HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-08-06 MINUTES
COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Special Meeting
August 6, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota, held a special
meeting on August 6, 2014 at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 12800 Ravine Parkway, Cottage
Grove. Mayor Bailey called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
The following were present: Council Member Derrick Lehrke, Council Member Justin Olsen, and
Mayor Pro Tem Dave Thiede.
The following were late: Council Member Jen Peterson and Mayor Myron Bailey.
Also present were: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator; Caron Stransky, City Clerk; Robin
Roland, Finance Director; Zac Dockter, Parks & Recreation Director; Brenda Malinowski,
Assistant Finance Director; and Danette Parr, Economic Development Director.
Mayor Pro Tem Thiede presided over the meeting.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Economic Development Director Parr reviewed the costs associated to remodel the BEC facility
noting that currently there are seven tenants in the building. Future expenses include remodeling
the rest room facilities downstairs. She stated that the expected revenues will not be met. The
budget includes miscellaneous revenues from the rent for the cell phone tower.
Finance Director Roland noted that the budget includes a transfer-in of funds.
The Council briefly discussed a few of the potential EDA projects.
Council Member Peterson arrived at 6:06 p.m.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Parks & Recreation Director Dockter thanked the Council for the resources they have provided
to his Department.
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Parks & Recreation Director Dockter highlighted the Park Improvement Capital Projects Fund
noting that the fund for 2015 includes Hamlet Park improvements and park property identification
posts. He also reviewed the improvements proposed for 2016.
There was discussion on the proposed funding of a playground in the Mississippi Dunes area
and to extend a sidewalk.
Parks & Recreation Director Dockter highlighted the Park Maintenance budget and noted that
there were no major changes except that he increased the expense for fertilizer and other
chemicals. He asked the Council to consider authorizing the addition of a couple part-time park
maintenance employees that would be equivalent to one full-time employee. At Kingston Park, it
would cost approximately $15,000 to add lights in the parking lot and along the trail. There was
discussion about whether the trees along the south side of the tennis courts should be removed
and whether a water fountain should be installed.
The Recreation Programming budget only includes an increase in staffing. Recreation
Supervisor Pietruszewski was in attendance.
The Council then discussed the Forestry-EAB budget and that the 2015 and 2016 contractual
services budgets include returning to $162,000 for EAB project expenses each year. City
Forester Steve Bowe was in attendance and voiced support for continuing to fund the project.
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Ice Arena Manager Hirman noted that the Ice Arenas capital outlay budget includes $115,000 to
purchase turf for indoor activities, $25,000 to replace the furnace, and $90,000 set aside for the
chiller. Commodities for 2016 includes a floor scrubber and touch-free bathroom cleaner
replacements. Fund balance should be for future capital outlay needs of $1.2 million over the
next five years.
Mayor Bailey arrived at 7:18 p.m. and presided over the meeting.
Parks & Recreation Director Dockter then highlighted the equipment replacement requests in the
Parks & Recreation Department.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Present: Public Safety Director Woolery, Deputy Director Rinzel, Deputy Director Koerner,
Deputy Director Redenius, EMS Coordinator Halvorsen, and Fire Marshal McMahon.
Public Safety Director Woolery and his staff walked through the budget additions submitted for
the Public Safety Department budgets in Emergency Management, Police, Fire and EMS
services.
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August 6, 2014 Special Meeting
RIVER OAKS
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Present: Golf Pro Anderson, Food & Beverage Coordinator OConnell and Maintenance
Supervisor Ratzlaff were present.
There was discussion on the excellent condition of the course this year, the new roof and
software installed in 2014, sales compared to other courses, reservations on line, new carpeting
and other remodeling work in the food and beverage area, music, to consider expanding the fish
fry or do something similar, a proposal to raise green fees in 2015, to offer discounts to
members, equipment needs, and marketing.
WRAP UP
The Council concurred that they were not prepared to make any decisions on the budget tonight
and would like to discuss this following the next regular meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE, TO
ADJOURN AT 10:25 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
Prepared by,
Caron M. Stransky
City Clerk
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August 6, 2014 Special Meeting