HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 07-25-2000Adopted Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 25, 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 July 25, 2000.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Brown, Black, Bildsoe, Slavik,
Johnson, and Harstad.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Public Safety
Director Gerdes, City Engineer Faulkner, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Finance Director
Hahn, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Public Works Director Moore, City Attorney
Knutson, and City Clerk Paulson.
Plymouth Forum
Leonard Luedke, 17910 County Road 47, stated he does not support the City's proposed
Comprehensive Plan as it relates to the northwest Plymouth area. He stressed the need to
provide water and sewer service to this area. He stated there is a need for affordable and middle
class housing in the City, but by choosing to not develop the majority of this area, the property
will become more expensive to develop in the future. Currently, one must purchase 20 acres in
order to obtain a building permit. He requested the Council to not slow the development of this
area.
Judy Luedke, 17910 County Road 47, stated the northwest Plymouth area is not suitable for
farmland but rather for housing developments. She requested the Council to approve the
construction of utilities in this area which would allow for development of this land. She stated
the Council is being selfish in expecting the current landowners in this area to be responsible for
their own utilities and maintenance of those services. She requested the Council to amend their
Comprehensive Plan.which will be considered by the Metropolitan Council tomorrow.
Mayor Tierney stated based on previous comments from the property owners in the northwest
Plymouth area, the Luedke's opinion is the minority opinion. She requested Community
Development Director Hurlburt to respond to the Luedke's comments.
Community Development Director Hurlburt confirmed that only a portion of the Northwest
Plymouth area would be developed to 2020 according to the City's Comprehensive Plan. She
stated the Luedke property would remain rural through the term of the Comprehensive Plan.
However, the utility and transportation plans contained in the Comprehensive Plan included an
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Regular Meeting of July 25, 2000
Page 2 of 15
option to provide services to this area if it was ever urbanized. She stated the Metropolitan
Council would comment on the plan for the interceptor service to provide utilities in the
northwest Plymouth area and Medina. However, the Metropolitan Council wouldn't be
committing any sewer services outside of the urban service area until 2020 and after a study is
conducted on the capacity of the interceptor. She stated the City is not interested in adding this
area until after that study has been conducted by the Metropolitan Council. In conclusion, she
stated another contributing factor was that not all the landowners in the northwest Plymouth area
desired to urbanize the area.
Mayor Tierney thanked the Luedkes for their comments and stated that this particular issue was
discussed for the past three to four years, and more than likely, it would probably be another 10
years when this issue is reviewed again.
Presentations and Public Information Announcements
4.1) Update on "National Night Out" on August 1, 2000
Public Safety Director Gerdes reminded everyone of the "National Night Out" to be conducted
on August 1. He invited the Council to participate, and he stated currently there are 86
neighborhoods in the City who will be participating.
Approval of Agenda
Mayor Tierney requested to add a brief report on the Metropolitan Council's review of the
Comprehensive Plan as item No. 9.4, a thank you letter to the Plymouth Civic League as item
No. 9.5, and a thank you letter to Al Hilde as item No. 9.6 under Reports and Recommendations.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to
approve the amended agenda.
There being no discussion and 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.
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Regular Meeting of July 25, 2000
Page 3 of 15
Councilmember Johnson requested to remove item No. 6.03 (adopt Resolution Establishing
Ballot Language for Possible Charter amendment recommended by the Charter Commission
regarding Mail Ballot Special Elections) and discuss it as item No. 8.3 under General Business.
Councilmember Bildsoe reported that it was brought to his attention that the Council's Special
Meeting of July 24 was televised without sound. He requested staff to correct this oversight.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to
approve the amended Consent Agenda which included the following items:
6.01) Approve Regular City Council Meeting minutes of July 11, 2000.
6.02) Resolution Approving Disbursements for the Period ending July 14, 2000 (Res2000-353).
6.03) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General Business as
item No. 8.3).
6.04) Resolution Approving Site Plan and Variance to allow Construction of a Self -Storage
Center at 15515 State Highway 55 (20083 — Res2000-354).
6.05) Resolution Approving Variance for Chesapeake Companies for Additional Wall Signage
on a Building located at 15545 34th Avenue North (20086 — Res2000-355).
6.06) Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to allow the Police Department to go above
their Authorized Strength of Police Officers on a Temporary Basis under Certain Conditions
Res2000-356).
6.07) Resolution Declaring Cost to be Assessed and Ordering Preparation of Proposed
Assessment for Delinquent Water, Sewer, Recycling and Street Lighting Service Charges,
Unpaid Annual Street Lighting for Unimproved Parcels and Unpaid Annual Recycling Fees
Res2000-3 5 7), and a Resolution Calling for Public Hearing on Proposed Assessment for
Delinquent Water, Sewer, Recycling and Street Lighting Service Charges, Unpaid Annual Street
Lighting for Unimproved Parcels and Unpaid Annual Recycling Fees (Res2000-358).
6.08) Resolution Approving Interim Use Permit for Janice Kay Jobin for Property located at
1870 Magnolia Lane North (20101 — Res2000-359).
6.09) Resolution Approving Payment to Senior Community Services (Res2000-360).
6.10) Resolution Authorizing Deer Management Program within the City of Plymouth for 2000
Res2000-361).
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Regular Meeting of July 25, 2000
Page 4 of 15
6.11) Resolution Approving Federal Funding Application, Certifications and Assurances for
New Transit Vehicles, Designating Authority, Approving the Ordering and Acquisition of New
Transit Vehicles (Res2000-362).
6.12) Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Conor Meadows Plat Two (96150
Res2000-363).
6.13) Resolution Approving Traffic Signal Agreement for Highway 169 and Plymouth
Avenue. I P Avenue with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the City of Golden
Valley (Res2000-364).
6.14) Resolution Ordering Public Hearing on the Vacation of part of a Storm Sewer Easement
within Outlot 1 of Sugar Hills Addition (Res2000-365).
6.15) Resolution Approving Purchase of One New Current Model 350 KW Portable Generator
Set (Res2000-366).
6.16) Resolution Approving Wetland Mitigation and Replacement Plan for Plymouth Market
Place (20040 — Res2000-367).
6.17) Resolution Ordering Public Hearing on the Vacation of Part of the Drainage and Utility
Easements in Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, of Walnut Grove Pond Addition (Res2000-368).
6.18) Resolution Approving Agreement with APT Minneapolis, Inc. (Aerial Communications)
for County Road 101 Water Tower Antenna (Res2000-369).
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Public Hearings
There were no public hearings scheduled.
General Business
8.1) Consideration of Request for Speed Humps on 8th Avenue, West of County Road 101
City Engineer Faulkner provided the history of this item that began in October 1998 with a group
of residents who resided on
8h Avenue who had expressed concerns with the speed of traffic on
8t' Avenue. Various meetings were conducted with residents to identify possible solutions. He
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Regular Meeting of July 25, 2000
Page 5 of 15
illustrated a speed and traffic analysis that was conducted on November 6, 1998, and he stated
the 0' percentile of the traffic was traveling over 35 mph. While the study indicated a
significant number of motorists exceeding the 30 mph limit by approximately 6 mph, the speed
hump policy criteria was not met. According to the policy, 50% of the motorists must exceed 30
mph and/or 30% must exceed 35 mph.
In December 1998, Councilmember Bildsoe met with some of the 8th Avenue residents to discuss
the results of the traffic analysis and discuss speed reduction options. In mid 1999, an on -street
marked trail was painted along the south side of
8th Avenue to mark a lane for pedestrians and to
visually narrow the traveled roadway.
He stated he was then subsequently contacted by a representative of the 8th Avenue residents
indicating that there continued to be a speeding problem. He stated another traffic speed/volume
count was conducted from October 20 through October 22, 1999. The results of this traffic count
indicated a daily traffic volume of approximately 380 vehicles traveling at a 50th percentile speed
of 31.5 mph and an 85th percentile speed of 36.7 mph. He informed the neighborhood
representative that the criteria for installation of speed humps were now met, and he provided
him with a copy of the policy and explanatory material on speed humps. He explained that 75%
of the property owners who abut 8th Avenue would need to sign the petition in order to be
considered by the Council. A petition was submitted to the City in June 2000. Staff has
determined that a series of four speed humps would be necessary, and he illustrated the location
of the speed humps if that is what the Council desires. He stated there would be 59 households
who would be affected with tonight's decision with 25-26 households whose direct access is 8th
Avenue.
Councilmembers Harstad and Slavik stated that some residents who signed the first petition have
now removed their names from that petition.
Councilmember Harstad stated speed humps wouldn't only affect the residents on 8th Avenue but
also the residents from the adjacent neighborhoods who have to travel over the speed humps in
order to exit the area.
Mayor Tierney appreciates that in a cul-de-sac situation, there could be the endeavor for
everyone to participate in the petition process. However, unless the Council amends the speed
hump policy to apply to cul-de-sacs, only residents who have direct access off 0, Avenue would
be part of the petition process.
Councilmember Slavik asked if residents were notified as to why the on -street marked trail (bike
lane) was constructed. City Engineer Faulkner replied no as it was to assist in slowing the traffic
down which is what the residents were requesting. Public Works Director Moore added
typically low volume residential streets aren't striped with a bike lane, as no parking would be
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Regular Meeting of July 25, 2000
Page 6 of 15
allowed on that side of the street. In addition, if a vehicle were parked on the unmarked side of
the roadway, one would have to cross the bike lane on the other side of the street to travel around
that vehicle which could create a dangerous situation.
Councilmember Slavik reported some residents are concerned that the installation of speed
humps could decrease their property values. City Engineer Faulkner stated he is unsure if that
would be correct.
Councilmember Slavik asked about emergency vehicle access if there were speed humps. City
Engineer Faulkner stated the speed humps would increase the emergency response time, as the
vehicles would need to decrease their speed at the speed humps.
Councilmember Slavik asked if it would be practical to install a stop sign, on this road. City
Engineer Faulkner stated he wouldn't recommend that action, as people do not always obey stop
signs.
Councilmember Slavik asked if speed humps cause accidents. City Engineer Faulkner replied
his research doesn't indicate that there would be an adverse impact to traffic. He suggested
influencing the attitudes of people through a crosswalk program, as well as educating the
neighborhood.
Mayor Tierney asked if it would be a possible for a bike lane on both sides of the street with a
posted 25 mph enforceable speed limit. Public Works Director Moore stated in order to enforce
the 25 mph speed limit, the roadway would need to be posted no parking and signed for biking.
Councilmember Slavik stated with the close proximity of the neighborhood park to the street, are
there any measures the City could do to discourage the children from running into the roadway.
City Engineer Faulkner replied he is unsure. However, it is not uncommon for a neighborhood
park to be located adjacent to the residential street. Park and Recreation Director Blank agreed
and stated all the neighborhood parks, with an exception of a few, are located adjacent to the
roadways.
Councilmember Slavik asked what level of enforcement has been exercised on this roadway.
Public Safety Director Gerdes replied there has been limited traffic enforcement on this road. He
explained the City is broken into grids for enforcement and response calls, and the grid that
encompasses this neighborhood only had a total of five accidents during 1999. He stated there is
always the potential for accidents, but staff focuses their enforcement efforts in those grids that
have a higher accident count.
Councilmember Johnson stressed that this agenda item is a neighborhood initiated process, not
the City's, and this request has followed the City's speed hump policy.
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Regular Meeting of July 25, 2000
Page 7 of 15
Councilmember Harstad questioned whether 75% of the property owners who access 8th Avenue
have signed the petition. He interprets this requirement that the residents on Queensland and
Olive Lane should also be included, as these residents cannot exit their neighborhood without
traveling over the speed humps. He suggested the Council table the discussion of speed humps
until the entire neighborhoods that access this roadway are surveyed.
Public Works Director Moore stated the Council's intent of the speed hump policy was to have
support of the residents who directly abut a street. He stated what has occurred is that some
residents have indicated their intent to remove themselves from the petition that the Council is
currently considering.
Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad to amend the speed hump policy that all properties
that have access to the street, where speed humps are requested, should be involved in the
petition process. This motion died for a lack of a second.
Councilmember Brown asked if Council approved the speed humps, is staff recommending
either four speed humps or none. City Engineer Faulkner replied yes, because if speed humps
are spaced too far apart, it creates a speeding problem.
Councilmember Brown suggested that the City facilitate a neighborhood discussion to identify
possible solutions.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated the 80' Avenue residents followed the process that was
established by the Council. Whether the question is if the petition doesn't contain 75% of the
property owners and/or if it does meet the guidelines, the Council must address that this evening.
Mayor Tierney commented that speed humps can be very noisy at times, and if speed humps
would be approved, she feels two would be sufficient rather than four. She stressed that once a
speed hump is installed, it is very difficult to remove them. She prefers two bike lanes with a 25
mph posted speed limit and/or additional educational efforts with the neighborhood. However,
she cautioned that with two bike lanes, there would be no on -street parking.
Councilmember Harstad asked what the cost is per speed hump. City Engineer Faulkner replied
approximately $1,500 to $2,000 per speed hump. Mayor Tierney added some cities require that
the residents who petition for speed humps pay the costs.
City Engineer Faulkner stressed 75% of the affected property owners had signed the petition
when this item was placed on the agenda.
Charlie McCarty, 17830 8th Avenue North, urged the Council to install the speed humps on 8th
Avenue, and he requested the Council to limit the discussion to the residents who directly abut
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Regular Meeting of July 25, 2000
Page 8 of 15
the roadway. He stated he has personally asked people to slow down; however, that is
impractical. He stated his children have to determine the speed of traffic before they can cross
the street. He has also requested a bus stop on his side of the street. He indicated that the
residents aren't entirely the problem as there are many people who travel to the neighborhood
visitors, delivery trucks, park goers). He urged the Council to install the four speed humps as
outlined by staff.
Rob Hensel, 725 Olive Lane, stated there hasn't been a lot of discussion in reviewing any other
alternatives or neighborhood education for installing the speed humps. He stated if the speed
humps would be approved, they would be very close to his front yard. He would support more
educational efforts and awareness before a permanent solution is installed.
Eugene Podzimek, 17700 8th Avenue North, stated. he has tolerated the excess speed of vehicles
on 8th Avenue for 35 years. He favors a measure to slow the traffic, as he has also had to warn
drivers to slow down.
Eddie Willhite, 720 Olive Lane, stated he does not support the speed humps, as they would be
very close to his front yard. He acknowledged that there is some neighborhood residents who
exceed the speed limit. However, the speed limit should be enforced first. He doesn't believe
that 75% of the affected residents have signed the petition.
Kris Cargill, 17920 8th Avenue North, stated she resides across from the neighborhood park on
8th Avenue. She is very concerned about the speed of traffic by the neighborhood park. She
stated there is a bike path that goes through the park that empties out onto 8th Avenue. She
stressed the need to make the park a safer area for everyone. She stated she supports the
installation of speed humps as well as educational efforts for the neighborhood.
Pete Beucke', 600 Queensland Lane, stated there needs to be educational efforts regarding speed
humps. He also stressed the need for a trail and/or sidewalk to access the park. He is opposed to
the speed humps because cars would travel faster between the speed humps, the speed humps
would be noisy, there would be breaking and accelerating of vehicles, and people may not realize
the cause and effect of speed humps.
Due to adverse weather conditions, the Council recessed the meeting at 8:30 p.m. and
reconvened the meeting at 9:02 p.m.
Mr. Beucke' resumed his testimony by stating there hasn't been enough discussion on whether
the speed humps should be installed. He also mentioned the liability concerns if speed humps
are determined to be the cause of accidents.
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Regular Meeting of July 25, 2000
Page 9 of 15
Dick Cargill, 17930 8t' Avenue North, spoke about the need to educate people of the speeding
and safety problems that are occurring. He stated he has asked many people to slow down. He
mentioned that his daughter was rear ended by an individual traveling too fast on this roadway.
He stated the only way to slow down the traffic is speed humps.
Scott Martin, 615 Queensland, presented a petition from 13 property owners who are opposed to
speed humps. He questioned why the Council would even be considering 20 mph speed humps
on a 30 mph street. He believes that this is a speed enforcement issue. He asked if the City has
considered constructing sidewalks so people aren't in the street, which would create a safe way
to access the park. In conclusion, he believes there is an invalid petition.
Clyde Waller, 17610 8t' Avenue North, stated the noise concerns of the speed humps do not
bother him, but the safety of the children does. He doesn't understand how two lane bike paths
correlate to speed and safety. He supports the speed humps.
Linda Norha, 605 Queensland, stated she has not been included in any meetings and/or petition
drives. She believes that the petition isn't even valid.
Logan Johnson, 17605 8h Avenue North, stated he understands that it can be a little annoying to
travel over speed humps, but he thinks this type of action is necessary for people to be safe. He
stated the average speed limit on 8U' Avenue is approximately 45 mph, and there is a need to
slow the traffic.
Ronald Goltz, 17615 8h Avenue North, stated speed humps would be noisy, they would jar
people in their vehicles, would slow down emergency vehicles, and they would create a more
dangerous situation due to the lack of traction. He suggested there be a 30 mph sign installed
near the County Road 101 intersection as well as "children playing" signs near the neighborhood
park. He stated if speed humps were installed, the City would need to convey the pros and cons
noise level, cost, safety) to all homeowners. He acknowledged there is problem, but he doesn't
feel the speed humps are the solution.
Larry Johnson, 17605 8t' Avenue North, stated the only way to slow the traffic is to install speed
humps. He stated the speed and volume of traffic has increased during the past 14 years. He
spoke of one vehicle that traveled 70 mph down the street and when vehicles have raced side by
side. He commented that he has asked drivers to slow down, but they just increase their speeds.
Councilmember •Slavik stated she would support an effort for the Queensland Lane and 8t'
Avenue neighborhoods to meet and identify solutions. She stressed that speed humps are
permanent, and she would prefer to other solutions before installing the speed humps.
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Regular Meeting of July 25, 2000
Page 10 of 15
Councilmember Black stated that she could support Councilmember Slavik's suggestion and/or
speed humps. She stated if there would be a reduction in speed, time would need to elapse
before one could determine if there was a permanent impact. Her opinion is that the people who
directly access 8t' Avenue are more of a significance than those people who utilize the roadway
to travel to their homes. She also stated that this is a behavior problem which takes time to
change.
Councilmember Harstad suggested a survey be taken of the other affected property owners, other
than those on 8U' Avenue, who would be impacted with the speed humps. He commented there
are other methods, such as speed enforcement and the use of the speed trailer that could improve
the behavior of motorists.
Councilmember Johnson stated even though speed humps can be very effective in slowing the
traffic, there are other neighborhoods in the City who would request similar action. She
questioned if this is an appropriate action City wide. She is concerned about installing barriers to
control traffic. Speed humps can cause problems in the neighborhoods.
A motion was made by Mayor Tierney, and seconded by Councilmember Brown, to direct staff
to meet with the Queensland Lane, Olive Lane, and 8 Avenue neighborhoods to try to identify
solutions which could be presented to the Council at a future date (Mayor Tierney and
Councilmember Slavik would attend the neighborhood meetings).
Councilmember Bildsoe believes that when the petition was submitted to the City, the 75%
requirement was met, and the Council should address the problem this evening. For those
residents who do not directly access 8h Avenue, i.e. Queensland Lane, they have the opportunity
to address the Council this evening. Therefore, he would be willing to install the speed humps.
He stated the speed humps could always be removed, but he doesn't believe the solution to the
problem is enforcement.
Councilmember Johnson stated tonight was the only time in which the Queensland Lane and
Olive Lane residents were able to be a part of the discussion to identify solutions. She suggested
that the Council, at a future study session, discuss the possibility of assessing speed humps to the
petitioning property owners.
Councilmember Brown stated he supports the motion to have the neighborhoods discuss the
issues and come to some sort of consensus.
Councilmember Slavik stressed the importance of creating a dialogue with the neighborhoods,
and she would like to be a part of that process.
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Regular Meeting of July 25, 2000
Page 11 of 15
Mayor Tierney stated she would like the neighborhoods to discuss a number of issues that would
include bike paths, sidewalks, and education.
Councilmember Black stated that she would support the motion. However, she doesn't feel that
this action is being fair to the 8h Avenue residents. If no other solutions were identified, she
would support the speed humps.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to
suspend the rules to allow additional public testimony. A majority of the Council voted in favor
of the motion.
Dan Envy, 17920 8t` Avenue, requested the Council to act on the petition this evening and
approve the speed humps as requested.
Mr. Cargill stated it concerns him that the Council is deviating from the established process
because residents who don't directly abut 8"' Avenue have given testimony.
Ms. Norha stated she doesn't understand why the Council is discussing this again.
Mayor Tierney stated she's not convinced there has been sufficient discussion by the
neighborhood. She stated approval of four speed humps on a cul-de-sac street could create a
precedent.
Councilmember Brown recommended the motion be amended to include a date when this
process would be completed.
Motion was made by Councilmember Brown, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to amend
the main motion that solutions are presented to the Council no later than the first Regular
Council meeting in October. In addition, staff is to contact the residents to schedule the meeting.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to call
the question on the amendment. With all members voting in favor but Bildsoe, the motion
carried.
The Council voted on the amendment. With all members voting in favor but Bildsoe, the motion
carried.
Councilmember Black requested that the neighbors identify a number of solutions that could be
presented to the Council.
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Regular Meeting of July 25, 2000
Page 12 of 15
The Council voted on the amended main motion, and with all members voting in favor but
Bildsoe and Black, the motion carried.
8.2) Consideration of Charter Amendment to Amend Mayor Term of Office from Two to
Four Years
Assistant City Manager Ahrens reported on the action necessary in order to proceed with a City
Charter amendment that would change the term of the Mayor's office from two to four years.
She stated the Council could adopt a Resolution establishing the ballot language for the
November ballot. The change would become effective January 1, 2003, and only if approved by
a majority of the voters at the November 7 General Election. She indicated that the Charter
Commission considered the issue at their May 11 meeting and did not support the amendment on
a five to seven vote.
Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt
a Resolution Calling for an Election on a Charter Amendment (Res2000-370). With all members
voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.3) Resolution Calling for an Election on a Charter Amendment to Require Mail
Balloting for Special Elections
Councilmember Johnson stated her concern with the question is that it doesn't contain any
information on the costs of a conducting a mail ballot election, and there could be a possible tax
increase. City Attorney Knutson stated this type of information would not be part of the ballot
question but could be distributed to the residents as an informational piece.
Councilmember Slavik voiced her displeasure with some of the comments made by Charter
Commission members at their June 22 meeting which insinuated that all Councilmembers are
opposed to mail ballot elections. She stated not all Councilmembers are totally opposed to mail
balloting.
Councilmember Johnson added that the Council did not make a mistake with the Plymouth
Creek Center referendum. She acknowledged that there was a low voter turnout. However, the
Council's intent was for the residents to vote on the project.
Mayor Tierney stated that it concerns her that the perception is that the residents were either
slighted or not well educated on this referendum due to the low voter turnout. She stressed that
the additional cost in conducting a mail ballot election could influence the Council's actions.
Councilmember Harstad asked if there are any other alternatives for the Council rather than
adopting the Resolution. City Attorney Knutson replied there are no other alternatives.
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Regular Meeting of July 25, 2000
Page 13 of 15
Councilmember Black stated she really doesn't support this action, as the City would limit the
options for voters to participate in the election process. However, the Council does not have an
alternative, and she hopes the voters carefully consider this issue before casting their votes.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated the intent is to encourage voter participation. Therefore, he
would prefer different language that could include other voting methods. He mentioned low
attendance of the Charter Commission when they voted on this issue.
Motion was made by Councilmember Brown, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to
adopt a Resolution Calling for an Election on a Charter Amendment (Res2000-371). With all
members voting in favor, the motion carried.
The Council suggested that the League of Women Voters be contacted to suggest that a debate
be held on the two Charter amendments to outline the advantages and disadvantages of both
actions.
Reports and Recommendations
9.1) Presentation of 1999 Audit Report
Cliff Hoffinan, from Deloitte & Touch LLP, highlighted the 1999 annual financial report and
answered the Council's questions.
9.2) Vacancy on the Public Safety Advisory Board
Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to
appoint Leo Haseman to the Public Safety Advisory Board, with a term to expire December 31,
2001. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
9.3) Consideration of Rescheduling the Budget Study Session on August 29
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to
reschedule the August 29 Budget Study Session to August 31 at 7:00 p.m. With all members
voting in favor, the motion carried.
9.4) Update on the City's Comprehensive Plan
Community Development Director Hurlburt reported the Metropolitan Council would be
conducting their hearing on the City's Comprehensive Plan tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. Staff would
not be making a presentation but would be available to answer any questions.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of July 25, 2000
Page 14 of 15
9.5) Thank You Letter to Plymouth Civic League
Mayor Tierney requested a thank you letter be sent to the Plymouth Civic League thanking them
for organizing this year's Music in Plymouth, which was very successful.
9.6) Thank You Letter to Al Hilde
Mayor Tierney requested a thank you letter be sent to Al Hilde for his donation of a permanent
amphitheater stage.
Robert Sipkins, Chairman of the Charter Commission, requested to comment to the Council on
the proposed City Charter amendments.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to
suspend the rules in order to allow testimony by Robert Sipkins, Chairman of the Charter
Commission. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Mr. Sipkins acknowledged that the Charter Commission and Council have differing opinions on
the two Charter amendments. He defended the integrity of the Charter Commission on how
these issues were discussed and voted upon. He suggested that the Council and Charter
Commission participate in a debate on both of these issues in order that the voters can make an
informed decision.
Councilmember Harstad stated he also supports a debate that could be facilitated by an outside
party, such as the League of Women Voters.
Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad to schedule a debate within a reasonable time
before the November General Election. The motion failed for lack of a second.
Councilmember Johnson expressed her concern that there were only eight members present
when the Charter Commission voted on the mail balloting. She stated the debate and action
taken could have been more effective if there would've been more members present.
Mr. Sipkins agreed with Councilmember Johnson, but stated he stresses the importance of the
meetings to the members when they are notified of meetings.
Councilmember Harstad asked if there are quorum requirements of the Charter Commission.
Mr. Sipkins replied no —just a simple majority.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of July 25, 2000
Page 15 of 15
Adjournment
Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to
adjourn the meeting at 11:23 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk