HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 09-11-2012 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
September 11, 2012
Mayor Slavik called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 5:30 p.m. in the
Medicine Lake Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on September, 2012.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Wosje, Willis, Bildsoe, Johnson, Stein,
and Black.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Administrative Services Director Callister, Parks and
Recreation Director Evans, Community Development Director Juetten, Public Works Director
Cote, and City Clerk Engdahl.
Maior Street Fundin¢ Options
Administrative Services Director Callister stated Peony Lane and Vicksburg Lane projects have
been identified in the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to be undertaken in the next
few years. The Peony Lane project, in 2014, is estimated at $11.3 million while the Vicksburg
Lane project, in 2015 and 2016, is estimated at $19.4 million. He stated funding options for
these projects include Federal finding, special assessments (report assumes that a residential
property would be assessed based on a 32 -foot wide roadway), bonds (issued for 15 -year term at
3%), area charges, franchise fees, and the utility trunk fund.
He stated for Peony Lane, funding is currently not designated in the CIP. Although the exact
funding source is unknown, it will likely come from a variety of sources. A funding mix of
special assessments and MSA funds is assumed to finance the street improvements. He noted
another option for funding a portion of Peony lane is establishing, by ordinance, a development
fee similar to park dedication that would be dedicated to fund this roadway. This fee would only
apply to developing properties in Northwest Plymouth. This could generate approximately
1,813,000 or a total of 20% of the construction cost.
Councilmember Johnson asked what's changed in funding from roads that were constructed
earlier to current date. Public Works Director Cote replied the current economic condition and
timing is different. Current projects are a combination of State aid and special assessments and
less Federal funding.
Councilmember Johnson asked if the City qualifies for Federal funds. Public Works Director
Cote replied the City has roads that are eligible. Applying for Federal funds is a competitive
process, and the Metropolitan Council is involved.
Adopted Minutes 1 of 3 Special Meeting of September 11, 2012
Councilmember Willis cautioned the Council there will be land acquisition costs for Peony Lane.
Councilmember Wosje asked why staff isn't considering area wide assessment for Vicksburg
Lane. Public Works Director Cote replied the City would need to prove benefit when the
residents currently have access. It's easier to prove benefit with no roadway, such as Peony Lane,
versus widening the roadway, like Vicksburg Lane.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated timing is very critical when it comes to bonding as the rates are
good currently but that rate could change in two years. He stated there needs to be a combination
of all the funding options that staff outlined in their report. He noted with the franchise fee, all
taxpayers share in the cost. He doesn't support raising property taxes 9% to 10% to cover the
costs.
Councilmember Wosje stated he's not opposed to considering all the funding options that staff
identified. He doesn't totally support franchise fees as once you do it, it never goes away. It's
also not transparent to the residents. Regarding area charges, he stated it makes sense to charge
to those who will get the primary benefit, even though that hasn't been the practice.
Councilmember Stein stated he could support area wide assessment and franchise fee.
Councilmember Black stated she's unsure about implementing franchise fees, as the current
Council could designate the funds towards roads, but that wouldn't preclude a future council
from designating the funds to something else.
Mayor Slavik summarized the area charges and franchise fees contained in staff's report and
stated these methods should be considered as funding options.
NW Area Infrastructure Funding
Public Works Director Cote reported on the Northwest Area Trunk Study (feasibility report). He
explained this report was requested by the Council. The report looks at how to develop the
remaining part of Northwest Plymouth with utilities. He noted the properties contained in the
appendix and how they're currently being serviced.
Steve Roell, 5915 Dunkirk Lane, referred to Segment 3A on the report, and he requested that
whoever develops this property, the sewer should go down County Road 47. There wouldn't be a
need for a lift station to service that property.
Public Works Director Cote stated the Elm Creek interceptor serves all of Northwest Plymouth.
There isn't a significant difference in base grade to where it's connected. Therefore, there
wouldn't be a need for a lift station. The sewer is 10 feet deep through the wetlands and 25 feet
deep at Dunkirk Lane.
Adopted Minutes 2 of 3 Special Meeting of September 11, 2012
Judy Luedke, 17910 County Road 47, stated the whole area won't be developed at the same time.
Some people will get the new roadway now, but won't be able to develop their property for 10 to
15 years, which was similar to the construction of the Elm Creek interceptor. She stated this is
very disruptive to residents, and she's not the only one who's upset by this. She noted the traffic
on the Peony Lane at all hours of the day due to Wayzata High School. She voiced her
displeasure with how the City has developed the Northwest Plymouth area.
Future Study Sessions
The Council scheduled no study sessions.
Adiournment
Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m.
Sandra R. Engdahl, C Clerk
Adopted Minutes 3 of 3 Special Meeting of September 11, 2012