HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 03-19-1997MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 19, 1997
A regular meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at
7:00 p.m. in the City Center, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on March 19, 1997.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney; Councilmembers Black, Bildsoe, Wold, Johnson,
Preus, and Spigner.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant Manager Lueckert, Public Works
Director Moore, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Public Safety Director
Gerdes, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Finance Director Hahn, City Attorney
Knutson, and City Clerk Ahrens.
Item 3 Plymouth Forum
No one appeared for the Forum.
Item 4-A Recognition of Retiring Employees
Fire Chief Kline announced the retirement of firefighters Brad Johnson,
Denny Evenson, Lee Phillippe, and Ron Lymer. Mayor Tierney presented
them with plaques of appreciation. Mayor Tierney also recognized Appraiser
Mike Carroll who retired after 28 years of service to the City.
Mayor Tierney recognized Den 12, Pack 481 Cub Scouts in the audience.
Item 5 Approve Agenda
Councilmember Preus requested addition of Item 9-C: Star Tribune edition on
Plymouth. Councilmember Bildsoe requested addition of Item 9-1): Plymouth
Job Fair Reverse Commute; and Item 9-E: Schedule Business Subcommittee
meeting.
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Spigner, to approve the agenda with the addition of the three items noted.
Motion carried, seven ayes.
Item 6 Consent Agenda
Items 6-E, 6-M, and 6-Q were removed from the consent agenda.
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adopt the Consent Agenda as amended. Motion carried, seven ayes.
Item 6-A Approve Minutes
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to approve the minutes of the March 5 special meeting. Motion carried,
seven ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 2
Item 6-B Approve Disbursements
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-165 APPROVING DISBURSEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDING MARCH 7,1997. Motion carried, seven
ayes.
Item 6-C Renewal of Garbage Hauler Licenses
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-166 RENEWING GARBAGE
HAULER LICENSES. Motion carried, seven ayes.
Item 6-D American Portable Telecom (APT). Conditional Use Permit and PUD
Amendment for Wireless Communication Antennas
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-167 APPROVING CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT AND PLAN UNIT DEVELOPMENT TO ALLOW
INSTALLATION OF PCS ANTENNAS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT
FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES AT WEST
HEALTH LOCATED AT 2855 CAMPUS DRIVE (97002). Motion carried,
seven ayes.
Item 6-F Lawrence Begin. Interim Use Permit for Land Reclamation Operation
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-168 APPROVING INTERIM USE
PERMIT FOR LAWRENCE BEGIN FOR PROPERTY LOCATED
SOUTH OF 43`H' AVENUE (EXTENDED) AND APPROXIMATELY
600 FEET EAST OF FERNBROOK LANE (97010). Motion carried, seven
ayes.
Item 6-G Sandra Vrooman. Conditional Use Permit for Sassy's Cafe
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-169 APPROVING CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT FOR SANDRA VROOMAN, FOR SASSY'S CAFE
LOCATED AT 1115 VICKSBURG LANE NORTH (97014). Motion
carried, seven ayes.
Item 6-H Seven Ponds 4' addition. Order Public Hearing for Vacation of Utility
and Drainage Easements
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-170 ORDERING A PUBLIC
HEARING ON THE VACATION OF A PART OF A DRAINAGE AND
UTILITY EASEMENT AND DRAINAGE EASEMENT FOR PONDING
PURPOSES, LOT 4, BLOCK 2 — SEVEN PONDS 4TH ADDITION.
Motion carried, seven ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 3
Item 6-I Schmidt Lake Road Improvements
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-171 RECEIVING PRELIMINARY
ENGINEERING REPORT, ORDER PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS,
SCHMIDT LAKE ROAD EAST OF PEONY LANE ADJACENT TO
CONOR MEADOWS ADDITION, CITY PROJECT NO. 7005. Motion
carried, seven ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-172 RECEIVING PRELIMINARY
ENGINEERING REPORT, ORDERING PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS, SCHMIDT LAKE ROAD, FERNBROOK LANE
TO VICKSBURG LANE IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT NO. 907.
Motion carried, seven ayes.
Item 6-J Environmental Quality Committee (EQC) Annual Report and Work Plan
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adopt the EQC 1996 Annual Report and the proposed 1997 Work
Plan. Motion carried, seven ayes.
Item 6-K Agreement with MnDOT on Traffic Signal System Revisions
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-173 HIGHWAY 55 AND I-494
WEST/EAST RAMPS, TRAFFIC SIGNAL. Motion carried, seven ayes.
Item 6-L Reduction in Required Financial Guarantee
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-174 REDUCING REQUIRED
FINANCIAL GUARANTEE, QUAIL HOLLOW ADDITION (93134).
Motion carried, seven ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-175 REDUCING REQUIRED
FINANCIAL GUARANTEE, HARRISON PLACE ON BASS CREEK
ADDITION (94051). Motion carried, seven ayes.
Item 6-N Petition for Acceptance of Private Streets, City Project No. 7002
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-176 RECEIVING PETITION AND
ORDERING PREPARATION OF PRELIMINARY REPORT,
CIMARRON EAST ADDITION, STREET AND UTILITY
IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT NO. 7002. Motion carried, seven
ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 4
Item 6-0 Plymouth Metrolink Park and Ride Facility at the Four Seasons Mall
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-177 APPROVING PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS,
THE REHABILITATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE
PLYMOUTH METROLINK PARK-AND-RIDE FACILITY AT THE
FOUR SEASONS MALL SHOPPING CENTER. Motion carried, seven
ayes.
Item 6-P Grant Application for Multiple Agency Law Enforcement Project
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to authorize the Director of Public Safety to sign a letter in support of a
grant application which pledges Plymouth support and financial commitment
to the Public Safety (law enforcement) multiple agency project titled
Multiple Jurisdiction Network Project." Motion carried, seven ayes.
Item 8-A Approve Mission Change for I-494 Corridor Commission
Community Development Director Hurlburt said that on March 5, 1997, the
City Council held a special meeting to discuss expanding the membership and
supporting a new direction for the I-494 Corridor Commission. The new
direction would focus more on lobbying to promote the reconstruction of I-
494 from the Minnesota River to I-94 in order to increase its people -moving
capacity and improve mobility for businesses and residents throughout the
region.
Mayor Tierney supported the proposal. She said that lobbying efforts are
needed, as well as expansion of the travel demand management programs, to
ease congestion on I-494.
Motion was made by Mayor Tierney, seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to
support the proposed new direction for the I-494 Corridor Commission, which
will refocus their mission to promote the reconstruction of I-494 from the
Minnesota River to I-94 to increase its people moving capacity and expand the
membership of the Commission to include representatives from businesses in
the corridor and other affected individuals and agencies.
Councilmember Black said she does not support this proposal. She is
concerned that the new direction will place emphasis on creating new lanes of
traffic, rather than developing more efficient and effective ways of using
transit to move people.
Motion to amend was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by
Councilmember Spigner, that Plymouth's representatives to the I-494 Corridor
Commission support the direction that off -peak -hour travel be strongly
encouraged by the Commission.
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 5
Councilmember Black explained that off-peak hour use would extend the use
of highways without additional taxpayer dollars.
Motion carried, seven ayes.
Motion to amend was made by Councilmember Black, that the Plymouth
representatives to the I-494 Corridor Commission not support construction of
a third lane in the I-494 corridor unless the issue comes back to the Council
for consideration. Motion died for lack of a second.
Mayor Tierney said that a third lane is needed to serve the expanding
population, and she does not support the motion. She believes that this
position could be contrary to the position of the Minnesota Department of
Transportation which has constructed third lanes in other parts of the metro
area.
Councilmember Black said she will vote against the main motion because she
cannot support expansion of highways using taxpayer dollars. She said that
light rail transit is expensive, but so is highway expansion and maintenance.
She does not believe that further expansion of I-494 will improve the
congestion problems for more than a few years.
Councilmember Wold concurred with Councilmember Black. He also doubts
that the I-494 Corridor Commission will be more effective following the
mission and membership change, and it most surely will be more expensive.
The City currently pays dues to the I-494 Corridor Commission for a limited
number of activities. Lobbying would be a new and expensive effort for the
Commission and no more will be achieved than in the past.
Mayor Tierney said that the I-494 Corridor Commission would have to
request any proposed dues increase from the City Council. She said that under
this proposal, the membership would be expanded to include a number of
citizen and business representatives. I-494 needs to be accessible and usable,
otherwise drivers will opt to use local streets rather than major roadways.
City Manager Johnson said he would anticipate that a request for additional
funds is likely in the future from the Corridor Commission. However, when
cities join together, improvements may occur faster than they otherwise
would. As an example he cited the 610 corridor improvements which were
impacted by a group of northern mayors, as well as the new bridge over the
Minnesota River and the currently requested Highway 100 improvements.
Councilmember Black noted that all projects mentioned were highway
projects and none related to mass transit. She said the recent Met Council
blueprint and survey indicated that 70% of the people in the metropolitan area
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 6
supported mass transit, and yet there was no mention of these efforts when
considering highway improvements. She believes this is an unbalanced
approach.
Mayor Tierney said that some transit efforts are underway. For example there
is a new transit hub in Burnsville and consideration of a transit hub in Eden
Prairie. She said the Corridor Commission has learned that travel demand
management is not effective without incentives for employers and employees.
Councilmember Bildsoe said he shares Councilmember Black's approach that
mass transit should be discussed more; however, he will support the motion.
He hopes that the I-494 Corridor Commission considers that option, but
believes that nothing will be done unless there is a forum in which to discuss
the issues.
Councilmember Preus stated he also support the motion. He believes
Plymouth will have a greater influence through a coordinated approach with
other cities.
Motion carried: Bildsoe, Spigner, Preus, and Tierney ayes; Black, Wold, and
Johnson nays.
Item 8-11 Recommendation of Subcommittee on 1997 Street Reconstruction
Program
Public Works Director Moore stated that at the City Council meeting on
March 5, a public hearing was held on the proposed 1997 Street
Reconstruction Project. This project proposes street reconstruction on Harbor
Lane from 34`h Avenue to Fernbrook Lane, and on all the streets in the
adjacent Cavanaugh Addition. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the
City Council ordered for construction the Harbor Lane portion of the project.
The Council deferred action on the remainder of the proposed improvements.
The street reconstruction assessment subcommittee met on March 12 to
consider additional input from the Cavanaugh area residents. About 50
residents from the neighborhood were in attendance. After discussing the
project with area residents, the subcommittee made the following
recommendations:
1. This project should be delayed for one year and considered for
1998. This will allow additional time for residents to prepare
for the project. Also, engineering design staff will have
additional time to consider solutions to other drainage
problems in this area.
2. When the streets in the Cavanaugh area are reconstructed,
because of the substantial investment of public funds in the
project, the project should be reconstructed with concrete curb
and gutter and storm sewer to reduce the continued public
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 7
expenditure for maintenance and have a street that can function
long into the future without major reconstruction.
3. City street maintenance division should perform the necessary
patching of the street but not extensive resurfacing of the road.
4. The City should work to improve existing drainage where
possible. In particular, grading work along Highway 55 to
reduce the amount of water entering the yards from Highway
55. Also, the existing surface drainage swale for the
intersection of 31" Avenue and Niagara Lane to Plymouth
Boulevard should be regraded to improve the drainage of the
street intersection.
5. The subcommittee will continue to consider the assessment
policy and make recommendations to the City Council. These
recommendations could affect the assessment method for this
area, and they should be known before construction begins.
Changes in the policy need to be evaluated based on the entire
city not just this proposed project. Also, ramifications of any
changes by the legislature need to be considered.
6. Engineering staff should proceed with preliminary evaluation
of immediate reconstruction needs on Vicksburg Lane and
make a recommendation to the Council.
7. Appoint Mitchell Rotenberg to the subcommittee as a
representative for multi -family housing. Any citizen member of
the subcommittee shall not vote on any policy change which
directly affects the type of property they are representing.
Councilmember Wold expressed some concern about delaying the project by
a year. He asked if this would cause a setback in the street reconstruction
program which envisions reconstructing all streets in the city over a 20 -year
period.
Public Works Director Moore said that this would not result in a setback of
the overall program. The City will not get all streets reconstructed within 20
years, and funds are needed for reconstruction of major streets that were not
known a year ago.
Councilmember Wold requested that staff provide a map showing the streets
that existed prior to the street reconstruction program with an indication of
those that have not yet been reconstructed under the program in the last 10
years.
Manager Johnson said the 1997 reconstruction program will include
Ridgemount Avenue and Harbor Lane. The City has also received a petition
from residents on a private street, and the Council needs to consider the
Vicksburg Lane project. The City's financial analyst is working with the
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 8
Public Works Department on long-range planning of the street reconstruction
program.
Mayor Tierney said she will support the subcommittee recommendation as
long as it does not delay the overall street reconstruction program.
Councilmember Johnson thanked residents for their input at the subcommittee
meeting.
Councilmember Bildsoe asked if staff will continue working with neighbors to
resolve drainage problems before the project moves forward.
Public Works Director Moore said that staff will look at all problems they are
made aware of, but can't guarantee that all drainage problems will be resolved
with the project.
Councilmember Spigner expressed concern that not all water problems in this
area maybe fixed by the project.
Public Works Director Moore said there may be some rear yard drainage
problems not associated with the street that may not be solved with the street
reconstruction. Some of the drainage problems may be the result of the way
the subdivision was originally platted.
Councilmember Spigner said that she was referring to drainage problems on
the street system and wants to ensure that all are addressed under the project.
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Spigner, to accept the subcommittee recommendations.
Motion to amend was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by
Councilmember Wold, that in the future all residents affected by street
reconstruction be advised as far in advance as possible of the proposed
project. For example, residents should be advised as soon as the project is
included in the Capital Improvements Program.
Councilmember Preus explained that one of the difficulties of this project
was that residents received notice only shortly before they would be billed
for the project. In this situation, more advance notice should have been
given. That factor played a part in the subcommittee's recommendation to
delay the project for a year.
Councilmember Black asked if the street reconstruction assessment
subcommittee would be recommending a more specific notification policy.
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 9
Councilmember Preus suggested that the Council adopt this language, and
then the subcommittee could consider more specific language.
Mayor Tierney believed that the issue should be referred to the
subcommittee for a specific recommendation.
Councilmember Spigner said the notification language should be considered
as a separate issue. It impacts the entire street reconstruction program, not
only this project.
Motion was made by Councilmember Wold to refer the issue to the street
reconstruction assessment subcommittee for consideration. Motion failed for
lack of a second.
Councilmember Johnson said she will support the amendment. The residents
of the Cavanaugh area did not receive timely notice of this project, and the
issue should be addressed as a policy.
Motion to amend carried, six ayes; Tierney nay.
Motion to amend was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by
Councilmember Spigner, that when the matter returns to the City Council,
the Council be provided with a detailed description of all repairs and
previous street projects that have been done in this subdivision in the past.
Councilmember Johnson said she would also like information on the
Plymouth Boulevard project that may have resulted in water problems in the
area. Councilmember Bildsoe requested that the estimated cost for the
proposed storm sewer also be calculated for each portion of the project.
Councilmember Preus questioned whether the subcommittee would be
reviewing the general policy relating to street reconstruction or this specific
project.
Public Works Director Moore said the subcommittee will review the general
policy, but as part of that could address specifics on certain projects.
Councilmember Preus said his understanding is that the subcommittee would
consider the general street reconstruction policy and specific projects could
be considered, but this particular project would not be referred back to the
subcommittee for a recommendation.
Councilmember Johnson agreed that these are two separate issues. The
purpose of the subcommittee is to recommend general policy.
Motion to amend carried, seven ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 10
Motion to amend was made by Councilmember Wold, seconded by
Councilmember Preus, that the seventh recommendation of the
subcommittee be amended to indicate that "any citizen member of the
subcommittee shall not vote on any policy change which directly affects
property in which they have a direct financial interest. "
Councilmember Wold said he believes members of the subcommittee should
be allowed a vote, and he would like to empower appointees as much as
possible.
Councilmember Johnson explained that the subcommittee's intent was that
no citizen should vote on property they directly own, operate, or manage.
Motion to amend carried, seven ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember
Black, to call the question. Motion carried, seven ayes.
Motion as amended carried, seven ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, seconded by Councilmember
Johnson, to request that the street reconstruction assessment subcommittee
address additional details of the Cavanaugh area project and provide
residents with additional opportunities to share their concerns.
Councilmember Preus said he will vote against the motion because he feels
the subcommittee is moving into detailed areas that should be handled by
staff. He believes the Council should set the direction, and staff should be
allowed to carry it out. The subcommittee should be allowed to do what it
was established to do — consider the assessment policy.
Councilmember Bildsoe agreed that the City Council should be directed
toward policy issues, but in this instance residents had specific concerns and
a forum was needed to hear those. Residents need an additional opportunity
to have their concerns addressed.
Councilmember Johnson agreed with Councilmember Preus in theory, but
said this project is unique because the subcommittee is already engaged in
working on issues related to the Cavanaugh Addition.
Councilmember Black said she will support the motion. She believes it will be
helpful for the subcommittee to not only develop a notification process, but
also a process where residents' concerns on issues like street drainage can be
addressed. Residents may provide information that could change the design of
a project.
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 11
Mayor Tierney said the City Council was not informed of staff information
meetings with residents in the past. She suggested that staff conduct another
meeting with residents with general notification to the City Council.
Councilmember Johnson agreed that notification of neighborhood meetings to
the City Council would be helpful.
Manager Johnson said he has directed staff to notify City Council when
neighborhood meetings are held in the future.
Motion carried, five ayes; Preus and Tierney nays.
Item 8-C Consider Appointing Citizens to Council Subcommittees
Councilmember Spigner said she has served on several council subcommittees
and believes there is a need for citizen input. Expanding subcommittee
membership to include citizens would also provide residents with an
opportunity for short-term involvement. She said it would have been useful to
have neighborhood input on the East Medicine Lake subcommittee. She
would like each subcommittee to appoint its own citizen members.
Councilmember Preus agreed that citizen membership on subcommittees
could have a positive result. He suggested that when the City Council
establishes a subcommittee, it determines the number of citizens to serve on it.
The Council would also establish whether the citizens would have voting
rights on that subcommittee, and the subcommittee would then make the
citizen appointments.
Councilmember Spigner reminded the Council that subcommittees have been
used only to make recommendations to the full Council — not to adopt policy.
She suggested that the City Council authorize the subcommittees to appoint
citizen members. City Council could place a limit on the number of citizen
members, for example, no more than three citizens per subcommittee and the
subcommittee could appoint up to that number.
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Spigner, to adopt as general practice that when the City Council establishes a
subcommittee, it will also establish the maximum number of citizens allowed
to serve on the subcommittee, and the subcommittee will select its own citizen
members unless otherwise stated. The City Council should be immediately
notified of all citizen members appointed.
Councilmember Johnson said that she would like a brief citizen information
sheet provided to the City Council for each appointee so the City Council
knows who is serving on the subcommittees.
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 12
Councilmember Wold said that it may not be appropriate to appoint citizens to
every subcommittee. He noted that the private street subcommittee dealt with
policy issues. If residents serve on that subcommittee, they would likely want
to directly influence councilmembers to their specific concerns.
Mayor Tierney noted that citizen members have been added to the Community
Policing subcommittee and that has worked well.
Councilmember Spigner agreed that the City Council should set policy, but
noted that citizen input is needed in order to do so. She believes that an
opportunity for citizens to participate on the subcommittee level will enhance
the policy making efforts of the City Council.
Councilmember Johnson supported citizen membership on subcommittees,
and said the Council could consider whether they should be voting or non-
voting members depending on the issue.
Councilmember Preus agreed that the voting issue is important and should be
considered on a case by case basis.
Mark Milberger, 11035 30`h Place North, said he understands the purpose of
subcommittees is to make recommendations to the City Council. He suggested
that appointment of citizen members should rest with the City Council. He
believes citizen involvement on subcommittees is a positive thing, but would
be ineffective unless they have a vote. He said conflict of interest issues would
inevitably arise, but a conscientious member knows when to abstain from a
vote.
Councilmember Johnson expressed concern of the City Council taking action
tonight to allow subcommittees to appoint citizen members when the City
Council has not yet decided whether citizens should be voting or non-voting
members.
Councilmember Wold said it is his understanding that the motion would not
give existing subcommittees the opportunity to begin appointing people; those
subcommittees would need to approach the Council with a request in order to
do so. The motion refers to future subcommittees that may be established by
the City Council.
Councilmember Preus clarified that the motion would not affect existing
subcommittees. It would apply as a general practice to future subcommittees
established by the City Council. Existing subcommittees would need to make
a specific request of the City Council in order to expand to citizen
membership.
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 13
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Black, to call the question. Motion carried, seven ayes.
0
Main motion carried, seven ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Spigner, that citizen members to Council subcommittees would have voting
rights unless the Council specifically states otherwise when establishing the
subcommittees. Motion carried, seven ayes.
Item 8-D Consider Options to Encourage an Upscale Restaurant in City Center
Councilmember Bildsoe the City Council and subcommittees have been
working for some time to develop the City Center area. There is a need for a
variety of entertainment options in the city, and he would like to encourage
the development of an upscale restaurant in the City Center area. He suggested
that councilmembers work with staff to explore ways to encourage
development of a variety of restaurants in the City Center area, possibly
through zoning or liquor regulations.
Motion was made by Councilmember Wold, seconded by Councilmember
Spigner, to direct the City Center subcommittee to work with staff to explore
ways of utilizing the zoning ordinance, the liquor licensing regulations, or
other means to encourage the development of an upscale restaurant in the City
Center area, and further to schedule the meeting for 5:30 p.m. on April 2.
Councilmember Bildsoe clarified that he understands that restaurants will
likely be developed in City Center because they are included in the adopted
plan. He wants to consider ways to encourage development of a particular
type of restaurant.
Councilmember Spigner said she would like to see a unique restaurant that
would give the City of Plymouth personality.
Councilmember Preus said that likely the entire City Council would like to
have an upscale restaurant located in the City Center, but he cautioned that the
Council cannot ignore market forces. Also, in some cases the City is limited in
what can legally be done.
Councilmember Spigner agreed that market trends will apply, but noted the
City Council should try to achieve the vision established for City Center.
Motion carried, seven ayes.
Item 8-E Membership in Minnesota Environmental Trust Fund Coalition
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 14
Councilmember Black requested that the City Council consider becoming a
member of the Minnesota Environmental Trust Fund Coalition. The Coalition
receives 40% of the net proceeds from the State Lottery to acquire land to
preserve Minnesota's natural resources. The proposed resolution would offer
City support to a legislative initiative for a referendum ballot in 1998 which
would continue the constitutional dedication of lottery funds, to continue to
use 40% of the net proceeds from the Lottery to fund the trust fund, and to
approve City of Plymouth membership in the Environmental Trust Fund.
Councilmember Black said the trust fund balance is currently about
147,000,000, which is far short of the $1,000,000,000 targeted for the initial
10 -year period of the fund.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-178 SUPPORT CONTINUED
FUNDING OF THE MINNESOTA ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST FUND
AND APPROVE CITY OF PLYMOUTH MEMBERSHIP IN THE
MINNESOTA ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST FUND COALITION.
Councilmember Preus said he is somewhat reluctant to support the
resolution. He believes the State Lottery has potential problems in the future
and doesn't want to limit something as important as the Environmental Trust
Fund to this funding source.
Councilmember Black said she also is disappointed that the Environmental
Trust Fund was tied to the State Lottery; however, it is the only source of
funding that the State Legislature would agree to use. General revenue funds
will simply not be available to build the fund to its needed level.
Mayor Tierney shared Councilmember Preus' concern. She does not want
the resolution to be in support of a state lottery. She suggested the resolution
language be amended to indicate that should a state lottery continue, that the
City of Plymouth would recommend this fund dedication be retained.
Councilmember Black accepted this as a friendly amendment to the motion.
Motion carried, seven ayes.
Item 8-F (6-M) Purchase of Ladder/Pump Fire Truck
Councilmember Bildsoe thanked Fire Chief Kline for his work in the City
and for taking a role in addressing concerns of the Fire Department with
respect to equipment. He noted that this purchase of a 75 -foot ladder/pump
fire truck includes a recommendation that the City sell two existing trucks.
He asked whether one of those should be retained.
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 15
Public Safety Director Gerdes said the Fire Department and Public Works
Department have determined the need to replace the equipment and not to
retain the existing equipment.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember
Bildsoe, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-179 APPROVAL OF ONE
CURRENT MODEL 75 -FOOT LADDER/PUMPER FIRE TRUCK.
Motion carried, seven ayes.
Item 8-G (6-Q) Approve 1996 Unaudited Financial Statement and Transfers of
Funds
Councilmember Bildsoe thanked Finance Director Hahn for a good report on
the 1996 Unaudited Financial Statement. He noted that the revenue portion
of the performance reports indicate that a good portion of the City's 1996
revenue is variable revenue relating to the economy, fines, and forfeitures.
This is a concern to him, and he requested that the Council be mindful of the
amount of variable revenue when moving forward to do a financial analysis
of the City. He also was concerned with the staff recommendation that the
surplus be designated for various uses. He believes that the City should wait
to determine how the State's tax reform proposals may impact the City
before doing so.
Mayor Tierney said that the City could use the Capital Improvement funds to
cover homestead, agricultural credit aid (HACA) losses if necessary.
Finance Director Hahn explained that the Capital Improvement Fund is a
new fund that is not fully established. The surplus funds designated to the
Capital Improvement Fund would not be immediately used, but would rather
be held until the Legislature adjourns. He added that the City has full
flexibility to use these funds as needed.
Manager Johnson said that during the budget process, the staff specifically
recommended that no funds from the new Capital Improvement Fund be
expended until legislative impacts are known.
Councilmember Bildsoe said this is appropriate. He does not want to give
the impression that funds are available for use until the Legislature adjourns.
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Bildsoe, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-180 TRANSFERRING FUNDS
FROM GENERAL FUND TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND.
Motion carried, seven ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Bildsoe, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-181 TRANSFERRING FUNDS
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 16
FROM GENERAL FUND TO ICE ARENA FUND. Motion carried, seven
ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Bildsoe, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-182 TRANSFERRING FUNDS
FROM GENERAL FUND TO OPTICON SEMAPHORE CONTROL
SYSTEMS ACCOUNT FUND. Motion carried, seven ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Bildsoe, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-183 TRANSFERRING FUNDS
FROM GENERAL FUND TO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
FUND. Motion carried, seven ayes.
Item 8-H (6-E) Meeting with Northwest Plymouth Residents and Land Owners
Motion was made by Mayor Tierney, seconded by Councilmember Johnson,
to schedule a meeting for 7:00 p.m. on May 20, 1997, with Northwest
Plymouth residents and landowners, and to authorize staff to enter into a
contract with Maracek and Cairns to provide consulting services and the
technology for conducting an interactive survey in the amount not to exceed
9,000 to be paid from the Community Development Fund.
Councilmember Wold said he has several concerns regarding this proposal.
First, he does not feel that the Council Chambers is large enough as a
meeting location. He noted that the City has received petitions in 1995 and
in 1996 from residents who both support and oppose development in
northwest Plymouth. He anticipates a large attendance. His second concern
relates to who is eligible to participate in the interactive survey. He asked if
a person would need to own land, option land, or merely live in Plymouth.
He said that if a survey is mailed, everyone gets an opportunity to respond.
He asked whether a proxy would be allowed if someone was unable to attend
the meeting.
Community Development Director Hurlburt said that the size of the room is
a concern, and there can be a problem with participation no matter which
survey method is used. In fact, there are households that are split on this
issue. When the survey is administered, questions will be asked on where
residents live, whether they own land, or whether they live elsewhere with
an interest in northwest Plymouth. She said the intent is to send an invitation
to the meeting to all landowners of record, and she believes the participation
rate will be as good as a mailed survey. A mailed survey would take more
time. The interactive survey is a new technique whereby people will get to
hear what others think. She believes this survey will be only the beginning
of discussions with residents of northwest Plymouth.
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 17
Councilmember Johnson said she supports making communication easier and
using new technology in order to do so. However she is concerned with
limiting input to one night.
Councilmember Black asked if the meeting date could be amended.
Mayor Tierney accepted as a friendly amendment a meeting date change to
May 14.
Councilmember Black said she has participated in this type of interactive
survey and has found it to be valuable in order to discuss questions and
issues. She supports this method for getting an initial look at the issues with
respect to northwest Plymouth.
Motion carried, six ayes; Wold nay.
Item 9-A Report on Newly Elected Officials Conference
Councilmember Johnson reported on her attendance at the League of
Minnesota Cities Newly Elected Officials Conference. The conference was
also attended by Councilmembers Spigner and Bildsoe. Councilmember
Johnson said the conference was very positive and included topics such as
working as a team, what the job involves, open meeting laws, how to be
responsive to constituents, looking at the big picture, achieving good public
policy, and goal -driven leadership.
Item 9-11 Discussion of Property Tax Reform Proposals
City Manager Johnson said that as requested by Councilmember Black, he
has identified several major proposals under consideration by the Legislature
for property tax reform. Many of the proposals are focusing on additional
aid to education, and some form of levy limits. Most proposals contain
reductions to commercial/industrial properties, apartments, and some types
of homes. The proposals differ with respect to their impact on local
government aids. He believes that the most significant thing for Plymouth is
the legislative approach to levy limits. He said the City can find solutions to
other problems, but levy limits would establish constraints that would be
most difficult for the City.
Councilmember Black said she had requested this update partially because of
the levy limit issue. She requested that staff notify City Council members if
it would be beneficial to contact legislators on a particular issue.
Manager Johnson recommended that the City Council direct staff to contact
legislators with respect to concerns on levy limits.
Motion was made by Mayor Tierney, seconded by Councilmember Black,
that the Council oppose state -imposed levy limits in any new property tax
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 18
reform legislation, and directing staff to notify legislators of concerns
relating to levy limits.
Councilmember Preus suggested that it may be useful for the Council to
conduct another meeting with area legislators to discuss this and any other
issues.
Councilmember Bildsoe suggested that City Council members visit
legislators at the Capitol for this purpose.
Councilmember Black added that e-mail can be a very effective method of
communication with legislators. She suggested that if Councilmembers
cannot go to the Capitol to meet with legislators, that they use e-mail in
order to do so.
Councilmember Wold requested that staff publish the e-mail addresses of
area legislators on the Plymouth Web site.
Motion carried, six ayes; Preus nay.
Item 9-C Star Tribune Article on Homes
Councilmember Preus referenced a recent Star Tribune edition on homes in
Plymouth. He said the edition did a good job of explaining issues in
Plymouth.
Councilmember Black said she was also intrigued with the article. She
notified the reporter that the City Council is currently setting up a process to
get resident feedback on whether to develop northwest Plymouth.
Item 9-D Plymouth Job Fair Reverse Commute
Councilmember Bildsoe thanked staff member John Sweeney for his work on
the Plymouth Job Fair Reverse Commute. He said this was a success for the
City's transit system, and suggested that another job fair be conducted in the
near future. He said the success of transit in Plymouth should be highlighted
in the City's newsletter.
Councilmember Johnson agreed, stating that the transit subcommittee has also
discussed getting transit schedules and information on the City's Web site.
She said that over 375 applicants visited the job fair and it was good to see
cities working together to link jobs with people using transit.
Manager Johnson said the City's transit routes are currently on the City's Web
page. Staff is working to include a map as well.
Regular Council Meeting
March 19, 1997
Page 19
Councilmember Black agreed that the job fair had a great turnout and said she
supports efforts for reverse commuting.
Mayor Tierney requested that staff prepare a letter to John Sweeney and the
Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit thanking them for their efforts with
the Plymouth Job Fair and indicating the Council's support of a follow-up job
fair in the near future.
Item 9-E Schedule Business Subcommittee
Councilmember Bildsoe suggested that the initial meeting of the business
subcommittee be held on April 15 at 6:00 p.m.
Councilmember Spigner suggested that citizen membership be included on
this subcommittee. She recommended that one member of the TwinWest
Business Council also be a member of the business subcommittee.
Councilmember Preus noted that the business subcommittee currently has no
citizen members.
Councilmember Wold suggested the business subcommittee make a
recommendation on what level of citizen participation may be appropriate.
Councilmember Spigner said that if the Council could identify the number of
citizens to serve on the subcommittee, the subcommittee could go ahead and
appoint its citizen members and inform the Council.
Councilmember Bildsoe favored allowing the subcommittee to meet once to
determine what it is going to try to accomplish before considering whether
there should be citizen appointments.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, seconded by Mayor Tierney, to
establish the initial meeting of the business subcommittee for Tuesday, April
15, at 6:00 p.m. Motion carried, seven ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 p.m. Motion carried, seven ayes.
Laurie F. Ahrens
City Clerk