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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-12-20 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL December 20, 2000 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 Denzer encouraged persons to limit their remarks to two (2) minutes per issue. Present: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Pat Rice Council Member Sandy Shiely Council Member Jim Wolcott Absent: Council Member Cheryl Kohls Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Ron Hedberg, Director of Finance Caron Stransky, City Clerk Jim Kinsey, Director of Public Safety/Chief Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer, BRAA Les Burshten, Public Works Director Kim Lindquist, Director of Community Development Gary Kjellberg, 7389 Inman Avenue S., thanked Mayor Denzer for his 23 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Cottage Grove. He commented on Mayor Denzer’s concern for the City and efforts to make it a better place for its citizens. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a regular th meeting on Wednesday, December 20, 2000, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80 Street South. Mayor Denzer called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Pat Rice Council Member Sandy Shiely Council Member Jim Wolcott Absent: Council Member Cheryl Kohls Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Ron Hedberg, Director of Finance Caron Stransky, City Clerk Jim Kinsey, Director of Public Safety/Chief Regular Meeting – December 20, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 2 Bob Long, City Attorney, Kennedy & Graven Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer, BRAA Les Burshten, Public Works Director Kim Lindquist, Director of Community Development Mayor Denzer presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA The correction to Consent Calendar Item 4.F. was noted to reflect the contract percentage at five percent (5%) rather than fifty percent (50%). MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO APPROVE THE FINAL AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. PRESENTATIONS City Administrator Ryan Schroeder introduced the new Finance Director Ron Hedberg. Mayor Denzer welcomed Finance Director Hedberg to the City. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Council Member Shiely requested a correction to the October 30, 2000 Special Council meeting minutes, Page 2, first paragraph, to reflect: “There was concern expressed by Council Member Shiely that the Rogers Auto Parts assessment was based on 1999 market values.” The minutes of the October 30, 2000 Special Council Meeting were approved as corrected above. The minutes of the November 1, 2000 Regular Council Meeting were approved as presented. The minutes of the November 8, 2000 Special Council Meeting were approved as presented. The minutes of the December 4, 2000 Special Council Meeting were approved as presented. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Denzer pulled Item P, consider approving an amendment to Section 4-2-6 of the City Code relating to mixed solid waste and recycling, and the request for proposal to advertise for and retain a third residential waste hauler. He inquired regarding the need to advertise. Council Member Wolcott stated he would like more information on this issue and suggested that it be referred to the Public Works Commission for their review and recommendation to the Council. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO TABLE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM 4.P., AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 4-2-6 OF THE CITY CODE RELATING TO MIXED SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING, AND THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL TO ADVERTISE FOR AND RETAIN A THIRD WASTE HAULER. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO: Regular Meeting – December 20, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 3 A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MEETING MINUTES: i. Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission of October 10, 2000. ii. Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission of November 13, 2000. iii. Economic Development Authority of October 10, 2000. B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-249 , ESTABLISHING WATER AND SEWER RATES. C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-250, AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF STOP SIGNS TH ON JORGENSEN AVENUE AT 85 STREET. D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-251, AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF STOP SIGNS STND ON JASMINE AVENUE, 91 STREET AND 92 STREET WHERE IT INTERSECTS JEFFREY AVENUE. E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-252, AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF A STOP SIGN RD ON JENSEN AVENUE AT 83 STREET SOUTH. F. APPROVE A 2000 – 2001 LABOR AGREEMENT FOR POLICE OFFICERS WITH THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE. G. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF LIQUOR LICENSES FOR 2001 FOR THE FOLLOWING ESTABLISHMENTS: BOONDOCK’S BAR & GRILL, COTTAGE GROVE VFW POST 8752, CUB FOODS, DEMORI’S, G-WILL LIQUORS, MGM LIQUOR WAREHOUSE, MISSISSIPPI DUNES GOLF LINKS, NEW MOON RESTAURANT & SPORTS BAR, RAINBOW FOODS, RIVER OAKS GOLF COURSE, RODEO, SHAMROCK LIQUORS, SUPERAMERICA #4183, AND FOOD ‘N FUEL #5688. H. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-253, ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF A THERMAL IMAGER FROM 3M TO THE COTTAGE GROVE FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND THANK 3M FOR THEIR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION. I. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-254, ESTABLISHING 2001 FEES. J. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-255, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, SITE PLAN REVIEW, AND VARIANCE TO REQUIRED PARKING SPACES TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ADDITION FOR A MULTI-STORY CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA AT BURGER KING. K. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-256, APPROVING AN INTERIM CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW ROSE OF SHARON LUTHERAN CHURCH TO BE TEMPORARILY HOUSED IN VACANT RETAIL SPACE IN GROVE PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER. L. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-257, APPROVING A REDUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FOR STORMWATER AREA CHARGES FOR RON REIMANN. M. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-258, ESTABLISH WAGES FOR PART-TIME AND TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES, REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 00-52. Regular Meeting – December 20, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 4 N. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-259, ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF A FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR THE THOMPSON GROVE PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROJECT DISTRICT-D FOR 2002 – 2004. O. RECEIVE 2000 PROSECUTION SERVICES REPORT FROM THE CITY’S PROSECUTING ATTORNEY, JOE TAYLOR. P. ITEM PULLED. Q. AUTHORIZE THE USE OF MIS CARRY FORWARD IN THE EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT FUND TO PURCHASE A 20-PLATTER JUKEBOX TO INCREASE THE PERMANENT STORAGE CAPACITY OF THE MIMS DOCUMENT IMAGING SYSTEM. R. APPROVE THE 2001 LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH KENNEDY & GRAVEN. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES A. Response to Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Anderson’s concerns regarding storm water damage to their residence at 10377 Kimberly Court. Director of Public Works Les Burshten reviewed that Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Anderson appeared during the December 5, 2000 Open Forum regarding flooding due to storm water runoff at their home, 10377 Kimberly Court South. He stated more study will follow this preliminary report and recommendations will be presented to the Council. He stated he spoke with Mrs. Anderson briefly about this matter and they will meet again to discuss the issues. Director of Public Works Burshten stated the insurance investigator has conducted the investigation. Council Member Shiely asked if it is normal to take four months for the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) to conclude their investigation. Director of Public Works Burshten stated it is common for the City to have them investigate this type of claim, however this may be longer than usual. City Clerk Caron Stransky noted they had to wait to get a certificate of survey and elevations from the Andersons. Christopher Anderson, 10377 Kimberly Court South, stated he had asked the insurance investigators to come to his house and understand what was going on but they said they did not have the time to come to the house and had concluded their investigation. He took exception to the results of their investigation and indicated the building permit files are not what was submitted to the State of Minnesota. He stated his as-built and permit match but when he raised this point, he was told by the LMC that their investigation was concluded. Mrs. Anderson noted that the insurance reports indicated they were to have a cubby not a full lower level but they received a certificate of occupancy, all inspections were passed, and a permit issued for a home with a full lower level. She asked why the City’s records do not accurately reflect what exists. Mr. Anderson stated he was the builder and the house was built during the winter. The inspection reports indicate words such as “upper level” and “lower level” and the certificate of occupancy is installed on the furnace which is in the lowest level. Regular Meeting – December 20, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 5 Director of Community Development Kim Lindquist stated staff used the survey found in City’s building permit files to approve the plan. The survey the City has is not the survey Andersons have which shows different building elevations. The plans the City reviewed showed a cubby, not a full basement. She explained that the contractor is to have blueprints on site so the inspector can verify that what is being built on site is what is reflected in the building plans. Director of Community Development Lindquist stated the structure was inspected for building code issues, not to assure it was the plan originally submitted and approved by the City. Director of Community Development Lindquist explained the process for building plan submittal that depicts building elevations. Staff then confirms the building plan complies with the approved grading and subdivision plan. She explained that sometimes, minor modifications or shifting occurs and there can be a slight variation in elevation but that is considered acceptable. After construction, a certificate of survey is required to assure the building elevations match the as-builts. The certificate of occupancy was issued contingent upon submittal of an as-built survey. This was the item just recently provided by the Andersons during the investigation. Mr. Anderson reviewed the plans that he submitted to the City. He stated he misplaced his set of on- the-job building plans that identified a full basement. He presented a copy of the survey the City has on file which denotes the eight foot basement, along with the survey the City recently received that is signed and dated by someone from the State of Minnesota. Community Development Director Lindquist stated staff’s review is based on what is contained within the City files. Council Member Shiely asked if this will be an ongoing process with City staff. Public Works Director Burshten answered affirmatively and stated staff is currently conducting a survey to assure the storm water runoff is addressed and corrections made so it does not happen again. He stated the survey was completed today and staff will present a recommendation to the Council on corrections that may be needed. He noted there are many issues to consider in this case including critical elevations that should be adhered to with the subdivision homes. He stated his concern that there is a drainage problem that could reoccur so something will need to be done and additional information is needed prior to making a recommendation to the Council. Mrs. Anderson stated she believes it will happen again, possibly in the spring during snowmelt. She stated they had 30 inches of water in their basement from only six inches of rainfall. Mayor Denzer asked if the corrections could occur this winter. Public Works Director Burshten stated that would be one alternative depending on the correction needed. City Administrator Ryan Schroeder noted there was a broken window from a fallen tree and water ran into the basement from the broken window. He noted another issue is a larger district drainage issue. On the insurance claim, it is customary for the City, once a claim enters that arena, to wait for a response from the insurance company. He stated that process was just completed and once the data is back from the survey field work, staff will make an analysis and recommendations. However, those recommendations may or may not mean the City itself does something. Mrs. Anderson stated her insurance would not cover the claim because she does not have flood insurance and they believe the City has problems with the grading and the ravine ditch. Regular Meeting – December 20, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 6 City Administrator Schroeder stated an answer cannot be provided until the data is analyzed but he wants to make it clear the City may or may not provide a resolution. Council Member Shiely asked Mr. and Mrs. Anderson if they feel they did not have an opportunity to present their case to the insurance adjuster. Mrs. Anderson stated she would like to present the point that her house was not three feet too low or that they were not to have a full lower level. Council Member Shiely stated that while there would be no guarantee the decision would change, she would like the Andersons to have the opportunity to meet with the LMC and present their information. Mr. Anderson advised that his insurance adjuster stated the tree branch came through the window because the branch was running with the drainage that overflowed the ditch. Mayor Denzer thanked the Andersons for their patience, noting this will be up for future consideration. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Hold a public hearing, and consider awarding business subsidies and entering into a development agreement for Advance Corporation. Mayor Denzer opened the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. It was noted that Advance Corporation, currently located at 327 East York Avenue in St. Paul, is requesting development agreement approval in order to locate its new office and manufacturing th facility at 9700 97 Street in Cottage Grove. City Administrator Ryan Schroeder stated the legal notices are in order. Mayor Denzer closed the public hearing at 8:01 p.m. City Administrator Schroeder reviewed the minor changes made to the agreement and advised that a future EDA action would be required. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-260, CALLING FOR APPROVING BUSINESS SUBSIDIES TO A PROJECT REPRESENTED BY ADVANCE CORPORATION, INC. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO AUTHORIZE THE EDA TO ENTER INTO A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT CONTINGENT UPON ATTORNEY REVIEW AND APPROVAL. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. B. Hold a public hearing, and consider awarding business subsidies and entering into a development agreement for Tradehome Shoe Store, Inc. Mayor Denzer opened the public hearing at 8:04 p.m. City Administrator Ryan indicated the legal notices are in order. Regular Meeting – December 20, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 7 Mayor Denzer closed the public hearing at 8:05 p.m. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHEILY, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-261, CALLING FOR APPROVING BUSINESS SUBSIDIES TO A PROJECT REPRESENTED BY TRADEHOME SHOE STORES, INC. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY SHEILY, TO AUTHORIZE THE EDA TO ENTER INTO A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT CONTINGENT UPON ATTORNEY REVIEW AND APPROVAL. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. BID AWARDS A. Consider adoption of a resolution awarding bid for the installation of three lube stations within Fleet Maintenance of Public Works by Grotto Equipment in the amount of $18,933.10. It was noted that as part of the 2001 Capital Outlay Equipment Replacement Fund, the Council approved expenditures of up to $25,000 for three lube stations installed within Fleet Maintenance. The Council noted the two quotes received and staff recommendation that the Council accept the low quote from Grotto Equipment. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-262, AWARDING THE BID FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THREE LUBE STATIONS WITHIN FLEET MAINTENANCE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY BY GROTTO EQUIPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,933.10. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Consider adoption of a resolution approving the 2000 tax levy collectible in 2001, and consider adopting a resolution approving the 2001 budget. It was noted that staff recommended the Council adopt the 2001 Budget and the 2001 Property Tax Levy as presented at the Truth in Taxation public hearing held on December 4, 2000. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-263, ADOPTING THE 2000 TAX LEVY COLLECTIBLE IN 2001. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-264, ADOPTING A PROPOSED 2001 BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. B. Consider Denial of a Variance Application to Allow a Second Freestanding Sign for Office Max, 9010 Jamaica Avenue South. It was noted that Pacifica NNN, LLC is requesting approval of a sign variance from Title 9, Chapter 8, Section 5(E) that limits the number of freestanding signs to only one. The variance application applies to the proposed Office Max retail store at 9010 Jamaica Avenue to construct a 3-foot by 8- th foot (24 square foot) freestanding sign on the east side of the eastern ingress/egress off 90 Street. Regular Meeting – December 20, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 8 Klint Klingshirn, representing the applicant, stated he was before the Council previously and would like to review the history of this project and what they believed had been approved. In his opinion, he believed these signs were approved last May and subsequent to that they signed the lease with Office Max. However, when they applied for the building permit, staff indicated that in their view the sign package included two free-standing signs which is prohibited by the Code. Mr. Klingshirn stated in his view they have one free standing sign, one informational sign, and one wall sign. He stated these are the same drawings approved last May. Mr. Klingshirn displayed a copy of a portion of the Sign Code and various sign diagrams while reviewing the history of this request. He reviewed the types and sizes of signs that he believed they were entitled to and then ran a videotape of the May 7, 2000 City Council meeting. Director of Community Development Kim Lindquist stated staff’s interpretation is different than that of the applicant on two issues. She indicated that they are allowed an area identification sign but by definition it does not state that is an additional freestanding sign. She noted that only one freestanding sign is permitted and the others can be wall mounted. She explained that the signs presented at the May meeting were not part of the meeting packet information. The signs were first presented at the Council meeting so there was a misunderstanding of what was being requested. She advised that for the Council to consider these signs, the resolution approved in May of 2000 would have had to be amended to allow a second free standing sign. Director of Community Development Lindquist stated she is concerned about supporting a second free-standing sign since there are a number of larger retail businesses that also have second entrances and have not been allowed to have a second sign. She noted if this variance is considered, those uses may request similar treatment so staff is recommending denial and to stand by the original resolution adopted in May. Council Member Shiely noted reference to the Planning Commission regarding coloring of the sign and that there be no wall sign on the north side. She asked if the current signs comply with that approval. Director of Community Development Lindquist advised that the applicant removed the sign on the north side and the Planning Commission did not pursue the issue of color which they had wanted to more closely match the building. Mr. Klingshirn stated they use the corporate sign design and color. Council Member Rice stated he makes decisions on the written information presented and voted based on that information, not based on the signs displayed on the overhead for several seconds by the applicant. Council Member Wolcott stated he did support increasing the amount of signage but when it comes to two freestanding signs, he did not understand that is what was being requested. He stated the placement of stop signs and right turn signs are required and it does not sit well with him to suggest they are freestanding signs. Council Member Wolcott stated the City has not allowed two freestanding signs in the past and that was not the intention at the Council meeting in May. He stated the City wants them to be successful and part of the community. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-265, DENYING A VARIANCE TO TITLE 9-8-13 OF THE CITY CODE TO ALLOW A SECOND FREESTANDING SIGN FOR OFFICE MAX, 9010 JAMAICA AVENUE SOUTH. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Regular Meeting – December 20, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 9 C. Consider approval of an ordinance rezoning 34.64 acres of land located on the southwest th corner of 100 Street and Ideal Avenue from AG-1, Agricultural Preservation, to AG-2, Agricultural District. Community Development Director Kim Lindquist commented on the property in this area and presented the request of Robert and Joan Julen to rezone 34.64 acres of land from AG-1 Agricultural Preservation, to AG-2, Agricultural District. The property is located on the southwest th corner of 100 Street and Ideal Avenue. It was noted the rezoning does not include a 4.5-acre parcel at 10350 Ideal Avenue which almost divides the applicant’s property. Community Development Director Lindquist reviewed the Planning Commission discussion and unanimous recommendation for approval. She noted approval of the rezoning would allow the ability to create some additional lots beyond what would be allowed in the AG-1. Council Member Wolcott asked if the City has control over where the houses are located to assure they are designed to be served by water and sewer at some point in the future. Director of Community Development Lindquist stated the applicant is encouraged to draft a concept plan to assure the building placement does not conflict with future roads, utilities, etc. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 691, AN ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 11-1-6, ZONING MAP VIA REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM AG-1, AGRICULTURAL PRESERVE, TO AG-2, AGRICULTURAL. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. D. Consider approval of a variance from the Mississippi River Corridor Overlay District lot size standards to allow construction of a single-family home on a vacant lot located on the corner th of Inman Avenue South and 115 Street South. It was noted that Marilyn K. Cossette and Steven H. Baker are requesting a variance to the three- acre minimum lot size, the four-units per quarter/quarter density limitation, and the bluff-line setback requirements of the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Overlay District (Title 11-15-8B). It was noted the applicant proposes to construct a single-family home on a .53-acre lot. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the variance requests. Mike Lundberg, builder representing the applicant, and Marilyn Cossette, applicant, offered to answer questions. Council Member Shiely agreed this is a “hodge-podge” area and if the Critical Area were redone, it would be done differently. She stated she is familiar with this hill and is concerned with the placement and visibility of the driveway. Community Development Director Kim Lindquist suggested placing a requirement within the resolution to remove vegetation to extend sight distances as requested by the Public Works Department. She suggested the resolution be modified under Condition #5 to add that issue. Mr. Lundberg stated they share this concern and will cut back the driveway area and remove several trees so visibility is improved. MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY RICE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-266, APPROVING A VARIANCE TO TITLE 11-15-8B TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF SINGLE-FAMILY HOME ON A Regular Meeting – December 20, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 10 .53-ACRE LOT WHEN 3 ACRES ARE REQUIRED, FOR DENSITY EXCEEDING FOUR UNITS PER QUARTER-QUARTER, AND A BLUFF LINE SETBACK VARIANCE FROM 100 FEET TO 0 FEET TH ON A VACANT LOT LOCATED ON THE CORNER OF INMAN AVENUE SOUTH AND 115 STREET SOUTH AS AMENDED ABOVE TO INCLUDE IN CONDITION #5 THE REMOVAL OF VEGETATION TO IMPROVE VISIBILTY FROM THE DRIVEWAY. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. E. Consider approving the 2001 pay plan for non-represented employees. City Administrator Ryan Schroeder presented the non-represented Pay Plan for 2001 which represents a 3% increase in the plan above that adopted for 2000. He noted that under the Consent Calendar, the Council authorized the arbitrated settlement with the Police Federation. City Administrator Schroeder stated the second important issue with the arbitrated settlement is the way medical benefits are handled and desire to differentiate the City contribution to medical benefits. Because of the arbitration, the City has to react in a fashion differently than expected. Given the decision regarding purchasing of medical benefits are currently happening, he thought this should be in front of the Council so non-represented employees, in addition to represented employees, have some indication of the decision they should be making relative to benefits. He stated this recommendation does not address the implementation of the plan. Council Member Shiely asked if this issue is on the agenda due to the recent arbitrated settlement. City Administrator Schroeder provided an explanation of staff’s recommendation. Mayor Denzer stated it bothers him that the salary for all city employees would be driven by one unit. City Administrator Schroeder stated he is using that as a point of reference but not varying the recommendation from past discussions relative to this group of employees. However, with that past recommendation, varies in a conservative fashion from the arbitrated settlement. Mayor Denzer stated this deals with two different classes of employees, one being unionized and the other not being unionized. He commented on the difficulty of discussing this in an open arena and stated his concern with the impact this will have on taxes. He recommended this item be tabled until a full Council is available to discuss the issues. Council Member Shiely commented on the advantages and disadvantages to both union and nonunion representation. She stated she believes that these decisions should not necessarily be based on what the union does. Council Member Wolcott stated he has previously voiced his concerns about the City’s pay plan and would like an opportunity to look at that again and discuss it. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO TABLE CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A 2001 PAY PLAN AND BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES NOT COVERED BY A LABOR CONTRACT FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. F. Consider adopting a resolution amending Resolution No. 86-227, regarding establishment of an Economic Development Authority. Regular Meeting – December 20, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 11 City Administrator Ryan Schroeder reviewed the past discussion relative to the creation of an Economic Development Authority and presented an amended resolution which corrects the membership and other issues. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 00-267, AMENDING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 86-227 REGARDING ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Council Member Wolcott wished all a happy holiday season. Klint Klingshirn, Pacifica Companies, commented on the Council’s reversal on their sign variance request and explained the impact this will have on them since they had signed the lease under the assumption they had sign approval. Council Member Rice restated that he based his decision on the written information provided in the Council packet, not what was quickly displayed on the overhead. Council Member Shiely stated that Cottage Grove would love to have an Office Max in the City and it would be unfortunate if eliminating a 3 foot by 8 foot sign would stop them from coming to Cottage Grove. Mr. Narishe explained that there will be a financial impact on him as a developer and will result in more negotiations. He stated they had hoped to break ground in March of 2001 and he had wanted to present his comments for the Council’s consideration. Mayor Denzer referred this issue to City Attorney Bob Long for his review and comment. City Attorney Long stated staff is correct that the application for a variance was only for the maximum square footage, not for an additional freestanding sign. He stated he has reviewed the documentation and Council acted on and found those documents indicated nothing about a second freestanding sign. That night a single variance for square footage was approved, not a second variance for a second freestanding sign. Mr. Narishe stated the sign being referred to is a three-foot tall monument sign at the entry area, not a tall freestanding sign. Mayor Denzer stated it appears none of the Council Members are interested in changing their vote tonight. Council Members Rice, Shiely, and Wolcott, on behalf of the entire City Council and residents, presented Mayor Denzer with a plaque in appreciation for his years of service to the City of Cottage Grove. All extended their appreciation via a round of applause. Regular Meeting – December 20, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 12 Mayor Denzer thanked the Council and stated he was motivated to run for office because of the Highway 61 project. He stated he has enjoyed his 23 years of service to the community and thanked the citizens for their support, noting it is the citizens who make the “community.” PAY BILLS MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 116396 TO 116554 TOTALING $353,443.16. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Mayor Denzer declared a recess at 8:59 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 9:10 p.m. WORKSHOP SESSION – OPEN A. Public Works Reorganization City Administrator Ryan Schroeder explained that after some discussion, staff is asking the Council to consider a different organization philosophy to instead combine the Parks/Streets and Maintenance/Utilities Supervisor positions into one Public Works Supervisor position and creating an Arena/Recreation Manager to supervise and oversee the City’s Ice Arena and Recreation division. Mayor Denzer asked if the City would seek an applicant that would have ice arena manager/recreational program experience. City Administrator Schroeder answered affirmatively. Mayor Denzer stated he thinks that person should be 100% responsible for the recreation department and the ice arena supervisor should be 90% responsible for ice arena management and 10% responsible for the recreational activities. Discussion occurred regarding possible areas of management and responsibility. Public Works Director Burshten stated the intent is to go with four foremen and four leadmen. He stated he is comfortable with this reorganization. City Administrator Schroeder reviewed the salary classifications. The Council indicated their support and authorization to post these positions. WORKSHOP SESSION – CLOSED MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO CLOSE THE REGULAR MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. 4-0. Present: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Pat Rice Council Member Sandy Shiely Council Member Jim Wolcott Absent: Council Member Cheryl Kohls Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director Bob LaBrosse, Chief Building Official Regular Meeting – December 20, 2000 Cottage Grove City Council Page 13 The Council met in closed session, pursuant to the open meeting law, to receive an update on potential litigation. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO ADJOURN THE CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE THE REGULAR MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. 4-0. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY DENZER, SECONDED BY RICE, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT 9:52 P.M. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Caron M. Stransky City Clerk Carla Wirth TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.