HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 [02] Feb 04
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February 4, 1999
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular
session Thursday, February 04, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall.
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Members Present: Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz. Councilors Cory Ehlert, Ken Twit, Mary
Niedenfuer. Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens.
Others Present: Joe Bettendorf, Steve Streng, Jeff Studer, Les Green, Julie Peters
ADDrove Aaenda: Twit made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of Developer's
Assessment Extension request; seconded by Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer
Nays: None. Motion Carned 4:0:0
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Consent Aaenda: Twit made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded by
Niedenfuer.
a.
b.
Pond View Ridge 4 Utility Loop - Extend water main and sewer line located at
16th Avenue. REQUESTED ACTION: . Authoñze expenditure to Pond View
Ridge LLP in the amount of $ 5,814.25 as requested by the City Engineer.
Replacement of 20 year old Maintenance Department Radios - REQUESTED
ACTION: Authorize expenditure of $2,800.00 to purchase said radios as
budgeted. ,
16th Annual Wastewater Seminar February 23"', in St. Cloud. REQUESTED
ACTION: 'Authorize attendance and pay registration fee, of $4Q00, for Public
Works Director Dick Taufen (required for license} . . i
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Ayes: Hiemenz, Ehlert, Twit,Niedenfuer
Nays: None. Motion Carried 4:0:0
AODrove Minutes - Januarv 21. 1999 Twit made a motion to approve the minutes with a
typographical correction; seconded Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer
Nays: None. Motion Carried 4:0:0
Bill Pavable and OVertime . Twit made a motion to approve the bills payable, check numbers
26420 - 26483. The motion was seconded ~ Niedenfuer.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer
Nays: None. Motion Carried 4:0:0
Niedenfuer made a motion to approve the overtime as presented; seconded by Twit.
Discussion: Twit requested the summation of accumulated benefit balances include
current peliod used and eamed.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer
Nays: None. Motion Carned 4:0:0
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Public Comments to the Agenda
Jeff Studer - SUDerior Services: Requested the Council consider bidding the City refuse contract
as the refuse business is extremely competitive. Ehlert stated it is his opinion that it is prudent to
request bids peliodically and review the services received. The Council was in general
agreement to bid the refuse service in fall 1999. Niedenfuer requested that the City require
references when bidding the service. .
City Engineer Reports
Deferred Assessment: Weyrens presented a request by the Pond View Ridge Developel'5 to
extend the payment of the deferred assessment to April 30, 1999. The Developer's Agreement
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February 4, 1999
required the assessment be paid in fuU 120 clays from commencement of the Plan B
Improvements. Bettendorf claIified that the assessments in question hav,e been deferred without
interest since 1994 as part of the East MN Street Utility Improvement project. The assessments
were deferred unTIl the property was developed. As the assessments have been deferred in the
past, Ehlert made a motion to defer payment of the assessment as stated! in the Pond VIeW Ridge
IV Developer's Agreement until June 30, 1999. The motion was seconded ~ Niedenfuer.
Discussion: Twit claIified that if the assessment is not paid by June 30, 1999 interest will
be charged.
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Ayes: Hiemenz, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer
Nays: None. Motion CarIied 4:0:0
Citv Enoineerino Services: Hiemenz reported that Amy Schaefer of SEH wiD be working with Joe
Bettendorf. The employ of a second engineer will increase communication and resolve problems
more efficiently.
OLD BUSINESS
Appoint two Members of the Council to the Alcohol Compliance Check C<JITI1TIÌttee: As discussed
at the January 21, 1999 Council meeting, two Council Members need to be appointed to the
Alcohol Compliance Committee. This Committee wiU work with Officer Dahl to implemeRt a
program aimed at the decrease of minor consumption. Mayor Hiemenz stated that he would be
interested in serving on the Committee as well as Niedenfuer and Ehlert Twit stated he also has
interest in serving on the Committee but would withdraw. Twit made a motion appointing
Niedenfuer and Ehlert to the Alcohol Compliance Check Committee with l'iiemenz as an
altemate. The motion was seconded by Hiemenz.
Discussion: Twit questioned if Lose has an interest in working 0111 the Committee.
Hiemenz agreed to withdraw from the Committee as an alternate if Lose is interested in
serving on the commiltee.
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Ayes: Hiemenz, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer
Nays: . None. Motion Carned 4:0:0
Resolution Authorizino Preoaration of Plans and Soecifications for IndustJial Park: Ehlert made
a motion approving the following resolution; seconded by Twit.
Resolution Ordertng Preparation of Report on Improvement
WHEREAS, it is proposed to improve County RoaG 133 and the first phase of the St.
Joseph Business Park with street, curb and gutter, storm sewer, water and sewer,
NOW THEREFORE, BElT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL. OF THE CITY OF ST.
JOSEPH MINNESOTA:
That the proposed improvement be referred to Joseph Bettendorf, SEH, for preparation
of the plans and specifICations and be presented to the City Council.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer
Nays: None. Motion Carried 4:0:0
CountY Road 133 Desion: Ehlert questioned if the realignment of County Road 133 would
include bike paths. Bettendorf stated it is his understanding that the shoulders will accommodate
bike traffic.
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Joseoh Street Financino Ootions: Hiemenz questioned the status on the appraisal of the property
affected by the proposed Joseph Street Improvement. Bettendorf stated 11hat he will research this
matter with the EDA Director and report back to the Council.
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February 4, 1999:
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4th Avenue NE Extension: The Council discussed possible altematives for providing a second I
ingress/egress tothe Northland Addition. . Bettendorf stated that creating a gravel extension of 4th
Avenue NE may be cost effective and provide the much needed second access. Bettendorf wiD
prepare a feasibility on the cost of such extension at the next Còuncil meeting.
SKN Addition. Bomer!: Bettendorf reported that in March the prelimÎnary plat for SKN Properties
will come before the City Council. Before accepting the plat the Council will have to discuss the
transportation network and Mure planning. Hiemenz reported that a special meeting has been
estabUshed for February 16, 1999 at the Sf. Joseph Township Hall to discuss transportation
planning.
Patrol Officer - FASTCOP: The Council discussed the cost of retaining a sixth officer as the
FASTCOP program has expired. The cost breakdown is as follows and excludes overtime and
holiday payoff:
Wages:
Benefits
$ 29,078.40
$ 7,676.48
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Hiemenz stated that is was his understanding that the purpose of the FASTCOP program was to
provide additional police officer coverage. The FASTCOP program has allowed the City to
provide the residents with 24 hour coverage. Hiemenz stated it is his opinion that the City would
be remise in not retainÎng the sixth offICer; Twit made a motion acknowledgingthatthe
FASTCOP program has expired; seconded by Niedenfuer.
Discussion: Ehlert and Hiemenz encouraged the motion to include some assurance that
the sixth ofñcer would be retained. Twit stated the City needs to be careful as the
position is governed by the union as well as the City; at this time he withdrew his motion.
Niedenfuer made a motion acknowledging that the FASTCOP program has expired and the
position has been budgeted for 1999. The motion was seconded by Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer
Nays: None. Motion Carried 4:0:0
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Refuse Contract with BFI: Jamie Phenow,BFI, appeared before the Council to discuss the City
refuse contract. Phenow requested the Council extend the contract in lieu of increasing the
refuse rates. Ehlert questioned the duration of the existing contract. Weyrens responded the
contract was originally executed in 1994 for a three year peIiod. Since that time the Council has
twice extended the contract. Ehlert questioned if all types of services will experience a rate
increase or if only residential customers are affected. Phenow responded that increase will be
seen for all refuse removal, commercial and residential. Twit questioned how the proposed
contract extension will affect the Spring and Fall cleanup. Phenow stated that would remain
unchanged and is working well. However, the appliance pickup has become costly,
Ehlert stated that duling Open to the Public earlier at this meeting, a refuse' provider requested
the City bid the refuse service. Ehlert encouraged the Council to bid the refuse this fall. Twit
concurred and stated it is his opinion that it would be in the best interest of the residents to
complete the bidding process again. Phenow requested that when the service is bid the
specifications be specifIC and all haulers received the same information. He stated that the
current contract has some ambiguities which need to be clarified before bidding.
W.I.S.E.R. Proaram- Julie Peters & Les Green: Les Green and JuUe Peters appeared before
the CoußCIl to seek support and participation in the W.J.S.E.R. program started by St. Cloud
Mayor Larry Meyer. The purpose of the program is to provide community wide diversity
education to community leaders. City Councils, County Board and School Board members are
being requested to participate. I
As presented by Peters and Green, the following is a summary of the W./.S.E.R. program.
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February 4, 1999
· The program qualifies for Continuing Education Credits
.W.I.S.E.R. is an effective communication tool
· The program is a twelve week course and requires a commitment of approximately
one hour per week. To help accommodate schedules, meetilllgs will be established
at various times.
· W.I.S.E.R. is also in the form of a workbook which can be completed in 90 days.
· The project is cost is $ 55.00 per registrant
· If community leaders subscribe to the program it will make a .statement about our
comminuty and leadership.
· The Sf. Cloud area is the first to try the program
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Ehlert made a motion to support and participate in the W.I.S.E.R program as a City Council and
autholize the expenditure of $55.00 per Council Member. The motion was seconded ~ Twit.
Discussion: Niedenfuer strongly urged the enfjre Council to partÏ1~ipate, sending a
message to the Community. Twit stated that whHe he supports the progam, his
schedule may not allow him to participate in all sessions.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer
Nays: None. Motion CarIied 4:0:0
Proœrtv sDlit Bomert and Buettner: The Council reviewed correspondern::e from Shay Law Office
requesting a Certificate of Compftance to split 3.395 acres of the Buettner Property, parcel
number 84-53432-067. The split being requested will be part of the Final Plat presented by Leo
Buettner which has been approved by the Planning Commission. Twit made a motion to approve
the lot split as requested; seconded ~ Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuel"
Nays: None. Motion Carried 4:0:0
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Insurance coveraae for Elected Officials: Twit stated that in the past he \'\r8S opposed to providing
injury insurance to elected and appointed officials, but due to the growth of the City and a need
for regional planning it may be reasonab!eto add the insurance, The CeullwdisctJsse<tthe rate
proposed and what additional costs would be incurred if all Boards and Oommissions were
included. Weyrens will contact the insurance agent and report back at the next meeting. Ehlert
made a motion to table the insurance coverage to the February 18, 1999 meeting; seconded ~
Niedenfuer.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer
Nays: None. Motion Carried 4:0:0
Mayor's Report
Reoort to the Communitv: The St. Cloud Hospital is sponsoling a report to the CuI,ullUJñly en
February 23, 1999 at 7:30 a.m. at the St. Cloud Radison. Hiemenz reporlled that he cannot
attend the seminar and invited members of the Council to attend.
Snowmobile ComDlaint: Hiemenz received a complaint regarding snowmobile traffic on Ash
Street and 1" Avenue NE.
FLSA Seminar: The League of MN Cities is sponsoling a seminar on FLSA with a $10.00
registration fee.
Miscellaneous Matters: Hiemenz reported that he attended the following meetings:
1. St. Cloud Airport Expansion·
2. Cable Commission - job descIiptions, work schedule and compensation; noise and
microphone changes
3. Joint meeting with the City and Township is scheduled for Februslry 16, 1999 at 8:00 p.m.
to discuss transportation matters
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February 4, 1999
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4. SI. Cloud APO meeling - the next meeling the topic of discuss will be the Northstar
report
5. Hiemenz reported that he met with the area Mayors regarding the proposed Events
Center. Discussion included markeling and what how area City's wìll be involved.
Refuse Rental Units: Hiemenz stated he received another complaint regarding mandatory
refuse for rental units. Ehlert clalified that the original motion of the City Council required all
rental property with three or fewer units to participate in the City refuse contract. The objective of
the motion was to assure that all landlords provide refuse service. Twit was of the opinion that
landlords not wishing to participate in the City refuse system should appear before the Council.
The Council discussed waiving the requirement if a landowner caltprovide the City with an
executed refuse contract for the length of the license peliod. Further, if a rental unit is not part of
the City contract they would not be eligible to participate ¡It the spling and fall cleanup. This
matter will be referred to the February 18, 1999 meeting.
Council Reports
TWIT
City Office Ooerations: Twit reported that the Personnel Committee has checked with the City
Office staff to make On behalf of the Personnel Committee they have checked into the Office to
make sure tasks are taken care of. The have been instructed to contact the Council Members at
anytime.
Investment Committee: The Investment Committee will be meeting within the next week to
review the current schedules.
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EHLERT
PreDavrnent of Assessments: Ehlert questioned if any information has been received regarding
incentives to prepay the 1999 street Improvement Assessment. Weyrens stated the matter has
been referred to Financial Advisor Monte Eastvold.
Central MN Events Center: Ehlert attended an Events Center meeting at which a third site has
been identified. The new site proposes the Center be located on County Road 75 near Interstate
94 and the McStop development Ehlert stated that he wiD present the Council will more detailed
information at a Mure meeting.
Non Union EmDlovee Waoes. 1999: Ehlert stated that he met with the Non Union Employees
and discussed wages and benefits. The Personnel Committee will meet and present the Council
with a proposal.
NIEDENFUER
Sustainabílitv Committee: Niedenfuer reported that at a recent meeting of the Sustainabílity
Committee she gave a presentation on the Healthy Communities Program. Seven of the
members presented expressed interest in being part of the Healthy Communities Program and
will help solicit additional community members for membership. The Sustainabílity Committee is
also in the process of forming a Friendly Neighbor Program which would assist in developing
neighborhood relationships.
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Adioum: Twit made a motion to adjoum at 9:20; seconded by Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Ehlert, Twit, Niedenfuer
Nays: None. Motion Carried 4:0:0
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February 4, 1999
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Judy Weyrens
Deputy Clerk
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