HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 10-17-1995 SpecialMINUTES
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 17, 1995
A special meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at
6:20 p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on October 17,
1995.
COUNCEL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Wold, Lymangood, Anderson,
Edson, and Helliwell.
ABSENT: Councilmember Granath.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant Manager Lueckert, Community
Development Director Hurlburt, Public Works Director Moore, Finance Director Hahn,
Park Director Blank, and City Clerk Ahrens.
CITY MANAGER EVALUATION PROCESS
Mayor Tierney discussed several items relating to the City Manager evaluation
process including a method for feedback, an agenda for a closed meeting to review
the results, and setting the meeting date. She stated that the previous year's
evaluation process included a written evaluation by all Councilmembers, with a
prepared composite evaluation that listed all comments. A meeting was then held
with the City Manager to review the results. She suggested that a closed meeting
be established for the Council to discuss the results with the City Manager.
Councilmember Wold offered to tabulate this year's evaluation results in a manner
similar to the previous year. Councilmember Lymangood suggested that
Councilmembers submit their evaluations to Councilmember Wold for tabulation
as soon as possible, and that the composite evaluation and comments be forwarded
to Manager Johnson for review prior to the closed meeting.
The Council directed staff to place on the next regular agenda an item to establish
a closed council meeting to discuss the City Manager's performance evaluation at
5:30 p.m. on November 14.
REVIEW COUNCIL CHAMBERS RENOVATION
Assistant City Manager Lueckert presented the staff report on the proposed final
plans and project budget for the Council Chambers Renovation. She said that the
City Council could choose not to renovate the Council Chambers, or to postpone
the project to a later date. However, the existing problems with the room relating
to audio-visual capabilities would not be corrected. The Council could also
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October 17, 1995
Page 2
choose to only partially renovate the Chambers at a savings of approximately
50,000, but audience seating would be restricted.
In May, the City Council approved a proposed design layout which placed the dais
at the center of the room and used large television monitors on both sides of the
dais for audience viewing of presentation materials. The plan called for monitors
in the dais for Council use. Presentations would be made from a large podium,
equipped with overhead camera and computer capabilities. The presentation
podiums and staff desks would be movable so that the room could be used for
functions other than official meetings.
Assistant Manager Lueckert stated that the estimated project budget is $668,000.
The proposed source of funds is $500,000 from the Cable Television Reserve
Fund, and $168,000 from the Project Administration Fund. She recommended
that the Council informally review the plans and budget for the project, and direct
staff to place formal approval of the project and authorization of bids on a future
Council agenda.
In response to a question from Mayor Tierney, Assistant Manager Lueckert
explained that the Council monitors would be mounted in the dais at an angle.
Councilmember Wold asked if the podium would be ADA compliant. Assistant
Lueckert responded that an adjustable podium is being considered, and a ramp is
proposed on one side of the dais area.
Assistant Lueckert stated that during the construction project, the Council could
conduct meetings in the new City Center lunchroom. This area can seat about 50
people and there is a lobby area available for overflow. Northwest Cable can
broadcast meetings live from this location. She said the Chambers would be
unavailable for meetings for about two months due to construction, with another
two months anticipated for installation of the audio-visual equipment.
Councilmember Anderson asked if the project could be expedited. He asked if the
physical remodeling and the audio-visual installation could be done at the same
time for a total two month project.
Assistant Lueckert stated that a finished room is preferred when the audio-visual
installation begins. She explained that audio-visual installers could work around
council meeting dates, and that the room could be available for Council meetings
in two months rather than four. In response to a question by Councilmember
Lymangood, she said the cost per monitor is estimated at $3,000.
Councilmember Lymangood stated the cost seems excessive and asked if a monitor
is needed for each Councilmember. He requested that staff consider reducing the
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October 17, 1995
Page 3
number of monitors. Manager Johnson said that an alternate bid could be
requested for this item.
Councilmember Lymangood also requested that the plan be amended to round the
center point in the dais for a smoother line. He stated that the City's cable
television capabilities will be greatly enhanced with upgraded audio-visual
equipment.
The Council directed staff to proceed with the plans for renovation of the entire
Council Chambers, with staff to explore all possible means of reducing project
costs.
Assistant Manager Lueckert stated that the final approval of plans, and
authorization of the project budget and bidding process will be placed on the next
regular council agenda for consideration.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Lau a F. Ahrens
City Clerk