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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-29 City Council Special Meeting (Joint Meeting) Minutes MINUTES COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL May 29, 2024 COUNCIL CHAMBER 12800 RAVINE PARKWAY SOUTH COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016 JOINT COUNCIL WORKSHOP - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - 5:00 P.M HERO CENTER (10125 85th Street South Cottage Grove, MN 55016) 1. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota, held a Joint workshop with the City Council of the City of Woodbury. This workshop was open to the public, and held on May 15, 2024, at the Cottage Grove HERO Center, 10125 85th Street. The start time for the workshop was 5:00 p.m. with the presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. 2. ATTENDANCE Cottage Grove Mayor Bailey Council Member Khambata Council Member Olsen Council Member Thiede Council Member Garza Also present from Cottage Grove: Jennifer Levitt, City Administrator; Emily Schmitz, Community Development Director; Ryan Burfeind, Public Works Director; Pete Koerner, Public Safety Director; Brad Peterson Public Safety Captain; Dan Anselment, HERO Center Manager, Gretchen Larson, Economic Development Director Woodbury Mayor Burt Council Member Santini Council Member Wilson Council Member Morris Council Member Date Also present from Woodbury: Clint Gridley, City Administrator; Janelle Schmitz, Community Development Director; Angela Gorall, Deputy City Administrator; Jason Posel, Public Safety Director; Mary Van Milligen, Public Works Director; Shelly Schafer, Community Relations Manager; Also present: Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, State Representative 47A; Karla Bigham, Washington County Commissioner; Ann Schweisguth, SWCTC Interim Executive Director; Lonnie Garland, SWCTC Interim Assistant Executive Director; Brian Johnson, SWWD President; John Loomis, SWWD District Manager 3. WORKSHOPS - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Washington County Update Washington County Commissioner Bigham provided an update on the planning process for Highway 13 (Radio Drive). This project expands the two-lane highway to a four-lane highway, adds multi-model trails, manages and treats stormwater runoff and improves the intersection of Radio Drive and Dale Road. Bigham explained the public engagement process which included multiple open houses where the public was encouraged to give feedback. Commissioner Bigham provided an update on the Food Scrap Collection program highlighting the successes and benefits to the environment. HERO Center Report A report on the HERO Center was provided, including its mission statement, memberships, non-member usage, revenue and expenditures, and facility usage statistics. Cottage Grove & Woodbury Public Safety Update Updates were provided on emergency medical services (EMS) fire response data, fire shift model conversion, Woodbury police calls for service, public safety partnerships, and police and overall public safety trends. The importance of mental health and well-being for public safety personnel was highlighted. Initiatives discussed included peer support teams, mental health check-ups, on-duty fitness time, critical incident stress debriefings, family events, and an expanded Community Support Team (CST). The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program was presented, outlining its role in training volunteers to assist during emergencies. Plans for a thoughtful redesign of the Woodbury Public Safety Campus were introduced, with funding proposed through Local Option Sales Tax. A collaboration with the Teddy's Heart Foundation was outlined to increase the accessibility and availability of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the community. This initiative was inspired by the tragic passing of Teddy Dowdle at Woodridge Park on May 4, 2022, due to sudden cardiac arrest. Cottage Grove & Woodbury PFAS Projects Update A detailed update was provided on the ongoing efforts to address polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Cottage Grove's and Woodbury’s drinking water. This included the timeline for interim and long-term treatment solutions, the current status, the layout and perspectives of Cottage Grove’s Intermediate Zone Water Treatment Plant (IZWTP) site, and the Woodbury Water Treatment Plant. The project mission statement, key considerations, and potential risks associated with the timeline were outlined by Woodbury. Next steps were identified, including securing grant funding and awarding bids for the water treatment plants and pipeline construction. 3M Settlement Fund Status An update was provided on the status of the 3M settlement funding for capital construction and ongoing operations & maintenance. South Washington Watershed District An update was provided by the South Washington Watershed District on their watershed management plan which included capital improvements, operation and maintenance, education, monitoring, regulations, incentives and water restoration and protection. South Washington County Telecommunications Commission SWCTC presented a video introducing the members of their team and highlighting the 2023 annual report. A list of the 2024 Commission Directors was provided. Cottage Grove & Woodbury Development Update An update was provided on growth management efforts in Cottage Grove and Woodbury, particularly along the joint city border, including housing growth initiatives, affordable housing projects, economic development partnerships, and new commercial developments. Cottage Grove Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) for Parks Referendum Information was presented on the proposed "Preserve.Play.Prosper” plan, which if approved, would see a 0.5% sales tax increase to fund improvements to Hamlet Park, Mississippi Dunes Park, and River Oaks Golf Course and Event Center. Specific Park improvement plans were detailed. Questions and Closing Remarks Time was allocated for questions and closing remarks. 4. ADJOURNMENT The special meeting was adjourned at 8:57 p.m. Minutes prepared by Tamara Anderson, City Clerk.