motion to authorize
the Mayor to negotiate an agreement on the interest, with Bruce Gohman of W, Gohman
Construction; seconded by Ehlert. '
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert.
Nays: None, Motion carried,
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2) The Council received a complaint about recreational activity in Cloverdale Tot Lot Park,
beyond the planned scope of the park, and the problems it is causing adjacent neighbors. The
matter was referred to the Park Board I
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3) Stapleton discussed State required Certification of Local Performance Measures in order to
receive Local Performance Aid, Ehlert made a motion to certify that local performance aid will
result in a reduction in property taxes at least equal to the amount of local performance aid
received, and the aid will be spent on programs for which a system of performance measures has
been developed and that these measures will allow for the measurement of contmuous
improvement and will be regularly compiled and presented to the City Council at least once a
year, Street maintenance will be the programs ftmded by 10-,<11 performance aid The motion was
seconded by Loso..
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert.
Nays: None, Motion carried.
4) The City is currently implementing an automatic payroll deposit system allowing pajToll
checks for all employees to be automatically deposited into their individual accounts. The City
auditor recommended authorizing an individual who does not prepare payroll, to be given the
authority to transfer the ftmds from the City account, (there being no checks to sign). Loso made
a motion to authorize Clerk/Administrator Rachel Stapleton to transfer ftmds necessmy to meet
payroll requirements for the automatic deposit of payroll; seconded by Mayor Hiemenz.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert.
Nays: None. Motion carried
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There was discussion of the mechanics of payroll system changes and reasons for such changes.
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5) Administrative officials from the Cities of St. Cloud, SarteR Waite Park, Sauk Rapids, and St.
Joseph, and from the Counties of Sherburne, Benton, and Stearns are meeting to work out a Joint
Powers agreement providing for Community Based Planning as recently provided for by the State
of Minnesota grant allowances.
6) NSP Company officials requested to meet with Joe Bettendorf and Dick Taufen to corne to an
agreement on the measurements for the required restoration. They are trying to resolve this issues
with the City.
1) The seal coating project in going welL Some of the sweeping of the pea rock Is completed
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8) Stapleton attended the Stearns County Clerks meeting in Belgrade with Torn Thelen of the
League of Minnesota Cities as speaker. Local performance Aid was the main topic with Thelen
updating the group on many issues.
9) Stapleton being a member of the IISAC Council attended a recent meeting. Plans are being
prepared for a Telecommunications Conference for Rural Minnesota at Alexandria focusing on
telecommunications training and problem solving. '
10) The boiler in the annex building appears to have major problems. Some tï.rt:t!re planning will
need to be considered in relation to that building.
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11) The cost of certified mail went up to $3,00. We will be looking at a proposal to change Je
policy on delinquent utility bills to recoup this cost. , . I
MISCELLANEOUS OR ANNOUNCEMENT ITEMS: Mayor Hiemenz noted a hearing notice
on Mark Hiltner's property for a variance. He stated if he already has received a variance on it
,the ordinance does not allow another variance. Loso stated if Hiltner has already received one
(variance) he should cancel the hearing, .
The meeting was adjourned at 10:03 p.m. with a motion by Loso; seconded by Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert,
Nays: None. Motion carried,
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Clerk! Administrator
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