Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-13 MINUTESREGULAR MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL August 13, 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: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Howard Blin, Community Development Director Les Burshten, Public Works Director Ron Hedberg, Finance and Administrative Services Director Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director Peter Mikhail, City Attorney Not Present: None. Mayor Shiely opened the Open Forum at 7:15 p.m. Gary Kjellberg, 7389 Inman, urged all residents whose property abuts the pavement management areas to take the few minutes a day to water those restored areas, as it benefits all and provides an opportunity for growth other than just weeds. There being no additional speakers, Mayor Shiely closed the Open Forum at 7:17 p.m. CALLTO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota, held a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 13, 2008, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80 Street South. Mayor Shiely called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting — August 13, 2008 Cottage Grove City Council ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely Council Member Myron Bailey Council Member Mark Grossklaus Council Member Fred Luden Council Member Pat Rice Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Howard Blin, Community Development Director Les Burshten, Public Works Director Ron Hedberg, Finance and Administrative Services Director Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director Peter Mikhail, City Attorney Not Present: None. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mayor Shiely noted the addition of 4N to the consent agenda, which relates to an expanded Amtrak rail service, promoting high-speed rail between Hastings and Chicago, and a change in the order of the Presentations (with Preservationist of the Year being "C" and Horticulture Interns being "D." MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. PRESENTATIONS A. Retirement Presentation — Deputy Fire Chief Dennis Leonard Fire Chief Bob Byerly described Deputy Fire Chief Dennis Leonard's personal and career history and he and the Public Safety Director extended their appreciation of his service to the Community upon his retirement. The Deputy Fire Chief then offered his personal comments and thanks. Mayor Shiely and the Council then extended their thanks. B. Green Garden Awards — Richard Voita and Linda Strachota (Residential) and Cottaae Grove Animal Hospital (Commercial) City horticulture interns Nicole Anderson and Kaitlin Peck displayed photos and described criteria for the second annual competition for the 2008 Green Garden Awards, for which there were 12 submissions for the Residential category and three for the Commercial. Regular Meeting — August 13, 2008 Cottage Grove City Council Mayor Shiely then presented the 2008 Green Garden Award for Residential to Richard Voita and Linda Strachota and for Commercial to the Cottage Grove Animal Hospital. C. Preservationist of the Year Award Mayor Shiely described the background of Beverly Gross and then presented her with an Award plaque recognizing her as the 20 Annual Preservationist of the Year. D. Presentation by Horticulture Interns Nicole Anderson and Kaitlin Peck Horticulture interns Nicole Anderson and Kaitlin Peck described their city maintenance responsibilities (weeding, watering, mulching), planters, and design projects (ice arena updates for seasonable color, low cost, simplicity, easy to maintain; City Hall north garden concept for a more inviting place and place for breaks to be spent; Lamar old Cottage Grove sign; archery range sign; old Cottage Grove community park; Hidden Valley fishing pond). Mayor Shiely and the Council extended appreciation for their work. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Julv 2, 2008, Regular Meeting Mayor Shiely stated that the minutes stood approved as submitted. B. Julv 16, 2008, Regular Meetinq Mayor Shiely stated that the minutes stood approved as submitted. CONSENT CALENDAR Council Member Bailey pulled item B to acknowledge the donations of Council Member Fred Luden and Renewal by Andersen for the Cottage Grove ice arena expansion project; item C to thank 3M for the donation to the 4 th of July fireworks display; and item L to thank the Public Works staff regarding the successful resolution of a homeowner's petition for sewer repair services. MOTION BY GROSSKLAUS, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES: I. PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING FROM JUNE 9, 2008. II. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FROM JUNE 2, 2008. B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-131 ACCEPTING DONATIONS TOTALING $5,037 FOR THE ICE ARENA EXPANSION PROJECT. C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-132 ACCEPTING A DONATION FROM 3M FOR THE 4 OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY. D. AUTHORIZE CITY STAFF TO DISPOSE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY ON EBAY. 3 Regular Meeting — August 13, 2008 Cottage Grove City Council E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-133 APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,221.97 TO KEYS WELL DRILLING COMPANY FOR THE WELL #6 MAINTENANCE PROJECT. F. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-134 TO TERMINATE THE CONTRACT FOR MICRO- SURFACING OF BITUMINOUS TRAILS WITH GOPHER STATE SEALCOATING, INC. FOR $49,833.00. G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-135 APPROVING THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTABLISH A SEPTEMBER 11, 2008, BID DATE FOR THE WHITE PINE SENIOR HOME TRUNK WATER MAIN EXTENSION. H. ACCEPT RECEIPT OF THE PROPOSED 2009 SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION BUDGET. I. AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OR A SLIDE-IN PUMP UNIT AND TANK FOR GRASS TRUCK 3128. J. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-136 APPOINTING ELECTION JUDGES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 9, 2008, PRIMARY ELECTION AND NOVEMBER 4, 2008, GENERAL ELECTION. K. RECEIVE INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT THROUGH JUNE 2008. L. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-137 ADOPTING THE ASSESSMENT FOR SEWER REPAIR SERVICES AT 8591 IDEAL AVENUE SOUTH. M. AUTHORIZE THE GATEWAY POND SITE TO BE ENTERED IN THE MPCA PETROLEUM BROWNSFIELD PROGRAM (PBP) AND THAT A DEVELOPMENT RESPONSE ACTION PLAN (DRAP) BE SUBMTITED TO THE PETROLEUM BROWNSFIELD PROGRAM. N. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-138 SUPPORTING EXPANDED AMTRAK RAIL SERVICE. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES A. Response to Open Forum question regardinq reduction of the City's carbon footprint. The Community Development Director reported that a Green Team has been established to improve energy efficiencies. Council Member Luden suggested that CO hot spots be included in the plan, and the Community Development Director agreed. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. 1) Conduct a public hearinq considering the assessment at 8334 77 Street court South for the removal of public safetv hazards and 2) adopt a resolution adopting the assessment at 8; Mayor Shiely opened the floor to the public hearing. There being no speakers, Mayor Shiely then closed the public hearing. 4 Regular Meeting — August 13, 2008 Cottage Grove City Council MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY BAILEY, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-139 ADOPTING THE ASSESSMENT FOR REMOVAL OF PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARDS FROM THE PROPERTY AT 8334 77 STREET COURT SOUTH IN THE AMOUNT OF $222.79. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. BID AWARDS A. Consider awarding the contract for the 2008A Street Improvement Proiect to Tower Asphalt, Inc. in the amount of $151,550.25. The City Engineer described the work, as outlined in the Council packet, and said there were eight bids for the contract and the lowest one is in line with the City's recommended budget. Mayor Shiely said the City accepts the lowest bid but asked whether a bidder's history is taken into account by staff when making a recommendation, and the City Engineer confirmed this. MOTION BY LUDEN, SECONDED BY RICE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-140 AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR THE 2008A STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO TOWER ASPHALT, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $151,550.25. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Consider adoptinq a resolution authorizina the installation of 30 mph speed limit siqns on Hadlev Avenue South _between the intersection with 90 Street South and the intersection with 92" Street South, the installation of 35 mph speed limit siqns on Hadlev Avenue South between 92" Street South and a point approximately 100 feet South I`" Street South. Ilation of 40 m �f 95`� Street ; The City Engineer described and provided a graphic display of the proposed speed limit sign installations, which are being proposed following a recent traffic study. Discussion ensued regarding speed limit signs for schools in session and the ability of Council to change speeds in the future if needed. MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08- 141 AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF 30 MPH SPEED LIMIT SIGNS ON HADLEY AVENUE SOUTH BETWEEN THE INTERSECTION WITH 90TH STREET SOUTH AND THE INTERSECTION WITH 92ND STREET SOUTH, THE INSTALLATION OF 35 MPH SPEED LIMIT SIGNS ON HADLEY AVENUE SOUTH BETWEEN 92ND STREET SOUTH AND A POINT APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET SOUTH OF 95TH STREET SOUTH, THE INSTALLATION OF 40 MPH SPEED LIMIT SIGNS ON HADLEY AVENUE SOUTH 5 Regular Meeting — August 13, 2008 Cottage Grove City Council BETWEEN A POINT APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET SOUTH OF 95TH STREET SOUTH AND INTERSECTION WITH 100TH STREET SOUTH, AND THAT THE SAME REDUCED SPEED LIMIT BE INSTALLED AS OTHER SCHOOLS IN SESSION WITHIN THE CITY. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. B. 1) Consider approving an amendment to the Zoninq Ordinance to allow farmers markets as an accessorv use to non-residential principal uses in all zoninq districts and eliminating the requirement that a farmer must obtain a conditional use permit for retail sales connected with farming operations in the AG-1 and AG-2 districts, and 2) consider authorizinq publication of this zoninq ordinance amendment bv title and summarv. The Community Development Director provided clarification regarding the proposed amendments, to bring them into conformance with State Constitution. These amendments were recommended by the Planning Commission. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO PASS ORDINANCE NO. 841 APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO ALLOW FARMERS MARKETS AS AN ACCESSORY USE TO NON-RESIDENTIAL PRINCIPAL USES IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS AND ELIMINATING THE REQUIREMENT THAT A FARMER MUST OBTAIN A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR RETAIL SALES CONNECTED WITH FARMING OPERATIONS IN THE AG-1 AND AG-2 DISTRICTS AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08- 142 AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF THIS ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT BY TITLE AND SUMMARY. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. C. Provide direction on amounts to include in the preliminary levv. The City Administrator reported that Council held two workshops regarding the subject and the consensus was for the directors to consider options further and provide a recommendation to Council, which now is to set $80,000 aside to provide opportunity to reach Council's noted recommendations, to provide for efficiencies or enhancements in sustainability of the operation during 2009. The Finance and Administrative Services Director said final numbers wouldn't be available until after the preliminary levy is adopted in September but he said the tax rate should be lower. Council consensus was that all residents would benefit from whatever comes through the sustainability group. D. Consider amendinq fees for storm water usaqe in the Lower St. Croix Watershed Manapement Orqanization area. The Finance and Administrative Services Director described and displayed a map of the Lower St. Croix Watershed Management Organization (LSCWMO), 50% of which is allocated � Regular Meeting — August 13, 2008 Cottage Grove City Council on the gross area within the district and the second 50% based on market value of the properties. He cited annual rate fees, as identified in the Council packet, and said Council's options are to 1) adopt an ordinance amendment as presented which recovers the LSCWMO fees from the parcels in the LSCWMO that are currently receiving a Cottage Grove storm water bill, 2) direct staff to prepare additional information on other billing methods where charges are allocated to currently unbilled (vacant) properties, and 3) adjust the rates to recover portions of the LSCWMO fees. Staff recommends that Council, if Council members would like to have the complete LSCWMO fees recovered by those properties in the area, adopt an ordinance amendment increasing the proposed fees effective upon publishing, which would be in effect for the bills to be mailed September 15, 2008. Following discussion, it was Council consensus that notice be given to affected property owners informing them that a forthcoming bill will be due the end of December and that future billing will occur every six months after that. The Finance and Administrative Services Director stated that a letter would be sent to the affected property owners informing them of this. MOTION BY GROSSKLAUS, SECONDED BY RICE, TO PASS ORDINANCE NO. 842 AMENDING THE FEES FOR STORM WATER USAGE IN THE LOWER ST. CROIX WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION AREA AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-143 AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF THE ORDINANCE BY TITLE AND SUMMARY. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS A. Response to inquiry regardinq Sam's Club expense (156079). No Council questions. B. Response to inquiry reqarding recycling rates. Mayor Shiely reported that Cottage Grove is the second highest city that recycles in the County per capita pounds. Council Member Grossklaus commented that he believes more residents participate because of the ability to utilize the single-sort recycling option. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Mayor Shiely thanked City residents for their National Night Out parties as well as the Public Safety Department. The Public Safety Director reported that 41 parties were planned this year, and he also thanked staff and the Council for their participation. Council Member Bailey reported that the first Strawberry Festival meeting for next year's event will be held on Monday, August 18, at 6 p.m. at City Hall and will consist of electing 7 Regular Meeting — August 13, 2008 Cottage Grove City Council officers and establishing plans and dates. The 2009 festival, as in previous years, will be held on Father's Day weekend. Mayor Shiely announced that the first Holiday Train meeting will be held on August 27. Council Member Luden stated that there were positive comments following the River Oaks golf outing and he thanked staff for doing an excellent job. The City Administrator added that Golf Digest rated Cottage Grove 4.5 (out of a possible five), the highest public course rating in Minnesota. PAY BILL MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 156116 TO 156475 IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,186,616.86. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN None. WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED A. Pending litipation. The City Attorney stated that there would be a closed workshop session to discuss pending litigation, which requires confidentiality, regarding appeals from the special assessment for the Jamaica roundabout project. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY BAILEY, TO CLOSE THE MEETING AT 8:50 P.M. TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO OPEN THE MEETING AT 9:41 P.M. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY BAILEY, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:41 P.M. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. RespectFully submitted, Mary Heintz TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. E3