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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-06-15 MINUTESPUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION MINUTES OF MEETING June 15, 2004 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 June 15, 2004 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: Jennifer Osborne, Jeff Rothecker, Karla Bigham, Brian Hagen Kyle Lindquist, Dave Wick, Kris Meinert Captain Craig Woolery, Lieutenant Pat Horst, Senior Planner John McCool Approval of minutes: Chairperson Karla Bigham presented the May 11, 2004 minutes for review. On a motion by Jeff Rothecker, seconded by Brian Hagen the minutes were approved as submitted. Motion carried. Approval of aqenda: Chairperson Karla Bigham presented the June 15, 2004 agenda of the Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission for review. On a motion by Jeff Rothecker, seconded by Jennifer Osborne, the June 15, 2004 agenda was accepted and approved by the Commission. Motion carried. OPEN FORUM Chairperson Bigham invited citizens present to address the Commission regarding any matters that were not on the approved agenda. Mark Leier, 6602 Homestead Ave. So., presented concerns to the Commission regarding the truck and vehicle traffic reference the Hinton — Tower Project. He stated that he has spoken to the Project Manager about the 55 mph speed limit proposed for Hinton Avenue to 70' Street and also placing one stop sign on 65` Street and Hinton. He advised that the Project Manager informed him that 65'" Street will be a straight thoroughfare. Mr. Leier would like to see the Public Safety Commission get involved with reviewing the speed limit for 65 Street being lowered to 45 mph. Mr. Leier also requested that the detour sign that is currently placed just south of the Hinton Avenue-67� Street intersection be moved to north of the intersection so that vehicles don't turn on 67` Street and make their way through the residential neighborhood. He stated that most vehicles are traveling at a higher rate of speed than Page 2 PSHWC Meeting Minutes June 15, 2004 what most residential streets are to be traveled. All vehicles should be turning right at 65 Street and should avoid turning at 67 Street. His next issue was that of truck "jake-brakes that are very loud and the speed of these trucks. He is concerned for the safety of other vehicle traffic and also pedestrians using Hinton Avenue walkways in the area. He would like the ordinance reviewed and possible changes made so that these trucks follow the ordinance. He also stated he knows of some towns that have "Noise Ordinance strictly enforced" signs and would like to see these placed also. Captain Woolery stated he would forward his concerns onto the COP Team for his neighborhood and will respond at the next meeting. He also stated that more traffic enforcement of the area will be passed along in roll call. There being no further presentations, Chairperson Bigham closed the Open Forum segment of the meeting. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Commission was provided a copy of the cases for the June 28, 2004 Planning Commission meeting for review and comment. Case CUPO4-031 and SPO4-032 — Comments from the Commission were concerns regarding the amount of shops that were planned for this site. Senior Planner John McCool addressed the Commission and informed them that there were two shops planed for this location. The building will house a coffee shop and space for another retail tenant. The coffee shop will be 1800 square feet and the retail shop wiil be 1100 square feet. Case VO4-033 — Variance for elevated deck to be setback 10 feet from corner at 8630 Hyde Avenue. John McCool explained to the Commission that this deck and railing will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent properties, wiil not increase congestion in the public street, endanger the pubiic's safety or diminish/impair property values within the neighborhood. There being no further discussion regarding the Planning Commission's agenda, this portion of the meeting was closed. OLD BUSINESS Case 04-05-03 Thompson Grove Neighborhood Traffic Control Analysis Page 3 PSHWC Meeting Minutes June 15, 2004 Captain Woolery provided the Commission with comments from the Public Works Commission as well as from the Southwest Community Policing Team. The Public Safety Commission has reviewed the Thompson Grove Traffic Study as prepared by Bonestroo and Associates, our engineering firm, over the past two months. The following is a summary of concerns brought forth by the Commission regarding this detailed traffic study. Overall the Commission felt the study was appropriate. Concerns brought up at the main meeting were potential costs to the city for placement of new stop signs throughout the Grove side area involved in the study; there were mixed concerns regarding the recommended four way stop at 85' and Hadley Ave. Chairperson Karla Bigham felt that the four way stop would be appropriate at this intersection. Commission member Jeff Rothecker and the Southwest Community Policing Team from the Public Safety Department, felt that based on only two accidents in the past 5 years, that they would not recommend placement of a four way stop sign at 85` and Hadley Ave. The Community Policing Team also commented that widening of the roadway and a walking or bike area has made improvements and has made the road safer and will continue with strict traffic enforcement in this area. Another comment brought forward by the Southwest Community Policing Team was that stop signs placed on the end of cul-de-sacs approaching roadways were not necessary as the cul-de-sacs typically had only 3 to 4 houses in each cul-de-sac and this could be a cost saving measure. The Public Safety Commission accepted the remainder of the study. No further comments were made. NEW BUSINESS Case 04-06-01 Outdoor Event Permit Application — New Moon Restaurant, Saturday, 07-10-04, 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight The Commission reviewed the Outdoor Event Permit Application for the New Moon Restaurant Street Dance for July 10, 2004. After general discussion, the Commission recommended that there be more than six (6) toilets included in the conditions. On a motion by Jeff Rothecker, seconded by Brian Hagen, the application was approved with the addition of more than six (6) toilets, on a unanimous voice vote of the Commission. Motion carried. Page 4 PSHWC Meeting Minutes June 15, 2004 RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS 1) Joint meeting with City Council — Commission Chair Karla Bigham An e-mail response from the City Administrator was provided to the Commission that stated no meetings have been scheduled yet but it was a good reminder to get that done. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS 1) Chairperson Karla Bigham commented on how great she thought the Strawberry Festival was this year and thanked all those who were involved. 2) Chairperson Karla Bigham requested that Commission Member Jennifer Osborne make a small presentation at the next meeting regarding mosquito control. Jennifer Osborne agreed and would have something for the next meeting. 3) Chairperson Karla Bigham has received comments from citizens regarding the congestion at Cottage Grove Junior High when dropping off and picking up students, especially when trying to turn onto Indian Blvd. Captain Woolery stated he would have the COP team prepare a report for the next meeting. 4) The pedestrian crosswalk lights on Jamaica and 75 Street appear to not be working. Captain Woolery will contact Les Burshten, Public Works Director to get more information on how the crosswalk works and if it needs repairs done. 5) Noise on Jamaica Avenue in the area of 80` Street, especially from loud cycles, needs to be addressed. Enforcement has been seen in area lately. STAFF REPORTS POLICE - Captain Woolery advised that the May Safe and Sober Seatbelt Campaign went very weil. 49 citations were issued and useage was up from 74% to 83.5%. July will be a speed enforcement campaign. Captain Woolery informed the Commission the Tobacco Compliance checks that were recently conducted had all 19 businesses pass the check. Captain Woolery also informed the Commission that one dispatcher candidate was hired leaving one vacancy remaining. Page 5 PSHWC Meeting Minutes June 15, 2004 Captain Woolery reminded everyone that certain fireworks are prohibited in Minnesota and to be clear on what is legal. Any fireworks that blow up, get airborne or make loud noises are prohibited. Sparklers, snakes, poppers are legal. FIRE - Lieutenant Horst informed the Commission that 10 Fire Fighters went to meth lab training. Lieutenant Horst went on the thank all those who helped with the May 30 house fire, which included police and fire personnel, and also many neighbors who brought food and beverages to those who were there. Lieutenant Horst reminded everyone that you should call before you dig as there have been quite a few diggings that have hit gas lines because of improper markings. Call Gopher State One at 1-800-252-1166 two days prior to digging. This is a free service. COUNCIL- Council Person Kohls advised the Commission that Mainstreet Bank had donated traffic vests that are battery operated that when activated have a green neon stripe which can be seen from quite a distance. She went on to say that Council has set budget meeting dates for sometime in August. Council Person Kohls also wanted to thank all those who participated in the Strawberry Festival. She reminded everyone that Safety Camp is scheduled for July 19, 20 and 21. 2004. ADJOURN Motion by Commission member Jeff Rothecker, seconded by Commission member Brian Hagen to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 p.m. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Cyndee Engfer—Administrative Secretary PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION MINUTES OF MEETING July 20, 2004 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 20, 2004 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, Dave Wick, Kris Meinert, Jennifer Osborne, Karla Bigham, Brian Hagen Jeff Rothecker Captain Craig Woolery, Captain Randy Gerlach — Fire Approvai of minutes: Chairperson Karla Bigham presented the June 15, 2004 minutes for review. On a motion by Commission member Brian Hagen, seconded by Commission member Kyle Lindquist, the minutes were approved as submitted. Motion carried. Approval of aqenda: Chairperson Karla Bigham presented the July 20, 2004 agenda of the Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission for review. On a motion by Commission member Dave Wick, seconded by Commission member Kyle Lindquist, the July 20, 2004 agenda was accepted and approved by the Commission. 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 ciosed the Open Forum segment of the meeting. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Commission was provided a copy of the cases for the July 26, 2004 Planning Commission meeting for review and comment. Case CUPO4-035 — Comments from the Commission were concerns regarding the location of storm water holding ponds and the 30 foot width of the streets. The concern for the width is that there be enough room for the safety of emergency vehicles that will need to access the development. Page 2 PSHWC Meeting Minutes July 20, 2004 Captain Woolery advised he would pass their concerns on to the Planning Commission. There being no further discussion regarding the Planning Commission's agenda, this portion of the meeting was closed. OLD BUSINESS Case 04-05-03 Thompson Grove Neighborhood Traffic Control Analysis Commission Chair Bigham shared her concerns regarding the need for the placement of a 4 way stop on 85` Street and Hadley. Some concerns she pointed out was due to the recent development in the area. She stated that there has been an increase in traffic and speed along Hadley and felt placing a 4 way stop sign would help. Commission member Brian Hagen entered a motion to recommend the placement of a 4 way stop sign at 85 Street and Hadley. There was no second to the motion. After general discussion, the Commission requested that more awareness of the speed and traffic enforcement might help during the development of the area. NEW BUSINESS Case 04-07-01 Speed and noise related concerns on Hinton between 65 and 7p� Streets Captain Woolery provided the Commission with a copy of a memo he sent to the COP Team that includes the concerns of the Commission from their June 15 meeting. He advised the Commission that the traffic concerns were handled soon after the meeting by re-routing the traffic. He went on to say that the truck noise will be provided when there is more information/research pertaining to the concerns of truck noise — muffler, jakbraking, etc. Council person Kohls informed the Commission that she spoke to a State Patroi Trooper and advised that local law enforcement is encouraged to get involved and training can be provided to local law enforcement officers. A phone number was provided to her and who can be contacted to arrange for this training through the Minnesota State Patrol office. Captain Woolery advised that officers will continue to do research on the truck issue and will report back to the Commission when it becomes available. Page 3 PSHWC Meeting Minutes July 20, 2004 Case 04-07-02 Traffic Congestion at Cottage Grove Junior High School Captain Woolery provided a memo from the COP Team which gave a synopsis of what was observed during the 2003-2004 school year by meeting with the School Resource Officer and talking with the Junior High School Principal. The outcome of this was that more options will be looked at during this year's school year. He advised the Commission that it is the school districYs decision as to what improvements wili be made. 1) Jamaica Avenue and 75` Street Crosswalk — Commission Chair Karla Bigham Captain Woolery provided the Commission with a copy of a memo sent to Director of Public Works Les Burshten and his response. The crosswalk is working and is set up to Function during regular school days and crossing times. Any pedestrian wishing to utilize the crosswalk when school is not in session can also activate it. The Commission requested that instructions on operating the crosswalk be clear to all those who need to access it. There appears to be confusion by both the pedestrian and vehicle traffic when it comes to pedestrians in crosswalks and what vehicles need to do when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk. Public knowledge would help - either in the paper or on cable. 2) Mosquito Control Presentation — Commission member Jennifer Osborne Commission member Osborne, who has worked for Mosquito Control for 7'/2 years, made a presentation regarding what is being done by Mosquito Control in metro areas. She gave handouts to members for review. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS 1) Commission member Dave Wick inquired as to whether or not there has been any discussion as to smoking bans. He stated that with the recent action in Bloomington he was just wondering about eastern suburban areas. 2) Chairperson Karla Bigham mentioned that National Night Out is scheduled for Tuesday August 3, 2004 and will be held at Woodridge Park from 5 p.m. until dusk and encouraged residents to join in the festivities. STAFF REPORTS POLICE - Captain Woolery advised that Safety Camp is in its first of three days and so far there is a great turnout. Page 4 PSHWC Meeting Minutes July 20, 2004 Captain Woolery informed the Commission of the revised hunting fees and that more information and forms can be obtained by visiting the city web site. FIRE - Captain Gerlach informed the Commission that 10 Fire Fighters have completed meth lab training. EMS Coordinator Cathy Neuenfeldt has a new pilot EMT Corps program which wili have 5 EMTs helping during the day. Captain Gerlach advised the Commission that there were 22 fire fighters at the refinery fire. Within 3 hours the fire was under control. He also advised that the Fire Department has a$5,000.00 OSHA Grant for turn out gear. On Friday and Saturday at Stillwater's Lumberjack Days, the Fire Rescue boat will be available for observing. COUNCIL- Council Person Kohls wanted to thank all those who participated at the refinery fire. A great job was done by all. She also wanted to thank all those who heiped a the barn fire in Denmark Township. Great cooperation between departments. She went on to say that Council has awarded a bid for a new replacement ambulance from Road Rescue. She advised the Commission with more city parks being built, a Park Facilities Study group to work with police/fire personnel that would help with needs of public safety personnel to make their job better. She brought up safety, lighting, accessibility for emergency vehicles, adequate parking. Council Person Kohls informed the Commission that she would like to have a workshop session to discuss future communication issues for the city. She mentioned the Communications Center within the Public Safety Department as having old, outdated equipment and the future of the 800 Mhz system within the metro area and how much money will be needed to update the facility and equipment and will help provide knowledge to the Commission for long term plans. Captain Woolery said he could give a brief history at the workshop on future communications issues within the city. Page 5 PSHWC Meeting Minutes July 20, 2004 ADJOURN Motion by Commission member Kyle Lindquist, seconded by Commission member Dave Wick to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Cyndee Engfer — Administrative Secretary