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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-07-15 MINUTESREGULAR MEETING : COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL July 15, 1998 OPEN FORUM — 7:15 p.m. Open Forum provides persons an opportunity to inform the Councif 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 Pro Tem Wolcott encouraged persons to limit their remarks to three (3) minutes per issue. Present: Mayor Pro Tem Jim Wolcott Council Member Rod Hale Council Member Cheryl Kohls Absent: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Sandy Shiely Also present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Caron Stransky, City Clerk Liz Johnson, Finance Director Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director • Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator Corrine Thomson, City Attorney — Kennedy & Graven Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer — BRAA Jim Kinsey, Acting Public Safety Director Les Burshten, Public Works Director Stanley Hale, 6757 Lamar Avenue South, informed the Council that after 25 years he was moving to Wisconsin. He distributed a typewritten letter entitled, "The Good News and the Not So Good News." A copy of the letter is attached to and made a part of the original minutes. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a regular meeting on Wednesday, July 15, 1998, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 8p Street South. Mayor Pro Tem Wolcott called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Pro Tem Jim Wolcott Council Member Rod Hale Council Member Cheryl Kohls • Absent: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Sandy Shiely Regular Meeting — July 15, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 2 i Also present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Caron Stransky, City Clerk Liz Johnson, Finance Director Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator Corrine Thomson, City Attorney — Kennedy & Graven Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer — BRAA Jim Kinsey, Acting Public Safety Director Les Burshten, Public Works Director Mayor Pro Tem Wolcott presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO APPROVE THE FINAL AGENDA AS AMENDED: ADD: 4.R. ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR THE LIVABLE COMMUNITIES DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM. � 4.S. APPROVE PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH CLARENCE AND EMILY SOLBERG FOR ACQUISITION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR HARDWOOD AVENUE AND INSTALLATION OF WEST DRAW TRUNK UTILITIES. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. PRESENTATIONS Great Grove Get-Together Celebration Council heard a presentation from Great Grove Get-Together Committee members Ralph Marquardt, Terri Ffipp, and Kevin Raun regarding the successful celebration. Oath of Office — Police Officer/Paramedic Administrator Schroeder administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed Police Officer/Paramedic Randy J. McAlister. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the June 3 Regular meeting and June 9 Special meeting were accepted • as presented. Regular Meeting — July 15, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 3 � CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO: A. ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 8, 1998, AND THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS OF APRIL 27 AND MAY 19, 1998. B. APPROVE THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE AND GERALD AND NANCY HEINN FOR THE ACQUISITION OF RIGHT- OF-WAY IN FEE SIMPLE ABSOLUTE AND PERMANENT DRAINAGE AND UTILITY/PONDING EASEMENTS OVER CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY FOR THE EXTENSION OF HARDWOOD AVENUE AND THE INSTALLATION OF WEST DRAW TRUNK UTILITIES. C. APPROVE THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE AND KEVIN AND JULIE SNOW AND GERALD AND SUSAN REHBEIN COLLECTIVELY OWNERS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY IN FEE SIMPLE ABSOLUTE AND PERMANENT DRAINAGE AND UTILITY/PONDING EASEMENTS OVER CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY FOR THE EXTENSION OF HARDWOOD AVENUE AND THE INSTALLATION OF WEST DRAW TRUNK • UTILITIES. D. APPROVE THE SINGLE-OCCASION GAMBLING PERMIT APPLICATION OF KATHLEEN HAYES ON BEHALF OF THE SOUTH WASHINGTON SENIOR CENTER FOR A RAFFLE TO BE HELD OCTOBER 1, 1998, AT 8400 EAST POINT DOUGLAS ROAD, CONDITIONED ON COMPLIANCE WITH STATE STATUTES AND CITY CODE RELATING TO GAMBLING. WAIVE THE $100.00 PERMlT FEE. E. APPROVE THE SINGLE-OCCASION GAMBLING PERMIT APPLICATION OF THE CAPITAL CITY STRUTTERS FOR A RAFFLE TO BE HELD AT THE COTTAGE GROVE VFW ON APRIL 8, 1999 AT 9260 EAST POINT DOUGLAS ROAD, CONDITIONED ON COMPLIANCE WITH STATE STATUTES AND THE LOCAL GAMBLING ORDINANCE. F. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 98-90, A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING BY THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE ON AUGUST 5, 1998, AT 7:30 P.M., ON THE ADOPTION OF THE PROPOSED ALLINA HEALTH SYSTEM PROJECT. G. ADOPT RESOLUTIDN NO. 98-91, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES FROM THE FEDERA� EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) FOR STORM DAMAGE IN THE AMOUNT OF � $300,000.00. Regular Meeting — July 15, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 4 • H. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-92, A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING FOR FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1998, AT 8:00 A.M., TO CONSIDER PROPOSED ORDiNANCE TO MODIFY CITY CODE, SECTIONS 11-4 AND 11-5 DESIGNATING LANDS INCLUDED IN THE RURAL SERVICE DISTRICT AND URBAN SERVICE DISTRICT. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-93, A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING TO MODIFY THE PROJECT PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 AND THE PROPOSED MODIFICATION TO THE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN FOR TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT 1-7. J. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-94, A RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,085.60 TO BRAUN TURF FARMS FOR THE 1997 PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (KINGSTON PARK, GREY CLOUD SCHOOL, AND PINE MEADOW PARK). K. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-95, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A TRAINING GRANT FOR $2,000.00 FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, TO PROVIDE PARTIAL FUNDING FOR TECHNICIAN LEVEL HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRAINING FOR 20 PART-TIME FIRE FIGHTERS. • L. APPROVE REGULAR STATUS APPOINTMENT OF KAREN MATTHEES TO THE POSITION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY EFFECTIVE JULY 24, 1998. M. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 98-96, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM BY THE COTTAGE GROVE POLICE DEPARTMENT. N. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 98-97, A RESOLUTION RECEIVING REPORT FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY ON COUNTY STATE AID HIGHWAY 39 (HADLEY AVENUE) RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT AND CALLING HEARING ON IMPROVEMENT. O. AUTHORIZE STAFF TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH TIME SAVER OFF- SITE SECRETARIAL TO RECORD AND TRANSCRIBE REGULAR AND SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS. P. APPROVE THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND RICHARD AND LAUREL MCCONNELL FOR THE ACQUISITION OF PERMANENT DRAINAGE AND UTILITY/PONDING EASEMENTS OVER CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF WEST DRAW TRUNK UTILITIES. � Regular Meeting — July 15, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 5 • Q. RECEIVE INFORMATION FROM THE MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY REGARDING THE MARATHON ASHLAND PETROLEUM PROPERTY. R. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 98-98, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR THE LIVABLE COMMUNITIES DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM. S. APPROVE THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR $4,850.00 BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE AND CLARENCE AND EMILY SOLBERG FOR THE ACQUISITION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY IN FEE SIMPLE ABSOLUTE OVER CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY FOR THE EXTENSION OF HARDWOOD AVENUE AND THE INSTALLATION OF WEST DRAW TRUNK UTILITIES. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES — None. PUBLIC HEARING Continuation of Public Hearingto consider Application for Liquor License — Betty Schultz, d.b.a. Boondocks Bar & Grill • MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO GONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF AN OFF SALE AND ON SALE 3.2 MALT LIQUOR LICENSE TO BETTY SCHULTZ UNTIL SUCH TIME THAT ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED AND THE POLICE INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN COMPLETED. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. Consider Assessing Penalties or Violations against the 1998 Liquor License and Dance Permit Issued to Meissner. Inc., d.b.a. Majestic Ballroom Ron Walsh, attorney representing Donald and Genevieve Meissner, owners of the Majestic Ballroom, addressed the Council relative to the Resolution drafted by the City Attorney concerning the violations to the 1998 liquor license and dance permit for the Majestic Ballroom. Mr. Walsh commented that it states in the Resolution that the Meissner's were given an opportunity to present evident and cross-examine witnesses. This, in his opinion, did not happen. Walsh also commented he took exception to some of the proposed findings. City Attorney Corrine Thomson stated it was her understanding that that opportunity was provided at the public hearing. Walsh commented that his client does not recall that happening. He stated he was present at the hearing and he understood that the hearing was more of an opportunity . obtain additional information and receive a response from Ms. Meissner. Walsh stated they were concerned that there is going to be a finding that in fact we had an opportunity to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses, when in fact they did not. Regular Meeting — July 15, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 6 • Thomson stated that if Ms. Meissner does not feel this opportunity was afforded to her, and if the Council agrees that it was not clear that she was afforded that opportunity, then the hearing should be reopened and she should be provided that opportunity. The critical question is, are there factual statements other than the statement regarding the opportunity to cross-examine, that Ms. Meissner contests? If not, there wouldn't be much purpose to reopen the hearing. Walsh stated the public hearing was quite conversational and there was an exchange back and forth of the Council's position, findings by the police department, and Ms. Meissner had a chance to respond to some questions. It did not appear to him as an observer as an adversarial type of proceeding. There was a"give and take" of various positions. Walsh commented that they take exception to some of the proposed findings, however. They would like an opportunity to clarify or challenge them. Wolcott stated the Council is trying to make a decision whether to continue a license or impose a penalty. Walsh stated when they attended the hearing they did not expect that there would be a formal cross-examination of witnesses and documents. He was a little surprised when he read in the resolution that they were given an opportunity to present evidence and • cross-examine witnesses. He stated it implies it happened, when in fact it did not. Walsh commented that at the public hearing Ms. Meissner did deny some of the allegations raised, but also made some admissions. Ms. Meissner did say that they could do a better job complying with the conditions. There is no dispute on what the conditions were. She has a different opinion on what happened those evenings when the officer was present. Kohls commented that as far as Ms. Meissner's opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses, who would the witnesses have been? Kinsey responded that the witnesses would be the police officers who conducted the on-site inspections. Thomson stated it appears the licensee may have some question about the wording in the proposed resolution, but not the conclusions or the action to be taken. She requested that the Council defer action until later in the meeting to give her an opportunity to meet with Mr. Walsh to review the wording in the Resolution. Kohls stated that one of the issues that keeps' coming up is that a security guard must be fluent in the predominant language. . Kinsey stated that we could modify the requirement to require that someone on premises, such as a bartender or band member, be able to communicate with someone who does not speak English. Regular Meeting — July 15, 1998 Cottage Grove City Councii Page 7 . Hale stated that the point to remember is that the Meissner knew about the requirement. Wolcott invited Mr. Walsh, Ms. Meissner, and the City Attorney to the adjoining conference room to review the proposed resolution and to return later in the meeting. BID AWARDS West Draw Trunk Utilities MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-99, A RESOLUTION AWARDING BID FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF WEST DRAW TRUNK UTILITIES TO ERICKSON CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $643,838.05. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. Utility Improvements — Renewal bv Anderson Site MOTION BY KOHLS, SECONDED BY HALE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-100, A RESOLUTION AWARDING BID FOR UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE RENEWAL BY ANDERSON SITE TO BARBAROSSA & SONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $479,093.05. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. • UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS Consider Revisions to Softball League Resident Requirements and Reducing Staff Level at Lamar Fields Council reviewed the report from Parks and Recreation Director John Fredrickson regarding player compliance to the alcohol ban at Lamar Fields and the financial implications that have resulted due to the policy change. Fredrickson requested that the Council consider expanding the number of non-residents that can participate in adult league play, and to combine the duties of concession worker and the site supervisor into one position. Wolcott commented he was reluctant to reduce the staffing level. Hale suggested that this matter be evaluated in the latter part of 1998 or early 1999. Variance/Conditional Use Permit — CeIINet Data Services MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-101, A RESOLUTION GRANTING A VARIANCE TO SECTION 28-22(E) AND APPROVING . Regular Meeting — July 15, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 8 • THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION OF CELLNET DATA SERVICES FOR INSTALLATION OF A COMMERCIAL EMCF ONTO AN EXISTING HIGH- TENSION NSP TOWER LOCATED NORTHWEST OF IVYSTONE AVENUE AND INDIAN BLVD. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. MOTION BY KOHLS, SECONDED BY HALE, TO APPROVE THE EASEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE AND CELLNET DATA SERVICES (MSP), INC., AND AUTHORIZE EXECUTION. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. Rural Subdivision — Don Biscoe MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO, 98-102, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RURAL SUBDIVISION APPLICATION OF DON BISCOE FOR PROPERTY IN THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 14, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 8220 KIMBRO AVENUE SOUTH. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. Hidden Valley 7 Addition — Secure Properties, Inc. Administrator Schroeder informed the Council a rezoning requires a 4/5 vote of the Council and recommended that the preliminary plat and final plat be approved contingent on approval of the subsequent rezoning. • MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-103, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT KNOWN AS HIDDEN VALLEY 7 ADDITION, CONTINGENT ON THE SUBSEQUENT REZONING OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY FROM "R-2.5" RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO "R-5" MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. MOTION BY KOHLS, SECONDED BY HALE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-104, A RESOLUTION GRANTING A VARIANCE FROM SECTION 23-21 WHICH REQUIRES RIGHT OF WAY WIDTH OF 60 FEET TO THE PROPOSED WIDTH OF 50 FEET FOR THE TWO SOUTHERN CUL-DE-SACS AND VARIANCES FROM SECTION 23-29 WHICH PROHIBITS DOUBLE-FRONTAGE LOTS TO PERMIT THREE DOUBLE-FRONTED LOTS IN THE SUBDIVISION HIDDEN VALLEY 7 ADDITION, CONTINGENT ON THE SUBSEQUENT REZONING OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY FROM "R-2.5" RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO "R-5" MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-105, A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR HIDDEN VALLEY 7 ADDITION, CONTINGENT ON THE SUBSEQUENT REZONING OF SUBJECT PROPERTY FROM "R-2.5" RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO "R-5" MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. � Regular Meeting — July 15, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 9 • Sandy Hills 8 Addition — Klaus P. Becker Construction Co.. Inc. MOTION BY KOHLS, SECONDED BY HALE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-106, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT KNOWN AS SANDY HILLS g ADDITION. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO, 98-107, A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR SANDY HILLS 8 ADDITION. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. MOT10N BY KOHLS, SECONDED BY HALE, TO APPROVE THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE AND KLAUS P. BECKER CONSTRUCTION CO., INC., AND JAMES C. AND HELEN M. JANSEN, FOR THE SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS SANDY HILLS 8"ADDITION. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. Mike Rygh appeared regarding the meeting last night on the Sewage Plant expansion. He informed the Council that he was concerned about the condition of Ideal Avenue and 100 Street intersection. He stated the roads should be rebuilt. He also remarked that a off-street bicycle path or sidewalk should be installed. • RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Notification to Liquor Establishments of Police Contacts Council received the follow-up report from Acting Public Safety Director Jim Kinsey in response to Council direction to develop and implement a procedure of notification to liquor establishments of police contacts. No action taken. Statistical Comparison of Public Safety Contacts for Liquor Establishments in Cottaqe G rove Council received the follow-up report from Acting Public Safety Director Jim Kinsey in response to Council direction to do a statistical comparison of activity for all liquor establishments within Cottage Grove to determine if the number of contacts at the Majestic Ballroom were out of proportion to other establishments. No action taken. Consider Assessing Penalties or Violations against the 1998 Liquor License and Dance Permit issued to Meissner Inc. City Attorney Corrine Thomson stated that through discussion with Mr. Walsh and the liquor licensee, there are a number of factual findings that the licensee contests, but � essentially she will acknowledge that several violations did occur. Thomson recommended that the Council table this matter to the next meeting at which time the Council will be presented with a Stipulation. Regular Meeting — July 15, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council � Page 10 • MOTION BY KOHLS, SECONDED BY HALE, TO TABLE THIS MATTER TO THE AUGUST 5 REGULAR MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Hale asked whether any of the Federal Emergency Management Funds would cover any the 103� Street flooding problems. Burshten reported FEMA was willing to talking about the matter at a meeting scheduled for Friday, July 17. Wolcott complimented the Public Works employees involved in maintaining the grounds about City Hall on a job well done. Wolcott commented the Tuesday Agenda Packet was very large. He encouraged staff to try to get as much information out to the Council on Fridays. PAY BILLS MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 102984 TO 103592 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,856,250.52. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. � WORKSHOP SESSION Financial Analvsis and Other Information regarding the 1998 Great Grove Get Toqether Council reviewed the financial analysis on revenue and expenditures for the Great Grove Get Together Committee. Ralph Marquardt, Co-Chair of the Committee, suggested that residents be asked to contribute funds for next years' celebration on the City's utility bill. He stated it was their goal to organize as a non-profit organization, separate from the City, within five years. Councii consensus was to continue the partnership with the Great Grove Get Together, suggesting that other local organizations, such as the Cottage Grove Jaycees and Chamber of Commerce, become involved in future festivities. Verbal Presentation — 80' Street Update Council heard from a number of residents along the north frontage road of 80 Street South regarding the elevation of the newly installed curbing. In some areas, it was reported to be 6-8 inches higher that the previous curb. � Regular Meeting — July 15, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 11 • Recruitment of Public Safety Director/Police Chief Council reviewed the staff report and recommendations for recruitment of a Director of Public Safety/Police Chief and the future direction of the department. Following discussion, Council directed Staff to advertise for the position of Director of Public Safety as recommended. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT 10:15 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 3-0. Respectfully submitted, Caron M. Stransky City Clerk CMC � � 7/i.s/9� � : � �-. S.V.HALE 6757 LAMAR AVEIYt1E SOUTf-I COTTAGE GROVE MN 55016-1649 USA � July 14, 1998 THE G04D NEW5 AND THE NOT SO GOOD NEWS. THE GOOD NEWS , IF Y(�U HAVE NOT HEAR.D IT, IS THAT AFTER 25 YEARS, I AM LEAVING THIS FAIR CITY, TO LIVE IN V�IISCONSIN. TI� NOT SO GOOD NEWS IS THAT I AM GOING TO GIVE YOU A REPORT CARD ON THE PROGRESS OF � CITY, AS I SEE IT, OVER THE YEAR.S I HAVE LIVED IN COTTAGE GROVE. *THE LIGHTS ARE STII,L ON. THAT'S GOOD NEWS. *T'HE ROA.DS ARE IN BETTER CONDITION THAN THEY WERE TWO DECADES AGO. *THE POLICE FORCE HAS DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB OF CONTROLLING CRIME, AND INFORMING, AND SUPPORTING THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN ITS SEARCH FOR A QUIET HAVEN. *THE CTTY, UNFORTUNATELY, IN MY OPINION, CANNOT BE GIVEN A PASSING GRADE WHEN IT COMES TO: • BRINGING ON BOARD, OR CONTRACTING FOR, TECHIVICAL AND OTHER TRAINED E�PERTS TO ADVISE, SUPPORT AND PROTECT TI-� CITY, AND ITS POPULATION, AGAINST ANY AND ALL INTERNAL-TO-THE CITY FORCES AND EXTERNAL-TO-THE CITY PRESSURES THAT CONTINUOUSLY ATTEMPT TO CHI�' AWAY, OR TAKE AWAY, THE RIGHTS OF THE LOCAL CITIZENS AND THE CITY TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS AS TO WHAT IS BEST FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GRO'VE. 1. IN MY OPIl�IION, ON THE SUBJECT OF THE WATER FROM WOODBURY THREATENIl�IG CC?�'TAGE GROVE, TI-� CITY TOOK THE INiTIATIVE ONLY AFTER MUCH PRODDIlVG AND R�MONSTRATION $Y RESIDENTS. WHIL,ST IT APPEARS THAT TI� SWWD MIGHT BE THTNKING SOMEWHAT IN OUR FAVOR., IT IS ALMOST MANDATORY THAT �OU CLOSELY MONTTOR T'HEIR ACTIVITY, USING APPROPRIATE TECHNICAL STAFF, OR HIRED PEOPLE, TO PROTECT OUR. INTERESTS. 2. ON THE SUBJECT OF THE 3M INDUSTRIAL HAZARDOUS WAS'FE SITE, ON HIGHWAY 19, I WOULD SUGGEST THAT TI-iESE SAME, OR OTHER EXPERTS, GIVE YOU AN IlvITIAL AND THEN ON-GOING APPRAISALS AS TO �-IOW "NATURAL ATTENUATION" WILL BENEFIT 1� CITY, WHEN THE MPCA [THAT YOU RELY ON FOR GUIDANCE) IS UNABLE TO GIVE ANY INFORMATI�N ON HOW MUCH LONGER THE WASTE WII,L THREATEN 'I`I� AREA. IT COULD BE ANOTHER 3Q YEARS, OR . MORE. � , _ti AND, I SUGGEST THAT YOU DO NOT FORGET THAT THE SWWD WATERS COULD IMPTNGE UPON TI� SITE, �R VICE VERSA, CAUSING CALAMIT4US PROBLEMS FOR ALL. : YOU WILL HAVE READ RECENT NEWAPAPER ARTICLES ON TI-� EFFECTiVENESS OF THE MPCA. YOU MUST START CHECKING THE CHECKER! !! AND TI-� PERPETR.ATOR. 3. VISION21 APPEARS TO BE ALL BUT DEAD. I HAVE NOT HEARD OR READ WHERE THIS WELL-PREPARED, AND ENDORSED BY THE CITIZENS, DOCUivIENT HA5 BEEN USED TO CONSIDER EXPANSION WITHIN THE CITY. I HOPE IT IS USED. 4. IN MY OPIl�tION, IN THIS CITY, THE MOST INSIDUOUS THING THREATEI�IING RESIDENTS I5 POLLUTION. YOU ARE AWARE OF TI� NLJMBER 4F TOXIC SITES AND THE AMOUNTS OF TOXIC WASTES BROUGHT INT'O AND DISPOSED UF IN C(JTTAGE GROVE_ YOU MUST COME TO GRIl'S WITH IT. USE YOUR LEGAL AS WELL AS Y4UR TEC�-iNiCAL EXPERTS TQ BRING THIS UNDER CONTROL. I WiSIT YOU ALL GOD SPEED INTO THE NEXT CENTURY. • •