HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 02-10-2015Adopted Minutes
Regular City Council Meeting
February 10, 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 February 10, 2015.
Council Present: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Willis, Carroll, Johnson, Wosje, Beard, and
Prom.
Council Absent: None.
Staff Present: City Manager Callister, Administrative Services Director Fischer, Community
Development Director Juetten, Public Works Director Cote, Park and Recreation Director Evans,
Fire Chief Kline, Deputy Police Chief Plekkenpol, Housing Manager Barnes, City Attorney
Knutson, Utilities Manager Newberger, City Engineer Renneberg, and City Clerk Engdahl.
Cub Scout Pack 481 from Birchview Elementary led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Plymouth Forum
Vernon Peterson, 17425 County Road 47, reported that Lawndale Lane has only been plowed
one time this year. Mayor Slavik stated she learned that this area had been missed, but staff will
make sure it will be back on their route.
Presentations and Public Information Announcements
4.01) Recognize District Fire Chief Rick Luth for his years of service (Fire Chief Rick
Kline)
Fire Chief Kline recapped District Fire Chief Luth's 38 years of service with the City. The
Council thanked him for his years of service and wished him well in retirement.
4.02) Recognize Senior Engineering Technician Greg Cook for his years of service
Utilities Manager Scott Newberger)
Utilities Manager Newberger recapped Senior Engineering Technician Cook's 44 years of
service with the City. The Council thanked him for his years of service and wished him well in
retirement.
Adopted Minutes 1 of 9 Regular Meeting of February 10, 2015
Mayor Slavik announced that the State of the City will be held on February 11 from 7:30 a.m. to
9 a.m. in the Council Chambers.
Approval of Agenda
Motion was made by CouncilmemberWosie, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson to
gpprove thea egnda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Consent Agenda
Item No's. 6.03 and 6.06 were removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General
Business as item No's. 8.0 and 8.001 respectively.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to
approve the consent agenda that included the followingit
6.01) Council Minutes from Special Meetings of January 13 and January 20 and Regular
Meeting of January 27.
6.02) Resolution Approving Disbursements ending January 31, 2015 (Res2015-038).
6.03) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General Business as
item No. 8.0).
6.04) Resolution Approving the Supplemental Agreement with SRF Consulting Group, plans
and specifications, and order advertisement for bids for Vicksburg Lane Reconstruction and
Expansion Project (15001 — Res2015-039).
6.05) Resolution Approving MN/DOT Agreement No. 06884 for the I-494 Watermain
Relocation (14026 - Res2015-040).
6.06) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General Business as
item No. 8.001).
6.07) Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Tax Increment Pledge Agreement (Res2015-041).
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Public Hearings
7.01) Public Hearing on Submission of Minnesota Investment Fund Application to the
Department of Employee and Economic Development (Smiths Medical — Res2015-042)
Adopted Minutes 2 of 9 Regular Meeting of February 10, 2015
Housing Manager Barnes reported on the proposed application for Smiths Medical.
Mayor Slavik opened the public hearing.
Tim McGraw with Smith's Medical addressed the Council. They are excited to be relocating
their headquarters and 400 employees to the City. Smith's Medical is the fourth largest medical
device manufacturer in the State of Minnesota. They sell and operate in 50 countries. They make
infusion pumps, temperature management devices, airway devices and a range of devices
including veterinary devices. They took occupancy of the building on February 2nd and will be
moving employees in phases.
Mayor Slavik welcomed them to the City.
Mayor Slavik closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Wosje, to adopt
a Resolution Authorizing Submission of Minnesota Investment Fund Application to the
Department of Employee and Economic Development for Smiths Medical (Res2015-042). With
all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
7.02) Public hearing on Wine and 3.2 Malt Liquor License Applications from Krelco
LLC, d/b/a Uncle Franky's,10160 6th Avenue North (Res2015-043)
City Clerk Engdahl reported on the applications.
Mayor Slavik opened the public hearing.
Mayor Slavik closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt
a Resolution Approving Wine and 3.2 Malt Liquor Licenses to Krelco LLC, d/b/a Uncle
Franky's at 10160 6th Avenue North (Res2014-043). With all members voting in favor, the
motion carried.
General Business
8.0) Preliminary Plat for Fretham Twenty Four 2nd Addition (Lakewest Development
Company, LLC — 2014118) (Previously item No. 6.03)
Peter Smar ia, 618 Cottonwood Lane, stated he supports the application.
Daniel LaFontaine, 11400 5th Avenue North, advised his property is adjacent to this plat. His
issue has been runoff and he feels his concerns are still not being addressed. The Planning
Adopted Minutes 3 of 9 Regular Meeting of February 10, 2015
Commission stated they are well aware that no additional runoff can occur, but he disagrees. The
developers have chosen to drain the water across his backyard. He has reviewed the plans and
the amount of hard surfaced added and doesn't feel the pond is adequate in size.
Public Works Director Cote advised the developer has not submitted their drainage calculations.
The developer will go through the preliminary plat process and once approved, they will do their
design calculations and submit them to the watershed district for approval. Generally speaking,
the developer follows the lay of the land and takes into account where the grades are. They will
not receive Watershed District approval if the post development rate is less than or equal to the
pre -development rate.
Councilmember Johnson requested staff to share that infonnation with Mr. LaFontaine prior to
the final plat approval.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson to adopt
a Resolution Approving a Preliminary Plat for Lakewest Development Company, LLC for
Fretham Twenty Four 2nd Addition" for Property located at 618 Cottonwood Lane (2014118 —
Res2015-044). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.001)Approve Plymouth Metrolink Route Additions to Support Reverse Commute
Previously item No. 6.06)
Councilmember Willis stated he's concerned about the additional operating expenditure this year
that is not budgeted and a larger increase next year to facilitate the plan. He is also concerned
about how it would be funded in the future. Administrative Services Director Fischer stated that
Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit (PACT) didn't take action on this item because they
were not comfortable with the level of detail of the financials.
Mayor Slavik stated this would be providing a service to one of the larger employees in the
community. She noted it was her recommendation for Council to consider this without PACT's
recommendation.
Councilmember Wosje stated he was at the PACT meeting and they felt they were being asked to
make a recommendation if this was financially appropriate. The committee felt they couldn't do
that. It also became a timing issue due to the June 1 st timeframe.
Councilmember Johnson stated the funds are available in the reserves, and they will review the
operating expense and ridership information and calculate the 2016 budget. This will meet the
City's transit goals while being responsive to the workforce. She would like to give reverse
route a try.
Mayor Slavik stated that TCF is bringing 1,600 jobs to the community which is a huge benefit.
Councilmember Prom inquired if they would be monitoring the ridership numbers. Mayor Slavik
replied yes.
Adopted Minutes 4 of 9 Regular Meeting of February 10, 2015
Councilmember Wosje added that they have never had the level of expertise before until they
started using Southwest Transit who will look at time frames and route utilization. They can
make recommendations to make it more efficient. The fare box recovery is closer to 30%.
Several years ago the Metropolitan Council struck a deal with the Legislature that reduced their
contributions. Plymouth's was slashed in half for two years because the reserves were too high.
Studies show that there will be more people coming to Plymouth then going downtown.
Councilmember Willis advised he is not opposed to transit, but it seems to be getting a little
ahead of it. He wondered why the June date is so important. Mayor Slavik replied that is when
the employees will be starting at TCF and the Metropolitan Council's requirements are a few
weeks away.
Barbara Shaw, Director of Corporate Human Resources at TCF Bank noted that TCF was one of
the first employers to participate the Metro Pass program, which has been heavily used by their
employees. They surveyed their employees that are moving from Wayzata, Minnetonka and
Minneapolis and 70% of them indicated they rode the bus and 30% drove themselves or with a
carpool. That same 70% said if the bus was not available they would drive a car and that would
bring in congestion and parking issues. They will be moving their employees throughout the
summer in a staged phase.
Motion was made by Councilmember Wosje, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt a
Resolution Approving Plymouth Metrolink Routes 741, 747, 771, and 774 (Res2015-045). With
all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.01) Award Sale of $3,295,000 General Obligation Open Space Bonds, Series 2015A
Nick Anhut, Financial Advisor with Ehlers and Associates, reported the low bidder in this bond
sale was Piper Jaffray with an interest rate of 1.8587%.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, seconded by Councilmember Prom, to adopt a
Resolution Accepting Proposal on the Competitive Negotiated Sale of $3,295,000 General
Obligation Open Space Bonds, Series 2015A, Providing for their Issuance and Lev jnng a Tax for
the Payment Thereof (Res2015-046). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
8.02) Plans and Specifications for the Renovation of the Plymouth Ice Center/Life Time
Fitness Parking Lot (40044)
Park and Recreation Director Evans reported on January 13th, Council provided authorization
for this to move forward to the Planning Commission. The Council did request additional
information on the flow, pinch points, the ultimate need, additional landscaping and overall
options.
Kristie Elfering, the City's Consultant, stated she feels they listened to the Council's concerns
and prepared a brief presentation. They looked at the ultimate parking need, circulation and
Adopted Minutes 5 of 9 Regular Meeting of February 10, 2015
increased landscaping. Spack Consulting did a study and found that Lifetime Fitness needed 614
stalls and the ice center needed 425 stalls for a total of 1,039. The proposed project would add
101 stalls. She presented an overview of the site and where the parking could be expanded - the
southwest corner, northwest corner and the rear. The southwest expansion would require a
variance for the setbacks. Another option was one row of one-way parking, but Spack Consulting
believed that would be confusing to drivers. They looked at revising the front entrance to gain
additional stalls, but it was discounted for budget reasons and it changed the whole feel of the
entrance. Landscaping was also a big issue and the median would need to be taken out. In the
wooded area they would add some plantings and planters. Area 1 on the southwest side would
gain 49 stalls and it moved into the setbacks and the two extra scenarios were the angled parking.
Area 2 was straightforward with a gain of 52 stalls. Area 3 has not been surveyed nor have soil
borings taken. There is a ponding area to the west and wetlands to the east. It was discounted
because of the budget and because of the proximity to the door. Ms. Elfering advised that
construction costs would remain the same at $900,000. At this time they are considering the rear
area as a future expansion area.
Councilmember Wosje inquired how the demand was calculated as Lifetime Fitness's figure was
based on square footage and the Ice Center was not. He wondered why Lifetime Fitness did not
base their parking needs on memberships.
Aaron Koehler, from Life Time Fitness, replied they typically operate at 5.4 parking stalls per
1,000 square feet. The number of members and square footage is highly correlated. You reach a
certain point where it is too crowded and people quit, so the numbers self regulate. The
membership numbers have declined in the last three years. They are capped at a membership
level right now, and if they were to construct a new club of this size, the parking number would
be adequate.
Councilmember Wosje asked how staff determined one parking stall for each four seats at the Ice
Center. Park and Recreation Director Evans replied there is not a lot of good data out there on
parking needs. The numbers vary greatly depending on how good the hockey teams are that are
playing and the month of the year. If all three sheets of ice are going staff came up with a
number close to 400 stalls. Staff also looked at what the Planning Department does based on
square footage and came up with a similar number.
Ms. Elfering stated they went with the higher number to show a maximum need. Park and
Recreation Director Evans advised when they are discussing that high number they are talking
about November, December, January and February when the Ice Center and Lifetime Fitness are
at their high numbers. The other months of the year there is space in the lot, and in the summer
they operate the farmers market in half of the lot.
Councilmember Johnson stated she wanted to know the peak days and how many days in the
pinch point are they trying to solve. She feels they are losing the characteristics of the City
Center by taking away the green space. She appreciates that people do not want to walk, but that
is one of the things they were looking for when building the City Center.
Adopted Minutes 6 of 9 Regular Meeting of February 10, 2015
Mr. Koehler stated that there are also extremely busy in the summer because people are staying
longer in the pools. During the busy months, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are
the busy days. This development was laid out with that in mind, but over the course to time, the
Ice Center has expanded and the parking hasn't kept up.
Councilmember Willis stated he agrees that the aesthetics are going to be diminished by
expanding the parking lots. Every time the City has expanded the Ice Center, they have provided
more parking. When Lifetime Fitness was constructed, they did not know how much parking
they would need. He stated Lifetime Fitness is adding to the demand because they have put in
additional parking for the Ice Center expansions. He feels they are at a point where they don't
have many options for expanding the parking.
Councilmember Beard noted there was also a proposal to mill and overlay the parking lot. She
stated she used to go to St. Louis Park Lifetime Fitness, and they used circulator buses to address
their parking problems. The buses ran only during peak periods. She suggested considering the
original proposal of the mill and overlay and looking into busing options.
Mr. Koehler advised that they look at the mill and overlay as more of a maintenance issue and it
doesn't solve the parking issue. To the example of the St. Louis Park, that club was acquired
from Northwest Athletic, and they never constructed large enough parking lots. When Lifetime
Fitness acquired the club, it had less than half of the parking they needed.
Councilmember Johnson suggested operating a shuttle on hockey nights. Park and Recreation
Director Evans stated she is not sure where they would shuttle from, but it is certainly something
they could look at. It would be a significant expense. Another problem with the Ice Center is
they don't know what the events are going to be, and it changes on a regular basis.
Mayor Slavik stated there may be a long shuttle ride because the area is fairly congested already.
She understands the concerns of the Council, but she supports the parking expansion. Doing the
expansion with the mill and overlay would have some cost savings.
Councilmember Johnson stated she can't support this due to the cost and the removal of the
green space. This is not the direction contemplated when she envisioned the City Center.
Councilmember Wosje advised that the City has had a great public and private partnership on
this and has always worked together with Lifetime Fitness. He is looking at the parking demand
of 1,039 spots, but feels that many stalls may only be needed for one or two days. In terms of
demand, he feels more comfortable adding the 100 stalls that would get them close. In five years
if they decide to expand the parking, that will double the cost. He is very sensitive of the fact that
they will lose trees and green space, but he will be supporting this tonight.
Councilmember Willis stated he understands there is a need for parking, but it is just too easy to
remove more green space for parking and it can't be replaced. He will not be able to support this.
Adopted Minutes 7 of 9 Regular Meeting of February 10, 2015
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to authorize
the mill and overlay of parking lot and repair of concrete and pavers as needed at an estimated
cost of $450,000 split with Lifetime Fitness (Option 2).
Councilmember Johnson noted this is a tough decision, as they have to address the needs as they
come, but they are running into some conflicts with values.
Mayor Slavik advised she will not support the motion. She understands they don't want to lose
the green space, but it doesn't solve the problem.
Mr. Koehler stated if the Council just wants to do the mill and overlay alone, he would need to
have more discussion with LifeTime Fitness.
Councilmember Carroll stated he doesn't want to lose green space and trees, but the area is not
that attractive as a lot of the trees are unsubstantial. He supports the original proposal and
inquired if they could do more to approve the aesthetics with additional plantings. Park and
Recreation Director Evans replied they are trying to do that. The trees that are currently there
would be removed, and the area would match what is happening in other areas of the City
Center.
Councilmember Willis stated he assumed that when they see a staff report with a resolution
attached they are being asked to approve or deny that resolution and now they are being told by
Lifetime Fitness they are only interested in the expansion, not the mill and overlay.
Mr. Koehler apologized and stated the mill and overlay is not where they are at with this.
The Council voted on the motion. With Prom, Carroll, Wosje, and Slavik voting no, and Willis,
Johnson, and Beard voting yes, the motion failed.
Motion was made by Mayor Slavik, and seconded by Councilmember Wosje to adopt a
Resolution Authorizing Option 1.
Councilmember Johnson stated she wouldn't support the motion. She reiterated using shuttle
buses for peak events at the Ice Center. This would only be an interim fix.
Councilmember Willis stated the resolution states that the City's contribution would be up to
500,000 which would come from the park replacement fund. Park and Recreation Director
Evans stated they would split the cost with the new spots coming from park dedication fund and
the remainder coming from park replacement fund. There isn't a resolution tied to this, but
rather, staff is looking for direction on whether there is support for the parking lot expansion.
This item still has to go to the Planning Commission and come back to the Council to authorize
the bids, review, and then accept bids.
Adopted Minutes 8 of 9 Regular Meeting of February 10, 2015
A Substitute Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember
Willis, to authorize staff to proceed with Option 1 which will be referred to the Planning
Commission.
Councilmember Wosje inquired if a parking study has been done. Mayor Slavik and
Councilmember Johnson stated that there was a parking study prior to the third sheet of ice being
added.
Councilmember Prom stated hopefully the Planning Commission can come up with more of a
creative end result. He is in favor of adding more spaces, but he doesn't support the proposed
layout.
The Council voted on the Substitute Motion. With all members voting in favor, the motion
carried.
Reports and Staff Recommendations
9.01) Legislative Update
City Manager Callister provided a brief legislative update.
Adjournment
Mayor Slavik adjourned the regular meeting at 9:28 p.m. Immediately following the regular
meeting, the Council received the quarterly City Manager update. This meeting was held in the
Parkers Lake conference room with all Councilmembers and City Manager Callister present.
The meeting adjourned at 11:30 p.m.
andra R. Engdahl, GAy Clerk
Adopted Minutes 9 of 9 Regular Meeting of February 10, 2015