HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 06-18-1997 SpecialMinutes
Special Council Meeting
June 18, 1997
A special meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at
5:35 p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on June 18, 1997.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney; Councilmembers Preus, Wold, Spigner, Bildsoe,
Johnson, and Black.
ABSENT: None.
SCHOOL DISTRICT 281 OFFICIALS: Chairperson O'Connor, Directors Adams, Moberg,
McLaird. Staff members Bollin, Noyed, Vomhof, and Dahle.
CITY STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant Manager Lueckert, Community
Development Director Hurlburt, Public Works Director Moore, Public Safety Director
Gerdes, Finance Director Hahn, Park Director Blank, and City Clerk Ahrens.
Mayor Tierney announced that the purpose of this meeting is to discuss issues of mutual
interest with School District 281.
Review of Current Joint Projects
City Manager Johnson reported on the status of joint School District 281 and City of
Plymouth projects: Ice Arena, Gyms, and Stadium.
Jim Dahle explained that the number of games held at the stadium last year was one more
than expected. The lighting has been tested and tree replacement was done on the site. The
School District has contracted with the booster clubs to cleanup the area following games.
Possible Activity Center
City Manager Johnson explained that the City is discussing the possibility of constructing an
Activity Center. The proposed Center would house senior citizen activities and City
recreational programs, as well as provide a space for community rental. Lifetime Fitness has
expressed interest in moving their corporate offices to this building, and there have been
preliminary discussions about using the site for a Family Resource Center. If the concept of
a Family Resource Center proceeds, the City would like it to be community -wide in nature
rather than associated only with one school district. School District 284 has expressed
willingness to discuss the issue with School District 281.
Superintendent Bollin said that the existing District 281 family resource services are offered
at locations on the eastern side of the district. This proposed location would help to serve
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June 18, 1997
Page 2
residents that are currently unserved. If both districts participate, it would make a difference
in the square footage needed for the building. He said that the Northwest YMCA has
expressed interest in organizing and managing certain youth activities such as teen dances.
They may also be interested as a tenant.
Community Education Director Vomhof described the various programs offered through the
existing family resource centers in District 281. Chairperson O'Connor said that there are
1,200 individuals registered for Adult ESL (English as a Second Language) for next year.
This is a growing area. She said that transportation is a problem for getting people to the
available services.
Director McLaird noted that art and music programs will draw a significant number of
seniors to the facility. He said there is interest in creating a youth center.
Councilmember Wold explained that he serves as Chairperson of the Activity Center
Subcommittee. The Subcommittee is recommending that a portion of the facility be rented
out in order to generate revenue to support the overall project. He is encouraged to hear that
the District is interested in the site. He cautioned that traffic and parking issues relating to
the site will need to be studied and assessed before the project proceeds.
Possible Field House Project
City Manager Johnson said that discussions were previously held to consider a joint School
District 284/City project of a field house at the new high school site. The City believes that it
would be beneficial to have a field house in a central location of the community which could
be used by the entire community and several school districts. The City is investigating the
concept of constructing a field house on 34`h Avenue near the City Hall. Councilmember
Wold said that the field house would be wholly owned by the City, but the school district
may have interest in renting the facility.
Superintendent Bollin asked if the City has considered constructing an auditorium.
Councilmember Wold explained that a field house and an Activity Center are proposed
because they would meet needs identified by the Youth Sports Facilities Task Force.
Educating Children about Local Government
Councilmember Johnson distributed information about ways that the City can build assets in
youth. She is interested in planning a program for youth to learn about local government
such as a Youth in Local Government Academy.
Other Issues
A brief discussion was held on the need for skateboard parks and areas for in-line skating.
Councilmember Wold suggested that this may be another area for collaboration. Chairperson
O'Connor said that an area for free -style biking is also needed.
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June 18, 1997
Page 3
Public Works Director Moore reported that construction of a regional trail will be underway
this fall. A portion of the trail will run across the street from the Armstrong High School
property, and a crosswalk is proposed at the school. Councilmember Spigner said there is an
existing problem with students walking through residents' yards near Armstrong High
School.
Director McLaird asked about the status of a proposed cell tower. Community Development
Director Hurlburt said that the applicant has applied for a free standing tower directly west of
the school site near Highway 169. The applicant is no longer considering the school site.
Superintendent Bollin explained that the District is conducting seminars with area Realtors to
provide information to help them sell properties in District 281.
Councilmember Preus said that he had suggested the conduct of joint City and School
District meetings so that the public officials could meet each other. He believes that in the
future, it will be essential for local entities to work together to provide needed services.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Laurie Ahrens
City Clerk