HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 11-06-2019Approved Minutes 1 of 5 Meeting of November 6, 2019
Approved Minutes
Planning Commission Meeting
November 6, 2019
Chair Anderson called a Meeting of the Plymouth Planning Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. in
the Council Chambers of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on November 6, 2019.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Marc Anderson, Commissioners Bryan Oakley, Donovan
Saba, David Witte, and Justin Markell.
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioners Julie Witt and Jaspreet (Jesse) Narr.
STAFF PRESENT: Planning Manager Barbara Thomson, City Engineer Chris LaBounty, and
Park and Recreation Deputy Director Barb Northway.
OTHERS PRESENT: Councilmember Ned Carroll
Chair Anderson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Plymouth Forum
Approval of Agenda
Motion was made by Commissioner Markell, and seconded by Commissioner Oakley, to
approve the agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Consent Agenda
Motion was made by Commissioner Witte, and seconded by Commissioner Saba, to adopt the
Consent Agenda that included the following items:
(4.01) Planning Commission minutes from meeting held on October 30, 2019.
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Public Hearings
(5.01) Public hearing on City of Plymouth 2020-2029 Capital Improvement Program
(2019080)
Approved Minutes 2 of 5 Meeting of November 6, 2019
City Engineer Chris LaBounty gave an overview of the staff report.
Commissioner Witte asked for additional details on what constitutes a full depth reclamation
(FDR) of a street.
City Engineer LaBounty stated that there are three different types of street improvements: mill
and overlay, full depth reclamation, and full reconstruction. He provided details on each of the
types of improvements, noting that the extent of work expands from the first to the third type.
Commissioner Oakley referenced the estimated 25-year lifespan for a reconstruction. He stated
that about 40 percent of the roads are not shown and asked if sufficient funding is being allocated
toward roads.
City Engineer LaBounty explained that cracksealing and sealcoating are not shown because
those are considered management activities. He said he believed that the pavement project is
moving in a good direction, noting that a series of pavement projects have been identified as
priorities, but are not currently funded, including county projects and future projected projects.
Commissioner Markell referenced pages 70 and 88 in the CIP Executive Summary, which
includes three line items for annual street reconstruction and asked why the rates for 2020 are
higher than in future years.
City Engineer LaBounty replied that there is a spike in roadway improvements in 2020, which
normalizes in 2021 and 2022. He explained that a need arose with the City’s reconstruction
projects to complete the roads currently shown on the plans. He also stated that the full depth
reclamation is higher, due partially to the movement of the Vicksburg Lane project from 2019 to
2020. He explained that the City’s previous program was heavy on mill and overlay projects and
noted that while the full depth reclamation projects are not new to the metropolitan area, they are
newer to Plymouth because of the age of the pavements.
Chair Anderson referenced the construction of the Northwest Greenway trailhead, which is
currently underway. He stated that a building was also mentioned for 2020, but noted that the
commission has not yet seen plans for a building and asked for additional information on timing.
Park and Recreation Deputy Director Northway replied that a roof design will move to the
council on November 26 and once that is selected, the building plan will go through the regular
planning process. She estimated that the commission would review the plans in early 2020.
Chair Anderson referenced a modification to a lift station, providing an example of what seemed
to be more unique in 2019 and asked for details on the proposed modification.
City Engineer LaBounty explained that prior to any lift station improvements, staff reviews the
sizing of the pumps and condition of the wet and dry pumps. He confirmed there has been full
reconstruction of some lift stations. He noted that they have not moved to final design yet where
more details will be known.
Approved Minutes 3 of 5 Meeting of November 6, 2019
Chair Anderson noted that in the case of the recently improved lift station, it appeared a backup
generator was installed on-site. He asked if that is the plan going forward, to provide on-site
backup generators in the case of a power failure.
City Engineer LaBounty stated that in recent years they have begun to install generators at
critical locations. He noted that staff also has the ability to move portable generators when
needed.
Chair Anderson asked the timing of the full depth reclamation for the area near Vicksburg Lane,
noting that the First Student bussing facility is located on 32nd Avenue. He asked specifically if
the project would be completed during the summer to not disrupt the busy school bussing season.
City Engineer LaBounty stated that the project schedule has not yet been finalized, but
confirmed that they would attempt to complete the project during the summer. He noted there
would be a traffic control plan to allow traffic to continue to flow, although not at the same rate it
typically does.
Chair Anderson noted that County Road 47 is not included on the plan and asked for an update.
City Engineer LaBounty stated that the City, in partnership with Hennepin County, is in the
process of finalizing a study on County Road 47 to understand what the road could look like and
what the potential cost may be. He noted that once completed, staff will bring that study to the
City C ouncil. He advised that at this time there is no funding for the project.
Commissioner Witte referenced the water usage chart and asked for information on the recharge
rate of the aquifer.
City Engineer LaBounty replied that the City works with the Minnesota Department of Health to
complete a wellhead protection plan every ten years. He stated that he does not currently have
the drawdown levels for the wells, but noted that the most recent study has not identified
concerns with the City’s water supply.
Commissioner Saba referenced page 71 of the executive summary and asked for additional
details on a pond improvement at 19th Avenue and Dunkirk Lane.
City Engineer LaBounty stated that the City is pursuing grant dollars to complete a dredging of
the pond, along with additional water quality benefits. He noted that the timing of the project
could shift if the grant funds are not awarded.
Commissioner Saba asked for additional details on the walking bridge identified near Wayzata
High School.
City Engineer LaBounty replied that at this time only a preliminary layout has been completed.
He stated that the City is working with the school district as part of the trail would be on their
property and noted there will continue to be ongoing discussions.
Chair Anderson asked for details on the circle identified at Peony Lane and Schmidt Lake Road.
Approved Minutes 4 of 5 Meeting of November 6, 2019
City Engineer LaBounty replied that intersection improvements are planned for Peony Lane and
Schmidt Lake Road, which will also provide access into Wayzata High School. He stated that
the City and high school are looking at ways to improve traffic flow, noting that a final decision
has not yet been made.
Chair Anderson referenced the entrance to the bus court for the high school, which he believed to
have more issues than the intersection. He asked if that area would be reviewed as well.
City Engineer LaBounty replied that the full scope of the study of intersection improvements was
from the railroad tracks and includes the bus court entrance.
Chair Anderson opened the public hearing.
Chair Anderson introduced Julie Jones, 12100 61st Avenue, who asked about the Schmidt Lake
Road project, specifically whether that would include the road improvements and a trail. She
stated that she noticed that sometimes lighting referenced LED lighting, while other times,
simply park lighting is listed. She asked if energy efficient lighting would be considered for all
future projects. She referenced a grant program available that could possibly be used for electric
mowers and asked if the City is considering that program. She asked if bathroom remodels
would use more energy efficient/water efficient models. She asked if replacement of older
equipment for water pumping and treatment would include more efficient equipment. She
referenced the vehicle replacements planned and asked if electric or hybrid models will be
considered.
Chair Anderson closed the public hearing.
City Engineer LaBounty stated that they are anticipating trail maintenance along Schmidt Lake
Road, noting that the entire trail is not being included at this time. He stated that both water
efficiency and energy efficiency are considered when replacing equipment. He noted that they
have also been moving toward hybrid vehicles for staff, when practical. He advised that LED
lighting is also being considered along with other energy efficient improvements. He stated he
had passed on the grant opportunity for the electric mowers to the equipment facilities manager
and she would work with the Parks Department at such time there is a replacement need to see if
that made sense.
Park and Recreation Deputy Director Northway provided examples of recent LED lighting
projects as well as future planned LED improvements.
Chair Anderson stated that he is impressed with the depth the City goes to related to
infrastructure.
Motion was made by Commissioner Oakley, and seconded by
Commissioner Markell, to recommend approval of the request by the City
of Plymouth for the 2020-2029 Capital Improvement Program. With all
members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Approved Minutes 5 of 5 Meeting of November 6, 2019
New Business
Adjournment
Chair Anderson adjourned the meeting at 7:42 p.m.