HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-10-03 MINUTESREGULAR MEETING
COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL
October 3, 2007
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 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 Director
Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer
Corrine Thompson, City Attorney
Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director
Not Present: Council Member Myron Bailey
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, October 3, 2007, 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 Mark Grossklaus
Council Member Fred Luden
Council Member Pat Rice
Regular Meeting — October 3, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 2
Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
Howard Blin, Community Development Director
Les Burshten, Public Works Director
Ron Hedberg, Finance Director
Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer
Corrine Thompson, City Attorney
Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director
Not Present: Council Member Myron Bailey
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mayor Shiely requested the transfer of Consent Item 4F to Unfinished and New Business
Item 8D.
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
PRESENTATIONS
A. Swearinq-In Presentation of Police Officer/Paramedic Shawn Ebelinq
The City Administrator described Shawn Ebeling's background and administered the Oath of
City Officer to him for the position of police officer/paramedic. The Public Safety Director and
Council expressed their congratulations.
B. Roundabout Construction Update
The City Engineer reported that an informational event had been held last weekend at the
Cub store regarding the roundabout, which opens October 6, and she is pleased that the
construction schedule has been maintained since its inception on August 6. She wants
residents to be aware that construction will continue as a retaining wall system is being built
(completion expected May 15), the decorative wall won't be stained until fall (after the
concrete has had time to cure), scallop walls in two areas will be constructed after the 15
(focusing on the large center and then working on the other finro after that), and landscaping
will occur in the spring of 2008. The City Engineer announced that the roundabout ribbon
cutting ceremony will be 2 p.m. on October 16, with a shuttle running from Public Works.
Council Member Rice asked whether there will be signs stating that the roundabout will be
open. The City Engineer stated that detour signs will remain until the 15 and the County will
be removing all-way stops on both sides of the interchange.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None.
2
Regular Meeting — October 3, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 3
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO:
A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES:
I. PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES FROM JUNE 19, 2007, AND AUGUST 21, 2007.
II. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FROM AUGUST 27, 2007.
B. AUTHORIZE THE LEASE AGREEMENT FOR A RICOH AFICIO MP C4500 COPIER
FOR THE POLICE DIVISION WITH METRO SALES.
C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-180 ACCEPTING A DONATION FROM US BANK
FOR THE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL.
D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-181 APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT
OF $1,385.20 TO HYDROCON, INC. FOR THE WEST POINT DOUGLAS WATER
MAIN EXTENSION.
E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-182 AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR THE
WERNER ELECTRIC UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,718.90
TO HYDROCON, INC.
F. ITEM MOVED TO 8D.
G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-183 APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT FOR SOUTH
SERVICE CENTER ADDITION.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. 1) Conduct public hearings considerinq the assessment of public improvements; 2)
Consider adoptinq resolutions adopting assessments for the followinq proiects: Pinecliff
1 St $522,542.47; VFW Utilitv $31,272.47.
The Finance Director reported that, for the first resolution, 100% of the cost will be paid by
the developer and, regarding the second resolution, that, as part of a service agreement, the
developer agreed to pay assessments prior to doing the work.
Mayor Shiely opened the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. regarding the proposed assessment for
Pinecliff 1st in the amount of $522,542.47.
There being no speakers, Mayor Shiely closed the public hearing at 7:46 p.m.
MOTION BY LUDEN, SECONDED BY RICE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-184
ADOPTING THE ASSESSMENT FOR PINECLIFF 1ST IN THE AMOUNT OF $522,542.47.
Regular Meeting — October 3, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 4
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Mayor Shiely opened the public hearing at 7:46 p.m. regarding the proposed assessment for
the VFW Utility in the amount of $31,272.47.
There being no speakers, Mayor Shiely closed the public hearing at 7:47 p.m.
MOTION BY GROSSKLAUS, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO.
07-185 ADOPTING THE ASSESSMENT FOR VFW UTILITY IN THE AMOUNT OF
$31,272.47.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
: � � ��� ,
_�_.
A. Consider awardinq the contract for Everwood Addition to Nodland Construction Inc. in the
amount of $126,486.90
The City Engineer reported that the Nodland Construction Inc. bid was the lowest of 14
submitted and staff recommendation is to award the contract for Everwood addition to
Nodland Construction Inc. in the amount of $126,486.90.
MOTION BY MAYOR SHIELY, SECONDED BY RICE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO.
07-186 AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR THE EVERWOOD ADDITION TO NODLAND
CONSTRUCTION INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $126,486.90.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. Consider approval of a preliminary plat to be called Culver's Addition; a site plan review of
Culver's Restaurant to be located on 80 Street, south of the Kohl's buildinq and west of
the US Bank Building; and a conditional use permit for a restaurant with a drive-through
window.
The Community Development Director reported, in his written report, that the proposed use is
consistent with the comprehensive plan and the current lot configuration and size is in
compliance with the zoning ordinance performance standards. The site has public frontage.
Public utilities are available within a feasible distance to the site and can accommodate the
development. The development of the site will add additional tax base to the City.
Recommendation is for Council approval of the preliminary plat for the creation of two parcels
(a 9.18-acre parcel for Kohl's and a new .87-acre approval for buildable parcel for Culvers),
approval for a site plan including a 3,954 square-foot restaurant, and approval for conditional
use permit for a restaurant with a drive-through window, subject to conditions.
4
Regular Meeting — October 3, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 5
The Community Development Director reported that 50 parking stalls on the site is sufficient,
as the applicant has cross parking arrangements with Kohl's, to ensure adequate parking,
and the intersection on the east side of the site will be sufficient until 2020.
He displayed photos and drawings of the proposed plan and reported that the Planning
Commission unanimously recommended approval of the requests, noting also that the
Commission discussed the monument sign design and the building architecture detail items
raised by staff. The Commission recommended allowing a 19-foot-high sign and directed the
applicant and staff to work on the final building exterior details. The Public Safety
Commission discussed the potential traffic impacts on Hardwood Avenue as a result of this
development but did not have any specific recommendations.
Mayor Shiely invited the applicant to address the Council.
Ben Gathge, 9284 Hillington Road, Woodbury, co-owner, said he has been looking over the
past six years for a location to bring a Culver's into Cottage Grove and is excited about
finding a site.
Council Member Rice asked about a timeframe, and Mr. Gathge said the best scenario is
early April, with a five-month build time beginning in October.
Mayor Shiely asked about the choice determination for the drive-through, and Mr. Gathge
said the preferred choice was Kohl's, who said they would prefer parking in front of the doors
instead of the view from 61.
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-187
APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT TO BE CALLED CULVER'S ADDITION; AND
RESOLUTION NO. 07-188 APPROVING THE SITE PLAN REVIEW OF A CULVER'S
RESTAURANT, AND A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A DRIVE-THROUGH
WINDOW.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
B. Consider approving an amendment to the Zoning Code to allow bodv art establishments
as permitted uses in the Retail Business (B-2) and General Business (B-3) zoninq
districts.
The Community Development Director reported that the applicant has requested a zoning
amendment to allow body art establishments (tattoos and piercing) as a permitted use, which
will require a licensing process, citing health and sanitary requirements. He stated that the
Planning Commission recommended approval.
Mayor Shiely commented that the requirements are great but she can't imagine how City staff
will enforce this. She said this seems like a Department of Health issue instead of City staff.
5
Regular Meeting — October 3, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 6
The Community Development Director responded by stating that the State has no
requirements for body art, other than preventing anyone under 18 to get a tattoo, and has left
it to localities to regulate. He said it will have to be enforced through periodic inspections.
Mayor Shiely said massage businesses have been carefully regulated and so it seems
strange that there hasn't been any regulation for body art. The Community Development
Director responded that it has been fairly recent that tattooing has come into favor, which
may be a reason why regulations aren't in effect.
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 825
AMENDING THE ZONING CODE TO ALLOW BODY ART ESTABLISHMENTS AS
PERMITTED USES IN THE B-2 AND B-3 ZONING DISTRICTS.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
MOTION BY LUDEN, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO.
07-189 AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF AN ORDINANCE SUMMARY.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
C. Consider adopting amendments to the Structure and Property Maintenance Code (Title 9,
Chapter 7).
The Community Development Director reported, in his written report, that the property
maintenance requirements were originally adopted in 1993 and revised in 2000. The
proposed update includes the following changes:
• Applies property maintenance requirements to commercial and institutional properties
• Incorporates recent changes to the International Building Code
• Adds requirements for rental properties, including new standards for smoke and carbon
monoxide detectors
• Increases penalties for failure to obtain rental licenses or to renew licenses
• General formatting changes
City staff is making the recommendation that Council adopt the amendments to the Property
Maintenance Code.
Council Member Rice asked how "international" the International Building Code is. The
Community Development Director responded that the United States and Canada currently
use it.
Council Member Grossklaus said the public will need to be updated through a communication
about updated regulations, such as 9-7-9 smoke detectors requirement and carbon monoxide
detectors.
MOTION BY GROSSKLAUS, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 826
�
Regular Meeting — October 3, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 7
AMENDING THE STRUCTURE AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
MOTION BY GROSSKLAUS, SECONDED BY MAYOR SHIELY, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION
NO. 07-190 AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF AN ORDINANCE SUMMARY.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
D. Consider authorizing distribution of the Nondegradation Review for public review and
comment.
The City Engineer reported that staff is now ready to present the draft version of the
Nondegradation Review for public review and to help summarize the findings and steps that
will be recommended to bring the City into compliance.
Minnesota Stormwater Regulations Timeline:
• 1972 — Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments
• 1977 — Federal Clean Water Act
• 1987 — Federal Water Quality Act
• 1990 — Phase I of USEPA Stormwater Program
• 1999 — Phase II of USEPA Stormwater Program
• 2003- MS4 General Permit
• May 2003 — Lawsuit by Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy
• May 2005 — Court ruling in favor of MCEA
• June 2006 — New MS4 General Permit
Definition of "Nondegradation": To protect all waters form significant degradation from point
and nonpoint sources...to maintain existing water uses, aquatic and wetland habitats, and the
level of water quality necessary to protect these uses." -- MN Rules 7050.0185. Cottage
Grove is required to write a Nondegradation Review because it was identified in the 2006
MS4 General Permit as a"selected MS4 based on population and growth potential."
The Nondegradation Review is divided into three elements:
• Loading assessment — a city-wide assessment of land use and pollutant load changes
between three distinct time periods (baseline 1988, present 2005, and 2020 condition).
Pollutant load analysis (total phosphorus, total suspended solids, and stormwater runoff
volume)
• Nondegradation report (summary of the results and final loading assessment, which
showed that runoff volume in both 2005 and 2020 conditions based on the City's current
pattern of development and stormwater management will increase and total phosphorus
and total suspended solids will decrease)
• Proposed SWPPP modifications (directing the City to develop a volume control standard
for new development related to infiltration, what the quality standards are for
redevelopment and volume control where feasible, and look for volume control
7
Regular Meeting — October 3, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 8
opportunities within City retro project where feasible.
Mayor Shiely asked what was used to determine 2020. Mr. Brad Schleeter, (Bonestroo,
Rosene, Anderlik & Associates) responded that was determined by land use, rate for the land
use, and then calculations to determine the amount of loading for all three conditions.
Mayor Shiely then asked if there hasn't been a community in the metro area that hasn't
increased in the last 20 years (a reason cited for choosing Cottage Grove). Mr. Schleeter
responded that Cottage Grove just happened to be the 30 of the 30 cities selected.
Loading assessment evaluation points specified in the permit included a selection of
evaluation points (DNR protected waters, impaired water, inter jurisdictional discharges). He
noted that the evaluation did not take into account flows coming into Cottage Grove but a
water quality model is in effect for the City, though further analysis could be done at a later
time if necessary. The site level analysis summarized in the three time periods have
remained consistent in a matter of 6-7 pounds of the eight commercial properties. Reasons
why the City would not be able to comply included a well protection plan and bedrock issues.
Next steps:
• Public comment period
o October 17 through November 21
o Public review including Watershed Management Organization review
• Record of decision responding to public review comments
• Submission to MPCA by February 1, 2008
Council Member Luden asked what is the best management practice. Mr. Schleeter
responded that it refers to treatment practices that go in as developments go in and
stormwater ponds are most common BMP.
Council Member Rice asked how impaired Ravine Lake is, if it can be turned around, and
does it relate to basically being phosphorus. Mr. Schleeter responded that the lake is
identified as nutrient impaired and a total maximum daily load study will ultimately be done, to
determine what load appropriate for this water body to maintain its level of quality and how to
get it back to the intended load.
Council Member Rice said he has a difficult time accepting that the lake has been identified
as being impaired. He suggested working with the City and County, or whoever, to get the
phosphorus out of there and there shouldn't be impaired water in the City.
Council Member Rice asked if this is an unfounded mandate, and the City Administrator
reported that it is. Council Member Rice asked whether the City will be refunded for doing
this report. The City Engineer responded that the estimate is $50,000.
E:7
Regular Meeting — October 3, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 9
Council Member Rice expressed his clear frustration that the City has been "selected," it has
been determined that there is an impaired lake with potential phosphorus problems in the
future, and the City will have to fix things that the report has identified but other cities don't
have to do this (even though they may have the same situation). The City Administrator
stated that there likely will be additional cities "selected," besides the 30 chosen, out of the
872 cities in Minnesota. Mayor Shiely said the City will have to wait to do anything to fix
problems after a public comment period and for the different organizations to review it and
make a comment.
The City Engineer stated that the positive may not have been pulled out of the report, which
is that the City was selected because of its growth rate and potential and that the City
developed responsibly, did not degradate stormwater in discharge, and the City has been a
good steward.
Council Member Luden asked what action will be taken on February 1 after all 30 reports
have been submitted. Mr. Schleeter said Cottage Grove is in the last round and it is not clear
whether feedback will be given on plans prior to the February 1 deadline or wait until all have
been received. He said a preliminary determination will be given after the first review and
then the city will be provided with comments. Council Member Luden asked if there is a final
approval target date, and Mr. Schleeter responded that there is no known date.
MOTION BY LUDEN, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO AUTHORIZING DISTRIBUTION
OF THE NONDEGRADATION REVIEW FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
None.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Council Member Grossklaus reported that the County will have a one-day special collection
of hazardous waste material from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 6 at Public Works. These
materials include household products, auto products, lawn and recreation products, fireworks,
chemicals, and electronics including computers, fax machines, televisions any size, laptops,
and computer monitors at no charge.
Mayor Shiely reported that there will be a strong statement read in the Commercial and Labor
Room at the State Capitol on October 4 at 9:30 a.m. regarding the potential of putting off the
completion of the Wacota Bridge because of the time that will be spent constructing the new
35W Bridge.
0
Regular Meeting — October 3, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 10
Mayor Shiely then reported that she had been asked at the last Red Rock Corridor meeting
whether she had interest in being on a MNDOT committee regarding the upcoming Hastings
Bridge upgrade (not replacement), as there is potential that the bridge may be closed
altogether during the repair. She said the first meeting will be 2:00-4:30 p.m. on October 22
at the Hastings City Hall; and, as she is unable to attend that day, she requested that another
Council Member or City staff represent the City. Mayor Shiely further stated that no one from
the City will be able to attend the other date, October 16, due to the roundabout ribbon cutting
ceremony.
PAY BILLS
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK
NUMBERS 152096 TO 15206 IN THE AMOUNT OF $938,135.33.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
The Council adjourned to the Open Workshop Session at 8:53 p.m.
Following a five-minute break, the Council reconvened at 8:58 p.m.
WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN
A. 2008 Pavement Management.
The City Engineer reported that the first of a two-part workshop was held on September 19,
2007, in which scope, cost, assessment process, phasing, park improvements, trails,
landscaped cul-de-sacs, and expectations were discussed and, based upon the direction
received that night, $3.6 million were eliminated from the 2008 Pavement Management (PM)
Project.
She outlined, in her written report, the direction that Council provided:
• Streets. Streets with PCIs greater than 56 were eliminated from the PM area. Hinton was
eliminated from the PM area and additional minor maintenance effort will take place to
increase the life of the street. No landscaped cul-de-sacs or islands will be included in the
PM. The landscaped islands or eye-brows will be shown to residents at the neighborhood
meeting. If residents desire to see landscaping for their eye-brow or cul-de-sac, they can
make a petition for the items. Inwood Avenue abandonment from Innsdale to 65 Street
will not be included in the PM project.
• Storm Sewer The storm sewer has been televised for this area and minimal areas of
problems were found.
sign. The amount of
PM area.
There were only minor obstructions noted. This is a very positive
storm sewer repair is relatively consistent or equal throughout the
10
Regular Meeting — October 3, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 11
• Sanitary Sewer. The sanitary sewer was also televised in the 2008 PM area. The
televising revealed a number of problem areas, which can be repaired mostly by spot
replacement. There is a concentration of repairs required on Irish Avenue.
• Waterline replacement. The areas proposed for waterline replacement are based upon
water main break data and other problematic water main issues. A request was made to
see the locations of water main breaks. The section of Illies Avenue did not see the
extent of water main breaks as the other proposed sections. For preliminary budgeting
purposes, it would be proposed to keep this section of water main replacement in the
project until further soil testing is complete. Soil borings and analysis will take place within
the next month. After the analysis is completed, it would be more conclusive if the soils
are corrosive and have a high potential for creating more pipe failures. The water main in
this area is not wrapped to protect against corrosive soils, which is standard today. All
water main replaced would be done at today's standard.
She continued on, in her written report, that a great deal of discussion took place on the
IMTF's policy of assessing 45% of the total water main replacement cost. Staff reviewed
the concerns expressed regarding the policy and recommends that a differentiation in
policy should not be made for this specific utility. The IMTF recommendation was to treat
every major maintenance project with equity and assess for above ground and
underground infrastructure. For example, portions of the PM area receive varying
degrees of maintenance of the infrastructure. Some streets will get more curb
replacements, others will get more sanitary sewer work, and others will get storm sewer
work done, and so on. So with that in mind, it would not be recommended to attempt to
differentiate between a localized enhancement and a neighborhood enhancement, but
rather consider the benefit to the neighborhood as a whole. If a localized enhance was
attempted, the assessments per parcel would be great and the assessment process
would be confusing to the public and would be difficult to replicate.
The City Engineer then displayed a corroded pipe, estimated at 20 years, and compared it
to one without corrosion, stating that pipes are now wrapped to prevent corrosion and
extend the life of the pipes.
• Trunk Water Main Installation. The direction was to proceed with the installation of the
proposed trunk water main.
• Street Liahts. Street lights were discussed and determined at this time to be too cost
prohibitive to proceed with installing City standard lights.
• Park and Trail Improvements. It was proposed to do park and trail improvements as part
of the project. These items will be presented to the Parks Commission on October 8,
2007, for their input on the proposed improvement.
o Pine Tree Vallev Park. The preliminary direction was to proceed with a warming
house concept, since there is a quality outdoor ice rink within the park. The park
shelter replacement fund would support the improvements of a new building. The
11
Regular Meeting — October 3, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 12
warming house will go before the Parks Commission on October 8.
o Highland Park. The original discussion was to resurFace both parking lots.
Direction was provided to just rehab the parking lot on the east side of Ideal. It was
proposed to review the parking lot adjacent to Inwood if a trail corridor was created
upon the abandonment of Inwood. The trails looping the park were supported,
along with the various neighborhood connections.
• Assessments. Multiple phasing options were reviewed, and it was concluded that a
phased approach would create a disproportionate assessed value between the phases.
• Schedule. A neighborhood meeting is scheduled for October 29, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. at St.
Luke's Church to review the 2008 PM project.
She stated, in her written report, that it is staff's recommendation to proceed with the project
outlined, for an approximate cost of $8.6 million, and not phase the construction of the
pavement management area.
The City Administrator said phasing has no effect on a cash flow prospect. Mayor Shiely
reiterated, for clarification, that the recommendation is to do the work in one phase.
The Finance Director stated, in his memorandum, that part of the Pavement Management
Assessment Project discussion included the impact to anticipated future debt levies. The
amount funded by a debt service property tax levy is larger than what was contemplated in
previous Capital Improvement Programs (CIP), the annual debt service will average
$350,000 per year, versus $106,000 included in past CIPs.
The target levy has served as a planning tool to demonstrate the ability to provide for
additional debt service while maintaining a consistent financial impact to property owners.
The target levy uses 2006 as a base year and increases the maximum levy amount 4% per
year, which approximates growth in the tax base, in addition to the percentage increase,
- $200,000 in 2008 and $150,000 in 2009 was shifted from the general property tax levy to the
debt levy. This shift is neutral to the property owner because there was a corresponding
decrease in the general levy.
In 2009 through 2011, when adding the impact of the 2008 PM project, the total debt service
will exceed the target levy amount and staff would propose that a couple of changes be
contemplated in the upcoming CIP discussions to cover this project:
• PM projects would be postponed one year. The Pine Coulee, Howard's Addition, River
Acres areas would become 2010. The area east of Jamaica and North of 80 Street
would become 2011. The other rural areas included in the CIP would stay in 2011 for the
time being until better cost estimates can be obtained. This is the preferred option since it
would not have a dramatic impact on project timing and would give the city the chance to
complete the PM project before starting another.
• An additional option exists, in addition to the postponing of projects, to use some of the
money being set aside for future PM projects/debt retirement to cover the debt service
overage for the first couple of years.
12
Regular Meeting — October 3, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 13
• The available debt service levy for uncommitted projects (i.e., future public facilities) will
begin to become available again in 2012. This means to minimize the impact to property
owners, construction of these types of facilities (such as the public service building) would
need to be timed so that debt service would start no earlier than 2012.
Council Member Grossklaus expressed concern about cul-de-sacs and asked about the
future of Hinton Avenue. The Public Works Director reported that the street was constructed
in 1985, at a different level than other residential streets, and is marginal. He said there are
some issues along curb lines but that work can be done next year, cutting the curb, filling in,
and re-sealcoating it, with more maintenance not required until 2011.
Council Member Grossklaus asked if the work done on Hinton in 2011 would bump other
projects. The Public Works Director said the road will have to be addressed along with gptn
Street, as it's nearing the end of life. He added that, on a positive note, contractors are eager
to do the project and there would be good pricing because there is not a lot of work on the
horizon for some contractors.
Council Member Rice asked if different crews would be coming in to do the work, and the
Public Works Director responded that there would be and discussion had taken place that
perhaps a few medium contractors could join forces to put a couple crews in to get the project
completed.
Council Member Rice said he would like to see it get done in prudent fashion, as a
completion date in November (having started in early April) would not be the best way to go.
The Public Works Director said he would be suggesting that reasonable deadlines be
established to keep the project moving and that workers not be pulled off. He said it will be
something that staff should look at.
Council Member Rice asked whether Xcel had been contacted, and the Public Works
Director responded that they had been contacted and staff will have to keep up on the issue.
Mayor Shiely said she would favor doing the work all at once if it could be done financially
and is not opposed to putting off the others for another year.
Council Member Grossklaus directed that City staff ensure that residents are notified that the
trails and park building have nothing to with the Pavement Management assessment,
perhaps not even getting into other issues so as not to cause confusion. The City
Administrator said it will be important to inform residents that there will be additional work
occurring as the project is underway. Council Member Grossklaus suggested then that there
be separate informational boards, otherwise residents may assume they are associated.
Mayor Shiely suggested further that the board identify one side as "assessment paid for..."
and the second side as "paid for (otherwise)".
Council Member Rice commented that the Parks Commission may wish to state what they
would like to see for a warming shack at the Pine Tree Valley Park, perhaps adding a picnic
shelter.
13
Regular Meeting — October 3, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 14
The City Engineer stated that she would come back with a formal feasibility report the first
week of November and have a public hearing, formalizing the report based on Council
direction received.
Council Member Rice asked if the end of September was possible, and the City Engineer
said that milestones will need to be chosen, with the knowledge that school districts will need
to be notified of changes.
The City Engineer cautioned that there will be spot curb replacement, not ripping out the
entire curb, and she heard that in prior years there were complaints about aesthetics. She
emphasized that the spot curb replacement is being done solely for the integrity of the road.
Council Member Luden asked if it was tied back to the tax base growth projection, and the
Finance Director responded that 2006 was the target base year with a 4% growth base.
Council Member Luden suggested that the projection to 2006 be discussed at a future
meeting, as the numbers seem to be soft. The City Administrator explained that as the
reasoning for being over levied and setting aside Pavement Management dollars and
degradation dollars, in case some sort of catastrophic event happens.
WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED
None.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:29
P.M.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
RespectFully submitted,
Mary Heintz
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
14