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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a] April 4th Minutes April 4, 2016 Page 1 of 4 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Monday, April 4, 2016 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, Matt Killam, Bob Loso. Administrator Judy Weyrens. Members Absent: Renee Symanietz City Representatives: City Engineer Randy Sabart, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Public Works Director Terry Thene. Others Present: Margy Hughes, Monte Eastvold, Richard Schwegel Public Comments Margy Hughes, 128 Able Court: Hughes approached the Council thanking the Tamm family for their ownership of the EI Paso, which brought great lasting memories to the City of St. Joseph. Hughes added that on April 3rd, the St. Ben's Senate had a big day. The Senate Community Committee volunteered at five different venues throughout the City to help with any projects that needed to be completed. Agenda Approval: Wick made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of items 9a Update; 9b Summer Help; seconded by Loso and passed unanimously by those present. Consent Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Killam and passed unanimously by those present. a. Minutes- approved the minutes of March 22, 2016 b. Bills Payable - approved payment of check numbers 050363-050407, Payroll EFT #001178-001181 and Accounts Payables EFT#001724-001725. Public Hearing —Outdoor Special Event: Mayor Schultz opened the public hearing to which Weyrens stated the public hearing is consider the request of the St. Joseph Parish for an outdoor liquor and event permit for July 3 &July 4. The Liquor Ordinance regulating Outdoor events requires a public hearing for events extending past 9:30 PM, which includes notification adjoining property owners. The Council has annually approved the outdoor liquor events for the St. Joseph Parish 4th of July Celebration. The request for an outdoor liquor license includes the request to close Minnesota Street between 1 st Avenue and College Avenue and to close College Avenue South from Minnesota Street to Baker Street. In 2015 Minnesota Street was not closed as a trial to see if both roads need to be closed. After the event it was determined that not closing MN Street caused some safety concerns; therefore the request has been submitted to close both streets. Richard Schwegel, Church of St. Joseph: Schwegel approached the Council stating the event is going to be the same as it has in past years. On the third, music will go until midnight. The parish offers nearby residents the ability to stay in a hotel to avoid any noise disturbance. Schwegel added the parish will again be working with the Police Department to staff the grounds. No backpacks, food, or beverages are allowed to be brought in to the fenced in area. At the end of the night, no food or beverages are allowed to be taken out of the fenced in area. Both these measures are to keep the debris and litter within the gated area. Loso questioned if the Parish is aware of the Quaker Convention that will be taking place that same weekend at the College of St. Benedict. Schwegel stated he is aware of the Convention, but is unsure how their presence will affect the turnout of the festival. As no one else present wished to speak, Schultz closed the public hearing. April 4, 2016 Page 2 of 4 Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Temporary outside Liquor License for St. Joseph's Parish for an event to be held on July 3, 2016 between 6:00 PM and Midnight and to approve the temporary road closures for July 3 and July 4, 2016. The motion was seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously by those present. Government Center Government Center Bonds: Monte Eastvold, Northland Securities, approached the Council to present the options for financing of the Government Center. There are two types of financing; General Obligation — Capital Improvement Bonds, and Public Project Revenue Bonds. Eastvold stated the main difference between the two types of bonding is that the Public Project Revenue Bonds do not include the general obligation piece, resulting in a higher interest rate for that bond. If the same dollar amount is financed, the GO bond would be lower due to the lower interest rate. The public project revenue bond would require the city to set aside debt service reserve fund to any potential shortfall. Eastvold added he has observed the interest rates decreasing, which will overall decrease the levy. Schultz questioned when the project will be bonded for. Eastvold stated the plan is to have the City bond for both the government center and Field Street project together. Eastvold stressed the danger of waiting to bond for the projects as interest rates could increase over the summer. The Council questioned Sabart as to the status of Field Street. Sabart responded that his staff continues to finalize the design and it is anticipated that the Council will receive the final design in May. The original schedule presented with the feasibility report indicated that the bid opening would in occur in late July or early August. At this time the project is on schedule. Weyrens questioned if the cost of issuing secondary bonds to cover any shortfalls is higher than if the City were to issue a separate bond issue. Eastvold stated if a second bond issue is issued, there would be an extra fee of around $30,000 to account for additional paperwork. The Council questioned Eastvold how the City could maximize the proceeds from the sale of the current facility. That is, whether it should reduce the initial bond or be used for a revenue source over time. Eastvold stated that any cash that can be applied to the issue up front will result in decreasing the size of the issue, lowering the amount that needs to be paid over the life of the issue. Wick made a motion authorizing Monte Eastvold of Northland Securities to start bonding process for the GO CIP bonds for the Government Center,with an anticipated sale date of June 6th. The motion was seconded by Killam and passed unanimously by those present. Discussion: Loso questioned the impact using sales tax monies would have on the bond issue. Eastvold stated the City is allowed to use half cent sales tax on the project, but the amount would be up to Council. Committee Reports Park Board: Killam reported the foot golf course in Northland Park is almost complete. There are six (6) holes and the signage will be put up later in the week. Killam added he is working with Mary Bruno to create artwork at each hole, telling a story throughout the course. Killam updated the Council on the potential outdoor volleyball league. The league that competed at the EI Paso will be moving to the health club on Highway 23; therefore, it would not be viable for the City to create a league court. The lions shelter in Millstream is still moving forward. The shell of the building has already been approved and the next step would be to design the interior. The Park Board continues to discuss the need to develop a dog park and are considering using a portion of Millstream Park. Millstream Park has both water and parking already available. Loso stated that the Master Park Plan indicated the dog park would be constructed in the Park by the Sauk River. He stated that the Park Board should utilize the plans that have already been developed. Killam responded that the Park by the Sauk River will not be ready for use at this time and funding for development is not available. April 4, 2016 Page 3 of 4 Engineer Reports Field Street: Sabart stated the Council will need to come to some conclusion on the style of light to be installed with the Field Street Project. Schultz questioned whether Field Street lights could be the same as those in the downtown. Sabart stated the same type of lights could be used, but the Council may like having a higher light that spreads light further out. Sabart stated he will follow up with sites that the council can look at that have the same lighting options. APO—Transportation: Schultz reported that previously he had indicated that he would check with the St. Cloud APO to inquire whether or not they could conduct the intersection study at MN Street and 1 st Ave and MN Street and 12th. Unfortunately while the APO would typically assist member cities with such a request, they do not have the staff available at this time. As reported earlier, the APO Executive Director resigned and most recently the senior planner resigned. Therefore the study will have to wait until they are back to full staffing levels. Administrator Reports Updates: Weyrens reported the developer who is proposing to construct a senior living facility has closed on approximately 130 Acres of the former Arcon property. As part of the closing, the City received the deed to the proposed Park adjacent to the Sauk River, approximately 93 acres, and cash in the amount of $ 50,000 for park development. Loso questioned if the closing on the current city hall has been set. Weyrens stated the purchase agreement was received, but a couple items need to be worked out yet. The closing date is set for July 1, 2016. All building information has been provided to the buyers. Summer Help: Weyrens stated the 2016 budget included hiring a seasonal worker for the summer to assist with park maintenance. The budget included one position, 40 hours per week at a wage of$ 11.00 per hour. Weyrens requested authorization to hire the seasonal worker as budgeted. Schultz made a motion authorizing staff to begin the hiring process for summer help. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously by those present. Mayor Reports Old Glory Run: Schultz stated that he noticed the Old Glory Run is scheduled for St. Joseph this year and questioned the staging. Wick expressed concern as he noticed the staging is listed as Colts Academy. He questioned if they are aware of the construction of the Government Center and if the site will work. Weyrens stated they have been working with Chief Klein and she will follow-up with him to make sure the site is safe. ISD 742: Schultz reported that the School District is conducting strategic planning/vision update at the Gorecki facility. The purpose of the update is to review their goals and planning to see if they are meeting expectations or where they need to focus additional resources. APO Status: Schultz reported the APO director has resigned. The former director expressed interest, an offer was made, and it was declined. The Senior Transportation Planner also gave his resignation and his last day is Friday. In the meantime, MNDOT gave the APO a list of items to complete by end of July/August. Schultz added the search for a new director has begun and there will continue to be many more personnel committee meetings over a two-three month time frame. Once a director has been chosen, then the search for the Senior Transportation Planner will begin. Wick questioned if the amount of staff affects the amount paid by the City. Schultz stated the question has not been raised, but he will look into it. Government Center: Schultz stated construction has begun and suggested having a camera in the construction area so that residents are able to see the construction. April 4, 2016 Page 4 of 4 New Business Weyrens introduced the new Community Development Director, Therese Haffner, who just started today. Haffner thanked the Council for the opportunity and looks forward to working for the City. Admiourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 7:17 PM; seconded by Killam and passed unanimously by those present. Judy Weyrens Administrator