Loading...
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 Study Session Minutes 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. Study Session Minutes 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. Study Session Minutes 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. Study Session Minutes 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. Study Session Minutes 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