HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 03-08-2005 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
March 8, 2005
Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 5:10
p.m. in the Council Chambers, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on March 8, 2005.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Willis, Slavik, Bildsoe
arrived at 5:42 p.m.), Stein, and Black.
ABSENT: Councilmember Hewitt.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Community Development Director Hurlburt,
City Engineer Quanbeck, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Planning Manager
Senness, Housing Manager Barnes, and City Clerk Paulson.
City Center Concept, Parking, Downtown Council, and Signage Issues
The Council discussed the City Center. area and various issues surrounding the downtown
area.
A discussion was held regarding the section of trail missing at Vicksburg Lane and
County Road 9. This area should be a gateway to the City Center. Councilmember
Willis suggested that when Comcast's franchise expires, staff could discuss removing
their structure at this location.
Councilmember Black asked if there would be an opportunity to construct a retail
building on the west end of Cub Food's parking lot. Community Development Director
Hurlburt replied they do have excess parking, and there could be an opportunity to
construct a building at that location.
Councilmember Slavik stated that she is worried about the long-term effects at the City
Center area with tenants relocating further to the west.
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated once Lowe's opens, it would be much
more a destination center. She added that staff is still discussing with the Post Office a
possible expansion of their facility.
Park and Recreation Director Blank mentioned the success of the parking arrangements at
the Ice Center due to the addition to the building. He stated the parking has improved,
and there has been less complaints.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of March 8, 2005
Page 2 of 3
Mayor Johnson asked if there are plans to repair the potholes on 37th Avenue west of
Vicksburg Lane. City Engineer Quanbeck replied staff is considering a temporary
overlay.
Mayor Johnson commented on rumors surrounding McDonald's locating in the City
Center area, and she stated that she would welcome a McDonald's as it would be a place
for youth to congregate.
Terrie Christian, 9910 South Shore Drive, asked about the possibility of constructing an
art center in the City Center area. Mayor Johnson replied there are no funds for that
purpose, and the cost of the land is so expensive.
Review Development/Redevelopment Application Process
Community Development Director Hurlburt and Housing Manager Barnes discussed
issues surrounding development/redevelopment application process that include city
commitment, economic issues, community/neighborhood concerns. The Council also
discussed various tools that can be used for redevelopment. The Council discussed the
following questions:
1. Will the City be an active or passive participant in redevelopment?
2. What tools is the Council willing to use to assist developers?
3. Are there tools (such as TIF) that the Council is willing to consider for only certain
types of projects, or in certain locations?
4. Are there some tools (such as eminent domain) that the Council is unwilling to
consider using under any circumstances?
Each of the Councilmembers discussed different scenarios and seemed to agree that the
location of the development/redevelopment would determine the City's involvement.
Set Future Study Sessions
The Council scheduled a meeting with United Properties immediately following the
Board of Review Meeting on April 19.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of March 8, 2005
Page 3 of 3
Adiournment
Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjourned 6:55 p.m.
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk