HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 12-12-2005 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Joint Council/Planning Commission Meeting
December 12, 2005
Mayor Johnson called a Joint Council/Planning Commission Meeting to order at 7:05
p.m. in the Black Box Theater, Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Avenue North, on
December 12, 2005.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Bildsoe, Hewitt, Slavik, Stein,
and Black.
ABSENT: Councilmember Willis.
PLANNING COMMISSION PRESENT: Chair Weir, Commissioners Musliner, and
Holmes.
ABSENT: Commissioners Franke Wilson, Clyman, Anderson, and Murdock.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Community Development Director Hurlburt,
City Engineer Quanbeck, Planning Manager Senness, and City Clerk Paulson.
Also Present: Dean Johnson, Land Use Planner/Consultant.
Mayor Johnson explained that this evening's meeting would be a listening session format
for residents to comment on the Land Use Plan for the Northwest Plymouth area.
Community Development Director Hurlburt provided an overview of the Comprehensive
Update. She explained that the last plan update was in 2000 for the years 2000-2020, and
the new plan would go forward to 2030. State law requires an update every 10 years, and
the next update is due in 2008. She noted that the plan must take into consideration the
Metropolitan Council's forecasts for growth in the area.
Robert Fernelius, 5220 Larch Lane North, discussed Lundgren's 200 -acre development at.
County Road 47 and Vicksburg Lane. He commented that a two acre park for this
development seems rather small for that large of a development. He stated Northwest
Plymouth is so beautiful that it should remain untouched and considered for preservation.
He stated that once the area is urbanized, it's gone forever.
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated the Lundgren development isn't in the
planning area, and she noted that the actual acreage dedicated to the City is 26 acres of
public land to be used for trails and parks. In addition, there would be open space and
park area that would be owned privately by the homeowners association.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of December 12, 2005
Page 2 of 5
Steve Weld, 5605 Juneau Lane, stated according to the City plans, the proposed sewer
and water lines for Northwest Plymouth appear to be running through his home. He
asked what the impact would be to him if this would be the case. Community
Development Director Hurlburt replied the location of the water and sewer lines on the
City's maps are very general, and those plans are refined when the land is actually
developed. She assured him that the lines wouldn't go through his current home.
Paul Hetchler, 5855 Dunkirk Lane, stated they have horses and barns on their property,
and they don't want to lose that. He stated they realize that growth and development is
inevitable, and they knew that when they purchased their property 30 years ago.
However, they don't want to be forced off their property either. through a tax or an
assessment. He indicated that they have no interest in selling their property -to any
developer now or in the future. He noted that during the time that he has owned his
property, he has served on the City's Planning Commission, paid for a number of school
bond issues, assessments, etc. He stated they have paid for the infrastructure items that
are needed for the density population that currently exists in the area. He stated he
realizes that there are property owners who are at a certain stage in their lives where they
desire to sell their properties. Those people that sell their properties for redevelopment
also leave the debt of the infrastructure development to those residents that stay. There
would be "mega dollars" spent on the development of infrastructure based on people
selling bigger parcels of land, and higher density levels requiring wider roads.
Pat Murray, 5014 Kingsview Lane, representing Metropolitan Interfaith Council on
Affordable Housing, emphasized the need to provide diverse housing opportunities for
everyone, maximize and create opportunities for life cycle housing, and create diversity
within developments as that contributes to employment opportunities. He stated
Plymouth needs to be a vibrant community for young adults. He noted that the market
place needs the City's leadership to strike a balance with these above points.
Leonard Luedke, 17910 County Road 47, stated the Metropolitan Council forecasts an
additional 2,500 homes in the community between 2010 and 2020 and to complete urban
development by 2030. He suggested that a mailing/survey be sent to all landowners in
both planning areas to see if their properties would be available for development during
in 2010-2020. He has polled some of the property owners, and he illustrated the parcels
that would be available for redevelopment based on his contacts. He stated the majority
of this property is currently located along existing thoroughfares and proposed water and
sewer lines. He stated this process doesn't need to be so complicated, and the City
should allow those property owners who want to urbanize to do so. He noted that many
people think that when housing goes in, the land is automatically destroyed. He stated
any urbanized area has more trees than any farmfield he has ever seen, and there
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of December 12, 2005
Page 3 of 5
wouldn't be ditches full of glass and weeds. He stated that rural settings don't belong in
a city.
Judy Luedke, 17910 County Road 47, stated there are only 15 farm places left in
Plymouth. She stated she supports developing Planning Area 2. Any property owner
who has farmland who desires to develop their property should be allowed to. She stated
their property is classified as a farm, but they would like to be able to sell their property
for redevelopment as properties around them have developed. She indicated that the City
should be glad that there are property owners desiring to sell their properties. She
believes that withholding the land has increased the price of land and housing. She noted
that there are a lot of new homes in the City being constructed in older sections of the
City; however, that changes the character of the old neighborhood. This makes the new
housing incompatible which is just as incompatible as her farmland in the City. She
noted the developments that are occurring in Corcoran and Maple Grove.
Norma Padrnos-Usset, 5731 Juneau Lane, spoke of the survey that she completed with
property owners from Planning Area 1. She stated residents desire to keep the area in its
current state and to slow the growth rate. She noted the impact growth has had on their
area in terms of traffic. She stated at the Joint City Council/Planning Commission
meeting on November 30, the citywide land use goals and policies were reviewed. Goal
No. 1, which addresses land use, states "Protect the existing rural character of the land
not planned for urban development before 2020 (2030)." She stated this is a
commendable goal of the City, but it appears that there might need to be additional steps
taken by the City to enforce this. She suggested that the City establish the
Comprehensive Plan with 10 -year increments of growth. Sewer and water systems
would be constructed to reflect the plan in 10 -year increments. As time would progress,
City staff would not allow development outside this area unless there was documented
proof near the end of the 10 years (years nine and 10) that the City wouldn't meet the
growth required by the Metropolitan Council. She also recommended that the City keep
the area rural until the 2020-2030 planning interval. When development would occur,
hopefully it would be low density (one to two houses per acre), and the natural features of
the area would be safeguarded. This would meet the desires of the majority of the
residents and give the City time to address the worsening traffic congestion on Vicksburg
Lane, County Road 47, and I-494 underpass on Schmidt Lake Road.
Kim Vohs, Housing Director with Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners, stated
they work with the City in trying to develop affordable housing, and they provide
approximately 700 families per year with housing assistance. He stated the increased
property costs are definitely an obstacle for affordable housing. He requested that in
certain areas of the planning areas, there be the development of some dense areas. Open
space and dense uses are compatible with smaller dense areas and allowing open space.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of December 12, 2005
Page 4 of 5
He stated their desire to be a partner with the City during the planning and development
stages of these areas, and he encouraged the Council to include the concept of
designating a certain percentage of a housing development as affordable housing.
Reggie Cammon, representing Speak the Word Church International, stated they own a
large parcel of land on Highway 101 just south of County Road 47. He stated they are
very adamant in partnering with the City in the process of developing Northwest
Plymouth. He spoke of their plans to construct their international headquarters on the
property they own which is a little over 120 acres. He stated they are good stewards of
the land, and they have spent more than $400,000 on the present berm, which includes
the planting of over 280 trees and shrubs. They are striving to retain the rural setting
appearance on the perimeters of their property. They have encumbered their land with
the sewer system in order to save many trees on the southern side of their property. He
noted that they have tried to accommodate the City's proposed trail, and they are
committed to protecting the creek due to damages in the sewer system. He stated they
continue to pay property taxes on the land they own even though they have tax exempt
status. He stated they are currently working on their plans, and they won't be completed
until 2006. He stressed the importance of allowing their church to have space so that
they can exist in areas that carry out the mission of their church, which is to assist people
with experiencing and enjoying life, teaching people how to live responsibly, and
equipping people to live better lives.
Heather Huseby-Dawson, also representing Speak the Word Church International,
reiterated Mr. Cammon's comments.
Tammy Janousek, 5630 Dunkirk Lane, stated she is very concerned that the development
in Plymouth might be moving too slow in comparison to the Corcoran and Maple Grove
areas. She noted the increased volumes of traffic on County Road 47 and Vicksburg
Lane, which decreases the rural flavor of the area. She stated with the City phasing
development, it only creates problems, as the City isn't making improvements to keep
pace with the other developments adjacent to the City (i.e. Corcoran and Maple Grove
areas). She stated there aren't sufficient funds for infrastructure improvements until the
developments take place. The cap on the limited market value would be lifted on
properties in 2008, which could force property owners to sell their properties due to the
increase in taxes. She stated if the City doesn't allow development at a decent rate, the
City is going to be in trouble. She cautioned the Council that it's not just about the
assessments, but increased traffic in Plymouth is coming from other communities that are
developing.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of December 12, 2005
Page 5 of 5
Mayor Johnson requested that staff provide a future report to the Council on what would
occur with the property taxes in Northwest Plymouth when the cap on the limited market
value is lifted in 2008.
Paul Wardell, 16395 County Road 47, stated there are many diverse values in the
community. He summarized the differences between those people who desire to sell their
properties for redevelopment and those who desire not to. He stated the Council needs to
seriously consider the future of the two planning.areas.. The question for the Council is
how to preserve the areas and honor the values that are in place. He stated the Northwest
Plymouth area would always be beautiful. He requested the Council to think of ways in
which they could honor the opinions of the residents. He noted there needs to be
dialogue in the community, so whatever decisions are made are less shocking for
residents.
Bill Deziel, resident, thanked the Council and Planning. Commission for all the work they
have done. He rioted that developments start because. of people, and they need a place to
live.
Don Peterson, resident, echoed Mr. Deziel's comments.
The Council thanked residents for attending this listening session. Mayor Johnson noted
that there would future join workshops scheduled during the month of March 2006.
Adiournment
Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:40 p.m.
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk