HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 [06] Jun 28
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June 28, 2001
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of SI. JOseJh met in regular sessiln
on Thursday, June 28, 2001 at 7:00 PM in the SI. Joseph City Hall. I
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Members Present: Mayor Larry Hosch. Councilors Cory Ehlert, Bob Loso, AI Rassier, Kyle Schneider~
Administrator/Clerk Judy Weyrens. ,
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City Representatives Present: City Engineer Joe Bettendorf, Public Works Director Dick Taufen, Policb
Chief Gary Will, Fire Chief Dave Theisen i I
Others Present: Jennifer Thienes, Monte Eastvold, Nancy Scott, Roger SCheelt, Renee Zirbes, Mike;
Deug I
Approve Aaenda: Ehlert made a motion to approve the agenda with the removal of item (b), I
Gambling License Approval, from the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Loso and
passed unanimously. I
Consent Aaenda: Loso questioned the Park Board request to purchase cement picnic tables and padl
and if competitive quotes were received. Schneider stated that the proposal present was the lowest price
and the vendor has donated one picnic table. As the Council did not have written quotes Hosch mad~ a
motion to table item (d) Capital Purchase request for picnic tables and pads, until further I
information is available. The motion was seconded by Schneider and passed unanimously.
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Rassier made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded by Schneider and
passed unanimously. i
Bills Payable, Check Numbers 29870 - 29923
Removed
Declare 94 Squad as surplus property, accept bids for the disposal of such
Tabled
Close Minnesota Street (County Road 77) between College A venue North and 1" A venue NE on
July 3, 2001 between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Authorize the Police Department to enter into a service agreement with Steams County to
participate in the County wide Records Management System.
Authorize final payment to Gopher State Contractors in the amount of $ 10,261.00
a.
b.
I c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
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Gamblina Premise License - SI. Joseph Javcees: Ehlert made a motion approving the Gambling
Premise License for the SI. Joseþh Jaycess for the following sites: SI. Joe Gas & Bait and Sal's
Bar. The motion was seconded by Schneider. .
Ayes: Hosch, Ehlert, Loso, Rassier
Nays: None Abstain: Schneider Motion Carried 4:0:1
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Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. i
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2000 Audil. Jennifer Thienes. KDV: Auditor Jennifer Thienes presented the Council with the 2000 Audil.
She stated the City has received a clear unqualified opinion which is the best opinion possible. Further,
they have reviewed the reporting system and it meets all requirements. However, the City did have tWo
items that are classified as reportable conditions; 1) The City failed to designate ,Juran & Moody as an
official depository and 2) The Millstream Culvert Improvement and Business Park Seeding Project
documents failed to include a performance bond. .
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In addition, the City has
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Theines discussed the following with the City Council:
· Undesignated reserve balance is equal to 6 months of expenditures.
$ 933,000 in designated reserves.
· Revenue and expenditures are consistent with prior years
· Budget -vs- actual is within guidelines ,
· Water fund is beginning to cover depreciation and operating revenues are exceeding
operating expenditures.
June 28, 2001
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· Sewer Fund is not covering operating expenses when depreciation is included.
· The City should continue to monitor water and sewer rates striving towards covering
depreciation.
· The City should be working to implement the new accounting rules, GASB 34. To help
facilitate the implementation a committee should be established to make the necessary
decisions.
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Debt Manaaement Studv Monte Eastvold: Monte Eastvold presented the Council with a revised debt
management study illustrating each bond issue and status. Eastvold stated all the bonds funds are cash
flowing with the exception of the 1992 East Baker Street Improvement. Weyrens stated the Council has
recently transferred funds from a closed bond fund to help alleviate the shortfall.
Eastvold also presented the Council with proposed bond issue schedules for the following projects:
Northland Phase V Improvements; Sewer Capacity/Conveyance; and County Road 121. In reviewing the
current revenue sources for each bond fund, Eastvold stated it is his opinion that adequate revenue can
be diverted to help finance the proposed issues. The Council agreed to review the information and
schedule a finance meeting to continue the discussion on how to finance the proposed improvements.
City Engineer Reports
Capital Improvement Plan: City Engineer Joe Bettendorf stated he is working on the feasibility report
detailing the proposed improvements for 2002. The report will be submitted to the City Council in August,
followed by a public hearing scheduled for September.
County Road 121: Bettendorf informed the Council he will present a revised feasibility report at the July
28,2001 Council meeting, with a public hearing to be scheduled for late August. Ehlert questioned
Bettendorf if the plans have been finalized with regard to the location of the neconstructed road.
Bettendorf stated the County has finalized a design which includes straightening the curve near the St. I
Joseph Township Hall.
Pond View Ridae Six: The improvements for Pond View Ridge Six have been halted due to the recent
rains. Before bituminous surfacing can be installed the roadbed must pass a compaction test. The
additional moisture content has caused the soils to be less than satisfactory when conducting compaction
tests.
Bettendorf reported that in reviewing the grading plans for individual lots it was determined that the
grading plan submitted to Bettendorf is not the same plan submitted with the preliminary plat; therefore,
building permits could not be issued.
Northland Five: Bettendorf reported that the final estimates have been prepared for the improvements to
Northland Five. Unfortunately, the estimate is $160,000 higher than anticipated. The additional costs are
due to the unanticipated soil conditions. Bettendorf stated he is confident willh some plan modifications,
the price can be reduced and requested the Council move the bid date from July 10'" to July 16"'. By
consensus the Council agree to open bids on July 16, 2001 at 11 :00 AM.
The Park Board has requested the developer construct a fence along the eastern edge of Northland Park
(that portion adjacent to Northland Drive). Bettendorf stated that one of his staff has met with the Park
Board and developer, and all were in agreement on the type and location of the fence. This requirement
should be included in the Developer's Agreement.
All Spec Services. Nancv Scott: Building Official Nancy Scott appeared befclre the Council to further
discuss the need to implement the State of Minnesota Mechanical and Plumbing Code. The
implementation of the code is for fire safety reasons and to ensure appliances/fireplaces/gas devices are I
installed properly with adequate venting. Scott introduced Roger Scheeler to the Council and stated that
upon the implementation of the Mechanical and Plumbing Code, Scheeler will be the enforcing Official for
the City. Scheeler stated that implementing the Mechanical and Plumbing Code creates uniformity
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June 28, 2001
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between all cities and assures that contractors are building/remodeling homes responsibly, assuring th~t
life and safety measure are met. I
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Ehlert questioned the effect of the proposed Ordinance for the installation water softeners and other I
appliances. Scott responded that a minimal fee would be collected and they would be inspected. Some
cities have excluded appliances based on a certain minimum value. That value can range from $ 500 to
$ 3000. Ehlert questioned the effectiveness of the proposed amendment and if it can be enforced. Scott
responded that she has not encountered problems in the other jurisdictions she serves.
Rassier stated that he is not supportive of requiring a permit for all mechanical and plumbing and
encouraged the Council to set a minimum value for which a permit would be required. Therefore,
replacement of appliances such as stoves, dryers and water softeners would not require a permit.
Rassier made a motion authorizing the City Engineer to draft a proposed Ordinance adopting the
State of Minnesota Mechanical and Plumbing Code and require permitting for such. Further, a i
permit would not be necessary unless the improvement/device exceeded $ 2,000. The effective
date of the amendment would be January 2002, allowing Scott adequate time to inform
contractors. The motion was seconded by Hosch and passed unanimously. i
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Lot Solit Reauest. Renee Zirbes. Renee Zirbes, part owner of the property located at 119 - 3'" Avenue
SE appeared before the Council to request a lot split. Zirbes stated that the property in question contains
approximately 23,000 square feet, but is listed as one parcel. The property is currently used as a grouþ
home and she is requesting authorization to split the property to construct an additional home. Zirbes I·
reported that the proposed lot split would leave each lot with the minimum lot required, 11,000 square
feet. Weyrens stated that the construction of an additional group home would require a variance, as the
current Ordinance requires 1000 square feet between facilities. The variance would require a public i
¡hearing which would be held before the Planning Commission. I
Loso made a motion to approve the lot split as requested, with the following contingencies:
1. The property owner will submit a certified survey for recording purposes.
2. After the property is split, each parcel must meet the minimum lot size
requirements as stated in the St. Joseph Code of Ordinances.
3. Approving the lot split does not imply that a variance for the second group home is
approved. i
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The motion was seconded by Schneider and passed unanimously. I
Surplus Property. 21 - 1st Avenue NW: EDA Member Mike Deutz appeared before the Council to req~est
the City retain the property located at 21 - 1st Avenue NW. Deutz stated it was his understanding tha( the
property was not habitable and questioned why the City is selling a building that they themselves coull!
not continue to use. He further stated that the EDA Board has recommended the City retain the property
for the following reasons: 1) The property tax gained form the sale to a private individual is insignificant;
2) It is very difficult and expensive for cities to obtain property; 3) Location of the property may be cruùÌal
for any expansion of the water treatment plant; 4) Location of the property is appropriate to alleviate the
parking problem for the downtown area; and 5) Possible sale to a local business to assist with their i
expansion. I
Hosch stated that he had mixed feelings regarding the sale of the property, but feels it is in the best I
interest of the City to sell the property. The proceeds used from the sale of the property could be used to
offset the levy for the new City Hall. Further, Hosch stated that selling the building will not only provide
taxable property to the City, but also allow a business to expand. I
Ehlert stated that the City has a serious parking problem downtown. It was his hope that the old City i
Office would be replaced with a parking lot to help alleviate this problem. Ehlert also noted that the i
Comprehensive Plan states that there is not adequate parking downtown. Ehlert questioned if the I
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June 28, 2001
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parking lot for the new City facility could be reconfigured to allow for a municipal parking lot, and
encouraged the Council to designate a portion of the land proceeds for such.
Schneider made a motion to accept the high bid of $ 73,000 plus the buyer's premium, for the sale
of the City property located at 21 -1" Avenue NW. The motion was seconded by Hosch.
Ehlert again requested the Council dedicate a portion of the proceeds to be used to help resolve
the downtown parking problems. By doing this the Council would be sending a message that the
City is serious about developing the downtown area.
Ehlert made a motion to amend the previous motion to include dedicating $ 15,000 of the
property sale proceeds to be used to address parking issues in the downtown area. The
amendment was seconded by Schneider.
Vote on amended motion:
Ayes: Hosch, Ehlert, Rassier, Schneider
Nays: loso Motion Carried 4:1:0
FIRE CHIEF REPORTS
December 1. 2000 to Mav 1. 2001 Fire Report: Fire Chief Dave Theisen presented the Council with the
semi-annual fire report. During the six month period, the department responded to 146 calls, which is
down by 19 calls from the prior period. The following is a breakdown of fire calls by jurisdiction: 1) 51.
Joseph Township - 53; 2) SI. Wendel Township - 19; and 3) City of SI. Joseph - 67.
Ehlert questioned if the department has a mechanism to charge for fire/medical calls. Theisen reported
that this is discussed each year and it has yet to be resolved on the State level.
loso made a motion accepting the six month fire report as presented and authorizing the
expenditure of $ 19,635.00 for the payment of such services. The motion was seconded by
Rassier and passed unanimously.
GamblinQ License Reauest: Theisen stated the annual fund raiser is scheduled for August 17, 2001 at
the EI Paso. The department is requesting acceptance of an application for exemption from lawful
gambling. Ehlert made a motion to accept the Exemption from lawful G,ambling application from
the 51. Joseph Volunteer Fire Department for an event to be held on August 17, 2001 at the EI
Paso Club and lanes. The motion was seconded by Hosch and passed unanimously.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS
Truck Purchase: Public Works Director Dick Taufen appeared before the Council to request authorization
to trade the 1971 Ford 1 Y. ton truck for a 1981 GMC. Bill Wasner has agreed to trade in the old truck
and sell the new truck for $ 6,000. The trade in value was estimated at $ 1,000.00. Taufen reported the
1981 GMC is in good condition and the City has been renting the truck during snow season. loso made
a motion authorizing the purchase of a 1981 GMC 1 Y. ton truck from Bill Wasner Sales and
Service in the amount of $ 6,000, trading in the City's 1971 Ford. The motion was seconded by
Schneider and passed unanimously.
MAYOR REPORTS
Affordable Housina: The Affordable Housing Committee will be meeting on July 16, 2001 at the Waite
Park City Hall. The main focus will be exploring how to include rehabilitation of older homes in the
affordable housing plan. Rassier requested authorization to attend the meeting on behalf of the City, the
Council concurred.
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June 28, 2001
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Annual Conference: Hosch reported that he, Schneider and Weyrens attended the annual League of
Minnesota Cities Conference in Duluth.
COUNCIL REPORTS
LOSO -- No report.
RASSIER -- No report
EHLERT -- No report
SCHNEIDER - No Report
ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK REPORTS
Julv Meetina Schedule: Weyrens clarified that the regular Council meeting for July 5th has been
cancelled, with the next meeting scheduled on July 19, 2001. Council meetings will resume the regular
schedule in August. I
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Certificate of Compliance 12'h Avenue SE: Weyrens reported that she has been contacted by :
developer Bob Herges regarding the lot sale on the corner of 12'h Ave SE and Minnesota Street E. !
When the closing documents were prepared for this property, it was discovered that their was a gap of
property between 12'h Avenue SE and the property line. This gap was created after the design for 12'h
Avenue was altered, curving the road for development purposes. Since the City does not need the I
property, nor does it have any value, as the property is miniscule. Bob Herges is requesting the City Quit
Claim Deed the property to the property owner on 12'h Avenue SE and Minnesota Street. Ehlert made a
motion authorizing the City Attorney to draft the necessary paperwork to Quit Claim Deed the I
property in question to the property owner at 12'h and Minnesota Street. The motion was I
seconded by Schneider and passed unanimously. I
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Transportation Plannina: Weyrens discussed the need for the City Council and Planning Commission. to
review the Transportation Plan. The City has been receiving inquiries for development on the SE section
of the City and it should be determined where transportation corridors should be preserved. Weyrens;
suggested a joint meeting between the City Council and Planning Commission facilitated by Bill Hansen
from the St. Cloud Area Planning commission and City Engineer Joe Bettendorf. Loso made a motion
to schedule a joint meeting between the City Council and Plannin9 Commission on August 1st :or
August sth with the Planning Commission to discuss future transportation planning with Bill I
Hansen and Joe Bettendorf. The motion was seconded by Schneider and passed unanimously.
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Assessor Reauest for Rate Increase: Weyrens stated that she has received a request from City Ass~ssor
Ollie Lesnick to increase his wage from $ 8.68 per parcel to $ 10.00. The request from Lesnick clarifies
that the rate was last adjusted in 1992. Hosch requested the matter be tabled until further information
can be provided to the Council regarding area wages for assessors. While Hosch stated he is not I
opposed to the increase he feels it is the responsibility of the City to verify the market rate for assessors.
Ehlert made a motion to table further discussion on the proposed wage increase for the City I
Assessor until July 21,2001 when area wage rates will be available to the City Council. The !
motion was seconded by Hosch .and passed unanimously. !
City Hall Roof Repairs: Weyrens presented the Council with two quotes to repair the roof on City Hall,
they are as follows:
Horizon roofing
McDowall
$ 2,580.00
$ 4,000.00
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Hosch stated that the materials are not comparable, thus causing a greater price difference. The higher
quality material would provide a longer life expectancy. Rassier stated that if the roof is in need of
replacement, then the lower bid is the best alternative for the City.
Ehlert made a motion to accept the low price of $ 2,580 from Horizon Roofing to make the
necessary repairs on the City Hall Building. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed
unanimously.
Adioum: Hosch made a motion to adjourn at 10:15 PM; seconded by Loso and passed
unanimously.
d~
eyrens
istrator/Clerk
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