HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-19 MINUTESREGULAR MEETING
COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL
January 19, 2005
OPEN FORUM — 7:15 p.m.
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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 Myron Bailey
Council Member Karla Bigham
Council Member Mark Grossklaus
Council Member Pat Rice
Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
Ron Hedberg, Finance and Administrative Services Director
Howard Blin, Community Development Director
Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer
John Mickelson, Public Safety Director
Les Burshten, Public Works Director
Corrine Thomson, City Attorney
No one stepped forward to speak during Open Forum.
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a regular
meeting on Wednesday, January 19, 2005, 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 Myron Bailey
Council Member Karla Bigham
Council Member Mark Grossklaus
Council Member Pat Rice
Also Present:Ryan Schroeder, CityAdministrator
Ron Hedberg, Finance and Administrative Services Director
Howard Blin, Community Development Director
Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer
Regular Meeting — January 19, 2005
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 2
John Mickelson, Public Safety Director
Les Burshten, Public Works Director
Corrine Thomson, City Attorney
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY BAILEY, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS
PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
PRESENTATIONS
A. Eaqle Scout Award — David Sundquist
Mayor Shiely congratulated David Sundquist, member of Troop 777, on attaining the rank of
Eagle Scout through Troop 777. She invited him to come forward to receive his award.
Mayor Shiely and the City Council came forward and presented David Sundquist with his
award.
Mayor Shiely congratulated him on his achievement noting that this is a huge
accomplishment. She stated that his achievements are important to both his family and to
the community adding that they know that an individual of his caliber, who achieves this level
of an award, will give back and contribute to the Community. She asked to explain what his
project involved. David stated that his project involved collecting board games, clothing and
books for a local domestic abuse center. Mayor Shiely thanked him for his contributions and
congratulated him on his achievement noting that his name would be included on the plaque
displayed in City Hall.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. January 12, 2005 Special Meeting.
Mayor stated the minutes stand approved as presented
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Bailey asked to pull Item 4M for discussion. He stated that after reviewing
the draft for the City Council Goals for 2005 he noticed that senior housing had not been
included and suggested adding it as part of the City Council Goals for 2005.
Council Member Grossklaus asked to pull Item 4L for discussion. He explained that in
December the City Council received a list of individuals who have been delinquent on paying
their utility bills. He stated that Staff has reviewed and asked Finance and Administrative
Services Director Hedberg for an update on the rates and how Staff plans to resolve the
delinquencies.
Regular Meeting — January 19, 2005
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 3
Finance and Administrative Services Director Hedberg provided the Council with a brief
overview that included three items: a change in the method of calculation for penalties; a
change in the amount charged for accessed accounts; and updates to the language
addressing the way the sewer consumption is calculated for the monthly utility bills. He
reviewed the Change in Penalry Charges with Council stating that Staff is proposing to adjust
the calculation to 4.5% of the previous month's bill. He explained that this change would not
impact individuals who tend to be infrequently late with their payments as much as it would
those who habitually pay late adding that they would pay significantly more in finance
charges, which is the fair way to do it. He provided Council with an overview of the existing
and proposed methods for handling past due accounts, the current process used to calculate
sewer consumption, and explained the new sewer consumption calculations to Council.
Council Member Grossklaus stated that in the example provided he noticed a couple of the
bills were quite high and asked if a monthly billing would help to improve the collection
process for delinquent bills. Finance and Administrative Services Director Hedberg
acknowledged that there are several benefits to a monthly billing process adding that there
would be additional costs and reviewed the average monthly billing for a one-year timeframe
with Council. He explained that the average quarterly bill is approximately $100.00, which
would break down to approximately $33.00 if billed monthly. He further explained that the
main benefit with monthly biliing is that the City would be able to tie the actual consumption
of water to the bill and it would help to accelerate the collection process. He stated that Staff
did a survey earlier this fall asking Residents if they would prefer a monthly or quarterly billing
process. He reviewed the results of the survey with Council noting that most of the
Residents said no to monthly billing and approximately 27% said yes. He noted another cost
savings would be to include the City's monthly newsletter in with the utility bill, which could
potentially save the City approximately $12,000.00 a year. He stated that this could provide
the City with another means of communicating with the Residents on a monthly basis. He
suggested giving residents the option to pay either monthly or quarterly noting that it is his
understanding that the new system could manage this option. He stated that he would prefer
to use the new system and become more familiar before implementing any payment options.
He explained that if Residents participate in the monthly billing they would have to have a
radio read device to allow City Workers the ability to read meters electronically. He stated
that Residents would also have to participate in an auto pay process via a credit card or bank
deduction and reviewed with Council.
Mayor Shiely referenced the discussion from the December 2004 Council meeting and asked
if any consideration has been given to shutting the water off. Finance and Administrative
Services Director Hedberg explained that shut-offs would create an increase in the workload
for City workers, which in turn would create additional costs. He noted that the proposed
resolution verbiage includes providing the City with the ability to turn off the water for
delinquencies.
Council Member Grossklaus stated that his concern is with the consistent increase in dollars
owed by Residents. He indicated that the City is approximately $100,000.00 behind in
receiving payment for the water bills adding that this must be addressed. He agreed that
shutting off water to a residence is a drastic measure adding that Staff has done a good job
Regular Meeting — January 19, 2005
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 4
so far and asked that this issue continue to be monitored as Staff continues to work to
identify options available to resolve this issue.
City Administrator Schroeder asked to pull Item 4J for discussion. He explained that this
involves ordering an Alternative Urban Areawide Review for the East Ravine. He further
explained that this would be a major environmental study that would cover the entire East
Ravine area. He stated that once the study is completed and if they stay roughly to the
Comprehensive Plan, no further environmental studies would be required for this area. He
stated that the Study involves a 30-day review and when completed Staff would then review
the results with City Council. He explained the components of the Study stating that upon
completion Staff would like direction from Council in regard to the assessment process.
Council Member Rice asked to pull Item 4F for discussion. He stated that he would like to
thank Merchants Bank for their donation of $400.00 for the Medallion Hunt this year. He
stated that the City appreciates the donation and wanted to say Thank You for the support.
MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY BIGHAM, TO:
A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES:
i. HUMAN SERVICES/HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION FOR 2004.
ii. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FROM SEPTEMBER 2004
THROUGH DECEMBER 2004.
iii. PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION OF DECEMBER 13, 2004.
B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 05-003 APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT IN THE
AMOUNT OF $7,022.75 TO KEYS WELL DRILLING FOR THE DEEP WELL #11
PROJECT.
C. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF A SINGLE-OCCASION GAMBLING PERMIT TO THE
PHOENIX RESIDENCE, INC. TO CONDUCT A RAFFLE AT RIVER OAKS GOLF
COURSE ON JUNE 6, 2005.
D. 1. ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF MR. ROBERT NEWBY AS THE COUNCIL
APPOINTEE TO THE SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY TELECOMMUNICATION
COMMISSION EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 2, 2004. 2. APPROVE THE
APPOINTMENT OF MR. ROGER PETERSON AS THE COUNCIL APPOINTEE TO
THE SWCTC TO FILL A TERM OF DECEMBER 2, 2004 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28,
2005. 3. REAPPOINT MR. ROGER PETERSON AS THE COUNCIL APPOINTEE
TO THE SWCTC FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM OF MARCH 1, 2005 THROUGH
FEBRUARY 28, 2007. 4. DECLARE A VACANT SEAT AND AUTHROIZE
ADVERTISEMENT TO FILL THE ALTERNATE SEAT ON THE SWCTC.
E. RATIFY THE FOLLOWING EDA APPOINTMENTS: 1. SANDY SHIELY AS
PRESIDENT. 2. MYRON BAILEY AS VICE-PRESIDENT. 3. GERRY
WEINGARTNER AS SECRETARY-TREASURER. 4. REAPPOINT MIKE WENNEN
TO A TERM EXPIRING 12/31/09. 5. ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF DICK
PEDERSON. 6. APPOINT JIM WOLCOTT TO FILL MR. PEDERSON'S
UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING 12/31/08.
F. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 05-004 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATION
FROM MERCHANTS BANK FOR THE COTTAGE GROVE RECREATION
DEPARTMENT AND TEENS IN ACTION'S MEDALLION HUNT.
Regular Meeting — January 19, 2005
Cottage Grove Ciry Council
Page 5
G. APPOINT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR HOWARD BLIN TO
REGULAR STATUS.
H. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 05-005 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE
REAUTHORIZATION OF THE RED ROCK CORRIDOR.
I. RECEIVE THE RESIGNATION OF JON MORTRUD AND BARRY HAMILTON FROM
THE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION.
J. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 05-006 A RESOLUTION ORDERING AN ALTERNATIVE
URBAN AREAWIDE REVIEW (AUAR) FOR THE EAST RAVINE.
K. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF AN ON-SALE INTOXICATING AND SPECIAL SUNDAY
LIQUOR LICENSE TO LAS MARGARITAS BAR AND GRILL.
L. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 05-007 A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING RATES FOR
THE USE OF WATER FURNISHED AND FOR THE USE OF SANITARY SEWER
SYSTEM AND OTHER RULES OR REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO THE BILLING
THEREOF, REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 02-233.
M. ADOPT 2005 CITY COUNCIL GOALS.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES
PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
BID AWARDS
NONE
UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. Consider Apqroval of a Repuest from Tennis Sanitation LLC and Tennis Brothers
Sanitation LLC to implement Bi-Weeklv Collection of Sinqle-Sort Recvclables from
their Cottaqe Grove Customers.
Public Works Director Burshten stated that Waste Management has been providing recycling
carts to City residents and picking up recyclables bi-weekly since August 31, 2004 on a one-
year trial basis. He stated that they have had good success and plan to review again in
September and consider authorizing the ordinance change. He noted that on September 13,
2004 Tennis Brothers came to Public Works with a similar request.
Public Works Director Burshten stated that Tennis Sanitation and Tennis Brothers Sanitation
have requested that Council allow them to implement a single-sort recycling and collect
recyclables on a bi-weekly basis rather than weekly. He noted that Cottage Grove's current
ordinance does not require sorting of targeted recyclables in the recycling bins. He explained
that the individual haulers are responsible for explaining how they want the recyclables
sorted for collection and must provide for the pickup of these materials. He further explained
that the individual haulers are also required to demonstrate that materials were collected
Regular Meeting — January 19, 2005
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 6
through tonnage reports submitted to the City on a semi-annual basis. He provided the
Council with an overview of the current system stating that Tennis Brothers Sanitation has
subcontracted the recycling pickup with Tennis Sanitation, which is allowed under the City
ordinance. He reviewed the recycling process and schedule with the Council noting that this
process has many benefits for the residents and the City. The downside to this type of
pickup is that they use a larger truck but with fewer trips on the road. He noted that there
would be a cost savings to go to a bi-weekly pickup adding that the City currently provides
and drops off the bins. He explained that with this new process the waste haulers would take
on this responsibility and provide the bins to new residents. He stated that the Public Works
Commission voted unanimously to recommend allowing Tennis Brothers and Tennis
Sanitation to move forward with their request adding that they have also agreed to tie in with
the Waste Management agreement, which would involve a six month trial period and a
review at the end of that period. He stated that since the Public Works Commission meeting
there have been some changes made to their proposal and Tennis Brothers and Tennis
Sanitation have decided not to go with the bi-weekly pickup. He stated that they would
provide a weekly pickup, offer containers and still allow residents to have the City bins. He
stated that Staff is not happy with this change, as it would complicate the process for
continuing the container/bin program. He expressed concerns stating that this is
counterproductive because they would use a different type of truck for the weekly pickups
noting that the trucks are heavier. He stated that it would also increase the number of trips
on the road noting that this was a marketing and corporate decision made by Tennis
Brothers and Tennis Sanitation.
Mayor Shiely asked if this change should go back to the Public Works Commission for further
review. Public Works Director Burshten explained that the new proposal is in compliance
with the current ordinance and would not require further review by the Public Works
Commission.
Mayor Shiely clarified that the issue to be considered by the Public Works Commission would
be the increase in traffic on the public roads. Public Works Director Burshten agreed that the
increase in traffic would be a concern as they have invested a lot in improving the City roads.
Willie Tennis, 6693 Goodview Court, Cottage Grove, stated that he is representing both
Tennis Brothers and Tennis Sanitation. He stated that since the discussion regarding the
single sort recycling they have received considerable feedback from their customers that they
do not want the bi-weekly pickup. He stated that many do not have room for the additional
carts and also have trouble remembering to put out their bins. He stated that customers tend
to get confused when they see competitors picking up in the area. He explained that they
decided to do what was best for their customers, which is why they have decided to stay with
the weekly pickup and allow the customers to decide what bins they would prefer to use. He
stated that this process would be the smoothest transition for their customers. He referenced
the bin distribution stating that if the City would prefer to continue purchasing the bins they
would be willing to pick them up from Public Works and deliver as needed. He stated that if
the City does not want anything to do with the bin process they would be willing to buy their
own and deliver as needed. He assured the Council that it is not their intent to create
problems and explained that their main goal is to keep their customers happy. He reviewed
the pick up process with Council stating that they would have one truck for every two routes
Regular Meeting — January 19, 2005
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 7
and would also have two trucks every week versus six trucks every two weeks. He stated
that they still want the City's approval for the bi-weekly pickup process in the event that the
current process does not work. He stated that they would prefer consent from Council before
implementing any changes.
Council Member Bigham asked what their plans were to educate and communicate the
recycle process to their customers. Mr. Tennis explained that they plan to send postcards to
their customers explaining the single-sort process noting that it would also include the pickup
schedule.
Mayor Shiely asked what recycling facility they plan to use. Mr. Tennis stated that they plan
to use their recycling facility located in St. Paul Park. He stated that they are currently in the
process of upgrading the facility and reviewed with Council. He stated that they anticipate
completing the upgrade in March.
Mayor Shiely asked if the City Council could tour their facility when completed. Mr. Tennis
stated that they wouid be happy to show them the facility when all upgrades have been
completed.
Council Member Grossklaus stated that he would prefer not having two different bin types.
He suggested providing the remaining City bins and when the supply is gone it would then be
up to the waste haulers to provide new customers with the bins. Council agreed.
Council Member Rice clarified that they plan to do a weekly pickup for an extended period of
time. Mr. Tennis clarified that they probably would not go to a bi-weekly pickup before
August.
Council Member Rice asked if having one hauler doing the bi-weekly pickup on experimental
basis would change the ordinance. City Attorney Thomson clarified that they were saying
Tennis would have the same opportunity on a trial basis until the original trial period expires.
She further clarified that Tennis would have the authority to implement a biweekly pickup.
She stated that when the trial period ends they would then come back to Council and Council
would have to decide if they want to authorize the option for a biweekly pickup.
Mayor Shiely stated that she would like the Public Works Commission to have another
discussion as to what is happening after the fact and at the end of the trial period.
MOTION BY RICE, SECOND BY GROSSKLAUS, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST FROM
TENNIS SANITATION, LLC AND TENNIS BROTHERS SANITATION, LLC TO IMPLEMENT
BI-WEEKLY COLLECTION OF SINGLE-SORT RECYCLABLES FROM THEIR COTTAGE
GROVE CUSTOMERS. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Regular Meeting — January 19, 2005
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 8
RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
A. K9 Unit Analvsis.
Council Member Bigham referenced the memos from City Administrator Schroeder that
indicate that the D.A.R.E. programs and the Drug Prevention programs are being cut. She
stated that the K9 Unit would be a way for the City to do their part and it also provides an
opportunity to review funding. She stated that she provided City Administrator Schroeder
with information regarding the K9 program that the City would qualify for. She stated that she
and Council Member Bailey have met with businesses in the community adding that there is
interest in reviewing this further. She suggested referring this to the Crime Board for further
review.
Mayor Shiely stated that she does not have any problems with running this past the Crime
Board and she encouraged additional outside involvement and participation.
Council Member Bigham stated that she has also spoken with members of the Minneapolis
and the St. Paul K9 Units. She stated that Hastings and Edina began their programs last
year noting that they are all willing to come and discuss their programs.
Council Member Bailey stated that he would be interested to know what the expenses have
been for other Cities involved with this program. He stated that he would like to get a realistic
number of the costs and how it is being paid for. Council Member Bigham stated that she
would discuss the program further with the various Cities and provide Council with an update.
Council Member Bigham asked if the Police Department has a willing handler. Public Safety
Director Mickelson stated that since the K9 Unit program has come forward he has had three
officers volunteer to participate in the K9 program.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Council Member Bailey asked if there are any updates on the remaining billboard signs
located along Highway 61. Community Development Director Blin stated that Clear Channel
has given Viacom a 15-day notice to take down the larger of the two billboards. He stated
that the smaller sign involves leases and would come down in a few months, closer to the
summer timeframe.
PAY BILLS
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY BIGHAM, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK
NUMBERS 138157 THROUGH 138366 TOTALING $666,052.29. (CHECKS 138157 —
138183 IN THE AMOUNT OF $98,848.62 ISSUED PRIOR TO COUNCIL APPROVAL.)
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Mayor Shiely called a break at 8:32 p.m.
Mayor Shiely called the meeting back to order at 8:45 p.m.
Regular Meeting — January 19, 2005
Cottage Grove Ciry Council
Page 9
WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN
A. Stormwater Maintenance Fund Rate Increase
City Engineer Levitt provided the Council with a presentation and overview of the Stormwater
Maintenance Fund rate increase. She stated that the intent of the report is to provide a solid
background and history of what the City system entails. She reviewed the storm water
system, the control structures and storm water system area map with the Council. She
explained that they have two watershed districts in Cottage Grove, the South Washington
Watershed District and the Lower St. Croix Watershed. She reviewed the history of the
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program noting that it includes public education, illicit
discharge detection and elimination, construction and site runoff, post construction
stormwater management with best management practices in place and also good
housekeeping, which involves street maintenance, ditch maintenance and items that would
have impact on the system. She noted that many projects have been done in rural areas
and they will now be transitioning many of the projects back into the urban areas of the City.
She stated that they would still continue to concentrate efforts annually in the rural areas but
not as high. She reviewed compliance with NPDES Phase 2 noting that there are two
different objectives, minor maintenance and improving water quality, which is driven by the
surface water management plan. She provided the Council with an overview of the
differences between major and minor maintenance and reviewed the backlog projects for
both minor and major maintenance.
Finance and Administrative Services Director Hedberg explained the funding process for
stormwater maintenance. He stated that when they created the stormwater utility packet in
2001 it was created as an enterprise fund to set accounting mechanisms and standards in
place as part of Gatsby 34. He stated that it was turned into governmental fund versus an
enterprise fund and reviewed with Council. He explained that the fund is for maintenance
activities adding that one of the things they try to do when looking at rates is to determine
who would be paying the rates. He reviewed the utility rates map with Council to show where
and how the rates and revenues are being generated.
Mayor Shiely noted that when they pay their taxes there is a separate amount that goes to
each Watershed District. She asked what the $30,000 is for. Finance and Administrative
Services Director Hedberg explained that it is what the City pays in stormwater fees. Mayor
Shiely asked if this amount is being taken out of the City stormwater utility. Finance and
Administrative Services Director Hedberg confirmed noting that it has been generated for the
last two years.
Mayor Shiely asked how much the map area generates through property taxes for the
watershed. Finance and Administrative Services Director Hedberg stated that he could
provide that information for their review. He explained that they are not suggesting that the
rates be adjusted within each district noting that one of the benefits of the stormwater utility is
that everyone pays a portion of the fee.
Regular Meeting — January 19, 2005
Cottage Grove Ciry Council
Page 10
City Engineer Levitt explained that they reviewed the numbers and if they do nothing in
changing the fees the City would come up short by $1.8 million in project costs over the next
five years. She stated that they would not be able to address the backlog of projects or
maintain the stormwater system. She recommended that Council try to achieve minimizing
the backlog of projects over the next five years. She reviewed the rate options with Council.
City Engineer Levitt stated that out of the 36 Cities in 2001 none had a stormwater utility rate.
She stated that now more Cities have had to address the stormwater issues and reviewed
with Council. She stated that Staff recommendation is that the increase has to be
somewhere, where the revenues are greater than the output. She stated that they have
recently been notified of a new step in the stormwater process that was brought about by a
lawsuit. She stated that the verbiage that was in the permit was not enforced and called non-
degradation. She stated that they have to go back to 1988 to determine and ensure that no
adverse affects of water quality have been affected. She stated that 30 Cities were selected
to go through this process, including Cottage Grove. She stated that no funding has been
provided and they estimate the cost to be a minimum of $50,000 to model and meet the
minimum requirements for compliance. She stated that this does not include potential
problems that could be discovered through this process.
Mayor Shiely expressed concerns stating that the City should have a fund, over and above,
for these types of projects and expenses. City Engineer Levitt explained that the rate would
be at $36.00 plus $2.00 would be for Hamlet pond. She further explained that it would eat up
the first three years of funding plus the carryover and would not allow the City to address any
of the other watershed projects.
Mayor Shiely asked if any of the 30 cities identified are in danger of being fined. City
Engineer Levitt stated that they have to prove and show what it was and the value and
mitigation.
Council Member Rice agreed that they have a lot of work to do. He referenced the options
available and suggested that they begin at $40 versus the low end knowing that they would
have to eventually increase the rates. He expressed concerns that they do not have funds
set aside for emergencies adding that he would prefer this process. He agreed that Hamlet
Park would take up a good portion of the funds noting that with this the City would be able to
work on other projects and'still have a fund balance at the end of five years. He clarified that
he is not one to advocate raising taxes adding that this is something that has to be done and
it makes more sense to start at the higher end versus incremental increases.
Mayor Shiely noted that it would be awhile before rates would go down again noting that it is
possible, at some point, after the five years that it could decrease for a time, similar to the
Pavement Management program. She stated that in reviewing the costs in other Cities the
$40 increase suggested by Council Member Rice is very reasonable.
Council Member Rice asked how it would work if they decided to implement bonds. Finance
and Administrative Services Director Hedberg explained that it would free up dollars for
projects in the first five years but would not change the rates very much. He provided the
Council with a brief overview of the impacts.
Regular Meeting — January 19, 2005
Cottage Grove Ciry Council
Page 11
Council Member Bailey asked if any bidding has been done for any of the projects. City
Engineer Levitt stated that no bidding has been done at this time adding that the prices are
currently unknown. She stated that the funding for the Hamlet Park project is at zero right
now and they are not able to bid out the project at this time. She stated that the ideal
process would be to do it all at once adding that Staff would need to be advised as to where
the funding would come from.
Council Member Bigham referenced the major and minor projects and asked if they would
allow the Public Works Department to do the work, if they have the means, or would they
outsource the projects. City Engineer Levitt explained that the City does not have a
dedicated workforce for stormwater maintenance. She stated that it is a timing issue adding
that if they can do it they would take care of it. She stated that Staff would try to manage as
many projects as possible internally but would probably have to outsource some of the
projects.
City Administrator Schroeder stated that Staff intends to come back to Council with a general
direction based on input received today.
Mayor Shiely stated that based on the information provided an increase in rates is needed.
Council Member Bailey agreed stating that following Council Member Rice's suggestion is
probably the best way to go about it, as it would leave the City with additional funds.
The Council agreed that they are not happy with the unfunded mandates from the Federal
government. The Council stated that a letter should be issued outlining their issues and
concerns.
Council Member Grossklaus stated that he wants the Citizens to know that this is a proposed
idea through 2010 that might require further reviews. He urged the Citizens to contact their
Legislative Representatives and express their concerns regarding unfunded mandates such
as this.
WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED
NONE
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY BIGHAM, SECONDED BY RICE, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:30 P.M.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Bonita Sullivan
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.