The following actions were taken at the Dec. 7, 2016, City of Cottage Grove Council meeting. City Council
meetings are broadcast by the South Washington County Cable Commission and are available for online
viewing at www.swctc.org.
Annual Holiday Lights and Decoration Contest Winners Announced
The winners of the 7th annual Holiday Lights and Decoration Contest were recognized. The winners were Joe
Hayes, 9331 73rd Street, and Brian Lipinski, 7590 Hyde Avenue.
This year there were 11 entries. The other homes nominated were: 6583 Innsdale Avenue S.; 7135 Hidden
Valley Trail; 7854 Gresham Lane; 8020 Jensen Avenue S.; 8050 Jasmine Avenue S.; 9038 Upper 81st Street S.;
7363 Ivystone Avenue S.; 8834 Upper 89th Street Circle S.; and 8500 Hilo Trail
The City partners with the South Washington County Bulletin on this annual contest. View photos of the
homes on the Bulletin’s website: http://bit.ly/2goELHw
Contact: Molly Pietruszewski, Recreation Supervisor, [email protected], 651-458-3404
Civil Legal Services Agreement
The City Council selected Levander to serve as the law firm to provide legal representation for Civil, EDA matters and
Developer Pass-Through matters based upon information and discussions presented at various meeting. The 2017 to
2021 civil legal services agreement with Levander, Gillen & Miller, P.A. was approved.
Contact: Charlene Stevens, City Administrator, [email protected], 651-458-2822
City Certified Delinquent Utility Charges to 2017 Property Taxes
Annually the City certifies delinquent utility bills which includes any unpaid utility account with a balance over
$50 that is more than 60 days past due or any inactive account in any amount that is more than one day
delinquent. City Council adopted a resolution that delinquent city service bills in the amount of $169,109.18
be certified for collection with 2017 property taxes. There are 504 addresses with a total certification of
$169,109.18 which includes a $75 certification fee for each address.
Contact: Robin Roland, Finance Director, [email protected], 651-458-2832
Tree Trimming Service Contract Awarded
City Council awarded a contract to Precision Landscape and Tree for boulevard tree trimming services. The
tree trimming will take place December through January. Four quotes were received for the service and
Precision Landscape and Tree had the lowest quote. The amount of the contract was $59,997.
Contact: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director, [email protected], 651-458-2847
The 2017 Non-Represented Pay Plan Adopted
City Council approved a 2.75 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for employees not covered by a labor
contract starting with the pay period including Jan. 1, 2017. The COLA is the same adjustment that the
sergeants, police officers, firefighters, and public works bargaining units will receive in 2017.
Contact: Joe Fischbach, City Clerk/Human Resources Director, [email protected], 651-458-2883
The 2017 Fire Department Part-time Pay Plan Adopted
City Council approved a 2.75% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to the part-time firefighter pay plan.
Contact: Joe Fischbach, City Clerk/Human Resources Director, [email protected], 651-458-2883
Final Payment for the 2015 Pavement Management Project
The final payment in the amount of $50,804.99 to McNamara, Inc. for the 2015 Pavement Management
Project was approved by City Council.
Contact: Jennifer Levitt, Community Development Director, [email protected], 651-458-2890
City Fee Ordinance Updated for 2017
City Council updated city fees effective Jan. 1, 2017. Fee categories include Ambulance, Animal, Development,
Fines, General Services, Golf Course, Ice Arena, Licenses, Parks, Permits, Public Safety, Public Works, and
Utilities.
Contact: Neil Belscamper, Deputy City Clerk, [email protected], 651-458-2878
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Vacancy Filled
Samanthia Crabtree was appointed to the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission to fill a
current vacancy. Her appointment was recommend by Council Member Olsen and Parks Chair Nelson.
Contact: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director, [email protected], 651-458-2847
Council Updated on the Third Quarter of the Strategic Plan
The City Council received an update on the Strategic Plan as of the end of third quarter.
Reforming Organizational Culture







Strategy #1: Training and Travel Committee (Tuition Reimbursement): No update at this time.
Strategy #2: Evaluate Benefits for 2017 Budget: An increase in the city contribution to employees'
health savings accounts {HSA) was included in the 2017 budget, and the city contributions will be
deposited two times per year instead of four times so employees have more funding in their HSA
earlier in the year.
Strategy #3: Health and Wellness Committee: Administration staff and wellness committee members
participated in a CORE Assessment facilitated by Teri Erhardt with NFP. The results will help the
wellness committee in planning 2017 activities based on employee needs and organizational culture.
Strategy #4: Emphasize Career Path Options During Annual Reviews: completed
Strategy #5: Compensation Plan for 2018: Five responses to the RFP for Position Classification and
Compensation System Study were received. Staff is reviewing proposals.
Strategy #6: Interviews were conducted and the background process for recommended candidates is
underway. Three full-time firefighters will be added. The positions were dependent on the 2017
budget being adopted. City Council adopted the 2017 budget at their Dec. 6 meeting.
Strategy #7: Employee Survey: No update at this time.
Make Cottage Grove a Recreation Destination


Strategy #1: Park Improvement Plan: Staff utilized the South Washington County Athletic Facility Needs
Study to guide decisions made for Oltman Middle School fields; Staff worked with ISD 833 to improve
Grey Cloud and Cottage Grove Middle School softball and baseball fields.
Strategy #2: River Oaks Business Plan: Council approved the new business model based on pro forma
reporting; Improvements to the interior of The Eagles Bar and Grill restaurant were completed in time
for the Nov. 17 grand opening.

Strategy #3: 1) Create Mississippi River Access: The Parks Commission approved a master plan for the
park which includes a narrow woodchip trail and seating area at the overlook. This creates access to
the beautiful views of the Mississippi River while still maintaining the treasured natural resources of
the park. 2) Boat Launch on Mississippi River; Staff continues to have challenges attaining access to
form a boat launch site on Grey Cloud Island. The landowner group is not responsive based on
concerns of what they perceive as "conflicts of interest" with future land use of the island. Staff will
make one final effort to make this facility available to the public again. The Hazen P. Mooers Park and
Mississippi River access were featured in the October "My Cottage Grove" video produced by SWCTC,
which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/iBURTr4FQ-c
Engaging the Community and Forming the Vision




Strategy #1: Hire Facilitator for Community Engagement: This item is complete.
Strategy #2: Develop Communications Plan: The community engagement project was branded as My
Future Cottage Grove and has its own logo that accompanies communications for the project.
o Continuing action steps: The community engagement project continues to be promoted
through the City website, newsletter, social media sites, and news releases. A section
specifically for community engagement was created on the City's website.
Strategy #3: Develop Engagement Strategies/Gather Community Input: The City has been using "One
Wish" chalkboards, Town Hall Community Visioning sessions, and social media campaigns to gather
feedback from the community; the City will work with the consultant to reach out to targeted focus
groups for additional input.
Strategy #4: Develop Community Plan: no action at this time.
Engaging the Community and Forming the Vision




Strategy #1: Hire Facilitator for Community Engagement: NEXT Generation Consulting was hired to
facilitate the project; plans are underway for a kick-off meeting, town hall meetings and focus groups;
Steering Committee members were appointed at the Sept. 7 meeting.
Strategy #2: Develop Communications Plan: the community engagement project is being promoted
through the City website, newsletter, social media, press releases and videos with SWCTC; a
community engagement section on the website is being developed.
Strategy #3: Develop Engagement Strategies/Gather Community Input: "One Wish" chalkboards, social
media campaigns, online surveys, town halls, and focus groups will be used to engage with the
community.
Strategy #4: Develop Community Plan: no action at this time.
Positioning for Growth


Strategy #1: Hire ED Director: Economic Development staff completed the on line prep class for the
BR&E (business, retention and expansion) process; The BR&E Task Force has been formed and will
begin training in January 2017; The BR&E leadership Team has been participating in practice
interviews; Letters will be sent to businesses in January 2017 inviting them to participate.
Strategy #2: Develop Successful Business Park Plan: More than 20 acres in the business park are graded
and are going through the DEED Shovel Ready Certification and Xcel Energy's Site Certification
Program; Staff is waiting for the landowners to sign the purchase option to complete the DEED Shovel
Ready Certification; Staff is working with Xcel to complete an archeological assessment to finish the
Xcel Energy's Site Certification program; The EDA and Council approved an agreement with WAG Trust



and staff is waiting for the landowner to sign the agreement; Economic Development staff continue to
market the business park and Cottage Grove; Staff recently attended the Minnesota Commercial Area
Realtors (MNCAR) Expo and the Industrial and Economic Development Annual Summit; Feedback from
the BR&E will also be incorporated into the marketing plan; Staff worked with Washington County to
finalize the BRT stations, with the Red Rock Corridor Commission approving the Implementation Plan in
October 2016; Staff is reviewing City ordinances requiring Class I building materials in Industrial zoning.
Proposed changes will go to the Planning Commission in January 2017 and to the Council in February
2017.
o Continuing Action Steps: Stantec is continuing to work on the Comprehensive Plan update,
which will also review the boundaries of the business park; Staff is finalizing a draft plan for the
expedited review of development project proposals which will provide a consistent point of
contact throughout the development process; Staff is continuing to review business subsidy
policies and will bring recommendations to the EDA September; The SAC credit policy is also
being reviewed.
Strategy #3: Space Needs Study for Public Works and Parks: Two firms were interviewed and proposals
are being reviewed.
Strategy #4: Conference with Developers, Real Estate Brokers, and Land Owners: The Realtor Forum
held in October, focused on development in the City. There were 120 people in attendance; A
developer or landowners' forum has not been discussed. Staff is receiving feedback from the industry
that it is better to meeting developers and landowners on a one-on-one basis.
Strategy #5: Finalize RRCC BRT Stations: The Red Rock Corridor Commission approved the
Implementation Plan at the Oct. 26, 2016 meeting. The Implementation Plan calls for improved local
service between Cottage Grove and Downtown St. Paul to help build transit demand for the BRT
stations.
Contact: Charlene Stevens, City Administrator, [email protected], 651-458-2822
The Eagles Bar and Grill at River Oaks Bar Addition
City Council awarded the bar addition project to multiple subcontractors in the total amount of $43,191.67. In
July 2016, Council approved an allocated an additional $50,000 to provide for an expansion of the bar into the
banquet facility and the purchase of additional tables and chairs for the restaurant facility. The tables and
chairs have been purchased and installed in November. Construction on the bar addition project will start Jan.
29 and be substantially completed by Feb. 17.
Contact: Council Member Steve Dennis, [email protected], 651-283-1929
Amended to the South Washington County Telecommunications Commission Agreement
City Council adopted amendments to the South Washington County Telecommunications Commission
(SWCTC) Joint and Cooperative Agreement. The current members of SWCTC are Cottage Grove, Newport, St.
Paul Park, Woodbury and Grey Cloud Island Township. Three key areas of change are: weighted voting
structure, more comprehensive annual report to member cities/township, period review of the JPA every five
years. The Amended JPA will become effective upon approval of all of the member cities.
Contact: Charlene Stevens, City Administrator, [email protected], 651-458-2822
Adoption of the 2017 Legislative Agenda
The City Council adopted the 2017 Legislative Agenda which Council uses as a guideline when setting City
policy and interacting with State Legislators. Several areas were addressed in the 2017 legislative agenda
including TIF legislation, water conservation, groundwater and well monitoring, housing, DEED programs
transpiration, parks and trails and the ERO Center.
Contact: Charlene Stevens, City Administrator, [email protected], 651-458-2822
Norris Square Redevelopment Public Hearings
A public hearing was held on three actions in relation to the Norris Square redevelopment project: vacating
certain public drainage and utility easements; decommissioning Fire Station #1, 8183 Grange Blvd. S., and
authorizing the transfer of the Fire Station parcel; authorizing the transfer of a portion of the right-of way
parcel identified as 42N MnDOT right-of way plat 82-21.
Numerous existing public and drainage utility easements will need to be vacated as part of the Norris Square
redevelopment. The vacations are a result of extensive utility relocations and new installations. The new
easements would follow the new utility routing locations identified on the revised site plan that will be
included on the Dec. 21 City Council agenda with the other three applications.
As part of recent changes in Fire Department operation procedures and the planned construction of the
Central Fire Station, Fire Station #1 no longer needs to be kept in service. During the Norris Square
redevelopment review, it was identified that the transfer of the property could be beneficial to the community
as well as the development.
The right-of-way parcel was a remnant parcel from the land acquisitions that were completed as a component
of the 80th Street overpass construction in 1982. The lot of record is actually two parcels that are not adjacent
to each other. Through the land development process, it was identified that the western parcel was the only
portion of the lot that the City needed to retain. The eastern parcel is proposed to be conveyed to the
developer.
After the public hearing was closed, City Council approved the three actions in relation to the Norris Square
redevelopment project.
Contact: Jennifer Levitt, Community Development Director, [email protected], 651-458-2890
65th Street, Geneva Avenue, and New Oltman Middle School Improvements Project
A public hearing was held for the 65th Street, Geneva Avenue, and new Oltman Middle School improvements
project. A presentation from the City Engineer was given to Council outlining the pieces of the project. The
total project estimate cost for the proposed Geneva Avenue improvements is $4,281,027, with the City of
Cottage Grove responsible for $1,456,705, the school district responsible for $1,456,705, and the City of
Newport responsible for $99,258. The City of St. Paul Park is not participating. The City cost breakdown of
the $1,456,705 is Sanitary Sewer Area Fund $157,522; Water Area Fun $134,238; Storm Water Area Fund
$223,412; General Fund $746,393; Street Light Utility Fund $123,640, Landscape Initiative $71,500;
Assessments $522,748. Construction is expected to begin April 2017 and end October 2017.
Two people spoke at the public hearing. After the public hearing was closed, City Council ordered the 65th
Street, Geneva Avenue, and New Oltman Middle School project and authorized preparation of plans and
specifications for the project. City Council also approved the Joint Powers Agreement between Cottage Grove
and Newport for certain road improvements to Geneva/Century Avenue and road maintenance.
Contact: Jennifer Levitt, Community Development Director, [email protected], 651-458-2890
2017 Property Tax Levy and 2016 Revised and 2017 Budgets
City Council heard a presentation from the City’s Finance Director on the levy and budget before adopting the
final tax levy, revising the 2016 budget and establishing the 2017 budget. For 2017, the tax levy is
$14,772,900 or 4.99 percent more than the 2016 levy. There is no levy limit for 2017. General Fund revenues
are estimate to increase by 6.3 percent over the adopted 2016 budget and operating expenditures are
proposed to increase by 2.9 percent over the adopted 2016 budget.
In 2017, the City's taxable tax capacity value will increase by 4.05 percent; from $27,993,345 (2016) to
$29,128,659 (2017). The 4.99 percent increase in the levy, combined with the valuation increase will result in a
slight decrease of the tax extension rate from 43.14 percent in 2016 to 42.94 percent in 2017.
Contact: Robin Roland, Finance Director, [email protected], 651-458-2832