HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 02-18-1997 SpecialSPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES PLANNING
February 18, 1997
Public Safety Training Room
I. Review of Accomplishments
II. Goals and Priorities
III. Visioning Process
IV. Pro -Plymouth Pledge
DATE: February 13, 1997
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dwight Johnson
Kathy Lueckert
SUBJECT: Goals and Priorities, Visioning, and Pledge Meeting Materials
Attached are materials for your review prior to the special meeting on February 18.
Goals and Priorities. The goals and priorities list is a compilation of all the
suggestions submitted. We have placed the goals into nine major categories. In some
cases, more than one person suggested a goal (planning for northwest Plymouth is a
good example). Such duplications are consolidated, although the "submitted by"
column indicates all those who submitted that goal. In addition, there is a column
labeled "level of staff effort." This column indicates what level of effort (high,
medium, or low) is required to implement the goal.
On Tuesday night all of the goals will be posted on large sheets of paper, grouped
according to category and to level of effort. You will be given a number of colored
dots which represent a vote. You will then vote for the goals you wish the city to
pursue in the coming two years. The objective for this process is to decide on 10 to
15 goals.
Also posted will be a list of "in progress" projects. Work on these will continue, and
will take the time and energy of staff. A good example of this is the two year project
to install new software for all of the city's major computer systems.
We will take a few minutes prior to voting to review the suggested goals and to add
any new suggestions. We encourage you to ask questions to clarify the meaning of a
goal; however, do not debate the merit or worth of the goal—this will sort out in the
voting process.
Visioning. Attached are the vision statements that several of you submitted. Also
included is a list of the visioning ideas generated by the city's supervisors. Our focus
for the evening is to determine if you want to engage in a visioning process, and if so,
what type of process you want to use. Questions for discussion include the following:
Is this a community vision, or a vision for the government?
What is the desired outcome of the visioning process?
How will the vision be used?
How should the community be involved?
What is the time horizon for the vision? Five years? Ten years?
There are several options available for the process. Visioning can be a broad,
community based effort which seeks input from many citizens; however, it can take a
year or longer to complete. A second possibility is to use citizen focus groups to get
input on key issue areas determined by the council, and then the council uses this input
to create the vision statement. Another variation is for the city council as a group to
create its vision, perhaps with the help of an outside facilitator. Finally, the vision
could be created by a council/staff subcommittee for full review by the city council and
a public process to adopt it.
Pro -Plymouth Pledge. Attached are two versions of the pledge: the one adopted last
month, and the one suggested by Mayor Tierney.
Sheetl
1997-1998 Goals and Objectives
Level of
Item Goal Submitted Staff Effort
Community Relations
1 Town Forums (wards) IT, JJ M
2 Business Forums (2) IT M
3 Explore Kids Plus Conflict Resolution Project IT L
4 Address Oakwood School "hangout' problem IT M
5 Joint meetings with school boards and cities, counties IT, CP, GB M
6 New Plymouth Comm. Guide and Comp Plan booklet IT H
7 Economic Development Initiatives TB M
8 City/Business Relationships TB, CP M
9 Better utilize Channel 37 TB M
10 Improve community involvement in local govt, develop ideas JJ M
or strategies to better interact with public, encourage participation.
Development Related
11 Subdivision Regulations AH M
12 Update flood plain regulations AH L
13 Implementation of Housing Plan goals AH M
14 Noise Ordinance GB M
15 Explore methods of greater input from residents on in -fill dev. GB L
16 Road Alignment of Peony Lane from HS to CR 47 IT M
17 Continue to plan downtown Plymouth and strengthen sense JJ, CP M
18 of community as a gathering place for residents
19 Monitor new zoning ord for effectiveness, improvements CP, AH M
20 Improve Femdale North CP M
City Employees
21 Employee Training and Development TB, TW M
22 Enhance programs for safety training/personal fitness TW, DH M
23 Consider means of retaining and attracting quality employees. CP M
24 Maintain good working environment, morale on staff. CP M
25 Avoid possible burnout among council members and staff CP M
26 Recognition Program TB M
Environment
27 Landscaping Ordinance GB M
28 Establish council subcommittee on drainage issues GB L
29 Establish a natural vegetation demonstration area GB M
30 Enhance enforcement efforts for erosion control rqmts. GB M
31 Study revisions to dev. contracts to enhance env. protection. GB M
32 Comprehensive look at Plymouth Creek IT M
33 Complete surface water management plan/Study Sessions IT, GB H
34 Begin roadway design projects for safety and beautification IT M
35 Address water quality and water run-off into Med Lake JJ M
Page 1
Sheetl
City Finances
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36 Monitor trends in salaries, etc. as % of total budget JT L
37 Financial Analysis (budgeting) TB M
38 Keep taxes down, lower if possible CP
39 Present to voters the supermajority tax rate option CP M
Northwest Plymouth Planning Process
40 Conduct process (like city center) for NW Plymouth GB H
41 NW Plymouth Planning Process JT, GB,CP, JJ, TB, AH H
42 Prepare fiscal anaylsis for NW Plymouth DH H
43 Survey NW Plymouth landowners/residents about MUSA TW M
44 Update Comprehensive Plan TB, AH H
45 Update sign ordinance TB, AH H
46 Long Term Planning TB H
47 Explore preserving horse ownership/stables in NW Plymouth JT L
Park and Recreation
48 Activity Center JT, TW, JJ, EB H
49 Skateboard park JT, TW M
50 Explore shelter for amphitheater JT M
51 Plan, finance, and build the field house TW, EB H
52 Get East Medicine Lake Trail started EB M
Public Safety
53 Traffic Enforcement TB L
54 Bike Patrol/Industrial Security TB, CP, TW M
55 Crime Prevention Activities TB M
56 Strengthen community policing efforts JJ, CG H
57 Elevate role of Public Safety Committee TW M
58 Proactive service, crime watch CG M
59 Continue participation in NWHHS Cadet program CG M
60 Citizen's academy CG H
61 Maintain/increase patrol and fire staffing to keep up w/growth CG M
62 Continue computer enhancements for Police department CG M
63 Install Opticon system (semaphore control); convert signals. CG M
64 Ensure proper replacement of existing fire equipment CG L
65 Continue to evaluate new fire equipment CG L
66 Increase individual responsibility for training CG M
67 Use employees with expertise as instructors. CG L
68 Evaluate existing and new opportunities for assignments. CG L
Transit Issues
69 Develop greater transit opportunities/transit hub JT H
701Transit Issues TB L
Page 2
Sheetl
Page 3
Staff Projects
Complete implementation of SFG, Parks, Police software DH H
Evaluate hand-held meter reading devices/other technologies DH M
Complete utility rate study after sump pump program DH M
Complete sump pump review program DH L
Evaluate issuing special asssessment bonds for dev. projects DH L
Reevaluate TIF plan for projects and available funds DH L
Page 3
Visioning Statements
Plymouth will make the gradual transition from a developing city to a developed city
without imposing a financial burden on the taxpayers. Plymouth will be mostly
developed according to a sensible and well balanced plan. Taxes will stay low. The
natural and man-made environment will continue to improve. Crime will stay low. The
city will maintain all efforts to provide excellent and proactive necessary services to its
residents. This includes police, fire, streets, parks, trails, and planning. Plymouth will
have remained a great place to live with every indication that it will continue to do so.
I see our city as a place where we can work, live, and recreate in a positive, safe
environment. I hope that we can strengthen our sense of community and neighborhood. I
see a city with a strong residential tax base and commercial industrial tax base. I hope to
see more affordable housing for low income people and downsizing seniors. I want this
to be a community to enjoy for a lifetime. I also hope our residents have a positive image
or even know) of city councilmembers. I know we'll be a "big" city, but yet have a
small town" connection with one another as Plymouth residents and neighbors.
In the next ten years Plymouth will still have some rural land but will have maintained its
goal of being a city in a country setting. The city will have an identifiable center. A
variety of housing types in style and cost will continue to be available for its 70,000
residents. The open space, lakes, parks, and trails will still be our city's treasure. All
land zoned commercial and industrial will have been built on, providing Plymouth with
50,000 job opportunities and a solid tax base. The city will have about 30 places of
worship, several neighborhood shopping areas, and a variety of quality public and private
school options with enhanced opportunity for post high school and adult continuing
education for life-long learning. Both indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities will
have been enhanced and will include at least one golf course and one riding stable with
trails and surrounding hobby farms. There will be greater transit opportunities for people
in the more densely populated areas of the city as well as commuters. People will
continue to enjoy living in Plymouth because of the quality of life provided by its
location within the metro area as well as the amenities coming from a government well
run and city well designed.
People living in Plymouth will do so out of provide for the community they call home
because it has its own identity not merely that of area west of Minneapolis. The identity
will come from the variety of community building efforts that this young city has been
planning for and building toward for almost 40 years.
People want a safe, beautiful and health place to love, shop, work, play, worship and
learn. The countless numbers of people over the years who have worked (paid or unpaid)
to keep our neighborhoods, schools, and businesses strong, to insure the vitality of our
places of worship and to create great recreational places with a variety of opportunities
will continue to work toward community building or will be replaced by others of like
values. Plymouth's greatest asset is and will be its people.
Whether it is government effort (libraries, schools, senior housing, parka and open space)
or private effort (the economic vitality of business and shopping) or the collaborative
effort (sports and activity centers) this city with its more diverse and older residents will
remain committed to keeping this city strong and progressive.
A community that minimizes its impact on the environment through aggressive storm
water management programs, mass transportation, and development requirements that
preserve or restore the natural environment.
A community that provides both passive and active recreational opportunities for all ages
in the form of parks, trails, and programs.
A community that provides for the public's safety through the top quality personnel and
programs in its police and fire department.
Develop city policies that incorporate energy conservation measures and the use of
construction products containing recycled content (pre and post consumer content) into
the construction of city buildings.
Results of Mini -Visioning Process
Supervisor's Meeting, January 14, 1997
Question: What will/should Plymouth he like as a community in ten
years?
Community Identity
Financially secure, upscale community
Financially viable—funds available to replace infrastructure, perform needed
maintenance.
Proper financial reserves available, long range plans in place, city saving for future.
A sense of community rather than a place to pass through/sleep.
I want a sense of community.
Need more community areas.
Plymouth should look at consolidating all schools into a Plymouth School District.
More identity/focal points rather than being so split by school district affiliations.
Plymouth will have a defined identity to its residents. I believe the arena/LifeTime
Complex will be the start of a retail city center.
Continue to be fragmented by school districts with more of Plymouth identifying with
Wayzata due to new high school.
Influential but lacking in identity.
Community Character and Personality
Upscale, finally a sense of community?
Feeling of living in a "developed" community and therefore more into a maintenance
mode.
High quality of life community with high property values.
Community Pride" may translated into more demanding citizens trying to protect
their high property values.
Unless there is a change in development of high value homes, Plymouth will become
more elite.
The NIMBY attitude is spreading to more and more of the city.
More elitist public.
Characterized by quality in housing programs, parks, services.
Solid. Supportive of others in community. Caring.
Value personal responsibility, value education and lifelong learning.
Opportunities to contribute/share.
Tolerant of differences.
A community of opportunities where diverse people can find quality opportunities for
jobs, housing, education, and recreation.
A community that is known for a quality living environment that is affordable and
open to a healthy mixture of socio-economic groups.
A community that works together to maintain its high standards of quality.
Newer areas will still relay attitude that those who can afford to live here, do so.
Leading edge/technologically current.
Plymouth will be thought of as a good community—a great place to live with much to
offer—parks, trails, etc.
Community involvement will continue to expand and residents will be proud to live
here.
I believe it will be community of primarily upper -end residential and have a daily
influx of population to the industrial and commercial establishments.
1 don't think it will "feel" much different than currently; however, I believe the
service expectations of the community will continue to grow.
Perceived by other communities as being "upscale."
Mix of race and economic status; tolerance and understanding.
A peaceful location.
Supportive of children and families.
Communi Demographics
The average age of residents probably will become higher, and their demands for
service will be higher.
Large high school enrollments.
Baby boomers becoming early onset seniors. Different needs in this population, want
more downsized, quality housing.
Need for senior services to address a more active, informed, affluent lifestyle.
Population will be mostly white collar, seeking a good quality of life.
Youth involvement and senior involvement.
Older—more senior housing, more senior recreation, more senior transportation.
DevelopmentlCommerce and Indusft
I believe that most of the city will be built and downtown Plymouth will be built, and
residents will have a place to call downtown Plymouth.
Plymouth will be in the final stages of development: the major infrastructure will be
in place, we will have a downtown Plymouth, there will be more entertainment
opportunities.
There will be more business "downtown.
City will be fully developed to the nw boundary.
There will be a better central city identity.
Mix of residential/commercial/industrial/green space in appropriate areas.
City will be almost fully developed.
A good mix of residential and commercial properties.
NW Plymouth will be partially developed.
Good" jobs.
Built out except for extreme northwest.
Vibrant city center, something to be proud of.
Less trip mall development, creation of neighborhood environments.
An increase in jobs and business opportunities.
Develop downtown for whatever Plymouth's character should be.
Should have more service, retail -oriented businesses for the vast, growing residential
areas.
Employment opportunities in high-tech industry.
Living wage" jobs.
Opportunities to live and work in Plymouth, less need to drive everywhere.
Broader range of services—more retail so don't have to drive for all daily needs.
Less separation among/between subdivisions and neighborhoods.
Residents enjoy downtown Plymouth and all its fine restaurants and establishments.
The Community Center will be a big hit and people will wonder how they got along
without it.
Development of City Center—not just another shopping center.
Downtown Plymouth and Highway 55 development is crucial.
If a strong commercial and entertainment center is developed, it will get away from
the "bedroom" community feel and have a higher activity and energy level. If not, it
will feel like a sleepy "burb" where most activity is during business days and rush
hours.
NW Plymouth will either hold out as rural or more likely develop quickly after
MUSA is expanded—generally upscale homes, few commercial or business
properties.
More entertainment facilities.
Hopefully downtown Plymouth will have something built in it, more restaurants.
City Services/Infrastructure
The need for replacing city facilities is going to start to show.
Present government will need to stand back and do a reality check based upon
anticipated needs of the community, services delivered and financial concerns. My
concern is that we continue to do business as we have always done (unless you/we are
satisfied with the current outcomes) and must use innovation and creativity in
addressing business needs.
Taxes versus service level.
The citizens will be expecting even more services. Will expect the city to provide
more and better service.
We will have computer images of people we are talking to on the phone.
We will have current technology, we will have cellular phones.
City operated LifeTime Fitness?
City owned golf course.
Better service to the masses, less to individuals.
The look of the city, especially on main roads, has changed from charming to
somewhat utilitarian. This will be even more so in the future.
Main roadways (and local streets) should be improved through landscaping, avenues
and other elements such as requiring boulevard trees, new roads should not be straight
arrows, plant overstory trees along existing roadways, etc.
A good place to work—open, honest, responsible.
Provide services the community wants at a price that is fair to all residents.
More citizen involvement—maybe more than the city wants.
All things depend on the direction of elected local officials.
Plymouth will have increased traffic and population growth. Traffic congestion will
be centered around the city center area.
Utility systems will begin to reach their design life expectancy.
Construction of large highways to serve communities west of Plymouth.
Lots of traffic --drive through and local.
Rather than dealing with everything new we will begin dealing with a replacement
mentality.
Average age of homes and streets is about 15 - 30 years. There will be a need for
more replacement of failing systems.
City will be looking at implementing alternative revenue sources to replace permit
and development fees.
Reduction in building permit revenue/new construction.
High expectations of services for roads, trails. We will be dealing with a more urban
environment.
Housing
A change needs to be made to require more diversity in housing, emphasis on
150,00 to $200,000 values to offset the trend over the last ten years.
More emphasis on inspection of existing facilities (fire and building), remodeling
proj ects.
Housing maintenance/rental dwelling programs intensified—anticipate having a point
of sale program in place, in order to maintain property values.
Reduction in building inspection personnel OR cross training or change of
responsibilities to become more involved with housing inspections.
Increased number of zoning compaints.
The next few years will have more developments of townhouse, condos, senior citizen
complexes.
Many new home owners. New construction and empty -nesters selling their large, five
bedroom, two story homes.
Some redevelopment in older neighborhoods.
Two story housing stock will be in lesser demand shortly after ten years.
More elderly housing will be created.
More remodeling permits will be issued.
Need more diverse housing for NW Plymouth.
Older areas of Plymouth will be involved with remodeling, etc.
Revitalization of declining areas.
Redevelopment of housing stock.
Amenities
Environmental concerns and recreational opportunities are important.
Lakes and trees will be fine.
Core focus on the arts, performing groups: community theater, community musical
groups, art center.
Visually pleasant and park-like—green spaces/water/flowers.
Public art.
Public places to meet and gather.
Pedestrian access to public places.
Places and activities that welcome teens, young adults, seniors.
Opportunities to connect with other people.
Collaboration between public/private groups for community good.
Clean.
Clean air and water, trees.
Environmentally sensitive—protecting lakes, trees, etc. that we have.
Continued dedication to environmental infrastructure, increased community
involvement in solutions and projects for this infrastructure.
Conserve land for rural feeling.
Plymouth should be a community that offers diverse housing, community center,
gathering places, ample parks, good schools.
Additional health care facilities will be created.
People will be encouraged to conserve water.
Pollution will be a stronger concern—water quality, air quality, noise.
Heavy emphasis on the environment, open space, parks, trails.
Good parks and trails will be maintained but open space will diminish as fill
development happens.
Safe
Crime will be on the increase, although not felonies.
Safe neighborhoods.
Low crime.
Clkrrna iv
THE PRO -PLYMOUTH PLEDGE
We realize that our office is not our own, but is a trust granted to us by the citizens of
Plymouth. We believe that the public trust requires mutual trust among ourselves in
order to succeed. The Plymouth City Council pledges to build and to maintain trust
among ourselves and with the public by upholding these principles:
1. To honor the principle of civility in interactions with fellow council members,
staff, and citizens by respectfully debating the issues and the facts behind them.
not personal ehar-aeter- or- fnetives.
2. To state accurately the positions and opinions. of those with whom we disagree
and refrain from describing the character or motives offellow councilmembers,
staff, or citizens in a negative or unfair manner.
3. To focus on the present and -future needs of the City, using the past only if it
can enlighten the present in a positive manner.
4. To exercise judicious restraint when making public pronouncements, whether
written or oral, in ways that affirm and respect fellow city council members,
staff, and the citizens, and to share such communications with fellow council
members and staff in advance whenever possible.
5. To maintain ethical standards that honor the letter and spirit of all laws and
policies relating to ethics, conflicts of interest, and disclosures.
6. To recognize that the people of Plymouth are partners with the City who must
be informed and invited to fully participate in our decisions and actions.
Adopted by the City Council on January 3, 1994.
Reaffirmed by the City Council on January 3, 1995, January 9, 1996.
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PLYMOUTH+
We, the Plymouth City Council, do realize that our office is
a trust granted to us by the citizens of Plymouth and that
treating others as we would like to be treated builds this trust,
do, therefore, endeavor to build and maintain that trust by
pledging:
To recognize that the people of Plymouth are partners with
the City who must be informed participants in the decision
making process.
To be civil to fellow councilmembers, staff and citizens by
dealing courteously, honestly and respectfully and refraining
from personal attacks.
To value full and open debate keeping focused on the issues,
the accuracy of the facts and motives as they relate to the
City's best interest.
To focus on the present and future needs of the City, using
the past only if it can enlighted the present in a positive
manner.
To exercise judicious restraint when making -public
pronouncements, whether written or oral, sharing such
communications with councilmembers and staff in advance
whenever possible.
To demonstrate ethical values in all Council activities.
January 3, 1996
Mayor Joy Tierney
PLYMOUTH A Bcauli/u(I'fircc?n Linc
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHON= is