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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-02-07 MINUTES • REGULAR MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL February 7, 2001 OPEN FORUM —7:15 p.m. 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 on the Agenda. Mayor Shiely encouraged persons to limit their remarks to two (2) minutes per issue. Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely Council Member Pat Rice Council Member Cheryl Kohls Council Member Jim Wolcott Council Member Rod Hale Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, Ci�y Administrator Ron Hedberg, Finance Director Caron Stransky, City Clerk Bob Long, City Attorney, Kennedy and Graven Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer, BRAA Les Burshten, Public Works Director Kim Lindquist, Director of Community Development Michael Zurbey, Deputy Director of Public Safety/Chief Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator No one appeared to address Open Forum. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 7, 2001, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80'h Street South. Mayor Shiely called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely Council Member Pat Rice Council Member Cheryl Kohls Council Member Jim Wolcott Council Member Rod Hale Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Ron Hedberg, Finance Director Caron Stransky, City Clerk Bob Long, City Attorney, Kennedy and Graven Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer, BRAA Les Burshten, Public Works Director Kim Lindquist, Director of Community Development � Regular Meeting—February 7, 2001 Cottage Grove City Council Page 2 Michael Zurbey, Deputy Director of Public Safety/Chief Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator Mayor Shiely presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO APPROVE THE FINAL AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. PRESENTATIONS A. Presentation and Review of Updated City of Cottage Grove Web Site by MIS Coordinator, Jenny Jennings. MIS Coordinator Jenny Jennings presented an overview of the redesigned web page for the City of Cottage Grove. She provided a demonstration of the new features with an emphasis on ease of use. A review of the features for the main page included links to access the City Code, a new FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section for each of the City departments, local schools, Chamber of Commerce and City historical information. Mayor Shiely complimented the work on the website. Council Member Kohls asked about the availability and frequency of updates for the City Council meeting minutes and agendas to the website. MIS Coordinator Jennings stated the minutes would be updated to the website after their final approval. Due to the timeframes updates would be approximately one month behind. The Final Agenda for the Council meetings will be updated to the website by Tuesday morning of the scheduled date for each meeting. Council Member Kohls inquired about the number of the Council Members available by email and inquired as to whether their email addresses would be available to the citizens from the website. Presently feedback received from the citizens has been highly in favor of all Council Members being available by email. She complimented them on the good job done on the website design. Council Member Wolcott asked about the difficulty or ease of setup for the search engine for the website, specifically with respect to an easier way to search for Cottage Grove, Minnesota. MIS Coordinator Jennings committed to a follow-up on the possibilities of improving the search function for the website. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the January 17, 2001 Regular Council Meeting were approved as presented. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES: Regular Meeting—February 7, 2001 Cottage Grove City Council Page 3 i. PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION MEETING OF NOVEMBER 14, 2000; AN D ii. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS OF NOVEMBER 27, 2000 AND DECEMBER 18, 2000. B. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 692, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 11-1-6 ZONING MAP VIA REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM AG-1, AGRICULTURAL PRESERVE, TO AG-2, AGRICULTURAL; REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 691 PASSED DECEMBER 20, 2000. C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 01-004, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATIONS OF CASH FOR THE PURCHASE OF A THERMAL IMAGER FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. D. APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENTS OF THE FOLLOWING COMMISSION MEMBERS: GLEN BROWN, KEITH KLEINSASSER AND KIP SUNDGAARD FOR TWO-YEAR TERMS OF 3/1/01 THRU 2/28/03 ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE; BART FISCHER AND MICHAEL WATTS FOR TWO-YEAR TERMS OF 3/1/01 THRU 2/28/03 ON HUMAN SERVICES/RIGHTS COMMISSION; CHRIS WILLHITE FOR THREE-YEAR TERM OF 3/1/01 THRU 2/28/04 ON PLANNING COMMISSION; MARK RUDEK AND MARK LEIER FOR TWO-YEAR TERMS OF 3/1/01 THRU 2/28/03 ON PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION; KEN BOYDEN, STEVE INGRAM AND DANTE MASSAROTTI FOR TWO-YEAR TERMS OF 3/1/01 THRU 2/28/03 ON PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION; JON CHENEY AND STEVE MORSE FOR TWO-YEAR TERMS OF 3/1/01 THRU 2/28/03 ON PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION. E. RATIFIY THE 2001 MEETING SCHEDULE AND CANCEL THE JULY 4, 2001 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. F. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 01-005, A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A DRIVE-THROUGH RESTAURANT AND GRANTING A VARIANCE TO TITLE 11-3-9 OF THE CITY CODE TO REDUCE THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES AT ARBY'S. G. APPROVE PAYMENT OF THE FIRST QUARTER 2001 SUPPORT FOR THE YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU. H. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 01-006, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATION OF A BUS FROM ST. LUKES LUTHERAN CHURCH. I. ACCEPT CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FROM THE U. S. CENSUS BUREAU. J. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 01-007, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT FOR GLENGROVE BUSINESS ADDITION. K. APPROVE THE DECLARATION OF EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY PURPOSES ON THE 11800 BLOCK OF WEST POINT DOUGLAS ROAD. L. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 01-008, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT KNOWN AS GLENGROVE INDUSTRIAL PARK 2ND ADDITION. � Regular Meeting—February 7, 2001 Cottage Grove City Council Page 4 M. RECEIVE PAY EQUITY REPORT. N. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 01-009, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT KNOWN AS PINE GROVE OF COTTAGE GROVE ADDITION. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES None PUBLIC HEARINGS None BID AWARDS A. Consider Adoption of a Resolution Awarding Bid for the Purchase of a Sign Making Machine for the Public Works Sign Shop Public Works Director Les Burshten requested the Council's consideration for approval of the purchase of a sign making machine. The Council noted the two bids received and staff recommendation that the Council accept the low bid from Tapco Traffic & Parking Control Company, Inc. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 01-010, A RESOLUTION AWARDING THE BID FOR PURCHASE OF A SIGN MAKING MACHINE FOR THE SIGN SHOP DIVISION OF COTTAGE GROVE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO TAPCO TRAFFIC & PARKING CONTROL COMPANY, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,524.00. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. B. Consider Adoption of a Resolution Awarding Bid for the Installation of a Bridge Crane Within Public Works Fleet Maintenance Public Works Director Burshten requested the Council's consideration for approval awarding the bid for the purchase and installation of a bridge crane. Staff recommended that the Council accept the low bid from MBC Crane & Conveyer Group. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 01-011, A RESOLUTION AWARDING THE BID FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A BRIDGE CRANE WITHIN FLEET MAINTENANCE DIVISION OF PUBLIC WORKS TO MBC CRANE & CONVEYER GROUP IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,095.00. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Consider Allowing R.K.I. an Extension to the April 1St Contract Completion Date of the Glengrove Industrial Park Drainage Flume Project and a Possible 24-hour Workday Schedule if Necessarv. Public Works Director Les Burshten stated that R.K.I. has requested 2 items — � Regular Meefing—February 7, 2001 Cottage Grove City Council Page 5 1. An extension to the completion date. Due to weather conditions not originally considered, R.K.I. is concerned about the ability to meet the present end date for the project. Two other projects will be affected and R.K.I. does not want to create a conflict with the two businesses that will be moving into the area. A 24-hour work permit will allow them to meet the deadline, if the weather cooperates. 2. A 24-hour work permit request. R.K.I. did not plan for problems with the weather. Due to inclement weather it has created issues around their ability to meet the completion date. Presently City Ordinance allows 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Council Member Wolcott expressed concerns regarding the noise levels from the project site. Public Works Director Burshten explained that due to the location of the project it was felt that noise levels would not affect the community and to allow the work permit would be feasible. Council Member Kohls recommended denial of the project date extension. She inquired if there is a possibility that the April 15t deadline will not be met and how this would affect other contract commitments the City has. She asked if R.K.I. will be able to continue to work beyond the deadline, if there will be penalties if it goes beyond the date, and what the repercussions would be if the work permit is not approved. She suggested sending a letter to the community explaining what will be happening with this project including a referral number for the community to use when contacting the City with any issues. City Administrator Schroeder stated they do not expect any problems but if there are issues they fully intend to stop the operation. He also stated if the deadlines are not met the issues and problems will be discussed and penalties will be determined. Public Works Director Burshten stated that they will be closing on the properties at the end of March and the sites will be ready on April 15`h. He stated the date is tight but they should be able to meet the deadline, especially if the 24-hour work permit was approved. Mayor Shiely asked if the two requests need to be placed as two separate resolutions. Public Works Director Burshten stated they do need to be separate requests and will be written as two requests after approval. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO DENY THE REQUEST OF R.K.I. FOR AN EXTENSION TO THE APRIL 1 CONTRACT COMPLETION DATE FOR THE GLENGROVE INDUSTRIAL PARK DRAINAGE FLUME PROJECT. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO APPROVE A 24-HOUR WORK DAY PERMIT UP TO APRIL 1, 2001 FOR R.K.I. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. B. Give Representatives from Businesses (Cottage Grove VFW and Cub Foods) that Failed the November 29, 2000 Alcohol Compliance Checks an Opportunity to Admit or Deny Allegations of Selling Lic�uor to a Minor and Consider Imposition of a Fine or Schedule Contested Case Hearing before City Council. City Administrator Schroeder explained that representatives from the VFW and Cub Foods were invited to February 7`h meeting to either admit that the licensee made an unlawful sale to a minor Regular Meeting—February 7, 2001 Cottage Grove City Council Page 6 during the alcohol compliance check and stipulate to the proposed fine; or to deny the alleged sale and request a contested case hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. City Administrator Schroeder stated that Deputy Public Safety Director Michael Zurbey was present to discuss the issues. Cottage Grove VFW Club Manager Rick Bachrodt denied allegations and requested a contested hearing. City Attorney Long advised a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge will be scheduled and a notice will be sent to the licensees with the specific date and location of the hearing. Cub Foods Store Manager Steve Szondy acknowledged and admitted to the unlawful sale. He expressed his apologies to the Council and reaffirmed he would do everything within his power to keep this from happening again. He presented to the Council an information packet that includes the Zero Tolerance Policy for Liquor, Tobacco and Lottery sales. He reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining zero tolerance and strict enforcement of the policies. He stated all employees have been trained on this policy and a violation of the policy could result in termination of employment. Annual reviews will be done as a reminder to employees, and all employees must initial the forms stating their understanding and compliance of the policy. Council Member Wolcott complimented Cub Foods on rewarding their employees when they follow compliance with ordinances and laws. Mayor Shiely thanked Cub Foods for the information provided. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE, TO IMPOSE A $1,500 CIVIL FINE TO CUB FOODS FOR MAKING AN UNLAWFUL SALE TO A MINOR DURING THE NOVEMBER 29, 2000 ALCOHOL COMPLIANCE CHECK. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. C. Give Representatives from Businesses (Jamaica Amoco and Walgreen's) that Failed the December 25, 2000 Tobacco Compliance Checks an Opportunity to Admit or Deny Allegations of Selling Tobacco to a Minor and Consider Imposition of Fine or Schedule Contested Case hearing before City Council. No representatives were present for Jamaica Amoco or Walgreen's. City Attorney Long stated that without admission the hearing would need to be re-scheduled. If a fine is imposed without an admission, they would have to give notice to Jamaica Amoco and Walgreen's for an opportunity to respond. Council Member Rice suggested sending a letter to Jamaica Amoco and Walgreen's to attend the next City Council Meeting. If they are not present at that meeting, he recommended a motion to enforce the fine. City Administrator Schroeder stated that given the emotion around alcohol and tobacco issues they should be given the opportunity to respond. Council Member Kohls stated she wants to ensure that if there are additional hearings, they have the opportunity to deny allegations. She recommended scheduling the hearings to be at the same time as the Council Meeting. Mayor Shiely reaffirmed the need to set a hearing for the next meeting. She agreed they could not impose a fine until that time. Regular Meeting—February 7, 2001 Cottage Grove City Council Page 7 Deputy Public Safety Director Zurbey recommended providing notice with a deadline for response regarding their attendance at the scheduled meeting or hearing. City Administrator Schroeder suggested continuing the discussion of the procedures at the staff meeting scheduled for February 8, 2001. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO SCHEDULE A HEARING FOR JAMAICA AMOCO AT THE NEXT MEETING TO ALLOW THE LICENSEES THE OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND TO THE ALLEGATION OF SELLING TOBACCO TO A MINOR ON DECEMBER 15, 2000. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO SCHEDULE A HEARING FOR WALGREEN'S DRUG AT THE NEXT MEETING TO ALLOW THE LICENSEES THE OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND TO THE ALLEGATION OF SELLING TOBACCO TO A MINOR ON DECEMBER 15, 2000. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. D. Receive the Proposal from Great Grove Get Together Committee for City's Participation in the 2001 Festival and Discuss 2001 Proposed Events, and City Funding. Co-Chair Kevin Raun presented to the Council a proposal requesting City support and participation in the 2001 Festival. He confirmed that June 9th is the scheduled date for the Great Grove Get Together, which will be held at Kingston Park. He stated that they plan, as a part of the Festival, to honor the City Officials extending an invitation to the City Council to participate in the parade and other events planned for the day. Co-Chair Rahn announced that information on the Great Grove Get Together will be available on the City web site. He noted in his request that the numbers for volunteers is limited and they would like to work with the City in a true partnership. He referenced the packet of information that had been provided to the Council for review stating they do not need more money. He stated what they really need is support and partnering with the City to fill the volunteer positions. He emphasized the Committee's desire for citizens to be as much a partner as the City in the planning of this Festival. He asked the Chamber and the businesses in Cottage Grove to partner with the Committee, noting that ensuring everyone's involvement will ensure a successful Great Grove Get Together Co-Chair Raun suggested the addition of a beer garden and bingo as a potential venue for the Festival to make money. He suggested sponsorship from a civic organization such as the Jaycees. He requested allowing a one-day permit for this civic organization to run it. He noted the operating hours for the beer garden would be 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. He emphasized this would not be an evening event. Council Member Wolcott stated the Great Grove Get Together is a great event that citizens enjoy. He complimented all the volunteers for their hard work. He noted the limited number of food vendors the previous year and asked if there would be more food vendors participating this year. He encouraged churches, PTA's and local businesses and organizations to sponsor as a food vendor or participate in an event and to contact the committee for further information. He stated this is a good opportunity for profit and community involvement. He stated the bingo and beer garden would be a great addition noting the need to determine insurance requirements and finding an organization that would be able to provide the necessary insurance needed to operate a beer garden. He stated the Committee is doing a great job and he will do what is necessary to provide support from the Council. � Regular Meeting—February 7, 2001 Cottage Grove City Council Page 8 Co-Chair Raun stated a plan is needed to determine adequate parking and they are working with the Police Department to put together a successful plan of what needs to be done. He stated the need for dedicated voice mail, use of City Hall for the Committee meetings, and use of office equipment such as copiers, for administrative needs. He stated the Public Works and Police Departments have been extraordinary in their support but they need more support from other departments and groups. He thanked City Administrator Schroeder and City Clerk Caron Stransky for their assistance and support. He thanked Mayor Shiely for her support and kind comments. Mayor Shiely clarified with Co-Chair Raun that what he was expecting from the Council was general feedback on the items he reviewed. She thanked him for his work and noted that they could see where they are heading with respect to support for the planning of the Festival. E. Consider Accepting the Feasibility Report for Pine Coulee Access Improvement. City Administrator Schroeder explained the Petition for Feasibility Study recommending that the Council go back to the neighborhood to receive their comments on the Feasibility Study. He stated they would need MNDOT funding and that $259,000.00 might be available from MNDOT. The balance of funding would be included in the draft of the Capital Improvements Plan. The Plan will come to Council the first meeting in March. Council Member Wolcott stated that Denmark Township is not interested in this study and expressed concerns about this lack of interest considering the projects presently in process. He stated it makes sense to do this study and noted that once homes are built there would be more interest in the study. He suggested having meetings with the residents in the area to discuss their need to be involved. City Engineer Bourdon suggested considering Council Member Wolcott's comment that the City Council could make a higher level of encouragement with Denmark Township to participate in the study. Council Member Kohls inquired about the cuts from MNDOT. She noted the two access points into the housing development and expressed her agreement with Council Member Wolcott. She strongly encouraged the need to pursue this issue with Denmark Township stating this should be their priority. She stressed that they have responsibility in bearing some of the costs for these access points. She stated it is dangerous now and needs to be considered. She emphasized this cannot wait until residents are living in the area. She expressed hesitancy in scheduling meetings with the residents without additional assessment information being available that would make it clear that the City will keep the costs down. She inquired as to when the area is slated for local street improvements stating that the residents will be assessed for this in addition to the west side of the highway. She firmly stated the road has to be done. She identified it as a safety issue also noting that if the City wants to add more commercial to this area, it needs to be safer. Public Works Director Burshten stated the next step would be to submit the project to MNDOT to determine the exact level of funding. Mayor Shiely asked if their joining in the venture would have an impact on assessments stating she doesn't see it helping the costs. She also inquired as to how long they would need for MNDOT approval. Council Member Hale asked if they were just dealing with the south side and if the $259,000 is money MNDOT has given just to this project or if it included the proposal for another signal farther south. " Regular Meeting—February 7, 2001 Cottage Grove City Council Page 9 City Engineer Bourdon stated they would probably not get funding from MNDOT until October. He estimated that building would not begin for another year and based on current rules it is actually 2 %2 years away from building. He clarified the $259,000 that is already allotted is for this project only, dealing with the south side only, and no additional signal is currently planned in Denmark Township. MOTION BY KOHLS, SECONDED BY HALE, TO ACCEPT THE FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR PINE COULEE ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS AND BEGIN FOLLOW-UP WITH RESIDENTS, DISCUSS FUNDING, THE EXIT, AND ENTRANCES. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Council Member Kohls stated she has complained previously about the technology in the Council Chambers, noting it is difficult for members in the audience to hear what is being said as well as those viewing via television. Also, she has heard the televised volume changes from soft to loud. Council Member Kohls asked if the number of Council meeting broadcasts decreased. Assistant City Administrator Wolfe stated she met with the Cable Company and together they determined the time and dates for airplay. She stated she was not aware of any program changes. She stated a technician had been brought in to check the microphones and sound. She actively communicated with the technicians and confirmed with them the sound issue was addressed. She committed to follow-up with the Cable Company regarding changes. City Administrator Schroeder stated discussions are taking place regarding upgrades to the Council Chambers and he expects the upgrades to take place within the next year. Council Member Wolcott gave a reminder for the Farewell Party for former Mayor Jack Denzer scheduled for February 17, 2001 at the River Oakes Golf Course. Cost is $17.50 per person and the public is welcome. PAY BILLS MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 116947 TO 117305 TOTALING $829,009.44. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. RECESS MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO DECLARE A RECESS AT 9:03 P.M. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Mayor Shiely declared the meeting reconvened at 9:22 p.m. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN Ballpark Advertising Signs. It was noted that the Council is asked to discuss advertising sign placement on outdoor ballfield fences and provide direction to staff. � Regular Meeting—February 7, 2001 Cottage Grove City Council Page 10 Community Development Director Lindquist reviewed the past concerns related to considering ballpark advertising signs and stated the City Attorney is comfortable that it can be allowed if the ordinance wording is perFormance based. However, if those performance criteria are being met, they are entitled to the same advertising opportunity. She noted the need to address the options, aesthetics, standards, the philosophical issue of using the City facility in such a way, etc. Community Development Director Lindquist advised of the issues raised by the Park Commission In response to Council Member Hale, Dave Altier, Cottage Grove Athletic Association (CGAA), stated the Park High Booster and CGAA manage the arena. Council Member Hale suggested the City be the entity to enter into the contracts with the money going into the gambling pool, which goes back to the CGAA and other organizations. In that way, it would be managed by the City. Council Member Wolcott stated he wants the signs to be aesthetically pleasing and somewhat standardized in appearance. He stated he is not sure how receptive Cottage Grove businesses will be to this advertising opportunity. Council Member Kohls stated she went door-to-door around the parks to over 100 homes and showed them the pictures of this advertising plan and about 40% stated no objection, 40% were adamant they did not want them in their back yard, and 20% wanted more information. She stated the 40% that were opposed, are very opposed. Council Member Kohls stated if this is allowed, other associations will make similar requests and asked how it can be denied if they meet the same criteria. She agreed that it will be difficult to attain the projected numbers and questioned the advisability of considering an ordinance amendment for one organization. Mr. Altier stated they are proposing $1,000 per sign for a three-year term and the CGAA would make the signs to assure they are consistent. He agreed that it will be a challenge to meet this number of signs but he thinks he can do it. Mayor Shiely asked if once the costs are covered the rest of the money would go to purchasing land for an athletic facility. Mr. Altier stated that is correct and reviewed the park improvements they would like to support. He stated the money collected at one park would be used to make improvements at all the parks. Mayor Shiely noted that the signs couldn't be placed at all parks due to their proximity to residential areas. Mr. Altier stated the suggested language would prevent other on-street advertising. He noted that shrubs could be planted along the fence to buffer the view. City Administrator Schroeder stated if he were a neighbor of a park that had advertising, he would want all of the money raised at that park to be used within that park. But, as a compromise he may support funding to other parks only after all the improvements at the advertising park are completed. Council Member Rice stated he supports signage but if the Council does not support it, perhaps some funding should be taken from the Park Fund to make needed improvements such as grass infields. Council Member Kohls stated that while she appreciates the CGAA's intention, she would prefer to first consider Council Member Rice's suggestion to provide the funding rather than considering a specific ordinance amendment. She suggested that the City start budgeting money towards park improvements such as a grass infield. � Regular Meeting—February 7, 2001 Cottage Grove City Council Page 11 City Administrator Schroeder stated the Council will be considering the CIP and during that discussion, those projects can be discussed. Council Member Kohls suggested the CIP discussion occur prior to considering advertising signs. She stated it is the job of the City to provide good park facilities for its residents. The Council agreed to delay consideration until the CIP is discussed. Mayor Shiely reviewed the language of the Chanhassen agreement, which indicates they receive a portion of the sign rental costs. Mr. Altier explained the first year the association gets more of the money to cover the cost to create the sign. B CDBG Project/Program Priorities. City Administrator Ryan Schroeder advised that Washington County is in the process of finalizing their plan for initiation of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program effective July 1, 2001. He asked the Council to review the potential projects and provide direction to staff on CDBG projects/program priorities for either 2001-2002 projects or for the entire three-year allocation period. The Council discussed projects, noting the importance of the Highway 61 improvement project to the local business and residential community. The Council asked City Administrator Schroeder to talk with the County about possible CDBG contribution to the County to be used toward the Highway 61 improvements. Council Member Hale stated his support to consider the Majestic Ballroom property so it is put to a higher use. Mayor Shiely stated support to consider commercial rehabilitation/renovation, public facilities, and housing rehabilitation with an emphasis on senior housing. Council Member Kohls stated she supports Highway 61 local cost contributions only if the City can get a "big bang for the buck." She also supported economic development activities, public facilities, and housing development. Council Member Wolcott commented on the critical need for the Highway 61 improvements, which will also bring about economic development. Council Member Hale suggested a bulletin board along Highway 61 be rented urging people to call County and State elected officials to indicate their support for Highway 61 improvements. Council Member Kohls and Mayor Shiely stated their support for that consideration. It was mentioned that similar advertisements could be placed in the local newspapers and newsletter. Council Member Wolcott stated he would draft an article for The Bulletin with the help of staff. He noted that postcards could also be placed at local businesses for residents to mail in their support. Council Member Kohls asked that it also be posted on the City's web page. Council Member Rice stated his support of Highway 61 local cost contribution, commercial rehabilitation/renovation, and housing development for seniors. ' Regular Meeting—February 7, 2001 Cotfage Grove City Council Page 12 City Administrator Schroeder explained how a contribution could be made to facilitate a co-op project. He stated a list of projects has been submitted to the County. Based on the Council's input, staff will now refine the list with a possible budget. Council Member Wolcott stated his support for Highway 61 local cost contributions, commercial rehabilitation/renovation, and no interest loan for nuisance abatement or home upgrades. He noted that most economic development activities can be funded by the EDA and public facilities may need a bond for financing. Community Development Director Kim Lindquist commented on the benefit of facilitating correction of home violations and explained how another community has created an on-going housing rehab program. Council Member Kohls stated her support to consider a housing rehab program. City Administrator Schroeder stated it appears the projects being supported are housing development rehab, commercial rehabilitation/renovation, and leveraging of funds for Highway 61. He noted that the CDBG funding would not be received in time to rent a billboard prior to the decision being made by Newport. However, there are other options to lobby for that project such as the web page, City newsletter, an article in The Bulletin, and postcards. Council Member Kohls was excused from the meeting at 10:37 p.m. C. Stormwater Area Charges. Mayor Shiely asked how Cottage Grove area charges compare with other cities. She stated developers have indicated to her that they are too high and out of line. Council Member Hale stated he hears the same comments. Community Development Director Lindquist stated she has that information and reviewed the charges from several other communities. She noted that the Cottage Grove area charge is not out of line with other communities. Mayor Shiely stated it is unfortunate that the metro area land costs are much higher than those in Wisconsin. Community Development Director Lindquist explained the City-wide charges and proposed rural- friendly policy. She noted that a substantial amount of area funds would be needed in several years to correct erosion that has occurred in the ravine. City Engineer Jerry Bourdon provided an explanation of the process that would be used to determine the type of design needed and estimate what the costs would be. He stated that on a cost per lot, Cottage Grove is by far one of the most cost competitive communities. Mayor Shiely asked if the area charges are held in a fund or spent on improvements. City Engineer Bourdon stated it has always been an issue of crossing thresholds and if the funds could be held and interest drawn, the charges could be less. � Regular Meeting—February 7, 2001 Cottage Grove City Council Page 13 Finance Director Hedberg stated there is over one million dollars in this fund but projects are anticipated. City Administrator Schroeder reviewed the upcoming projects, which will cost millions of dollars. Council Member Hale raised the issue of benefit, noting the cost to develop a piece of property is inherent in the cost of the property. He stated the benefit should be related to the charge. Community Development Director Lindquist stated the Council wanted to eliminate the exception so even rural property paid. She noted it would be foolish to design the infrastructure in rural areas at this point so it was felt that a flat rate would be better since it could be equalized over various areas. She noted the fee is only paid if a lot is split. Council Member Hale questioned a staff comment in the memorandum related to larger sized lots than the Ordinance requires. Community Development Director Lindquist explained the area charges are on a gross acreage basis so a break is not given if the lots are larger in size. City Engineer Bourdon stated a lot of good issues have been raised about storm water improvements. He noted there is only a 4.5°/a safety factor between the estimated cost to construct a trunk storm sewer line and the proposed area charges. He stated he would provide the Council with more information on that matter. Council consensus was reached to support the connection charge changes and the flat fee area charges, which eliminates exceptions. WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED A. Union Negotiations and Non-Represented Pay Plan. COUNCIL CONSENSUS WAS REACHED TO CONTINUE THE CLOSED SESSION TO THE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2001, WORKSHOP SESSION. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT 11:10 P.M. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Respectfully submitted, � � ��� Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Caron M. Stransky City Clerk