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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-03-15 MINUTES- .- GOTTAGE Gf�OVE CITY COUNCIL March 15, 2000 OPEN FORUM — 7:15 p.m. Open forum provides a person an opportunity to inform the Council of a problem or to request information related to City business not scheduled for Council action and on the Agenda. Mayor Denzer encouraged persons to limit their remarks to two (2) minutes per issue. Present: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Pat Rice Council Member Cheryl Kohls Council Member Sandy Shiely Council Member Jim Wolcott Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Elizabeth Johnson Finance Director Jim Kinsey, Public Safety Director Corrine Thomson, City Attorney, Kennedy & Graven Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer, BRAA Les Burshten. Public Works Director Michelle Wolfe, Asst. City Administrator John McCool, Senior Planner Rebekah, Caroiy�, and Samuel Pahr, 8956 Gra�ada Avenue South, spoke before Councii regarding their request to keep three Iambs at the afore-mentioned address for a temporary period of time. They distributed a letter to Councii that outiined their request and their reasons for such request. They presented a petition from neighbors in support of their request, and several references that supported their cause and emphasized their ability to responsibly care for the sheep while at that address. They spoke to the value of their involvement in the 4H sheep project. They addressed noise, smell, housing, and other issues that may pose potential concerns. They emphasized that the sheep are not pets, but are being raised for siaughter and as a Washington County fair project. Senior Planner Joh� McCool explained the zoning ciassification at the Pahr's address, and offered the cost statistics that a variance to the zoning code wouid require. Mayor Denzer asked if the temporary status of the project would influence the situation. Mr. McCool clarified that a precedent was being set for other property owners who might be less responsible with their animals tha� the Pahrs. Council Member Shiely inquired about the use of the 80 acres behind the Pahr property. Mr. McCool explained that the area was an exercise area. Glen Brown, 9670 Kimber Avenue South, offered his help in taking on the animals if Council was unable to accommodate the request. Mayor Denzer explained that a variance to the ordinance was in order and that a cost would be involved to grant the request. Council Member Kohls spoke in support of 4H and the value of this project. She offered to donate $50 for the processing fee. Council Member Shiely asked that Council pursue a precedent for 4H special projects in the short term, to keep a rural flavor in the community. Regular Meeting — March 15, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 2 CALL TO ORDER The City Councii of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota heid a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 15, 2000, at the Cottage Grove City Hail, 7516 80` Street South. Mayor Denzer cailed the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Pat Rice Council Member Cheryl Kohls Council Member Sandy Shiely Council Member Jim Wolcott Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Elizabeth Johnson. Finance Director Jim Kinsey, Public Safety Director Bob �ong, City Attorney, Kennedy & Graven Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer, BRAA Michelle Wolfe, Asst. City Administrator John McCool, Senior Pianner Mayor Denzer presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION BY WOLCOTf, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO APPROVE THE FiNAL AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. PRESENTATIONS Veterans of Foreiqn Wars Donations Gien Brown, 9670 Kimber Avenue South, representing the Cottage Grove Veterans of Foreign Wars, spoke briefly to the value of donations offered by the VFW, $1000 of which is to be used toward purchase of thermal imagining equipment and $200 of which is to be applied toward the costs of organizing safety camp. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Council accepted the minutes of the March 1 regular meeting as presented. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FI�E THE FOLLOWING MINUTES: i. PLANNING COMMISSION OF JANUARY 24, 2000. ii. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION OF FEBRUARY 14, 2000. Regular Meeting — March 15, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 3 B. APPOINT DEPUTY DIRECTOR/CAPTAIN JOHN MICKE�SON TO REGULAR STATUS. C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-36, APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,500 TO HARDRIVES, INC. ON THE 1996 STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT - DISTRICT E2A. D. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 00-37, AMENDING 2000 PAY PLAN FOR EMPLOYEES NOT COVERED BY A �ABOR CONTRACT. E. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 00-38, ACCEPTING DONATIONS OF $195 FROM CITIZENS TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF A NON-BUDGETED THERMAL IMAGE MASK FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. APPROVE SUBDIVISION AGREEMENT WITH U.S. HOME-THOMPSON LAND DIVISION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A 21-LOT RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION NAMED PINE FOREST 6 ADDITION, AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-39, AUTHORIZING BRAA TO PREPARE THE PLANS AND SPECIRCATIONS FOR ALL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN PINE FOREST 6 ADDITION. , G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-40, ACCEPTING SKATEBOARD PARK EQUIPMENT. H. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-41, AGGEPTING CITIZEN DONATIONS OF CASH FOR THE GREAT GROVE GET TOGETHER AND THE COTTAGE GROVE JAYCEES COMMUNITY GE�EBRATIO'NS. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-42, APPROVlNG A PERSONNEL POLICY FOR THE CITY OF COI�I'AGE GROVE, REPEALING RESO�UTIONS 96-12 AND 98-215. J. APPROVE 2000-2001 BARGAINING UNIT AGREEMENT WITH CLERICAL BARGAINWG UNIT. K. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 00-43, APPROVING APPLIGATION OF THE COTTAGE GROVE LIONS CLUB FOR RENEWAL OF THEIR CLASS "B" PREMISE PERMIT, #B-01794-005, TO CONDUCT LAWFUL PURPOSE GAMSLWG AT THE NEW MOON RESTAURANT & SPORTS BAR FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 1, 2Q00 TO MAY 31, 2002. L. APPOINT FIRE MARSHAL RON WASILK TO REGULAR STATUS. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES ►I�GTiL:� PUBLIC HEARINGS None. Regular Meeting — March 15, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 4 BID AWARDS ice Arena Improvements MOTION BY WO�COTT, SECONDED BY RICE TO AWARD BID TO COMMERCIA� REFRIGERP,TION, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $149,780 FOR REFRIGERATION AND MECHANICAL IMPROVEMENTS AT THE COTTAGE GROVE ICE ARENA. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS Amendment to 2000 ice Arena Budpet Council Member Kohls asked for clarification on the revenue losses. Mayor Denzer stated that the projected loss is $155 for the year2000, and that while the arena is usualiy ciosed from April to mid-June this year it wili be closed until August 1s` John Fredrickson, Directo� of Parks & Recreation, outiined the hour usage by the Athletic Association and high schooL City Administrator Schroeder explained that consideration is being given to minimizing revenue loss during the shutdown. He stated that staff is reviewing suggestions, including lowering rates to fill ice time. Council Member Kohis stated that she would like to see a marketing plan rather than accept a $155,000 loss. CityAdministrator Schroederexplained that the cost estimate (s a conservative view and the aim was to bring the situation to Council's attention beforehand. Mr. Fredrickson stated that all efforts wili be made to increase revenues, but that it is difficult to market summer ice. He stated that staff is Iooking to build a fall program with leagues, figure skating, and hockey clinics starting early. He stated that caution was built into the numbers. Council Member Kohls stated that she doesn't accepYthatkind of a loss withiout seeing what can be done to mitigate it. She expressed concern about the reduction in part-time help due to shutdown, noting that custodia! services wouid be reduced. Mr. Fredrickson stated that the present custodian will be terminated after nextiweek in an attempt to shave costs, and that the wage cuts reflect the termination of a half-time secretary as welL City AdministratorSchroederexplained ttiat tlie custodian has other opportunities within the City. Council Member Kohls stated that cutting a part-time person and compieting those duties with a full-time person paid at a higher salary is not cost effective. She also inquired about meeting staffing needs when arena opens again. Mr. Fredrickson stated that these are tough decisions that will be addressed, primarily strategizing how to remain leaner on staff while maintaining a high level of service. Council Member Kohis stated that the arena cannot cut service or i4wilf lose business to topnotch facilities. She reiterated that'she is not ready to amend the budget without a marketing plan to address the loss. City Administrator Schroeder stated that staff had submitted a draft document with uninterpreted marketing ideas, and that within a coupie of weeks, he wiil interpret the ideas and bring them before Council. He stated that the marketing plan is in the final stages for the City as a whole, including the ice arena. Council Member Shiely noted that several ice arenas in the area have craft shows and asked if the Cottage Grove arena could stage these as well. Mr. Fredrickson stated that the Cottage Grove arena has dirt fioors, not concrete, which could deter such events. Council Member Shiely inquired about Regular Meeting — March 15, 2000 Coftage G�ove Crty Councrt Page 5 temporary flooring, and asked about the volume of business generated by non-ice events. She suggested that staff look at pursuing non-ice events. Mayor Denzer thanked Mr. Fredrickson for his efforts, input, ideas, and good suggestions. A. MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT TO ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 00-44, APPROVWG AMENDMENTS TO THE 2000 ICE ARENA BUDGET. MOTION CARRIED 4-1, KOHLS OPPOSED. 1999 Accom I��ishments/2000 Wotk Plans Reports City Administrator Schroeder explained that the report is a summary and asked for specific or general observations. B. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY SHIELY TO ACCEPT RECEIPT OF 1999 ACCOMP�ISHMENTS/2000 WORK PLANS REPORTS. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Application for Variance — 11370 Kingsborough Trai( South Kathryn Kane, 11370 Kingsborough Trail South,spokebefore Council about herapplication forkhe variance. She stated that she understands the ramifications of her proposetl 25-foot swimming pool, which requires an additional minimum of 10-1b feet. Senior Planner John McCooi stated that the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the issue, and that the Planning Commission recommended denial of the variance. He clarified that there was no otheriocation on the property for the pooL Councii Member Wolcott clarified the location of property and stated that he u�derstands the rationale of the Planning Commission. He also stated that he felt the situation was unique in that no other property is around, the backyard is wooded, the property is set back in woods, and the pool is not a structure that wou�d damage the bluff aesthetically. He stated that he wondered what the problem was, since the variance makes sense. Council Member Shieiy stated that the fence will be visible from the bluff line, and that the fence is the structure not the pooL She expressed her wonder at structures that are already visible along the bluff line, and stated that this pool and fence would not contribute to biighting the bluff iine. Ms. Kane produced a picture of her backyard where the pool will be. She explained the dimensions of the yard and pool, and she clarified exactly where the variance would be. She stated ttiat she believes in preservi�g the oaks in tier yard. Council Member Shiely asked if the fence would be tasteful. Ms. Ka�e assured her that it would be. She explained that the pool would be for her own private use, and that the pool would not be visibie from the front of the house. Councii Member Shiely explained that the point is to protect the view from the river and stated that the danger of a� in-ground pool becoming an eyesore is minimai. Council Member Wolcott reiterated that the view will not be damaged and stated his support to approve the variance. C. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY KOHLS TO ADOPT RESOLUTIQN NO. 00-45, APPROVING AN APPLfCATION FOR VARIANCE FROM SECTION 28-73(C)(1) TO ALLOW Regular Meefing — March 15, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 6 CONSTRUCTION OF AN W-GROUND SWIMMING POOL AT A FIVE-FOOT SETBACK FROM THE ESTABLISHED RIVER BLUFFLINE AT 11370 KINGSBOROUGH TRAIL SOUTH. MOTION GARRIED 5-0. Waivin Pq latting Requirement of Section 23-8 to Aliow for a Lot S�i�it City Administrator Schroeder expiained that the purpose of the resolution is a technical issue to sever a 12-acre piece of land that is not zoned industrial. Councii Member Kohis stated her concern about the buffer, She inquired as to when discussion would occur about the buffer between industrial and residential zones. City Administrator Schroeder expiained that many opportunities would arise to discuss the buffec He expiained that the City does need to do a neighborhood masterplan before a developer comes in. He assured Council that staff would have ideas and a plan soon. Council Member Kohls emphasized the need for plan�ing long before necessary, and stated that she would like to see the topic addressed and what the buffer wouid really look Iike. MOTION BY WOLCOTi', SECONDED BY SHIELY TO ADOPTION RESOLUTION NO. 00-46, WANING THE PLATTWG REQUIREMENT OF SECTION 23-8 OF THE CITY'S SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE TO ALLOW FOR A LOT SPLIT'OF A 79.68-ACRE PARCEL OF �AND INTO TWO SEPARATE LOTS OF RECORD OF 12.18 ACRES AND 67.50 ACRES. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Application for Site Plan Review - Office Max Senior Planner John McCooi presented a map of the 3.8-acre parcel plan along Jamaica Avenue. The proposed business is an Office Max store of 23,500 square feet and 118 off-street parking spaces. Mc McCool explained that the Plan�ing Commission voted against a storm water detention pond, citing concerns including aesthetics, debris, and safety, but may consider fencing around such a pond to secure it. Entrances, exits, and traffic fiow were discussed. CounciF Member Wolcott expressed concern for traffic flow and snowplowing, and stated his support for not changing the current layout. Mayor Denzer requested clarification on access to East Point Douglas Road. He agreed with Council Member Wolcott thaf no problems are apparent. Council Member Kohis requested that the Office Max representative clarify the needs and reasons for access as it is currently planned. Mr. Kent Klineshirn, representing Office Max, stated that the curb cut on Jamaica is critical to the store's accessibility. Pubiic Safety Director Kinsey stated that he has studied the traffic flow. He stated that the situation is not dangerous, but his staff wili monitor it nonetheless. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-47, APPROVWG THE APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW FILED BY PAC(FICA, NNN, LLC, TO CONSTRUCT A 23,500 SQUARE-FOOT RETAIL BUSINESS AT 9010 JAMAICA AVENUE SOUTH. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Revised Time Table for Grey Cloud Work Group Regular Meetrng — March 95, 2000 Cottage Grove Cify Council Page 7 City Administrator Schroeder stated that the goal is to get Council ratification of the process in discussion for severai months. He stated that some expertise may be required to evaluate proposals for the Island, and that staff would use the escrow process to gain funds from the owner to cover those studies. MOTION BY WO�COTT, SECONDED BY KOHLS TO RECEIVE AND PLACE ON FILE THE REVISED TIME TABLE FOR THE GREY CLOUD WORK GROUP AND AUTHORIZE CITY STAFF TO SECURE APPROPRIATE FUND DEPOSIT(S) FROM PAS FOR ANTICIPATED CITY EXPENSES. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS 1. Copy of Realife's demographic, i�come and age breakdown data Council offered no comments. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Counci6 Member Kohls presented several photographs of property owned by Stuart and Kathy Brooks on Langley Avenue. She stated that every spring, a great deal of inelt-off water is left standing in that area. She noted that Public Works has addressed the situation, but that Old Cottage Grove has no storm sewer to relieve the situation. She stated that the Brooks' are trying to seli their home, but that interested parties can't reach brochures because of the depth of the standing water. She stated that it wouid be an unacceptable situation in other neighborhoods. She asked for comments from Council. Mayor Denzer concurred that the whole area is in need of storm sewers. He stated that the necessary drainage could be put in, and a study is pianned for the project. He stated that Public Works staff has recommended putting in a manhole and dropping a line - a pian that hasn't come before Council yet. Council Member Shiely stated that the old ditch system is no longer effective, as ditches have been filled in as parts of yards. She added that the Brooks' were at the Pubiic Works meeting Monday night. Council Member Kohls inquired about the money ailocated for Hadley Avenue, the west draw area. City Administrator Schroeder stated that the issue wouid be before Council in the next several meetings. PAY BILLS MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY WOLCOTi', TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 112069 TO 112255 TOTALING $523,736.69. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. WORKSHOP SESSION None. CLOSED SESSION MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIE�Y, TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE THE REGULAR MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Regular Meeting — March 15, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 8 Present: Mayor John Denzer Council Members Jim Wolcott Council Members Cheryl Kohls Councii Members Pat Rice Council Member Cheryi Kohls Also: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator Corrine Thomso�, Acting Gity Attorney, Kennedy & Graven Pursuant to the open meeting law, the Council held a closed session to evaluate the performance of the City Administrator. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO ADJOURN THE CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE THE REGULAR MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY WO�COTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO ADJOURN THE REGU�AR MEETING AT 11:40 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Caron M. Stransky City Clerk CMC Lori Amundson Timesaver Otf Site Secretarial, lnc.