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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