HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 10-08-1997 SpecialMinutes
Special Council Meeting
October 8, 1997
A special meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at
7:00 p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on October 8, 1997.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney; Councilmembers Spigner, Preus, Johnson, Bildsoe,
Black, and Wold.
ABSENT: None.
CITY STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant Manager Lueckert, Community
Development Director Hurlburt, Public Works Director Moore, Finance Director Hahn, Park
Director Blank, Public Safety Director Gerdes, City Attorney Knutson, and City Clerk
Ahrens.
Enforcement Issues
Community Development Director Hurlburt presented the staff report on enforcement
issues.
Councilmember Spigner described a disagreement between property owners
regarding a parking problem on Kilmer Lane. Staff will check the situation.
Councilmember Johnson asked about the "City Court" program used in Minnetonka.
Attorney Knutson described the program. He said the program is voluntary. If an
issue cannot be resolved through "City Court", then legal action is required. He
explained that court action works to penalize; however, it can rarely be used to get
voluntary compliance.
Councilmember Black said that neighbors of the Can -Do Recycling site thought that
the City took a long time to address the situation. The neighbors would have liked
more prompt action. She said that there should have been better communication by
the City with the affected neighbors.
Director Hurlburt agreed that the situation could have been more quickly handled.
Staff attempted to work with the property owner to get the site into compliance, but
the effort was unsuccessful and a subsequent legal process resulted.
Councilmember Black asked how conditions on developments approved by the
Council are monitored and enforced.
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October 8, 1997
Page 2
Director Hurlburt said that most of the conditions are verified by staff prior to
building permit issuance. Once a Certificate of Occupancy is issued, the conditions
become harder to monitor and enforce. If a violation occurs during a building
process, a stop work order may be placed on the project.
Councilmember Spigner said that residents have complained it is more difficult to get
City approvals for a deck addition to a home than for a commercial or industrial
building.
Director Hurlburt responded that it is much more demanding to get approvals for
commercial or industrial building construction.
Councilmember Black asked about the seeding installed at the Plymouth Ponds
development.
Director Hurlburt said that seed and sod requirements would be included in Site
Improvement Performance Agreements. Staff verifies completion and reduces the
financial guarantee as work is completed. Landscaping must survive over one winter.
Staff will check the status of the seeding work and financial guarantee at the
Plymouth Ponds development.
Councilmember Bildsoe cited a situation where staff responded very quickly to a
complaint of dirt deposited in a front yard during construction. A stop work order
was issued and the dirt was removed within days.
Councilmember Black said that erosion control enforcement issues should be
addressed through the Surface Water Management Plan.
Mayor Tierney said there is a perception that Plymouth has more strict codes and
enforcement than other cities.
Community Development Director Hurlburt said that is a common perception, but
state building codes are identical with other cities. Interpretation of codes can vary,
and Plymouth has adopted new wetland, erosion control, and tree preservation
ordinances in the past few years. These have resulted in increased costs to
developers.
Manager Johnson suggested that the recently adopted "bill of rights" for applicants
and developers is a first step toward explaining enforcement process.
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October 8, 1997
Page 3
Data Practices Act and Open Meeting Law
City Clerk Ahrens gave a presentation on the requirements of the Data Practices Act
and Open Meeting Law.
Budget Issues
Mayor Tierney said that the Council training budget is too low. She suggested
eliminating the money currently expended for Council health and dental benefits and
increasing Council salaries by a like amount.
Councilmember Preus said the Council has previously voted that after 1998,
Councilmembers wishing to carry benefits would pay 100 percent of the cost.
Councilmember Johnson said that health and dental benefits should be made available
to Councilmembers who need it. She is concerned that if the Council salary and
benefits become too tight, only affluent individuals could serve on the Council. She
said that it should be possible for second income individuals and homemakers to
serve on the Council. She believes the City should pay for the single coverage
portion of benefits.
Councilmember Wold described the history of Council benefits. He believes the
Council has appropriately handled the issue.
Councilmember Preus agreed that benefits should be available and should continue
beyond 1998.
Councilmember Bildsoe believed that benefits should be available for
Councilmembers, but was unsure what portion of the cost the City should pay.
Councilmember Black said that she has no personal interest in the issue, but is willing
to consider it because it may impact the quality of people who are able to run for City
Council office.
Councilmember Preus asked why there are two separate funds for Council training
and conferences. He would like to establish a policy describing the types of
expenditures that will be paid by the City. Two examples cited were the expenses to
attend Civic League meetings or Twin West luncheons.
Assistant Manager Lueckert explained that the training fund is typically used for
training courses in the metro area. Conference funds are used for training outside of
the metro area.
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October 8, 1997
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Councilmember Preus requested that staff prepare a policy specifying the differences
between training and conference funds, as well as which expenditures are covered for
payment. He would like this information before establishing a budget amount.
Mayor Tierney added that the policy should address airfare and meals. She would
support moving funds to Council conferences and training from the contingency fund.
Discussion was held on the proposed ergonomic seats for police squad vehicles. Staff
was directed to provide a recommendation at the October 15 Council meeting, using
1997 contingency funds. Councilmember Wold clarified that the Council does not
question the decision-making process used for prioritizing equipment. It is rather an
issue that arose due to liability and health issues.
Volunteer Program
Councilmember Spigner explained that she had requested assignment of a volunteer
through the City's Volunteer Program. The volunteer would make phone calls,
provide clerical support, and conduct research for her. The individual would need
access to City staff and records. She would like a volunteer who is not working for
staff. There would be no political activity involved.
Manager Johnson said that there are no specific policies governing the volunteer
program. A volunteer is typically assigned to a staff person who is responsible for
their training and actions. He suggested that an individual could volunteer directly
for the Councilmember without assignment through the Volunteer Program to better
protect the City. As an alternative, a volunteer could be assigned to the
Administration Department to be available to all councilmembers.
Councilmember Preus suggested that this issue be referred to Councilmember Spigner
and the City Manager for discussion and recommendation back to the City Council.
Ward Meetings
The majority of the Council indicated that they would like ward meetings to be called
at the discretion of the Ward Councilmember. The Ward Councilmember will take
the lead to organize the establish a meeting date, if so desired. Staff will provide
publicity, but needs lead time.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to
adjourn the meeting at 9:55 p.m.
F
Laurie F. Ahrens
City Clerk