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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 02-25-2003 SpecialAdopted Minutes Special Council Meeting February 25, 2003 Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on February 25, 2003. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Neset, Hewitt, Slavik, Bildsoe, 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, Police Chief Gerdes, Public Works Director Faulkner, Ice Arena Manager Abel, and City Clerk Paulson. Discussion on Request for Third Sheet of Ice at Ice Center Dave Sorenson, from the Wayzata Hockey Association, presented their request for a third sheet of ice at the Ice Center. He indicated that there is a demand for another sheet of ice due to the growth in this sport. Their association serves primarily Plymouth residents, but the Robbinsdale School district is also in support of their efforts. He explained the youth programs are divided by the high school districting. He stressed that their association supports a third sheet of ice and would commit to fundraising for that purpose. He stated their constituents desire another sheet of ice in a central location maintain the standard that has been established in Plymouth. Greg Gibson, from the Wayzata Hockey Association, added that one of their goals is to have enough facilities to keep more youth active in the sport—not just the elite players. He agreed with Mr. Sorenson that there is a tremendous growth with this sport, and they have had to curtail the girls' program due to the limited facilities. By adding a third sheet of ice, it would provide an additional practice facility during the week, and they would be able to increase the number of tournaments per year from nine to 12 as well as expand their clinics. Currently, the youth must be five years old in order to participate, but they would like to add a mini mite program similar to Orono's. One of their biggest concerns is the travel time for the youth to the hockey facilities, and the amount of time kids have to be away from home. Dan Frederick, from Providence Academy, stated parents who have children enrolled in their school are requesting hockey. Their students do need to have more programs available to them. He stated it's difficult to create a hockey program when the only hours that could be available to them would be before school and an hour here or there every few weeks. He stated they have been very successful with their enrollment, and by next year, the school should be half occupied full enrollment would be approximately 952 to 1,000 students). Park and Recreation Director Blank stated the goal is that the third sheet of ice would be self- supporting. Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of February 25, 2003 Page 2 of 4 Councilmember Black stated she is very supportive of the request; however, there are issues that would need to be addressed, such as additional traffic to the adjacent neighborhood, parking, and avoiding any impact to the wetland located east of the Ice Center. Mayor Johnson asked why New Hope's ice facility isn't fully iced year around. Park and Recreation Director Blank replied he is unsure why they only use the facility for a "typical" hockey season when Plymouth utilizes their facility year around. Councilmember Bildsoe stated he can appreciate the interest for a third sheet of ice, but is concerned about any financial implications the City could experience due to the State's budget problems. Therefore, at this time, he would be very reluctant to make a commitment of this size. In addition, there is a perception by residents on how the City is spending their funds due to these difficult economic times. In addition, after reviewing the sketches of the proposed facility, he is uncomfortable in how the third sheet of ice would be incorporated with the existing facility as well as the flow of traffic in this area. Councilmember Hewitt echoed Councilmember Bildsoe, and stated that there are residents who are concerned that a third sheet of ice isn't currently a basic need of the City. She stated when the City previously considered a skatepark at this location, there were many concerns from the adjacent neighborhood. She stated the timing isn't the best for a project of this size. Councilmember Stein agreed that financing is an issue, but if the funds were available, it would be acceptable to him. He agreed that the parking and wetland issues would also need to be addressed. If these items were all addressed, he would support the project, as it would be an asset to the City. He suggested that there be more common space in the new arena. Councilmember Slavik stated she is concerned about financing the project as the State's budget problems could have a significant impact on the City. She stated she is also concerned about the parking issues. Councilmember Neset stated he could support a third sheet of ice. However, he also shares the concerns related to parking, traffic, and impacts to the wetland. He stated a third sheet of ice should be self-supporting, but what if it isn't? Mayor Johnson stated there are other significant park projects that the Council has been considering, which include finishing the lower level of the Plymouth Creek Center, and acquiring land for a 10`h playfield. She is concerned about the perception from constituents, as well as issues relating to the location of the proposed third sheet of ice. Mr. Sorenson stated this type of discussion also occurred in 1994 when planning occurred for the Ice Center. He stated there is never a good time to construct a facility, but the Council needs to provide leadership. He stressed their association would provide a commitment to the City to make sure that the third sheet of ice would be fully utilized. He agreed that the traffic issues would need to be reviewed further. He also shares the concern of avoiding any impact to the wetland. Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of February 25, 2003 Page 3 of 4 Mr. Frederick stated it was very difficult for Providence Academy to receive bids for construction of their school a few years ago. Currently, they are in the second construction phase for their school, and there is a lot of interest from contractors due to the economy. Therefore, he suggested that the Council take advantage of the current competitive bidding situation and proceed sooner rather than later in order to save construction costs. Greg, also from Providence Academy, stated there are 12 youth in five of the eight homes on the cul-de-sac in his neighborhood (Autumn Hills), that play hockey. He stated there is a significant demand for ice time. He noted that the Ice Arena is a beautiful facility, and he requested the Council to add a third sheet of ice to make it even a better facility. Mayor Johnson stated Providence Academy originally considered constructing an arena on their site. Mr. Frederick agreed that the original plans did include an ice arena. However, he is unsure if there is currently ample space on their site. They would've planned the area differently if staff would have allowed them to construct an ice sheet. Councilmember Black stated her biggest financial concern is if other projects may have to be deferred due to the construction of a third sheet of ice. She stated acquiring the land for the 10`h playfield shouldn't be deferred as property values keep increasing. Mayor Johnson stated if the Council were to conduct a referendum on this issue, it would be by mail ballot unless it could be placed on a General Election ballot (even years only). A mail ballot election could cost approximately $60,000. The Council requested that staff provide a report on the following issues involving a third sheet of ice: 1. Financial implications. 2. Parking concerns. 3. Traffic flow patterns. 4. Impact to adjacent wetland. 5. Referendum. 6. Other possible users that could assist in sharing the cost (business community, Acceleration Minnesota, etc.). Mayor Johnson and Councilmember Black suggested that the Wayzata Hockey Association and Providence Academy meet with the adjacent neighborhood to discuss traffic, parking, and noise concerns. Councilmember Bildsoe suggested that the Council meet again with the Wayzata Hockey Association and Providence Academy to discuss the issues that are non-financial. Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of February 25, 2003 Page 4 of 4 Adiournment Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m., aX4 '64h&) Sandra R. Paulson, City Clerk