HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 10-13-2009 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
October 13, 2009
Mayor Slavik called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 5:30 p.m. in the
Medicine Lake Conference Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on October 13, 2009.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Black, Murdock, Stein, Willis, Johnson,
and Bildsoe.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Administrative Services Director Portner, Community
Development Director Juetten, Park Director Blank, Superintendent of Recreation Evans, and
City Clerk Engdahl.
Improvements to the Hilde Performance Center
Park Director Blank and the City's consultant presented the proposed improvements to the Hilde
Performance Center.
Councilmember Willis stated he supports the project.
Councilmember Black stated she has no objection to doing the project with this tough economy,
and the funds being used aren't taxpayer's dollars. She stated she has a few concerns regarding
the edges of the development and losing the underbrush plants. Therefore, she would prefer to
limit the "middle" access off Plymouth Boulevard so minimal trees and plants would be
removed. She noted one trail on the plans that she would remove.
Councilmember Bildsoe asked if the project could be staged. Park Director Blank replied yes.
The outside portion would be one phase and the interior portion would be the other phase.
Councilmember Bildsoe asked if the phases could be in two different years. Park Director Blank
replied yes. He stated the interior portion of the project would be improving the seating, the
accessibility, and improving the overall experience for Music in Plymouth. The outside portion
would be opening a component for small events. The funds from the Community Improvement
Fund would be used for the project.
Councilmember Murdock stated that she supports the. project, but she would suggest not doing
some of the visible decorative improvements on Plymouth Boulevard in 2010 due to. public
perception.
Adopted Minutes 1 of 3 Special Meeting of October 13, 2009
Councilmember Johnson noted that if this project proceeds, there would be on-going
maintenance costs. Park Director Blank stated that he would prepare a five year operating budget
for the Council's review.
Councilmember Stein stated that he doesn't like the wood bridge over the pond as it's not a
necessity.
Mayor Slavik asked staff if they have looked at the struggles that the City of Burnsville has faced
with their Community Arts Center. Park Director Blank replied yes, but noted that these
improvements are considerably less that what that facility is.
Councilmember Johnson stated using funds from the Community Improvement Fund is a good
use of those funds. However, she is struggling with investing this type of funding into the Hilde
Performance Center at this time.
Councilmember Bildsoe asked if the Plymouth Civic League has been involved with the
discussions surrounding these improvements. Park Director Blank replied they reviewed the
plans last year, and they were very excited about the improvements. Mayor Slavik added the
Plymouth Civic League hasn't discussed it recently as they are focusing their efforts on the
fundraising for the 2010 Music in Plymouth.
Mayor Slavik stated as Councilmember Johnson, is also struggling with this project. She stated
many of her concerns involve the residents' perception of this project. She stated the Council has
had to tighten the budgets and cut a number of positions and lay off employees, but yet funds are
being allocated to this project. However, she realizes that the Community Improvement Funds
can't be used for the general fund's salary expenditures. She asked if this project could be scaled
back.
Councilmember Murdock stated the Council could remove the project in 2010 and put in 2011
and 2012.
Councilmember Black disagreed with that approach and stated that whenever projects are
delayed, there is usually an increase in costs. The City should receive favorable bids on this
project due to the economy. She stated she supports the internal portion of the project at this
time.
Councilmember Willis stated the need to start this project. He stated the Council needs to do
what it feels best for the future of the community.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated he has a couple of issues. The first concern is that the vote to do
street reconstruction projects earlier this year didn't pass. The City would be doing a significant
project when the much needed street projects were rejected. Second, no resident has complained
to him regarding this facility. This venue is used and appreciated. He stated for him it's a want
versus a need. He stated this is a great project, but with the current economy, the City is in a
need not a want position.
Adopted Minutes 2 of 3 Special Meeting of October 13, 2009
Councilmember Stein agreed with Councilmember Bildsoe that this is a want versus need.
However, other projects the City has undertaken (i.e. Northwest Greenway, playfields, and park
systems). Those areas are also wants verses a need. The improvements would improve the
seating and accessibility for the elderly and handicap individuals to attend Music in Plymouth.
He stated these improvements to the Hilde Performance Center not only enhance this venue, but
it helps the development of the City Center area. The City is blessed to have these funds
available for this project.
Mayor Slavik asked about a scaled back version of the improvements. Park Director Blank
stated the Council would need to identify what that version would be. He stated the project could
be bid with alternatives which would allow the Council to pick and choose components.
Councilmember Willis stated that he could support the phasing of the project, but he wants the
second phase to be in the next year.
Mayor Slavik noted that this item is on the regular Council Meeting agenda following this
meeting.
Councilmember Willis stated that he would be making a motion at the regular Council Meeting
to authorize the interior improvements in an amount not to exceed $1.2 million from the
Community Improvement Fund.
Update on Northwest Greenway
Park Director Blank reported on a proposed purchase price of $1,390,000 for 10 acres in the
Northwest Greenway. He stated this property was appraised in 2009 at $1,400,000. He stated
staff feels this is a reasonable offer. He provided information for a proposed bond sale to fund
the acquisition of this site as well as two other properties. If Council is in agreement, the
purchase of this property and authorizing the open space bond sale would be on the October 27
Council agenda.
The majority of the Council indicated their informal approval and requested that these items be
placed on the October 27 Council agenda.
Adjournment
Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.
andra R. Engdahl, Ci Clerk
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Adopted Minutes 3 of 3 Special Meeting of October 13, 2009