HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-01 MINUTES
COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
June 1, 2011
OPEN FORUM
Mayor Myron Bailey opened Open Forum at 7:15 p.m., and stated that during Open Forum
person(s) may address the City Council on subjects that are not a part of the regular
meeting agenda, but must limit remarks to two (2) minutes. The purpose of Open Forum is
to provide the public with the opportunity to provide information to or request action by the
City Council. Open Forum may not be used to make personal attacks, to air personality
grievances, to make political endorsements, or for political campaign purposes. Open
Forum will adjourn to the regular meeting promptly at 7:30 p.m.
The following were present: Mayor Myron Bailey, Council Member Jen Peterson, Council
Member Justin Olsen, Council Member Dave Thiede, and Council Member Derrick Lehrke.
The following were absent: None.
Also present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator; Caron Stransky, City Clerk; Robin
Roland, Finance Director; John McCool, Senior Planner; 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. 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
th
Regular Meeting on June 1, 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 Justin Olsen, Council Member Dave Thiede, and Council Member Derrick Lehrke.
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June 1, 2011 Regular Meeting
The following were absent: None.
Also present were: Ryan Schroeder, Caron Stransky, City Clerk; City Administrator; Robin
Roland, Finance Director; Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer; Corrine Heine, City Attorney-
Kennedy & Graven; Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director; John McCool, Senior Planner;
and Les Burshten, Public Works Director.
Mayor Bailey presided over the meeting.
Mayor Bailey officially welcomed our new Economic Development Director, Danette Parr
who has been with the City of Cottage Grove for just two (2) days.
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
A. 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, AKA “CAFR”
Craig Popenhagen and Heidi Tatro of LarsonAllen LLP provided an overview of
the results of the 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The
presentation also included required communications that they have to deliver to
all governance bodies and new accounting requirements coming down the road
– GASB No. 54, 61, and 62.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. March 26, 2011 Special Meeting.
There being no amendments to the minutes, Mayor Bailey stated the minutes of
the March 26, 2011 Special Meeting stand approved as presented.
B. April 6, 2011 Regular Meeting.
There being no amendments to the minutes, Mayor Bailey stated the minutes of
the April 6, 2011 Regular Meeting stand approved as presented.
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June 1, 2011 Regular Meeting
C. April 20, 2011 Special Meeting.
There being no amendments to the minutes, Mayor Bailey stated the minutes of
the April 20, 2011 Special Meeting stand approved as presented.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
The City Council pulled Items B, C, E, and F from the consent calendar for discussion.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
LEHRKE, TO REMOVE ITEM “F” FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR A
SEPARATE VOTE. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
PETERSON, TO:
A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE MINUTES OF THE:
i. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MAY 10, 2011 MEETING;
AND
ii. PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 25, 2011 MEETING.
B. APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF JANWEER JANJUA (TJ) AS CHAIR OF
THE HUMAN SERVICES/HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION.
C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-064, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE
PROPOSED COOPERATIVE CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT NO. 98514
BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE AND THE STATE OF
MINNESOTA FOR THE WEST POINT DOUGLAS ROAD EXTENSION
PROJECT.
D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-065, A RESOLUTION TERMINATING A
STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR THE SPRING 2011 FLOOD EVENT.
E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-066, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A
DONATION FROM COGENTRIX/LSP-COTTAGE GROVE, INC., FOR THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRUST FUND.
F. PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR A SEPARATE VOTE.
G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-067, A RESOLUTION AWARDING QUOTE
FOR THE PINECLIFF LANDSCAPING PHASE I PROJECT TO HEINS
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June 1, 2011 Regular Meeting
NURSERY, INC., TOTALING $43,423.00.
H. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-068, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
PREPARATION OF A FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR THE 2012 PAVEMENT
MANAGEMENT PROJECT FOR AREAS C1 AND C3.
I. APPROVE THE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE
AND WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR THE USE AND REPLACEMENT OF LAND
IN THE COTTAGE GROVE RAVINE REGIONAL PARK AND FOR LAND,
STREET, AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVE THE COTTAGE GROVE
PUBLIC SAFETY/CITY HALL FACILITY.
J. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-069, A RESOLUTION ORDERING THE
ABATEMENT OF CONDITIONS CREATING A NUISANCE AT 7710 IVERSON
AVENUE SOUTH, COTTAGE GROVE.
K. AUTHORIZE ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDING FOR $3,100 TOWARD
COMPLETION OF A NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN BY
FRIENDS OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER FOR THE GATEWAY NORTH PARK
AND OPEN SPACE AREA. ALSO, AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF UP
TO $2,700 TOWARD THE NON-GRANT PORTION OF THE STUDY COST.
L. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-070, A RESOLUTION APPROVING A MINOR
SUBDIVISION OF 14.34 ACRES OF LAND CONTAINED IN TWO (2)
SEPARATE LOTS OF RECORD AT 9038 KIMBRO AVENUE SOUTH AND
9056 KIMBRO AVENUE SOUTH INTO TWO (2) NEW PARCELS
CONFIGURED AT 9.5 ACRES AND 4.84 ACRES IN SIZE.
MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE, SECONDED BY MAYOR BAILEY,
TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-071, A RESOLUTION REQUESTING
WASHINGTON COUNTY TO INCREASE ITS FINANCIAL COMMITMENT TO
PROVIDE A HIGH-QUALITY TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM BY INCREASING
ITS FUNDING FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND EXPANSION OF ITS
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE, AND TO AMEND THE
RESOLUTION CHANGING THE WORDS ‘TRANSPORTATION’ TO
‘ROADWAY’. MOTION FAILED. 2-3. COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE AND
MAYOR BAILEY VOTED AYE; COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, COUNCIL
MEMBER PETERSON, AND COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE VOTED NAY.
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June 1, 2011 Regular Meeting
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER PETERSON, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-071, A
RESOLUTION REQUESTING WASHINGTON COUNTY TO INCREASE ITS
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE A HIGH-QUALITY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM BY INCREASING ITS FUNDING FOR THE
MAINTENANCE AND EXPANSION OF ITS TRANSPORTATION
INFRASTRUCTURE, AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED. 3-2. COUNCIL
MEMBER OLSEN, COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, AND COUNCIL
MEMBER THIEDE VOTE AYE. COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE AND MAYOR
BAILEY VOTED NAY.
5. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES – None.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None.
7. BID AWARD – None.
8. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. Consider Approving Preliminary Plat for the Cottage Grove Ravine Addition;
Consider Approving the Final Plat for the Cottage Grove Ravine Addition; and
Consider Approving the Site Plan Review for the Public Safety/City Hall Facility
Project.
Senior Planner McCool reviewed the preliminary plat application for the Cottage
Grove Ravine Addition; the final plat application for the Cottage Grove Ravine
Addition; and the site plan review for the Public Safety/City Hall Facility Project. He
also reviewed the recommendations from the Planning Commission, Public Safety,
Health, and Welfare Commission, Environmental Commission, Public Works
Commission, Economic Development Authority, Parks, Recreation and Natural
Resources Commission, and the Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation.
Mayor Bailey stated that even though this was not a public hearing, he stated he
would give those in the audience an opportunity to speak on this item, but
requested each person to limit their remarks to two (2) minutes per person. There
being none, Mayor Bailey asked for a motion.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
THIEDE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-072, A RESOLUTION APPROVING
THE PRELIMINARY PLAT NAMED “COTTAGE GROVE RAVINE ADDITION”.
MOTION CARRIED. 4-1. COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE VOTED NAY.
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June 1, 2011 Regular Meeting
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
PETERSON, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-073, A RESOLUTION
APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT NAMED “COTTAGE GROVE RAVINE
ADDITION”. MOTION CARRIED. 4-1. COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE VOTED NAY.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER THIEDE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-074, A RESOLUTION
APPROVING THE SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR THE”PUBLIC SAFETY/CITY HALL
FACILITY TO BE LOCATED EAST OF KEATS AVENUE SOUTH AND SOUTH OF
TH
THE EXTENSION OF 85 STREET SOUTH. MOTION CARRIED. 4-1. COUNCIL
MEMBER LEHRKE VOTED NAY.
City Administrator Schroeder then provided a brief update on the veteran’s
memorial task force and the work that they are accomplishing.
th
B. Consider Awarding the Contract for the Ravine Parkway & 85 Street South
Improvements Project
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
THIEDE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-075, A RESOLUTION AWARDING
TH
BID FOR THE RAVINE PARKWAY & 85 STREET SOUTH IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT TO EUREKA CONSTRUCTION, INC., FOR $2,594,441.45. MOTION
CARRIED. 4-1. COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE VOTED NAY.
C. Consider Public Safety/City Hall Project Financing Options
Mayor Bailey read aloud a recommended motion, which read “Motion to direct staff
to pursue potential funding for the Public Safety/City Hall facility project through a
private placement of lease funding as discussed at the special meeting.”
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
PETERSON, TO DIRECT STAFF TO PURSUE POTENTIAL FUNDING FOR THE
PUBLIC SAFETY/CITY HALL FACILITY PROJECT THROUGH A PRIVATE
PLACEMENT OF LEASE FUNDING, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT WE
WOULD ALSO USE AN RFP PROCESS TO ENSURE THAT WE TAKE FULL
ADVANTAGE OF THE MARKETPLACE TO RECEIVE THE MOST COMPETITIVE
BID.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
PETERSON, TO AMEND THE ORIGINAL MOTION TO INCLUDE A DIRECTIVE
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June 1, 2011 Regular Meeting
TO STAFF THAT AT THE TIME THEY ASK THE CITY COUNCIL TO LOCK IN
WITH THE PRIVATE PLACEMENT BID, TO ADVISE THE CITY COUNCIL WHAT
THE CIP BOND RATE WAS ON THAT GIVEN DATE AND THAT THE COUNCIL
CONSENSUS WAS TO KEEP THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE FINANCING AT OR
UNDER $10 MILLION.
UPON VOTE BEING TAKEN ON THE ORIGINAL MOTION AS AMENDED,
MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
D. Consider Authorizing Staff to Prepare Plans and Specifications for a Splash Pad and
Consider Authorizing Staff to Hire Architectural Services to Remodel the Existing
Highlands Park Building.
City Administrator Schroeder highlighted the request to authorize Staff to prepare plans
and specifications for a splashpad and to authorize staff to hire architectural services to
remodel the existing Highlands Parks building.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
PETERSON, TO: (1) AUTHORIZE STAFF TO PREPARE PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS FOR A SPLASHPAD TO BE LOCATED AT HIGHLANDS PARK
FOR A TOTAL PROJECT COST ESTIMATED AT $500,000; AND (2) AUTHORIZE
STAFF TO HIRE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES AND PREPARE PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS TO REMODEL THE EXISTING HIGHLANDS PARK BUILDING
FOR A TOTAL COST ESTIMATED AT $150,000. MOTION CARRIED. 4-1. COUNCIL
MEMBER LEHRKE VOTED NAY.
9. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS –
None.
10. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Mayor Bailey read aloud the following statement for the record:
“Tonight finalizes over 18 years of discussions of, and planning for, a future Public Safety/City Hall
building in Cottage Grove. The current facility, built in 1968, was expanded in 1973 and 1985. In 1993
and 1994, discussions to build a new facility started, but at the time it was decided to remodel the
existing building for $1.1 million.
City leaders at the time recognized the fact that the 1995 remodel would only support the needs of our
City for the next 10 years or so – at best. In 2007, another remodel was completed to expand
investigations within the current facility while moving Parks and Recreation staff to the Ice Arena. In
2009, another minor remodel created one (1) additional meeting room by removing the reception area
in the lobby. As I have stated all along, we have used every ounce of space at our current facility.
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June 1, 2011 Regular Meeting
A space needs study was conducted in 2005 as part of the planning process for a new Public
Safety/City Hall facility. Possible sites were also discussed by the Council, with the prevailing idea
being to build the new facility near the new Washington County Government Center. In fact, a primary
reason the Government Center is located where it is today has to do with that planning process and the
full recommendation by the Cottage Grove East Ravine Citizens Task Force, Cottage Grove City
Council, Washington County, and the Metropolitan Council.
In 2010, the Cottage Grove City Council made a decision to move forward with this critical building
project for a variety of reasons. First, construction costs were at historic lows with interest rates the
lowest in many years, especially for a City such as ours with a very strong bond rating and a pattern of
sound financial management. We also have room in the levy to build this much-needed project without
raising taxes. After reviewing various sites around the City, the City Council agreed to confirm the
decision reached by the previous Council and Citizens Task Force decision to build in the East Ravine.
We vetted various architectural firms through a very thorough interview process, and ultimately chose
Wold Architects to represent the City on this project. Wold Architects has significant experience in
building public projects such as this. They have done an excellent job guiding City Council and staff
throughout the process thus far!
There have been thousands of publications, cable tapings, meetings, open houses, newspaper articles,
Facebook and website postings, and tours regarding all aspects of this project. Bringing awareness to
the public around the need for this facility and the timing of the decision has been a primary goal of the
past and current City Council. I am confident we have met that goal.
Tonight’s discussion on financing solidifies and confirms the timing of this project while reinforcing the
importance of staff taking the necessary time to work towards finding the best possible financing
solution. They have achieved the Council’s goal in doing so, in a way that protects our bonding rating
and positively maintains the overall fiscal stability of the City. Cottage Grove continues to be a very well
managed City with a financially sound approach to governance. That approach will continue now and
into the future.
I have always believed in planning for Cottage Grove’s future. Vision is a key component of leadership.
I thank my fellow Council Members for sharing that vision while understanding the logic behind building
this much needed facility in today’s very positive fiscal environment – versus taking a shortsighted
approach that would cost taxpayers far more in the long run. Simply put, that would not be the right
thing or the fiscally prudent thing to do. As always, some will criticize the decisions being made tonight.
Far more will be enthusiastic about the many positive aspects of the plans on which so many have
worked hard for so many years! The fact remains, Council, and staff always keep the best interests of
our City as a whole in mind in the decisions we make.
This project, coupled with a possible YMCA/Community Center and additional new retail and housing
developments planned for the near future, speaks highly of Cottage Grove’s present services that
benefit all of her citizens. Many positive comments about our community were received by Staff at the
recent Housing and Developers Conference held at River Oaks, and at the ICSC Convention attended
by EDA members just last week.
I hope to move forward after this vote as a unified City Council, with a shared approach towards
seeking common ground and common goals both now and into a very exciting future. I am excited to
work with the entire City Council, Staff, and our Citizens, towards providing a vision that meets with
what those who live here are looking for in this very special community.
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June 1, 2011 Regular Meeting
Together…we will continue to make great things happen in Cottage Grove!”
Mayor Bailey and Council Member Olsen stated that the Relay for Life event would be
June 3 at East Ridge High School and encouraged citizens to make a donation.
Council Member Olsen stated he would not be at the next regular Council meeting due
to business and wanted to make sure the entire Council to be aware of it.
Doug Carroll, 8100 Ivywood Avenue South, Cottage Grove, stated that the Merchant
Marines should be included in the veteran’s memorial.
Council Member Peterson stated that the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization held
a fundraiser event on May 21 and thanked everyone who participated noting that
thenext meeting would be June 21.
Linda Lehrke, 8186 Hemingway Avenue South, Cottage Grove, stated that “A Touch
of Home” was raising money for military packages they send overseas. She stated
that the event would be at Von Hanson’s and they would be selling food, and have
books there to read.
Council Member Olsen stated that the Strawberry Fest Ambassadors are hosting a
kick-off dinner on June 13 and that the Youth Service Bureau annual Garden Tour
would be June 26.
Council Member Thiede added that there is still space available for the Strawberry
Fest Business Expo and encouraged Cottage Grove businesses to participate.
Council Member Olsen recognized Mark Grossklaus, former City Council Member,
who was in the audience and thanked him for his years of service.
11. PAY BILLS
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
THIEDE, TO APPROVE THE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 172070 THROUGH
172287 TOTALING $769,543.15. CHECK NUMBERS 172070 THROUGH 172094
TOTALING $88,044.83 ISSUED PRIOR TO COUNCIL APPROVAL. MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
12. WORKSHOP SESSION OPEN TO PUBLIC - None.
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June 1, 2011 Regular Meeting
13. WORKSHOP SESSION CLOSED TO PUBLIC – None.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
THIEDE, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT 9:39 P.M. MOTION CARRIED.
5-0.
Prepared by,
Caron M. Stransky
City Clerk