HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 03-03-1993 SpecialMINUTES
BUSINESS PERSONS TOWN MEETING
MARCH 3, 1993
A special meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Bergman at
7:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Center, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on March 3,
1993. The meeting was held for the purpose of conducting a Business Persons Town
Meeting.
PRESENT: Mayor Bergman, Councilmembers Edson and Tierney
ABSENT: Councilmembers Helliwell and Vasiliou
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Community Development Director Dillerud,
Public Works Director Moore, Finance Director Hahn, Public Safety Director Gerdes,
Park Director Blank, Assistant Engineer Sweeney, and City Clerk Rauenhorst
OTHERS PRESENT: Bill Kwasny, GME Consultants Inc.; Dick Gibson, Wagner Spray
Tech; Stan Peterson, Wayzata School Dist. #284; Joe Domagala, Engineer Pulse Inc.;
John Mead, Carlson Real Estate Co.; Darrell Banks, Roto -Rooter Services Co.; Dave
Ganthrop, Sauer -Sundstrand Co.; Jay Nelson, Precision Graphics Inc.; Bob Schuck,
Prudential Ins.; and Jay Maxwell, Sun -Sailor Newspapers
Mayor Bergman welcomed everyone and made Council and staff introductions.
Community Development Director Dillerud presented information on development in the
City. He stated Plymouth's population is currently estimated at 55,000, with 40,000
people employed in the City. Staff estimates there is currently about five years of
residential growth remaining within the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA)
boundary. By the year 2000, Plymouth is estimated to have a population of at least
70,000.
Director Dillerud reported that 1992 was a record year for issuance of building permits in
the City with 573 new single family detached units compared to 350 in 1991. There were
6,000 permits issued in 1992 for all types of construction compared to 4,700 in 1991. The
average value of new single family home construction in 1992 was $143,000. Due to new
construction, the City experienced an increase in valuation of $144,000,000 in 1992,
compared to a $104,000,000 increase in 1991.
He explained that a project modeled somewhat after the Habitat for Humanity program is
underway in the City, and stated the first home is scheduled for occupancy by the end of
October, 1993. Also, about 15 grants per year are authorized through the HRA to assist
low-income individuals with down payments and closing costs to purchase homes in
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March 3, 1993
Page 2
Plymouth. Director Dillerud informed business persons of the new medical facility
approved for the northeast quadrant of I-494 and Highway 55, which is a joint venture of
North Memorial and Abbott Northwestern Hospitals.
Director Dillerud offered the services of the Planning Division staff to assist business
owners in discussing new or expanded business locations, as well as describing possible
Industrial Revenue Bond Financing and Tax Increment Financing opportunities.
Assistant Engineer John Sweeney stated the Plymouth transit system was started in 1983,
and he described the Metrolink and Dial -a -Ride services. He explained the new Travel
Demand Management Program and noted benefits of the program for businesses and
employees.
Park and Recreation Director Blank stated that all of the participative rules for Plymouth
recreation programs include individuals who live or work in the community. He stated the
City has a corporate recreation staff person who would be pleased to assist businesses
with recreational opportunities for their employees. Director Blank described the City's
volunteer program and noted that over 800 individuals volunteered time for the City in
1992. The Council has authorized the staff position of a part-time Volunteer Coordinator
to further expand the volunteer program.
Community Development Director Dillerud explained that a recent reorganization was
made with respect to inspection services, whereby the fire inspectors were transferred
from the Public Safety to Community Development Department. This change will allow
the building, housing, and fire inspectors to coordinate inspections and takes advantage of
centralized inspection scheduling, centralized plan review and consistent enforcement and
interpretation of codes. The reorganization will increase efficiency and improve customer
service. He described the Housing Maintenance and Rental Licensing Program currently
under consideration by the City Council.
A business person asked if the City had flyers that could be posted for employee
information with regard to the bus system.
Engineer Sweeney stated he will contact the business and provide the requested
information.
A business person asked if the police department is adequately staffed.
Public Safety Director Gerdes stated the City Council added two police officer positions in
1993 - one investigator and one patrol officer. There were additional administrative
changes as well and the current staffing is adequate for 1993. He stated that a Crime
Prevention Specialist has recently been hired. This individual will serve as an education
resource for the community, both residential and commercial, and will work with the
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March 3, 1993
Page 3
Neighborhood Crime Watch Program. The City would like to establish this program in
the business community.
Mayor Bergman stated Plymouth is involved in proactive policing through such programs
as DARE and a school liaison officer.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 a.m.
Cit Clerk