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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-02-21 MINUTESREGULAR MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL February 21, 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. Mayor Sandy Shiely encouraged persons to limit their remarks to two minutes per issue. 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, Admin Services/Finance Director Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer Corrine Thomson, City Attorney Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director 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, February 21, 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 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, Admin Services/Finance Director Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer Regular Meeting - February 21, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 2 Corrine Thomson, City Attorney Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director Not Present: None Mayor Shiely presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mayor Shiely noted that a second presentation had been added to the agenda as item B; however, she requested that the order of A and B under presentations be reversed, with the Ravine Park Master Plan to follow the 2006 Photo Contest Winners. MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY RICE, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. PRESENTATIONS A. 2006 Photo Contest Winners Management Analyst Joe Fischbach announced the winners of Cottage Grove's Fifth Annual Photo Contest, selected from 45 submitted photographs, with First Place awards receiving $75 and Second Place $50: First Place Landmarks - Lori Larson's "Fishing Pier at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park," Second Place Landmarks - Sverre Sundgaard's "Historic Roberts Farm Homestead," First Place Nature - Sverre Sundgaard's "Historic Roberts Farm Homestead," Second Place Nature - Richard Sunbar's "Eagle on the Mississippi River," First Place People - Lori Larson's "T-Ball at Pine Coulee Park," and Second Place People - Sverre Sundgaard's "Farming with the Farmall." Fischbach stated the winning photos would be displayed in the Cottage Grove Reports, on the website, and in the lobby at City Hall. Mr. Fischbach thanked the judges Myron Bailey, Ryan Schroeder, Ken Smith, and Kari Layland. Mayor Shiely congratulated all the winners on behalf of the Council. B. Ravine Park Master Plan John Elholm of the Washington County Parks Department and Jeff Shoenbauer of Brauer Associates, consultant for the project, displayed area maps and presented an update on the planning process for the regional park project. Mr. Elholm reported that deliberate effort was being made to preserve and protect the natural features of the area. He stated that the project had gone before the Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission on February 12, wi11 be presented to the Washington County Board during a County Board Workshop Session on March 6, and then during a Public Open House to be held on March 29 in the Cottage Grove Council Chamber. Mayor Shiely requested Council feedback. Council Member Rice recommended that an off-leash dog park be incorporated into the plan and expressed concern about the connection of greenway space to the north and whether the County Regular Meeting — February 21, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 3 would be involved with funding and upkeep of the proposed trails. Mr. Elholm responded that discussions had occurred with both Cottage Grove and Woodbury concerning how the project could be incorporated with surrounding trail systems, as well as utilizing some watershed properties. � Jim Luger of the Washington County Parks Department pointed out the trailway systems would be connected and stated that their office would be open to working with the finro cities identified regarding possible trail financing through federal funding. He said the County strives to provide the bigger networks that connect communities and allow families to utilize trails that are safe instead of roadways. Mr. Shoenbauer noted that regional park statistics identified 50% of trail users coming from within one-half mile of the regional trail, with 75% coming from within three miles and 25% from other parks. He stated that organized RV camping was not a part of the plan but, rather, a modest-sized warming, multidimensional space was being considered that would be situated near the existing structure and offer year-round use. Council Member Rice also recommended that running water and a fireplace be incorparated into the proposed warming house, and Mr. Elholm concurred. Council Member Bailey agreed with incorporating an off-leash dog park into the plan and a single paved loop trail, so as not to have to walk on the same path back to the place of origin, but inquired as to where the long-term park entrance would be located. Mr. Shoenbauer responded that it would be located near the road embankment on the side as one would drive south on County Road 19 through the Ravine area, taking advantage of the view to create a sense of entrance that doesn't exist well now, and he anticipated underpasses at the site for safety reasons. Mayor Shiely thanked the presenters. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None CONSENT CALENDAR Council Member Bailey requested Item F be pulled to thank Aaron Rolloff, who was not seeking re-appointment on the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, for his service. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO: A: ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES: I. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MEETING FROM JANUARY 8, 2007. II. OCTOBER 2006 THROUGH JANUARY 2007 HUMAN SERVICES/HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETINGS. III. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING FROM JANUARY 9, 2007. IV. PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING FROM JANUARY 8, 2007. B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-022, A RESOLUTION APPROVING A FIVE-YEAR INTERIM CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW LINDER'S GREENHOUSES TO Regular Meeting — February 21, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 4 OPERATE A TEMPORARY GREENHOUSE AND OUTDOOR DISPLAY AREA IN RAINBOW FOODS' PARKING LOT AT 7282 EAST POINT DOUGLAS ROAD. C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-023, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2007 MINING PERMIT ALLOWING AGGREGATE INDUSTRIES, INC., TO EXCAVATE AND PROCESS AGGREGATE MATERIAL ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11250 GREY CLOUD TRAIL SOUTH. D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-024, A RESOLUTION APPROVING APPLICATION OF CINGULAR WIRELESS, LLC, FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A 150-FOOT HIGH FREESTANDING ANTENNA ON PROPERTY NORTH OF 70 STREET SOUTH AND WEST OF HIGHWAY 95, AND GRANTING A VARIANCE TO ALLOW THE ANTENNA TO BE 325 FEET FROM THE WEST SIDE PROPERTY LINE WHEN 450 FEET IS REQUIRED. E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-025, A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON APRIL 18, 2007, TO CONSIDER CREATION OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF) DISTRICT 1-14 IN THE INDUSTRIAL PARK. F. APPROVE THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS FOR TWO-YEAR TERMS OF MARCH 1, 2007 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2009, OF: I. GLEN BROWN AND FRANCES RATZLAFF TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION II. CATHY HANSON AND CHRISTIE THOMPSON TO THE HUMAN SERVICES/HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION III. WILLIAM HALUZAK, KEITH KLEINSASSER, AND PAUL PONCIN TO THE PARK, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION; IV. BRIAN HAGEN, JEFFERY ROTHECKER, AND DAVID WICK TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION; V. ROBERT DORNSBACH AND GARY KJELLBERG TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION; AND VI. ROGER PETERSON AS THE COUNCIL APPOINTEE TO THE SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION. THANK AARON ROLLOFF FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AS A MEMBER OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND DECLARE A VACANT SEAT EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2007. G. AWARD THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONRACT TO SHORT ELLIOTT HENDRICKSON, INC. FOR THE GRANGE WATER TOWER PAINTING PROJECT FOR A TOTAL OF $35,200 PENDING APPROVAL BY THE CITY ATTORNEY. H. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-026, A RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $97,386.31 TO THREE RIVERS CONSTRUCTION INC. FOR THE PINECLIFF 1 ADDITION PROJECT. I. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-027, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $114,804.47 TO THREE RIVERS CONSTRUCTION INC. FOR THE TIMBER RIDGE 6 ADDITION PROJECT. J. AWARD TREE TRIMMING CONTRACTS TO BLUE CHIP/S8�S TREE IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,371.68. K. AUTHORIZE THE AWARD OF THE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE ICE ARENA EXPANSION PROJECT TO KRAUS-ANDERSON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WITH A SIX-MONTH CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE. Regular Meeting - February 21, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 5 L. AUTHORIZE THE LOADING ASSESSMENT AND NONDEGRADATION REPORT AS OUTLINED IN THE PROPOSAL FROM BONESTROO, ROSENE, ANDERLIK & ASSOCIATES, INC. DATED FEBRUARY 13, 2007, FOR A TOTAL OF $64,800. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES None PUBLIC HEARING A. Conduct Public Hearina on the T.H. 61/Jamaica Avenue Roundabout Proiect and Consider Adoptina a Resolution Orderina the Improvements Mayor Shiely requested the City Engineer's report. Jennifer Levitt, the City Engineer, provided project details and demonstrated the traffic simulation advantage of a roundabout versus alternative all-way stop and signal options. Ron Hedberg, Finance Director, presented information on the assessment method and procedure. He named the funding sources for the $2,991,000 project, including $550,000 MNDOT Cooperative Agreement, $400,000 MNDOT Routes of Regional Significant Agreement, $654,000 State Aid Funds, and 50% assessments (less credit) of $1,387,000. The Director reported that the roundabout project assessments would be 50% of the project costs (per IMTF policy), assessed over 15 years at 7% interest, and based on tiers, with credit proposed from the 2005 street project ($108,000), and noted that no residential properties would be assessed. He cited the assessment process timeframe: January 2007 — public hearing to consider project; February 2007 — order plans and specifications and set bid date; spring 2007 — award contract; fall 2007 — project completed; public hearing — consider assessments, fall 2007. Mayor Shiely opened the public hearing at 8:18 p.m. Richard Dunbar, 8285 River Acres Road, said he had driven through roundabouts and doubted their efficiency, also asking about cost comparison to the semaphore option. He said there would likely be more accidents in the first year with roundabouts than in five years with the semaphore option. The City Engineer responded that each semaphore would cost $250,000 and entail long- term maintenance and replacement costs, adding that the semaphore option breaks down flow quite quickly. She said the City would continue to make educational efforts so people feel comfortable as to how to navigate the roundabout concept. Bill Spencer, Up North Plastics, said he had personal experience with roundabouts and was in favor of them, citing a request for placement of one at 80` Street and Jamaica Avenue intersection in particular. He then inquired about the levy and whether the assessment was based solely on acreage size. The Finance Director responded that it was based on acreage and proximity and the levy would occur upon project completion in the fall of 2007. Regular Meeting — February 21, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 6 Dick Hanson, 6918 Homestead, said he had no strong feelings about the roundabout but had concern with two lanes in a roundabout, where a driver would need to merge and change lanes to get to a destination; drivers' learning curves; a fairly steep hill coming down the southbound ramp to Jamaica; and size concerns for semi-trucks maneuvering the roundabout. The City Engineer requested Pat McGraw to respond, having had discussions with MNDOT. Mayor Shiely also asked him to address an expressed concern about lane width and maneuverable vehicle size. Pat McGraw gave reassurance that the planned roundabout ramp meets standards, also noting that it would be raised a few feet with added curvature; roundabout lanes will be much wider than standard lanes and have a truck apron, allowing large semi-trailers to track the rear ends and not wander into the outer lane; signage will direct the proper lane to use for a specific destination; circumference of the circle will be 280; and the fastest speed in a roundabout is estimated at 15- 25 mph, which speaks to the concern about safety and issue of yielding and merging. Pat Kotnour, 9770 Military Road, commented that she had utilized roundabouts while living in New York in the past and found them to work very well. AI Stewart, 9435 Kimbro Avenue South, questioned why the decision was made to assess commercial businesses on acreage. The Finance Director responded that the way to assess had been evaluated during infrastructure review and the reason for the project had been due to existing truck traffic, which had shortened the life of the road. John Bailey, Bailey Nurseries, said his concern was the level of assessment and objected to being assessed so heavily. The Finance Director responded that assessment covered 50% of the project cost, with the other 50% coming from other sources, and said Bailey Nurseries is located on the northernmost area and would heavily utilize the Jamaica Avenue corridor, with estimated assessment of $37,000 based on 40 acres, one-quarter of the property's 161 acres. Mayor Shiely requested that Council be updated in the future on the MSA status, and the Finance Director agreed to do that. There being no additional speakers, Mayor Shiely closed the public hearing at 8:47 p.m. Mayor Shiely requested Council feedback. Council Member Grossklaus commented that the Public Works Task Force had scrutinized the project with skepticism but emerged with the belief that it would benefit the community, acknowledging the great partnership of the MNDOT to help pay for it and the fact that users would have a learning curve. He said he was in support of the project. Council Member Rice agreed, said the roundabout was very necessary, and expressed his total support. Council Member Bailey said he had been skeptical about roundabouts until he drove on one and added that planned landscaping and streetscaping for the area will be a tremendous addition. He expressed his support for the roundabout. Regular Meeting — February 21, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 7 Council Member Luden said he anticipated very little problem with roundabouts, having spent several years in Boston where they are utilized. Mayor Shiely cited the industrial park and business development along Point Douglas and said such an increase has a big impact on the amount of traffic going through that area. She said she shared the safety concerns of those who had spoken and felt reassured that the answers had satisfied them. She thanked those who had raised questions. MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-028, A RESOLUTION ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE HIGHWAY 61/JAMAICA AVENUE ROUNDABOUT PROJECT. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. BID AWARDS A. Consider Awardinq Bid for the Hamlet Pond Expansion Project Mayor Shiely inquired about the lowest bid being nearly half of what the City's estimated project cost of $1,670,000. The City Engineer responded that there were 40 plan holders for the project, substantially higher than for normal, and it was a prime bidding season for the City, with contractors eager and competing for work. Council Member Rice asked whether the lowest bidding company was known. The City Engineer responded that she had no concern and everything checked out all right, noting that most of the company's work had been done in the northern metro area. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-029, A RESOLUTION AWARDING BID FOR THE HAMLET POND EXPANSION PROJECT TO NORTH PINE AGGREGATE IN THE AMOUNT OF $764,835.88. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Consider Approvinq Applications for the South Point Ridge Proposal Mayor Shiely requested the Community Development Director's report. The Community Development Director reported that South Point Ridge LLC is proposing to develop a 14.7-acre parcel of land located at 6961 East Point Douglas Road and displayed the drawing plan. He said review of the project was continued by the Council on October 18, 2006, to allow additional information to be provided on the senior housing buildings and noted the specific approvals being sought. The Community Development Director offered background information regarding the property and cited the proposed project elements: 48-unit senior apartment building, 42-unit senior assisted- living building, two office buildings with each having two stories with footprints of 15,000 and 12,000 square feet, and a two-story office condominium building. He reported that the Planning Commission reviewed the application requests in September and the only public testimony during their public hearing concerned whether the storm ponding would be adequate, the Planning Regular Meeting - February 21, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 8 Commission unanimously recommended approval of the application requests subject to conditions, and the Public Works and Public Safety Commissions reviewed the applications and did not recommend any modifications. He said Council's major concern, at a previous Council meeting, had been the large amount of tree removal required for constructing the building on the hill of the site but reported that grading changes for the plan since then had reduced the amount of loss. Mayor invited the developer to address Council. Marc Bigelbach, Core Development, 432 Vadnais Lake Drive, Vadnais Heights, reported that Nick and Frank Frattalone, architect Matt Frisbee, and Comforts of Home owner Chuck Rothstein were present to answer any Council questions and/or concerns. He stated that the tree loss had been reduced from 70% to 56% and that the plan would be to include an arborist and add healthy trees as part of the landscaping. Joe Buche, Core Development, displayed the site drawing and noted that the retaining wall proposed along the drive to the hill saved 47-49 trees alone. Mr. Bigelbach said the goal for the development is a win-win situation for both the City and the land owners and it is understood that the site is a gateway to the City, to be presented in the best way possible. Mayor Shiely expressed appreciation as to how the land owners and associates have worked with the City, listened to Council, and made compromises to accommodate Council wishes. She said tt�e project has potential to be a very good one. Council Member Bailey inquired whether the plan was to grade the entire site. Mr. Bigelbach responded that there would be need to take some dirt out of the upper pad to use below. Mr. Buche added that some trees could be left on the upper pad temporarily and taken out when the building starts. He said it would be ideal to clean the site at one time but understood there were issues as to how the site looked when the project would first begin; suggesting that additional trees could be saved now and taken out when the second part of the project begins. Council Member Bailey inquired whether there was agreement with City staff about storm water runoff. The Community Development Director responded that they were trying to fine tune the rate control issue and the City Engineer would continue to work on the issue for several additional weeks. He added that whatever the developer couldn't pond on the site would have to cross the road and be compensated for that. Council Member Luden inquired what the timing was between the two phases, as there could be potential erosion if there was too much of a delay. Mr. Bigelbach responded that expectation would be no more than a year between the two and to do as much as possible right away. Mayor Shiely added that Council concern was timing, as there would be a period where the site wouldn't look good and people driving into the City would wonder what was going on there. She said it would fix itself but Council would like it to happen as quickly as possible. Mr. Bigelbach said there was a letter of Intent regarding one of the entrance pads but it hasn't been signed off. Council Member Rice inquired about the timeframe to begin. Mr. Bigelbach responded that it could begin as early as 30 days if approved. Council Member Rice then asked Mr. Rothstein Regular Meeting - February 21, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 9 what priority for local residents Comforts of Home had at their other facilities, and he responded that they have found at other locations that most residents come from within a 3-5 mile radius of their properties and he expected that the Cottage Grove facility would bring in 90% from the City and/or immediately south. Mr. Rothstein added that Comforts of Home plans to hire a local manager for the facility who would likely know the new residents moving in and the 30-40 additional employees will likely be from Cottage Grove and nearby area. Mayor Shiely asked the City Attorney whether one motion could be made or there had to be seven individual motions. The City Attorney responded that procedurally Council could make a single motion or individual motions, whichever way Council preferred. MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY RICE TO: 1. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-030, A RESOLUTION APPROVING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT TO EXPAND THE METROPOLITAN URBAN SERVICES AREA BOUNDARY AND TO CHANGE THE LAND USE FROM RURAL RESIDENTIAL TO COMMERCIAL FOR THE SOUTH POINT RIDGE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT LOCATED WEST OF HARDWOOD AVENUE IN THE GATEWAY NORTH REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT. ADD TOGETHER; 2. PASS ORDINANCE NO. 811, AN ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA, AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 11-1-6, ZONING MAP, VIA REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF HARDWOOD AVENUE, NORTH OF STATE HIGHWAY 61 FROM R-2, RESIDENTIAL ESTATE, TO B1, LIMITED BUSINESS WITH A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY, PDO; 3. TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-031, A RESOLUTION APPROVING A PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR A SUBDIVISION TO BE KNOWN AS SOUTH POINT RIDGE AND LOCATED IN THE GATEWAY NORTH REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT; 4. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-032, A RESOLUTION APPROVING PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SOUTH POINT RIDGE DEVELOPMENT; r� nnn��r o��ni i�T,-;�^f�J�� n� n��,�^-r#��€�^�TE9,"-.��^-�oTn�n�,",�-� DDCI I�AIAIAGV DI AT C�ID A CI IRI'll\/ICI(lAI Trl QC IlPI(l1A/1�I AC C/ll ITI..I D/lIA1T _.......,.... . ".. . .....,......�......�....�...�. �..� RII'1r_`C /�All'1 I/l(`ATCI'1 IAI TLJC !'_ATC1A/AV AI/'1�TLJ �CI'lC\/CI r1D�ACAIT r 5. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-033. A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A 48-UNIT SENIOR HOUSING BUILDING. AND A 42-UNIT SENIOR HOUSING BUILDING LOCATED WEST OF HARDWOOD AVENUE IN THE GATEWAY NORTH REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT: AND 6. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-034, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 811 BY TITLE AND SUMMARY. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Regular Meeting - February 21, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 10 Council Member Grossklaus expressed appreciation to Core Development, the land owners, and Comforts of Home for their extra work to address noted Council concerns. Council Member Bailey questioned whether there would be a water feature, previously brought up by Council. Mr. Bigelbach responded that there could be a water feature but it would depend on who had control of the pond. Mr. Rothstein added that Comforts of Home had other properties where ponds, gazebos, and waterFalls had been incorporated into plans and noted that there was a formal commitment to make sure everything regarding the project looked good. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None PAY BILLS MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY RICE, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 148910 TO 149146 IN THE AMOUNT OF $975,568.18. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN A. East Ravine NeiQhborhood 1 Development. Mayor Shiely informed the audience that no decisions would be made at the Workshop. She then requested the Community Development Director's report. The Community Development Director said he wished to update Council on development activities in the Neighborhood 1 area of the East Ravine and sought Council direction on the preliminary design of Ravine Parkway and scope of the street and utility improvement. He provided background information and cited development applications for finro projects, both scheduled for review by the Planning Commission on February 26: • Chase Homes proposal for a 201-unit residential development on the 91-acre Ralph McHattie farm located north of 70 Street and east of Jamaica Avenue � Johnson-Rieland Homes project for 30 single family lots on the 21-acre AI Stewart property located north of 70 Street and west of Jamaica Avenue. The Community Development Director described the planned utility improvements estimated at $4.3 million, including extension of a trunk sanitary sewer from Keats Avenue to Jamaica Avenue, a trunk storm sewer which would provide a link between Jamaica Avenue and the Watershed property north of 70` Street, and a short extension of trunk water line up Jamaica Avenue from 70 Street to serve the proposed developments. He said the $1.1 million trunk area charges would be paid by the finro proposed developments, which would leave an additional $3.3 million in utility costs to be collected from future development. Regular Meeting - February 21, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 11 The Community Development Director stated and described the planning phases for the two street projects planned for the initial development of Neighborhood 1: construction of Ravine Parkway between Jamaica and Keats Avenues and reconstruction of Jamaica Avenue from Military road to 70 Street. The Community Development Director said he sought Council direction regarding 1) beginning the process of ordering utility improvements, 2) comments on the proposed design for Ravine Parkway, and 3) whether to proceed with reconstruction of Jamaica Avenue in 2007 or program the project for a later year. The City Engineer described the proposed enhancement of the Ravine Parkway Design, identifying the various types of trees and surfaces, and use of incorporating outcroppings of limestone to use water as a feature and keep with the Military Road alignment. She said intersections had been coordinated with Homes by Chase. The Community Development Director added that there would be a need for Excel Energy to relocate 2-4 current power poles. The City Engineer informed Council that considerable time had been invested to ensure complimentary strata and hues for the limestone signage. Council Member Grossklaus inquired about the discontinuation of a median part way on the parkway. The Community Development Director responded that the thought was it would maximize green space behind the curve and add interest and variety to the roadway. He added phase 1 of the Ravine Parkway would cost $960,000, with initial road charges of $722,000, resulting in a deficit of $238,000. � Mayor Shiely inquired whether the City Engineer would work with the Historic Preservation Committee regarding Military Road. The City Engineer responded yes, most definitely, and then displayed the proposed intersections and alignment with Military Road. The Community Development Director stated that the estimated project cost was $3.7 million, with the County funding $2 million (part of the 2010 capital improvement program), resulting in the City funding the remaining $1.7 million. He then reported that the project had been scheduled for 2007 but, given the funding situation (County will not fund until 2010); he sought Council direction to either move forward with the project now or delay. Mayor Shiely said if the City was going to fund the County's $2 million portion until 2010, Council would need to think about putting off the redoing of Jamaica until County funds became available. She also asked whether the $1.7 million could be carried for that period of time. The Finance Director responded that the City could carry $2 million or three years but interest would cost $200,000 on that amount. The Community Development Director said the total is $9 million for the finro developments going on and there are funding prospects for $3.75 million on the horizon, but the challenge is the remaining $5.2 million. The City Administrator added that they have been conservative in building the schedule, split into three sections by type, roadway, and tax revenue. He said the main concern is the need to borrow funds. Mayor Shiely requested Council and/or audience feedback. She said, based on the direction of the preliminary design, utility improvements are a necessity now but not Jamaica Avenue. Mayor Regular Meeting — February 21, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 12 Shiely commented that she loved the direction of the design of the parkway, the split median, and choices of stone, plantings, and signage. Council Member Luden commented that the preliminary design was great and asked how the project compared to other projects on the City budget. The Finance Director responded that the whole operating budget was $22 million and he would not anticipate levying property taxes for this project. He said the Ravine Parkway with MSA funds needs to be discussed, as how to play out, and the impact would be the burden of debt. The Finance Director reported that the City's current outstanding debt is $32 million and lending rates are determined by ratings, ability to pay, and anticipated growth, so additional debt would be a factor for consideration. The City Administrator added that it did not make sense to carry the County's funding portion until 2010. Mayor Shiely said the relationship with the Watershed has improved over the years and there has been a turnaround in their philosophy about moving water and the positive things that can be done. She said there is potential to make a real difference in the East Ravine. Council Member Grossklaus agreed it did not make sense to do Jamaica Road right now and expressed concern regarding sanitary sewer, noting the history of the West Draw. Mayor Shiely cited the need for staff to know Council would stand strong and not accept less just because a developer caves in. Council Member Bailey agreed and said, even though the desire would be to get the project done sooner, the commitment had been made to do it the right way. He also noted the housing market would hopefully turn soon. Council Member Rice inquired whether the curve on Military would have to be done this year. The City Engineer responded no, the City would not be forced to do that now. Council Member Rice asked whether there was some agreement for in-kind repairs to be done when the County is responsible for repair. The Public Works Director responded that perhaps an agreement could be obtained, with the City Engineer adding that repair methods would likely be improved 15-25 years out when repairs would be required. Mayor Shiely opened the floor to audience comment. Paul Kotnour, 9770 Military Road, said he had been told there would likely be no contracts for his property until sewer and water was placed, some developers had lost interest, and he wondered whether progress would be made on the project this evening and Council would take a chance to move ahead. Council Member Rice responded that the City had to go very slowly because tax money would be required for the $9 million project, and Mayor Shiely agreed. Keith McHattie, 9119 Military Road, inquired about further plans for Jamaica Avenue in advance of the County taking it over. The Community Development Director responded that the base is bad and pavement needs to be replaced. He said that, even if the County weren't taking the road over, it would need reconstruction. Mr. Kotnour asked if the pipeline would go under or around Jamaica and whether Military Road might be closed temporarily. The Community Development Director responded that there would Regular Meeting - February 21, 2007 Cottage Grove City Council Page 13 be access to properties either way and closure was possible over the next 1-2 years, before curb was placed. The City Engineer added that tra�c would be closed when pipe installation occurred, expected to be a couple months. She wished to give residents a heads-up. The Community Development Director said there will be inconvenience over the next years, where traffic will be more difficult, but the City would work hard to minimize additional traffic problems in the area. Pat Kotnour, 9770 Military Road, expressed anger with the project going so slowly, with her family living in limbo with the presumed assumption of sewer and water coming in soon. She said the City had spent $500,000 towards the grand plan and needed to be run like a business. Mayor Shiely responded that Ms. Kotnour had expressed some philosophies that the City could benefit from but said the City was more than a business, because it provided services and would be in big trouble with tax payers and auditors if balance wasn't achieved. She said the City had to represent everybody, not just a select few. Council Member Rice added that the project numbers had not come in until recently and it would take time for the City to front $2 million. Mayor Shiely said she could understand Ms. Kotnour's frustration but said it would be Ms. Kotnour's choice whether or not to blame the City because a developer reneged and also noted the current housing market slump as a possible factor. Council Member Grossklaus said extending the pipeline and spending $9 million would take time and careful evaluation and no property owner had ever been forced to sell land because of the City. WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED None ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 10:32 P.M. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Mary Heintz TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.