HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.18.23December 181", 2023
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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, December 18'h, 2023, at 6:OOPM in the St. Joseph Government Center.
Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz, Councilmembers Kevin Kluesner, Bob Loso, Adam Scepaniak,
Kelly Beniek
City Representatives Present: City Administrator David Murphy, Public Works Director Ryan Wensmann,
Community Development Director Nate Keller, City Engineers Randy Sabart & Bryce Johnson, Police
Chief Dwight Pfannenstein, City Clerk Kayla Klein, Recreation Director Rhonda Juell
Public Comments: Thomas Schueller, 320 Lanigan Way SE: Mr. Schueller informed the Council he is
petitioning the city to assist in getting modifications implemented at the crossing from his residence
(Lanigan Way SE) to the trail system across the street (CR 121). The county engineer has agreed to
stripe CR 121 to alert drivers to slow down for the pedestrian crossing; however, Mr. Schueller would like
to see temporary stop signs or stop signs with flashing lights installed.
Connie Barden, 604 Lanigan Way SE: Connie shared her biggest concern is the speed limit on CR 121.
Currently the speed limit is 40mph. Connie would like the city to consider reducing the speed limit on CR
121 past the school's entrance down to 30mph.
Dennis Klinkhammer, 601 Lanigan Way SE: Shared he is surprised the speed limit isn't currently 30mph
past the school as well. He has done research and believes the HAWK (high intensity activated cross
Walk) system should be implemented. He pointed out grants are available for this system. Ben also
shared his concerns regarding pedestrian safety at the crosswalk from Lanigan Way SE to the trail.
Approve Agenda: Loso motioned to approve the agenda; seconded by Kluesner and passed
unanimously.
Consent Agenda: Kluesner made a motion to approve the consent agenda; seconded by
Scepaniak. Beniek pulled item i. for discussion. The motion to approve consent agenda items a. —
h. and j. — q. passed unanimously.
Consent Agenda:
a. Minutes — Requested Action: Approve the minutes of December 4, 2023.
b. Bills Payable — Requested Action: Approve Check Numbers 61275-61348, Accounts
Payable and Payroll EFT #3210-3223, Regular Pay Period 25.
c. Donations — Requested Action: Approve the donations as presented.
d. Treasurer's Report — Approve the November 2023 Financial Reports as presented.
e. TA Grant Supporting Resolution — Requested Action: Approve Resolution 2023-071
Executing the Master Partnership Contract with MNDOT.
f. Tri-County Humane Society Annual Agreement — Requested Action: Approve the grant
agreement between the City of St. Joseph and the Tri-County Humane Society for boarding
of stray and abandoned dogs in the City.
g. 2024 Compost Agreement — Requested Action: Approve the 2024 Compost Agreement
between the City of St. Joseph and C&L Excavating.
h. 2024 MN Housing Agency Cities Participation Program Agreement — Requested Action:
Approve Resolution 2023-073 Program Application Commitment Agreement with MN
Housing Finance Agency.
j. Gambling Report — Requested Action: Accept the 3rd quarter 2023 gambling reports.
k. Equipment Replacement John Deere 5225 Tractor— Requested Action: Approve the
purchase/replacement of John Deere 5075E Cab Utility Tractor in the amount of $43,724.08.
I. Fire Department, Old Grass Rig Truck — Requested Action: Approve the Fire Chief listing
the 1997 Chevy Grass Rig truck up for sale through the silent bid process.
m. Taser 10 Purchase — Requested Action: Approve the purchase of Taser 10 for the Police
Department using ARPA and public safety dollars for $54,270.00.
December 18t'', 2023
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n. Special Appropriation Grantee Application & Supporting Resolution — Requested Action:
Approve Resolution 2023-072 Local Government Resolution Special Appropriation
Application.
o. Fire Department Appointment of Assistant Chief and Captains — Requested Action: Approve
the appointment of David;Salzer as Assistant Fire Chief and Ken Jacobson, Joe Orcutt, and
Andrew Kremer as Captains; all for 2-year terms.
p. Axon Fleet in -squad cameras - Requested Action: Authorize purchase of Axon Fleet In -
Squad system to replace the Watchguard system for the Police Department.
q. Audit Services - Requested Action: Approve the three-year audit engagement agreement ,
with BerganKDV.
Beniek would like further discussion regarding comments from the survey.
Schultz asked staff who puts out the survey.
Klein informed the Council that Bartlett administers the survey; however, the League of MN Cities (LMC)
puts the survey together. Once the survey is complete the LMC provides the results to staff.
Council and staff agreed to review the survey results/comments at a future work session meeting.
Scepaniak made a motion to accept L from the consent agenda; seconded by Kluesner and
passed. unanimously.
Personnel Policy Amendments: Murphy gave Council an overview of the of the new Earned Sick & Safe
Time (ESST) law that goes into effect on Jan.;1, 2024. The city's policy for full-time employees already
covers the earned rate of ESST. Part-time employees will earn 1 hour of ESST for every 30 hours worked
up to 48 hours per year with a maximum carryover of 80 hours. The personnel policy has been amended
to reflect the expanded use of ESST and who it can be used for.
Scepaniak made a motion to approve the proposed amendments to the Personnel Policy;
seconded by Beniek and passed unanimously.
Extension of fire contract with St. Joseph Township: Murphy informed the Council the current Fire
Contract extension between the city and the township expires December 31 st, 2023. Murphy noted the
city, and the township are getting closer to coming terms with the fire contract. Murphy is requesting a;6-
month extension to allow time for appraisals and evaluations of equipment and property. ;
Schultz made a,motion to approve the Fire Contract Extension to June 30th,2024; seconded by
Beniek and passed unanimously.
Request for Proposals Selection of Engineering Services East Park: Murphy informed Council that
three proposals were received for Engineering Services to complete work at East Park. S.E.H., Bolton
and Menk, and Merjent submitted proposals. The proposals were blindly scored by 4 staff members. The
scoring was based on 5 categories with a maximum of 5 points per category. Staff met and discussed the
proposals. Three out of four staff members scored S.E.H. as the highest. Murphy recommended, approval
of S.E.H.'s proposal.
Schultz made a, motion to approve S.E.H. for Engineering services for East Park Improvements;
seconded by Loso and passed unanimously.
Lead Records Technician Position: Pfannenstein shared the Records Specialist position in the Police
Department has evolved over the years and requires advanced knowledge and training to maintain good
standing with the BCA, MN Post Board and other state agencies. It has come to light that neighboring
cities have a supervisor in their records department. The current Records Specialist position was
reviewed during the time of the wage study, and it was recommended the title of the position should be
changed to Lead Records Specialist and change from pay grade 4 to pay grade 6. This new position must
be offered to all current employees for 7 days in accordance with Article 20 of the current AFSCME
contract before posting to the open market.
December 18th, 2023
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Kluesner made a motion to Post position for Records Lead Technician for internal promotion;
seconded by Beniek and passed unanimously.
Utility Operator Position: Wensmann shared on December 4'h, 2023; Council approved the 2024 budget
which included the addition of a full-time Utility Worker for the Public Works Department. The city has not
added to the utility staff since the 1970's. Since then, the city has added a water treatment plant, 3 wells,
4 lift stations, and over doubled in sewer/water pipe, valves, hydrants, curb -stops, and meters as well as
a significant increase in the need to assist residents/public with utility questions and concerns.
Wensmann asked the Council for permission to post the position internally for 7 days per the current
AFSCME union contract.
Kluesner made a motion to approve the hiring process for a full-time Utility Worker. If the position
is filled via promotion, then the hire would be for a full-time Maintenance Worker to backfill that
position; seconded by Beniek and passed unanimously.
Recreation Coordinator Position: Juell shared with the Council that programming has increased and due
to the increase in programs the need for a part-time recreation coordinator has been established. This
position will provide backup to the Recreation Director and make it possible to offer additional
programming.
Beniek made a motion to approve the hiring process for a part-time Recreation Coordinator;
seconded by Scepaniak and approved unanimously.
Refuse Hauler Contract: Murphy shared the current refuse hauler contract with Allied Waste Services
(dba Republic Services) expires at the end of the month. Staff have negotiated with Republic for a new
contract. The proposed 3-year contract has two main changes:
• An increase in collection rates. The 60-gallon container size (most common size) will increase
from $16.31 to $21.67. An increase of $5.36 per month.
• A clear definition of Out of Scope Services Clause. This clause clearly defines the rural residential
residents not within the defined urban area.
Murphy explained after checking with the LMC and other cities, the increase is in line with other cities who
are in contract negotiations at this time.
Kluesner made a motion to approve the Refuse Contract with Allied Waste Services of North
America (Republic Services); seconded by Scepaniak and passed unanimously.
Kinetic Contract Extension: This was discussed at the December 4"' Council meeting. At that time the
contract was tabled until a meeting to negotiate contract extension terms and specific duties of Kinetic
could be identified. Murphy shared there has since been a meeting with Jason Woods of Kinetic, Mayor
Schultz, Community Center Liaison Kevin Kluesner and City Administrator David Murphy. The contract
will include:
• 80 hours of services per month at the current rate of $17,500.
• Jason Woods of Kinetic will attend one City Council meeting per month to provide an update.
• Meet with each City Council member once per month.
• Provide progress report prior to the first Council meeting each month.
Kluesner made a motion to approve the Kinetic Contract Extension; seconded by Beniek and
passed unanimously.
Engineer Reports:
a) 2024 Street Improvements Feasibility Report: Sabart and Johnson presented the 2024 Feasibility
report for 2024 Street Improvements. Improvements are proposed for:
December 18"', 2023
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1 st Ave SW
Foxmore Way
2nd Ave SW
Hill Street W
3rd Ave SW
Iverson St W
Mornin side Loop
Leaf Road
Kiwi Court
Kale Court
2951h Street
Pearl Drive
304th Street
Polar Circle
Klinefelter Park Trail
Liberty Pointe Trail
Johnson went into detail regarding the proposed type and scope of improvement for each street. Some of
the proposed improvements are on annexed streets. The estimated cost of the proposed improvements is
$2,750,900.00 with a portion funded through special assessments.
The next step in the 429 process is to adopt a resolution acknowledging receipt of the report and calling
for the public improvement hearing for January 161h, 2024.
Council and Staff discussed current street and road conditions in the proposal.
Kluesner made a motion to approve Resolution 2023-077 Receiving Report and Calling for Hearing
on Improvements for the 2024 Street Improvements; seconded by Scepaniak and passed
unanimously.
Mayor and Council Reports/Updates: Schultz shared that it was an honor to be on the welcoming
committee last week when the Prime Minister of the Bahamas came to St. Joseph to visit and present a
lecture CSB/SJU.
Beniek is looking forward to Winterfest that is coming up on January 27th
Adjourn: Kluesner made a motion to adjourn at 7:03PM; seconded by Schultz and passed
unanimously.
n
ayla KI in
City Clerk