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