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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes i� ��tJV� �ri°t � y � ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ���� �ri e ar�d PC�� t MINUTES COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL November 16, 2016 COUNCIL CHAMBER 12800 RAVINE PARKWAY SOUTH REGULAR MEETING - 7:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota, held a regular meeting on November 16, 2016 at Cottage Grove City Hall, 12800 Ravine Parkway. Mayor Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The audience, staff, and Mayor and City Council Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. ROLL CALL The following were present: Mayor Myron Bailey, Council Member Steve Dennis, Council Member Justin Olsen, Council Member Jen Peterson, Council Member Dave Thiede. Also present were: Charlene Stevens, City Administrator; Korine Land, City Attorney- LeVander, Gillen & Miller, PA; Les Burshten, Public Works Director; Joe Fischbach, HR Manager/City Clerk; Pete Koerner, Police Captain; Jennifer Levitt, Community Development Director/City Engineer; Sharon Madsen, Communications Coordinator; Robin Roland, Finance Director; Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor. 4. OPEN FORUM Mayor Bailey asked if anyone in the audience wished to address the Council on any item that was not on the agenda. John Kooyman, 6749 Geneva Avenue, addressed the Council; he stated he had spoken at the last City Council meeting and was told that he would receive answers to his questions, but he has not yet received anything. City Administrator Stevens apologized and stated they had intended to have answers for him sent out prior to this meeting, but told him he would have those by the end of this week. Mr. Kooyman asked if any Council Member had the opportunity to drive on Geneva Avenue to see what they thought of his street; Mayor Bailey stated that he had, and he felt parts of it, 67th down, CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE • 12800 Ravine Parkway • Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016 www.cottage-grove.org • 651-458-2800 • Fax 651-458-2897 • Equal Opportunity Employer City Council Meeting Minutes November 16, 2016 Page 2 were pretty rough. Mr. Kooyman asked if the park portion of the new Oltman Middle School was a done deal; Mayor Bailey stated the Development Agreement included the grading for the park, but the actual build out of the park had not yet been completed. As no one else wished to address the Council, Mayor Bailey closed the Open Forum. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Motion by Council Member Thiede, second by Council Member Peterson, to adopt the agenda. Motion carried: 5-0. 6. PRESENTATIONS A. Swearing in/Oath of Office — Police Officers Katie Phillips and Matthew Sorgaard Administrator Stevens introduced Officer Phillips and Officer Sorgaard, whose employment began in June; she stated they had successfully completed their field training. She gave both Officers' history before their employment with Cottage Grove. She swore in both Officer Phillips and Officer Sorgaard. Captain Koerner told the officers that they'd chosen a good Police Department, and they were excited to have them on board; he congratulated both of them. Captain Rinzel stated they'd had over 100 applicants apply for the police officer position, and he summarized the procedures taken to ensure the officers chosen would represent the community and protect our families. He told them they should be very proud of themselves, and the Police Department was very happy and proud that they were hired and grateful that the officers' families allowed them to be a part of the Cottage Grove Police Department family. He thanked them and welcomed them to the family. 7. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve the October 19, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes. B. Approve the November 2, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes. C. Adopt Resolution 2016-168 approving deferred special assessments on the properties listed. D. Adopt Resolution 2016-169 reauthorizing City participation in the 4M fund. E. Adopt Resolution 2016-170 approving a variance to allow a detached accessory structure to be constructed in front of the existing house at 10860 68th Street South, which is a parcel of land less than five acres in size. F. Approve the Development Agreement for the New Oltman Middle School improvements project with Independent School District No. 833. G. Adopt Resolution 2016-172 accepting a grant award in the amount of $10,000 from the 3M Company to be placed towards the purchase of new City Council Meeting Minutes November 16, 2016 Page 3 battery-powered hydraulic rescue equipment in 2017, which will offset the cost of the budgeted purchase in 2017. H. Adopt Resolution 2016-175 approving the plans and specifications and establish a bid date for the Radio Transmitter Replacement Program. I. Adopt Resolution 2016-174 approving the plans and specifications and establish a bid date for the Water Meter Replacement Program. J. Authorize sending a comment letter to BNSF Railway regarding their proposed automotive transfer facility in St. Paul Park. K. Authorize staff to send a comment letter to Washington County regarding their draft Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 2017-2021. The Draft CIP can be accessed at the following link: h�� �e//�r�r�e�r�e�r��hiir� �r�r�er�r�e�a�/�r���ar��r����r���r/Vii��r/'�2304 ............. L. Adopt Resolution 2016-176 approving the final plat for Everwood 5th Addition. Council Member Olsen wished to pull Item F and Mayor Bailey wanted to pull Item J for further discussion and/or comment. Council Member Olsen stated he had pulled Item F, the Development Agreement for the new Oltman Middle School project, because he's on the Parks Commission. At their last meeting they had discussed the park land that was going to be available for shared use between the City of Cottage Grove and the School District. He wanted to make sure the public understood that the School District had gone through a rigorous process as far as choosing a site for the new Oltman Middle School. The School District chose the Bailey property, but the Bailey property needed to be purchased as a whole unit versus being parceled out. When the School District chose that property, there was an ancillary parcel that they really didn't need; that parcel will be graded as part of the overall site grading for future use as a potential park space for use by either the School District, the City, or both. The City and School District partner in a number of ways throughout the City; he thanked the School District for providing the City of Cottage Grove with an opportunity to work together on the development of this piece of property. He felt it will be a wonderful amenity for the residents of Cottage Grove. He felt that the new Oltman Middle School will help enhance the appeal of Cottage Grove for future residents. Mayor Bailey pulled Item J, a Comment Letter for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway's Proposed Automotive Transfer Facility in St. Paul Park. The property is below an area where the City is developing homes, and there's been a desire for routing truck traffic through Cottage Grove. One of the suggestions made was to route it up the completed 95th Street, across the railroad bridge, and then up through the Cottage Grove residential area. The Council will be approving a letter be sent to the Regional Director of Public Affairs for BNSF Railway Company to tell them Cottage Grove did not want and would not accept truck traffic going through 95th Street, as most of it is a residential area. The City is requesting that BNSF prepare an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the facility because of the effect it's going to have on City Council Meeting Minutes November 16, 2016 Page 4 the environment as well as the surrounding properties, the proximity to the river, and future development, including noise, light, etc. Administrator Stevens will be attending an upcoming meeting to ensure the message from Cottage Grove is very clear, that whatever decisions are made, we expect it to be a partnership, and they won't just accept truck traffic and other concerns through Cottage Grove. Motion by Council Member Olsen to approve the Consent Agenda, second by Council Member Thiede. Motion carried: 5-0. 8. APPROVE DISBURSEMENTS A. Approve payment of check numbers 198659 to 198834 in the amount of $576,112.53 and EFT Payment of$207,342.48. Motion to approve disbursements by Council Member Olsen, second by Council Member Dennis. Motion carried: 5-0. 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None. 10. BID AWARDS — None. 11. REGULAR AGENDA A. Primrose School Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review Adopt Resolution 2016-173 approving the conditional use permit and site plan review applications for the proposed development of a 12,070 square foot single-story daycare facility with accompanying outdoor playgrounds and a 50-stall parking lot at 6927 Pine Arbor Drive (northwest corner of Hinton Avenue and 70th Street). Community Development Director/City Engineer Levitt stated the site will be a children's daycare facility, a single-story facility with approximately 50 parking stalls, located at the intersection of 70th Street and Hinton Avenue, in the Summerhill Crossing development. It is immediately adjacent to the Holiday gas station store and abuts the Junction 70 Grill site. There are four distinct play areas along the perimeter of the site, with opportunities for trails and sidewalks to connect to the facility. There is a shared access point off of Pine Arbor Drive. The building materials are fully compliant with the City Ordinance requirements, as is the planned landscaping. Director Levitt stated at this time they're recommending approval of the conditional use permit and site plan and adoption of the Resolution. Council Member Thiede asked about the trail connectors and where they were going to be; Director Levitt stated the main connectors come through the Pine Arbor subdivision using the existing sidewalk network. There is not a specific City Council Meeting Minutes November 16, 2016 Page 5 sidewalk that comes in off of 70th Street and Hinton Avenue. Mayor Bailey asked when the work on Hinton and 70th Street is done with Washington County if there would be a trail along there; Director Levitt stated they didn't want to make enhancements now that might have to be removed. The Applicant for Primrose School, John Finnemore, 6805 Aldo Leopold Way, Middleton, Wisconsin, spoke to the City Council, and thanked the City employees for all of their help with this process. He stated they're looking forward to working with the Building Department. Mickey and Melinda Arora thanked the City and stated they're excited for having an additional option for daycare and schools in Cottage Grove. Council Member Olsen asked Mr. Finnemore if he could explain what differentiates Primrose from other schools and/or daycare centers; Mr. Finnemore explained they're the leader in education-based childcare. It's a very clean, neat, attractive facility with four very large playgrounds for the different age groups. Classrooms are divided by age; educational materials and toys are provided. They provide high-quality care in their 14 schools in the Minneapolis- St. Paul area, and they're continuing to expand. Council Member Olsen asked what the age targets are for the schools; he stated they start at six weeks and there's an after-school program that will take up to 12-year-olds, although it's basically a preschool, toddler-type program. Mayor Bailey asked if they had an estimated opening date; he stated they expected to be open in November or December, 2017 and hope to break ground in early to late April, 2017. Mayor Bailey asked who the contact person was for Primrose; he was advised Melinda Arora could be contacted via email, missa1780@yahoo.com if there were any questions. Motion by Council Member Olsen to approve Adopt Resolution 2016-173 for the development of Primrose School, second by Council Member Dennis. Motion carried: 5-0. B. Canvass the Abstract of Votes Cast of the November 8, 2016 Municipal General Election for the Mayor and City Council Member Races Adopt Resolution 2016-177 declaring Myron Bailey winner of the Mayor's race and Wayne A. Johnson and La Rae Mills as the winners of the City Council race. Motion by Council Member Olsen to Adopt Resolution 2016-177, declaring winners of the Mayor's race and City Council race, second by Council Member Thiede. Motion carried: 5-0. 12. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Council Member Dennis stated The Eagles Bar and Grills at River Oaks Golf Course will City Council Meeting Minutes November 16, 2016 Page 6 have a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 17. They will be open Wednesday through Sunday, from 4:00 until 10:00 p.m.; they've got a great menu, as well as great employees. He stated it's a community-owned business and hoped the community would support the establishment and keep it off the tax roles. Council Member Dennis stated the current City Council should all be on the same page and afforded the tools to do theirjob properly. Council Member Thiede suggested they have a workshop; Mayor Bailey thought that was a great idea and they should invite the newly-elected Council Members to attend. Administrator Stevens stated she and the IT Director had been discussing this and some solutions, but she recommended it be done sometime in January when the new City Council Members would be on board. Council Member Olsen congratulated all of his friends who were successful on election night this year: Dan Schoen was elected as a new State Senator, replacing Katie Sieben; Mayor Bailey was reelected as Mayor; Wayne Johnson and La Rae Mills were newly elected as Council Members for Cottage Grove, and will replace he and Council Member Peterson in January, 2017. He stated they'd do a great job and bring fresh ideas and a different perspective to the Council. Tony Jurgens, for whom he has a great deal of respect, was elected as State Representative for District 54B. He also congratulated St. Paul Park Mayor Keith Franke, who was elected to succeed Dan Schoen as State Representative for District 54A. Council Member Olsen stated the City of Cottage Grove has undergone a large transformation and beautification over the years. However, Council Member Olsen noted that the words Cottage Grove are a different color on a welcoming rock. Because it really stands out, he wanted to know if that was going to be fixed soon. Director Levitt stated that item did not meet the specification, so the contractor gas to replace that; unfortunately, that might not be replaced soon because of cold weather, although the intent is to have it replaced this year. Director Levitt added that the lights have not yet been installed nor has the other bridge railing. She stated they're working on it and thanked the Council for their patience. Council Member Olsen asked when the owner of Junction 70 was planning to open or if that date had been given to staff. Director Levitt stated they're going to start framing the building; they're anticipating it will be open in spring, perhaps sometime in May. Council Member Olsen stated Small Business Saturday will be on November 26; we talk a lot about shopping local and how important that is, as well as how lucky we are to have such a vibrant, locally-owned business community. The only way these businesses succeed is if the residents regularly support them. There are a number of local business owners who are involved in donations to the community, and we need to give back to those who give back to our community. Council Member Olsen asked Council Member Dennis to explain the benefit of shopping local, as far as money made by local businesses being reinvested in the community in a number of different ways. Council Member Dennis stated no business closes when sales are phenomenal; City Council Meeting Minutes November 16, 2016 Page 7 Council Member Olsen stated it's critical that we not allow sales dollars to bleed out of Cottage Grove and we keep them here as much as possible. Council Member Thiede stated My Cottage Grove is a perfect opportunity for citizens to go to the local chalkboards or online and let us know what we need in Cottage Grove to keep people shopping here. Council Member Olsen stated both of the new Council Members are small business owners; he hoped they'd continue to support the shop local idea. Council Member Peterson thanked everyone for participating in the Facebook Live event last evening; she said it went very well. The video is available on the City's Facebook page. There were 50 or so people who participated and over 250 comments and growing, as you're able to still leave your comments. The next town hall meeting for My Future Cottage Grove will be on Thursday, December 1, at the District Program Center, in the evening. Council Member Peterson stated the Cottage Grove Lions will have a Santa breakfast on Sunday, December 4, at the VFW Red Barn. The Breakfast with Santa, hosted by the City, will be on Sunday, December 11, at River Oaks. Council Member Peterson stated the next Fare For All, a discount grocery-buying Opportunity, which is open to the public, is on Thursday, December 8, at All Saints Lutheran Church. There will be holiday packages available for $30. Council Member Thiede stated the Strawberry Fest logo contest is in full swing and logo contest entries are due by December 5, and they need to have some more ideas so he encouraged people to send them in. Mayor Bailey stated tomorrow will be the ribbon cutting for the new Merchants Bank, at 8479 East Point Douglas Road; they moved there because their previous location is going to be torn down as part of the Hy-Vee redevelopment. Mayor Bailey stated on November 18, there will be a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of the Cottage Grove Florist in their new location, at 8599 West Point Douglas Road, near the Bulletin License Center, close to the bus garage. They relocated because the center they were in is now in reconstruction and rebuilding mode. Mayor Bailey stated on December 6 they will have an official groundbreaking for the Legends of Cottage Grove, a beautiful senior housing development by Dominium, at 6999 East Point Douglas Road. Mayor Bailey stated the Holiday Train will be on Friday, December 9, on West Point Douglas Road near the Youth Service Bureau. Any proceeds from that event benefit the Friends in Need Food Shelf. City Council Meeting Minutes November 16, 2016 Page 8 Mayor Bailey stated this Saturday, November 19, at the American Legion in St. Paul Park, there will be a spaghetti dinner, which is a Holiday Train fundraiser. He encouraged everyone to stop in, either for lunch or dinner. All the local Lions groups (Cottage Grove, St. Paul Park, and Newport) are involved in putting this program together so he encouraged everyone to support that event. Mayor Bailey stated on November 20, there will be a Holiday Train grocery-bagging fundraiser at Cub Foods; he invited the newly-elected Council Members to join the current Council Members in bagging groceries for customers. Mayor Bailey stated the Hale to the Bird 5K will take place on November 24; he hoped the weather would be nice for that event. Mayor Bailey stated there is a Holiday Lights contest going on right now; the Council Members will be judging the week before the next meeting on December 7, and awards will be issued at that meeting. They will give the addresses of those houses in the local Bulletin newspaper so people can get out to see all of the lights. Mayor Bailey stated on December 7, prior to the next Council Meeting, they will be doing the official tree-lighting ceremony; Santa Claus will be there, and he encouraged everyone to attend for some cookies, cider, and caroling. 13. WORKSHOPS — OPEN TO PUBLIC — None. 14. WORKSHOPS — CLOSED TO PUBLIC — None. 15. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council Member Thiede, second by Council Member Peterson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 p.m. Motion carried: 5-0. Minutes prepared by Judy Graf and reviewed by Joe Fischbach, HR Manager/City Clerk.