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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-01-02 MINUTESREGULAR MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL January 2, 2002 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 Cheryl Kohls Council Member Pat Rice Council Member Jim Wolcott Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator John Mickeison, Director Pubiic Safety John McCool, Senior Planner Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer, BRAA Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator John Stein explained that he is the resident with all the protest signs in his yard atong SOth Street and asked the Council why no one has stopped to ask about what he was protesting. He stated that several students from the high school have stopped to ask and said that he was wondering why no one from the City had stopped by to ask about the issues. Council Member Kohls stated that there was an article in the newspaper that explained his protest and it was her understanding that he did not have any issues with the local City Officials. Mayor Shiely agreed with Council Member Kohis and stated that they did not think it was necessary, as it was the Council's understanding that his issues were not with the City. Mr. Stein expressed frustrations noting that he has dealt with City, County and State Officials and has not received any response other that a continual referral back to the City. He stated that he met with Chief Mickelson and the result from this meeting was to issue a letter to Mr. Hatch regarding his concerns. He reviewed several letters that he has received from City Administrator Schroeder, Mr. Price and other government employees with the Council. He explained that Ms. Marko arranged his meeting with Chief Mickelson and they discussed his concerns and the content of his letter. He reviewed the content of his letter with the Council stating that it provides a brief insight regarding organized crime in the State of Minnesota. He stated that he has tried to discuss his concerns with Mr. Hatch and Governor Ventura. He expressed his concerns regarding the safety of his chiidren stating that due to his courage in speaking out against these issues, his children are in danger. Council Member Rice asked Mr. Stein to hold off on further comments directed at specific individuals. Regular Meeting — January 2, 2002 Cottage Grove City Council Page 2 Council Mem6er Kohis agreed with Council Member Rice adding that she is not sure of the issues and suggested that Mr. Stein allow the Councii time to meet and discuss the issues so that they are better prepared to address them. She acknowledged his concerns regarding the safety of his children and asked him if he has contacted the police and whether he had an issue or problem in contacting the City. Mr. Stein explained that he has contacted the City and stated that he has run into situations where they refused to write out the report. He further explained that he then took the issue further, to the County and State, stating that he was always referred back to the City of Cottage Grove. Mayor Shiely stated that due to time constraints and the fact that the Council has not had time to read the letters or prepare, she suggested discussing this issue further at a later date. She explained that they are not clear on all the issues and need time to determine what the City Council involvement woufd be. She further explained that when she read the original article it was her understanding that his complaint is not with local City Officials. She noted the absence of the City Attorney and stated that they must refrain from becoming involved with allegations involving individual people, especially when they are not available to defend themselves. She asked Mr. Stein to clarify what he believes are the problems with the letter and she asked him to write down, for the Council, his specific complaints. She stated that they would address his issues and concerns after having an opportunity to review the letter. Mr. Stein stated his objective is to sit down and meet with Mr. Mike Hatch to discuss his aliegations. He reviewed his issues and concerns with the Council and thanked them for their time. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a regular meeting on Wednesday, January 2, 2002, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80' Street South. Mayor Shiely called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely Council Member Rod Hale Council Member Cheryl Kohls Council Member Pat Rice Council Member Jim Wolcott Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator John Mickelson, Director Public Safety Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer, BRAA John McCool, Senior Planner Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator Mayor Shiely presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION BY WOICOTT, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESEN7ED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Regula� Meeting — January 2, 2002 Cottage Grove Crty Council Page 3 PRESENTATIONS NONE APPROVAL OF MINUTES NONE CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MEETING MINUTES: i. PLANNING COMMISSION OF NOVEMBER 26, 2001. ii. HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION OF SEPTEMBER 12, OCTOBER 10 AND NOVEMBER 14, 2001. B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 02-001, A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING DEPOSITORIES FOR CITY FUNDS AND AUTHORIZING THE INVESTMENT OF SURPLUS FUNDS FOR 2002. C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 02-002, A RESOLUTION APPROVING APPLICATION OF FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, MINNESOTA LODGE NO. 1, FOR A CLASS A PREMISES PERMIT TO CONDUCT LAWFUL PURPOSE GAMBLING AT DEMORI'S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE LOCATED AT 8200 HADLEY AVENUE SOUTH, COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA. D. DESIGNATE THE SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY BULLETIN AS THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER, WITH AN ADVERTISING RATE OF $7.89 PER COLUMN INCH, FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES FOR 2002. E. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF A MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE TO CURT ZABEL. F. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF A MASSAGE THER.4PIST LICENSE TO JEANNIE DUKIC. G. AUTHORIZE THE CITY CLERK TO ENTER INTO A MANAGED CARE SERViCES CONTRACT FOR 2002 WITH CORVEL IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,200.00. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Mayor Shiely stated that if anyone is present for issues on the Consent Calendar all have been passed. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES NONE PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE BID AWARDS Regular Meeting — January 2, 2002 Cottage Grove Crty Council Page 4 NONE UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Consider Approvinq a Labor Aqreeme�t for Police Officers Effective Januarv 1, 2002 through December 31. 2004. Assistant City Administrator Wolfe stated that Staff has been in the process of negotiating a 3-year labor agreement with the police o�cers. She stated that the outcome of the sessions was an agreement to bring a recommendation for a Labor Agreement for Council consideration and if approved the Union Representatives would take it to membership for a vote. She reviewed the language changes and content of the agreement with the Council stating that Staff is recommending for approval. Council Member Kohis asked for clarification on the language addressing short-term disability. She referenced Section 24.4, which states that an employee must regularly submit medical documentation and asked for clarification on the term 'regularly submiY. Assistant City Administrator Wolfe stated that the type of documentation needed would depend upon the case and provided an example to the Council. Council Member Kohls asked at what point would the employee be notified that documentation would be required and when would they be expected to provide the documentation. Assistant City Administrator Wolfe explained that the employee would need full documentation for the time they have missed. She further explained that if the illness goes beyond the doctor substantiation they would then need to provide fuRher documentation. Council Member Kohls referenced Section 24.6 which references second and third opinion timeframes stating that five days might not be enough time to provide the information that is being requested. Assistant City Administrator Wolfe explained that once the physician has been mutually agreed upon, the employee then has five days to make the necessary appointments. She reviewed the authorization process with the Council. Council Member Hale agreed with Assistant City Administrator Wolfe stating this was his understanding and that the five-day process is not that unreasonable. City Administrator Schroeder agreed stating that the process itself is fairly active. He stated that the union representative is very good at working with the Human Resources Department to make sure everything goes as it should. Council Member Kohls stated that the language should be improved before it goes to the employees. Assistant City Administrator Wolfe stated that they would review the languaoe and refine the verbiage. City Administrator Schroeder stated that the process itself does run fairly well and further clarified the process for Council Member Kohls. Assistant City Administrator Wolfe explained that they are irying to avoid dragging out the process longer than what is necessary. Council Member Kohls expressed concerns that this could cause some dissention and suggested refining the language prior to sending it to the employees for a vote. Regular Meeting — January 2, 2002 Cottage Grove City Council Page 5 MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY HALE, TO APPROVE THE LABOR AGREEMENT FOR POLICE OFFICERS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2002 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 8. Consider Adoption of a Moratorium on Future Commercial Develooment of Properties Outside the Current MUSA Boundarv. City Administrator Schroeder stated that the Council has discussed several issues regarding future commercia� development within the City. He explained that future commercial would relate to properties not currently within the MUSA. He further explained that one issue is the need to develop performance standards for neighborhood commercial and the other is to assess the regional commerciai areas in the community to plan how they would dovetail with existing and future infrastructure and surrounding development. He stated that to better prepare for future commercial deveiopment within the City, Staff is recommending adoption of a moratorium. He stated that the moratorium ordinance is set up to affect all commercial property outside of the current MUSA adding that applications currently being reviewed by the City would not fall into the moratorium. He explained that Staff is recommending a two-prong approach and reviewed their recommendations with the Council. Mayor Shiely stated that she is definitely in favor of this recommendation a�d in the future she would like the Council to have an idea of the content and location for neighborhood commercial prior to presenting it for consideration. Council Member Kohis stated she is also in favor of this recommendation and that the definitions for zoning need to be better defined. She asked if this had been considered for a Workshop discussion. City Administrator Schroeder clarified that there had been some discussion but that nothing was scheduled. MOTION BY KOHLS, SECONDED BY HALE, TO PASS ORDINANCE NO. 704, AN INTERIM ORDINANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROTECTING THE PLANNING PROCESS AND THE WELFARE OF CITY RESIDENTS, REGULATING AND RES7RICTING COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN NON-SEWERED AREAS OF THE CITY. MOTION GARRIED 5-0. C. Consider Desianating the Actinq Mayor and Council Liaisons to Commissions and Committees for 2002. Mayor Shiely stated that she has a great Council to work with and explained that everyone got back to her in a timely fashion and everyone expressed their enjoyment in remaining with the Committees they have presently been working with. She explained that it is her intent to keep everyone in place at this time. She thanked Council Member Rice for his support as Acting Mayor for 2001 stating that she prefers to rotate the Acting Mayor role each year and stated that she would like to appoint Council Member Hale as Acting Mayor for 2002. She explained that the City Council is required to designate an Acting Mayor to perform the duties of the Mayor during a disability or during the Mayor's absence from the City at the first regular meeting of each year. She further stated that the Mayor aiso appoints Council Member Liaisons to the City's various Commissions and Committees. She referenced the information packet provided and reviewed the breakdown of appointments with the Council. The Mayor reviewed the foliowing Council Liaison appointments and asked the Council for feedback. EDA - Council Member Wolcott and Mayor Shiely Regular Meeting — January 2, 2002 Cottage Grove City Council Page 6 Historic Preservation Advisory Committee - Council Member Haie Human Services/Human Rights - Council Member Hale Planning Commission - Council Member Kohis Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources - Council Member Rice Public Safety, Health and Welfare - Council Member Rice Public Works - Councii Member Wolcott She reviewed the foliowing Committees with the Council and confirmed that Council wanted to continue their involvement with their respective Committee appointments. The Councii agreed by consensus to the appointments. Great Grove Get Together - Mayor Shiely Mayor Shiely asked the Council for feed back on continued invofvement on the Woodbury Committees. Council Member Rice recommended continued involvement stating that they have done considerable work with the Committee he is involved with. Council Member Wolcott agreed stating that their meeting sessions will begin shortly. Mayor Shiely stated that Council Members Rice and Wolcott would continue their involvement on both Woodbury Committees. Woodbury Sub-Committee - Councii Member Rice and Councii Member Wolcott Woodbury/Washington County Mediation - Council Member Kohls and Council Member Wolcott Red Rock Commuter Rail - Mayor Shiely and Council Member Kohls Mayor Shiely stated that she has a problem in getting to the meetings for the South Washington County Cable Commission and asked if any Council Members would be willing to take over for her. She did not receive any response and committed to her continued involvement. South Washington County Cable Commission - Mayor Shiely and Council Member Hale South Washington County Watershed - Council Member Rice Intergovernmental Committee - All City Councii Members Mayor Shiely sincerely thanked the Council for all the work they have done over the past year. She stated that everyone is very easy to work with, very willing to help out and have done a wonderful job. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS NONE COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Council Member Hale stated that he noticed the Planning Commission has an agenda item to discuss amendments to the Comprehensive Plan for a parcel of property and expressed concerns regarding its status within the PUD. He stated that anything could be placed on this property outside of the PUD. He further stated that the ordinance governing the high-density issue states that if the site is not designated in the Comprehensive Plan, for residential use, the City would determine the appropriate density. He reviewed the ordinance contents and asked if they really want to send this to the Planning Commission, to amend the Comprehensive Plan and rezone this parcel. Regular Meeting — January 2, 2002 Cottage Grove City Council Page 7 Senior Planner McCool explained that the application is for an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan but not a rezoning. He explained the underlying language of the PUD and that this is what the Planning Commission would approve. He stated that the rezoning would only be considered as a part of the PUD. Councii Member Wolcott stated that if the zoning has changed and the density has changed would the City lose their control of the property. Senior Planner McCool agreed that this would be true if it is rezoned to R5. He stated that it would be approved only if it is consistent with the requirements of the PUD, which is Senior Housing. Council Member Hale clarified his understanding noting that if they used the PUD ordinance to permit the senior housing the City Council would then be able to decide. He clarified that it is the amount of density within the senior housing that is the issue. Councii Member Hale clarified that they are not going to amend the Comprehensive Plan for the entire property. Senior Planner McCool confirmed and explained that they would consider the land use amendment for low-density residential only, not the commercial. Council Member Hale land-use designation. of acres for this area. number. cfarified his understanding of the request for a PUD and high-density residential He stated that the Comprehensive Plan does not designate an actual number Senior Planner McCool confirmed that it does not actually show a specific Council Member Kohls asked Council Member Hale if he was most concerned that they would get locked into a specific situation. Council Member Hale agreed. City Administrator Schroeder clarified it is possible that someone could eventually come forward questioning the zoning for the area and ask for guida�ce if this project should not happen. Council Member Kohls asked if this is approved and Mr. Rygh were to sell the land and re-guide it, would that remove responsibility from the new owner to place senior housing on this parcel. Senior Planner McCool clarified that if the PUD is approved with this amendment and the property were to be sold, the new owner would have to come back to the Councii for further approval if they were considering anything other than senior housing. Mayor Shiely stated that the Council would want to keep the control for whatever type of housing in the PUD. Council Member Hale clarified Paragraph D of the ordinance referencing density. He referenced the options and stated that he would be interested in knowing what the density differences would be. He asked if the first paragraph allows for 80 units or is it more restrictive. Senior Planner McCooi stated that the maximum is 20 units per acre and that it would require four acres if it were guided for high density. Council Member Kohls stated that she received an e-mail last week from a resident and read a portion to the Council. She stated that they referenced an expose of the ten best water parks and that they suggested the water park as a possible option for Cottage Grove. She stated that she thought this was an excellent letter and referenced a workshop last spring where they discussed a water park. She asked for an update to determine if any further work has been done on this issue. City Administrator Schroeder stated that the Community Development Department is in the process Regu/ar Meeting — January 2, 2002 Cottage Grove City Council Page e of sending out a public survey to ask the Community for feedback on items such as a water park. Senior Planner McCool confirmed that the survey would be going out within the month. Mayor Shiely suggested that they set a date for a workshop to discuss Council goals. City Administrator Schroeder suggested early February and committed to providing available dates to the Councii. Mayor Shiely stated that early last year they had a meeting with the EDA to set goals and determine joint issues. She exptained that they had discussed meeting on an annual basis and suggested another workshop with the EDA that would include the Planning Commission. She stated that the goals discussed affect all three groups and it helps when everyone can work together on the same page. PAY BILLS MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 121857 TO 122049 TOTALING $607,371.78. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. WORKSHOP SESSiON — OPEN A. Park and Ride Lot. Mayor Shieiy stated that this past summer the Metropolitan Council terminated their lease with the School District for the Park and Ride. She explained that after reviewing severai other potential locations the Metro Transit obtained a lease with the Rodeo, and the Park and Ride was relocated. She stated that the long-term location of a local Park and Ride is still open for discussion and that MnDOT has approximately $1 million that can be used for capital expenditures relating to a permanent Park and Ride. She stated that it is Staff's understanding that it is more preferable to have Metro Transit own and operate their own Park and Ride rather than a Iease arrangement. She further stated that due to the opportunity to access MnDOT funds, this issue is again before the Council with several site options for consideration. She stated that Staff has provided a layout of pros and cons for seven sites and is asking Council for their direction. Mayor Shiely stated that this issue did go to the EDA and they have received their feedback. She assured the Community that she is not pushing for the Langdon area as a potential site for the Park and Ride. She asked for further clarification stating that she is not sure how much the City is willing to donate for the deveiopment of a local station. City Administrator Schroeder referenced the packet provided and clarified the Langdon area concerns. He stated that Staff has determined that MnDOT and Metro Transit are trying to achieve 400 parking spaces. He explained that they have determined two sites, one on the �orth and one to the south, with the expectation that the north, Site 7, would not be the one considered, but was offered as an option. He reviewed ali locations with the Council. He reviewed Site 5 and Site 6 access points stating that Site 5 is adjacent to the intersection of Jamaica and Highway 61. He stated that the major appeal is that it uses land that otherwise wouid not be used for anything. He stated that this is the preferred site from MnDOT. He stated that they have reviewed the positives and negatives of all sites adding that the balance of the parcels are not considered perfect. Aaron Isaacs, Metropolitan Council, Facility Planning, stated that he is working with City Staff on this project. He stated that Site 5 is the favorite and he clarified that MnDOT has $1 million on table to pay for the first stages of the project. He stated that the site acquisition would impact the size of the Regular Meeting — January 2, 2002 Cottage Grove City Council Page 9 facility and noted that Site 5 is already partially owned by MnDOT. He explained that this wouid allow them the ability to begin building the first half of the site. He stated that it would also provide Metro Transit the time to pull together the dollars they would need to complete the seco�d half of this project. He acknowledged the disadvantages noting that it is set up to load buses at both sides of the road to avoid anyone crossing Point Douglas Road. He stated that a footbridge couid be built if and when the raii should come through. Mayor Shiely stated that this is a concern noting the Red Rock Corridor. She stated that the Council should keep this under consideration when choosing the site. She stated that as far as size goes it may be too linear noting that this is a concern. Mr. Isaacs suggested that they determine how much flat land the City would want to designate for the parking area. He noted the planning issues, the Commuter Rail and stated that these are additional issues that would require further determination as to what would be co-located with the Park and Ride. He stated that they are not fully married to the Park and Ride and that they could adjust as they move forward with the Commuter Raii. He stated that they realize the need is now and that they are trying to set up a workabfe compromise. Mayor Shiely referenced the initial investment and expressed concerns about possible problems with future funding. She expiained that she does not want this to be put into a box as they consider the terms and future use of the land, especially as it relates to the Red Rock Corridor. She stated that they would like an assurance from MnQOT with respect to funding. She stated that her preference is Site 3. Council Member Kohls stated that she definitely does not favor Site 5 due to the safety issues and people having to cross Point Douglas Road. Mr. Isaacs clarified that they do not Iike Site 5 for the same reasons. Council Member Kohls stated that Site 3 is favora6le adding that it has easy access, good visibility and it has good potential for expansion. She stated that with the other locations they do not have the options provided by Site 3. She agreed that they should to be ready for the Commuter Rail and maintain their perspective. Council Member Hale asked for clarification of the size for Site 3. Mr. Isaac explained that the owners of the Rodeo have a total of twenty acres available and that area would be approximately five to six acres. Council Member Hale stated that Site 3 would still not provide the right amount of acreage. He asked if the Park and Ride would serve both the bus service and the Commuter Rail. Mayor Shiely stated that they would like to be able to serve both and that Site 3 has more potential for expansion than the other sites. Council Member Hale stated it was still not enough and suggested looking further. Council Member Wolcott stated that it is very important to keep in mind and consider the need for the Express Bus to Minneapolis. Mr. Isaacs referenced the packets provided and clarified that there is no question from Met Councii Staff that it would do well. He referenced the funding issues and legislative decisions affecting property tax and excise tax expressing his concerns regarding the impact it would have funding an express route. He explained that this coufd create a period where it might impact operating expenses. Rick Arnebeck, Area Manager, addressed the funding issues with respect to tying the Park and Ride and Commuter Rail project together. He explained that MnDOT has to be careful with the funding issues. He stated that the Park and Ride funding does not relate to the Commuter Rail funding sources and that they are considered two separate projects. He stated that even though they would Regular Meeting — January 2, 2002 CoBage Grove City Council Page 10 like to consider opportunities where ihey could overlap the transit decision is based on the funding sources and that they cannot use this as the justification. Mayor Shiely ciarified her undersiandina with Mr. Arnebeck. Mr. Isaacs explained the capital funding process to the Council noti�g that the money is availabie to do the first half of what needs to be done for Site 5. He stated that they would have to go back and get the rest of the money, at later time, to complete the project. He stated that the owners of the Rodeo are not willing to sell but they are willing to do a long-term lease. Council Member Wolcott asked when the $1 miliion would be available. Mr. Arnebeck stated that the $1 million is available now and that the bottleneck funding has to be committed by the end of June 2003. He explained that they should move forward with the first half of the project in order to determine and get the rest of the funding before the end of 2003. Council Member Kohls asked for further clarification on the funding. Mr. Isaacs explained that the dollars are identified in the Capital improvement Plan as a whole and that they need to resolve the site issues in order to identify the dollars that need to be moved to the budget identified for this project. He further explained that as soon as the issues here are resolved the sooner they could move to get the money moved to their budget. Council Member Kohis expressed concerns stating that this appears to be an interim solution, with intent to move to another site and that this would be a waste of taxpayers' dollars. She stated that they could better spend the taxpayers' dollars by doing it right the first time. She asked Mr. Isaacs if what he was saying is that the $1 million dollars would not be enough to get an Express Bus route to Minneapolis. Mr. Isaacs explained that the $1 million could only be used to purchase the land for the Park and Ride and add the asphalt. She asked if they would be able to do a site other than Site 5 for $1 million. Mr. Isaacs clarified that the other site options would require $2 million. Mayor Shiely asked if MnDOT would be willing to assist in the funding in the event that the Commuter Rail comes through Cottage Grove. Mr. Arnebeck stated that MnDOT would be open to considering the funding if it does open to this area. Mr. Isaac acknowledged that Cottage Grove is the Corridor and that the Red Rock lives and dies over Cottage Grove. He stated that if the Corridor is to be a success there should to be more Park and Ride facilities in Cottage Grove. Mr. Arnebeck encouraged the Council to consider what can be done with each the sites and acknowledged that it is a good point to consider what would be best for the taxpayers. He explained that if this site is in operation for a 10-year timeframe and then determine a new site for Red Rock Corridor that they have made a good investment. Council Member Kohls asked when they would need a decision. Mr. Arnebeck stated that there are two issues to consider with respect to time, the Wakota Bridge project and getting the money placed into their budget. He stated that congestion would occur during both projects and that because of this, they could see a rise in demand for a Park and Ride facility. He encouraged the Council to determine the best location in a timely fashion. Mr. Isaac stated that the Rodeo has said that they are welcome to stay for as long as it takes. Mr. Arnebeck stated that they have studies that need to be done and designs to be determined and for now they have time on their side but would need a decision soon. Regular Meeting — January 2, 2002 Cottage Grove City Council Page 11 Counci� Member Wolcott stated that the Express Bus Service to Minneapolis is critical and that they would work with them to facilitate this. He clarified that they are using a part of the parking space at the Rodeo and asked if they could use more in order to encourage an Express Bus Service. Mr. Isaac stated that this would be possible but that they would need to determine the permanent site before they would commit. Councii Member Wolcott asked if they would want the same site for the bus service and the Commuter Rait. Mr. Isaac explained that it is important to use the same site for both as it is intended that the Commuter Raii would eventually replace the majority of the bus service and the site would work as a transfer spot as the two modes of transportation do overlap. Mayor Shiely stated that this is what is discussed at the Red Rock meetings noting that ail types of transportation meld together and emphasized that it is important to make this a seamless process. Council Member Wolcott referenced the decking and asked for clarification on the costs. Mr. Isaac stated that it is more expensive and reviewed the process with the Council. Council Member Rice referenced Site 3 stating that it might be too expensive with respect to purchasing and it could be too buiidable for something else. He referenced Site 5 stating that in his mind this site would use up some unusabie Iand. He stated that it is very conveniently located and that it would provide a nice Commuter Rail, Historic Station, in a corner and that they could make plans for the future with respect to the footings for the upper level. He stated that his preference would be Site 5. Mayor Shiely stated that on Site 3 it states that this land would be taken off the tax roles and not deveioped. She stated that all of the sites identified have been available for commercial development for a long time. She stated that when she discusses the Commuter Rail and the Park and Ride, that she is discussing bringing dollars back into the Community. She said they need to consider these issues as high-speed rail will be coming soon. She stated that it would happen quickly and she encouraged creative thinking with respect to what they plan to do. She expressed concerns considering the funding and timeframe. She stated that they need something that can be used right away. She expressed concerns that it would stick them in a corner that they would not be able to get out of with respect to funding. She stated that they have the potential for a great Commuter Rail site and encouraged the Council to consider the options in a creative sense. Council Member Woicott suggested that they consider further the need to have the Park and Ride and the Commuter Rail co-located. He stated that Site 5 is a good option as they own part of the land and it provides a solution that would allow Express Bus service to Minneapolis. He asked if Site 3 or 6 wouid be close enough to fit their needs. Mayor Shiely clarified that it is her understanding that Council has narrowed it down to Site 3 and Site 5. She stated that they need a place that has potential for expansion and co-location. She noted the issues with the Red Rock Corridor and reviewed the Light Rail and Commuter Raii concerns with the Council. She acknowledged the potential loss of ridership if they have to walk long distances. Council Member Wolcott encouraged them to consider Site 5 as an option stating that if they can resolve some of the issues that it would be more advantageous. He clarified that what he is hearing is that there is not enough money available to purchase or develop Site 3. Mr. Isaacs confirmed that his understanding is true for today. He stated that with a timely decision they could start construction as eariy as this fall. Regular Meeting - January 2. 2002 Cottage Grove City Council Page 12 Assistant City Administrator Woife provided exampies to the Council to assist in clarifying the co- location issues. She explained that the buses and transit systems do work together and that is the reason for the need to co-locate. Mr. Isaacs stated that every Community that has found themselves discussing transit stations issues have aiso found themselves invoived in moving through a process that provides an analysis to the Community as to what works best. Councii Member Kohls clarified that this is her reason for asking when they need a decision from the Council on a site. She stated that they do need the Minneapolis Express Bus and she recommended going through the planning and analysis process that would begin the Express Bus service during this timeframe. Mr. Isaacs suggested not building in 2002. He suggested building in 2003 and taking the time in 2002 to study and encourage community involvement. He stated that in terms of the Minneapolis Express Bus service they do not have the money available to provide the service. He stated that they could place it at the Rodeo with a guarantee that they would move it to a permanent location in 2003. Mayor Shiely confirmed that they would have a permanent spot and agreed that it would also allow them the time to plan and study all site options. Council Member Wolcott stated that he would like to know how long it is going to be before they would know if they have an express service or a Commuter Rail. Mayor Shiely suggested taking the next two months to discuss this issue further. She stated that the Red Rock Committee discussed local control over the stations and acknowledged that in the Red Rock area it is unique with respect to the historical aspect for the train stations. She referenced the Langdon area stating that she does not favor Langdon and acknowledged the concern among the members of the Joint Powers Committee with respect to the possible changes in control that could occur when MnDOT took over January 1, 2002. She asked for the assurance that the local committees would be involved in the planning process. She explained that she would need to take this to the Red Rock group to discuss further. Councii Member Kohis stated that she does not want Cottage Grove to settle for less than the best. She expressed concerns with respect to the funding issues and how that could impact and force a second best settlement. She suggested going back and figuring out how they can get the best. Mr. Amebeck stated that MnDOT needed assurance that there would be an available site and that they now have this assurance. He stated that they both have multiple things to gain with this project and they are very focused in getting something established in Cottage Grove. Mr. Isaacs referenced the good discussion stating that they believe they are close to making a good decision and acknowledged that a study does need to take place. Mayor Shiely thanked Mr. Isaacs and Mr. Arnebeck for the amount of time working with the Council on the issues. She stated that her preference for possible locations would be Site 3 or Site 5. City Administrator Schroeder stated that it was their hope to narrow the scope and noted the preferences for Sites 3 and 5. He suggested keeping Site 6 as an option and is satisfied in leaving the meeting with the scope narrowed to Sites 3, 5 and 6. He clarified that any of these sites could work as long as it is shown that the utility of the site could grow and be enhanced into a development opportunity. He stated that if they could show how some of the ideas discussed could be integrated that it would help them to make a better decision on the location. Regular Meeting — January 2, 2002 Cottage Grove City Council Page 13 Mayor Shiely agreed that they need a site that would address their immediate needs in addiiion to providing an opportunity to incorporate the Commuter Rail in the future. WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED NONE ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:20 P.M. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Suliivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.