HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12-01 MINUTES
COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
December 1, 2010
OPEN FORUM
Mayor Myron Bailey opened Open Forum at 7:15 p.m., and stated Open Forum
provides a person the opportunity to inform the Council of a problem or to request
information related to City business not scheduled for Council action and not on the
agenda. Mayor Bailey warned those who speak to limit their remarks to two (2) minutes
or less.
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;
Corrine Heine, City Attorney-Kennedy & Graven; Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer; Craig
Woolery, Public Safety Director, and Les Burshten, Public Works Director.
Mayor Bailey asked if anyone in the audience wished to address the City Council on
any topic not on the agenda. There being none, Mayor Bailey closed Open Forum to the
Regular Meeting.
CALL TO ORDER – Regular Meeting
The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota, held a
Regular Meeting on December 1, 2010, at the Cottage Grove City Hall located at 7516
th
80 Street South. Mayor Myron Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:30 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.
Cottage Grove City Council 2
December 1, 2010 Regular Meeting
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;
Corrine Heine, City Attorney-Kennedy & Graven; Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer; Craig
Woolery, Public Safety Director; and Les Burshten, Public Works Director.
Mayor Bailey presided over the meeting.
1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RICE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
PETERSON, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION
CARRIED. 5-0.
2. PRESENTATION
A. Eagle Scout Award
The Mayor and City Council Members presented a plaque to Alexander
Eiynck of Boy Scout Troop 237 for achieving his Eagle Scout Award.
B. Preservationist of the Year Award
The Mayor and City Council Members and the Advisory Committee on
nd
Historic Preservation presented the 22 Preservationist of the Year Award
to Pineridge Garden Club.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -None
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
The City Council pulled and briefly discussed Items B, C, H, and L.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER GROSSKLAUS, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER OLSEN, TO:
A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES:
i. PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING OF AUGUST 9, 2010;
AND
ii. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF OCTOBER 25, 2010.
Cottage Grove City Council 3
December 1, 2010 Regular Meeting
B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-182, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING
DONATION OF $1,000.00 FROM MARATHON PETROLEUM COMPANY
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO ASSIST IN THE
PURCHASE OF A FOUR (4) GAS MONITOR.
C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-183, A RESOLUTION DONATION OF
$1,255.90 FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY FROM THE
COTTAGE GROVE CRIME PREVENTION BOARD FOR THE
PURCHASE OF ONE (1) AED.
D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-184, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
THE DEFERRAL OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR STREET
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE 2010 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
TOTALING $5,277.00 FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES:
THTH
7755 113 STREET SOUTH, COTTAGE GROVE, AND 7873 113
STREET SOUTH, COTTAGE GROVE.
E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-185, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
THAT THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT OF $3,413.50 FOR THE 2010
PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 8285 RIVER ACRES ROAD OR PID #33-027-21-31-004 AND
OWNED BY HILDA DUNBAR, BE CERTIFIED TO WASHINGTON
COUNTY IN ONE (1) INSTALLMENT, AT 7% INTEREST, TO BE
COLLECTED WITH THE PAYABLE 2011 PROPERTY TAXES.
F. PASS ORDINANCE NO. 886, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING FEES
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2011; AND
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-186, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 886 BY TITLE AND SUMMARY.
G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-187, A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING
DELINQUENT UTILITY BILLS.
H. FOR THE BELDEN BOULEVARD RAILROAD SAFETY
IMPROVEMENTS, ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-188, A
RESOLUTION FOR AGENCY AGREEMENT NO. 97807, AND
RESOLUTION NO. 2010-189, A RESOLUTION FOR AGENCY
AGREEMENT NO. 96778, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND
CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE TWO (2) AGREEMENTS ON BEHALF
OF THE CITY.
Cottage Grove City Council 4
December 1, 2010 Regular Meeting
I. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-190, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
STAFF TO APPLY FOR THE TRANSPORTATION ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (TED) GRANT.
J. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-191, A RESOLUTION AWARDING
QUOTE FOR RIVER OAKS CABINET AND READER BOARD TO
NORDQUIST TOTALING $46,530.00.
K. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-192, A RESOLUTION APPROVING
THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE PURCHASE OF AN ICE
RESURFACER AND TO SET A BID DATE FOR JANUARY 10, 2010, AT
1:00 P.M.
L. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-193, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING
CASH DONATIONS TOTALING $155.00 FOR THE HOLIDAY
DECORATIONS.
MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
5. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES – None.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. 2011 Pavement Management Project , Pine Coulee and Countrywood
(District I) and Howard’s Addition (District A)
City Engineer Levitt stated the 2011 Pavement Management Project
includes improvements in the Pine Coulee and Countrywood (District I)
and Howard’s Addition (District A). She stated that the total project cost for
road, storm sewer, and park improvements total $1,639,000 and 45% of
the total project or $669,150 assessed against the benefiting properties.
Howard’s Addition
City Engineer Levitt highlighted the proposed improvements and
assessments for the Howard’s Addition, noting that the proposed
improvements total $164,000. She stated that there are 12 assessable
units within the project and at 45%, each of the 12 properties will be
assessed $6,150. She stated that the special benefit appraisal indicates a
benefit of $7,000 per lot.
City Engineer Levitt stated the City received a petition from the affected
property owners requesting that the City not proceed with the project at
Cottage Grove City Council 5
December 1, 2010 Regular Meeting
this time and that they would prefer to have the entire project completed at
one (1) time.
City Engineer Levitt then reviewed the pros and cons on delaying the
project and recommended that the City proceed with the Howard’s
Addition as planned.
Pine Coulee & Countrywood
City Engineer Levitt highlighted the existing street condition, street age,
and the proposed assessment. She stated that within the Pine Coulee and
Countrywood developments, there are 87 assessable units and with 45%
of the cost assessed, the cost per parcel totals $6,843. She stated that the
special benefit appraisal provides for a benefit of $6,000-$9,000 per lot
and Staff proposes to cap the assessment at $6,000.
City Engineer Levitt reviewed the improvements proposed included in the
project to rehabilitate Pine Coulee Park. She stated that the improvements
include paving the parking lot, installing curb and gutter, a rain garden for
drainage, playground equipment, a trail, picnic area with a gazebo
structure, trees, re-grading the ball field, and to install a 30-foot by 30-foot
basketball court.
City Engineer Levitt then reviewed the proposed assessment payment
options, work schedule, and the advantages and disadvantages of
proceeding with the project.
City Engineer Levitt recommended that the City Council order the
improvements and preparation of plans and specifications.
Mayor Bailey opened the public hearing to receive comments and/or
objections from those in attendance.
Bob Newby, 7124 Granada Avenue South, Cottage Grove, requested that
the Council consider separating Howard’s Addition from the Pine
Coulee/Countrywood area stating he was concerned that the assessment
amount could increase to the special benefit appraisal of $7,000. He
stated he was also concerned about the legal notice published and the
notice that the 12 residents received. Mr. Newby stated he believes that
the entire segment of Granada Avenue be improved as a single project.
City Attorney Heine addressed Mr. Newby’s concern relating to the legal
notice published and the notice sent to the property owners. She stated
Cottage Grove City Council 6
December 1, 2010 Regular Meeting
that the City would only assess properties affected or benefit from the
project.
Dave Schuck, 7123 Granada Avenue South, Cottage Grove, stated that
he submitted the petition and 11 of the 12 property owners affected by the
improvements signed the petition. Speaking for the 11 property owners,
they would like the City Council to postpone the improvement project until
the segment of Granada Avenue in Hidden Valley is also completed.
Herb Japs, 7127 Granada Avenue South, Cottage Grove, stated he was a
member of the Pavement Management Task Force. He asked how long
they would be before the Granada Avenue in Hidden Valley is
reconstructed. Mayor Bailey stated that it would be a minimum of 10-15
years.
Nona Kisch, 11840 Lockridge Avenue South, Cottage Grove, stated she is
one of the property owners who lives in the Court that the City plans to
eliminate, and asked if someone could explain in more detail what is
proposed for the cul-de-sac. City Engineer Levitt stated that there were a
couple of options and she was open to meeting with the residents who live
in the cul-de-sac to discuss the options.
Judie Balderson, 11793 Lehigh Avenue South, Cottage Grove,
complimented everyone and stated the presentation was very helpful. She
stated that the residents were concerned about the cost and payment
methods.
Mayor Bailey stated the City of Cottage Grove received an email from a
citizen who was concerned about the cost of the project in the Pine
Coulee/Countrywood area.
There being no further comments from anyone in the audience, Mayor
Bailey closed the public hearing.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER GROSSKLAUS, SECONDED BY
COUNCIL MEMBER RICE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-194, A
RESOLUTION ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION
OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2011 PAVEMENT
MANAGEMENT PROJECT, PINE COULEE AND COUNTRYWOOD
(DISTRICT I) AND HOWARD’S ADDITION (DISTRICT A). MOTION
CARRIED. 5-0.
Cottage Grove City Council 7
December 1, 2010 Regular Meeting
B. Hold the Public Hearing and Consider Ordering the Project and
Preparation of Plans and Specifications for the West Point Douglas Road
Extension Project.
City Engineer Levitt reviewed the proposed project and stated the West
Point Douglas Road improvements include the extension of the frontage
road to the intersection of TH 61/TH 95, signal revisions to accommodate
the fourth approach, reconstruction of the existing West Point Douglas
Road and a 300-foot section of Lofton Avenue that serves the adjacent
businesses. The reconstruction of Lofton Avenue adjacent to the
businesses would have surmountable curb. The curb section in
conjunction with storm sewer would improve drainage in the area and
better define the driving lanes. It is the businesses desire to keep parking
adjacent to the street.
Public Safety Director Woolery commented that the benefits of removing
an uncontrolled access and crossing at TH 61 in lieu of all accesses
controlled by semaphores greatly outweigh the minimal time added for first
responders.
City Engineer Levitt reviewed the proposed project cost and proposed
funding sources noting that the total project cost is $1.9 million and the
proposed funding sources are through the Cooperative Agreement
($594,000); Storm Water Utility ($130,000); Street Light Utility ($390,000);
Assessments ($179,653); and the balance by Minnesota State Aid (MSA)
and the Pavement Management Debt Service Fund ($602,247).
City Engineer Levitt stated that staff is recommending that the City Council
order the improvement and authorize preparation plans and specifications.
Mayor Bailey opened the public hearing to hear comments and/or
objections from those in the attendance.
Dean Williams, 11627 West Point Douglas Road South, expressed
concern in regards to the closure of the existing access into the
neighborhood off TH 61. He stated that he needs a ‘running start’ across
West Point Douglas Road to get up his driveway in the winter. He stated
that a couple of years ago, he re-graded his gravel driveway to create a
larger and flatter area in front of his garage, which resulted in a steeper
driveway section that meets the road. Mr. Williams submitted a proposal
advocating for a right-in movement maintained into the neighborhood off
TH 61 to allow for his ‘running start’.
Cottage Grove City Council 8
December 1, 2010 Regular Meeting
Ron Gerlach, 11827 West Point Douglas Road South, Cottage Grove,
stated that maintaining the right-in movement off TH 61 would make it
easier for the people to turn off and not interrupt all of the traffic they
generate during the day.
City Engineer Levitt reviewed the type of curbing proposed along West
Point Douglas Road and Lofton Avenue, the proposed turning movement
to get trucks into Gerlach’s loading area, and the proposed location for the
stop sign.
Trish Thompson, 11733 Leeward Avenue South, Cottage Grove, thanked
City Engineer Levitt for obtaining funding from MNDOT for the project and
felt the new design would save lives.
John Erickson, 11721 West Point Douglas Road South, Cottage Grove,
and owner of Erickson Marine, stated that if it does not make a difference
as far as the type of curbing, he would be in favor of installing the
surmountable type of curbing.
Paul Schooner, 11741 Lockridge Avenue South, Cottage Grove, stated he
understands what Mr. Williams’ was talking about regarding the right-hand
turn on T.H. 61, because it would give them another in and out. One thing
that he does not want to see is being able to take a right-hand turn onto
south T.H. 61. It would be great to keep a right-hand turn into their
neighborhood.
Ross Peterson, 11611 Leeward Avenue South, Cottage Grove, asked the
City Council to keep them involved, particularly on scheduling and access
to the area.
Brandon Hurt, 11600 Leeward Avenue South, Cottage Grove, stated the
he struggles with the idea that this is the first leg of a three-mile long
frontage road between TH 95 and Co. Rd. 19.
There being no further comments from anyone in the audience, Mayor
Bailey closed the public hearing.
Mayor Bailey stated that the City of Cottage Grove received a letter in
opposition to the improvement project and assessment from David Dubois
of Dubois Designs, 11825 East Point Douglas Road, Cottage Grove.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER PETERSON, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-195, A
RESOLUTION ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION
Cottage Grove City Council 9
December 1, 2010 Regular Meeting
OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE WEST POINT DOUGLAS
ROAD EXTENSION PROJECT. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
C. Hold Public Hearing and Consider Adoption of the 2010 Tax Levy
Collectible in 2011 and the 2011 Budget.
Finance Director Roland highlighted the 2010 tax levy, collectible in 2011,
and the 2011 Budget.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER GROSSKLAUS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-196, A
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2010 TAX LEVY COLLECTIBLE IN 2011.
MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY
COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-197,
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2011 BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF
COTTAGE GROVE. MOTION CARRIED. 4-1. (COUNCIL MEMBER RICE
VOTED NAY).
7. BID AWARDS – None.
8. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. Consider Approving the Preliminary Bridge Design as Presented so Final
Design Can Begin in Order to Meet the Necessary Time Frame for
Completion.
City Engineer Levitt reviewed preliminary bridge design for the Ravine
Parkway and noted that the bridge would cross the ravine as part of the
Ravine Parkway extension to facilitate access to a new Public Safety/ City
Hall facility.
Council Member Rice stated he was interested in including lighting over
the walkway area under the bridge. City Engineer Levitt stated that conduit
could be included in the design.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RICE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER PETERSON, TO APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY BRIDGE
DESIGN, WITH CONDUIT UNDER THE BRIDGE, SO THAT FINAL
DESIGN CAN BEGIN IN ORDER TO MEET THE NECESSARY TIME
FROM FOR COMPLETION. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
Cottage Grove City Council 10
December 1, 2010 Regular Meeting
B. Consider Authorizing the City of Cottage Grove to Participate in the
Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY
COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-198,
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE MINNESOTA GREENSTEP CITIES PROGRAM.
MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
9. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND
REQUESTS – None.
10. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS.
Council Member Rice stated that the monitors on the Council dias needs to be
looked at to determine why the City Council has trouble reading the numbers on
a small graph.
Mayor Bailey updated the public on upcoming events noting the following
A. Nomination for the holiday lighting contest ends December 3 and judging
is December 6.
B. Street Light Decorations – The City has raised approximately $1,800.
C. CP Holiday Train – December 11.
D. Open House/Community Meeting on the Public Safety/City Hall facility –
December 14.
E. City Council will consider a conceptual design presented by Wold
Architects – December 15.
Council Member Peterson stated the Santa Breakfast is December 12 at the
River Oaks Golf Course.
11. PAY BILLS
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER RICE, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 169779
THROUGH 169962 TOTALING $528,956.65. CHECK NUMBERS 169779
THROUGH 169798 TOTALING $207,864.97 ISSUED PRIOR TO COUNCIL
APPROVAL. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
12. WORKSHOP SESSION – OPEN TO PUBLIC – None.
13. WORKSHOP SESSION - CLOSED TO PUBLIC.
Cottage Grove City Council 11
December 1, 2010 Regular Meeting
At 10:13 p.m., the City Council temporarily adjourned the regular meeting to the
administrative conference room for a closed session to discuss a personnel
matter.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER PETERSON, TO CLOSE THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
The following were present: Mayor Myron Bailey, Council Member Justin Olsen,
Council Member Jen Peterson, Council Member Pat Rice, and Council Member
Mark Grossklaus.
Also present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator.
Pursuant to the open meeting law, the City Council met in closed session to
evaluate the performance of the Community Development Director, Howard Blin.
A complete tape recording of the closed session is on file in the office of the City
Clerk.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER PETERSON, TO ADJOURN THE CLOSED MEETING AND
RECONVENE THE REGULAR MEETING AT 11:40 P.M. MOTION CARRIED.
5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
PETERSON, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT 11:41 P.M. MOTION
CARRIED. 5-0.
Prepared by,
Caron M. Stransky
City Clerk
Attachment/1