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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