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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-02 MINUTESCOTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota Regular Meeting March 2, 2011 [� 7� 7�►� 7 a 7 i� 1� t' i I Mayor Myron Bailey opened Open Forum at 7:15 p.m., and stated that the Open Forum portion of the meeting 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 Jen Peterson, Council Member Dave Thiede, Council Member Derrick Lehrke, and Council Member Justin Olsen. 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. Leon Moe, 8660 1rospoint Avenue South, Cottage Grove, stated that over 1,400 citizens signed a petition requesting a referendum and the right to vote on the Public Safety /City Hall project. He commented that there was an interesting article in the Bulletin stating that the 1,400 citizens forfeited their right to vote on the project by voting Mayor Bailey into office. Mr. Moe stated that there was a need for the facility but noted that there were currently at least a dozen vacant buildings ignored in favor of building a new building. Dale Andrews, 8430 Keats Avenue South, Cottage Grove, addressed the City Council regarding the need for a Public Safety /City Hall facility and questioned when the Council would discuss the funding /financing plans. City Administrator Schroeder stated that there was a need and that the City has already identified that need. He stated that as far as financing, the project estimates would continue to be refined throughout the process and that the best project estimates would be available with the project bid award. Mayor Bailey stated that after the bid award, the City Council would discuss the various financing options. Cottage Grove City Council 2 March 2, 2011 Regular Meeting Kathy Lewandoski, 9043 75 Street South, Cottage Grove, commented on the following topics: CIP bonds, potential budget shortfalls, police officers attending the last regular meeting, articles in the Bulletin, allegations surrounding Brian Treber, and the taxes paid by the Home Depot and the Drive -in properties. 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 March 2, 2011, at the Cottage Grove City Hall located at 7516 80 Street South, Cottage Grove. Mayor Myron Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Bailey led the audience, staff, and City 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 Jen Peterson, Council Member Dave Thiede, Council Member Derrick Lehrke, and Council Member Justin Olsen. 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 OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. 2. PRESENTATION Cottage Grove City Council March 2, 2011 Regular Meeting 113 A. Presentation by County Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) — Mary Richardson. Mary Richardson of Richardson, Richter & Associates, and Administrator of the County Transit Improvement Board (CTIB), addressed the City Council on: (1) The Board's vision, how they work and their structure; (2) the process that they use to distribute grants; and to (3) provide an update on the grants that have been awarded to date. The was brief discussion on the amount of funding allocated to Washington County, the Park and Ride Ridership, what CTIB funds can and cannot be used for, and job creation. B. Winners of 2011 Photo Contest Human Resources Coordinator Fischbach presented the winners of the 2011 Photo Contest: Landmark 1s Place — Nathan Klok; Nature 1 St Place —Amanda Flandrich; People 1 st Place —Tony Flandrich; Commercial/ Retail 1 st Place — Hank Drabczak; Sports & Leisure 1 St Place — Lori Larson; Neighborhood 1 St Place — Lori Larson; Black & White 1 St Place — Nathan Klok; Historic Structure 1 St Place — Katie Weiby; Historic Structure 2nd Place — Michelle Schimek; Historic Cemeteries 1 St Place — Michelle Schimek; Historic Cemeteries 2 Place — Katie Weiby; Historic Machinery 1 st Place — Katie Weiby; Historic Machinery 2 Place — Christian Thorvaldson; Historic Vintage 1 st Place — Katie Weiby; and Historic Vintage 2 Place — Katie Weiby. B. Eagle Scout Award The Mayor and City Council Members presented a plaque to Daniel Ellis of Boy Scout Troop 286 for achieving his Eagle Scout Award. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. December 1, 2010 Regular Meeting There being no amendments to the minutes, Mayor Bailey stated the minutes of the December 1, 2010, Regular Meeting stand approved as presented. B. December 15, 2010 Regular Meeting There being no amendments to the minutes, Mayor Bailey stated the minutes of the December 15, 2010, Regular Meeting stand approved as Cottage Grove City Council 4 March 2, 2011 Regular Meeting presented. C. January 5, 2011 Regular Meeting There being no amendments to the minutes, Mayor Bailey stated the minutes of the January 5, 2011, Regular Meeting stand approved as presented. D. January 19, 2011 Regular Meeting There being no amendments to the minutes, Mayor Bailey stated the minutes of the January 19, 2011, Regular Meeting stand approved as presented. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR The City Council pulled and briefly discussed items D and E. Council Member Olsen stated that the previous City Council worked hard at ensuring that the Council recruit as many residents as possible and one of the things they tried to do was to make sure that the Commissioners served on a single commission versus multiple commissions. He stated that Paul Poncin serves as the Chair of the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission and is a member of the Economic Development Authority. He asked Council Member Thiede if he considered that and if so, he completely supports the recommendation. Council Member Thiede stated that at the last City Council meeting he pulled the reappointments of Paul Poncin and Keith Kleinsasser off of the agenda, for that reason and because he was not ready to make a recommendation at that time. He stated that he called five (5) applicants, of which only two (2) replied. The two (2) applicants were interviewed and he talked to Messrs. Poncin and Keith Kleinsasser about extending their terms. Both individuals were extremely passionate about parks and recreation and have many good ideas. Of the two individuals he interviewed, both were good but they were not strong applicants. Council Member Thiede stated that at this time, he would recommend appointing Mark Nelson to fill Council Member Lehrke's vacant seat on the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission and to reappoint Paul Poncin and Keith Kleinsasser to the Commission. Council Member Lehrke stated that he would like to vote on the reappointment of Paul Poncin and Keith Kleinsasser separately. He stated he had concern that they did not advertise for the two (2) positions so people may not have known Cottage Grove City Council C March 2, 2011 Regular Meeting ` that there were positions open on the Commission. In addition, the City Council was not invited to the interviews. He stated he would like to see new people interviewed for and appointed to the Commission. Council Member Thiede reiterated that he did call five (5) applicants to interview and only two (2) were interested in the position so it was their intention to bring new people onto the Commission. Again, three (3) of the five (5) applicants did not respond to his call. Council Member Thiede stated that item D relates to the plans and specifications for the 2011 Pavement Management Project. He stated that for the record, he felt that the City should remove the Granada Avenue improvements from the Project. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES: i. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING OF JANUARY 4, 2011. B. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF A SINGLE - OCCASION GAMBLING PERMIT TO THE COTTAGE GROVE STRAWBERRY FEST INC., TO CONDUCT A RAFFLE ON JUNE 20, 2011, AT THE ALLY, LOCATED AT 7955 IVYSTONE AVENUE SOUTH, COTTAGE GROVE. C. APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU FOR THE ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT FROM THANE HAWKINS POLAR CHEVROLET FOR $16,807.11. D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -023 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2011 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROJECT AND TO SET A BID DATE FOR APRIL 7, 2011 AT 10:00 A.M. E. APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF MARK NELSON TO THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION TO FULFILL AN UNEXPIRED TERM TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 28, 2012. F. AUTHORIZE A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY EFFORTS IN COTTAGE GROVE. R[ f�V[a7i[S7aJe*c s7 .tea MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL Cottage Grove City Council 6 March 2, 2011 Regular Meeting MEMBER PETERSON, TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF PAUL PONCIN AND KEITH KLEINSASSER TO THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES, FOR AN ADDITIONAL TWO (2) YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 28, 2013. MOTION CARRIED. 4 -1 (COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE VOTED NAY). 5. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES A. Receive Response to John Schmit regarding Public Safety /City Hall Location. The Council received the response to John Schmit regarding the Public Safety /City Hall location. No action required. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None. :PMITAa 8. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Consider Adopting the City of Cottage Grove 2030 Comprehensive Plan "Future Vision 2030" MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010 -024 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE COTTAGE GROVE FUTURE VISION 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND PLACING IT INTO EFFECT. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. 9. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS - None. 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Mayor Bailey stated that the Cottage Grove Royalty would be holding a Mardi Gras Masquerade Party on March 12, 2011 at the River Oaks Golf Course to raise money for royalty scholarships. Mayor Bailey stated that the City Council would be holding a neighborhood meeting on Tuesday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, on flood preparation for homes in the River Acres neighborhood and on the island. Council Member Peterson announced that the Cottage Grove Youth Expo is on Thursday, March 10 at River Oaks commencing at 5:00 p.m.; the next Beyond Cottage Grove City Council March 2, 2011 Regular Meeting the Yellow Network meeting is Tuesday, March 22 at the Armory commencing at 6:00 p.m.; and the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase is on Thursday, March 24 at the Armory from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Council Member Lehrke stated that he would like to schedule a workshop session for the City Council to discuss the funding for the Public Safety /City Hall Project and the various options. Council Member Olsen extended congratulations to Harry Melander who was appointed to the Metropolitan Council to represent this area. Council Member Olsen congratulated Will Hose, Matt Rischette, Randy Gerlach, Bob Bray, and April Warner, key in saving a woman's life recently. Public Safety Director Woolery informed the Mayor and City Council that the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association have nominated Police Officers Brad Peterson and Shawn Ebeling to receive the Metal of Honor. Council Member Olsen shared with the public, the various ways in which the City has tried to communicate the details of the Public Safety /City Hall facility. He outlined the various opportunities that a resident had the opportunity to hear about the project on the government channel and in newsprint. Council Member Lehrke commented that the facts have not always been complete or accurate and that he and the others, who do not have cable, all missed the 3,332 programs aired by the Cable Telecommunications Commission. Mayor Bailey commented that he was concerned about the statements that people have not heard about the project, especially after all of the articles that have been online, in the Cottage Grove Reports, and in the various newspapers. He stated that he was also concerned about the falsehoods and lies levied against a family member. Council Member Lehrke stated that back in September 2010, the project was not on cable, not posted on face book, and there were no articles in the newspaper. The notice for the CIP hearing was so small in the newspaper that people could hardly find it. The City has been doing a much better job lately of publicizing information about the project. Council Member Lehrke commented on the statement that there would be no impact on taxes; that taxes would not go up; and that there would no cost for the land. He stated that he met another person last week who knew nothing about the Public Safety /City Hall project. Cottage Grove City Council O March 2, 2011 Regular Meeting Council Member Peterson asked Council Member Lehrke to clarify what he stated and asked him if he said that one in 10 taxpayer's taxes have gone up this year. Council Member Lehrke stated that we did see an increase this year. Finance Director Roland confirmed that your tax increase this year had nothing to do with the Public Safety /City Hall project. Council Member Thiede clarified that there were actually 1,184 times that programs were aired on cable and not 3,332. 11. PAY BILLS MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 170866 TO 171065 TOTALING $455,355.04. CHECK NUMBERS 170866 THROUGH 170897 TOTALING $103,367.53 ISSUED PRIOR TO COUNCIL APPROVAL. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. 12. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN TO PUBLIC City Attorney Heine stated that there is a pending lawsuit by the State of Minnesota against 3M Company related to ground water contamination and the City of Lake Elmo has intervened in that lawsuit. She stated that she has requested an opportunity to meet with the City Council to discuss whether the City of Cottage Grove would also like to intervene in that lawsuit. Because she will be discussing pending litigation and the pros and cons related to the litigation, there is a need for absolute confidentiality, and for that reason, she has requested that there be a closed session. A. Flood Response Preparations, City Engineer Levitt reviewed the chart entitled "Mississippi River Stage Reference" showing the river stage (feet) and river elevation (feet) for the three (3) areas: Mississippi River at St. Paul; Mississippi River at Cottage Grove; and Mississippi River at Hastings. She then reviewed the chart entitled "Structure Elevation Summary" showing the low opening elevation and feet above flood stage and flood stage category by address /location. City Engineer Levitt stated that she would post the charts on the City's web site and they would be available at the neighborhood meeting on Tuesday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber. City Engineer Levitt stated that they have installed bridge markers at the Grey Cloud Island Bridge, and the markers are color- coded. Cottage Grove City Council March 2, 2011 Regular Meeting Public Safety Director Woolery stated that in the River Acres area, over the years the City has provided sand and sandbags to the residents and the residents get their own volunteers. If Grey Cloud hits the 6 -7 foot mark, he would probably have the City Council at the March 16 City Council meeting, adopt a resolution declaring an emergency. Public Safety Director Woolery briefly reviewed requesting assistance from the State, chain of request for assistance, declaration of an emergency, and the force and effect. Public Safety Director Woolery stated that they have a boat and if there is a need, they will use the parking lot at Mississippi Dunes for a command station. Prior to any road closings, they would station a squad (a grass rig and an ambulance) at Mississippi Dunes. He stated that the residents, who decide to stay on the island need to understand that if they call for an ambulance or for fire service, there would be a delay in response and that the City would not shuttle people back and forth from the island. Public Works Director Burshten stated that in 1997, they supplied approximately 30,000 sandbags and about 500 tons of material that they brought in for the residents, who coordinated sandbagging themselves. He stated that that is what he would propose this year. Mayor Bailey stated it was his opinion that we should provide sand and the bags as we have done in the past. Council Member Olsen asked whether we have any concern about the bridge. City Engineer Levitt stated that the bridge is structurally fine, there is nothing wrong with it, and if there were, they would close it until the Minnesota Department of Transportation or their consultants inspected it. Council Member Olsen stated that he thinks there may be an expectation to a degree from the residents about the City providing some sort of service and staff is fully aware of this having been through it multiple times in the past. Council Member Peterson asked if we know who were living down there and whether they were able to understand what was going on. Public Safety Director Woolery stated that a part of the pre - planning would be transportation congregate care so if there were people that are unable to move on their own, the Department would make sure ahead of time that we know that information. Cottage Grove City Council I 1 March 2, 2011 Regular Meeting 13. WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED TO PUBLIC MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY THIEDE, TO CLOSE THE WORKSHOP SESSION. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. The following were present: Mayor Myron Bailey, Council Member Jen Peterson, Council Member Dave Thiede, Council Member Derrick Lehrke, and Council Member Justin Olsen. Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator; Caron Stransky, City Clerk; Corrine Heine, City Attorney- Kennedy & Graven; Howard Blin, Community Development Director; Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer; and Les Burshten, Public Works Director. The City Council met in closed session to meet with the Corrine Heine, City Attorney, to discuss attorney - client privileged information relating to potential litigation with 3M Company. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, TO ADJOURN THE CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE THE REGULAR MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT 10:40 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. Prepared by, Caron M. Stransky City Clerk