HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 05-09-2000Adopted Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
May 9, 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 May 9, 2000.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Black, Brown, Bildsoe, Johnson,
Slavik, and Harstad.
ABSENT: None.
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 Superintendent Peterson, City Attorney Knutson, and City Clerk
Paulson.
Plymouth Forum
No one was present to address the Council.
Presentations and Public Information Announcements
4.1) History Fest
Parks Superintendent Peterson reported the History Fest would be conducted on May 13 from
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. He stated the festival will be held at Parker's Lake Park and includes
old-fashioned family fun.
4.1a) Update on Spring Ice Show
Parks Superintendent Peterson provided an update on the Spring Ice Show to be held on May 12
and May 13. He stated this year's theme is "Dancin' through the Decades."
4.2) Accept Donation of Decorative Pond from Hedberg Aggregates
Park Superintendent Peterson reported on April 28, Hedberg Aggregates hosted a "Build a Pond
Day" for 70 various contractors at Plymouth Creek Park. He stated Hedberg Aggregates donated
and constructed a self-contained system of a pond, water garden, and waterfall in an 11'x16' area
near the trail on the east side of the LifeTime Fitness facility in Plymouth Creek Park. The
estimated donation value is $9,000.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of May 9, 2000
Page 2 of 10
Motion was made by Mayor Tierney, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to adopt a
Resolution Accepting Donation of Decorative Pond and Waterfall at Plymouth Creek Park from
Hedberg Aggregates (Res2000-230). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
The Council requested a letter be sent to Hedberg Aggregates thanking them for this donation.
4.3) Update on City Clean Up Day on May 20
Public Works Director Moore provided an update on the City Clean Up Day scheduled for May
20. He stated residents may bring items to the Public Works Building from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30
p.m.
4.4) Report on "Outstanding Parent Involvement Award" given to Oakwood PTA
Councilmember Bildsoe reported the National PTA Association awarded Oakwood PTA the
Outstanding Parent Involvement Award" which is the highest award that could be given. He
explained the Oakwood PTA met all six of the standards. The PTA now participates in the
national competition. He stated this award is quite an accomplishment.
The Council extended its congratulations and requested that staff send a letter on behalf of the
Council to Oakwood PTA congratulating them on their achievement.
4.5) Notice of Intent to not file for Re-election (Councilmember Bildsoe)
Councilmember Bildsoe informed everyone that he would not be seeking re-election this fall for
the Ward 1 Council seat. He stated he would like to spend more time with his family and his
new business. He preferred to announce his intention early enough as in the next few months
there would be some significant votes on issues affecting his ward. Therefore, his votes on these
issues would be based on what he perceives to be the best decision, not for political reasons. He
thanked staff for all their assistance. It will also allow sufficient time for Ward 1 residents to
consider filing as a candidate.
All of the Councilmembers thanked Councilmember Bildsoe for the opportunity to serve with
him. His leadership and friendship would be missed.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of May 9, 2000
Page 3 of 10
Approval of Agenda
Councilmember Johnson requested an update on the recent "I Love You" computer virus be
added under Reports and Recommendations as item No. 9.1.
Councilmember Bildsoe requested an update on the Transit Administrator position be added
under Reports and Recommendations as item No. 9.2.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, 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 brought it to everyone's attention, since it was not indicated on the
agenda, that item No's. 6.21 and 6.23 require five votes for passage.
Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to
approve the Consent Agenda which included the following items:
6.01) Approve proposed City Council Minutes (Special Council Meeting of March 2, Joint
Meeting ofApril 4, and Joint Meeting ofApri126).
6.02) Resolution Approving Disbursements for the Period ending April 28, 2000 (Res2000-
231).
6.03) Resolution Approving 2000 Amusement License for Gopher State Expositions, Inc.
Res2000-232).
6.04) Resolution Approving a Variance to allow Construction of a Porch Addition for Scott and
Mary Linnell for Property located at 9960 26h Avenue North (20036 — Res2000-233).
6.05) Resolution Approving Pool Setback Variance for Dave and Arlene Tourville for Property
located at 4625 Yorktown Lane North (20046 — Res2000-234).
6.06) Resolution Approving a Side Yard Setback Variance for James and Barbara Evenson for
Property located at 11710 53`d Avenue North (20049 — Res2000-235).
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of May 9, 2000
Page 4 of 10
6.07) Resolution Amending Conditions on Licenses held by West Medicine Lake Community
Club (Res2000-236).
6.08) Resolution Awarding Bid for 2000 Seal Coat Program (Res2000-237).
6.09) Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Heather Run Addition (92035 —
Res2000-238).
6.10) Resolution Approving Agreement between the City of Plymouth and the City of
Minnetonka relating to the 1999 Street Reconstruction Project (9001 — Res2000-239).
6.11) Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications and Ordering Advertisement for Bids for
2000 Street Reconstruction Project (9901 — Res2000-240).
6.12) Resolution Ordering Public Hearing on the Vacation of Road Right -of -Way on Parcel
adjacent to Lot 1, Block 1, Northwest Business Campus Sixth Addition (Res2000-241).
6.13) Resolution Ordering Public Hearing on the Vacation of Public Road in Silverthorne 4h
Addition (Res2000-242).
6.14) Resolution Ordering Public Hearing on the Vacation of Township Road in Section 4
Res2000-243).
6.15) Resolution Approving Agreement No. SG -99-160 between the Metropolitan Council and
the City of Plymouth for Private Vehicle Capital Funding (Res2000-244).
6.16) Resolution Authorizing the City Manager, Finance Director, and Public Safety Director to
enter into a Grant Agreement through the Minnesota Auto Theft Prevention Board (Res2000-
245).
6.17) Approve additional compensation for Fire Department members participating in the
Radiological Response Program.
6.18) Resolution Authorizing Advertisement and Solicitation of Bids for Phase II, Plymouth
Creek Trail Lighting and Ice Arena Complex, Community Bulletin Board (Res2000-246).
6.19) Ordinance Amending Chapter XII of the Plymouth City Code Concerning Operating
Managers of Liquor License Establishments and Licensing Period for 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor
Licenses (Ord2000-15).
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of May 9, 2000
Page 5 of 10
6.20) Resolution Amending Right -of -Way Encroachment Agreement with Metricom, Inc.
Res2000-247).
6.21) Ordinance Amending Chapter 21 (Zoning Ordinance) of the City Code to Classify
Certain Land located on the West Side of Plymouth Boulevard and north of 34th Avenue (20032
Ord2000-16), Resolution Approving Findings of Fact for Rezoning of Property located on the
West Side of Plymouth Boulevard north of 34th Avenue (98027 — Res2000-248), and a
Resolution Approving a Site Plan and Variances for H.I. Enterprises for a Bank/Office Building
with Drive -Through located on Property on the West Side of Plymouth Boulevard north of 34th
Avenue (20032 — Res2000-249).
6.22) Resolution Approving Conditional Use Permit Amendment for Moss and Barnett to allow
the Placement of Antennas and Related Equipment on the Adult Correctional Facility Property
located at 1145 Shenandoah Lane (20034 — Res2000-250).
6.23) Resolution Approving PUD General Plan Amendment for Aramark Educational
Resources, Inc. to extend the Phasing Plan from June 30, 2000 until October 31, 2001 for the
Day Care Building for Plymouth Station located south of Highway 55, north of Medina Road,
and east of County Road 24 (20042 — Res2000-251).
6.24) Amend the date of the Regular Council meeting on June 13 to June 12.
6.25) Accept First Quarter 2000 Financial Report.
6.26) Resolution Approving Wood Fiber System for Playgrounds (Res2000-253).
Councilmember Black registered a no vote for item No. 6.04. She couldn't approve this request
without a NURP pond to treat the excess runoff from the additional impervious areas.
Councilmember Johnson echoed Councilmember Black's comment, but she would not be
registering a no vote. She stated there is significant interest by the Council to improve the water
quality, but residents still want the opportunity to construct decks and additions onto their homes.
The Council needs to study this concern further to identify solutions.
Councilmember Bildsoe requested a minor change be made to the April 26 joint meeting
minutes. He also registered a no vote on item No. 6.08.
Councilmember Johnson registered no votes on item No's. 6.23 and 6.08.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of May 9, 2000
Page 6 of 10
Councilmember Slavik commented she wouldn't be voting no on item No. 6.23. However, there
needs to be a buffer from the grocery store to the residential area. The daycare would serve as
that buffer.
Motion carried to approve the Consent Agenda.
Public Hearings
7.1) Amend Tax Increment Districts 7-2, 7-3, and 7-4
Finance Director Hahn reported this amendment would amend tax increment financing plans for
Tax Increment Districts 7-2, 7-3, and 7-4 to include the pay-as-you-go interest amounts. This
would enable the individual district budgets to more accurately reflect the total anticipated
expenditures.
Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing for testimony.
There being no one wishing to appear before the Council to give testimony, Mayor Tierney
declared the public hearing closed.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt
a Resolution Approving Amendments to Tax Increment Financing Plans for Tax Increment
Financing Districts No. 7-2, 7-3, and 7-4. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
7.2) Public Improvement Hearing for 111h Avenue Street Reconstruction Project — South
Shore Drive to cul-de-sac east (9911)
Public Works Director Moore illustrated the proposed project. He stated 11th Avenue from
South Shore Drive to the cul-de-sac east is a gravel road with open ditches to accommodate
storm water runoff. The roadway in this area requires frequent maintenance and experiences
washouts during heavy rainfalls. This area is serviced by City water and sanitary sewer services.
He stated the City received a petition from two of the three private property owners requesting
this improvement. Staff is recommending constructing a 28' wide paved roadway with concrete
curb and gutter and storm sewer. The City utilities would be inspected for any repairs required
before the project is constructed. He stated since this street has never been improved, the costs
would be assessed to the four property owners (three private owners with the City owning the
fourth lot). A maintenance credit would be reflected on the assessments.
Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing for testimony.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of May 9, 2000
Page 7 of 10
There being no one wishing to appear before the Council to give testimony, Mayor Tierney
declared the public hearing closed.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to
adopt a Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans and Specifications for I I 1
Avenue Street Reconstruction Project (9911 — Res2000-255).
Councilmember Harstad asked if any future improvements would be made to South Shore Drive,
would it affect this project. Public Works Director Moore stated no.
Councilmember Johnson asked where the drainage flows for this street. Public Works Director
Moore replied the drainage empties into a NURP pond at 10'h Avenue.
There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
General Business
8.1) Consider Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Council Salaries
Assistant City Manager Ahrens reported on an Ordinance amending the annual salary of Mayor
to $11,484 and the annual salaries of Councilmembers to $8,316. She stated the last adjustment
was made in 1989 and went into effect 1991. She stated the Mayor's current annual salary is
8,600, and the Councilmembers' annual salaries are $6,300. She stated that State Statute
provides that any change wouldn't become effective until after the next general election. She
explained staff has prepared two versions of the Ordinance with one Ordinance becoming
effective January 1, 2001 and the second becoming effective January 1, 2003. She stated the
proposed salaries are based on four similar sized metropolitan cities. Lastly, the Ordinance also
provides that salaries would be adjusted after each general election and be based on the
Consumer Price Index (November report).
Motion was made by Mayor Tierney, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to adopt an
Ordinance Amending Chapter II of the Plymouth City Code concerning the Salaries of the
Mayor and Councilmembers (Ord2000-18) with an effective date of January 1, 2001.
Mayor Tierney stated she supports this ordinance for fairness. She said the salaries do not cover
the time commitment by Councilmembers.
Councilmember Black agreed and stated there are no per diems or any benefits. She stated
Councilmembers aren't serving because of the salaries but for their deep dedication to the
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of May 9, 2000
Page 8 of 10
community. She added she had not previously been supportive of this issue; however, residents
have commented that the salaries are very low.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated he too was not supportive of this issue. However, he supports
changing the salaries to reflect a part-time position. He supports a cost of living increase, but not
the proposed figures.
Councilmember Johnson stated she agrees with Mayor Tierney's comments. She stated with the
salaries being so low, it could be a detriment for people to run for office. She is very
uncomfortable with the Ordinance taking effect January 1, 2001 and recommends it be effective
January 1, 2003. She would prefer the salaries be a little less than what is being proposed. She
also suggested that if the City's bargaining units aren't granted a cost of living increase, the
Council shouldn't receive one either.
Councilmember Brown stated if the Council doesn't adopt the Ordinance, there would still be
good individuals to run for office. He stated this amendment addresses comparable worth and
fairness in comparison to other cities, and he would support the motion.
City Manager Johnson stated the four comparable cities that staff used for comparison were
Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, and Eagan.
Councilmember Slavik stated she would support the Ordinance, and she believes there is value to
the positions. She stated the City was the third lowest out of the 10 cities surveyed. The
proposed increase would place the City in the middle. She has received many comments from
residents who are astonished as to the Council's low salaries.
Councilmember Harstad stated he would support the Ordinance. He prefers that any pay
increases are based on the Consumer Price Index as it would not be workable to link the
increases to the City's bargaining units' pay increases.
Councilmember Black stated she supports the motion. However, she is a little concerned about
raising Council salaries more than employees' increases.
City Manager Johnson stated the pay increases would be calculated every two years but take
both years into account. He noted that the bargaining units' salary increases are not based on the
Consumer Price Index.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to
amend the motion for the salary increases be up to the Consumer Price Index. City Attorney
Knutson stated the Council would then need to amend it in advance of the General Election.
Councilmember Johnson withdrew her motion.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of May 9, 2000
Page 9 of 10
City Manager Johnson stated it is not a fair comparison with the bargaining units as they may
receive a lower salary increase but more in benefits for a year.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated that he has observed there is a relationship between Council
salaries and tax rates. Those cities that have a lower tax rate usually have lower council salaries
as well.
Councilmember Johnson stated many cities have per diem and insurance benefits which the
Plymouth Council does not have.
Assistant City Manager Ahrens commented there are few cities whose councilmembers receive
per diem. The per diem is very common for special meetings.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson to amend the motion that the salaries take effect
January 1, 2003. This motion failed for lack of a second.
There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor but Bildsoe, the motion
carried.
Reports and Recommendations
9.1) Update on "I Love You" Computer Virus
Councilmember Johnson requested an update on the "I Love You" computer virus which
plagued the City's computer system late last week. City Manager Johnson stated that all
computer services were restored earlier this afternoon. He noted that there were over 7,000
infected City files. Staff is currently reviewing further options on how to immunize the City
from these types of viruses in the future.
Finance Director Hahn added that staff is reviewing several possibilities including a separate
server just for e-mail, internal security codes for e-mail, and an early warning system.
9.2) Update on Transit Administrator Position
Public Works Director Moore updated the Council on the vacant Transit Administrator position.
He stated currently a consultant, George Bentley, is performing the duties of that job. However,
he has been considering reorganization of that department, and a recommendation would be
presented to City Manager Johnson in the near future.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of May 9, 2000
Page 10 of 10
Adjournment
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to
adjourn the meeting at 8:22 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
lalnd7mraRjl.
Paulson, City Clerk