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Home My WebLink About2003-10-01 MINUTESREQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA MEETING ITEM # ' ' • DATE 10/01 /03 _� A. � � �, PREPARED BY: Public Safety John Mickelson ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT STAFF AUTHOR ..��...��..��.<.�,,........�.....��...�.....�... COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST: Pass a motion to accept and place on file the July 8` and August 12` 2003 minutes of the Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Pass a motion to accept and place on file the July 8` and August 12`", 2003 minutes of the Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission. ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION: XD PUBLIC SAFETY 0 PUBLIC SAFEATY DATE 08/12/03 09/09/03 REVIEWED x x APPROVED x x DENIED ❑ SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: 0 MINUTES: July 8` and August 12` 2003 minutes of the Commission ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS: `� � �� / �� % � �� — � •. _ . �_ - .��.....��.<....�..,,�,,.....��.....��..�.��,. COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: �APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER H:\Council 2003\10-01-03 CA form PSHWC minutes July 8 and August 12 , 2003.doc PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION MINUTES OF MEETING July 8, 2003 Pursuant to due notice, a meeting of the Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission was held at the City Hall Council Chambers and was telecast on local Government Cable Channel 12. CALL TO ORDER: The July 8, 2003 meeting of the Cottage Grove Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Kyle Lindquist, Karla Bigham, Jennifer Osborne, Bruce Gengnagel, Dave Wick, Jeff Rothecker, Bill Schmidt STAFF PRESENT: Deputy Director of Public Safety Craig Woolery, Fire Chief Bob Byerly, Council Liaison Cheryl Kohis, City Engineer Nancy Hanzlik OTHERS PRESENT: Washington County Engineer pon Theisen Approval of minutes: Chairperson Karla Bigham presented the May 13, 2003 minutes for review. On a motion by Bruce Gengnagel, seconded by Bill Schmidt, the minutes were accepted and approved. Motion carried. Approval of agenda: Chairperson Karla Bigham presented the July 8, 2003 agenda of the Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission for review. Request made to move the Hinton Tower Avenue detour concerns to the beginning of New Business. On a motion by Bruce Gengnagel, seconded by Bill Schmidt, the July 8, 2003 agenda was accepted and approved by the Commission as amended. Motion carried. OPEN FORUM Chairperson Bigham invited citizens present to address the Commission regarding any matters that were not on the approved agenda. There being no presentations, Chairperson Bigham closed the Open Forum segment of the meeting. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Commission was provided a copy of the Planning Commission's agenda for the July 28, 2003 meeting. Page 2 PSHWC Meeting Minutes July 8, 2003 There being no discussion regarding the Planning Commission's agenda, this portion of the meeting was closed. OLD BUSINESS Case 03-05-03 District 833 - Decreasing School Bus Transportation for Primary and Secondary Level students Captain Woolery provided the Commission a copy for review, of the School DistricYs response to the Commission's comments from the May 13`� meeting. Commission member Schmidt requested a.m. and p.m. extra patrol due to the increase of walkers to and from the junior and senior high schools. Discussion was also heard regarding the different start times of the schools in that it may not affect the amount of foot traffic at one specific time and that by the staggered start times, this will help with the increased foot tra�c. Commission member Lindquist also stated that he did not approve the school districYs decision to have less bussing for students and increase the walking distance for many children. No action was required by the Commission. NEW BUSINESS Case 03-07-03 Hinton-Tower Avenue Construction Detour Concerns Captain Woolery gave a brief overview of the detour concerns. He advised that Washington County Traffic Engineer pon Theisen and City Traffic Engineer Nancy Hanzlik were in attendance at the meeting to answer questions from the concerned citizens present. Commission Chair Karla Bigham opened up the floor for public comment regarding the detours. Several citizens who live in the Highlands area did agree that the barricades were a good idea in that safety of the neighborhood is the main concern. Some citizens stated that they didn't like the inconvenience of having to drive 3 miles out of their way to get to their home. Overall the consensus of the citizens was that the barricades should stay. Washington County Tra�c Engineer pon Theisen advised that the county would take into consideration all concerns but that the main issue is to move traffic without causing safety concerns for the neighborhood and that the barricades will be staying up. The tentative date for opening up 65`h Street is set for August 22, 2003. He went on to say that Hinton Avenue between 65"' and 70`h would be opening up in September 2003. The overall project will be completed in 2004. Page 3 PSHWC Meeting Minutes July 8, 2003 Council person Cheryl Kohls commented on tra�c building up Ideal to 70"' Street and would like to know if the speed limit on 70�' Street could be reduced until the project is completed and also why did the County close Military Road at the same time as this project. Mr. Theisen stated that they chose to ciose Military for one summer vs. two summers so that residents living on Military would only be inconvenienced for one summer. The decision was due to the Watershed District delaying the box culvert project for so long. Commission member Bruce Gengna�el inquired if the speed limit on 70�' Street could be reduced and more stop signs put in place on a temporary basis, due to poor sight lines. After general discussion, on a motion by Kyle Lindquist, seconded by Bruce Gengnagel, the Commission recommended leaving the barricades where they are and add barricades on Innsdale at 65'". Motion carried. Case 03-07-01 Hunting Permits and Fees — Discussion and recommendations Captain Woolery provided the Commission and members of the audience with maps reference hunting zones. A memo was provided to the Commission referencing permits and fees for hunting. He went on to give some history regarding hunting being allowed in Cottage Grove and of the current permit system in place. He went on to say that the fee system has been in place nearly as long as the ordinance (1985). The reason for the fees was due to the administrative costs to research, prepare and file the permits. Firearm permit fees were excluded for several reasons, including resistance from hunters, resistance from property owners and the fact that more archery permit applications were expected than firearm permit applications and the additional time to manage the archery permits. He stated that in researching other suburban communities that allow hunting, a wide variety of systems were found some examples are Woodbury has no permit system or fee. The city provides a map showing where hunting is allowed or not allowed. Maple Grove has a$15.00 archery fee and $10.00 firearm fee (goose only) and has a complex game management system. Orono issues permits for nuisance deer problems only and the permit fee is $25.00. Most communities surveyed neither had a permit system or a fee system. A few citizens addressed the Commission at this time and stated they were in favor of the permit system but not the fee to landowners. One would like to see his land rezoned. Captain Woolery will look into this. Page 4 PSHWC Meeting Minutes July 8, 2003 Basically the permit system and fees have worked for many years. That is those who are honest and obtain a permit and pay the fee. Increasing fees and/or making the permit system too complicated could likely result in increased poaching and hunting without permits. Some options are: Option #1 Leave the system as is. The system has worked for many years despite its inequities. Option #2 Adopt the same process for archery permits as firearms permits. This would remove all fees associated with the hunting permits This would require more involvement by the property owner. The city would not know who is hunting at any location without checking the landowners register. Option #3 Adopt the same process for archery permits as we do for firearm permits, but require a minimal fee for any permit issued to a property owner. Requires increased involvement by property owner. The fee would help offset administrative costs to research and prepare the permits. (revenue may be less as multiple hunters may hunt on one person's property) but administrative costs and time would increase time to prepare land owner permits and hunter permits The property owner could charge hunters in order to recoup costs. Option #4 Adopt the same process for firearms as we do for archery. Individual hunters get written permission then apply for a permit with the city. This process would potentially generate more revenue but would take even more staff time to research and prepare each application. Captain Woolery stated he would recommend that Option #3 is considered. This would create a single uniform system between archery and firearm permits. It would require property owners to become more involved in allowing hunting to occur on their land. A reasonable fee could be established. However, making a Page 5 PSHWC Meeting Minutes July 8, 2003 system too cumbersome or too expensive will encourage hunters and landowners to avoid getting permits all together. If Option #3 is not acceptable, you may want to consider Option #2. There would be no permit fees collected and revenue lost to the city. One final consideration, the majority of cities do not issue permits or collect fees. They only dictate where you can and cannot hunt. Any reasonable fee set does not offset the labor costs to prepare and track the permits. One may ask, why do we have a permit system at all? The property owner is responsible for who uses their property. The city could merely dictate (based on development) where and what types of hunting is allowed. After general discussion, on a motion by Jeff Rothecker, seconded by Bruce Gengnagel, the matter will be tabled pending further information to be provided to the Commission. Motioned carried. Case 03-07-02 Police and Fire EMS Staffing Levels Captain Woolery provided a memo to the Commission regarding the city of Maplewood's business plan to address staffing shortages in the police and fire departments. He he went on to say this was for informational purposes. The city of Cottage Grove is nearly identical to the city of Maplewood in population and delivery of EMS service by the police and fire departments. The city of Cottage Grove police department is authorized to staff 36 sworn o�cers. The Maplewood study recommended a ratio of 1.5 per 1000 residents. Based on this recommendation, Cottage Grove, with a population of 31,960, would need to be staffed with 48 police officers. The Maplewood study also addresses sta�ng and coverage with the fire department with the addition of 8 full time firefig hter/pa ramed ics. Commission members agreed that public safety is an absolute priority and as citizens would be willing to give up a number of "creature comforts" and wouid endorse a full staff of 36 and would like to see an addition of 2 o�cers per year until we reach the 48 staff. Case 03-07-04 East Ravine Community Pre-Design Project The Commission was provided a memo from Community Development Director Kim Lindquist which gave an overview of the pre-design study which will last approximately 18 months. Ms. Lindquist is asking that a representative and alternate from each of the city's Commissions participate on the citizens group. Page 6 PSHWC Meeting Minutes July 8, 2003 Vice Chair Gengnagel requested that any interested member contact Karla Bigham within the next couple of weeks and advise her if they wished to participate. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None at this time. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None at this time. STAFF REPORTS POLICE - Captain Woolery informed the Commission O�cer Mary McGuire is home after being injured on duty June 26�'. Her anticipated date to return to work is not known at this time. Captain Woolery also informed the Commission that CSO/Medic Tim Morning started June 16`h and is expected to finish his police training early 2004. Captain Woolery went on to advise the Commission that 3 backgrounds are completed for two positions. The 2004 Budget has been submitted for review. The Safe and Sober campaign is started for the month of July. Safety Camp begins next week. Great fun for kids which lasts 3 days. FIRE - Fire Chief Byerly advised that the October 4, 2003 Emergency Preparedness exercise and mass casualty driil is on schedule and invited any Public Safety Commission member to observe and be a part of the drill. He went on to say that Captain Redenius appiied for and received a grant for $10,800 for a Self Crntained Breathing (SCB) filling station and also the fire department received two $1,500 grants to put on the EOC. Fire Chief Byerly advised that the new ladder truck has arrived and is currently getting a specialized foam unit installed and should be back in about 2 weeks. COUNCIL- Council Person Kohls stated that Council passed the 2:00 a.m. bar closing time for Cottage Grove establishments. She also advised that August 5 is National Night Out at Woodridge Park and encouraged members to attend. Page 6 PSHWC Meeting Minutes July 8, 2003 The Council is considering placing a"dog park" at Kingston Park which will be approximately 4 acres of fenced area and will allow dog owners the chance to let their dogs run off leash and socialize with other dogs. She has been to the Battle Creek dog park and states dog owners are very responsible. The money for the park would come from a park trust fund that is funded from developers and not out of the general budget. ADJOURN Motion by Kyle Lindquist, seconded by Bill Schmidt to adjoum the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cyndee Engfer — Administrative Secretary � PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION MINUTES OF MEETING August 12, 2003 Pursuant to due notice, a meeting of the Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission was held at the City Hall Council Chambers and was telecast on local Govemment Cable Channel 12. CALL TO ORDER: The August 12, 2003 meeting of the Cottage Grove Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF PRESENT: Kyle Lindquist, Karla Bigham, Jennifer Osborne, Bruce Gengnagel, Dave Wick, Jeff Rothecker Bill Schmidt Deputy Director of Public Safety Mike Zurbey, Fire Captain Jeff Brown, Council Liaison Cheryl Kohls Aoproval of minutes: Chairperson Karla Bigham presented the July 8, 2003 minutes for review. On a motion by Jeff Rothecker, seconded by Dave Wick, the July 8, minutes were accepted and approved. Motion carried. Approval of aqenda: Chairperson Karla Bigham presented the August 12, 2003 agenda of the Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission for review. On a motion by Jeff Rothecker, seconded by Bruce Gengnagel, the August 12, 2003 agenda was accepted and approved by the Commission as amended. Motion carried. OPENFORUM Chairperson Bigham invited citizens present to address the Commission regarding any matters that were not on the approved agenda. There being no presentations, Chairperson Bigham closed the Open Forum segment of the meeting. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Commission was provided a copy of the Planning Commission's agenda for the August 25, 2003 meeting. There being no discussion regarding the Planning Commission's agenda, this portion of the meeting was closed. Page 2 PSHWC Meeting Minutes August 12, 2003 OLD BUSINESS Case 03-07-01 Hunting Permits and Fees The Commission was provided a memo from Captain Woolery, which requested that this matter be tabled pending further research and input prior to making any recommendations for changing the ordinance. On a motion by Dave Wick, seconded by Bruce Gengnagel, the matter was tabled to the September meeting pending further information. Motion carried. Case 03-07-03 Hinton-Tower Avenue Construction Detours The Commission was provided a copy of a memo from Captain Woolery that was in response to Council direction, of the Commission's recommendation to keep the current construction detour marked as is with some improvements in signage with recommendations to make some improvements in signage and additional barricades. This was for Commission information and no action is required. NEW BUSINESS Case 03-08-01 Multiple Animal License Applications City Clerk Caron Stransky provided the Commission with two applications for multiple animal licenses. After general discussion by the Commission, on a motion by Bruce Gengnagel, seconded by Jennifer Osborne, the applications were approved as submitted. Motion carried. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None at this time. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Commission member Jennifer Osborne raised a concern about speeding vehicles on Grospoint Avenue due to the road construction on Hadley Avenue. Due to this construction, traffic from Hadley Avenue, a main feeder road, has been detoured to Grospoint Avenue between 84'h and 90` Streets. Captain Zurbey stated that he would have extra patrol for traffic enforcement for this area and that Public Works would need to be contacted regarding any signage for the area. Page 3 PSHWC Meeting Minutes August 12, 2003 STAFF REPORTS POLICE - Captain Zurbey informed the Commission Officer Mary McGuire is back at work on light duty. Captain Zurbey also informed the Commission that two officer candidates have a conditional job offer and will be completing Phase 2 of the background. Captain Zurbey went on to advise the Commission that National Night Out was a big success. The police department received a$10,000 Safe and Sober Grant for DWI enforcement overtime. FIRE - Fire Captain Jeff Brown advised that the new ladder truck 26 is now in service. He also invited members to attend the October 4 drill and advised members they could park at Public Works. COUNCIL- Council Person Kohis stated that Council held a budget hearing and that a final workshop open to the public, will be held this coming Thursday. She aiso advised that there was a meeting to discuss the East Ravine development. She stated that the Council Chambers were packed to the brim with interested citizens. She went on to say that there will be a"Wine Tasting" event at River Oaks Club House on September 11, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. All proceeds will benefit our Police and Fire Departments. Safety Camp was a huge success and wanted to thank everyone involved for a greatjob. ADJOURN Motion by Jeff Rothecker, seconded by Kyle Lindquist to adjoum the meeting at 7:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cyndee Engfer—Administrative Secretary