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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-12-05 PACKET 03.B.� � REGULAR MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL October 17, 2001 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 Shiely encouraged persons to limit their remarks to two (2) minutes per issue. Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely Council Member Rod Hale Council Member Pat Rice Council Member Jim Woicott Not Present: Council Member Cheryl Kohls Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Ron Hedberg, Finance Director John Mickelson, Public Safety Director Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director Les Burshten, Pubiic Works Director Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer, BRAA Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator Corrine Thomson, City Attorney, Kennedy and Graven Gary Wilkinson, 6907 Homestead Avenue South, stated that he is here regarding concerns that relate to the proposed developments in the 70'" and Hinton area. He explained that the neighborhood residents have several concerns and plan to present their concerns in greater detail to the Planning Commission. He stated that the proposed commercial development appears to be ten acres, eight that are developable, and would become a residential convenience center which would have some direct correlation to the size of the development and the area it is supposed to cover. He further explained that their contention is with the nearby Almar farms. The project far outweighs the needs and desires of the neighborhood. He stated that they would visit this issue in greater detail in the coming weeks. Jim Chiicott, 6790 Ideal Avenue South, stated that he is here regarding the issue of the proposed development in the 70' and Hinton area. He stated that a PUD would directly affect the character and nature of their neighborhood. He stated that he has a petition from the area Residents that he would like to provide to Council. He noted that this is not in line with what was agreed upon in the current Comprehensive Plan and in the West Draw Report. He asked the Council to communicate to the developers that there is a lot of reaction by the neighborhood against this proposal and suggested coming up with a development plan that would be more in line with the West Draw Report and current Comprehensive Plan. He offered the petition noting that they have forwarded copies to the Planning Commission and Regular Meeting — Ocfober 17, 2001 Cottage Grove City Council Page 2 Staff. He explained the content of the information to the Council and said that he would provide a copy to Community Development Director Lindquist. Mayor Shiely stated that the third speaker would be Zac Docktor. She explained that Mr. Docktor is the new manager for the Cottage Grove Ice Arena. Zac Docktor stated that he was previously a resident of Cottage Grove and is happy to be back. He noted his background and skills adding that he plans to get the Ice Arena back on track and thanked the City of Cottage Grove for this opportunity. Myra Peterson, 8284 Indian Boulevard, stated that she would like the City and County to work together to get a direct bus line from Cottage Grove to Minneapolis. She stated this would alleviate a lot of problems and suggested putting together talents from both the City and County that could be more influential in getting a direct line. She suggested ideas such as news releases and petitions that couid help to determine how many would actually use the bus line. She stated that even the drive to the Woodbury Park and Ride would add to the tra�c congestion and encouraged the Council to consider her suggestions. Mayor Shiely stated that she has received several of these requests and thanked Ms. Peterson for bringing this issue forward for discussion. Council Member Wolcott noted that it was his understanding they would be starting the direct bus line to Minneapolis in the spring. City Administrator Schroeder stated that once they identify a permanent Park and Ride location, they can then move forward with establishing the bus route. He stated that there is a funding issue but at this time he was not clear on the constraints. Ms. Peterson stated that at one time MnDOT would have covered costs during the construction but with the recently passed Legislation that was removed. She suggested pursuing this issue with the Metropolitan Transit Commission and to start a campaign for a direct bus line. Mayor Shiely clarified with Ms. Peterson that what they are looking for is a joint letter from the City and County regarding this issue. Ms. Peterson confirmed that this is one of their suggestions. She stated that it would take at least nine months to get anything started and if they work together they would be able to accomplish gaining a new bus line. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 17, 2001, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80'" Street South. Mayor Shiely called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting — October 17, 2001 Cottage Grove City Council Page 3 ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely Council Member Rod Hale Council Member Pat Rice Council Member Jim Wolcott Not Present: Council Member Cheryl Kohls Also Present:Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Ron Hedberg, Finance Director John Mickelson, Director Public Safety Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer, BRAA Les Burshten, Public Works Director Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator Corrine Thomson, City Attorney, Kennedy and Graven Mayor Shiely presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mayor Shiely stated that Item 13, a ciosed work session, would be puiled. She asked to puil Item 4G and Item 8E explaining that she would like to see these two items tabled for future discussion as the Council is missing one member and she would like all Council Members present for the discussion. City Administrator Schroeder stated that they could remove these items from the agenda. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. PRESENTATIONS A. South Washinaton County Telecommunications Commission Awards Mayor Shiely stated that on September 12, 2001, the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors announced the winners of the 16` Annual Government Programming Awards. She explained that Mr. Robert Newby was in attendance and this presentation is to acknowledge their accomplishments and present them with their awards. Mr. Robert Newby stated he is the City representative for the South Washington County Telecommunications Commission. He stated that he attended the 16th Annual Government Programming Awards and explained the awards won. He stated that this is a tremendous accomplishment noting the high caliber of staff working at Channel 16. Regular Meeting — October 17, 2001 Cottage Grove City Council Page 4 Doug Bondeson presented a video on "Your Public Safety - Inside Your City" to the Council. He reviewed the awards won by the Commission and displayed the awards received. He reviewed the groups involved noting the small budgets and awards received. Mr. Newby stated that the video just presented won first place for the Award of Excellence. He reviewed the Cottage Grove Productions that won awards and stated if the cable subscribers would like to view some of the nation's best, tune into Channel 16. He thanked everyone for making Channel 16 a success. APPROVAL OF MINUTES NONE CONSENT CALENDAR Council Member Hale asked to pull Item M for discussion. He referenced the bylaws for the EDA noting that he has a couple of concerns. He stated that Staff has researched the initial information and reviewed the information with Council. He referenced page 2 and the wording for "Executive Director, says the authority shall employ an Executive Director" and suggested changing the wording to "may". He referenced the section titled "How EDA members are appointed" and referred this to Staff for determination as to how it should be handled and if it wouid be kept as separate documents or be integrated. He stated that he felt the President of the EDA should be an elected officiai. He moved that these changes be incorporated into the documents. Mayor Shiely stated that the wording could be changed and it would go with the Consent motion. City Administrator Schroeder clarified that the verbiage has already been addressed and with the motion they can make the recommended changes which he reviewed with the Council. He noted Item J and explained that with adoption of the Consent Calendar, the Staff request would be upon the advice and consent of the City Attorney adding that the minor changes would not change the intent but verbiage would change. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MEETING MINUTES: i. HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR 2001. ii. PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 20, 2001. B. RECEIVE THE 2002 BUDGET FOR THE SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION. C. APPROVE FOURTH QUARTER PAYMENT OF THE 2001 SUPPORT FOR THE YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500.00. D. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #1 FOR THE TIMBER RIDGE ADDITION PROJECT. E. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER REQUEST TO PERMIT INSTALLATION OF PUBLIC UTILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE WALGREEN'S PROJECT. Regular Meeting — Octobe� 17, 2001 Cottage G�ove City Council Page 5 F. ADOPT ORD/NANCE No. 703, AMENDING THE CITY CODE RELATED TO NON- CONFORMING USES. G. PULLED FROM CONSENTAGENDA. H. RECEIVE THE THOMPSON GROVE, DISTRICT D, PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROJECT FEASIBILITY REPORT AND SET A PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR DECEMBER 5, 2001. � I. RECEIVE NOTICE OF PAY EQUITY COMPLIANCE FOR 2001. J. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 01-166 A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 00-43 ADOPTING A PERSONNEL POLICY FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE. K. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 01-167, A RESOI.UTION DECLARING OCTOBER 22" _ NOVEMBER 23 AS COTTAGE GROVE'S MANUFACTURING AND TECHNOLOGY MONTH. L. RECEIVE REPORTS CONCERNING THE 60-DAY REVIEW PERIOD AND THE LEGISLATIVE LAW CHANGE RELATIVE TO VOTING REQUIREMENTS ON ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS. M. APPROVE THE EDA BYLAWS AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Mayor Shiely stated that if anyone is present for issues on the consent calendar all have been passed. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSI.Y RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES NONE PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE BID AWARDS NONE UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Consider Aoproval of a Resolution Approvinq a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review of a Pr000sed New Motor Fuel Station Jamaica BP Amoco with Convenience Store and a New Car Wash and Variances to Front and Rear Setback Reauirements at 8490 East Point Douglas Road Community Development Director Lindquist stated that this is an asset to the community and helps to alleviate the problem with the remnant parcel left over from the Office Max development. She explained that the proposal allows the applicant to add more convenience and ease in routing traffic. She referenced the color of exterior materials and noted the feedback Staff has received. She stated they have requested that the applicants provide this material for Council review. She expiained that the predominant color is white and at the Regular Meeting - October 17, 2001 Cottage Grove Crry Council Page 6 Planning Commission meeting, issues were raised regarding storage. She stated that they do periodically notify stations when they begin to store more than what should be on the site. She stated that they have revised the resolution to allow the larger items outside the building adding that the applicant is not comfortable with what was chosen. She reviewed the water drainage issues with Council noting that it is a significant improvement and they are very happy with the adjustments made on the site. John Cosmos, KK Design, Minneapolis, stated that Jeff Borst, representative for BP, is present to provide a presentation to CounciL Jeff Borst, Real Estate Representative for BP, provided an overview to the Council regarding the merger with Amoco and BP. He explained that the Amoco signs would be coming down and replaced with BP signs. He stated that the Twin Cities area is one of 60 markets that the company has chosen and this is what they are presenting today. He reviewed attributes of the design with the Council. He explained that it includes technology and innovations within the site layout. He stated that the canopy is a solar panel canopy and powers part of the facility. He said that the gasoline dispensers include a technology that connects to the Internet and provides the ability to check local weather and tra�c conditions while pumping gas. He reviewed the floor plan and features of the new facility with the Council. He provided photographs of the inside of the facility for Council's review noting it does not have the typical appearance of a convenience store. Mr. Cosmos reviewed the layout of the facility and provided further detail to Council with respect to the new facility. He noted that the additional parcel of land is a shared access with the adjacent auto store. He referenced the ponding that would be added and reviewed items of concern with the Council. He stated that an additional catch basin has been added since the last review and ciarified this addition with the Council. He reviewed the pump islands, the solar canopy and the flush lens light fixtures adding that it would meet City requirements. He provided examples of the color scheme to Council and reviewed the standard appearance and modifications that would be made to meet Cottage Grove requirements. He referenced the ice and propane storage, stating that it would be placed on the north side and the sidewalk has been widened. He reviewed the drive-through design for the car wash and the materials that would be used for the buildings. Council Member Wolcott asked to review the colors closer adding that he had concerns. Mr. Cosmos presented Council Member Wolcott with a c�oser view of the color scheme for the buildings. Council Member Hale asked for clarification on the ingress and egress for the car wash and if that would be served by the same entrance as the convenience store. Mr. Cosmos confirmed that it wouid be a shared entrance and reviewed the entrances with the Council. Council Member Wolcott asked if this was a touchiess car wash. Mr. Cosmos stated that it was his understanding this would be a touchless car wash and noted this type of car wash has not been constructed in Minnesota as yet. He reviewed the locations presently in place across the country. Regula� Meeting — Ocfober 17, 2001 Cotfage Grove City Counci! Page 7 Councii Member Wolcott asked for further clarification of the recycling of the water. Mr. Cosmos stated it would have to be under the building and right now it is not in the plan to be recycled. Council Member Hale clarified that this would be a corporate store. Mr. Cosmos confirmed that it would be. Mayor Shiely asked if there would be very much construction and what would be done with the present structure. Mr. Cosmos stated that the structures seen today would be gone and a new facility would be installed. He noted that new tanks would also be instailed. Council Member Wolcott asked when they would begin construction. Mr. Borst stated that construction would begin in the spring of 2001 with a 90-day construction schedule. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 01-168, A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, SITE PLAN REVIEW, AND VARIANCES TO FRONT AND REAR SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR A NEW MOTOR FUEL STATION WITH CONVENIENCE STORE AND CAR WASH FOR JAMAICA BP AMOCO, 8490 EAST POINT DOUGLAS ROAD. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. B. Consider Adoation of Proposed Architectural Guidelines for the City's Commercial Districts. Community Development Director Lindquist stated that as part of the City discussions on the Grove Plaza renovation, there was discussion on development of architectural guidelines to assist in pulling together the community's vision for the commercial hub. She stated that Kathy Anderson from KKE put together standards, which appear consistent with previous projects. She explained that a modified version of the guidelines have been provided for Councii's review and discussion. She further explained that the initial draft guidelines were reviewed in-house by Staff and also submitted to the EDA and City Council for comment. She stated that the Planning Staff made several comments relating to inconsistencies between the ordinance and the recommended guidelines. She stated that changes have been made so that the guidelines are consistent with the ordinance. She noted that the minutes of the EDA meeting provides feedback regarding the original draft guidelines. She reviewed the comments with Council and stated that Staff is comfortable with the guidelines as currently written and they are recommending approval of the Architectural Guidelines as proposed. She presented photos of the renovation to the Council. She reviewed the material used, noting the brickwork and the two-story concept to some of the buildings. She noted the continuity with materials and building type allowing for individuality with signing and design. Mayor Shiely noted one of the issues with the EDA is the wear and tear of the awnings on buildings. Community Development Director Lindquist referenced the gateway at Grove Plaza noting the retaining wall and ponding. She stated that this information could be provided to commerciai businesses that are considering a move into the area. Regular Meeting — October 17, 2001 Coftage Grove City Council Page 8 Mayor Shiely referenced the Grove Plaza noting that they have been designed with this type of concept and asked if others would foliow. Community Development Director Lindquist expressed concerns noting that if funding is provided by the City, they would have more control. She stated that a business such as Walgreen's has a definite design adding that it would not fit into this type of prototype design. She stated the photograph presented shows a larger PUD that includes the architectural standards noting that initially there is a strong control by the developer and they are controlling the image. She stated that this is one of her concerns adding that, as guidelines, they are not enforceable and if it is determined to be critical it needs to be placed into an ordinance. MOTION BY WOLCOTr, SECONDED BY HALE, TO ADOPT THE PROPOSED ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES FOR THE CITY'S COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. C. Consider Entering into a Cooperative Agreement with Washington County for the Hintonli'ower Proiect with Cost Sharing Variance Option #5 Community Development Director Lindquist stated that the County has requested that the City take action on the necessary documents to facilitate the Hinton/Tower project. She reviewed the required documents with the Council stating that the items would be coming to the Council for their review and approval at an upcoming meeting. She stated that the current discussion relates to the cost sharing for right-of-way acquisition between the City and the County that would be a part of the cooperative agreement. She explained that the City has been working with Washington County on development of the plans for the Hinton/Tower connection. She reviewed discussion of the meeting with the Councii. She stated that Staff recommends the City enter into the cooperative agreement with the County for the Hinton/Tower project with cost sharing Option #5 which prompts the County to pay for 45 percent of the right-of-way costs of the City portion of the project. Councii Member Hale asked if this applies from 70th Street to the City boundary. Community Development Director Lindquist confirmed that this would apply. Councii Member Wolcott expressed concerns about the turnback of 65th Street. Community Development Director Lindquist stated that the County has removed that from the discussion. MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY RICE, TO APPROVE ENTERING INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR THE HINTON/TOWER PROJECT WITH COST SHARING VARIANCE OPTION #5. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. D. Consider Approval of a Conditional Use Permit to Allow James Zins to Construct an Regular Meeting — October 17, 2001 Cottage Grove Ciry Counci! Page 9 Community Development Director Lindquist stated that James Zins, 7199 - 65"' Street South, has applied for a conditional use permit to allow for an additional 420 square feet to be constructed on his property. She stated that the additional square footage would be attached to an existing detached accessory structure that was built this summer. She stated that a building permit has been obtained for that construction and after the fact, Mr. Zins began construction on the addition. She explained that a stop work order was issued and Mr. Zins applied for the conditional use permit to allow the oversized garage. She referenced the conditions of approval modifications which occurred after Planning Commission review, noting that Mr. Zins has met with D,NR and applied for the permit. She stated that issues around grading have been resolved. She stated that Mr. Zins and she received a letter from the County noting they are not in support of issuing a permit for the driveway at this time. She stated that Mr. Zins is exploring other options noting that if there are any changes in the future, the City would consider another access point but at this time it is not possible. Council Member Hale asked if he has two entrances to the property already. Community Development Director Lindquist clarified that he has an entrance to the east and also an access point that is shared with the adjacent neighbors. James Zins, 7199 - 65�' Street, clarified that the shared access was used by NSP and it is a small access point that was never meant to be a driveway. Council Member Hale asked for clarification on the building permit for a County road and asked if the County or the City grants the drive permit. Community Development Director Lindquist clarified that the County would approve it. Council Member Hale asked for clarification on how much property is owned by Mr. Zins. Mr. Zins clarified that he owns ten acres. Council Member Hale referenced item 4, application to the DNR prior to issuance of building permit and asked if the DNR approves the application before he gets the permit. Community Development Director Lindquist clarified that he would not get the permit for a few months adding that DNR approval would be part of the process. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY HALE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 01-169, A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF AN OVERSIZED GARAGE AT 7199 — 65TH STREET SOUTH. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS A. Hunting Fees. City Administrator Schroeder stated that at the September 19, 2001 meeting Council Member Hale inquired as to why there is a fee associated with a bow and arrow hunting permit while there is no fee associated with a hunting permit using a firearm. He stated that the Hunting Regulations are covered in Ordinance 5-3-6 and explained the ordinance invoived to the Councii. Regular Meeting - October 17, 2001 Cottage Grove City Council Page i 0 Mayor Shiely asked Council Member Hale if he has any further concerns. Council Member Hale clarified that his concerns were with respect to the differences in fees and asked the Public Safety Director to research and clarify. He stated he has received the information adding that he is still perplexed by the fees in comparison to other fees for recreational purposes. City Administrator Schroeder reviewed the options provided for possible changes. Mayor Shiely stated that she felt it was something that should be pursued and further reviewed. Councii Member Hale asked if it would be appropriate that the City move forward with Option 3. City Administrator Schroeder stated that there are several with conservative opinions and suggested further clarification with the direction they may decide to take. Chief Mickelson stated that they would issue a Public Announcement and refer back to the Public Safety Commission for further recommendations. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Council Member Hale stated that they had received an invitation to a meeting at Washington County for elected officials and asked for cla�ification on the fees. Councii Member Wolcott clarified that there are no fees unless they bring a guest. Council Member Hale referenced a question raised by Council Member Wolcott with respect to the car wash. He referenced the Royal Oaks Car Wash noting that they have a recyclable system and suggested that this be reviewed and included in the ordinance. He asked if this should be a future requirement for all car washes. Mayor Shiely stated that she received a letter from a Resident concerning the Hinton Avenue 30 mile-per-hour speed limit. She suggested that they review and provide an explanation as to how it became a 30-mile-per-hour zone. Council Member Wolcott explained that it was lowered to 30 miles per hour due to complaints received from the Residents expressing concerns about safety for children. He stated that they did a traffic study and determined the need to lower the speed limit. Mayor Shiely noted a letter from a gentleman who worked on the Nuisance Ordinance Committee that referenced the amount of Buck Thorn growing in the area. She referenced the area near the Sieben Bridge and suggested reviewing the area to determine what needs to be done. She asked Public Works Director Burshten if they have been removing Buck Thorn. Public Works Director Burshten confirmed that they are removing Buck Thorn in some areas. Regular Meeting — October 17, 2001 Cottage Giove City Council Page 11 Mayor Shiely referenced the launch site for river access and noted it is an issue that needs further discussion. PAY BILLS MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 120856 TO 121051 TOTALING $746,856.46. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN NONE WORKSHOP SESSION — CI.OSED NONE ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:45 P.M. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Suilivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.