Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 [07] Jul 17 Page 3163 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, July 17, 1997 in City Hall. I MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz; Councilors Bob Loso, Cory Ehlert, Mary Niedenfuer, Ken Twit; Clerk! Administrator Rachel Stapleton, OTHERS PRESENT: Judy Weyrens, Jim Graeve, Mary Ann Graeve, Janet Ophoven, Steve Streng, Art Reber, Tim Ophoven, Dan Ophoven, Ellen Wahlstrom, Bob Wahlstrom, Jim Harlander, Joel Vogel, Paul Fries, Gary Heltemes, AI Kalla, Mark Hiltner, Steve Johnson, AI Stellmach, Steve Hoffman. Mayor Hiemenz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m, with Councilors Loso, Ehlert, , and Twit present. AGENDA: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. Mary Niedenfuer arrived at 7:04 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Loso to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded by Twit: I, Minutes of the May I, 1997 meeting with corrections. I Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None, Motion carried, PUBLIC COMMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Mary Ann Graeve questioned a directive ftom the City Engineer to the East Minnesota Street residents to water the new sod. She indicted discomfort with the tone of the message. Mayor Hiemenz stated the newsletter was sent quickly after review of the condition of the newly laid sod and the inability of the sod contractor to water it. There was no offense intended. Graeve also encouraged support of the youth of the area by being receptive and supporting the needs of the hockey players, Ehlert felt the hockey rink needs to be replaced. Loso indicated Park Board issues such as the hockey rink, should be considered by the Park Board. Loso also stated he is supportive of hockey and has shown this support in the past by relocating the rink himself, but the needs of figure skaters need to be considered also. Mayor Hiemenz stated that the local citizens want diversity in activities. I ----- I I I I - -- ------- - -1----- I I Page 3164 Loso recommended interested persons come to the July 28th Park Board ~eeting and express I their interests in recreational activities and park needs. The hockey rink was taken down because there was mis-communication between the Park Board and employees. -------- ------------- ---------------------- Joel Vogel discussed the powers, duties and membership of the Park Board, Ellen Wahlstrom asked for clarification of the number of full time Police Officers the City has (6 positions), the number of part time Officers (Reserve Officers - 8 to 1 0), and the number ofpatTol I cars (3 squad and one unmarked). . I I A representative of the College of St. Benedict Special Events requested Council permission tb hold a run benefiting the Jacob Wetterling Foundation, at 7 p,m, August 6, on East Baker Streà 30 to 35 runners are expected. The Police Department was contacted and approved the event I upon Council support. The Council gave their support to the event as discussed. BILLS PAYABLE. OVERTIME AND CALL OUTS: Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens presented the bills payable, overtime and call outs. After short discussion T,vit made a motion to approv~ the bills payable, check numbers 24281 - 24334; seconded by Ehlert, Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. After review of the overtime and call outs; Ehlert made a motion to approve them as presented; seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays~ None. Motion carried. The 1998 Budget proposed schedule reviewed by the Council and meeting dates were revised. - - '00_ MAYOR'S REPORT: 1) The Mayor and Council received a special invitation to St. Benedict Monastery's 140th Anniversary on August 3, 1997, with open house and special prayer service. 2) In order to help the newly replace sod get established, on the East ~esota Street project I area, the City employees are watering it. The property owners have also been requested to water the sod. The Mayor discussed consideration of a.water credit to the property owners. After I Council discussion of cost of water credit and cost of city employees watering the sod (for 30 I days), Twit made a motion requiring the City employees to water the sod, as necessary, for up tö 30 days, while encouraging residents to continue watering; seconded by Ehlert. Discussion - thè watering ban does not apply to new sod. ' Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried, 3) The Administrative Assistant new position issue was tabled at the last meeting. Ehlert discussed the Police Department's need of an Administrative Assistant. The duties ofthe - position would allow Officers more time on the streets and doing community activities; thereby! - using the officers time more effectively. Twit concurred that an Administrative Assistant would be expected to manage the time required to do the office duties more efficiently, thereby allowirig the Police Officers more duty time out in the community, I I , I Page 316 Although the grant requires a full time position, Niedenfuer and Twit discussed considering a part time position, particularly after the one year grant commitment. Loso stated the Police , Officers are spending a considerable amount oftime out of the City. Mayor Hiemenz stated the public contact is an important aspect of their job. Twit also felt that the Police should be out doing as much public relations work as they are able. Council agreed to consider this matter along with the budgeting process. I i Twit questioned the budget status for funding the City's portion of this grant ~¡reement as well as the unfunded costs of the position such as uniforms. The Council will further consider this matter along with the budget process. 4) St. Wendel Township and St. Stephen had a joint meeting to discuss the feasibility of sewer service to portions of St. Wendel Township. Mayor Hiemenz conferred with Sit. Wendel Board Member Karl Stich who indicated they are considering receiving sewer service' from St. Stephen, as well as from St. Cloud or St. Joseph. Stich would like to hold an information gathering meeting to consider the various elements impacting this issue, i I 5) The Tax Increment Financing reports have been sent in and published as requITed by the State. 6) Chad Carlson met with the Manager ofDBL Labs concerning the TIF projeC:t plans from a fe years ago. DBL Labs is not interested in pursuing that project. Carlson will research further possibilities for TIF financing. I 7) Light rail to St. John's is being considered along with the light rail proposal from St. Cloud to the Cities. The St. Cloud Area Economic Development Partnership is meeting with Burlington Northern to discuss light rail. Mayor Hiemenz has made the Partnership aViare of the need to the community for the railroad to abandon the railroad right-of-'Nay. Local development is being stymied in the area because of the need for additional crossings. Mayor Hiemenz also presented à proposal from Joe Bettendorf identifying the locations where additional crossings are needed. I 8) The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities is holding their annual conferenÅ“ in Detroit Lak on August 6 - 8. Niedenfuer made a motion to approve one Member of the Co,uncil to attend thd conference; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes~ Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None, Motion carried, MINNESOTA STATE IllSTORICAL SOCIETY: David Nystuen of the State Historical Society appeared before the Council to discuss available grants. He discussed the historical significance of the old bank building, being Egyptian Revival style. He felt it is ideally suited for converting it to a museum and a possible grant project. He further discussed the various grant programs and schedules as well as a planning meeting July 3l at Mille Lacs. He also indicated the State Historical Society has many resources for assistance, including an historic architect. Nystuen also recommended as one of the first steps, preparing a collection policy. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PUBLIC HEARING: :Mayor Hiemenz opened a continuation of the public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan. I I 1--- 1 Page 3166 Ellen Wahlstrom questioned if the ordinances will be revised to accommodate the revised Plan. She also felt the language in the comprehensive plan is quite generic as well as the language in ' the ordinances. She would like to see the ordinances made stronger and the plan more specific I Mayor Hiemenz stated the Planning Commission will be reviewing the ordinances for recommended changes. Recommended changes to the plan are welcome. The City intends to adopt a workable and understandable plan. Niedenfuer questioned how changeable is the plan. Mayor Hiemenz stated changes would required the same process as is currently being used. The plan should be updated about every five years, Janet Ophoven questioned if the plan includes park and recreations needs. Mayor Hiemenz stated it does but may need to be more specific concerning variety in recreation, Ophoven also stated winter recreation is lacking. Gerry Klaphake felt there is a need to look at Park and Recreation. There is a need to address activities for teenagers. He felt if more activities were needed we may not need additional Police ~= I I Mayor Hiemenz discussed with those present various aspects of the park and recreation areas of the plan, -- --- - '-!here being no more comments Mayor Hiémerizclösed the hearing. -- COUNCILORS REPORT TWIT: 1) The EDA Director, Chad Carlson, has been contacting several companies. He visited DBL Labs and was made aware they are having problems retaining employees at a level necessaly to meet the demand. Carlson also met with the Chamber and attended the GSJAC meeting. He was pleased with the adoption of a 20 year annexation plan with the inclusion of St. Joseph Township sections l, l2, and 13 in the orderly annexation plan to be dr~ed. 2) The Personnel Committee met with Brad Lindgren concerning police scheduling during the interim until a new officer is hired. The schedule was reviewed and agreed upon. The Personnel Committee is also reviewing the method in which vacation is accrued. The Committee is working on a proposal to accommodate vacation earned per pay period, based on anniversary date. A method of accommodating current accumulated vacation time will also be considered. The Committee is reviewing the Personnel Policy by sections and will bring to the Council proposals on each part as is it reviewed and recommendations prepared. 3) Twit presented the EDA Director Job Description. Loso stated the description includes functions of a Community Development Director. Mayor Hiemenz and Twit felt an Economic Development Director needs to interactive in the community and consider what effect various Page 316 aspects of economic development will have on the community. Niedenfuer made a motion to approve the job description of the EDA Director; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: Loso.. Motion carried. I EHLERT: I) The Planning Commission will be bringing their issues to the Council at the July 22 meeting. 2) There is no tape of the last meeting due to a malfunction of the equipment. Ehlert emphasized the need for audio tapes of the Council meetings. The equipment was checked, appears to be working now, and the problem could not be replicated. Mayor Hiemenz requested to be made aware when the equipment malfunctions. LOSO: I) A presentation of the access channel broadcasting equipment is tentatively scheduled for the fIrst meeting in August. NIEDENFUER: l) No report. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS WATER TREATMENT FACILITY: Joe Bettendorf, City Engineer, presented and discussed Application for Payment No.9 (fInal) for the project. He discussed the issues 'relating to it whic!). Dick Taufen reported are still unresolved. The meter reading is consistently off, and appears to be a software problem. Also the chlorine equipment problems are still unresolved. .-\5 recommended by Bettendorf, Loso made a motion to approve Application for Payment No.9 (fInal) of $17,517 to M. C. Magney Construction, Inc. upon written approval of Director of Public Works Dick Taufen; seconded by Ehlert, Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. I Bentec is the company that supplied the SCADA system (computer controlled sys+..em) for t.~e water facilities. IfBentec is unable to provide support there is a solid company in the Cities willing and able to provide hardware and software support. Bettendorf presented a proposal for the Northland StoIIl! Sewer Improvement requiring two additional catch basins, three manholes as well as necessary drainage piping, to conned to existing stOIIl! sewer in order to solve the drainage problem. The developer will be required to install the equipment. Mayor Hiemenz stated the residents have been asking for a solution to drainage problem. On Twit's questioning about notification of the affected residents, Bettendorf stated the developer will notify them. Mayor Hiemenz stated the City has been experiencing more problems with reÙnt developments, such as the current drainage problems. He asked Bettendorf if the City could have more involvement from his firm in future developments. Bettendorf stated the City could require his fIIII! to do the plans and specifIcations. It would be more costly for the developer up front, but could solve problems currently encountered during and after the construction. The engineer I I I I I , , Page 3168 would prepare the plans for and report to the City. The developer would develop for the City. Bettendorf will draft a policy on this matter for Council review. I Due to the recent rains Pond View Ridge Addition has experienced drainage problems, inclUdi~ drainage of clay soil from hill erosion onto streets and lawns, Bettendorf stated some of the dirt is from construction of homes. He recommended a meeting of the Mayor, Building Official, I Director of Public Works and the Engineer to consider the situation. Mayor Hiemenz stated the Township is concerned with the condition of the patch on their road by Pond View Ridge Addition. Bettendorf stated he is aware the streets are not holding up, under the different soil conditions. He stated some of them will have to be removed and reconstructed with heavier requirements. Bettendorf discussed the status of the Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park trail project currently I under construction. He indicated black dirt will be available for City needs, from this project., , I GREAT RIVER ROUNDTABLE: Lynn Schunnan and Steve Bresnahan appeared before the Council to discuss the focus and plans of the Great River Roundtable, Four Counties are I involved in this visionary planning organization. Their next process will be to hold information gathering meetings in the communities. They are are looking for assistance to involve as many I people as possible. The information from these meetings will be reviewed and carried forth into providing for the needs (brought out in the meetings) of the area, both current and future. CorY Ehlert is a member of this committee and Ellen Wahlstrom is a local community captain. Wahlstrom discussed changing the St. Joseph meeting from the College of St. Benedict to Kennedy Elementary School. BLOCK PARTY: Dave Thomas requested to close Cypress Drive to hold a block party in h s neighborhood, After short discussion including understanding the Police Chief had been I contacted and was supportive of the request, Twit made a motion to allow the closing of Cypress Drive to hold a block party as requested, provided the Police Chief is supportive of the request~ seconded by Niedenfuer. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None, Motion carried. LAND USE MORATORIUM: The Council reviewed the recommendations of the City Attorney on the proposed land use moratorium for all property north of Minnesota Street from td Avenue NE to 91" Avenue; all property north of County Highway 75 and west of College Avenue North to Millstream Park as recommended by the Planning Commission. Council delayed I discussion until the July 22 joint Planning Commission and Council meeting. I I IllL TNER VARIANCE REOUEST: Mark Hiltner appeared before the Council to request ' , reconsideration of an eight foot front yard variance request to allow construction of a deck on the side of his house. He stated the building permit he received was issued for a corner lot with a :;30 foot setback on the front and side yards and included the deck plans. Also he agreed to allow ~n easement to be placed on the west side of his property to accommodate an existing sewer line. I Therefore he placed the house on the property to accommodate the easement. He also felt denial of the request would prohibit him from enjoying a deck, something enjoyed by most of his I neighbors. Mter short discussion Loso made a motion to approve the variance as requested and recommended by the Planning Commission with the additional finding: the placement of the Page 3169 house was dictated by the placement of the easement requested by the City. Therefore, setback requirements for the deck could not be met. The motion was seconded by Twit. I Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Ehlert abstained. Motion carried, I , STELLMACH SPECIAL USE AND VARIANCE REQUEST: AI Stellmach and Steve Hoffman appeared before the Council to request reconsideration of a Special Use Permit and consideration of a 30 foot front yard setback variance request in and Industrial Zone, to construct a mini storage facility, Ehlert discussed the action and fmdings of the Planning Commission recommending approval. Niedenfuer questioned if there are options for the door color on the storage building. Stellmach indicated there are few choices because of the specialized pairlt. After further discussion of the proposed door color Stellmach agreed to bring samples of available colors for viewing and agreement on the color. Mayor Hiemenz extended the meeting 15 minutes at 10:00 p.m. Twit made a motion to reconsider the Special Use permit and approve the Special Use permit and a 30 foot front yard variance to allow the construction of a mini storage facility in an Industrial Zone, as recommended by the fmdings of the Planning Commission with the stipulation allo'i\ing the Council to further review color choice as a condition of the Special Use pemtit. The motion was seconded by Ehlert, Discussion - The Council will view the available color choices and consider the matter at the July 22 special meeting. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None, Motion carried, I CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS: 1978 green Ford Y> ton pickup as follows: 1) The City received and opened two bids on the Bill Wasner's Sales & Service Shannon Hinnenkamp $138,00 129.00 I After short discussion Loso made a motion to accept the high bid of Bill Wasner's Sales & Service of$138.00; seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. 2) Loso made a motion to publish a summary of Ordinance Amendment Number 36, Cable Franchising Ordinance, as prepared by the City Attorney; seconded by Niedenfuer. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. I Nays: None. . Motion carried. 3) The Central Minnesota Initiative Fund request \vill be considered along wit.1:l the budget process. 4) The Capital Improvement Plan with prioritization of the Alley Improvement plan will be considered at the July 22 meeting if it meets the City Engineer's schedule. ' I I ! Page 3170 I Because of the lateness of the hour the Council agreed to carry the following items over to the! next regular meeting: Community Sign rates and policy. The tattoo ordinance for consideration of passage, . ' JOINT PLANNING ÁGREEMENT: The Council took no action on the draft agreement and will consider the agreement at a future meeting. MISCELLANEOUS OR ANNOUNCEMENT ITEMS: None. Loso made a motion to adjourn at 10:25 p,m; seconded by Twit. (2cuLf~ Rachel Stapleton Clerk! Administrator , I I