CITY OF ST
MARY’S POINT
ST MARY’S POINT MINNESOTA
Washington County, Minnesota
February 3, 2015 Council Meeting
CALL TO ORDER by Mayor Roettger at 7:00 p.m.
Roll Call: Nancy Anderson (absent) , Gary Williams, Tim
Williams Joe Freesmeier , Mayor Roettger
Staff Present Cindie J. Reiter, T. Niedzwicki, J.
Parotti, B. Gonzola, K. Sandstrom
Others Present Jon Picard, Steve Broecker
Pledge of Allegiance was said.
CONSENT AGENDA To approved Minutes of Jan
7, 2015, Amend public present at Sept 2 and Oct 7, approve agenda
of Feb 3, 2015
MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER T. WILLIAMS TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AND TO USE
A SIGN IN SHEET FOR A LIST ATTENDEES IN THE MINUTES GOING FORWARD.
ROLL CALL: 4 AYES/1 ABSENT
Public Comments: None
St. Croix Valley Foundation Jon Picard spoke to the Bike
Path regarding its needs of reconditioning and have talked with
several that believe it is a good project in the Lower
Valley. The Foundation has hired SEH and the County verbally
have said they support the project and the Foundation will also
plan to hire Grant writers. An estimate of $700,000 has been
provided they will need to raise $250,000 and will depend on the
Cities to contribute as well. Most Grants close at end of
March. $700,000 is full reconditioning and also path made
wider. Historically it is charged by frontage with SMP
having a small section about 300 ft.
Councilmember G. Williams noted that the path is under a Joint
Powers Association. Mr. Picard was not aware of that however
Engineer Parotti was and explained each Cities portion by linear
foot and it was last done in 2004. It was noted a copy of
JPA should be found and also find if the snowmobile route also
affects the trail. Enginer Parotti noted a seal coat has
been done with a few sections being fully reconstructed in LSCB in
2004 and in Lakeland when the Co. Road was redone.
Treasurer Niedzwicki was asked the amount of under budget in
2014. He provided $8,000 was under budget for 2014 and also
noted there may be Cable funds distribution coming up, noting it
can be used without restriction however, also encouraged for
communication and technology.
Councilmember Freesmeier noted Council may consider under spent in
2014 to use in 2015 for the Trails, which is approximately 4 miles
with SMP having about 300 ft.
Mr. Picard proposed that the formula of the JPA would likely not
be followed as they hope to fund by a grant and donations.
Engineer Pariott noted the rehab would only be to the level of
need along the path with over lay for entire length.
Mayor Roettger noted the Council would have much to think about
concerning the cost. Mr. Picard noted for Grant writer they
hoped to hire by the end of March. Councilmember Freesmeier
proposed the City help the cause by identifying the underspent
amount for the path reconstruct. Treasure Niedzwiecki knows
of no agreement with the City, however because the path is in the
ROW the County and Cities may have an agreement. Mr. Picard
to email the City Clerk when he gets more information
VACATION OF ROW AT 2929 ITASCA Scott Holmer
Application
Planner Gozola presents an application for 20ft of ROW be vacated
as land is available. The Planning Commission held a public
hearing with the Planning Commission making a recommendation of
City resolution for ROW along Itasca. Engineer Parotti
recommends 60ft ROW and that Holmer request does not interfere
with the 60ft need. The Planning Commission recommends
approval of Holmer Application for 20 ft. ROW vacation. He
also noted original variance approval stated he should get any
land available. It did not state how much land was needed in
regard to a standard lot size. Councilmember G. Williams
inquired if fees have been paid. Treasurer Niedzwicki notes
$5729.69 in fees incurred but not paid. Councilmember G.
Williams doesn’t support approving if the City is subsidizing the
land gained by Property Owner.
Councilmember Freesmeier noted he found a report by Planner Gozola
to be conflicting in some areas and asked for a clarification
concerning the term of “public benefit”. Planner Gozola
explained that the general public benefit is at the south end of
Itasca and not impacted by the Holmer request.
Councilmember Freesmeier notes he feels none of the ROW
should be vacated based on the concept of “there is public
benefit” to the entire corridor, but it should not be granted
piece meal. The entire corridor situation needs to be
addressed first. Councilmember G. Williams believes some
action on this application needs to be addressed. Planner
Gozola notes the City is in the 60 day time frame with an active
application.
Attorney Sandstrom stated 37,080 square feet is short of 1 acre
(43,500), so even additional 20 x 155 would not get to the acre
needed, in the prior application (40x155) it did get to the one
acre limit. But the lot of record on the application is
questionable.
It was brought up that some property owners state they received no
notice of the public hearing (mailed within 500 ft.) even though
it may have been published and posted (1991). Mailed notice
is required in the Riverway District. Attorney Sandstrom
noted he has not received a request for any documentation of the
hearing. Only that information previously found and provided
by the Clerk has been provided. However, the City does need
to respond to the application and has also extended the time to
respond by April. The application made in early in December
and the application needs to be deemed complete within 15
days. The original fee was not provided to either planner or
Clerk, however the Planner stated the process and this application
is in play.
MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER G. WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY MAYOR
ROETTGER TO MOVE ON WITH ITASCA ROW CORRIDOR OF 20 FT TO ADJACENT
PROPERTY OWNERS UNTIL AUGUST 1, 2015.
DISCUSSION:
Attorney Sanderson noted there is an issue with property owners
for legal description and survey costs, notes the City
give back but with costs addressed to be added to the motion…”as
contingent upon property owners to hire surveyor and determine
costs associated with the corridor vacation”.
Above motion was withdrawn
MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER G. WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER FREESMEIER TO MOVE ON WITH ITASCA ROW CORRIDOR OF 20
FT TO ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS UNTIL AUGUST 1, 2015 AS CONTIGENT
UPON PROPERTY OWNERS TO HIRE SURVEYOR AND DETERMINE COSTS
ASSOCIATED WITH THE CORRIDOR VACATION.
Councilmember Freesmeier notes he cannot support this as the
public benefit has not yet been determined for the City.
Councilmember G. Williams notes his motion is to move on this by a
specific date. Mayor Roettger noted he will not vote as he
is an affected owner.
ROLL
CALL: 2 Ayes/1 Nay(Freesmeier), 1 Abstain (Roettger) , 1
Absent
MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER G. WILLIAMS TO APPROVE HOLMER
APPLICATION FOR 20 FEET IF FEES AND COSTS ARE PAID BY AUGUST 1ST.
No Vacation of ROW until public hearing for the corridor is turned
back information to all adjoining property owners. Treasurer
Niedzwicki asks about issue of fees Holmer is contesting.
Attorney Sandstrom notes some of the fees are being questioned.
Motion failed for lack of a second
MOTION WAS MADE BY MAYOR ROETTGER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
G. WILLIAMS TO PROVIDE MR. HOLMER ONE MONTH TO PAY FEES AND
THEN COUNCIL WILL VOTE ON HIS APLICATION IN MARCH.
ROLL CALL: 4 Ayes/1 Absent
LSCV FIRE RELEIF ASSOCIATION (FRA) Request for increase in
retirement benefit.
Councilmember G. Williams spoke on the Cities is responsible for
any deficit by the FRA. He noted FRA is funded by 2%
surcharge on the homeowner’s insurance policies. He also
noted the fund is currently at 131% funded. The RFA can
increase the funding without Cities approving but the Cities would
have to pay the deficit if not approved by Council.
MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER G. WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY MAYOR
ROETTGER TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2015-02-01 AS READ BY COUNCILMEMBER
G. WILLIAMS INTO THE RECORD EFFECTIVELY FEBRUARY 3,
2015. ROLL CALL; 4
AYES/1ABSENT
2015 FEE SCHEDULE (deferred from January)
Explanation of the need to Escrow per information from D.
Stensland last year.. Councilmember G. Williams doesn’t feel
the need. Mayor Roettger noted it is an issue to collect a
large amount. Attorney Sandstrom spoke to the excessive cost
of variance applications in all zoning districts.
Councilmember G. Williams noted the grading permit should remain
at $500. Engineer Parotti noted cost of grading on some
projects can be significant making a complex application
more. Clerk to amend the fee schedule as suggested by
Council.
MOTION WAS MADY BY COUNCILMEMBER G. WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER FREESMEIER TO APPROVE AMENDED FEE SCHEDULE.
ROLL CALL: 4 Ayes/1 Absent
COUNTY SUBSURFACE SEWAGE TREATMENT SYS. (SSTS) Public
Hearing Feb. 24, 2015 Councilmember G. Williams notes
that there are changes being made and the Cities need to track and
watch changes made.
ENGINEERING QUOTE FOR POTENTIAL ITASCA ROAD CONSTRUCTION (deferred
from January) Recap of January meeting information on letter date
of December 23, 2014 regarding the elevation of Itasca at lower
elevations for about 590 feet. Engineer Parotti provides
cost of surveyor bidding, soil boring for $19,269. Inquire
of City Council to move forward to obtain bids.
Councilmember G. Williams’s notes approximate cost $200 per foot
to see if elevation of roadway is good for City. He cannot
support goal of project to elevate the road as it is in good
repair now. He proposes we wait until an event over takes
the road and other help is available.
Councilmember Freesmeier proposes that all the issues of 20 ft.
turn back the Itasca elevation, the need for cul-de-sac for
emergency vehicles, further that money is in budget and feels he
should go forward.
Property Owner Steve Broecker spoke to his property would be
compromised if road is elevated or straightened.
Mayor Roettger doesn’t necessary feel it would be an issue but
agrees would make his corner an issue as it is in a hole. He
proposes other issues be resolved and proposes it be tabled until
next year.
Councilmember Freesmeier asks what is to be done with the money in
the budget.
Councilmember G. Williams proposed a turnaround be done on 25th
St.. as all large vehicles have to back up causing possible
problem.
Mayor Roettger notes 24th St. may be area also for a turn
around. He noted these are not expensive upgrades and he
also feels ditching along Iroquois should be done as well; once
again small ticket items.
The current Street CIP for this year has been delayed for
combination with bigger project. Councilmember Freesmeier
asks that land owners on 25 St.th be talked with regarding a turn
around.
Engineer Parotti notes Council can push it out until March for
possible turn around at 25 St.th. He aslo noted the roadway
at Itasca and Baillon is needed as corner is eroding again.
Possible remedies have been given. Council asked if Engineer
Parotti check out areas in questions when snow is gone to advise
Council on possibility of work.
YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU REQUEST FOR FUNDING
In odd years funding has been given to YSB other years are
Community Thread. In 2013 we gave $200. Budget is $550
for donation and training. Councilmember T. Williams
proposes $150.
MOTION WAS MADE BY MAYOR ROETTGER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER G.
WILLIAMS TO GIVE $250 TO THE YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU.
ROLL CALL:
3 AYES/1 NAY (T. Williams) /1 ABSENT
STAFF REPORTS
ENGINEERING REPORT: Engineer J. Parotti
asked the City Council for direction seeking sweeping
and drain quotes. Sweeping was not done in the fall of 2014
due to weather. He proposes RFP or just updated bid from
McPhillips. Councilmember G. Williams noted Miller drainage
report did not include SMP. Engineer Parotti did confirm
work has been done but has not received updated report.
Councilmember G. Williams notes structure at 21st and Itasca did
not appear to work thus without report condition of structure is
not known if working or not. Engineer Parotti proposes that
the structure should be looked at. It was noted McPhillips
did a great job with the Elgin sweeper and thus a quote should be
gotten.
TREASURERS REPORT T. Niedzwiecki provided a
recap of 2014 with the General Fund ending $8,000 higher than
beginning of year. Street Improvement fund $149,000
ending balance. He proposes the $8,000 be placed as a
discretionary reserve for possible bike trail improvement.
He asks for a consensus of Council to deal with the $8,000.
Consensus to place in LT Improvement of Parks and Rec..
Claims to be approved: $16,405.75 check #5289 to #5297 with
electronic payments #1-9 for
MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER G. WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY T.
WILLIAMS TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF $16,405.75 OF CHECK NUMBERS 5289
THRU 5297 AND ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS 1-9. ROLL
CALL: 4 AYES/1 ABSENT
SHERIFF REPORT: 6 calls
BUILDING INSPECTIOR REPORT 6 PERMITS ACTIVE
ATTORNEY; Nothing
CLERK REPORT ISD 834 Election possible in May
and MIDS session in March 3rd at 6:30
FIRE DEPT. Noted number of calls and they have hired
Jim Stanley as full time employee. Councilmember J. Freesmeier
spoke to lighted sign being addressed at Fire Meeting and he also
attended the Appreciation Dinner.
CABLE COMMISSION: Fire Dept. asked for funding of $7,000 for
lighted sign from the Cable funds. SMP cost is $500.
Sign is expensive of up to $15,000 per Councilmember G. Williams.
Councilmember T. Williams asked how $500 is allocated. He
noted that calculated amount is driven by the number of
users. He noted the City will be getting $8,000 of
undesignated dollars and then $$7,000 of undesignated funds to be
given to the Fire Department. SMP is 8% of allocation.
Councilmember G. Williams noted the Fire Dept. said they would
seek funding from other sources before seeking City funding.
Councilmember Freesmeier noted he does not like LED signs at all
and prefers sign without maintenance and $15,000 is not a good use
of funds. He feels it is a roundabout way of gaining access
to Cable funds due to the cities.
Councilmember G. Williams noted Fire Dept. had excess funds at
time of building and could have done a sign at that time.
Brick work is done and they have not done fundraising for the cost
of a sign. Treasurer Niedzwiecki noted the Cable Commission
had done a preliminary agreement to designate funds to the Fire
Dept. It has to be a unanimous decision by all the Cities to
designate money from Cable Commission to Fire Department.
The council advised Councilmember T. Williams for Cable Commission
decision to NOT support Fire Department sign.
Councilmember G. Williams stated originally started at $1.35
franchise fee and is now over $4 and the Cable Commission had not
approached the Cities for support of increasing cable franchise
fees.
Council Report
Councilmember Anderson absent
Councilmember G. Williams …Xcel Energy proposed a program to
replace all street lights to LED. However no cost provided
the process should take 2 to 3 years. He noted the City
should determine if all of the 17 lights are needed.
Benefits are no mercury and bugs not attracted to LED.
He provided notice of the passing of longtime resident of David
Hasland.
He proposes hiring a youth to work during the summer months.
I would be cost effective and could use them 20 hours a week and
have the ability to lift 50 to 70lbs. Councilmember
Freesmeier noted perhaps 20 years ago the City did use youths and
supports the concept also.
Councilemmber G Williams noted the ROW line of sight
moratorium in regards to placing vegetation in the ROW would be to
limit growth into overhead lines and obstructing sight lines.
Attorney Sandstrom noted the use of ROW belongs to the City for
Public purpose and the City can limit what is in that ROW.
He also noted that a moratorium means: Stop what are allowed to
do Prohibition may be more appropriate.
Councilmember Freesmeier noted the current ROW of Itasca is 100ft
and certainly wouldn’t look right to have a strip without
vegetation; so is not necessary supportive.
Property owner S. Broecker noted if the cutting or prohibition was
uniformly enforced it would be better.
Mayor Roettger noted use of signage to notify people of trimming
was beneficial.
. MOTION TO ADJOURN at 9:40 pm
All Ayes