Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Services Minutes 6-20-16 Minutes City of Cottage Grove Public Services Commission Meeting June 20, 2016 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Cottage Grove Public Services Commission Meeting was held on June 20, 2016. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 7:01 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Jurgens, Tony Campbell, Robert Davick, Evan Dornsbach, Robert Podoll, Jeff Rediske, Lise Members Absent: Forsythe, Pat Griffith, Kent Ingram, Steve Lewis, Jody Serpico, William Staloch, Peter Staff Present: Burshten, Les - Public Works Director Taylor, Harry – Public Works Supervisor Woolery, Craig - Public Safety Director Koerner, Pete - Police Captain Redenius, Rick – Fire Chief Levitt, Jennifer – Community Development Director/City Engineer Burfeind, Ryan – Project Engineer Orloff, Gary – Streets Foreman Others Present: Justin Olsen, Councilmember Approval of Agenda Agenda - Approved - Motion by Rediske and seconded by Dornsbach Approval of Minutes May16, 2016 - Approved Open Forum Commission Chair Jurgens invited citizens present at the meeting to address the Commission regarding any matters that were not on the agenda. Fisher, of 85th and Grafton, addressed the Commission with concerns regarding traffic and vehicles speeding on 85th street in front of her house. Fisher stated the traffic has become increasingly worse since the Pavement Management has begun on Hadley. Fisher added she has even witnessed people racing motorcycles on the road. Fisher explained she felt compelled to address the Commission because she has small children and is fearful of their safety. Rediske asked what the speed limit is currently on 85th Street. Fisher responded 30 mph. Councilmember Olsen requested Koerner place a speed trailer at this location and to increase patrol. Councilmember Olsen elucidated that a speed trailer would be valuable because it would not only remind motorists to slow down but it would capture traffic data that can be analyzed by the police department. Councilmember Olsen thanked Fisher for taking the time to address the Commission. Councilmember Olsen related Fishers speed and safety concerns to the reason he ran for Council and expressed the importance of residents to take action when they see a safety concern. Jurgens requested Fisher check back in one month and let the Commission know if she is seeing an improvement. CSAH 22 Access Planning Discussion Hinton to Jamaica Levitt introduced Joe Gustafston, Traffic Engineer for Washington County. Gustafston explained that transportation systems require revisions as land use and other factors change in a community. Gustafston stated major concerns when redesigning a street include projected average daily traffic, access a road must provide, and the desired mobility of the road. Gustafston demonstrated the difficulties in designing a road by asking Commission and staff to participate in an interactive access spacing exercise. A design of 70th street was laid on a table. Blocks were used to signify what and where access should be allowed onto the 70th street design. Some factors that needed to be addressed included the splash pad, signal spacing, future growth, medians, and pedestrian tunnels. Rediske expressed the dislike for medians on roadways. Orloff stated he would like to steer away from adding multiple stoplights and compared his example to Woodbury. After completing the exercise the Commission suggested Washington County look into option 3A with the possible realignment of Inwood and Irvin. No recommendation could be made because there were not enough Commissioners present for a quorum. Presentations Body Camera Update – Pete Koener Koerner gave a presentation regarding the use of body cameras in police work. Koerner stated Cottage Grove is tentatively set to start implementing body cameras in 2018. Koerner explained Cottage Grove is gathering information from other communities that have started using body cameras allowing Cottage Grove to make better decisions when purchasing ours. Koerner added body cameras are not continuously running. They are turned on by set triggers and by the individual officers. Koerner explained there are situations where residents may want some privacy. Koerner gave a couple examples. One example is when an officer is walking through a home and there is personal items or mail on the table. Another example was when officers arrive on an accident scene and someone has died. Both situations are private and residents may not want others viewing them. Koerner explained this is why there has to be policies put into place to protect citizen’s privacy. Davick expressed his approval of the body cameras stating it may increase a feeling of well-being and safety in his generation. New Business None Old Business None Response to Previously Raised Commission Requests None Commission Comments and Requests None Staff Reports and Educational Material Public Works – Burshten stated the Public Works Administration has been working on the 2017-18 budget. The Street Department has been working on patching, paving, seal coating, repairing catch basins, mowing right-ways, crack sealing, replacing damaged streets signs and stenciling. The Utility Department has been working on the protection plan, new projects, replacing the fence at the water tower on Innsdale, and water samples. The Fleet Department is working on DOT inspections, new holder and bucket truck, squad cars, and fixing the chipper. Burshten commended Taylor on going above and beyond when City Hall lost power the previous weekend. Taylor worked to restore power and make sure police and staff could perform their jobs without interruption. Burshten added that Kalka drove back from a family vacation to offer assistance. Both are valuable and dedicated employees. Police – Koerner stated the Police Department has been training for rifle, Taser and emotional survival. Officers have been revising the death packets. Two officers will be attending police camp. Appreciation was given to the Police Department and Public Works for their quick response to a sign issue in pavement management. Fire – Redenius stated the Fire Department had 165 medical and 15 Fire calls. There are 3 part-time staff and 2 full-time staff attending training. Station 2 designs continue to progress. Engineering – Levitt stated there is a 4-way stop that has been added to 95th and Jamaica. Pavement Management is progressing even with poor weather. East Ridge 4th addition has been paved. Summer Landings is getting the utilities installed. Jergens asked if the construction delay on 70th and Jamaica will cause problems with the closure on 80th for pavement management. Levitt responded that those factors are considered when scheduling construction projects. Levitt continued by listing some additional community development projects like Hyvee, Gardenworld, Junction 70, the old Famous Daves building, remodeling of 2 gas stations, and school projects. Council Comments Olsen expressed his gratitude to the staff for planning and managing the record year of growth in the community. Olsen added the Ferber Farms wedding venue is in full operation. Staff has put together a grant for the inclusive playground in the amount of $100,000. The high 5 initiative is still active and taking donations. Blitz retired after 9 years of service and Public Safety has welcomed a new dog named Gunner. The City’s financial report got the highest possible rating. Stafford rated Cottage Grove as the most sustainable City. The City was $1,000,000 under budget. Commission Comments Jergen commented on information he saw on social media stating people are driving on residents lawns to avoid road closures on Hadley Ave. Koerner stated there have been barricades added to those properties to prevent this from happening in the future. Adjournment – Motion to adjourn by Podoll and seconded by Davick, Meeting adjourned at 9:12pm