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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-04-01 MINUTES. REGULAR MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 1, 1998 CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a re�qular meeting on Wednesday, April 1, 1998, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80 h 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 Sandy Shiely Council Member Rod Hale Council Member Jim Wolcott Staff Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk Liz Johnson, Acting Finance Director � Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator Bob Long, City Attorney — Kennedy & Graven Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer — BRAA Dennis Cusick, Public Safety Director Les Burshten, Public Works Director Mayor Denzer presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION BY WOLCOTi', SECONDED BY HALE, TO APPROVE THE FINAL AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. PRESENTATIONS — None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There being no corrections, the minutes of the March 4 and March 18 regular City Council meetings, prepared by the City Clerk, were accepted. CONSENT CALENDAR � Item F, Lease Purchase Aqreement for Dictation Svstem, was removed from the agenda. Regular Meeting — 4i1 /98 Cottage Grove City Council � There was brief discussion of Item J, Hardwood Road improvements. Page 2 Mayor Denzer acknowledged the retirement of Director of Public Safety Dennis Cusick, and thanked him for his past service to the community. MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 9, 1998 PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MEETING. B. ADOPT RESOLUTION N0. 98-36, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF GRANT AGREEMENT FOR THE WEED AND SEED PROGRAM, AND DESIGNATE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY DENNIS CUSICK AND/OR POLICE SERGEANT JOHN MICKELSON AS THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CITY AND POLICE DEPARTMENT. C. AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF A 1998 MODEL OLDSMOBILE INTRIGE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM WALLY MCCARTHY'S OLDSMOBILE IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,800, PLUS $4,100 FOR EMERGENCY LIGHTS, RADIO, AND MP5, FOR A TOTAL COST OF $22,900. ALSO, AUTHORIZE THE • TRADE IN OF THE 1989 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS CIERA. D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-37, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SUBDIVISION WAIVER; AUTHORIZING RECONVEYANCE OF TAX FORFEITED LANDS TO THE STATE OF MINNESOTA; RECOMMENDING THAT LANDS BE SOLD TO ADJOINING LAND OWNER, JAY AND TERRI JANNETfO, 8498 JEFFERY AVENUE SOUTH. E. APPROVE THE THREE-YEAR CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE AND SKB, INC., FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE COMPOST, YARD WASTE FACILITY. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY. F. REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA. G. ADOPT RESOLUTION N0. 98-38. A RESOLUTION APPOINTING NICK SCHMITZ AS INTERIM CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE EFFECTIVE APRIL 2, 1998. H. APPROVE THE 1998-1999 BARGAINING UNIT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE L.E.L.S. LOCAL N0. 138 (POLICE SERGEANTS) AND THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, AS OUTLINED IN THE MEMORANDUM DATED MARCH 27, 1998, � FROM MICHELLE WOLFE. Regular Meeting — 4/1 /98 Cottage Grove City Council • Page 3 APPROVE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN L.E.L.S. LOCAL N0. 138 AND THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE REGARDING LAYOFF. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT AND MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE. I. ACCEPT THE RETIREMENT OF DENNIS CUSICK AS THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY EFFECTIVE APRIL 10, 1998. J. RECEfVE THE MEMORANDUM FROM KIM LINDQUIST DATED MARCH 27, 1998 REGARDING THE WEST DRAW "QUICK TAKE" FOR HARDWOOD ROAD. K. RECEIVE THE UPDATE FROM F. JOSEPH TAYLOR DATED MARCH 23, 1998 REGARDING PROSECUTION SERVICES. L. AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF LIGHT FIXTURES FOR OVER THE MAIN ICE SHEET AT THE COTTAGE GROVE ICE ARENA FROM DEBRA YOUNG ENTERPRISES IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,920.00. � M. AUTHORIZE INSTALLATION OF LIGHT FIXTURES FOR OVER THE MAIN ICE SHEET AT THE COTTAGE GROVE ICE ARENA FROM MLD ELECTRIC INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,040.00. N. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-39, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ABATEMENT OF CURRENT PRINCIPAL ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS (9p STREET STORM SEWER) FOR PAYABLE YEAR 1998, FOR THE FOLLOWING PARCELS: 16-027-21-43-0006 10, 526.58 21-027-21-12-0025 10, 526.58 21-027-21-12-0005 10, 526.58 0. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-40, A RESOLUTION AMENDiNG RESOLUTION NO. 98-09, A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 1998 PAY PLAN AND BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES NOT COVERED BY A LABOR CONTRACT FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE. P. APPROVE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE PURCHASE OF A NEW 11-FOOT WIDE ROTARY MOWER FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS, PARKS MAINTENANCE DIVISION, AND SET A BID DATE FOR 11:00 A.M., MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1998. • MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Regular Meeting — 4/1 /98 Cottage Grove City Council � OPEN FORUM Page 4 Eileen Weber, 8450 Indian Blvd South, addressed the Council regarding the Mississippi Dunes Prairie Preserve. She informed the Council that articles in the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Washington County Bulletin gave differing reports on whether agreement had been reached with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on acquisition of property in the City for a prairie preserve. Weber asked the Council for a firm commitment in support of the DNR proposal. Following discussion, Mayor Denzer informed Ms. Weber that the City Council was on record with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in support of their proposal to acquire property within the City for a prairie preserve. Henry Mattaini Jr., 7459 Ivystone Avenue South and member of the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services Plant Advisory Committee reported the Committee toured the Cottage Grove Treatment Plant. Mattaini commented that a representative of 3M should attend the Plant Advisory Committee meetings. 80 Street Improvements • MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION N0. 98- 41, A RESOLUTION AWARDING BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF ORNAMENTAL STREET LIGHTING FROM CARLO LACHMANSINGH SALES, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $110,413.88, PLUS THE ADDITIONAL COST TO INSTALL LIGHTS FROM IDEAL TO JAMAICA AVENUE. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION N0. 98-42, A RESOLUTION AWARDING BID FOR THE 80 STREET IMPROVEMENT PRO.fECT TO TOWER ASPHALT, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,769,652.98. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. 1998 Pavement Manaqement Proiect MOTION BY WOLCOTT', SECONDED BY HALE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-XX, A RESOLUTION AWARDING BID FOR THE 1998 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROJECT TO DANNER, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,547,312.30. Since the Council would be reviewing information concerning the debt levy later in the meeting, it was suggested that the bid award be postponed until the April 15 regular meeting. � 1�J Regular Meeting — 4/1 /98 Cottage Grove City Council Page 5 • MOTION BY HALE SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO TABLE THE BIDS FOR THE 1998 , PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROJECT BID TO THE APRIL 15 REGULAR MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS Desiqnation of Municipal State Aid (MSA) Hiqhway MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTiON NO. 98-43, A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING IDEAL AVENUE SOUTH FROM 95 STREET SOUTH TO 100 STREET SOUTH AS A MUNICIPAL STATE AID HIGHWAY. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Pine Forest 3 rd Addition MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO APPROVE THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN ORRIN THOMPSON HOMES AND THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE FOR PINE FOREST 3 RD ADDITION, AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE C ITY. • Bill Pritchard of Orrin Thompson Homes requested that Section 4.3 of the Development Agreement be amended. The Agreement requires the Developer to pay for the street light utility costs for three years. Because Orrin Thompson historically builds out a development in 1.5 years, the City would collect the utility cost twice — once from the Developer and once from the new resident. Pritchard suggested two options. Collect the street light energy costs from Orrin Thompson for the three years and not bill the new resident; or require Orrin Thompson to pay the costs until the new resident moved in. At which time, the resident would pay the bi11. City Administrator Ryan Schroeder commented that some lots do not sell within a reasonable period of time. There were 14 subdivisions developed between 1986 and 1996, or 451 lots. Fifty-six (56) of those lots are still vacant. Therefore, City is still paying for the street light energy costs for those 56 lots. Pritchard then proposed a third option. For vacant lots, Orrin Thompson would be willing to pay the energy costs indefinitely. Mayor Denzer commented that the Developer should pay the street light utility costs until a lot is developed, at which time the new resident should pay the costs. • Council discussed the request and directed staff to re-evaluate the method of collecting street light energy costs. Regular Meeting — 4/1 /98 Cottage Grove City Council � Page 6 Pritchard requested that the Council approve the Agreement as written, with the understanding that Section 4.3 may be amended. UPON VOTE BEING TAKEN, MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-44, A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND DIRECT PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE PINE FOREST 3 ADDITION. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Goal Settinq and Team Buildinq Workshop Council scheduled a Workshop Session for Saturday, April 18, 1998, to meet with the City Administrator to discuss goals. Alcohol Ban in Citv Park and Open Spaces Administrator Ryan Schroeder stated a group of adult softball players were in attendance to ask the Council to reconsider the Ordinance prohibiting the possession and consumption of alcohol in city park and open spaces. He informed the Council • that a motion to reconsider must be made by one of the individuals who originally voted on the prevailing side. Council heard testimony from the following individuals in opposition to the alcohol ban, specifically at the Lamar Ball Fields: ➢ Gene Schowalter, 9312 Hallmark Avenue South ➢ Jim Pyle, 7625 Inski� Trail South ➢ Dick King, 10855 68 h Street South ➢ Steve Morse, 11381 Kingsborough Trail South ➢ Ken Meidlinger, 3717 Oakgreen, Afton ➢ April Paul, 8480 Jeffery Avenue South, It was suggested that Lamar Park be treated the same as the River Oaks Golf Course, which is city-owned, exempt from the alcohol ban. The Council was asked to amend the ordinance to exclude the Lamar Adult Softball complex from the alcohol ban. Also, that voters be asked relative to the ban on the General Election ballot. MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO DIRECT PREPARATION OF THE NECESSARY RESOLUTION TO PUT THE ISSUE ON THE CITY'S GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT. • Mayor Denzer directed the City Attomey to determine whether it would be permissible for the City to initiate a question on the November general ballot, asking Regular Meeting —4/1/98 Cottage Grove City Council . citizens whether alcohol should be permitted in city parks. A report and recommendation will be on the April 15 agenda. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Page 7 Council Member Wolcott stated he received a call from an individual regarding the civil defense siren that was moved from the Pine Hill School area. Public Safety Director Dennis Cusick commented the siren was originally located at Pine Hill School. With the recent construction of a new fire station in the industrial park, the siren was moved to 100 and Hadley. It provides warning alerting to the golf course, as well as to the new residential homes in and along that area. Council Member Hale suggested amending the contract with SKB Inc., if necessary, to give the City the flexibility to change the site of the compost facility if it is in the best interest of the City to do so. Long suggested that the Council reconsider Item 4.E, Three-vear Contract with SKB Inc., for the compost facilitv MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO RECONSIDER ITEM 4.E., • THREE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH SKB, INC., FOR THE COMPOST FACILITY. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Council directed the City Attorney to review the language in the contract and to table the contract to the April 15, 1998 Agenda. Council Member Hale stated he was opposed to issuing an Off-Sale license within the same site as an existing off-sale liquor store (�ottage Grove Liquors). He stated he would only be willing to consider the application of Cherokee Liquors if the current licensee surrenders his license. Hale requested that Staff inform the applicant of his feeling and that it was his intent to amend our ordinance addressing the issue of saturation. Council directed the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance amendment establishing a distance requirement for the issuance of off-sale liquor licenses. Kohls congratulated David Wick and Matthew Watson who recently received their Eagle Scout Award this past Saturday. L� Regular Meeting — 4/1 /98 Cottage Grove City Council • PAY BILLS Page 8 MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 101793 TO 102003 IN THE AMOUNT OF $364,619.98. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. At 9:30 p.m., the Council temporarily adjourned the regular meeting to workshop session. The workshop session was open to the public. WORKSHOP SESSION Debt Levv Council reviewed the information prepared by Acting Finance Director Liz Johnson on the debt levy. There was discussion regarding the 1998 proposed General Obligation Bond Issue which will finance the Pine Forest, 80 Street, and 1998 Pavement Management projects. Mayor Denzer suggested that the City's financial advisor, Steve Apfelbacher of • Ehlers and Associates, be invited to the Team Building Workshop to discuss arbitrage. Cottaqe Grove Ice Arena Council reviewed the staff recommendation that the Council endorse Option A at an estimated cost of $202,000. Option A Improvements would include: ➢ Reconstruction of the existing rink ➢ Installation of protective glass around the rink ➢ Repairs to the exterior of the building ➢ ADA modifications to the bathrooms and new drinking fountains ➢ Replacement of exterior doors and door frames ➢ Mechanical room upgrades and replacement of one compressor. Discussion followed on utilizing the Park Trust Fund to fund the recommended improvements, increasing rental rates, and future expansion of the studio rink. Following discussion, Council (1) authorized Staff to obtain a written proposal from the City Engineer to provide design and construction-phase services to renovation of the studio rink floor and repair of the compressor and refrigeration system controls; (2) authorized expending $125,000 for the improvements to be funded through an � interfund loan to the Ice Arena; and (3) directed staff to increase rental rates sufficient to repay the interFund loan and increase fund balance. Regular Meeting — 4/1 /98 Cottage Grove City Council � Page 9 Members of the Cottage Grove Hockey Association were in attendance. There was brief discussion with regard to future expansion of the studio rink. Park Trust Fund Council reviewed the breakdown and summary of planned improvements to be funded by the 1998 Park Trust Fund Budget. The overflow parking lot improvements estimated at $16,000 at the Lamar Fields was deleted. The Frisbee Disc Golf Facility at Oakwood Park was reduced from $10,000 to $5,000. No further modifications were made to the budget. Public Safetv Department City Administrator Ryan Schroeder reported that in the interim of hiring a new Public Safety Director, Police Captain James Kinsey would be assigned as Acting Public Safety Director and John Mickelson as Acting Police Captain. At 11:15 p.m., the regular meeting reconvened. • ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT 11:15 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Respectfully submitted, �'���//�'1 Caron M. Stransky City Clerk CMC �