HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 01-13-2015Adopted Minutes
Regular City Council Meeting
January 13, 2015
Mayor Slavik called a Regular Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. in the
Council Chambers of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on January 13, 2015.
Oaths of Office
City Clerk Engdahl administered oaths of office to Kelli Slavik (Mayor), Jeffry Wosje
Councilmember Ward 2), Marge Beard (Councilmember Ward 3), Jim Prom (Councilmember
Ward 4) and Ned Carroll (Councilmember at Large).
Council Present: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Willis, Carroll, Johnson, Wosje, Beard and
Prom.
Council Absent: None.
Staff Present: Administrative Services Director Fischer, Community Development Director
Juetten, Public Works Director Cote, Park and Recreation Director Evans, Fire Chief Kline,
Police Chief Goldstein, City Attorney Knutson, and City Clerk Engdahl.
Plymouth Forum
No one was present to address the Council.
Presentations and Public Information Announcements
4.01) Contribution from Wayzata Youth Hockey Association for the Plymouth Ice Center
Training Center (Greg Gibson, President of WYHA)
Greg Gibson, President of Wayzata Youth Hockey Association, presented a contribution in the
amount of $88,000 for the new training center at the Plymouth Ice Center. Mayor Slavik thanked
the Wayzata Youth Hockey Association for their contribution.
Approval of Agenda
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Wosje to
approve theagenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Adopted Minutes 1 of 9 Regular Meeting of January 13, 2015
Consent Agenda
By request of Councilmember Willis, item No. 6.09 was removed from the Consent Agenda and
be placed under General Business as item No. 8.03.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Prom, to approve
the Consent Agenda that include the followingitems: ems:
6.01) Special Council Meeting minutes of December 9, 2014 and January 6, 2015, and Regular
Council Meeting minutes of December 9, 2014.
6.02) Resolution Approving Disbursements ending January 3, 2015 (Res2015-001).
6.03) Ordinance Amending Section 1015 and 1016 of the City Code regarding Special Event
Permits and Park Facility Fees (Ord2015-01).
6.04) Resolution Approving Refuse Hauler License for Curbside Waste (2015-002).
6.05) Appoint 2015 Health Officer.
6.06) Appoint 2015 Council Secretary.
6.07) Resolution Appointing Official Depositories for City Funds for 2015 (Res2015-003).
6.08) Resolution Designating the Plymouth Sun Sailor as the City of Plymouth's Official
Newspaper for 2015 (Res2015-004).
6.09) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General Business as
item No. 8.03).
6.10) Resolution Approving Purchase of Portable Radios for the Police Department (Res2015-
005).
6.11) Resolution Approving the 2015-2016 Tree Removal, Trimming and Hauling Contract
Res2015-006).
6.12) Resolution Approving application of the West Medicine Lake Community Club for a
Temporary Liquor License for an event on January 30, 2015 (Res2015-007).
6.13) Ordinance Amending Chapter 21 of the City Code to Classify Certain Land located at
617, 618, and 725 Cottonwood Lane and the Tax -Forfeited Parcel located between 617 and 725
Cottonwood Lane (2014036-F — Ord2015-02), Resolution Approving Findings of Fact for the
Rezoning of Land located at 617, 618 and 725 Cottonwood Lane and the Tax -Forfeited Parcel
located between 617 and 725 Cottonwood Lane (2014036-F — Res2015-008), and a Resolution
Approving Phase I Final Platting for Lakewest Development Company, LLC for "Fretham 24th
Addition" for Property located at 725 Cottonwood Lane (2014036-F — Res2015-009).
Adopted Minutes 2 of 9 Regular Meeting of January 13, 2015
6.14) Resolution Approving Request for Payment No. 3 and Final for the Kingsview Heights
Edge Mill and Overlay Project (12002 — Res2015-010).
6.15) Resolution Authorizing "No Parking" on the West Side of Olive lane from 51 st Avenue
to the Cul -de -Sac South (Res2015-011).
6.16) Resolution Accepting Streets for Continual Maintenance for Park Nicollet Plymouth
Addition (2013028 — Res2015-012), Resolution Accepting Streets for Continual Maintenance for
Taylor Creek 3rd Addition (2012042 — Res2015-013), Resolution Accepting Streets for
Continual Maintenance for Taylor Creek 4th Addition (2012043 — Res2015-014), Resolution
Accepting Streets for Continual Maintenance for Hampton Hills 4th Addition (2012005 —
Res2015-015).
6.17) Resolution Amending Responsible Bidder Evaluation Policy (Res2015-016).
6.18) Resolution Authorizing Payment for Purchases that may exceed $100,000 (Res2015-
017).
6.19) Resolution Approving the Purchase of a Replacement Single Axle Truck with a Mounted
Oil Distributor (Res2015-018).
6.20) Ordinance Amending the Plymouth City Charter Concerning Campaign Contributions
and Candidates for Office (Ord2015-03).
6.21) Ordinance Amending the Plymouth City Charter Concerning Board of Equalization
Ord2015-04) and Resolution Approving Ordinance Amending Section 7.04 of the City Charter
Concerning Board of Equalization and Authorize Hennepin County to serve as Board of
Equalization Commencing in 2016 and Future Years (Res2015-019).
6.22) Resolution Approving a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Sports and Fitness Club in the
I-2 Zoning District for Property located at 181 Cheshire Lane North (2014116 — Res2015-020).
6.23) Resolution Approving Amendments to the Final Plat and Development Contract for
Fretham 23rd Addition" (2014035F — Res2015-021).
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Public Hearin>;s
7.01) On -Sale Liquor and Sunday Liquor License Applications from Flippin Dough LLC,
d/b/a Broadway Pizza Plymouth, 13705 27th Avenue North
City Clerk Engdahl reported on the applications for on -sale liquor and a Sunday liquor licenses
for Broadway Pizza Plymouth, 13705 27th Avenue North.
Adopted Minutes 3 of 9 Regular Meeting of January 13, 2015
Mayor Slavik opened the public hearing.
Mayor Slavik closed the public hearing.
The applicant, Jim Kruizenga, introduced himself to the Council.
Motion was made by Councilmember Wosje, and seconded by Councilmember Willis, to adopt a
Resolution Approving On -Sale Liquor and Sunday Liquor Licenses for Flippin Dough, LLC
d/b/a Broadway Pizza Plymouth, 13705 27th Avenue North (Res2015-022). With all members
voting in favor, the motion carried.
General Business
8.01) Solicitation of Bids for the Sale of $3,295,000 General Obligation Open Space
Bonds, Series 2015A
Mark Ruff with Ehlers and Associates explained the process and bonds and answered the
Council's questions.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Prom, to adopt a
Resolution Providing for the Sale of $3,295,000 General Obligation Open Space Bonds, Series
2015A Res2015-023). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.02) Authorizing Plans and Specifications for the Renovation of the Plymouth Ice
Center/Life Time Fitness Parking Lot (40044)
Park and Recreation Director Evans presented the renovation options for the Plymouth Ice
Center and Life Time Fitness parking lot. Option 1 would provide a parking lot expansion
additional 101 stalls), mill and overlay of the parking lot and repair of the concrete and pavers
as needed. The estimated cost would be $900,000. Option 2 would be a mill and overlay of the
parking lot and repair the concrete and pavers as needed with an estimated cost of $450,000.
Staff supports Option 1. The mill and overlay project has been in the capital improvement plan
since 2012. The overall project cost would be a split with Life Time Fitness.
City Consultant, Kristina Elfering of Elfering and Associates, gave a presentation on the
expansion options. She advised there are four main variances that would be required including
parking in front of the building, exterior lighting, off street parking with landscaping medians
and off street parking setbacks.
Mayor Slavik indicated with the removal of the trees, she had previously requested there be some
type of landscaping incorporated into the City Center. Ms. Elfering advised they would make it
aesthetically pleasing, but there could be some issues with salt damage to the plantings from the
winter.
Adopted Minutes 4 of 9 Regular Meeting of January 13, 2015
Councilmember Willis voiced his concern that it will look like a parking lot with less green
space. Ms. Elfering advised there would be plantings between the sidewalk and the parking lot to
soften the look.
Councilmember Johnson stated that if they need to grant these variances, it might give pause that
parking might be tight for other businesses in the area and maybe the standards should be
changed. She supports the additional parking, but this would be the fourth addition to the parking
area. She is nervous about seeing the soft edges of the trees being removed and the park -like
edge on Plymouth Boulevard being lost.
Mayor Slavik inquired why the pavers and mulch would be removed from the entrance of Life
Time Fitness. Ms. Elfering replied there are a lot of pavers that are heaving and they make for
unsafe walking conditions. They would be removing as many as possible to incorporate more
landscaping.
Mayor Slavik stated there is already a pinch point with the existing parking and the visibility is
poor. Adding additional parking might make things worse. Ms. Elfering stated they would be
redoing the entrance on the north side to try and line up the driveway with the businesses to the
north so there are not competing turning movements.
Councilmember Willis commented that the reason for the additional parking is triggered by the
success of Life Time. The City doesn't need it except occasionally.
Councilmember Johnson noted that previously there were discussions of a parking deck, and the
cost per space at that time was $10,000. Life Time has been a great partner and she appreciates
the partnership, but instead of taking away the green space, they may need to start looking into
decking. Ms. Elfering advised the cost is just under $9,000 per stall for this option and the cost of
a parking ramp similar to the St. Louis Park Life Time facility was $7 million.
Aaron Kohler, Representative of Life Time Fitness, stated the parking issues occur during the
peak times of Life Time and activities at the ice center overlap. There are major parking issues
when there are hockey tournaments. If it was just Life Time there, they would have more than
enough parking. They are in complete agreement about the project that they want it to look great.
When they have looked into deck options before they prices have been $15,000 to $17,000 per
stall. He does not feel a deck is financially viable at this time.
Councilmember Wosje indicated that part of the issue is the success of the Plymouth Ice Center.
The City has the landscaping and lighting requirements in the standards and now we are looking
for exceptions to the rule. Maybe they should be looking at changing the standards. Ms. Elfering
stated they are already not meeting the requirements. The lot was built and approved just before
the standards came into place. He understands they want to make it as cost effective as possible
for taxpayers, but they will have a hard time not granting variances to other businesses that might
ask for the same considerations.
Adopted Minutes 5 of 9 Regular Meeting of January 13, 2015
Councilmember Prom inquired about runoff of the parking lot. Public Works Director Cote
replied that there will be water quality requirements imposed and pervious pavement is an
option.
Councilmember Prom inquired if there was any room around the back of the building to expand
the parking spaces. Parks and Recreation Director Evans replied that the back option could be
looked at in the future, but there are no entrances to Life Time Fitness in the back. Ms. Elfering
added approximately 40 parking stalls could be constructed in the back.
Councilmember Prom stated people could walk through the ice center to get to Life Time if they
parked in the back. Park and Recreation Director Evans cautioned if there is a hockey
tournament, there would be a gate fee so that poses a problem.
Mayor Slavik indicated that previously they asked Life Time to install an entrance in the rear and
they said it wasn't feasible because of security issues and the main desk being in front. Mr.
Kohler stated that for the security and safety of everyone, they need people to enter in the front at
the card swipe desk.
Councilmember Johnson inquired if there is a way to direct the ice center people to park in the
back. Parks and Recreation Director Evans replied that if parking was added in the back, it would
be set back a good distance from where people enter the ice center.
Councilmember Beard stated she has a hard time with this expenditure as there are many must do
projects like the cooling system change out that should be completed first.
Councilmember Willis suggested the funding for a parking expansion should come from the park
dedication funds and the repairs from the park replacement funds as that is not a new
expenditure.
Councilmember Johnson feels that this expansion is still just inching away at what is really
needed. Parks and Recreation Director Evans advised the parking is probably never going to be
enough because it is not close enough to a door. There will still be complaints about parking
during busy events.
Councilmember Johnson inquired how often they receive complaints on parking. The Manager
of Life Time Fitness, Ashley, stated it is a daily problem. She receives about 10 to 20 complaints
daily and it's not just during the big events. Saturday mornings are the worse because of hockey
tournaments. Mr. Kohler added they could calculate what they think they need for parking and a
reasonable long term estimate.
Councilmember Johnson stated that she supports more parking in the back versus removing
green space on Plymouth Boulevard. She inquired if there would be an opportunity to share the
parking across the street as the City owns that building.
Greg Gibson, from the Wayzata Youth Hockey Association, stated previously there was only a
parking problem with specific high school hockey games or when there were hockey
Adopted Minutes 6 of 9 Regular Meeting of January 13, 2015
tournaments, but that is no longer the case. He doesn't think the project is just the convenience
of where to park, but even finding a place to park. Even with the evening activities they are
running into parking issues. Therefore, he feels the issue is being underestimated. He realizes
that the trees are an issue, but not all of them are in pristine condition. Life Time is a popular
place year round. It is not just five or six events a year or that you can't park close enough to the
front door. The issue is finding parking at all.
Councilmember Prom supports additional parking, but adding stalls in the back. He doesn't
support the granting of variances for the City when it wouldn't be possible for the average
business owner.
Mayor Slavik stated she feels the Council would grant a variance to a business that was not able
to operate their business without adequate parking. She feels adding spaces to the back would
just produce more complaints. She would like to see more landscaping included with the line of
the trees to soften the area. She hasn't received parking complaints in a long time and supports
Option 1.
Councilmember Willis feels they need to project what the ultimate demand will be at this site
physical ground space demands). He would like to see Life Time and City staff determine what
the ultimate demands would be.
Mayor Slavik stated the point she was trying to make earlier is that the Life Time members
themselves will adjust their workout schedules to go to the gym at a time when the club is not as
busy. However, she realizes not everyone can adjust their schedules.
Councilmember Carroll agrees with the comments given by Councilmember Willis.
Councilmember Johnson feels they are still going to have the parking problems even after
additional parking is added. They do grant variances to businesses when a business needs it to
operate. There was a time where it was desired to have this area be the urban core and be
walkable. Lifetime didn't fit that mold. If the Council desires to make some changes, the City
Center area needs to be looked at. She thanked Life Time Fitness for being the first
public/private partnership. She would like to hit the benchmarks, but not sure the parking will be
enough.
Mayor Slavik inquired about the timeline. Parks and Recreation Director Evans replied staff is
seeking direction this evening as the next stop is the Planning Commission. If they wait too long,
they may have to delay the project for the year.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Myor Slavik, to ado tea
Resolution Authorizing Plans and Specifications for Renovation of the Plymouth Ice Center/Life
Time Fitness Parking Lot (40044 — Res2015-024).
Councilmember Wosje made a friendly amendment to the motion, which was accepted, to add
the specification of park dedication funds and park replacement funds and an ultimate demand
Adopted Minutes 7 of 9 Regular Meeting of January 13, 2015
report that was requested by Councilmember Willis. He does not like losing the landscaping, but
the business need for parking is great. Therefore, he supports the motion.
Mr. Kohler stated they will take the Council comments this evening and refine the design. They
can also present parking predictions for the future.
Councilmember Willis stated he is concerned that the Planning Commission will feel the Council
supports the variance. He feels they should wait to get the information from Life Time and staff
so they can move ahead with better knowledge. He is not committed to the idea that a variance is
warranted. He inquired how long it will take to get information back to the Council and be
placed on a Planning Commission agenda. Community Development Director Juetten replied if
the project started now, the application would be presented to the Planning Commission in a
couple months. Parks and Recreation Director Evans added staff will need one to two months for
bidding once it is approved by the Planning Commission and Council. They wanted to begin
construction in June and be completed in September and if it's delayed, it will run into the busy
season for the ice center and Life Time.
Councilmember Willis inquired why they would approve something that is only conceptual
tonight. They will look at the concerns, but it doesn't sound like they will be looking to make
changes. He does not feel the time crunch is as severe as the report indicates.
Councilmember Wosje also feels it is prudent to make long range plans, but regardless of what
the plan is for the next 10-20 years, they need this parking.
An amendment to the motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by
Councilmember Carroll, to include as part of the process that Life Time and Cit staff esent
the long range parking needs for the next 15 years, the need for the analytics around the pinch
points, and also making sure as part of the planning process that there are alternatives for more
intensive landscaping. These reports would come to the Council prior to going to the Planning
Commission. With all members voting in the favor of the amendment, the motion carried.
The council voted on the amended main motion, and with all members voting in favor but Beard,
the motion carried.
Park and Recreation Director Evans assured the Council this item will go the Council before it's
presented to the Planning Commission.
8.03) Ordinances Amending Sections 615 and 1135 of the City Code Concerning Massage
Therapy (removed from consent agenda)
Councilmember Willis stated he has concerns on who would hear appeals on revocations from
alleged violators. The staff has recommended that be the final voice is the City Manager versus
Council which he doesn't support. He thinks this is one of the duties of the City Council since
the City Council issues the licenses. He's not embarrassed if there is some disclosure of
sensitive information that comes before the Council.
Adopted Minutes 8 of 9 Regular Meeting of January 13, 2015
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, seconded by Councilmember Carroll to take no
action on the Ordinances Amending Section 615 and 1135 of the City Code concerning massage
therapy. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Reports and Staff Recommendations
There were no reports or staff recommendations.
Adjournment
Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at 9:07
Tdannra R. Engdahl, ty Clerk
Adopted Minutes 9 of 9 Regular Meeting of January 13, 2015