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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 06-11-2002 SpecialAdopted Minutes Special Council Meeting June 11, 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 June 11, 2002. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Hewitt, Harstad, Slavik, Stein and Black (arrived at 5:57 p.m.). STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Police Chief Gerdes, Public Works Director Faulkner, Street Supervisor Smith, Street Leadperson Newberger, Public Works Superintendent Vetsch, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Park and Recreation Director Blank, and City Clerk Paulson. Discuss Snowplowing Public Works Director Faulkner, Street Supervisor Smith, Public Works Superintendent Vetsch, and Street Leadperson Newberger discussed with the Council the current City Snowplowing Program. They noted that the snowplowing routes have evolved over several years as the City has grown and new streets are added to the City. There are currently 18 geographical areas/routes within the City. The northcentral portion of the City does not have a defined route number as it is a contract plowed area done by the City's largest contract snowplow company, Leuer Farms. They discussed with the Council the map included in their packets which outlined the priority streets and the plowing schedule for those streets. A discussion was held on suggestions for improving the City's snowplowing program which could include more'employees and equipment, shifting the emphasis from plowing the City's trail system to assisting with the plowing, of cul-de-sacs, and more definite attempts at educating the residents about the City's snowplowing efforts and seeking their cooperation in conjunction with the City's efforts. Councilmember Johnson asked when staff determines that it would be advantageous to add more employees and equipment. Public Works Director Faulkner replied staff feels the City is at a very strong advantage in contracting with Leuer Farms as they have a significant amount of equipment and employees. One concern is if the City hired additional staff for snowplowing efforts, what would their job duties be for the remainder of the year. City Manager Johnson stated staff has discussed utilizing additional employees for the pond maintenance if the Council decides that the City should be responsible for the maintenance of the ponds. Street Supervisor Smith added that the City would still be unable to plow all the cul-de-sacs if there was additional staff. Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of June 11, 2002 Page 2 of 3 Some of the concerns that have been heard from residents include the clearing of snow in the cul-de-sacs, mailbox damage, residents desiring that their street be plowed to the bare pavement, residents not wanting the snow piled in their yards, and the City plowing their driveway shut after they have cleared it prior to the plows coming through. Street Supervisor Smith stated employees are called in if there is a major snowfall on the weekend. However, there are occasions where not every route is filled. He also noted that there is currently only one piece of backup equipment for snowplowing. City Manager Johnson added that staff has considered similar shifts that the Minnesota Department of Transportation utilizes which are 12 hours on and 12 hours off. Staff noted that they are very thankful to have a Public Works building where all their equipment can be stored inside. They indicated that perhaps in the future, the City should consider replacing the storage area for its salt and sand in order to make that facility more functional. A great amount of discussion was held on the need for the City to improve its communication with residents on its snowplowing program. Methods to improve this area could include information on the City's web page, designating a certain number for residents to call (i.e. 509 -PLOW) that would be complete with a recording on off hours, and utilizing the City's newsletter. The Council thanked staff for their excellent job with the City's snowplowing program. Discuss Creating a Downtown Council The Council discussed whether they should provide a newsletter to downtown business owners on upcoming events such as the Music in Plymouth. It was noted that businesses already receive the City's newsletter and the Sun Sailor that highlight upcoming events. The suggestion was made by Councilmember Harstad to provide a monthly or bi-monthly calendar that would contain events, and the businesses could post this in an area for employees and management. Schedule Future Study Sessions There were no items added to the pending Study Session list nor any Study Sessions that were scheduled. Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of June 11, 2002 Page 3 of 3 Adiournment Motion was made by Mayor Tierney, and seconded by Councilmember Black to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 p.m. With all members voti g in favor, the m 'on carried. Sandra R. Paulson, City Clerk