HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 [08] Aug 01
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August 1, 2002
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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, August 1, 2002 at 7:00 p,m. in the St. Joseph City HaiL! 1
Members Present: Mayor Larry Hosch, Councilors Bob Loso, Cory Ehlert, AI Rassier, Kyle Schneider,
Administrator I Clerk Judy Weyrens, I
Citv Representatives Present: Fire Chief Dave Theisen and City Engineer Joe Bettendorf.
Others Present: Justin Honer, Steve Johnson, Don Berger, Lisa Braun, Kathy Koch, Manni Campos. '
Approve Aaenda: Schneider made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of 15 (c)
Right-of-way acquisition update. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously'.
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Consent Aaenda: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows, removing item 3
(c) Pay Application - Northland Five for discussion during the Engineer's Report:
a,
b.
c,
d.
Bills payable - Approve check numbers 31554 - 31606
Minutes - Approve Minutes of July 2002
Removed for discussion during the Engineers report
Change Order No, 1, 2002 Street Project - Authorize the Mayor to execute Change
Order Request No, 1 removing item 24 (A) Select Granular Borrow
Election Judge, September 10, 2002 Primary, Appoint election judges on the list
submitted for the September 10, 2002 Primary Election. I
Application for Payment #2 - 2002 Business Park, Authorize the Mayor to execute pay
application #2 to Molitor Excavating, authorizing payment in the amount of $ 143,648.31
Application for Payment #1, County Road 121. Authorize payment to steams County in
the amount of $ 230,962.27,
Capital Purchase Request: Request Action: Authorization to purchase a fax machine
from MARCO in the amount of $ $870.00. This action is in lieu of repairing the existing
six year old machine at a cost of $ 300,00, '
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The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously.
Public Comments
Justin Honer of 4th Avenue SE approached the Council questioning the development known as I
Graceview Estates. It is his understanding that there will not be an access to CR 121. Mayor Hosch the
City has initiated the eminent domain process, and untii the issue is resolved there will not be a temporary
construction road, The Council is scheduled to make a decision on the right-of-way acquisition on
VVednesday, August 7, 2002.
Honer stated it was his understanding that when the plat was approved, there would be an access to CR
121, Rassier stated the Council agreed to pursue the northern access, and since an agreement could not
be reached between the College of St. Benedict and the City, the process has taken longer than !
anticipated. Loso concurred with Rassier and stated that securing the necessary right-of-way is time I
consuming and encouraged Honer to have patience with the City as it may take two years before a road
is constructed, " 1
Honer questioned why the Council is willing to wait two years. In Honer's opinion the northern access 'is
necessary to keep the downtown thriving, The northern access will generate traffice to the downtown I
area rather than towards St. Cloud, Honer stated that the residents were informed at the public hearing
for Graceview Estates that there would be a northern access and he is requesting the Council adhere 'to
the conditions stated at that meeting. '
Mayor Hosch stated there will be a temporary construction road in an effort to keep the construction trkffic
out of the residential neighborhoods. Hosch further stated the Council is aggressively pursing acquisition
of the needed right-of-way and the eminent domain process is taking longer than anticipated due to the
legal process required. :
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Brian Donnav of 7'" Avenue SE approached the Councii regarding the Graceview Estates Addition. ,
Donnay stated he too was of the understanding that a temporary construction road to County Road 121
would be constructed with Graceview Estates. He questioned the Council as to when a decision would
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be made regarding the northem access. Hosch stated the Council has scheduled a special meeting for
August 7, 2002 at which time the access will be discussed with the anticipation of making a final decision,
Ehlert stated that eminent domain is an option the Council is considering. The Council had hoped to I
reach an agreement with the College of St. Benedict to secure the needed right-of-way, allowing for the
construction of a temporary construction road, Ehlert further stated that the Council has not made a final
decision as to how to proceed,
Memorial Baseball Park Sian - Harry Knevel: Harry Knevel approached the Council regarding the
renaming of the Memorial Baseball Field. Knevel presented the Council with the history of the park,
(which dates back to 1925), and stated that the park was dedicated in honor of those residents serving
the United States in the armed forces. Knevel stated that he is of the understanding that the Park has
retained the name Memorial Park with the fields being dedicated to the Schneider family. Knevel stated
that he represents a number of men who fought for the freedom we enjoy today and wants to be assured
the name Memorial Park is not forgotten.
On behalf of the American Legion Post # 328, Knevel offered to purchase a sign of granite to memorialize
the park, and install it lat fall 2002, The Council was in general agreement to allow the placement of a
sign at the entrance of Memorial Park and encouraged Knevel to work with thla Park Board and Public
Works Director, Knevel stated he hopes to have the sign in place late fall of 2002.
St. Joseph Fire Relief Association, Annual Report: St. Joseph Fire Relief Treasurer Steve Johnson
appeared before the Council to present the Annual Relief Report. Johnson stated that due to the stock
market, it is anticipated that for the year 2003 the fund will have a deficit of $28,757. As a result, the City
and Township wiil need to increase the retirement contribution for the year 2003 to offset the deficit.
Weyrens stated the Fire Board discussed this matter and agreed to reduce a potion of the deficit through
fund balance reserves, Both the City and Township have limited funding sources and using a portion of
the reserves would help reduce the additional liability,
Mayor Hosch questioned what happens if the fund has a surplus. Johnson stated that in the recent past
when there has been a surplus fund balance the City contributed $ 3,000 to the Relief Association, The
alternative to the surplus donation is to create a deficit by increasing the amount for each year of service.
Currently each firefighter is paid $ 1,600 per year of service.
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Rassier made a motion to accept the st. Joseph Fire Relief Association Report as presented;
seconded by Loso and passed unanimously.
St. Cloud Optimist Club Gamblina License Reauest: Dan Berger of the St. Cloud Optimist Club appeared
before the Council requesting a Premise Gambling Permit for JM Speedstop Oil. Berger stated the
Optimist Club currently has three gambling locations, one in Sartell and two in St. Cloud, Berger futher
stated that approximately six years ago the Optimist Club had a premise gambling license at the St.
Joseph Liquor Shoppe. The St. Cloud Optimist Club consists of 42 members and targets funding for
youths, Locally the Club has sponsored a Bike Safety Program at Kennedy Elementary School.
Mike Deutz, owner of the property where the Premise Gambling Permit is being requested, stated he was
not notified of the gambling request. Deutz further stated his lease with JM Speedstop Oil prevents the
gambling license from being issued. In addition, Deutz stated that as property owner he should have
been notified of such a request.
Retire Senior Volunteer Proaram (RSVP): Lisa Braun representing RSVP approached the Council
requesting funding for RSVP, Braun stated the mission of RSVP is to engage men and women age 55
and over in meaningful volunteer service that strengthens the well being of both self and community,
RSVP is associated with more than 160 non-profit or licensed health care sites in the St. Cloud area.
Arlington Place of St. Joseph and St. Benedict's Monastery are new additions to RSVP. St. Joseph I
currently has 74 senior volunteers donating over 5,069 hours of free service annually, The St. Joseph
volunteers represent 7.8% of the total volunteers in the program.
Braun stated that while seniors volunteer their time, they are reimbursed for mileage and expenses. In
2002 the City of St. Joseph donated $ 3,500, which only covers the mileage expense incurred. A fee for
service is determined for each community, That fee is based on the percentage of volunteers in relation
to the RSVP budget. Therefore, it is estimated that the benefit to St. Joseph is $ 8,885. Braun stated that
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although she is aware of budget constraints that the City is faced, she requests the Council to consid~r
reaching full funding for RSVP, Hosch stated that at this tim~ the City cannot make a commitment.
However, the request will be reviewed during the Dudget prepáration for the year 2003.
City Engineer Reports
Sidewalk Extension. Countv Road 121: Bettendorf stated the College of St. Benedict has requested
Stearns County to extend the sidewalk on the east side of College Avenue South from the east/west alley
between Minnesota Street and Baker Street, south to Baker Street (Kennedy School), Mayor Hosch !
stated that while he supports the request, he questioned if the County would have sufficient right-of-way.
Bettendorf clarified there is sufficient area for the sidewalk. Further, Bettendorf stated that if the sidewalk
is extended the County will not cost participate in the extension, i 1
Ehlert made a motion to extend the sidewalk on the east side of College Avenue South from the
east/west alley between Minnesota Street and Baker Street, south to Baker Street (Kennedy 1
School), The motion was seconded by Schneider.
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Discussion: Rassier stated that he supports the installation of the sidewalk but questioned if the
adjoining property owners should be assessed for such as it is his understanding the College' of
St. Benedict requested the sidewalk. The St. Joseph Parish has also requested sidewalk and
they were informed the cost must be absorbed by the Parish. If that is true, then the College 1
should be contacted for cost participation, Ehlert concurred with Rassier and questioned the
origin of the request. Bettendorf stated the College of St. Benedict made the sidewalk request to
stearns County. The Council was in general agreement to contact the College for cost I
participation in the sidewalk installation.
Hosch made a motion to table the sidewalk extension request until the City Engineer has the 1
opportunity to discuss cost participation with the property owner requesting the sidewalk. The
motion was seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimously, !
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Baker Street Reconstruction, 1st Avenue NE to Countv Road 121: Bettendorf presented the Council v-iith
the request of the Public Works Director to reconstruct East Baker Street from College Avenue South '0
1st Avenue SE, The County Road 121 Project included utility replacement in this area and it would be!
prudent to reconstruct the street at this time. If the project is to be completed, the Council would need, to
authorize the public hearing for the improvement, allowing the costs to be assessed to the affected !
property owners, Bettendorf stated that 1 st Avenue SE has already been overlaid and this area !
described above is the last piece needing repair.
Mayor Hosch stated he is reluctant to add this project as the City has already defined a considerable ~rea
that is in the process of overlay or reconstruction, Hosch questioned if this is a project that could wait,
until a later time. Bettendorf stated that if the reconstruction is not completed at this time it will be placed
on the long term replacement list as it will not be economical in the near future. The small portion of road
described above is the last piece that needs to be repaired in the area. Loso stated that he would likE!
additional information before making a decision on whether or not to proceed. Bettendorf agreed to I
present the Council with a cost estimate at the next Council meeting, 1
2002 Street Improvement Proiect. Extension of Sidewalk 2nd Avenue NW: Ehlert stated at a previous'
Council meeting that he agreed to meet with the property owners on 2nd Avenue NW regarding the i
installation of sidewalk on the west side of 2nd Avenue NW. At this time Ehlert stated he has discussed
the matter with two of the property owners and they are opposed to the installation of sidewalk adjacent to
their property. Ehlert stated that in viewing the area, it is his opinion that it may be more feasible to place
the sidewalk on the east side of 2nd Avenue NW. [
Rassier stated that he too has received negative feedback regarding the sidewalk installation and
questioned if the issue should be removed from the project. Loso stated that in his opinion the sidew~lk
should extend from Ash Street north to Birch Street. This sidewalk would connect to the apartments on
Old Highway 52 and Centennial Park, Loso further stated that once residents reach Ash Street sidewalks
and alleys are available for pedestrian traffic. I
Loso made a motion to remove the sidewalk on 2nd Avenue NW from Minnesota Street to Ash I
Street West and install the sidewalk on the west side of 2nd Avenue NW between Ash Street West
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and Birch Street West. (The telephone pole in Monument Park should be used as a starting point
for the sidewalk). The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously.
City Well Field, Cost Studv: Bettendorf presented the Council with a proposal to study and construct a I
test well to establish a new city well field on the property owned by Granite Tops. The property is located
adjacent to the southeast intersection of Interstate 94 and CR 2, The establishment of a new well field
includes the following tasks:
-+ Hydrogeological analysis of the St. Joseph Area,
-+ Engineering review of the existing well fields and water supply system
-+ Test drillingltest pumping to confirm the report
-+ Prepare written report
Bettendorf stated the entire process is anticipated to extend over a 45 day period with an estimated cost
of $ 30,000. Before the project can begin there are some right-of-way issues that must be resolved. In
addition to the well field, Bettendorf stated that the City will need to complete a Well Head Projection Plan
which will cost approximately $ 20,000, The will eventually be required to complete the study, however,
the construction of a new well would required the plan to be completed at this time. Hosch questioned
how the well field and Well Head Protection plan will be funded. Weyrens responded the water fund has
sufficient funds to cover both projects. The Council was in general agreement to consider this matter on
August 15,2002.
Confinement of Easement. Northland Plat Five: Bettendorf stated that when Northland Plat Five was
developed, the City required a twenty foot easement lots 35 and 36 Block One Northland Plat Five. The
easement was required so that utilities could be extended to the area known as Indian Hills Plat.
However, since that time, Indian Hills has developed with utilities being extended from the east.
Therefore, the City does not need to maintain the 20 foot easement and Bettendorf requested the Council
to reduce the easement to five feet. The reduction of easement would be consistent with the remaining
easements in Northland Plat Five.
Loso made a motion to reduce the thirty foot easement between lots 35 and 36 Block One of I
Northland Plat Five to five (5) feet as requested by the City Engineer. The motion was seconded
by Ehlert and passed unanimously.
Application for Pavment # 5, Northland Five: Hosch stated that he requested this item be removed from
the consent agenda item for clarification as to what work has been completed to warrant compensation,
as it doesn't appear that any work has occurred. Bettendorf stated the contractor has been working on
the drainage areas in Northland Plat Five and the work for which compensation is being requested is for
the months of May and June.
Ehlert questioned when Northland Drive will be repaired. Bettendorf respond1ed that the City requires a
concrete base when streets area repaired and the contractor is proposing to pave the area at the same
time the pavement is laid for Little Crow Court in the Indian Hills Plat. In discussing the matter with the
on-site inspector, it was determined that it would be best to close the road only once. However, to allow
the concrete to cure, the road will be closed for three days,
Hosch made a motion authorizing the Mayor to execute Application for Payment #5 for Northland
Plat Five and authorize payment to Larson Excavating in the amount of $ 15,434.13. The motion
was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously.
Miscellaneous Matters: Loso requested Bettendorf to prepare for Council re'~ew an estimated traffic
count for Graceview Estates, Callaway Street East.
-+ 2002 Street Proiect Bettendorf reported that all the curbing on Ash Street will be
removed. The curbing was in poor condition and if it is not removed the street would not
match the existing curbing and eventually cause maintenance issues.
-+ Countv Road 121: Bettendorf stated he received a call from the Assistant County
Engineer and she is convinced the project will not be completed in the timeframe outlined
in the contract. There has been a lot of jumping around on the job site and it is going
slow, This issue is not their ability to do the work, rather it is the lack of plant and
equipment. The general contractor, Bauerly Brothers, has been notified in writing that the
project is not meeting the expectations of the contract.
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Wobegon Trail - Snowmobile Use !
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Mayor Hosch stated t~at the Council will accept testimony on whether or not snowmobiles should be 1
allowed to use the trail between St. Joseph and Avon. Hosch stated that ten (10) minutes of testimony
will be allowed for the prohibition of snowmobiles on the trail and ten (10) minutes will be granted for the
allowance of snowmobiles on the trail. . I
Prohibition of Snowmobiles on the Trail: Manni Campos, a resident of st. Joseph representing a group of
runners, walkers, cyclists, and other residents of Stearns County approached the City Council. Campos
would like to submit a proposal that is strongly endorsed by landowners adjacent to the trail. St. John's
University has volunteered to plow the trail during the winter months to allow for running, walking and I
cycling, Campos presented the following information: I
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&ó A petition of those wishing to allow only non-motorized traffic will be presented to the County
Commissioners, at this time the petition has been signed by 200 people.
&ó There are 11,658 snowmobiles registered with the DNR in Stearns County, population 134,509.
Thus 8.7% of the population of Stearns County has access to 414 miles of trails in winter with'
99.5% of trails lying within the county, Walkers, runners and cyclists do not have this same 1
advantage. There are few areas available for non motorized winter activities, '
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&ó There is a misconception that snowmobilers are entitled to use of the trail because they have paid
for it. That is untrue. As far as donations to the trail, those wishing to use the trail for non- !
motorized activities have donated to the trail as well as those who are seeking to use the trail for
motorized uses. 1
&ó It is the opinion of those wishing to use the trail for non-motorized activities that public funds 1
subsidize a small segment of the population by allowing the gas tax to be used by snowmobilers
to groom trails, If the Wobegon is used for non motorized activities, snow removal will not be !
publicly funded, as st. John's University has agreed to maintain the trail during the winter mon'ths.
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Ehlert stated that the City of St. Joseph provides areas for non-motorized winter activities such as walking
and running. St. Joseph clears the sidewalks in St. Joseph to provide such an opportunity. Further, the
Council recently requested the Public Works Director to remove the snow from the trail in Klinefelter P!3rk.
The City has at least three miles available for non-motorized activities in the winter months. Campos I
stated that while that is commendable, long distance runners and cyclist are looking for long distance
opportunities, I
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Allowance of Snowmobiles on the Trail: Don Wieber approached the Council to request the Council I
support the use of the Wobegon Trail by snowmobiles. Wieber stated that he has been involved with the
St. Joe Sno-Joes since 1968 and presented the following information on their behalf:
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.:. Snowmobile clubs support safety and respect the groomed trails. A s~all number of
snowmobilers do not respect private property. In the past the St. Joe Sno-Joes have worked with
the local police department to enforce snowmobile safety, !
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.:. Allowing snowmobiles on the trail will move the trails out of cities creating a safer environment.
.:. Questioned whether St. John's University has the equipment to remove the snow. Futher, !
Wieber stated he discussed this matter with some runners and they do not want to run on an area
where snow will be compacted. It is Wieber's opinion that all the snow cannot be removed,
thereby not being usable for non-motorized activities.
Ehlert stated that during his tenure as Councilor the City has received numerous complaints regarding'
snowmobiling within the City. The residents have been told that once the Wobegon Trail is complete (he
snowmobile trail would be moved outside the City. Wieber verified that the main snowmobile trail will be
removed from the City once the Wobegon Trail is complete, I
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Schneider stated that he has been working with the Wobegon Cpmmittee and tre gr¡ nt submitted to the"
Department of Natural Resources included the use of snowmobiles, If the City prohibits snowmobile use
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on the trial, funding to the City could be in jeopardy, Schneider concurs with Ehlert that the residents
have been told the snowmobile trail would be moved outside the City limits once the Wobegon Trail is
complete and the Council needs to affirm that statement.
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John Wittrock approached the City Council voicing his concern as a property owner. It is his opinion that
snowmobilers do not respect private property, there is a lot of vandalism, and it is noisy. Wittrock
encouraged the Council to support the prohibition of snowmobile use on the Wobegon Trail.
Loso stated he cannot support either side as there are many unanswered questions. Loso stated one of
his main concerns is what type of security will be provided so that vandalism does not occur. Rassier
stated that he cannot support the prohibition of snowmobiles as it may limit the city's funding abilities.
Hosch stated that he supports the use of snowmobiles on the Wobegon Trail as the residents have been
promised relief from snowmobile traffic once the Wobegon Trail is completed.
Rassier made a motion to recommend the Stearns County Board of Commissioners allow
snowmobile use on the Wobegon Trail The motion was seconded by Ehlert and passed
unanimously,
Mayor Reports
Meetinas Attended: Mayor Hosch reported that he attended the Intergovernmental Meeting where the
main topic of discussion was Affordable Housing. Hosch also reported that the EDA met specially to
review proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinances, The recommendations will be forwarded to the
Planning Commission,
Council Reports
LOSO - No report
RASSIER
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Street Beautification: Rassier reported that the Monastery of St. Benedict has donated $ 24,000 to the
street beautification project on County Road 121. The donation is over a four year period. Ehlert stated
that this is the second largest donation received to date.
Vie West Steel: Rassier reported that he attended the ground breaking ceremony for Vie West Steel.
Rasser stated the Vie West Steel project had taken a long time and would like to thank the EDA Board,
Consultants, and everyone who was involved in the project.
EHLERT
Fire Board: Ehlert reported on the July 31,2002 Fire Board meeting. The following items were
discussed:
1, Pumper Truck #1 has been placed back in service after the work was completed. The
manufacturer forwarded a check to the City in the amount of $ 3,231 for the need repairs. The
warranty work was completed at CMS Autobody at a total cost of $ 2,166, The balance of the
funds for the warranty work will be used for mobile communications equipment.
2. The Fire Department received a grant from the Central Minnesota Emergency Services in the
amount of $ 675. The Fire Department submitted a request for funding in the amount of $ 100.
However, due to the lack of applicants the Fire Department was awarded an additional $ 575.
3, The Fire Board is requesting the rental fee for the community room include a refundable damage
deposit in the amount of $ 100, A recent event at the Fire Hall has necessitated the need for a I
damage deposit. The City Office has billed a group using the facility $ 100,00 to cover the cost of
repair and cleaning to the Fire Hall. The Fire Board agreed to pursue collection of the damages
through small claims if the City does not receive payment.
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Ehlert made a motion to amend the rental policy for the St. Joseph Community Fire Hall to include
a $ 100 refundable damage deposit for all non service groups using the facility. The motion was
seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. !
Water Report: The Council reviewed the Annual Water Report as prepared by the Public Works Director.
The Council discussed the following: . I
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+ Bettendorf discussed the process of backwashing.
+ SEH has been assisting the City in trying to locate a water leak. The City is required to certify,
each year the amount of water pumped versus collected, The State requires all municipalities to
account for 90 percent of the water pumped, The City was notified by the Department of Natural
Resources that before the next water permit is issued, the City must be within these guidelines.
Bettendorf stated that all the meters have been checked and they are looking at replacing the'
check valves on the well pumps, Bettendorf further stated that unfortunately water leaks are riot
easy to detect and cannot be found until they surface and break ground. The City and SEH will
continue to try and isolate the problem, '
+ The Council noted the large amount of water consumed by the baseball sprinkler system,
Councilors stated that the baseball meter system should minimally be monitored as it will water
during rain storms. The Council requested the Public Works Director research the feasibility of
drilling a well to water the field. It does not make sense to water a ball field with treated water:
Bettendorf stated that if a well is drilled the water will contain high amounts of iron and may le1we
a red residue on the grass or any building the water reaches.
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Administrator Reports I
Hookup Fees: Weyrens presented the Council with information regarding the proposed increase to thb
water and sewer access fees. The information submitted includes a schedule of improvements to the:
water and sewer facilities as well as increased fees needed to support annual bond payments for water
and sewer improvements. Hosch stated he recently met with Ted Schmid of Lumber OneAvon regarding
the proposed fee increase. Schmid is requesting the opportunity to meet with the Council and discuss the
need for the increased fees. Loso stated that while he is not opposed to meeting with the developers, ,he
questioned the purpose for the meeting as when the City raises other user fees, (such as dog licenses),
public input is not solicited. The Council agreed to meet with the developers on August 22, 2002 at 5:30
PM to discuss the increased water and sewer access fees.
Sales Tax Referendum: Weyrens presented the Council with a sample information sheet that will be
inserted into the August 9, 2002 Newsleader soliciting public input for the proposed additional one-hal~
cent sales tax. Hosch and Ehlert requested the information sheet include a survey as well as information.
The cost to insert the flyer is approximately $ 175,00, The Council requested Weyrens verify that publ'ic
funds can be used for such an expenditure. The Council established meetings to receive resident input
regarding the one-half cent sales tax for August 19 and August 20,2002 at 7:00 PM. ¡
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Adiourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn at 10:05 PM; seconded by Hosch and passed
unanimously,
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