HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 09-01-1999Adopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
September 1, 1999
A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 7:00
p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on September 1, 1999.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Brown, Black, Harstad, Johnson,
Bildsoe, and Slavik.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant Manager Ahrens, Public Safety Director
Gerdes, Finance Director Hahn, Parks and Recreation Director Blank, Community Development
Director Hurlburt, Public Works Director Moore, Finance Officer Supervisor Leitner, Financial
Analyst Kohn, and City Clerk Paulson.
Mayor Tierney reiterated that the City has to set the maximum tax levy before September 15,
1999, and it will be on the September 7, 1999 agenda.
Manager Johnson discussed with the Council the requested report on contributions to non-profit
organizations. He stated Parks and Recreation Director Blank met recently with Kris St. Martin
of the Plymouth Civic League Board to review the year 2000 fundraising program. The Civic
League raises approximately $42,500 from corporate contributions annually. However, two of
the largest contributors, Norwest and US West might decrease the amount they give from $5,000
each to $1,000 each. The Civic League has discussed what the course of action would be for
next year's program if they would indeed lose $8,000 to $9,000. Two areas that could be
eliminated/reduced are the $15,000 expended for the fireworks and $6,000 for the pre -
entertainment before the orchestra performance. He stated Parks and Recreation Director Blank
is recommending the City raise the contribution in the 2000 budget from $17,500 to $20,000.
The Civic League would continue to explore and work aggressively on trying to maintain their
current fundraising and expand the fundraising program. In May 2000, Parks and Recreation
Director Blank would meet with the Civic League to review the fundraising program. If it
appears that funding would not be available to assemble the program, the Council could consider
at that time to contribute an additional $5,000 from the contingency budget.
Manager Johnson stated regarding the Plymouth Fine Arts Council, the budget of $9,000 would
be able to adequately expand their programs during the 2000 calendar year.
Manager Johnson reported that the Plymouth Rockers received a $3,500 contribution in 1999,
and staff had made a commitment last year to the Rockers that they would recommend $500
increment increases to the Council for two or three years in an attempt to increase their funding
equal with other choirs throughout the metropolitan area. Staff is recommending the Council
authorize a $500 increase for a total of $4,050 for the year 2000.
Adopted City Council Minutes
September 1, 1999
Page 2 of 4
Manager Johnson addressed the Council regarding the installation of Opticon at traffic signals.
He stated staff identified 15 signals out of 29 where the equipment could be installed. These
signals would benefit police and fire response. The remaining 14 signals are on the edge of the
City and would impact ambulance response more than police and fire. The estimated cost of
converting all 29 signals would be between $290,000-$435,000 and the 15 identified signals
would be between $15,000-$225,000. Funding the first 12 priority signals would be an excellent
use of 1999 surplus funds. The three remaining priority signals are most important when Fire
Station 4 is operational and could be included in Fire Station 4 costs. The estimated cost for the
12 priority signals could be supplemented by internal financing utilizing the current program of
budgeting $30,000 per year for repayment. Public Safety Director Gerdes informed the Council
that any new traffic signals would now have the Opticon installed. The Council was very
supportive of the recommendation of converting the identified traffic signals and the
recommended source of funding.
Park and Recreation Director Blank discussed with the Council his report on the contribution to
Music in Plymouth, Plymouth Rockers, and the Fine Arts Council which was briefly reported at
the beginning of the meeting. He stated in addition to the City contribution and the corporate
contributions, the Civic League raises $10,000 in concession revenues, $2,500 in raffle revenue,
and $2,000 in family memberships. He stated the Civic League strives to stay within their
budget, and this year they finished the year $3,000-$4,000 in the black. He stated Kris St. Martin
agrees with the proposed recommendation for the City's funding.
Mayor Tierney stated it is important that the Council indicates their support for the Civic League.
Councilmember Brown reported there is a couple that is interested in donating funds for the
ampitheater. He discussed the idea that an endowment fund could be established to fund
ongoing events such as the Civic League's, and the remaining donation could be used for the
ampitheater. The City could continue to contribute to the Civic League, and perhaps other
people would contribute as well. He stated this idea all revolves around the willingness of the
donors, and the City to support it. This idea will be communicated to the donors by another
Ply•
Councilmember Johnson stated at the previous budget Work Session, the question was raised as
to the service areas and funding levels of Interfaith and PRISM. Manager Johnson stated staff
will research all social service funding and prepare a report for the Council before adoption of
the budget.
Mayor Tierney stated she had requested at the previous budget Work Session the tax impact on
the average value home ($206,300) and an average value business ($1,060,000) if the capital
improvement levy were increased from $300,000 to $350,000. She stated the taxes on the
average value home would increase .39% ($1.83) while the average business would increase
Adopted City Council Minutes
September 1, 1999
Page 3 of 4
40% ($14.46). She asked the Council if the increase is something the Council would be willing
to support. Councilmember Bildsoe stated he prefers to authorize additional contributions from
the surplus fund. Manager Johnson stated a couple of years ago a $200,000 contribution was
made from the surplus fund. He stated it would be advantageous to reevaluate this later this year
especially as it relates to what will happen with the city of Maple Grove and possibly a new fire.
station.
Councilmember Harstad thanked staff for the report on photo radar equipment and noted this can
be a topic for pending list of study session items.
Councilmember Harstad questioned the purchasing policy for squad cars after receiving the
requested report. He stated what concerns him is the purchase of up to six squad cars at a time
and having them in storage for one year before they are even used. He asked what is the
appropriate number of squad cars to have parked and not in service. Public Works Director
Moore reported squad cars are unique vehicles and for that reason, Ford only makes a limited a
number of each year. The City utilizes the State contract for competitive pricing. The vehicles
are ordered in January, and they usually arrive in May. He stated since this is a special vehicle,
there is a problem to get a replacement if necessary. Public Safety Director stated the
department does, from time to time, use all the vehicles in the fleet. Public Works Director
Moore stated there will only be one vehicle in storage by the time the new vehicles are delivered
in May 2000. Councilmember Bildsoe supported the practice, and stated if anything, the
vehicles should be rotated quicker.
Councilmember Slavik referenced the report outdoor warning sirons, and she asked if there is
any concern for those areas of the City that aren't covered. Public Safety Gerdes stated some of
those areas are covered by Minnetonka and Maple Grove so there is coverage.
A discussion was held regarding automated meter reading. Financial Analyst Kohn stated based
on his report, at this time it is more cost effective to utilize manual readings. Finance Director
Hahn stated he will be having a meeting with Northern States Power, and he would be happy to
report back to the Council as to the outcome of that meeting.
The Council discussed the interest income generated by reserved revenue and how that money
should be used.
Councilmember Brown received clarification on how items are added to Council Work Sessions.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to conduct
the public hearing on September 7, 1999 regarding the levy certification tax rate. With all
members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Adopted City Council Minutes
September 1, 1999
Page 4 of 4
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, seconded by Councilmember Black to adjourn the
meeting at 8:45 p.m. With all members voting in favor the motion Carrie
Sandra R. Paulson, City Clerk