Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 [05] May 20 I , I i Page 3525 , May 20, 1999 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, May 20,1999 at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz. Councilors Ken Twit, Bob Loso, Cory Ehlert, Mary Niedenfuer. Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens. City Reoresentatives Present: City Engineer Joe Bettendorf; EDA Director Chad Carlson. I Others Present: Mike Deutz, Leo Buettener, Steve Streng, Dorine Rennie. I ADDrove AQenda: Twit made a motion to approve the agenda with the following addition: 13 (a) Banner Request - College of St. Benedict The motion was seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer Nays: None Motion Carried 5:0:0 Consent AQenda: Twit made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded by Niedenfuer. a. Capital Purchase request - Stihl Chainsaw - $ 649.99; Stihl Power Pruner $ 520.17; Compact Utility Tractor $ 16,000.00 b. Special Use - Mike Deutz; Construct mini storage facility in an Industrial Area - 32 units. c. MN Clerk's Institute - Year II Attendance, Judy Weyrens, registration fee $ 330.00; Year I Attendance, Mary Generous, registration fee $ 330.00 Discussion: Loso questioned if both Weyrens and Generous should attend the Institute as the City has yet to hire an Administrator and the office will not be staffed. Further, he questioned if the course was pertinent to the position of Administrative Assistant. Weyrens stated that she has discussed the schedule with the EDA Director and he will be available to work in the office the week of July 12, 1999. Further, the institute is instructional in nature and would be useful in cross training. The Council clarified that both the Deputy Clerk and Administrative Assistant may attend the . Clerk's Institute if the new administrator is hired and the office is staffed. I Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer Nays: None Motion Carried 5:0:0 Aoorove Minutes: Lose made a motion to approve the minutes of March 23, April 29, May 6 and May 13 as corrected; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hiemenz, Lose, Ehlert, Niedenfuer Nays: None Abstain: Twit Motion Carried 4:0:1 Bills Pavable: Twit made a motion to approve the bills payable, check numbers 26856 - 26923, as presented; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer Nays: None Motion Carried 5:0:0 Overtime: After reviewing the overtime, Twit questioned if the City can bill NSP for the overtime incurred during the recent power shutdown. Weyrens will discuss this matter with Public Works Director and bill NSP. Twit made a motion to approve the overtime as presented; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer Nays: None Motion Carried 5:0:0 I I I I , I I , , Page 3526 May 20, 1999 Treasurer's Report: Weyrens requested the Council designate Piper Jaffrey as an offICial depository for the City of st. Joseph. Ehlert questioned if the City should solicit bids from investors and why Piper Jaffrey has been selected. Twit stated that the City currently uses the First state Bank of St. Joseph, Smith Bamey and Dan Rauscher. Adding Piper Jaffrey as a depository provides the City with another investment tool. Twit stated the Investment Committee is willing to explore other companies as well. Twit made a motion to designate Piper Jaffrey as an official depository of the City; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer Nays: None Motion Carried 5:0:0 Public Comments to the Agenda Michael Deutz: Michael Deutz questioned the Council as to the perception of urgency to seNice the Industrial Park with water and sewer. He stated that at a past Council meeting it was stated that property owners are not able to sell their property unless the City signs off on the property or municipal services are extended. Deutz stated that he checked with steams County Environmental Services and was told that properties can be sold with private water and se¡)tic systems. However, as a condition of sale. the water and septic system may be required to be upgraded to meet health and safety codes. In the past the City may have received a Jetter questioning it or when municipal services will be available to certain areas. If the time frame is relatively short the property owner may not have to upgradethéir systems. Mayor Reports Klinefelter Park: Hiemenz reported that on May 18, 1999 the st. Joseph Lions dedicated the shelter at Klinefelter Park and tumed it overto the City. steams Countv Leaoue Meetino: Hiemenz recently attended the steams County League Meeting whereby the main topic of discussion were fees charged by steams County. Cities are charged each time they request the balance of a specific assessment. Hiemenz questioned it the City has been billed for such. Weyrens stated that the City photocopies the assessment list provided to the City Auditors and use that list as a resource thus avoiding payment of fees. Another topic of discussion at the meeting was the County Feedlot Ordinance and how setbacks are ¡ipplied on annexed properties. This topic wiUbe discussed!n greater detail at Ii future steams County meeting. District Plannino Meetino: Hiemenz reported that he attended a st. Cloud Area Planning Meeting. Discussion included reviewing sanitary sewer districts and boundaries. Some concem was expressed as to who will control the projected growth, including providing services to St. Wendel Township. Engineer Reports JosePh street: City Engineer Joe Bettendorf presented the Council with four options for the proposed Joseph street Improvement. They are as follows: Option 1: 26' street width, no curb & gutter, water, sewer, storm sewer. Option 2: 28' street width, no curb & gutter, water, sewer, storm sewer. Option 3: 30' street width, no curb & gutter, water, sewer, storriJ sewer. Option 4: 40' street width, curb & gutter, water, sewer, storm sewer. Bettendorf also presented a table illustrating varying levels of cost sharing to include: Sanitary Sewer. Water Main: storm Sewer. 100% assessed 100% assessed 100% assessed Page 3527 May 20, 1999 Curb & Gutter Bituminous Street Storm Sewer 100% assessed (option #4 only) 9011 0; 80120; 70130; 60/40 (Assessed cost/City cost) 100% City cost I Bettendorf also reminded the Council that the City will also be contributil11J approximately $60,000 in oversizing costs. Niedenfuer requested clarfficatíon on the definition of over sizing. Bettendorf responded that typically in commercial and industrial areas an eight (8) orten (10) inch line is required to provided selVices. In the proposed Joseph Street project the City will be installing a sixteen (16) inch line providing for future expansion and possible connection to a second water tower. Since the businesses along Joseph Street will not require the USE' of a sixteen (16) inch line, the City pays the difference between the len (10) inch and sixteen (16) inch water fine. The Council spent considerable time discussing the proposed options, th1~ level of contribution the City should make, and if the project will be affordable to the abutting property owners. Lose Questioned Bettendorf if the City has contributed to stann sewer costs in the past. Bettendorf responded that the City paid storm sewer costs for the 1993 West MN Street Improvement Project and the 1996 East MN Street Improvement Project. Twit stated that in his opinion the City must contribute to the project if it is to become a reality. He understands that the improvements may be a financial hardship to some of the businesses and he does not wish to displace any business. Twit further stated that in comparing the costs as stated on the original assessment role to the options presented at this meeting, a decrease of $ 8,000 per property may not be enough for some of the small businesses. Ehlert stated that he has discussed the proposed improvement with man), of the property owners along Joseph Street and they have indicated to him that the project should be done right the first time. Ehlert stated that some type of curb and gutter needs to be installed to help define the road. Bettendorf discussed the different types of curbing available. The Council Questioned how the City would fund any City portion of the project. Weyrens stated that the City may review the sewer hookup fees that are currently receipted into the '92 Sewer Project. Since this fund is stable, those monies could be designated to the Joseph Street Project. The City could also review the undesignated Debt SelVice Relief Fund. Bettendorf stated that the Council should determine the maximum amour~ the City will contribute and then determine where those funds will be drawn from. The Council determined the most effective contribution of funds would be to offset the stonn sewer costs and continue the policy of charging property owners 100 % of water, sewer and streets Qn industriaVcommercial areas). Niedenfuer stated that her vote must reflect the community opinion she has received. She has received phone calls against subsidizing the improvements to Joseph Street. She a!so expressed objection to transferring hookup fees paid by residential home owner to the Joseph Street project. Twit stated that the City inherited a road (Joseph Street), through anneXB,tion that is in dire need of repair. At this time, delaying improvement of the road will only cost thE~ City more in the end. Hiemenz stated that although the City has decreased the cost approximately 10 percent City WIll stiU be able to construct a forty (40) foot roadway. I Twit made a motion to move forward with the Joseph Street project as outlined in option #4 above. Further the City will contribute an amount up to and not to exceed $ 200,000 of City funds, include the oversizing, for the project. The motion was seconded !by Ehlert Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Lose, Ehlert Nays: Niedenfuer Motion Carried 4:1:0 Loso made a motion to approve the following resolution; seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit. Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer I I Nays: None Motion Carried 5:0:0 i Page 3528 May 20, 1999 ¡ , Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans WHEREAS, a resolution of the City Council adopted the 4'" day of March, 1999, fIXed a date for a council hearing on the Proposed improvement of Joseph Street between East Elm Street and County Road 133 by constructing sanitary sewer, storm sewer, water main, and bituminous street with concrete curb and gutter. AND WHEREAS, ten days' mailed notice and two weeks' published notice of the hearing was given, and the hearing was held thereon on the ath day of April, 1999, at which all persons desiring to be heard were given an opportunity to be heard thereon, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. JOSEPH MINNESOTA: I 1. Such improvement is hereby ordered as proposed in the CounCil resolution adopted the 20'" day of May, 1999. 2. Joe Bettendorf of SEH is hereby designated as the engineer for this improvement. The engineer shall prepare plans and specifications IDrthe making of such improvement. ProDOSed 6'" Avenue NE: Bettendorf stated that the Council wUl be considering the making of an improvement to at. Avenue NE. (Northland Drive), on May 27, 1999. As part of the project, Bettendorf stated that he will be contacting the businesses to the east of the' proposed road to determine whether or not they are interested in City services. UtUities - st. Joseoh Industrial Park: Bettendorf updated the Council on the CR 133 road project and stated the project may be delayed unbl Spring 2000. As part of the project the City was scheduled to install utilities in the Business Park. However, due to the delay in the project Bettendorf is requesting the Council move forward with the utiUty construction and bid the project with the Joseph street Improvement. Bettendorf clarified that the utility extension to the Business Park is a City project and as such there would be no financial advantage to delay until 2000. Twit made a motion approving the following resolution; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer Nays: None ' Motion Carried 5:0:0 Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans WHEREAS, the City Council has discussed the improvements to the st. Joseph Business Park whereby watermain will be extended from MN street to Elm Street and from County Road 133 to Joseph street; sewer will be extended from Joseph street to County Road 133 and from County Road 133 to CSAH 75. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. JOSEPH MINNESOTA: I 1. Such improvement is hereby ordered as proposed in the Council resolution adopted the 20'" day of May, 1999. . ' Page 3529 May 20, 1999 2. Joe Bettendorf of SEH is hereby designated as the engineer for this improvement. The engineer shall prepare plans and specifications for the making of such improvement. Ruetter Property. Sewer Extension: Bettendorf presented the results of the preliminary costs to extend service to the Mugg property adjacent to County Road 75 and west of the SaukRiver. EDA Director Carlson stated that Clarence Ruetter in not looking for approval to extend services at this time, rather a commitment on the part of the City to extend services in the future as Ruetter is ready to develop the property. I Bettendorf clarified the City owns the forcemain that runs in front of the alJOVe mentioned property and as owners we have a right to tap into the line. Further, when the City planned the sewer use in 1986, the service to the above mentioned property was included in Phase Three of the St. Joseph Sewer Plan. Bettenderfstated this is ,a good~ rortlle City to plan œvelopment and the property will develop with or without St. Joseph. Niedenfuer stated that she objected to the extension of services to an arE,a where a development plan is not known. Further, she questioned the amount of time the City and Township spent on the future planning if the City is ready to leap forward to the 20 year plan. Niedenfuer stated the City is looking at extending City boundaries for one business without knowing what that business is. Ehlert stated that we are not talking about one business, rather a: business development with multiple businesses. The property in question is the last devetopabl'e property along County Road 75. Ehlert stated it is his opinion that it would be better for St. Jose:ph to control the growth than to be neighbors of growth that is not compatible to the St. Joseph ODmprehensive Plan. Niedenfuer stated that if the City extends the Municipal Boundary the Cit:t will be forced to provide municipal including police protection, etc. Niedenfuer stated it is her opinion that the City should not be a municipality where growth is driven by greed. The City should slow down and not let anticipated revenue cloud good judgement. Twit stated that he believes it is in the best interest of the City to send a letter of commitment to Ruetter in an effort to manage growth and benefit from such, rather than let the property owner approach another jurisdiction. The City is capable of providing services in the future and we would be remise in not doing so. Twit further stated that if the type of development is a question, we have a Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan that will be used as a guide. I Twit made a motion to send a letter to Clarence Ruetter stating the City is capable of extending sewer services to the Mugg property when the property is developed. Further, the letter will affinn that the development must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinances for the City of St. Joseph. The motion was seconded by Loso. Discussion: The Council requested the draft letter be presented to the Council as a draft letter on May 27, 1999 for review and comment. Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Ehlert Nays: Niedenfuer Motion Carried 4:1:0 Council Reports NIEDENFUER Healthv CommunitY PartnershiD: The Health Community Partnership has met and the following is a list of the Committee Members: Mary Niedenfuer, Jim Graeve, S. ~'!íIiam Ardolf, S. Phyllis Platenberg, Jim Meyer, Donna Malum, Cory Ehlert, Bien Wahlstrom, Franz Kitzberger, Justin Doyle, Doris Deml, Ryan Schultz and Rebecca Weber. Niedenfuer stated the main goal of the program is to build community. As such Niedenfuer reported that the Assisted Uving Facility is planning a pig roast on June 23, 1999 as a grand opening event for the community. Also, a sub committee is working on establishing a Fanners Market. The site has yet to be detennined, I I I I I Page 3530 May 20, 1999 ¡ ¡ ¡ I , i Fruehlina Fest: Niedenfuer reported the first annual Frueling Fest was a success and she read a I thank you letter from CSB President Mary Lyons. Niedenfuer stated it was encouraging to see I so many groups work together. however the City may provide liability insurance for the market if it is conducted on private property. LOSO Visibility ComPlaints: Loso stated that he has received complaints that the following intersections have Umited visibility due to hedges or tree limbs: Birch street West and First Avenue NW; Second Ave SE and East MN street; County Road 133 and Minnesota street. Weyrens stated that the City Offi= are aware of the complaints and they WIll be addressed. EHLERT Summer Recreation: Ehlert reported that the College of St. Benedict has agreed to donate the transportation for the Summer Recreation program as they did last year. This partnership saves the City approximately $1200. Park Board Activities: The Disc Golf Association has requested to construct a Frisbee golf course in Millstream Park. Upon the initial review, 12 holes will be constructed and the Lions are willing ta finance the construction. Construction Activities: Ehlert stated that he discussed with the Memorial Park building committee the need to extend utilities to the new concession stand. The Lions Club will cover all associated costs and construction is anticipated to begin sometime in June. TWIT Personnel PoliCY Review: Twit requested the Council establish a special meeting to continue the review process of the Personnel Policy. The Council established a special meeting for June 1, 1999 at 6:30 p.m. Miscellaneous and Announcement Items Maintenance Shoo Reoair: Public Works Director Dick Taufen has submitted a request to repair the concrete surrounding the floor drain and install a new drain and angle iron. The existing condition presents a safety hazard and causes the drain to malfunction. Niedenfuer made a motion approving the repairs as requested at an estimated cost of $ 1450; seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer Nays: None Motion Carried 5:0:0 Flaa Reauest: Weyrens presented a requested from the CSB Alumnae Office to place banners on the light poles Minnesota Street during reunion weekend, June 25 - June 27, 1999. The, request further states that the College in interested in displaying the banners for special events at CSB and they would be willing to submit a request each time they wish to display the banners. The Alumnae Office would be responsible for placing the banners on the light poles as well as removing them. The Council was supportive of the proposal and requested that the College attempt to use the existing mounting devices on the light poles. Ehlert made a motion to approve the display of banners as requested by CSB for reunion weekend, June 25 - June 27, 1999. This motion further clarifies that the College of St. Benedict will assume responsibility for any and all damages incurred as a result of displaying the banners. The motion was seconded by Niedenfuer. ' Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer Nays: None Motion Carried 5:0:0 Pa¡:e 3531 May 20, 1999 Maintenance Facilitv: Loso stated that he has been questioned by employees ofthe maintenance department as to when the City will upgrade the maintenance facility. Twit stated that he has discussed this matter with the Public WorKs Director who has the follov.ing concerns: tJ Location: Has the City determined that the current location is the best site for the Maintenance Shop. If so, is the City going to purchase additilonal property to accommodate expansion? tJ Funds: Currently $ 80,000 has been set aside for expansion of the maintenance shop. The estimated costs ofthe project were over $ 100,00n. How will the remainder of the project be funded? tJ A long term plan needs to be developed so as not to create a piecemeal facility. The Council agreed to consider this matter at a later time. Adioum: Twit made a motion to adjoum at 9:35 p.m.; seconded by Ehlert Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Ehlert, Niedenfuer Nays: None Motion Carried 5:0:0 ~~-o/~ U I JudyWeyrens Deputy Clerk I I I