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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. Plymouth Community Meeting 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. Plymouth Community Meeting 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. Plymouth Community Meeting 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