HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 10-01-1997MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 1, 1997
A regular meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Acting Mayor
Wold at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on October 1, 1997.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Acting Mayor Wold; Councilmembers Johnson, Preus, Spigner,
Black, and Bildsoe.
ABSENT: Mayor Tierney.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Public Works Director Moore, Community
Development Director Hurlburt, Park Director Blank, Public Safety Director Gerdes, City
Attorney Joel Jamnik, and City Clerk Ahrens.
Item 3 Plymouth Forum
No one spoke at the Forum.
Item 4-A Rita O'Donnell
Acting Mayor Wold presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Rita O'Donnell
and thanked her for her service on the Environmental Committee, and for her
work on various environmental issues in the community and as an election
judge.
Item 4-11 Plymouth Ice Center/Life Time Fitness Grand Opening
Park Director Blank announced that Grand Opening events for the Life Time
Fitness and Plymouth Ice Center will be held on October 17, 18, and 19.
Item 5 Approve Agenda
Councilmember Bildsoe requested the addition of an item in the Council
Information Memo on an all -way stop control policy. Councilmember
Johnson requested the addition of the traffic situation on 36`h Avenue North
near Armstrong High School.
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember.
Bildsoe, to approve the agenda with the addition of the two items noted.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6 Consent Agenda
Item 6-C was removed from the Consent Agenda.
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. Motion carried, six ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
October 1, 1997
Page 2
Item 6-A Approve Minutes
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to approve minutes of the September 10, 1997 Regular Council
Meeting. Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-B Architect Contract, Activity Center
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-574 APPROVING CONTRACT
WITH DELANO ERICKSON ARCHITECTS. Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-D Greg and Elizabeth Hendricks, Fence Height Variance (97120)
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-575 APPROVING FENCE HEIGHT
VARIANCE FOR GREG AND ELIZABETH HENDRICKS FOR
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11510 57TH AVENUE NORTH (97120).
Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-E Final Plat for Parkers Lake Corporate Center 9"' Addition (97108)
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-576 APPROVING FINAL PLAT FOR
CALIBER DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST QUADRANT OF POLARIS LANE
NORTH AND 23RD AVENUE NORTH (97108F). Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-F Charis Homes, Inc. Final Plat for Kingsview Heights Fourth Addition
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-577 APPROVING FINAL PLAT FOR
CHARIS HOMES FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4265
FERNBROOK LANE NORTH (96186). Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-G Town and Country Homes Inc., Deny Land Use Guide Plan Amendment
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-578 DENYING LAND USE GUIDE
PLAN AMENDMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE
NORTHWEST QUADRANT OF HIGHWAY 55 AND DUNKIRK LANE
97011). Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-H Adoption of Assessments for Municipal Water/Sewer Connections
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-579 ADOPTING ASSESSMENTS,
WATER SERVICE HOOKUP AND PERMIT FEE, 5140 ZACHARY
LANE NORTH (PIN 12-118-22-23-0001). Motion carried, six ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
October 1, 1997
Page 3
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-580 ADOPTING ASSESSMENTS,
PERMIT FEES ASSOCIATED WITH SANITARY SEWER AND
WATER SERVICE HOOKUP AT 16220 OLD ROCKFORD ROAD
PIN 17-118-22-11-0006). Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-I Support Application for Assistance to Shenandoah Townhomes
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-581 IN SUPPORT OF AN
APPLICATION TO THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK
AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM TO OBTAIN FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE FOR OWNER -OCCUPANTS IN THE SHENANDOAH
TOWNHOMES HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS AREA. Motion carried,
six ayes.
Item 6-J Change Orders and Final Payments for Ice Center
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-582 APPROVING FINAL STEPS
FOR ICE ARENA PROJECT 5041. Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-K Ice Center and Life Time Fitness Grand Opening
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-583 APPROVING EXPENDITURES
FOR GRAND OPENING CEREMONIES. Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-L Holiday Stationstores, Inc., Additional Findings of Fact (97071)
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-584 APPROVING ADDITIONAL
FINDINGS OF FACT FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
EXTEND OPERATING HOURS AT THE HOLIDAY STATIONSTORE
AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF HIGHWAY 169 AND BETTY
CROCKER DRIVE (97097). Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-M Purchase of One New Current Model 2 -Wheel Drive Utility Police Vehicle
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-585 APPROVAL OF ONE NEW
CURRENT MODEL 2 -WHEEL DRIVE UTILITY POLICE VEHICLE.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
October 1, 1997
Page 4
Item 6-N Four Seasons Mall Park -and -Ride Lot Reconstruction, Project 7013
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-586 APPROVING CHANGE ORDER
NO. 1, FOUR SEASONS MALL PARK-AND-RIDE LOT
RECONSTRUCTION, CITY PROJECT NO. 7013. Motion carried, six
ayes.
Item 6-0 Support Application for Transit Capital Funding
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-587 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING
APPLICATION FOR TRANSIT CAPITAL FUNDING FROM THE
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL. Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-P Reduction in Required Financial Guarantees
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-588 REDUCING REQUIRED
FINANCIAL GUARANTEE, SHORES OF KRAETZ LAKE ADDITION
94135). Motion carried, six ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-589 REDUCING REQUIRED
FINANCIAL GUARANTEE, PLYMOUTH PONDS BUSINESS PARK
ADDITION (95005). Motion carried, six ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-590 REDUCING REQUIRED
FINANCIAL GUARANTEE, ORCHARDS OF PLYMOUTH 2ND
ADDITION (96093). Motion carried, six ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-591 REDUCING REQUIRED
FINANCIAL GUARANTEE, CONOR MEADOWS ADDITION (96113).
Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-Q Street Lighting Projects
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-592 DECLARING ADEQUACY OF
PETITION AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF REPORT, STREET
LIGHTING, EVERGREEN KNOLL ADDITION. Motion carried, six
ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
October 1, 1997
Page 5
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-593 RECEIVING REPORT AND
ORDERING PROJECT, STREET LIGHTING, EVERGREEN KNOLL
ADDITION. Motion carried, seven ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-594 DECLARING ADEQUACY OF
PETITION AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF REPORT, STREET
LIGHTING, PLUM TREE 3RD ADDITION. Motion carried, six ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-595 RECEIVING REPORT AND
ORDERING PROJECT, STREET LIGHTING, PLUM TREE 3RD
ADDITION. Motion carried, seven ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-596 DECLARING ADEQUACY OF
PETITION AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF REPORT, STREET
LIGHTING, 12 THAVENUE NORTH AND HARBOR LANE NORTH.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-597 RECEIVING REPORT AND
ORDERING PROJECT, STREET LIGHTING, 12TH AVENUE NORTH
AND HARBOR LANE NORTH. Motion carried, seven ayes.
Item 6-R Set Public Hearing on Vacation of Easements
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-598 ORDERING PUBLIC HEARING
ON THE VACATION OF PART OF THE DRAINAGE AND UTILITY
EASEMENTS WITHIN LOTS 11 AND 12, BLOCK 1, SAVANNAH.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-599 ORDERING PUBLIC HEARING
ON THE VACATION OF PART OF COUNTY ROAD 24 AND
DUNKIRK LANE. Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-S "No Parking" Sign Installations, City Project No. 9007
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-600 AUTHORIZE THE
INSTALLATION OF "NO PARKING" SIGNS ON SCHMIDT LAKE
ROAD, BETWEEN VICKSBURG LANE AND FERNBROOK LANE,
CITY PROJECT NO. 9007. Motion carried, six ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
October 1, 1997
Page 6
Item 6-T Approve Change Orders
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-601 APPROVING CHANGE ORDER
NO. 1, CIMARRON EAST STREET RECONSTRUCTION, CITY
PROJECT NO. 7002. Motion carried, six ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-602 APPROVING CHANGE ORDER
NO. 1, VICKSBURG LANE STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT,
CITY PROJECT NO. 7010. Motion carried, six ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-603 APPROVING CHANGE ORDER
NO. 1, 1996 PARK BOND TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT
NO. 4017. Motion carried, six ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-604 APPROVING CHANGE ORDER
NO. 1, CITY CENTER AREA/MANN THEATER WATER QUALITY
TREATMENT IMPROVEMENT, CITY PROJECT NO. 7011. Motion
carried, six ayes.
Item 6-U East Medicine Lake Blvd. Condemnation, Project 7006
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to approve RESOLUTION 97-605 AUTHORIZING
CONDEMNATION PROCEEDINGS, MEDICINE LAKE
BOULEVARD EAST, CITY PROJECT NO. 7006. Motion carried, six
ayes.
Item 6-V Comprehensive Plan Update, Consultant and Contract Award
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-606 DESIGNATING
CONSULTANTS FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-W Value RX Project
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-607 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
AND CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS NECESSARY
TO IMPLEMENT THE VALUE RX PROJECT ON BEHALF OF THE
CITY OF PLYMOUTH. Motion carried, six ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
October 1, 1997
Page 7
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-608 APPROVING AMENDED
PLYMOUTH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND (PEDF)
GUIDELINES AND ESTABLISHING AN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT FUND. Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 8-a All -Way Stop Control Policy
Councilmember Bildsoe referenced the City of Lakeville's Stop Control
Policy from the Council Information Memo. He directed that the topic of stop
sign requests be added to the November 12 study session in order to discuss
the Lakeville policy and to consider whether to adopt a similar policy or
formulate a policy for Plymouth.
Item 8-A "All -Way" Stop at 37T' Avenue/Zircon Lane/Yellowstone Lane
Public Works Director Moore explained the petitioned request for an "all -
way" stop sign installation at the intersection of 37" Avenue/Zircon
Lane/Yellowstone Lane. The results of a traffic count indicate that the 85"'
percentile speed of traffic was 29 mph. This is a residential area posted for 30
mph. The average speed was 23.5 mph. Staff does not recommend approval
of the stop sign installation.
Stephen Kaminski, 3730 Yellowstone Lane, represented the residents of the
Bridlewood Farms development. He requested approval of the "all -way" stop
signs. He said that 43 of the 48 affected residents support the request and that
many young children live in the neighborhood. Three residents chose not to
sign the petition and two individuals had moved from the area. None of the
three who elected not to sign the petition live immediately on the affected
intersection.
Councilmember Bildsoe said that he lives near this area and previously
supported the installation of two other nearby stop signs. He is not completely
satisfied with their effectiveness. He said that the City Council currently has a
practice to consider a stop sign request by a neighborhood when 75 percent of
more of the immediate residents petition in favor of it. He will support this
specific request, but he believes that the Council needs to consider
development of a specific policy under which to consider stop sign requests.
Councilmember Bildsoe suggested that the stop signs at 32"d Avenue and
Zircon, 34`h Avenue and Zircon, and 37' and Zircon be reviewed in the future,
if a Stop Sign Policy Subcommittee is established.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember
Johnson, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-609 INSTALLATION OF "ALL -
WAY" STOP SIGN.
Regular Council Meeting
October 1, 1997
Page 8
Motion to amend was made by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by
Councilmember Bildsoe, that the "all -way" stop sign installations at 32°d
Avenue and Zircon Lane, 34' Avenue and Zircon Lane, and 37h Avenue and
Zircon Lane be reviewed in the future to determine if the locations meet
policy standards -- if a Stop Sign Policy Subcommittee is established and a
policy is adopted.
Councilmember Johnson said that the City Council wants to be responsive to
citizens, but it is not good practice to install stop signs throughout the City
whenever requested without regard to reason. She believes that requests for
stop signs should meet certain criteria.
Councilmember Black said she supports using the stop sign installation at 37`x'
Avenue and Zircon Lane as a test case to examine what a policy may include.
However, she would not support removal of the signs if they fail to meet
future Stop Sign standards that are yet to be developed. She believes any
policy that is developed should apply to future requests. The Council is
already aware that stop signs don't slow traffic, but there has been no reason
to deny a request when the immediate residents request a stop sign in their
neighborhood.
Councilmember Bildsoe said that he received phone calls from residents
living more than 500 feet from the 37`'' Avenue and Zircon Lane intersection
who oppose the "all way" stop sign installation. Zircon Lane would have
three stop signs within a short distance and this would be a good case to study
when considering a new policy.
Councilmember Spigner said she will not support the "all way" stop sign
request. The engineering design of this area included roads with an obvious
curvature to slow traffic. Since some area residents oppose the stop sign
installation, the policy issue should be studied before the installation is
approved.
Councilmember Preus supported the amendment, noting that it would address
a broader policy issue based on a particular case. He agreed that the general
stop sign issue needs study. There have been many situations of citizen
petitioned stop signs where staff recommended against the stop signs, but the
City Council approved installation. He believes that stop signs installed in
recent years have not had the anticipated impact, and the issue needs to be
addressed from a policy standpoint. Councilmember Preus said that he would
support the stop sign installation at 37`x' Avenue and Zircon Lane because this
would be consistent with the Council's response to other neighborhoods who
have petitioned for stop signs. If a policy is adopted, the Council can evaluate
the effectiveness of the stop signs recently installed.
Regular Council Meeting
October 1, 1997
Page 9
Motion to amend carried: Johnson, Preus, Bildsoe, and Wold ayes; Spigner
and Black nays.
Councilmember Johnson said that the "all way" stop sign request should be
approved. The residents submitted a petition in response to the City's current
policy, and the Council should be consistent in approving it.
Councilmember Black expressed concern about installing the "all way" stop
sign with an intent to review the location in the future under possibly new
standards. She said that the Council would not remove stop signs from other
neighborhoods based on a new policy and should not consider doing so in this
case.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to reconsider the amendment.
Councilmember Johnson agreed with Councilmember Black that these "all
way" stop signs should not be evaluated and removed in the future based on a
possible new policy.
Councilmember Bildsoe said that the area residents have provided the petition
required under the City's current stop sign policy, and the residents feel a need
for stop signs. He said that possible development of a new policy does not
mean that the stop signs would be removed. If a Stop Sign Policy
Subcommittee is established, then discussions can be held with the affected
neighborhoods.
Councilmember Spigner questioned the need to reconsider the amendment.
Councilmember Bildsoe said he does not support the motion to reconsider the
amendment.
Councilmember Preus indicated that he would vote against reconsideration.
He believes that if a new policy is adopted, the City should review recent
installations to determine if the stop signs are working.
Acting Mayor Wold said he would not support the amendment. He hoped that
residents would welcome review of the stop signs under a possible new
policy, and agreed with Councilmember Black that if residents don't want the
all way" stop signs removed, the signs would likely remain.
Motion to reconsider failed: Johnson aye; five nays.
Regular Council Meeting
October 1, 1997
Page 10
Main motion as amended carried, six ayes.
Acting Mayor Wold suggested that the Council could consider a moratorium
on stop sign requests until the issue of a policy is considered.
Councilmember Black said she has been working with a group of residents
who will be requesting a stop sign. She requested that the policy issue be
addressed as expeditiously as possible.
Item 8-B Authorize Solicitation of Bids for G.O. Tax Increment Finance Bonds
Community Development Director Hurlburt said that on September 3, the
City Council established Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District No. 7-5. The
district covers a 29.5 acre site at the northwest quadrant of Highway 55 and
Revere Lane. It will consist of a proposed mixed use development that
includes 176 modest cost owner -occupied Rottlund townhomes, 46 federally
subsidized rental apartments for low income seniors, 6 to 8 federally
subsidized rental townhomes for families, and a 30,000 square foot
commercial/office building. She said that the proposed resolution would
authorize solicitation of bids for the bond sale, but there will be additional
Council actions prior to the sale.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember
Johnson, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-610 AUTHORIZING
SOLICITATION OF BIDS FOR SALE OF $3,290,000 GENERAL
OBLIGATION TAX INCREMENT BONDS, SERIES 1997A.
Councilmember Spigner said that she will continue to vote against this
project. She objects to giving money to Rottlund for modest income homes
because similar valued townhomes have been constructed in other areas of the
City. She said that if Bassett Creek has any interference from the wetland
work, the project will stop, and she asked what would then happen with the
TIF funds.
Public Works Director Moore explained that as part of the wetland approvals,
the developer must monitor the water table and make sure that the soil
correction is not drying up the wetlands. If it would impact the wetlands, then
they will have to use another method to remove the soils.
Councilmember Johnson clarified that TIF funds would be used for the soil
correction. The money would not increase Rottlund's profit for the project.
Community Development Director Hurlburt said that it would be difficult to
develop this property without the TIF because the soil correction is so great.
Regular Council Meeting
October 1, 1997
Page 11
She said the City has done other soil correction projects with TIF, but this is
the City's first district for housing purposes.
Motion carried, five ayes; Spigner nay.
Item 8-C Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments
Community Development Director Hurlburt presented the proposed
modifications to the Zoning Ordinance adopted in December 1996. No map
amendments are proposed, and the sign regulations are not included. She said
that over 300 separate changes are proposed and most of these are minor. The
Planning Commission recommends approval of the Zoning Ordinance
amendments. She explained the voting requirements.
City Manager Johnson suggested that the Council consider the proposed side
yard setbacks for the RSF-1 districts, as there could be some long-term
consequences.
Brad Moen, 3600 Holly Lane, represented West Glen Corporate Center. He
said that his project was recently restricted to 25 percent maximum accessory
use, and he has been unable to acquire financing for the project. One of the
proposed Zoning Ordinance changes would establish this 25 percent
maximum for all similar properties. He said this percentage is capricious and
needs to be further considered by the Council. He believes there are other
ways of ensuring less truck traffic, such as restrictions on the cost or height of
the building. The 25 percent restriction is difficult to explain to a lender and
reduces the flexibility of the owner to respond to the market.
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Johnson, to adopt an ordinance amending the text of Chapter 21 of the
Plymouth City Code, the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance in its entirety.
Councilmember Spigner said that the Planning Commission and staff did a
fine job in identifying these errors, and she supports the changes.
Councilmember Black said that she would like more time to review the
proposed changes.
Councilmember Bildsoe agreed and added that he would like time to consider
Mr. Moen's comments.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember
Johnson, to postpone consideration of the Zoning Ordinance changes to
November 5. Motion carried, six ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
October 1, 1997
Page 12
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to conduct a study session on the proposed Zoning Ordinance
amendments by November 5. Motion carried, six ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to establish a study session for October 29. Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 8-D (6-C) AT&T Wireless Services Communications Tower (97115)
Councilmember Bildsoe requested that the Council to review the Zoning
Ordinance provisions relating to communication towers and to discuss the
future market and impact on the City. He is concerned that providers will
request an increasing number of towers along the City's thoroughfares -
I-494, Highway 169, and Highway 55. He suggested that the application be
tabled to November 19 and that the City Council conduct a study session on
the issue by that date.
Dale Runkle, DCR, represented AT&T Wireless Services. He explained that
they began looking for a suitable site in April and this site will provide the
maximum future capacity.
Councilmember Black expressed concern that in the future the City will have
multiple towers along the highways. She would like to discuss the future
direction of the industry.
Mr. Runkle said that this tower would be lower than many towers that are
constructed at 150 feet. This is a low site and it will be screened as best as
possible. Typically, the towers are becoming lower in elevation, but the
technology is still with towers.
Peter Beck, Attorney for AT&T, said there will be an ongoing need for
additional antenna sites. As cells fill, they need to be split to handle additional
capacity. The intent of the City's ordinance and most other ordinances is a
preference that towers be located on existing structures whenever possible.
That is also the company's goal. He said that this tower has been needed since
spring. He requested that the project move forward and they would work with
the City to explain the future technology.
Councilmember Black asked if towers will continue to be a critical element in
providing wireless communication services.
Mr. Beck said yes. As cells are broken up, antennas will be lower, and more
existing structure can fill the height need. Satellite technology is coming, but
at a very high cost.
Regular Council Meeting
October 1, 1997
Page 13
Councilmember Bildsoe said that he has no objection to this particular
request, but would like the Council to discuss the related general policy issues.
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Spigner, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-611 APPROVING SITE PLAN
AMENDMENT TO ALLOW INSTALLATION OF A 122 -FOOT
MONOPOLE TOWER AND EQUIPMENT BUILDING FOR
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SERVICES AT 701 BERKSHIRE
LANE (97115).
Director Hurlburt explained the notification area on this major site plan
amendment and described the proposed location of the tower on the site.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Councilmember Black requested that this topic be included with discussion on
the Zoning Ordinance at the October 29 study session.
Item 9-A Traffic Concerns on 36' Avenue North
Councilmember Johnson said there is a traffic/pedestrian problem on the north
side of 36`'' Avenue near Armstrong High School. The School District will be
doing driveway modifications to the school next summer. She requested that
staff work in a joint effort with the school on this project. She stated that the
neighborhood is developing a petition to request trails on the north side of 36`h
Avenue.
Item 6-U Wallace Charles
Motion was made by Councilmember Spigner, seconded by Councilmember
Johnson, to suspend the rules and bring Item 6-U back to the floor for public
comment, with the understanding that the resolution has been adopted on the
Consent Agenda. Motion carried, six ayes.
Wallace Charles, 3150 East Medicine Lake Blvd., said he has been working
with staff members on this difficult right-of-way issue and believes it can be
resolved without court confrontation.
Item 9-B Possible Moratorium on New Stop Sign Requests
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Johnson, to amend the agenda to add discussion of the possibility of a
moratorium on new stop sign requests. Motion carried, six ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Johnson, to direct staff to prepare a resolution for consideration at the next
Regular Council Meeting
October 1, 1997
Page 14
meeting which would establish a brief moratorium on citizen -requested stop
signs.
Councilmember Preus said that this policy issue needs to be addressed, and it
is a good time to temporarily pause stop sign requests in order to develop a
good policy.
Councilmember Bildsoe said that the Council needs to move ahead quickly.
Councilmember Black said that she would like to be notified of any citizens
submitting stop sign requests during the possible moratorium period.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Spigner, to
adjourn the meeting. Without objection, Acting Mayor Wold adjourned the meeting at
8:48 p.m.
i e /
Laurie Ahrens
City Clerk