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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 [07] Jul 22 I I I I July 22, 2002 Page 1 ¡of 2 I I Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in special session on July 22, 2002 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 Judy Weyrens. City Representatives Present: City Attorney John Scherer, City Engineer Joe Bettendorf, Others Present: Bob Herges, Rick Heid, Tom Mathews, Jim Fredricks, Harvey Jewitt, Dick Taufen, Graceview Estates Curb: Rick Heid approached the Council requesting authorization to use rollover I curbing in Graceview Estates, Heid stated that the City has a policy requiring the use of B612 curbing and he proposed to use a rollover curb. A rollover curb reduces the cost of the street and does not require the cutting of curbs for driveways. Public Works Director Dick Taufen stated that most municipalities require B612 curb as it helps define the curb for snow removal. Taufen encouraged the Council to deny the request of Rick Heid to use rollov~r curb. Ehlert stated that he understands that the street department prefers B612 curbing but stated it' does add a considerable cost to the developer as they are constantly ripping out curb for driveways. It is impossible to know the location of the driveways when installing the improvements. Ehlert recommended allowing B412 curb in new developments. Bettendorf stated that many Cities do not allow B412 curb as the damage from snow removal can be considerable. I Ehlert made a motion to allow Graceview Estates to be constructed with B412 curbing; seconded by Hosch. i 1 Ayes: Ehlert Nays: Hosch, Rassier, Loso, Schneider Motion fails 1 :4:0 ! I Hosch stated that failure of the motion to approve B412 curbing affirms the City policy that all curbing! must be the minimum design standards and will be B612 curbing. . ¡ Condemnation Proceedinas, Colleae of St. Benedict: Representatives from the College of St. Benedict approached the Council to discuss the proposed road location for Field Street and Callaway Street. I Bettendorf stated that when the City received the plat for Graceview Estates, the surrounding properties owners expressed concern regarding the additional traffic 350+ homes would create, During the platting process the Council agreed to construct and ingresslegress to County Road 121, this extension will bb labeled Callaway Street. In addition, the City will need to secure right-of-way on the south side of the 'plat for the future street entitled Field Street. ' City Attorney John Scherer updated those present and stated he along with staff members have been meeting with representatives of the College of St. Benedict in the hope of reaching an agreement for ¡he ROW. A Memorandum of Understanding which included a two year cooling off period, has been drafted and rejected by the College of St. Benedict. i I Hosch stated that he has been frustrated by the process so far. The City has had the property appraised and offered the College a purchase price based on that appraisal. Hosch stated the roads are needed for the future development of St. Joseph, Field Street has been a discussion for many years and will provide the College with a front entrance. ' , i Harvey Jewitt stated that he is a Board of Trustee for the College of St. Benedict and the donor for the land that is being discussed. The College purchased the property from the Monastery for future I expansion. The College does not have any available land for expansion. Their has been some discussion of selling 4 acres to Centra Care for a medical facility, Jewitt stated this would not happen, If the City constructs Callaway in the proposed location, the road will divided the most valuable portion þf the property. Jewitt stated it is likely that dorms will be construction on the north end of the property as the south side is bounded by a natural gas easement. July 22, 2002 Page 2 cf 2 Jewitt stated the College is supportive cf Field Street as they believe it will increase the expcsure for the I Ccllege, Jewitt further stated that he understands that Field Street will cut through College and Mcnastery prcperty, but is not opposed. If the issue before the City was the ROW for Field Street it could be resolved quickly, Scherer stated that the Memcrandum of Understanding presented to College representatives included the deferral cf assessments until the College developed the property. Water and Sewer services wculd be available in the future, but the City would nct assess those charges until the College develops. The City recognizes that the property east of CR 121 is a land bank for the College andl may not be developed for many years, Hosch stated that the City has been wcrking diligently to resolve this matter and will use the powers of condemnation if an agreement cannot be reached. The Ccuncil agreed to allow staff tc continue working with representatives of ~he College cf St. Benedict to try and reach an agreement for the land purchase fcr Callaway and Field Street. SE Utility Improvement: Bettendorf requested the Council authorize the advertisement for bids for the SE Utility Improvements. The City has been approached by Wayne Brutger, property cwner cf the Super 8 Motel, regarding the financial hardship the improvement will place on his business. Rassier made a mction to authcrize the City Engineer tc advertise fcr bids the SE Utility Imprcvement. The motion was seconded by Losc and passed unanimcusly. Rassier questioned how the hookup fees for the hotel will be determined and if that is the fee that is being questioned. Weyrens responded that the hookup fee is based IOn the total gallons cfwater used per day. Ehlert stated that DTED guidelines for assistance require the property owner to show a financial hardship. The guidelines are very strict. Rassier stated that he dces not believe the City is creating a hardship for the property cwner as the residents are impacted tc the same level. Ehlert responded that it would be a disservice to the ccmmunity if the Hotel closed and the City should work with the property owner. I Rassier made a motion tc offer the assistance of Municipal Development Group to Wayne Brutger to research and process the required material for funding from Stearns Cooperative Electric Association. The assistance is in the fcrm of a low interest loan and is for the installation of water and sewer services. Further, the existing septic system will be allowed to continue fcr a pericd of two years or the system fails, whichever ccmes first. The motion was seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimously, Sales Tax Referendum: The City Council accepted input regarding proposed projects fcr the November sales tax referendum. Joel Vogel recommended the City ccnsider expanding Millstream Park, purchasing the adjacent property. Lonnie Abbot, Park Board Chair requested the Councill consider expanding the park trail system and providing restroom facilities for Northland and Klinefelter Park. The Council agreed that priority should be given for the construction of bathroom facilities in the Ciity Parks. Adiourn: Loso made a moticn to adjourn at 9:10 PM; seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously, Judy Weyrens Administratcr I