HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a] Minutes, June 20
June 20, 2016
Page 1 of 7
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session
on Monday, June 20, 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, Renee Symanietz, Matt Killam, Bob Loso.
Administrator Judy Weyrens.
City Representatives: City Engineer Randy Sabart, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Public Works Director
Terry Thene, Community Development Director Therese Haffner, City Attorney Tom Jovanovich, Police
Chief Joel Klein
Others Present: Len Bechtold, Cleo O’Boyle, Jason Aarsvold,
Public Comments: No one present wished to speak.
Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Wick and
Agenda Approval:
passed unanimously.
Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded
Consent Agenda:
by Wick and passed unanimously by those present.
a. Minutes – approved the minutes of June 1, 2016 and June 6,2016
b. Bills Payable – approved payment of check numbers 050636-050668, Payroll EFT
#001207-001211 and Accounts Payable EFT #001736-001738.
c. Donations – Accepted the following donations, Disc Golf, Anonymous $44.64; Archery
Range, Anonymous $44.62; Foot Golf, AgStar Financial $200.00.
d. Treasurer’s Report – Accepted the May 2016 treasurer’s report as presented.
e. Surplus Property – Declared equipment surplus for auction or disposal.
f. Liquor License – Issued the requested licenses for the period August 1, 2016 to
December 31, 2016.
[[300,1798,501,1846][10][,I,][Arial]]Discussion [[501,1798,513,1846][10][,I,][Arial]] [[513,1798,571,1846][10][,I,][Arial]]4e, [[571,1798,583,1846][10][,I,][Arial]] [[583,1798,724,1846][10][,I,][Ar
ial]]Surplus [[724,1798,736,1846][10][,I,][Arial]] [[736,1798,905,1846][10][,I,][Arial]]Property: [[905,1798,917,1845][10][,,][Arial]] [[917,1798,1053,1845][10][,,][Arial]]Schultz
[[1053,1798,1065,1845][10][,,][Arial]] [[1065,1798,1268,1845][10][,,][Arial]]questioned [[1268,1798,1280,1845][10][,,][Arial]] [[1279,1798,1368,1845][10][,,][Arial]]what [[1368,1798,1380,1845][10]
[,,][Arial]] [[1380,1798,1410,1845][10][,,][Arial]]is [[1410,1798,1421,1845][10][,,][Arial]] [[1421,1798,1577,1845][10][,,][Arial]]included [[1577,1798,1588,1845][10][,,][Arial]]
[[1588,1798,1621,1845][10][,,][Arial]]in [[1621,1798,1632,1845][10][,,][Arial]] [[1632,1798,1690,1845][10][,,][Arial]]the [[1690,1798,1702,1845][10][,,][Arial]] [[1702,1798,1835,1845][10][,,][Aria
l]]surplus [[1835,1798,1847,1845][10][,,][Arial]] [[1847,1798,2012,1845][10][,,][Arial]]property. [[2012,1798,2023,1845][10][,,][Arial]] [[2023,1798,2187,1845][10][,,][Arial]]Weyrens
[[2187,1798,2199,1845][10][,,][Arial]]
stated as the move to the new Government Center is approaching, staff has been going through what is
no longer used in the basement of the current City Hall. Weyrens added that included in the surplus
property is a paper shredder, receipt printer, election equipment, laptops, file cabinets, fire proof safes,
receipt scanner and abandoned bikes.
[[300,2057,450,2105][10][,I,][Arial]] [[450,2057,473,2105][10][,I,][Arial]]
Schultz questioned what the process is for disposal of computers. Klein stated he is working with Blake
from Computer Repair who will clean and certify the computers. Klein added that some of the laptops can
be sold for additional revenue.
Public Hearing, TIF, Fortitude Housing: Mayor Schultz called the hearing to order to which Weyrens
stated the purpose of the hearing is consider issuing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for a senior housing
project entitled Fortitude Housing. Previously the City Council approved a term sheet identifying the
maximum business subsidy that would be carried forward to a public hearing. The issuance of TIF
requires a public hearing and construction cannot begin until the TIF is approved. Some question has
been raised as to how the City can consider TIF when the project has not been approved by the Planning
Commission. Weyrens stated that TIF is an expensive process and the whole premise is that the project
cannot move forward without assistance. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a developer to finish the TIF
process before spending considerable resources on engineering and architectural fees. This is the same
process that Bayou Blues followed; in fact, that project has yet to finalize the plat. The request at this
meeting is not approval of the land use matters; rather the proposed financial assistance.
June 20, 2016
Page 2 of 7
[[300,299,411,347][10][,I,][Arial]]Jason [[411,299,423,347][10][,I,][Arial]] [[422,299,597,347][10][,I,][Arial]]Aarsvold, [[597,299,609,347][10][,I,][Arial]] [[609,299,727,347][10][,I,][Arial]]Ehle
rs [[727,299,739,346][10][,,][Arial]] [[739,299,958,346][10][,,][Arial]]approached [[958,299,970,346][10][,,][Arial]] [[970,299,1028,346][10][,,][Arial]]the [[1028,299,1040,346][10][,,][Arial]]
[[1040,299,1178,346][10][,,][Arial]]Council [[1178,299,1190,346][10][,,][Arial]] [[1190,299,1233,346][10][,,][Arial]]as [[1233,299,1245,346][10][,,][Arial]] [[1245,299,1412,346][10][,,][Arial]]Fi
nancial [[1412,299,1424,346][10][,,][Arial]] [[1424,299,1564,346][10][,,][Arial]]Advisor [[1563,299,1574,346][10][,,][Arial]] [[1574,299,1625,346][10][,,][Arial]]for [[1623,299,1635,346][10][,,][Ar
ial]] [[1635,299,1693,346][10][,,][Arial]]the [[1693,299,1705,346][10][,,][Arial]] [[1705,299,1787,346][10][,,][Arial]]City. [[1787,299,1799,346][10][,,][Arial]] [[1799,299,1811,346][10][,,][Arial
]] [[1811,299,1973,346][10][,,][Arial]]Aarsvold [[1973,299,1985,346][10][,,][Arial]] [[1985,299,2160,346][10][,,][Arial]]reiterated [[2160,299,2172,346][10][,,][Arial]] [[2172,299,2241,346][10][,,
][Arial]]that [[2241,299,2252,346][10][,,][Arial]]
the matter before the Council at this time is the creation of TIF Housing District (District #4) and TIF Plan
4-1 Fortitude Housing. The proposed project consists of 47 units of senior living of which 20% will serve
the low to moderate income with a projected project cost of 5.7 M. Initially the developer had requested $
1.4 M of assistance extending over a 25 year time period. After reviewing the request for TIF, it was
determined that assistance is needed for financial feasibility. If TIF were not approved, the return on
investment would be 1.7%. With TIF, the return is between 8% and 12%. A return rate between 8 – 12%
is a common rate used in the industry.
Aarsvold stated that once it is determined that assistance is needed, the next step is to determine how
much assistance is necessary. After completing the financial analysis, Aarsvold stated that the project
would support $722,000 ($530,000 present value at 4.49% interest rate) in assistance over an estimated
14 year period. He further reminded the Council that the City only offers pay-as-you-go subsidy, which is
a developer is reimbursed after paying the property taxes. If the developer does not pay real estate
taxes, there is no increment to reimburse. Aarsvold added the City has the ability to approve an interfund
loan, which allows the City to reimburse itself for administrative costs until TIF is received.
When questioned as to the benefits the City will realize from the subsidy, Aarsvold summarized the
following benefits:
A senior housing option for the community with 20% affordability
20 new full time jobs
A tax forfeited property becoming taxable and when the TIF is paid off
The City will received approximately $28,000 in tax revenue to the General Fund.
If approved, Aarsvold will officially certify the TIF district to the Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer ensuring
increments are recorded for distribution in the future years. Receipt of the first increment is expected in
2018 with the first payment of the note projected in August, 2018.
[[671,1756,694,1787][6][,I,][Arial]]th
[[300,1758,369,1806][10][,I,][Arial]]Len [[369,1758,381,1806][10][,I,][Arial]] [[381,1758,555,1806][10][,I,][Arial]]Bechtold, [[555,1758,567,1806][10][,I,][Arial]] [[567,1758,636,1806][10][,I,][Ari
al]]412 [[636,1758,648,1806][10][,I,][Arial]] [[648,1758,673,1806][10][,I,][Arial]]7 [[694,1758,706,1806][10][,I,][Arial]] [[705,1758,777,1806][10][,I,][Arial]]Ave [[777,1758,789,1806][10][,I,][Ari
al]] [[789,1758,846,1806][10][,I,][Arial]]SE [[844,1758,856,1805][10][,,][Arial]] [[856,1758,1075,1805][10][,,][Arial]]approached [[1075,1758,1087,1805][10][,,][Arial]] [[1087,1758,1145,1805][10][
,,][Arial]]the [[1145,1758,1157,1805][10][,,][Arial]] [[1157,1758,1296,1805][10][,,][Arial]]Council [[1296,1758,1307,1805][10][,,][Arial]] [[1307,1758,1339,1805][10][,,][Arial]]in
[[1339,1758,1351,1805][10][,,][Arial]] [[1351,1758,1541,1805][10][,,][Arial]]opposition [[1541,1758,1553,1805][10][,,][Arial]] [[1553,1758,1588,1805][10][,,][Arial]]to [[1588,1758,1599,1805][10][,
,][Arial]] [[1599,1758,1657,1805][10][,,][Arial]]the [[1657,1758,1669,1805][10][,,][Arial]] [[1669,1758,1841,1805][10][,,][Arial]]proposed [[1841,1758,1853,1805][10][,,][Arial]] [[1853,1758,1991,1
805][10][,,][Arial]]project. [[1991,1758,2014,1805][10][,,][Arial]] [[2014,1758,2067,1805][10][,,][Arial]]He [[2067,1758,2078,1805][10][,,][Arial]]
questioned why the Council is being requested to approval financing a project where plans have not been
presented or approved by the Planning Commission. Bechtold stated none of the neighbors received a
notice regarding the TIF hearing to which Weyrens stated that individual hearing notices are not required
for TIF as it impacts the entire community and the notice is published in the legal newspaper.
Bechtold further stated that he is not aware of final plans for the project and the last information he has
seen is what was provided at the neighborhood meeting. Bechtold questioned the Council what is really
being asked of them at this meeting. Bechtold stated that on May 21, 2016 he presented a letter to
Weyrens signed by some of the adjacent property owners requesting that the project be reduced to a two
story building or leave the property as was planned in 2002, 54 single family dwellings. Bechtold also
requested the City required the developer to master plan the entire parcel as a large portion will remain
open after the senior facility is constructed. Bechtold stated he supports senior housing; however, not a
three story building. It is also his opinion that the proposed rents are too high and questioned what
happens if the facility is not filled, will the apartment be converted to a different type of housing.
[[300,2585,393,2633][10][,I,][Arial]]Gary [[391,2585,403,2633][10][,I,][Arial]] [[403,2585,502,2633][10][,I,][Arial]]Kraft, [[502,2585,514,2633][10][,I,][Arial]] [[514,2585,584,2633][10][,I,][Arial
]]706 [[583,2585,594,2633][10][,I,][Arial]] [[594,2585,795,2633][10][,I,][Arial]]Graceview [[791,2585,803,2633][10][,I,][Arial]] [[803,2585,900,2633][10][,I,][Arial]]Drive [[900,2585,912,2632][10][
,,][Arial]] [[912,2585,1131,2632][10][,,][Arial]]approached [[1131,2585,1143,2632][10][,,][Arial]] [[1143,2585,1201,2632][10][,,][Arial]]the [[1201,2585,1213,2632][10][,,][Arial]]
[[1213,2585,1352,2632][10][,,][Arial]]Council [[1352,2585,1363,2632][10][,,][Arial]] [[1363,2585,1396,2632][10][,,][Arial]]in [[1396,2585,1408,2632][10][,,][Arial]] [[1408,2585,1597,2632][10][,,]
[Arial]]opposition [[1597,2585,1609,2632][10][,,][Arial]] [[1609,2585,1644,2632][10][,,][Arial]]to [[1644,2585,1655,2632][10][,,][Arial]] [[1655,2585,1713,2632][10][,,][Arial]]the
[[1713,2585,1725,2632][10][,,][Arial]] [[1725,2585,1897,2632][10][,,][Arial]]proposed [[1897,2585,1909,2632][10][,,][Arial]] [[1909,2585,2047,2632][10][,,][Arial]]project. [[2047,2585,2070,2632][1
0][,,][Arial]] [[2070,2585,2158,2632][10][,,][Arial]]Kraft [[2158,2585,2169,2632][10][,,][Arial]]
stated that he concurs with the comments of Bechtold and he too is concerned that the Council is being
requested to approve financing for a project that has yet to be approved or presented for approval. Kraft
added the three story building is concerning and believes it is not consistent with the current PUD. Kraft
requested the matter be tabled and addressed at a future date, after the plans have been reviewed.
[[300,2896,385,2944][10][,I,][Arial]]Cleo [[385,2896,397,2944][10][,I,][Arial]] [[397,2896,555,2944][10][,I,][Arial]]O’Boyle, [[555,2896,567,2944][10][,I,][Arial]] [[567,2896,637,2944][10][,I,][Ari
al]]620 [[636,2896,648,2944][10][,I,][Arial]] [[648,2896,848,2944][10][,I,][Arial]]Graceview [[845,2896,857,2944][10][,I,][Arial]] [[857,2896,954,2944][10][,I,][Arial]]Drive [[954,2896,966,2943][10
][,,][Arial]] [[966,2896,1076,2943][10][,,][Arial]]spoke [[1076,2896,1088,2943][10][,,][Arial]] [[1088,2896,1134,2943][10][,,][Arial]]on [[1134,2896,1146,2943][10][,,][Arial]] [[1146,2896,1261,294
3][10][,,][Arial]]behalf [[1259,2896,1271,2943][10][,,][Arial]] [[1271,2896,1307,2943][10][,,][Arial]]of [[1306,2896,1317,2943][10][,,][Arial]] [[1317,2896,1375,2943][10][,,][Arial]]the
[[1375,2896,1387,2943][10][,,][Arial]] [[1387,2896,1584,2943][10][,,][Arial]]Graceview [[1583,2896,1595,2943][10][,,][Arial]] [[1595,2896,1707,2943][10][,,][Arial]]Home [[1707,2896,1718,2943][10][
,,][Arial]] [[1718,2896,1860,2943][10][,,][Arial]]Owners [[1860,2896,1872,2943][10][,,][Arial]] [[1872,2896,2086,2943][10][,,][Arial]]Association [[2086,2896,2097,2943][10][,,][Arial]]
(GHOA). O’Boyle stated that members of the GHOA were present at the neighborhood meeting and are
June 20, 2016
Page 3 of 7
supportive of the proposed development. The GHOA is of the opinion that the proposed senior living
facility will be an asset to the area and a great neighbor.
As no one else present wished to speak, Schultz closed the public hearing.
Weyrens clarified the following:
The matter before the Council is only the financing of a specific facility that has been defined by
the developer.
The approval of TIF does not grant or guarantee development rights. Land use matters are
separate and require extensive engineering and architectural plans.
It is anticipated that the Planning Commission will be considering the proposed PUD Amendment
on July 11 forwarding a recommendation to the City Council for the July 18 Council meeting.
The letter presented on May 21 opposing the project was not included in the meeting material for
the TIF hearing as it is not applicable. The correspondence will be forwarded to the Planning
Commission for inclusion with the public hearing.
The proposed project will require a development agreement which will memorialize the actions of
the Planning Commission which will limit the occupancy to 55 and older or those disabled.
Loso reaffirmed the process and stated that it is typical for a developer to determine first if the project is
viable before investing money in engineering and architectural fees. If the financing is not approved the
project would not move forward. Symanietz stated she attended the first neighborhood meeting and in
her opinion a number of residents preferred the two story facility.
Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2016-024
Adopting a Development Program for Development District No. 4 and Establishing Tax Increment
Financing District No. 4-1 (Fortitude Senior Housing) Therein and Adopting a Tax Increment
Financing Plan Therefor. The Motion was seconded by Killam and passed unanimously.
Wick made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2016-025
Authorizing an Interfund Loan for Advance of Certain Costs in Connection with Tax Increment
Financing District No. 4-1 (Fortitude Senior Housing). The motion was seconded by Loso and
passed unanimously.
Wick made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2016-026
Approving TIF Development Agreement. The motion was seconded by Schultz and passed
unanimously.
Public Hearing, Tax Abatement, CM St. Joe: Mayor Schultz called the hearing to order to which Weyrens
stated the purpose of the public hearing is to consider issuance of Tax Abatement for a project entitled
ST. Joe County Manor Senior Living Campus. Unlike TIF, a Developer can begin construction on a
project once the application for abatement has been submitted. Additionally, the County and School
District have discretion as to whether or not they participate whereas in TIF it is automatic. Weyrens
stated that Stearns County has declined to participate and the School District is still considering. The
proposed project for which funding is requested include: senior independent living units (60), memory
care units (24), chapel, bistro, restaurant, rehab center and other commercial components.
Aarsvold stated the developers requested tax abatement in the amount of $1.4 million so that the project
is financially feasible. Through analysis and discussions with the developer, it was determined that based
on the limited ability to recapture taxes with only the City and maybe the School district, the City is limited
to approximately $ 650,000 over a maximum of 20 years. Aarsvold added that each tax jurisdiction can
choose whether or not to participate in a tax abatement project and must hold a public hearing and pass a
resolution stating the amount of the abatement. Stearns County will not participate in the tax abatement
June 20, 2016
Page 4 of 7
and the St. Cloud School District is still considering whether to participate. At this time it is unknown how
much each jurisdiction might abate to reach $650,000. Weyrens added that the proposal for abatement
includes the City receiving 25% of the taxes, abating 75%. Since the amount of Tax Abatement is
dependent on the number of participating jurisdictions, Aarsvold recommended the Council accept
testimony, close the public hearing and table action on the matter to a later meeting.
As no one present wished to speak, Schultz closed the public hearing.
Wick made a motion tabling action on the Tax Abatement request submitted by CM St. Joe, LLC
until further information is received. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed
unanimously.
Public Hearing, Right of Way Vacation, Jade Road: Mayor Schultz opened the public hearing and
Weyrens stated that the purpose of the hearing is consider releasing the recorded roadway easement for
an abandoned portion of Jade Road. During the platting process for CM St. Joe, it was determined that
the easement was not vacated. MN Statute requires a public hearing before releasing property dedicated
to the public and in doing so the Council must determine that the vacation is in the best interest of the
public.
Schultz opened the public hearing. As no one present wished to speak, Schultz closed the public hearing.
Wick made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2016-027
Vacating an Abandoned Portion of Jade Road. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed
unanimously.
St. Joe Country Manor Senior Living Campus: Weyrens reported that recently the Planning Commission
conducted three (3) public hearings for the proposed development entitled St. Joe Country Manor Senior
Living Campus. The proposed project is located in north/west of Jade Road and South of the St. Joseph
Hall, formerly known as the Arcon Development. The Developer, CM St. Joe, has purchased
approximately 131 acres of property to be developed as a senior housing campus to include patio homes,
independent living units, memory car, chapel, restaurant, bistro, beauty shop, rehab center and
miscellaneous commercial suites and potential a multiple family structure to include 95 units. As part of
the land purchase the Arcon Preliminary Plat and PUD has been expired and the developer was required
to submit a new preliminary plat and PUD. Previously the Council has accepted the updated AUAR to
satisfy review of environmental concerns.
[[450,2109,544,2157][10][,I,][Arial]]Land [[542,2109,554,2157][10][,I,][Arial]] [[554,2109,628,2157][10][,I,][Arial]]Use [[628,2109,640,2157][10][,I,][Arial]] [[639,2109,877,2157][10][,I,][Arial]]A
mendment, [[877,2109,889,2157][10][,I,][Arial]] [[889,2109,1065,2157][10][,I,][Arial]]Rezoning [[1063,2109,1075,2156][10][,,][Arial]]: [[1075,2109,1086,2156][10][,,][Arial]] [[1086,2109,1251,2156][
10][,,][Arial]]Weyrens [[1251,2109,1263,2156][10][,,][Arial]] [[1263,2109,1376,2156][10][,,][Arial]]stated [[1376,2109,1388,2156][10][,,][Arial]] [[1388,2109,1400,2156][10][,,][Arial]]t
[[1400,2109,1458,2156][10][,,][Arial]]hat [[1458,2109,1469,2156][10][,,][Arial]] [[1469,2109,1527,2156][10][,,][Arial]]the [[1527,2109,1538,2156][10][,,][Arial]] [[1538,2109,1606,2156][10][,,][Ari
al]]first [[1606,2109,1618,2156][10][,,][Arial]] [[1618,2109,1727,2156][10][,,][Arial]]public [[1727,2109,1739,2156][10][,,][Arial]] [[1739,2109,1877,2156][10][,,][Arial]]hearing [[1877,2109,1889,2
156][10][,,][Arial]] [[1889,2109,2081,2156][10][,,][Arial]]conducted [[2081,2109,2093,2156][10][,,][Arial]] [[2093,2109,2137,2156][10][,,][Arial]]by [[2137,2109,2148,2156][10][,,][Arial]]
[[2148,2109,2206,2156][10][,,][Arial]]the [[2206,2109,2217,2156][10][,,][Arial]]
Planning Commission was an amendment to the Zoning Map and Land Use Map. CM St. Joe submitted
a request to amend the Future Land Use map for the subject property from Medium Density Residential
to Community Oriented Mixed Use PUD, which could include for a mix of housing types and commercial.
The applicant also submitted a request to rezone the northern portion of the property to R3 Multiple
Family Residential and the remaining property R5 Supportive Care District. The amendment will allow the
developer to develop the subject property to allow for the construction of apartments and a senior campus
to include patio homes, senior multiple family residences with related services, along with commercial.
Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2016-028
Adopting Findings of Fact and Approving a Land Use Amendment from Medium Density
Residential to Community Oriented Mixed Use PUD. The motion was seconded by Wick and
passed unanimously.
Wick made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2016-029
Adopting Findings of Fact Relating to a Rezoning Request from R1 Single Family Residence to R3
Multiple Family Residence and R5 Supportive Care District and the execution of Resolution 2016-
June 20, 2016
Page 5 of 7
030 Amending Ordinance 502.25 reflecting the rezoning changes. The motion was seconded by
Symanietz and passed unanimously.
[[450,454,758,502][10][,I,][Arial]]Preliminary/PUD [[758,454,770,502][10][,I,][Arial]] [[770,454,853,502][10][,I,][Arial]]Plat, [[853,454,865,502][10][,I,][Arial]] [[865,454,957,502][10][,I,][Arial
]]Final [[955,454,967,502][10][,I,][Arial]] [[967,454,1041,502][10][,I,][Arial]]Plat [[1039,454,1050,502][10][,I,][Arial]]: [[1050,454,1072,501][10][,,][Arial]] [[1072,454,1237,501][10][,,][Arial]
]Weyrens [[1237,454,1249,501][10][,,][Arial]] [[1249,454,1362,501][10][,,][Arial]]stated [[1362,454,1374,501][10][,,][Arial]] [[1374,454,1432,501][10][,,][Arial]]the [[1432,454,1444,501][10][,,][Ar
ial]] [[1444,454,1606,501][10][,,][Arial]]Planning [[1606,454,1618,501][10][,,][Arial]] [[1618,454,1846,501][10][,,][Arial]]Commission [[1846,454,1858,501][10][,,][Arial]] [[1858,454,1934,501][10]
[,,][Arial]]also [[1934,454,1946,501][10][,,][Arial]] [[1946,454,2138,501][10][,,][Arial]]conducted [[2138,454,2150,501][10][,,][Arial]] [[2150,454,2173,501][10][,,][Arial]]a [[2173,454,2184,501][1
0][,,][Arial]]
public hearing to consider the preliminary plat entitled St. Joe Country Manor Senior Campus and PUD
for a six phased development that will include senior housing campus to include patio homes,
independent living units, memory car, chapel, restaurant, bistro, beauty shop, rehab center and
miscellaneous commercial suites and two multiple family structures to include approximately 95 units.
Community Development Director Therese Haffner stated the PUD would be a phased development. As
a phased development the only portion of the property platted is the phase which will be developed. The
remaining property will be platted as outlots, requiring a final plat and development agreement for each
phase as it becomes ready for development.
The applicant is requesting a modification in the front yard setbacks for the patio home lots from 30 feet to
25 feet and for the Senior Apartment from 35 feet to 30 feet. The PUD does allow for the flexibility in
setbacks. Haffner added the Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval of the
preliminary and final plats. Wick questioned whether the setbacks are acceptable. Haffner stated that
because it is a senior living facility, it makes sense to have those setbacks shorter as there is less
maintenance for driveways and the reduction places the structures a greater distance from the wetlands.
Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2016-031
Approving the Preliminary Plat and Planned Unit Development for the Country Manor Senior
Living Campus. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
Schultz made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2016-032
Approving the Final Plat for the Country Manor Senior Living Campus including execution of the
Development Agreement. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
Government Center – Exterior Sign: Weyrens stated the facility committee had received options for the
monument sign for the Government Center and they were split as to whether or not to include a digital
sign. Some thought that since the facility abutted a residential neighborhood that the sign should not be
digital. Others thought it should be digital to provide announcements. Weyrens presented the Council with
three sign options.
Loso questioned whether the sign would be on the building. Mike Juhl with HMA Architects stated the
sign would be located along College Avenue between the two storm water ponds. Wick questioned the
cost difference between the signs. Juhl stated the cost will depend on digital sign chosen and picture
quality. Juhl stated that the original sign plan included the back lighting of the City Skyline to add another
architectural feature. By consensus the Council concurred that the new Government Center should
include a monument sign with digital display so that announcements cloud be placed on the sign.
Schultz made a motion authorizing staff to move forward with the digital monument sign. The
motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
Committee Reports
Park Board – Funding Request: John Anderson, Park Board Chair, approached the Council regarding
funding for the Millstream Park Shelter. Anderson stated the Park Board has met over the past year with
their main priority being a new shelter at Millstream Park. Anderson stated the Park Board is asking for
$2,000 for the mechanical and electrical drawings associated with the new facility. Anderson presented
some of the issues with the current facility including: ice buildup, water getting into the shelter during
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heavy rains, fire place is not functional, pavers are tipped toward the building, restrooms are not
handicapped accessible, easy access for rodents, and roll up doors no longer seal. Anderson stated the
Lion’s Club has been very interested in the project and have offered some financial assistance.
Killam stated the park board has spent a considerable amount of time discussing the need and placement
for an upgraded Park Shelter. The Park Board has reviewed the architectural renderings and in order to
complete the design phase, additional funds are needed to design the mechanical and electrical. The
new shelter will include utilities so that it could be used year round and would include a large kitchen
facility along with storage spaces, sitting areas, restrooms and the ability to partition the facility.
Anderson stated proposed uses for the facility include: Nordic skiing and snow shoeing, water fest, scout
meetings, club meetings, special events/winterfest, icebowl disc tournament, and rental for family
gatherings.
Wick questioned if any analysis has been completed on the cost of what it would be to fix the existing
shelter. Thene stated no analysis has been completed on the current building. Loso stated he had been
on the Park Board for a long time and he is concerned that plans developed while he was on the
commission do receive funding; rather the Board is focusing on new projects.
Wick questioned if there are any estimated costs on keeping the shelter open all year round as it relates
to heating and cooling. Thene stated that he does not have an estimate and it depends on what type of
equipment is used. Thene believes the current shelter has reached its useful life.
Schultz stated the City has to come to terms with the facilities in town that need to be addressed. Schultz
added that he would like to see feedback from the community on what they want to see in the shelter.
Wick stated his concern is regarding what the Council’s priorities are for the sales tax monies. Weyrens
stated that the Building Permit Revenue already illustrates an overage; therefore, rather than use Sales
Tax Funds for the mechanical and electrical, excess building permit revenues could be utilized.
Loso made a motion authorizing the expenditures of $2,000 to complete the electrical and
mechanical design for a new shelter at Millstream Park. The additional cost will be covered
through excess building permit revenue. The motion was seconded by Killam and passed
unanimously.
Planning Commission: Schultz reported the Planning Commission conducted the necessary public
hearing for the St. Joe Country Manor Senior project, recommending Council approval. In addition Randy
Schmitz from Rolling Ridge Event Center approached the Commission requesting a temporary extension
from the requirement of paving his parking area if the facility is to be used year round. Schmitz stated
that he would like the opportunity to see if there is a market for the use in winter months and if so, what
type of demand will receive. The Commission agreed to review the matter again in May.
EDA: Wick stated the EDA went through TIF reports that will come to the Council at future meetings. In
addition business retention meeting are being scheduled with businesses throughout the community.
Ordinance Amendments: Weyrens reported that the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing for
the proposed amendment of a number of Land Use Ordinances. While the Council will be considering
the amendments at the July 7 meeting, she is requesting the Council consider acting on the amendment
to define the maximum width of a driveway as developers are waiting to install some of them at this time.
The current Ordinance limits the width of a curb cut to 24 feet which includes three foot wings on each
side. Therefore, the actual opening is only 18 feet. In checking with other municipalities, they allow 24
feet plus three foot wings for a total of 30 feet.
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Wick made a motion amending Ordinance 501.12, subd. 4(i) changing the width of the curb cut to
30 feet from the previously allowed 24 feet. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed
unanimously.
Mayor Reports: Schultz reported the Fire Relief Board met and is considering a 3 year contract with KDV
for auditing services.
New Business – League Annual Conference: Loso stated he spoke with a vendor from Canada regarding
the increase in cremation rather than full body burial. This vendor markets columbarium’s marketing them
as a way to maximum land used for cemeteries. Loso stated a columbarium is a structure when people
can place cremated remains. Loso added there are so many parks in St. Joseph that a columbarium can
be placed and the same could be used as a source of revenue. Sabart displayed an image of a
columbarium that SEH is working on in Spicer as a private project. The typical size of an individual
resting place is 100 feet by 75 feet.
Symanietz stated that while she was at the annual conference she became aware of periscoping. Twitter
is at the forefront of this endeavor and periscoping relates to the ability have live feed for events.
Wickmade a motion to adjourn at 7:40 PM; seconded by Symanietz and passed
Adjourn:
unanimously.
Judy Weyrens
Administrator