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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 03-04-2003 SpecialAdopted Minutes Special Council Meeting March 4, 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 March 4, 2003. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Hewitt, Slavik, Bildsoe, Neset, Black, and Stein. ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Housing Manager Barnes, Water Resources Engineer Missaghi, Planning Manager Senness, City Engineer Quanbeck, Public Works Director Faulkner, Park and Recreation Director Blank, and City Clerk Paulson. Aquatic Management Vegetation Plan Water Resources Engineer Missaghi reported on the Aquatic Vegetation Management Group AVM). The group was compromised of representatives from the Department of Natural Resources, Three Rivers Park District, engineering and parks staff, City of Medicine Lake, Bassett Creek Watershed, Association of Medicine Lake Area Citizens (AMLAC), and Environmental Quality Committee (EQC) representatives. He explained this group studied long term and sustainable management techniques for Medicine Lake. He stated the objective was to develop a plan that would be balanced, cost effective, environmentally sound, flexible, and provide a long-term approach. A survey was sent to all property owners around Medicine Lake, and an excellent response was received. Lake use and management maps were made that identified three different areas. The areas included protection, shoreline restoration, and control areas. Protection areas are defined as those areas that are deemed to have a significant population of desirable native aquatic plants. These areas are to be protected from external impacts and undesirable plant communities. These areas would also require restoration and management techniques such as weed removal, controlling rough fish, and installing "Slow No Wake" buoys. He stated the shoreline restoration areas were identified as areas with potential for shoreline restoration projects. The AVM plan has established a detailed set of criteria for potential future restoration sites. He stated control areas were identified that have excessive undesirable aquatic plant growth that has significantly diminished one or more of the lake's recreational uses. These areas would be managed primarily through plant harvesting and chemical treatment. The purpose of controlling these areas is to provide recreation use and promote the lake's health. Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of March 4, 2003 Page 2 of 8 Teri Christian, member of AMLAC, noted that in the control areas, there are currently 10 permits for approximately 35 acres) that are controlled with chemicals, which only leaves approximately 25 acres that could be chemically treated. Water Resources Engineer Missaghi stated this work plan involves the Council appointing an AVM Group who would be responsible for implementing this plan as part of the approved Medicine Lake Watershed Implementation and Management Plan. The AVM members would serve a three-year term. The AVM Group would provide an annual work plan to the Environmental Quality Committee for their review and recommendations to the Council. Both the Medicine Lake Watershed Implementation and Management Plan and the AVM plan would be evaluated in 2006. By request of Councilmember Black, Water Resources Engineer Missaghi explained the permit process for the use of chemicals in the control areas. He stated permits would be reviewed by the AVM Group, but the Department of Natural Resources would approve the permits. A discussion was held on the restriction of certain activities and signage for the "Slow No Wake" buoys. Mayor Johnson and Councilmember Hewitt asked if notification has been sent to property owners on the proposed plan. Water Resources Engineer Missaghi replied no, but the EQC recommended that the Council consider the plan at a public meeting so that residents could provide their input. He added that all partners in this effort were requested to seek support from their council/board. He noted that the City of Medicine Lake is very supportive of the plan. Ms. Christian commented that this plan has been presented to AMLAC, and she read a letter of support from the association. Councilmember Black requested that each of the Councilmembers from the City of Medicine Lake receive a copy of the plan. Councilmember Stein suggested that notice of the proposed plan be sent to all property owners around the Medicine Lake so they are informed of the plan. Councilmember Hewitt also suggested that property owners be notified of the permit process for chemical treatment in the control areas. Ms. Christian stated the curly leaf pondweed is a huge problem, and it might be necessary to seek a Variance for the issuance of more permits than required, at least for the first year, in order to get the problem under control. Councilmember Bildsoe asked what would occur after 2006. EQC Commissioner Karen Chesebrough replied the plan would be reviewed and evaluated. Councilmember Slavik requested that at least one to two Councilmembers serve on the AVM Group. She stated there is an accountability issue with residents. Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of March 4, 2003 Page 3 of 8 Mayor Johnson stated that could be an option, or the Council could approve the AVM's Group recommendations on the permits before they are given to the Department of Natural Resources. The Council requested that the appointment of the AVM Group and approval of the Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan be on the March 25 Council agenda. Notice of the plan would be provided to all property owners around Medicine Lake. Medicine Lake Storm Water Ponds City Engineer Quanbeck stated staff has begun the process to construct two water quality ponds on the southeast side of Medicine Lake. This project was identified in the Medicine Lake Implementation and Management Plan. The plan included a series of recommendations to construct structural best management practices. The purpose is to reduce storm water runoff pollutants entering Medicine Lake. He stated the projects are also in the City's Capital Improvement Plan at a budgeted amount of $620,500. One pond would treat the runoff discharging into Medicine Lake through the City's East Medicine Lake Park, and the other pond would treat the runoff from East Medicine Lake Boulevard at Nathan Lane. Rich Brasch, from Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates discussed the BC -98 plan, which is a subwatershed that is approximately 530 acres in area, with approximately 370 acres of direct discharge into Medicine Lake without travelling through any significant ponds. He stated the runoff from the subwatershed discharges directly to Medicine Lake from two primary storm sewer inlets. The northern of the two inlets is a 48" diameter pipe running under Medicine Lake Boulevard northwest of Nathan Lane, and the southern inlet is a 30" diameter pipe running along 23`d Avenue and discharging to a lowland area to the west of Medicine Lake Boulevard. Areas that are drained are from Golden Valley, New Hope, Minnesota Department of Transportation Highway 169 right-of-way), and Plymouth. He discussed the three options to address this subwatershed. He stated with Option 1 they would be taking the water from 140 acres through 26`h Avenue north and diverting into a small pond, and then discharging that into a bigger pond to provide additional treatment. He stated Option 2 is similar to Option 1 except both ponds would be routed independently to the lake. With Option 3, there would be just one large pond closest to Medicine Lake with both pipes flowing into this pond. He noted that with Option 3, it would save the trees on the City -owned property to the north. Councilmember Bildsoe asked if a two -pond system is more effective. Rich Brasch replied that a one -pond system is 10%-15% less effective. With a two -pond system, the larger pond would do the majority of the phosphorous removal. Mayor Johnson and Councilmember Stein voiced their support for Option 3. Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of March 4, 2003 Page 4 of 8 Councilmember Black asked if the cities of New Hope and Golden Valley are considering any kind of treatment for their discharge before it enters Plymouth's system. City Engineer Quanbeck replied the options are very limited as everything is fully developed. Councilmember Bildsoe asked if the Council were to approve Option No. 3, and in the future if it would be necessary to change it to a two -pond system, would it be difficult to "retool" the system. City Engineer Quanbeck replied there would be minimal cost in the piping. Councilmember Bildsoe requested that there be notification to the other cities in this subwatershed notifying them of this project and asking them if they would like to offer any assistance. Councilmember Hewitt stated she would support Option No. 3 in order to retain the forested area. Ms. Christian and Ms. Chesebrough stated even though they are sympathetic to any potential loss of trees, they support a plan that would be of maximum benefit to the lake. Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, directed staff to proceed with Option No. 3 with additional pining for Option No. 1 if deemed necessary in the future. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Staff notified council that the City -owned property for Option No. 3 has been designated as open space according to the City's Comprehensive Plan. Therefore, a Comprehensive Plan amendment would be necessary. Motion was made by Mayor Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Stein, to reconsider the above motion. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. this site. Community Development Director Hurlburt noted that property owners within 750 feet of this site would be notified of the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment. Councilmember Stein stated he is concerned that the City maintains the aesthetics of this area. There being no further discussion, the Council voted on the amendment to the main motion. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. The Council voted on the amended main motion, and with all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Rich Brasch discussed the options for BC -107, which is a subwatershed of approximately 160 acres in area. He stated the majority of the runoff from this subwatershed discharges directly to Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of March 4, 2003 Page 5 of 8 Medicine Lake through a 54" arch pipe immediately adjacent to the swimming beach in East Medicine Lake Park. Runoff from this area is from Golden Valley, Minnesota Department of Transportation (Highway 169 right-of-way), and Plymouth. He explained the four options that have been identified. Councilmember Stein suggested that the pond be constructed in a portion of the park's parking lot rather than in the park itself. Councilmember Bildsoe stated with Option No's. 2 and 4, there could be difficulties in purchasing the Ryerson Steel property. Councilmember Black stated there could be advantages for Ryerson Steel such as a reduction in the City's surface water management fee and property taxes. Motion was made by Councilmember Stein, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt, torop ceed with Option 3, and investigate the feasibility of constructing the pond on the nark's parking lot and with additional piping that would allow the City to also pursue with Option No. 4 (if discussions with Ryerson Steel are favorable). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. The Council took a 10 -minute break. Subdivision Regulations Community Development Director Hurlburt discussed the draft of revised Subdivision Regulations. She explained there would be a public process for formal adoption of the revised regulations. This would include a hearing by the Planning Commission and review by other City boards and commissions. She discussed policy issues that were redefined. These areas include: 1. New classes of subdivision. 2. Administration of Variances. 3. Vacation of rights-of-way and easements. 4. Development contract/required improvements. 5. Design standards. 6. Tree preservation. A considerable amount of discussion was held on the new sidewalk provision, and the City Code requirements for the removal of snow from sidewalks. Councilmember Slavik stated she is hesitant on the proposed "natural preserves" language. She would also like to review the process for designating a "natural preserve." Councilmember Slavik discussed the topic of tree removal on private property prior to the submittal of development applications. Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of March 4, 2003 Page 6 of 8 Community Development Director Hurlburt stated this type of requirement would be very difficult to enforce, as there would be no tree inventory prior to removal. There would need to be standards if there were a permit procedure. Councilmember Black requested that there be a provision that refuse materials from construction sites be recycled. Community Development Director Hurlburt stated this type of provision would be an amendment to the City Code, rather than to the Subdivision Regulations. Councilmember Black asked if there could be requirements that streets are cleaned at least once a week with new subdivisions. Community Development Director Hurlburt stated the City's Engineering Guidelines would be reviewed (including the erosion control provisions) as well as what is contained in the proposed subdivision regulations. Motion was made by Councilmember Hewitt, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to authorize staff to begin the public process for amending the Subdivision Regulations. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. City Center Update A lengthy discussion was held on the City Center area including the history of the area, the Council and Housing and Redevelopment Authority goals, what types of businesses are currently there, and future expectations of the area. The majority of the Council felt that this area needed more retail, such as clothing and book stores. It was noted that the City Center area doesn't appear to be a destination point for residents. Community Development Director Hurlburt stated one of the major obstacles in attracting more retail in the City Center area is the city's close proximity to two major retail centers (Maple Grove and Ridgedale). Councilmember Bildsoe suggested there be mixed housing (condominiums and affordable apartments) in order to generate more pedestrian traffic in the area. Councilmember Stein stated perhaps the Cub and Carlson properties could be redeveloped, and then add mixed housing and retail uses. Community Development Director Hurlburt discussed the potential redevelopment of the Dana/Spicer building at the southwest intersection of Vicksburg Lane and Highway 55. She illustrated a number of preliminary sketches for redevelopment of the 26 acre -site that the owner is currently considering. The Council discussed its close proximity to the City Center area, and whether this property should remain industrial or be rezoned for commercial/retail use. If the property were to remain industrial, there would be no approvals necessary. It was noted that it's likely that the industrial use of the property would be more intense than when Dana/Spicer occupied the property. If the property were to be rezoned commercial/retail, there Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of March 4, 2003 Page 7 of 8 would need to be "big box" retail with or without residential units on the property to serve as buffer zones from the neighborhoods to the south and west. This would be due to the cost of the property as well as the cost to redevelop the property. The pros and cons were discussed of each use of the property. Community Development Director Hurlburt stated the developer of the property would like to offer the Council an opportunity to comment on what type of use they would like to see for this property. A discussion was held on possibly relocating Cub from the City Center area to the Dana/Spicer location, which would allow the opportunity to redevelop the Cub and the Carlson site in the City Center area. The department store Kohl's was also discussed, as to whether it could be located in the City Center area or the Dana/Spicer location. It was noted that there would be drastic changes with traffic patterns if the Dana/Spicer property were to be highly utilized as an industrial use or as a "big box" retail area. The use of the property would also affect the adjacent neighborhoods. The Council also noted that, at this time, they have no intention of extending Medina Road. Councilmembers Hewitt and Slavik were very hesitant to support any type of "big box" retail at the Dana/Spicer location. Their concerns were related to the impact that type of use would have on the adjacent neighborhoods with the traffic and noise. Councilmember Slavik asked how much discretion the Council has if considering the reguiding of the Dana/Spicer property. Community Development Director Hurlburt replied when one reguides property, there should be a specific use for the property planned. She stated the intensity of the use would be driven by economics. The less redevelopment that the City would allow, the less viable the project. She stated if this property would be redeveloped as industrial, the City's discretion would be very low, and no reguiding of the property would be required. Mayor Johnson commented that the adjacent neighborhoods might not prefer a retail use of the property, but the industrial use might not be as conducive to the neighborhood. Councilmember Bildsoe stated this property could complement the City Center area. Councilmember Neset stated an industrial use with a residential buffer would be acceptable to him. He doesn't view this property as part of the City Center area, but he would consider the relocation of Cub to this site. Mayor Johnson stated this is probably one of the last opportunities that the Council would have to assist in shaping the City Center area. Councilmember Stein suggested that the Council conducts a special meeting with the developer to consider options, sketch plans, review traffic concerns whether the property would be industrial or retail, and hear comments from the adjacent neighborhoods. The Council stated they would be willing to meet with the developer and review sketch plans for this property. Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of March 4, 2003 Page 8 of 8 Schedule Future Study Session Tonics The Council added to the pending Study Session list a meeting with the developer of the Dana/Spicer property and the expansion of the Police Department building. Update with the City Manager The Council received an update from the City Manager on various topics. Adiournment Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 11:05 p.m1 Sandra R. Paulson, City Clerkr