City
of St. Mary’s Point
City Council Meeting – March 3, 2009
St. Mary’s Point Web address:
http://stmaryspoint.org
PRESENT: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Russell, Councilmember
Jacobson, Councilmember Freesmeier and Councilmember Theede
ABSENT: None
CALL TO ORDER.
Mayor Williams 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 Theede, seconded by Councilmember Jacobson to
approve the consent agenda, including the February meeting minutes and
the March agenda. Amendments include changing the word consensus
to census & correcting the spelling of the last name of Tim
Berggren.
Motion passed unanimously.
CITY TREASURER’S REPORT
Tom Niedzwiecki, City Treasurer, reviewed the financial report for the
year 2008.
Motion by Councilmember Theede, seconded by Councilmember Russell to
approve the 2008 financial report as outlined by Tom Niedzwiecki.
Motion passed unanimously.
Tom reviewed the financial report for the month of February.
Motion by Councilmember Theede, seconded by Councilmember Russell to
pay the bills with checks numbered 3301 through 3314, for a total of
$3, 688.13 and the 4 electronic payments.
Motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC CONCERNS.
There were no public concerns at this time.
SHERIFF’S REPORT.
Deputy Wick was present prior to the SMP City Council meeting and
distributed a patrol report indicating calls dating back to 11/01/2008.
Deputy Wick indicated that the Washington County Sheriff’s Office will
be sending the patrol report on a monthly basis, via fax, to SMP City
Hall.
PLANNING COMMISSION / PLANNING.
Nothing to report.
YOUTH COUNSELING DONATION.
Tom Niedzwiecki, City Treasurer, indicated that a donation of $150.00
was made in the year 2008. Councilmember Jacobson explained that
the donation will be used to help supplement counseling services for
the youth of Washington County.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobson, seconded by Councilmember Russell to
donate $150.00 in the year 2009.
Motion passes 3-2; motion is opposed by
Councilmember Theede & Mayor Williams.
STANDING COMMITTEES – UPDATES.
Fire District
Councimember Theede reported that the ambulatory services are doing
well financially, along with the Fire District. Mayor Williams
reported on the under-funding of the retirement fund.
Cable Commission
Councilmember Freesmeier reported that in 2009 it is estimated that SMP
will receive funding in the amount of $4,000. He reported that
this funding can be spent on any type of communication device. He
reported this dollar amount is based on the number of subscribers per
city.
Middle St. Croix WMSO
Councilmember Russell attended the meeting and reported that a slide
show was shown pertaining to stopping erosion on the lakeside.
She also distributed a handout pertaining to a workshop being given at
the Stillwater Library on March 31, 2009.
LSCV Alliance
Councilmember Russell reported on the Yellow Ribbon Campaign, which is
in support of the families of people serving in the Armed Forces and
assists the troops in their transition home to the United States.
CITY STAFF REPORTS.
Building Inspector
Duane Stensland, Building Inspector, distributed a copy of his
report. He also distributed a copy of a stop work order that was
given to Mike Butchko. Mayor Williams reported he had received a
complaint previously indicating that people were living in the detached
garage on the Butchko property. Duane indicated that this
detached garage is not technically considered a dwelling.
Cameron Kelly, City Attorney, will draw up a letter indicating that if
the structure is not brought up to code as inspected by the Building
Inspector, legal action will be taken. This item will be on the
April SMP City Council meeting agenda as a follow up item.
City Engineer
John Parotti, City Engineer, distributed the copy of the Engineer’s
report. John provided the Council with a seal coat quote and
indicated a seal coating project was last completed in the city of SMP
in 2003. John reported seal coating generally happens on a 7 year
cycle, depending on the conditions of the street and various other
factors. John provided a tabulation of the city streets with an
estimated all-inclusive cost.
Councilmember Theede inquired if the cost is based on the age of the
street or the pavement condition, due to traffic volume. John
responded that the age of the street helps to plan for costs but the
decision to expand the cost should be based on the condition of the
street.
The seal coating project will be discussed in further detail at the
April SMP City Council meeting.
John also reported on the correspondence received from Washington
County pertaining to line striping. John will follow up with the
County to let them know a decision will not be made until the SMP City
Council decides if a seal coat project will be done in 2009.
City Attorney
Cameron Kelly, City Attorney, reported he has prepared an update
pertaining to the Haslund property. Cameron reported a cost
estimate to include participating in the Supreme Court matter- the
estimate would be between $5,000 and $10,000. Cameron suggested
considering asking Haslund what SMP can do, in short of litigating, to
support their case.
Motion by Councilmember Theede, seconded by Councilmember Freesmeier to
enter into a closed session meeting. Cameron Kelly, City Attorney,
reported going into a closed session to discuss the City’s position on
the litigation process. Cameron indicated no action will be taken
during this closed meeting. Mayor Williams called the closed
session meeting to order at 8:29 p.m. SMP City Council meeting
resumes at 9:03 p.m.
Mayor Williams reported the consensus of the Council is to not enter
into litigation in support of the Haslunds.
E.) City Clerk
The City Clerk requested
purchasing a new date stamp to be used at City Hall.
COUNCIL REPORTS.
Mayor
Mayor Williams indicated that on May 3, 2009, the Sentence to Service
work crew will be working in the SMP City Park.
Councilmembers
Councilmember Freesmeier
Nothing additional to report.
2. Councilmember Jacobson
Councilmember Jacobson distributed a proposal for the microphones and
supporting equipment. The total dollar amount is $2,500.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobson, seconded by Councilmember Russell, to
approve purchasing the microphone and equipment project.
Motion passes 3-2; motion is opposed by Councilmember Theede &
Mayor Williams.
Councilmember Russell
Councilmember Russell reported that Tim Berggren, Peter Quinn, Cathy
Freesmeier & herself met for Planning Commission and Tim’s role as
the head of the Planning Commission was discussed. She indicated
the Planning Commission is still seeking two additional members.
Councilmember Theede
Councilmember Theede inquired if new tables and chairs at City Hall
were still being discussed or if a decision has been made. Mayor
Williams indicated that a decision has not yet been made on the style
of the table and chairs and a catalog will be left at City Hall for
Council to review.
ADJOURNMENT.
Motion to adjourn the Council meeting at 9:34 p.m. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Gary Williams, Mayor
Megan R.
Rucker, City Clerk
St. Mary’s Point web address: http://stmaryspoint.org