HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.01.25
Jan/Feb
2025
Hello Everyone in St. Joseph! Yes, the rumors are true. Our wonderful Mayor, Rick Schultz, has retired and I,
Adam Scepaniak, was elected to be your Mayor. Firstly, I want to thank everyone who cast their vote for me. I hope
to not only live up to, but also exceed your expectations in this role as your Mayor. For those who did not vote for
me, I equally hope to earn your respect as I work to make St. Joseph an even better town than it already is.
For those who may not be familiar with who I am, ever since I established roots in St. Joseph 6 years ago, I have
aimed to make a difference where I can. I have been a member of the St. Joseph Fire Department for 5 years,
volunteer at the St. Joseph Food Shelf with my wife, participate in the St. Joseph Lions Club, teach Youth Firearms
Safety with the St. Joseph Rod & Gun Club, was elected to your City Council, participate on the Planning
Commission, and was the Acting Mayor of St. Joseph for all of 2024 (pseudo-vice president role).
My wife, Andrea, and I recently welcomed our first child, Forrest, and are in love with being new parents…but sure
miss sleeping (who wants to go for coffee?..). We have 2 spunky peg-legged corgis, honeybees, and love being
outdoors. If we’re not volunteering or working, you’ll likely catch us at The Local Blend, Snap Fitness, or on the
Lake Wobegon Trail.
Busy as I am, I still make it a priority to be responsive to texts, calls, and emails as fast as possible. If you have an
idea, concern, comment, quip, anecdote, or joke, send it my way! (I’m currently trying to accrue an inventory of
Dad jokes – this is all new to me).
The City of St. Joseph is a rad city and a groovy place to call home. That’s why we’re all here. My job as your Mayor
is to not muck it up! Instead, I strive to build the city up, grow it, and improve it. I am your liaison, being informed
for you, and informed by you. Feel free to reach out at any time.
Sincerely,
Adam Scepaniak, Mayor of St. Joseph
ascepaniak@cityofstjoseph.com
(320) 333-9122
Utility Billing: Winter Average for Residential Sewer
The City of St. Joseph uses a winter averaging system to determine your sewer “cap” for residential sewer. The
water usage on your Nov/Dec billing determines your “cap” or maximum rate you will be charged for sewer during
the upcoming year. Sewer usage charges on your 2025 bills will not exceed those on the Nov/Dec 2024 utility bill. If
water usage is under the Nov/Dec winter average, sewer use charges will be the same as the current period water
usage. This minimizes the charges to residents in the summer months when sprinkling lawns and gardens. For new
residents or those that are away for the winter, the city average water usage of 13,500 gallons is used as the
maximum for sewer use charges. Note: This does not include multi-family dwelling units.
Frozen Service Line Prevention
Check your water temperature. When temperatures are near or fall below freezing, running your water at a pencil-
sized stream 24/7 can help prevent freezing lines. Faucets near outside walls are particularly vulnerable. This is a
cheaper alternative to having your water service thawed in the event of a frozen line.
City Offices Closed on:
Jan. 20th
Feb. 17th
2025 Budget
The City Council adopted the 2025 levy, budget, capital spending plans and fee schedule in December and went
into effect on January 1st. Property tax statements will be mailed by Stearns County in March.
The overall 2025 city tax rate increased 3%. Property taxes, state aid and fees for services cover the majority of the
city budget of $15.1 million. Residents’ property taxes consist
of the following jurisdictions: Stearns County, St. Cloud
School District 742, City of St. Joseph, and Sauk River
Watershed District and Rail Authority. The chart below
indicates the allocations of property taxes to a residential
property.
When applying the tax rate to the estimated 7.96% market
value increase and changes in the State’s homestead market
value credits, residents may see an increase or decrease in
2025 property taxes. The estimated impact of the City’s levy on homes at various market values is listed below.
Urban Net Tax
Capacity
$6,048,448
7.62% ↑
Taxable
Market Value
2024
Taxable
Market Value
2025
Homestead
Credit
Reduction due
to Increase in
MV
Adopted
City Taxes
2024
Proposed
Final City
Taxes
2025
Total
Estimated Tax
Change 2024
to 2025
Home 1 $143,200 $155,000 ($1,100) $709.65 $783.27 $74 ↑
Home 2 $190,300 $209,100 ($1,700) $1,016.71 $1,134.17 $117 ↑
Home 3 $200,200 $230,700 ($2,700) $1,081.22 $1,273.93 $194 ↑
Home 4 $237,500 $262,500 ($2,300) $1,323.75 $1,480.31 $157 ↑
Home 5 $255,700 $279,200 ($2,100) $1,442.63 $1,588.55 $146 ↑
Home 6 $325,500 $362,000 ($3,200) $1,897.22 $2,125.00 $228 ↑
More budget details can be found on the City’s website under the Finance Department. The 2025 Online Digital
Budget Book.
Winter Parking Regulations: No parking is allowed on any city street from Nov. 1st – April 1st during the hours
of 2AM – 7AM. Any vehicle parked in violation of this ordinance is subject to a fine and immediate towing at the
owner’s expense.
Sidewalk Snow Removal: Property owners are required to clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours after
a snowfall event. If the owner fails to do so, the city may remove the snow or ice, and the owner will be charged for
the service. It is unlawful to blow snow into a street or alleyway.
Adopt a Fire Hydrant: When clearing your driveway of snow, please take the time to clear the snow around any
fire hydrant on your property or in your neighborhood. We ask that you clear a path from the hydrant to the street
and a 3ft wide perimeter around the fire hydrant to allow access for emergency personnel in the event of a fire.
Act to Protect and Conserve our Drinking Water – Smart Salting Salt is toxic to Minnesota’s aquatic life.
Over salting does not mean more melting, rather it can damage property and pollute our water supply. To avoid
over-salting:
1. Shovel early and often.
2. Scatter salt. Distribute thinly, aiming for 2-3 inches between salt granules.
3. Select the right tool. Salt only works when the pavement is above 15°.
4. Sweep up and reuse. Clean up leftover salt, sand, and deicer to save and reuse as needed.
PARKS & RECREATION ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
For St. Joseph Recreation Events go to: cityofstjoseph.com or City of St. Joseph Facebook Page
Pickleball – Kennedy Community School, $3.00: Mondays 6-9:00PM, Wednesdays, 6-9:00PM, Saturdays and
Sundays 8-12:00PM; offered through District 742 Community Ed Program
Open Gym – Kennedy Community School, $3.00: Saturdays and Sundays, 12-2:00PM. Bring your own equipment.
Offered through District 742 Community Ed Program
Youth Ultimate Frisbee: Tuesdays, February 4, 11, 18, 25, 6:30-7:30PM, $20, Kennedy Community School Register
for Youth Ultimate Frisbee
Youth Volleyball: Tuesdays, March 11, 18, 25, $15, 6-7:00, Kennedy Community School; Come join the fun and
learn the basics of volleyball. Wear athletic shoes and bring a water bottle. Register for Youth Volleyball
Senior Citizens Activities ages 60+: St Joseph Fire Hall, 2nd Thursday of the month
Thursday, February 13, 12:00, Take a tour of Bruno Press. Learn the history of the business and the process of
making a design. Meet at 154 SE 5th Ave, E Baker St at 12:00.
Thursday, February 13, 1:30-3:30, come play cards (500) and enjoy treats and coffee/cocoa. Free
Thursday, March 13, 12:00-1:00PM, St Joseph Fire Hall. Make cards for any occasion. Use stamps to create your
design. If you have a preference on a season or a holiday you would like your cards for, let me know. You can text me
or call at 320-250-0967 or email at rjuell@cityofstjoseph.com.
Thursday, March 13, 1:30-3:30, come play cards (500) and enjoy treats and coffee/cocoa. Free
Senior Wellness Classes: Wednesdays, February 5-March 26, 9-10:30AM, at the St Joseph Government Center.
This program is designed to improve hypertension self-management through small group educational sessions led by
trained health coaches. Participants gain the knowledge and tools to manage their blood pressure effectively. Class 1
health risk appraisal and action plan; Class 2 hypertension and risk; Class 3 nutrition; Class 4 tobacco use cessation
and nutrition; Class 5 physical activity; Class 6 medication management; Class 7 stress management; Class 8 create an
action plan. Classes are free and no registration is required.
BINGO: Wednesdays, starting Jan 8-March 26, 6-7:00PM, St Joseph Government Center.
Come play 10 games of Bingo, FREE!! Prize donations are welcome, drop off at the Gov. Center
Snowshoe Club: Saturdays, Jan. 11-Feb 22, 10:00AM. Bring your own snowshoes. They can be purchased or rented
at Fitzharris and Scheels. We will gather for coffee/cocoa after snowshoeing. Updates will be posted on the city’s
Facebook page.
Summer Recreation Sign up: Registration begins March 3-April 25. Spots fill up fast. Register for Summer Recreation
Snowfest: Medallion Hunt starts, Monday, January 20-25. Clues will be posted on the city website and on the
Facebook page each morning by 9:00AM. Saturday, January 25, join us from 11:00-1:00 at Memorial Park for
sledding, skating, snow sculpting, hot cocoa, cookies, and face painting.
St Joseph Jaycees are looking for new members, ages 18-41. Their mission is to provide the opportunity for young
individuals to develop the leadership skills, social responsibility, entrepreneurship, and fellowship necessary to create
a positive change. Their meetings are the second Wednesday of each month, 7:00PM at the Middy. If you have
questions, please contact Alyssa at 320-241-5118.
Senior Yoga: Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30, Heritage Hall. Call (320) 255-7245 to register. Increase your flexibility, balance,
and range of motion as you move your entire body through a series of seated and standing yoga poses. Restorative
breathing exercises and relaxation promote stress reduction and mental clarity. Optional chair support provides
added stability when needed.
Enhance Fitness: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30-2:30, Heritage Hall. Call (320) 255-7245 to register. An evidence-
based program designed to improve the overall functional fitness and well-being of older adults. The exercises focus
on four key areas important to health and fitness: stretching and flexibility; low impact aerobics; strength training; and
balance.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT UPDATES: The City Council will consider adoption of an
ordinance amendment to allow short-term rentals in the coming months. Short-term rentals are defined as “a home,
cabin, condominium, or similar building that is advertised as, or held out to be, a place where sleeping quarters are
furnished to the public on a nightly, weekly, or for less than a 27-day time period and is not a bed and breakfast,
resort, hotel, or motel.” Drafted language, if adopted by council, would permit the use in residential areas through a
Conditional Use Permit and would be allowed in commercial areas as a permitted use. Specific details and updates on
the ordinance amendment can be found under Proposed Ordinances on the city website. For any questions, reach
out to Community Development Director, Nate Keller nkeller@cityofstjoseph.com.
Construction Activity:
Premier Stone (18,500 sq.ft.) – 2050 Jasmine Court: Provides design, fabrication, and management of marble, granite,
and building stone projects for residential and commercial clients. Projected opening is Fall 2025.
Hansen and Company Woodworks (82,500 sq.ft.) – 2040 Jasmine Court: High-tech manufacturer of custom large-
volume, build-to-order cabinets and architectural millworks serving commercial construction industry mostly in the
multi-family sector.
Floor to Ceiling (13,900 sq.ft.) – 942 21st Ave NE: Carries a variety of different flooring, countertops, window options
and offers design services to residential clients.
Interstate Bearings (16,500 sq.ft) – 622 Elm St E: Building will consist of 25% retail and 75% warehouse/storage.
Stocks and provides a variety of supplies for the mining, quarry, construction, agricultural, and energy industries.
The House l Food and Tap (6,000 sq.ft.) – 13 2nd Ave NW: Three commercial kitchen spaces – Joetown
Smashburger, Birdie’s Pizza and Garden Bar, 98 Hawaiian Grille – 30 self-pour taps along with a coffee shop,
Eminent Coffee Roasters. Projected opening is Spring 2025.
“Quonset” building (4,770+ sq.ft.) – Located next to the St. Joseph Post Office on the corner of 2nd Ave NW and Ash
St W: Well and Company has been announced as one of the tenants. Projected opening is Spring 2025.
Congratulations to Adam Scepaniak and Adam Schnettler who were sworn in on January 6th. Adam Scepaniak was
elected Mayor and will serve a 2-year term. Adam Schnettler was elected to council and will serve a 4-year term.
City Administrator, Mayor Adam
David Murphy, Scepaniak
administering the administering
oath of office to the oath of
Mayor Adam office to
Scepaniak. Councilmember
Adam Schnettler