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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 [08] Aug 19 I I I August 19, 2002 Page 1 of 2 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in special sessiob on Monday, August 19, 2002 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. 1 I Members Present: Mayor Larry Hosch, Councilors Bob Loso, AI Rassier, Kyle Schneider. Administrator I Clerk Judy Weyrens, ! Others Present: Elmer Rakotz, Ed Krippner, Greg Kacures, Mayor Hosch called the meeting to order and stated the purpose of the meeting is to discuss proposed' uses for a one-half cent sales tax. Hosch stated that the Legislature has given the five area cities of 5(. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, Waite Park and St. Joseph taxing authority for an additional one-half cent ¡ sales tax, However, the voters of each municipality must approve the tax, and the tax collected may only be spent on projects of a regional nature upon approval of the voters. The tax distribution will be managed through a Joint Powers Agreement, which favors St. Joseph. The formula for distribution is based on population and revenue collected and St. Joseph will gain $ 2,00 for each $1.00 collected. Hosch stated that the cities of St. Cloud and Sartell have already approved the tax, Therefore, any taxable purchases in those cities after January 1, 2003 will be taxed the additional one-half cent. Since many of the purchases that residents of St. Joseph make are in St. Cloud, residents will be paying the lax regardless if it is collected in St. Joseph, Therefore, the City Council is seeking input as to what I improvements the residents would support if St. Joseph shares in the collection of the one-half cent sales ~ 1 A survey has been distributed with the St. Joseph Newsleader, and the City Council will be accepting ¡ input tonight and tomorrow, Information gathered through the surveys and pubic input meetings will be complied and a draft referendum question will be discussed on September 5, 2002. At this time Mayor Hosch opened the floor for comments from those present. Elmer Rakotz spoke in support of the sales tax, Rakotz stated that two years ago, when the City presented information on the additional one-half cent sales tax it was not made clear that St. Joseph would gain $ 2,00 for each $ 1.00 collected. Rakotz questioned if the City is obligated to fund a portion of the St. Cloud airport. Hosch stated that the legislation authorizing the additional sales tax referred to the regional tax and the need to improve the St. Cloud airport which is a benefit to all five area cities, Therefore, the City must contribute to the airport and even that contribution the City will receive a two ' hundred percent return on investment. i I Ed Krippner spoke in support of the sales tax. Krippner questioned if the additional tax can be extended beyond the three year period. Hosch stated that it is hoped that the legislature will allow the tax to continue, but at this time the City is only planning for a three year period, Greg Kacures spoke in opposition of the sales tax. Kacures stated that businesses are taxed enough and governments should not rely on additional tax for spending. Kacures also stated that it is his opinion that St. Joseph should not approve the additional tax just because St. Cloud has, Krippner stated that he supports the tax because if he is going to pay the tax in St. Cloud regardless, he would like to see St.¡ Joseph gain something. If this tax were not already approved in St. Cloud Krippner stated he may have a different opinion. . 1 The Council spent the remainder of the meeting discussing proposed uses for the additional one-hali cent sales tax to include: 1 Wobeaon Trail Welcomina Center - The proposed center is estimated to cost $ 150,000. While some funding has been received the City is in need of additional financing, Grant applications will be forwarded to the Central Minnesota Community Foundation and the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development. August 19, 2002 Page 2 of2 Bathroom Facilities - All City Parks: Currently Klinefelter, Northland and Memorial Park do not have restroom facilities and the facilities at Centennial are in dire need of repair and upgrade. The installation of bathrooms would eliminate the payment of monthly fees for satellites. Connect City Parks: The City should find a way to interconnect all City Parks including the Wobegon Trail. Hiahwav 75 Overpass: It was suggested the City consider an overpass or underpass allowing children and residents to cross CR 75 safely. Increased traffic and speed prohibit pedestrian traffic making it difficult for residents south of CR 75 to access Millstream Park and residents north of CR 75 to access the downtown area. Pool: The City has received requests over the past years for an outdoor wading pool equipped with water toys, If a pool is planned it must be in a central location with room for future expansion. The pool area should also include water toys. Downtown Park: Some request has been received for a downtown park area. It has been suggested that the former Krebsbach property be converted to a dO'olmtown park area including tables and benches. Mayor Hosch thanked those present for sharing their ideas and stated the Council will continue to take input on August 20, 2002 at 7:00 PM. Adiourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn at 8:10 PM; seconded by Schn,eider and passed unanimously. ~dY aud~ Weyrens inistrator I Clerk I I I