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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 [04] Apr 05 Page 3872 April 5, 2001 I Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, April 5, 2001 at 8:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Larry Hosch. Councilors Cory Ehlert, Bob Loso, AI Rassier, Kyle Schneider. Clerk/Administrator Judy Weyrens. Others Present: City Engineer Joe Bettendorf, Public Works Director Dick Taufen, Fire Chief Dave Theisen, Police Chief Gary Will, Jim Graeve, Rick Heid, Bob Herges, Dave Gruenes, Tom Klein, Gary Utsch, Len Walz, Dan Tideman, John Bloomer, S. Phyllis Plantenberg, Amber Wiese, Jim Hardwick, Jodi Terhaar. Aporove Aaenda: Ehlert made a motion to approve the agenda as presented; seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. Consent Agenda Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: ! a. Approve the Bills Payable, check numbers 29554 - 29648. I b. Approve the minutes of March 12, 2001 and March 15, 2001. c. Accept the Engineering rates for 2001 as submitted by SHE d. Authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute the Building Inspector Contract e. Authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute and publish the amendment to Ordinance No. 102, Noise Ordinance. The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS I PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Lawn Mower Purchase: Public Works Director Dick Taufen appeared before the Council to request authorization to trade-in the 1995 John Deere Mower, deck and broom. The City has received two quotes to replace the tractor, with the low quote of $ 24,204 submitted by Rudolph's, Inc. Rudolph's will allow the City a credit of $ 20,404 for the 1995 tractor, with the City contributing an additional $ 3800 plus tax for the new tractor. Rassier questioned if the mower is equipped with air conditioning. Taufen responded that in the past the City has not requested air conditioning as the windows are removed for the summer months. Rassier 'and Ehlert encouraged Taufen to seek pricing on air conditioning or consider this option for future purchases. Loso made a motion to approve the expenditure, allowing the purchase of a John Deere 4200 Series Mower and Deck as requested with a cash contribution after trade in of $ 4,047. The motion was seconded by Schneider and passed unanimously. Taufen reported that in addition to the 1995 tractor, the City is part of a rent program that allows the City to receive a new mower each year. The program offered by John Deere allows municipalities to rent a new mower each year, with the rent payment based on the number of hours used the prior year. The cost for the 2001 lease based on 2000 hours is $ 1,192.60. Rassier made a motion to authorize the lease payment in the amount of $ 1,192.60 to Rudolph's Inc for the lease of a John Deere Mower as requested. The motion was seconded by Schneider and passed unanimously. I Taufen requested authorization to look for a trailer to haul water for the trees and fiowers in the downtown area. The cost to retrofit a trailer is approximately $ 300 - $ 500. Loso made a motion authorizing the Maintenance Staff to purchase a trailer as requested, not to exceed $ 500.00. The motion was seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimous,ly. i Compost Area: Taufen discussed with the Council the opening of the compost area. The City needs to hire at least one attendant as Ben Hollerman is not interested working this summer. Taufen reported that due to large amount of snow, the compost area will open later this year than Page 3873 April 5,2001 in the past. When questioned if the City needs to staff the compost area, Taufen responded that if the City does not staff the site garbage tends to accumulate. Loso made a motion to advertise the position of compost attendant through the cable access channel and authorize the hiring as requested. The motion was seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimously. I Part Time Maintenance Worker: Taufen reported that the Maintenance Employee on leave due to injury has not been able to return to work as originally anticipated. Therefore, at this time Taufen is requesting authorization to retain Duane Lodermeier as a part time maintenance worker until April 30, 2001. Taufen stated that Lodermeier is interested in continuing employment with the City either part time or full time. In the past years the City has hired temporary workers and Taufen is requesting the Councii consider retaining Lodermeier. Schneider made a motion to retain Duane Lodermeier as a part time maintenance work as requested until April 30, 2001. The motion was seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimously. Fire Truck Purchase: Fire Chief Dave Theisen appeared before the Council to request authorization to seek bids for a ladder truck. Theisen reported that for the past six (6) months a committee from the Fire Department has been researching the refurbishing or replacement of the ladder truck. The Fire Board has discussed the purchase many times and has recommended unanimously that the City and Township authorize the solicitation of bids for a ladder truck. The cost to replace the ladder truck is estimated at $ 360,000. The Fire Board has agreed to use the equipment reserve fund to fund the $ 200,000 down payment and finance the balance through Baystone Financial. The interested rate quoted by Baystone in March was approximately 4.132 to 4.017. The term of the financing would be three years. The proposed truck will be equipped with a 65 foot ladder rather than the current 50' ladder. Theisen reported that the Truck Committee approached the Monastery and College of St. Benedict for a contribution. Twenty six years ago the Monastery contributed one-third the cost of the existing ladder truck. The College and Monastery agreed to increase their annual contribution by $ 5,000 per year. I Ehlert questioned how often the truck is used and the need to replace the ladder truck. Theisen stated that in the past twenty six years the ladder truck was used approximately twelve times. Theisen stated that a ladder truck is not only used for tall buildings, it is also used to get on top of a fire and fight if from the top down. Theisen also stated that the Fire Board has been discussing the need to purchase a new ladder truck since 1995. The cost of the ladder truck has been increasing at a rate of 5% per year. Theisen stated it is his opinion that the question is not what truck to purchase but when the truck will be purchased. Ehlert stated that he does not feel he has enough information to make a decision at this meeting and requested the Council table this matter for further information. Theisen stated that the Fire Board and Township both have unanimously approved the solicitation of bids. Rassier stated that he too has some concerns and sensed from the Fire Board minutes ~~at the Board also had some reservations. Rassier questioned what options were discussed before the decision to move forward. Theisen stated that the Truck Committee looked at both the refurbishing and new purchase of the fire truck and it was most economical to purchase a new truck. The cost to refurbish the old truck was approximately 50% of the price of a new truck. If refurbished, the truck would still be a twenty six year old truck. Loso stated his reservation at the Fire Board meeting was pertaining to the need for each area department to purchase ladder trucks. Loso questioned if the truck could be a mutual aid piece of equipment. Hosch made a motion authorizing the securing of bids for the purchase of a ladder truck with a 65' ladder. The motion was seconded by Schneider. Ayes: Hosch, Loso, Ehlert, Schneider Nays: Rassier Motion Carried 4:1:0 I Page 3874 April 5, 2001 CITY ENGINEER R¡::PORTS I Save the Woods: City Engineer Joe Bettendorf stated that he was approached by some residents of St. Joseph regarding the wooded area in Pond View Ridge Plat 6. The City has requested the utility companies to place all the utilities in one trench saving removal of trees. Bob Herges, developer of Pond View Ridge Plat 6, stated that it is not his intent to remove all the trees in the wooded areas. To a developer trees are considered an asset and saved whenever possible. In an effort to save the trees, Herges reported that before utilities are installed, the trees will be cut to determine the location of the roads. After the road is located all the utility companies will be invited to walk the site to determine the location of utilities. Dave Gruenes, representative from Stearns Electric approached the Council to discuss the placement of utility lines. Gruenes stated that utility easements are secured so that all companies place lines in one common area. The current regulations do not require that all utilities be installed with one trench. In fact, Stearns Cooperative Electric takes the position that joint trenching is not safer, is more difficult and more costly. Gruenes further stated that Stearns Cooperative Electric wants to be a good neighbor and places safety first. At this time the court system in Minneapolis is hearing a case regarding joint trenching. Previously it has been determined that as long as the utility companies maintain all lines within the easement, municipalities can not dictate the location. Gruenes stated that he agrees that in Pond View Ridge Six, the trees should remain. In fact, Stearns Cooperative Electric has agreed to stay within one foot of the easement to disrupt as few trees as possible. I Jim Graeve presented the Council with a petition signed by residents and business owners of the St. Joseph area. The petition urged the Council to save as many of the natural resources in Pond View Ridge Six as possible. Graeve stated that since the petition has been circulated he did meet with the developers and Stearns Electric. At that meeting everyone agreed to save as many trees as possible. Graeve questioned the Council if rather than constructing sidewalks in Pond View Ridge Six, the City could mark the pavement as a walkinglbiking trail. If the sidewalk were eliminated more of the trees could be saved. Bettendorf stated the City could review narrowing the road bed and marking the walking/biking path as stated. The Council agreed to reconsider the construction of sidewalks in Pond View Ridge Plat Six. Countv Road 121 Uodate: Bettendorf presented the Council with information regarding possible funding alternatives for the construction of utilities and street along County Road 121. The Council agreed to review this material at a later Council meeting. ' John Bloomer questioned Bettendorf if the current plans for the reconstruction of CR 121 include curb and gutter and the status of the project. Bettendorf stated that it is the policy of the City to install curb and gutter when reconstructing a road. Therefore, the plans include curb and gutter. As far as the status of the project, Bettendorf responded that the project is in the design phase and it is highly unlikely that construction will occur in 2001. The County hopes to finish the design work, secure the necessary right of way and award the bids in 2001. It is possible that if everything goes well, the County could do the Southern end of the road from County Road 138 to Jade Road. I Ehlert questioned the reason for denial of the grant. Bettendorf stated that he has not had the opportunity to meet with the Department of Trade and Economic Development regarding the grant. The grant process is very competitive and the City was competing with 109 other applications. Of the 109, only 39 were financed. Bettendorf stated he was initially informed the grant contained two flaws: 1) a large portion of the project was based on future grow1h and 2) a large portion of the project was not assessed. Bettendorf explained that St. Benedict's was not assessed for water as they have their own water system and sewer was not assessed based on the manner in which sewer is provided. --""'~' .."..~-_._'..,,. Page 3875 April 5, 2001 Bloomer questioned if the City could resubmit the project without the future growth, or using smaller lines. Bettendorf stated he would like additional time to review the grant application and if it would be worthwhile resubmitting the application for consideration in 2001. I CaDitallmprovement Plan: Bettendorf presented the Council with a portion of the Capital Improvement Plan. At this time Bettendorf has identified future projects and is working on projecting costs and revenue sources. Bettendorf stated he will present a more complete plan at a future meeting. Loso questioned the current conditions of some of the roads in the downtown area and stated they are in dire need of repair. Loso stated it is his opinion that some of the roads need to be completed this year as they may not last another year. Bettendorf stated that he is reviewing the roads with Dick Taufen and they will present a proposed improvement plan to the Council. Further, Bettendorf stated he trying to construct a road improvement plan that would maximize the MSA funding. Area HookuD Fees: Bettendorf reported that he is in the process of updating the area hookup fees, which he will present to the City Council at a later time. Affordable Housing Update Gary Utsch: Gary Utsch appeared before the Council to present the current information on the affordable housing plan. Utsch stated that he represents the City of St. Joseph on the Five City Affordable Housing Committee. The committee has been working on establishing uniform ordinances that would govern only affordable housing lots. Some of the items discussed include smaller lots, smaller frontages, sidewalks and number of affordable housing lots required per development. The current plan before the committee would require that all plats be designed with 15% of the total lots dedicated to affordable housing. Once a lot is designated for affordable housing, that classification remains for 10 years. The committee has also discussed financing mechanisms and the maximum housing cost. The current draft includes homes priced at $ 100,000, with $ 15,000 subsidized with housing funds. The amount subsidized would function as a second mortgage and remain with the property for 10 years. If the house Is sold before the 10 year period ends, the property owner must refund the $ 15,000 plus 2% interest. If the house is sold between 10 and 20 years, the $ 15,000 is split between the property owner and housing agency with the greater benefit to the' property owner the longer s/he stays owns the house. After twenty years the second mortgage is forgiven. I Monastery of St. Benedict Request to Chance Entrance: Dan Tideman, GL T appeared before the Council on behalf of the Monastery of St. Benedict. The Monastery is requesting authorization to change the entrance at Chapel Lane and West Minnesota Street. The modified entrance would move the existing entrance 22' to the east. In doing so, one parking space on Minnesota Street would be eliminated. In addition, the Monastery would be responsible for moving the light and paving stones. Fire Chief Theisen questioned if parking would be permitted in the new entrance. Tideman responded that no parking will be allowed in the entrance and 30 additional parking spaces will be provided behind the power house. Theisen expressed concern that the Fire Chief was not a part of the process reviewing the plans and requested that in the future requests be forwarded to the Fire Chief for comment and review. Loso made a motion to approve the request of the Monastery of 51. Benedict, moving the existing entrance 22 feet to the east, eliminating two parking spaces on the east and gaining one parking space to the west, for a net parking space loss of one. Further, the Monastery will be responsible for all costs regarding the replacement of street lights and paving stones. The motion was seconded by Ehlert. Schneider questioned what compensation the City will be receiving for the lost parking space. Ehlert concurred and requested a response from the Monastery of St. Benedict. I Page 3876 April 5, 2001 -. The motion passed unanimously. CSBISJU Reouest to close Colleoe Avenue: Jodi Terhaar appeared before the Council on behalf of the student senates from SI. Ben's and SI. John's. Terhaar stated the student senates are in the process of planning the Senior Farewell and questioned if the Council would be willing to close College Avenue on May 25, 2001. Terhaar stated the Council should have received three options for the evening of May 25 and she is requesting if the City will approve the road closure and if so under what conditions. The Council reviewed a letter prepared by the City Attorney, John Scherer. The letter advised the Council to not authorize the blocking of College Avenue as it is a County Ro'ad and a main north- south thoroughfare and must be left open and clear for passage. Loso stated that he has received many comments from the residents regarding the closing of College Avenue. At this time Loso stated that he concurs with the City Attorney and the City should not encourage the downtown party atmosphere. Gary Utsch questioned why the Colleges do not plan the event at the Del Win and then bus the student's back to SI. John's and SI. Ben's. Terhaar responded that busing the students back does not work, as the students want to go downtown for last call. No matter what event is planned the students will still gather in the downtown area. Terhaar assured the Council that the College is not planning an event downtown. Ehlert stated that he felt last year the senior event went well and is not sure if he is in favor of changing any1hing. Theisen stated that from the Fire Department perspective the event did not go well. The department was called to numerous fires. I Hosch made a motion to approve the request to block a portion of College Avenue North between Minnesota Street and Ash Street on May 25, 2001 for Senior Farewell as requested. The motion was seconded by Rassier. Loso and Ehlert questioned if the Council approved the blocking of College A venue as requested, would the City be promoting an event downtown. Upon being questioned if the City could allow the bars to remain open past 1 :00 AM without serving alcohol, Will responded that State Law would not allow such. Jim Graeve responded that it is his opinion that each year the event is getting better and it may not be necessary to block College Avenue. Ayes: None Nays: Hosch, Ehlert, Loso, Rassier, Schneider Motion Fails 0:5:0 I AFSCME Labor Contract: The Council received comments from the City Attorney regarding the AFSCME Labor contract for the period 2000 - 2002. Hosch made a motion to accept the following recommendations regarding the AFSCME Contract: a. revise section 2.1 to exclude from membership all Police Department Employees who are covered by the Police Union (LELS) b. revise section 8.1 clarifying that employees doing similar responsibilities will receive the same amount of overtime ! c. revise section 8.5 clarifying that department heads will have discretion authorizing overtime payor compensatory time d. revise section 10.8 clarifying that an employee with more than 80 hours accrued vacation on December 31 will lose all excess hours e. revise section 11.2 clarifying that sick leave will be paid at the regular rate of pay f. the number for section 11.11 will be corrected Page 3877 AprilS, 2001 g. revise section 17.1 A, clarifying that part time employees working 32 hours or less will pay a pro-rated amount of the employee contribution based on number of hours worked the numbering for section 18.8 will be corrected and the union will provide language for the Council to consider regarding seniority of part time employees. revise section 21.3 C clarifying that police department members covered by the AFSCME contract will receive a uniform allowance in the amount of $ 200.00 revise section 21.4 clarifying that longevity is paid for each full year of service revise the dates in section 26 I h. i. j k. The motion was seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimously. MAYOR REPORTS % Cent Sales Tax: Hosch reported that he and Ehlert testified before the State Senate Tax Committee and he is hopeful the tax will pass the Senate. COUNCIL REPORTS LOSO No Report RASSIER CORE: The next meeting of Core is April 18, 2001 at 6:30 PM I Plannino Commission: The Planning Commission will be presenting the Council with proposed zoning changes. A joint meeting will be scheduled sometime in May. EHLERT Noise Ordinance: Ehlert clarified that the Noise Ordinance Amendment approved by the Council does not change the manner in which noise violations are handled. In fact, Ehlert stated he wished to compliment the Police Department for the manner in which the noise complaints are handled. SCHNEIDER Park Board: The Park Board will be meeting on April 16, 2001 at 7:00 PM CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Joint Trenching: Weyrens questioned the Council if they wished to pursue the issue of Joint Trenching. The City Attorney has provided some information and suggested the City review the current Excavation Ordinance. The Council agreed to table further discussion on joint trenching until the court case with Excel Energy is settled. The court case may require the Ordinance to be changed. Therefore, Loso made a motion to table discussion on joint trenching; seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. Note: The Council was in agreement that joint trenching is in best interest of the City, but ¡tdees not make financial sense to spend additional resource hours researching the matter. I Roske Property - Dr. Joseph Stvles: EDA Director Chad Carlson presented information to the City Council regarding an offer to purchase Lot 2, Block 2 of Roske Addition at a pñce of $ 1.50 per square foot for a total price of $ 103,890.00. The property is jointly owned by the City and Township. On March 26, 2001 the Township unanimously approved the proposed purchase and I I I Page 3878 April 5, 200~ , at this time the Council needs to approve or deny the purchase agreement.' Loso made a motion to accept the proposal of Joseph Styles to purchase Lot 2, Block 2 Roske Addition for a price of $ 1.50 per square foot for a total price of $ 103,890.00. The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. Adiourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn at 10:40 PM; seconded by Hosch and passed unanimously. ~'td7 ~~ J Weyrens ' Ie Administrator ,-