HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.04.24November 4"', 2024
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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, November 4th, 2024, at 6:00PM in the St. Joseph Government Center.
Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz, Councilmembers Adam Scepaniak, Bob Loso, Kelly Beniek,
Kevin Kluesner
City Representatives Present: City Administrator David Murphy, Public Works Director Ryan Wensmann,
Police Chief Dwight Pfannenstein, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Community Development: Director Nate
Keller, City Clerk Kayla Klein
Public Comments: John Petters, investor in multiple St. Joseph businesses: Petter shared that he has
been investing in St. Joseph businesses for over a decade. Petters shared that although he is not a
resident, one of the attractive qualities of St. Joseph is that the whole town feels like a neighborhood
rather than many neighborhoods within one town. Petters thanked Mayor Schultz for his passion and
dedication to the city over the last fifteen years. Petters shared that on the agenda tonight is discussion
about the city contracting with an outside service to assist with economic development. 'Petters shared
that he has enjoyed working with Community Development Directror Nate Keller on various projects and
hopes the city does not entertain losing its passion and hometown feel foreconomic development is utilizing an outside service.by
Mateo Mackbee, owner of Krewe & Flour & Flower. Mackbee echoed what Petters stated. Mackbee
shared his mission has always been about community, building, bringing diversity and making the
community better than it was before. Mackbee stated that by St. Joseph accepting diversity his business
has been allowed to flourish. Mackbee shared Krewe and Flour & Flower have put a spotlight on this city
nationally and internationally. Community Development Director Nake Keller is a big reason of why he
chose to bring his business to St. Joseph. Mackbee shared the diversity in Keller's family put him at ease
living and working in a community where someone else shares the same vision. Mackbee explained that
Keller has been instrumental in communicating What they need and values his relationship with Keller a.
great deal. Mackbee thanked Mayor Schultz and Keller for all they have done for him and reiterated
support for Keller and the role he is in.
Jessica Turner, owner of the Feed Mill property: Turner shared that she has worked with GSDC in the
past and they have been unreliable as far as asking questions and providing information. Turner
explained that every time she and her business partner have reached out to Keller, he has been available
to answer questions and provide information and that they would prefer to work with him over GSDC.
Julia Kringle, owner of The Perfect Fit: Kr/ngle'explained that she has worked very well with Keller. Keller
took time to get to know her business. Keller heard her out to see if her business would be a great option
for the city. The partnership with the city is what made Kringle decide to bring her business to St. Joseph.
Kringle stated she doesn't feel comfortable with the idea of someone coming into the community who
doesn't know it very well and trying to develop it.
Approve Agenda: Beniek motioned to approve the agenda; seconded by Kluesner and passed
unanimously.
Consent Agenda: Scepaniak motioned to approve the consent agenda; seconded by Beniek and
passed unanimously. -
a. Minutes - Requested Action: Approve the minutes of October 21, 2024.
b. Bills Payable- Requested Action: Approve Check Numbers 62524-62554, Account Payable &
Payroll EFT #3522-3529; ACH Accounts Payable #2400001-2400003; Regular Pay Period 22.
c. Payment Application No. 2, 2024 Street Improvements - Requested Action: Approve payment
application no. 2 to Knife River Corporation North Central in the amount of $190,047.40 for the
2024 Street Improvement Project.
d. Temporary On -Sale Liquor License Requested Action: Approve Obbink Distilling application to
conduct on -sale at White Peony Boutique on November 22, 2024.
e. Supplemental Letter Agreement, Lanigan Way and CR121 Crosswalk Improvements - Requested
Action: Approve the Supplemental Letter Agreement with SEH, INC. for the Lanigan Way/CR121
Crosswalk Improvements.
November 4"', 2024
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f. Payment Application No. 1, Rivers Bend Park Trail -Canoe Access Improvements — Requested
Action: Approve payment application no. 1 to C&L Excavating in the amount of $158,894.62 for
the Rivers Bend Park Trail -Canoe Access Improvement Project.
GSDC Proposal: City Administrator David Murphy explained that he was contacted by the GSDC
president about potentially partnering with them for economic development services. The City of St.
Joseph is a current member of GSDC; this is a service they are offering to their member cities. Murphy
shared a partnership with GSDC would not replace staff positions but rather modify staff positions.
Murphy asked the Council if they would like him to continue to explore this potential option.
Beniek thanked the area business owners for coming to speak at the meeting, citing that she likes to hear
their input and see their involvement in the community. She explained that inviting a company to make
decisions for St. Joseph takes away the hometown approach Keller currently offers. Beniek shared the
council turned down a part time support position for the Community Development Department earlier this
year which would have allowed Keller additional time to work on economic development. Beniek stated
Keller is invested in the community and has built many good relationships with residents and businesses.
Scepaniak agreed with many of Beniek' s comments adding that he would like more information
presented to the council on how partnering with GSDC would impact Keller's position and the city.
Keller asked for the opportunity to speak after the council is done offering their discussion.
Schultz denied Keller the opportunity to speak.
Loso shared that he would need more information as well.
Murphy explained this topic and the information available is in a very preliminary stage; adding this topic
to the agenda was to receive feedback from the Council to see if the Council would like him to continue
researching the topic. Murphy reiterated the city is a member of the GSDC and they are offering this
service to all their member cities.
Kluesner shared his appreciation for the comments offered at the meeting. He shared that in the past
couple of years St. Joseph has seen an impressive expansion of businesses and those businesses care
about the city as well as their relationship with Keller. Kluesner suggested that Murphy and Keller
evaluate the current duties on Keller's plate. Kluesner feels that at times Keller is stretched with planning,
community development, EDA and the many other roles Keller assumes. Kluesner recommended tabling
the discussion citing the election is tomorrow and a new mayor will be seated as well as new councilors.
Keller asked the council if he could respond.
Mayor Schultz responded that the question at hand is whether Murphy should continue discussion with
GSDC.
Loso shared that he would like to see Murphy continue discussion with GSDC.
Kluesner shared that he would like to see the topic tabled and no further action or discussion at this time;
adding this was not in the budget for 2025.
Schutz shared the budget is not being changed.
Scepaniak asked Schultz if a motion to table according to parliamentary procedure supersedes any other
action if there is a second.
Loso replied there must be a second.
Beniek addressed Schultz stating that item two of the agenda states that speakers are only allowed to
speak on items not on the agenda; however, speakers were allowed to speak at tonight's meeting
November 4111, 2024
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regarding an item on the agenda. Beniek thanked Schultz for allowing those folks to speak but stated she
does not understand why Keller is being denied the opportunity to offer his own explanation.
Schultz replied, "not tonight."
Beniek stated she has difficulty with that, that we are a weak mayorship and she does not understand if a
council member requests something and why that can't happen also.
Kluesner made a motion to table discussion regarding services offered by GSDC until March
2025; seconded by Scepaniak.
Aye: Kluesner, Scepaniak, Beniek
Nay: Schultz, Loso
Department Reports: None.
Motion Prevails: 3:2
Mayor and Council Reports/Updates: Scepaniak shared to get out and vote if you haven't already.
Adiourn: Kluesner made a motion to adjourn at 6:23PM; seconded by Loso and passed
unanimously.
4Kay a Klein
City Clerk