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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-04-06 May 4, 2006 Page 1 of 6 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Thursday, May 4, 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(s) Joe Bettendorf and Tracy Ekola, Public Works Director Dick Taufen, Mike Sworski Others Present: Bill Wasner, Daryl Studer, Ida Johnson, Ellen Wahlstrom Approve Aaenda: Rassier made a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add 10b Add 10c Add 10d Move 10a to 7d Conditional Job Offer for Full-time Police Officer Advertisement for Part-time Officer Schedule Evidentiary Hearing for the La Playette Transportation Planning Committee The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Consent Aaenda: Symanietz made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows: a. Minutes - Approve minutes of March 2 & 16, 2006 & April 6, 2006. b. Bills Payable - Approve check numbers 037178-037239. c. Application for Payment - Authorize the Mayor to execute Application for Payment #2 for the Water Treatment Plant Project and authorize payment to John T. Jones Construction in the amount of $274,893.90. d. Application for Payment - Authorize the Mayor to execute Application for Payment #4 for the 2005 Northland Heights Project and authorize payment to Erin Contracting in the amount of $152,173.85. e. MADD Donation - Accept the donation from MADD to be used for a digital video camera for the Police Department. f. Donations - Accept the donations from the Holiday Inn, Fraternal Order of Police, Eagles Aerie 622 and St. Cloud PBA for the Law Enforcement Memorial Association service to be held on May 7, 2006. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Public Comments to the Aaenda: - No one present wished to speak. Historical Society Update: Bill Wasner, 409 E Minnesota Street, approached the Council representing the St. Joseph Historical Society. Daryl Studer, Ida Johnson, and Ellen Wahlstrom were also present. He stated that they will be losing their space at the First State Bank in June and, as a result, they are asking the City for some space. Carlbom questioned how much space they are requesting. Wasner replied that the room at the First State Bank is 20x35. Weyrens advised the Council that this came before the Planning Commission as well and they had discussed the potential use of the old City Hall. TOPS is currently using that facility on a weekly basis as well as the St. Joseph Food Shelf. TOPS would then need to find a new meeting place. There are also no security measures in place right now. Carlbom added that the College has some vacant property and perhaps they would be willing to let the Historical Society use some of that space. With respect to the Old City Hall, Rassier stated that there are certain items that will need to be updated or replaced. Weyrens added that there are also some temperature/heat control issues. Rassier suggested that the City request bids from a few contractors to determine a cost estimate for the improvements. Carlbom questioned whether or not the building would need to be brought up to code if there are May 4, 2006 Page 2 of 6 improvements made. Weyrens stated that the restrooms are up to code already as this is currently used as a City polling place. Wasner requested that he be able to go and look at the facility to see if there is enough space to meet their needs. Weyrens suggested that Wasner contact the Public Works Director and have him meet him there to look at the facility to get some ideas of what would need to be repaired. Following their walk-thru, Weyrens suggested that they have a contractor come in to give the City some bids. At that point, the Council would have more information to work with. Ellen Wahlstrom, 409 - 8th Avenue NE approached the Council as well to represent the Historical Society. She questioned whether the Old City Hall would be a temporary or permanent location for the group. Carlbom stated that right now the City couldn't guarantee a permanent location. Wahlstrom added that at some point she would like the City to provide the Historical Society with a permanent location, which she thinks they should have something nicer than the Old City Hall with more amenities. Rassier stated that he agrees it would be nice to have a City Center where the group could keep their things there permanently, however the City currently does not have the funds for such. Wahlstrom concluded by stating that there needs to be more City support for the St. Joseph Historical Society as the committee has worked very hard to make it what it is today. Midniaht Haulers - Amended Development Request: Previously, the Planning Commission considered the request of Midnight Haulers to construct a directional sign and to request relief from Landscaping requirements. During the Planning Commission meeting, it was determined that Midnight Haulers did plant four trees along CR 133 as indicated on the original site plan. Their question was whether or not the landscaping need be extended further along CR 133. Rassier added that the Planning Commission made recommendation accepting the four trees along CR 133 as fulfilling the landscaping requirement; however if the fence along CR 133 is permanently removed, then additional trees must be planted. According to Weyrens, this request was prompted by a misinterpretation of the Developer Agreement. Rassier made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and accept the four trees along CR 133 and require that if the fence along CR 133 were permanently removed, additional trees would be planted. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Wick requested that the motion be added to the Developer Agreement. The second request was to install a directional sign for their shipping/receiving department. The City Ordinance does not specifically address directional signs. The proposed directional sign was 32 square feet. There was some discussion amongst the Planning Commission members as to whether or not they could have their name and/or logo on the sign and whether or not that would be considered advertising. The commissioners came to an agreement to recommend approval of a directional sign not more than 18 square feet and with no name or logo on it. Since the City's Ordinance does not address directional signs, the area cities were contacted to see what their size limits are. Wick questioned how the Commissioners decided on 18 square feet as a maximum when area cities are much smaller. Rassier stated that they felt that 18 square feet was a good size. The Planning Commission will be reviewing the Ordinances and, at that time, they will add directional signs to the Ordinances. The owner has agreed to work with the City and change the sign if the City limits the size during the review of the Ordinances. Wick then questioned placement of the sign. Rassier stated that it is not known exactly; however he did state that the sign would be near the receiving department. He explained that new drivers who are not familiar with their facility have been entering using the parking lot, so they want to direct them towards the correct entrance. Wick stated that the sign must then be big enough for the truck drivers to see when approaching the entrance on the south side. Weyrens stated that she is concerned with their name or logo being on the sign, as the Ordinance does only allow for one business sign. May 4, 2006 Page 3 of 6 Rassier made a motion to recommend approval of a directional sign not to exceed 18 square feet and with no advertising until an Ordinance is adopted for directional signs within the City. The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously. CITY ENGINEER REPORTS Transportation Plan: Previously, the City has initiated a study to define the transportation network required to best serve future needs of St. Joseph. This would be a supplement to the Comprehensive Plan and will provide orderly framework for development. The goal of the study is to emphasize mobility, safety and connectivity within the City and provide guidance for future cross sections. Some of the key issues, which have prompted the study, include anticipated commercial and residential development within the City and in the surrounding properties and the need to identify and preserve future transportation corridors as development stretches out to currently undeveloped land. The study are will include the existing City limits and Orderly Annexation Area for St. Joseph Township as previously identified. According to Bettendorf, there will be Public Input Meetings held throughout the Study along with Stakeholder Meetings. Bettendorf added that the Stakeholders have been selected; however none of them have been contacted until the Council approves the appointments. The Council requested City Staff to accept and review applications for the committee, bringing forward a proposed committee. The following is the recommendation of the Staff: . City Council . Planning Commission . EDA . St. Joseph Township . Stearns County . City of Waite Park . Business owner . Business owner . Business owner . Citizen . Citizen . Citizen Ross Rieke Gary Utsch Cynthia Smith-Strack No appointment as of yet, however Matt Symalla expressed interest No appointment yet - Mitch Anderson Bill Schluenz Joe Leach, Bliss Direct Greg Reinhart, First State Bank John Meyer, DM Building Margaret Hughes Mike McDonald Roger Beuning Weyrens stated that if there were any changes to the stakeholder list, they would be brought to the City Council for approval. Wick made a motion to approve the Stakeholder List for the 2006 Transportation Study as presented; seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. Ayes: Wick, Symanietz, Carlbom, Rieke Nays: Rassier Motion Carried 4:1:0 2006 Trunk Water Main Improvement Bids: Ekola stated that bids were previously opened for the 2006 Trunk Water Main Improvement Project and that there were 7 bidders. The bid summary is as follows: Randy Kramer Excavating $482,116.69 Burschville Construction $488,572.80 J R Ferche $494,374.50 Sunblad Construction $523,265.37 R L Larson Excavating $566,169.80 Northdale Construction $589,717.96 Barbarossa & Sons $633,599.20 She stated that Randy Kraemer Excavating was the lowest bidder. According to Ekola, he is a reputable contractor and has done other work within the City such as the 16th Avenue Improvements, Southeast Utility project, Foxmore Hollow, and Graceview 2. The bids did come in higher than the feasibility report May 4, 2006 Page 4 of 6 and Ekola explained that the reason for that is that they found bad soil during the design process and that the cost of materials is rising. Wick questioned whether the costs for the project are set or whether or not they will increase during the project. Ekola explained that the unit prices are set, however the quantity may increase due to site conditions. Rieke made a motion to accept the bid from Randy Kramer Excavating, Watkins, MN in the amount of $482,116.69 for the 2006 Trunk Water Main Improvements. ~!h Avenue Sidewalk: Ekola stated that at the previous Council Meeting, the City Council discussed the possibility of moving the sidewalk along 4th Avenue North to the east side. Carlbom questioned whether or not there has been any contact with the First State Bank or the adjoining property owners. Ekola advised Carlbom that they have spoken with the bank and the City owns the property adjacent to the bank. Wick made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Park Board and move the future sidewalk along 4th Avenue North to the east side of the road. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. 2006 Street Improvement Proiect: Ekola advised the Council that C & L is planning to begin work on the 2006 Street Improvement on May 15, 2006. They plan to begin by milling the bituminous surface on the affected streets with the exception of 1 st Avenue SE until school is out. They also plan to begin removing any affected trees. Water Treatment Facility: According to Ekola, the contractor has been working on the footings and things seem to be going well so far. MAYOR REPORTS Habitat for Humanity: Carlbom stated that Weyrens has been working with the representatives from Habitat for Humanity. He also stated there is one developer who expressed interest in partnering with Habitat and providing a lot for construction at a reduced rate. Fireman's Dinner: Carlbom mentioned that he attended the annual Fireman's Dinner held at Trobec's Event Center and that the Fire Department will fund some equipment for the new personnel transporter with the proceeds. Fire Board Meetina: Carlbom stated that he attended the Fire Board meeting. One item of discussion was the contracts with St. Joseph Township and St. Wendel Township. The St. Wendel Contract has already expired and the new contract has not yet been executed due to delays. He stated that the contract with the St. Joseph Township is set to expire in June. Carlbom also announced that on May 22, the Fire Department would be having a disaster drill in Bel Claire Acres as part of the St. Cloud Disaster Relief Plan. Randy Torborg, Fire Chief, will be head of the drill. According to Carlbom, he is concerned with the amount of media interest that has been shown so far. Downtown Committee: According to Carlbom, the Downtown Committee has approved their strategic plan and it is now ready for recommendation to the City Council. The Downtown Committee will be meeting jointly with the City Council on May 15 to discuss the plan and implementation. Area Cities Meetina: Carlbom stated that he attended the Area Cities Meeting at which they discussed the expansion of the St. Cloud Wastewater Treatment Plant. He stated that there was good discussion amongst the area cities. They reviewed the population estimates and it is apparent that some cities were very conservative whereas others were too generous. Healthy Community Partnership: Mayor Carlbom announced that the HCP will be sponsoring a cleanup night on May 8, 2006 beginning at 6:00 PM. They will work on cleaning the downtown areas to include Minnesota Street and College Avenue. May 4, 2006 Page 5 of 6 COUNCIL REPORTS SYMAN I ETZ Area Cities Meetina: Symanietz reported that she attended the Area Cities Meeting as well and she found it to be very informative and lots of good information was presented. WICK - No Report RASSIER - No Report RIEKE - No Report ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Police Officer: Weyrens advised the Council that the background checks are complete and she is requesting authorization to make a conditional job offer to the top candidate for the full-time police officer position. The offer would be contingent upon positive results of a physical and psychological evaluation. She is also requesting that the second candidate be offered the part-time officer position that is available. Then, if a promotion were made internally for the sergeant position, that officer would then be offered a full-time position. Carlbom and Symanietz both agreed with the request to offer the second candidate a part-time position with the opportunity to become full-time if there were an internal promotion. They stated that a lot of time and money were spent on the background checks and it would not make sense to go through it all again. Weyrens stated the Police Application was a very detailed process. The application was 25 pages long and contained an essay, autobiography, and some examples of problems they have encountered in their previous employment. Those applicants who filled out the applications completely were serious about a position with the City. There were two rounds of interviews. The first interview lasted roughly 15 minutes and the second lasted about 45 minutes. After the second interview, background investigations were conducted on the top three candidates. Symanietz made a motion to authorize the conditional job offer to the top candidate for the full- time officer position. If that candidate refuses the offer, then it would be offered to the second candidate. The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously. Rassier made a motion to offer the part-time position to the second candidate. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously. Part-time Officer: Weyrens stated that if the sergeant gets promoted and the part-time officer is offered full-time, there would be another opening for a part-time officer. Rieke made a motion to authorize the advertisement for a part-time officer. The motion was seconded by Symanietz and passed unanimously. LaPlayette Violation: Weyrens reported that the LaPlayette has received an alleged liquor violation and they are requesting an evidentiary hearing. The hearing will be handled judicially and the length will depend on the number of witnesses. The possible times for the hearing are: 1st Choice May 17,2006 4:00 PM 2nd Choice May 19, 2006 4:00 PM 3rd Choice May 31, 2006 4:00 PM Chlorination Notice: According to Weyrens, a newsletter is being sent to all City residents. Staff is in the process of getting the letters ready for mailing. The newsletter will contain information about the chlorination as well as other City information such as dog tags, garbage pick-ups, parade contacts, garage sale information, etc. May 4, 2006 Page 6 of 6 Adiourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 8:05 PM; seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously. Judy Weyrens Administrator