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MINUTES
COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL August 9, 2017
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 August 9, 2017, 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, 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 Wayne Johnson, Council Member La Rae Mills, and Council Member
Dave Thiede.
Also present were: Charlene Stevens, City Administrator; Korine Land, City Attorney-
LeVander, Gillen & Miller, PAJohn Burbank, Senior Planner; Les Burshten, Public
Works Director; Christine Costello, Director of Economic Development; Zac Dockter,
Parks and Recreation Director; Joe Fischbach/HR Manager/City Clerk; Jennifer Levitt,
Community Development Director/City Engineer; Sharon Madsen, Communications
Coordinator; Rick Redenius, Fire Chief; Craig Woolery, Director of Public Safety.
4. OPEN FORUM
Mayor Bailey opened the open forum and 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: 5-0.
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
August 9, 2017
Page 2
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. 2017 Landscape Internship Program and Sustainable Garden Award
Presentation
Parks and Recreation Director Zac Dockter stated they're proud of their 13-year history
of having a landscape internship program; this year's interns were Brandon Berthiaume
of St. John's University and Casey Langhans from the University of Minnesota.
Brandon spoke of the work they'd done throughout the City and this summer and also
showed before and after photos of their work, including plantings and a large project at
the River Oaks Golf Course. They tried something new this year, stone edging along
the garden beds instead of inetal. They injected 50 Ash trees for the Emerald Ash
Bore, which they hope will keep the disease out of the trees. Brandon stated they'd
received donations last year from Gardenworld; this year they'd again received several
hundred more plants from them. Their current project is at Woodridge Park, at the
Inclusive Playground site, where they're building a sensory garden.
This year, instead of the Green Garden Award, it was changed to a Sustainability
Garden Award due to the Cottage Grove water ban. There were seven nominations
this year; Brandon reviewed each nominee's yard, what made them unique, and
showed photos of each of the yards. The winner of the Residential Sustainable Garden
Award was Jeanne Nyman for her eco-friendly garden, watered through drip irrigation,
and it included fruits and vegetables as well as a greenhouse.
The commercial winner for the Sustainable Garden Award was Renewal by Andersen,
as they had redone their entire property a couple years ago and put in more than 260
perennial plants and grasses, to make it prairie like, and planted over 100 trees for the
same effect. Their pond is a storm water system, which creates a pond for birds and
plants and the open area; they used plants native to Minnesota.
Mayor Bailey thanked both interns for their hard work. Both he and the Council
Members congratulated Jeanne Nyman; Renewal by Andersen had no one present
tonight. Each winner will receive a plaque for their garden. Mayor Bailey also thanked
the nominees.
B. Outstanding Community Partner Award
Staff Recommendation: Present Outstanding Community Partner Award to
Werner Electric for their assistance and cooperation in the construction of
the Well 10 temporary water treatment facility.
City Engineer Jennifer Levitt stated they wished to recognize a community partner. The
City of Cottage Grove has always been a City that gives back, neighbor helping
neighbor. Residents might not be aware that a local business, Werner Electric, enabled
the water treatment plant at Well 10 to be constructed more quickly because of their
cooperation; tonight Werner Electric is being recognized for their efforts. Well 10 was
City Council Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2017
Page 3
larger than the property the City owned; therefore, the current building is partially on
Werner Electric's property. Werner also provided a permanent easement. Both of
those were done at no cost to the City. They said they would do whatever the City
needed to get Well 10 operational. Due to safety issues, 95th Street had to be shut
down for some time, and Werner Electric had to detour all of their shipments, which was
a significant inconvenience to them. However, they stood alongside the City of Cottage
Grove and with the use of their property, they enabled the City to construct the
temporary water treatment facility more quickly. A representative from Werner Electric,
Jerry Thomas, Finance Director, was present to receive the award.
Mayor Bailey stated they were excited when Werner Electric came to town because of
Werner Electric's employment opportunities. Werner's also made previous donations to
the community. Because Werner said they'd help in whatever way possible with the
recent water issue, Mayor Bailey read aloud the Outstanding Community Partner
Award; on behalf of the City Council and the citizens of Cottage Grove, he presented
the award, thanked Werner Electric once again, and congratulated them. We're happy
to have Werner Electric in our community.
C. Donation of St. Florian Pendants to Cottage Grove Firefighters
Staff Recommendation:Adopt Resolution 2017-106 accepting the
donation of 57 St. Florian pendants at a total value of$1,838 from Selvig
Jewelers on behalf of local businesses to Cottage Grove Firefighters.
Christine Selvig, of Selvig Jewelers, stated she was here with some of the 21
businesses that are being represented tonight, including: Rocco's Pizza, Oasis
Chiropractic, Dennis Brothers Liquor, Subway on 70th and County Road 19, the Historic
John P. Furber Farms Wedding & Event Venue, The Healing Place, Park Grove Pet
Hospital, the Historic Hope Glen Wedding & Event Center, Keller Williams-Sherry and
Greg Wilwert, Thrivent Financial, Selvig Jewelers, Merchants Bank, Anchor Bank,
Carbone's, St. Paul Park, Park Cafe, Rumpca Services, Broadway Bar; Andeavor
Refinery, owned by Tesoro; Metro Gravel, RSI Insurance, and Kiss's Auto Body.
Christie S., a former Firefighter, also made a donation.
Ms. Selvig stated her husband, Chad, could not be here tonight, as he's training for a
new job; they are closing their jewelry store, so they wanted to do this before they
closed. The 21 businesses are giving 104 local Firefighters and EMS from Cottage
Grove, St. Paul Park, and Newport a St. Florian pendant; specifically, there are 57
Firefighters/EMS for Cottage Grove. She stated it takes a special person to do a
Firefighter's job; it takes strength and courage to save our loved ones from the river,
from a burning house, and doing welfare checks on our loved ones. You are our first
call for help. Last year, the Fire Department in St. Paul needed to break into her
father's house, as he was not responding; unfortunately, they found him deceased.
Upon her arrival, the police and firefighters were compassionate and caring, but she will
never forget the sympathy they showed to her. It's those tragic, horrific events that led
her to what she felt she needed to do for the Firefighters.
City Council Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2017
Page 4
Last year, 17 businesses went together and got the local Police Departments a St.
Michael pendant. A Cottage Grove Officer had shared with her that after he had
received the St. Michael pendant, he had had it tattooed on his arm. She stated it's
those gratifying moments that make her love herjob. She stated it takes bravery,
courage, strength, and inner peace for Firefighters/EMS to get through each and every
day; she commended them for their courage and commitment, for saving our lives, our
homes, and our businesses. They were able to raise almost $3,500 to make this
happen tonight. St. Florian is the patron saint for Firefighters and EMS; he taught how
to fight fires. On behalf of all of the businesses, she wished all the Firefighters peace,
safety, and prays that you go home to your families each and every day; she thanked
them for their service. The Firefighters and EMS were then each presented with a St.
Florian pendant.
Fire Chief Rick Redenius, on behalf of the Cottage Grove Fire Department, thanked Ms.
Selvig for the pendants. He stated the Firefighters do not do this job for the recognition;
it was difficult to get them here tonight. He also thanked all of the many businesses
who had made donations in order for them to receive the St. Florian pendants tonight.
Mayor Bailey stated on behalf of the Council, he wanted to thank Ms. Selvig and Selvig
Jewelers for all of the support given to Public Safety personnel over the years, both
police and fire.
Motion by Council Member Dennis, second by Council Member Thiede, to Adopt
Resolution 2017-106 accepting the donation of 57 St. Florian pendants at a total value
of$1,838 from Selvig Jewelers on behalf of local businesses to Cottage Grove
Firefighters. Motion carried: 5-0.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve the July 19, 2017 City Council Special Meeting Minutes.
B. Approve the July 19, 2017 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
C. Approve the July 26, 2017 City Council Special Meeting Minutes.
D. Approve the August 2, 2017 City Council Special Meeting Minutes.
E. Receive and place on file the approved minutes for the Arts Commission
meeting on June 6, 2017.
F. Accept and place on file the minutes from the May 22, 2017 Planning
Commission Meeting.
G. Authorize issuance of a single-occasion gambling permit to Cottage Grove
Elementary PTO to conduct a raffle at 7447 65th Street South on October
6, 2017.
H. Authorize issuance of a single-occasion gambling permit to Zion Lutheran
Church to conduct a raffle at 8500 Hillside Trail South on September 30,
2017.
City Council Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2017
Page 5
I. Appoint Brian Bluhm to the vacant Director position on the South
Washington County Telecommunication Commission.
J. Adopt Resolution 2017-104 accepting donations made to the City between
April 1st and June 30th.
K. Adopt Resolution 2017-103 granting a variance to allow the front yard
setback to be 15 feet from the property line versus the required 30 feet; a
variance to allow two attached garages with a total size of 1,677 square
feet; and a variance to allow two separate driveways at existing curb cut
locations at 8852 67th Street Bay South.
L. Approve the Agreement and Assessment Appeal Waiver between Steven
and Kathleen Gels and the City of Cottage Grove.
M. Authorize issuance of a Massage Therapist license to Julie Hartmans.
N. Adopt Resolution 2017-109 awarding the water service installation project
at 8300 Keats Avenue to Valley-Rich Co. Inc., in the amount of$22,450.
O. Adopt Resolution 2017-110 awarding the 2017 Pond Improvement Project
to Nadeau Companies LLC in the amount of$64,171.
P. 1) Adopt Resolution 2017-107 approving the Calarosa 1 st Addition final
plat consisting of 48 quad-units (24 structures, each with four attached
units) and 23 lots for detached single-family homes. 2) Adopt Resolution
2017-108 approving the plans and specifications for the water and
sanitary sewer to be constructed in Calarosa 1 st Addition.
Q. Accept the quarterly update on the Strategic Plan.
R. Approve the Cooperative Agreement for 2018 Super Bowl Security
between the City of Cottage Grove and the City of Minneapolis.
Council Member Dennis wished to pull Item J for comment and/or further discussion,
and Council Member Thiede wished to pull Items I and K.
Council Member Dennis stated he'd break down the Second Quarter donations to the
City by category:
lnclusive Playground-Amy Jo Pohl, $600; the West St. Paul Rotary Club, $21,000; St.
Paul Park-Newport Lions Club, $10,000; Slumberland Furniture, $2,500; Treasure
Island Casino, $2,500.
Memorial Bench for Brad Riggins-Various people donated $430. In addition, IUOE
Local 49 donated $500.
Safety Camp- John Germo Insurance, $50; Cottage Grove Lions Club, $500;
Training & Equipment for the Police Department- Northern Tier Energy, $5,000.
Council Member Dennis wanted to thank all of the people and/or businesses who made
donations between April 1 and June 30, 2017, for the above causes, and stated the City
was very grateful.
Council Member Thiede stated he's on the South Washington County
Telecommunications Commission as a Council representative, and Roger Peterson was
the City representative on that Commission for many years. He wanted to thank Roger
for his years of service. Brian Bluhm will be accepting the vacant Director position on
City Council Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2017
Page 6
the Commission; he's looking for the Council's approval tonight to appoint Mr. Bluhm to
the South Washington County Telecommunications Commission.
Council Member Thiede stated he pulled Item K, as he had a question regarding the
variances. A. J. Ecker, 8852 67th Street Bay South, approached the podium. Council
Member Thiede asked if there was any consideration made to incorporate the existing
garage into the house portion and just build a brand new, single garage. Mr. Ecker
stated they'd thought about all the different options; by adding garage stalls onto the
three-car garage, it wouldn't look good. By expanding the house and making the
second garage on the side entrance, they could make it look like part of the house so
people wouldn't really know there's a second garage. They own the lot on the other
side, they're at the end of a cul-de-sac, and there's a private lake behind them, so
there's really only one neighbor who will see it, with whom they'd spoken to about it.
They also thought it would fit in and blend well with the neighborhood. Council Member
Thiede thanked him for his input.
Motion by Council Member Thiede to approve the Consent Agenda, second by Council
Member Mills. Motion carried: 5-0.
8. APPROVE DISBURSEMENTS
A. Approve payments for the period of 7/19/2017-8/10/2017 in the amount of
$2,825,312.10.
Motion to approve disbursements by Council Member Johnson, second by Council
Member Dennis. Motion carried: 5-0.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Conveyance of 7855 Harkness Avenue South to the Economic
Development Authority
Staff Recommendation: 1. Hold the public hearing. 2. Adopt Resolution 2017-
105 authorizing the conveyance of 7855 Harkness Avenue South to the
Economic Development Authority.
Director of Economic Development Christine Costello stated in 2014 the City had a
market study done by Hospitality Marketeers International that stated the City could
support an additional hotel. They had concluded that an 80-room limited service,
midscale hotel, with traditional rooms and suites could satisfy lodging requirements in
Cottage Grove. As part of that a Request for Proposal (RFP) was sent out to 31 hotel
developers; one response was received, but they didn't pursue it further.
In 2016, Ruby Tuesday's corporate closed 95 of their 274 locations, which included
Cottage Grove. The City continued to market not only the City-owned site but also the
former Ruby Tuesday's; both of those sites were taken to this year's ICSC RECon
City Council Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2017
Page 7
convention. There was interest from developers, who expressed an interest in a
smaller-format hotel, less than 80 rooms. The typical lot size requirement is two acres;
this parcel is 1.67 acres, which is slightly smaller.
On July 11, the City met with HAF Development to discuss the development and
redevelopment of the City-owned and former Ruby Tuesday's sites; they're looking at a
potential hotel and repurposing Ruby Tuesday's. The property is zoned B2, which is
retail business; a hotel is a conditional use so that will require Planning Commission and
City Council approval. A restaurant is a permitted use. The Comprehensive Plan
guides the area for commercial development, which will be keeping with that. Due to
time frame issues and the Letter of Intent (LOI) received from HAF, this needs to come
before the City Council before the Economic Development Authority (EDA). We came
before the City Council on July 19 to authorize City Administrator Charlene Stevens to
sign the LOI, which was approved and the LOI was signed. The parcel needs to be
conveyed to the EDA because the EDA is the development entity. City Council needs
to conduct public service; once the land is conveyed, we can begin negotiations on the
Purchase Agreement and Development Agreement and then those would also go
before the EDA and City Council for final approval.
Mayor Bailey opened the public hearing. As no one wished to speak on this item,
Mayor Bailey closed the public hearing.
Motion by Council Member Thiede to Adopt Resolution 2017-105, conveying 7855
Harkness Avenue South to the Cottage Grove Economic Development Authority;
second by Council Member Mills. Motion carried: 5-0.
B. Junction 70 Grill — Special Event Permit
Staff Recommendation: 1. Hold the public hearing. 2. Approve the
Special Event Permit for the Junction 70 Grill Grand Opening on August
10, 2017, at 6933 Pine Arbor Drive South, subject to conditions.
Director Costello stated they'd received a call from the Junction 70 Grill staff; they would
like to have their grand opening tomorrow evening. They would like to have live
acoustical music, which will be amplified. A mailing was sent out to people living within
500 feet, and a Legal Notice was put in the Bulletin newspaper. They will be required to
have their speakers facing inward, toward the restaurant. Director Costello stated she'd
received some phone calls from residents on some concerns, one of which was the
dumpster enclosure. The Building Inspector, as well as the Code Enforcement Officer,
have been working with them regarding the materials. There were concerns about the
trash overflow; it's her understanding the manager had scheduled additional trash
pick-ups, not only for the day of the event, but they're busy on the weekends so they're
working on that schedule. The Building Inspector looked at the enclosure today; there
are before and after photos, and we're satisfied that the correct materials are present.
They have a temporary Certificate of Occupancy, which is valid for six months; it will not
expire until October. There were three items remaining, which included installation of
City Council Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2017
Page 8
address numbers on the front of the building, installing black wrought iron fencing, and
the completion of the dumpster area, which has been done. If the other two items
are completed, they could be issued a final Certificate of Occupancy as soon as
tomorrow with a final inspection by the Building Inspector. The application was also
reviewed by Public Safety and Public Works; they didn't require any special provisions.
Junction 70 paid their permit fee and submitted the required insurance documentation.
Director Costello stated the owners were present tonight to answer questions.
Mayor Bailey opened the public hearing. Jill Stevens, 6801 Pine Arbor Court South,
wanted someone to explain the permit process. She felt it seemed like they got a
really late notice about this event with live music; she stated it seemed that they weren't
given the information fast enough so that if they had concerns they could even get
those voiced tonight. She stated she lived very close to this restaurant, but if it's going
to be something that's going to happen every other month, she'd have an issue and
they'd need to be notified sooner. She wanted to know what the time frame was for a
permit. Community Development Director Jennifer Levitt stated a struggle they had was
with the Council Meeting schedule and with the business' desire to be open; in this
case, they were able to get the Public Notice in the paper and distributed a mailing to
the neighbors within 500 feet. Tonight's the opportunity to express any concerns about
the event. The Council has the opportunity to deny the Special Permit or provide
approval with conditions stated in the staff report to ensure that residents' concerns
have been met. The City tries to provide this opportunity to the public to come before
the Council with any concerns that they have.
Administrator Stevens stated this request would typically come directly to the Council;
just to clarify, this is a permit for tomorrow's event. It is not an ongoing permit to do
many special events. If they want to hold another outdoor music event, they'd need to
reapply for another permit; neighbors would again be notified and have the opportunity
to speak. It's also because there's only one Council Meeting in August instead of the
normal two; typically, the notice would have been sent sooner.
Jill Stevens stated there wasn't even a date on the letter they received; typically,
businesses usually put a date on the letter they're sending. She stated she felt
this event had already been approved before they got the letter. Mayor Bailey stated
that was not the case. He explained the letter was to explain to the Council and to the
residents what they were planning to do. Jill Stevens stated on Junction 70 Grill's
Facebook page, it's been advertised as a live acoustic band.
Marianne Slaikeu, 6867 Pine Arbor Court South, stated she felt it was short notice,
coming here on August 9 with the event on August 10; she thought she had understood
there wouldn't be a lot of live music out on the patio because they're in a housing area,
which she thought was a condition of building the bar. Regarding the garbage area, it
got completed because of this event and they wanted your approval. If it hadn't been
for that event, she didn't know when they would have taken care of it because she had
photos that were even worse than the City's, where the garbage can be seen from
City Council Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2017
Page 9
above their fence area. When the dumpster lids are up and are full of garbage, that's
easily seen. You can compare them to Holiday's dumpster area, to HealthEast, and the
strip mall; there are businesses there, and you can't detect anything like this. Here you
can actually walk by and smell the garbage. She felt when there's an overabundance,
it's piled next to the dumpster. If the boards break on August 11, because it's wood,
then what? Where they've located their trash also doesn't blend in whatsoever to the
area. She stated residents can't keep their trash out front and just leave it there until
the next week nor can other businesses; however, they feel the City's holding their hand
to get them to fix the garbage area. Then, it's done in wood that could break again. If
they don't have an event, it will just sit that way. That's part of her concern, some of it
has been spoken about already. She didn't think when the bar first moved in, and the
approval happened, they were told they should relax; after all, Carbone's is in a
residential neighborhood and those people are calm. Well, Carbone's doesn't have
outdoor venues, outdoor music, their trash is contained, and everything is contained
within the building. The garage doors in the front of the building could be lifted up. The
band could be inside their building, and lift up the garage door for anyone who wants to
sit out on the patio to hear the music because the neighbors in the houses don't want to
hear it.
It was asked if there was a limit to the amount of noise the band could put out; Mayor
Bailey advised there's a noise ordinance regarding decibel levels and also hours it's
allowed. Regarding the garbage concerns, businesses are held accountable and they'd
be required to fix it. Director Costello had mentioned they're in a temporary Certificate
of Occupancy, so there were still some things that need to be addressed, address
numbers on the building and wrought-iron fencing needs to be completed. Any issues
with this event would be brought back to the Council to review, should they ever apply
for another Special Event Permit.
Another male resident stated a two-person band could certainly be inside, as had been
originally described, and the garage door was supposed to be able to be lifted up.
Shawn Murray, General Manager of the Junction 70 Grill, 6933 Pine Arbor Drive,
thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. The doors are always open at the
restaurant and they'd like to hear concerns from the residents. They want to be a good
neighbor. The trash enclosure was built incorrectly; he stated everything is fixed now,
and it should be maintained. Again, if there's an issue, please come and let us know.
Live music is done at their other restaurants seven days a week. It's not advantageous
for us to blast the music out where you're going to hear it. Initially, they were told they
would not have to have screens; there are screens on the garage doors. People
moving in and out of there is not really feasible. It's a small restaurant. We can't have
the music very loud. It's an acoustic set; they do country music and blues. He invited
everyone to come out and see it. They hear the concerns, but he hoped they didn't
have much to be concerned about, come have some free food and drink, and see what
we're about. We want to be part of the community and want to be a good neighbor. We
live within 1.5 miles of the restaurant, and we feel that bringing this to Cottage Grove is
going to help develop Cottage Grove, to bring even more businesses in so people stay
City Council Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2017
Page 10
in Cottage Grove rather than going to other cities. The acoustic band is a two-man,
amplified acoustic set; he explained there's no room inside the restaurant for them. The
noise will be projected into the restaurant by speakers. They'll be playing from 4:00 to
9:00, and the City noise ordinance goes until 10:00. Regarding the Facebook post, they
had to promote the event. If they don't get approval, they're willing to pull the plug on it.
If the garbage doors malfunction and they don't work long term, they'd be interested in
listening to citizens who might want to help choose materials and the overall setting.
Debbie Foster, 6875 Pine Arbor Court South, asked for tomorrow's event if there would
be police anywhere; she was asking because when you get people drinking, there's a
lot of noise from the cars, and she'd like the area patrolled a little bit for safety purposes.
She didn't know if that had already been lined up. She wanted to know where the police
will be because people don't always give up their keys. She wanted that area perhaps
patrolled a little bit for residents who would be walking. Mayor Bailey stated he saw
Public Safety Director Woolery making note of that.
Director Costello mentioned the event would begin at 4:00 p.m., not 5:00 p.m.
As no one else wished to speak, Mayor Bailey closed the public hearing.
Council Member Johnson asked the owners of Junction 70 Grill to come forward for
some questions. He stated the music would be outside, and asked if the speakers were
going to be inside or outside. He was told the speaker position would be pointed into
the restaurant, so the music would be projected into the interior of the restaurant and it
would not reverberate outside. Council Member Johnson confirmed it was a directional
speaker.
Council Member Johnson stated if the music was brought inside and the garage doors
were open with the screens, the music would be heard outside anyway; he was told that
was correct.
Motion by Council Member Thiede to approve the Special Event Permit for the Junction
70 Grill Grand Opening on August 10, 2017, at 6933 Pine Arbor Drive South, subject to
conditions, event will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., second by Council Member
Mills. Motion carried: 5-0.
C. Land Exchange — 8081 70th Street South
Staff Recommendation: 1. Approve an amendment and assignment of
2015 Agreement and Assessment Appeal Waiver for the 8081 70th Street
South Improvement Project and authorize the execution of the deeds
related to the conveyance of the parcels. 2. Hold a public hearing for the
requested transfer of Outlot 8, Summer Hills 1 st Addition, which is a City-
owned non-park and open space property located south of 8081 70th
Street South, in exchange for public right-of-way property and access
control along 70th Street (CSAH 22), and the conveyance of the 70th
City Council Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2017
Page 11
Street public right-of-way described in the amended agreement to
Washington County for planned roadway improvement projects. 3. Adopt
Resolution 2017-111 approving the conveyance of the 70th Street public
right-of-way described in the amended agreement to Washington County
for planned roadway improvement projects.
Senior Planner John Burbank stated 8081 70th Street South is owned by Gary and
Sandra Boros; it's one of the only properties that doesn't have a house on it and has an
existing garage. Washington County's plan is to have no direct access onto a minor
arterial roadway, which is what they're looking accomplish with this action. Outlot B was
acquired by the City in 1972 because this parcel was an exception to that plat.
Mayor Bailey stated Commissioner Myra Peterson had been begging us to work with
this land owner to get that access off of 70th Street, so she'll be very happy with this
action.
Mayor Bailey opened the public hearing; as no one wished to address the Council on
this issue, Mayor Bailey closed the public hearing.
Motion by Council Member Thiede to approve an amendment and assignment of the
2015 Agreement and Assessment Appeal Waiver for the 8081 70th Street South
Improvement Project and authorize the execution of the deeds related to the
conveyance of the parcels; second by Council Member Johnson. Motion carried: 5-0.
Motion by Council Member Mills to Adopt Resolution 2017-111 approving the
conveyance of the 70th Street public right-of-way described in the amended agreement
to Washington County for planned roadway improvement projects; second by Council
Member Dennis. Motion carried: 5-0.
D. Land Exchange - 8677 70th Street South
Staff Recommendation: 1) Approve the land exchange agreement for
8677 70th Street South. 2) Hold a public hearing to consider the requested
transfer of Outlot 8, Kingsborough Woods Addition, which is a City-owned
non-park and open space property located south of 8677 70th Street
South, in exchange for public right-of-way property and access control
along 70th Street (CSAH 22), and the conveyance of the 70th Street
public right-of-way described in the land exchange agreement to
Washington County for planned roadway improvement projects. 3) Adopt
Resolution 2017-112 conveying the land exchange right-of-way to
Washington County.
Planner Burbank stated Cory and Amber Wood owned this particular property, and last
year they came in to connect their property to public utilities. This request is to approve
a land exchange agreement for 8677 70th Street South, hold a public hearing, and
consider conveyance of the 70th Street public right-of-way to Washington County. This
City Council Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2017
Page 12
property is similarly situated, Outlot B is the parcel owned by the City; when
Kingsborough Woods was platted, this was also an exception parcel; there was a
property line dispute between the developer and the current owner of the Woods'
property. There are two existing sheds on the property, and the Woods would be taking
ownership of those parcels on the property. Their access to 70th Street would also be
removed.
Mayor Bailey opened the public hearing; as no one wished to address the Council on
this issue, Mayor Bailey closed the public hearing.
Motion by Council Member Dennis to approve the land exchange agreement for 8677
70th Street South; second by Council Member Thiede. Motion carried: 5-0.
Motion by Council Member Johnson to Adopt Resolution 2017-112 conveying the land
exchange right-of-way to Washington County; second by Council Member Dennis.
Motion carried: 5-0.
10. BID AWARDS — None.
11. REGULAR AGENDA
A. Public Works Radio Project
Staff Recommendation:Authorize the purchase of new radios for Public
Works vehicles and equipment.
Public Works Director Les Burshten stated they'd like to award the purchase of a new
radio communication system for the Public Works Department. There was a previous
discussion with the Council at a workshop and a couple weeks ago they talked about a
funding source at a budget meeting; the budget source would be through the Equipment
Replacement Program. There are funds available to do this. Quotes were received
from three different businesses through the RFP process, evaluated, and the
recommendation was to award the project to Professional Wireless Communications
System in the amount of$69,911. They met all of the requirements and were the most
responsible bidder. Len Koehnen is the Consulting Engineer who worked with us in
going through the RFP process, and he's here this evening.
Council Member Thiede asked if this would be on the same frequency as the police;
Director Burshten stated it is not, it's at 60 megahertz, and the police are at 800
megahertz, so it's a different system. They had talked about the 800 megahertz
system, but it's overkill for what Public Works needs and it's extremely expensive.
Motion by Council Member Thiede to authorize the purchase of new radios for Public
Works vehicles and equipment, second by Council Member Johnson.
Motion carried: 5-0.
City Council Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2017
Page 13
12. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Council Member Mills stated tomorrow is Fare For All at All Saints Church; that's an
opportunity for people to purchase meat packs and produce packs at discounted rates.
Council Member Mills stated tomorrow is also the Fall Treasures Fashion Show, which
is a fundraiser for the Stone Soup Thrift Shop. St. Paul Park Mayor Dingle will be
hosting the event and Mayor Dan Lund will be the emcee. It's a great way to support the
Stone Soup Thrift Shop. The event will take place at the Furber Farm; tickets are
available at the door for $15 for adults and $10 for children 4 to 12. She encouraged all
who are able to attend this fun event.
Council Member Dennis stated on Saturday, August 19, the Cottage Grove Fire
Department will be at the Shoppes at Almar Village to perform the Muscular Dystrophy
Association "Fill the Boot." He invited the entire community to attend; he and a number
of other businesses will be participating to help raise money for that very worthy cause.
It will most likely be an all-day event.
Council Member Thiede stated there'd been an issue in the news with Ford Explorers
and police vehicles involved in accidents, possibly linked to carbon monoxide leaks into
the passenger chambers of the vehicles; he contacted Public Safety Director Woolery
to see if we'd investigated that. He found that they had already installed detectors in
our police vehicles and haven't experienced any issues of that sort.
Council Member Johnson stated regarding the excitement of Hy-Vee, the Junction 70
Grill, and the new restaurant that replaced Bamboo Garden, everybody wants to
comment on social media about their experiences. He wanted people to remember to
embrace the new businesses that open in the City; everybody has a time period where
they're fine tuning things when they first open. He asked the public to give the various
businesses a chance as we bring other businesses into the community so they will see
that Cottage Grove is a community they'd like to be a part of and in which they will
thrive.
Mayor Bailey stated tomorrow night is the ribbon cutting at Junction 70 Grill, which is
owned by a local family. There will be a new restaurant going in where Bamboo Garden
used to be. Cub Foods had a grand reopening. A building going in, next to Junction 70,
is owned by another local family. The Mathnasium that just opened is another local
family that decided to reinvest in their community. Carbone's expanded in our
community. There's another groundbreaking on August 22, Norris Square, which is the
expansion of the Norris Square senior living with assisted living. It's important to
support our local businesses, especially those going through the fine tuning. During the
water ban, he learned the importance of being neighborly and talking to your neighbors,
whether they're a business or a family; instead of using social media, go speak to them.
People want to be good neighbors, but he encouraged people to reach out to their
neighbors if there are issues or concerns so they can address it first before it escalates
City Council Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2017
Page 14
or it gets put on Facebook. Mayor Bailey stated since Hy-Vee has opened, it's been
packed, and there's excitement with the changes Cub Foods has made. Junction 70
has been very successful also.
There is only this one Council Meeting in the month of August; the reason for that is
because they've been doing workshops with the staff to create a budget. In the past,
they've tried different things to engage the community so they can understand where
the money goes and why the City is purchasing equipment, etc. They never got a very
big turnout in the past, so this year they're going to try something different; on August
23, from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m., they will be doing a Facebook Live event, going over the
budget, with questions and answers. It will be on the City's Facebook page. The
Bulletin will have more information on the event also. The budget will be adopted in the
September Council Meeting, and everyone is invited to that meeting. Administrator
Stevens stated if you're not able to attend, you can email questions in advance to
cottage-grove.org and those questions will be answered live at the Council Meeting. At
the first meeting in September, the City Council will be able to adopt the maximum levy,
and the actual final budget will be adopted by the City Council at their first meeting in
December.
Council Member Thiede asked if people wanted to be able to see the Facebook Live
event in person if that would be possible; Administrator Stevens stated it will take place
in City Hall but it will be done via Facebook so it's being done that way so people don't
have to attend in person and can do it from their home or a library or a coffee shop. If
residents aren't available at 6:30, they will post it on the City's website, similar to My
Future Cottage Grove, so it can be viewed after the fact; questions can be posed at that
time and those questions will be answered.
Council Member Thiede stated not everyone is on Facebook or might not have access
to the Internet, although they might have cable TV. He felt they needed to consider
something like that. She indicated residents could certainly come to City Hall and staff
would be happy to answer questions before and after the Facebook event.
Mayor Bailey stated the first meeting in September will be a public hearing, also, so the
public can attend and ask their questions at that time. He indicated residents can
always contact their Council Members, too. Administrator Stevens stated residents can
also contact City staff inembers to ask questions; there's also a public hearing in
December before the budget is finalized, so there are multiple opportunities for
residents to ask questions. Facebook is just another form of engagement they're going
to try.
13. WORKSHOPS — OPEN TO PUBLIC — None.
14. WORKSHOPS — CLOSED TO PUBLIC — None.
15. ADJOURNMENT
City Council Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2017
Page 15
Motion by Council Member Thiede, second by Council Member Johnson, to adjourn the
meeting at 8:43 p.m. Motion carried: 5-0.
Minutes prepared by Judy Graf and reviewed by Joe Fischbach, HR Manager/City
Clerk.