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Home My WebLink About1998 [12] Dec 17 Page 3447 December 17, 1998 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, December 17, 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. I OTHERS PRESENT: Judy Weyrens, Chad Car1son, Dave Theisen, Steve Streng, Janelle Van Pinion, Ken Nielson, Chuck Twedt. Mayor Hiemenz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with all Councilors present. AGENDA: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda with changes, and addition of Public Comments to the Agenda; seconded by Niedenfuer. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION ADOPTING FINAL PROPERTY TAX lEVY: Mayor Hiemenz called the hearing to order and discussed the proposed tax levy and budget for 1999. After short discussion Loso made a motion to approve the following Resolution Approving 1998 Proposed Tax Levy, Collectible in 1999; seconded by Twit. RESOLUTION APPROVING 1998 PROPOSED TAX LEVY, COLLECTIBLE IN 1999 Be it resolved by the Council of the City of St Joseph, County {If 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: I General Fund East Baker Street - 1992 EastlWest Minn. Street Improvement, 1993 Fire Hall - 1997 East Minn. Street, 1996 331,887 8,000 21 ,000 41,163 64.000 Total Levy 466 050 Be it further resolved that these levies will support a General Fund Budget of $1,124,069 for the year 1999. The City Clerk is hereby instructed to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the County Auditor of Steams County, Minnesota. Vote on the motion approving the resolution: Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. The hearing was closed. MINUTES: Loso made a motion to approve the minutes {If the November 16, November 20, December 1 and December 3, 1998 Council meetings; seconded by Ehlert. Discussion- Niedenfuer requested corrections to her report on Community Day (page 6) second line should state "boost attendance". And the last sentence to read" ....they were disappointed at the low communitv tumout.· I - --------- ----~ -- -- ------- I i Page 3448 December 17,1998 I Vote to approve the minutes with GQl1'eåions: . Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehtert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. I CONSENT AGENDA: Niedenfuer made amotion to approve the consent agenda items as follow; seconded by Loso. a. Accept Resignation of Joe Braun from Park Board, on expiration of his term January 1999. b. One-Day Off Site Gambling Application for Raffles- St. Joseph Lions, Event to be Held at the La Playette Restaurant on January 29,1999, c. Non-Intoxicating, Cigarette, Amusement and Entertainment Licenses for 1999. SI. Joseph Liquor Shop -Cigarette S1. Joseph Recreational Association - On-Sale Non-Intoxicating S1. Joseph Gas and Bait - Cigarette La Playette - Cigarette, 9 Amusement American Legion Post 328 - Cigarette, 4 Amusement Loso's Main Street Pub - Cigarette, Off-Sale Non-Intoxicating, 7 Amusement Sal's Bar - Cigarette, Off-Sale Non-Intoxicating, 8 Amusement EI Paso - Cigarette, 10 Amusement Loso'sStore - Cigarette Superamerica - Cigarette SL Joseph Saints - On-Sale Non-Intoxicating M & T Liquor - cigarette Bo Diddley's - On-Sale Noo-lntoxicatinQ- College of SI. Benedict - Cigarette, On-Sale Non-Intoxicating, Strong Beer. Casey's - Cigarette, Off sale Non-Intoxicating. d. Collection System Operators Seminar - Jan 20-22, Bloomington, Jim Marthaler to attend, Registration $150. Ayes: Hiemenz, loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. , . BILLS PAYABLE, OVERTIME & CAllOUTS: Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens presented the bills payable callouts and overtime. After a short discussion of several bills, including clarification for engineering services for meeting regarding easements, Twit made a motion to approve the bills payabie as presented, check numbers 26250 - 26305 & 26601 - 26628; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. I The Council reviewed the callouts and overtime report and noted that four Police Officers worked the Thanksgiving Holiday. Ehlert made a motion to approve the callouts and overtime presented; seconded by Niedenfuer. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FUNDING REQUEST: Judy Weyrens spoke on behalf ofthe Chamber of Commerce requesting funding assistance for a map project. The previous map Page 3449 December 17, 1998 prepared by the Chamber is outdated and the copies nearly depleted. Sh.~ stated the project cost is $7,400, with funding from many sources including the businesses that will be on the map, as well as the College of St. Benedict and St. Benedict's Monastery. Loso made a motion to approve donating $400 to the map project as requested; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. I COMPUTER PURCHASES: Weyrens discussed purchasing the budgeted computers for the Police Department. AI1hQugh the computer equipment is included in the '1998 budget through grant funds, Steams County will not be ready to upgrade until spring. Our Police computers need to interface with Steams County, but, in order to take advantage of IIhe grant funds it is necessary to purchase the computers now, and possibly store them until Steams County is ready to upgrade. The Administration Department is requesting three new monitors, and payroll software upgrade. Mayor Hiemenz asked if this equipment and software would be Year 2000 compliant. Weyrens stated it would be Year 2000 compliant. Niedenfuer made a motion to approve the computer equipment and software for the Police Department and Administration as requested; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS TO THE AGENDA: There were no public comments to the agenda. DEPARTMENT HEADS REPORT - EDA DIRECTOR: EDA Director Chad Car1son reported on the status of the Building Task. Force for a new City Hall building. He stated he and the bank are separately looking at several funding scenaJios. The bank will do their own appraisal. The City may want to have their own appraisal done although it is not required to have one done. I BEELINE MARINE ANNEXATION: Stapleton stated that there was an omission in the legal description for the Beeline Marine (past) annexation. City Engineer Joe Bettendorf recentiy prepared a legal description and map to annex the previously omitted property. Stapleton has prepared the other documents and sent them to the Municipal Board for their review, at their request, prior to action by the Council. It is anticipated this matter will be ready for a recommendation to the Council, at the next meeting. SPECIAL USE AND VARIANCE - CASEY'S C-STORE: Chuck Twedt and Chad Car1son discussed the Special Use and Variance request. The Planing Commission held a public hearing to consider a Special Use Pennit to allow a convenience store in a General Business Zone and to allow a variance for construction of a Pyton sign. The Planning commission found the proposed use consistent with the standards for a Special Use Permit as stated in City Ordinance. The findings of the Planning Commission were: . Granting of such variance will not confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by this Ordinance to other lands in the same district. - Finding - The City has in the past allowed such signs to be constructed and the petitioner would be deni.3d that same right . The Ordinance requires that such structure will not impair an adequatl~ supply of light and air to adjacent property or diminish or impair established property values within the surrounding area, or in any other respect impair the public health, safety or weifam of the residents of the City. Finding - The altemative ground sign proposed which could be c:onstructed under the guidelines of the Ordinance may impair surrounding qualities. I i , I I I Page 3450 December17,1998 I Loso made a motion to accept the Planning Commission's recommendations and approve the Variance and Special Use Permit as requested; seconded by Ehlert. Discussion - Niedenfuer questioned what publiC commitment will Casey's make to keep the area free and clear of litter. Twedt stated Casey Stores are known for being neat and clean. These qualities are fostered through training and inspections at both the local level and corporate leve!., Ayes: Hiemenz, loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. I ZONING ClASSIFICATION OF MillER, BORESCH PROPERTIES: Mayor Hiemenz stated these properties were zoned Commercial prior to annexation, but with the annexation resolution the property carne into the City as Residential. It would be appropriate to reconsider the zoning of these properties, since the property owners were not notified of the zoning change. Ehlert stated the Planning Commission considered this matter at their meeting and felt the City should proceed with the rezoning process to reinstate the original zoning of Commercial. Mayor Hiemenz would like to have the annexation process set up to include full notification to property owners of any change including zoning status. Ehlert stated the Planning Commission wishes to look at the process as well. US WEST COMMUNICATIONS lEASE: Ken Nielsen appeared before the Council, on behalf of US West Communications, to request consideration of a lease to allow his company to install three antennae on the water tower, with peripheral equipment installed near the base of the tower. The Mayor and City Attomey have been in contact with him negotiating an agreement with market rate rents. It was agreed to place the rent at $1.50 per foot. Nielsen asked to be allowed to move the location of the equipment to be placed on the ground, counterciockwise as far as necessary to remove it from existing conditions that would interfere with the equipment. Niedenfuer asked about screening the equipment and aesthetics. Nielsen stated shrubbery of the City's choosing, would be placed around the equipment, leaving adequate space for maintenance. Niedenfuer stated she would not be in favor of the equipment being closer to College Avenue. other items discussed were that the antennae would be painted with the same color, type and brand of paint as the water tower; insurance will require a 30 day written notice of cancellation clause; rent for future additional antennae will be based at the current rate with C.P.I. increases. After further discussion Ehlert made a motion to accept the proposal and lease agreement as drafted by the City Attorney and agreed on by the City Council for the City of St. Joseph, contingent upon determining a mutually agreeable location; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER DESIGNATION: Janelle yon Pinion requested the Council consider designating the SI. Joseph Newsleader as the official newspaper in order to have all the legal publications published in it. The newspaper has recentiy met the requirements in order to be designated as a legal newspaper. After considerable discussion Twit made a motion to designate the St. Joseph Newsleader as the official newspaper, effective with the Mayor's appointments at the beginning of the year; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. I FIRE CHIEF'S SEMI-ANNUAl REPORT: Fire Chief Dave Theisen presented the Fire Department semi·annual report, including the number and type of calls and which jurisdiction was served. After discussion Loso made a motion to accept the report and approve the payroll as. presented; seconded by Ehlert. i I Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. i Nays: None. Motion carried. Page 3451 December 17, 1998 MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Hiemenz reported he attended the routine meetings, as well as the Central Minnesota Transportation Alliance meeting. Legislators in attendance were informed of MnDot's need for storage buildings. I COUNCILORS REPORT TWIT: 1) The EDA held their annual meeting, but will hold the efection olF officers afterthe City appointments at the beginning of the year. The EDA discussed finaliziog¡ the projects of Casey's, and Borgerts. They discussed the Industrial Park, the status of the City Hall- Task Force study. platting procedures, and year-end wrap up. 2) The Personnel Committee met with the Department Heads and will give a summation and presentation at the next meeting with information in the Council packets. 3) The Personnel Committee has discussed setting policy on employee 1racation and comp time carry over. Stapleton had presented an informational proposal in the lasìt Council packet The Personnel Committee is suggesting the employee anniversary date for the cut off date rather than the end of the annual year. They are also suggesting capping the C<Jmbined carryover of vacation and comp time at 160 hours, with a use it or loose it approach. Twit further stated the current maximum comp time allowed is 100 hours with maximum carry over at 80 hours. The Personnel Committee will meet with the employees to discuss these SUQ!¡estions and bring the matter back to the Council. EHLERT: 1) The Planning Commission recently dealt with the Buettenelr Plat and re-zoning, and Miller property zoning issues. I 2) The St. Joseph Recreational Association recently discussed the need IFor a position of Park and Recreation Director or Coordinator. It could be on a part time or full time basis. Ehlert will bring this proposal to the next Park Board meeting.. LOSO: 1) The Cable Commission ordered the approved tape decks. at $250.92 each plus tax. Cables and needed specialty item type appurtenances were ordered with them of an additionai cost of about $93 each, and $125 for installation. 2) Shatterproof lenses were considered for replacement of the lenses of the lights at the hockey rink. The lenses were vandalized. Because of the cost of shatterproQf lenses, $600 each, regular lenses will be replacing the broken ones. NIEDENFUER: The St. Joseph Sustainability Project continues to meet, and intends to meet with the Planning Commission in the future. The Committee is requestin¡g to hold a joint meeting with Officials of the Council, Township, APO, and the City Engineer in on1er to discuss the transportation plans. 2) Kart Samp of Central Minnesota Initiative Fund will be coming to the C:ouncil to discuss and encourage getting govemment leaders involved in the Healthy communities Partnership Program. ClERK/ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS: The Council packets for the next meeting Will be sent on Wednesday, December 30th due to the Holidays. I MISCELLANEOUS OR ANNOUNCEMENT ITEMS: 1) Mayor Hiemenz stated the Chamber of Commerce agreed to be a conduit for the Memorial Park improvement project (bathroom facilities, storage and concessiOns). I I I i Page 3452 December 17,1998 I I I 2) Mayor Hiemenz stated the Boys & Girls Club had 107 youngsters in attendance at their 'I program recently 3) Loso recommended encouraging those who are giving presentations at Council meetings to i use the overhead projector rather than paper copies. Paper copies could be limited to one for the Official City files and one for public inspection. Chad Carlson stated the office staff is proficient' in software to make slide presentations. The Council recessed from 9:20 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. BUETTNER REZONING: Chad Car1son spoke on behalf of Leo Buettner. He stated the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider rezoning Lot " Block 3, Buettner Industrial Park from Industrial to General Business and has made a recollllltendation to approve the rezoning. Carlson further discussed that Buettner has interest in a variety of commercial : uses for the property. The property would continue to be subject to current covenants imposed I on it through the platting process as well as future controls through proposed Highway 75 zoning' classification. Mayor Hiemenz stated Steams County anticipates that the County Road- t33 project, by this property, will begin construction at St. Joseph working toward Northeast. Loso made a motion to accept the recommendations of the Planning Commission as follow, and approve the rezoning Lot 1, Block 3, Buettner Industrial Park Addition as requested; seconded by Twit. I . The rezoning request is a result of negotiations between the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority and the property owner. The property owner is assisting the City with the Industrial Park Development and as part of that process would like to develop Lot 1, Block 3 commercially. . The Planning Commission will be reviewing the Zoning District along Highway 75with the anticipation of creating a new district that would allow commercial development. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. The Council held a short discussion with leo Buettner. property owner, who arrived at this time. ADJOURN: Twit made a motion to adjourn at 9:45 P.M.; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Hiemenz, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer, Twit. Nays: None. Motion carried. G?~~ Rachel Stapleton Clerk/Administrator I I I I