HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 02-28-1994 SpecialMINUTESJTES
COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
FEBRUARY 28, 1994
A special study session meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by
Mayor Tierney at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Conference Room of the City Center, 3400
Plymouth Blvd., on February 28, 1994.
PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Edson, Lymangood, and Morrison.
Councilmember Helliwell arrived at 5:40 p.m. Councilmember Granath arrived at 6:00
p.m. Councilmember Anderson arrived at 6:10 p.m.
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant Manager Lueckert, Public Works
Director Moore, Park Director Blank, Community Development Director Hurlburt,
Finance Director Hahn, Personnel Coordinator Sobania, and City Clerk Rauenhorst
ACQUISITION OF ADDITIONAL PLAYFIELD SITES
Park Director Blank stated that the Council previously authorized staff to research
and identify alternative playfield sites in northwest Plymouth. The Park and
Recreation Advisory Commission (FRAC) recommended a site immediately north
of the railroad tracks and west of Peony Lane, and a public hearing was held on
this Comprehensive Plan amendment on April 14, 1993. On May 3, 1993, the City
Council amended the Comprehensive Park Plan to designate this site a future
community playfield. Staff was then authorized to begin negotiations to acquire a
site.
He stated the approximately 31 southern acres of the site is optioned to Lundgren
Bros. Staff has reached a verbal agreement for the City to acquire the 31 acres via
park dedication for 21 acres, and the purchase of the remaining 10 acres. During
the past six months, School District 284 has been trying to locate a site for a future
secondary school. The district has concluded that this same site is their priority
site because of its location, the potential for joint cooperation with the City, the
availability of sewer, the lower land acquisition cost and single parcel ownership.
He stated the northerly 130 acres is owned by Craig Scherber,
Director Blank stated the City's needs are a minimum of 65 acres. The School
District also needs a minimum of about 65 acres for the new school. This site is
unique in that it should be large enough to accommodate both the City and School
District's needs and still preserve 30 acres of dense woods on the northerly portion
of the site. School District 284 has scheduled a bond referendum for May for the
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February 28, 1994
Page 2
purpose of generating funds for the acquisition of property and the development of
a new school. He stated the majority of the City's funding is in place and contained
in the Capital Improvements Program.
Councilmember Helliwell arrived at 5:40 p.m.
Director Blank recommended that the next step is for the City and the School
District to draft a written agreement outlining the terms and conditions of this joint
acquisition and site planning for the park/school. He stated the process would
include land consolidation and then a land division for ultimate separate ownership
by the City and School District. He stated that staff could begin development of a
proposed joint powers agreement for this project that could be considered by the
Council and School District at a joint meeting on March 14.
Councilmember Helliwell asked what would happen to the project if the School
District referendum is not successful.
Director Blank responded that the issue will be addressed in the agreement
between the School District and the City, but the District will eventually need an
additional school to accommodate the large number of students currently in the
elementary grades.
Councilmember Helliwell asked how much property would be owned by the City
and School District.
Manager Johnson stated that the exact amount would be negotiated, but each
would own about 80 acres, with 30 acres as inactive, wooded area.
Councilmember Lymangood asked if this property has been reguided for this use.
He also asked for a copy of the attorney's letter referenced in the staff report with
respect to the park/trail comprehensive plan for the new community
playfield/school site.
Park Director Blank stated the guiding has not been changed from FRD as it is
outside of the MUSA line. He stated the park plan was amended in 1993 to
include this proposed park.
Councilmember Lymangood asked staff to explain generally how park dedication
fees are used.
Director Blank stated that cash received in lieu of park dedication is split 30
percent toward the neighborhood parks account and 70 percent toward trails and
community playfields account.
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February 28, 1994
Page 3
Councilmember Lymangood stated that in this case if the land is dedicated, there
would not be adherence to the 70/30 split.
Councilmember Edson stated that the City has received dedicated land for some
neighborhood parks and in those cases no money went toward playfields/trails.
In response to Council questions, Director Blank explained that the City has three
other playfields under lease agreements that are on school property. In this
situation, staff would recommend that the City own the property.
Councilmember Edson stated this site search process began about 1 1/2 years ago.
He noted that staff previously indicated there would be savings and less acreage
required due to joint facilities that could be shared by the School District and City.
However, the amount of property proposed for acquisition is more than originally
discussed.
Director Blank stated a minimum of 50 to 60 acres is needed for the playfield, and
the wooded areas of this site add to the originally proposed acreage.
Manager Johnson stated that if later in the process it is determined that less
acreage is needed, the City could receive dedication fees in lieu of land.
Mayor Tierney suggested that excess land could also be sold.
Councilmember Granath arrived at 6:00 p.m.
Councilmember Helliwell stated this property acquisition would benefit School
District 284, and she wants to ensure that all four school districts in Plymouth are
fairly treated. She asked if other cities similarly share facilities with school
districts.
Director Blank stated the City of Maple Grove has joint facilities with the Osseo
School District.
Manager Johnson stated the only School District, other than District 284, that has
facilities in Plymouth is School District 281. They will be analyzing their facilities
this year.
In response to Council questions, Director Blank explained that scheduling of
activities would be done through the City. He also verified that there is a shortage
of youth ballfields on the east side of Plymouth.
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February 28, 1994
Page 4
West Medicine Lake City Park
Park Director Blank showed the draft master plan for the West Medicine Lake
Park. An eight member citizen focus group completed their work on February 9
and recommended approval of this plan. A public meeting is scheduled for March
2 for public comment on this proposed plan. He described the plan, as well as the
status of the acquisition of the three homes needed for the park. He stated a very
preliminary construction cost estimate for the project is $3.2 million. The focus
group strongly recommends that the swimming beach be dredged and moved back
to eliminate drop offs and make a safer swimming area. He presented the
estimated operational costs for the park following improvements.
Councilmember Anderson arrived at 6:10 p.m.
Manager Johnson stated the first year operating costs would be budgeted for 1996.
He also suggested that the project could be constructed and paid over a two year
period, as was the Parkers Lake improvements.
Councilmember Anderson asked if the additional operating costs would result in a
tax increase.
Director Blank stated the costs would result in about a 7 percent increase in the
park maintenance budget. Whether this would result in a tax increase would
depend on City revenues and the overall budget.
Director Blank stated the City was previously authorized to negotiate with the
three property owners for acquisition of their parcels. The City has hired a firm to
handle the relocation issues and has obtained appraisals on the properties.
In response to a question by Councilmember Lymangood, Director Blank
explained that the acquisition of the three homes was required because of the
recommended street alignment. He stated the Park and Recreation Advisory
Commission and the focus group recommended this option.
Councilmember Helliwell asked if the proposed dredging to create the larger
swimming beach will be a problem.
Director Blank stated staff has discussed the proposed plan with the DNR. The
project will require review and permits, but the DNR recognizes the existing
concerns with swimmer safety.
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February 28, 1994
Page 5
Councilmember Granath asked about the concerns of boat owners. He also noted
that at earlier public meetings there was public concern about swimmer safety due
to the heavy boat traffic.
Director Blank stated the recessed beach area will result in a safer area for
swimmers away from the heavy boat traffic. He stated that some residents have
requested a "No Wake" area. This would have to be approved by Hennepin
County. He stated this could be requested after the project is further along.
Councilmember Anderson asked if the location of the proposed boat dock is too
close to the swimming beach. He also asked if the area proposed for canoeing
would have to be dredged.
Director Blank stated the distance is sufficient as shown on the preliminary plan.
He stated an area must be maintained for ice fishing, and water deep enough to get
boats onto the lake for the season. He stated the area proposed for canoeing
would have to be dredged. He explained that with the improvements and
mitigation, much cleaner water will be running into Medicine Lake.
Councilmember Anderson stated that some of the costs in the estimate appear low.
He wants to ensure that the City does not put a significant amount of money into a
project that results in deteriorated water quality. He also asked if the $3.2 million
project cost is a low or high estimate.
Director Blank stated that the cost estimate is at mid to high range. The largest
unknown cost is the building proposed on the site. He stated that Parkers Lake
was built in three phases. There are LAWCON grants in this park and staff will
submit funding requests for improvements.
Possible Acquisition of Baton Property
Manager Johnson stated staff has met with Hennepin County officials regarding
the 24 acre site lying immediately east of French Park owned by Mission Partners.
He stated that there have been some meetings between member of the City Council
and representatives of the current land owners. He recommended that the Council
discuss the merits of the possible proposals for this property and provide direction
to staff if there is a consensus on a preferred alternative. The Council could: 1)
Do nothing and wait for the developer to approach the City; 2) Approve a
development plan if and when the developer submits one that meets a majority of
all of the environmental and ordinance conditions on the property; or 3) Negotiate
with the developer for a partial or total buyout of the property. The Open Space
Task Force will be completing its work later this year, and the issue could be
delayed for consideration by that group.
Study Session Minutes
February 28, 1994
Page 6
Councilmember Lymangood stated Mr. ZecJ ik is no longer involved as a
representative for the property. He stated that representatives of the property
owner, Mission Partners, have agreed not to submit a development plan, if the City
is interested in purchasing all or part of the property. Councilmember Lymangood
stated that the previously discussed property cost was outrageous, but perhaps
City involvement will have some effect.
Manager Johnson stated that Hennepin County has not ruled out a possible
contribution for purchase of the property and has agreed to accept it into the park
system if acquired.
Councilmember Helliwell stated she would like the City to pursue a resolution for
the property. She stated the developer has the right to come forward with an
acceptable plan if they wish, but the City should decide whether to pursue any
other options for the property. She noted that the park is not in the City's
Comprehensive Plan and no money has been budgeted for acquisition.
Councilmember Edson stated the Open Space Committee was formed to
recommend to the Council parcels in the City that should be preserved. He does
not want to take an action that may circumvent the purpose of that Committee.
Councilmember Lymangood stated the City has spent too much staff time on this
parcel. He supports the option of negotiating with the developer for a partial or
total buyout of the property, with an emphasis on getting other parties involved in
the project. He doesn't believe it is the City's responsibility to purchase the
property, but the City should express an interest.
Councilmember Helliwell stated concerns that once the City makes an expression
of interest in purchasing the property, it may be difficult to get others involved or
to withdraw the effort. She would like the City to pursue the option of the Public
Land Trust.
Manager Johnson stated the City could pursue the option of negotiating with the
developer for possible purchase, and then forward the findings to the Open Space
Committee for recommendation.
Bob Donley, resident in the area, stated that residents are looking for some interest
in the City moving forward. The residents are looking for direction from the City
that the City believes this is significant piece of property, and they believe the City
should spearhead the negotiation for potential purchase of the property. He stated
the site is next to French Regional Park and would be an enhancement to the
existing park system.
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February 28, 1994
Page 7
Councilmember Anderson stated he would like to refer the issue to the Open
Space Committee for recommendation. He stated this site has never been in the
City's Comprehensive Plan as a potential park.
Councilmember Lymangood stated that the 30 acre wooded area currently
proposed for acquisition along with the site for a playfield and school was also not
in the Comprehensive Plan.
Manager Johnson stated that staff will participate in discussions and gather
information on cost and options, and provide the information to the Open Space
Committee.
Labor Contract
Personnel Coordinator Sobania described the proposed settlement contract with
the maintenance employees.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
City Clerk