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:
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Special Meeting of September 11, 2000
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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.
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Special Meeting of September 11, 2000
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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
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Special Meeting of September 11, 2000
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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
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Special Meeting of September 11, 2000
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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