HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 [12] Dec 16
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! December 16, 1997
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the City Council for the City of St Joseph met in special session at
4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 1997 in City Hall.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Kenneth J. Hìernenz; Councilors Bob Loso, Cory Ehlert, Mary
Niedenfuer; Clerk! Administrator Rachel Stapleton. Ken Twit absent.
OTHERS PRESENT: Judy Weyrens, Joe Bettendorf, Jim Graeve.
Mayor Hìemenz called the meeting to order at 4:30 with Councilors Loso and Niedenfuer present.
The pmpose of the meeting is to consider the 1998 Proposed Street Improvement projects and the 1998
budget and property tax levy.
1998 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
City Engineer Joe Bettendorf discussed the 1998 Street Improvement PropoSal discussed at the
November 20, 1997 Public Improvement Hearing.
The scope of the project area petitioned to be omitted from (East Able Street, 8th Avenue SE and
1 Oth Avenue SE) was discussed. Bettendorf indicated the area was proposed for a "reclaim"
project, as overlay is not feasible due to the condition of the street. The proposed reclaim project
could be delayed a few years.
Cory Ehlert arrived at 4:40 p.m.
Loso made a motion to delay part of the Cloverdale area of the project as petitioned, (East Able
Street in the CIoverdale area and 81h Avenue SE,), for one year, subject to verifying the validity
of the petition. The motion was seconded by Niedenfuer. Discussion - Loso generally felt the
project should be carried out as proposed but was sensitive to the wishes of the property owneT£
and reacted to their petition by delaying the Able Street and 8th Avenue SE portion of the
Cloverdale area. When this portion is improved in a future year the costs may be higher. Sending
an informational letter to the Cloverdale property owners explaining the stains of the proposed
improvement and requesting a response was discussed.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
The Eastern Park portion of the project was discussed as well as the proposed alley improvements
in Blocks 11 and,9, Original Townsite of St. Joseph. The opposition to the alley improvement by
Steve Dehler at the last meeting, was noted Ehlert discussed the Planning Commissions perception
of the roll of the City in providing off street parking in the General BusinesS District. He suggested
the Council may wish to consider improvement of parking lots along with this project, as the
Planning Commission is supportive of downtown assistance.
Mayor Hiemenz stated EDA Director Chad Carlson is reviewing a possible grant for refurbishing
certain downtown functions.
The Council discussed the effects of omitting the westerly half of the alley in Block 9, Original
Townsite. Bettendorf indicated including the needed drainage which would increase the cost rrom
about $19.85 to about $24.85 per foot. The anticipated length of the future life of that portion of
the alley was discussed also.
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December 16,1997
Jim Graeve reconunended the Council consider establishing a policy that costs of street
improvements and repairs after initial construction, would be a cost to the city as a whole, rather I
than special assessing a portion of the costs to abutting property owneT£.' He kit this would
generate more public interest as well as attendance at public at meetings.
Loso discussed past assessment policies including the improvements in Park Terrace and 2""
Avenue NW. Loso felt that the assessment formula should be reviewed, possibly reversing the
property owners share to 40% rather than 60%.
There was further discussion of the impact of increasing the City's portiolJ. of funding street
improvements.
Niedenfuer made a motion to include the east half the east-west alley in Block 9, Original
Townsite, eliminating the western half from the project; seconded by Ehlert. Discussioo - The
Engineer agreed the seam at the west end would be at a point that will mesh with the existing
surface.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Lose, Ehlert, Niedenfuer.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Loso made a motion to approve a resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparatioo ofPIans for
the 1998 Street Improvement Project, omitting the west half of the east-west alley in Block 9,
Original Townsite, Able Street and 8th Avenue SE in the Cloverdale Additioo area, and College
Avenue North £fern Date Street to the Railroad tracks, after coosideration of the fuasibility report
and information received at the public hearing, the project is necessary, cost effective and fuasible .
The motion was seconded by Ehlert. I
Ayes: Hiemenz, Lose, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. .
Nays: None. Motion carried.
1998 BUDGET AND TAX LEVY: Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens discussed the 1998 budget and
tax levy and stated the levy for hooded indebtedness to service the 1997 St. Joseph Fire Hall may
be reduced £foro $41,751 to $38703 due to the apportiooment between the fire service area
jurisdictions. The Council considered the comments £fern the truth in taxatioo hearing. They
recognized the Council and staffhad spent many hours working out a responsible budget to
provide for the needs of the City in an austere manner. The Council clarified that the budget and
levy will be considered at the December 18th Council meeting.
Weyrens also presented a report on a compilatioo of the rollover accounts for the Council's review.
MISCELLANEOUS AND ANNOUNCEMENT ITEMS: Mayor Hìemenz stated a suggestioo
was received to have the annual fuel needs of the City acquired through a bid process in order to
save tax dollars, Niedenfuer made a motion to request bids for the 1998 fuel needs of the City;
seconded by Ehlert. Discussion - Council discussed the level <If savings arid impact 00 the fuel
suppliers, and they both provide tax base to the City and the balance is a benefit to the City.
Ayes: None.
Nays: Hiemenz, Lose, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Motioo carried.
Loso made a motioo to adjourn at 5:35 p.m.; seconded by Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Lose, Ehlert, Niedenfuer.
Nays: Nooe. Motioo carried.
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December 16,1997
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Cla?/d~
Rachel Stapletou, Clerk Administrator
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