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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-05-03 MINUTES. ,. • . � � • May 3, 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 Councii Member Pat Rice Councii Member Cheryl Kohls Counci( Member Sandy Shiely Council Member Jim Wolcott Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Jim Kinsey, Director of Public Safety Bob Long, City Attorney, Kennedy & G�aven Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer, BRAA Elizabeth Johnson, Finance Director Les Burshten, Pubiic Works Director Michelle Wolfe, Asst. City Administrator Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director Mr. Rod Hale, 11701 Grey Cloud Trail, commented on the topic of Grey Cloud isiand. He provided some history about the potential park project that was once strongly supported for the property. He stated that he feels that fhe landowners are proposing an ultimatum for development. He expressed his belief that the land has been ravaged of natural resources. He noted that PAS has benefited from the City's generosity, but now it is reluctant to share the property with City residents: Mr. Hale stated that he feels the state representative should be addressing this issue, leading the fight to save the island and make it into a park, which would stand as a symbol of the community's commitment to recreation and outdoor life. He noted that while development of the island would provide only a legacy of more housing, transforming the island into a state park would provide a gift to City residents, which would unite the community and stand as a timeless monument. Mr. Hale suggested that the City might consider developing the land adjacenYto the island as an alternative, which would contribute to the tax base. He pointed out that a state park located just a short distance away would provide pote�tial homebuiiders with ample incentive to select that location. He asked that Council not lose this opportunity to preserve Grey Cloud Isiand, making a sfate park its first priority. Mr. Henry Mataini 7459 Ivystone Avenue South, spoke about the Grey Cloud Isiand issue. He stated he feit that development of the island would not lower the tax base of Cottage Grove. He stated that a state park wouid be the best use of the land, as it would contribute to the future of the community. He asked Council to comment on how the proposed development would be financed. Regular Meeting - May 3, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 2 City Administrator Schroeder responded that the fiscal impact study provided some statistics regarding development that M�. Mataini might find useful. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 3, 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 Councii Member Cheryl Kohls Councii Member Sandy Shiely Council Member Jim Wolcott Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Jim Kinsey, Director of Public Safety Bob Long, City Attorney, Kennedy & Graven Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer, BRAA Les Burshten, Public Works Director Michelie Wolfe, Asst. City Administrator Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director Mayor Denzer presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO APPROVE THE FINAL AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. PRESENTATIONS A. Historic Preservation Week Prociamation Councii Member Kohis read the proclamafion, proclaiming tbe second week in May as Historic Preservation Week. in 2000, May 14-20 is designated as Historic Preservation Week. APPROVAL OF MINUTES No minutes were presented. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION BY WOLCOl SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES: i. HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION OF OCTOBER 27, 1999; NOVEMBER 30, 1999; JANUARY 26, 2000; FEBRUARY 23, 2000; AND MARCH 22, 2000. ii. PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION OF MARCH 14, 2000. Regular Meeting — May 3, 2000 Cottage Grove Cify Council Page 3 iii. PLANNING COMMISSION OF MARCH 27, 2000. B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-76, DECLARING COSTS AND RESOLUT/ON NO. 00-77, CALLING FOR TNE PUBLIC HEARWG FOR ASSESSMENTS OF THE HIDDEN VALLEY 7 ADDITION STREET AND UTILITY PROJECT. C. APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF KATHLEEN KLEIN TO THE HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM. D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-78, ACCEPTING DONATIONS OF $360 FROM GTIZENS AND CORPORATIONS FOR THE PURCHASE OF AN UNBUDGETED THERMAL IMAGER FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 00-79, ACCEPTWG CITIZEN DONATIONS OF CASH FOR THE GREAT GROVE GET TOGETHER AND COTTAGE GROVE JAYCEES COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-80, AMENDING CITY FEES. G. DENY A LIQUOR �ICENSE APPLICATION FILED BY D 8� B RIVER OAKS, INC. City Administrator Schroeder advised Council that the item had been changed to "Accept Withdrawal of a Liquor License Application Filed by D& B River Oaks, Inc." H. APPOINT MICHELE OLWELL TO REGULAR STATUS. APPROVE ADVERTISEMENT TO BID FOR NEW OSHA-COMPLIANT GARAGE DOORS FOR THE OLDER AREA OF THE PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY. APPOWT MR, RANDALL ECKSTEIN AND MR. WESLEY BUTLER TO EACH SERVE A TWO-YEAR TERM ON THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION. K. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 6 FOR THE 80 STREET SOUTH IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,500. L. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-81, DECLARING MAY 15, 2000 THROUGH MAY 19, 2000 AS THE FIRST ANNUAL CITY EMPLOYEE HEALTH WEEK. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES None. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. BID AWARDS A. Pine Forest 6` Addition Utility Improvement Proiect Regular Meeting - May 3, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 4 MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT TO ADOPT RESOLUTIOIV NO. 00-82, AWARDING BID TO HYDROCON, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $246,115.40. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Public Works Director Burshte� described the area under consideration. B. Ideal Avenue/110` StreeUlnwood Avenue Street Improvement Proiect MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-83, AWARDING BID TO TOWER ASPHALT, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $943;814. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Public Works Director Burshten described the submitted bids and subsequent recommendation. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A Approve the Final Plat Appiication filed by Orrin Thompson Homes for Pine Summit 1 Addition MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY KOHLS TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-84, APPROVING THE FWALPLAT APPLICATION FILED BY ORRIN THOMPSON HOMES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PROJECT KNOWN AS "PINE SUMMIT 1 ADDITION" (PREVIOUSLY NAMED "WEST DRAW MEADOWS"). MOTION CARRIED 5-0. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY TO APPROVE THE SUBD�VISION AGREEMENT WITH ORRIN THOMPSON HOMES FOR PINE SUMM9T 1 ADDITION. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT TO ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 00-85, ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPEGIFICATIONS FOR PINE SUMMIT 1 ADDITION. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY RIGE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00 APPROVWG THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR PINE SUMMIT 1 ADDITION AND SETTING A BID DATE OF JUNE 1, 2000. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None. COUNC C OMMENTS AND REQUESTS Mayor Denzer anno�nced the Public Works Spring Ciean-up Day for household clean-up and disposai of large and hazardous items. He announced the designated day as Saturday, May 6, 2000, 8:00-4:00. He listed many items that wili be accepted that day and the fees associated with iarge items. He also listed many househoid hazardous items that wili be accepted free of charge. Council Member Wolcott requested an update on the Hadley Avenue project. Pubiic Works Director Burshten stated that the afFected landowners had been consulted and everyone was in agreement to go ahead with the project. Council Member Shiely stated that she favors the traffic diverter alone as opposed to lowering the hill and adding the traffic diverter as a solution. CityAdministrator Scfiroeder reminded Councii that they Regular Meeting — May 3, 2000 Cottage Grove Cify Council Page 5 had discussed this issue previously and decided that lowering the hiit was the best solution as long as the landowners were in agreement. He stated that, financially, the diverter alone was less costly; but if that solution didn't work, it wouid be more costly to then lower the hii� and reestablish the diverter. Some discussion about the dimensions and cost of the traffic diverter ensued. City Administrator Schroeder asked that Council provide a formal motion to proceed with the project. MOTION BY KOHLS, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO DIRECT STAFF TO PROCEED WITH THE PROJECT AS PRESENTED. SHIELY NAY. MOTION CARRIED 4-1. PAY BILLS MOTION BY KOHLS, SECONDED BY RICE, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 112747 TO 113143 TOTALING $527,992.49. MOTION CARRIED: 5-0. WORKSHOP SESSION A. Commission Absences City Administrator Schroeder described existing policies regarding commission attendance. He provided Council members with alist of commissioners with absences: He asked Council fordirection on how to address these absences. He outlined four options for Council to consider: ignore the ordinance requirements, comply with the requirements and create vacancies, place members on notice regarding future absences, or determine whether policy is as they wouid like it and possibly change it. Councii Member Shiely inquired about a leave of absence policy for lengthy consecutive absences. City Administrator Schroeder stated that various commissions aliow for that type of leave, but it is not addressed in the ordinance. He verified that severai commissioners have left positions due to chronic absences. Councii Member Shiely stated that when commission candidates are interviewed, theyare informed of the City's expectation that they wiil attend meetings. City Administrator Schroeder explained that the individuai commissions could waive policy requirements for special situations, He said that excessive absences are usualiy brought to the attention of the individual, a�d thafi the commissioner is asked if he/she wishes to resign from the commission. He noted that a probiem arises when commission meetings have no quorum. Mayor Denzer stated that missing four or five consecutive meetings should be considered excessive. CounciF Member Woicott noted that plenty of people are waiting to be on a commission and would like to serve. He suggested giving them an opportunity when commissioners are chronically absence. Council Member Rice suggested that four consecutive absences should result in a commissioner being excused from duty, unless perhaps they are retained through the remainder of the term untii a new commissioner is appointed. Council Member Shiely said that it should be left up to the chair of the commission to address each situation individually. Stie stated that if a commissioner has a reasonable explanation for an absence or a series of absences, then that commissioner should be ailowed to continue to serve: She noted Regular Meeting — May 3, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 6 that letters have been sent out to alert absent commissioners of the situation and ask if they are interested i� continuing to serve. Council Member Shiely suggested that absences continue to be handied in that fashion. Council Members Kohls and Wolcott agreed that the ordinance should be followed unless the commission chair recommends a variance, B. Grey Cloud Isiand City Administrator Schroeder explained that the goal was to create focus to identify issues at hand. He noted that various parties had specific issues to identify. Mr. Schroeder stated that the DNR is working on a list of issues and wants the opportunity to continue as a participant in the process. He informed Council that the Metropolitan Council, Washington County, and the County Parks Commission discussed this issue, but developed no specific list of priorities. He stated that the agencies were amenable to work on various proposals and provide feedback to continue the process. He stated that he had received a handout from PAS & Associates that highlighted their goais and objectives for the Island. City Administrator Schroeder stated that the following issues were some of the items up for discussion'. 1. How much taxabie market value does Councii wish to create? 2. What are Gouncii's goals for housing unit values, antl which styles of housing (heterogeneous or homogeneous)? 3. What constitutes preservation of shoreline? - 4. What park amenities does Council wish to see on the island? 5. What constitutes public access? 6. At what level wouid Council hold a developer responsible for off-island access? 7. Is Gouncil open to the PUD concept, which would allow the process to begin to phase in requirements for park phasing? 8. What are Council's desires for public access to a marina? 9. Should Iand be dedicated to marina/retail uses? How much? 10. What is the minimum required land mass for open space, residential property, etc? 11. Other. Council Member Shiely stated that she did not have the information necessary to speak to these items. She stated that she feels that this came very quickly, and while it's a start, she needs information from the potential players. She stated that she feeis pressured and rushed. City Administrator Schroeder stated that the consensus of the group was that the issues should come back before Councii, and that the memo had been sent out based upon direction at the previous workshop. Council Member Shiely stated that she had�'t heard such a consensus, and that she didn't understand that these details would be addressed at this particular meeting. Councii Member Kohis stated that ali she has heard is Sienna's goals and development plans. She said that she expected to identify specific natural resources to protect at this meeting. She read from a prepared statement that described herfeeling that the provided guide directs Council to a particular outcome. She said that G�ey Cloud Island is not just another subdivision, and she said that she would Regular Meeting — May 3, 2000 Cottage Grove Cify Council Page 7 not be manipulated or bullied i�to a premature decision. She stated that untii ail park discussions happen, she wouid �ot vote in favor of a housing development on the Island. Councii Member Kohls left the meeting at 8:34 PM. City Administrator Schroeder stated that he disagreed with Council Member Kohls' statement. He stated that the intent of the meeting is to provide factual discussion in order to have Council direct staff based upon facts. He discussed scenarios from the fiscai impact study. He said that he hoped to put information in a relative scale so that Council and the public would know how this discussion relates to other things. Council Member Shiely stated that the trouble is that we know that certain scenarios wili cost more than others. She said that the more the development scenario is gone over; a feeling is created that somehow Council is blowing an opportunity to capitalize, and Council feels pressured to comply. She discussed creating master planning, a�d described her hope that Council establish a bottom-Iine vision, and �ot simply respond to individual developers: She stated that as Council members, theyare supposed to be establishing a vision, not looking at developers' pians. Mayor Denzer stated that Council needs to establish what they want to see for this project. City Administrator Schroeder asked Council to identify a vision and provide the other players with that information. He asked that Councii see if they can match their vision up with other visions, such as those from the DNR, Met Council, Washington County, etc. He asked for goals from ali agencies involved, and stated that he had provided the City Council with those he had been given. He said that Council doesn't need the actuai representatives from other agencies in the room commenting on CounciPs goals. He said that some overlap teils us that we have an opportunity to work on something, butthe�e is little overiap presently. Council Member Wolcott commented on the cost of the island's infrastructure, stating that he figures it at around $8 million. He stated that local citizens shouldn't subsidize that cost. Council Member Wolcott said that he would like to see public ownership of the shoreline, with the public having access. He said that a marina would be nice, as there is no place in Cottage Grove now for boating except for one smali shallow landing. City Administrator Schroeder requested clarification on the definition of "preservation of shoreline". He said that access and preservation are separate issues. Councii Member Shieiy clarified that pubiic ownership of the shoreline is a widely heid opinion. Some discussion ensued regarding pubiic ownership of shoreline and preserving existing green spaces and the treeline. Mc Rod Hale reiterated his open forum ideas, stating that neighboring properties will be vaiued much more with a perk on the istand. He said that the tremendously valuable property adjacent to Grey Cloud Island would pay for the park. Councii discussed how the value of the park is transferred to the value of the adjacent properties. Mr. Henry Mataini expressed his feeling that all park ideas are disregarded. He stated that public ownership of shoreline is impractical, but a public marina is feasible. Regular Meeting — May 3, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 8 City Administrator Schroeder stated that Council needs to reach a consensus in order to provide direction. He said that the list of questions included in the packet was an attempt to provide focus and define goals. He said that while the marina is a good goai, Council needs to reach consensus about it. Mayor Denzer addressed Councii's goals for housing unit values. Council Member Shiely stated her support for estate housing. Council Member Rice stated his support for housing with high-end values. He described visiting San Juan Island in Seattle and stated that his vision is along those lines, meaning a mixed use that includes housing and a park. Council Member Wolcott reminded Council that the City does nof have contro� of this land, the owner does. He pointed out that the owner has hired a developer, and Cou�cil cannot dictate what PAS is going to do with the land. He stated that the owner has said that he is not going to sell the island for ail park purposes. He expressed his hesitancy at supporting a plan that develops the island for ali privateiy owned properties, as this scenario inciudes no financiai suppoit for infrastructure. Council Member Shiely stated that this land is guided for rural residential, and the majority is zoned industriai. She said that it will require rezo�ing and asked if the City is under any legai obligation to rezone the property to facilitate certain development proposais, City Attorney Bob Lo�g stated that the Gity is not under a legal obligation that the issue is at CounciPs discretion. Council Member Shiely said that she's not very trusting of the present scenarios; as Council couid be committing to something that may turn around and come back to them. She expressed her belief that Council is responsible to the landowner, but that the Iandowner shouldn't dictate the scenarios. She said that she is unconvinced that Plan A or B are the only ones available. Council Member Woicott said he would stiil like to see pubiic ownership of the shoreline, even with estate housing. Councii Member Shieiy said that Sienna's plan has too many units, and that development at that density is too much. She said she feeis that the size of the development is a problem, as left over land for park purposes is minimal. She disagreed with Council Member Rice's vision equating Grey Cloud to San Juan Isiand, as she feels the isiand is too fragile to support such a large developmenf. City Administrator Schroeder asked Council to reach a consensus regarding the perimeter of the isiand and whether it should be used for trails, etc., or other uses that may erode the tree cover. Mayor Denzer suggested periodic access, such as 1000 feet on one side, etc. Councit Member Woicott reiterated his view regarding the shoreline, which kept the majority for public access, even with estate housing. Council Member Shiely stated that with a 600+ unit development, they couid easily estabiish public access to almost all shoreline. City Administrator Schroeder informed the Councif that conservation easements of 100+ feet could be requested on estate lots, and they would still be marketed as being on the river. However, private owners wouid not control the shoreline. Regular Meefing — May 3, 2000 Cottage Grove Cify Council Page 9 Council Member Shiely stated that public access will not preclude estate housing and private ownership. City Administrator Schroeder expiained that Sienna has stated the estabiished number of units as proposed is required to support a significant share of off-island infrastructure. He asked Council if they were interested in reducing the development footprint. Council Member Wolcott stated that he is not in favor of owner tax abatement. Mayor Denzer stated that he is open to using a PUD agreement at this time, as provides more control. City Attomey Long commented that there are advantages to a PUD agreement for pubiic ownership and access issues. " City Administrator Schroeder asked Council if they need more time to consider the options before them. Council Member Shieiy said that she is not open to a PUD agreement, as that is making a decision for the future of the land regardiess of whether or not the developer stays or goes. She said that it was putting the cart before the horse. Council Member Woicott stated that a Plan Unit Development wouid protect the land for the park and provide for mixed use. Ne said that they couid start the process as the PUD wouid be compiex, but it would be a long time before anything was finalized, following a long negotiation process. Some discussion followed regarding types and the definition of PUD, value, etc. City Administrator Schroeder suggested a mixed use on the Island, as Council's intent wouid be initiating park uses as discussed ail along, not as an afterthought foliowing development. Mr. Rod Hale addressed Council, stating that they were stili not focused on what residents value as a park. He suggested that Council begirr to identify what kind of park they want on the island. He suggested that they focus on a regional park and make a strong commitment to hold to it, resolving to accept nothing less than a regional park. Council Member Wolcott stated that Council could not dictate to PAS what they will have as a park. He stated that he would not support condemning the land. Dick Poulta, a citizen from Grey Cloud Township, stated that Councii is being pressured by Sienna. He said that this is a challenge and Council should look to the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis for an example. He advised Councii to plan in terms of 30-50 years out and leave the park as a legacy and a centerpiece for pianning the whole area. He said that the entire southwest corner of Cottage Grove should be viewed as a big development, and Council should look at the 6ig picture and �ot be pushed by Sienna. Council Member Wolcott responded that Council is currently doing master planning in all of Cottage Grove and they are looking at the big picture. He said that aithough individuals have comp�aints about Sienna, PAS is the landowner who hired Sienna, and Council can't control that. He stated that he believes Council is taking due diligence, not rushing through the process as though iYs happening fomorrow. He mentioned the mining permit for the Island and noted that there is potentially 15 years left of mining unless the channei is mined. He said that residents shouidn't beat up on Council, as they are trying to do things right. Regular Meeting — May 3, 2000 Cottage Grove Crty Council Page 10 Some discussion regarding the coexistence of housing and mining ensued. At 10:02 Denzer deciared a ten-minute break. At 10:19, the meeting reconvened. Tony Beil, a resident of Grey Cloud Township, described the osprey population on Grey Cloud Island. He also described other threatened species inhabiting the island. Another Grey Cioud Island Township resident suggested that the marina decision is not o�e that Cottage Grove can make without consulting Corps of Engineers, etc. She said that the mining permit for CAMAS in Grey Cioud Island Township was just issued at the meeting in May. Council Member Wolcott stated that it looks as if the DNR is saying that a state park is not a possibility. He noted that there appears to be a consensus that Council supports a regional park on the island, and befiveen the park and housing developers, the majority of the infrastructure should be paid for, He suggested that Council get some kind of a commitment, and he suggested a PUD constructed with the assistance of the Iegal community. He suggested that the PUD include some tax base benefits to the City, and yet provide value to citizens with the park area, boating, activities, etc. Councii Member Shiely stated that she would not vote on a PUD until Council receives a follow-up from the Metropolitan Council with a commitment to a regional park. She stated that at that time, she would commit to a regional park and mixed-use development. She said that she wants the park to be the first consideration, and thafi staff should develop a Plan C or Plan D, as she refuses to accept that Plan A and B are all thaYs available. < Council Member Rice agreed with the consensus that Councii feeis strongly about the park. He noted his feeling that the DNR had an all-or-nothing approach, which didn't allow for mixed use. He commented that a state park seems to be an unreasonable option. He agreed that going to the Metropolitarr Council with the regionai park proposal is the way to go. Dick Pouita asked if Councii would support a state park if there were no cost to the community. Councii Member Shiely said that if the state agreed to handle i�frastructure costs and came to an agreement with the landowner, then, yes, she would support a state park. Mayor Denzer stated that in the DNR's ali-park scenario, they would contribute about haif the cost of all needed infrastructure. He said that he doesn't feel that Gottage Grove shouid pay $4+ miilion for a park that the whole state couid use. He said that he would have to see the proposal before consenting. Council Member Wolcott said that these issues have been asked before, and he wouid have to have certain questions answered before committing. CLOSED SESSION None. Regular Meefing — May 3, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 1 t ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT 10:35 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 4-0 (Kohis absent). Respectfully submitted, Caron M. Stransky City Clerk CMC Lori Amundson TimeSaver Otf Site Secretarral, Inc.