HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 03-26-2002 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
March 26, 2002
A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 5:30
p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on March 26, 2002.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Hewitt, Black, Harstad, Johnson,
Slavik, and Stein.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Police Chief
Gerdes, Finance Director Hahn, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Public Works
Director Faulkner, Risk Management Coordinator Pemberton, Street Supervisor Smith, and City
Clerk Paulson.
Discuss Policy Relating to Snowplowing Damage
Risk Management Coordinator Pemberton discussed with the Council proposed changes to the
Snowplowing Policy for payment of damages to mailboxes. He explained that the current policy
provides for a payment of $25 if the mailbox is damaged by the force of the snow generated by
the snow removal equipment and a payment of $50 if the mailbox is damaged by direct contact
with the snow removal equipment. He noted that no payment is provided for damaged sprinkler
heads. He explained during the past several years, it has been difficult to settle claims within the
guidelines of the current policy as the costs for mailboxes have increased, and there have been a
few unusual situations that have required adjustments outside the normal policy guidelines. He
recommended that the amount for reimbursement for damage to mailboxes caused by the force
of snow generated by the snow removal equipment be increased from $25 to $50, and the
reimbursement for damage caused by direct contact be increased from $50 to $100. He
recommended that the policy remain unchanged for sprinkler heads.
A considerable amount of discussion was held on the placement of sprinkler heads. It was noted
that the sprinkler heads are located adjacent to the curb, which makes them very vulnerable to
damage. Street Supervisor Smith stated there have been approximately 25 complaints to the City
this year for damaged sprinkler heads. The cost to repair a damaged sprinkler head is
approximately $100.
Councilmember Johnson stated that property owners who have sprinkler systems are assisting in
regulating the use of water. Therefore, she suggested that since there are minimal occurrences,
the City pay for at least portion of the cost to repair a sprinkler head. She feels that the property
owners shouldn't be held responsible if they are damaged.
Councilmember Hewitt disagreed that property owners with sprinkler systems utilize less water.
She is also concerned that there could be a budget issue with the City paying for damaged
sprinkler heads, as more residents install the systems in their yards.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of March 26, 2002
Page 2 of 2
Councilmember Black agreed with Councilmember Hewitt and requested that the policy not be
changed for damaged sprinkler heads.. She stated there are maintenance costs and risks
associated with owning sprinkler systems. She indicated that the sprinkler heads are in the City's
right-of-way.
Councilmember Harstad agreed and stated when the sprinkler heads are located so close to the
curb, there will be mishaps.
Public Works Director Faulkner suggested that there be some type of marker/stake near the
sprinkler heads so the street department is aware of their locations.
Councilmember Harstad stated it should be the responsibility of the property owner if their
mailbox falls due to the snow.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Mayor Tierney, to direct staff to
prepare a resolution, that would incorporate the proposed language in the City's Snowplowing
Policy. With all members voting in favor but Slavik and Johnson, the motion carried.
Discuss Redistricting
City Clerk Paulson illustrated two possible redistricting plans (Plan 12 and Plan 14). A
discussion was held on possible revisions to the plans. The majority of the Council indicated that
Plan 14" seemed to be a very workable plan. The suggestion was made by Councilmember
Johnson to modify "Plan 14" by decreasing the proposed population in Ward 1 by adding it to
Ward 3.
Future Study Session Topics
Motion was made by Mayor Tierney. and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt, to add the
redistricting plans to the April 9 Study Session (the meeting would begin at 5:30 p.m.), add a
discussion on an accessory building ordinance to the April 16 Study Session following the Board
of Eaualization, and remove the ioint meetins with the School Districts from the nendinQ Study
Session list. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
There being no further discussion, Mayor Tierney adjourned the meet' at 6:40 p.m.
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk