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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,