City of St. Mary’s Point
City Council Meeting – December 2, 2008
St. Mary’s Point Web address:  http://stmaryspoint.org

PRESENT:  Mayor Jones, Councilmembers Farnham, Jacobson and Theede
ABSENT:  Councilmember Williams

CALL TO ORDER.
Mayor Jones called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  The City Clerk took roll call.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
The Pledge was recited by everyone in attendance.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobson, seconded by Councilmember Farnham to approve the Consent agenda.  Motion passed 4-0.

PUBLIC CONCERNS.
There were no public concerns at this time.

SHERIFF’S REPORT.
There was not a Deputy at the meeting to give a report. A follow up will be made by the City Clerk to remind the Sheriff’s office that SMP would like a report monthly at Council meetings.

PLANNING COMMISSION / PLANNING.
A.) Stehly- The continuation of this project resulted in a violation of a stop work order that had been issued by SMP. The City requested that they provide additional information pertaining to their project.  Cameron Kelly, City Attorney, received part of the information that was requested but has returned the documents and requested that the entire request be fulfilled.

B.) Holmer’s- The Holmer’s have returned the signed agreement that was sent to them.

C.) Haslund- This project is still on appeal with the DNR.  Cameron Kelly, City Attorney, will find out the status of this case.  

MIDDLE ST. CROIX WMO- REVIEW OF PROPOSED RESOLUTION.
The proposed resolution that was reviewed by Councilmember Jacobson at the November City Council meeting has been withdrawn by the WMO.  The revised resolution will be reviewed at a later date.  

FINAL BUDGET RESOLUTION & LEVY FOR 2009- REVIEW & DISCUSS APPROVAL.
Tom Nizweicki, City Treasurer, reviewed the final budget resolution for 2009.  Tom also reviewed the financials looking back to 2008.    

Motion by Councilmember Farnham, seconded by Councilmember Theede to approve the Resolution number 2008-12-01; adopting the final budgets and final property tax levies, for a total final certified levy of $169,689.  Motion passed 4-0.

MAYOR JONES- LOOKING BACK & LOOKING AHEAD.
Mayor Jones handed out a Mayor’s Remarks memo outlining accomplishments by the Council over the last 4 years.  Councilmember Farnham outlined the Planning/Planning Commission portion of the memo.  The memo also listed some future issues.

STANDING COMMITTEES – UPDATES.
Fire District
Councilmember Theede was not at the last Fire District meeting.
Cable Commission
Mayor Jones plans to attend the Cable Commission meeting tomorrow night.
Middle St. Croix WMO
Councilmember Jacobson reported on their proposed budget which will allocate costs to SMP ($823.38).  Councilmember Jacobson also reported on the LSWMP that they are reviewing- Stillwater & Bayport are almost finished and other surrounding communities are still reporting that they are in the starting phase of the project.
LSCV Alliance
Mayor Jones attended the November 17th meeting.  A planning committee is being started for a fundraiser ball for the Fire District.  Mayor Jones reported they are looking at potential resolutions prohibiting metal studs on the bike trail to prevent damage to the trail surface.  Also relating to the bike trail, Lakeland Shores is putting in their budget to empty trash cans, and other cities may consider adding a bench and trash can on the bike trail in an effort to keep down the litter.  

CITY STAFF REPORTS.
Building Inspector
Duane Stensland reported on the status of the current projects in the City.  

City Engineer
John Parotti reviewed the engineering report.  2008 tree and brush trimming project has been completed and all invoices have been received.  The total amount spent to date is $12, 566.25.  John also reviewed the WMO approval process, and the City Clerk was given a handout pertaining to this information outlining the 7 steps of the project review process.

Councilmember Farnham recommended that the variance packets be reviewed in early 2009 to include the WMO information.

City Attorney
Cameron Kelly, City Attorney, had nothing additional to report.

City Treasurer
Tom Niedzwiecki gave his financial report for the month of November, 2008.  Tom also reviewed a very preliminary year end analysis.

Motion by Councilmember Theede, seconded by Councilmember Farnham to pay the bills with checks numbered 3231 through 3258, and the 6 electronic payments for a total of $29,114.72 . Motion passed 4-0.

E.)    City Clerk
        The City Clerk had nothing additional to report.

COUNCIL REPORTS.
Mayor
Mayor Jones has nothing additional to report.

Councilmembers
Councilmember Farnham
Councilmember Farnham reported that property values are going down 10-15% and is recommending the City Council keep that in mind going into 2009.  He reported on the possibility of holding off on street maintenance due to budget issues.  Councilmember Farnham also reminded the Council in January temporary “No Parking” signs need to be placed throughout the City.

2.    Councilmember Jacobson
Councilmember Jacobson presented a certificate to Councilmember Farnham acknowledging his service on Council.

Councilmember Williams
Was not present at the meeting

Councilmember Theede
Councilmember Theede thanked Councilmember Farnham and Mayor Jones for their service and presented Mayor Jones with a plaque acknowledging his service.

ADJOURNMENT.
Motion by Councilmember Theede to adjourn the Council meeting at 8:16 p.m.  Motion passed.



Respectfully submitted,


                                
    Donald R. Jones, Mayor                Megan R. Rucker, City Clerk