HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a] Minutes, March 4th
March 4, 2019
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session
on Monday, March 4, 2019 at 6:00 PM at the St. Joseph Government Center, opening with the pledge of
allegiance.
Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz. Councilors Brian Theisen, Bob Loso, Anne Buckvold, Troy
Goracke. Administrator Judy Weyrens.
City Representatives Present: City Engineer Randy Sabart, Police Chief Dwight Pfannenstein, Public
Works Director Terry Thene, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Community Development Director Therese
Haffner
Others Present:
Public Comments: No one present wished to speak.
Approve Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda with the deletion of 4a) Minutes and
the addition of item 7a) Satisfaction of Mortgage and 7b) College of St. Benedict Mediation;
seconded by Goracke and passed unanimously.
Consent Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda; seconded by Buckvold and
passed unanimously.
a. Minutes
b. Bills Payable – Approved check numbers 054409 - 054419, Payroll EFT # 111641-111647.
c. Summary Publication – Authorized the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2019-007
approving summary publication of an amendment to Ordinance 502.62 and Resolution 2019-010
approving summary publication of Ordinance 502.25.
d. Transfers – Authorized the annual transfers as presented.
e. Equity Transfers – approved the equity designations as presented
f. Capital Purchase – authorized the purchase of an angle broom for attachment to the 2018 Bobcat
Skid Loader at a cost of $3,871.00.
Preliminary Plat – Industrial Park: Weyrens reported the Planning Commission recently conducted a
public hearing for the preliminary plat for the industrial park. Public Hearing testimony included Steve
Gohman, who questioned the process of including ROW that is private and if the east/west road is
actually needed. The second comment was from Randy Schmitz, Scenic Specialties questioning the
impact to his property. At this time the Final Plat is not ready for consideration as there are too many
outstanding items.
Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2019-017
approving the Preliminary Plat contingently for St. Joseph Business Park. The motion was
seconded by Buckvold and passed unanimously.
Schultz requested clarification on the concerns of Randy Schmitz. Community Development Director
Haffner stated Schmitz’s main concerns were traffic, especially in the morning. He stated it is difficult for
vehicles to enter CR 133 with the significant amount of traffic and questioned if the creation of the
industrial park would only make matters worse. Sabart stated staff has met with Stearns County
regarding the access on CR133. At this time there would not be a signal installed, however a right turn
lane and bypass lane would be constructed.
In addition to approving the preliminary plat for the Industrial Park, staff has also prepared a lot split that
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will allow for the second ingress/egress to 19 Ave NE. The property is owned by Precise Refrigeration
and they have agreed to provide the additional ROW. Schultz made a motion authorizing the Mayor
and Administrator to execute Resolution 2019-018 Approving Subdivision Lot 9, Block 2, Rennie
Addition. The motion was seconded by Buckvold and passed unanimously.
March 4, 2019
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Engineer Reports – Industrial Park Feasibility Report: City Engineer Randy Sabart presented the
highlights from the Feasibility Report. They are as follows:
Project location is on the eastern side of CR133. Phase 1 would include the western 27 lots
totaling about 53 acres.
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The project would connect to the existing water main on 19 Ave NE. The 16” water main would
extend long CR133 to the edge of the development. Additionally, 10” & 12” water mains would be
extended within the industrial park.
The storm sewer will range from 12”-24” sewer mains and phase 1 will be serviced by three storm
water ponds.
The interior streets would be 40ft wide
The total estimated cost is $4,168,300 which includes the soft costs. The construction costs are
$3,172,900.
Because the City had received a BDPI grant in the amount of $1.2M, the total project costs would
be about $2.9M.
The preliminary schedule shows advertisement for bids late March/early April with an anticipated
construction date mid/late May.
Loso questioned if the City was bonding for the project. Weyrens stated the City will be bonding for the
project less any grant proceeds. Loso is concerned with the credibility of the developers in that if they do
not follow through with the project, the City will ultimately be responsible for the costs. Weyrens stated
that the City will work with the attorney’s to attain financial security in order to move forward with the
project.
Goracke questioned if there are parties interested in any of the parcels. Weyrens stated there is one party
interested in the larger 10 acre parcel.
Schultz questioned if there are any ways to reduce the ponding in order to reduce costs. Sabart
acknowledged the concern of building ponds; however, since the project is an industrial park, the State
has specific regulations on stormwater. Typically industrial parks have equipment that has the propensity
to leak oils and fluids, therefore ponding is required. Again this is regulated by the MPCA.
Buckvold questioned if the road median on the northern corridor is going to be concrete or green. Sabart
stated the proposal is to have it green; however, it is temporary. Once the road develops further the
median will be taken out to accommodate additional lanes of traffic.
Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2019-019
Receiving Report and Calling Hearing on Improvement for the 2019 Industrial Park Improvements.
The Motion was seconded by Buckvold and passed unanimously.
Administrator Reports – Satisfaction of Mortgage: Weyrens stated the City participated in a housing grant
in 2014 where a target area of homes were able to take out an interest free loan to make house repairs. If
the homeowner stayed at the residence for 7 years the total amount of the loan would be forgiven. If the
home were to sell before within the 7 years, then a prorated amount of the loan would need to be paid
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prior to closing. The property at 133 5 Ave SE has changed hands and the property owner has paid back
the portion of the loan to satisfy the lien. For the property to close the City must execute a satisfaction of
mortgage showing that the loan has been paid. Loso made a motion authorizing the Mayor and
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Administrator to execute the Satisfaction of Mortgage for 133 5 Ave SE. The motion was
seconded by Buckvold and passed unanimously.
Administrator Reports – College of St. Benedict Mediation: Weyrens reported that the mediation for the
lawsuit filed by the College of St. Benedict has been scheduled for April 11. Typically the City Coucnil
appoints one or two Council members to serve on the mediation team. Schultz stated that he proposes
that he and Loso act in that capacity to which by consensus the Council agreed.
March 4, 2019
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Mayor Reports: Schultz reported on the following:
he went to the Capitol on behalf of the City seeking support of the City initiatives and bonding
requests. In addition Weyens has also been going to the Capitol testifying before the investment
committee when the St. Joseph projects are scheduled for hearings.
Schultz requested Weyrens update the Council on a bicycle event that will be occurring in St.
Joseph this summer.
Weyrens stated the Chamber reached out to the City regarding helping a group called
BAM who will bike across Minnesota and they will be camping out in a space behind the
community center. A movie night will also be coordinated around the event.
Schultz stated the Lions are looking for a service project to help the City.
Schultz was approached about bringing Community Ed back in the summer. More details to
come.
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March 10, there is a community pot luck planned at Resurrection Lutheran Church organized by
Cultural Bridges.
Buckvold requested Weyrens to elaborate on her experience in presenting to the Bonding Committee.
Weyrens stated the Council prioritized their bonding requests: the CR75 Pedestrian Crossing, the
Community Center, and East Park. The City requested $1.5M for the Pedestrian Crossing, and $2.5M for
the Community Center. The hearing attended was for the Community Center and it went well.
Buckvold stated the residents should voice to their representatives that the pedestrian crossing is a
priority for the City and region.
Adjourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn at 6:55 PM; seconded by Schultz and passed
unanimously by those present.
Judy Weyrens
Administrator