HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 09-18-2012 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
September 18, 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 18, 2012.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Wosje, Willis, Bildsoe, Johnson, and
Stein.
ABSENT: Councilmember Black.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Parks and Recreation Director Evans, Deputy Parks
and Recreation Director Northway, Community Development Director Juetten, Public Works
Director Cote, and Deputy Clerk Baird.
Yard Waste Site
Deputy Parks and Recreation Director Northway gave an up-to-date summary of usage at the
yard waste site. This included 29,000 visits, 30,000 cubic yards of wood and 10,000 cubic yards
of leaves. The issue at hand is that there is an abundance of wood coming into the site from
storm damage. The wood needs to be pushed back, which gathers dirt which lifts into the air
when pushed. Some residents and one commercial property owner are also complaining of dust.
An asphalt pad would help keep the wood cleaner for wood chips. Staff tries to grind the wood
when the wind is not so bad and the dirt is low. The yard waste site operation costs $53,650
compared to Maple Grove's site of $238,564. The funding comes from the solid waste budget.
Councilmember Bildsoe inquired whether other cities use the City's site, and if not, would they
be interested in using our site. Parks and Recreation Director Evans replied no. Staff is hesitant
to add other cities because of the size of the operation, and as Plymouth grows, there is no room
for expansion.
Councilmember Wosje raised the question about leaf grinding, and why in 2011 the operation
was performed on-site and in 2012, this process was moved off-site. Deputy Parks and
Recreation Director Northway replied that it's more efficient to grind off-site, reduce staff time,
site space, and air quality.
Mayor Slavik asked whether a fee could be charged to residents. Deputy Parks and Recreation
Director Northway replied staff hasn't considered that, but if the Council did want to implement
charges, more personnel would be necessary.
Adopted Minutes 1 of 3 Special Meeting of September 18, 2012
Councilmember Willis stated currently, 47% of the residents use the site for free, and they like it
that way. Other options might need to be considered in the future as it gets more use.
The Council requested staff to prepare a report for the Council that would include rates.
Plan for Emergency Utility Repairs
Community Development Director Juetten stated that on May 22, 2012, the Council approved a
public improvement and special assessment agreement for a residential property. In this case, the
homeowner was unable to make the improvement in a timely manner due to financial constraints.
The City assessed the cost of the work to the property owner. Council then directed staff to
discuss options with the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) for similar situations in
the future. The HRA concluded that it would be a program better operated by the City as the
HRA doesn't have authority to assess.
He discussed a proposed policy that allows for the City and HRA staff to make a determination as
to whether a homeowner needs assistance to make emergency exterior (curb stop to house) sewer
and/or water repairs. The maximum amount of assistance would be capped at $5,000 and the
amount would be assessed in accordance with the City's Public Improvement Assessment Policy.
The utility staff would ask the HRA to assist with hardships.
Councilmember Bildsoe asked if there were a waterline break, who would repair the break and
how would that be determined. Public Works Director Cote replied that depending on if it is
public or private, there is an Assessment Agreement that can be used. Community Development
Director Juetten added that emergency repair funds would be available when the utility is
repaired.
Councilmember Bildsoe asked if there was a need for this assistance for the residents. Public
Works Director Cote replied approximately four times a year the Assessment Policy is used with
the same terms. The City would not become involved.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to
adopt a Resolution Approving Emergency Private Utility Repair Program Policy (Res2012-278).
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Future Study Sessions
No future study sessions were scheduled.
Adopted Minutes 2 of 3 Special Meeting of September 18, 2012
Adjournment
Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at 6:35
Adopted Minutes 3 of 3 Special Meeting of September 18, 2012