HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.24.23 Work SessionOctober 24, 2023
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in a workshop
setting on Tuesday, October,24, 2023, at 5:OOPM in the St. Joseph Government Center.
Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz; Councilmembers Kelly Beniek, Kevin Kluesner, Bob Loso
Absent: Councilmember Adam Scepaniak
City Representatives Present: Administrator David Murphy, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Public Works
Director Ryan Wensmann, City Clerk Kayla Klein, Community Development Director Nate Keller, Police
Chief Dwight Pfannenstein,.Recreation Director Rhonda Juell
Verkada Camera System Presentation: Representatives from Verkada and Computer Repair Unlimited
presented on the camera system that has been installed in and around multiple city facilities. The
cameras allow the ability to capture license plate data as well as track persons of interest if they appear
within view of the camera. The cameras are key for the Police Department in regards to investigations
and having the ability to have clear evidence for investigations. The Council discussed the idea of having
a mobile camera station to allow for surveillance during large events in the city.
Refuse Hauler Contract: The contract with Republic Services is up at the end of 2023. Historically, the city
has gone out for Request for Proposals (RFPs), to solicit the best bid for refuse services. Republic
Services has offered to extend the contract if the city chooses. Staff has worked closely with Republic
over the past couple of years to improve their services to residents and it has improved.
Kluesner asked how the city could go about asking residents living in the Rural Residential zoning district
if they would like to participate in the city refuse program. It was determined to that Rural Residential
residents would not be included and would continue having the ability to choose their refuse hauler.
Council discussed the options and directed staff to move forward with the RFP process, noting that the
Republic Services contract may need to be extended a couple months into 2024 in order to complete the
entire RFP process.
Stormwater & Street Light Utility Fees: City Administrator David Murphy provided an overview of the
current situation regarding the stormwater &street light fees for residents in the Rural Residential zoning
district. The annexation of residential and industrial property in 2019 resulted in some unforeseen
conditions. Staff has received complaints from other business owners that the annexed properties were
not similarly being charged the City-wide utility charges. Letters were subsequently sent to affected
property owners on October 61h informing them of the upcoming charges for stormwater and street lights.
Since then multiple complaints have come into staff and Council.
Mayor Schultz and Councilmember Loso believe all residents should pay forthe utility fees as it is a
complete system that is being paid for. Schultz noted that street lights should be paid for equally across
the entire city but was unsure how the calculations work for storm water.
Councilmembers Kluesner and Beniek stated the fees are unfair and should not be charged to Rural_
Residential property owners.
Multiple options were discussed including: leaving the ordinance as is an implementing the fee; amending
the ordinance to exempt rural residential properties in a defined area; and phasing the implementation of
collecting the fee. Staff was directed to come back with numbers and budget impacts if the fees were to
be phased in over a period of time. A moratorium will be placed on the charging of the fees until a
decision is reached.
2024 Budget: Finance Director Lori Bartlett presented an overview of where the budget is at. The
preliminary budget was approved in September and the final budget will be up for adoption on December
41h. Currently the debt levy is set to increase 16.6%. The tax impact for just the city portion on a home
valued at $250,000 would be an increase of $88 if market values stay the same. Taking into account
other taxing districts, which include Stearns County and the school district, the complete impact on a
home valued at $250,000 would be an increase of $13.00 if market values stay the same. Bartlett
October 24, 2023
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discussed the proposed staffing changes which include: adding 1 full-time position in the Public Works
Department, 1 part-time staff to the Recreation Department, as well as a couple of promotions in the
Police Department.
The Council discussed lowering the levy by spending down capital projects using Public Safety Aid and
ARPA dollars. Direction given was to have staff figure out projects the PSA & ARPA could be used for
and bring back to the council with what the budget impact would be. The Council's main concern is
lowering the tax increases for property owners in the city.
Regarding dues and memberships, Councilmember Beniek suggested removing the Granite Table
membership from the budget and consensus was reached to remove the $3000 membership fee for
2024.
Development Agreement/Right Turn Lane: The Development Agreement is being finalized with KAB
Land, LLC for the wedding event venue on Jade Road. Staff was looking for direction on whether to
include the right turn lane as a requirement once Jade Road is improved from rural standards to full minor
arterial street city standards. Consensus was to include the turn lane requirement in the development
agreement.
Trail and Sidewalk Priorities for Grants: Community Development Director Keller presented the council
with options for trail priorities for the Transportation Alternatives (TA) grant. Options include the Option A,
sidewalk extension to East Park; and Option B, in -fill projects. The item was discussed at the Park Board
on October 23rd and they recommended moving forward with Option B. Keller will move forward with
submitting the letter of intent for Option B.
Sidewalk Plowing Routes: Public Works Director Ryan Wensmann presented the current plowing routes
for trails throughout the City. He receives numerous calls and complaints every year about why the city
plows certain trails and not others. Council questioned why the city plows the Graceview addition and it
was determined that the city would no longer be responsible for plowing those areas. Wensmann was
going to reach out to the HOA President to discuss the change.
Facility Reservation Fees: Staff wanted direction on how to move forward with facility reservation fees.
Consensus was to charge all individuals/groups to use the facilities. Currently the fees are $200 rental fee
and a $200 damage deposit fee.
Murphy added that the employees voted to move forward with switching the Gallagher to provide health
insurance services and wanted to let the council know.
Schultz adjourned the meeting at 7:30PM
4 Kayla Kaein
City Clerk