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