HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 04-22-2003 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
April 22, 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 April 22, 2003.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councihnembers Hewitt, Slavik, Black (arrived at 5:50
p.m.), Bildsoe (arrived at 5:50 p.m.), Neset, and Stein.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Senior Coordinator Mittlestaedt, Finance Director
Hahn, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Park and Recreation Director Blank, and
City Clerk Paulson.
Senior Council
City Manager Johnson discussed with the Council general comments contained in his staff report
on establishing a Senior Council. He stated that he recently met with the leadership of the
current Senior Council. He stated this group has been in existence for approximately 13 years,
and he provided copies of their By -Laws and Mission Statement. He indicated there is a lot of
interest in enhancing communication with the Council, but there were concerns that a formal
senior commission could duplicate the current Senior Council. However, the Senior Council
supports appointing a Council liaison to the existing Senior Council, inviting the existing Senior
Council to present updates and reports to the Council several times per year, sharing minutes,
newsletters, agendas, etc. on a regular basis with the current Senior Council, and creating a
senior advisory council or task force as a subgroup to the Park and Recreation Advisory
Commission.
Councilmember Hewitt noted that the senior population has increased, and she asked if there is
an outreach mechanism to the senior citizens. Senior Coordinator Mittlestaedt replied there is
currently a newsletter published every other month as well as the Park Department's recreation
booklet. However, they welcome additional ideas.
The Council suggested that a liaison from the Senior Council provide an update to the Council
on a quarterly or semi annual basis, and the Council would appoint a Council Coordinating
Representative to attend the meetings of the Senior Council that are every other month.
Councilmember Hewitt volunteered to attend the next Senior Council meeting on May 12.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt to have
the Council rotate the Council Coordinating Representative to the Senior Council for the
remainder of the year. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of April 22, 2003
Page 2 of 3
Business Council
The Council discussed whether they should establish a Business Council. City Manager Johnson
stated a couple of items that the Council should consider are there business people who would be
willing to serve on a commission, and what projects would they be responsible for. He noted
that there could be an issue with staffing the commission if the intent is to create a new initiative.
He stated there could be alternatives for forming a formal business council such as allowing
business people who are not residents to serve on existing commissions, creating a business task
force that would be a subgroup of an existing commission or agency, working more closely with
a TwinWest group which is showing recent interest in business retention activities, and visiting
and touring more area businesses.
Councilmember Bildsoe noted that TwinWest is in the process of developing an economic
initiative to assist cities with their economic development needs. He suggested that there be a
meeting with TwinWest to obtain their ideas and then report back to the Council.
Councilmember Hewitt stated that Dave Lindahl, Economic Development Manager with the City
of Eden Prairie, has been extremely effective in their community by meeting with businesses.
She suggested that staff contact Mr. Lindall to discuss their program.
Councilmember Bildsoe suggested that the Council visit a Plymouth business once every quarter.
He stated the small to medium sized businesses would probably be the most interested.
Community Development Director Hurlburt suggested that the Council contact Susan
Henderson, from the City's Housing and Redevelopment Authority, as they previously visited
City businesses.
City Manager Johnson stated staff would prepare a report for a future Study Session that would
include a list of businesses that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority previously visited,
and discussions with TwinWest and Dave Lindall from Eden Prairie. He suggested that perhaps
a Study Session could be scheduled in July.
Councilmember Hewitt suggested that the Council not meet with any business until there is a
plan in place.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember direct staff to
prepare a report for a future Study Session as indicated above by City Manager Johnson. With
all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Schedule Future Study Sessions
No topics were added to the future Study Session list nor were there any Study Sessions
scheduled.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of April 22, 2003
Page 3 of 3
Adiournment
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to adjourn
the meeting at 6:10 ]2.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
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s'andra R. Paulson, City Clerk