HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 01-30-1995 SpecialMINUTES
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 30, 1995
A special meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney
at 6:00 p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on
January 30, 1995.
PRESENT: Mayor Tierney; Councilmembers Anderson, Edson, Granath, Lymangood,
and Wold.
ABSENT: Councilmember Helliwell.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant Manager Lueckert, Public
Works Director Moore, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Park Director
Blank, Public Safety Director Gerdes, Finance Director Hahn, City Attorney Knutson,
and City Clerk Ahrens.
ITEM 1 REVIEW OF PARLIAMENTARY RULES OF PROCEDURE
Mayor Tierney reviewed various versions of parliamentary rules and suggested
that the City Council adopt the 1990 version of Roberts Rules of Order.
City Attorney Knutson explained that there are few substantive differences
between the versions, but the Forsman version is more readable.
The City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance adopting Roberts Rules
of Order Newly Revised 1990 Scott Forsman Edition as the official
parliamentary rules for future consideration.
Attorney Knutson reviewed several types of parliamentary actions and noted
items that can speed up a meeting. He explained the procedure for substitute
motions and friendly amendments. He also explained reconsideration of items
by City Councils, noting that items that have been adopted following a public
hearing process cannot be "reconsidered" in the traditional parliamentary sense,
because the entire process must again be followed in order to reverse an action.
Mayor Tierney described word choices that the Council has used - "direction to
staff" rather than "instruction", "aye and no" vs. "aye and nay", "roll call"
rather than "division", "call the question" rather than "call for the motion", and
general consent" vs. "unanimous consent". Councilmembers expressed no
desire for changes to the current practice.
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January 30, 1995
Page 2
Councilmember Lymangood discussed the difference between the use of "move
the previous question", and "call for the question". "Move the previous
question" is a motion that requires a 2/3 vote and closes debate. "Call for the
question" is a recommendation to the Chair.
The Council requested that one copy of the adopted parliamentary rules be
placed at the Council table.
ITEM 2 CONSIDERATION OF MORATORIUM ON CERTAIN TYPES OF
DEVELOPMENT
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated that there is a need for better
standards for development of certain types of commercial and industrial uses
adjacent to residential areas. The City Attorney has also indicated that the
City's general ordinance provisions need to be improved so that they provide a
clear and defensible set of standards and procedures for conditional use permits
and planned unit developments. Under state law, a city is allowed to adopt an
interim ordinance to regulated development while a study is undertaken to
consider adoption or amendment of a comprehensive plan for official control,
such as a zoning ordinance. The interim ordinance may last for a period of not
more than one year, and may be extended for additional periods as appropriate
but not exceeding a total additional period of 18 months. No interim ordinance
may delay or impede a subdivision which has been given preliminary approval
prior to the effective date of the interim ordinance.
She suggested that an interim ordinance could be accomplished in three ways:
1) A broad moratorium on planned unit developments; 2) A limited moratorium
on certain types of planned unit developments and conditional use permit; and
3) A narrow moratorium on drive-through businesses and/or loading docks.
She recommended that a narrow moratorium be adopted, and estimated that the
necessary ordinance revisions could be considered within 90 days.
Attorney Knutson recommended the interim ordinance as a means to allow the
City time to get an ordinance adopted in order to deal with certain requests. He
concurred that the work could be completed within 90 days.
The Council directed staff to prepare an interim ordinance which would place a
narrow moratorium on drive-through businesses and/or loading docks for
consideration at the February 7 meeting.
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January 30, 1995
Page 3
ITEM 3 COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR 1995
Manager Johnson reviewed the status of the Council's Goals and Objectives, as
well as accomplishments during 1994. He described the status of several
projects that have been delayed from the original schedule: examining water
restriction policies, reviewing the Thoroughfare Guide Plan (needs to be
coordinated with Northwest Plymouth planning), reviewing the City's
assessment policies, City Center expansion, and consultant selection procedures.
He asked if the Council wants to add or delete any of the established goals for
the 1995 list.
Mayor Tierney stated that the Thoroughfare Guide Plan review will take some
time to complete and asked if there is a way to consider specific issues such as
stop sign policies separately. She also asked about the status of the water
quality plan.
Manager Johnson responded that it would be preferable to do the Thoroughfare
Guide Plan review and issues relating to major/minor collectors as a coordinated
study. The water quality task force and water quality committee issues will be
on the February 21 agenda for Council consideration.
Councilmember Lymangood stated the Water Quality Task Force needs to
address issues in addition to development of the water quality plan, such as non
phosphorus fertilizers, public education, and video.
Councilmember Edson stated there has been reasonable development interest in
the City -owned (former library) site. He believes it should be a short-term goal
of the Council should be to adopt a plan to ensure quality development of
Downtown Plymouth.
Community Development Director Hurlburt said that on a future Council
agenda, staff will be recommending a consultant to develop a plan. She
believes the plan needs to be developed quickly because development proposals
will likely come forward in the next few months.
The Council requested that the following 1995 projects and initiatives be placed
on the Goals and Objectives list for 1995: Assist development of new 284 high
school site, update adult use ordinances, increase drug education/enforcement
activities, major update of zoning and subdivision regulations, study of youth
athletic facilities, cluster planning/Elm Creek sewer, Downtown Plymouth
design, Zachary Lane project south of County Road 9, Peony Lane project,
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January 30, 1995
Page 4
possible parks bond issue, and get City "on-line" with Internet and Twin Cities
Free.
Councihnembers shared their priorities. Councilmember Anderson said that a
parks bond issue for trails, trees, and open space is his top priority. He would
also like to address issues of safety on streets and lack of trails on minor/major
collectors and in new developments. DA - suggested council provide priorities
to staff.
Councilmember Granath agreed with those priorities, and stated that he is also
working with the South Shore Drive neighborhood on street improvements. He
also supports as a priority getting the City on-line with Internet.
Councilmember Lymangood stated his major goal priorities are trails and open
space, water quality plan/water quality task force, Northwest Plymouth planning
and Thoroughfare Guide Plan review, assessment policy and street repair. He
listed minor goals as getting Plymouth on Internet, long-range Community
Improvement Fund planning, and a tree ordinance.
Councilmember Edson listed his priority goals as trails and open space,
adopting an economic development policy, planning for Northwest Plymouth,
Downtown Plymouth development, Capital Improvement Program and
Community Improvement Fund planning, and assessment policies.
Mayor Tierney shared the following priorities: Community Improvement Fund
planning, economic development policy, youth athletic facilities, planning for
Northwest Plymouth and Thoroughfare Guide Plan review, water quality plan,
trails and open space, and a celebration for the 40th anniversary of Plymouth.
Councilmember Wold agreed with the goals previously indicated and stated that
trees and open space are a priority.
Mayor Tierney asked about the Council Subcommittee on Transit.
Public Works Director Moore responded that since transit was placed under the
Metropolitan Council, the rules are uncertain. There are also legislative
proposals that could affect Plymouth's opt -out system. Information is expected
to be received by March and a Subcommittee meeting will be convened.
In response to a question by Mayor Tierney, Manager Johnson stated that a
report on the in-house engineering function will be provided as part of the audit.
Mayor Tierney asked when a report on 25th Avenue traffic would be provided.
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January 30, 1995
Page 5
Director Moore stated that the traffic monitoring was proposed to be done two
months after construction. The project was completed at the end of November,
and traffic will be monitored in the spring.
Councilmember Anderson requested that the staff prepare a report for
consideration on requiring new developments to install sidewalks if the
development abuts a collector street. Staff will report back on this issue.
Assistant Manager Lueckert asked if the Council wishes to hold ward meetings
in 1995.
Following discussion, staff was directed to suggest a schedule for one, city-wide
meeting for a community update in the spring. The meeting format would
include break-out sessions for the four wards. The Council indicated that a
direct mailing is not necessary. Notice should be given via the Plymouth News
and cable.
ITEM 4 ROLES AND EXPECTATIONS OF MAYOR, COUNCEL MEMBERS,
AND STAFF
Discussion was held on the roles and expectations of the Mayor,
Councilmembers, and staff.
Mayor Tierney shared excerpts from Facilitative Leadership in Local
Government by James P. Svara and Associates. She also reminded everyone
that if a Councilmember requests information of the City Attorney that will
likely take more than one hour, the Councilmember should notify the City
Manager or Mayor.
Councilmember Lymangood thanked the City Manager for using an open
management style that allows Councihnembers to work directly with staff,
rather than funneling all requests through the Manager.
Councilmember Wold suggested that the Council consider hosting an employee
event where breakfast/lunch would be served.
ITEM 5 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
Community Development Director Hurlburt presented the staff report on a
proposed economic development policy and recommended policies. She stated
that the Council responded to a series of questions developed by staff in mid
1994 relating to economic development approaches. Through the responses, the
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January 30, 1995
Page 6
Council indicated a consensus that the proportions of jobs to population, and
commercial/industrial tax base to overall tax base, should be about the same in
the future as it is today or larger. The Council appeared to be willing to
undertake some activities to assist development of new industrial parks, with the
greatest preference being to encourage private enterprise to develop an industrial
park.
The Council responses further indicated a priority for financial incentives to
retain businesses or industry already in Plymouth, or bringing in a specific
business or industry of high priority to the community. There was majority
support for using incentives to "level the playing field" for a site that is
unusually difficult to develop. There was little support for using financial
incentives to bring jobs and tax base from outside of the city or to lure them
away from other communities. Development of Downtown Plymouth was a
high priority. The top choice among marketing activities was development of a
detailed database of economic information. Most of the examples of activities
to improve communications with businesses received majority support.
Director Hurlburt requested that the Council indicate if there are any changes to
this summary. Staff will prepare a policy based on this information for Council
consideration at a future regular meeting.
Mayor Tierney noted that the gateways into northwest Plymouth areas are
residential uses. It could be challenging to plan additional sites for
commercial/industrial in that area.
Councilmember Lymangood suggested that the Council consider holding an
annual business town meeting. He suggested that the Council could discuss
community goals with businesses. Councilmembers shared ideas of eliminating
illiteracy among children, youth employment, and a youth job fair as possible
ideas to pursue with area businesses.
Mayor Tierney asked if the Plymouth Port Authority may have a role in
economic development.
Director Hurlburt recommended that the Council should first establish an
economic development policy. The next step will be to evaluate the available
tools, such as the Port Authority, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, or
other economic development authority. Each group has specific powers to lend
the City in the area of development.
Staff was directed to place the economic development policy on the February 7
consent agenda for Council action.
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January 30, 1995
Page 7
ITEM 6 CITY MANAGER EVALUATION PROCESS
Following discussion, Councilmember Edson and Mayor Tierney agreed to
serve as a subcommittee for City Manager salary review. They will make a
recommendation to the full Council at a future regular meeting. The Council
indicated that the City Manager evaluation process should be conducted on an
annual basis in September.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Laurie F. Ahrens
City Clerk