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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 [09] Sep 07 I i i i Page 3778' September 7, 2000' I City of St. Joseph City Council Meeting 09/0700, 7:00 PM Call to Order. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met on Thursday, September 7,2000 at 7:00 p.m. În the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Kenneth Hiemenz, Cory Ehlert, Mary Niedenfuer, Bob Loso, Clerk- Administrator Cari Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens. Members absent: Ken Twit Others Present : Joe Bettendorf and EDA Director Chad Carlson Approve Agenda -Schmidt stated that there were three changes to the agenda. First, there should be a delinquent utility bill hearing at 7:00 PM. Second, Chief Will asked that the payable offenses item that was in their packets a few weeks earlier be on this agenda. The sooner this is approved, the sooner we can collect funds for these offenses. Finally, at the pre-construction meeting earlier in the week, the architects asked if the Council would address the four alternates in the bid as soon as possible. There is one attemate (the wood side lights) that is particularly timely. This item can be placed at the end of the agenda. Loso made a motion to approve the agenda with the three changes, seconded by Niedenfuer. The motion passed unanimously. 7:00 Delinquent Utility Bill Hearing - Hiemenz opened the hearing and asked if anyone was present for this item. No-one was present and the hearing was closed. I Approve Consent Agenda ~ Receive Housing Report and refer to Planning Commission for a recommendation to the City Council for approval or disapproval by the October If' meeting Approval of 2001 Audit services from KDVfor $8,350 Payable Offenses Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Niedenfuer. The motion passed unanimously. I Department Head Reports - Chad Carlson stated that as the Council may remember, Scott Mareck of the APO gave a presentation on the West Metro Corridor Study that irrvolved the analyses of transportation corridors that would relieve the traffic congestion on the 8th street bridge in St. Cloud and the future development patterns to the west. The next step is to complete an Errvironmentallmpact Statement (EIS) to determine if the four options are economically, socially and environmentally viable. Carlson stated that it is his recommendation that the City participate in the EIS study. Even though the four corridor options don't directly impact the City at this time, the potential for future development from the corridor options will impact St. Joseph in the future. Carlson stated that future development will occur in our annexation area and north of the City and it is imperative that we stay involved witn our neighbors. Depending on what funds the project is able to obtain, our costs could either be $810 or $4,050. The project may be eligible for High Priority project funds or Surface Transportation Program funds. At this time, Waite Park is the only community that voted no. St. Cloud approved the cost share formula. Ehlert stated that he would have no problem supporting it at the $810 level. Loso wanted to know where the funding is going to come from. Hiemenz indicated that the cost could be spread out over three years. Loso stated he would be fine with that as long as a separate line item was created for it in the budget. Ehlert made a motion to approve St. Joseph's portion of the cost sharing for the Environmental Impact Study for the West Metro Corridor. Loso seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Judy Weyrens - 2001 Budget Resolution - Weyrens stated that the Council has the resolution adopting the proposed tax levy for the 2001 budget. The General fund tax levy is $456,696. The total debt levy would be $254,660. These levies would support a general fund budget of $1,244,537 for the year 2001. Weyrens stated that this is by no means a final product. We are required to submit a resolution by September 15th. The City can lower the amount up until December, it just cannot be increased. Weyrens stated that there are a number of factors that Page 3"179 September 7, 2000 will affect the budget. We don't know what our growth factor is yet. We also need to decide what to do with the Roske property funds. I Loso stated that he would like to table the budget until they could have another meeting to discuss it. He stated that it is irresponsibte to do it this way. He also wants to see a street improvement plan that will factor into the budget. Hiemenz disagreed and stated that the Council will have another meeting to talk about the budget, but there isn't enough time before the CitY has to certify it. Loso stated that he wants to have a meeting as soon as possible and not to wait until November or December to talk about this again. Loso made a motion to approve the resolution adopting the proposed tax levy approving 2000 tax levy, collectible in 2001. Ehlert seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Weyrens also asked the Council to make a decision on the Roske funds. Ehlert made a motion to transfer the Roske property funds to the general fund at this time. Loso seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The Council also set the two December public hearing dates for December 11th and 18th. Approve Minutes of August 17"', 20000 - Loso made a motion to approve the minutes of August 17, 2000, seconded by Niedenfuer. The motion passed unanimously. Bills Payable and Overtime - Weyrens stated that the bills came in so earty that some of these need to be paid now or the City will be fined. Ehlert stated that he wanted to just note that the hockey rink came in under budget. It was a great donation and a thank you note should be sent to them. Ehlert asked about the bill to Cellular 2000. Weyrens explained that Nextel misled the City in Ks bid and that Cellular 2000 was the next lowest bidder. It only costs the CitY $168 per month and we have 1000 shared minutes between all of the phones. There were also some additional accessories that were needed (belt and dashboard attachments, etc.). Ehlert also asked about bill 28777 and whether that payment to Tim Macky was for the design fee alone. Loso made a motion to approve the bills payable, seconded by Ehlert. Th,e motion passed unanimously. I Loso made a motion to approve the overtime and callouts, seconded by Ehlert. The motion passed unanimously. City Engineer Report Municipal State Aid Funding Bettendorf stated that he would like authorization to set up the Municipal State system in St. Joseph. There are 16.8 miles of street in St. Joseph and 20% needs to be designated for MSA. This is approximately 3.4 miles. The designated streets must be major routes in an enclosed network. Bettendorf looked at the main downtown routes and tried to also tie it into College avenue. MSA also allows cities to select a route that is yet un-built. Bettendorf stated that the City could also park a lot of its mileage on 16th Ave. SE. This street hasn't been resurfaced in a long time. The route he is suggesting cuts through the south end of Klinefelter Park but this can be changed later as long as no funds are expended on it yet. There is a small portion that Bettendorf wants to look into the possibilitY of annexing to close that loop. Bettendorf also considered looking at the bypass route in the Township. Niedenfuer asked if there are any disadvantages to designating a street as MSA. Bettendorf said no, but that once it is designated as MSA the street has to be built to the state standards. The MSA standards are very similar to what the County requires. Also if you've spent money on a street and then take it off the MSA list, you have to pay it back. The funding will come in and the City can either spend them or let them build up for a bigger project. You can also bond ahead for a project. There is also a portion of the funds that is allocated for maintenance. The money can be spent on anything that is tied to the streets, but not utilities. Bettendorf stated that the City will be eligibletfor MSA funding pnce we hit the 5,000 population mark. This will be accomplished with the 121 annexation. The CitY will be looking at approximately $150,000 per year. County Road 121 Funding - Bettendorf reported that he revised his estimates for County Road 121. The overall cost has dropped 1.1 million dollars. This was due to three factors. Rrst, the I Page 3780 I September 7, 2000 I proposed annexation now stops at the south property line of the Township hall. In his earlier estimate he assumed that the annexation would include land down to Jade Road. This reduces the amount of County Road within the city limits and therefore City participation in the cost Second, he eliminated 295'" Street and 103'" Avenue from the project. Under the revised project, we will stub out sewer and water at 295'", and that's it. Finally, this project has been reduced to one force main, instead of two. Bettendorf explained that he also eliminated the deferred assessments that were related to the Meyer farm on the east side of the highway. Most of the farm's frontage is unbu9ldable, and therefore have rolled this cost back into the overall street assessment. This is why the street assessment went from $44.00 per foot to $51 per foot. Bettendorf stated that the grant application will ask for $850,000 to offset City costs and abate assessments. The District State Aid Engineer has reviewed our City's street layout and wants the City to designate part of 121 as a Municipal State Aid Street. This will allow the use of state aid funds to offset some of the street costs. If we choose to do so. Bettendorf reported that the grant should be successful and has been called an excellent application already. Wrth the funds, the City's cost would drop considerably and the Council could decide to use its MSA funds to offset the other costs. The application has to be in by October 1st and we won't hear until February or so. Bid letting is set for March so we should have plenty of time. Bettendorf also indicated that he is trying to tie that small piece of College Avenue between Minnesota Street and CR 75 into the County project as well. Loso asked about the drain outfall. Bettendorf indicated that he and Dick Taufen met with representatives of the monastery about that. Bettendorf stated that he wUl be looking into the costs associated with this issue. He would like to see rip rap put in there. He will get some numbers put together on it. I Cemetery Association Proposal - Hiemenz stated that he met with the Cemetery association about their costs for receiving City services. He also spoke with Bettendorf about the project. They have agreed to pay the following: In the old cemetery they will pay $5,300 for one water main unit, one hook up and inspection and one water meter; the new cemetery will pay $5,750 for one water main unit, one hook up and inspection and meter for 1 % pipe, for a total of $11 ,050. Loso made a motion to approve the cost proposal with the cemetery association, seconded by Ehlert. The motion passed unanimously. Joint Trenching - Car1son reported that the Planning Commission discussed the feasibility of having the City require utilitY companies in new subdivisions to locate their utility lines in a single trench within the road right of way. The Planning Commission's concern is with Steams Electric Association's position with putting electrical lines within a 100 foot easement outside ofthe road right of way. By doing this, an additional 10 feel on each side of the road would need to be cleared and free of any natural features, such as trees. As we develop south, old growth trees and woods will become prevalent The Planning Commission is requiring that the Council take action and require the utility companies to locate in the same location, in the road right of way. Car1son stated that City Attorney John Scherer also provided his thoughts on this. He gave two options to consider, one which would establish a permit system and one that establishes a high density corridor. Car1son stated that neither seem very applicable and that a policy might be the way to go. The City of St. Cloud has a gentleman's agreement with the utility companies. Schmidt suggested that staff could go back and draft a resolution for the Council to consider at a Mure meeting that would layout such a policy. Car1son agreed and indicated that staff would have John Scherer suggest some language. Niedenfuer made a motion to have staff draft a resolution regarding joint trenching in the right of way for the Council to consider at a future meeting. The motion was seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimously. It was also suggested that the Planning CommissÎon have the chance to review it as well. 1 Scherer Right of Way Purchase Proposal - Car1son reported that over the past two months, he, the County Engineer and Chuck Scherer have met to discuss the access of Scherer Trucking once County Road 133 is finished. The existing access to Scherer Trucking is on Highway 75, however this access will be eliminated along with the left hand turn lane and. median cut. Therefore, the new access would be created on the new CR 133/12'h Avenue. With the new Page 3781 September 7, 2000 access on 133, the Scherers expressed some concern with the internal movements oftheir trucks and redesigning the setup of their lot. Scherers suggested moving their trailer pad on the east end of their lot back 20 feet from its current location would solve the problems. Over many meetings, the County agreed to only taking 70 feet from the center line on 133 for Right of Way and-to accommodate Scherer Trucking. This left the CitY with a 7.47 foot strip of right of way remaining on the west side of 133112'h Avenue. The City paid $.30/square foot for the 'Bntire St. Ben's parcel in 1999 (including closing costs). Car1son stated that it is his recommendation to sell the 7.47 feet of right of way to Scherer Trucking to accommodate the needs oftheir businesses. The Scherers have also agreed to split the closing costs, which should only be a few hundred dollars. Loso made a motion to sell the 7.47 foot strip to the Scherers for $408.28 (which includes $100 of closing costs). Ehlert seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 1 Roth house - Hiemenz reported that he, Council member Ehlert, and Cari Schmidt met with the Phillipi family on Wednesday regarding their bid for the Roth House. We explained that the CitY originally paid $55,000 for the piece of property. In addition, there were $5,600 in assessments that were also paid, bringing the total cost to City to $60,600. The Philippis bid $48,000 for the house and submitted a check to the City for $500 earnest money. After a lengthy discussion, the Phillipis agreed to split the difference and agreed to: $54,000 purchase price, splitting the closing costs and pro-rating the taxes on the property to the date of closing. Ehlert stated that he and the Mayor felt that this was a good negotiation and that the CitY was getting a fair price. Loso made a motion to accept the bid of $54,000 with the understanding that closing costs would be split and that the taxes would be pro-rated to the date of closing. Ehlert seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Hiemenz reported that the father, Ron Phillipi is also interested in the lot next to it that the City and the Township jointly own. St. Cloud Area District Plan - Hiemenz stated that per the Council request, he recapped the St. Cloud Area Joint Planning District Plan. He indicated that St. Joseph and Sartell are the only communities that have yet to review and approve it. He is recommending that the CitY of St. Joseph approve this plan. Loso made a motion to approve the st. Cloud Area District Plan, seconded by Niedenfuer. The motion passed unanimously. Loso asked if there would be an advisory committee from all of the communities to review this plan on a regular basis. Hiemenz indicated that there would be. I St. Cloud Library Cost Sharing Proposal -The St. Cloud Ubrary Board is exploring the feasibilitY of having Sunday hours on a trial basis. The cost to fund the 9 month trial period is $75,000. They are asking that the CitY of St. Cloud and surrounding communities provide the funds for the trial period. Depending on how many communities participate, this means around $2,458 for St. Joseph. Schmidt stated that she contacted Allan Rudolph of the library board. He indicated that most of the communities are wavering yet. St. Cloud approved the plan as long as they are not the only community to participate. Clearwater voted it down. Loso stated that at this point with the budget the way it is, we can't afford to participate. Loso made a motion to not participate in the st. Cloud Ubrary cost sharing proposal due to budget constraints. Ehlert seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Sales Tax Issue - Schmidt stated St. Cloud is moving forward without the other communities. However, they are willing to bring the other communities along as part of tlhe package when they go to the Legislature. Ehlert stated that he whole-heartedly supports this for St. Joseph and wants to be a part of it. We're going to be paying for it anyway as we entertain and shop in St. Cloud. We should also reap the benefits. One of the aspects of this project that made it so positive last time was the regional nature of it. That would be lost if St. Cloud does this alone. Schmidt stated that St. Cloud felt that they didn't have the support of the other communities last time the question was brought forward. Ehlert and Hiemenz both stated that they resent that comment as they spent a lot of time on the campaign. Loso and Niedenfuer indicated that they weren't necessarily for it last time and don't know that they would support it in the Mure. 1 Ehlert suggested that maybe a question like this one would be appropriate for the Healthy Community Partnership survey. Niedenfuer stated that she would be reluctant to put any question regarding money and how much people would be willing to pay on this first survey. Page 3782 September 7, 2000 1 Hiemenz stated that this was only an FYI item for the City Council. City hall alternates - Hiemenz stated that the City still has four alternates that need to be decided upon for the new City hall. At the pre-construction meeting this week, the architects asked that we address them at this meeting. The item of particular importance is G-2, the wood frame sidelights in the police department. Schmidt stated that she would be hesitant to approve the others at this meeting, considering that Ken Twit is absent and he had some questions on these to begin with. G-2 is important as they need a decision on this item to begin the framing. _ Loso stated that he would also be in favor of approving G-t at this meeting. G-1 is the removal of the existing concrete curb, platform and bollards under the driveup and capping the existing equipment. Niedenfuer made a motion to approve G-1 and G-2, seconded by Loso. The motion passed unanimously. Schmidt stated that the other two alternates would be on a future agenda. Miscellaneous and Announcement Items -Hiemenz asked the Council if they would be willing to pass the resolution concerning Building Quality Communities from the League. The League is in the process of preparing their legislative agenda for the next session. As part of that effort, they are hoping the demonstrate to legislators and the media that they have widespread support among Minnesota's cities for the movement. Loso made a motion to approve the resolution from the League of Minnesota Cities about the Building Quality Communities effort. The motion was seconded by Niedenfuer and passed unanimously. I Mayor and Council Reports - Hiemenz had nothing to report. Niedenfuer reported that the Healthy CommunitY Partners would be holding a Town Meeting on October 11th at Kennedy School gymnasium. There would also be a survey coming out to all of the residents so people should be sure to watch for that. Niedenfuer stated that she would also like to thank the mother that wrote to the CitY thanking them for the skateboard park. She thinks this is a great amenitY for the CitY and is curious if we could leave the lights on in the park later at night for them. Someone suggested that perhaps the Police Department would be willing to turn them off at night. Schmidt stated that she would mention it to the Police Chief. Loso stated that he believes that the Police department should be consulted on this as he believes they _are having problems with this area. Niederrfuer also stated that she would like to see the Park Board or a City department budget for expansion of this facility in the future. Loso stated that he believes that the Chief was looking for an answer to his Police car memo tonight. If the money is available in the budget this year, Loso would be in favor of authorizing the Lease of a police car this year. Niedenfuer made a motion to authorize the lease of a squad car out of the 2000 budget. Loso seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Ehlert asked for a clarification on the public hearing for the zoning changes at the next meeting. He asked whether we were proposing the sunset of the grandfather clause despite the City attorney's letter. Hiemenz stated that they were not doing that, but merely looking at making some other modifications. Schmidt explained that Scherer thought it betterto make the change to the definition of family that was approved in the zoning ordinance first and then adopt it by reference in the hou~ing ordinance. . Clerk! Administrator Report - Schmidt reported on the upcoming meeting schedule. Adjourn - Niedenfuer made a motion to adjourn at 9:45, seconded by Loso. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, I ~SJvcbf Cari Schmidt Clerk! Administrator