HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 04-19-2000 SpecialNotes
Special City Council Meeting
Plymouth City Council
April 19, 2000
A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 7:30
a.m. in the Medicine Lake Room, City Center, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on April 19, 2000.
Mayor Tierney noted that although there was no quorum, the meeting would proceed.
CITY COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmember Black, and Brown.
ABSENT: Councilmembers Johnson, Bildsoe, Slavik, and Harstad.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Public Works
Director Moore, Parks and Recreation Director Blank, and City Clerk Paulson.
Mayor Tierney stated the purpose of this morning's meeting is to meet with Al Hilde, who has
expressed an interest in making a donation to the City that would be used for the construction of
a performance stage at the amphitheater.
Jim Willis stated there have been on going discussions with the Plymouth Civic League (PCL)
on what this project would entail as well as their support of the project. He then introduced Al
Hilde who would be the contributor for the stage at the amphitheater.
Mr. Hilde stated he previously served as Mayor of Plymouth for 10 years. He no longer resides
in the City, but he would like to make a contribution to the City. He requested the City provide
feedback on any concerns they would have regarding the stage and if the facility would be
utilized. He believes he has found the best sound engineer that they would utilize even before
the architect is hired.
Mayor Tierney stated the Council is very excited about this opportunity for the City, and it
would be wonderful to have a stage (building) on site. She envisions a permanent structure that
would offer other opportunities through the summer.
Councilmember Brown stated he too is very excited about this possibility. He mentioned the
idea of forming a community foundation where people could contribute funds, and the funds
would be utilized for ongoing entertainment. He stated the stage (building) would be the starting
point, and the foundation could be utilized to support ongoing programs.
Councilmember Black echoed Mayor Tierney and Councilmember Brown's comments. She
stated she too is very excited about the possibilities.
Mr. Hilde asked what kind of groups does the City feel would utilize the facility. Parks and
Recreation Director Blank stated groups such as the Plymouth Senior Choir and their
Notes of City Council Special Meeting
April 19, 2000
subgroups, the City orchestra/band and subgroups, the Westside Players, and various youth
performance groups would utilize the facility.
A discussion was held whether the Minnesota Orchestra would be utilizing this facility due to a
proposed amphitheater to be constructed in Brooklyn Park. Council and staff stressed that this
facility would be definitely utilized even without the Minnesota Orchestra.
Councilmember Black stated her only concern is the noise infringing upon the neighborhood.
Mayor Tierney stated she would like to see the permanency of one structure due to the changes
in weather. She also noted that some of PCL's larger donors aren't contributing as they have in
the past.
Mr. Hilde discussed some the difficulties that civic organizations face but stated they could
utilize the endowment fund.
City Manager Johnson stated staff is very enthusiastic about this project. He stated the stage
needs to be constructed so that the sound isn't intrusive to the neighborhood. He believes a good
sound engineer could accomplish this.
Mr. Willis stated they have contacted a very highly regarded sound engineering firm. He stated
in terms of proceeding with this project, Mr. Hilde would make the donation to the PCL.
Therefore, a letter of understanding between Mr. Hilde, the City, and the PCL needs to be
prepared. After this is completed, Mr. Hilde could enter into contracts with the sound engineer
and the architects.
Barbara Willis, President of the PCL, stated their organization is really excited and overwhelmed
with this opportunity. Therefore, they would participate as requested.
Members of the PCL, who were in attendance, indicated their support and excitement for this
opportunity as well as the need to prepare a letter of understanding.
Mele Willis, member of the PCL, stated her employer, the Minnesota Orchestra, welcomes the
opportunity to perform in Plymouth. With the addition of the stage, it would only enhance their
performances in Plymouth.
Mr. Willis explained the City would own the structure. The PCL would be the conduit to receive
donations from the donors.
Mr. Hilde suggested the facility be named, "Hilde Performance Center." Councilmember Brown
stated that would definitely be acceptable as the Council assumed the facility would bear the
donor's name.
Notes of City Council Special Meeting
April 19, 2000
City Manager Johnson suggested that a small work group be formed to prepare the letter of
understanding. The City's representatives on this work group would be Parks and Recreation
Director Blank and himself. Mr. Willis stated that he would be in contact with City Manager
Johnson.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 a.m.
Sandra R. Paulson, City Clerk