City
of St. Mary’s Point
City Council Meeting – October 7, 2008
St. Mary’s Point Web address:
http://stmaryspoint.org
PRESENT: Mayor Jones, Councilmembers Farnham, Jacobson, Williams,
and Theede
ABSENT: None
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 Theede , seconded by Councilmember Jacobson to
approve the Consent agenda. Motion passed 5-0.
PUBLIC CONCERNS.
Steve Broecker was at the meeting to inquire about the roadside brush
clearing on Itasca in front of his home. Steve said the clearing
was happening up to 12 feet in from the road, and he was under the
understanding that it was going to be only 3 feet.
Councilmember Farnham stated that there should not be any clearing
beyond 6 feet. The concern was brought forward that this clearing
may create an opportunity for people to park in that area.
Councilmember Jacobson inquired about a “No Parking” sign for the side
of the street. Councilmember Williams stated that the goal of
clearing the brush out was to increase the visibility on the street and
parking on that street will not improve the line of sight. The
idea of placing a “No Parking” sign on the street will be investigated
and discussed further at the November meeting. Councilmember
Farnham also agreed to take a look at the site.
SHERIFF’S REPORT.
There was not a deputy at the meeting to give a report.
Councilmember Williams volunteered to contact the Washington County
Sheriff’s Office to remind them that the City would like a Deputy to
attend the Council meetings and give a report, when possible.
PLANNING COMMISSION / PLANNING.
Hubbard property
Mayor Jones reported that the Hubbard’s have requested a subdivision
and a variance that will most likely go before the Planning Commission
in October. Councilmember Farnham reported the Hubbard’s are no
longer requesting a vacation of property for the road.
Councilmember Farnham reported the Hubbard’s would like to create a 2.5
acre lot for the caretaker’s house on their property, which will face
St. Mary’s Drive. The tennis court & boat storage area would
then be left without a residence, which is the reason for the variance
request. The Hubbard’s would like to link these buildings to the
primary residence across the street. Cameron Kelly, City
Attorney, reported that he is working with John Glomski, City Planner,
on this project and is aware of the request.
Roettger-Broecker
Mayor Jones stated that this project is in the early stages of
discussion, and that it looks like it will involve applying for a
subdivision. John Glomski, City Planner, is researching this request
and will report his findings to the City Council. Councilmember
Farnham reported that at this stage the City is ensuring all of the
proper documents have been received.
Holmer property
Cameron Kelly, City Attorney, asked the Council to review a letter he
drafted pertaining to the Holmer property. Cameron reported the
Holmer’s have three non-conforming seasonal structures on the
property. Cameron reviewed what the inspectors have reported as
being concerns and reviewed the draft letter & agreement that he
has prepared. After reviewing the letter & agreement,
Councilmember Theede suggested the agreement state that the property is
not necessarily a buildable parcel.
Motion by Councilmember Farnham to approve the draft letter and
draft agreement with the additional edit suggested by Councilmember
Theede, and adding the spouse’s name and condition that the illegal
structures cannot be rebuilt in the event of a flood. Motion
Seconded by Councilmember Theede Motion passed 3-2.
Motion was opposed by Councilmembers Jacobson & Williams.
Councilmember Williams stated he was not in agreement with the draft
agreement because he feels the goal of the project was to have the
illegal structures removed and not to allow the structures to remain
in-tact for five additional years. Councilmember Williams also
stated he does not believe this agreement is in the best interest of
the City or the Holmer’s.
Stehly property
A stop work order was issued by Duane Stensland, Building Inspector,
and the Stehly’s continued forward and finished their outdoor patio,
even though they had received the stop work order. Cameron Kelly, City
Attorney, reviewed a letter with the Council that he drafted to send to
the Stehly home.
Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Jacobson to
send out the letter as drafted by Cameron Kelly, City Attorney, to Mr.
Stehly. Motion passed 5-0.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN/ LSWMP
Mayor Jones reported we are at the end of the 6 month period for public
commentary. In November the City will send the plan to the Met
Council. The City has not received any feedback from neighboring
communities. Councilmember Farnham stated that informal feedback
was received from the Met Council and the plan was updated accordingly.
In November a vote will be taken to send the plan on to the Met
Council. City Engineer, John Parotti, reported he has made copies
for the City Council to review, and two copies will be kept at City
Hall.
8. ELECTION UPDATES
Megan Rucker, City Clerk, reported that the state primary elections
were successful. Megan thanked the Head Election Judge, Louise
Russell, and the other election judges for making the election a very
smooth one.
Megan stated that the Head Election Judge for the upcoming general
election is Peggy Skogen, who is doing a fine job coordinating the
schedules of the election judges and making preparations for November
4th.
9. STANDING COMMITTEES – UPDATES
Fire District
Councilmember Williams had nothing to report.
Cable Commission
Mayor Jones had nothing to report.
Middle St. Croix WMO
Councilmember Jacobson distributed a resolution pertaining to the
proposal for storm water credits.
John Parotti, City Engineer, clarified the language pertaining to the
resolution. Cameron Kelly, City Attorney, clarified the agreement
and his understanding of the information after reviewing the
resolution. Cameron stated that SMP ordinances would supercede
the rules in this case.
This topic will be re-visited in November.
LSCV Alliance
Councilmember Farnham reported he and Councilmember Theede attended the
last meeting about local emergency management procedures.
10. CITY STAFF REPORTS.
Building Inspector
Duane Stensland, Building Inspector, reported on the status of the
current projects in the City.
City Engineer
John Parotti, City Engineer, reviewed the Engineering report for the
previous month. John also reviewed the memo for the tree removal
project.
City Attorney
Cameron Kelly, City Attorney, had nothing additional to report.
City Treasurer
Tom Niedzwiecki, City Treasurer, gave his financial report for the
month of September, 2008.
Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Farnham to
pay the bills with checks numbered through 3178 through 3182, and the 7
electronic payments for a total of $46,826.53. Motion passed
5-0..
E.) City Clerk
Megan Rucker, City Clerk, reported that she is expecting a baby on or
around December 1st. She therefore may not be able to attend the
December 2nd City Council meeting. Megan will contact Holly
Morley, who has previously worked for the City, to see if she is able
to attend the December meeting and take the minutes.
Megan also reported that due to the general election, the November City
Council meeting is scheduled to occur on November 11th, as opposed to
November 4th. Councilmember Williams stated that November 11th is
Veteran’s Day. The Council then decided to hold the meeting on
Wednesday, November 5th.
Motion by Councilmember Farnham to move the November 11th meeting date
to November 5th, motion seconded by Councilmember Williams.
Motion passed 5-0.
COUNCIL REPORTS.
Mayor
He had nothing additional to report.
Councilmembers
Councilmember Farnham
He had nothing additional to report.
2. Councilmember Jacobson
She reported she cut down three diseased trees in her yard.
Councilmember Jacobson also reminded the council of the DNR meeting,
which is scheduled for October 29th.
Councilmember Williams
He reported on the Washington County transportation tax- which passed
through Washington County 3-2, with the SMP representative voting no.
Councilmember Theede
He had nothing additional to report.
ADJOURNMENT.
Motion by Councilmember Theede to adjourn the meeting, seconded by
Councilmember Farnham at 9:08 p.m. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Donald R. Jones, Mayor
Megan R. Rucker , City Clerk
St. Mary’s Point web address: http://stmaryspoint.org