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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-07-30 MINUTES. SPECIAL MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL July 30, 1998 CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a special meeting on Thursday, July 30, 1998, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80 Street South. Mayor Denzer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p. m. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Rod Hale Council Member Jim Wolcott Council Member Sandy Shiely Council Member Cheryl Kohls Staff Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Caron Stransky, City Clerk • Patti Storby, Public Works Administrative Secretary Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator Liz Johnson, Finance Director Brenda Peper, Accounts Payable Clerk Les Burshten, Public Works Director Mayor Denzer presided over the meeting. The purpose of the special meeting was to review the 1999 recommended City Budget for the City of Cottage Grove. City Administrator Schroeder requested that Council consider rescheduling the next Budget workshop previously scheduled for Thursday, August 6 at 7:00 p.m. Following discussion, Council scheduled the next Budget Workshop for Monday, August 3, 1998, at 7:00 p.m., and canceled the Budget Workshop previously scheduled for Thursday, August 6, at 7:00 p.m. Council reviewed the proposed tax levy and debt. It was questioned whether the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) proceeds or self-insurance fund could be utilized to pay for the fire station debt. It was noted that approximately 60% of the tax increases were attributable to • pavement management projects. Special Meeting — July 30, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council � _ Page 2 � Community Development Director Lindquist reviewed the planning, historic preservation, inspections, surface water, and engineering proposed budgets. There was consensus to schedule a Council workshop to discuss the CityVision Task Force report and recommendation in September, and meet with the Task Force in October. There was discussion on the reduction in personnel recommended in the Building Inspections budget. Council briefly discussed the hiring of an in-house engineer and the existing engineering consulting contract. Consensus was to discuss the entire engineering function during a future Workshop Session. Public Works Director Les Burshten reviewed the public works administration, street maintenance, signs and striping, snow/ice control, forestry, equipment replacement, recycling, water operation, sewer operation, street lights, and fleet service proposed budgets. Council directed Staff to obtain quotes for the collection and removal of solid waste from City property and for the annual Spring Clean up. • Burshten noted that the recommended street maintenance budget does not include the requested hiring of an additional laborer/equipment operator. He requested Council consideration to add the position to the budget. Council discussed existing subdivision tree planting program and concurred with the proposal to provide planting just off the boulevard in the front yard. There was discussion on the level of funding provided for replacement of boulevard trees in existing subdivisions. Council consensus was to continue to fund the replacement program but to purchase bare root versus burlap trees. Counci! discussed the proposed funding source to rewire 86 city-owned streetlights estimated to cost $73,000. It was suggested that the rates for streetlights be averaged at $12.07 per quarter for city-owned and NSP owned customers. Following discussion, Council consensus was to add a$2.50 per quarter surcharge for city-owned streetlight customers only. The Council reviewed the City Clerk/Elections, Finance/MIS, and Administration budgets. There was discussion on providing assistance to the Personnel Director in the • recruitment of personnel to fill vacant positions. Special Meeting — July 30, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council _ Page 3 � Council directed Staff to prepare a follow-up report on what in-kind services are provided to the Youth Service Bureau and the annual dollar value. Additionally, a report on the level of service to the Police Department, i.e. number of referral, type of referrals, etc. Council concurred with the recommendation to prepare a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Insurance Agent of Record and Risk Management/Loss Control consulting services. Special meeting adjourned at 10:43 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Caron M. Stransky City Clerk CMC � •