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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-02-17 MINUTES� FINAL AGENDA COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17, 1999 Persons wishing to address the Council during this meeting are asked to fill 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 pa►t of the Regular Meeting agenda, but must limit remarks to two (2) minutes. 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 LIVE, airing on Government Channel 12. REGULAR MEETING - 7:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor • ROLL CALL – City Clerk 1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA 2. PRESENTATIONS A. Presentation of National Girls and Women in Sports Day Award to Connie Briggs, President of the Cottage Grove Basketball Association B. Introduction of County Attorney Doug Johnson C: Green Corridor Presentation by Michael Pressman of 1,000 Friends of Minnesota D. Proclaim Saturday, February 27, 1999 as "Beane Team – Walk for the Heart Day" E. Recognition—Officer Mary McGuire and Officer Greg Reibel 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. None 4. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Accept and Place on File the Following Minutes: i. Public Works Commission of January 11, 1999 B. Authorize Capital Outlay of $10,339 to Replace Squad Car Valued at $26,659 Staff Recommendation: Authorize Capital Outlay to Replace Squad Car C. Appoint Linda Kampa To Regular Part-Time Status Staff Recommendation: Approve the Appointment D. Review Progress of City's Year 2000 Remediation Efforts Staff Recommendation: Please Review Memo from Finance Director Liz Johnson . E. Adopt Resolution Establishing Temporary and Part-Time Employee Wages for � 1999, Repealing Resolution 96-69 Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution FEBRUARY 17, 1999 AGENDA Cottage Grove City Council � F C H Adopt Resolution Authorizing Installation of Stop Signs on Jody Avenue at Hillside Trail, on Hillside Trail at Johansen Avenue, and Removal of Stop Sign from Southbound Johansen Avenue at Hillside Trail Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution Adopt Resolution Amending 1998 General Fund, 1998 Economic Development and 1998 Ice Arena Fund Budgets, and Adopt Resolution Approving 1998 to 1999 Budget Carry Forwards Staff Recommendations: Adopt the Resolutions Approve Appointment of Chris Willhite to Planning Commission, along with Reappointments of Jeff Podoll, Glen Kleven, Ken Boyden, and Glen Brown Approve Reappointment of Dennis Ackerman, Mark Leier and Mark Rudek to Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission Approve Reappointment of Steve Morse, C. Randall Briese, and Jon Cheney to Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Approve Reappointment of Steve Ingram, Dale Johnson and Dante Massarotti to Public Works Commission Approve Appointment of Dennis Ackerman as Chair and Mark Leier as Vice-Chair of Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission, and Terrence Miller as Chair of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Staff Recommendation: Approve the Appointments and Reappointments Adopt Resofution Establishing and Posting 30 MPH Speed Limit on Portion of Geneva Avenue from Newport City Border South Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution Authorize Issuance of 2nd-Hand Goods Dealer License to Majestic Group for Property Located at 9165 West Point Douglas Road (Formerly Majestic Ballroom) Conditioned on Compliance with Existing and Future Ordinance Requirements Staff Recommendation: Authorize Issuance of License Approve Appointment of Sven Sundgaard to the Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission as a Youth Seat Representative Staff Recommendation: Approve the Appointment Authorize Participation in Community Tree Purchasing and Memorial Tree Program Coordinated by Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County Staff Recommendation: Authorize Participation in the Program Consent to Request by Owners of Property at the Northeast Corner of 80th Street and Hinton Avenue to Initiate Eminent Domain Proceedings Staff Recommendation: Consent to Request to Initiate Eminent Domain Proceedings Ratify Terms of Cooperative Agreement with the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services Staff Recommendation: Ratify Terms of Cooperative Agreement I . • J. K. L. M N, 5. 6. • 7. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES PUBLIC HEARINGS BID AWARDS FEBRUARY 17, 1999 AGENDA Cottage Grove City Council . 8. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Accept the Planning Commission's Recommendation to Adopt a Resolution to Deny Rumpca Excavating's Conditional Use Permit Application to Construct a 2,880 Square Foot Addition onto an Existing Non-Conforming Structure Located at 10760 Ideal Avenue South Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution B. Adopt a Resolution Approving CeIINet Data Services Conditional Use Permit Application to Install Approximately 110 Microcell Controllers on Utility Structures Throughout the City of Cottage Grove Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution C. MCES Feasibility Studies Staff Recommendation 1. Ratify Use of McKinzie Formula for a Future Assessment Project on Jamaica Avenue from 95th to East Point Douglas 2. Provide Direction Regarding Inclusion or Exclusion of Any Particular Property within the Assessment District 3. Provide Direction Regarding McKinzie Multipliers Against Any Particular Parcel(s) within the Assessment District 4. Ratify Direction Provided to Staff at the February 3 Workshop Regarding Completion of Feasibility Studies and Cost Sharing/Assessments Thereof 9. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS • 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS 11. PAY BILLS A. Approve Payment of Check Numbers 106492 to 106692 in the Amount of $988.761.63 12. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN TO PUBLIC A. Workshop: Discuss Clubhouse Expansion Plans for River Oaks Golf Course B. Workshop: Discuss Possible Updating of Employment Practices 13. WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED TO PUBLIC A. Closed Workshop: Verbal Update on Status of Negotiations with Public Safety Dispatchers ADJOURNMENT • REGULAR MEETING � COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL February 17, 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 Bob Long, City Attorney, Kennedy & Graven Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator No one expressed an interest to speak during the Open Forum. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 17, 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 17, 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 Bob Long, City Attorney, Kennedy & Graven Jim Kinsey, Public Safety Director Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator Mayor Denzer presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO APPROVE THE FINAL AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. PRESENTATIONS Presentation of National Girls and Women in Sports Day Award to Connie Briggs, President of the Cottage Grove Basketball Association • Parks and Recreation Director John Fredrickson presented the National Girls and Women in Sports Day Award to Ms. Connie Briggs. He highlighted the accomplishments that led him to nominate her for this "breaking barriers and expanding boundaries" award. Mayor Denzer acknowledged and thanked Ms. Briggs for her contributions to the City of Cottage Grove. Introduction of County Attorney, Douq Johnson Mr. Johnson was not present, and thus, not introduced. Green Corridor Presentation by Michael Pressman of 1000 Friends of Minnesota Michael Pressman of 1000 Friends of Minnesota, stated they have worked with several different agencies, private, public, and governmental in deciding how best to conserve land naturally. The purpose of the Green Corridor Project is "to help Chisago and Washington County residents keep their beautiful countryside, farmland and special natural areas that make them great places to live". He stated that green corridors are farmland, natural areas, environmentally sensitive lands, and scenic areas that are linked together throughout the community. This project will link these lands with already protected public and private lands in Chisago and Washington Counties. . Through the use of incentive-based land conservation tools, landowners will have the voluntary option in considering the future of their property to selectively apply the Regular Meeting - February 17, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 3 • following land protection tools to their property: donated conservation easements, purchased development rights (PDR), transferred development rights (TDR), and land acquisition. Funding for the research and data collection and analysis period (this is a two-year period and the project is about 2/3 of the way done) was provided through the Minnesota Legislature: ML1997, Chapter 216, Section 15, subdivision 9(d) as recommended by the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources, from the Environmental Trust Fund. One way the Green Corridor Project has collected data is through the use of public hearings. Over 3,300 people have attended these hearings. As part of the project, educational specialists have developed training programs for the land owners, and other agencies. They have mapped over 20 maps in the area detailing land usage. Mr. Pressman showed a map on which he called the yellow areas "the map of opportunity." Mr. Pressman indicated that currently, the Green Corridor Project is scheduling meetings with townships and cities to review the proposed corridors. The collaborative team is providing technical and limited financial assistance to communities and watershed districts interested in implementing conservation programs. A roundtable of community officials and staff, land owners, real estate interests, conservationists, and • others have been organized to explore development of proposals for implementing PDRs and TDRs programs. Community Development Director Kim Lindquist is a member of this roundtable. The roundtable has three charges: draft ordinances for purchase of development rights and transfer of development rights programs, and to assist as the voice of Washington County in their land conservation efforts. Kohls asked Mr. Pressman what the various colors on the map illustrate. He responded that they represent agricultural, forested, already protected wetlands, and lakes, urban and suburban development. Kohls noted that none of these efforts are mandatory for the land owner, rather, they were voluntary. 1000 Friends and the Green Corridor Project are there to help and work with willing land owners. Shiely asked if the corridor was linked in such a manner that one could walk the area. Mr. Pressman indicated that while it is not today, it could be; however, the purpose is not to link them for recreational areas, but rather for blocks of land usage by specific type such as agricultural, forest, wetlands, etc. Mr. Pressman pointed out that not all land conservation efforts going on are connected to this project. But, land conservation projects are encouraged by 1000 Friends. Shiely asked if the Cottage Grove Ravine is part of this. Mr. Pressman answered affirmatively. � City Engineer Jerry Bourdon asked that a copy of the map be given to the Community Development Director. Mr. Pressman indicated that he would get one to her. Also, he noted, this information can be found on the WEB. Regular Meeting - February 17, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 4 � U A citizen present wanted to know if this organization was working with all land owners and what their aim was. Mr. Pressman stated that they were working with only willing land owners and the program was voluntary and not mandatory. Their aim was to encourage land conservation in the yellowed areas of the map. This citizen asked Mr. Pressman if he was aware that the Metropolitan Council is looking at the very same areas for development of homes. Mr. Pressman indicated that this had been presented to the Metropolitan Council and a member of the Metropolitan Council was on the roundtable. Mr. Pressman made both the public and the Council aware that there are also some additional funds available from the State (beyond those from the DNR) for the conservation of natural areas. Proclamation - Saturday February 27, 1999 as "Beane Team — Walk for the Heart Dav" Mayor Denzer read the Proclamation declaring Saturday, February 27, 1999 as "Beane Team — Walk for the Heart Day" in honor of a former City employee, Chief Building Official Jim Beane. Mr. Beane died of heart disease and this day has been set aside for a three-mile walk at the Mall of America to raise money for research and awareness of heart disease in his memory. • Recoqnition - Officer Mary McGuire and Officer Grea Reibel Director of Public Safety Jim Kinsey informed the Council of two officers who have recently received recognition from organizations outside of the law enforcement ranks. These two officers have worked with juveniles making a difference in their lives. Officer Mary McGuire has served as part of Cottage Grove Junior High and recently was awarded "Staff Person of the Month for January, 1999" recognition. Officer Greg Reibel was recognized and awarded the "1998 Outstanding Service Award" from the Minnesota Juvenile Officers Association. He was commended for his years as a "DARE" officer. Kinsey pointed out that it is unusual for awards to be presented from outside the law enforcement ranks and that these two officers model the commitment of police officers. Kohls commented that her 18 year old daughter still remembers Officer Reibel as her "DARE" officer in grade school and thinks "he's cool." Mayor Denzer thanked Director of Public Safety Kinsey for providing this information and commended the police officers for their commitment and hard work. a APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None. • Regular Meeting - February 17, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 5 • CONSENT CALENDAR Shiely asked that Item 4D be pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Kohls asked that Item 4H to be pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Shiely had a question for Finance Director Liz Johnson regarding Item �D. She asked if the $40,000 put in the budget for Y2K upgrades would be sufficient. Johnson responded she believed it would. She went on to cover what was included in those dollars and how equipment and other needed changes would happen. She indicated that so far, the dollar amounts she has identified are still sufficient. Item 4H calls for the reappointment of four Planning Commissioners for a term of one year to expire February 28, 2000. This was in order to complete the Comprehensive Plan through which process the four individuals have been actively involved. The Comprehensive Plan is nearly done and it was the opinion that it would be extremely disruptive to have new people introduced to the process at this "late" date. The concern raised by Kohls was that the ordinance states that no commissioner may be appointed to more than three consecutive 2-year terms unless under special circumstances. She stated she understands that these four members have been recommended to serve a fourth term, and that there are rumors that the . recommendation will be approved. Her concern was that the Council hasn't even voted on the issue and publications have already listed these members' terms expiring in the year 2000. Kohls asked if this was really in the best interest of the City. She stated she had heard members of the public comment that "nothing ever changes in Cottage Grove." Kohls stated she felt new faces, new views, and new ideas were needed. Secondly, once the Comprehensive Plan was approved, there would be new members implementing it who have had no say in the plan. Finally, one of the four members has not attended any workshops that the Pfanning Commission had held in the calendar year 1998. Kohls noted that the City has worked through difficult transitions in the past and she did not view bringing in new members just prior to the completion of the Comprehensive Plan being an issue. She believed that the new members would be intelligent enough to work through getting to know the plan sufficiently to work with it. She asked the Council for a separate vote on this issue. Community Development Director Lindquist noted that the recommendation to reappoint these four members did not come from Staff, rather, it came from the Planning Commission Chair, Vice Chair, and Council Liaison Wolcott. Wolcott commented that they interviewed nine candidates and do have alternative � candidates to fill in as soon as the Comprehensive Plan is approved. Two of the returning members would leave immediately upon the Plan's conclusion. The other two would remain through the year to train new commissioners. He believed that new Regular Meeting - February 17, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 6 • members now would be put in a"bad light" and that it would be difficult to transition at this point. Dave DeBace, 7305 Iverson, said he heard about this over the last weekend. He understands why the reappointment was recommended. However, to "an outsider, it looks bad." He went on to note that governments change and people transition. That is how things go, new people, and new ideas. Mr. DeBace stated he would like to see new ideas and new people making decisions for Cottage Grove. He indicated that a move like this makes it appear that the "deck is being stacked." Next he commented that "iYs time to move on and make those transitions and make it work." Finally, he noted for the Council that not everyone wants to see growth on every piece of land. Mayor Denzer asked for the Council's wishes at this point. Shiely indicated she was disturbed to see this on the agenda now. She felt it was more palatable that the reappointment would probably be only for six months. However, she wanted the entire Council involved in such a decision and wanted to know what the rationale was for their continuing on the Planning Commission. Wolcott indicated that the commissions needed to do a better job of rotating members so that such a large percentage of a commission would not be turning over such as � this. Kohls indicated while it would help if inembers were rotated more often, her concern was the new planning commissioners taking over a plan to which they had no input. Rice noted that the current members have the knowledge to make decisions on the plan they have worked so hard accomplishing. "Let's get it done," he stated. He was concerned that to train in new members would take too long and the plan would be held up. Shiely asked City Attorney Bob Long how the Council cou{d guarantee that these commissioners would leave as soon as the Comprehensive Plan was finished. City Attorney Long indicated that this was an interesting question since the recommendation for a one year term was already a variation on the ordinance. He indicated he was not even sure this recommendation could be made without an ordinance change since there was no provision in the ordinance for a one year term. He explained the Council could waive the Code, however, and make a conditional appointment for these people to serve until the Comprehensive Plan is done. City Administrator Ryan Schroeder pointed out that the appointment to a term on a commission was not a contract for employment with the City. City Attorney Long • suggested that a motion be made amending the ordinance or that an agreement be made with the condition that the people are only serving one year. Regular Meeting - February 17, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 7 • Wolcott indicated he believed the Council was getting "hung up in legalities." He noted that two of these people want to leave as soon as possible. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO APPROVE THE: ➢ APPOINTMENT OF CHRIS WHILLHITE TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF PAT RICE FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 28, 2000 ➢ REAPPOINTMENT OF JEFF PODOLL, GLEN KLEVEN, KEN BOYEN, AND GLEN BROWN FOR ONE-YEAR TERMS TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 28, 2000. ➢ REAPPOINTMENT OF DENNIS ACKERMAN, MARK LEIER AND MARK RUDEK TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION FOR TWO- YEAR TERMS TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 28, 2001. ➢ REAPPOINTMENT OF STEVE MORSE, C. RANDALL BRIESE, AND JON CHENEY TO THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION FOR TWO-YEAR TERMS TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 28, 2001. ➢ REAPPOINTMENT OF STEVE INGRAM, DALE JOHNSON, AND DANTE . MASSAROTTI TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION FOR TWO-YEAR TERMS TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 28, 2001 ➢ APPOINTMENT OF DENNIS ACKERMAN AS CHAIR AND MARK LEIER AS VICE CHAIR OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION; AND ➢ APPOINTMENT OF TERRENCE MILLER AS CHAIR OF THE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION FOR 1999. MOTION CARRIED. 4-1. (COUNCILMEMBER KOHLS VOTED NAY) MOTION BY WOLCOTT SECONDED BY RICE, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE MINUTES FOR JANUARY 11, 1999, PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING. B. AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF A 1999 FORD CROWN VICTORIA VEHICLE FROM SUPERIOR FORD IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,300 PLUS $2,359 TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE, FOR A TOTAL COST OF $26,659. C. APPOINT LINDA KAMPA TO REGULAR PART-TIME STATUS. . D. RECEIVE THE PROGRESS REPORT FROM FINANCE DIRECTOR LIZ JOHNSON ON THE CITY'S YEAR 2000 (AKA Y2K) REMEDIATION EFFORTS. Regular Meeting - February 17, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 8 • E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-24, A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING TEMPORARY AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEE WAGES FOR 1999, REPEALING RESOLUTiON NO. 96-69. F. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-25, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF STOP SIGNS ON JODY AVENUE AT HILLSIDE TRAIL AND ON HILLSIDE TRAIL AT JOHANSEN AVENUE, AND AUTHORIZE REMOVAL OF THE STOP SIGN FROM SOUTHBOUND JOHANSEN AVENUE AT HILLSIDE TRAIL. G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-26, A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 1998 GENERAL FUND, 1998 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND 1998 ICE ARENA FUND BUDGETS, AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-27, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 1998 TO 1999 BUDGET CARRY FORWARDS. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-28, A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AND POST A 30 MILE PER HOUR SPEED LIMIT FOR GENEVA AVENUE FROM THE NEWPORT CITY BOUNDARY SOUTH. J. AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A MULTIPLE SECONDHAND GOODS DEALER LICENSE TO THE MAJESTIC GROUP FOR PROPERTY LOCATED � AT 9165 WEST POINT DOUGLAS ROAD (FORMERLY MAJESTIC BALLROOM) CONDITfONAL ON COMPLIANCE WITH THE EXISTING AND FUTURE ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS. K. APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF SVEN SUNGAARD TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMISSION AS A YOUTH SEAT REPRESENTATIVE. L. AUTHORIZE PARTICIPATION IN A COMMUNITY TREE PURCHASING AND MEMORIAL TREE PROGRAM COORDINATED BY FRIENDS OF THE PARKS AND TRAILS OF ST. PAUL AND RAMSEY COUNTY. M. AUTHORIZE CITY ATTORNEY TO INITIATE EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS FOR PROPERTY AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF 8p STREET AND HINTON AVENUE. N. RATIFY TERMS OF COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES - None. . PUBLIC HEARINGS - None. Regular Meeting - February 17, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 9 • BID AWARDS - None. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS Accept the Planning Commission's Recommendation to Adopt a Resolution to Denv Rum�ca Excavating's Conditional Use Permit Aeplication to Construct a 2.880 Sauare Foot Addition onto an Existina Non-Conforming Structure Located at 10760 Ideal Avenue South Mayor Denzer read the Planning Commission's recommendation to deny approval of a Conditional Use Permit to expand a nonconforming structure. Community Development Director Kim Lindquist gave the Council an overview of the Conditional Use Permit sought. The owner is seeking to add an addition onto an existing nonconforming structure. This is deemed as a significant improvement and intensification of a nonconforming use. The current zoning for this property is low density residential, not industrial, and much of this land has been zoned as such since 1959. According to the 1982 and 1994 Comprehensive Plans, the City has allowed parcels of this zoned area to be developed for detached single family homes. The existence of these non- conforming uses would not be compatible with neighboring residential uses and inconsistent with the City's long-range plans. The Planning Commission believes that approving this expansion could set an adverse precedent for future requests. • Lindquist advised that Assistant City Attorney Corrine Thomson had indicated that Conditional Use Permits must be evaluated against the criteria established by the City's ordinances. Thus, approving this nonconforming use, regardless of neighborhood support, would have trouble meeting the criteria that the use is in conformity with the City's Comprehensive Plan. It is not usual for a City to allow expansion of nonconforming use by conditional use permit because expansion of such is fundamenta{{y inconsistent with the general planning objective of eliminating nonconforming uses. Finally, the City's Zoning Ordinance requires the applicant's use to be located within an industrial zoning classification. In response to Shiely's question, Lindquist stated the Planning Commission will be looking at the current land usage at their March Workshop scheduled for March 8, 1999. Mayor Denzer asked the applicant if a 30 or 60-day delay would be a problem. The applicant indicated that it would not be a problem. MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY RICE, TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL THE APRIL 21, 1999 MEETING TO ALLOW THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO LOOK AT • LAND USAGE. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Regular Meeting - February 17, 9999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 10 � Ado�t a Resolution Approving CeIINet Data Services Conditional Use Permit A��lication to Install A�proximately 110 Microcell Controllers on Utility Structures Throuqhout the City of Cottage Grove Shiely thanked the Planning Commission for good coverage of the issues at hand and the documentation. There were no further comments from the Council. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY RICE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99- 29, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION OF CELLNET DATA SERVICES (MSP), INC., TO ALLOW FOR THE INSTALLATION OF UP TO 110 MICROCELL CONTROLLER UNITS WITHIN THE CITY, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. MCES Feasibility Studies City Administrator Ryan Schroeder outlined his Council Action Request. He recommended that Council: 1. Ratify use of the McKenzie formula for a future assessment project on Jamaica Avenue from 95` Street to East Point Douglas Road. � 2. Provide direction regarding inclusion or exclusion of any particular property within the assessment district. 3. Provide direction regarding McKenzie multipliers against any particular parcel(s) within the assessment district. 4. Ratify direction provided to staff at the February 3 workshop session regarding completion of feasibility studies and cost sharing/assessments. Council discussed a suggestion that the first three recommendations be reviewed against the McKenzie formula with McKenzie Metro and that the fee for doing this not exceed $1,200. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO REVIEW THE FIRST THREE RECOMMENDATIONS WITH THE MCKENZIE FORMULA WITH MCKENZIE METRO. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. MOTION BY RICE, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO APPROVE ITEM #4 ABOVE. Wolcott indicated that this road has not held up as it should have. He stated he was concerned that a traffic study/count should be done and the City Engineer conducts a study as to the best construction methods and materials for this road. He stated he � does not want to be coming back and funding this again in the near future. UPON VOTE BEING TAKEN, MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Regular Meeting - February 17, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 11 • RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS - None. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Kohls stated she has received several calls regarding snowmobiles in locations that are labeled "no snowmobiles." She asked what was being done to enforce these laws. She asked that the City Council and the Planning Commission review these ordinances and see if changes need to be made. Several other Council Members indicated they have also received calls from citizens. Public Safety Director Jim Kinsey responded that there are limited amounts of patrol time to enforce these laws. Kohls stated she also had received calls regarding a need for better traffic enforcement. One location, in particular, being 80 and Grange/Hadley. She advised that people crossing over to Highway 61 have trouble making turns on a green light so a suggestion of a turn arrow was made. Mayor Denzer indicated he felt this was an issue of driver education. He noted that � people need to move across one lane of the intersection from both directions and be prepared to turn as opportunity is given. Mayor Denzer commented that a lot of unsafe maneuvering takes place, however, as people cut the corners and turn in a manner that is not safe. Kinsey indicated that this is a County-owned road and he will check with them to see if they want to conduct a study or make a correction to the situation such as an arrow. Shiely indicated that the SOWASHCO Ambulance Governance Board meeting planned for February 8, 1999, did not meet due to lack of quorum. The next meeting is scheduled March 10, 1999. PAY BILLS MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 106492 TO 106692 IN THE AMOUNT OF $988,761.63. MOTION CARRI ED. 5-0. Mayor Denzer adjourned the Regular Council meeting to the adjoining conference room for a Workshop Session, open to the public, at 8:40 p.m. . Regular Meeting - February 17, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 12 • WORKSHOP SESSION - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Discussion Regarding Clubhouse Expansion Plans for River Oaks Golf Course Parks and Recreation Director John Fredrickson and River Oaks Golf Pro Bruce Anderson presented their findings from visiting a number of local clubhouses and golf courses in preparation for the discussion on the project to expand River Oaks Golf Course Clubhouse. Mr. Anderson presented a video show of various clubhouses and distributed pictures they had taken of various aspects that impressed them. He commented on the unique features they found at Eagle Valley in Woodbury, Oak Marsh Golf Course in Oakdale, Indian Hills in Stillwater, Oak Glen Golf Course in Stillwater, and Applewood Golf Course in Stillwater. Messrs. Anderson and Fredrickson indicated they took copious notes and are ready to invest the best aspects of the different clubhouses into their plan for Cottage Grove. There was discussion about whether to expand the clubhouse to a large facility holding more than 200 people or a smaller one. Discussion also covered whether to staff with cooks and waiters or to cater events. Mr. Anderson leaned toward using caters for food service and having a second manager who was in charge of the food service, as well • as being a pro. Mr. Anderson indicated he receives seven to eight calls per month inquiring about rental rooms. Therefore, the alternatives looked at for the business case included having catering (preferably one "exclusive" caterer) and only hiring one cook, one bartender, and one other person with the cater providing other employees as needed. A cleaning staff would come in the next morning after an event. He assumed rental 40 times per year, but with a larger facility that number would be more often. Mr. Anderson stated he has considered how food service for corporate outings would be handled, such as with box lunches. "Move the groups in, clean up, move a new group in." He felt it would be a simple enough operation. It was mentioned that it would be easier to make the building larger now, than to expand it later. All agreed it needs to be first class and "classy." Adequate storage space must be provided and also a nice bathroom. Council Members asked Mr. Anderson to look at a nice fireplace for the larger room, possibly two fireplaces, one for the large room, one for the golfer's lounge. They also talked about the option of a dance floor. Wolcott stated he felt the opportunities were better with a larger facility and that was the way to go. • City Administrator Ryan Schroeder stated he has already thought out the construction management process and is prepared to move forward when Council so directs. He Regular Meeting - February 17, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 13 • • stated he will obtain a concept drawing from an architectural firm to verify dimension proposed and materials. He will put out a bid package that requires pre-qualification with the intent that the contractor who wins the bid will provide final drawings and efficiencies in the design. It was suggested that a Council representative should be involved in the construction management process and bidding, or Staff could provide the bid package to each member. Kohls volunteered to help out. Discussion was held on how to present this information to the public and the press in a manner that made it clear that the monies to build this are not coming from tax dollars. The City Administrator was asked to prepare a formal press release and develop a marketing campaign. Discussion Regardinq Possible Updating of Employment Practices It was noted that certain positions currently come before the City Council for approval to hire and fire, and others go directly to the City Administrator. Currently the City Administrator can hire and terminate part time employees. Staff asked the Council if they would like to delegate more positions to the City Administrator. There was no question that department heads, supervisory, and management positions that are not covered by a bargaining unit should come before the City Council for action. A concern was on entry-level or other positions once the candidate has passed probation and becomes a regular employee. Veteran's preference and due process hearings are separate issues. A concern is that a terminating authority must also have the authority to hire. Other than the City Administrator, the City has a"for cause" standard for dismissal and problems and issues need to be well documented. Staff will be working with the City Attorney on ordinance changes in the levels of authority to hire and terminate employees. WORKSHOP SESSION - CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO TEMPORARILY ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING TO A CLOSED SESSION AT 10:00 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. The following were present: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Jim Wolcott Council Member Sandy Shiely Council Member Pat Rice Council Member Cheryl Kohls City Administrator Ryan Schroeder Assistance City Administrator Michelle Wolfe City Attorney Bob Long, Kennedy & Graven i Regular Meeting - February 17, 1999 Cottage Grove City Council Page 14 • Pursuant to the open meeting law, a closed session was held to meet with staff to receive an update on labor negotiations with the police dispatchers. A complete tape recording of the closed session is on file in the office of the Assistant City Administrator. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO ADJOURN THE CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE THE REGULAR MEETING AT 10:35 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AT 10:05 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Deb Hawkinson Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. • i