HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 05-08-1995 SpecialMINUTES
PLYMOUTH COMMUNITY MEETING
MAY 89 1995
A Plymouth Community Meeting was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 7:00 p.m. in the
Council Chambers of the City Center, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on May 8, 1995.
PRESENT: Mayor Tierney; Councilmembers Lymangood, Helliwell, Granath, Edson, and
Wold.
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.
Mayor Tierney welcomed 18 residents in attendance and introduced Councilmembers and
staff members.
OPEN SPACE/TRAILS REFERENDUM
Park and Recreation Director Blank explained the open space and trails
referendum scheduled for May 23. He showed a sample ballot and explained the
tax impacts on different valued homes and businesses. He described the
composition, mission statement, and recommendations of the Open Space
Committee. The Committee used factors of biological review, threat of loss,
estimated cost per acre, and protection by existing city ordinance to determine
priority ranking of 30 sites in the City. The Open Space Committee has
recommended to the City Council four sites for purchase by the City. He
described the size, location and nature of each site, and showed slides of the areas.
Park Director Blank stated that a portion of the bond referendum is also for the
development of an additional 11 miles of trails in the City. There are currently
about 65 miles of trail in Plymouth, with about 100 miles projected when the City
is fully developed. The current rate of trail development is about 2 miles per year,
so this will progress the trail system ahead by several years. He stated that the
desire for additional trails is consistently noted by residents as a high priority.
WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL
Park Director Blank described the proposed Wayzata High School site. He
showed a site plan and noted that the school is scheduled to open September,
1997.
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May 8, 1995
Page 2
DOWNTOWN PLYMOUTH
Community Development Director Hurlburt described the Downtown Plymouth
area between Vicksburg Lane and Highway 55 to County Road 9. The City
recently came into ownership of the five acre site at Vicksburg Lane and Highway
55. The City Council has hired a consultant to develop a vision for the entire
Downtown Plymouth area before action is taken with respect to the parcel. One
meeting has been held that included land owners in the area, Councilmembers, and
Planning Commissioners. She invited residents at this meeting to complete a brief
written survey on their desires for Downtown Plymouth.
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES
Public Safety Director Gerdes described the purpose and proposed activities of the
Traffic Enforcement Unit - a new initiative in the City.
SUMP PUMP PROGRAM
Finance Director Hahn explained the purpose and objectives of a proposed sump
pump inspection program. He stated that a costly problem is created when sump
pump water is piped into the sanitary sewer system. This increases the amount of
water being treated through the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission. The
total cost of sanitary sewer treatment to Plymouth is about $3.5 million per year.
It is estimated that up to $500,000 per year could be saved through the sump
pump inspection program.
GREEN LAWNS/BLUE WATER VIDEO
The video Green Lawns, Blue Water was shown, and Manager Johnson reported
on the successful sale of phosphorus -free fertilizer in the City.
Manager Johnson invited questions and comments from the audience. He responded to
questions on the sump pump program. One resident was surprised at the potential cost
savings.
A resident asked about the cost of each of the four sites proposed for acquisition and the
cost for trail construction under the referendum.
Manager Johnson explained that the City is negotiating purchase options on each of the
four sites. Staff is confident that all four sites can be acquired for about $2 million. The
cost for trail construction is estimated at $100,000 per mile of trail.
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May 8, 1995
Page 3
A resident opposed adding a trail on the west side of Northwest Blvd. between Highway
55 and County Road 9. He believes it is a duplication as there is a trail on the other side,
and he would rather see the money spent on stop lights or a pedestrian overpass.
A resident asked what will happen to the four sites if the referendum fails to pass, and if
there are any plans for the City to take condemnation action to acquire the sites.
Manager Johnson said that the four sites are in private ownership, and the owners could
develop their properties in compliance with City ordinances. He doesn't anticipate that
condemnation will be necessary.
A resident stated that sidewalks only benefit certain people, and the costs should be
assessed against the abutting properties. He also believes that houses should be built on
the sites proposed for acquisition to add tax base to the City, and objected to the tree
removal at West Medicine Lake Park.
Park Director Blank explained the function and design of the City's trail system. He stated
that only the necessary trees were removed for the West Medicine Lake road realignment.
Eighty to ninety percent of the trees will remain intact, and the completed project will
result in a safer park environment.
A resident spoke in favor of the trails portion of the referendum.
A resident asked if there will be opportunity for public input on which trails are
constructed if the referendum passes.
Director Blank stated that the City Council will likely direct a feasibility reports on all
proposed trail sites, and there will be an opportunity for public comments.
A resident asked if the four sites proposed for acquisition are final, or if other sites may be
added.
Manager Johnson stated that it is anticipated that the bond issue would only fund the
acquisition of the four specified sites.
In response to a resident question, Director Blank said the school district has discussed the
possibility of using the open space abutting the new high school for environmental
education.
Public Works Director Moore explained the construction underway on Highway 55 from
Fernbrook Lane to 18th Avenue. He said the project will add a third through lane on
Highway 55, as well as additional left turn lanes at County Road 61 and Industrial Park
Blvd. The project is anticipated for completion by the end of July.
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May 8, 1995
Page 4
A resident thanked the Council and staff for their work on the open space/trails
referendum.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Laurie F. Ahrens
City Clerk