HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 08-28-2001 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
August 28, 2001
A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at
5:00 p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on August 28,
2001.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Johnson, Slavik, Hewitt, Stein,
and Harstad (arrived at 5:25 p. m.)
ABSENT: Councilmember Black.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Community
Development Director Hurlburt, Acting Police Chief Twaddle, Finance Director Hahn,
Park and Recreation Director Blank, City Engineer Quanbeck, Public Works Director
Faulkner, Fire Chief Kline, and City Clerk Paulson.
Capital Improvements Program
City Manager Johnson stated that Nathan Lane and Fembrook Lane were in the 2001
program and have been moved to 2002 and 2006 respectively because of the increase in
estimated costs. The Cheshire Lane project, previously programmed entirely in 2001, is
now segmented with the portion north of The Reserve planned for 2003. The County
Road 73 project, previously programmed in 2002, is now planned for 2006 in accordance
with the revised County plan. The Schmidt Lake Road project including the bridge over
the CP Railroad, is still scheduled for 2003. The southerly portion of County Road 101 is
still planned for 2004.
He stated that several roads were identified for further work in analysis of the 2001 mill
and overlay project which was developed after the severe winter. Overlays are now
scheduled for Larch Lane/West Medicine Ridge Road in 2002, West Medicine Lake
Drive in 2003, Sunset Trial in 2004, Gleason Lake Road in 2005, and Pineview Lane and
Campus Drive in 2006.
He indicated that one notable new addition to the plan is the hard surfacing of Peony
Lane north of Schmidt Lake Road in 2004. Railroad crossing safety improvements
discussed at the August 14 Council meeting have been included in 2004.
Councilmember Johnson asked if the Peony Lane project could be moved up on the
schedule as School District 284 has consistently requested that this project be approved.
City Manager Johnson replied yes; however, other projects would need to be shifted
around in order to accommodate this change.
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Special Meeting of August 28, 2001
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Mayor Tierney added that once Schmidt Lake Road is improved, that would assist in
relieving some of the pressure off on Peony Lane.
City Manager Johnson stated traffic signals are budgeted for the intersections of Peony
Lane/Schmidt Lake Road and Old Rockford Road/Vicksburg Lane in 2001. For 2002,
the schedule includes County Road 9/36`h Avenue and the intersections of Peony
Lane/Old Rockford Road and County Road 9/01d Rockford Road. For 2003, a signal is
planned at Vicksburg Lane/Schmidt Lake Road. Eight undesignated traffic signals are
shown in 2004-2006 as well as a signal at 34`h and Fernbrook Lane.
Councilmember Hewitt asked if a traffic signal would be installed at County Road 9 and
Plymouth Boulevard. Public Works Director Faulkner replied that it would be more
advantageous to install the traffic signal at Old Rockford Road and County Road 9 first.
City Manager Johnson spoke of the proposed water and sewer projects which included
two new wells by the end of 2002 as well as a $6.3 million expansion of the Zachary
Treatment Plant. He noted that a water tower is also planned for 2002, and an additional
well is included for 2005. He stated that staff continues to study an alternative to large-
scale expansion of the City's water system which could involve a long-term agreement
with the City of Maple Grove.
Mayor Tierney asked what are the advantages to a long-term agreement with the City of
Maple Grove. City Manager Johnson replied that the City could save costs, and it would
provide some diversification of aquifers as Plymouth has deeper wells and Maple Grove
has shallower wells.
City Manager Johnson reported the water quality projects indicate funding for
improvements to Medicine Lake and Parkers Lake, which are the two highest priority
lakes in the adopted Surface Water Management Plan. The Medicine Lake subcommittee
and the Environmental Quality Committee recommended the funding amounts for
Medicine Lake. Parkers Lake improvements indicate the same funding level as last year,
which would allow two more major improvements similar to the one currently in
progress at the southwest end of the lake. He stated drainage improvements include the
Bass Creek culvert scheduled for this year and improvements at County Road 6 and
Weston Lane in 2002. In 2003, improvements along Bassett Creek channel are planned.
One hundred thousand dollars per year is shown from 2004-2006 for other drainage
improvements.
He stated regarding park projects, projects for the remainder of 2001 and 2002 include
restrooms and parking lot lighting at West Medicine Lake park, renovation of the East
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Special Meeting of August 28, 2001
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Medicine Lake restrooms, and the City's share for the Hilde Performance Center
development and the Millennium Garden project. Also included are funds for parking
improvements at the Ice Arena parking lot that would match a contribution from
LifeTime Fitness.
He reported a major feature of the five-year plan is land acquisition. A total of $750,000
for open space acquisition continues to be earmarked over the next two years, and a total
of $1.1 million is shown for acquisition of the 10th playfreld. He noted that neither
amount is adequate for the total task; however, the open space amount would allow the
City to concentrate on several properties needed for the Northwest Greenway that might
be in the path of development. The amount for the l oth playfield would provide leverage
for either a downpayment on the needed land or as a match to a private contribution.
Mayor Tierney mentioned that there are gaps in sidewalks on the east/west side of
Vicksburg Lane near the City Center area. She stated that pedestrians are having
difficulty accessing sidewalk once they have crossed Vicksburg Lane. Therefore, she
requested staff to research the area for sections of sidewalks that are missing.
The Council discussed the proposed allocation of $20,000 for Art in the Park, and some
of the Councilmembers were apprehensive with this allocation. Therefore,
Councilmembers Slavik and Johnson and Mayor Tierney requested further information
be provided to the Council on this item.
Councilmember Slavik noted a proposed allocation of $6,500 for the skatepark. Park and
Recreation Director stated those funds would be utilized to purchase an eighth ramp, and
staff has also considered the acquisition of bleachers at the park.
Councilmember Slavik mentioned the $175,000 in the year 2002 for improvements to the
parking lot at the Ice Center. She noted the importance of seeking a financial
commitment from LifeTime Fitness.
Councilmember Stein asked if any trails are proposed for the older neighborhoods in the
area of Highway 55. Park and Recreation Director Blank replied that trails would be
constructed on the north side of 10th Avenue over Revere Lane to the Rainbow Store.
Councilmember Stein stated due to the lack of room for trails in some of the older
neighborhoods, perhaps there could be some type of striping for trails.
City Manager Johnson reported that regarding building projects, finishing a portion of the
lower level at the Plymouth Creek Center is proposed for 2002 due to the growth in the
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Special Meeting of August 28, 2001
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senior programs where additional space is needed for some of the programs. In addition,
the Youth Advisory Council has recommended that space be developed for a teen
coffeehouse. Both the local senior council and the Youth Advisory Council believe they
could successfully utilize the same space in the lower level of the Plymouth Creek
Center.
Councilmember Slavik asked why, conceptually, the City would allocate funds for a teen
coffeehouse. Councilmember Johnson explained the younger high schoolers and the
older middle schoolers would utilize a teen center. She stated that the Youth Advisory
Council is proceeding very cautiously. City Manager Johnson added that this site would
be a lower risk site than another building on a totally different site.
City Manager Johnson spoke of a fourth fire station that was included in the previous
Capital Improvement Plan in 2003. The new plan reserves $2,500,000 from the
Community Improvement fund in 2004. He stated Fire Chief Kline estimates that the
overall cost could be $5,000,000, and the difference could require a bond referendum.
However, the final determination of need for a fourth fire station could depend
significantly on decisions relating to a possible 24-hour duty crew, a live-in apartment at
a fire station, overall staffing levels in the Fire Department, and other similar factors.
Mayor Tierney recommended that in the future, the east/west segment of South Shore
Drive be reconstructed to a 22' wide street. She stated the safety issues and the trail area
for residents should also be considered.
Terrie Christian, 9910 South Shore Drive, stated they have resided at this address for 17
years, and there have been no improvements made to South Shore Drive. She explained
the City of Medicine Lake has made improvements to their streets without curb and
gutter. She stated that South Shore Drive is connected to 13th Avenue, and there is heavy
truck traffic that utilizes the road. Due to the heavy traffic, there are two major potholes
before 13th Avenue which are more of a hazard to their vehicles than the speed humps in
the area.
Mayor Tierney requested that staff review this area and provide a report back to the
Council.
Parking Study — Plymouth Ice Center/LifeTime Fitness Site
Park and Recreation Director Blank reported that the firm of Delano Erickson Architects
was hired to prepare a parking study for the Ice Center and LifeTime Fitness site. At this
time, staff is recommending the Council take no action. The on street parking, which
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Special Meeting of August 28, 2001
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currently isn't in place, should assist in reducing the parking problem as well as the 30
additional parking spaces located at the Carlson development. He noted that the
Armstrong boy's hockey team would be playing at the New Hope facility the next two
years, which should assist in alleviating the parking shortage. He also stated that due to
the heavy snowfall last winter, it was very difficult to effectively remove the snow in
order to utilize all of their parking spaces. Lastly, he has met with the President of
LifeTime Fitness, and he has indicated that they would participate in some type of
capacity for any parking improvements that would be made.
Del Erickson, from Delano Erickson Architects, discussed the following options that
were contained in their report:
1. Option A: Street parking — two blocks, both sides of Plymouth Boulevard, parking
south of 35`h would relate more to City Hall and theater needs. This would result in a
gain of 75 spaces.
2. Option B: Business lots west of Plymouth Boulevard — estimated convenient
available to 36`h and Plymouth Boulevard crossing — farthest spot 600 feet to LifeTime
Fitness entrance. This would result in a gain of 31 spaces.
3. Option C: Remodel parking lot at Northwest part of site. This would gain 57 spaces.
4. Option D: Add one parking bay at east of Ice Center. This would result in a gain of
69 spaces.
5. Option E: Add two bays east of LifeTime Fitness Center. This would result in a gain
of 60 spaces.
6. Option F: Add one-half bay west of south lot. This would result in a gain of 17
spaces.
7. Option G: Add two bays in tree grove between LifeTime Fitness and City Hall. This
would result in a gain of 129 spaces.
8. Option H: Construct two-level parking ramp. This would result in a gain of 165
spaces.
9. Option I: Construct a two-level parking deck. This would result in a gain of 190
spaces.
Councilmember Harstad stated that the costs associated with Options H and I could be
minimal if the City would receive transit funding. He spoke of the advantages for a
transit hub in this area.
City Manager Johnson stated that if and when a third sheet of ice would be considered,
the parking ramp alternative should be considered.
Mayor Tierney mentioned that perhaps there could be an incentive for people to park at
the City Hall parking lot and walk over to LifeTime Fitness/Ice Center. Councilmember
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Special Meeting of August 28, 2001
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Slavik stated that there could be a safety concern since the parking could be perceived as
being too far away from the facility.
Councilmember Slavik stated that recently LifeTime Fitness conducted an open house,
and she asked why they are recruiting for new members when they are either at or exceed
the limit. Park and Recreation Director Blank replied that they lose approximately 300
members every month, and they have quit advertising for memberships.
Councilmember Stein asked when the City foresees a need for a third sheet of ice. Park
and Recreation Director Blank replied the Wayzata Hockey Association would be
requesting a third sheet of ice in the near future. He stated from staff's point of view, the
City would need to review what's occurring at adjacent communities before another sheet
of ice would be added. He stated his concern is that the City currently charges $140 per
hour to use the ice while the competition is charging $150-$165 per hour. If additional
rinks were constructed, it may be difficult to collect approximately $160 per hour. He
stated that the City tends to increase the revenues more in the summer when the youth are
out of school, and the ice is rented all day.
Councilmember Harstad requested that the third sheet of ice be included in the Capital
Improvements Program for 2006. He stated it could always be removed, if necessary, in
the future.
Motion was made by Councilmember
to take no action on the to
seconded by Councilmember
in April 2002.
Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Councilmember Stein to
amend the main motion to add a third sheet of ice in the Capital Improvement Proeram
against the motion but Hewitt and Harstad, the
motion failed.
The Council then voted on the main motion, and with all members voting in favor, the
motion carried.
Adjournment
Mayor Tierney declared the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
j , GWd,l r i
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk