Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-11-18 PACKET 03.B.� : c � �, � � � �i • �� -• �� �• 3• � •. • . � �. � •��� OPEN FORUM - 7:15 p.m. Open Forum provides persons an opporfunity to inform the Councii 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 Shieiy Council Member Rod Hale Council Member Cheryl Kohls Absent: None Also present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Bob Lang, City Attorney Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer Jim Kinsey, Acting Public Safety Director Les Burshten, Public Works Director Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director Liz Johnson, Finance Director At 7:15 p.m., Mayor Denzer opened the Open Forum. Jerry Julkowski 6225 85' Street South, informed the Cauncil that about 20 years ego he purchased a farm house on 85th Street after the Council had rezoned the property R5. He explained that the reason for this rezoning was so a bond issue could be put through and four- plexes could be pianr�ed. Mr. Julkowski stated that after the property was rezoned to R5, the City informed him Yhat he had no sewer service, so nothing could be buiit. Mr. Julkowski stated that the City of St. Paul Perk has since informed him that they evould provide the necessary sewer service. Mr_ Julkawski explained that in 1985 the land v✓as rezoned industrial in an attempt ta develop the land. The bank said without highway or freeway visibility tq the praper#y, it was nat property they woufd assist in develaping. Mr. Julkowski stated since fhe Ci4y of St. Paui Park vviil now allo�nr him to hoak into their sewer system, he would like to get the Band rezoned. He stated fhat it wras his plan to build twin hames on the property. Regular Meeting - Navember 4, 199$ Cottage Grove Ciiy Cou�cil Mayor Denzer informed Julkowski the City wiil consider his request, but informed him that he will need to go through the proper City channels. Mr. Julkowski responded that he has already spent $166,000 on the property, and does not want to spend more to go through the proper channels. Mayor Denzer instructed Staff to provide the Council with a report on the required rezoning application process. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington meeting on Wednesday, November 4, 1998, at the Cottage South. Mayor Denzer called the meeting to order at 7:30 p ROL� CALL Present: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Jim Wolcott Council Member Sandy Shiely Councif Member Rod Hale Council Member Cheryl Kohls Absent: None County, Minnesota, held a regular Grove City Hall, 7516 80th Street � Also present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Bob Long, City Attorney Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer Jim Kinsey, Acting Pubiic Safety Director Les Burshten, Public Works Director �icyeilp Walie, Assistant City Administrator Kim �indquist, Community Development DirecYor l.iz Johnson, Finance Director Mayor denzer presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Nlaynr Denzer nated an addition to the agenda. Under F'resentations, Gity Administratar Schroeder wil9 swear in a new police officer to the Cottage Grove Police Department. �OTION Bl' HALE, SECnNDED BY SNIELY, �iC7 APPR(7VE l"H� FIPJAL AGE�VdF� AS AMENDE�. MCDTIC>N CARRlED. 5-0. Page 2 af 12 Regular Meeting - November 4, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council PRESENTATIONS Swearing in of Offiicer Paul Theisen Ryan Schroeder read aloud a declaration swearing in Officer Paul Theisen to the Cottage Grove Police Department. The deciaration stated that Officer Theisen would act as a police officer and paramedic for the City of Cottage Grove, County of Washington, State of Minnesota. Acting Public Safety Director Kinsey presented Badge No. 4332 to Officer Theisen. Presentation on Kinc,�ston Park Security Acting Public Safety Director Jim Kinsey stated that he had hoped to show a video demonstrating the damage done to the Kingston Park on October 30, 1998, but unfortunately was unable to obtain a copy of the tape in time for the meeting. Kinsey explained to the Council that on October 30, 1998, the pavilion at Kingston Park was broken into and severely damaged. Multiple supplies and paint were removed from the cabinets and strewn all over the exterior of the pavilion, on picnic benches, and the ground. In addition, a fire was started inside the structure, which did a considerable amount of damage. Kinsey stated that the Police Department has leads on who may have been involved. The Police Department needs the help of the community to watch Kingston Park. Wolcott asked whether the Cabie Company could show the video over public television. Kinsey responded that the Police Department would like to have the citizens see what damage was done to the park. Wolcott commented that this is not the first time this facility has been damaged. He asked whether there was a way to secure the building sa this cannot be done again. Kinsey stated thaf fhe Poiice Department is working an ihis issue, bui sYili needs fhe help of the citizens. Wolcott stated tnat the citizens need to heip, and urged the citizens to do so. Woicott stated that 4he police officers would like to see signs posted indicating that the park closes at certain hours. Public Works Directar Les Burshten responded that the signs were being rnade and v✓ould be posted at alf entrances to the park. Wolcott suggested that the Council consider authorizing a"to-be-determined" amount of money to help apprehend the individual(s) who vandalized the park. He feit that the Council needs to take a proactive ra{e to help apprehend 4he vandals. Kohis asked whether the same peaple are causiny the damage prablems over and over. Kinsey responded that at Yhe peesent time this question was inappropriate to answer, but the Police Department does believe that there has been mare than ane group involved in the damage. When the investigatian is camplete, the Poliee Department will be able tn arrsvver Kohl's question. Page 3 of 12 Reguler Meeting - November 4, 1998 Cottage Grove City Gouncil Kohls asked if it was possible to lease video equipment to monitor the park at a reasonable cost. Kinsey responded that the cost factor to monitor the park is an issue. Additionaily, lighting is not sufficient to aliow decent videotaping in the area. Wolcott suggested that lighting in tl�e park be improved. Shiely asked what type of penalty is given for this type af damage. Kinsey explained the charges and penalties that could be imposed for minors and adults. Denzer questioned whether a reward would help secure the party. Kinsey stated that the Department has secured funds from the Cottage Grove Lions Ciub for a reward. Fiyers regarding the reward have been posted. Hale stated that if the video were shown on public television, the Police Department could receive community support. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO PROVIDE THE COTTAGE GROVE POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH A GENERAL REWARD FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000 FOR ASSIST IN APPREHENDING THE PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGES TO KINGSTON PARK. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None. CONSENT CALENDAR Wolcott asked that Item K be removed from the Consent Agenda and added to the Unfinished and New Business. Kohls asked that Item G be pulled for discussion. Kohis stated that Item G is a resolution recognizing 3M's donation of a house which was used by Cottage Grove Fire Department in an open house training event. Kohls explained that many firefighters and citizens were invof�.�ed in this training zvent. Kahis o�Eered 3M a personaP thank you for their donation. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FI�E TNE AUGUST 26, 1998, HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETlNG MINUTES, AND THE SEPTEMBER 28, 1998, PLANNING CdiV1MISSIOPV MEET(NG MINUTES. , � � � r �: . � � � ` .. �, C. DIRECT STAFF l"O ISSt1F A WRITTEN WA�ZRlING 1C3 7NE OWNER OF THE MlSSISSIPPB DUNES GC7�F COURSE FOR THE JULY 27, 1998, l.IC1UOR L{CENSE VIOLATIdN. Page 4 of 12 Regular [Vleeting - iVovember 4, 1998 Gottage Grove City Councii D. AUTHORIZE STAFF TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR AN ELEGTRONIC DOCUMENT IMAGING SYSTENt. E. ADOPT RESOLUTt�N NO 98-202, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING WRITE-OFFS OF THE SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY AMBULANCE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE IN THE AMOUtJT OF $57,429, AND PROVIDING FOR AfV INTERFUND TRANSFER IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,429 FROM THE GENERAL FUND (100) TO THE SOUTN WASHINGTON COUNTY AMBULANCE FUND (660). F. ADOPT RESQLUTIOIY NO. 98-203, A RESOLUTION AUTNORIZING WRITE-OFFS OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,457.00. G. ADOPT RESOLUTIOM NO. 98-204, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF A BUILDING BY 3M COTTAGE GROVE FOR USE BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DURING FBRE RESCUE AND TRAINING. H. ACCEPT RESIGNATION OF JACKIE SMITH FROM THE HUMAN SERVICESlHUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION. I. APPOINT KATHY HAYES TO THE HUfVIAN RIGHTS/HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION FOR A TWO YEAR TERM. J. AUTHORIZE BSSUANCE OF A SINGLE-OCCASION GAMBLING PERMIT TO CRESTVIEW ELEMENTARY PTA TO CONDUCT A RAFFLE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1998 AT 7830 80 STREET SOUTH. ALSO, TO WAIVE THE $100.00 PERMIT FEE. K. ITEM K WAS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND ADDED TO THE DISCUSSIONS UNDER UNFINISHED AfVD NEW BUSINESS. l. ADC?PT RE�OLUTtOn! 9d0. S8-2J5, P. RESQLUTlON ESTABLlSHlNG 1999 FEEB. :� ...��7 � •�� r�• .. T' * � "'• #,_ i'r,�' . • : � � � �: � �� � i . . � . , �� � y � ■ _�. 1 � .� . . .�.�..: � �. w. •• . , ... .� � �, �. :��.. :�.� _ I�1�lCf7C1:f��7f1L�i."IIi �tTi£a r�� � . . �w. � � ; i ��� Page 5 of 12 Regular tvleeting - November 4, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council l�l►�1�1�1[.�T r : ►�17�I�1�1�:��Ic91�17.Y.y Apqrove Revised Investment Policx MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ACCEPT THE REVISED INVESTMENT POLICY. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Consider De�ial of Proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Relatinq to fVonconforminq Structures Council reviewed the application of Terry Redmond, 9501 islay Avenue South, for an ame�dment to Section 28-19, Nonconforming Uses, and Structures of the City's Zoning Code. The purpose of the proposed text amendment is to aliow nonconforming reside�tial buiidings in commercial zoning districts to be rebuilt in the event the dwelling is damaged 50 percent or more of its fair market value. Redmond stated that as he previously informed the Council, the commercial zoning of his property has caused him a lot of difficulty. He explained to the Council the trouble he and his neighbors have endured because of the commercial zoning, and stated that the zoning was changed to commerciai without a hearing in 1956. Shiely asked Lindquist how the houses were zoned commercial. Lindquist expiained that Staff's research shows that �arnar has always been zoned commerciai on both sides. Woicott asked if the City could rezone. Lindquist responded yes. Hale stated that there was rationale to change the zoning. Shiely stated that if this praperty were rezoned to residential, would it be considered "spot zoning." Lindquist stated that if it were documented as a conscious decision, it wouid not be spot zoning. Hafe suggested that a public hearing regarding this issue be held. Lindquist stated that the Planning Cammission wouid discuss this issue and consider a community meeting to discuss their proposed plan. Mayor Denzer confirmed that the Planning Commission had a plan in place. Tom Casey, an aYtarney for Fiugh Gibson, a property owner in Goftage Grove, stated thet he vvas speaking an behalf af Mr. Gibson. Casey stated thet his c9ient asked him to offer his general comments regarding residential Uses in commercial zones. Ne stated that his client would €ike these issues looked at earefully and was giad to hear the Council agresd. Gibson suggested dual use zonpnq. w • . �.. i Page 6 of'2 Regular fVleeting - November 4, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council CONFORMING STRUCTURES BASED ON THE FIVE FINDINGS LIS7ED IN THE OCTOBER 28, 1998 MEMORANDUM TO THE COUNCIt� RND GITY ADMWISTRATOR SCHROEDER FROM JOHN McCOOL, SENIOR PLANNER. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Review and Comment on South Washincaton Watershed District Rules Kohis stated that the City received a copy of the proposed Watershed District rules as well as the comments from Woodbury and Oakdale. She stated that she did have some concerns and lots of questions with regard to the Watershed District rules. Konis stated that she would contact the City Engineer to discuss this issue further. Woicott asked that Kohis provide the Councii with a list of her questions. Lindquist stated that the pubiic hearing on the rules is next week. 5he comme�ted tnat she will attend the meeting and was hoping the City's comments could be formalized prior to the meeting. Mayor Denzer confirmed that Staff and Council wouid review this issue further. MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO DIRECT S7AFF TO OBTAIN ANSWERS TO COUNCIL'S QUESTIONS REGARDING THE WATERSHED DISTRICT RULES. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. ��rove Resolution GrantincLAmended Conditional Use Permit to Ailow Construction of a BuildinglShowroom at 7528 East Point Douglas Road Judd Beattie of Sunbelt Auto & Truck Leasing explained to the Council that he was asking to improve and beautify what they already have by renewing an existing building site. Beattie also stated that he would like to utilize the existing signs. He explained that the curb cuts are not new, and they would like to keep the curb cuts. He stated that !�e has exceilent neighborhood support and has talked to afI the nelghbors. 100 percent of fhe neighbors signeci a petition asking the City to ailow Sunbeit Auto to use the site as proposed. The petition was distributed to the Council. A copy af the petition is attached to and made a part of the original minutes. Beattie explained that with regard to combining the lots, City Staff came up with an alternative of placing a restrictive covenant on the property. �ie agreed that this alternative solved the problem. The covenant prohibits Sunbelt Auto fram selling the property separately as a car business. Hale confirmad that this issue is resolved. Beattie and the Council used for entrances and could be blocked. discussed fF�e curb cuts in detaii and determined which cuts will be exits. The Councii and Staff discussed haw the remainirrg curb cuts The Ccrunci{ and �eatfie discussed the prapnsed (andscaping desigrr. 6eattie stated that currently there is no landsceping at this site. ... ,. . f2egular Meeting - November 4, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Woicott asked if plowed snow would be put on the sou4hern side of the property. Beattie expiained their plan for snow removal. Shiely asked how the landscaping plan fits into the City's current lendscaping ordinance. Lindquist stated this plan does not fit i�to the City's plan, and most of the landscaping is in the Gity's right-of-way. Shiely asked if there was a hardship because of the narrowness of the property. Beattie responded yes. Hale asked how Staff suggested Sunbelt Auto improve the landscaping design to be more compatible with the ordinance. Lindquist responded it could be improved by closing the end curb cut. Hale asked if planters could be used rather than closing the curb cut. Lindquist responded that it was up to the Council. Beattie stated tnat this is an existing operating business and they are willing and abie to make improvements, but they cannot make it to the point of conforming to every regulation because the property does not conform. He stated that he is asking the City not remove or restrict things they already have. Hale confirmed that the three issues are curb cuts, iandscaping, and signage. Shiely confirmed that �indquist had not seen tne landscaping plan befare this meeting. Lindquist agreed. Denzer agreed with Wolcott, and stated that he did not see a problem with three entrances and the two signs. Denzer stated that the only exception bei�g requested is varying from the landscape ordinance. Kohis asked if in the past when there were two separate businesses with two separate signs have the signs stayed. Lindquist stated that they are non-canforming situations and there are opportunities to try ta get compliance. � '+1 y,� lIf � . �\1 � .+ ■� _� •���* .r f /: IT w! •: #�: � � . � �, � � f • • • ^ • • ' • �.. �'� ;� �`i� i �.. f ..� i � ' 1��� ' ' '� � ► ��. . � ��. �".�� . �..� .. r* ��.. ��� �... . �.� .; � � � � : �, . ' � �, �' a •� � � . �. � .a a. �� 1 � !�i i1 �. �: Receive Respanse to Comments and Coneerns frnm Abiqaii Grenfel! Councii received the response ta Rbt�y Grenfell„ 8267 $1 Street South, regarding the Pavement Management Irnprouement Praject. Page 8 of 12 Regular Meeting - PVovember 4, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUES7S Mayor co�gratulated Pat Rice and Sandy Shiely on 4heir recent election and re-election to the Council. Wolcott read aloud the following prepared statement: Wolcott stated that during election time citize�s hear people talk about listening to the people and also keeping the people informed. The City sends out a quarterly City newsletter to try to give information to the citizens of Cottage Grove. Another way the City keeps the citizens informed is to broadcast the Council meetings and Commission meetings on the governmental channel, which is replayed a number of times at different times during the week. This is also used by Public Safety, Parks and Recreation Departments, and other departments also use this method to get their message to tne residents of Cottage Grove. Wolcott stated that the weekend before last he was checking all weekend to view the tapes that 4he candidates made for the election of November 3, 1998. All that was piaying on the City's government channel was information about library nours that is always on channel 22. He continued to watch each night ta try to view these tapes and was disturbed to see the amount of outdated information that was being shown. The tapes from the candidates finally were run on the weekend but it was hard to catch all of them since other programming would play someplace in the middle of that program. He never did get a chance to view ali of the candidate presentations. One candidate tape did not have the audio portion until Sunday's tape was shown. Each of the candidates spent a great amount of time doing these tapes so the citizens could see the information. Wolcott stated that the candidate tapes were shown three days prior to the election and asked why these were not shown earlier, and even when they were finally played, why did other programming cut in so people couid not view all ofi ihe candidates. The candidaies fiorum was re-played, and Wolcott asked why it took so long to start being shown. With the major upgrading done to the Cottage Grove Public Works Building, Wolcott asked why this was not covered and shown to inform the citizens. Wolcott stated that other 4hings like the City volunteer recognition dinner was no4 covered this year like it had been in the past. Wolcott asked if the Council and Staff are using this means of communications to the citizens the best they cen. Wolcott questioned if the government access staff 9s providing the service the CounciB and Ci4y wants to help inform the citizens. Wcaicott stated that he wouid like to see Staff revievv this matter and that the Council discuss it at a futu�e meetie�g. Shiely asked that a designafed time be set 4o discuss this iss€ae. �VolcoYc stated that he feels exe ar� shart-char�ging the resid�nts by r�ot getfing this information out Yo them. Page 9 of 12 Reguiar tJleeting - November 4, 1998 Cottage Grove CiYy Council Kohis commented that the City's web site was nat current and the minutes had not been updated since Iast May. Kohls stated that she would Iike to get to the point where the agenda is available on the web site on the Friday prior to the City meeting. Kohis would like the City's web page to have some value. PAY BILLS MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY KONLS, TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CHECK NUMBERS 105003 TO 105174 IN THE AMOUNT OF $329,674.22. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Mayor Denzer adjour�ed the Regular Council Meeting to the open public workshop session at 8:49 p.m. WORKSHOP SESSION Mayor Denzer opened the public workshop session at 9:10 p.m. Workshop to Qiscuss Public Input at City Council Meetings Schroeder stated that Kohis attended a Woodbury City Counci( meeting and provided Staff with Woodbury's Council agenda and meeting materials. Schroeder asked if the Council was interested in including their telephone numbers in public information, what phone numbers should be used. Hale suggested the CounciPs home telephone numbers. The Council agreed. Shiely questioned how Woodbury handled their open forum time Iimit. Kohis responded that a4 the meeting she attended individuals stuck to the times placed on the agenda. Mayor Denzer stated tFrat if he has specific questions about agenda items, he talks with Staff prior to the meeting and that cuts down on a Iot of ineeting time. Kohls stated thaY she did not think that the times were necessary. Wolcott thought the time limits were a gaod idea. Kohls stated that she did like Woodbury's agenda because it gave expianations of the issue and what Staff recommended. She asked if this couid be incorporated into Cottage Grove's agenda. Shiely asked if the Council felt open forum was working. Wolcott stated that lasf minute items are discussed at this time that could nof be on the regular agenda. This also allaws peopie vvho do not wish ta speak in front of the camera to come farward. The Council discussed the issue af public discussia�rs nat held or� camera and the passibility of the apen farum being held during the Regular Council meetings. Tvvo members af the audience stated that they wauld like the open forum televised. Shiely stated that she had nat seen a change in the open farum nowr that it is off camera. She expleie�ed that peapfe a� the agenda are often put on hold far long periods af tirne when Page 10 of 12 Regular Meeting - PJovember 4, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council people who are not on fhe agenda discuss their open forum issues during the Regular Meeting. Kohls stated that members of the audience are not able to hear the Councii very well because the microphones are used for televising the meeting and not for the audience. Mayor Denzer asked Staff to check into the microphone situation. Mayur Denzer suggested that open forum be held before the meeting and again after Unfinished Business. Shiely stated that open forum needs to be limited to a certain number of people with a certain amount of time. Kohls stated that there should not be a limited amount of people. Hale stated that residents can call the City and have their issues placed on the agenda. Open forum is for those individuals who have issues at the last minute and want to make the Council aware. Wolcott stated that open forum is for people who had issues that came up after the agenda was published. Two members of the audience gave their views on how the Council should conduct the meetings. Kohls stated that she would like to have open forum televised. Woodbury has a sign-up sheet where the individual who would Iike to speak has to describe their discussion topic. Denzer stated that peopie who did not get their issue discussed at the beginning of the meeting should have the opportunity to discuss their issue after Unfinished Business. If their issue would take longer than two minutes, they be added to an agenda. Open forum should be available to those who do not want to sit through an entire meeting. The Councif agreed that Open forum shouid begin at 7:15 p.m. and that it be teievised. Shiely stated that the Council needs to determine a way to canclude the meetings earlier. The Cour�cil agreed. Schroeder confirmed that Staff had received from 4he Council the direction they would like to taka with regard to this issue. Workshoq Rec�uestin�Direction from Council Reg.ardinr� Developina a Strater�v to Acidress Upcominq Watershed Bssues Lindquist asked the Courrcil to give her direction regarding developing a strstegy ta address upcoming Watershed issues and questianed if the Council wanted to pursue the study and the aption of hiring another firm ta manifior the Watershed discussions an the averflow study and financing. Sniely stated that she was in favor af having an outsids experk rnonitor what the ONatershed District is daing. The City needs ta Iook at their aw� ne2ds. Pag� 11 of 12 Regular Meeting - November 4, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council The Council discussed in detail the options iisted in the October 30, 1998, memorandum to the Council from Lindquist. Hale stated that he is concerned with taking care of the East Draw. Hale stated that until the Watershed District demonstrates that they are gaing to do some damage or in some way do something inappropriate to the City, tne City should not use City money to police the Watershed District. Woicoft agreed. Lindquist stated that "monitoring" was not the right word and explained that at some point tnere will be technicai information to warrant bringing in someone. Wolcott asked Lindquist if Staff wili obtain bids for a consulting engineer. Lindquist responded yes. The Council gave Staff direction to obtain quotes. Mayor Denzer closed the public workshop session at 10:03 p.m. CLOSED WORKSHOP SESSION - None. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY WO�COTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AT 10:04 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Respectfuliy submitted, Carolyn Petruga, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Sife Secretariai, lnc. Page 12 af 12