HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 11-10-2009 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
November 10, 2009
Mayor Slavik called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 5:40 p.m. in the
Medicine Lake Conference Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on November 10, 2009.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Black, Murdock, Stein, Willis, Johnson,
and Bildsoe (arrived at 6:30 p.m.).
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Community Development Director Juetten, Park
Director Blank, Fire Chief Kline, Planning Manager Senness, Senior Planner Drill, City Engineer
Moberg, and Deputy City Clerk Olson.
Northwest Area Infrastructure Review (2009050)
Community Development Director Juetten gave a staff report on the following:
A review of how the Comprehensive Plan addresses future development
Status of existing lift stations
Status of the Elm Creek Interceptor connections
Outlined the maps showing which parcels in the northwest area have access to public
streets, gravity sanitary sewer, and water service
Community Development Director Juetten stated the Metropolitan Council had previously
approved the PCA permit to allow construction of the Elm Creek interceptor, but the stipulation
exists that the City can't connect into the interceptor until the agreement is signed by all parties.
Councilmember Willis asked for clarification on the cost to enter in the Elm Creek interceptor as
well as the history of how this came about. Community Development Director Juetten replied
that they do not have an exact number from the Metropolitan Council and have tried without .
result to meet with them. City Engineer Moberg added that staff has been unable to locate any
documentation about the interceptor, but it. appears that it is something that the City requested for
it to be constructed. He believes it extends to a line south of Highway 55 and extends east to
west. Councilmember Willis suggested contacting former staff to see what they recall during the
time this was negotiated.
Councilmember Johnson inquired what was done historically with.temporary lift stations.
Community Development Director Juetten replied several temporary lift stations had been put in
and as development followed, they were then eliminated.
City Engineer Moberg stated that historically, development started in the southeast corner of
Plymouth and has moved to the northwest. The sewer naturally wants to flow from north to
Adopted Minutes 1 of 3 Special Meeting of November 10, 2009
south and water wants to flow from south to north. He stated that there are gaps in the system
and the big question is whether to bridge that gap through development or a City project.
Councilmember Willis was concerned that the roads were not paved to the standards for such
heavy development. He stated that he would not expect taxpayers to pay for those
improvements. Developers would then have to pay those costs, but this could lead to timing
issues.
Council directed staff to keep them apprised of infrastructure needs.
Councilmember Johnson inquired about tapping into Maple Grove's water and the associated
costs. City Manager Ahrens stated that she had contacted Maple Grove to see if this is possible
and Maple Grove stated it could support it for the short term but not the long term.
Councilmember Johnson stated that she would be willing to consider that option.
Councilmember Black stated that a short term answer makes her nervous and inquired what they
would do when the short term is up.
Mayor Slavik asked the Council about their thoughts on temporary lift stations as her thoughts
are that it should be on a case-by-case basis in order to not delay development or burden the
taxpayers. Councilmember Willis stated he is not comfortable with them. In the current
economy, temporary lift stations would be relied on longer than usually needed. He stated he is
also uncomfortable with new road costs when they can't maintain the current ones due to the
economy. Councilmember Black agreed. Councilmember Stein also agreed but said he could
accept temporary lift stations if conditions were the same as a previous development where there
was no cost to the taxpayers.
Dave Gonyea and Jake Walesch of Gonyea Development spoke about the work they have done
for the City and the costs of that work.
Mr. Walesch stated that it would help them if they understood why Council dislikes the idea of
temporary lift stations. Councilmember Johnson replied that it was because of system failure
and she recalled homeowners who had raw sewage in their basements after such a failure.
Councilmember Willis responded that it is a band-aid approach to the sewer system and it
distorts the pattern of development. City Manager Ahrens added that Plymouth has a history of
power failures and generators need to be present that can power the temporary lift station when
needed. She stated that it is a sensitive issue for residents.
Councilmember Willis suggested that it would behoove landowners to work with the developers
to maximize the potential value of the land.
Mayor Slavik had concerns about who would maintain the temporary lift station if the developer
goes bankrupt. Mr. Gonyea suggested that cost could be assessed to the property owner. Mayor
Slavik would like to see a consistent approach to temporary lift stations.
Community Development Director Juetten summarized what he heard from Council:
Adopted Minutes 2 of 3 Special Meeting of November 10, 2009
1. Council prefers not to have temporary lift stations.
2. Council is flexible on obtaining water services from neighboring communities so long as
costs are upfront.
3. Temporary lift stations are on a case by case basis and costs would be assessed to
property owners if the developer goes bankrupt.
4. Staff is to look closer at street development.
Set Future Study Sessions
The Council moved the November 24, 2009 study session to 5:30 p.m. The agenda will be the
quarterly update with the City Manager and the City Manager's annual performance review.
The following Study Sessions were scheduled:
1. January 12, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss Visit Minneapolis North.
2. January 26, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. do discuss farmers' market.
The Council added Discuss Transit System to the pending study session list and will schedule a
date in early 2010.
City Manager Ahrens asked if the Council wanted to set a study session to consider whether to
seek an extension or obtain new proposals for the recycling contract. The Council directed staff
to determine what a one-year extension would include and report back to the Council.
Adjournment
Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at approximately/6:555 p.m
Kimberly A. . is , Deputy City Clerk
Adopted Minutes 3 of 3 Special Meeting of November 10, 2009