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Home My WebLink About1998-04-18 MINUTES� SPECIAL MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18, 1998 CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a special meeting on Saturday, April 18, 1998, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80 Street South. Mayor Pro Tem Wolcott called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Cheryl Kohls Council Member Jim Wolcott Council Member Rod Hale Council Member Sandy Shiely Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Michelle Wolfe, Personnel Director Liz Johnson, Acting Finance Director Steve Apfelbacher, Ehlers and Associates • Mayor Pro Tem Wolcott presided over the meeting. Mr. Apfelbacher made a presentation on the proposed 1998 bond issue and recommended delaying a portion of the issue to 1999 to avoid arbitrage restrictions. There was general discussion by Council that the 1999 Pavement Management program (and beyond) should be delayed so long as pavement does not erode causing additional program expense. Mr. Apfelbacher noted that the City has an A2 bond rating. Impacts upon the rating include expense versus revenue ratio's, debt structure, and financial management. He also stated that continued growth in market value within the City and the metro area has a positive rating impact. He also noted that the City cover it issuance costs through interest and other charges on developer projects. In the past, there was a statutory maximum interest rate charge. That rate ceiling was lifted some time ago. Council requested another accounting of fund balances within every fund held by the City. It was also requested that Council receive a parcel-based update of all tax delinquent property within the community. Council briefly discussed billing for the ambulance service; requesting additional information. � Council discussed the process for filling the Public Safety Director position created by the retirement of Dennis Cusick. It was expressed that the new hire should have a Bachelors degree and varied experience. However, it was specifically expressed that experience with • an ambulance service was not necessary since that could be gained in-house. Staff was directed to research the advantages of a Director versus a Chief position and the resulting - organizational issues. �� Special City Council Meeting - April 18, 1998 Page 2 . It was suggested that the City consider renaming Chemolite Road. Staff was directed to place the item on the next agenda. It was also directed that staff become more involved in the 1998 Great Grove event to ensure that it rur► smoothly. It was suggested that the program coordinator be assigned to lend assistance and serve in a committee membership position. Council discussed the CITYVISION 21 Task Force Report. There were individual concems expressed regarding the open space set-aside at 50-80% of a land parcel as it related to potential urban plans. Further, that the area east of Kimbro was slated at permanent agricultural area when ultimately it is likely that it will be developed in some extended time frame. There was a desire expressed to plan for the next MUSA expansion and to designate housing types and values within the next comprehensive plan. The task force report was perceived as a reference piece and one for which Council is obligated to refer to during comprehensive planning, except, when it doesn't make economic or environmental sense for implementation of plan visions in specific circumstances. It was asked that a letter of thanks be forwarded to the Task Force members. Council discussed the procedures involved in running the Council meetings. Staff was directed to place an amendment to the Council agenda on the next agenda. ft was suggested that open forum be held 15 minutes prior to the start of the regular business meeting. Further, it was suggested that this procedural change would provide a less threatening opportunity to speak to Council for persons uncomfortable with the present • televised open forum. The new format would provide Council members an opportunity to place items on the upcoming, or subsequent, Council agenda should they deem it appropriate. Council suggested a few areas where improvements could be made in staff processes. There is a concern that staff initiated changes in the public improvement process have not always gone as smoothly as had been hoped. Further, that it should be reviewed by the Administrator to ensure that portions not working well are improved in future projects. Advice was given that we need to ensure a high standard of professionalism and community service. The Administrator was directed to setup the process for an internal review of his performance and future expectatians by Council. It was also suggested that Council attempt to have workshops similar to this one every couple of months. The meetingrv,vas adjourned at 3:00 p.m. ��'�Jl�l. City Administrator u