HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 03-22-1993 Special 2MINUTES
TOWN MEETING - WARD 1
MARCH 22, 1993
A special meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Bergman at
7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Center, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on
March 22, 1993. The meeting was held for the purpose of conducting a Town Meeting
for residents of Ward 1.
PRESENT: Mayor Bergman, Councilmembers Edson, Helliwell, and Vasiliou
ABSENT: Councilmember Tierney
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Community Development Director Dillerud,
Public Works Director Moore, Finance Director Hahn, Park Director Blank, Public Safety
Director Gerdes, Fire Chief Kline, Support Services Supv. Cox, Public Safety Education
Specialist Cwayna, and City Clerk Rauenhorst
Mayor Bergman welcomed the approximately 80 residents in attendance and made
Council and staff introductions.
Community Development Director Dillerud presented information about the development
climate in the City. The current population is estimated at 55,000, with 40,000 people
employed in Plymouth. He stated there was a substantial increase in construction activity
from 1991 to 1992, and 1992 was a record year for building permit issuance that
generated a $144,000,000 tax base increase. The average new single family home value,
excluding land, was $144,798 in 1992. Director Dillerud discussed development
occurring in the area north of County Road 24.
Finance Director Hahn described the 1993 service and program changes including:
Parkers Lake and Bass Lake Playfields, ADA Compliance, Expanded recycling program,
Protective inspection program, Storm Sewer Utility, Volunteer Coordinator position,
Additional police officers, Public Safety Education Specialist position, and Expansion of
Plymouth Metrolink. He explained the division of the property tax dollar and the
legislative change in the property tax structure.
Finance Director Hahn stated that in 1992 the Public Works facility remodeling and
expansion was completed, and the new Public Safety building was occupied as of
February 1, 1993.
In response to a resident question, Director Dillerud stated property owners within 500' of
the affected property would be notified if a Land Use Guide Plan change is requested.
Town Meeting - Ward 1
March 22, 1993
Page 2
A resident asked if Wayzata School District 284 is purchasing property in the area.
Director Dillerud stated the District is looking for a site for a junior or senior high school,
but no specific proposal has been made to the City.
Public Works Director Moore showed the five year Capital Improvement Program maps.
He described major proposed projects, and showed the area still outside of the
Metropolitan Urban Service Area.
A resident expressed concerns about the widening of County Road 9 between I-494 and
Vicksburg Lane, and stated that 1995 is too long to wait for construction.
Director Moore stated this is a county road and the City has been requesting the County
to upgrade County Road 9 for some time.
A resident stated that an interchange at I-494 and Schmidt Lake Road would help alleviate
traffic on County Road 9.
Director Moore stated that a future interchange is proposed at I-494 and Schmidt Lake
Road; however, the City must be able to justify the request for an interchange based on
current traffic. The metering that has been installed at County Roads 9 and 10 onto I-494
has somewhat reduced freeway congestion in this area.
Park and Recreation Director Blank described the area north of County Road 24 and east
of Highway 101, adjacent to the Seven Ponds development. He stated that about two-
thirds of the proposed park site is not currently owned by the City, but will likely be
acquired through park dedication. He described the Parkers Lake Playfield site and
proposed park projects in the ward.
A resident asked if the City has plans to widen Vicksburg Lane and County Road 47 in
order to install bike lanes.
Director Blank stated this improvement is not currently in the Capital Improvement
Program. The work will be coordinated with the County's fixture reconstruction of
County Road 47.
Public Safety Director Gerdes introduced Fire Chief Kline, Support Services Supv. Cox,
and Education Specialist Cwayna. He compared police crime statistics from 1991 to
1992, and described the Neighborhood Watch Program and Animal Control Program. He
reported on the results of the 1992 deer hunt, and responded to a resident question with
respect to the reason the City selected a bow hunt rather than professional thinning of the
deer herd.
Town Meeting - Ward 1
March 22, 1993
Page 3
Fire Chief Kline presented an overview of the Plymouth Fire Department and various
statistics. He stated the department plans to retire one fire engine and replace two utility
vehicles in 1993. There have been 110 fire responses to date in 1993, compared to 99 as
of this date in 1992. He stated there were 737 total fire calls in 1992, compared to 808 in
1991.
Manager Johnson presented information on the Plymouth City Charter which went into
effect on January 1, 1993. He stated the Council -Manager form of government remains,
local election years change from odd to even, and a ward system adopted. The size of the
City Council will increase from five to seven members, and there are new reporting
requirements for campaign contributions. He described the Community Improvement
Fund, initiative and referendum provisions, and the transition schedule for election of
councilmembers and mayor.
Manager Johnson described methods the City uses to communicate with residents: Town
Meetings, Public information meetings, News releases, Letters to homeowner
associations, Construction updates, New resident packets, Planning/Building newsletters,
24 hour customer service line, Utility bill inserts, Cable TV, Executive Call and Business
Person Town Meetings.
A resident asked if development could be expected soon in Downtown Plymouth.
Community Development Director Dillerud explained the library and senior housing
facility that are proposed for construction. He stated the plan for the area was recently
amended to provide for a more broad range of uses.
He reported on the status of the medical facility proposed as a joint effort by Abbott
Northwestern and North Memorial Hospitals at 1-494 and Highway 55. He stated the
Council has approved the Preliminary Plan for the site and construction of the first facility
may be underway in 1993.
Public Works Director Moore responded to resident questions regarding the amount of
water in the aquifers. He stated the City has information on file that residents can review
with respect to this issue.
A resident encouraged the Council to not increase property taxes on golf courses in
Plymouth. He stated that the golf courses are an asset to the community and should not
be replaced with residential development. Manager Johnson commented that the state sets
rules on how property has to be valued.
Councilmember Vasiliou noted that the City will not be operating a drop-off site for grass
clippings in 1993.
Town Meeting - Ward 1
March 22, 1993
Page 4
Director Blank stated the City has acquired about 33 acres of wooded and wetland
property in the area northwest of I-494 and County Road 9. The organization "Kids for
Saving Earth" will be helping to design, develop, and name this park. There is a possibility
that another four to five acres could be added to this park through future park dedication.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
i Clerk '