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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 04-11-2000Adopted Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 11, 2000 A Regular Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Center, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on April 11, 2000. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Brown, Black, Harstad, Johnson, and Slavik. ABSENT: Councilmember Bildsoe. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Public Safety Director Gerdes, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Finance Director Hahn, Public Works Director Moore, Parks and Recreation Director Blank, City Attorney Knutson, and City Clerk Paulson. Plymouth Forum No one was present to address the Council. Presentations and Public Information Announcements 4.1) Update on Environmental Fair on April 17 City Forester Buck was assisted by three students from Kimberly Lane Elementary School in updating the Council on the Environmental Fair scheduled for April 17 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The theme for the fourth annual event is "Getting Back to Our Roots." 4.2) Recognition of Retirement of John Sweeney as Assistant City Engineer and Transit Coordinator Mayor Tierney read and presented a Certificate of Appreciation to John Sweeney in recognition of his years of service to the City as an Assistant City Engineer and Transit Coordinator. Approval of Agenda Councilmember Slavik requested to add, as item No. 9.3 under Reports and Recommendations, a report on the two recent fires that have occurred in the City. Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of April 11, 2000 Page 2 of 15 Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to approve the amended agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Consent Agenda Mayor Tierney asked if there were any additions, corrections, or deletions to be made to the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Johnson requested to remove item No. 6.17 and place it as item No. 8.4 under General Business. Mayor Tierney requested to remove item No. 6.16 and place it as item No. 8.5 under General Business. Councilmember Harstad requested to remove item No. 6.18 and place it as item No. 8.6 under General Business. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to approve the amended Consent Agenda which included the following items: 6.01: Approve proposed City Council Minutes (Special City Council Meeting of March 2, 2000 and the Regular Meeting of March 21, 2000). 6.02: Resolution Rejecting Award of Bid for Plymouth Ice Center Dehumidification System Res2000-184), and a Resolution Approving Sheetrock Replacement (Res2000-185). 6.03: Resolution Finding No Objection to Lawful Gambling Exemption for Pilgrim Lane Elementary PTO (Res2000-186). 6.04: Resolution Approving a Site Plan Amendment for Begin Oaks Enterprises for an Architectural Design Change for the Club House Building at Begin Oaks Golf Course, 5635 Yucca Lane North (20035- Res2000-187). 6.05: Resolution Approving 2000 Planning Commission Work Program (Res2000-188). 6.06: Resolution Approving the Names for the Plymouth Creek Center Dedication Plaque Res2000-189). 6.07: Resolution Giving Preliminary Approval to the Issuance of Revenue Bonds Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.152-469.165, on behalf of Nuaire, Inc. (Res2000-190). Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of April 11, 2000 Page 3 of 15 6.08: Resolution Approving Plymouth Ice Center Rental Rate Increase (Res2000-191). 6.09: Resolution Approving Payment to the Plymouth Fine Arts Council (Res2000-192). 6.10: Resolution Approving Final Payment and Authorization for Release of Tax Increment Financial Guarantees under the Contract for Private Development with Rottlund Homes, Inc. Village at Bassett Creek, Tax Increment District 7-5A (Res2000-193). 6.11: Resolution Approving Hot Mix Asphalt Bids for 2000 (Res2000-194). 6.12.1: Resolution Reducing Financial Guarantee for Sugar Hills Addition (92056 — Res2000- 195). 6.12.2: Resolution Reducing Financial Guarantee for Sugar Hills 2"d Addition (93084 — Res2000-196). 6.12.3: Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Sugar Hills 3rd Addition (94044 Res2000-197). 6.12.4: Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Heather Run 40, Addition (95001 Res2000-198). 6.12.5: Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Sugar Hills 41' Addition (95090 Res2000-199). 6.13: Resolution Adopting the Revised Southwest Mutual Aid Association Agreement Res2000-200). 6.14: Resolution Establishing Municipal State Aid Highway County Road 47 (Res2000-201), and a Resolution Altering Municipal State Aid Highways (Res2000-202). 6.15: Schedule Council study session on May 16, immediately following the Board of Review, to discuss the proposed charter amendment requiring special elections be held by mail ballot. 6.16: (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and considered under item No. 8.5). 6.17: (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and considered under item No. 8.4). 6.18: (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and considered under item No. 8.6). Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of April 11, 2000 Page 4 of 15 6.19: Resolution Calling for Public Hearing to amend Tax Increment Financing Plans for Tax Increment Financing Districts No. 7-2, 7-3, and 7-4 (Res2000-203). 6.20: Resolution Approving Change Order No. 1 to Landmark Restaurant Equipment and Design (Res2000-204). 6.21: Resolution Approving Private Crossing Agreement No. 30551 between the City of Plymouth and the Soo Line Company (Res2000-205). Motion carried to approve the Consent Agenda. Public Hearings There were no public hearings scheduled. General Business 8.1) Consider Sketch Plan for three 71 -unit Apartment Buildings to be known as "Shadow Hills Apartments for Property Located on the Northwest Corner of 45th Avenue and State Highway 169 Frontage Road (Park Land Company - 20005) Community Development Director Hurlburt reported on the sketch plan for "Shadow Hills" which includes three 71 -unit apartment buildings on a 10.65 acre site located on the northwest corner of 45th Avenue and Highway 169 frontage road. The buildings would be four stories high with below grade parking. The applicant would provide one parking stall per unit below each building and one parking stall per unit in a surface lot. Access to the site would be provided from the three driveways to 45th Avenue. One of the apartment buildings would be located between a medium -quality wetland and Highway 169. The other two buildings would be located between the wetland and the vacant parcel to the west adjacent to Nathan Lane. She explained currently the site is guided CO, Commercial Office, and zoned O -R, Office/Residential District. Multi -family housing is allowed in the O -R district by conditional use permit. The vacant lot to the west is in the same classification. The property located to the north is vacant, guided CO and zoned B -C, Business Campus. She stated this property is one of three vacant parcels remaining north of 45th Avenue and east of Nathan Lane. The site is separated from the residential area west of Nathan Lane by two parcels currently planned for commercial uses. Development of any one of the three parcels must consider the impact on and from the future development of the other two parcels. In addition, Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of April 11, 2000 Page 5 of 15 development of this site must consider impacts from the commercial uses to the south and from Highway 169 on the east. She reported the property owner to the west of this site is interested in developing their property residential under conditional use. She stated if there were no changing in the guiding that development would never occur as well. Therefore, it is being recommended that the Council direct staff to initiate reguiding a portion of this site and the two abutting properties from CO, Commercial Office, to LA -4, Living Area 4, and rezoning from O -R, Office/Residential, and B- C, Business Campus, to RMF -4. She illustrated how the proposed development would be configured on the site. She stated the applicant could be presenting a request to reduce the number of required parking stalls. She stated staff is encouraging the developer to provide affordable housing. She requested the Council to adopt a resolution providing the applicants with informal comments on the sketch plan and direct staff to initiate a reguiding of this area and the two abutting properties. She stated this proposed development would have no impact on the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Slavik questioned if there is any development proposed for the property located north of this site. Community Development Director Hurlburt stated there could be an office warehouse development. However, if this area were to be reguided, that project would not be allowed. Councilmember Slavik asked if this development would cause any drainage issues in the area. Community Development Director Hurlburt stated there have been no problems identified that couldn't be resolved during the development review process. In addition, any development would need to conform to water quality plans. Councilmember Johnson expressed her concern that if the City initiates the reguiding to residential, what would happen if that didn't occur. She asked if there is a tandem type process that could be utilized so the Council could hear all comments. Community Development Director Hurlburt replied that a landowner could submit any type of development request for the property located to the north. She stated that would force the issue to be considered by the Council whether the proposed use would be compatible. She reiterated that each of these sites do not exist on their own. The Council needs to review all land uses for all three areas during the reguiding process. Lastly, she stated currently, if the owner to the north submitted plans for a warehouse/office building, only a conditional use permit would be necessary rather than the reguiding of the property. Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of April 11, 2000 Page 6 of 15 Councilmember Black stated the small commercial strip located to the east of the wetland area seems isolated, and she questioned how profitable that development would be. Community Development Director Hurlburt stated if the Council disagreed with that layout, the entire property could be reguided to residential. She stated this small strip is located on the continuation of the frontage road where there are other businesses. Councilmember Black expressed her concerns about the area to the north of this proposed development. She would prefer the City initiate the reguiding of the entire area as it would be much quieter for the adjacent property owners, and it would match the westerly parcel. Councilmember Johnson asked when the construction of the County Road 9 and Nathan Lane intersection is to occur. Public Works Director Moore stated that project is in the Capital Improvements Program for this year. Community Development Director Hurlburt added this improvement wouldn't significantly impact the traffic. Councilmember Black requested staff provide to the Council traffic scenarios for the different types of development that could occur in the area. Councilmember Johnson asked if the Council were to direct staff to initiate the reguiding of the three parcels, would there be the opportunity to vote separately on the reguiding of the parcels. Community Development Director Hurlburt replied yes. Mayor Tierney discussed the proposed commercial area adjacent to Highway 169, and she questioned if there would be enough parking, as it appears to be fairly narrow because of the wetland. Community Development Director Hurlburt replied a small strip center with the required parking could be accomplished without filling. Mayor Tierney stated two of the three properties are favoring residential development, and there is the need in the City for that type of residential development. She would prefer to keep all three parcels uniform. Councilmember Brown asked about parks for this development. Community Development Director Hurlburt stated currently, the Rolling Hills Park services this area. However, this park is located approximately one-half mile from this development. She would recommend that if any family apartments are developed in this area that there should be some type of planned park on site. Steven Young, representing Parkland Company, 325 2"d Avenue North, stated they are aware of the issues addressed this evening. They are proposing a four level apartment building with garages below grade. He illustrated their proposal, and currently they favor the easterly building Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of April 11, 2000 Page 7 of 15 being constructed east to west versus north to south. This type of configuration would allow them to create a deeper buffer zone adjacent to Highway 169. Councilmember Harstad asked whom they would be targeting the marketing of these units. Mr. Young replied they would target professional singles, couples, and retirees. Councilmember Black asked if they favor the proposed rezoning. Mr. Young replied their obvious bias is that all three properties be rezoned multi -family. Councilmember Black asked about the possibility of providing affordable housing for this development. Mr. Young stated they have discussed this issue, and the developer is open to the concept. However, the developer is not sure of the impact on his funding costs or the market rates. Councilmember Brown stated there is a need for three bedroom units. Mr. Young stated the proposed development would consist of 50% of the units being two bedrooms, 25% of the units being one bedroom with a den, and 25% of the units being one bedroom units. However, the developer would consider the possibility of three bedroom units. Councilmember Johnson asked if they have performed soil borings and corrections. Mr. Young replied they have utilized the results from the previous development for this site, and there are bad soils in this area. He stated this is one reason why the developer is proposing four -level apartment buildings in order to reduce the footprints and essentially less soil corrections. Councilmember Johnson asked regarding the site to the north, if that developer desired to maintain it CO and provide the buffer, would that be acceptable to them. Mr. Young stated the developer would be willing to shift the northerly building further to the south. He stated there would be no problem with the use; however, there would be difficulty if there were heavy truck traffic generated from that development which would impact this development. City Manager Johnson added that this proposed development was recently discussed at the Robbinsdale School District 281 meeting. Motion was made by Councilmember Brown, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt a Resolution Providing Informal Comments on the Proposed Sketch Plan for a Residential Development to be known as the Shadow Hills Apartments for Park Land Company for Property Located West of Highway 169 and East of Nathan Lane (20005 — Res2000-206). Public Works Director Moore commented regarding the wetland on the property, the City would need to consider avoidance, minimization, and then finally mitigation, and due to the size of the site and the wetland, it may be difficult. Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of April 11, 2000 Page 8 of 15 Mayor Tierney asked about condition No. 1 of Resolution which addresses replacing the eastern- most apartment building with an office or another commercial use. Councilmember Black considered removing item No. 1 of the resolution. She stated the avoidance issue of the Wetland Conservation Act is strongly preferred. However, it may be difficult to reorientate that building east to west for less exposure to the highway. Therefore, she prefers the small commercial area. Councilmember Johnson stated the second sketch plan is taking into consideration the people residing in the area and the buffering of the highway. She does get concerned about split guiding but feels the City should leave its options open. Community Development Director Hurlburt strongly suggested the Council conduct the reguiding on all three parcels if that is the case. There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Brown, to direct staff to initiate a reguiding of a portion of this site and the two abutting properties from CO, Commercial Office, to LA -4, Living Area 4, and rezone from O -R, Office/Residential, and B -C, Business Campus, to RMF -4. Councilmember Johnson requested that staff suggest to the apartment owners to display the notice of hearing on the reguiding and rezoning on site since that it is not a requirement. There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor, the motion carried. The Council took a recess at 8:30 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:40 p.m. 8.2) Receive Public Safety Report on Alcohol Compliance Procedures The Council discussed Councilmember Bildsoe's request to table this item until the next meeting since he is unable to attend tonight's meeting. Mayor Tierney stated this is a discussion item on a report, and there will be opportunity for Council and public input at a future date. In addition, there is never the guarantee that all seven Councilmembers would be at every Council meeting. Therefore, another Councilmember may be absent at the April 25 meeting. Councilmember Johnson suggested that in the future, Councilmembers work with staff on removing agenda items for a meeting in which they are unable to attend. Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of April 11, 2000 Page 9 of 15 Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Brown, to receive the report and continue the debate to April 25 Council meeting. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Public Works Director Gerdes stated staff s recommendation for the Alcohol compliance program contains the following elements: 1. Establish a "best practice" licensee program. 2. Ordinance amendments. 3. Number of compliance checks. 4. Recognition and community education. 5. Training program for licensed establishments. He highlighted the proposed Best Practice Licensee Program in which the City would establish 10 criteria, and the licensee would sign an agreement to participate in at least eight of the 10. He stated some examples of the criteria include having 75% of a licensee's employees being trained by Public Safety, requiring identification checks for individuals under the age of 40, employee reward program, automated identification card system, approved internal compliance check program, yearly meetings with managers, and five percent discount on license renewal fees. Lieutenant Franz discussed ordinance amendments which would include mandatory background investigations on site managers, and a straight three-year period for calculating multiple violations (current ordinance has an overall seven-year time period with rules and exceptions regarding when the violations occur within the seven-year period). He stated staff is recommending that the policy of three compliance checks per year be generally reduced to two per year. However, staff recommends a third compliance check for any establishment that has a failure. In addition, any independent apprehension of any minor attempting to purchase alcohol which leads to a charge being filed should count as a passed compliance check. He reported that staff suggests to continue the program of individual letters to a business that passes a single compliance check and annual certificates to businesses passing all compliance checks in a year. Staff would continue to work with the Wayzata Plymouth Area Chemical Health Commission for annual ads in the media recognizing establishments who have passed the compliance checks. He stated regarding a training program for licensed establishments, staff proposed to initiate a formal training program within the Public Safety Department for employees of licensed establishments. There would be three to four training programs conducted per year at Public Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of April 11, 2000 Page 10 of 15 Safety. Any establishment could send employees to the training for a fee of $10 per person to cover costs. Staff would also continue to offer training at the licensees' sites for a set fee. Public Safety Director Gerdes discussed the process and the next steps which are: 1. Seek comments from the Public Safety Advisory Board and Youth Advisory Council. 2. Present selected options to a meeting of liquor license holders. 3. Present selected options to interested community groups, i.e. Wayzata Plymouth Area Chemical Health Commission, Communities in Collaboration Council, and District 281 Government Advisory Committee. 4. Conduct a public hearing at or before the time of action by the City Council. Councilmember Johnson commented she really likes the community and recognition component, the reduction in the license fee, and allowing the Public Safety Advisory Board and Youth Advisory Council to review the recommendation. She suggested that the private schools be included for the education component. Lastly, she requested both the City's website and newsletter contain articles on the licensees who have passed the compliance checks. Councilmember Slavik echoed Councilmember Johnson on some of the innovative techniques being suggested. She briefly reported on facts contained in a Hennepin County report on alcohol consumption by youth. Councilmember Harstad suggested for the Gold Star Best Practices program, if a licensee is fully participating, the City would only do one compliance check per year. However, if the licensee fails the compliance check, the City would do three per year at that site. He asked Public Safety Director Gerdes to explain the background checks on the operating managers. Public Safety Director Gerdes stated this is the best and most concise way to work with the manager who is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the establishment. In addition, the managers provide a direct link to the Police Department. City Attorney Knutson added that the operating managers sign releases so the background checks can be conducted. Technical Support Supervisor Cox added the City has received grants to reimburse the City for the police officers' time in conducting the compliance checks. Councilmember Brown suggested with the Best Practices Program, the licensees could adopt eight of the 10 items. He stated some of those items are more critical than others, but for instance, there could be electives with three being required. Councilmember Black stated she would prefer to reserve her comments until Councilmember Bildsoe is present. However, she is very pleased with what is being proposed. Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of April 11, 2000 Page 11 of 15 Mayor Tierney voiced a concern of 18-year-olds who are hired haven't had adequate training to serve and/or sell alcohol. Councilmember Black stated it might be valuable to include a legislative "wish list" for those items that could be lobbied at the legislature. Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to continue the discussion to the April 25 Council meeting. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. 8.3) Consider Ordinance Initiating Charter Commission Review of a Possible Charter Amendment Changing the Mayor Terms of Office from 2 to 4 Years (requested by Councilmember Harstad) Assistant City Manager Ahrens reported previously the Council adopted a motion requesting that the Charter Commission study a possible charter amendment to establish a four-year term of office for the Mayor position. This issue was discussed at the Joint City Council and Charter Commission meeting held on March 9, and the Charter Commission considered the issue on March 30. The Charter Commission didn't feel that the issue was urgent or that action was needed this year, and the issue was tabled. She stated the next Charter Commission meeting is scheduled for December. Therefore, Councilmember Harstad has requested that the Council consider whether to initiate a Charter amendment, since the Charter Commission in 2000 would likely take no action on this issue. Mayor Tierney stated she would support initiating a Charter amendment and/or discussing this item at the Council's Study Session on May 16. She stated if the Council adopts the proposed ordinance this evening, and it is presented to the Charter Commission and they deny it, the Council could still place the original language on the November ballot, or use revised language if recommended by the Charter Commission. City Manager Johnson stated if the Council wants to be assured that this question would be included on the November ballot and/or not conduct a special election, they must take action this evening as the Charter Commission has 150 days to consider the request. City Attorney Knutson added this does not require a unanimous vote of the Council to present it to the voters. Councilmember Harstad requested that the Council vote on the ordinance this evening, and send it to the Charter Commission. Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of April 11, 2000 Page 12 of 15 City Manager Johnson stated this ordinance could be repealed later this summer if the Council receives a recommendation from the Charter Commission. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad to adopt an Ordinance Amending the Plymouth City Charter Concerning Mayor Term of Office ordinance would become effective January 1, 2003 and only when approved by the voters as provided in Minn. Stat. 410.12, Subd. 4 — Ord2000-13). Councilmembers Johnson and Slavik stated they support having the voters decide this issue. Mayor Tierney voiced her support for a four-year term. She stated the Mayor's term should be the same as any of the Councilmembers. She agreed this is a public issue and should be decided by the voters. There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor, the motion carried. 8.4) Resolution Receiving Report and Calling for Hearing on Improvements for Holly Lane from Old Rockford Road to CP Railroad Right -of -Way Councilmember Johnson referred to the feasibility study, specifically the scope of the project, and she requested there be options available similar to the ones that were provided with the Ferndale Road project. She expressed concerns regarding minimizing width of road, increasing buffer and landscaping, and reducing impervious surface. Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to adopt a Resolution Receiving Report and Calling for Hearing on Improvements to Holly Lane from Old Rockford Road to CP Railroad Right -of -Way (9024 — Res2000-207). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. 8.5) Resolution Approving Expenditures Relating to Council Training Motion was made by Mayor Tierney, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt a Resolution Approving Expenditures Relating to Council Training (Res2000-208). Mayor Tierney stated this is related to Councilmembers Johnson and Bildsoe each exceeding one-third of the annual Council training and conference budget for expenses relating to the National League of Cities Conference. She feels this ordinance requirement really isn't necessary. Therefore, she requested staff to prepare an ordinance amendment for the April 25 Council meeting which would amend this policy. There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of April 11, 2000 Page 13 of 15 8.6) Resolution Acknowledging and Accepting the Conditions of Hennepin County for the Voluntary Purchase of Residential Properties for the County Road 101 Improvement Project (9005) Councilmember Harstad requested that the Council allow additional time to review the City's total buy out option, the county's option to purchase the right of way strip, and the amount of assessments for the property owners. Councilmember Johnson stated the current property owners would incur no assessments if the City purchased their properties. Public Works Director Moore stated that is correct. However, he stated Councilmember Harstad is referring to the scenario if the property owners didn't sell their properties to the City, and the County purchased the right-of-way strip. He stated the assessments for those properties would be based on the City's normal assessment policy. He added none of those properties have to be purchased in their entirety. He stated the City and County also share in the cost of purchasing the right-of-way. In conclusion, there would be plenty of opportunity in the process for the property owners to make an informed decision. Councilmember Johnson stated since the buyout is not required, and there are no acquisitions required of any of those homes, there would be no cost that would be added to the entire project because of this. Public Works Director Moore agreed and stated it is estimated that there would be no or minimal cost to the project. Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt the Resolution Acknowledging and Accepting the Conditions of Hennepin County for the Voluntary Purchase of Residential Properties for the County Road 101 Improvement Project including the deletion of "Whereas, it is felt both by the City and County that this voluntary program should not add to the overall cost of the project" (9005-Res2000-209). Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Black to amend the main motion to add, "Whereas, it is felt both by the City and County that this voluntary program should not add or be of minimal cost to the project." With all members voting in favor but Harstad, the motion carried. The Council then voted on the amended main motion. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of April 11, 2000 Page 14 of 15 Reports and Recommendations 9.1) Appointment to West Suburban Mediation Board Motion was made by Councilmember Slavik, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to appoint Sally Heard to the West Suburban Mediation Board for a term to expire January 31, 2002. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. 9.2) Report on Environmental Quality Commission Discussion on Bassett Creek Watershed Presentation Councilmember Black stated after the recent Joint meeting with the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC), the EQC met and expressed a great amount of concern over the proposal presented at the Joint Meeting. She stated they are requesting the Council schedule another joint meeting to review other prevention strategies that may be available rather than the capital -type projects that were discussed. In addition, the EQC is requesting the Council to grant them permission to establish a citizen committee for Medicine Lake. This committee would be formed in order to receive input from citizens who reside on Medicine Lake. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, for the EQC to present a recommendation to the Council on other options rather than capital type projects. Also, grant the EQC the authority to establish a citizen committee for Medicine Lake. Councilmember Slavik requested Parkers Lake also be included. Public Works Director Moore stated there might have been some misunderstanding from the joint meeting. The Bassett Creek Watershed Commission has been studying all major bodies of water in the watershed. Before this began, there were no ideas on what capital projects could be implemented and what those costs would be. He stated the report does not indicate that all capital projects need to be implemented. He stated the first study was undertaken approximately five years ago, and that study was on Parkers Lake. That anticipated cost is included in the Capital Improvements Program. He stated the report indicated all capital costs, and there could be $20 million dollar cost for this watershed. There are other activities, i.e. housekeeping practices, maintenance, which are all on going. Councilmember Black stated an additional concern voiced by the EQC, was the capital extensive costs that would be incurred prior to any prevention strategies. There is a concern that the Council would consider the capital costs first without reviewing other strategies. Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of April 11, 2000 Page 15 of 15 Mayor Tierney recommended the EQC prepare a complete report for the Council on what strategies they are recommending. Councilmember Black stated the EQC would like some experts to make a presentation on prevention strategies that the City could develop to encourage citizen involvement in cleaning up the lakes. Public Works Director Moore suggested the EQC be invited to the June 6 Council Study Session in which the implementation of the water plan would be discussed. Councilmember Brown suggested a Council sub committee be established to work with the EQC on prevention strategies. Councilmember Black withdrew her motion. The Council directed staff to invite the EQC to the June 6 Council Study Session. Mayor Tierney suggested the EQC prepare a worksheet for the Council on recommended prevention strategies. 9.3) Update of Fires Public Safety Director Gerdes reported on two recent grass fires. He urged citizens to be very cautious due to the dry weather conditions. He thanked all the fire departments as well as the Hennepin County Sheriff's office in assisting the City with these fires. Councilmember Johnson asked what the railroad's plans are for the portion of the railroad track that burned. Public Safety Director Gerdes replied the Union Pacific is currently working on repairing those portions of the track. Adjournment Motion was made by Councilmember Slavik, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to adjourn the meeting at 10:42 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Sandra R. Paulson, City Clerk