HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 02-27-2001Adopted Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
February 27, 2001
A Regular Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 7:00
p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Center, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on February 27,
2001.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Hewitt, Harstad, Johnson, and Stein.
ABSENT: Councilmembers Black and Slavik.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Police Chief
Gerdes, Fire Chief Kline, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Finance Director Hahn,
Community Development Director Hurlburt, Public Works Director Moore, City Attorney
Knutson, and City Clerk Paulson.
Plymouth Forum
No one was present to address the Council.
Presentations and Public Information Announcements
4.1) Presentation to Jason Holmers and Tim Foley, Winners of the "Where's Wicky
Contest"
Public Safety Education Specialist Cwayna and Fire Chief Kline presented the "Where's Wicky
Contest" Award to Jason Holmers and Tim Foley. Mr. Holmers and Mr. Foley thanked the Fire
Department for hosting the scavenger hunt.
4.2) Public Information Announcement by John Pritchard on Fundraising Methods
John Pritchard discussed with the Council some fundraising options for local schools. He spoke
of his company, Shop for School, which is a private company that works with schools in various
fundraising projects. He explained there is a free on-line Internet service where individuals can
purchase goods and services. Anywhere from five to 40 percent of the sales are given back to
the school. He provided fliers to the Council on their various programs, and he encouraged
individuals to visit their website for additional details.
seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to move item
No. 9.1 up on the agenda prior to Approval of the Agenda. With all members
the motion carried.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 27, 2001
Page 2 of 10
9.1) I-494 Corridor Commission Update
Jim Hovland, Edina City Councilmember, provided an update to the Council on the I-494
Corridor Commission. He explained members of the commission are elected officials and staff
from the cities of Bloomington, Edina, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Richfield, and
Plymouth as well as MN/DOT I-494 project managers and Metropolitan Council planning staff.
Currently, dues are 10 cents per capita per year in order to match the funds that are provided
through the Metropolitan Council. The commission would be recommending increasing
doubling) those dues for the year 2002.
He stated the goal of the commission is to promote the improvement of 1-494 from the
Minnesota River to 1-94 in order to increase the road capacity and improve the road productivity.
The commission is reviewing travel demand management (TDM), transit services planning,
funding support, corridor infrastructure, and traffic management planning. He spoke of their
legislative/policy efforts, and these initiatives include TDM transit policy development, funding
options for corridor infrastructure, and service needs on Federal, State, local, and private levels.
He discussed the tremendous amount of traffic congestion on I-494. He stated due to the
increase of residents, households, and jobs in the metropolitan area by the year 2020, there is the
fear of even more congestion along this corridor. Therefore, the 1-494 Commission needs to
begin planning and lobbying for improvements to this corridor. Some strategies include
decreasing the number of vehicles on the corridor by encouraging car pooling, working with
MN/DOT and Hennepin County to make sure any improvements are planned in a properly
staged manner that contributes to the goal of maximizing capacity, and increasing vehicle
occupancies when the construction is completed.
He commented that currently there are 32 projects along I-494 that have been identified which
would improve the traffic flow along this corridor. The commission would be utilizing a dual
funding approach for congressional appropriations and increased funding by the State
transportation system.
He stated it's the commission's intent to keep the Council well informed of their initiatives and
progress made through the next few years.
Mayor Tierney thanked him for providing an update to the Council.
Councilmember Harstad mentioned the need for transit hubs to be oversized. He also mentioned
the north/south section of I-494 in terms of widening the roadway and widening Highway 169 as
well. He voiced his concern of too many projects being completed in one year, which doesn't
provide many alternate routes for motorists. He suggested that these projects be spread over 25
years rather than 10 years.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 27, 2001
Page 3 of 10
Approval of Agenda
Councilmember Harstad requested to add a report on snow removal as item No. 9.1 under
Reports and Recommendations.
City Manager Johnson requested to remove item No. 6.07 (Approve agreement with Pillsbury
Neighborhood Services for "Job Stops" Transit Service) under the Consent Agenda in order that
the Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit could discuss this further. He suggested this item
be placed on the March 20 agenda.
Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to
approve the amended agenda.
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Consent Agenda
Mayor Tierney asked if there were any additions, corrections, or deletions to be made to the
Consent Agenda.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded
the Consent Agenda which included the
6.01) Proposed Minutes of the Special Council Meeting of January 31.
to
6.02) Resolution Approving Disbursements for the Period ending February 16, 2000 (Res2001-
081).
6.03) Ordinance Amending the Plymouth City Code Concerning the Police and Fire
Departments (2001-08).
6.04) Resolution Approving a Settlement Agreement for the Amphitheater Property (Res2001-
082).
6.05) Resolution Authorizing Release of a Declaration of Restrictive Covenants from a
Property in the Village at Bassett Creek Development (Res2001-083).
6.06) Resolution Reducing Required Financial Guarantee for Jarnes Addition (95129 —
Res2001-084).
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 27, 2001
Page 4 of 10
6.07) (This item was removed from the agenda).
6.08) Resolution Authorizing Consent to Termination of Declaration for Foxglove Properties
92036 — Res2001-085).
6.09) Resolution Authorizing Park Improvement Projects (Res2001-086).
6.10) Resolution Authorizing Construction of Millennium Garden (Res2001-087).
6.11) Resolution Adopting 2001 Fees and Policies for the Plymouth Creek Center (Res2001-
088).
6.12) Resolution Finding No Objection to Lawful Gambling Exemption for the West Metro
Chapter of the North American Bear Foundation (Res2001-089).
6.13) Resolution Approving an Encroachment Agreement for American Fiber Systems, Inc. for
Placement of Communication Cable in City Rights -of -Way and Authorizing the Mayor and City
Manager to Sign the Agreement (Res2001-090).
6.14) Ordinance Amending Chapter 21 (Zoning Ordinance) of the City Code to Classify
Certain located at 3135, 3225 and 3235 Fernbrook Lane (20136 — Ord2001-09), a Resolution
Approving Findings of Fact for Rezoning of Property located at 3135, 3225, and 3235 Fernbrook
Lane North (20136 — Res2001-091), a Resolution Approving Preliminary and Final Plat for
Davem II for Property located at 3135, 3225, and 3235 Fernbrook Lane (20136 — Res2001-092),
and a Resolution Approving Site Plan for a 47,040 sq. ft. Office Development and an Interim
Use Permit to reduce the Number of Required Parking Stalls for Fernbrook Town Office Park at
3135, 3225, and 3235 Fembrook Lane North (20136 — Res2001-093).
6.15) Approve Special Council Meetings to consider the Speed Hump Policy, Hilde
Performance Center, and Surface Water Utility Fee Structure.
6.16) Resolution Awarding Contract for Electronic Bulletin Board (Res2001-094).
6.17) Resolution Approving Payment to the Plymouth Fine Arts Council (Res2001-095).
6.18) Resolution Authorizing Settlement and Payment of Workers Compensation and
Employment Related Claim (Res2001-096).
6.19) Acceptance of 2000 Annual Report and 2001 Work Plan of the Plymouth Youth Advisory
Council.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 27, 2001
Page 5 of 10
Councilmember Johnson thanked the Youth Advisory Council for their 2000 annual report and
their 2001 work plan. She commented they have an exciting year planned, and she highlighted
some of the proposed events.
Councilmember Johnson voiced her support for item No. 6.14.
Councilmember Hewitt encouraged residents to contact Park and Recreation Director Blank for
donations and/or purchase of bricks for the Millennium Garden. Mayor Tierney added that May
21 is the deadline for the purchase of bricks.
Mayor Tierney requested that staff convey the Council's compliments to the Youth Advisory
Council on their 2000 annual report and 2001 work plan.
Motion carried to approve the Consent Agenda.
Public Hearings
7.1) Wine and 3.2 Malt Liquor Licenses for the Noodle Shop, Co. — Minnesota, Inc. d/b/a
Noodles and Company, 3425 Vicksburg Lane
City Clerk Paulson reported on the 3.2 malt liquor and wine license application of the Noodle
Shop, Co. — Minnesota, Inc. d/b/a Noodles and Company at 3425 Vicksburg Lane. She stated
this is a new establishment. The Police Department has conducted their investigation and has
found no reason to deny the license.
Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing for testimony.
Jenna Henry, representing the applicant, explained the concept of the business, and she also
provided menus to the Councilmembers. She stated they would be enrolling their staff in any
required or encouraged training by the Police Department.
There being no one else wishing to appear before the Council, Mayor Tierney declared the public
hearing closed.
Motion was made
adopt a Resolution
Shon. Co. — Minne
Councilmember
an
seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to
3.2 Malt
Zc., d/b/a Noodles and Coml
in favor, the motion carried.
License for the
sbure Lane (Rf
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 27, 2001
Page 6 of 10
7.2) On -Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Licenses for Chipotle Mexican Grill of
Colorado, LLC d/b/a Chipotle Mexican Grill, 3425 Vicksburg Lane
City Clerk Paulson reported on the on -sale intoxicating and Sunday liquor license application of
Chipotle Mexican Grill of Colorado, LLC d/b/a Chipotle Mexican Grill at 3425 Vicksburg Lane.
She stated this is a new establishment. The Police Department has conducted their investigation
and has found no reason to deny the license.
Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing for testimony.
Kaela Brennan, an attorney representing the applicant, provided a brief overview of the
restaurant. She stated the establishment is a Mexican style restaurant, and there would only be
two types of liquor that they would serve. She also stated that only two percent of their total
sales would be attributed to liquor sales.
There being no one else wishing to provide testimony, Mayor Tierney declared the public
hearing closed.
Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt to
adopt a Resolution Approving On -Sale Intoxicating and Sunday Liquor Licenses for Chipo
Mexican Grill of Colorade, LLC, d/b/a Chipotle Mexican Grill, 3425 Vicksburg Lane (Res:
098). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
General Business
8.1) Plymouth Boulevard Project
Public Works Director Moore reported on the preliminary engineering report for the proposed
mill and overlay program as well as the addition of parking bays along Plymouth Boulevard as
part of the streetscape project. He stated the area that is recommended for mill and overlay is
along Plymouth Boulevard from 36th Avenue to County Road 9. Parking bays would be added
by converting the outside thru lane into parking bays from the intersection of 34th Avenue and
the north City Hall parking lot entrance up to 37th Avenue. The parking bays would be created
by moving the curb out, not by widening the street, and there would be one traffic lane in each
direction. He noted consideration of additional parking for the Ice Center/LifeTime Fitness is
one of the major goals for 2001/2001 recently established by the Council.
1 -
He stated in August 2000, the Council approved a one-story office building for Carlson Real
Estate Company along the west side of Plymouth Boulevard from 35th to 36°i Avenue. As part of
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 27, 2001
Page 7 of 10
the approval, the developer is required to create on -street parking bays which are identical to the
ones proposed with this improvement along the west side of Plymouth Boulevard from 35th
Avenue to 30h Avenue. Therefore, this area is not part of the City's proposed improvement. He
stated at that Council meeting, the Council directed staff to incorporate a project for
improvements to install on -street parking on the remainder of Plymouth Boulevard. He
explained there would be a total of 117 parking spaces with 22 of those spaces from the Carlson
Real Estate's development. He stated costs associated with adding the proposed 95 parking bays
would be fully assessed and should not have an impact on City funds with the exception of the
City owned land that abuts up to and benefits from the project. The infrastructure and
replacement fund would cover the cost of the mill and overlay portion of the project not covered
by assessments. Lastly, it is hoped that these improvements to Plymouth Boulevard would
eliminate thru traffic from Rockford Road to Highway 55, make the roadway more pedestrian
friendly, add additional parking without any additional hard surface to affect water quality, and
add beautification efforts along this roadway.
Councilmember Harstad asked what the status is of the lighting that was approved for Plymouth
Boulevard. Public Works Director Moore replied the final design has been prepared, and staff is
in the process of advertising for bids. Staff is anticipating that the installation of lighting would
occur in May or June, which would be at the same time this proposed project would be
constructed.
Councilmember Harstad asked how many of the proposed parking spaces would assist in the
current parking problems at LifeTime Fitness and the Ice Center. Public Works Director Moore
replied there would be an additional 60 parking spaces that would be convenient for those
facilities. Park and Recreation Director Blank added that for those peak events at the Ice Center,
approximately 100 additional parking spaces are needed. However, he doesn't foresee a
problem.
Councilmember Harstad asked what type of traffic problems would there be after major events at
the Ice Center since there would be a two-lane roadway rather than a four. Public Works
Director Moore stated it would be similar to major events at school facilities and Music in
Plymouth. He stated officers would need to direct traffic at the intersections.
Councilmember Johnson stated there is also a problem with traffic and congestion in the Post
Office area, and she asked what the status is of improving this area. Community Development
Director Hurlburt replied the Post Office has hired an architect to revise the driveways in front of
the Post Office. The Post Office has identified a solution to add more parking and allow more
area to drop off mail. The Post Office is currently drafting an agreement between the City and
the Post Office, and that agreement would be presented to the Council when the Final Plat is
reviewed. It is hoped that construction could begin in the spring or summer, which would be
simultaneous to this proposed project.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 27, 2001
Page 8 of 10
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded
on
Improvements to Plymouth Boulevard Parking Bays and Overlay Improvements (1002).
to
Councilmember Harstad mentioned his concerns regarding traffic congestion along this roadway
and shifting the burden to adjacent roadways. He stated there has been increased traffic at
LifeTime Fitness and the Ice Center. He does not support the parking bays because when one
pulls out into traffic, the angle is not that conducive. He also fears this type of design could
encourage pedestrians to not utilize a safe measure to cross the roadway. However, he supports
the overlay and millwork proposed for this street.
Councihnember Johnson asked what the anticipated speed limit is for this roadway. Public
Works Director Moore stated he is optimistic that the speed limit could decrease from 40 mph to
35 mph. After the project is completed, the State would conduct a study.
Councilmember Johnson asked what the status is for a traffic signal at the intersection of
Plymouth Boulevard and County Road 9. Public Works Director Moore stated the County has
completed studies at this intersection as well as the Old Rockford Road and County Road 9
intersection. He believes that it is more likely a signal would be installed at the Old Rockford
Road and County Road 9 intersection first.
Councilmember Johnson stated previously she did not support the parking bays with the Carlson
development. However, due to the concerns that have been voiced to her from residents on the
parking situation at LifeTime Fitness and the Ice Center, and in order to be consistent along this
roadway, she would be supporting this motion. However, she agreed with some of
Councilmember Harstad's concerns.
Mayor Tierney stated she would support this motion as the parking situation for LifeTime
Fitness and the Ice Center has been previously studied by the Council. She is hopeful that the
speed limit would be reduced. She also mentioned that in the future, there could be other
alternatives for this roadway that the Council could study as well.
Councilmember Stein asked if pedestrian safety would improve due to this project. Community
Development Director Hurlburt replied pedestrian safety would improve, as there would be the
opportunity to provide means for the pedestrians to cross the street. She stated pedestrians
wouldn't need to cross over four lanes of traffic and hopefully the speed would be reduced.
Councilmember Stein stated that he would support the motion.
Councilmember Hewitt stated she is very concerned about traffic congestion due to traffic from
the Ice Center, LifeTime Fitness, City Center, and adjacent developments on Vicksburg Lane.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 27, 2001
Page 9 of 10
She mentioned that there could also be an increase in traffic if a third sheet of ice was added to
the Ice Center. She does not support the two-lane roadway.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Mayor Tierney, to table this
item to the March 20 meeting. With all members voting in favor but Councilmembers Harsh
and Hewitt, the motion carried.
8.2) Approve Revised Emergency Management Plan
Sergeant Goldstein provided a brief overview of the Emergency Management Plan which
included the history of the Emergency Management and inter -governmental relationships. He
explained the four phases of emergency management, which are mitigation, response, recovery,
and preparedness. He explained the City is required under Federal and State mandates to prepare
a comprehensive plan and designate an emergency manager. Police Chief Gerdes would be
designated the emergency manager, and he would be designated the coordinator of the program.
He stated every City department would participate in some type of capacity for the
implementation of the plan. If the Council approves the plan, it would be provided to Hennepin
County for their approval.
Mayor Tierney asked what the Council's role is in an emergency. Sergeant Goldstein replied in
an event where the emergency operations center would be open, department heads would be
notified, and the department heads would notify the Council when necessary. City Manager
Johnson added the Council's role two to three days after a disaster is usually adopting
Ordinances and Resolutions.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Stein, to
a Resolution Adopting the City of Plymouth's
all members voting in favor, the motion carrie
With
Councilmember Harstad asked if the plan would be placed on the City's website after approval.
Police Chief Gerdes stated yes, and a copy would be filed in the Council library.
Mayor Tierney commented that residents who reside on County Road 73 adjacent to Minnetonka
have difficulty in hearing the sirens when there is bad weather. Police Chief Gerdes stated the
system is designed as an outdoor warning system in order to protect all open areas. He
acknowledged that residents might have difficulty hearing the siren when they are indoors. He
encouraged residents to purchase a weather alert radio which would provide the best notification.
Sergeant Goldstein stated that some of the sirens in the City are outdated; however, the City is in
the process of replacing them.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 27, 2001
Page 10 of 10
Reports and Recommendations
9.1) Snow Removal
Councilmember Harstad stated this is a record year for the amount of snowfall received. He
requested residents to be patient and helpful with the cleanup. He suggested that residents assist
each other with the cleanup of snow.
Public Works Director Moore added that the weather conditions make it very difficult to remove
all the snow off the streets. He suggested residents assist in clearing out the snow around fire
hydrants and in front of their mailboxes.
Mayor Tierney suggested after this snow season, staff survey other cities to review their policies
for snow removal efforts. She asked what the status is of the City's snow removal budget.
Public Works Director Moore replied staff wouldn't know how the City fared for the snow
removal budget until next November or December. He added that the City utilizes a salt and
sand mixture, but the salt is not utilized on every roadway. Currently, the City has an adequate
supply of salt.
He encouraged Councilmembers to ride along with the snowplow operators.
Adjournment
Motion was made by Councilmember
adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Wit
by Councilmember Harstad, to
favor, the motion carried.
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk