HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 11-14-2000Adopted Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 14, 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 November 14,
2000.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Brown, Bildsoe, Slavik, Johnson, and
Harstad (arrived at 7:33 p.m.).
ABSENT: Councilmember Black.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Lieutenant Ward,
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
No one was present to address the Council.
Presentations and Public Information Announcements
4.1) Proclaim America Recycles Day, November 15
Public Works Director Moore reported on the Proclamation designating November 15 at
America Recycles Day." Mayor Tierney read the proposed Proclamation.
Councilmember Brown noted that Councilmember Black has received the Recycling Association
of Minnesota's Public Service Award for 2000, and the Council would be recognizing her at the
November 28 meeting.
Saundra Sprigner, on behalf of the Metropolitan Council, presented a $200,000 grant to the
Council to support homeownership units in the proposed Reserve Development.
The Council thanked members of staff for all their time and effort put forth into this project.
Councilmembers elect Bob Stein and Sandy Hewitt, who were present at the meeting, introduced
themselves to the Council.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of November 14, 2000
Page 2 of 14
Councilmember Bildsoe reported Public Safety Specialist Cwayna was recently recognized for
her outstanding fire education prevention programs, and he also noted that the Fire Department
received the Life Safety Achievement Award. He stated the Council would be recognizing these
accomplishments at a future Council meeting.
Approval of Agenda
City Manager Johnson requested item No. 8.2 be removed from the agenda as the application has
been withdrawn by the developer.
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 Bildsoe requested to remove item No. 6.20 and place it under General Business
as item No. 8.4.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to
approve the Consent Agenda which included the following items:
6.01) Resolution Approving Disbursements for the Period ending November 3, 2000 (Res2000-
531).
6.02) Resolution Enacting Policy Relating to Enforcement of Weed Ordinance (Res2000-532).
6.03) Endorse members to Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission Second
Generation Surface Water Management Plan Committees
6.04) Resolution Approving a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Mark and Jody Deziel for
Property located at 19045 Hamel Road (20148 — Res2000-533).
6.05) Resolution Approving Conditional Use Permit Amendment to allow a 2,000 square foot
Expansion of a Dance Studio for Property located at 1864 Berkshire Lane North (20151 —
Res2000-534).
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Regular Meeting of November 14, 2000
Page 3 of 14
6.06) Resolution Approving a Variance from the Maximum Impervious Surface Area Coverage
in the Shoreland Management Overlay District to allow construction of a Home Addition by
Skyline Design for Property located at 1230 Black Oaks Lane (20153 — Res2000-535).
6.07) Resolution Approving a Variance from the Maximum Impervious Surface Area Coverage
in the Shoreland Management Overlay District to allow construction of a Home Addition by
Skyline Design for Property located at 1244 Black Oaks Lane (20154 — Res2000-536).
6.08) Resolution Approving a Site Plan Amendment for Wold Architects and Engineers for a
Building Expansion at Zachary Lane Elementary School, 4350 Zachary Lane (20157 — Res2000-
537).
6.09) Resolution Approving a Side Yard Setback Variance for Tanya and Patrick Mueller for
Property located at 505 Harbor Lane North (20158 — Res2000-538).
6.10) Resolution Approving a Lot Area Variance and Building Setback Variance for Bryan
Kihle for Property located at 2430 Magnolia Lane (20160 — Res2000-539).
6.11) Resolution Revising the Policy for Special Assessment Deferment for Homestead
Property owned by Senior Citizens and Disabled Individuals (Res2000-540).
6.12) Resolution Awarding the Proposal for Banking Services to Anchor Bank (Res2000-541).
6.13) Accept the Third Quarter 2000 Financial Report.
6.14) Establish a Special Council Meeting on December 12, establish a Regular Council
Meeting on December 19, cancel the regular meetings scheduled for December 12 and 26, and
establish regular Council meetings for January 9 and January 23, 2001.
6.15) Resolution Declaring Adequacy of Petition and Ordering Preparation of Report for Street
Lighting at Wayzata Farms Addition (Res2000-542), and a Resolution Receiving Report and
Ordering Project for Street Lighting at Wayzata Farms Addition (Res2000-543).
6.16.1) Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Rockford Glen Addition (94155
Res2000-544).
6.16.2) Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Sandpiper Ponds Addition
97089 — Res2000-545).
6.16.3) Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Silverthorne 4t' Addition
97133 — Res2000-546).
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Regular Meeting of November 14, 2000
Page 4 of 14
6.16.4) Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Silverthorne 5d' Addition
99075 — Res2000-547).
6.16.5) Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Pike Lake Woods Addition
97079 — Res2000-548).
6.16.6) Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Pike Lake Woods 3`d Addition
99075 — Res2000-549).
6.17.1) Resolution Approving Change Order No. 1 for Zachary Lane Landscape Improvements
5030 — Res2000-550).
6.17.2) Resolution Approving Request for Payment No. 2 and Final for Zachary Lane
Landscape Improvements (5030 — Res2000-551).
6.18) Resolution Approving Agreement for Joint Usage of Sanitary Sewer and Water Facilities
between the City of Plymouth and the City of Medina (Res2000-552).
6.19) Resolution Establishing a Bus Advertising Policy for Plymouth Metrolink Buses
Res2000-553).
6.20) (Removed from the Consent Agenda and placed as item No. 8.4 under General Business).
6.21) Resolution Approving License Agreements with Wayzata School District for Athletic
Purposes at Oakwood Elementary School, Greenwood Elementary School, and East Middle
School (Res2000-554).
6.22) Resolution Approving Transfer of Forestry Funds from 2000 Budget to Tree Planting
Reserve (Res2000-555).
6.23) Resolution Approving Acceptance of State Soccer Grant (Res2000-556).
6.24) Resolution Authorizing Contract for Cleaning Services at the Plymouth Ice Center and
Plymouth Creek Center (Res2000-557).
6.25) Approve Management Recommendation for the Ferndale North Open Space.
6.26) Resolution Approving Free Walking at the Plymouth Fieldhouse (Res2000-558).
6.27) Deny request for reduction in park dedication fees on the Plymouth Marketplace
Development.
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Regular Meeting of November 14, 2000
Page 5 of 14
6.28) Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign the Certificate of Exemption from the Wetland
Conservation Act for Fernbrook Town Office Park (Res2000-559).
6.29) Resolution Approving Wetland Replacement and Banking Plan The Reserve
Development (Res2000-560).
Councilmember Bildsoe asked regarding item No. 6.12, were all the bidders provided with the
same information since there was a notable difference between the high and low bidders.
Finance Director Hahn replied yes; they received the same information.
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Public Hearings
7.1) Vacation of Drainage and Utility Easements along the Common Lot Line of Lots 2
and 3, Block 1 of Keyway First Addition
Public Works Director Moore illustrated the proposed vacation of part of the drainage and utility
easements in Lots 2 and 3, Block 1, of Keyway First Addition. He explained the vacation is
necessary, as Lots 2 and 3 were replatted as Stegora Addition. The easements requested to be
vacated along the common property line on Lots 2 and 3 are no longer necessary. All necessary
drainage and utility easement would be dedicated on the final plat of Stegora Addition.
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 Brown, to adopt
a Resolution Authorizing the Vacation of Part of the Drainage and Utility Easements within Lots
2 and 3, Block 1, Keyway First Addition (Res2000-561). With all members voting in favor, the
motion carried.
General Business
8.1) Consideration of Planning Commission's Recommendation for Comprehensive Plan
Study Area E, (north of Highway 55 at or near the intersection of Old Rockford Road and
Peony Lane — 20043)
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of November 14, 2000
Page 6 of 14
Community Development Director Hulburt stated when the Council approved a complete update
to its Comprehensive Plan, the land use element of the plan identified five areas for future study
which includes this Study Area E. She explained that Study Area E includes approximately 19
acres and is located in western Plymouth north of Highway 55 at or near the intersection of Old
Rockford Road and Peony Lane. The study area includes 15 separate lots of record in three non-
contiguous areas. Staff began the review of this area shortly after adoption of the
Comprehensive Plan. She noted that there is an interim Ordinance in this study area until the end
of this year. She stated that although the Planning Commission recommended no further action
on Study Area E, staff continues to recommend that the commission conduct a public hearing to
receive input on potential land use guiding changes. This would provide an opportunity to
receive input from the adjacent Plum Tree residents and other landowners in the area. She noted
that staff met with the property owners in Study Area E on September 27 to discuss the proposed
land use changes. She stated staffs preliminary recommendations presented to the Planning
Commission were: 1) Reguide E-1 from commercial to commercial office to capitalize on it's
exposure to Highway 55, 2) Reguide E-2 from LA -1 to commercial office as it would be
difficult to develop the property as single-family housing, and 3) E-3 area would remain
commercial.
She stated when the Planning Commission conducted their public hearing on the recommended
changes, comments were expressed from Wyndemere Farm's residents who are adjacent to the
E-2 area and are opposed to the reguiding of that area from LA -1 to Commercial office as
recommended by staff. Comments were heard from property owners in the E-1 area who desire
to retain the commercial guiding. The Planning Commission requests that the Council makes no
amendment to the land use guide plan at this time, and future developments would be addressed
when plans are presented to the City.
Councilmember Slavik asked why the E-2 area would be difficult to develop as LA -1 or LA -2
areas. Community Development Director Hurlburt replied the only access to the E-2 area is
from Old Rockford Road which is a major collector road. Individual driveways to a collector
road are discouraged. Any single-family development of this property would be difficult in
order to extend the street and divide the lots.
Mayor Tierney stated the Council needs to determine whether they support the recommendation
of the Planning Commission which is to make no changes at this time, or to reguide the property
so that future developers would know what the City is intending for those parcels.
Joe Gudenbur, 18130 45h Avenue North, stated they reside across from the E-1 area. He stated
he finds it hard to believe that staff is recommending reguiding this area to commercial office.
Regarding the E-2 area, he feels it would be difficult to develop this property due to access to the
site. He noted the E-3 area is currently being developed as commercial. He stated in the LA -1
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Regular Meeting of November 14, 2000
Page 7 of 14
area, homes are valued at $300,00 to $400,000. He stated with any commercial development,
there would be an increase in the amount of traffic, pollution, and noise in the area.
Ann Harless, 18120 45`h Avenue, a resident of the Plum Tree development, requested the
Council to direct the Planning Commission to conduct a public hearing. She read a letter to the
Council from Robert and Eleanor Kuhns, 18305 46a` Avenue North, also residents of the Plum
Tree development, who are opposed to the current commercial guiding of the property and
requested that it be reguided to commercial office space.
Brian Horless, 18120 45th Avenue, requested the Council to reject the Planning Commission's
recommendation and order the Planning Commission to conduct a public hearing to consider
leaving the area as a study area.
Jim Yarosh, representing the Fine Family, illustrated his clients' 4.3 areas of property located in
the E-1 area. He stated they agree with staff's recommendation that the original proposal is
inappropriate due to the physical boundary of the street and the narrowness of the parcel for
adequate buffers for residential development. The more appropriate guiding for this property
would be commercial to allow complimentary uses to the neighborhood. The Planning
Commission reviewed this and agreed there was no compelling reason to change. He didn't
interpret the Planning Commission's decision as a "wait and see" what the City would gain for
development there. The Planning Commission did allow for some flexibility. He noted that the
City would still have some control of this property due to the future restricted development
zoning of this property. He stated with respect to his clients' parcel, some of the limited
commercial development would be appropriate in this area. He mentioned the lower -elevation of
the property that provides a natural buffer. He stressed the exposure of this property to Highway
55 and Old Rockford Road. He urged the Council to adopt the Planning Commission's
recommendation to retain the existing land uses in Study Area E.
Joyce Martin, 1801 Lawrence Avenue Northwest, Annandale, stated she is part owner of
property contained in the E-1. Previously they owned and operated a sporting goods store at this
location, and she stated their retirement income is based on reselling this property for some type
of commercial development.
Simon Almaer, 18000 45`h Avenue North, who is a resident of the Plum Tree development,
stated he is very concerned about this area becoming more commercial.
Mayor Tierney noted the petition that was received from residents adjacent to E-2 who are
opposed to this area being guided commercial.
Joe Ruper, 18140 Highway 55, recommended the Council retain the E-1 as commercial guiding.
He noted that there would always be traffic and noise due to the location of this property.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of November 14, 2000
Page 8 of 14
However, selling of this property for future development would be retirement income for the
people who reside there.
Mr. Gudenbur stated the E-1 area is a flat cornfield where there is no dropoff. The homes in the
Plum Tree development would be viewing the development to the west of the E-1 area. He
understands views of individuals who wish to sell their properties for retirement incomes.
However, he questioned why the developer would construct $300,000-$400,000 homes in an
area and construct commercial development directly adjacent to that development.
Motion was made by Mayor Tierney, and seconded by Councilmember Brown to order the
Planning Commission to conduct a public hearing on December 20 to consider a reguiding from
commercial and LA -1 to commercial office for Areas E-1 and E-2 located on Old Rockford
Road near the intersection of Peony Lane.
Councilmember Johnson noted that a commercial office guiding would provide better transitions
to neighborhoods rather than a commercial guiding. She noted that she would not be supporting
part of the motion which would allow a commercial office guiding at the intersection of Old
Rockford Road and Peony Lane. She recommended the Council retain the LA -1 guiding since it
is already in place.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated a commercial office guiding seems to be the best fit for the E-1
area and the adjacent areas. He stated E-1 and E-2 areas need to be driven by development, but
it's unlikely that the E-2 would be developed as residential. He stated the Council needs to make
sure there is good buffering to separate these properties from the residential areas.
Councilmember Johnson stated that the Minnesota Department of Transportation does not allow
any additional accesses directly on Highway 55.
Mayor Tierney stated she does not support waiting for developers to present their plans to the
City. She stated accesses to those properties would be on residential roads. Therefore, the
Council needs to be clear "up front" what the City's intentions are for these properties.
Councilmember Slavik stated she supports the public hearing process to allow the residents to
voice their concerns. She also stated it is very important to buffer the residential properties from
any type of commercial development.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to
amend the main motion to remove the consideration of reguiding the E-2 area and leave it as an
LA -1 guiding.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of November 14, 2000
Page 9 of 14
Councilmember Johnson stated it would be best to let development determine what would occur
on that corner. She is also concerned about LA -1 and LA -2 properties abutting commercial
properties.
Councilmember Slavik echoed Councilmember Johnson's comments.
Councilmember Brown stated he would not support the amendment as he feels it is important to
establish guidings so developers have a clear understanding of what type of developments could
occur. In addition, he supports the entire area going through the public hearing process rather
than separating elements.
There being no further discussion, the Council voted on the amendment to the main motion.
With Johnson, Bildsoe, and Slavik voting yes, and Harstad, Brown, and Tierney voting no, the
motion failed.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to
divide the question to separate the E-1 and E-2 areas from the vote. With Johnson, Bildsoe, and
Slavik voting yes, and Harstad, Brown, and Tierney voting no, the motion failed.
The Council then voted on the main motion. With all members voting in favor but Bildsoe, the
motion carried.
8.2) Adopt Findings of Fact Relating to Denial of Rezoning and Consider Preliminary Plat
Requests for Sunrise Park Development (20114)
This item was removed from the agenda by request of the applicant.
8.3) Approve Rezoning, Planned Unit Development General Plan, Preliminary Plat, and
Conditional use Permit for "The Reserve" (20092)
Community Development Director Hurlburt reported on the request of the Rottlund Company,
Inc. for approval of a rezoning from FRD (future restricted development) to PUD (planned unit
development), preliminary plat, PUD general plan, and conditional use permit. The stated the
proposal includes 98 detached single-family homes, 533 townhome units, and four apartment
buildings with a total of approximately 360 units. In addition to the proposed housing, the
applicant is proposing several open space parcels, including a 3.44 -acre City -owned mini park
with play structure and field in the central portion of the development as well as a 5.49 -acre
parcel for a new City water tower in the northwest corner of the site. She stated the proposed site
is not heavily forested, and it is not considered to have major natural features.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of November 14, 2000
Page 10 of 14
She stated access to the development would be via an extension of Cheshire Lane crossing the
railroad tracks to Schmidt Lake Road. Cheshire Lane would eventually connect to County Road
47. She illustrated the wetland designated as open space as well as the regional trail on the east
side of the development.
She indicated that the project would be phased with construction beginning in 2001. Phase One
would consist of constructing 384 units, Phase Two would include construction of 247 units, and
Phase Three would be the construction of the 360 apartment units.
She stated some of the issues/concerns that were addressed at the Planning Commission hearing
included access to the property during construction as currently there is no paved public access
to the property, the impact of the golf balls from the Begin Golf Course on the homes located on
the north part of the property, issue of tree preservation as the area is not heavily forested, and
housing affordability (126 units would be affordable, and there is the goal to make some of the
apartment units affordable).
She explained the City has also applied for a Livable Communities Demonstration Grant through
the Metropolitan Council for the transit building, additional sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting,
benches, and low resource plantings.
Councilmember Slavik noted that regarding tree removal, 81 percent of the caliper inches would
be removed. Community Development Director Hulburt stated based upon a review of the tree
removal plan, the applicant would need to include 1,694 2.5 inch trees for reforestation. She
stated the zoning ordinance would require a total of 893 trees as landscaping for this
development project. Fifteen percent of the required trees would be long-lived deciduous trees
that are a minimum of 3.5 inches in diameter. Staff has included a condition in the resolution
requiring the applicant to revise the plan to provide the 3.5 -inch trees. The applicant's landscape
plan includes a total of 840 trees (671 overstory trees and 169 equivalent understory trees) plus a
variety of shrubs. The landscaping plan for the apartment property would be submitted at the
time of the planned unit development final plan review. She stated the required landscaping
would be counted toward the reforestation requirement, but the developer may still need to pay
restitution for the remainder of the trees. She explained the restitution revenue would be placed
into the reforestation fund that is utilized for the City's own reforestation projects.
Councilmember Brown asked what type of transit shelter would there be if the grant weren't
received. Community Development Director Hurlburt replied it would be a basic, minimal bus
shelter.
Councilmember Harstad asked what road would access the Begin Golf Course. Community
Development Director Hurlburt replied their access would be Yucca Lane.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of November 14, 2000
Page 11 of 14
Councilmember Johnson asked what the design entails for Cheshire Lane. Community
Development Director Hurlburt replied it is designed for two lanes with planted medians, which
is very similar to Shenandoah on the Parkers Lake development.
Richard Palmeter, of Rottlund Homes, requested approval of the project, and they concur with
staff's recommendations. He stated regarding the apartment site, they wanted the project
approved before any proposals were sent to developers. When the proposals are received, staff
would be involved with reviewing those proposals. It is their intent to have more "concrete"
plans for the apartment site in March 2001.
Councilmember Brown asked if there would be three-bedroom apartment units. Mr. Palmeter
stated at this time they are unsure.
Mayor Tierney asked if there are other funds available for the transit shelter if the grant isn't
received from the Metropolitan Council. Mr. Palmeter stated if that would be the case, they
would be reviewing other funding sources.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated he is curious about the phasing of the project and how this would
change the overall plan. Mr. Palmeter stated the overall change was due to the timing of the
construction in the spring rather than in the fall. He stated they would grade the entire site next
year.
Steve Gardner, 10717 100' Avenue North, voiced his concern with the number of trees that would
be removed with this development. He stated a number of trees have already been removed due
to the new bridge being constructed on Cheshire Lane. He mentioned the wetland has already
been filled in. He questioned that if this is private property, why is there a tree ordinance? He
stated the developer has removed many trees in the cities of Golden Valley and Minnetonka with
similar housing developments. He stated regarding tree preservation, 46 of the trees on this
property are oak trees that are on the north border, and the majority of these trees would be
removed. On the south part of the property, there would another grove of trees removed. He
stated the oak and elm trees that would be removed are being replaced with sugar maples. He
stated there is a new beetle which attacks maple trees. He requested the Council try to save more
of the oak trees. He noted that the Council approved wetland mitigation and replacement plan
for this development under the Consent Agenda this evening, and he questioned how the Council
could approve this plan when the project hasn't been approved.
Public Works Director Moore stated the areas on the south side of the railroad tracks are not
wetlands, but they are storm water treatment ponds. He stated that area is being reconfigured
and enlarged to accommodate existing industry area and the new roadway. The City has been
issued permits from Department of Natural Resources and the Army Corps of Engineers for this
work.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of November 14, 2000
Page 12 of 14
City Manager Johnson stated the water tower on this site would be a City project.
Mayor Tierney stated the Council strives very hard to save as many trees as possible in
developments, and the City has also purchased open spaces to maintain the natural state.
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated regarding the Cheshire Lane bridge project,
this project has been included in the City's transportation plans for many years. The roadway
had been studied, and the proposed alignment, which was selected prior to this project, was
chosen as it impacted the environment the least. She added that the City requested the developer
to reserve a portion of the property for a new water tower. She stated the City would pay the
developer for that land as well as the cost of constructing the new water tower.
Judy Hillestan, 980 Xenium Lane, voiced her concerns with the removal of forests and wetlands
in the City with proposed developments. She is very concerned about the number of mature
trees that would be removed. She stated it is very unlikely that the oak trees would be replaced
with oak trees. She is also concerned about the additional infrastructure in this area. She stated
there would be additional people, maintenance of roads, and public safety measures.
Mayor Tierney commented that the City's guide plan originally projected that there would be
125,000 population in the City by 2020, but the City has decreased that number to 70,000. She
stated the two golf courses in the area were constructed in order to preserve the area.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to
adopt an Ordinance Amending Chapter 21 of the City Code to Classify Certain Lands located
West of I-494 and North of the Canadian Pacific Railroad as PUD (20092 — Ord2000-34). With
all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Brown, to adopt
a Resolution Approving Findings of Fact for Rezoning for the Rottlund Company, Inc. Homes
for Property located West of I-494 and North of the Canadian Pacific Railroad (20092 —
Res2000-562). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to
adopt a Resolution Approving Preliminary Plat for the Rottlund Company, Inc. for Property
West of I-494 and North of the Canadian Pacific Railroad (20092 — Res2000-563). With all
members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Brown,
Resolution Approving PUD General Plan and Conditional use Permit for the Rottlund Company,
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of November 14, 2000
Page 13 of 14
Inc. for Property located West of I-494 and North of the Canadian Pacific Railroad (20092 —
Res2000-564). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.4) Resolution Approving Skate Park Grant Application
Councilmember Bildsoe addressed the Council regarding making an application to the
Communities in Collaboration Council for a $20,000 grant for funding a skate park. He stated he
is concerned that the City should have a plan in place before a grant is requested. He stated
previous discussions included utilizing the parking lot behind LifeTime Fitness for a skate park.
He requested additional information be provided to the Council regarding cost, liability, and the
possibility of partnering with the school district.
Councilmember Johnson asked if the Youth Advisory Council has discussed this item. City
Manager Johnson stated this was mentioned at their last meeting for discussion purposes only.
Councilmember Johnson requested this be placed as an official item on the Youth Advisory
Council's agenda. She stated the Youth Advisory Council would be competing for some of this
grant money to support their programs.
Mayor Tierney stated based on her experience as serving as a member on the Communities in
Collaboration Council, she doesn't foresee that there would be a conflict.
City Manager Johnson added that the Communities in Collaboration Council met this afternoon,
and they discussed this. They also anticipate another $50,000 being available -in grant monies.
He stated that the number of grant applications this year have decreased.
Councilmember Slavik echoed Councilmember Bildsoe's comments.
Park and Recreation Director Blank, stated the concerns that have been expressed this evening
have to be evaluated. He stated the grant application deadline is January 16. He stated the Park
and Recreation Advisory Committee (FRAC) has been working on the Capital Improvement
Plan budget, and in their plan, there would be probably be a recommendation for the Council for
a skate park. He stated there is more abuse of the City parks for skating purposes. Citizens are
concerned, and youth have written letters to the City requesting a skating park. He stated PRAC
is reviewing the possibility of utilizing a 100x100 -foot portion of the parking lot behind the
City's Ice Center for a skate park. The skate park would be open from May 15 to September 15.
He stated in terms of liability, the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust has provided a
layout of a tier one skate park that could be for beginner or intermediate skaters. All the
equipment in a tier one skate park would be 36 inches or below. If the City remains within those
guidelines, there would be no increase in the cost of the City's liability insurance. At this time,
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of November 14, 2000
Page 14 of 14
PRAC is considering whether it could be a free park. The entire cost of constructing a skate park
would be under $50,000 which would also include temporary fencing. He stated a skate facility
would serve the needs of eight to 14 year olds as the neighborhood parks serve the interest of the
two to 10 year olds. City Manager Johnson added that this is one of the City's largest unmet
needs for the youth in the community.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Mayor Tierney to adopt a
Resolution Approving Skate Park Grant Application (Res2000-565). With all members voting in
favor, the motion carried.
Reports and Recommendations
There were no reports and recommendations.
Adjournment
Motion was made by Councilmember Slavik, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to
adjourn the meeting at 10:02 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Axdw-v jv,,d
Sandra R. Paulson, City Clerk