HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 [12] Dec 07
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Page 3817,
December 7, 2000,
City of St Joseph
City Council Meeting
12107/00,7:00 PM
1. Call to Order. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St.
Joseph met on Thursday, December 7, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall.
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Members Present: Mayor Kenneth Hiemenz, Cory Ehlert, Ken Twit, Mary Niedenfuer, Bob
Loso, Clerk-Administrator Carl Lindberg and Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens.
Others Present: AI Rassier, Larry Hosch, Public Works Director Dick Taufen, Police Chief
Gary Will, Fire Chief Dave Theisen, Steve Johnson, Linda Sniezek, City Attorney John
Scherer, Pete and Lisa Walz, Frank Kundrat, Rick Heid, Bob Herges and Steve Dehler
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2. Approve Agenda - Lindberg stated that there were two changes to the' agenda. Tom
BOITesch requested that his variance be postponed until the next Council meeting. Also,
there is an addition to the consent agenda. There is a payment application for Gopher State
that the Council should have received in the mail. Loso made a motion to approve the
agenda with changes, seconded by Ehlert. The motion passed unanimously.
3. Public }fearing - Loso's Pub - Lindberg read the notice for the hearing. "The CitY Council
forthe CitY of St. Joseph shall hold a public hearing for Loso's Pub on Thursday, December
7'h at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall, 21 First Avenue NW, St. Joseph, MN 56374. The
purpose of the hearing is to determine if the St. Joseph Liquor ordinance was violated on
three occasions: November 6th, May 31st and September 14th, 2000, and to levy the
appropriate penalty if a violation is found. Written and oral testimony will be accepted from
any persons who wish to present such testimony. Writlen testimony must be submitted to the
City ClerklAdministrator, PO Box 668, St. Joseph, MN 56374." City Attorney John Scherer
asked Lindberg to review the notice that was provided for this hearing. Lindberg stated that
the Council set the hearing at the previous Council meeting on November 16th, and the
meeting has been rebroadcast numerous times since then. There was an official notice put
in the Newsleader on December 1st. A letter was sent to Mr. Loso on November 27th and it
was sent to his attorney, Mr. Bums, after that date. Scherer stated that there is no required
notification period, the statute just requires "reasonable notice." Mr. Loso's attorney, Mr.
Harry Bums, sent a letter indicating that he did not feel that adequate notice was given and
would not be in attendance at the meeting. Chief Will stated that he left a number of
messages with Mr. Loso at his home and place of business. He never received a return call.
He also spoke with Mr. Loso's attorney once, but never Mr. Loso. Mr. Bums advised his client
not to call Chief Will back.
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Scherer advised the Council that they could do a number of things. Thè Council could
continue the hearing until the next meeting on the 21 st. They could do the entire thing tonight
or they could just do the evidentiary portion of the hearing and save the sanction portion until
the next meeting. This would give Mr. Loso and his attorney another opportunity to be there.
Scherer stated again that there is no formal notice requirement, and that he feels that the
notice in this case was reasonable if the Council wishes to proceed tonight.
Niedenfuer stated that she felt that adequate notice was given for the meeting and that they
should just continue. Twit agreed and said that the Council should at least hear the
evidentiary portion tonight. Ehlert stated that he is a little disheartened that the bar owner
isn't here. He would be in favor of delaying the hearing altogether and giving the bar owner
an opportunity to be heard and hear what he is doing about the issues. Twit stated that what
he is doing in the future isn't relevant to the three violations that have already happened.
Twit reiterated his preference with proceeding. Loso stated that he felt that he might be
biased on the situation and asked to be relieved from this discussion. Loso left the dais at
this time.
Scherer stated that that this would be an evidentiary hearing regarding the three alleged
violations of Ordinance 71 that occurred on September 14th, November 6th and May 31".
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Page 3818
December 7, 2000
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Scherer stated that the hearing would be taped and the tape would be kept for at least three
months. Scherer called Officer Paul Schley forward and administered the oath. Paul Schley
stated that he is an officer with the St. Joseph Police Department. He was working on the
evening of September 14th, 2000. At approximately 1 :45 he witnessed an individual stumble
out of Loso's bar. He walked down the street and tried the door on another establishment. It
was locked so he walked back to Loso's Bar and went in. At this time, Schley pulled up in
front of the door and went in. There were six people inside, four on the patron side and two
behind the bar. One female had an open bottle of Rolling Rock beer and there was a male
with a cup with a brown substance. The two individuals behind the bar were male. The time
was 1 :45 am. The explanation that was given was that the two employees were busy and
didn' have time to escort the patrons out that were still inside. One said they were waiting for
the employees to get off work. The other areas of the bar were clean and free of glassware
and bottles. Scherer offered report 2675 to Officer Schley to identify. Schley stated that this
was his report but there was a missing page. Scherer asked if the missing page was about
another matter not regarding this issue. Schley stated that the missing page was regarding
another issue. Scherer stated that a copy of the report had been given to the Administrator.
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Scherer call Pete Janssen forward and administered the oath. Janssen is a licensed Peace
Officer with the St. Joseph Police Department. He was on duty on the evening of November
5th and the earty morning of November 6th. Around 2:00 AM, he noticed that there were two
cars parked in the back lot of Loso's Pub. Janssen went back to City Hall and asked Officer
Jean Gustin for assistance. They checked and found the back door of Loso's Pub locked, but
the front door was open. The lights were on in the bar and the blinds were open. Janssen
saw one male behind the bar and a male and female on the patron side. There were two
glasses on the bar. At 2:15 AM Janssen knocked on the door and the bartender let them in.
They identified all three people. The man behind the bar was an employee, as was the
female, although she was not on duty at that time. The female indicated that the other male
was her body guard. Janssen was told by the female that the glasses on the bar contained
root beer. Scherer showed Officer Janssen report number 3291 for identification. Janssen
identified it as his report. Scherer stated that a copy of the report had been given to the
Administrator.
Scherer called Officer Jean Gustin forward and administered the oath. Gustin is a licensed
Peace Officer with the St. Joseph Police Department. She was on duty on November 6th
during this incident and assisted Officer Janssen. Scherer asked if she recalled anything else
or anything differently from the incident that evening. Gustin said no. She stated that the
female said that the male on the other side of the bar was a friend. The man behind the bar
was an employee. She also stated that she was not on duty.
Scherer re-called Officer Janssen forward and reminded him that he was still under oath.
Janssen stated that he was on duty on the evening of May 31st, 2000. He stated that around
1 :50 AM he and Officer Jeff Young saw a light on in Loso' Pub. The entered through the front
door as fIVe people exited to the back door. There were six to eight people left inside the bar.
Only one of the people left was an employee, the bartender. Janssen stated that he could not
recall if there were bottles or glasses left on the bar. Scherer showed Janssen a copy of
report 1436 for identification. Janssen identified it as his report. Scherer stated that a copy
of the report had been given to the Administrator for the record.
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Scherer stated that at this time, the Council should determine if the violations did in ·fact take
place. He recommended addressing them individually addressing whether or not Ordinance
71 wJ,ls violated in that there was alcohol displayed or that there were non employees in the
;þ;r,,JI'!er the allowed time. Twit made a motion that a violation of Ordinance 71 occurred on
JJ!1lty 31st in that there were non employees in the establishment after hours. Niedenfuer
~~ed the motion. The motion passed unanimously. (Loso abstaining).
Niedenfuer made a motion that two violations of Ordinance 71 occurred at Loso's Pub on ,
September 1.(1', 2000 in that there was an open container of Rolling Rock and that there
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December 7, 2000
were non employees in the bar after the a/lowed time. Twit seconded the motion and it
passed unanimously. (Loso abstaining)
Twit made a motion that a violation of Ordinance 71 occurred at Loso's Pub on November f1'
in that there were non employees in the establishment after the allowed time. Niedenfuer
seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. (Loso abstaining)
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Hiemenz made a motion to clarify that on all three occasions there wa's a violation of
Ordinance 71 in that there were non-employees in the bar after holU"S. In adrf¡tfon, there was
one alcohol displayed violation on September 14th, 2000. Niedenfuer seconded the motion
and it passed unanimously. (Loso abstaining)
Hiemenz asked the Council what they would like to do next. Niederrfuer stated again that she
thinks they should proceed. However she would be willing to wait until the next meeling to
give them another opportunity to be present. Scherer stated that the police officers do not
need to be in attendance at the next meeting. The only relevant issue' at that time would be if
Loso had any evidence to present. Scherer advised that the Council might want to speak
with Loso face to face before making a decision on the sanction. Ehlert made a motion to
delay the sanction portion ofthe hearing to December 21st at 8:00 PM~ Twit seconded the
motion and it passed unanimously. (Loso abstaining). Twit stated that he would like to clarify
nòw whether or not they are going to take the matrix into consideration when levying the
sanction. Ehlert stated that they didn1 address this type of offense in the matrix. Scherer
was asked whether or not the $1,000 fine had to also include the administrative costs or if
those could be levied on top ofthe $1,000. Scherer stated that he believed it was included.
Twit made a motion that the Council address these offenses independently of the matrix that
will also be discussed at the next meeting. Niedenfuer seconded the motion and it passed
unanimously. (Loso abstaining)
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4. Public Hearing - Alarm Ordinance - Lindberg read the public hearing notice for the Alarm
Ordinance: "The City Council for the City of St. Joseph shall hold a public hearing on
Thursday, December 7'" at 7:30 PM in the St. Joseph CitY Hall, 21 First Avenue I'NV, St.
Joseph, MN 56374. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the adoplion of an alarm
ordinance. Such ordinance would require a free permit; establish review boards for police
and fire false alarms; allow two free false alarms per year and after that would levy
administrative fines leading up to revocation of a license until the alarm is fixed. Full copies
of the proposed ordinance are available at City hall, 21 First Avenue ~rN, St. Joseph, MN
56374. Written and oral testimony will be accepted from any persons who wish to present
such testimony. Written testimony must be submitted to the CitY/Clerk Administrator, PO Box
668, St. Joseph, MN 56374." Chief Will addressed the Council. He stated thatthey are not
trying to discourage people from having alarms, they just need a way to monitor and control
them. Twit asked Theisen if he has had a chance to review the ordinance and he indicated
that he has and is in support of the ordinance. Ehlert made a motion to approve the alarm
ordinance, seconded by Twit. The motion passed unanimously. LoS() stated that it seems
rather lengthy and suggested that it might be scaled back a little bit. VIIiII stated that it was
drafted after a model ordinance from another communitY.
5. Public Hearing - Parking Ordinance - Lindberg read the public hearing notice for the
Parking Ordinance: "The CitY Council for the City of St. Joseph shall hold a public hearing on
Thursday, December 7'" at 7:45 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall, 21 First Avenue I'NV, St.
Joseph, MN 56374. The purpose ofthe hearing is to consider an amendment to Ordinance
84.2 Subd. 3. The ordinance would Þe amended to read: "The Council by resolution may
designate certain blocks within the City ¡¡~ 5 mip\jte, 30 minute, 1 hour, 2 hour, 8 hour and by
permit only limited parking zones and Sh'all m¡¡rk by appropriate signs any zones so
established. No person shall park any vehicle, ill ~Ì1Y limited parking zone between the hour
of 8:00 am and 9:00 PM of any weekday for a periòd longer than specified on signs marking
that zone." Written and oral testimony will be accepted from any persons who wish to
present such testimony. Written testimony must be submitted to the CitY/Clerk Administrator,
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December 7, 2000
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member would actually have to live there. She stated that the purpose of the ordinance is to
keep the neighborhood family friendly and that is what this family is doing. This has been
very difficult on their entire family.
Hiemenz suggested that the Council could extend the special permit for the duration of the
pregnancy and let them go through the variance process. Cari Habiger's mother addressed
the Council stating that her daughter is in at risk pregnancy situation and she does not want
another handicapped grandchild. Cari does not know about the situation and it could cause
her to go into labor if she finds out. The Council cannot kick them out the minute the baby is
born. Hiemenz retorted that that isn't what he said.
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Scherer suggested that the Council extend it for a period of time after the birth and let them
go through the variance process. He added though, that generally a use not permitted in a
zone is not the case for a variance. That does not need to be addressed tonight though.
Kundrat replied that there is room in the law to look at this situation as a case for a variance
and that they would merely like the opportunity to go through the process. Niedenfuer stated
that she would be in favor of extending the special permit till May and have the family revisit
the issue at that time. Twit made a motion to extend the pennit until May 26, 2001 (90 days
past the due date, seconded by Loso. The motion passed unanimously. Twit stated that the
Council will not want to be re addressing these issues in Mayand that he is only considering
this because of the special medical situation involved here. Loso added that the family
should get their thoughts together on this and come to some sort of a resolution.
12. Pete and Lisa Walz - Variance request - Lisa Walz addressed the Council. They are
requesting a variance to exceed the maximum square footage lot coverage requirement.
They are requesting a 54 square foot variance. They are also requesting an additional
access onto their property from Minnesota Street. The current access is on First Avenue
which they would keep. Steams County denied their request, but the City could override their
request. The Planning Commission recommended denial because they couldn't prove
hardship. Secondly, the Planning Commission recommended denial ofthe second access
because of safety and aesthetic concerns and the fact that they have a fully functional access
on 1 $I Avenue. Twit stated that he agrees with the Planning Commission on only having one
access. Walz added that there are currently five addresses on the street already that have
two accesses. Hiemenz responded that this is why the ordinance is now in place. Twit made
a motion to accept the recommendations of the Planning Commission and deny the variance
requests. Niedenfuer seconded the motion and it passed 4:1. (Ehlert voting no). Ehlert stated
that the Planning Commission was not unanimous on this decision either.
13. Pondview Ridge Final Plat - Bob Herges addressed the Council. He stated that the
Planning Commission met and made a motion to approve the final plat that included the three
lots at Minnesota Street and 12'h with all the lots facing 12th. They also included~ condition
that the three lots have their driveways adjacent to the south property line, thus providing as
much room as possible before approaching the intersection of Minnesota and 12th street.
Loso stated that his preference is still option B with two of the lots facing 12th and one facing
Minnesota Street. Herges stated that his preference is A because they can avoid the
easement issue with the CitY services. Loso suggested that the comer lot have their
driveway face Minnesota street but that it be placed as far west as possible on the lot. Twit
added that they just disallowed an entrance onto Minnesota street and now they are talking
about granting one. Loso clarified stating that there is already a driveway onto Minnesota
Street. They would merely be moving it.
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Herges also informed the Council that they are still getting their Steams County Wetland
permits. They are breaking the area down into two phases and the wetlands will be
addressed in the second phase. Twit expressed some concern that we are creating two
more dead ends in the sewer system with the layout of the system on the plat. Herges said
they would use hydrants stubbed out at the end just like in every development. Ehlert made a
motion to approve the final plat with all three lots facing 1:1" with the comer lot driveway
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December 7, 2000
facing Minnesota street as far west as possible, seconded by Loso. The motion passed
unanimously.
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14. GLT Change Orders - Lindberg reported that there are two issues that have been brought
forth from GLT. First, they provided the City with a quote to varnish the existing wood and
door frames to match the newer wood in the building. This would cost $636. Lindberg stated
that this is an item that does not need to be done now and could be done at a later date if
there is a visible difference in the wood. The second item is something the Council should
approve. The drop box in the drive through ended up being one enormous piece. They were
unable to leave the metal plates overthe hole in the wall. The hole needs to be patched and
can be done with the salvaged granite veneer for $327. Twitmade a moüon to approve the
change order patching the hole, seconded by Niedenfuer. The motion passed unanimously.
15. Approve Minutes- Niedenfuer made a motion to approve the minutes of November 16,
2000, seconded by Loso. The motion passed unanimously. Loso ma'de a moüon to approve
the minutes of November 20, seconded by Niedenfuer. The motion passed unanimously
(Ehlert abstaining). Loso made a moüon to approve the minutes of November 27, seconded
by Niedenfuer. Hiemenz asked that the word "personnel" be added before the word
"management" on the second page. Loso amended his motion to include the change.
Niedenfuer seconded the moüon and it passed unanimously.
16. Miscellaneous and Announcement Items - Letter from Ann Scherer - Undberg stated that
the City received a request from Ann Scherer that they be given spare in the old CitY hall
facility for the communitY food shelf. The Council agreed that this sounded like a great use
for the facility and would like to hear more. They asked that a1'epresentative from the food
shelf come to a Council meeting to give them more details.
17. Reports - Mayor Hiemenz reported that the Council received a list of 2000 Sales Ratios in
their packet. The copy they received did not have the amended number for rentals. The
number 19.69% should be changed to 13-14% for the CitY ofSt. Joseph. Hiemenz reported
that they held the last St. Cloud Area Planning Meeting today. There are a few items left to
be addressed, one of which is the signing ofthe joint powers agreement before January 1st.
Hiemenz also stated that he needs to make an appointment to the Affordable Housing task
force. Hiemenz also attended a transportation alliance meeting on the area circumfral roads
and a 20-30-50 year plan. Niederrfuer had no report. Loso had no report. Ehlert stated that
he had received a number of calls regarding the Linda SniezekIRose Viehauser issue.
Individuals that were taking the survey around apparently cast the Council in a very negative
light. They also stated that the Council showed no sensitivitY when it was discussed at the
last meeting.
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Twit stated that he would like to discuss the letter that was in the pacl~et regarding the
Council raise. Twit stated that Scherer is sayiITJ that the Attorney Gel1eral's office addressed
this issue and it appears it was done incorrectly. Ehlert stated that the word "may" suggests
that this is only one of many possible ways that a City Council could vote for a raise.
Niedenfuer stated that her only objection was the timing of the issue. She felt that it should
have been raised early on in the budget process and not done at the last minute. Ehlert
stated that he was never for getting the complete raise and was planning on waiving a portion
of it anyway. Hiemenz stated that Scherer's letter suggests that the Council may be
subjecting itself to legal action if they allow the vote to stand. Ehlert stated that raise is hardly
enough for the time and dedication that the Council and the other boards and commissions
give to the City. There was only one letter about it in the paper. There are a lot of other
people out there supporting it. He argued that no-one is going to chailenge this decision by
the Council besides Steve Dehler. Once he becomes preoccupied by the issues in St. Cloud,
he will quit worrying about what the City is doing. Loso made a motion to rescind the pay
raise of October 19'h, 2000 seconded by Twit. Twit added that he knows that these positions
take a lot of tñne and dedication but the City attorney is questioning the process. Therefore,
he can't support it. Hiemenz called the question and the moüon passed 3:2 (Hiemenz, Twit
and Niedenfuer- yes, Loso, Ehlert-No).
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December 7, 2000
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PO Box 668, St. Joseph, MN 56374." Loso asked the Chief what the intent of the ordinance
is. Will explained that the previous ordinance would not allow the City to issue a permit if
they wanted to. Wrth the ordinance change, the City could develop a permit system. Scherer
stated that the details of the permit system should be listed in the ordinance itself. Will stated
that the simple word change was asked for by the Council so that if they didn't want to do the
permit system they didn't have to. Twit made a motion to table this to a future meeting when
the details of the permit system can be included in the ordinance. Ehlert seconded the
motion and it passed unanimously.
6. Consent Agenda -
a. Application for Payment - JR Ferche - $4,728
b. Application for Payment #3 -Gopher State - $56,583.90
Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Niedenfuer. The motion
passed unanimously.
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7. Steve Johnson - Fire Relief Association Report - Steve Johnson of the St. Joseph Fire
Relief Association gave his year end report. He stated that the first and second pages list the
current and retired fire fighters with the department. Johnson detailed the report for the
Council, including the determination of projected net assets, projected surplusldeficit and
maximum benefrt allowed. Johnson also explained the determination of municipal
contribution. The required municipal contribution is $936. However, Johnson stated that the
municipality has traditionally budgeted $3,000 and that is what the Relief Association would
like to see again. The municipality agreed to pay $3,000 last year as well. Ehlert made a
motion to accept the Fire Relief Association report, seconded by Loso. The motion passed
unanimously. Loso made a motion to approve the $3,000 contribution by the municipality,
seconded by Ehlert. The motion passed unanimously.
8. Dave Theisen - St. Joseph Volunteer Fire Department Report - Theisen gave the Council
a copy of the Fire Department report detailing the activity from June 1, 2000 until November
30,2000. Theisen reported that the total expenditures for the period were $16,542.50, of
which $10,555 of it went to emergency calls. Theisen reported 125 total calls, of which 61
were for the City, 47 forSt. Joseph Township, 14 St. Wendel Township and 3 mutual aid
calls. In addition, of the 125 calls, 92 were medical, 29 were fire, 3 mutual aid and one
weather call. There were 290 total calls from December 1, 1999 to November 30, 2000, of
which 214 were medical, 72 were fire, 2 weather warnings and 1 Y2K standby. Theisen
explained that the remaining pages of the reports give the gals in order by date of
occurrence. The last page lists the mutual aid calls. The Department expended $4,015 more
in 2000 than in 1999, with calls increasing by 18%. This has been the trend in the past few
years. Medical calls are very high. Niedenfuer asked if any ofthese calls were false alarms.
Theisen said yes, and explained that they would say "fire (alarm)" on the report to denote it
was a response to an alarm. Loso made a motion to accept the Fire Department report from
June 1, 2000 through November 3d", 2000 and to approve the $16,542.50 in expenditures.
Twit seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Hiemenz stated that he would just like to take this opportunity to thank the Fire Department
for doing such an excellent job in putting up the Christmas decorations this year. He also
added that a letter was sent to the Department thanking them as well. Theisen stated that he
had received the letter and would share it with the Department.
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9. Bills Payable and OTlCallouts- Loso made a motion to approve bills 29123 through 29148,
seconded by Niedenfuer. The motion passed unanimously. Loso made a motion to approve
the overtime and callouts, seconded by Ehlert. The motion passed unanimously.
10. Department Head Reports - Taufen reported that the City had coliform bacteria detected in
one of its lines. Every citizen was hand delivered the a notice about the problem and
informed that the City would be chlorinating the water. So far, there have been no complaints
about the chlorination. Once the water is tested again and the bacteria is not detected we will
notify the residents by cable and by the newspaper. At one time the City chlorinated the
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December 7, 2000
water but 2.5 years ago, the City Council decided to remove it. Taufell added that the State
may now require us to put it back on.
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Weyrens presented the treasurer's report to the CitY Council. She stated that the Council
should add all ofthe 300 and 400 funds to get a true picture of the situation. Weyrens added
that fund 501 the Trunk utility extension is not a designated account. Weyrens also stated
that the. Council would have to decide where to designate the funds from the Baker street
Improvements, but that this could wait until the next meeting. Loso askedWeyrens to put a
few scenarios together that they could address at the next meeting. Ehlert made a motion to
accept the treasurer's report, seconded by Loso. The motion passed unanimously. Weyrens
reminded the Council that the Truth in Taxation meeting is Monday, December 11th at 7:00
PM.
Chief Will addressed the Council. He distributed the November police report for their review.
He also gave the Council a copy of the matrix that the alcohol compliance committee came
up with and asked that it be addressed at the next meeting. Will also reported to the Council
that he received a bid from Granite City electronics to install the antennas and radios at the
new City hall. The bid is $2,167.66. The Council expressed some concern over the cost of
this bid and asked Will to get another quote or at least an explanation of this one. They
asked that Will bring what information he had to the meeting on Monday night. Will agreed.
11. Linda Sniezek Rental Issue- Attorney Frank Kundrat addressed the Council. He stated
that he is the attorney for Ms. Sniezek. As the Council knows, Mrs. Viehauser is i~Ariington
Place. The family is in a difficult place regarding the selling of the house. Sniezek came
before the Council in the spring and received her special permit to rent the house. Everyone
agreed at that time that it was better to have someone in the house rather than it remain
empty. The family that Sniezek is renting it to is well liked by the neighborhood. Kundrat
passed out a petition signed byihe neighborhood. The petition states at the top that "We, the
undersigned, feel that the family who is currently renting Rose Viehauser's house, at 212
East Ash Street, of St. Joseph should be able to continue to do so." Kundrat also explained
that the woman living in the house, Cari Habiger, is in an at risk pregnancy situation. Kundrat
passed out a letter from Dr. Gary Baker stating ·Cari Habiger is a high risk pregnancy patient
of mine, presently at 28 weeks gestation. Because of problems related to pregnancy, she is
required to be at home on bed rest. Any deviation from this may increase her chances of pre
term birth." Kundrat stated that what they are seeking is an extension ofthe special permit,
during which time, Sniezek will be applying for a variance. Kundrat added that he
understands the intent and integrity of the ordinance but feels that this is a special
circumstance that warrants special consideration. Ehlert asked Scherer if there are any
special dead of winter laws that would prevent the Council from taking action on this.
Scherer stated that they would not apply. However, he would advise ~he Council to grant a
temporary extension to a time period after the child is born. Kundrat stated that they are not
looking to drag this out. They would also like to have some closure on this issue. Scherer
stated that it's clear that the property could be sold. However, there are reasons that the
family does not want to sell.
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Loso stated that his main issue with this situation is that he feels it was misrepresented to the
Council from the beginning. Kundrat said he understands and it certainly wasn't Sniezek's
intention to mislead the Council. She felt like her hands were tied. It was merely a matter of
misunderstanding. Twit stated that he doesn't feel that there was ever any sort of
misunderstanding. If Sniezek had been up front in the beginning, they would not be
addressing this now as the special permit would not have been granted in the first place.
Sniezek agreed to come back in six months and report on the situation. She also agreed to
abide by any of the zoning changes that were made.
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Sniezek addressed the Council. She stated that she never meant to mislead the Council.
Her previous attorney, John Reep, told them that they could not sell thle house. When an
attorney tells you that you can't do something, she took him at that word. Sniezek also added
that she never imagined that the change to the ordinance would be that she or a family
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December 7;..28110-
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Lindberg stated that as Taufen wasnl able to make n to the meeting and in light of the late
hour, they could table the Minnesota Street and Industrial Park services issue tiJI a future
meeting.
18. Adjourn - Ehlert made a motion to adjourn at 10:20, seconded by Loso. The ~ passed
unanimously.
Res~ctfully Submitted,
ca~ih
ClerklAdministrator
City of St Joseph
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