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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-05 MINUTES. ,� ` • ' � � • 1' April 5, 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 Councii 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 Councii Member Jim Wolcott Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Mike Zurbey, Police Captain Bob Long, City Attorney, Kennedy & Graven Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer, BRAA Les Bu�shten, Public Works Director Micheile Wolfe, Asst. City Administrator John McCooi, Senior Planner There were no open forum items. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Min�esota held a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 5, 2000, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80` Street South. Mayor Denzer called the meeting to order at 730 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Pat Rice Council Member Cheryl Kohis Council Member Sandy Shiely Council Member Jim Wolcott Aiso Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Mike Zurbey, Police Captain Bob Long, City Attorney, Kennedy & Graven Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer, BRAA Les Burshten, Public Works Director Michelle Woife, Asst. City Administrator John McCool, Senior Planner Mike Zurbey, Police Captain Regular Meeting — Aprit 5, 2000 Cotfage Grove City Council Page 2 Mayor Denzer presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO APPROVE THE FINAL AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. PRESENTATIONS None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There were no minutes presented. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY WOLCQ'T'f, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLAGE ON F1�E TNE FOLLOWING MINUTES: i. PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION OF FEBRUARY 8, 2000. ii. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF FEBRUARY 8, 20d0. iii. PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION OF FEBRUARY 22, 2000. iv. PLANNING COMMISSION OF FEBRUARY 28, 2000. 8. APPOINT ALLAN DUBOIS AND JON HEMPEL TO THE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION. C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-49, SPECIFYING FINES FOR CERTAIN IMPROPER CONDUCT OF LIQUOR LICENSEES. D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-50, ACCEPTING CASH DONATIONS TOTALING $1,725 FOR PURCHASE OF AN UNBUDGETED THERMAL IMAGER FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. E. APPOINT JON CHENEY AS CHAIRMAN OF THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION FOR 2000. F. ACCEPT RESIGNATION OF ROD BEYER FROM THE HUMAN SERVICES/HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION. G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-51, SUPPLEMENTING THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH CITY ADMINISTRATOR RYAN SCHROEDER BY SETTING A NEW SALARY. H. ADOPT RESOLUTION IVO. 00-52, ESTABLISHING WAGES FOR TEMPORARY AND PART- TIME EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING CHANGES TO PART-TIME FIREFIGHTER WAGES. I. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #1 WITH PITT-DES MOINES, INC. TO UPGRADE THE MAIN CIRCUIT BREAKER AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT FOR THE WEST DRAW WATER TOWER PROJECT. Regular Meeting — April 5, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 3 J. ADOPT RESOLt/TION NO. 00-53, ACCEPTING A WASHINGTON COUNTY SCHOOL-TO- WORK GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500. K. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF A CONSUMPTION AND DISPLAY (SET UP) PERMIT TO BOONDOCKS BAR AND GRILL, 7402 LAMAR AVENUE SOUTH. L. AUTHORIZE STAFF TO PURCHASE WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE FOR ALL CITY EMPLOYEES, THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND MEMBERS OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FROM THE LMCIT. M. APPOINT JON AUGE AS THE PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIR FOR 2(100. N. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 00-54, APPROVING THE PLANS AND SPEGIFICATIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ALL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR PINE FOREST 6 ADDITION AND SETTING A BID DATE OF APRIL 27, 2000. O. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-55, APPROVING THE CONSTRUCTION PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2000 PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT, AND SETTING A BID OPENING DATE OF APRIL 27, 2000. P. AUTHORIZE STAFF TO ENTER INTO A COST-SHARING AGREEMENT FOR BACKSTOP IMPROVEMENTS AT ARMSTRONG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND CRESNIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WITH THE SOFTBALL DIVISION OF THE CGAA. Q. APPROVE ISSUANCE OF SINGLE-OCCASION GAMBLING PERMIT TO YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU, INC. AND WAIVE THE $100 PERMIT FEE. R. RECEIVE AND PLACE ON FILE A HANDOUT TITLED GUIDELINE FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROCESS. S. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-56, ACCEPTING CfTIZEN DONATIONS OF CASH TOTALING $232 FOR THE GREAT GROVE GET TOGETHER AND THE COTfAGE GROVE JAYCEES COMMUNITY CELEBRATION. T. REVIEW BUDGET STATUS OF RIVER OAKS CLUBHOUSE CONSTRUCTION. U'. AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO ENTER INTO THE WAKOTA MUTUAL FIREFIGHTERS AID AGREEMENT AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES None PUBLIC HEARINGS None -�• '_'! Regular Meeting - Apnl 5, 2000 Coftage Grove Crty Council Page 4 2000 Sealcoat Proiect MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-57, AWARDING BID TO BITUMINOUS ROADWAYS IN THE AMOUNT OF $155,404.66 FOR THE 2000 SEALCOAT PROJECT. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS 2000 Capita� Improvement Pian to aliow the purchase of new playground equipment at Hamlet Park and Pi�e Tree Valley Park. John Fredrickson described new regulations pending from the Consurner Products Safety Commission involving piayground equipment. He explained that staff had consequently identified play structures within City parks that were in the worst shape and yet received the most use. He identified Hamlet Park and Pine Tree Valley Park as the most popular parks with the worst equipment: He suggested using the current Capital improvement Project for guideiines and funding to improve the structures in these parks. Council Member Shiely requested clarification on the use of the Park Trust Fund and said that she understood that it was not intended for these types of projects. Mr. Fredrickson explained that when Park Trust Funtl dollars are used for maintenance, developmenf dollars are indeed sacrificed. He said that the General Fund budget should be used for repiacement costs. Council Member Shiely inquired whether the Park Trust Fund has ever been used to acquire Ia�d in the past. Mr. Fredrickson replied that it hadn't, to his knowledge. Council Member Kohls i�quired about the balance of the Park Trust Fund and asked if using it in this way would slow down future development. Mr. Fredrickson replied that he did not know the exact amount in the fund but that the concern was valid, as this type of expenditure could run the fund short. Council Member Kohls asked Mr. Fredrickson to research the issue in order to assure that future development would not be impacted. A. MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY KOHLS TO APPROVE MODIFICATIONS TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TO ALLOW FOR THE PURCHASE OF NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR HAMLET PARK AND PINE TREE VA��EY PARK IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,000 FROM THE PARK TRUST FUND AGCOUNT. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. B. MGM Liquor Warehouse and Cottage Grove VFW Post 8752 Liquor License Violations Police Captain Mike Zurbey described the violations at hand. He explained that the establishments had illegally sold liquor to minors. Rick ?, Club Manager of VFW Post 8752, admitted to the violation alleged against his establishment. He said that alcohol awareness classes had since been given and 100% of his staff had attended. He explained that he was instituting changes to prevent future violations, such as reevaluating policy, ordering a magnetic strip ID reader, and updating aicohol warning signs throughout the club. B. MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY RICE TO IMPOSE A$1,000 FINE AGAINST THE COl GROVE VFW FOR THEIR SECOND VIOLATION IN A 24-MONTH PERIOD AS RECOMMENDED BY PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR JIM KINSEY. CARRIED 5-0. Regular Meeting - April 5, 2000 Cottage Grove Cify Counci! Page 5 Eric Neison, Nianager at MGM Liquor Warehouse, denied the liquor violation alleged against his establishment, and requested a contested case hearing. City Attorney Bob Long expiained the CounciPs options. He recommended using an administrative law judge to ho�d a hearing, make findings, and make recommendations as to those findings. He stated that if the administrative law judge upholds the finding of the violation, the Council may impose fines as they see fit. Mr. Nelson explained that he understood that the issue would come back to Council. He requested the opportunity to address Council again in order to inform the owner of MGM of this change in procedure and reassess their standing. Mr. Long again explained procedure that the issue would still come back to Council and Mr. Nelson would still have an opportunity to address the Council on the matter. MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY RICETO DIRECT STAFF TO SET UP A HEARING WITH AN ADM9NISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE, MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Hadley Ave�ue interim improvements Public Works Director Les Burshten described the location and history of issues. He explained tha4 residents a�d staff have worked together to examine issues and options. He said that the focus has been on improving the safety of the road, He added that this issue was befote Council in 1999, and at that time, Council wrestied with issues and availability of funds, and then directed staff to find aiternatives for interim improvements. He said that plans are to reduce the elevation of the hill and construct a traffic diverter to control traffic speed. He asked Gouncil to authorize the expenditures and go on the record as approving this interim improvement, as opposed to a general improvement, for which funds are not available. He explained thatthis is a non-traditional project, as detailed specifications and plans are not available, and that the next step is for staff to go to the fieid and discuss the improvements with property owners regarding their potentiaily impacted property. Mr. Bob Hudnut 7145 65` Street informed Council that he Iives at the end of Hadley Road. He described the rural character of the road and said that very few such roads remain in the metro area. He said he considers the road a privilege and a fine naturai asset: He admitted to the existence of unfortunate speed problems but asked that the unique character of road be preserved. He requested that a middle ground be found, short of shaving off the hill. He suggested that clipping the road at the top, along with implementing "serious signage" - not caution or warning signs, but something much strongersuch as °radar patroiled° - would control traffic speeds. He suggested trying this option on a 6-month trial basis. He said that, should this option not be adopted, the traffic diverter idea should be tried without shaving the hill: He said that these options are worth a try before aitering irreparabiy the character of the hilL He encouraged Councii to give these options a chance before eiiminating trees, spending extra funds, etc. Councii Member Kohis asked to see the diagram of traffic diverter. She suggested that signage would mark the site as a speed thrili area, and she spoke to the Pubiic Safety Director's concern that signage would encourage speeding. She said that the diverter is a good plan, as it is safest for everyone. She inquired about the nature of the diverter a�d what materials would constitute the center of the diverter. Mr. Burshten said that possibly natural grasses or prairie flowers would be used. He assured Council that trees or other substantial obstacles wouid not be used. Regular Meefing - April 5, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 6 Council Member Kohls inquired whether the traffic diverter could be implemented without removing some of the hill. Jerry Bourden, City Engineer, replied that it couid be done, however, adjacent property would still be impacted. Additionaily, he pointed out that if the diverteralone didn't work, more money would be spent to implement another option. He explained that if the grade of the hill was lowered a minimal amount, it would reduce the centrifugal force on cars traveling over the hili and therefore reduce their speeds. Mayor Denzer asked if the traffic diverter wouid be located at the top of the hiil. Mr. Bourdon confirmed that it would be visible from both sides of the hill, along with warning signage and possibly a light, depending upon resident input. Council Member Woicott noted that Council had already approved the $25,000 expenditure and now Council was being asked to approve the concept. He suggested directing staff to pursue the options presented and continue with the �ecessary field work. Council Member Kohis added that she felt that the timing of the project was critical and that staff members move quickly before schooi lets out, as most problems at that site occur during the summer months. She suggested that staff target the end of May as a deadline to have the project in motion. C. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY KOHLS TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO MEET WITH ADJACENT RESIDENTS TO REVIEW PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Temporar�pair of Existing Drainage Problem 75` Street and Lan Iq ev Avenue Public Works Director Burshten described the area involved. He said that staff has struggied with drainage problems in this area for quite some time. He said that springtime thaws and rapid rains created fiooding driveways, sideyards, and roadways. He described severaP approaches that staff has attempted in the past to remedy the situation, such as recreating drainage ditches and French drains. Mr. Burshten said that staff is now looking at an interim fix untii storm sewer can be presented in that area antl streets are reconstructed. He quoted the cost of instailing the storm sewer system at about $1'80;000. He offered a staff recommendation, which, he said, shouid solve most of the ptoblems. He suggested not a French drain, but a sttucture placed in the ground with a pipe runni�g into the existing F�ench drain. He said that most members of the Public Works Gommission have met at the site to review the issue and agree that this temporary fix wiil probably work. He estimated the cost at about $4500. He noted thatthis solution should notovertaxthe existing system, and he considered it a good fix fora reasonable amount of money. D. MOTION BY SHIE�Y, SECONDED BY WOLCOTf TO TEMPORARILY REPAIR THE DRAINAGE PROBLEM BY CONNECTING A MANHOLE AND GULVERT TO THE EXISTWG FRENCH DRAIN AT FIRE STATION NO. 3 AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $4,500. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Neighborhood Master Planning in Concert with South Washington Watershed District City Administrator Schroeder explained the history of the issue: He explained that the proposa�' includes contracting wifh Hoisen Kogler Group, which has done a lot of work in this �eighborhood and other prominent areas. He noted that the Watershed District will take on some portion of the work plan. Regular Meefing — Apri! 5, 2000 Cottage �rove City Council Page 7 Council Member Kohis supported master pianning. She said that this planning will pay for itself many times over and iYs money well spent. She suggested authorizing the funding to move forward with the project, but she asked that staff research granY possibilities with various organizations. She inquired about the nature of grants and asked if grant funds could be applied toward ongoing projects. City Administrator Schroeder replied that grants would start after the Watershed District gets its work done, which leaves time to research and work through some of the details. Council Member Shiely stressed thatshe does not want doubling up of natural resources studies and inventories, and that she views that as helping an outside age�cy with work funded by Cottage Grove. City Administrator Schroeder clarified that the Watershed work plan wiil cover fhese areas and Cottage Grove won't pay any of it. MOTION BY KOHLS, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT TO AUTHORIZE EXPENDITURE UP TO $6,000 TO CONDUCT NEIGHBORHOOD MASTER PLANNING IN CONCERT WITH SOUTH WASHINGTON WATERSHED DISTRICT. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Response to Council reqardin tq he City's website. City Administrator Schroeder described the informational nature of the website. Counci� Member Rice expressed his desire to keep personal information Iisted on the website to the bare minimum. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Council Member Rice commented on the MGM LiquorNFW incidents, suggesting that the police department add more compiiance checks on liquor establishments. He expressed his concern regarding the violations, noting that "two failings is two too many." He suggested that the poiice notify liquor establishments regarding strict compiiance guidelines. He said that he wouid like a letter sent at Iicense renewal time that would notify the establishments that they should be prepared at any time to be checked. Captain Zurbey added that it costs between $400 and $500 to do every compliance check, and that figure inciudes officer overtime. Council Member Rice suggested that staff research his recommendations. Mayor Denzer announced show times for the ice show and described the program. He encouraged attendance. PAY BILLS MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 112256 TO 112534 TOTALING $632,545.12. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. WORKSHOP SESSION Lower Gre�Cloud Isiand Workshop Regular Meeting — April 5, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 8 Senior Planner John McCool welcomed members of the Planning Commission, represe�tatives from Sienna Corporation, and various residents of the area. Mr. McCool presented an update to Council and the public on future land uses on Lower Grey Cloud Island. He led discussion regarding how many acres the isiand constitutes and defining what the island is comprised of. He presented a diagram of the 1640 acres of land, describing which area is developable. He said that the work group has met with the DNR in an effort to find a balance of land uses on the Island. He said that the DNR had provided a conceptual plan to develop the island into a state park along with other uses. He presented four maps provided by the DNR including an aerial photograph with designated flood plairr, He also presented DNR's ownership map on the Isiand. He noted that the island is mined by Aggregate Industries and they project another 15 years of mining on Island. Mr. McCool provided DNR's two scenario uses for the Lower Grey Cloud Isla�d. Scenario 1 impiemented the land for state park purposes and offered no mixed uses for residential or commercial purposes. Scenario 2 designated 25 acres of the interior of the island far commercial use, and offered no residential development plan as it was in conflict with the long-term desires for island. Mr. McCool noted that Sienna Corporation had provided a co�cept plan that covered approximately 390 acres on the west side of the Island with mixed use of estate lots, urban lots, marina, tow�homes, and commerciai property. The plan proposed the outer islands as open space and pubiic park land. Mr. McCooi expiained that Sienna Corporation, the DNR, and Work Group had met to exchange ideas and philosophies, but were not able to come to consensus on future land uses on the lsland. He said that the DNR's position was that it was not interested in developing a state park that neighbors residential densities. Conversely, Sienna Corporetion identified the necessary scope of its project to make development economically feasible. Mr. McGool noted that there seemed to be no middle ground between the two agencies. Mr. McCooi stated that the purpose of the presentation was to update Councii on what the Work Group has done so far. He informed Councii that the Work Group will contact Washington County and the Metropolitan Council to request any input those agencies may have as to the future of the island. Council Member Rice commended Mr. McCool for his presentation. He suggested taking the proposals to Washington County and the Metropolitan Council to ask for input. Council Member Kohls stated that the DNR does want a state park on the property, but the issue has to do with the amount and quality of the land left after development. She noted that as the Sienna/Schiliing representatives are adamant abou4 their stance and the DNR is adamant as well, a stalemate has become apparent. Council Member Shiely asked Council Member Rice to explain the reasons for going to the Nietropolitan Gouncil and Washington County. Council Member Rice explained that these agencies have their own park systems and originally set up the isiand as a potentiai park. He adtled that these agencies could provide financial support in the deveiopment of the Island. Regular Meeting — April 5, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 9 Councii Member Kohis commented that perhaps adequate land would remain for a City park after housing developments are built. She disagreed with Gouncil Member Rice and suggested that Council have mate discussion before going to the Metropo�itan Council and Washington Council. She explained that if the issue goes to these agencies now, Council would be unable to present several concrete options for the island. She emphasized that Council hasn't made a decision in support of any option yet. She said that her hesitation iies in not having examined several options. She said that she wouid prefer approaching the project neutraily and putting many options on table, as opposed to approaching these agencies with any specific plan. Council Member Wolcott commented that this was the first time he had seen this plan. He ciarifled that Schilling has announced that he won't sell the entire island as park. He said that extending infrastructure to the island would cost $8 million, and that if the island was divided into 3-10 acre parceis, City residents would have to pay to construct roads, bridges, eta If the land was developed, Sienna Corporation would pick up a share of the infrastructure cost, and $300 miliion in tax base from development would be created. He said that he felt the plan was worth Iooking at and suggested taking the plan to the Metropolitan Council and Washington County. Discussion on acreage statistics and planning options ensued. Council Member Shiely asked for darification on the land owner's wishes for the property and whether intended to include a park. She noted that there seemed to be some confusion as to the owner's intention. She also inquired whether any sort of deveiopment would require a park dedication. Mr. McCool explained thaf the City could require a park dedicatio� or require payment in lieu of the parkland dedication. Council Member Shiely said that the DNR was concemed regarding the amount of appropriate land left over after development, and she inquired as to specificaily what land would be left after the presented development happened. Mr. McCool clarified that while the remaining Iand may be appropriate for use by other agencies, the DNR would not find it suitable for its purposes. Gouncil Member Kohis informed that the DNR had specific requirements for funding a"state" park and that the Sienna proposal does not meet their requirements. Councii Member Kohls agreed that the Work Group needs fo taik to the Metropolitan Councii and Washington County, but she spoke of her hesitation to approach these agencies with one plan. She explained that she doesn't want to create impressio� that one specific direction has been determined by Council. Council Member Shiely voiced her opinio� that the Sienna plan was too high density. She said that she supports a mixed-use plan and that she is �ot in favor of the Sienna proposal as presented. Costs for a variety of development options were discussed. Council Member Shiely said that the decision should not be totally based on money, but should incorporate the community feeling as well, considering residents' viewpoint over maintaining open space and natural resources. She said that Council has always known that this development would create additionai tax base, but she communicated her hope that open space wouid be preserved and the community couid still enjoy the Mississippi River. Regular Meeting - April 5, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 10 Gouncil Member Kohls commented that 40 years from now, the community will be buiit out to its borders, and any situations that resuit from lack of pianning wili be permanent. She said that she is not convinced that o�e particular plan is acceptable to the majority of the citizens of Cottage Grove. Council Member Rice commented thatthis plan for Lower Grey Cloud Island offers opportunities for a quality of life for residents with boats who wish to enjoy the river and park land, but aiso desire to be in a townhome area away from central Cottage Grove. He added that there is a need for something like this in the metro area. Council Member Wolcott asked whether the planned marina is pubiic or private. Councii Member Rice clarified that both types of marinas are planned. Mayor Denzer recommended moving the issue on to Washington County and the Metropoiitan Councii. Council Member Kohls commented that it had bee� a good process, both thorough and educational. Council Member Shiely thanked the Wark Group for their efforts. CLOSED SESSION None ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY WOLC07�", SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETWG AT 9:25 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Caron M, Stransky City Clerk CMC Lori Amundson TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.