HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 06-14-2005 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
June 14, 2005
Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 5:30 p.m. in
the lower level of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth .Boulevard, on June 14, 2005.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Willis, Hewitt, Black, Slavik, Bildsoe,
and Stein.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Director Huriburt, Public Works Director Cote,
Finance Director Hahn, Financial Analyst Kohn, City Attorney Knutson, Senior Planner Drill,
Finance Manager Jacobson, Police Chief Goldstein, Park and Recreation Director Blank, and
City Clerk Paulson.
Consider Zoning Amendments to allow Religious Institutions in Industrial Districts
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated on February 22, 2005 the Council tabled,
action on a draft zoning amendment that would allow religious institutions in the industrial
districts under certain conditions. The Evergreen Church originally approached the City
regarding this matter, and since that time, they have stated they are no longer interested in the
Plymouth industriatsite near Highway 169 where they had proposed to operate. Since that date,
the Life Changers Church has approached the City about operating at a different industrial site,
located at 2700 Campus Drive. Life Changers Church presently operates from the Plymouth
Playhouse/Kelly Inn commercial site. Mayor Johnson and staff met with Life Changers Church
in April and informed them of the draft amendment and pending Council decision. Based on the
information received to date, it doesn't appear that Life Changers Church would meet all of the
conditions set forth in the draft ordinance.
She stated that if the Council adopted an ordinance to allow religious institutions in industrial
districts, staff recommends that it would be an interim use permit that wouldn't exceed three
years in length. The intent would be to allow a temporary space while a church is pursuing a
permanent location.
Councilmember Black stated she would be opposed to allowing churches in industrial districts
because currently 95% of the City is. open to churches while only 5% of the City is an area where
sexually oriented businesses could locate. Therefore, allowing these two. uses in the industrial
district wouldn't be compatible.
Councilmember Willis agreed with Councilmember Black. He stated that even though he
realizes that the City needs to provide a zoning district for sexually oriented businesses to
operate, and that would be the industrial districts, he feels that only light manufacturing should
be in the industrial districts.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of June 14, 2005
Page 2
Mayor Johnson stated there are many landlocked churches in the community that are unable to
expand as well as new seed churches that are trying to get established. The economy for
industrial areas has been on the downside; therefore, spaces are being offered for different
assemblies to churches. She stated there is a real need in the community, and she's unsure how
other types of religions can locate in the community under these circumstances. She noted that
schools have been used in the past, but now that has sometimes been discouraged.
Pastor J. Konradttole', from Life Changers Church, spoke of their frustrations in trying to secure
space in commercial districts for their services and activities. He stated the cost of rent in an
industrial space is half of what it costs to locate in a retail area. He stated that it wouldn't
concern him if a sexually oriented business were located in close proximity to their space in the
industrial district as there would be different hours of operation between the two uses.
City Attorney Knutson commented that an owner of a building located in the industrial district
has the option of not permitting a sexually oriented business to not lease space in their building.
Councilmember Slavik stated that contrary to what Pastor Konradttole' has stated, it does matter
to her that there could be the likelihood of a sexually oriented business being located adjacent to
a church. She stated this sends a message to the community that she doesn't support.
Councilmember Hewitt agreed and with Councilmember Slavik and stated that parking also
becomes an issue.
Mayor Johnson stated she could support adopting the draft Ordinance in the packet with a couple
of changes. She stated churches are trying to establish themselves, and industrial areas are
hurting.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated that economics change, and -vacancies that currently exist in the
industrial areas would also change. He stated what affects churches the most is the cost of land
in the City.
The majority of the Council decided to take no action on this item.
2004 Audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
Aaron Nielsen, Audit Manager, with Malloy, Montague, Karnowski, Radosevich & Co., P.A.
discussed the 2004 Audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and answered the Council's
questions.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of June 14, 2005
Page 3
Adiournment
Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
jAvke-P"vj
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk