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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdministration Annual Report ADMINISTRATION Annual Report 2018 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 Anne Buckvold Term Expires: January 2019 Councilor Bob Loso Term Expires: January 2021 Councilor Troy Goracke Term Expires: January 2021 Councilor Matt Killam Resigned in May 2018 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. In April, 2018, Matt Killam resigned as Councilor. Applications were received and the Council appointed Anne Buckvold to complete the remainder of the term, expiring January 2019. 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 2016 25 5 39 2017 21 4 48 2018 22 7 34 Resolutions/Ordinance Amendments Ordinance Ordinances Year Resolutions Amendments Adopted 2016 59 9 2 2017 68 5 2 2018 58 6 1 State Demographer Census Data Year Population Households 2016 6739 1894 2017 7102 2034 2 Administrative Citations Renting w/out Year Weed Cutting License Parking Pad Other 2016 123 0 - 11 2017 96 3 - 5 2018 64 2 - 3 Facility Reservations Year Millstream Park Centennial Park Fire Hall Wobegon 2016 34 25 49 4 2017 27 23 46 4 2018 66 26 57 2 Licensing Type 2016 2017 2018 Liquor, Intoxicating On Sale 8 7 7 Liquor, Malt On Sale 3 5 4 Liquor, Malt Off sale - 1 3 Liquor Off Sale 7 7 6 Special Sunday 7 8 6 Wine, on sale 2 3 3 Strong Beer 2 3 1 Amusement 7 6 4 Cigarette 8 8 9 Peddler 5 10 - Dog 308 286 299 Gambling 6 11 12 Rental Housing 148 148 148 Rental Housing, Interim Use Permit 22 20 18 Permitting Type 2016 2017 2018 Compost 571 577 693 Kegs 7 7 4 Excavation 35 17 17 Golf Cart 3 3 4 Building Permit, total number 299 303 266 Building Permit, inspections (total) 1,061 1,191 982 Building Permit, Valuation Increase $37,381,882.60 $24,781,047.93 $25,026,474.79 FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION The Finance Department is responsible for the following support services: accounts payable (processing over 1400 payments); accounts receivable; payroll (77 Employees, including 30 Firefighters); cash receipting (processing approximately 162 daily deposits); project accounting; implementation of financial controls; budget preparation; capital improvement planning; grant administration; cash and 3 Property Taxes FunctionGeneral Fund 2018 Expenditures by 8%Uses10%RecreationCulture and 14%Public Works47%Public Safety21%GovernmentGeneral General Fund 2018 Revenues by Source 2%Other2%ForfeituresFi nes and 11%ServicesCharges for 35%alIntergovernment10%PermitsLicense and 4%Franchise Fees36% investment management(managing a 8M investment portfolio); utility billing (oversight of 2300 accounts); utility rate analysis; audit and comprehensive annual financial report; special assessments (preparing over 200 requests); asset management, mandated state and federal reporting; debt monitoring. Bond Rating Standards & Poor’s affirmed the City’s bond rating of AA-. 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 2018A Equipment Certificates in the amount of $265,000 to purchase general city equipment. The 2018A issue replaced the annual payments from the 2013 Equipment Certificate issue for payments beginning in 2019 and continuing for five years. The size of the issue did not warrant a bond rating request. General Fund Overview The charts only indicate the General Fund which is primarily operational. St. Joseph is similar to other municipalities where the major revenue stream is property taxes and local government aid. The City also maintains 12 Special Revenue Funds, 15 Debt Service Funds, 3 Capital Funds, and 5 Enterprise Funds. When approving the budget the City Council has always adopted a balanced budget and due to conservative projects revenues typically exceed expenditures. Debt Service Debt Service and Capital Project funds are budgeted with each Capital project. Expenditure budgets include setting money aside each year for the 5 year capital plan to reduce spikes in the levy. Enterprise Funds Enterprise funds include water, sewer, refuse, storm sewer, and street lighting. 4 Tax Classifications 2016 2017 2018 Property Assessment Assessment Increase Assessment Increase Classification Payable 2017 Payable 2018 (Decrease) Payable 2019 (Decrease) Residential $ 246,835,100 $247,552,300 $717,200 $266,933,800 $19,381,500 Commercial $ 64,708,400 $64,708,400.00 $703,700 $68,704,400 $3,292,300 Apartment $23,535,400 $23,535,400 $26,642,800 $3,107,400 Tax Exempt $ 181,681,600 $186,453,700 $4,772,100 $191,375,800 $4,922,100 Other $ 11,598,300 $6,119,900 ($5,478,400) $6,017,700 ($102,200) Total $ 504,823,400 $529,073,400 $24,250,000 $559,674,500 $30,601,100 Taxable Total $ 323,141,800 $342,619,700 $19,477,900 $368,298,700 $25,679,000 Growth Percent 3.00% 6.00% 7.00% % Tax Exempt 36.00% 35.24% 34.19% Donations The City of St. Joseph is fortunate to have generous service clubs and residents who made donations for various projects during 2018. The total value of donations in 2018 equaled: $64,736.30. The following is a summary of donations: Donor Purpose Donation Anonymous Disc Golf $49.00 Anonymous Archery Range $385.31 Anonymous Foot Golf $23.00 Anonymous Dog Park $120.59 Anonymous RV Dump Station $697.00 Anonymous Fire Dept Operations $183.08 PrairieScapes, Steve Heymans Christmas Tree $150.00 American Legion FD Equipment $500.00 American Legion PD Gun Purchase $500.00 Chris Spillers Archery Range $5.34 Loso Family Granite Bench $3,500.00 Tri-County Humane Society 10 boxes dog waste bags $225.00 MN Fraternal Order of Police 10 tourniquets/holders $390.00 ISD 742 Playground Equipment $40,000.00 ISD 742 48 port switches $2,000.00 ISD 742 2 auto floor scrubbers $2,000.00 Amy Braig-Lindstrom Dog Park $50.00 Kwik Trip Fire Medical Equipment $1,000.00 Kari & Andrew Salzer Centennial Park hoop nets $11.98 Rudy Gapko Police Operations $100.00 Lynn Storey Jacob Wetterling Rec Center $50.00 Herbert Bechtold Jacob Wetterling Rec Center $500.00 Dean Schenk PD Operations $1,000.00 GM Drilling PD Operations $1,000.00 St. Joseph Lions 4 PD protective vests $3,296.00 St. Joseph Lions Holiday Street Lights $7,000.00 5 TOTAL DONATIONS 2018 $64,736.30 ELECTIONS The City administered the State Primary and General Election in 2018. Stearns County offered municipalities the opportunity to convert from a paper roster to electronic, to which St. Joseph participated. The new equipment helped reduce wait times for voters and significantly decreased the processing time after the polls closed. The following table is the canvass report for the City Election. The City provides two voting precincts for the voters. Precinct one is located at the Haehn Center at CSB. All residents residing west of College Avenue utilize this precinct. Precinct two is located at the Government Center. All residents residing east of College Avenue utilize this precinct. Based on the 2018 Election data, the following is a summary of voter information: Precinct One Precinct Two Total Eligible Voters 1,184 2230 New Registrants 572 209 Total Eligible Voters 1,850 2,439 Total number of ballots cast 1,001 1,504 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 6 inspections and sign enforcement. All building permit applications are reviewed for zoning compliance. The table below is a summary of building permit activity. Building Permit Type (excludes Plumbing & Mechanical 2016 2017 2018 permits) Residential Dwelling Multi Family New Construction - - 2 New Single Family – Detached 16 14 19 New Single Family – Attached 2 2 6 Remodel/Addition 17 21 13 Residential Accessory Accessory Building 2 11 1 Deck 13 19 9 Other 72 70 49 Total Residential – Number of Permit 104 104 99 Total Residential Market Value Increase $4,265,000.00 $4,573,502.92 $12,331,932.18 Commercial/Industrial New Construction 4 3 0 Accessory Structure 1 2 0 Remodel/Addition 13 3 13 Sign (permanent) 7 7 6 Other 17 21 5 Total Commercial/Industrial – Number of Permit 42 33 24 Total Commercial/Industrial Market Value $26,716,819.00 $18,067,568.73 $10,911,932.82 Increase Utility Billing Over 2,300 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. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Dale Wick Term Expires: Council Term Rick Schultz Term Expires: Council Term Doug Danielson Term Expires: January 2027 Gary Osberg Term Expires: January 2019 Larry Hosch Term Expires: January 2023 The Economic Development Authority conducted its 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 2. Business Development 7 3. Market Development 4. Infrastructure Development. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - RETENTION The existing businesses are important to the St. Joseph EDA. During 2018 staff contacted thirteen (13) businesses and completed six (6) business retention visits to the following businesses: Promotional Resources, Riff City Guitars/Bliss Direct Media, Sliced, MN Street Market, Laser Dentistry, and Naan Bakery. 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 Bad Habit Brewing Company purchased the former City Hall at 25 College Avenue North. Remodeling is scheduled to be completed with a grand opening in spring 2019. 24 North Lofts The Lofts are a mixed used commercial and residential development. The site has been under construction for the majority of 2018. The tenants include Krewe Restaurant, Collegeville Companies, and 17 residential apartments. A new bakery will occupy the renovated building space located behind the 24 North Lofts. The Lofts are anticipating opening in spring 2019. th Kwik Trip’s second location off of 20 Avenue opened in 2018. This facility will be geared towards diesel vehicles the estimated cost was $ 3,250,000. New Businesses: The City welcomed the following businesses in 2018: O’Reilly Auto Parts Store, Kwik th Trip (20 Ave SE location), Crooked Hinges, Unique Software & Computers, Grilled Cravings, Neighbors Route 75, and Exponential Chiropractic Healing Center. 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. 8 In 2018 the EDA appointed the following members to the St. Joseph Visitor Bureau: Pia Lopez, Anne and Shawn Reisner, Kim Poganski (representing CSB), Leslie Lane, Mary Bruno, Aaron Rieland, Melissa Kolstad, Tracy Smith and EDA Liaison. The group met six times in 2018 and sponsored the Shop Small Day on November 24, 2018. They continue to work on a vision statement and how to carry out their vision. As of December 31, 2018 the Lodging Tax Fund Balance is $ 31,051.52. PUBLIC FINANCING CONSIDERATIONS The EDA considered a request for re-assignment of the TIF Agreement for 24 North (formally Bayou Blues). The request was to raise assign the note to Kensington Bank. The Council accepted and approved the EDA’s recommendation. The City Council approved an application with the Central MN Housing Partnership to secure funding through the MN Small Cities Development Program Grant (SCDP) in the amount of $ 178,624. The grant provides funding to eligible property owners to complete major repairs. Participants must meet the Low to Moderate income levels and the loan is forgivable incrementally over a seven year period. If the property owner sells the property before the required seven years the property owner must reimburse th the City for the years remaining. The target area for the program is south of Baker Street, east of 7 th Avenue and west of 12 Avenue. The funding awarded is estimated to provide for six to seven projects. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT The new industrial park received preliminary plat approval and the City was awarded a BDPI Grant in the amount of $ 1,245,000 from MN DEED to assist with public streets and utilities. The development will create shovel ready lots for new industries to support the local economy. Final plat approval and construction of city infrastructure is planned for 2019. PLANNING COMMISSION Steve Olson Term Expires: January 2020 Matt Johnson Term Expires: January 2020 Gina Dullinger Term Expires: January 2021 Chad Hausmann Term Expires: January 2022 Daryl Schaefer Term Expires: January 2021 Mike Ross Term Expires: January 2021 Troy Goracke Council Liaison 9 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 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. 2018 Highlights In 2018, the Planning Commission conducted 11 meetings. The following is a summary of Planning Commission activities: Conditional Use – Elementary School The Planning Commission considered one for Conditional Use. The request, submitted by Lillian Leonard Primary was to allow an elementary school, grades K-3 in a residential home. The City’s Zoning Ordinance allows for a private school as a permitted Conditional Use. The Council accepted the recommendations of the Planning Commission and issued the Conditional Use Permit. Interim Use The Planning Commission one public hearing for Interim Use, all for non-owner occupied. The request as submitted by Heim-Kins to allow for year round sales of yard and garden merchandise. The previous request was for seasonal sales (May – Oct). The Planning Commission recommended approval of the IUP and it was subsequently approved by the City Council. Preliminary/Final Plat The Planning Commission considered two requests for Preliminary and Final Plat approval. Both requests were for the same property, the former Del-Win location. The Southview Heights concept submitted in early 2018 fell through and another submittal was received for The Oaks Addition. The proposed development consisted of two 35-unit market rate apartment buildings with detached garage structures. The preliminary & final plats were recommended for approval by the Planning Commission and approved by the City Council in November 2018. Comprehensive Plan The Planning Commission finished the Comprehensive Plan update conducting the required public hearing, recommending the City Council accept the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. The City Council approved the Plan on September 18, 2018. Rezoning The Planning Commission reviewed a City initiated request to rezone certain properties located east of CR133 from Agriculture and B3 General Business to LI Light Industrial. The purpose of the rezoning was to accommodate the development of future industrial district uses as expanding opportunities for 10 industrial development has been a priority of the City, including the EDA. The rezoning of the parcels was approved by the City Council in May 2018. Ordinance Amendments During 2018, the following ordinances were adopted or amended: Ordinance Reason for Adoption/Amendment Ordinance 1007 Garbage & Refuse Amended to add language for nuisances, penalties, and storage Ordinance 309 Cable Communications - Amended to update the Franchise Fee Agreement with Charter Charter Communications Ordinance 502.09 Planned Unit Amended to change the minimum site area requirement Development for a PUD Ordinance 502.10 Off-Street Parking Amended to allow a second access on corner lots if certain conditions are met Ordinance 502.54 B2 HWY 75 Business Amended the permitted conditional uses to allow for District animal pet boarding Ordinance 612 Commercial & Non-Adopted – Regulates delivery of printed materials in the Commercial Handbills City Ordinance 502.54 B2 HWY 75 Business Amended due to the annexation being completed District & 502.62 LI Light Industrial District Ordinance 502.27 Rural Residential Adopted – Establishes & preserves area within the City for the continuation rural operations JOINT PLANNING BOARD Rick Schultz City Planning Commission Mark Thompson Township Supervisor Steve Olson City Planning Commission Ralph Eiynck Township Supervisor Chad Hausmann City Planning Commission Steve Gohman Township Supervisor Bob Loso City Council Mike Koltes Township Planning Judy Weyrens Administrator to Board 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 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 2018 the Joint Planning Board met three times. The following is a summary of activities: Preliminary & Final Plat – Forest Manor Addition Plat 2 The Joint Planning Board approved a preliminary and final plat submittal for a minor subdivision request for Forest Manor Addition Plat 2. The parcel was 19.83 acres and the applicant requested a one lot plat 11 (minor subdivision) to include an existing house and shed. The property owner was required to record a Declaration of Restriction, prohibiting the development of the residual property. Interim Use Permit The Joint Planning Board a public hearing to consider a request for an interim use permit. The request was to allow for a temporary secondary residential dwelling. The applicant proposed converting a 26’x40’ shed into a temporary home. A secondary residential dwelling is a permitted use in the Urban Expansion District. The Joint Planning Board approved the interim use permit with conditions as stated in the Findings of Fact. Conditional Use Permit The Joint Planning Board conducted two public hearings to consider approval of two conditional use permits. The first request was submitted along with an interim use permit request. The request was submitted to allow for the operation of an extended home business to teach art classes and have pottery sales. Both the Orderly Annexation Agreement and MOU between the City and Township allowed for a home extended business as a conditional use. The conditional use permit was approved by the Board with conditions as stated in the Findings of Fact. The second conditional use permit request was to allow for a 16,800 SF outdoor storage area providing space for 20-30 recreational vehicles. The Board approved the request with conditions as stated in the Findings of Fact. JOINT POWERS BOARD (Elected officials of City and Township of St. Joseph) The City Council and St. Joseph Township Board of Supervisor s met throughout 2018 to the annexation of the Orderly Annexation Area (OAA). The original OAA agreement in 1997 was drafted with the intent of having the OAA be annexed to the City. In December 2018, the Joint Resolution for an Area of Orderly Annexation and for Designation of an Area for Immediate Annexation was submitted to the State and the annexation took affect early 2019. 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 $ 12 - 15 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 12 COMMUNITY CENTER COMMITTEE In 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. 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. The total amount raised through December, 2018 is $2,530.00. 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, bo at landing, parking facilities, restrooms, campground, dog park, playground, trails, and park pavilion. Before the City can develop the park, a detailed park plan must 13 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  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 14 season. In additional all regular City Council and Planning Commission are broadcast live and repeated once each week. 15