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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-12-16 MINUTES: REGULAR MEETING COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL December 16, 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 two (2) minutes per issue. Present: Mayor John Denzer Council Member Jim Wolcott Council Member Sandy Shiely Council Member Rod Hale Council Member Cheryl Kohls Absent: None Also present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator • Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer Les Burshten, Public Works Director Jim Kinsey, Public Safety Director Bob Long, City Attorney John McCool, Senior Planner Caron Stransky, City Clerk Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator No one expressed an interest to speak during the Open Forum. CALL TO ORDER The City Councif of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota held a regular meeting on Wednesday, December 16, 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 - December 16, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 2 • Absent: None Also present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Jerry Bourdon, City Engineer Les Burshten, Public Works Director Jim Kinsey, Public Safety Director Bob Long, City Attorney John McCool, Senior Planner Caron Stransky, City Clerk Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator Mayor Denzer presided over the meeting. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE, TO APPROVE THE FINAL AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. PRESENTATIONS - None. � APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor Denzer reported the Council received a memorandum from Staff regarding the December 2, 1998, minutes. The memorandum informed the Council that the December 2, 1998, minutes needed to be amended to reflect the deferment of action on Items G and H of the Consent Calendar to the December 16, 1998, Regular Council meeting. The recommended revisions were as follows: G. DEFER ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE ROBERT'S HOUSE, 8348 KEATS AVENUE SOUTH, AS AN HISTORIC SITE IN THE CITY REGISTER OF HISTORIC SITES AND LANDMARKS TO THE DECEMBER 16, 1998, COUNCIL MEETING. H. DEFER ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE HILL- GIBSON HOUSE, 7003 - 7007 EAST POINT DOUGLAS ROAD, AS AN HISTORIC SITE IN THE CITY REGISTER OF HISTORIC SITES AND LANDMARKS TO THE DECEMBER 16, 1998, COUNCIL MEETING." The memorandum also stated that by changing the resolution numbers in Items G and H, the numbers in ftems L, M, and N wifl need to be amended as follows: • L. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-215, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PERSONNEL POLICY FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE. Regular Meeting - December 16, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 3 • M. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-216, A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING THE DELINQUENT UTILITY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $97,048.44. N. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-217, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CSAH 39 (HADLEY AVENUE) RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT PLAN." MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE, TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 18, 1998, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING, AND THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 2, 1998, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. CONSENT CALENDAR Wolcott asked that Item 4E be removed from the Consent Calendar and discussed under Unfinished and New Business. Hale pulled Item 4P for discussion. City Administrator Schroeder informed the Council that Item 4P is the adoption of a resolution designating the Hill-Gibson House, located at 7003 - 7007 East Point Douglas Road, as an historic site in � the City Register of Historic Sites and Landmarks. Schroeder explained that the sentence on page 10 of the Preservation Planning Report reads, "City policy strongly discourages the removal, dismantling, or relocation of historic buildings and structures." He stated there has been some disagreement on the wording of this sentence. Schroeder explained that through discussion with representatives of the property owner and Staff, it was determined that removing the word "strongly" from the sentence would satisfy all parties. MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO REMOVE THE WORD "STRONGLY" FROM THE SENTENCE ON PAGE 10 OF THE PRESERVATION PLANNING REPORT WHICH READS: "CITY POLICY DISCOURAGES THE REMOVAL, DISMANTLING OR RELOCATION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES." MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE, TO: A. ACCEPT AND PLACE ON FILE THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 9, 1998 PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MEETING. B. APPROVE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSES FOR 1999 FOR THE BOONDOCKS BAR & GRILL, CUB FOODS, DEMORI'S, G-WILL � LIQUORS, HIRMAN'S HIDE-A-WAY, NEW MOON, SHAMROCK LIQUORS, MISSISSIPPI DUNES GOLF LINKS, MAJESTIC BALLROOM, Regular Meeting - December 16, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 4 • TOM MOY CAFE, SUPERAMERICA, RAINBOW FOODS, MGM LIQUOR WAREHOUSE, RIVER OAKS GOLF COURSE, TOTAL, COTTAGE GROVE VFW POST 8752, AND THE RODEO, SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OUTLINED IN THE CITY CLERK'S MEMO DATED DECEMBER 10 AND COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL AND STATE REGULATIONS RELATING TO LIQUOR. C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 980-218, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPLICATION OF THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, MINNESOTA LODGE, NO. 1, FOR A PREMISES PERMIT TO CONDUCT CLASS A GAMBLING OPERATIONS AT DEMORI'S FOR 1999. D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-219, A RESOLUTION RENAMING OF JOLIET AVENUE SOUTH AS PLATTED IN SANDY HILL'S 8TH ADDITION TO HILLSIDE TRAIL SOUTH. E. MOVED TO UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS. F. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-220, A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING RATES FOR STREET LIGHT ENERGY AND MAINTENANCE CHARGES • AND REPEALING RESOLUTION 97-215. G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-221, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF STOP SIGNS ON IVERSON AVENUE AND IVYSTONE AVENUE AT 75TH STREET. H. AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER OF $1,140.00 FROM ACCOUNT NO. 0600-4370 TO ACCOUNT NO. 0600-4530 FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) DEFIBRILLATOR BATTERY CHARGER. I: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-222, A RESOLUTION APPROVING FiNAL PAYMENT iN THE AMOUNT OF $9,678.00 TO MEYERS AND JACKSON ROOFING FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY EXPANSION PROJECT. J. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-223, A RESOLUTION APPROVING � FINAL PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $36,154.47 TO KELLINGTON CONSTRUCTION FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY EXPANSION PROJECT. K. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO THE PINE FOREST 4TH ADDITION CONTRACT WITH HYDROCON INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF � $20,541.00, FOR THE EXTENSION OF WATER MAIN AND GRAVEL Regular Meeting - December 16, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 5 � ALONG 77 STREET FROM THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT TO THE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT TO THE WEST. L. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-224, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ICE ARENA RENOVATIONS, AND TO SET A BID DATE FOR JANUARY 26, 1999 AT 11:00 A.M. M. AWARD THE JANITORIAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO LINDEMAN BUILDING MAINTENANCE FOR 1999. N. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-225, A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 1999 PAY PLAN AND BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES NOT COVERED BY A LABOR CONTRACT FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE. O. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-226, A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING ROBERT'S HOUSE LOCATED AT 8348 KEATS AVENUE SOUTH AS A HISTORIC SITE IN THE CITY REGISTER OF HISTORIC SITES AND LANDMARKS. � P. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-227, A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING HILL-GIBSON HOUSE LOCATED AT 7003 - 7007 EAST POINT DOUGLAS ROAD AS A HISTORIC SITE IN THE CITY REGISTER OF HISTORIC SITES AND LANDMARKS. Q. PASS ORD/NANCE NO. 660 , AN ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA, AMENDING CHAPTER 18-22 (b) OF CITY CODE RELATING TO PAWNBROKERS AND SECONDHAND GOODS DEALERS. THE AMENDMENT ELIMINATES THE 300-FOOT DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS FROM CHURCH/SCHOOLS FOR A SECONDHAND GOODS DEALER BUSINESS. R. APPROVE RE-APPOINTMENT OF PHIL FOSTER TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM TO END FEBRUARY 28, 2001. S. APPROVE THE QUOTATION OF KEYS WELL DRILLING COMPANY FOR SERVICE TO MUNICIPAL WELL NO. 3 IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,740.00. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES �J Regular Meeting - December 16, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 6 � Response to Gerald Julkowski's Open Forum Presentation on November 4. 1998. Concerning Development of his Propertx at 6225 85th Street South Council received the letter dated December 8 in response to Gerald Julkowski open forum presentation. No action taken. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None. BID AWARDS - None. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS Adopt a Resolution A�provinq the Preliminary Plat Application by KJK Properties, LLC, for Development of a Residential Subdivision Known as "Gallant Oaks Addition." Plat Consists of 15 Lots for Unattached Single-Family Homes Kenneth Tschida, 21885 Iden Avenue Court North, Forest Lake, informed the Council that he was in agreement with the Staff recommendations and was available to respond to questions from the Council. � Council Member Kohls asked what was being done about the removal of 82 percent of the trees. Kohls stated that 40 percent is the City's limit. Mr. Tschida stated that a plan has been given to Staff asking for consideration for one type of tree being removed. Senior Planner McCool stated that Staff is going to take better inventory of the trees which may cause revision to the landscape plan. Staff's intent is that prior to approval of the final plat, the landscape plan will be reviewed. MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-228, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT APPLICATION OF KJK PROPERTIES, LLC, FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS "GALLANT OAKS ADDITION." Kohls stated that she was concerned about the site line where the street will be installed, and questioned whether it will be a safe intersection. McCool stated that the Washington County Public Works Department has reviewed the location of the access and has stated that this location is acceptable to them. Their comments are part of the Staff report to the Planning Commission. Floyd Ott, 11865 Point Douglas Road South, informed the Council that the developer would like to remove boxelder trees. Shiely stated that the tree � ordinance may need to be changed because it currently states "tree masses," however, it does not specify the type of tree. Ott explained that the boxelder Regular Meeting - December 16, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 7 � species is not a stable tree and it would be an improvement to the community if the trees were removed. UPON VOTE BEING TAKEN, MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Adopt a Resolution A�proving the 1999 Budget and Adopt a Resolution �proving the 1998 Tax Levy Collectible in 1999 MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-229, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 1999 BUDGET. Shiely asked for the reason for the last minute reduction in the City's Local Government Aid. Schroeder stated that two years ago there was a change in the State law in tax increment districts. Shiely asked if this generally happens when the City increases its tax base. Schroeder responded that this will happen in most, but not all, cases. UPON VOTE BEING TAKEN, MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION � NO. 98-230, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 1998 TAX LEVY COLLECTIBLE IN 1999. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Adopt a Resolution Modifyinq the Budget for TIF District 1-7 and Authorizing the Sale of Bonds for Renewal by Anderson Tax Increment District Schroeder stated that with regard to both this item and the following item, Steve Apfelbacher of Ehlers & Associates was available in the audience to respond to any questions regarding the upcoming bond sale. Schroeder explained that the amendment to the TIF budget is something that needs to be done at this meeting in order to recover cash flows from Tax Increment District 1-7 and dedicate it towards the Jamaica Avenue improvement and property acquisition. The first resolution is to make that amendment. The following resolutions are to provide for the sale of bonds to cover the costs which have been financed internally up to this point. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY HALE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-231, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE BUDGET MODIFICATION OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT NO. 1-7 OF THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. � MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-232, A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF $1,015,000 Regufar Meeting - December 16, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 8 � GENERAL OBLIGATION TAX INCREMENT BONDS, SERIES 1999C AND RESOLUTION NO. 98-233, A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF $300,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION TAXABLE TAX INCREMENT BONDS, SERIES 1999D. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Shiely asked Apfelbacher to explain advanced refunding and why it can only be done once. Apfelbacher stated that in refunding a bond issue that had been previously issued, the IRS allows you to refund it as an advanced refunding within a time requirement, which is effected by the call date on the issue. You have one opportunity prior to refund in advance of 90 days of that call date, and the City can take advantage of focking into lower rates. Apfelbacher explained the State law requirements on this issue. Hale asked if some of the Metropolitan Council rebate would pay off the $3,000,000.00 bond. Schroeder stated that within the cash flow the City is provided an opportunity to reissue again down the road for that expense. Adopt a Resolution Providing for the Sale of $2,595.000.00 General Obligation Improvement Refundinc�Bonds, Series 1999 A: Ado�t a Resolution Providing for the Sale of $1.195.000.00 General Obligation Improvement Bonds. Series . 1999B MOTION BY SHIELY, SECONDED BY HALE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 98-234, A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF $2,595,000.00 GENERAL OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 1999A. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. MOTION BY WOLCOTT, SECONDED BY KOHLS, TO ADOPT RESOLUT/ON NO. 98-235, A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF $1,195,000.00 GENERAL OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 1999 B. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Hiring of an Engineer Firm to Prepare a SurFace Water Manaqement Plan for the Cottage Grove Ravine Watershed District Wolcott questioned the scope of the project and stated that he had a hard time understanding the cost difference of $14,875.00 to $37,100.00 if all are given the same scope of the project. Wolcott stated that he regretted not questioning the proposal for the two-foot contour maps in this area, and that he felt the City was spending too much of the taxpayers' money in this area. The City Planning Commission is still working on � the Comprehensive Plan for the City, and it will be a number of months before the Council sees their recommendation. The Metropolitan Council is still working Regular Meeting - December 16, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 9 on the location for the sewer interceptor and the SWWD is still working on their studies. Wolcott stated that the City will not have any specific proposals for these projects for about six months., so why would the City spend taxpayers' money to do a specific detailed study now, when the City does not know what they are responding to. He felt the City was shooting in the dark, and questioned whether the City is saying we are going to develop in the eastern part of the City soon. If that were so, he hasn't been involved in any discussion about this. Wolcott questioned how far the City was planning to go, and why the City was waiting for the Planning Commission to finish the Comprehensive Plan. Wolcott stated that the City hired Bob Buduhn, from HDR, to review the Watershed draft. Now the City is being asked to hire a different firm who has no experience with the City. If the City does not want to use the City Engineer, then why not use Bob Buduhn who is familiar with the City and has been working on the Watershed issue. Wolcott stated that his point is that he felt that doing this study was premature, and he does not think the taxpayers should pay for it at this time. If the study is needed, the City should ask the Watershed District to pay for the study, or a developer, if there is one. He stated he felt what the City needs at this time is to � have technical input to the policy decisions that the SWWD is developing, and a technical oversight and involvement in the SWWD activities. The City should also consider authorizing Bob Buduhn to continue his role and revisit the issue in six months after all the other studies are completed. He stated that he felt this issue needs more discussion, and if it comes to a vote tonight he will vote against the proposal. He will support tabling this issue for future discussion, however. Hale stated that he agreed with Wolcott's comments on the two-foot contours. He stated that the tradition in the City has been that a developer is asked to give the information, the developer has to do the study, and the developer incurs the costs to tell the City how they wilt solve the water problem. Now the Council is advocating that the City go ahead and pay for it. He stated he originally bought in on this issue because he thought we were charging it back. Kohls explained that this project came up at her request last June. She provided a copy of her original memorandum from June to the Council for their review, and explained that the Watershed Board in Woodbury has a conflict on what Cottage Grove should pay. Cottage Grove has consistently said they will not pay for someone else's water. She also explained that there is no data to back-up the City's stand, if push comes to shove, and that Cottage Grove citizens would have to pay for the dispute. She asked the Council to review her memorandum, � and stated this was strictly a Watershed District issue. She stated that she agrees with Wolcott's comments in that we do not need to do a surface water Regular Meeting - December 16, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 10 management pfan. She also wanted to know how much Cottage Grove contributes to the Watershed issue. Kohls stated that on page 3 of her memorandum, she wrote that she would recommend the engineering firm of HDR and Bob Buduhn, and explained why HDR would be the best. She feels we need some technical expertise with regard to this issue. Mayor Denzer stated that the Council is looking for technical information, not a study. Kohls responded that the City needs technical advice and some data. The City needs good solid information. Mayor Denzer questioned where the engineering firm would get their information and data, and Kohls responded they would have to develop them. Shiely questioned if there were no Woodbury to the north, what would it cost Cottage Grove. Hale stated that planning data is needed showing the eastern portion of Cottage Grove and what will be developed. Wolcott stated that the Planning Commission is working on that right now with the Comprehensive Plan, and explained that is why he suggests tabling this issue. He stated that it is a good idea to hire HDR and have them attend the task force meetings to obtain ! the technical advice. Kohls confirmed that Wolcott would like HDR to represent the City at the meetings, but that was all. Wolcott stated he did not see the need to get a surface water management plan. Schroeder stated that costs could be assigned within the Watershed plan. He expressed concern in sending an engineer to the Watershed meetings, with a cost of $300.00 per meeting, and explained that this person could respond to whatever was said at the meeting, but no technical data would be obtained. Hale asked if the City wants its development to contain it's runoff as much as possible. Schroeder responded yes, that the draft policy water plan states this. He stated that this plan provides for the regional systems, and does not provide for the subdivision. Wolcott stated that he questions the need for a full blown study. There is such a difference in the amounts of money, and wondered why. He stated that he is not comfortable in getting different firms involved. Shiely asked if the Planning Commission is looking at the Comprehensive Plan east of County Road 19 and questioned if it will it have any influence at all with � the Watershed District or the Metropolitan Council. Schroeder responded no. If Regular Meeting - December 16, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 11 • the City stated that growth was not going to occur, then the Metropolitan Council would show an interest. Hale asked how this study relates to the infiltration study that the Watershed District is doing now. Kohls stated the infiltration study will be done next spring. The financing of these projects is separate from the infiltration study. Hale asked if an engineering firm could write a specification to say that Cottage Grove wants to determine the impact of water runoff in that area that would impact Cottage Grove. Mayor Denzer stated that this gets us back to the original plan. Schroeder stated that in order to provide that answer there needs to be accumulated data regarding runoff and where it goes. This is not 150 pages, all this is building off and creating an appendage to the plan. We will then be able to identify the cost of that regional infrastructure. Kohls suggested a motion be made stating the amount that the City is willing to spend and contact HDR to see if they are willing to work on it. She stated that she is willing to meet with necessary parties to get on with this issue. Schroeder stated that one of the reasans this is being discussed tonight is to double-check the market to see if they received fair proposals. i Mayor Denzer stated he would like to see the scope of the study so each firm knows what the City is looking for. Schroeder stated that the same presentation was given to each of the three firms. Schroeder summarized that Kohls suggested that the Council authorize her committee to negotiate an agreement with one engineering firm within a given budget. Wolcott confirmed that this issue will be discussed by Kohls and the committee, and they wili come back to the Council. Kohls asked if it was possible to move forward tonight, due to her concern with the time. Hale asked if the wording "no more than $20,000.00" were added, could this issue be moved forward. Mayor Denzer stated if he is going to spend the money, he wants to know what it is being spent on. Schroeder stated that the recommended motion is for $15,000.00. Kohls and the committee is asking for a slight increase to allow for flexibility. She stated she is not sure the City needs the full scope. Wolcott stated that there are so many unknowns, and he did not feel the City needs a full, complete study. A study that is "quick and dirty" would suffice. . Mayor Denzer agreed that the City needs some technical expertise at the meetings. Schroeder stated that Kohls and Community Development Director Regular Meeting - December 16, 1998 Cottage Grove City Councii _ Page 12 • Lindquist attend all the meetings and they can listen and then ask questions later for a lot less that $300.00 a meeting. Kohls stated that there are times that the technical expertise is needed. Schroeder stated that Staff should use discretion on when an engineer would attend. MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO INSTRUCT THE COMMITTEE TO SEND A MEMORANDUM TO THE COUNCIL INDICATING WHAT STATE THE COMMITTEE IS IN AND WHAT TYPE OF RESPONSE THEY HAVE TO SATISFY THE COMMITTEE'S NEED TO OPERATE AS QUICKLY AND EXPEDIENTLY AS POSSIBLE, IN THE MEANTIME KEEPING THE COUNCIL INFORMED ABOUT THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT AND THE COST OF THE PROJECT. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS - None. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Mayor Denzer wished everyone in the audience happy holidays. Kohls thanked the citizens who decorated their homes, which helps keep the City looking great • during the holidays. Hale stated that this is his last Council meeting. He thanked the citizens for the opportunity to serve for the past four years, and expressed his appreciation to the Staff for how things get done and how they happen, and explained how he has tremendous respect for the Staff and their attention to the citizens. He also thanked the Council for their support, and wished the new Council Member, Pat Rice, well. The Council agreed that Ha1e will be missed. Shiely stated that Hale has been a statesman representing the community. He will be very sorely missed by all. Mayor Denzer thanked Hale for his service and stated that it was a pleasure working with him and appreciated his input on all the issues. Shiely asked about the $100,000.00 commitment on the road systems from the Metropolitan Council, and asked if there were any new findings to report. Schroeder responded no, but more information will be coming soon. Shiely commented on the memorandum regarding moving of jury trials to Stillwater, and stated that she was concerned about the population counts. Schroeder stated that the Metropofitan Council has popufation counts for April 1997. For purposes of the memorandum, the data was just showing that 40 . percent of the population was in Cottage Grove. He stated those numbers could be updated. Shiely stated the issue is not the costs, the issue is the � • Regular Meeting - December 16, 1998 Cottage Grove City Council Page 13 convenience of a very large percentage of people. She believes Cottage Grove represents more than 40 percent of Washington County. Kohls informed the Council that she has been doing research on 4�istoric tree preservation. She explained that Cottage Grove has historically significant trees and explained where these trees are located. She reported that she took the liberty of discussing with Staff how the City could have an historic tree plan, and that plaques could be located at the base of the historic trees informing the citizens of the history of the trees. Kohls would be willing to ask for donations to get this project going. PAY BILLS MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY WOLCOTT, TO APPROVE CHECK NUMBER 105633 TO 105842 IN THE AMOUNT OF $62 MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. WORKSHOP SESSION - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - None. WORKSHOP SESSION - CLOSED TO TFiE PUBLIC - None. ADJOURNMENT PAYMENT OF 1.177.66. MOTION BY HALE, SECONDED BY SHIELY, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AT 8:39 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Carolyn Petruga, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. �