HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 07-24-1996Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 24, 1996
The regular meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor
Tierney at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on July 24,
1996.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney; Councilmembers Preus, Granath, Black,
Wold, and Lymangood. Councilmember Lymangood left the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
ABSENT: Councilmember Anderson.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Public Works Director Moore, Planning
Supervisor Senness, Finance Director Hahn, Park and Recreation Director Blank,
Public Safety Director Gerdes, City Attorney Knutson, and City Clerk Ahrens.
Item 3 Plymouth Forum
No one appeared for the Forum.
Item 4-A National Night Out Proclamation
Mayor Tierney proclaimed Tuesday, August 6 as National Night Out in
Plymouth. Public Safety Education Specialist Cwayna invited residents to
participate in the event.
Item 4-B Fire Department Recruitment Announcement
Deputy Fire Chief David Burke announced that efforts are underway to fill
six positions for day -time response paid on-call firefighters.
Item 4-C Award of Excellence for Arbor Day Celebration
Randy Distad, Minnesota Parks Association Award Committee, presented
the City Parks and Recreation Department with an Award of Excellence for
its 1995 Arbor Day Celebration.
Item 5 Approve Agenda
Mayor Tierney requested that the following items be added to the agenda:
Report on Fire Department Response, Suburban Alliance, Interfaith
Outreach, and Honeywell correspondence.
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Black, to approve the agenda with the four additions requested by Mayor
Tierney. Motion carried: five ayes, Lymangood nay.
Regular Council Meeting
July 24, 1996
Page 2
Item 6 Consent Agenda
Item 6-H was removed from the consent agenda.
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to approve the consent agenda as amended. Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-A Approve City Council Minutes
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to approve the minutes of the July 10 regular council meeting. Motion
carried, six ayes.
Item 6-11 Approve Disbursements
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-380 APPROVING
DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING JULY 12, 1996.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-C Award of Contract for Public Improvement Projects
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-381 AWARDING BID FOR 12TH
AVENUE STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS, CITY
PROJECT NO. 523. Motion carried, six ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-382 AWARDING BID FOR 1996
PARK BOND TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT NO. 417.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-383 AWARDING BID FOR
WESTBRANCH 3RD ADDITION - PHASE H STREET AND UTILITY
IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT NO. 415. Motion carried, six
ayes.
Item 6-D Approve Change Order for Westbranch 3rd Addition
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-384 APPROVING CHANGE ORDER
NO. 2, WESTBRANCH 3RD ADDITION - PHASE 1, CITY PROJECT
NO. 415. Motion carried, six ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
July 24, 1996
Page 3
Item 6-E Revised Resolution for Condemnation on Peony Lane Improvements
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-385 REVISING RESOLUTION NO.
96-331 AUTHORIZING CONDEMNATION PROCEEDINGS, PEONY
LANE, CITY PROJECT NO. 502. Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-F Street Lighting Improvements for Fernbrook Woods 3rd Addition
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-386 DECLARING ADEQUACY OF
PETITION AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF REPORT, STREET
LIGHTING, FERNBROOK WOODS 3RD ADDITION. Motion carried,
six ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-387 RECEIVING REPORT AND
ORDERING PROJECT FOR STREET LIGHTING, FERNBROOK
WOODS 3RD ADDITION. Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-G Reduction in Development Contract Financial Guarantees
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus„ to adopt RESOLUTION 96-388 REDUCING REQUIRED
FINANCIAL GUI-RANTEE, BASS LAKE TERRACE 2ND ADDITION
91070). Motion carried, six ayes.
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus„ to adopt RESOLUTION 96-389 REDUCING FINANCIAL
GUARANTEE, PARK WOODS TOWNHOMES ADDITION (91027).
Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-I Authorize Application for Registration of Property
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to sign the application for
registration of a portion of Outlot A, Plymouth Center 2' Addition which is
owned by the City of Plymouth. Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 64 Authorize Participation in 1996 Bow Deer Hunt
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to authorize the annual deer bow hunt in the northwest corner of the
City for the 1996 Bow Hunting Season. Motion carried, six ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
July 24, 1996
Page 4
Item 6-K State Contract for Radiological Response for 1997
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-390 AUTHORIZING RENEWAL OF
THE CONTRACT WITH THE STATE OF MINNESOTA FOR THE
FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE RESPONSE SERVICES IN THE
EVENT OF RADIOLOGICAL INCIDENTS AT THE MONITICELLO
AND PRA_HUE ISLAND NUCLEAR FACILITIES FOR FISCAL YEAR
1997. Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-L Carl Unrath. Approve Conditional Use Permit (96072)
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-391 APPROVING CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT FOR CARL UNRATH FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT
11209 SUNSET TRAIL (96072). Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-M The Rottlund Company. Rockford Glen 3rd Addition (96086)
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-392 APPROVING MPUD FINAL
PLAN/PLAT FOR THE ROTTLUND COMPANY, INC. FOR
ROCKFORD GLEN 3RD ADDITION" LOCATED AT THE
SOUTHEAST CORNER OF OLD ROCKFORD ROAD AND PEONY
LANE (96086) (MPUD 95-1). Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-N Janco Inc. Forster's Preserve (96098)
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-393 APPROVING LOT
DIVISION/LOT CONSOLIDATION FOR JANCO, INC. FOR
PROPERTY LOCATED NORTHEAST OF OLD ROCKFORD ROAD
AND BALSAM LANE NORTH (96098). Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-0 Change Order No. 4, Council Chambers Renovation Project
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-394 APPROVING CHANGE ORDER
NO. 4 FOR COUNCIL CHAMBERS RENOVATION PROJECT,
PROJECT 506. Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 6-P Change in Corporate License Name for Rainbow Foods
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-395 APPROVING CORPORATE
NAME CHANGE FOR OFF -SALE 3.2 LIQUOR LICENSES HELD BY
GATEWAY FOODS, INCORPORATED. Motion carried, six ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
July 24, 1996
Page 5
Item 6-Q Approve Site for Parkers Lake Log Cabin
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Preus, to approve the log cabin site at Parkers Lake as recommended by staff.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 7-A Vacation of Easements in Parkers Lake North 11th Addition
Public Works Director Moore presented the staff report and recommended
vacation of drainage and utility easements in Parkers Lake North 1 Ph Addition.
Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing. No one appeared, and the hearing
was closed.
Motion was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-396 AUTHORIZING THE
VACATION OF DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS AND
DRAINAGE EASEMENT FOR PONDING, PARKERS LAKE NORTH
11TH ADDITION. Motion carried, six ayes.
Item 8-A (Item 6-H Authorize No Parking on 46th Avenue and on Balsam Lane
Public Works Director Moore stated that with the completion of the Zachary
Park Playfields in the early 1980's, park usage has continued to increase.
Some non -neighborhood park users have found it more convenient to park
on adjacent residential streets to access the playfields. Over the past several
years, various residents along W' Avenue west of Arrowood Lane have
complained about on -street parking and the additional traffic generated from
Zachary Playfield users. Various attempts have been made to alleviate the
on -street parking problem including coordination and communication with
the high school team soccer users to park in the designated parking area for
the Zachary Playfields. There is adequate parking at the playfield. A
petition was received from several residents along 46' Avenue west of
Arrowood Lane requesting no parking from 5 to 9 p.m., Monday through
Thursday, during the months of April through October. Of the 19 property
owners affected, 11 have indicated their support of the parking restriction, 3
are opposed to the restrictions, and 5 residents have not responded.
Dan Daehlin, 4575 Balsam Lane, spoke against any parking regulations. He
lives at the end of the cul-de-sac and there is room for only one vehicle in
his driveway. He stated that when they have guests at their home, the cul-
de-sac is filled wit" parked cars. It would be inconvenience to have a "no
parking" restriction in the cul-de-sac. Mr. Daehlin has lived on this park
for several years and has never had a problem with parking near his home.
He believes it is environmentally unsound to add more surfaced lot parking
Regular Council Meeting
July 24, 1996
Page 6
in Zachary Park. He also objected to the "no parking" signs for aesthetic
reasons.
Mayor Tierney asked how many vehicles are parked in the neighborhood
during games at the park.
Mr. Daehlin estimated that 8 to 10 vehicles park along 46' Avenue during
games. He added that if the park restrictions are adopted, his guests would
have to park on A*rowood Lane and walk several blocks to his home. He
stated that the park existed in this location before the homes were built, and
that residents should not live near a park if they don't like the associated
noise and congestion.
Jeff Love, 4590 Balsam Lane, also opposed the parking restrictions. He
stated that most park users are "good neighbors" when visiting the park, and
he has no concern with the on -street parking. He does not want signage in
the neighborhood and believes that a parking problem will be pushed into
another neighborhood if the restrictions are adopted. Also, if this restriction
is approved, he believes there will be several other park accesses where
parking restrictions will be requested. He said that the letter sent to his
home regarding the proposed restrictions did not indicate that parking
restrictions were proposed on the cul-de-sac.
Janet Cuellar, 11320 46" Avenue North, expressed concerns about safety
issues relating to on -street parking near the trail access to the park. She said
that bikers and skateboarders come off the trail into the street. There is a
curve on the street and incline on the path which makes visibility difficult
for trail users whe_a vehicles are parking on the street. She does not
necessarily favor "no parking" on the street, but sees no alternative to
improving safety for users of the trail other than reducing parking at the
park trail entrance.
Councilmember Lymangood asked if the primary safety concern is for the
area immediately near the trail entrance to the park. Ms. Cuellar said yes.
She stated that residents further to the east on 46' Avenue supported the
parking restrictions. If restrictions are adopted at the trail entrance, vehicle
parking would move easterly in front of their homes.
Joe Mueller, 11300 46th Avenue North, stated he lives at the entrance to
Balsam Lane. His concern is that if parking is restricted near the trail access
to the park, parking would move easterly toward his home. He has no
opinion on the proposed cul-de-sac parking restrictions; however, he has
Regular Council Meeting
July 24, 1996
Page 7
safety concerns if parking restrictions are adopted only near the trail access
because parking will move easterly.
Councilmember Lymangood asked if speed humps have been considered for
trails so that bikers would have to slow down before entering the street off
the trail.
Public Works Director Moore responded that speed humps could be
installed; however, if parking exists on both sides of the street, traffic is
slowed. He explained that there is currently a "no parking" restriction on
Arrowood Lane. Two letters were mailed to affected residents. The fust
letter proposed parking restrictions on 46'b Avenue. In response, two
residents expressed concerns that the parking restrictions on 46' Avenue
would force parking to the cul-de-sac. A second letter was then mailed
proposing parking restrictions on 46' Avenue and on the Balsam Lane cul-
de-sac. .
Councilmember Granath suggested that a warning sign on the trail may be
beneficial. Mayor Tierney suggested that a stop sign be installed on the
trail.
Councilmember Lymangood suggested that a yellow curb to indicate "no
parking" could be installed on W Avenue on both sides of the trail access,
similar to the markings near a fire hydrant.
Ms. Cuellar stated that residents further to the east of the trail access do not
want the parking in front of their homes for safety reasons.
Councilmember Black stated that if there is parking on both sides of the
street, the traffic lane is narrowed and the traffic speed may be slowed. She
agreed that something needs to be done to move traffic away from the trail
access to the street for safety reasons.
Motion was made by Councilmember Lymangood, seconded by
Councilmember Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-397
AUTHORIZING NO PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON THE SOUTH
SIDE OF 46'$ AVENUE ADJACENT TO THE TRAIL ACCESS TO
ZACHARY PLAYFIELD, authorizing installation of no parking signs
anytime on the south side of 46" Avenue for 15 feet on either side of the
trail located between Lot 10, Block 1, and Lot 1, Block 3, Deerwood
Estates Plat Four.
Regular Council Meeting
July 24, 1996
Page 8
Councilmember Preus agreed with the intent of the motion. He asked if the
distance should be longer due to the visibility problems for trail users
coming into the street.
Motion to amend was made by Councilmember Lymangood, seconded by
Councilmember G-ranath, to change the distance to 20 feet on either side of
the trail and to authorize installation of a stop sign on the trail.
Councilmember Preus asked Public Works Director Moore to comment on
the motion.
Director Moore responded that it is difficult to know the impact of the
parking restriction area because of the curve in 46' Avenue to the west of
the trail access. He believes that a 20 foot parking restriction in both
directions will open up the sight area for trail users entering the street.
Councilmember Wold supported the motion. He said that additional footage
could be added if 20 in both directions is not adequate.
Motion to amend carried, six ayes. Main motion carried, six ayes.
Item 9-A Additional Safety Measures in the South Shore Drive Area
Public Works Director Moore stated that last year, two speed humps were
installed on South Shore Drive near the Bassett Creek bridge. The City
Council subsequeny appointed a subcommittee (Councilmembers Granath,
Black, and Preus) to meet with members of the Medicine Lake City Council
to discuss additional safety issues in the area. A meeting was held between
the Plymouth Council Subcommittee and the members of the Medicine Lake
City Council on July 11.
Director Moore presented the recommendation of the Subcommittee which
has been agreed to by the Medicine Lake City Council: Install five speed
humps to slow traffic (two existing; three recommended); painted crosswalk
on lo' Avenue at South Shore Drive; Joint planning for the regional trail;
joint law enforcement; trimming of vegetation for better sight distance;
installation of an "all -way" stop at South Shore Drive and Peninsula Road;
and request to MnDOT for special speed limitation on the bridge. Director
Moore explained that two of the proposed new speed humps would be
located on the north/south portion of South Shore Drive, and the third would
be located westerly of the 13'h Avenue intersection. He said that MnDOT
has considered the request for a special speed limit on the bridge and
indicates that the bridge is structurally safe for a 30 mph speed limit.
Regular Council Meeting
July 24, 1996
Page 9
Mayor Tierney noted that 20 mph speed limits are posted in Medicine Lake.
She asked how they were able to get the reduced speed limits.
Director Moore was unsure, but stated that perhaps the lower speed limits
were grandfathered when Medicine Lake became a city. Manager Johnson
added that when the trail corridor is installed, the road may be eligible for a
25 mph speed limit if the trail is adjacent to the roadway.
Director Moore explained that when conducting speed studies, MnDOT
considers that 85 percent of drivers are reasonable. A recent speed study on
South Shore Drive indicates that drivers at the 85' percentile are traveling at
29 mph. Before the two speed humps were installed, the 85' percentile was
38 mph. The speed humps appear to be effective in slowing traffic to the 30
mph speed limit.
Mayor Tierney asked if an all -way stop is justified for safety reasons at
South Shore Drive and Peninsula Road.
Director Moore responded that the intersection probably doesn't meet the
exact warrants for an all -way stop. However, this is one element of
improving safety in the overall area.
Councilmember Granath supported the Subcommittee recommendation for
safety improvements, but stated that additional efforts should be adopted.
He suggested that, in addition to the safety recommendations, speed humps
be installed on the east side of the Medicine Lake City Hall and between
10320 and 10314 South Shore Drive. He also recommended that a stop sign
be installed requiring eastbound traffic on South Shore Drive to stop at the
west approach to the Bassett Creek bridge.
Councilmember Wold expressed concern that the additional items would be
a unilateral action of Plymouth and that these were not discussed or agreed
to with the Medic ie Lake City Council.
Councilmember Granath did not believe that one stop sign and the additional
speed humps would be a concern to Medicine Lake. He stated that a stop
sign at the Bassett Creek bridge would encourage motorists to use greater
caution.
Manager Johnson stated that the speed hump installation on South Shore
Drive at the east side of the Medicine Lake City Hall would not require any
action from the City of Medicine Lake, except they would have to approve
the warning signs.
Regular Council Meeting
July 24, 1996
Page 10
Mayor Tierney stated that one concern with stop signs is the associated noise
and pollution with motorists stopping and starting.
Councilmember Granath stated that since this request for a stop sign at the
bridge came from the neighborhood, he believes they are willing to tolerate
the vehicle noise.
In response to a question by Mayor Tierney, Director Moore stated that for
liability and safety reasons a sign is needed at each speed hump location.
There is currently an advance sign that warns of speed humps ahead. He
proposed that there could be a set of warning signs on the north -south
segment of South Shore Drive and on the east -west segment, as well as a
sign at each hump.
Scott Nielson, 10314 South Shore Drive, stated that he had spoken with a
MnDOT representative who indicated that the speed limit could be reduced
if the City can justify it using traffic counting techniques. Mr. Nielson
believes that 30 mph is too fast on South Shore Drive because of the
recreation uses in the area. He suggested that the City pursue a plan to get
the speed limit reduced, and he supported a stop sign or divider on the
bridge to separate hikers and pedestrians from vehicles. He believes the
speed limit on the bridge should be 20 mph.
Dave Buzzelle, 11222 South Shore Drive, said that pedestrian traffic will
continue to increase in the area. He stated that motorists slow down when
they see the traffic monitor strips, and vehicles take turns crossing the
bridge. Mr. Buzzelle stated that a continued question is the impact of The
Country House. He does not believe that South Shore Drive should be
classified as a minor collector street.
Director Moore stated that the City Council has directed staff to address the
roadway along with the future trail construction.
Ron Hennes, 10520 South Shore Drive, said that traffic is slowing down in
the area. Pedestrian use of the roadway is heavy, and the trail will resolve
the safety problem. He doesn't believe that the bridge is.a problem if the
pedestrian traffic is moved to an off-road trail. He lives in the third house
from the bridge and objected to a stop sign at this location due to the traffic
noise. He suggested that an alternative solution would be a warning sign or
speed humps on ei- G -,r side of the bridge because most people slow down for
the speed humps.
Regular Council Meeting
July 24, 1996
Page 11
Councilmember Black stated that it seems the number of proposed speed
humps is excessive.
Mayor Tierney agreed and suggested that the Council begin with authorizing
the items agreed upon by the Plymouth Subcommittee and Medicine Lake
City Council. Additional. speed humps or a stop sign could be installed later
if needed.
Motion was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Black, to adopt RESOLUTION 96-398 ADDITIONAL SAFETY
MEASURES IN SOUTH SHORE DRIVE AREA, with the addition to
the resolution of speed humps at the east side of the Medicine Lake City
Hall, and between 10320 and 10314 South Shore Drive, as well as a stop
sign requiring eastbound traffic on South Shore Drive to stop at the
west approach to the Bassett Creek bridge.
Councilmember Granath stated that this resolution would bring closure to
this ongoing traffic safety issue. He believes the conditions are basically
acceptable to Medicine Lake and to the South Shore Drive residents.
Mayor Tierney stated she cannot support the motion because of the proposed
stop sign at the bridge. She believes that a higher speed hump or lower
speed limit would be a better alternative, and stated that stop signs should
not be used for speed control. She appreciated the efforts of the Medicine
Lake City Council and the Plymouth Council Subcommittee in working on
this issue, and she would support the resolution as negotiated and
recommended by those groups.
Councilmember Lymangood requested resident reaction to the motion which
proposes speed humps in addition to those recommended by the
Subcommittee and Medicine Lake Council, as well as the addition of a stop
sign at the bridge.
Councilmember Preus stated that these additional items may be excessive.
He is sympathetic with the concerns of the residents, but doesn't believe an
additional speed hump at the east side of Medicine Lake City Hall or a stop
sign at Bassett Creek bridge is justified. He stated that Medicine Lake
Mayor Schrader stated at the Subcommittee meeting that Plymouth can do
what it wants, but questioned whether a burden could be created by slowing
traffic too much. Councilmember Preus stated that, as a compromise, he
would support an additional speed hump between 10320 and 10314 South
Shore Drive.
Regular Council fleeting
July 24, 1996
Page 12
Councilmember B.114ot agreed that the additional speed humps and stop sign
seem excessive. However, if residents are sure they want these additional
measures, she will support them.
Motion to amend was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by Mayor
Tierney, to delete from the motion the proposed speed hump at the east side
of the Medicine Lake City Hall and the stop sign at the bridge.
Councilmember Granath spoke against the motion on behalf of the residents
who had requested the action.
Councilmember Wold stated that he expected that a clear recommendation
would result from the meeting of the Council Subcommittee and the
Medicine Lake City Council. He is concerned that the Subcommittee
reached an agreement with the Medicine Lake Council, and now additional
items are proposed. He is in favor of being proactive, but would not like to
act unless the issues are first discussed with Medicine Lake. He asked if
adding the speed hump at the east side of Medicine Lake City Hall may be
perceived as an act of bad faith after an agreement had been negotiated.
Councilmember Preus stated that it would probably not be perceived as bad
faith. The Medicine Lake Council was extremely cooperative during the
meetings. However, Medicine Lake may not be happy with the additions.
He stated that Medicine Lake recognizes that this was a Council
Subcommittee and that the full Council can amend the negotiated
recommendation. The Medicine Lake Council may question why these
items were not discussed more at the joint meeting.
Councilmember Wold stated he will support the amendment. He wants to
retain cooperation with the City of Medicine Lake, and he believes that the
Council has had good success using a Subcommittee structure on specific
issues. He believes that the new items should have been discussed with
Medicine Lake prior to consideration by the Plymouth Council.
Councilmember Black stated that the new issues were raised by a resident at
the joint meeting. However, the Subcommittee felt that this amount of
speed humps and a stop sign on this roadway was excessive.
Councilmember Lymangood spoke in favor of the amendment. He pointed
out that the City Council has taken a gradual approach to the South Shore
Drive safety issues. He believes that the proposed action would be the next
logical step to address the concerns. He hopes that the proposed actions will
Regular Council Meeting
July 24, 1996
Page 13
slow traffic speeds. However, if it doesn't work, the Council can again
consider the issue.
Councilmember Preus concurred that if the problem is not solved, he would
be willing to consider another speed hump or other action necessary to
alleviate the traffic concerns.
Vote on the amendment carried: five ayes; Granath nay.
Councilmember Granath thanked the City Council for their work on this
issue.
Motion to amend was made by Councilmember Lymangood, seconded by
Councilmember Granath, to add to the resolution that the appropriate speed
limit on South Shore Drive be considered with the design of the Regional
Trail.
Councilmember Preus spoke in favor of the amendment. He noted that
there are a number of items still to occur in the future that could cause
traffic impacts in the area.
Vote on the amendment carried, six ayes.
Motion to amend was made by Councilmember Preus, seconded by
Councilmember Black, to add to the resolution that the Plymouth Police
Department work in cooperation with the Hennepin County Sheriff
Department on a joint effort on law enforcement issues.
Vote on the amendment carried, six ayes.
Councilmember Wold thanked Councilmember Granath for his efforts as
ward councilmember on this issue and the Subcommittee members. He
stated that the Council will consider the issue again if the concerns are not
resolved.
Councilmember Black thanked the Medicine Lake City Council for their
efforts on the issue.
Vote on the motion as amended carried: six ayes.
Item 9-B Fire Department Response
Mayor Tierney asked for a report on a fire department response to a fire
incident that occurred last week.
Regular Council Meeting
July 24, 1996
Page 14
Public Safety Director Gerdes said the fire department response to the
incident was under 15 minutes, and Deputy Chief Burke was present at the
scene. The first fire page was at 9:40 a.m., and the first fire officer arrived
six minutes later. The first fire truck arrived at 9:52 a.m. He said it is a
common response while viewing a fire to exaggerate the response time.
Director Gerdes explained that the first caller on the fire said the fire was
raging out of the garage and into the street. Additional callers described an
explosion and heavy smoke. The fire was out of control when the fire
department was called. It has been classified as an accidental fire
originating about 3:00 to 4:00 a.m. from smoldering under a wooden deck.
The explosion was attributed to a barbecue propane cylinder.
Director Gerdes reviewed the fire response times for June. Firefighters
responded to 105 fire calls in June, with an average response time of 9 to 11
minutes. He feels that the fire department handled those calls well, and the
City is currently spxifically and aggressively recruiting daytime response
firefighters.
In response to a question by Councilmember Preus, Director Gerdes said
that members of the police department arrived at the fire scene within two
minutes of the call.
Councilmember Wold asked whether the fire response time is adequate.
Public Safety Director Gerdes stated that the response time is adequate.
There are particular fires that are devastating without regard to the response
time. The most important thing is prevention, and the City does an
excellent job through the fire department, public safety fire prevention, and
community development code enforcement and inspections.
Councilmember Wold stated he is very pleased with the work of the fire
department. If the Council believes there is benefit in reviewing the
response time issue, it could be referred to the Community Policing
Subcommittee.
Councilmember Black stated that she received a number of phone calls on
this fire incident from residents concerned about the response time. One
caller was a full-time firefighter in Minneapolis. Once he was advised of
the actual response time on the incident, he thought it was reasonable.
Councilmember Black favored referral of the issue to the Community
Policing Subcommittee. She stated that she had received adequate
Regular Council Meeting
July 24, 1996
Page 15
information from staff on this fire incident. Being a former fire victim, she
undersiands the residents' concerns.
Mayor Tierney said there have been three major fires in this neighborhood
in the past eight years.
Councilmember Preus asked how the fire response figures for June compare
to previous months or to similar communities with volunteer departments.
Deputy Chief Burke said that comparison has not been done. Some cities
use city employees for fire response and there are differences between fire
departments. Public Safety Director Gerdes agreed there are many factors
that impact response times including the use of city employees, use of a
wage pay scale, and location of fire stations. He noted that Bloomington
has an average response time of five minutes which was accomplished by
building a fire station with firefighters living adjacent to it.
Councilmember Lymangood left the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Public Safety Director Gerdes said that the Public Safety Education
Specialist and firefighters went into this neighborhood and offered to do
walk-through inspections for fire safety. Of the 22 homes reviewed, 17 did
not have adequate protection with smoke detectors. Smoke detectors and
batteries were provided to those residents.
Councilmember Granath stated that he is satisfied with the response time,
but asked when the last time the general issues of response times and a
volunteer vs. full-time department were reviewed.
Councilmember Wold said that the City's auditors indicated in their last
report that the financial impact of options other than a volunteer department
are profound. He believes that review of the issues should be forwarded to
a subcommittee.
Councilmember Preus stated that issues relating to fire response and fire
department structure should be periodically reviewed. He praised the fire
department for their work on this incident, as well as their forthrightness in
discussing the issues involved.
The Council referred issues relating to fire response and fire department
structure to the Community Policing Subcommittee for review and report to
the full Council.
Regular Council Meeting
July 24, 1996
Page 16
Motion was made by Councilmember Wold, seconded by Councilmember Preus, to
adjourn the meeting. Motion carried, five ayes.
Laurie Ahrens
City Clerk