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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-16-06 Draft March 16, 2006 Page 1 of 7 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, March 16,2006 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Richard Carlbom, Councilors AI Rassier, Dale Wick, Ross Rieke, Renee Symanietz, City Administrator Judy Weyrens City Representatives Present: City Engineer Tracy Ekola & Joe Bettendorf, Police Chief Pete Jansky Others Present: Ed Kacures, Paula Revier OSB, Sr. Therese, Martiness Woida, Tom Meier, Stefanie Weisgram, Sr. Sheila Rausch Approve Aaenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add 11 d Street Sweeper Add 7d Chlorination The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Consent Aaenda: Rassier made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as follows; seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. a. Bills Payable - Approve check numbers 036977-037034. b. Change Order - Authorize Change Order #1 to meet OSHA requirements at the existing Water Treatment Plant in the amount of $4,503.00. c. Change Order - Authorize Change Order #2 to increase the size of raw water site piping and associated items in the amount of $23,257.00. d. Well Maintenance - Authorize approval for Traut Wells to perform the yearly well maintenance for Well No.4. e. Gambling License - Accept the lawful gambling application for the Church of St. Joseph for an event to be held on July 3 & 4, 2006 at the Church of St. Joseph. Public Comments: Ed Kacures, Park Terrace, approached the Councilors again in reference to the Police Department and the possibility of contracting those services to the Sheriff's Department. He stated that Waite Park is looking into a contract with Stearns County and he believes that St. Joseph should move in that direction as well. The first step would be to invite Sheriff Sander to speak to the Council in reference to what they can offer the City. Kacures also questioned the possibility of getting some detailed budget information regarding the Police Department, to which Weyrens stated she could provide. Rassier and Carlbom both explained to Kacures that they are happy with the current Police Department and Sheriff Sander will not be invited to speak. Scherer Truckina: Weyrens stated that previously, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to consider an amendment of the Comprehensive Plan and to rezone all of the property owned by Scherer Trucking to B2, Highway Business. The request has been submitted to allow for the expansion of the parking area for Scherer Trucking. Wick questioned Weyrens as to whether or not a trucking firm is a permitted use for B2. He was under the impression that they would need a special use permit to allow for that. Weyrens stated that she spoke to the attorney's office and was told that they would not need a special use permit as they already have one and they are not changing the use rather expanding the current business. Wick also questioned whether or not they would be required to construct a berm along Minnesota Street. Rassier stated that at this time a berm has not been included. The screening will consist of a dense tree line of varying height and species. Weyrens stated that the site plan does not require approval at the Planning Commission or Council level. The Council has two issues before them at this meeting - 1) Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and 2) Rezoning. Draft March 16, 2006 Page 2 of 7 1. Comprehensive Plan Amendment: Weyrens stated that the Planning Commission heard the Amendment request at the March 13, 2006 Planning Commission meeting. The Planning Commission recommended that the Council amend the Future Land Use Map for Planning District 9 to illustrate B2 Highway Business from the Scherer property east to 12th Avenue. Wick stated it is his understanding that it was not the intent of the Comprehensive Plan to have Businesses in this area along Minnesota Street. He also stated that originally there were to be barriers between the B2 district and the R1 district, whereas now they will have businesses in their front yards. Rieke and Carlbom both stated that they see no problem with businesses in that area. Rassier added that those along 12th would have easy access to CR 75. According to Rieke, he understands the need to protect residential areas within the City; however he stated that there are some areas best suited for businesses. According to the current R3 zoning, an apartment building would be a permitted use. He stated he would rather see the property being discussed developed commercially than with an apartment complex. Chuck Scherer spoke on behalf of Scherer Trucking. He stated that the proposed Amendment should not have an adverse affect on the neighborhood, as the business use will not use Minnesota Street as an access. Therefore, it will still remain as a residential neighborhood. Weyrens stated that Scherer Trucking will be executing a Development Agreement whereby the business ingress/egress will be from 12th Avenue only. Rassier made a motion to amend the Land Use Map for Planning District 9, illustrating property along north of Minnesota between Scherer Trucking (Including the vacant lot) and 12ttl Avenue NE as B2, Highway Business. The motion was seconded by Symanietz. Ayes: Carlbom, Rassier, Symanietz, Rieke Nays: Wick Motion Carried 4:1:0 2. Rezoning - Scherer Property: Although the Planning Commission recommended approval of the amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, they did not recommend the rezoning of the abutting properties, rather they recommended only the rezoning of the property owned by Scherer Trucking. Some concern was expressed at the public hearing that the property east of Scherer Trucking should remain residential until the property is ready for development. Rassier made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and amend the Zoning map to rezone the outlot owned by Scherer Trucking from the current R3 to B2, Highway Business and to rezone the Scherer property abutting MN Street from the current R1 to B2, Highway Business. The motion was seconded by Symanietz. Wick stated that he will be voting against the motion as it is his opinion that the proposal before the Council is a non-conforming use and does not meet the requirements of Ordinance 52.08 Subd. B3. Ayes: Carlbom, Rassier, Symanietz, Rieke Nays: Wick Motion Carried 4:1:0 Reaional Human Riahts Task Force: R. Joseph Hobson and Silvia Ferraretto approached the Council to discuss the need for the creation of a Regional Human Rights Office. They stated that the reason for creating a Regional Human Rights Office is to make a policy statement stating that human rights violations will not be tolerated and let people know that when a violation occurs, the offender will be held accountable. This regional office would also create a welcoming climate within the community. Draft March 16, 2006 Page 3 of 7 Currently, only St. Cloud operates a human rights office. Their four main service areas include education, intervention, prevention and enforcement. Ferraretto stated that there is a need for this type of office in our community due to the fact that diversity exists in the area, there are many barriers to accessing the State Office in St. Paul, face-to-face services would be much more effective, MN has limited resources for dealing with the issue, and the St. Cloud office does not have the capacity to handle all the neighboring communities. Duluth, Minneapolis and St. Paul all have their own civil rights offices separate from the State. Ferraretto also stated that there are three options for this regional office 1) Expanding the St. Cloud Office. 2) Creating a new office, which would have a new government and a joint powers agreement. 3) Branch office from the State of Minnesota. Carlbom questioned whether or not neighboring counties and townships have been approached to participate or if the discussion has been limited to the area Cities. Ferraretto stated that all three Counties (Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne) have been approached to participate and they have expressed an interest. Rassier questioned if the Human Rights Task Force meetings are open to the public and what time and date the meetings are held. It was noted that the meetings are open to the public and they are held on the first Monday of the month from 9-11 a.m. at the Sartell City Hall. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS St. Cloud Wastewater Treatment Facilitv Expansion Plan Update: Ekola approached the Council to discuss the St. Cloud Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion Plan. She stated that St. Joseph currently pumps its wastewater into the St. Cloud Wastewater Treatment Facility. St. Cloud is in the process of looking at an expansion plan, which would take into consideration the capacity over the next twenty years. St. Joseph was responsible for providing its own expansion data, to which Ekola stated she used the Orderly Annexation Plan. The Wastewater Facility will be expanded in two phases. The first phase is proposed to begin in 2009 and the second phase in 2015/2017. The expansion of the facility will include the following: · Aeration facilities · Secondary clarifiers · Addition of biological nutrient removal. This is needed to remove phosphorus and ammonia nitrogen. Currently there is minimal treatment of these chemicals and that affects the water quality as it discharges into the Mississippi River. The total cost of the project through its completion is estimated at 5.4 million. When questioning how the City would pay for it, Weyrens advised the Council that the expansion will be funded through a combination of development and user fees. Ekola stated additional funding is available through a revolving loan fund if needed. Wick questioned the cost of St. Joseph having its own Wastewater Treatment Facility. Ekola stated that it would cost almost double. There were some questions as to what happens if St. Joseph grows more than anticipated. Ekola explained that the City could lease capacity from another City. Transportation Plannina: Bettendorf discussed the proposed schedule for the Transportation Plan that was presented to the Council for review. He also stated that the City will need to select its stakeholders. This group will consist of the following: · City Council Member · Planning Commission Member · EDA Member · St. Joseph Township Board Member · St. Cloud Representative · Waite Park Representative · Business Owner (3) Draft March 16, 2006 Page 4 of 7 · Citizen (3) Task Name Task 1 Data Assembly Task 2 - Roadway Sketch Planning Task 3 - Trail Sketch Planning Task 4 Public Involvement City Council Meetings Public Input Meetings Stakeholder Meetings Task - Report Task 5.1 Draft Report Task 5.2 Final Report 2007 Jan Feb The Council requested that volunteers for the Committee be solicited through the St. Joseph Newsleader. The Staff will review the applications and make a recommendation to the Council for consideration. 2006 Trunk Water Main: Ekola reported that the plans and specifications for the trunk water main have been completed and they City is in a position where bids can be accepted. The trunk water main is required to connect the Water Treatment Plant to the existing water system. Construction will include constructing water main along the North side of CSAH 2, crossing over CSAH 2 near Interstate 94 and ultimately connecting to the Water Treatment Plant after boring under 1-94. Ekola advised the Council that during the design process, a soils investigation was completed and the borings revealed some unforeseen soil conditions. The unforeseen soil conditions will increase the cost of the project approximately $55,000. Wick made a motion to approve Resolution 2006-006 approving plans and specifications and ordering advertisement for bids for the 2006 Trunk Watermain project. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Chlorination of the Water System: Bettendorf reported that the City will be adding Chlorine to the City water this spring as required by the State Health Department. He stated that they would like to conduct a taste test with the City Council and possibly a few residents. According to Bettendorf, a mailing will be sent to all residents as well as an ad in the Newsleader prior to the infusion of chlorine. The Health Department had previously notified that chlorination is required in the water system, but due to the large amount of old water mains in the original townsite the City was granted reprieve until the water mains could be replaced. The 2006 Street Improvement Project completes the water main replacement. Once the infusion begins the hydrants will be flushed to help purify the system, it is anticipated that this phase will last approximately two weeks. The Chlorine may result in a possible discoloration of the water and it may affect water softeners or laundry; however it will not cause any problems for watering lawns. Rassier suggested that the taste test be done during the April 6th meeting. Consent Items: Bettendorf wanted to review the two change orders. b. Change Order #1 - An eyewash and shower will be installed at the current Water Treatment Facility as required per an OSHA inspection that was done. The new Water Treatment Facility will already have an eyewash station/shower. c. Change Order #2 - The increased side of raw piping is needed to eliminate the need for more wells in the future. POLICE CHIEF REPORTS Draft March 16, 2006 Page 5 of 7 Staff Request: Chief Jansky approached the Councilors with a budget request to change the status for the Police Secretary from Part-time to Full-time. When this was approved with the budget, it was to happen after the Comp Worth Study is done; however with the increased workload, there is a need at this time. Jansky stated that the number of calls has increased roughly 20o~ and there is more computer input needed and more records requests. Wick made a motion to approve the change in status for the Police Secretary from Part-time to Full-Time. The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. Officer Hire: Jansky reported that there were 25 applications received for the Full-time Police Officer Position. Thus far, they have interviewed 8 and narrowed it down to the final 5 who will be interviewed on Friday March 17, 2006. Jansky stated the Hiring Committee is looking to find a candidate who can fit with the community rather than just fill the position. Jansky also reported that the City currently has 3 reserve officers; however one will be leaving to accept a position with Stearns County. He stated that they have received 12 applications for the reserve officer position. The reserves are used to help out with special events. MAYOR REPORTS 2006 Mayor Appointments: Carlbom reported that he has finished the 2006 Mayor Appointments. One member of the EDA has changed as well as Rieke has been appointed to the St. Cloud Economic Partnership Committee. The Emergency Services Director is Justin Honer. Rassier questioned the possibility of adding the new pharmacist to the Health Board if he is willing. Wick made a motion to approve the 2006 Mayor Appointments as presented. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. CMBA: Mayor Carlbom stated that he attended City Night at the CMBA with other area elected officials. They all sat on a panel to discuss various issues. He was very impressed by Granite Engravings, which is located in the St. Joseph Township Industrial Park. CGMC Action Day: Carlbom reported that he had dinner with Michelle Fischbach at which they discussed various City/Area issues. Youth Recreation: According to Carlbom, he has been meeting with a group to discuss youth recreation programs. He stated that the discussions are going well and the next meeting will be on March 23rd at 7:30. APO: Carlbom reported that the APO Full Board will not meet this month. He stated that he attended the Executive Board meeting. COUNCIL REPORTS SYMAN I ETZ Police Officer Hire: Symanietz reported that she was a part of the hiring committee for the Police Officer Position. Thank you: Symanietz thanked City Maintenance Staff for working to fill in the potholes throughout the City. WICK Park Board: Wick reported that the Park Board received feedback regarding their Grant Application to the DNR for funding assistance to construct restroom facilities in Northland Park. They are working with Ekola to get some revised information and will resubmit the application by March 31. Draft March 16, 2006 Page 6 of 7 Wick also reported that they plan to go ahead with the restroom expansion at Centennial Park; however they need to review the soil borings with one of the engineers. RASSIER - No Report RIEKE St. Cloud Area Economic Partnership: Rieke reported that he attended the meeting of the St. Cloud Area Economic Partnership. Economic Retention/Expansion: According to Rieke, they met with the property owners in the Industrial Park to discuss the protective covenants and a second meeting has been scheduled for next week. EDA UPDATE: Rieke announced that Bruce Gohman is no longer a member of the EDA. He joined the EDA in 1996 and his term has ended. According to Rieke, Carolyn Yaggie Heinen representing Michelle Kenric Salon has been sworn in and will take his place. In addition, Rieke stated that there are an additional 35 acres East of the current Industrial Park, which is being marketed by Jerry Hettwer with the annexation request under the Administrator Reports. The EDA has been working on trying to find ways to create a better look for the businesses along CR 75. There are several homes along CR 75 as well as businesses and they have been trying to find ways to transition those homes into businesses. Downtown Committee: Rieke reported that the Downtown Committee will meet on the 22nd at 5:00 PM. Thus far, they have identified a footprint of the downtown. They plan to create a downtown merchants committee that may be somewhat connected to the Chamber. He stated that they are currently working on a report for the City Council. ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Annexation - Feld Farm: Weyrens stated that the City offices recently received a petition for annexation for the Feld Farm. The property consists of approximately 320 acres and is located north of the existing industrial park, adjacent to CR 133. The property will be annexed as agricultural property and will be zoned through the platting process. She also mentioned that they will work with the City and the EDA to market the property. St. Joseph Township is aware of the petition, however they have not acted on the matter. Weyrens stated that the property owner is aware of the North east/west corridor study and the possible impact to the Feld Farm. Wick made a motion authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Resolution for Orderly Annexation, annexing the Feld Farm. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Fund Transfer: Weyrens stated that at the end of each year, debt service accounts are reviewed and the required revenue sources are transferred to the appropriate fund. There are some WAC/SAC fees that should be transferred to the appropriate bond as well as some street sweeping services to be paid from Storm Water funds. In addition, there are some transactions that were not recorded properly and need to be reclassified. Rieke made a motion to authorize the fund transfers as presented, effective December 31, 2006. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Draft March 16, 2006 Page 7 of 7 Street Sweeper: Weyrens reported that the Council previously approved the purchase of a street sweeper. Wastewater Operator Jim Marthaler has viewing used sweepers and is requesting to purchase a used sweeper from MacQueen. The total cost of the sweeper is $63,500 with the original asking price $ 71,500. Since the sweeper is listed on the State Contract, the City does not need to solicit bids for the purchase of the sweeper. Rieke made a motion to approve the purchase of the street sweeper at a cost of $63,500. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Meetina with builders: Weyrens stated that a meeting was held last week with City Staff/Consultants and builders to discuss several issues. One issue that was discussed was the development costs. In some research prior to the meeting, it was determined that using Northland Heights as an example, St. Joseph's fees are within the same range as the area Cities. Public Information: Rieke questioned how information is given to the Public when requested. Weyrens stated that persons requesting public information must first fill out a form clearing stating what information they are requesting. The City then has reasonable time to produce the information persons requesting the information pay a fee of .25 per page. Adiourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 9:20 PM; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Judy Weyrens Administrator