HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 09-27-1993 SpecialMINUTES
JOINT STUDY SESSION WITH
MAPLE GROVE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
Ajoint study session with the Maple Grove City Council was held beginning at 7:00 p.m.
at the Law Enforcement Training Center, Maple Grove, on September 27, 1993.
MAPLE GROVE OFFICIALS PRESENT: Mayor Deane, Councilmembers Koski,
Ramstad, Sargent, City Administrator Elam, Public Works Director Perry, City Engineer
Ashfeld, Fire Chief Anderson, Police Chief Otto
PLYMOUTH OFFICIALS PRESENT: Mayor Bergman, Councilmembers Edson,
Helliwell, Tierney, City Manager Johnson, Assistant Manager Lueckert, Public Safety
Director Gerdes, Park Director Blank, Community Development Director Hurlburt, City
Engineer Faulkner, Fire Chief Kline
ABSENT: Councilmember Vasiliou
OTHERS PRESENT: Roger Scherer, Metropolitan Council
The meeting began with a tour of the Law Enforcement Training Facility,
ROAD ALIGNMENTS BETWEEN PLYMOUTH AND MAPLE GROVE
The Maple Grove Public Works Director presented the road alignments proposed between
the two jurisdictions. He indicated that the city staffs are working closely to make certain
that the alignments for Hemlock/CSAH 61, Vicksburg Lane, and Peony/Lawndale Lane
are designed so that there are north/south routes between Maple Grove and Plymouth.
The most significant problem at the present time is the alignment and design for Vicksburg
Lane, primarily due to wetlands in Maple Grove. Studies on this alignment are underway
and should be completed this fall, and the proposed road should attain project status in
early 1994.
Councilmember Helliwell expressed concern about Hemlock Lane, and asked how the
road would impact District 279 schools.
The Lawndale/Peony Lane alignment was discussed. The Maple Grove Public Works
Director indicated that a connection is needed, but that there are no firm plans yet.
Manager Johnson described the plans of the Wayzata School District for a new high
school in the northwestern section of Plymouth, and indicated that this should speed up
the studies needed for the extension of Peony into Maple Grove.
Joint Study Session
September 27, 1993
Page 2
BASS LAKE ROAD
The Maple Grove City Engineer provided an update on the construction of Bass Lake
Road. He stated that the weather has had an adverse impact on the completion of the
project. The western section of Bass Lake Road (to Northwest Boulevard) is likely to be
substantially completed by the end of this construction season. However, the section from
Northwest Boulevard to Zachary Lane is beset by utility problems, and will not be
completed until next year. The section to the east of Zachary Lane will be finished this
year. Thus it appears that until next year Bass Lake Road will be four lane divided, then
two lanes, then return to four lane divided.
WATER INTERCONNECTS
Administrator Elam discussed the possibility of interconnecting the water systems of
Plymouth and Maple Grove to provide mutual back-up water service in the event of an
emergency. He stated that Maple Grove has the capability to interconnect with the
Plymouth system at Quinwood, Fernbrook, Vicksburg, and Peony Lanes.
ELM CREEK INTERCEPTOR
Administrator Elam explained that Maple Grove has submitted a request to the
Metropolitan Council to extend the Elm Creek Interceptor MUSA line to Maple Grove by
1998, and to Medina by 2001. There is great benefit to constructing the interceptor at the
same time that County Road 610 is constructed, particularly in right-of-way acquisition
savings. Considerable discussion followed with Mr. Scherer of the Metropolitan Council
about the Elm Creek Interceptor. Maple Grove only has 400-500 lots left (about one
year's supply) inside the MUSA boundary. Manager Johnson reiterated the need for both
cities to plan carefully the developments proposed along the existing MUSA boundary.
FIRE OPERATIONS
The Fire Chiefs of both cities spoke about the current joint training efforts between Maple
Grove and Plymouth. They spoke about the possibility of sharing a fire station and
equipment along the city boundaries, and indicated that this is an issue they will pursue
further in the coming months.
POLICE OPERATIONS
Chief Gerdes of Plymouth and Chief Otto of Maple Grove spoke about the involvement in
the drug enforcement task forces operating in the northwest suburbs. They also discussed
the use of Maple Grove's canine units, and Councilmember Helliwell inquired about in
what types of calls the dogs were involved. The chiefs also discussed the possibilities for
joint Emergency Response Teams.
Joint Study Session
September 27, 1993
Page 3
SHARED LOBBYING SERVICES
Administrator Elam raised the issue of sharing lobbying services. Councilmember
Ramstead of Maple Grove expressed his frustration with the current organizations
providing lobbying services for the suburbs, and how hard it is to "get the truth out" about
the real problems facing the suburbs. Councilmember Edson questioned the effectiveness
of any lobbying group.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.