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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 [04] Apr 16 I I Page 330& April 16, 199& I , Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met as a Board of Review and in regular session on Thursday, April 16, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall. MEMBERS PRESENT: Acting Mayor Ken Twit; Councilors Bob Loso, Cory Ehlert, Mary Niedenfuer. Clerk/Administrator Rachel Stapleton. Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz absent. OTHERS PRESENT: Judy Weyrens, Joseph Bettendorf, Jim Graeve, Ken Heinen, Steve Streng, Ellen Wahlstrom, Gary Heltemes, Andrew Kremer, Mike Loehlein, Rick Heid. BOARD OF REVIEW Acting Mayor Twit called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. as a Board of Review to reconvene the meeting of April 7 1998 with Board Members present as follows: Acting Mayor Twit, Councilors Loso, Ehlert, and Niedenfuer. The Board reviewed the recommendations of City Assessor Ollie Lesnick on the following properties: 8453472.007 Clarence Fischer- No change. 84 53432.068 Ronald Kostreba - No change. 84 53430.064 Raymond Loehlein - No change. 84 53779.000 James Bruemmer _ No change. I 8453430.078 Irma Hoffman - Reduce value from $106,900 to $88,500. 84 53430.076 Leon Hoffman - Reduce value from $109,400 to $88,500; Hoffman properties were compared to sales in Waite Park and Sartell. Also the income was analyzed. 8453790.025 John Walz - Reduce value from $109,900 to $104,200 Grade Change. 84 53758.000 - James Brummer - No change. 8453790.054 Robert GiII- Reduce value from $144,300 to $134,400 Grade Change. 84 53484.000 M.A, Hewitt - Reduce value from $73,300 to $71,500 - Porch adjustment for leaking fOOf. 84 53790.013 Robert Kappas - No change. i 8453790.013 Bemard Peopping - Reduce value from $140,300 to $138,900 -Allow additional depreciation. I Loso made a motion to approve the changes as recommended by City Assessor Ollie Lesnick and accept the assessment for the City of St. Joseph for the1998 assessment. The motion was seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Hiemenz was absent. Motion carried. ì Loso made a motion to adjoum the 1998 Board of Review for the City of St. Joseph; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Hiemenz was absent. Motion carried. Page 3309 April 16, 199& COUNCIL MEETING Acting Mayor Twit called the regular City Council meeting to order. AGENDA: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Motion carried. I MINUTES: Losomade a motion to approve the minutes ofthe April 2, 1'998 meeting as presented; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded by Niedenfuer. a. Insurance Statement of Loss Payment $2,770 (Contractor's estimate of $3,270 - $500 deductible) for interior water damage to City Hall Building. b) St. Joseph Recreational Association Gambling Permit Renewal Application - LaPlayette Bar. Ayes: Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Motion carried. BILLS PAYABLE, OVERTIME & CALLOUTS: Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens presented the bills payable. After short discussion of several bills, Ehlert made a motion to approve bills payable check numbers 25296 - 25372; seconded by Lose. Ayes: Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Motion carried. I After review and short discussion of overtime and callouts, Niedenfuer made a motion to approve the overtime and callouts as presented; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Motion carried. TREASURERS REPORT: Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens presented the 4TH Quarter 1997 Treasurers Report and a report as of February 28, 1998. After short disc'.ussion of the budget and balances Loso moved to accept the reports; seconded by Ehlert. Discussion - Weyrens reported the grant monies were received for the park trail in the Brian Kli'nefelter Memorial Park. On Ehlert's concem on the status of that fund, Weyrens agreed to send information to the 'Council on that fund. Ayes: Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Acting Mayor Twit introduced Boy Scouts Michael Loehlein and Andy Kremer attending the meeting as part of service badge requirements. Ellen Wahlstrom appeared before the Council requesting the status on al past request to purchase flowers for the beautification area on Minnesota Street. Niedenfuer stated this matter will be brought to the St. Joseph Chamber for consideration and the Pan!. Soard is willing to fund one half of the cost. Ehlert felt a category could be included in the budget for beautification, from which this expenditure could be allocated annually. Wahlstrom also recommended the Council send a maintenance employ,ee to a seminar on altematives to chemical lawn care, for professionals, Tuesday, April 21, 1998 at the Whitney Center, sponsored by St. Cloud Agencies and groups. Niedenfuer discussed health issues related to some chemicals used on lawns. Loso stated the type of chemicals used in the parks has been changed within the past few years to safer chemicals. I I , I I I Page 3310 April 16, 199& I Niedenfuer made a motion authorizing the attendance of the City Weed Inspector Mike Sworski, I or an altemate if Sworski is unavailable, at the meeting for professionals, on altematives to chemical lawn care; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Motion carried. Jim Graeve questioned the cost of rental for a lawn mower, and if it would not be more cost effective to buy it. Ehlert stated that the results of a study before the City entered into this program, indicated this was the most advantageous. Ellen Wahlstrom a1so addressed chemical run off in the City. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS: City Engineer Joe Bettendorf presented the Short Elliot Hendrickson 1998 Rate Schedule, effective May 1, 1998. After short discussion of the rates Loso moved to accept the 1998 Rate Schedule as presented; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Motion carried. I I i 'I 1998 STREET IMPROVEMENT: City Engineer Joe Bettendorf presented the bids as opened and recommended approval of the low bid of Hardrives, Inc. He stated the contractor is willing to negotiate some ofthe items thaf were bid higher than anticipated. The Contractor is willing to re-negotiate item 8 - Erosion Control, which includes traffic control; and item 38 mailbox remova and replacement. After discussion Loso made a motion to accept the low bid of Hardrives, Inc. of $249,482.84, contingent upon re-negotiation of Items 8 - Erosion COntrol, and Item 38- Remove and Replace Mailboxes, and concem expressed with consideration of re-negotiation on Item 18 - Subgrade Preparation costs. Ehlert seconded the motion. Further discussion _ Bettendorf and Council discussed Item 18 - Subgrade Preparation costs and components. Ayes: Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Motion carried. POND VIEW RIDGE FIFTH ADDITION: Rick Heid appeared before the Council to request consideration of Pond View Ridge Fifth Addition Preliminary Plat. Ehlert discussed the Planning Commissions findings and recommendations. He stated they recommended providing variety in the building styles of the homes for added attractiveness. The Planning Commission also discussed covenants on the property. Enforcement of covenants is a civil matter, beyond the scope ofthe City. Acting Mayor Twit stated the Mayor expressed concem about the cul-de-sac in the proposed plat. His concern is the additional maintenance costs as well as complaints that snow removal is last in cul-de-sacs. Heid agreed to inform buyers of cul-de-sac properties that those areas would be the last area cleared of snow because of the snow removal problems inherent with such design. Twit also stated developing an equitable formula for assessment of future street improvements is a challenge as well. i On Acting Mayor Twit's asking about a contingency plan without a cul-de-sac, Heid responded that he had none. The cul-de-sac properties are more desirable for homes. Council discussed that people like to live on cul-de-sacs and this value of living needs to be considered. I Council discussed with Heid the proposal to install patio homes, and they are attractive to Seniors. Heid indicated the style proposed to be located on the west side of 12'" Avenue is called 'Califomia Ramblers". Also discussed was the impact of the County Transportation plan on 12'" Avenue SE and its width, inclusion of a bike path, and park land along with park development. . I Bettendorf indicated he had only viewed the plan and not studied it. There are other elements required such as elevations, for consideration of the preliminary plat. Page 3311 April 16, 1998 Loso made a motion to table the Preliminary Plat of Pond View Fifth Addition to the next meeting in order for Heid to provide additional information; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Motion carried. I REQUEST TO PLANT TREES ON CITYrrOWNSHIP PROPERTY: Loso made a motion to approve the request of Charles Fuchs to plant Pine trees on the Cityrrownship owned wedge of property on the east side of Fourth Avenue NEand Minnesota Street, adJacent to his property at 403 Minnesota Street East. Approval is contingent upon Director of Public Works approval of a written plan, with consideration of future effects on the existing sewer line and traffic visibility. This motion includes requiring a written agreement stating the City assumes no liability and reserves the right t(} require the trees be removed, if necessary, at Fuchs expense. Ayes: Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Motion carried. Note - (An adä1fion from the May 7, 1998 Council meeting) Mayor Hiemmz indicated allowing trees to be planted on jointly owned Cityffownship property needs appro1{8/ cordingent upon Township approval. ACTING MAYOR'S REPORT: Acting Mayor Twit reported 1) he attended a meeting at St. Benedicts and understood the a Cappella festival approved by the Council has not yet been approved by the Conege. Also discussed at the meeting was the student Senates of the College/University have hired private security to ride the late buses. 2) The State has approved enforcement saturation for our area for the Pünestock Event, May 9. Chief Lindgren received a grant application recently (after the Council p¡ilckets had been sent) to cover eight hours of overtime for one Officer including benefits at 16.38% of the wages. The City must supply the Officer. In addition, for participating in this saturation the Department shall receive a new P.B.T. unit from the State Highway Patrol. Niedenfuer made a motion to approve a resolution authorizing the grant agreement; seconded by Loso. Discussion - The City will provide a squad car and the Officer shall remain a City employee for designations such as workers compo Ayes: Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Motion carried. I RESOLUTION RESOLUTION AUGHORIZING EXECUTION OF GRANT CONTRACT Be it resolved that the st. Joseph Police Department for the City of st. Joseph enters into a Grant Contract with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, State Patrol Division for the program entitled Operation NightCAP. Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz is hereby authorized to execute and sign such Grant .' . Contracts, andamendmènts thereto, as are necessary to implement the program on behalf of> . the P01ice Department fór the City of St Joseph. '.." r" " ¡ -.'. , ,_l ;,",:.___:;\_-.....:,>__.. ,,'_'_ __'.,., _~- /<', -e-< <~>,",,- ,-~ .. :ç~-_:: . ',,_ J-' ~-- _~; _ ~- 3) A report of cOmpliahèe ofPáy Equity was received from the .State,;and a letter of col1cem;' from Ms. Albertson was received. 1,' ' , :'::-:,~,,3 ',c1 >8-; - "..... . COUNCILORS REPORT '¿,,---~ "".-" .- ~ I ... . ~ EHLERT: 1) The Park Board met and have asked the College of St. BEmedict fortranspdrtatión assistance with the summer recreation program as a means to contain E¡xpenses. Officials at CSB are considering donating a bus andlordrIVérto the City. RecreatiOfl.program. . '.,' :----':.~;," . '3i' ;.,~". , -'- ~ . . . ;",>.,,-.,--:.'--'~ -, -.~-- I Page 3312 , April 16, 1998 2) There is a lack of street lights in Pond View Ridge. Council recommended Stapleton contact I Steams Electric for plans and a proposal for additional street lighting. LOSO: At a recent Safety Meeting there was discussion of a need for an additional emergency i siren to serve the southeastem part of the City. On Loso's asking if the Council wished him to i pursue this matter, Niedenfuer felt people need to hear the siren in an emergency. Ehlert felt I sirens are costly and people use other means for information when emergencies arise. Loso wil pursue seeking information for an additional siren. NIEDENFUER: 1) A consultant to manage the planning process through the statutory requirements was selected at a recent St. Cloud Area Joint Planning meeting Niedenfuer attended. 2) Self defense classes for girls and women are scheduled in the basement of the fire hall. A nominal fee will be charged. 3) Niedenfuer has been working to obtain an intem through the Minnesota Project, to work with the EDA Director doing surveys and such at no cost to the City. Bringing a farmers market to the City would be supported through this project, as well. 4) A meeting will be held on April 27 at the Fire Hall to view the proposed mural for the downtown. 5) Congratulations to Ellen Wahlstrom for being chosen to receive the Brian Klinefelter Community Service Award, and welcome Steve Streng back to the Newsleader. I CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS: 1) Stapleton reported on upcoming seminars and conferences, including a Legislative Review Session is scheduled with a cost of $10 per registrant, and the 1998 Annual Conference, June 16-19 in Duluth. Mayor Hiemenz has requested to attend. After short diScussion Niedenfuer made a motion to approve the attendance of the Mayor and up to two Councilors at the 1998 League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conference in Duluth, pre-registration, $250 each; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Motion carried. 2) The City of St. Joseph's share of the dividend, which Minnesota Cities insured under LMCIT for Workers Comp recently received, was $4,412. 3) Bids are being received until May 6 for a tanker truck apparatus for the ~ire Department. 4) Thê State Department of Administration is joining IISAC in grants to provide small Minnesota govemments a handbook on addressing the Year 2000 compliance requirements.. MISCELLANEOUS OR ANNOUNCEMENT ITEMS: 1) Steams County has scheduled an informational meeting April 21, 1998 at the Steams County Public Works Building for the plans on the reronstruction of CR 133 between St. Joseph and Sartell. 2) Acting Mayor Twit presented a letter from the EDA Board of Directors conceming Umitation of Power and AuthOrity of the EDA. I ADJOURN: At 9:30 p.m. Loso moved to adjourn; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer.. Nays: None. Motion carried. ~~~ Clerk/Administrator '. I I I