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ADMINISTRATION
Annual Report 2016
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CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Rick Schultz Term Expires: January 2017
Councilor & Acting Mayor Dale Wick Term Expires: January 2019
Councilor Matt Killam Term Expires: January 2019
Councilor Bob Loso Term Expires: January 2017
Councilor Renee Symanietz Term Expires: January 2017
The City Council conducted its business on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 PM in the
City Council Chambers at City Hall. At the first meeting each year, the City Council ratifies the Mayors
appointments to the various committees and positions.
ELECTION
The City of St. Joseph is a Statutory City and as such the City Council members are elected during State
General Elections. In 2016 residents had the opportunity to vote for the Mayor and two Council seats
for seats held by Symanietz and Loso. The following is a summary of the elections with the elected
positions beginning the first meeting in 2017.
General Election Information
Number of persons registered at 7 AM 3,341
Number registered on Election Day 926
Number Absentee Ballots 321
Total number voting 3,425
CITY ADMINISTRATION
The City Administration administers city government within the guidelines of MN State Statute and city
policies as established by the City Council. The City Administrator serves as the chief administrative
officer for the City and reports to the Mayor and City Council. In addition, the administrator is
responsible for managing the overall operation of all city departments to include: Administration, Police,
Public Works, and Fire in addition to the consulting planning, legal, and engineering. The Administrator
is responsible for providing overall direction and guidance for the City including, presenting the annual
budget, human resource management, policy and ordinance management, collaborating with other
agencies and organizations, managing the City Council Agendas, and coordinating strategic planning and
visioning for the City of St. Joseph.
The following tables summarize some of the activity completed by administration. The tasks completed
by administration are wide ranging and include variety as well as complexity.
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Number of City Council Meeting Packets Compiled
Year City Council Regular City Council Special Committee/
Meeting’s Meetings Board Meetings
2014 16 7 43
2015 21 7 39
2016 25 5 39
Resolutions/Ordinance Amendments
Ordinance
Year Resolutions Amendments
2014 24 7
2015 37 3
2016 59 7
State Demographer Census Data
Year Population Households
2014 6805 1881
Administrative Citations
Renting w/out
Year Weed Cutting License Parking Pad Other
2014 101 3 58 -
2015 30 3 - -
2016 33 0 - -
Facility Reservations
Year Millstream Park Centennial Park Fire Hall Wobegon
2014 32 30 46 1
2015 35 27 43 4
2016 34 25 49 4
Licensing
Type 2014 2015 2016
Liquor, Intoxicating On Sale 8 9 8
Liquor, Malt 3 3 3
Liquor Off Sale 6 8 7
Special Sunday 8 7 7
Wine, on sale 2 2 2
Strong Beer 2 2 2
Amusement 7 7 7
Cigarette 7 7 8
Peddler 2 2 5
Dog 309 296 308
Gambling 5 7 6
Rental Housing 143 150 148
Rental Housing, Interim Use Permit 15 19 22
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Permitting
Type 2014 2015 2016
Compost 535 548 571
Kegs 27 22 7
Excavation 61 35 35
Watering 4 1 -
Building Permit, total number 279 289 299
Building Permit, inspections (total) 856 905 1,061
Building Permit, Valuation Increase $4,861,212.70 $10,003,064.16 $37,381,882.60
FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
The Finance Department is responsible for the following support services: accounts payable; accounts
receivable; payroll; cash receipting; project accounting; implementation of financial controls; budget
preparation; capital improvement planning; grant administration; cash and investment management;
utility billing; utility rate analysis; audit and comprehensive annual financial report; special assessments;
asset management, mandated state and federal reporting; debt monitoring.
Bond Rating
Standards & Poor’s affirmed the City’s bond rating of A+. The rating were based on the following
factors: 1) very strong budgetary flexibility, with fiscal 2015 audited reserves at 65% of the general fund
expenditures; 2) very strong liquidity providing very strong cash levels to cover both debt service and
expenditures; and 3) strong management conditions with good financial management policies and
practices.
Bond Activity
The City issued General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds Series 2016A in the amount of $
4,275,000 for the construction of the Government Center. The City also issued General Obligation
Improvement Bonds, Series 2016B in the amount of $ 740,000 for the construction of Field Street
including subsurface improvements. While the Field Street Project had an estimated construction cost
over $ 2,000,000, the City utilized Municipal State Aid (MSA) funds to help offset the cost. The project
does include assessment revenue although most of the assessment revenue is deferred revenue as it
abuts undeveloped property. Assessments typically become due when the property is developed.
Tax Classifications
2014 2015 2016
Property Assessment Assessment Increase Assessment Increase
Classification Payable 2015 Payable 2016 (Decrease) Payable 2017 (Decrease)
Residential $ 234,129,300 $ 242,952,800 $ 8,823,500 $ 246,835,100 $ 3,882,300
Commercial $ 61,872,100 $ 62,698,800 $ 826,700 $ 64,708,400 $ 2,009,600
Tax Exempt $ 164,048,700 $ 169,207,000 $ 5,158,300 $ 181,681,600 $ 12,474,600
Other $ 12,043,100 $ 11,866,300 ($ 176,800) $ 11,598,300 ($ 268,000)
Total $ 472,093,200 $ 486,724,900 $ 14,631,700 $ 504,823,400 $ 18,098,500
Taxable Total $ 308,044,500 $ 317,517,900 $ 9,473,400 $ 323,141,800 $ 5,623,900
Growth Percent 3.00% 1.70%
% Tax Exempt 35.00% 35.00% 36.00%
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Donations
The City of St. Joseph is fortunate to have generous service clubs and residents who made donations for
various projects during 2017. The total value of donations in 2017 equaled: $55,856.61. The following
is a summary of donations:
Donor Purpose Donation
Dean Schenk Police Training Supplies $500.00
Y2K Lions FD Farm Extrication Equip. $500.00
St. Joseph Fire Relief FD Farm Extrication Equip. $2,412.97
GM Drilling Movie in the Park $400.00
JM Oil Company Movie in the Park $400.00
Astech Corporation Movie in the Park $400.00
JKA, Attorneys At Law Movie in the Park $400.00
Omann Insurance Agency Movie in the Park $400.00
Kwik Trip Movie in the Park $400.00
C&L Excavating Movie in the Park $400.00
Russell Eyecare Movie in the Park $400.00
St. Joseph Lions Movie in the Park $400.00
Central MN Credit Union Movie in the Park $400.00
SEH Movie in the Park $400.00
Mosquito Squad Movie in the Park $250.00
City of St. Cloud Speed Trap Trailers (2) $1,000.00
Archery Country Archery Range $650.00
AgStar Financial Footgolf $200.00
William Mancy Fire Services $17.72
Muscle Car Mafia Police Services $100.00
St. Joseph Jaycees FD Thermal Camera $3,000.00
St. Joseph Fire Relief FD Thermal Camera $17,440.97
#6 Bed Slide/Painted Topper
BP Machine
Kwik Trip Police Operations $1,000.00
Anonymous Disc Golf $152.91
Anonymous Archery Range $377.38
Anonymous Millstream Camping $3.75
Anonymous Footgolf Open House $9.05
College of St. Benedicts Annual Donation $20,000
McDonalds Parks 100.00
American Legion #328 AED $250.00
Coborns Footgolf Open House $25.00
Y2K Lions Squad AED $466.86
GM Drilling Squad AED $1,000.00
Chris Haugen Squad AED $200.00
Rug Doctor, LLC Squad AED $800.00
Y2K Lions Squad AED $1,000.00
TOTAL DONATIONS 2017 $55,856.61
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BUILDING CODES
The Building Official is responsible for administering the MN State Building Code and the primary
services include: building permit administration and plan review; building code enforcement and
inspections; mechanical and plumbing enforcement and inspections; rental housing licensing and
inspections and sign enforcement. All building permit applications are reviewed for zoning compliance.
The table below is a summary of building permit activity.
Building Permit Type (excludes Plumbing & Mechanical
2014 2015 2016
permits)
Residential Dwelling
Multi Family New Construction - -
New Single Family – Detached 6 7 16
New Single Family – Attached - - 2
Remodel/Addition 17 16 17
Residential Accessory
Accessory Building 8 10 2
Deck 11 14 13
Other 110 80 72
Total Residential – Number of Permit 149 127 104
Total Residential Market Value Increase $2,039,966.80 $1,913,228.35 $4,265,000.00
Commercial/Industrial
New Construction - 2 4
Accessory Structure - - 1
Remodel/Addition - 14 13
Sign (permanent) 2 5 7
Other 35 17 17
Total Commercial/Industrial – Number of Permit 37 38 42
Total Commercial/Industrial Market Value Increase $2,753,487.00 $6,452,956.81 $26,716,819.00
Utility Billing
Over 1,800 utility accounts are billed bi-monthly for the City’s utility services to include: water, sanitary
sewer, storm water, refuse and street light utility. Residents have the opportunity to pay their bills via
the website (41 users), automatic withdraw (160 users) and the balance of accounts are paid through
the mail or use of the City payment drop box. The City has a high collection rate, collecting over 98% of
the utility accounts without going through a certification process.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Dale Wick Term Expires: Council Term
Rick Schultz Term Expires: Council Term
Doug Danielson Term Expires: January 2018
Gary Osberg Term Expires: January 2019
Larry Hosch Term Expires: January 2023
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The Economic Development Authority conducted is business on the third Wednesday of each month at
5:00 PM in the City Hall Conference Room with all meetings open to the public. During the calendar
year, the EDA meet eleven times including two joint meetings with the St. Joseph City Council. The EDA
is responsible for the maintaining, creating and developing a strategy for commercial and economic
growth. The St. Joseph EDA has operated using the following four core functions:
1. Organizational Development
2. Business Development
3. Market Development
4. Infrastructure Development.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - RETENTION
The existing businesses are important to the St. Joseph EDA. During 2016 ten site visits were completed
and include the following: Cone Castle; Sunset manufacturing, American Manufacturing, Finken
Companies, Midwest Supply & Distributing, Tamarack Materials, Best Way Fabricating, Rolling Ridge
Wedding and Event Center, Central Canvass Manufacturing, and Tanner Systems. During the visits all
the businesses indicated they were satisfied with the City and their business were enjoy being part of
the local economy.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT – NEW DEVELOPMENT
Kwik Trip constructed a new 10, 145 SF convenience store, gas station and car wash on the former EL
Paso site with an estimated construction cost of 3.5 Million. Assistance was not requested for
development and the business opened in August 2016.
24 North Lofts formerly entitled Bayou Alley Flats is working
towards completing the final plat that would allow for a
downtown mixed use commercial and residential
development
Other Commercial Activities: The City approved the
development of athletic fields for the College of St.
Benedict. The project includes soccer, lacrosse, softall,
multipurpose fields, a pavilion, concession stands, an
athletic center and trials. Site work began in 2016 with construction to be completed in 2017.
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The College also received approval to make application for a new admission which be located near 3
Ave NW, repurposing property purchased form the monastery of St. Benedict. Construction is
anticipated to begin in 2017 and finish late 2017.
American Manufacturing purchased an adjoining parcel with the contemplation of constructing an
accessory building for additional storage. The project is anticipated to start in 2017.
MARKETING DEVELOPMENT
MAPPING: The EDA discussed an innovative mapping project and invited the St. Joseph Chamber to be a
partner. The Chamber has opted to not participate in paper mapping but would be interested in helping
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businesses register with Google Maps so that visitors of St. Joseph could take advantage of the
opportunities.
In an effort to increase funding for market development, the EDA researched and recommended the
City Council implement a three percent lodging tax. The funds collected from the lodging tax by Statute
can only be used for marketing. Therefore the EDA did discuss the pros and cons of partnering with the
St. Cloud Visitors Bureau and opted to collect the funds for a short period to determine available funding
and then determine the best use of the funds. As of December 31, 2016 the balance in the lodging fund
is $ 8,034.00.
PUBLIC FINANCIING CONSIDERATIONS
The EDA considering financing applications for two senior developments, Country Manor and Fortitude
Housing with each offering a different type of housing.
Country Manor requested Tax Abatement in the amount of $ 505,000.00 which was approved
by the City Council. Their development is multi phased
encompassing 134 acres. The first phase includes 12
patio homes, 60 independent living units, 24 memory
care units and ancillary commercial uses to include
restaurant/coffee shop, chapel and rehab center.
Construction began in 2016 and occupancy is
anticipated in late 2017.
Fortitude Senior Housing requested TIF in
the amount of $ 530,000.00 which was approved by
the City Council. The project includes a 47 unit
senior aging in place apartments where services are
brought to the resident as needed. Construction
began in 2016 and occupancy is anticipated in mid
2017.
INFRASTRUCURE DEVELOPMENT
The City Council approved the construction of the eastern portion of Field Street which will extend from
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College Avenue/CR 121 to 7 Ave NE. This connection will provide additional open space for future
development.
The EDA reached out the financial institution holding the property known as the Parkway Business
Center to inquire about the extension of utilities. The institution is not interested in development;
however, the EDA continues to identify this area as a primary location for future development and
continue to pursue options for development.
The EDA also continues to reach out to the property owners near I-94 to inquire about extending
utilities but they too are not ready. The Eda will continue to monitor.
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PLANNING COMMISSION
Steve Olson Term Expires: January 2018
Matt Johnson Term Expires: January 2018
Gina Dullinger Term Expires: January 2017
Chad Hausmann Term Expires: January 2019
Daryl Schaefer Term Expires: January 2017
Rick Schultz Council Liaison
The Planning Commission conducted its business on the first Monday of each month at 6:00 PM in the
City Council Chambers at City Hall and is an advisory commission appointed by the City Council. The
primary role of the Planning Commission is to hear requests and provide recommendations to the City
Council on land use matters to include: variances, special/conditional use permits, ordinance
amendments, rezoning, plats and/or subdivisions and development requests. The Planning Commission
is also charged with planning for the future and developing and managing the Comprehensive Plan for
the City.
2016 Highlights
In 2016 the Planning Commission conducted 10 meetings, including one joint session with the City
Council, Park Board and Economic Development Authority. The following is a summary of Planning
Commission activities:
Variance
The Planning Commission conducted one hearing for Variance. The request was to consider a variance
to relieve exterior requirements in the Industrial zoning district. The Planning Commission
recommended the City Council deny the variance request as the plight of the landowner was created by
the landowner and was not due to the circumstances unique to the property; and the request for
variance would alter the essential character of the locality as it would be inconsistent with the
requirements adhered to by the surrounding area. The Council accepted the recommendation of the
Planning Commission denying the Variance request.
Special Use
The Planning Commission considered one (1) request for special use. Kwik Trip submitted the special use
request along with the variance and preliminary/final plat approval. The request allowed for a
convenience store with fuel and carwash in the B-2 Highway 75 Business District. The Council
subsequently accepted the recommendation of the Planning Commission and issued the Special Use
Permit as requested.
Interim Use
The Planning Commission conducted two (2) public hearings for Interim Use, one for owner occupied
and one for non-owner occupied. Both requests were approved by the City Council following Planning
Commission recommendation for approval. Term for the non-owner occupied rental was approved for
one year by the Council.
Preliminary/Final Plat
The Planning Commission considered 3 requests for Preliminary and Final Plat approval. The first
entitled Country Manor Senior Living Campus is located west of Kennedy Community School and south
of County Road 121. The property owner also requested rezoning of the property to R3 and R5, Land
Use Amendment, and PUD Plan Review. The development will consist of 60 senior living apartments
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common social and dining spaces, activity and therapy spaces, and 24 memory care living units with
associated living spaces. The development is planned for an additional 60 apartments and 24 memory
care units. All were recommended for approval by the Planning Commission and approved by the City
Council.
The second request for Preliminary and Final Plat approval was submitted by Fortitude Senior Housing
to construct age restricted senior living facility. The development would consist of a 47 unit apartment
building with 4 detached garage units. The preliminary plat, final plat, and PUD amendment were
recommended for approval by the Planning Commission and subsequently approved by the City Council.
The third request was for final plat approval was submitted by Elite Development and to complete
Graceview Estates Phase 5. The final plat included 12 single family lots.
Ordinance Amendments
In 2016 the St. Joseph Code of Ordinances was renumbered to allow for additional ordinances to be
added. During 2016, the following ordinances were adopted or amended:
Ordinance Reason for Adoption/Amendment
Ordinance 610 Lodging Tax Adopted
Ordinance 611 Sexually Oriented Adopted
Business
Ordinance 615 Portable Adopted
Confectionery Stores and Mobile
Food Vendors
Ordinance 306 Cable Amended to reflect new contract language
Communications
Ordinance 401 Municipal Water Amended to reflect current City practices
System
Ordinance 404 Water and Sewer Amended to reflect reduced water and sewer connection rates for
Availability Charges multiple family structures
Ordinance 806 Unreasonable Amended to allow additional discretion for police officers
Acceleration & Braking
Ordinance 520 Zoning Ordinance
Section 520.46 R-5 Supportive Care District was adopted
Section 520.42 R-4 Townhouse/Patio Home Residential
District: amended to include a provision allowing for a
bonus room for patio homes
Section 520.12 was amended to change the width of curb
cut, including the wings to 30 feet.
Section 520.04 Rules and Definitions was amended to
change the definition of bed and breakfast to an owner or
non-owner occupied single family residence.
Section 520.50 B1 Central business district was amended to
include a Bed and Breakfast as a conditional use.
Sections of the Zoning Ordinance were amended to remove
redundancies and update language to current City
practices.
Ordinance 540 Subdivision Amended to clean up redundancies and update language to be
Regulations consistent with current codes and City practices.
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JOINT PLANNING BOARD
Rick Schultz City Planning Commission Jeff Janssen Township Supervisor
Steve Olson City Planning Commission Jerome Salzer Township Supervisor
Chad Hausmann City Planning Commission Brenda Stanger Township Supervisor
Bob Loso City Council Mark Thompson Township Planning
Judy Weyrens Administrator to Board Mark Bromenschenkl Stearns County Com.
In 2010 the City and Township of St. Joseph and Stearns County executed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) streamlining the development process in the Orderly Annexation Area. The MOU
creates a Joint Planning Board which has exclusive authority over land use and zoning issues in the OA
area. The Board consists of the following: City Representation – One member of the City Council and
three from the Planning Commission; Township Representation – One member for the Township Board
and three members from the Planning Commission; Stearns County Representation – District County
Commission (ex-officio, non-voting).
The Joint Planning Board conducts its business the second Monday each month, as needed, at 7:00 PM
in the St. Joseph City Hall. In 2016 the Joint Planning Board met six (7) times. The following is a
summary of activities:
Rezoning
All property within the Orderly Annexation Area (OAA) is zoned Urban Expansion (UE) and allows for one
dwelling unit per 40 acres as the OAA is an area of transition. In 2016 the Joint Planning Board
considered and recommended approval of two (2) requests for rezoning. The request was to rezone a
property from the Agricultural 40 zoning district to the Commercial zoning district. The second rezoning
included rezoning 1320 acres to Urban Expansion.
Preliminary/Final Plat
The Joint Planning Board conducted one public hearing to
consider approval of the Preliminary Plat entitled River
Ridge Estates. The Preliminary Plat was approved
contingent upon meeting the concerns brought forward
by Stearns County, as well as the Township and City
Engineers. In December 2015, the Joint Planning Board
met to consider the Final Plat. Not all final documents had
been submitted and outstanding items had not been
resolved. In February, 2016, the Joint Planning Board
approved the Final Plat and execution of the development agreement for River Ridge Estates.
Conditional/Interim Use
The Joint Planning Board conducted three public hearings for conditional use. All three requests were
approved. The first allowed for the operation of a motor vehicle repair business in a commercial zoning
district. The second allowed for excavation of an area for a drainage ditch and infiltration basin within
the floodway for River Ridge Estates and after the fact approval to keep fill as placed for construction of
a road noise berm. Lastly, the third request allowed for the operation of an auto and light truck sales lot
in the Industrial zoning district.
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The Joint Planning Board conducted one public hearing for interim use. The request was approved and
allowed for the operation of a gravel mining operation on an additional 19.04 acres, for a total of
approximately 38 acres.
Administrative Subdivision Request
The Joint Planning Board conducted two public hearings for administrative subdivision requests, both of
which were subsequently approved. The first allowed for the split of approximately 4 acres from a
portion of land lying northerly of Ridgewood Road to allow for the sale of the property to Stearns
County to extend the Wobegon Trail. The second request was approved to swap 3.85 acres between
two parcels.
COMMUNITY CENTER COMMITTEE
In 2014 committee was established to review all the facility needs of the City and hired WSB as a
consultant to facilitate the process. In 2015 WSB presented the final report to the City Council which
indicated that the Community ranked the need for a community center as the first priority for building
and public safety as second. In September 2015 the City purchased the former Colts Academy property
for the community center. However, the City will not have full use of facility until at least June 2017.
The City Council approved the hiring of HMA, Murray Mack to prepare concept plans for the potential
renovation of the former Colts Academy for the St. Joseph Community Center. The Committee met
twice in 2016 and have developed a concept plan based on the 2015 report. The concept includes the
addition of gym space, repurposing part of the existing facility for the Historical Society and Food Shelf
and some space for senior and youth gathering and activity. The committee will continue meeting in
2017 anticipating a proposed project for 2018.
COMMUNICATIONS
The City of St. Joseph’s means of communications with the residents are as follows:
Website
Residents of St. Joseph are able to use the City website www.cityofstjoseph.com as an informational
and productive resource. The website is monitored and updated by City Staff, including information such
as:
Agendas, Minutes, and meeting packets for the Council, Boards, and Commission
An “Upcoming Events” section which shows all upcoming meetings
Contact information for City Staff and members of the Council, Boards, and Commission
Updated City Ordinances
The bi-monthly Newsletter
Building permit activity reports
Updated budget and fee schedule information
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City maps
Information about Parks within the City
In addition, residents are able to access forms for their convenience. Such forms include; building permit
applications, dog license applications, and park and fire hall reservation forms. The website also allows
residents to pay their utility bills, compost permit fees, and dog license fees online.
Residents can report any concerns they may have utilizing the “Report a Concern” function. The
Administrator is notified once the concern has been submitted and takes the necessary action on a case
by case basis.
Newsletter
In the Know in St. Joseph, is the bi-monthly newsletter that is sent to residents with their utility bills. It
can also be accessed on the homepage of the website. The newsletter provides any updates, holiday
information, and reminders for the residents. A few businesses in St. Joseph have submitted their ads to
appear in the newsletter as well.
Cable Access Channel
The cable access channel serves as an additional informational resource to residents of St. Joseph. The
channel consists of informational slides that include contact information for City Council members and
department heads, any upcoming events in the City, and any updates/reminders for that particular
season. In additional all regular City Council and Planning Commission are broadcast live and repeated
once each week.
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