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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 08-10-2010Adopted Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 10, 2010 Mayor Slavik called the Regular Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 8:03 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on August 10, 2010. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Murdock, Bildsoe, Johnson, Black, Stein, and Willis. ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Administrative Services Director Portner, City Attorney Knutson, Superintendent of Recreation Evans, Fire Chief Kline, Police Captain Lindman, Public Works Director Cote, Community Development Director Juetten, Senior Planner Doty, and Deputy Clerk Tiegs-Roussell. Plymouth Forum None was present to address the Council. Presentations and Public Information Announcements There were no announcements. Approval of Agenda Councilmember Johnson requested that item No. 6.05 be moved to 8.1 under General Business. Motion was made by Councilmember Stein, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to adopt the amended agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Consent Agenda Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Stein, to adopt the Consent Agenda that included the followingitems: tems: Adopted Minutes 1 of 7 Regular Meeting of August 10, 2010 6.01) Resolution Approving a Site Plan Amendment for Plymouth Covenant Church to allow a Parking Lot Expansion for Property located at 4300 Vicksburg Lane North (2005111 — Res2010- 203) 6.02) Resolution Approving Disbursements ending July 31, 2010 (Res2010-204). 6.03) Resolution Approving a Final Plat and Development Contract for Taylor Creek LLC for Taylor Creek" for Property located at 5550 Vicksburg Lane (2010035-F — Res2010-205) and a Resolution Adopting Assessments for Trunk Sanitary Sewer and Water main for Taylor Creek 2010035-F — Res2010-206). 6.04) Resolution Revising and Replacing Resolution 2008-314 Approving a Preliminary Plat for "Trillium Woods" a Subdivision for a Continuing Care Retirement Community located at the Southeast Comer of County Road 47 and Juneau Lane (2008085, 2010047 — Res2010-207). 6.05) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General Business with item No. 8.1). 6.06) Ordinance Amending Section 21100 of the Plymouth City Code regarding Expansion of Non -Conforming Buildings (2010062 — Res2010-14) and a Resolution Approving Findings of Fact for a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment regarding Expansion of Non -Conforming Buildings (2010062 — Res2010-208). 6.07) Resolution Approving Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad and Commissioner of Transportation for Nathan Lane Railroad Crossing Improvements (10030 — Res2010-209). With all members voting in favor the motion carried. Public Hearings 7.1) Vacation for the West Half of Walnut Grove Lane within the Villages Addition Public Works Director Cote reported on the request to vacate the west half of Walnut Grove Lane in the Villages Addition. Mayor Slavik opened the public hearing. Mayor Slavik declared the public hearing closed. Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Vacation for the Westerly Half of Walnut Grove Lane South of I I'll Avenue within the Villages Addition (Res2010-210). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Adopted Minutes 2 of 7 Regular Meeting of August 10, 2010 General Business 8.1) Re -guiding and Preliminary Plat Approval for "Elm Creek Highlands East" (Estate Development Corporation/Alliant Engineering — 2010044/2010048) and Approval of Filling of Wetlands and Wetland Replacement Plan Application Senior Planner Doty presented the ordinance and resolutions approving a comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning and preliminary plat for "Elm Creek Highlands East" for 77 single-family lots and two out -lots located north of Schmidt Lake Road and Jewel Lane as recommended by the Planning Commission. Councilmember Bildsoe inquired whether a traffic study had been done on Schmidt Lake Road. Senior Planner Doty replied no. He stated this road was designed to accommodate future expansion. Ian Peterson, representing Pulte Homes, stated he would answer any questions the Council may have. Councilmember Bildsoe asked Mr. Peterson if he is confident the lots will be sold. Mr. Peterson stated yes. The City of Plymouth is a highly desirable city with an excellent school district and offers many activities which make Plymouth attractive to new residents. Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Stein, to adopt a Resolution Approving a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Estate Development Corporation for "Elm Creek Highlands East" for Property located North of Schmidt Lake Road and Jewel Lane (2010044 — Res2010-211), Resolution Approving the Filling of Wetlands and the Wetland Replacement Plan Application for Elm Creek Highlands — East (2010048 — Res2010-214), Ordinance Amending Chapter 21 of the City Code to Classify Certain Land located North of Schmidt Lake Road and Jewel Lane North (2010048 — Res2010-15), Resolution Approving Findings of Fact for the Rezoning of Land located North of Schmidt Lake Road and Jewel Lane 2010048 — Res2010-212), and a Resolution Approving a Preliminary Plat for Alliant Engineering for "Elm Creek Highlands East" for Property located North of Schmidt Lake Road and Jewel Lane (2010048 — Res2010-213). With all members voting in favor motion carried. 8.2) Preliminary Plat for "Elm Creek Highlands Third Addition" (Alliant Engineering — 2010047) Community Development Director Juetten reported on the proposed request ordinance and resolutions approving a PUD (planned unit development) amendment and a preliminary plat for `Elm Creek Highlands Third Addition" for 17 single-family lots located at Merrimac Lane and Schmidt Lake Road, as recommended by the Planning Commission. Adopted Minutes 3 of 7 Regular Meeting of August 10, 2010 Mayor Slavik referenced the staff report regarding possible over -flow issues with the pond due to heavy rain. Ian Peterson, representing Pulte Homes stated the excavation of the site was designed to have two feet of separation so water will not overflow on the road. Councilmember Bildsoe asked if modifications were implemented for the lots located close to the wetland areas. Mr. Peterson replied that all ground level floors have been excavated to be two feet above the flood level to alleviate possible issues. Motion was made by Councilmember Stein, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoc, to adopt an Ordinance Amending Chapter 21 of the City Code to amend the Elm Creek Highlands PUD for Property located at the Northeast Comer of Peony Lane and Schmidt Lake Road (2010047 — Res2010-16), Resolution Approving Findings of Fact for Amending the Zoning Ordinance Text for the Elm Creek Highlands PUD, for Property located at Peony Lane and Schmidt Lake Road 2010047 — Res2010-215), Resolution Approving a Preliminary Plat for "Elm Creek Highlands Third Addition" for Property located at Merrimac Lane and Schmidt Lake Road (2010047 — Res2010-)216, and a Resolution Approving a PUD General Plan Amendment for Elm Creek Highlands Third Addition on Property located at Merrimac Lane and Schmidt Lake Road 2010047 — Res2010-217). With all members voting in favor the motion carried. 8.3) Vicksburg Lane Discussion (10026) Public Works Director Cote presented issues associated with conversion of Vicksburg Lane from four -lane undivided to three -lane design. He stated Vicksburg Lane, between County Road 6 and 32nd Avenue, has experienced significant damage over the winter months. The proposed project would provide a major improvement to the roadway. Vicksburg Lane will be edge milled six feet from the existing concrete gutter and then overlaid with 1.5" of bituminous pavement. The roadway will then be restriped incorporating a striped center median and shoulders. Reconfiguring the roadway in this fashion should reduce speeds and accidents on this segment of Vicksburg Lane. He clarified that the area south of Medina Road would transition from four lanes to three lanes making that portion two lane with the middle third lane marked for turning. Council discussion: Re -striping Vicksburg with three traffic lanes with shoulders could cause illegal use of shoulders as turning lanes. MN/DOT has approved the experimental speed limit of 45 mph which is police enforceable. The northern portion of Vicksburg Lane is not included for the 45 mph speed limit. Councilmember Johnson stated that MN/DOT wants a public awareness effort made and wants to be informed of what efforts were taken. Public Works Director Cote has discussed public awareness with the police regarding the speed limit. Councilmember Willis referred to Table 1 of the SRF Study and inquired what key factors determined the three lane design and were other alternatives considered. Public Works Director stated no study was done on increasing lanes because of construction expense for such a project. Adopted Minutes 4 of 7 Regular Meeting of August 10, 2010 Councilmember Stein stated that for future growth there will be a need to expand the width of Vicksburg but that will increase speed and create more transit issues. What data was used to indicate that three lanes are this safer? Public Works Director Cote responded the SRF Consulting Group memorandum and Brooklyn Park Traffic Engineer were consulted on this matter. Also several studies across the country and in Minnesota have shown this would improve sight distance and reduce the number of conflict points for left -turning vehicles. Councilmember Black inquired about the left turn lanes and traffic gaps. Is there the ability by the shopping center area to sign no right turn on red to help create traffic gaps allowing resident's opportunities to get on and off Vicksburg Lane? Public Works Director Cote stated it could be studied. Councilmember Bildsoe questioned when the last traffic study was done was there a discussion back then to widening Vicksburg Lane. Public Works Director Cote stated it was evaluated in the previous study. The reason it was not done was because of possible stoplight, construction, no support from MN/DOT, and it was not financially prudent. Mayor Slavik stated developing Vicksburg Lane to a five lane is a very expensive option. Mayor Slavik understands residents use Vicksburg Lane because of 494 inadequacies especially during inclement weather conditions. How do we address the weather extremes and 494 traffic taking the road. The congestion will be worsened due to fewer gaps for side street traffic to enter onto Vicksburg Lane. Councilmember Bildsoe stated that this will be a safer roadway. Councilmember Murdock feels this is a good option to adjust for safety with a possible adjustment to improve entering traffic on 281h Avenue. Councilmember Willis has concerns with whether three lanes versus four lanes and 45 mph speed limit are needed. The Council should consider status quo with the 45 mph speed limit to monitor the impact on the accident level. Councilmember Johnson agrees enforcement of the speed limit will help the safety issue. Councilmember Stein stated speeding is an issue on any road and he does not have a feel for any option either way. Is the cost to stripe and then reverse if it doesn't work expensive? Public Works Director Cote stated it would be noticeable but not expensive. Councilmember Bildsoe agrees with Councilmembers Murdock and Willis that safety and speeding are the issue. Mayor Slavik does not agree with the proposed striping but safety is the issue and has been for years. The data suggests we need to do something and Councilmember Black agrees. Councilmember Black would like the traffic study from the City's of New Hope and Crystal which helped addressed access points on similar roads and the solutions implemented. Elaine Liss, 2840 Weston Lane, addressed the Council stating any changes will have a major impact on the residents due to increasing traffic. Currently left turns are impossible during peak traffic time. The proposed three lanes will not make it safer, and she is very opposed to the change. Adopted Minutes 5 of 7 Regular Meeting of August 10, 2010 Mark Steiner, 15915 28`h Avenue North, stated he feels there are no issues getting in and out. Occasionally vehicles will find gaps and the peak traffic lasts approximately one hour. The experts say accidents will decrease and he is inclined to agree with them. Mr. Steiner stated Plymouth should set good examples and be the model suburb and that sacrificing time for increased safety is a good decision. Mr. Steiner requested the Council to consider the three lane proposal. Councilmember Johnson stated that a postponement of the vote would give the opportunity to review more data and solicit neighborhood involvement. Public Works Director Cote stated staff needs a decision at the August 24 meeting in order to award the contract to the low bid. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to proceed with the three lane striping. Councilmember Stein stated that based on the safety factor and limited inconveniences to side neighbors, he would support the motion. Councilmember Willis and Councilmember Black are not supporting the motion. They do not believe that lowering the speed limit will solve the safety issues because the posted speed limits are not obeyed. Councilmember Murdock would like more information before making a decision. Councilmember Bildsoe feels that residents have been vocal about the safety issues and a responsible decision needs to be made. Mayor Slavik is not convinced this will decrease accidents and congested traffic causes aggressive and distracted drivers. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to remove the motion from the table. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Motion was made by Councilmember Murdock, and seconded by Councilmember Willis to table this item to the August 24 meeting. With Councilmembers Willis, Bildsoe, Murdock, Stein, Slavik voting yes, and Councilmembers Black and Johnson no, the motion carried. Councilmembers Stein and Johnson requested that staff solicit input from residents in the area prior to the August 24 meeting. Reports and Staff Recommendations There were no reports and staff recommendations. Adopted Minutes 6 of 7 Regular Meeting of August 10, 2010 Adiournment Mayor Slavik adjourned the regular meeting at 9:47 p.m, and then went into a Study Session to conduct their quarterly update with the City Manager. That meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m. Diane Tiegs ou ell, Deputy City Clerk Adopted Minutes 7 of 7 Regular Meeting of August 10, 2010