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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 [09] Sep 03 I I i , Page 3385 September 3, 1998 i Pursuant to due notice and call thereof, the City CouncU for the City of st. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, September 3, 1998 at 7;00 P.M. in City Hall. I MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz; Councilors Bob Loso, Cory Ehlert, Mary Niedenfuer, Ken Twit. Clerk/Administrator Rachel stapleton. OTHERS PRESENT: Chad Carlson, Joe Bettendorf, Brad Lindgren,Ray Loehlein, Steve streng, Gary Heltemes, Nancy Frank, Ron Kostreba, Ellen Wahlstrom, Bob Deem, Jamie Phenow. AGENDA: Twit made a motion to approve the agenda omitting the Department Head reports; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Hiemenz presented the consent agenda as follows: 1. Cable Access Software - Approval requested for software upgrade and training of $3,540. 2. Request to Transfer $418 from City DAR.E. fund to Steams County Youth Program for Costs of Supplies for 17 week DAR.E. Program in st. Joseph. 3. Petition for Vacation of North-South Alley of Block 3, Loso's Fifth Addition, Public Hearing scheduled for September 20, 1998. 4. Storm Pipe Inlet Guard In Northland Park, 15 inch Concrete Apron - $227 plus Shipping of $70. 5. Resolutions for 1998 Improvement Project - 1) Resolution declaring cost to be Assessed and Ordering PreJ')aration of Proposed Assessment and 2) Resolution for Hearing on Proposed Assessment. Loso discussed item a) Cable Access Upgrade, asking about the InfoChannel Master Upgrade with key for remote access. He stated the 1998 budget is expended, because part of it was used to pay for the original equipment. Mayor Hiemenz stated the current Cable Commission members have considered operating the cable equipment out of City Hall. He further stated the administrative staff needs tQ be aware of how the system operates. Ehlert stated the Commission had researched the matter and he felt comfortable with their recommendations. Ray Loehlein discussed the upgrade and the need to make it user friendly. He fett it would be easier to operate the system out of his home and stated he has been volunteering but does not intend to continue volunteering indefinitely. Loso felt the software should be kept within the City, install the Key in the City office, and train the employees to use the software. Loehlein stated the training is available to as many people as may attend, when the trainer provides the training. I Twit stated he understood wanting to keep the software current, and felt the system should stay where it is. He would make improving the audio a top priority, rather than supporting a remote site. Twit made a motion to approve the consent agenda with a change in item a) Cable Access Software to purchase the upgrade only at $1,495 plus training at $650; seconded by Ehlert. Discussion - The cost of shipping for the trash rack for the storm pipe Inlet Guard was discussed, with comparison costs of employees picking it up. Bettendorf suggested checking with st. Cloud Public Works Dept. to see if they would have one in stock. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. I ¡ , I I Page 3386 ; September 3,199$ I I MINUTES: Mayor Hiemenz requested the Task Force minutes of August 25 be removed to be considered at a later date, as they were flot ready for the packet. After a short discussion of the August 20 minutes and the Post Office's policies, Twit made a motion to remove the minutes of ¡ the August 20'" meeting for clarification of the Post Office policy on free mail, (under the Rural Mailbox Proposed Policy discussion, second page) and approve the minutes of the August 4, 1998 and the second portion of the August 25, 1998 meeting as presented; the August 18, 1998 with a clarification on the 7'" paragraph of the first page to include "the Mayor explained that the City uses line item budgeting which has the City broken down into departments"; seconded by Niedenfuer. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. BILLS PAYABLE: Stapleton presented the bills payable. There was a short discussion ofthe bills payable including Mayor Hiemenz requesting to check if an electrician's bill for re-wiring an electric pole for Christmas lights will qualify for an insurance claim. Twit made a motion to approve the bills payable check numbers 25837 - 25875 as presented; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. Loso made a motion to approve the callouts and overtime as presented; seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS TO THE AGENDA: There were no public comments to the agenda. I DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS - EDA DIRECTOR CHAD CARLSON: EDA Director Chad Carlson discussed a forthcoming public hearing for a Tax Increment Financing proposal for the Borgert Project scheduled to be held September 22 at 7:00 P.M. SAFE AND SOBER POLICE GRANT RESOLUTION: Chief Lindgren introduced Nancy Frank, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, who was present to discuss and gather support for the Safe and Sober Police grant. She stated the purpose of the grant is for the prevention of crime and injury, allowing Police Officers to be proactive. The requirements ofthe grant provide for additional training for Police Officers and additional police coverage during the busy events of the year. Afterfurther discussion Niedenfuer made a motion to approve a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement allowing St. Joseph to join Waite Park, and Sartell in entering into a grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety for the Project entitled "Safe and Sober Communities" during the period of October 1, 1998 through September 30, 1999. The motion was seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. I CITY ENGINEER REPORTS 90'" AND 9isT PROPOSED UTILITY PROJECT: City Engineer Joe Bettendorf discussed the status ofthe proposed 90th and 9151 Avenues project. Stapleton reported 60% or 11 ofthe 18 affected properties are needed for annexation to occur. 12 petitions supporting annexation (and the project) were received with 4 property owners indicated they did not wish annexation at this time. The petitions shall be brought to the next Council meeting for consideration and a public hearing date will be set. Bettendorf discussed the scope of the project, and the need to get water to the Assisted Living development this fall. The residents desire spring construction for the balance of the project, if possible. Bettendorf recommended including in the annexation that portion ofthe south Yz of Lynx Road which is adjacent to the proposed annexation. POND VIEW RIDGE DRAINAGE: Mayor Hiemenz discussed a complaint received on the clay and silt in the street in Pond View Ridge. He stated the developer has made changes in that area to clèan up the mess and the City maintenance cleaned the street. Niedenfuer stated a friend of Page 3387 September 3, 1998 hers had fallen in that area which resulted in an injury. Mayor Hiemenz and Stapleton will contact the people who complained ofthe problems in this area. I MINNESOTA STREET PROJECT: Bettendorf requested approval to have a contractor finish the seeding on the 1996 Minnesota Street project in order to finalize that projject. Ehlert made a motion to approve hiring Mike Stalboerger to finish seeding on Minnesota Street, as discussed by Bettendorf at a cost of about $1,000; seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. RIGHT OF WAY ACQUISION - 121M AVENUE - KOSTREBA PROPERTY: Ron Kostreba appeared before the Council to further discuss (from previous meetings) an acquisition proposal. Mayor Hiemenz stated the proposal as follows is for the acquisition of .136 acres: 1. Payment of $2,665.87 (5,924.16 square feet at the assessor's estimate ofvalue of $.45 per square foot. 2. The City shall demolish and remove the existing garage and concrete slab. 3. The City and developer agree to waive all current assessments fer street, and cum and gutter on 12'" Avenue SE adjacent to the affected parcel of property. 4. The City will ensure the existing sewer lines will be extended beyond the new cum and gutter in the new alignment of 12th Avenue S.E. Mayor Hiemenz asked for clarification of the City's obligations in the true!, sewer charge. On Stapleton stating the bonding requirements do not allow waiving the $350 trunk sewer clharge, Kostreba requested the payment forthe land be increased that amount. Ehlert recommended increasing the land payment to a round figure of $3,000. Loso made a motion to approve entering into a written agreement asproposed, with a payment of $3,000; seconded by Ehlert. Discussion - The City will remove the building and concrete slab. Stapleton clarified that only the current assessments (those improvements currently being made by the cleveloper) will be waived. Bettendorf asked for and received clarification that the cost of extending Ithe sewer stubs from their current locations to the new cum line will be City costs. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. I Additionally, Mayor Hiemenz discussed Kostreba's request regarding the, three sewer stubs which were installed to this property with the Minnesota Street project to providle for Kostreba's future plans to subdivide this property into three lots. The first and second stubs are not yet being utilized and have a $5,340 sewer extension charge associated with each stub. The third sewer extension is currently connected to the farm house and was assessed with the original project. Kostreba has received a written quote of $2,400 from the developerto extend a sewer connection to this property, thereby abandoning possible future use of one ofthe existing sewer stubs. Kostreba is requesting to install a fourth sewer stub at a cost to him of $2,400. John Sclherer has advised the Council he feels the City would be justified in reducing the charge to $2,400. Ehlert made a motion to approve a proposal to be drafted by the City Attomey allowing payment of $2,400 forthe second sewer hookup in lieu ofthe $5,340 sewer extension charge, (the extension charge for the first stub shall remain at $5,340); seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. GREAT RIVER ROUND TABLE: Steve Bresnahan appeared before the CounCIl to discuss the Great River Round Table, an independent, not-fer-profrt organization, composed of citizens from throughout the Central Minnesota region. It exists as a forum fer brainstonning and setting priorities about where we want our communities to go in the next 50 years and how we will get there. He discussed the visioning process that began about a year ago, which includes a series of information gathering meetings. TheCouncil discussed that the meeting scheduled for St. Joseph, OctOber 1, conflicts with the regularly scheduled Council meetin!~. Eilen Wahlstrom I Page 3388 September 3, 1998 I questioned if there was some way the Council could attend that meeting. Bresnahan stated the content of the meetings will not be location specific, but discussion at them may somewhat relate to the location, and anyone could go to any of the meetings. On discussion of the format of the meeting Bresnhan indicated the Council could come to the first part of the meeting, prior to breakout sessions. SUPERIOR (REFUSE) SERVICES; Bob Deem, representing Superior SeNices (refuse), discussed the history and merits of his company and gave a short video presentation. He wished to increase the awareness of his company, to the Council. It was noted the refus~ contract expires in 1999. REGULATION OF EASEMENTS: Mayor Hiemenz discussed information received from the City Attomey concerning easements and recommended leaving the ordinance in place as it is. He stated it allows for specific needs through a variance proèess. He further discussed the interest in this matter was initiated by the City requesting to have easement ordinance requirements included on the plat. During the platting process it was determined that this information would be better seNed in the Developers Agreement or in the covenants. Loso made a motion to make no changes to the Easement Ordinance; seconded by Twit. Discussion - Easement requirements are noted in the Developers Agreement. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. I RESOLUTION APPROVING LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX: Mayor Hiemenz and Ehlert discussed the proposal for financing the proposed Central Minnesota Events Center through local option sales tax. The City Council needs to ratify the State Legislatures authorization for local option. Prior to imposition of sales tax the proposal would be referred to the voters through a special election. Niedenfuer discussed language in the proposed agreements that once a member has imposed the sales tax they would have to retain the sales tax. Mayor Hiemenz indicated the agreements are only proposals at this point, for information only. Loso made a motion to approve a Resolution Approving Special Legislation Enacted by the 1998 Session ofthe Minnesota Legislature Authorizing the City of st. Joseph to Local Option Taxes if Approved by Voters for the purpose of Developing the Central Minnesota Events Center; seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. MAYOR REPORTS: 1) The City Attom~y is reviewing two drafts for a Central Minnesota Events Center Joint Powers Agreement which was included in the meeting agenda packets as informational material. Mayor Hiemenz stated he shall keep the Council informed on this matter. 2) Other informational material included in the meeting packets was a flyer on "Keeping Nature in your Community' with workShOp sites throughout the state. 3) Mayor Hiemenz met with the st. Cloud Chamber of Commerce on their invitation, and area City Mayors to discuss major issues and concems. 4) Mayor Hiemenz met with Director of Public Works Taufen concerning acq~iring easements for locations where sewer mains are installed without recorded easements. 5) Mayor Hiemenz recently attended the regular APO meeting. I COUNCIL REPORTS TWIT: 1) Twit recommended rescheduling the time for the October 1, 1998 meeting to 7:45 P.M. in order to allow the members of the Council to attend the first portion of the Great River Round Table Visioning meeting in st. Joseph. Page 3389 September 3, 1998 2) Twit discussed issues with Rural Mailbox policies, and recommended putting a moratorium on any further installation of rural mailboxes in the City until the issues can be resolved. Niedenfuer made a motion to impose a moratorium, or preventative measure on further installation of rural mailboxes within the City boundaries as soon as possible to extend until May 1, 1999 so issues may be resolved; seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. I EHLERT: 1) The Joint Powers Board ofthe City and Township will hofda public hearing to address a petition of Prom and Feld and consider a proposal of a residential plat of 3 ten acre parcels called the Prom Addition, The City Engineer will review the plat and the Township Attorney serves that Board. 2) Ehlert is hosting a youth football clinic for ages 8 to 14 year olds to be held Sunday aftemoons. He anticipates it will be entirely free and will have St. John's University players working with him. Registration will be September 13 at noon at the Memorial Baseball Park. LOSO: 1) The City meter readers discussed with him the problems with the new meter sheets, provided by the office. They stated the sheets do not provide the addresr-:oes in order but jump around. NIEDENFUER: 1) The St. Joseph Sustainability Project evolved from tru! Minnesota Sustainable project. The coordinating committee met and discussed goals, future meetings, (will meet twice a month) with the next meeting to be held September 9"'.¡¡n natural beauty" design standards, aesthetic preservation, and the Highway 75 corridor. The following meetng isintended to meet with the hospitality committee. I 2) Niedenfuer requested to attend a workshop on "Keeping Nature in Your Community" with a registration fee of $130 and stated there are scholarships available for interested citizens. Ehlert made a motion to approve Niedenfuer's attendance at the workshop as mquested; seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. 3) At the last APO meeting there was a length discussion on the North Star Corridor. There will be an informational meeting held at the Whitney Senior Center on September 23 on this matter. CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS: 1) The bids for the repair of the City Hall roof have been sent for advertising, with bids to be opened on September 22, and possible consideration that evening in conjunction with the Public Hearing. MISCELLANEOUS OR ANNOUNCEMENT ITEMS: Mayor Hiemenz stated he has received phonè calls and a letter of protest from Mike and Joan Schramm, about a proposed zoning change to R-2 in an R-1 zone, on West Minnesota Street. This property is currentiy a rental property. Ehlert stated he has received concems also, but suggested should the property be rezoned very structured requirements could be imposed such as regulation of vehicles and parking, grass, and aesthetics, including a bituminous driveway. The meeting was adjoumed at '9:50 P.M. with a motion by Loso; seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. Q Rachel Stapleton Clerk/Administrator I