Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-03-01 MINUTESREGULAR MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL March 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 two (2) minutes per issue. Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely Council Member Karla Bigham Council Member Mark Grossklaus Council Member Pat Rice Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Ron Hedberg, Finance and Administrative Services Director Howard Blin, Community Development Director Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer Michael Zurbey, Acting Public Safety Director Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor Corrine Thomson, City Attorney Not Present: Council Member Myron Bailey Sammy Gabriel, Teamster Business Agent, representative for the Police Dispatchers, stated that she is present to let the Council know that they are in complete disagreement with the 800 MHz Communications Center proposal. She stated that both times the Council heard this issue it was clearly stated that they wanted to keep the Cottage Grove Communications Center open and that the City was willing to pay for it in order to keep the dispatchers in Cottage Grove. She acknowledged the financial issues noting that staffing is also down. She stated that the Communications Center has been an important part of the City noting that most of the dispatchers live in the area and have an immense knowledge of the City and provide services that a central dispatch center could not do. She asked the Council to consider the proposal carefully and recommended that they motion to deny. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 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. Regular Meeting — March 1, 2006 Cottage Grove City Council ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Sandy Shiely Council Member Karla Bigham Council Member Mark Grossklaus Council Member Pat Rice Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Ron Hedberg, Finance and Administrative Services Director Howard Blin, Community Development Director Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer Michael Zurbey, Acting Public Safety Director ' Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor Corrine Thomson, City Attorney Not Present: Council Member Myron Bailey ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY BIGHAM, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. PRESENTATIONS A. MN DNR — Take a Kid Fishinq Day Zac Dockter, Parks Supervisor, stated that on behalf of the Recreation Department he is happy to present the Council with a new recreational opportunity in the City of Cottage Grove. He stated that Staff has been working with representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to create a fishing opportunity in Cottage Grove. He explained that the Minnesota DNR has reviewed the Hidden Valley Pond site and determined that this pond would meet the requirements of the FiN program, which means that fish stocking of the ponds will take place this spring. He stated that in an effort to better promote the stocking of the ponds and fishing opportunities Staff has decided to put on the first annuat `Take a Kid Fishing Day'. He stated that the Cottage Grove Recreation department is organizing the event with the assistance of the DNR. He stated that the event is scheduled for Saturday, June 10, 2006 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hidden Valley Ponds. He stated that one of the reasons Staff decided to approach this subject was to offer recreational activities in an area that currently has few. He stated that Staff felt that this would be a good opportunity to offer free recreational fishing to the community. He provided Council with an overview of the map and location of Hidden Valley Ponds. Jim Levitt, Minnesota DNR, FiN program, provided Council with overview of the MnAqua program stating that the program has been in existence for ten years. He explained that the FiN program helps to increase the community's knowledge about its natural resources. He stated that the Fishing in the Neighborhood program was started five years ago to create Regular Meeting — March 1, 2006 Cottage Grove City Council access to fishing within communities. He stated that the MnAqua program provides the educational component noting that the MnAqua and FiN programs overlap but provide different niches for the communities. He stated that both programs target youth by teaching them how to fish while also teaching them about the environment. He stated that in order to promote the program they work together with communities to hold City events with the Park Boards and recreational centers. He explained that the FiN program allows them to bring live fish events as a display, which provides youth with an opportunity to view the fish and learn fish identification. He provided Council with an overview of the fish management gear that is used during the survey process and an overview of the various projects FiN program is involved with including shoreline restoration, rain gardens, fishing piers and a fish stocking program. He stated that they are looking forward to partnering with the City of Cottage Grove on this project. Mr. Dockter stated that MnAqua would be the biggest part of the event noting that the event would also include groups from the Parks and Recreation Staff, Public Safety Department, City Staff, the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission, the DNR-MnAqua, 61 Marine and Sport, the Mayor and the City Council. He stated that donations are welcomed and needed noting that it would be used for food and beverages, fishing related gear, plaques, worms, and pier/boardwalk materials for future use. He stated that they would also welcome volunteers who would be willing to help throughout the event. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 4, 2006 Regular Meeting Mayor Shiely stated that the minutes stand approved as presented. CONSENT CALENDAR Council Member Bigham asked to �ull Item 4H for discussion. She stated that there is a church located on the corner of 90 and Keats and asked if there have been any discussions with the church regarding the landscaping. Community Development Director Blin stated that there have been several discussions around what to do with the property and indicated that they are waiting for a counter offer on the landscaping. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES: i. PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION OF JANUARY 9, 2006. ii. PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION OF JANUARY 17, 2006. B. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #3 FOR THE PINECLIFF ADDITION PROJECT. C. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #1 FOR THE 2001 FLOOD DAMAGE REPAIR PROJECT. D. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #3 FOR THE TIMBER RIDGE 6 ADDITION PROJECT. Regular Meeting — March 1, 2006 Cottage Grove City Council E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 06-038 APPROVING THE AMENDED FEASIBILITY REPORT, ORDERING THE PROJECT, AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION OF EASEMENTS AND AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE PINE ARBOR 3 RD ADDITION PROJECT. F. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 06-039 APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTABLISHING A BID DATE FOR THE SILVERWOOD ADDITION UTILITY, STREET AND STREET LIGHTING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 06-040 APPROVING APPLICATION OF VFW POST 8752 FOR A PREMISES PERMIT TO CONDUCT LAWFUL PURPOSE GAMBLING AT 9260 POINT DOUGLAS ROAD, COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA. H. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 06-041 APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTABLISHING A BID DATE FOR THE RAVINE PARKWAY, 90 STREET AND KEATS AVENUE STREET, UTILITY, STREET LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. I. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 06-042 APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTABLISHING A BID DATE FOR THE 97 STREET EXTENSION PHASE 2 UTILITY, STREET AND STREET LIGHTING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. J. APPROVE ADDENDUM NO. 1 TO THE PURCHASE AND LAND EXCHANGE AGREEMENT WITH THE 1501 PARTNERSHIP. K. APPROVE COMMISSION REAPPOINTMENTS. L. ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF SHANNON NITSCH FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZE THE PROCESS OF APPOINTING A NEW MEMBER TO FILL THE REMAINDER OF MR. NITSCH'S UNEXPIRED TERM. M. APPOINT BENJAMIN FRANCZOK TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM OF MARCH 1, 2006 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2008. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES NONE PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Hold a Public Hearinq and Consider Approvinq a Vacation and Discontinuance and Transfer of a Portion of a Recorded Public Right-Of-Wav Easement on Islav Avenue. Community Development Director Blin stated that this is to hold a public hearing and consider approving a vacation and discontinuance and transfer of a portion of a recorded public right- of-way easement on Islay Avenue. He provided Council with a brief overview stating that the reason for the vacation is to allow Carlson Auto to expand the parking lot area. He noted that they would retain the existing street utilities. Mayor Shiely opened the public hearing at 7:58 p.m. Regular Meeting — March 1, 2006 Cottage Grove City Council Mayor Shiely closed the public hearing at 7:59 p.m. MOTION BY RICE, SECOND BY GROSSKLAUS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 06-043 VACATING AND DISCONTINUING A PORTION OF A RECORDED RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT ON ISLAY AVENUE. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. BID AWARDS NONE UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Consider Approvinq the Preliminarv Plat for Glenqrove Industrial Park 3 Addition. Community Development Director Blin stated that the proposed platted area is generally south of 97 Street and north of 100 Street. He explained that the preliminary plat only creates one three-acre parcel and finro outlots. He further explained that the two outlots would eventually be re-platted to create individual parcels once parcel sizes are determined for future development projects. He stated that the pro�osed plat also includes the dedication of land for additional right-of-way along 100 Street and a new roadway that would connect 97 Street and 100 Street. He indicated that the final name for the new street would be determined and recommended to Council at the time of the final plat review. He noted that the three-acre parcel is located in the southwest corner of the platted area and is the proposed site for Resorts and Lodges.com. He stated that they plan to acquire and build a building identical to what had been proposed by Graphic Resources. He stated that City utilities would be constructed within the dedicated right-of-way noting that the Planning Commission has reviewed the proposal and recommends approval. Mayor Shiely clarified that the new tenant would have fewer loading docks. Community Development Director Blin confirmed noting that the building would have more windows and fewer loading docks. He stated that the business is employee intensive and does not need the loading docks. He stated that they are proposing a tenant space on the west side of the building with a loading dock. MOTION BY GROSSKLAUS, SECOND BY RICE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 06-044 APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR GLENGROVE INDUSTRIAL PARK 3 ADDITION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. B. Consider Approving a Zoning Amendment to Change the Zoninq from I-2 to I-5, a Preliminarv Plat for Canadian Pacific Railwav 1 Addition with Variance to Cul-De-Sac Length and a Conditional Use Permit to Allow Lvman Lumber to Locate a Lumber Yard in the I-5 Zoninq District with Variance to Side Yard Setbacks. Community Development Director Blin stated that since this agenda item was prepared it has been determined that there is no longer a need for a variance and the resolution reflects this Regular Meeting — March 1, 2006 Cottage Grove City Council determination. He provided Council with an overview of the area to be rezoned noting 91 acres of land owned by the CP Railroad are proposed to be rezoned from the existing General Industry zoning district to the Railroad Access Industrial district. He noted that the newly created I-5 district allows open storage land uses. He noted that a portion of the land, proposed to be subdivided by CP Railroad, would remain zoned I-2 and open storage would not be allowed in this area. Community Development Director Blin provided an overview of the plat noting that the proposed subdivision consists of 14 lots ranging from 3 to 40 acres in size. He stated that all lots meet the proposed requirements of the I-5 district. He reviewed access points to the lots noting that the street would provide access to Lyman Center and the Hamlet Park expansion area. He stated that there would also be finro small outlots at the northwest corner that would be dedicated to the City for future water tower construction and ponding. He stated that the initial need for the site was to provide rail access noting that most of the site, in the early stages of development, would be undeveloped with the most intensive development occurring on the south and west edges of the area. Community Development Director Blin reviewed the site plan noting that an office building is proposed for the southeast corner of the site with the remaining buildings to be used as storage buildings located along the south and southwest sides of the site. He explained that the cold storage buildings would serve to house the lumber and help to screen the site from the south and west. He assured Council that they want to be sure that there would be adequate screening noting that an existing stand of pine trees lies along the west side of the site. He stated that the trees are located on the Hamlet Park property and are effective in blocking views into the site. He stated that berms would be placed on the north side of the site to provide further screening. He referenced the tree mitigation plan stating that Lyman proposes to relocate 83 of the red pines along the perimeter of the property for screening purposes. He noted that the remaining trees would be removed. He stated that they plan to plant 300 trees and 65 high-growing shrubs to replace the trees that are being removed. He stated that it has been recommended that a planting plan, indicating the type and location of the replacement trees, be submitted for Staff approval. Peter Stykes, Architect and representative for Lyman Lumber, acknowledged Council's concerns with respect to shielding the views. He provided Council with a brief overview of the proposed landscaping and assured Council their intent is to minimize the impact as much as possible. He explained that they intend to plant an extensive number of trees along the berm area noting that it would overlap in order to obscure the view of the outside storage. He reviewed the storage shed locations noting that this would be part of the second phase of the development. He reviewed the staging area stating that they share Council's concerns with respect to visibility and assured the Council that they plan to shield any of the sites from the opposite direction. He reviewed the materials they plan to use for the buildings, which would be a combination of Hardi-Plank siding and brick. Council Member Rice referenced the outlot that would be used for the water tower and asked how they would access the site. Community Development Director Blin stated that one of the conditions of approval is the dedication of an easement that would allow the City access to Regular Meeting — March 1, 2006 Cottage Grove City Council the site. Mayor Shiely stated that she likes the Hardi-Plank and brick materials they plan to use. She stated that she appreciates the proposed berms, trees and their attempts to mitigate the trees. She stated that she feels very positive about the proposal noting that she appreciates the efforts that have been made with this development. Council Member Grossklaus clarified that his concerns are not with their business but with the land developer. He stated that it is his hope that the developer would start to bring more business into this area. Mayor Shiely stated that her only concern now is with the tree removal. She expressed concerns stating that the City is already short on tree preservation and she is concerned about the number of cedar trees that are being removed. Community Development Director Blin stated that he would review the number of cedars being removed and see if some of them could be moved to a new location. Dale Carlson, Lyman Lumber, assured Council that they want to shield the views as much for the City as themselves. He stated that they would be very willing to move some of the trees adding that they would definitely work through the details with City Staff. Council Member Rice asked if they have a specific timeframe that they plan to be completed by. Mr. Carlson stated that they want to be on site by November 15, 2006. Council Member Bigham stated that here concern is that she would like to see more development in the area to widen the tax base. She stated that there are three positives with this proposal, the access to the water tower, access to Hamlet Park and traffic impacts. She stated that it is her belief that the developer is responsible for bringing in further development opportunities. MOTION BY BIGHAM, SECOND BY GROSSKLAUS, TO ADOPT ORD/NANCE NO. 786 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 11-1-6, ZONING MAP, VIA REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED NORTH OF 95 STREET AND EAST OF HAMLET PARK FROM I- 2, GENERAL INDUSTRIAL, TO I-5, RAILROAD ACCESS INDUSTRIAL. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. MOTION BY RICE, SECOND BY GROSSKLAUS, TO ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 06-045 APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT WITH VARIANCE FOR LENGTH OF A CUL-DE- � SAC FOR CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY 1 ADDITION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. MOTION BY RICE, SECOND BY BIGHAM, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 06-046 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A LUMBER YARD AND BUILDING MATERIALS DISTRIBUTION AND ASSEMBLY FACILITY IN THE RAILROAD ACCESS INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT (I-5). MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Regular Meeting — March 1, 2006 Cottage Grove City Council RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS NONE COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Council Member Bigham stated that she has been talking with Public Works Director Burshten about the power outages and stoplights noting that she asked if the budget could cover the costs to install an alternate power supply. Public Works Director Burshten stated that everything has been installed and they are ready to go for the first storm and power outage. PAY BILLS MOTION BY BIGHAM, SECONDED BY GROSSKLAUS, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 143871 THROUGH 144034 TOTALING $454,799.86 (CHECKS 143871 — 143896 IN THE AMOUNT OF $73,210.36 ISSUED PRIOR TO COUNCIL APPROVAL.) MOTION CARRIED 4-0. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN NONE WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED NONE ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY BIGHAM, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:30 P.M. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.