HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 02-08-2005Adopted Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
February 8, 2005
Mayor Johnson called a Regular Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 7:10 p.m. in
the Council Chambers of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on February 8, 2005.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Willis, Hewitt, Black, Slavik, Bildsoe,
and Stein.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Fire Chief Kline, Community Development Director
Huriburt, Finance Director Hahn, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Housing Manager Barnes,
Public Services Manager Qvale, City Engineer Quanbeck, Planning Manager Senness, Police
Chief Goldstein, City Attorney Knutson, and City Clerk Paulson.
Plymouth Forum
There was no one present to address the Council).
Presentations and Public Information Announcements
Mayor Johnson thanked staff and volunteers for their work on this year's Fire and Ice Festival.
Approval of Agenda
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to
approve thea enda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Hewitt removed items 6.15 and 6.16, and they were placed under General
Business as item No's. 8.5 and 8.6 respectively.
Councilmember Willis removed item No. 6.2 1, and it was placed under General Business as item
No. 8.7.
Councilmember Bildsoe removed item No. 6.11, and it was placed under General Business as
item No. 6.11.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 8, 2005
Page 2 of 10
Councilmember Slavik removed item No. 6.24, and it was placed under General Business as
item No. 8.9.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt, to
approve the amended Consent Agenda, which included the following items:
6.01) Minutes of the Special Meetings of January 18, January 25, and Regular Meeting of
January 25.
6.02) Resolution Approving Disbursements for the Period ending January 28, 2005 (Res2005-
030).
6.03) Resolution Approving Purchase for Current Model Excavator (Res2005-031).
6.04) Resolution Declaring Cost to be Assessed and Ordering Preparation of Proposed
Assessment for 2004 Weed Eradication and Destruction, Roll 2 (Res2005-032) and Resolution
for Public Hearing on Proposed Assessment for 2004 Weed Eradication and Destruction, Roll 2
Res2005-033).
6.05) Ordinance Amending Chapter 1010 of the Plymouth City Code, Regarding Dog License
Fees (Ord2005-03).
6.06) Resolution Declaring Cost to be Assessed and Ordering Preparation of Proposed
Assessment for 2004 Removal and Destruction of Diseased Trees, Roll 2 (Res2005-034) and
Resolution for Public Hearing on Proposed Assessment for 2004 Removal and Destruction of
Diseased Trees, Roll 2 (Res2005-035).
6.07) Approve request for increase in engineering rates for six of the seven City's designated
consulting engineering firms.
6.08) Resolution Designating Funding for Public Improvement Projects (Res2005-036).
6.09) Resolution Setting Plymouth Metrolink Dial -A -Ride Fairs (Res2005-037).
6.10) Ordinance Amending Chapter 21 of the City Code to Add Section 21655.36 for the
Northwest Business Campus PUD (2004148 — Ord2005-04), Resolution Approving Findings of
Fact for Amending the Zoning Ordinance Text for the Northwest Business Campus PUD
2004148 — Res2005-038), and a Resolution Approving PUD Amendment to Allow Construction
of a 1,277 Square Foot Car Wash Addition for Property located at 2725 Campus Drive in the
Northwest Business Campus PUD (2004148 — Res2005-039).
6.11) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General Business as
item No. 8.8)
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 8, 2005
Page 3 of 10
6.12) Approval of updated City of Plymouth letterhead, envelopes, and business cards.
6.13) Resolution Approving Request for Payment No. 3 and Final 151h Avenue Storm Sewer
Project (3130 - Res2005-040).
6.14) Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans and Specifications for
Timber Creek Erosion Control Improvement Project (4137 — Res2005-041).
6.15) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed. under General Business as
item No. 8.5)
6.16) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General Business as
item No. 8.6)
6.17) Resolution Approving 2005 Municipal Recycling Grant Application and 2004 Municipal
Recycling Final Report (Res2005-042).
6.18) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General Business as
item No. 8.10)
6.19) Approval of Environmental Quality Committee's 2004 Annual Report and approval of
proposed 2005 Work Plan.
6.20) Resolution Appointing At Large Member and System User Representative to the
Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit (Res2005-043).
6.21) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General Business as
item No. 8.7)
6.22) Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Five New Current Model Replacement Police
Squad Cards (Res2005-044).
6.23) Resolution Authorizing Payment of Dues to the Northwest Suburban Chamber of
Commerce (Res2005-045).
6.24) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General Business as
item No. 8.9)
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to remove
item No. 6.18 and place it under General Business as item No. 8.10. With all members voting in
favor, the motion carried.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 8, 2005
Page 4 of 10
Motion carried to approve the amended Consent Agenda.
Public Hearings
7.1) Issuance and Sale of G.O. Housing Revenue Bonds and Affirm the City's G.O. Pledge
for the Plymouth HRAA Senior Housing Project
Housing Manager Barnes stated this hearing is for the purpose of selling G.O. Housing Revenue
Bonds to finance the construction of a 75 -unit independent senior apartment building at Highway
55 and Vicksburg Lane. He stated on January 20, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority
HRA) conducted a public hearing to set March 8 as the date to sell the bonds. The HRA also
instructed staff to review the option of increasing the number of units to 90 or 96. The HRA
recommended this approach because they felt it was important to maximize the use of the site,
realizing that land is extremely expensive in the City and there may not be another opportunity in
the future to locate a site that would be as appropriate for a senior housing project as the current
site. The HRA established a maximum bond issue amount of $12 million on the condition that
the project would be financially feasible without any long-term subsidy. The HRA would be
conducting a hearing on the second option on February 17 at which time it would be decided
which size of building the HRA intends to construct. The Council would also need to conduct a
public hearing for the higher bond amount. He then discussed the advantages and disadvantages
of increasing the number of units as contained in his staff report. He requested that the Council
postpone action this evening, after the hearing has been conducted, until February 22.
Representatives from Springsted, the City's financial advisors, answered the Council's questions.
Councilmember Hewitt commented that she preferred the smaller development due to the
location, the traffic in the area, and the increased density in the immediate area.
Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing for testimony.
There being one present wishing to give testimony, Mayor Johnson declared the public hearing
closed.
A considerable amount of discussion was held regarding the advantages and disadvantages of
competitive bidding versus negotiated bond issue. It was noted that Finance Director Hahn has
met with underwriters to discuss negotiating versus competitive. This would continue to be
discussed at the HRA's next meeting on February 17.
Councilmember Bildsoe suggested that due to many Councilmembers being absent on February
22 and March 8, this item be postponed until March 29.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 8, 2005
Page 5 of 10
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to
postpone this item to February 22 at which time no action would be taken and then it would be
postponed to the March 29 Meeting. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Mayor Johnson suggested that Councilmembers forward any comments or concerns to the HRA
for their meeting on February 17.
General Business
8.1) Consider the Issuance and Sale of G.O. TIF Revenue Bonds, Series 2005A, for HRA
TIF Redevelopment District 1
Housing Manager Barnes stated on November 23, 2004 the Council approved establishing a Tax
Increment Financing (TIF) district for the "Shops at Plymouth Creek" development located at the
intersection of Vicksburg Lane and Highway 55. The TIF district would provide a source of
revenue to make needed traffic improvements and allow the HRA to acquire approximately five
acres for an independent senior apartment facility.
Motion made by Councilmember Willis and seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt a
Resolution setting March 8 as the date of the sale of the City's G.O. tax increment financing
bonds. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to issue
the debt by competitive bid. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.2) Consider Proposal for the Design and Construction Architecture and Engineering
Services and Authorize the Preparation of Plans and Specifications for Transit Station at
Highway 55 and County Road 73
City Manager Ahrens reported staff's recommendation is to proceed with the transit facility at
the existing park and ride facility at Highway 55 and County Road 73. She noted one change to
the project, which is that the Metropolitan Council would be willing to fund Phase II of the
project so that the entire project could be constructed at the same time.
She noted that the other site that had been considered for the facility, which is the "Kennedy
site," plans would be submitted in the future to the City to redevelop this property. She stated
that Councilmembers Bildsoe and Stein recently met with the developer of the property, and the
developer would be interested in incorporating the transit facility at this site or even donating the
land to do so. She stated that staff contacted two of the funding sources for the project, the
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MN/DOT) and the Metropolitan Council, and they
might consider moving the funding to the "Kennedy site." However, a new plan, budget, and
schedule would need to be submitted.
Adopted Council Minutes .
Regular Meeting of February 8, 2005
Page 6 of 10
She stated the biggest risk in pursuing the "Kennedy site" is moving the City from secured
funding if the City proceeded with the proposed bid date. If the location is changed, there could
be reallocation of funds. She stated if the Council desires, this item could be postponed to the
February 22 meeting so further discussions could occur with the developer of the "Kennedy
site." Even with a two-week delay, it would still allow the City to advertise for bids and proceed
on schedule.
Councilmember Stein stated part of the development would consist of retail and townhouses.
Part of the reason that spurred the redevelopment was the proposed transit facility in the
immediate area. He noted that the developer indicated they would be willing to donate the land
for transit facility. He stated he doesn't want to risk losing the transit facility, but he would
support delaying it for two weeks so staff could have discussions with the developer, the
Metropolitan Council, and MN/DOT. Councilmember Bildsoe added that the developer's plans
are very conceptual at this point. He stated that they are considering integrating the name
transit" in the name of the development.
Mayor Johnson reminded the Council that a redevelopment plan for the "Kennedy site" was
defeated in 2000 by the Council that incorporated retail and housing.
Councilmember Stein stated the developer would be discussing the proposed redevelopment with
homeowners on Cottonwood, and they would be willing to offer them a substantial amount for
acquisition. of their properties.
Councilmember Hewitt voiced her concern in using $88,532 in transit reserve funds for Phase II
of the development.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to table
this item to February 22. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.3) Consider Use of PVC for Watermain Pipes
Community development Director Hurlburt discussed the staff report on the recommendation to
amend the Engineering Guidelines to allow the use of PVC watermain pipe in the City.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt, to adopt
a Resolution Authorizing Use of PVC for Watermain Pipes (Res2005-046).
Councilmember Black stated that she wouldn't be supporting the motion as she feels it's an
environmental risk. She stated she couldn't promote the use of this project even though she
realizes that it costs slightly more for the current piping that the City uses.
City Engineer Quanbeck commented that the City of Maple Grove has used this for their
watermains for over 10 years, and the City has used it for the sewer lines for the past 25 years.
He stated this piping meets the Federal heath regulations.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 8, 2005
Page 7 of 10
There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor but Black and Johnson,
and motion carried.
The Council took a 10 -minute break.
8.4) Consider Filling Vacancy on the Human Rights Commission
Motion was made by Councilmember Hewittand seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to
gppoint Ramona Scarpace to the Human Rights Commission for a term to expire January 31
2007 (Res2005-047). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.5 and 8.E) Approval of Engineering Services Proposal, Designate Engineer, and Order
Preliminary Engineering Report for City Center Area Street Lighting - Phase 2
Improvements (4143) and Engineering Services Proposal, Designate Engineer, and Order
Signal Justification Report and Preliminary Engineering Report for Vicksburg Lane/
25th
Avenue/Shenandoah Lane for Traffic Signal Improvements (5105)
Councilmember Hewitt asked about the status on the signage at Vicksburg Lane and Highway
55. Community Development Director Hurlburt stated staff has been working to obtain the
easement for property near Ruby Tuesday's, which has been a very long process.
Councilmember Hewitt stated her concern is the timing of these projects in relation to the CSM
development at Highway 55 and Vicksburg Lane.
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated it's proposed that the intersection
improvements would be completed in July/August, and the lighting improvements would be
completed this year, prior to when Lowe's would open.
Motion was made by Councilmember Hewittand seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to adopt
a Resolution Receiving Engineering Services Proposal, Designate Engineer, and Order
PreliminaaEngineering Resort for City Center Area Street Lighting — Phase 2 improvements
4143 — Res2005-048) and a Resolution Receiving Engineeringeering Services Proposal, Designate
5105—
8.7)
105—
049. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.7) Resolution Approving Appointment to the Environmental Quality Committee
Councilmember Willis stated that only one resident has applied for the Ward 3 vacancy, and he
would prefer that there be more than one applicant for any board or commission vacancy.
Therefore, he suggested that staff advertise this vacancy.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 8, 2005
Page 8 of 10
Mayor Johnson stated the staff advertised this vacancy, and no applications were received from
residents in Ward 3. Councilmembers tried to personally contact residents after the board and
commission interviews were conducted.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt, to
postpone this appointment to a future Council meeting and staff advertises the vacancy. With
Stein, Black, Bildsoe, and Johnson voting no, and Willis, Hewitt, and Slavik voting yes, the
motion failed.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Stein, to adopt a
Resolution Appointing Terrie Christian to the Environmental Quality Committee (Res2005-050).
With all members voting in favor but Willis, the motion carried.
8.8) Resolution Approving Comments on the Metropolitan Council's 2030 Water
Resources Management Policy Plan
Community Development Director Hurlburt reported on comments that staff has compiled
relative to the Metropolitan Council's Development Guide (plans for metropolitan systems
regarding transportation, sewers, airports, parks, and open space). She noted that staff has
provided a revised comment letter incorporating comments from Councilmember Black received
prior to this evening's meeting.
Mayor Johnson and Councilmembers Bildsoe and Hewitt stressed the need to comment on the
importance of local control in how the City of Plymouth will develop in the future. They noted
that the City Council is accountable to the residents.
Mayor Johnson requested that staff schedule a meeting between the Council and Roger Scherer,
the Plymouth representative on the Metropolitan Council.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to adopt
the Resolution with the revised comment letter as suggested by Councilmember Black as well
incorporating comments on local control. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.9) Consideration of Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment to Change Allowable Uses in
the C-1, C-2, and C-4 Zoning Districts (City of Plymouth — 2004057)
Councilmember Slavik stated she doesn't support changing the C-2 district from five acres to
two acres (Section 21460.13 — area requirements and construction limitations). She doesn't feel
there is an issue with the Vicksburg Shopping Center as it is a non -conforming use. She feels
that this district is being amended due to that shopping center.
She suggested that regarding Section 21470.07, Subd. 2 (b), and Subd. 5, Currency Exchanges,
the distance be changed from 500 feet to 750 feet. She stated a further separation would be more
beneficial.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 8, 2005
Page 9 of 10
She also suggested that regarding drive though service windows in the C-2 Zoning District,
Section 21460.07, Subd. 2 (B), there be a 500 foot separation from residentially zoned or guided
property versus the 300 foot that is being proposed.
Mayor Johnson asked regarding changing the size of the C-2 Zoning Districts, what non-
developed areas of the City would that affect. Community Development Director Hurlburt
replied there is one at Old Rockford Road/Peony Lane and Bass Lake Road/Nathan Lane. There
are very few planned for the City.
Motion was made by Councilmember Slavik, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt, to direct
staff to amend the proposed Ordinance and Resolution to incorporate the three suggested
changes as recommended by Councilmember Slavik for the March 29 meeting.
Councilmember Hewitt asked how the amendments would affect the property at Old Rockford
Road/Peony Lane. Community Development Director Hurlburt replied if the area would be
reduced to two acres rather than five, they wouldn't qualify, but if the district minimum
wouldn't be reduced, they would qualify.
Councilmember Black asked how it would affect the property at Bass Lake Road/Nathan Lane.
Community Development Director Hurlburt replied that area hasn't been through the
development process.
A discussion was held on the 300 foot versus 500 -foot separation on drive through service
windows from the residential area. Community Development Director Hurlburt stated the 300 -
foot distance is what is used for loading areas, which is why staff recommended that distance.
She noted that if this distance would be increased, there could be some non -conforming uses
with existing restaurants and banks.
There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.10) Approval of Environmental Quality Committee's recommendation on street design
standards
Councilmember Black stated the Environmental Quality Committee is concerned how these
recommended street design standards would be applied to road reconstruction projects.
Therefore, she requested that the committee be able to review the 2005 reconstruction projects to
determine if the standards are being applied.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt, to
approve the proposed street design standards and to direct staff to provide a pre -construction
report to the Environmental Quality Committee on the 2005 projects.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 8, 2005
Page 10 of 10
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated a preliminary engineering report on the
projects would be presented to the Council at the February 22 meeting with a public hearing to
occur in March. This information would be provided to the committee for their March meeting.
There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Reports and Staff Recommendations
9.1) Legislative Update
There was no update).
Adjournment
Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk