HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-18 MINUTES
COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
September 18, 2013
OPEN FORUM
Mayor Myron Bailey opened Open Forum at 7:15 p.m. and stated that during Open Forum a
person may address the City Council on subjects not a part of the regular meeting agenda,
but must limit their remarks to three (3) minutes per person. The purpose of Open Forum is
to give the public an opportunity to present information or to request action by the City
Council. It may not be used to make personal attacks, to air personality grievances, to
make political endorsements, or for political campaign purposes. Open Forum will adjourn to
the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m.
The following were present: Mayor Myron Bailey, Council Member Derrick Lehrke, Council
Member Justin Olsen, Council Member Jen Peterson, and Council Member Dave Thiede.
The following were absent: None.
Also present were: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator; Caron Stransky, City Clerk; Robin
Roland, Finance Director; Kori Land, City Attorney-LeVander, Gillen & Miller, PA; Jennifer
Levitt, City Engineer; Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director; and Les Burshten, Public Works
Director.
Mayor Bailey opened Open Forum at 7:15 p.m., and asked if anyone in the audience wished
to address the City Council on any topic not on the agenda.
Linda Lehrke, 8186 Hemingway Avenue South, Cottage Grove, announced that a Touch of
Homes fundraiser would be held at Crossroads Church on September 28 and 29.
Mike Martin, 7807 Jocelyn Avenue South, Cottage Grove, stated that as a member of the
Cottage Grove VFW he was in attendance to discuss the 10% gambling contribution that the
VFW pays to the City. He asked if the City knew how many cities in the area impose a
gambling contribution because he knows that the cities of Newport and St. Paul Park do not.
He stated that their contribution for August was $802.00 which is in addition to the property
taxes and utilities such as electric, lights, gas and other things that they pay. They did not
make a profit especially when their road was shut down. He stated that they think that they
deserve a relief and there are 350 members of the Post and Auxiliary who would appreciate
it.
William Tennis, 6693 Goodview Court South, Cottage Grove, stated that he attended the
Public Works Commission meeting on September 16 and noted that even with the 37.5
percent CEC tax that they have to pay, he could guarantee that the Cottage Grove residents
pay one of the lowest rates in the Twin City area and that he wants everyone to know that
they are not getting ripped off.
Mayor Bailey closed Open Forum to the Regular Meeting.
CALL TO ORDER – Regular Meeting
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September 18, 2013 Regular Meeting
The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota, held a regular
meeting on September 18, 2013 at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 12800 Ravine Parkway,
Cottage Grove.
Mayor Bailey called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The audience, staff and the Mayor and Council Members pledged allegiance to the flag of
the United States of America.
ROLL CALL
The following were present: Mayor Myron Bailey, Council Member Derrick Lehrke, Council
Member Justin Olsen, Council Member Jen Peterson, and Council Member Dave Thiede.
The following were absent: None.
Also present were: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator; Caron Stransky, City Clerk; Robin
Roland, Finance Director; Kori Land, City Attorney-LeVander, Gillen & Miller, PA; Jennifer
Levitt, City Engineer; Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director; and Les Burshten, Public Works
Director.
Mayor Bailey presided over the meeting.
1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON,
TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
2. PRESENTATIONS
A. Cottage Grove CRIME Prevention Board
Rick Poole and Julie Rice, members of the Cottage Grove Crime Prevention
Board, presented a donation to the City Council in the amount of $19,362.63
for K-9 expenses.
The City Council thanked the Board for their contribution to the Police
Department.
B. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Grant
The Council heard a presentation from Police Officer Foucault on the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration Grant called “Data Driven Approach to
Crime and Traffic Safety”. He asked that the Council authorize the
Department to apply for the grant requesting up to $50,000.00.
There was discussion on predictive analytics as it relates to violent crimes and
the Bair Analytics Software.
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September 18, 2013 Regular Meeting
Council Member Lehrke stated that his biggest concern is the license plate
reader but he would support this today.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
THIEDE, TO AUTHORIZE THE APPLICATION FOR A DATA DRIVEN APPROACH
TO CRIME AND TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANT FOR UP TO $50,000.00 THROUGH
THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, OFFICE OF TRAFFIC
SAFETY, TO BE UTILIZED FOR THE PURCHASE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF
BAIR ANALYTICS SOFTWARE, A LICENSE PLATE READER SYSTEM, 100
HOURS OF OVERTIME FOR TARGET SPECIFIC ENFORCEMENT AND TRAVEL
AND TRAINING FOR THE REQUIRED NHTSA GRANT IMPLEMENTATION.
MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
OLSEN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2013-092, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A
DONATION FROM THE COTTAGE GROVE CRIME PREVENTION BOARD IN THE
AMOUNT OF $19,362.63. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE,
TO:
A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES:
I. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MEETING OF JUNE 10, 2013.
B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2013-093, A RESOLUTION ABATING SPECIAL
ASSESSMENTS ON PARCEL 20.027.21.42.0003, OWNED BY THE UNITED
STATES POSTAL SERVICE.
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2013-094, A RESOLUTION ABATING SPECIAL
ASSESSMENTS ON PARCEL 20.027.21.42.0006, OWNED BY THE UNITED
STATES POSTAL SERVICE.
C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2013-095, A RESOLUTION ABATING SPECIAL
ASSESSMENTS ON PARCEL 29.027.21.31.0003, OWNED BY THE STATE OF
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.
D. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF A SINGLE-OCCASION GAMBLING PERMIT TO
TAYLORED TO YOU TO CONDUCT A RAFFLE AT THE MOMMY & ME VENDOR
EXPO AT THE COTTAGE GROVE VFW ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2013.
E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2013-096, A RESOLUTION ABATING SPECIAL
ASSESSMENT INTEREST AND PENALTIES ON PARCEL 18.027.21.12.0063
LOCATED AT 8180 BELDEN BOULEVARD FOR LAND OWNED BY THE STATE OF
MINNESOTA, DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS.
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September 18, 2013 Regular Meeting
F. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2013-097, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTION OF MN/DOT AGREEMENT NO. 04427 TO ALLOW THE STATE TO
ACCESS CITY RIGHT-OF-WAY PROPERTY TO INSTALL MISSISSIPPI RIVER
TRAIL SIGNS AND FOR THE CITY TO MAINTAIN THESE SIGNS.
G. PASS ORDINANCE NO. 918, AMENDING THE CITY’S SUBDIVISION
ORDINANCE TO (1) ALLOW THE CITY ENGINEER TO PREPARE THE PLANS
AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR ALL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE; (2) REQUIRE THE
DEVELOPER TO SUBMIT A CASH DEPOSIT WITH THE CITY IN THE MINIMUM
AMOUNT OF 12 PERCENT OF THE 125 PERCENT ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION
COST FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS; (3) A 125 PERCENT FINANCIAL SURETY
FOR THE TOTAL COST OF THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS; AND (4) A 150
PERCENT FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR SITE GRADING, EROSION CONTROL,
AND LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING
COMMISSION.
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2013-098, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 918 BY TITLE AND SUMMARY.
H. APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF A LETTER OF AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE EMERGENCY MEDICAL AMBULANCE
SERVICE AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY,
DIVISION OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FOR
THE DEVELOPMENT, MANAGEMENT PREPAREDNESS, PLANNING AND
SUSTAINMENT OF THE AMBULANCE SERVICE AT THE COTTAGE GROVE
RECEPTION CENTER (MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY, 8180 BELDEN
BOULEVARD).
I. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2013-099, A RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO
BE ASSESSED AND ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF THE PROPOSED
ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE REMOVAL OF NOXIOUS WEEDS AND PLANTS
FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY.
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2013-100, A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A
HEARING FOR OCTOBER 16, 2013 ON THE PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS FOR
THE REMOVAL OF NOXIOUS WEEDS AND PLANTS FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY.
MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
5. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES
A. Receive Response Regarding Keeping a Ring-Tailed Lemur as a Pet
Mayor Bailey stated that there is a Minnesota State Law that went into effect
in 2005 stating that non-human primates are banned as of January 1 of that
year.
Public Safety Director Woolery stated that he would like an opportunity to
look at our ordinance to ensure that it complies with State Statute. He stated
that he advised Ms. Gleich that until there is some final ordinance amendment
that the City would allow her to keep her Lemur at her residence.
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September 18, 2013 Regular Meeting
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None.
7. BID AWARDS – None.
8. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A.Consider Approving the Project Development Agreement with Ameresco as
Noted in the Memorandum from City Administrator Schroeder Dated
September 13, 2013
City Administrator Schroeder introduced Kent Wolf, representing Ameresco,
who reviewed a power point presentation on municipal LED Street Lighting.
He stated that he would like to gain authorization from the Council to approve
the Project Development Agreement with Ameresco.
City Administrator Schroeder stated that Ameresco has proposed a
guaranteed performance contract that would provide them the opportunity to
conduct further analysis of the opportunities and challenges in effecting
energy savings from an LED conversion project. Further, they have proposed
that if they can find sufficient savings to justify an infrastructure project that
they would guarantee the savings and the assumptions included within the
savings guarantee. As part of their scope of work, they would complete
appropriate grant and rebate applications on the City’s behalf for project
funding. Ameresco will consult Xcel for possible energy rate reductions for the
remaining Xcel fixtures in Cottage Grove.
City Administrator Schroeder stated that entering into this phase of the
performance contract is at no cost to the City. However, if Ameresco identifies
a viable self-funding project and the City chooses not to move forward on the
proposed project, the City would be responsible to reimburse Ameresco for
$12,500 of its engineering expenses. Under legislative authority, a
guaranteed performance contract provides municipalities the option of
financing energy-related projects for a maximum of 20 years.
Council Member Thiede stated that he would not support the option of
financing this project for 20 years.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
PETERSON, TO APPROVE THE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH
AMERESCO AS NOTED IN THE MEMORANDUM FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR
SCHROEDER DATED SEPTEMBER 13, 2013 INCLUDED IN THE AGENDA
PACKET, WITH THE CAVEATE THAT AS MENTIONED AT THE COUNCIL TABLE
BY MULTIPLE COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT IT WOULD BE THEIR PREFERENCE
THAT WE TRY TO STAY WITHIN A 15-YEAR FINANCING WINDOW. MOTION
CARRIED.
Council Member Thiede noted that right now if we vote yes on this motion, we
are risking $12,500 on something we may not go forward with.
City Administrator Schroeder responded yes, just like any feasibility study on
any construction project.
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September 18, 2013 Regular Meeting
Council Member Thiede stated that he is just not ready to say yes tonight. He
was not ready to risk $12,500 for something that personally he thinks we
could probably do over time ourselves and maybe even save more money in
that 15-year time period.
UPON VOTE BEING TAKEN, MOTION CARRIED. 4-1 WITH COUNCIL MEMBER
THIEDE VOTING NAY.
9. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS – None.
10. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Council Member Olsen stated that September 19 is the City’s Public Works/Parks and
Recreation Open House that will be held at the Public Works facility. September 23 is
a Joint City Council/Commission tour of the Walmart construction site.
Council Member Lehrke noted that October 1 is the beginning of the City’s parking
ban and the Public Works Commission and Public Safety, Health, and Welfare
Commission have agreed to an ordinance amendment that has not been passed by
the City Council. He asked the Police Department not to enforce the law only during
the month of October 2013.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN,
TO DIRECT THE PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NOT TO ENFORCE THE CITY’S
CURRENT PARKING BAN UNTIL NOVEMBER 1, 2013. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
Council Member Lehrke stated that on September 28 and 29 there would be a
fundraiser for the 10-year anniversary of the Touch of Homes.
Council Member Peterson stated that the next Red Rock Corridor meeting is
September 26 and they are re-opening a survey for the public to weigh in on what
they are interested in seeing; the next Fare for All event would be October 10; the
Cottage Grove Fire Department’s open house is October 12; the next Beyond the
Yellow Ribbon meeting is October 18; the Monster Bash is on October 25 and the
Halloween Parade on October 26.
Council Member Thiede stated that there is an event on September 21 called Touch a
Truck for the Youth Service Bureau and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon campaign. He had
Public Safety Director Woolery speak on behalf of the Youth Service Bureau.
Mayor Bailey announced that there is a fundraiser at Wag Park on October 5; two
bands would be playing at River Oaks Golf Course on October 18; a benefit will be
sponsored by the Holiday Train Committee at the Hope Glen Farm on October 20;
and there are a number of new businesses coming to town - Goodwill, M’s Tailor, and
Tumble Fresh.
11. PAY BILLS
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON,
TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 182958 to 183129 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$631,981.29 AND EFT PAYMENT OF $140,009.72. (CHECK NUMBERS 182958 –
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September 18, 2013 Regular Meeting
182983 IN THE AMOUNT OF $150,633.57 AND EFT PAYMENT OF $13,607.65 WERE
ISSUED PRIOR TO COUNCIL APPROVAL). MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
12. WORKSHOP SESSION – OPEN TO PUBLIC – None.
13. WORKSHOP SESSION – CLOSED TO PUBLIC – None.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE, TO
ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT INSERT 9:16 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
Prepared by,
Caron M. Stransky
City Clerk