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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 [02] Feb 05 i I I I I Page 3274 February 5, 1998 , ! Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of st. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, February 5, 1998 at 7:0a p.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall. ' I Members Present: Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz. Councilors Bob Loso, Cory Ehlert, Ken Twit, Mary Niedenfuer. Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens. Others Present Bob Wahlstrom, Ellen Wahlstrom, Joe Bettendorf, Denny Wild, steve Wittcomb I ApDrove Minutes: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer Nays: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Approve Minutes: Loso made a motion to approve the minutes of January 22, 1998 with the following corrections: delete the following sentence under 1998 Employee Wage Proposal for Non-Union Employees - "Bradley Lindgren is not included in the proposal because his wages are tied to the police union contract." The motion was seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer Nays: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Consent Aaenda: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: a. Chiefs of Police Conference, April 20 - 23. Registrant: Brad Lindgren b. Biosolids, Residuals, and Effluents Seminar, Feb 19 - 20. Registrant: Jim Marthaler c. Wastewater Seminar, Feb. 24. Registrant: Jim Marthaler ' d. Clerk's Conference, Mar 24 - 27. Registrant: Rachel Stapleton e. Exemption from Lawful Gambling License - Watab Creek WhITetail, MN Deer Hunters Association, La Playette May 4, 1998. The motion was seconded by Twit. I Discussion: Twit discussed that not all the applications have been completed, especially indicating which session the registrant will be attending. He indicated some of the concurrent sessions would be of interest to the Councilors and has the City ever requested a registrant to attend a specific session. Loso and Hiemenz stated that written information is available from most seminars and the Council can request registrants to bring back material. The Council also clarified that any future conference requests should be complete and indicate if lodging will be required. Ehlert stated the Personnel Committee while meeting with the employees encouraged continuing education and stressed the importance of cross training. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer Nays: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. , ¡ ¡ Bills Pavable: After discussion of the bills payable, Ehlert made a motion to approve payment of the bills, check numbers 25052 - 25105; seconded by Niedenfuer. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer Nays: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Overtime and Callouts: Loso questioned if the Personnel Committee has established a policy clarifying overtime. Twit responded that at this time the policy is not ready. Twit made a motion to approve the overtime and callouts as presented; seconded_by Loso. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer Nays: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Treasurer's RePOrt: Weyrens presented the Council with the December year end expenditure report. She stated that the report does not take into account any year end adjusting entries. After the audit is complete the Council will receive a final year end statement. Loso made a motion to accept the December' Treasurer's report as presented; seconded by Ehlert_ Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer Nays: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 I I I I Page 3275 February 5, 1998 Meredith Undrud: Meredith Lindrud appeared before the Council to receive clarification on the process that would need to be followed to construct a radio tower on property zoned residential. Hiemenz stated the City Attorney has indicated the Council can chose one of the following-methods: 1. Consider the matter without a public hearing; 2. Refer the matter to the Planning Commission and request they conduct a public heartng using the zoning guidelines for Variances and Special Uses; 3) The City Council could conduct the public hearing following the Variance and Special Use guidelines; 4) Any other process the Council determines. Twit stated that much time and consideration was involved in adopting the current Tower Ordinance and minimally a hearing should be held allowing adjacent property owners the right to voice an opinion. Loso concurred with Twit and stated multiple entities were involved in the drafting of the Tower Ordinance and would behoove the City to go through a hearing process. Therefore, Twit made a motion to requeSi! the Planning Commission conduct a public hearing to construct a tower in a residential neighborhood. The Commission should follow the zoning process for Variance and Special Use. The motion was seconded Loso. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer Nays: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Lindrud requested the Council waive the hearing fee. Ehlert stated that he is in support of waiving the fee. The Variance and Special Use is being requested because the tower is to be used for public safety providing a means of communication for assistance. Twit stated at this time he could not support the waiving of fees as it is his opinion this action would indicate Council approval. Therefore, at this time the fee will not be waived. City Enaineer Reoorts: City Engineer, Joe Bettendorf, appeared before the City Council to discuss the County Road plan and impact on the City of St. Joseph. Bettendorf stated that he and Chad Carlson met with the County Engineer Doug Weiszhaar and representatives of the Area Planning Organization. The County has included 12'" Avenue SE from County Road 75 to Minnesota Street in their 2015 road plan. They also see the 12'" Avenue extension as an vital link to realigning County Road 133. Bettendorf explained that if the City does not extend Twelfth Avenue the County may not designate East MN Street as a County State Aid Road. If that happens, the City could be required to reimburse the County the amortized balance of contributions received for the reconstruction of East MN Street. Further, when County Road 133 is realigned the median crossing for Scherer Trucking will be closed. The City wi be responsible for replacing the crossing and Twelfth Avenue would be a natural access. The County feels Twelfth Avenue is important for two reasons: 1) Access will need to be provided for . Scherer Trucking; 2) The extension provides a more efficient means of moving traffic. Niedenfuer expressed concem that if 12'" Avenue is extended Minnesota Street East will become a truck route. Bettendorf stated that Minnesota Street was reconstructed to handle trucks and he does not feel the extension of 12'" Avenue will cause additional truck traffic. In his opinion the more important road link to watch is the connection of 12'" Avenue SE to County Road 121. At this time the County is looking a removing this section. Loso questioned Bettendorf what happens to the existing crossing at County Road 75 and County Road 133 when CR 133 is realigned. Bettendorf responded that if the City secures an additional Railroad Crossing, the existing crossing will be replaced with a rtght on, right off only. If the City does not receive - - an additional crossing the County-will recOnstruct CR 133 in its present location. i Hiemenz reported he has been in contact with Burtington Northem and was told the City would be allowed an additional crossing, but has yet to receive the paperwork. City Hall - Roof Reoairs: Hiemenz informed the Council that the roof continues to leak in the Police Department despite two attempts to patch the roof. Hiemenz reported that he along with the Building Official, Director of Public Works, Police Chief and EDA Director met to discuss repair alternatives. The Building Official at this meeting indicated if any work would need to be completed in the inside, a building permit would need to be secured and at that time the City would need to fulfill ADA requirements. i Hiemenz stated that at this time the Council needs to determine how to proceed. The City has received three repair alternatives from Horizon roofing. The Council agreed to schedule a special meeting for space Page 3276 February 5, 1998 needs planning. At this meeting the Council will also determine to what level the' roof will be repaired. The Council agreed to schedule a special meeting for February 10, 1998. Pavnesville AirDOrt Study Com m ittee: Denny Wilde, City Administrator Paynl9SVille and Steve Whitcomb, Airport Committee, appeared before the Council to discuss a future airport in Paynesville. Wilde stated that currently Paynesville has a private landing strip and is studying the possibility of constructing a new landing an applying for an airport license. At one time the e>jsting landing strip was licensed, but lost the license because of obstructions on both ends and the deficlient length of the runway. Steve Whitcomb stated the proposed airstrip will be a turf runway approximately 2,300' in length. The goal of the airport is to meet the for General Aviation needs of the private and business sector. The nearest airports are Brainerd and St Cloud. At this time the Paynesville Airport Study Committee is looking for support from the area cities. With society becoming more mobile, there is a need to provide private air hangers in and around Paynesville. Currently there is a lack of available hangers. Further, the competition for attracting industry also relies on the ability to provide transportation alternatives. Therefore, the Airport Committee is looking for the support of surrounding neighbors, cities and townships. Loso questioned if they are seeking financial support Wilde responded they are, not requesting any funding, rather a letter of support that can be submitted to the MN Department of Transportation, Aeronautical Division. After considerable discussion, Ehlert made amotion to send a letter of support to the City of Paynesville; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer Nays: None. Motion Carried "5:0:0 DeDartment Head Maxim urn Purchase Amount: The Council discussed the request of the Department Heads to increase the maximum allowable purchase that may be made without Council approval. The current polic}' allows for $50.00 before prior authorization is required. The department heads are requesting $ 250 - $500. Twit clarified that if an emergency exists, prior approval is not required. He and Loso expressed discomfort extending purchases up to $500 without prior approval. Ehlert questioned if the Department Heads had a specific reason for requesting $ 250 to $ 500. Weyrens responded that she was not aware of how the dollar amounts were derived. Twit made a motion to all"", Department Heads to spend up to $ 100 without prior Council approval, excluding emergencies. The motion was seconded by Loso. Discussion: Ehlert clarified if the Department Heads do not feel this iSi sufficient they should notify the Council Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer Nays: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Mayor Reports Aaenda Presentation: Hiemenz stated at the January 22 meeting the Council discussed changing the format of the agendas, placing the Councilor and Mayor Reports at the end of t!1le agenda Hiemenz also stated that he would like the agendas prepared as a business agenda with all matters needing action placed as a separate agenda items. This would include any Councilor Report t!1lat requires action. Further, he would like to see the elimination of the Mayor and Councilor Reports. Niedenfuer stated the Council should have received a written report in their packat with regard to her attendance at the Steams Municipal League Meeting. Written reports are another alternative available to Councilors. Ehlert disagreed with the elimination of the Reports. He stated the Council is constantly looking for ways to increase communication. In his opinion the elimination of the reports would reduce communication between Council Members. Councilors are"n Committees and it is important to share the ideas and have I I I I I Page 3277 February 5, 1998 I i open dialogue. Further, he did not feel written reports would be an effective means of communication and would be time consuming for the Councilors. Twit and Loso concurred that any items requiring action should be placed on the agenda with information in the Council packets. After considerable discussion the Council agreed to leave the Mayor and Council Reports on the agenda, but all reports will bè brief and action items must be placed on the agenda. Snowmobile Trail: Hiemenz reported he was contacted by the Police Chief regarding the saran wrapping of a snowmobile trail. A trail between Ash Street East and Birch street East was wrapped with saran wrap. Due to the seriousness of the matter, Hiemenz questioned the Council if they would be willing to offer a reward for the conviction of the person( s) responsible. Twit expressed concern for offering rewardS! and precedence that would be set. At this time the <:ouncil agreed not to set a reward. Councilor Reports Niedenfuer I Land Use Plannina: Niedenfuer reported on a Land Use Seminar that is being offered by the Minnesota Extension Agency. The topic of the seminar is Residential land Use Planning with a cost of $ 15 per registrant. Ehlert made a motion to approve the attendance of Niedenfuer at the above seminar; seconded ~~ I I Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer : Nays: None. Motion Carried 5: 0: 0 I MN Proiect: Niedenfuer reported the MN Project - Pathway to Sustainability will be conducting a workshop on March 7, 1998. Among the participants in the study are the College of St. Benedict, st. John's i University, City of Cold Spring and the City of St. Joseph. Niedenfuer is requesting authorization for St. Joseph to be included as a sponsor of the workshop. Sponsorship does not require any financial , commitment. Ehlert made a motion authorizing the City of St. Joseph to be listed as a sponsor for the MN Project workshop. The motion was seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer Nays: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Loso Safetv Committee: During the safety meeting concern was expressed with regard to sledders by the maintenance shop. In an effort to prevent an accident, Loso stated that he will be presenting the Council with a quote to install a fence. The Committee also discussed the hay bales used by the sliding hill in Memorial Park and requested the Park Board review alternatives. The hay bales have a tendency to disappear so some other type of restraint needs to be researched. Ehlert will forward this information to the Park Board. Disorderlv House Ordinance Review Committee: Loso questioned the status of the volunteer committee which is to review the Disorderly House Ordinance. Twit also questioned the same as it was his understanding an ad would be placed in the local newspaper seeking volunteers. Weyrens stated she would check the status of the committee. Twit Personnel Committee: Twit stated the Personnel Committee has been very active and is in the process of reviewing all the job descriptions, with one left-to review. It is the intent of the Personnel Committee to present changes to the Council within 30 days. I EDA: ~EDA~dwin be<meeting on February 11, 1998 at which time they will be conducting a closed meeting to evaluate the EDA Director, Chad Carlson. Ehlert Plannina Commission: The Planning Commission met and discussed the following: Page 3278 February 5, 1998 1. Kittridge Transportation: Applied for a Special Use Permit to construct a truck storage facility 84' x 50'. ThiS! matter will be placed on the February 19 Council agenda 2. Parking in the Central Business District: The Commission invited pmperty owners in the Central Business District to discuss the lack of parking. This matter will be discussed at a Chamber meeting in April with Chamber members Kurt Schneider alnd Jerry Frieler heading the discussion. 3. Joe Rennie discussed the population sign and star City sign on CR 133 and if the signs could be combined to one. He also stated one sign is uneven and is not aesthetically pleasing. I Park Board: The Park Board will be requesting authorization to construct the 3'" phase of the Big Toy in Klinefelter Park. The cost of the toy is $ 4,100. This matter will be placed on the February 19,1998 Council agenda. Miscellaneous and Announcement Thank you letter received: Hiemenz read a thank you letter from Janet Ophoven with regard to the hockey rink. Her lettered thanked the Park Board, City Council, Bob Lose and all the vollunteers who helped make the rink a reality and an asset to the Community. Security Liaht Reauest: The Council received a request from Mark Lambert to install a security light on the Emergency Siren Pole. The request is in response to the recent rapes at the Colllege of St. Benedict. Twit stated that he could not act on this at this time as it was just presented. Further, Twit did not feel the City is in a position to allow such as we do not have an easement for the Emergency Siren pole since Mr. Lambert purchased the pmperty. Ehlert stated that this matter is an emergency item and a safety issue. Further, he feels the Council needs to act on this matter at this time. Hìemenz concurred with Ehlert but acknowledged the need to negotiate an easement with Mr. Lambert prior to approval. Lose requested that the vendor supplying the Emergency Siren be asked to verify the light will not have an adverse effect on the siren as the siren is controlled by radio frequency. The Council agreed to table this matter to FebrualY 19, 1998. Ellen Wahlstrom: Expressed frustration in what in her opinion is an unfriendly Q>uncil meeting. She stated that the public should be welcome to speak and to be a part of the decision making process. She stated it is her opinion that residents do not attend Council meetings because the¥ are unfriendly and -residents are not made to feel welcome. I Wahlstrom also encouraged the Council to use task forces to aid the Council In research and decision making. Adiourn: Losomade a motion to adjoum at 9:30 p.m.; seconded by Ehlert Ayes: Hiemenz, Lose, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer Nays: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Judy Weyrens Deputy Clerk I