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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-15 PACKET 03.A.COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota 7516 80 Street South Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Regular Meeting December 7, 2011 OPEN FORUM Mayor Myron Bailey convened the Open Forum portion of the meeting at 7:15 p.m. and stated that during Open Forum a person may address the City Council on subjects not a part of the regular meeting agenda, but must limit their remarks to two (2) minutes per person. The purpose of Open Forum is to provide the public an opportunity to provide information or to request action by the City Council. It 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 at 7:30 p.m. The following were present: Mayor Myron Bailey, Council Member Derrick Lehrke, Council Member Justin Olsen, Council Member Jen Peterson, and Council Member Dave Thiede. The following were absent: None. Also present were: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator; Caron Stransky, City Clerk; Robin Roland, Finance Director; Danette Parr, Economic Development Director; Corrine Heine, City Attorney- Kennedy & Graven; Jennifer' Levitt, City Engineer Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director; and Les Burshten, Public Works Director. Mayor Bailey opened Open Forum at 7:15 p.m., and asked if anyone in the audience wished to address the City Council on any, topic not on the agenda. Darlene Mahn, 7020 Homestead Avenue South, Cottage Grove, and lives in a townhouse complex. She stated that a company by the name of Torrent Construction installed a new roof on their townhouse and she noticed today that her neighbor's gutter was bent and that water was coming down in front of her garage. Finance Director Roland and Council Member Olsen advised Ms. Rahn that they would have the City's Building Official look into the matter and get in touch with her. Kathy Lewandowski, 9043 75 Street South, Cottage Grove, spoke regarding complaints on past pavement management projects. She also spoke regarding the 75 golf carts that the City purchased. Mayor Bailey closed Open Forum to the Regular Meeting. Cottage Grove City Council I ry December 7, 2011 Regular Meeting I G CALL TO ORDER — Regular Meeting The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota, held a regular meeting on December 7, 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 Justin Olsen, Council Member Council Member Jen Peterson, 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; Danette Parr, Economic Development Director; Corrine Heine, City Attorney- Kennedy & Graven; Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer; Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director; and Les Burshten, Public Works Director. Mayor Bailey presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. PRESENTATIONS A. Shop Cottage Grove Campaign Danette Parr, Economic Development Director, presented the "Shop Cottage Grove Campaign" and encouraged residents of Cottage Grove to shop locally. She defined the elements of the campaign. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Cottage Grove City Council r} December 7, 2011 Regular Meeting J A. September 21, 2011 Regular Meeting There being no amendments to the minutes, Mayor Bailey declared the minutes approved as presented. B. October 5, 2011 Regular Meeting There being no amendments to the minutes, Mayor Bailey declared the minutes approved as presented. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR Council Member Lehrke stated he would like to remove item P, to consider amending various fees, for a separate vote. The City Council pulled Items K, F, G, J, N and 0 for brief discussion. Deputy Fire Chief Rick Redenius spoke regarding item N on the purchase of a Pumper Engine and Paramedic /Police Officer Gail Griffith addressed item 0 on the donations received for the purchase of protective vests for the police reserves. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES: i. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETINGS FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 2011 AND OCTOBER 12, 2011. ii. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011. iii. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION MEETING FROM SEPTEMBER 13, 2011. iv. PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MEETINGS OF OCTOBER 11, 2011; SEPTEMBER 12, 2011; AND OCTOBER 10, 2011. B. AUTHORIZE STAFF TO ENTER INTO A TWO (2) YEAR AGREEMENT COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2012 WITH JIMMY JOHNNY'S INC., FOR PORTABLE RESTROOM SERVICE FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE. C. PASS ORDINANCE NO. 897 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA, AMENDING THE COTTAGE GROVE CITY CODE TITLE 7 -3 -3 RELATING TO PARKS AND OPEN SPACES BY ALLOWING PARKS TO BE OPEN AT 6:00 A.M. Cottage Grove City Council December 7, 2011 Regular Meeting �t D. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR THE INNSDALE GROUND STORAGE TANK REHABILITATION PROJECT WITH TMI COATINGS, INC., TOTALING $5,991.02. E. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF A SINGLE - OCCASION GAMBLING PERMIT TO NUEVAS FRONTERAS SPANISH IMMERSION PARENT TEACHER STUDENT ORGANIZATION (PTSO) TO CONDUCT BINGO AT THE SCHOOL ON JANUARY 27, 2012, WITH AN ALTERNATE DATE OF MARCH 23, 2012 IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER. AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF EIGHT (8) BEYOND THE YELLOW RIBBON SIGNS FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR $503.60 AND TO AFFIX THE SIGNS TO EXISTING COTTAGE GROVE SIGNS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE CITY. G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -153 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF A CONTAINER VAULT VALUED AT $400.00 FROM BROWN AND WILERT, INC., FOR THE TIME CAPSULE THAT WOULD BE LOCATED AT THE PUBLIC SAFETY /CITY HALL FACILITY LOCATEC AT 12800 RAVINE PARKWAY, COTTAGE GROVE. H. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -154 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW INSTALLATION OF ANTENNAS ON AN EXISTING MONOPOLE TOWER AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN EQUIPMENT SHELTER BY MIDWEST REAL ESTATE SERVICES, ON BEHALF OF AT &T WIRELESS AT 10475 KIMBRO AVENUE SOUTH, COTTAGE GROVE. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -155 A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN INTERIM CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO 3M COMPANY TO ALLOW CONTINUED OPERATION OF A RADIO - CONTROLLED MODEL AIRPLANE FIELD AT 6219 KEATS AVENUE SOUTH, COTTAGE GROVE. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -156 A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN INTERIM CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO LINDER'S GREENHOUSES TO ALLOW A SEASONAL GREENHOUSE AND OUTDOOR STORAGE AREA AT GROVE PLAZA, 7282 EAST POINT DOUGLAS ROAD, COTTAGE GROVE. K. ACCEPT FAEGRE & BENSEN'S SETTLEMENT OFFER REGARDING THE MISSISSIPPI DUNES ESTATES PROJECT TO RECEIVE A TOTAL DISTRIBUTION OF FIVE (5) TO (7) PERCENT OF THE ALLOWED AMOUNT. Cottage Grove City Council 5 December 7, 2011 Regular Meeting L. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR THE THOMPSON GROVE ESTATES STORM SEWER REHABILITATION PROJECT WITH ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION INNOVATIONS, INC., IN THE ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $50,731.00 M. APPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION'S WORK PLAN FOR 2012 -2015. N. AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) 2012 E -ONE TYPHOON REAR -MOUNT PUMPER ENGINE THROUGH FIRE SAFETY USA, INC., FOR $454,345.00. O. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -157 A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF FOUR (4) PROTECTIVE VESTS, EACH VALUED AT $299.00 OR A TOTAL OF $1,196.00 FROM THE COTTAGE GROVE CRIME BOARD TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT, POLICE RESERVE PROGRAM, FROM WES HALBERG OF YOKUM OIL AND JUSTIN FOX OF REMAX REALTY. P. REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR. O. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -158 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONVEYANCE OF A TRACT OF PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE OLD PEOPLES CEMETERY FROM DISCOVERY COMMUNITY CHURCH TO THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, TO PASS ORDINANCE NO. 898 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING FEES FOR LAND USE /DEVELOPMENT; BUILDING/ CONSTRUCTION PERMITS; MECHANICAL/ PLUMBING; UTILITIES; PUBLIC SAFETY; AND ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2011. The City Council discussed the Metropolitan Council 3% sewer rate increase; land use development/development fees; building /construction fees, and administrative penalties for alcohol compliance checks. Council Member Lehrke urged that the City Council to table this item to the next meeting. COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN RESCINDED HIS SECOND TO THE ORIGINAL MOTION, AND COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON RESCINDED HER MOTION. Cottage Grove City Council �+ December 7, 2011 Regular Meeting V MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE, TO TABLE ITEM 4.P, FEES, TO THE DECEMBER 21, 2011 REGULAR MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. 5. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES — None. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None. 7. BID AWARDS — None. 8. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Hold Public Information Hearing for the 2011 Tax Levy Collectible in 2012 and Consider Adoption of the Property Tax Levy Collectible in 2012. Finance Director Roland reviewed a power point she prepared summarizing the property tax levy and preliminary tax rates. The power point is attached to and made a part of the original minutes. Finance Director Roland recommended that the City Council adopt the Resolution adopting the 2011 Tax Levy collectible in 2012 and to adopt the Resolution adopting the 2012 Budget for the City of Cottage Grove. The City Council heard testimony from Linda Lehrke, 8186 Hemingway Avenue South, Cottage Grove, Jim Abts, 8853 Hale Avenue South, Cottage Grove, Douglas Griffin, 7550 Laverne Avenue South, Cottage Grove, and Kathy Lewandoski, 9043 75 Street South, Cottage Grove. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -159 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2011 TAX LEVY, COLLECTIBLE IN 2012. Mayor Bailey asked the City Clerk to conduct a roll call vote on the motion. COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE VOTED NAY; COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN VOTED AYE; COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON VOTED AYE; COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE VOTED AYE; AND MAYOR BAILEY VOTED AYE. MOTION CARRIED. 4 AYES. 1 NAY. MOT ION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -160 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2012 BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE. Mayor Bailey asked the City Clerk to conduct a roll call vote on the motion. Cottage Grove City Council 7 December 7, 2011 Regular Meeting COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE VOTED NAY; COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN VOTED AYE; COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON VOTED AYE; COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE VOTED AYE; AND MAYOR BAILEY VOTED AYE. MOTION CARRIED. 4 AYES. 1 NAY. Cottage Grove City Council p December 7, 2011 Regular Meeting O B. Consider Adopting the 2012 — 2016 Capital Improvements Program Finance Director Roland reviewed a power point presentation she prepared on a projection of improvement to the various public facilities, buildings, infrastructure, utilities, parks and playgrounds that the City anticipates or is planning for over the next five years. For 2012, the CIP includes $19.2 million in public improvements. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -161 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2020 TO INCORPORATE THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (CIP). MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. Council took a break from 10:08 p.m. and reconvened the regular meeting at approximately 10:15 p.m. C. Consider Approving the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Woodbury and the City of Cottage Grove for Sustainability Specialist Services MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, TO APPROVE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE AND THE CITY OF WOODBURY FOR SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALIST SERVICES. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. D. Consider Adopting the Resolution Approving the Feasibility Report and Set City Engineer Levitt reviewed the process involved in a public improvement project with assessments under Minnesota Chapter 429, highlighting the estimated cost and the special benefit appraisal. She pointed out that a public improvement hearing would be scheduled for January 18, 2012 and she recommended that the City Council adopt the proposed resolution approving the feasibility study and setting the public improvement hearing. Mayor Bailey asked the City Attorney about his ability to vote on this matter given that he lives in the project and City Attorney Heine stated that she did not believe he would have to abstain on voting on this particular item. Case law that talks about removing yourself from a matter, deals with matters in Cottage Grove City Council December 7, 2011 Regular Meeting which you have a financial interest in the decision. This particular decision would not have a financial impact. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -162 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A FEASIBILITY STUDY AND CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE 2012 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROJECT, PINETREE POND EAST 2 ND ADDITION AND A PORTION OF PINETREE POND EAST 3 RD ADDITION (DISTRICT C1). Kathy Lewandoski, 9043 75` Street South, Cottage Grove, voiced opposition to the project and proposed assessment. UPON VOTE BEING TAKEN, MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. E. Consider Approval of Agreement Between McHattie Farms, inc., and the City of Cottage Grove MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, TO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN MCHATTIE FARMS, INC., AND THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE RELATED TO ADDITIONAL GRADING WORK AROUND EXISTING MANHOLES. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. F. Consider Reiectinq all Requests for P Finance Director Roland noted that the City received two (2) proposals; one from Wells Fargo and a second from Banc of America for the $9,900,000 Lease Revenue Bonds, Series 2011A and recommended that the City Council reject the proposals. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -163 A RESOLUTION REJECTING ALL PROPOSALS RECEIVED PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF $9.9 MILLION IN LEASE REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2011 A. Council Member Lehrke commented that he would like to hold off on taking action on this item to give him more time to evaluate the option of using cash. Cottage Grove City Council December 7, 2011 Regular Meeting Following discussion on the cash option, Mayor Bailey asked the City Clerk to conduct a roll call vote. COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE VOTED NAY; COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN VOTED AYE; COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON VOTED AYE; COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE VOTED AYE; AND MAYOR BAILEY VOTED AYE. MOTION CARRIED. 4 AYES. 1 NAY, G. Consider Interfund Borrowing Totaling $9,900,000 to Complete Financing of the Construction of the Public Safety /City Hall facility Finance Director Roland reviewed the financing option to fund the Public Safety /City Hall facility project internally noting that the City's current cash balance provides adequate available funds to pay the entire project cost. The project budget includes existing and previously dedicated funds from the Municipal Building Fund, Equipment Replacement Fund and General Fund totaling $5,808,500. Available resources exist in other funds without negatively impacting the City's ongoing operations. Those funding sources include the Completed Construction Fund ($1,500,000); Closed Debt Fund ($2,000,000); Water Utility Fund ($3,200,000); and Sewer Utility Fund ($3,200,000). Finance Director Roland stated that the City anticipates reimbursing itself for the payment of the project costs, plus interest, from taxes to be levied annually by the City. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -164 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TERMS OF A $9,900,000 INTERFUND LOAN IN CONNECTION WITH THE PUBLIC SAFETY /CITY HALL FACILITY. Mayor Bailey asked the City Clerk to conduct a roll call vote. COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE VOTED NAY; COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN VOTED AYE; COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON VOTED AYE; COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE VOTED AYE; AND MAYOR BAILEY VOTED AYE. MOTION CARRIED. 4 AYES. 1 NAY. Mayor Bailey read aloud a statement which is attached to and made a part of the original minutes. Mayor Bailey read aloud a statement which is attached to and made a part of the original minutes. "My goal from the beginning was to find the cheapest way of building and financing the public safety /city hall project that has been planned with Cottage Grove City Council December 7, 2011 Regular Meeting money budgeted for many years. We have confirmed through the bid process that in fact we are building this facility at a lower cost by building it now versus what likely would be the case in the future. Prices for construction are at historic lows and this fact has borne out by favorable bids we received to move this project forward. Second, he has always looked to find the cheapest financing alternatives that have no additional levy impact on our citizens. We looked at three (3) different alternatives - CIP bonds; private placement; and internal financing. After receiving financial advice that bank financing could be at a lower cost options than C/P bonds, we chose that route. It is gratifying that we received proposals at interest rates below initial projections. We received proposals between 3.54% and 2.84 %. However, in the course of evaluating the proposals, we are compelled to compare interest expense on debt versus interest earned on investments. Our investment pool is currently earning an average return of. 73 %. The spread between our investment return and the proposed debt financing is sufficient to consider internal financing as a preferred alternative. Staff along with Ehlers and Associates is recommending we use some of our reserve funds to fund this project to fund this project at an interest rate of 1%. Those funds are the water, sewer, closed debt, and completed construction funds. We would be paying back these funds to have no affect on projects that are planned for the future. That being said, we are actually paying back at a higher rate these funds are currently receiving through investments. Using this internal lending option will result in an annual savings for taxpayers. In February of this year, we paid off . debt early in order to save $640,000 in our annual levy with the intent of replacing that obligation with the Public Safety /City Hall financing. The average annual payment with proposed internal financing would be $550,000. Some may question why many homeowners experienced a tax increase for 2012 when the City levy is remaining the same as in 2010. This is due to a change that many have already heard in the press regarding the market value homestead credit. This issue has created a situation where the City, County, School District, and Metropolitan Council are all freezing or reducing the amount of taxes they are receiving from the taxpayers and taxpayers are still paying more in property taxes due to the state balancing the budget by reducing property tax credits. Just to be clear, any increase in the property taxes that you may be paying next year is not the result of the public safety /city hall project or anything else that the City has done. If you have heard this, this is simply false. The City is adopting one (1) fee increase this year; that is the sanitary sewer charge which is a pass through to the Metropolitan Council which has increased fees to cities to run the sewage treatment plants. The fact is, we are managing our money effectively and carefully, it is a fact that we are spending the same amount in 2012 as we did back in 2007. The fact that we have been operating our City at the same low level for six (6) years is a testament to our City's leadership and fiscal conservative management and Cottage Grove City Council December 7, 2011 Regular Meeting their ability to plan for our future needs. I commend our staff for managing so well in a difficult period. Your foresight has helped keep Cottage Grove's tax rates below the average in the Minneapolis -St. Paul Metro area. Let me make a point about charter cities, since there is a lot of talk about the need in Cottage Grove to have a charter City saying it is due to our poor financial management that has caused our taxes to go up. i note the following cities and their tax rates: Hastings- 66.5 %; South St. Paul - 57.39 %; Richfield - 48.3%; Brooklyn Center - 57.22 %; and Anoka - 43.02% levy. These cities are all charter cities and their citizens pay more taxes that we do. Our rate is 41.42% and only because there was an article in the newspaper today, 1 thought it would be important since I think the viewpoint in the article stated that the City should publicize the whole truth about taxes and revenue, I would also like to mention that we are as a City, 9.1 % below the average of all charter cities in an urban area and 33.67% below in our rural markets, and when we talk about utilities, we are actually 4.65% below the average of all these charter cities in what they pay for in utilities compared to what the Cottage Grove residents do. Now if the citizens what a charter city, they should not be under the false assumption that it will lower your taxes. Depending on what provisions might be contained in within the charter, just the opposite, a tax increase is as likely to result as a tax decrease. 1 would also have a concern that some of what has been proposed by the persons pushing a charter city could negatively impact our credit rating and thus our ability to finance needs most cost effectively. However, if citizens want a charter city, they will decide. My personal take is there is not a need. If citizens to not like something, a city council member or the mayor, they can vote them out of office. This is the way democracy works. As I stated at the groundbreaking for the new Public Safety /City Hall facility, it is very easy to say no to everything. For some, it has become an art. Learning more about a project and the benefits to our community is what real leaders do. They lead in difficult times and have a vision for the future. Sticking your head in the sand and hoping for a better future is not something I agree with nor will I plan to do. 1 will end mu comments with a quote from the Arthur of Good to Great, If you are doing something you care about that much and you believe it's purpose deeply enough, then it is impossible to imagine not trying to make it Great, it is just a given. Thank you." 9. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS — None. 10. COUNCIL COMMENT S AND REQUESTS Council Member Olsen reminded the public that in the lobby of City Hall there are boxes for Coats and Toys, that there is an opening on the EDA, and noted that he has received feedback about the snow removal efforts by the School District at the Ice Arena. Cottage Grove City Council g December 7, 2011 Regular Meeting Council Member Olsen stated that an article in the Bulletin today contained information requesting that the City be a little more transparent and publicizes the whole truth about taxes. If you read through it, there are some assertions that are halfway accurate at best and the City Administrator touched base on some of the ways that people can find information. Council Member Olsen stated that one of the things that he would like to stress to the public is if you have any questions about any of the documents that the City Administrator Schroeder is encouraging you to read, please do not hesitate to contact City Administrator Schroeder or other appropriate staff. Council Member Thiede stated that he recently attended an LMC seminar and they had a really good explanation on how taxes work from the levy all the way down to what you actually get taxed and how it take and adds up all the values and creates the tax rate. He suggested placing that explanation on the City's website, or something similar. Council Member Thiede commented that a Task Force has been implemented to study what to do with the municipal pool. Council Member Peterson stated that she has heard that the holiday decorations on the light poles in one area of Cottage Grove were not lit like the rest and Public Works Director Burshten stated that the poles are older and are only wired for the luminaries. In order to light up the decorations, the City would have to re -wire the poles. Council Member Peterson announced that on December 12 there would be an open house about passenger rail for this region specifically about high -speed rail The open house is at the Stillwater Library, 224 3r Street North, Stillwater. Council Member Peterson stated that would be no Beyond the Yellow Ribbon meeting in December and she reminded residents to keep the fire hydrants near your homes clear of snow. Council Member Lehrke stated that there has been a couple of people talk about the Charter, clearly against the proposal. He stated that he has recently signed on to the idea of petitioning for a Charter and that he signed the petition. He stated that he finds it very difficult to be against something that one does not know what it is all about. It could be as simple as electing our Council Members by a ward system or Council Members serving a six -year terms versus a four -year terms. Mayor Bailey stated that we have a new business coming into Cottage Grove in the Merchant's Bank building near Chuck `n Don's Pet Food Outlet called Yo -Jo's. Cottage Grove City Council 1 ,y December 7, 2011 Regular Meeting F Another new business will be locating in the Fashion Bug Store. Lastly, the Holiday Train will be in Cottage Grove on Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 11. PAY BILLS MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 174527 THROUGH 174747 TOTALING $1,573,773.00. CHECK NUMBERS 174747 THROUGH 174566 TOTALING $297,027.74 WERE ISSUED PRIOR TO 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 LEHRKE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT 11:46 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. Prepared by, Caron M. Stransky City Clerk