Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 09-14-1999 SpecialAdopted Minutes Special Council Meeting September 14, 1999 A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 7:10 p.m. in the Medicine Lake Room, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on September 14, 1999. Prior to the beginning of the meeting, the Council toured the site of the new Activity Center and Field House at 6:15 p.m. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Brown, Black, Harstad, Johnson, Bildsoe, and Slavik. ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant Manager Ahrens, Finance Director Hahn, Parks and Recreation Director Blank, Parks Superintendent Peterson, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Public Works Director Moore, and City Clerk Paulson. Update on the Plymouth Creek Center Site Parks and Recreation Director Blank discussed with the Council components of the new Activity Center and Field House. He stated Shingobee's desire is to complete the project March 2000. He stated an RFP has been sent to 12 catering firms, and he has and will be visiting some of their catered events. It will be the responsibility of the caterer to secure a Caterer's License from the State to serve alcohol at catered events as the City will not be issued the Liquor License. Initially, the contract with the caterer will be for one year. Councilmember Bildsoe asked Parks and Recreation Director Blank about the dome for the Field House. Parks and Recreation Director Blank responded in a few days the turf will be installed, and hopefully by October 15, 1999 the dome will begin to be erected. He stated the dome will be up two full weeks before the public is allowed. Councilmember Slavik requested photographs be taken of the site as construction progresses. Manager Johnson stated the cost of the project is getting a little tighter. Staff is currently in the process of negotiating a few change orders which could decrease the costs somewhat. Mayor Tierney asked what the approximate balance is of the contingency fund. Parks and Recreation Director Blank replied approximately $305,000. Request of TwinWest Business Council (Boards and Commissions) The Council discussed the request of the TwinWest Business Council to allow non-residents to serve on the City's board and commissions. Councilmember Bildsoe stated he opposes this Adopted City Council Minutes September 14, 1999 Page 2 of 6 request as he feels membership should be limited to Plymouth business owners who are residents and City residents. In addition, he wouldn't favor the City implementing this change when there are no guidelines to follow. Councilmembers Johnson and Brown commented they would be willing to study this request further. Councilmember Brown stated businesses have a large impact on the vitality of the community, and he doesn't see any negative impacts. Councilmember Johnson stated she is very intrigued with the possibility of establishing a Business Advisory Committee; however, if the Council wasn't interested in establishing this type of committee, she suggested the Council designate a position on each eligible board or commission for a representative from the business community. Councilmember Harstad asked how a business owner is defined, as anybody who owns stock in the business could be considered an owner of he company. He stated he does not support the designation of a position on each board and committee for a business representative. Councilmember Slavik stated she agrees with Councilmember Bildsoe and doesn't support the designation of a business owner on each board or committee. She stated there are many opportunities for business owners to convey their message to the City Council. Councilmember Black stated she too is not in favor of a designated seat. However, she is not opposed to allowing non-resident business owners to serve on boards and committees. Councilmember Bildsoe stated the City should discover ways to incorporate TwinWest Business Council in activities of the City, particularly in the HRA. Motion was made by Mayor Tierney, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad to not make any changes at this point other than to become more alert to opportunities to involve businesses. With all members voting in favor except Brown, Black, and Johnson, the motion carried. Motion was made by Councilmember Brown, and seconded by Black to recommend to the HRA to develop opportunities to involve the business community in the City's redevelopment efforts. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. City -Owned Open Space Management Practices Parks and Recreation Director Blank stated that the following four sites were previously purchased by the City for long-term preservation and protection: Adopted City Council Minutes September 14,1999 Page 3 of 6 1. A northeast 26 acre site located adjacent to the east edge of French Regional Park. This site has been given to French Regional Park as part of their open space. Hennepin County Parks must maintain this site as part of their park. Any alterations or developments would require Council authorization. 2. A southeast 46 acre site consisting of shrub swamp with a tamarack over story. This particular site is the only remaining tamarack site in the City, and it is fairly rare in this part of the state. 3. A northwest 53 acre site consisting of a maple basswood forest with a creek running through it as part of the Elm Creek Watershed. This particular piece is part of a 100 -acre tract of public private woods that would be categorized as "Big Woods." It is located immediately north of the Elm Creek Playfield/Wayzata High School site. 4. A southwest 14 acre site consisting of an old growth white oak over story with an under story of aspen, green ash, maple and cherry. It is a rolling topography with several low marshy areas. Parks Superintendent Peterson illustrated to the Council each area and stated each area has its own uniqueness. Parks and Recreation Director Blank stated the long-range plan for each of these sites would be presented to the Council at a future date. The City Attorney has met with the Open Space Committee and the committee has recommended that a charter amendment be considered by the Council that would require voter approval to make any changes to open space property acquired by the City through the open space bond referendum. Mayor Tierney stated it is her opinion that if the City would be managing the property, every citizen would have access to the property. The property needs to be signed so that it's clear the property has been designated as open space and public land. She voiced her concern with the 46 acre site containing shrub and tamarack. Community Development Director Hurlburt explained this property is located near Highway 73 and Minnetonka, and it is staff's hope that some adjacent property would be dedicated to the City by the developer as the property isn't buildable. Parks and Recreation Director Blank stated at this point staff is recommending to leave this property in its current state until the status of the adjacent property is known. Parks Superintendent Peterson stated staff doesn't recommend pathways into this area because of the current nature and relatively small area. Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson to accept the Open Space Committee and PRAC recommendations for identified open space properties, and request the legal staff to pursue the long term preservations and protection of those properties. In addition, staff is to develop a plan for the southeast site so it doesn't disrupt the sensitive nature of that property but in some way encourage public use of the property. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. A discussion was held regarding the long-term securing of the properties. Councilmember Adopted City Council Minutes September 14, 1999 Page 4 of 6 Bildsoe stated he agrees with the option to present it back to the voters if they want to make a change to it. He believes that when the majority of the voters voted in favor of the open space bond referendum, they were under the understanding that these properties were to remain preserved areas for a long period of time. A motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson to recommend a Charter amendment that if the designation of the properties changes, there must be a referendum in order to change it. Manager Johnson stated it is going to be very hard to define open space. He gave an example that if the City ever needed just a few feet of right-of-way for a new road, part of the right-of-way would have to come from the open designated open space. He stated he's not so sure that it would be wise for the Council to adopt a Charter amendment. He suggested if there would be any proposed changes to the open space, the Council would conduct an official public hearing with due notification to the public. In order for it to be approved, it could require super majority of the Council voting in favor. With all members voting against the motion but Black, Slavik, and Bildsoe, the motion failed. Manager Johnson discussed with the Council some other options for a Charter amendment that could include: 1. Set a year time delay before the amendment would be effective. 2. Procedures for notifying citizens. 3. Public hearings. 4. Super majority or unanimous vote of the Council. Parks and Recreation Director Blank stated that staff requested the Council's input, and he suggested to refer this back to staff to draft specific language based on the Council's input this evening. A motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Mayor Tierney to refer this matter back to staff. With all members voting in favor except Johnson, the motion carried. Discussion of Amphitheater Jim Willis, representing an anonymous donor, discussed with the Council the possible donation for an amphitheater. He stated the donors are interested in leaving a physical structure that would include a stage, dressing room, some type of concession stand, storage, and control areas. The donor is requesting an activity that would fit the cultural arts, be free to the public, and for families. Adopted City Council Minutes September 14, 1999 Page 5 of 6 Councilmember Slavik expressed her concern of the potential noise levels. Parks and Recreation Director Blank stated a set of operational standards would need to be established for the facility; however, anybody is able to do what they desire under the right of free speech. Mr. Willis stated the donors are looking for encouragement from the City that facility would be a part of the community's goals and objectives. The donors have also requested there be a committee established that could be comprised of Manager Johnson, Mayor Tierney, and Parks and Recreation Director Blank. He stated it would probably also be helpful to know of other communities who have an amphitheater similar to this. A majority of the Council expressed their support for this project. Councilmember Slavik reiterated her concern of the noise level, and she also suggested there be some type of citizen involvement. Mayor Tierney stated she feels the noise concern could be addressed with the decibel level. She also stated this type of an amphitheater would be completely different than Brooklyn Park's. Manager Johnson added that the bandshell might be able to direct the noise more. She added that the Council has previously discussed the use of any remaining funds for an endowment fund. Mr. Willis thanked the Council for their input. Discussion of Drainageway Maintenance and Notification Councilmember Black requested this item be pulled from the agenda and placed on a future Work Session agenda. Schedule Next Study Session and Topics Discussion was held on legislation to enact a one-half percent sales tax. Councilmember Harstad stated he would like to use that money for indebtedness that the City has already incurred. Councilmember Bildsoe noted that the City's debt is very low. Mayor Tierney informed the Council they need to evaluate the City Manager. This is usually performed in September of each year. Public Works Director requested the County Road 101 project be discussed by the Council in a Work Session in October. Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe to conduct a Work Session on October 5, 1999 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the County Road 101 Project, Adopted City Council Minutes September 14, 1999 Page 6 of 6 and a Work Session on October 19, 1999 at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose of evaluating the City Manage . With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Miscellaneous Business The Council instructed the Assistant City Manager Ahrens to convey to the Charter Commission that the Council intends to meet with them no later than January or February 2000. It was noted that no Work Sessions were scheduled for the months of November and December at this time. A discussion was held on the Council's Transit Subcommittee process as it related to the Dial -a - Ridership Policy. The majority of the Council requested this issue be an agenda item rather than discussed at the subcommittee process in order to solicit as much public participation as possible. Public Works Director Moore stated this item would be placed on the October 19, 1999 Council agenda. Councilmember Slavik requested a copy of the Lakeshore Weekly News be placed in their Council packets. Councilmember Harstad informed staff that he has a conflict with the Joint City Council and Planning Commission meeting on September 29, 1999. Adjournment Motion was made by Mayor Tierney, seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. r RL%-