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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 06-06-2000 SpecialADOPTED MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 69 2000 A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 7:08 p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on June 6, 2000. CITY COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Johnson, Bildsoe, Slavik, Brown, Black, and Harstad. ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Public Works Director Moore, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Park and Recreation Director Blank, and City Clerk Paulson. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Public Safety Director Gerdes, Public Works Director Moore, Finance Director Hahn, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Water Resources Manager Missaghi, Community Development Director Hurlburt, and City Clerk Paulson. Water Resources Plan Implementation Public Works Director Moore stated the Council requested an update on the implementation of the Water Resources Plan. He stated in 1999, the Council approved additional funding of approximately $129,000 in the operating budget for activities needed to implement the plan. This was increased to $172,000 in the 2000 budget. The City's adopted Capital Improvement Program includes $1,630,000 to implement capital improvements for Medicine Lake, Parker's Lake, and Schmidt Lake as part of the plan. He stated the plan implementation is over a 10 -year period. He stated it would cost approximately $8 million to operate the plan over the 10 -year period of time. Of that amount, approximately $6 million would be funded. The City has already made a substantial commitment to the plan and its implementation. A majority of the items that would be implemented in that time are studies to determine appropriate places for additional water quality treatment. Once these studies are completed, staff would identify additional capital expenditures that would be necessary to achieve the plan goals. In addition, there are probably several items in the plan which would not be implemented. He stressed it is not mandatory that each item in the plan be undertaken. Lastly, he stated the City has a fund balance in the water resources fund of approximately $1,500,000. These funds are not committed to any specific programs at this time. Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of June 6, 2000 Page 2 of 10 He referred to the handout containing the costs of the different components of the implementation plan. He briefly discussed the watershed goal implementation plan. He requested the Council to provide input on items which they support for funding. Councilmember Bildsoe asked if the cost of inflation was calculated into the total cost of the plan. Public Works Director Moore replied no. Councilmember Bildsoe asked if the Council were to implement this plan, what effect would other cities and watersheds have on it especially if they weren't as diligent as they should be in maintaining the water quality. Public Works Director Moore stated the two areas that could really affect the plan would be Elm Creek and Shingle Creek. However, the watersheds have adopted their local plans. Councilmember Johnson asked if the entire metro area is working cooperatively to improve their watersheds and the flow into the Mississippi River. Public Works Director Moore replied he is unsure. Currently the Metropolitan Council and the Pollution Control Agency are establishing pollution limits for each watershed. He stated this is why the City is monitoring and continuing to determine if the goals have been achieved to improve the waterbodies. Councilmember Harstad stated Medicine Lake has served as a storm water runoff retention pond for many years, and there are ongoing accumulative issues. He also commented that alum treatments have been used on Lake Minnetonka and other lakes throughout the state to improve the water quality. Public Works Director Moore stated the Bassett Creek Watershed study indicates that it would cost approximately $4 million to improve Medicine Lake. The alum treatment was only one out of 20 items that could be implemented to improve the clarity. Councilmember Black asked of the $4 million project cost, what is the City's share. She also asked if any funds would be received from the Watershed. Public Works Director Moore replied staff is unsure as to the City's cost as the City also contributes to the Watershed District. However, the $750,000 is part of the $4 million, and this amount is contained in the City's plan. Councilmember Black stated the Watershed District has applied for a grant, and she asked how much would be allocated to the City's program. Public Works Director Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of June 6, 2000 Page 3 of 10 Moore stated the grant is for the $4 million; however, he is unsure of the local match. He stated this would be a capital grant which would only be utilized for Medicine Lake. Mayor Tierney asked if there could be a surface water management fee. Public Works Director Moore stated this was previously discussed during budget sessions. Councilmember Black stated she strongly supports a surface water management fee. She suggested staff prepare a surface water management fee proposal for budget consideration. Councilmember Johnson stated she is also prepared to discuss a surface water management fee. She stressed the need for a plan for education and prevention. Once a fee would be established, it would raise public awareness of the pollution that is emptied into the lakes. One resident stressed the need for legislative action to ban phosphorous in the metro area. Dean Barkley stated a legislative bill would require a supportive lobbying effort. He stated he resides on Medicine Lake, and he would support a surface water management fee. Councilmember Harstad asked what the cost would be for alum treatment on Medicine Lake. Public Works Director Moore replied it would cost approximately $800,000. Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to direct staff to prepare a surface management fee proposal for this year's budget considerations. Councilmember Johnson requested the report contain options as to what different fees would generate in terms of revenue. One resident stated alum treatments would bind with the phosphorous in the lake which would cause sedimentation in the lake for many years. It's important to have clarity of the water, but the sedimentation would also need to be addressed. Mayor Tierney supported dredging of the lake, but there would be the lack of funding. Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of June 6, 2000 Page 4 of 10 Public Works Director Moore added the disposal cost would be prohibitive as well. He stated a fair amount is not sediment, but decayed vegetation that is part of the natural process. Connie Fortin, Environmental Quality Commissioner, suggested that residents wouldn't need to pay the surface management fee if their property isn't contributing to the waterway. This requirement could change residents' awareness of the on-going problems as well. Councilmember Black stated there would always be runoff as property drainage needs to flow to the natural watershed. She suggested a low base fee with a tiered system similar to the water tier system. Peggy Leppik, State Representative, stated all residents have water runoff that drains to the streams and lakes. Councilmember Johnson suggested a study session be conducted on this item especially if there would be public comment. Mayor Tierney stated there are currently two budget sessions scheduled, and a third one could be added if necessary to address this item. There being no further discussion, and with all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to increase the Capital Improvements Program budget for Medicine Lake in 2001 from $750,000 to $1 million, and direct staff to identify the source of funding as part of the budget process. Councilmember Johnson stated she is concerned about the funding. Therefore, she preferred this project be reviewed as part of the Capital Improvement Program's process. Councilmember Black echoed Councilmember Johnson's comments. A resident stated the influents need to be corrected before the alum treatments are made. Therefore, he requested the City utilize some options identified in the Barr Engineering report to address the influents. These treatments would be less expensive to implement. Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of June 6, 2000 Page 5 of 10 There being no further discussion and with all members voting against the motion but Harstad, the motion failed. Councilmember Bildsoe asked about the next step in the process. City Manager Johnson replied the implementation plan would be addressed during the budget process. Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Black, that the Council establish their priorities as prevention, addressing sediment ponds, and remedial treatment. Councilmember Johnson stressed there is limited funding. The goal would be to stop the pollutants before major treatment of the lakes occurs. Councilmember Black agreed and stated if pollution continues to enter the lakes while the City is performing alum treatments, it would be a waste of funds. She does not support dredging Medicine Lake. Councilmember Harstad stated his priority, is to determine what is the most effective means of improving the water quality of the lakes. A resident commented on the amount of weeds in Medicine Lake, and the possibility of the weed growth blossoming incredibly if the clarity of the water is improved. Therefore, she suggested harvesting the weeds before alum treatment. There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor of the motion but Harstad, the motion carried. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Brown, to amend the agenda to continue this discussion until 8:50 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Ms. Fortin commented she prefers the concept of prevention prior to correcting the problems. She supports the funding of educational efforts. Bruce Larson, Environmental Quality Commissioner, commented it appears Parkers Lake is available more for public usage than Medicine Lake. Mayor Tierney disagreed and stated Medicine Lake is utilized more than Parkers Lake because of French Park. Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of June 6, 2000 Page 6 of 10 A resident commented that he resides on Medicine Lake and there are so many users who don't reside on Medicine Lake. Therefore, he suggested there be an expansion of the taxation by Hennepin Parks. Hennepin Parks currently charges a user fee for access to the lake, and the users should participate in cleaning the lake. Kathy Osborne, Environmental Quality Commissioner, stated that the Environmental Quality Committee has been working with staff on educational efforts. The Environmental Quality Committee's work plan for 2001 would be discussed at their meeting tomorrow evening. The committee is reviewing options to educate the public as well as encouraging the homeowners and lake associations to be involved in the effort. A resident suggested utilizing public access television for the educational component. She stated there are volunteers such as herself who do the programming. The tapes could also be broadcast on Channel 37. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Brown, to direct the Environmental Quality Committee to establish a subcommittee composed of residents of Parkers Lake and Medicine Lake to prepare a work plan that would address public education on this issue. Councilmember Bildsoe asked when department budgets need to be submitted for Council consideration. City Manager Johnson replied June 23. However, there would be ample time to include funding options by August 1 when the proposed budget is forwarded to the Council. There being no further discussion, and with all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Explore Options for Open Space Requirements Park and Recreation Director Blank provided the history on previous open space acquisitions as consideration of open space acquisition has been identified as a Council goal for this year. He explained in 1994, the Council appointed a committee to work with SEH Consultants to identify and review potential open space sites throughout the community. He stated 30 sites were identified and ranked. Through a bond referendum, the City was successful in acquiring three parcels and a portion of a fourth parcel. He stated earlier this year, the Council reviewed the parks and open space elements of the Comprehensive Plan, which included much of the earlier work on open space as well as a new proposal for a Northwest Greenway. The Council also reviewed and approved a Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of June 6, 2000 Page 7 of 10 Capital Improvements Plan for the next five years which allocated a total of $750,000 in existing capital funds for open space acquisition. The plan notes that these funds could either be used to match a possible second open space bond issue or as independent funding for the Northwest Greenway, particularly the areas coming within the MUSA line this year. He stated staff has reviewed the remaining sites that were on the 1994 list as well as any additional sites that may have become available since that time, and they came to the conclusion that while a reasonable argument could be made for another bond referendum initiative, it is not necessary and the case for doing so is neither urgent nor compelling. He stated the remaining available properties are often biologically compromised, seem likely to be too expensive for the benefit, or are protected by existing laws. The City could acquire important open space areas over the next five years without a bond referendum or a tax increase. Community Development Director Hurlburt added as land is developed, the City has the opportunity to incorporate open space areas as they enhance the development while satisfying the City's platting and zoning requirements. Councilmember Black asked why the Council would be able to utilize park dedication funds for the Northwest Greenway concept. Park and Recreation Director Blank replied if there would be community playfields, neighborhood parks, or a trail system included in the Northwest Greenway concept, they would be allowable expenditures of that fund. Councilmember Slavik asked if it would be beneficial for the City to acquire the parcel near Ferndale North. Park and Recreation Director Blank replied probably not as there is only one residence on that property, and it could be very expensive to purchase. Community Development Director Hurlburt added that parcel, if used as a neighborhood park for Ferndale North, wouldn't meet the walking distance requirement for a neighborhood park. City Manager Johnson reminded the Council that one bond referendum has already been approved for open space acquisition, but the Council would be considering the possibility of a fourth fire station that may or may not include a bond referendum. Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Mayor Tierney, to not acquire any open spaces through a bond referendum at this time. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of June 6, 2000 Page 8 of 10 Discuss Citizen Education Program Assistant City Manager Ahrens briefly highlighted the requested staff report on the City's citizen education program. Councilmember Black requested that public safety articles be included in the senior citizen newsletter. Councilmember Johnson requested under youth involvement, a town forum be added. Councilmember Black suggested the City purchase advertisements in the Sun Sailor for the various award programs that the City sponsors. This suggestion as well as others listed on her staff report, were given to Communication Supervisor LaFave. The Council discussed with Communication Supervisor LaFave the items contained in the City's new resident packets and when residents receive those packets. Councilmember Johnson stated at the Youth Town Forum, there was interest for City maps and trail systems, and perhaps teachers should be provided with copies of the maps. Regarding staff and Council's involvement with the schools, the Council suggested staff be proactive in working with the social and civic teachers about local government information. In addition, the Councilmembers would welcome the opportunity to address classes at the schools if requested. Councilmember Johnson suggested the possibility of partnering with the schools in establishing a student citizen academy, or designating one day as a local government day. She noted there could be a transportation issue, especially for the younger students. Discuss E -Government Options The Council held a discussion with Communication Supervisor LaFave and Information Technology Manager Hohenstein on their report containing e -government options for City services and information online. Councilmember Brown discussed with the Council his eight top priorities contained in the report. Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of June 6, 2000 Page 9 of 10 Councilmember Bildsoe asked how many hits are there per month on the City's website. City Manager Ahrens stated a quarterly report containing this information would be in Friday's Council Information Memorandum. Councilmember Harstad stated one of his priorities has been to vote by e-mail. City Manager Johnson stated that option is not allowed under State law. Assistant City Manager Ahrens stated either the State or counties would need to request the legislation. Councilmember Brown requested the City's website be updated so it is more user friendly. Councilmember Black stated she does not support item No. 5 of the report which is to provide issue forums on the website (allow opportunities for the public to comment on specific issues and to respond to electronic surveys). She expressed her concerns that bias information could be received, unless the City could determine who accessed the site. Councilmember Johnson suggested there be limited biographies of the Councilmembers on the City's website, which would be very helpful for residents. Councilmember Black expressed her concerns about item No. 13 of the report that would allow data retrieval from databases. Assistant City Manager stated hopefully by the end of this year, all park and recreation registrations would be on line as well as inter -agency sharing of records for public safety. Staff would be proceeding with a list of priorities based on the Council's comments this evening. Schedule Topics and Date for Next Study Session The Council discussed possible study session topics that were identified in staff's report. However, they didn't consider any of the items to be time sensitive where study session(s) would need to be conducted this summer. Some of the items contained in the list were either deleted and/or postponed. City Manager Johnson requested the Council tentatively schedule a Study Session on July 24 for the County Road 101 improvements. Adopted City Council Minutes Regular Meeting of June 6, 2000 Page 10 of 10 Adjournment Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to adjourn the meeting at 10:25 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Sandra R. Paulson, City Clerk