HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 02-08-2000 SpecialADOPTED MINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 8, 2000
A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at
7:00 p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on February 8,
2000.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Black, Slavik, Harstad,
Johnson, Brown, and Bildsoe.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Community
Development Director Hurlburt, Building Official Ryan, Public Works Director Moore,
Finance Director Hahn, Park and Recreation Director Blank, City Clerk Paulson, and
Housing Supervisor Goldsmith (arrived at 7:45 p.m)
Drainageway Maintenance and Notification
Public Works Director stated staff has provided a report on drainageway maintenance and
notification procedures. He explained if the City is performing maintenance on the open
drainage system, other than at the culverts or storm sewer pipes adjacent to the street,
adjacent property owners are notified. He further stated that the drainage maintenance,
which the City performs, is within public easements established for the system.
However, there are some systems that were developed more than 20 years ago where
public easements were not established. If the City does not have public easements, staff
contacts the property owners for permission to perform the necessary maintenance.
Councilmember Black stated she received a number of phone calls from residents in her
ward who were very unhappy when the City cleaned out their ditch. She stated the
residents did receive notification that the maintenance was to occur; however, they didn't
receive the notice until that day or after the maintenance was already performed. The
residents were concerned about the number of trees that were removed. She suggested
the notification procedure be improved.
Mike Erickson stated he contacted Mayor Tierney and Councilmember Black about this
issue. He stated he did receive notification, but it was after the fact. He was concerned
that 12 trees located on the north side of his drainage ditch were removed. He realizes
that there is a City easement there; however, those were his trees. He explained when he
purchased his property 13 years ago, he paid for those trees. He stated he contacted
Public Works
Adopted City Council Minutes
Special Meeting of February 8, 2000
Page 2 of 5
Director Moore and was told that these trees were removed to facilitate drainage.
However, a number of these trees were removed to improve the access for equipment in
case the City ever had to dredge the ditch. He stated if he hadn't contacted the City, all
of his trees may have been removed. He reported that the City has planted six new trees
on his property, but the trees that were cut are starting to bush out which will create a
bigger problem later.
Mayor Tierney stated his situation was conveyed to the City, and staff developed a
practice to notify adjacent property owners when drainage and ditch maintenance is to be
performed.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson,
to notify residents a minimum of 30 days in advance of any drainage and ditch
maintenance. An opportunity would be provided for residents to meet with staff if there
are any questions and/or concerns.
Public Works Director Moore stated this procedure would be workable, and it could be
longer than 30 days due to weather conditions in some cases before the maintenance
would begin. He added that the maintenance of ditches is completed every 10 years.
Some of the Councilmembers suggested that staff include an article in the City's
newsletter regarding this issue.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to
amend the main motion that staff provide a copy of the notification which is sent to the
property owners to the Council in the Council Information Memorandum. With all
members voting in favor, the motion carried.
The Council voted on the amended main motion and with all members voting in favor,
the motion carried.
Building Inspection Process and Fees
Building Official Ryan discussed his report he provided to the Council regarding building
permit fees and inspections, and more specifically, as it related to a complaint by Mr.
Labeck, 10725 396 Avenue North, who was issued a building permit to re -roof his house
and garage. He acknowledged there was an error made on Mr. Labeck's final inspection
as the inspector stayed in his vehicle and did not walk around the home. However, a
meeting was conducted with the employee to ensure that this does not occur again.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Special Meeting of February 8, 2000
Page 3 of 5
He added that the City issues many building permits where the contractor and/or resident
do not inform the City if the project has been completed. The City then notifies the
residents as to the status of the project so that a final inspection can be completed. If the
residents do not respond to the City, the permit is voided.
Mr. Labeck stated it is his opinion when a resident applies and pays for a building permit,
the resident should be assured that the work was performed correctly. He questioned
how does the City know that the contractor performed the work correctly when they are
not on site during the construction?
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated the contractor is obligated to adhere to
certain requirements. The City is not the warranty; however, the City is a tool that the
resident is able to utilize to enforce the warranty that the contractor has provided to the
resident.
Building Official Ryan added State law requires a final inspection. He acknowledged
that especially with a reroofing project, the inspectors are not able to view the majority of
the work.
Discussion was held relative to informing the residents of the building permit process and
more importantly the need for final inspections. The suggestion to improve the handout
given to individuals who apply for building permits and an article on building permits in
the City newsletter was supported by the Council.
Community Foundation
Assistant City Manager Ahrens stated Councilmember Brown has suggested that the City
consider the possibility of establishing a community foundation. She stated the
Minneapolis Foundation is a well known area foundation that raises funds to create a
permanent endowment, invest that endowment, and give the earnings from it back to the
community through grants, loans, public policy, and education projects. However, the
City Attorney has advised staff that it would not be legal for the City itself to create a
new corporation whether it would be for profit or non-profit.
Councilmember Brown provided a background on the basis of his request, and he has
spoken to other organizations in the community that are showing interest in the
possibility.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Special Meeting of February 8, 2000
Page 4 of 5
Mayor Tierney suggested the Civic League be contacted to initiate this effort which
would broaden their scope of activities.
Parks and Recreation Director Blank also suggested that the Plymouth Fine Arts Council
be contacted about the possibility.
Livable Community Goals
Councilmember Bildsoe explained he requested this item be discussed at a Study Session
in order to provide an opportunity for the Council to ask questions and offer their
comments on this program.
Community Development Director Hulburt informed the Council that the livable
community goals are contained in the housing plan which is part of the Comprehensive
Plan.
The Council discussed with Community Development Director Hurlburt and Housing
Supervisor Goldsmith the City's ability to attain its goals, affordable housing, and the
Comprehensive Plan. Community Development Director Hurlburt stressed that the
Livable Communities Act only implies to the areas in the City limits where sewer and
water would be provided.
Councilmember Brown informed the Council that he and Housing Supervisor Goldsmith
have been meeting with non-profit agencies that address affordable housing. They have
requested these agencies to update the City on projects they are currently addressing and
the status of those projects.
Schedule Next Study Session and Topics
The Council scheduled the following Special Meetings:
1. Thursday, March 2, 6:00 p.m. — discuss Council goals and priorities (Public Safety
Training Room).
2. Thursday, March 9, 7:00 p.m. - Joint Meeting with Charter Commission (Public
Safety Training Room).
3. Tuesday, April 4, 7:00 p.m. - Joint Meeting with Environmental Quality Committee
on the Bassett Creek Watershed (Council Chambers).
4. April 18, 7:00 p.m. — update on the Police and Fire Departments and Council salaries
Public Safety Training Room)..
Adopted City Council Minutes
Special Meeting of February 8, 2000
Page 5 of 5
Councilmember Slavik stated she is concerned about school safety issues as they relate to
trails, sidewalks, and crosswalks. Public Works Director Moore stated a report on the
crosswalks at Central Middle School is on the agenda for the February 15 Council
meeting. The issues regarding Greenwood Elementary would be addressed as part of the
County Road 101 improvement.
Mayor Tierney requested staff to meet with Armstrong High School regarding the
concerns that have been conveyed to the Council.
A motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black,
to schedule the meetings listed above. With all members voting in favor, the motion
carried.
Councilmember Black stated she would like to discuss the Watershed Management
Appointments with the Environmental Quality Committee membership composition as a
future study session.
Quarterly Check -In
The Council conducted a quarterly check-in with City Manager Johnson. The Study
Session was adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
aulson, City Clerk
I ! "
dr a R.9P