HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 [12] Dec 05 December 5, 2016
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St Joseph met in regular session
on Monday, December 5, 2015 at 6:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall, opening with the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz, Councilors Matt Killam, Dale Wick, Bob Loso. City Administrator
Judy Weyrens
Members Absent: Councilor Renee Symanietz
City Representatives Present: Police Chief Joel Klein, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Public Works
Director Terry Thene, Community Development Director Therese Haffner, City Engineer Randy Sabart.
Approve Agenda: Killam made a motion to approve the agenda with the removal of item number 6,
Ordinance Amendment for Bed and Breakfast. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed
unanimously.
Discussion: Weyrens stated that the petitioner, Cory Ehlert has requested the item be removed
and discussed at a later time, after he has an opportunity to approach the EDA. Ehlert forwarded an
email waiving the 60 day land use action requirement.
Consent Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded by
Wick and passed unanimously by those present.
a. Minutes—Approved the minutes of November 14, 2016.
b. Bills Payable—Approved check numbers 051189-051321, Payroll EFT#001266-001277 and
Accounts Payables EFT#001756-001759.
c. Government Center, Draw No. 8 Request—Approved payment for the contractors listed in draw#8
for the Government Center project in the amount of$463,038.16.
d. Joint Powers Agreement—Authorized the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Joint Powers
Agreement with the City of St. Cloud to provide prosecution services.
e. Field Street Pay Application—Approved application for payment No. 1 in the amount
of$329,683.43 to Douglas Kerr Underground, Inc.
f. Liquor Licenses—Requested Action:Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute
g. Pay Equity—Accepted the pay equity report and forward the results to MMB and the bargaining
units.
h. Gambling Report—Accepted the 3rd Quarter Gambling Report as presented
2017 Preliminary Budget and Fee Schedule: Schultz called the hearing to which Weyrens stated the
hearing has two components, adoption of the 2017 Budget and Levy and adoption of the 2017 Fee
Schedule. The following is a summary of the budget overview:
• Budget preparation began in July and was submitted to the City Council in August for approval of
a preliminary budget. The budget that was submitted was reviewed by the appropriate boards
and commissions and once the preliminary levy was approved it served as a cap that could not
be increased.
• The final budget must be certified to the Stearns County Auditor no later than December 28,
2016.
• Once the preliminary budget was accepted, the fee schedule was presented for review and
comment.
• Budget preparation includes reviewing the long term objectives of the City Council to include
providing high quality and cost effective services, maintain financial stability, gain efficiencies
when possible, and provide for stability in the tax rate.
• The proposed budget reflects a 4% increase in the tax rate and a home valued$ 150,000 will see
a$51 increase in the City portion of the tax statement. However, due to the other taxing
agencies most people will see a flat tax statement or minor increase.
• The tax rate for the area cities range from a low 41.09 % (Sartell)to a high 72.34% (Waite Park).
If the budget is approved the tax rate for St. Joseph for 2017 would be 59.09%.
• The budget does include the hiring of the 9th Officer on July 1, 2017, some part hours for
recreation staffing, a general wage increase of 2.75%, community center and EDA programming.
December 5, 2016
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• Capital projects proposed for 2017 include: stationary generators for lift stations, Central
Business District Alley Improvement, small street improvement on 1st Ave NE, replace filter media
at water filtration plan#1 and construction of the CR 2 Trail extension phase II and III.
Weyrens stated that with regard to the fee schedule, the most of the fees remained flat with the exception
of utility rates. The$ 100 increase in the water access fee is the final stepped increase as it has reached
$ 5,000.
Jane DeAustin, Central MN Builders Association approached the Council to discuss the proposed fee
schedule. She stated that the Central MN Buildings Association represents over 450 businesses and
includes building of all types and phases. The housing market is starting to rise again an in 2016 St.
Joseph has issued 14 new single family home permits compared to 6 last year. In addition, St. Joseph
has issued permits for two senior projects. DeAustin stated that baring national influences, it is
anticipated that the housing market will continue to increase.
With regards to the fees, she thanked the Council for keeping the fees as stable as possible, especially
given the tight housing industry. The fee that she has some concern on is the water and sewer access
fee. St. Joseph has historically been on the high end as compared to other Cities. She understands that
the City had to increase the fee for water and appreciates the incremental approach, adding $ 100 per
year until the fee reached $ 5,000.
There being no one further wish to speak, the public hearing was closed.
The Council discussed the addition of the 9th Officer beginning in July 2017. Weyrens stated that the City
still has an active grant application with the COPS program which would fund up to 75% of eligible costs
for hiring a new officer. She stated that the application for the additional officer was not submitted due to
a funding opportunity; rather Chief Klein has indicated that he needs an additional officer and it was an
opportunity to fund a needed position. Weyrens clarified that the City has not added a full time officer
since 2006. At this time the City has a part time officer that is trained and fitted with the majority of the
needed uniforms and it would make sense to move this individual into the 9th Officer position.
Chief Klein reiterated that he could use additional staff. Since 2006 he has seen significant changes in
calls, the demand for service, the time commitment required to complete follow through. He further stated
that society is becoming more demanding and the temperament of some escalates policing. Since 2006
the City has grown considerably adding two senior facilities(which will increase medial needs),
commercial growth and some residential, all of whom expect service when they call for help. He stated
that current part time officer is seeking full time employment with surrounding departments and if the City
is contemplating hiring the 9th Officer he would urge them to leave the position in the budget and
authorize hiring the part time officer effective July 1, 2017,
Schultz questioned the impact on the budget and how the position will be funded. Weyrens stated that
the preliminary budget includes$ 51,000 for police part time hours and/or the hiring of a full time officer
with funding assistance through the COPS Program. If the COPS grant was not successful, then Klein
would use some of the funds for additional part time hours. Schultz questioned Klein if he would still need
part time hours if the 9th Officer were hired. Klein responded that he could significantly reduce the amount
of part time hours.
Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2016-059
Adopting Final 2016 Tax Levy, Collectible in 2017, levying $ 2,002,920.00 supporting a budget of$
2,975,155. In addition, Loso clarified that the approval includes hiring the 9th FT Officer beginning
July 1, 2017. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously by those present.
Schultz made a motion to adopt the 2017 Fee Schedule as presented; seconded by Loso and
passed unanimously by those present.
December 5, 2016
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Engineer Reports— Project Updates: City Engineer Randy Sabart reported that due to the cold weather,
the Field Street Project has shut down until spring. They did however complete the majority of the utility
work. With regard to the 2017 Alley improvement, most of the survey work is completed and he
anticipates presenting the feasibility report in January or February 2017.
Millstream Park Shelter: Weyrens stated that at the previous Council meeting staff was directed to
contact the City of Waite Park to gather data on how frequently the facility is used in the winter months
and check the status of the completeness of the plans. Staff at Waite Park stated that in October 5
events were booked, November every weekend, December 4 days and January and February of 2017
each have one event booked.
With regard to the completeness of the plans the civil engineering has yet to be completed and there is
not a project manual for bidding purposes. Loso questioned the Park Board has any idea as to the cost
to operate the facility during the winter months, to which Killam stated they have not. Loso stated that the
Recreation Association use to heat their facility to 45 degrees but it became cost prohibitive and they no
longer heat during the winter months. He questioned additional information before moving forward.
Loso made a motion to table action on the Millstream Park shelter until additional information is
provided to include total costs and projected operation costs. The motion was seconded by Wick
and passed unanimously by those present.
Mayor Reports—Coalition of Greater MN Cities(CGMC): Schultz reported that he has participated in the
CGMC Conference where considerable time was spent discussing their programming and budget. Their
budget includes: Legal/lobby services for LGA/Property tax, Annexation, Economic Development,
Transportation, Energy& Environment, labor and other services. They are also requesting that member
cities consider paying an assessment into the Environment Action Fund. The Environmental Action Fund
will support legislative, legal and regulatory efforts by the CGMC to advocate for the environmental
interests of Greater MN. The recommended assessment is$ 0.35 per capita.
Loso made a motion to opt out of the voluntary assessment for the Environmental Action Fund.
The motion was seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously by those present.
Adjourn: As the agenda has been completed, the meeting was adjourned at 6:50 PM.
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