HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 [03] Mar 21
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March 21; 2002
Page i1 of 7
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session
on Thursday, March 21, 2002 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. " I
Members Present: Mayor Larry Hosch. Councilors Cory Ehlert, AI Rassier, Kyle Schneider.
AdministratorlClerk Judy Weyrens, Members Absent: Bob Loso,
Others Present: City Engineer Amy Schaefer, Police Chief Pete Jansky, Sue Borgert, Ted Schmid, Matt
Fischer, Eric Moscho. : I
APprove Aaenda: Rassier made a motion to approve the agenda as presented; seconded by Ehlert
and passed unanimously by those present.
Consent Aaenda: Ehlert made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows:
a.
b.
c,
Approve Check numbers 30942 - 31004
Approve the minutes of March 7, 2002
Authorize the City Administrator/Clerk to request proposals for the updating of the
Comprehensive Plan,
Accept the recommendations of the St. Joseph Economic Authority and extend the
contract for EDA services through December 31,2002 at a monthly rate of $ 1,100.00
plus expenses. 1
Authorize the execution of a maintenance agreement between the City of St. Joseph and
Minnesota Elevators Inc, for bi-monthly maintenance at a fee of $ 65.00 per month.
Authorize the expenditure up to $ 5,000 for the cleaning of well number 3,
d,
e,
f.
The motion was seconded by Schneider and passed unanimously by those present.
Public Comments to the Aaenda: No one present wished to speak,
CITY ENGINEER REPORTS
Public Improvement Hearina, 15th Avenue NE and Elm Street East: City Engineer Amy Schaefer
presented the Council with the feasibility report for the proposed improvement to 15th Avenue NE and Elm
Street East. The improvement options are as follows:
Alternate A:
Elm Street East- County Road 133 to 15th Avenue NE.
Proposed Improvement: Construct the street with concrete curb and
gutter and install storm sewer and catch basins,
Probable Costs: $ 211,453 .
Projected Assessments: $ 211,453
Elm Street East - County Road 133 to 19th Avenue NE I
Proposed Improvement: Construct street with curb and gutter and install
storm sewer and catch basins. I
Probable Costs: $ 303,202 '
Projected Assessments: $ 303,202 I
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Elm Street East - County Road 133 to 19th Avenue NE and 15th Avenue
NE - Elm Street East to County Road 133, , I
Proposed Improvement: Construct streets with concrete curb and gutter.
Install storm sewer along 15th Avenue NE and Elm Street East. 1
Probable Costs: $ 623,015 !
Projected Assessments: $ 623,015 I
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Elm Street East - County Road 133 to 15th Ave NE - Elm Street East,to
County Road 133,
Alternate A & B:
Alternative A, B, & C:
Alternative A & C:
March 21, 2002
Page 2 of7
Proposed Improvement: Construct street with concrete curb and gutter
and install storm sewer along 15th Avenue and Elm Street.
Probable Costs: $ 531,266
Projected Assessments: $ 531,266
Hosch stated that the construction of 15th Avenue NE and Elm Street East is necessary to accommodate
a business that will be locating in the Industrial Park, The EDA consultants have been working with two
companies for construction in 2002. However, the construction cannot occur without the roads being
constructed,
Weyrens stated the public improvement hearing was tabled from February 21,2002 with the possibility of
extending the improvement area to 19th Avenue NE. In order to extend the project area, notice must be
mailed to the affected property owner, which in this case is Borgert Products, Schaefer stated that
extending the project to 19'h Avenue NE adds approximately $ 90,000 to the total project cost.
Sue Borgert approached the Council and stated that she has some concerns regarding the project.
Borgert stated that she has some question as to what they have been assessed in the past and how the
assessments were calculated. While her company does not need the additional access. it makes sense
to complete the road at this time given the total amount of assessments that have been levied. Borgert
also stated that she is also frustrated with the TIF assistance between the City of St. Joseph and Borgert
Products. Hosch stated the EDA Consultants are working with the County to resolve the outstanding
issues.
Weyrens reported the EDA Consultants have prepared a summary of comparable industrial land values.
With the proposed improvements, the lots in the St. Joseph Business Park are priced within the mid-
range of the surrounding area, Weyrens stated that the Council needs to takla action at this meeting if
the two business requesting services are to build in 2002. The City Engineer can meet with owners of
Borger! Products before the bids are awarded and resolve any outstanding issues.
Ehlert made a motion to adopt Resolution 2002-07 ordering the improvement of 15th Avenue NE
between County Road 133 and Elm Street East. The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed
unanimously by those present.
Resolution 2002-07
WHEREAS, a resolution of the City Council adopted the 7th day of February, 2002, fixed a date for a
council hearing on the proposed improvement of 15th Avenue NE between County Road 133 and Elm
Street East.
AND WHEREAS, ten days mailed notice and two weeks published notice of ~'e hearing was given, and
the hearing was held thereon on the 21" day of February and tabled to the 21" day of March, 2002, at
which all persons desiring to be heard were given an opportunity to be heard !hereon,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. JOSEPH,
MINNEOSOTA:
1. Such improvement is necessary, cost-effective, and feasible as detailed in the feasibility report,
2. Such improvement is hereby ordered as proposed in the Council resolution adopted 21" day of
March, 2002.
3, SEH, Joe Bettendorf, is hereby designed as the engineer for this improvement. The engineer
shall prepare plans and specifications for the making of such improvement.
4,
The City Council declares it official intent to reimburse itself for the costs of the improvement from
the proceeds of the tax exempt bond,
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March 21, 2002
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Transportation Plannina: Schaefer presented the Council with a task summary and cost proposal to I
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location study, environmental assessment, and official map for field street. The cost breakdown is as
follows:
Stage 1:
Stage 2:
Stage 3:
Location Study
Environmental Assessment
Official Map
Total
$
$
$
54,174
60,701
11,869
$ 126,744
The Council agreed to review this matter with the capital improvement plan.
Street Improvement 2002: Schaefer reported that the proposed improvement north of Minnesota Street is
anticipated to begin immediately after the 4th of July, The plans are in the process of being submitted to
State Aid and after their approval the project will be let for bid, I
County Road 121 Improvement: Schaefer reported this project is being led by Stearns County and is I
anticipated to begin on June 1, 2002. Weyrens reported that City En~ineer Joe Bettendorf met with i
representatives of the St. Joseph Lions regarding the staging of the 4 of July parade, I
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East Baker Lift Station: Schaefer reported the eiectric design work is not completed at this time.
Therefore, the project is not ready for bidding. This matter will need to be tabled to the April 4, 2002
meeting.
EDA Industrial Park Drainaae: Hosch questioned the drainage in the Industrial Park and if the holding
pond constructed will contain all the surface water, Schaefer stated the design plans are being reviewed
and when complete the calculation should detail the drainage rate per cubic foot. !
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Ted Schmid. Annexation Northland Six: Ted Schmid appeared before the Council to request annexation
for the property known as Northland Plat Six. Schmid stated that he has already received approval frOm
St. Joseph Township. Annexation is being requested to develop a housing addition with 103 single-family
homes.
Rassier made a motion approving resolution 2002-08, annexation of the property known as
Northland Plat Six; seconded by Hosch.
Ayes: Hosch, Rassier, Schneider
Nayes: None Abstain: Ehlert Motion Carried 3:0:1
RESOLUTION 2002-08
ORDERLY ANNEXATION - NORTHLAND SIX
1.
The Township of st. Joseph and the City of St. Joseph have entered into an Orderly Annexation
Agreement approved by the Municipal Board February 6, 1998 as OA-524, and, pursuant to !
Section 7, Subdivision B, Paragraph 3, states if the owners of 100% of the parcels of property in
the affected area have petitioned to annex, the City Council will, as an agenda item at their next
regular meeting, review the petition for consideration of annexation. 1
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The City Clerk/Administrator received a petition for annexation on March 21,2002 signed by t!1e
property owners of title for the following described property, all of which are governed by the OA
Agreement. 1
2.
See attached legal description (Exhibit· A")
March 21, 2002
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3.
The City Council agrees to reimburse the Township pursuant to Minnesota StaMas 414.036 and
Section 4 of the OA Agreement, for the taxes to be collected on this property according to the
following schedule:
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
In the year 2006 and every year thereafter, all pertinent tax revenue will be the property of the City.
4, Upon annexation the property shall be zoned as indicated on Exhibit "CO , subject to the
requirements according to City Ordinance No. 52 and future amendments to such Zoning
Ordinance.
5. The OA agreement states the Town and City mutually agree and state that this Joint Resolution
and Agreement sets forth all the conditions for annexation of the area:> designated, and that no
consideration by the Municipal Board is necessary. The Board may rE~view and comment, but
shall, within thirty (30) days, order the annexation in accordance with the terms of this Joint
Resolution.
Ted Schmidt. Northland Six Improvements: Schmid requested the Council issue special assessment
revenue bonds for the improvements of Northland Six, This same process was used for Northland Five
with all the assessments being paid before the bonds matured. Schmid stated that he will guarantee the
bond payment similar to the agreement that was established for Northland Five.
Weyrens stated that if public financing is used the Council will need to follow ~~e assessment process
which requires the completion of a feasibility study, After the study is complet'e Schmid can waive the
public improvement and assessment hearing.
Schneider made a motion approving resolution 2002-09 requesting a feasibility report for the
improvements to Northland Plat Six. The motion was seconded by Rassier.
Ayes: Hosch, Rassier, Schneider
Nays: None Abstain: Ehlert Motion Carried 3:0:1
Resolution 2002-09
Resolution Declaring Adequacy of Petition and
Ordering Preparation of Report
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ST. JOSEPH, MINNESOTA:
1. A certain petition requesting the improvement of street and utilities for the development of
Northland Plat 5, filed with the Council on March 21, 2002 is hereby deciared to be signed by the
required percentage of owners of property affected thereby. This dec:laration is made in
conformity to Minn, Stat. 429,035,
2, The petition is hereby referred to SEH, Joe Bettendorf and that person is instructed to report to
the council with all convenient speed advising the council in a preliminary way as to whether the
proposed improvement it necessary, cost-effective, and feasible and as to whether it should best
be made as proposed or in connection with some other improvement, and the estimated cost of
the improvement as recommended,
Department Head Reports
POLICE CHIEF
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March 21,12002
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Police Officer Hire: Police Chief Pete Jansky stated the he along with the Mayor, Administrator/Clerk,1
and Sergeant Young interviewed the two part-time officers interested in working full-time for the City of St.
Joseph. It was the consensus of the committee to recommend the Council promote Dwight Pfannenstein
to full time status, replacing Officer Paul Schley. Jansky stated that Pfannenstein has been with the St.
Joseph Department for 3 months and a licensed police officer for the past 2 years, Jansky is requesting
the Council hire Pfannenstein at an hourly wage of $ 15,96 per hour. For budgetary purposes, the hourly
rate recommended is less than that paid to the resigning officer, I
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Ehlert made a motion to hire Dwight Pfannenstein as a full time police officer effective March 21,
2002 at a starting wage of $ 15,96 per hour, The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed,
unanimously by those present. !
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Mayor Reports , , I
Comprehensive Plan: Hosch reported that Stearns Cooperative Electric contributed $ 5,000 towards the
updating of the Comprehensive Plan. !
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Tax Abatement Seminar: Hosch reported that he recently attended a Tax Abatement Seminar that was
presented by David Drown & Associates, I
Scheduled Meetinas: Hosch requested the Council establish special meetings to discuss financing o~ the
proposed 2002 Street Project and updating of the Capital Improvement Plan. The Council established
the following special meetings:
April 9, 2002
April 10, 2002
April 15, 2002
4:30 PM
4:00 PM
7:00 PM
Funding 2002 Projects
Capital Improvement Plan
Interview Comprehensive Plan
Consultants
Noise Violation, 120 - 2,d Avenue NW Apartment #303: Mayor Hosch stated the Council has receive8 a
noise violation that occurred on February 28, 2002 at 120 - 2,d Avenue NW, Apartment #303, As the
property owner did not request a evidentiary hearing, it is acknowledged that a violation did occur. I
Threfore, the Council will move on to the disposition of the violation,
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Property owner Eric Moscho spoke on his own behalf. Moscho stated that he is supportive of the City
Noise Ordinance and includes a penalty provision in his leases, should a tenant receive a noise violation.
Moscho further stated that he is concerned that the police have been called to his apartment building!
three times for the same unit, but he was not notified until this time, He also requested clarification as to
when a property owner is notified and cited for the violation. Weyrens responded that the Council revised
the noise violation policy in 1996, requiring the landlord to appear before the Councii for each violation,
even first occurrences. Hosch stated that the police did not notify him on the prior complaints because
they were unfounded.
Matt Fischer, tenant of apartment #303 stated it is his opinion that the complainant has a personal
problem with him and the matter is largely a neighbor dispute, Ehlert stated that the Council does not
judge neighbor disputes and he is concerned with the number of times the police department has been
called to the same apartment. Ehlert stated the Council has requested the Police Officers use discretion
when responding to a noise violation, and it is his opinion that the police did use discretion over the past
months. Unfortunately, in this instance the noise reached a level where a citation had to be issued. I
Ehlert made a motion to fine the property owner, Eric Moscho, the administrative fee of $ 150.00;
seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously by those present, I I
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March 21, 2002
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Police Chief Pete Jansky stated that he will attempt to schedule a meeting with the landlords to review the
current policies and answer any questions,
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
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SCHNEIDER
Park Board:
1,
2.
Schneider reported on the following Park Board Activities:
Annual Town/Gown Softball Tournament has been scheduled for May 4 and 5
The Park Board is requesting to be included in the preliminary plat process reganding the
park land dedication requirement.
Spendina Freeze: Schneider questioned the Council if the spending freeze imposed by the Council in
February could be lifted. Schneider stated it is his understanding that government aid will not be cut for
the year 2002, Hosch stated that the session has not been completed and he would prefer to wait until
the legislature addresses the revenue shortfall, Ehlert stated that it is his understanding that the Council
would look at each request separately and some exceptions need to be made. If the Park Board is to
complete any improvements in 2002 the plans will need to be approved shortly so the equipment can be
ordered and installed before winter. The Council agreed to consider a capital spending request of the
Park Board if plans are submitted.
EHLERT
Street Beautification: Ehlert reported that he discussed the proposed street beautification project with the
St. Joseph Chamber. Ehlert stated that the scope of the beautification project as well as the length of the
improvement needs to be determined. Ehlert, Rassier and Weyrens will meet with the City Engineer and
various civic leaders to discuss the potential beautification project and report back to the City Counci.
Maintenance Facilitv: Ehlert presented the Council with a concept plan for a maintenance facility. The
goal of the facility is to store all the equipment indoors and provide a breakroom and offices. The
proposed building is 184' x 60' and includes the removal of the existing facility. The projected cost of the
new maintenance facility is $ 234,500. The building would be partially financed with prior year budgeted
funds,
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Schneider questioned how many years the building is projected to be adequatl3 for the maintenance
facility, Ehlert responded that the proposed building should last for 5 to 10 years, The City is limited with
funding and the former fire hall could be used for seasonal equipment storage. Ehlert further stated that
before the building is constructed the facility will be presented to the public for review and comment.
RASSIER
Tax Abatement: Rassier reported that he attended a one-half day seminar on tax abatement. The
presenters at the workshop encouraged municipalities to use this financing mechanism as this program
may be short lived.
LOSO - No report
ADMINISTRATOR CLERK REPORTS
Roske Property: Weyrens stated that Bill Lowell Sr. has expressed interest in purchasing the remaining
lot owned jointly by the City and Township. Ehlert stated that while he can provide a market analysis to
establish a fair market price for the land, he would prefer to negotiate the selling price with a Township I
representative, Schneider made a motion authorizing Ehlert and a Township representative to
determine a fair market price for the remaining Roske property and nego1tiate the purchase
agreement, The motion was seconded by Hosch and passed unanimously.
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March 21; 2002
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Adiourn: Schneider made a motion to adjourn at 8:45 PM; seconded by Schneider and passed
unanimously.
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