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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 [05] May 03 , Page 3888 May 3, 2001 I Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, May 3, 2001 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Larry Hosch. Councilors Cory Ehlert, Bob Loso, AI Rassier, Kyle Schneider. AdministratorlClerk Judy Weyrens. i Others Present: Police Chief Gary Will, Dave Hinnenkamp, Steve Hagmann, Glenn Deutz, Dale Wick. Approve Aaenda: Rassier made a motion to approve the agenda with the omission of consent agenda item (b) minutes April 10 and 19, 2001; seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. Consent Aaenda: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: a. Approve the bills payable, check numbers 29698 - 29759 c. Outdoor Liquor Permit for the La Playette for an event to be held on June 9, 2001, contingent upon approval of the Police Chief. d. Authorize the Mayor and City Attorney to present the annual Police Chief Review on May 11,2001 at 11:30 AM. e. Clarify the authority of the Police Chief to close/block or barricade a street when deemed in the best interest of public safety. f. Authorize the expenditure of up to $ 3,658.94 for the purchase of push bumpers, grill lights, siren speaker, rear seat protector, handsfee cell phone kit, lightbar, side window bars and striping for the new squad car. g. Increase the annual salary of the City Assessor $ 260.40 based on the annexed parcels of property in 2000. I The motion was seconded by Schneider and passed unanimously. Public Comments to the Aaenda: No one present wished to speak. Dave Hinnenkamo. Harbors Investments: Dave Hinnenkamp of Harbors Investment, a division of Kern DeWinter Viere (KDV), appeared before the Council to discuss being appointed as an investment advisor for the City of St. Joseph. Hinnekamp stated that he was contacted by the Investment Committee to assist with the investments. Since KDV also provides audit service for the City of St. Joseph, Harbors could not charge a commission for investment services. Rather, Harbors would charge a fee equal to .45 basis points, based on the total funds invested by Harbors. Hinnenkamp stated that he has 17 years experience in governmental auditing and is aware of which fundsltypes of investments municipalities are allowed to purchase. I Ken Twit, representing the Investment Committee, stated that the Committee is confident the City will experience an increase in interest income hiring an investment consultant. Currently the City is charged a commission based on each investment, which offers incentive for the broker to sell long term investments. Whereas hiring a consultant who charges a fee, the incentive is to find high return investments as the larger the investment pool the larger the fee. The Committee spent considerable time with Hinnekamp discussing if a conflict of interest would exist, but determined that the relation between Harbors and the City would be watched cioser to avoid the conflict. Hinnenkamp concurred with Twit stating that KDV is the primary business and any conflict would not only affect Harbors but KDV as well. Twit stated that the Investment Committee recommends entering into an agreement with Harbors to provide investment services. The Investment Committee will meet quarterly with Hinnenkamp to assure that the City's needs are being met. Rassier made a motion designating Pershing (brokerage firm used by Harbors) as an official depository for the City of St. Joseph. The motion was seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimously. Page 3889 May 3, 2001 Rassier made a motion authorizing the execution of a service contract between the City of 51. Joseph and Harbors to provide investment services to the City of 51. Joseph for a fee of .45 basis points. The motion was seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimously. Ehlert stated that during his term as Councilor he has had the opportunity to work with Hinnenkamp and is confident the City will be served well by Harbors. I Steve Haoman Rental Housino License Amendment: Rental Housing Inspector Steve Hagman, appeared before the Council to discuss changing the rental license period from August 1 ,I to October 1 'I of each year. Hagman stated that due to the rental housing study completed in 2000, the inspections for the last license period began in September. Hagman stated that in his opinion this is the best time to view the apartments, as he can view occupancy and traffic flow patterns. Loso made a motion authorizing the City Attorney to prepare an amendment to Ordinance No. 55, changing the rental license period to commence October 1" of each year. The motion was seconded by Hosch. DISCUSSION Hosch stated that it is his opinion that the period for inspections should not be changed, as many of the units are occupied by students, and the summer months allow the landlords to repair the units and receive a rental license before they are occupied in fall. Further, Hosch questioned the logistics of performing inspections in fall when the units are occupied. If a unit is not habitable, where will the tenants live? Hagman stated that many units are occupied year round. Unfortunately, in 2000 he did have to condemn one unit and the family was forced to find housing elsewhere. Further, Hagman stated that landlords are aware of the housing code and have the opportunity to make repairs during the summer months. Hagman feels it is important to talk to the tenants and verify housing patterns for fire safety. I Rassier concurred with Hosch and stated that the inspection process cUlTently in place has worked well in the past. Ehlert and Rassier requested the Council receive input from the landlords before any action is taken. Weyrens stated that a rental housing meeting has been scheduled for May 23, 2001. The purpose of the meeting is to meet with the Rental Housing Inspector, Building Inspector and Fire Chief to review the requirements for securing a rental license. Weyrens suggested that if the Council is seeking input from landlords on the rental license period it should be discussed at the same May 23" meeting. Ehlert made a motion to table further discussion on changing the rell1tallicense period until input has been received from the landlords. The motion was seconded by Schneider and passed unanimously. Loso withdrew his motion to amend the ordinance. Buettener Business Plat Park Dedication Fees: Hosch reported that he as well as Councilor Schneider, Greg Reinhart and Chad Carlson met with Leo Buettner to discuss the park dedication fees. In March the Council requested City Staff to pursue collecting the full park dedication fees for the Buettner Business Plat as the property owner did not meet the terms in the Developer's Agreement. Hosch stated that when meeting with Buettner, he stated that he had an agreement with the former Mayor to plant trees along the redesigned County Road 133 in lieu of payment. Further, according to Buettener it was agreed that the trees would be planted upon completion of County Road 133. With that in mind, Hosch stated that Buettner is agreeable to a cash contribution of $ 3,000 and donate and plant 28 trees as payment of the remaining portion of the park dedication fees. Further, Buettner will water and warranty the trees for one year. However, as the trees have already budded they cannot be transplanted until October. I Loso expressed concern over the length of time spent dealing with this matter and does not wish to extend the payment period and additional year. Page 3890 May 3, 2001 I Schneider stated that while the Park Board would prefer to collect the full $ 9,440.00 park dedication fee in cash, it appears as the best interest of the City would be served by collecting the $ 3,000 in cash with the balance in trees. The Park Board has requested that all future park dedication fee agreements be discussed with the Park Board before final negotiations. Ehlert concurred with Schneider and stated that any agreement regarding the trees include an escrow account for tree replacement for a period otone year. The value of each tree was listed at $ 230.00. Therefore, if an escrow account is placed with the City; in October 2002 any tree not surviving would be replaced by the City using escrow funds. Ehert stated that he too wishes to resolve this matter and does not want to deal with this matter again in October 2002. Hosch made a motion agreeing to the following terms: Park Dedication Fees required: Cash payment to City, 2001 Tree replacement, total value Total Trees planted Cost per tree Amount to escrow for tree replacement $ 9,440.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 6,440.00 28 $ 230.00 $ 6,440.00 Further, the escrow amount will remain in full force and effect until October 31, 2002. Any tree not surviving will be replaced by the City at a cost of $ 230.00 per tree and deducted from the escrow account. The motion was seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimously. I Community Center Survey Reauest: Dale Wick and Glenn Deutz representing the Community Center Committee appeared before the Council to request authorization to expend $ 10, 766 to complete a professional survey. Wick stated that in researching the availability/access to the funds being held by the City in a Recreation Center Fund, it has been discovered that the funds can oniy be used for a professional surveyor architectural design. At this time the Community Center Committee is looking for input as to what residents would like in a community center and if they would financially support the construction of such. Loso stated that in his opinion people need to know what is going to be offered in the center before they are willing to make a commitment. Wick stated it was the consensus of the committee that input is needed before any further work is completed. If the survey would result in a majority of residents opposing a center, then the only funds expended are those funding the survey. Rassier concurred with Loso and stated the City cannot financially support a community center. WhÎle the land for the center has been donated it may not be feasible to accept the gift. Wick stated that the proposed one-half cent sales tax would be a revenue source for the center reducing need for City funding. Rassier stated that since the fate of the one-half cent sales tax is unknown, it does not make sense to spend over $ 10,000 on a survey if the center cannot be funded in part by those anticipated dollars. Deutz stated that the main concept for the Community Center is to provide a place for senior meals and activities. The center can be very simple in the beginning and expand as funding becomes available. Deutz concurred that the one-half cent sales tax would provide the best funding source for the center. I Hosch made a motion authorizing the expenditure of up to $ 10,766 for a professional survey to determine the needs and feasibility of a Community Center. Authorization is contingent upon the approval of the one-half cent sales tax by the Minnesota Legislature. The motion was seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Hosch, Ehlert, Loso, Schneider Nays: Rassier Motion Carried 4:1:0 ">\""",""">" Page 3891 May 3, 2001 Former City Office Site 21 - 1st Avenue NW: Weyrens questioned the Council as to their intention for the former City Office property located at 21 - 1st Avenue NW. The building has been vacated and the Council needs to discuss the fate of the building. If the City continues to own the building, it will need to be heated minimally during the winter. I Schneider made a motion to list the property located at 21 _1st Avenue NW as surplus property and dispose of by September 1, 2001. The motion was seconded by Hosch. DISCUSSION Loso and Schneider stated it was their opinion that the property should be sold with the proceeds offsetting the cost of the facility at 25 College Avenue North. Ehlert concurred and questioned what method of sale the City would use. He stated the property could be sold through an agency, auctioned or sealed bids. Weyrens agreed to research alternative methods of sale and report back to the Council. The motion passed unanimously with the understanding that the City Administrator/Clerk will provide the Council with alternative methods of property disposal. MAYOR REPORTS Employee Health Club Membershio: Hosch reported that he has been contacted by Suburban Health Club, offering a corporate membership to the employees for $ 11.66 per month per employee. Hosch stated that the Police Officers need to keep in good physical condition and the health club would be an asset for the department. Ehlert made a motion authorizing the City of SI. Joseph to enter into a one year corporate membership agreement with Suburban Health Club for all full time employees (13) at a cost of $ 11.66 per employee. The motion was seconded by Rassier. DISCUSSION I Loso stated it is his opinion that the Health Club Membership is a contract issue and should not be bargained at this time. It is a matter that can be discussed during negoti.ations. Ehlert stated that the cost of the membership is $ 143.00 per month and feels the benefrt is a good gesture on the part of the Council and a token of appreciation to the employees. Rassier and Hosch concurred with Ehlert. Loso stated the funds have not been budgeted and questioned how the membership would be funded. Ehlert stated that the City has found funding for other issues, but he is willing to donate one month of his salary to assist with the funding for the year 2001 for the membership and encouraged other Councilors to do the same. Hosch, Schneider and Rassier concurred with Ehlert and agreed to donate one month's salary to pay for the membership for the year 2001. The funds for 2002 will be budgeted. Ayes: Hosch, Ehlert, Schneider, Rassier Nays: Loso Motion Carried 4:1:0 Sewer Capacity/Conveyance: Hosch reported that he, Bettendorf and Weyrens met with the City of St. Cloud regarding the purchase of additional capacity/conveyance. The cost of the additional capacity is based on the original grant for the facility in 1986 with 7% interest added for each year thereafter. At this time the City of St. Cloud is requesting payment in the amount of $ 855,198 for the additional capacity. Weyrens stated that she and Bettendorf will be meeting with financial consultant Monte Eastvold to discuss funding altematives and present the information to the Council at a later time. Joint Planning Commission Meeting: Hosch requested the Council and Planning Commission meet in joint session to discuss the proposed Affordable Housing Ordinance. The Council requested the Planning Commission be invited to a meeting on May 16, 2001 with an altemative date of May 22. I Page 3892 May 3, 2001 I June/July Council Scheduie: Hosch reported that the second meeting in June is scheduled for June 21, 2001 which falls the same time of the League Annual Conference. Hosch requested the Council consider scheduling the second meeting for June 28th as he, Schneider and Weyrens will be attending the conference. The Council also discussed the meeting scheduled for July 5th If the Council would move the second June meeting to June 28th, the first meeting in July could be canceled with the Council resuming the regular schedule the third week of July. Schneider made a motion to adopt the following meeting schedule for June: June 7'h and June 28'0.. Further, unless the meeting is needed the Council will not meet on July 5'0., resuming the regular meeting schedule on July 19, 2001. The motion was seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimously. COUNCILOR REPORTS LOSO No report. RASSIER No report. SCHNEIDER No report. EHLERT I Fruehlinasfest: Ehlert stated that he was contacted by some of the business owners along Minnesota Street between College Avenue and 1 st Avenue NW regarding the closing of the street on May 19, 2001. At a previous Council Meeting it was stated that the businesses affected by the street closure were supportive of closing the street. Ehlert stated that some business owners he had contact with stated that they were never contacted and are not supportive. In fact, one owner is consider closing that day as it will have negative affects to his business. Ehert stated that he will follow through on this matter. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS Public Works Slow Children Sian Request: Public Works Director Dick Taufen report that he has received a request to install "Slow Children Playing" signs in the Northland Addition. Taufen reported that each sign is approximately $ 100.00 including the post. Ehlert stated that he has seen developments where signage is posted at the entrance to the development there is a sign which informs people to be respectful of the neighborhood. Ehlert stated he would encourage the City to work with developers of future housing developments to include such sign age at a cost to the developer, not the City. Loso made a motion to install Slow Children signs at the intersections of Northland Drive and Gumtree Street East and Fourth Avenue NE and Gumtree Street East as requested; seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimously. ComDost Area: Taufen report the following individuals have been hired to work at the compost area: Jack Rassier - Supervisor; Greg Kacures, Andy Deuhs, and Jerry Johnson. The hours of operation will be the same as last year, Wednesdays and Fridays 4 - 8 and Saturday 9 - 1. I Summer Workers: Taufen requested authorization to hire three temporary seasonal workers as in the past year. Rassier made a motion authorizing Taufen to advertise and hire three temporary seasonal maintenance workers as requested; seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimously. Page 3893 May 3, 2001 ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK REPORTS I Development Policy: The Council reviewed the proposed development policy regarding consideration of City financed improvements. After reviewing the comments of the City Attorney and Engineer, Loso made a motion to approve a Resolution Establishing Policy for Approving City-Financed Improvements For Residential Developments; seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. (See attachment "A") Adiourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn at 9:15 PM; seconded by Schneider and passed unanimously. ~dC¡ ø~ Jud Weyrens inistrator/Clerk I I