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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