HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 [08] Aug 07
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Page 31'76
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the City Council for the City ofSt. Joseph met in regular
session at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 1997 in City HalL I
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MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz; Councilors Bob L05o, Coty Ehlert, M~
Niedenfuer, Ken Twit; Clerk/Administrator Rachel Stapleton.
OTHERS PRESENT: Judy Weyrens, Dick Taufen, Ken Heinen, Steve Streng, Ellen
Wahlstrom, Bob Wahlstrom, Bud Reber, Alan Rassier, Art Reber, Steve Doose, Chad Carlson,
Tillie Wasneer, Steve Niedenfuer, Paul & Karen Walgren, Donna Blanchette. I
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Mayor Hiemenz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m, with all Councilors present. I
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AGENDA: Niedenfuer made a motion to approve the agenda as presented; seconded by Ehlert.
Twit questioned the additional information sent to Council following the Friday packet.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer.
Nays: Twit. Motion carried.
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CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Loso to approve the consent agenda as follo~;
seconded by Niedenfuer: !
a) Approve Minutes -July 17, 1997. I
~T~oo~dinance I
C) Seal Coating Payment No, 1 (Final) $20,070 to Asphalt Surface Technologies Corpf
d) Payment No.1 - Klinefelter memorial Park Trail (Contract B - Pedestrian Bridges)'to
Metropolitan Dirtworks $32,435.85. I
e) Payment No. 4 - Community Fire Station to W. Gohman Construction Compahy,
$169,937,
d) Purchase Police Practice AmmUJÙtion (7 cases - $833)
e) St. Joseph Rod & Gun Club Gambling License - Sal's Bar & Grill
f) Revision #1 to the Investment Policy
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
BILLS PAYABLE, OVERTIME AND CALL OUTS: Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens presented
the bills payable, overtime and call outs. Several bills were discussed. Council discussed the
accounting methods for the Police Officers clothing allowances and requested a semi-annual
usage report.
Loso made a motion to approve the bills payable check numbers 24353 ~ 24414; seconded by
Twit.
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Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
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The Council reviewed and discussed the overtime and call outs and scheduling noise violation I u
hearings to coordinate with the arresting officer's schedule if possible. Loso made a motion t~
approve the overtime and them as presented; seconded by Ehlert. Discussion - If consideratiod
was given to equalizing the police overtime.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None.
Motion carried.
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cuguSt 7, 1997
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TREASURER'S REPORT: Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens presented the Seconc[ Quarter
Treasurers Report. The Council discussed various aspects of the report, including the level of
expenditures in relation to the budgeted amounts, Weyrens suggested the Council may wish to
see a report more frequently than quarterly. She' stated a report with totals only could be
generated for the monthly report. Council requested both reports be distributed to them next
month, for their consideration. Loso made a motion to accept the June 30, 1997Treasurer's
Report as presented; seconded by Twit. .
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
1996 CAPITAL OUTLAY ROLLOVER ACCOilli'TS: Council discussed consideration of
the deficit balance in the 1997 capital outlay rollover accounts, requested to receive new copies
of the information and deferred discussion to the budget meeting. ;
PUBLIC COMMENTS TO THE AGEJ'Io'DA: Bud Reber stated he was disturbed by recent
Newsleader articles concerning statements from Councilor Twit. Reber expressed support for the
Police Department and the City Engineer.
Ellen Wahlstrom brought to the Council's attention, the editorial in the St. Cloud Times
concerning a proposal for a musemn. She discussed the value of history to the cÒIIununity.
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Darol Studer stated he felt history is extremely important and should not be lost.'
Bob Wahlstrom supported Councilor Twit for being a watchdog.
Mayor Hiemenz discussed the matters referred to by Reber had a deeper involvement and intent
than was expressed in the newspaper.
MAYOR'S REPORT: I) Officials of the City of St. Joseph met with representatives of Stearns
County recently to discuss local issues as they relate to Steams County Comprehensive PlaIL
Consultants are currently gathering information in preparation of compiling a ctraft plaIL
2) Mayor Hiemenz expressed concern with the minutes and activities of the Park Board.
a) He felt all Board and Commission meetings are required to be held in City Hall.
b) Prohibition of golfmg and ball playing in all parks is not appropriate, Some parks are
specifically for ball playing. Also golfmg should be allowed somewhere.
c) The minutes do not discuss the seeding that will be done in the Northland Park.. Also
the newly seeded area will be tom out with construction next spring. '
d) Jobs the Maintenance Department is asked to do by the Park Board should be by a
Work Order.
3) The Mayor, City Engineer, and Building Official met and discussed issues relating to Pond
View Ridge and Northland Addition drainage.
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COUNCILORS REPORT
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AuguSt 7, 1997 I
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TWIT: 1) The Personnel Committee met and~
a) are ready to incorporate revised portions into the Personnel Policy. Expectations are
to present the fIrst section of revisions to the Council in September. I
b) will present a proposal to purchase and use 3 time clocks for employees. ,
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2) EDA met recently and viewed roadway proposals to meet County Road 133 and tie into the i
east side of Northland Addition. Joe Bettendorf will check into the wetland issue. Chad Carlson
will give a report later in the meeting.
3) Twit reported Mr. Reber had not discussed the Police Department with him.
EHLERT: 1) The Planning Commission met and heard a special use request of Mike Duetz.
This matter will be considered at the next Council meeting.
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2) A sporting goods retail business is considering locating on the Pikus property on Highway 75.
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3) Ehlert reported receiving a couple calls of support for the proposed Community Center ,and I
offered to be Council liaison to the committee. I
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4) The Planning Commission also discussed and supported overlaying the alleys, with the cost to
the residents to be considered, :
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LOSO: 1) The cable access demonstration will be held at a later date as all of the transmission
equipment has not yet been received. Loso and Stapleton viewed a demonstration ofPaynesville's
system, a system which is similar to the one proposed for S1. Joseph.
2) Recommended revisiting the winter parking policy at a future Council meeting, as well as a
snow plo,^,1ng policy.
3) Implementation of the Cable Access Channel will serve the communication purpose of a
proposed newsletter.
4) The Park Board met with interested persons on the hockey rink issue~ A committee was
fonned to develop the project. Scaling the hockey rink down to 80' by 120' to accommodate a
second rink for other skaters is planned. There is $5,000 in the hockey rink budget to cover the
boards and lights. The Youth Hockey Association is donating goals. i
5) A Winter Recreation Director was suggested.
Recreational Commission.
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Loso asked the Council to consider fonning ~
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6) At a safety meeting a request was received to allow maintenance to wear shorts on meter
reading days. The matter was referred to the Personnel Committee.
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NIEDENFUER: I). Regret to infonn the Council that the Octoberfest committee has decided to
postpone the event this year due to unforeseen problems. The Committee needs to refocus on
defIning the festival.
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Au,,"1lSt 7, 1997
2) The Minnesota Project Board met concerning the Pathway to Sustainability of St. Joseph to
Cold Spring.
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3) Interest is being generated to preserve the old bank building on Minnesota StTeet due to its
Egyptian Revival architecture. It is on the National Historic Register. The State Historical
Society is offering to work toward its preservation with a matching grant up to $75,000.
Niedenfuer asked the City to stand in back of the matching funds for the pre-application allowing
for fund raising. Local organizations and groups including St. Joseph Township will be asked for
donations.
Chad Carlson, EDA Director, stated he has three different businesses interested in that building.
Ehlert made a motion to authorizing the City to proceed with the pre-application process seeking
funding assistance from the State Historical Society; seconded by Loso.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None, Motion carried.
CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS: 1) NSP street lighting specialists ""ill come to St.
Joseph next week to review the street lighting needs.
2) A street address was changed from 1205 Baker Street E to 128 12th Avenue SE due to the
location of the house on the lot.
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3) The Council will further consider the St. Cloud Joint Powers Agreement 2,l"ld defer action until
St. Cloud adopts the agreement.
4) The charges for the use of the community sign are based on anticipated costs: The City is
required to pay for the operation and maintenance of it including future upkeep. Ehlert made a
motion to retain the current rate schedule for the use of the sign based on anticipated future
maintenance costs. The costs and revenue will be reviewed annually. The moticn was seconded
by Niedenfuer.
Ayes~ Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
5) After short discussion of the level of deductible for Workers Comprehensive ~'lSUfance Loso
made a motion to stay with the current deductible of $500 per occurrence; seconded by Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiernenz, Loso, Ehlert Niedenfuer, Twit. i
Nays: None, Motion carried.
6) Ehlert agreed to be the City liaison to the Community Center Pla!mi.'1g Task Force.
CITY ENGINEER REPORTS: 1) Joe Bettendorf reported he is workir~ on a proposed policy
for developments to assist in more comprehensive plans for drainage and continuity. He
recommended exempting another small development currently being planned for'Northland. This
would give him more time to develop the policy and consult with the City AttOrrl'oy on it. Mayor
Hiernenz questioned if the City could deny further development in Northland du(~ to the
transportation issues. Bettendorf indicated it would be a legal issue considermg there has been
approval of the preliminary plat.
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August 7,1997 '
2) Loso made a motion to approve Application for Payment Number 1 to Custom Surfacing for'
the Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park Trail of $7,069.83; seconded by Ehlert,
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None, Motion carried,
3) Ariagreement has been reached with NSP Gas on the restoration issue by Kennedy School. i
That street is scheduled forreconstruction in 2001. NSP has agreed to put $1,185 in escrow td
be used for replacing 150 feet of damaged curb in that area. Ehlert made a motion to accept thel
proposal; seconded by Twit.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
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4) A proposal for surveying and platting the Industrial park area was presented. Bettendorf also
stated the County is requiring the City to acquire the needed right of way areas. The Rai1road I
has a policy that In order to get a new a railroad crossing one has to be given up, MnDOT has the
same requirements. The City needs an additional one to realign County Road 133. : I
Loso questioned the legality of the City perfonning service benefiting private property. The City
Attorney will be consulted on this matter. I
Chad Carlson stated the City needs to move forward. He stated one business prospect was lost!
already.
Bettendorf suggested the Council and EDA Board have a joint meeting to work out issues and I
clarify the budget. Also needed are to secure the rai1road crossing, and financing for the proj ect
including the utilities. Mayor Hiemenz will meet with the County Engin~er on the railroad I
crosSing lssue. '
CAPITAL PROJECTS - ESTABLISH M'D PRIORITIZE:
consider capital projects on September 9 at 7 p.m.
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Cou!lcil set a special meeting'to
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DRAINAGE PROBLEMS - POND VIEW RIDGE: Katherine Meyer appeared before the I
Council to discuss the drainage problems from Pond View Ridge development. She discussed
the extent of the problems and effect on her property and surrounding streets requesting
something be done before winter. The residents at 1103 Callaway concurred with Meyer.
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ALLEY SNOWREMOV AL: Donna Blanchette appeared before the Council asking I
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clarification of the maintenance responsibility for the closed portion of the alley by her property.
Stapleton had reviewed the tapes from the prior meetings associated with closing the alley, and
maintenance including snow removal was briefly discussed but not part of the closing. Mayor I
Hiemenz expressed safety concerns with the closed alley, specifically garbage trucks back out 9f
the alley. After short discussion the City Administrator will send a letter to the adjacent property
owner requesting their refuse be placed on the East-West alley in order to prevent the garbage
truck from having to back up.
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After further discussion of alley snow removal priorities and safety concerns, Ehlert made a
motion to have the City continue snow removal in the alley, understanding it would be a low
priority; seconded by Loso.
Ayes: Loso, Ehlert.
Nays: Hiemenz, Niedenfuer, Twit. Motion failed.
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DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORTS: Dick Taufen reported:
1) Water Treatment Facility - Taufen met with Joe Bettendorf, Jim Norton, and Mark 1-fagney
concerning the status of the water treatment facility project. The supplier of th~ chlorine
equipment (Vessco lnc,) will be contacted concerning retu.,mng the chlorine equipment to them
for credit or keeping it for future use.
Also Bentec is currently unable to fInish their portion of the project due to Company problems.
The Mayor requested the City seek a vendor for fmalizing and future servicing of the SCADA
System. Joe Bettendorfhas recommended l\1BT, the company that manufacture~ the equipment
for Bentec.
2) Taufen discussed watering the sod on East Minnesota Street. Council was in general
agreement to discontinue daily watering and water only as needed by observing the condition of
the sod.
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3) Two weeks ago the main control panel of the water treatment facility, the DBL lift station and
pump house #3 were struck by lightning. The dialer still is not operating for the lift statiOIL
Taufen will continue working with }JBT.
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4) The drainage problems in Pond View Ridge need to be resolved, Council was in general
agreement to notify the developer and property owner to clean up the mess from'¡the drainage on
Callaway and 12'1. Ave. SE and to construct suffIcient silt fences to protect the eJltire hill that
has been exposed, from both current and future runoff into the street. The correáions will be
required to be completed by Monday, August 11, or the City will suspend current building
pennits and issue no more until all the required corrections are made. Also the City reserves the
right to make the corrections at the developers expense.
EDA DIRECTOR REPORTS: EDA Director Chad Carlson reported: I
1) A sports equipment wholesaler is proposing to construct a 20,000 s.f. warehouse on property
adjacent to 405 County Road 75 (fonner bulk tank site).
2) Mike Deutz is planning on building an offIce retail facility and car wash. Niedenfuer stated
she has received complaints from interested persons on this proposal and questioned the impact it
would have on the neighbors. Ehlert stated the use would be non-transferable and Deutz has
taken measures to down-scale the noise.
3) An international advertising agency is seeking offIce space to locate in St. Josep1L.
4)Bob Brophy, owner of the Subway, is considep.ng construction of 2 - 20 luùt rental facilities
where Shannon's Upholstery is located. '
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5) Industrial Park _ Department of Trade & Economic Development funding is tied to ntJffiber of
increase in jobs. EDA grants seem more realistic but congressional support would be needed f6r
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6) The Planning Commission requested Carlson's assistance in land use issues.
7) SJU & CSB are interested in incorporating the proposed City Center with a hockey facility
8) St. Benedict's Monastery is interested in long range planning with tl-J.e community.
Mayor Hiemenz extended the meeting ten minutes at 10:00 p.m.
9) Astech is locating in the Township near the City limits and is going through a financing
mechanism through Stearns County EDA called "local effort" TIF. They intend to construct a
$1,000,000 buil~.
MISCELLANEOUS OR ANNOUNCEMENT ITEMS:
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1) Alan Rassier, Rental Housing Inspector presented extensions to the time required to comply
with the rental housing ordinance. Ehlert made a motion to accept the extensions; seconded by
Niedenfuer. Discussion - Loso discussed the status of the Bill L050 property and required
corrections,
Mayor Hiemenz extended the meeting five minutes at 10: 1 0 p.m.
Rassier ~tated the owner has agreed to remove and replace the siding on'the garage and use the
old siding for repairs on the house.
Vote on the motion~
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. ,
Nays: None. Motion carried.
2) Loso discussed the role of the J'vlayor in the budget process and direction to department heads.
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The meeting was adjourned at 10~20 p.m. with a motion by L050; secorided by Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
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Rachel Stapleton
Clerk! Administrator :
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