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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 [02] Feb 01 February 1, 2016 Page 1 of 6 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Monday, February 1, 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 Wck, Matt Killam, Renee Symanietz, Bob Loso. Administrator Judy Weyrens. City Representatives: City Engineer Randy Sabart, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Public Works Director Terry Thene, Police Chief Joel Klein. Others Present: Tom Klein, Wade DuMond, Margy Hughes, Ellen & Bob Wahlstrom, 7homas Schueler, Paula Eich, Sharon Rennie, Brian Erickson, Jason Christen, Logan Gruber, Irene Reber, Lisa Meyer, John Anderson. Public Comments Margy Hughes, 128 Able Court: Hughes approached the Council regarding the January 4th public hearing on Field Street. Hughes expressed frustration with how the hearing process for Field Street ended. She stated that a number of residents spoke at the hearing and when the hearing was closed there was little interaction between the Council and those present. Hughes stated the construction of Fieid Street is not the issue, rather, in her opinion, the lack of response by the Council to the residents in attendance. Agenda Approval: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of item 4h, Pay Application to the consent agenda; seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. Consent Aqenda: Wick made a motion to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. a. Minutes-approved the minutes of January 4, 2016 b. Bills Payable -approved payment of check numbers 050031-050169, Payroll EFT #001147-001157 and Accounts Payables EFT#001717-001720. c. Pay Application—Approved application for payment No. 8 to Kuechle Underground, Inc. in the amount of$75,005.56 for the 2014 Park Terrace Improvements. d. BCA Master Joint Powers Agreement& Court Services Amendment Renewal— Authorized the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2016-003 approving the Minnesota Joint Powers Agreement and Court Services Amendment to continue use of data from the BCA and Court computer systems. e. Rezoning/Comprehensive Plan Amendment—Authorized the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Findings of Fact rezoning the former Del Win property from the current 62 Highway Business to R3, Multiple Family and amending the Future Land Use Map for Planning District 12, changing the designation to Multiple Family. f. Donations and Contributions—Accepted the following donations; Y2K Lions$500.00, Fire Department Extrication Equipment. g. Financial Report—Accepted the 4th Quarter 2015 and December 2015 Financial Reports as presented. h. Pay Application—Approved application for payment No. 1 to C & L Excavating, Inc. in the amount of$77,826.38 for the 2015 1St Ave. NE Trunk Water Main Extension. Public Hearing Easement Release, 504 MN St E &200 2"d Ave NW: Mayor Schultz opened the public hearing and stated the purpose of the hearing is to consider two separate easement release requests. Weyrens stated that as easement are dedicated to the public, the consideration for release requires a public hearing and notification to all the impacted utility companies. At the time the hearing notice was published, the City Office staff mailed notice to all utility companies. From the responses, it appears that there are not conflicts and in the event one is discovered the relocation expense is at the cost of the property owner. February 1, 2016 Page 2 of 6 The first request for easement release is at 504 MN St E. In 1972 when the City installed sanitary sewer to the Eastern Park Addition, a blanket easement was placed on the entire parcel. Since that time, the property has been replatted and the easement has been confined to a twenty five rear yard easement. Therefore, the blanket easement can be released. The second request for release is at 200 2"d Ave NW, the EI Paso Property. In 1951 a storm water easement was recorded traversing diagonally through the property. When the City reconstructed the improvements in the 2000's, the pipe was abandoned and the easement is no longer needed. In addition, the recent platting of the same property re-defined the needed easement. As no one present wished to speak, Schultz closed the public hearing. Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Certificate of Compliance releasing the 1972 utility easement recorded on October 18, 1972 for the 504 MN St. E. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Certificate of Compliance releasing the 1951 storm water easement recorded in 1951 at 200—2"d Ave NW.The motion was seconded by Killam and passed unanimously. Public Hearing Capital Improvement Plan Bonds: Mayor Schuitz opened the public hearing and stated the purpose of the hearing is consider the five year capital improvement plan and approve the issuance of 5,035,000 I GO CIP Bonds for the construction of Government Center. Weyrens stated City staff has been working with the City Bond Counsel, Monte Eastvoid and attorney Mary Ippef to determine the most cost effective manner to finance the Government Center. The City has two options: 1) CIP GO Bonds or 2) Public Project Revenue Bonds. Historically the City has used Public Project Revenue Bonds to finance public buildings. However, since the City can save over$400,000 in inferest cost by considering CIP Bonds, the process was initiated to utilize CIP Bonds. Margy Hughes, 128 Able Courf: Hughes approached the Council expressing her concerns with the City's recent spending. The City has purchased Colt's Academy, and have approved the construction of Field Street. Additionally, ColYs Academy will be a large remodeling project. The addition of the Community Development Director wil(also have an impact to the budget. Hughes encourages the City to look at how much money they have been spending. Hughes stated that the School district also wants to pass a large referendum that will increase the taxes even more. Ellen Wahlstrom, 409— 8t`'Ave: Wahlstrom approached the Council also concerned about the City's spending. Wahlstrom stated that she reviewed the five year capital improvement plan that was included in the Council packet and part of the pubiic hearing and has several questions. First, the bond costs included as an exhibit in the plan has a column entitled Statutory Cover. Wahlstrom requested clarification. Weyrens stated that when the City issues GO bonds, the City is required to have a 5% contingency. The City utilizes this contingency over the years in reducing the required levy. Next, Wahlstrom questioned how the City intends to finance the Community Center remodeling costs. Weyrens stated that the Council utilized Sales Tax money to purchase the facility and it is anticipated the remodeling costs will use the same source of funds. Wahlstrom concluded by stating it is her opinion that the project cost of the proposed government center is too high given the other needs of the City and the Council should reconsider the project. As no one else present wished to speak, Schultz closed the public hearing. Loso made a motion adopting Resolution 2016-004 approving Issuing GO Capital Improvement Bonds and Adopting the Capital Improvement Plan for the Government Center.The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. February 1, 2016 Page 3 of 6 Discussion: Wick questioned if other projects could be added to the GO CIP. Weyrens stated that the Council would have to hold another public hearing if other projects need to be added. Schultz stated the resolution include a project maximum impact of$5,035,000 and questioned what would happen if the projects listed in the GO CIP Bonds exceeded that amount. Weyrens stated the Council would have to hold another public hearing to approve the increased amount. Committee Reports Park Board: Killam reported the Park Board had met regarding pianning of Miilstream Park. The Board is looking at constructing a new shelter, closing down the camping with the possibility of relocation in the future, and the possibility of constructing volleyball courts in one of the softba!!fields. Chief Klein stated he and Weyrens had met with the Park Board regarding the camping at Millstream. Klein stated the camping area in 2015 was a high service area and included calls relating to intoxication, fighting and drugs. At times the camping area is full of tents and has turned into an area for homeless. The Officers have had to kick some out of the camping area and others were taken to jail. The Park Board desires to have a camping area, and the master park plan indicates that the future park near the Sauk River will have camping facilities. Wick questioned what process wil! be taken to close the campground. Weyrens stated that it will be posted on the website and cable access channel and there will be signs posted. Killam made a motion authorizing staff to close the Millstream Campground. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Discussion: Wick asked if there are any other options. Weyrens stated that the oniy thing that had worked previously was having a resident live at the campsite all summer. Recreation Lease: Killam stated the City leases the fields to the Rec Association and the lease identifies the responsibilities to each party. The current lease expired in 2015 and historically was executed for a ten year period. The Park Board is interested in adding volleyball to the park as the leagues from the EI Paso are ended due to its closing. The City has received the volleyball sand from the EI Paso and were hoping that one of the fields could be converted for volleyball. In meeting with the Recreation Association it was determined that they will need both fields, therefore volleyball will not work. Due to the changing recreation needs, the Park Board recommended that the City change the lease to a one year lease so that future needs can be addressed as recreation needs change. Jason Chrsten spoke on behalf of the Recreation Association. He stated that they are starting to sign up teams and already have four(4}signed up for the co-ed league, Wednesday night is a double header league that 5 teams have signed up and 11 teams on Thursday nights. The association stressed the importance of having two fields for double headers and for Thursday nights when there are those 11 teams playing. Loso is in favor of the softball courts remain stating if a volleyball court is needed, then it could be placed in Centennial Park. Loso does not feel volleyball will attract enough teams and that the teams from the EL Paso will move to other established locations. Lisa Meyer, 27— 17�''Ave SE: Meyer stated her son plays little league and they don't have a field that is solely theirs. Often times they have to move from field to field depending on if that fleld is open. Meyer added that bringing the volleyball league to Millstream would cause a bar atmosphere that the City is trying to steer away from. Schultz believes the City has an opportunity to include volleyball somewhere. Schultz added that the City does not want to lose those teams that the EI Paso had. Weyrens stated the lease is for one year and can be looked at every year if changes are needed. Sharon Rennie: Rennie stated the past couple of years, the younger kids played at the Millstream fields on Monday and Tuesday nights. The older kids play at the Kennedy baseball fields. However, Rennie February 1, 2016 Page 4 of 6 informed the Council that Holdingford does not allow them in their traveling league due to the condition of the fields at Kennedy. Rennie stated the fields are in very poor condition and that no one upkeeps them. Rennie added that field space will be an issue this year if one of the fields is taken out for voileyball. Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the lease agreement between the City of St. Joseph and the St.Joseph Recreation Association for a period of one year. The motion was seconded by Killam and passed unanimously. Killam stated the Board will continue to look at the development of Millstream Park and will look at alternate locations within the park for the volleyball courts. Schultz added the board is still in discussions regarding the dog park. EDA:Weyrens reported the EDA approved an application to the Delux Corportion for a downtown grant project. The application included a 500 word essay and the winning community will receive% 500,000. The finalists will be announced the week of May 1St. Once the finalists have been announced, the public will then vote for the winner. Joint Plannina Board: Schultz stated the rezoning of the Huls property was approved. The approval of the preliminary and final plat of River Ridge Estates was tabled until the February meeting in order for the developer to submit a complete request. Weyrens stated there is a meeting on Tuesday, February 9'h and the Council will need to attend at the end of the meeting to consider the rezoning of agriculture property to urban expansion. Police Chief Reports Diversion Agreement: Chief Klein stated the department was contacted by the St. Cloud city attorney's office in regards to diverting some of the lower level alcohol offenses having to do with underage consumption. The diversion is meant to deal with first time alcohol offenders where underage consumption is the only charge and or a select few second time offenders. The St. Cloud City Attorney's office will handle all the paperwork and tracking of the cases. The attorney's office is currently working with St. Cloud State University and it has been successful. CSB and SJU are in agreement with the program as well. For each person sent through diversion, the city will receive $25.00 back from SCSU. Killam questioned if the diversion is the same as that of people who shoplift. Klein stated it is. The diversion is optional and must be followed in order to have the underage consumption taken off of their record. Killam made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Joint Powers Agreement in regards to alcohol diversion between the City of St.Joseph and St. Ctoud State University.The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. Engineer Reports Loso questioned the status of the downtown alley project. Sabart stated the project has temporarily been suspended. Staff had a second meeting with the business owners to discuss the various options in terms of downtown parking enhancements. There were few owners in attendance and staff did not feel there was enough feedback to advance the project to the feasibility report stage. For the few property owners that were attended, the opinions on what need to be done were different. Administrator Reports Utilitv Rates: Weyrens stated that following the special session Council meeting on Thursday, she had met with the Public Works Director Thene and City Engineer Sabart regarding the water tower and filtration plant questions that were raised by the council. Sabart stated the existing water tower has a capacity of 500,000 gallons. The MN Department of Health states cities should have in storage what is typically used on an average day. Based on the current February 1, 2016 Page 5 of 6 pumping records the City is not in a situation where the planning for the second tower needs to be initiated. Sabart recommended that the plan be revised to re-evaluate the need in five years or when the pumping records start increasing to elevate the need With regard to the need to maintain the original treatment facility, Sabart stated the original pfant was rebuilt in 1996. Based on industry standard useful life, the plant is in the middle of the cycle and worth maintaining. The plant has a capacity of 1,000,000 gallons while the new plant can process 2.5 M gallons. The City is fortunate to have two plants in the event of an emergency. Loso questioned how many other cities have two water systems. Sabart stated Sartell does and would need to do additional research on other cities. Sabart stated that in the summer, during the peak times, the flow has been 1.8 million gallons. The second water filtration plant has the capacity of 2.5 million gallons. Bartlett stated she had reached out to Carl Brown Consulting after the last Council meeting to revise the rates based on changes to the capital improvement plan. As of this time he has yet to respond; however, removing the costs for the second water tower will reduce the increase that is needed. Bartlett stated that due to the St. Cloud fixed costs, the sewer rates wiil still need to be increased 25% over the next three year period. Weyrens stated new developments will have an impact on the water and sewer revenue as any structure that is connected to the water and sewer system are required to pay water and sewer access fees. She stated that she has been working with various developers and there is a potential to capture significant revenue in the next two years, reducing the rate increase. The City could look at a reduced rate increase at this time and review the funds in September when it will be known what impact development will have on the funds. Loso made a motion to approve the 2016 Utility Rates as indicated Scenario 4, effective January 1, 2016.The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Discussion: Wick stated the Council had discussed increasing the sewer access charge in addition to reviewing the capital expenses. In reviewing the material, he did not see an increase in the sewer access fee. Bartlett stated the SAC charge will increase in 2019. Bartlett added that the rates will continue to be monitored throughout the year and will be reviewed again in September. Other Matters: Weyrens stated that due to PresidenYs day, there will not be a council meeting on the third Monday in February. If another meeting is needed, one will be scheduled. Mayor Reports 2015 Mavor Appointments: Schultz presented the Council with the 2016 Mayor appointments. He stated that he has not made any changes to the appointments. The City is reviewing the need to appoint a health committee as are other surrounding communities. Schultz added there is still an opening on the Planning Commission if anyone is interested. Wick made a motion approving the 2016 Mayoraf Appointments as presented.The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. Schultz made a motion nominating Dale Wick for acting Mayor. As there were no other nominations,the motion was seconded by Symanietz. Ayes: Schultz, Loso, Killam, Symanietz Nays: None Abstain: Wick Motion carried 4:0:1 Other Mayor Reports: • Legislature: Schultz reported he met with members of the Legislature and talked about the pedestrian bridge needs, assessment discussions, and the APO regional transportation study. February 1, 2016 Page 6 of 6 • CSB Senate: Schultz met with CSB Senate Leaders regarding spring cleanup, participation in Millstream Festival, and CASE day. Schultz suggested staff come up with projects for CSB to participate in. • Kennedy Drop-off/Pick-up: Schultz stated he received a letter from a resident regarding Kennedy and forwarded it to Superintendent Jett. New Business Intergovernmental Meetinq: Loso stated the meeting was held at the St. Augusta Legion. Symanietz added that discussions were had on the Real ID requirements and when that would be implemented in Minnesota. Loso stated he missed a meeting in January where there was a vote against joining the Human Rights Organization in St. Cloud. Loso reintroduced the subject for a vote. Loso made a motion for the City to become a member of the Human Rights.The motion was seconded by Symanietz. Discussion: Wick stated that while Councilors may raise issues at a meeting, the Councii has previously agreed that unless there is an urgent need, items not posted on the agenda would not be acted on; rather they would be placed on a future agenda. Therefore a vote on this matter shouid not occur and it should be placed on the next agenda. Schultz made a motion to table the vote for membership of the Human Rights.The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Ad�journ: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 7:37 PM; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously by those present. � �Q.��!2�:r-�" Ju W,�yrens � Ad inistrator