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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-19 PACKET 03.B.COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota Regular Meeting July 6, 2011 OPENFORUM Open Forum provides a person an opportunity to inform the Council of a problem or to request information related to City business not scheduled for Council action and not on the agenda. Persons must limit remarks to two (2) minutes. The following were present: Mayor Myron Bailey, Member Jen Peterson, Council Member Justin O The following were absent: None. Also present were: Ryan Schroeder, City Admin Roland, Finance Director, Corrine Heine, City A' Public Safety Director; Jennifer Levitt, City Engii and John McCool, Senior Planner. Mayor Bailey opened Open Forum at 7:15 p.m., wished to address the Citv Council on anv +topic icil`Member Dave Thiede, Council and Council Member Derrick Lehrke. iron Stransky, City Clerk; Robin inedy & Graven; Craig Woolery, iurshten, Public Works Director; if anyone in the audience agenda. Myra Peterson, 8284 Indian Blvd South, Cottage Grove, stated that she exercises her right to vote in November each year and that City of Cottage Grove has a representative form of government. She applauded the City Crruncil for the decisions that they have made. Floyd Ott, 12037 West Point Douglas Road South, Cottage Grove, provided commentary on the City, its image, and how now, is the right time to build. Pat Donovan, 751574 ` Street (South, Cottage Grove, stated she was in favor of the Public Safety /City Hall facility project. Kathy Lewandoski approached the podium and Mayor Bailey asked her to state her name and address for the record noting that the others who spoke did not have to state their address because they had signed the sign in sheet. Because Ms. Lewandoski did not sign up, Mayor Bailey advised Ms. Lewandoski reiterated that she needed to state her name and address for the public record or she could not speak. Ms. Lewandoski stated that her address was 7788 Jasmine Avenue South, Cottage Grove. Cindy Bailey who was in the audience stated that the address provided was her and Mayor Bailey's home address. Mayor Bailey advised Ms. Lewandoski that she was lying and that she was out of order and would not be allowed to speak. Jerry Groothuis, 8317 72 Street South, Cottage Grove, stated he was opposed to Cottage Grove City Council July 6, 2011 Regular Meeting constructing a new Public Safety /City Hall facility at this time. Scott Parker, 7641 Homestead Court South, Cottage Grove, stated he was opposed to constructing a new facility at this time. James Pierce, 8065 Jeffery Avenue South, Cottage Grove, asked why the City Council would not have a referendum on the project. Todd Chambliss, 6184 Summit Curve South, Cottage Grove, stated he was in support of the new Public Safety /City Hall facility. Tony Peterson, 8182 Hornell Avenue South, Cottage Grove, stated that he was here in support of the new Public Safety /City Hall facility and asked everyone to stand up and speak in a respectful manner. It is embarrassing as an adult and a parent to see what he has been seeing from other adults and parents at this meeting tonight. 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 regular meeting on July 6, 2011 at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80 Street South. Mayor Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The audience, staff and the Mayor and Council Members pledged 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. The following were absent: None. Also present were: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator; Caron Stransky, City Clerk; Robin Roland, Finance Director, Corrine Heine, City Attorney- Kennedy & Graven; Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director; Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer; Les Burshten, Public Works Director; and John McCool, Senior Planner. Mayor Bailey presided over the meeting. 1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Cottage Grove City Council July 6, 2011 Regular Meeting 2 MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. PRESENTATIONS A. Consider Authorizing Acceptance of a Grant Award from Centerpointe Energy through their 2011 Community Partnership Grant Program Mary Lou Watson of Centerpointe Energy highlighted the Community Partnership Grant Program and provided Fire Services Chief Byerly with a check in the amount of $1,850.00. Fire Services Chief Byerly stated that the City of Cottage Grove appreciates the donation and that the funds would go towards the purchase of two (2) new sets of protective gear for the Department of Public Safety, Fire Division. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -082 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,850.00 FROM CENTERPOINTE ENERGY AND AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) SETS OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. B. Swearina In Ceremony The Mayor and City Council Firefighters Kristin Shannon, Barry. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None. CONSENT CALENDAR Members administered the oath of office to Blake DenHerder, Mike Gabrielli, and Wally The City Council pulled and briefly discussed items B, D, E, H, J and K. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND REMOVED ITEM 4.J. FOR SEPARATE ACTION. A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE MAY 23, 2011 MEETING. B. PASS ORDINANCE NO. 889 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA, AMENDING TITLE 7, CHAPTER 3, SECTION 6 RELATING TO THE VETERAN'S MEMORIAL; AND ADOPT Cottage Grove City Council July 6, 2011 Regular Meeting `°F RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -083 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OR ORDINANCE NO. 889 BY TITLE AND SUMMARY. C. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF A SINGLE - OCCASION GAMBLING PERMIT TO THE COTTAGE GROVE LIONS CLUB FOR A SERIES OF RAFFLES TO BE HELD AT THE COTTAGE GROVE VFW ON JULY 19, 2011, AUGUST 16, 2011, AND SEPTEMBER 20,2011. D. REMOVE CHRIS WILLHITE FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND THANKING HER FOR HER YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CITY AS A MEMBER AND TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO ADVERTISE TO FILL THE VACANCY CREATED BY THIS REMOVAL. E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -084 A RESOLUTION DONATIONS TOTALING $3,870.000 FOR THE 18 ANNUAL YOUTH SAFETY CAMP. APPROVE THE FEDERAL FUNDING SUBMITTAL FOR TE AND STP -UG FOR A PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASS AT 70 STREET AND HARDWOOD AVENUE. G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -085 A RESOLUTION REQUESTING GRANT REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (FEMA) AND DELEGATE LEGAL SIGNING AUTHORITY TO THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK. H. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -086 A RESOLUTION APPROVING PARTIAL PAYMENT MCHATTIE FARMS, INC., FOR CONDEMNATION PROCEEDINGS. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -087 A RESOLUTION ADDING SECTION 31 TO THE PERSONNEL POLICY AND APPROVING THE CITY'S DRESS CODE POLICY. J. PULLED FOR SEPARATE ACTION. K. PASS ORDINANCE NO. 890 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA, AMENDING THE CITY FEES SCHEDULE RELATING TO AMBULANCE SERVICE FEES. L. ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF PAT MCLOUGHLIN FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION EFFECTIVE JUNE 29, 2011 ANC AUTHORIZE STAFF TO ADVERTISE TO FILL THE VACANT SEAT. M. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -088 A RESOLUTION ORDERING THE ABATEMENT OF CONDITIONS CREATING A NUISANCE AT 7303 HIDDEN VALLEY LANE SOUTH, COTTAGE GROVE. Cottage Grove City Council 5 July 6, 2011 Regular Meeting N. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -089 A RESOLUTION ORDERING THE ABATEMENT OF CONDITIONS CREATING A NUISANCE AT 8542 GROSPOINT AVENUE SOUTH, COTTAGE GROVE. O. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -090 A RESOLUTION ORDERING THE ABATEMENT OF CONDITIONS CREATING A NUISANCE AT 8167 INGLESIDE AVENUE SOUTH, COTTAGE GROVE. P. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -091 A RESOLUTION ORDERING THE ABATEMENT OF CONDITIONS CREATING A HAZARDOUS PROPERTY AT 8255 HYDE AVENUE SOUTH, COTTAGE GROVE. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY MAYOR BAILEY, TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF NINE (9) APPLE IPAD2'S FROM INSIGHT FOR $5,072.49 PLUS SALES TAX OR A TOTAL COST OF $5,433.90. Council Member Peterson asked if these were the devices that they would use when at the new Public Safety /City Hall facility. City Administrator Schroeder stated they would be used at the existing and at the new facility. UPON VOTE BEING TAKEN, MOTION FAILED. 2 -3. Mayor Bailey requested that the City Clerk Stransky take a roll call vote on the motion. MAYOR BAILEY VOTED AYE; COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE VOTED NAY; COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE VOTE NAY; COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON VOTED AYE; AND COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN VOTED NAY. MOTION FAILED. 2- 3. (COUNCIL MEMBERS LEHRKE NAY, COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE NAY, AND COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN NAY). Council Member Lehrke stated that if we are going to give staff direction, we need to do so as the entire City Council. Mayor Bailey advised that he was going to bring this matter up for discussion by the City Council under Council Comments and Requests. 5. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES - None. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS -None. A. Consider Awarding the Contract for the West Point Douglas Road Extension Project Cottage Grove City Council c July 6, 2011 Regular Meeting V MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -092 A RESOLUTION APPROVING BID FOR THE WEST POINT DOUGLAS ROAD EXTENSION PROJECT TO EUREKA CONSTRUCTION, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $941,784.40. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. 8. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Consider Adopting Resolution Supporting Continued Support in the County Transportation Improvement Board (aka CTIB) City Administrator Schroeder stated that at a recent Board meeting there was conversation within the Board itself that because of a conversation between Board Members that the projects in the southern portion of Washington County would be removed from future funding projects. After hearing that conversation, Council Member Peterson requested at the June 15 meeting that a resolution in support of CTIB be brought to this City Council meeting. Included in the Agenda packet is a copy of the resolution of support adopted by the City of Newport, as well as various letters and resolutions dating back to 2003 where the City Councils expressed support for transit funding and initiatives. Lastly the packet included the County Board CTIB workshop power point presentation dated February 2011. City Administrator Schroeder also mentioned that this City Council did direct that a letter be sent to Washington County in February 2011 that requests a seat at the table should continued discussion about CTIB occur at the County Board. He stated that the proposed resolution is stronger than the letter that was sent in February, which again suggests that CTIB funding and participation continue. Council Member Peterson stated that the City of Cottage Grove would stand to benefit by receiving funding for the future Red Rock commuter -rail project and with the transit station being proposed at the Langdon area. That would give the City of Cottage Grove different transportation options that are definitely more environmentally friendly and more efficient and user friendly as far as accessibility, convenience, and affordability. She noted that we currently pay an extra quarter percent sales tax and we would reap to benefit at one (1) time or another. Council Member Lehrke stated that if we are making a decision based on what is best for Cottage Grove, does anybody know what Cottage Grove residents have contributed noting that he believes that Washington County residents overall have contributed about $5 million per year and has not received funds to allocate towards any project. Cottage Grove City Council 7 July 6, 2011 Regular Meeting Council Member Lehrke noted that the Red Rock Corridor is the one thing that is in Cottage Grove which we would stand to benefit from, but we do not know when that is going to happen. He stated that he believes the current study says we need more bus ridership before we would qualify for rail service. The Metropolitan Council just sent out a notice saying that due to the State Budget, they were going to be cancelling bus service in Cottage Grove. Council Member Peterson confirmed that that was one (1) of the Metropolitan Council's proposals. Council Member Lehrke stated that if that proposal moves forward, we are not going to have bus service in Cottage Grove but we would still be paying the quarter percent sales tax for rail service. On top of that, the sales tax could only be used for either bus rapid transit or train service. At the last County Board meeting, there were 5 -10 legislators in attendance, and it seemed like a majority of them as well as the County Board itself agreed that train service was not necessarily the best way to go. They were more interested in bus rapid transit. Council Member Lehrke voiced favoritism for bus rapid transit over train rail service. We are at a point here in Cottage Grove where we do not meet the ridership requirements and we need to figure out how to get a bus back to Cottage Grove to take people to /from St. Paul and Minneapolis. Mayor Bailey stated that there is no concrete evidence at this point that the Metropolitan Council will cancel our bus service. He stated that he does not believe that all of the County Commissioners are against CTIB, noting that there are only two (2) members against CTIB, and one (1) is the Commissioner who represents Cottage Grove. Bailey advised Council Member Lehrke that the City Council over the years have supported CTIB and have passed numerous resolutions because we /they have believed in the importance of mass transit. He stated that if you want to vote no that is your choice. Council Member Olsen stated that what he does know is if you do not participate in CTIB, you have a greater likelihood of seeing zero benefit. He stated that with respect to the thought that Cottage Grove was going to lose bus service, he also does not believe that is true and he asked City Administrator Schroeder who the City's advocate was on the Metropolitan Council or who would actually fight to maintain our existing service. City Administrator Schroeder stated that our Metropolitan Council representative is Harry Melander. Council Member Olsen commented that he would be supporting the proposed resolution. Council Member Peterson stated that there are a couple of informative web Cottage Grove City Council p July 6, 2011 Regular Meeting sites if anybody is interested in learning more and getting more facts on what has been discussed. The CTIB website is: www,mnrides.org and the Metropolitan Council's website is: www.metrocouncii.org Council Member Olsen asked if he could call for the question. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, TO CALL FOR THE QUESTION. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO 2011 -093 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE WASHINGTON COUNTY TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT BOARD. The City Clerk conducted a roll call vote. MAYOR BAILEY VOTED AYE; COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON VOTED AYE; COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE VOTED AYE; COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE VOTED NAY AND COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN VOTED AYE. MOTION CARRIED. 4 -1. COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE VOTED NAY. A. Consider Approving Agreement for Electrical Inspection Services with Dietrich Electric, Inc. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, TO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT FOR ELECTRICAL INSPECTION SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE AND DIETRICK ELECTRIC, INC. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, TO PASS ORDINANCE NO. 891 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA, AMENDING THE CITY FEE SCHEDULE TO ADD ELECTRICAL PERMIT FEES. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. 9. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS A. Posting and Notification of the June 24, 2011 Special Meeting City Administrator Schroeder stated that the City Council held a Special Meeting on June 24. There were questions raised as to whether that meeting had been properly called and whether the meeting constituted a violation of the open meeting law in that there was a question raised as to whether proper notification of the meeting had occurred. Also included in the Agenda packet Cottage Grove City Council 9 July 6, 2011 Regular Meeting was a memorandum from the City Attorney with exhibits and a memorandum from the City Clerk addressing the same issue. City Administrator Schroeder stated that the City Attorney is responding back to the City Council that there was no violation on either case, the meeting was properly called and there was no violation in the open meeting law. If you need more detail than that, it is in the packet and the City Attorney can review it. He stated he wanted to satisfy the City Council and the public that the meeting was properly called and noticed. City Attorney Heine commented that what the Attorney General has opined is that the language in the statute is directory not mandatory and that the statute, "merely sets forth a recommended procedure" and if the City Council wants to strictly comply with that method and procedure in the future, certainly there is not a problem with that. The Council has the ability as the Attorney General has opined to waive compliance with those requirements. 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Mayor Bailey read aloud a statement, a copy of which is attached to and made a part of the original minutes. Mayor Bailey stated that today he received a copy of a recent update to a website that was created to communicate concerns regarding the Public Safety /City Hall project. He stated that he applauds the effort required to create such a website, but he would encourage those posting information on the website to be as transparent and factual in the delivery of their message as it is expected of communication by the City. He stated that it continues to be a frustration to him that our suggestions do not appear to be of any interest to those running the website. He then provided examples. He stated that he realizes that it is sometimes difficult to sort through all of the rhetoric on either side of an issue particularly when we have a State government shutdown that has many citizens angered and upset. He stated he believe this anti - Public Safety /City Hall group is fueling the fire and inventing fear by knowingly stating false information to whip unsuspecting citizens into a frenzy. We have been attempting to clear misunderstandings regarding this project when we have the opportunity. He noted that there is Open House on the project starting at 6:00 p.m. on July 7, 2010 at City Hall. Mayor Bailey stated that City Administrator Schroeder prepared an outline of the inaccuracies that we have identified from the anti - Public Safety /City Hall website and the responses are located on the table in the back of the Council Chamber. If there are not enough copies, we will have it placed on the City's website. Mayor Bailey stated that with that, he also wanted to mention a couple of positive things. One is to thank the Strawberry Fest committee for all of their work at this year's festival. He also thanked Pat Forsythe and the Cottage Grove Lions Club for Cottage Grove City Council July 6, 2011 Regular Meeting supporting and organizing the Fourth of July Fireworks Display at Kingston Park Mayor Bailey stated that earlier this evening, the City Council had a special meeting where we talked about holding a referendum for a community centerNMCA concept which was recommended by Community Center Task Force who have been working on this for over two - years. Mayor Bailey stated that earlier this evening, a motion to purchase nine (9) iPad2's failed, and he would like the City Council to give staff some suggestions or options that you would like to see back at the City Council table so that staff would be able to provide us with some information to make a good decision. Council Member Peterson asked if we to go out for competitive bids for the iPod2s. Finance Director Roland stated that it would not meet the monetary threshold and that she would like to know what the City Council would like to use now and in the future at the Council Dias. Council Member Olsen stated that there may be opportunities for us to do some further research into general laptop computers, via Dell, because he knows that often they will provide businesses and communities with discounts if they buy in bulk Perhaps there are some other providers that would be interested in letting us know what other options might cost versus the iPad being that it is such a premiere device. A general laptop computer like he is using here is certainly sufficient for his needs and he would expect probably sufficient for the needs of the majority of the individuals that they would that serve on the City Council and commissions. He stated he has dealt with the cheapies with the small screens and slow processors and he understands that those can be frustrating at times but we are not asking a lot out of this device. There could be an opportunity to cut the cost in half or 2 /3 rds and still get a pretty halfway decent device. Finance Director Roland commented that they would be more than happy to provide Council with a financial analysis and comparison of the options that they looked at. Council Member Thiede stated that he is probably the only one who has used a tablet and he takes all of his notes electronically, but they are little more expensive. It really depends on what others like to do. Some still like to take notes on a separate piece of paper and just use the reader. While he has found the style that he likes, it does not necessarily mean that it is what everybody likes. Asking the various commissioners what they think may be a good idea. Mayor Bailey stated that an analysis of the different types of devices would be great. Council Member Lehrke stated that right now, we have what we need. We have computers here for people to use and he would not rush into anything. Council Member Olsen asked if we have enough computers for all of the commissioners. Cottage Grove City Council July 6, 2011 Regular Meeting Finance Director Roland stated that we scramble to make sure that everyone at this table has one and as you can see, she is sharing with Economic Development Director Parr this evening. We are backfilling out of our normal rotation but we scramble to make sure that we have enough for each so that each Council Member/ Commissioner can have what they need to view their packet if they do not bring their own computer. Council Member Olsen stated that from his perspective, paper free is much less expensive for the City, it is environmentally sound policy, it was recommended by our Sustainability Task Force, and seconded by the Environmental Commission. He stated he was absolutely in favor of a paper free option and he hopes that that would become our consistent best practice. He knows Jenny Jennings does wonderful work and is extremely thorough, but that financial analysis would probably be helpful to him personally to see what other options we have. In his very limited experience, Dell seems to have some super programs for both business entities and public entities. If we have not looked that way, hopefully we could. Finance Director Roland stated she has the direction she needs. Council Member Peterson stated that the next Human Services /Human Rights Commission is July 13 and they have one (1) opening on the Commission so if anybody is interested, please apply. There is a ribbon - cutting grand opening for El Sol Supermercado on August 12; Take a Kid Fishing Day is July 16; Archery Camp; Safety Camp; Adventure Camp; Making Play Theater Camp; Fishing Camp; Lacrosse Camp; and Cheerleading Camp are all sponsored through the Recreation Programs. She stated that there is also a Skateboard Competition coming on July 29. The next Beyond the Yellow Committee meeting is July 19. Council Member Lehrke stated that on the Public Safety /City Hall facility issue he does not agree with the Mayor's assertion. If anybody really wants to get into it, give him a phone call, sign up on his email updates and we will keep you updated. He stated he was not going to sit and go through everything point here but he would say that the website he is referring to is Cottagegrovecityhall.com. So you can get the source of what the Mayor is talking. There was an email put out today saying that he was the leader of the organization. Not only were some things said about the website that he believes not to be true, but he is also not the leader of the group. Council Member Lehrke stated that WAG Farms Dog Park, the fences are up and everything is operational. He stated that a grand opening is scheduled for July 9. Council Member Thiede stated that there has been so much political bantering and bending of the truth with the Public Safety /City Hall facility, he proceeded to clearly state how he sees the facts. Anyone who knows him can tell you he is pretty squeaky and does not like to spend money; he is always looking for a deal. He stated he always gets the facts before he makes a decision. He sat on the Public Cottage Grove City Council 12 July 6, 2011 Regular Meeting Works Commission for two years, Planning Commission for five years, the East Ravine Task Force and other task forces, and he can without a doubt tell the public that for those eight (8) years, the Public Safety /City Hall facility was discussed. He stated he was not on the City Council last year even though some web sites suggest that he was there since 2008, but he was not on the City Council last year when the decision was made to move forward with the Public Safety /City Hall facility. When he first saw it he thought that it seems a little sudden and a little quick, but after really getting involved and looking at the facts, he has come to the conclusion that it really is a very good and timely decision. Council Member Olsen stated Strawberry Fast is very dear to his heart and the Mayor did a terrific job of recognizing those who put the event together this year including many in this room. He stated that we also owe a significant debt of gratitude to the Public Safety Department, Public Works Department, and the City Clerk. Council Member Peterson stated that the next meeting of the Strawberry Fest is July 18. She noted that they are always looking for new volunteers who have energy and time to dedicate towards the event. 11. PAY BILLS MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 172473 THROUGH 172727 TOTALING $1,333,957.65. CHECK NUMBERS 172473 THROUGH 172516 TOTALING $303,675.31 WERE ISSUED PRIOR TO CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. 12. WORKSHOP SESSION - OPEN TO PUBLIC - None. 13. WORKSHOP SESSION - CLOSED TO PUBLIC - None. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT 9:20 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. Respectfully submitted, Caron M. Stransky City Clerk