HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 01-23-1995 SpecialMINUTES
COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
JANUARY 23, 1995
A study session of the Plymouth City Council was held at 6:00 p.m. in the Council
Conference Room of the City Center, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on January 23, 1995.
PRESENT: Mayor Tierney; Councilmembers Edson, Lymangood, and Wold.
ABSENT: Councilmembers Anderson, Granath, and Helliwell.
LEGISLATORS PRESENT: Representative H. Todd Van Dellen, District 3413;
Representative Ron Abrams, District 45A; and Representative Peggy Leppik, District
45B. Senator Gen Olson, District 34, arrived at 7:35 p.m.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant Manager Lueckert, Public Works
Director Moore, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Park Director Blank, Public
Safety Director Gerdes, and City Clerk Ahrens.
Mayor Tierney convened the dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m. She explained that the purpose
of the meeting was to discuss upcoming legislative issues which impact Plymouth, and to
highlight other issues of interest to the City. Manager Johnson explained the issues
outlined in a discussion paper (attached). The Senator and Representatives presented their
viewpoints and ideas, and there was general discussion among councilmember and
legislators about the 1995 Legislative session.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Laurie F. Ahrens
City Clerk
City of Plymouth
1995 Legislative Issues
Affordable Housing
The City of Plymouth is keenly interested in legislative proposals relating to affordable
housing issues. Plymouth staff has done extensive study on affordable housing in
Plymouth, and key information from this study is attached for your use. The research
shows that Plymouth has quite a variety and diversity of housing opportunities, especially
in comparison with other similar cities.
The legislative debate on affordable housing has sometimes seemed to imply that some
developing suburbs are not contributing their fair share in solving the problems of poverty
in the region. Recent studies show that Plymouth makes a net contribution of $5.8 million
per year in fiscal disparities and contributed $10.3 million per year more to the Local
Government Trust Fund than it received in state aid in 1993. These figures relate only to
City revenues, and do not take into account school aid formulas, which are similarly
disproportionate.
Plymouth is interested in being a responsible participant in solving the problems of poverty
in the metro area, and believes the solutions must encompass the following principles:
The existing contributions of our taxpayers to metro and statewide revenues should be
acknowledged and considered.
The solution should not have the direct or indirect effect of raising property taxes on
Plymouth residents.
Incentives should be used to encourage the market place and cities to accept
affordable housing rather than mandates and penalties.
The solutions should maintain the ability of the community to create and maintain jobs,
many of which would be otherwise lost to the metro area.
The solutions should focus on all of the causes and effects of poverty, not just the
housing component.
Action Requested: Receive the information developed by the City and keep the City
informed of affordable housing initiatives.
Staff Contact: Ed Goldsmith, HRA Supervisor, 550-5047
Metropolitan Land Planning Act Amendments
Amendments will be introduced in 1995 to the Metropolitan Land Planning Act (MLPA),
which governs adoption and amendment of local comprehensive plans and their review by
law, but would encourage legislators to provide more realistic guidelines for its
application.
Action Requested: Change the Gifts Law to establish a realistic dollar threshold.
Staff Contact: Kathy Lueckert, Assistant City Manager, 550-5013
Ice Arena Grant Program
The 1994 Legislature established the Minnesota Mighty Ducks Ice Arena Task Force.
Chaired by Representative Robert Milbert, the task force has members from across the
state and has examined the need for ice arenas state-wide. The Might Ducks Task Force
has concluded that Minnesota is short 30 - 50 indoor ice sheets.
The Minnesota Mighty Ducks Ice Arena Task Force will propose legislation to assist
Minnesota communities in developing a minimum of 20 new indoor ice sheets. The plan
calls for a state-wide grant program in the amount of $250,000 during the next biennium.
The Plymouth -Wayzata -New Hope -Maple Grove areas are short at least two ice facilities
to meet the current demand. The City of Plymouth supports the Mighty Ducks legislation
and the grant program it would establish.
Action Requested: Support Mighty Ducks legislation, in particular grant funding, to
help build indoor ice arenas.
Staff Contact: Eric Blank, Park and Recreation Director, 550-5131
Property Tax Law Changes
For several years, there have been proposals to change the funding mechanism for schools
from the property tax to some other source. While the City does not receive any LGA
funds, some of these proposals would substantially affect our HACA aid (currently $1.8
million per year). It is important that any new school funding mechanism provide a more
reasonable property tax burden for our residents and that cities be provided with a viable
transition plan which might include alternative local revenue options, and a revised Truth
in Taxation statement.
Action Requested: Keep the City informed of any pending property tax law changes,
support the principles regarding change noted above.
Staff Contact: Dale Hahn, Finance Director, 550-5101
A growing property rights movement has indicated that it will be advocating repeal of the
state wetlands conservation act. The Board of Water and Soil Resources is looking at a
variety of changes to the act, including 1) relating protection to wetland classification 2)
giving credit for wetland improvement, buffer creation and wetland type conversion, and
3)instead of requiring 2:1 wetland replacement, providing credit for buffers as
replacement beyond 1:1, etc.
Major changes in the law or its repeal would have an impact on Plymouth's new wetlands
ordinance, because much of our new local ordinance is coordinated with the existing law.
Plymouth believes it has used a creditable methodology to classify its wetlands and is
requiring buffers. An information sheet on Plymouth's Wetlands Ordinance is attached for
your information.
Action Requested: Oppose major changes in the Wetlands Conservation Act which
would undermine our new ordinance, and keep the City informed
of legislative proposals for change in the Wetlands Conservation
Act.
Staff Contact: Barbara Senness, Planning Supervisor, 550-5052
Transit Funding
Plymouth has been an "Opt Out" community for many years. Our transit system, known
as Metrolink, has two components, a fixed route commuter service and a Dial -a -Ride
service. The City is concerned about any proposals to replace the Regional Transit
Property Tax with a Regional Sales Tax, which would eliminate funding for "Opt Out"
transit systems. The City is also concerned about any efforts to eliminate "Opt Out"
systems altogether and roll these operations into the Metropolitan Council Transit
Organization (MCTO).
Action Requested: Oppose any legislation adversely impacting "Opt Out" systems.
Staff Contact: John Sweeney, Assistant City Engineer, 550-5072
Modifications to the Gifts Law
During the 1994 legislative session a law was passed which prohibited gifts to local
elected and appointed officials. While the intent of the law is good, its application in "the
real world" is troublesome. Adhering to the letter and spirit of the law has led to
unintended consequences and expenses for elected and appointed officials alike. For
example, during the National Night Out event last summer, the City had to obtain a legal
opinion that city officials visiting neighborhood groups could wear "DARE" tee-shirts and
eat the food offered to them. The City of Plymouth agrees with the philosophy behind the
Municipalities (AMM) committee that is reviewing the changes. The amendments will
probably require that cities update their comprehensive plans periodically, and may expand
the range of issues that must be included in the plans. Plymouth is committed to keeping
its plans for future development up to date. However, while it is possible that some of the
changes in the MLPA may be beneficial, the legislation is likely to impose additional costs
to Plymouth and to all cities in the region. It appears from early drafts of the legislation
that no financial support to the cities will be provided in order to carry out these new
requirements. Even cities that have in-house planning staff will find it difficult to carry out
the additional planning without some assistance. Support in the form of grants or loans
should be included if the legislation is passed, to avoid creating another unfunded
mandate.
Action Requested: Support grant or loan funding to localities for any changes to the
Metropolitan Land Planning Act.
Staff Contact: Anne Hurlburt, Community Development Director, 550-5059
Highway Funding and System Improvements
Several major metropolitan highways are located in Plymouth: highways 55, 169, and I-
494. All of these corridors experience congestion within the City. Plymouth residents
depend on these highways for mobility, and they also have significant effects on our local
street system. Drivers looking for alternative routes are increasing traffic on residential
streets, which has become a major concern for Plymouth residents. Plymouth seeks a high
priority for projects to improve the corridors in the city, especially highway 169.
Action Requested: Support actions and policies which will alleviate the
congestion on our major highway corridors. Reassess the
statewide funding levels for highways and base funding levels on
highway use and congestion.
Staff Contact: Barbara Senness, Planning Supervisor, 550-5052
Amendments to the Wetlands Conservation Act
Legislation amending the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) is expected to be introduced
in 1995. Plymouth recently adopted a wetlands protection ordinance which incorporates
the requirements of the WCA, and further protects wetlands through requiring buffers and
setbacks from wetlands. Adoption of this ordinance took nearly a year of extensive
research, development, and public input. All wetland basins were inventoried and rated
for function and value. The new ordinance demonstrates that environmental protection is
a very high priority for Plymouth.
2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
Low Income Households that Paid More than 30 and 50
Percent of Their Income for Housing
30% of 31-50% of 51-80% of
Median Median Median
Income Level
Paid >30% paid >50% ® Households
Source: HUD CHAS Databook, 1990
Affnrdahlp Anncine TT ue 4.. v_ --__L _.
Income Level Total Housing Number of Shortage/Surplus
Special
Units Households of Units0-30% of Median Income 214 752
31-50% of Median Income 473 744
538-
51-80% of Median Income 3,876 1,971
271
Qnnrrp- M Tn OLr A Q 1,905
Publicly-SUP13orted Affordable Housin its
Program/Development Units for Units for
50% of < 60% of
Median Median
Income Incomp
HRA UNITS
Section 8 Certificates
Section 8 Vouchers
Plymouth Towne Square
Housing Rehabilitation
Scattered Site Homeownership
First Time Homebuyer Program
Non-profit Homeownership
Non-profit special Needs Housing
Subtotal
NON -HRA AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Housing Revenue Bonds for
Multi -Family Rehabilitation
Section 8 New Construction
Housing Finance Aeenev nrnamme
Low Income Tax Credit development to be built
Units for Units for TOTAL
80% of Special
Median Needs
Income Individuals
Affordable Housing in Plymouth
The Housing Stock:
There were 19,616 housing units in Plymouth in 1990. Seventy-four percent were owner -occupied units and26percentwererentalunits.
The mix of housing types available in Plymouth became more varied during the 1980s. The proportion of
non -single family detached housing increased from 33 percent to 40 percent.
At the time of the U.S. Census, nearly half of all housing units in Plymouth (9,297 units) had been built
during the 1980s. Only 4 percent of the housing units were built prior to 1950. This high proportion of
newer units is a major reason why the cost of housing in Plymouth is above average.
Housing Cost and Affordability
Plymouth's 1990 median housing value was $127,400, compared to $87,400 for the Twin Cities.
The median rent in 1990 was $611, compared to $479 for the Twin Cities.
In 1990, 75 percent (563) of Plymouth households with incomes 30 percent of median income or less paid
more than 30 percent of their income for housing. Sixty-eight percent (509) of the households at this incomelevelpaidmorethan50percentoftheirincomeforhousing.
Seventy-six percent (564) of Plymouth households with incomes from 31 to 50 percent of median income
paid more than 30 percent of their income for housing. Thirty-six percent (265) paid more than 50 percentoftheirincomeforhousing.
There is a shortage of housing affordable to households with incomes less than 50 percent of median
income. There is, however, a surplus of units affordable to households between 51 and 80 percent of medianincome. Despite this "surplus", 52 percent (1,030) of households at this income level paid more than 30
percent of their income for housing. This mismatch occurs because households with higher incomes live inunitsforwhichtheypaylessthan30percentoftheirincome.
In total, there are 6,901 housing units affordable to households earning less than 80 percent of median. Public -Sector Housing Activities:
The City has used 74 percent ($2.4 million) of its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for
housing activities. These funds have assisted 304 units through the Housing and Redevelopment Authority'sHRA) Rehabilitation and Homeownership Programs, grants to non-profit developers, and the pre - development costs of senior citizen housing.
With CDBG and other funding sources, the HRA has spent $9.46 million on housing since 1975.
In October 1994, the first subsidized apartment building for senior citizens was completed. The ninety-nineunitbuildingprovidessubsidizedhousingforseniorcitizens, with priority given to applicants whose
incomes are at or below 50 or 80 percent of median income. Plymouth Towne Square is financed, owned,
operated and subsidized by the HRA with local funds. Rents are subsidized by the City through $275,000 inpropertytaxesleviedeachyear.
The City is currently negotiating assistance for 64 units of private rental housing to serve households withincomesupto60percentofmedian.
Adding up all publicly -supported housing activities in the City, 760 units of affordable housing in the Cityhavebeenassistedwithpublicfundssince1975.
Issues and Barriers:
Current land and building prices make the cost of developing new, affordable single family housingprohibitive. The shrinking supply of vacant land within the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA), market demand, and environmental restrictions are likely causes of the higher land and housing costs. Vacant land outside of the MUSA is a potential resource for the development of new affordable housing. The City is examining local requirements that may inhibit affordable housing development and will be
considering making changes to these requirements as it updates its land use plans in 1995.
To meet the housing needs of residents and employees in the present and future, a community needs toprovidehousingchoicethrougharangeofhousingtypesandprices. This policy requires that publicresourcesbeavailabletofosterthedevelopmentofaffordablehousing.
For further information on housing affordability in Plymouth, contact Ed Goldsmith, HRA Supervisor, at 550-5047.
Railroad Crossings
For several years the City has been working with CP Rail (formerly the Soo Line) to
construct crossing controls at a track crossing along a busy street, Pineview Lane. The
City has offered to pay the full cost of installing the crossing device. CP Rail promised to
have the device installed by October 1994, but there are still no crossing devices.
Plymouth's experience indicates a need for legislation which would compel the railroad to
construct crossing controls within a set period of time if the cost of the devices is borne by
the requesting jurisdiction.
Action Requested: Sponsor legislation to compel railroads to construct crossing
controls within a set period of time if the cost of the devices is
borne by the requesting jurisdiction.
Staff Contact: Fred Moore, Public Works Director, 550-5080
WETLAND PROTECTION ORDINANCE
On January 3, 1995, the City of Plymouth adopted a wetland protection ordinance.
This ordinance was developed over roughly a one year period with substantial input
from residents, developers, public agencies and experts in the field.
The ordinance incorporates by reference the Wetlands Conservation Act of 1991
WCA) and any future amendments adopted by the State Legislature. In addition, it
regulates the use of lands surrounding wetlands by requiring buffer strips to protect
wetland shorelines from erosion, while serving to filter sediment, chemicals and other
nutrients before storm water discharges into the wetland. Buffer strips are also
beneficial in providing habitat for wildlife.
The wetland ordinance affects only new development in the City. However, the City
Council has recognized the importance of also addressing water quality in the
developed portions of the City and will be identifying appropriate measures for
protecting wetlands in these areas in the surface water management plan scheduled for
completion by the end of 1995.
The ordinance establishes four classifications of wetlands, based on their functions and
values. The WCA does not currently differentiate among wetland classes, but changes
to the legislation proposed by the Wetland Heritage Advisory Committee would add
this feature at the state level as well.
The ordinance establishes two sets of standards for wetland buffer strips and setbacks.
The basic standard applies to structures, roadways and trails in all zoning districts. It
establishes average buffers of 75 feet for exceptional quality wetlands, 50 feet for high
quality, 30 feet for medium quality and 15 feet for low quality wetlands. The
ordinance establishes a 15 -foot structure setback from buffer strips, regardless of the
quality of the wetland.
The City has also developed alternative buffer strip standards that may be applied
where the physical characteristics of a parcel of land may necessitate narrower buffer
strips to allow for reasonable use of the land. The ordinance establishes standards
roughly one half the size of the basic standards. This is a unique element of the City's
ordinance. It strengthens the ordinance because in these instances an applicant must
both show how the subject parcel meets the standards for narrower buffers and design
extraordinary management measures that at least duplicate the performance of the
standard buffer. It also strengthens the ordinance legally in that it provides an
additional option in cases that might otherwise result in a taking.
Another relatively unique element of Plymouth's ordinance is that it establishes buffer
strip vegetation performance standards. The ordinance sets out planting and
maintenance requirements for buffer areas that are not vegetated or have been
cultivated or otherwise disturbed within 10 years of permit application.