HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 12-12-2024Adopted Minutes Page 1 of 9 Regular Meeting of December 12, 2023
Adopted Minutes
Regular City Council Meeting
December 12, 2023
Mayor Wosje 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 December 12, 2023.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Wosje, Councilmembers Willis, McGregor, Davis, Peterson, Pointner, and
Gregor.
COUNCIL ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Callister, Public Safety Director Fadden, Fire Chief Coppa, Public Works
Director Thompson, Engineering Services Manager McKenzie, Community and Economic Development
Director Fernelius, Planning and Development Manager McGuire, Senior Planner Drill, Park and
Recreation Director Tomlinson, Human Resources Director Timpone, Finance Director Rich, Assistant
Finance Director Larson, Economic Development Coordinator Parsons, Water Resources Supervisor
Scharenbroich, Management Intern Nwachi, City Attorney Mattick, and City Clerk/Administrative
Coordinator Gallup.
Plymouth Forum
Dr. Kamal Ahmed, 16935 56th Ave N., expressed his desire for peace in Plymouth.
Presentations and Public Information Announcements
(4.1) Recognize Police Citizen Academy graduates
Public Safety Director Fadden introduced and recognized the Police Citizen Academy graduates. The City
Council congratulated the graduates.
(4.2) Recognize 2023 Plymouth Environmental Academy attendees
Water Resources Supervisor Scharenbroich and Environmental Quality Committee Chair Laura Babcock
recognized the Environmental Academy graduates. City Council expressed their appreciation for this
program.
(4.3) Receive donation from Wayzata Youth Hockey Association for Plymouth Ice Center equipment
improvements
Park and Recreation Director Tomlinson and Wayzata Youth Hockey Association past president Greg
Gibson presented the city with a donation of $8,280.64 and thanked the city for their support. Mayor
Wosje thanked Mr. Gibson for the hockey association’s continued partnership with the city.
Adopted Minutes Page 2 of 9 Regular Meeting of December 12, 2023
(4.4) Receive donation from Plymouth Wayzata Baseball Association for a batting cage at Plymouth
Creek Park
Park and Recreation Director Tomlinson and Plymouth Wayzata Youth Baseball Association president,
Paul Koziol presented a donation of approximately $72,000 for new batting cages at the Plymouth Creek
Park. Mayor Wosje expressed his gratitude for this partnership and thanked Park and Recreation
Director Tomlinson for her hard work.
Approval of Agenda
Mayor Wosje reordered the agenda to consider General Business Item 8.1 following Public Hearing 7.2.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Pointner, to approve the
agenda as revised. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Consent Agenda
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember McGregor, to adopt the
Consent Agenda that included the following items:
(6.1) Council minutes from special meeting and regular meeting of November 28, 2023 and special
meeting of December 5, 2023.
(6.2) Resolution approving disbursements ending December 1, 2023 (Res2023‐299).
(6.3) Resolution approving final closeout for the Bass Lake Estates 2nd Addition Stream Restoration
Project (WR220001) (Res2023‐300).
(6.4) Resolution approving 2024 tobacco licenses (Res2023‐301).
(6.5) Resolution approving 2024 refuse hauler licenses (Res2023‐302).
(6.6) Resolution approving 2024 target and trap shooting license for Plymouth Gun Club (Res2023‐
303).
(6.7) Resolution awarding contract for the Chelsea Woods Drainage Improvement Project
(WR150004) (Res2023‐304).
(6.8) Resolution approving 2024 social services and community funding (Res2023‐305).
(6.9) Resolution approving the decertification of tax increment financing district No. 7‐6 (Res2023‐
306).
(6.10) Resolution approving final closeout for the Meadow Wood Drainage Improvement Project
(WR180009) (Res2023‐307).
Adopted Minutes Page 3 of 9 Regular Meeting of December 12, 2023
(6.11) Resolution approving the final closeout for the Zachary Playfield pickleball courts (PR229005)
and Bass Lake playfield courts & parking lot reconstruction projects (PRN23001) (Res2023‐308).
(6.12) Resolution amending final closeout for the Lancaster Lift Station Pump Replacement Project
(SS210001) (Res2023‐309).
(6.13) Resolution accepting streets for continual maintenance for Fields of Vicksburg (2021060)
(Res2023‐310), Resolution accepting streets for continual maintenance for Meadow Ridge Estates
(2018014) (Res2023‐311).
(6.14) Ordinance repealing Section 1145 of the Plymouth City Code concerning taxicabs (Ord2023‐
18), Resolution approving Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 2023‐18 (Res2023‐312).
(6.15) Resolution approving regular city council meeting schedule for 2024 (Res2023‐313).
(6.16) Resolution approving the 2024‐2025 labor agreement between the City of Plymouth and Law
Enforcement Labor Services (LELS)‐‐police officers local #18 (Res2023‐314).
(6.17) Resolution approving the city manager’s choice to participate in PERA’s coordinated plan
(Res2023‐315).
(6.18) Resolution accepting donations and sponsorships for City of Plymouth (Res2023‐316).
(6.19) Resolution approving tobacco license application of Kelli and Gray, LLC. d/b/a Merwin Liquor,
10200 6th Avenue North, #101 (Res2023‐317).
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Public Hearings
(7.1) Public hearing on off‐sale intoxicating liquor license application of Kelli and Gray, LLC d/b/a
Merwin Liquor, 10200 6th Avenue North, #101, Plymouth
City Clerk/Administrative Coordinator Gallup presented this item, noting the police conducted the
background check, found no reason to deny the license, and residents within 500 feet have been
notified.
Mayor Wosje opened the public hearing.
Mayor Wosje closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Councilmember Pointner, and seconded by Councilmember Davis, to adopt
Resolution approving off‐sale intoxicating liquor license application of Kelli and Gray, LLC. d/b/a Merwin
Liquor, 10200 6th Avenue North, #101 (Res2023‐318). With all members voting in favor, the motion
carried.
Adopted Minutes Page 4 of 9 Regular Meeting of December 12, 2023
(7.2) Continuation of public hearing on wine and on‐sale 3.2 percent malt liquor license
applications of L & P Enterprises, LLC. d/b/a Lucky Street Thai Street Food and Sushi, 1400 County
Road 101, Unit I
City Clerk/Administrative Coordinator Gallup presented this item, noting the background check was
completed and residents within 500 feet have been notified.
Public Safety Director Fadden presented the findings of his report and recommended denial of the
license. He cited multiple convictions of felonies and misdemeanors. State statute requires a person to
be under good moral character and repute. Public Safety Director Fadden does not believe the applicant
meets the requirements.
Mayor Wosje opened the public hearing.
Andy Ly, 1400 County Road 101, Unit 1, applicant, expressed his desire to move forward with his life,
give back to the community and improve the restaurant for his customers.
Mayor Wosje closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Davis, to adopt
Resolution denying wine and on‐sale 3.2 percent malt liquor license applications of l & P enterprises, LLC
d/b/a Lucky Street Thai Street Food and Sushi, 1400 County Road 101, Unit I (Res2023‐319). With all
members voting in favor, the motion carried.
General Business
(8.1) Approve rezoning, platting, site plan, conditional use permit, and wetland replacement plan
for Eagle Brook Church for property located at 17910 Chankahda Trail (2023‐065)
Senior Planner Drill and Engineering Services Manager McKenzie presented this item and provided
background information. The Planning and Zoning application process was explained with regard to this
project, noting the meeting packet contains letters for and against the development.
Engineering Services Manager McKenzie reviewed the traffic and wetland replacement study and added
the traffic study used the latest technology to help in statistical data. He provided a brief description of
the proposal and history of the area. He stated the preliminary plat application established two lots. One
lot for the church and the other lot would be dedicated to the city for the expansion of Harvest Park.
Engineer Services Manager McKenzie added trail connections would be installed for the new pedestrian
tunnel.
Senior Planner Drill reviewed the storm water management and the tree preservation plan. The
environmental review was not required and the application complies with all platting regulations. Senior
Planner Drill reviewed the revised landscaping plan and the conditional use permit process. He provided
the setback distances from the church to the road and noted the conditional use plan is consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan.
Adopted Minutes Page 5 of 9 Regular Meeting of December 12, 2023
Stephanie Hauber, representing the applicant, thanked Mayor Wosje and the City Council for the
opportunity.
Mark Steffenson, 128800 Arbor Lakes Place, Mayor of Maple Grove, stated his concern of a single access
point and how that will impact Fieldbrook Road.
Heidi Alexander, 18236 62nd Place N., Maple Grove, expressed her concern regarding traffic conflicts
and delays for non‐church traffic.
Larry Brauch, 17525 46th Avenue N., supported the development and encouraged council members to
look back at what they promised their constituents.
Joseph Moore, 6110 Ranier Lane N., expressed his concern regarding the resale of his property if it is
approved.
Josh Kramer, 17865 62nd Avenue, Maple Grove, described his concern about infrastructure and the
possibility of residents being required to pay for any reconstruction or improvement of roadways.
Sue Christiansen, 4565 Glacier Lane N., suggested using the land for affordable housing or other possible
economic housing situations.
Gary Swoverland, 6205 Shadyview Lane, Maple Grove, expressed his concern about the size of the
church, traffic safety, and the enjoyment of people’s homes.
Dale Davis, 1016 Trenton Circle, noted her concern regarding the teachings of Eagle Brook Church.
Darnell Fischer, 17130 60th Avenue N., stated her opposition to the development.
Brad Olson, 16975 60th Avenue N., was in favor of the development and stated Eagle Brook Church
knows how to manage extra traffic.
Rachel D’Souza, 18516 58th Place, expressed her concern regarding pedestrian traffic and safety. She
also noted concern regarding a possible rental capability of this development in the future.
Jason D’Souza, 18516 58th Place, stated his opposition to the development.
Samantha Hargreaves, 18596 58th Place, thanked Councilmember Willis for his comments regarding
affordable housing and stated her opposition to this development.
Mark and Nicole Hizen, 18563 58th Place, stated their opposition to this development.
Steph Schommer, 5715 Urbandale, stated her opposition to the development and stated it does not
match the goals of the Comprehensive Plan.
Reverand Bruce Kronen, 4325 Zachary Lane N., spoke in favor of the proposal and encouraged residents
of Plymouth to find their vision of faith.
Mary Lonergan‐Cullum, 5760 Urbandale Lane N., expressed her concern regarding light pollution.
Adopted Minutes Page 6 of 9 Regular Meeting of December 12, 2023
Emmet Tischmak, 5725 Walnut Grove, suggested alternatives for this site.
Yanan Wang, 5865 Walnut Grove, expressed his concern regarding a potential property tax impact if
approved.
Ben Steger, 6251 Queensland Lane N., stated his opposition to this project.
Carl Stamp, 18309 64th Avenue N., Maple Grove, questioned whether a high‐density development
would have the same traffic and safety concerns as the proposed church.
Dan McIntyre, 6314 Ranier Lane N., Maple Grove, expressed his concern regarding traffic, pedestrian,
and school bus safety.
Smeeta Adaniya, 6305 Kimberly Lane N., stated her opposition and noted the possible air pollution from
idling cars.
Richard Fisher, 17130 60th Avenue N., suggested the proposed property’s green space could be utilized
in other ways.
Erik Takkunen, 14905 61st Place N., stated his support and noted the site plan showed open green space
and wetlands.
Suriket Fulzele, 18503 58th Place, suggested alternatives for this property.
Scott Mickelson, 18145 61st Avenue N., stated his opposition to the project and suggested the property
be developed into something else.
Danny Ng, 18340 58th Avenue N., opposed the location of this development.
Alex Krenik, 5715 Walnut Grove Lane N., stated his opposition and believed the property could be used
for something different.
Andrew Peterson, 5720 Walnut Grove Lane N., stated his opposition to this development.
Chris Mahrer, 5710 Walnut Grove Lane N., expressed his opposition to the development of the church.
Yogesh Rao, 18385 58th Avenue N., suggested using the land for affordable housing and opposed the
development.
Sujanitha Govindarajan, 18465 58th Avenue N., stated her opposition and suggested the land be used
for affordable housing.
Kamalakay Kanajam, 17675 62nd Avenue N., Maple Grove, expressed his concern regarding light
pollution and how it would affect residents around his property.
Betsy Moore, 6110 Ranier Lane, stated her opposition and expressed her concern over the beliefs of the
Eagle Brook Church.
Adopted Minutes Page 7 of 9 Regular Meeting of December 12, 2023
Michael Kauffman, 18190 60th Avenue N., described the amount of green space in the site plan for the
Eagle Brook Church and believed it would add value to his home.
Audrey Britton, 12500 53rd Avenue N., expressed her concern regarding the location of this church.
Swetha Vangala, 6045 Kimberly Lane N., expressed her concern regarding her property value and the
potential decrease in nature and wildlife.
Mayor Wosje closed the public comment period.
Mayor Wosje called for a short 10‐minute recess. Mayor Wosje reconvened the meeting.
In response to questions from the City Council, Senior Planner Drill and Engineering Services Manager
McKenzie provided the following information:
Statistics on the turn lane traffic volume
Described landscaping efforts and stated sufficient screening would be installed between
wetland 3 and 4
Pedestrian safety improvements made to Maple Grove Parkway
Meadows Park proposal will improve walkability and safety in this area
Permit process and City Council approval would be required if used for other land uses
Proposal complied with lighting ordinance
Engineering Services Manager McKenzie clarified the parking is sufficient for Wednesday night youth
events and overflow parking would only be needed for special events.
Ms. Hauber, representing the applicant, stated snow removal would occur during the morning hours.
City Attorney Mattick clarified criteria to consider if there was a findings of facts motion of denial. He
added cities do have the power to control land use. He reviewed criteria for land use applications and
advised a denial would require an explanation or reason. Resident testimony on its own is not enough to
deny the land use but issues regarding traffic or other items in the city code or the conditional use
permit could be used as criteria for denial.
City Attorney Mattick outlined the guidelines for property zoned LA‐2 and stated religious institutions
are a compatible use within LA‐2. He added the Comprehensive Plan document provides residents and
community members structure and is used for zoning ordinances and guidelines during land use
proposals.
In response to further questions from the City Council, Senior Planner Drill and Engineering Services
Manager McKenzie provided the following information:
Intersection of Maple Grove Parkway and Chankahda Trail has been studied and the turn lanes
are adequate for the additional proposed traffic
Weekend traffic growth was put into the traffic study
Described the grading plan and stated the exterior meets the minimum zoning standards with
precast concrete panels
Adopted Minutes Page 8 of 9 Regular Meeting of December 12, 2023
The council discussed the exterior design, landscaping options, single access point in or out of the
neighborhood, traffic volume during peak hours, livability of residents around the site, and other
potential locations for this development.
Motion was made by Councilmember Peterson, and seconded by Councilmember Pointner, to direct
staff to prepare resolution of findings of fact denying the application. With Councilmembers Willis,
McGregor, Davis, Peterson, Pointner, and Gregor voting yes, and Mayor Wosje voting no, the motion
carried 6‐1.
Public Hearings (continued)
(7.3) Public hearing on 2024 budget; property tax levies; amended 2024‐2032 Capital Improvement
Plan; and 2024 Classification and Compensation Plan
Finance Director Rich presented this item and stated the 7.5% levy increase and the additional
information is the same as what was described in the previous council workshop.
Mayor Wosje opened the public hearing.
Nick Roehl, Greenfield, inquired about statistics on the levy increase compared to estimates from the
previous two years and the effect of the overall tax value on property owners.
Finance Director Rich explained changes to the long‐term model were due to the debt issued for the
community center and fire stations. She added the increase in the tax base will cover city services.
Mayor Wosje closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Councilmember McGregor, and seconded by Councilmember Pointner, to adopt
Resolution adopting the 2024 budgets (Res2023‐320), Resolution approving amended 2024‐2032 Capital
Improvement Plan (Res2023‐321), Resolution to authorize the 2024 HRA levy (Res2023‐322), Resolution
adopting tax levies for taxes payable 2024 (Res2023‐323), Resolution approving a general increase to
wages and contributions to benefits plans for non‐represented employees in 2024 (Res2023‐324). With
all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
(7.4) Public hearing on 2024 fees
Assistant Finance Director Larson presented this item and reviewed the 2024 fee increases and other
changes to the fee schedule. Public Works Director Thompson clarified the water rates are reviewed
annually.
Mayor Wosje opened the public hearing.
Mayor Wosje closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember McGregor, to adopt
Ordinance amending a gas energy franchise fee on CenterPoint Energy Minnesota Gas (“Centerpoint
energy”) for providing gas energy service within the City of Plymouth, Minnesota (Ord2023‐19),
Ordinance amending franchise fee for Wright‐Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association, its successors
Adopted Minutes Page 9 of 9 Regular Meeting of December 12, 2023
and assigns, for providing electric service within the City of Plymouth, Minnesota (Ord2023‐20),
Ordinance amending franchise fee for Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota Corporation, d/b/a
Xcel Energy, its successors and assigns, for providing electric service within the City of Plymouth,
Minnesota (Ord2023‐21), Ordinance amending rates and fees (Ord2023‐22), Resolution approving
summary publication of Ordinance No’s. 2023‐19, 2023‐20, 2023‐21, 2023‐22 (Res2023‐325), Resolution
approving inter‐fund loan (Res2023‐326). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
General Business (continued)
(8.2) Approve 2024 legislative priorities
City Manager Callister stated the legislative priorities start in February when the legislative process
begins.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Pointner, to approve the
2024 legislative priorities. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Reports and Staff Recommendation
There were no reports or staff recommendations.
Adjournment
Mayor Wosje adjourned the regular meeting at 11:28 p.m.
_________________________________________
Jodi Gallup, City Clerk/Administrative Coordinator