HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 03-10-1993 Special 1MINUTES
BUSINESS PERSONS TOWN MEETING
MARCH 10, 1993
A special meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Bergman at
4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Center, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on March
10, 1993. The meeting was held for the purpose of conducting a Business Persons Town
Meeting.
PRESENT: Mayor Bergman, Councilmembers Edson, Tierney, and Vasiliou
ABSENT: Councilmember Helliwell
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Community Development Director Dillerud,
Public Works Director Moore, Finance Director Hahn, Park and Recreation Director
Blank, Police Sergeant Ward, and City Clerk Rauenhorst
OTHERS PRESENT: Paul Feddema, Kelly Inn; Diana Smith, Target Greatland; Tom
Ruesch, Empros Systems International; Jan Zavodnick, St. Joseph's Parish; Bob Fayfield,
Banner Engineering Corp.; Paul Maahs, Norwest Bank; Alan Johnson, Norwest Bank;
George Yankoupe, Plymouth Family Foods (Denny's); K.W. Sams, Olympic Steel; Bill
McHale, Ryan Companies; Susan Foreman, Riteway Motor Parts; Van W. Mohlis, Arby's;
Sue Lee, Plymouth Travel; Bud Hayden, Metroquip Inc.
Mayor Bergman welcomed everyone and made Council and staff introductions.
The staff presentations followed the format of the March 3 Business Person Town
Meeting. Community Development Director Dillerud presented information on
development in the City and resources available to businesses. Public Works Director
Moore presented information on Plymouth Metrolink and Dial -a -Ride Transit Services.
Park and Recreation Director Blank explained the City's recreation and volunteer
programs.
In response to a question, Community Development Director Dillerud explained the status
of the new medical facility proposed at Highway 55 and I-494. He also reported on the
status of the proposed development at the southeast corner of Carlson Parkway and I-494.
Manager Johnson reported on the status of the Northwest Blvd. and Schmidt Lake Road
improvements projects, as well as the Hennepin County Library which is scheduled to
open in late 1994.
A business person asked if the City has plans to assist businesses with job retention or
expansion.
Business Person Town Meeting
March 10, 1993
Page 2
Manager Johnson stated the City Council is currently considering expanded use of tax
increment financing in the City. In addition, staff is available to discuss industrial
development revenue bonds and special assessment procedures which can assist
businesses.
Mayor Bergman stated the City individually, and through its lobbying groups, has lobbied
on the issue of property tax reform and workers compensation reform. Changes in these
areas will also assist business.
A member of the audience stated their business has been in tax court the last three years
because they believe their property's assessed value is unrealistic compared to actual
market value. He asked what could be done in this area.
Mayor Bergman explained that the City has experienced some large reductions in assessed
valuations in commercial/industrial properties the last several years. This tax burden is
then shifted to residential properties and other commercial/industrial properties.
Councilmember Vasiliou stated a huge impact is felt due to the school district special
levies. She noted that Wayzata School District 284 may be conducting a bond referendum
for about $50 to $60 million. Residents and businesses will feel the impact of this increase
if the referendum is successful.
In response to a question, Public Works Director Moore stated the Dial -a -Ride Program
and other transit programs do not make profits for the City; they are largely subsidized.
He stated if a City can recoup 20 percent of the total service cost through the fares, it is
considered doing very well. He explained the Dial -a -Ride service and hours of operation.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
CCSc, el zee-Iz
City Jerk