HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 09-09-2003Adopted Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
September 9, 2003
Mayor Johnson called a Regular Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. in
the Council Chambers of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on September 9, 2003.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Black, Hewitt, Slavik, Bildsoe, Neset,
and Stein.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Fire Chief Kline,
Community Development Director Hurlburt, Police Chief Gerdes, Finance Director Hahn, Public
Works Director Faulkner, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Housing Program Manager
Barnes, Senior Planner Drill, City Attorney Scott, and Deputy City Clerk Gulbrand.
Plvmouth Forum
Terrie Christian, 9910 South Shore Drive, representing the Association of Medicine Lake Area
Citizens (AMLAC), reported on BC98, which is the wet detention pond to the north on Medicine
Lake. She stated that AMLAC had recently met with the City and had asked the City to consider
building two wet detention ponds. She also gave a history of BC107, which is the wet detention
pond at the East Beach site and is located next to the Ryerson Steel Company.
Don Maxwell, 2630 East Medicine Lake Blvd., representing the Association of Medicine Lake
Area Citizens (AMLAC), reported on the two pieces of land that Ms. Christian referred to and
stated that the City owns this property. He stated that AMLAC would like the City to use the
land for appropriate public purposes and the City should not allow the use of the land for private
purposes that are not a part of the easements against that property. He said this is currently used
as a parking area by Ryerson Steel.
Mayor Johnson stated that the City is working on the property lines and will follow-up with
AMLAC and interested citizens as the process moves forward.
Presentations and Public Information Announcements
4.01) Recognition of retiring firefighters Tony Scharlau and Dwan Elliott (Mayor
Johnson and Fire Chief Rick Kline)
Chief Kline and Mayor Johnson presented plaques to retiring firefighters Tony Scharlau and
Dwan Elliott and commended them on their years of service and the positive impact they had on
the community.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of September 9, 2003
Page 2 of 10
Mayor Johnson stated that City Manager Johnson has given official notice that his resignation
will be effective on Tuesday, October 14, 2003.
Approval of Agenda
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to
approve the agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Mayor Johnson stated that a letter had been received from Scott and Holly Martin, 615
Queensland Lane, requesting reconsideration of Street Reconstruction Project No. 4120. The
letter had addressed concerns from the August 26, 2003 agenda item 7.2.2 — 2004 Street
Reconstruction Plan for Districts 76 and 78 (4102).
Consent Agenda
Motion was made by Councilmember Slavik, and seconded by Councilmember Stein, to approve
the Consent Agenda, which included the following items:
6.01) Minutes from the Special Council Meeting of August 25 and the Regular Council
Meeting of August 26.
6.02) Resolution Approving Disbursements for the Period ending August 29, 2003 (Res2003-
379).
6.03) Approve 2002 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Annual
Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) and Notice of Annual Citizens' Participation
Meeting
6.04) Resolution Approving Conditional Use Permit to allow 60% office use in the I-2 (General
Industrial) Zoning District for property located at 2600 Fernbrook Lane North (2003086 —
Res2003-380).
6.05) Resolution Approving Interim Use Permit for excavation related to wetland mitigation
work near Rockford Road and Northwest Boulevard in Clifton E. French Regional Park
2003092 — Res2003-381).
6.06) Resolution Approving final payment for the 2002 Seal Coat Program (Res2003-382).
6.07) Resolution Approving plans and specifications and order advertisement for bids for Well
No. 14 (2027 — Res2003-3 83).
6.08) Resolution Approving agreement for transit convenience fares reimbursements with the
Metropolitan Council (Res2003-384).
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Regular Meeting of September 9, 2003
Page 3 of 10
6.09) Resolution Approving Lease agreement with School District 284 for use of voting
equipment (Res2003-385).
6.10) Resolution Approving Modification to Street Reconstruction Assessment Policy
Implementation for 2004 (Res2003-386).
6.11) Resolution Approving Street Reconstruction Program Petition Policy (Res2003-387).
6.12) Resolution Authorizing Payment of annual dues to the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce
Res2003-388).
6.13) Authorize the Selection of the Architect for the Public Safety Building Expansion Project
6.14) Resolution Approving the Architect for Third Ice Sheet (Res2003-389).
6.15) Resolution Approving encroachment agreement for retaining wall (Res2003-390).
Councilmember Slavik stated that there was a substitute resolution for 6. 10, which included the
following language:
If any of the project areas ordered by the City Council for reconstruction in 2004, if
delayed for any reason to a subsequent specific year, will be assessed based on 20% of
the total project cost.
Councilmember Black stated that she is offended that residents may think the City would not
honor the intent of their action to access 20%.
Councilmember Slavik stated that the language was changed because a resident had a concern
and wanted the language clarified. She stated that she didn't feel anyone thought the council
would go back on their word, the language was added for reassurance to the resident.
The motion carried to approve the Consent Agenda.
Public HearinLys
7.1) Assessment hearing on 2003 delinquent water, sewer, recycling, surface water fee and
street lighting service charges
Finance Director Hahn reported on the 2003 delinquent water, sewer, recycling, surface water
fee and street lighting service charges. He stated that all property owners had been notified and
publication had been put in the newspaper. He recommended opening the hearing.
Councilmember Slavik asked about the customer who is receiving $100 per month penalties
because the owner will not allow the inspectors to examine her sump pump. She wanted to know
if this will continue. Finance Director Halm said this will continue unless the owner allows the
city to inspect their sump pump to assure it is properly connected.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of September 9, 2003
Page 4 of 10
He stated that this home had previously passed inspection; but, due to part of a grant that was
received from the Metropolitan Council, the City is required to go back and check an additional
40 per year. The City has been in contact with the owner explaining the reason for the
inspection.
Councilmember Bildsoe asked if $114,000 is a similar amount as previous years. Finance
Director Hahn stated that it is slowly growing at a rate of approximately $10,000 per year.
Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing for testimony.
There being no one wishing to appear before the Council to give testimony, Mayor Johnson
declared the public hearing closed.
Motion was made by Councilmember Slavik, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt, to accept
a Resolution adopting assessments to the 2003 delinquent water, sewer, recycling, surface water
fee and street lighting service charges (Res2003-391). With all members voting in favor, the
motion carried.
General Business
8.1) Consider Comprehensive Plan Amendment to reguide property from IP (Planned
Industrial) to C (Commercial), and a PUD (Planned Unit Development) sketch plan. The
proposal would allow redevelopment of the Dana Spicer site located at 15905 State
Highway 55 with 260,800 square feet of retail commercial uses.
Senior Planner Drill reported on the request by CSM Corporation for commercial redevelopment
of the Dana -Spicer site which is located at the southwest corner of Highway 55 and Vicksburg
Lane. He presented an overview of the surrounding property and stated that the site is 28.7 acres
with industrial guiding and zoning. The existing structure is 213,000 square feet and half of the
site is undeveloped. He stated that the existing building is vacant with 20,000 square feet of
office space and 193,000 square feet of open production area.
Senior Planner Drill stated the applicant is requesting a comprehensive plan amendment to
reguide the Dana -Spicer site from industrial to commercial. The applicant is also requesting
review of a PUD (Planned Unit Development) sketch plan to allow a 260,800 square foot retail
commercial center on the site. Under the proposal, the existing 213,000 square foot industrial
building would be removed from the site. The sketch plan indicates a new 260,800 square foot
retail commercial development including the following structures:
Lowe's Home Improvement Store — 134,500 square foot building, and 27,000 square
foot Garden Center Enclosure
Kohl's Department Store — 86,000 square foot
Unnamed retail tenant (attached to Kohl's) —10,800 square foot
Unnamed retail tenant based on Walgreen's Pharmacy plan — 14,500 square foot
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of September 9, 2003
Page 5 of 10
Unnamed retail/restaurant building — 11,000 square foot
Unnamed restaurant — 4,000 square foot
Senior Planner Drill indicated that Lowe's Home Improvement has signed an agreement with the
developer to occupy the site and the applicant is presently negotiating an agreement with Kohl's.
Senior Planner Drill stated that a Planning Commission public hearing was held on August 6,
2003 on this matter. He gave an overview of the primary concerns that were raised by the
residents, which were traffic issues, land use and surface water. He stated that the City had
received correspondence from the residents and that is part of the public record.
Councilmember Slavik asked if the intersection improvements would be paid through Tax
Increment Financing (TIF). Senior Planner Drill replied yes.
Senior Planner Drill stated that staff is recommending approval of the reguiding from industrial
to commercial and that the Council provide feedback on the PUD sketch plan.
Councilmember Hewitt asked if there was another entrance to the development. Senior Planner
Drill stated there would be a south service drive.
Mayor Johnson asked if there are any other retailers that have made a commitment. Senior
Planner Drill said other than Lowe's, there are none at this time.
Mayor Johnson introduced the applicant John Gelderman.
Mr. Gelderman stated he represents CSM Corporation, which is a 26 year old real estate
company. The company is privately owned by Gary Holmes and they are located in 27 states.
Mr. Gelderman gave an overview of the past notable retail projects that CSM has overseen. He
stated that the Dana Spicer site is currently vacant and for sale and indicated that redevelopment
will happen at some point. He discussed the options of the site remaining as industrial or
changing to commercial. He stated that the industrial value of the site has been appraised at $8.8
million. He believes that the site is better suited for retail because it is at a high visibility comer,
located at an existing retail hub, good access from major roads, solid traffic counts and is
centrally located in the community. Mr. Gelderman reported on the three types of retail:
Grocery Anchored Center, Lifestyle Centers and Shopping center with larger retailers. He
reported on the interests of various tenants for the site.
Mayor Johnson asked if NURP ponds would be required if the site would remain industrial. Mr.
Gelderman replied yes.
A brief discussion took place on the surrounding street improvements that would be needed.
Mr. Gelderman introduced Kathy Anderson of KKE Architects.
Ms. Anderson stated she has worked on several retail projects in the City Center area and feels
the Dana -Spicer site would be a great opportunity. She reviewed the various site plan options
that Mr. Gelderman had mentioned.
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Regular Meeting of September 9, 2003
Page 6 of 10
Councilmember Black asked how a pedestrian would get from Lowe's to the corner of Highway
55. Ms. Anderson stated that there are pedestrian walkways incorporated throughout the site and
discussed the projected berming and walking paths of the project.
Mayor Johnson asked if the court yard areas with restaurants and small shops are being well
received. Ms. Anderson replied yes and gave examples of other areas that have this type of
setting. She also reviewed other architectural projects that would tie into the City Center area.
Mr. Gelderman discussed with the council the various site plan options, including office space
and parking issues.
Mayor Johnson asked if there was difficulty gaining interest from retailers because of
Plymouth's position between Maple Grove and Ridgedale. Mr. Gelderman discussed the retail
synergies and feels that more retail does not hurt existing competition.
Councilmember Neset asked if CSM has done a similar development like this and will there be
difficulty gaining retailers. Mr. Gelderman stated that Lowe's is a great anchor for the center
and there is no issue on filling up the site with other retailers. Councilmember Neset expressed
his concern that there are not more larger retailers interested in this site.
Councilmember Hewitt asked what would prevent Wal-Mart from going in on this site if it is
zoned commercial. Mr. Gelderman stated that the Planned Unit Development (PUD) would be
written to limit the uses of the site. City Attorney Scott agreed this could be done.
Motion was made by Councilmember Hewitt, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik to deny a
land use guide plan amendment for CSM Corporation for property located at the southwest
corner of Hiahway 55 and Vicksburg Lane (2003076 — Res2003-392).
Councilmember Hewitt stated that the main reason for her denial is due to traffic and economics.
Councilmember Slavik stated that she supports taking Medina Road off of the Transportation
Plan. She stated that she has concerns that there are no tenants in place and the traffic is an issue.
She does not support the development.
Councilmember Neset stated he would be supporting the motion. He suggested keeping the site
industrial to create jobs.
Councilmember Stein stated that he will not support the motion. He suggested tabling the
motion to allow the developer to come back with proposed tenants.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated that this is a key site in the City of Plymouth, and he would like
to see a mixed development.
Councilmember Black feels that an opportunity will be missed for any improvements to the road.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of September 9, 2003
Page 7of10
Mayor Johnson agreed that this is a key site to the City of Plymouth and she supports some kind
of redevelopment on the site and is not opposed to using TIF. She will support the motion.
Mayor Johnson called the question and Councilmember Slavik seconded. Councilmembers
Hewitt, Slavik, Neset, Bildsoe and Johnson voted in favor; Stein and Black voted no.
The council voted on the main motion. Councilmembers Hewitt, Slavik, Neset, Bildsoe and
Johnson voted in favor; Stein and Black voted no. The motion carried.
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt to direct
staff to initiate the process to take Medina Road off the Comprehensive Plan.
Cormcilmember Black stated she will support this motion.
Mayor Johnson stated she will support this motion.
Councilmember Stein stated that he is not against taking Medina Road off of the Comprehensive
Plan; but, due to budget constraints he does not feel this is an appropriate time.
The council voted on the motion to direct staff to begin the public process to remove Medina
Road, the section between Vicksburg and Dunkirk, off of the transportation element of the
Comprehensive Plan. Councilmembers Hewitt, Slavik, Bildsoe, Black and Johnson voted in
favor; Neset and Stein voted no. The motion carried.
The Council took a ten-minute break.
8.2) Consider authorizing Corridor Study for Vicksburg Lane
Public Works Director Faulkner reported on the proposal to conduct a transportation study for
the Vicksburg Lane corridor. He stated that Vicksburg Lane is an important north -south corridor
through the City of Plymouth. The City's traffic consultant, SRF Consulting Group, prepared a
proposal consisting of two parts. The first examines the operational and safety issues along
Vicksburg Lane between Highway 55 and County Road 6. The second part of the study will
include a system -level review of Vicksburg Lane from County Road 47 to Gleason Lake Road.
He stated that this study will assess long-term roadway improvements for the entire corridor of
Vicksburg lane based on long-range forecast volumes. The total cost of this study is estimated to
be $14,800.
Councilmember Hewitt asked about item #7 and if the existing roadway would be turned into
five -lanes or would it be expanded. Public Works Director Faulkner stated that it would have to
be expanded because there is not enough width.
Councilmember Bildsoe asked what the timing is on this. Public Works Director Faulkner stated
that it would be completed in 6 to 8 weeks.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of September 9, 2003
Page 8 of 10
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt to adopt
the resolution requesting authorization of a corridor study for Vicksburg Lane from County Road
47 to Gleason Lake Road (Res2003-393).
Councilmember Black stated that some residents feel that a three lane design may be an interim
solution. She stated that based on the status of Schmidt Lake Road, the best solution would be
item #7, which is a five -lane roadway. She would like it if they would consider the longer wait
time to get out on the roadway once a lane is lost in either direction. Public Works Director
Faulkner agreed that this is an important item.
City Manager Johnson stated that a motion was made on Medina Road directing staff to initiate a
process to take it off of the plan. He requested clarification from the council of the assumptions
for the Vicksburg corridor study.
Councilmember Black asked if we are making the assumption that Medina Road will not be
going in and will be removed from the Comprehensive Plan, are we going to be able to do the
study process to look at how the traffic will reroute. Public Works Director Faulkner replied that
it will need to be studied both ways.
Councilmember Bildsoe feels this is a very positive way to reduce the speed on Vicksburg Lane.
Jim Willis, 16511 26th Avenue North, spoke about the traffic projections and traffic volumes on
Vicksburg Lane. He suggested that the consultants and staff revisit the projections throughout
the corridor. He stated that if Medina Road was to be considered for elimination, the study
should include projections with and without the road connection.
Motion was made by Councilmember Stein to table the study until a final cost of the proiect is
available. Motion died for lack of a second.
There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.3) Approve Preliminary 2004 Budgets, Tax Levies, and set Truth in Taxation dates
City Manager Johnson reviewed the proposed 2004 budget for the City of Plymouth. He stated
that the council has held two budget study sessions on August 25 and September 2 and a third is
scheduled for September 30.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt, to
approve the Preliminary 2004 Budgets, Tax Levies, and Set Truth in Taxation dates (Res2003-
394, Res2003-394 and Res2003-396). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Mayor Johnson commended staff, councilmembers and citizens who have been part of this
process.
Councilmember Bildsoe mentioned that four police officers and one full-time firefighter will be
added to the City. He stated that public safety is the top priority in the City.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of September 9, 2003
Page 9 of 10
8.4) Select consultant for City Manager selection process
Human Resource Manager Sobania stated that at the City Council meeting of August 19, the City
Council directed staff to collect information from several search firms. The firms were asked to
provide a firm biography, the process to be used to select a City Manager and approximate cost.
Based on this information each of the council members had ranked the seven firms and the top
three firms would be interviewed.
Assistant City Manager Ahrens stated that there is a special council meeting scheduled for
September 30 at 6:00 p.m. It was agreed that the interviews would be added to this meeting as
the first agenda item.
While the ratings were being calculated, Mayor Johnson moved to 8.5 with no objection.
8.5) Appoint citizen representative to I-394 Commission
Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black to
appoint Anne Naumann as the citizen representative and Georgann Bestler Wenish as the
alternate to the I-394 Commission (Res2003-397). With all members voting in favor, the motion
carried.
Councilmember Slavik suspended the rule and announcements were made.
Announcements
Councilmember Slavik announced the Park & Recreation Advisory Commission meeting has a
public meeting to discuss a potential tobacco free ordinance for the park system. The meeting
will take place on September 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Councilmember Hewitt announced the Plymouth Human Rights Commission is co -sponsoring an
event with the Plymouth Library. The event will be on September 20 at Plymouth Creek Center
from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will be presented in Spanish with art, story -telling and
dancing.
Councilmember Bildsoe announced that he is hosting a Plymouth forum on October 2 at
Plymouth Creek Center at 7:00 p.m. State Senator David Gaither will be speaking and there will
be discussions on issues in Plymouth and council activities.
Councilmember Slavik announced the l la' annual Plymouth Autumn Arts Fair, which will be on
September 13, 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. at Parkers Lake Park.
Councilmember Black announced the Fall Special Collection on September 20 at the Public
Works Garage. Information is available on the website and in the Plymouth News
Environmental Extra section.
Adopted Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of September 9, 2003
Page 10 of 10
Mayor Johnson called a five-minute recess.
Mayor Johnson resumed the meeting with item 8.4.
Human Resource Manager Sobania stated that the top three ranking firms are Springsted,
Personnel Decisions and Felling.
Councilmember Black stated that Felling had a low fee; but, they have no public sector
experience.
Mayor Johnson stated that she had a recommendation that they were very good and was
interested in another point of view.
Councilmember Stein stated that he is also concerned with Felling because they have no
government experience.
Motion was made by Councilmember Stein, and seconded by Councilmember Neset to interview
the top four firms, Springsted, Personnel Decisions, Felling and Brimeyer. Councilmembers
Hewitt, Stein, Black and Neset voted in favor; Slavik, Bildsoe and Johnson voted no, the motion
carried.
Motion was made by Mayor Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik to amend the start
time of the September 30 meeting to 5:30 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion
carried.
Reports and Staff Recommendations
There were no Reports and Staff Recommendations).
Adiournment
Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 10:27 p.m.
Sue M. Gulbrand, De)uty City Clerk