HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 09-28-2010 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
September 28, 2010
Mayor Slavik called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 5:30 p.m. in the
Medicine Lake Conference Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on September 28, 2010.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Johnson, Murdock, Stein, Bildsoe,
Willis, and Black.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Community Development Director Juetten, Housing
Manager Barnes, Park Director Blank, Recreation Superintendant Evans, Administrative Services
Director Portner, and Deputy Clerk Olson.
Discussion on Northwest Greenway
Park Director Blank discussed the status of the acquisitions. He hopes to bring the master plan to
the Council sometime between January and March of next year.
He stated that they are working on acquiring properties on the west side of Vicksburg Lane. He
stated that the Begin property is not for sale. He stated that they are focusing on six properties to
acquire to complete the Northwest greenway and described the status of each property.
Park Director Blank stated that there is one small piece of property on the east side that needs to
be acquired to complete the trail. However, the homeowners are not interested in discussing this
parcel with the City. He mentioned that the only alternative would be to ask for an easement on
the property to the north.
Park Director Blank reported that the City's bond counsel is concerned that it has been three
years and all of the bonds have not been sold. It is recommended by the bond counsel that the
bonds be sold within five years or the next thirteen months. Park Director Blank stated that with
the remaining funds, there should be ample funds to acquire the remaining properties.
Councilmember Willis questioned the bond counsel's recommendation and why the
recommendation was made that the bonds should be sold within five years.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated that it is unusual for bonds not to be issued in a timely manner
and it was probably recommended as that was the spirit or intent of the public when it was voted
on.
Adopted Minutes 1 of 4 Special Meeting of September 28, 2010
Administrative Services Director Portner reported that staff had asked the bond counsel that same
question and received the same recommendation. Park Director Blank stated that bond rates are
low and land is at a low point so it would be better to issue the bonds now rather than later to
save taxpayer dollars.
Councilmember Black asked if there will be enough funds to purchase a tenth playfield. Park
Director Blank replied that park dedication funds would be used if development continues.
Councilmember Bildsoe requested that staff rank the priority of the properties yet to be acquired
and provide a report to the Council.
Councilmember Johnson addressed the possibility of a tenth playfield and stated that there are
considerations to look at in terms of park needs such as schools and the aging population. She
stated that if a tenth playfield isn't constructed, it will be the only area in the city that does not
have a gathering area for the community.
Councilmember Willis asked if the proposed boardwalks that are to be constructed are expensive.
Park Director Blank responded that they are. He discussed the road coming from Trillium Woods
and looking at different alternatives to deal with grading issues.
Park Director Blank asked for direction on continuing acquisition for the remaining properties.
Councilmember Johnson said she does not want to hurry because the bond counsel gives that
perception. She has some concerns about the high asking price of one of the properties.
Councilmember Stein was concerned with the price of all the boardwalks and would like to
discuss this further. He stated that acquiring the land maybe the smaller piece of the project.
Mayor Slavik agreed.
Mayor Slavik would like to stay away from the gun club property. She supported Park Diretor
Blank's approach in purchasing the parcel for the Northwest Greenway. She stated that she
would be supportive of splitting the difference of the offered and asking prices of the properties
to be acquired. She would also like to review the construction costs at a future meeting.
Councilmember Bildsoe saw Property 3 as a vital piece. He advised Park Director Blank to not
pay full price but also don't let price get in the way and to be aggressive in obtaining the
property.
Councilmember Stein inquired if it is just a corner of the property that is needed. Park Director
Blank replied that they won't sell just a piece of the property.
Councilmember Johnson asked if there was a way to not complete the circle if it is hard to
acquire the properties. This could be a way to save money for awhile. Park Director Blank
replied that they need to remember the vision that was communicated to the residents with the
open space referendum. .
Adopted Minutes 2 of 4 Special Meeting of September 28, 2010
Councilmember Willis suggested that staff put together a list of prioritized propertied that could
be discusses at a future Study Session.
Plymouth Shopping Center Site, Highway 55
Community Development Director Juetten gave a report on the background of the property. He
stated there are three issues that the interested party would like to get Council feedback on.
Representatives from Oppidan, Ms. Rusk and Mr. Tucci, were present at the meeting.
Councilmember Stein asked if there was a reason why the frontage road would be moved.
Community Development Director Juetten replied that it is to improve highway safety and was
part of the Engineering department recommendation. Planning Manager Senness stated that it
was not a MN/DOT recommendation.
Councilmember Johnson asked about the phasing of the project. Mr. Tucci stated that the senior
housing would be ready to proceed if the development is approved. He stated that they also have
McDonald's as a tenant.
Councilmember Johnson wanted to be sure the project does not involve taking homes as the
neighborhood is sensitive to incoming projects. Mr. Tucci stated that the senior housing will
blend in with the neighborhood and the new road will buffer commercial vs. residential. Ms.
Rusk added that senior housing is a good transitional use for the property and distributed a
sample of what the building could look like.
Councilmember Black sated that this development doesn't fit in with the transit center and
doesn't have amenities for the transit center. Ms. Rusk stated that the market will bear what goes
into the property.
Councilmember Stein stated that a senior living development doesn't necessarily mean retail will
follow into the area. He is also concerned about using TIF money if they are not adding vitality
to the area. Councilmember Black and Mayor Slavik agreed.
Councilmember Johnson asked if there is a way to do TIF if the other phasing doesn't come in.
Mr. Tucci replied that they will do it as a pay as you go. He stated that they have to perform to
use TIF money.
Ms. Rusk stated they need an answer to give the senior housing developer. Council agreed they
need more time to discuss the project and agreed to set a study session on October 12.
Adjournment
Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Adopted Minutes 3 of 4 Special Meeting of September 28, 2010
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Kimberly A. OI V, Deputy Clerk
Adopted Minutes 4 of 4 Special Meeting of September 28, 2010