HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 [02] Feb 11
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. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Economic Development Authority for the City of St. Joseph
met in regular session on Wednesday, February 11, 1998 at 7:30 a.m.
Members Present: Chair Kenneth J. Hiemenz. Board Members Ken Twit, Bruce Gohman, Mike Deutz,
Ross Rieke. Recording Secretary Judy Weyrens
Others Present: Ellen Wahlstrom
Chair Hiemenz opened the meeting and stated the Board will conduct a closed meeting to complete a
performance review of the EDA Director, Chad Carlson.
The meeting was opened at 8:10 a.m. whereby Hiemenz stated the Board was pleased overall with the
performance of Carlson. The Board would like to see the EDA Director become more involved in
planning issues.
Twit made a motion terminating the Introductory period of Chad Carlson. The motion was seconded by
Rieke and passed unanimously by those present.
Twit stated the City Council authorized a 3.4% increase for the non union employees and decreased the
step system from 11 to 8 steps. Carlson is currently being compensated at step two of class 9, $
13.33/hr. Discussion of increasing the wage of the EDA Director included:
· Whether the increase will be retroactive to December 10, 1997
· If a step is approved at this time does Carlson become eligible in June for another step
· Should an increase in step movement be tied with job performance and establishment of a
strategic plan, revolving loan fund or other financial incentive programs developed.
· Past step increases for City employees and when they occur.
. After considerable discussion, Gohman made a motion to increase the salary of the EDA Director to step
3 class 9. The motion also clarifies that the increase will be retroactive to December 10,1997 and
Carlson will not be eligible for a step increase until June 10, 1999. The motion was seconded by Deutz
and passed unanimously by those present.
Carlson responded that although he is aware of financial incentive programs available, until the City
has a business or project needing funding those incentives cannot be tapped. Other incentive programs
require a commitment on the part of the City. As of this time the City has not decided how the Industrial
Park will be developed.
Minutes - Januarv 14.1998: Gohman made a motion to approve the minutes as presented; seconded by
Twit and passed unanimously by those present.
ROW Acauisition: Carlson reported that Steams County anticipates hiring Mike Amel as the appraiser
for the County Rd 133 project. Steams County will negotiate for the City with St. Cloud Acoustics,
Robert Koeing, and Tamarack Materials. In tum the City will be billed for the service. Gohman
discussed that since CR 133 is a County project and not an EDA project the expenses should not be
charged back to the EDA.
The City will need to negotiate ROW with Buettner, Kostreba, St. Benedict's, and Duncan/Nesser.
Carlson stated that he is in the process of requesting quotes for appraisers and will be presenting this
information to the City Council on February 19, 1998. Previously the City Council did authorize the City
Engineer and Carlson to negotiate ROW on the City's behalf.
Carlson reported the County time frame is as follows:
. June 1998 Present ROW Plans to property owners
October 1998 Secure Federal Funds for the re-alignment of CR 133
Spring 1999 Begin Construction of CR 133
"
Development Activities .
1. Met with Nadine and Sue Borgert who expressed interest in when the roads will be expanded in the
Industrial park.
2. Leo Buettner is in the process of purchasing the 40+ acres from Robert Koenig Buettner anticpates
closing on the sale in early March. During discussions with Buettner, he indicated that he would be
willing to participate financially in the development of his property.
3. The topographical map has been completed and Carlson will present to the Board when he receives
a copy.
Officers, 1998
Chair. 1998: Hiemenz stepped down from the Chair and requested the Vice Chair to conduct the
election of Chair for 1998. Twit made a motion to nominate Ken Hiemenz for Chair; seconded by
Rieke.
Ayes: Gohman, Twit, Rieke, Deutz
Nays: None. Abstain: Hiemenz
Vice Chair. 1998: Twit made a motion to nominate Bruce Gohman for Vice Chair; seconded by Rieke.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Rieke, Deutz
Nays: None Abstain: Gohman
Treasurer. 1998: Gohman made a motion to nominate Mike Deutz as Treasurer; seconded by Twit.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Rieke, Gohman
Nays: None Abstain: Deutz
Secretary. 1998: Gohman made a motion to nominate Ken Twit as Secretary; seconded by Rieke. .
Ayes: Hiemenz, Gohman, Rieke, Deutz
Nays: None Abstain: Twit
Meetinq Dates. 1998: The Board established the 2nd Monday of each month at 8:00 a.m. as the regular
scheduled meeting for 1998.
Twit and Rieke left at 8:55 a.m.
Annual Report: As required in the By-laws of the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority, Carlson
presented the 1997 Annual Report. Deutz made a motion to accept the report as presented; seconded
by Gohman and passed unanimously by those present.
Public Comments: Ellen Wahlstrom expressed the need for the EDA Board to allow citizen input. She
stated that she attends the meeting as an interested resident with environmental concems. Wahlstrom
further clarified that only three Board Members reside in St. Joseph and feels resident representation is
important. She also expressed disappointment with a comment made by a Board Member whereby he
said "when commercial moves in residents need to move out."
Hiemenz responded that the EDA Board is charged by Law to make decisions and public comment is not
required during such. To accommodate resident comments, "Public Comments to the Agenda" has been
added to City agendas. The intent is not to circumvent public comment, but rather conduct business in
an efficient manner. Hiemenz also stated that he has the documentation clarifying such if Wahlstrom
would like to see a copy.
Deutz made a motion to adjourn at 9:15 a.m.; seconded by Gohman and passed unanimously by those
present. ~dÿ ~[¿dÇ .
u y Heyrens
puty Clerk ,