HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 09-24-2002 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
September 24, 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 September
24, 2002.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Hewitt, Johnson, Harstad,
Slavik, Stein and Black.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Community Development Director Hurlburt,
Planning Manager Senness, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Public Works Director
Faulkner, and City Clerk Paulson.
Discussion on I-494 Commission
Planning Manager Senness discussed the I-494 Corridor Commission staff report which
included the background, activities, time commitment, budget impact, and advantages
and disadvantages of Commission membership. She stated any of the member cities
could have the option of withdrawing from the joint powers agreement effective on
January 1 by providing written notice to the Commission prior to October 1 of the
preceding year.
She noted that the Commission's current projects include working to obtain increased
funding to expand and improve I-494, working to accelerate I-494 reconstruction efforts,
and working on traffic management and travel demand management plan. She stated that
the Commission has hired a consultant, Ross Thorfinnson, Jr., to assist with the
Commission's efforts to obtain additional funding and accelerate construction timetables.
Mr. Thorfinnson concluded that a wider group would be needed in order to make a
significant impact at either the State or the national level. Therefore, an advocacy group
called MOVE has been established, and this group would be a coalition of business,
industry and municipal leaders concerned about the growing need and continued lack of
investment in the areas of I-494 and I -35W. The I-494 Corridor Commission has pledged
30,000 to join this new organization. There would bean increase of $.10 per capita
dues increase for members of the Commission to support this effort.
Mayor Tierney spoke of the need to integrate transit options to assist in moving the
traffic. She also noted the air quality funds that are received by the Federal Government.
She is pleased with the Commission's activities the past few months.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Special Meeting of August 24, 2002
Page 2 of 3
Councilmember Black asked if it is mandatory for the member cities to belong to the
Commission and MOVE. Planning Manager Senness replied that if cities only belonged
to MOVE, they would lose the time management portion. She stated each group
specializes in separate areas. Community Development Director Hurlburt added that
MOVE could receive funds from businesses for lobbying purpose whereas the
Commission couldn't receive funds. She stated the City isn't a direct member of MOVE,
and the Commission funds MOVE.
Councilmember Slavik voiced her concern that there doesn't seem to be a concentration
of efforts by the Commission whereby the Citv would benefit. it appears that the
Commission's efforts are focused south of Plymouth. In addition, with MOVE
concentrating on the I-494 and I35W area, there wouldn't be that great of a benefit to the
City. She stressed that she is not advocating that the City shouldn't be a member, but she
wanted to address her concerns.
Councilmember Stein asked if the City weren't a member of the Commission, would the
City be negatively impacted.
Mayor Tierney stated yes, especially with bad air quality from vehicles' exhaust fumes.
Councilmember Stein stated the City's membership dues are for lobbying efforts, and it is
a "price of doing business."
Councilmember Johnson asked when any improvements to I-494 would be made in the
Plymouth area. Planning Manager Senness replied improvements were originally
scheduled for 2008/2009, but that has been delayed to 2012.
Councilmember Harstad stated he isn't as concerned about the funding, but he feels the
Highway 55 Commission would benefit the City more.
Mayor Tierney stated the Highway 55 Commission is currently a right-of-way
preservation project that is 20 to 40 years in the future.
Councilmember Hewitt commented that she supports the MOVE effort.
Community Development Director Hurlburt noted that City residents use the entire I-494
corridor; therefore, this is more of a regional effort.
Adopted City Council Minutes1SpecialMeetingofAugust24, 2002
Page 3 of 3
Set Future Study Sessions
Councilmember Hewitt requested to add a discussion of the pump station at Autumn
Hills to the pending Study Session list. Councilmembers Stein and Black supported this
request.
Motion was made by Councilmember Stein, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt, to
discuss future Study Sessions at the Regular Council Meeting to follow this Study
Session. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Adjournment
Mayor Tierney declared the meeting adjourned /6:55 P.M.
S ndra R. Paulson, City Clerk