HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 07-27-2006 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
July 27, 2006
Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting to order in Medicine Lake Rooms A and B,
3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on July 27, 2006 at 6:37 p.m.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Hewitt, Willis, and Black.
Councilmember Stein arrived at 6:55 p.m.
ABSENT: Councilmembers Bildsoe and Slavik.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Park and Recreation Director Blank,
Superintendent of Recreation Evans, Financial Analyst Kohn, and Office Support
Representative Olson.
Park Survev
Dr. Bill Morris from Decision Resources gave a summary of the survey conducted on
open space and parks. He stated that receptivity is very good throughout the community
and residents felt that parks and recreation facilities were well used and are happy with
what has been provided. Most residents were open to the concept of a referendum to
fund the playfield and open space projects and felt that $1.64 per month for a completed
greenway and $1.38 per month to develop parks and fields was a comfortable tax
increase to fund these projects. Dr. Morris stated that this was the norm across the west
metro. He added that opponents are not opposed to parks and open spaces but tax
increases. Dr. Morris stated that this issue as a referendum question would most likely be
successful at the polls in a gubernatorial election.
Councilmember Willis inquired how this would be introduced to the public. Dr. Morris
replied that this is an opportunity to provide land and open space into the future. Park
and Recreation Director Blank stated that now is the time to acquire land before it is
developed and the cost of land increases even more. Financial Analyst Kohn reported
that the City would need $14,000,000 for the playfield and open space. The Capital
Improvement Program has programmed $4,000,000 in the next four years to fund the
playfield. There is an additional $350,000 programmed in the Capital Improvement
Program for acquisition of property for the Northwest Greenway Corridor. The shortfall
is $9,650,000.
Councilmember Willis inquired if 60 acres are needed for open space and playfield why
staff is proposing only purchasing 40 acres with the funding. Park and Recreation
Director Blank explained that the additional 20 acres would come from park dedication
from developers. He stated that the entire northwest part of Plymouth is in need of a
playfield, and residents are already asking for more space i.e. playfields. Councilmember
Willis felt athletic associations were primary users of the playfields and perhaps there
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of July 27, 2006
Page 2 of 2
should be some direct user fee or possibly a reciprocity agreement with neighboring
communities. The Council discussed the pros and cons of charging user fees on such a
playfield. Councilmember Black felt that the point is not valid if the City hasn't secured
the land.
Councilmember Willis asked what the cost is to develop a park once the land has been
purchased. Park and Recreation Director Blank replied that it would cost approximately
6,000,000 to develop and that would occur around 2011-2012.
Councilmember Stein suggested that, similar to the Ice Center, the City should ask
associations to help defray the cost of development. He expressed his concerns for the
delay in developing the park after the referendum is passed, as the public would want to
see results right away.
Councilmember Willis noted his concerns about the operations cost of a new playfield.
Councilmember Willis stated that the City can make an issue for obtaining assets while
they are still affordable as well as seeing it as the last chance to do so. Councilmember
Black stated that she was in favor of the referendum going on the general election ballot
and felt that a referendum for $9,000,000 would be appropriate.
Mayor Johnson suggested they schedule another meeting with the full Council to discuss
this issue.
Set Future Studv Sessions
issue. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Adjournment
Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjourned at approximately 7:58 p.m.
16,E A13/L/
Kim Olson, Office Support Representative