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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 06-07-2012CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO June 7, 2012 EVENTS / MEETINGS June, July, August 2012 Official City Meeting Calendars.................................................................. Page 2 Environmental Quality Committee Agenda 06/13/2012...................................................................... Page 5 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Agenda 06/14/12........................................................... Page 6 Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ..................................................... Page 7 CORRESPONDENCE Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission Re: Ad Valorem Tax Levy Process ....................... Page 9 Letter to Residents Re: Public Works Crew Applying Asphalt Overlay to Streets ............................ Page 11 Letter to Property Owners Re: Home Occupation License for Maria Finterikou Kirsch (2012006) . Page 13 Letter to Property Owners Re: Additional Signage for Park Place Apartments (2012035) .............. Page 14 Letter to Property Owners Re: Variance for Direction Signage — Hazeldon Center (2012040)......... Page 15 Ehlers Market Commentary — Euro Fears persist, Jobs Disappoint & Yields on Treasuries Sink ..... Page 16 Panel Backs New Route for Bottineau LRT, Finance & Commerce .................................................. Page 19 MINUTES Approved Minutes - Planning Commission Meeting 05/16/2012...................................................... Page 21 r� City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life June 2012 Modified on 06106112 Council Chambers Page 2 1 2 6:00 PM PLYMOUTH 3 4 5 ADVISORY 6 7 8 9 COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) STUDY SESSION Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 10 11 12CANCELLED 13 14 15 16 7:00 PM 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL PARK ft REC MEETING QUALITY ADVISORY Council Chambers COMMITTEE COMMISSION (EQC) MEETING (PRAC) MEETING Council Chambers Plymouth Creek Center 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 24 25 26 5:30 PM 2 7CANCELLED 28 29 30 8:00 AM SPECIAL COUNCIL PLYMOUTH 7:00 PM MUSIC IN MEETING ADVISORY HRA MEETING PLYMOUTH Receive Transit Report from Plymouth Advi- COMMITTEE ON Medicine Lake Room 5K FUN RUN sory Committee on TRANSIT (PACT) Hilde Performance Transit (PACT) STUDY SESSION Center Medicine Lake Room Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Modified on 06106112 Council Chambers Page 2 rCity of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life July 2012 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5:00 PM MUSIC IN INDEPENDENCE PLYMOUTH DAY Hilde Performance Center CITY OFFICES CLOSED CANCELLED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 8 9 10 7:00 PM 11 12 13 14 REGULAR 7:00 PM COUNCIL MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE Council Chambers (EQC) MEETING Council Chambers 15 16 17 18 7:00 PM 19 20 21 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 22 23 24 7:00 PM 25 7:00 PM 26 7:00 PM 27 28 REGULAR PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING COUNCIL MEETING ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room Council Chambers COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) STUDY SESSION Medicine Lake Room 29 30 31 Modified on 06107112 Page 3 r� City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life August 2012 Modified on 06107112 Page 4 1 2 3 4 7:00 PM 7:00 PM PLANNING HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION COMMITTEE MEETING MEETING Council Chambers Medicine Lake Room 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2:30-5:00 PM 7:00 PM NIGHT TO UNITE ENVIRONMENTAL KICKOFF QUALITY Plymouth Creek Center COMMITTEE (EQC) MEETING 6:30-9:30 PM Council Chambers NIGHT TO UNITE 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 7:00 PM PLANNING PRIMARY COMMISSION ELECTION DAY MEETING Council Chambers 8:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers 19 20 21 6:00 PM 22 23 24 25 SPECIAL COUNCIL 7:00 PM 7:00 PM MEETING PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING Budget Study Session ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room Medicine Lake Room COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) MEETING Medicine Lake Room 26 27 28 29 30 31 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers Modified on 06107112 Page 4 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE AGENDA June 13, 2012 WHERE: COUNCIL CHAMBERS Plymouth City Hall 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed on the consent agenda* are considered to be routine by the Environmental Quality Committee and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Committee member, or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. 1. 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER 2. 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC FORUM — Individuals may address the Committee about any item not contained in the regular agenda. A maximum of 15 minutes is allotted for the Forum. 3. 7:15 P.M APPROVAL OF AGENDA - EQC members may add items to the agenda for discussion purposes or staff direction only. The EQC will not normally take official action on items added to the agenda. 4. 7:20 P.M. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENTS 5. 7:25 P.M. PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING A. Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program — Public Information Meeting 6. 7:40 P.M. CONSENT AGENDA* A. Approve May 9, 2012, Environmental Quality Committee Meeting Minutes (Asche) B. Approve 2012 Environmental Champions (Asche) C. Approve 2011 MS4 Annual Report (Asche) 7. 7:45 P.M. GENERAL BUSINESS A. Shingle Creek Watershed 3rd Generation Plan (Polzin) B. EQC Sponsored Project (Asche) C. Adopt -A -Street pick-up day in July (Asche) 8. REPORTS AND STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS 9. FUTURE MEETINGS — July 11, 2012 10. 8:30 P.M. ADJOURNMENT Page 5 rp)City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life DATE Et TIME: LOCATION: 1. CALL TO ORDER PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA Thursday, June 14, 2012 PLYMOUTH CREEK CENTER Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Ave., Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3. OPEN FORUM: 4. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS (NON -ACTION ITEMS): 4a. Wedding/Events- Angie Dehn 4b. Seniors Program - Sara Mittelstaedt 4c. Plymouth Creek Center/ Fieldhouse Operations - Susan Muelken 5. COMMISSIONER/STAFF UPDATE (NON ACTION ITEMS): 5a. 2013-2017 CIP Draft Review 5b. Field Turf Replacement Update 5c. Land Acquisition Update 5d. Up -coming Community/Special Events 6. NEW BUSINESS (ACTION ITEMS): 6a. PCC Field House Fees 6b. 2012 Trail Project (updated info provided at meeting) 7. ADJOURNMENT NEXT REGULAR MEETING - September 13, 2012 at the Park Maintenance Facility Page 6 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items June 26, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Receive Transit Report from Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit (PACT) • Basketball structures in the right-of-way June 26, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Announce 5k Run on June 30 and Music in Plymouth on July 3 • Public Improvement and Assessment Hearing for Plymouth Boulevard Mill and Overlay Project (12006) • Receive and accept the 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report • Debt Study • Accept donation from Wayzata Youth Hockey Association for technology at the Plymouth Ice Center July 10, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Appoint election judges for State Primary Election • Announce "Night to Unite" on August 7 • Recognition of donation and support for the Parks and Recreation from Home Depot in Plymouth, Heritage Woods Estates Homeowners Association and the Wayzata Youth Hockey Association • Public Improvement and Assessment Hearing for Kingsview Heights Edge Mill and Overlay Project (12002) • Accept and Recognize Donations and Support for the Parks and Recreation Department from Home Depot, Heritage Woods Estates Homeowners Association, and the Wayzata Youth Hockey Association • Approve the Submission of a Business Development Public Infrastructure grant application to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and adopt a resolution approving a SAC Credit transfer between the City of Plymouth and the Mdwakenton Souix Community on behalf of St. Jude Medical July 24, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Project and Assessment Hearing for the Revere Lane/6th Avenue/Kilmer Lane Mill and Overlay Project (12005) August 14, Regular, 8:00 p.m., Council Chambers August 21, Special, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Budget August 28, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers September 11, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Approve 2013 proposed budgets, preliminary tax levies and budget hearing date September 25, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers Page 7 • Announce Plymouth on Parade on September 29 October 9, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Appoint additional election judges for the General Election October 23, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Announce Halloween on the Creek on October 31 at Plymouth Creek Center November 13, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Canvass 2012 General Election results November 27, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Announce Old Fashioned Christmas on December 2 December 11, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Recognize Police Citizen Academy Graduates • Announce New Year's Eve Event at the Plymouth Ice Center Page 8 elm creek Watershed Management Commission ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE TECHNICAL OFFICE 3235 Fernbrook Lane Hennepin County DES Plymouth, MN 55447 701 Fourth Ave S Suite 700 PH: 763.553.1144 Minneapolis, MN 55415-1600 FAX: 763.553.9326 PH: 612.596.1171 email: judie(a)lass.biz FAX: 612.348.8532 www.elmcreekwatershed.org email: Ali.Durgunoglu@co.hennepin.mn.us June 5, 2012 Member Cities Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission via email Hennepin County, Minnesota Re: Ad Valorem Tax Levy Process Dear Members: The Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission is about to initiate the review process to amend its Second Generation Watershed Management Plan. One of the components of the amendment is a revised and updated Capital Improvement Program. The following is an overview of the ad valorem tax levy process as it pertains to funding the Commission's share of the Capital Improvement Projects (CIPS) identified in the proposed amendment. In accordance with Minn. Stat. §1036.251, the Commission's current Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) provides for the levy and collection of an ad valorem tax spread across all taxpayers within the Elm Creek watershed for all or any part of the cost of a capital improvement contained in the Commission's Capital Improvement Program. The Commissioners have approved a 25% cost -share, up to $250,000, for these projects. The balance of the project cost will be shared by the local governments participating in or benefiting from the improvement. It is up to the cities to decide the funding mechanism that is best suited to them for payment of their 75% share of the project costs. For example, the cities could choose to fund their portion from a special assessment, storm drainage utility, general tax levy, or watershed management taxing district. They could also seek funding from grants to augment their portion of the costs. The Process. 1. Early in a year (March -April) the Commission's Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will be convened to review the proposed projects specified in the CIP for that year. At that time cities that are not ready to proceed with their projects will ask the Commission to delay them to a future year. Others may provide updated information concerning their projects. Still others may request reimbursement for projects included on the CIP for which work has begun/been completed prior to their certification. CHAMPLIN - CORCORAN - DAYTON - MAPLE GROVE - MEDINA - PLYMOUTH - ROGERS page 9 Ad Valorem Tax Levy Process June 5, 2012 Page 2 2. Projects identified by the TAC as ready to be advanced will be recommended to the Commission for authorization to proceed. Feasibility Reports on the recommended improvements will be requested from the parties responsible for the projects. 3. The TAC will reconvene to review the Feasibility Reports (May). After their review, the TAC will recommend to the Commission whether to accept the Feasibility Reports. Upon acceptance of the reports, the Commission will order a public hearing to take comment on those projects. 4. 45 days prior to the date of the public hearing, notice of the hearing will be mailed to the member cities and Hennepin County. Legal notices will be published in the official newspapers of the member cities twice between 10 and 30 days prior to the date of the hearing. 5. The public hearing can occur during a regular meeting of the Commission, convened no later than August 31. At that meeting and following the hearing, the Commission will vote to order the projects and direct Staff to certify the costs to Hennepin County. Monies for projects certified in 2013 will be received in 2014, etc. 6. The Commission will enter into an agreement with the lead member city to construct the project. The major plan amendment process will begin within the month. Please take time to review and comment on the documents that will be mailed to you. Thank you. Regards, �trti Judie A. Anderson Administrator JAA:tim Cc via email: Elm Creek Commissioners Elm Creek TAC Members Elm Creek Staff Z:\Elm Creek\Management Plan\L_Tax Levy Processl.doc CHAMPLIN - CORCORAN - DAYTON - MAPLE GROVE - MEDINA - PLYMOUTH - ROGERS page 10 May 29, 2012 Dear Resident: The Public Works crews will be applying an asphalt overlay to some of the streets in your neighborhood. It is intended to delay extensive reconstruction. No asphalt or concrete curbing will be replaced as part of the project. This activity is one of the street maintenance programs. It is funded from the street department budget and you will not be assessed. During the project it is possible you will experience some minor inconveniences such as rerouting, no parking on streets, etc. Prior to the overlay you may see preparatory work such as milling edges, sweeping and pot hole patching. Once the overlay work starts it will last approximately one to five days weather permitting. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions please call 763-509-5950 and ask for Street Supervisor Gary Smith or Leadperson Torrey Keith. Sincerely, Gary Smith Street Maintenance Supervisor O:\Streets\Roadway\Paving\Neighborhood paving letter.doc Page 11 -s 27TH A V€ f it d 267x/ AYE N 2iSrH AVE N Z A ~ L MADrYl I ZIMAVJ a � x 0 p �a. r O:\Streets\Roadway\Paving\Neighborhood paving letter.doc Page 12 Plymouth1,2P WIM _ Adding Quality to Life June 8, 2012 SUBJECT: HOME OCCUPATION LICENSE FOR MARIA FINTERIKOU KIRSCH (2012006) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by Maria Finterilcou Kirsch, under file number 2012006, for a home occupation license to allow a physical training business out of the home at 6120 Lanewood Lane North. While a formal public hearing is not required, it is the city's policy to inform adjacent property owners/occupants of such applications. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 200 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of and cordially invited to attend a meeting to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 20, 2012 in the council chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the community development counter, at Plymouth City Hall on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m, to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. If you have any questions about the specifics of this proposal, please contact the community development department at (763) 509-5457. Sincerely, �Mwln 1� Barbara G. Thomson, AICP Planning Manager 2012006 propnotice ai!eb�[»�MhE �Ror�a W tto4RY 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 5544171482 — -rel763-509-5000 • www.p ymoti�.gov Page 13 rp) City of Plymouth -- 1011111 Adding Quality to Life June 8, 2012 SUBJECT: VARIANCE FOR ADDITIONAL SIGNAGE FOR PARK PLACE APARTMENTS (2012035) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by Imaginality Designs, under File No. 2012035, for two variances to allow additional signage as follows: 1) an additional freestanding sign for the leasing office/clubhouse located at 14550 34th Avenue and 2) an additional directional sign for the apartment building located at 14300 34th Avenue. While a formal public hearing is not required, it is the city's policy to inform adjacent property owners/occupants of such applications. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 200 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of and cordially invited to attend a meeting to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 20, 2012 in the Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the city planning department at (763) 509-5450 for more information. You may submit comments in writing. All written comments will become part of the public record. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the community development information counter (lower level of City Hall), on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays Sincerely, flap *YA�m Barbara G. Thomson, AICP Planning Manager RVI n,ft Appikali.nMC HWmA201252012075 pp—fi-d.. 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.plymouthmn.gov Page 14 Plymouth �,. Adding Quality to Life June 8, 2012 SUBJECT: VARIANCE FOR DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE AT HAZELDEN CENTER FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIIES (2012040) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by HGA, Inc., under File No. 2012040, for a sign variance to allow directional signage containing 14 square feet in area, where the maximum size specified for such signage is 4 square feet. Under the proposal, two on-site directional signs, each containing 14 square feet in area, would be placed near the building at Hazelden Center for Youth and Families, 11505 36th Avenue, A map showing the location of the subject site is provided below. Hennepin County records indicate your property is located within 200 feet of the site of this request. You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a public meeting to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, June 20, 2012, in the Council Chambers at Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the city planning department at (763) 509-5450 for more information. You may also submit comments in writing. All written comments will become part of the public record. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the community development information counter (lower level of City Hall), on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m, to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m, to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. Sincerely, Barbara G. Thomson, AICP Planning Manager PIPlanning Applications/PC Notices/201212012040-propnotice 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.plymouthmn.gov Page 15 Ehlers Market June Treasuries - Record The dominant themes over the past several weeks in the markets have been concerns about overall economic and financial market conditions in Europe and more recently that the economics in China and India are slowing. Combine these persistent story lines with disappointing jobs data at home and the result is an ample supply of negative headlines. Support from Greek citizens continues to remain weak for the austerity plan agreed to by the previous Greek goverment as a prerequisite to financial support from the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Financial Stability Facility. Public opinion polls there indicated most citizens hoped to see the austerity measures in Greece's international bailout deal relaxed. Eurozone debt concerns were also heightened when Italy's bond auction last week failed to meet maximum targets. Italy sold 5.7 billion euros of 10 -year and 5 -year notes, below its 6.5 billion euro target, and at elevated interest rates. Germany 2 -year note yields turned negative for the first time in history, essentially indicating that investors were willing to pay for liquidity and capital protection. Spaniards pulled billions of euros in deposits out of that country's banking institutions, adding to growing tensions regarding the overall situation in Europe. In other parts of the world, India indicated its economy grew at the slowest pace in nine years during the first quarter, and China posted its slowest manufacturing growth in rnore than a year. Closer to home, the Labor Department released disappointing jobs data late last week. During the month of May, the economy added 69,000 jobs compared to expectations of 150,000 jobs. The unemployment rate increased slightly to 8.2%, versus expectations the rate would remain steady at 8.1%. U.S. Gross Domestic Product for the first quarter was also revised down to 1.90% from the 2.20% advance estimate reported a few weeks ago. The slowdown in manufacturing across Asia, the continuing European sovereign -debt crisis and economic slowdown, and U.S. employment stagnation all rattle markets and drag down investor and business confidence. These factors have led to lower interest rates. Yields on the U.S. 10 -year Treasury note closed last week at 1.49%, which represents a record all-time low. The previous low was set in November 1945 following World War II, when government price controls kept interest rates artificially low to preserve financial stability. Municipal bond yields continued to follow Treasury yields lower, albeit at a subdued pace. According to Thomson Reuter's Municipal Market Data (MMD), the 10 -year AAA yield was at 1.75% as of the end of last week, and remains near the record low of 1.67% set in January of this EHLERS LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE ww.ehiers-inc.com Page 1 Page 16 Ehlers Market Commentary year. The 30 -year yield dropped four basis points to 3.04%, setting a new record low. The muni - to -treasury yield ratio for 10 -year AAAs increased to just above 113% at the end of last week. In the past several years, when this ratio has increased to these levels, we have often seen a rally in munis, as munis are considered a "good deal" compared to treasuries and other "safe" investments. This rally is not a certainty, as municipal bond buyers seem hesitant. Many dealers say their investor clients are waiting on the sidelines and maintaining liquidity rather than committing capital to long-term bonds with these low yields. Additionally, U.S. Treasuries are traded in a global market, while tax-exempt municipals are really only of interest to those paying U.S. income taxes. Refunding Volume Remains Strong, "Reinvestment Season" Ramps Up Municipal bond volume has been quiet following the Memorial Day holiday, but is expected to increase. The Bond Buyer reports this week's volume is expected to be $9.6 billion, up from $3.73 billion last week. The volume of municipal bonds issued to date continues to outpace last year. According to Thomson Reuters, the market has seen a 72% increase in total long-term volume over the first five months of 2011. Refundings continue to drive volume; refunding deals are up 155% so far this year compared to 2011. June and July are typically the largest months for "reinvestment' in municipal bonds. Reinvestment opportunities occur when coupon payments and proceeds from called and matured bonds are received by investors. According to The Bond Buyer, an estimated $70 billion of redemptions are slated for June 1 and July 1 combined. This could result in an increase in demand for municipal bonds. Given the global and domestic news of late, investors could be searching for risk -averse investments and municipal bonds could present an opportunity for value compared to other alternatives. But the proverbial "or" is still true -- or demand could soften for municipals even more as investors wait. In either case, rates are still amazingly low. EHLERS LEADERS IN PUBLIG FINANCE www.ehiers-inc.com Wage 2 Page 17 Trends in Municipal Band Yields May 18, 2012 to June 1, 2012 June 5, 2012 Source: Thomson Reuters Municipal Market Data The Bared Buyer. Average yield on a portfolio of municipal bonds maturing in 20 years, with an average rating of AA/Aa2. 49 EHLERS LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE www.ehiers-inc.com Page 3 Page 18 May 18,. 2012 June 1., 2012 Change,;. AAA Yields* 5 Years 036 033% -0.03% 10 Years 1.78% 1.25% -0.03% 20 Years 2.70°l 2.67°l -0.03% 30 Years 3.09% 3.G4Y -0.05% Band Buyer 20 Bond Index** 3.75% 3.77{ 0.02°I Source: Thomson Reuters Municipal Market Data The Bared Buyer. Average yield on a portfolio of municipal bonds maturing in 20 years, with an average rating of AA/Aa2. 49 EHLERS LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE www.ehiers-inc.com Page 3 Page 18 Finance & Commerce > Print > Panel backs new route for Bottineau LRT Page 1 of 2 Finance & Commerce http://finance-commerce.com Panel backs new route for Bottineau LRT by Drew Kerr Published: May 31st, 2012 Golden Valley, Brooklyn Park chosen; disruption isarNgrj►e ,T, r ' :'x' ' tT' in North Minneapolis cited 4;Fn�sE A group of local officials voted this week in favor of a,N,.,,,r ,:,,... �,t,.�,..:,• .-.-. - �ai.Hxv ISFAV 3uisl plan that would bring a new light, rail line through A041L� L19[s Bq@LiL�11A1�[W� Golden Valley instead of north Minneapolis and to .�,,,, - Brookl n Park instead of Maple Grove. Y'i"'" td ' - Brooklyn p n- ulllYl' flglfS5TY4Fi — IlI1fkHY'lpl _ The decision by the Bottineau Policy Advisory Committee — a group of county and city leaders who represent communities lining the proposed route — is just one of many steps that will have to be taken if the 13 -mile transitway is ever to be built. But officials who have been working on the project for�u the better part of four years described the committee's` 1 endorsement as a significant step on the way to e+�YY securing funding for the nearly $1 billion project from W1ffPW° :PEWR the Federal Transit Administration.'. Mxr UF19MUM The FTA, which would be expected to bear half of the `& project costs, will also be looking for consensus on a route from the Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW and the Metropolitan Council. The HCRRA is scheduled to vote on a preferred route on June 26, and the Metropolitan Council by the end of the year. The advisory committee's preferred routes have not received universal support, but officials involved with the planning say consensus is building as the project moves forward. "It's not unanimous, but it's not too far from it," said Faith Cable Kumon, who leads the Bottineau Boulevard Partnership, a group that has worked with the PAC to build support for the project. All of the proposed scenarios have the transitway connecting with the Hiawatha line at Target Field in downtown Minneapolis and continuing to Penn Avenue. A 45 -mile stretch along Bottineau Boulevard that runs through Robbinsdale and Brooklyn Park has also been agreed upon. Questions have centered on whether the line would better serve future growth in Maple Grove or existing populations in Brooklyn Park, where North Hennepin Community College and Target's North Campus are located. There has also been debate about whether the line would better serve north Minneapolis — where residents are more dependent on public transit — or if it should follow an existing BNSF rail line that cuts through Golden Valley near Theodore Wirth Park. Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat, who represents several communities that would be served by the proposed line, said it was a relatively clear decision to support a route that would take the light rail line through Golden Valley and to Brooklyn Park. Opat cited growth at the Target campus, which could ultimately house up to 7,000 jobs, as a chief motivation for bringing the transitway to Brooklyn Park, and said he supported the Golden Valley route because it would have less impact on residents. Page 19 mhtml:file://P:AOrganization\Council\Council Information Memorandums\2012\060712\Cor... 6/7/2012 Finance & Commerce > Print > Panel backs new route for Bottineau LRT Page 2 of 2 The line would be too close to homes if it followed Penn Avenue and Broadway, as it would under the plan to bring the route through north Minneapolis and Robbinsdale, he said. "So many people couldn't use their front doors again," Opat said. Some local officials had hoped a light rail line cutting through north Minneapolis would spark economic activity in the area, which has struggled to attract development. If the transitway bypasses the area, neighborhood leaders say other efforts should be made to help make sure it sees some of the project's benefits. Improved bus connections and streetcars have been presented as alternatives. Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat cited growth at Target's northern campus as a chief motivation for bringing the transit way to Brooklyn Park. (File photo: Bill Klotz) "I think one of the things we need to do is try to assure the north side still gets benefits from what's been put forward," said Raymond Dehn, a PAC member and co -facilitator of the Northside Transportation Network. An environmental review of the transitway is ongoing. The review is focused on all of the routes that have been discussed but will not include study of a bus rapid transit system that officials had been considering. Brent Rusco, a Hennepin County engineer who has led the study of the transitway, said the alternatives are being included in the study in case any issues are identified with the preferred routes. The study is expected to be finished by the end of the year, he said. Complete URL: http://finance-commerce.com/2012/05/panel-backs-new-route-for-bottineau-irt/ Page 20 mhtml:file://P:AOrganization\Council\Council Information Memorandums\2012\060712\Cor... 6/7/2012 Approved Minutes City of Plymouth Planning Commission Meeting May 16, 2012 MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice Chair Dick Kobussen, Commissioners Nathan Robinson, Gordon Petrash, Scott Nelson, Bryan Oakley and Marc Anderson MEMBERS ABSENT: Chair James Davis STAFF PRESENT: Senior Planner Shawn Drill and Office Support Specialist Laurie Lokken 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Petrash, to approve the May 16, 2012 Planning Commission Agenda. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. APPROVAL OF THE MAY 2, 2012 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Oakley, to approve the May 2, 2012 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved. B. DAVID AND MARY SCHNEIDER (2012027) MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Oakley, to approve the request by David and Mary Schneider for a variance for a side yard setback to allow construction of a new attached garage for property located at 5870 Kirkwood Lane North. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7. NEW BUSINESS 8. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Vice Chair Kobussen, with no objection, to adjourn the meeting at 7:06 p.m. Page 21