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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 [09] Sep17 September 17 2018 Page 1 of 6 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Monday, September 17, 2018 at 6:00 PM at the St. .foseph Government Center, opening with the pledge of allegiance. Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz, Councilors Dale Wick, Bob Loso, Troy Goracke Anne Buckvold. Administrator Judy Weyrens. Others Present: Joe Walz, Will Houston, Antonio Russell. Citv Reqresentatives Present: Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Community Development Director Therese Haffner, Public Works Director Terry Thene, City Engineer Randy Sabart. Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. Aqprove Aqenda: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda removing item 4(f) Ordinance Amendments from the consent agenda; seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously. Consent Aqenda: Wick made a motion to approve the consent agenda.The motion was seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously by those present. a. Minutes—Approved the minutes of August 20 and September 6, 2018. b. Bills Payable—Approved check numbers 053784-053875, Payroll EFT# 111554-111564 and Accounts Payable EFT#001845-001847. c. Transfers—Authorized the operational transfer as a result of calling the 2011 A Bonds as presented. d. Donations—Accept the donations and contributions for the purpose as presented. e. Treasurer Report—Accept the August Treasurer Report as presented. St. Joseqh Comprehensive Plan: Antonio Russell, Community Design Group (CDG) presented the Council with the final draft of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. He stated that the plan before the Council includes a combination of the input received over the past 18 months. The following is a summary of the presentation: • The Plan includes different components that all build upon each other, leading to an implementation section. The main section of the plan is the recommendations, chapter 3. • The section on public engagement was added as a result of input receive. • The implementation section summarizes all the sections of the plan into what is considered a work plan. • The development of the plan included public open houses, targeted open houses such as at the College of St. Benedict and Chamber Showcase as well as an online survey. Approximately 650 people participated in the public input through all the various opportunities. • From the input the values that were identified as important include: vibrant and welcoming community and sustainability. • Some of the recommendations: 1) St. Joseph has different characteristics in different parts of the City and how to manage; 2) Providing guidance for land use in the future—how the City should grow, knowing that as time goes on the vision may change; 3) Ensuring walkability and housing diversity; 4) How to migrate old and new development into cohesive development; 5) Preserving the small town image was identified numerous times, so how can that image be retained; 6) Focus on small business development rather than large chain • The Plan was available for review for over 30 days, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing and the comments have been incorporated and is ready for the Council to adopt. Loso questioned if there are differences in the community and plan since the 2002 plan was adopted. Russell stated that one of the changes is that the plan has to be in the time that you are currently in. The previous plan was useful, but the new plan emphasis items differently. Generally the concept of sustainability is more prominent and the identification of the assets. September 17 2018 Page 2 of 6 Wick stated the he appreciated the efforts spent on community engagement. Buckvold questioned how youth can be engaged moving forward and how does the City make sure the plan moves forward with the implementation phase. Russell stated that regarding youth engagement, they couid be included in the implementation committee or schools could use the plan as a tool. The parks and recreation is another area where youth could be included. With regard to the implementation committee Schultz stated that a separate committee might not be needed as some items have already been addressed. Schultz questioned the implementation plan and ownership of specific tasks as they seem rather random. Buckvold concurred with Schultz and suggested that the portion of the plan be reviewed. Schultz stated that he does want to delay action on the Plan; rather just review the implementation table and provide a modified plan. Russell concurred that adjusting the table is not substantive to the Plan so if the Plan is adopted that table can still be amended. Loso made a motion to authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2018-040 adopting the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. The motion was seconded by Goracke and passed unanimously. Ordinance Amendments: Wick stated that he request to remove the Ordinance Amendments that relate to the annexation areas as he had an opportunity to review the Planning Commission minutes and noticed that no public input was received. He stated that he talked to a couple of Township residents and they did not know it was being discussed; therefore he questianed if the residents were notified. Weyrens stated that individual notices were not required; however the hearing notice was published in the paper on two different occasions. Wick further questioned if there is an expiration for items within the Ordinance such as the provision for farm animals. Weyrens stated that it will be expired when they are rezoned from Rural Residential to another classification. Wick also questioned if a map should be included as the Ordinance states property in the 1997 Orderly Annexation Agreement and he had previously requested to remove the item related to a public airport as it is not applicable. Goracke stated that has concerns with the provision that allows for contaminated soils in agricultural areas. The provision would allow for a landowner to allow contaminated soils to be spread over their property and while it is governed by the State he still has concerns. Loso stated that entire intent of the Ordinance was to allow the residents that are being annexed to continue to use their property as they do today until they develop or receive services. He further stated that this has been discussed with the committee Wick made a motion to table until October 1, 2018; seconded by Goracke. Ayes: Wick, Goracke Nays: Schultz, Loso, Buckvold Motion Fails 2:3:0 Buckvold questioned the provision regarding contaminated soils. Goracke stated that if soil is contaminated and has to be removed, an agricultural property owner could allow that contaminated soil to be spread over their property. If that property is then sold, it could prohibit development in the future. Goracke clarified that he does not want contaminated soil allowed in the City of St. Joseph. Buckvold stated she has had discussions with residents in the Township and she understands that the intent of the Ordinance is provide the least amount of disruption as possible. Loso requested clarification on what the concerns are if the Ordinance is adopted in its present form. Wick stated he has the following concerns: 1) removal of Subd 5(i} related to public airports; 2) no reference as to when rights are expired; 3) no reference to the property included. Schultz questioned Weyrens as to how the expiration of the Rural Quality of Life Provisions have been communicated. Weyrens stated that when residents receive services or are developed the property is taxed at the City Tax rate, at that time the provisions no longer apply. Weyrens stated that a provision could be added that it is tied to the tax rate they are charged. September 17 2018 Page 3 of 6 Wick again stated that he does not believe the Township residents are aware of what is going on. He recognizes that the hearing notice was published and the Planning Commission met to discuss, but again those he talked to where not aware. Loso stated that at some point residents are responsible for seeking out information and the City did all that was required and placed the information on the website. Schultz stated that St. Joseph Township also has responsibility and they could have communicated the information as well, it is not just a City responsibility. Loso requested Weyrens to identify the remaining issues. Weyrens stated the issues are as follows: 1) Identifcation of properties included—Resolution: The Ordinance can be amended to include the annexation order number issued by the State which includes a description of all properties included; 2) Informing residents of the Ordinance—Resolution: after the annexation the City could send a mailing to the residents notifying them of the annexation and informing the Ordinance is available on the City Website. Schultz reminded the Council that that Township has some responsibility in this matter as well. 3) Removal of the provision relating to public airport. Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2018-042 Adopting Section 502.27, creating a Rural Residential Zoning District, and amending Ordinance 502.54 subd 10 and Ordinance 502.62 Subd 5 and 9. The motion was seconded by Schultz. Discussion: Goracke questioned the Council if they are not concerned about the contamination Soils. Buckvold stated that she does not have enough information to make a decision on that matter. Ayes: Schultz, Loso, Buckvold Nays: Wick, Goracke Motion Carried 3:2:0 Wick made a motion to table action on the summary publication of the Ordinances just approved so that staff can bring back the updated Ordinances for the Council to review before publication. The motion was seconded by Goracke and passed unanimously. Engineer Reports— EAW. Distribution Center: City Engineer Randy Sabart presented the Council with the draft EAW report for the proposed distribution center. The proposed development is located adjacent to CR 2 and I 94. The draft EAW has been prepared by the deve{oper representative; however, the City is the Regulating Government Unit(RGU) and responsible for the document. The City has 30 days to review and accept the document which is then forwarded to the EQB for publication and distribution. The City is also responsible for distributing the document to specific agencies. lnterested persons/agencies have 30 days to submit comments which all have to be addressed. Those comments will come back to the City Council for review and consideration. Loso questioned the comment in the document whereby it indicates that the City will be providing services to the area and he is uncertain if the City has the ability to complete the extension. Sabart stated that the City has the ability to extend water immediately; however sewer is not as readily available. The developer has indicated that for the short term they could utilize a septic system, but prefer sewer services. The EAW acknowledges that all services may not be available at the time of development. Sabart clarified that the City is not being requested to authorize a utility improvement as a result Wick questioned the portion of the EAW that stated that area is highly susceptible to ground water pollution and if the City should have concerns with the water treatment plant and wells in the vicinity. Sabart stated that the development area is in the wellhead protection boundaries; therefore additional precautions may need to be addressed during development. Wick questioned if the document is editable at this time. Sabart stated that the Council has to determine if the document is complete as the City takes ownership of the document so yes, the document can be edited. The Council has up to 30 days to make edits. Wick questioned the following sentence (page 19): As a result of these historical land uses, many of the wildlife species that would otherwise occur have declined or been extirpated. He requested "or been extirpated" be deleted. Wick noted that the dates regarding full build out are inconsistent within the document. September 17 2018 Page4of6 Loso and Wick questioned the traffic concerns. Sabart stated that at this time a traffic study is not included, but agencies such as Stearns County can request traffic impacts as part of their comments. Staff has met with Stearns County regarding the proposed development and at that time they did not express concerns. Goracke questioned snow removal and if that wiil impact the river to which Sabart stated that the DNR could raise that question. Buckvold questioned when the DNR will review the document. Sabart responded that once the Council approves the document they will receive a copy and have 30 days to respond. Any comments provided will be addressed and brought forward to the City Council. Ail impacted agencies will have the opportunity to respond to the document. Wick stated that as long as the document has to be amended the references indicating the pending approval of the Comprehensive Plan should be updated to reflect the Comprehensive Plan has been adopted. Wick made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 20�8-044 Accepting and Authorizing Distribution of the Environmental Assessment Worksheet(EAW)for the Proposed St.Joseph Distribution Center with the edits aforementioned. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. Enqineer Reports—2019 Allev Improvement: Sabart presented the Council with the cost to prepare a feasibility report to expand the proposed 2019 improvement area to include the alleys between 2"d Ave NW and 1St Ave NW between MN St and Ash Street. The cost of the feasibility report preparation is$ 17,000. Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2018-046 authorizing the preparation of the Feasibility Report for the expanded 2019 proposed street improvement project. The motion was seconded by Wick. Discussion: Wick questioned the funding for feasibility report to which Weyrens stated it will be wrapped into the project cost. Schultz questioned what happens if the project is not completed and what the additional project will add to the total improvement project. Weyrens stated it would have to come from the general fund or reserve balances. With regard to total project cost, the additional project will create total project over 2 M. Wick questioned if Sabart had a chance to review the area and if it is in need of repair. Sabart responded that a portion of the alley is gravei and the paved portion is in need of repair. Wick questioned what the city contribution was for the previous alley improvement to which Sabart stated it was capped at approximately$ 5,000. Schultz stated that his concern is that he does not believe it is the most urgent project needed by the City. He is not disagreeing that it is need of repair, but it does not seem like it has a high priority. The City has many projects that are on the list and questions the prioritization of the project. Loso stated the project would add to the beautification of the downtown. Schultz stated that if the purpose is to beautify downtown then the streetscape on Minnesota Street should be completed as that will be seen before the alley. Buckvold questioned how long the feasilbity report is good for. Sabart stated that it can be used for six months. However, if the scope of the project is not changed the document can still be used, but data within the report will have to be updated which is a lesser cost. She further questioned how much construction costs increase from year to year to which Sabart stated they typically see between 3 and 4 percent per year. Wick clarified that any project constructed in 2019 will not have a financial impact until 2020. Finance Director Lori Bartlett stated that capital projects are not included in the budget; however the ADA Transition Plan is part of the budget and a capital project. Wick expressed frustration that the ADA Transition Plan, which is a mandate, has a lower priority than the alley improvement which is not mandated. Wick requested that the ADA Transition Plan be prioritized to the first priority for 2019 to which the Council concurred. Buckvold clarified that if the expanded project is not completed, the funds would have to expended from the reserves to which Weyrens affirmed. Buckvold also clarified that the Council is just moving the development of the ADA Plan as the highest priority for 2019. September 17 2018 Page 5 of 6 Ayes: Wick, Loso, Goracke, Buckvold Nays: Schultz Motion carried 4:1:0 2019 Budget: Weyrens presented the Council with the preliminary 2019 operational budget as well as additional engineering exhibits as requested during the recent meeting discussing capital projects. The proposed 2019 General Fund budget reflects a nominal increase. For a home with a value of$ 150,000 the proposed budget would reflect an annual increase of.37. The information included with the budget illustrates not only the city tax rate compared to the area cities, but the total tax rate to include all taxing authorities. Weyrens clarified that the budget can be divided into three categories: personnel costs, repair/main and professional services and capital purchases. The largest increase is the personnel costs as the budget anticipates the hiring of a finance technician and anticipates implementation of the compensation study. The City is at a position where you can decrease the preliminary budget after adoption; however it cannot be increased. Therefore after the study is received the budget can be modified. Weyrens stated the budget does not include funding for busing. In a discussion with the Planner for MTC he indicated that busing for St. Joseph using the 2016 data is approximately $499,000 without dial-a-ride and if busing is provided it must include the dial-a-ride. He further stated that dial-a-ride can by two and half times more than the service itself. At this time they would not have capacity to service St. Joseph and the earliest opportunity would be 2020. MTC is anticipating announcing an alternative participation fee for the City of Sartell and they fee may be more affordable for St. Joseph; however, that information will not be available until sometime in October. The budget does include leaving $60,000 in the budget for the maintenance shop expansion. Weyrens clarified that including items in the budget does not mean the project is approved; rather it allows for the continued discussion. Loso stated that this is the first time he has seen a budget with revenues in excess of expenditures. He stated that in a pertect world he would like to see expenditures remain constant with revenues increasing creating a budget surplus. Weyrens stated that historically the City has had revenues in excess of expenditures and that is why the City has six months of reserve. The City has budgeted revenues conservatively. Weyrens stated that the City does not have the true tax impact and will not have that information until October. Loso made a motion to authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2018-045 adopting the proposed 2018 Tax Levy Collectible in 2019. The motion was seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously. Discussion: Buckvold questioned if the City should budget money for transportation. Weyrens stated that the Council needs to make that decision. If it is the desire of the City to continue discussions with MTC, funding is not required to continue the discussion. If the City wants to be part of the MTC Board with voting privileges then funding would be needed. Also if the Council wants to start incrementally planning for busing you may wish to start setting aside funding. Wick questioned the busing cost and if they City has already tried busing but it was not used. Weyrens stated that previously with Tri Cap and was funded by the City, St. Joseph Lions and Monastery of St. Benedict. She further clarified that the busing stopped due to low ridership. Buckvold is not advocating for paying the busing fee, but would like to see all residents have the same access as residents that have cars. Wick stated that he still has concerns with the budget for Capital items particularly the maintenance shop and equipment costs without justification. The increase for public works is 44% to which the largest portion is the maintenance shop. Buckvold stated that she did have the opportunity to meet with the Public Works Director to visually see what they have and how they operate. It is important to provide staff with the equipment and space they need so that they be efficient. Mavor Reports: Schultz and Wick questioned the impact of the CR 75 project. The construction project has caused congestion on Minnesota Street, particularly at MN Street and 12. Wick suggested staff September 17 2018 Page 6 of 6 review if a four way stop will be needed at that intersection to help manage traffic. It appears that is will become a safety concern. Schultz noticed that Committee Reports was not included on the agenda and requested an update on the Planning Commission and Community Center Committee. With regard to the Planning Commission they reviewed the Comprehensive Plan and reviewed the Ordinances. Wick stated the Community Center Committee met with a firm that can provide financing and construction. The committee will be meeting again to discuss fund raising. Schultz stated that the budget information included the fees for membership which included the Coalition of Greater MN Cities. He realizes the fees are high, but they are a benefit for the City. Ad�iourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 8:02 PM; seconded by Loso and passed unanimously., � Jud We rens Ad inistrator �