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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 [05] May 07 I I I I I Page 3313 May 7,1998 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regufar session on Thursday, May 7,1998 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz; Councilors Bob Loso, Cory Ehlert, Mary Niedenfuer, Ken Twit. Clerk/Administrator Rachel Stapleton. , OTHERS PRESENT: Judy Weyrens, Chad Carlson, Dave Theisen, Richard Taufen, Dave Hinnenkamp, Eddie Och, Andy Brixius, Ellen Wahlstrom, Art Reber, Steve Streng,Bob Herges, Rick Heid, Joe Bechtold, Jerome Salzer, Tim Weisbrich, Ann ReisChl, Chuck Twedt, Melvin Raduenz. Mayor Hiemenz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with Councilors Loso, Ehlert, and Niedenfuer present. AGENDA: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda with the 1997 Audit Report moved to the beginning of the meeting and Health Insurance Proposals referred to the Personnel Committee; seconded by Niedenfuer. i Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Motion carried. 1997 AUDIT REPORT: Auditor Dave Hinnenkamp, of Kem, DeWenter, Viere, Ltd., presented the 1997 Audit. He stated the General Fund has about $727,000 funds available which would carry the City about seven and one half months. The revenues and expenditures are fairly consistent over the past years. Sewer rates are not fully covering the replacement costs although there are other revenue sources that impact this fund, as well as policy decisions on covering depreciation. The Debt Service Funds were discussed along with the Capital Project, and Speciaf Revenue funds. He recommended bilßng the College of St. Benedict in accordance with an expense sharing agreement associated with the 1992 G. O. Improvement Bond Fund (East Baker street). MINUTES; Loso made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 7, April 13, and April 16, 1998 meetings with the following corrections. A correction to the Board of Review minutes of April 16, 1998 changing the previous value of Parcel # 84.53430.076 Leon Hoffman's property to $109,400. Mayor Hiemenz recommendation for the April 16 Council minutes, indicating allowing __Jrees to be planted on jointly owned Cityrrownship property needs approval contingent upon .. Township approval. The Council agreed to discuss this matter with the Township Board at the joint meeting scheduled for later in this meeting. The motion was seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Lose, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA: Niedenfuer made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded by Ehlert. Discussion - Ehlert stated one of the employees wants to discuss the Pay Equity report with the Personnel Committee. Mayor Hiemenz stated it will not change the report. The Community Forum on Racism would allow overtime hours for the Police Chief. Ehlert expressed interest in the forum also. . a) American Legion Post 328 Gambling Permit Renewal b) Pay Equity Report - Approval of Report (Was sent in as a preliminary report, accepted by the State as final). After Council approval, notice is filed and posted, available to employees and sent to Exclusive Employee Bargaining Representative c) Outside Liquor Permit - LaPlayette, Inc. June 20, Live Music, Food and Bar Outside until 1 0:00p.m. : d) Community Forum on Racism - May 12, 6:00 - 8:45, Madison Elementary, Attendance of the Mayor and Police Chief. . Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer. Nays: None. Motion carried. Page 3314 May 7,1998 BILLS PAYABLE,OVERTIME & CALLOUTS: Deputy Clerk Judy Wey~ens presented the Bills Payable. Ken Twit arrived at 7:45 p.m. I The Council discussed various bills and a need to do a summary analysis on the cost of operating the community events sign and the revenue derived from it. El1lert made a motion to approve the bills payable as presented check numbers 25375 - 25433; S<3eOnded by Loso. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. After review, Ehlert made a motion to approve the callouts and overtime as presented; seconded by Niedenfuer. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Eddie Och discussed animal control problems he is experiencing and building permit requirements. If Och wishes to pursue the matter, Mayor Hiemenz recommended filing a formal complaint. Andy Brixius expressed concern that there was not greater communication with the residents on the 1998 Street Improvement project. He would have liked more advanoe communication in order to plan for special concerns. City Engineer Joe Bettendorf stated this project is moving much faster than normally occurs, but newsletters were sent before the project started. He also recommended any resident with special concems contact his office as soon as possible in order to address such concems. Brixius also stated new residents were not aware of the project prior to construction. DEPARTMENT HEADS REPORT I DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS: Richard Taufen reported 1) the surplus siren has been checked for possible trade in or future use by the City. The distributor of the current system in place indicated he would make no trade in allowance, nor recommend uSÎng it as a second siren. Loso indicated the siren is obsolete and not recommended for use in $I. Joseph. After short discussion Niedenfuer made a motion to declare the siren surplus propelrty and advertise it in the League Bulletin; seconded by Twit. . Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. 2) Park Terrace Utility Easement - Taufen discsussed the need to access the manhole in Park Terrace to service the sewer main. It was also noted that the manhole ~> not located in the easement area and obtaining an easement for the manhole may also be necessary. After discussion of methods of accessing the manhole, and using the existing easement, Twit made a motion to utilize the existing easement and send notification during the month of May to the property owners. Notification shall indicate that the City of $I Joseph will exercise its right to access the easement on or after September 1, 1998 to service the sewe,r main. The motion was seconded by Niedenfuer. Discussion - Mayor Hiemenz indicated a need to get information from the City Attomey on the recourse the City has in these situations. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfúer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. 3) Taufen also1:liscussed another sewer line by Lot 1, Block 1, Hollow Park that ties into an adjacent line by Park Terrace which needs a perpetual easement to seriice it. The property owner wishes to install a fence on the property. Joe Bettendorf and Taufen have both reviewed the proposal, with Bettendorf indicating the fence is planned to be placed far enough over to make the sewer serviceable. I I I I i Page. 3315 May 7,1998 4) The Post Office has indicted their rules now allow rural type mailboxei to be placed anYPlac¡J in the City. The impactof this allowance needs to be considered by the City. Mayor Hiemenz I indicated he would like to see this matter studied and appointed a task force of Taufen, Twit and a community member if SUCh would step forward. 5) Joseph Street currently has class 2 gravel from spring maintenance. Taufen questioned if the Council wished to have it removed Orlo maintain the gravel this summer. After discussion of the condition of the street and that a feasibility report is being prepared for reconstruction of it, the Council was in general agreement to leave the gravel and maintain the street. ! 6) Council was in general agreement to confirm the odd-even watering ban is in effect. 7) A request was received for 301 First Avenue NE for signage indicating a private drive and to remove a parking place by the driveway because use of it blocks the entrance to the private driveway. This request is in relation to a complaint on vehicles entering it and causing damage. Mayor Hiemenz and Taufen will review the matter with the property owner and report back to the Council. . , 8) Niedenfuer questioned if anyone had attended the seminar on alternatives to uSing chemicals in the parks. Taufen indicated Mike Sworski had attended, but the content of the seminar was not as was expected. , 9) There was a recent request for dust control in the alley in Block 12 of the Original Townsite. On Taufen's asking if calcium chloride should be applied, the Council requested Taufen research altematives and report back to the Council. EDA DIRECTOR REPORTS: EDA Director Chad Carlson presented the Economic Development Authority Strategic Plan for the City of St Joseph and filed the 1997 Financial Report with the City. ! Carlson also reported on the Building Task Force. Carlson is gathering and compiling infonnation to make an assessment of 5 sites for consideration by the Committee. Ehlert recommended following through in a timely fashion. Mayor Hiemenz received a letter requesting a library be included in the plans. PRELIMINARY PLAT - POND VIEW RIDGE 5TH ADDITION: Rick Heid and Bob Herges, Developers, discussed with City Engineer Joe Bettendorf and the Council their plans for Pond I View Ridge 5th Addition. Bettendorf presented the utility plan for the Addition, Loso made a motion to accept the preliminary plat of Pond View Ridge 5th Addition; seconded by Ehlert. Discussion - Mayor Hiemenz stated he OPpoSed cul-de-sacs, because of the additional costs the City incurs, maintaining cul-de-sacs due to the need for extra equipment and manpower needed for sUCh maintenance. He also indicated allowing development to Occur that adds additional cost to the City, is one of the things that pushes increases in taxes. The Mayor requested these issues be considered in future developments. BettendOrf discussed the drainage plan and change in the easement area surrounding the pond. He stated increasing the size ofthe pond would accommodate the 100 year ßood. Niedenfuer recommended encouraging patio home development on 12'h Avenue. Herges did not feel the seller could impose bUilding requirements on tile buyer. Ehlert stated the California Rambler style homes may continue on 12th Avenue, and encouraged variety through out the development. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. JOINT MEETING - CITY AND TOWNSHIP OF ST. JOSEPH Page 3316 May 7,1998 CITY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz; Councilors Bob Loso, Cory Ehlert, Mary Niedenfuer, Ken Twit. Clerk/Administrator Rachel Stapleton. ST. JOSEPH TOWNSHIP BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Joe Bechtold; Members Jerome Salzer, Tim Weisbrich; Ann Reischl, Clerk. I OFFER OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT ON LOT 1, BLOCK 1 OF ROSIŒ ADDITION, CITY OF ST. JOSEPH: Chad Carlson presented a purchase agreement for Lot 1, Block 1 Roske Addition of $111.000. The Council and Board discussed the offer, the current value of the property and purposed use. Chuck Twedt, representing Casey's General Stores, Inc. discussed the purposed use of the property is a gas station/convenience store. He discussed the family oriented philosophy of the company and sensitivity to local interests. Niedenfuer felt there could be other uses for the property which would better benefit the community. After further ¡flSCUSSion Loso made a motion to accept the offer; seconded by Salzer. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Twit, Bechtold, Salzer, Weisbrich. Nays: Niedenfuer. Motion carried. TANKER FIRE TRUCK AND APPARATUS: Dave Theisen reported th~1t only one bid was received for the Fire Apparatus on a Commercial Chassis as was advertised and opened May 6, 1998. The bid received from Central States Fire Apparatus, Inc of Lyons SD was $124,060. The Fire Advisory Board agreed to reject the bid and have the specifICations reviewed and revised. The Board is in anticipation that the bids will be lower with changed spec:ifications when re-bid. The Fire Chief will also seek out any available demo model that is already built and available. Twit made a motion to reject the bid; seconded by Beclhtold. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit, Beclhtold, Salzer and Weisbrich. Nays: None Motion carried. REQUEST TO PLANT TREES ON CITYITOWNSHIP PROPERTY: The request to plant pine trees on CitylTownship owned property was discussed. Bechtold's concem was the mature size of the trees. Ehlert requested the current hedge be trimmed back. Saœer recommended the agreement be written to transfer with the property. Bechtold stated the Township has no problem with the proposal if the City agrees, but want to be included in the agreement. I Ehlert made a motion to approve the request of Charles Fuchs as property owner, to plant Pine trees on the CitylTownship owned wedge of property, on the east side 01' Fourth Avenue NE and 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 Mure effects on the existing sewer line and traffic visibility. This motion includes an agreement to be executed and filed with the property requiring the property owner at 403 Minnesota street East be responsible for maintenance of the trees and removal of the trees should the City and Township require them to be removed. The City of St Joseph and the Township of St. Joseph assumes no liability. The City Attorney will prepare the document with the Township sharing in the expense. Mr. Fuchs will be approached to see if he has interest in purchasing the property prior to having legal documents being prepared. The motion was seconded by Weisbri,ch. Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Bechtold, Salzelr, Weisf)rich. Nays: None. Motion carried. The joint meeting was closed with a motion by Weisbrich; seconded by !Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Bechtold, Salze,r, Weisbriclh. Nays: None. Motion carried. STREET LIGHTING PROPOSALS: Mayor Hiemenz stated street lighting plans should be included in the planning process for developments and wires installed during the development. The Council considered a proposals from Steams Electric for Pond View Ridge for seven street lights. Payment options for the construction ofthese lights are payment up front of $3,205 or a monthly facility charge fee of $7.70 that would continue as long as the structures are in use. I . I I I Mayor Hiemenz extended the meeting at 10:00 p.m. , , Page 3317 May 7,1998 The Council discussed the proposal of NSP to install three street lights in Northland Addition on Gumtree Street and 4th Avenue NE, and at 5th Avenue NE, and on 4th Avenue NE. The Council discussed the prior policy with Steams Electric (the City pay the construction costs up front), and the policy with NSP (facility cost included in the monthly charge). Twit made a motion to aCb\¡pt! the Steams Electric monthly facility charge proposal of for Pond View Ridge and approve installation of seven lights as proposed; and accept the NSP proposal to install three light in Northland Addition. The motion was seconded by Loso. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. RENTAL HOUSING REPORT: Twit discussed the recommendations of City Attomey John Scherer in response to recommendations of the Committee that reviewed the proposed ordinances. He reported Scherer did not recommend incorporating the content of the resolution of July 11, 1996 into the ordinance as recommended by the Committee. (That resolution sets policy for rental license suspension or revocation on the first violation, including permitting occupancy in excess of that permitted under the ordinance.) Loso made a motion to incorporate the intent of the Resolution of July 11, 1996 into the ordinance conceming violations and excess occupancy of rental units. Ehlert seconded the motion. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried, I Scherer felt mandatory garnage pickup on the City contract, for properties of three units or less would be a proper subject for inclusion in the ordinance. Twit made a motion to allow the City Attomey to incorporate language into the ordinance requiring mandatory garnage pickup on the City refuse contract for three units or less~ seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. i The Council discussed the Committee's recommendation for ticketing of the tenants for noise violations. Scherer felt the tenants were being ticketed when practical. Also the Police feel the current methods are working quite well, while getting a level of œoperation from the tenants. Twit made a motion to take no action on the recommendation to ticket the tenants for noise violations, but to leave the current policies in place; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit Nays: None. Motion carried. COLLEGE DISORIENTATION PARTY: Twit reported the College Graduation "Disorientation" Party will be held at the Del-Win Ballroom. 1 SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES: Twit made a motion to approve a'resolution updating the schedule of fees and charges, with the water tap to be set at all actual and associated costs to the City including labor, equipment and parts; seconded by Niedenfuer. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. MAYOR'S REPORT: 1) The Council should review and be ready to take action at the next Council meeting on a the advice of the City AttQmey on a complaint (file number 18889). 2) Change Order #1 for the 1998 Street Improvement project included a decrease of $1,000 in erosion control and a decrease of $3,025 to remove. and replace mailboxes. Ehlert made a motion t<Tapprove Change Order #1 for the 1998 Street Improvement Contract with Hardrives, Inc.; seconded by Twit. Ayes: . Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: . None. Motion carried. Page 3318 May 7,1998 3) Mayor Hiemenz attended a Forum on Race Relations in Waite Park. llhe discussion included dealing with issues from a government perspective and from a City perspective. The St. Cloud area is ahead of the problem and addressing it proactively before major ~Iostility erupts. 4) Mayor Hiemenz presented a proposal on the Roth Property. Niedenfu1~r questioned the intended use of the property. She is opposed to the purchase if it is tor another convenience store. Loso recommended waiting until the study on the sites for City Hall is completed for consideration of this purchase. Also funds will be needed for the roof on the current City Hall. He recommended putting funds jnto a building fund as a planning measure. He indicated his constituents have felt the immediate needs of the City need to be considered. Mayor Hiemenz stated he is getting reports that the City is not looking to the Mure in the planning process. Loso recommended consulting the Township on their interest in joining the City in ownership to enhance the adjacent parcel. Ehlert felt the investment would be beneficial, and acquision of the propelrty would be in the City's best interest. Niedenfuer stated another option would be to buy the Township's interest in the adjacent parcel and the City purchase the Roth property as well. She felt it could be a good site for a park. Twit recommended the Township be approached on this matter to see if they have interest in partnering with the City, and made a motion to table the matter; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. COUNCILORS REPORT NIEDENFUER: 1} The Principal at the St. Joe Lab School expressed col1cem on the safety risk to the children patrolling in the cross walk. She stated they have had four incidents that were nearly serious accidents. The cars are traveling too fast on Minnesota S1reet. Suggestions were to have cross walk lights installed and reduce the speed on Minnesota Street to a school zone. Loso stated the most effective way to get the drivers attention is a method used in the Eastem States. They place a barrel in the middle ofthe street with signs stating the law and the penalty. Maintenance will research this equipment. 2) At the last APO meeting the topic of discussion was the Transportation Plan. 3) The proposed intem from the Minnesota Project may be postponed due to lack of space. The intem needs a desk, phone and computer in the same building where thle supervisor is housed. 4) The CORE Committee met recently. LOSO: 1) The Joint Fire Advisory Board met recently and rejected the only bid received for a tanker truck apparatus. The Fire Board will be meeting again on a personnel issue next week. 2) The purchase price of the last emergency siren was approximately $28,000. There is some funds budgeted for an additional siren, and the Township may participate in the cost. Loso has received an estimated cost $18,000 for a second siren He stated the City is required to provide a waming system for the residents. Loso will proceed with the financial planning for a second siren. 3) LosO stated another set of soccer goals have been donated to the Cnty. There is interest in adult soccer leagues as well. EHLERT: 1) The Planning Commission held a hearing for a special use pennit request of Michael Deutz for R-3 use at his property at 33 Minnesota Street West. He intends to demolish the existing building and rebuild. He needs to capture two retail business tenants in order to I I I - I I I I I Page 3319 May 7,1998 I continue with the project. Deutz was willing to waive the 60 day tand use action requirement in I return for the Planning Commission's recommendation to table the matter for up to twelve months. This matter will be considered at the next Council meeting. 2) The St. Joseph Township Board has invited the Joint Board to meet with the Township Board to address planning concems. Ellen Wahlstrom is on that agenda as well, for a presentation on wetland preservation and development. Niedenfuer made a motion to approve the meeting of the members of the Joint Planning Board with the Town Board; seconded by Twit. Discussion- Ehlert stated the group will also decide on the frequency of their future meetings. Ayes: Hieme.nz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. 3) The Planning Commission also recommended approval of a variance request on a garage size in Pond View Ridge. i 4) The Park Board requested that the revenue derived from the the park equipment sold at the auction be tracked back to their budget. Council felt each department's budget should be credited with the revenue derived from the equipment from their department which was sold at the auction. 5) The cost of the building proposed forthe Baseball Park is estimated at $30,00'0'. The Park I Board is in favor of it and the St. Joseph Lions are willing to donate 70% of the cost, with the City' absorning the 3()oÆ, balance. 6) On Ehlert's questioning if there is any warranty on the grass planted in Northland Park, it was noted there is none. 7) The Park Board changed their meeting night to the fourth Tuesday at 7:00' p.m. They also adopted a $5.0'0' charge per night of camping. The Park Board will be holding a special meeting May 12 at Northland Park. 8) Loso stated the Lions plan to dredge the pond in Millstream Park. Mayor Hiemenz stated they should address this matter further because it is an involved process. TWIT: No report. Twit wished to comment that he did not appreciate a change in the time of the audit presentation from the agenda time. He asked to have the audit put on the next agenda for discussion. CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS: 1) A proposal wiIJ be brought to the Council at a future meeting to be consideration of a change in polling places utilizing the Fire Hall. 2) A request was received for a four way stop at the comer of Dale Street and 10'h Avenue SE (by the Park) in order to reduce traffic speed on Dale Street. i 3) A complaint was received on the tack of safety for roller blades on Minnesota Street. 4) Steams County is holding public hearings.on its comprehensive plan. MISCELLANEOUS OR ANNOUNCEMENT ITEMS: Certificates of Appreciation for their years of service to the City were prepared for Daniel Nierengarten and Claudette Klein. The certificates will be sent to them since neither could attend the meeting to receive the award. i ADJOURN: Twit made a motion to adjourn at 11:16 p.m.; seconded by Losò. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. ~~ Clerk/Administrator ~ .., - Page 3320 May 7,1998 I I I -