HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 12-19-1995MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 19, 1995
A regular meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at
7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Center, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on
December 19, 1995.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney; Councilmembers Anderson, Wold, Lymangood,
and Edson. Councilmember Granath arrived at 7:05 p.m.
ABSENT: Councilmember Helliwell.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Lueckert, Public
Works Director Moore, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Public Safety
Director Gerdes, Park Director Blank, Finance Director Hahn, City Attorney Knutson,
and City Clerk Ahrens.
ITEM 3 PLYMOUTH FORUM
Ed Sieber, 11792 Dunhill Road, Eden Prairie, represented Johnson Brothers
Corporation, owners of a proposed open space acquisition area on Zachary Lane.
He stated that Johnson Brothers had received a proposal from the City for
purchase of their property, and Johnson Brothers responded with a counter offer
on December 14. He was present to answer any questions the Council may have.
Manager Johnson stated that the City received the counter offer today and will
respond.
Councilmember Granath arrived at 7:05 p.m.
Bob Marcotte, 3708 Rosewood Lane, stated that he is concerned about the
participation of people in the democratic process. He stated that last spring
Plymouth residents approved a referendum for the acquisition of open space and
for trail construction. He believes that on at least one trail segment the money was
wasted. He had been informed there would be an opportunity to participate in the
decision of which trails would be constructed. However, there has not been an
opportunity to be involved in the decision of how the money would be used. He
lives along Northwest Boulevard and construction of an additional trail is planned.
Mr. Marcotte stated that he attended an information meeting on December 12;
however, there was not an opportunity to provide input on the trails proposed for
construction. He had presented a petition on December 12 containing 23
signatures, along with a letter outlining his concerns. He stated that citizen input
should have been solicited on the trails selected for construction.
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1995
Page 2
Park Director Blank stated that Public Works Director Moore and the City's
consulting engineers were present at the information meeting on December 12 to
answer questions and receive citizen input. Public Works Director Moore stated
that the December 12 meeting was for the purpose of providing and receiving
public information. The City Council had ordered preliminary engineering reports
on the trails proposed to be included in the referendum. The purpose of the
December 12 meeting was to present this information as well as to solicit
comments. He stated that all comments received at the public information meeting
will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration. He stated that Mr.
Marcotte indicated at the information meeting that he would like a segment of trail
removed from the project, and the City Council will make that decision at a future
Council meeting.
ITEM 4 PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Tierney recognized out -going Councilmember John Edson. She stated that
he worked to establish the Financial Advisory Committee and was elected to the
City Council in 1991. Mr. Edson has served on the Park and Recreation Advisory
Commission, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, various task forces, as
well as serving two years as Deputy Mayor. She thanked Councilmember Edson
for four years of service to the City. Councilmember Edson thanked the City
Council and staff. Councilmember Anderson stated that Councilmember Edson
has a busy family, professional, and church life, and he has made great
contributions to the community through his City Council service.
Mayor Tierney introduced Cub Scout pack 577 from Zachary Lane School and
Cub Scout pack 539 from Plymouth Creek Elementary School.
Mayor Tierney announced that the City of Plymouth has a new customer service
initiative. Beginning January 2, the City will offer extended hours on Tuesdays
from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Office hours on other weekdays will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
She said this change is a result of the 1995 Citizen Survey which indicated that
citizens would like expanded office hours. Manager Johnson announced that this
expansion of office hours came from employees as an effort to expand the City's
customer service.
ITEM 5 APPROVE AGENDA
Mayor Tierney announced that the Metropolitan Council will conduct public
hearings on Thursday evening on all livable communities housing agreements.
Councilmember Anderson requested the agenda addition of Item 9-B relating to
Plymouth City Code section 200.23.
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1995
Page 3
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to approve the agenda with the addition of Item 9-B. Motion carried,
six ayes.
ITEM 6 CONSENT AGENDA
Manager Johnson distributed revised staff reports for Items 6-H and 6-K. These
items remained on the consent agenda. Item 6-D was removed from the consent
agenda and placed as Item 8-C.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt the consent agenda as amended. Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-A APPROVE DISBURSEMENTS
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-760 APPROVING DISBURSEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 8, 1995. Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-B JANCO, INC. FRENCH RIDGE PARK 2ND ADDITION (95098)
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-761 APPROVING RPUD FINAL
PLAN/PLAT FOR JANCO, INC. FOR FRENCH RIDGE PARK 2ND
ADDITION LOCATED WEST OF NORTHWEST BOULEVARD AND
SOUTH OF COUNTY ROAD 9 (RPUD 95-2) (95098). Motion carried, six
ayes.
ITEM 6-C DESIGNATE CITY COUNCIL AS THE BOARD OF ZONING
ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt ORDINANCE 95-53 AMENDING CHAPTER 3 OF THE
PLYMOUTH CITY CODE CONCERNING THE BOARD OF
ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS. Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-E RENEW LICENSES FOR KENNEL, GASOLINE, TARGET, AND
AMUSEMENT
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-762 APPROVING 1995 LICENSE
RENEWALS. Motion carried, six ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1995
Page 4
ITEM 6-F SITE IMPROVEMENT PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-763 REDUCING SITE
IMPROVEMENT PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE, LAUKKA
WILLIAMS/PARKERS LAKE 10TH ADDITION (93067) LOTS 2,3 AND 49
BLOCK 1. Motion carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-764 REDUCING SITE
IMPROVEMENT PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE, LAUKKA
WILLIAMS/PARKERS LAKE 11TH ADDITION (940327). Motion carried,
six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-765 REDUCING SITE
IMPROVEMENT PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE, DAHLSTROM,
PETERSON EIDEN PARTNERSHIP/COURTYARDS OF PLYMOUTH
94049). Motion carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-766 REDUCING SITE
IMPROVEMENT PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE, ROTTLUND
HOMES/PINTAIL VILLAS (93055). Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-G 1996 HEALTH, DENTAL BENEFITS FOR NON -REPRESENTED
CITY EMPLOYEES
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-767 APPROVING THE 1996
MONTHLY HEALTH, DENTAL INSURANCE FOR NON -
REPRESENTED CITY EMPLOYEES. Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-H ESTABLISH ANNUAL COMPENSATION ADJUSTMENT
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-768 APPROVING THE 1996
CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION E14PLEMENTATION PLAN.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1995
Page 5
ITEM 6-I ESTABLISH ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE DINNER
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-769 ESTABLISHING JANUARY 30
AS ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE DINNER Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-J AWARD CONTRACT FOR COUNCIL CHAMBER MEDIA
EQUIPMENT AND INSTALLATION
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-770 AWARDING BID FOR COUNCIL
CHAMBERS MEDIA EQUIPMENT AND INSTALLATION. Motion
carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-K PURCHASE OF CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FOR TRAFFIC
ENFORCEMENT UNIT
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-771 APPROVING PURCHASE OF
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FOR TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT. Motion
carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-L REDUCTIONS IN REOUIRED FINANCIAL GUARANTEES
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-772 REDUCING REQUIRED
FINANCIAL GUARANTEE, THE PONDS AT BASS CREEK 2ND
ADDITION (95082). Motion carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-773 REDUCING REQUIRED
FINANCIAL GUARANTEE, FRENCH RIDGE ADDITION (94159). Motion
carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-774 REDUCING REQUIRED
FINANCIAL GUARANTEE, COURTYARDS OF FRENCH CREEK
ADDITION (93034). Motion carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-775 REDUCING REQUIRED
FINANCIAL GUARANTEE, SUGAR HILLS 3RD ADDITION (94044).
Motion carried, six ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1995
Page 6
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-776 REDUCING REQUIRED
FINANCIAL GUARANTEE, SAVANNAH ADDITION (93112). Motion
carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-777 REDUCING REQUIRED
FINANCIAL GUARANTEE, EAGLEWOOD ADDITION (92110). Motion
carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-M STREET LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-778 DECLARING ADEQUACY OF
PETITION AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF REPORT, STREET
LIGHTING, WEST BRANCH 3RD ADDITION. Motion carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-779 RECEIVING REPORT AND
ORDERING PROJECT, STREET LIGHTING, WEST BRANCH 3RD
ADDITION. Motion carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-780 DECLARING ADEQUACY OF
PETITION AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF REPORT, STREET
LIGHTING, NANTERRE ADDITION. Motion carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-781 RECEIVING REPORT AND
ORDERING PROJECT, STREET LIGHTING NANTERRE ADDITION.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 7-A MULTI -FAMILY HOUSING REVENUE BONDS FOR FOX FOREST
APARTMENT PROJECT
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated that the City Council has been
requested to approve an amended and restated housing program for the issuance of
multi -family housing revenue bonds for the Fox Forest Apartments project. She
stated that Fox Forest Apartments is a 160 -unit rental townhome complex at
Magnolia Lane and 18th Avenue North that was built in 1985. The City originally
issued $9,190,000 in housing revenue bonds for this complex in 1984 and
subsequently issued new bonds in 1989 for $8,600,000 to refund the original issue.
The proposed bond issue would consist of $8,440,000 in tax exempt housing
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1995
Page 7
revenue refunding bonds and up to $3,060,000 in taxable housing revenue bonds
for a total bond issue of $11,500,000. This refinancing is part of a restructuring of
the ownership of the complex.
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated that the City is under no
obligation to refund the bonds for this complex. The terms under which the
original bonds were issued provided for 20 percent of the units of Fox Forest to be
occupied by persons at or below 80 percent of the metropolitan median income for
a period of ten years. This ten-year period recently expired, however a refunding
of the bond would extend this period for an additional six years. Base rents at Fox
Forest are approximately $400 to $575 per month, above what is affordable to a
family at 50 percent of median income. The owner's representatives have
indicated that they do not consider it to be practical to provide such affordable
units at this complex. As an alternative to providing such units at Fox Forest, staff
and the City's bond counsel have negotiated a commitment from the owner to
provide to the City's HRA $30,000 per year for the life of the bonds to be used to
assist affordable housing in the City. Failure by the owner to make these payments
would result in a default under the bond agreements. Under the terms of the bond
sale, these payments would be made for approximately 10 years and for a
maximum of 20 years. She stated that there would be no financial liability for the
City, as with any other revenue bond issuance. She clarified that the $30,000
payments to the HRA per year would continue as long as the bonds are
outstanding. She introduced bond counsel Dan Nelson.
Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. on the housing program and
granting preliminary approval for the issuance of multi -family housing revenue
bonds for the Fox Forest Apartments project.
Jack Rosberg, 200 Mill Street, Excelsior, represented the principal of the Fox
Forest partnership. He requested approval by the City Council.
Mayor Tierney closed the hearing.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Lymangood, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-782 ADOPTING AN AMENDED
AND RESTATED HOUSING PROGRAM FOR THE ISSUANCE OF
MULTI -FAMILY HOUSING REVENUE BONDS AND GIVING
PRELIMINARY APPROVAL FOR THE ISSUANCE OF MULTIFAMILY
HOUSING REVENUE BONDS IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT OF APPROXIMATELY $11,500,000. Motion carried, six ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1995
Page s
ITEM 7-B VACATION OF DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS, HOLLY
CREEK 3RD ADDITION
Public Works Director Moore presented the staff report for request of vacation of
drainage and utility easements within Holly Creek 3rd Addition. He stated that
Scherber Properties has received Council approval for the final plat of Holly Creek
4th Addition which incorporates Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, Block 4, Holly Creek 3rd
Addition. The easements in their current location will no longer be necessary
because the required drainage and utility easements will be dedicated on the final
plat of Holly Creek 4th Addition.
Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing on the request for vacation of drainage
and utility easements within Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, Block 4, Holly Creek 3rd
Addition. No one appeared, and the hearing was closed.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Lymangood, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-783 AUTHORIZING THE
VACATION OF DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS IN HOLLY
CREEK 3RD ADDITION. Motion carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Lymangood, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-784 SETTING CONDITIONS TO
BE MET PRIOR TO FILING OF RESOLUTION 95-783 VACATING
DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS WITHIN HOLLY CREEK 3RD
ADDITION. Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 8-A SET BALLOT LANGUAGE AND ELECTION DATE FOR
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
Manager Johnson proposed a February 6 special referendum election for the
purpose of authorizing the expenditure of $5,000,000 from the Community
Improvement Fund to design, construct, and equip indoor ice arena facilities and
swimming facilities. He stated that the planning for Downtown Plymouth is also
underway, and one of the things identified in that process is that Downtown would
benefit from having a recreational facility at 36th Avenue and Plymouth Boulevard.
He stated that the City has been awarded a Mighty Ducks grant in the amount of
250,000. Eighty-seven communities sought the grant, and only twelve received a
grant award. This award indicates that the City has developed partnerships and
that ice facilities are needed in Plymouth.
Manager Johnson stated that on November 27, the City Council held a study
session on the issue of recreational facilities. He explained the proposed ballot
language, and stated that a public hearing is proposed for January 22, 1996.
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1995
Page 9
He stated that the City Charter requires approval by the voters for any expenditure
of funds from the Community Improvement Fund that exceeds $3,000,000. This
proposed expenditure of $5,000,000 would still leave about half of the fund
remaining for future use. The proposed ballot language specifies the amount and
uses of the funds, and makes clear that the proposed funds are existing funds on
hand with the City. It further clarifies that this measure is not a proposal for a
bond issue and will not entail a tax increase to pay bonded indebtedness.
February 6, 1996, is the earliest Tuesday date allowed by law for an election,
which requires a 45 -day time period between the calling of the election and the
election day.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Lymangood, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-785 CALLING FOR A SPECIAL
ELECTION RELATING TO THE EXPENDITURE OF COMMUNITY
IMPROVEMENT FUNDS AND OTHER FUNDS.
Councilmembers Lymangood and Wold summarized the report from the sports
facilities task force. The task force recently completed its work and identified the
need for ice arena facilities and swimming facilities as top priorities for the
community. Citizens were urged to participate in the January 22 public hearing.
Councilmember Anderson suggested that the last sentence of the ballot language
be highlighted for emphasis so that there is no question that a tax increase will not
be needed to pay bonded indebtedness for this period.
Motion to amend was made by Councilmember Anderson seconded by
Councilmember Wold, to place the last sentence of the ballot question in bold
print: These are funds on hand and a tax increase will not be needed to pay bond
indebtedness for this project. Motion to amend carried, six ayes.
Motion as amended carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Lymangood, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-786 ESTABLISHING
JANUARY 22,1996, AT 7 P.M. AS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FOR PURPOSE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED USE OF
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT FUNDS. Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 8-B APPROVE LETTER OF INTENT WITH LIFETIME FITNESS
Manager Johnson presented a letter from FCA, Limited, which develops and
operates Lifetime Fitness Clubs throughout the Twin Cities area, offering to
construct an approximately 110,000 square foot health/fitness club on City land
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1995
Page 10
located in Downtown Plymouth at 36th Avenue and Plymouth Boulevard. The
letter offers to construct an additional leisure pool and an outdoor pool in addition
to their usual lap pool in consideration of a payment of $1,500,000 by the City and
assistance with certain outdoor site improvements. He stated that the letter also
ensures daily admission to the entire club facilities by all Plymouth residents at a
rate similar to that of other comparable community centers. In addition, the letter
of intent states that the club would own, operate, maintain, and market the pool
facilities in conjunction with the rest of the proposed club and guarantees no
operating losses for the City. The letter also offers construction coordination of
the City's proposed ice arena facilities and design services on the ice arena for a
fee equal to 6 percent of the construction cost.
Manager Johnson stated that since the City would construct the ice arena facility,
the real issue is whether or not to invest $1,500,000 and some specified site work
in order to receive the following: 1) construction of a large indoor leisure pool
with water slide and lifeguards; 2) construction of a small outdoor leisure pool
with lifeguards; 3) a reasonable daily fee admission to the entire club for all
Plymouth residents; 4) no operating costs or deficits; 5) no maintenance costs; 6)
marketing with the overall club complex; 7) construction coordination of the entire
project, including the City ice arenas; 8) an agreement to provide these services for
30 years with provisions securing the City's interests; and 9) minimal liability since
the City would not own or operate the pools.
Manager Johnson stated that the City Council met on December 12 to discuss the
recreational facilities issue and developed a list of items to be addressed with
Lifetime Fitness Club. Lifetime has responded to those questions. He
recommended that the City Council consider whether to continue with this
process. He stated that the letter of intent from Lifetime Fitness Club is non-
binding, and he proposed that any response of the City would also be non-binding.
He presented several resolutions which the Council could adopt in order to
implement the sports facility task force recommendations. He also recommended
that the City Council Subcommittee could meet with the staff in the upcoming
weeks to review the progress of the project and to recommend a final contractual
agreement. He further recommended that the City Council conduct a joint meeting
with the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission on January 3 to pursue the
letter of intent and to consider public information efforts needed for the
referendum. He introduced representatives of Lifetime Fitness.
Councilmember Lymangood thanked Lifetime Fitness for responding to the City's
letter quickly and in detail. He advised that these are significant decisions that the
City is undertaking. He is comfortable with approving the non-binding letter of
intent; however, there may be additional issues yet to be discussed and public
meetings are needed.
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1995
Page 11
Manager Johnson explained that if the City approves the letter of intent as a non-
binding proposal, it would have no legal effect. However, it would form the basis
for the parties to negotiate a binding legal agreement.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Lymangood, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-787 APPROVING THE LETTER
OF INTENT FROM FCA, LIMITED.
Councilmember Anderson stated that the issue of recreational facilities has been
discussed in Plymouth for 20 years. He stated that it would cost the City as much
as $14,000,000 to construct a community center that would be owned and
operated solely by the City. In addition, significant annual operating deficits would
be likely. Under this scenario, the City will be getting access to a $14,000,000
value in facilities with only a $2,000,000 City investment. He stated this is a rare
opportunity and the City must act on it.
Councilmember Granath stated that he will abstain on this vote. He has submitted
his concerns in writing and they are available to the public.
Councilmember Wold stated that he believes this project can be very positive for
the City. This is a non-binding concept and he supports moving forward to pursue
a formal agreement.
Motion carried, five ayes; Granath abstained.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Lymangood, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-788 ESTABLISHING A COUNCIL
SUB -COMMITTEE TO REVIEW AND RECOMMEND PROPOSED
CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENTS WITH FCA, LIMITED, APPOINTING
MAYOR TIERNEY, COUNCILMEMBER GRANATH, AND
COUNCILMEMBER ANDERSON, TO THE SUB -COMMITTEE. Motion
carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-789 ESTABLISHING JOINT
MEETING -PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL AND PLYMOUTH PARK AND
RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION, ESTABLISHING A
MEETING FOR JANUARY 3 BEGINNING AT 7 P.M. Motion carried, six
ayes.
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1995
Page 12
ITEM 8-C (6-D) APPROVE ELM CREEK PLAYFIELD CONSTRUCTION
BUDGET
Councilmember Lymangood stated that the City Council is considering approval of
the construction budget for the Elm Creek Playfield project. The construction
budget is estimated at $1,600,000; however, several items would not be included
in this project. For examples, he cited the lighting of soccer and football fields,
and construction and maintenance of a multi-purpose building. He asked if staff is
anticipating that those items would be added at some future date, and whether it
would be more efficient to include those items at this time. Park Director Blank
stated that disrupting the site later for those improvements would be more difficult.
Underground wiring would have to be installed around existing irrigation systems
and trails. Also, a temporary ground box would have to be constructed if the
building is not done at this time. He estimated the cost for these two items as
450,000.
Councilmember Lymangood suggested that the Council consider accepting the
report and directing staff to consider a funding option for these two options now
rather than waiting for some years at a greater cost.
Manager Johnson stated that the City is completing its work on the Capital
Improvements Program. The recommended construction budget of $1,600,000
would be the maximum currently included in the Capital Improvements Program.
He stated that other funding sources could be considered, but the project should be
included in the Capital Improvements Program in order to compare it to other
projects.
In response to questions by Councilmember Edson, Park Director Blank stated
that the varsity baseball lighting was not intended in the first phase of the project.
The tennis court lighting is also a secondary issue because it is unsure whether the
tennis courts will be built by the school. Children's playground equipment can
easily be added later, as well as the remote controls for the irrigation and lighting.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Lymangood, seconded by
Councilmember Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-790 APPROVING THE
CONSTRUCTION BUDGET FOR THE ELM CREEK PLAYFIELD AS
RECOMMENDED BY STAFF. Motion carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Lymangood, seconded by
Councilmember Wold, to direct staff to provide a recommendation regarding
possible funding sources and options for the lighting of the soccer/football fields,
construction of the multi-purpose building, and installation of remote control
irrigation and lighting as soon as possible. Councilmember Anderson requested
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1995
Page 13
that the recommendation include the estimated cost savings by acting now or
delaying these projects for the future. Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 9-A ESTABLISH SUBCOMMITTEE FOR BOARD AND COMMISSION
MOTION was made by Councilmember Lymangood, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to adopt RESOLUTION 95-791 ESTABLISHING A
SUBCOMMITTEE TO CONDUCT INTERVIEWS ON JANUARY 8 FOR
BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS; APPOINTING MAYOR
TIERNEY, AND COUNCILMEMBERS BLACK, WOLD, AND PREUS.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 9-B PLYMOUTH CITY CODE SECTION 200.23
Councilmember Anderson noted that Councilmember Helliwell has not been
present at a regular meeting in December, 1995. He directed staff to provide a
recommendation with regard to Plymouth City Code Section 200.23. He stated
that subdivision 2 indicates that if a Councilmember fails to attend at least one
council meeting in any month, the member shall forfeit their full salary for that
month.
Councilmember Lymangood recalled that in one previous situation a
Councilmember was unable to attend meetings due to health reasons. He stated
that staff should request the reason for the absence and in the future keep quarterly
records of Council attendance and tardiness. He would like an investigation and
explanation as suggested by Councilmember Anderson.
Councilmember Granath asked if Section 200.23 provides a criminal, civil, or
automatic penalty. He asked if any Council action is needed to enforce the
ordinance. Attorney Knutson responded that the ordinance states that the
Councilmember forfeits salary for the month; the forfeiture process is not
indicated. Manager Johnson stated that paychecks may have already been issued
for December, and the Council may have to determine whether the City would
want to try to recover the funds.
Mayor Tierney stated that the existing ordinance should be reviewed to determine
whether amendments are needed.
Councilmember Anderson stated that this violation relates to Councilmember
Helliwell in the month of December in 1995. His concern is that a Councilmember
should not receive payment when they are not doing their job. He stated that staff
can either handle the matter internally, or provide a recommendation at the next
regular Council meeting.
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1995
Page 14
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Wold, to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 P.M. Motion carried, six ayes.
Lau 'e Ahrens '
City Clerk