HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 04-19-2005 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
April 19, 2005
Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 7:30
p.m. in the Council Chambers, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on April 19, 2005.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Willis, Slavik, Bildsoe,
Hewitt, Stein, and Black.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Community Development Director Hurlburt,
Planning Manager Senness, Finance Director Hahn, Park and Recreation Director Blank,
Housing Manager Barnes, and City Clerk Paulson.
United Properties Proposal
Representatives of United Properties discussed a number of proposals for the
redevelopment of the southwest corner of I-494 and Highway 55. These proposals are
very preliminary, as no formal discussions have been held with the current property
owners. If the City would be interested in redeveloping this site in the future, they would
ask the City's support in their efforts in contacting existing property owners, as well as
designating this area a redevelopment site. They would like to create a gateway to the
City which would consist of higher density uses at this site. They stated that the current
value of the existing buildings on this site is only about the value of the land. Preliminary
discussions were held with the Minnesota Department of Transportation on their future
plans for this intersection. Access to the property would be via 27th Avenue North.
There could be a variety of uses on this site ranging from office, retail, medical, and
hotel.
Councilmember Willis asked if they would be seeking Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
assistance in the future. Representatives stated it's their goal to not have to use that
method of assistance, especially if they could acquire the properties reasonably.
Councilmember Willis stated that there would be problems with accessing this site off
Fembrook. Also, the City would need to review how traffic would be handled further
down on Cheshire. He stated he is concerned that the City doesn't know what the traffic
capacity of the Highway 55/I-494 interchange would be in the future.
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated there would be a traffic study. She
noted that the Council would be reviewing the Comprehensive Plan's transportation plan
in the next year. She stated the current plan was modeled with office redevelopment of
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Special Meeting of April 19, 2005
Page 2 of 4
this site. She added that staff would also need to review utility capacity to serve this
property.
Mayor Johnson asked if this site could be considered for a transit station similar to Maple
Grove's. Community Development Director Hurlburt replied it could be a possibility,
but funding could be an issue.
Councilmember Willis commented that the area of Fernbrook and County Road 6 would
be a better site for a transit facility.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated he would have more of an interest in office use for this
site rather than retail, as he would prefer the retail centers to be located more internal in
the City and in not such a close proximity to the freeway.
Councilmember Black stated regarding the traffic concerns, if TIF would be used,
perhaps improvements could be made to the intersection. She agreed with
Councilmember Bildsoe. that she would prefer office versus retail use at this site, as it
would be a better fit for transit opportunities.
Councilmember Hewitt voiced her concern on what would occur with the current dance
studio on this site, as that would affect many families in the City. She stated that this
would be an excellent site for a transit facility if there would be funding.
Councilmember Stein stated that he likes both sketch plans that were presented this
evening, and he stated the market would determine what uses would best fit this site.
The Council discussed condemnation, and the developers stated that this would be a very
communicated process, and if there would be that "bump in the road" after they contacted
property owners, the Council would be notified, so that no additional time or energy
would be spent on the project if the Council wouldn't support condemnation.
Councilmember Slavik voiced her concerns on the amount of traffic on Fernbrook Lane
as well as 17 -story office building and a large decked parking ramp. She requested that if
a hotel would be located at this site, that it be a high quality hotel. She also stated she
would be concerned about the dance studio. Councilmember Bildsoe stated that perhaps
they would view this as an opportunity and would welcome relocation to a facility that
would better fit their needs.
Councilmember Bildsoe requested that when the developers contact the property owners,
they mention the sensitivity of the Council with some of the concerns.
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Special Meeting of April 19, 2005
Page 3 of 4
Councilmember Willis suggested that staff draft correspondence memorializing the
things that the Council discussed this evening regarding redevelopment of this site. He
requested that the City Attorney and the Council review the correspondence before it is
sent.
Welsh Companies Proposal
Representatives of Welsh Companies discussed a proposal that they have received from a
developer for the vacant Waterford site. The site is surrounded by existing development,
which limits the visibility from either Highway 55 or Highway 169. They explained that
they have been marketing this property for quite some time, and during the past three to
four years, the only interest has basically been residential. They feel that a mixed use,
incorporating office and residential, would be a good fit, especially with the adjacent
retail area. They illustrated a very preliminary sketch plan from the developer that would
consist of apartment housing and an office use. They acknowledged that access to this
property is difficult, and the office market isn't there currently for office use. They
requested that the Council provide feedback this evening on a mixed-use site.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated that he could support a mixed use for this site, but he
suggested that there be owner -occupied housing units versus rental housing.
Councilmember Willis agreed and stated that his preference would be the office use.
Councilmember Stein suggested that if there would be housing at this site, there be
screening and/or berming from adjacent industrial uses as well as a walking trail to the
retail area.
Mayor Johnson stated she is very interested in doing something with this site as it has
been vacant for a long time. It would be an asset to the adjacent retail area. She stated
she also prefers ownership housing, and screening and berming. She would be concerned
on the height of the buildings.
Councilmember Hewitt stated she is hesitant with a residential use due to industrial uses
being in such close proximity. However, if a housing use would be proposed, she
wouldn't support rental housing.
Councilmember Slaivk stated it appears it would be difficult to market any housing units
due to the adjacent industrial units. She stated she isn't totally opposed to rental housing
if it were done properly. She stated that it would be necessary for transition between this
property and the adjacent properties.
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Special Meeting of April 19, 2005
Page 4 of 4
Councilmember Black stated due to the close proximity of loading docks, that if there
would be any housing on this site, it would need to be rental rather than owner -occupied.
The representatives of Welsh Companies thanked the Council for their comments this
evemng.
Set Future Study Sessions
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe. and seconded by Councilmember Slavik,
to schedule a Special Meetingon May 10 at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of meeting with a
representative of Senator Dayton's office to discuss median barrier funding. With all
members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Motion was made by Councilmember Stein and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to
schedule a Special Meeting on June 7 at 7:00 p.m. for purpose of discussing budget
priorities with Jim Rice, volunteer consultant. With all members voting in favor, the
motion carried.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe and seconded by Councilmember Slavik,
to cancel the Special Meeting that was scheduled on June 28 at 5:00 p.m. to discuss street
reconstruction and Special Assessment Policy, but rather add this item to the May 17
Special Meeting agenda and begin that meeting at 6:30 p.m. With all members voting in
favor, the motion carried.
Adi ournment
Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjourned t approximately :05 p.m.
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk