HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-09-03 MINUTES SPECIALSPECIAL MEETING
COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 3, 2003
CALL T� ER
The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a special
meeting on Wednesday, September 3, 2003, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80`" Street South.
Mayor Shiely called the meeting to order at 630 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely
Council Member Mark Grossklaus
Council Member Cheryl Kohls
Council Member Pat Rice
Council Member Jim Wolcott
Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director
John Burbank, Associate Planner
Ron Hedberg, Finance Director
AI Dubois; Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Barb Heideman, Responsible Owners of Mannerly Pets (ROMP)
Colby Johnson, South Washington Counfy Bulletin
Mayor Shiely presided over the meeting.
WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN
A. OFF-LEASH DOG PARK
Associate Planner Burbank summarized the Parks Commission activities related to the proposed
establishment of a public dog park in Cottage Grove.
Mayor Shiely commented that she likes the concept, but cannot support it at this time since it is not
a grass-roots effort and that it had been initiated at a City level.
Council Member Kohls stated that she was in favor of the park, and saw the establishment of one as
a diversification of the park facilities offered to residents. She stated further that the associated
costs for the facility would not create a negative strain on the Park Trust Fund.
Community Development Director Lindquist asked for Ms. Heideman's comments on dog parks.
Ms. Heideman stated that there are a variety of dog park models in existence, that 33 percent of
households in Minnesota have dogs, and that maintenance efforts for cities is minimal. She further
stated that some communities sell permits for access to the parks.
Special Meeting — September 15, 2003
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 2
Mayor Shiely asked what happens when a dog park is not successful. Ms.
her knowledge they do not fail and are very successful when established.
for a dog park should be fenced.
Heideman replied that to
She added that the site
Council Member Rice stated that he was one of the people that had initiated the request with the
Parks Commission, and thinks there is a need for such a feature in the City's open space system.
Mayor Shiely reiterated that she thinks it is a good idea, but that financial and other help needs to be
evident before the City should take on the task. She further stated that she is willing to revisit the
matter in the future if the citizens so desire. Council Member Wolcott stated that he also thinks a
dog park is a good idea, but that now is the wrong time with all the budget cuts and concerns, and
I ked but�felt that budget concee s also a oety at th sltimec�ncurred, stating that he
Council Member Kohls asked Community Development Director Lindquist if the Park Trust Fund
could be used for staffing or some of the other budget concerns raised. Community Development
Director Lindquist stated that the trust fund is just for new infrastructure and that there is beginning
to be more scrutiny on its use for replacement versus new installation. Council Member Kohls stated
that she did not think maintenance costs would be exorbitant, and would want to survey other
communities with active parks. Community Development Director Lindquist replied that the budget
and spending information could be gathered.
Parks Commissioner AI Dubois said he was in support of the park so people would have a place to
take their dogs. He felt upkeep of the facility would probably be minimal.
Mayor Shiely thanked everyone for the discussion and asked whether Staff had appropriate
direction. Community Development Director Lindquist and Associate Planner Burbank replied that
they had direction.
ADJOU_ RNMENT
Mayor Shiely adjourned the workshop at 7:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
John Burbank
Associate Planner