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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985 WinterPlanning i ng Commissi written by Marie Skinner Do you want to build a house but your lot is a bit too narrow? Do you want to subdivide your property in- to anumber of smaller lots? Maybe you're a developer with a new and in- novative plan but you need a dif- ferent zoning on your property to carry it out. Your church has outgrown its original building and you want to expand. What do you do? After a visit to City Hall to fill out the applications, your next stop will be at a meeting of the Cottage Grove Planning and Zoning Com- mission. The Planning and Zoning Com- mission is one of six city commis- sions consisting of nine citizens, each appointed to a three -year term by the City Council. One of the most active commissions is the Planning Commission, as it is usually referred to. This commission deals with issues relating to zoning, variances, site plans and development, condi- tional use permits and above all, the city's comprehensive plan. It is this plan that guides much of the com- mission's decisions. Developed in the late 1970's by a committee of city residents, the comprehensive plan was adopted in 1982 by the City Council and ap- proved by the Metropolitan Council. Although the plan is subject to change and revision, it gives an overall picture of how, where, and what growth will occur in Cottage Grove in the upcoming decades. Decisions and recommendations made by the Planning Commission comply with the comprehensive plan. Citizen members of the city's ad- visory commissions are not experts in the field of parks, public safety, planning etc., but they do have an interest in the area. They receive ex- tensive training from the experts at City Hall and through seminars and workshops throughout the year.,, Recommendations from the Plan. ning Commission do not come without a great deal of thought, study and discussion. For example, before making a decision whether to recommend approval of a zoning change, the Planning Commission reads extensive reports prepared by the City Planner. They hold a public hearing and listen to comments from neighbors and other area residents with an interest in the pro- posal. They usually receive a presen- tation from the applicant or propo- nent of the zoning change. They discuss the proposal in detail at a public meeting. When they finally come to a decision, it is passed on to the City Council in the form of a recommendation. The Council may then accept or reject the commis- sion's recommendation or send it back to the commission for more study. Current members are: Bernie Bullert (Chair) .... 459 -3247 Barbara Blaeser ......... 459 -5296 AlEinberger ... ..... ...459 -0547 Lyle Puppe ............. 459.9996 Patricia Ryan ....... .... 459 -8554 Joe Schnide ............ 459 -4488 Bob Severson ..... ...... 459 -8033 Marie Skinner .......... 459.8947 Jim Wolcott ............ 459 -8501 The Planning and Zoning Com- mission meets on the 4th Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. All meetings are open to the public. To provide technical assistance and administrative support for the commission, the City employs a full - time professional staff. The City's Director of Planning is Anne W. Hurlburt, A.I.C.P. Ms. Hurlburt is available to answer questions about the City's zoning and development regulations and serves as an ex- officio commission member. She may be reached at City Hall during regular office hours at 458 -2827. i By city ordinance, NO mini - bikes, motorcycles, or three and four -wheel all terrain vehicles are permitted in any city park, on open space properties, or other private properties without written permission from the property owner. The exception to this or- dinance is that SNOWMOBILES ONLY are permitted along the bike trail and on the ponds at Hamlet Park. Several clubs in the community have acquired permission from various property owners to operate vehicles on their proper- ties. For more information about these clubs and how to join, call the Cottage Grove Parks and Recreation Department or the Cot- tage Grove Police Department. The Mayor's View' By Roger Peterson The City Council recently approved two apartment complex projects using a financing tool called Tax In- crement Financing (TiF). This is a very commonly used method to help induce needed economic develop- ment of various types within a community and is most prevalently used for commercial/industrial or multiple family housing development. The basic premise for utilizing TIF is the 'but for' application. But for the use of TIF, the project would not occur. In the case of both projects approved; the zoning, land, plans have all been in place for this use since the early seventies, but economics have made development impossible. The second test for utilizing TIF is 'need'. Does the community need the type of development being pro- posed? Of Cottage Grove's 5775 housing units, only 5 % is other than the traditional single family home, whereas, the metropolitan average is about 40 %. Of the 5% only about half or 175 are rental units. Cottage Grove does not, nor will it ever need to approach anywhere near the 40% level, but for several reasons we do need to increase the availability of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom rental apartments. As we age as a city and our 20,000 plus population grows, there is a very real need for housing alternatives and availability for Cot- tage Grove people. Our kids of a decade ago are graduating and marrying but they have to leave the community since we do not have enough 'starting out' housing opportunities. Their parents, with large under utilized houses, may wish to move into a nice apart- ment to escape yard work and snow shoveling until retirement, but they cannot in Cottage Grove. The un- fortunate although common occurence of divorce creates single person and single parent households where moving may become a necessity. However, because enough market rate rental apartments are not available, the trauma is increased, especially for children, when forced to change their environment, friends, and school. The elderly couple or single person unable to take care of a house yet not needing nursing home care must look elsewhere, regardless of nearly a lifetime in Cottage Grove. Finally, besides the growing needs of our residents, availability of various types of owner occupied and rental housing is one criteria close- ly looked at by companies in the market for industrial locations. Having met the basic tests of 'but for' and 'need' for using TIF on a particular project, the remaining issue is how it works and what effect, if any, this financial tool has on the community. In order for a project to be financially workable the cost of land, utility installa- tion, streets, building construction, and ongoing maintenance must be offset or paid for over time by the revenue generated from rent. In today's economy the rent needed in an apartment complex to offset these costs would be so great that no one could afford it. Therefore, with very few exceptions new rental units are only being built using financing techniques such as TIF. To reduce the front end cost enough to lower the rent needed to a competitive market rate, a city may issue bonds to pay for such things as land, utility installation, and road construction. After the project is built, the increased taxes generated by the increased value of the project are used to pay back the bonds. As an example, taxes on a vacant parcel may be $100. After completion the tax may be $1,000. The ad- ditional $900 is used to pay the bonds. The law allows up to 25 years to pay off the bonds but in these two projects only 10 years will be needed. After the bonds are paid, the increment of $900 in the above example is then distributed to the city, county, and school district the same as all property taxes. The initial affect on the community is that we have to stretch our resources to provide services to the project without tax revenues from the increased value for the bond period (10 years). The service cost is usually minimized due to the newness of and compactness of both multiple housing or industrial development projects. The long term af- fect is to ultimately gain good tax base while providing needed housing or commercial/industrial jobs. A side benefit in providing alternative housing for people who otherwise might move or live elsewhere, is to help maintain a good growth rate in the city, which will mean greater retail spending and promotion of retail growth which may in turn help promote industrial growth. Obviously, the 190 units approved in these two pro- jects are not by themselves going to have a drastic af- fect on the city as a whole. However, through restrain- ed and prudent use of tools such a Tax Increment Financing for needed 'increased development of in- dustrial activities or balanced housing, we can achieve the goal of continued well balanced growth within the City of Cottage Grove. 40% left, aft Uall You Accept The Challenge? Firefighting is a tough job. Currently, It is the most dangerous occupation in the United States. Firefighting is hard, stressful, dirty work and demands immediate response all hours of the day and night. However, few other occupations provide the challenge and satisfaction as one dedicated to Public Safety Ser- vices. When you apply for membership in the Cottage Grove Fire Department, you will be applying for membership in one of the finest firefighting organiza- tions in Minnesota. The Cottage Grove Fire Depart- ment is comprised of full and part time firefighters and maintains two fire stations which are located at: 1) 8183 Grange Blvd. So. 458.2809 Cottage Grove, MN 55016 2) 8641 - 80th St. So. 459 -2811 Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Although you will be a part time /volunteer member of the Cottage Grove Fire Department, you will be trained as a professional and work with the most modern techniques and equipment available. Profes- sionalism is not determined by the compensation one receives for performing a job. In addition to your firefighting duties you will be trained and work with one of the most respected Public Safety Paramedic Programs anywhere. The Fire Department assists in providing 24 hours Advanced Life Support Services to the City of Cottage Grove. BENEFITS Firefighters of the Cottage Grove Fire Department receive a per call reimbursement based on the number of calls and training sessions attended which is paid on the semi - annual basis. The department furnishes all of the personal protec- tive clothing and equipment you will use such as helmet, coat, boots, uniforms and an alert /monitor pager. As a Cottage Grove firefighter, you are eligible for Minnesota Workers Compensation, life and other related disability insurance benefits in the event of in- jury. Through your membership with the department, you will become part of the Cottage Grove Firefighters Relief Association and you will be eligible for a 10, 20 or 30 year pension benefit upon reaching 50 years of age. If firefighting sounds like the kind of work you would like and you feel you can meet the challenge, then the Cottage Grove Fire Department is the place to do it. By completing the detachment below and mailing it to Fire Chief Denis Erickson at the Cottage Grove Fire Department, 8130 Grange Blvd. So., Cottage Grove, MN 55016, you will be contacted by a member of the department and provided with an application and an orientation session. We hope you will seriously consider this challenge. The citizens of Cottage Grove and the Cottage Grove Fire Department depend on it. Dennis S. Cusick Director of Public Safety REQUIREMENTS In order to become a Cottage Grove firefighter, you must be at least 18 years of age and be able to pass a written entrance exam and physical examination. You must live or work within the area served by the Cot- tage Grove Fire Department or be able to respond to either station within five minutes. As a probationary firefighter you will spend one year under the watchful direction of your officers and fellow firefighters. You will be required to attend an average number of the department's calls and training sessions exclusive of work hours if you are responding from home, sick leave, vacation and leave of absence. You are also required to complete training in Emergency Medical Service and approximately 72 hours of basic Firefighter Training which will be in- cluded in your response average as described above. At the end of your year as a probationary firefighter, department officers will evaluate you on the depen- dability and quality of your performance making recommendations to the City Council on your accep- tance as a regular member. MAIL TO: Fire Chief Denis Erickson Cottage Grove Fire Deparment 8183 Grange Blvd. So. Cottage Grove, MN 55016 1 ° 1 ° e ° ' Name: v 1 ° 1 ' Address: v o ' B 1 1 ' 1 e 1 B ° Telephone: e Hours of availability: I request an application and information to join i the Cottage Grove Fire Department. e ° r I He 1 m be maintained! R , � Carrier Route Presort Bulk Rate U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1 Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Building Official Everett Ander- son and Fire Chief Denis Erickson want residents to be reminded that proper maintenance of woodburning appliances is CRITICAL. Most residential fires relating to woodburning appliances can be at- tributed to improper cleaning, im- proper disposal of ashes, improper operation of units or improper maintenance. The Building Inspection Depart- ment urges residents to insure their own safety by conducting periodic checks of their units for buildup of creosote, which is basically unburn- ed combustibles. Creosote buildup is affected by the dryness of fuel, type of stove and degree of heat generated by the fire. A serious chimney fire can destroy most prefabricated metal chimneys and severely impair a conventional masonry chimney. Filters, heating chambers, blower motors and heating ducts for gas and oil fur- naces should be cleaned and serviced each winter. Chimneys should be cleaned and checked for cracks and defects. Even though cleaned at the beginning of the season, chimneys should be checked two or three times for deposit build -up. Portable kerosene and electric heaters require special care and monitoring while in use. For more information on main- taining woodburning appliances, please call Anderson at 458.2626 or Erickson at 458 -2809. Da M 4 r Mr. David Teske began work Nov. 15 as Cottage Grove's Director of Public Works. Mr. Teske, 33, comes to us from Eau Claire, WI where he has recently completed work on his Master of Business Administration degree. Dave is a registered professional engineer, having received his Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineer- ing from the University of Missouri - Rolla. His background includes municipal, state (Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources) and business ad- ministration. After several weeks on the job, Mr. Teske states that he is "impressed with the dedication and abilities of his crew and staff." When asked his goals, Dave's reply was, "To provide the best possible service to the tax- payers of Cottage Grove at reasonable costs. This includes main- taining the best snow removal and hockey facilities in the Twin Cities area." Mr. Teske is currently living on In- dian Blvd. So. DAVID TESKE The Cottage Grove Parks and Recreation Depart- ment provides numerous recreational, educational and social activities to residents of all ages throughout the year. Below is a summary of current and upcoming ac- tivities. CURRENT ACTIVITES Outdoor Skating Rinks with Warming Houses Week Days 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. #1 Weekends 1:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. #2 Armstrong School Childrens Theatre #1 Hamlet Park 8883 89th St. So. 459 -1281 Hearthside Park 8245 Hearthside Rd. 459 -6256 Piastres Valley Park 8431 Indian Blvd. 459 -1552 Woodridge Park 9000 90th St. So. 459 -7037 Non Supervised Skating Rinks Belden Park Countrywood Rink East Cottage Grove Hemingway Park Highlands Park Ideal Park Stadium Park 8180 Belden Blvd, Pine Coulee Community Club 8259 Hemingway Ave. So 6975 Idsen Ave. So. 8227 Ideal Ave. So. 7738 Ideal Ave. So. ICE ARENA - Public Skating Schedule Wednesdays 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Sundays 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Cost: $1.50 ICE ARENA - Specials "A" & "B" Midget Tournament February 21 -26 "C" Squirt Playoffs February 28 -March 3 Arena's Annual Spring Ice Show March 22 -24 For more information call the Parks & Recreation Office at 458 -2828 or the Cottage Grove Ice Arena at 458.2845. M UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS Wild Mountain Ski Trip #1 January 25th Dayton - Bachman #2 March 2nd Childrens Theatre #1 February 16th Productions 7:30 p.m..- 10:30 p.m. "The Mystery of Tattered Trunk" (Pine Hill Elementary) #2 March 16th 8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. "The Princess and the Pea" - James Ford Bell Museum February 26th Science Museum February 23rd Dayton - Bachman March 30th Flower Display 8:00 P.M. - 10:30 P.M. Walt Disney's March 30th World on Ice 7:30 p.m..- 10:30 p.m. Cottage Grove Athletic Association Baseball//Softball Registration Information Saturdays, March 2nd and 9th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in both Cottage Square and Grove Plaza Shopping Centers. A Wednesday night registration will be held on March 13, 1985 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Cottage Square Mall only. OPEN GYMS Youth Open Gym Thursdays 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Armstrong Elementary) Adult Open Gym Mondays 8:00 P.M. - 10:30 P.M. (Park Jr. High) Thursdays 7:30 p.m..- 10:30 p.m. (Pine Hill Elementary) Couples Open Volleyball Mondays 8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. (Park Jr. High) Fridays 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. (Armstrong Elementary) w 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME N ROBBERY 8400 Block, Hillside Ave. it U Lb a w L Gg U Lh V w a cc U uh v w 2 cc U N C' ul 2 aX U If you have any information about these or any other crimes, PLEASE CALL 45- CRIME, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A REWARD! BURGLARY 8500 Block, Keats Ave.. n M m A N 0 X9 m m A n z m m A u, h M m A N n A 0 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME 45 -CRIME m t 75�rj' � ,e N C SAY /l C��� 0 — I n CLAP Clearing fire hydrants makes everyone happier and safer. MIKE 1 t ® 0 A / A A H1� PROBL South Washin County A t 1 Volunteer Services i Have you ever been in a spot This service, located at 225 Broadway i where Loll had a problem, b in St. St. Paul Park, provides free used t t t didn't know where you could go clothing and emergency food for local j families. Referrals for help? We thought it for more p ermanent 1 might assistance are also made. Hours are e be helpful to provide a descrip- 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon every Tuesday t I five list of services available to and the first Saturday of the month. A local residents. For more information call Shirley t Editor ................ 459 -9318; Marie - 459 -2993; or Helen - t a 459 -2758. i 1 Washington County H.S.Y. j i Chemical Dependency Division VINE 1 Individuals interested in in formation, VINE is a program set up for in- j / referral and assessment of potential dividuals interested in doing volunteer t ® chemical dependency problems should work in South Washington County t 1 call 777 -5222 and ask for a chemical Schools. Current volunteer oppor- a dependency counselor. tunities include: t t Washington County Rental Bucket Brigade: one to one tutoring ; A Assistance with K -3rd grades, training provided. 1 t t The rental assistance program will help Picture Person: fine arts a A app A you pay your rent if you qualify as a talks to classes; training provided. ; i low or moderate income family. For Speakers Bureau: talks to classes t t more information, call Donna at about careers, hobbies, skills e 1 45 &2847. School Programs: help duplicate in 1 library /classrooms A 1 Family Violence Network ® This agency provides services for bat- a AA and AI -Anon Groups A j tered women and their children in the These groups are set up throughout the t t Washington County area. These ser. county for individuals interested in ® vices include: 24 hour crisis line maintaining their sobriety or coping ® (770-0777), information and referral, safe nnth those who are For more informs. 1 A homes, advocacy, support groups, tion, dates and times in your area, call ; t emergency transportation and com- 777 -5222 and ask for the chemical 1 dependency secretary. ® munity education. Washington County I Children are People, Inc. Health Services This agency provides support group for 1 A This agency provides a variety of ser- children with one or both parents who i I vices for Washington County residents are chemically dependent. For more in. 1. t including: Home Care Nursing, Visiting formation about these groups, call t A Public Halth nurses, and ® 227 -4031. t Homemaker /Home Health Aides, For South Communities Youth and 1 1 more information, please call 430.1400. Family Counseling Service ® This agency is looking for a person to This department provides a variety of i e be trained to lead three quit smoking counseling services for residents of 1 I classes. If interested, please call Nancy South Washington County. For more ® Nelson at 430.1400. information, call 458.2847. t A 0 t A 1 City of i Mayor .............. Roger Peterson Council .....Glen Brown, Jack Denzer, Dick Hammero and Kevin Faun Administrator ......... Carl Meissner Assistant Administrator .... Rick Lewis Police Chief......... _Dennis Cusick Fire Chief ............ Denis Erickson Public Works .......... Frank Gaillard Planning .............Anne Hurlburt Parks, Recreation ...John Fredrickson Arena Manager ..., ..... Tim Johnson Finance & Personnel Director..... Rand Winspear Editor ................ Connie Jones Our best wishes go along with Mr. Frank Gaillard as he leaves Cottage Grove. After serving Cottage Grove as Superintendent of Public Works, Frank and his family will be moving to the city of Minnetonka where he has accepted a position as Superintendent of Streets, AR M f f r Garden plots located near the Ashland Oil Company Tank Farm will be available to all residents again this year. Public Works Department employees will plow the plots in the spring and then gardeners will take care of their own gardens. Residents must call the department at 458 -2808 to reserve a garden space. Persons who had gardens last year may request the same plots this year. They will be given first choice of these plots until April and then plots will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. 1 L , > Pl� 10I g w < " 14106 > m m > IC 6 ABW Aepsing.L > , III