HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 [08] Aug 20
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August 20,2002
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. JOSe~h met in special sessibn
on Monday, August 20, 2002 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall, !
Members Present: Mayor Larry Hosch. Councilors Bob Loso, AI Rassier, Administrator I Clerk Judy'
Weyrens, I
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Others Present: Dale Haug, Jim Graeve, Ellen Wahlstrom, Bob Wahlstrom, JoAnne Schneider, MikJ
Slavik.. i I
Mayor Hosch opened the meeting, the second of two public input meetings regarding the proposed one-
half cent sales tax. Hosch stated that the City distributed a survey via the St. Joseph Newsleader and the
results are as follows:
Total survey's distributed
Total survey's returned
3300
37
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Question #1: Would you support the collection of an additional one-half cent sales tax?
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Yes-28
No -9
Question #2: If the City is seeking additional sales tax funding for the IMPROVEMENT TO
ROADS, which project would you support?
Field Street - 15
None - 4
East I West Corridor - 9 Other - 8
CR 2 connecting to CSAH 75 - 2
Question #3:
If the City is seeking additional sales tax funding for the IMPROVEMENT TO,
PARKS, which projects would you support?
Wobegon Welcome Center-19
Bathrooms - Klinefelter - 11
Expansion - Campgrounds - 5
Pool - Water park - 21
Veteran's Park - 1
Indoor pool - 1
Inter-connect parks - 11
Extension Beautification - 11
Other - 6
None - 3
Additional garbage cans - 1
Question #4: If the City is seeking additional sales tax funding for the CONSTRUCTION OF A
COMMUNITY CENTER would you support an additional levy?
Yes-19
No-13
Question #5: What is your residential status?
Homeowner - 36
Renter - 2
At this time Mayor Hosch opened the floor for comments from those present.
Dale Haug questioned the projected income if the sales tax is approved and how the distribution of funds
is determined. Hosch stated that based on 1999 estimates the City is projected to receive approximately
$ 99,000. The five area cities have agreed to a distribution formula based on population and anticipated
revenue. Based on the approved distribution formula St. Joseph will receive $ 2.14 for each $ 1,00 I!
1 collected, . I
JoAnn Schneider discussed the possibility of funding an overpass to assist pedestrians crossing County
Road 75. Schneider stated that if the downtown area is to survive, the City must find a way to move 1
traffic safety across County Road 75. The Northland housing development has added a number of I
August 20, 2002
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families and if they want to go downtown St. Joseph they must use their car. Schneider stated that if she
has to put her kids in the car to pickup an item at Loso's or another downtown business she is more likely
to drive to St. Cloud, However, if she could walk to the downtown area safely that would be her
preference,
Bathrooms for City Parks: Those present discussed the need to improve or add bathrooms to all the City
facilities. Currently the Park Board rents satellites for park facilities and people generally only use
satellites as a last resort. The parks may be used more if facilities would be available.
Weyrens stated that the Council must formulate what question(s) will be placed on the ballot. The bond
counsel of Briggs and Morgan will assist the City with the wording of the questions. Graeve suggested
that the College English professors be utilized for the drafting of the proposed questions. Hosch stated
that the question(s) will need to be prepared according to the legislation and it would be prudent to use
the legal counsel from where the bonds will be issued,
Graeve questioned when the final decision will be made with regard to the ballot question(s). Weyrens
stated that the Council will need to approve the ballot question(s) no later than September 12, 2002. It is
anticipated that the Council will be presented with proposed ballot questions on September 5, 2002. The
ballot question(s) will include those items requested by the public.
Adioum: Rassier made a motion to adjourn at 8:00 PM; seconded by Loso and passed
unanimously by those present.
~dyc;:ly~
Ju y Weyrens
ministrator I Clerk
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