HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-06-06 MINUTESREGULAR MEETING
COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL
June 6, 2007
OPEN FORUM — 7:15 p.m.
Open forum provides a person an opportunity to inform the Council of a problem or to request
information related to City business not scheduled for Council action and on the Agenda.
Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely
Council Member Mark Grossklaus
Council Member Fred Luden
Council Member Pat Rice
Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
Howard Blin, Community Development Director
Les Burshten, Public Works Director
Ron Hedberg, Finance Director
Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer
Corrine Thompson, City Attorney
Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director
Not Present: Council Member Myron Bailey
Mayor Shiely opened the Open Forum at 7:15 p.m.
Representatives of the Strawberry Fest Committee provided updates for the upcoming
festival weekend. Terry Flipp, 7963 Isleton, parade chair, reported there are currently 82
units participating and the route has been changed to proceed down 80 and end at Jeffrey.
Cindy Bailey, 7788 Jasmine Avenue, of the fundraising subcommittee, seeks additional
donations for the planned events this year and said there will be an information booth
available to obtain schedules, free tattoo stickers, strawberry glasses and glow sticks. Betty
Anderson, 8500 Hilo Trail, introduced her canine friend, Abbey, and invited all to attend the
pet show and numerous associated events including contests and training, sponsored by
Amy's Pampered Pet Parlor, Chuck and Don's Food Outlet, and Park Grove Pet Hospital.
Sheri Yaritz of CGAA Softball, reported this will be the first annual coaches carnival to be
held from8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and includes a silent auction and turtle races. Caron Stransky, City
Clerk, cited the entertainment for Friday, Saturday and Sunday stage and said a fireworks
display would be held Saturday evening. Additional information can be obtained at the City of
Cottage Grove website.
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Cottage Grove City Council
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State Representative Karla Bigham reported on recent legislative progress, including a law
for contracting and bidding that will allow for best value, quality and timeliness; a smoking
ban to begin in October; increased public safety against burglars for government buildings,
schools and religious buildings; restored cuts to Meals on Wheels, and positive changes for
police and fire disability provisions. She stated the transportation bill was sent back for
additional work and she expected there to be upcoming property tax relief.
There being no other speakers, Mayor Shiely closed the Open Forum at 7:24 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota, held a regular
meeting on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80 Street
South. Mayor Shiely called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely
Council Member Mark Grossklaus
Council Member Fred Luden
Council Member Pat Rice
Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
Howard Blin, Community Development Director
Les Burshten, Public Works Director
Ron Hedberg, Finance Director
Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer
Corrine Thompson, City Attorney
Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director
Not Present: Council Member Myron Bailey
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS
SUBMITTED.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
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PRESENTATION
A. Swearinq-In Presentation: Police Officer Adam Overbev
The City Administrator described Officer Overbey's background and administered the oath of
office. The Public Safety Director welcomed Officer Overbey and expressed his personal
comments.
B. Introduction of New K9 Unit
The Public Safety Director introduced K9 Officer Blitz, the newest addition to the Cottage
Grove Police Department K9 unit, and his handler, Police Officer/Paramedic Mike
Vandervort. He stated that $14,000 had been donated to date in support of the purchase,
training and squad set-up off the Cottage Grove K9 Program and Officer Vandervort and his
K9 partner Blitz graduated on May 24 from an intensive 14-week training program at the
St. Paul Police Department K9 Academy. The Public Safety Director cited the K9 functions to
include search and apprehension, searching for lost persons, building searches, officer
safety, crowd control, loss of evidence, and public K9 presentations. Officer Vandervort.then
offered some personal comments about K9 Officer Blitz.
Officer/Paramedic Vandervort thanked all those who extended support for the program,
including but not limited to State Representative Bigham, the City Council, the Crime
Prevention Advisory Board, and Sergeant Randy McAlister. He said it will enhance officer
safety. The K9 team will attend the Strawberry Fest 2-5 p.m. at Kingston Park.
C. 2006 Comprehensive Annual Financial Reqort
Brock Geyen, Manager of the Public Services Group with the City's auditing firm of Larson,
Allen, Weishair, & Co., LLP, presented the 2006 Financial Statements, cited highlights and
reviewed the Executive Audit Summary for Council, and stated 2006 was a clean audit.
Council Member Luden asked if there was anything significant that Council should be aware
of regarding State liabilities today versus the future in the post employment benefit section.
Mr. Geyen responded that there is some liability carrying insurance for retirees. The Finance
Director added that retirees who participate in the plan pay 100% of the cost but the City
does pay slightly higher insurance premiums because they are in the pool. He said a trust
arrangement will need to be set up with an actuary.
The Finance Director commended the efforts of everyone in the Finance Department, in
particular Brenda Peper, Cathy Mohr, and Jesse Swenson.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. April 18, 2007, Regular Meeting
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B. May 2, 2007, Regular Meeting
Mayor Shiely stated that the meeting minutes stood approved as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Shiely pulled Items E(consider approving a variance to reduce the 30-foot minimum
front yard setback to 23.5 feet o allow construction of an addition to the front of the house at
8162 Homestead Court South) and L(receive information on the status of the City's MSA
account).
Mayor Shiely inquired how a determination was made whether or not a setback variance
would be included as part of a Consent Agenda. The Community Development Director
responded that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the variance and so it
had been added to the Council's Consent Agenda.
Mayor Shiely asked about MSA funding for future development regarding, in particular,
Hadley Avenue from 100 to 90 Street, given the fact that both sides are fully developed.
The Finance Director responded that upgrades would be needed for future development and
items on the horizon could involve MSA.
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO:
A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES:
I. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES FROM MARCH 12, 2007, AND APRIL 9, 2007.
II. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FROM APRIL 23, 2007.
III. PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FROM MARCH 12,
2007.
B. APPROVE THE APPOINTMENTS OF SARAH WESTALL AND TONY JURGENS TO
FILL VACANCIES ON THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR TERMS
TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND DECEMBER 31, 2009, RESPECTIVELY.
C. ACCEPT THE 2006 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT.
D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-096 APPROVING THE INTERIM CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT ALLOWING TEMPORARY OUTDOOR SALES OF FIREWORKS IN THE
CUB FOODS PARKING LOT, 8690 EAST POINT DOUGLAS ROAD, FROM JUNE 18,
2007 TO JULY 8, 2007.
E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-097 APPROVING THE VARIANCE REDUCING THE
FRONT YARD SETBACK TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF A FRONT ADDITION AT
8162 HOMESTEAD COURT SOUTH.
F. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-098 AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE
GRANT AWARD FROM THE HASTINGS WAL-MART COMMUNITY GRANT
PROGRAM FOR $2,000 ($1,000 TO THE POLICE DIVISION AND $1,000 TO THE
FIRE DIVISION) AND AUTHORIZE THE MONEY BE DONATED TO THE COTTAGE
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Cottage Grove City Council
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GROVE CRIME PREVENTION ADVISORY BOARD AND FIRE AUXILIARY.
G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-099 ACCEPTING DONATIONS FROM 3M ($250)
AND MAINSTREET BANK ($125) THAT WILL BE USED TO ASSIST FUNDING THE
FACINGRACE EVENT THE HUMAN SERVICES/HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
WILL BE HOSTING.
H. PASS ORDINANCE NO. 819, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE
COTTAGE GROVE CITY CODE RELATING TO THE HUMAN SERVICES/HUMAN
RIGHTS COMMISSION.
I. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #1 FOR THE RAVINE PARKWAY, 90 STREET,
SOUTH, AND KEATS AVENUE (CSAH 19) PROJECT, WHICH PROVIDES FOR
ADDITIONAL WORK TO INSTALL PRIVATE UTILITY CONDUITS, ADDITIONAL
SAND FOR THE MEDIAN, INSTALL WOOD POSTS, INSTALL ADDITIONAL
REFLECTIVE MARKERS, TEMPORARY PATCHING, SCREENED PLANTING
MATERIAL, ADDITIONAL CURB AND GUTTER ON RAVINE PARKWAY,
INSTALLATION OF TWO ADDITIONAL STREET LIGHTS, AND A TEMPORARY
BITUMINOUS WEDGE, FOR AN ADD-ON OF $46,291.33.
J. AUTHORIZE STAFF TO CONTRACT WITH WASHINGTON CONSERVATION
DISTRICT AND MEMBERS OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY WATER
CONSORTIUM FOR THE SHARED WATER RESOURCE EDUCATION PROGRAM.
K. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-100 ACCEPTING DONATIONS TOTALING $1,000 ON
BEHALF OF THE PUBLIC SFAETY, FIRE AND RECREATION DEPARTMENTS FOR
THE 14TH ANNUAL YOUTH SAFETY CAMP.
L. RECEIVE INFORMATION ON THE STATUS OF THE CITY'S MUNICIPAL STATE
AID STREET SYSTEM ACCOUNT.
M. AUTHORIZE STAFF TO ACCEPT NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2007 GREEN GARDEN
AWARD AND MAKE THE GREEN GARDEN AWARD PRESENTATION AT THE
AUGUST 8, 2007, COUNCIL MEETING.
N. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-101 AWARDING THE VFW UTILITY IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT CONTRACT TO HYDROCON, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,645.00.
O. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF OUTDOOR EVENT PERMITS TO THE COTTAGE
GROVE STRAWBERRY FEST COMMITTEE AND THE COTTAGE GROVE
JAYCEES FOR THE STRAWBERRY FEST EVENTS, A CARNIVAL AND
FIREWORKS DISPLAY, CONTINGENT ON CONDITIONS ESATB LISHED B Y THE
PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION AT THEIR MAY 29, 2007,
MEETING.
P. APPROVE THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE
CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE FOR THE COUNTY STATE HIGHWAY (CSAH) 19,
CR19A, CR75 AND POSSIBLE NEW ROUTE IDENTIFICATION FOR CONSULTANT
SERVICES FOR TRAFFIC ANALYSIS AND FORECASTING.
Q. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-102 APPROVING THE PLAN AND SPECIFICATIONS
AND ESTABLISH A JULY 12, 2007, BID DATE FOR THE EAST RAVINE TRUNK
SANITARY SEWER PHASE 2, UTILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.
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Cottage Grove City Councii
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R. APPOINT KRYSTSAL MCCALVY TO A YOUTH SEAT ON THE PARKS,
RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION FOR A TERM TO END
FEBRUARY 28, 2009.
S. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-103 APPROVING THE FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR
SOUTH POINT RIDGE AND ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES
A. Fire Department Staffinq and Response Times
Mayor Shiely inquired as to whether there was a dispatch log reflecting an incident timeline
that was not included with Council materials. The Public Safety Director responded that he
had the original log but had provided a summary to Council.
Mayor Shiely also reported that she had received a phone call complimenting the Fire and
Police Departments for their compassion, care, and hard work responding to the house fire.
B. Response ReaardinQ Propertv at 7101 Inwood Court South
No comment was made.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Continue the Public Hearinq to June 20, 2007, for the Riaht-of-Wav Vacation for the
South Point Ridqe Development
MOTION BY GROSSKLAUS, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC
HEARING TO THE JUNE 20, 2007 REGULAR MEETING, TO CONSIDER THE VACATION
OF CERTAIN RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR THE SOUTH POINT RIDGE DEVELOPMENT.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
BID AWARDS
A. 1) Consider Reiectina Bids for the Jamaica Avenue Hiqhwav 61 Roundabout Proiect;
2) Consider Establishina a New Bid Date of July 5, 2007, at 10:00 a.m.; and 3)
Consider Settinq a Special Meetinq Date of Julv 11, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. to /Consider
Awarding the Bid
The City Administrator added that the three bids received were not compliant to the
specifications, which was the reason for rebidding the project.
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MOTION BY GROSSKLAUS, SECONDED BY RICE, TO REJECT BIDS FOR THE JAMAICA
AVENUE/HIGHWAY 61 ROUNDABOUT PROJECT. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
MOTION BY LUDEN, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO ESTABLISH A NEW BID DATE
OF JULY 5, 2007, AT 10:00 A.M. FOR THE JAMAICA AVENUE/HIGHWAY 61
ROUNDABOUT PROJECT. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO SET A SPECIAL MEETING DATE OF
JULY 11, 2007, AT 7:30 P.M. TO AWARD THE BID FOR THE JAMAICA AVENUE/
HIGHWAY 61 ROUNDABOUT PROJECT. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. 1) Consider Aqqrovinp the Development with B&C Real Estate Investment for "The
Preserve at Cottage Grove" and 2) Consider Acceptina the Feasibilitv Report and
Authorizina the Citv Enqineer to Prepare Construction Plans and Specifications for Public
Improvements
Mayor Shiely requested that the subject be tabled until the June 20, 2007, Council meeting,
as some additional preparation is still needed.
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO TABLE DISCUSSION OF THE
B&C REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT FOR "THE PRESERVE AT COTTAGE GROVE" TO THE
JUNE 20, 2007, COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
B. Consider Approving the Final Planned Development Overlav (PDO) Development Plan
and Site Plan Review of Norris Marketplace, to be Located on the South West Corner of
Grange Boulevard and Hadlev Avenue.
The Community Development Director provided background information, displayed site maps
for the Norris Marketplace development, and expressed finro concerns, that monument
signage not impede traffic visibility and mixed-use parking adequately serve the site. He
reported that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the project and also noted
that owners,Presbyterian Homes and VSI Construction will coordinate fencing with
neighboring residents.
Len Sutherland, 13131 Jonquil Lane, Dayton, of VSI Construction, presented a video on the
development which visually displayed the architecture of the buildings and roadways.
Council Member Grossklaus inquired that sidewalks across the senior housing had been
discussed at the Planning Commission but were not included in the video. Mr. Sutherland
responded that it was a condition that had been added.
Council Member Grossklaus expressed concern about the length of the loading dock not
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Cottage Grove City Council
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accommodating 53-foot trailers. Mr. Sutherland said it would accommodate 45-foot trailers
but he will need to check into the longer length and get back to Council.
Council Member Grossklaus asked what percentage of the buildings have been leased.
Mr. Sutherland responded that negotiations are still underway but he estimated the north
building is 80% leased and the east building 50%.
Council Member Grossklaus commented that fast food casual restaurants utilize a hefty
amount of parking space and inquired whether other businesses might be deterred from
going into a lease because of that. The Community Development Director responded that
mixed-use will work for the project and he didn't believe it would be an issue.
Council Member Rice inquired as to who would decide when the fence is in disrepair and that
neighbors can be guaranteed that it will be maintained. The Community Development
Director responded that it would be the owner, Presbyterian Homes.
Mayor Shiely commented that she had toured the construction site and the view is incredible,
she is glad upgrades included the park entrance, and the second sidewalk is a good idea.
The Community Development Director also reported that the developer requests renaming
Grange Avenue to 80 Street (from west of the fire station to 80 to make it clearer for
drivers coming off 61, and will require separate formal action by the Council. He confirmed
that the name change would not affect current homeowners on Grange.
Council Member Grossklaus inquired as to who will pay for the 61 signs if it changed. The
Community Development Director responded that he assumed MNDOT would pay for them
but said he would find out.
MOTION BY LUDEN, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 07-104
APPROVING THE FINAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY (PDO) DEVELOPMENT
PLAN AND SITE PLAN REVIEW OF NORRIS MARKETPLACE, TO BE LOCATED ON THE
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF GRANGE BOULEVARD AND HADLEY AVENUE. MOTION
CARRIED 4-0.
RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
None.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Mayor Shiely invited other Council Members to participate in the Strawberry Fest Mayor's
Bocce ball Challenge 2 p.m. at Kingston Park and said Senator Norm Coleman responded
that he would not be able to participate but was happy to be invited.
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Shiely reported that she and the City Administrator had attended a Minnesota Department of
Health seminar, which had been enlightening, and she had provided local reaction on behalf
of area cities to issues they are being faced with. Mayor Shiely also stated that the
Department of Health will publish a 50-page report in Thursday's paper regarding Minnesota
cancer rates, showing that Cottage Grove does not have any greater cancer level than other
metropolitan cities.
Mayor Shiely stated that it will be incumbent to work with the Comprehensive Plan Study
Review Committee and important for Council to be well prepared and well informed regarding
the Red Rock Corridor before doing so. She suggested inviting Mike Rogers from
Washington County to attend a Cottage Grove Council Meeting in August and a
Comprehensive Plan meeting, in preparation for high speed rail plans befinreen the Twin
Cities and Chicago. Mayor Shiely said she will be out of town June 28 and asked that
another Council Member attend the Red Rock Corridor meeting in her absence at 3 p.m. at
City Hall.
She announced a fundraiser for a Minnesota National Guard Member who lost both legs in
Iraq, scheduled for September 29, 8-10 a.m., at the finro Applebee's in Woodbury and
possibly the Applebee's in Cottage Grove.
PAY BILLS
MOTION BY GROSSKLAUS, SECONDED BY RICE, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK
NUMBERS 150269 TO 150590 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,044,804.74. MOTION CARRIED 4-
0.
Council then adjourned to the City Hall conference room for an Open Workshop Session at
8:38 p.m.
WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN
Council reconvened at 8:45 p.m.
A. Earlv Retirement Proqram
The Finance Director reported that City staff is seeking direction from Council regarding
creation of an early retirement incentive plan and the elements involved. He stated that the
main issue with early retirement is the health care costs going into retirement and whether a
plan should be designed to help in that area. The Finance Director stated that definition
would be needed as to which groups would be eligible, as well as the threshold of benefit and
incentive amounts. He provided clarification that the plan would be voluntary, not
discriminate with age, and cost coverage will need to be covered by cost savings, and then
requested Council feedback.
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Council Member Luden commented that a private-sector retirement program is often based
on age and years of service with a benefit that goes up as age goes up and is some
percentage of the social security benefit. He stated that a restructuring option might be a job
elimination plan, offering a week or two for every year's worth of service, though also stating
that the job could not be filled for a 24-36 month period.
The City Administrator said the goal is to put something into place that staff can voluntarily go
into now or work through when they would normally retire. He said the City would expense in
2007, which would affect savings in 2008 and 2009, noting that positions could be eliminated
or left vacant, department function could be reorganized, or positions hired at lower wages.
The City Administrator also noted that police officers are able to retire with reasonable
benefits through the PERA system.
Mayor Shiely said an early retirement program makes sense and she is comfortable leaving it
up to City staff as to which option makes the best sense. The City Administrator responded
that he would review and bring additional financial information back to Council
Council Member Grossklaus said he would like to see how the City would be affected
financially by the program, which groups would be eligible, and whether it would make sense
to target everybody or just certain areas. The Finance Director responded that the goal is to
have the plan cost paid for out of cost savings. The City Administrator said it would be great
if the plan would break even.
Council Member Luden commented that it will be a legal challenge and another issue to
consider is that any program adopted will create expectation once begun.
The City Administrator reported that City building permits are currently at 32% of average and
the financial challenge will be market value and decline, most notably in 2009.
Council Member Rice said he liked the idea of an early retirement program. He also
suggested a three-month period for staff to make their participation decisions, rather than six
months or longer.
B. Jamaica Avenue/Highwav 61 Roundabout Proiect
The City Engineer stated that the approach for the roundabouts has been to finish
construction early enough for drivers to navigate and become comfortable with them before
the winter season. She said the only change to the approved bid package is the completion
date, extending it from mid September to early November, and staff has raised concern as to
whether this is how Council wishes to proceed.
Mayor Shiely said she would want the project to be carried out according to what was sold to
the public, she is very disappointed with the delay, and discussion with others about the
project has been that the roads would remain open throughout the work. She said the people
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Page 11
paying for it through assessment are the ones who have the potential to be most hurt with a
road closing. Mayor Shiely stated that she is not opposed to finding out what kind of impact
there will be with a closing but other issues to consider are the School District, Park and Ride,
public safety and response times. She asked why the project couldn't be delayed until
spring. The City Engineer responded that the City would lose $400,000 from MnDOT.
Council Member Luden suggested that a tabletop exercise be implemented to determine
response time, as there needs to be an understanding of what is going to change.
The City Engineer expressed concerns with different staging under construction, referring in
particular to Jamaica being reduced to one lane in each direction.
Council Member Luden asked how the timing of emergency vehicles would be affected if
there was an incident on Co. Rd. 19. The Public Safety Director responded that scenarios
would be reviewed and said fire stations would respond from various areas and he wouldn't
want to limit access on Co. Rd. 19. He said he couldn't project what the public would do with
a Jamaica closure but a closure would have a big impact and adjustments would need to be
made as needed.
Mayor Shiely said she felt responsible to some extent, having not discussed public safety
issues with a road closure or impact of a one lane to business if it stays open. The Public
Safety Director responded that there had been a meeting with engineers on the initial outlay
and alternate routes and methods would be found to �qet around congested areas in
emergencies. The City Engineer added that the 103� Street closure wouldn't occur until
October, offering some temporary relief.
Mayor Shiely reiterated her disfavor of closure and said more information is needed.
The Public Works Director stated that when discussion initially started about the project,
various scenarios had been reviewed, and the goal was to get it up and running. He said the
State has allowed Cottage Grove to look at the possibility of a closure, though it had not
before, and a closure would make a world of difference to bidding contractors. The Public
Works Director said pros and cons have been contemplated, including safety, businesses,
residents, but, even if the road stays open, traffic will be an incredible headache. He said the
option of traffic controls with signals doesn't make sense as installation would be an
incredible amount of money, road closure would lengthen inaccessibility but would shorten
construction time, and holding off construction until spring would result in $400,000 loss and
possibly more by waiting.
Mayor Shiely stated there is always the option of not doing a roundabout and she would want
to discuss that.
Council Member Grossklaus asked if the process would be sped up and there would be
incentive for a developer to come in earlier if there was a clause to work 24 hours a day and,
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if so, what the reduction would be. The Public Works Director responded that he could
clearly see finro main contractors bidding on a 24-hour job and he estimated a 20-30%
decrease in time. He said there would need to be an eight-week closure to make it effective
and complete the concrete work.
Mayor Shiely asked if City staff could provide information to Council on the potential impact to
businesses at the July 22 Council meeting. The City Engineer responded that she could,
including a tabletop exercise.
Council Member Grossklaus said he would like to see the project done as soon as possible
before winter, or scrap and start over in the spring.
Dave Hanson, BRAA, said the quality of the work would be improved and there would be
savings having the project completed as a whole without stopping and restarting.
Tom Thompson, BRAA, said his theoretical fourth bidder didn't want to stop and restart the
project. He also said roundabouts are becoming more numerous in the State.
The City Administrator added a reminder that 2-4 month construction projects now that
includes a full road closure will last 20-40 years. The City Engineer added that options are
limited to a solution and no action will create more frustration and potential fatalities in the
future.
It was Council consensus for City staff to move ahead with bids and obtain more information.
WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED
None.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY LUDEN, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:45 P.M.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
RespectFully submitted,
Mary Heintz
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
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