HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 08-13-2002 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
August 13, 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 August 13,
2002.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Hewitt, Harstad, Black,
Johnson, and Stein.
ABSENT: Councilmember Slavik.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Park and
Recreation Director Blank, Police Chief Gerdes, Community Development Director
Hurlburt, City Engineer Quanbeck, and City Clerk Paulson.
Consider withdrawal from Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council
Assistant City Manager Ahrens discussed the report provided to the Council which
outlined the City's concerns with the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council
NHHSC) as well as programs provided by the agency, and their value of services to the
residents of the City. She stated there is the concern that if the City were to withdraw
from the joint powers agreement, would residents lose access to emergency service funds
that are administered by NHHSC. She stated all 15 cities that are members contribute
42 per capita. However, the City of Plymouth has traditionally paid one-half of its
allocation for the half of the City serviced.
Kathy Roach, Executive Director of the NHHSC, added that the cities' contributions
amount to 14% of their total budget. She stated the remainder of their funding is from
State, County, and several foundation grants.
Councilmember Johnson voiced her concern that there may be duplication of tax dollars
supporting the agency.
Ms. Roach provided a handout to the Council that explained the role of their agency. She
stated they are a research, planning, and coordinating. agency for the member cities: She
spoke of the needs assessment which they prepared a few years ago, which indicated that
affordable housing, transportation, youth, seniors, and immigrants are the top human
service needs for the City. She spoke of their art contest for youth. She stated if the City
were to withdraw, there would still be access for Plymouth residents to the emergency
services. However, residents would lose access to the Welfare to Work Program and
Success by Six NW Program. She acknowledged that the City's Police Department has
been a model for other cities for their Cadet and Compliance Check programs. She stated
specifically for the City of Plymouth, their agency also provides a data profile and annual
report, demographic profile binder, community transportation directory, guide to human
services, and emergency telephone directory. She noted that they work with numerous
agencies in the City.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of August 13, 2002
Page 2 of 3
Mayor Tierney introduced County Commissioner Mary Tambornino who was in
attendance.
Councilmember Johnson asked why a portion of their budget is dependent on City
property tax dollars, rather than from the County.
County Commissioner Tambornino stated she is unsure. However, as cities change in
their demographics, they need to become more involved with human services.
Councilmember Black commented that the top five human service needs that were
identified in the Community Dialogues Report for the City was nothing new, and those
items have been the Council's priorities for the past several years. She stated she would
rather allocate the City's funding for the NWHHSC to direct services.
Ms. Roach stressed that they work with service providers, but they are not a direct service
provider.
Mayor Tierney stated the Council needs to determine if the NWHHSC is an appropriate
area to allocate City tax dollars.
County Commissioner Tambornino stated the County couldn't directly focus on the cities
that are served by the NWHHSC. She stated those agencies that serve those cities are
more familiar with those cities than the County.
Councilmember Hewitt stated she has had conversations with social service agencies, and
the NWHHSC has not been effective in coordinating human services in the City in order
to determine the levels and types of need, effectiveness, and duplication of services. She
noted that the City of Edina has recently decided to withdraw from its human service
council and has chosen to utilize other avenues for coordination between social services.
She spoke of her previous work experience with human service agencies and serving as a
board member for the NWHHSC.
County Commissioner Tambornino suggested that there be a meeting with the Deputy
Administrator of Human Services with the County to discuss Plymouth's issues.
Councilmember Stein stated there is a need for some type of planning, and how does the
City coordinate its needs with the four school districts and various social service
agencies? Is NWHHSC the best "planning vehicle" for the City?
Councilmember Johnson reiterated that her concerns are related to the funding of the
agency, philosophically, as well as definite needs in the City that aren't being funded.
She stated it's unfortunate that there would be some programs not available to residents if
the City withdrew. She stated this agency is also being funded by County tax dollars.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of August 13, 2002
Page 3 of 3
Motion was made by Mayor Tierney, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to
schedule a meeting between the Coln s Deputy Administrator for Human Services, Ms.
Roach up to three Councilmembers, and County Commissioners who represent the City.
With all members voting in favor but Hewitt the motion carried.
County Commissioner Tambornino stated she would assist in organizing this meeting.
Mayor Tierney and Councilmember Johnson would attend the meeting and possibly
Councilmember Hewitt.
Mayor Tierney stated a report would be provided to the Council approximately the end of
September.
Schedule Future Study Sessions
No Study Sessions were scheduled.
Adi ournment
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson
to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 p.m. With all members Tierney declared the meeting
adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk