HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 10-24-2000Adopted Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
October 24, 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 October 24,
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, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Finance Manager Jacobson, Community
Development Director Hurlburt, Public Works Director Moore, City Attorney Knutson, and City
Clerk Paulson.
Plymouth Forum
Ann Srseu, 2060 Shenandoah Court, voiced a number of issues and concerns that she has
experienced at her residence for the past nine years. These issues include warnings at her
doorstep, people entering her home, and problems with her utilities and plumbing. Public Safety
Director Gerdes then met with Ms. Srseu following her testimony to discuss her concerns.
Presentations and Public Information Announcements
4.1) Proclamation of "Housing Week" (Interfaith Outreach)
Mayor Tierney read a proclamation declaring November 11-18 as "Housing Week" in the City of
Plymouth. She also reported on the request to co-sponsor the "Housing Week" kick-off on
November 11. The request includes waiving the rental fee for the City's bandshell.
Motion was made by Councilmember Brown, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to
adopt the proclamation and co-sponsor the "Housing Week" kick-off event. With all members
voting in favor, the motion carried.
Councilmember Johnson requested a letter be sent to Ann Dohrweiler, congratulating her on
being appointed to the Affordable Housing Group from Hennepin County.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of October 24, 2000
Page 2 of 15
4.2) Announcement of "Rec-Connect"
Park and Recreation Director Blank and Information Technology Manager Hohenstein informed
the Council that the City is now on-line for park and recreation programs. This new service is in
addition to the touch-tone reservation method. They stated that during the month of November,
they would be mailing out a series of number to City residents for registration purposes on the
Internet. They concluded by stating that the City was selected as a test site for the software
company. The Council thanked staff for all their hard work, and stated they are very excited to
be implementing this new technology for City residents.
Mayor Tierney informed the Council that the Plymouth Rockers are celebrating their 10th year.
She requested the Council send them a letter congratulating them on their accomplishment.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to send
a letter to the Plymouth Rockers on behalf of the Council. With all members voting in favor, the
motion carried.
Approval of Agenda
Mayor Tierney requested to add the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (AMM) and
League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) policy meetings as item No. 9.2.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, 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 Harstad requested to remove item No. 6.08 and place it under General Business
as item No. 8.4.
Mayor Tierney requested to remove item No. 6.02 and place it under General Business as item
No. 8.5.
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Regular Meeting of October 24, 2000
Page 3 of 15
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to
approve the amended Consent Agenda which included the following items:
6.01) Resolution Approving Disbursements for the Period ending October 13, 2000 (Res2000-
516).
6.02) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed as item No. No. 8.5 under
General Business).
6.03) Resolution Awarding the Contract for the Police Ordered Towing and Impoundment of
Vehicles (Res2000-517).
6.04) Resolution Approving Audit Services for 2000, 2001, and 2002 (Res2000-518).
6.05) Resolution Approving a Variance to allow an Accessory Structure in the Front Yard for
Scott L. Johnson for Property located at 330 Merrimac Lane North (20135 — Res2000-519).
6.06) Resolution Approving Final Plat and Development Contract for Paragon Designers and
Builders Corporation for "Wayzata Farms" located at 540 Queensland Lane North (20100-17-
Res2000-520).
6.07) Resolution finding no objection to Lawful Gambling Exemption for Sunset Hill PTA
Res2000-521).
6.08) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed as item No. 8.4 under
General Business).
6.09) Resolution Approving Request for Payment No. 2 and Final 2000 Seal Coat Program
Res2000-522).
6.10) Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications and Ordering Advertisement for Bids for
Holly Lane Street, Trail and Utility Improvements (9024 — Res2000-523).
6.11) Resolution Appointing City of Plymouth Representative to the Bassett Creek Water
Management Commission Policy Advisory Group, Second Generation surface Water
Management Plan (Res2000-524).
6.12) Resolution Clarifying Acceptance of Proposal for One Current Model 100 ft. Aerial
Platform/Pumper Truck (Res2000-525).
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of October 24, 2000
Page 4 of 15
Councilmember Bildsoe stated that Councilmember Black would be a very good representative
on the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission Policy Advisory Group (item No.
6.11).
There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Public Hearings
7.1) Assessment Hearing for 2000 Removal and Destruction of Diseased Trees (Roll 1)
Finance Manager Jacobson reported during each summer, the Forestry Division marks diseased
trees located throughout the City for removal. Property owners are notified and given 20 days to
remove the diseased trees. If the diseased trees are not removed within the required timeline, the
City has contractual crews carry out the removal process. He stated there are two affected
property owners who were billed for the costs associated with removal and destruction of their
trees, and they were provided with at least 30 days to pay the costs. Therefore, staff is
recommending adopting the resolution.
Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing for testimony.
Sidney Brennan, 1013 Ford Road, Minnetonka, stated he filed with City Forester Buck an
objection along with a letter. However, he did not receive a response from City Forester Buck.
He stated that the tree in question was a damaged tree, not a diseased tree. He intended to
remove the tree himself. He started the process of removing the tree, but his neighbor posed a
problem in the effort as he was denied access to his neighbor's property. He stated it was
impossible to remove the tree without it falling onto the neighbor's yard due to the location of
the tree. He started to remove the tree on June 27 and had half of it removed. He then received a
notice from his neighbor. He faxed a letter to City Forester Buck on June 29. On July 17 the
tree was removed by the City and hauled away. He stated he never received a breakdown on the
cost of cutting the tree and removing the wood. He objects to the proposed assessment based on
the fact that there was a controversy. He notified the City that there was a delay in removing the
tree.
Mayor stated the Council has been provided with considerable amount of correspondence on
what has occurred.
City Forester Buck stated Mr. Brennan's contention that either one half or one third of the tree
had been removed is incorrect. One large branch had been partially cut, but had gotten stuck in
another tree and was left hanging still slightly attached to the tree. This was creating an even
more hazardous situation than the tree itself. When this branch fell due to wind and fiu-ther
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of October 24, 2000
Page 5 of 15
damaging the neighbor's fence, he felt the City had no choice but to alleviate the hazardous
condition. After he communicated this concern to Mr. Brennan, he stated that he was going to
work on removing the tree. He stated there were a series of telephone messages back and forth
between himself and Mr. Brennan, and action by the City continued to be postponed as Mr.
Brennan always said the tree would be removed. In his opinion, three months was adequate time
to remove the tree.
Councilmember Harstad asked if it is correct that the City's policy is that property owners have
20 days to remove the trees and/or work with the City once they are marked. City Forester Buck
stated that is correct.
Mayor Tierney asked City Forester Buck if he had any contact with the neighbor who refused to
allow Mr. Brennan to park his equipment in his yard. City Forester Buck replied there was
probably a dispute between the two neighbors, but he didn't get involved. He stated the neighbor ,
allowed the City to access their property. He also stated that Mr. Brennan had 86 days to remove
the tree.
Mr. Brennan stated he cut down 2/3 of the tree on June 27. He stated there would be a chance
that some of the branches would fall on the neighbor's yard; however, they wouldn't damage
anything. He explained he had a bucket parked directly under the tree, and he was cutting the
tree himself. He stated part of the problem was that the neighbor had parked his camper under
the tree. He reiterated that the City is unfairly assessing him. He requested the breakdown of
costs on removing the tree.
City Forester Buck stated the cost is a straight price that is based on the size of the tree and its
location.
The Council discussed upholding the proposed assessment or just assessing the cost for
removing the tree.
Councilmember Bildsoe commented that if the Council were to change the amount that would be
assessed, the City's policy needs to be reviewed.
There being no one else wishing to appear before the Council to give testimony, Mayor Tierney
declared the public hearing closed.
Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Mayor Tierney, to adopt a
Resolution Adopting Assessments for 2000 Removal and Destruction of Diseased Trees, Roll 1,
but with an amendment to assess Mr. Brennan $500 plus 6.5% sales tax and 25% administration
fee, not to exceed $100.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of October 24, 2000
Page 6 of 15
Councilmember Johnson stated the Council shouldn't be disputing what the contractor charged
the City for removing the tree. There is no relation between this cost and the issue that Mr.
Brennan presented at the public hearing.
Councilmember Harstad stated he doesn't feel the $950 removal price is exactly fair as the fence
between the neighbors was defined as a permanent structure.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to call
the question. With all members voting against the motion but Harstad and Bildsoe, the motion
failed.
Mayor Tierney agreed with Councilmember Harstad that the $950 removal fee seems
extraordinarily high. She would be willing to support the main motion based upon the
circumstances.
Councilmember Johnson feels this was a neighborhood dispute where the deadline expired, and
the City had to take action. The question is whether Mr. Brennan was under circumstances
outside of his control.
Councilmember Black asked if the tree removal fee has been reduced for other homeowners.
Park and Recreation Director Blank stated yes, about four years ago, an adjustment was made for
undue circumstances.
Councilmember Brown asked if there was another option for Mr. Brennan since he was denied
access to his neighbor's property. City Forester Buck stated yes, he could have cut the tree down
in smaller chunks and kept it on his side of the property.
Park and Recreation Director Blank stated staff doesn't want to be cutting down trees on private
property. Mr. Brennan had the option to hire a contractor, but he chose to do the work himself.
Mayor Tierney asked with this type of situation, does the City have the option of working with
the neighbor so the property owner could retain the wood. City Forester Buck replied yes, if that
would've been earlier on in the process. He stated he tried to work with Mr. Brennan in granting
extensions over the three-month period of time. He reiterated that the City's policy states that
property owners have 20 days to remove the trees after due notice has been provided.
There being no further discussion, the Council voted on the main motion. With Harstad,
Johnson, and Tierney voting yes, and Brown, Black, Bildsoe, and Slavik voting no, the motion
failed.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of October 24, 2000
Page 7 of 15
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt
a Resolution Adopting Assessments for 2000 Removal and Destruction of Diseased Trees, Roll 1
Res2000-526). With all members voting in favor but Harstad, Johnson, and Tierney, the motion
carried.
7.2) Assessment Hearing for 2000 Weed Eradication and Destruction (Roll 1)
Finance Manager Jacobson reported during each summer, the City investigates complaints and
other obvious noxious weed problems. The City notifies the property owners and provides them
15 days to remove the weeds. If the weeds are not removed within the required timeline, the
City has contractual crews carry out the removal process. Affected property owners were billed
for the costs associated with eradication and destruction and given at least 30 days to pay the
costs.
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 Harstad, to
adopt a Resolution Adopting Assessments for 2000 Weed Eradication and Destruction, Roll 1
Res2000-527). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
General Business
8.1) Approve Rezoning from RSF-2 to RSF-4 and Preliminary Plat Approval for "Sunrise
Park" located south of 34`b Avenue and east of Pilgrim Lane (20114)
Community Development Director Hurlburt reported on the request to approve the rezoning
from RSF-2 to RSF-4 and a Preliminary Plat for 14 twinhome units and 19 detached single-
family homes to be known as "Sunrise Park" located south of 34`h Avenue and east of Pilgrim
Lane. She illustrated the proposed development on the 18.65 acre site. She stated a new public
street would be extended south on 34d' Avenue, and the majority of the development would be
clustered on the cul-de-sac. She stated one major difference between this plan and the previous
plan, is that the City adopted the Comprehensive Plan which lowered the allowable number of
units on this site. She explained the developer has eliminated the dwellings on Kilmer Lane near
Highway 169. The previous proposal contained 40% tree removal while this plan contains 46%
tree removal. The developer would need to provide a wetland mitigation plan for the seven acres
of wetland contained on this site. The current plan seems to have a little more impact on the
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Regular Meeting of October 24, 2000
Page 8 of 15
wetland. She stated the applicant requested that all of the property be rezoned to RSF-4, but the
Planning Commission requests that the five units located on 31St Avenue not be included in the
rezoning as that is not necessary. She stated staff provided a revised resolution to the Council
which includes condition No. 14. She also stated that the Council has been provided with copies
of written objections to this development. If the Council would deny the rezoning this evening,
staff recommends that the Council direct staff to prepare a resolution for findings of fact for a
future Council meeting.
Councilmember Johnson mentioned the private drive between Sunpoint Road and 31St Avenue.
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated that would be a 15 foot trail that could be
used for emergency traffic.
Councilmember Brown asked if there would be a barrier at the 31St Avenue cul-de-sac.
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated it would be marked for no vehicle access.
Councilmember Brown asked what the checkpoint is for the landscaping plan and the conditions
for the Preliminary Plat approval. Community Development Director Hurlburt replied the
majority of the conditions would need to be addressed before final plat approval.
Derrick Passe, from Passe Engineering, stated he worked on the design of this site. He stated
previously, there had been a lot of complaints about the twinhomes backing into adjacent single-
family housing. Therefore, they configured the development so there are single-family homes
abutting the adjacent single-family homes with the twinhomes being located on the other end of
the development. In addition, they developed a road through the development so that 90 percent
of the development would exit onto 34th
Avenue. He stated regarding the question of not
rezoning a portion of the site to RSF-4, their only question would the overall density of the site,
as they would utilize the entire site.
Councilmember Brown asked how the single-family homes differ from the twinhomes. Mr.
Passe replied they are half the size of the twin homes with the option for a third car garage on a
portion of them.
Councilmember Johnson asked if there is an option to remove the twinhomes located near the
wetland that appear to be separated from the development. Mr. Passe stated those homes provide
a buffer by closing up the private drive so that there is less sight to the apartment complex.
Councilmember Johnson stated regarding tree preservation efforts, she asked whether some of
the single-family homes could be moved in closer within the development to increase tree buffer
and make a better road/trail alignment through the property. Mr. Passe stated this change would
seriously impact the project by four units.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of October 24, 2000
Page 9 of 15
Councilmember Harstad asked what would occur if there was a catastrophic rainfall. Mr. Passe
stated the units wouldn't be under water. There would be a connection to the two basins with an
overland overflow which would be two feet below any of the ground floor levels. He stated the
basements are at least two feet above any 100 -year flood level.
Councilmember Black asked what the setback would be of the two twinhomes set apart near the
wetland basin. Mr. Passe replied those units would have a 20 foot backyard.
Councilmember Black asked how much space would the City need for a drainage easement that
would encroach into those backyards for overland flow. Public Works Director Moore replied
the overland flow is away from the units on the easterly side of the pond.
John Baranauskas, 3250 Pilgrim Lane, stated originally, the watershed was the main issue for
him. He mentioned the Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Reserve Development, but
he understands that this project isn't the magnitude of that project. He discussed the Medicine
Lake Watershed and Lake Management Plan completed by Barr Engineering. According to their
report, Medicine Lake would continue to be affected by the problems that occur when a lake's
watershed areas urbanize. The increased volume and pollutant levels of storm water runoff from
the watershed deteriorate the water quality of the lake. He mentioned the high phosphorus level
of the lake. As one increases the flow and urbanization, the phosphorus level of the lake is also
increased. He stated nothing has been done in their areas to mitigate the watershed. He would
like to see that in order to avoid the wetland, the two twinhomes near the wetland and the two
units to the west of those units be removed in order to provide a natural vegetative buffer which
would allow drainage through the north of the property.
John Bolen, 3260 Pilgrim Lane, spoke in opposition to the proposed project. He stated that the
developer believes that multi -family housing provides the best type of housing due to the
adjacent single-family and apartment uses. He illustrated what the development would look like
after the trees are removed and the homes are added. He stated there would be 248 trees
removed. He requested the Council to listen to the residents' concerns this evening. They are
willing to work with the developer.
Jay Duggan, 3320 Pilgrim Lane, stated there would be less impact if this development contained
all single-family homes. He is concerned that the new road through this development would be
within 20 feet of his back yard. He acknowledged that this is a hard site to develop, but he
requested the wetlands and trees be addressed.
Kathy Pederson, 9885 31St Avenue North, stated she agrees with the comments above. She
stated with the departure of trees, the noise level would increase from Highway 169. She asked
whether the City or the developer constructs retaining walls as she could hear noise from
Highway
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Regular Meeting of October 24, 2000
Page10 of 15
169. Does the City or the developer build retaining walls. She stated she currently hears noise
from Highway 169. She also asked if there is any stipulation that there be a buffer between her
home and the proposed adjacent home. Lastly, she asked if the drainage pipe from the north to
the south would be monitored.
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated regarding the noise from Highway 169, the
City's ordinance does not apply to City streets or state highways. She stated as proposed, the
zoning would not change between Ms. Pederson's home and the proposed adjacent home.
Therefore, there is no requirement for landscaping and buffering between two single-family
homes.
Public Works Director Moore stated regarding the pipe from the north and south wetlands, the
City would review the work to make sure it meets City standards.
Judy Paidar, 9890 31St Avenue North, stated that this land is not an ideal piece of property to
construct these homes. She appreciates the changes that have been made by the developer, and
she appreciates the cul-de-sac on 31 St Avenue. She stated the area surrounding their homes were
for single-family homes. All the proposed homes would look identical. She stated originally,
this development was geared towards "empty nesters" with no additional traffic. Now, the
developer is proposing single-family homes with three stall garages. She also stated there is no
need for the two twinhome developments near the wetland. She requested the Council deny the
rezoning.
Councilmember Black asked if the removal of the ditch is an improvement to the wetlands.
Public Works Director Moore stated the ditch has been excavated, and the northern wetland area
does drain. The southern wetland is controlled by a structure that the City constructed many
years ago which would allow for the removal of the ditch. All the hard surface drainage would
empty into the NURP ponds, and then that would drain into the wetland for additional treatment.
Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Mayor Tierney, to approve the
rezoning as presented in staff's report.
Councilmember Johnson stated there are still some problems associated with the middle part of
the site. It is somewhat ackward to have two twinhomes in the middle and the type of transition
to detached single-family homes. She would prefer that the single-family homes on the south
part of the development be moved closer to the middle in order to retain more trees as a buffer.
She doesn't believe the developer has met the standards for rezoning (buffer, and road alignment
issues).
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Regular Meeting of October 24, 2000
Page 11 of 15
Councilmember Brown stated the developer has addressed some of the original problems. He
likes that 31 st Avenue has been blocked off, and he still supports the twinhomes along 34th
Avenue. However, he is concerned how the road infringes on the wetlands.
Councilmember Black stated the majority of the issues that have been discussed relate to the
platting and not the rezoning. This particular design does negatively impact the environment
more than the first plan. She would support the rezoning of the northern part, but she would not
support the preliminary plat as proposed.
Councilmember Bildsoe suggested instead of rejecting the rezoning this evening, the Council
could offer comments and suggestions to the developer.
Councilmember Johnson stated she is concerned about approving the rezoning, as the Council's
discretion is less with the platting process.
Councilmember Black stated in the previous plan, she believes that the developer did avoid the
wetlands.
Councilmember Johnson stated she is concerned that if the Council approved the rezoning, the
developer could present a different plan which would have all the traffic being rerouted back to
31" Avenue. If the developer presented the first plan, the City's discretion would be lessened.
Councilmember Black stated there would be additional traffic with single-family housing.
Therefore, there is a trade off between the twinhomes and the single-family homes.
Arnie Zachman, developer, stated with the first plat presented there were three major issues
which were the traffic, single-family homes on 31" Avenue, and the bike path on the westerly
side. He stated this development is targeting "empty nesters." The third garage stall just
provides additional space to store extra items, i.e. a boat. They tried to have the single-family
housing be adjacent to single-family housing. The twinhomes provide a buffer to the apartment
complexes. He stated regarding the tree loss, the homes would block more noise than trees
would. However, there would be a lot of tree replacement within the development.
Councilmember Harstad stated the Council already asked the developer to meet with the
neighbors to discuss their concerns as well as the Council's. He stated the revised plan is an
improvement over the first plan. He stated there is less density with the new plan. Therefore, he
supports the ordinance rezoning this property.
Councilmember Johnson stated she appreciates what the developer has prepared for the second
plan. However, she feels there is poor planning in the middle of the plat. She prefers that trees
be utilized as buffers rather than those two twinhomes in the middle of the development. She
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Regular Meeting of October 24, 2000
Page 12 of 15
spoke of the Pilgrim Lane properties that would virtually have a street in front and a street in the
rear of their properties.
Councilmember Slavik echoed Councilmember Johnson's comments.
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated the revised plan maximizes the number of
units that could be constructed on this site. If the rezoning would be denied, there would still be
a possibility of constructing 22 units on this site which would be two units per acre.
Mr. Zachman, asked if the layout could be modified if the rezoning would be approved (i.e.
taking the twinhomes and making them single-family detached). Community Development
Director Hurlburt stated the rezoning is needed for the twinhomes and the lot layout. Once the
rezoning is approved, the Council could make a conditional approval of the preliminary plat to
modify some of the lots.
There being no further discussion, the Council voted on the main motion. With Brown, Black,
Harstad, and Tierney voting yes, and Johnson, Bildsoe, and Slavik voting no, the motion failed.
City Attorney Knutson recommended findings of fact be prepared for the next meeting.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Black, that
findings of fact for the denial of the rezoning be prepared for the November 14 Council meeting.
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Motion was made by Mayor Tierney, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to table action
on the preliminary plat to the November 14 Council meeting. With all members voting in favor,
the motion carried.
The Council took a five-minute recess from 10:00 p.m. -10:05 p.m.
8.2) Approve Amendment to the Plymouth Ponds PUD, 17300 Medina Road (20140)
Community Development Director Hurlburt illustrated the development. She explained the
proposed plan amendment would alter the language concerning the types of uses that would be
allowed in the development, specifically for building seven, which is the closest building to
Highway 55. The amendment would allow warehouses with limited distribution center
characteristics in this building. She stated the tenant, Fiskars, has a very limited amount of truck
traffic to this development. Fiskars would be relocating from building one to building seven.
Currently their truck traffic consists of two to four semi truck trailers everyday. Staff is
recommending setting a limit of 10 semi truck trips per day to building seven as a way to assure
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of October 24, 2000
Page13 of 15
that this building wouldn't be a true distribution center in the future. The recommended
restriction does not differentiate between Monday through Friday and the weekends.
Tim Walsh, 8800 Ranier Lane, representing Fiskars, stated they want to expand in the
community, and they are in need of approximately 70,000 square feet of retail space. They only
have one to two semi trucks per day that unload, and then trucks are loaded to ship out the
product. They would be complying with the 10 semi truck trips per day as recommended by
staff. He stated the majority of the traffic is between 8:00 a.m. and 5:0 p.m., Monday through
Friday.
Councilmember Johnson asked if the restriction were placed on the weekends, would that impact
their business. Mr. Walsh stated at this point, it wouldn't be an issue. He can only recall one
instance where there was a truck that unloaded over the weekend.
Councilmember Black stated that she wouldn't be supporting this amendment due to the
previous concerns of the neighborhood.
Councilmember Johnson stated Fiskars is a good fit in this development, and she would like to
retain them as a tenant in this development.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated this site would be protected due to the 10 trips per day, and if or
when another company would request more trips per day.
Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to
adopt a Resolution Approving PUD General Plan Amendment for Moen Leuer Construction, Inc.
to allow Warehouses with Limited Distribution Center Characteristics as Permitted Uses in
Building 7, Plymouth Ponds PUD, located at 17300 Medina Road (20140 — Res2000-528),
Ordinance Amending Chapter 21 of the City Code to amend Section 21655.25 for Plymouth
Ponds, Buildings 5-8 PUD for Lot 3, Block 1 (Building 7) located at 17300 Medina Road (10
trips per day) (Ord2000-33), and a Resolution Approving Findings of Fact for Amending the
Zoning Ordinance Text for the Plymouth Ponds Business Park PUD, located South of Highway
55, North of Medina Road (20140 — Res2000-529).
Councilmember Black stated even though Fiskars is a good tenant, she would not support the
motion. Councilmember Slavik agreed and stated she wouldn't support a distribution center so
close to a single-family neighborhood.
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated notice was sent to all property owners within
750 feet of the property, and no one attended the Planning Commission's hearing.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of October 24, 2000
Page 14 of 15
Councilmember Brown stated Fiskars is trying to grow in the City and expand the tax base. He
views their request as a small accommodation which is really protecting the property. Mr. Walsh
stated they would be utilizing approximately two-thirds of the building.
Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to call
the question. With all members voting in favor but Black, the motion carried.
The Council then voted on the main motion and with all members voting in favor but Black and
Slavik, the motion carried.
8.3) Receive 1999 Financial Trend Report
Finance Manager Jacobson provided a brief summary of the report.
Councilmember Harstad stated he was pleasantly surprised that health care costs haven't
increased like other companies. Finance Manager Jacobson stated the City's cost would remain
relatively fixed as it relates to the union contracts. The employees would absorb a larger
percentage of the increase in health care costs.
The Council discussed how the City ranks for the number of City employees based on
population. Some of the Councilmembers stressed that the City needs to have adequate staffing
for the residents rather than staying at the lower end of the scale.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to accept
the report. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.4) Approve Recommendation to Discontinue Metrolink Commute West Job Fair
Councilmember Harstad voiced his concerns about discontinuing the Metrolink Commute West
Job Fair. He stated there are many benefactors of the job fair, and the City enjoys a low
unemployment rate. He suggested that the job fair be conducted at the Plymouth Creek Center
rather than the Radisson which could help to reduce some of the costs.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated he appreciates Councilmember Harstad's comments. However,
the participation and level of interest by businesses and other groups has been lower at the last
two job fairs. He suggested the Council discuss this is at a study session.
Councilmember Brown agreed with Councilmember Bildsoe and stated perhaps there needs to be
more of a tailored approach with businesses.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of October 24, 2000
Page 15 of 15
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to not
take any action at this time. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.5) Set Special Meeting to Canvass Local Election Results
Motion was made by Mayor Tierney, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to schedule the
canvassing of the local election results on November 9 at 6:30 p.m. With all members voting in
favor, the motion carried.
Reports and Recommendations
9.1) Association of Metropolitan Municipalities 2001 Legislative Policies
Mayor Tierney requested the Council submit their requested legislative policy lists to Assistant
City Manager Ahrens within one week.
9.2) Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (AMM) and League of Minnesota Cities
LMC) Policy Meetings
Mayor Tierney reported AMM's policy meeting is on November 9, and the LMC policy
adoption meeting is on the November 17. Mayor Tierney and Councilmember Black would be
attending AMM's meeting. Mayor Tierney and Councilmembers Johnson and Black would be
attending the LMC's meeting. Mayor Tierney stated the National League of Cities Conference
would be held the first week of December in Boston, which she would be attending.
Adjournment
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to
adjourn the meeting at 10:55 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
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andra R. Paulson, City Clerk