[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[0:04] Last meeting of 2024, would y'all stand and rise and join me in the pledge of allegiance.
[0:12] A pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and a to the republic for which it stands,
[0:19] one nation, another, that, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
[0:25] Do you need a roll call?
[0:27] Chesmic.
[0:29] Here. Nelson.
[0:32] Here.
[0:32] Finer.
[0:33] Here. Willis.
[0:34] Here.
[0:35] Gregor. Here.
[0:36] Peterson. Here.
[0:37] Watchy.
[0:38] Here. Now brings us to the planet forum.
[0:40] Individuals may address the counts about any item not contained on the regular agenda.
[0:45] Maximum 15 minutes is allotted for the forum.
[0:48] If the full 15 minutes are not needed for the forum, the city council will continue with the agenda.
[0:52] City Council will take no official action on items discussed at the forum with the exception of a referral to staff or commission or committee for future report.
[1:01] I have several cards. First of all, I have three that do not indicate what the person wants to talk about is Scott Johnson here.
[1:12] Scott, did you want to talk at the forum or about another subject? You didn't put anything on here.
[1:16] at the forum. Thank you. Alexander Bellus.
[1:23] Okay, you're the applicant. Yeah, for item eight point one and Mike Misk.
[1:31] Number eight. Okay. Thank you.
[1:38] Then we all start out with Mr. Scott Johnson one six four two all.
[1:43] a third avenue north 15 420 got it. Thank you. Sorry my no up if he gets
[1:52] the best of them. I'm on a fight Mr. Mayor City Council for the beautiful job
[2:00] you did by putting the roundabouts I'm probably not having it. I've been a
[2:04] resident of this city since 1968. I've seen a lot of changes. When I lived here
[2:11] there was nothing here. This was farmland. There was nothing north of 55. So you
[2:18] can see how much the city has grown in the years. And I applaud you guys for
[2:26] doing that work. Now, one other step, can we teach the drivers how to use that?
[2:36] I should be up to the state, actually. And then we have a DMV right over here. When I
[2:45] I'm against them closed circuit, zipper merge don't work because they don't test
[2:54] person merging. So why do they teach it? They don't even teach it in the driving
[2:59] school because I have to know to do the pass of customer who sold it in this
[3:05] parking car.
[3:09] Let's be real. I'm a real boss. That's the reality of our driving
[3:13] system. We do all this fancy work to make driving easier, but we don't train people how to
[3:22] drive. I work out a race track.
[3:28] I see cars. I have cars coming at me at 100 miles an hour.
[3:32] I know what to do. These people are professional drivers. I would like to get with the chief
[3:38] this winter, and plow a little track on Parker's late, so his officers could, I used
[3:45] to work with the double IRA ice race, so his officers could learn how to handle the
[3:52] vehicle in the snow, or it will not concrete that thing in the summertime doesn't mimic
[4:02] ice. Teach them on the way, show them how to control their cars and they will be better
[4:11] when they are in chasing a suspect. And as far as chasing suspects, they have this neat
[4:20] device nowadays called Star Tracer. You get behind the vehicle, you push a button, shoot
[4:29] attracting the vice-honda of the vehicle, guess what? You don't have to chase them anymore.
[4:35] You don't have to go 100 miles an hour through the presidential neighborhoods.
[4:40] Stuff that the police department should look into.
[4:45] Pet maneuvers are unsafe. Put drivers at risk. We're on no fault state.
[4:53] So the police officer pips a vehicle and that vehicle hits another car, that other-
[5:00] The car, they're screwed. We're in no fault state. They get nothing.
[5:10] But I really thank you for fixing the roads and plumber. They've come a long way. Thank you.
[5:19] Thank you, Mr. Johnson. We appreciate the comments. Yeah, people will learn roundabouts eventually. It might take a little bit.
[5:28] The next we have Steve Japs from 4-5-7-0, Westin Lane, North.
[5:38] Welcome back. It's been a while.
[5:41] It has been a while.
[5:42] I was tired. I figured, for kind of the year end, I'd go and take a look at the
[5:51] show, share some of that with you.
[5:54] We had the warmest January to November period on the U.S. did on record, which sets up a sizable chance that this year will be the hottest year in the U.S. history based on the 130 years that Noah has been collecting data.
[6:11] six states, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, Texas, Wisconsin, had their warmest
[6:18] autumn sun record.
[6:20] And I mean, with the age of that I've got, I can remember when it was much
[6:25] colder like right now.
[6:29] Anyway, going on, the global CIS extent in October was the smallest in the
[6:35] 46-year record.
[6:37] I mean, that's what you've got out there that's reflecting some of the
[6:41] sunshine back in the space. It was one and a quarter million square miles below the
[6:49] 1991 to 2020 average. The Arctic sea ice extent was below average by 600,000 square miles. The
[7:00] Antarctic extent was below average by 650,000 square miles. I mean that's just huge.
[7:11] I mean
[7:11] thing. My favorite national park is a glacier national park. It's not going to have any glaciers
[7:16] that are pretty soon. So we're not making the progress around climate change that we need
[7:23] to make. I think it'd be really cool if Blemoth could actually be a leader in making change
[7:30] on that. Thanks. All right. Thank you for the update.
[7:38] That's all the cards I have for the
[7:42] information announcements. First, we have item 4.1, recognizing our 2024
[7:47] Plymouth Environmental Academy attendees. Then.
[7:54] Yeah, Mayor and council. Thank you. So tonight, I will turn it over to our
[7:58] chair of the Environmental Quality Committee at the theme to say a few words about the 2024
[8:02] Academy. We have some folks in the audience who we like to recognize and then take a
[8:08] photo potentially with the council. So, Ed,
[8:12] thank you. This has been a ongoing process for
[8:16] the Environmental Quality Commission then held since 2021 and this year we held four topics
[8:23] and those were energy efficiency, rain gardens, solid waste, and this year we made a
[8:29] big effort to talk about organics since we started that at the city of Plymouth and Green
[8:34] Step Cities, another initiative that the city of Plymouth has taken on. We had between 20 and 25
[8:39] attendees that are sessions and that's been increasing over the years. So that's enough for me.
[8:48] So I think it's time to recognize the people that were attendees that are sessions.
[8:56] So anybody who's here for the Academy won't you come off? I won't take a photo with the Council.
[9:01] But this is a list of everybody that signed up and attended at least one of the Academy sessions.
[9:07] So like I mentioned we did have 20 to 25 at each session, but we did have quite a few folks
[9:12] So
[9:15] I'm going to go up in front here
[9:23] Somebody hold this, so we're doing a gift with everybody
[9:31] Yes,
[9:36] you have to get a little closer together there
[9:38] All
[9:47] right, and then one up here.
[9:55] Thank you
[10:06] I just want to congratulate all of those, everyone who went through our environmental academy this year.
[10:12] It's a great program. I would start to believe, council member Gregor, you are there when the program got kicked off in the environmental quality committee.
[10:21] You want to say any words?
[10:23] Thank you, Mayor, and thank you everyone who attended and joined us tonight. It is a great program going on several years now, and it's great to see it evolving.
[10:32] and more people learning about different things that they can do and then the different things
[10:39] that our city is doing to work on climate resiliency issues both at home and broader
[10:47] around the city.
[10:50] All right.
[10:50] Thank you.
[10:51] Congratulations again to everyone who participated in the Environmental Academy.
[10:55] Next, we will go on an item 4.2 to recognize and present State Farm Kyle that needs
[11:01] that NANDS agency and the Plymouth Lions with a plaque for the 2024 Sponsorship for Parks
[11:07] and REC.
[11:10] We have Paul and Jesse here.
[11:13] Good evening, Mayor and Council.
[11:14] Just and I are pleased to be here tonight to recognize our 2024 Parks and Recreation
[11:19] Platinum Sponsors.
[11:21] Because of these two organizations, financial commitments, and their support at our events
[11:26] we are able to offer over a dozen free events to the community.
[11:30] So we're starting with Kyle Vittens, State Farm Agency.
[11:34] Kyle and his team have been sponsoring
[11:36] Plymouth events and programming for over six years now.
[11:39] If you've been to any of our Plymouth events,
[11:41] you've probably recognized their big red state farm tent
[11:44] because they rarely miss an opportunity to come out
[11:47] and support the community and our event in fun and creative ways.
[11:52] And we are very grateful for their support.
[11:54] I don't know is Michelle here, oh there you are. Michelle, Michelle beckers with state
[11:59] farms here with us tonight, so I'm happy to send that to you.
[12:11] All right, our second platinum sponsor for 2024 is the Plum of Lions. This is the second year
[12:15] of the Lions of Supportive, our city events. In addition to their sponsorship, they also provide
[12:20] a gift card for every veteran who participates in our Veterans Day program, which is really neat.
[12:25] So thank you so much to the Lions for their sponsorship and their support of our events. And here
[12:28] to accept the plaque are a number of lines members, I think. Behind us, I want to come up.
[12:53] Oh, yeah.
[12:57] I'll come down with.
[12:59] Yeah, yeah.
[13:14] Squeeze in here.
[13:17] Yeah.
[13:29] All right.
[13:32] Thank you.
[13:33] You were the thorn between two rules.
[13:53] All right.
[13:54] Now we have a couple of council members whose last meeting is this meeting today, so they will be finished after 2024 their turns will be up.
[14:06] I'm going to start with council member Catherine Chesnek.
[14:10] And I have some comments on each one to read.
[14:13] Catherine Chesnek was appointed the council to fellow vacancy on March 26, 2024.
[14:20] Catherine jumped on board eager to learn and serve the residents of Plymouth.
[14:23] During your time on the Council of Catherine advocated for resident concerns and supported local
[14:29] businesses at groundbreaking suburban cuttings.
[14:32] She also served on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission as the Council of
[14:36] Coordinating Representative.
[14:38] Some notable projects that Catherine was involved with include appointing the first destination
[14:44] marketing organization advisory board and establishing the DMO name, Hello Plimeth.
[14:50] authorizing Schmidt Woods Park Construction, which we just cut a ribbon on, not too long ago,
[14:58] and adopting inclusionary housing.
[15:00] City policy, approved the final plan for the Bolivarity at the Predential Site and
[15:04] the Supporteing Environmental Stewardship Conference for the community through green-step cities.
[15:09] In addition to serving the City of Plenty of Katherine, as a Commissioner on The Basset Creek
[15:13] Watershed, since 2019 and has been the Commission chair since 2022 and on the Elm Creek
[15:21] Watershed since 2017, as Commissioner vice chair since 2022.
[15:27] Thank you, Catherine. On behalf of the City of Plema, I just want to thank you for the time that you've been able to step up and serve the remainder of former council member Davis's term and just thank you for your service to the City of Plema.
[15:51] Do you want to say a couple words?
[15:53] Yeah, thank you. Yeah, I really want to thank each and everyone of the council members and directors and the incredible staff of Plema for the opportunity to serve.
[16:03] I've loved it, I've loved every minute of it.
[16:06] This is wonderful work and it's a wonderful city.
[16:10] And wanna particularly shout out,
[16:12] city manager, Dave Callister,
[16:15] I think you do an incredible job just keeping
[16:19] all the balls in the air.
[16:21] It's like, it's like, it's not a three ring circus.
[16:24] It's like a hundred ring circus.
[16:27] You do a great job.
[16:29] And yeah, thanks to each and every one of you.
[16:31] I really appreciate you.
[16:34] All right.
[16:34] Congratulations.
[16:40] Congratulations.
[16:41] That's what we're talking about.
[16:59] So every council member gets a party in gift.
[17:03] So this is a clash of some of the items that during Catherine's term, that she gets
[17:08] that we're giving her.
[17:10] It was in remembrance of the time you served here.
[17:13] Thank you so much.
[17:19] All right.
[17:20] Congratulations.
[17:39] Next, we have a very, the most senior tenured, longest serving council member that's been, that's on this council, Jim Willis.
[17:54] He serves as 25 through 2024. He was elected in 2004. I remember I got appointed on the council in 2011.
[18:04] And at that point in time, I came on the council.
[18:07] Council member Willis was the most junior council member.
[18:10] At that time, besides myself.
[18:13] Everybody else had more seniority.
[18:16] And you are the last of that group that when I came on board,
[18:21] that's going to call it a day on the council.
[18:24] So I just have some comments here.
[18:27] Jim Willis has served the city of Plymouth in varying capacities for more than 50 years,
[18:31] including serving as an at large council member since 2005.
[18:36] Leading up to the 2024 General Election, Jim decided not to run for the position and step aside
[18:41] from the city council.
[18:43] In the nearly 20 years he has represented residents on the council, Jim has been involved
[18:47] in countless decisions, and has helped shape the direction of the city governance.
[18:52] During his tenure, Plymouth has grown by about 10,000 residents, and much of the landscape
[18:57] it looks completely different as development continued throughout previously rural areas
[19:02] of the city.
[19:04] As a city has developed, Plymouth City Council has historically prioritized, offering high-quality
[19:09] city services while remaining good stewards of city finances.
[19:14] Jim has long been a voice of advocating for the balance of excellent amenities in watching
[19:18] the city's pocketbook.
[19:19] From city facility expanses major infrastructure projects to developmental growth, Jim has
[19:25] Main Congress Center, the bottom line, and the services the city needs.
[19:30] Beyond his time on the council, some may not know but Jim was, the city, Plymouth City's
[19:34] Mint, Plymouth City Manager from 1971 to 1993, he has also been a member of the Charter
[19:41] Commission of Surve for 17 years on the Northwest suburbs, cable communications commission.
[19:48] The most family is an instrumental partner in the annual Music and Plymouth Event, which
[19:53] from thousands to the heart of Plymouth, each summer to celebrate music and community.
[19:58] Jim's Years of Surveys.
[20:00] This has benefited the city, its residents and its businesses. He leaves the city council with a positive legacy
[20:06] and a host of accomplishments. We're confident that we will continue to see Jim or on Plymouth being an active member of the
[20:13] community that he's called home for more than half a century. Just personally want to thank you for your
[20:18] commitment, your service, everything you've done for the city. We couldn't more proud of the legacy you've left
[20:25] for us to carry on.
[20:27] So, just want to thank you.
[20:33] Before I turn the mic over to you,
[20:36] I'm going to make an exception.
[20:38] We typically don't take any public comments
[20:41] but we'll make an exception for a former council member
[20:46] and state representative Ned Carroll
[20:48] who wanted to speak to you
[20:50] and I think wish you some well wishes and thank you.
[20:58] No, look for partner.
[20:59] I just, I couldn't dismiss this meeting.
[21:02] This is very bitter, bitter, sweet night for me
[21:05] to signal out the end of your tenure,
[21:07] but also wishing you the best in your future endeavors.
[21:11] And I know there'll be, there'll be many,
[21:13] but I wanted to say that, you know,
[21:15] you served as a shining example to me,
[21:17] and I'm sure countless other council members.
[21:19] Just in terms of your dedication to public service,
[21:22] and the way you could just digest and agenda
[21:25] and break down a budget.
[21:26] I learned a lot from you, and it means a great deal
[21:29] and I'm going to miss you terribly, I know you're going to be around, but you have, you've
[21:35] put the public in servant. And when I run for counsel, people say you're a politician.
[21:43] Said, no, I'm a public servant. It's a non-political position. And I take that seriously.
[21:49] I've taken that ethic to the legislature. Now, I had to pick a team. But nonetheless,
[21:55] I still think of it as public service and serving, you know, everybody and not just my team and I look for common solutions as did you.
[22:06] So you've served as a great example to me and I hope I'm sure everyone else on the council as well.
[22:11] So I couldn't miss this night and I had to come by and thank you very much for your service and wish you all the best.
[22:18] Thank you.
[22:19] Thank you.
[22:26] Councillor Willis?
[22:27] Well, I have a few words.
[22:33] I told Councillor Willis when you served 20 years, you can have as much time as you want.
[22:38] Well, there'll be a coffee break.
[22:42] No, quite seriously, though.
[22:44] I appreciate the accolades, the good comments, the favorable comments, and the camaraderie.
[22:52] But first, I've got a few things that are on my mind.
[22:55] I'll say it. I'd be as reasonably brief as I can. But first I have to thank my family.
[23:03] White Barbara, my daughters, Millian Lani, all of whom are here with the grandkids
[23:08] in their spouses. Because it takes a lot of family support being able to do our jobs as
[23:15] council people. Because we've got extra meetings and things. Family calendars get adjusted
[23:23] because of our commitments to service.
[23:26] And so I need to acknowledge and want to acknowledge
[23:29] that dedication that they've shared to me
[23:34] to help me do a better job as serving as a council member.
[23:38] And beyond that, I need to thank the colleagues
[23:41] on the City Council, this City Council,
[23:44] and many previous Councils, the Mayor and no to earlier.
[23:48] There is plenty of city, the citizens of our community, everybody will serve over the years.
[23:56] And as the mayor indicated, I came here in 1971, served the city manager.
[24:02] We had lots and lots of council meetings because of development activity at that time,
[24:07] very heavy agendas on that front.
[24:10] And then more recently, they've been, not only continued all that development, no activity
[24:15] and all the new parks and things of that sort of thing.
[24:19] It's been a lot of public service and the city councils are integral involved in making
[24:27] those kinds of decisions and they have that not only, they're not cutting ribbons all the
[24:32] time.
[24:32] They sometimes have controversial issues and our city council in my experience and it goes over
[24:39] long time. Our council had had very few tiffs over the years that really got into a personal
[24:47] nature. Very few. I could lessen one hand. Good council. We worked together civilly. We disagree.
[24:56] And I think that's great because we're not rubber stand.
[25:00] Members, even though some may think that is the case. The fact is we have independent thoughts, we bring our thoughts together, we talk about things, and we disagree, we disagree, agreeably.
[25:11] And so I think all the citizens of Plymouth are blessed by that fact. You can look around and you can see it in the papers, you know, so it's just such as something about another council member and then there's a suit and there's all kinds of newspaper coverage and that sort of thing.
[25:29] All detects or need detracts from the ability of people like us and our councils to get our jobs done.
[25:37] We do our jobs, the council does, and it does it well.
[25:40] Then we have the city staff, our current city manager, Dave,
[25:45] Calister, is the exceptional leader.
[25:47] And his staff is, I think, probably a second, but not in a twin city metropolitan area, certainly to my knowledge.
[25:53] And they work effectively to bring things together to the council, so we can discuss and
[25:58] focusing on real substantive issues at council meetings and not every city can see that they
[26:04] have that kind of staff council relationship of mutual trust and respect.
[26:10] And then the city staff who works under Dave as a city manager is really great.
[26:16] They do a lot of work that you folks probably never see and if it's printed, it looks
[26:23] like this.
[26:25] I like, I like mine still in print, but be that as you may, they do an exceptionally good job of providing us the background of the information and then carrying out and carrying through with work that we have started because they do the dirty work, they do the clean up of we make mistakes and yes, we have made mistakes, but it's always a learning process and the council and the staff work,
[26:52] especially well together, and that again is critical to the success of this community not only in the past, but today and tomorrow.
[27:01] And beyond that, I have a lot of thoughts about what's happened here in Pliment.
[27:08] I came along at a great time, because the killings were beginning to blossom.
[27:12] The first two years were going in 1971, it started in 1968 and 9.
[27:17] And all that development, it was about 18, 19,000 when I came here and it's over
[27:23] eating now.
[27:25] And all through that process, the city councils and the staff have diligently worked
[27:30] to carry out the city's comprehensive plan.
[27:34] It is a plan.
[27:36] And it's not a plan that gets shoved on a shelf and somebody's back closet.
[27:40] It's a plan that is executed all the time by this through the staff and the city council.
[27:44] and that's how we develop and it's you can go any place in the city, you can see how that works.
[27:51] Good planning provides the infrastructure needed to support good development and I think this city council and it's staff working together
[28:00] have done that in spades over the years and it's a blessing for the public here in Plymouth because again
[28:07] You can read in the papers almost a weekly, some city in the true and true
[28:11] and true metropolitan area has got some, a break of schooling on because of
[28:15] interpersonal and relationships, and in many cases just plain poor planning.
[28:21] So I think I'm very proud of the work this council has done in previous councils.
[28:26] I'm hoping and I'm confident that given the present leadership in the city
[28:32] that that progress will continue.
[28:34] So my wrap up tonight, but I'm so grateful and blessed to have had the opportunity to be of service to this community and my elective service ends, but I'm still a citizen and I'll be around.
[28:49] I won't be otherwise threatened the mayor that I might just come to the council meeting and take everything all that can send a gender
[28:58] That won't happen
[28:59] But again, thank you very much. It's been a good time for me. My family. We meet a great home here. Lots of friends. So thank you very much.
[29:21] Thank you. Thank you very much.
[29:25] Please have a seat.
[29:27] You want to join me up front?
[29:30] Sure.
[29:55] There's a picture in here when Judy Johnson was mayor.
[30:00] And she was one of them.
[30:05] And there's
[30:14] one other thing, I'm going to really miss about Jim being gone from the council, the last meeting of every year when we vote on the budget, we both wear our grinch ties.
[30:36] Now
[31:07] we'll move on with the agenda, where we're at item 5, approving the agenda, council members
[31:14] may add items to the agenda, including items containing the council information memorandum
[31:19] for discussion purposes, or staff direction only.
[31:22] Council will not normally take official action and items added to the agenda.
[31:26] Look at the council is saying they're me added to the agenda.
[31:30] Then look for motion.
[31:32] Move approval.
[31:33] Second.
[31:35] We have motion.
[31:35] Second all of favor say aye.
[31:37] Aye.
[31:38] Opposed.
[31:39] That brings us to item six.
[31:40] The consent agenda.
[31:41] These items are considered to be routine.
[31:43] It'll be enacted by one motion.
[31:45] There'll be no separate discussion of these items unless the council member or citizen so request.
[31:50] And which event I don't remove from the consent agenda in place elsewhere on the agenda?
[31:54] Go to the council first and anything to remove.
[31:57] Council on our agenda?
[31:58] I'd like to pull item 6.22 please.
[32:01] 6.22.
[32:08] All right.
[32:09] Then we will make that on general business item 8.3.
[32:16] Anything else to remove from consent?
[32:19] Move from the consent agenda?
[32:21] I need to ask the audience first.
[32:24] Anything from the audience to be removed from consent?
[32:27] Seeing none now, I'll bring it back to the council.
[32:29] We'll show a proof of the consent agenda.
[32:31] We have a motion of second, all in favour, say aye.
[32:34] Aye.
[32:34] Opposed?
[32:36] All right, that brings us to our public hearings.
[32:39] Item 7.1, public hearing and adoption of 2025 fees.
[32:56] Mayor and council, my name's Ryan Vannas, the Assistant Finance Director, here to talk
[33:01] about a summary of proposed fee increases for 2025.
[33:04] So
[33:08] on this first tab, the rate adjustments for the follow the utility rates study that was performed in 2023 for utility rate increases proposed is an 8% increase for water rates for residential and commercial for commercial irrigation proposed rates are an 8% increase sewer rates are proposed to increase 4.5% water resources proposed to increase 4%
[33:37] solid waste proposed increase of $2.50 per month, and the monthly organic fee is
[33:45] variable based on participation, but 2025 should start to the year of $3.64 in
[33:53] increase of 14 cents per month over 2024. Other changes include updating rates to
[34:00] accurately reflect current costs for the city, for the purchase of meters.
[34:08] And the addition and removal of meters currently utilized by the city of Fumuth.
[34:14] Another item of note, conduit debt in your packet.
[34:19] The conduit debt fee is listed as the fee plus 1% of the principal amount of the bonds.
[34:24] This has been updated in the ordinance to say 1 half of 1% of the principal amount
[34:30] the bonds which aligns with city policy.
[34:35] Other changes to the fee schedule include
[34:37] verbiage clarifications and updates. That is included in your packet.
[34:50] That was it, sorry.
[34:53] All right, we'll open it up to the council for questions and staff questions for Ryan.
[35:02] Thank you for that presentation, Ryan. On the previous slide, you showed the sewer fee. Is that just being passed through
[35:14] from the Met Council or is that our choice on that? I feel like sewer is mostly a Met Council thing, correct? I believe that is our fee.
[35:23] Yeah, mayor and council. Yeah, that that is our fee and the biggest portion of our sewer budget is paying them at council for sewer treatment in every year that number seems to go up. So that does cover the annual increase.
[35:37] Thank you. Other questions for staff.
[35:41] I had one more mayor. Okay. Go ahead.
[35:44] The recycling fee again is that basically just based on the contract changes from the recycling company.
[35:51] It seems like I mean 48 stood out to me as a percent increase there was it was high, but
[35:58] 250 doesn't seem that crazy, but just curious where that came from.
[36:04] Mayor and council. Yeah, this came before council. I believe in before we passed organics,
[36:11] because we are doing both organics and recycling with Republic services. So that's in that singular
[36:17] contract with an extension. So that is the reason for the adjustment. Thank you.
[36:30] Are the questions for staff?
[36:35] If not, I'm going to open up the public hearing. I don't have
[36:37] any cards to speak on this item. Is anyone wish to speak at this item? If not, then I'm going
[36:43] to close the public hearing, bring it back to the council.
[36:48] Other questions, comments, motion,
[36:56] I hope you have someone take your job of making the motion.
[37:03] I will move the adoption of the 2025 fees as proposed.
[37:09] We have a motion to have a second.
[37:11] We have a motion of second.
[37:12] Any other discussion?
[37:14] All those papers say aye.
[37:16] Opposed?
[37:17] Now passes.
[37:19] Next we have our public hearing on the 2025 budget property tax levies.
[37:24] our 2035, 2034 capital improvements plan and 25 classification compensation plan and Andrea.
[37:31] Mayor and Council, we are going to roll right into budget.
[37:37] The first slide I often throw up here is our timeline.
[37:43] The city of Plymouth has a biennial budget, so that means last year we built the operating
[37:48] budget, so the 2024, 2025 operating budget, and this year was our focus on the capital plan.
[37:55] So the city started that back in June, and we had various touch points with council between
[38:00] then and now, which is the final approval of the budget, the levy, and the capital improvement
[38:07] plan.
[38:11] There are various factors that go into the operating and the capital budget.
[38:15] we have compensation benefits for fleet facilities, IT and the utilities. It is the operating
[38:23] and the capital cost to support our buildings, equipment and infrastructure, and to make
[38:28] sure we have enough funding to pay for those things.
[38:34] In 2023 council adopted these strategic themes,
[38:39] So we have city center, the redevelopment, vision, environment, and city of choice.
[38:46] Many of the city's goals fall under city of choice.
[38:51] So Council has these strategic themes, and then it flows down to the department goals for the budget.
[38:58] And many of them fall into city of choice because we are providing those core services.
[39:02] So we're looking to be innovative and drive efficiencies.
[39:09] These are those department goals, so I've taken the little icons from the strategic themes
[39:16] and placed them next to the buckets here.
[39:19] The little blue ribbon is our city of choice, so you do see a lot of that because that is
[39:23] in support of the core services.
[39:25] And then the orange one is for redevelopment and the navy one is for city center which
[39:30] falls primarily into public works and community and economic development.
[39:39] We also have budget goals.
[39:42] These are consistent pretty much from budget cycle to budget cycle, but primarily we're looking to make sure that we are planning and doing our modeling,
[39:53] that to make sure that we have enough funding on hand for our current and our future operating in capital.
[40:01] That we're using any one-time gains to support one-time expenditures that those don't roll into the expectation that they support on-going expenditures, and that we're always being sensitive to what that relates to for the taxpayer.
[40:23] Our general fund is the largest budgeted fund.
[40:27] So, over on the right hand side, it's broken out by department.
[40:30] This sort of alliance with those core services that I was talking about.
[40:33] And then over on the left is the funding sources for those services,
[40:38] and for those departments within the general fund.
[40:45] This page shows the city's various levees,
[40:48] so that general fund budget rolls right into the top line on this page.
[40:52] So we have our general fund levee, our capital levees, debt levees, and the HRA levee.
[40:59] I mentioned last year that we built the 2020-25 concept budget as part of our biennial
[41:05] budget.
[41:05] When we did that, we had a proposed 6.2 percent increase, but that is down to the 5.2 percent
[41:13] now.
[41:13] And the changes there were the changes in Hennepin County assessing fees and then our own
[41:20] street lighting.
[41:22] This is what's proposed tonight, the 5.2.
[41:31] So, again, when we built that by any old budget,
[41:33] the primary drivers there are it's the people
[41:35] that are performing those core services.
[41:37] So, it's people' cost and it's also the buildings
[41:40] and they equipment needed to do their services.
[41:43] And then the changes are elimination
[41:45] of our street lighting fees,
[41:47] so that appears on most residents' utility bills.
[41:51] And we got the discontinuation
[41:54] of the assessor fee from Hennepin County.
[42:02] Here's a little history of what the levy increases have been,
[42:06] so we're sitting at 5.2 right now.
[42:08] The orange part represents debt,
[42:10] so you'll see that that got bigger in 2020 when we brought on the debt
[42:14] for the expansion and the renovation of the Climuth Community Center,
[42:18] and then also in 2022 for the fire stations.
[42:22] That was totally phased in by 2024,
[42:25] and then we'll be there until that debt is paid off.
[42:33] So the actual impact to the taxpayer, it talks about that levy, that levy amount, I was just talking about but it's also the market value or the assessed value.
[42:44] For taxes payable 2025, total city market value went up 1.7% and that's including 236 million of new construction.
[42:54] The median value home is 481,000 for taxes, payable 2025, and that's an increase of 2.4%.
[43:07] So the tax levy and the assessed market value, generically, there are some other little pieces
[43:13] that go into this, create our tax rate.
[43:16] We're looking at 25.7% proposed rate, which in this graph showing the history is relatively stable.
[43:27] And finally, we get to the impact to the taxpayer, so this includes property taxes.
[43:33] It's everything the city builds.
[43:35] So it's property taxes, the utilities, including the street lighting.
[43:39] So adding up all of those things, it's an increase for the median value home,
[43:43] and the average utility user in the person that's paying street lighting,
[43:48] $131 for the year or 5.9%.
[43:56] This is just another way to break that down.
[43:58] So, the city is just a piece of what taxpayers pay, obviously, your tax bill has the school district, the county, the city, and then other taxing jurisdictions, like Watershed, so the city represents 23% of that.
[44:13] This is estimating, again, for that meeting value home of 481,000 that the tax should be just under 5,400.
[44:22] plus shares 23% and then the layer under this breaks that down into those services that I was talking about.
[44:30] So, for example, public works, it's $219 for year-round maintenance of, I have 332 miles.
[44:39] Is that right, Michael?
[44:43] A few new roads, it's close for Parks and Rec, $314 for the year, that our website says 68
[44:52] Parks, 1,827 acres, and 182 miles of trails.
[45:04] And lastly, this is how we compare to other cities. So this is all cities greater than 10,000 in population within Hennepin County. A couple things to point out, you're going to say, I said 5.2 percent earlier, this says 5.3, this is because this is just city, it excludes HRA. So when we put HRA into it, it wiggles a little bit. And also that these are preliminary levies. So every other city is doing the exact same thing.
[45:34] we're doing tonight. These numbers may come down. They cannot go out, but
[45:39] Plymouth is obviously at the low end of this.
[45:45] With that, I'm happy to
[45:46] stand for questions. Questions for Andrea?
[45:55] Councillor Willis?
[45:56] Well, first I want to thank you for the report and the preparation you in the
[46:00] staff did and bringing this budget together and all the budgets. I think that the
[46:05] numbers that you were just showing us in terms of the impact on the Plymouth
[46:11] residential homeowner, again demonstrates the fact that the planning we've gone into over
[46:17] these years and executed in terms of having balanced growth of good commercial tax
[46:24] space is reflected in favor of our taxpayers, by the reasonably modest increase in the
[46:31] tax, the city's portion of the tax bill for this coming tax year.
[46:36] So again, thank you for the staff putting that budget together.
[46:40] Councillor of Peterson.
[46:43] I always think it's worth pointing out at this final meeting of the year where we approve this that it looks like.
[46:49] You know, we spend what maybe 20 minutes on it here, but this is the culmination of multiple meetings that the council takes on leading up to this in addition to the many hours of work the staffs put puts into preparing it.
[47:01] So it may look like it's the rigor doesn't seem evident maybe at this meeting, but it's
[47:08] all the work that's led up to it.
[47:10] So just highlighting that for the general watching public, I've all the work that goes into
[47:13] getting to this day.
[47:16] Excellent point.
[47:17] Any other comments, questions?
[47:21] All right.
[47:22] We're going to have a public hearing.
[47:23] I'm going to open up the public hearing.
[47:24] I don't have any courage to speak on this side.
[47:26] I'm just saying one wish to speak on this side.
[47:29] Seeing none, I'm going to close the public hearing.
[47:32] Second, what Councillor Willis said, our staff just does an absolute fantastic job in every
[47:40] aspect of what we do, but our finances are managed impeccably well.
[47:46] We get awards every year for it, we're triple a bond rated.
[47:50] That's one of the things I think we're really proud of in our community as our financial.
[47:55] How we financially are responsible and handle the city finances and taxpayer money.
[48:01] I think that's extremely important to the council and very important to the staff as well.
[48:08] So thanks for a great job bringing that budget together again.
[48:10] A lot of work goes into that.
[48:13] Here.
[48:14] Thank you.
[48:15] Thank you.
[48:16] Did everybody that participated to create this?
[48:18] Is it okay to make a motion?
[48:21] See if I can do them all.
[48:23] Okay.
[48:24] I would like to make resolution approving the or adopting the resolution to adopt the 25 budget.
[48:32] Then, resolution approving the 25 to 34 capital improvement plan.
[48:42] Then the resolution to authorize the 2025 HRA Levy, resolution adopting the tax levies for
[48:50] taxes payable in 2025.
[48:54] And finally, resolution approving the general increase to wages and contributions to
[49:01] the benefits plan for non-represented employees in setting the city manager's compensation
[49:05] for 2025.
[49:06] Did I get a mom second?
[49:09] All right.
[49:10] I got a motion to be able to second.
[49:12] Second.
[49:13] Okay.
[49:13] We got a motion in a second.
[49:15] Other discussion.
[49:18] Conspiracy as me?
[49:20] Yeah.
[49:20] I just need to jump in there.
[49:23] And thank you, Andrea.
[49:24] And to your staffer, the incredible work that you guys do.
[49:28] And it's just one more thing that makes me so proud to be a
[49:32] President, is how well our finances are managed.
[49:37] So thank you.
[49:40] Other comments?
[49:41] Discussion?
[49:43] All right.
[49:44] All those of here say aye.
[49:46] Opposed?
[49:47] In that passes.
[49:50] Now we move on to general business.
[49:52] Item 8.1.
[49:53] Approving the conditional use permit amendment and site plan amendment.
[49:56] Request to allow for an addition parking lot expansion.
[50:00] And later improvements at the Slavic Church Golgotha for property located at 1-2-300-18th Avenue.
[50:10] Thank you, Mayor and Council.
[50:14] The applications before you are a condition's permanent amendment for expansion of the existing
[50:20] Church and also a site plan amendment for an expansion of the parking lot to accommodate parking
[50:26] and related improvements, such as landscaping.
[50:29] The proposed addition is a two-story 12,817 square foot addition.
[50:38] First to discuss the condition's permit amendment.
[50:41] The ordinance allows religious institutions, as conditionally uses,
[50:45] an expansion to the church requires an amendment to that conditionally use.
[50:50] In 1984, the council approved the
[50:53] Current Conditionings Permit and Site Plan for the existing church
[50:58] There was a similar project that's currently proposed approved in 2014 over that was never constructed
[51:06] On the compact planning commission reviewed the conditions and recommended approval of the request
[51:14] Staff must also look at the condition is permit amendment
[51:19] Standards I'm showing here in front of you
[51:22] staff did look at the standards and found that it would meet all the conditions permit standards.
[51:31] Conditions permits are you able to add reasonable conditions that are related to the application.
[51:38] Standard conditions have been added after the Planning Commission public hearing and additional conditions regarding traffic management and parking lot design have also been added.
[51:48] I'm showing here is the removals that would be proposed at the existing site and the construction
[51:56] which would consist of an addition to the south side of the existing church.
[52:02] Also, parking lot expansions to the northwest corner of the parking lot in the southeast corner.
[52:09] Showing here is a little, it's a better rendition of that kind of give you an idea as to what is being proposed.
[52:15] The addition shown on the southern side, the new parking lot areas, and also some restriping
[52:23] to maximize the amount of parking that could be added to the parking lot.
[52:31] I'm showing here is the proposed floor plan.
[52:34] The existing sanctuary would be converted to a multi-purpose room.
[52:39] There would be construction of a new sanctuary on the main level.
[52:43] In addition to a lobby and kitchen area, the second level show on the right side of the screen
[52:49] we consist of classrooms for the youth programs and for the Sunday school and Wednesday evening classes.
[53:00] I'm showing here is the building, proposed building addition, elevations.
[53:05] This eastern elevation would be the new entrance of the church.
[53:13] As with the condition of permit staff must look at the site plan amendment request and see whether or not it meets the standards of the zoning district, which is located, staff did look at those standards for the RSF4 district, for non-residential use, and finds that it would meet the required standards for the site plan amendment.
[53:35] Parking is the main topic of discussion with this proposal, as with, as is with, you know,
[53:42] these types of additions. Parking is based on the capacity of the sanctuary. In this case,
[53:50] there's 494 seats in the existing sanctuary and the new sanctuary would have the same capacity.
[53:57] that does equate to 165 spaces, the updated site plan shown in front of you would supply
[54:07] 176 parking spaces on the site, which would meet the city's parking requirements.
[54:14] After the Planning Commission meeting and some direction by the Planning Commission, there's
[54:20] some discussion related to parking and traffic analysis, because the size of the sanctuary
[54:26] was not changing, traffic study was not warranted in this case. Staff feels that the peak generation
[54:32] is not anticipated to substantially change into the subject applications. And the applicant
[54:39] has submitted a parking and traffic management plan per the direction of the planning commission.
[54:46] The existing roadway is able to accommodate the current traffic generated by the church.
[54:50] And that's further discussion.
[54:55] The engineering staff will investigate if improvements are warranted outside this particular
[55:00] Application, shown here are some improvement examples of what could occur in the area.
[55:06] And if warranted, this would be coordinated and funded by normal city operational budgets and procedures.
[55:15] Just to give a brief history of the site, this property, again, was approved in 1984.
[55:22] This is a 1987 aerial shown on the left side.
[55:25] Church was constructed in 1985, the homes to the south were constructed around the same time period,
[55:34] and the homes to the west were constructed in the 1950s.
[55:38] I'm sure on the eastern side is a 1999 aerial photo, which was approved through the preliminary
[55:44] plat, and final plat, and the homes to the north and the east were constructed around 1997.
[55:50] So
[55:53] here are some recent areas and some of the reasons for the traffic concerns and the parking on street parking.
[56:00] This is a 2023 aerial obviously taken during a non-service event.
[56:07] On the east is a 2024 aerial that does show that the parking lot is being utilized as is on street parking options in this case.
[56:19] staff as we serve several neighborhood concerns, which again has to do with the on-street parking
[56:25] and the during the service times events, speeding and the traffic along 18th Avenue, and
[56:34] whether or not the size of the addition would bring additional people to the church at one time.
[56:39] Some of the place from the landscaping could it be more strategic to screen from the residential around it
[56:46] and then finally whether or not there would be a loss of property value.
[56:52] As a discussion at the public hearing and per the direction of the Planning Commission,
[56:57] the applicant did work with their architect and submitted an updated plan to staff
[57:03] on that removed some parking lot islands and added additional parking.
[57:07] Again, getting to that 176 number, the applicant did submit a traffic management plan,
[57:13] which was attached to the staff report and then finally, City Public Safety did visit the site
[57:22] on a Sunday to ensure safe access.
[57:25] We did receive that there were not concerns and the fire department was able to access
[57:30] the entire site throughout the neighborhood that day.
[57:34] So with that, we were finding the findings is that it would comply with all the condition
[57:38] She's permit standards and site plan requirements and community and an economic development department and the planning commission recommends approval of the request.
[57:48] So with that, I'll stand with any questions.
[57:53] All right, go to the council. Any questions?
[57:55] There's staff.
[57:57] Councillor Pointner.
[57:58] One quick question.
[57:59] I'm the picture that shows the parking on the street.
[58:03] They park on Magnolia.
[58:05] Is that Magnolia?
[58:06] Lane and 18th, where's that just traffic leaving?
[58:11] I can't tell on 18th.
[58:13] Mayor Council, it does appear that there's both parking along
[58:17] Magnolia and along the southern side of 18th.
[58:21] Thank you.
[58:23] Are the questions?
[58:26] Councillor Choseman.
[58:29] One of the residents concerns that I've heard is about landscaping
[58:33] and loss of privacy. What are some of the things that this I could do to help ensure that
[58:44] residents aren't losing too many trees and in a way that affects their privacy and property
[58:50] value? Mayor and Council, a landscape plan was submitted that shows the necessary amount of trees
[58:59] per code, but in also some of the replacement trees that would be lost, there is also a condition
[59:05] in the resolution that states that the applicant revise that landscaping plan to place the landscaping
[59:14] in locations that could help to screen from the adjacent residential properties. They could do
[59:21] things, although not required, they could do burming. They could do other things like that. Obviously,
[59:29] the use of connoisseurs versus deciduous connoisseurs can help to achieve screening throughout
[59:35] the entire year as opposed to a deciduous tree.
[59:38] Those are some of the things that they could look at and I know that I'll let the applicant
[59:43] speak, but I know that they are welcoming to that condition and the resolution and would work
[59:50] with staff to maximize the screening of the landscaping.
[59:56] Go ahead.
[59:58] Is there?
[1:00:00] Anything the city can do to help encourage that or support that type of privacy screen. Perhaps that's a question for
[1:00:10] soren.
[1:00:12] Yeah, I don't have a lot to add beyond. You'd start with what the code requires. And then you
[1:00:18] listen to some of the concerns that are raised to see if you can appease those. I do think that
[1:00:23] what's been pointed out is that the applicants open to using different types of trees to increase
[1:00:28] the screening, and I think that's exactly what we've done, so I think we've taken that
[1:00:34] issue to where we can go. In terms of neighborhoods, neighbors concerned, screening is usually
[1:00:39] one of the top priorities, and so using deciduous trees and things like Kippa suggested
[1:00:44] is, I think, the best path forward. Thank you. Mayor, one more question.
[1:00:50] Go ahead, Councilmember.
[1:00:51] And then, just I wanted to ask, the level of traffic that was in that picture when we part
[1:00:56] on the street, is that one day a week, or is that more often during the week?
[1:01:01] Mayor and Council staff understands that it's typically one day a week on Sundays.
[1:01:07] That is what the applicant has responded when we asked for them to provide some additional
[1:01:12] information on the use of the church throughout the week, which was part of the packet also,
[1:01:18] but those are the days that on Sundays typically the earlier service are when that occurs.
[1:01:23] Thank you.
[1:01:25] Councillor Pieterson.
[1:01:27] Thank you, Mayor.
[1:01:28] Can you go back again to the aerial with the parking?
[1:01:35] Do you know the image on the right is what's the source for that?
[1:01:39] Is that provided by the applicant, by a resident, by the city?
[1:01:43] A mayor in council.
[1:01:44] The city receives updated aerial photos periodically from
[1:01:49] this was provided by Hennepin County and was it, I would venture to guess that this was a Sunday.
[1:01:56] It seems given the fullness of the parking lot.
[1:02:01] And do we, was this just an average Sunday or was this a particularly, was this Easter Sunday?
[1:02:05] Or do we know anything about this particular day?
[1:02:09] Mary and Council, I don't believe that we have an exact date.
[1:02:12] I think you're thought about it being a Sunday is correct.
[1:02:16] Okay.
[1:02:19] And my math is probably offered as counting the cars that are parked along the street.
[1:02:26] I came up with somewhere around 25 or 26. And if they're adding 28 additional parking spots in theory,
[1:02:34] with the new parking, there would not. If this was an average day on an average day,
[1:02:38] all those cars would fit in a lot in the future, is that right?
[1:02:42] Hearing Council that is correct.
[1:02:46] Other questions?
[1:02:51] All right.
[1:02:51] I do have several cards.
[1:02:53] I'm going to ask their applicant, Alexander Bellos,
[1:02:57] 1, 2, 3, 100, 18th Avenue North.
[1:03:00] I will also ask the other two individuals
[1:03:03] who wish to speak tonight as well as Mr. Bellos.
[1:03:07] We've all either watched the Planning Commission meeting
[1:03:11] or we've read the minutes from the Planning Commission meeting so we already know those issues.
[1:03:17] So you don't need to repeat them here because we've already digested all that.
[1:03:22] So you want to give more of a readers digester or anything new that wasn't addressed in planning that'd be great.
[1:03:28] Nothing new. First of all, take you everyone working with us and let us get the church and your city.
[1:03:36] Thank you. And we try to do whatever you require and whatever the question is. We work in
[1:03:43] Annette. We want to be, I'm sure we follow the rules and we want to be good neighbors and
[1:03:49] asking for to do this addition to not create a more problem to be homeowners or neighbors,
[1:03:58] but to create a less problem to fit our cars in the parking lot and do our activity inside
[1:04:05] in the building. This is what we like. This is the goal. This is what we try to do. So we
[1:04:11] will answer any questions. Do we have questions for the applicant? No. All right. Thank you.
[1:04:20] Okay, Council Member Chelsnek. Thank you. Could you address the privacy screening, including
[1:04:28] potential deciduous trees or berming to ensure that residents still are maintaining privacy
[1:04:35] from the improvements?
[1:04:40] For probably they can say for previous years we tried to do everything as possible to be
[1:04:46] doly escaping the best as possible and if some trees get a die then we replace it and stuff like
[1:04:52] this.
[1:04:53] So we're open to do whatever it will be, help to make them happy.
[1:05:00] Any other questions? All right. Thank you. Thank you. Next, I'll ask Kathy Mesk, 1,800 may know the Elaine North.
[1:05:13] So, Kathy, we've read the minutes, or watched it, and we've also read through your email that we received. So, thank you.
[1:05:19] the
[1:05:24] picture of what we see from our house.
[1:05:30] I don't want to repeat anything.
[1:05:33] So, you already know we've been there for a while.
[1:05:36] Over 30 years, of course.
[1:05:40] And we let this is like looking out my front door.
[1:05:44] So, it's a space that we do spend quite a bit of time.
[1:05:47] It's a low density area.
[1:05:51] The road is...
[1:05:52] Yeah, it comes from our village.
[1:05:56] Okay, sorry, our home is right there on the corner across the street.
[1:06:03] Cars entering the church come directly in front of our house.
[1:06:08] They have
[1:06:13] to go through either one of the two parking lot entrances in order to get to the church, which of course is right in front.
[1:06:25] We feel that our home would be directly affected by the expansion.
[1:06:31] We would lose, you can see right up there.
[1:06:35] Let's go on now.
[1:06:37] You can see that the berm is there and across from the berm is where the parking lot would go
[1:06:42] and that is green space for us.
[1:06:44] When we look out our area, we would be then looking at hard skate.
[1:06:48] There is currently not a plan in place for any type of deciduous trees, the church has been extremely good at providing trees and things, but of course we would want to see the council put in writing some type of privacy
[1:07:17] financing along there with deciduous trees. We would expect to see a greater amount of
[1:07:25] headlights, a greater amount of traffic noise,
[1:07:33] and in 2022 our mayor actually in the city
[1:07:41] newsletter was quoted as saying that this church has over 700 members, which I think is
[1:07:48] really accurate. On any given service day
[1:07:56] or event day, we would see well over 200 cars.
[1:08:04] I do have of course pictures, which isn't going to be helpful. At this point, you'll
[1:08:10] have to do your own renaissance work, but we do have cars parked on both sides of my street
[1:08:21] which, of course, impedes our ability to get in and out of our driveway,
[1:08:33] and then we also see parking along 18th Avenue.
[1:08:38] Safety-wise, it's
[1:08:45] a large amount of cars that come in about 10 to 15 minutes before a service time.
[1:08:52] It's somewhat scary. It's somewhat,
[1:09:03] it's, it's a lot of cars in a short amount of time that come down the hill very quickly.
[1:09:09] And we'll quickly come around the corner into the parking lot.
[1:09:15] It's safety is huge for us.
[1:09:20] We all have little kids. I have grandchildren. I do want to enjoy my home.
[1:09:25] And last time we spoke, they did talk about mitigating the traffic control by using
[1:09:36] people maybe from their church to control the traffic speed.
[1:09:48] And that also would be nice if the council would help to get something in writing.
[1:09:58] So that
[1:10:00] We as neighbors feel safe crossing the street going to our the trails that are right across 18th Avenue and just protecting the people that look there.
[1:10:17] And our and having a berm there that would appreciate
[1:10:23] that we now will be tolerating a larger amount of cars in their parking lot.
[1:10:29] And yes, we do have an enormous amount of cars,
[1:10:36] every service, every week, every event,
[1:10:42] every celebration, every weekend.
[1:10:47] We do have cars, bumper to bumper, lined, unmagnolious street on both sides.
[1:11:01] So, thank you for listening and appreciate it.
[1:11:03] All right. Thank you very much. And then Mike Maske, say Madras.
[1:11:15] Take care, Mayor. Council members. Thank you for your long-term service, council member Willis.
[1:11:22] I think it's remarkable that the church has grown. I think it's an admirable that they've grown.
[1:11:32] When we first moved into the original church, it was capacity,
[1:11:39] parking lot was fine, it started growing, and then of course they wanted to move on
[1:11:47] and get it a larger church.
[1:11:51] And so at this point in time the church is doubling
[1:11:53] in size, they're building a building in double in size. And the conditional use
[1:12:02] permit is totally being the code for services in the
[1:12:08] sanctuary.
[1:12:09] But what happens when they have extra teleprompting
[1:12:15] televisions in the other sanctuary are the multi-purpose room.
[1:12:20] What, how's that going to be enforced?
[1:12:24] The condition you use permit is just for the permit.
[1:12:28] That's my question.
[1:12:29] How is this going to be enforced for a fire standard when there's more people in the capacity?
[1:12:40] In the commission planning commission meeting, it was discussed about the traffic.
[1:12:48] The traffic is immense. It has grown over the 30 years that we've lived here.
[1:12:57] It was also discussed at the Planning Commission that it's on a Sunday for a service
[1:13:07] and the traffic isn't that much.
[1:13:15] The traffic survey should be requested and demanded to be done because we live here.
[1:13:23] You're not aware of it, and the traffic coming down 18th Avenue, the jump of Lake of Medicine Lake,
[1:13:32] and Plimus, people coming down with their boats. They're not familiar with where the landing is.
[1:13:39] We see it all the time.
[1:13:43] The other challenges, in the wintertime, when the cars on 18th
[1:13:47] or sometimes on 18th Avenue, parked on both sides, and I made Nolia with a snow and EMT truck,
[1:13:55] And a fire truck will not be able to get through there at all.
[1:14:01] My question for the fire chief would in the empty truck and a fire truck
[1:14:07] be able to get through may knowly with cars on both sides during the winter.
[1:14:16] One car can barely make it through.
[1:14:22] So again, with arable, the church has grown in size,
[1:14:32] is reach full capacity and it's just this passes I can't even put my house up for
[1:14:45] fail to have a showing on a Sunday without a traffic so again thank you Mayor
[1:14:52] thank you Constables city staff you guys are great we've enjoyed living in
[1:14:57] for all these years.
[1:15:00] But this is probably going to be the nail in the coffin. I apologize that that's, and other people I've talked to in the neighbors, they too are moving to. So thank you.
[1:15:10] All right. Thank you for that. I have been all of their cards to speak, so I'm going to close our hearing.
[1:15:19] So, Eric, the question is asked, or a Roger, that we have, if there's more people in the
[1:15:30] facility, then capacity allows housing, what's the enforcement mechanism?
[1:15:38] Mr. Mayor, so as I understand, as the application is that they would not be over capacity
[1:15:45] given the use of the structure.
[1:15:48] If there is a complaint, we can go spot check it, we can inspect it, and we can ensure that there is compliance.
[1:15:55] But as I understand, this change in the building size would not necessarily affect it,
[1:16:01] even it's current use and they're well within their occupancy right currently.
[1:16:08] Well, if there was everything we have in our collars, our complaint-based.
[1:16:12] So if someone registers a complaint, we're going to go out there and check for it and make sure
[1:16:17] that they're within the capacity limits.
[1:16:19] That's correct, Mayor.
[1:16:21] And then there is a question on the fire truck on Magnolia, there is ten, and you can park
[1:16:29] on both sides of Magnolia, so if there's, it's winter time, cars are constrained, can
[1:16:35] a fire truck get through there.
[1:16:36] Mayor, so we did have a truck go over there on a Sunday during service.
[1:16:43] They were able to navigate into the neighborhood, not into the neighborhood, and I would
[1:16:47] just say that this street is not unlike a great majority of residential streets in the city
[1:16:52] of Plymouth, that if we have snow and we have residents parking on both sides, sometimes it
[1:16:59] is a bit constrained in our ability to be able to get around, but this is no different than
[1:17:06] really get that's Minnesota and winter and as long as we can move those snowbanks back, parking
[1:17:10] is better and we can get larger vehicles through.
[1:17:15] Okay.
[1:17:18] And the other speaker talked about staying there was no landscaping plan or on privacy
[1:17:24] fencing. Mr. Bell issue indicated that you'd be amenable just to work them in the neighborhood,
[1:17:30] if they need certain trees in there.
[1:17:33] can't put about a berm. There's no
[1:17:39] me and console there's currently no
[1:17:42] berm shown over they could propose to add add one. Okay. Or we could make it a
[1:17:53] condition, could we?
[1:17:57] Mayor, that is correct.
[1:18:00] This is an option.
[1:18:05] Yep.
[1:18:05] The councilmember point, Mayor.
[1:18:07] I'm chosen.
[1:18:07] I had a question for the owner.
[1:18:11] The outcome, come back up to the microphone.
[1:18:14] Thank you.
[1:18:18] What are your plans during construction?
[1:18:20] Do you anticipating, anticipating, keeping everything open?
[1:18:24] the church running all that. Where will the construction materials go? What's going to happen
[1:18:30] during construction?
[1:18:33] We have bus and we have parking lot on a
[1:18:40] plymoth right here in a 15, 4, 15, 5, 0, 2, 0, and a 47. It's like 5 minutes drive. So
[1:18:48] in the during construction we will be parking in a plymoth right here in this address. And
[1:18:55] because we now all below some parking to the construction and I'm applying it to use this
[1:19:00] parking to do the construction.
[1:19:02] Okay, thank you.
[1:19:04] Councillor Chadneck.
[1:19:06] Thank you.
[1:19:08] I am curious about a potential traffic study.
[1:19:14] One question that I have is, if there's parking on both sides of the street, could you
[1:19:20] the picture that has the cars in the parking lot.
[1:19:27] My concern is if there's parking
[1:19:30] allowed on both sides of the street and along line of cars to get out that that would create
[1:19:39] quite a roadblock during that time when folks are leaving church. Would it be helpful to
[1:19:47] do no parking along the very front there or at least between 18th and that first parking lot
[1:19:57] entrance so that way there's at least kind of a right turn.
[1:20:00] So people can get out of that way.
[1:20:03] So, after last meeting right here, so like 20 days ago, we asked our service members to control the traffic.
[1:20:13] And we are not allowed to offer members to parking on the both side of the street, only in the side what is connected to the church.
[1:20:21] Whatever is in the side for my neighbors, we are not allowed to park in any cars.
[1:20:25] for last two or three because nobody parking on the outside, there's the parking on the one side.
[1:20:31] So like I mentioned last time, I ask in a city if city can help us to put the sign for no parking
[1:20:38] on the one side of the street because right now if somebody come and just say you cannot park in
[1:20:44] right here they say where is the sign. Then they are not always will be listening us, right?
[1:20:51] So we need it help from the city to make sure we got it to the point, right, to get it.
[1:20:57] So we open to do whatever's needed to do, but we ask the city to help us.
[1:21:02] So if they will be like no parking on one side, like from the houses, this will be help us to control the traffic.
[1:21:10] So this is the question, but we do from our side, whatever we can, neighbors can approve that.
[1:21:16] And, but the city can help us also.
[1:21:20] Thank you, and Michael, as questions freshly for you as well.
[1:21:26] Thank you, Council Member Chesnik. Yes, our staff has already committed to work with the
[1:21:31] neighborhood on parking and possible striping adjustments to our normal process. So we would
[1:21:39] bring something back to Council likely later this winter if there's a change, but before we just
[1:21:44] put up no parking signs, we make sure to send out a survey and ask the residents because sometimes
[1:21:49] residents don't like to lose the parking in front of their home. So we've already
[1:21:54] committed to that process as a city to help with a solution.
[1:21:59] Thank you. But we did park it in the one side, not in the
[1:22:02] both side, couldn't live with it.
[1:22:06] Thank you. I have a good day. Okay, thank you.
[1:22:16] Yeah, my other question is on the capacity of the building.
[1:22:22] If it is the case that essentially the sanctuary is kind of doubling with the addition of the
[1:22:30] multipurpose room, will there be a lot more cars anticipated, even though the sanctuary
[1:22:37] proper isn't changing size, if the capacity for folks to attend a service in the multipurpose
[1:22:46] is there would there be more cars and attendance than just these extra, you know, 25 to 30 on the street here?
[1:22:57] Do you anticipate that?
[1:22:59] So, our numbers of members, I will say, it's not changing probably for last, say, 10, 15 years, stay the same.
[1:23:09] So because we don't have any anymore people come to US, so basically we just has us in our kids
[1:23:17] And the population our church is not growing, they stay the same, it was neighbors say it's a growing, it's not true
[1:23:24] So the numbers of members stay the same, just a lot of our kids is just a group here in the US
[1:23:33] And they not go into our church, they just go in a more American churches, not slavic churches, you know, because they grow up here.
[1:23:40] So our population is that growing because a lot of old people passed away, and youth is just going to different churches.
[1:23:48] This is like, even we have a lot of kids going, right? But they must stay with us.
[1:23:53] So the number stays the same. The whole reason of this construction is not, this is why a reason why we're not doing it in the 2014.
[1:24:02] because even we got it full of proof for do it, because it's a cast as alarm money, and
[1:24:09] it's not too much benefit for us, more benefit to neighbors than for us, right? So because
[1:24:17] first of all, parking, we extended parking. We're talking about parking, but we extended
[1:24:22] the parking. We add parkatory plus places, right? Second, we try to close our people in
[1:24:32] Now, we did a lot of activity outside, because special on us in the summer, because we don't
[1:24:39] have any room inside, that we don't have any other choice, we did services outside, like
[1:24:45] activities services, kids services, stuff like this.
[1:24:48] So the goal is to do all these services inside, to make it more quiet for neighbors.
[1:24:55] They last the sense why we do that, why it is because there's millions and millions
[1:24:59] .
[1:25:00] But is not for us, basically, more for neighbors. Right? So this is the goal. Like I said last night.
[1:25:10] No, it's answer to. If you will not allow us, we're just to continue doing what we do. Right? What is it to be changed? Not much change.
[1:25:20] Traffic is still with the same. Less parking. More noise outside. What else? Right?
[1:25:31] This is basically like, well, this is the goal, right?
[1:25:34] This is the goal to make it a good neighbor.
[1:25:38] We open to do whatever it's needed to do.
[1:25:41] That's what I'm trying to make.
[1:25:42] Thank you.
[1:25:43] Yeah, and I have one last question about the potential
[1:25:46] for traffic directors, is there a program
[1:25:53] where church members could go through the training
[1:25:56] to become public traffic directors,
[1:25:58] like out on the 18th or something like that,
[1:26:00] or would that have to be hired?
[1:26:02] No, I'm here in Colt's Member Chesnik.
[1:26:04] We don't currently have a program where we would train folks.
[1:26:07] In fact, there are city code right now limits.
[1:26:12] The people allowed by a city code to direct traffic
[1:26:15] on public streets to public safety officials
[1:26:18] are civilian staff and any retired staff in good standing.
[1:26:23] That would have to change.
[1:26:25] And so, and those folks would need to be hired
[1:26:28] by the church if you know under current policy.
[1:26:33] Yeah, under the current city code, someone employed by a church or a school or any place that has a lot of traffic still wouldn't meet the definition of our city code to legally be able to allow to direct traffic on public streets and homeless.
[1:26:48] They have to be a city of Plumath or police department employee or retired police department employee.
[1:26:57] All right, other questions?
[1:27:03] Any discussion?
[1:27:11] So staff has made a recommendation move forward on this with approving the application.
[1:27:18] These conditions, the CUP,
[1:27:24] and the Planning Commission passed it seven to one, I believe,
[1:27:26] or six to one?
[1:27:30] Is anyone want to make a motion?
[1:27:35] Mayor, I'm happy to make a motion approving the conditional use permit.
[1:27:40] amendment and site plan amendment request to allow an additional parking lot expansion and related
[1:27:45] improvements at the Slavic Church Golgotha located at 1 2 3 0 0 18th Avenue.
[1:27:52] All right, we have motion and a second. Any other discussion?
[1:27:56] All those in favor say aye.
[1:27:59] Opposed?
[1:28:00] In that passes.
[1:28:02] Thank you.
[1:28:08] Next we have item 8.2 discussed the 2025 legislative priorities.
[1:28:13] Maria.
[1:28:22] Good evening, Mary. Council. I'm just getting the presentation on the screen.
[1:28:29] All right,
[1:28:30] so we're here today to discuss you 2025 legislative priorities. To give a little bit of background
[1:28:36] on the process, believe it or not, the session starts next month and January 14th, so that's why
[1:28:42] this is coming before you. Typically the council approves the legislative priorities and an annual basis
[1:28:49] and just as a reminder, you may amend these priorities at any time.
[1:28:55] The city hires a lot being services through Lockridge Grindle, now in.
[1:28:59] The three people on the screen here are the three lobbyists that we work with directly
[1:29:03] in Lichensky, Alex Hassel, and Jasmine Eps Flowers.
[1:29:09] The city hires the lobbyists to represent the city's best interest.
[1:29:12] They work closely with their legislators and directing bills
[1:29:15] and following those bills through the committee process.
[1:29:17] They provide updates to staff not only on our current bills, but on any matters that may affect the city and the advice staff in the city council on any legislative matters.
[1:29:28] In addition to working with our lobbyist team, the city is also a member of various organizations that also have legislative platforms.
[1:29:37] Some of the organizations are listed here on the screen. This is not encompass all of the organizations, but the major ones, including the League of Minnesota Cities, Metro Cities,
[1:29:47] the Municipal Legislative Commission,
[1:29:49] suburban transit association,
[1:29:51] the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials,
[1:29:55] and then addition to these organizations, city staff,
[1:29:57] also participate in professional organizations.
[1:30:00] Where we kind of follow the specific professions and those organizations also advocate for certain policy, example that I have in the screen here is the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association.
[1:30:11] These organizations have robust legislative policies that offer comprehensive approaches to address shared challenges that many cities have.
[1:30:19] These organizations sloppy for issues that affect many cities throughout the stage.
[1:30:24] Some topics that these organizations cover are affordable housing, public safety,
[1:30:29] elections, economic development, transportation, telecommunications, labor relations,
[1:30:36] municipal financial management, just to name a few.
[1:30:41] So with that in your packet, we had a
[1:30:43] draft proposal of the 2025 legislative priorities. A few of the major changes from last year's
[1:30:50] priorities would include that the bond request, the first item on the left there, that move
[1:30:58] from a $32 million request to a $26 million request, and the reason for that is because
[1:31:04] we've now completed Plumeth Boulevard and the regional ponding and through a bond request
[1:31:09] you can, you can't ask for any money and projects that are already complete.
[1:31:13] So the deduction there is for Plumeth Boulevard and regional ponding.
[1:31:16] The other item that we removed is the item regarding County Road 73, which is already in progress.
[1:31:24] And then the item related to school resource officers as that was dealt with during the previous session.
[1:31:30] So, again, before you use a draft proposal, the Council is asked to discuss these items tonight.
[1:31:36] You are welcome to approve this tonight or provide feedback and we can bring this back in January.
[1:31:40] I will now stand for questions.
[1:31:41] And I would just add and emphasize the point that several years ago we had legislative priorities
[1:31:48] that I believe was like four plus pages long and the council really worked to get
[1:31:54] parammed down to one of the ones specific because you know four or five pages and you sit
[1:31:59] down with our legislatures legislators it tends to like all of a sudden we're asking
[1:32:05] for five pages and things rather than what's the things to specific to.
[1:32:10] Plymouth that are important, so, for example, you had up on their suburban transit association,
[1:32:16] so we're a support, we're a member of the suburban transit association. We support their efforts
[1:32:21] in what they have a lobbyist that works with them. They work to advance transit on behalf of the
[1:32:28] suburban providers, but we have Highway 55 BRT on here, because that's specific to Plymouth,
[1:32:36] And that's not inclusive really what the suburban transit providers are pushing in their priority.
[1:32:43] So this is just calling out the things that are specific to play maths.
[1:32:46] So we compare it down and say,
[1:32:48] or play math here are the things that are really important for what we're trying to get done at the legislature.
[1:32:55] Representative Carol.
[1:32:57] Just want to say he's still here.
[1:33:02] question for Eric on the period duty disability. Does that meet that test? Seems to me
[1:33:09] that's somewhat broad. Is that included in any of the public safety legislation priorities?
[1:33:18] Yes, Mayor Council. This falls in line with what we are, or what the associations
[1:33:24] state-wide associations are lobbying for to just help with the
[1:33:28] peer disabilities.
[1:33:31] So do we need this?
[1:33:32] I mean, this seems to based on the tests that I just
[1:33:36] was outlining.
[1:33:37] This seems to duplicate what's already in another legislative
[1:33:40] priority that we that we would support.
[1:33:43] Mayor.
[1:33:43] Yeah, and council, yes, that's correct.
[1:33:51] I would propose taking that out so we're consistent across the board
[1:33:55] in terms of what's important, what's specific to
[1:33:58] But clarification on that so you're saying that there's nothing special to play with about asking what we're asking on here
[1:34:07] Correct, yes, let's do you why that for other questions comments?
[1:34:18] Yep, come to me chose Nick
[1:34:20] Thank you
[1:34:23] This may be a topic that's not specific to play myth, but I want to to put it on everyone's radar screen
[1:34:30] That one of the challenges for water quality across the whole metro area is de-icing salt,
[1:34:40] washing into the fresh water bodies, and it is starting to accumulate.
[1:34:44] There has been, I believe, for the past eight years, potential legislation brought to
[1:34:52] reduce the slip and fall liability, because a lot of commercial applicators are obligated.
[1:34:59] Um...
[1:35:00] By insurance or by their, by the property owners, to oversold sidewalks and parking lots and such, because of the potential for slip and fall liability, oversolding is a kind of easy way to help reduce that potential liability.
[1:35:21] So, if there was a fix at the legislative level where applying the recommended amount of
[1:35:33] results by, I'm forgetting the name, the pollution control agency, has a recommended amount
[1:35:42] of salt per square foot that would be hugely helpful to moving the whole metro area.
[1:35:50] And really, the whole state closer to its freshwater water quality goals, surface water water quality goals.
[1:36:00] So I'm not sure where that fits in this, it's not specific to Plymouth, but it is a really important issue that keeps going to the capital and it just gets stuck up there and it doesn't move forward.
[1:36:13] So I just want to raise the facility of that.
[1:36:16] handled by Metro City or Michael Metro cities or League of Minnesota cities.
[1:36:22] Mayor and Council were part of the Minnesota city storm water coalition and this is one
[1:36:27] area that they've been advocating for on a statewide level.
[1:36:32] So I've heard of that and I know that's on their radar as well.
[1:36:36] I don't know about the League or Metro cities but the storm water coalition yes and we're part of that.
[1:36:42] Okay.
[1:36:45] Okay. Good. Good point. Anything else?
[1:36:51] comments?
[1:36:55] Councilor Gregor.
[1:36:58] Yeah, I see your point on, you know, the things that are specific to
[1:37:01] plimmyth being what we really want to highlight here so that our
[1:37:06] legislators in particular know our key priorities. I do
[1:37:10] recognize like Councilmember Chestnut's point, or even this
[1:37:14] and duty disability thing like there may be at some point it might be wise for us to just make
[1:37:18] a bullet list of other things that we back even if they aren't specific to Plymouth because
[1:37:27] I think sharing with the legislature or our representatives in particular, you know, the
[1:37:35] things that their community would support that help the broader state or help all the other
[1:37:43] police departments or whatever it might be is important for us to communicate. I don't know that I want to add that whole bulleted list to this right now, but I think it's worthwhile for us to bring these topics up and discuss. So thank you at least for sharing that suggestion.
[1:38:03] And staff may look at why do I have links where you can click on a PDF and then be able to look at.
[1:38:11] Yeah, I was on one of the policy committees for the League of Minnesota cities, and so our city is giving its input in those levels too, and that's great that we are connected in so many different organizations too, but yeah, I think it might be useful at some point to have those links and so on.
[1:38:32] Okay. Any other comments?
[1:38:35] We're not asking for any approvals just direction for staff.
[1:38:41] Okay. Okay. Looking for approval.
[1:38:44] Okay. All right.
[1:38:47] So, sir, when OK, just taking out the Pair of Duty disability,
[1:38:53] and asking staff to create, like, links to other initiatives,
[1:38:58] and other things that we'd be supporting and bringing up back to Council
[1:39:01] for I think bring it back to council for final approval or we can just approve it tonight too.
[1:39:09] Yeah mayor council I think the email sent out had some of the links will add the other
[1:39:13] two that weren't on there so you'll have all those at your disposal to check. You can wait
[1:39:19] of the next meeting but if this is where we're at we just soon get our priorities done we can
[1:39:25] always change them things do change at the capital from time to time. The session will start approximately
[1:39:31] only when we have our first meeting.
[1:39:33] Two.
[1:39:34] So I'd be nice to have these ready to go.
[1:39:36] Mayor, if I could just add that we do have a additional
[1:39:39] page or website where we'll put this document.
[1:39:42] So we'll ensure that those have clickable links.
[1:39:44] So anybody from the public or our legislators have that.
[1:39:47] We will also send whatever document the council approves
[1:39:50] to the legislator to all of our legislators and their staff
[1:39:53] so that they know what the cities parties are.
[1:39:55] And we will be inviting our legislators to come to a meeting
[1:39:58] sometime probably in January.
[1:40:00] I'm sorry to meet with all of you, so you all can share your priorities with them as well.
[1:40:04] Okay, Councillor Peterson.
[1:40:06] Do the other organizations like the Municipal Legislative Commissioner of the Legal Minicities and
[1:40:12] Metricities do they also produce a similar type of document?
[1:40:18] Mayor and council, yes, say do. So if you look at any of their websites,
[1:40:21] like the leak has a top priorities item and they also have all of their policies available.
[1:40:26] And all the policies that are looked at through different committee members,
[1:40:28] made up of elected at a point in officials throughout the state.
[1:40:32] Yeah, I was thinking of that lead in paragraph at the very top, where, you know, where you
[1:40:36] reference each of those that you're, it says generally supportive of their legislative
[1:40:39] platforms, where the reference to who even just linked their name to their document that
[1:40:44] would kind of tie it all together.
[1:40:49] Okay, Councillor Nelson.
[1:40:52] Yes, I'm supportive of the current priorities is laid out here.
[1:40:57] I would highly recommend and I would approve loading on this tonight, although session doesn't start till January.
[1:41:06] Discussions are already being had.
[1:41:08] I'm sure our lobbyist would appreciate the direction as soon as possible.
[1:41:14] You know, it's kind of the early bird gets warm.
[1:41:16] So if you want to priorities past, you got to be working on them while ahead of session.
[1:41:20] So that would be my recommendation.
[1:41:23] Is that a motion?
[1:41:25] Yeah, it's going to move.
[1:41:27] Okay.
[1:41:27] I would again.
[1:41:29] Real motion in a second.
[1:41:30] Any other discussion?
[1:41:31] Concerned.
[1:41:31] Chasmic.
[1:41:32] Then.
[1:41:32] Thank you.
[1:41:34] Yes.
[1:41:34] I support these.
[1:41:35] Does the motion include.
[1:41:37] Removing.
[1:41:38] Pera.
[1:41:38] Are you leaving.
[1:41:42] That's what I wanted to talk about.
[1:41:44] Okay.
[1:41:45] My thoughts.
[1:41:46] It doesn't.
[1:41:47] It doesn't.
[1:41:47] It doesn't.
[1:41:48] It doesn't.
[1:41:49] It doesn't.
[1:41:49] It doesn't.
[1:41:54] to the council. Am I correct in that it was redundant like that's already been taken care of
[1:42:01] last year? I would that's clear that's my question. I'd like to ask. Yeah I'm glad you're here in council.
[1:42:09] It did pass last year and my I guess my only opinion with this is it's newer and with the way
[1:42:19] era seems to fluctuate from time to time, depending on the way that the session goes.
[1:42:25] It's something that could forget about, or be forgotten about very easily.
[1:42:29] And even thinking about links, not so sure, I mean, they not even be a timely link out there.
[1:42:36] I'm, as we're talking about it, I've been looking at, I don't see anything because it's from
[1:42:40] the last session, so it's nothing new that's going to, you know, probably be discussed
[1:42:47] some legislative drive and heard anything yet,
[1:42:49] but we're still a couple weeks away.
[1:42:51] So, okay.
[1:42:53] Mayor and Council members, there was a change
[1:42:55] and the funding was increased.
[1:42:59] However, whether it's honor, legislative priorities,
[1:43:02] or not, Allianai will be working on this
[1:43:04] because we are directly affected by this
[1:43:06] and it costs potentially a lot of money.
[1:43:09] And so we are gonna be pushing that with all these groups
[1:43:12] with whether it's on there or whether it isn't.
[1:43:22] I would just say that I would recommend that my motion do include the parody disability, just to keep it in front of us, especially when it comes to making sure it has sufficient funding, you know, just because a law has been passed or it doesn't mean that it's necessarily going to get the funding if we don't keep it in front of us.
[1:43:43] So I'd like to keep that on there.
[1:43:45] Is that good?
[1:43:46] I agree.
[1:43:48] Go ahead.
[1:43:48] Councilor Trust me.
[1:43:49] Thank you.
[1:43:50] Yeah.
[1:43:50] And I would support that.
[1:43:53] And also, with support, Council Member Gregor's idea to have a bulletin list of metro-wide initiatives
[1:44:01] that Plymouth is in line with, so that way when lobbyists have other opportunities come up in discussion
[1:44:07] that there's a backup list of things that we're not leading.
[1:44:11] We're not the lead on, but we support the folks that are, and maybe a little direction about, you know, if there's any pitfalls or anything that we'd want to avoid on those two.
[1:44:24] Yeah, and Dave just told me that they have that available, so they can do anything to them or something to the legislative priorities.
[1:44:34] Any other discussion? There's a motion in a second. All those in favor say aye.
[1:44:39] I opposed and that passes. Next we have item 8.3 which is what was 6.2.2.2.
[1:44:47] It comes from our Chosmic U.S. at this item be pulled.
[1:44:50] Thank you. Yep. It's the final payment for Fire Station 2 and I just want to again
[1:44:57] thank our chief cop-up for we-
[1:45:00] I think that incredible process to take our fire response to the next level. And I saw an opportunity
[1:45:12] here to also potentially address the concerns of some residents have about fire station number
[1:45:19] one closing, and so we wanted to just provide the opportunity to talk about the relationship
[1:45:24] of how fire station two effects what's happening with fire station one and also I'm curious what's next.
[1:45:36] What are you know now that fire station two is complete what what are some of the upcoming
[1:45:42] priorities for the fire department. Mayor also member Chasnic thank you first of all so
[1:45:49] the fire station. I happened to be the head of the department while it was built, but it was a
[1:45:56] great team effort.
[1:45:58] I want to make sure I got a fleet and facilities manager, Amy Hanson,
[1:46:02] as in the back of the room, was critical as well as recently retired deputy chief Fedon.
[1:46:08] And I'm sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry.
[1:46:15] That W Chief Drillin. With the assistance of many other city staff.
[1:46:21] So, you know, I think there's some of our names on a plaque at the new station,
[1:46:26] but, you know, many names on that plaque did not have a direct hand in that,
[1:46:30] but it was a great group effort.
[1:46:32] So, I also want to thank Council for being very supportive in the community,
[1:46:35] being a very supportive for that entire project.
[1:46:38] That was the result of safety needs and staffing needs.
[1:46:43] We changed to a combination model and added clear staff,
[1:46:46] so we needed to update our stations.
[1:46:49] I'm not prepared to have a presentation.
[1:46:51] I'm not necessarily prepared to present anything tonight.
[1:46:55] Future conversations are welcome, any other future conversations.
[1:46:59] But just very briefly the station one.
[1:47:04] Um, you know, it's, it is difficult.
[1:47:08] At these days to hire, this isn't firefighters, um, volunteers,
[1:47:12] pay on call, part-time on call, whatever you want to call them.
[1:47:16] Um, we did make the decision to take those personnel that were assigned
[1:47:19] to that station and move them to station two and station three,
[1:47:23] the two staff stations, better utilize the, the personnel that we had left
[1:47:28] that station.
[1:47:29] Um, the goal ultimately is to continue to recruit,
[1:47:33] the goal is some point to reopen that station. It is a just a call-back station under a current model.
[1:47:41] Anyways, so our daily response is very effective out of our two staff stations.
[1:47:46] Like I said, other than that, I don't necessarily have anything directly prepared that I can necessarily present tonight,
[1:47:52] but if that's something we can definitely have future conversations on. Hopefully I answered your questions.
[1:47:58] Thank you.
[1:48:00] and motion to approve payment.
[1:48:03] We have a motion to approve.
[1:48:03] Do we have a second?
[1:48:05] Second.
[1:48:06] Any other discussion on this item?
[1:48:09] All those tables say aye.
[1:48:10] Aye.
[1:48:11] Opposed?
[1:48:12] And that passes.
[1:48:13] Debra, are there any reports of staff recommendations?
[1:48:17] And then we, at our last meeting of the year,
[1:48:20] we all is recessed to an establishment,
[1:48:23] just to kind of celebrate the year.
[1:48:26] And the holiday season,
[1:48:27] So we will be recessing to Rock Island Tavern for that.
[1:48:31] So thank you everyone.