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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 [11] Nov 17 I I I November 17, 2005 Page 1 of 7 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, November 17,2005 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Richard Carlbom, Councilors AI Rassier, Dale Wick, Ross Rieke, Renee Symanietz, City Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives Present: City Engineers Tracy Ekola, Joe Bettendorf Others Present: Bill Durrwachter, Katie Perry, Margaret Hughes, Jim Graeve, Phil Welter, S. Kara Hennes, S. lone J., S. Gen Maiers, S. Mara Faulkner, S. Katherine Kraft, S. Paula Revier, Doug Weiszhaar, Linda Hutchinson, S. T. Scheeler Approve Aqenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add 13b. Add 13c. Add 13d. Appointment to CTC for North Corridor Study OSHA Update Joint CitylTownship Meeting The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Consent Aqenda: Rassier made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as follows; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. a. Minutes - Approve the minutes of August 29, October 6, 2005. b. Bills Payable - Approve check numbers 036449-036516 c. Sales Tax Ordinance - Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Ordinance Amendment enacting the collection of the area % cent sales tax. d. Election Equipment Grant - Authorize the Mayor and Administrator of the City of St. Joseph to participate in the Stearns County Grant seeking funding for state mandated election equipment. Public Comments to the Aqenda: Bill Durrwachter, 1416 Pond View Court, approached the Council to state his opposition to the proposed Field Street Corridor. He made reference to a book entitled "St. Joseph, Preserving the Heritage" by Susan Nierengarten-Kuhn. A copy of the book was given to each of the Council members as well. Durrwachter then read his letter to the Councilors making reference to Chapter 2 dealing with religion and Chapter 3 dealing with Education. He concluded his letter by urging them to read page 166 located in Chapter 10, which states that it is our responsibility to preserve the heritage of St. Joseph. Due to legislation regarding the gift law, the Council agreed to leave the books at the City Office for residents to review. Water Treatment Bond Sale. Monte Eastvold: Bond Counsel Monte Eastvold appeared before the Council to issue part of the financing for the water treatment facility. Previously, the Council awarded the bid to John T. Jones Construction for the Water Treatment Facility. The City has opted to finance the project with two separate bond issues. Part A of the bond is in the amount of $4,595,000 with part B totaling approximately $3,000,000. Eastvold stated that the City opted to rate the bond issue hoping to increase the current bond ratting. The result of the rating did not change. Moody's has rated the City at BAA 1, which is very good. He stated that Moody's concern is the City's debt rating vs. the market value of the City. They would like to see the taxable market value increase. The City received four bids for the bond issue and all of them were fairly close; however, Piper Jaffray, Kansas City, MO was the lowest bidder with an average interest rate of 4.2261%. According to Eastvold, the closing date for this bond sale is scheduled for December 13, 2005. There were some questions raised by the Councilors. Wick questioned where the money will come from to pay for the bond sale. Eastvold stated that the money will come from new Water Hookup Charges. November 17, 2005 Page 2 of 7 Carlbom questioned whether the interest rate would go up if the bond sale were not final until December 13 to which Eastvold replied that the interest rate would probably be lower. If the interest rate were lower, I that would allow the City to have more funds available to use in the construction of the Water Filtration Plant. Symanietz made a motion to accept the bond sale as presented by Monte Eastvold of Northland Securities and approve the resolution providing for the issuance and sale of the $4,595,000 General Obligation Water Revenue Bond. The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously. Rezoninq Request. Leo Buettner: Weyrens reported that the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to consider the rezoning request of Leo Buettner to rezone Lot 2 Block 3 from the zoning of Industrial to Highway 75 Business. Property owner representative Jerry Hettwer stated that the property is being purchased by Coborn's and one lot is not large enough for the development. Therefore two lots are required and property cannot be developed with two djfferent zoning classifications. Hettwer stated that he asking the Council to extend the current Highway 75 Zoning District to include one additional lot. Hettwer stated in his opinion the property should be rezoned for the following reasons: o The property is better suited for Commercial use as it is along Highway 75. Having the property zoned B2, Highway 75 Business would allow for higher value development. o The potential client is Coborns. Currently, their plans are incomplete, however if the rezoning is approved, they plan to close on the property next year as well as begin construction. The proposed development is a grocery retail store. o Coborns needs both lots in order to build in St. Joseph. o Elm Street seems to be the dividing line between Commercial and Industrial properties. o Having that piece of property zoned as Commercial would yield more tax dollars for the City. Weyrens stated that both the EDA and the Planning Commission recommend approval of the rezoning request. I Wick made a motion to accept the recommendations of the Planning Commission and the EDA and rezone Lot 2 Block 3, Buettner Business Park from the current Industrial to B2, Highway Business. The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. Phil Welter: Phil Welter, 29413 Kiwi Ct, Sf. Joseph Township, approached the Councilors to share his letter in opposition to the proposed Field Street Corridor. He stated that his is currently serving as the chair of the citizen's group known as the St. Joseph Action Group - Preserving Special Places. In his letter, he stated WSB was hired to "study and evaluate the options for an east-west corridor road through south St. Joseph and portions adjoining St. Joseph Township in order to produce a recommendation for addressing the impact of anticipated residential and commercial development on the city's traffic needs over the next 10-30 years". WSB and the T AC Committee have been working on a traffic study to deal with future traffic issues and that is what the City should expect when the process is completed. Welter stated that their group has attended all meetings held by the TAC. He also stated that "the City has not heard, nor has it reasonably or effectively sought, the opinion of the St. Joseph citizenry". In his letter, he also stated, "the St. Joseph Action Group is concerned that other valid perspectives and viewpoints do exist and they must be given a fair hearing". He stated that he challenges the City Council to "consider all other valid perspectives and positions fully, equally and fairly". According to Welter, the City needs to "involve the citizens before the fact and in a proactive manner for, not after the fact and in a reactionary manner. Involvement has to take the form of a well publicized, collaboratively organized series of meetings". Welter also stated that he encourages the City to "declare a temporary moratorium on decision regarding additional residential and commercial development". The I City must also "stand ready and willing to adapt and revise the existing comprehensive plan in order to reflect the wishes of the people". I I I November 17, 2005 Page 3 of 7 Welter also stated that the Committee feels that Field Street will adversely affect the city's culture in significant ways such as: o Significant alteration or destruction of property o Radical change in the character of an area o Introduction of noise and air pollutants According to Welter, the Committee also believes that there are several other reasonable alternatives to Field Street. The Committee has reviewed "various records, available correspondence and minutes of past discussions and deliberations over the past 20 years on the topic of an east/west corridor". Based on the information they have found, they noticed that the issue reveals "frequent, if not continuous, disagreement, varied understandings, some misunderstandings, and changing positions". He concluded that "given the constantly troubling and checkered history of this issue"; they believe that "it is time to put Field Street to rest, now and for all time". WSB - Update on Field Street: Doug Weiszhaar approached the Council representing WSB, the firm hired to complete the Field Street Corridor Study. Weiszhaar began his presentation by establishing the purpose and need of the Study. The issue is that traffic is growing on Minnesota Street, specifically at its intersection with College Avenue. The reasons as to why this is happening include the following: o St. Joseph's population is growing. Weiszhaar stated that there has been outstanding growth in the past 15-20 years. o Lack of east-west collector roads except for Minnesota Street and Hwy 75. o Minnesota Street provides the only continuous east-west roadway for the southern portion of St. Joseph. o The CSAH 2 connection to CSAH 75. He stated that they are assuming that eventually there will be a new connection from CR 2 to Hwy 75. Weiszhaar stated that at this time he is presenting the results of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and if the Council does not agree with the T AC it needs to be stated at this time. According to Weiszhaar, the T AC identified the purpose of the study to "provide a new east-west collector road in the southern portion of St. Joseph to support economic health and growth of the community by providing safe and efficient traffic movement for existing and proposed developments and east-west thru traffic. Along with the purpose of the study, he identified three needs and some considerations. Needs: o Accommodate development in the St. Joseph area. o Provide appropriate collector spacing for the urbanizing area. o Relieve existing and future traffic pressures on Minnesota Street and College Avenue. Considerations o Improve access to the campus of the College of St. Benedict o Improve connection and transit service between College of St. Benedict and St. John's University. o Promote the economic health and growth of the community. o Consider and minimize social and environmental impacts of the project. o Consider appropriate levels of access for adopted concept. Carlbom stated that the college is the largest generator of traffic in the City. Weiszhaar added that the College did not protest to any of the considerations stated above. According to Rassier, this is the original purpose and need of the study set forth by the City Council. After confirming that they were studying alternatives for the east-west collector road with the correct purpose in mind, Weiszhaar identified the different alternatives that were studied by the TAC. He stated that all of the alternatives that were studied assumed CR 2 would be reconstructed north to CR 75 to CR3 prior to any construction of this new collector road. The alternatives reviewed included: 1. Extension of CR 121 South to Hwy 23 2. Construct a new interchange at Jade Road and 1-94 November 17, 2005 Page 4 of 7 3. Extend 1-94 western frontage road south to Jade Road 4. Provide a full movement interchange at CSAH 75 and 1-94 5. Extend Baker or Dale to CR 121 6. Field Street - CSAH 2 to 20th Avenue, Fronting 1-94 7. Extend 290th Street east to 20th Avenue 8. Field Street - CR 121 to 20th Avenue 9. Field Street - CSAH 2 to 20th Avenue I Weiszhaar stated that each alternative had pros and cons associated with it; however the Field Street alternative extending from CR 2 to 20th Avenue would be the most effective at reducing traffic at the intersection of Minnesota Street and College Avenue. This alternative however, severs the College and the Monastery Property. At the final meeting of the TAC, they made a decision to move forward in evaluating the Environmental Impacts associated with Field Street from CSAH 2 to 20th Avenue. To do this, Weiszhaar stated that they must go through the Environmental Assessment Process. In order to complete this type of assessment, there must be some Agency Coordination. Special studies such as a Noise Analysis, Wetlands, Historical/Archeological/Cultural, Air Quality, Contaminated Properties, Parks/Recreation/Historical, Environmental Justice, Storm Water Runoff, Right-of-Way and Relocation studies must be done as a part of this process. Once those studies are completed, a report will be prepared and submitted to MnDOT and the FHWA for review. After the review is completed, then MnDOT and FHWA as well as the City must sign the report. The next step would be to publish the document and it distributed for agency and public comment after which a Public Hearing will be conducted. Based on the comments, a Findings of Fact and Conclusion will be prepared. Weiszhaar stated it is at this time that the corridor is official mapped. Weiszhaar then again questioned whether or not the TAC is on the right track with the environmental process. Carlbom, Rassier and Wick all agreed that the TAC is headed in the right direction with this I project. According to Carlbom, this issue has created a lot more interest from the public and more citizens are getting involved. Wick stated that he would like to see the public input continue throughout the process. Weiszhaar concluded by thanking the Council for giving WSB the opportunity to work with the City on this corridor study. Rassier commented that neither representatives from neither the College nor the Monastery prefer any method that would go sever the Monastery property. Sister Kara Hennes approached the Councilors and stated that the purpose/need of the study is incorrect. She stated that the original purpose of the Study was to determine if there is a need for an east-west corridor through St. Joseph. Now, it is being presented as to provide a new east-west collector road in the southern portion of St. Joseph to support economic health and growth of the community by providing safe and efficient traffic movement for existing and proposed developments and east-west through traffic. According to Hennes, the needs were not documented at the beginning of the process. Wick agreed with Hennes that the original need was to determine the need for a collector road rather than to provide one. Hennes also stated that the TAC did look at an extension of CR 2 to CR 75, however the TAC did not understand the commercial alignment as mentioned in the Comprehensive Plan. She also mentioned that when the Comprehensive Plan was amended, there was little participation from residents in the City. Hennes stated that the Committee will agree with her that there are no records to show the votes. She stated that the two institutions (College of St. Benedict and the Monastery) did not agree with the alignment around the holding pond, nor was there a vote as to which alternative should go to the environmental process. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS GIS Updatinq: Ekola approached the Council to discuss some potential updates to the GIS system. She I is proposing the following: 1. Obtain and update parcel information ($550 to be funded from the General Fund) 2. 2005 Aerial photo updates from Stearns County ($800 to be funded from the General Fund) I I I November 17, 2005 Page 5 of 7 3. Utility Updates ($4500 to be funded from development projects) 4. Update annexation areas, zoning, and future land use maps ($250) 5. Scanning record drawings and attach record drawing links to GIS system ($5000 to be funded from water, sewer, and storm water funds) Ekola also stated that they would like to have the parcel information updated either monthly or quarterly from Stearns County to allow for the most current information available. Rassier questioned if the services stated above are not included in the monthly fee paid to SEH. Weyrens advised the Council that SEH is not billed a flat rate per month, rather they are billed for the services that they provide and as a result, the City would need to pay for these updates to the GIS system. Wick made a motion to authorize the City Engineer to update the GIS system as presented. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. APO TAC Update: Bettendorf reported that he attended the APO TAC meeting at which they took a final look atthe 20/30 roadway plan. The updated plan illustrates Field Street as a possible Federally funded project. In addition there is a possibility that the 2006 North - east west corridor could receive federal funding. After the public hearing there will be a 30-day comment period for the 20/30 roadway plan. If there are no plan amendments, the next plan update will occur in 2010. According to Ekola, the 20/30 roadway plan does not preclude smaller projects, rather it allows for more flexibility. She also reported that the APO Staff asked the TAC to give feedback as to how to start the corridor studies. As a result, the APO will hold a targeting meeting, which will consist of City Council Members, County Board Members, Technical Staff, as well as the public to give a general idea of the project. Bettendorf added that only the executive board would be voting on the adoption of the 20/30 roadway plan. MAYOR REPORTS Fire Board: Carlbom stated that the Fire Board met and discussed the St. Wendel Fire Contract, which expires at the end of 2005. St. Wendel is recommending some minor changes to the contract language, which the Fire Board agreed to include. This matter will come back to the City Council in December for final approval. The Fire Department also recently applied for a FEMA grant for a personnel carrier. Although they did not receive the grant, the Department is requesting to purchase the vehicle through budgeted and reserve funds. The St. Joseph Fire Relief Association requested the City and Township increase the annual pension. Currently firefighters receive $ 1,600 per year of service and the Relief Association is seeking an increase to $ 1,800. The increase will help provide longevity within the department. APO Executive Board: Carlbom reported that the November Full Board meeting has been cancelled. Mayor's Prayer Breakfast: Carlbom stated that he attended the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast at which the new Mayor of St. Cloud, Dave Kleis, was present. Joint Planninq District: Recently the City of St. Joseph and the St. Joseph Township entered into discussions regarding the expansion of the Orderly Annexation Area including the Kraemer Lake area. Carlbom stated that the County is considering purchasing the Honer Farm abutting Kraemer Lake, creating a public access and park. Carlbom stated that he will be encourage the local legislators to support bonding money for the project. Life-Cycle Housinq: Carlbom reported that he attended the Life-Cycle Housing (LCH) meeting at which the Maxfield Housing Study was presented. The purpose of the study was to review the Area City Affordable Housing Program. The Study indicates that the Area Cities reduce the number of LCH units from 15% to 4%. However, the report is not complete and more information will be available once the document is finalized. November 17, 2005 Page 6 of 7 EDA: Carlbom stated that the EDA met last week. COUNCIL REPORTS SYMANIETZ St. Cloud Chamber: Symanietz reported that she attended the St. Cloud Chamber meeting, which was held at St. Cloud Orthopedic. Symanietz also thanked everyone for honoring the veterans on Veterans Day. WICK Life-Cvcle Housino: Wick reported that the Life-Cycle Housing Sub-Committee will meet on November 30, 2005. RASSIER Bliss Media: Rassier stated that he attended the ground breaking for the Bliss Media project. RIEKE EDA Meetinq: Rieke reported that the EDA met and minutes will be available. ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Annexation Aqreement: Weyrens presented the Council with the revised language to amend the existing Orderly Annexation Agreement. The amendment includes language requiring contiguous boundaries and adds a service district north of County Road 2. east of Interstate 94 and south of CR 75. The City Attorney and Township Attorney have been working together drafting the amended language. St. Joseph Township has not finalized the amendment but the Township Attorney has agreed to present the revised language. Rassier made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Amendment to the Orderly Annexation Agreement contingent upon St. Joseph Township approving the same language. The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously. North East/West Corridor Studv: Weyrens requested the Council appoint a member to the Corridor Advisory Committee for the North east/west Corridor Study. The first meeting is scheduled for December 14,2005. The Council appointed Symanietz to represent the Council on the CAC. OSHA Update: Weyrens stated that the City recently had an OSHA Compliance Inspection. The City was cited on four violations and the City will receive the final report shortly. In addition to the citations, the City was notified of minor corrections. Since the repairs are mandatory the staff has begun working on the repairs. As soon as the report is received it will be forwarded to the Council along with the repair costs. Amendment to Annexation Aqreement: Weyrens reported that St. Joseph Township has requested to meet to continue the discussion on amending the Orderly Annexation Area. St. Joseph Township has requested a meeting date of December 5, 2005 at 8PM at City Hall to which the Council agreed. Truth and Taxation: Weyrens reminded the Council of the Truth and Taxation meeting is scheduled for November 29, 2005 and the regular Council meeting will immediately follow. Adiourn: Carlbom made a motion to adjourn at 9:30 PM; seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. I I I I I I November 17, 2005 Page 7 of 7 ~~~ r;/:~rator