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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-02-03 MINUTES: � FINAL AGENDA COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 3, 1999 Persons wishing to address the Council during this meeting are asked to fiii out a"Speaker Signup Form" and return the form to any Staff Member prior to the start of the meeting. Speaker Signup Forms are located on each audience chair in the Council Chambers. OPEN FORUM - 7:15 P.M. Persons may address the City Council on subjects that are not a part of the Regular Meeting agenda, but must limit remarks to two (2) minufes. Open forum will adjourn to the Regular Meeting promptly at 7:30 p.m. Open Forum and a portion of the Regular Meeting are televised L1VE, airing on Government Channe112. REGULAR MEETING - 7:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER — Mayor • \ ROLL CALL — City Clerk 1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA 2. PRESENTATIONS A. Presentation of Plaque from NSP for the City's Energy Saving Efforts 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 6, 1999 Regular B. January 20, 1999 Regular 4. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Accept and Place on File the Following Minutes: i. Human Services Commission of December 9, 1998 ii. Public Works Commission of December 14, 1998 iii. Planning Commission of November 9 and November 23, 1998 B. Conditionally Authorize Issuance of Single-Occasion Gambling Permit to Armstrong Elementary PTA for Raffle Staff Recommendation: Conditionally Authorize the Permit C. Approve the Establishment of a Premium for COBRA and Retiree Participants Staff Recommendation: Approve Establishment of the Premium D. Adopt a Resolution Approving Election of Ryan Schroeder to be Excluded from �.� the Public Employees Retirement Association Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution February 3, 1999 AGENDA Cottage Grove City Council . E. Schedule the 1999 Local Board of Review Meeting for April 14 Staff Recommendation: Schedule the Meeting F. Approve Conditional Offer of Employment to Kenneth Tschimperle for the Position of Dispatcher with the Public Safety Department Staff Recommendation: Approve the Conditional Offer of Employment G. Adopt Resolution Establishing Off-Peak Ice Time Rates for 1999, Repealing Resolution 98-205 Staff Recommendation: Adopf the Resolution H. Approve Change Order Number 3 on 80th Street Reconstruction to Tower Asphalt in the Amount of $18,890.56 Staff Recommendation: Approve the Change Order I. Adopt Resolution Supporting Application for Participation in Cooperative Trails Grant Program Staff Recommendation: Adopt Resolution J. Review Information Regarding Cooperative Agreement between Upper Mississippi American Heritage River Communities and Indicate Support for Cooperation with other Communities and Agencies along the Mississippi River Staff Recommendation: Staff Recommends Not Signing Proposed Agreement But Show Support by Adopting the Proposed Resolution K. Adopt Resolution Supporting Application for Outdoor Recreation Grant and Authorize John Fredrickson to Execute Such Agreements, If Awarded to and Accepted by the City • Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution, and Authorize John Fredrickson to Execute Agreements L. Authorize Issuance of Gambling Exemption Permit from the Minnesota Gambling control Board and a Local Gambling Permit to the Grey Cloud Elementary PTA for Conducting a Lawful Purpose Single-Occasion Raffle on February 26, 1999 at 9525 Indian Boulevard South Staff Recommendation: Authorize Issuance of Gambling Exemption Permit and Loca/ Gambling Permit �i 7—�O�Ti.��.+��l�r Qi� A��i�r� f�r �mnr��i�mr+n�c+ �� �h� ���Fnno �r�.��o �n� /� ,...... �.,,.. , ......� .. ..,. � � � . .,� . ,.,. ..,, .,.. .. .., ........,. .... .. . .. ... • 71 A ��4hi+ri�� Q�n nnn ►�+�.-�� ,.,,� � ��n f N. Ratify Proposed Public Safety Restructuring Staff Recommendafion: Ratify the Proposed Restructuring O. Approve Labor Agreement Between City of Cottage Grove and Locaf 2570 for Firefighters Sfaff Recommendation: Approve the Agreement 5. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7. BID AWARDS A. Consider Bid Award for improvements at the Cottage Grove Ice Arena S Staff Recommendation: 1) Award Bid 2) Authorize $70,000 /nterfund Loan S�y February 3, 1999 AGENDA Cottage Grove City Council . 8. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Adopt a Resolution Supporting Proposed Legislation on Regional Improvements Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution 9. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS 11. PAY BILLS A. Approve Payment of Check Numbers 106289 to 106491 in the Amount of $413,851.53 12. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN TO PUBLIC A. Workshop Session: Treatment Plant Roadway Improvements B. Workshop Session: Woodbury Mediation Issues 13. WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED TO PUBLIC ADJOURNMENT • � , REGULAR MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL February 3, 1999 OPEN FORUM - 7:15 p.m. Open Forum provides persons an opportunity to inform the Council of a problem or to request information related to City business that has not been scheduled for Council action and does not appear on the Agenda. Mayor Denzer encouraged persons to limit their remarks to two (2) minutes per issue. Present: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Cheryl Kohls Council Member Pat Rice Council Member Sandy Shiely Council Member Jim Wolcott Absent: None Also present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer, BRAA � Les Burshten, Public Works Director Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director Liz Johnson, Finance Director Jim Kinsey, Public Safety Director Corrine Thomson, City Attorney, Kennedy & Graven Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator No one expressed an interest to speak during Open Forum. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 3, 1999, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80th Street South. Mayor Denzer called the meeting to order at 7:30 p. m. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Cheryl Kohls Council Member Pat Rice Council Member Sandy Shiely Council Member Jim Wolcott Absent: None Regular Meeting - February 3, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 2 � Also present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer, BRAA Les Burshten, Public Works Director Liz Johnson, Finance Director Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director Jim Kinsey, Public Safety Director Corrine Thomson, City Attorney, Kennedy & Graven Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator Mayor Denzer presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA City Administrator Schroeder announced that Item 4C, establishment of a premium for COBRA and retiree participants, was moved to the open workshop portion of the meeting for discussion. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO APPROVE THE FINAL AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. • PRESENTATIONS Presentation of Plaque from Northern States Power Company Collette Jurek, Community Service Manager, and Sheri Rosenthal, Sales Representative from Northern States Power Company presented to the Council a plaque in recognition of the City's energy saving efforts in recent years. Ms. Jurek explained the rebates the City received from Northern States Power through the Ice Arena, Fire Station No. 2, traffic signals and the City Hall. Ms. Jurek explained that few communities went to the extreme Cottage Grove did to make such considerable improvements. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the January 6, 1999, and January 20, 1999, Regular City Council meetings were accepted as presented. CONSENT CALENDAR Wolcott pulled Item 4.1, the resolution supporting application for participation in a Cooperative Trails Grant Program, for discussion. Rice pulled Item G, the . resolution establishing off-peak ice time rates for 1999, for discussion. Regular Meeting - February 3, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 3 • Wolcott confirmed that this issue is for a grant program for the trails and the City is going for a grant in the amount of $50,000. Schroeder stated that there are various funding sources projected for the trails and explained the options to the Council. Schroeder explained that the Council has the authority to reject receipt of the grant. Schroeder stated that this is a Year 2000 project, but in order to provide for receipt, budget money needs to be allocated now. Rice thanked Ice Arena Manager Mulso for establishing off-peak ice time rates and stated that this is a great way to keep the arena operating during the off season. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE MINUTES FOR THE DECEMBER 9, 1998, HUMAN SERVICES/HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING, THE DECEMBER 14, 1998, PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING, AND THE NOVEMBER 9 AND NOVEMBER 23, 1998 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS. B. CONDITIONALLY AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF A SINGLE-OCCASION • GAMBLING PERMIT TO ARMSTRONG ELEMENTARY PTA FOR A RAFFLE ON FEBRUARY 26, 1999, AND WAIVE THE $100 GAMBLING PERMIT FEE. C. THIS ITEM WAS MOVED TO THE OPEN WORKSHOP SESSION. D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-16, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ELECTION OF RYAN SCHROEDER TO BE EXCLUDED FROM THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION. E. SCHEDULE THE 1999 LOCAL BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 1999, AT 4:00 P.M. TO 6:00 P.M., AT THE COTTAGE GROVE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS. F. APPROVE THE CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT TO KENNETH TSCHIMPERLE FOR THE POSITION OF DISPATCHER WITH THE PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT. G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-17, A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING OFF-PEAK ICE TIME RATES FOR 1999, REPEALING RESOLUTION 98- 205. . H. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 3 TO THE 80TH STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT CONTRACT WITH TOWER ASPHALT Regular Meeting - February 3, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 4 � U FOR $18,890.56 TO INSTALL PLANTINGS AND AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM FOR THE LANDSCAPED AREA BETWEEN HWY 61 AND EAST POINT DOUGLAS ROAD. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-18, A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING APPLICATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN A COOPERATIVE TRAIL LINKAGE GRANT PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. J. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-19, A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING THE COOPERATIVE EFFORTS OF UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER COMMUNITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS IN THE PROMOTION OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL INITIATIVES ASSOCIATED WITH THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER AMERICAN HERITAGE DESIGNATION. K. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-20, A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING COTTAGE GROVE TO ACT AS LEGAL SPONSOR FOR THE PROJECT CONTAINED IN THE OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION TO BE SUBMITTED BY MARCH 31, 1999. AUTHORIZE . JOHN FREDRICKSON TO APPLY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR FUNDING ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE. L. AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A GAMBLING EXEMPTION PERMIT FROM THE MINNESOTA GAMBLING CONTROL BOARD AND A LOCAL GAMBLING PERMIT TO THE GREY CLOUD ELEMENTARY PTA FOR A RAFFLE ON FEBRUARY 26, 1999 AT 9525 INDIAN BOULEVARD SOUTH. M. THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA TO 7.A UNDER BID AWARDS. N. APPROVE THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY RESTRUCTURE PROPOSED BY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY JIM KINSEY. O. APPROVE THE LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE AND LOCAL 2570 FOR FIREFIGHTERS, AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. . Regular Meeting - February 3, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 5 r� LJ RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES - None. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None. BID AWARDS Consider Bid Award for Improvements at the Cottage Grove Ice Arena Schroeder stated that last June the City bid the improvements to the Ice Arena and at that time the bids came in high. The Council directed Staff to wait until January of 1999 to re-bid. Schroeder stated that by re-bidding the project, the City will save $39,000. Staff asked for authorization for an interfund transfer of $70,000 to provide for a portion of money needed to finance the improvements. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-21, A RESOLUTION AWARDING BID FOR THE ICE ARENA 1MPROVEMENTS TO COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $166,940.00. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Shiely asked that at the next Council meeting Staff provide an update regarding � the Park Trust Fund. Kohls stated that Finance Director Liz Johnson already provided the information. Johnson stated that she would forward a copy of the information she provided to Kohls to the rest of the Council. MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-22, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INTERFUND LOAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,000 FROM THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND TO THE ICE ARENA FUND. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS Adopt a Resolution Supporting the Proposed Legislation on Regional Improvements Schroeder presented a handout to the Council of past minutes from the Park, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission and the City Council relative to the development of Grey Cloud Island for their information and files. Schroeder stated that the proposed resolution provided to the Council is two- fold. Schroeder explained that various pieces of legislation are rumored to be introduced in the State House and Senate that address Grey Cloud Island and how the island should be developed and utilized. The draft resolution states that . if the island were developed as a park that the agency that develops it should _ provide for local infrastructure improvements. In addition, there is proposed Regular Meeting - February 3, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 6 • legislation that talks about regional and state projects and their involvement is under discussion. The resolution provides for support for more local input in regional improvements and it provides for support of legislation for State and regional for infrastructure adjacent to regional improvements. Shiely stated that in the memorandum from Cecil Underwood it talks about two proposals. Shiely questioned if the whole island does not become a park, whatever part they intend to keep for a park they intend to keep the infrastructure there. Schroeder explained that this issue will be discussed in detail at an open workshop. Schroeder stated that as part of the economic analysis the City is providing data to be analyzed relative to infrastructure cost. The Metropolitan Council is also providing data, as well as Washington County and the Department of Natural Resources. Community Development Director Lindquist explained to the Council how the Department of Natural Resources obtained their numbers from the Metropolitan Council. Shiely commented that this particular resolution was not intended to be anti or pro-park, but as elected representatives of the citizens of Cottage Grove she felt responsibility to make certain that the City understands the financial implications in the case of a park. Shiely explained that the City needs to work to maintain a • certain amount of local control. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-23, A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION ON REGIONAL IMPROVEMENTS. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Winston Riedesel, 8342 68th Street South, expressed his disagreement in the recent change in the ordinance regarding alcohol in the public parks. He asked the Police Department how people can vote for approving alcohol in a park system while at the same time driving while intoxicated is the main problem in the police work. Mr. Riedesel asked for a letter from the Police Department explaining how they can handle both items at the same time. He also suggested that Grey Cloud Park needs some kind of rules and regulations to handle alcohol consumption. Mr. Riedesel informed the Council that he is opposed to additional parks. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Shiely stated that there was an ambulance meeting on Monday night, but there . was nothing new to report except there was good response to adding DMTs. Regular Meeting - February 3, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 7 • Shiely stated that in the Bulletin a map of the Green Corridors Project was displayed. Shiely asked if the City's regional park was part of the Green Corridors Project. Lindquist confirmed that it was not. Kohls stated that the Green Corridors Project is willing to come in and give a presentation to the Council. This would allow the Council to ask questions. Kohls thanked the citizens that came to the open house regarding future land use and thanked the Staff and Planning Commission members who attended and manned the booths. It was a good experience to visit with citizens and get their input. Kohls explained that for those that could not make the meeting, there will be public hearings and further opportunity to receive public input. She suggested citizens call the City Hall Community Development Department for dates. Kohls congratulated Cottage Grove citizen Jeremy Rudich who took first place in a recent motocross event. Wolcott stated that nice improvements have been done to 80th Street and he has brought to the City Administrator his concept of having a"Welcome to Cottage Grove" sign placed in the center median before you come to the bridge. • He would also like to see signs on both sides of the bridge on 80th Street, as well as by the Industrial Park. Wolcott asked Staff to research the cost of the signs. Wolcott stated that this would improve the image of Cottage Grove and if it were done right it could be fairly inexpensive. The Council concurred with Wolcott's suggestion. Shiely stated it would be nice to change the golf course sign as well. Wolcott responded that the golf course signage would be changed when the golf course is expanded. Schroeder confirmed that Staff would look into the costs of purchasing signs. PAY BILLS MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBER 106289 TO 106491 IN THE AMOUNT OF $413,851.53. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. At 8:06 p.m., Mayor Denzer adjourned the Regular Council meeting to the Open Workshop Session. WORKSHOP SESSION - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Mayor Denzer opened the Open Workshop Session at 8:20 p.m. Regular Meeting - February 3, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 8 n U Treatment Plant Roadway Improvements Schroeder stated that in the packets provided to the Council were drafts of two feasibility studies. Schroeder reviewed a map and the various road segments needed to be discussed. Schroeder explained what the MCES was considering to provide for the various improvements. Schroeder explained that the MCES had proposed project cost estimates based upon an overlay on Ideal Avenue and some other enhancements. Staff has taken from that that they are comfortable with providing for that improvement. Schroeder reviewed the 100th Street section. This is a separate feasibility study. Staff is suggesting a three-lane urban section for that portion of the street and felt that a four-lane section would be overkill. In addition, they could not fit a four- lane section within existing right-of-way. Schroeder explained that the MCES had proposed earlier that they would be interested in participating in a bypass lane. Schroeder stated that it is reasonable to believe the MCES would be responsible for one-third of the costs. The City is on record with the MCES that the MCES ought to provide for $2.2 million in area road improvements of which this is a part. • Schroeder then reviewed the section between Jamaica and 95th, which was constructed for $312,000 in 1998. Schroeder reported that Staff has told the MCES that the City expected that the MCES would be expected to cost share although the project is completed. Schroeder then reviewed the section between Jamaica and 95th and East Point Douglas Road. He stated that the Public Works Department feels this section is in dire need of repair. Schroeder provided the Council with a handout regarding this road improvement. Schroeder explained that when the City improved East Point Douglas in the 80th Street neighborhood, the firm of McKenzie Metro Appraisals came up with an assessment formula. Staff recommends in this particular district, that the same type of assessment formula be used. Schroeder asked if the Council felt the McKenzie style of assessment made sense and agreed with this type of assessment. He explained that this section is different from the other roadways in that all of the commercial properties need that section of roadway to access the highway. All commercial properties in that district should provide funding. Schroeder questioned the Council as to what they felt the MCES should reasonably pay for the improvements. Upon the Council's findings, the City Attorney would prepare a proposal for the MCES. . Wolcott asked what businesses were assessed for East Point Douglas Road. Schroeder referred the Council to the memorandum dated January 28, 1999. Regular Meeting - February 3, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 9 • Wolcott stated the big users of this road are the marshaling yard, school buses and public works trucks. Wolcott asked how long the portion of road would last if it were improved, and what the City could do so the road would not deteriorate from the use of large vehicles. City Engineer Bourden stated that a new traffic projection should be done to have the road last 20 years, which is the standard design. Wolcott asked Bourden to study this portion of road. Wolcott stated that if there is an assessment to the landowners, it needs to be done to a point where the road does not fall apart again. Shiely stated that this would be a hard sell because there is industrial uses. Schroeder stated properties with low market values would have low assessments. Schroeder stated that for each additional road improvement- abutting properties would bear the burden for the same assessment formula for the pavement rehabilitation. Shiely stated that she would support the rationale provided by Staff. Rice stated that Woodbury did this same type of assessment and asked what the end result was. Schroeder stated he did not know the answer, but would look into it. • Schroeder stated he would be happy to run the numbers if the Council was reasonably comfortable with the formula. Wolcott stated that he would like to see which property was assessed previously in the last six or seven years. Johnson stated she would provide this information to the Council along with the assessment amounts still owing. Schroeder reviewed the January 28, 1999 memorandum point by point with the Council. The Council discussed the agriculture preserve laws and green acres rules. Schroeder asked if industrial property should be treated as before at 100 percent. The Council agreed. Schroeder then asked about farm property. Rice responded that he could agree to value it on the price of the house, not the land. Schroeder confirmed there is a one unit assessment on farm property. Shiely questioned if that is the case even if there is not a homestead. Wolcott asked Staff to provide information on how many acres and if there was a homestead on it or not. Schroeder then asked Council to comment on the proposed overlay of Ideal Avenue from 110th to 113th. He asked whether in the negotiations Council felt • this is a project that ought to be done. Shiely stated that she did not have strong Regular Meeting - February 3, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 10 � feelings regarding this road. Kohls and Shiely agreed that the $80,000 could be used somewhere else. The Council agreed that this issue was not a priority. Schroeder then asked Council to comment on the $327,000 to overlay between Ideal from 110th to 100th Streets. The City can either reconstruct the road where it sits, or move it to the center of the section line. There is an assumption that the road was moved off the center of the section line. There is no legal reason why the road needs to be on the section line. If moved, property will have to be bought on the east side of the road. The construction costs will go up as well. Lindquist displayed a map of the section line. The Council and Staff discussed the width of the road. Schroeder stated that at 32 feet it would be a significant improvement. Kohls asked if these roads get high speed truck traffic. Mayor Denzer asked for the width of Hadley. Burshten believed it was 28 feet, possibly 30 feet. Mayor Denzer stated that Hadley is a very busy road. Wolcott stated that he does not want the City to condemn or purchase land. He is happy with the four foot shoulder on each side of the road. Staff proposed a 24 foot wide road with two four foot shoulders. Schroeder stated currently there is not a shoulder on this road. • Shiely stated that she does have concern about the industrial use of this portion of street. Schroeder stated that he believes that this is a temporary road because this area will eventually develop. If someone develops, they will have to dedicate right of way to the City. Shiely confirmed that this road will be re-engineered. Bourden agreed. Mayor Denzer confirmed that the Council agreed that the road will stay where it is, and be at least 32 feet wide, 24 feet with 2 four-foot shoulders. Kohls stated that she has a safety concern and would like the Council to look at the speed limit in the future. Schroeder then asked the Council to comment on roadway improvements beyond Ideal. Staff believes three lanes on 100th will provide for the City's needs and asked if the Council agreed with Staff. Schroeder stated that the exhibit provided earlier shows that the Department of Natural Resources has talked about cost sharing for 100th Street. Shiely asked if the Department of Natural Resources would contribute for ldeal. Schroeder stated that they are on the assessment list. Schroeder asked if Council was comfortable with the MCES paying one-third. Schroeder confirmed that the Council is happy with getting somewhere in that neighborhood. Schroeder then asked for the Council's comments regarding Jamaica from a � rural section to a four-lane urban section between 100th and 95th. Schroeder explained that if the same analysis was used in this issue as well as for the � Regular Meeting - February 3, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 11 future reconstruction of Jamaica between 95th and East Point Douglas Road, the MCES would be paying 20 - 25 percent of the improvement costs. Schroeder asked if the Council felt this was reasonable. The Council agreed it was reasonable. Schroeder then asked for the Council's comments regarding ongoing maintenance expenses. Schroeder explained that he assumed that the MCES would provide maintenance expenses. He believes that their response is "that's fine so long as the adjacent property uses do not change." Schroeder asked for Council direction. Mayor Denzer asked Staff to pursue it. Wolcott stated at the very least the MCES should pay for future seal coating expenses. Woodbury Mediation Issues Schroeder reported that he along with Kohls and Wolcott attended the Woodbury mediation. This agenda item was to verify that Schroeder's statements in the January 28, 1998, memorandum were accurate. Schroeder reviewed the memorandum with the Council. The Council agreed with Item No. 1, Cost Recovery, Item No. 2, Cost Allocation, • and Item No. 3, Financing Plan. With regard to Item No. 4, Outlet Alternatives, Wolcott issued a concern about the amount of acreage in Cottage Grove that could be used for water storage. He does not want to lose 200 to 250 acres. The Council agreed. The Council agreed with Item No. 5, Future Operations. With regard to Item No. 6, Other, the Council agreed they need more information. Shiely asked about the issue of the lease cost alternative. Kohls explained Woodbury's proposal. Wolcott stated that an overlay would be helpful. Kohls stated that she was not comfortable saying that it was okay until certain criteria was in writing. She needed definitions. Schroeder agreed that he needed to "beef up" the lease cost. Shiely asked if the mediation process was worth while. Schroeder explained the last paragraph of his memorandum and how it was benefiting the City. Wolcott stated that he believes the Watershed Board has done a great job coming up with a solution for this issue. He stated that if Woodbury does not go along, he does not want to budge. Wolcott asked that the matrix show that Cottage Grove is paying a portion of the water capacity. Woodbury is getting . benefits from Cottage Grove. Schroeder confirmed that the matrix will show the Hinton project needs to be worked out before moving ahead on the water issues. � LJ Regular Meeting - February 3, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 12 Approve the Establishment of a Premium for COBRA and Retiree Participants Wolcott issued a concern concerning the two percent charged to retirees. He did not have a problem with COBRA, his concern was how much would the City gain by charging the extra two percent. Wolcott questioned how much will this cost the retiree. Schroeder stated that the City has the statutory authority to levy a surcharge. This is a good benefit not given by every employer. The general experience of retiree groups is that they generate more claims. Staff does think it is reasonable to cover the City's expenses that are outside the normal group and are incurred by the City solely to administer the COBRA program. Wolfe explained that COBRA is a federal law. COBRA is a very complex area and must be administered accurately. Wolfe stated that the City does not have a an automatic tracking system, so it is done manually and is labor intensive. Wolfe stated that the bare minimum estimate of employee time is estimated at $1,200 in labor costs, with an estimated revenue of $1,098. This does not include time to consulting an attorney for opinions. Wolfe stated that • administering COBRA will take up more and more time and the City could cover its costs by charging 102 percent. If it is going to be done, this is the best time because insurance rates did not increase in 1999. Wolfe explained that the unions can complain, but it is not a bargaining unit issue. It is outside of their realm. Wolcott stated his issue is the retirees who loyally worked for the City for 20 to 25 years. Wolfe stated that the list currently has 14 people, only three are true COBRA people who resigned. The other 11 are retirees. Kohls stated that the estimated administration hours are probably low. Kohls suggested Staff keep a log of the hours spent on administering the plan. Wolfe explained the retiree program offered after 18 months of being on COBRA. Wolcott stated he does not have a problem charging people for COBRA, but has a problem charging retirees. Shiely stated that she would like to see Staff compensated for the time spent administering the plan. It will be more than $1,000 when more people join the plan in future years. Mayor Denzer asked that Staff run a log to determine actual hours sent. The Council agreed. Schroeder asked if the Council would be willing to try charging the two percent • during the time COBRA is in place, and at the end of the 18 months the two � • Regular Meeting - February 3, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 13 percent goes away. Wolcott responded if the employee quits and goes on COBRA, fine, but not if they retire. Kohls, Rice, Shiely and Denzer agreed to the 102 percent charge for the 18- month period. Wolcott stated that he was adamantly opposed to charging the additional two- percent for retired employees. WORKSHOP SESSION - CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC - None. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY DENZER, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AT 10:25 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Carolyn Petruga, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. �