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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a] Minutes August 31, 2015 Page 1 of 5 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Monday, August 31, 2015 at 6:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall, opening the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz, Councilors: Dale Wick, Bob Loso, Matt Killam, Renee Symanietz. City Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives: City Engineer Randy Sabart, Police Chief Joel Klein, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Public Works Director Terry Thene, City Attorney Tom Jovanovich Others Present: Tom Klein, Jenny Berg, Thomas Ortmann, Tim Ortmann, Keith Louwagie, Dave Salzer, Mike Folkerts, Brian Arms, Paula Eich, Logan Gruber Public Comments: No one present wished to speak Agenda Approval: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of item 12, Closed Session pursuant to MN Statute 13D.05 Subd. 3(c), Purchase of property located at 124 1st Ave SE. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Consent Agenda: Wick made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. a. Minutes- approved the minutes of August 17, 2015 b. Bills Payable - approved payment of check numbers 049617-049659, Payroll EFT #001098-001102 and Accounts Payables EFT#001700-001701. C. Grant Acceptance—accepted grant funding in the amount of$1,100 from the DNR to purchase two pagers, two torches and five lengths of hose. d. Fire Relief Contribution —increased the annual contribution for years of service from the current$1,800 to $2,200. e. Officer Hire— Hired Jason Luethmers as FT patrol officer, starting at step 3 and hiring Celeste Walz and Dan Pfannenstein as PT Officers, hiring Celeste FT if the COPS Grant is awarded. f. Snow Removal —authorized execution of Resolution 2015-028 allowing for snow removal on Jefferson Lane. g. Surplus Property—declared the 1998 fire helmets as surplus and authorized disposal to a salvage company. h. Payment Application —approved application for Payment No. 7 to Kuechle Underground, Inc in the amount of$115,236.05 for the 2014 Park Terrace Improvements. i. Payment Application —approved application for Payment No. 2 to Knife River Corporation in the amount of$163,261.20 for the 2015 Bituminous Street Improvements. j. Gambling Report—accepted the 2nd Quarter Gambling Report k. Grant Application —approved the submittal of a safety hazard abatement grant to OSHA for eye and ear protective equipment. Cable Access Service, Joe Prostrollo: Joe Prostrollo introduced himself to the Council stating he moved to St. Joseph in May. Prostrollo has a 40 year background in broadcasting and believes that the City has great opportunity in using the local channel 181 to profile the businesses, non-profits, and groups throughout the City. Prostrollo watched a recent Council meeting where discussions were had on ideas for extra revenues. Prostrollo would offer his labor to create 2-3 minute profiles for the businesses in the City. Additionally he would create a youtube channel where the ads would be as well. Prostrollo believes it would be a great opportunity for the City as well as the businesses in town. The profile videos showcasing the businesses would be free of charge. If the businesses would like to have a static advertisement, then the charge would be $30 a month, which Prostrollo would invoice. He projects that the City could capture $20,000 to $ 30,000 per year in revenue. Prostrollo requests the Council approve the upgrading of his equipment for a fee of$2,500 in order to get the project started. That is the only fee that will be charged as he is not charging for his labor. The profiles created would be owned by the City. August 31, 2015 Page 2 of 5 Schultz questioned how Prostrollo would obtain access to the Cable Access Channel. Prostrollo stated he would send a letter out to each business explaining what he plans to do. He would then schedule times with each business. All the profiled businesses would be put on a DVD that would be given to the Administrator who would then have it put on the channel. Prostrollo added that down the road he would like to livestream some events such as Council meetings so that people are able to watch them as they take place. Wick moved authorizing the expenditure of$2,500 and authorizing staff to work with Joe Prostrollo enhancing the website and cable access channel with business profiles. The motion was seconded by Killam and passed unanimously. Noise Violation 308— 10th Ave SE Thomas Ortmann: Weyrens presented the Council with an alleged noise violation at occurred at 308 1 OlnAve SE. The property is owned by TJ Ormann who is operating the rental license as a non-owner occupied Interim Use Permit. Ortman was unable to sell his home; therefore he applied for a two year IUP. In addition, the Police Department received a complaint in May for which they received a waring. The police were again called to the property on August 12, 2015 at which time they were cited for the noise violation. Weyrens stated that the property owner has been notified of the alleged violation and they have not contested the finding nor have they requested an evidentiary hearing. Therefore, the Council needs to take two actions, the first acknowledging the violation occurred and the second determining the disposition. Wick made a motion acknowledging the noise violation did occur at 308—10th Ave SE on August 12, 2015. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Discussion: Tim Ortmann, co-owner of the property, approached the Council. Ortmann received notice of the violation in August. Since then, they have spoken to the tenants verbally and via mail in hopes that the situation is rectified. Wick made a motion to impose the fine of$250.00 to property owners Thomas, Ellen and Timothy Ortmann for the noise violation at 308— 10th Ave SE. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Committee Reports EDA: Wick reported that budget items were discussed and cuts were made. Additionally there were numerous facade projects that were approved and changes in the look of the businesses downtown will be noticeable. Park Board: Killam and Park Board Chair John Anderson created a PowerPoint presentation with Park Board Updates. • Little Libraries: Killam stated that there are 5 little libraries located in Northland Park, Lake Wobegon Trail Head, Klinefelter Park, Hollow Park, and Cloverdale Park. The project was created and maintained by the Lyon's family, St. Joseph residents, and the local Boy Scouts troop. Abby Lyon was the resident leading the fundraising efforts and construction of the libraries. • Footgolf: Killam has collected $200 donations for five of the 6 holes. The course is going to be located in Northland Park. The holes will be flagged so as not to create any safety hazards. Everyone will need to bring their own soccer balls. There will be signs at each hole with the sponsor's name on it as well as where the next hole will be. Anderson stated Footgolf is cutting edge and will be a great addition to the City. • Dog Park: Killam reported that resident Mary Munden has started an advocacy group for the project as well as a facebook page. The Park Board will complete a survey with metrics on finding the right location. There will be a public hearing on September 28th on the dog park. Residents within 350 feet of the proposed location will be notified. August 31, 2015 Page 3 of 5 Schultz stated that there may be other people throughout the city that would want to be notified of the meeting. Additionally, if there are other possible sites, the people near those sites should be notified as well. • Prairie Restoration: Killam stated that the restoration would take place in Klinefelter Park. It is a multi-phase project potentially starting in the fall. Schultz stated the Park Board held a meeting at Klinefelter Park to discuss the proposed planning of prairie grass/wild flowers. The restoration was well received. Park Board Chair Anderson, approached the Council requesting $4,000 be allocated to the restoration project. Public Works Director, Terry Thene stated they are working with the Fire Department to coordinate the controlled fire to burn the area in the park that will be restored. • Master Park Plan: Anderson stated that the Park Board has discussed master planning in Millstream Park. The softball field is not utilized like what it once was. There have been issues at the campsites as well. Some ideas have been generated to master plan Millstream. Schultz made a motion to allocate $4,000 to the prairie restoration in Klinefelter Park. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Discussion: Wick questioned where the money would be coming from.Weyrens responded the funds would come out of the Park Dedication fund. Schultz questioned if the old tunnel at Millstream would be incorporated into the study as it could be an easier and safer access to the park by residents. Anderson thought it would be a great idea to incorporate into the Master Park Plan. Schultz added that if there is the need for increased activity in Millstream, then there should be additional ways of accessing the park other than with a vehicle. Consensus by the Council on having SEH provide a scope of the costs of the Master Park Plan for Millstream Park. Thene stated the Park Board appreciates any feedback upfront or ideas on what to include or enhance at Millstream Park. • Colt's Academy: Anderson stated that the Park Board has allocated funds in their budget for staffing of the facility. Anderson added that there is a great amount of opportunity in the building. Anderson added that discussions have been had on constructing a permanent bathroom facility in Klinefelter Park, but that has been pushed of until 2017. City Engineer Reports 1 St Ave NE Utility Extension: Sabart reported the City received two quotes for the trunk water main extension on 1S Avenue North. The low quote was received from C & L Excavating, St. Joseph in the amount of$94,496.66 which compares favorably to what was estimated for the project. Sabart would like to assemble a cost-share estimate between the City, the Church, and property owners on the East side. Loso made a motion awarding the 2015 1st Avenue North Trunk Water Main Extension project to C & L Excavating in the amount of$94,496.66 contingent upon the assembling of cost-sharing documents with Resurrection Lutheran Church. The motion was seconded by Killam and passed unanimously. Budget 2016: Weyrens stated that since the last Council meeting staff have met and reviewed the budget and a new preliminary budget has been prepared. The budget has been reduced by$91,755.00 since the last meeting. Items that were reduced or taken out were, CIP Reductions for Police, Administration, Public Works, and EDA, Fire Fund Correction, park board programming, and AMEM dues. Items that were added were the EDA intern, PD wages, and Community Center Rent.Weyrens added that the budget is August 31, 2015 Page 4 of 5 broken down into two components: the Operational Budget and the Debt Service Budget. The reductions can be mostly seen in the Operational Budget. Some reductions were made to the Debt Service Budget where space allowed. The preliminary budget must be established by the end of September. Schultz stated the EDA intern will not be needed if the Community Development Director position moved forward. Weyrens added that before the budget is finalized, there may be reductions due to the increase in revenues. The donation from St. Ben's has not been included in the budget as well. Loso questioned what numbers were plugged into the budget for wages and benefits. Weyrens responded that 2.75% increase was used which is a little lower than what was settled last time. Weyrens added that the unions should have proposals presented to the City prior to final budget approval. Wick stated that the preliminary budget can be reduced prior to final approval, but cannot be increased. Loso stated he would like to have the budget reduced prior to approving the preliminary plat. Weyrens noted that staff has met twice on the budget trying to reduce it to as much as they can. Killam suggested waiting to hire the Community Development Director until June. Weyrens stated it is an option, but the EDA consultant would still be paid for the first half of the year. Weyrens stated that if the City is not awarded a COPS grant for the 9th Officer, $ 26,000 can be deducted from the budget and the City should receive notice before the final budget needs to be approved. Loso questioned how much further the budget would need to be reduced in order to get to a 5% increase. Weyrens stated around $150,000. Weyrens added that capital can be reduced, but that will eliminate some of the funding for the future when it would be needed. If reserved balances are taken away, that is a one-time fix. Loso stated he would like to take additional time to consider what can be cut and he will bring back new numbers to the Council for review. Weyrens stated that there are two resolutions regarding requests for state funding that are before the Council for approval. Wick made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2015-030 Requesting State Bonding Funds for the St. Joseph Community Center and Resolution 2015-031 Requesting State Bonding Funds for the Pedestrian Crossing. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Administrator Reports Northland Heights Agreement: Weyrens stated the City has been working with the developer on the agreement and are still waiting for a consensus. It will be brought back to the Council for the meeting in September. Development Agreement Amendment, Elite Development: Weyrens stated the City Council previously approved the execution of a Development Agreement for the construction of utilities and street for Graceview 4 to allow for a two phase single family home development. The developer is requesting an extension for placing the wear course in the development with the intent to complete phase II next year having one wear course for the entire development. Wick made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the amendment to the Developers Agreement for Graceview 4; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Discussion: Wick questioned if there are going to be any issues with the amendment. Thene stated he has no issues. Sabart stated that plowing the roads will make it harder for staff making it more prone to damage if the snowplow hits it. Sabart added if damage were to occur there is a provision in the developer's agreement in which the developer would be responsible for the repairs. Schultz moved to enter into close session pursuant to MN Statute 13D.05 Subd. 3(c), Purchase of property located at 124 1st Ave SE. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. August 31, 2015 Page 5 of 5 Schultz reconvened the meeting at 7:30. Schultz made a motion to move forward with the purchase of the property located at 124 1st Ave SE and authorizing the survey of the property. The motion was seconded by Wick; motion carried. Aye: Schultz,Wick, Symanietz, Killam Nay: Loso Motion Carried: 4:1 New Business Adjourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 7:30 PM; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Judy Weyrens Administrator This page intentionally left blank