HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 01-31-2001 SpecialCity of Plymouth
Special Council Meeting
January 31, 2001, 5:30 p.m.
Plymouth Creek Center
Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Overview
A. Review agenda and proposed process.
B. Verify desired outcomes of meeting.
C. Receive brief status report on 2000 goals and priorities.
D. Review Vision Goal Statements from Comprehensive Plan process.
3. Establish Goals and Priorities
A. Discuss, clarify, and amend list of proposed goals and priorities.
B. Use Nominal Group Process (weighted voting method) to prioritize goals.
C. Review and confirm priority list of goals.
4. Discuss Visioning
A. Review trends identified in Comprehensive Plan process.
B. Project additional trends and their impact.
C. Share ideas and long-term goals.
5. Consider additional topics for the February 6 Special Council Meeting.
6. Adjourn
Agenda Number:
TO: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager 41
FROM: Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City Manager J
SUBJECT: City Council Goals and Priorities Session
DATE: January 25, 2001, for City Council meeting of January 3.1, 2001
The City Council has established a special council meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
January 31, at the Plymouth Creek Center. The purpose of the meeting is to establish goals
and priorities for the period 2001-2002, and to conduct a brief visioning exercise looking 20 +
years into the future. This memo will outline the proposed agenda, process and the list of top
goals received from council members and staff.
Proposed Meeting Agenda
Overview
A. Review agenda and proposed process.
B. Verify desired outcomes of meeting.
C. Receive brief status report on 2000 goals and priorities.
D. Review Vision Goal Statements from Comprehensive Plan process.
2. Establish Goals and Priorities
A. Discuss, clarify, and amend list of proposed goals and priorities.
B. Use Nominal Group Process (weighted voting method) to prioritize goals.
C. Review and confirm priority list of goals.
3. Discuss Visioning
A. Review trends identified in Comprehensive Plan process.
B. Project additional trends and their impact.
C. Share ideas and long-term goals.
Process
The Overview section will "set the stage" for the subsequent two exercises of establishing
goals and visioning. This introduction should take no more than 20 minutes, and will include
verifying the desired outcomes of the meeting, receiving a brief status report from the City
Manager on the 2000 goals, and reviewing the Comprehensive Plan Vision Goal statements
Attachment A).
The majority of the meeting will be used to discuss, clarify, and refine goals for the upcoming
two year period. Once all goals have been clearly defined, a weighted voting system will be
used (similar to that used in 2000), in order to prioritize the goals. Council members and staff
members will participate in the vote; however, the results will be separately tallied. When a
prioritized list has been established, the Council will be asked to review the final list to
confirm that top priorities are included.
When undertaking this process last year, the City Council attempted to develop a list of 5 to
10 top priority goals, and this has worked very well. Proper emphasis (staff and other
resources) can be placed on 5 to 10 priority issues, and measurable progress can be made. I
do not recommend merely identifying all goals on which the Council can agree (a practice
used in the past). A list of 30 to 50 goals without priority does not provide much direction in
the subsequent budget and capital improvement planning processes, and significant progress is
difficult to achieve.
Once the goals and priorities have been established, a brief visioning process is proposed. The
City Council expressed the desire to include this item on the agenda, but only to devote a
small amount of time to it. I propose that an informal discussion be held to review forecasted
trends and their impacts over the next 20 years, and for council members to share their ideas
and long-term goals. If the Council believes there would be value in doing more formal
visioning or a process resulting in concurrence on a list of long-range goals, the issue could be
continued to a future session. Attachment B is an excerpt from the Comprehensive Plan that
discusses demographic trends through 2020 to get you started thinking about long-range
trends, impacts, and planning.
Goals
Following are the top goals for the period 2001-2002 submitted by members of the City
Council and staff. I have indicated whether each suggestion came from council and/or staff
members. Each goal is numbered for reference.
Goal Council Staff
1. Complete review of Study Area C.
2. Update Subdivision Regulations.
3. Develop policies for housing and industrial development
bonds.
4. Work with developers proposing new housing development
to implement the City's goals for affordable and life -cycle
housing, including local TIF districts.
5. Review of select ordinances -- fence height, speed humps.
6. Consider green building codes.
7. Study future use of the area bordering southeast Medicine
Lake (20-30 years out and how do we get there?)
8. Consider how to effectively use the Planning Commission
since the Council overturns many decisions; define their
relevance.)
9. Northwest Greenway - approve plan, begin ac uisition.
10. Implement City Center Streetscape Plan.
11. Resolve parking situation at LifeTime Fitness/Ice Center.
12. Add third sheet of ice at ice arena.
13a. Implement Water Resources Plan - Parkers Lake/Medicine
Lake improvements.
13b. 40 %Q improvement in water clarity in Medicine Lake (alum
treatment)
13c. Implement Surface Water Utility.
14. Develop incentives to landowners to restore
wetlands/wetland buffers.
15. Millennium Garden.
16. Amend tobacco compliance procedures.
17a. Water system improvements - water tower, well, treatment
plant expansion.
17b. New well on land south of CR 9 and north of Lancaster,
include noise abatement for homes south of Lancaster.
17c. Improve drinking water quality.
18. Fire Department - implement recommendations for staffing,
duty crew, response, creative recruitment, staffing structure.
19. Review of ordinances on accessory apartments and
architectural guidelines.
20. Walk bridge over Highway 55.
21. Pavilion at West Medicine Lake Park.
22. Telecommunications; Channel 12; maintain franchise fee.
23. Improve programming on Channel 16 - too much bulletin
board time. Improve audio on meetings.
24. Develop traffic safety program: collect and analyze traffic
accident data, department reviews, and citizen participation.
25. Address increasing problem with staff vacancies resulting in
heavy workloads and unmet expectations.
26. Continue with E-government improvements and Web site
redesign and expansions.
27. Work with schools on improving their local govt.
curriculum.
28. Evaluate needs for new water tower, fire station, garage for
ublic safety, public golf course.
29. Ungrade intersection - County Road 9 and Nathan Lane.
30. County Road 47; move Lip on CIP; city/county ownership.
31. Hilde Performance Center.
32. Acquire land for 10' playfield.
33. Plymouth Transit Hub.
34. Eliminate special assessments for reconstruction.
35. Build a skatepark higher than 3'.
36. Consider feasibility of building a hospital in Plymouth
551494 area).
37. Study whether to consider smoking ban in restaurants.`
38. Implement program to replace "Job Fair" to increase transit
ridership.
3.1 PURPOSE OF CHAPTER A fto_6k
The purpose of the Policy Plan is to set forth the vision statements, goals and policies on which
the entire Comprehensive Plan is based. A vision statement is a statement that reflects what is
valved by the community. The vision statements are the basis for the development of the goals
and policies. A goal is a general statement of overall community aspirations, which highlights a
community value, establishes a vision and indicates a broad physical or social state that the
community desires to achieve. A policy is a statement that refines the goals by outlining a
specific course of action.
The Community Vision Statements were developed from information obtained during a work
session with the City's decision -makers, advisors and the public in March 1999. The goals and
policies found in this chapter are for all elements of the plan, and include goals and policies for
land use, housing, water resource management, transportation, parks, open space and trails, water
supply and distribution, sanitary sewers and public facilities.
None of the vision statements will be realized through a single chapter of the plan. For example,
the vision to protect and enhance the natural environment must be supported by all plan
elements, not just those chapters that deal directly with the environment, such as surface water
management. Similarly, the goals and policies should not be interpreted to apply to only one
chapter of the plan. This means, for example, that the goals and policies listed under surface
water management will also be applied when making decisions about facilities described in the
transportation chapter.
3.2 COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENTS
1. Maintain a safe and secure community.
Plymouth values the safe and secure environment currently found in the community:
There is a very low crime rate in the community, which leads to a sense of security
among residents. People value the superior police protection provided by the City and
the involvement of individuals, families and neighborhoods in creating a safe
environment.
2. Protect and enhance the natural environment.
Plymouth values the natural resources in the community, including lakes, streams,
wetlands and the rolling and wooded terrain. A clean environment is important to people
and the existing natural resources contribute to the livability of the community.
3. Support high quality education.
Plymouth values education, supports the school districts in the community and places an
emphasis on educating the youth of the community. There is pride in the quality of
school facilities, the safety of school buildings and grounds and the quality of school
programs.
Plymouth Policy Plan — (Draft as Revised 0211212000) - 3- 1
4. Maintain and enhance housing quality and diversity.
Plymouth values diverse housing opportunities in neighborhoods throughout the
community, including affordable housing, senior housing and life -cycle housing. A wide
variety of well -constructed and attractive housing for all income levels, both owner -
occupied and rental, is available in the community. The housing within the community is
well-maintained and meets the physical needs of residents.
S. Protect and enhance convenience and mobility.
Plymouth values the convenience and mobility provided by the community's strategic
i• n__ t t t_: t___ __ through tet__ geographic location in the metropolitan area. Several key niguways run th ough he
community and provide direct access to the regional transportation system. The layout of
the community affords convenient access to goods and services within the community.
The trail system and public transportation provide usable alternative modes of
transportation. The mix of housing and business within the community allows residents
to live near their place of employment.
6. Promote and strengthen economic vitality.
Plymouth values the strong economy and diverse tax base within the community, which
includes high quality commercial and industrial development to complement the
residential development. The diversity of development within the community results in a
balanced tax base, maintenance of high property values and a wide variety of
employment opportunities.
7. Provide high quality City services and facilities.
Plymouth values both the facilities and services provided by the City. The park and trail
systems contribute to the quality of life and sense of open space within the community.
Other City facilities and services, such as public safety, public works, recycling and long-
term planning also contribute to a high quality of life. The City is well -governed and
well-managed, and both residents and businesses look forward to a continued high level
of community-based services. The community will continue to be responsive to the
emerging trends and changing needs of its residents and businesses.
S. Enhance and strengthen the sense of community.
Plymouth values the sense of community in Plymouth. People are connected to the
community, want to continue to strengthen this sense of place, are involved in
community life (government, religious institutions, schools, recreation, arts and volunteer
efforts) and are able to bridge physical barriers to come together. There is a pride in the
community that will be made stronger as the community matures.
Plymouth Policy Plan — (Draft as Revised 0211212000) 3 - 2
3.3 GOALS AND POLICIES
3.3.1 LAND USE
1. Establish and maintain a land use pattern that respects and reflects the community's
desire to provide for a variety of land uses, including residential neighborhoods, retail
commercial and office areas, industrial developments, civic uses and parks and open
space.
a. Identify areas of incompatible land use and opportunities to reduce associated
land use conflicts.
b. Require the use of vegetative screening, open space, berming and other types of
buffers to provide transitions between incompatible land uses.
C. Encourage redevelopment of obsolete, underutilized and deteriorated uses and
pursue redevelopment when an identifiable market or public need exists for the
redeveloped uses.
d. Encourage the mixing of complementary uses to enhance convenience and
accessibility and decrease traffic.
e. Promote development of non-polluting, well-designed commercial and industrial
uses to maintain the community's diversified tax base and provide varied
employment opportunities.
f. Protect the existing rural character of the land not planned for urban development
before 2020.
2. Achieve a balance among: 1) efficient delivery of public services; 2) preservation of
natural and cultural resources; and 3) respect for individual property rights.
a. Provide public services and facilities in a cost-effective manner.
b. Support an orderly and logical staging of infrastructure and utilities in conjunction
with development within the 2020 MUSA.
C. Establish and apply development standards that protect the environment and
advance community values while allowing reasonable use of private property.
d. Promote solar access protection.
e. Support preservation of historically significant resources.
3. Encourage all areas of the City to be visually appealing, vital and continually maintained.
Plymouth Policy Plan — (Draft as Revised 02/1212000) 3 - 3
a. Establish development standards that encourage quality design, aesthetic appeal
and - compatibility with the existing physical environment for all future
development.
b. Establish regulations to ensure maintenance of all types of residential, commercial
and industrial structures and properties.
C. Construct and maintain high quality attractive public facilities.
4. Support efforts that strengthen community identity, contribute to a high quality of life and
enhance the image of Plymouth as a desirable place to live, work and play.
a. Establish a strong community -wide focal point in City Center with a mix of civic,
recreation, entertainment and commercial activities.
b. Identify physical barriers to non -motorized access and provide connections across
these barriers at key locations where feasible.
C. Identify opportunities to enhance major entrances into the community and major
thoroughfares through the community with signage, landscaping or other
improvements that identify Plymouth.
d. Encourage development patterns that promote walking, biking and transit use.
3.3.2 HOUSING
1. Promote the development and preservation of a supply of quality housing that is
affordable at all income levels and at all stages of the life cycle.
a_ Provide opportunities for the development of high quality housing that is diverse
in terms of ownership, price, type and style.
b. Encourage residential developers to include housing affordable to low- and
moderate -income residents and local employees as part of their developments in
order to provide a range of mixed -income housing throughout the community.
C. Provide financial and technical assistance to developers of affordable housing for
low- and moderate -income residents.
d. Encourage the development of housing for residents with special needs, including
accessible housing for persons with disabilities.
C. Support efforts to assure equal access to housing opportunities within the City.
Plymouth Policy Plan — (Draft as Revised 0211212000) 3 - 4
f. Support projects and programs that meet Plymouth's needs for low- and
moderate -income life cycle housing opportunities.
2. Promote development patterns and densities that link housing with services and facilities,
employment areas and all forms of transportation, particularly public transit and non -
motorized forms of transportation.
a. Support residential development that makes efficient use of available land with
adequate public infrastructure.
b. Provide opportunities for housing affordable to low- and moderate -income
residents in areas that are conveniently located and accessible to places of
employment, commercial areas, public uses and transportation facilities.
3. Ensure that all housing and neighborhoods within the City are well maintained.
a. Support local programs that provide financial assistance for maintenance and
rehabilitation of older and lower cost housing.
b. Encourage programs and activities that support the physical enhancement and
maintenance of neighborhoods.
3.3.3 SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT
1. Deliver good quality storm water run-off to lakes and wetlands at acceptable rates and
volumes, while reducing pollutant and sediment loadings and stream bed/stream bank
erosion and water quality degradation.
a. Control flooding and minimize related public capital and maintenance
expenditure necessary to control excessive volumes and rates of runoff.
b. Achieve water quality standards in lakes, streams and wetlands consistent with
intended use and classification.
C. Minimize soil erosion through increased education and enforcement.
d. Maintain the amount of wetland acreage and increase the wetland values within
the City, where feasible.
e. Increase public participation and knowledge in management of the water
resources.
f. Implement a comprehensive water resources monitoring program.
Plymouth Policy Plan — (Draft as Revised 0211712000) 3 - 5
g. Preserve the function of water resource facilities through routine inspection and
regular -maintenance activities.
h. Manage water recreation activities and improve fish and wildlife habitat.
Prevent contamination of the aquifers and promote ground water recharge.
i. Establish funding sources to finance water resources management activities.
3.3.4 TRANSPORTATION
1. Provide a high-quality integrated transportation system that provides access to land uses
in the City as well as mobility to people and goods within and through the City and
region.
a. Treat all modes of transportation and related facilities as one interrelated system
to be coordinated on a comprehensive basis.
b. Require developments to provide the transportation facilities (roadways, transit,
bicycle/pedestrian) needed to support development.
C. Discourage pass-through traffic, including non -local truck traffic, on local streets
in residential neighborhoods.
d. Restrict property access on high volume roadways.
C. Design roadways in a manner that is sensitive to the physical, environmental and
cultural context in which the roadway is located.
f Balance safety, environmental impacts and cost-effectiveness when making
roadway decisions and setting priorities for roadway improvements.
g. Discourage speeding on residential streets.
h. Promote the continued access of industrial areas to rail for freight movement.
2. Provide and support a cost-effective multi -modal transportation system that provides
options to the single -occupant automobile.
a. Provide pedestrian and bicycle connections among neighborhoods, major activity
centers, municipal and regional parks and regional trail systems.
b. Where feasible, provide pedestrian and bicycle access across major barriers.
C. Provide and support transit services and facilities.
Plymouth Policy Plan — {Draft as Revised 02112/2000} 3 - 6
d. Encourage development design to be transit and pedestrian friendly.
e. Support ridesharing and other travel demand management strategies to increase
transit ridership and carpooling and, thus, reduce peak hour commuter congestion.
f. Promote public participation in transit planning to ensure that routes and
schedules meet resident and employee needs.
3. Work cooperatively with the state, region, county and adjoining cities to provide a
mutually supportive transportation system.
a. Provide a local street system that complements the county and state highway
system.
b. Support efforts of other jurisdictions to reduce peak hour congestion on the
regional roadway system.
C. Coordinate transportation planning efforts with the county, region, state and
adjoining cities.
3.3.5 PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS
1. Provide a high-quality park and open space system that provides a balance of active and
passive recreational opportunities.
a. Continue to maintain and renovate existing parks, open space and trails.
b. Acquire the land needed for new parks and trails by requiring dedication in new
developments and by purchasing land for community -wide park needs.
C. Add and enhance cultural resources and historic interpretative opportunities.
d. Continue to include natural areas as a component of neighborhood and city parks.
e. Consider acquiring areas of unique, high-quality open space or natural resources
that are not adequately protected by regulations.
f. Establish regulations and incentives that will require or encourage private
preservation of open space and natural resources.
g. Allow private park facilities that complement the public park system; however, do
not allow private parks to substitute for any segment of the public park system.
Plymouth Policy Plan— (brad:: as Revised 0211212000) 3 - 7
2
93
Develop and maintain a trail system throughout the community to provide recreational
opportunities arid encourage non -motorized transportation.
a. Provide trail connections among municipal and regional parks, neighborhoods and
major activity centers.
b. Provide trail connections to state, regional, county and adjoining community trail
systems.
C. Identify physical barriers to non -motorized access and provide connections across
these barziers at key locations where feasible.
d. Consider providing trails on both sides of streets only when roadway traffic speed
and volumes or safety considerations warrant.
e. Establish a functional hierarchy of trails relating to maintenance, jurisdiction and
financing.
f. Remove snow from designated trails based on trail usage.
Provide recreation programs and facilities that are well used and cost-effective.
a. Monitor recreation trends and use patterns and respond with appropriate programs
and facilities.
b. Continue to maintain and seek additional cooperative arrangements with the
School Districts and other providers of recreational opportunities within the
community.
C. When appropriate, act as a facilitator rather than the provider of new recreational
facilities and programs where there are opportunities for partnerships.
d. Assess user fees to off -set operation and maintenance costs for public facilities
when warranted.
3.3.6 WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION
1. Provide the City's residents and businesses with affordable potable water that is safe and
high quality for daily consumption and fire demand.
a. Work to improve the quality and taste of water.
b. Inform customers of individual practices that will improve water quality and taste.
C. Meet or exceed all Federal and State drinking water standards.
Plymouth Policy Plan -- (Draft as Revised 02/12/2000) 3 -8
2. Provide a low -maintenance, cost-effective water system that meets the long-term needs of
the City's residents and businesses.
Design and construct a water system that supports the City's land use plan and its
ultimate development.
b. Establish assessment rates, fees and connection charges to ensure that
development funds the construction of the initial system.
Operate and maintain the system to ensure the long-term function of the system
with equitable user charges.
d. Continue to selectively bypass wells around the water treatment plants during
peak irrigation demands.
3. Provide adequate water pressure for all residents and businesses.
a. Require that new structures at a ground elevation of 1015 m.s.1. or higher (50 psi
static pressure or lower) install booster pumps.
b. Work with existing residents to find an equitable solution for low-pressure
problems.
4. Continue working with adjacent communities to provide a cooperative water system for
emergency service.
5. Provide -water service for developing areas in a planned manner by constructing new
mains, water towers, wells and water treatment plants.
6. Protect the City's sustainable water supply through conservation by reducing the demand
for water, improving the efficiency of water use, and reducing loss and waste of water.
a. Implement the Water Conservation Plan.
b. Implement a tiered system of charges that increase charges with increasing use.
C. Inform customers of individual water conservation practices.
d. Evaluate a program to provide homes with lower water use fixtures.
7. Protect the groundwater source from contamination by implementing the groundwater
protection program.
Plymouth Policy Plan -- (Draft as Revised 02112/2000) 3 - 9
3.3.7 SANITARY SEWER
L Provide a low maintenance and cost effective sanitary sewer system that meets the long
term needs of the City's residents and businesses.
a. Design and construct a sanitary sewer system that supports the City's land use
plan and its ultimate development.
b. Establish assessments and connection charges to ensure that development funds
the construction of the initial system.
c. Operate and maintain the system to ensure long term function of the system with
equitable user charges.
2. Work with the Metropolitan Council and adjoining communities to provide a mutually
cooperative sanitary sewer system.
a. Maintain existing arrangements for sanitary sewer from and to adjacent
communities.
b. Seek opportunities for connections to Maple Grove's system in order to provide
cost effective and timely service for developing areas.
C. Provide an interceptor and trunk system that meets the needs of Plymouth and
adjoining communities.
d. Participate in cost sharing arrangements that result in mutual benefit to
participating entities.
3. Provide sanitary sewer service to undeveloped areas in a planned manner.
a. Construct new sanitary sewers to conform with the capital improvement program
in this comprehensive plan.
b. Work with Metropolitan Council Environmental Services and the City of Medina
to extend the useful life of the temporary Medina connection to the Plymouth
system.
C. Work with Metropolitan Council Environmental Services to schedule the
construction of the Elm Creek Interceptor in Plymouth to coincide with the need
for sewer service in Medina.
Plymouth Policy Plan— (Draft as Revised 02/ 1212000)
3- 10
3.3.8 PUBLIC FACILITIES
Provide and maintain quality public facilities.
2. Provide for adequate maintenance of the City's buildings and equipment and for their
orderly replacement.
Continue to work with other public, private and non-profit agencies (e.g., Hennepin
County, schools and social service agencies) to ensure that the City's needs for public
facilities are met.
Plymouth Policy Pian— (Draft as Revised 0211212000) 3- 11
2.1 PURPOSE -OF CHAPTER
A - o -,k r i ev+ t)
The community background section of the Plymouth Comprehensive Plan describes the
population characteristics, economics, physical setting and existing public services and
infrastructure in the City today. Historic trends in population and economic condition are
documented and population and employment forecasts for the year 2020 are provided. The data,
trends and forecasts presented in this chapter provide the base information for the development
of the plans presented in the remainder of this document. The Metropolitan Council, the City of
Plymouth and the 1990 U.S. Census are the primary data sources for this section.
2.2 POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS, DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS AND
PROJECTIONS
2.2.1 HISTORIC POPULATION GROWTH
Plymouth is a third ring suburb on the western side of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. The
City of Plymouth has experienced significant increase in population since 1970. This growth can
be attributed to:
Expanding regional growth of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area
Plymouth's convenient location within the Metropolitan Area
0 Land availability within the City of Plymouth, coupled with nearing development saturation
in adjacent communities to the east
Between 1990 'and 1998, the City of Plymouth ranked fourth in numerical population growth,
behind the cities of Woodbury, Lakeville and Eagan. The City experienced its greatest
population gain of 19,270 individuals (Table 2-1) during the 1980s, an annual growth rate of 4 to
8 percent. The growth rate slowed to 2 to 3 percent per year in the 1990s. This slower growth
rate is still considerably higher than the seven -county metro area, which experienced a 1.4
percent annual growth rate in the 1990s (Table 2-2). Plymouth's declining growth rate is
attributed primarily to a diminishing supply of developable vacant land within the City's urban
area, which is provided with public water and sanitary sewer services. This urban area is also
known as the Metropolitan Urban Service Area or MUSA.
2.2.2 FORECASTED POPULATION
The Metropolitan Council is predicting that an additional 650,000 persons will live in the Twin
Cities Metropolitan Area by the year 2020 — an increase of about 26 percent above the
1999 population. The City of Plymouth forecasts continued growth through the year
2020, reaching a population of 64,720 individuals, assuming limited expansion of the urban
service area. This represents a 3.5 percent increase over the 1999 population.
Community Background, Plymouth Comprehensive Plan — (Draft as Revised 02112100) 2 - 1
TABLE 2-1
POPULATION DATA
POPULATION GROWTH
Brooklyn Golden Maple Minne- Hennepin 7 -County
Year Plymouth Park Corcoran Valley Grove Medina tonka New Wayzata County Metro
Hope
Population Growth -1970-1997 Estimate
1970 18,077 26,230 1,656 24,246 6,275 2,396 35,776 23,180 3,700 960,080 1,874,612
1980 31,615 43,332 4,252 22,775 20,525 2,623 38,683 23,087 3,621 941,411 1,985,873
1990 50,889 56,381 5,199 20,971 38,736 3,096 48,370 21,853 3,806 1,032,431 2,288,729
1998 Est. 62,979 63,940 5,698 21.001 47,164 3,756 52,691 21.610 4,128 1,081,875 2,544,353
Average Annual Growth
1970-80 1,353.8 1,710.2 259.6 147.1 1,425.0 22.7 290.7 9.3 7.9 1,866.9 11,126
1980-90 1,927.4 1,304.9 94.7 180.4 1,821.1 47.3 968.7 123.4 18.5 9,102.0 30,386
1990-98
Estimate 1,511.3 944.9 62.4 3.8 1,053.5 82.5 540.1 30.3 40.3 6,180.5 31,953
Percentage Growth
1970-80 74.9 65.2 156.8 6.1 227.1 9.4 8.1 0.4 2.1 1.9 5.9
1980-90 61.0 30.1 22.3 8.6 88.7 18.0 25.0 5.6 5.1 9.7 15.2
1990-98
Estimate 23.7 13.4 9.6 0.1 21.8 21.3 8.9 1.1 8.5 4.8 11.2
NOTE: Seven County Metro Area includes Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington Counties.
Community Background, Plymouth Comprehensive Plan - (Draft as Revised 02/12/00) 2 - 2
Ultimately, with inclusion- of the entire City in the urban service area and full build -out, the City's
population is forecasted to reach 73,390 individuals. The 2020 forecast assumes only partial expansion
of urban service area into the Northwest area of the City, reflecting the community's desire to preserve
the existing character of this portion of Plymouth. It is recognized, however, that economic pressures
may cause the area to urbanize at some time in the future. If this occurs, the population is expected to
increase by another 8,670 individuals. A complete description of the assumptions behind the City's
forecasts is included in Appendix 4-A.
TABLE 2-2
POPULATION GROWTH TRENDS
Year Population Percent Change
1970 18,077
1980 31,615 74.9
1990 50,889 60.9
1999 62,549 22.9
2020* 64,720 3.5
Ultimate* 73,390 13.4
Source: U.S. Census; *City of Plymouth Forecasts
2.2.3 HOUSEHOLDS
In 1999, there were an estimated 24,775 households in the City of Plymouth. The average household
size is 2.5 persons per household (Table 2-3). The City forecasts continued household growth for
Plymouth through year 2020 resulting in 28,705 total households by 2020, assuming limited expansion
of the urban service area into Northwest Plymouth. Ultimately, with full build -out of the community,
the City forecasts a total of 32,773 households.
In 1990, the average household size in Plymouth was 2.8, down from the 1980 average household size
of 3.0. The Metropolitan Council projections suggest that this trend will continue. The lower average
household size reflects a combination of lower birth rates, an increasing number of empty nester
households and an increasing number of single person households.
Community Background, Plymouth Comprehensive Plan — (Draft for Review 02/12100) 2 - 3
TABLE 2-3
HOUSEHOLD TRENDS
Year Population Households
Households
Percent
Change
Household
Size
Average Annual
Household Growth
During Time Period
1970 18,077 4,645 3.9
1980 31,615 10,491 125.9 3.0 585/year - 1970s
1990 50,889 18,361 75.0 2.8 787/year - 1980s
1999 IAn
02,549
n rr fc
24, r 755
7 [l
34.7 C2.5 7 OOilc1 year -
2020* 64,720 28,705 15.8 2.3
Ultimate* 73,390 32,773 14.2 2.2
Source: U.S. Census; *City of Plymouth rorecasts
The 1990 Census provided a demographic profile of the households in Plymouth, as identified in
Table 2-4. Of the total 18,361 households existing in 1990, 13,715 or 75 percent were families,
comprised mostly of married couples. Approximately 41 percent of the total households consisted of
families with children. The 1990 Census data indicates that in 1990, 25 percent of all households in
the City were non -family households. Comparable information is not available for 1999; however, it is
likely that the trend toward smaller household size and more non -family households has continued.
TABLE 2-4
1990 HOUSEHOLD TYPE AND PRESENCE OF CHILDREN (Under 18 years)
Source: 1990 U.S. Census
Community Background, Plymouth Comprehensive Pian — (Draft for Review 02112/00) 2-4
Households With Households Without
All Households Children Children
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Family - 11,964 65.2 6,412 34.9 5,552 30.2
Married Couple
Family — Male
381 2.1 185 1.0 196 1.1
Householder
Family -
Female 1,370 7.5 891 4.8 479 2.7
Householder
Total Family 13,715 74.8
Households
Non -Family 4,646 25.2
Households
Total
18,361 100.0 40.7 34.0
Households
Source: 1990 U.S. Census
Community Background, Plymouth Comprehensive Pian — (Draft for Review 02112/00) 2-4
2.2.4 AGE CHARACTERISTICS
Plymouth is a relatively young community, due to the in -migration of young families with children. In
1990, 30 percent of the population was between the ages of 0 and 19, 65 percent was between the ages
of 20 and 64and 5 percent was over the age of 65 (Table 2-5).
The Metropolitan Council's population age forecasts suggest that the regional population will continue
to become older between 1999 and 2020. The number of people age 65 and older is projected to
experience the most growth over the 20 -year period, increasing by 93 percent, compared with persons
age 0-19 (20 percent increase) and 20-64 (34 percent increase). As the City of Plymouth matures, the
number of senior citizens will continue to increase.
TABLE 2-5
AGE CHARACTERISTICS- CITY OF PLYMOUTH AND METRO REGION
Source: City of Plymouth; US Census and Metropolitan Council
Community Background, Plymouth Comprehensive Plan- (Draftas Revised 02/12/00) 2 - 5
1980 Plymouth 1990 Plymouth 1990 Metropolitan Area 2020 Metropolitan Area
Age Number % Number Number I % Number
School Age
0-4 2,343 7.4 4,111 8.1 185,100 8.1% 205,640 6.6%
5-9 2,774 8.8 4,064 8.0 174,360 7.6% 200,670 6.5%
10-14 3,189 10.1 3,636 7.1 149,970 6.6% 191,920 6.2%
15-19 3,141 9.9 3,364 6.6 142,800 6.2% 187,090 6.0%
Sub-
total
11,447 36.2 15,175 29.8 652,230 28.5% 785,320 25.3%
Labor Force
20-24 2,676 8.5 3,492 6.9 175,360 7.7% 206,330 6.6%
25-34 6,067 19.2 9,994 19.6 467,580 20.4% 481,180 15.5%
35-44 5,395 17.1 9,862 19.4 376,290 16.4% 402,780 13.0%
45-54 3,193 10.1 6,492 12.8 228,190 10.0% 383,650 12.3%
55-64 1,764 5.5 3,331 6.5 163,940 7.2% 412,910 13.3%
Sub-
total
19,104 60.4 33,171 65.2 1,411,360 61.7% 1,886,850 60.7%
Retired
65+ 1,064 3 2,543_1-57T_225,130 9.8% 434,980 14.0%
Total 31,615 100 L 50,889 11001 2,288,720 100.0% 3,107,150 100.0%
Source: City of Plymouth; US Census and Metropolitan Council
Community Background, Plymouth Comprehensive Plan- (Draftas Revised 02/12/00) 2 - 5
2.2.5 INCOME
In 1990, the median household income for the City of Plymouth was $51,314, which was greater than
that of Hennepin County ($35,659) and the seven -county metropolitan area ($36,565). Over one-half
of Plymouth households had annual incomes of $50,000 or greater, while 29 percent of households had
an income of less then $35,000 and 7 percent of households had an income of less than $15,000 (Table
2-6).
There were 1,681 persons in Plymouth with incomes below the poverty line in 1990 (3 percent of the
total population). Of L1A ile 1,681 person, 6 percent were age 65 and older, 28 percent were children
under the age of 1 Sand 12 percent were female heads of households with children under 18 years of
age.
TABLE 2-6
1994 RANGE OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Income Range Number of Percent of Cumulative
Households Total Percent
Less than $5,000 229 1% 1%
5,000-9,999 466 3% 4%
10,000-14,999 457 3% 7%
15,000-24,999 1,732 9% 16%
25,000-34,999 2,342 13% 29%
35,000-49,999 3,560 20% 49%
50,000-$74,999 4,589 25% 74%
75,000-99,999 _ 2,569 14% 88%
100,000 or more 2,269 12% 100%
Source: 1990 U.S. Census
2.3 ECONOMIC TRENDS
2.3.1 TAX RATES
With a City tax rate of 14.08 percent in 1998, the City of Plymouth had the lowest municipal tax rate
of any City in the metropolitan area with a population over 10,000. Contributing to Plymouth's low
tax rate is the efficient delivery of services, continued community growth and a diversified tax base
Table 2-7).
Community Background, Plymouth Comprehensive Plan — (Draft as Revised 02112100) 2 - 6
TABLE 2-7
TAX RATE COMPARISON FOR THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH FROM 1995 TO 1999
Year County City
Average
School
District
Average
Special
Districts
Average
Total
1995 37.45 15.28 63.51 6.62 122.87
1996 37.27 14.39 62.39 6.98 121.03
1997 35.51 13.75 56.41 6.62 112.29
1998 38.39 14.08 58.70 6.00 117.17
1999 40.99 14.89 53.70 8.52 118.10
Source: City of Plymouth
2.3.2 PROPERTY VALUES
The 1999 Plymouth Board of Review report states that the City's total market value grew by
8.9 percent between 1998 and 1999 (Table 2-8). The increase in market values between 1998 and 1999
reflects the appreciation of existing property values and ongoing development of remaining vacant land
within the 1999 urban service area. Increases in market values will slow as Plymouth approaches
development saturation of its existing urban service area. Continued growth will depend in part on the
timing of further development in the Northwest area of Plymouth outside the urban service area.
The breakdown of the City's total market valuation is shown in Table 2-9. Homesteaded residential
land use comprises 69.64 percent of the City's total estimated market values. Approximately 25
percent of Plymouth's total market value was commercial/industrial land use in 1999.
Table 2-10 shows that the City Assessor valued 56.6 percent of single-family housing units (both
detached and attached) between $100,001 and $200,000 in 1999. The average sale price of detached
single-family homes in Plymouth during 1999 was $206,300 (Table 2-11). Residential land uses
characteristically demand a high level of public service expenditures while yielding the lowest tax
revenues when compared to commercial, industrial or non -homestead land uses. The high value of
homesteaded residential properties and a strong commercial/industrial tax base have helped maintain
the low tax rate in Plymouth.
Community Background, Plymouth Comprehensive Plan - (Draft for Review 02112100) 2-7
TABLE 2-8
1998 —1999 PLYMOUTH MARKET VALUE
1998 Total City Value
4,458,401,900
Total Value Increase
Value of New Construction
Appreciation of Existing Property
Source: City of Plymouth
1999 Total City Value
Preliminary)
4,854,644,500
396,242,600
139,924,500
256,318,100
TABLE 2-9
1998 -1999 ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE COMPOSITION
1999 Percentage
8.9%
3.1%
5.8%
TABLE 2-10
1999 RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY VALUE DISTRIBUTION
Value of Property
1998
Percent
1999
422 2.18 %
Number Percent Number Percent
Residential 3,148,110,700 70.617/. 3,380,692,600 69.64%
Commercial/
223 1.16 %
Over $500,000 67
Industrial 1,079,589,200 24.21% 1,213,697,200 25.00%
Apartments 230,702,000 5.18% 260,254,700 5.36%
Total Est.
Market Value 4,458,401,900 100.00% 49854,644,500 100.00%
Source: City of Plymouth
TABLE 2-10
1999 RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY VALUE DISTRIBUTION
Value of Property Number of Homes Percent
Under $50,000 422 2.18 %
50,001 to $100,000 2,475 12.83%
100,001 to $200,000
201,001 to $300,000
1 10,921
4,087
56.60%
21.18 %
300,001 to $400,000 1,100 5.70%
400,001 to $500,000 223 1.16 %
Over $500,000 67 35 %
Total 19,295 100.00%
Source: City of Plymouth, 1999 Board of Review Report, Plymouth Finance Department
Community Background, Plymouth Comprehensive Plan — (Draft for Review 02112100) 2 - S
TABLE 2-11
1999 RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICES (RESALE ONLY)
Style Number of Sales Average Sale Price
Ramblers* 141 163,600
Rambler - Cluster Homes 14 218,500
Splits* 257 162,400
Splits - Cluster Homes 16 157,400
Two Stories* 309 242,100
Two Stories -- Cluster Homes 10 213,000
Condominiums 237 71,400
Townhomes 139 112,700
Total** 1,123
35,000
Source: City of Plymouth
Average Sale Price of Single Family Homes - $206,300
Approximate number of homes sold, including new construction - 2,100
2.3.3 EMPLOYMENT
The City of Plymouth has a relatively high level of employment in comparison to surrounding
communities. Both the Metropolitan Council and the City expect this trend to continue through the
year 2020. The City projects that 15,272 new jobs will be created in Plymouth between 1997 and
2020, an increase of 32.5 percent. Metropolitan Council data related to existing and forecasted
employment is shown in Table 2-12. The Metropolitan Council is projecting that a total of 362,958
new jobs will be added within the Metropolitan Area by 2020, an increase of 25.1 percent.
TABLE 2-12
EMPLOYMENT
Source: Metropolitan Council; City of Plymouth (* Estimate, * * Forecast )
Community Background, Plymouth Comprehensive Plan- (Draft for Review 02112100) 2 - 9
1990 1997* 2000** 2010** 2020**
Plymouth 38,103 46,994 49,000 55,600 62,266
Brooklyn Park 16,592 21,902 23,000 26,500 28,500
Corcoran 467 763 800 850 900
Golden Valley 28,589 28,690 29,500 33,500 35,000
Maple Grove 7,750 13,816 16,000 20,500 30,000
Medina 2,155 2,687 2,700 2,750 2,800
Minnetonka 35,536 45,283 46,000 53,000 56,000
New Hope 14,149 13,667 14,100 14,700 15,000
Wayzata 5,500 5,083 5,150 5,400 5,500
Hennepin County 723,095 802,016 836,300 910,970 955,350
Metro Area 1 1,273,000 1 1,445,712 1,527,070 1,709,920 1,808,670
Source: Metropolitan Council; City of Plymouth (* Estimate, * * Forecast )
Community Background, Plymouth Comprehensive Plan- (Draft for Review 02112100) 2 - 9
2.4.3 HOUSING STOCK
The City's housing stock is reflective of the existing land use pattern. In 1999, there were 25,512
housing units in the City. Single family housing units represented 58.5 percent of the total and
multiple family units represented 41.5 percent of the total (Table 2-15). In 1990, 74 percent of housing
units were owner -occupied and 26 percent were renter -occupied.
TABLE 2-15
4caaa HOUSING STOCK1VMV •v
Source: City of Plymouth
The age of housing stock is generally a strong indicator of housing condition. Plymouth has been a
growing community over the last two decades and this is reflected in the age and good condition of its
housing stock. In 1999, approximately 83 percent of Plymouth's housing stock was less than 30 years
old and approximately 60 percent was less than 20 years old (Table 2-16).
TABLE 2-16
AGE OF HOUSING STOCK
Year Built
Number of Percent
Type of Housing Dwelling Units of Total
Single Family 14,922 58.5
Multiple Family 10,590 41.5
Total 25,512 100.0
Source: City of Plymouth
The age of housing stock is generally a strong indicator of housing condition. Plymouth has been a
growing community over the last two decades and this is reflected in the age and good condition of its
housing stock. In 1999, approximately 83 percent of Plymouth's housing stock was less than 30 years
old and approximately 60 percent was less than 20 years old (Table 2-16).
TABLE 2-16
AGE OF HOUSING STOCK
Year Built Number of
Dwelling Units
Percent
Of Total
1939 or earlier 412 1.6
1940 to 1949 341 1.3
1950 to 1959 1,060 4.2
1960 to 1969 2,626 10.3
1970 to 1979 5,882 23.1
1980 to 1989 9,297 36.4
1990 to 1999 5,896 23.1
Total 25,512 100.0
Source: 1990 U.S. Census, City of Plymouth (1990-1999)
Community Background, Plymouth Comprehensive Plan — (Draft for Review 02112100) 2-20