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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-02-06 February 2, 2006 Page 1 of 5 I Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, February 2, 2006 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 Engineer(s) Joe Bettendorf and Tracy Ekola, Public Works Director Dick Taufen Others Present: Dennis Dahlman, Matt Volbrecht, Monte Eastvold, S. Paula Revier, Clarence Fischer Approve Aqenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add 3f Add 3g Delete 7b Gambling License Renewal - St. Joseph Recreational Association Gambling License Application - St. Joseph Volunteer Firefighters Signal Project Updates/Schedule Public Improvement Hearing The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. Consent Aqenda: Wick made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: a. b. c. I d. e. f. g. Bills Payable - Approve check numbers 036782-036851 & 036852-036865 Minutes - Approve minutes of December 15, 2005 and January 5 and January 19, 2006 Application for Payment - Authorize the Mayor to execute Pay Application #1 for the New Municipal Wells and authorize payment to Mark J Traut Wells in the amount of $46,490.62. Morningside Acres - Accept the Morningside Acres 2nd Addition Improvements as recommended by the City Engineer. Capital Purchase - Authorize the purchase of a Personnel Carrier for the Fire Department at a cost not to exceed $25,000 as recommended by the Fire Board. Gambling License Renewal - Accept the Lawful Gambling License Renewal for the St. Joseph Recreational Association for the Millstream Park Concession, 725 County Road 75 W. Gambling License - Accept the Lawful Gambling Application for the St. Joseph Volunteer Firefighters for Trobec's Entertainment Center on April 28, 2006 The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Public Comments to the Aqenda: - No one present wished to speak. Equipment Certificate Bond Sale: Monte Eastvold approached the Council to present a $ 250,000 equipment certificate. Weyrens stated that during the budget preparation the Council discussed financing equipment through the issuance of equipment certificates. Since the budget meetings the equipment list has been revised removing one truck. The total amount of the bond issue is $250,000 of which $228,000 will be used for equipment. The bond will extend over a four year period with an average annual debt payment of $ 66,000. Eastvold presented the Council with a proposed amortization schedule and stated that the schedule includes the required Statutory 5% Coverage. Taxpayers will not see an increase in taxes due to the bond issue, as this certificate will replace a previous bond issue that is due to expire in 2006. I Rassier made a motion to accept resolution 2006-002 providing for the issuance and sale of $250,000 General Obligation Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2006B and Levying a tax for the payment thereof. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. February 2, 2006 Page 2 of S Wick made a motion to approve the contract using Northland Securities as the fiscal agent, paying agent and registrar for the 2006 GO Certificate of Indebtedness. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. River Bats - EAW: Matthew Volbrecht, Westwood Professionals, approached the Council to present the final EAW. Volbrecht stated that during the comment period two comments were received, one from the MPCA and the other from Stearns County Soil and Water. Both letters have been included in the information presented to the Council and any issues have been addressed in the final document. Ekola stated that she reviewed the revised EAW and commented on the need for a future traffic signalization. She also stated that a Noise Study was completed as part of the EAW and based on the study the Stadium should be designed with a berm between the stadium and the neighboring houses. The berm would serve as a noise barrier rather than planting trees and shrubs for the barrier. Ekola also suggested that notices should be sent to the neighbors to inform them of a concert or fireworks. Volbrecht stated that all issues would be addressed on the Site Plan or in the Development Agreement. I With regard to the EAW, Wick stated that he has not seen the final draft EAW and would like to be sure that all the corrections of the Council had been incorporated into the final document. Volbrecht stated that the City Council had the EAW for a 30-day comment period prior to the public comment period. After those 30-days, all comments made by City Staff were addressed and then it was released for public input. He stated that the EAW only goes out one time for review and comment. Symanietz made a motion to approve Resolution 2006-003 approving the River Bats Stadium Development Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) finding no need for an Environmental Impact Statement. The motion was seconded by Rassier. Ayes: Carlbom, Rassier, Rieke, Symanietz. Nays: Wick Motion Carried 4:1:0 CITY ENGINEER REPORTS I New Wells: Bettendorf reported that they recently completed the step-test for the new wells. The tests resulted in tremendous water volumes. They were hoping to get 7-800 gallons/minute, however one of the wells pumped 1 ,400/minute and the other pumped 1,SOO/minute. Based on those numbers, Bettendorf concluded that the aquifer is a great source for water and there may not be a need for more wells as anticipated. The next step is to do a continuous pumping test in which all three wells will be pumping at the same time. That information will be available later in February. Carlbom questioned Bettendorf as to the start date for the plant. Bettendorf stated that they plan to make all modifications to the existing plant by April 30, 2006 and begin construction on the new plan in March 2006. The contract requires that the plant be substantially complete by April 2007 with final completion July 2007. APO Technical Advisory Committee: Bettendorf reported the APO Technical Advisory Committee met and they ranked the federal projects for fiscal years 2009-2011. Federal funding available for fiscal years 2009-2011 is $6.6 million. The T AC recommended funding the following projects: . West Metro - CR 134 combining with CR 138 $2.7 million . Lake Wobegon - Phase 1 (St. Joseph to Waite Park) 3.6 Miles $864,000 . Additional funding for the Sauk Rapids bridge $3 million The realignment of CR 2 did not receive any funding, however, it was reported that the County has been working on a plan to fund the project. Chlorination of the Water Supplv: Bettendorf reminded the Council that the MN Department of Health will I be requiring the City to add Chlorine to its water supply. The last section of old water pipe will be replaced in 2006. Therefore, some of the problems the City experienced the first time chlorination has tried will not be existent at this time. Bettendorf stated that he has been working with the Public Works I I I February 2, 2006 Page 3 of 5 Director to establish a plan for chlorination including public information. More information will be available at a future meeting. 2006 Street Improvements: Ekola approached the Council to update them on the 2006 Street Improvement project. She stated that open house meetings were held on January 4 & 5,2006. The plans for the Improvement are 90% complete and those plans have been submitted to the City for review and comment. Ekola stated that since the second meeting in February has been cancelled, she would like authorization to advertise for bids the 2006 Improvement. The Engineers estimate is 2.5 Million. Ekola stated that rising asphalt prices will have an impact on the bid prices. Ekola stated that since the public improvement hearing two additional items have surfaced: · Alley North of Ash Street between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue - There have been continual drainage problems on that alley. This alley was not taken care of in 2002, and there is a need to fix the problem. Estimated improvement cost: $2,000. · Sidewalk along 4th Avenue - Previously, there had been some discussion amongst the Council regarding a sidewalk along the west side of 4th Avenue between Hwy 75 and Minnesota Street. Ekola stated that if the Council is still committed to installing the sidewalk along 4th Avenue NE it would be most logical to construct it this year when the signal is installed at the intersection of CR 75 and 4th Avenue. Ekola stated that the sidewalk could be listed as an alternate in the bid documents and the Council can make the decision after the cost is determined. Wick made a motion to approve Resolution 2006-004 Authorizing the Advertisement for Bids for the 2006 Street Improvements listing the two items above as optional. The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously. 2006 Trunk Watermain Proiect: Ekola reported that they are working on the construction plans for the watermain improvement from the existing plant to the new filtration plant. Before the project can be let for bidding Mndot must review the plans and at this time the plans are 50% complete. The project is anticipated to be completed the summer of 2006. Ekola stated that since the project involves Township property she has forwarded the plans to St. Joseph Township. In addition, Ekola stated that she will be meeting with the Township residents in the same format she meets with City residents. Rassier made a motion to authorize the advertisement for bids; however the motion was rescinded, as the plans are not complete. MAYOR REPORTS Park Board: Mayor Carlbom stated that he is excited about the capital improvements that will be made to the parks this summer. Downtown Committee: According to Carlbom, the Downtown Committee split into groups to go and look at different cities' downtowns. They plan to move very quickly to establish more committees to obtain input from local businesses. The following committees will be established: · Events Committee - This committee will be responsible for getting more businesses involved in local events. · Business Owners - This group will be responsible for defining a vision for their buildings and how they plan to help with the downtown thriving. · There will be one group that will be a mix of both the Events Committee and the Business Owners. · Others - This group will consist of members from other social groups such as the Chamber, Lions, etc. The goal of these committees is to draw people to downtown St. Joseph and make it a place where people want to return and spend both time and money. February 2, 2006 Page 4 of 5 Fire Board Meetina: Carlbom advised the Council that the Fire Board met and they approved the re- carpeting of the community room at an anticipated cost of $4,500. In addition, the Fire Board approved the purchase of a personnel carrier, which was included in the consent agenda. Twins Caravan: Carlbom stated that he attended the Twins Caravan which was held at Trobec's Event Center. There were about 800 people who attended the event. Lifecvcle Housina Board: Carlbom stated that he attended the Lifecycle Housing Board meeting in which they have recommended that the percentage of Iifecycle houses required be lowered to 5% from 15% until 2008. The reason for this is that the 15% Iifecycle housing initiative is not effective as there are more houses available in that price range than are needed. In 2008, this would be re-visited and the percentage would then be raised slowly. Currently the maximum price for a new house to be considered lifecycle housing is $149,900. They have also discussed ways to include existing homes in the program, rather than only new homes. Carlbom added that before the change can be made, a public hearing must be held and then the Joint Powers Agreement would need to be amended. APO Full Board: Carlbom stated that he attended the APO Full Board Meting at which they discussed the 20/30 transportation plan. The closest project receiving funding is the continuation of the Wobegon Trail. All Aboard: Mayor Carlbom also stated that he attended the All Aboard meeting at which they discussed the need for the Commuter Rail to come as far as St. Joseph/St. Cloud. CSB: Carlbom stated that he and Weyrens met with College representatives to discuss the future planning for the City and College and how the two entities can complement each other. At this same meeting Jim Fredricks presented the plans for the new dining facility and stated that the new facility will be open to the public. Habitat for Humanitv: Carlbom has been talking with the members from Habitat for Humanity and they are looking to possibly build a house in St. Joseph in 2007. He then advised the Council of the requirements for both Lifecycle Housing as well as Habitat for Humanity programs. · Lifecycle Housing - Income < 80% of the State Median Income · Habitat for Humanity - Income < 50% of the State Median Income Area Cities Meetina: Carlbom also attended the Area Cities meeting, at which the main presentation was the regional Human Rights Office. He stated that they had a presentation from the St. Cloud Chamber discussing the biotechnology initiative which would held to bring well paying jobs to the St. Cloud area. Leaislative Committee Hearina: Carlbom advised the Council that he attended the Legislative Committee Hearing at the Sartell City Hall. At the hearing they discussed annexation issues as well as eminent domain issues. COUNCIL REPORTS SYMANIETZ Meetinas: Symanietz reported that she also attended both the APO Meeting as well as the Area Cities Meeting. WICK Park Board: Wick stated that the Park Board is very exciting about some of their upcoming plans. · Centennial - They are currently working on plans for updating the shelter. . Northland - They are in the process of submitting the paperwork for a grant to construct a shelter. · Millstream - They are planning to update the kitchen at Millstream. Rassier suggested the possibility of having the Park Board have a televised report on the cable access channel for residents to be aware of the final plans for these projects. I I I I I I February 2, 2006 Page 5 of 5 RASSI ER - No Report RIEKE - No Report ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Joint Meetinq: Weyrens reported that the S1. Joseph Planning Commission as well as the S1. Joseph Township Planning Commission met recently to discuss some annexation issues. Per the township, some areas were put back into the Orderly Annexation Area. Police Officer Hire: Weyrens advised the Council that the City received a letter of resignation from Offiver Jean Gustin effective February 8, 2006. So that the position can filled immediately the position has been posted and the City is accepting applications through February 22, 2006. The application material informed applicants that interviews will be conducted on March 9, 2006. Weyrens questioned if two members of the Council wished to participate in the interview process. Carlbom and Symanietz volunteered to be part of the interview panel. Council/Staff Workshop: Weyrens reminded the Council of the workshop to be held on February 8th beginning at 8:30 at the First State Bank. Council Meetinq: Due to some scheduling conflicts, it was requested that the meeting scheduled for February 16th be cancelled. Wick made a motion to cancel the meeting scheduled for February 16. The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously. Adiourn: Rassier made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Judy Weyrens Administrator