HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 [05] May 18May 18, 2020
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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, May 18, 2020 at 6:00 PM in the St. Joseph Government Center, opening with the pledge of
allegiance.
Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz, Bob Loso, Troy Goracke, Brian Theisen, Administrator Kris
Ambuehl.
Members Present via Zoom: Anne Buckvold
City Representatives Present: Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Police Chief Dwight Pfannenstein,
Community Development Director Therese Haffner, Public Works Director Terry Thene, Deputy Clerk
Kayla Klein, City Engineer Randy Sabart
Others Present: Bill Zidon, Ann Riesner, Shawn Riesner, Aaron Rieland, Melissa Kolstad, Jamie Thelen,
Jeff Howe, Sheri Howe, Dan Rassier
Approve Agenda: Theisen made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Goracke and
passed unanimously.
Consent Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the consent agenda; seconded by Goracke and
passed unanimously.
a. Minutes – Requested Action: Approve the minutes of April 20, 2020 and May 4, 2020.
b. Bills Payable – Requested Action: Approve check numbers 056031, 056067-056145 and Payroll
EFT #111864-111873 and Regular PP 9, 9.01, 9.02 and Council PP 4.
c. Treasurer’s Report – Requested Action: Accept the April 2020 treasurer’s report as presented.
d. Donations – Requested Action: Accept the donations and contributions as presented.
e. Joint Powers Agreement for E-Charging – Requested Action: Authorize the Mayor and
Administrator to execute Resolution 2020-016 approving the MN Joint Powers Agreement and
Court Services Amendment to continue use of data from the BCA and court computer systems.
Public Improvement Hearing – 20th Ave SE Improvements: The purpose of the hearing is to consider the
making of an improvement to construct a looped water main for the 2020 20th Ave SE Improvements. The
estimated cost of the improvement is $358,600.00.
Bill Zidon, SEH: Zidon present the proposed improvements to the Council. The assessments are based on
acreage. If the project is approved and stays on schedule, construction could potentially begin mid-September
and end June 2021.
Schultz opened the public hearing.
Ambuehl read in a Notice of Objection to the project from River Bats Stadium LLC. The owner’s objection is
based on the following: The amount of the assessment is excessive, the method of the assessment, and that
additional information is needed as to the proposed assessment deferral.
Dan Rassier, 29748 91st Avenue: Rassier approached the Council with objections to the project. Rassier owns
one of the properties that will be assessed and asked how his property will benefit from the improvements.
Loso made a motion to approve Resolution 2020-017 Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans
for the 2020 20th Ave SE Improvements. The motion was seconded by Schultz.
Aye: Loso, Theisen, Goracke, Buckvold Motion Carried: 4 -1
Nay: Theisen
Resolution 2020-018 Supporting St. Joseph Business Community: St. Joseph Restaurants and On-Sale Liquor
establishments have been negatively affected by the Governors Executive Order. Local business owners have
requested that the St. Joseph City Council consider the following items in support and relief of their business
viability during COVID-19: Adopt Resolution 2020-018 Supporting the St. Joseph Community; consider
reducing Liquor License Fees; outdoor options for bars and restaurants (if allowed by state law).
May 18, 2020
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Shawn & Ann Riesner, 12697 355th Street, Avon: As owners of the La Playette, the Rie sners have faced
hardship, losing about $30,000 since COVID hit. They are requesting the support of the Council to loosen
restrictions on outdoor seating and liquor fees.
Will Wittrock, The Middy: Wittrock expressed he would like to see a reduction in liquor licensing fees as well.
Melissa Kolstad, 22055 Goodwill Drive, Long Prairie: Kolstad asked if the business that have been allowed to
continue selling liquor will receive a reduced rate on their licenses. Kolstad said it is unfair that certain
businesses were allowed to remain open, while others were required to close.
Loso made a motion to approve Resolution 2020-018 Supporting the St. Joseph Business Community.
The motion was seconded by Theisen and passed unanimously.
The Council discussed whether to reduce liquor license fees for this year as it is time for renewals. Some
suggested prorating the fees. It was decided to reduce the fees by 50%.
Theisen moved to reduce the 2020 Liquor License Fees by 50%. The motion was seconded by Schultz.
Loso moved to amend Theisen’s motion to include a sixty-day extension for payments of 2020 Liquor
License fees. The motion was seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously.
General council consensus was to have the city provide up to two picnic tables for outdoor seating to
businesses. Staff will develop an application for business owners to complete and submit along with a site plan.
Those applications can be approved administratively.
Engineer Reports: Sabart reported the paving work has been completed for the 2019 Street Improvements.
Department Head Reports:
Admin: Ambuehl is busy working through COVID items and has been meeting with the area
administrators weekly.
Community Development: Haffner has been in constant communication with local businesses, providing
them with resources for emergency loans, unemployment benefits; etc. The Planning Intern, Josh
Storms’, first day is Monday, May 18th.
Finance Report: The department completed the audit and state filing has been completed. Park rentals
have been cancelled through May 18th. Renters were issued refunds through July 1st. Hannah is due back
on June 8th.
Police Department Reports: The department has shifted gears and often patrol activities have been
substituted for the occasional drive by birthday party. The number of ICRs has remained high and staff
has been keeping busy.
Mayor Reports: Schultz reported the bonding bill failed in the House and Senate. The APO was audited
and it was found that they had missed out on thousands of federal dollars. Since the audit, processes
have been changed to put checks in place.
Adjourn: Theisen made a motion to adjourn at 7:12 PM; seconded by Schultz and passed
unanimously.
Kris Ambuehl
Administrator