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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-02 MINUTESREGULAR MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL January 2, 2008 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. Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely Council Member Myron Bailey Council Member Mark Grossklaus Council Member Fred Luden Council Member Pat Rice Also Present: Howard Blin, Community Development Director Ron Hedberg, Finance and Administrative Services Director Corrine Heine, City Attorney Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director Not Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Mayor Shiely opened the Open Forum at 7:15 p.m. There being no speakers, Mayor Shiely closed the Open Forum at 7:15 p.m. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota, held a regular meeting on Wednesday, January 2, 2008, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80 Street South. Mayor Shiely called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely Council Member Myron Bailey Council Member Mark Grossklaus Council Member Fred Luden Council Member Pat Rice Regular Meeting — January 2, 2008 Cottage Grove City Council Also Present: Howard Blin, Community Development Director Ron Hedberg, Finance and Administrative Services Director Corrine Heine, City Attorney Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director Not Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY BAILEY, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. PRESENTATIONS None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. November 7, 2007. Reaular Meetina Mayor Shiely stated that the minutes stood approved as submitted. B. November 21, 2007, Reqular Meetinq Mayor Shiely reported the need for a correction: changing the minutes to reflect Resolution 07-219 under Public Hearings. Mayor Shiely stated that the minutes stood approved as amended. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION BY GROSSKLAUS, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES: NONE. B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-001 APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,783.17 TO VALLEY PAVING FOR THE 2007A STREETS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-002 APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,484.93 TO THREE RIVERS CONSTRUCTION FOR THE SILVERWOOD 1sr AND 2 ND ADDITIONS. 2 Regular Meeting — January 2, 2008 Cottage Grove City Council D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-003 APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,870.22 TO NORTH PINE AGGREGATE FOR THE HAMLET POND EXPANSION PROJECT. E. DESIGNATE THE SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY BULLETIN AS THE CITY'S OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR 2008. F. 1) APPOINT COUNCIL MEMBER RICE AS MAYOR PRO TEM FOR 2008, AND 2) RATIFY MAYOR SHIELY'S APPOINTMENTS OF REPRESENTATIVES OR LIAISONS TO VARIOUS COMMiSSIONS AND COMMITTEES FOR 2008. G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-004 APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTABLISH A MARCH 6, 2008, BID DATE FOR THE HIDDEN VALLEY TRAIL PROJECT. H. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-005 DESIGNATING DEPOSITORIES FOR CITY FUNDS AND AUTHORIZE THE INESTMENT OF SURPLUS FUNDS FOR 2008. I. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-006 APPROVING THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTABLISH A MARCH 6, 2008, BID DATE FOR THE 2008 SEAL COAT PROGRAM. J. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-007 AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY FOR A GRANT RELATING TO REIMBURSEMENT OF OFFICER SALARIES WHILE WORKING IN THE OPERATION NIGHTCAP PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZE CHIEF WOOLERY TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT. K. REAFFIRM THE PUBLIC PURPOSE POLICY EFFECTIVE JANUARY 3, 2008. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES None. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Hold the public hearinq and consider authorizinq issuance of an On Sale Intoxicatinq and Special Sundav Liquor License to Applebee's Restaurants North LLC/DBA Applebee's Neiahborhood Grill & Bar, and consider authorizinq a prorated refund of 2008 liQUOr license fees to Apple American Limited Partnership of Minnesota. A background investigation was completed by the Public Safety Department and no facts were found that would constitute a basis for denial of the application. The required public hearing notice was published in the South Washington County Bulletin on December 19, 2007. The previous owners of Applebee's, Apple American Limited Partnership of Minnesota, have already applied for and been granted a renewal of their existing liquor license for 2008 in order to ensure continuity of operations in case processing of the new application for the Applebee's Restaurants North, LLC, extended into 2008. January 2, 2008, was the earliest meeting date that the Council could hold the public hearing and act on the new application. 3 Regular Meeting — January 2, 2008 Cottage Grove City Council Mayor Shiely opened the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. There being no speakers, Mayor Shiely closed the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY BAILEY, TO 1) AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF AN ON-SALE INTOXICATING AND SPECIAL SUNDAY LIQUOR LICENSE TO APPLEBEE'S RESTAURANTS NORTH LLC/DBA APPLEBEE'S NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL & BAR, AND 2) AUTHORIZE A PRORATED REFUND OF 2008 LIQUOR LICENSE FEES TO APPLE AMERICAN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF MINNESOTA. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. BID AWARDS A. Consider awardinp the contract for the BP-1 Precast Wall Panels to Fabcon in the amount of $580,291.00. The City Engineer reported that the two bids are under estimates. MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR THE AMOUNT OF $580,291.00. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. BY RICE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-008 THE BP-1 PRECAST WALL PANELS TO FABCON IN B. Consider awardinq the contract for the BP-1 Earlv Bar Joist to Thurnbeck Steel in the amount of $224,820.00. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-009 AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR THE BP-1 EARLY BAR JOIST TO THURNBECK STEEL IN THE AMOUNT OF $224,280.00. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. C. Consider awardinq the purchase of the Ice Resurfacer in the amount of $81,644.97. MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08- 010 AWARDING THE PURCHASE OF THE ICE RESURFACER TO FRANK J. ZAMBONI & CO., INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $81,644.97. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The Finance and Administrative Services Director reported that the second bid was quite a bit more expensive because of Canadian economics. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS 4 Regular Meeting — January 2, 2008 Cottage Grove City Council A. Consider apqrovina the traffic control analvsis of the 2008 Pavement Manaqement Area and authorize the implementation of the recommendations in the sprina of 2008. The City Engineer noted in her written report that a traffic control analysis was completed for the Thompson Grove Neighborhood in July of 2004 and Council approved implementation of traffic control changes on July 6, 2005. Since that study, it was determined that the City as a whole should be reviewed for traffic control signage to help ensure consistency in signage and proper intersection control and Council authorized on September 5, 2007, that a traffic control analysis be completed for the 2008 Pavement Management Area. At the meeting, she cited evaluation criteria for the project, identified recommended changes on the City map (in particular stop and yield signs and that minor streets would undergo a stop condition when intersecting with collectors). She noted that modifications are not expected until spring and that pavement markings will be part of 2008 Pavement Management. Council Member Rice asked if changes were the same as Thompson Grove, and the City Engineer responded that those intersections involved a lot of changes. Mayor Shiely inquired as to whether there are other areas within the City that should be looked at as well. The City Engineer said the attempt is to get City-wide consistency but incrementally, such as in conjunction with seal coating in upcoming years, and reported that change notifications to residents would be distributed until exact change dates are known. MOTION BY LUDEN, SECONDED BY MAYOR SHIELY, TO APPROVE THE TRAFFIC CONTROL ANALYSIS OF THE 2008 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT AREA AND AUTHORIZE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE SPRING OF 2008. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. B. Receive the 2007 Stormwater Annual Reqort and discuss annual stormwater fee increase to $54.00 in 2009 and $60.00 in 2010 for a sinale-familv residential pr.opertv. with the same percentaae increase to the other land uses. The City Engineer reviewed the 2007 Stormwater Annual Report with the Council and reported on the annual stormwater fee increase to $54.00 in 2009 and $60.00 in 2010 for a single-family residential property, with the same percentage increase to the other land uses. She cited significant factors including the Cottage Grove Stormwater System, history (in particular the 1997 NPDES Phase 2 Permit), Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP), compliance with NPDES Phase 2 Permit, improvement objectives, rural and urban projects, survey of other metro communities, rural stormwater utility, and educational materials. She reported that major activities have been pushed out due to limitations, as they pertain to the utility fund, and announced an adopt-a-pond program that residents can participate in. Mayor Shiely asked if St. Croix WMO residents also pay South Washington Watershed fees on their property taxes. The Finance and Administrative Services Director reported that 5 Regular Meeting — January 2, 2008 Cottage Grove City Council those 180 households do not but said, responding to her preference for fairness, that there is an ability to tailor a charge to them so their utility fees would be higher, to include a portion of the Watershed charges (citing an increase to $50 from $42 to offset the difference). Council Member Luden asked for the City Engineer's confirmation that there is no individual action that citizens can take to offset projections, and the City Engineer confirmed this. Mayor Shiely asked about the impact funding stormwater utility activities would have on property taxes, and the Finance and Administrative Services Director said the addition would be $43 per year for a$230,000 home. Mayor Shiely then quoted a line from the meeting materials: "The benefits of operating a stormwater utility to fund stormwater maintenance activities versus funding through the general fund and property taxes is that the charges can be allocated based in the estimated stormwater runoff." The Finance and Administrative Services Director responded by stating that all residential properties pay the same rate and commercial properties pay a higher rate based on service. Mayor Shiely then asked the Public Service Supervisor whether employees hired that specialize in stormwater are important, and the Public Works Supervisor stated that they are. Council Member Luden suggested that the Finance and Administrative Services Director look at fees as part of the general tax levy. Council Member Grossklaus commented that stormwater should be designated more for maintenance. Mayor Shiely commented she did not approve the CIP with the understanding that it would mean a great increase in the stormwater. The Finance and Administrative Services Director said a reprioritization of projects will be needed while analyzing fees and that care will be needed if consideration is given to including fees as part of the general tax levy, suggesting consideration of bonding. Council Member Grossklaus suggested that the proposed $50 fee be re-evaluated because the City would, in reality, be providing service at no cost. Discussion ensued and the Finance and Administrative Services Director agreed that the $50 fee plus additional $42 charge to the 180 St. Croix residents would be fair and the same as what Cottage Grove residents already pay (including the South Washington Watershed). He noted that the rate has been set for 2008 and the discussion above is in regard to 2009. C. Consider approvinq modifications to the Citv Sian Reauest Policv. The City Engineer reported that the City's sign request policy was adopted in 2003 covering six categories establishing how the City determines need, installation, and maintenance of resident requested signage. The need was to have consistent placement of signs and ensure that necessary warrants were met for their placement. Other issues have surfaced since then regarding stop sign placement, warning signs, pedestrian crossing signs, autistic children signs, and no outlet signs, which help to provide clarification. 0 Regular Meeting — January 2, 2008 Cottage Grove City Council MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY MAYOR SHIELY, TO APPROVE MODIFICATIONS TO THE CITY SIGN REQUEST POLICY. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. D. Consider acceptinq the findinqs of the Citv of Cottaae Grove Nondearadation Review, adoptinq the record of decision, and directinq staff to submit the repuired nondeqradation review documents, includinq the proposed SWPPP modifications. to the MPCA in compliance with the reauirements of the MS4 permit bv the Februarv 1. 2008 deadline. The City Engineer's written report stated that the Minnesota nondegradation rules for all waters specify conditions for discharges to surFace waters that have occurred since 1988 and support State policy to protect waters from significant degradation and maintain uses, habitats, and water quality, complying with the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972. In 2003, MPCA was sued by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy over the State's alleged noncompliance and, as part of the court action, 30 municipalities were selected to do a"Nondegradation Review," of which Cottage Grove is one. The City Council authorized distribution of the Review for public review and comment and the next step is to submit the Record of Decision on the City of Cottage Grove Nondegradation Review to the MPCA along with the proposed SWPPP modifications to the City's MS4 permit before February 1, 2008. Mayor Shiely complimented the City Engineer and Public Works Department for their work. MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08- 011 ACCEPTING THE FINDINGS OF THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE NONDEGRADATION REVIEW, ADOPT THE RECORD OF DECISION, AND DIRECT STAFF TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED NONDEGRADATION REVIEW DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED SWPPP MODIFICATIONS, TO THE MPCA IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE MS4 PERMIT BY THE FEBRUARY 1, 2008, DEADLINE. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Council Member Bailey extended an invitation for volunteers to come forward and participate in the 2008 Strawberry Festival planning, with meetings held the first and third Mondays of each month beginning January 7 at 6:00 p.m. He said all are welcome and questions can be direeted to Joe Fischbach at City Hall or contact Council Member Bailey directly at 651-459-4734. 7 Regular Meeting — January 2, 2008 Cottage Grove City Council Mayor Shiely announced that, though she has loved the position, she has decided not to seek another term as mayor in November 2008 for several reasons: 1) She would like to be free of the political process to spend this year concentrating on major issues facing the City (water quality, budget cycle in light of declining house values, residential access to the Mississippi River for recreational purposes), 2) provide an opportunity for those interested in the position to come forward with fresh perspectives and ideas, and 3) to have the flexibility, after serving six years on the Council and eight years as mayor, to travel and enjoy extended visits with her family 1,000 miles away. She said that she does not see 2008 as being a "lame duck" year now given her early announcement, but rather an opportunity for others to begin to make their plans, and then expressed her thanks, noting that it has been such an incredibly wonderFul experience serving as mayor. PAY BILLS MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY BAILEY, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 153306 TO 153472 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,195,730.93. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN A. Park Buildinq Desiqn and Concept. The City Engineer presented the feasibility report for the Pine Tree Valley New Park Building, which will go before the Planning Commission on January 14. The Parks Commission would like a multi-purpose building with garage doors, but that presents issues of how to protect the garage door mechanism against vandalism as well as inefficient heating. Further evaluation of necessities results in a plan providing a pavilion or picnic shelter to house 1-2 tables, no exterior storage or extensive warming area, and not as many restroom facilities. An option utilizing a higher-pitched roof for storage didn't fit in with the surrounding neighborhood, and so a lower-pitched roof is being proposed that would accommodate a furnace in the vaulted ceiling. Other cost measures include an asphalt shingle roof, more residential window style, rest room ventilation, and materials that are in compliance with zoning code using brick, hearty plank, etc. The City Engineer compared the plan to other buildings and cited square- footage designations for Pine Tree Valley: 1,054: 782 for the building and 272 for the shelter. She noted it is more cost effective to keep the building at its current location with a few additional parking stalls and trail connection and said staff wishes to ensure the plan is meeting budget and the expectations of Council and asked for their feedback. Council Member Rice expressed his preference for Option 4 and asked about reasoning for the significant expense. The Community Development Director stated that commercial grade construction is always more expensive than residential. Council Member Luden said he was taken aback by the cost, noting that 750 square feet are designated for the building and the rest for patio and the land is already owned. 0 Regular Meeting — January 2, 2008 Cottage Grove City Council Council Member Bailey agreed and noted preference for Option 4, but noted concern about downgrading windows and benefits (resulting from vandalism and hockey pucks) of utilizing another option such as Plexiglas for the significant amount of glass for the proposed building. The City Engineer stated that commercial grade windows are easier and less expensive to replace. She said staff would be welcome to any recommendation Council may have. Mayor Shiely asked about the need to hire an architect to have someone design the building. The City Engineer said there is need to have signed drawings by engineers for structure, mechanical, and electrical. The Community Development Director said there needs to be specific standards for contractors to adhere to for sign-offs. Council Member Grossklaus suggested utilizing current plans of similar buildings (such as Highlands), also noting concern about potential vandalism of a permanent rest room (versus utilization of portable rest room). Mayor Shiely agreed. The City Engineer said staff will need to check for code compliance and ensure requirements are met. Mayor Shiely summarized that Council have expressed concerns about cost and asked staff to investigate further and bring other options back to Council. Council Member Bailey asked as to whether there is an effort to establish consistency of City buildings, such as for design, roof materials, etc. Some discussion ensued, and the City Engineer also noted a factor that metal roofing is more expensive than shingles. Gary Kjellberg, 7389 Inman Ave, commented that a metal roof (though more expensive) would be better in the long term (potential for vandalism). He recommended the building windows face the hockey rink so attendants can be aware if someone has been hurt on the rink and noted that Plexiglas can shatter (suggesting polycarbonate instead). Mayor Shiely thanked the City Engineer and Community Development Director for their work. WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED None. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY LUDEN, SECONDED BY BAILEY, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:50 P.M. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. RespectFully submitted, Mary Heintz TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. �]