HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 08-31-1999 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting
Plymouth Comprehensive Plan Update
Tuesday, August 31, 1999
A special joint meeting of the Plymouth City Council and Planning Commission was called to
order by Mayor Tierney and Vice Chair Ribbe at 7:00 p.m. in the City Center, 3400 Plymouth
Blvd., on August 31, 1999.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney; Councilmembers Black, Harstad, Johnson, Bildsoe,
Slavik, and Brown.
Councilmember Bildsoe left the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
ABSENT: None.
PLANNING COMMISSION PRESENT: Commissioners Ribbe, Berkowitz, Bobra, Reinhardt,
Stein, and Stoebner.
Commissioner Berkowitz arrived at 7:15 p.m.
Commissioner Bobra left the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Chairman Stulberg.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director Blank, Community
Development Director Hurlburt, Planning Supervisor Senness, Housing Supervisor Goldsmith,
Public Works Director Moore, and Deputy City Clerk Hoffman.
B. 2020 Urban Expansion
Community Development Director Hurlburt presented three options to address housing density
in the urban expansion area. She stressed the importance of decisions in guiding the land use
plan in order to continue with other elements of the Comprehensive Plan. She said the three
options are based on increasing residential density in sewer staging areas in a manner that would
not over burden the existing system.
Director Hurlburt said that Alternative C represents the highest density development staff would
recommend based on available roads and land conditions. She said wooded areas would lend
themselves better to several multi -housing developments rather than single dwelling lots. She
said Alternative A moves all residential use densities up one level. She said the staff
recommendation is to offer Alternative B for public comment, with its mixture of varying
degrees of increased density. She said increasing densities might offer more flexibility in zoning
but not necessarily more affordability.
Commissioner Berkowitz arrived at 7:15 p.m.
Adopted Minutes
Joint City Council/ Planning Commission Meeting
August 31, 1999
Page 2
Director Hurlburt said placing this alternative before the public will delay completion of the
Comprehensive Plan update, but would offer greater flexibility in residential development
densities.
Councilmember Bildsoe said it is important to implement the public comment process although
it could delay completion of the plan update.
Councilmember Black said she prefers higher development densities closer to roads. She urged
the use of trees and green spaces as buffers, and to balance increased density with the use of
NURP and runoff water ponds. She said she would consider establishing some minimum density
policies and guidelines.
Councilmember Brown supported establishing densities before development proceeds rather than
attempting to shoehorn higher density new development into existing areas. He said he was
concerned that even middle income families couldn't afford housing in Plymouth.
Councilmember Bildsoe said while the City may establish guidelines and policy on development
density, the reality is determined by the types of requests presented to the City for development.
He said much of the development is determined by economics, and the definition of affordable
housing. He anticipates that more expensive homes would be constructed in Northwest Plymouth
unless the City changes the long—range plans. He said in order for him to support increased
development density, Vicksburg Lane and other infrastructure improvements would need to be
made within five to ten years as part of the Capital Improvements Program.
Mayor Tierney said it might be better for the City to establish higher residential development
levels closer to commercial areas. She said it is important to address the needs of an aging
residential population as well as younger age groups.
Commissioner Ribbe recommended commissioners consider what they believe should be guided
next to commercial areas.
Commissioner Berkowitz said that in the past, draft plans seem to have developed lives of their
own. He favored a debate on a more individual parcel basis.
Commissioner Reinhardt said she believes that it is unrealistic for the City to force high
densities. She recommended utilizing the existing guide plan.
Commissioner Stoebner stated he favors a higher density development near commercial areas to
act as a buffer. He said he does not foresee any real infrastructure problems.
Commissioner Bobra said increased density could increase traffic congestion. She supported
consideration of traffic and school impacts.
Adopted Minutes
Joint City Council/ Planning Commission Meeting
August 31, 1999
Page 3
Director Hurlburt said that school districts are waiting for the City guide plans before
implementing any plans for new schools.
Commissioner Bobra left the meeting at 8:00 PM.
Motion was made by Commissioner Ribbe, seconded by Commissioner Stoebner, to recommend
Alternative B.
Motion was made by Commissioner Stein, seconded by Commissioner Reinhardt, to amend
Alternative B to reflect that land south of County Road 47 across from the commercially zoned
area be guided to LA -3.
Commissioner Stein said he prefers higher density residential areas as a buffer between
commercial development and single family dwellings.
Motion to amend carried, Ribbe, Stein, and Reinhardt aye, Berkowitz and Stoebner nay.
Commissioner Berkowitz opposed the amended motion. He said the amended motion removes
the greatest opportunity to allow LA -1 guiding, and he supported preservation of the rural
character of the area with lower density development.
Commissioner Reinhardt agreed with Commissioner Berkowitz. She said she supports a buffer
around commercial areas, but favors lower density development than offered in Alternative B.
Commissioner Ribbe said the primary work of the City should result in encouraging trends and
he has not heard of any plans that encourage what could be defined as affordable housing. He
said the City would certainly not move in the direction of affordable housing with continued
LA -1 guiding.
Commissioner Stoebner said he supports the motion. He agreed that some of the LA -2 areas
could develop lower density levels.
Commissioner Stein said he supports efforts to encourage reasonable housing and alternatives in
housing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Berkowitz, seconded by Commissioner Reinhardt, to amend
Alternative B to reflect a mixture of LA -1 and LA -2 in the area east of Pomerleau Lake
stretching south of County Road 47; specifically to change to LA -1 the area designated as 2b in
the sewer staging plans.
Motion to amend carried, five ayes.
Original amended motion carried, five ayes.
Adopted Minutes
Joint City Council/ Planning Commission Meeting
August 31, 1999
Page 4
Mayor Tierney requested a brief recess.
Following the recess, Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember
Brown, to approve the Planning Commission recommendation of Alternative B amended to
reflect that land south of County Road 47 across from the commercially zoned area be guided to
LA -3, and to reflect a mixture of LA -1 and LA -2 in the area east of Pomerleau Lake stretching
south of County Road 47; specifically to change to LA -1 the area designated as 2b in the sewer
staging plans.
Councilmember Black said she support's a variety of development. She said she would like to
review individual densities in areas to attain reasonable affordable housing. If the motion is
adopted, she said she would support that minimum densities are established as a policy to strive
toward affordable housing.
LaDonna Hoy, of Interfaith Outreach, asked Councilmembers to consider a goal of more
affordable housing.
Andrea Brennan, also of Interfaith Outreach, urged Councilmembers to recommend higher
density housing guidelines as a requirement for approaching affordable housing. She said they
should consider whether Plymouth wants to be a community with diversity in housing.
Richard Palmiter, of Rottlund Homes, Inc., said there was a significant topography change to
support LA -2 guiding in the areas considered by the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Johnson said she supports the Planning Commission's recommendation. She
said she supports higher density guiding and using some discretion if a developer presents a
project with a lower density development. She said it is more difficult to encourage higher
density development as it can present dissatisfaction among neighboring residents.
Councilmember Brown said he supports the Planning Commission's recommendation. He said
while this is a mild offering, and is less dense than in the original Alternative B plan, it is a step
in the right direction. He supported careful consideration to encourage creative housing plans to
retain families in Plymouth.
Councilmember Harstad said he supported Alternative C along with offering development
incentives for affordable housing.
Councilmember Bildsoe said if the Council supports higher density development, then the
infrastructure must be upgraded. He requested improvements of Vicksburg Lane be added to the
Capital Improvement Program.. He said the City would only be making some minor changes in
the guiding. He said that unless the Federal Government or a housing agency assists developers,
affordable housing isn't constructed.
Adopted Minutes
Joint City Council/ Planning Commission Meeting
August 31, 1999
Page 5
Substitute motion was made Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to
recommend Alternative C be placed for public comment.
Councilmember Johnson supported receiving public comment regarding Alternative C. She said
the issue is not just about affordable housing but also about offering reasonable housing to
middle income families.
Councilmember Slavik did not support Alternative C. She said the City may be wasting
expensive time if developers will request lower density levels anyway.
Councilmember Brown supported efforts to formulate policy as a City and provide direction to
developers in the long range.
Councilmember Johnson said she supported a mixture of different types of housing which would
be possible under the guiding offered in alternative C.
Councilmember Black said that cluster development is not common in Plymouth. She said she
supported reviewing and encouraging that kind of development as well as working with
Hennepin County because the type of roadways would affect the nature of the neighborhoods.
Councilmember Harstad said pursuit of Alternative C would fulfill one of the goals and
objectives established earlier in the year by Council which is to maintain and enhance housing
quality and diversity throughout the community.
Mayor Tierney said she supported creative planning and presenting higher density guide plans to
the public. She said this could encourage future possibilities.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated he supports Alternative C and the opportunity to receive public
comments. He said the Council should receive public input even if it does not solve some of the
concerns regarding affordable housing.
Councilmember Slavik stated she had concerns about land use transitions adjacent to the LAR
district that would not be followed in Alternative C. She said that she would have supported the
recommendation put forth by the Planning Commission.
Substitute motion carried, six ayes, Councilmember Slavik, nay.
C. Transportation issues
Public Works Director Moore presented preliminary findings of the transportation element of the
Comprehensive Plan update. He outlined areas of present congestion on roadways and said
heavier traffic on Vicksburg Lane is an intersection problem, not a problem of congestion.
Adopted Minutes
Joint City Council/ Planning Commission Meeting
August 31, 1999
Page 6
Director Moore said areas scheduled for improvements on the state level will address ramp
congestion at the I-494 and Highway 55 interchange to handle increased demands from the
metered ramps.
Director Moore said work is scheduled for County Road 6 west of Highway 101, County Road 6
and Fernbrook Lane east intersection, the County Road 9 and I-494 interchange, County Road
24 as it goes on from County Road 101. He said County Road 61 southerly as it goes into
Minnetonka will require separate turn lanes
Director Moore said existing City streets that would need improvement include straightening
Peony Lane. He said this would bring it in alignment with the greenway concept plan. He said
the plan still provides the options for a Schmidt Lake Road interchange on I-494. He said the
only way such an interchange would be justified would be if it relieved congestion at the
interchanges with County Roads 9 and 10. He said this would conflict with the federal principles
of using the freeway for through trips.
Director Moore reviewed possible jurisdictional changes. He said Hennepin County Officials
wish to revert County Road 47 as a City–maintained street. He said the question involves what
the road's function is — whether it is simply a local street or a route to western communities
such as Corcoran. He said the State is interested in reverting Highway 55 west of I-494 to a
county–maintained road, since the state contends it serves no regional function. He said the issue
may be determined by who has the funding available for improvements when they are warranted.
Director Moore said that Schmidt Lake Road is being reviewed to decide where widening the
road to four lanes might be needed, and where separate turn lanes might be needed.
He reviewed areas not currently scheduled for improvements and potential areas for needed
improvements. He said the portions of Schmidt Lake Road which connects into Peony Lane is in
the Capital Improvements Program within the next five years.
Councilmember Bildsoe left the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
D. Housing Summary
Director Hurlburt said that some of the housing strategies presented in the summary have
received public comment already. She explained that the City's housing density levels would
comply with the Metropolitan Council housing density recommendations.
Councilmember Black requested that Item 11 on Page 5-22 contain the addendum at the end of
the sentence to read "...and make recommendations and develop strategies."
Adopted Minutes
Joint City Council/ Planning Commission Meeting
August 31, 1999
Page 7
E. Policy Plan Update
Director Hurlburt introduced the section on policy. She said this section summarizes all major
goals and objectives from other portions of the Comprehensive Plan.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Deputy City Ye,