HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 [09] Sep 10
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Page 3390
September 10, 1998
Pursuant to due notice and call thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in special
session on Thursday, September 10,1998 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: None.
The purpose of the meeting was to finalize and adopt the proposed 1999 taX levy and proposed
budget and miscellaneous matters.
FIRE DEPARTMENT RESCUE VAN: Loso discussed bids as opened and approved by the Fire
Board. He stated bids were received from two companies on several vans, with the Board
accepting a bid from Road Rescue Inc. of $76,870 net bid for a Demo model 1997 Road Rescue
Ultramedic on a Ford E-450 Chassis Rescue Van, with approval including $2,500 for graphics
and lettering by an outside vendor and $2,600 for a radio. The Township will consider this matter
at their next meeting also. After a short discussion Twit made a motion to accept the bid as
recommended by the Fire Board including graphics, lettering, and a radio; seconded by
Niedenfuer. '
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Loso stated he was contacted by City Resident Steve Frank on gelling the attorneys
interpretation on the group home being located in Clinton Village. Twit recommended supplying
himwith the ordinance allowing such home and the state statute addressing the matter.
Niedenfuer stated we could check with 1he League of Minnesota Cities on this matter as well.
-Loso further indicated Frank was of the understanding the matter fell under the rental housing
regulations.
1999 PROPOSED BUDGET AND TAX LEVY: The Council hefd a short discussion on the
proposed levy and budget including a reduction to the 1996 East Minnesota Street levy to
$64,000 due to a healthY fund balance. Stapleton proposed that if this fund stays healthy the
annual levy amount may remain at $64,000 for the term of the bonds, but should be reviewed
each year. The Fire Hall debt service levy for the City portion is anticipated to be $41,163.
Twit madea motion to adopt the proposed general fund bUdget of $1,127,069; seconded by
Loso.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Twit made a motion to approve a resolution adopting the 1999 proposed levy as follows, with a
public hearing of "Truth in Taxation" to be held at 7:00 P.M., December 1, 1998. Ehlert seconded
the motion. Discussion - Further cuts to the budget may be considered during the Truth in
Taxation process. The financial reports shall give a clearer understanding of the budget picture
at that time because they shall include most of the years financial activity. !
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION APPROVING 1998 PROPOSED TAX LEVY,
COLLECTIBLE IN 1999.
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of St Joseph, County of Steams, Minnesota, that
the following sums of money be levied for the current year, collectible in 1999, upon taxable
property in the City of St Joseph, for the following purposes: .
General Fund
East Baker Street - 1992
,
331,881
8,000
Page 3391
September 1 0, 1998
EastIWest Minn. Street Improvement, 1993
Fire Hall - 1997
East Minn. Street, 1996
21,000
41,163
64,000
Total Levy
466,050
Be it further resolved that these levies will support a General Fund Budgl~ of $1,127,069 for the
year 1999.
The City Clerk is hereby instructed to transmit a certified coy of this resolution to the County
Auditor of Steams County, Minnesota.
PARKING PROBLEMS: Mayor Hiemenz discussed parking problems in the neighborlhood of the
the S-A Store, Floral Arts and Sunset Supply. He discussed imposing 90 minute [fmitations on
parking in that area. Some cars have been parked on the streets in that area for up to three
days. He proposed to make the area 90 Minute Parking, from the railroad tracks south to Cedar
Street on 1st Avenue NE, and on Date Street from 1st Avenue NE to College Avenue on the south
side and to the middle ofthe block on the north side, and have signs installed indicating such.
After short discussion Loso made a motion to approve the area as stated, 90 minute parking zone
and approve installation of signs indicating the 90 minute parking; seconded by Twit. Discussion
- The Council discussed the merits of tow away zoning and ticketing only. Ehlert recommended
and the Council concurred to sign as tow away but ticket except in flagrant abuse of the parking
requirements. Twit recommended the Council be prepared to consider si!gning other business
areas, such as the downtown area when they receive requests.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. ~otion carried.
Mayor Hiemenz informed the Council that he intends to bring to the next Council meeting the
matter giving the Department Heads more latitude in their authority in the minimum spending
limitation prior to Council approval. All purchases shall still be brought to Ithe Council and require
approval under the bills payable. He indicated residents had discussed with him the inefficiency
of Department Heads eaming overtime to come to the Council to request needed items and
spending much time at Council meetings scrutinizing the bills. He also felt an increase would be
more efficient for the Department Heads, with the Council still able to observe management of
each budget. Twit stated he would rather have complaints of too much scrutiny than too much
leniency.
Twit made a motion to adjoum at 7:40 P.M.; seconded by Loso.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
C?ad.d~
Rachel Stapleton
Clerk/Administrator
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