HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.22.22 All City/Board MeetingMarch 22, 2022
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council/All Board meeting for the City of St. Joseph met
in a workshop setting on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 5:30 PM in the St. Joseph Government Center.
Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz, Councilmembers Kelly Beniek, Kevin Kluesner, Jon Hazen, Bob
Loso
City Representatives Present: Administrator Therese Haffner, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, City Engineer
Randy Sabart, Community Development Director Nate Keller, Fire Chief Jeff Taufen, Public Works
Director Ryan Wensmann, Police Chief Dwight Pfannenstein, City Clerk Kayla Klein
Also present were select members of the Planning Commission, EDA, Park Board, and CVB: Pia Lopez,
Elijah Stenman, Andy Rennecke, Gina Dullinger, Anne Jarrell, Mike Ostermann, Keith Louwagie, Adam
Scepaniak, Leslie Lane, Carmie Mick
Department Updates: City Administrator Haffner reported on the technology needs the City is currently
fulfilling in all departments as well as an upgrade to the camera system.
Public Works Director Wensmann addressed the technology that his department needs and noted he
would like to move the department towards having a web base inventory.
Police Chief Pfannenstein discussed how the addition of an administrative support person in the
department has helped the department catchup on the backlog of reports. Area police departments are
discussing alternative and creative ways to recruit officers as there is a shortage of applicants.
Recreation Director Juell presented her list of activities. There will be a summer recreation program
offering t-ball, baseball, softball, and soccer. Various other activities will be taking place each month. Juell
asked for suggestions on getting the word out to the community.
Redevelopment: Community Development Director Keller highlighted the upgrades to the downtown area.
The redevelopment of the old city/fire hall building and neighboring properties is coming along nicely. The
construction of a town home development is scheduled for 2022 near the Kennedy Community Schools.
The biggest obstacle is finding space for business owners that want to have a location in St. Joseph.
Community Center: Haffner reported that the community center is still moving forward. Meetings with the
architect and YMCA continue to take place and the first rendering was received by staff earlier in the day.
Future Goals: Schultz noted that as the city continues to grow, so will the needs of the community. As a
result, additional staffing will be needed.
City Clerk Klein discussed redistricting and how that has impacted St. Joseph. There will be three
precincts and the city is now split between districts 13 and 14.
Another item discussed by attendees was the extension of fiber to all residents of St. Joseph. This would
attract people and businesses to the City.
The work session was adjourned at 6:47 PM.
Kayla <lein
City Clerk