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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-12-15 MINUTESREGULAR MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL December 15, 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 Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer John Mickelson, Public Safety Director Les Burshten, Public Works Director Caron Stransky, City Clerk Corrine Thomson, City Attorney Dana Fassett, Rodeo/Rush, stated that she is present this evening to dispel some of the rumors concerning the Rodeo name change to the Rush. She reviewed the changes with Council noting that she would do whatever is necessary to maintain the property and keep the property taxes paid. Fassett indicated that their format would remain the same noting that it would include a mix of top 40 and country with larger local country acts on Saturday evenings. Council Member Rice asked if it would remain under the same ownership. Ms. Fassett confirmed that the Rush is still owned by After the Gold Rush. Gary Kjellberg, 7389 Inman, stated that he would like to thank Council Members Jim Wolcott and Cheryl Kohls for their combined years of dedication and hard work to the City of Cottage Grove. He stated that Council Member Wolcott has been with the Council for 13 years and Council Member Kohls for 8 years noting that both have done considerable work behind the scenes to the benefit of Cottage Grove. He stated that it has been a real privilege knowing and working with them both over the years and thanked them for their dedication to the City of Cottage Grove. Regular Meeting — December 15, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 2 CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a regular meeting on Wednesday, December 15, 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 Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer John Mickelson, Public Safety Director Les Burshten, Public Works Director Caron Stransky, City Clerk Corrine Thomson, City Attorney ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS A. PRESENTATIONS Winter Parkinq Requlations and Enforcement Mike Zurbey, City of Cottage Grove Police Department, provided the Council with an overview of the winter parking regulations and enforcement process. He stated that from October 1 St through April 30 of each year no vehicles are allowed to park on residential streets between the hours of 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. on any day. On-street parking is permitted only when it does not interfere with the removal of snow and ice from the City streets. In the event of a snow emergency, all vehicles must be removed within 15 minutes if requested by a City employee. Zurbey indicated that educating the community is a three-step process that begins in early October when Officers first begin to place informational flyers on parked cars reminding the owners of the ordinance. He stated that the educational process also includes the utilization of several avenues as a means of communication including the City Web Site, Cottage Grove City Reports, the Your Public Safety Cable T.V. Show and signage. He stated that Regular Meeting — December 15, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 3 there are 26 signs posted throughout the City on major thoroughfares and major entry points into the City. The second phase is an official warning tag reminding residents of the ordinance and the third step is the enforcement phase, which comes with the onset of the first snowfall of the season. Zurbey stated that this is when they begin to issue Administrative Ordinance Tags (AOT), which results in a$35.00 fine. The residents of Cottage Grove are expected to know the local ordinances and inform their visitors. Zurbey indicated that vehicles will be towed if they interfere with the snow removal process or if the owner has received multiple AOT's. He stated that vehicles are towed to the Southeast Towing lot in Inver Grove Heights noting that cost for the tow would be $60.00 plus a$15.00 daily storage fee. All AOT's must be resolved before the vehicle would be released. Council Member Kohls asked what would constitute a vehicle getting in the way of snow removal noting that in some areas they plow around the vehicle. Deputy Director Zurbey explained that if City workers are out plowing or if a City worker tries to contact or find an owner and receives no response within the first 15 minutes, the City would then tow the vehicle. Council Member Rice asked for clarification on how enforcement would be handled for late night parties at a residence if it goes beyond 2:00 a.m. Deputy Director Zurbey explained that if residents have an unusual circumstance they could contact the Police Department ahead of time to obtain approval noting that if it were snowing they would still have to remove all vehicles for plowing. Mayor Shiely clarified that even with no snow, the ban is in existence and enforced for the season. Deputy Director Zurbey confirmed that from October 1 St through April 30 the ordinance is enforced. 2. Citv Emplovee Donation to Friends In Need Food Shelf Finance and Administrative Services Director Hedberg stated that City of Cottage Grove employees donated $2,155.00 to the `Friends In Need Food Shelf. A check in this amount was presented to the food shelf at the Canadian Pacific's Holiday Train event in Cottage Grove on December 12, 2004. He provided the Council with a brief overview noting that the City would present the actual checks to the food shelf next week. Mayor Shiely noted that all groups who donated $200.00 or more were invited to come up onto the Holiday Train to make their presentation. She stated that the City of Cottage Grove Employees were one of the top three donors and thanked them all for their help and support. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. November 3, 2004 Regular Meeting Mayor Shiely stated the minutes stand approved as presented. B. November 17, 2004 Special Meeting Regular Meeting — December 15, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 4 Mayor Shiely stated the minutes stand approved as presented. C. November 17, 2004 Regular Meeting Mayor Shiely stated the minutes stand approved as presented. D. December 1, 2004 Regular Meeting Mayor Shiely stated the minutes stand approved as presented. CONSENT CALENDAR Council Member Wolcott pulled Item 4.W for discussion. He explained that Item 4W pertains to certifying unpaid utility bills. Wolcott expressed concerns noting that the past due amounts continue to grow each year. He stated that he has discussed his concerns and reviewed the delinquent charges with Finance and Administrative Services Director Hedberg and has requested that Hedberg to review further. Several are rather significant amounts adding that City staff should take a hard look at how long they are going to allow the delinquencies to continue. He stated that the majority of the residents do pay their utility bills in a timely fashion and suggested penalizing those who are not paying their bill. Wolcott stated that the City is being very generous with the small late fee that is charged adding that this fee should be increased. He noted that eventually the City does get paid adding that staff dedicates a lot of time, work, and effort to maintain the collection process. He encouraged staff to consider putting something in place that would provide residents with an incentive to pay their utility bills in a timely manner. Finance and Administrative Services Director Hedberg explained that currently the delinquent fee is 10% of the previous quarter bill and agreed that some are quite high. He reviewed the billing and collection process with Council and asked if Council wants staff to become more assertive with initiating shut-off to the water. Currently the City does not shut off the water supply. He stated that staff could determine a cut-off balance that would initiate a warning and final notice, resulting in shutting off the water until the bill is resolved. Hedberg stated that by increasing the fees and including the possibility of a shut-off there could be enough of an incentive to encourage residents to pay their utility bills. Mayor Shiely asked if some are delinquent every year. Finance and Administrative Services Director Hedberg stated that over half on the list allowed their billing to rollover to their property taxes. Finance and Administrative Services Director Hedberg noted that one of the options could be to change the way service charges are calculated. He explained that the service charge could be a percentage of the unpaid balance, similar to a credit card, which would penalize people who are habitually late more so than those who are occasionally late. He reviewed the billing process noting that there would have to be an educational process in place that could include information in the billing that would help educate the community on the changes for late fees and percentages. Regular Meeting — December 15, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 5 Mayor Shiely agreed that this is something that should be reviewed noting that Council is not ready to make a recommendation at this time. Council Member Wolcott clarified that he is not expecting an immediate resolution adding that he is only suggesting that staff review and determine an incentive to get residents to pay their bills. He suggested requesting that staff review the past due billing and collection process and come back to Council with recommendations to consider. Council Member Kohls agreed that she would be more inclined to have staff investigate the options further. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO: A. NO COMMISSION MINUTES SUBMITTED. B. RECEIVE INFORMATION ON THE PAVEMENT CONDITION SURVEY COMPLETED FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE BY GOODPOINTE TECHNOLOGY. C. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #1 FOR PINE ARBOR 2ND ADDITION PROJECT. D. AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF COMMUNICATIONS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE EQUIPMENT USING GRANT FUNDS RECEIVED FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,360, AND $750.00 DONATED BY APPLEBEE'S RESTAURANT, NOT TO EXCEED $4,110.00. E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 04-219 AMENDING THE 2005 PAY PLAN AND BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES NOT COVERED BY A LABOR CONTRACT FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE. F. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 04-220 A RESOLUTION GRANTING A VARIANCE FROM TITLE 11-9F-5A, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS IN R-5 ZONING DISTRICT, TO REDUCE THE REQUIRED REAR YARD SETBACK FROM 35 FEET TO 31 FEET TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF A PORCH ADDITION AT 9167 JAREAU AVENUE SOUTH. G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 04-221 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT KNOWN AS SUMMERHILL CROSSING 2 ND ADDITION. H. APPOINT ADDITIONAL MEMBERS TO INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE TASK FORCE. I. AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF THE COTTAGE GROVE RAVINE REGIONAL PARK LAND TRANSFER AND REPLACEMENT AGREEMENT WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY. J. RECEIVE INFORMATION REGARDING THE 70 STREET SANITARY SEWER REPAIR. K. APPROVE THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE AND BONESTROO, ROSENE, ANDERLIK AND ASSOCIATES. L. RECEIVE UPDATE ON THE EAST RAVINE OPEN HOUSE HELD ON NOVEMBER 15, 2004. M. RATIFY THE ACTION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO ACQUIRE A TAX FORFEIT PARCEL LOCATED AT 7000 — 70 STREET. Regular Meeting — December 15, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 6 N. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 04222 APPROVE SUPPLEMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR RYAN SCHROEDER. O. RECEIVE INFORMATION ON REQUEST MADE OF SOUTH WASHINGTON CABLE COMMISSION. P. APPROVE THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE AND SPECIALIZED ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE YARDWASTE FACILITY IN COTTAGE GROVE. Q. APPROVE THE AMENDED AGREEMENT ALLOWING OPERATION OF A CURRENCY EXCHANGE BUSINESS AT THE IN CONCERT STORE THROUGH THE END OF 2007. R. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF LIQUOR LICENSES FOR 2005, PER THE MEMO FROM CITY CLERK CARON STRANSKY. S. APPROVE HLB TAUTGES REDPATH, LTD. TO PROVIDE AUDITING SERVICES FOR THE 2005 FISCAL YEAR AUDIT. T. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 04223 A RESOLUTION AMENDING CITY FEE TABLE. U. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 04-224 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A SITE PLAN REVIEW WITH PARKING VARIANCE AND AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW AN ADDITIONAL DRIVE-THROUGH LANE AND ORDER BOARD AT MCDONALD'S, 7355 EAST POINT DOUGLAS ROAD. V. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF A SINGLE-OCCASION GAMBLING PERMIT TO GREY CLOUD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL P.T.A. TO CONDUCT A RAFFLE ON MARCH 11, 2005 AT 9525 INDIAN BOULEVARD. W. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 04-225 A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING DELINQUENT UTILITY BILLS. X. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 04-226 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF 2005 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) APPLICATIONS. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE BID AWARDS NONE UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Consider Adoptinq Resolutions Adoptinq the 2005 Budqet and the 2004 Tax Lew Collectible in 2005 for the Citv of Cottaqe Grove. Finance and Administrative Services Director Hedberg stated the Truth in Taxation Hearing was held on December 6, 2004. He indicated that two citizens attended the hearing and he Regular Meeting — December 15, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 7 reviewed the levy amounts, the 2005 Budget and General Fund with Council. Hedberg noted that the proposed resolution adopting the 2005 Budget has been revised. He referenced line 4 under expenditures noting that the dollar amo�nt for the Cottage Grove EMS was incorrect, as it did not include the capital expenses. MOTION BY KOHLS, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 04227A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2005 BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 04228 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2004 TAX LEVY COLLECTIBLE IN 2005. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. B. Review the Citv Council Meetinq Schedule for 2005. Mayor Shiely stated that next year the City Council would meet regularly on the first and third Wednesday of each month except in August. She stated that for the month of August they are proposing one regular City Council meeting on August 10, 2005 because August is the month they begin holding budget meetings, which are currently scheduled forAugust 3`a ��cn and 24 if needed. She noted that none of the meeting dates interFere with holidays this year. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECOND BY RICE TO APPROVE THE 2005 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Mayor Shiely referenced her request for further information and clarification regarding 80 Street and Jamaica stating that she asked for this information several months ago and has yet to receive an answer. She stated that she expected an answer on Dec 1 noting that it was not received. She stated that she would like a response and answers to her concerns as soon as possible. City Engineer Levitt acknowledged Mayor Shiely's concerns stating that staff has met and discussed the issues. She stated that it is staff's intent to respond at the first Council meeting in January 2005. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Mayor Shiely referenced the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train event noting that the residents of Cottage Grove raised thousands of dollars and donations for the 'Friends in Need Food Shelf'. She expressed her pride in the community noting that she cannot thank the community enough for the hard work and support. She stated that this is a community with heart noting that it is absolutely incredible the amount of support given by the community. She noted Scott Johnson, Brian Voelker, Mike Zurbey and the Police Reserves stating that all did a great job and thanked everyone for their support and donations. Regular Meeting — December 15, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 8 Mayor Shiely noted that this is the last meeting for two of the most experienced Council Members and she would like to take a moment to recognize their years of service and dedication to the City of Cottage Grove. She noted that Council Member Wolcott has been a member of the Council for 13 years and Council Member Kohls for 8 years. She noted that it is very difficult to come up with the right words to say thank you adding that it is truly amazing how much time and effort actually goes into this job behind the scenes. She provided insight to the projects and work Council Member Kohls has been involved in noting that she has been a wonderful advocate for Public Safety and the City's history. She stated that she has been the resident'go-to' person with any questions regarding watershed issues adding that she has consented to continue representing the City of Cottage Grove on the Watershed Board. She stated that Council Member Kohls has been a true asset to the Council and community noting that she would truly be missed. Mayor Shiely noted Council Member Wolcott stating that for as long as she has known him he has been in some form of service to this community. She indicated that they spent several years together with the Jaycees. She noted that Council Member Wolcott has served on several Commissions in addition to his many years with the City Council. She stated that Council Member Wolcott has provided the absolute necessary balance to the City Council adding that he has been an excellent advocate for Public Works, and a big influence in actively working to bring many of the current businesses to the City of Cottage Grove. She stated that the City has Council Member Wolcott to thank for many of the businesses and changes within the City noting that his efforts are truly appreciated by all. She stated that Council Member Wolcott cares deeply for this City noting that he would be missed very much by everyone. She thanked both Council Member Wolcott and Council Member Kohls for their years of service, hard work and dedication to the City of Cottage Grove. Council Member Kohls thanked the residents of Cottage Grove for placing their trust in her over the years. She stated that it has been an honor beyond description to serve this community for the past eight years. She agreed that it has been a lot of hard work and a struggle at times adding that overall, it has been a wonderful experience that she would not trade for anything. She stated that the education she received from this job goes far beyond what any college could offer. She stated that the incoming Council Members would be working with great people and noted that they would truly enjoy the experience. She wished them all the best of luck and thanked the citizens for a phenomenal experience adding that she does not regret one moment. Council Member Wolcott thanked the residents of Cottage Grove stating that it has been an honor to serve the community. He noted that he has lived and worked within and for the City for over 30 years adding that he has always liked being able to give something back to the community that would help to make this community a better place to live. He noted that the job has been challenging and rewarding, and that it has been a great opportunity. He stated that the job takes a lot of research and learning noting that one never comes into this job fully prepared, there is always something new to learn. He thanked the community for allowing him to serve noting that it has been a pleasure to work with all of the people and citizens of Cottage Grove. He stated that the City has a great staff adding that it has been a pleasure to work with all of them. He stated that this is a great City that he is proud to call home. Regular Meeting — December 15, 2004 Cottage Grove City Council Page 9 Mayor Shiely stated that there would be a celebration honoring the outgoing Council Members after the Council meeting, to be held at the River Oaks Golf Course Clubhouse. She stated that the celebration is open to the public and invited everyone to come down and celebrate. PAY BILLS MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 137737 THROUGH 137911 TOTALING $682,680.26. (CHECKS 137737 — 137747 IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,061.00 ISSUED PRIOR TO COUNCIL APPROVAL.) MOTION CARRIED 5-0. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN NONE WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED NONE ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:15 P.M. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. RespectFully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.