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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 [04] Apr 19 Page 3881 April 19, 2001 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, April 19, 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. Administrator/Clerk Judy Weyrens. I , Others Present: City Engineer Joe Bettendorf, Police Chief Gary Will, Public Works Director Dick Taufen, Amy Christensen, Jim Mulrooney, Bob Wahlstrom, Ellen Wahlstrom, Mary Niedenfuer, Lloyd Grieger, Becky Cole, Amanda Pinkert, Tom Mathews, Mike Lindquist, Amber Wiese, Miriam Ardolf, Jodi Terhaar, Ted Schmid, Bob Herges, Chad Carlson, Greg Hosch. Public Hearino - Independence Center $ 605.000 Commerciai DeveloDment Note: Mayor Hosch opened the public hearing at 7:05 PM and stated the purpose of the hearing is to consider a proposal submitted by Independence Center, Inc., a non profit (501 [c] [3]) corporation organized under the laws of the State of Minnesota, that the City assist in financing a project hereinafter described by the issuance of a revenue Note under Minnesota Statutes, Section 469.152 to 469.1651, as amended. The project consists of the acquisition and remodeling of an approximately 8,400 square foot building and adjacent land, and the construction and equipping of an approximately 840 square foot addition thereto. The project will be located at 51 First Avenue South, in the City of Waite Minnesota. The maximum aggregate estimated principal amount of the Note or other obligations to be issued to finance the project is $ 550,000. The Note or other obligations, if and when issued, will not constitute a charge, lien or encumbrance upon any property of the City, and such Note or obligations will not be a charge against the City's general credit or taxing powers but will be payable from sums to be paid by the Company pursuant to one or more revenue agreements. Amy Christensen, representing Independence Center appeared before the Council to discuss the proposed project. She stated that Independence Center is a work center for 36 adults with learning disabilities. The Center has been looking for a site for over one year as their current site is too small. The proposed site is located in Waite Park adjacent to 1" Avenue South. While the project is in the City of Waite Park, the Center is requesting backing from the City of St. Joseph. Christensen explained that the City of Waite Park is issuing ten (10) million dollars in bonds during 2001, which is the maximum a City can issue. I The financing being secured by the Center is a Revenue Note, which requires municipal backing. A revenue note does not obligate the City in any form, but due to the tax exempt status of the Note, a municipality must issue the Note. The municipality is simply allowing a qualified borrower the right to use the City's name to qualify for tax exemption. The Statutes governing Revenue Notes allow a host City to issue the bonds. Weyrens presented the Council with a letter from the City Attorney whereby he confirms that the issuance of the Revenue Note does not obligate or limit the bonding authority of the City. The City will not assume any liability. While all cities have the ability to issue Revenue Notes, the amount of Revenue Bonds issued each year is limited. Therefore, Weyrens contacted EDA Director Chad Carlson, and questioned if the issuance of bonds to Independence Center would have an impact on the St. Joseph EDA. Carlson responded that he does not have any prospective business requesting to use Revenue Notes and therefore it should not impact the EDA. Weyrens stated that she contacted Waite Park City Clerk Rena Weber, who confirmed that the Waite Park City Council approved the project plans and supports the bond issuance. A copy of the minutes from Waite Park will be included in the permanent record for reference. Tom Matthews, attorney for Independence Center, informed the Council that at this time the Council is only providing preliminary support of the Revenue Note and in May the final decision must be made. At this time the Council needs to approve a resolution giving preliminary approval. of the Note and submit a letter in support of the project to the Department of Trade and Economic; April 19, 2001; Page 3881 of71 I Page 3882 April 19, 2001 I Development. Mathews further clarified that all costs associated with this project will be borne by the Independence Center. Ehlert questioned Carlson if he has any concerns with the issuance of the proposed Revenue Note. Carlson stated that it should not have adverse any affect on the St. Joseph EDA. Hosch made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator/Clerk to execute the Resolution giving preliminary approval for the issuance of $ 605,000 in Revenue Notes to be used for Independence Center in Waite Park, and to submit a letter of support to the Department of Economic Trade and Development. The motion was seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimously. Approve Aoenda: Ehlert made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of item (f) to the consent agenda - Authorization for the City Administrator/Clerk to execute a FEMA grant application for fire equipment. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. Consent Agenda: Ehlert made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: I a. Approve Bills payable, check numbers 29589 - 29697. b. Approve the minutes of the April 5, 2001 Council Meeting c. Approve an exemption from Lawfu/ Gambling for the MN Deer Hunters Association for an event to be held on September 13, 2001 at the La Playette. d. Proclaim May 13- 19 as Police Week. e. Authorize payment # 7 for the City Hall Project in the amount of$ 19,349.90, payable to Gopher State Contractors. f. Authorize the City Administrator/Clerk to submit an application for funding assistance to FEMA for the purchase of 30 portable radios and 6 Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses for the St. Joseph Volunteer Fire Department. The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS TO THE AGENDA Fruehlingsfest Committee: Mary Niedenfuer appeared before the Commission on behalf of the Healthy Community Partnership. Niedenfuer stated that Fruehlingsfest has been scheduled for May 19, 2001. This year HCP will be honoring the downtown businesses. The festivities include the following: downtown business will sell food; a children's parade and concert; concertina players; historic display; presentation to Dorothy Sadlo for her commitment to the St. Joseph Food Shelf and the dedication of the new City Facility. Niedenfuer requested the Council authorize the closing of Minnesota Street between College Avenue North and 1" Avenue NW between the hours of 11 :00 am and 4:00 pm. The County has already agreed to the road closure. When questioned about the downtown businesses, Niedenfuer stated that the downtown businesses have been contacted by the festival committee, (Mary Niedenfuer, S. Miriam Ardolf, and Chad Carlson), and they are supportive of the closure. Niedenfuer further stated that while a wedding has been scheduled for the same day, the parish did not object to the festivities but will not allow the parish grounds to be used. The Council will discuss this matter later in the meeting. I St. John's Student Senate: SJU Student Senate president Lloyd Grieger appeared before the Council to discuss the plans for 2001 Senior Farewell. The event for 2001 has been scheduled for the Del-Win Ballroom. Grieger stated that any alcohol purchased at the Del Win will be paid for by the individual, no college or senate money will be used for alcohol. The senate is working on promoting responsible drinking and behavior. Buses will provide transportation to and from the Del-Win every hour. To avoid dropping students in the downtown area, the buses will use County Road 75 to return to the campus and will not drop any students in the downtown area. The focus of the event is to plan a safe event for the students and residents of the City of St. Joseph. April 19,2001: Page 3882 of 71 I I I Page 3883 April 19, 2001 Police Chief Reports I Alcohol ComDliance Grant: Police Chief Gary Will requested the Council authorize the submission of a grant application to the Department of Public Safety for alcohol compliance. The grant is calculated using $ 75.00 per liquor establishment and would require that two compliance checks are conducted annually. Will stated that the license holders would be provided notice that within 30 to 45 days a compliance check would be conducted. The grant requires the Council to impose a penalty in addition to criminal penalties. Will clarified that the grant oniy applies to the two compliance checks and does not apply to any other activity during the year. Ehlert made a motion authorizing the AdministratorlClerk and Police Chief to execute and submit to the Department of Public Safety a grant application for alcohol compliance checks. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. Enforcino Underage Drinkino Laws Grant: Will requested the Council authorize the submission of a grant application to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevlsntion for Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws. The grant award is between $ 40,000 and $ 100,000. The Council questioned Will as to how the funds would be used. Will responded that il can be used for wages (including benefits), printing of educational material, speakers and associated costs. Further, Will stated the funds could be used to provide assistance when a juvenile is d¡~tained. Currently, if a juvenile is detained the officer must stay with the individual until a guardian can be notified and arrangements are made to pick up the juvenile. The expenditure of grant funds by the City has yet to be determined. The main purpose of the grant is to provide education and monitor underage drinking. Rassier questioned if Will is looking to re-organize the alcohol compliance committee or start a new committee. Will responded that he would re-establish the alcohol compliance committee and add at least two (2) members under the age of 21 and one (1) additional citizen at large. I Hosch stated it is his opinion that the grant will be time consuming and questioned if participation will take away from patrol time. Hosch also inquired if another agency or school could apply for the grant, with St. Joseph being a participant. Will stated that in his opinion the County would be in the best position to apply for the grant, but he does not believe the County has expressed interest in applying for the grant. Therefore, Will feels the St. Joseph Police Department is the next logical choice. Rassier expressed concern that Will is requesting authorization to make application for a grant when the exact use of the funds has not been determined. Rassier questiloned if the details of the grant could be completed before the Council approves making application. Will stated that the Council would not be meeting again before the submission deadline. The Council expressed concern that this grant has the capability of con·suming the time of one officer, and they do not want to lose one officer from patrol duties. Will stated that the City has the ability to reject the grant if the City is awarded funding. At this time he is requesting approval to apply for the funds with the details presented to the Council at a later time. Ehlert made a motion anthorizing the Police Chief to submit a grant application to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, which include§ snbmitting a concept paper as to how the funds will be nsed. If the City is awarded the funding, Will mnst present the concept paper to the City Council for approval prior to obligating any of the funds. The motion was seconded by Loso. Ayes: Hosch, Ehlert, Rassier, Schneider Nays: Loso Motion Carried 4:1:0 I April 19, 2001 Page 3883 of7 I Page 3884 April 19, 2001 Miscellaneous ReDorts: Will reported that the Jaycees have donated a McGruff dog costume and bike to the City of St. Joseph. City Engineer Reports Northland Phase V: City Engineer Joe Bettendorf presented the Council with the feasibility report for installing improvements for Northland Phase V. The cost is a follows: Site Grading Storm Sewer & Ponds San itary Sewer Water Main Lift Station $ 352,513 $ 102,517 $ 132,870 $ 141,900 $ 97,100 The development will include 54 lots and will include a lift station that will not only service Northland V but an additional 125 acres north of the proposed development. Bettendorf stated the assessment compute to $ 13, 515 per lot, and an additional amount for the lift station. Ted Schmid representing Avon Lumber One requested the City assess the improvements based on total lot footage as some of the lots in the development will be used for affordable housing and are considerably smaller. The Council agreed to consider the request. Ted Schmid also stated that Avon Lumber One will provide a financial guarantee for payment of the improvements and lift station. I The Council discussed the status of the Preliminary Plat. The Planning Commission will first be hearing the preliminary plat on May 7, 2001. Therefore, the City Council tabied action on the feasibility report until the May 17, 2001 Council meeting. Pond View Ridge VI: Bettendorf informed the Council that at this time a decision would need to be made regarding the sidewalks in Pond View Ridge VI, as the developer is in the process of staking the road. Bettendorf stated that he, City representatives, and the excavator met in the field. Twelfth Avenue SE was designed as an 80' road, as such the curb is setback into the wooded area. The most trees would be saved by eliminating the sidewalk. . However, as an alternative the sidewalk could be constructed going around trees. The grade of the land also is presenting some problems to the developer. When the roads are placed the property is sloped back to the sidewalk area. In some areas, if the trees are saved, the slope for the driveways will be considerable and may not be desirable. Bettendorf also commended the developer for working with the City and residents to save as many trees as possible. I Rassier stated that he has been approached by residents who want the sidewalks constructed as it is safer to walk with children at a different level 'than automobile traffic. Rassier continued that the City would best be served by changing the design of the sidewalk, going around trees. Hosch concurred with Rassier and stated he is more concerned with saving lives than trees and the I installation of sidewalk is a matter of public safety. : I . ! Ehlert stated that when Pond View Ridge was originally presented to the City, the road design I was a major issue. 1\ vyas the St. Cloud Area Planning Organization that required 12'h Avenue SE be designated a major arterial roadway. Ehlert stated it is his opinion that a residential area ¡ should not include a major roadway. Ehlert stated he still has concerns whether or not the City ¡ needs to construct 12'h Avenue SE as a major arterial. Bettendorf stated the Council can reduce ¡ the width of the tarred surface from the proposed 44' to 40', provide a 5' - T area for snow removal and construct a 5' sidewalk. The combination of footages in this scenario would reduce the number of trees removed. i Bettendorf stated the Council needs to plan an east/west roadway and 12'" Avenue SE is the logical road. While the road may not be needed at this time, it will as the City grows to the south. I Without an east/west corridor the City will limit the growth potential. ' April 19,2001, Page 3884 of 7: i ¡ I .!. ,,,..,,-__"'.k'..'...., Page 3885 April 19, 2001 Hosch made a motion establishing the following improvements in Pond View Ridge VI: Paved road width for 12'" Avenue SE 40' Sidewalk width 5' Setback area (snow removal> 5' to 7' Sidewalk design winding around tre,es I Discussion: Rassier stated that he would prefer the roadbed to be 42' as the majority of 11" Avenue SE is already constructed at 44'. The motion was seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimously. Board of Review and Eoualization: Hosch reopened the Board of Review and Equalization to consider the recommendations of the City Assessor. Loso made a motion to accept the recommendations of the Board of Review; seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously_ (See attachment "A"J Hosch made a motion to close the Board of Equalization and Review; seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. MAYOR REPORTS Fruehlingsfest Road Close Request: Hosch requested the Council consider closing Minnesota Street between College Avenue North and 1" Avenue NW on May 19, 2001 for Fruehlingsfest as requested by HCP representative Mary Niedenfuer. Loso stated the he would like to wait until the County has considered the request. Ehlert stated that he understands that Fruehlingsfest is a community festh/al and is celebrated during daytime hours. However, he questioned the paring of Fruehlingsfest with Senior Farewell. Hosch stated that Fruehlingsfest is a community wide daytime event and does not have a past history of disorderly behavior. Loso made a motion authorizing the blocking of Minnesota Street between College Avenue North and 1st Avenue NW on May 19, 2001 between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. Approval is contingent upon written confirmation of the County approving the closure. The motion was seconded by Hosch. I COUNCIL REPORTS SCHNEIDER Park Board Matters: Schneider reported that the Park Board has agreed 10 focus on improving the campsites in Millstream Park. Also, the Park Board is sponsoring a Town Gown Softball tournament May 5'" and 6th, 2001. EHLERT No Report RASSIER CORE: Rassier reported that CORE met on April 19, 2001 and is requesting the Councii disband CORE and alternatively consider forming a committee that would meet quarterly or by special call of the City Council. The new committee could determine topics that would be discussed during the school year and conduct panel discussion. Rassier stated that he would like to be responsible for the new committee formed and invite the existing CORE members to become part of the new committee. Loso made a motion to disband CORE and replace the Committee with a quarterly meeting group to be determined later. The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. I April 19, 2001 Page 3885 of? Page 3886 April 19, 2001 I Plannino Commission Matters: Rassier reported the Planning Commission has been reviewing the Zoning Map and will be presenting the Council with a revised draft map for discussion. The Council discussed the possibility of reviewing the map by areas rather than the entire map at one time. ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK REPORTS AFSCME Labor Contract: Weyrens presented the Council with the revised ASFCME contract for the period January 1,2000 to December 31,2002. Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and AdministratorlClerk to execute the AFSCME Labor contract for the period January 1,2000 to December 31, 2002. The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. Rassier made a motion authorizing retroactive pay for all employees affected by the AFSCME contract. The motion was seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimously. Heatino Contract: Weyrens presented the Council with a proposal from McDowall Comfort Management Center to provide maintenance for the heating and cooling system in the City Office Facility. The agreement will include diagnostic and professional maintenance labor, preventive maintenance supplies, repair and replace labor, trouble call labor, components, parts and supplies required to keep the equipment operating properly and efficiently. The agreement will be effective for twelve (12) months and can be extended for an additional twelve months. The cost of the agreement is $ 5,400 per year. I Before the agreement can be started three modifications must be made to the system. The modifications can be completed by McDowall and the cost will not exceed $ 1,500.00. 1 . Move thermostat from downstairs hallway into conference room 2. Verify operation of the thermostat in Council Chambers 3. Furnish and install automatic bypass valve to boiler system piping. Weyrens stated that the heating and cooling system is a computerized system and the City does not have staff trained to repair such a system. If the City enters into an agreement with McDowall, they will manage the entire system and rebalance the building four times a year. In addition, the agreement provides 24 hour repair coverage. Hosch made a motion authorizing the Administrator/Clerk to execute the Professional Maintenance - Linc Service between the City of St. Joseph and McDowall Comfort Management with the terms outlined above. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. Desion for Citv Office Security: Weyrens presented the Council with a proposal from DM Building Corporation to change the interior entrance for the City Offices. The plan would include a security device to lock the City Offices so that the rear entrance could be open for evening meetings. Loso stated that the lack of security was an oversight and needs to be remedied. The Council requested Weyrens solicit a second proposal. I Dedication Plaoue: Weyrens stated that Gopher State Contractors and GL T has offered to donate a dedication plaque and are requesting the names of Council members to be inscribed thereon. The Council concurred to place the names of the Council members of the year 2000 on the dedication plaque as the project was already near completion when the current council took office. Annual Conference: Hosch requested the Council authorize the attendance of the Mayor, one Council Member and the City Administrator/Clerk to the League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conferene June 19 - 22 in Duluth. Rassier made a motion authorizing the expenditure for Apri119,2001 Page 3886 of 7; c..,..:~.,·.",;c,· -;;"~.:,,.,.,._. Page 3887 April 19, 2001 Hosch, Schneider and Weyrens to attend the annual LMC Conference in Duluth June 19 - 22; seconded by Schneider and passed unanimously. I Adiourn: Hosch made a motion to adjourn at 9:40 PM seconded by Schneider and passed unanim:;;I~~ ~eyrens ~~trator/Clerk I I April 19. 2001 Page 3887 of7