HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 10-25-2005 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
October 25, 2005
Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 6:05 p.m. in
Conference Room 2, of the Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Avenue North, on October 25,
2005.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Hewitt, Slavik, Stein, Bildsoe, Willis,
and Black.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Planning Manager Senness, Housing Program
Manager Barnes, Communications Manager LaFave, Community Development Director
Hurlburt, and City Clerk Paulson.
Cable Legislative Issue
Greg Moore, Executive Director of Northwest Suburban Cable Communications Commission
and Northwest Community Television, discussed Federal initiatives that would eliminate and, at
best, greatly erode local control of cable television franchises. Cable television franchises give
local government the ability to manage local rights-of-way, fund public, educational and
government access channels and facilities, and ensuring that all citizens in a community have
equal access to broadband services. He requested the Council to adopt a Resolution supporting
continued authority of local government regarding franchising of cable services.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt, to place
a Resolution in support of continuing authority of local government regarding franchising cable
services on the November 8 Council agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion
carried.
ING Land Development at the Northwest Corner of Highways 169 and 55
Representatives of Welsh Companies discussed with the Council their concept of a mixed-use
project for an 18-acre site located in the northwest quadrant of Highways 55 and 169, north and
west of the Waterford Plaza office buildings. The sketch indicates a 198-unit, market-rate rental
apartment building; three stories over one level of parking, and two, three-story, 30,000 square
foot office buildings. A transit hub would be incorporated into the development. The apartment
use would be a multi-family site, and rent would range from $700 to $1,500 per month. If
requested by the City, they would consider a portion of the units being affordable. They stated
that they have been marketing the site for approximately a year, and they would like to have the
apartments constructed in 2008. Proposed funding for this project would come from a pension
fund, which would have a 25-year hold on the property. They believe that the current retail area
on this site struggles due to there not being a housing component; therefore, the housing
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of October 25, 2005
Page 2 of 2
component is extremely important for the success of this site. They provided a sketch of the
appearance of the buildings.
Councilmember Willis asked if there is currently enough parking on site. The developers replied
there would be ample parking for both uses on site. There would be underground parking for the
apartments (one space per unit), plus an additional 300 parking spaces for the business use.
Councilmember Slavik stated she doesn’t support the housing component, and she feels that in
20 years, this wouldn’t be a plus for Plymouth.
Councilmembers Stein, Hewitt, and Black noted that there would be issues surrounding the
adjacent warehouses and loading, and the housing portion would be so isolated.
The developers stated that management is the key element for any type of housing, and it’s not
about the product and location, but about managing the development professionally.
Community Development Director Hurlburt asked what type of recreational opportunities would
be available for residents/families. The developers replied there would be an exercise facility
and outdoor pool. They stated that they doubt if families would be a major player in this type of
housing.
Mayor Johnson commented that the residential component could enhance redevelopment in the
area.
Councilmember Bildsoe agreed and stated a mixed-use development would be a good investment
in the area. Therefore, he supports the concept of this development.
The Council commented that they would like to see something on this site that would encourage
redevelopment in this area, especially the industrial buildings north on Highway 169.
Councilmember Stein stated perhaps the City needs to go through the planning process that was
established five years ago to determine if this redevelopment would fit this area.
Adjournment
Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 p.m.
Sandra R. Paulson, City Clerk
Proposed Minutes
Special Council Meeting
October 25, 2005
Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. in
Conference Room 2, of the Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Avenue North, on October 25,
2005.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Hewitt, Slavik, Stein, Bildsoe, Willis,
and Black.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Finance Director Hahn, Public Works Director Cote,
Park and Recreation Director Blank, Community Development Director Hurlburt, and City Clerk
Paulson.
Cable Legislative Issue
ING Land Development at the Northwest Corner of Highways 169 and 55
Adiournment
Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjourned at approximately p.m.
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk