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Home My WebLink About1998-05-06 PACKET 03.C.� ' �► �". w �� I. a .� COTfA�E GROV� Cil"Y COURICIL APFZIL 1�, 1998 CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesata heid a special meeting on Saturday, April 18, 1998, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80 Street South. tViayor Pro Tem Wolcatt called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. ROl L CALL Present: iVlayor John Denzer Council Member Cheryl Kohis Council Member Jim Wolcott Council Mlember Rod Hale Council Member Sandy Shiely Also Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Michelle Wolfe, Personnel Director Liz Johnsan, Acti�g Finance Director Steve Apfelbacher, Ehlers and P,ssociates Mayor Pro Tem Wolcott presided over the meeting. Mr. Apfeibacher made a presentation on the proposed 1998 bond issue and recommended delaying a portion nf the issue to 1999 to avoid arbitrage restrictians. There was general discussion by Councii that tne 1999 Pavement fVlanagement 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 reveraeae ratio's, debt s±r�cture, an� financiai management. Ne also stated that continued growth in market value within the City and the metro area has a positive rating impact. He aiso noted that the City cover it issuance costs through interest and other charges on developer projects. In the past, there was a statutory maximum in4erest rate charge. That rate ceiling was lifted some time ago. Council requested another accounting of fund balances within every fund held by fhe City. It was afso reques4ed that Councii receive a parcei-based update af all tax definquenf property vvithin the community. Gouncil briefly discussed billing for the ambulance service; requesting additional information. Gouncii discussed the process for filling the Public Safety Directar pnsition created by the r�tirement oi C?ennis Cusick. If was expressed that the new hire shauld have ��ache�ors degree and varied �xperience Hc�wever, it wes specifically expressed fha4 experience with an ambulance service vvas not necessary since 4hat cauid be gained in-hause. Staifi was dir�cted to research4 fhe advantages of a Dirertor versUS � Chief position �e�d the resul!ing organizational issues. Special Gity Council iVleeting - Aprii 18, 1998 Page 2 Ot was suggested that the City consider renaming Chemolite Road. Stafi was directed to place the item on the nexQ agenda. It was also directed that staff became more involved in the 1998 Great Grove event to ensure that it run smaothly. It was suggested that tne program coordinator be assigned ta lend assistance and serve in a committee membership position. Council discussed the CITYVISION 21 Task Force Report. There were individual concerns 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 agricul4ural area when uitimately it is likely that it will be develaped in some extended time frame. There was a desire expressed to plan for the next MUSA expansion and ta designate housing types and values within the next corrrprehensive plan. The task force report was perceived as a reference piece and one for which Council is obiigated 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 Ietter of thanks be forwarded to the Task Force members. Council discussed the procedures involved in running the Council meetings. Staff was directed to piace an amendment to the Council agenda on the next agenda. it was suggested that open forum be held 15 minutes prior to the start of the regular business meeting. Further, it was suggested thaY this procedurai change wouid 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. Counci{ suggested a few areas where improvements could be made in staff processes. There is a concem 4hat staff initiated changes in the pubiic improvement process have not always gone as smoothly as had been hoped. Further, that it should be reviewed by tne Administrator to ensure that portions not working well are improved in future projects. Advice was given tha; we need ta �nsure a high standard of prafessionalism and corrrmunity service. The Administrator was directed to setup the pracess for an internel review of his performance and fu4ure expectations by Councii. EY was also suggested that Council attempt to have workshops similar to this one every couple of months. The meeting vvas edjourned at 3:00 p.m. F2especff�ally submitPed, � ;