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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-04-08 MINUTESCITY OF COTTAGE GROVE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION April 8, 2002 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a meeting of the Public Works Commission of Cottage Grove was duly held at the Public Works Garage, 8635 West Point Douglas Road, Cottage Grove, Minnesota, on April 8, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ken Boyden called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Ken Boyden was nominated as chair of the Public Works Commission. Motion was made by Dan Massarotti, seconded by Steve Ingram and unanimously carried. Randy Eckstein was nominated as Vice Chair of the Public Works Commission. Motion was made by Steve Ingram, seconded by Ken Boyden and unanimously carried. Dan Massarotti was nominated as Secretary of the Public Works Commission. Motion was made by Steve Ingram, seconded by Ken Boyden and unanimously carried. 2. ROLL CALL Members Present: Ken Boyden, Steve Ingram, Dan Massarotti, Randy Eckstein, Jan Wuorenma-arrived late Staff Present: Les Burshten, Public Works Director Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor Allan Larson, Public Works Technician Also Present: Council Member Jim Wolcott, City Council Liaison Roger Finnegan (current applicant for a seat on the Public Works Commission) 3. APPROVE MINUTES On a motion by Steve Ingram seconded by Dan Massarotti, the February 11, 2002 Public Works Commission minutes were approved unanimously. Public Works Commission April 8, 2002 — Page 2 4. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS Trash Haulers for the Citv Commission Chair Ken Boyden inquired what trash haulers serve the City of Cottage Grove offices at the present time. Public Works Director Les Burshten responded that Tennis Sanitation does most of the hauling at this time, however, Waste Management is the hauler for the Ice Arena which will likely change in the near future. Compost Site Ken Boyden wondered whether or not the City is intending on selling the property currently used for the compost site. Burshten indicated there is a possibility the property will be sold. Commission Member Dan Massarotti questioned whether the City is doing anything to clarify the status of this property and if discussion has taken place with the property owner. Burshten responded that there are no immediate plans for the site in the next year. He went on to state that the property is not a desirable building site due to the large amount of bedrock which would have to be removed. Boyden inquired whether there was an extension of water runoff that would come across this site or if that was just south of the area, to which Public Works Technician Allan Larson replied that the drainage at the current time is just south of the compost area. Boyden asked if the flume would disturb the present site. Larson responded that direction of the water flow may have the potential of affecting the compost site itself. Massarotti commented that approximately two-thirds of Glendenning Road has been closed off from the compost area towards 103 Street, adding this may have been a logical area for the new site. It was determined, however, that this area is intended for future development. Public Works Supervisor Harry Taylor stated that the sanitary sewer parallels the area on the north side of the flume, crosses Jamaica towards the southern portion of the compost site. Boyden explained that he feels the current location is the best site for the compost area for a variety of reasons including: ■ Ease of access for citizens • No housing directly connected to the area (he feels the City should purchase this parcel of land) ■ There have been no complaints from residents ■ No building has to be done ■ No zoning has to be changed • Site is not visible to traffic Massarotti concurred, stating the compost site is a fantastic benefit for citizens, adding that the first 1500 yards of compost are given out free of charge to residents. Commission Member Randy Eckstein wondered whether the current site is large enough for future expansion? If not, the City may want to pursue a different direction. Burshten responded that the site is large enough, depending on the procedure used to handle the product. Materials can be hauled away similar to other compost sites located in Eagan and Rosemount. Many options can be pursued, however, a more compact site may be more desirable. Public Works Commission April 8, 2002 — Page 3 Burshten added that the group may want to put the suggestion of purchasing the property in the form of a motion to be presented to the City Administrator and then on to the City Council for consideration. MOTION WAS MADE THAT THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE CONSIDER PURCHASING THE PARCEL OF LAND CURRENTLY OCCUPIED BY THE NRG COMPOST SITE SHOULD IT BECOME AVAILABLE FOR SALE. Motion was made by Ken Boyden, seconded by Steve Ingram. Motion was unanimously carried. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. NRG PROCESSING Burshten explained that a representative from NRG was expected to be present tonight to discuss the existing compost site contract. It was suggested that this item be put on the May Agenda at which time NRG will be asked to present information, including their fee structure. Allan Larson added that he wished to discuss the compost site along with the site agreement asking the Commission to bring forward any additions or corrections to the contract as written. Boyden suggested that City staff meet with NRG Representatives and results of the meeting can be reported to the PW Commission at a future meeting. Commission Member Steve Ingram noted there was a change in the contract stating 1,000 cubic yards of finished compost would be available annually for pick up to Cottage Grove Residents free of charge, and 1,500 cubic yards for City use. After some discussion, Burshten indicated the two figures could be interchanged, making 1,500 yards available for residents and 1,000 yards available for city use. B. TECHNICAL REVIEW 6.1 CASE CUP02-034 Gerald and Linda Hodgin have applied for a conditional use permit to allow a women's fitness center at 8700 E. Pt. Douglas Road South. Taylor explained this would be located as part of the Fifth Street Venture Project behind Target in one of the commercial buildings near the new location of Advanced Sportswear. Traffic issues are being reviewed at the present time. 6.2 CASES ZA01-058, PP01-059, and SP01-060 (continued from 8/27/01) Thompson Land Development has applied for a zoning amendment to change the zoning from R-2.5, Residential, and R-5, Medium Density Residential, to PUD, Planned Unit Development; and a preliminary plat and site plan review with variance of a multi- family residential development consisting of 300 dwelling units to be located on the northwest corner of 70` Street and Hinton Avenue. Public Works Commission April 8, 2002 — Page 4 Taylor indicated a proposal has been made to rezone the area where Mike Rygh is proposing a development off 70� Street and Hinton. Thompson is considering a development of town homes and twin homes. Traffic issues on 70� Street are being reviewed at the current time. Ingram inquired whether this is consistent with the comprehensive plan for the area to which Council Member Jim Wolcott indicated the area was always looked at as multi-family use. At this point Massarotti questioned the status of the Hinton/Tower road extension. Wolcott responded that this project has been approved by the County and likely will see work begin this year and finalized next year. He added the road will be a four-lane roadway all the way from 80 Street in Cottage Grove to Woodlane Drive in Woodbury. Taylor added that the proposed twin homes show a large area of pavement surface (driveway/curbs) which concerns the Planning Department. Taylor added the proposed street widths meet City standards, however. Other concerns include density and some retaining walls. Case is pending. Concrete Medians Commission Member Steve Ingram wished to make a motion to suggest no concrete medians be constructed on 70� Street for a variety of reasons, including plowing difficulty and drainage concerns. MOTION MADE BY STEVE INGRAM, SECONDED BY KEN BOYDEN SUGGESTING NO CONCRETE MEDIANS BE CONSTRUCTED ON 70 STREET. Motion was unanimously carried. 6.4 CASES SP02-026 and CUP02-027 (continued from 3/25/02) TCF Bank has applied for a site plan review with variance and conditional use permit for a bank with drive-up window to be located on Lot 2, Block 1 of Carly's 2" Addition. Taylor informed that this area is near the new Walgreen's site. Wolcott stated about two thirds of the proposed strip mall has been rented and added the TCF portion will be freestanding. 6.3 CASE PP02-022 (continued from 3/25/02) Rodney W. Hale has applied for a preliminary plat for a proposed subdivision, Hale's River Bluff Acres, which would consist of three lots for single-family homes. Variances are required for lot width at right of way, building setback from bluff line, septic system setback from bluff line and density requirements. This subdivision would be located on Lower Grey Cloud Island. Case is pending. C. IMPLEMENTING AN EFFECTIVE STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. Larson indicated the federal government has finalized regulations for storm water management in smaller communities. He went on to state that the storm water utility Public Works Commission April 8, 2002 — Page 5 fund has already been established which would fund the needed improvements and added the City has until March of 2003 to implement the program. The other issue that needs to be discussed is private ponds in the community that need to be regulated. Ingram inquired who is financially responsible for private ponds to which Larson responded that the owner of the land must pay for maintenance. Ingram then asked if the City has some responsibility with water quality issues? Larson responded with the following options for the Commission to consider: Option 1: The municipality is responsible only for maintaining the public system where it owns or has maintenance easements to the facilities. Private property owners are responsible for maintaining all private systems on private property. Option 2: The municipality is responsible for maintaining both the public system (where it owns or has maintenance easements to the facilities) and the private facilities where storm water from the public system enters a private system on private property. Private property owners are responsible for maintaining those private systems that do not accept water from public systems. Option 3: The municipality is responsible for maintaining both the public and private systems. This arrangement can be implemented with formal and informal agreements with property owners for right of entry. Larson summarized that he wants a clean, decisive city ordinance regarding the maintenance of these private ponds. Discharge from private ponds ultimately enters into a public system further down the stream. At this point Larson added under his specific action plan are BMPs (Best Management Practices). These are schedules of activities, prohibitions or practices, maintenance procedures, use of pollution control devices and other management practices used to prevent or reduce the amount of pollution introduced to receiving bodies of storm water runoff. He feels this issue should be handled by Public Works in that they are the entity that basically deals with the maintenance of the system. Commission Member Jan Wuorenma questioned what other entities would be interested or opposed to having the Public Works Commission responsible for the storm water management program. Larson responded he isn't sure if any other agencies would have a better handle on this than Public Works. Another idea to consider is that ponds are not always the best option. The more ponds created, the more ponds that must be maintained. Larson also added there's a need for an accurate pond mapping system. After a brief discussion it was the consensus of the Commission to work with the Storm Water Management Program. Eckstein questioned how the recommendations of this Public Works Commission become accepted or rejected? Larson replied that the recommendations are forwarded to the City Council for consideration. Boyden suggested the ordinance be put in place so developers know up front what is required. Ingram reminded that storm water management regulations are not coming Public Works Commission April 8, 2002 — Page 6 from the City of Cottage Grove, but from the EPA. Water quality is becoming more and more of an issue. Wuorenma inquired whether Council Member Wolcott had any concerns with storm water management. Wolcott responded that he does, in fact, have a concern about this issue. He strongly advocates proper pond construction, maintenance and function. Wolcott further commented that he feels the City has too many small ponds and that larger ponds are more practical. In closing, Boyden suggested that the verbiage on the ordinance be well thought-out without too many exemptions that can be misinterpreted. 6. OLD BUSINESS A. Pavement Management Project Update Burshten stated a pre-bid meeting was held on April 4 with seven or eight potential bidders for the project. Bid date is April 11 with bid approval expected on April 17 A neighborhood meeting will take place on April 22" 7:00 p.m. at All Saints Lutheran Church with postcards announcing this meeting to be mailed this week. Staff will meet with Xcel Energy the week of April 15� 7. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE A. Discolored Water Discussion Burshten stated the Public Works office has been experiencing a number of calls from residents regarding discolored water (about one hundred calls were taken today). Residents stated the water is nearly black this year, compared to "kind of brown" in earlier years. A way to remedy this problem is to put in a water treatment plant which is a costly endeavor. Ingram wondered if the direction of flow has been switched from some of the wells that could cause the water discoloration. Taylor responded that the addition of the new West Draw water tower, along with additional valves, may have something to do with the prevalence of discolored water this year. Taylor went on to state that during hydrant flushing in prior years, certain areas were able to be isolated. This can no longer be done due to the area being too large. The city has good quality groundwater, however contains iron manganese which can result in water discoloration. Other Public Works News: • Hydrant flushing began today • Street sweeping will begin next Monday for the entire city ■ The Cottage Grove Baseball Association has donated $10,000.00 to be used toward the installation of a new ball field. ■ A new ball field will be constructed at the new Rose of Sharon site off of 70� Street Public Works Commission April 8, 2002 — Page 7 • The Cottage Grove Hockey Association has donated $18,000.00 toward the installation of new rubber matting at the Cottage Grove Ice Arena. The City will pay for approximately $25,000.00 of this expense • The Annual Spring Clean Up Day is Saturday, May 4 from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Also taking place is the Household Hazardous Waste Collection sponsored by Washington County ■ National Public Works Week is May 19� through 25� In observance of Public Works Week, our facility will be hosting an open house on May 23 (Thursday) from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Dump trucks, loaders, and various city equipment will be displayed. The evening will also include food/beverages, tours and a number of family events. Steve Ingram and Jan Wuorenma both volunteered to help with this open house ■ Burshten encouraged Commission Members to attend the Volunteer Recognition Dinner to take place on Wednesday, April 24� at River Oaks • The picnic structure at Hamlet Park was destroyed by fire. Cost to replace the building is approximately $20,000.00 ■ An attempt was made to burn the structure once again at Kingston Park • A slide was burned at Woodridge Park 8. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE Sanitarv Sewer Proiect (Near new elementary schooD All bids for the sanitary sewer project just south of the new Cottage Grove Elementary were rejected. Other options are being considered. Taylor explained that the school was built north of 65� Street with no sewer service. The Thompson Development has not been finalized and alignment of the sewer is undetermined at this point. One option is to use a high-density polyethylene pipe temporarily buried in the ground that can be reused or relocated. Another option is to install 10,000-gallon holding tanks which must be pumped every three days. This is not a favorable option since the tanks may overflow easily. 9. ENGINEER'S REPORT. No further discussion 10. COMMISSON COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None 11. ADJOURNMENT Respectfully submitted, Patricia Storby