HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 12-11-1996 Special 1Minutes
Special Council Meeting
December 11, 1996
A special meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at
5:30 p.m., in the Public Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on December 11,
1996.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney; Councilmembers Wold, Black, Granath, and
Preus. Councilmembers-elect Spigner, Bildsoe, and Johnson. Councilmember
Lymangood left the meeting at 6:15 p.m.
ABSENT: Councilmember Anderson.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant Manager Lueckert, Public Works
Director Moore, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Public Safety Director
Gerdes, Finance Director Hahn, Park Director Blank, and City Clerk Ahrens.
Item 1 Calendar/Scheduling Items
The Council discussed regular meeting dates for 1997 and decided to continue
meeting on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Staff will prepare a
resolution for action at an upcoming meeting.
Staff was directed to establish dates for a meeting with area legislators, a
presentation by Springsted, Inc., and a meeting to establish goals and
objectives.
Manager Johnson announced that the League of Minnesota Cities Newly
Elected Officials Conference will be held on January 31 and February 1; and
on February 28 and March 1.
Item 2 Goals/Objectives Meeting
Assistant Manager Lueckert described the process used by the City Council
the last several years to establish goals and objectives. The Council favored
holding a similar session in early 1997. Councilmember Preus suggested that
the meeting be held no later than February 12.
Mayor Tierney suggested that the meeting include a discussion of long-term
vision for the community.
Councilmember-elect Spigner agreed that a visioning session would be
beneficial, but suggested that this be held on a separate date from the
establishment of shorter term goals and objectives.
Special Council Meeting
December 11, 1996
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Councilmembers Black, Wold, and Preus favored setting goals and objectives
at the initial session. Another session to discuss visioning could be held
another time.
Councilmember-elect Bildsoe asked if goals and objectives were traditionally
established for a one-year period. He would like to develop goals for longer
than one-year.
Assistant Lueckert said the goals have typically been for a two to three year
period.
Manager Johnson suggested that staff could present options for a future
visioning process at the goals and objectives meeting.
Councilmember Lymangood requested that staff provide copies of the
Council's 1996 goals/objectives/work plan to new councilmembers for
review.
Councilmember Lymangood left the meeting at 6:15 p.m.
Item 3 Subcommittees or Study Sessions
City Manager Johnson explained the process for establishing subcommittees
and study sessions used by the 1996 Council.
Councilmember Wold said there was a heavy use of subcommittees in 1996.
This requires trust in other councilmembers, but allows specialization and in-
depth study of issues. He believes the subcommittees have done excellent
work and spoke in favor of continuing with this structure.
Councilmember Black agreed, but noted that there are certain issues such as
Northwest Plymouth planning or the Surface Water Management Plan where a
full Council study session may be needed.
Mayor Tierney suggested that it is effective to use both formats where
appropriate. This could be discussed at the goals and objectives session.
Councilmember Granath encouraged new councilmembers to request study
sessions on issues when needed, particularly early in their terms of office.
Councilmember Preus said the balance between subcommittees and study
sessions worked well in 1996. He suggested continuing with these methods
on a case-by-case basis.
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December 11, 1996
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Item 4 Pro -Plymouth Pledge
City Manager Johnson said the Pro -Plymouth Pledge was adopted in 1994 and
reaffirmed in 1995 and 1996.
Councilmember Black favored reaffirming the Pledge on January 8.
Mayor Tierney requested that any members desiring a change to the Pledge
submit the proposed language to staff.
Item 5 Council Seating Arrangement
The Council decided to retain the current City Council seating arrangement on
the dais.
Item 6 Organizational Items for January 8, 1997
The procedure on January 8 for the oaths of office, appointment of council
secretary, designation of official depositories, appointment of health officer,
and designation of official newspaper was reviewed.
Assistant Manager Lueckert said that a Subcommittee meeting is scheduled
for December 16 to conduct board and commission interviews and to discuss
those appointments, as well as council coordinating representatives for 1997.
She asked that councilmembers complete and return their appointment interest
surveys.
Several members suggested that the designation of Deputy Mayor could also
be discussed on December 16, if the call and notice of the meeting is
amended.
Item 7 Other Items
Manager Johnson said the new Council voice mail numbers will be activated
on January 8.
Councilmember-elect Johnson expressed interest in the Council conducting
joint meetings with the four school districts. Mayor Tierney suggested that
this be discussed at the goals and objectives meeting, along with possible ward
meetings or special meetings with other agencies.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
City Clerk