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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 09-11-2000 SpecialAdopted Minutes Special City Council Meeting September 11, 2000 A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 7:00 p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on September 11, 2000. CITY COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Johnson, Bildsoe, Slavik, Brown, Black, and Harstad. ABSENT: Councilmember Bildsoe. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Public Works Director Moore, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Public Safety Director Gerdes, Park and Recreation Director Blank, and City Clerk Paulson. Holly Lane Public Works Director Moore reported that on May 23 the Council conducted a public improvement hearing to improve Holly Lane from the C.P. railroad to Old Rockford Road. The improvement would consist of a standard City street, 32 feet wide, on the existing alignment of Holly Lane, a 16 inch watermain connecting to the existing watermain in the Nanterre development, sanitary sewer from Old Rockford Road northerly to the golf course clubhouse to provide service to the adjoining properties, and a trail along the west side of the street. He explained this project has been part of the City's Capital Improvements Program since 1996. With the update of the Comprehensive Plan for 2000, Holly Lane remains an element of the transportation system but has been designated as a minor collector street. However, staff is proposing a 32 -foot wide street, with no parking on both sides, and a 4 - foot on -street bike path on either side of the street. In addition, there would be an eight - foot wide off-road pedestrian trail on the west side of the roadway. He stated the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan indicates two possible alignments for Holly Lane at its northerly end where it connects to Schmidt Lake Road. One alternate has Holly Lane remaining on its existing alignment, and the other alternative curves Holly Lane westerly and connects to Juneau Lane within the Conor Meadows Addition. The possibility of the Juneau Lane connection was planned as part of the approvals for the Conor Meadows Addition. He stated there are four alternatives regarding the Holly Lane improvement project, which are as follows: Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of September 11, 2000 Page 2 of 5 1. Take no action at this time. The City would need to provide continual maintenance on the road to provide a safe road to minimize the City's liability exposure. In addition, the Plum Tree East Addition would not be able to complete final landscaping. 2. Improve that portion of Holly lane from Old Rockford Road to the southerly limits of the golf course clubhouse parking lot. In addition to this, the sanitary sewer and watermain as proposed would be constructed. 3. Complete the roadway on its existing alignment as proposed. 4. Relocate the road to a more westerly alignment northerly of the golf course parking lot but still connecting with existing Holly Lane at the railroad. He stated staff is recommending the second alternative. He explained Holly Lane's current alignment over the railroad at 45 degrees is a major difficulty which is an obstacle with the third and fourth alternatives. The public hearing that was conducted on May 23 was for the third alternative. Councilmember Johnson questioned why staff is proposing to reconstruct the roadway past 46th Avenue rather than just up to 46th Avenue. Public Works Director Moore replied the elevation of the roadway would need to be changed about two feet at 46th Avenue, and the reason to lower the roadway is for the drainage of the adjacent lots. The road needs to be extended past 46th Avenue to transition back to existing elevations. Councilmember Harstad asked if the construction of crossing gates at the railroad tracks are included in the plan. Public Works Director Moore replied not at this time, as there is not an extension of the road on the north side of the railroad tracks. Councilmember Harstad asked if the City could extend Holly Lane north at the same time that Schmidt Lake Road is extended as he concerned about crossing gates at the railroad tracks. Public Works Director Moore explained the northerly extension of Holly Lane would coincide with the development of the adjacent property. Public Works Director Moore stated staff is recommending all the assessments for the Hollydale Golf Course be deferred as long as it remains a golf course. The Plum Tree East development has already paid for the roadway improvement. Councilmember Brown asked if the improved roadway would infringe on the golf course. Public Works Director Moore replied that it would not impact the golf course. If the improvement were to continue beyond the golf course parking lot, the golf course would need to remove some of their parking spaces in the right of way. He stated staff met with the golf course owners, and they are not willing to discuss alternative alignments at this time. Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of September 11, 2000 Page 3 of 5 Councilmember Slavik stated that she doesn't support extending Holly Lane beyond staff s recommendation (alternative No. 2) because: (1) adjacent neighborhoods need to exit their area, and there is not an advantage to utilize Holly Lane, (2) there would be a safety issue at the railroad crossing from "cut through" traffic from the east traveling west, and (3) by eventually closing Holly Lane after Schmidt Lake Road is constructed, there are not grade crossings at the railroad tracks. She does not support constructing Holly Lane to Jewel Lane. However, there is not a need to connect Schmidt Lake Road and Old Rockford Road by utilizing Holly Lane. She also stated there is no need to improve the grade crossings on Holly Lane because when Schmidt Lake Road is improved, Peony Lane and Dunkirk Lane would be utilized. Mayor Tierney commented that at grade crossings are horrendous. The majority of the traffic would be utilizing Peony Lane. Mayor Tierney allowed residents to address the Council at this time. One resident stated that he resides north of the railroad racks, and he is concerned with closing off the roadway, as there is an access problem in the winter to his property. A resident of the Conor Meadows development mentioned the close proximity of their development's driveways to the roadway. He then presented a petition to the Council on behalf of the residents of Golfview, Nanterre and Wyndemere Farms, Conor Meadows, and Plum Tree who are opposed to the expansion of the Holly Lane/Jewel Lane as currently proposed and to the City's Comprehensive Plan for extension of this road north to Schmidt Lake Road. He requested the Council to widen Holly Lane to 28 feet up to 46th Avenue to accommodate the residents on the east side of Wyndemere Farms, leave the width of Holly Lane past 46th Avenue as it currently exists (upon completion of Schmidt Lake Road, construct a cul-de-sac just south of the railroad tracks), and amend the City's Comprehensive Plan to accommodate these actions. A prospective resident of Wyndemere Farms stated the value of properties in this development would be diminished if Holly Lane were improved beyond 46th Avenue. Dave Deziel, from Hollydale Golf Course, stated alternative No. 2 as proposed by staff would be acceptable to them. Councilmember Johnson urged the Council's support to amend the City's Comprehensive Plan as the City is planning for Hollydale to remain a golf course. After Schmidt Lake Road is constructed in 2003, the Comprehensive Plan could be reviewed again. She also stated that from a safety issue, she doesn't support developments beyond 46th Avenue Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of September 11, 2000 Page 4 of 5 utilizing Holly Lane but would encourage the use of Peony Lane and Schmidt Lake Road. Councilmember Black stated she supports staff's recommendation; however, she does not support amending the City's Comprehensive Plan, as it would limit the City's options. Councilmember Slavik reiterated her support for alternate No. 2. She would also support an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Brown stated he supports alternate No. 2 as recommended by staff, however, he is concerned about limiting the Council's options by amending the Comprehensive Plan at this time. A resident of Conor Meadows stated when he purchased his property, he wasn't forewarned about future construction of Jewel Lane and Schmidt Lake Road. A resident stated that now is the time for the Council to make the decision for Holly Lane south the railroad tracks. A resident who owns property north of the railroad tracks stated they may want to develop their property, and the Council could be limiting their ability to develop their property if it is only reconstructed to 46d' Avenue. Councilmember Johnson urged the Council's support to amend the Comprehensive Plan. Public Works Director Moore stated based on the Council's comments this evening, alternative No. 2 would be placed on the September 26 Council agenda. Councilmember Johnson requested staff to include options for a 28 -foot wide roadway similar to Ferndale North. Plymouth Civic League Members of the Plymouth Civic League met with the Council to determine whether the Music on Plymouth should be expanded to include more events (i.e. parade, more concessions, kiddie carnival, utilize space at the Plymouth Creek Center), and for the City to assist with fundraising efforts. Members of the Plymouth Civic League stated that due to the event becoming larger every year, it has been a strain to secure volunteers for the event as well as securing donations from some of the larger contributors who aren't contributing at the same levels as they have in the past. They also mentioned that they Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of September 11, 2000 Page 5 of 5 are unsure if they could assume more responsibility if additional events are added to Music in Plymouth. A discussion was held on the various staggered events held in the City which include Music in Plymouth, Plymouth on Parade, Fire and Ice, History Fest, etc. It was noted that all of the events are growing in popularity, and it may be advantageous to retain separate events. Park and Recreation Director Blank reported on the status of the amphitheater stage. He stated the sound engineer is in the process of meeting with users of the facility and their needs. He stated on September 14 there would be sound testing, and readings would be collected adjacent to the amphitheater. It is hoped that construction could begin July 2001 in order that the facility could be completed May 2002. Millennium Garden George Watson, a consultant from Brauer Associates presented to the Council the overall master garden plan to the Council, and he answered the Council's questions. Park and Recreation Director Blank mentioned that fundraising, with the exception of the City's contribution of $200,000, would pay for the majority of the project. He stated they are in the process of beginning their fundraising campaign. Adjournment Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. With all membe voting in favor a motion carried. andra R. Paulson, City Clerk