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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 [10] Oct 21 J>age 3640 October 21, 1999 I City of St Joseph City Council Meeting 10/21/99, 7:00 PM 1. Call to Order. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council and the City of St. Joseph met on Thursday, October 21,1999 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Kenneth J. J-iiemenz, Council member Cory Ehlert, Council member Bob Loso, Clerk-Administrator Cari Schmidt, Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens. Members Absent: Mary Niedenfuer and Ken Twit. Others Present: Public Works Director Dick Taufen, EDA Director Chad Carlson, Dennis Dalman, Cress Gackle, and Barry Paulson. 2. Approve Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Ehlert. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Special Order of Business - Hiemenz stated that he prepared a certificate of appreciation that he would like to read. It states: "City of St. Joseph, Mayor's Office, Kenneth J. Hiemenz, Mayor, Certificate of Appreciation for faithful service, dedication, efforts, and support exhibited to the City of St. Joseph during the period of February 1 through August 31,1999, during the search and filling of the ClerklAdministrator position this appreciation is presented to the Employees of; The Office of Administration, Waste Water, Maintenance Department, Police Department, Economic Development Authority, with the appreciation and respect of the people of the City of St. Joseph, Minnesota. Kenneth Hiemenz, Mayor, 10-15-99." Hiemenz stated that he made one for each department and would ask the Administrator to make a copy for each City employee. I 4. Approve Consent Agenda - a. Tree Maintenance - Authorize hiring of North Central Landscaping to perfonn tree maintenance in Klinefelter Park for $675.00 b. Report for Re-hiring Assessor c. Approve Lot Split - Annaline Rothfork - Northland Plat 4 d, Award bid fOr Electrical Modifications to Well Houses 3& 4 to Design Electric for $4250 plus an add on for $1,800 for mounting. e. Application for Payment No. 1 and a cost split for 1999 Sixth Avenue NElNorthland Drive from J.R. Ferche for $57,203.87 Hjemenz asked why the tree maintenance request stated that one tree would be removed. Weyrens indicated that it was dead. Ehlert made a motion to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Loso. The vote passed unanimously. 5. Approve Minutes - City Council Meeting 9116199 City Council Working Meeting 9/22199 City Council Meeting 9/30199 City Council Meeting 1017199 , Hiemenz made a few typographical corrections to the minutes. Loso made ,a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Ehlert. The motion passed unanimously. I 6. Bills Payable and Overtime - WeyreJ1s reported that items 27439 and 27440 are regarding payments on water bills that both an old owner and a new owner made. One is a reimbursement. The same situation occurred with item 27452. Loso stated that he noticed the bill for Cellular 2000 and requested that the City once again revisit the cellular phone contracts. Ehlert agreed and stated that many Cities and businesses J>age 3641 October 21, 1999 have combination two-way radiolcell phones. Weyrens stated that Cellular 2000 does donate time for the community sign. I Ehlert asked if item 27441 was regarding the May incident and Weyrens stated that it was. She indicated that she will be compiling all of the costs surrounding the student issue in May for Council review. Hiemenz made a motion to approve the billspayable, seconded by Ehlert. The vote passed unanimously. Weyrens stated that staff is also looking for direction as to what to do about the police computer systems. Our current version of Leaders is not Y2K compliant. We have 2 options. We can upgrade to the next version of Leaders for $7,000 or we can wait to get on the Ste¡¡ms County system. St. Cloud currently isn't letting anyone else on their system and we don't know when they will. It will cost the City approximately $14,000 to integrate into the Steams County System. Weyrens reported that we have a third option which is to try out the new version of Leaqers for a 3 month trial basis for $29.95. This would allow us to revisit the issue in a few months and have a better idea of when we would be able to become part of the Steams County system. Loso made a motion to purch¡¡se the Leaders software for the 910 day ÚÎal period and revisit the issue {)fthe Steams County system again in three months. Ehlert seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. .Hiemenz made a motion to approve the overtime and callouts, seconded by Ehlert. 7ñe motion passed unanimously. 7. Public Comments on the agenda - There were no comments from the public. 8. Seren - Cress Gackle from Seren Innovations addressed the Council. Seren is a wholly owned subsidiary of NSP. They offer high speed intemet, cable, 10Cé~ and long distance phone service, and movies on demand. The reason they are here is to address any concerns that the Council may have, and also to request that they be allowed to pun excavation peJl11its and continue laying underground duct. I Gackle indicated that if and when they do come into the City of St. Joseph, they will seek the proper franchising agreements. They would like to continue with their preliminary preparations so as to be ready for this possibility. They are currently applying for township franchises and hope to be done in the St. Cloud area mid-summer 2000. Hiemenz stated that there was concern as we already have a cable frnnchise in St. Joseph. The cable lines were being laid and no peJl11its had been drawn or franchise applications applied for. Gackle stated that the wire is merely a co-axial cable so that locates lcan be done. He ~ssured the Council that no cable would be activated until a franchise agreement was reached. Hiemenz stated that he didn't want to allow them to continue doing this and have them use it against the City to force a franchise agreement. If they proceed, they are doing it at their own risk. Gackle stated that although they are done in Pondview 5, which they mistakenly believed was the Township, they would like to continue in Northland. They would do joint-trenching with NSP. Loso made a motion to allow Seren to continue installing the co-axial cable with the understanding that they would make appDcation for excavation permits and seek a franchise agreement before communication wires are instaOed. Ehlert seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. I I J>age 3642 October 21, 1999 9. 7:30 Public Hearing - Business Subsidy Agreement - Chad Carlson reported that the Business Subsidy Act was introduced by Senator Hottinger. It requires a public hearing be conducted before a subsidy is provided by the City of St. Joseph or the EDA. The catalyst for this act was the legislature's belief that the cities needed to give some justification for giving out subsidies. State and local govemment agencies with the authority to provide business subsidies with state or local government funds, and entities created or authorized by a local govemment with this authority, are subject to this law. The law requires that after August 1, 1999, the City of EDA must hold a public hearing on, and adopted criteria for, awarding business subsidies. The criteria must include a wage policy for jobs created by a recipient. Loso asked if provision number 2 was standard. Carlson stated that the act is specifically vague with respect to the creation of jobs. It does not set a number of jObs that must be created or the dollar amount. It simply addresses the creation of jobs. The subsidies can be taken on a case by case basis. Loso made a motion to adopt the Business Subsidy Policy for the City of st. Joseph. Ehlert seconded the motion and the vote passed unanimously. 10. Personnel Manual- Hiemenz stated that he s J9ke with Council member Twit who requested that1his item be removed from the agenda to be addressed at a special working meeting, Hiemenz noted that there are a number of changes that have been suggested by the City attomey that warrant in depth discussion. November 10 at 4:00 PM was set for a working meeting to discuss this and other items. I 11. USDARUS Loan Agreement - Weyrens stated that the City received an opinion from an independent financial advisor stating that the loan is in the best interest of the City and recommends that the Council accept the funds. Loso made a motion to accept the loan and execute all of the appropriate f/ocurnentation requiiedfor its eXlilcution. .Ehlert made a second to the motion and it passed unanimously. 12. Northland Subdivision Agreement/Plat - Schmidt stated that the CitY did receive the final plat for Northland Plat 4. It was determined that there are three lots that are under 11,000 sq. feet. In an R-1 district, "minimum area where served by approved community sewer and water: 11,000 square feet," the "average width of not less than 75 feet and an average depth of not less than 125 feet." The three lot sizes are 10,096 sq. ft, 10,097 sq. ft., and 10,095 sq. ft. Ehlert stated that in certain scenarios, the City is okay with having the square footage be under 11 ,000 square feet. Hiemenz stated that in fact the 751125 provision was kept so that we could have some smaller lots. Schmidt reported that the final plat has been approved by SEH. Weyrens stated that the Planning Commission also approved the preliminary plat which is the same design as the final. Weyrens indicated that City Attomey John Scherer will be asked to clarify the average lot width and depth. , Hiemenz made a motion to accept the final plat for Northland Plat 4, seconded by Loso. The motion passed unanimously. . I Ehlert stated that he just wanted to mention that the Planning Commission was asked to look at another EasllWest route through Northland. Hiemenz stated that the residents need to understand that Northland Drive was meant to carry the traffic. Loso stated that first avenue could still be opened up. Hiemenz stated that Cedar Street is a service road that is not designed to carry the traffic. Ehlert finished by saying that the people of Northland are merely asking the City and Planning Commission to consider altematives. J>age 3643 October 21, 1999 Schmidt stated that the Council also needs to approve the Subdivision Agreement for Northland Addition. Terry Schmid has already signed the document. Ehlert made a motion to approve the Northland Addition Subdivision agreement and authorized the Mayor and Clerk/Administrator to execute said agreement. Loso seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. I 13. Easements along the sanitary sewer line in North Park Addition area - Dick Taufen reported that staff discovered that there is no recorded easement along the sanitary sewer line in the North Park Addition area. The work progressed to a certain point but was never carried through to be recorded. Weyrens stated that although there is a sewer line there, no recorded easement can be found. It was researched at the Court House by the Attomey's office sind nothing has been found. Weyrens stated that staff is seeking direction to have John Scheref prepare and execute the easements at this time. Taufen stated that he is concemed that as there is sanitarysewerthere, we have to be able to access it if there is a problem. Wrthout an easement, what can we do? Hiemenz stated that we could always execute our prescriptive easement rights. Loso made a motion to have the City Attomey execute the easement documents. Ehlert made a second to the motion and it passed unanimously. Taufen also feported that he had spoken with Robert Kozel, an employee of Steams County who told him that he was surprised at the activity on Northland and 75. He hadn't seen a plat for approval yet. ThereWas some discussion about whether Of not the preliminary plat went to the County before Mr. Kozel started. Taufen stated that it's c!earthat people are getting left out of the loop.' Bottom line is that we get a copy of the final plat to the County for approval and review. Taufen also reported that a manhole cover is missing from in front of the Daniel Funeral home. They are looking into it now. I 14. Police Chief Recruitment - Schmidt stated that she prepared a position profile and job description for the Council to review. The police are also reviewing the drafts. Schmidt is looking for approval for the documents so they can be sent out to the applicants. Ehlert expressed concem that we may be narrowing our candidate pool by requiring supervisory experience in a department of comparable size. Hiemenz stated that we want to set our standards high to attract those candidates. Ehlert stated that he agreed although he didn't want to scare people away from applying. Schmidt suggested adding the word "desired" in front of position qualifications. Loso made a motion to accept the position proñle and job description with the addition of the word "desired". Ehlert seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 15. Building Design Committee - Carlson reported that the architectural contract between Grooters, Leapoldt and Tideman (GLi) and the St. Joseph EDA has been signed. They are waiting fOf the creation of the committee to set the first meeting. Ehlert and Loso both expressed interest in serving on the committee. Schmidt stated that if more than two Council members are on the committee, a sign must be posted stating that th,ere may be a quorum of City Council members at the meeting. Schmidt suggested that Chad also be added to the committee, so as to serve as the liaison to the EDA. Carlson stated that the EDA was concerned initially about whether or not they should be the committee to design the inside of the building. They needed to understand that this is a joint project between the Council and the EDA, with the EDA the financier. Ehlert asked who would be approving things such as the phone system and computer upgrades? Carlson I J>age 3644 October 21, 1999 indicated that the Building Committee would be doing that unless the Council had another idea. I Schmidt suggested that since there are two Council members missing, that the Council approve the staff members to serve on the Building Committee and leave the Council member seat question open until the next meeting. Ehlert suggested that the entire Council should be on the committee. Hiemenz stated that it's important to remember that the larger the group, the harder it is to make decisions. Loso stated that although that may be true, it all has to come back before the Council anyway. Hiemenz made a motion that the Mayor and City Council appoint the building committee, including Loso and Ehlert, to seNe under the contract with GL T signed by the EDA and City Council. Ehlert seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 16. Mayors Report -Hiemenz reported that he received a request from Jason Klinefelter to purchase his brother Brian's gun, It is currently being held in evidence in Steams County. He also received a request from Brad Lindgren to purchase his gun and badge from the City. Ehlert suggested donating the gun to _JasonKljnefelter as a token of appreciation for his brother's service. The Mayor stated that as a Council we can1 donate City property. Ehlert made a motion to grant Jason Klinefelter and arad Undgren their requests to purchase their guns (and badges) at fair market value. Loso seconded the motion and the vote passed unanimously. I riiemenz also requested approval from the Council to purchase a uniform for the Police Department Administrative Assistant. The uniform would improve the perception by the public of Lorraine when they enter the police department. The issue would be three shirts and three pajr of pantslor skirts. Ehlert stated that they should also look at an allowance for this in the future. Hiemenz made a motion to approve the uniform purchase for the Police Department Administrative Assistant. Ehlert seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Hiemenz reported that he received news regarding the Wobegon Trail. The railroad wants to donate the part of the rail line from Collegeville to County Rd. 2.. They may even pull out the rails themselves. They have also offered to sell the 9/10 of a mile east of County Rd. 2. Hiemenz reported that he met with the St. Cloud Area Joint Planning Board as well as the Steams County Municipal League. The next Steams County Municipal League meeting is January 18 at Waite Park City Hall. Hiemenz suggested that the Council also add to the special working meeting agenda the item of student housing. There are individuals looking for a place to build student housing and we need to address the issue of location. Loso expressed concern that this topic should go to the Planning Commission first. In addition, there are already two important items on the meeting agenda for the 1 O'h. - Hiemenz reported that there is once again an issue on the Rfth avenue sewer line ctèanouts. An individual is now requesting reimbursement for entrance onto their property. The City will not set a bad precedent by paying someone for entrance onto their property for the purposes of sewer clean out. This problem may result in the City seeking to use its prescriptive easement rights. I Lastly, Hiemenz stated that the CASTS brochures regarding the election question have arrived. The Council members can stop and pick them up at City hall. They can mark on a City map where they will distribute the brochures so we don't cover areas twice. 17. Council Reports - Loso reported that he attended a Fair and Affordable Housing meeting with Schmidt in St. Cloud. St,Cloud is an entitlement city and therefore receives CDBG funds for fair and affordable housing projects. He is on a committee to re-write the policy for Page 3645 October21,1999 submission to the St. Cloud City Council. This policy is needed to allow them to secure the funds which are meant to benefrt the greater St. Cloud area as well. Ehlert reported that the missing manhole cover is a serious issue and that the Police should be taking this very seriously. The Council agreed. I 18. Clerk/Administrator Reports - Schmidt reported that Peter Oman came to the office regarding extended coverage for Y2K. The City is already receiving a $25,000 annual aggregate Y2K insurance coverage through the League. The $25,000 is an absolute dollar limit for the year and applies for both damages and defense costs. The League is offering expanded Y2K coverage at a cost roughly equal to 3% of the City's annual liability premium which increases the annual aggregate coverage to $750,000. This would cost the City approximately $1,000 for the additional $750,000 in coverage. The deadline for the additional coverage is November 1st. Schmidt stated that the cost is minimal compared to the benefit the City would receive. Loso made a motion to authorize Schmidt to apply for the LMCIT Y2K extended coverage. Ehlert seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Schmidt stated that there is a CORE meeting on Wednesday October 271f1 at 7:00 PM in the TRC in the Main Building of St. Bens. The meetings from now on will be held in the Haehn Campus Center Room 25 at 7:00 PM on the last Wednesday of the month. The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities is doing a presentation before the St. Cloud City Council meeting at 6:00 PM on Monday, November 8. They have invited the St. Joseph and Waite Park City Councils to attend. The Mayor's luncheon at St. Bens has traditionally just been for the Mayor. They are now inviting the rest of the Council to every other meeting. The first inclusive meeting will be on Wednesday, November 10 from 11:30-1:00 PM. I St. Johns and St. Bens held a meeting last night for all of the off campus students to discuss what can be done to help the problems that residents, students and City are facing: house parties, enforcement etc. Approximately 45 students came and it was a very successful meetil1g- They would like to have a follow up meeting in November \'\fith the City Council. They have suggested November 10th or 17'" at 7:00 PM. The Council agreed that the 171f1 would be the best option. 19. Miscellaneous and Announcement Items - Loso stated that our c.'3pitallmprovements Plan has not been looked at recently. He would like to see it addressed before the end ofthe year. Schmidt stated that she would talk to the City Engineer, Joe Bettendorf about the issue. Ehlert asked for some clarification ofthe Sales Tax Distn'bution Graph that was included in the packet. Hiemenz explained that the bottom figure in each column ($99.100) is the amount that would be withheld for SI. Joseph's portion of the Events Center. The top half is what would be retumed to the City. In 2005, if the Events Center is riot going to be built, all of the funds will be returned to the City. Ehler! suggested that some specific information be gathered to distribute to the residents regarding the benefits to Sl Joseph. Schmidt stated that she would gather what information she could for distribution. 20. Adjourn - Loso made a motion to adjourn at 9:45 PM. Ehlert seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. I Page 3646 October 21, 1999 I Respectfully Submitted, C~5~ Cañ Schmidt Clerk/Administrator City of St Joseph I I