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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-12-05 MINUTESREGULAR MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL December 5, 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 Myron Bailey Council Member Mark Grossklaus Council Member Fred Luden 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 Corrine Heine, City Attorney Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director Not Present: Council Member Pat Rice Mayor Shiely opened the Open Forum at 7:15 p.m. Richard Larson, 8901 Granada, commented about the importance of woods, which are being removed because of the incoming SouthPoint senior housing project, and how it is wrong to tear them out, citing environmental consequences. He said, in addition, that many residents, in the area of Snyder's, who have lost their jobs are not happy with Council. There being no additional speakers, Mayor Shiely closed the Open Forum at 7:20 p.m. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota, held a regular meeting on Wednesday, December 5, 2007, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80 Street South. Mayor Shiely called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting — December 5, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 2 ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely Council Member Myron Bailey Council Member Mark Grossklaus Council Member Fred Luden 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 Corrine Heine, City Attorney Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director Not Present: Council Member Pat Rice ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. PRESENTATIONS A. Donation from Katherine and Conway Olson for EMT Training and Eauipment Purchases. Mayor Shiely read the resolution regarding the stock donation from Katherine and Conway Olson in memory of retired Cottage Grove Police Chief Robert Oszman, to be used for the purchase and training of personnel utilizing an Adult, Child and Infant Megacode Advanced training mannequin. She acknowledged that the Olsons' son David, daughter Peggy and her family were present, as well as Cara, former Police Chief Oszman's daughter, and paramedics who were at the scene and offered assistance to Katherine Olson at the time of her heart attack ten years ago, Jim Neuenfeldt, firefighter Mike Klarich, and patrol sergeant at the time Craig Woolery. Mayor Shiely and attending Council Members then presented the Certificate of Appreciation. The Public Safety Director expressed his personal thanks to Katherine and Conway Olson for their donation, and Katherine and Conway Olson expressed their personal comments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. October 3. 2007, Regular Meeting Regular Meeting — December 5, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 3 Mayor Shiely stated that the minutes stood approved as submitted. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION BY LUDEN, SECONDED BY BAILEY, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES: I. PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 16, 2007. II. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 22, 2007. B. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO SIGN A LETTER OF INTENT WITH ROCK CREEK DEVELOPMENT, INC. AND AUTHORIZE NEGOTIATION OF A PURCHASE AGREEMENT TOWARD SALE OF THE OUTLOT NORTH OF LOT 2 BLOCK 3 GATEWAY NORTH FIRST ADDITION. C. RECEIVE INFORMATION REGARDING THE CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS PLAN (COOP) AS AN APPENDIX ADDITION TO THE ALL HAZARD PLAN. D. RECEIVE INFORMATION REGARDING THE PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEE/CITIZEN RECOGNITION PROGRAM. E. APPROVE THE APPOINTMENTS OF HERB RECKINGER AND ZAC DOCKTER TO THE LOWER ST. CROIX WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION (LSCWMO). F. ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE YMCA TO OPERATE THE MUNICIPAL POOL FOR THE SUMMER OF 2008. G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-220 APPROVING THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ALLOWING INSTALLATION OF AN ANTENNA ON THE WATER TOWER AT 6950 MEADOW GRASS AVENUE SOUTH. H. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-221 APPROVING THE VARIANCE TO FRONT YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENTS AT 7793 69 STREET COURT SOUTH. I. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-222 AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF AN ORDINANCE SUMMARY AMENDING THE CITY'S SIGN ORDINANCE. J. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-223 APPROVING THE SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTABLISHING A DECEMBER 27, 2007, BID DATE FOR THE ICE RESURFACER. K. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-224 CERTIFYING DELINQUENT UITILITY BILLS TO THE PROPERTY TAX ROLLS FOR PAY 2008. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES None. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. 1) Hold_ the public hearing for the 2008 Pavement Manaaement Proiect and 2) Adoqt the resolution ordering improvement and preparation of plans and specifications for the 2008 Pavement Manaqement Improvement Project. 3 Regular Meeting — December 5, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 4 The City Engineer reviewed details of the 2008 Pavement Management Project including streets, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, waterline replacement, trunk water main, and trails. She identified the proposed improvements and explained the pavement rehabilitation methods that include seal coaUmaintenance, mill and overlay, reclamation/pavement replacement, and reconstruction; the life cycle of pavement; and utility improvement benefits. She described proposed park improvements and the trunk water main improvement (which will allow more water to the business district without building another well) and specifically noted that these are not included in the proposed assessment costs. She cited in her written report options the Council has for proceeding: 1) order the project following the public hearing and authorize the preparation of plans and specifications (found to be necessary, cost effective and feasible), 2) order the project with an extended timeframe for construction or review phasing options for the Pavement Management Area, 3) not order the project, and 4) table for additional discussion. Staff's recommendation is to adopt a resolution ordering the project and authorizing preparation of plans and specifications for the 2008 Pavement Management Project. The Finance and Administrative Services Director described financing proposed by IMTF for the applicable improvements, which include 45% by assessments ($3,200-3,500 per residence (956 parcels) at 7% over 15 years), with payments to begin the year following the adoption of the assessment roll. Projected annual payment for a$3,500 assessment with one full year interest is $478. The remainder of project financing comes from property taxes and enterprise or city area funds. Project schedule per the feasibility report: • May 16, 2007 - Initiate project, authorize feasibility report • October 29, 2007 — Neighborhood meeting • November 7, 2007 — Present feasibility report to City Council and call for public improvement hearing • December 5, 2007 — City Council holds public improvement hearing and orders public improvements • January 16, 2008 — City Council approves plans and specifications, authorizes advertisement for bids • February 14, 2008 — Receive bids • February 20, 2008 — City Council awards contract • Late April/early May 2008 — Begin construction • August 30, 2008 — Substantial completion • October 2008 — Assessment roll adopted • May 2009 — Assessments due The City Engineer cited timing pros and cons for the improvements and warned that delays would likely increase maintenance efforts and construction costs. Council Member Grossklaus inquired, for benefit of the viewing audience, about the IMTF 4 Regular Meeting — December 5, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 5 membership (who determined the calculations). The City Engineer reported that the group was diverse and comprised of citizens at large, representing a large demographic community including urban and rural backgrounds. Responding to an additional question raised by Council Member Grossklaus, she reported that this is the 8 th Pavement Management Project since 1994. The Finance and Administrative Services Director provided a comparison to the Thompson Grove assessment, which was 45% of the cost and based on 2% of property values for reconstruction. The same assessment (based on a$220,000 average home) today for that $2,500 assessment would cost $4,400. Mayor Shiely opened the public hearing 8:12 p.m. David Erie, Homestead Avenue, reported that he'd delivered to City staff Neil Belscamper a petition that had been distributed to 220 homes (of the 956 parcels) and resulted in 125 residents expressing approval that the proposed project be scaled down. He cited a geographic comparison with Winona, which has an 80-year sewer and water system life expectancy, and said it appears Cottage Grove's system failed and the City should take responsibility for that failure. Mr. Erie said there is no rush to make a decision, the plan needs more consideration and should be more detailed so affected owners know what they are going to get, and expressed his dissatisfaction with the 7% interest rate. The City Engineer reported that the Feasibility Report utilized a number of inethods to determine needs and it includes a cost analysis for each street, which Council accepted on November 7. She said it is critical to understand that details won't be incorporated into the plan until Council orders the project, which will then include plans and specifications. Sheila Colbert, 7590 Irish Avenue South, stated that she'd attended the City Engineer's previous neighborhood informational session and asked her to comment this evening on (first) the cited fact that not all streets in Cottage Grove are of the same grade and (second) the quality of the road bed. She said that it is her belief that this project will bring substandard roads up to standard and she'd rather pay for work now, rather than later. Mayor Shiely commented that a road's condition can't be determined by just looking at it. The City Engineer explained the 1994 process, where every street was analyzed and rated 0-100 by Good Point Technology, and identified one area of concentrated effort now at 66 Street and Homestead. In addition, responding to the first resident's comment, she reported that the current proposed project had been scaled back from its original version. The City Engineer described problems with clay tile deterioration and rocks and root masses in sanitary sewer piping, use of videotaping the storm sewer system, and concerns for water main integrity with pitting and cracks. She said it is critical to note that in 1973 no pipes were wrapped with poly or plastic, which helps prevent contact with corrosive materials. Addressing the question about road beds, the City Engineer noted that the gravel base is missing in the cited area and so a correction would provide a uniform base and extend the life of the road, with an added benefit that the same material could be salvaged and put back in 5 Regular Meeting — December 5, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 6 with any corrections needed in the future. Annette Bastolich, 7353 Ivystone, expressed confusion with her low-traffic street being included in the project when Indian Boulevard has greater traffic and is not included and also commented that developers should be financing a portion of the improvements if they're receiving benefit from the 70 Street expansion. She said that she understands the need to keep the streets in good condition but now is not a good time with adjusting market rates and unemployment levels, adding that costs are being compounded with an assessment, City tax, and then tax on increased property values. She inquired as to why there is money for park improvements but an insufficient amount to maintain City streets. The City Engineer responded by stating that other areas have been in previous Pavement Management. Mayor Shiely clarified that government funding sources can't be intermingled when developers come into the City and pay a park dedication fee. The City Administrator, responding to the resident's question about Indian Boulevard, said that the trunk water main benefits other areas of the Community and is not part of the assessment. Diane Hirte, 8015 66 Street Court, said she was speaking on behalf of her husband and mother, who lives on 66 Street in the Highland area, with concern that some properties were being assessed the same amount as others that were receiving greater benefit, such as utility work. She recommended that properties be divided into finro assessment fees, paying for work being done for those particular properties, and an assessment limit of $2,000 be guaranteed, as she said the value to her home by the project wouldn't be raised by $5,000. The City Administrator acknowledged the letter he received from Mrs. Herdy's daughter, a lawyer, and addressed their concern about the lack of sameness befinreen the properties north and south of 70 He said, from a neighborhood perspective, both sides were homogeneous and cited the construction dates, ranging from the oldest in 1971 to the newest in 1980, with market values averaging $220,000. Addressing their concern about the proposed assessment, he stated that the City has an obligation to provide an equitable method of assessment and prove benefit of the assessment as a whole but no obligation to prove benefit or equity in every facet. The City Administrator acknowledged that some properties would be getting more pavement than others but noted, as examples, that Indian Boulevard is wider than Homestead and (though not related to the assessment) properties in close proximity to parks also receive more benefits from those types of improvements. Steve Hirte, 8015 66 Street Court, commented that somebody dropped the ball with inspection. He said that he didn't know the assessment for ldeal but it wasn't $3,500, more likely around $2,300. Gary Valencour expressed concerns about the pavement differentiations identified, the expected length of the City's infrastructure and whether a substandard product had been used originally, and reasons for the differing pavement deteriorations. He also asked why the City didn't build future needs into the tax base for the entire City and recommended a lower rate than 7% be used for the assessment. 0 Regular Meeting — December 5, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 7 Council Member Luden stated that, perhaps per economic decisions, clay tiles were used between the 1950s and 1970s and those materials didn't have an 80-year life expectancy. He said newer materials will last longer. The City Engineer said clay tile joints are a concern but the proposal does not encompass fully ripping out the entire sewer, as slip lining can be done. She said the sanitary sewer should go the distance but the water main's problem with corrosion and lack of wrapping are affecting its longevity. Addressing the resident's comment about the City's sand base not being as corrosive as a rocky base, the City Engineer acknowledged that but said there are pockets of clay and rock within the City. The City Administrator, responding to the resident's question about building future need into the current tax base, said the theory of assessments is contrary to general taxation and those receiving a unique benefit should pay for it. He said, with a road construction project like this, the neighborhood is receiving a benefit over and above others in the Community. The City Administrator stated that, over the 14 years doing Pavement Management, the process has been fair, assessing about a third of the Community to date. Gary Kjellberg, 7389 Inman, expressed his support for the project, described his background as part of t�e Pavement Management group in 1994, and said the water main issue boils down to residents being treated as equitably (a $4 average monthly increase) as previous residents for what had been done. He said he doesn't want an assessment any more than anyone else but wants the repairs made, making use of better technology and wrapping pipes, but understands the rationale for it. Dick Hanson, 6918 Homestead Avenue South, commented that he sees the problem being the definition of "fair," that the sizable turnout at the Council meeting reflects a majority who feel that it is not fair to utilize the same method of assessment based on prior years. He recognized the differences of other problems being addressed, such as inadequate sewer systems or inadequate water pressure, but said it doesn't seem fair for residents in one area to pay for work being done in another area and there is need to determine alternate ways to fund the projects. Mr. Hanson said he didn't see anything wrong paying higher taxes, as it's no different then escrowing for future work, but recommends scaling back or taking more time to reconsider financing, recognizing exception situations, and, if needed, addressing inequities to previous homeowners. A resident from Iverson Avenue said she didn't object to the project but wanted to know the specific month that a resident could pay off the entire assessment. The Finance Director said it would be 30 days following the assessment roll, which would likely occur in the fall of 2008, and affected residents would be notified after that. A resident from Inwood Avenue expressed her frustration about the proposed method of financing and inability to use park funds and said she can't (and doesn't want to) afford the assessment. She asks that Council not approve the project this evening and that it be reviewed in its entirety, finding other ways of financing in a more fair distribution. � Regular Meeting — December 5, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 8 The City Attorney, responding to the comment about park dedication funds, reiterated that the City does not have any ability to demand developers make park dedication contributions available for Pavement Management, that State law dictates that those funds have to be put in separate funds and available for capital improvement of parks only. She said the City has no ability to change that. Bruce Jacoby, 8073 77 South, said his concern is not about the project but, rather, why the infrastructure won't last another 15-30 years, referencing Winona's stated 80-year life expectancy. He said if the issues of value and potential for having streets torn up at a later date could be addressed, he would be satisfied with the project. Mike Volgren, 7414 Hydram, suggested using bonds or cash for the project (rather than assessing), said the roundabouts project could have been eliminated to take care of street responsibilities, and questioned whether an inferior product had been used previous and who would be accountable. The Finance and Administrative Services Director said bonds are tied to the future and those people paying the taxes and assessments at the time are the same who will be using the streets. He reported that the roundabout project was paid for by commercial assessments, utilities, and State aid. Addressing the "inferior product," the City Engineer stated that pavement design has changed over the years, using different types and strengths of materials now than were used previously, and said different pavement thicknesses are used for different streets, such as Indian Boulevard that is designed to take a heavier load. Mayor Shiely added that Cottage Grove has moved from the lowest designation to fifth from lowest of the 35 metropolitan communities, a number used for establishing the tax base, and people need to be aware that, though bonds may not be the best solution, the City does not have a lot of cash. She said Council and staff strongly encourage industry to move here, to help with that base, and debt belongs to everyone in this Community. Mayor Shiely stated that a commitment was made in 1994 to redo all the streets, after pushing to the back burner for so many years, and it has not been easy, the biggest economic challenge other than losing the City's local government aid. The City Administrator noted that, from a road service perspective, the City has had 35 years of life with no major maintenance other than Public Works patching and seal coating, which is extraordinary. He said the road surface has outlived the expectation, though perhaps not the underground work. Perry Randall, 7440 Hydram Avenue South, stated that he has lived in the area for 35 years and knows the work needs to be done. He wanted, however, to impress the importance of quality control, so the inspection is done properly, so next generations don't have to address an unnecessary problem. The City Engineer noted that the inspector was in the audience, lives in Cottage Grove, and he is an individual who has a great deal of concern about maintaining high standards. Another resident described his background of living on St. Regents and asked, if the project goes forward, to please figure Inskip into it (for widening), as it was too narrowly designed E� Regular Meeting — December 5, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 9 and there is an inability for a fire truck to access the area if a car is parked on one side of the street. Gail Bauer, 7381 Hydram, asked that Council listen to resident concerns about financial alternatives, having a payoff window longer than 30 days, and the possibility of lowering the interest rate from 7%. There being no additional speakers, Mayor Shiely closed the public hearing at 8:45 p.m. Council Member Bailey noted that the 7% interest rate has been utilized since starting the Pavement Management Project. The Finance and Administrative Services Director responded by stating that the next project is out three years and others are beyond, with an estimation that all streets (following the City's build-up over the last 10-15 years) would be complete in 30 years. Council Member Bailey asked what would happen ten years from now if 7% is insufficient. The City Administrator stated that the Statute addresses that, also noting that the same interest rate has been used the entire time, there have been varying bond market rates, and interest rates could vary dramatically over the next 15 years. He noted that there is a relationship between interest rates and bonds, and Council Member Bailey said he'd be interested in knowing that, to help residents know why they are paying 7%. The City Administrator stated that he would provide that information. Council Member Luden questioned whether City staff could revisit the scope and what's been done in the past, to address concerns of equity and deviation. The City Administrator reiterated that staff believes the project is necessary and feasible from a construction perspective and IMTF recommended the proposed assessment financing method, asking affected properties to bear 45% of the projected costs. He said the water main improvements are unique but a project delay would create the risk of losing an exceptional bidding environment window. He recommended instead that the project move forward (so that the opportunity isn't lost), authorize the plans and specifications, look at any inequitable treatment relative to water mains (in the proposed project), and ensure that assessments will be no greater than $3,500 per lot. Mayor Shiely expressed her support and acknowledged the excellent points brought up by residents. She stated, however, the need to go ahead and order the project and her belief that the proposed project funding is fair. Mayor Shiely said one part of the program that is different than the Thompson Grove improvements was the issue of the water main and would appreciate staff looking at that. She noted her surprise, also, that the nine residents who stand to benefit from the watermain also signed the petition to scale it down, which was a surprise to her. She suggested that staff see if there are other funding sources available (water main) and how it might be spread around differently, with a maximum assessment cap set at $3,500 per residence. MOTION BY GROSSKLAUS, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-225 ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS AND 0 Regular Meeting — December 5, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 10 SPECIFICATIONS PROJECT, WITH PARCEL. FOR THE 2008 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT A MAXIMUM ASSESSMENT CAP NOT TO EXCEED $3,500.00 PER MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Mayor Shiely adjourned the meeting at 10 p.m. for a five-minute break, reconvened at 10:05 p.m. BID AWARDS A. Consider awarding the contract for the Hamlet Pond Expansion Phase 3 Project. The City Engineer reported that Final Touch Excavating, Inc. was the lowest of 13 bids received for the contract for the Hamlet Pond Expansion Phase 3 Project in the amount of $627,222.65. MOTION BY GROSSKLAUS, SECONDED BY BAILEY, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07- 226 AWARDING THE CONTRACT TO FINAL TOUCH EXCAVATING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $627,222.65 FOR THE HAMLET POND EXPANSION PHASE 3 PROJECT. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Consider approving a variance to front vard setback reauirements to allow an addition to be constructed at 8288 Jefferv Avenue South. The Community Development Director described the property and proposal and reported that the Planning Commission held a public hearing and unanimously recommended approval of the application on November 26, 2007, and the Public Safety Commission made no comments on the application at their November 20, 2007, meeting. Staff recommendation is to approve the variance. MOTION BY MAYOR SHIELY, SECONDED BY BAILEY, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-227 APPROVING A VARIANCE TO FRONT YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENTS TO ALLOW AN ADDITION TO BE CONSTRUCTED AT 8288 JEFFERY AVENUE SOUTH. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. B. 1) Consider amendinq the Citv's landscape ordinance to require each development to have a minimum percentage of open space and delete landscapinq requirements based on developed permeable surface areas; establish a specific number of trees and shrubs based on the net acreaqe and 70 percent of the required green space/open space; and delete landscapina requirements around shopping cart return corrals: and 2) Consider authorizina the publication of an ordinance summar� 10 Regular Meeting - December 5, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 11 The Community Development Director described the two changes in the proposal and reported that the Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 22, 2007, and unanimously recommended approval of the proposed ordinance amendments. Mayor Shiely commented that the ordinance doesn't seem that old and she can't understand how it was so out of synch when it was initiated. She said other cities require one overstory tree for very 50 feet and she doesn't see that in the amendment, which is of concern to her. The Community Development Director said that is a more simplified way of calculating plants but those cities are, in effect, penalized for having more green space. Council Member Bailey expressed concern about the reduction and difference compared to other cities and asked whether types of trees were specified. The Community Development Director confirmed the types were cited by number and tree size. Mayor Shiely said she wants staff to understand that Council has high standards and doesn't want compromises made, allowing commercial businesses to come to Cottage Grove because it has reduced tree requirements compared to other cities. The Community Development Director assured Council that their direction is clear and those standards will meet or exceed requirements. Council Member Luden inquired about Woodbury's decision to have individual plans, and the Community Development Director said that is done on a PUD basis, looking at each site and determining what's best for that site, which works well for them. He said, however, it sets up a problem with the City regarding expectations. Mayor Shiely inquired about the corral designation. The Community Development Director said it is a bit impractical and has been applied, citing that plant materials struggle to survive in poorly-designed, small islands. MOTION BY GROSSKLAUS, SECONDED BY BAILEY, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 834, AMENDING CITY CODE TITLE 11-6-5, LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-228 AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF AN ORDINANCE SUMMARY. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Council Member Bailey expressed concern that the same situation doesn't occur at the new Holiday Station that occurred at the Rainbow store, where the City asked them to install brick pillars but they left a gap of white metal, which looked tacky. 11 Regular Meeting — December 5, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 12 He also provided a reminder about the holiday breakfast at Applebee's 8-10 a.m. on December 15, with 100% of proceeds going to the Strawberry Festival fund. Tickets for the breakfast are $5 per person and can be purchased at Rainbow Foods from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Council Member Bailey added that Holiday Train tickets may be available to purchase at the same time. Mayor Shiely encouraged all to attend the Holiday Train festivities at 5:30 p.m. on December 11 at West Point Douglas Road. All proceeds will be given to the Friends in Need Food Shelf. Council Member Luden reported on the River Oaks breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on December 9 and noted that a sleigh ride would be available. PAY BILLS MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 152975 TO 153117 IN THE AMOUNT OF $491,615.18. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN A. 2008-2012 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). The Finance and Administrative Services Director reported that the 2008-2012 CIP draft is based on results of the 2008 budget discussions. He noted that a significant number of projects have been postponed as a result of the construction market downturn and said the next step is for Council to provide direction on projects so that a plan can be brought to the Planning Commission for a public hearing. He reported CIP projects total $18.8 million, including the 2008 Pavement Management Project ($7.8 million), Ice Arena Expansion ($7 million, including fees), park improvements and trails ($1.5 million), storm water improvements ($1.3 million), and continued seal coating to preserve the life of streets ($460,000). The Finance and Administrative Services Director reported that City staff have gone through all projects and tried to line them up with available funding sources but some have been postponed. It is staff's request that Council inform them of any slated projects they are uncomfortable with. Council Member Grossklaus inquired as to whether something was being added or fixed, totaling $32,000, for Highland Park. The City Administrator stated that a shelter is being proposed that is similar to Hamline. Mayor Shiely expressed her approval that Hidden Valley Pond was being moved up and asked whether interns could be placed to continue the development of plants that had been begun by previous interns. The Public Works Director said it would be possible. 12 Regular Meeting — December 5, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 13 Council Member Bailey asked about the status of the survey, and the Development Administrator construction. Director stated that it would be initiated after the holidays cited the assumption that there would be a certain level Community The City of housing Mayor Shiely referenced the Highlands fountain identified for 2012, and the City Administrator said the most appropriate place is being sought for an aesthetic feature but a final site hasn't been determined. Mayor Shiely commented that Highlands would be a good spot. Gary Kjelberg said he would appreciate if Council would consider removing the dog park out of the CIP, describing it as inappropriate and only feasible if a group of people came forward to take care of it, that dog droppings are not something City employees should have to pick up. Mayor Shiely said the most successful dog parks are run by volunteers who do the cleanup and also stated that she wouldn't want one to be a Public Works project. The City Administrator stated that the master plan is that it would be a regional park responsibility. Mayor Shiely inquired about the CIP process, and the Finance and Administrative Services Director said it would, following any Council changes, go to the Planning Commission for their review of the plan and public hearing, and it would come back to Council for approval. Mayor Shiely then reported that she and the City Administrator had made a presentation to the Senate Bonding Committee, seeking outside resources. The City Administrator said the City should know by next spring if they were successful. WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED None. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY MAYOR SHIELY, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 10:44 P.M. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Mary Heintz TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 13