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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-14 MINUTESCITY OF COTTAGE GROVE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION April 14, 2003 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 14, 2003 at 7:00 pm. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ken Boyden called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 2. ROLL CALL David Anderson, Ken Boyden, Randy Eckstein, Roger Finnegan, David Thiede Staff Present: Les Burshten, Public Works Director Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor Also Present: Sandy Shiely, Mayor Jim Wolcott, City Council Liaison Ryan Schroeder, CityAdministrator Greg Tennis, Tennis Sanitation Willie Tennis, Tennis Sanitation Patricia Storby, Recording Secretary Absent: Jan Wuorenma 3. APPROVE MINUTES Upon a motion by David Anderson, and seconded by Randy Eckstein, the March 10, 2003 minutes were approved unanimously. 4. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS A. Appointment of Commission Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary Due to the full commission not being present, a recommendation was made by Chair Ken Boyden to table the election until the next meeting. 5. NEW BUSINESS B. CITY WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES Les Burshten began by stating the City of Cottage Grove has always had waste hauling services by one or two haulers. It was recently suggested to receive quotes for this service and Waste Management and Tennis Sanitation both responded. As a result, Public Works Commission April 14, 2003 — Page 2 Waste Management was the apparent low bidder and the bid was submitted to the Council for approval. The item was discussed and decided by the City Council to bring this item back for review by the Public Works Commission. In addition, it was also suggested the Solid Waste Committee reconvene. In past years, this committee worked very hard on the Waste Hauling Ordinance that is still in existence today, however, needs to be reviewed and updated due to new issues that have arisen regarding waste removal. Some options to consider are: . Retain the same waste haulers for city and municipal waste . Add a third authorized hauler for the city and municipal waste • Consider having the Public Works Department take care of municipal and potentially city waste . Contract one hauler for city and municipal waste . Propose the City of Cottage Grove provide billing service for residential waste hauling Chair Ken Boyden stated that because Waste Management was not in attendance for this meeting, no decisions would be made tonight, however, Tennis Sanitation staff were invited to stay and listen to the meeting discussion. Burshten first suggested that members will be needed for a new Solid Waste Committee and this may be accomplished through word of mouth and/or placing an ad in the Bulletin. Initially the newly-formed committee may have to meet monthly, however, as issues are reviewed and resolved, the meeting dates may be reduced to a quarterly schedule. Boyden suggested that perhaps applications previously submitted by residents wishing to serve on city commissions may be good candidates for the Solid Waste Committee. At this time Commission Members Roger Finnegan and David Thiede both questioned whether this issue may be something the Public Works Commission could take on. Burshten responded this would be a fine group to review issues at hand since they meet monthly. Council Member Wolcott suggested that perhaps a former member of the Solid Waste Committee be invited to also serve on the Committee for input, in particular, Jeff Podoll, the former chairperson of the Solid Waste Committee. Commission Member David Anderson agreed that it would make good sense for this commission to take on these issues with Mr. Podoll serving as a resource for information should he be willing to do so. Commission Member Randy Eckstein recollected that past discussion of the solid waste issues were quite lengthy and may take some time to resolve to which Boyden responded that the group would have to deal with one subject at a time. MOTION MADE BY DAVID ANDERSON, SECONDED BY DAVID THIEDE, THAT THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION SERVE ADDITIONALLY AS THE SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE IN ORDER TO REVIEW THE CURRENT SOLID WASTE ORDINANCE AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO SAME. MOTION WAS CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Public Works Commission April 14, 2003 — Page 3 Thiede suggested that Jeff Podoll be contacted to see whether or not he's interested in participating with this task. Burshten stated that a copy of the current solid waste ordinance will be mailed to PWC Members so they can be brought up-to-date in order for the ordinance to be addressed at the next meeting. Council Member Wolcott inquired if minutes of past Solid Waste Committee meetings may be available for review to give the current PWC members some background on previous issues and if so, suggested past minutes be included with a copy of the ordinance. The Solid Waste Ordinance and related issues will be discussed at the May meeting. A. TECHNICAL REVIEW 6.1 CASE RS03-012, V03-013, and CUP03-016 (COTINUED FROM 3/24/03) John Angell and Tina Ott-Angell have applied for a simple lot division to subdivide a 10- acre parcel of land at 7682 — 110' Street South into an 8-acre parcel and a 2-acre parcel; a variance to Title 11-3-3E(2), Miscellaneous Requirements for Accessory Structures, to allow an existing outbuilding to remain on the 8-acre parcel for agricultural use; and a conditional use permit to allow an oversized accessory structure. Harry Taylor explained this is a simple lot division, however, drainage issues will be evaluated. 6.2 CASE RS03-015 Robert R. Eddy, 11275 77� Street South, applied for a simple lot division with variance to subdivide a 4.99-acre parcel of land into two parcels of 1.9 acres and 3.09 acres. This subdivision would adjust the property line between two existing lots of record, 11275 77� Street South and 11313 77 Street South. Taylor explained this is also a simple lot division, however, in this case an existing home will be demolished and a new home will be constructed. 6.3 CASE ICUP03-020 Eric Robbins, TNT Fireworks, has applied for an interim conditional use permit to allow the outdoor sale of fireworks in the Rainbow Foods parking lot, 7280 East Point Douglas Road South. Taylor noted there were a number of concerns regarding the above application: • Location • Traffic • Parking issues Public Works Commission April 14, 2003 — Page 4 . Since there is already a greenhouse by Rainbow, how many outdoor accessory structures should be allowed? • If the structure is a tent, is it fire retardant? . What will be done with the firework stock during nighttime hours? . Public Safety issues include theft and vandalism Eckstein commented that the Gateway site is a rehabilitation area and the City is trying to make the area nicer. He's concerned a structure such as this will not enhance the look of the area in a positive fashion. If this application is approved, what will stop a flea market or similar events from moving on to the area? Taylor agreed that city staff feels much the same way. The consensus of the PWC at this point would be to deny this permit. 6.4 CASE CUP03-018 The City of Cottage Grove has applied for a conditional use permit to allow an antenna to be placed on the West Draw water tower. 6.5 CASE CUP03-019 The City of Cottage Grove has applied for a conditional use permit to allow an antenna to be placed on the water tower on Inwood Avenue South. Harry Taylor explained the above two items go hand-in-hand and indicated that a consultant had recommended should a West Draw water tower be constructed, that the repeater be relocated to that site which would improve radio communication. Additionally, Taylor explained that a ham radio operator has requested an additional antenna be placed on the Inwood Tower along with two more antennas on the West Draw Tower. Taylor explained that the ham radio operators have the capacity to assist in public safety radio services and are a back-up communication in the case of a disaster. The request is supported by both Fire Chief Bob Byerly and Police Chief John Mickelson. C. Increased Walking Distance for District #833 Secondary Students Burshten explained this topic was placed on the agenda for informational purposes. Last week city staff met with school district personnel regarding this issue. One way the school district is dealing with the budget crunch is increasing the walking distances for secondary students. This issue affects the city in numerous ways including: • More kids walking is a safety factor to be considered . More kids walking may mean increased vandalism and cutting through yards • Potential increases in pedestrian and bicycle incidents . Will affect snow plowing when additional cars are parked on city streets • More kids will be walking when streets are being plowed Public Works Commission April 14, 2003 — Page 5 Burshten noted this topic will be addressed by the school board on April 24 and more information will be available after that date. Some commission members were of the opinion that the additional walkers likely will not have a huge impact. Burshten commented that while there may not be a major increase of walking students, parking issues may be a potential problem since the parking lot at the high school is already at capacity. It was further stated that should improvements need to be made (walking paths, sidewalks, etc.) that the school district contribute financially to cover costs. 6. OLD BUSINESS A. Pavement Management Program — Update Burshten stated a neighborhood meeting took place on April 7 at All Saints Lutheran Church with approximately 100 residents in attendance. Brenda Peper of the Finance Department was on hand to answer questions about assessments. Main concerns of those in attendance included: • Boulevard restoration from last year (excessive rock in boulevard area) • Assessment questions Burshten concluded that the meeting went very well. B. City of Cottage Grove Sign Policy At the last meeting it was a suggested that a"ViewPoinY' article be published in the Bulletin from the Public Works Commission Chairman to update and inform citizens on the new policy. The article will, among other things, provide information and an explanation why many existing signs will be removed. Ken Boyden stated he would review the letter and follow up with Les shortly. 7. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE Sealcoatinq Pearson Brothers submitted the lowest responsible bid for the 2003 Sealcoating Project. Work will begin sometime after June 9 with completion expected by June 30. Hiqhlands Water Tower Paintinq/Restoration Champion Coatings was awarded the contract for the water tower rehabilitation with a bid of $637,000.00. Public Works Commission April 14, 2003 — Page 6 Citv Pool IYs "almosY' official that the YMCA will operate the city pool. Maintenance work (painting, etc.) has been initiated by the Utility Department. The YMCA is interested in expanding to Cottage Grove and felt this was a good opportunity to begin the process. Street Sweepinq McPhillips Sweeping completed sweeping city streets in six days. Hydrant Flushing Flushing has been started this season with good success due to very few discolored water calls. Parks Maintenance Parks crews have been readying fields due to soccer practices beginning last weekend. Irrigation systems are also being prepared for the upcoming season. Sprinq Clean Up — Household Hazardous Waste Da1r The big event will be Saturday, May 3 � d from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A new sign board has been purchased and will be used to advertise the date and times. Additionally, Washington County personnel will be here accepting hazardous waste items. New this year will be an "express lane" for residents with one or two items. Snowmobile and 4-Wheeler Concerns City Resident Gene Smallidge contacted Les Burshten for the Public Works Commission's input regarding recreational vehicles in the city. A task force will be meeting at 630 p.m. on April 16 8. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE Council Member Wolcott mentioned that the extension of Indian Boulevard, east of Keats Avenue, was added to the MSA road system. 9. ENGINEERS REPORT No discussion. 10. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Removal of Tree Trimminq Debris Commission Member Randy Eckstein requested that a sweeper be used to clean up debris as city staff removes trees near the walking trails to avoid the safety hazards of remaining wood branches. Public Works Commission April 14, 2003 — Page 7 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Council Member Wolcott reminded the commission of the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner taking place at River Oaks Golf Course on April 22 Mayor Shiely also wished to thank this commission for taking on the task of the Solid Waste Committee. By doing so, the issues at hand will likely be resolved in a much quicker manner. 11. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn was made by David Anderson, seconded by Randy Eckstein. Motion was carried unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Storby