HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 02-18-2003 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
February 18, 2003
Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. in
the Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Ave. N., on February 18, 2003.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Hewitt, Slavik, Bildsoe, Neset, Black,
and Stein.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Finance Director
Hahn, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Public
Works Director Faulkner, Police Chief Gerdes, Fire Chief Kline and Deputy City Clerk
Gulbrand.
Council Goals and Obiectives
City Manager Johnson gave an overview of the proposed agenda and process, and verified the
desired outcomes of the meeting. He recommended establishing a list of 5 to 10 top priority
goals. City Manager Johnson gave a brief status report on the following 2002 goals and
priorities.
Plymouth City Council 2002 Goals:
Implement Water Resources Plan and consider a storm water incentive plan
Enhance security at City facilities and conduct emergency operations exercise
Implement Traffic Safety Program
Acquire 10th playfreld site/open space
Monitor/implement measures to mitigate state budget cutbacks
Increase water supply capacity and consider drinking water taste/quality
improvements
Pursue affordable and life cycle housing opportunities
Study redevelopment of Highway 55/County Road 73 area, including possible
transit hub
Consider long-term operational plan for the Fire Department
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Special Meeting of February 18, 2003
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Projects for Emphasis:
Complete Hilde Performance Center and Millennium Garden
Finish lower level of Plymouth Creek Center
Consider second skate park and/or bike park
Plan and develop Mud Lake Park
Evaluate City snowplowing program
Install new software for utility billing, appraisal, police, web site
Implement new GASB 34 accounting standards
Develop and implement redistricting plan
Implement City Center streetscape plan for landscaping and monument signs
Transition to 800 MHz radio system
Update Subdivision Regulations
Improve parking situation at LifeTime Fitness/Ice Center
Mayor Johnson asked staff about the status of the monument signs for Highway 55 and
Plymouth Boulevard. Community Development Director Hurlburt reported on the project and
indicated that the project will begin in spring.
City Manager Johnson discussed the goals process and presented the following themes that staff
members identified:
Redevelopment
Water system improvements
Acquire Park and Open Space Land
Prepare for financial Independence
Public Safety (staffing, building, equipment0
Environmental initiatives, Green Community
Comprehensive Plan Update
The Council discussed and clarified their proposed goals for 2003-2004. The main topics of
discussion were Redevelopment, Public Safety, Financial, Parks/Open space, Traffic and City
Center.
The council discussed the issue of redevelopment and revitalizing areas in Plymouth.
Councilmember Stein suggested implementing a Business Council to assist in the redevelopment
of strip shopping malls, ex. The Four Seasons Mall. He felt that the businesses could provide
input as to what they would like to see done and understand that the City is supporting the
redevelopment.
Mayor Johnson is interested in collaborating with the school districts and private schools for
utilizing the land as playfields when the schools are not in operation.
Councilmber Hewitt requested staff to report on the status of the Traffic Calming Program.
Public Works Director Faulkner stated that his staff is currently working on 20-30 requests from
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Special Meeting of February 18, 2003
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various neighborhoods and agreed to supply Council with a quarterly report on the status of the
program.
Councilmember Slavik addressed pursuing senior housing opportunities. Community
Development Director Hurlburt stated that it is one of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority
goals in the strategic plan.
Councilmember Slavik asked City Manager Johnson when the City planned to do a City survey.
City Manager Johnson stated that the last survey was completed in 1999.
Councilmember Bildsoe reported on developing and promoting a technology corridor in
Plymouth.
Councilmember Black commented on redevelopment of the Four Seasons Mall. She stated that
she had a meeting with the manager/owner of the Mall and he was very interested in doing
something with the property. She has also been contacted by residents in the area who are
interested in revitalizing the area and would like to be involved in the planning process.
Community Development Director Hurlburt spoke about the current economic situation and the
amount of square footage that is available in the Ridgedale and Maple Grove areas. She stated
that Four Seasons is a classic neighborhood mall and these types of buildings are becoming
obsolete. She feels that there is an economic impetus behind having some sort of redevelopment
opportunities with vacant warehouses in the City.
A discussion took place on redevelopment and how the issues would be addressed by the
council, site specific or when opportunities arise. Community Development Director Hurlburt
suggested that the City could consider which areas could be economically right for
redevelopment. Research could be done to identify prime sites.
A discussion took place on the City Center and the surrounding area.
Councilmember Black reported on establishing a Green Communities program.
The Council took a break from 7:50 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Mayor Johnson addressed the council on doing a Comprehensive Plan update.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt that a
Comprehensive Plan Study or Comprehensive Plan Amendment Update for the Northwest
Plymouth area not be done this year and this would include no study sessions. A friendly
amendment was made by Councilmember Black to have no comprehensive plan amendment
west of Vicksburg, north of Schmidt. Councilmembers Hewitt, Stein, Black, Bildsoe and Neset
voted in favor; Johnson and Slavik voted no, the motion carried.
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Special Meeting of February 18, 2003
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The following goals and priorities were established by the City Council through a voting process:
Implement Public Safety Initiatives
o Staffing
o Building
o Equipment
o Training
o Homeland security issues
Prepare for Financial Independence
o Implement measures to mitigate state budget cutbacks
o Review staffing needs
o Consider funding for roads and infrastructure
Review City Center Plan and explore opportunities for additional housing or
mixed use projects in the area
Continue and evaluate Traffic Calming Program
Increase water supply capacity and consider drinking water taste/quality
improvements
Acquire 10th Playfield site and open space
Projects for Emphasis:
Conduct Citizen Survey
Partner with HRA on housing initiatives
Review finishing lower level of Plymouth Creek Center
Continue e -government initiatives
Consider new environmental initiatives
Continue to support opt -out transit and transit opportunities
Staff will prepare a resolution affirming the goals for consideration at the March 11 regular
meeting.
Schedule Future Studv Sessions
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt to add
Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan and Medicine Lake Storm Water Ponds to the March 4,
2003 study session. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
The councilmembers took action to move the March 4, 2003 study session to begin at 5:30.
City Manager Johnson requested the Brooklyn Park State Auditor's Report be added to the
March 11 study session.
Motion was made by Councilmember Stein, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt to add the
Brooklyn Park State Auditor's Report and related policies to the March 11, 2003 6:00 p.m. study
session. Councilmembers Johnson, Hewitt, Slavik, Stein, Bildsoe, and Neset voted in favor and
Councilmember Black abstained, the motion carried.
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Special Meeting of February 18, 2003
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Councilmember Stein asked about the status of the study session on the Street Reconstruction
Program. City Manager Johnson stated that the 2003 program has begun; this issue is dealing
with the long range funding. The consensus was to wait for budget and CIP timing for this issue.
Mayor Johnson addressed the issue of pond cleaning.
Motion was made by Councilmember Stein, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe to add the
pond cleaning options and policy for handling drainage concerns to the April 8, 2003 study
session at 5:30 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Councilmember Slavik asked for clarification on the topic of City Manager update. This item is
on the March 4, 2003 special council meeting agenda.
Motion was made by Councilmember Hewitt, and seconded by Councilmember Stein to add the
discussion of possibly establishing a Business Council and a Senior Council to the April 22,
2003 study session at 5:30 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Councilmember Stein asked if a Council Coordinating Representative should be added to the
Plymouth Foundation. This item will be added to the consent agenda at the regular council
meeting on February 25, 2003. Councilmember Stein expressed interest in serving in this role
for 2003.
Adjournment
Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 9:51 p.m.
Sue M. Gulbrand, Dep t3: City Clerk