HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-16 PACKET 03.A.(M COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota, held a
Special Meeting on November 8, 2010 at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80 Street
South. Mayor Myron Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bailey led the audience, staff, and Council Members in the pledge of allegiance
to the flag of the United States of America
ROLL CALL
The following were present: Mayor Myron Bailey, Council Member Justin Olsen,
Council Member Jen Peterson, Council Member Pat Rice, and Council Member Mark
Grossklaus.
The following were absent: None.
Also present were: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator; Caron Stransky, City Clerk;
Robin Roland, Finance Director, Howard Blin, Community Development Director; and
Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer.
1. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. Canvass Results of the November 2, 2010 City General Election and Declare the
Winners
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RICE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER.
OLSEN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010 - 177.1 A RESOLUTION
CANVASSING THE VOTES OF THE CITY GENERAL ELECTION AND
DECLARING DERRICK LEHRKE AND DAVE THIEDE AS ELECTED TO THE
OFFICE OF COUNCIL MEMBER FOR FOUR (4) YEAR TERMS COMMENCING
THE FIRST MONDAY OF JANUARY 2011 OR JANUARY 3, 2011,
2. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN TO PUBLIC
Cottage Grove City Council 2
November 8, 2010 Special Meeting
A. Public Improvement Assessments
Rural Assessment Policy
City Engineer Levitt stated that at the October 20, 2010 Regular City Council
meeting, the City Council requested additional information on how other
communities in the Metropolitan Area assess for pavement management projects
similar to the City of Cottage Grove's 2010 Pavement Management Project. She
stated that the Public Works Department completed an assessment survey of 23
rural and metropolitan cities. The survey compared the assessment methods, the
percent of the assessment, the interest rate charged, and the most recent
amount assessed against a residential property for a similar project.
City Engineer Levitt reviewed the spreadsheet entitled "Tabulation of
Assessments and Comparison of Assessment Methods throughout the Twin
Cities Area" and stated that of the 49 communities surveyed, the mean average
for street improvements was 49% and the median average was 45 %, noting that
the City also assesses 45% for street improvements under our Special
Assessment Policy.
Interest Rate on Special Assessments
Finance Director Roland reviewed her memorandum included in the Agenda
packet and the spreadsheet entitled "2010 Assessment Comparison ". She stated
that the assessments could be paid during the first 30 days after adoption without
interest. It is only after the City certifies the assessment that interest is applied.
Finance Director Roland then reviewed a handout on prime interest rate dating
back to 1930 which shows how the prime rate climbed to a high in the 1980's and
decreased to the low today of 3.25°/x. She stated that for the last 15 years, the
average prime interest rate has been 6.75 %.
Finance Director Roland stated that staff believes that the 7% interest rate, which
is in effect, is an appropriate financing interest rate. It is comparable to what
other cities charge.
Cottage Grove City Council
November 8, 2010 Special Meeting
Following discussion, the City Council consensus was to keep the interest rate at
the existing rate of seven percent (7 %).
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER GROSSKLAUS, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER PETERSON, TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING AT 7:27 P.M.
MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0.
Prepared by,
Caron M. Stransky
City Clerk