HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 12-21-1999Adopted Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
December 21, 1999
A Regular Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 7:00
p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Center, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on December 21,
1999.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Brown, Black, Harstad, Bildsoe,
Johnson, and Slavik.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Public Safety
Director Gerdes, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Public Works Director Moore,
Parks and Recreation Director Blank, Finance Director Hahn, City Attorney Knutson, and City
Clerk Paulson.
Plymouth Forum
No one was present to address the Council.
Presentations and Public Information Announcements
4.1) Receive "National Night Out Award" (Police Officer Scott Streachek)
Police Officer Streachek presented to the Council a National Award that the City received for the
excellent participation in the "National Night Out." He thanked employees from the City as well
as residents for their participation.
4.2) Update on "Where's Lester Campaign"
Public Safety Education Specialist Cwayna and Plymouth Crime and Fire Prevention Fund
President Billie Goodman briefly updated the Council on the "Where's Lester Campaign"
scheduled for January 2000. Following the update, a video was shown on the campaign.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of December 21, 1999
Page 2 of 11
Approval of Agenda
Councilmember Johnson requested to add as item No. 9.2, under Reports and Recommendations,
the notice that Mayor Karen Anderson from Minnetonka was elected as Second Vice President to
the National League of Cities.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to
approve the amended agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Consent Agenda
Mayor Tierney asked if there were any additions, corrections, or deletions to be made to the
Consent Agenda.
City Manager Johnson informed the Councilmembers that a revised copy of item No. 6.09.6 has
been provided to the Council this evening.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to
approve the Consent Agenda (with the revised 6.09.6) which included the following items:
6.01: Approve proposed City Council Minutes (Truth in Taxation Hearing of December 6,
1999, Regular Council Meeting of December 7, 1999, and Joint City Council/Planning
Commission Meeting of December 14, 1999).
6.02: Resolution Approving Disbursements for the Period Ending December 10, 1999 (Res99-
514).
6.03.1: Resolution Approving 2000 Amusement Licenses (Res99-515).
6.03.2: Resolution Approving Gasoline Service Station Licenses for 2000 (Res99-516).
6.03.3: Resolution Approving Target and Trap Shoot License for Plymouth Gun Club (Res99-
517).
6.03.4: Resolution Approving 2000 Tobacco Licenses (Res99-518).
6.04: Resolution Approving City Buildings HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Maintenance Service Contract (Res99-519).
6.05.1: Resolution Approving the 2000 Pay and Compensation Plan (Res99-520).
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of December 21, 1999
Page 3 of 11
6.05.2: Resolution Approving Amendments to the Personnel Policy (Res99-521).
6.05.3: Resolution Establishing 2000 Pay Schedule for Members of the Plymouth Fire
Department (Res99-522).
6.05.4: Resolution Approving Increase in Employee Fitness Program (Res99-523).
6.06: Resolution Approving a Site Plan Amendment for Toll Gas and Welding Supply to Locate
a Propylene Tank at 3005 Niagara Lane North (99120 — Res99-524).
6.07: Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit for TSP
One Inc. for Wayzata Schools Central Services Located at 17305 19th Avenue North, and for
Oakwood Elementary School Located at 17340 County Road 6 (99102 — Res99-525).
6.08: Resolution Approving a Site Plan Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Amendment
for Wayne A. Jeske Associates, In. for West Lutheran High School Located at 3350 Harbor Lane
North (99107 — Res99-526).
6.09.1: Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Westbranch Second Addition
94045 — Res99-527).
6.09.2: Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Westbranch Third Addition
94046 — Res99-528).
6.09.3: Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Ferndale Place Addition (96038 —
Res99-529).
6.09.4: Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Westbranch Fourth Addition
95139 — Res99-530).
6.09.5: Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Conor Meadows Plat Two
96150 — Res99-531).
6.09.6: Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Bridgid Glen Addition (98063 —
Res99-532).
6.09.7: Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Conor Meadows Plat Three
98092 — Res99-533).
6.10: Resolution Awarding Contract for County Road 6 Sanitary Sewer Service, Troy Lane
North of County Road 6, City Project No. 7018 (Res99-534).
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of December 21, 1999
Page 4 of 11
6.11: Resolution Approving Public Improvement Agreement for Sanitary Sewer Service for
18410 County Road 6, City Project No. 7018 (Res99-535).
6.12: Resolution Approving Agreement for Use of Designated Area of the Parking Lot at
Messiah United Methodist Church for a Park -and -Ride Site (Res99-536).
6.13: Resolution Approving Wetland Mitigation and Replacement Pond for Plymouth Pond
Industrial Park Expansion (99010 — Res99-537).
6.14: Resolution Requesting Extension of the Due Date to June 1, 2000, for Review of the City
of Plymouth's Comprehensive Plan for Consistency with Amended Metropolitan Council Policy
Plans (Res99-538).
6.15: Resolution Awarding Bid for Plymouth Creek Center Kitchen Equipment (Res99-539).
6.16: Resolution Approving Change Order No. 4 for the Plymouth Creek Center (Res99-540).
6.17: Resolution Approving the Purchase of Five New Current Model Replacement Police
Pursuit Vehicles (Res99-541).
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Public Hearings
7.1) Vacation for Polaris Lane, Part of 51st Avenue and Drainage and Utility Easements in
Blocks 3 and 4 and Outlot B, Silverthorne 0' Addition
Public Works Director Moore illustrated the proposed vacation. He stated the lots and right-of-
way within the vacation area would become part of the Providence Academy property, and all
existing utilities and pavement would be removed making the easements and right-of-way
unnecessary.
He reported Reliant Energy-Minnegasco has submitted a letter objecting to the vacation of the
drainage and utility easements unless the petitioner wishes to reimburse Reliant Energy-
Minnegasco the cost of relocating or abandoning an existing gas main. In addition, a letter was
received from US. West objecting to the vacation of the easements until their abandonment work
is completed. He informed the Council that he consulted with City Attorney Knutson regarding
the objections, and he has stated that the City has no obligation to maintain the drainage and
utility easements on behalf of the utilities. The objections have been withdrawn.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of December 21, 1999
Page 5 of 11
Councilmember Slavik asked what the schedule is for U.S. West to remove their cables. Public
Works Director Moore replied he is unsure, but this project would not be starting until next
spring so there should be ample time for them to remove the cables.
Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing for testimony.
Terry Schneider, 600 South Highway 169, stated he has contacted all the utilities, and they are in
support of the vacations now that they fully understand the project.
There being no one else wishing to appear before the Council to give testimony, Mayor Tierney
declared the public hearing closed.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to
adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Vacation of Part of the Drainage and Utility Easements
within Silverthorne 4 Addition (Res99-542), a Resolution Authorizing the Vacation of Polaris
Lane North Right -of -Way and Part of 51S Avenue North Street Right -of -Way Silverthorne 4
Addition (Res99-543) and a Resolution Setting Conditions to be Met Prior to Filing of
Resolution No. 99-542 and Resolution No. 99-543, Vacating Certain Drainage and Utility
Easements and Street Right -of -Way within Silverthorne 4 Addition (Res99-544). With all
members voting in favor, the motion carried.
7.2) Approve Corporate Name Change for Rainbow Food Stores
Assistant City Manager Ahrens reported Fleming Companies, who owns three Rainbow Food
stores in the City, has changed their corporate name to Rainbow Food Group, Inc. An
investigation has been conducted, and staff is recommending approval of the corporate change.
Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing for testimony.
There being no one wishing to appear before the Council to give testimony, Mayor Tierney
declared the public hearing closed.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to
adopt a Resolution Approving Corporate Name Change for Off -Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor Licenses
held by Fleming Companies, Inc. d/b/a Rainbow Foods #51, #58, and #73 (Res99-545). With all
members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of December 21, 1999
Page 6 of 11
7.3) Adoption of 2000 Budget and Tax Levy
City Manager Johnson reported on September 7, 1999 the Council adopted the preliminary tax
levies for 2000. On December 6, 1999 the truth in taxation hearing was conducted. Staff
recommends adoption of the proposed 2000 budgets and tax levies.
Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing for testimony.
There being no one wishing to appear before the Council to give testimony, Mayor Tierney
declared the public hearing closed.
Motion made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to adopt a
Resolution Adopting 2000 Budgets (Res99-546) and a Resolution Adopting Property Tax Levies
for Taxes Payable in 2000 (Res99-547).
The Council thanked staff for a well-prepared budget.
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
General Business
8.1) Traffic at Wayzata High School
Public Safety Director Gerdes reported on staff's recommendation to discontinue the traffic
direction detail during rush hours in front of Wayzata High School. He explained at the
November 16, 1999 Council meeting residents of the Conor Meadows development addressed
the Council regarding their frustration in trying to exit their development during peak hours of
the day when there is an enormous amount of traffic entering and exiting Wayzata High School.
It was also noted that it is difficult for students to cross Peony Lane, and the question was raised
if the school busses were picking up students at the Conor Meadows development. The Council
authorized the following action at that meeting:
1. Consider this intersection for signalization in the next capital outlay session.
2. Direct Public Safety to have two police officers direct traffic at this intersection during peak
hours in the mornings and afternoons.
3. Direct staff to contact the school district communicating the City's actions, request sharing of
the cost to man this intersection, and question the bussing of students residing at the Conor
Meadows development.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of December 21, 1999
Page 7 of 11
He explained since this action, the City made a number of improvements near this intersection
which included the addition of a pedestrian crossing to the north side of the intersection to make
it safer for walkers and move them away from the left -turn traffic, construction of an asphalt
waiting area at the new crosswalk, and installation of an exception from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. to the no
U-turn sign at the north entrance to the school for Conor Meadows residents to make it easier for
them to exit their development. Lastly, the School District authorized a school bus for the Conor
Meadows development to allow students to ride to school rather than walk, and they also sent a
letter outlining the problems and asking for assistance from drivers to assist in eliminating
problems.
He explained the monitoring by the police has indicated there are approximately 12 to 20
vehicles exiting Conor Meadows to access Peony Lane during the a.m. period. Approximately
half of the vehicles are currently utilizing the U-turn option. The drivers are not waiting for the
police officer to stop the left turning traffic into the school. The pedestrian traffic is usually six
children crossing Peony Lane to the school. It is the opinion of the police officers manning this
intersection that their presence is of minimal value.
Mayor Tierney stated some students are now arriving late to school due to the officers being
there. She stated that signalization for this intersection would be discussed as part of the Capital
Improvement Program process. She requested this be communicated to Wayzata High School.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated his main concern is the overall safety and flow of traffic at this
particular intersection. He stated there is a problem with the traffic in this area, and there are a
number of factors that attribute to the problem such as students arriving late to school. He stated
he is very reluctant in removing all traffic control measures at once; however, he would support
designating just one traffic enforcement unit (squad car) to this intersection. This unit could also
address illegal traffic violations in this area. He stated the speed limit of Peony Lane from
Highway 55 to the hill is 45 mph, and after the hill, it is 35 mph. He asked why the speed limit
couldn't be 35 mph all the way to Wayzata High School.
Public Works Director Moore stated the speed limit of 45 mph is established by a traffic study.
The 35 mph speed limit was designated by the Council for the school speed limit, and is only
effective when there are students on the walkway.
Councilmember Bildsoe asked if it would be possible for the State to readdress the speed limit of
Peony Lane considering the number of accidents, and the goal that the Council is trying to
achieve. Public Works Director Moore responded it could be reviewed. However, it probably
wouldn't change since the majority of the accidents are from vehicles exiting the school parking
lot.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of December 21, 1999
Page 8 of 11
Councilmember Harstad stated that he agrees with Councilmember Bildsoe. The presence of the
officer calms the traffic situation. He stated it especially concerns him that it has only been 30
days since the Council authorized the manning of the intersection, and he would be very
reluctant in changing it so quickly.
Councilmember Johnson stated the Council needs to be very mindful that the traffic has slowed
down drastically for the traffic entering the high school. She stated she is very reluctant in
implementing major ideas without considering the cost and the rotation of officers. She would
prefer to receive a report from staff first as to how it would affect the students, the City's budget,
and the Conor Meadows development. She stated there would continue to be a problem until
lights are authorized for this intersection.
Councilmember Brown asked Public Safety Director Gerdes if there have been any accidents or
citations issued. Public Safety Director Gerdes replied he does not have an accident or citation
count at this time.
Councilmember Bildsoe stressed by authorizing one traffic enforcement unit, there would be the
ability to assist in traffic direction as well as traffic enforcement.
Mayor Tierney asked Public Safety Director Gerdes if there would need to be two police officers
rather than just one for Councilmember Bildsoe's proposal.
Chief Gerdes stated if it is the direction of the Council for the officer to not specifically direct
traffic, due to the nature of intersection, it would require two officers to direct traffic if the need
arose. However, one police officer could be assigned to make a judgment call if traffic would
need to be directed, and that police officer could request assistance.
Mayor Tierney stated the school district has indicated that the flow of traffic is backed up at the
high school when Conor Meadows residents are exiting their development. The school district
prefers that the Conor Meadows utilize the U-turn option.
Councilmember Black stated she is somewhat concerned about the confusion. However, the
students need to allow more time to travel to school.
Councilmember Slavik voiced her concern of the Council's current direction of manning this
intersection twice per day with two police officers being paid two hours of overtime for
essentially directing 12 to 20 cars out of Conor Meadows.
Public Safety Director Gerdes stated there would be an alternative after the first of the year when
a third traffic enforcement officer would be hired. This officer could assist at this intersection.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of December 21, 1999
Page 9 of 11
Councilmember Johnson asked if it has been communicated to the Conor Meadows residents that
they now have this option of utilizing the U-turn option.
Public Safety Director Gerdes stated he is unsure.
Public Works Director Moore stated the Council could pursue a dual left turn lane into the high
school, and this wouldn't require a police officer. The striping of the roadway would be difficult
to undertake this year; however, this action could assist Conor Meadows.
Councilmember Harstad stated he has a concern with the number of seniors and juniors driving
to school. Public Safety Director Gerdes stated approximately 2,000 to 3,000 vehicles travel
through this intersection every morning. He stated it is very difficult for traffic to travel through
an intersection with police directing the traffic.
Motion was made by Mayor Tierney, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to discontinue
the traffic enforcement as it currently exists at this intersection. However, a traffic officer is to
be designated at this intersection when available, and staff is to stripe the roadway for dual left
turn lanes when possible.
Chip Jamison, 17655 48th Place North, stated he is somewhat disappointed in the above motion.
However, he understands it is very expensive to man this intersection with two police officers.
He is very concerned about students walking to school at this intersection. He stated he feels a
four-way stop and/or a stoplight could be a long-term solution. He encouraged the Council to
pursue other solutions. Lastly, he thanked the Council for experimenting with a solution.
Councilmember Johnson requested the striping of the roadway for the dual left turn lanes be
completed as soon as practicable. Public Works Director Moore commented in addition to
striping, there would also be the installation of signage.
Councilmember Harstad stated since the mornings are peak times for officers to respond to calls
and emergencies, the officer would need to respond to those calls. He would prefer that there be
a consistent presence at this intersection.
Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to
designate one police officer to be present in this area and working traffic violations. The officer
could make the judgment call if there would need to be assistance to direct traffic (approximate
cost of $100 per day).
Councilmember Johnson stated she receives many calls from residents similar to this situation
requesting assistance with traffic problems. She stated she very concerned about establishing
precedence, but she acknowledged that a solution needs to be identified.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of December 21, 1999
Page 10 of 11
Mayor Tierney stated she shares Councilmember Johnson's concern about establishing
precedence.
There being no further discussion, the Council voted on the amendment. With all members
voting against the motion but Councilmembers Bildsoe and Harstad, the motion failed.
The Council then voted on the main motion. With all members voting in favor but
Councilmember Harstad, the motion carried.
Chief Gerdes stated that he and Public Works Director Moore would contact the school district
to inform them of the Council's actions.
Councilmember Johnson requested that the video on pedestrian safety and crosswalks could be
provided to the school district.
Reports and Recommendations
9.1.1-9.1.3) Establish City Council Meeting Schedule for 2000 (Regular Meetings,
upcoming Study Sessions, and Board of Review meetings).
Assistant City Manager Ahrens requested the Council adopt their Council meeting schedule for
the year 2000. She explained there were a few changes made to the schedule due to holidays,
precinct caucuses, election, etc.
Motion was made by Mayor Tierney, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to approve
Option B" as noted in the staff report.
Motion made by Mayor Tierney, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to amend the main
motion to move the January 25 Study Session items to the February is Study Session and
conduct a Study Session on January 11 for the purpose of interviewing board and commission
applicants. With all members voting in favor but Black, the motion carried.
The Council then voted on the amended main motion. With all members voting in favor except
Councilmembers Black and Harstad, the motion carried.
9.1.4) Goals and Objectives Session and Meeting with Area Legislators.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, for the
Councilmembers to meet with the legislators individually, rather than establish a Special Council
Meeting for that purpose. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of December 21, 1999
Page 11 of 11
City Manager Johnson stated staff would prepare for the Council a list of issues that could be
discussed with the legislators.
9.1.5) Council's Goals and Priorities for 2000.
Motion was made by Councilmember Slavik, seconded by Councilmember Black to conduct an
abbreviated session (evening Study Session) rather than an all day meeting (Saturday) to discuss
the Council's goals and priorities for 2000. With all members voting in favor, the motion
carried.
Councilmember Harstad suggested a Joint Meeting be scheduled with the Environmental Quality
Committee to discuss funding and implementation strategies for the Bassett Creek Watershed
what type of model is proposed and anticipated results).
9.2) Mayor Karen Anderson, City of Minnetonka, Elected as Second Vice President for
the National League of Cities.
Councilmember Johnson requested the Council send a letter to Mayor Anderson on her
accomplishment. Mayor Tierney stated she would be happy to send a letter on behalf of the
Council.
Adjournment
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to
adjourn the meeting at 9:55 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
f";A O4v,
Sandra R. Paulson, City Clerk