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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnnual Report - Administration 2017 ADMINISTRATION Annual Report 2017 This page intentionally left blank 1 CITY COUNCIL Mayor Rick Schultz Term Expires: January 2019 Councilor & Acting Mayor Dale Wick Term Expires: January 2019 Councilor Matt Killam Term Expires: January 2019 Councilor Bob Loso Term Expires: January 2021 Councilor Troy Goracke Term Expires: January 2021 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 Mayor appointments to the various committees and positions. 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. Number of City Council Meeting Packets Compiled Year City Council Regular City Council Special Committee/ Meeting’s Meetings Board Meetings 2015 21 7 39 2016 25 5 39 2017 21 4 48 Resolutions/Ordinance Amendments Ordinance Ordinances Year Resolutions Amendments Adopted 2015 37 2 1 2016 59 9 2 2017 68 5 2 State Demographer Census Data Year Population Households 2015 6772 1888 2016 6739 1894 2 Administrative Citations Renting w/out Year Weed Cutting License Parking Pad Other 2015 97 3 - 2 2016 123 0 - 11 2017 96 3 - 5 Facility Reservations Year Millstream Park Centennial Park Fire Hall Wobegon 2015 35 27 43 4 2016 34 25 49 4 2017 27 23 46 4 Licensing Type 2015 2016 2017 Liquor, Intoxicating On Sale 9 8 7 Liquor, Malt On Sale 3 3 5 Liquor, Malt Off sale - - 1 Liquor Off Sale 8 7 7 Special Sunday 7 7 8 Wine, on sale 2 2 3 Strong Beer 2 2 3 Amusement 7 7 6 Cigarette 7 8 8 Peddler 2 5 10 Dog 296 308 286 Gambling 6 6 11 Rental Housing 150 148 148 Rental Housing, Interim Use Permit 19 22 20 Permitting Type 2015 2016 2017 Compost 548 571 577 Kegs 22 7 7 Excavation 35 35 17 Watering 1 - - Building Permit, total number 289 299 303 Building Permit, inspections (total) 905 1,061 1,191 Building Permit, Valuation Increase $10,003,064.16 $37,381,882.60 $ 24,781,047.93 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; 3 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 2013 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 2017A in the amount of $ 337,000 to cover government center construction costs to be reimbursed once the old city call is sold. The City also issued General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2017B in the amount of $ 697,000 for the CBD Alley Improvements and water filtration plant one rehabilitation costs. The funding sources for the projects include debt levy, water revenues and special assessments. Tax Classifications 2015 2016 2017 Property Assessment Assessment Increase Assessment Increase Classification Payable 2016 Payable 2017 (Decrease) Payable 2018 (Decrease) Residential $ 242,952,800 $ 246,835,100 $ 3,882,300 $ 265,071,300 $ 182,236,200 Commercial $ 62,698,800 $ 64,708,400 $ 2,009,600 $ 65,766,200 $ 1,057,800 Tax Exempt $ 169,207,000 $ 181,681,600 $ 12,474,600 $ 186,500,600 $ 4,819,000 Other $ 11,866,300 $ 11,598,300 $ (268,000) $ 11,735,300 $ 137,000 Total $ 486,724,900 $ 504,823,400 $ 18,098,500 $ 529,073,400 $ 24,250,000 Taxable Total $ 317,517,900 $ 323,141,800 $ 9,473,400 $ 342,572,800 $ 19,431,000 Growth Percent 3.00% 5.6% % Tax Exempt 35.00% 36.00% 36.00% 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: $72,184.87. The following is a summary of donations: Donor Purpose Donation Walmart FD Extrication Gloves $2,500.00 St. Joseph Fire Relief Backup Cameras $13,600.00 Bob Willard Foundation Police Operations $150.00 Rudy Gapko Police Operations $100.00 Dean Schenk Police Operations $500.00 St. Joseph Mutual Insurance PD AED/Misc. Equipment $150.00 Country Manor Dog Park $250.00 Home Town Title Dog Park $250.00 4 Cold Spring Vet Clinic Dog Park $510.00 Brian Loxtercamp Dog Park $20.00 St. Joseph Jaycees Dog Park $250.00 St. Joseph Y2K Lions Dog Park $592.25 St. Joseph Lions Dog Park $747.37 Anonymous Dog Park $74.65 Amy Braig-Lindstrom Dog Park $500.00 Pat & Mark Ditlevson Dog Park $50.00 Travis & Alysia Mick Dog Park $150.00 Michael Tangredi Dog Park $10.00 Anonymous Dog Park $1052.05 Borgert Products Dog Park Pavers $1,119.00 Coborns Dog Park Refreshments $10.00 Anonymous Dog Park Refreshments $19.99 Minnesota Wobegon Bike Repair Station $1,100.00 Patty & Jerry Wetterling Jacob Wetterling Rec. Center $1,100.00 Ellen Delacruz Jacob Wetterling Rec. Center $10.00 Jennifer Cook Jacob Wetterling Rec. Center $100.00 Susan Fowler Jacob Wetterling Rec. Center $100.00 Brenda Mahannah Jacob Wetterling Rec. Center $100.00 Elaine Clark Jacob Wetterling Rec. Center $25.00 Patricia Malmgren Jacob Wetterling Rec. Center $20.00 Kay Gerard Jacob Wetterling Rec. Center $25.00 Dorothy Ollmann Jacob Wetterling Rec. Center $100.00 Muscle Car Mafia Police Operations $220.00 Anonymous Fire Operations $60.82 Al Mohs Granite Bench $3,000.00 Anonymous RV Dump Station $381.19 Anonymous Disc Golf $22.68 Anonymous Foot Golf $2.00 Anonymous Archery Range $315.83 Anonymous Fire Operations $76.50 US Army Reserves Landscaping $2,000.00 Captive Creative Archery Range $300.00 St. Joseph Y2K Lions Police Operations $520.54 St. Joseph Lions Millstream Shelter $40,000.00 TOTAL DONATIONS 2017 $72,184.87 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. 5 Building Permit Type (excludes Plumbing & Mechanical 2015 2016 2017 permits) Residential Dwelling Multi Family New Construction - - - New Single Family – Detached 7 16 14 New Single Family – Attached - 2 2 Remodel/Addition 16 17 21 Residential Accessory Accessory Building 10 2 11 Deck 14 13 19 Other 80 72 70 Total Residential – Number of Permit 127 104 138 Total Residential Market Value Increase $1,913,228.35 $4,265,000.00 $ 4,573,502.92 Commercial/Industrial New Construction - 4 3 Accessory Structure - 1 2 Remodel/Addition - 13 3 Sign (permanent) 2 7 7 Other 35 17 21 Total Commercial/Industrial – Number of Permit 37 42 33 Total Commercial/Industrial Market Value Increase $2,753,487.00 $26,716,819.00 $ 18,067,568.73 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 (1,807 transactions), automatic withdraw (204 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. In 2017 the City revised the collection policy for utility bills, requiring payment within 45 days of original mailing. This policy allows the accounts to be collected before a subsequent billing. 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 The Economic Development Authority conducted it’s 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 met eight times. 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 6 2. Business Development 3. Market Development 4. Infrastructure Development. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - RETENTION The existing businesses are important to the St. Joseph EDA. During 2017 eleven site visits were completed and include the following: Development Diagnostics, Russell Eyecare & Associates, JR Auto, Fabral, Baby Girlz, Centracare St. Joseph, Ritesoft, Sunset Manufacturing, Central MN Credit Union, Precise, and Medelberg Chiropractic. During the visits all the businesses indicated they were satisfied with the City and their businesses enjoy being part of the local economy. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT – NEW DEVELOPMENT O’Reilly Auto Parts constructed a 7,453 square foot retail facility which opened in January 2018. The construction value is estimated at approximately $ 850,000. CSB Athletic Complex In 2016, the City approved the development of athletic fields for the College of St. Benedict. The project includes soccer, lacrosse, softball, multipurpose fields, a pavilion, concession stands, an athletic center and trials. Construction was completed in 2017 with an estimated construction cost of $ 6 M. The Estates Bed and Breakfast: The property owner of 29 MN St E converted a student rental property to a bed and breakfast. The house was constructed in 1909. The estimated construction cost of $ 110,000 kept the historical architectural features. Kwik Trip started construction on the second facility in St. Joseph. The second facility will be geared towards diesel vehicles and is anticipated to be open in March, 2018 and has an estimated construction cost of $ 3,250,000. MARKETING DEVELOPMENT In an effort to increase funding for market development, in 2016 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. In 2017 the EDA elected to create a St. Joseph Visitor and Convention Bureau, forming an advisory committee consisting of seven members. As 7 of December 31, 2017 the Lodging Tax Fund Balance is $ 20,206.00. It is anticipated that the Committee will be appointed in early 2018. PUBLIC FINANCING CONSIDERATIONS The EDA considered a request for modification to the TIF Development Agreement for 24 North (formally Bayou Blues). The request was to raise the interest rate to 5% since the interest rates have gone up since the agreement was originally approved. Additionally, the developer requested that three units on the ground level become residential as well as extending the TIF up to 25 years. The EDA recommended the Council approve amendment to the agreement, increasing the interest rate to 5%, allowing change of use with three residential units on the ground level, and allowing TIF up to 25 years. The Council accepted and approved the EDA’s recommendation. The EDA listened to a developer discuss the cost of building single family homes, questioning if the EDA/City would consider financing incentives for housing. The EDA agreed to continue the discussion and requested the developer provide additional information. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT The EDA and City Council have identified the development of a new industrial park as a priority. The EDA has partnered with a developer to develop an industrial park directly east/north of the current industrial park, formerly referred to as the Parkway Business Plat. The Developer has entered into a purchase agreement for the property and the City/EDA is in the process of submitting a funding request to MN DEED for infrastructure assistance. It is anticipated to have shovel ready lots late 2018 or early 2019. 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. PLANNING COMMISSION Steve Olson Term Expires: January 2018 Matt Johnson Term Expires: January 2018 Gina Dullinger Term Expires: January 2020 Chad Hausmann Term Expires: January 2019 Daryl Schaefer Term Expires: January 2020 Troy Goracke 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 8 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. 2017 Highlights In 2017 the Planning Commission conducted 10 meetings, including one joint session with the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee. The following is a summary of Planning Commission activities: Variance The Planning Commission conducted one hearing for Variance. The request was submitted by Rolling Ridge Wedding and Events Center to consider a variance to allow for continued relief from paving, striping, and curbing of the parking area. The Council accepted the recommendation of the Planning Commission approving the Variance request contingent upon the following conditions: The paved parking lot with 20 spaces shall be maintained; the gravel parking area shall be maintained and all off- street parking shall be on the paved or gravel parking lots. Conditional Use The Planning Commission considered six (6) requests for Conditional Use. They are as follows:  A CUP request was submitted to allow for a non-owner occupied Bed and Breakfast located at 29 MN St E. In December of 2016, the Council amended the ordinance to allow for a Bed and Breakfast as a conditional use in the B-1 Central Business District.  Kwik Trip submitted the special use request to allow for the construction of a convenience store, th gas station, and car wash located at the southwest corner of CSAH 75 and 20 Ave NE. A convenience store with gas station and car wash is a permitted conditional use in the B-2 Highway Business District. Therefore, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the request.  A second CUP request was submitted by the owners of 29 MN St E. The requested amendment to the previously approved CUP changed the exterior material requirements that were originally approved. The amendment allowed wood siding, brick and accent siding as opposed to the hardi board siding originally proposed.  Rolling Ridge Event and Wedding Center submitted a CUP request to amend the previously approve Special Use Permit to allow for a year round business and having the ability to hold special events that are open to the public.  Two CUP requests pertained to non-owner occupied residential rentals. The first request was for a property located in the R-4 Townhouse/Patio Home Residential District. A non-owner occupied renal is allowed as a conditional use provided the housing is for persons age 55 or older. The second property was located in the R-2 Two Family Residence District. A non-owner occupied rental is allowed in the district by conditional use. The Council subsequently accepted the recommendations of the Planning Commission and issued all of the Conditional Use Permit requests. 9 Interim Use The Planning Commission conducted seven (7) public hearings for Interim Use, all for non-owner occupied. Four of the requests were for properties located in the B-1 Central Business District and three were in the B-2 Highway Business District. All requests were approved by the City Council following Planning Commission recommendation for approval. The interim use permits will expire when the majority of the property surrounding is redeveloped as commercial or within three years whichever comes first. Preliminary/Final Plat The Planning Commission considered one request for Preliminary and Final Plat approval. CLC Partners, LLC submitted a request for preliminary and final plat approval of Rivers Bend 3. The Planning Commission tabled action on the request at their December meeting due to outstanding issues that needed to be resolved prior to approval. In March, 2017 the Commission recommended the City Council approve the preliminary and final plat. Ordinance Amendments During 2017, the following ordinances were adopted or amended: Ordinance Reason for Adoption/Amendment Ordinance 401 Municipal Water System Amended to remove reference to penalty for billing Ordinance 403 Sewer Rate Ordinance Amended to remove billing process, inserted reference to new Ordinance 409 Ordinance 405 Storm Water Utility Amended to remove billing process, inserted reference to new Ordinance 409 Ordinance 407 Street Light Utility Amended to remove billing process, inserted reference to new Ordinance 409 Ordinance 408 Water Rate Ordinance Adopted – Establishes rate structure for water Ordinance 409 Utility Accounts, Rates, and Adopted – Covers billing for all utility services Providing for Collection of Delinquent Charges Ordinance 104 Penalties and Fees Amended to include language referencing Appendix A for terms of penalties and fines JOINT PLANNING BOARD Rick Schultz City Planning Commission Greg Salk 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 Joe Perske 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 10 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 2017 the Joint Planning Board met eight times, of which five were joint meetings with the City Council. The following is a summary of activities: Conditional Use Permit The Joint Planning Board conducted two public hearings for conditional use. Both requests were approved. The first allowed for the replacement of a bulletin billboard with a dynamic sign for St. Joseph Mini Storage. The second request was for the construction and operation of a 3 megawatt solar energy system. Solar Systems are a permitted conditional use within the Orderly Annexation Area. Variance The Joint Planning Board conducted three public hearings for variance requests. The first request was submitted by Knife River Corporation for variance on the height of a silo for the storage of cement powder. The maximum height allowed is 45 feet. The Joint Planning Board approved the variance request allowing the applicant to have a silo at 68.6 feet in height. The second variance request was for the construction of an accessory building closer to the road than the primary structure. Similar requests have been approved in the past for owners in the same development. The variance request was approved by the Joint Planning Board. Lastly the Board received a variance request to construct a small addition to an existing home on County Road 2. The home was built prior to Stearns County adopting the setback Ordinance. The Joint Planning Board approved the 3 foot variance from setback requirements. JOINT POWERS BOARD (Elected officials of City and Township of St. Joseph) The City Council and St. Joseph Township Board of Supervisors met throughout 2017 to redefine the Land Use Management services for the Orderly Annexation Area (OAA). In 2016 Stearns County notified the City and Township that they can no longer serve as the Zoning Administrator. As a result the City and Township met to establish the land use regulations (which jurisdiction would apply) and assign a Zoning Administrator. In August 2017 the City and Township agreed to appoint the City as the Zoning Administrator for the OAA. In addition it was agreed that Stearns County Ordinances, along with the terms of a new Memorandum of Understanding will be utilized for Land Use Management. STATE BONDING REQUESTS The City Council authorized submitting three requests for State Bond Funding to include: 1. Jacob Wetterling – Requested Funding: 2 M; , project cost $ 6 M 2. CR 75 Pedestrian Crossing – Requested Funding $ 1.5 M; Project Cost $ 3 M+ 3. East Park – Requested Funding: $ 300,000; Project Cost: $ 600,000 COMMUNITY CENTER COMMITTEE 11 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. Through the meetings in 2017, the committee recommended the project be divided into two phases with the first phase including the construction of the recreation center including three gyms and raised walking track and a second phase to remodel the existing spaces. The proposed name of the recreation center is The Jacob Wetterling Recreation Center. As part of obtaining funds for the facility, donations will be sought in Jacob’s name. Sales tax funds will be the primary revenue source. The Council approved the allocation of $12 million with $6 million from sales tax and a minimum of $6 million raised through donations with a sunset date of May 2019. CR 75 PEDESTRIAN CROSSING In 2017, the City along with the St. Cloud Area Planning Organization (APO) funded a study to review alternatives to constructing a safe crossing over or under CSAH 75. The city bisected by CSAH 75 with large residential developments on both sides. CSAH has in excess of 22,000 trips per day, moving at a fast speed, making it not conducive to pedestrian traffic. The final results of the study illustrated a below grade crossing near Northland Drive. The City Council accepted the final report in August 2017. EAST PARK In 2016 the City acquired property adjacent to the Sauk River totaling over 94 acres. This property is commonly known as East Park. In 2008 the City planned for the Park and the Park and Trail Master Plan conceptually identifies the East Park to include amenities such as: river access, boat landing, parking facilities, restrooms, campground, dog park, playground, trails, and park pavilion. Before the City can develop the park, a detailed park plan must be completed and due to the size and cost of development, it is anticipated the park will be developed in phases. Therefore, planning for the Park is a key element. 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 12  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  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. 13