HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 04-12-2011Adopted Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
April 12, 2011
Mayor Slavik called a Regular Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. in the
Council Chambers of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on April 12, 2011.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Bildsoe, Johnson, Murdock, Willis,
Black, and Stein.
ABSENT: None.
31AFF PRESENT: Ciiy Manager Ah ens, Ci-LyAttorney1i-atson, Park DiNctOr Biaiui, Fire
Chief Kline, Administrative Services Director Portner, Public Works Director Cote, Police Chief
Goldstein, Community Development Director Juetten, Housing Manager Barnes, Senior Planners
Darling and Drill, Assistant City Engineer Renneberg, and City Clerk Engdahl.
Plymouth Forum
No one was present to address the Council.
Presentations and Public Information Announcements
4.01) Announcement of Primavera on April 15-19
Park Director Blank announced this year's Primavera on April 15-19 at the Plymouth Creek
Center.
4.02) Announcement of "Great Shingle Creek Watershed Cleanup Week"
Councilmember Black announced April 16-23 as the "Great Shingle Creek Watershed Cleanup
Week" with April 23 being designated for the cleaning along Bass Creek in Plymouth. Mayor
Slavik read a proclamation declaring "the Great Shingle Creek Watershed Cleanup Week."
Approval of AGIenda
Motion was made by Councilmember Black and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to
approve thea egnda. With all members voting in favor motion carried.
Adopted Minutes 1 of 12 Regular Meeting of April 12, 2011
l
Consent Aeenda
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to
adopt the Consent Agenda that included the following items:
6.01) Proposed minutes from the Regular Meeting of March 22.
6.02) Resolution Approving Disbursements ending April 2, 2011 (Res2011-102).
6.03) Ordinance Amending Chapter 21 of the City Code to classify Certain Land located at
5313, 5323, and 5455 Juneau Lane Comprising the Former Hampton Hills Golf Course (2011002
Ord2011-07), Resolution Approving Findings of Fact for the Rezoning of Lane located at 5315,
5323, and 5455 Juneau Lane, Comprising the Former Hampton Hills Golf Course (2011002 —
Res2011-103), and a Resolution Approving a Preliminary Plat for Hampton Hills Investment,
LLC for "Hampton Hills 3rdfArirlitirmll for Property located at 5313, 5223 and
15455
1Juneau La"i
2011002 — Res2011-104).
6.04) Resolution Awarding a Contract for the Parkers Lake Storm Water Lift Station Upgrade
10017 — Res2411-105).
6.05) Resolution Receiving Preliminary Engineering Report and Order a Public Improvement
Hearing for Lancaster Lane Mill and Overlay and Watermain Replacement Project (110 10 —
Res2011-106), and Resolution Ordering Preliminary Engineering report for Lancaster Lane Mill
and Overlay and Watermain Replacement Project (11010 — Res2011-107).
6.06) Resolution Awarding Bid for 2011 Street Sweeping Program (11024 — Res2011-108).
6.07) Resolution Approving Lease with Zayo Group, LLC to install Date Communication
Equipment on the Water Tower located at 4000 County Road 101 (Res2011-109).
6.08) Resolution Authorizing Negotiation of a Contract with First Transit, Inc. for the Operation
and Maintenance of Plymouth Metrolink Public Transit Services (Res201 1 -110).
6.09) Resolution Modifying the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program to include Best
Management Practices to meet the Goals of the Schmidt, Pomerleau, and Bass Lakes and Cedar
Island, Pike, and Eagle Lakes Excess Nutrients Total Maximum Daily Load Plans (Res2011-111).
6.10) Resolution Approving a One -Year Extension of the Development Approvals for RBC Tile
and Stone located at 1820 Berkshire Lane North (2008012 - Res2011-112).
6.11) Resolution Confirming Appointments of Deputy Clerks (Res2011-113).
6.12) Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications and Ordering Advertisement for Bid for
the 2011 Mill and Overlay Project (11007 — Res2011-114).
Adopted Minutes 2 of 12 Regular Meeting of April 12, 2011
6.13) Approve selection of Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. to complete the redevelopment
scenarios and environmental/storm sewer design portion of the Four Seasons Mall Site Study.
6.14) Resolution Authorizing Joint Powers Agreement between the St. Paul Fire Department
and the Plymouth Fire Department for the use of the Fire Training Facility in St. Paul to provide
Live Training to New Recruits (Res2011-115).
6.15) Resolution Supporting Hennepin County Sheriff's New Regional 911 Emergency
Communications Facility (Res2011-116).
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Public Hearings
7.01) Use of Community Improvement Fund for Scheduled Replacement of Athletic Field
Lighting
Administrative Services Director Portner reported on this proposed project which would be
funded through an inter -fund loan from the community improvement fund. He explained these
improvements were authorized by the Council at the March 22 meeting.
Mayor Slavik opened the public hearing.
Mayor Slavik closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to adopt
a Resolution ApWroving the Use of the Community Improvement Fund as a Loan for Scheduled
Athletic Field Lighting Replacement (Res2011-117). With all members voting in favor, the
motion carried.
Councilmember Black thanked Park Director Blank for contacting the Plymouth -New Hope
Baseball Association and working out the scheduling of games and parking situation so that the
second field No. 3 at Zachary Playfield could be also be lit.
Park Director Blank stated that staff will present a change order at the April 26 meeting for the
lighting of field No. 3. As part of that change order, staff would like to add the cost of relocating
the light poles further in on field No. 1 at Zachary Playfield which allows the flexibility of
essentially having another smaller field for play.
7.02) Assessment Hearing for 8th Avenue Street Reconstruction Project (10004)
Public Works Director Cote reported on the proposed assessments for the 8th Avenue street
reconstruction project and the proposed "no parking" area on 8th Avenue.
Adopted Minutes 3 of 12 Regular Meeting of April 12, 2011
Mayor Slavik opened the public hearing.
Lila Cargill, 17930 8' Avenue North, stated the new street is wonderful, but there's a speeding
problem. It appears to be worse after the project. She proposed a stop sign at the corner of
Queensland Lane.
Mayor Slavik asked staff if there are any options to address this concern. Public Works Director
Cote replied staff could do a speed study to determine if there is a problem. The last time a speed
study was conducted on this street, the speeds were consistent with the posted speeds. Staff
could also look at a stop sign at 8th Avenue and Queensland Lane, but more than likely it would
need to be removed due to the roadway being straight.
The Council directed staff to do a speed study on 8th Avenue.
Ron Goltz, 17615 8th Avenue, agreed with Ms. Cargill's comments. He noted that there were
quite a few violations with the speed study that was conducted previously. He also suggested a
three way stop at Olive Lane. He asked if the City could park the speed trailer on 8th Avenue. He
stated on another matter, one day during the construction, he couldn't get in his driveway due to
the mud, and he got stuck. Consequently, he tore a front piece of his bumper on his vehicle. A
claim was submitted to the general contractor, but it wasn't paid. He asked the Council how they
will handle insurance claims that aren't paid.
Public Works Director Cote stated under the City's contract with the general contractor, once
work has commenced, it's the responsibility of the contractor. Therefore, a claim can't be
submitted to the City's insurance carrier. He asked Mr. Goltz for a copy of the denial letter that
he received, and he will follow up on it and report back to him and the Council.
Mayor Slavik closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to
adopt a Resolution Adopting Assessments for 8th Avenue Street Reconstruction Project (11004 —
Res2011-118) and a Resolution Authorizina "No Parking" on 8'Avenue Reconstruction Proiect
10004 — Res2011-119). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
7.03) Creation of Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment for Multi -Family Apartment
Project (Quest Development)
Housing Manager Barnes reported on the request of Quest Development, Inc. for the
establishment of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Redevelopment District for the development
of a 157 -unit multi -family housing project proposed for the southwest corner of Highway 169
and Highway 55.
Mayor Slavik opened the public hearing.
Adopted Minutes 4 of 12 Regular Meeting of April 12, 2011
Colleen Fontanalla, 118 Union Terrace Lane, asked how the $2.5 million in TIF would benefit
the City. She stated she read the traffic studies in detail, and if this development proceeds, the
City would need to widen the road exiting onto Highway 55. She noted that the traffic study also
referenced that the neighboring roads would accommodate any increase in traffic levels. She
stated her neighborhood would be one of those neighborhoods, and they have a lot of families in
their area. There are no sidewalks or speed bumps so kids ride their bikes in the road. There was
in increase in traffic on Saratoga with the development of homes near Rainbow Foods. She
suggested providing sidewalks along Highway 55, speed bumps through adjacent neighborhoods,
and widening the road exiting out of this development.
Mayor Slavik closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Stein asked staff to explain the difference between workforce housing and
Section 8 housing. Housing Manager Barnes replied Section 8 housing is a federally funded
program nationwide. The City administers the Section 8 voucher program which provides
assistance to families that are living in the community. The City doesn't dictate where these
residents live, but it's up to the landlords if they want to accept the vouchers. He stated
workforce housing has been around for a number of years, and it's housing that has been
constructed for individuals and families who are in the workforce and fall within median income
guidelines. For this proposed project, 64 of the units would be for workforce housing (60% of
the median income - $48,000). While the workforce housing units are spread throughout the
community, i.e. Plymouth Town Square, Vicksburg Crossing, Stone Creek Village, and a new
development in the northwest part of Plymouth, there's somewhat a larger concentration of
Section 8 housing on the east side of 494 versus the west side of 494.
Councilmember Willis voiced his concern of the workforce housing units being subsidized at
approximately $9,000 per unit, and if that's in the best interest of the community. In addition, the
City would be financing the "lion's share" of the TIF for land costs. Therefore, he doesn't see the
benefit of this project to warrant TIF.
Councilmember Stein stated this property has had a history of sitting vacant so it would be nice
to have a project there. This property is a gateway to the City, and the Council previously met
with the current developer to have him present a project that the City could be proud of. The
developer has accomplished that, but now the question is if the Council wants this property to sit
vacant for another 10 years. He asked what this property would generate in taxes over the next
25 years. Housing Manager Barnes replied the new taxes that will be generated once the project
is completed are $196,000 up to $2.2 million at the end.
Councilmember Black stated whatever project is located here will need TIF as this isn't an easy
property to develop. She stated she likes the project but is concerned about the traffic.
Councilmember Willis acknowledged that the site is challenging to develop and the Council
doesn't know what the future for this site will hold. His concern is that the City is borrowing
against future investment opportunities. The City doesn't derive any funds in public
expenditures to provide and maintain the essentials, such as streets, police and fire, and parks.
Adopted Minutes 5 of 12 Regular Meeting of April 12, 2011
This project will be subsidized by taxpayers. He stated if this was a commercial development, it
1 could be a different situation.
Mayor Slavik agreed that this is a large subsidy. She stated she's more concerned on how this
development fits with the community and the need for it rather than how a project can bring in
more revenue for the City. She stated this project is too dense for this site, and there are traffic
concerns. She stressed that she can't justify the $2.5 million in TIF for this project.
The City's financial advisor form Ehlers and Associates, Inc. explained the TIF package that is
being proposed. He stated the details of the financing of this project haven't been determined. If
the project is successful, then they go through the development agreement and look at actual need
from the State and County. The subsidy request could be less than $2.5 million—this is just a
maximum. It's his professional opinion that this project has met a threshold for public
assistance. Given the developer's current financing situation, this is a difficult financial project
to assemble. This is a policy issue for the Council to decide how important workforce housing is,
and if this is the right fit for this site.
Councilmember Johnson asked Mr. Waters, from Quest Development, Inc., to discuss what
would be an option at this site in today's market if TIF wasn't used. Mr. Waters replied if they
don't proceed with the proposed project, it's difficult to determine what the alternative project
would be. If it's a substantially smaller project, that would be difficult as the proposed project is
the one that fits with the numbers. He stated they are proposing a $28 million project for this site
that would create jobs. They are requesting up to $2.5 million in TIF over the next 25 years, but
before the site is open, they will pay the City $1.7 million in fees, including park dedication,
SAC and WAC, and permit fees. From a cost standpoint basis, and the land and content of the
building, it's not dis-similar from other projects being proposed and constructed in the City. The
City is getting a "lot of bang for the buck" with this project.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to
adopt a Resolution Adopting a Modification to the Development Program for Development
District No. 7• and Establishing Tax Increment Financing District 7-8 Therein and Adopting a
Tax Increment FinancingPlan (Res2011-120). With all members voting in favor but Willis and
Slavik, the motion carried.
General Business
8.01) Comp Plan Amendment (2010088)
Senior Planner Darling highlighted the changes that have been incorporated into the proposal
since the February 22 Council meeting in which this was originally discussed.
Senior Planner Darling clarified that Council would be adding the LA -5 guiding to the
Comprehensive Plan. If this is approved, this guiding would be proposed for the Quest
Development for the next item on this evening's agenda.
Adopted Minutes 6 of 12 Regular Meeting of April 12, 2011
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to a
Resolution Approving a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Add the LA -5 Land Use
Classification (2010088 — Res2011-121), Ordinance Adding Section 21395 to the Plymouth City
Code (2010088 — Ord2011-08), and a Resolution ApprovingFindingsindings of Fact for a Zoning
Ordinance Text Amendment Adding the RMF -5 Zoning District and Related Amendments
2010088 — Res2011-122). With all members voting in favor but Willis and Slavik, the motion
carried.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt
a Resolution ApprovingSummary Publication of Ordinance No. 2011-08 (Res2010-123). With
all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.02) Comp Plan Amendment, Rezoning, and PUD General Plan (Quest Development)
Senior Planner Darling stated this item was continued from the February 22 Council meeting.
Since that meeting, the developer has modified the proposal to address concerns that were raised
at that meeting. These items include authorizing a traffic study, revising the east and south sides
of the building to include the same metallic -coated panels as proposed at the Nathan Lane and
Highway 55 entrance area, and changing the color scheme to remove the red/orange color
previously proposed behind the decks and substituting a grey color.
Councilmember Willis stated there would be a deviation in the parking spaces requirement with
this development. He noted the standard is 2.5 per unit, but the developer is proposing 1.75 per
unit. There would be a total of 264 parking stalls (111 outdoor stalls and 153 covered stalls). He
asked if this isn't sufficient, would there be room on the property to add spaces. Senior Planner
Darling replied this site would be fully developed; therefore, they wouldn't be able to add any
additional parking spaces. Their option would be to work with adjacent property owners for over
flow traffic, and at this time, they haven't entered into such an agreement.
Mr. Waters, Quest Development, Inc, applicant, stated they did a parking survey, and they are
confident that 1.75 parking ratio is a good number for their site. He stated they surveyed similar
developments at 4:30 a.m., when the majority of the cars for those developments should be on
site, and for the outside parking, less than 40% of the parking spaces were occupied. For special
events on the site, not all 157 units will be using the facility at the same time. He stated just as
many people that are coming onto the site, the same number of people are exiting the site, so it
will balance itself out.
Councilmember Murdock stated she's concerned about the traffic issues that have been raised.
Mr. Waters stated he can't speak to the off-site improvements that can be made. He stated they
are planning to install a stop sign at the Tintersection, and they are looking at adding signage for
east bound traffic. He noted that his office was in this area for 15 years so he's very familiar with
the traffic patterns, and never once was he frustrated that he had to drive through the
neighborhoods to exit the area. He stated traffic is flowing the opposite in the area. Residents
Adopted Minutes 7 of 12 Regular Meeting of April 12, 2011
will be leaving this site when commercial traffic will be coming in, and that same pattern will
hold true in the evening when the commercial traffic is leaving the area and tenants are returning.
Councilmember Bildsoe requested staff to discuss improvements in this area. Public Works
Director Cote stated this site during the peak hour at its largest impact will generate less than one
vehicle per minute. When staff reviews an area for improvements, they look at background
traffic. The Revere Lane intersection is fairly limited for improvements. In order to fix the
problem on the south side of Highway 55, you would need to move the intersection to the south
which is restricted. It would have to be moved significantly further back to make it a perfect
situation.
Councilmember Stein asked if there are any trail plans in this area. Park Director Blank replied
trails were constructed on Nathan Lane up to Revere Lane. There are plans for this trail to
continue to the park and ride lot (nothing on the residential street, but on the frontage road).
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Stein, to adopt a
Resolution Approving a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Res201 1 - 124), Ordinance Amending
Chapter 21 of the City Code to Classify Certain lane located at 9805 and 9855 Highway 55
Ord2011-09),Resolution ApprovingFindingsindmgs of Fact for the Rezoning of Land located at 9805
and 9855 Highway 55 (2010086 — Res2011-125), and a Resolution Approving a PUD General
Plan to allow a 157 -Unit Apartment Building for Properties located at 9805 and 9855 Hi sway
55 (2010086 — Res2011-126).
Mayor Slavik reiterated that she won't be supporting this development as it's quite dense and it's
a not a good fit for the site. There are a lot of concessions being made for this development, such
as the TIF financing, deviating from the parking standards, and adding the LA -5 guiding. She
agreed that the market conditions are difficult for the use of this site, but she's willing to wait for
a better proposal for this site. If this project is approved, she hopes it's a success and that it will
utilize the City's transit facility in the area.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated in addition to this development, the City has made a lot of
concessions for other projects to work in the City. There needs to be some flexibility as each
property has unique characteristics. He stated this project isn't a "done deal" yet as the financial
portion of the project has to be worked out. This is a good project for the site, but the City needs
to continually monitor the traffic in the area. Councilmember Black agreed.
The Council voted on the motion and with all members voting in favor but Willis and Slavik, the
motion carried.
8.03) Human Rights Commission
City Manager Ahrens stated on March 8, the Council approved the Human Rights Commission's
work plan. One of the goals of that work plan was to look at the role of the commission and the
commission's request to handle the grievance process. She stated in the packet materials, she
Adopted Minutes 8 of 12 Regular Meeting of April 12, 2011
provided a report on the history of the commission and various options for the Council to
consider for the commission. She noted that the commission has never handled grievances.
Councilmember Johnson asked if the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis are the only two cities
that handle the grievance process, and all the other cities are handled by the State. City Manager
Ahrens replied that is correct.
Councilmember Johnson stated there is depth, detail, and liabilities involved with handling
grievances on the city level. If the Council would desire for the commission to handle
grievances, they would need to look at gravity, depth, and resources that would need to be
involved.
Councilmember Johnson asked fellow Councilmembers if they heard from any of the Human
Rights Commissioners since the Council's last meeting. Councilmembers replied no.
Councilmember Black stated her concern is if the ordinance is amended to remove the grievance
process, the City supports and refers residents to mediation services. Because of budget issues,
she would be concerned if the Council is unable to fund those services. Residents need to have
that service locally to utilize. She requested the Council to commit to keeping those services
available to residents.
Councilmember Johnson stated she was amazed with the history of the commission, where it was
established in 1968, and the events that took place to disband the commission in 1983. In 1993
the commission was reformed, and it was discussed how important it was to the community to
have an advisory commission. However, the grievance process wasn't a component that would
be committed to. She thinks that it's important that in practice, the commission hasn't been
handling the grievance process. If it was an expectation that the commission was to administer
the grievance process, there would be a different approach in appointing individuals to this
commission. She stated there needs to be clarity for the commissioners, and whatever resources
are in place serves the community well.
Ada Alden, member of the Human Rights Commission, agreed with many of Councilmember
Johnson's comments. She stated she is deeply concerned about the process, not the individuals.
She stated the Human Rights Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Council, and
although the commission and the Council share a vision, it should be in different capacities. The
advisory component doesn't have the same level of accountability. She requested that the
Council have a joint meeting with the Human Rights Commission to listen to their suggestions.
She disagreed with the recent appointments of Mayor Slavik, Councilmember Stein, and Police
Chief Goldstein to the Human Rights Commission. She stated when there are Councilmembers
also on the commission, the boundaries are blurred and the roles are confused. Citizens need a
safer place that is a treasure.
Councilmember Black stated she supports Option 1 of the staff report which is to adopt an
Ordinance eliminating the grievance process. This would clarify the issue and the commission
Adopted Minutes 9 of 12 Regular Meeting of April 12, 2011
would continue operating in practice as it has since 1993. She would also support discussing the
recent appointments as part of the board and commission interview process later this year.
Councilmember Johnson asked the City Attorney why it's necessary to change the title of the
commission to committee (Option 1 — Ordinance). City Attorney Knutson replied it would make
it clear that this is an advisory committee to the Council, and they wouldn't be handling the
grievance process.
Bill Garber, Chair of the Human Rights Commission, stated State Statutes allow communities to
create commissions, not committees. He asked the City Attorney if that was his intent to remove
this language in the Ordinance. City Attorney Knutson replied yes.
Councilmember Johnson asked Commissioner Garber what the commission's reaction would be
to the draft ordinance that the Council is discussing. Commissioner Garber replied the
committee language would make their commission a total advisory committee. They wouldn't
have the authority to mediate or do a number of things that they can currently do even if they
didn't carry out the grievance process. He stated State Statutes are clear that a grievance can be
brought before a commission or the State. The Statutes also state that if there differences in the
authority that one receives from the commission and State, the commission must outline the
differences with the individual that has filed with them. By removing the term commission, the
City is removing the right to do the other. He stated it seems to him that they could continue to
be a commission without doing the grievance process.
Councilmember Johnson asked if there would be "peace in the valley" if the draft ordinance was
adopted this evening. She stated she would like to get to solutions. Mr. Garber replied that he
suspects that half of the commission would be irritated if the ordinance was adopted. He stated
he's a labor attorney and has had work before the State Human Rights Commission. If there are
people on this commission that don't feel they're qualified to handle the grievance process, they
should resign. The City doesn't have to have a system as complicated as the City of
Minneapolis. He explained that he's retired, and he wanted to be on this commission because
this is what he used to do. He voiced his opinion that this whole discussion came about because
the commission didn't know what the Council was upset about. When the commission
investigated the rent discrimination case, they thought they were doing what they could do within
the ordinance, and the Council got upset. He said a former staff liaison gave them that case to
investigate. He stated if the Council adopts the draft ordinance, he would continue serving.
Councilmember Black apologized for not realizing that according to the current City Code, the
Human Rights Commission was authorized to handle grievances. She stated she's uncomfortable
in allowing this duty long-term. If the Council keeps the grievance language in the City Code,
they need to change how they appoint residents to the commission. She agreed with
Councilmember Johnson that she would like a solution that everyone can live with and move
forward.
Adopted Minutes 10 of 12 Regular Meeting of April 12, 2011
Commissioner Alden stated she appreciates that Commissioner Garber is an attorney as she's an
educator. The questions involving whether this is a commission or committee do matter so that
human rights can be heard in this community.
Virginia Klevorn, 4755 Kingsview Lane North, asked the Council to wait on this issue and look
at the City of Bloomington's policy which could be a better hybrid that would work well for
Plymouth. She stated the issue of contention caught the commission off -guard in December. The
first thing that caused alarm was that she wasn't reappointed. It would've been helpful for the
Council to meet with current commissioners and explain why someone wasn't reappointed when
they served the City well. The only issue that the commission knew of was the issue with the
Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). With that issue, she only addressed the optics of
the situation even though it was totally legal. She believes that's where the confusion came in.
She stated if the Council is looking for some type of closure, explain to the commissioners the
expectations and process for appointing commissioners. The Council put the Police Chief in an
awkward position by appointing him as a regular member on the commission. It would be better
for him to be a liaison.
Councilmember Johnson expressed her frustration and disappointment to Ms. Klevorn regarding
her correspondence to the local newspaper which was in a reference to a topic that was already
on the approved work plan of the commission.
Ms. Klevorn stated that when she wasn't reappointed to the commission she didn't receive a
i letter or acknowledgement from the Council so she felt mistreated.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Murdock, to
adopt an Ordinance Amending Chapter III of the Plymouth City Code Concerning the Human
Rights Committee (Ord2011-10).
Councilmember Johnson stressed that by removing the grievance process, the Council needs to
keep in place the mediation services that the City funds that residents can utilize. She stated she
would like to see what a good and sustainable committee membership should look like, and this
should be reviewed later this year when the Council is going through the board and commission
interview process.
Councilmember Willis stated the number of issues that have come to the Human Rights
Commission the past 30 years have been few and far between. He stated many communities
aren't going to be able to sustain the activities that they could before due to the economy and
budgets. In this case, it doesn't mean that the Council would be walking away from human rights
issues, but rather that the State has the process in place to handle the grievance process.
Councilmember Stein stated the Council makes appointments to commissions based upon
applicants' interest on the commissions. He doesn't feel that any members of the Human Rights
Commission were appointed based upon their experience in handling grievances. There is quite
a legal process in the City of Minneapolis with their process, and if the Council is interested in
Adopted Minutes 11 of 12 Regular Meeting of April 12, 2011
having the commission handle grievances, commissioners would need to be appointed based on
that.
Councilmember Black voiced her support for the ordinance. She supports using the title of
committee, and she noted the importance of this committee. She stated she's interested in
discussing the makeup of this committee later this year during the board and commission
interview process.
With all members voting in favor of the motion but Bildsoe, the motion carried.
Mayor Slavik commented it's a professional relationship between the Human Rights Committee
and the Council. She hopes that residents feel she and the Council are a safe place to bring their
concerns. She stated the Council has to be accountable, and they have the ability to be more
accountable than an appointed body. She stressed that she's a liaison for residents to bring their
issues to.
Reports and Staff Recommendations
9.01) Fire Department Annual Report
Fire Chief Kline presented the Fire Department's Annual Report.
l (9.02) Legislative Update
Administrative Services Director Portner provided a legislative update to the Council.
Adiournment
Mayor Slavik adjourned the Regular meeting at 10:20 p.m. Following the Regular Meeting, the
Council conducted an update with the City Manager at 10:30 p.m. in the Medicine Lake Room.
All Council members were present along with City Manager Ahrens, Community Development
Director Juetten, and Public Works Director Cote.
Public Works Director Cote shared the status of the solid waste proposal process. The Council
authorized him to negotiate a proposed contract which would come back to the City Council at a
future date.
The Council briefly discussed staging of development in Northwest Plymouth.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 p.m.
E(andra R. Engdahl, City Jerk
Adopted Minutes 12 of 12 Regular Meeting of April 12, 2011