Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 09-09-2008Adopted Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 9, 2008 Mayor Slavik called the 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 September 9, 2008. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councihnembers Hewitt, Stein, Murdock, Willis, Black, and Bildsoe. ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, City Attorney Knutson, Police Captain Lindman, Police Chief Goldstein, City Engineer Moberg, Administrative Services Director Portner, Transit and Solid Waste Coordinator Hellekson, Parks and Recreation Director Blank, Fire Chief Kline, Community Development Director Juetten, and Office Support Representative Tiegs. Plymouth Forum Arlene Edstrom, 9900 55°i Avenue North, addressed the Council regarding an issue at the Cardinal Ridge Townhomes. At 5:30 a.m. on September 10, 2008, at 54th and Nathan Lane there were 20 semi -trailer trucks parked in a no parking zone waiting to enter US Foods causing traffic to be blocked. On the way home Ms Edstrom encountered another traffic jam due to vehicles traveling from Bass Lake Road to 49th at 40-50 mph and no stop signs to slow traffic. The only signage is for trucks stating all trucks take frontage road but the trucks do not obey the signage. If trucks would comply with the signage it would help reduce the Cardinal Ridge and Hickory Hills traffic noise and semi -truck traffic jams. Ms Edstrom estimates about 160 trucks daily entering and exiting in the development. The exhaust fumes, noise, and heavy traffic have made living in the area difficult and the heavy trucks are destroying the Nathan Lane roadway. She suggested to open the roadway behind the warehouse so trucks wouldn't use Nathan Lane. US Foods has grown to 3 times the size it initially was, which is causing the heavy traffic. Councilmember Black responded that another meeting with the company on direction for proper entry into the businesses would help eliminate some of the traffic. Semi -trucks could enter on 54th if the road was opened up. She stated she has spoken with US Foods over the years asking them to educate their drivers, and this has to be done every two to three years. Councilmember Black will set up another meeting. Ms Edstrom like to have the Plymouth Police watch and start ticketing the semi -trucks to help alleviate the problem. Mayor Slavik directed Community Development Director Juetten to work with Councilmember Black and the Police Department to enforce the no parking zone. Commimity Development Director Juetten will schedule a meeting with US Foods to discuss the traffic Adopted Council Minutes 1 of 9 Regular Council Minutes September 9, 2008 situation and possible solutions. Ron Moore, 3725 Vinewood Lane, President of the Plymouth Lion's Club, addressed the City Council regarding the loss of the pull tab operation at Jake's Sports Bar due to remodeling and change in theme. The Lions Club would like to replace that pull tab operation at Joe Sensor's Sports Bar. There is currently an ordinance which states gambling must be 650 feet away from as residence or daycare facility. Mr. Moore requested the City Council to amend the ordinance to decrease that distance in order to allow locations, such as Joe Sensor's Sports Bar, to have lawful gambling. Community Development Director Juetten stated that Joe Sensor's Sports Bar is located 100 feet from a residential property. The 650 foot restriction applies to residential properties, churches, and schools. The Council requested a report from staff that would address the impact on properties throughout the City if the 650 foot distance requirement would be decreased. Presentations and Public Information Announcements Mayor Slavik presented a proclamation to Bobbi Leitner in recognition of her 38 years of service at the City of Plymouth. Bobbi Leitner is retiring September 11, 2008. Bobbi Leitner's leadership, experience, and professionalism have been an asset to the City of Plymouth and therefore, Thursday, September 11, 2008, is proclaimed to be Bobbi Leitner Day. Councilmember Stein added that Bobbi's has been a role model for her peers in demonstrating dedication to the City of Plymouth and her presence will be greatly missed. 4.01) Recognition to Peter Larson for KARE-11's "Eleven Who Care" A proclamation was presented to Peter Larson who will be featured on television KARE 11 awards for "Eleven Who Care." Mr. Larson is recognized for his contributions to Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners fundraiser winter sleep -out. He has raised the substantial amount nearing $70,000 during the past 2 years and has slept out 72 rights during the sleep - out. Therefore, September 10, 2008, was proclaimed as "Peter Larson Day" in the City. 4.02) Acceptance of Donation of $2000 for Computers for Plymouth Creek Senior Center from Plymouth Rotary Parks and Recreation Director Eric Blank presented the City of Plymouth a check for $2,000 to purchase four compact computers for senior citizens' use. Rotarians have volunteered to teach the seniors how to use the computers and will assist them over the next year. 4.03) Announcement of the Autumn Art Fair on September 20 and Plymouth on Parade on October 4 Parks and Recreation Director Blank announced the annual Autumn Fair on September 20 at Parkers Lake and the Plymouth on Parade on October 4. Adopted Council Minutes 2 of 9 Regular Council Minutes September 9, 2008 4.04) Announcement of Special Recycling Drop -Off Event on September 27 at Plymouth Maintenance Facility Councilmember Black announced the Recycling Day Drop-off Event at the Plymouth Maintenance Facility on September 27 at the maintenance facility. Councilmember Hewitt announced the Fire Fighters 5K walk/run on September 27. Approval of Agenda Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt to approve the agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Consent Agenda Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to adopt the Consent Agenda that included the following items: 6.01) Minutes from the Special Council Meeting of August 19, 2008. 6.02) Resolution Approving Disbursements for Period ending August 30, 2008 (Res2008- 261). 6.03) Table Preliminary Plat to allow "Gutlovics Addition" for three single family lots located at the northwest corner of the intersection of 26th Avenue and County Road 101 North Gartner Engineering, LLC — 2007041). 6.04) Resolution Approving a Site Plan Amendment plan to allow a Building Addition and Parking Expansion for Zero -Max property located at 13200 6m Avenue N (2008061 — Res2008-262) 6.05) Resolution Approving a Variance to the Side -Yard Setback for an Attached Garage for Property located at 14510 Gleason Lake Drive (2008065 — Res2008-263) 6.06) Resolution Approving BMP Maintenance Agreement for Parking Lot Expansion located at 13600 Industrial Park Boulevard (Res2008-264). 6.07) Resolution Approving Agreement with New Cingular PCS, LLC at Zachary Water Tower (Res2008-265). 6.08) Resolution Declaring Cost to be Assessed and Ordering Preparation of Proposed Assessment Fernbrook Lane Improvements (1013 — Res2008-267). 6.09) Resolution Approving Agreement with Telecom Transport Management Inc. for Zachary Water Tower Antenna (Res2008-268). Adopted Council Minutes 3 of 9 Regular Council Minutes September 9, 2008 6.10) Resolution Awarding Contract for Fire State No. 1 Parking Lot Reconstruction Project 8110 — Res2008-269). 6.11) Resolution Accepting Grant Award from Taser International (Res2008-270). 6.12) Table Variance to allow constriction of 625 square foot detached garage in the front yard for property located at 5755 Juneau Lane (James Claseman — 2008047). 6.13) Resolution Approving Change Order No. 1 for Highway 55 Culvert Replacement Project (Res2008-271). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Public Hearings There were no public hearings scheduled. General Business 8.1) Set Truth in Taxation Public Hearing Dates for 2009 Budget and Property Tax Levies Administrative Services Director Porkier reported on the proposed 2008 budget and property tax levies and the Truth in Taxation hearing date of December 1 at 7:00 p.m. Motion was made by Councilmember Stein, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to adopt Resolutions Setting Tax Levies and Truth in Taxation Hearing on December 1 (Res2008- 272, Res2008-273, Res2008-274, Res2008-275). With all members voting in favor the motion carried. 8.2) Award of Contract for 2008 Minor Drainage Improvement Project (8113) Public Works Director Cote reported on the 2008 Minor Drainage Improvement Projects at 18°i Avenue and Zanzibar Lane and 41st Avenue and Goldenrod Lane. The alternative action would be to reject the bids and delay the project for one year. Residents Mark and Barb Beltram, 11850 4151 Avenue North, Bill Nelson, 1869 Zanzibar Lane, and a letter from Karen Fox, 1860 Zanzibar Lane N requested delaying the drainage project to consider alternative designs other than the proposed piping concept. A request to reconsider the removal of cottonwood trees located on 11850 41" Avenue North was made by property owner Beltram. Public Works Director Cote stated they have been working with the Chelsea Woods neighborhood to solve the erosion problem. Mayor Slavik asked what the consequences would be if the project was delayed for one year. Public Works Director Cote responded the residents recognize there is an erosion problem and will work with residents to come up with a feasible solution agreeable to the residents. There Council Minutes 4 of 9 Regular Council Minutes September 9, 2008 is a minor possibility the erosion could become a problem if the project is delayed for a year. Engineering will monitor the area and if that were to happen action would have to be taken. Councilmember Stein asked how this affects the 41s` and Goldenrod project. Public Works Director Cote responded that the bids include both projects so the 41" and Goldenrod project would be delayed for a year also. Councilmember Stein stated he spoke with the residents included in the projects who are concerned about saving large trees. Director Cote has attempted to work with the homeowners association and property owners regarding tree removal. Councilmember Hewitt questioned the protocol regarding resident notification. The homeowners associations are notified and they are to notify the residents. Currently Engineering is reviewing protocol to avoid disgruntled residents. Resident Nelson thanked Councilmembers Black and Murdock for their assistance. Councilmember Hewitt requests better communication with the residents when directly affected by projects to alleviate future problems. Councilmember Murdock met with Chelsea Woods residents and appreciates the comments. Residents feel they need more time to speak with the Council to discuss other options. Councilmember Black also met with residents and stated the changes are huge to the neighborhood and residents need time to adjust. Mayor Slavik encourages continued communication between Staff and residents to find a suitable resolution to the situation. Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black to reject all bids for the 2008 Minor Drainage Improvement Project and delay for one vear. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. 8.3) Recycling Contract Councilmember Willis commented on the long careful process this decision has been and thanked Eureka and Waste Management. Councilmember Willis moved a resolution to approve a 3 year extension of the contract with Waste Management. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Stein. Discussion: Councilmember Black inquired as to which proposal the motion was for. Councilmember Stein stated it is the agreement proposal received September 4, 2008 from Waste Management with the dual sort program. Hauling will be $2.88 per household per month, processing fee of $51.09 per ton, revenue sharing of 75 percent to the City. Councilmembers Black, Murdock, Hewitt, and Bildsoe are not in favor of this due to the lack of education and the opportunities to increase recycling. Mayor Slavik can not support the current motion but will consider support with some more discussion. Vote on the motion failed six no and one yes. Residents Gene Boyer, Rich Hirstein, Scott Johnson, Don Smith, Jennifer Klunet spoke to the comprehensive municipal recycling agreement. Discussion included concerns. Issues and concerns brought forth to the Council were how the calculation in cost differences of the 2 contracts was done. The Eureka contract wording should be carefully studied to assure Adopted Council Minutes 5 of 9 Regular Council Minutes September 9, 2008 there are no hidden cost increases. Councilmember Black's position with the PCA and due to grant money awarded to Eureka could be considered a conflict of interest. Two residents stated that Councilmember Black should abstain fiom voting on the recycling contract but continue to advise. A resident stated he would like to continue the relationship with Waste Management but has concerns regarding the container sizes. Rich Hirstein from Allied Services brought forth a proposal for the City to consider. Allied is initiating a new program for their customers to encourage recycling. The program is called a Recycle Bank Program which will credit household's money based on the number of times a household recycles. Mayor Slavik responded that their proposal was previously reviewed but declined due to services offered and cost. Tim Grimmel and Susan Hubbard from Eureka Recycling extended their thanks to the Council for their consideration. Regardless of who is chosen to do recycling it is important that Plymouth recycles more. Their goal is to educate the residents and add more material that can be recycled. Eureka recycles more items and works towards increasing the number of items that can be picked up for recycling. Tim Grimmel stated even with population increases the recycling has decreased in Plymouth over the past 4 years in comparison to Eureka Recycling who has experienced an increase in recycling in conummities they service due to education. Jennifer IUunet from Waste Management thanked the Council for touring the facilities to gain a better understanding of the recycling process. Waste Management has submitted two proposals which are to do a 3 -year extension along with the lowest rate in the market and an option for carted single sort recycling. The carts could be provided by Waste Management or purchased by the City of Plymouth. Councilmember Bildsoe stated his concern with the tons per household decreasing and asked Waste Management how they explain the decrease. The response from Waste Management is due to manufacturers becoming green and less weight in their packaging has affected the tons of waste. Does Waste Management have comparisons with other communities' recycling participation? Waste Management responded that Plymouth residents are comparable to surrounding communities. Councilmember Black questioned how carted bi-monthly pick-up could increase participation as Waste Management previously stated. The response was due to the single sort cart having easier access and the carts are more visible due to comparable size of a trash cart increases resident participation. Councilmember Bildsoe asked whether Waste Management would consider cost sharing. Councilmember Stein asked Waste Management what education is included in their program. Waste Management practices a collaborative program with the communities they service by publication of newsletters on hot topics regarding recycling. Councilmember Stein also inquired about multi -family and commercial services. Waste Management does service commercial businesses. Councilmember Black asked if there was multi-lingual education available. Waste Management does provide multi-lingual literature. Mayor Slavik responded to the complaint that City Staff did not provide data requested by a resident. City Manager Ahrens stated that specific requests from residents that require special analysis are not done but all data under the data practices act is available to the public. Gene Boyer restated that he wanted specific information regarding how the cost comparison between the 2 contracts was calculated. Mayor Slavik stated this information was public and Staff has done an excellent job in providing information. Mayor Slavik stated that a no -cost program to drop off items that have a charge to recycle would not be equitable to other residents that Adopted Council Minutes 6 of 9 Regular Council Minutes September 9, 2008 would not use the service. A resident asked if a referendum could be put on the ballot to move money from solid waste fund to another fund. Attorney Knutson responded that the funds are dedicated and cannot be moved. A resident asked if Eureka had hidden ways to raise fees. Director Cote responded that Eureka's contract does not have a hidden clause to raise rates. Mayor Slavik asked for clarification regarding Anchor Glass. Director Cote responded that Eureka's contract reflects the fluctuating market which is standard in contracts. Councilmember Bildsoe asked Eureka why Plymouth's recycling has decreased. Eureka stated consumption is up, Plymouth's glass percentage has increased contrary to Waste Managements statements. Eureka Recycling stated the decrease is due to the lack of educating the community to move beyond the current recycling efforts. Susan Hubbard also stated that the Council should review the contract with Waste Management carefully to assure they are getting the best for the residents. Mayor Slavik commented that Allied was not considered because due to the contract proposal of 1.2 million and the current contract is 315,000 dollars annually. Mayor Slavik appreciated their efforts and wished them success with their new Recycle Bank program. Councilmember Bildsoe stated that the process has been very educational due to the competition spurred by Eureka Recycling. This has not been an easy process. The best service we can provide the residents is to provide more information to the consumers and providing an ease of doing the recycling which would be to go to the single sort cart program. Councilmember Bildsoe made a motion to negotiate with Waste Management for a single sort cart system, with a revenue sharing component so the City can benefit from increased recycling. Mayor Slavik seconded for discussion. Discussion: Councilmember Willis stated by eliminating Eureka Recycling other providers should be given the same opportunity to present another proposal as Waste Management. Councilmember Bildsoe stated that other proposals did contain the single sort cart program. Councilmember Stein also supports the single sort cart program with the alternative to extend Waste Managements current contract for one year. This would allow further investigation into other providers and what services they could offer. Councilmember Black responded to the statement of competition with the proposals. If dual sorting is eliminated that also eliminates the competition because the list of providers will decrease. Revenue sharing is not going to be enough of a gain to warrant that change. If pickup is every other week we should see a decrease and not an increase due to less fuel being used. Councilmember Hewitt is in agreement to extend the Waste Management contract one year and thanked Staff for their great job in answering calls and emails regarding the contract and conunended Solid Waste Management Coordinator Hellekson for all her work. City Manager Ahrens stated that Waste Management has not offered to extend the contract for 1 year. Councilmember Stein directed a question to Waste Management regarding a 1 year contract and the reply was no due to the affect on their fleet and other city contracts. Councilmember Willis questioned how the investment affects other communities and employees. The affect would be day changes in route pick up and employee hours. Councilmember Stein asked about the cart program. Waste Management responded that this could begin in 2009 with an approved contract. Councilmember Murdock complimented the providers that submitted a proposal and the education provided to the Council. Councilmember Murdock does not support a new contract with Waste Management because Eureka Recycling offers more education and their goal is to Adopted Council Minutes 7 of 9 Regular Council Minutes September 9, 2008 increase recycling in the City of Plymouth. Mayor Slavik called for a vote on the motion by Councilmember Bildsoe. With six no and one yes the motion failed. Councilmember Stein made a motion to extend Waste Managements contract for 3 years during that time City Staff can work with the cities of Golden Valley and Minnetonka to introduce a single sort cart program. Motion died for lack of second. Mayor Slavik supports the 3 -year contract extension but is not willing to have staff spend that time working with 2 other communities if they are not interested in the same programs. Councilmember Willis made a motion to accept Waste Management's proposal dated September 4, 2008, and extend it for 3 years. Councilmember Stein seconded the motion. Discussion: Councilmember Stein stated that the reason Eureka Recycling is under consideration is due to the education they offer residents. However, Waste Management has agreed to work with the City. Councilmember Stein would like staff to work with Waste Management to step up the education. Councilmember Black and Councilmember Murdock will not support this motion. With four members voting no and 3 yes the motion failed. Counciliiernber Black made a motion to accept Waste Managements proposal of September 4, 2008 along with the 3 days per week pick up. Councilmember Murdock seconded. Discussion: Councilmember Black clarified that the change in days are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday pick-up. This will remove 10-20 percent of the residents to another day to even out the number of residents picked up each day. Councilmembers Stein and Hewitt will not support the motion. Councilmember Hewitt inquired about the change in pick-up days not coinciding with the trash day. Councilmember Black responded that eventually most residents will be incorporated with their trash day. Some Plymouth residents do not have the same day pick-up due to their choice in trash provider. With five Councilmembers voting no and two yes the motion failed. Councilmember Willis wants to get the best contract for the resident which offers the best economic value. Councilmember Black commented that the prolonged discussion offered her the opportunity to speak with residents from the large majority that did not respond to Waste Management's letter. The response was that the residents felt this was the Council's decision. Councilmember Hewitt stated a 1 -year extension of Waste Managements contract is her choice and struggles to extend it for another 3 years. Cormcilnember Willis made a motion accept continuation of September 4, 2008 proposal motion seconded by Councilmember Stein. With five Councilmembers voting no and two yes the motion failed. Adopted Council Minutes 8 of 9 Regular Council Minutes September 9, 2008 Councilmember Stein moved to table the issue until next meeting. Motion died due to lack of second. Waste Management Representative addressed the Councilmembers and offered a 2 -year contract with the opportunity to extend the third year. Mayor Slavik made motion to accept Waste Managements September 4, 2008 proposal which states hauling will be $2.88 per household per month, processing fee of $51.09 per ton, revenue sharing of 75 percent to the City. Councihnember Bildsoe seconded the motion. With four members voting in favor and three members voting no the motion carried. Reports and Staff Recommendations There were no Reports and Staff Recommendations. Adiournment Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at approximately Representative Adopted Council Minutes 9 of 9 Regular Council Minutes September 9, 2008