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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 l Kimberly A. OI V, Deputy Clerk Adopted Minutes 4 of 4 Special Meeting of September 28, 2010