HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-19 PACKET 03.A.SPECIAL MEETING
COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 12, 2005
CALL TO ORDER
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The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a special
meeting on Wednesday, January 12, 2005, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80` Street South.
Mayor Shiely called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely
Council Member Myron Bailey
Council Member Karla Bigham
Council Member Mark Grossklaus
Council Member Pat Rice
Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
Mayor Shiely presided over the meeting.
WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN
Citv Council Goals
Mayor Shiely convened the workshop of the City Council with an explanation of the goals process,
explaining for the new council members how the process originated and how changes have been
made annually the past three years. City Administrator Schroeder then walked through 13 different
exhibits prepared by Finance and Administrative Services Director Hedberg which explored the
existing financial position of the City.
Mayor Shiely referred Council to the 2004 goals from which the remainder of the workshop would be
based. Goal #1 was regarding fiscal issues. By consensus Council expressed comfort with that goal
as written. Mayor Shiely noted that perhaps the largest fiscal challenge facing us in the near future
will be compliance with the unfunded NPDES stormwater mandates for which we will likely need to
consider a utility fee increase.
Regarding goal #2, which is commercial industrial development, consensus was to continue
emphasis on the Gateway district and industrial development. Council Member Grossklaus
expressed that we need to increase emphasis on living wage jobs and need to bring in employers
having increased levels of salaried positions. Council Member Bailey added that we need to remain
focused on quality development and need to consider increasing efforts on family entertainment
venues such as movie theaters. Mayor Shiely suggested that we have a workshop explaining the
differences between tax increment and tax abatement.
Regarding goal #3, which is transportation and transit, Council Members Grossklaus and Bailey
noted that County expansion of County Road 19 has to be a high priority given our East Ravine
schedule and that access to Grey Cloud Island could perhaps be eliminated as a goal in that it is
Special Meeting — January 12, 2005
Cottage Grove Ciry Council
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under construction. Mayor Shiely commented that we need to stay committed to the Red Rock rail
and high speed rail projects as well as express bus service. Council Member Bailey noted a concern
for the reconstruction of the Hastings Bridge in that the final design and construction staging will
impact Cottage Grove businesses. Mayor Shiely and Council Member Rice noted that we should
monitor Senator Marko's work on initiating discussions regarding future river bridge crossings
between 494 and Hastings.
Regarding goal #4, which is about housing development, Council Member Bailey noted that we
should monitor senior housing development opportunities which could probably drop off the goals
list if both Cottage Square and 70th/Hinton projects proceed. Council Members Rice, Grossklaus,
and Bailey noted that architectural standards in housing districts needed to be a top priority. It was
suggested that association maintenance of monuments needs to be added into development
agreements. Mayor Shiely further responded that we need to remain vigilant in alerting the housing
development community that unless their subdivisions meet the community vision their proposals
will not be approved.
Regarding goal #5, which relates to public facilities, Council Member Bigham stated a desire to
further the discussion on a government center and a community center, exploring first the definition
of what a community center means to all of the various parties, exploring funding options, budget
options, potential timelines, and strategies. Council Member Grossklaus noted that while he would
like a community center he is more concerned about ensuring the government center takes higher
priority. Mayor Shiely noted that it is appalling that with all of our river frontage we do not have public
access to the river and that we must overcome parochial interests of persons residing near potential
boat access points to ensure we deliver access to the community.
Regarding goal # 6, Mayor Shiely explained that she would like to see improved communication
between staff and Council and more communication from departments as well as improved calendar
updates and improved relationships with School District 833.
On a motion by Council Member Rice, second by Council Member Grossklaus, the Mayor adjourned
the meeting at 8:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ryan R. Schroeder
City Administrator