HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 05-01-2001 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
May 1, 2001
A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Deputy Mayor Slavik at
7:40 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on May 1, 2001.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Deputy Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Hewitt, Black, Harstad,
Johnson, and Stein.
ABSENT: Mayor Tierney,
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Finance Director
Hahn, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Park and Recreation Director Blank, City
Engineer Dan Faulkner, Public Works Director Moore, and City Clerk Paulson.
Elm Creek Interceptor
Bob Schunicht, from Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik & Associates, explained the Metropolitan
Council Environmental Services has begun the process of designing the Elm Creek interceptor
sanitary sewer, which would extend across Northwest Plymouth to provide service to the City of
Medina. He stated their firm is in the process of designing the project. A public informational
meeting is scheduled for May 30 at 7:00 p.m. at the Plymouth Creek Center. Notice of this
meeting would be provided to all property owners in Northwest Plymouth that are outside of the
City's urban service area.
He illustrated the City of Medina's lift station, and he stated that currently the wastewater from
the City of Medina is pumped into Plymouth's sewer system. Due to the additional growth,
within the next three to four years this would need to be intercepted. By intercepting the system,
it would take the flow off the City's system into the Elm Creek interceptor. This interceptor
currently exists in the City, of Maple Grove approximately one mile north of the City's border.
This would also eliminate the City of Medina's lift station. He noted that this interceptor would
provide adequate capacity for additional growth that could occur in Plymouth, Corcoran,
Medina, and Maple Grove.
He stated there have been six alternatives identified. All alternatives would begin at the existing
pumping station in the City of Medina. From that point, a gravity pipe would continue generally
along Hamel Road and Highway 55 to the intersection of Highway 55 and County Road 101.
Listed below are the alternatives:
1. 101/Troy Lane: The pipe would be routed along County Road 101 and around the north side
of the Elm Creek Golf Course and the city owned open space to Troy Lane. It would generally
follow Troy Lane and County Road 47 to Lawndale Lane and then head north to Maple Grove.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Special Meeting of May 1, 2001
Page 2 of 4
2. 101/Wetland West: The pipe would be routed along County Road 101 and around the north
side of the Elm Creek Golf Course and the open space to the west side of the Elm Creek wetland.
It would follow the edge of the wetland (coordinated with Plymouth's Northwest Greenway
Corridor) and then follow Lawndale Lane to Maple Grove.
3. Golf Course/Troy Lane: The pipe would be routed through the Elm Creek Golf Course (with
the golf course being restored) and then around the north side of the open space to Troy Lane,
continuing along Troy Lane and County Road 47 to Lawndale Lane.
4. Golf Course/Wetland West: The pipe would be routed through the golf course (with the golf
course being restored), around the north end of the open space, and along the west side of the
wetland.
5. Golf Course/School/Wetland East: The pipe would be routed partially through the golf
course (with the golf course being restored), around the south side of the open space on the
Wayzata High School site, and then around the south and east sides of the Elm Creek wetland to
Lawndale Lane and County Road 47.
6. Golf Course/School/Wetland West: The pipe would be routed partially through the golf
course (with the golf course being restored), around the south side of the open space, and along
the west side of the wetland to Lawndale Lane.
Councilmember Slavik asked how the land would be disturbed. Mr. Schunicht replied there
would be some trees removed, as it is difficult to avoid everything. They would be coordinating
what the Metropolitan Council and the City desire.
Councilmember Stein asked why the route on the east side of the wetland is an option. Mr.
Schunicht replied that if the City would ever develop that property, a sanitary sewer would need
to be installed anyway. City Manager Johnson added this would allow for more compact
development in that area, and there would also be a trail.
Councilmember Stein asked who would have the final determination on the route that is selected.
MrM . Schunicht replied the Metropolitan Council.
City Manager Johnson asked if the routes near the Wayzata High School would affect the
athletic facilities. Mr. Schunicht replied this is still being reviewed.
Councilmember Stein asked why a route located along the railroad isn't an option. Mr.
Schunicht replied the elevation is too high and deep, and a sanitary sewer already serves that
area.
Councilmember Harstad asked about the sanitary sewer access charge. Community
Development Director Hurlburt stated it currently is approximately $1,100, but does increase
with the rate of inflation.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Special Meeting of May 1, 2001
Page 3 of 4
Councilmember Black asked how the assessed benefit is determined. She stated Plymouth's area
is a very small part of the area that would be served. Mr. Schunicht replied the majority of the
interceptor would serve Plymouth, Medina, and a portion of Maple Grove. If the interceptor
serves other communities and replaces their lines, they would be charged. Plymouth's
assessment would probably be larger than Maple Grove's as the City would be replacing a line.
Councilmember Stein asked if there is the option to design this interceptor only for the City of
Medina and not Plymouth. Community Development Director Hurlburt replied it is the
Metropolitan Council's position that that is not an option, as the City wouldn't be in compliance
with the sewer plan contained in the Comprehensive Plan. The City indicated in the
Comprehensive Plan that the entire Northwest Plymouth area wouldn't develop currently, but the
City would base its plans on preserving the option of developing it later and not making it more
costly to do it later.
Councilmember Hewitt asked if the Council, in determining the best route, should consider what
would be the best option if the City were to develop the area. Mr. Schunicht and Community
Development Director Hurlburt replied yes. Public Works Director Moore added the route
selected could have quite an impact on where and what type of development would occur.
Councilmember Stein asked about the proposed construction schedule. Mr. Schunicht stated it is
proposed to select the recommended alignment and refine the alignment in June and July 2001.
The bid would be awarded in early 2002, and construction would be completed by June 2003.
Councilmember Johnson stated she is concerned that the Council previously indicated that the
development of this area wouldn't occur until 2020, and now the Council is discussing an
interceptor. Community Development Director Hurlburt stated this action wouldn't assume that
the City could be amending its Comprehensive Plan for urbanization.
Councilmember Stein asked if water and gas should be installed simultaneously with the
interceptor. Community Development Director Hurlburt stated these services shouldn't be in the
same trench. Mr. Schunicht added that this wouldn't save any money, and those utilities would
be installed with street reconstruction.
Town Ward Meeting on May 15, 2001
The Council discussed with Assistant City Manager the type of agenda format, and the items
they wanted included on the agenda for the Town Ward Meeting to be held on May 15, 2001 at
7:00 p.m. at the Plymouth Creek Center. There would be a general session as well as breakout
sessions for each of the wards. Various pamphlets and informational materials on City services
would be on display.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Special Meeting of May 1, 2001
Page 4 of 4
Future Study Session Topics
The Council scheduled a Study Session on June 12 at 5:30 p.m., prior to the Regular Council
meeting, to discuss liquor issues.
The Council stated, if necessary, they would also establish Study Session after the Town Ward
Meeting to discuss residents' concerns that were discussed at the Town Ward Meeting.
Councilmember Harstad asked if there is a mechanism to analyze a 7.5" rainfall (aerial view).
Public Works Director Moore replied a 7.5" rainfall in a 48 hour period constitutes a 100 -year
rain, and that is illustrated on the City's drainage maps. He stated the majority of residents don't
understand that there would be water in their backyards. There weren't three Councilmembers in
support of adding this topic to the pending Study Session list.
Councilmember Harstad stated he would like to discuss at a Study Session moving mailboxes off
the street and placing them on homes. Community Development Director Hurlburt stated the
Post Office would not support this. There weren't three Councilmembers in support of adding
this topic to the pending Study Session list.
Councilmember Stein asked that due to the recent attacks that have occurred with dangerous
dogs, would the Council like to review the animal ordinance at a Study Session. There weren't
three Councilmembers in support of adding this topic to the pending Study Session list.
Motion was made
a
and seconded by Councihnember Black, to
on June 12 at 5:30 D.M. to studv the
voting in favor, the motion carried.
Quarterly Check-in
With all members
The Council conducted a quarterly check-in with City Manager Johnson in the Medicine Lake
Room. The Study Session was adjourned at 10:3 p.,m,,/%
Sandra R. Paulson, City Clerk