HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 04-14-2015Adopted Minutes
Regular City Council Meeting
April 14, 2015
Deputy Mayor Johnson 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 April 14, 2015.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Deputy Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Willis, Carroll, Wosje, Beard,
Prom.
ABSENT: Mayor Slavik.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Callister, Administrative Services Director Fischer,
Community Development Director Juetten, Public Works Director Cote, Volunteer Coordinator
Maas, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Northway, Fire Captain Dreelan, Senior Planner
Drill, Police Chief Goldstein, City Attorney Knutson, and City Clerk Engdahl.
Plymouth Forum
There was no one present to address the Council.
Presentations and Public Information Announcements
4.01) Announcement of April 12-18 as "National Volunteer Week"
Volunteer Coordinator Maas announced April 12-18 as "National Volunteer Week," and she
provided an annual report on the City's volunteer program.
4.02) Announcement of Retirement of Parks and Forestry Manager Lowell Luebeck
The Council recognized Parks and Forestry Manager Luebeck for his years of service to the City
and wished him well on his retirement.
Approval of Agenda
Motion was made by Councihnember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Prom, to approve
thea egnda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Consent Agenda
Adopted Minutes Page 1 of 10 Regular Meeting of April 14, 2015
Item No's. 6.03 and 6.07 were removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General
Business as No.'s 8.04 and 8.05 respectively.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis and seconded by Councilmember Carroll to adopt
the amended Consent Agenda that included the followingi:
6.01) Special and Regular Council Meeting minutes from March 24, 2015.
6.02) Resolution Approving Disbursements ending April 4, 2015 (Res2015-095).
6.03) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General Business as
item No. 8.04).
6.04) Resolution Awarding the Contract and Approving an Agreement with Xcel Energy for
the Vicksburg Lane Reconstruction and Expansion Project (15001 - Res2015-096).
6.05) Resolution Awarding the Contract for the 2015 Sanitary Sewer Lining Project (15018 -
Res2015-097).
6.06) Resolution Approving Feasibility Study, Plans and Specifications and Order
Advertisement for Bids Elm Creek Stream Restoration Project (14006 - Res2015-098) and
Resolution Approving the Professional Services Agreement with Hennepin County Department
of Environment and Energy Elm Creek Stream Restoration Project (14006 — Res2015-099).
6.07) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General Business as
item No. 8.05).
6.08) Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement with the Shingle
Creek Watershed Management Organization (Res2015-100).
6.09) Resolution Accepting Utilities for Continual Maintenance for Elm Creek Highlands East
2nd (2010048 - Res2015-101).
6.10) Resolution Approving the Application and Allocation of Fiscal Year 2015 Community
Development Block Grant Funds (Res2015-102).
6.11) Resolution Approving Change Order and Final Payment for the Plymouth Ice Center
Dryland Training Facility Project (40021 — Res2015-103).
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Public Hearings
There were no public hearings.
Adopted Minutes Page 2 of 10 Regular Meeting of April 14, 2015
General Business
8.01) Variance for the Height of the Field House/Concessions Building at Providence
Academy located at 15100 Schmidt Lake Road (2015023)
Senior Planner Drill reported on the variance that would allow construction of a field
house/concessions building that would be located south of the football field. It would be 40 feet
high, with a tower in the center of the building that would be 57 feet high. It would contain three
levels at 10,400 square feet and a 1,100 square foot deck on top of the building behind the tower.
The north side of the tower would include a spiritual image. A variance allowed the existing
school on the site to be 43.5 feet high and a conditional use permit allowed the cupola to be 21
feet above the ro6fline of the school. Another variance allows a 66 ft. ceiling to be installed over
the football field during the winter. The Planning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend denial
of the proposed variance based on their finding that the proposed height is not the minimum
needed to address the practical difficulties. Area residents also opposed the height.
Councilmember Carroll received clarification that the spiritual image would be facing the
football field and not be visible from Schmidt Lake Road.
Councilmember Prom asked if the field house was at the same level as the school building.
Senior Planner Drill replied the front of the school building is approximately the same level. The
football field is substantially lower.
Councilmember Wosje asked how the maximum height allowed for an accessory structure is
calculated. Senior Planner Drill replied it's measured to be the lowest ground elevation around
the building to the mid -point of a pitched roof or the top of a flat roof section.
By request of Councilmember Beard, Senior Planner Drill clarified the tallest building would
still be the existing school.
Councilmember Carroll requested the definition of an accessory structure. Senior Planner Drill
replied an accessory structure is a subordinate structure that is there because of the principle use.
The principle use of this site is the school itself. There wouldn't be a concession site if there
weren't a school.
Councilmember Wosje asked if the applicant constructed a hallway to the performing arts center,
would it still be considered an accessory structure. Senior Planner Drill replied yes.
Deputy Mayor Johnson commented that when Wayzata Schools requested to construct their
stadium, they also needed variance for that accessory structure.
Councilmember Willis commented that he looked at the campus and the application for the
variance seems to be reasonable and doesn't seem to be offensive in terms of special use.
Adopted Minutes Page 3 of 10 Regular Meeting of April 14, 2015
Councilmember Beard asked about the use of the new building. Senior Planner Drill replied it
would be used year round. On the lower level, there will be rooms for coaches, restrooms,
concessions, and office spaces.
Todd Flanders, Headmaster from Providence Academy, stated they're seeking the height
variance for the design and symmetry of the school. The height proposed on the field house will
help obscure the visual of the dome from Schmidt Lake Road. If this proposed variance is
approved, it would be the fifth highest building on the campus. They would utilize this structure
year round.
Motion was made by Councilmember Wosje and seconded by Councilmember Willis to adopt a
Resolution Approving a Height Variance for the Field House/Concessions Building at
Providence Academy, 15100 Schmidt Lake Road (2015023 - Res2015-104).
An amendment to the main motion was made b Dgputy Mgyor Johnson and seconded by
Councilmember Prom, to reword condition No. 3 of the Resolution to state "Any image on the
north side of the tower shall not be lighted, except during scheduled events at the football
field/track." With all the members voting in favor, the motion carried.
The Council voted on the amended main motion and with all members voting in favor, the
motion carried.
8.02) Preliminary Plan, Final Plat, Site Plan Amendment, and Conditional Use Permit
Amendment for the expansion of the Wayzata Senior High School, 4955 Peony Lane
2015006)
Senior Planner Drill reported on the applications for expansion of Wayzata Senior High School.
The requested site changes include additional athletic fields with parking lots, construction of six
additions onto the existing building totaling approximately 170,000 square feet. Related
improvements to: 1) increase parking and bus staging for the expansion, 2) address water quality,
and 3) incorporate additional field lighting and lighting of new parking areas. He stated
anticipated completion date is the end of 2016. The zoning ordinance contains specific standards
for approval of site plan amendments and conditional use permit amendments in the P-1 Zoning
District. The building additions would be the same height as or lower than, the height of the
existing building. The requested conditional use permit amendment would allow portions of two
additions (academic tower and auditorium) to continue to exceed 45 feet in height. The
ordinance allows the increased height by conditional use permit amendment, provided that
setbacks are increased accordingly. The existing building and all proposed additions would
comply with the increased setback that is required for approval of the increased building height.
The school district intends to keep the former golf course club house building but there is no
current plan for the building. The school district is requesting an easement to allow a portion of
that driveway to cross over the southeast portion of the Elm Creek playfield. Trees removed
from the easement would be required to be replaced. To help contain stray balls, the school
district would install 20 foot high netting in areas between the driveway and the ball fields. The
Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the site plan, plat, and
conditional use permit.
Adopted Minutes Page 4 of 10 Regular Meeting of April 14, 2015
Deputy Mayor Johnson noted the correspondence that was provided to Councilmembers this
evening from Mn/DOT for access to Highway 55.
Councilmember Willis stated he's not supportive of access to Highway 55 and anticipates that
access will need to be closed in the future because of traffic burdens on Highway 55. He would
have preferred to see other options.
Councilmember Wosje asked for staff comments on item 8 in the letter from Mn/DOT. Public
Works Director Cote stated that a traffic study was completed to address the current operation
problems and whether the proposed access onto Highway 55 will make it worse or better. There
were some changes that could be made with the traffic signal, some lane configuration work that
could be done on Schmidt Lake Road, and some other work on the east side of the school.
Councilmember Wosje asked about item 9 in the letter regarding traffic management by
Plymouth police during large events at the high school. Police Chief Goldstein stated this would
be provided if the secondary access were passed. It's staffed on a contractual overtime basis.
Councilmember Beard clarified the Highway 55 access would be westbound only. Public Works
Director Cote stated there would be access from the east going into and coming out of the school
and going west.
Councilmember Beard asked if there would be an acceleration lane for people coming out of the
school. Public Works Director Cote replied there wouldn't be an acceleration lane and there
wouldn't be enough room to construct one.
Councilmember Willis commented the safety hazard will be there as motorists try to make a U-
turn.
Councilmember Carroll clarified the concern is people leaving and trying to go east. Public
Works Director Cote stated if people leave the east access to the school, they would still be able
to go east on any of the roads they can currently go east on. People may choose to take new
access out that only sends them west because of less traffic.
Councilmember Carroll stated there would need to be a lot of education to inform people that in
order to go east, you shouldn't go west and then turn around. Public Works Director Cote stated
items 10 and 11 in the letter address this. The school district would try to control who parks
closest to that access so it would be students that live west of the site. Through drivers education
and announcements, they would provide ongoing training on who should be using that access.
Councilmember Willis mentioned a locked gate to restrict access. Public Works Director Cote
stated that was one of the suggestions, but isn't currently being considered. It's Mn/DOT's
opinion that they can close that access point at any time.
Police Chief Goldstein stated the proposed concept is not ideal, but from a public safety
perspective, there has to be that access point to the campus. He mentioned that a frontage road
Adopted Minutes Page 5 of 10 Regular Meeting of April 14, 2015
might need to be considered in the future. He noted the gated option would be good in order to
have access in emergency or for large events, but the school district would prefer to have the
access always open.
Deputy Mayor Johnson asked about including language to request some sort of barrier at that
access. Councilmember Wosje noted the Mn/DOT letter states if that access becomes a problem,
it can be eliminated.
Scott McQueen, Wold Architects and Engineers, commented that the school district is in support
of safety. He stated that not all of the students leave the school at the same time and it's not
during rush hour.
Councilmember Wosje agreed there needs to be another access. He asked what the percentage of
students would be using this access. Public Works Director Cote replied he doesn't have the
exact number, but it wasn't a large percentage of the student population.
Councilmember Wosje requested what the Council's authority is and what Mn/DOT allows on
this issue. Public Works Director Cote replied Mn/DOT controls Highway 55, grants and takes
away access, and would dictate what happens with that access and the 11 conditions in their
letter.
Deputy Mayor Johnson commented if this is approved, she hopes that traffic would be directed
to the east entrance.
Councilmember Beard asked with multiple new parking lots, will there be less parking on the
streets and with more cars on the campus, what is the anticipated volume of cars trying to exit to
the east. Senior Planner Drill replied there were more than sufficient spaces provided for what
the school would need. Mr. McQueen added the Zoning Ordinance requires 1,950 parking spots
and the total lot count is 1,974, plus 118 on each side of the driveway.
Councilmember Willis asked if the students pay a parking fee, noting the school may have the
parking spaces but students may still want to park in the free neighborhood parking spaces.
Scott Genglan, from the school district, replied the school district plans to move the increased
enrollment to the new parking lots. They hope to use permits and expanded parking lots to
manage the flow in and out of the parking lots.
Deputy Mayor Johnson noted there is going to be an ongoing dialog to keeping everyone safe.
Councilmember Willis asked what the new parking lot is going to take the place of. Mr.
Genglan replied it's used for physical education, and the new turf fields will be used for physical
education.
Councilmember Willis asked if their physical education classes would use City fields as part of
its program. Mr. Genglan replied they would prefer to use the turf fields. The four foot fence
would prevent balls or other objects from going into the parking lot.
Adopted Minutes Page 6 of 10 Regular Meeting of April 14, 2015
Councilmember Willis asked about the field's light impact to the homes in the area. Senior
Planner Drill stated the lighting would be 80 feet high and a conditional use permit is being
requested for it. It would meet all the City's requirements.
Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Carroll, to adopt
a Resolution Approving a Preliminary Plat and Final Plat for Wold Architects and Engineers for
the Wayzata Senior High School site located at 4955 Peon L(2015006 — Res2015-105) and
Resolution Approving a Site Plan Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Amendment for
Wold Architects and Engineers for the expansion of the Wayzata Senior High School located at
4955 Peon. Lyane (2015006 - Res2015-106). With all members voting in favor, the motion
carried.
8.03) Notice of Vacancy on the Housing and Redevelopment Authority
The suggestion was made by Councilmember Beard to interview applicants for the vacant
position on the Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Motion was made by Councilmember Beard, and seconded by Councilmember Carroll, to
interview applicants on May 5th at 5:30 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion
carried.
8.04) Development Agreement for Tax Increment Finance Redevelopment District 7-8
and grant documents with Metropolitan Council 169/55 LLC — Plymouth City Flats at
Southwest Quadrant of Highways 169 and 55 (Previously item No. 6.03)
By request of Councilmember Beard, Community Development Director Juetten summarized the
staff report regarding previous approvals for the 157 -unit multifamily apartment building on this
site. Final approval is needed for the TIF agreement and Metropolitan Council loan documents.
Nick Anhut, with Ehlers and Associates, explained the $2.5 million TIF note would be held by
the developer and payable from tax increments as the value on the property increases. It would
only be paid if the City received TIF receipts from Hennepin County based on its annual
collections derived from the property. That tax increment district was already established and
certified in place in 2011, and it's scheduled to collect its first increment this year. TIF districts
established under a redevelopment authority can only last for 26 years of collections. Based on
projections, it is anticipated that the $2.5 million would be paid off after 13 years. He noted that
the developer did propose $6 million in extraordinary redevelopment costs and site preparation
with this acquisition, and $2.5 million of that would be acquisition cost and demolition, soil
preparation, utility relocation, and other expenses.
Councilmember Beard stated the staff report outlined all of her questions and she would like to
see something developed on that site. However, when someone originally acquired this property,
they paid too much for it and now there are extraordinary redevelopment costs associated with it.
She asked if the City is really benefitting the person who actually sold the property ahead of the
current property owner because they got a good deal, noting the current owner didn't factor in
the extraordinary redevelopment costs, so the taxpayers are being asked to do that.
Adopted Minutes Page 7 of 10 Regular Meeting of April 14, 2015
Jim Waters, Quest Development, explained in response to Councilmember Beard's comments,
that this property was acquired in 2000 by LGA Investment Group Bank originally for the
construction of condominiums. In 2005, there was a downturn in the real estate market,
financing was not available, and the multifamily market demand was not yet in the suburbs. The
land is being sold to the developer for exactly what they were purchasing it for from LGA
Investment Group, which is $200,000 to $300,000 less than any appraisals they have received.
He stated the difficulties of the site include removal of existing structures and utilities, rebuilding
of utilities, and the requirement for piling because the soil is soft and part of the redevelopment
cost is tearing out the old site structures.
Deputy Mayor Johnson stated there is an earnest desire to develop this property but she is
disappointed that affordability didn't come through. She agreed that any project on this site will
need TIF.
Councilmember Willis stated the request for the financial assistance was misplaced because the
land is overvalued based on the cost to redevelop. The original owner had an asset that has an
economic value that can't support the cost of development.
Councilmember Wosje requested clarification on why Quest Development recognized $3.1
million in typical land costs and Ehlers estimated $1.2 million of typical land costs. Mr. Anhut
explained that Ehlers based their numbers on comparable acquisition sites throughout the metro
area.
Councilmember Wosje commented he has struggled with providing assistance to develop this
property. However, if TIF financing isn't provided or in the foreseeable future, there will be
nothing on this site.
Councilmember Prom asked if the entire building would be on pilings. Mr. Waters replied yes.
Councilmember Beard stated she can't support the $2.5 in TIF, but could support negotiation of
infrastructure.
Councilmembers Carroll and Wosje stated they support this project.
Mr. Anhut stated because the TIF district was established in 2011, there is a five-year window
for costs to occur in order to keep the TIF district alive. By approving this development
agreement and the TIF note of $2.5 million, it will satisfy this five-year requirement.
Councilmember Willis asked if a TIF note was approved when the TIF plan was approved. Mr.
Anhut replied that with the approval of the TIF plan, a term sheet was prepared, but in not
meeting the development timetable, the requirements expired.
Motion was made by Councilmember Carroll, and seconded by Councilmember Wosje, to adopt
a Resolution Approving Documents and Authorizing Execution of Documents Related to 169/55,
LLC Housing Project (Res201 5 -1 OD.
Adopted Minutes Page 8 of 10 Regular Meeting of April 14, 2015
Todd Urness, applicant, stated that 64 households would have been a challenge on that site.
Deputy Mayor Johnson asked if the upgrades are still going to take place on the building. Mr.
Urness replied there will be significant upgrades with 25% of the exterior covered in brick and
the main statement piece will include metal upgrades.
The Council voted on the motion, and with Councilmembers Wosje, Willis, Carroll and Johnson
voting yes, and Councilmembers Beard and Prom voting no, the motion carried.
8.05) Consider Creation of an Economic Development Manager Position (Previously item
No. 6.07)
By request of Councilmember Prom, City Manager Callister explained this position was
developed to serve the needs of the community and will work with real estate brokers, putting on
forums to talk about schools, community and developments, and answer questions. It's a
proactive position focused on economic development.
Councilmember Beard asked if there would be a fair assessment after the individual has been in
the position one year, to determine if the position paid for itself by the increased business that
was brought to the City. City Manager Callister stated that is a fair question and that could be
difficult to determine. He noted businesses relocating or expanding in Plymouth have come
easily because it is such a great community, but what other opportunities did the City miss. It
will be good to have a person who can be proactive in this role to find those opportunities.
Deputy Mayor Johnson commented this person can get to know the business community and put
a plan in place to retain businesses that are thinking of moving elsewhere. She views it as adding
tax capacity, helping businesses expand, helping attract businesses, helping save and retain
businesses, and better marketing of the city throughout the area.
Councilmember Wosje supports this motion as having a person to look at potential properties
and opportunities will be very helpful. In addition, it will help privately held business in the
community to have a person to call and guide them through regulations that they don't
understand.
Motion was made by Councilmember Prom, and seconded by Councilmember Wosje to adopta
Resolution Approving the Creation of An Economic Development Manager Position (Res2015-
108). 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.
Adopted Minutes Page 9 of 10 Regular Meeting of April 14, 2015
Councilmember Wosje provided an update on the Suburban Transit Association's lobbying
efforts.
Adjournment
Deputy Mayor Johnson adjourned the regular meeting at 10:53 p.m.
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Sandra R. Engdahl, City Clerk
Adopted Minutes Page 10 of 10 Regular Meeting of April 14, 2015