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MINUTES
COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL May 2, 2018
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 May 2, 2018, 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, PA; Ryan BurFeind, Assistant City Engineer; John 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, Senior Planner; Robin Roland, Finance Director; Pete Koerner,
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.
Mike Mingo, 10940 Manning Avenue South, stated on July 20, 2016, the City granted a
conditional use permit for 10980 or 10990 Manning Avenue for an industrial solar site.
Sunrise Energy was the original business but subsequently left; since then, many others
have come and gone. The problem with this solar garden property is there are 80
homes around it; the solar garden will be 20 to 145 feet from the residences. He wants
to know if the City will rectify the mistake that was made. He wanted to know why so
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
May 2, 2018
Page 2
many companies have been in and out of that site and if there's an issue. He'd like the
City to look into that. Mayor Bailey stated the City will look at that site and also stated
he's familiar with both of those properties.
As no one else wished to address the Council, Mayor Bailey closed the open forum.
5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion by Council Member Thiede to adopt the agenda; second by Council Member
Johnson. Motion carried: 5-0.
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. 2018 Historic Preservationist of the Year and Historic Preservation
Month Proclamation
Staff Recommendation: 1) Proclaim May 2018 as Historic Preservation
Month. 2) Present the 2018 Historic Preservationist of the Year to The
Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center Staff and Board of Directors.
Senior Planner John Burbank stated the City and region take pride in the history of the
community. Historic Preservation Month is celebrated every year, as well as the people
who make that history come alive. The Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation
has nominated and recommended that the Council award The Thomas Irvine Dodge
Nature Center's staff and Board of Directors with the 2018 Historic Preservationist of the
Year award for all of their work on the historic Shepard Farm. He reviewed the history
of that property and this year's plans for upgrades to that site.
Mayor Bailey read aloud the proclamation for May 2018 as Historic Preservation Month
in the City of Cottage Grove, which included naming The Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature
Center staff and Board of Directors as the Historic Preservationist of the Year for
their work on Shepard Farm.
Motion by Council Member Dennis to accept and approve the Historic Preservationist of
the Year to The Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center; second by Council Member Mills.
Motion carried: 5-0.
Mayor Bailey asked the Council Members to join him in front of the dais to present The
Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center staff and Board of Directors with their award;
present to receive the award were Board Member Trey Titcomb, his wife, Megan, and
their three children, and a neighbor, Amelia Winter. Mayor Bailey read the plaque; they
were congratulated and thanked for all of their work.
Trey Titcomb stated they were extremely honored with this award. He stated 2018 will
bring a lot of work and dedication to Cottage Grove; they're very excited about that and
he thanked the City for this award.
City Council Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2018
Page 3
7. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve the April 18, 2018 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
B. Proclaim May 20 - 26, 2018 as National Public Works Week.
C. Authorize issuance of a single-occasion gambling permit to The Phoenix
Residence, Inc., to hold a raffle at River Oaks Golf Course on 6/11/2018.
D. Proclaim May 13 - 19, 2018 as National Police Week and May 15, 2018 as
Peace Officers' Memorial Day. Locally, there are two memorial services
held: 1) Washington County Sheriffs Office Law Enforcement Memorial
Day, Date: May 15, 2018, at 12 noon, Location: Washington County
Historic Court House, 101 West Pine Street, Stillwater, MN. 2) Minnesota
Law Enforcement Memorial Services, Date: May 14 - 15, 2018, Location:
Peace Officers' Memorial at the State Capitol, 20 12th Street West, St.
Paul, MN.
E. Adopt Resolution 2018-062 awarding the 2018 Trail & Parking Lot Seal
Coating and Crack Sealing project to the lowest accepted quote supplied
by Gopher State Sealcoat, Inc. for $30,948.90.
F. Approve the Temporary Construction Easement Agreements for 5995
Woodlane Drive and 5996 Woodlane Drive.
G. Proclaim May 2018 as Building Safety Month.
H. Accept and place on file the minutes from the March 26, 2018 Planning
Commission meeting.
I. Approve the issuance of rental licenses to the properties in the attached
table.
J. Authorize entrance into a Right of Entry Agreement with the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency allowing access to property for maintenance of
the temporary carbon treatment systems associated with City Well No. 3
and City Well No. 10.
K. Adopt Resolution 2018-065 approving the final layout of the CSAH 13 &
CSAH 22 Roundabout.
L. Adopt Resolution 2018-064 stating a 0.33-acre parcel of land is necessary
for the construction of Ravine Parkway and requesting that it be removed
from the DNR Conservation Easement.
M. Authorize 2018 Strawberry Fest events on public property contingent on
compliance with staff recommendations.
N. Authorize issuance of a temporary intoxicating liquor license to the
Cottage Grove Lions Club for Kingston Park on June 15 and June 16 from
12 p.m. to midnight, and for Lamar Park on June 16 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
in conjunction with Strawberry Fest.
O. Authorize issuance of a temporary intoxicating liquor license to the St.
Paul Park/Newport Lions Club for Kingston Park on June 15 and 16 from
10 a.m. to midnight in conjunction with Strawberry Fest.
P. Request withdrawn.
City Council Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2018
Page 4
Q. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding with Washington County for
Corridor Access Management.
R. 1) Adopt Resolution 2018-066 approving the Kingston Fields final plat. 2)
Approve the Kingston Fields Development Agreement with D.R. Horton.
3) Adopt Resolution 2018-067 approving the final construction plans for
Kingston Fields as prepared by Westwood Professional Service, Inc.
dated April 27, 2018.
S. Adopt Resolution 2018-068 calling for the sale of$7,650,000 in General
Obligation Improvement Bonds of 2018A to fund the Hadley North of 65th
and Ravine Parkway road construction projects.
Council Member Dennis wished to pull Items D and E; Council Member Johnson wished
to pull Item B; and Council Member Thiede wished to pull Items M and G for further
comment and/or discussion.
Council Member Dennis stated Item D sought to proclaim National Police Week, May 13
through May 19, and Peace Officers' Memorial Day on May 15, 2018. He read aloud
the proclamation for those events. He stated staff from the Cottage Grove Police
Department will attend the Peace Officers' Memorial Service held at the Minnesota
Peace Officers Memorial in St. Paul on Monday, May 15, as well as attending the Law
Enforcement Memorial Day Service at the Historic Courthouse in Stillwater, Minnesota.
The proclamation urged Cottage Grove citizens and organizations to salute our
dedicated law enforcement officers in our community and in communities across the
nation. Council Member Dennis asked everyone to take a couple moments of silence to
pay our respect to those officers who were lost.
Council Member Dennis stated he pulled Item E because there were four bids received,
with Gopher State having the lowest bid. There was much disparity (over $55,000)
between the lowest bid and the highest bid. We generally accept the lowest-priced bid,
but he wanted to make sure that staff would keep a vigilant eye on this, with work orders
for any changes that would significantly increase the cost, as Council might want to be
able to weigh in on those. Council Member Thiede asked Engineer Jennifer Levitt why
she felt there was so much of a disparity in the bids; she stated they'd asked Gopher
State about their bid. They wanted to ensure the quality of the product they were
proposing to place and that it was consistent with our specifications. They will be
tracking the work and tabulating it, so they can ensure that there's not an overrun to
create change order situations; Assistant City Engineer Ryan Burfeind might have
additional insight regarding Gopher State's bid. Engineer Burfeind stated with minor
asphalt maintenance projects it's not uncommon to see more disparity; they also saw
that with the crack sealing project this year. Projects in nearby areas at the same time
will oftentimes impact the bidding. The quote provided was discussed with the
contractor; they felt confident there was nothing missing in their quote so they're
recommending award of that project to Gopher State Sealcoat. Council Member Mills
asked if we'd worked with this company before; Engineer Burfeind stated that yes,
they'd been providing quotes for this project for quite some time, but this was the first
City Council Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2018
Page 5
year they were the low quote. Council Member Johnson asked what they'd bid in the
past and how much they'd reduced their price this time; Engineer Burfeind stated this
was a smaller project than in previous years so he'd have to look back at the bids from
previous years and would provide those numbers to him.
Council Member Johnson stated regarding Item B, he had the privilege of reading aloud
the proclamation for National Public Works Week, May 20 to May 26; he sits on the
Board at Public Works, and we all know how important Public Works' services are to the
City.
Council Member Thiede stated regarding Item G, the month of May 2018 had been
declared as Building Safety Month, and he subsequently read aloud the Cottage Grove
proclamation regarding building officials who ensure safety in buildings where we live,
learn, work, worship, and play, and who protect the public from natural disasters.
Council Member Thiede stated regarding Item M, Strawberry Fest, this is a fantastic
summer festival in Cottage Grove. All the proper permits and licenses need to be in
place, so Items M, N, and O on tonight's agenda make that happen. Strawberry Fest is
on June 14, 15, and 16. There are also some activities on June 17 and 18. He asked
that the Council approve all of the permits and licenses for the festival.
Motion by Council Member Mills to approve the Consent Agenda; second by Council
Member Thiede. Motion carried: 5-0.
8. APPROVE DISBURSEMENTS
A. Approve payments for the period of 4/18/2018 through 5/3/2018 for the
amount of$1,653,961.78.
Motion by Council Member Dennis to approve disbursements; second by Council
Member Johnson. Motion carried: 5-0.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Kingston Fields - Drainage & Utility Easement Vacation
Staff Recommendation: 1) Hold the Public Hearing vacating and
discontinuing that segment of a 20-foot wide permanent drainage and
utility easement that bisects the property proposed to develop as Kingston
Fields. 2) Adopt Resolution 2018-059 approving the vacation and
discontinuance of the drainage & utility easement that bisects property
proposed to develop as Kingston Fields, and authorize the City Clerk to
prepare a notice to be presented to the Washington County Auditor
regarding the completion of the proceedings herein.
City Council Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2018
Page 6
Engineer Burfeind stated in Kingston Fields there's a sanitary sewer pipe located in a
20-foot drainage utility easement, and there are portions of that easement and pipe that
go outside of the City right of way. D.R. Horton will be relocating the pipe that's outside
of easement into 67th Street right of way; as part of that, we will be vacating the 20-foot
easement at tonight's public hearing. They recommend they vacate a 20-foot wide
drainage and utility easement and Adopt Resolution 2018-059 vacating and
discontinuing that easement.
Council Member Thiede asked if there was anything in the ground; Engineer Burfeind
there was a pipe, which will be relocated by D.R. Horton at no cost to the City.
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 Johnson to Adopt Resolution 2018-059 approving the
vacation and discontinuance of the drainage & utility easement that bisects the property
proposed to develop as Kingston Fields, and authorize the City Clerk to prepare a
notice to be presented to the Washington County Auditor regarding the completion of
the proceedings herein; second by Council Member Thiede. Motion carried: 5-0.
B. TIF District No. 1-18
Staff Recommendation: 1) Adopt Resolution 2018-060 modifying the
development program for Development District No. 1 and the establishing
Tax Increment District No. 1-18 (Modern Automotive Performance). 2)
Adopt Resolution 2018-061 approving an Interfund Loan for advancement
of certain costs in connection with Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-
18 (Modern Automotive Performance).
Christine Costello, Director of Economic Development, stated business retention and
expansion is important. They've been working with Modern Automotive Performance,
currently located in the Business Park, but they're experiencing tremendous growth so
they're looking to add an addition of over 24,000 square feet. As part of that process,
they've requested Tax Increment Financing (TIF). She stated that James Lehnhoff,
from Ehlers & Associates, was here to explain the process.
Mr. Lehnhoff stated he'd talk about the TIF request from Modern Automotive; the
Economic Development Authority (EDA) had already reviewed the proposal at their April
meeting. The Planning Commission reviewed the TIF proposal to ensure if there is TIF
provided that the project is in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan and may make
that recommendation to the Council. The City Council's being asked to hold a public
hearing prior to adopting the TIF plan; this is one step in the process.
TIF is the ability to capture and use most of the increased local property tax revenues
from new development, or redevelopment, in some cases, within a defined geographic
area (so, it's a very specific spot) for a limited period of time. Any property in the City,
City Council Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2018
Page 7
home or business, has a base value; the original tax capacity on which property taxes
are paid. With new development, expansion or addition to a site, there will be more
value on that property. It's only that portion that is being added that is involved in TIF.
At some point TIF ends, and once it ends, the full tax payment is distributed to the
normal jurisdictions: City, County, and School District.
A TIF District has to be created inside of a defined project area. For many areas, the
project area is actually the entire City; for Cottage Grove, it's a portion of the City.
What's important to know is when a TIF District is added, we're modifying a
development district. With an economic development TIF District, it has a maximum
nine-year term or less, and it is related to discouraging relocation outside of the City,
hopes for increased employment within the State, and a preservation and enhancement
of tax base in the State. With any request for assistance in Cottage Grove, we need to
demonstrate that there is a financial need, and we're only providing the minimum
amount of assistance to make a project financially feasible.
Modern Automotive hopes to add 24,000 square feet and approximately 21 jobs. They
hope to have the space built by the end of 2018. There is no upfront funding by the
City; the risk is entirely on the developer. It will never be over $117,000 over nine
years; it could be done in less than nine years. Mr. Lehnhoff reviewed the changes to
the taxes paid by the company with TIF financing. The projected annual TIF amount will
be approximately $17,000 annually, which is about 19 cents on each $1 of taxes paid
on the property that actually comes back as a part of TIF.
Mr. Lehnhoff stated the Council is not being asked tonight to provide the obligation to
provide the TIF assistance; it's simply a request to create the TIF District itself and the
ability to provide TIF assistance. The development agreement will be available on May
16, 2018. The developer is expected to pay the City for the cost to set up the TIF
District, although it's possible for the City to incur some administrative costs for
managing the District before it actually starts generating an increment. They
recommend the staff approve an Interfund Loan resolution so if the City incurs any
costs, it can reimburse itself from that future administrative portion of the tax increment.
Mayor Bailey opened the public hearing. As no one wished to speak on this topic,
Mayor Bailey closed the public hearing.
Motion by Council Member Mills to Adopt Resolution 2018-060, modifying the
development program for Development District No. 1 and establishing Tax Increment
District No. 1-18 (Modern Automotive Performance); second by Council Member
Dennis. Motion carried: 5-0.
Motion by Council Member Thiede to Adopt Resolution 2018-061 approving an
Interfund Loan for advancement of certain costs in connection with Tax Increment
Financing District No. 1-18 (Modern Automotive Performance); second by Council
Member Johnson. Motion carried: 5-0.
City Council Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2018
Page 8
10. BID AWARDS
A. Hadley Avenue Street & Utility Improvements Project
Staff Recommendation:Adopt Resolution 2018-063 awarding the bid for
the Hadley Avenue Street and Utility Improvements Project to SR
Weidema, Inc. in the amount of$1,728,132.95.
Engineer Burfeind stated on April 26, 2018, the City received bids for the Hadley
Avenue Street & Utility Improvements Project. There were four bids received; the low
bid was by SR Weidema in the amount of$1,728,132.95. That compares with the
engineer's estimate on the project of$1,880,000. The recommendation is to award the
bid for this project to SR Weidema, Inc.
Council Member Thiede asked if SR Weidema had previously used by the City;
Engineer Burfeind stated it had been quite some time for them to bid a project in
Cottage Grove. The design engineer on this project had quite a bit of good experience
with them on other projects. They've got a good performance history in the metro.
Council Member Johnson asked why this is separate in the bid awards, as opposed to
the item that was previously in the Consent Agenda. The item discussed previously
was a quote award; the City solicits quotes for projects under $100,000 in value and
those are a consent item. This is a publicly-bid project so that's why two different
processes are followed.
Motion by Council Member Dennis to Adopt Resolution 2018-063 awarding the bid for
the Hadley Avenue Street & Utility Improvements Project to SR Weidema, Inc. in the
amount of$1,728,132.95; second by Council Member Mills. Motion carried: 5-0.
11. REGULAR AGENDA— None.
12. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Council Member Mills stated the Paint `N Sip will be on Saturday evening, May 12, at
River Oaks. You can sign up on the Cottage Grove website, under Arts
Commission, or on Facebook. She said it will be a fun night, and she believes they'll be
painting tulips; she encouraged everyone to sign up.
Council Member Mills stated some items for tonight's meeting came out at the last
minute, and she felt it was difficult to go through the packet to figure out what the
changes were. She requested staff, if possible, to identify what some of the little
changes were in the packet, especially when it comes out on the afternoon of the
Council Meeting date.
Council Member Dennis stated they'd talked earlier about the National Public Works
Week proclamation, but he wanted to recognize Public Works Director Les Burshten for
City Council Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2018
Page 9
the Arbor Day event, which took place at Hamlet Park. He thought the Public Works
team did an excellent job putting that together; he'd gotten some really good feedback
from attendees.
Council Member Dennis stated today he received outstanding feedback from a
gentleman, who was talking about snow removal efforts. It's been a very challenging
winter, and it was shared that the Cottage Grove snow removal team did a fantastic job
throughout the winter. He asked Director Burshten to pass on to his team that their
efforts are much appreciated by the Council and by the citizens.
Council Member Dennis stated tomorrow is a Town Hall Meeting in the Council
Chambers, hosted by him and Council Member Thiede. It's a short overview of recent
events and they would like to hear citizens' thoughts, opinions, or concerns on City
operations, budget issues, current policies, or anything citizens think is important. They
value feedback and he encouraged everyone to attend.
Council Member Thiede stated there will be a Spring Clean-Up Day on Saturday, May
5, at the Public Works building; it's a great way to get rid of old paint cans, hazardous
materials, and electronics. Most items are accepted without any fee, but there's a small
charge for certain things; information is available on the City website and on Facebook.
Council Member Thiede stated the street sweepers will be out beginning May 7, so be
on the lookout for those. There will also be hydrant flushing, which will begin, weather
permitting, on May 9.
Council Member Johnson stated there will be a Police Department open house on May
11 at City Hall. He asked Public Safety Director Pete Koerner to speak about what will
be taking place. Director Koerner stated Officer Adam Pelton has coordinated this; they
used to do the recruitment picnic for Night to Unite at Kingston Park, so Officer Pelton
felt to kind of kick off police week he wanted to do an open house. There will be a fire
truck there, and the Lions Club will be serving hot dogs and brats for a small fee and
then will donate the proceeds. There will be the SWAT armored vehicle, the Command
Vehicle, and a robot. Gunnar, our K9, will be there, although he won't be doing a
demonstration. Tours of the Police Department will be available, and people will be
able to walk through the detention area and the garage.
Council Member Johnson stated there will be a Memorial Day event on May 28 at 1:00
p.m. at City Hall; Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and the American Legion will be there. It's
a nice perFormance for Memorial Day so he suggested everybody come out to see it.
Council Member Johnson stated on June 11, Military Road will close from Jamaica to
Keats; he asked if that was the permanent closure. Engineer Levitt stated Military Road
will have cul-de-sacs installed at two locations, so the properties that are to the north of
the Watershed District property will still gain access off of Jamaica and Military. The
homes closer to the Cedarhurst Mansion will still gain access off of Keats Avenue, so
there will be a permanent detour in place during the duration of the construction. It will
City Council Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2018
Page 10
also help to educate residents about the rerouting of Military Road. Engineer Levitt
stated in essence that's the final closure of Military Road as we start to construct it into
the historical trail connection. As development happens, we'll continue to reduce that
road segment and it will convert into a historical trail with interpretive opportunities.
Council Member Johnson asked what steps we were doing to educate people that this
is coming; Engineer Levitt stated they'd done a number of open houses, neighborhood
meetings, and are communicating with the residents. On May 16, if everything goes
well, we'll have a bid award before the Council where we'll actually have the contractor's
detailed schedule, so we can relay to the residents, specifically those adjacent to
Military, the impacts they could experience. In the contract, we've indicated that June
11 is when the contractor is legally allowed to close the road; that's why we're working
with social media to get that message out about the road closure. Council Member
Johnson stated many people who don't live near the road still use that road so he
wanted to make sure that Facebook, etc. notifications would help get the word out.
Engineer Levitt stated that advance notice was one of the specific requirements of the
contract, so advance warning signs would be posted regarding the road closure.
Mayor Bailey stated there used to be a party at Kingston Park to get people to sign up
for Night to Unite; instead of doing that at Kingston Park, they'll make it a bigger event
at the Police Department's open house. He'd like people to come to the open house
and also sign up their neighborhoods for a Night to Unite party in August.
13. WORKSHOPS — OPEN TO PUBLIC
A. Langdon Village Area Redevelopment
Present: Council Member Thiede, Council Member Dennis, Mayor Bailey, Council
Member Johnson, Director Costello, Director Roland, Assistant City Engineer Burfeind,
Senior Planner Burbank, Matt Yetzer and Chris Stokka, with MWF Properties, Phil
Carlson with Stantec, Community Development Director Levitt, Senior Planner McCool,
Director Burshten, and Katie Nelson, with the Bulletin Newspaper.
Director Costello stated they'd last met about this redevelopment in February, when
MWF Properties was present. Phil Carlson, with Stantec, stated they'd prepared the
revised plan. Mr. Carlson stated they'd moved the park and the building will be oriented
there, so the parkway will not be oriented toward the new park. Mr. Carlson said they'd
prefer to keep commercial in the front and residential in the back. In some fashion,
there would be an extension of Innovation Road and it would cross the railroad tracks;
exactly where that road is will be open for discussion. He reviewed the EDA parcel, and
he felt there was plenty of room there to fit the building they've proposed and the
parking. The property has a gas line easement on the side of it, but it should be pretty
easy to keep buildings off of that. He stated connecting the two interchanges would be
key to commercial success.
City Council Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2018
Page 11
Planner Burbank stated the green square on the map was the site of the Langdon
School so perhaps it could be an Homeowners' Association building or a community
theater, or maybe it's not even there anymore by the time this plan would come to
fruition; there are opportunities to do some creative redevelopment and have an open
space to attract people. Mayor Bailey asked if the school building was historical in any
sense; Planner Burbank stated he didn't think it had been registered, although it's
eligible to be registered. He stated that the structural integrity is there so he could see
several reuses for that building.
Mayor Bailey felt the look of this area should have some type of uniformity with flat-
roofed buildings. Council Member Dennis said in New York City many of the buildings
have a certain look with terraces and rooftops that feature green; they filter and collect
water in different ways. Mayor Bailey felt this area, except for commercial, will be
predominantly high density, so the idea that people could walk to a greenway to be part
of something would be pretty cool.
Director Levitt stated they're meeting with 3M to figure out how we can take their needs
and desires into account, but also not segregate pieces of land or bisect them with the
road. It's important to create a cohesive neighborhood and not be segregated by the
roadway. Some different analyses with some different routes were run, with ideas to
minimize that, and showing some concepts. We don't really know where 3M is at on
this so didn't want to take greater liberties, showing something more drastic, until we
meet with them. It's difficult to think about losing a tax base opportunity for additional
density in that neighborhood by having a road that would cut through it so we need to
keep that in mind when we're looking at the road alignment.
Another roundabout on the south side was a suggestion by Council Member Thiede, but
he felt 3M would want to try to use as little of their land as possible; he felt a roundabout
would allow us to stay a little tighter to Highway 61. Mr. Carlson said if you come
straight across and keep Langdon Village intact, then 3M has land that's separate and
felt it's crucial to know what 3M wants to do.
Mr. Carlson stated the railroad tracks are another consideration. Council Member
Thiede asked about something unidentified on the map, which was a gas substation; he
confirmed that that does not belong to 3M, but belongs to Northern Natural Gas.
Mayor Bailey stated what 3M wants is more of a buffer so a previous discussion had
been about Miller Road and have 3M bring their security gate close to Highway 61 and
then we'd do a loop around it. Many years ago, the initial discussion with 3M was they
didn't want to give up any of that land. We'll work with them, but from a commercial
standpoint, they very clearly stated they did not want housing closer to them. If they did
something with this parcel, it would need to be commercial building of some type; 3M is
concerned with residents' safety if they're too close to the radius of a catastrophe,
should it happen. Mayor Bailey stated however that road comes over, on, and around,
the pipeline would have to be figured in there, but it would be nice to see the road slide
City Council Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2018
Page 12
there. Director Levitt stated Mr. Carlson has some other graphics we could take to the
3M meeting to show some other land options and exchange options.
Director Costello stated we're on an aggressive but doable schedule; we would proceed
in June with the EDA for a public hearing for a purchase agreement and initiate the TIF
District process. It would come before the Council in June for approval of the purchase
agreement and letter of support. It would go to the Planning Commission in June; that
would be a deadline submittal. In July, it would go to the EDA for the TIF agreement
approval and on July 23 it would before the Planning Commission for a planned unit
development and the TIF plan conformance with the Comprehensive Plan. At the
August 15 City Council Meeting, it would be on the agenda for final approval.
Director Levitt stated MWF Properties has been working with their architect and looking
at site layouts; they didn't have a specific one to share this evening, but the orientation
of the building is something they're striving for with their architectural team. She asked
if there were any additional items they had to add as they were looking at the site and
evaluating it. There was a slow-boring rig out there today and are finishing the
environmental Phase 1 of the site. MWF stated this gave them a much better sense of
direction for their architect and they'd have something to share soon.
Planner Burbank stated there will no longer be a parking garage on the site; Director
Levitt stated there could potentially be underground parking. Any surface parking would
be behind the building.
Council Member Mills asked if the names of the streets were set and if they'd begin with
the letter "I"; it seemed to her that would be a "J" section. Planner Burbank stated those
are the actual current street names; the new streets are currently unnamed streets.
Jamaica Avenue takes a big curve; so north of Highway 61 Jamaica is in the "J" section
and it takes a big swoop out so it comes out around the "I" streets.
Planner Burbank stated Council Members should think about density and the different
land uses in that area; they needed to know their expectations of density per acre.
Council Member Thiede asked if the Majestic building would disappear; Director Levitt
stated they'd have to look at the Majestic and which tools we want to use for economic
development regarding the removal of the building. She advised that will probably be a
future conversation. Director Costello stated moving to our EDA property the Majestic
site has the potential to be a redevelopment district, and if we tear it down now, we can
certify it, but we only then have so many years to use that and it's pretty limited. As
much as you want to take it down, we hate to rush too soon not knowing what kind of
development will follow afterward so it's something the Council will have to weigh.
Mayor Bailey asked when the neighborhood meeting was; Director Levitt stated it was
Monday, May 7. Mayor Bailey stated he'd like to get the residents there to talk about
the grand plan and find out how they feel about it.
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May 2, 2018
Page 13
Mr. Carlson stated this is an area bounded by a major highway, major street (Jamaica),
railroad tracks, and probably a future major street. It is really surrounded by barriers so
you could have the highest density in the City here and it would be perfectly
appropriate. Mayor Bailey stated that's what he was thinking, so having the green
space and some retail options would feed that neighborhood.
B. 2040 Comprehensive Plan Workshop
Director Levitt stated they wanted to dive into the land use with the Council. They've
had much community engagement with My Future Cottage Grove, a housing focus
group, a connectivity group, and the Planning Commission. She stated they're meeting
with all of those groups to get some more feedback before they go to the Planning
Commission for a public hearing on May 29. This is the Council's opportunity to give
feedback as we make final modifications in preparation for the public hearing. Phil
Carlson of Stantec has a presentation; they want the Council's feedback and opinions.
Mr. Carlson stated there's a map showing land use change areas, which are areas
where the land use plan itself is changing from the previous plan, or we're expecting
significant change or development, even if the land use designation stays the same.
Area 1 is the East Ravine, along 70th and Keats; the land use pattern is about the
same. Council Member Johnson asked if there was any way to develop the area near
Junction 70 with other businesses. Subsequent discussion regarding types of
businesses that would succeed there; since it is mixed use, it's possible. Mr. Carlson
stated a rule of thumb is if you can average 10 units an acre of residential in one square
mile, you can support neighborhood commercial. It's simply a function of density.
Discussion among Mr. Carlson, Mayor Bailey, Council Members, Planner Burbank, and
Director Levitt regarding zoning changes and adjustments; Mayor Bailey stated he didn't
see higher density in some areas. Planner Burbank stated there were some map
discrepancies, and Mr. Carlson stated they'd put those back in. Council Member
Thiede asked if this plan adequately utilized spaces for residential housing; Director
Levitt stated that's something they're struggling with is how to keep the concept and
shift the topography and still construct the road.
Mr. Carlson stated Area 2 is the Business Park; he showed the previous plan, which
was guided residential and some transition area. He showed the new draft plan, which
follows the land uses that were put in the AUAR, industrial and low-density residential
and rural residential, and removes the transition area in that part of the City. Director
Levitt stated regarding a development adjacent to the S & A area off of 100th Street,
their submittal wasn't consistent with the AUAR because it was showing rural residential
and not low-density residential so they're not sure how to address that. Especially with
utility extension, is that something we need to look at modifying? One of the highest
concentrations of PFCs and private wells is in that area, so should we consider density
in that area, which may differ from the AUAR. They're hoping for Council feedback on
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May 2, 2018
Page 14
how far down the industrial zoning on Ideal would be; Planner Burbank stated with the
existing business land uses there, they've been getting a lot of phone calls.
Planner Burbank asked Mr. Carlson as part of the AUAR, how much of the land use
decision was part of not trying to hit any triggers with things that would cause the
Business Park traffic to be too big; he asked if any of that was thought into those land
uses. Mr. Carlson stated that was part of the decision; they tried to balance it out so it
wouldn't up that threshold. Director Levitt stated the 3M property is one example, but
they're assuming that's how it's actually going to occur; some assumptions can
negatively impact the projected traffic volumes. Discussion about changing a portion of
land use west of Ideal and north of 110th Street took place. 3M may wish to keep it
agricultural.
Area 3, the Bus Rapid Transit stations. Mr. Carlson stated in the previous plan they
were guided commercial; we're suggesting it is mixed use with commercial up against
the major roadways but allowing a mix with housing that supports the transit and
businesses in the commercial areas. Director Levitt stated they want to confirm Council
is comfortable with mixed use, as that differs from the previous plan. Discussion
ensued about changing the former Ruby Tuesday's site, the Park Grove Library site,
and the former City Hall site from commercial to mixed use.
Mr. Carlson stated with Area 4, Harkness Avenue, the land use will not be changed as it
was recently voted on by the Council.
Area 5 is the Langdon Village area, and it will be changed to mixed use; it had
previously been industrial and mixed use. The alignment and disposition of the MWF
Project might change the land use there, but that's a work in progress.
Areas 6 and 8, the Upper Ravine area and Oltman Middle School area, are called areas
of change because you'll see development there, not because the land use is changing.
The School District, however, had mentioned they might like to acquire land there for
relocation of their Service Center.
Area 7 is the Cottage View area; it was pointed out there could be higher-density
residential on the west side but they've got it slated for medium and low density.
Planner Burbank stated he thought they'd want to keep it green between the single-
family and the medium-density with a trail corridor identified. Director Levitt stated that
there's also commercial property in that area. Discussion regarding potential changes
to low-density and medium-density housing and those locations took place. Mayor
Bailey stated we're learning that we're going to have to have higher density if we're
going to get the things that we want in our community. Mr. Carlson stated he thought
they could figure out a way to do this; they'd look at the dimensions and make sure
they're not creating an impossible situation. Director Levitt stated we need to be
sensitive to the adjacent residents in that area.
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May 2, 2018
Page 15
Area 9 is the Mississippi Dunes area; it was guided as a golf course but won't be that
any longer. It's guided as single family, low-density residential, but there could be a
different situation with the parcel that's separated by the railroad in the northeast corner.
This is a property that's in flux right now, but he wanted to know how it should be shown
on the Comprehensive Plan. Discussion about mixed use, in case of a restaurant kept
there, as well as residential; some sort of a marina had also been mentioned. The
developer had also spoken of keeping nine holes of the golf course. Mayor Bailey
asked if part of it should be designated as a park and/or open space; Planner Burbank
stated it could be a river access park, something new to the City. We need to define
what we want our river access to be; trails or river views or a park. Director Levitt
wanted to know where the low and medium density should be located. Planner
Burbank suggested it be mixed use, with river access south of the railroad tracks.
Director Levitt stated Mississippi Dunes townhomes are currently guided as medium
density. Mayor Bailey stated he'd be fine with medium density, then low density south
of the tracks. Mr. Carlson stated perhaps you could show the whole frontage as park,
as you could always back down from that.
Area 10 is the Lower Grey Cloud Island area, which is currently guided as mostly
transition with some rural residential; Mr. Carlson suggested keeping those land use
designations. Director Levitt stated we should keep it in the transitional area, as
Washington County and the Met Council are not in a position to take up master planning
of the island. It would be premature for us to put land uses out there as that would be
inconsistent with the master plan that's on record; they anticipate starting work there in
2019.
Director Levitt asked if there was any other information that Mr. Carlson needed at this
time; he stated he felt he'd received the answers he needed tonight.
Director Levitt asked if there was any further feedback from the Council Members;
Mayor Bailey asked if the areas by the tank farms should still be considered industrial
as it's not all tank farms but it's owned by them. Mayor Bailey felt he wouldn't want to
see the tank farm extend any further than it is or any additional industrial use in that
neighborhood. He wondered if we could re-guide that as single family. Council
Member Thiede stated he thought the tank farms liked to have a buffer area so nothing
would probably go in there.
14. WORKSHOPS — CLOSED TO PUBLIC — None.
15. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Council Member Dennis, second by Council Member Thiede, to adjourn the
meeting at 9:43 p.m. Motion carried: 5-0.
Minutes prepared by Judy Graf and reviewed by Joe Fischbach, HR Manager/City
Clerk.