CITY OF ST MARY’S POINT
        ST MARY’S POINT MINNESOTA    
Washington County, Minnesota
August 4 2015 Council Meeting

CALL TO ORDER    by Mayor Roettger at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: N. Anderson, G. Williams (absent) T. Williams, Mayor Roettger J Freesmeier
Staff Present   Cindie J. Reiter, T. Niedzwiecki,  B. Gonzola, K. Sandstrom, John Parotti
Others Present    Paul Brown, Scott and Connie Holmer
Pledge of Allegiance was said

CONSENT AGENDA     MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER T. WILLIAMS TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA INCLUDING ZONING APPLICATION  BEING ADDED ITEM AS 9A.
ROLL CALL: 4 AYES/1 ABSENT

PUBLIC COMMENTS:   Paul Brown commented on Art InThe Park.  He plans to use the canvas boards created last year again to advertise the event.  Event scheduled from 2 to 4, open mike with breaking Brass Band and Don Jones with Tales of Town.
SHERIFF REPORT:   There were 14 calls and 1 citation

FERNANDEZ RESOLUTION 2015-08-1     City Attorney Sandstrom presented recap of agreement with Mr. Fernandez for flood proofing project extension to June 1, 2015 addressed at the July meeting.  Resolution dictates this time period, as well as, an escrow is paid if the house sells before that time without the project being done.
MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ROETTGER TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2015-08-1 FOR EXTENSION.        ROLL CALL: 4 AYES/1 ABSENT

2016 LEVY & BUDGET UPDATE    Treasurer. Niedzwiecki presented the update based on the July meeting comments.  He was able to reduce the road budget allocation dues to the moneys received from the State for small Cities for Street improvements in the amount of  $12,965 was received (half now).with the balance in December.  A review of the budget proposal drafted by Councilmember G. Williams would like all finds balanced with just an increase to the Fire Department budget.  He expressed concern for the continued increase of the Fire Department budget.  That the St. Mary’s Point budget and levy only increased by the $1,865 attributed to the Fire Department increase.  Treasurer Niedzwiecki addressed various ways to budget for streets and roads with use of the funds received however noted that the funds are dedicated to be used for streets and roads.  The final Budget Levy Resolution to be presented at the September 1st meeting for certification of the preliminary budget levy to the County by September 15, 2015.  Mayor Roettger prefers that a zero levy or minor increase.  Councilmember Freesmeier noted he would prefer 1% or zero.  Treasurer Niedzwiecki noted he could present a resolution prepared for both scenarios.

PROPERTY COMPLAINT:
There was a property complaint regarding the Ice Arena permits concerns by the data practice complainant.  A work session was proposed or a separate meeting to discuss the issue.  City Attorney Sandstrom spoke to the complaint and noted ownership if the Ice Arena is listed as St. Croix Valley Youth Foundation, a nonprofit company but the property statement shows it as City property with 272.02 specific exemptions from property taxes.  Councilmember Freesmeier noted the use has not changed from 1968.  Thus he sees no material issue with the Ice Arena on City Property.  The City Attorney will be sending a letter to complainant.

CITY LEASH ORDINANCE: The Ordinance was read by Councilmember Anderson and it was advised by our City Attorney Sanderson that WCSO should address the situation with dog owners.
Zoning application redesign:  City clerk Reiter explained a need for a change as NAC designed application is several years old and Sambatek estimates 1-2 hours to draft an application and the consensus by council is yes and advise the clerk to have it done.

TREASURER REPORT:  Treasurer Niedzwiecki presented receipts and disbursements with financials in good shape.  He reviewed the zoning applications fees and receipts.  Treasurer listed several zoning items that need to be addressed: Erickson, M. Farnam, Morris, D. Pierson, Popovich and Holmer.  These last two items were discussed and stated that it will be addressed in the Public Hearing..   Claims for Approval:  $19,625.47 with Checks number 5361 – 5368 and EFT 01-09.
MOTION AS MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY T.. WILLIAMS TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF$19,625.47 WITH CHECKS 5361-5368 AND EFTs 01-09 AS PRESENTED.    ROLL CALL/4 AYES/1 ABSENT

ENGINEER REPORT:   Patching has been done and noted to councilmembers that in their review if they feel something was missed to please alert him and he will revisit with the contractor.  Councilmember Freesmeier inquired about the corner of Baillon and asked that the engineer look at and make a recommendation.  Councilmember T. Williams proposed that he and G. Williams possibly fill it with patching material.  Engineer Parotti will make a recommendation to the Council after review per their direction.  The Holmer grading plan and a review was done and comments provided to the planner.  Popovich grading application review scheduled for August.  Transportation funding for Small Cities was already addressed,  It was noted that items such as:  land acquisition, engineered construction and reconstruction, maintenance are all items that can be done with money.  These funds are not tied to MNDOT State Aide requirements and there is a time limit to spend on the appropriation.  LMC advises use this fiscal cycle and money was needed or this purpose (streets).  He encouraged a look at street Improvement project CIP and perhaps uses these funds to pay for 2 of its longest listed projects…1) Adjoining streets with LSCB and 2)  Raising of Itasca such as surveying before winter. Also a discussion on the turnaround at 25th, however that project is not on the City’s CIP.
BUILDING INSPECTOR:  9 active permits
CITY ATTORNEY:  Nothing further        
CLERK REPORT    Ragnar run August 15th and reminder of the Public Hearing to be held by the Planning Commission on august 24, 2015
CABLE COMMISSION:  Meeting is on 8/5    
MSCWMO   Council Report  No WMO meeting and noted the River Workshop is on 8/6

Reports:
Councilmember Freesmeier:  Fire Department - anticipate continued increase near 5% coming in over next few years due to staff restructure.  Noted tree trimming this fall and signs to be posted.
Councilmember G. Williams …..(Arrived at 8:10) He submitted a resolution regarding residents contacting the Planner with out an application.  City Attorney Sandstorm noted that there are policies in other cities that contracted consultants are not able to talk with consultant without an application.  Councilmember Williams noted it should be for any contracted consultant not just the planner.  Discussion on how to get the general information regarding zoning (such as: is it a buildable lot). Some of this should be borne by the City as an typical expense.  
        MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER T. WILLIAMS TO SET POLICY THAT PAID CONSULTANTS SERVICES ARE TRIGGERED BY THE MAYOR DIRECTLY.  MAYOR REFERRAL ONLY TO INCUR BILLS FROM ENGINEER, PLANNER OR CITY ATTORNEY.    ROLL CALL/ ALL AYES

City Attorney Sandstrom summarized the closed session about the lawsuit of Scott Homer of outstanding fees due the City.  He recapped some meeting conversation with Mr. Holmer's Attorney.
At 8:23 Meeting is closed to discuss Holmer suit followed by regular meeting adjournment.

MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER G. WILLIAMS TO CLOSE THE REGULAR MEETING.
            ROLL CALL/ALL AYES.