HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 08-08-2006 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
August 8, 2006
Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting to order in Medicine Lake Rooms A and B,
3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on August 8 at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Hewitt, Slavik, Bildsoe, and
Willis.
ABSENT: Councilmembers Stein and Black.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Administrative Services Director McGann,
Park and Recreation Director Blank, Financial Analyst Kohn, Public Works Director
Cote, Recreation Superintendent Evans, and City Clerk Engdahl.
Park Survey
Staff discussed with the Council a possible referendum for acquisition of parkland for
parks and open space. The Council previously discussed this subject July 27.
Park and Recreation Director Blank discussed the capital improvement program
regarding maintenance costs associated with the Northwest Greenway and a 10a'
playfield. He stated it would take approximately two years to acquire the property and
eight years to construct the facilities. He noted that this would be for the future, not the
current needs of the sports associations. He stated the last time a playfield was
constructed was in 1995.
Mayor Johnson asked if these projects could be internally financed until park dedication
funds come in to pay for the projects. Financial Analyst Kohn replied that there are a
number of projects that the City has discussed financing internally, but he cautioned
taking on more projects. He noted that the City's reserves have decreased the past few
years from approximately $139 million to $100 million due to some major projects.
Some of the Councilmembers commented that the Plymouth Soccer Association would
want the facilities available right away, and they wouldn't want to wait 10 years before
they could use the fields.
Councihnember Bildsoe asked how the proposed bond issue would impact the City's
bond rating. Administrative Services Director McGann replied that it shouldn't affect the
City's bond rating as the City continues to grow, is financially sound, and continues to
have aggressive cash reserves. She noted that there are regulations, such as a three to five
year spend down rule, after bonding approval.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of August 8, 2006
Page 2 of 2
The Council discussed various properties that could possibly be considered for
acquisition.
Mayor Johnson asked staff if the City of Medina would be interested in a joint venture for
park facilities. Park and Recreation Director Blank replied staff has had no formal
discussions with the City of Medina. He indicated that it would be difficult to jointly
operate the facilities when their city doesn't have staff to perform the work.
City Manager Ahrens stated 1,200 housing units would need to be constructed at the
current park dedication fee to pay for the l Oth playfield. The current Comprehensive Plan
proposes 3,400 to 3,600 units to be constructed in the next 15 years.
Councilmember Bildsoe commented that there are many needs in the City. The residents
who participated in the survey probably weren't aware of the other competing interests
and those costs. He stated he is concerned that if a bond issue would be approved for this
issue, what happens in two years, for example, if additional funds would be needed for
street reconstruction. The City would just keep increasing its debt.
Mayor Johnson stated there are other options for financing street reconstruction costs
such as area wide assessments, change in market value credit aid, bonding, revenue
derived from increase in gas tax, and approval of designating 100% of the motor vehicle
sales tax to highways and transit (Constitutional amendment on the November ballot).
She stated this is an investment for the future. Therefore, she supports proceeding with a
referendum on the November ballot.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt
to direct staff to prepare ballot language relating to land acquisition for future parkland
open space, and greenwav for the August 22 Council Meeting.
Mayor Johnson cautioned the Council that they would need to address the issue that the
playfield wouldn't be constructed immediately. She stated she would still like to review
other funding mechanisms.
There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor, the motion
carried.
Adiournment
Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjourned t approximately 6:50 p.m.
Sandra R. Engdabl, F
ity Clerk