HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.05.24August 5t", 2024
Pagel of 5
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for. the City of St. Joseph met in regular session
on Monday, August 5th, 2024, at 6:OOPM in the St. Joseph Government Center.
Members Present: Acting Mayor Adam Scepaniak, Gouncilmembers Bob Loso, Kelly Beniek, Kevin
Kluesner
Absent: Mayor Rick Schultz
City Representatives Present: City Administrator David Murphy, Public Works Director Ryan Wensmann,
City Engineers Randy Sabart and Bryce Johnson, Police Chief Dwight Pfannenstein, City Clerk Kayla
Klein, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Community Development Director Nate Keller
Public Comments: None.
Approve Agenda: Loso motioned to approve the agenda; seconded by Kluesner and passed
unanimously.
Consent Agenda: Loso motioned to, approve the consent agenda; seconded by Beniek. Scepaniak
pulled item L for discussion. The motion to approve consent agenda items a. — h. passed
unanimously.
a. Minutes — Requested Action: Approve the minutes of July 1,5, 2024andJuly 22, 2024.
b. Bills Payable — Requested Action: Approve Check Numbers 62139-62242, Account Payable
& Payroll EFT # 3430-3441; Regular Pay Period 15 & Firefighters Pay Period.
c. Resolution Accepting Performance Measurement Survey Results for 2024 Requested
Action: Approve Resolution 2024-050 Accepting the Survey Results for reporting in 2024.
d. Appointment of Park Board Member, Milton Hodge — Requested Action: Appoint Milton
Hodge to the St. Joseph Park Board to fill the vacant term ending December 31, 2025.
e. Sergeant Promotion — Requested Action: Promote Anthony Milostan to Sergeant starting at
grade9 step 3 on the base wage scale.
f. ' Awarding Bid for the 2024 Pickleball Improvements — Requested Action: Approve attached
SLA for engineering services related to construction of the 2024 Pickleball Court
Improvements Project and award the bid to Diversified Paving in the amount of $271,294.00
g. Awarding Bid for the 2024 Rivers Bend Park Trail -Canoe Access Improvements -Requested
Action: Approve the SLA for engineering services for the 2024 Rivers Bend Park Trail -Canoe
Access Improvements and award the bid to C&L Excavating, Inc. in the amount of
$728,758.55.
h. Transfers — Requested Action: Approve the transfers as presented.'
i Arnrnrnvo Roonl. hin.," f)l17A 11C4 A.—..J:...,. 1'7...... I. a:_- nnnn n — . . .
051 Amending Resolution 20-223- ----- le . --ntraGt fbr Elm S_ treet East F=_ -tension LInti
h ono 30 202
Scepaniak asked City Engineer Randy Sabart for further explanation on the contract extension request
for the Elm Street East Extension.
Sabart explained improvements conducted under the Chapter 429 process have provisions which are
time sensitive with respect to certain actions from the council. Considering the Elm Street Improvements
have been delayed until 2025 due to right of way acquisition from Stearns County, the bond council
recommends amending the resolution to reflect the extension.
Scepaniak motioned to approve item I. on the consent agenda; seconded by Kluesner and passed
unanimously.
Public Hearinq —`Special Assessment Hearing 2024 Street Improvements & 2024 Elm St East
Improvements: City Engineer Randy Sabart explained tonight is the second of two public hearings
required when the city proposes street improvements under the Chapter 429 Statute. The first public
hearing is known as the Public Improvement Hearing and was held January 16th, 2024. At that hearing
August 5t1i, 2024
Page 2 of 5
the city presents the nature of the proposed public improvements, provides an opportunity for the public
to provide input or ask questions, and provides a preliminary estimate of the cost of the project from a
special assessment perspective. Sabart continued by explaining that tonight's public hearing is referred
to as the Special Assessment Hearing where the city presents the anticipated final cost of the
improvements.
City Engineer Bryce Johnson presented a slideshow of the estimated and projected costs, a breakdown
of cost per neighborhood, and a review of the project funding. Johnson pointed out that Morningside
Neighborhood, Leaf Road, and Polar Circle's improvements have been delayed for this year.
Johnson explained the methodology used and how the special assessment process works. He explained
that a third party conducts a special assessment benefit report which is used to determine what the
maximum assessment should be to a specific type of property.
Johnson provided an overview of the options available for assessment payments as well as deferments,
interest rates, and the appeal process.
Scepaniak opened the Public Hearing at 6:21 PM.
Dan Rassier, 29748 91 st Ave: Rassier inquired as to how the assessment on his property was calculated.
Johnson explained the calculation used to determine the maximum market benefit.
Dan Rassier, 29748 91st Ave: Rassier asked to be considered for a deferment.
Sabart informed Rassier that he will need to fill out a form to request a deferral and submit the form to
staff.
Staff and council discussed parameters of deferrals.
Jacob Frame, 29436 Kale Ct: Frame asked if Kale Ct is repaved this year if he will be subject to another
street assessment should the city decide to extend municipal services to Kale Ct before the street's life
cycle is up.
Sabart explained that is a possibility. That was a decision the council had to make when considering the
street improvement this year.
Jacob Frame, 29436 Kale Ct. Frame asked the council if they unanimously agreed that Kale Ct and Kiwi
Ct are at the same level of deterioration.
Scepaniak shared the council was not in agreement that those streets were at the same level of
deterioration; however, council agreed that both streets needed to be replaced.
Sharolyn Langseth 29457 Kale Ct: Langseth shared three homes in Kale Ct have been sold since
January 1sr, 2024. One of her neighbors recently put in a new septic system and hers is newer as well.
Langseth and the neighbors she has spoken to are against the 2024 street improvement as they feel the
pavement is in relatively good condition. Langseth nor the other new neighbors on Kale Ct were not
aware that as annexed property owners they may be faced with street improvements and potentially
paying for municipal services. Langseth said it would be an unfair burden to the residents of Kale Ct to
pay for repaving in 2024 and then again in the future should the city decide to extend municipal services
to Kale Ct. Langseth asked for an explanation of the maximum market benefit on her assessment.
Sabart explained the city contracts with a third -party appraiser to provide the maximum market benefit
opinion. They look at similar types of properties before and after a street improvement and offer an
opinion as to the increase in market value a similar property would see before or after the improvement.
August 5t1', 2024
Page 3 of 5
Sharolyn Langseth 29457 Kale Ct: Langseth once again shared the pavement on her street is in suitable
condition and does not believe she will see a $10,000 increase in property value due to Kale Ct being
repaved.
Jacob Frame, 29436 Kale Ct: Frame explained the three neighbors who have sold their homes in his
neighborhood this year have given the buyer money for these assessments therefore it has not been an
increase in property value but rather a reduction.
Sabart explained it is hard to know if those homes were listed above or below market conditions. Possibly
they were asking too much if the seller was willing to pay for the street improvement.
Kevin Plafcan, 29471 Kale Ct::Plafcan shared that he recalls after the 2018 annexationthat council
mentioned improvements in the newly annexed area would not be needed for seven years. He also
stated the cost of the proposed improvements cause financial hardship for him and his neighbors who
need to spend that money on their families.
Kyle Rauch, 29410 Kale Ct: Shared he is one of the new property owners in the neighborhood and asked
for an explanation of the scope of work proposed for Kale Ct
Johnson explained the plan is to reclaim and repave the street. Sabart added the city is trying to
minimize its investment by being mindful that city services are not currently there and only improve the
condition of the street by putting a fresh layer of bituminous down. The council decided to move forward
with this street because winter maintenance is a concern, they do not want to peel up any more of the
street while plowing.
Kyle Rauch, 29410 Kale Ct: Rauch shared that the road in its current condition is fine for the amount
traffic the road sees. He asked if there is a standard the city is trying to meet. If so, the city should
consider whether or not Kale Ct should be held to that standard due to it's low volume of traffic.
Sabart explained the standard is asking if the city can conduct winter maintenance without causing further
damage. Last winter during plowing, parts of the street were peeled up by the plow. At that point the city
must weigh the cost of patches and repair versus replacing the street.
Kyle Rauch, 29410 Kale Ct: Rauch asked if there is a long-term plan in place for Forest Manor that
includes municipal services.
Sabart explained there has been long term planning since 2008. Typically, when the city is looking at
extending municipal services it can be because of failing well and sceptics or development activity
nearby. Sabart shared there is a plan to have municipal services brought to Kale Ct; however, that does
not mean the extension of those utilities are eminent.`
Kyle Rauch, 29410 Kale Ct. Rauch shared that he believes the city should consider the long-term plan
before moving forward with a short-term fix.
Councilmember Kluesner explained when the city plans to improve a road it is a long term rather than a
short-term fix. Kluesner continued to explain once a street gets to a certain level of deterioration,
continuing to let that street deteriorate would cause further damage to the subsurface resulting in an even
higher assessment.
Sabart informed the audience St. Joseph has a street maintenance program which is intended to improve
the longevity of St Joseph streets. Sabart explained bituminous streets are generally planned for a 20-
year`life cycle. The city attempts to extend that to 30 years by providing properly timed maintenance.
Kevin Plafcan, 29471 Kale Ct. Plafcan asked if the city decided to extend municipal services in five years
if he would have to pay a street assessment again.
Sabart explained it that were to happen, the city would not be able to assess for the street improvement in
that short of time.
August 5t1i, 2024
Page 4 of 5
Ryan Parsons, Eagle Ridge Court. Parsons shared he will be exercising his right to appeal the
assessment on his property. Parsons also asked if he could have access to the breakdown of the special
assessment benefit report for his property and if he can contact the third party who performs the
assessment.
Murphy explained the city contacts with Nagell Appraisals for the benefit analysis. Sabart further
explained the cost breakdown is public information and provided an example on the projector. The
formula used by the appraiser to compute the maximum benefit amount is considered privileged
information and commissioned by the city attorney.
Scott Videen, 29457 Kale Ct: Videen asked if the age of the street is known.
Sabart shared it is possible someone at the township may have an idea; however, there is no official
record or drawing available to the city.
Scott Videen, 29457 Kale Ct: Videen asked when municipal services might be extended to Kale Ct. and if
he would get to vote on it.
Murphy shared it is not possible to bind a future council to what they may or may not do; however, at this
time extending municipal services to his neighborhood would be by petition from the neighborhood.
Councilmember Beniek offered her support and understanding as a resident who was also annexed and
assessed for municipal services.
Kevin Plafcan, 29471 Kale Ct: Plafcan asked when he will be notified if the special assessments pass or
fail.
Sabart shared the council has two actions after the public hearing closes tonight. The first is whether to
adopt the assessment role as it has been presented. The second decision would be whether to award the
construction contract and proceed with the work.
Scepaniak closed the public hearing at 7:11PM.
Murphy shared the city had received an appeal by mail for one of the properties associated with the Elm
Street improvements.
Staff provided the council with an overview of the actions before them.
Loso made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-028 Adopting Final Assessments, excluding the
Elm Street extension properties; seconded by Kluesner and passed unanimously.
Loso made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-049 Awarding Bid to Knife River Corporation for
the 2024 Street Improvements; seconded by Kluesner and passed .unanimously.
Loso made a motion to approve the Supplemental Letter Agreement with SEH to provide
engineering construction services for the 2024 Street Improvement Project; seconded by Kluesner
and passed unanimously.
Special Event — Rock 4 Alzheimer's: City Clerk Kayla Klein presented a special event permit received
from Bad Habit Brewing. The Rock 4 Alzheimer's event will be held on September 8, 2024, from 1 PM —
8:30PM. Staff has reviewed the application; Chief Pfannenstein is requesting 2 off -duty officers to be at
the event. A map of the event has been provided in the packet.
Loso made a motion to approve the special event permit submitted by Bad Habit Brewing
Company for Rock 4 Alzheimer's on September 8, 2024, requiring 2 off -duty officers be present;
seconded by Kluesner and passed unanimously.
August 5t'', 2024
Page 5 of 5
Kinetic: Scott Justvig of Kinetic Fundraising provided an update on capital campaign fundraising for the
YMCA/Community Center project.
County Road 121 Crosswalk Improvements Update: Murphy shared the city along with Stearns County
applied for a Safe Road Zone Fund grant earlier this year. The city was recently notified that it was
awarded a $95,000 grant to fund safety improvements at the County Road 121 and Lanigan Way
crossing. The state will provide a Grant Agreement soon for receipt of the funds. The application had
anticipated construction costs of $127,000. The grant is an 80/20 split leaving the city with an estimated
cost of $32,000 plus soft costs.
Department Reports: Klein shared that early voting at City Hall begins Tuesday, August 6th. City Hall will
be open on Saturday for early voting as well. Early voting will continue at City Hall on Monday and
election day is Tuesday, August 13th
Community Development Director Nate Keller shared there are two items on the PC meeting scheduled
for August 12th that will come forward on the August 19th council agenda. The first is an interim use permit
submitted by Knife River. They are proposing to do portable crushing of asphalt and concrete and storing
the material. The second is a request from the American Legion. They are proposing to reface the west
side of their building with a metal product. The city has an allowance on the total percent of metal; they
are proposing to exceed that allowance. PC will review their request and make a recommendation to the
council. Also, the PC will be reviewing the final drafts of the short-term rental and honeybee ordinances.
The EDA has been reviewing and updating business subsidy policies. Those are required to go before
the council. The public hearing is scheduled to be held at the August 19th meeting.
Mayor and Council Reports/Updates: Scepaniak shared Hansen Woodworking held their groundbreaking
ceremony. The House of Hern groundbreaking is coming up in a couple of weeks and will be open to the
public. WR Home Co. is opening a new store alongside their original store. The new store is called WR
Littles & Co. The fire department, the city's recreation department and other local volunteers put on a
pop-up splash pad event this past weekend which had a great turnout and was enjoyed by all who
participated.
Adiourn: Beniek made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:38PM; seconded by Kluesner and
passed unanimously.
f�ayla�Kl�in
City Clerk