by Dave DeMars
At its Oct. 2 meeting, the St. Joseph City Council took major steps in approving upgrades that would improve the operational efficiency of the water-utilities communications system in the city.
With city utilities such as water plants, lift stations and other related utilities scattered at various sites throughout the city, the monitoring of the performance of the equipment becomes a difficult thing to do. In the past, the council has discussed a utility communications system referred to as SCADA. Essentially it’s a monitoring system that connects the various water utilities into one system to make them a more efficient operational system.
“As far as lift stations go, right now we have to visit those every day,” said St. Joseph Public Works Director Terry Thene. “We do not have the data to trouble-shoot that. We have to physically go there.”
Thene explained with the SCADA system, that data could be collected and transmitted to one central site. If there were problems at a well site or lift station, that information would become available almost immediately, and personnel could be dispatched to address the problem. This would provide savings in man hours that could be put toward other needed maintenance of the system.
In addition, the system would not only give details of the problem but would provide details as to what needed repairs and which fixes were needed. The money for the system has already been appropriated in a previous bond issue for upgrades. Total cost of the SCADA system is estimated to be about $65,000. The system would be a hybrid fiber-optic and radio-transmission system with the water tower serving as the radio-communications center for the system.
Project updates
The council also received a short update from St. Joseph City Engineer Randy Sabart on the various city construction projects. Sabart explained most of the work left was “punch-list” work needed to be completed so final payments could be made to contractors.
Terry Thene summarized the work being done on the Millstream shelter project. Tongue-and-groove siding on the exterior has been installed and dry wall and painting are now being done on the interior. The driveway should be paved in the next week and exterior lighting is being put in place. Water connections are scheduled to be made within the next week. It’s hoped the project will be completed by Oct. 15.
“The building is looking very good,” Thene said.
Pavement management
The council was also given a Pavement Management and Improvement Schedule by Sabart. The purpose of the schedule is to allow for better coordination of funding for pavement-improvement projects and to ensure the projects are planned for and completed. Often, pavement projects suddenly appear so the council has to scramble to find funding to complete the projects. The Management and Improvement schedule should help alleviate some of that problem by providing for better planning on upkeep and funding.
Sabart noted an average street lasts 30–35 years with proper maintenance. During that time, crack sealing, surface treatment, edge milling and additional overlays should be done at scheduled times. At the end of 35 years, a complete tear-out and replacement of the street would be done. Of course, the traffic flow and types of traffic, as well as weather, would affect the length of time a street might last. But the schedule would give the council some kind of tool for planning for street upkeep.
With little discussion, the council moved to approved resolution 2017-050 for plans and specifications and advertising for bids in the rehabilitation of water-treatment plant number one. The bid date was set for Oct. 31. Probable construction costs are estimated at $355,840, which includes soft costs such as engineering and planning.
Dog Park
Council member Matt Killam informed the council the dog park opened Sep. 25, and about 50 people and 20 dogs showed up to enjoy the new park.
Vehicle maintenance
In order to better manage the budget, St. Joseph City Administrator Judy Weyrens presented a vehicle-management plan that detailed maintenance and repair costs as well as expected life of the vehicle. The purpose is to manage vehicle-maintenance costs.
Weyrens also presented a request to open labor negotiations with city workers.
Because of the need for a public hearing dealing with the final assessment on Field Street, the council moved the normal council meeting to Tuesday, Oct. 24 rather than Oct. 16 to facilitate better public participation.
Jaycees’ raffle
The council also approved a Jaycees’ raffle request.
Mayor Rick Schultz acknowledged Rep. Jeff Howe in the audience. Howe is the Minnesota House Representative for the City of St. Joseph and surrounding area. Howe spoke briefly to the council, telling its members he had just come to see what the council was doing and how he might be of service to them in their role as council members.
Consent agenda
Council approved the consent agenda which included the following:
● Approved payment to contractors for the Millstream Park Shelter in the amount of $55,490. In the attached memo, it noted this is the first draw on approved funds and is about half of what has been approved.
● Approved resolution 2017-049 amending the terms of a Tax Increment Financing Interfund Loan to Central Minnesota Credit Union. Terms of the original loan were to loan $12,000 at 4.5-percent interest. State law allows for only a 4-percent interest charge, so the terms had to be amended.
● Following the recommendation of the St. Joseph Planning Commission, the council approved amending a conditional-use permit for the bed-and-breakfast being renovated at 29 Minnesota St. E.. Original plans called for a hardie-board panel siding with brick accents. The change will allow for use of the original wood siding along with brick accents. Original siding is in good repair.