HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 01-23-2024Adopted Minutes Page 1 of 7 Regular Meeting of January 23, 2024
Adopted Minutes
Regular City Council Meeting
January 23, 2024
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 January 23, 2024.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Wosje, Councilmembers Willis, Pointner, Peterson, and McGregor.
COUNCIL ABSENT: Councilmembers Davis and Gregor.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Callister, Deputy City Manager Solano, Public Safety Director Fadden, Fire
Chief Coppa, Public Works Director Thompson, Assistant City Engineer Payne, Community and Economic
Development Director Fernelius, Planning Manager McGuire, Parks and Recreation Director Tomlinson,
Human Resources Director Timpone, Finance Director Rich, Water Resources Supervisor Scharenbroich,
Management Intern Nwachi, City Attorney Mattick, and City Clerk/Administrative Coordinator Gallup.
Plymouth Forum
Betsy Moore, 6110 Ranier Lane expressed her disappointment with the information gathering process
and suggested a proactive approach moving forward.
Presentations and Public Information Announcements
(4.1) Recognize Board and Commission Members (Mayor Jeff Wosje)
Mayor Wosje recognized outgoing board and commission members, Richard Dunn (Charter
Commission), Aqueelah Whitfield (Housing and Redevelopment Authority), and Paul Senne
(Environmental Quality Committee).
(4.2) Receive updates on legislative priorities from State Legislators, Metropolitan Council Member,
and County Commissioners
The City Council received updates on legislative priorities from Senator Bonnie Westlin (District 42),
Representative Ned Carroll (District 42A), Representative Mike Freiberg (District 43B), Representative
Ginny Klevorn (District 42B), County Commissioner Kevin Anderson (District 7), County Commissioner
Irene Fernando (District 2), and Metropolitan Council Member Judy Johnson (District 1).
Approval of Agenda
Motion was made by Councilmember Pointner, and seconded by Councilmember Peterson, to approve
the agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Adopted Minutes Page 2 of 7 Regular Meeting of January 23, 2024
Consent Agenda
Motion was made by Councilmember Pointner, and seconded by Councilmember Peterson, to adopt the
Consent Agenda that included the following items:
(6.1) Council minutes from special meeting and regular meeting of January 9, 2024.
(6.2) Resolution approving disbursements ending January 12, 2024 (Res2024‐026).
(6.3) Resolution authorizing payment for 2024 membership assessments for the Bassett Creek
Watershed Management Commission, Elm Creek Watershed Management Organization, and Shingle
Creek Watershed Management Organization (Res2024‐027).
(6.4) Resolution declaring adequacy of petition and ordering preliminary engineering report for the
15th Avenue Improvement Project (ST220003) (Res2024‐028), Resolution receiving preliminary
engineering report, ordering preparation of plans and specifications, and calling for a public hearing for
the 15th Avenue Improvement Project (ST220003)(Res2024‐029), Resolution approving plans and
specifications for the 15th Avenue Improvement Project (ST220003) (Res2024‐030), Resolution declaring
cost to be assessed, and ordering preparation of proposed assessment for the 15th Avenue
Improvement Project (ST220003) (Res2024‐031), Resolution calling for public hearing on proposed
assessment for the 15th Avenue Improvement Project (ST220003) (Res2024‐032).
(6.5) Resolution approving the youth activities grant agreement with Hennepin County for the
Meadows Playfield (PR240001) (Res2024‐033).
(6.6) Resolution approving engineering guidelines and standard detail specifications dated January
2024 (Res2024‐034).
(6.7) Resolution approving Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) grant terms and conditions (SAP
155‐210‐003) (Res2024‐035).
(6.8) Resolution approving final closeout for the Hidden Lake and Beacon Heights 2nd Street
Reconstruction Project (ST229001) (Res2024‐036).
(6.9) Resolution approving the extension of the indoor seating area to the on‐sale intoxicating liquor
license with Sunday sales of Rock Elm Plymouth, LLC. d/b/a Rock Elm Tavern, 16605 County Road 24,
Suite 211 (Res2024‐037).
(6.10) Resolution approving election judges and absentee ballot board election judges for the 2024
presidential nomination primary election (Res2024‐038).
(6.11) Resolution approving the filling of wetlands and the wetland replacement plan application for
the Chelsea Woods Drainage Improvement Project NW & NE ¼, Section 29, T118N, R22W (Res2024‐
039).
(6.12) Resolution approving the 2024 Pay Equity Report (Res2024‐040).
Adopted Minutes Page 3 of 7 Regular Meeting of January 23, 2024
(6.13) Resolution approving the 2024‐2025 Labor Agreement between the City of Plymouth and Law
Enforcement Labor Services (LELS)—Police Sergeants Local #34 (Res2024‐041).
(6.14) Resolution approving variances for CUBE Inc. for property located at 2515 Magnolia Lane North
(2023080) (Res2024‐042).
Public Hearings
(7.1) Public hearing on off‐sale 3.2% malt liquor license application of Holiday Stationstores, LLC
d/b/a Holiday Stationstore #2746523, 4075 Vinewood Lane North
City Clerk/Administrative Coordinator Gallup presented this item, noted law enforcement found no
reason to deny the license, and property owners within 500 feet have been notified.
Mayor Wosje opened the public hearing.
Mayor Wosje closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Councilmember Peterson, and seconded by Councilmember Pointner, to adopt
Resolution approving off‐sale 3.2% malt liquor license application of Holiday Stationstores, LLC d/b/a
Holiday Stationstore #2746523, 4075 Vinewood Lane North (Res2024‐043). With all members voting in
favor, the motion carried.
General Business
(8.1) Approve site plan, conditional use permits, and variances for construction of a new city
playfield and modifications to Meadows Park located at 5805 Peony Lane and 5720 Peony Court (ISG
Inc. ‐ City of Plymouth 2023081)
Planning Manager McGuire and Parks and Recreation Director Tomlinson presented this item.
Planning Manager McGuire provided a high level overview of the site plan. The Planning Commission
recommended approval of the site plan, conditional use permits, and variances.
Parks and Recreation Director Tomlinson provided background history and a timeline for this project
that included public comment. Through public forums, city staff identified potential pedestrian and
cyclist problems and solutions to accommodate safer movements. She also noted the city received a
$200,000 award from Hennepin County Youth Sports Grant to help offset the cost.
In response to questions from the City Council, Planning Manager McGuire and Parks and Recreation
Director Tomlinson provided the following information:
Discussed elimination of the west side sidewalk, changes to trail and park access, and safety
improvements for pedestrians and cyclists
Trail alignment, additional stormwater capacity, growing wetlands, and a multipurpose playfield
Significant grade changes and retaining wall to help block basketballs from going on to Peony
Lane
Hockey rink is adequate size and sledding hill will utilize the year‐round pedestrian scale lights
Will be maintained by Parks and Recreation staff.
Adopted Minutes Page 4 of 7 Regular Meeting of January 23, 2024
Dr. Milind Sohoni, 16640 39th Place North, wrote an email to the Planning Commission regarding the
smaller than regulation size cricket pitch and encouraged City Council to discuss this further with a
knowledgeable Parks and Recreation Commission member to provide a better understanding.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember McGregor, to adopt
Resolution approving a site plan, conditional use permits and variances for property located at 5805
Peony Lane and 5720 Peony Court (ISG Inc., City of Plymouth ‐‐ 2023081) (Res2024‐044). With all
members voting in favor, the motion carried.
(8.2) Approve design, order advertisement for bids for the construction of the playfields, and
approve installation of park structures with MN‐WI Playground for The Meadows Playfield (PR240001)
Parks and Recreation Director Tomlinson presented this item.
In response to questions from the City Council, Parks and Recreational Director Tomlinson provided the
following information:
Structure will be prefabricated and last approximately 40‐50 years
The four‐season building will contain four gender neutral bathrooms, warming house, and
maintenance room
Bids went out to general contractors and most landscaping companies have experience in
cricket pitch sizing
Will use the expertise of Dr. Milind Sohoni to help with the construction of the cricket pitch
Motion was made by Councilmember Peterson, and seconded by Councilmember McGregor, to adopt
Resolution approving the design and order advertisement for bids for the Meadows Playfield
(PR240001) (Res2024‐045), Resolution approving the installation of park structures by MN‐WI
Playground for the Meadows Playfield (PR240001) (Res2024‐046). With all members voting in favor, the
motion carried.
(8.3) Review sketch plan application for 3140 Harbor, 3030 Harbor, 3020 Harbor Lane, and 3131
Fernbrook Lane (Doran Companies ‐ 2023083)
Planning Manager McGuire presented this item.
Tony Kuechle, 7803 Glenroy Road, Suite 200, Bloomington, representing Doran Companies, stated
Doran Companies is requesting to purchase the fourth site to provide luxury apartments and an
additional commercial space close to the Community Center, parks, and City Center. He added the
redevelopment will add density and create more business to the City Center and has great access to
transit. He noted the shift in demographics have increased the demand for high density luxury
apartments in Plymouth.
Mr. Kuechle described the various amenities this development would have and stated the amendment
change is needed to reguide the last site to LA‐5.
In response to questions from the City Council, Mr. Kuechle provided the following information:
Rooms would include a mix of 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, and studio‐bedroom apartments
Adopted Minutes Page 5 of 7 Regular Meeting of January 23, 2024
50% of residents in other buildings they own are empty nesters
Plymouth needs higher density living to make City Center flourish and grow
Current contract for fourth site will be under current contract through 2024
Project does not address affordable housing, purely a market driven project
Planning Manager McGuire provided information on the application summary, sketch plan review, and
possible text amendment change for LA‐5 designation criteria and reguiding. She also explained how
density is measured in Plymouth noting residential and commercial density are measured together
rather than just the residential portion. She described the proposed changes as an overall density
increase from 60‐70 units per acre, language change to location criteria to “reasonably” provide direct
access to principal arterial roadways, and amending LA‐5 guiding would only affect four acres.
The City Council discussed various options regarding the reguiding of land use to LA‐5 and density. There
was also discussion surrounding the need for high‐density projects in the city and how that would
increase the overall use of the City Center.
Planning Manager McGuire provided information on steps moving forward. The City Council agreed on
the single property approach which will require the applicant to develop and submit a plan for
preliminary plat, comprehensive plan amendment, and other necessary steps to designate the land to
LA‐5. The City Council also agreed to look at the LA‐5 designation and possible future changes or
amendments to the designation.
Mayor Wosje called for a short recess at 9:08 p.m.
Mayor Wosje reconvened the meeting at 9:18 p.m.
(8.4) Order and receive preliminary engineering report, order and approve plans and specifications,
call for a public hearing, order advertisement for bids, declare costs to be assessed, order preparation
of proposed assessments, and set public improvement and assessment hearings for the Birchwood
Estates Street Reconstruction Project (ST249001)
Assistant City Engineer Payne presented this item and addressed the reconstruction of streets,
replacement of watermain, installation of storm sewer, and water quality improvements. He added the
phosphorous and sediment levels are too high with the current water quality treatment plan. Assistant
City Engineer Payne described the proposed method to treat stormwater is to construct a stormwater
treatment pond. He explained the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) guidelines regarding
water quality and the MS4 permit requirements. The goal is to remove as much phosphorous and
sediment as possible before it gets to the wetland.
David Reader, 16305 5th Avenue N., expressed his concern regarding the proposed new method and the
possible mosquitos and invasive species this stormwater pond may bring.
Emyr Fackler, 16230 5th Avenue N., stated her opposition to this proposal and noted her love for the
nature around the current wetlands.
Mark Rausch, 16315 4th Avenue N., expressed his concern with the loss of trees and how that will
impact the absorption of water.
Barb Wigley, 15925 4th Avenue N., stated her opposition to this project.
Adopted Minutes Page 6 of 7 Regular Meeting of January 23, 2024
Chad Jensen, 16305 4th Avenue N., expressed his concern regarding the potential loss of green space
and how that might affect the ecosystem.
Bryan Ripp, 16020 4th Ave N., stated his opposition to this project and encouraged City Council to look
at the big picture.
Heike Suemnig, 16215 4th Avenue N., expressed her concern with the potential loss of wildlife and
natural habitat.
Sarah Suemnig, 16215 4th Avenue N., stated her opposition to this project and shared photos depicting
the loss of the tree line from the school playfield.
Mary Farquhar, 16015 5th Avenue N., encouraged a common‐sense view of this proposal.
Carly Rausch, 16315 4th Avenue N., expressed her concern with the potential loss of wildlife and
encouraged more consideration of the remaining green space within the city.
Libby Rausch, 16315 4th Avenue N., expressed her concern with this plan as it relates to the 2040 vision
statement.
Wayne Adamson, 16425 4th Avenue N., stated his opposition to this proposal.
Danny Anthony, 16310 4th Avenue N., echoed the thoughts of others’ opposition to this proposal and is
concerned about losing the woodland area.
Cindy Carlson, 16005 4th Avenue N., suggested City Council look at this proposal from an environmental
standpoint and reconsider.
In response to questions from residents and City Council, Assistant City Engineer Payne and Water
Resources Supervisor Scharenbroich provided the following information:
Described the stormwater pond system process
Pond structure would control elevation and allow phosphorous and sediment to settle on the
bottom before the water is pushed out into the wetlands
Defined and explained the MS4 permitting requirements
Excess phosphorous can increase algae blooms and weeds as it settles into wetlands and lakes
Stormwater pond design uses the most current up to date information
MPCA requires the city to do something to treat stormwater from the project if reasonably
feasible
Alternate solution could include underground tanks and would cost an additional $50,000 plus
maintenance and additional easement acquisition costs
The City Council discussed the importance of maintaining the lakes and keeping the water clean within
the city. They also discussed potential alternative solutions to decrease the phosphorous and sediment
levels in Gleason Lake. The City Council agreed to move forward with this project with the addition of
staff sending out letters of permission for easement acquisitions and placement of underground tanks.
Adopted Minutes Page 7 of 7 Regular Meeting of January 23, 2024
Motion was made by Councilmember Pointner, and seconded by Councilmember Willis, to adopt
Resolution ordering preliminary engineering report for the Birchwood Estates Street Reconstruction
Project (ST249001) (Res2024‐047), Resolution receiving preliminary engineering report, ordering
preparation of plans and specifications, and calling for a public hearing for the Birchwood Estates Street
Reconstruction Project (ST249001) (Res2024‐048), Resolution approving plans and specifications, and
ordering advertisement for bids for the Birchwood Estates Street Reconstruction Project (ST249001)
(Res2024‐049), Resolution declaring cost to be assessed, and ordering preparation of proposed
assessment for the Birchwood Estates Street Reconstruction Project (ST249001) (Res2024‐050),
Resolution for hearing on proposed assessment for the Birchwood Estates Street Project (ST249001)
(Res2024‐051) and direct staff to look into water tank easement options. With all members voting in
favor, the motion carried.
Public Works Director Thompson and Assistant City Engineer Payne will post updates to the city’s
website.
Reports and Staff Recommendations
City Manager Callister noted the Municipal Legislative Commission legislative breakfast will be held
January 26th at 7:45 a.m. at the Community Center.
Adjournment
Mayor Wosje adjourned the regular meeting at 10:42 p.m.
_________________________________________
Jodi Gallup, City Clerk/Administrative Coordinator