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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-01 MINUTESREGULAR MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL November 1, 2006 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 Shiely encouraged persons to limit their remarks to finro minutes per issue. Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely Council Member Myron Bailey Council Member Karla Bigham Council Member Mark Grossklaus Council Member Pat Rice Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Howard Blin, Community Development Director Ron Hedberg, Finance Director Corrine Thompson, City Attorney Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director Les Burshten, Public Works Director There being no speakers, Mayor Shiely closed the Open Forum at 7:16 p.m. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota, held a regular meeting on Wednesday, November 1, 2006, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80 Street South. Mayor Sandy Shiely called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely Council Member Myron Bailey Council Member Karla Bigham Council Member Mark Grossklaus Council Member Pat Rice Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Howard Blin, Community Development Director Ron Hedberg, Finance Director Regular Meeting — November 1, 2006 Cottage Grove City Council Page 2 Corrine Thompson, City Attorney Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director Les Burshten, Public Works Director Mayor Shiely presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY BAILEY, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. PRESENTATIONS A. Holidav Train Committee Mayor Shiely reported that the Holiday Train Committee was responsible for planning the stop of the fully-lighted Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, scheduled for a stopover on Tuesday, December 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the Belden Railroad Crossing. Mary Sleusser, Area Chamber of Commerce President and Holiday Train Coordinator, said this would be the fourth year of the Holiday Train stopping in Cottage Grove. She recognized the efforts of Michelle Reagan (Friends in Need Food Shelf), Emily White (City of Newport), St. Paul Park Mayor John Huntinger, Jim Domeyer (Viking Trucking). Ms. Sleusser stated that the train raises awareness of hunger in each community, stopping at 30 throughout the U.S., and had raised in Cottage Grove over $13,000 in 2003, $16,000 in 2004, $18,000 in 2005, and this year's goal being $20,000. She added that the community was reported to have the largest attendance in the nation and Canada and then thanked all who assisted in the efforts. Entertainment will be provided as well as a visit from Santa Claus. Ms. Sleusser said that upcoming fundraising events included an Applebee's breakfast on December 2, 7:30-10:00 a.m., at a cost of $5, with a drawing for a free train ride for two from Hastings to downtown St. Paul, and a Church of St. Regis pancake breakfast, on Sunday, December 10, for $5. She thanked the communities of St. Paul Park, Newport, and Cottage Grove. Michelle Reagan, Friends in Need Food Shelf, expressed appreciation for the all the work put into the event and said last year 11,400 people were served. She mentioned that money donations do even more than food, for pennies on the dollar, from Second Harvest. Mayor Shiely reported that Jim Domeyer would have a lighted semi at the Holiday Train site for Food Shelf donations. He stated that Cottage Grove, St. Paul Park, and Woodbury royalty would be handing out cookies, hot apple cider, and hot chocolate. Regular Meeting — November 1, 2006 Cottage Grove City Council Page 3 B. Firefiqhter Swearinq-In Presentation: Tonv Rich, Scott Shaver, and John Tronnes. Mayor Shiely announced that it was a very happy time to swear in three new firefighters and then asked Council Members to join in the presentation. The City Administrator described the backgrounds of John Tronnes, Scott Shaver, and Tony Rich, and then administered their oaths of office. The Public Safety Director then expressed his personal congratulations to the firefighters. C. Youth Service Bureau Paul Weiler, Youth Service Bureau director, stated he was attending the Council meeting to express thanks to the City, on behalf of the Youth Service Bureau board, for its support of the nonprofit community-based agency, which works with youth to keep them out of the court system. He described the 30-year background of the organization in Cottage Grove and noted that it served 2,300 youth (500 in Cottage Grove) last year. He then presented a commemorative recognition plaque to Mayor Shiely, on behalf of Cottage Grove, and she and the Public Safety Director expressed their thanks. Mr. Weiler said a special luncheon would be held to honor supporters and stakeholders on November 8, 11:30 a.m. at Tartan Park. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Auqust 2, 2006, Special Meetinq Mayor Shiely stated that the minutes stand approved as submitted. B. Auqust 9, 2006, Special Meetinq Mayor Shiely stated that the minutes stand approved as submitted. C. Auqust 16, 2006, Special Meetinq Mayor Shiely stated that the minutes stand approved as submitted. D. September 20, 2006, Reqular Meetinq Mayor Shiely stated that the minutes stand approved as submitted. E. October 4, 2006, Reqular Meetinq Mayor Shiely stated that the minutes stand approved as submitted. Regular Meeting — November 1, 2006 Cottage Grove City Council Page 4 CONSENT CALENDAR Council Member Bailey pulled Item H for discussion. He said the donation of the memorial park bench and finro Japanese lilac trees from the Julie Ristani Memorial Committee would be placed along the Kingston Park Trail and wished to thank the donors. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY BIGHAM, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES: i. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MEETING MINTUES FROM AUGUST 14, 2006, AND SEPTEMBER 11, 2006. ii. HUMAN SERVICES/HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FROM JUNE 2006 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2006. iii. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 25, 2006. B. APPROVE THE 2007 THROUGH 2O09 LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE AND AFSCME LOCAL 517 FOR CLERICAL EMPLOYEES. C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 06-224, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT FOR SUMMERHILL CROSSING 3 ADDITION, LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF 70 STERET AND PINE ARBOR LANE. D. RECEIVE MATERIALS FOR ANNUAL CITY ADMINISTRATOR PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND SET DATE FOR REVIEW TO DECEMBER 6, 2006. E. ACCEPT QUOTES FROM SUPERIOR CONCRETE AND CONTECH, INC., FOR EROSION CONTROL PRODUCTS FOR THE HIGHLANDS PARK POND FOR TOTAL COST OF $11,065.80. F. APPROVE THE WELL #9 MAINTENACNE PROEJCT AND SET A BID DATE OF NOVMEBER 30, 2006, AT 10:30 A.M. TO RECEIVE BIDS. G. ADOPT RESOLUTION N0.06-225, A RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT OF $5,000.00 TO LAMETTI & SONS, INC. FOR THE GATEWAY STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. H. ACCEPT DONATION OF A MEMORIAL PARK BENCH AND TWO JAPANESE LILAC TREES FROM THE JULIE RISTANI MEMORIAL COMMITTEE TO BE PLACED ALONG THE KINGSTON PARK TRAIL. I. RECEIVE PROGRESS UPDATE FOR FINALIZATION OF THE SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN. J. AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY FOR EXPANSION OF THE HAMLET POND STORM WATER PONDING AREA. K. ADOP RESOLUTION NO. 06-226, A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION FUNDING. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES None. Regular Meeting — November 1, 2006 Cottage Grove City Council Page 5 PUBLIC HEARINGS None. BID AWARDS None. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Receive information related to the proposed 2007 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (AMM) leaislative policv chanqe to Local Government Aid (LGA) and consider adoptina a resolution supportinq chanqes in the AMM LGA policv. The Finance Director stated that LGA (Local Government Aid) is a form of State revenue sharing that is distributed to Minnesota cities based on expenditure need and City ability to pay. He said Cottage Grove in the past had received $965,000 worth of aid each year, though no longer receives any support due to the formula currently utilized. He said a member of the AMM (Association of Metropolitan Municipalities) would be proposing a policy change later this week at its upcoming meeting and that Council Member Bailey, an AMM board member, suggested Cottage Grove offer a resolution of support to change the policy. Council Member Bailey reported that various formulas were evaluated and he would like to submit to AMM a Cottage Grove resolution of support of revamping the formula for the future. Council Member Rice asked about a finite pot of money. Council Member Bailey responded that it is not a finite amount. He said the intent now is to look at the formula so cities receive equitable treatment from LGA in the future. Council Member Rice inquired as to how the formula would affect cities currently getting support. Council Member Bailey responded that there would be some effect with a new formula, some cities receiving less LGA funding and some getting some that are not getting any now. He added that AMM represents a majority of cities and the idea would be to represent all metropolitan cities to talk about LGA in the future. Council Member Bailey said, being on the board, it is an opportunity to pick up a stamp of approval to try to see if the legislature can recalculate the formula. Council Member Bigham commented that it would be a win-win situation, with the opportunity for Cottage Grove to possibly obtain LGA support. Regular Meeting — November 1, 2006 Cotfage Grove City Council Page 6 Mayor Shiely complimented Council Member Bailey and the AMM Board for suggesting a recalculation and stated her disappointment that AMM hadn't addressed it earlier. She said she would definitely support a change in policy. MOTION BY BIGHAM, SECONDED BY MAYOR SHIELY, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 06-227, A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE CHANGES IN THE ASSOCIATION OF METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITIES (AMM) LOCAL GOVERNMENT AID (LGA) POLICY. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. B. Consider accepting the offer of Ameron for warrantv replacement of streetlight poles on 80 Street. The Public Works Director reported that 88 25-foot concrete streetlights installed in 1998 failed due to cracking caused by the bottom portion of the pole not being sealed during the production process. He stated that Ameron, in negotiations with the City, came to a warranty agreement for Ameron to replace all poles, pay $51,000 in labor costs, and dispose of the old poles. The Public Works Director stated that other options were considered: the original cost of the poles in 1998 was $314,941 and to replace on site with aluminum poles similar to those in the City would cost $234,780; to replace poles with new poles being recommended in the East Ravine and Parkway it would cost $306,600. He said the replacement warranty suggested by Ameron is for the City portion to be $58,350, with $10,000 for restoration, totaling $68,350. The Public Works Director recommended the authorization to sign an agreement with Ameron and start pole replacement in the spring of 2007. Council Member Bailey inquired whether the new poles would be warranted. The Public Works Director responded that there would be a ten-year warranty on the new poles. Mayor Shiely inquired as to whether warrantees differ in the bidding process among companies. The Public Works Director responded that there is a difference and he said Ameron appeared to offer a very good warranty. He said Ameron was very surprised about the failure, which is very rare. Council Member Rice inquired as to where it is possible to warrant all poles (existing and new) for the ten-year warranty. The Public Works Director responded that he would try to do so. MOTION BY BAILEY, SECOND BY GROSSKLAUS, TO ACCEPT AMERON'S OFFER FOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENT OF STREETLIGHT POLES ON 80 STREET. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Regular Meeting — November 1, 2006 Cottage Grove City Council Page 7 RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS A. Recei Mayor thanked the City Engineer for the traffic signal analysis and asked for her comments. The City Engineer reported that one count was conducted in August prior to school, and it was found that the traffic count had decreased from the previous time a count was taken. She said, to ensure an accurate comparison was made, a traffic count was completed the third week of October, which showed a decrease from even August and no longer warranted a traffic signal, that the decrease may be related to the 70 Street and T.H. 61 interchange. She said it was staff's current recommendation to continue monitoring the intersection. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Council Member Bigham thanked those who participated in the K-9 fundraiser event at Applebee's. Mayor Shiely thanked the Cottage Grove staff and the City Administrator for putting on field trips for three classes from Hillside and three classes from Armstrong in October. She said staff did a wonderFul job of organizing it and conducting public safety visits and mock Council meetings. PAY BILLS MOTION BY BIGHAM, SECONDED BY RICE, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 147429 to 147636 TOTALING $1,103,693.08. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN None. WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED The meeting adjourned to the Workshop Session at 8:15 p.m. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO TEMPORARILY ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING TO A CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING: A. Labor Agreement Arbitration. B. Union Negotiations/Insurance Renewals MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Regular Meeting — November 1, 2006 Cottage Grove City Council Page 8 MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO ADJOURN THE CLOSED SESSION AT 9:03 P.M. AND RECONVENE THE REGULAR MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY BIGHAM, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT 9:03 P.M. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Mary Heintz TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.