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Council Information Memorandum 03-01-2012
CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO March 1, 2012 EVENTS/MEETINGS March, April, May 2012 Official City Meeting Calendars................................................................. Page 1 Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ..................................................... Page 4 Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission Civic Engagement Presentation 03/22/2012 ........ Page 5 CORRESPONDENCE Letter from Dominium to Property owners, RE: 10305 Bass Lake Road development ..................... Page 7 Ehlers Market Commentary 02/28/2012............................................................................................. Page 9 Hennepin County Commissioner to Head Downtown Council, Twin Cities Business ..................... Page 11 Coyote Hazing Class, StarTribune.................................................................................................... Page 13 Tension builds in Edina over record pace of teardowns, StarTribune............................................... Page 17 REPORTS Memo from Parks and Recreation, RE: Plymouth New Hope Little League Association (PNHLL) Page 21 Memo from Parks and Recreation, RE: Parks & Rec Spring/Summer Activity Guide Page ........... Page 27 Memo from Engineering Department, RE: South Metro Mississippi River Total Suspended Solids Total Maximum Daily Load Report .............................................................................................. Page 28 Plymouth Volunteer Services 2011 Annual Report ......................................................................... Page 34 MINUTES Regular City Council Meeting Minutes 01/24/12 .......................... Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Minutes 01/26/12 .. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes 02/14/12 .......................... Special City Council Meeting Minutes 02/22/12 ........................... ................................................. Page 36 ................................................. Page 42 ................................................. Page 50 ................................................. Page 55 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life March 2012 Modified on 03101112 CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 1 1 2 3 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CITY SAMPLER Plymouth City Hall 4 5 6 7 7:30 AM 8 7:00 PM 9 10 STATE OF THE POLICE DEPT. CITY MEETING ANNUAL Council Chambers RECOGNITION EVENT Cancelled Plymouth Creek PLANNING Center COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 11 12 13 5:30 PM 14 15 16 17 SPECIAL 7:00 PM COUNCIL MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL Fire Study QUALITY Medicine Lake Room COMMITTEE (EQC) 6:30 PM HRA MEETING SPECIAL MEETING Council Chambers Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM Daylight Savings REGULAR COUNCIL Time Begins MEETING Council Chambers 18 19 20 21 7:00 PM PLANNING 22 5:30-8:00 PM 23 24 COMMISSION ENVIRONMENTAL MEETING QUALITY FAIR Council Chambers Kimberly Lane Elementary School 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISOR COMMITTEE ON 7:00 PM TRANSIT (PACT) HRA MEETING STUDY SESSION Medicine Lake Room Medicine Lake Room 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers Modified on 03101112 CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 1 r� City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life April 2012 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers Passover Begins at Sunset 8 9 10 6:00 PM 11 12 13 5:00-9:00 PM 14 BOARD OF 7:00 PM 5:00-9:00 PM PRIMAVERA 10:00 AM -4:00 P. EQUALIZATION ENVIRONMENTAL PRIMAVERA Plymouth Fine PRIMAVERA Council Chambers QUALITY Arts Council Show Plymouth Fine Art COMMITTEE Plymouth Fine Plymouth Creek Council Show Immediately (EQC) MEETING Arts Council Center Plymouth Creek Cent( Following BOE Council Chambers Show Plymouth Creek 6:00-8:00 PM 1:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL Center YARD Et GARDEN EXPO YARD Et GARDEN YAR Et Easter Sunday MEETING Plymouth Creek EXPO Council Chambers Center Fieldhouse Plymouth Creek Cent( 15 16 17 18 7:00 PM 19 20 21 1:00-4:00 PM 10:00 AM -4:00 PM PLANNING PRIMAVERA 7:00 PM -8:30 PM COMMISSION Plymouth Fine PRIMAVERA MEETING Arts Council Plymouth Fine Council Chambers Show Arts Council Plymouth Creek Show Center Plymouth Creek Center 22 23 246:00 PM BOARD OF 25 26 27 28 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM WALK EQUALIZATION PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING WITH THE MAYOR Reconvened ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room Plymouth if Necessary COMMITTEE ON Creek Center Council Chambers TRANSIT (PACT) Immediately STUDY SESSION Following BOE Medicine Lake Room REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers 29 30 Modified on 03101112 r�Plymouth Adding Quality to Life May 2012 Page 3 1 5:00 PM 2 7:00 PM 3 7:00 PM 4 5 SPECIAL COUNCIL PLANNING HUMAN RIGHTS MEETING COMMISSION COMMITTEE Development Tour MEETING MEETING With Planning Council Chambers Medicine Lake Room Commission Meet at City Hall 6 7 8 7:00 PM 9 7:00 PM 10 7:00 PM 11 12 REGULAR COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL PARK Et REC MEETING QUALITY ADVISORY Council Chambers COMMITTEE COMMISSION (EQC) MEETING (PRAC) MEETING Council Chambers Council Chambers 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 7:00 PM PLANNING 7:30 AM -2:00 Ph COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING DROP OFF DAY Council Chambers Plymouth Maintenance Facility 20 21 22 2 3 7:00 PM 24 7:00 PM 25 26 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING REGULAR COUNCIL ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room MEETING COMMITTEE ON Council Chambers TRANSIT (PACT) MEETING Medicine Lake Room 27 28 29 30 31 MEMORIAL DAY Observed CITY OFFICES CLOSED CHANGES IRE NOTED IN RED Page 3 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items March 13, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Fire Study March 13, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Announce Environmental Quality Fair on March 22 at Kimberly Lane Elementary School • Community Development Department's Annual Report • Approve amended ward and precinct boundaries • Approve the submission of a Hennepin County Transit Orientated Development (TOD) application (Quest Development, Inc.) • Approve 2012 Community Development Block Grant program year allocation • Presentation of Plymouth Metrolink Driver Awards • Approve Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit's Annual Report and 2012 Work Plan • Approve final plat for "Hampton Hills 4th Addition" for 32 single family lots located west of Pomerleau Lake on part of the former Hampton Hills golf course in Osseo and Wayzata School Districts. Tradition Development Corp. (2012005) • Approve donation of equipment for the Police Department March 27, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Approve 2012 Hauler License Renewals April 10, Board of Equalization, 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers April 10, Regular, Immediately following Board of Equalization, Council Chambers • Project and Assessment hearing on 2012 Street Reconstruction, Circle Park (12001) April 24, Board of Equalization (if necessary), 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers April 24, Regular, Immediately following Board of Equalization, Council Chambers May 1, 5:00 p.m. • Development tour with Planning Commission May 8, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers May 22, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. Page 4 elm creek Watershed Management Commission ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 3235 Fernbrook Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 PH: 763.553.1144 FAX: 763.553.9326 E-mail: judie@jass.biz February 28, 2012 Honorable Mayors and Council Members City Staff, Committees and Commissions Member Communities Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission Hennepin County, MN Re: Civic Engagement — March 22, 2012 presentation Elm Creek Watershed -wide Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Ladies and Gentlemen: TECHNICAL OFFICE Hennepin County, DES 417 North 5th Street Minneapolis, MN 55401-1397 PH: 612.596.1171 FAX: 612.348.8532 E-mail: Ali.Durgunoglu@co.hennepin.mn.us As you may be aware, Elm Creek is listed on the Federal Clean Water Act's 303(d) list of impaired waters. The section of Elm Creek from Rice Lake to the Mississippi River confluence is currently listed for dissolved oxygen (DO) impairment; and the upstream reaches and tributaries of Elm Creek (Rush and Diamond Creeks and Rice, Fish and Weaver Lakes) are listed for a range of impairments, including excessive nutrients, dissolved oxygen, biotic health and, potentially, bacteria. The Clean Water Act requires that a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and Implementation Plan be prepared for each Impaired Water, identifying the contributors to the impairments and outlining a plan for returning the waters to an unimpaired state. The Elm Creek Watershed -wide TMDL is approximately 50% complete, with work over the last three years focused primarily on monitoring and data analysis. Work over the next two years will focus on determining what pollutant loadings are coming from which of the communities in the watershed and how much each community needs to reduce those loadings so that water quality standards will be met. An integral part of the TMDL Implementation Plan is the Civic Engagement Process. In the past, watershed assessment and planning has largely been a government agency activity, with limited citizen involvement. Often citizens and stakeholders were given opportunities to become involved too late in the process when they could do little to influence policy decisions and implementation plans, resulting in limited ownership or buy -in to these plans. As a result, implementation of water quality plans and practices have often stagnated or not met goals developed for a particular watershed. This has led the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to reconsider the ways in which it studies and manages water pollution. In addition, The Clean Water Council has recommended that MPCA promote greater civic engagement in watershed planning by encouraging more citizens to become leaders for change in their communities and holding individuals personally responsible for making needed changes that could reduce water pollution. Since watershed protection and restoration depends largely on changing the behaviors of citizens who live on the land, it will require a real commitment at the community level to address problems in our lakes and streams. CHAMPLIN - CORCORAN - DAYTON - MAPLE GROVE - MEDINA - PLYMOUTH - ROGERS Page 5 Elm Creek TM DL elm creek Watershed Management Commission February 28, 2012 page 2 Early in the Elm Creek watershed -wide TMDL development a Stakeholder Committee was formed as part of the civic engagement process. Over the past two years the committee has met six times. Fifty-four individuals representing 24 communities, government agencies and neighborhood associations have attended these meetings. Based on the results of a collaborative study taken at the last Stakeholder meeting on October 26, 2011, it became very apparent that much more could be done to engage the cities and their residents in the TMDL process. In response to that survey the Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission has invited Barbara Radke from the University of Minnesota Extension -Center for Community Vitality in Leadership and Civic Engagement to lead a discussion about civic engagement — its meaning and application within a watershed management context. She will discuss a framework for thinking strategically and intentionally about citizen involvement efforts within existing and new watershed projects. Radke will speak at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 22, 2012, at Plymouth Ice Center, 3650 Plymouth Boulevard in Plymouth, MN. Because a light supper will be served, reservations are requested by March 20, and can be made by contacting Beverly Love, 763.553.1144 or blove@iass.biz. A flyer with complete information is attached. We urge you to attend and to promote this presentation with your councilors, staff, commissions and committees, lake associations and other interested citizens. Thank you. Sincerely, P'0� , Doug Baines Chair DB: jaa Ends Z:\Elm Creek\TMDLs\Stakeholder meet ings\L_civic engagement.doc Page 6 CHAMPLIN - CORCORAN - DAYTON - HASSAN - MAPLE GROVE - MEDINA - PLYMOUTH - ROGERS DOMINIUM February 29, 2012 RE: 10305 Bass Lake Road Plymouth, MN Dear Neighbors: We are planning a housing development at the above -captioned property, and will hold an informal neighborhood meeting to describe this proposal and obtain feedback. from neighbors prior to a more formal submission and application to the Plymouth City Council. The timing and location of the meeting are as follows: Plymouth City Hall Lunch Room 7:00 PM Thursday, March 8, 2012 Sincerely, 04 -- Jeff Huggett Vice President and Project Partner Dominium 2905 Northwest Blvd, Suite 150 • Plymouth, MN 55441-2644 • Corporate 7631354-5500 Fax 7631354-5519 -Web domgage lyrtments.com • Hennepin County Mailing Label Map Provided By: Taxpayer Services Department SN41,r 01-118-22-23 01-118.22-24 — 01-1 - 2-13 a �t CO RD No 16 'BT I 0'1-118-22-32 _ --3- 1 01-1182 -42 t ^[!r r 01-119-22-33: Oi- f 2-__�..{ ,'` -118-22-43'z For more information contact: Print Date: 2/27/2012 Legend: Hennepin County GIS Division 300 South 4th Street Map Scale: 1" = 455' Minneapolis, MN 55487 Buffer Size: 750 feet gis.info@co.hennepin.mn.us Water Major Roads Park -- Ming Roads Map Comments: Parcel 11 10305 - 10315 County Road No. 10 Buffer Region 4 Plymouth MN Selected Parcels �\ .-ter■■� ••�"�� WFiNN�PIN sass r rts�� Page 8 Ehlers Market Commentary February 28, 2012 As the World Turns - Again... Last September saw the end of the long-running television soap opera, As the World Turns. In more ways than one, that series (or at least its title) can be seen as a metaphor for the activities of credit markets. The bond market in the United States seems to be driven increasingly by world events, most recently those in Europe. And like any good soap opera, the European debt turmoil seems never-ending. While the world waits for a resolution, capital has tended toward safe haven investments, including U.S. Treasury Securities and municipal bonds. We are seeing interest rates on municipal bonds remain near the historic lows reached in January. So what is happening in Europe and is there an end in sight? Or, as it seemed for years with As the World Turns, is there just a series of crises, each different and yet the same in nature? The financial news this last week from Europe was mixed. After months of negotiations amongst public officials and private lenders, a group of large investors last week reportedly were willing to accept 46.5 cents on the "dollar" to exchange their Greek government bonds for a combination of new Greek bonds and notes from the European Financial Stability Facility. If this series of transactions is completed (it's not over until it's over...), it will be the biggest debt restructuring in history, involving about $175 billion. It should be noted that the debt exchange is voluntary, as presented, and the Greek government is currently crafting and considering legislation that would bind all private creditors to the exchange if at least 213 of the bondholders approve. A representative of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney was quoted by Bloomberg.com Friday as saying the proposed agreement "didn't represent a final solution to the problem". Conflicting quotes from news articles written last Saturday by different financial reporters on the same Bloomberg site illustrate the mixed reception this has had amongst market participants: "[U.S.] Treasuries rose, with 30 year bonds halting a three-week slide, amid concern Europe's rescue package for Greece won't fully resolve the region's sovereign -debt crisis. " "Italy's 10 year bonds rose for a seventh week, the longest run of gains in the euro -era, after a decision by European finance ministers to bail out Greece boosted demand for higher yielding assets. " Keep in mind that demand for riskier, higher -yielding assets (i.e. Italy) is relative to lesser demand for safer, lower -yielding assets like U.S. Treasuries and German Bunds. The next financial test for Europe will take place on February 27tl' and is the second in a series of "Long Term Refinancing Operations" (LTRO) in which the European Central Bank (ECB) is scheduled to offer three-year loans to European banks with expectations that banks will take down over $600 billion through the offering. The first such operation, in December 2011, saw European banks secure over $600 billion in ECB LTRO financing. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal on February 24th "investors have come to view these cheap loans to the Continent's struggling banks as central to the recent stability in peripheral European bond markets." EHLERS LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE vwwv.ehiers-inc.com Offices in Minnesota: (800) 552-1171 Wisconsin: (B00) 717-9712 Illinois: (800) 417-1119 Page 9 III IN iiiiiiiiiiiii MORE, IIIIIIFIN,i February 28, 2012 These wholesale financing activities of the ECB have taken a measure of stress out of the system, and banks and other players in the European financial markets can take a respite from deleveraging and selling assets due to a lack of cost-efficient term funding. As for the financial impact of the size of the loan sale, a representative of Barclay's Bank is quoted in that same article that a number much larger than the consensus $650 billion would indicate confidence in the European recovery, while a much lower number would disappoint the market. So, tune into the next episode to find out! "Back in the USA" The other big driver in financial markets is the U.S. economy. Uncertainty over the national economy's recovery and future actions by the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve have been overshadowed by European debt concerns, so far this year. The yield on the bellwether 10 -Year U.S. Treasury Note continues to hover around 2.00%. The 10 -Year T -Note has traded in a range of 1.79% to 2.16% since the start of November. Yields for highly -rated, 10 -year, tax-exempt municipal bonds, as tracked by Bloomberg and by Thompson Financial, have remained in the area of 1.90%, since falling about 0.20% in January. This reduction in yield has flown in the face of the President's budget proposal to limit the attractiveness of tax-exempt bonds for certain, higher -income taxpayers. Using a more local and decidedly less scientific gauge, the average true interest rate for the 51 competitive bond sales in our markets over the last two weeks was 1.85%, with 31 of the communities realizing rates of less than 2.00%. This is remarkable given that 13 of the issues with rates below 2.00% were longer than 10 years in maturity. Viewed from a longer-term perspective, the Bond Buyer Index of 20 -year, highly -rated municipal bonds remains near the 45 -year low point at 3.69%. Takeaways for Municipal Issuers Over the last year many communities have realized the benefits of financing their capital needs at these historically low interest rates and reaped the cost savings associated with refinancing existing debt. However, with the most recent drop in interest rates, even refinancings that did not produce savings three months ago are now worth another look. Many of these involve advance refundings, hi. which funds to repay existing non -callable bonds must be invested in very low -yielding escrows until the call date. Careful analysis is recommended in order to weigh the relative benefits of this means of refinancing as compared to waiting until the existing bonds may be called and prepaid. Factors to be considered include the risk that interest rates may rise in the future, the need to achieve budgetary relief in the present, and the fact that a tax-exempt advance refunding may be done only once in the life of each original issue of tax-exempt debt (one "kick at the can"). In addition, if there is a need for debt restructuring by refunding (whether "advance" or current), that cost is minimized by these current low rates. All in all, issuers should seek a financial advisor with both expertise and a fiduciary duty to look out for their best interests, as an organization's entire financial picture needs to be considered under such circumstances_ EHLERS LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE www.ehiers-inc.com Page 2 Page 10 02/28/2012 Hennepin Cty. Commissioner Stenglein to Head Downtown Council The Minneapolis Downtown Council said that Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Stenglein will join the organization as its new president and CEO; Stenglein will succeed longtime leader Sam Grabarski, who is retiring. The Minneapolis Downtown Council announced Friday that Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Stenglein will leave his current post to become the organization's new president and CEO. Stenglein will succeed Sam Grabarski, who has headed the council since 1996 and is retiring. Stenglein will start his new job on June 1. In his new role, one of Stenglein's focuses will be overseeing the implementation of the council's downtown Minneapolis revitalization plan—Intersections 2025—which it unveiled in December. Goals include advocating for a new Vikings stadium in the downtown area, doubling downtown's residential population, and building a linear park that will stretch from the light-rail station on Fifth Street to the Mississippi River. "Downtown Minneapolis is a thriving urban destination, and I am anxious to contribute to the future growth of the city," Stenglein said in a statement. "This is the perfect time for downtown businesses and elected leaders to bring their energy to the table to help preserve and grow what has been accomplished in Minneapolis." The council said that Grabarski will remain president emeritus of the Minneapolis Downtown Council for a transition period during which he will wrap up a few projects. Grabarski has been credited as one of the driving forces in the expansion of the Minneapolis Convention Center and in bringing the light rail, a new Twins ballpark, and a central library to downtown Minneapolis, among other efforts. "I've greatly enjoyed my time at the Minneapolis Downtown Council and I'm committed to a seamless period of transition between Mark and myself," Grabarski said in a statement. "He will make an excellent president and CEO during the exciting times ahead for downtown." Stenglein was elected Hennepin County Commissioner in 1996 and represents the 2nd District, which includes Plymouth, Medicine Lake, Crystal, Golden Valley, North Minneapolis, and Northeast Minneapolis. According to a Star Tribune report, Stenglein's county board seat will be up for election in November. State Senator Linda Higgins from Minneapolis reportedly said Friday that Page 11 she intends to run for the seat. She announced in November that she will not seek reelection to the Minnesota Legislature this fall. The Minneapolis Downtown Council was founded in 1955 and works to promote the city's downtown area as an attractive business, shopping, and tourist destination. —Nataleeya Boss Twin Cities Business Page 12 ne Eagan resident Deb Aune took this photo, from inside her home, of a coyote in the back yard. COYOTE HAZING CLASS Edina's free coyote hazing sessions run from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St., on March 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26 and 29. People are asked to register online at www.startribune.com/al088 If a session is full, Edina residents get priority. LIVING WITH COYOTES • Run at them, making noise and waving your arms, until they are out of sight. • Never confront a coyote that can't get away or appears ill. • Pick up fallen apples. Do not feed pets outside. • Keep cats inside and don't leave dogs outside alone. • Screen in spaces under decks and eliminate hiding places. Coyotes in your yard? Haze away! • Article by: MARY JANE SMETANKA • Star Tribune Page 13 February 25, 2012 - 9:45 AM Anthony Mirelez came to Edina City Hall this week to learn about hazing coyotes, but he wasn't in much of a learning mood. A couple of weeks earlier, he heard frantic yelping and saw a coyote trotting away with his son's little dog in its jaws. Mirelez sprinted after the coyote, yelling. It dropped the Pomeranian named Punto and slipped away between some houses. The dog is recovering. But Mirelez was still hot when he arrived Thursday night for a coyote hazing presentation by Tim Hunter, an Edina animal control officer. "I don't think we should coexist with them," said Mirelez, who told Hunter he thinks coyotes should be shot. "We're a first-tier suburb." The city is holding the sessions to try to teach residents how to safely live with predators that last spring had residents up in arms over attacks on small dogs. To a coyote, a cat or small dog wandering around the back yard looks much the same as a rabbit: it's fuzzy food. Even bigger dogs may not be safe if several coyotes join in an attack, Hunter said. For 90 minutes, Hunter built the case for hazing, which has been used in Denver and other cities that have permanent coyote populations. Coyotes have been reported throughout the Twin Cities area. He had some surprising advice: Run straight at a coyote, waving your hands and shouting. Shake a noisemaker; blow a whistle. Run at them until they disappear. "Hazing is the only thing that has long-range results for coyote management," he said. Hunter estimates that up to a couple dozen coyotes are living in and near Edina. They're adaptable and thriving, lacking such predators as bears and wolves. They like Edina's plentiful ponds and creeks, can scale 6 -foot fences and run 40 to 45 miles per hour. Coyotes eat garbage, bugs, fallen fruit, squirrels and mice that are drawn to bird feeders, even material from compost bins. They live in families, pairs or alone. Somes are actually foxes Page 14 About half of the reported coyote sightings in Edina are actually foxes, Hunter said. Coyotes are bigger, standing about knee-high on the average person. Their furry coats make them look bigger than their 35 to 40 pounds. They build dens in brush piles, culverts and under decks -- anywhere there's shelter. It's mating season now, and they're noisy, with a doglike bark that ends in yips and sometimes a short howl. When pups arrive this spring, the adults will go quiet and stick nearer their dens. In Edina, coyotes have been reported sunning on slopes within view of traffic, running through a bank parking lot near 50th and France and shadowing a dog walker. The point of hazing, Hunter said, is to teach coyotes that people and the places they frequent should be avoided. Hunter said there has never been a reported coyote attack on a hazing human. Hazing should be avoided if a coyote has no escape route -- the animal could feel it has no choice but to defend itself -- and it's best to back away from a coyote that appears ill, injured or lies on the ground and doesn't move when approached. Call 911, Hunter said. Hazing can be done by anyone, it's free, and it doesn't carry the risk that trapping or shooting does in a crowded suburb, he said. "Hazing isn't going to make coyotes leave the city," he said. "But it will make them change their behavior." The classes are taking place just as legislation is being sponsored in the Legislature to allow Minnesotans to hunt coyotes from aircraft and snowmobiles as part of a new proposal designed to curb animal populations. "The coyote population seems to be exploding," said state Rep. Torrey Westrom, R - Elbow Lake, a sponsor of the bill. It does not specify where the hunting could take place, leaving it up to the Department of Natural Resources commissioner to determine boundaries. Back at coyote class, some in the audience were skeptical. At least five of the 17 attendees had experienced a dog -coyote conflict, including one that ended in the death of a Shih Tzu in Minnetonka last year. "I'm happy they're educating people," the dog's owner said. "But I don't feel safe at all." For Nancy Haley of Edina, the presentation was reassuring. Last Sunday morning, she walked onto her Edina deck in bare feet and robe to find her lab mix barking wildly as a Page 15 coyote walked slowly past on the other side of an invisible fence, not even looking at the dog. Lean to coexist Hunter's information "gives me peace of mind," she said. "I can take actionable steps. I'm going to get that lattice under my deck [to prevent coyotes from hiding there]. "We have to learn to coexist." Mirelez said he will accompany his dogs outside, and he'll throw rocks at the next coyote he sees. He has a new tie -out for Punto, who has a tendency to disappear in search of squirrels. Hunter's presentation was "a good thing to start out with," he said. "But I really believe. ... they're a menace. I don't know if I want to start a new norm coexisting with them." Staff writer Baird Helgeson contributed to this report. Mary Jane Smetanka • 612-673- 7380 Twitter: @smetan © 2011 Star Tribune Page 16 StarTribune Tom and Kristen Ewers of Seattle and their two children were on hand last week to watch as the home they had bought in Edina was torn down. Tension builds in Edina over record pace of teardowns • Article by: STEPHANIE AUDETTE • Star Tribune • February 28, 2012 - 6:21 AM Janet Skalicky and her family have felt like prisoners in their Edina home. If it's not dust blowing in the windows in the summer, it's construction traffic and noise that has her kids wearing headphones to do their homework. Entertaining on the back patio? Forget it. "We look forward to enjoying our yard and our patio all winter long and we haven't been able to do that for at least two summers," said Skalicky, whose 50th and France -area neighborhood is the epicenter of teardowns in Edina. While teardowns -- razing an older home to build a new one -- happen throughout the Twin Cities, the pace appears to be unique to Edina, which had a record -tying 52 last year and is on track for even more this year. But as the level intensifies, tension is building between neighbors who say the construction is a noisy nuisance and the builders, who say they're in the business of Page 17 helping families build their dream homes and creating jobs and additional revenue in the process. Caught in the middle, the city is finalizing its response: a construction management plan, to be signed by the builder, that will be a new condition of obtaining a permit going forward. "It won't solve all the problems but this will be a good jumping-off point," said Steve Kirchman, Edina's chief building official, of the plan, which addresses issues such as parking, dust control and cleanup. Three blocks, 20 teardowns City Council Member Josh Sprague has heard the concerns loud and clear since the peak of construction season last summer. Sprague and Community Development Director Cary Teague came up with the plan, which also spells out everything from the times construction can take place to where workers can park their trucks and equipment. "Complaints are pretty divided among all the issues you have with new construction -- parking, trash, noise and an early start in the morning," explained Kirchman. "Nobody wants to be awakened at 6 in the morning by loud trucks." Skalicky is skeptical that the plan will really change anything. "The construction management plan I've read doesn't address the issues needed to alleviate future construction headaches," she said. "The amount of time a builder is allowed to disrupt a neighborhood in the evening, on weekends and on holidays is, to me, the biggest issue." The demolitions are concentrated north of Crosstown Hwy. 62 and in east Edina, where lots tend to be smaller and the houses older. Halifax Avenue S. falls into that area with a heavier concentration of teardowns. Residents estimate more than 20 houses have been torn down and rebuilt on a stretch of Halifax between 51st and 54th Streets. "In the last three years there hasn't been a day where there hasn't been a dumpster for tearing down houses between 51 st and 54th," said Karel Laing, a Halifax Avenue resident. 'Respect the Neighborhood' With several builders vying for the teardown business, expertise in minimizing the impact on the neighborhood can vary greatly. Page 18 Skalicky said one builder, Great Neighborhood Homes, has worked hard to make the process go more smoothly. The company, based in Edina, holds meetings for neighbors when a teardown is upcoming and puts up "Respect the Neighborhood" signs on-site, asking workers for the various contractors to clean up the site daily and avoid playing loud music, among other requests. Company president Scott Busyn acknowledged the noticeably higher concentration of construction on Halifax Avenue in the past few years, but is quick to point out his firm's efforts. "Construction is dirty, noisy and messy. We want to make it the least disruptive possible." The upside: Jobs, revenue Standing in front of a teardown most recently owned by an elderly couple in the 5300 block of Kellogg Avenue last week, Busyn said the demolition and rebuilding of one house alone utilizes 75 trades, from masons to excavation crews. With all the activity, he said, "hundreds of jobs are being created in this small area here, which is awesome for the economy." Of the construction management plan, he said: "I think it will be a good tool to ensure consistency across different builders." As far as the city is concerned, the redevelopment is positive on two fronts. "Aside from the revenues that come with the redevelopment of its residential housing stock, it brings a vitality to our community," said Edina City Manager Scott Neal. "But we definitely understand the inconvenience that it created for the neighborhood." Commercial and residential permit revenue is expected to bring in $1.5 to $2 million in 2012, he said. In addition, he said, construction of new, more expensive homes creates a larger tax revenue stream. City Council Member Joni Bennett said the teardown trend represents a strong, still - growing community and a place where people want to live. "We have a wonderful school district, our location is ideal, we are a pretty ideal community," Bennett said. "With the neighborhoods on the east of the city, we offer the Page 19 closeness of places like 50th and France, so people who want to get to places on foot find it pretty easy to do that." Edina Realty agent John Everett echoed those strong selling points that make Edina the total package for younger families, but he added that the existing homes in the area aren't always functional. "Younger people today want a modernized home in a desirable location," he said. "It's always been location, location, location." Stephanie Audette is a University of Minnesota journalism student on assignment for the Star Tribune. @2011 Star Tribune Page 20 MEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447 DATE: February 24, 2012 TO: Laurie Ahrens FROM: Diane Evans, Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Plymouth New Hope Little League Association (PNHLL) RECENT MEETING OVERVIEW Date: February 10, 2012 City: Council Member Ginny Black and Diane Evans PNHLL: Pam Segal (President) and Sholly Blustin (Jr. League Coordinator) ■ PNHLL is requesting support from the City Council to make field changes at Zachary Playfield. They would like to change field #5 (medium sized field) to a large sized field for a new baseball program for 13-16 year olds. Field # 5 at Zachary has traditionally and is currently scheduled for Robbinsdale Area Youth Baseball (RAYBA) who needs a medium sized field for their program. Other comments from PNHLL: would like to create synergy between players and teams by having access to fields in close proximity; increased concession revenue; PNHLL would pay for field changes; PNHLL believes that a 2006 agreement with the City should allow them scheduling priority; PNHLL could use field #6 at Zachary, which is a large sized field, but feels that the field is to far removed from their other fields and they have safety concerns. PAST MEETINGS & OVERVIEW Date: January, 2012 City: Dan Lauer (Recreation Supervisor) & Susan Muelken (PCC Manager) PNHLL: Pam Segal (President) and Sholly Blustin (Jr. League Coordinator) Date: December, 2011 City: Dan Lauer (Recreation Supervisor); Susan Muelken (PCC Manager); Diane Evans (Director) and Regina Michaud (Rec. Manager) PNHLL: John Vecere (representing PNHLL) Page 21 ■ PNHLL wanted to discuss the expansion of their organization's programs to include a new 13-16 year old baseball program that will be run in 2012. Traditionally, PNHLL has run programs for 8- 12 year olds. The new program is in direct competition with the established RAYBA program. In 2011, PNHLL collaborated with RAYBA to jointly coordinate this program. RAYBA has been independently running the older youth (13-18 year olds) program for the last thirty years or more, using field #5 (medium sized field to south of hockey rinks) and field #6 (large sized field to the north of hockey rinks) at Zachary Playfield. The joint venture was a new initiative that ended badly. As a result of the unsuccessful 2011 collaboration, PNHLL is attempting to expand their program to cover the same age group that RAYBA programs. ■ In order for PNHLL to run their new program, o PNHLL wants to use Zachary Playfield #5, which is ideally located in conjunction with the other fields they utilize at Zachary but it is not the appropriate size; o PNHLL wants to change/renovate the field from a medium to a large size field; o Zachary field #5 is one of two medium sized fields maintained within our park system; o Zachary field #5 is currently used by RAYBA as a medium sized field, so any change would directly affect RAYBA's ability to run their program on an appropriately sized field. o PNHLL representatives also indicated that they believe a 2006 agreement between the City of Plymouth and PNHLL gives them scheduling priority over other association programs at Zachary Playfield as a result of the Zachary Playfield redevelopment project Staff has met with the RAYBA president and they have confirmed that their organization is still viable and they intend to continue offering their baseball program on Zachary field #5. Staff will be looking at their 2012 summer program to determine their future viability. STAFF POSITION Staff has been maintaining status quo operations and scheduling with all of the athletic associations for the last few years as we do not have fields and/or facility capacity to accommodate growth. Staff has worked closely with all of the associations to accommodate fluxuations in association program participant and/or field needs while keeping field adjustments to a minimum. In fact, many minor adjustments are handled internally by the individual athletic association schedulers, who tighten up practice/game usage to maximize use of their field(s). It may be possible to better maximize the scheduling and use of fields/facilities by changing the administrative fee methodology from a $10 participant fee to an hourly field usage fee. The methodology change would require associations to schedule the fields and facilities more effectively to minimize their costs, which in -turn would potentially free up fields and facilities. Maintaining status quo has been important for staff as a means to justify approval or denial of the numerous requests from other organizations and groups who would like access to Plymouth fields and facilities. A recent example is Hamel Baseball Association (HBA) who has been requesting access to Plymouth fields for the past 2-3 years. We have been denying their requests as honoring them would Page 22 mean that HBA would be in direct competition with the Plymouth Wayzata Youth Baseball Association (PWYBA) and WYBA would lose fields/field time at Greenwood Sports Complex or other fields. Another example from a few years back was a request from a resident group that did not like their experience with PNHLL and PWYBA. Consequently, they wanted to start a new Gopher State Team in the community with access to Plymouth's fields and facilities. The group's request was denied. General Comments: ■ Maintain Status Quo — not enough field capacity for more programs; ■ Medium sized fields in the community are limited — we typically have 12-15 teams scheduling games on four fields (Oakwood Playfield; Wayzata West Middle School; Zachary Playfield; Gleason Lake). Oakwood and Zachary are the two medium sized field maintained within the Plymouth park system. ■ Maximizing Field Usage —staff intends to schedule athletic association teams on available Plymouth fields (i.e. PWYBA using field #5 at Zachary which would put them at the same playfield that PNHLL uses). This is a major concern for PNHLL as they feel this will result in unsportsmanlike behavior from players and spectators. ■ Each year, staff re -assesses athletic association field/facility distribution. In regard to the agreement between the City of Plymouth and PNHLL on the use and scheduling of Zachary Playfield, Staff would contend that the agreement refers only to the three renovated little league fields that were financially supported by PNHLL. And, that it did not refer to the other Zachary Playfield baseball fields (including field #5) or the soccer fields. Page 23 GENERAL FIELD INFORMATION (those utilized by PNHLL & RAYBA) FACILITY FIELDS SCHEDULED USERS COMMENTS Zachary 6 ballfields/2 soccer Zachary Playfield 5,276 Playfield Field 1 (Small) Recreation/PNHLL/Dist. 281 Zachary Elem. Field 2 (Little League) PNHLL RAYBA Zachary Playfield Field 3 (Little League) PNHLL/Dist. 281 103 Field 4 (Little League) PNHLL Field 5 (Medium) RAYBA Under utilized 175 Field 6 (Large) RAYBA/Dist. 281 Greenwood; Oakwood; Bass Lake 2 ballfields/2 soccer 955 Playfield Field 1 (Small) Recreation/OMGAA SB/West Lutheran Field 6 (Large) RAYBA/Dist 281 /OMGAA BB/Providence Zachary 2 ballfields/1 soccer Elem. Field (Small) PNHLL/Recreation Field (Small) PNHLL/Receation GROUP FIELD/FACILITIES 2011 HOURS USED #PARTICIPANTS #PLYMOUTH PNHLL Zachary Playfield 5,276 616 358 Zachary Elem. RAYBA Zachary Playfield 1,664 278 103 Bass Lake Playfield OMGGA Bass Lake Playfield 325 175 17 PWYBA Greenwood; Oakwood; 20,644 1489 955 Plymouth Creek; Parkers; Ridgemount; LaCompte Page 24 LHA47—�Jo City of Plyr,,cuth Park Asset Maintenaa,cz Eoi[ar Co To Fark Starch All ACtrilbut_5 Page 25 http:l/gis.logis.org/plymouth/pl_parkdemo/ City of Plymouth Park Asset Maiitenance Editor Cc To *ark en Ail At-Ilibute!; .i ,per. . http://gis.loc,is.org/plymouth/pl_parkdzmol _park -demo/ Page 26 MEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447 DATE: February 27, 2012 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Regina Michaud, Recreation Manager through Diane Evans, Director of Parks &Recreation SUBJECT: Parks & Rec Spring/Summer Activity Guide Plymouth Parks & Rec Spring/Summer Activity Guide now Available The activity guide was brought to the post office on Monday, February 27th for delivery to Plymouth residents as well as non-resident activity guide subscribers by the week of March 5th. A limited number of activity guides are also available for pick- up at the Plymouth Creek Center, Plymouth Ice Center and City Hall beginning March 6th For those that want faster access to the information, the activity guide is also available to view and/or download from the City website. Links to the activity guide and special events information are below. Spring/summer registration begins March 13th for residents and March 20th for non-residents. Activity Guide Link: http://www.Plymouthmn.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=7633 Special Events Link: http://www.Plymouthmn.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=7635 Page 27 DATE: February 28, 2012 TO: Council Information Memo FROM: Derek Asche, Water Resources Manager SUBJECT: Draft South Metro Mississippi River Total Suspended Solids Total Maximum Daily Load Report The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued the South Metro Mississippi River Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report for public comment. The Minnesota Cities Stormwater Coalition has brought several points in the report to the attention of municipalities who would be regulated under this TMDL including: • 25% of the reduction is proposed to come from regulated operators of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) such as the City of Plymouth. • The MS4 land area is 6.4% of the drainage area. • The current estimated TSS load generated by the MS4's is 5.8% of the total load. • 25% of the 5.8% total load is approximately 1.5% of the current total load. • The estimated cost to the 217 MS4's to meet the standards, as proposed from the report, is $850,000,000. • The MPCA will require MS4's to incorporate development and re -development regulations to assist in meeting the TMDL goals. Additionally, municipalities may demonstrate though water quality monitoring and modeling that they already meet the TMDL goals. The proposed reductions are based on TSS loading in 2002. It is not clear what the impact would be to the City of Plymouth, if any. attachment 0:%UfilitiesSStmw Server and Water Res0ureeskWater QualityNAlumielpal Separate Storm Seaver System(M54)12012WaISou(h Metro AIississippt TSS TNIDL.dues Page 28 February 2012 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Watershed Division Notice of Availability of the Draft South Metro Mississippi Total Suspended Solids Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Report and Request for Comment. Public Comment Period Begins: February 27, 2012 Public Comment Period Ends: April 27, 2012 The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPGA) is requesting comments on the draft South Metro Mississippi Total Suspended Solids TMDL report. The draft TMDL report is available for review at: fray://www.,2ca.state.mn.us/ktgh98h. Following the comment period, the MPCA will revise the draft TMDL report and submit it to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval. A TMDL is a scientific study that is conducted on waters designated as impaired and is required by the federal Clean Water Act. A TMDL study calculates the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and continue to meet water quality standards for designated beneficial uses. It is a process that identifies all the sources of the pollutant causing the impairment and allocates allowable loads among them. This multi-year effort results in a pollution reduction plan and engages stakeholders and the general public. An approved TMDL is followed by implementation activities for achieving the necessary reductions. The state of Minnesota lists the Mississippi River from its confluence with the Minnesota River (River Mile 844), near Lock and Dam 1, to upper Lake Pepin (River Mile 780), near Lock and Dam 4, as impaired by turbidity. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is addressing the turbidity impairment with a site specific standard, developed by the agency with input from the project's Stakeholder Advisory Committee and Science Advisory Panel, for Total Suspended Solids (TSS) for two reasons: I) To mitigate difficulties in comparing monitoring data from different measures of turbidity; and 2) To achieve specific aquatic life goals. The site-specific TSS standard is 32 milligrams per liter TSS summer average, to be achieved in at least five years of a 10 -year period. The purpose of the TSS standard is to support aquatic life, with an emphasis on submersed aquatic vegetation in shallower parts of the river main channel, side channels and backwaters. The MPCA Citizens 13oard approved the site-specific standard on June 22, 2010, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the standard on Nov. 7, 2010. Page 29 The MPGA, with input from the stakeholder and science advisory groups, developed a TMDL to achieve this standard. The agency used a three-dimensional hydrodynamic computer model to process 22 years of empirical data in order to determine the maximum TSS loads that can be allowed without exceeding the TSS standard for the South Metro Mississippi River. The TMDL divides this total load, called the loading capacity, into component TSS loads from upstream tributaries and permitted TSS sources consistent with achieving the water quality standard at a range of river flows, from low flow to high flow. The TMDL assigns Waste Load Allocations (WLAs) to permitted stormwater and wastewater dischargers which contribute to the TSS impairment. The TMDL also establishes Load Allocations (LAs) for the non -point source components of TSS. Natural background TSS also is determined. A margin of safety (MOS) is provided to account for uncertainty. South Metro Mississippi Background The South Metro Mississippi is a term the MPCA uses to designate the turbidity -impaired portion of the Mississippi that flows approximately 64 miles from the mouth of the Minnesota River, near Lock and Dam 1, to upper Lake Pepin, near Lock and Dam 4. This stretch of river has benefited from improved wastewater treatment and the separation of storm water from sanitary sewer lines over the past two decades, resulting in a significant improvement in several indicators of river health, such as dissolved oxygen, ammonia, and fish abundance. However, it remains severely impaired by suspended solids that prevent the growth of healthy rooted vegetation in shallower areas of the river, especially between the St Paul barge terminal and Hastings. The Minnesota River contributes 74 percent of the load of total suspended solids (TSS) that keeps this reach of the Mississippi turbid with reduced frequency of submersed aquatic vegetation. Smaller but still significant TSS loads are contributed by the Upper Mississippi and Cannon rivers. The St. Croix River contributes clear water to the Mississippi, abating the degree of turbidity downstream of Hastings. The MPCA developed the South Metro Mississippi Lake Pepin TMDL in collaboration with state and federal agencies, including the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, under the advisement of a broad-based Stakeholder Advisory Committee chaired by the MPCA and a Science Advisory Panel chaired by the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center. The MPCA contracted Limno-Tech, Inc. to develop a computer model of the Mississippi River from Lock and Dam 1 to Lock and Dam 4. The MPCA uses the Upper Mississippi River -Lake Pepin model to evaluate alternative means of meeting water quality standards in the Mississippi. Waste Load Allocation Waste Load Allocations are determined for stormwater and wastewater dischargers with a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) pert -nit. An aggregate waste load Page 30 allocation is determined for the 200 -plus Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) communities in the South Metro Mississippi River watershed. Aggregate waste load allocations also are developed for construction and stormwater permittees. The waste load allocations will be implemented through individual NPDES permits for MS4s, construction and industrial stormwater. Individual waste load allocations are determined for wastewater treatment facilities with permitted discharge concentrations exceeding the 32 mg/L TSS water quality standard for the South Metro Mississippi River. Waste load allocations are equal to current permitted load (concentration times flow), plus 50 percent reserve capacity for growth. Waste load allocations will be incorporated into individual NPDES permits. Load AIlocation The great majority of TSS is from erosion in agricultural areas. Load allocations and natural background for TSS are determined for upstream areas that drain to the South Metro Mississippi River. The greatest reductions from current TSS loads need to occur in the Minnesota River Basin, which currently accounts for 74 percent of the TSS load to the impaired reach of the Mississippi River. A 50 -percent reduction is needed at higher flows, and 50 percent at lower flows. A 50 -percent reduction also is required of the Cannon River. TSS load reductions of 20 percent are required of the Upper Mississippi, rural parts of the Twin Cities area, and small watersheds in Minnesota and Wisconsin that discharge directly to the impaired reach. Implementation strategies are outlined in the draft TMDL report. However, the MPCA will work with stakeholders and science advisers to identify more specific measures to achieve the needed reductions in TSS loads. Preliminary Determination on the Draft TMDL Report: The MPCA Commissioner has made a preliminary determination to submit this TMDL report to the EPA for final approval. A draft TMDL report and fact sheet are available for review at the MPCA office at the address listed below, and at the MPCA website: http.11www.pea.state.mn.us/ktgh98b. Written Comments: You may submit written comments on the conditions of the draft TMDL Report or on the Commissioner's preliminary determination. Written comments must include the following: 1. A statement of your interest in the draft TMDL report; 2. A statement of the action you wish the MPCA to take, including specific references to sections of the draft TMDL that you believe should be changed; and 3. The reasons supporting your position, stated with sufficient specificity as to allow the MPCA Commissioner to investigate the merits of your position. Written comments on the draft TMDL report must be sent to the MPCA contact person listed below and received by 4:30 p.m. on the date the public comment period ends, identified on page Page 31 I of this notice. Suggested changes will be considered before the final TMDL report is sent to the EPA for approval. Agency Contact Person: Written comments and requests for more information should be directed to: Robert Finley Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 2165 Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: (direct) 507-344-5247 Minnesota Toll Free: 1-800-657-3864 Fax: 507-389-5422 E-mail: rohert finley@state.mmus TTY users may call the MPCA teletypewriter at 651-282-5332 or 1-800-657-3864. Petition for Public Informational Meeting: You also may request that the MPCA Commissioner hold a public informational meeting. A public informational meeting is an informal meeting that the MPCA may hold to solicit public comment and statements on matters before the MPGA, and to help clarify and resolve issues. A petition requesting a public informational meeting must include the following information: 1. A statement identifying the matter of concern; 2. The information required under items 1 through 3 of "Written Comments," identified above; 3. A statement of the reasons the MPCA should hold a public informational meeting; and 4. The issues that you would like the MPCA to address at the public informational meeting. Petition for Contested Case Hearing: You also may submit a petition for a contested case hearing. A contested case hearing is a formal evidentiary hearing before an administrative law judge. In accordance with Minn. R. 7000.1900, the MPCA will grant a petition to hold a contested case hearing if it finds that: (1) there is a material issue of fact in dispute concerning the draft TMDL report; (2) the MPCA has the jurisdiction to make a determination on the disputed material issue of fact; and (3) there is a reasonable basis underlying the disputed material issue of fact or facts such that the holding of the contested case hearing would allow the introduction of information that would aid the MPCA in resolving the disputed facts in making a final decision on the draft TMDL report. A material issue of fact means a fact question, as distinguished from a policy question, whose resolution could have a direct bearing on a final MPCA decision. A petition for a contested case hearing must include the following information: Page 32 A statement of reasons or proposed findings supporting the MPCA decision to hold a contested case hearing according to the criteria in Minn, R. 7000.1900, as discussed above; and 2. A statement of the issues proposed to be addressed by a contested case hearing and the specific relief requested or resolution of the matter. In addition and to the extent known, a petition for a contested case hearing should also include the following information: 1. A proposed list of prospective witnesses to be called, including experts, with a brief description of proposed testimony or summary of evidence to be presented at a contested case hearing; 2. A proposed list of publications, references, or studies to be introduced and relied upon at a contested case hearing; and 3. An estimate of time required for you to present the matter at a contested case hearing. MPCA Decision: You may submit a petition to the Commissioner requesting that the MPCA Citizens' Board consider the TMDL report approval. To be considered timely, the petition must be received by the MPCA by 4:30 p.m. on the date the public comment period ends, identified on page 1 of this notice. Under the provisions of Minn. Stat. § 116.02, subd 6(4), the decision whether to submit the TMDL report and, if so, under what terms will be presented to the Board for decision if: (1) the Commissioner grants the petition requesting the matter be presented to the Board; (2) one or more Board members request to hear the matter before the time the Commissioner makes a final decision on the TMDL report; or (3) a timely request for a contested case hearing is pending. You may participate in the activities of the MPCA Board as provided in Minn. R. 7000.0650. The written comments, requests, and petitions submitted on or before the last day of the public comment period will be considered in the final decision on this TMDL report. If the MPCA does not receive written comments, requests, or petitions during the public comment period, MPCA staff as authorized by the Board, will make the final decision on the draft TMDL report. Page 33 data entry computer instructor police reserves soccer coach primavera llennium garden ski chaperone znteer in the park Hers market aide south arts council clerical aisle yard & garden rehearsal coordinator :lower planting fire cr ice ner teen volunteer mouth on parade pecial mailings Page 34 The city's volunteer program is successful because we empower the volunteers re.1.2vr6 By placing them in roles that match their skill sets and trusting their abilities, we encourage their efforts and benefit from their successes. A perfect example of this is our event captains. Volunteers identified with strong leadership and problem -solving skills take on greater roles of responsibility during major events including Fire & Ice, Yard & Garden Expo, Plymouth on Parade, Halloween at the Creek and New Year's Eve. Staff assigns them specific leadership roles and then trusts their ability to make sound decisions that will keep the event running smoothly. One event captain commented, "I find helping out with these events so fulfilling. It's allowing a part of my personality to flourish, which encourages my confidence and provides overall satisfaction." A Record -Breaking Year! 27,062 hours - a record number! • 1,859 volunteers - a 30% increase over last year. Some volunteers participated in more than one department and/or program. Value to the City Volunteer hours are valued at $578,044 of contributions in kind. • The number of hours contributed is equivalent to 13 FTE. By the Numbers 480 individuals made initial contact with the Volunteer Services office. • 151 applications were received. • 91 potential candidates were interviewed for regular or short-term positions. New Volunteer Tasks This Year Developing a coloring book for watershed education • Tree inventory in parks and public thoroughfares • Feasibility research on developing a package of water resource materials that residents can use to conserve water • Environmental outreach in elementary schools • Cashier assistant • Landscape maintenance at Fire Station 1 • Farmer's Market newsletter writer • Scan documents and save electronic copies • Power wash and stain park benches Special Events 51 special events city-wide • 1,026 special event shifts Who are our Volunteers? 82% are Plymouth residents. • Volunteers came from 31 different cities. • 28% teens, 49% adults and 23% seniors • More women (53%) than men (47%) • 34 different community groups participated. • 6 Boy Scouts completed Eagle Scout projects in the parks. • 543 families adopted fire hydrants. • 186 individuals coordinated Night to Unite events. Make a Difference - Volunteer! 221 coaches - 1243 youth served • 21 ski chaperones - 526 youth served • 61 Park & Recreation Summer Teen volunteers - 2369 youth served • 45 parks adopted • 38 of miles of trail/streets adopted Top 5 Ways Volunteers Heard o Park & Recreation Activities Guide About Us City staff/volunteer • Club Y.E.S. (Youth Extending Service) at Wayzata High School • City website • Family member Why Volunteer? "Plymouth is such a great place to live. I love this place!" • "I want to adopt a trail in honor of my late dog, Rocky." • "The experience of being a Summer Teen Volunteer for the last four years has been priceless. Being a staff leader is my number one summer job priority next year." • "I've really enjoyed being involved with the City!" Pae 35 "I g • make a difference and I'm only nine! I love volunteering." Adopted Minutes Regular Council Meeting January 24, 2012 Mayor Slavik called a Regular Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on January 24, 2012. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Stein, Willis, Johnson, Black, and Wosje. ABSENT: Councilmember Bildsoe. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, City Attorney Knutson, Parks and Recreation Director Evans, Public Works Director Cote, Community Development Director Juetten, Deputy Fire Chief Springer, Police Chief Goldstein, Deputy Police Chief Plekkenpol, and City Clerk Engdahl. Plymouth Forum No one was present to address the Council. Presentations and Public Information Announcements (4.02) Announcement of Fire and Ice Festival on February 4 at Parkers Lake Park Parks and Recreation Director Evans announced this year's Fire and Ice Festival on February 4 at Parkers Lake Park. Mayor Slavik announced that the fieldhouse is open for walkers and joggers free of charge during the winter months. Approval of Agenda Motion was made by Councilmember Willis and seconded by Councilmember Black, to approve thea eg nda. With all members voting in favor the motion carried. Consent Agenda Adopted Minutes 1 of 6 Regular Meeting of January 24, 2012 Page 36 Item 6.17 was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General Business as item No. 8.03. Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt the Consent Agenda that included the followingitems: (6.01) Special Meeting minutes of January 3 and January 10 and Regular Meeting minutes of January 10. (6.02) Resolution Approving Disbursements ending January 14, 2012 (Res2012-021). (6.03) Resolution Approving Renewal of 3.2 Malt On -Sale and Off -Sale Liquor, Off -Sale Intoxicating Liquor, On -Sale and Sunday Intoxicating Liquor, and Wine Licenses for 2012 (Res2012-022). (6.04) Resolution Approving Temporary On -Sale Liquor Applications for the Plymouth Arts Council for Events in 2012 (Res2012-023). (6.05) Resolution Approving Change Order No. 1 for 2010 Mill and Overlay Project (10005 - Res2012-024) and a Resolution Approving Payment No. 2 and Final for 2010 Mill and Overlay Project (10005 — Res2012-025). (6.06) Ordinance Amending Section 1015 of the City Code Concerning Utility Fees (Ord2012- 02). (6.07) Ordinance Amending Section 1015 of the City Code Concerning Water and Sanitary Sewer Permit Fees (Ord2012-03). (6.08) Resolution Approving the Filling of Wetlands and the Wetland Replacement Plan Application for Crossroad Commons (2011014 - Res2012-026). (6.09) Resolution Adopting Findings of Fact for Denial of 2012 Renewal Application for Massage Therapy Certificate for Yue Chang (Res2012-027). (6.10) Resolution Approving a Final Plat and Development Contract for "Crossroads Commons" for Property located Southeast of Highway 55 and Cottonwood Lane (2011014-F — Res2012- 028). (6.11) Resolution Approving Joint Powers Agreement with State of Minnesota, Material Management Division, for the Cooperative Purchasing Venture (Res2012-029). (6.12) Ordinance Amending the Zoning Ordinance to Classify Certain Land located at 14509 Gleason Lake Drive for Gleason Lake Heights (2011085 — Ord2012-04), Resolution Adopting Findings of Fact (Res2012-030), and a Resolution Approving a Preliminary and Final Plat for Hanson Builders, Inc. (2011085 — Res2012-031). Adopted Minutes 2 of 6 Regular Meeting of January 24, 2012 Page 37 (6.13) Resolution Approving Acceptance of Emergency Grant Funds from Hennepin County Emergency Management (Res2012-032). (6.14) Resolution Approving Amendment to Sanitary Sewer Service Agreement with Maple Grove for the Extension of Trunk Sanitary Sewer (3106 — Res2012-033). (6.15) Resolution Approving the 2012 Pay Equity Report (Res2012-034). (6.16) Resolution Approving the 2012 Pay Schedule for Members of the Plymouth Fire Department and Authorizing Reimbursement of One -Half the Disability Insurance Premium to the Fire Relief Association (Res2012-035). (6.17) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General Business as item No. 8.03). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Public Hearings (7.01) Denial of Renewal Application of Massage Therapy License for Steve Ekland Deputy Police Chief Plekkenpol stated tonight is the hearing on the appeal of the denial of a renewal application for a Massage Therapy License for Steve Ekland. He stated Mr. Ekland requested a hearing on the denial of this license. Mayor Slavik opened the public hearing. Deputy Police Chief Plekkenpol stated the Police Department conducted the background investigation of the renewal application and concluded that the application would be denied based on Section 113 5.13, Subd. (a) and (b) of the City Code and being charged on April 28, 2011 for prescription fraud in Ramsey County. Steve Ekland, applicant, stated he was addicted to drugs. However, after jail he went to treatment at Regency Hospital for 21 days and has been sober for nine months. He has been practicing massage for nine years and currently practices at Massage Retreat. In November 2011, he was approached by the University of Minnesota's swimming and diving team to be their therapist and he accepted. He stated his massage therapist license means a lot to him. He made a mistake, but his life has changed so much the past nine months and it has gone in a positive direction. Mayor Slavik declared the public hearing closed. Adopted Minutes 3 of 6 Regular Meeting of January 24, 2012 Page 38 Councilmember Stein asked Mr. Ekland if the University of Minnesota did a background check on him. Mr. Ekland replied yes, and from he understands, it was a very extensive background check. Councilmember Willis noted that there was no conviction for the incident that occurred on April 28, 2011 in Ramsey County. He stated it might be in the community's best interest to acknowledge Mr. Ekland's commitment to his recovery and provide him a chance for licensure. Councilmembers Black and Wosje agreed. Councilmember Wosje added that he wants to make sure that the City is being consistent with the background investigations that if there isn't a conviction, staff will issue the certificate. Councilmember Stein stated he doesn't feel that the Council can deny his license. Mr. Ekland doesn't own a massage therapy business so his problem wasn't due to his business. Motion by Councilmember Stein, and seconded by Councilmember Willis, to adopt a Resolution Granting Appeal of Denial of Massage Therapist License for Steve Ekland (Res2012-036). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. General Business (8.01) Planned Unit Development Amendment for Improvements to Plymouth Auto Center at 16825 County Road 24 (2011072) Community Development Director Juetten stated this item was before the Council on January 10, 2012. Council approved portions of the application at that meeting, and what was held over to this meeting was the hours of operation. The current hours of operation are 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. and the applicant is requesting 5:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Councilmember Stein asked if the employees are allowed to be at the business before they open. Community Development Director Juetten replied yes, the employees can be there 24 hours. Liz Nalezny, applicant, stated due to safety reasons, they need to have two employees on site. Therefore, they prefer to be open at 5:00 a.m. if they have two employees there. Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Stein, to deny the request to extend the business hours and keep the current hours. Councilmember Wosje stated he wants to be supportive of the business community whenever possible. However, he also needs to take into account how the adjacent residents to this business feel. He stated he contacted the 12 of the 19 property owners in the area regarding the request to extend the business hours. Five of them had concerns with the extra hour. Therefore, he doesn't support the request to extend the business hours. Adopted Minutes 4 of 6 Regular Meeting of January 24, 2012 Page 39 The Council voted on the motion, and with Willis, Wosje, Stein, and Slavik voting yes, and Black and Johnson voting no, the motion carried. (8.02) Site Plan Amendment for St. Jude Medical, 5050 Nathan Lane Jack Yates, applicant, provided a presentation on the expansion of their facility. Councilmember Black asked about future traffic plans in this area and delivery times to this company. She stated there is a significant amount of traffic in the area with U.S. Foods to the north. Community Development Director Juetten showed the new access points to the frontage road. He stated the frontage road goes to Schmidt Lake Road and then out to Highway 169. He noted there signalization would be needed at the intersection of Nathan Lane and Schmidt Lake Road in the near future. St. Jude would be responsible for that improvement. Councilmember Black requested that the Nathan/Schmidt Lake Road intersection be evaluated for a round -about and that the evaluation consider the cost of installing and maintaining a traffic signal vs. the acquisition of additional property for and the cost of installation of a round -about. Mr. Yates stated there won't be an increase in deliveries as they aren't increasing the manufacturing staff. However, they do intend to do a noise study. He stated 75% of their employees is research and 25% is manufacturing with staggered shifts. Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt a Resolution Approving a Site Plan Amendment for St. Jude Medical to Construct a 275,000 square foot Building Addition, Parking Expansion and Related Site Improvements located at 5050 Nathan Lane (2011081 - Res2012-037). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. (8.03) 2012 Street Reconstruction Project, Circle Park (12001) Councilmember Black stated she received a call from resident asking if there could be an alternative for a ribbon curb. Mayor Slavik asked if it would be an additional burden to request bids for a ribbon curb. Public Works Director Cote cautioned that it might not be that simple to change to a ribbon curb in order to correct the drainage problems. He stated some areas do have ditches and culverts under the driveways, but there are other areas where there is no drainage and water sits on the side of the roadways. Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Stein, to adopt a Resolution Ordering PreliminM Engineering Report (12001 — Res2012-038), Resolution Receiving Preliminary Engineering eering Report, Ordering Preparation of Plans and Specifications, and Calling for a Project Hearing on April 10 (12001 — Res2012-039), Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications, and Ordering Advertisement for Bids (12001 — Res2012-040), Resolution Declaring Cost to be Assessed, and Ordering Preparation of Proposed Assessment Adopted Minutes 5 of 6 Regular Meeting of January 24, 2012 Page 40 (12001 — Res2012-041), and a Resolution Calling for an Assessment Hearing on April 10 (2001 — Res2012-042). With all members voting in favor but Black, the motion carried. Reports and Staff Recommendations (9.01) Public Works Annual Report Public Works Director Cote presented the Public Works Department's 2011 Annual Report. (9.02) 2012 Goals and Legislative Priorities City Manager Ahrens stated the Council met on January 17 to develop their goals and legislative priorities for 2012. Motion was made Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Wosie, to adopt the 2012 Goals and Legislative Priorities. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Adjournment Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. /Sandra R. Engdahl, y Cle k Adopted Minutes 6 of 6 Regular Meeting of January 24, 2012 Page 41 APPROVED MINUTES PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY January 26, 2012 PRESENT: Chairman Jeff Kulaszewicz, Commissioners Bob Stein and Jim Willis ABSENT: Commissioners Paul Caryotakis and David Miller STAFF PRESENT: Housing Program Manager Jim Barnes and Office Support Specialist Laurie Lokken OTHERS PRESENT: None 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Kulaszewicz called the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Housing Program Manager Barnes announced the additions of agenda Item 3. B. for Vicksburg Crossing call for the sale of refunding bonds and Item 3. C. at Chairman Kulaszewicz's request to review a letter to the HRA received from HUD. 2. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve HRA Meeting Minutes from November 17, 2011. B. Plymouth Towne Square. Accept Monthly Housing Reports For November & December 2011. C. Vicksburg Crossing. Accept Monthly Housing Reports For November & December 2011 And Monthly Marketing Reports For December 2011 & January 2012. MOTION by Commissioner Willis, seconded by Commissioner Stein, to approve the consent agenda. Commissioner Stein asked if this was the first year that the Vicksburg Crossing year-end financials reflected a positive cash flow with a net operating income before depreciation. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded that our bond payments are reported differently in both 2010 and 2011 so we are negative in that one month on a cash basis. He said in January 2011, we had a loss of $140,242. Commissioner Willis added that was because of the debt service payment. Housing Program Manager Barnes said that we made it up through the ensuing eleven months so Vicksburg Crossing ended the year, unaudited, at $32,709 positive on a cash basis. He added Page 42 Approved Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority January 26, 2012 Page 2 that Plymouth Towne Square ended the year $14,000 positive on a cash basis without amortization, depreciation, etc. Vote. 3 Ayes. MOTION approved. 3. NEW BUSINESS A. Potential Redevelopment. Ryerson Site (1605 State Highway 169) And Adjacent Properties. Commissioner Stein stated that this agenda item had been tabled from the October 27, 2011 HRA meeting. He said this site is identified as a potential redevelopment site in the 2010 Comprehensive Plan. He said staff has talked with United Properties to see if they were interested in or if it is feasible for redevelopment and they did not express any interest. He said staff has approached Ehler's and Associates to look at it to see if it's feasible for redevelopment or to declare it a blighted area and be eligible for TIF financing. He said in light of all the development that has been going on along 169, this may be an opportune time to see if something can be done with this site. He said $2,000 to $5,000 to research this isn't that much money. Commissioner Willis stated that he didn't like to approach doing something with somebody else's property unless they are aware of it but we needed to End what the boundaries are we would be looking at. Housing Program Manager Barnes confirmed the seven parcels being considered. Commissioner Willis stated that he viewed it as some day being an A-1 piece of property for a high-rise apartment project because of the views of the lake and the access to Minneapolis. He said that it could be a mixed use but the circulation of traffic would be a real challenge. He said the amount of money, up to $5,000, would at least get us something to start thinking about. He said that it may or may not happen. He said the letter from United Properties was not encouraging and he could understand that because the valuations are not likely to be the land and building values the owners would describe if they were in a sale mode for a tax position. He said that he wouldn't be opposed to proceeding with a modest study to determine whether or not there is any feasibility. He said economically, we are looking for a redevelopment district so we've got time to see if it would qualify. Chairman Kulaszewicz asked what properties are there now and who the owners are. Commissioner Stein responded that United Properties, Ryerson and Medicine Lake properties are there. He said one parcel is vacant but they are trying to rent it out and another parcel is just a large, old warehouse that is broken up into individual small businesses. Chairman Kulaszewicz stated that we recently had talked about Ryerson and the other warehouse building. He said that even at these land values and if you try to purchase an ongoing business, you may end up paying more than market rate. Commissioner Stein responded that he would Page 43 Approved Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority January 26, 2012 Page 3 envision that if a developer went in and thought that this was a good deal, they would find them new locations to move to and that would be part of the deal. Housing Program Manager Barnes stated that a study by Ehler's would show a few options of what might be redeveloped and the potential TIF revenue that could be generated. He said if we went further than this we would need to determine if the buildings meet the "blight" test. He said with multiple scenarios we would be able to talk to other developers to see if they are interested. He said he does not envision the HRA buying these properties up front and then make it available to a developer. He said we would most likely be a partner in the redevelopment. Chairman Kulaszewicz stated if a developer would approach both of those ongoing businesses and make them some kind of offer, that would entice them to move their ongoing business to a new location. Commissioner Stein said that is what he believes would occur. He also stated we are not going to go in and condemn the property or force them to move. Chairman Kulaszewicz stated that this would not be the government deciding one business is better than another business, as he would not be a part of that. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded we would be a secondary partner in this, as we are with all other developments that the city participates financially in. He said we are a little bit ahead in looking at this one so if it got to the point that somebody was interested in it; they would take the lead on the project. He said we would be in the background and work with them as we do on other projects. Commissioner Willis stated that given the markets in the interim, it's not going to be feasible but the question is, when do we start looking. He said this is the beginning and if somebody comes forward in the future, at least we have the base line data from this point in time. Commissioner Stein stated that the businesses there are not the best and highest use of that property. Chairman Kulaszewicz asked what specifically the study would accomplish. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded we would have Ehler's evaluate the properties for the potential creation of a TIF district to see if it would be eligible. He said if it were eligible, there could be three or four different scenarios (of different types of uses on the properties) that we could put numbers in; such as, if it went all residential, it would generate this amount of TIF revenue; if it went all retail or retail/commercial, it would generate this amount; if it was mixed use, it would generate this amount. Chairman Kulaszewicz stated if this land was vacant, we would generate four or five different scenarios to see a base line of potential value in terms of what a developer would spend in order to entice people. Housing Program Manager Barnes added the developers are going to look at it from a perspective of what's their highest and best use and what's going on in the market right now or what they see happening in the market. Page 44 Approved Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority January 26, 2012 Page 4 Chairman Kulaszewicz asked where that money would then come from. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded the money would come from our HRA reserves. Chairman Kulaszewicz said he would be okay with that. MOTION by Commissioner Willis, seconded by Commissioner Stein, to direct staff to engage Ehler's, with a total cost not to exceed $5,000, to evaluate potential redevelopment of Ryerson site and adjacent properties for property located at 1601 State Highway 169. Vote. 3 Ayes. MOTION approved. B. Vicksburg Crossing. Call For The Sale Of Refunding Bonds. Housing Program Manager Barnes gave an overview of the staff report. Housing Program Manager Barnes confirmed for Commissioner Willis that there is no call until 2015. He said this would be a crossover refunding, which is what you did with Plymouth Towne Square in 2010-2011. He said we would be selling the bonds and putting money into an escrow account to pay off the old bonds in 2015. He said the only thing that is different from Plymouth Towne Square is we would not be refunding in 2016 the bonds that mature that year because that would put us over the $10 million cap, which means the bonds could no longer be bank qualified. Commissioner Willis stated if we were to wait two or three years to do this, the risk there is the change in the market. He quoted the federal reserves as saying they are not going to do anything with the interest rates until at least 2014. Housing Program Manager Barnes said it is a decision and it's a risk either way. He said it's about three weeks difference in the sale date if we expedited this issue based on our calendar. He said who's to say that the rates are going to be better on February 23rd as opposed to March 13d' or worse as that's the way the market works. He said when we refunded Plymouth Towne Square, Ehler's told us the rates were at historical lows and we should act. He said these are now lower than what they were for Plymouth Towne Square and in between those two periods of time, they have fluctuated as the markets have. Housing Program Manager Barnes confirmed for Commissioner Stein that the money would be put in escrow and we will be paying interest on the new bonds. Commissioner Stein asked where that money comes from. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded it would come from this bond sale. Commissioner Willis asked if the debt service schedule is on the new issue so in February 2013 there would be an interest payment of $207,000, which comes out of proceeds of the bond sale. Housing Program Manager Barnes confirmed affirmatively. Housing Program Manager Barnes confirmed for Commissioner Willis that until the crossover financing date of February 2015, there will be almost $460,000 of interest that will have been paid. Page 45 Approved Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority January 26, 2012 Page 5 Chairman Kulaszewicz stated you are paying $460,000 on top and are still saving a million. Commissioner Willis agreed and said you are trading interest. Housing Program Manager Barnes said our average interest rate on the current bonds is 5 percent. Commissioner Stein stated if we waited until 2015 and the interest rates stayed the same, we would have an actual savings of roughly half a million dollars. Chairman Kulaszewicz said for those two years we would have to pay double the interest. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded that we would continue to pay on the old bonds. Commissioner Stein stated the interest on the new bonds comes out of the proceeds of the sale. Housing Program Manager Barnes said that's why, when you look at the first few years, there is no savings. He said as soon as the bonds are refunded in 2015, we begin seeing savings between $73,000 and $78,000 for the life of the new bonds. Chairman Kulaszewicz said that is a million and a half dollars net. Housing Program Manager Barnes said that's gross because we have got other things that come out of it so it's just over a million dollars in total savings. Commissioner Willis asked that the current debt service goes out until when. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded 2035 and we are not extending the maturities on the refunded bonds. He said our finance department and Ehler's are recommending this. Commissioner Willis asked what fees would be involved in this estimated cost of the sale by Ehler's. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded the cost of issuance is $79,000. Chairman Kulaszewicz asked if the issuance cost and the underwriters discount are true costs. Housing Program Manager Barnes said they are estimates at this point and we will not know the actual costs until the sale. Commissioner Willis asked who the bond attorneys are in this transaction. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded that Dorsey and Whitney are the consultants that the city has in place. Commissioner Willis stated there is nothing wrong with that and he has the highest respect for them. He said that sometime the city, if not the HRA, ought to look at bond counsel and get proposals from more than Dorsey. Chairman Kulaszewicz asked if this Board would have the authority to deviate and use someone different than the city is using. Commissioner Willis said we could but he is not suggesting we need to change but believes it would be good to explore the idea. Housing Program Manager Barnes said the city is going to be considering three other revenue bonds for refunding and due to various timing, they are going to try to move their time period so we would still be able to sell on February 23rd and then they would sell on March 13th. Chairman Kulaszewicz asked if the rates of the existing bonds are similar. Commissioner Willis said relatively speaking, the revenue bonds would be lower and the TIF bonds would be higher. Page 46 Approved Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority January 26, 2012 Page 6 Housing Program Manager Barnes said for crossover refunding, there's a state minimum test that you have to meet for savings of at least 3 percent. Commissioner Stein said it would get rid of the subsidy every year. Housing Program Manager Barnes said the subsidy is $24,000 and it is always a goal of ours to get rid of that subsidy as it was never intended to be there. Commissioner Willis said the good news is, it is a sizeable savings over time and we can expect that if we do it now or another time. Chairman Kulaszewicz asked if that would be in the next budget then to get rid of that subsidy. Commissioner Willis said that you won't get the savings for three years and that won't start happening until original bond issues is called to be retired in 2015. Housing Program Manager Barnes said every year we look at our budgets to determine whether we need a subsidy or not. He said we actually didn't subsidize Vicksburg Crossing in 2011 because we had a positive $32,000 in cash and we only budgeted $24,000 in subsidy. He said we did collect the tax levy and that money does stay with our reserve account and can be used for other items or to reduce the levy in future years. Housing Program Manager Barnes confirmed for Chairman Kulaszewicz that this is a savings of about 10 percent. Commissioner Stein stated it could go lower but we don't know how much lower and he thinks they're going to go up. Commissioner Stein stated the money is in the bank and one day the economy is going to turn around and hopefully, the interest rates will go up. Commissioner Willis stated he would support this because this is just authorizing the sale and we can pull out before awarding any bids. MOTION by Commissioner Stein, seconded by Commissioner Willis, to adopt the resolution calling for the sale of refunding bonds for Vicksburg Crossing and to ask the City Council to reaffirm their G.O. pledge of the bonds. Vote. 3 Ayes. MOTION approved. C. HUD Letter. 2012 HRA Budget — Section 8. Chairman Kulaszewicz stated we approved the 2012 HRA budgets at our October 2011 meeting. He said the city and HRA Board have received a letter from HUD and while he did not have the letter with him, he believed it was in regards to some changes to our administrative fees for Section 8. Housing Program Manager Barnes stated that Denise Whalen, Support Services Manager overseeing our Section 8 program, had mentioned during the budget meeting that HUD may cut funding of administrative fees from 83% down to as low as 60%. He said one of the main reasons HUD was trying to do this is that they want to get housing authorities to start drawing down reserves below what they had traditionally allowed. He said they lowered the administrative fee coming through for 2012 so that housing authorities can now take from their unrestricted reserves and start using that money. He said that we are okay for 2012 as we have Page 47 Approved Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority January 26, 2012 Page 7 sufficient reserves in place and staff will be analyzing the Section 8 program internally this year to determine the long term impact of these changes. Commissioner Stein asked if HUD sets the amount of the reserves. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded that they do. He said we have two reserve accounts for Section 8: one is a restricted reserve account, which is only for housing assistance payments and has a minimum of two months on hand, then there's the unrestricted reserve account that can be used to cover administrative expenses. Commissioner Stein asked if HUD has some formula (a percent or an amount) that they use. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded that he believes they do but he does not know the exact formula. Commissioner Willis stated that the reserves are available to pick up the deficit on the administrative costs over a period of time. He asked that at the time that the reserve is depleted, what happens to fill the funding gap. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded if nothing changes at the federal level on how they fund the program and it stays like this, we will run out of reserve funds eventually. He said there would be a few options that staff would bring before the Board. He said they could look at staff reductions, they could look at funding it from tax levy to make up the difference or they could consider giving it back to the Metro HRA. He said all of the options have pros and cons to them. Commissioner Stein asked if any metro cities do not have their own HRA. Housing Program Manager Barnes replied that if a city does not have a housing authority, or chooses not to administer the Section 8 program locally, the administration of the Section 8 program for that city goes to the Metro HRA and they administer the program for them. He said he did not have an exact count of how many cities in the metro area are administered by Metro HRA. Commissioner Stein asked why Plymouth has their own HRA and Section 8 program. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded that we chose to years ago because it gives the city greater oversight and control. Commissioner Willis added that as a city, we did it because the Metropolitan Council would have been the default and we didn't think they would serve the customers in the suburbs as well as they would the inner cities and would leave the needs of Plymouth out. Housing Program Manager Barnes stated this also gets our inspectors into more of the rental properties. Housing Program Manager Barnes will provide the Board with a list from Metropolitan Council on which metro cities have HRAs and who administers their Section 8 programs for them as requested by Commissioner Willis. Commissioner Stein asked if there are any tax levies involved in administering and running the Section 8 program or if it is all federal government funding. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded that it is totally funded by the federal government. Commissioner Willis stated that he doesn't sense the government will be putting much money into anything. Page 48 Approved Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority January 26, 2012 Page 8 Commissioner Stein asked if another option would be to shrink our Section 8 program by not allocating as many vouchers and if that would also reduce staff time. Housing Program Manager Barnes replied he didn't know if it would necessarily cut down on the costs. Commissioner Willis stated it would cut down on the revenue. Commissioner Stein asked who sets the number of vouchers we have and asked how many do we have. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded that HUD sets the number of vouchers and we have 225 of our own vouchers. Commissioner Willis asked if that number included port -ins. Housing Program Manager Barnes replied it did not include the total number of port -ins and he would provide the Board with the exact numbers. Housing Program Manager Barnes confirmed for Commissioner Stein that we get administrative fees for the port -ins. Commissioner Stein stated it is important to be able to get in and inspect properties. 4. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Commissioner Willis, seconded by Commissioner Stein to adjourn the meeting at 7:53 p.m. MOTION approved. Page 49 Adopted Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 14, 2012 Mayor Slavik called a Regular Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on February 14, 2012. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Stein, Willis, Bildsoe, Black, and Wosje. ABSENT: Councilmember Johnson. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, City Attorney Knutson, Parks and Recreation Director Evans, Public Works Director Cote, Community Development Director Juetten, Fire Chief Kline, Police Chief Goldstein, and City Clerk Engdahl. Plymouth Forum Terrie Christian, 9910 South Shore Drive, on behalf of AMLAC, requested the Council to consider an aquatic invasive specifies plan as well as funding a portion of the inspections. She explained that the Three Rivers Park District inspects the boats that enter the lake, but approximately 8% of the time they can't cover the inspections which is basically the few extra hours that the park is open. Mayor Slavik stated that this item would be added to setting future study sessions later on the agenda. Ilan Zeroni, 3670 Urbandale Lane North, stated he's a part of a community task force studying the impacts of Xcel Energy's Hollydale Transmission Line project. He stated 763 residents have signed a petition requesting that there be a certificate of need, full permitting process, Environmental Impact Statement, electromagnetic field mitigation measures (underground and pole design), and a stay/suspension of pending action. Residents realize that this process is handled by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), but the Council could be influential by endorsing their petition, requesting more diligence in the permitting process, and requesting that the route with the least amount of impact is selected. Mayor Slavik stated the Council has sent correspondence to the PUC requesting them to select a route that has the least impact to the residents. However, she would be open to sending another letter. Public Works Director Cote added that the public comment period has passed; therefore, he's unsure if any further information or correspondence would have any impact. City Attorney Knutson commented that this project is outside the Council's jurisdiction. Mayor Slavik stated she would send another letter on behalf of the Council as a follow-up to the residents' petition that has been submitted and reiterating that they select a route that has the least amount of impact to residents. Adopted Minutes 1 of 5 Regular Meeting of February 14, 2012 Page 50 Presentations and Public Information Announcements Mayor Slavik announced the City Sampler on March 3 from 9:00 a.m.-Noon at City Hall. Approval of AP enda Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to approve the a eg nda. With all members voting in favor the motion carried. Consent Agenda Item 6.12 was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General Business as item No. 8.04. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Willis, to adopt the Consent Agenda that included the followingitems: (6.01) Special Meeting minutes of January 17 and January 24 and Regular Meeting minutes of January 24. (6.02) Resolution Approving Disbursements ending February 4, 2012 (Res2012-043). (6.03) Resolution Authorizing an Expenditure from the Resource Planning Fund for Police Equipment (Res2012-044). (6.04) Resolution Requesting Payment No. 5 and Final for Plymouth Creek Stream Bank Restoration (8128 - Res2012-045). (6.05) Resolution Approving Payment No. 6 and Final for Imperial Hills Lift Station Rehabilitation Project (100 14 — Res2012-046). (6.06) Resolution Accepting Utilities for Continual Maintenance and Authorize Reimbursement for Trunk Utilities for Arbor Grove 1 St and Arbor Grove 2nd Addition (2010059/2011004 - Res2012-047). (6.07) Resolution Approving the Wetland Banking Plan and Designating Credits for the Hampton Hills Wetland Bank (Res2012-048). (6.08) Resolution Approving 2012 City of Plymouth Engineering Guidelines and Standard Detail Specifications (Res2012-049). Adopted Minutes 2 of 5 Regular Meeting of February 14, 2012 Page 51 (6.09) Resolution Requesting Hennepin County to Authorize No U -Turn at County Road 9 and Juneau Lane for Westbound Traffic (Res2012-050). (6.10) Resolution Accepting Utilities for Continual Maintenance and Authorize Reimbursement for Trunk Utilities for Steeple Hill (2010098 — Res2012-051). (6.11) Resolution Adopting Policy Relating to Accepting Private Streets and/or Utilities into City System and Approving Agreement regarding Transfer of Certain Improvements between Homeowners Association and City of Plymouth (Res2012-052). (6.12) (This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under General Business as item No. 8.04). (6.13) Resolution Authorizing Purchase of Camera Recording System from ECSI System Integrators with Funding from the IT Fund (Res2012-053). (6.14) Resolution Authorizing Purchase of a RAD Response Vehicle from the 2012 General Fund to be Reimbursed by State of Minnesota RAD Grant (Res2012-054). (6.15) Resolution Authorizing Renewal of the Contract with the State of Minnesota for the Fire Department to Provide Response Services in the Event of Radiological Incidents at the Monticello and Prairie Island Nuclear Facilities for Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013 (Res2012-055). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Public Hearings There were no public hearings. General Business (8.01) Designation of Consulting Engineer and Approval of Contract for Peony Lane/Lawndale Lane Extension Project (10015) City Manager Ahrens stated the Council met on January 3 to discuss the proposals received for the project. Based upon the discussion that evening, the consultants were requested to follow up with correspondence clarifying their proposals. After further review, staff is recommending WSB and Associates for this project. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Stein, to adopt a Resolution Receiving Engineering Proposals and Designating the Consulting Engineer and Approving a Contract with WSB and Associates for Peony Lane/Lawndale Lane Extension Project (10015 — Res2012-056). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Adopted Minutes 3 of 5 Regular Meeting of February 14, 2012 Page 52 (8.02) Vacancies on Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt a Resolution Appointing Audrey Britton to the Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit (Res2012-057). With all members voting in favor but Wosje, the motion carried. Motion was made by Councilmember Stein, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt a Resolution Appointing Carl Runck to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Res2012-058) With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. (8.03) Solicitation of Bids for General Obligation Refunding Bonds Series 2012A Finance Manager Bursheim introduced Jessica Cook from Ehlers, who discussed the refunding bonds. Ms. Cook stated the timing is good to consider refunding the bonds due to the historically low interest rates and the first opportunity to refund these bond issues. Depending on the interest rates on the day of sale, the City could potentially save $500,000 to $700,000. She also spoke of the next item on the agenda which is also refunding bonds for Vicksburg Crossing. Councilmember Willis thanked Ms. Cook for her presentation and stated he just wanted to bring it to the Council's attention that essentially, the City has a "bird in the hand" now, but that could change in the future due to a number of variables. Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Willis, to adopt a Resolution Approving the Solicitation of Bids for General Obligation Refunding Series 2012A (Res2012-059). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. (8.04) Reaffirm the City's General Obligation Pledge for the Refunding of the Governmental Housing Bonds for Vicksburg Crossing Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt a Resolution Reaffirming the City's General Obligation Pledge for the Refunding of Governmental Housing Bonds for Vicksburg Crossing (Res2012-060). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Reports and Staff Recommendations (9.01) Set Future Study Sessions Councilmember Black stated the Plymouth/New Hope Little League Baseball Association would like to discuss with the Council redoing one of the baseball fields at Zachary Field. It was noted that there are issues with associations regarding sizes of fields, use of fields, etc. Therefore, the Adopted Minutes 4 of 5 Regular Meeting of February 14, 2012 Page 53 Council requested a report from staff in their next packet so the Council can determine if a study session should be scheduled. The Council scheduled a Study Session on March 13 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the fire study. The agenda for the February 21 Study Session was amended to include discussion of aquatic invasive species and the Wayzata High School scoreboard request. Staff was directed to provide notice that a quorum of the Council could be present for the meeting with the area legislators on February 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the State Capitol. (9.02) Legislative Update Councilmember Willis informed the Council of a proposed $8 million in the State bonding bill to address inflow and infiltration issues with cities' wastewater systems. He stated some cities are having difficulties in coming up with funds to pay the charges for the excess flows. However, utilities should be recovering these costs through their users. He stated he's unsure if this measure would benefit the utility users in Plymouth, but Plymouth residents would be helping to pay for it. Therefore, he doesn't support this in a State bonding bill. City Manager Ahrens stated she has discussed this issue with Metropolitan Cities. Plymouth has been doing improvements to offset the surcharges which works well. The Council directed staff to add this item to the legislative priority list which will be discussed with area legislators on February 22 and to send letters to Representative Sandra Peterson and Metropolitan Cities indicating their opposition. Adiournment Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m. IIM41JAI andra R. Engdahl, Cyy Clark Adopted Minutes 5 of 5 Regular Meeting of February 14, 2012 Page 54 Adopted Minutes Special Council Meeting February 22, 2012 Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Johnson, Wosje, Black, Police Chief Goldstein, and Public Works Director Cote met with area legislators at the State Capitol on February 22, 2012 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The Council discussed with the legislators their legislative priorities for 2012. - 4� 4&v&d'a a, Sandra R. Engdahl, Ci Clerk Adopted Minutes 1 of 1 Special Meeting of February 22, 2012 Page 55