HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-07 MINUTESREGULAR MEETING
COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL
March 7, 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 finro 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
Ron Hedberg, Admin Services/Finance Director
Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer
Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor
Corrine Thomson, City Attorney
Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director
Not Present: None
Mayor Shiely opened the Open Forum at 7:15 p.m.
There being no speakers, Mayor Shiely closed 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, March 7, 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
Ron Hedberg, Admin Services/Finance Director
Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer
Regular Meeting - March 7, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 2
Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor
Corrine Thomson, City Attorney
Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director
Not Present: None
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS
SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
PRESENTATIONS
A. Parks and Open Space
MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO TABLE THE PARKS AND OPEN
SPACE PRESENTATION TO THE MARCH 21, 2007. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
B. Recoqnize Commission Volunteers — Rod Hale and Jim Shinn
Mayor Shiely and the Council Members presented Certificates of Appreciation to Rodney Hale,
retiring from the Planning Commission, and Jim Shinn, retiring from the Human Services Rights
Commission, and thanked them for their years of service to the community. Mr. Shinn stated he
felt the Commission was worthwhile and he was most proud of starting bus transportation, with
the latest for senior housing. Mr. Hale thanked current and previous Councils and staff for doing
an excellent job for the City and said he would be serving a community in some capacity
wherever he lived.
C. Eaqle Scout Presentation — Joshua Fraboni
Mayor Shiely and the Council Members presented Joshua Fraboni with a plaque acknowledging
his achievement of Eagle Scout and said it was important to the community. Mr. Fraboni
described the project he completed at Zion Lutheran Church to attain his Eagle Scout.
D. Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Report — 2005 Comqrehensive
Annual Financial Re.port
Mayor Shiely congratulated the Finance Director and staff for the Certificate of Achievement for
Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 2005 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The
Finance Director provided background information on the achievement, noting it was the City's
16` consecutive year to do so, and acknowledged the efforts of the Finance Department and, in
particular, Financial Analyst Brenda Peper and Accountant Cathy Mohr.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. February 7, 2007, Regular Meeting
Mayor Shiely stated that the minutes stood approved as presented.
Regular Meeting — March 7, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 3
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Bailey pulled Items D, F. and G. Regarding Item D, Council Member Bailey
expressed appreciation to Cheryl Kohls, who resigned as the City's representative to the Lower
St. Croix Watershed Management Organization. Regarding Item F, Council Member Bailey
acknowledged donations from the American Legion, Anchor Bank, Borst Construction Inc., John
Germo Insurance Agency Inc., KOK Funeral Home, John J. Norton DDS PA, Tennis Sanitation,
and XCEL Energy on behalf of the Public Safety, Fire and Recreation Departments for the 14
Annual Youth Safety Camp. Regarding Item G, Council Member Bailey acknowledged donations
from Marathon Petroleum Company and Cottage Grove Fire Auxiliary to the Public Safety
Department, Fire Division, for the purchase of a Keiser FORCE machine to be used during
training and exercises. The Public Safety Director described the purpose of the machine, similar
to a fire ax to draw and vent through roofing, and said it would be a good training tool.
Council Member Rice pulled Item I. He stated that the proposed resolution supporting
comprehensive road and transit funding for 2007 would possibly involve tax increases and he
was not looking forward to signing his name to such a document.
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO REMOVE ITEM I FROM THE AGENDA.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Mayor Shiely pulled items K and R. She asked for an explanation of Item K regarding Change
Order #3 for the Mississippi Dunes 2" Addition Project. The City Engineer responded that the
developer did not have direct means to implement the erosion control plan in time with the
contractor but would be paying 100% of the cost to do so. Regarding Item R, Mayor Shiely said
she wished to thank publicly Sharon Marko, Myra Peterson, and Katie Sieben for providing seed
money for a City public foundation in memory of her
recently-deceased mother and encouraged the public to add to the fund if they wished.
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY BAILEY, TO:
A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES:
I. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FROM JANUARY 22, 2007.
B. REAPPOINT JAN JAPS TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC
PRESERVATION AND WILLIAM SCHUMAL TO THE PARKS, RECREATION AND
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE ON FEBRUARY 28,
2009.
C. AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF 35,000 POUNDS OF CRAFCO 221 CRACK SEALANT
FROM BROCK WHITE COMPANY AT $0.42 PER POUND OR $15,655.50.
D. ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION AND THANK CHERYL KOHLS FOR HER SERVICE TO
THE COMMUNITY AS COTTAGE GROVE'S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE LOWER ST.
CROIX WATER MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION (WMO) AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO
ADVERTISE FOR HER REPLACEMENT.
E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-035, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATION OF
PRIZES FOR THE HUMAN SERVICES/HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ESSAY
CONTEST.
Regular Meeting — March 7, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 4
F. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-036, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATIONS IN THE
AMOUNT OF $775.00 ON BEHALF OF THE PUBLIC SFAETY, FIRE, AND
RECREATION DEPARTMENTS FOR TH 14 ANNUAL YOUTH SAFETY CAMP.
G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-�37, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF
$1,500 FROM MARATHON PETROLEUM COMPANY AND $1,284.97 FROM THE
COTTAGE GROVE FIRE AUXILIARY TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT, FIRE
DIVISION, FOR THE PURCAHSE OF A KEISER FORCE MACHINE TO BE USED
DURING TRAINING AND EXERCISES.
H. APPROVE THE POLICY IMPLEMENTING THE FEDERAL OMNIBUS
TRANSPORTATION EMPLOYEE TESTING ACT (CDL DRUG AND ALCOHOL
TESTING) AND THE POLICY ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND ALCOHOL
TESTING (NON-CDL POLICY).
�_ e � i� T�� �n � A7 YYY CI IDDrI�TIAI(` !'`/l�A��CLJCAICI\/C C(lAn AAI
. REMOVED FROM AGENDA
J. ADOPT RESOLUION NO. 07-038, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTABLISHING A MAY 24, 2007, BID DATE FOR THE TRUNK
HIGHWAY 61/JAMAICA AVENUE ROUNDABOUT PROJECT.
K. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 3 FOR THE MiSSISSIPPI DUNES 2" ADDITION
PROJECT.
L. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-039, A RESOLUTION AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR
2007 STREET STRIPING TO TWIN CITY STRIPING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF
$29,216.29.
M. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-040. A RESOLUTION AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR
THE 2007 CRACK SEALING PROGRAM TO BERGMAN COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT
O F $24, 500.00.
N. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-041, A RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT OF
$69,041.04 TO TOWER ASPHALT, INC. FOR THE 2005A STREET IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT.
O. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-042, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE REVISED
FEASIBILITY REPORT, ORDERING THE PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZING THE
PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFATIONS FOR THE EAST RAVINE TRUNK
SANITARY EXTENSION-NEIGHBORHOOD 1.
P. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-043, A RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT IN
THE AMOUNT OF$54,630.72 TO HYDROCON, INC. FOR THE MISSISSIPPI DUNES 2
ADDITION PROJECT.
Q. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-044, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
PREPARATION OF FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR THE SOUTH RIDGE POINT
DEVELOMENT PROJECT.
R. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-045, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATIONS FROM
SHARON MARKO, MYRA PETERSON AND KATIE SIEBEN TOTALING $140.00 TO BE
USED FOR A PUBLIC FOUNTAIN.
S. ATKINSON CEMETERY:
I. ACCEPT THE CONCEPT DESIGN FOR THE ATKINSON CEMETERY GATEWAY
NORTH REVITALIZATION PROEJCT AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO FINALIZE
THE DESIGN PLANS, CONSTRUCTION COSTS, AND FUNDING PARTNERS,
AND
II. DIRECT CITY STAFF TO WORK WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY ON THE
FORMAL TRANSFER OF THE CEMETERY LAND TO THE CITY.
Regular Meeting — March 7, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 5
T. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-046, A RESOLUTION ORDERING THE ABATEMENT OF
CONDITIONS CREATING A NUISANCE AT 8218 HYDE LANE SOUTH.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES
None
PUBLIC HEARING
A. Hold Public Hearina and Consider Authorizing Issuance of a Massaae Theraqist/Massaae
Business Licenses to Ramona Westerberg/DBA The Healinq Place of Cottaae Grove to
Operate Out of her Home at 7850 Lamar Avenue South.
Mayor Shiely opened the public hearing at 7:52 p.m.
Gisela Staker, 7989 Lamar Avenue South, inquired as to whether there would be increased traffic
and billboard advertising. Mayor Shiely responded that it would be a home occupation but said
her questions were valid regarding parking and signs, though also stating that the City watches
home businesses closely and said any problems would be resolved. The Community
Development Director added that the business would be allowed a 1' x 2' sign in front of the
house behind the property line and could only have one customer at a time and no more than four
cars. He said he didn't' anticipate a great deal of traffic.
Ramona Westerberg, the applicant, 7850 Lamar Avenue South, said she had been doing
massage therapy at another organization and this business would be working with friends and
family. She confirmed that there would only be one customer at a time in the home and the
business would have one marker but no billboards.
There being no additional speakers, Mayor Shiely closed the public hearing at 7:56 p.m.
Mayor Shiely requested Council feedback.
MOTION BY GROSSKLAUS, SECONDED BY RICE, TO AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF
MASSAGE THERAPIST AND A MASSAGE BUSINESS LICENSE TO RAMONA
WESTERBERG/DBA THE HEALING PLACE OF COTTAGE GROVE. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
BID AWARDS
A. Consider Awarding Bid for the 2007 Seal Coat Program
Mayor Shiely inquired why there were only two bids, and the City Engineer responded that was all
that was received but staff was happy with the bid, which was within budget.
MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY RICE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-047, A
RESOLUTION AWARDING BID FOR THE 2007 SEAL COAT PROGRAM TO PEARSON
BROTHERS, INC., FOR $217,959.69. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Regular Meeting — March 7, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 6
B. Consider Awardinq Bid for the 80 Street and Kingston Park Bituminous Trail
Reconstruction Project
Council Member Bailey questioned whether the intent was to do both 80 and alternate Kingston.
The City Engineer responded that it was, due to the discovery that Kingston was not in good
condition to warrant micro surfacing. Council Member Bailey then asked that the installation not
occur during the Strawberry Fest, and the City Engineer responded that it would not, occurring
either before or after.
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-048. A
RESOLUTION AWARDING BID FOR THE 80 STREET AND KINGSTON PARK BITUMINOUS
TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT TO TOWER ASPHALT, INC., FOR $72,616.40.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
C. Consider Awardina Bid for the Booster Station Roadwav and ParkinQ Lot Reconstruction
Proiect
MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO.
07-049, A RESOLUTION AWARDING BID FOR THE BOOSTER STATION ROADWAY AND
PARKING LOT RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT TO TOWER ASPHALT, INC., FOR $55,261.50.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. Consider Approvinq a Zoninq Amendment to Chanqe the Zonina of Propertv at 6750
Jamaica Avenue South from R-1 and AG-1 to R-2A and Consider Approving a Preliminarv_
Plat for the Preserve at Cottaae Grove
The Community Development Director reported on the two requests, to rezone and another to
approve a preliminary plat. He displayed the site map for the property, 21 acres in size and
owned by Wilder Foundation and Minnesota Land Trust. He said City staff had conversations
with both parties and it was expected this area would eventually be open for public use, primarily
a trail system that would run through the woods. He displayed the layout of the subdivision,
stating there would be one street connection to Jamaica. The Community Development Director
said the project would exceed the fire code for 30 units on a dead-end street and so it was being
proposed that when the property to the north would be constructed, a substreet would lead to 1-2
cul-de-sacs where more lots would be platted and connect with a trailway to Jamaica. He said
the Fire Department was satisfied that it would have adequate emergency vehicle access.
Mayor Shiely inquired why sprinkler systems were not required for the buildings. The Community
Development Director responded that they are problematic in single-family homes and would be
much more likely to see in multi-family units, that they are hard to maintain and there is nc�
guarantee homeowners would do so. He stated that the Planning Commission had reviewed the
plan and recommended approval.
Regular Meeting — March 7, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 7
Mayor Shiely invited the developer to address the Council. She also asked if a representative
from Wilder Foundation was present, and the Community Development Director responded no,
but had been at the Planning Commission meeting.
Brad Reiland, Johnson-Reiland Construction, Prior Lake, said his company was excited about the
plan and described it as a wooded area with tree plantings and landscaping. He described the
development as a high-end community with custom homes in the $600,000 range.
Council Member Rice inquired as to whether there would be an association, and Mr. Reiland
responded that it was being considered but would be low-level and cover only outlots,
maintenance, governing covenants and architecture.
Mayor Shiely stated that she'd noticed discussion with the Wilder Foundation and wondered if
everything had been worked out with them. Mr. Reiland responded that it had been, having
talked with the caretaker and director of real estate for the Wilder Foundation. He said he looked
to have some type of agreement between them regarding what would stay on the property.
Council Member Grossklaus asked if everyone understood the guidelines for the East Ravine
regarding structural issues, that houses not be the same style. Mr. Reiland responded that it was
the exact type of development his company preferred to do.
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY BAILEY, TO PASS ORDINANCE NO. 812, AN
�RDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA, AMENDING CITY CODE
SECTION 11-1-6, ZONING MAP, VIA REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6750
JAMAICA AVENUE SOUTH FROM R-1, RURAL RESIDENTIAL, AND AG-1, AGRICULTURAL
PRESERVATION, TO R-2A, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
MOTION BY MAYOR SHEILY, SECONDED BY RICE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO.
07-050, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT NAMED THE PRESERVE AT
COTTAGE GROVE, CONSISTING OF 39 SINGLE-FAMILY LOTS AND SEVEN OUTLOTS.
Council Member Luden asked if calculations had been done regarding storm water, and the
Community Development Director responded that it had met the requirements.
Mayor Shiely inquired about park dedication, noting that it had been a long time since a park
dedication had been required for land. The Community Development Director responded that the
reason for not requiring park dedication was because it was close to Highlands Park and there
would be parks located on the east side of Jamaica Avenue and a public park on the north side of
the wetland area.
Mayor Shiely asked if it sounded like Wilder Foundation was amenable to a public trails system.
The Community Development Director responded that they were receptive to the idea but that
nothing would happen immediately because the owning family has use of the property now.
UPON VOTE BEING TAKEN, MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
The City Attorney reminded Council that a resolution was required to authorize publication of the
zoning amendment by title and summary. Mayor Shiely thanked her for doing so.
Regular Meeting - March 7, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 8
MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-051,
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PUBLICATI�N OF ORDINANCE NO. 812 BY TITLE AND
SUMMARY. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
None.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Mayor Shiely asked that the Public Safety Director send best wishes on behalf of the Council to
police officer Greg Rinzel, who was injured when on foot pursuit of an escapee from Red Wing
Correctional Facility. The Public Safety Director said he couldn't think of a worse feeling than
when he heard that an officer was down. He described the situation and said he was proud of the
officers who responded and thanked them and assisting agencies, including the Washington
County Sheriff's Department and officers from Woodbury, St. Paul Park, and Newport, and the
State Highway PatroL
Council Member Grossklaus asked whether there would be an investigation as to why the escape
occurred, and the Public Safety Director responded that the corrections officer would be providing
details but that it was still an active investigation.
Mayor Shiely asked the Public Safety Director to keep the Council updated.
PAY BILLS
MOTION BY BAILEY, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK
NUMBERS 149147 TO 149313 IN THE AMOUNT OF $582,572.22. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
The meeting adjourned to the Open Workshop session at 8:20 p.m.
Mayor Shiely opened the Open Workshop session at 8:28 p.m.
WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN
A. EmerQency Medical Service (EMS) Status Report
The Public Safety Director presented a status report on the Cottage Grove EMS and explained
that Police and Fire services cross-train members as Police Officer/Parademics, Fire
Fighter/Paramedics, and paid on-call Fire Fighter/EMTs to deliver emergency medical services.
He reported that the EMS industry has been impacted because the health care industry has
experienced significant changes, particularly concerning Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.
The Public S�fety Director said Cottage Grove is unique because it is a hybrid system with cross
trained staff, which can only be found in a few nearby cities such as Woodbury and Maplewood
and some others nationally and said the system creates certain challenges. He stated that,
Regular Meeting - March 7, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 9
overall, the system has done well since 1967, when the City began one of the first parademic
systems in the metro and State, but over the years the Council has questioned write-offs.
Woolery informed Council that once an assignment is accepted, it is agreed that the City will take
payments and must accept billing, noting that Medicare can co-bill to private insurance. He
stated that St. Paul Park and Newport are unique in that their usage rate per population is twice
that of Cottage Grove, yet the return rate averages $.46 on the dollar. The demographic and
service demands of the two other cities differ. St. Paul Park and Newport have older populations
which, in turn, require an increased need for EMS. Several measures have been taken over the
years in attempts to address the issues of lost revenues: increases to ambulance billing rates,
decreased EMS budget supporting Police/Paramedic personnel and other costs, increased
efficiencies with allocated resources, and the Minnesota revenue recapture program.
The Public Safety Director cited four (4) other service delivery options, to be considered:
1. Maintain the current Police/Parademic, Fire/Parademic, and paid on-call Fire Fighter/EMT
system
2. Subcontract or transfer St. Paul Park and Newport to a private service provider
3. Migrate to a Fire Department-based EMS system
a. Hybrid Police/Fire system
i. Primary Fire response/Transport
ii. Secondary Police response/Transport
4. Subcontract or transfer Primary Service (PSA) to private service providers.
The Public Safety Director stated that the current public safety model is in place but is not without
challenges, including lost street response, paramedic shortage, and the need to accelerate the
recruitment program. He cited disadvantages of the public safety model are recruitment/retention
and police service competing with EMS demands. He recommended in 2008 or 2009 looking at
adding police officers to allow room in the schedule to get 1-2 officers to school.
Mayor Shiely asked if he had seen any change in response dispatching time, and the Public
Service Director responded that it had improved since June.
The Public Safety Director reported that at this point St. Paul Park and Newport are not interested
in supporting their residents with healthcare needs via hospital care and that Cottage Grove
controls the service area. Discussion ensued about Cottage Grove taxpayers covering bad debt
(non-reimbursements), notably for St. Paul Park and Newport, and what this means to the City,
as well as the possibility of utilizing HealthEast, which expressed interest in discussions with
Cottage Grove. The Public Safety Director noted the difficulty in looking at the subject in both a
business sense and service sense and cited the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing a
private service.
Mayor Shiely expressed interest in the concept of moving Paramedics to the Fire Division.
Council Member Grossklaus asked if there was a breakeven at some point in phasing out
Paramedics, where there wouldn't be a need to hire more police. The Public Service Director
responded that the City would be right there with other cities then. He said it is a challenge when
adding the EMS component.
Regular Meeting - March 7, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 10
Council Member Grossklaus described an example when Cottage Grove paramedics responded
to a call in St. Paul Park and their police officers were just observing at the site. Council Member
Bailey commented that they show up for their own calls. Council Member Luden said he was
amazed how quickly one can respond when police are deployed within minutes and the amount
of bad decisions that are prevented by getting to a call site quickly. The Public Safety Director
agreed that lives are being saved.
Mayor Shiely complimented the Public Safety Director on a report that was well balanced,
comprehensive, and would be the beginning of further conversation.
The Public Safety Director thanked Council for their attention and reassured them that needs are
being met today.
Mayor Shiely asked Council how they felt about including more Fire Fighter/Paramedics.
Council Member Rice responded that it would be a difficult time increasing budgets dramatically
either way. He said perhaps the City could work with HealthEast in some way where they would
have their new qualified hires contract with us so Cottage Grove doesn't have to make the run out
of town. The Public Safety Director responded that HealthEast would be willing to talk about that.
Council Member Grossklaus said he supported dropping St. Paul Park and Newport services,
subcontracting out, and keeping services within Cottage Grove.
Mayor Shiely suggested utilizing HealthEast trainees. The Public Safety Director responded that
there is a part-time paramedic program and perhaps certified medics could be utilized to help
cover at a reduced rate when need arises.
The City Administrator stated that there would be benefit in continuing discussion with
HealthEast.
B. Advisorv Commission/Committee Appointment Process
The City Administrator reported that it was discovered recently that the process used to appoint
advisory Commission members has varied depending on the Commission and he was asking for
an affirmation from Council regarding a process and then would come back with a policy for
consideration at the next Council meeting. He provided background information that Council had
not reviewed the appointment process since 1992, at which time that Council had implemented a
change that "each Commission may approach the process of appointing new members with their
respective Council Liaison." He suggested that there be reinforcement that advisory Commission
appointment is something done by the Council and not by the Commissions themselves and that
the appointment process is run by the Council Liaison, who is the decider in bringing it forward to
Council.
Mayor Shiely suggested that the wording be changed to "each Commission shall approach the
process of appointing new members with their respective Council Liaison," that it is the Council
Liaison who will make the determination. She stated that the advisory Commission is a group of
citizens that Council relies on and Council wants to make sure there are people there they can
Regular Meeting — March 7, 2007
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 11
rely on and offer a variety of ideas. Mayor Shiely stated that she was in favor of the City
Administrator's suggestion. Council Member Rice agreed.
Council Member Bailey stated that the Commission shouldn't appoint but rather tell people who
have interest in openings to submit applications.
After discussion, the City Administrator stated that he would bring back a process for Council to
review.
Council Member Luden suggested that there be some uniform interview tools or rating criteria
when interviewing candidates. The City Administrator responded that there were standard
temples available and questions could be played off the applications. Council Members Rice and
Bailey both agreed with a uniform interviewing template.
WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED
None
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY BAILEY, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:34 P.M.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
RespectFully submitted,
Mary Heintz
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.