HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 [08] Aug 09
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August9,2005
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in special session
on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 at 5:30 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall.
Members Present: Mayor Richard Carlbom. Councilors AI Rassier, Ross Rieke, Dale Wick, Renee
Symanietz. Administrator Judy Weyrens.
Others Present: Public Works Director Dick Taufen, Police Chief Pete Jansky, City Engineers Joe
Bettendorf and Tracy Ekola.
Northland Heiqhts Development Aqreement: Weyrens presented the Council with the final draft of the
Development Agreement for Northland Heights. The Council tabled this matter on August 4, 2005 so
that all the requirements can be detailed and reviewed by the Council. The Agreement presented
includes the Park Dedication Fee, Storm Water Fee and a provision allowing deferral of the watermain
along Jasmine Lane between Northland Plat 8 and Northland Heights. While the a portion of the
watermain is deferred, the Developer is required to pay any financing costs associated with the delayed
assessment.
Lumber One representative Chad Carlson questioned the Parkland Dedication Fee included in the
Agreement and if the figure represents only Phase One. Weyrens responded that the figure is for the
entire development. The agreement will be amended reducing the Park Dedication Fee to phase one
only.
Rassier made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Development
Agreement between the City of St. Joseph and Lumber One for the construction of Improvements
for a plat entitled Northland Heights. The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed
unanimously.
Board of Review: Weyrens reported that Stearns County has offered to assume the duties of the Board
of Review and Equalization for all Municipalities and Townships. The County is requiring a three year
commitment if the responsibilities are assumed. Weyrens stated that the County Board of Review
consists of professionals with a background in real estate. Rieke made a motion to surrender the
power of the Board of Review and Equalization to Stearns County for a three-year trail period. The
motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
Northland Heiqhts. Neqotiated Bond Sale: Weyrens presented the Council with a Financial Advisory
Agreement by and between the City of St. Joseph and Northland Securities lnc for bond services for the
Northland Heights Bond Sale. The bond sale has been scheduled for September 1, 2005. Rassier
made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Financial Advisory
Agreement by and between the City of St. Joseph and Northland Securities as presented. The
motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously.
Weyrens presented the Council with a resolution authorizing the Competitive Negotiated Sale of $
2,775,000 General Obligation Bonds for the Northland Heights Improvement. The City has issued both
Public Sale Bonds and Negotiated Sale and has relied on the expertise of Northland Securities to
determine which method is best. Typically Public Sale Bonds are used for large projects. Rieke made a
motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute resolution 2005-19a providing for the
Competitive Negotiated Sale of $ 2,775,000 General Obligation Improvement Bonds. The motion
was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
Budqet 2006: Weyrens stated that the first draft of the 2006 budget will be ready for distribution on
August 17. Part of the budget discussion for 2006 should include facility planning. the current City Hall
is nearing capacity and if an additional staff person is added in administration, desk space will become an
issue. Weyrens stated that additional staff is needed in administration as she has been overwhelmed the
past months. While the City has been adding one staff position each year the hire rotates between
Maintenance and Police. Weyrens stated that she has contacted Springsted, a firm specializing in
Municipal Services, who could assist the City with the organization structure for today and the future. In
August 9,2005
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addition, the study would include a comparable worth study, a study the Council agreed to complete with
both unions. The City of Waite Park is currently using the same firm for re-organization and a comparable
worth study and are satisfied with the performance.
Rassier stated that he was part of the negotiating committee for the LELS contract and the City did agree
to complete a comparable worth study. Weyrens stated that if the Council accepts the proposal of
Springsted a detailed work plan will be provided.
With regard to space needs, Weyrens stated the Council needs to determine where the City will expand.
Some of the options for expansion include: 1) adding a second level to the existing City Hall; 2)
remodeling the former City Hall located on 1st Avenue NW for a police station; 3) construct a new police
station adjacent to the Maintenance Facility on 15th Avenue NE. Weyrens stated that before facilities can
be considered a space needs study must be completed. Rassier questioned if the City has funds
available for a study to which Weyrens responded no. Wick concurred that facilities must be planned, but
it becomes an economic issue. The Council agreed to discuss this matter again after the preliminary
budget is completed.
Rassier made a motion to hire Springsted to complete an Organizational review of all City
Departments and prepare a Comparable Worth Study. The motion was seconded by Rieke and
passed unanimously.
Donations: Weyrens reported that the State Auditors Office requires that all donations received by
Municipalities must be accepted by the City Council. The Women of Today have donated $ 1,000 for the
purchase of a camera for the Police Department. Before the money can be expended the Council must
accept the donation. Rassier made a motion to accept the donation of $1,000 from the Women of
Today for the purchase of a 35 mm camera for the Police Department. The motion was seconded
by Wick and passed unanimously.
Adiourn: The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 6:50 PM
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