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Home My WebLink About2011-03-16 PACKET 04.E.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA MEETING ITEM # DATE 3/16/2011 PREPARED BY Administration Ryan Schroeder ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT HEAD COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST Consider adopting the Strategic Planning Report and the 2011 City Council Goals. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Adopt the Strategic Planning Report and the 2011 City Council Goals. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ® MEMO /LETTER: Memo from Ryan Schroder. ❑ RESOLUTION: ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION: ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: ® OTHER: Attachments. ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS �� --' City Administrator Date COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: /APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER Document2 To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members From: Ryan R. Schroeder, City Administrator Date: March 9, 2011 Subject: Adoption of 2011 Council Goals On February 5, 2011 the City Council held a retreat to create its Goals and initiatives for 2011. Enclosed is the reporting document from that daylong event. We have also included the one page goals document that, upon approval, will be distributed to all staff and commissions and displayed publicly. Council Action: By motion adopt the Strategic Planning report and the 2011 City Council Goals. Revised Vision, Mission, Gocls, !nOiatives From Planning Retreat 215111 VISION & MISSION The Council reviewed the three -part, existing vision and mission statement that was created in 2005. The Vision is for five years and the goals /initiatives for two - three years, unless otherwise specified. Vision: A. An accessible community with an appreciation for our environment, trees, hills, ravines, landscapes and river, including quality park, green and open space areas. B. A good place to raise a family and grow a business with well maintained neighborhoods and private properties. C. A fiscally responsible, engaged government with well maintained, infrastructure, access to quality inter- and intra- community transportation and transit, and safe residential and commercial neighborhoods and public spaces. Mission: Provide excellence in the delivery of public services to community residents, businesses, and owners of property 2011 COTTAGE GROVE GOAL AREAS: 1. Governance Promote an enhanced sense of community pride, mutual trust, respect, civility, and a safe and secure environment for the exchange of ideas and collaborative dialogue throughout the organization, with other governmental agencies and the community. 2. Fiscal Stability Operate in a fiscally responsible manner while emphasizing growth and diversity of the tax base and high value to the taxpayer and other community stakeholders. S. Commerciad and Industrial Development Place emphasis on quality retail, restaurant, and industrial recruitment and retention. Development enhancements within all commercial districts include the use of development controls, architectural standards and high quality site features. z. Transportation and Traassat Place a; high priority on Red Rock Commuter Rail, High Speed Rail and express transit service, while we garner intergovernmental funding toward State and County corridor improvements. 5. Housing Oeve4opranent Ensure that implementation of the master plan for the East Ravine District includes only high quality, high design and amenity development stressing the natural environment complemented by the built environment. Emphasis is placed on diversity of housing styles targeting the second and third tier move -up buyer along with empty- nester housing. All future housing developments should strive to reflect the community vision established through the East Ravine planning process. Encourage the maintenance of current housing stock through increased code enforcement efforts. &. Public Facilities Provide a high level of maintenance, repair and quality of construction of city facilities including municipal structures, parks, and community spaces. Included is implementation of storm water and water system improvements. Revised Vision, Mission, Goats, ;nitiotives From Planning Relreat2 /5/11 INITIATIVES Governance Initiatives 1. Provide focus, and allocation of resources for both internal and external communications that include community events and programs, adding expenditure analysis. 2. Continue performance measures and benchmarks by which the organization can measure attainment. Refine and expand monthly departmental reporting to council and staff. 3. Provide processes from which the organization can set direction such as the past pavement management task force report. Revisit current systems /processes to ensure validity and need remains. 4. Complete enhanced staff performance feedback system and implement accountability measures for each department tied to council Vision and Goals. Continue to implement "Good to Great" process. 5. Develop a communications /marke tools as the web and the Internet. city; include the use of such Fiscal Stability Initiatives 1. Budget with sustainability focus including renewable, quality of life and environmental factors. 2. Operate in accordance with Fund Balance policy and other current fiscal policies and practices including future facilities, pavement management, debt retirement and fund reserve levies. 3. Proceed toward the 2012 budget replicating budget direction from 2010/2011. Include continued moderation of the tax levy rate in comparison to peer communities and moderation of future operating cost increases below our funding, ability. Ensure sustainable budgeting as we react to the current down cycle in the economy.,. Dar° merCial and lndusMa8 Development Initiatives 1. Continue to increase quality of commercial structures and neighborhoods. 2. Prospect for specific end users by category, including restaurants, big /junior box and specialty retailers, and service and entertainment venues as identified in the 2009 commercial market study. Provide a list of specific measures taken and specific contacts made to both Commercial and Industrial prospects. Concentrate industrial prospecting on high job industries. Include results within annual performance measures. 3. Provide for continued development of the industrial park, redevelopment of the Gateway District and planning for the Cottage View and infill sites including the Rodeo and Majestic redevelopment opportunities. Include a business community feedback mechanism to include prospects not attracted to a local development site. Improve reporting to EDA and Council. 4. Update business attraction /retention marketing plan and strategy. Revised Vision, Mission, Goals, InPicfives From Planning Rel(eat215111 5. Provide for enhanced Chamber, EDA, and Council business outreach coordination. Transportation and Transit Initiatives 1. Provide for third party funding of community infrastructure ensuring that we gain our share of County Highway funding dollars. Aggressively pursue inclusion in Federal stimulus and Federal Highway reauthorization bills. 2. Provide for high density housing as part of our transit plan. 3. Provide continued support of the Hastings Bridge, Red Rock Rail and High Speed Rail initiatives. 4. Provide planning and construction of local roadway infrastructure on a scheduled basis. Housing Development Initiatives 1. Ensure that all rental- housing units are identified and monitored for code compliance. 2. Aggressively monitor foreclosed properties. 3. Provide for additional Empty Nester housing such as the Auburn Woods development. Consider density', bonuses to provide for this housing type. 4. Provide for targeted high end development in the East Ravine and West Draw portions of the Community -- with density flexibility. 5. Provide opportunities for high - density townhomes, apartments, affordable rentals and condo projects along with a non - senior assisted living project. Public facilities Initiatives 1. Implement Public Safety /City Hall building project. Ensure the use of open and transparent decision making processes regarding throughout all aspects of the project, Incluang Tinances. 2. Act on community center task force report. 3. Provide for continued (re) construction, maintenance and repair of parks and community spaces. 4. Aggressively monitor public and private source water quality issues. 5. Monitor the Golf Course debt and operations closely. Recommend that EDA lower loan interest rate to 2 %. Prepare proposal for upgrading banquet and golf course facilities. 6. Act on results of Aquatic study. 7. Encourage Washington County to provide Mississippi River Access on county land and Gray Cloud Island. February 5, 2011 City Council Planning Workshop City of Cottage Grove E its, C ml11cl Pk[I]111 1 LP11n1t February 5, 2011 9:00 AM -6:15 PM The workshop was held at the St. Croix Regional Park Conference Center. Attendees included Mayor Myron Bailey, city council members: Dave Thiede, Derrick Lehrke and Jen Peterson. Council member Justin Olsen was unable to attend. Staff present were: Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer; Howard Blin, Community Development Director; Les Burshten, Public Works Director; Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director; Robin Roland, Finance Director; and Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator. Afternoon attendees were Zac Dockter, Ice Arena /Recreation Manager; Bruce Anderson, Golf Manager; Sue O'Connell, Banquet Manager; and Joe Fischbach, HR Coordinator. Barbara K. Strandell was the facilitator. PRIORITIES FOR 2011 - 2012 At the end of the retreat, the mayor and council members identified and ranked the following as their top priorities for the next couple of years: #1 Implementing the Public Safety /City Hall Project #2 Business Development #3 Community Center YMCA #4 Improving Relationship with 3M #5 Develop a plan for remodeling /rebuilding Fire Station #2 AGENDA Ryan Schroeder distributed the agenda and packet for the meeting to attendees several days before the workshop. Below is the topical Agenda: A. Confirmation of 2010 Vision and Mission B. Identification of Accomplishments - Council and Staff C. Council Goals Document D. Looking ahead: 2011 -12 Initiatives E. Project / Department Specific Discussion Topics (gain consensus on direction) F. Setting Priorities TOP TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION At the beginning of the planning workshop, the mayor, city council members and department heads were asked the following question: By the end of the day, which topic or topics would you definitely like to discuss today? ® Myron Bailey - Planning for future "RTFT" ® Dave Thiede - Understand budget ® Derrick Lehrke - Citizens' involvement, appointment process ® Jen Peterson - Citizen involvement, that Cottage Grove - cares Notes prepared by Barbara K. Strandell, facilitator February 5, 2011 City Council Planning Workshop • Jennifer Levitt - Ravine Parkway Des /Land acquisition. • Howard Blin - Develop standards; relationship with businesses, 3M • Les Burshten - Direction from city council on potential flooding • Craig Woolery - Facilities: maintenance - fire stations • Robin Roland - Challenges with funding, finances: EMS, Golf, PS /CH • Ryan Schroeder - Ying /yang or "dreams vs. reality" on what CG can afford 2010 ACCOMPLISHMENTS As part of the 2011 Strategic Planning Retreat the Council was asked to reflect upon top accomplishments by the City for 2010. Department Heads were similarly requested to suggest the same. Their respective observations are delineated below. Retreat participants had a robust discussion about the accomplishments identified by staff and council throughout 2010. One council member commented, "It's amazing how much has been achieved in the last year." Council: In the pre- retreat survey, the city council members were asked, " What were the biggest accomplishments of the City in 2010 ". 1. Starting the "hard" planning for a new Public Safety /City Hall facility. 2. Agreement with 3M on air monitoring. 3. Beginning the Good to Great process to work towards a stronger performance model and work culture. 4. Managing the levy to a flat expenditure rate despite falling tax income. 5. Community Center Task Force work. 6. Grants received for different proposals and projects. 7. Remaining solvent without major reductions or layoffs. 8. Keeping the taxes low and continuing to provide great service to the city. 9. Continued dialogue on the PFC issue within the water with the filing of the lawsuit by the Minnesota State Attorney General. 10. Marketing efforts to bring new businesses to town. Staff - The staff submitted the following accomplishments for Council consideration. These are not intended to be all- inclusive but instead are intended to represent the major or most visible initiatives. Communication, Collaboration, and Governance 2010 Accomplishments 1. Community events: a. Arbor Day b. Spring Clean Up Day c. Volunteer Tree Planting, d. Strawberry Fest e. Volunteer Banquet f. Nite to Unite g. Monster Bash and Parade h. Holiday Train i. July 4rh Fireworks j. Chamber Business Breakfast and Business Showcase, k. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon I. Fire Dept Open House m. Holiday Decorations and fundraising Motes prepared by Barbara K. Strandell, facilitator February 5, 2011 City Council Planning Workshop n. EDA Golf Outing o. Employee Golf Outing p. Two photo contests q. The Real Estate Forum r. Cable Programming (Your Public Safety, Rec Connection, CG Spotlight /City Jobs, CG Council Update) 2. The Community Center Task Force 3. Management /staffing of the Advisory Commissions 4. Two Websites 5. Four Facebook pages (over 3200 friends have signed up) 6. Communication efforts: a. Monday News b. Third Thursday c. CRM site (2,766 on -line work orders) d. Monthly newsletters e. The annual report f. Project based (neighborhood infrastructure projects) communication efforts that occurred through the year. 7. Implementation of the Reserve Academy (2200 volunteer hours). 8. Collaborative efforts: a. BWSR Boundary agreement, b. The multi -city inspections and street repair contracts, c. The 3M Air Monitoring project. 9. Insurance Committee work resulted in significant premium savings to both the City and employees. 10. Cooperative efforts with the CG Area Chamber and the like. 11. Performance of the Elections system and staff, which included a perfect result during the gubernatorial recount. Fiscal Stability 2010 Accomplishments: 1. Enhancements and /or initiatives throughout the organization during 2010 that positively impacted our fiscal position 2. Health Insurance program that will result in 2011 savings 3. The multi -City Inspections /streets collaborative 4. A banner year in third party funding totaling $1,541,492 5. During 2010 we saved capital expense from alternative options by rehabilitating the Pine Tree Valley Park building 6. Implementation of InfraSeek software, the digital squad camera system and the Fire Dept., duty crew system also result in positive financial and /or service delivery results Transportation and Transit 2010 Accomplishments 1. Completion of the River Acres pavement management project and 2. Initial design of Pine Coulee /Howards Addition /Pt. Douglas 3. Feasibility design of the next leg of the Ravine Parkway 4. Realization of the $18 million Highway 61 improvement 5. Selection of Langdon as the future multi -modal transit station location Public Facilities 2010 Accomplishments: 1. Completion of the conceptual design for the PSCH project 2. The Pine Tree building and the Splash pad initiative Notes prepared by Barbaro K. Strandell, facilitator February 5, 2011 City Council Planning Workshop 3. Ongoing activities of the Community Center Task Force Environmental 2010 Accomplishments 1. BWSR and Air monitoring agreements 2. PFC working group 3. Grey Cloud Island EAW 4. Implementation of the EAB program- which has been replicated by other jurisdictions Development 2010 Accomplishments 1. In recent comparisons to a few peer communities our development activity during 2010 was on par with comparative communities. 2. Permit values totaled just under $50 million for 2010, which included 53 permits that were commercial in nature and 89 new housing units. The Council reviewed the three -part, existing vision and mission statement that was created in 2005. The Vision is for five years and the goals /initiatives for two - three years, unless otherwise specified. Vision: A. Existing: An accessible community with an appreciation for our environment, trees, hills, ravines, landscapes and river, including quality park, green and open space areas. �c, Suggested Modifications: Keep as is. B. Existing A good place to raise a family and grow a business with well maintained neighborhoods and private properties. => Suggested Modifications: Keep as is. C. Existing: A fiscally responsible, well -run government with well maintained, infrastructure, access to quality inter- and intro- community transportation and transit, and safe residential and commercial neighborhoods and public spaces. =:, Suggested Modifications: Replace "well -run" with "engaged" Mission: Existing: Provide excellence in the delivery of public services to community residents, businesses, and owners of property =�, Suggested Modifications: Keep as is. Action: Staff will modify wording of vision statement to reflect these suggestions and present to the city council for approval. 1. Governance Existin : Promote an enhanced sense of community pride, mutual trust, respect, civility, and a safe and secure environment for the exchange of ideas and collaborative Notes prepared by Barbara K. St;andell, faciiitator .e February 5, 2011 City Council Planning Workshop dialogue throughout the organization, with other governmental agencies and the community. -> Suggested Modifications: Keep as is. 2. Fiscal Stability Existing: Operate in a fiscally responsible manner while emphasizing growth and diversity of the tax base and high value to the taxpayer and other community stakeholders. Suggested Modifications: Keep as is. 3. Commercial and Industrial Development Existing Place emphasis on quality retail, restaurant, and industrial recruitment. Development enhancements within all commercial districts include the use of development controls, architectural standards and high quality site features. Particular emphasis will be placed on the Gateway North Redevelopment District, Jamaica /Cottage View development, the Industrial Park and high quality master planned development in the East Ravine. Suggested Modifications: a. After the word "recruitment" add the words, "and retention ". b. Remove the last sentence, "Particular.... ". 4. Transportation and Transit Existing: Place a high priority on Red Rock Commuter Rail, High Speed Rail and express transit service, while we garner intergovernmental funding toward State and County corridor improvements. Suggested Modifications: Keep as is. 5. Housing Development Existing Ensure that implementation of the master plan for the East Ravine District includes only high quality, high design and amenity development stressing the natural environment complemented by the built environment. Emphasis is placed on diversity of housing styles targeting the second and third tier move -up buyer along with empty - nester housing. All future housing developments must reflect the community vision established through the East Ravine planning process. Encourage the maintenance of current housing stock through increased code enforcement efforts. =, Suggested Modification: replace the word, "must" with, "should strive to ". 6. Public Facilities Existing: Provide a high level of maintenance, repair and quality of construction of city facilities including municipal structures, parks, and community spaces. Included is implementation of storm water and water system improvements. Establish a strategy for a public Mississippi River access with scheduled implementation. a Suggested Modification: remove the last sentence, "Establish..." Action on Coal Areas: Staff will modify wording of vision statement to reflect these suggestions and present to the city council for approval. Notes prepared by Barbara K. Strandell, facilitator February 5, 2011 City Council Planning Workshop 2011 INITIATIVES Initiatives that support Goal Areas from the 2010 planning retreat were discussed. Suggested modifications that reflect the 2011 direction are outlined below each initiative. Governance Initiatives 1. Ensure that resident satisfaction levels remain at or above those identified in the 2007 Community Survey. ._> Suggested Modification: Delete initiative. 2. Continue /increase employee communications programming including recognition and Third Thursday programming and enhanced infernal newsletters. Provide opportunities for Council participation in programs and events. Suggested Modifications: i. Delete initiative. ii. Replace initiative with, " Provide focus, and allocation of resources for both internal and external communications that include community events and programs, adding expenditure analysis." 3. Continue community events, programs and communications activities, adding expenditure analysis. Suggested Modifications: i. Delete initiative. ii. Merge with initiative #2 (see above) 4. Broaden the Environmental Task Force to Commission status. a Suggested Modification: Delete initiative. 5. Continue performance measures and benchmarks to which the organization can measure attainment. Implement Accountability Measures for each Department tied to Council Vision and Goals including monthly departmental reporting to Council. Suggested Modifications: i. Replace "to" with "by" in first sentence. ii. Incorporate, "Implement Accountability Measures for each Department tied to Council Vision and Goals" into initiative #7 (see below). iii. Remove the word, "including ". iv. Revise last sentence - "Refine and expand monthly reporting to Council and staff." 6. Provide processes from which the organization can set direction such as the past pavement management task force report. Revisit current systems /processes to ensure validity and need remains. -:> Suggested Modification: Keep as is. 7. Proposed enhanced staff performance feedback system. Suggested Modifications: Notes prepared by Barbara K. Strandell, facilitator ® February 5, 2011 City Council Planning workshop i. Replace "Propose" with "Complete ". ii. Incorporate (from ( #5 above), "Implement Accountability Measures for each Department tied to Council Vision and Goals" iii. Incorporate, "Continue to implement "Good to Great" process." 8. ADD Initiative: Develop a communications /marketing plan for the city: include the use of such tools as the web and the Internet. Action on Governance Goal Area Initiatives: Staff will modify initiatives to reflect suggestions made at the planning retreat and present to the city council for approval. Fiscal Stability Initiatives 1. Budget with sustainability focus including renewable, quality of life and environmental factors as an outcome of the Sustainability Task Force project. => Suggested Modification: Remove "as an outcome of the Sustainability Task Force project ". 2. Review existing Fund Balance policy and other current fiscal policies and practices including future facilities, pavement management, debt retirement and fund reserve levies. -y Suggested Modification: Replace, "Review existing" with "Operate in accordance with" 3. Proceed toward the 2011 budget replicating budget direction from 2009/10. Include continued moderation of the tax levy rate in comparison to peer communities and moderation of future operating cost increases below our funding ability. Ensure sustainable budgeting as we react to the current down cycle in the economy. a Suggested Modification: Note change of dates to reflect 2010 budget process: "2012 budget" and "2010/2011 ". Action on Fiscal Stability Goal Initiatives: Staff will modify initiatives to reflect suggestions made at the planning retreat and present to the city council for approval. Commercial and Industrial Development Initiatives 1. Continue to increase quality of commercial structures and neighborhoods. —� Suggested Modification: Keep as is. 2. Prospect for specific end users by category, including restaurants, big /junior box and specialty retailers, and service and entertainment venues as identified in the 2009 commercial market study. Provide a list of specific measures taken and specific contacts made to both Commercial and Industrial prospects. Concentrate industrial prospecting on high job industries. Include results within annual performance measures. _> Suggested Modification: Keep as is. 3. Ensure that we continue a staged, moderate, residential development pace. => Suggested Modification: Remove initiative. 'rotes prepared by Barbara IC Strandeii, faci!!Iator February 5, 2011 City Council Planning Workshop Provide for continued development of the industrial park, redevelopment of the Gateway District and planning for the Cottage View and infill sites including the Rodeo and Majestic redevelopment opportunities. Include a business community feedback mechanism to include prospects not attracted to a local development site. Improve reporting to EDA and Council. Suggested Modification: Keep as is. 5. Update business attraction /retention marketing plan and strategy. Suggested Modification: Keep as is. 6. Provide for enhanced Chamber, EDA, and Council business outreach coordination. Suggested Modification: Keep as is. Action on Commercial and Industrial Development Goal Initiatives: Staff will modify initiatives to reflect suggestions made at the planning retreat and present to the city council for approval. Transportation and Transit Initiatives 1. Provide for third party funding of community infrastructure ensuring that we gain our share of County Highway funding dollars. Aggressively pursue inclusion in Federal stimulus and Federal Highway reauthorization bills. > Suggested Modification: Keep as is. 2. Provide for high density housing as part of our transit plan. Suggested Modification: Keep as is. 3. Provide continued support of the Wakota and Hastings Bridge coalitions and the Red Rock Rail and High Speed Rail initiatives. Suggested Modifications: i. Remove, "Wakota and" ii. Remove, "coalitions and the" 4. Provide planning and construction of local roadway infrastructure on a scheduled basis. Suggested Modification: Keep as is. Action on Transportation and Transit Goal Initiatives: Staff will modify initiatives to reflect suggestions made at the planning retreat and present to the city council for approval. Housing Development Initiatives 1. Ensure that all rental- housing units are identified and monitored for code compliance. � Suggested Modification: Keep as is. 2. Aggressively monitor foreclosed properties and implement the Federally funded Neighborhood Stabilization program using local contractors where possible. Suggested Modification: remove, "and implement the Federally funded Neighborhood Stabilization program using local contractors where possible." Notes prepared by Barbara K. Strander, facilitator February 5, 20I 1 City Council Planning Workshop 3. Provide for additional Empty Nester housing such as the Auburn Woods development. Consider density bonuses to provide for this housing type. Suggested Modification: Keep as is 4. Master Plan the Langdon neighborhood including high density and apartment style housing as part of a transit plan. Suggested Modification: Remove 5. Provide for targeted high -end development in the East Ravine and West Draw portions of the Community. Suggested Modification: add, " with density flexibility." 6. Provide opportunities for high- density townhomes, apartments and condo projects along with a non - senior assisted living project. Suggested Modification: Insert "affordable rentals" after the word, "apartments ". Action on Housing Development Goal Initiatives: Staff will modify initiatives to reflect suggestions made at the planning retreat and present to the city council for approval. Public Facilities initiatives 1. Initiate activities toward completion of a Public Safety /City Hall project inviting coordination of SD833 and Washington County targeting conceptual design by year -end. Suggested Modifications: Re -word initiative: "Implement Public Safety /City Hall building project. Ensure the use of open and transparent decision- making processes regarding throughout all aspects of the project, including finances." 2. Continue the community center task force to review project scope and fiscal ability with task force deliverable in 2011. Any identified project proceeding either as a public / private partnership or upon referendum support. Suggested Modifications: i. Replace "Continue the" with Act on" ii. Replace "to review" with " report." iii. Remove "project scope and fiscal ability with task force deliverable in 2011 ". 3. Monitor the Ice Arena debt and operation closely. Suggested Modification: Remove initiative. 4. Provide for continued (re) construction, maintenance and repair of parks and community spaces. � Suggested Modification: Keep as is. 5. Provide for growth and maintenance of municipal utility systems on a scheduled basis. __> Suggested Modification: Remove Initiative. Notes prepared by Barbara K. Stranded, facilitator February 5, 2011 City Council Planning Workshop 6. Expand efforts for Mississippi River access to include gaining access not just through current County ownership, but from other third party owners, working closely with the MN DNR with the County as lead agency. � Suggested Modification: Remove initiative. 7. Aggressively monitor public and private source water quality issues. Suggested Modification: Keep as is. ADD Initiative: Monitor the Golf Course debt and operations closely. Recommend that EDA lower loan interest rate to 2 %. Prepare proposal for upgrading banquet and golf course facilities. ADD Initiative: Act on results of Aquatic study. Add Initiative: Encourage Washington County to provide Mississippi River Access on county land and Gray Cloud Island. Action on Public Facilities Goal Initiatives: Staff will modify initiatives to reflect suggestions made at the planning retreat and present to the city council for approval. Mission Discussion: Rural Flavor and "Hometown Feel ". The discussion centered on how these are terms used to explain where a community is going - in the long run. Summary of discussion: • Retaining a rural flavor can be very expensive - expensive converting wells, etc. and has negative connotations regarding sustainability. • The phrase "hometown feel" describes Cottage Grove as a place: • That gives one a sense of community • Has a school • Where you see people you know when you go to the store, • That has similar amenities to Woodbury, but smaller, more personal, ® That is safe to live in ® Considered a front porch community • Where people live and shop and play Commercial And Industrial Development Goal Area: Business Recruitment. Discussion centered on how important it was to know that a big part of attracting businesses to Cottage Grove has to do with how you treat the current businesses. It was mentioned that the Chamber of Commerce could do. The city has several marketing programs to communicate with businesses. 3M is the largest business in town and the relationship with it has not been very positive in the last few years. marketing /Communications staff person? Here was a lively discussion about the us of the web for marketing and communication. Coordinating the content on the website and using it to do more marketing was suggested. One person raised the possibility of hiring a staff person dedicated to communications, PR and the web. Ryan Schroeder caused the "ying /yang" matter of costs when considering such a move. to Notes prepared by Barbara K. Strandell, facilitator February 5, 2011 Cip Council Planning Workshop Ice Arena Discussion Zac Dockter provided and update on the operations of the ice arena. He mentioned the change in the contract with the schools, that the ice arena has had a positive revenue to expense ratio for the firs time and that the expansion of the locker rooms has been positively received. Direction from council: ® Move up ($20K expenditure) to install heat above the seats to this summer, instead of waiting until the end of year. o Howard and Jennifer will talk with school officials about the lighting at the front entry of the arena. "When It Floods" Discussion - Les Burshten led a discussion about how the city should respond when the river floods this year. The main question is what level of service is the city obligated to provide. County and State are now working on a template. Council Direction: Feb 16th city council workshop will discuss /approve plan /approach Council Appointment process (to commissions, etc) - Derrick Lehrke raised his concern about the process involved in appointing people to serve on city committees and commissions. Many aspect so of the process were discussed. Council Direction: • The city council will turn selection process back to staff (to take the lead) • There will be public notices for interviews • Applications will be included in council packets • Staff will prepare this new approach and present to council A. Potential construction projects: Public Safety /City Hall Building o Dates for workshops, open meetings: Feb 16 workshop and presentation ® April 6 decision point ® March 29 - Community open house ® March 16 - CITY COUNCIL workshop; site and council chambers - what's important, seating arrangements, etc. Gun Ranae - o It will not be part of CH /PS building project; remove from plan. • Probe legislative issues regarding gun ranges and funding • Present (to city council) what would be involved in including the gun range as part of the Station 2 plan. • Explore partners in adjacent jurisdictions • If it is built, should have a training center component Community Center /YMCA - o Yes - we will build a community center (there is a lot of community support for it) and will have a partner. o Final council decision schedule: target date is April 2011 o Have to determine its components: banquet, fitness, pool, etc. o Have to determine location o Yes, referendum is a possibility to consider Notes prepared by Barbara K. Strandell, facilitator � � February 5, 2011 City Council Planning Workshop Parks - • Contribution from city could be approximately $6 -8 million. • City Council /staff (vs. the taskforce) will negotiate with YMCA • Put the report together and submit to City Council for consideration o Take the referenda discussion to the Parks Commission B. Internal/ External Communication • City Advisory Commission - desire to increase interaction, possible team building with Council • Annual ( ?) meetings with area Cities, SD833, Legislators, others Public participation enhancements ® Good to Great project - continue it; interview stakeholders; have a three -day retreat ® Two internal strategy teams - discuss concepts and topics for improving operations and management knowledge. Continue. C. Public Safety Discussion topics Fire Station remodel and /or replacement fire station #2 - o Come back to council with "a number " - how much will it cost? o Explore incorporating gun range in plan D. Public Works Discussion topics 3M /PFC's /Incinerator /NPDES /AG lawsuit: • City wants to improved relationship with 3M • Schedule a council workshop to discuss the legalities and pros /cons of state joining lawsuit. Ravine Parkway - A progress report and presentation was made by Jennifer Levitt on the East Ravine project. The mains direction sought was whether to secure a permanent easement for one or two acres. o Direction from city council: one acre. Traffic Signal at Keats /90th? o Direction: not now; city council is comfortable with the current status. E. General Government /Council Discussion topics 2012 budget direction Golf Course" Update" - Discussion was lead by Robin Roland and Bruce Anderson. Areas talked about were the negative cash flow, infrastructure situation, how the current recession is harmful to golf courses in general need for capital improvements and commitment of city to keep the golf course. • Keep the golf course as a part of the city offering, and make it work. • Recommend that EDA trust fund make an adjustment to the interest rate on the golf course loan (currently 5.5 - 6.0 %); reduce it to 2 %. • Staff prepare for a council workshop on upgrade of banquet and golf course facilities. Notes prepared by Barbara K. Strandell, facilitator 12 February 5, 2011 City Council Planning Warksnop Human Resources Issues - Joe Fischbach gave an update on the various HR actions and programs. o The city was able to reduce health insurance costs by nearly 40 %. o A new training plan was developed and is being implemented. A training committee was established (10 -12 employees') and is taking training from being a commodity to more of a "self- actualization" or personal development emphasis. o Council supports these on -going efforts and endorses the continuation of the Good to Great program. End of (Votes Notes prepared by Barbara K. Strandell, facilitator T3 ® 'o Em 'E w, am :..E c- c h c m W E E E O V (y m R o.. 3 E m n ° o b o a m > o C".0 mE� d 3 m E U m U E > C G Y m C m > l O U 6. 4 6 Q P ti 2 O a E - c > E v c `o E o m d S O T C m O E O o E r v U m m E i E 5 E o Y m 0 E � O E m n O r G N a m U oo a m B,U E> D`o 0 o m v ° E y c z K o K > d N C O d c m c v E m a o w > � " $ `°, N E S C `p_ ✓, C A m O T U E E. T o E m m a 9 m E E d m m m E o c E E E a m c A i0 o m aE m v m a 3 N m m O T o v o L0 E c E v E o m a 3 t E U - d� m a N h d n W C E f.N nE °E N mT Ea ° w •ic E nE 2Z OE £ T a R o O c 2, D a m E E y o u >.' 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