HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 [07] Jul 12: [Township Board & City mtg] July 12,2016
Page 1 of 2
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St.Joseph City Council and St. Joseph Township Board met
in joint session on Tuesday, July 12 2016 at 6:00 PM in the St.Joseph Ciry Hall.
Citv Council Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultr. Councilors Dale Wick, Matt Killam, Bob Loso.
St.Joseph Town Board Present: Chair Jerome Salzer. Supervisors Brenda Stanger, Ralph Eiynck.
Others Present: Ciry Administrator Judy Weyrens, Townhip Clerk Ann Reischl,Angie Berg (Stearns
Caunty Environmenta!Services), Steams County Commissioner Mark Bromenschenkl,Therese Haffner,
Ann Meyer, Mark Thompson.
Manapement of Orderlv Annexation Area: Weyrens stated that the City and Township have been
approached by Angie Berg of Steams County Environmental Service regarding the management of the
OAA. In 2010 the City and Township of St. Joseph and Steams County executed a memorandum of
understanding transferring land use authority from Stearns County to the Joint Planning Board. Weyrens
stated that at this time the County is requesting to review the process to see what is working and what is
not.
Angie Berg, Steams County Environmental Services, stated that she had contacted the City and
Township to see to open a discussion about transferring all the responsibilities to the Joint Planning
Board. She stated that she has had some developePs express frustrations that they do not know who to
approach or where the decisions are made. In addition, she stated that the staff in Environmental
Services feel like they are stuck in the middle and enforcement becomes difficult. The County staff does
not have a problem enforcing actions; however, they don't always see the provisions in the development
agreement
Weyrens stated that she has some frustrations with the enforcement. Not saying one is better than the
other, but the City opted to utilize building inspection services to include verifying site locations and
additional inspection items rather than a permitting process where a permit is issued and that is the bulk
of the service. In the OAA it seems that the process is segmented with the County issuing the site
permits and the building official issuing the permit. There seems to be a disconnect with enforcing the
development agreements and assuring the buildings are located where it was intended. This became an
issue with permits in Sunset Ridge and there is currently a compliance issue regarding the
ingress/egress.
Salzer stated that he has some frustrations as he does not feel that he always knows what is happening
in the OAA and it is still Township property. Weyrens stated that she can understand the frustration as
people want to work with their representatives. However, she stated that it is frustrating when people
either purposely or un-intentionally circumvent vent the process.
Berg stated that it is not the intent of the County to stop providing services immediately; rather find a way
to transition out of the role as Zoning Administrator. She stated that Waite Park and St.Joseph are the
only OAA where they provide such service and after January 1,when Waite Park annexes the remaining
sections, it will just be St.Joseph. She further stated that she is uncertain that they have the authority to
be Zoning Administrator.
Loso questioned when the process changed and if they could revert back to the original method of land
use management. Weyrens stated in 2010 the City's of Waite Park and St. Joseph met with St.Joseph
Township and Stearns County to find a method to better manage the land use matters in the OAA.
Previously the OAA inctuded a Joint Planning Board and a Joint Powers Board that was advisorjr to the
Steams Counry Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners. Developers and residents felt the
process was time consuming and cumbersome so a new process was outlined and a Memorandum of
Understanding was executed. This MOU converted the final and absolute authority to the Joint Planning
Board. Over the past year it has become increasing challenging.
July 12,2016
Page2of2
Berg concurred with Weyrens and stated that reverting back to the original method is not an option as
there is no Statutory authority for such. Therefore,the City and Township have the options of the
Township hiring an outside consultant or using City staff or resources as the Zoning Authority. When
questioned on the time frame, Berg stated that she would like to see the transition occur over the next six
months. She state that even if the County is not the Zoning Authority,they would still be a resource for
the Joint Pla�ning Board and would still manage the site permits and wetland issues.
Stanger clarified that the County is looking to step outside of the process and the City and Township need
to determine how the responsibilities of Zoning Administrator will be handled. She questioned Berg as to
how other Townships manage the land use. Berg stated that some of the Township hire their own
Planning Consuftant and some have the Building Official seroe as the Zoning Administrator.
Steams County Commissioner Mark Bromenschenkl reinforced that it is not the position of the County to
leave the City and Township in limbo. Rather, it is the intent to help the City and Township find a way to
manage the land use and then serve as a resource. He stated that he is more than happy to be part of
the process and does not mind having to attend the meetings. It is important to find a solution that works
for everyone.
Schultz stated for him to make an informed decision, he needs to know what the frustrations or gaps are
from all three perspectives, the City,Township and County. He would like to see each compile a list to
see what needs to be fixed and then find the best solution. By consensus it was agreed that the
Township Clerk, City Administrator and Angie Berg would meet to continue the discussion and after a list
is compiled a meeting will be scheduled with the Township Board and City Council.
Adiourn: The meeting was adjoumed by consensus at 6:50 PM.
rome Salzer, Rick Schultz
hair, St.Joseph Township, Chai� Mayor, City of St. Joseph