HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 09-29-1999 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting
Plymouth Comprehensive Plan Update
Wednesday, September 29, 1999
A Special Joint Meeting of the City Council and the Planning Commission was called to order by
Planning Commission Chairman Mike Stulberg at 7:00 p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room,
3400 Plymouth Boulevard on September 29, 1999.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Councilmembers Harstad, Black, Johnson, Brown, and Slavik.
ABSENT: Mayor Tierney and Councilmember Bildsoe.
PLANNING COMMISSION PRESENT: Commissioners Stulberg, Reinhardt, Stein, Bobra,
Berkowitz, and Stoebner.
ABSENT: Commissioner Ribbe.
Commissioner Stoebner left the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Public Works Director Moore, Parks and Recreation
Director Blank, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Planning Supervisor Senness, and
City Clerk Paulson.
Chairman Stulberg stated the purpose of this evening's meeting is to review drafts of portions of
the Comprehensive Plan as they relate to water supply plan issues, parks plan, and water
resources element.
Briefing on Water Supply Plan Issues
Public Works Director Moore reported on the draft of the Water Supply, Storage, and
Distribution Plan which includes the supply facilities (Central and Zachary well fields — well and
pumping facilities), treatment facilities (Central and Zachary water treatment plants), storage
facilities (ground and elevated storage tanks), and distribution system (pipes, valves, and
hydrants).
He stated the City currently uses an average of 9.7 million gallons of water per day. Summer
time peak usage has been 25.3 million gallons per day. He stated 13 wells, two water treatment
plants, and five storage tanks meet the water demands. The water usage is expected to increase
to 36 million gallons per day on peak days as the City continues to grow. He stated the odd/even
sprinkling system really assists in the peak flow periods. He stated in order to meet the demand
of 36 million gallons per day, within the next five years, the following improvements would need
to be made:
Adopted Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes
September 29, 1999
Page 2 of 7
1. Construct Well No. 14 which would be a back up well and would provide for increases in
water usage. Staff is currently reviewing possible sites for the well.
2. Water treatment plan expansion at the Central Water Plant for the Zachary Water Plant.
3. Construction of backwash storage tanks for the Central Water Plant.
4. Upgrade the SCADA system which is a computer system that controls and monitors the
City's wells, water plant pumps, and sanitary sewer lift stations.
5. Upgrade the Zachary Water Plant filter control.
6. Construct water tower No. 6 in the Pomerleau Lake area. Additional water storage is required
to meet peak water demands and provide for water needs in the 2020 MUSA.
7. Improve the distribution system. Trunk water mains would be added with development.
He stated water tower No. 6 would probably be constructed at Schmidt Lake Road and
Vicksburg Lane. The plan would be northwest of that area if the development occurs west of
Vicksburg Lane.
He stated in the next six to 20 years, the proposed improvements are for three new wells and
construction of the Minneapolis Industrial Park water tower replacement (County Road 6 near
Xenium Lane).
He reported in 1996, the City developed a Water Conservation and Emergency Preparedness
Plan. The goal of this plan was to reduce the waste of water and prepare for emergencies that
could affect the water utility. The 1996 plan is currently being updated and expanded as a part of
the Comprehensive Plan. Some of the items included in this plan are:
1. All customers would be metered.
2. The City is evaluating a water rate structure that would encourage wise use of water.
3. The City would continue the public education program.
4. The City is reviewing methods to implement a program of installing pressure -reducing valves
in homes that have a pressure higher than 80 psi, i.e. Zachary Lane homes.
5. The City would continue to evaluate the effectiveness of the sprinkling policies.
Councilmember Black asked about public education efforts. Public Works Director Moore
responded staff is currently reviewing irrigation systems and water saving devices that could be
installed in homes.
Councilmember Harstad asked if there are instances where the City could bypass the water
treatment plant during peak times. Public Works Director Moore stated currently the City only
treats 80% of the water on peak days as two-thirds of the water usage is for yards.
Councilmember Harstad asked if the City could increase the number of storage facilities in order
to reduce the treatment process. Public Works Director Moore responded that is possible.
Adopted Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes
September 29, 1999
Page 3 of 7
However, there would be stagnant water sitting in the towers. Currently the City has 7 million -
gallon storage capacity which is adequate.
Commissioner Bobra requested clarification on the water rates. Public Works Director Moore
stated staff is currently reviewing the possibility of tiered water rates for all users. The more
water a resident uses over the typical domestic rate, the higher their utility fee would be. He
stated the cost of providing water and sewer treatment and the maintenance of those systems is
included in the water and sewer rates. Public Works Director Moore commented that in an
emergency situation, the cities of Maple Grove and Plymouth could supply each other on a
domestic basis with no problem.
Commissioner Stulberg asked regarding the water treatment plant expansion, would the cost of
the expansion double if the capacity was doubled. Public Works Director Moore responded the
filter beds would still have to be replaced; therefore, this wouldn't prove to be very economical.
Commissioner Berkowitz asked if there is an emergency plan for catastrophic chlorine. Public
Works Director Moore responded yes.
Commissioner Reinhardt asked if the City has ever experienced a water shortage. Public Works
Director Moore responded yes, in 1988. He stated the City experienced a very dry and hot spell.
All the water towers were empty, and the Police and Fire personnel informed the citizens of the
ban on all water sprinkling. He stated it took about two to three days for the City to recover from
this situation.
Councilmember Black asked if staff has ever reviewed the possibility of limiting the time when
residents could water. Public Works Director Moore responded this is part of the education
effort and is more of water conservation issue. He stated the odd/even policy assists greatly in
managing the peak usage. Councilmember Black asked if it would reduce needed infrastructure
improvements if the City reduced summer water usage. Mark Willis, from Bonestroo Rosene
Anderlik & Associates, Inc., stated in theory yes. He stated the City uses 2.5 times the water on
peak days versus an average day. He commented the reduction of one well would save $700-
800,000 plus maintenance costs.
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated tonight's report on the water supply plan
issues was just a briefing/overview. The draft of the chapter to be included in the
Comprehensive Plan would be presented at the Joint Meeting in December. She requested that
the Councilmembers and Commissioners convey any recommended changes to staff.
Adopted Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes
September 29, 1999
Page 4 of 7
Councilmember Black stated she would like the Council to consider limiting the amount of times
for watering which would assist in water conservation and the potential savings of infrastructure
costs. She stressed that if the City would enforce this soon, it could decrease the number of
proposed wells within the next 20 years. Commissioner Stulberg commented this suggestion
may be worthwhile to consider, but residents may have an expectation for longer hours.
Briefing on Parks Plan Issues
Parks and Recreation Director Blank highlighted the draft of the "Parks, Recreation, Trails and
Open Space" chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. He discussed the area defined as the
Northwest Greenway." He stated this area is an ecological and recreational trail corridor
located in the rural northwestern quadrant of the City — roughly stretching from Wayzata High
School and the Elm Creek Playfield eastward to Mud Lake Park and the future North Hennepin
Regional Trail. He illustrated the proximity of proposed playfields near Vicksburg Lane and
Wayzata School that are dependent on the growth of this area. He stated the wooded area along
the freeway would be designated as a special use park which would include an outdoor nature
education center. In addition, a living farm is also being proposed. In essence, the Northwest
Greenway, along with the nearly completed Plymouth Creek Trail and the future North Hennepin
Regional Trail, would complete a large recreational and ecological loop that would complement
the trail loop nearly in place around Medicine Lake. The area would also be fully integrated into
the regional and inter -community trail system with possible connections to proposed Hennepin
Parks, Maple Grove, and Medina trails. He stated the need for citywide facilities is based on
population while the need for neighborhood facilities is based on location.
He spoke of mini parks that are a scaled down park located on a five acre or less parcel. He
illustrated the proposed sites for mini parks. He stated regarding school parks, with the
exception of Zachary Lane Elementary, all elementary schools would have school parks.
He illustrated the proposed Open Space Plan. He stated the City has approximately 30 acres of
open space. He illustrated the four open space areas which were acquired due to the open space
referendum. He stated the Open Space Plan recommends the creation of a management plan for
each of the open space parcels that the City currently owns. Management options may range
from preservation to restoration of a badly degraded ecosystem. Staff would prepare these
management plans after the completion of the Comprehensive Plan.
He illustrated the City Trail and Sidewalk Plan. He stated the trail system follows basic future
connections wherever possible.
Community Development Director Hurlburt reiterated the plan identifies the need to develop
management plans for all open spaces.
Adopted Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes
September 29, 1999
Page 5 of 7
Councilmember Brown asked how the open spaces would be identified in the Comprehensive
Plan. Charlene Zimmer, from SRF Consulting, stated the Open Space Plan would be
documented which includes the definition of open space, priorities, and recommendations. If the
management plans have been previously adopted they would be listed as an appendix to the plan.
Those open spaces that didn't have a management plan would be recommended for action. She
stated in addition, there would be supporting documentation that would be attached as
references.
Commissioner Bobra asked Parks and Recreation Director Blank where her neighborhood park is
located. Parks and Recreation Director Blank stated a school facility park rather than a
neighborhood park services her neighborhood.
Councilmember Harstad asked why some of the neighborhood/mini parks aren't identified on the
park service area map. Parks and Recreation Director Blank stated the map that Councilmember
Harstad is referring to is only a draft, but the proposed locations are listed in the text.
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated staff is not attempting to identify the
underserviced areas where the mini parks would be located. She cautioned that the City has to
be very careful to not identify a certain parcel. Commissioner Berkowitz stated it concerns him
that the decision is being delayed where parks are designated for underserviced areas. He stated
the City is just delaying the decision.
Councilmember Harstad asked about the impact of a petition or inquiry to the City for
neighborhood parks. He noted that of 50 service areas, 13 areas are inadequate, and six of those
areas have moved up on the priority list. Community Development Director Hurlburt stated the
determination for this document was a geographic analysis of the park system. It was not based
on how many contacts or inquiries the City received. Councilmember Black stated the City has
identified the areas, and the next step is the implementation. The implementation process is
based on a number of factors, and the Comprehensive Plan identifies the areas and the suggested
method to prioritize them.
Councilmember Harstad stated it concerns him that future parks for the Northwest part of the
City are indicated on the map which could be confusing. Public Works Director Moore stated
there is no priority on the map; the Capital Improvements Program would prioritize the parks.
The areas indicated on the map are based on the City's standards where parks are needed. Parks
and Recreation Director Blank added that developers on a frequent basis question where parks
are proposed to be located, and what type of park.
Commissioner Stulberg asked about the trails and the Greenway concept near the railroad. Parks
and Recreation Director Blank stated there are no specific plans at this time.
Adopted Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes
September 29, 1999
Page 6 of 7
Adam Arvidson, from SRF Consulting, explained the type of crossing improvements that are
recommended which include "jump signals."
Councilmember Harstad stated referring to the park service area map, the "other park and open
space" in the legend could be very confusing. Community Development Director Hurlburt stated
this map identifies where the existing public land is located, and it is only a planning tool to
analyze where the gap is in the service area. She stressed that it's not only the map that is
referred to but the actual text and definitions contained in the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Zimmer
added that this map is based on the distance a person living anywhere in the City has to travel to
locate a park. However, the legend may have to be changed to make it clearer. Councilmember
Slavik stated she prefers that the parks not be prioritized at this time in the Comprehensive Plan.
Councilmember Johnson asked what effect does the plea of a neighborhood have in obtaining a
neighborhood park. Parks and Recreation Director Blank stated the City has established the
standards, but the question is if the City is able to accomplish that objective. As opportunities
are presented to the City, they would be referred to the Council.
Councilmember Black stated she doesn't feel Zachary Lane falls within the guidelines regarding
two sided trails, as this area would experience a lot of traffic congestion. Public Works Director
Moore stated staff had developed some two-sided trails in segments on Zachary Lane, however,
some residents were opposed to it. The two-sided trails in this location are by need. Ms.
Zimmer stated the criteria should then be related to volume of use of the trail rather than
connectivity. Commissioner Berkowitz asked if it would be possible to extend the trail to
County Road 10 just west of Zachary Lane. Parks and Recreation Director Blank stated staff has
considered this possibility. He also stated that the trail from I-494 to West Medicine Lake is
90% completed.
Councilmember Black asked if there is a policy for snow removal of the trails. Parks and
Recreation Director Blank stated staff is drafting a map, and the recommended policy would be
presented to the Council in the near future.
Mary Belden, 18725 4h Place North, requested the City be very clear in identifying the parcels
for future parks, whether on the maps or in the text of the Comprehensive Plan.
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated tonight's report on the Parks Plan was just a
briefing/overview. The draft of the chapter to be included in the Comprehensive Plan would be
presented at the Joint Meeting in December. She requested that the Councilmembers and
Commissioners convey any recommended changes to staff.
Adopted Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes
September 29, 1999
Page 7 of 7
Councilmember Harstad reported he attended the Metropolitan Council meeting today, and the
message was given at this meeting that funding could be withheld if cities don't complete their
Comprehensive Plans before the end of the year. Community Development Director Hurlburt
stated the City's Comprehensive Plan would not be completed by the end of the year; however, it
is her opinion that funding for cities cannot be withheld. Councilmember Harstad assured
everyone that this was a report only, and no formal action was taken by the Metropolitan
Council.
Water Resources Element (Chapter 6 of the Comprehensive Plan)
Community Development Director Hurlburt requested the Councilmembers and Commissioners
insert this draft of Chapter 6 into their books. She stated this section would be adopted by
reference for other plan documents adopted by the City. Therefore, no amendments have been
made to this chapter.
Councilmember Harstad asked if the City monitors storm water runoff into the lakes for volume
or quality. Public Works Director Moore responded this runoff is monitored. He stated there are
treatment standards that must be adhered to before it empties into the lakes.
Miscellaneous Business
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated the next Joint City Council/Planning
Commission meeting will be held on October 26, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. She stated the agenda
includes discussion of the results of the citizen survey, public facilities, and land use in
Northwest Plymouth.
Commissioner Berkowitz asked if the phosphorous ban would be included in the Comprehensive
Plan. Public Works Director Moore stated the Council adopted prohibition of phosphorous by
ordinance. Staff has sent letters to all retailers and included an article in the City's newsletter.
There would be one year before any enforcement actions are taken by the City in order to
promote the educational efforts.
Commissioner Berkowitz moved and Councilmember Black seconded a motion to adjourn the
meeting at 9:02 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
1
Sandra R. Paulson, City Clerk