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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes i� ��tJV� �ri°t � y � ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ���� �ri e ar�d PC�� t MINUTES COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL December 7, 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 December 7, 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 Jen Peterson, Council Member Dave Thiede. Also present were: Charlene Stevens, City Administrator; Korine Land, City Attorney- LeVander, Gillen & Miller, PA; Ryan Burfeind, Project Engineer; Les Burshten, Public Works Director; Joe Fischbach, HR Manager/City Clerk; Jennifer Levitt, Community Development Director/City Engineer; Sharon Madsen, Communications Coordinator; John McCool, Senior City Planner; Molly Pietruszewski, Parks and Recreation Supervisor; Robin Roland, Finance Director; Craig Woolery, Director of Public Safety. 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. As no one wished to address the Council, Mayor Bailey closed the open forum. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Motion by Council Member Thiede, second by Council Member Dennis, to adopt the agenda. Motion carried: 4-0. 6. PRESENTATIONS 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 December 7, 2016 Page 2 A. 2016 Holiday Lights and Decoration Contest Molly Pietruszewski of the Parks and Recreation Department stated they had cosponsored the Holiday Lights and Decoration Contest with the South Washington County Bulletin; there were 11 households nominated this year. On Sunday, she, Mayor Bailey, Council Member Dennis, and Scott Wente of the Cottage Grove Bulletin, were out judging the houses; all of the addresses and photos of the houses are posted on the Bulletin's website, as well as shared on the City's social media. The first winner was Joe Hayes, on 73rd Street; they had some unique, homemade items, which was what made the judges pick this home as a winner. The second winner was Brian Lipinski, on Hyde Avenue; the judges were drawn to that home because the trees were wrapped intensely with lights. Mayor Bailey presented the winners with flower baskets, from Laska's Gardens in Cottage Grove, and he and the Council Members congratulated everyone. 7. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve the November 16, 2016 City Council Special Meeting Minutes. B. Approve the November 16, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes. C. Receive and place on file the approved minutes for the Arts Commission Meeting on October 4, 2016. D. Accept the approved minutes from the October 24, 2016, Planning Commission Meeting. E. Receive and place on file the approved minutes for the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission meeting on September 12, 2016. F. Approve the 2017 — 2021 civil legal services agreement with LeVander, Gillen & Miller, P.A. G. Adopt Resolution 2016-178 certifying 2016 delinquent utility charges to 2017 property taxes. H. Authorize staff to contract boulevard tree trimming services to Precision Landscape and Tree for 2016-2017 for the amount of$59,977. I. Adopt Resolution 2016-179 approving the changes to the 2017 Non- Represented Pay Plan. J. Adopt Resolution 2016-180 approving the 2017 Fire Department Part-time Pay Plan. K. Adopt Resolution 2016-181 authorizing the final payment in the amount of $50,804.99 to McNamara, Inc. for the 2015 Pavement Management Program. L. Public Works Equipment and Labor Fees Added to City Fee Table - Pass Ordinance 972 updating City Fees for 2017. M. Appoint Samantha Crabtree to the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission effective December 12, 2016. City Council Meeting Minutes December 7, 2016 Page 3 N. Accept the quarterly update on the Strategic Plan. O. Adopt Resolution 2016-185 awarding the quotes for the bar addition at The Eagles Bar& Grill at River Oaks. P. Adopt Resolution 2016-189 approving amendments to the South Washington County Telecommunications Commission Joint and Cooperative Agreement. Q. Adopt the 2017 Legislative Agenda. Motion by Council Member Dennis to approve the Consent Agenda, second by Council Member Peterson. Motion carried: 4-0. 8. APPROVE DISBURSEMENTS A. Approve payment of check numbers 198835 to 199136 in the amount of $1,318,027.18 and EFT Payment of$247,336.80. Motion to approve disbursements by Council Member Thiede, second by Council Member Dennis. Motion carried: 4-0. 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Norris Square Redevelopment— Easement Vacations, Decommissioning of Fire Station #1, and Land Transfers Staff Recommendation: 1. Hold the public hearing and Adopt Resolution 2016-186 vacating certain public drainage and utility easements. 2) Hold the public hearing and Adopt Resolution 2016-187 decommissioning Fire Station #1, located at 8183 Grange Boulevard South, and authorizing the transfer of the Fire Station parcel. 3) Hold the public hearing and Adopt Resolution 2016-188 authorizing the transfer of a portion of the right-of- way parcel identified as 42N MnDOT right-of-way plat 82-21. Community Development Director/City Engineer Levitt stated this was an exciting piece of the redevelopment of the Norris Square site. There will be two additional buildings constructed; those are a proposed three-story independent living building and a two- story skilled care building. There were some modifications to the site plan, which is why some easements need to be vacated and necessitates actions that need to be taken regarding storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water, and drainage on the existing and future parcels. There were also conditions associated with the commercial use of those lots that are no longer appropriate, including a utility easement. They are proposing vacating the sewer, water, drainage, and utility easements. They need to apply new easements in the plat to facilitate the development for storm sewer, sanitary, water, and private utilities. On the parent parcel, additional easements need to be vacated. City Council Meeting Minutes December 7, 2016 Page 4 Engineer Levitt changes to the parcels, including one owned by Presbyterian Homes, which they will give to the City. There will be a lot split, a portion of which will remain with the City and the other parcel will be given to Presbyterian Homes. As part of this redevelopment, the well house parcel will stay with the City; however, the Fire Station parcel will be given to Presbyterian Homes. The City will keep the other parcel because it will provide access to the site. As the Central Fire Station is being constructed on 80th Street, there will be a lease with Presbyterian Homes to lease the Fire Station until June 30, 2018; at that time, the City will vacate the building and Presbyterian Homes will be responsible for all of the demolition, utility removal, etc. and then they will construct their parking lot. The Public Services Commission took action on this last month and positively affirmed the decommissioning of the Fire Station. Access to the water tower will be preserved and infrastructure will not be compromised. Council Member Dennis asked if they were going to be taking down the water tower in the future; Engineer Levitt stated they'd had that discussion, but they felt it was the most economical solution to leave the tower in play for approximately 10 years. There's a significant investment that would need to be made with water mains on Hadley and 80th Street to be able to facilitate that. She stated there's a 15-year maintenance schedule, but any unforeseen issues with paint or rust would be dealt with earlier. Mayor Bailey opened the public hearing on vacating certain public drainage and utility easements (Item 1). As no one wished to address the Council, Mayor Bailey closed the public hearing. Motion by Council Member Thiede to approve Item 1, second by Council Member Peterson. Motion carried: 4-0. Mayor Bailey opened the public hearing to adopt a resolution on the decommissioning of Fire Station 1, 8183 Grange Boulevard South, and authorize conveyance of the Fire Station parcel (Item 2). As no one wished to address the Council, Mayor Bailey closed the public hearing. Motion by Council Member Dennis to approve Item 2, second by Council Member Peterson. Motion carried: 4-0. Mayor Bailey opened the public hearing to adopt a resolution authorizing the conveyance and a portion of the right-of-way parcel identified as 42N MnDOT right of way plate 82-21 (Item 3). As no one wished to address the Council, Mayor Bailey closed the public hearing. Motion by Council Member Thiede to approve Item 3, second by Council Member Dennis. Motion carried: 4-0. City Council Meeting Minutes December 7, 2016 Page 5 B. 65th Street, Geneva Avenue, and New Oltman Middle School Improvement Project Staff Recommendation: 1. Adopt Resolution 2016-184 ordering the 65th Street, Geneva Avenue, and New Oltman Middle School project and authorizing preparation of plans and specifications for the project. 2. Approve the Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Cottage Grove and the City of Newport for certain road improvements to Geneva/Century Avenue and road maintenance. Engineer Levitt stated there were multiple jurisdictions involved with this project; 65th Street is in Washington County's jurisdiction, 66th Street and Goodview Avenue are in the City's jurisdiction. Geneva Avenue has one side in Newport and the east side is in Cottage Grove; another portion of Geneva is in St. Paul Park and another portion is Cottage Grove. They are proposing a roundabout at 65th and Goodview Avenue; there will be a concrete apron constructed for the driveway. Following the neighborhood meeting, they actually staked the location of the existing right of way; there's a little bit of encroachment with the fence that they hope to address with the landowner. They will be constructing a sidewalk on the south side of 66th Street, all the way to the intersection with Geneva. There are two types of utilities at the new Oltman Middle School site; some will be constructed by the School District. The City of Cottage Grove will contract and construct utilities in the coming year, storm sewer, improving drainage, which will be discharged to the basins on the site. They are extending sanitary sewer and water to the northern part of 65th Street, making the parcels on the north side able to be developed from a utility standpoint. Should that development happen, the fourth leg of the roundabout could be added. They are extending water to the City of Newport at the fire hydrant located there for those who live on Oakridge Drive. If they ever needed to tie into sewer or water in case of a well failure, etc., there's an opportunity there. These items are all pending the approval of the project tonight. The improvements on the St. Paul Park side will not be proceeding; however, the City of Newport has agreed to partner with the City of Cottage Grove for the improvement costs related to Geneva Avenue. Geneva Avenue's existing condition is rural and has typical sections of ditch. Public Works has provided an enhanced sealcoat on the road and overlays to try to hold the road together to provide safe passage of travel, but it hasn't been built to our typical urban section. They will also try to resolve some of the grade change coming into that section to make it a safer intersection, as there were concerns by the residents about that. They will not be going south on Geneva Avenue, into the St. Paul Park section of the roadway, as the City of St. Paul Park is not currently interested in partnering with Cottage Grove on this project. Therefore, the four residences in Cottage Grove will not be assessed because there will not be an improvement immediately adjacent to their property. They will improve the roadway to the north and also do the extension of the City Council Meeting Minutes December 7, 2016 Page 6 water main for the City of Newport. The storm pipe will not be extended across the roadway at this time. Because 70th Street will be under construction next year, the City's worked very closely with Washington County on the scheduling of those two projects. Once Washington County is done with 70th Street and it is open (by the mid to end of July), the City will actually close 65th Street to construct the roundabout. Residents on Geneva Avenue will still be able to access 65th Street and will still have access to Highway 61. The parcels that showed up in the feasibility report for assessment will not be assessed, and they've been given notice on that. The parcels that will be assessed will be Parcels 11 and 9, which is the School District. The Council has a Developer's Agreement with the School District for a total of approximately $3,500,000 for improvements related to the new Oltman Middle School. They're looking at a potential deferred assessment for Parcel 10 and Parcel 12, the Posavad family, and also Parcel 14, the Bailey family. Parcel 13 is the parcel owned by Richard Light, which is the parcel with the right of way. The total project costs are as follows: City of Cottage Grove, just over $1,400,000; School District $2,800,000; City of Newport, $100,000. Engineer Levitt again stated that the City of St. Paul Park is not participating, so Cottage Grove's portion will decrease by approximately $50,000, as they will not be doing that portion of the project. The City funds that support Cottage Grove's share of the project cost will be: Sanitary Sewer Area Fund, Water Area Fund, Storm Sewer Area Fund, General Fund, Streetlight Utility Fund, and the Landscaping Fund. Regarding the feasibility report brought to the Council on November 2, there was a proposed assessment of just over $45,000 for the Light property at 6192-65th Street. Since that time, they've decided to use the method that was used on 80th Street, as there was one single property residence on 80th Street. They used the value that was associated with the residential improvement so they were not unduly burdened by having a collector roadway serving them. They're proposing a $5,700 value for the assessment for the Light property, which is consistent with City policy. A benefit appraisal will be conducted to support that before the actual assessment hearing next fall. Engineer Levitt gave an overview of assessment payment rules for the residences affected. If the project is approved tonight, the improvements will show up as pending assessments on those residential partials going forward. Engineer stated tonight was the public hearing. If the Council orders the project, they will move forward with plans and specifications, have a bid date of March 30, with a bid award on April 5, and construction would start in April, pending weather conditions. Construction should be wrapped up by early October and the assessment hearing would follow that. City Council Meeting Minutes December 7, 2016 Page 7 Council Member Thiede asked what financial implications delaying a portion of Geneva Avenue would have in the future; Engineer Levitt stated Newport recognized there's an economy of scale and knew the best bid environment was to package it. She estimated in the future with the small quantity and amount, she'd estimate seeing a much higher price. Council Member Thiede stated St. Paul Park would be causing us greater costs in the future, so he wondered if the additional cost could be assessed to the City of St. Paul Park. Engineer Levitt stated that would need to be a decision made by the Council at that time and what they felt was a fair cost recovery from our adjacent community. Council Member Peterson asked why St. Paul Park was choosing not to participate; Engineer Levitt stated there was some opposition from residents on the proposed assessment, and the St. Paul Park City Council provided direction that it was not one of their highest priorities to address at the time. Council Member Thiede asked, regarding the Light property, if the City should extend 65th Street out to Geneva Avenue sometime in the future, if they'd be assessed again. Engineer Levitt stated that there would not be additional assessments at that time. Mayor Bailey opened the public hearing. John Kooyman, 6749 Geneva Avenue, addressed the Council. He stated they were not going to repave the street south of his driveway. The road in his section is in pretty decent shape; it's a dead-end road so they don't have much traffic. He stated their residence was still listed as being assessed for the Oltman Middle School project, and he didn't know if that was going to be happen. Mayor Bailey stated his residence would not be assessed for the project because they would not be going south on Geneva. Regarding pavement management of Geneva, they try to make it a large enough grouping of residences so that the assessments will be more evenly distributed. Beverly Aho, with the J. Gilbert Law Group, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, was present with her client, Richard Light, regarding this issue. She stated that the original potential assessment, over $45,000, that Mr. Light had been previously been given in a letter from the City, has now been reduced to $5,700. She presented a letter written by Mr. Light and asked that it be made part of the record and for their consideration. Ms. Aho stated that her client was the only individual resident affected by this proposed improvement on 65th Street; it is his primary residence. As such, the assessment can have a great impact on one individual family. She stated she'd appreciate the Council reconsider the assessment and look at other sources of funding for that. The proposed road improvement actually widens the road and moves it closer to his house. The proposed amount of traffic on 65th Street, in front of his house, may increase by 30%; with the increased noise and traffic, that will negatively impact and devalue his property. Regarding the trees proposed to be removed from his property, Mr. Light was originally told those would be replaced by the City; those are important as a visible barrier, privacy barrier, and a safety barrier. Noise abatement, esthetics, and also soil erosion are very important. There was talk of curb and gutter, but there's no curb or gutter in front of Mr. Light's property. They don't know if that's being considered; they will be City Council Meeting Minutes December 7, 2016 Page 8 meeting with Engineer Levitt and Attorney Land on December 15 to discuss that in more detail. If there's going to be an open ditch, there also needs to be a culvert so water doesn't go onto the apron and cause icing. As discussed today, he will maintain his access east and west from his driveway, which was very important to Mr. Light and they appreciated that. There is no City water and sewer being brought in to Mr. Light's property. Regarding the fence, the City had mentioned that that would be moved at the cost of the City. Another issue was a permanent easement across Mr. Light's property for the use of a trail. She wanted to go on the record today that in the feasibility report and what's being considered today, there is no trail on the north side of 65th that is to the west of Goodview. As recently as November 7, there was a permanent easement drawn right through Mr. Light's front wall of his home. No home or property would be able to be sold if a City intended to have a permanent easement right through the house. Ms. Aho thought it was important to consider how the City could help Mr. Light resolve these issues; he wants to work with the City and is eager to do so, but it has to be fair and reasonable and in good faith. Regarding the $5,700 assessment, while it's been dropped significantly, they ask the City review that, as they don't believe it's fair to assess only one property owner on a project of this size, which benefits all, and does not benefit Mr. Light's property. Engineer Levitt stated in the feasibility report it clearly states that there will be a curb and gutter section. The jurisdiction of 65th Street is Washington County. Washington County's policy states any trees in the existing right of way are removed and not replaced. Cottage Grove understands the significance to Mr. Light regarding the esthetics of the property; even though Washington County will not replace the trees, the City is willing to replace some trees to provide a buffer. Engineer Levitt stated the actual curb and gutter will be at Mr. Light's mailbox line. The right of way is further back. Engineer Levitt stated the roundabout will have a speed of 20 miles per hour, so safety should not be a concern. Design standards are set by Washington County and the Department of Transportation, so clearly safety is not going to be compromised in any way. Regarding drainage, there is a storm sewer being proposed in 65th Street to contain the drainage, which will be properly treated. Regarding the easement, if it's granted, approximately 30 feet from the existing right of way, the $5,700 assessment would not have to be paid until the time of the sale of his property. They're not going to construct a trail unless the property adjacent to Mr. Light is developed. Regarding the extension of sewer and water, the City's extending, at the City's cost, it north, to the north side of 65th Street. Typically, a developer petitions the City of Cottage Grove for that extension and they pay. Cottage Grove is undertaking and carrying the cost through our area funds to be able to extend that to make the parcels on the north side more saleable, marketable, and developable. We're trying to ensure that development can happen in a systematic and cost effective way. Mayor Bailey asked if the Bailey and Posavad properties began to develop, if the City would be able to recoup some of the costs associated with the extension of the storm water and sewer. Engineer Levitt stated through development, the City would be able to recapture those costs. City Council Meeting Minutes December 7, 2016 Page 9 Engineer Levitt stated tonight they're only looking at ordering the improvements, which are within the guiding documents and they are financially feasible. The assessment hearing will take place next fall. The City of Cottage Grove has plenty of time to negotiate and resolve the concerns with Mr. Light. Again, 65th Street is a County road and is designed to handle the traffic and has always been projected to carry the traffic, regardless if the school is there, so the increased traffic is not a significant detriment. Ms. Aho stated they were told curb, but perhaps not gutter, so she thanked Engineer Levitt for the clarification. Regarding the trees, those are a great concern because they're important assets. She felt if Mr. Light allowed the easement and then the City would replace some trees, that that was a type of bullying. They looked forward to working with the City to find and formulate a positive solution. They appreciated that the assessment had been reduced to $5,700, but asked that the City come up with another method so Mr. Light won't have to bear that burden, as the project's truly for the benefit of the school attendees and all of the residents. As no one else wished to address the Council, Mayor Bailey closed the public hearing. Motion by Council Member Peterson on Item 1, to Adopt Resolution 2016-184, second by Council Member Thiede. Council Member Dennis stated City staff works very hard and treats residents well. He felt Ms. Aho had made inaccurate statements of impropriety by the City. He had spoken with her yesterday and had a discussion of ethics, responsibilities, etc. He felt Ms. Aho's tone tonight was a little bit offensive. As a representative of Mr. Light, Council Member Dennis felt Ms. Aho had not helped him tonight. Council Member Dennis stated he stood with City staff and there are road improvement projects every year, which benefits the entire community. Motion carried: 4-0. Motion by Council Member Thiede on Item 2, to approve the Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Cottage Grove and the City of Newport for certain road improvements to Geneva/Century Avenue and road maintenance, second by Council Member Peterson. Motion carried: 4-0. 10. BID AWARDS — None. 11. REGULAR AGENDA A. Certify 2017 Property Tax Levy and Adopt 2016 Revised and 2017 Budgets Staff Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 2016-182 certifying the Property Tax Levy payable in 2017. Adopt Resolution 2016-183 revising the 2016 Budget and establishing the 2017 budget. Finance Director Robin Roland stated this was previously held as a public hearing for truth in taxation. Several years ago, that law was changed, and this City Council Meeting Minutes December 7, 2016 Page 10 is merely a presentation of the final levy and presentation of the final budget for 2017. The final levy must be to Washington County by December 28. The preliminary levy was brought before the Council on September 21; at that time, the levy was a total of$14,772,900. The Council approved that levy at that time, and that levy has not changed since that date. The proposed levy is a 4.99% increase over the 2016 levy. The tax base increased in its whole; individual properties varied in their increase and decrease. The increase of the tax base in the City, the number of properties or residences, as well as the valuations of commercial, industrial, and retail properties, was 4.05%. That increase in taxable value, combined with a 4.99% increase to the levy, resulted in a slight reduction in the actual tax rate to 42.94%. That's the tax rate that Washington County used to compute the tax notices, which were mailed to all the residential properties in the City in the month of November. On that notice, this meeting was identified as the opportunity to come and hear about the property tax levy and the budget for 2017. If there's anyone who wanted to comment on the actual levy or the budget itself, this was the opportunity. Some changes to the 2017 budget included: The Strategic Plan, which was identified as an expense. There were some slight modifications to the employee benefits. The Community Engagement Project is also now part of the budget. Additions to staff in the area of Public Safety, paid full-time Firefighter- Paramedics to address both the fire and ambulance service in Cottage Grove, are also included. The tax capacity growth mitigates some of the growth in the levy in the actual tax rate that is assigned to the City for 2017. In Washington County the average growth in the tax levy is 3.9%, so at 4.99%, the Cottage Grove levy grew more than other cities' levies did. However, if you take the population of the City and divide the levy by the population, that gives a per capita amount; Cottage Grove's per capita levy for 2017 is less than $420 per person. Growth in the tax levy doesn't tell the whole story. Expenditures have been controlled, there have been significant staff increases for 2017, and they've still managed to keep the per capita levy at $420 per resident of Cottage Grove. The total tax base grew 4%; so, if your residential property didn't increase more than 1%, where did that other 3% growth come from? It came from new homes and new businesses. The strategy the City has been following for the last several years is working; the houses are being built, they're coming on the tax rolls, and so are the commercial properties, which is a great sign. The average market value for residential property in Cottage Grove for 2017 is approximately $228,000 to $229,000. Regarding the budget, in September we had a bit of a deficit and had followed a very conservative strategy when it came to estimating building permit revenues City Council Meeting Minutes December 7, 2016 Page 11 and charges and fees. They went back and took a look at history of building permits and charges and fees. Due to the housing developments and commercial developments coming in 2017, she felt they were being a bit conservative and could increase the building permit revenues so the final product for 2017 is a balanced budget. Revenues and expenditures for 2017, as are budgeted now, are balanced at $16,326,635. There will be no profit or loss to the bottom line by the end of 2017. Director Roland stated they can estimate what the end of 2016 is going to look like; they already have revenues exceeding our expectations in the areas of charges for services and building permits. There have been some expenditures that have already been approved by Council so they wanted to incorporate those in a revised 2016 budget. In the end, the deficit that the City Council adopted for 2016 was estimated at $516,000; that deficit amount is now less than $100,000, and Director Roland felt the actual figures will show no deficit whatsoever. There are property tax relief funds available to all Minnesota residents; the homestead credit refund, the special property tax refund, and the renter's refund. For more information, you can access the State's Revenue website or call the Department of Revenue, Property Tax Division. Motion by Council Member Dennis to Adopt Resolution 2016-182, certifying the Property Tax Levy, payable in 2017, second by Council Member Thiede. Motion carried: 4-0. Motion by Council Member Thiede to Adopt Resolution 2016-183 revising the 2016 Budget and establishing the 2017 budget, second by Council Member Peterson. Motion carried: 4-0. 12. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Council Member Dennis stated there will be a Santa Breakfast Buffet at The Eagles Bar and Grill at River Oaks on December 11. There will be a delicious array of food and beverages; no reservations are required. Come enjoy live holiday music and the crafts available for children. Santa will be present so bring your cameras. Mayor Bailey stated the Holiday Train will be in Cottage Grove on Friday, December 9; it will be stopping on West Point Douglas Road, near the Youth Service Bureau. There will be parking at the Park & Ride and also at various parking lots toward All Saints Church. There will be warming tents on site. The train arrives at about 5:45, and he encouraged attendees to bring cash donations and/or nonperishable food or toiletry items, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Friends in Need Food Shelf. Mayor Bailey stated the next Council Meeting will be on December 21; that will be the last meeting for both Council Member Olsen and Council Member Peterson, so there City Council Meeting Minutes December 7, 2016 Page 12 will be a thank you and get together for them and all of our outgoing elected officials, including Senator Katie Sieben for her years of service and Representative Denny McNamara for his years of service, supporting the community of Cottage Grove. It will be held at the River Oaks Golf Course after the completion of the meeting. Mayor Bailey stated they did a Facebook Live event for My Cottage Grove and it was very successful. Because of its success, on Tuesday, January 3, they will have another Facebook Live event; there will be information on that on the City's website and Facebook page. He encouraged everyone to get involved and participate so we can gain more information from our citizens. Council Member Thiede stated they're still accepting entries for the logo contest for the 2017 Strawberry Fest, so he encouraged citizens to submit their ideas to the Strawberry Fest website. Mayor Bailey stated there was a tree-lighting ceremony this evening, in front of City Hall, and Santa and Mrs. Claus were there, along with the Park carolers, as well as a jazz ensemble inside City Hall. There was a great crowd present for as cold as it was, and a parent commented to Mayor Bailey that this type of event was what made a community and was what they wanted. 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 8:29 p.m. Motion carried: 4-0. Minutes prepared by Judy Graf and reviewed by Joe Fischbach, HR Manager/City Clerk.