City of St. Mary’s Point
City Council Meeting
March 9, 2010


Call to Order by Mayor Williams at 7:00 pm

Roll Call – All members present

Staff Present: City Attorney Amy Schmidt, City Engineer John Parotti,
                        City Clerk Cindie J Reiter, Treasurer Tom Niedzwiecki

Others Present:  Fire District Chair, Jim Stanton

Consent Agenda
Mayor Williams announced the attendance of LSCV Fire District Chair, J9om Stanton and asked that he be added to agenda.
    
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER JACOBSON, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER RUSSELL,TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING CHANGE TO THE AGENDA; ADD CHAIR JIM STANTION FOR PRESENTAION OF THE 2009 YEAR END FIRE DISTRICT REPORT.  ROLL CALL.  MOTION PASSED.  ALL AYES (5)

LSCV Fire District 2009 Year End Financial Report
800 MHz Radio Maintenance Contract
Lucas Device

    Chair Jim Stanton, presented the 2009 Year End Financial Report, noting the Medicare write-offs were up considerably.  He also provided the report provided by the Audit Committee and the (few) concerns addressed.

    He is requesting support in contacting WA County Commissioner Kriesel concerning the maintenance contract on the 800MHz radios that is to be paid by the Fire District.  The Fire District has spoken with 3 WA County Commissioners about the cost and also believes Anoka’s plan to address the cost of maintenance to be better, as it is charged per resident on the tax roll.  
Mayor Williams confirmed conversation with Commissioner Kriesel expressing concern for the maintenance fee of $300/radio with 24 in the LSCV Fire District and what it covers for the cost
Jim Stanton presented the fee was not anticipated by the Fire District for budgeting and questions what the maintenance contract covers and its cost.  He feels it is two issues of concern; What does contract cover and Who can pay for it other than the Fire District as cost is approximately $9,000/year?
Chair Stanton presented information on the Lucas Device – CPR Machine.  This device is a vest type apparatus that performs perfect CPR, with a 20% recovery rate vs. 6% recovery with manual CPR procedure.  He is seeking a contribution from each city for the purchase of a vest as it is not a budgeted item but feels the purchase can save a life.  If the fire department can purchase with other communities then can get a discount when 3 are ordered ($12,000 vs. $15,000) – he proposed Bayport and Lake Elmo as possible cities to combine an order with.  Therefore he is seeking a donation of $2,000 per city or asking the City to fundraise for this portion.  He is hoping the cities will provide $10,000 and the fire department will seek private donations for the balance of the cost.  He noted that some cities have Cable Funds available that could be used towards contributions.  He further explained how the device worked.
Mayor Williams expressed concern on how to raise the $2,000 he was seeking.  It was noted that residents may contribute based on viewing the meeting.

Sheriff’s Report

Deputy Luke Garvey presented there were 11 calls and no citations.  It has been very quite with little problem.  Mayor Williams noted that there was a compliant of 4-5 dead deer carcass at a home on Itasca and asked that the property owner be visited by WCSO.  It was also noted they received a call from Animal Control – but that the dog owner was known.  It was once again stated that calls should go to Councilmember Jacobson first from WCSO dispatch.

Public Comments – NONE



Treasurer’s Report

    City Treasurer Niedzwiecki presented a report for Year End 2009 financials and provided a recap of various funds.
 
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER RUSSELL, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JACOBSON TO ACCEPT THE 2009 YEAR END REPORTS AS PRESENTED.
ROLL CALL.  MOTION PASSED.  ALL AYES (5)

Approval of Claims and Disbursements
Treasurer Niedzwiecki directed council’s review of 2010 Year To Date Financials – a combined snapshot of 2 months.  He noted expense of $5,135.41.  Upon no council discussion.

MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER RUSSELL, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JACOBSON TO APPROVE DISBURSEMENTS AS PRESENTED.
ROLL CALL.  MOTION PASSED.  ALL AYES (5)

 Mr Niedzwiecki also noted the cost to pay Signe for this meeting’s  taping.

MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER JACOBSON, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER RUSSELL TO APPROVE DISBURSEMENT FOR SIGNE.  ROLL CALL.  MOTION PASSED.  ALL AYES (5)

Councilmember Freesmeier inquired about the $411.69 payment on Schedule B2.  The treasurer noted it was the half year dues payment to the WMO.

  Standing Committee Updates

Fire District – Councilmember Theede noted NO CALLS to SMP and favors a way to purchase the vest and raise dollars for its purchase – as it is the RIGHT thing to do.  He further stated the local population is aging and that he sees the device as very impressive and it can be checked out on line under LUCAS DEVICE.
    He further recognized that SMP has a disaster fund budget and that perhaps after donations come in the city could tap this fund for donation, as he feels that private donations may come into the fire department handily.  He noted it was demonstrated at the Alliance meeting and will ask for further information.  The City Attorney noted that if accepting donations – then it must be done by resolution for the purpose of a donation.

Councilmember Theede noted that perhaps a posting can be placed in the posting box to solicit for donations.  Councilmember Jacobson noted it could be placed on the website also.Treasurer Neidzwiecki also noted that some funds may be able to be transferred from the snow and ice reserve.
    The City Attorney noted that there is no legal obligation to match donations but would do a resolution at the time if needed for acceptance of a donation.

Buoys on River – Councilmember Theede noted the meeting on the Coast Guard river buoys is this eve (March 2, 2010) and he encouraged further meeting attendance.  The Coast Guard believes it is their responsibility to the taxpayers to NOT have the buoys on the river because of the lack of commercial traffic versus pleasure boats.  It was noted that with the sandbars and rock points an accident is a disaster waiting to happen without buoys.  Theede to get information on who to direct letter to.

Cable Commission – Councilmember Freesmeier noted the Cable adapter has been ordered fopr City Hall.
    He noted that a request for STS could be put in for clearing brush at the park (ball field) and Councilmember Russell noted STS could also help in cleaning the city hall building.

WMO – Councilmember Jacobson prompted short discussion of spawning and Stillwater bridge issues.

Alliance – No attendance.

Planning Commission – None

Building Inspector – None.  

City Engineer, John Parotti provided a report and crack seal tabulation list sorted by street and city council input.  The report was divided by street sections and by schedule.  Schedules A – Border , B Collector Streets & River Road, C Local Roads west of Itasca & D Local roads east of Itasca and Baiilion were explained.

He provided that May 3rd was the bid open date for the four cities.  The tentative scope of the project should be addressed at this meeting for an April bid, review in May and bring bids to the May 4, 2010 if possible.  June would be the latest meeting at which to present bid results.

Lake St. Croix beach will be looking at streets project that border St. Mary’s Point, on March 13 – thus it is the time to re-direct for boarder streets if needed.  

The report presented the cost estimates based on last year’s information of seal coat costs in the area.  Subtotals included construction, legal, publishing and engineering costs.

Mr. Parotti requests direction based on what is known to be reasonable assumption of LSCB border streets to be done.  He asks for determination of Schedules A, B and “x”.  Noting Schedule B for certain then, C and schedule A if LSCB does.

Councilmember Freesmeier proposes Schedules A, B and C be done, as is about half of project cost.
Councilmember Theede also notes same and notes the city has funds in the budget.

It was noted that patching be done first, before seal coat.  The patching cost for Last year was $2700, in 2008 $7700 and in 2007 $22,000.  Areas of patching need are best seen after snow and ice are gone and better if streets are swept.  It is estimated that $3,000-$5,000 in patching cost should be done before seal coating.   It was noted to move the projects for schedule A, B & C and wait for LSCB to determine their project for potential cost savings.

Other items on II of Engineering Report – Other maintenance
 It was noted that an estimate of $5,000 was projected for the curb and gutter at Itasca & Baiilion, however to replace the corner with gravel would be $500.  Councilmember Freesmeier noted that gravel should be tried before looking at curbing.

Drainage Structure
Mr Parotti offered that he can send out letters requesting bids  Requesting quotes now and consider number of drains to be done later.  He notes LSCB will also be getting quote on this,

Striping  
He further noted that striping should be held off until after seal coating is complete.  The last time it was done was 2008.  It was noted the order would be: Sweep-Patch-Seal Coat & Stripe in that order.  Mr parotti also noted he would try to get he seal coat company to bid on striping.

It was noted that the Stop Sign at ice arena is laying down.  Councilmember Jacobson to ask them to put up, although it is not on city property.

Tree Trimming/Brush Removal
It was noted that in 2008 the city paid $13,000 – however it was noted this should be addressed at time of seal coat is complete.

LSCV Water Management Organization’s dissolution into the South Washington and Valley Branch Watershed districts has prompted legal action of VBWD which lies some in St Mary’s Point.  The city has received a letter offering a seat at the mediation table for $2,000 as proposed by Washington County.    

The City Attorney weighed in on the issue of litigation through BWSR (Board of Water & Soil Review).  Woodbury has objected to boundary changes.  In appeals boundaries were re-drawn.
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City Attorney, Amy Schmidt presented information on a court decision of the City of Lakeland and Hubbard issue.  The decision of the Supreme Court on express or inherent authority to certify by the DNR was decided that the DNR did not have this authority to essentially veto a city decision.  The DNR had hoped since DNR had authority to state requirements then they could enforce them.

Senator Ann Rust, District 45 Is pushing for DNR to have authority to enforce and veto decisions.

Other – Resolution for Yellow Ribbon Alliance of WA County.
Mayor Williams explained the combined support of the five lower valley cities of the Yellow Ribbon Network – a support group for returning veterans from military duty.
 
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER JACOBSON, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER RUSSELL TO APPROVE SUPPORT OF THE YELLOW RIBBON ALLIANCE RESOLUTION.  ROLL CALL.  MOTION PASSED.  ALL AYES (5)

Waste Management Service Agreement
Review of the service agreement provided by Waste Management for recycling service.  Councilmember Theede requested the information be provided by WM earlier at next renewal.

MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER JACOBSON, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER RUSSELL TO CONTINUE SERVICE WITH WASTE MANGEMENT AND SIGN THE AGREEMENT.  ROLL CALL.  MOTION PASSED.  ALL AYES (5)

Councilmember Reports

Theede – none

Russell – none

Jacobson – WA County Flood prior meeting noted no flooding but now projecting minor flooding on the St Croix River and heavy flooding on the Mississippi at Hastings.  She also explained the issues with NFIP’s legislative issues (hang up).

She also provided that a conference on: Protecting the St. Croix River is scheduled and she will be attending for a cost of approximately $25 registration.

Freesmeier – Expressed gratitude for the significant contribution Hubbard makes to eh community ice arena and would like to recognize Mr. Hubbard.  Councilmember Jacobson noted an honorary event was held 2-3 years ago.  Mayor Williams noted Mr. Hubbard to be the heart of the (SMP) community and that Joe research and present info for the plaque Councilmember Freesmeier was proposing.

Adjournment

MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER THEEDE, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER RUSSELL TO ADJOURN AT 8:20 PM ROLL CALL.  MOTION PASSED.  ALL AYES (5)