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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-02-18 MINUTESREGULAR MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL February 18, 2004 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 Mark Grossklaus Council Member Cheryl Kohls Council Member Pat Rice Council Member Jim Wolcott Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Ron Hedberg, Finance and Administrative Services Director Howard Blin, Community Development Director Tom Thompson, Consultant, BRAA John Mickelson, Public Safety Director Les Burshten, Public Works Director Corrine Thomson, City Attorney Not Present: None. Mayo Rude, 1375 — 7� Avenue, Newport, stated that he is the General Manager for Onyx Waste Management. He indicated that he recently had conversations with Council Members and also approached City Staff regarding the third remaining residential waste hauler's license noting that he was told no licenses were available and that Staff did not anticipate one becoming available anytime soon. He noted that he was disappointed when he found out from Staff that the license was no longer available. He stated that he read with interest the article noting the possibility of a fourth license in Cottage Grove adding that he would like to apply for the license if it becomes available. He stated that he currently has contracts hauling roll off, construction and demolition debris for area Cities such as White Bear Lake and Oak Park Heights. He stated that he also provides recycling services for the City of Maplewood in addition to residential hauling in St. Paul, Oakdale and Woodbury. He stated that thirteen of his employees currently live in the City of Cottage Grove noting that they were the ones who brought the potential license to his attention. He asked the Council to give him consideration if the City should decide to make a fourth license available. Mayor Shiely thanked Mr. Rude for his comments noting that his concerns would be reviewed by Staff. She encouraged him to attend the Public Works Commission meeting to discuss his concerns further. Regular Meeting — February 18, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 2 Daniel and Linda Buckley stated that they are owners of A&B Computers located in the area scheduled for demolition. He expressed concerns stating that no one from the mall area really knows what is going on. He stated that he and his wife, along with several other tenants have not been kept informed of what is happening with the mall area. He referenced an article in the Bulletin regarding the City condemning the mall and asked why the tenants have not been kept informed. Mayor Shiely clarified that the City is not condemning the mall noting that the transaction is between a private shopping center owner who is selling to another business. She stated that the purpose of the City is to help and support the businesses in the community with respect to relocating to another part of the City. She asked if Mr. Buckley had received a letter from the City Administrator. He stated that he did receive the letter. City Administrator Schroeder noted that he did speak with Mr. Buckley approximately a week ago regarding his concerns. Mr. Buckley explained that the majority of the tenants at the mall do not know what is happening. He stated that their main concern is the lack of communication noting that it was announced to the public in November that the mall would be removed from Cottage Grove and something else would replace it. He stated that the majority of their time is spent trying to answer their customers' questions and it is frustrating when they have no answers. He stated that he plans to attend the City Council meetings to stay informed and be able to provide information back to the other tenants at the mall. He stated that it is his hope and the hope of the other tenants at the mall that the City Council would do everything in their power to keep the 'mom and pop' businesses running in the Community. He indicated that several of the tenants feel that it appears as if the City of Cottage Grove does not want the 'mom and pop' type businesses in the area noting that most of them are being forced out of business because of the high rents in the area. He stated that he has been shopping for a new location throughout Cottage Grove noting that there is nothing available within a range that he can afford. He expressed concerns stating that the cost of rent in Cottage Grove is too high for small businesses like his. He stated that older, more affordable rental locations are being replaced with newer buildings and higher rent. He stated that he and his wife Linda are hoping to hear that the City does not want the small business owners out and asked the Council how they plan to help the small business owners survive this big change. Mayor Shiely stated that she and the Council are very happy to see him and his wife attending the City Council meetings and encouraged them to continue. She clarified that the City Council is all for maintaining small business ownership in the City of Cottage Grove. She stated that the City did not have anything to do with the sale nor do they have any control over it. She stated that what the Council and City could do is make sure that they continue to do whatever they can to maintain and support small business ownership in the City of Cottage Grove. Mr. Buckley noted the changes in the overpass access and referenced the concerns of the Community with respect to restricting access stating that, in reality, it was a real improvement for the City. He thanked the Mayor stating that it is his plan to attend the regular meetings of the City Council and take back information to the tenants. Regula� Meeting — February 18, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 3 Council Member Kohls acknowledged Mr. Buckley's concerns and frustrations. She asked if he or the other tenants have seen a decline in their business during the November to January timeframe. Mr. Buckley stated that A&B Computers has not experienced a negative impact noting that their business has really flourished over the last three years. He indicated that some of the other businesses in the mall have experienced some impact noting that it has not impacted the amount of traffic yet. He stated that their biggest frustration is the timeframe they have to adjust to the change. He stated that it is really nice to see that the City Council does support the local businesses adding that it is his hope that this will help to dispel the rumors. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2004, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80� Street South. Mayor Sandy Shiely called the meeting to order at 7:30 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 Ron Hedberg, Finance and Administrative Services Director Howard Blin, Community Development Director Tom Thompson, Consultant, BRAA John Mickelson, Public Safety Director Les Burshten, Public Works Director Corrine Thomson, City Attorney Not Present: None. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Council Member Rice referenced Item 4J and asked if they should address the changes to the wording. Mayor Shiely stated that they would address Item 4J under the Consent Calendar. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS A. PRESENTATIONS Regular Meeting — February 18, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 4 Swearinq in Ceremonv for Police Officer Matthew Foucault. Mayor Shiely stated that this has been moved to the March 3, 2004 agenda. B. APPOINTMENTS NONE APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 7, 2004, Regular Meeting. Mayor Shiely stated that the minutes stand approved as presented. B. January 21, 2004, Regular Meeting Mayor Shiely stated that the minutes stand approved as presented. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Shiely referenced Item 4J stating that it is to consider approving the Hardwood Avenue Construction Project. She clarified that this is to approve the project, not the change order. Council Member Kohls asked that they pull Item 4L for a separate vote. She explained that this involves her employer and that she would abstain from the vote. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 04-022 A RESOLUTION FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE ISSUING PIPELINE PERMIT TO 3M FOR THE USE OF EASEMENTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF A FORCE MAIN. MOTION CARRIED 4-1. (1 ABSTAIN-KOHLS) MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES: i. PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION OF NOVEMBER 11, 2003 AND JANUARY 13, 2004. ii. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF JANUARY 13, 2004. iii. PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION OF JANUARY 12, 2004. B. RECEIVE AND PLACE ON FILE DAVID LASSEN'S RESIGNATION LETTER AND AUTHORIZE THE PROCESS OF APPOINTING A NEW MEMBER TO FILL THE REMAINDER OF MR. LASSEN'S UNEXPIRED TERM ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION. C. AUTHORIZE STAFF TO PURCHASE A CARPET CLEANER FROM NAMCO FOR $2,232.23. Regular Meeting — February 18, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 5 D. RE-APPOINT KARLA BIGHAM AS CHAIRPERSON AND BRUCE GENGNAGEL AS VICE-CHAIRPERSON OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2004. E. ACKNOW�EDGE AND RATIFY USE OF THE CITY'S ZAMBONI IN THE ST. PAUL WINTER CARNIVAL PARADE. F. ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF BART FISCHER AS A MEMBER OF THE HUMAN SERVICES/RIGHTS COMMISSION, THANK HIM FOR HIS PAST SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AND DECLARE A VACANCY ON THE COMMISSION FOR THE REMAINDER OF HIS TERM ENDING FEBRUARY 28, 2005. ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF KARI THURLOW, WHO HAS HAD THREE CONSECUTIVE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES FROM THE HUMAN SERVICES/RIGHTS COMMISSION AND DECLARE A VACANCY ON THE COMMISSION FOR THE REMAINDER OF HER TERM TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 28, 2005. G. APPROVE THE 2004 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE AND THE CITY OF ST. PAUL PARK AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT. H. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 04-019 APPROVING COUNTY PROJECT WITHIN MUNICIPAL CORPORATE LIMITS. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 04-020 RELATING TO PARKING RESTRICTIONS. I. APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENTS OF COMMITTEE/COMMISSION MEMBERS FOR ADDITIONAL TERMS: MICKEY MCBRIDE, BEVERLY GROSS AND HERB JAPS TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE; KATHLEEN LKINE, RAJEAN MOONE, AND CHAD THIELMAN TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS/SERVICES COMMISSION; ROBERT DAVY, ALLAN DUBOIS AND BARRY HAMILTON TO THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION; KARLA BIGHAM, KYLE LINDQUIST AND JENNIFER OSBORNE TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH, AND WELFARE COMMISSION; DAVID ANDERSON. RANDALL ECKSTEIN AND ROGER FINNEGAN TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION; FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM OF MARCH 1, 2004 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2007, APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENTS OF ROD HALE AND ROBERT HUDNUT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION. J. AUTHORIZE A CHANGE ORDER TO THE HARDWOOD AVENUE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT. K. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 04-021 AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 756 BY TITLE AND SUMMARY. L. REMOVED FOR SEPARATE MOTION. M. APPOINT RAJEAN MOONE AS THE CHAIR TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS/SERVICES COMMISSION. N. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 04-023 A RESOLUTION FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE SUPPORTING PROPOSED LEGISLATION REGARDING CRT WASTE STREAMS. O. APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF TWO JOHN DEERE LOADERS FROM RDO EQUIPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $150,563.31. P. RECEIVE UPDATE ON NUISANCE ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS. Q. RECEIVE REPORT ON THE SCHEDULE FOR THE EAST RAVINE PRE-DESIGN PROJECT. Regular Meeting — February 18, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 6 � � T. U. AWARD TREE TRIMMING CONTRACT TO S&S TREE AND HORTICULTURAL SPECIALISTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000.00. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 04-024 AUTHORIZING WRITE-OFFS OF THE COTTAGE GROVE EMS ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE IN THE AMOUNT OF $426,674.40. RECEIVE INFORMATION ON THE TIF DISTRICT PROJECTIONS. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 04-025 ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS AND PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR 2001 FLOOD REPAIRS (GREY CLOUD ISLAND ROAD REPAIRS). MOTION CARRIED 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES NONE PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE BID AWARDS A. Consider Awardinq the Contract for the Well No. 11 Pumpinq Facilitv Proiect to Rice Lake Construction Grouq in the Bid Amount of $579,500.00. Mayor Shiely noted that this is a new item that has been added to the agenda. She reviewed the bid for Well No. 11 Pumping Facility Project with Council noting that the dollar amount is very close to what the City Engineer had estimated. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 04-026 A RESOLUTION AWARDING BID FOR THE WELL NO. 11 PUMPING FACILITY PROJECT. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS � City Administrator Schroeder stated that this item was discussed in a workshop at the last City Council meeting noting that this includes the recommended changes from Council. He provided the Council with an overview of the changes noting that the majority of the changes were related to the reporting structure, the pay range and the scope within the job description. MOTION BY KOHLS, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO RATIFY THE CITY ENGINEER JOB DESCRIPTION AND DIRECT STAFF TO POST AND ADVERTISE THE POSITION. MOTION CARRIED 4-1 (WOLCOTT-NAY) , Regular Meeting — February 18, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 7 RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS NONE COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Mayor Shiely referenced a full page acknowledgement in the Washington County Bulletin congratulating Reporter Colby Johnson, who received the First Place Award from the Minnesota Newspaper Association. She stated that the article was written on the July 4` River Rescue noting that Ms. Johnson did an excellent job. She stated that the Council would like to congratulate her on a job well done. Council Member Wolcott concurred with Mayor Shiely and extended his congratulations to Ms. Johnson on an excellent job. He stated that he would also like to congratulate the Police Department on their great work over the past month and asked to have the acknowledgements passed on to the Chief. Director Public Safety Mickelson thanked the Council for their acknowledgement and support noting that he would pass on the compliments to the Department. Council Member Kohls provided the Council with an update on the Lower St. Croix Valley Watershed Management Association. She stated that they are in the process of putting together the required business plan and have hired POR Engineering to assist with the development of the plan. She stated that a couple of public meetings are coming up in preparation of the plan; the first would be on Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at Dunmaker Town hall at 6:30 p.m. and the second, a Technical Advisory Meeting, is scheduled for March 10, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. She stated that the first meeting would be an open house to take public opinion and allow the public to review the natural resources plans, the projects and the financial issues. She stated that the monthly meeting for the WMO is the 2" Wednesday of every month at 4:30 p.m. at the Carpenter Nature Center. She stated that the meetings are always open to the public and encouraged the Community to attend. She explained that this watershed area covers east of old Cottage Grove to Manning Avenue or Highway 95, all the way south and also includes part of the municipal golf course and Pine Cooley area. She noted that there aren't a lot of property owners involved in the area adding that it does include quite a bit of land. She noted that the Business Plan would include how the organization would pay for administration and engineering costs adding that if anyone has an interest in what is happening to the watershed that they are welcome to attend. Council Member Wolcott asked if this goes towards Kimbro. Council Member Kohls stated that she would forward a map of the area for his review. Council Member Rice noted that there is a map of the watershed in the Council Conference room Mayor Shiely asked what the upcoming meeting dates would be for the East Ravine. Council Member Wolcott stated that the Advisory Committee meets on February 24, 2004 at the Public Works building and again on March 10, 2004 at City Hall. He stated that both meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting — February 18, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 8 PAY BILLS MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 133182 THROUGH 133369 TOTALING $350,543.93. (CHECKS 133182 — 133224 IN THE AMOUNT OF $175,689.88 ISSUED PRIOR TO COUNCIL APPROVAL MOTION CARRIED 5-0. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN A. Hamlet Park Expansion/Storm Pondinq City Administrator Schroeder stated that the City Council began discussion of expansion of Hamlet Park in September 2002 as mitigation for planned disturbance of Oakwood Park within the Gateway Redevelopment District. He stated that the discussion evolved into a broader review of storm water drainage issues in 2003. He noted that the Council hosted a public information meeting on August 20, 2003 where the Staff presented the neighborhood with a plan that included completion of an extension of Hamlet Avenue with additional housing, an expansion of ball fields with additional land acquisition for Hamlet Park, and construction of significant stormwater ponding facilities. He stated that resulting from the meeting the impression was left that the neighborhood was generally comfortable with the development concept as long as the result was an amenity for the neighborhood. He reviewed the recommendations made by Council noting that on September 3, 2003 City Council authorized plans and specifications for the Hamlet Park Pond Expansion Project. He stated that since that time Staff has been pursuing a better understanding of the subsoil conditions and costs associated with those conditions. He stated that soil borings and analysis of the borings from a bedrock depth have been done and at the same time they have continued discussions and stormwater modeling with MnDOT regarding drainage concerns and the potential Highway 61 flooding due to the lack of drainage infrastructure in the area. He noted that Michael Volks, who did most of the drawings and ran the numbers, is also present to address any questions the Council might have. City Administrator Schroeder provided the Council with an overview and background noting that the plan drawings have remained fairly similar over the years. He stated that more recently, Staff has become aware of the strong desire by MnDOT for the City to pursue additional drainage, ponding and flowage from Highway 61 south. He stated that as a result, they began drawing ponds, met with the neighborhood and laid out what could be expected in construction and costs. He stated that there is a significant amount of bedrock near the surface and that they want to ensure that a cost effective way to mine and manage the area is determined. He stated that American Excavating was contracted to study the rock and inspect the ore noting that the current estimate would be $1.5 million to excavate. He noted that a second option includes excavating a smaller pond down to the rock and not excavating the rock itself. City Administrator Schroeder referenced page 3 of the packet noting it discusses the Gateway Storm Sewer project and reviewed the affected areas with Council. He noted that a cuivert replacement project is also scheduled. Regular Meeting — February 18, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 9 City Administrator Schroeder referenced Exhibit C— Thompson Grove Quality Pond stating that it would basically drain into the larger system adding that the water quality pond would clean the water prior to draining into the larger system. He stated that the construction project would cost approximately $530,000 adding that they have recommended holding off on this project. Council Member Kohls asked if this pond would hold water all the time or act as an overflow. City Engineer Thompson stated that it would be a wet pond. City Administrator Schroeder stated that the dollars for the Hamlet Park land purchase will come from the Park Trust Fund and the dollars for the Hamlet Pond land purchase, ponding, grading and grading excavation would come from the Area Fund. He stated that these are initial numbers and suggested that the Council consider more involvement with the subdivision in an effort to get some design control for that area. He clarified that he did not want to give the Council the impression that the City could just purchase the land, grade it, and be done with it. He explained that it would take some work and expenditures to develop the ball fields in addition to the grading and irrigation needs. He agreed that the costs were high noting that it would be refined if Council directs Staff to continue moving forward with the project. City Administrator Schroeder referenced the second phase stating that it would include the ponding, the roadway to the parking lot, construction of the parking lot and the actual purchase. He stated that Staff is looking for direction from Council with respect to ratification of the Gateway Project and also to give Staff the go ahead to move forward with the culvert project. He stated that they would also like direction with respect to how the park construction should be phased. Council Member Kohls clarified that items marked for the 2004/2005 timeframe would be Phase 1 and the balance of the last five items would be considered future projects. She asked if they had identified a timeframe. City Administrator Schroeder stated that they do not have an established timeframe available yet. Council Member Kohls expressed concerns noting that the numbers are huge and asked for clarification of the future capital improvement projects. City Administrator Schroeder agreed. He noted that the rock excavating project would not be done at this time adding that this is just to show the costs for what should be done. City Engineer Thompson reviewed the initial stages of the project with Council noting the additional water draining from the West Draw area. He explained that MnDOT has raised issues and concerns with Highway 61 and potential flooding and Staff had to determine how they would work with MnDOT on this issue. He explained that at the time it was thought that the large pond would solve the problem. He stated that they have been working with MnDOT to perform a study of the area and reviewed the modeling system used with Council. He stated that it is their belief, based on the modeling and their discussions that they can address MnDOT's concerns by creating a culvert that would move the water to a larger area. He stated that it also has an outlet through the flume but that it is not an approved pond and that it would not meet the water quality or rate control requirements in the future. He noted that it is an interim solution that would be the most cost effective approach that is available to them right now. Regular Meeting — February 18, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 10 Council Member Kohls asked if the Hamlet Pond rock excavation is going to have to take place. City Engineer Thompson confirmed that it does have to take place. Mayor Shiely asked how deep it is in the area they would have to excavate. City Engineer Thompson stated that the average depth is 6-8 feet of water. He noted that, depending on the contractor and if there is a use for the rock, the contractor could allow them to over excavate the rock and utilize throughout the City. He stated that this would drive the costs down for the contractor and the City. Council Member Kohls stated that she would like to know the balance of the funds for the Stormwater Area Fund and the Park Trust Fund prior to any funds being taken or allotted for this project in 2004/2005. City Administrator Schroeder clarified that funds from the Park Trust Fund would be used for the acquisition of the park land and for development costs related to the park, not for the stormwater, and he reviewed the balance of the funds with Council. Council Member Kohls stated that when everything does come back for review she wants to see firm numbers as to what it would do to the budget. She expressed concerns stating that she does not want the funds to be so drained that they have no fund remaining to manage the trails and parks. City Administrator Schroeder stated that the acquisition, per the Park Plan, and the grading is well within the realm of what was contemplated. He clarified that the Stormwater, Gateway and Culvert projects are being contemplated as future projects. City Administrator Schroeder explained that the City does not necessarily agree with the amount of work MnDOT is requesting but that they are in agreement that some of what is being proposed does need to be done. Council Member Kohls expressed concerns stating that they should budget for this project whether it is five years or ten years down the road. She stated it should be included in the plans with all costs identified. City Administrator Schroeder agreed and reviewed the process noting that the delay could provide opportunities that have not yet been discovered. Council Member Wolcott agreed with the concern regarding the costs and knowing the numbers. He indicated that there had been discussion about creating a smaller pond and removing the rock later and asked if they would have to drain the pond to remove the rock. City Engineer Thompson stated that they could phase the rock construction within the project adding that the water would not be an issue to do the excavation. Council Member Wolcott noted the culvert and asked if the spring would affect any of this. City Engineer Thompson stated that the spring, that MnDOT states does not exist, would continue to operate as it does today. Council Member Wolcott noted that the water quality pond is six feet deep and asked if the depth included the rock. City Engineer Thompson stated that the depth includes the rock and that it would be a mix of soil water and rock. Regular Meeting — February 18, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 11 Council Member Wolcott asked if the residents along Hamlet have been notified and asked if this was part of the workshop that was held. He stated that this project is getting close to a number of backyards and suggested that someone discuss this concern with the residents. City Administrator Schroeder stated that they would be getting back to the residents as a part of the project. Council Member Wolcott noted the parking lot and clarified that this would be a future project. Mayor Shiely also clarified that the road would go in as part of the industrial development and asked if they are working hard to sell the area. City Administrator Schroeder stated that they have some infrastructure in the ground to do first. Mayor Shiely asked if they would have to excavate the rock in order to pond if the rock is at a depth of 8 feet. City Engineer Thompson stated no and explained that they have a number of borings in the area. He reviewed the soil boring process with Council noting that it does get to a point where they have to determine how much they want to spend for borings or make a decision based on the information they already have from borings they have taken. He stated that they could probably get a decent number for a bid adding that they could not guarantee the rock elevations. Mayor Shiely asked if it would be possible to get the acreage and not have to excavate as much as anticipated. City Engineer Thompson stated that the concern is how much do they want to spend to find that answer or do they want to work with the information they already have. Mayor Shiely asked how much the borings cost. Public Works Director Burshten stated that one set of borings cost approximately $8,000 and the other was approximately $12,000. Public Works Director Burshten suggested that they hold onto the materials for future berming and other needs. He stated that it would be a good idea to do each as a phase within the project noting that the numbers are big. He stated that it would be more cost effective to do this project in phases noting that they do not have the numbers or dollars to do it all at once. He expressed concerns stating that the possibility of a 100-year event could cause considerable problems and encouraged the Council to consider the project in phases. Mayor Shiely asked if there are other Communities building in similar areas that could experience this type of problem. Public Works Director Burshten stated that there are probably areas in the same situation. Council Member Wolcott asked if they have reviewed the current maintenance at Hamlet Pond and if they have considered removing the silt to improve the water circulation. Public Works Director Burshten stated that they did review this as an option and found that the silt issue was not as bad as they had originally thought. He agreed that they should probably consider removing the dirt that is in the pond adding that it is very difficult to access the area. Council Member Wolcott expressed concerns that this could get forgotten. Public Works Director Burshten assured him that it would not be forgotten adding that it is just a tough job to get into the area. Regular Meeting — February 18, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 12 Council Member Grossklaus asked if MnDOT has come fonvard with any of the funding. City Engineer Thompson stated that they are currently in discussions with MnDOT and are in the process of working out negotiations for funds with improvements along Highway 61. He indicated that MnDOT has given a verbal that it makes sense adding that MnDOT would want to write the agreement if they go along with it. Council Member Wolcott asked if they are looking at using some of the Clear Channel properties to resolve this problem. City Administrator Schroeder stated that Clear Channel does provide an opportunity noting that it is not a part of this particular issue. He agreed that it could help but that it would depend upon where the water is directed. Council Member Wolcott stated that this would be an option to consider as it could lower the dollars. City Engineer Thompson stated that this is a large area adding that they could have the area reviewed as an option. He stated that it is possible that the elevations would prevent them from using it to resolve the problems with MnDOT. Mayor Shiely stated that she spoke with City Administrator Schroeder and clarified that when the City sold the Oakwood Park property that was purchased by Ruby Tuesday that the City would stand to make approximately $1.4 million on the sale. She stated that Council has repeatedly made it clear that they want this money to be earmarked for the Park Trust Fund. She noted that in reviewing Phase 1 and the Park Trust Fund for the land purchase and grading, the dollar amount comes to approximately $800,000 adding that approximately $600,000 is still undesignated from the sale of the property. City Administrator Schroeder explained that this would remain in the Park Trust Fund and would not be used for the stormwater or construction/excavating costs. He stated that they would use the $800,000 in the first phase and the remainder would be for the second phase. Mayor Shiely stated that she wanted it made very clear that they are using the funds strictly for the park. City Administrator Schroeder agreed noting that Staff wanted to know that Council is on board with the generalized plan. He assured Council that Staff would not show up requesting higher dollar bonds for the funding. Council Member Kohls clarified that there would be a neighborhood meeting. City Administrator Schroeder stated that they would be sending out a notice that outlines what they are proposing to the residents in the area. Council Member Kohls stated that this would be nice adding that another neighborhood meeting would be good to keep the residents informed. Council Member Wolcott agreed and reviewed the areas affected. Mayor Shiely noted that if they are considering some kind of joint venture at the end of Hamlet that they are not totally opposed to the idea. She agreed that it would give the City some form of control in the development process and encouraged Staff to pursue it. WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED Regular Meeting — February 18, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 13 NONE ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:35 P.M. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.