HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.03.25
CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
www.cityofstjoseph.com
75 Callaway Street East | Saint Joseph, Minnesota 56374
Email: cityoffices@cityofstjoseph.com | Phone: 320.363.7201 | Fax 320.363.0342
St. Joseph City Council
March 3, 2025
6:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82266577270?pwd=aobGoEPxM7kBSdE74P6nV5k6I1Gbn8.1
Meeting ID: 822 6657 7270
Passcode: 103523
1. 6:00 PM Call to order - Pledge of Allegiance
2. Public Comments Up to 3 speakers will be allowed for up to 3 minutes each to address the
council with questions/concerns/comments (regarding an item NOT on the agenda). No
Council response or action will be given/taken other than possible referral to Administration.
3. Approve Agenda
a. Police Officer Swearing in – Vic Weiss
4. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes – Requested Action: Approve the minutes of February 18, 2025.
b. Bills Payable – Requested Action: Approve Check Numbers 62835-62868, Payroll &
Account Payable EFT #3624-3641; ACH Accounts Payable #2400168-2400182; Regular
Pay Period 4.
c. 2024 TIF Report Services Contract – Requested Action: Accept the Northland Securities
contract services as presented.
d. Donations – Requested Action: Approve Resolution 2025-009 Accepting the Donations
as presented.
5. Joetown Blocks
6. Municipal Management Services Agreement
7. Unpaid Leave of Absence Request
8. Department Reports
9. Mayor and Council Reports/Updates
10. Adjourn
February 18th, 2025
Page 1 of 3
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on
Tuesday, February 18th, 2025, at 6:00PM in the St. Joseph Government Center.
Members Present: Mayor Adam Scepaniak, Councilmembers Adam Schnettler, Kevin Kluesner, Kelly Beniek,
Andrew Mooney
City Representatives Present: City Administrator David Murphy, City Clerk Kayla Klein, Police Chief Dwight
Pfannenstein, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Community Development Director Nate Keller, City Engineers
Bryce Johnson and Randy Sabart, Public Works Director Ryan Wensmann, Fire Chief Jeff Taufen, Parks &
Rec. Director Rhonda Juell
Public Comments: Ann Sieben, 947 13th Ave NE: Sieben stated she would like to be involved in the
YMCA/Community Center project.
Approve Agenda: Beniek motioned to approve the agenda; seconded by Kluesner and passed
unanimously.
Consent Agenda: Kluesner motioned to approve the consent agenda; seconded by Beniek and passed
unanimously.
a. Minutes – Requested Action: Approve the minutes of January 21, 2025.
b. Bills Payable – Requested Action: Approve check numbers 62741-62834, ACH account payable
# 2400108-2400167; Payroll & Accounts Payable EFT #3595-3623; Regular Pay Periods 2 & 3,
Fire and Rink Attendants Pay Period.
c. Financial Report – Requested Action: Accept the January 2025 financial reports as presented.
d. Approval of Mayoral Appointments – Requested Action: Approve the additional Mayor
Appointments as presented.
e. Donations – Requested Actions: Approve Resolution 2025-008 accepting donations.
f. Request for Undesignated Funds to Purchase Bleachers – Requested Action: Approve the use of
undesignated Park Board funds to purchase bleachers for the western t-ball field from BSN sports
in the amount of $5,983.95.
g. Squad 705 Replacement – Requested Action: Authorize the Police Chief to purchase a 2025
Ford Explorer on state contract for approximately $46,356.94 and declare the 2017 Ford Explorer
as surplus property.
Ordinance Amendment – Short-term Rental: Keller highlighted the January 22nd, 2025, council meeting at
which council provided feedback and directed staff to bring back a final ordinance draft for council
consideration. After reviewing the council’s feedback from the January meeting, staff have kept the language of
a paved parking space to stay consistent with the required regulations. Keller went on to summarize the
proposed final draft.
Kluesner made a motion to approve Ordinance Resolution 2025-001, which authorizes the drafted
ordinance to allow Short-term Rentals (STRs); seconded by Mooney and passed unanimously.
Beniek made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-005, which authorizes the publication of a summary
ordinance; seconded by Kluesner and passed unanimously.
Public Hearing, Fee Schedule Amendment – Short-term Rental application and Bulk Water fees: Keller shared
the fee schedule needs amended to reflect the short-term rental application and fees.
Bartlett explained when the water treatment plant on I-94 was built, it was equipped with a credit card system.
Customers could purchase bulk water at city hall. The gallons they purchased were loaded onto a credit card
which could be taken to the water treatment plant where they would insert the card into the system, then
proceed to load their water. Customers were charged a base fee for the credit card. Since then, the software
for the system has stopped working and the base fee for purchasing bulk water was dropped because we were
no longer utilizing the credit cards. Replacing the system would cost $70K. For the amount of bulk water, the
city sells, that cost is not feasible. Currently, public works is keeping track of gallons sold and admin bills out
the usage to customers. Re-instating the base fee will help cover the administrative costs to allow for bulk
water purchases.
Scepaniak opened the public hearing at 6:22PM.
February 18th, 2025
Page 2 of 3
Joe Walz 33003 CR 3, Avon: Walz stated that he still has a credit card from the old system and asked if
he is required to pay the base fee again if it is re-instated
Bartlett explained that going forward the base fee will be used to cover public works and administrative
time in tracking and billing for bulk water purchases.
Scepaniak closed the public hearing at 6:24PM.
Kluesner made a motion to approve Ordinance Resolution 2025-002, which approves the license fee
rates for short-term rental and bulk water amendment; seconded by Beniek and passed unanimously.
Beniek made a motion to approve Summary publication Resolution 2025-007; seconded by Mooney and
passed unanimously.
2025 Street Improvements Feasibility Report: City engineers Randy Sabart and Bryce Johnson presented
the 2025 Feasibility report for the 2025 Street Improvements. Improvements have been proposed for:
Johnson explained the typical pavement life cycle and how the timing of maintenance can extend the life
of streets. Johnson went on to describe the proposed type and scope of improvement for each street. The
proposed improvement for MN ST W would not take place until June of 2026. The goal is to wait until the
roundabout project on CR 2 is finished.
The estimated cost of the proposed improvements is $1,015,300.00 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 March 17, 2025.
Kluesner had questions related to the bidding of MN ST W. He also asked when residents will receive a
letter informing them of the street improvement hearing on March 17th.
Sabart explained it is up to the contractor to quote the project to the best of their ability for work that is to
be completed the following year.
Klein replied, the residents will receive notification of the street improvement hearing approximately two weeks
before the meeting.
Schnettler asked if there is a way to verify the water main pipe is in good condition when performing street
improvements.
Sabart explained there have been several water main breaks since 2024. Pipes that are well within their
window of operation have experienced corrosion which has led to watermain breaks. Initially there was some
thought that the pipes were experiencing corrosion due to the cathodic protection system with the high-
pressure gas main. The report came back indicating no connection between the cathodic protection system
and the corrosion of the water main. Further investigation is necessary to determine if there are “hot soils” in
these areas which could be causing the pipes to corrode at a more rapid rate. Soil borings have been ordered
from a couple of the areas that have experienced water main breaks to evaluate the soil around the pipe; those
results are not available yet. Sabart indicated when evaluating street improvements where the pipes are 25
years old, they typically do not evaluate replacement of pipes. Generally, pipes have a 40+ year lifetime.
Beniek made a motion to approve resolution 2025-006 receiving report and calling for hearing on
Improvement for the 2025 Street Improvements; seconded by Kluesner and passed unanimously.
4th Ave SE Able St E Eagle Ridge Dr Eagle Ridge Ct
Elena Lane Able Ct E Dale St E MN ST W
Ellie Ct 13th Ave SE Callaway St E 3rd Ave NW
12th Ave SE Pond View Lane 8th Ave NE MN ST Trail
February 18th, 2025
Page 3 of 3
Department Reports: Keller shared the following updates:
• During the February meeting, PC discussed and showed support for having a student liaison.
• Legislation for housing, Senate File 1339.
• Keller reported he is out the 1st week of March and will not attend the March 3rd council meeting.
Bartlett shared she is out the 1st week of march and will not attend the March 3rd council meeting.
Mayor and Council Reports/Updates: Kluesner stated the recently hired part-time police officer should be
publicly sworn in just at the full-time police officers are.
Mayor Scepaniak shared that he has three Mayor Forums coming up.
• Wednesday, February 19th located at the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce at 7:30am.
• Wednesday, February 26th at CSB, beginning at 6PM
• Thursday, March 6th at LaPlayette, beginning at 6:30PM.
Closed Meeting: Scepaniak announced the City Council will enter into closed session Pursuant to
MN Statute 13D.05, Subd. 3(c) to discuss the potential purchase of Parcel 84.53795.0200 located at
423 4th Ave NE, St. Joseph, MN 56374.
Adjourn: Meeting adjourned at 7:38PM following the closed meeting.
Kayla Klein
City Clerk
February 18, 2025
Page 1 of 1
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in a workshop
setting on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 5:00PM in the St. Joseph Government Center.
Members Present: Mayor Adam Scepaniak, Councilmembers Adam Schnettler, Kevin Kluesner, Andrew
Mooney, Kelly Beniek
City Representatives Present: Administrator David Murphy, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Public Works
Director Ryan Wensmann, Community Development Director Nate Keller, Police Chief Dwight
Pfannenstein, Recreation Director Rhonda Juell, City Clerk Kayla Klein
Others Present: Tamara Hennis-Vix
Retail Cannabis Ordinance Update: Community Development Director Nate Keller provided an overview
of the retail cannabis ordinance. City Clerk Kayla Klein provided an overview of the Temporary Cannabis
Events that are also spelled out in the ordinance.
Joe Sathe, Attorney with Kennedy & Graven provided an update on where the Office of Cannabis
Management is with the issuance of licenses. The application window opened today and will be open until
March 14th.
Human Rights Forum Discussion: Tamara Hennis-Vix provided an update on the Human Rights
Commission. She represents the City of St. Joseph on the commission. The group held a community
forum back in May 2024 and Hennes-Vix wanted to highlight the results of that forum. Currently the group
is hoping to have more dialed-in listening sessions that target specific groups throughout the area cities.
More information will be available once the commission meets again.
Hennis-Vix asked the council if they would open to allocating funds to the Human Rights Commission.
The council is open to it and would like to see a 3-year plan of how the funds would be used.
The work session was adjourned at 5:47PM.
Kayla Klein
City Clerk
STAFF MEMO
Prepared by:
Debbie Kulzer
Meeting Date:
3/3/25
☒ Consent Agenda Item
☐ Regular Agenda Item
Agenda Item #
4b
Reviewed by:
Item:
Bills Payables
ACTION REQUESTED
Approve the bills payables as presented.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
none
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
See below
REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND
The council approved staff to make the following payments through the payroll contracts, regular
monthly invoices with due dates prior to the next scheduled council meeting, or actions taken at
previous council meetings. The information here is to provide you all checks and electronic
payments made for verification of the disbursement completeness.
BUDGET IMPACT
Bills Payable – Checks Mailed Prior to Council Approval
Regular PP 4 $75,748.83
Payroll & Accounts Payable EFT #3624 - #3641 $133,906.13
ACH Accounts Payable #2400168 - #2400182 $11,211.86
Check Numbers #62835 - #62861 $43,734.90
Total $264,601.72
Bills Payable – Checks Awaiting Council Approval
Check Numbers - #62862 - #62868 $7,857.03
Total $7,857.03
Total Budget/Fiscal Impact: $272,458.75
Various Funds
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve the bills payables as presented.
SUPPORTING DATA/ATTACHMENTS
Bill listing by EFT, paid prior to council approval and awaiting to be paid upon council approval.
GL Check Check Vendor Invoice Invoice Check
Period Issue Date Number Number Payee Number GL Account Amount
25-Feb 2/19/2025 ACH PAYROLL REG PP 4 VARIOUS 75,748.83$
25-Feb 2/19/2025 3624 107770 CIRCLE K FLEET - HOLIDAY JAN 25 STMT 101-42152-230 1,857.69$
25-Feb 2/19/2025 3625 106514 DELTA DENTAL RIS0006201470 101-21706 2,965.50$
25-Feb 2/19/2025 3626 108269 FORTE PAYMENTS INC 13140892 101-45204-300 664.92$
25-Feb 2/19/2025 3627 106422 KWIK TRIP JAN 25 STMT - PD 101-42152-230 1,986.65$
25-Feb 2/19/2025 3627 106422 KWIK TRIP JAN 25 STMT - PW & FIRE 602-49450-205 329.86$
25-Feb 2/19/2025 3628 107068 MEDICA FEB 2025 STMT 101-21706 43,438.96$
25-Feb 2/19/2025 3629 897 MN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE JAN 25 SALES/USE TAX 603-00000-31320 4.00$
25-Feb 2/19/2025 3630 1349 NCPERS GROUP LIFE INSURANCE 7.35E+11 101-21711 73.00$
25-Feb 2/19/2025 3631 106563 PAYMENT SERVICE NETWORK 306298 101-41530-300 225.25$
25-Feb 2/19/2025 3632 106543 THE HARTFORD 3.95923E+11 101-21711 216.13$
25-Feb 2/19/2025 3633 100136 XCEL ENERGY 912748074 652-43160-386 22,133.21$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 3634 106468 AMERICAN FUNDS PR0214251 101-21705 150.00$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 3635 1224 EFTPS PR0214251 101-21703 23,420.34$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 3636 897 MN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE PR0214251 101-21702 5,107.63$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 3637 63 PERA PR0214251 101-21704 21,598.55$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 3638 105209 SENTRY BANK PR0214251 101-21715 1,307.92$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 3639 106189 VOYA FINANCIAL PR0214251 101-21705 2,200.00$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 3640 108126 WEX PR0214251 101-21715 756.25$
25-Feb 2/21/2025 3641 108258 MAGNIFI FINANCIAL CREDIT CARD JAN 25 STMT - DAVID 101-41310-331 1,641.15$
25-Feb 2/21/2025 3641 108258 MAGNIFI FINANCIAL CREDIT CARD JAN 25 STMT - KAYLA 101-41430-200 791.69$
25-Feb 2/21/2025 3641 108258 MAGNIFI FINANCIAL CREDIT CARD JAN 25 STMT - LORI 101-41530-331 515.00$
25-Feb 2/21/2025 3641 108258 MAGNIFI FINANCIAL CREDIT CARD JAN 25 STMT - NATE 101-41910-300 668.00$
25-Feb 2/21/2025 3641 108258 MAGNIFI FINANCIAL CREDIT CARD JAN 25 STMT - PD 101-42120-171 378.33$
25-Feb 2/21/2025 3641 108258 MAGNIFI FINANCIAL CREDIT CARD JAN 25 STMT - PW 601-49440-210 991.38$
25-Feb 2/21/2025 3641 108258 MAGNIFI FINANCIAL CREDIT CARD JAN 25 STMT - RHONDA 101-45204-308 484.72$
25-Feb 2/18/2025 2400168 106971 EO JOHNSON BUSINESS TECH INV1698760 101-41710-310 465.00$
25-Feb 2/18/2025 2400169 108284 FES INC 21356 210-42220-214 1,393.41$
25-Feb 2/18/2025 2400169 108284 FES INC 21360 210-42220-580 1,344.00$
25-Feb 2/18/2025 2400170 105683 JOVANOVICH DEGE & ATHMANN 30394 101-41130-304 292.50$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400171 145 CENTRAL HYDRAULICS INC 638777 101-43125-230 665.30$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400171 145 CENTRAL HYDRAULICS INC 639209 101-43125-230 87.48$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400172 108094 CORNWELL QUALITY TOOLS 29472 109-43201-580 1,541.10$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400173 342 FASTENAL COMPANY MNST1215219 101-43201-210 73.22$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400174 76 GRANITE ELECTRONICS 2501390 210-42250-220 82.50$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400175 103251 KRIS ENGINEERING INC 40996 101-43125-230 105.04$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400176 105249 MELROSE IMPLEMENT INC 391481 101-43125-230 100.98$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400177 146 MIDWAY IRON AND METAL INC 599577 101-43125-230 203.04$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400178 105537 MIDWEST MACHINERY CO.10355564 101-43125-230 494.61$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400179 106764 O REILLY AUTO PARTS 5771-362092 210-42220-211 8.07$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400179 106764 O REILLY AUTO PARTS 5771-363115 101-42152-230 466.66$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400179 106764 O REILLY AUTO PARTS 5771-364009 101-43125-230 10.45$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400179 106764 O REILLY AUTO PARTS 5771-364293 101-42152-230 47.98$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400179 106764 O REILLY AUTO PARTS 5771-364484 101-42152-230 (75.00)$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400179 106764 O REILLY AUTO PARTS 5771-364485 101-43125-230 (10.45)$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400179 106764 O REILLY AUTO PARTS 5771-364617 101-43125-230 11.99$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400179 106764 O REILLY AUTO PARTS 5771-364624 602-49450-230 44.82$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400180 102940 OXYGEN SERVICE CENTER INC 8807727 101-43201-210 165.74$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400181 108362 QUADIENT 17639852 101-41430-201 2,869.92$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 2400182 105778 QUADIENT LEASING Q1717210 603-43230-410 823.50$
25-Feb 2/14/2025 62835 105959 BATTERY WHOLESALE INC 254483STC 210-42220-210 196.35$
25-Feb 2/14/2025 62836 108283 CENTRAL MINNESOTA MUTUAL AID 2025 DUES 210-42240-433 50.00$
25-Feb 2/14/2025 62837 378 EMERGENCY APPARATUS MAINT. I 134041 210-42260-230 914.93$
25-Feb 2/14/2025 62837 378 EMERGENCY APPARATUS MAINT. I 134661 210-42260-230 893.40$
25-Feb 2/14/2025 62837 378 EMERGENCY APPARATUS MAINT. I 134713 210-42260-230 626.01$
25-Feb 2/14/2025 62837 378 EMERGENCY APPARATUS MAINT. I 134714 210-42260-230 433.39$
25-Feb 2/14/2025 62838 108382 HANSEN LAND HOLDING II LLC ESCROW RELEASED 12.31.24 101-41430-34104 969.95$
25-Feb 2/14/2025 62839 1492 LAKE REGION FIREFIGHTERS ASSOC 1335 210-42240-433 40.00$
25-Feb 2/14/2025 62840 1237 NORTH CENTRAL BUS & EQUIPMEN 806976 210-42220-585 4,359.00$
25-Feb 2/14/2025 62841 104602 NORTH STAR SIGNS & ENGRAVING 27617 210-42220-580 31.60$
25-Feb 2/14/2025 62842 107819 SCHAEFERS AUTO ELECTRIC INC 77767 101-42152-230 259.00$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62843 107461 AUTO TRIM & SIGN 59836 210-42220-210 275.00$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62843 107461 AUTO TRIM & SIGN 59889 101-42120-210 500.00$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62844 106 CENTRAL MCGOWAN INC 0000930158 - Fire 210-42270-210 32.27$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62844 106 CENTRAL MCGOWAN INC 0000930158 - PD 101-42120-210 32.28$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62844 106 CENTRAL MCGOWAN INC 0000948965 - Fire 210-42270-210 41.58$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62844 106 CENTRAL MCGOWAN INC 0000948965 - PD 101-42120-210 41.57$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62845 102901 CORE & MAIN LP W195670 602-49450-580 3,355.64$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62846 108247 FEDERAL LICENSING INC LICENSE RENEWAL 2025 101-42151-320 65.00$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62847 592 GALLS INC 30325152 101-42120-210 282.84$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62848 108387 INTERSTATE BEARING ST. JOSEPH L 2025 ELM ST ROW 417-43120-530 17,700.00$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62849 15 LEAGUE OF MN CITIES 423609 602-49490-314 2,338.89$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62849 15 LEAGUE OF MN CITIES 423960 101-42140-300 80.00$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62850 1 LEES ACE HARDWARE JAN 25 STMT - FIRE 210-42220-210 85.81$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62851 105417 MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 1.64557E+13 602-49480-321 2,997.99$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62852 460 MINNESOTA COMPUTER SYSTEMS 413957 101-43201-300 112.92$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62852 460 MINNESOTA COMPUTER SYSTEMS 416867 210-42210-410 85.00$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62853 108386 MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY SERVICES IN2193491 210-42220-210 510.04$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62854 108315 NUSS TRUCK GROUP BP0016597 101-43125-230 168.83$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62855 104993 SMOKE-EATER 2025 Subscription 210-42240-433 25.00$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62856 108095 SNAP-ON INDUSTRIAL ARV/63772157 601-49440-214 46.02$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62856 108095 SNAP-ON INDUSTRIAL ARV/63774449 109-43201-580 389.28$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62857 11 STEARNS ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION JAN 25 STMT 602-49471-381 3,106.18$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62858 2022 UNUM LIFE INSURANCE FEB 25 STMT 101-21713 2,294.47$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62859 107824 VAN METER INC S013680785.001 101-45202-210 88.47$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62860 169 ZEP MANUFACTURING INC 9010828266 602-49450-210 276.19$
25-Feb 2/20/2025 62861 105417 MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 1.57323E+13 101-42151-321 30.00$
25-Feb 2/26/2025 62862 106 CENTRAL MCGOWAN INC 0000951887 - FIRE 210-42270-210 69.48$
25-Feb 2/26/2025 62862 106 CENTRAL MCGOWAN INC 0000951887 - PD 101-42120-210 69.47$
25-Feb 2/26/2025 62863 102901 CORE & MAIN LP W439964 601-49430-210 988.57$
25-Feb 2/26/2025 62864 107854 FUNFLICKS INC 39195237 215-45204-308 1,086.89$
25-Feb 2/26/2025 62865 1078 MN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 01.01.25 - 03.31.25 601-49440-444 4,520.00$
25-Feb 2/26/2025 62866 108161 NEWSLEADERS 407549 101-45204-328 105.00$
25-Feb 2/26/2025 62867 1237 NORTH CENTRAL BUS & EQUIPMEN 320661 101-43125-230 996.82$
25-Feb 2/26/2025 62868 108304 REAL TIME TRANSLATION 118733 101-42120-300 20.80$
Payroll
75,748.83$
Accounts Payable & Payroll EFT
$133,906.13
ACH Accounts Payable
$11,211.86
Check #'s
$43,734.90
Council Approval Checks
$7,857.03
$272,458.75
STAFF MEMO
Prepared by:
Lori Bartlett
Meeting Date:
3-3-25
☒ Consent Agenda Item
☐ Regular Agenda Item
Agenda Item #
4c
Reviewed by:
Item:
2024 TIF Report Services Contract
ACTION REQUESTED
Consider accepting Northland Securities consulting services for the 2024 TIF report preparation
for TIF 2-1, TIF 2-3, TIF 4-1.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
EDA has recommended approval for the contracted services when the service first began some
years ago.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Council approved Northland Securities to prepare the TIF reporting to the Office of the State Auditor for
the past several years.
REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND
Annually the EDA and City must report a summary of the activity in each tax increment fund to the State
Auditor whether or not the projects are completed. For 2024, the reports include three reports for the
following TIF projects:
TIF 2-1 Millstream Shops and Lofts
TIF 2-3 Bayou Blues and Alley Flats
TIF 4-1 Fortitude Senior Housing
Staff recommends acceptance of Northland Securities offer for all TIF projects. The reporting
requirements are complicating and more detailed each year. Northland Securities prepares TIF reports
for many jurisdictions annually and are very familiar with the State Auditor’s reporting mandates. The
three TIF reports to be completed by Northland Securities have been prepared by them in previous years.
As a result, the fee for the 2024 reporting is $1,250 per TIF. The TIF Districts cover the administrative
expense for Northland’s service fees.
BUDGET IMPACT
$3,750 in the TIF Funds
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION
Accept the Northland Securities contract services as presented.
SUPPORTING DATA/ATTACHMENTS
Northland Securities Service Contract
150 South Fifth Street, Suite 3300, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Main: (612) 851-5900 / Direct: (612) 851-4964 / Email: tomdal@northlandsecurities.com
Member FINRA and SIPC | Registered with SEC and MSRB
February 24, 2025 Sent via email: lbartlett@cityofstjoseph.com
Lori Bartlett, Finance Director
City of St. Joseph
75 Callaway Street E.
St. Joseph, MN 56374
RE: Annual TIF Reporting to Office of State Auditor
Dear Lori:
The purpose of this letter is to offer you the services of Northland Public Finance, a
division of Northland Securities (“Northland”), to assist you with the process of
completion and submission of the mandated reports (pursuant to Minnesota Statutes
469.175, Subd. 6) for tax increment financing (TIF) districts for year ending December 31,
2024 (the “Service”).
We consider the annual reporting process to be a great time to review existing TIF
districts for potential opportunities, including pooling of funds and review of
outstanding obligations. We view and undertake the process as much more than an
accounting access and filling out a form on your behalf.
If you would like Northland to undertake the completion and submission of the annual
TIF reporting forms, please sign and return this letter (see below) and sign the attached
State Auditor SAFES document and return to me. Reports will be made available from
the Office of the State Auditor (OSA) and will be due to the OSA by August 1, 2025.
The remainder of this letter describes the Service in greater detail. The Service qualifies
as administrative expense and the cost can be paid from tax increments, subject to the
authorizations in the respective TIF plans of the authority.
Service Provided and Compensation
Northland will prepare and submit reports in accordance with statutory requirements.
Northland will also prepare the summary statement (as required by Minnesota Statute
469.175, Subd. 5) for the authority to submit to the newspaper for publication. We will
ask the authority to provide 2024 general ledger activity for tax increment financing
districts. Northland may also request documentation on TIF plan modifications,
supporting documentation on all revenues and expenditures and copies of TIF Plans
and development agreements, among other relevant information.
Annual TIF Reporting
February 24, 2025
Page 2
The cost of the Service provided by Northland is as follows:
A flat fee of $1,250 per district applies to districts where the 2023 report was
prepared by Northland.
A flat fee of $1,750 per district applies to districts where the 2023 report was not
prepared by Northland.
A flat fee of $2,495 per district where fiscal year 2024 is the first year of reporting for
a new tax increment financing district.
Disclosure
The Service is solely for financial planning and Northland is not providing advice on the
timing, terms, structure, or similar matters related to a specific bond issue.
Next Steps
We look forward to having the opportunity to work with you to complete the annual
TIF reporting. Please contact me directly if have questions or would like to discuss in
more detail the Service. I can be reached at (612) 851-4964 or at
tomdal@northlandsecurities.com.
Sincerely,
NORTHLAND SECURITIES, INC.
Tammy Omdal
Managing Director
Attachments (1)
Acknowledgement of Engagement
Engagement of Northland to provide services to the authority for Annual TIF Reporting
to Office of State Auditor pursuant to the terms in this letter and selection of the Service
by the authority.
Name of Authority: _____________________________________
Date: _____________________________________________
Signature: __________________________________________
Name: _____________________________________________
Title: _____________________________________________
STAFF MEMO
Prepared by:
Lori Bartlett, Finance
Meeting Date:
3-3-25
☒ Consent Agenda Item
☐ Regular Agenda Item
Agenda Item #
4d
Reviewed by:
Item:
Donations and Contributions
ACTION REQUESTED
Consider approval Resolution 2025-009 accepting donations as presented.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
none
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
none
REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND
Minnesota Statute 465.03 requires that all gifts and donations of real or personal property be accepted
only with the adoption of a resolution approved by two-thirds of the members of the City Council. By
accepting the donations, the city is accepting the intent of the donations. The in-kind donations are
estimates.
Total Dog Park cash donations received through 2/27/25 = $7,148 + $1,149 for pavers and refreshments.
Total Community Center/YMCA donations received through 2/27/25 = $471,243.
BUDGET IMPACT
$12,824.00
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION
Accept the donations as presented in Resolution 2025-009.
SUPPORTING DATA/ATTACHMENTS
Resolution 2025-009 Accepting Donations
RESOLUTION 2025-009
RESOLUTION ACCEPTED DONATION(S)
WHEREAS, The City of St. Joseph is generally authorized to accepts gifts and bequests pursuant to
Minnesota Statutes Section 465.03 and Minnesota Statutes Section 471.17 for the benefit of its citizens;
and
WHEREAS, said Minnesota Statute 465.03 requires that all gifts and donations of real or personal
property be accepted only with the adoption of a resolution approved by two-thirds of the members of the
City Council; and
WHEREAS, the following person/persons and/or entity/entities has/have donated real and/or personal
property as follows:
DONOR METHOD PURPOSE AMOUNT
St. Joseph Fire Relief Association Cash Fire Side x Side & Trailer $12,574.00
Scheel’s Sports Debit Card Employee Wellness Program $250.00
WHEREAS, all such donations have been contributed to assist the various city departments and
programs as allowed by law; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that it is appropriate to accept the donations offered.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ST. JOSEPH,
MINNESOTA, AS FOLLOWS:
1. The donations described above are accepted.
2. The Finance Department is hereby directed to issue receipts to each donor acknowledging the
city’s receipt of the donors’ donations.
ADOPTED by the City Council this 3rd day of March, 2025.
CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
Adam Scepaniak, Mayor
ATTEST
David Murphy, City Administrator
STAFF MEMO
Prepared by:
City Clerk
Meeting Date:
03/03/2025
☐ Consent Agenda Item
☒ Regular Agenda Item
Agenda Item #
5
Reviewed by:
Item:
Joetown Blocks
ACTION REQUESTED Discussion on the event, including location, fees, etc.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION The EDA Board recommended
approval of the expenditure of EDA funds up to $10,000 for the event.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION N/A
REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND
The Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) has been working on the 2nd annual Joetown Blocks.
The event will take place on Sunday, June 8th. Last year the event was located along Minnesota
Street with the kids’ activities and farmers market being located in the church’s parking lots.
Ann Riesner and Mary Bruno will be at the meeting to discuss a potential new location for 2025.
The proposed location is indicated on the map below. Additionally, Ash Street from College
Avenue to 1st Ave NW would be closed for the car show.
BUDGET IMPACT N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION
SUPPORTING DATA/ATTACHMENTS
None
STAFF MEMO
Prepared by:
City Administrator
Meeting Date:
03/3/2024
☐Consent Agenda Item
☒Regular Agenda Item
Agenda Item #
6
Reviewed by:
City Attorney Sathe
Item:
Municipal Management Services Agreement
ACTION REQUESTED
A MOTION approving Resolution 2025-010 Authorize Mayor Scepaniak and City Administrator
Murphy to sign Municipal Management Services Agreement as recommended by City Attorney
Sathe.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Direction to City Attorney to prepare Municipal Management Services Agreement and to apply
for Municipal Dispensary Permit from the Office of Cannabis Management.
REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND
The City is pursuing a Municipal Dispensary and is working with Red Pine Group to operate the
dispensary. Council previously directed City Attorney Sathe to work with the Red Pine Group
Attorney to draft an agreement that is acceptable to both parties.
The Municipal Dispensary application is due March 14th and requires a copy of the
Management Services Agreement between the City and Operator if the City is contracting for
operations rather than operating the dispensary itself. The attorneys have not finalized the
agreement at the time of this packet. City Attorney Sathe has indicated they are close to
agreement and are down to two items that still need to be in a form agreeable to both parties.
Mr. Sathe believes this will be accomplished in the very near future.
The issue is the City Council does not meet again until after the deadline for the application
has passed. This action item would authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign the
finalized agreement based on the City Attorney’s recommendation.
BUDGET IMPACT
This action does not have a significant budget impact as a stand alone item. The Municipal
Dispensary, once opened is predicted to have a significant positive budget impact to the City.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION
A MOTION approving Resolution 2025-010 to authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to
execute the Municipal Management Services Agreement recommended by the City Attorney
when completed
SUPPORTING DATA/ATTACHMENTS
Resolution 2025-010
Draft Agreement. - confidential
City Attorney email. - confidential
SA690\3\1013092.v1
RESOLUTION 2025-010
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A MANAGEMENT SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH THE RED PINE GROUP LLC REGARDING OPERATION OF A
MUNICIPAL CANNABIS RETAIL STORE, AUTHORIZING CITY ADMINISTRATOR
TO SUBMIT CANNABIS BUSINESS APPLICATION, AND AUTHORIZING
PAYMENT OF APPLICATION FEE
WHEREAS, the City of St. Joseph (the “City”) intends to obtain a cannabis retailer license
from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (the “OCM”) to operate a municipal cannabis
retail business; and
WHEREAS, the OCM has only scheduled a single application window within which the
City may apply for a cannabis retailer license, and that window closes on March 14, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the City has determined that it is in the best interest of the City, the use and
protection of public dollars, and the health, safety, and wellness of the people of St. Joseph, to
contract with an independent contractor with experience with retail cannabis business operations
to provide services at the single municipal cannabis store that will be operated by the city of St.
Joseph; and
WHEREAS, to meet the application requirements, the City desires to enter into the
management services agreement (“Agreement”) with the Red Pine Group LLC (“LLC”),
establishing the relationship between the City and RPG to ensure the necessary information is
submitted to the OCM as part of the cannabis business application; and
WHEREAS, the cannabis business application requires that the highest-ranking non-
elected official be identified in the application; and
WHEREAS, the application fee for a retail cannabis license is two-thousand five-hundred
dollars ($2,500); and
WHEREAS, the City Council anticipates that there may be changes in guidance and best
practices during the licensing application window and subsequent review period, and the City
Council desires to provide City staff with the necessary authority to submit additional application
materials and information as recommended by RPG and deemed necessary by the City
Administrator in consultation with the City Attorney; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the execution of a management services
agreement with the Red Pine Group, the submission of the cannabis business license application,
and the payment of the application license fee are necessary to establish the City’s municipal
cannabis store.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of St. Joseph,
Minnesota that the City Administrator is authorized to enter into a management services agreement
with the Red Pine Group, upon review and approval by the City’s legal counsel.
A-2
SA690\3\1013092.v1
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City
of St. Joseph, Minnesota that the proper City staff and officials are authorized to execute the final
version of the Agreement, submit the application for a municipal cannabis retailer, and take all
actions necessary to perform the City’s obligations under the Agreement as a whole, and all
reasonable actions that comply with the intend of this resolution.
ADOPTED by the City Council this 3rd day of March 2025.
CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
____________________________________
Adam Scepaniak, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________ David Murphy, City Administrator
STAFF MEMO
Prepared by:
City Administrator
Meeting Date:
03/3/2024
☐ Consent Agenda Item
☒ Regular Agenda Item
Agenda Item #
7
Reviewed by:
City Employment Attorney
Item:
Unpaid Leave of Absence Request
ACTION REQUESTED
A MOTION to Approve Unpaid Leave of Absence for Madison Honer up to August 8th, 2025.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
None.
REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND
Section 19.14 of the City’s Personnel Policy states the City Administrator may authorize leave
without pay up to thirty (30) days. The City Council may authorize periods greater than 30 days.
Officer Honer has requested an unpaid leave of absence for a period up to August 8th, 2025. The
City’s contribution toward health, dental and life insurance may be continued with Council
approval up to ninety (90) days.
BUDGET IMPACT
Negligible, this is an unpaid leave of absence, the only cost will be the City’s portion of health,
dental and life insurance for 90 days. A temporary officer has been hired to fill in until Officer
Honer is able to return to work. The temporary officer is at a lower step then the officer on
leave.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION
A MOTION to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Officer Madison Honer for a period
beginning February 19, 2025 and ending on or before August 8, 2025 and to continue the City’s
portion of the employee’s health insurance for 90 days as stated in the City’s Personnel Policy
beginning February 19, 2025 through May 20, 2025
SUPPORTING DATA/ATTACHMENTS
Section 19.14 of City’s Personnel Policy.
19.14 Regular Leave without Pay. The city administrator may authorize leave without pay for
up to thirty (30) days. Leave without pay for greater periods may be granted by the City
Council.
Normally employee benefits will not be earned by an employee while on leave without
pay. However, the city’s contribution toward health, dental and life insurance may be
continued, if approved by the City Council, for leaves of up to ninety (90) days when the
leave is for medical reasons has been exhausted.
If an employee is on a regular leave without pay and is not working any hours, the
employee will not accrue (or be paid for) holidays, sick leave, or vacation leave (annual
leave). Employees who are working reduced hours while on this type of leave will
receive holiday pay on a prorated basis and will accrue sick leave and vacation leave
(annual leave) based on actual hours worked.
Leave without pay hours will not count toward seniority and all accrued vacation leave
and compensatory time must normally be used before an unpaid leave of absence will be
approved.
To qualify for leave without pay, an employee need not have used all sick leave earned
unless the leave is for medical reasons. Leave without pay for purposes other than
medical leave or work-related injuries will be at the convenience of the city.
Employees returning from a leave without pay for a reason other than a qualified
Parenting Leave will be guaranteed return to the original position only for absences of
thirty (30) calendar days or less.
Employees receiving leave without pay in excess of thirty (30) calendar days, for reasons
other than qualified Parenting Leave, are not guaranteed return to their original position.
If their original position or a position of similar or lesser status is available, it may be
offered at the discretion of the city administrator subject to approval of the City Council.