HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 08-09-2005Adopted Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
August 9, 2005
Mayor Johnson called a Regular Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. in
the Black Box Theater, Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Avenue North, on August 9, 2005.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Hewitt, Slavik, Bildsoe, Willis, and
Black.
ABSENT: Councilmember Stein.
STAFF PRESENT: Fire Chief Kline, Finance Director Hahn, Police Chief Goldstein, City
Attorney Knutson, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Community Development Director
Hurlburt, Public Works Director Cote, Public Services Manager Qvale, and City Clerk Paulson.
Plymouth Forum
Liz Connelly, 2820 Zanzibar Lane, President of Wayzata Athletic Boosters, discussed their
sports booster club and encouraged the Council and residents to attend the school's athletic
games.
Presentations and Public Information Announcements
There were no presentations or public information announcements).
Approval of Agenda
Councilmember Hewitt requested to add an update of the Vicksburg Lane/Shenandoah Lane/25th
Avenue signalization project as item No. 8.5 under General Business.
Councilmember Bildsoe requested to add a tour request of Interfaith Outreach and Community
Partners as item No. 8.6 under General Business.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to
approve the amended a egnda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Consent Agenda
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to adopt
the Consent Agenda that included the followingitems: ems:
6.01) Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 26.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of August 9, 2005
Page 2 of 10
6.02) Resolution Approving Disbursements for the Period Ending July 29, 2005 (Res2005-
292).
6.03) Resolution Approving a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Quest Development, Inc.
for Property located at 9805 Highway 5 (2005042 — Res2005-293), Ordinance Amending
Chapter 21 of the City Code to Classify Certain Land located at 985 Highway 55 (2005042 —
Ord2005-18), Resolution Approving Findings of Fact for the Rezoning of Property located at
9805 Highway 55 (2005042 — Res2005-294), and a Resolution Approving a Site Plan,
Conditional Use Permits, and Variance for Quest Development, Inc. for 51 Apartment -Style
Units in Two Structures on Property located at 9805 Highway 55 (2005042 — Res2005-295).
6.04) Resolution Approving a Conditional Use Permit Amendment for Quantum Development
for the Property located at 12325 State Highway 55 (20050787 — Res2005-296).
6.05) Resolution Approving a Site Plan Amendment to Construct a Parking Lot at Greenwood
Playfield at the Property located at 18005 Medina Road North (2005087 — Res2005-297).
6.06) Resolution Approving a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Day Care at 100 Nathan Lane
North (2005088 — Res2005-298).
6.07) Resolution Authorizing Execution of Agreement with the Minnesota Department of
Public Safety for Underage Alcohol Compliance Check Funding (Res2005-299).
6.08) Resolution Approving Request for Payment No. 3 and Final for Bass Lake Playfield
Drainageway Project (3131— Res2005-300) and a Resolution Approving Change Order No. 1 for
Bass Lake Playfield Drainage Way Project (3131 — Res2005-301).
6.09) Resolution Approving Request for Amendment to Cleaning Service Contract for City
Facilities (Res2005-302).
6.10) Resolution Requesting Payment No. 3 and final for 2004 Street Mill and Overlay
Improvements Projects Part 2 (4115 - Res2005-303).
6.11) Resolution Approving Change Order No. 1 for Highway 55/Vicksburg Lane (4134 —
Res2005-304).
6.12 Resolution Awarding Bid for 47th Avenue West of Underwood Lane Street and Utility
Improvements (4141— Res2005-305).
6.13) Resolution Receiving Petition and Ordering Preparation of Preliminary Report for
Watermain Extension to 10600 and 10610 South Shore Drive (5125 — Res2005-306).
6.14) Resolution amending and Restating Resolution No. 98-390 (Res2005-307).
6.15) Resolution Approving Release of Financial Guarantee for Plymouth Marketplace (20040
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of August 9, 2005
Page 3 of 10
Res2005-308).
6.16) Resolution Approving Release of Financial Guarantee for Cascades (2002058 — Res2005-
309)
6.17) Resolution Approving Agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad for a Trail Crossing
Over Railroad Tracks in Plymouth (Res2005-310).
6.18) Resolution Adopting Fees for the Plymouth Creek Center and Millennium Garden for the
Year 2007 (Res2005-311).
6.19) Resolution Amending Resolution No. 2004-517, establishing 2005 Regular.Council
Meeting Dates (Res2005-312).
6.20) Resolution Approving Winter Trails Activity Permit (Res2005-313).
Motion carried to approve the Consent Agenda.
Public Hearings
7.1) Vacation for Part of Lahti Lane in Tranquil Vista
Public Works Director Cote reported on the petitioned request of Jon and Angela Marquette, 445
Vinewood Lane, for the Vacation of all of Birch Park and part of Vinewood Lane (platted as
Lahti Lane) adjacent to Lots 1-3.
Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing for testimony.
Jon Marquette, 445 Vinewood Lane, stated he is the petitioner, and he requested that the Council
approve the request.
There being no one else wishing to address the Council, Mayor Johnson declared the public
hearing closed.
Motion was made by Councilmember Slavik, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to adopt
a Resolution Authorizing the Vacation of Part of Lahti Lane as Platted in Tranquil Vista
Res2005-314) and a Resolution Setting Conditions to be met prior to filing of Resolution No.
2005-314, Vacating Part of Lahti Lane as Platted in Tranquil Vista (Res2005-315). With all
members voting in favor, the motion carried.
General Business
8.1) Reguiding, Rezoning, Preliminary Plat, Site Plan, and Variance for "Taryn Hills"
Lundgren Bros. Construction; Inc. — 2005045)
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of August 9, 2005
Page 4 of 10
Community Development Director Hurlburt illustrated the proposed development that lies east
of Vicksburg Lane, west of the Lake Camelot Estates development, and on the north and south
sides of County Road 47. She explained the site consists of 237.6 acres that would be
redeveloped into 219 single-family detached homes and 356 townhomes. In addition, eight acres
of the site would be commercial (for a future commercial development by a different developer),
and 26.2 acres would be dedicated to the Northwest Greenway. She highlighted issues that were
discussed at the Planning Commission, i.e. transition for the commercial area, access for parcels
abutting the plat, planned traffic improvements in the area, and landscaping plan. She stated
concerns were also expressed regarding the proposed density of the site. She stated the proposed
3.38 dwelling units per acre are on the lower end of what the Comprehensive Pian specifies for
this area. The Comprehensive Plan specifies 499 to 969 dwelling units for the residential portion
of the plat. The proposal includes 575 dwelling units, and therefore it would be consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan that was adopted for this area in 200. The lowest density areas for this
plat would be the single-family neighborhood located north of County Road 47, near the Lake
Camelot Estates subdivision. The density would be 1.4 dwelling units per acre in that portion of
the plat. By comparison, the density for the single-family portion of the Lake Camelot Estates
subdivision is approximately 2.3 dwelling units per acre.
She discussed the proposed improvements to be made to County Road 47. She stated the two-
lane section of County Road 47 would be constructed to its planned vertical and horizontal
alignments. The total cost of this improvement would be $945,000 with the applicant paying the
entire cost with the exception of $200,000, which the applicant is requesting the City to pay for.
She stated the County doesn't have any plans for improving this roadway, and they have
discussed switching this road with another road in the City that would better fit their road
system. The City could utilize some of its municipal state aid fiends for this improvement as well
as possible tax increment financing proceeds from the CommonBond project and County
turnback" fiends.
Councilmember Willis stated that he is concerned about the high-density level for the townhome
area south of County Road 47. He stated he would prefer to see townhomes that have more of
the single-family type structure.
Community Development Director Hurlburt cautioned that if 75 units are removed, they could be
less than the minimum density.
Mark Anderson, representing Lundgren Brothers, stated they desire to keep the lower density on
the north side of County Road 47. He stated they need to maintain the proposed density level,
and he noted that this development is on the low end of the range for density. He then spoke of
the need to reconstruct County Road 47, and due to their costs to accomplish this, the density
levels need to be at a certain level.
Councilmember Willis suggested removing some of the attached townhome units and making
them single-family homes instead.
Councilmember Black stated she isn't concerned about the proposed density, as it is well within
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of August 9, 2005
Page 5 of 10
the guiding of the property.
Councilmember Hewitt stated she is concerned that no funds are being allocated for future repair
of Vicksburg Lane and other infrastructure improvements. She stressed that the Council needs to
discuss how they intend to fund roads in the future.
Mayor Johnson agreed with Councilmember Hewitt but stated that the developer is making a
very substantial contribution towards the County Road 47 improvements as well as the
dedication of large amount of right-of-way. She stated it concerns her that the City is being
asked to contribute $200,000 towards a road that isn't even the City's.
Jim Grube, Director of Hennepin County's Transportation Department and the County Engineer,
agreed that this is a very large issue as County Road 47 is a County road, it's a major collector
route, and it's not a State Aid highway. He stated that this road isn't a priority for the County, as
it only consists of four miles, out of 560 miles of roadway in the County. He stated if the
Council feels this is the right development for this area, it should be approved. The City and
County could then discuss options on how to work out the improvements to County Road 47. He
suggested that a meeting be held prior to August 23, which is the date that County. Road 101 is
going to be discussed.
Park and Recreation Director Blank illustrated the neighborhood parks that would be on both
sides of County Road 47.
Councilmember Slavik stated she agrees with Councilmember Willis on the density concerns.
She realizes that the levels are within the range, but she still feels it's too dense. She doesn't feel
that this development would provide a good community feel for Plymouth, and she noted the lots
are very small in the single-family area. She would prefer to reduce the number of townhome
units and have three units per acre. She stated she is also concerned about funding $200,000 for
improvements that need to be made to County Road 47.
Mayor Johnson stated she would support the project with the proposed density levels. She stated
the applicant has reduced the units from 700 to 575 from the original plan and they have
included the affordable CommonBond project in the development. She noted the applicant also
had to take into consideration the trees and the wetland on the north side of the property.
Councilmember Willis stated that the City doesn't have the resources to assist the applicant for
the reconstruction of County Road 47. In addition, regarding the density issue, he would support
the applicant reducing the density by 24 units.
Councilmember Bildsoe thanked the applicant for the changes that they made to the project. He
stated the issue isn't about density but the style of housing that is going into the development.
He stated he agrees with Councilmembers Willis and Slavik that this isn't something that he
would choose for Plymouth in this large of a fashion; however, the unique characteristics of the
property are the driving force for the density levels south of County Road 47. He agreed that the
City shouldn't be contributing $200,000 to reconstruct a County road.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of August 9, 2005
Page 6 of 10
Steve Gardner, 10717 10th Avenue North, thanked the City for the trees that would be saved with
this development. He stated he is concerned that the applicant would scrape off the majority of
the black dirt, leave just a little black dirt over the compacted clay, and then lay sod. He noted
that there are a lot of wetlands on this property, and when concrete surrounds them, they won't
be as nice as they used to be. He requested that the park dedication fees from this development
be used to purchase forest areas in Northwest Plymouth, prior to those areas being developed.
Judy Luedke, 17910 County Road 47, stated people move to Plymouth based upon the location
of the City with its close proximity to the Twin Cities, not for the trees. She stated it would be
foolish for the Council to not allow this property to develop. She discussed a Minnesota Growth
Corridor article that was in a recent edition of the Star Tribune, and how the cordidors in and near
the Twin Cities are getting congested. She stated this contributes to why the price of land is so
high, and why it costs so much to construct a home. She explained that due to the cost of land,
the density with this development is going to have to be higher. She stated that she has been
paying taxes in Plymouth for over 30 years, and she hasn't seen any road improvements to the
Northwest Plymouth area. She requested the Council's support of this project.
Mr. Anderson explained there are certain aspects of the project that they have made
commitments on that they don't want to change, and one of those items is the CommonBond
project. He stated on the north side of County Road 47, they have struggled with the density
question, but they feel very strongly that the density needs to remain low there. He indicated that
if the Council desires to reduce the units by 24, they could certainly do that. He stated regarding
the City's contribution of $200,000 for the reconstruction of County Road 47, based on the
conversations that they had with staff and some of the Councilmembers, there is a need for
realignment of that road. It became apparent that those improvements would be necessary at this
time. He stated he feels this is a "shared type" of situation; therefore, the County should be
participating. He agrees with Mr. Grube that this isn't something that needs to have an answer
this evening, but rather he would like to participate in future discussions with the City and the
County.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to adopt
a Resolution Approving a Land Use Guide Plan Amendment for Lundgren Bros. Construction,
Inc for "Taryn Hills" for Property located east of Vicksburg Lane North and South of County
Road 47 2005045 — Res2005-316).
Councilmember Hewitt stated the reguiding of this property does impact transportation and how
to repair roadways. She stated it's not only County Road 47 that would be impacted by this
development but Vicksburg Lane as well. She stated she would support the motion, and she
appreciates the contribution from the applicant, but the Council still needs to discuss how they
are going to fund roads in the fature.
Councilmember Black compared the Vicksburg Lane and County Road 47 intersection to the
Northwest Boulevard and Schmidt Lake Road intersection in her ward where many of the traffic
problems were greatly reduced after the installation of the traffic signal.
Councilmember Willis stated he would support the motion if the Council would accept Mr.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of August 9, 2005
Page 7 of 10
Anderson's offer to reduce the townhome units by 24 units.
Mayor Johnson stated she is satisfied with the proposed density units, and she's unsure what the
City would achieve by decreasing the townhomes by 24 units. She noted that in order to
accommodate this change, the prices of homes in this development would increase and make
them less affordable.
Councilmember Slavik stated 24 units do make a difference. She reiterated that she feels this
development is too dense. She also stated that she is concerned with the number and longevity
of townhomes being constructed in Plymouth.
Mayor Johnson stated the removal of 24 units isn't going to very noticeable, as it would be in the
middle of the development, rather than located at a main intersection. She stated that the
removal of 24 units isn't going to be noticeable to anyone.
Councilmember Black agreed with Mayor Johnson.
Councilmember Hewitt stated that she feels this is a good project; therefore, she would be
supporting the motion.
Community Development Director Hurlburt commented that if the reguiding isn't approved, it
might be close to the minimum density under the Comprehensive Plan.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated he supports the density that is proposed.
Councilmember Slavik stated that she would support the applicant's plan, as it is within the
City's guiding. She noted that the lots are small in the LA -1 area, and due to the number of
wetlands on the property, the buildable area has been reduced.
There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor but Willis, the motion
carried.
The Council took a 10 -minute break.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis and seconded by Councilmember Hewittto adopt
an Ordinance Amending Chapter 21 of the City Code to classify Certain Land located in "Tarvn
Hills" East of Vicksburg Lane, North and South of County Road 47 (2005045 — Ord2005-19
Resolution Approving Findings of Fact for the Rezoningoff Property located East of Vicksburg
Lane, North and South of County Road 47 (2005045 — Res2005-317) Resolution Approving a
Site Plan for Lundgren Bros. Construction, Inc. for 306 Colonial Manner Townhome Units
within the "Taryn Hills" Development, for Property located Southeast of County Road 47 and
Vicksburg Lane (205045 — Res2005-319)and a Resolution Approving a Preliminary Plat and
Variance for Lundgren Bros. Construction Inc. for "Taryn Hills" for Property located East of
Vicksburg Lane, North and South of County Road 47 (2005045 — Res2005-318).
A' friendly amendment was made to the main motion by Councilmembers Willis and Hewitt to
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of August 9, 2005
Page 8 of 10
amend the following conditions in the Resolution approving the Preliminary Plat and Variance to
read:
8. The applicant shall provide additional trail connections for access to the private trail that
would be looped around the wetland within the single-family area north of County Road 47.
22. The applicant shall replace some of the summit ash and marshall's ash shown on the
landscape plan with other tree species such as white oak.
29. The developer shall reconstruct County road 47 from Vicksburg Lane to 0.5 miles east of
Vicksburg Lane. The developer is also responsible for 25 percent of the cost of a future traffic
signal and turn lanes at the County Road 47/Cheshire Lane intersection and 100 percent of the
cost of an additional eastbound lei -turn lane to provide dual left -turn lanes, and an exclusive
northbound left -turn lane at the County Road 47/County Road 61 intersection.
The Council voted on the amended main motion and with all members voting in favor but Willis,
the motion carried.
8.1.1) Request of Lundgren Bros. Construction, Inc. for Partial Funding for the
Reconstruction of a portion of County Road 47
Public Works Director Cote stated that staff would try to schedule a meeting with the County
prior to the August 23 Study Session. He stated that the Council would be notified of this
meeting. Mayor Johnson and Councilmembers Hewitt and Bildsoe stated that they would be
interested in attending this meeting.
8.2) Award Bid for Construction of Transit Station 73 (3125)
Public Services Manager Qvale reported on the bids that were received for the Plymouth
Metrolink Station 73 .Transit Facility. She noted that the low bid, submitted by Stahl
Construction in the amount of $4,360,000 is 18% or $679,000 higher than the engineer's
estimate of $3,681,000. She stated she has been in conversation with the Metropolitan Council
and the State for additional funding to cover the $679,000. She stated if the Council didn't
accept the low bid and decided to withdraw from the funding agreements with the Metropolitan
Council and the State for their funding in the amount of $3,679,768, those funds would be
reallocated to other capital transit projects in the region.
Mayor Johnson asked how long the City has to review the bids and to rebid the project if that
would be the case. Public Services Manager Qvale replied the City has 30 days to review the
bids, and she wouldn't recommend rebidding the project, as material costs would increase.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated that he wouldn't support this item this evening based on how the
bids came in.
Councilmember Slavik stated it would cost the City approximately $17,000 per parking space at
this new facility. She stated there would be non -Plymouth vehicles traveling on City roads and
parking at this transit station. She asked what the City gains in revenue for maintaining the
roadways.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of August 9, 2005
Page 9 of 10
Councilmember Willis stated that this is an expensive project as material costs have increased.
He stated the City is unsure who would be using the facility, other than people who are going to
become more transit dependent than vehicle dependent. He stated the City should take
advantage of the funding from the Metropolitan Council and State and especially if the City is
able to obtain additional funding from them.
Councilmember Hewitt stated that she supports this item as the number of transit riders is
projected to double.
Public Services Manager i1vaie noted that according to the City survey, 80% of the people who
use the transit system are Plymouth residents.
Councilmember Black stated she would be supportive of staff contacting the State and
Metropolitan Council for additional funding. She stated this development would be an asset for
possible redevelopment in this area.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated this issue shouldn't focus on whether the City has a transit
system. He stated he feels this is an item that is a convenience for the riders and method for
people to use the system. The City has a bus system and infrastructure, and the proposed facility
is basically a convenience.
Councilmember Slavik stated she hasn't been a big proponent of this project. She stated
approximately 65 cars currently park in the lot, and the City is constructing a facility that would
accommodate 283 spaces at a cost of $4.8 million. She stated that she isn't willing to take that
gamble with taxpayers' dollars, as the subsidies are quite expensive.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis and seconded by Councilmember Black to table
this item until August 23 during which time staff should contact other agencies to seek additional
funding for this project.
Sylvia Gustafson, 17555 28tH Avenue North, Chair of the Plymouth Advisory Committee on
Transit, spoke of the need for this transit facility as well as the need to maintain the current
system.
There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.3) Draft Minnesota Department of Transportation Metro District Transportation
System Plan for 2008-2030
Community Development Director Hurlburt discussed comments that were assembled by staff
on the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Metro District Transportation System Plan for
2008-2030. The Council added a few comments regarding funding for transit, and they
requested that these comments/correspondence be addressed to the Lieutenant Governor with
copies to the City's legislative delegation and County Commissioners.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of August 9, 2005
Page 10 of 10
8.4) Youth Appointment to the Human Rights Commission
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to
appoint Natalie Novak to the Human Rights Commission (Res2005-320). With all members
voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.5) Traffic Signal at Vicksburg Lane/25th Avenue/Shenandoah Lane
Councilmember Hewitt noted that the design for this project became more extensive than
originally expected after increasing from a $232,000 to a $700,000 project with the addition of
road widening for left turn lanes, trail relocations, and retaining walls. Therefore, she asked
when this project would begin since she is concerned about traffic problems if this project were
delayed until next year and Lowe's opens. Public Works Director Cote replied stated that staff
suggests to proceed as planned, but allow the contractor a later completion date to late summer
2006. He stated it would take approximately four months for the signal work alone, and staff has
reservations that if all the work that is necessary begins this year, it won't be completed before
winter.
8.6) Tour with Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners
Councilmember Bildsoe reported that Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners asked him if
the Council would be interested in a tour of their facilities. The Planning Commission and
Housing and Redevelopment Authority members would also be invited.
The Council stated that they would be interested in a tour, and they requested the City Manager
to send an email to the Council containing possible date(s) for a tour.
Reports and Staff Recommendations
There were no Reports and Staff Recommendations).
Adjournment
Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjourned at approximately 11:00 p.m.
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk