HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 [04] Apr 06
!
Page 3714
. '
Apnl 6, 2000
City of Sl Joseph
City Council Meeting
4/6/00, 1;00 PM
1. Call to Order. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St.
Joseph met on Thursday, April 6, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall.
I
Members Present: Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz, Bob Loso, Cory Ehlert,Ken Twit, Mary
Niedenfuer, and Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens and Clerk-Administrator Cari Schmidt.
Others Present Joe Bettendorf, EDA Director Chad Carlson, Sarah Cobum, Tom Cruikshank,
Ed Abrams, Scott Mareck, Dick Taufen, Unda Sniezek, Steve Symanietz and Art Reber.
2. Approve Agenda. Schmidt stated that there are two additions to the agenda. First, Linda
Sniezek will be present to discuss the letter that was included in your packet about making an
exception to the Rental Housing Moratorium. Also, the Council should have received a
separate packet conceming the request to make an exception to the Developers Agreement
not allowing anyone to front Northland Drive. Loso made a motion to approve the changes to
the agenda, seconded by Ehlert. The motion passed unanimously.
3. MTC Presentation - Ed Abrams and Tom Cruikshank were present to address the Council.
Tom Cruikshank gave a brief history ofthis project and howwe reached this point today. A
feasibility study was done in 1991 for the City of St. Joseph and it was determined that no
action should be taken at that time. The demographics have changed dramatically. A year
ago, MNDOT asked them to take a look at this again and are actually paying for 80% of this
study. Ed Abrams is the consultant that was hired for this study. Ed Abrams addressed the
Council. He stated that he had beeIT in contact with Professor Steve Frank who expressed
some concern over the validity of the survey that was done. Of the 104 people that were
surveyed, 67 were residents and 37 were students. When asked what they think about bus
service in St. Joseph, 54 residents said it was a good idea, 2 said it was bad and 11 had no
opinion. Twenty-eight of the students said it was a good idea, 2 said it was bad and 7 had no
opinion. When asked if a member of their household would use the service, 30 residents
said yes, 28 said no and 9 were unsure. Twenty-six students said yes, 11 said no, and 0
were unsure. When asked if they favor property tax dollars going to pay for the service, 30
residents said they favored it, 23 said no and 14 were unsure. Twenty three students said
they favored it, one said no and 13 were unsure. When asked what specific places they
would like to take the service, the majority of the people asked indicated Crossroads
Center/Shopping.
I
Abrams stated that as a result of the survey and the walk in interviews, he came up with three
different alternatives for service. Alternative One is Limited Paratransit Service in St. Joseph.
This would limit service to three days a week and would only be two types of service: local
service in St. Joseph followed by fIXed route service to Waite Park/Crossroads center and
curb to curb pickup. This altemative would involve one vehicle and 11 hours per day, 33
hours per week and 1,716 hours per year. '
Altemative II would be Full Paratransit Service. This would be seven daylweek service with
the same service as in Altemative L This would involve one vehicle, 11 hours per day/66
hours per week plus nine hours on Sunday, 3,900 hours per year.
Altemative "' would be Route Deviation Service. Service could deviate up to % mile from the
route. Service would begin at 7:15 am and proceed to the fIXed roule in St. Joseph. The
service with deviation feature would require a 60 minute round trip running time. Ten full
round trips would occur between 8:00 AM and 5:00PM. One vehicle and 11 hours per
weekday and Saturday with nine hours on Sunday or a total of 75 hours per week/3,900
hours per year.
I
I
I
I
I
Page 3715
April 6, 2000
I
I
Abrams stated that a number of assumptions were made in these altematives. -First, the
service would be for the same fare as the St. Cloud MTC extended service plan ($1.00 per
base fare). Second, the 1999 variable cost ($37.45 (hour) increased by 3.5% per year to
2001 or $40.121hr, plus $3.88/hour would be added for local share of capital costs for new
vehicles. The total cost in 2001 dollars would be $44.00/hr. Third, ridership for service would
vary from typical paratransit levels (3 passengers/hr) to about one half of lowest St. Cloud
MTC route performance or 7.5 passengers/hr. The fourth assumption is that the State
(MIIIDO'T) will fully fund 60% of the project, leaving 40% for the municipality.
Abrams reported that the three alternatives vary in cost. The local support required for option
one is $21,622, for option two it's $49,140 and the same for option three.
Twit a.sked if the federal and state support is guaranteed. Abrams stated that they know
about this study and are funding part of it, but nothing is guaranteed. St. Joseph would have
to work with its legislators to ensure the funding. Abrams also encouraged the City to seek a
funding partner in the colleges as the students would also be taking advantage of this
service. He suggested a cost share or a fare program.
Art Reber commented that it's important to remember that a good portion of those that were
surveyed are not taxpayers in the community.
Ehlert asked about the hours of operation and if those could change. Abrams stated that it
isn1 economical to have the times spread out or different on different days. Studies have
shown that people like to have the time recurring and repetitive so they can rely on it.
Abrams stated that the next step to determine details like hours would be to form a
committee. This group could address issues like times, stops, signage and shelters.
Twit questioned the validity of the survey with the small sample that was used. Abrams
stated that aithough only a small number were surveyed, the findings are consistent with
other larger surveys they have done. Abrams indicated that they did what they could with the
$7,000 they had to do the study.
Loso stated that he appreciated the time and effort that was put into this study, but this isn1
the time to take on this project. He stated that the City has a lot of irons in the fire right now
and it just isn't economically feasible at this point. It might be a few years down the road, but
it simply isn't a priority right now.
Abrams assured the Council that he isn1 a salesman for the project, he is simply presenting
the information.
Cruikshank stated that there would be nothing wrong with waiting a few years to see it this
may be something that St. Joseph would be interested in down the road. The decision does
not have to be made now. The Council agreed. I
,
4. St. Cloud APO - Scott Mareck, a planner for the St. Cloud APO, presented a resolution
supporting the St. Cloud Area Planning Organization Endorsement of the Environmental
Impact Statement Analysis for Altematives 2, 2a, 3a and 3b within the West Metro Corridor.
Mareck stated that at their March 23"' meeting, the St. Cloud Area Planning Organization
Policy Board was presented with a West-Metro Corridor steering Committee recommendation
to evaluate Altematives 2, 2a, 3a and 3b in an Environmental Impact Statement. This
recommendation was endorsed by the APO Policy Board, with the following modifications:
Altematives 2a and 3b should compare the benefits of utilizing the existing Old Highway 52
corridor from CSAH 75 to CR 134 verses constructing a new 28th Avenue bridge corridor from
CSAH 75 to CR 134. Aitemative 3b should compare the benefits of constructing a 44th
Avenue extension from 8th Street to 3rd StreetlWaite Avenue verses a 44th Avenue extension
from 8th Street to 3"' Street/2nd Avenue. Mareck stated that as a stakeholder in the process,
the APO Policy Board is requesting that St. Joseph consider adopting the resolution to
indicate support for EIS analysis of Alternatives 2, 2a, 3a and 3b. Mareck gave a power point
Page 3716
April 6, 2000
demonstration to illustrate the changes in the four altematives. Attemative one would cost
nothing as it is the "do nothing" altemative. Option two would cost $14 million and would put
the 8th street bridge at 71% of capacity in the year 2020. Plan 2a would cost $10.4 million.
Plan 3 a would cost $6.7 million and option 3 bwould cost $10.4 minion. Mareck.stated that
as there are a large number of agencies involved in this process, it would be impossible to
reach unanimous agreement on an altemative at this stage. The APO is looking for support
for this resolution which would state that the City of St. Joseph supports the St. Cloud Area
Planning Organization's endorsement ofthe EIS analysis for Altematil¡,es 2, 2a, 3a and 3b
within the West Metro Corridor. Loso made a motion to. approve the resolution of support to
the St. Cloud Area Planning Organization Endorsement of the Environmental Impact
Statement Analysis tor Alternatives 2, 2a, 3a and 3b within the West Metro CoIridor. The
motion was seconded by Twit and passed unanimously.
I
Niedenfuer stated that in light of this, perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to consider public
transportation as an option.
5. Approve Consent Agenda
a. Authorization to send Paul Schley to Intoxylizer seminar - $400
b. SEH 2000 Hourly Rate Schedule
c. Application for Payment NO.2 (FINAL) - Design Electric - 1999
Mobile Generators - $6314.15
d. Application for Payment no_ 2 (Final) - Design Electric - 1999
Electrical Moádications to Well Houses No.3 and 4/5 - $571_35
e. Industrial Park Pond Seeding - Bid Award to Minnesota Native
Landscapes
f. Application for Temporary Outside Uquor Permit - Fruhlingfest-
5í1/OO
Loso made a motion to approve a-e but would like to remove item f for discussion. Ehlert
seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Twit asked Bettendorf what the difference in
the bids for the industrial park pond seeding was due to. Bettendorf indicated that it was the
difference in the price between the price of straw mulch and prairie mulch. Bettendorf stated that
Minnesota Native should get the bid. We haven't worked with them before, but their bid was
better. Twit expressed some concem about the individual prices of the other items on the bid,
and Bettendorf stated that this is a lump sum bid so that the price and quantity won1 change.
Bettendorf stated that Prairie Restoration worked with the City previously, but both are very
capable.
I
Loso stated that he had a few questions on item f. There is no signature on the application, nor
any business listed. He also expressed concem that since this isn't adjacent to the La Playette, it
doesn1 seem we could authorize this. Schmidt stated that she would look into this further and
that the item should be tabled until the next meeting.
6. Northland Drive - Chad Carlson reported that on April 3"', the Planning Commission heard a
request from Mr. Steve Symanietz regarding Lot 1, Block 3 of the Northland IV addition. The
request was to have the lot's driveway access located on Northland Drive rather than
Gumtree Street. According to the Northland IV Developer's Agreement, Section 4.13(b), lots
that abut Northland Drive shall be denied access to Northland Drive. Mr. Symanietz
requested that the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council waive this
requirement in order for him to construct a home that works with the lot grading. According to
his contractor, a severe slope exists on the north end ofthe lot, abutting Gurntree Street. In
order to work with this severe slope, the construction of the home would be bi-Ievel with a
tuck under garage or an enormous amount of fill would be required. Mr Symanietz would like
to construct a walk out rambler on this lot. Car1son reported that Mr. Symanietz is present
and would like the Council to consider the Planning Commission's recommendation.
I
I
I
I
i
I
I
I
Page 371'{
April 6, 2000
Symanietz addressed the Council. He stated that because of the sharp slope, he could only
build a !lome with a tuck under garage and not the rambler walkout that he would like to
construct. Ehlert stated that Mr. Symanietz also agreed to have a circu1ar drive so that he
would be driving out and not backing out onto the street.
Twit stated that regardless of whether or not he is backing out or driving out, it is still a safety
issue on Northland Drive. Hiemenz stated that the City hasn1 even begun to see the traffic
on Northland Drive. It's only going to get worse. This lot is especially dangerous a it is at the
very top of the crest of the hill.
Bettendorf stated that it is an issue of safety. The crest ofthe hill is fairly sharp and people's
reaction time will not be quick enough to prevent an accident. You can1 see the driveway
when you are coming from the South. Bettendorf stated that the City has the same problem
with the lot on the other side of the street. This is a slightly different situation as this lot is
landlocked and Northland is the only access out of the lot. Weyrens indicated that the City
knew about the landlocked lot when the developers agreement was signed. Ehlert asked if
we are standing strong on nothing exiting onto Northland Drive. Niedenfuer stated that
another concern is the width ofthe road. She stated that wider streets allow for faster traffic.
Hiemenz disagreed. Loso stated that the original agreement was based on a safety issue
and should stand. Loso made a motion to deny the request of Mr. Symanietz and to not take
the recommendation of the Planning Commission to waive the requirement forthis Lot 1,
Block 3. Twit seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
7. Approve Minutes -Loso made a motion to approve the minutes of March 16, 2000. and
March 9, 2000. Twit seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
8. Bills Payable and OvertimelCallouts
Niedenfuer made a motion to approve the bills payable 280-73 through 28193. Ehlert
seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Niedenfuer made a motion to approve the overtime and callouts, seconded by Twit. The
motion passed unanimously. Twit expressed concem regarding the four officers that put in
for overtime for the Building Committee meeting. The Council asked who told them they had
to come to the meeting. Schmidt stated that she asked them to come and told them it would
be paid time. Ehlert stated that he was impressed that they were there, but was surprised
that they put in time for it. He asked what happened to loyalty and just being there to be part
of the decision. Schmidt stated that she k~ew that Meyer wasn1 going to be at the meeting
and she felt that it was important that there was a police presence there. Twit stated that
because Schmidt asked them to come that they would pay it, but that he has a problem with
this. Loso stated that this type of overtime should be run through the Council first. Schmidt
again stated that she thought it was imperative that there be a police presence at the meeting
especiaUy since there were decisions that were going to be made at that meeting. Twit asked
if Meyer was the delegate for the other employees at the previous meetings and if they would
be coming to the rest of the meetings. Schmidt explained that the meetings before had been
during Meyer's paid shift. These employees were off at that time. Schmidt said she would
pass it along that the employees would no longer be paid overtime if they wanted to take part
in those meetings.
9. Public Comments on the Agenda - There were no public comments on the agenda.
10.. Linda Sniezek - Linda S~iezek read a letter aloud that was given to the Council members in
their packets. "Dear Honorable Mayor and Council Members, We would like to address you
for our mother, Rose Viehauser, since she is unable to do so herself because of her
Alzheimer's Disease. Due to our father, Robert Viehauser's untimely death, and our mother's
illness, we are left in a difficu~ situation regarding our parent's home at 212 East Ash St., St.
Joseph. This house is in a "Living Trust," which means that while our mother is alive, we
cannot sell her home. Presently, Mom is in Arlington Place, here is St. Joseph, because we
Page 3718
April 6, 2000
feel her quality of life is better there, rather than a nursing home. The problem that we are
faced with, is we need to rent out her house, because we need the income to help pay for her
expenses. We are hoping that you will make a special exception in giving us a variance, or
whatever is needed for us to be able to rent out the house. We have possible renters
already, all of which, are families that we already know. We feel that not being able to rent
out the house is a real hardship and hope that you take this into account when you consider
our situation. We know that when you put on the moratorium on rentals that you did not
intend to hurt our elderly. Thank you in advance for your consideration in this matter. The
Robert Viehauser family and Linda Sniezek." Sniezek stated that she also went door to door
and asked all of her neighbors to sign a petition that states it's alright with them if they rent
out the house. They have a number of families that are already interested in renting out the
house.
I
Ehlert asked what the time frame she was asking for as the moratorium will end in
September. Ehlert stated that there should be a condition placed on it Utat it is a temporary
rental license and the it is rescinded upon the death of Rose Viehauser.
Twit stated that this shouldn't even be classified as a license. Instead, it sbould be a
temporary special permit. If something would change in Rose's status, the permit would end.
There should also be a six month limit on the permit before it has to come in front of the
Council again too.
Sniezek said the family would love to sell the house. It's good for neighborhoods to have the
houses filled and not sit empty. Twit stated that if the people that Sniezek has lined up to live
in the house fall through that they still need related people to live there and not 3 unrelated
people. Loso added that the traditional definition of family should be used and not the
definition in the ordinance.
Ehlert made a motion to grant a specjal rental permit to 212 East Ash for a six month period
with the understanding that a family would be occupying it and that it is a non transferable
permit that will cease to exist upon a change in Rose Viehauser's situation. In addition, after
the six month period, if no change has occurred, the permit must again come before the
Council for review. Niedenfuer seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
I
11. St. Cloud Sewer Use Agreement - Hiemenz stated that this item wals put on the agenda for
informational purposes only. We hope that we will be able to come to the next meeting with
some options for financing this project. He stated that he and Schmidt met with St. Cloud,
Waite Park and Sartell about the Sewer Allocations. Loso stated that it was his understanding
that the City is only at 50% capacity now and that this was projected to be enough space for
the City for the next ten years. Loso stated that the City has so many projects to consider
right now that this doesn1 seem to be a priority. Ehlert asked if it would be possible to pay for
this in our sewer rates. He stated that Developers already cringe at our $2085 fee. Loso
stated that in a few years, St. Cloud may not be the only player in the sewer game. There
may be a district or another City that we could work with. Ehlert stated that if we are
comfortable with our space now, and we don1 have a real immediate need for more capacity,
that perhaps it does make sense to wait.
Bettendorf said that we have 600,000 gallons oftreatment capacity and 600,000 gallons of
interceptor space. Bettendorf explained the difference between the interceptor and treatment
capacity. Loso asked if the City has already committed to take on st. Wendel Township.
Hiemenz said that nothing has been agreed to. Loso asked Bettendorf to put together a
graph that shows our capacity and interceptor use from 1986 to the present and also try to
factor in the growth projected. Bettendorf stated that he would put this together, but in the
past the growth has been slower and more controlled. We will probably be seeing a more
rapid increase in growth now.
I
12. Maintenance Facility Options - Taufen reported that approximately a year and a half ago
he proposed to construct an addition of 45x60 to the existing maintenance shop. At that time
I
Page 3719
April 6, 2000
he did not have enough money in the budget and there were some other concems that put
the project on hold. It surfaced again last year when Mr. Lambert approached the City with
some building options and again when Mr. Kittridge appeared before the Council. Taufen
stated that the City has a number of options. First, they could stay where they are. Taufen ,
expressed some concem that the Maintenance shop, fence and the Boy Scout building and i
salt shed are all on the easement. Second, the city could work with Mr. Lambert to relocate I
tbe maintenance shop on the property he acquired. Third, the City Could look at the i
property offered by Mr. Kittridge. Although this would be new, it wouldn1 be much larger than
the current facmty. Finally, the City could look at the property owned by Gene Lange located
at 30937,30955 and 30977 Joseph street. Taufen met with Mr. Lange to discuss the option
and Lange wants to sit down and work something out with the City,
Niedenfuer asked if Taufen knew how much Lange was asking. Taufen said no. Twit stated
that Lange's building seems like the most viable option. Loso stated that he is in favor of the
first option. We don't have a lot of money right now and we can1 do it all. Taufen stated that
he has been putting money aside in his budget for this. Taufen stated that if they do stay
where they are, there is no stopping Mr. Lambert from putting apartments there. He is of the
opinion that a maintenance facmty and student apartments is not a good mix. Ehlert asked if
he was any more comfortable with the facility on the back comer that Lambert proposed.
Taufen said that there is the road access issue and that even the back comer poses
problems. Niedenfuer stated that if we kept the facility down there for storage and had
another facmty in another part of town, there would still be that mix but they wouldn1 have to
be down there as much. Taufen stated that he would come back to the Council in a month
or so to discuss this issue.
I
Taufen stated that had one more issue. Approximately a year a~o, the city received a
request to install 'Slow Children" or 'Children at Play" signs on 4 h avenue SE. The request
came from a resident living on 4th Ave SE. At that time Chief Lindgren and Taufen looked at
the area and discussed the matter. At that time, there were four day care centers on thai
street Both Lindgren and Taufen felt that the signs were not needed. Often when there are
too many signs, people don't pay attention to them. Recently the Mayor received the same
request. A 3Ox30 Children at Play sign would be $172.56 and a Slow Children at Play sign
(18x24) would be $128.06, Taufen asked for direction from the Council.
Loso asked if the area is really sign heavy now. Taufen said no. Twit stated that it isn1 the
City's responsibility to keep the kids off the street. Ehlert made a motion to approve two
signs for $172.56 each, seconded by Niedenfuer.The motion passed 4:1 (Twit voting no).
Taufen stated that the compost site wfll open on April 15th. Ben Hollermlm will work every
other week. Mr Dullinger is not interested in wOrking this year. Jack Rassier has indicated
that he will help out Ben until we find someone else to do it. Taufen stated that Mr. Dullinger
would stilf like to place his dumpster on the site on Wed. only. Niedenfuer suggested that we
ask Mr. Dullinger to take the Wednesday night shift as he will be there anyway. Taufen
stated that they will advertise for someone to help out.
13. Employee Vacation Policy - Schmidt stated that the employees worked out their vacation
time so that they would each be down to the 80 hour requirement by the end of the year.
Twit stated that's fine, but that the requirement is 40 hours, not 80. Schmidt disagreed, but
stated that she would look into it. Loso made a motion to approve the employee vacation
proposal with the addition of 40 hours that have to be used by the end of the year. Twit
seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
I
14. Mayor's report - Hiemenz reported that the City closed on the bank property. He feels that
the purchase is a good one for the City and for all parties concemed.
ì
15. Council Reports - Niedenfuer had no report. Loso had no report. Ehlert stated that the
Park Board is considering plans for a new skateboard park and is moving forward on that.
Twit had no report.
Page 3720
April 6, 2000
16. Clerk/ Administrator Report - Schmidt reported on a few upcoming meetings. Schmidt
asked the Council when they wanted to meet on the City hall project. The Council set the
date of April 12th at 4:30. Twit stated that he does not want the architect there. Schmidt
stated that it was her recommendation that the Council postpone the labor union discussion
until the next meeting, but go into closed session regarding Gary Will.
I
17. Miscellaneous and Announcement Items - There were no miscellaneous items to discuss.
18. Closed Session - The Council broke for a ten minute recess until 10:30 PM. Schmidt stated
that the Council would be going into closed session on the basis of Minnesota Statutes 13.43,
Subd. 3 General Personnel records and applicant data. The Council will not be discussing
the public information regarding Gary Will The Council will only be considering any
confidential data contained within the background investigation. Schmidt stated-that before
the Council goes into closed session, she would like to give a brief overview of the
candidates employment history. From 1983 to 1984, he was an officer in Mollal, Oregon.
From 1984-1985, he was an officer in Toledo, Oregon. From Februanj 1985 to May, 1987 he
was an officer in Coquille, Oregon. From May of 1987 until April of 19'89, he was the Chief in
Gervais, Oregon. From March of 1989 until August of 1991, he was the Chief of Elgin,
Oregon. From April of 1991 until august of 1991, he was an officer in Umatilla, Oregon.
From September of 1992 until May of 1996 he was the Chief of Klawock, Alaska. From
November of 1996 until July of 1998 he was the chief of Battle Lake, Minnesota and from
September 1998 until the present he was an officer in Myrtle Point, Oregon.
The Council adjoumed to closed session. Seven minutes later, the Council reconvened.
Schmidt opened up the discussion. Niedenfuer stated that she wanted to discuss a few
things. She stated that she had a few concerns with the theme that pervaded the background
investigation. There were more than a few comments that Will may have a problem with
community relations. He takes is job seriously and that is a positive, but he is often seen as
unfriendly. Niedenfuer stated that she is concemed that he may come across this way here
as well.
I
Loso stated that once the new Chief is on board, that each of the Council members should sit
down and talk to him. Schmidt stated that she would recommend that the Council do this as
well. It's beneficial to find out what is important to each Council member. HiemeAZ stated
that he was asked to clean up the traffic issues in town and that's what he did. He had some
business owners that weren1 happy with him because ofthat.
Ehlert stated that maybe this would warrant having another conversation with Will about
these issues. Schmidt stated that if the Council was comfortable with it, she would express
their C jI}Jpems to Will and report back to the Council. The Council agreed. Loso made a
motioflfD affirm the hiring of Police Chief Gary Will, seconded by Ehlert The motion passed
unamøoU3JJt.
19. Adjourn - 11:00 Loso made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Ehlert_ Tñe motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
~~
I
Cari Schmidt
Clerk/Administrator
City of Sl Joseph