The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About1997 [12] Dec 18 Page 3254 December 18,1997 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the City Council for the City of S1. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, December 18, 1997 at 7:00 p.rn in City Hall. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz, Bob Loso, Cory Ehlert, Mary Niedenfuer, Ken Twit. Clerk! Administrator Rachel Stapleton. OTHERS PRESENT: Judy Weyrens, Chad Carlson, Steve Streng, Bob and Ellen Wahlstrom, Joe Bechtold, Jeff Epple. Mayor Hiemenz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with all Councilors present. AGENDA: Twit made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of the 1998 Budget and Tax Levy at 7:05; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. MINUTES: Loso made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 2, 1997 (1998 Budget and Tax Levy hearing) Council meeting; seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. Loso made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 4, 1997 Council meeting with the following corrections; seconded by Niedenfuer. Page 2, Paragraph 4 add "Mayor Hiemenz asked Deutz ifhe would consider to split the cost with the City." Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None, Motion carried. On Mayor Hiemenz's questioning if Lambert was notified of the Planning Commission's request for proof of ownership, and ifWaite Park was notified to secure their own radio frequency, Weyrens stated both Lambert and Waite Park officials were notified. 1998 BUDGET AND TAX LEVY: Loso made a motion to approve a resolution adopting the 1998 Budget and Tax Levy as follows: GENERAL FUND LEVIES General fund Tax Levy Special Levy, Fast COPS Grant 305,427 8,047 ------ Total General Fund Levy 313,474 BONDED INDEBTEDNESS , ¡ I I 20,000 38,703 70,000 8,000 '93 EastlWest MN Street '97 St. Joseph Fire Hall '96 East MN Street '92 East Baker Street ---- Total Bonded Indebtedness Levy 136,703 I I I :_'iIl '".-.> I I I The motion was seconded by Niedenfuer. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. Page 3255 December 18, 1997 CONSENT AGENDA: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda Items a. and b. as follows and to remove hem c. (Law Enforcement Labor Services Seminar Attendance) for discussion: a. Licenses as follows: St. Joseph Liquor Shop - Cigarette St. Joseph Recreational Association - On-Sale Non-Intoxicating St. Joseph Gas and Bait - Cigarette La Playette - Cigarette, 9 Amusement American Legion Post 328 - Cigarette, 4 Amusement Loso's Main Street Pub - Cigarette, Off-Sale Non-Intoxicating, 7 Amusement Sal's Bar - Cigarette, Off-Sale Non-Intoxicating, 9 Amusement El Paso - Cigarette, 11 Amusement Loso's Store - Cigarette Superamerica - Cigarette St. Joseph Saints - On-Sale Non-Intoxicating M & T Liquor - cigarette Bo Diddley's - On-Sale Non-Intoxicating College of St. Benedict - Cigarette, On-Sale Non-Intoxicating, b. Capital Outlay Requests City Office Computer Upgrades to P/166 MX Systems - 3 workstation upgrades -low quote from KLN Distributing, Inc. of $2,967 with trade-in of(3) 486 units $600. Typewriter - Cannon AP5015 - Low quote of Maier Typewriter Sales & Service - $309 The motion was seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Lose, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried LAW ENFORCEMENT LABOR SERVICES SEMINAR: Looo questioned if the Mayor is the appropriate person to send to this seminar; perhaps a member of the Personnel Committee could benefit as well. Mayor Hiemenz stated becanse the Mayor is involved in the day to day contact he felt there would be benefit to him. Twit stated he is unable to attend the seminar. Ehlert stated he would be available but felt the Mayor's conunent about the day to day operations had merit. Twit made a motion to approve the attendance of one representative ftom the Council (the Mayor or Councilor Ehlert) at the LELS seminar; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Lose, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. BILLS PAYABLE: Deputy Cletk Judy Weyrens presented the bills payable and discussed the Prairie Restoration maintenance contract. After discussion of several bills including requesting the Park Board cònsider impact resistant lenses on the Hockey Rink Lights as they are replaced Twit made a motion to approve the bills payable check numbers 24875 through 24928; seconded by Ehlert. . Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. After review of the call-outs and overtime woo made a motion to approve the caIl..iuts and overtime as presented; seconded by Niedenfuer. Ayes: Hiemenz,Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried Page 3256 December 18, 1997 The Council reviewed and discussed the detail bills of the City Attorney, City Engineer and Building Official. Mayor Hiemenz will discuss with the Police Chief discussion with the attorney on the Federation Contract and City Personnel Policy and report to the Council. I Weyrens presented a compilation of the rollover account balances ftom past years to current. T"it questioned the deficit in Northland Park as well as concern that a balance for the B. Klinefelter Memorial Park is not shown. Weyrens stated all the parks are included in the Park Development fund I Twit indicated discomfort with the report and Mayor Hiemenz concurred. Weyrens will check further and report back to the Council. MAYOR REPORTS: I) The City prosecuting attorney sent notice to the County Attorney that the City of St. Joseph has not reconsidered it's position to not participate in the adult diversion program. 2) The City of St. Joseph will receive a $10,371 dividend ftom the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust for property and liability fund overages. The Mayor complimented the employees for their role in the City receiving this dividend 3) City Engineer Joe Bettendorf met with the Mayor on several issues and will prepare overview drawings on the American Legion Building without charge to the City. 4) The APO Executive Committee met and discussed the CollegeviIle mobility stwy which includes light rail. This matter was referred to the St. Cloud Area Transportation Board. The APO Executive Committee also updated their projected plans to 2020. I A bypass from the west on County Road 2 with a northern loop may be studied next year as well as establishing a corridor in that area. 5) Mayor Hiemenz stated he had many contacts and concerns on the cable access program 6) The EDA met with the City Engineer and Leo Buettoer concerning rules in development of the Industrial Park A proposal is anticipated to be presented to the Council at the January 8 Council meeting COUNCIL REPORTS NIEDENFUER: I) CORE met and discussed grant funding for violence prevention program, a good faith fund to replace up to $50 damage for certain types of damage, extra law enforcement for special events, input in the welcome packets, Safe kids program, self defense for kids, women and students, extra police for traffic control on busy nights such as Wednesday nights, student education on alcohol, state of the art breath testers, a reward fund, and a contingency fund. 2) Niedenfuer sent a letter to County Commissioner Rose Arnold concerning the need for installation of additional "Truck Route" sigus. She will contact County Engineer Doug Weiszhaar. 3) Concerns on the cable channel will be addressed later. LOSO: I) Loso reported a letter concerning withholding payment to W. Gohman Construction Company due to punch list items not being addressed, was received indicating interest charges would be due on the withheld amount. Tom Peck, Architect on the project, Gohman representatives and the FIre Chiefmet and reviewed the punch list items. Peckrecommended payment due to the status of the items on the punch list as well as the escrow amount and balance of the contract as security for fin.H7Ïng the I I I I Page 3257 December 18,1997 project. Loso made a motion to release previously approved payment to Gohman Construction Company; seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried 2) Loso discussed the process on a confidential matter. He indicated the Council had previously agreed to a procedure on a œrtain matter and the Mayor changed the procedure without Council approval. Mayor Hiemenz stated the procedure recommended by the City Attorney was followed EHLERT: I) The review and revisions of the Zoning Ordinance by the Plauning Commission is going very well. On completion of the review a revised copy will be presented to the Council for their review and comments prior to the adoption process. 2) The grant (previously discussed) through CORE Committee gives the Community great access to $11,000 at a local share of only $1,000. The local share will be split between the City, the Senates of both Universities, and the Administration of both Universities. 3) The Universities are inviting the City to join them in participating in "Celebrate Service Week" with any projects the City may have. 4) A concern of the status of the Rental Housing Ordinance was brought forth at the CORE Committee meeting. The City needs to take action on it. The Landlords Association will be contacted for input, and the matter will be placed on the Council agenda for action. 5) Brother Isaac intends to bold educational meetings for off campus residents next year. 6) Ehlert attended the Central Minnesota Events Center Committee meeting and will be bringing a resolution to the Council for consideration. TWIT: I) The Personnel Committee met recently with the non-œntract employees, and listened to their concerns. At the next Council meeting the Persounel Committee expects to present a proposal for the ! 1998 wage increase and benefit package. i ! The Personnel Committee also intends to evaluate employee job descriptions along with the employees and Department Heads. Maintenance Department job descriptions will be reviewed January 6, Police Department January 15, and Office job descriptions the first week in February. 2) The EDA met last week as the Mayor discussed. EDA DIRECTOR REPORTS: I) EDA Director Chad Carlson reported on an offer he received on a 10 in the Roske Addition and introduced Jeff Epple of St. Cloud Cartographies. Epple discussed the history,! scope of the services offered by his company, and their intended future growth. Carlson presented a proposal offering $66,088 for Lot I, Block I, of the Roske Addition (the lot directly north of the Fire Station). St. Joseph Township Supervisor Joe Bechtold stated this matter has been discussed at both the last Joint Cityffownship meeting, and the last Township meeting. The value of the property has increased since the last appraisal with both the improvements and the Fire Hall. Any reduction of the cost would not benefit the Township and if there would be any reduction in the price of the land it should be the City's cost. H~ felt it was poor use of public funds to take a loss on the purchase of the property. Bechtold further felt this is the prime lot of the Roske Addition and recommended the company consider locating on the east end of the property. This would be an acceptable use of the property to the adjacent residents and the value of i the property may be less. ¡ - Page 3258 December 18. 1997 Loso made a motion to reject the offer of $66,088; seconded by Twit. Discnssion _ Ehlert asked if there was consideration of a counter offer. Epple stated he likes this area but would pursue other sites rather than further negotiate on this parcel. He felt the City and Township would not lose money because of the economic impact of his company. Ehlert indicated he would IiIœ to see another proposal. - I Carlson discussed his position and a local tax abatement proposal he is reviewing. Twit made a motion to amend the motion on the floor by carrying this matter to a joint meeting with the St. Joseph Township Board at the Township Hall on December 29, 1997 at 9:15 p.rn. at their regular meeting to consider a counter proposal; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Lose, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS: I) One of the student representatives of CORE is working on the materials for the Brian Klinefelter Community Service Award. It is anticipated the schedule will be delayed in order to provide enough time to receive nominations. 2) The Council agreed to consider the contraet with the Realtor (which expires soon) at the joint meeting with the Township. 3) Proposals for sewer rate increases are expected to be ready soon. CABLE ACCESS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: The Council reviewed the reconunendations of the City Attorney on the cable access rules and regulations as well as the request form and agreed to incorporate his recommendations. Mayor Hiemenz recommended changing all the references to the "Cable Commission" to the "City of St. Joseph". He also questioned on page I, B. 4. Determining the anticipated nµmber of interested subscnbers. I Mayor Hiemenz stated he has concerns about the operation of cable access channel, lack of involvement of the Cable Commission and that in his opinion it is being run as "a one man show." He v'~ to bring that operation into the City Offices giving full charge of the cable access channel operation as well as the community events sign as part of the Secretary's job duties. The Mayor stated~.1aIy is willing to take on these responsibilities if she would be put in full charge of them Loso indicated in his opinion the cable access equipment and operation is stiI1 in the learning stage and is functioning well Mayor Hiemenz stated he is considering abolishing the Cable Commission as well as other Commissions that are not functioning well and made a motion to abolish the Cable Commission and move the cable access channel operation into the City Hall; seconded by Niedenfuer. Niedenfuer felt the cable access operation belongs in the City Office. Ehlert stated the equipment seems to be operating very well and is appreciative of the efforts Lose have given to the system Mayor Hiemenz extended the meeting at 10:05 p.m Ehlert stated that Lose is currently volunteering his time and would not want to strip him ofhis involvement in the operation. He further discussed the extra costs staff time would require. Mayor Hiemenz stated it would help justify pay equity increases. Twit stated this discussion caught most of the Council by surprise and he would have reservations taking action on the Cable Commission at this time. I Mayor Hiemeuz withdrew the motion with the intent to address it further and resolve the issue. He also indicated the cable expenditures have exceeded the budget and would Iilœ all costs of the equipment. The Cable Access Policies and Procedures are to be placed on the January agenda. I I I Page 3259 December 18, 1997 ORDERLY ANNEXATION AGREEMENT: Twit made a motion to approve the Joint Resolution for Orderly Annexation between the Town of 81. Joseph and the City of St. Joseph, as developed and agreed upon by the Greater 81. Joseph Area Committee. The motion was seconded by Loso. Discussion· The document shall be celebrated and formally executed jointly by the City and Township on January 6 at the Fire Station. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. MISCELLANEOUS OR ANNOUNCEMENT ITEMS: Mayor Hiemenz informed the Council of a meeting of the 81. Cloud Area Joint Planning Committee he attended earlier in the day. The topic of discussion was language of the grant agreement. Twit stated an individual asked if the Council intends to continue holding meetings at times inconvenient for attendance by the public. Ehlert requested resolution of the status of the cable access operation. Mayor .Hiemenz indicated he would take responsibility for finding an operator or shut down the operation. Ehlert felt the cable access channel is a good communication tool and should continue. . Loso made a motion to adjourn at 10:30 p.m; seconded by Niedenfuer. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried ~~ Clerk! Administrator -