HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 [11] Nov 06
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November 6, 1997
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, November 6, 1997 in the City Hall.
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MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz; Councilors Bob Loso, Cory Ehlert, Mary
Niedenfuer, Ken Twit; Clerk/Administrator Rachel Stapleton.
OTHERS PRESENT: Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens, Director of Public Works Richard Tanfen,
City Building Official Ron A. Euteneuer, City Engineer Joseph Bettendorf, Steve Streng, Daniel
Nierengarten, Ken Heinen, Bob & Ellen Wahlstrom.
AGENDA: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Twit.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Approval of the minutes of October 16, 1997 was deferred to the next meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows:
a) League ofMínnesota Cities annual dues $2,743..
b) Application fur Payment No, 7 - W. Gohman CO!lS1ruction in the amount 0[$184,554, for theSt Joseph Fire
Stationprqject
The motion was seconded by Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS TO THE AGENDA: There were no public comments to the agenda.
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BILLS PAYABLE: Deputy CleIk Judy Weyrens presented the bills payable. After discussion of
several bills, Twit made a motion to approve the bills payable check numbers 24706-24754 as
presented; seconded by Loso.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Loso made a motion to approve the callouts and overtinte as presented; seconded by Niedenfuer.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Loso made a motion to accept the 1997 Third Quarter treasurer's
report as presented by Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens. The motion was seconded by Niedenfuer.
. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
MAYOR REPORTS: 1) The streets in Pond View Additions Three and Four did not get
completed. The contractor (Bauerly Brothers) were notified that any bituntinous installation would
be at their risk this late in the season. They needed to lay some tar around the metal structures in
the streets. The second lift and repair for the Pond View Additions as well as the Fire Station
project will have to be installed in the spring.
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2) Maintenance have done some repair work to the City Hall roof, but it is leaking badly into the
Police Department area. Building Official Ron Euteneuer offered to check with a couple roofing
companies. After short discussion Twit made a motion to approve Mr. Euteneuer review the
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November 6, 1997
condition of the roof, get quotes on repairing and re-roofing the building, and have the repairs made
as necessary. The motion was seconded by Niedenfuer. Discussion - Stapleton will keep the
Councilors informed of the situation.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
3) Police Officer Steve Fischer will be submitting his resignation as he has been hired by
Sherburne County. h was lliscussed that the grant agreement requires the position be filled in a
timely manner. Also Mayor Hiemenz stated the Chief felt all of the top candidates from the
previous hiring process have jobs. After short discussion, Loso made a motion to advertise
immediately and begin the hiring process, upon receiving written resignation; seconded by Twit.
Discussion - There was discussion if 24 hour coverage is a need or a goal. Mayor Hiemenz stated
that in his opinion, the criminal element is more active and preys on communities that do not have
24 hour coverage during the uncovered time periods.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
4) The League of Minnesota Cities Policy Adoption Conference is November 21. There being no
Councilor available to attend this conference, the Mayor indicated he would like to attend.
Niedenfuer made a motion to approve the attendance of Kenneth J. Hiemenz at the LMC Policy
Adoption Conference; seconded by Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
BUILDING OFFICIAL REPORTS: Building Official Ron A. Euteneuer 1) presented and
discussed the October monthly building permit activity report. Ehlert stated he understood St.
Joseph development costs are prohibitive and asked Euteneuer for his opinion. Euteneuer
responded by saying the WAC & SAC (water and sewer hookup charges) are higher than area
cities, although area cities are recently raising such charges.
Mayor Hiemenz further discussed the costs associated with Northland include drainage and other
costs that prior planning would have spread over the whole development.
2)Euteneuer reported contact he had with Ross Rieke, Neil Loso, and Kevin Evens concerning atcomplaint that Ross Rieke was building with out a building permit. On his review of the structure
he feh Mr. Rieke is required to get a building permit. After short discussion Mayor Hiemenz
a motion to implement the ordinance providing for a penalty fee if a fine is mdicated; seconded by
Loso.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: Ehlert.. Motion carried.
COUNCILORS REPORT
TWIT: 1) Committee meetings - The Investment Committee meeting was rescheduled, the EDA
will meet next week, and the Personnel Committee will be meeting on the Personnel Policy within
the month.
2) The Fire Department II19>:eP to th~ l'J,'fJIfire Station this week.
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. November 6, 1997
EHLERT: The Planning Conunission met November 3 and 1) reconm1ended approval of the
Roske Addition.
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2) They held a public hearing on a proposal of Mark Lambert for a Preliminary Plat and Rezoning
request. Lambert withdrew the rezoning request. The Pl:mning Commission's recommendation to
deny the request will be received by the Council on November 20'".
3) St. Cloud Cartographics withdrew their request because there were unresolved issues relating to
their proposal.
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4) The Planning Commission is requesting to hold additional meetings in future months to review
the ordinances that relate to their activities. Niedenfuer made a motion to approve the Planning
Commission's request to hold an additional meeting each month for six months, with a moothly
report to the Council on the status of their ordinance review. The motion was seconded by Twit.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
5) Ehlert encouraged any level of involvement by the Councilors in the Planning Commission
meetings.
LOSO: 1) The Fire Board met recently and received the St. Joseph Firefighters Relief
Association report for 1998. The Fire Board approved an annual increaSe to a pension level of
$1,200 per year, with the cOtltnòution from the Fire Fund of$I,985. LoSo made a motion to
approve the increase and contribution; seconded by Ehlert. Discussion - ;!he Council requested to
coutinue receiving this report on a yearly basis.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer.
Nays: None. Twit abstained.
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Motion carried.
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2) The Council agreed to hold another meeting of the GSJAC on Tuesday, November 25 at the
City Hall.
3) The non-contract City employees wageincreases need to be considered. Council referred the
matter to the Personnel Conunittee to meet with the employees for their requests.
4) Loso presented a proposal to change the winter parking ban allowing parking on the street by
permit ouly. After discussion the Council deferred action to another meeting.
Ken Heinen recommended leaving the parking policy as it currently is, in order to keep the streets
in a maintainable condition.
NIEDENFUER: 1) St. Joseph hosted the Stearns County Municipal League on October 2I.
Chelly Benson, Stearns County Environmental Services, discussed planning issues, and the need to
identify and maintain prime ag land, and imposing feed lot controls. There is a proposal to lessen
the restrictions in providing proof of residency for election day voter registration. Election Judges
feel this would make their jobs more burdensome. A special thanks to Judy Weyrens for cooking
and serving the lunch.
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2) A State Advisory Council will be holdingOJrni̡{~\~IY' Based Planing Meets throughout the ~
with one scheduled for St. Cloud on No~ l~
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November 6, 1997
3) The Mayor and Niedenfuer met with the owner of the old bank building (Nel Pfannenstein)
showing interest in purchasing the bank. The City could acquire the building then work out an
agreement with a museum board. There was discussion of the need for an appraisal of the
building, and if the EDA should purchase the building The matter was referred to the EDA Board
for its consideration.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS: Richard Taufen 1) discussed the status of the SCADA
system in the Water Treatment Plant. He stated that all the punch list items have been taken care
of with the exception of receiving the license for the radio system. Bentec, the contractor, has
made application for an amendment to the license, with it currently being processed by the FCC.
Taufen presented the reconunendation of City Attorney John Scherer, advising payment, and
withholding a small portion pending completion of the licensing process. Loso made a motion to
make final payment to Bentec, withholding $2,000 until the licensing process is completed (in
addition to the $4,000 withheld for warranty); seconded by Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Taufen reported plow truck No. 12 needs a new engine. He received quotes for are-manufactured
engine with Ziegler Company's quote of $1 0, 000 being the low quote. He also stated the tires are
bias tires and separated when not driven. He received quotes on tires, with Bee Line being the low
quote for bias tires. After discussion Twit made a motion to approve the installation of the engine
as presented and new radial tires as discussed (install two tires on the front first, back œ.es will be
purchased only ifneeded); seconded by Loso.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
3) Taufen discussed the repair work done to City Hall roof by the Maintenance Department,tJut
were unable to stop the leaking. Also the water damaged insulation will have to be removed.
4) The status of St. Joseph Township's the salt and sand shed was discussed The City will pay
one half the rent and purchase the salt and sand from the Township.
5) Snow removal at the new Fire Station will be done by the City with the time being kept in order
to establish a rate (for such snow removal).
CITY ENGINEER REPORTS: Joe Bettendorfpresented 1) the updated Capital Improvement
Street Program.
2) He also presented a Feasibility Report for the 1998 Street Improvements With the total costof
the improvements 436,300.
3) Bettendorf also reported one bitmninous lift was laid in Pond View Ridge on Pond View Lane,
Cedar Conrt, 12'b Avenue SE, and Crestview Court. The contractor will be responsible for
warranting iL
After discussion Twit made a motion to approve a Resolution Receiving the Report and Calling
a Hearing on the Improvement; seconded by Loso.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
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November 6, 1997
CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS: Rachel Stapleton reported on 1) possible student I
intern position for assisting with the cable access duties. Council stated they would prefer to use
an intern for Police Department clerical duties. They requested to confèT with the Police Chief and
check with St. Cloud State University for intern programs, then report back to the Council.
2) Council reviewed a proposal from NSP on street lighting and recoomiended further review by a
committee ofNiedenfuer and Stapleton and revieW it with the Council on November 18th.
At 10:00 p.m. Mayor Hiemenz extended the meeting.
3) With the relocation of the Fire Department antenna, new equipment for the local government
band was installed to service the City Offices and Maintenance. Additionally, pending Council
approval, a replacement radio was installed as the Current radio has decreasing transmission
quality. After short discussion Twit made a motion to deny approval for at new radio; seconded by
Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
4) Stapleton also reported the County Engineer is addressing the speed liri:ñt signs requested on
County Road 133 between Minnesota Street and County Highway 75, Fund Accounting and
Utility billing software support training was completed, cost $400, and the City received an
overview report of Stearns County Cluster Group meetings.
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ST. CLOUD AREA JOINT PLANNING DISTRICT JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT:
Ehlert made a motion to approve the final revised St. Cloud Area Joint Planning District Joint
Powers Agreement, an agreement between the Counties of Stearns, Benton and Sherburne, and the
Cities of St. Cloud, Sartell, Sauk Rapids, Waite PaIk and St. Joseph to plan together for urban
growth. The motion was seconded by Loso.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
As approved previously, Mayor Hiemenz will be the Representative for the City of St. Joseph, with
the Alternate Representative to be appointed at the next Council meeting.
CENTRAL MINNESOTA EVENTS CENTER STUDY TASK FORCE: Twit made a
motion to appoint Cory Ehlert to represent the City of St. Joseph on the Central Minnesota Events
Center Study Task Force; seconded by Niedenfuer.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None, Motion carried.
PLANNING MEETING: The Council set a meeting for Tuesday, November 18 at 4:00 p.m. to
consider future planning needs for the old Fire Hall, MaŸntP.n:mce, Police, EDA and
Administration. NSP Lighting prioritization will also be considered.
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Mayor Hiemenz stated the American Legion has asked if the City has any interest in their building
for City Hall.
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CABLE ACCESS CHANNEL: Policies and procedures as presented, will be considered at the
next meeting. Council was in general agreement to locate the cable access equipment in the office
of the old fire hall, if it seems adequate_ Loso indicated an interest in overseeing the taping duties.
MISCELLANEOUS OR ANNOUNCEMENT ITEMS:
Mayor Hiemenz and the Councilors discussed the annual appointment process for filling Board and
Commission positions. The Council generally agreed all persons, including incumbents, interested
in a position on a Board of Commission must snbmit a completed application to be considered for
an appoÎntment_
Ehlert stated he had received a complintent on the manner Officer Steve Fischer carried out his
duties.
Loso made a motion to adjourn at 10:25 p.m.; seconded by Niedenfuer.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None.
Motion carried.
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Rachel Stapleton
Clerk! Administrator
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