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Minutes
City of Cottage Grove
Public Services Commission Meeting
November 21, 2016
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Cottage Grove Public Services Commission Meeting was held on November 21, 2016.
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present:
Jurgens, Tony
Campbell, Robert
Davick, Evan
Dornsbach, Robert
Griffith, Kent
Ingram, Steve
Rediske, Lise
Staloch, Peter
Serpico, William
Members Absent: Forsythe, Pat
Lewis, Jody
Podoll, Jeff
Staff Present:
Burshten, Les – Public Works Director
Koerner, Pete - Police Captain
Redenius, Rick – Fire Chief
Levitt, Jennifer – Community Development Director/ City Engineer
Burbank, John – Senior Planner
Taylor, Harry – Public Works Supervisor
Orloff, Gary – Streets Foreman
Others Present: Justin Olsen, Councilmember
Approval of Agenda
Agenda - Approved
Approval of Minutes
September 20, 2016 - Approved
Open Forum
None
Presentations
Central Fire Station Land Transfer and Development - John Burbank
Burbank updated the Commission on the Central Fire Station Development plans stating applications for the preliminary plat and site plan have been submitted on behalf of the City of
Cottage Grove by Wold Architects. Burbank gave an update of the review schedule adding the intent is to get the bidding completed as soon as possible as to keep the project in line
with the planned construction schedule. Burbank presented the Commission an aerial photo of the proposed site outlining the fire stations property boundaries and the features of this
site. Burbank outlined some planning considerations which included land use, zoning, public utilities, transportation, parks and private open space, trailways, parking, water management,
and landscaping. Jake Wollensak,Wold Architects & Engineers, was introduced and went over the site plan specifics. Jurgens commented the new presentation and plans are more specific
and he liked the added glass and natural lighting features. Jurgen asked what the Architect plans to use for roofing material. Jake responded it would be EPDM sloped roofing. Burbank
added the advisory committee and historic preservation are working together to find firefighter related items to display in the lobby of the new building.
Norris Square Redevelopment – John Burbank
Burbank stated one of the things about being a planner is that some of your projects are so long term you never get to see them come to completion. Some take several years and some
change. Burbank added Norris Square started in 2006. The existing Norris Square Senior housing building was constructed as a residential portion of a planned development overlay.
The balance of the site that is currently being developed was originally approved with a variety of commercial buildings. To date the only commercial development is the G-Will Liquor.
The proposed site development includes a 64 apartment independent living building and a 72 bed skilled memory care center with interconnection enclosed architectural corridors, required
parking, and expansion of the communal town center. The front of the building will be removed and relocated and replaced with a landscaped courtyard. Burbank presented site plans
for the Commissioners. Ingram asked what the right-of-way on public roads is. Burbank responded 28’ face-to-face. Ingram asked why there is a 30’ requirement on 80th street. Burbank
responded 30’ allows for the fire engine rigs to pull into the street. Pamela Belz, Senior Housing Director for Presbyterian homes, was introduced and stated she was there to answer
the commissioner’s questions. Jergen addressed Belz and asked
if it concerns her the residents will have to walk farther with the new parking concepts being proposed. Belz replied there will be underground parking available for the residents.
However, friends, family and visitors will have to walk further. Serpico asked if the underground parking is free to the residents. Belz replied it does cost extra for underground
parking. Jurgens stated adding memory care and increasing the independent care in this facility makes him very happy. He stated the plans look beautiful. He has toured the facility
and spoken to the residents and they are very excited and happy to be living there. Levitt requested a recommendation to remove/decommission fire station #1. Levitt intended the removal/decommissi
on of fire station #1 would be included in the Norris Square redevelopment item. However, it was given its own agenda item number under new business. Jurgens asked if the city would
require an easement to the water tower. Burbank stated there would be construction easements and fire access easements that will be required. A recommendation was made by Ingram and
seconded by Dornsbach to decommission fire station #1.
New Business
Removal/Decommission of Fire Station #1 – Rick Redenius
See above
Old Business
None
Response to Previously Raised Commission Requests
None
Commission Comments and Requests
Jurgens thanked Ingram for his request to add the pledge of allegiance to the Public Service meetings.
Staff Reports and Educational Material
Public Works – Taylor updated the Commission on tasks being completed by the Public Works Department which included:
Patching
Sweeping
Snow removal
Holding ponds clearing/cleaning
Repairing Manholes
E Pt Douglas shouldering work
Industrial park flow tests
DOT inspections
Police – Koerner briefed the Commission regarding tasks completed in November which included:
Preparing to hire new officers in January. PD received 54 potential candidates to fill 4 open positions.
Winter Parking Ban enforcement
Holiday train
Hail to the bird event
Ugly Christmas sweater 5K
Holiday tree lighting at City Hall
Santa breakfast
Fire – Redenius updated the Commission on some of the activities the Fire Department has been working on which included:
173 EMS Calls
21 Fire Calls
Interviewing candidates for open positions with the fire department
Conducted extra training for older building fires.
Conducted search and rescue training
Held a successful open house at the Fire Department
Closed fire department #1
Researching the possibility of moving EMS to BEC building while station #2 is under construction.
Council Comments
None – Note the meeting minutes are included in the Commissioners packet for review.
Commission Comments
Reminder there is no Public Service Commission meeting in December. Commissioners and staff thanked Commissioner Jurgens for his service on the Public Services Commission and to wish
him the best as MN House 54B Representative. This was Jurgens last meeting as a Public Service Commissioner.
Adjournment –
Motion to adjourn by Dornsbach at 7:47pm and seconded by Rediske