HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 05-16-2006 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Mayor Johnson called the Special City Council Meeting to order at 6:17 p.m. in the Plymouth
City Council Chambers, 3400 Plymouth Blvd, Plymouth, Minnesota.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Council Members, Willis, Stein, Black, and Hewitt
arrived at 6:32), Slavik (arrived at 6:27), and Bildsoe (arrived at 6:27).
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Community
Development Director Hurlburt, Financial Analyst Kohn, Water Resources Engineer Missaghi,
and Office Support Representative Tiegs.
Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission Presentation
Joe Bischoff, of Wenk Asociates Inc., gave a presentation on the Commission's shallow lake
ecology, TMDLs, and the Shingle Creek/West Mississippi planning process. He stated funding
for the lake management is 75% City responsibility and 25% contribution from the watershed. It
is important to begin the process early as funding will be more available, but once other
communities start implementing programs the dollars will be spread thin. He commented that
the City has a good process started and that the lakes in Plymouth are restorable. Carp (rough
fish) management is a major consideration to reduce phosphorus levels in the lakes, which
encourages algae growth. Rough fish removal, aquatic plant management and aquatic plant
harvesting, and aerators are steps to help improve lake quality.
Park Needs and Funding
Park and Recreation Director Blank opened the discussion regarding the issue of additional
parks, open space, trails, and the Northwest Greenway. Discussion included funding, purchasing
property, and the possibility of hiring a consultant to survey the citizens before a bond
referendum would be considered for the November ballot. A bond referendum or internal loans
for purchasing property are options. A consultant would survey 400 residents asking five
questions to determine if the citizens would support a bond referendum. The estimated cost of
the consultant is $3,000 to $5,000. Property considered for purchase should have area that can be
developed. The window of opportunity and property values indicate a decision should be made
in the near future. He noted that there are many considerations on the table for City, which are
maintaining infrastructure, roads and repair, and green space.
Council member Bildsoe left the meeting (7:45 p.m.).
The Council directed staff to contact a consultant for a proposal/estimate to conduct a survey. A
decision on how to proceed will be based on the outcome of the survey. The Council instructed
staff to wait on exploring property purchases until the survey is complete.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of May 16, 2006
Page 2 of 2
Adiournment
Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
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Diane Tiegs, Of ice Support Representative