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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-08-19 MINUTES+ REGULAR MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL August 19, 1998 OPEN FORUM - 7:15 p.m. Open Forum provides persons an opportunity to inform the Council 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 Denzer encouraged persons to limit their remarks to three (3) minutes per issue. Present: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Jim Wolcott Council Member Sandy Shiely Council Member Rod Hale Council Member Cheryl Kohls Also present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Caron Stransky, City Clerk • Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director Liz Johnson, Finance Director Bob Long, City Attorney Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer Jim Kinsey, Acting Public Safety Director Les Burshten, Public Works Director There being no one wishing to address the Council, Open Forum was closed. At 7:30 p.m., the Council adjourned to the Regular meeting. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 1998, at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80th Street South. Mayor Denzer called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Jim Wolcott Council Member Sandy Shiely Council Member Rod Hale Council Member Cheryl Kohls Regular Meeting - August 19, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 2 .• Absent: None. Also present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Caron Stransky, City Clerk Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director Liz Johnson, Finance Director Bob Long, City Attorney Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer Jim Kinsey, Acting Public Safety Director Les Burshten, Public Works Director Mayor Denzer presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO APPROVE THE FINAL AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. PRESENTATIONS � Recognition of Cottage Grove Athletic Association 12A Girls' Fast Pitch Softball Team Council Member Shiely read aloud a proclamation recognizing the Cottage Grove Athletic Association 12A Girls' Fast Pitch Softball Team. Mayor Denzer presented individual certificates to each team member and their coach. Mayor Denzer thanked the team for their hard work. South Washington County Watershed District Presentation and Discussion Members of the South Washington Watershed District ("SWWD") gave a presentation to the Council. Jim Wessman distributed a handout describing the 1998/1999 SWWD programs and projects to the Council. Mr. Wessman stated that this presentation will give clarification to the Council of what the SWWD is working on. Mr. Wessman asked how often the Council would like the SWWD to come back and visit the Council to share SWWD's ideas, thoughts, and plans. The Council determined that they would like to hear from the SWWD quarterly. . Mr. Wessman reviewed the programs the SWWD is working on -- Water Quality/Quantity Monitoring; Public Information and Education, which includes ��. Regular Meeting - August 19, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 3 • newsletters, local newspaper articles, local fairs, and workshops with local officials; Groundwater Monitoring and Protection, which includes establishing a monitoring network using existing private and public wells, and coordinating with the Infiltration Study to establish background water quality; Erosion and Sediment Control, which includes a reviewing process as part of Development Reviews; and Rules, which includes finalizing rules, including public hearing, developing guidelines and standardized review process/check list, and reviewing development plans for consistency with SWWD rules and evaluating rules. Mr. Wessman stated that these are all ongoing programs. Mr. Wessman reviewed the current projects of the SWWD with the Council. Mr. Wessman stated the projects are: Central Draw Outlet Study, which includes the Infiltration Management Study - Phase I and Phase II, the Central Draw Overflow Study - Phase I, and the I-94 Ponding Timing Study; the Wetland Assessment and Management Plan, which includes a field inventory and evaluation of wetland functional values, and evaluating and adopting wetland management strategies; Public Education Learning Centers, which includes contacting interested schools and developing a concept plan, and identifying funding sources and an implementation approach; and Powers Lake Management Plan, which includes assessing the timing and extent of development impacts to the • lake, field survey of resources in and around the lake, and developing management goals and alternatives for the lake. Brett Emmons of the SWWD reviewed the Central Draw Outlet Study with the Council. Mr. Emmons stated that the SWWD is in the process of updating cities on projects the Watershed District is working on. Mr. Emmons reviewed the alternatives being investigated in the Central Draw Outlet Study. The Infiltration Management Study - Phase I, includes complete installation of infiltration monitoring system; collecting infiltration field data; completing a status report for Phase I; Infiltration Management Study - Phase II, including Infiltration Technical Advisory Committee on management options, Infiltration Local Advisory Committee on management options/issues, and developing a specific management program for infiltration in the watershed; Central Draw Overflow Study - Phase I, including analyzing all upstream management options to minimize any overflows, investigating costs of piping options and potential for coordination with MCES, determining if a coordinated project with MCES is viable, if a pipe overflow is needed, and identifying short- term management needs for infiltration - CD-P85, CD-P86 retrofitting; and I-94 Ponding Timing Study, including examining land use changes and timing, and determine potential impacts and timing of ponding needs. � Regular Meeting - August 19, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 4 • Council Member Shiely asked Mr. Emmons if the Metropolitan Council intends to keep in good contact with the SWWD during this process. Mr. Emmons responded yes. Mr. Emmons stated that the I-94 Ponding Timing Study will examine land use changes and timing and determine potential and timing of ponding needs. Looking at a timing study to see if this is something that needs to be addressed now to prevent flooding, or can it be held off for a few years. Council Member Shiely asked if management options were being analyzed for downstream communities. Mr. Emmons stated that there are some areas in Cottage Grove that could be incorporated into the study of different systems. The Council and members of the SWWD discussed several specific issues raised by the Council. Council Member Wolcott asked what the SWWD was looking at as far as funding. Mr. Wessman responded that the options of financing are iaid out in the SWWD plan. However, the Board has not chosen a specific funding mechanism for the Central Draw project. � Council Member Kohls asked Mr. Emmons to review the Sub-Watershed district and the Watershed district boundaries. Mr. Emmons reviewed a map with the Council and explained what portions of Cottage Grove were included in the Central Draw. Council Member Kohls confirmed that essentially three-quarters of Cottage Grove would be considered part of the Watershed. Mr. Emmons agreed. Council Member Kohls asked what is the number one goal of the SWWD. Mr. Wessman responded that water quantity and quality are the number one goals of the SWWD. Council Member Kohls stated that at a SWWD meeting she had attended previously a board member stated that the SWWD's number one goal was economics. Mr. Wessman stated that was not the case, and read the SWWD's mission out loud to the Council. Mr. Winston Riedesel, 8342 68th Street South, asked Mr. Emmons to quantify in CFS or percentages as of today, the water flow at I-94 and CD-P85 and CD-P86. Mr. Emmons responded that I-94 during a large storm would be on the order of over 100 CFS, then ponded into CD-P85 and then pumped in at a maximum of 95 CFS. Mr. Emmons stated that there is presently no surface discharge from the pond. Mr. Richard King, 10855 South 68th Street, asked for clarification as to the • direction of drainage of the Central Draw Overflow Study. Mr. Emmons stated that the part that has direct drainage to the river is the part around the regional Regular Meeting - August 19, 1998 Cottage Grove City Gouncil Page 5 • park and a little to the north. Mr. King stated that the economic impact of the Central Draw Overflow Study is in the poorest part of the City and if the system is run through that area it would be assessed more than other parts of the City. Council Member Shiely stated that the Met Council is looking at several possible routes for the interceptor, and that one of them is near Old Cottage Grove along Kimbro. Council Member Kohls questioned the cost of the Central Draw Overflow Study, commenting that several years ago the estimate was $20 Million. Bob Schunicht responded that they are looking at a range of $10 Million. Mayor Denzer thanked the members of the SWWD for attending the Regular Council Meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the June 24, 1998, Regular City Council meeting, the July 15, 1998, Regular City Council meeting, the July 30, 1998, Special City Council meeting, the July 31, 1998, Special City Council meeting, and the August 3, 1998, Special City Council meeting were accepted, as presented. • CONSENT CALENDAR Council pulled items D Authorize the Mediation Process with Woodbury and Washington County, and J, Authorizinq the Request to the Minnesota Department of TransQortation to Conduct a Safe Speed Limit Study on 70th Street Between Hinton Avenue and Highway 61. Council Member Shiely asked Staff if the mediation process was binding to the City. City Administrator Ryan Schroeder responded that this proceeding is not arbitration and is not binding to the City. City Administrator Schroeder stated that the two cities have made the determination to allow a mediator to identify the differences in this issue. Council Member Kohls questioned Staff as to the need for a speed study on 70th Street between Hinton Avenue and Highway 61, and asked who determined the need for the speed study. City Administrator Schroeder stated that a citizen raised a concern regarding the speed in this area. City Administrator Schroeder described the speed study process to Council Member Kohls. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE, T4: A. ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 22, 1998, THE PUBLIC SA�ETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE Regular Meeting - August 19, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 6 • COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 14, 1998, THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 13, 1998, AND THE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 13, 1998. B. APPROVE REGULAR STATUS APPOINTMENT OF BEN RATZLAFF TO THE POSITION OF GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT EFFECTIVE AUGUST 19, 1998. C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-122, A RESOLUTION APPOINTING ELECTION JUDGES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 15, 1998, STATE PRIMARY ELECTION. D. APPROVE REQUEST FOR MEDIATION BY THE MINNESOTA OFFICE OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION FOR THE CITIES OF WOODBURY AND COTTAGE GROVE AND WASHINGTON COUNTY RELATING TO THE HINTON/TOWER ROADWAY CONNECTION. E. RECEIVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THE ABILITY AND AUTHORITY OF THE CITY TO SOLICIT DONATIONS FOR THE • ANNUAL GREAT GROVE GET TOGETHER AND FIRE WORKS DISPLAY. F. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 98-123, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF A CANOE FROM RODNEY HALE TO THE COTTAGE GROVE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. G. APPROVE THE STIPULATION IN THE MATTER OF MAJESTIC BALLROOM LIQUOR LICENSE AND DANCE PERMIT AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE STIPULATION ON BEHALF OF CITY. H. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 98-124, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A STOP SIGN ON 75TH STREET AT IRVIN AVENUE SOUTH. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-125, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE WASHINGTON COUNTY TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S OFFICE TO REQUEST THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO CONDUCT A SAFE SPEED LIMIT STUDY ON IDEAL AVENUE BETWEEN 100TH STREET AND 113TH STREET. J. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-126, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING . THE WASHINGTON COUNTY TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S OFFICE TO REQUEST THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Regular Meeting - August 19, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 7 • TO CONDUCT A SAFE SPEED LIMIT STUDY ON 70TH STREET BETWEEN HINTON AVENUE AND HIGHWAY 61. K. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 98-127, A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDED INTERIM CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO EXPAND A SEASONAL GREENHOUSE AND TO OPERATE AN OUTDOOR FOOD STAND AT CUB FOODS, 8690 EAST POINT DOUGLAS ROAD, ON FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, AND SUNDAYS IN THE SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL. L. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-128, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE PINE FOREST 4TH ADDITION UTILITY AND STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZING THE TAKING OF BIDS, AND SETTING A BID DATE OF SEPTEMBER 10, 1998, AT 11:00 A.M.. M. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-129, A RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE ASSESSED AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE PINE FOREST 1sr ADDITION STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS. • ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-130, A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR HEARING SEPTEMBER 16, 1998 AT 7:30 P.M. ON THE PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS FOR THE PINE FOREST 1 ST ADDITION STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-131, A RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE ASSESSED AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE HIDDEN OAKS 4 T " ADDITION STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-132, A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR HEARING SEPTEMBER 16, 1998 AT 7:30 P.M. ON PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS FOR THE HIDDEN OAKS 4 ADDITION STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-133, A RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE ASSESSED AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE EAGLE RIDGE STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO, 98-134, A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR • HEARING SEPTEMBER 16, 1998 AT 7:30 P.M. ON PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS FOR THE EAGLE RIDGE STREET AND UTILITY Regular Meeting - August 19, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 8 � IMPROVEMENTS. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-135, A RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE ASSESSED AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE ACORN MINI STORAGE UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-136, A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 15, 1998 AT 7:30 P.M., ON PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS FOR THE ACORN MINI STORAGE UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 98-137, A RESOLUTION DECLARlNG COSTS TO BE ASSESSED AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE SANDY HILLS 7 ADDITION STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS. ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 98-138, A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR HEARING SEPTEMBER 16, 1998 AT 7:30 P.M. FOR THE SANDY HILLS 7 ADDITION STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. • ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-139, A RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE ASSESSED AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT DISTRICT E3 STREET IMPROVEMENTS. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-140, A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR HEARING SEPTEMBER 16, 1998 AT 7:30 P.M. FOR THE PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT DISTRICT E3 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. N. APPROVE THE QUOTE FROM NATIONAL BUSINESS SYSTEMS TO OUTSOURCE PRINTING AND MAILING OF UTILITY BILLS. O. APPROVE THE RESTRUCTURING PLAN OF THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT, APPROVE INCREASING ACCOUNTING CLERK I FROM PART-TIME TO FULL-TIME, AND APPROVE THE POSITION OF FINANCIAL ANALYST. P. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-141, A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 98-09, A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 1998 PAY PLAN FOR EMPLOYEES NOT COVERED BY A LABOR CONTRACT. • Q. RECEIVE THE 1999 PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSiON. Regular Meeting - August 19, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 9 • R. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF A SINGLE-OCCASION GAMBLING PERMIT TO THE COTTAGE GROVE CHAPTER OF DUCKS UNLIMITED TO CONDUCT A RAFFLE ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1998 FROM 6:00 P.M. TO 10:30 P.M. AT THE COTTAGE GROVE VFW POST #8752, CONDITIONED ON COMPLIANCE WITH ALL STATE AND LOCAL REGULATIONS RELATING TO GAMBLING. ALSO, THERE SHALL BE NO GAMBLING OPERATIONS AT THE VFW WITHIN THE AREA BEING LEASED BY THE APPLICANT. S. APPROVE THE 1998 AND 1999 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN COTTAGE GROVE AND GREY CLOUD ISLAND, AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY. T. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-142, A RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE 1998 3.2 MALT LIQUOR LICENSE AND DANCE PERMIT FOR THE MAJESTIC BALLROOM; FINDING VIOLATIONS OF LICENSE AND PERMIT BY MAJESTIC BALLROOM, AND ASSESSING PENALTIES. • MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES Response to Irv Kopren's Open Forum Questions Irvin Kopren, 9735 Miller Road, informed the Council that he had not received the City's written response to his questions. Mayor Denzer provided Mr. Kopren time to review the written response. Mr. Kopren stated that with regard to the maintenance of Islay Avenue and Miller Road, he feels the taxpayers should not have to pay for road maintenance. Mr. Kopren stated he felt the large cement trucks that traveled this road extensively 13 years ago were responsible for the damage. Mr. Kopren stated he does not want to see the homeowners in the area get assessed for necessary improvements. Mr. Kopren stated that with regard to the snowplow routes, he disagreed with Staff's response and stated he has four residents in his neighborhood that could attest. Public Works Director, Les Burshten disagreed with Mr. Kopren's remarks. � Mr. Kopren stated he reviewed Staff's comments with regard to the storage of sand and gravel at Public Works. Regular Meeting - August 19, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 10 • Mayor Denzer thanked Mr. Kopren for his comments. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None. BID AWARDS Award Purchase of Two 1999 Pickup Trucks for Street and Water Divisions to Falls Automotive in the Amount of $43,115.70 MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE, TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF TWO 1999 PICKUP TRUCKS FOR STREET AND WATER DIVISIONS TO FALLS AUTOMOTIVE IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,115.70. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Award Purchase of Vac-Con Sewer Vacuum Truck to ABM Equipment and Supplv in the Amount of $173.421.41. MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY HALE, TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF VAC-CON SEWER VACUUM TRUCK TO ABM EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY • IN THE AMOUNT OF $173,421.41. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Award Bid for Street Improvements for Jamaica Avenue and 97th Street and Storm Sewer/Pond Improvements for Renewal by Andersen Project to Richard Knutson, Inc. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-143, A RESOLUTION AWARDING BID ON JAMAICA AVENUE STREET IMPROVEMENTS AND 97TH STREET AND STORM SEWER/POND IMPROVEMENTS FOR RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN PROJECT TO RICHARD KNUTSON, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $620,421.78. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS Adopt Ordinance Amending Chapter 28, Zoninq Ordinance of the City Code Concerning Requirement for Accessory Structures Community Development Director Kim Lindquist explained to the Council the current ordinance regarding City accessory structures and the proposed changes to this ordinance. Community Development Director Lindquist stated that Staff feels it is time to overhaul accessory structure of the ordinance since it had been a long time since this ordinance had been looked at. Community Development • Director Lindquist stated that this amended ordinance is easier for people to read and understand. Community Development Director Lindquist explained that Staff Regular Meeting - August 19, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 11 • did a survey of most of the metro area and the kinds of accessory structures allowed in particular zoning districts. Community Development Director Lindquist stated that this new ordinance is more consistent and would make a very few residents non-compliant. Council Member Kohls expressed a concern about existing farms and questioned how the amended ordinance would effect the farmers if they chose to subdivide. Council Member Kohls questioned what the options would be for the existing accessory buildings. Community Development Director Lindquist responded that if they do not comply with the lot size they will need to make the lot accommodate the ordinance criteria. Council Member Wolcott stated that the landowner is the one that makes the decision to subdivide the property. Council discussed the dimensions and exterior appearance requirements of the accessory structures as defined in the amended ordinance. City Attorney Bob Long stated the amended ordinance could be clarified as written by including the word "habitable" and "storage" when referring to space. MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO ADOPT ORD/NANCE NO, 659, AS AMENDED; AN ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE • GROVE, MINNESOTA, AMENDING CHAPTER 28, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY CODE CONCERNING REQUIREMENT FOR ACCESSORY STRUCTURES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED. 4-1 (KOHLS VOTED NAY). Aqprove Subdivision Agreement for Pine Forest 4th Addition with U.S. Home - Thom�son Land Division MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO APPROVE THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE AND THOMPSON LAND DIVISION OF U.S. HOME CORPORATION, AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS - None. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS - None. PAY BILLS MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 103837 TO 104076 IN THE AMOUNT OF • $1,060,625.17. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Regular Meeting - August 19, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 12 • Mayor Denzer adjourned the Regular Meeting to the open public workshop session at 9:30 p.m. WORKSHOP SESSION MCES Roadway Improvements Mayor Denzer opened the workshop session at 9:43 p.m. Council and Staff discussed the status of the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services proposed roadway improvements. Council questioned the need for street realignment that may cause some significant alterations in the road and the need for a preliminary investigation to bring the road up to the specifications suggested. Council questioned if the City can use the same size road now and rebuild the designs wanted, such as a bike path, walking path, etc. Mayor Denzer stated that an engineer should study the proposal and give a report with two alternatives. Council Member Hale asked if the City Engineer has • seen the recent Metropolitan Council letter. City Administrator Schroeder responded no. Council Member Hale stated that the Council would like to hear the City Engineer's response once he has reviewed the letter. Mayor Denzer confirmed that Council and Staff agrees on the type of roadway needed. Pat Owens, 11259 Kingsborough Trail, reported on the dangerous condition of the road at 110th and Ideal. Ms. Owens stated that a vehicle needs to pull out far into the intersection to see if there is oncoming traffic. Ms. Owens stated that residents are concerned about the children who ride on buses. Ms. Owens stated that she did not file the petition, but agrees with the petitioner. Mayor Denzer stated that the stop sign issue is being studied. Mayor Denzer confirmed that Staff has the direction needed regarding this issue. Council Member Shiely asked when the speed study would be returned. Staff responded a study should be finalized in two to three months. 1999 Budget Review Council and Staff discussed the latest results of the budget discussions for 1999. City Administrator Ryan Schroeder stated that the Staff believes that with the � refinements the Staff is prepared for the Truth and Taxation Hearing. City Administrator Schroeder stated that the proposed levy is no lower than 28.93 Regular Meeting - August 19, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 13 i percent. City Administrator Schroeder suggested Council adopt a levy slightly higher, knowing it can be reduced but not increased later. Council and Staff discussed the various allocations made to the 1999 budget. City Administrator Schroeder confirmed that there is also an increase in the allocation of the Public Safety Department, stating that the Council had mentioned going from 54 to 60 people. City Administrator Schroeder reported that he had requested Acting Public Safety Director Jim Kinsey to come up with a wish list for a staffing plan. Council Member Wolcott asked if the City has the latest tax capacity, and questioned if the City has received an estimate of the tax capacity. Finance Director Liz Johnson responded no. Council Member Wolcott stated that the estimate has a bearing on what the City does. Finance Director Johnson stated the tax capacity is presented at 2.5 percent growth over the prior year. Council Member Kohls stated that Woodbury has eight public workers less than Cottage Grove. Council Member Wolcott suggested that Council Member Kohls was not looking at the total picture. City Administrator Schroeder stated that on a � person per thousand basis it appears that the Cottage Grove Public Works Department is staffed higher than other cities. City Administrator Schroeder stated that Cottage Grove's tally also includes the City's recreation staff. Council Member Shiely questioned the duties of the City Forester. City Administrator Schroeder responded that the City Forester is a 40-hour per week employee. City Administrator Schroeder reported that Public Works is looking into refinement of the Parks Program. Council Member Shiely asked Staff whether it really takes 20 hours a week to perform the ambulance billing. Finance Director Johnson responded yes that coordinating with different insurance companies is timely and the number of runs are increasing. Council Member Wolcott asked how much pavement management is costing the City of Cottage Grove. Finance Director Johnson explained how she derived at her pavement management percentage, stating that the taxes for a$125,000 home for 1998 was $501, and 1999 $540. The pavement management debt went from $13 of the $501 to $30, and of the $540, $30 is pavement management. Council Member Shiely asked what else is contributing to the increase. City � Administrator Schroeder responded the total expenditures are increasing one percent. City Administrator Schroeder explained that some grants have expired, Regular Meeting - August 19, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 14 and the tax levy is a greater portion as a result of other revenues being less. Council Member Shiely confirmed the increases are not from the general fund, but from the debt. Finance Director Johnson stated that some other debt issues are the capital notes. Council Member Wolcott stated that just about the whole increase is the debt on pavement management. Gary Kjellberg, 7389 Inman Avenue South, expressed a concern to the Council. Mr. Kjellberg stated that if the City does not take care of the reconstructed streets, then the large City investment is put in jeopardy. Mr. Kjellberg felt the roads will need to be maintained. City Administrator Schroeder stated that the department that benefits the most from the proposed budget is the Public Works Department. City Administrator Schroeder explained that the reason for the increase is two-fold. One is equipment maintenance cost, second is commodities. City Administrator Schroeder explained that part of the commodity increase is due to the expected delay in pavement management. City Administrator Schroeder stated that hopefully this budget would provide less of an opportunity for the streets to • deteriorate. Council Member Wolcott stated that if the tax capacity comes out higher than what Finance Director Johnson projected, the City should have more money. Finance Director Johnson stated that the tax capacity does not necessarily give the City more money. Finance Director Johnson explained that the City needs to adopt a levy of "X" amount of dollars and it is distributed among the City. If the City levies something slightly higher, the City could still come out of it with a tax rate of 28.93 percent if tax capacity is higher than estimated. Finance Director Johnson confirmed that a dollar amount is adopted, not a rate. Council Member Hale stated that the City should consider adopting a higher number and then come down. City Administrator Schroeder reminded the Council that truth in taxation notices are generated from the preliminary levy amount and there could be a fall out from the residents if a higher number is chosen. Council and Staff discussed the Gambling Contribution Fund. Council Member Wolcott stated that he was not comfortable raising the budget and then giving money to charities. Council Member Wolcott stated that he was opposed to being dictated to where the gambling contributions go. City Administrator Schroeder asked if there should be a separate action when talking about the gambling fund. Mayor Denzer responded that there should be a separate action and this should be determined before the end of the year. Council Member • Wolcott stated that he wants the option of saying whether the City was going to give to a charitable organization. Council Member Hale stated that Staff is Regular Meeting - August 19, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 15 • suggesting the charitable organizations supported in the past and that these things could be appropriate for funding out of the gambling fund. The budget reflects what traditionally was given. Council discussed the need to hold a special workshop session later in the year to discuss the gambling contribution fund. Mayor Denzer closed the open public workshop session at 10:42 p.m. CLOSED WORKSHOP SESSION MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO CLOSE THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Present: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Sandy Shiely Council Member Jim Wolcott Council Member Rod Hale Council Member Cheryl Kohls • Staff Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Caron Stransky, City Clerk Bob Long, City Attorney — Kennedy & Graven Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer — BRAA Pursuant to the open meeting law, a closed meeting of the City Council was held to receive attorney/client privileged information relative to litigation claims. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE, TO ADJOURN THE CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE THE REGULAR MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT 11:09 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Carolyn Petruga • Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, lnc.