HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-03 MINUTESFINAL AGENDA
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COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 3, 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 part 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 Channe112.
REGULAR MEETING - 7:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER — Mayor
• ROLL CALL — City Clerk
1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
2. PRESENTATIONS
A. Receive Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting
B. Introduction of County Attorney Doug Johnson
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. February 3, 1999 Regular Meeting
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Accept and Place on File the Following Minutes:
i. Economic Development Authority of January 12, 1999
ii. Planning Commission of January 25, 1999
B. Approve Change Order Number 5 on E2B Pavement Management
Reconstruction Project to Tower Asphalt for $16,102.58
Staff Recommendation: Approve Change Order
C. Ratify Legal Agreement with F. Joseph Taylor, P.A.
Staff Recommendation: Ratify the Agreement
D. Approve Labor Agreement between the City of Cottage Grove and Teamsters
Local No. 320, Representing Public Safety Dispatchers
StaffRecommendation: Approve LaborAgreement
March 3, 1999 AGENDA
Cottage Grove City Council
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Appoint Ron Wasilk to the Position of Fire Marshal
Staff Recommendation: Approve fhe Appointment
Appoint John Mickelson to the Position of Deputy Director of Public
Safety/Police Captain
Staff Recommendation: Approve the Appointment
Adopt Resolution in Support of Changes to Veteran's Preference Termination
Law, and Authorize Staff to Send Letter Regarding Veteran's Preference to
Local Legislators
Staff Recommendation: Adopt Resolution, and Authorize Staff to Send Letter to
Local Legislators
Appoint Eileen Weber to the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources
Commission to Fill Vacancy Created by Resignation of Craig Kostelecky
Staff Recommendation: Approve the Appointment
Adopt Resolution Amending 1999 Pay Plan to Include the Position of Part-Time
Accountant
Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution
Approve Agreement and Group Membership Contract with HealthPartners
Staff Recommendation: Approve Agreement and Group Membership Contract
Appoint Chad Snuggerud as Assistant Golf Superintendent
Staff Recommendation: Approve the Appointment
Adopt Resolution Establishing Wages for Temporary and Part-Time Employees,
Repealing Resolutions No. 99-24 and 97-09
Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution
Adopt Resolution Regarding Delegation of Hiring Authority
Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution
Ratify 1999 Gambling Fund Contributions
Staff Recommendation: Ratify Contributions
Receive CLG Grant Proposals for Historic Preservation Division for
Development of Heritage Resources GIS Database and Architecture/History
Survey of Historic Properties (1941-1973)
Staff Recommendation: Review and Receive Grant Proposals
Authorize Feasibility Study of the 1999 Pavement Management Project
Staff Recommendation: Authorize Feasibility Study
Authorize Issuance of Single-Occasion Gambling Permit to Hillside Elementary
PTA to Conduct a Raffle at Hillside Elementary School, 8177 Hillside Trail on
Aprif 17, 1999, and Authorize Waiver of License Fee
Staff Recommendation: Authorize Issuance of Single-Occasion Gambling
Permit, and Authorize Waiver of License Fee
RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES
PUBLIC HEARINGS
BlD AWARDS
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March 3, 1999 AGENDA
Cottage Grove City Council
. 8. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
*A. Adopt Resolution in Support of Affordable Energy Access
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 106693 to 106875 in the Amount of
$442,247.85
12. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN TO PUBLIC
A. Update on Cable Commission Activities and Discussion of New Programming
Idea
B. Receive First Draft of 1999 to 2003 Capital Improvement Plan, Discuss and
Provide Direction
13. WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED TO PUBLIC
ADJOURNMENT
• * Monday Packet Items
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REGULAR MEETING
COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL
March 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:
Absent:
Mayor John Denzer
Council Member Cheryl Kohls
Council Member Pat Rice
Council Member Sandy Shiely
Council Member Jim Wolcott
None
Also present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
Dave Hanson, Assistant City Engineer, BRAA
Les Burshten, Public Works Director
Liz Johnson, Director of Finance
Jim Kinsey, Public Safety Director
Bob Long, City Attorney, Kennedy & Graven
Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator
OPEN FORUM
Winston Riedesel, 8342 68' Street South, spoke before the City Council regarding a
number of issues he felt existed in Cottage Grove. His presentation was based on the
lead song from The Music Man and thus, his theme was that there was "...trouble in
River City. Trouble with a capital C." He referenced cesspool issues and odors that
resulted.
Riedesel listed the following sources of trouble:
1. 3M Chemolite Plant as a toxic waste disposal site
2. Metropolitan Council -- waste water from Pig's Eye Plant
3. School District 833 -- too many multiple dwellings — out grown. Using District 833
money for bond issue.
4. SWWD Watershed District -- run-off of storm water, Cottage Grove residents will
pay.
5. City employees who do not live in Cottage Grove.
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• 6. Police Chief responsible for crime growth in parks.
Regular Meeting - March 3, 1999
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 2
7. City officials and employees should do away with sitting at negotiation tables
without proper technical and legal advice.
Matt Abdel, President, and John Bess, Vice-President of Park Senior High Student
Council requested that they be allowed to address the City Council at the next regular
meeting. Mayor Denzer accepted the request and indicated they would be scheduled
for March 17, 1999, Regular Meeting.
Robert Hudnut, 7145 65` Street South, requested that the City Council repeal their
decision to extend the terms of four members of the Planning Commission who have
already served three 2-year terms (per ordinances). Hudnut stated he was one of the
nine people interviewed for the Commission earlier last year. He stated he felt the
interviews were a"mockery" since the existing people were re-appointed. Hudnut
stated he does not believe this is the "democratic way." He called the actions "power
grabbing" and believed them to only "radicalize, polarize, and divide the city." Mr.
Hudnut indicated that while he recognizes that he can attend the meetings, the public
does not have any vote in the decisions made. The vote was given back to the four
whose terms had expired. Hudnut urged the Council to "think outside the box," and
"open the seats of power to all." He felt the action to re-appoint the four will backfire
and that the four members should resign from the Planning Commission and that new
• appointments should be made.
Lowell Torseth, 8040 Kimbro Avenue South, spoke about the return of spring and the
amount of trucks passing through on their way to the Pig's Eye Plant. He expressed
concern about the "sludge" they carry and the spreading of it. Torseth stated he felt this
would lead to the contamination of the groundwater because the sludge contains trace
metals that are dangerous. He stated that the City needs additional information from
the Metropolitan Council.
Rod Hale, 11701 Grey Cloud Island, expressed appreciation for the work and
dedication of each Council member. He stated he was in attendance to raise a concern
about Great Cloud Island. For the last fifty years, there has been extensive gravel and
sand mining on the Island. Hale stated that developers do not consider or mention the
economic impact on the mining company when considering developing this site. There
is $20 million in equipment and facilities, the company pays $30,000 in property taxes,
$100,000 in county taxes, and is an employer to 53 employees. He advised that over
1,140 tons of gravel are barged down the river each year and contains building
materials for huge amounts of construction in the Twin Cities. The material from the
plant is used for the Cottage Grove's sand and salt.
Hale explained that while he was not an employee of CAMAS, he came to the Council
to urge that they be part of any development discussions. He indicated if Council
. members are truly concerned about the economic base of the City, CAMAS needs to
be consulted.
Regular Meeting - March 3, 1999
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 3
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The Open Forum closed at 7:33 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a
regular meeting on Wednesday, March 3, 1999, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516
80` Street South. Mayor Denzer called the meeting to order at 7:34 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
Also Present:Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
Dave Hanson, Assistant City Engineer, BRAA
• Les Burshten, Public Works Director
Liz Johnson, Finance Director
Jim Kinsey, Public Safety Director
Bob Long, City Attorney, Kennedy & Graven
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 AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
PRESENTATIONS
Receive Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reportinq
City Administrator Ryan Schroeder indicated that the City has participated in the
Governmental Finance Officers' Association (GFOA) since 1990. This program
requires that the financial statements of the City be subject to in-depth review and
analysis. The Finance Department staff prepares the audit papers and the financial
statement for an external auditor, Tautges Redpath and Company, to review for
• accuracy and consistency. Finally, the GFOA reviews the work for conformance with
the highest standards of financial reporting for local governments.
Regular Meefing - March 3, 1999
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 4
. The City's 1997 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report was submitted to GFOA and
has been awarded the following certificate for achievement of excellence in financial
reporting:
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Presented to
Cottage Grove, Minnesota
For its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1997
A Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
is presented by the Government Finance Officers
Association of fhe United States and Canada to
government units and public employee retirements
systems whose comprehensive annual financial
reports (CAFRs) achieves the highest
standards in government accounting
and financial reporting
Douglas R. Ellsworth, President
Jeffrey L. Esser, Executive Director
• Schroeder indicated that this award would not be possible without the dedicated efforts
of everyone in the Finance Department. He further stated that this award shows the
leadership of Liz Johnson and offered his congratulations.
Introduction of Washington County Attorney Doug Johnson
Doug Johnson, Washington County Attorney, expressed his desire to lower crime and
form a closer relationship with Cottage Grove's Public Safety Department. He offered
to help the Department whenever needed. Johnson stated he would like to see local
child protection teams established in each community. He stated he would also like to
establish greater communication with local public safety departments to assure
Washington County policies do not interfere with their efforts.
Shiely asked Mr. Johnson to discuss why the court services Qury trials) were moved.
Mr. Johnson stated that this was a unilateral decision by the judges and was not
dictated by his office. Kohls asked that Mr. Johnson pass on that the jury trials were
missed locally. Mayor Denzer explained that as a taxpayer, he was concerned about
the amount of renovation dollars spent to upgrade the courthouse only to have them
closed and moved.
Mayor Denzer thanked Mr. Johnson for stopping by and meeting the Council. Public
� Safety Director Jim Kinsey stated that they have found a new partner in Mr. Johnson
and his office.
Regular Meeting - March 3, 1999
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 5
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the February 3, 1999 Regular City Council meeting were accepted as
presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Shiely pulled Item 4.A.i, the meeting minutes of the Economic Development Authority
from January 12, 1999, for discussion. Kohls pulled Item 4.P, the resolution requesting
authorization of the feasibility study of the 1999 Pavement Management Project for
discussion.
Shiely asked what the EDA had in mind for Great Cloud Island in their discussion on
commercial uses. Wolcott responded that they were looking at housing for a marina.
Kohls stated that Item P orders preparation of a feasibility study for the 1999 Pavement
Management Program. She suggested that it be approved pending authorization of the
Capital Improvements Programs.
MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE FOLLOWING MINUTES:
I. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF JANUARY
2. PLANNING COMMISISON OF JANUARY 25, 1999.
12, 1999
B. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 5 FOR THE E2B STREET
RECONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH TOWER ASPHALT INC., IN THE
AMOUNT OF $16,102.58, FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION
OF THE HYDE COURT PUMP HOUSE WELL NOT 3 PARKING LOT.
C. APPROVE THE LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
COTTAGE GROVE AND F. JOSEPH TAYLOR, P.A., FOR THE PERIOD
ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2001. AUTHORIZE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO
EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
D. APPROVE LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE
AND TEAMSTERS LOCAL NO. 320, REPRESENTING PUBLIC SAFETY
DISPATCHERS, FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 1999 THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2001. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY
ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE
CITY.
E. APPOINT RON WASIK TO THE POSITION OF FIRE MARSHALL EFFECTIVE
MARCH 1, 1999, CONDITIONED ON COMPLETION OF A ONE-YEAR
PROBATIONARY PERIOD.
Regular Meeting - March 3, 1999
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 6
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F. APPOINT JOHN MICKELSON TO THE POSITION OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF
PUBLIC SAFETY/POLICE CAPTAIN EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 1999,
CONDITIONED ON SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF A ONE-YEAR
PROBATIONARY PERIOD.
G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-30, A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF
CHANGES TO VETERAN'S PREFERENCE TERMINATION LAW. AUTHORiZE
STAFF TO SEND A LETTER REGARDING VETERAN'S PREFERENCE TO
LOCAL LEGISLATORS.
H. APPOINT EILEEN WEBER TO THE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL
RESOURCES COMMISSION TO FILL VACANCY CREATED BY
RESIGNATION OF CRAIG KOSELECKY, �OR A TERM OF MARCH 3, 1999
THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2001.
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-31, A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 1999 PAY
PLAN TO INCLUDE THE POSITION OF PART-TIME ACCOUNTANT.
J. APPROVE AGREEMENT AND GROUP MEMBERSHIP CONTRACT WITH
HEALTHPARTNERS FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 1999 THROUGH
• DECEMBER 31, 1999.
K. APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF CHAD SNUGGERUD TO THE POSITION OF
ASSISTANT GOLF SUPERINTENDENT EFFECTIVE MARCH 15, 1999,
CONDITIONED ON SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF A ONE-YEAR
PROBATIONARY PERIOD.
L. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-32, A RESOLUTION THAT ESTABLISHES
WAGES FOR TEMPORARY AND PART TIME EMPLOYEES, AND REPEALS
RESOLUTIONS NO. 99-24 AND 97-09.
M. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-33, A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CITY
ADMINISTRATOR AS PERSONNEL OFFICER; DELEGATING POWER TO
APPOINT, DISCIPLINE, AND TERMINATE CERTAIN EMPLOYEE POSITIONS.
N. RATIFY 1999 GAMBLING FUND CONTRIBUTIONS AS PROVIDED FOR IN
THE 1999 BUDGET.
O. RECEIVE CLG GRANT PROPOSALS FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
DIVISION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF HERTIAGE RESOURCES GIS DATABASE
AND ARCHITECTURE/HISTORY SURVEY OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES (1941-
1973).
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Regular Meeting - March 3, 1999
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 7
� P. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-34, A RESOLUTION ORDERING
PREPARATION OF A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE 1999 PAVEMENT
MANAGEMENT PROJECT.
Q. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF SINGLE-OCCASION GAMBLING PERMIT TO
HILLSIDE ELEMENTARY PTA TO CONDUCT A RAFFLE AT HILLSIDE
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 8177 HILLSIDE TRAIL ON APRIL 17, 1999, AND
AUTHORIZE WAIVER OF LICENSE FEE.
MOTION CARRIED. 5-0.
RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES — None
PUBLIC HEARINGS -- None
BID AWARDS -- None
UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
Adopt Resolution in Su�port of Affordable Energy Access.
� Administrator Schroeder stated he was approached by the Energy Cents Coalition, a
501 c3 non-profit organization, requesting support for their proposal to establish a
universal service fund. The fund would be used to subsidize the electric bills of low
income Minnesotans. Schroeder stated that staff remains open to the idea of supporting
the proposal. He noted that the Director and four members of the Energy Cents
Coalition were present at the meeting.
Director Pam Marshall reported the Energy Cents Coalition is made up of forty-six
member organizations and serves around 950 low and fixed income families. They are
nonprofit and encourage citizen participation. They participate as a working member of
the State Legislature. Marshall stated they have federal funds available to them, but
they have decreased from earlier years while the need is greater. Since the legislature
is considering deregulating this industry, the Coalition is concerned that smaller
individual customers will be hurt in the process.
Lou Ann Eckert, 8651 Granada Avenue South, stated she lives on a fixed Social
Security income and was shocked when she received her "clean-up" bill from the utility
company. She was unaware that help were available until that happened. Ms. Eckert
stated more people should know about the help available.
Dennis Hoffmeyer, 8405 Greene Avenue South, stated he is a real estate agent today.
However, this is a new career to him and he is still not up to a full time living from this
• career. He has received heating help during the transition period.
Pam Marshall made herself available for questions from the Council.
Regular Meeting - March 3, 1999
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 8
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Shiely asked if they looked at the option of making donations optional when paying
one's utility bill. She stated the "Heat Share" program through the Salvation Army do
this already. This program raises approximately $1 million per year and the goal/need
is closer to $55 million. She indicated she would like to see a universal flat charge
added to heating bills similar to the telephone universal service charge.
Wolcott wanted to know how the people received the benefits they did. Ms. Marshall
stated that the funds were distributed from the Federal government through the State
Department of Children and Education Administration.
Wolcott also asked about the discount program that came about because of 1994
legislation. This gives a 50% discount on the first 300 Watts each month to low income
receivers of energy assistance.
Kohls stated her support of the resolution and referred Ms. Marshall to the Human
Service/Human Rights Commission, who helps residents find low income housing.
MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-
35, A RESOLUTION REGARDING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE ENERGY.
• Rice indicated he felt it was like a"forced sharing" situation. He stated he would like to
see this type of assistance handled another way other than a flat fee added to the
heating bills. While Shiely understood what Rice was saying, she indicated that this
resolution recognized that energy should be affordable to all and that it is beyond the
means of some.
UPON VOTE BEING TAKEN, MOTION CARRIED. 4-1. (RICE VOTING IN THE
NEGATIVE)
RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS —
None.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Kohls reported she attended an Art Exhibit at Pine Hill Elementary and was very
impressed. The artists did a wonderful job as did the organizers of the function. It was
very enjoyable and a lot of talent was demonstrated.
Kohls also informed the citizens that when they have communications to the Council
members to please include their name so that a response can be given. She indicated
it is frustrating to hear from a citizen and not know who had the concern/issue. She
stated that the communication can still be confidential.
. Wolcott stated he attended the Youth Activities Expo of Washington County and
commented on the excellence of th program. He reported that well over 600 people
Regular Meeting - March 3, 1999
Cottage Grove Cify Council
Page 9
• attended this expo to the extent that parking was an issue. He felt that many potential
attendees passed because of the lack of parking. Wolcott announced that another
expo is coming up. Each organization paid for their booth and thus helped defray the
costs of advertising and brochures so it could be well advertised. He expressed thanks
to the organizers of the event and asked Mayor Denzer to send a letter to Cottage
Grove participants and organizers recognizing their participation. He passed along a
list of people to the Mayor.
PAY BILLS
MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY RICE, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK
NUMBER 106693 TO 106875 IN THE AMOUNT OF $442,247.85. MOTION CARRIED.
5-0.
At 8:40 p.m., Mayor Denzer temporarily adjourned the regular Council meeting to the
adjoining conference room and a Workshop Session, open to the public.
WORKSHOP SESSION
Mayor Denzer opened the Open Workshop Session at 8:35 p.m.
� Uqdate on Cable Commission Activities and Discussion of New Programming Idea
Assistant City Administrator Wolfe gave an update on Cable Commission activities. In
a memo dated February 25, 1999, she summarized a discussion between Staff and the
Cable Commission. In December, Thomas Creighton wrote to Mayor Denzer with
several ideas. The following are some progress notes on those ideas:
1. Completed taping a New Employee Orientation video. It should be available in a
few weeks for use.
2. Staff has met and prepared an outline for a snowplowing video. The taping process
is in progress.
3. A scan converter has been purchased by the Cable Commission and installed at
City Hall. This will allow for presentations to be created on computers and to be
shown on the monitors and broadcast to the viewers.
4. Staff is looking at more closely taping key City events.
5. Wolfe and Lindquist will be taping a new monthly program. It will focus on issues
relating to Community and Economic Development.
Wolfe stated she would like feedback from the Council on their thoughts regarding
these activities, in particular the new programming idea.
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Regular Meeting - March 3, 1999
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 10
• Shiely stated she thought the new program was a good idea, but was concerned about
scripts. She suggested designating a Staff person to help develop these.
Schroeder indicated the purpose would be just to hit the high points and talk about how
the action/issues got to where they are. Any length of comment is acceptable,
however, a synopsis of what is going on should be included.
Shiely asked when these programs would be taped. She suggested that the Council
set up a rotation and council members would take their turn presenting the issues.
Kohls wanted to know how they could "jazz-up" the presentations so that people would
be interested and they would not come off so "dry." She suggested that the concepts
could possibly be gotten across with questions and answers and that this might be
more appealing.
Mayor Denzer would rather see special events that take place in the City published
rather than a"rehash" of City Council meetings. Wolcott suggested that perhaps only
once a month, current issues and topics could be presented. He felt the comments
should be "straight and to the point," however and just summarized.
Wolfe indicated that the purpose of the show is to be a summary (in an interesting
� format) of the City Council and augments other efforts. The upcoming shows would be
advertised.
Shiely supported the idea and suggested starting with one per month. If two are
needed, one can be added at a later date.
Kohls commented that she does not get cable at home and as such cannot view the
programs. `
Receive First Draft of 1999 — 2003 Capital Improvement Plan. Discuss and Provide
Direction
Schroeder presented the Capital Improvement Plan and made some notes on the
different projects. The highlights of the plan he noted were:
1. The "D" portion of the pavement management program is delayed from 2001 to
2002. These are primarily reconstruction projects and as such will not change.
(Although, in-house maintenance efforts will be impacted.)
2. The plan provides for reconstruction of Hadley and 100' in 2002. This is part of the
"D" projects and shows $236,000 in assessment revenue, which is less than 14% of
the project costs. This is a controversial project because the street will be widened
and as a result, mature trees will be impacted.
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Regular Meeting - March 3, 1999
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 11
� 3. The plan includes rehabilitation of Great Cloud Trail in 2001 with assessments
stated at 33% of the total project costs. This was taken out of the plan at this
Council meeting.
4. The plan assumes a$1,337,000 MCES contribution towards road improvement in
the vicinity of the waste treatment facility. It also assumes $461,450 in assessments
against benefiting properties as Council has directed in their February meetings.
Staff needs to know if Council believes they have overstated the project
assessments.
5. The plan assumes construction of a West Draw water tower in 1000. It assumes we
can gain site control from the developer, U.S. Homes, in a timely fashion. It is
intended to paint the Highlands water tower in 2000, but this is dependent on the
West Draw water tower project. This project stayed in the plan.
6. The plan includes construction of a$150,000 salt storage shed in 2000 from
enterprise funds. This project was delayed.
7. In an effort to improve maintenance of existing non-roadway infrastructure, the plan
proposes an additional annual contribution to the public works maintenance efforts
of about $100,000/year for site improvements to public works site, park
maintenance, and non-pavement roadway improvement. If approved by Council,
attempts will be made to have this line automatically budgeted over the next four
years. Council approved this.
• 8. The plan shows park and related improvements beyond the timeframe of this
document such as the community center, and a field house. This project was taken
out.
9. The plan provides for a$750,000 golf clubhouse in 1999. It also provides for
$250,000 in cart path improvements within the plan timeframe and signage. This
plan is a concern, but still in the plan.
10.The plan provides for $197,000 awarded contract on rehabilitation on the ice arena
in 1999 and for $70,000 in additional maintenance over the next two years. This is
in. Council members felt it was a "must do."
11. The plan provides for various projects out of the park trust fund. It attempts to keep
the balance at or above $100,000 after the improvements. This is policy and needs
to be kept in.
12.The final issue is the ability to provide the level of funding necessary from the
various schedules within a reasonable debt and levy schedule. An additional
discussion was proposed to discuss the revenue portion of the document.
Schroeder indicated that the tax levy would go from approximately 28.93% to 29.67% if
the program went forward. The annual increase is in the vicinity of 2.5 % to 3% which
results in approximately 38.52% in 2008. Reasonably conservative assumptions were
used. He felt that items such as the Community Center needed to be really looked at in
more detail.
Regular Meeting - March 3, 1999
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 12
� Shiely stated the City needs to "tighten its belt." She felt that the Community Center
should only be built if funded by a referendum, thus, giving the community the
ownership.
Kohls stated that the next year or two are critical. We need to take a"financial deep
breath and get some of this debt paid."
After additional general discussion, Shiely gave her reactions to the items listed:
➢#5 Water tower: feels it should be delayed one year.
➢#6 Salt Storage shed: she is pretty upset about this item. It should have been part
of the original building.
➢#8 Community Center: should be part of a referendum.
➢#9 Golf Clubhouse: would like to see — has no firm decision.
➢ #10, 11, 12 — okay
➢#4 she has concerns about the 110`" assessment issue. She feels the assessment
to the residents should be what it would have been without the water treatment
plant. It should be determined what that would have been if the plant were not
located there and the people assessed on that.
Additional discussion on the road reconstruction to the water treatment plant took place.
• Originally, the MCES stated that they would pay 100% of costs to upgrade this road.
Public Works Director Burshten stated that there isn't an assessment to asphalt the
road every seven years. But because of the plant, this cannot be done, and the road
must be reconstructed.
Kohls felt that any reconstruction of this road was strictly to the benefit of the water
treatment and the treatment plant was not the residents' choice. Most likely, it will
negatively impact their real estate values.
Shiely asked to be dismissed at 10:00 because of illness. She was dismissed.
A citizen present commented on the water treatment plant. It was their understanding
when the Metropolitan Council presented the plans to them that the road costs would
be covered 100%. They were concerned over paying assessments for a road that
would receive the most use from the water treatment plant and would require additional
repair sooner. Schroeder indicated the Metropolitan Council agreed to pay the
maintenance as long as the water treatment plant is there and the neighborhood stays
the same.
The following were the amounts on the plan for each year:
• 99 (Green) Residential Pavement Mgmt $827,681
� • 99 (Pink) Non-typical streets $236,182
Regular Meeting - March 3, 1999
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 13
•
• 00 (Blue)
• 01 (Yellow)
• 02 (Orange)
• 02 (Black)
• 03 (Turquoise) Residential Pavement Mgmt
Wolcott had a concern about this year's plan. He felt we should be bidding now to get
the best rates. He feels it may be too late to get favorable rates and he didn't support
spending extra because of the delay.
Hanson stated that they could probably postpone the 1999 M& O dollars to 2000.
The 1997 Plan assumed that the finances would be there to carry the plan through.
Mayor Denzer stated one "can only afford to do what one can afford to do."
Kohls expressed concern over spending money this year and the need to spend it
wisely. "Do only what is completely necessary."
Residential Pavement Mgmt
Residential Pavement Mgmt
Residential Pavement Mgmt
Minnesota State Aid
$789,353 (overlay)
$1,884,866 (reconstruct)
$1,604,912
$1,715,000
$1, 845,200
Wolcott supported moving ahead with the 1999 planned items, but was concerned
• about the bidding process. He suggested preparing a feasibility study for all three 1999
projects, but indicated he would not spend premium dollars in the bidding process.
Schroeder suggested defaying or removing from the plan anything the DNR will have a
part in. (Included is Jamica.)
Burshten raised concern about the water tower. It is needed today and if started, it still
won't be ready until October, 2000. Need to look at now, not when development starts.
WORKSHOP SESSION - CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC -- None.
Mayor Denzer reconvened the regular meeting at 10:45 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR
MEETING AT 10:45 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
• Deb Hawkinson
Recording Secretary
Regular Meeting - March 3, 1999
Cottage Grove City Council
Page 14
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