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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a] Minutes April 1, 2019 Page 1 of 2 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Monday, April 1, 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, Troy Goracke. Administrator Judy Weyrens. City Representatives Present: City Attorney Tom Jovanovich, City Engineer Randy Sabart, Police Chief Dwight Pfannenstein, Public Works Director Terry Thene, Community Development Director Therese Haffner, Finance Director Lori Bartlett Others Present: Tim Borresch, Brendan Klein, James Thompson rd Public Comments: Tim Borresch, 11 3 Ave NW: Borresch approached the Council regarding the winter stst parking restrictions that are in effect November 1 – April 1. Borresch believes there is a grey area, st especially on the night of Halloween going into the 1 of November. His tenants received parking tickets on Halloween night, October 31. He understands that at midnight the date becomes November 1 and the Ordinance is in effect. He requested the policy be changed so that on Halloween night only warnings are issued Borresch also requested the City enforce Ordinance that are currently in place, such as the requirement to remove garbage receptacles from the curb within 24 hours of collection; removal of snow from sidewalks; blocking sidewalks with vehicles. He also requested the City provide information to residents about what can be recycled, particularly the students. In addition he requested the Council re-broadcast the Council meetings at various times so residents have an opportunity to watch. th Lastly, Borresch stated there is an issue with traffic along 20 Avenue. There should have been a right th hand turn lane installed on 20 Avenue heading towards St. Cloud. The traffic intersection will increase th with the CSAH 75 construction, the construction of the apartment buildings on 20, and with the compost opening. City Engineer Sabart stated the question was raised to Stearns County at the time the CSAH 75 project was proposed. The County stated the CSAH 75 project already is expected to cost more then what was initially thought and the County didn’t want to add any additional work to the CSAH 75 project. The County recognizes the issue and will likely look at it at a later time. Approve Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Goracke and passed unanimously by those present. Consent Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda, pulling item 4d. Tax- Forfeited Lots for discussion; seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously. a. Minutes – Approved the minutes of February 19, 2019, March 2, 2019, March 18, 2019, and March 19, 2019. b. Bills Payable – Approved check numbers 054502-054533, Payroll EFT # 111655-111661. c. Alcohol Compliance – Authorized the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2019-024 Adopting the Stipulations between the City Attorney’s Office and the American Legion Post #328 Regarding a Violation of Section 701 of the Code of Ordinances. d. Tax-Forfeited Lots – Reduced the assessment/fees for parcels 84.53550.0096, 84.53550.0094, 84.53550.0099, 84.53550.0100 to $7,000 per lot. e. Capital Purchase – Authorized the trade-in of the 2006 gator and purchase of a 2013 bobcat at a total price of $9,515.00 f. License Transfer – Authorized the license relocation of Bad Habit moving the business from 15 MN St E to 25 College Ave N, effective May 4, 2019. g. Ordinance Amendments – Authorized the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution 2019- 025 Amending Ordinance 304 and Ordinance 804; and Resolution 2019-026 Authorizing Summary Publication of the same. April 1, 2019 Page 2 of 2 4d. Tax-Forfeited Lots: Weyrens stated the City was approached by the County regarding the four lots in Liberty Pointe, asking for a reduction in the assessments/fees on the properties. The extra fees on the lots are making it unaffordable for a developer to purchase. The current fees/assessments per lot ranges between $ 13,000 and $ 15,000. Since the debt related to the Liberty Pointe is expired, the fees are not needed for the debt; therefore they could be reduced. Stearns County indicated that they will bundle the four lots together with the anticipation a developer will purchase all four. Schultz made a motion to approve the reduction of fees/assessments on the four remaining lots in Liberty Pointe to $ 7,000 per lot. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously by those present. Engineer Reports: No Report. Administrator Reports, SHIP Grant – Bike Sharing Program: Weyrens stated Stearns County Public Health is soliciting grant applications funding for wellness and active living activities. Staff reached out to Waite Park to partner on the Bike Sharing Program with potentially having the option for people to bike from St. Joseph to Waite Park on the trail with bike stations where bikes can be checked out and left at the different locations. Schultz made a motion authorizing staff to submit a funding request to create a bike share program through Stearns County Public Health and the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership. The motion was seconded by Goracke and passed unanimously by those present. Administrator Reports, SHIP Grant – Parklet: The City was approached by a professor at the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University with the request to submit a grant to Stearns Council Public Health Department to pilot a parklet on Minnesota Street. A parklet repurposes part of the street into a public space for people with the intent to enhance the aesthetics of the streetscape and increase public open space economically. Parklets provide amenities like seating, painting, bike parking, and art. Professor Lindstrom with the College of St. Benedict approached the County regarding getting a parklet on MN Street. The grant requires a 10% match. The grant application would be submitted by Professor Lindstrom with a match provided by the College/University. The proposed location of the parklet is downtown in front of The Local Blend and the Middy where 1.5 to 2 parking spots would be needed. Loso stated he is not in favor of the proposal as it takes away parking from a downtown where parking is already limited. Additionally, Loso is concerned about the safety of having pedestrians on the street. General consensus of the Council was to not move forward with approving the submittal of a grant application for a parklet on MN Street. Mayor Reports: Schultz reported on the following:  Schultz stated in an upcoming work session, the Council will discuss the future of the Park Board. No applications have been received to fill the vacant positions.  The St. Joseph Rec Association has not been keeping the grounds maintained. The Association is renting out a city building to the St. Joseph Lions and keeping the funds. Staff will look to see how to move forward. Closed Meeting: Schultz made a motion to move into a closed meeting pursuant to MN Statute 13.05D (3b) to discuss attorney-client privilege regarding two lawsuits with CSB. No action will be taken by the Council after the closed meeting. The motion was seconded by Goracke and passed unanimously by those present. Schultz reopened the meeting at 7:27 PM. Adjourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn at 7:27 PM; seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously by those present. Judy Weyrens Administrator