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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 07-12-2012CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO July 12, 2012 EVENTS / MEETINGS July, August and September 2012 Official City Meeting Calendars ................................................... Page 1 Planning Commission Agenda - 7/18/12.............................................................................................. Page 4 Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ..................................................... Page 5 CORRESPONDENCE Ehlers Market Commentary................................................................................................................ Page 7 Memo Regarding Hiawatha Cost Recovery Proceeding................................................................... Page 11 Letter from Barbara Willis, Plymouth Civic League to Minnesota Orchestral Association .............. Page 14 Newsletter from Metro Cities Board of Directors.............................................................................. Page 15 Letter from Metro Region Supervisor Jim Haertel Re: Consolidation of Watershed Management... Page 16 Notice — Northbound I-494 will be closed July 13 — 15.................................................................... Page 20 Letter of Thanks from Mayor Slavik to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ........................ Page 21 REPORTS Recreation Update - 7/2/2012 ................................................ Fire Relief Association Request for Pension Increase............ .................... Page 22 .................... Page 24 MINUTES Adopted Minutes, Regular Council Meeting, 6/26/12....................................................................... Page 25 Adopted Minutes, Special Council Meeting, 6/26/12........................................................................ Page 32 r,�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 CANCELLED ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL MEETING 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 07112112 Page 1 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life August 2012 Modified on 07112112 Page 2 1 2 3 4 7:00 PM 7:00 PM PLANNING HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION COMMITTEE MEETING MEETING Council Chambers Medicine Lake Room 5 6 72:30-5:00 8 9 10 11 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 28 7:00 PM Medicine Lake Room 29 26 27 30 31 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers Modified on 07112112 Page 2 9: City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life September 2012 Modified on 07112112 Page 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION LABOR DAY L MEETING Council Chambers CITY OFFICES CLOSED 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL PARK Et REC MEETING QUALITY ADVISORY Council Chambers COMMITTEE COMMISSION (EQC) MEETING (PRAC) MEETING Council Chambers Council Chambers 16 17 18 7:00 PM 19 7:00 PM 20 21 22 REGULAR COUNCIL PLANNING MEETING COMMISSION Council Chambers MEETING Council Chambers Rosh Hashanah Begins at Sunset 23 / 24 25 26 7:00 PM 27 7:00 PM 28 9:00 AM 2 9 PLYMOUTH PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING FIREFIGHTERS 5K ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room Fire Station #2 COMMITTEE ON 11:30 AM / TRANSIT (PACT) PLYMOUTH ON STUDY SESSION PARADE Medicine Lake Room CELEBRATION / City Center Area Yom Kippur Begins at Sunset Modified on 07112112 Page 3 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2012 WHERE: CITY 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 Planning Commission and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner, citizen or petitioner so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve the June 20, 2012 Planning Commission meeting minutes. B. Violet -C, LLC. Approve a site plan and variances for a new medical office building for the vacant site located at 15535 34th Avenue. (2012037) 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Cornerstone Auto Resource. Planned unit development amendment to allow installation of an electronic sign near the southwest corner of County Road 9 and Vinewood Lane. (2011037) B. Hennepin County. Site plan, conditional use permits, and variances for a 911 emergency communications facility at the adult correctional facility site, 1245 Shenandoah Lane. 7. NEW BUSINESS 8. ADJOURNMENT Page 4 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items 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) • Oath of Office for Police Officer Drew Gilmore • Approve Street Light Rate Study • Present Environmental Champions • 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 Sioux Community on behalf of St. Jude Medical • Public Hearing on the On -Sale Liquor & Sunday Liquor License applications from Flying Swine, LLC, d/b/a Eat Shop, 16605 County Road 24 (Michael Larson, Tony Burger, Reid Sellgren) • Compliance check violation hearing for second violation in 36 months for Wandering Spirits, 3435 Highway 169 • Kingsview Heights Edge Mill and Overlay Project (carried over from July 10) • Plymouth Boulevard Mill and Overlay Project (carried over from July 10) • Order and Accept Preliminary Engineering Report, Order and Accept Plans and Specifications, Call for Public Hearing, Order Ad for Bids, Declare Costs to be Assessed and Set Assessment Hearing, Creekside of Plymouth and Fox Glen Edge Mill and Overlay Project (12002) • Termination of Water Quality Pond Maintenance Agreement, Wynfield Place (2003081) • Designating the City of Plymouth as the Local Government Unit for Administration of the Wetland Conservation Act • Approve "Not to Exceed" Amounts for 2013 Watershed Assessments • Order the Improvements, Adopt the Assessment Roll, Award the Contract, and authorize "No Parking", Plymouth Boulevard Mill and Overlay Project (12006) • Approve revised location for electronic sign at 3901 Vinewood (Cornerstone Auto Resource 2011037) • Approve Final Plat for Taylor Creek 3rd Addition (Taylor Creek 3, Inc. — 2012042) • Approve Final Plat for Taylor Creek 4th Addition (Tradition Development — 2012043) 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 • Announce Plymouth Firefighters 5K Run on September 22 September 25, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Announce Plymouth on Parade on September 29 October 91, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers Page 5 • Appoint additional election judges for the General Election • Announce Fire Department Open House on October 20 October 23, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Announce Halloween on the Creek on October 31 November 13, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Canvass 2012 General Election results • Announce Plymouth Arts Fair on November 17-18 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 on December 31 Page 6 Ehlers Market Commentary Alpha "Bailout" Soup July 5, 2012 Government policy reactions to the "financial crisis" that emerged in 2008 have been more diverse than the many forms of life documented in Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species. " Different governments, central banks and organizations around the globe have utilized various tools and reacted at varying paces, although the fundamental constructs have been relatively the same. That is, "How can we use cheap debt to ameliorate the problems caused by too much cheap debt?" Although nowhere near an exhaustive list, the United States through various cabinet -level agencies and the Federal Reserve have brought the following programs to bear to assist public and private institutions, as well as and investors and individuals (primarily through mortgage programs): EESA, TARP, MMIIF, AMLF, CPFF, PDCF, TSLF, TAF, TALF, CDFIBGP, TL GP, HAMP, HARP, QEI and QEII The collective nations of the European Union have been a bit less active in the breadth of programs, but certainly not less in the depth of programs (in dollar amount). While some member governments have undertaken their own initiatives, the most prominent have come at the supra -national level or involved the European Central Bank, including: EFSM, EFSF and LTRO Both the English and Swiss Central Banks (not members of the Euro -currency bloc) have embarked on their own measures to either directly inject monetary stimulus into the national economy or by explicitly devaluing their currencies to meet a pre -determined range against the dollar or euro. There are no reliable estimates of the total amount of stimulus and credit support for these and other programs, but it is easily in excess of $10 trillion. Just last week, the tab was expanded to provide for direct capital injections by EU members into Spanish banks in excess of $125 billion. The original idea was to lend the funds to the Spanish government, which, in turn, would provide the funds to financial institutions. Instead, the funds will be administered by a central authority and provided directly to the banks, so as not increase the national debt of an already ailing Spain. Equity markets around the globe were brought higher on the news with interest rate markets here at home feeling little effect. 40 EHLERS LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE www.ehiers-inc.com Page 1 Page 7 July 5, 2012 U.S. markets were most interested in the recent meeting of the Federal Reserve Board's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), which concluded on June 20t". The FOMC reiterated its position to maintain a policy directive aimed at keeping the Fed Funds rate at 0.00% - 0.25% (through 2014), but re -upped on its expiring "Operation Twist." The original parameters of Operation Twist were to reinvest approximately $400 billion of the Fed's U.S Treasury portfolio by selling positions with a maturity of three years or less and purchasing Treasuries with maturities ranging from six to thirty years and ending June of this year. This was intended to reduce interest rates in the six to thirty year range. The program has been reauthorized and extended through the end of the calendar year with a new mandate to include another approximately $275 billion for reinvestment. Interest Rate Doldrums The equity markets have reacted in a volatile fashion to some of the aforementioned events on both the positive and negative side. Over the last few weeks, however, interest rate markets have been fairly quiet and mundane. Both U.S. Treasuries and municipals have enjoyed a prolonged period of stability, albeit with some minor hiccups from day-to-day. The chart below is illustrative of the performance of both markets since the beginning of the year, represented by the U.S. 10 -year Treasury yield and that of Thomson Reuters MMD "AAA" yield for 10 -year, tax-exempt bonds. Weekly (Friday) Closing Yields - UST & MMD "AAA" 10 -yr. (BOY 2012 - Present) 2.40 125% 120% 2.20 115% t ` 3 2.00 .i----- ...._...�_____. t a�.. 110% 105% -- 1.80 3e i so° 100% 1.40 -, -----'-'—t 85% 1 T 80% .20 75% 1.00 : . 70% 12/30/2011 1/30/2012 2/29/2012 3/31/2012 4/30/2012 5/31/2012 S.—Th.-11—t—,Ehl— 10-yr.MMD "AAA" 10 -yr. UST -® Muni/Treasury Ratio EHLERS ISEHLERS LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE www.ehlers-inc.com Page 2 Page 8 Ehlers Market Commentary July 5, 2012 While certainly not at the lows for the year experienced in early June, rates have remained relatively attractive for issuers and within a fairly well-defined range for the last month. The 10 -year "AAA" MMD yield has remained constant at 1.86% for over two business weeks, which is about eleven basis points (1 by = 0.01%) higher than where it stood on June 1. That being said, the tax -exempt -to -taxable ratio (shown above by the dashed line) has remained elevated since the middle of May. For quite some time, almost all points along the MMD curve were at or near 120% of the yield for their taxable, Treasury equivalent maturity. These ratios have recently declined as non-traditional buyers have entered the tax-exempt market to take advantage of the relatively attractive yields. However, the ratios remain elevated by historical standards and even recent market dynamics of just a few months ago. There is obviously some flight -to -quality trade on the Treasury side, given the recent headlines out of Europe and its banking system. This is likely to resolve itself by municipals improving (lower yields), or Treasury prices declining (higher yields). There are also uncertainties regarding upcoming elections and tax policy going into the next calendar year that undoubtedly affect the appetite for munis. Also affecting demand for municipals is primary market supply, i.e. new issuance. New issue volume has been heavy recently due to refunding activity and opportunistic issuers looking to take advantage of market dynamics. Supply was over $9 billion the week of June 18 and over $7.5 billion last week. Total volume in June was up almost 30% from the year-ago period and issuance is up roughly 63% through the first half of the year. Of note is that refunding activity is up over 137% from last year, which does not greatly increase the overall volume of municipals in the market. In fact, The Bond Buyer reported on an interesting research article from Citi's municipal research group indicating "Net" new issuance (taking into account redemptions, refundings and new issuance) is estimated at -$55 billion through July. That is to say, on balance, more supply has been taken off the market than put into it. Municipal issuers have been able to take advantage of this, although those at the lower end of the credit spectrum have tended to be the most rewarded. The holiday -shortened 4"' of July week is only witness to about $60 million in new offerings, with the week after picking up a full slate of both negotiated and competitive sales. Other Muni News There were a number of provisions attached to the Federal transportation bill moving through both houses of Congress that were meant to address some wants of municipal market participants, the most important of which was a two-year increase in the bank -qualified EHLERS LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE www.ehiers-inc.com Page 3 Page 9 Ehlers Market Commentary July 5, 2012 annual limit to $30 million from its current $10 million. The public finance provisions were struck and did not make it out of Conference Committee prior to the bill coming to a full vote of both houses. In other disappointing news, although very much telegraphed over recent months, the City of Stockton, CA, petitioned for Chapter 9 bankruptcy on Thursday of last week. The City now has the dubious distinction of being the largest City in the U.S. to ever declare bankruptcy. The community of almost 300,000 is the state's fourth largest City by population and has seen some of the worst declines in real estate values anywhere in the country. The median home price in Stockton increased 200% from 2000 — 2006, only to see declines in values in excess of 70% in median home values from 2006 — 2009 (back to 2000 levels). The City had closed over $90 million in budget gaps the last three years, and still faced a budget shortfall of roughly $26 million this fiscal year. The City has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country and an unemployment rate exceeding 20%. Estimates are that more than $300 million in debt will be affected by the bankruptcy, and it is anticipated that this will be the third highest default in par amount by a governmental issuer. While no default or bankruptcy represents good news, the municipal market has yet to experience the predicted 50-100 significant defaults on "hundreds of billions of dollars" predicted in a 60 Minutes interview with Meredith Whitney in late 2010 that caused many investors to withdraw investments held in municipal bond funds. In fact, muni fund inflows have been positive 40 of the last 43 weeks, according to Lipper FMI. The week of June 27 saw $625 million alone, which was the eleventh consecutive week of inflows. Munis continue to be viewed as exhibiting strong credit quality and the market has not experienced any dislocations owing to large bankruptcies (the largest ever by par amount and largest city ever) or default events. 49 EHLERS LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE www.ehlers-inc.com Page 4 Page 10 JAMES M. STROMMEN Attorney at Law Direct Bial (612) 337-9233 Email: jstrommen@kennedy-graven.com MEMORANDUM Memo ##1 TO: SRA City Managers/Administrators/Directors/Altemates FROM- James M. Strommen DATE: July 5, 2012 RE: Hiawatha Cost Recovery Proceeding On June 28, 2012, the PUC heard arguments, deliberated and decided the cost recovery issue for the Hiawatha transmission line. As you recall, the SRA advocated designating these underground transmission (or distribution) lines as "Standard" based on the record established in the case. As an alternative argument, the SRA argued that if the PUC regarded the undergrounding as a "Special" facility, that the regional use of the area subject to the undergrounding warrants a wider cost recovery subgroup than just the City of Minneapolis, an exception to the general rule used in the City Requested Facilities Surcharge Tariff ("CRFTTariff our cities utilize. The SRA board determined that this position was warranted by the record established in the Hiawatha case and will allow for PUC consideration of SRA city petitions that may arise in the future arguing for underground facilities as Standard, or a wider cost recovery area for a Special facility. There, are distinctions between the CRFS process involving distribution lines and the transmission line process before the PUC. There are also similarities, however, and this is the first case where the PUC has considered the policy implications of ordering underground lines and cost recovery. Consistent with the SRA position and that of all other parties, the PUC decided to characterize the underground transmission line as Standard. This results in cost allocation among Xcel's entire rate base throughout the five -state area. 1 feel the position was supported on the facts of the case and now allows the SRA to make similar arguments regarding Standard or Special treatment in its own cities, without being contradictory (i.e. if it had opposed the Standard in the Hiawatha case). Most of the PUC discussion at the June 28 hearing involved its determination of the underground transmission line as Standard. 406940vv E AviS S U 160-3 Page 11 COMMISSIONER POSITIONS The PUC now consists of Dennis O'Brien, Phyllis Reha, Dr. David Boyd and Betsy Wergin. Governor Dayton has now reappointed a PUC chair, Beth Heydinger. Ms. Heydinger is the administrative law judge who presided over this route proceeding and, in effect, recommended that the Hiawatha line be considered Standard. While the PUC order has not been issued, it is clear from the comments that the Commission will take each case that may come before it for Standard or Special under the CRFS on a case by case basis. The orders that are issued on an important subject like this are carefully written to include all points deemed necessary by the PUC whether they articulated them or not in the deliberation. The comments made by each commissioner, give some indication of their perspective where a similar type of petition to be brought by the another city in e.g., large shopping center, a stretch of road that a city deemed unsafe because of electric poles, or one where undergrounding involved a recreation area or regionally used area. Commissioner O'Brien expressed an anticipation that other governmental bodies may come forward in a similar fashion, noting that all governmental bodies weighing in on this proceeding were advocating the same outcome. Commissioner Reha noted the same and found it significant in malting her decision that the governmental bodies were advocating the same outcome. Commissioner Boyd commented that he sees this as a narrow exception that was driven in large part by the dense urban setting. Commissioner Wergin expressed the belief that undergrounding of overhead electric lines is driven by aesthetics. She was the lone dissenting vote for a. Standard treatment and was interested in discussing the Hiawatha line as a Special facility to be paid for by customers in the sever: county metropolitan area. If one of the three voting for Standard had been more inclined to deers this a Special facility, it is clear that payment by ratepayers in the seven county metropolitan area would have been the next most likely outcome of this case. RATE IMPACT OF DECISION ON SRA RATEPAYERS Note that as a rate impact matter, the designation of the underground Iines as Standard was a most favorable to SRA ratepayers of the potentially adopted PUC positions. That is because the cost is spread out over all of Xcel's custoaners including those in other states. The impact on SRA and other ratepayers is pennies per month, subject to finalized costs by Xcel. The only option that would have resulted in no cost for undergrounding to SRA ratepayers is if the PUC had designated the underground lines as a Special facility and imposed the surcharge on the City of Minneapolis ratepayers only. However, each of Commissioners expressed an unwillingness to do that as prohibitive in cost on a relatively smaller group of ratepayers. So that option was not truly on the table. The most conservative of the Commissioners on this issue (Betsy Wergin) was in favor of a seven county metro area surcharge for the undergrounding cost (an additional $17.5 million dollars). This was the SBA's alternative position had the Commission not taken the Standard designation. 406940vv l NS SU160-3 Page 12 RAMIFICATIONS OF DECISION GOING FORWARD This case is now concluded and the transmission line and Standard designation will be implemented no sooner than 2013, The most common and applicable situation facing SRA cities is the undergrounding of electric lines on heavily traveled county or city roads, recreational areas or public property surrounding regional facilities. Since safety is the driving factor of any underground facility to be deemed Standard, a suburban municipality seeking such a designation would need to make the type of case brought in the Hiawatha matter involving significant numbers of people exposed (e.g, downtown or poles to close to the travel portion of the right-of-way) and the inability to relocate those poles out of e.g. "clear zones" without invading requiring more right-of- way ight-ofway or being too close to existing houses, Such areas exist in SRA cities but have to be carefully selected if a petition is to have a reasonable chance of success before the PUC. Even an underground distribution line that sloes not qualify as Standard may be considered as a Special facility for recovery from additional ratepayers outside the city. I do not anticipate that this type of request would be brought lightly because it requires a municipality ordering the underground to ask ratepayers in municipalities that did not order the undergrounding to pay a portion of the incremental cost. Nevertheless, the opportunity exists, and in the right circumstances, may be granted by the PUC, 406940wE IMS 5U[60-3 Page 13 July 6, 2012 Michael Henson President and CEO Minnesota Orchestral Association 1111 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis MN 55403 Dear Mr. Henson: It is with great pride that I write to thank the Minnesota Orchestral Association for partnering with the Plymouth Civic League and the City of Plymouth for 40 consecutive years to bring the Minnesota Orchestra to the citizens of Plymouth and surrounding communities. The Minnesota Orchestra has been the featured entertainment — the backbone of Music in Plymouth — for its entire 40 years. Other entertainment comes and goes and only serves to warm up the crowd. We, of the all volunteer Plymouth Civic League, are so proud to bring this world class orchestra to our city. As Music in Plymouth is the city's July 4th celebration, we were especially delighted that MPR was able to tape the concert for delayed broadcast for their 4th of July celebratory concert. I know the Symphony for the Cities week is a working week for the musicians, staff and stage crew. Despite the sticky weather this year, I am hoping they continued to enjoy the MIP gig at the Hilde Performance Center as much as Plymouth enjoys having them here. Thank you, again! Sincerely, Barbara Willis President Plymouth Civic League Cc: Robert Neu, Minnesota Orchestra Laurie Ahrens, City of Plymouth Page 14 Summer/Fall 2022 METRO CITIES Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Deas City Official On behalf of the Metro Cities Board of Directors and staff, I would like to thank you for your membership and participation in Metro Cities. Your membership assures strong representation for Metro Cities at the Minnesota Legislature and Metropolitan Council. Metro Cities' work, based on our mission and vision to advance the joint interests of metro cities and to promote an economical- ly strong and vibrant region, is not work cities can do alone. Metro Cities is unique among local government organizations in that it provides region -wide representa- tion of cities at the Metropolitan Council to make sure their interests, needs and challenges are represented in Council activities and policymaking and to support policies that reflect the relationship between our regional government and local communities as one of partnership and collaboration. At a time when our state and region continue to face ongoing challenges, it is important cities work together to foster a unity of purpose and cooperation to get the best outcomes at the Legislature, Executive Branch and Metropolitan Council. Our metropolitan area has served as a national model of how sound planning, for- ward looking public policy and intergovernmental cooperation can result in strong local communities, a robust regional economy and enviable quality of life. Your participation in Metro Cities is vital to ensuring our region remains a success story and is very much appreciated. We look forward to continuing our work with you on the important issues facing cities in the metropolitan region. ALI Mark Sather, Metro Cities President City Manager, City of White Bear Lake .f i •; .� G.'. �M PY . .w ■ Policy Committees ■ Policy Adoption Meeting ■ Watch for Upcoming Regional Forums Metro Cities Mission Metro Cities was created in 1974 as the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities. Metro Cities' mission is to advance the shared interests of all metropolitan cities at the Executive Branch, State Legislature and Metropolitan Council. Our vision is for an economically strong and vibrant region that promotes successful communities. Our key objective is to be an effective voice in representing the interests of all metropolitan area cities. Our organization serves a unique role in the local government community as the only region -wide entity representing the interests of cities at the Metropolitan Council. Metro Cities also serves as a forum for bringing metro city officials together to share ideas and solve problems on joint issues of interest and concern and to foster open lines of communication among city officials and between city and state/regional officials. Metro Cities continues to advance the goals and objectives outlined in our strategic plan, which emphasize communication, visibility, effective advocacy and high quality service to our members. We will conduct a general survey of our mem- bership this summer to obtain your feedback on our services and quality. This feedback will be immeasurably helpful as we continue to grow and sustain Metro Cities for the future. `Metro Cities provides a forum for cities to work together to share ideas and promote solutions that serve to strengthen our individual commu- nities and the metropolitan region as a whole. " Terry Schneider, Mayor, City of Minnetonka Objectives Ws a legislator working in a fastdared environment on an endless number of issues, I need reliable information. Metro Cities can be trusted to provide timely, trustworthy information about the impacts of legislative proposals on my community and the region." Representative Michael Beard, (R)-Shakopeftge 16 Chair, House Transportation Committee ■ Metro Cities secured a $4 million appropriation for I/I (inflow -infiltration) mitigation. Funds will be made available to cities through the Met Council as matching grants. ■ Metro Cities advocated for TIF (tax increment financing) and other economic development/redevelopment tools that passed as part of the tax bill that was subsequently vetoed. We also supported MTF (MN Investment Fund) funding included in the vetoed bill. ■ Metro Cities worked with the League of MN Cities and other groups to oppose legislation that would have allowed private waste haulers to collect payment from a city if a city organizes its garbage collection. The bill did not pass the Legislature. ■ Metro Cities succeeded in getting a waiver of sewer availability charges (SAC) removed from stadium legislation, which would have increased costs for other users. ■ Metro Cities hosted a discussion on the Fiscal Disparities study with the consultants who performed the work, and will engage cities further on the topic this summer. ■ Metro Cities supported a new Met Council TOD (transit oriented development) program, which will help close financing gaps for TOD projects. ■ Metro Cities supported a law change that allows cities to apply for redevelopment loans, in addition to grants, through DEED's Redevelopment Account. ■ Metro Cities participated in discussions with key legislators and stakeholders on a potential redesign of metro transit governance that would eliminate transit functions from the Met Council and create boards of local officials to serve as the region's MPO. Metro Cities will be monitoring anticipated legislation next year. ■ Legislation limiting interim use moratoriums passed the House but failed on the Senate floor. Metro Cities supports the moratorium authority in current law. ■ A requirement that metro cities (except of the first class) make publicly funded/ operated shooting ranges available for youth firearms training passed into law. Metro Cities opposed this legislation. ■ Legislation that provides flexibility on water conservation rate requirements was signed into law. Metro Cities supported the final compromise. ■ Metro Cities opposed legislation to legalize the sale and use of aerial and audible fireworks. The bill passed but was vetoed by the governor.. 1 11 ■ Legislation to curb the proliferation of analog drugs was signed into law. Metro Cities supported the legislation. ■ Metro Cities is closely monitoring two LGA (Local Government Aid) work groups and anticipates legislative proposals on LGA and tax reform next session. ■ Metro Cities has been participating in discussions on the Met Council's Thrive MSP 2040, the new regional development framework. The plan will be released in 2014. Page 17 Membership Elko New Market Excelsior Falcon Heights Forest Lake Fridley Golden Valley Hanover* Hastings Hopkins Hugo Independence Inver Grove Heights Jordan Lake Elmo Lake St. Croix Beach Lauderdale Lilydale Long Lake Mahtomedi Maple Plain Maplewood Marine on St. Croix Medicine lake Mendota Heights Minneapolis Minnetonka Minnetonka Beach Minnetrsta New Brighton Newport North St. Paul Oak Park Heights Oakdale Orono Osseo Plymouth Prior Lake Richfield Robbinsdale Rogers Rosemount Roseville St. Anthony Village St. Francis St. Louis Park St. Michael St. Paul St. Paul Park St. Paul Port Authority Savage Shakopee Shoreview Shorewood South St. Paul Spring Park Stillwater Sunfish Lake Victoria Waconia West St. Paul White Bear Lake Woodbury *=Affiliated Member In addition to our core activity of lobbying on behalf of our members at the Legislature and the Metropolitan Council, Metro Cities provides the following services: Metro Cities News— Metro Cities News is the organization's primary newsletter. New Website—Check us out at www. MetroCitiesMN .org to New Legislative Bill Tracking— During each legislative session, bills of interest are entered into our web -based tracker, now in easier to read format Social Media—For real time updates, join us on Facebook at Association of Metropolitan Municipalities and follow us on Twitter @MetroCitiesMN Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Salary Survey—Metro Cities works with the LMC and other partners to compile this on-line extensive survey of salary rates. Members receive access to the survey at no charge. Biennial Municipal License and Permit Fee Survey—It contains the dollar amount of a variety of different city licenses, permits and fees. Member cities receive online access at no charge. Metropolitan Area Manage- ment Association (MAMA)— MAMA provides metro -area city managers with an informal setting to discuss a variety of important local government issues. MAMA meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month. `fls a former city manager and city councilmember, I appreciate the role Metro Cities plays in looking outfor city interests at the Met Council. Metro Cities makes sure local governments are involved in the regional decisions that impact communities and their residents across the region. " James Brimeyer, Member, Metropolitan Council, District gage 18 From: "Jim Haertel (BWSR)" <iim.haertel@state.mn.us> Sent: Thursday, July 5, 2012 10:23:45 AM Subject: Consolidation of Watershed Management Organization in Hennepin County The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners and the Environmental Services Department has been evaluating consolidation of Watershed Management Organizations (WMOs) for several years. This includes joint powers agreement WMOs and watershed districts. They have had a few studies completed. Consolidation to four WMOs had been discussed and recently consolidation to three WMOs has been the focus. Many of you are already aware of this. We have just learned that Hennepin County is actively drafting legislation to have three WMOs in Hennepin County. We do not know if they would be watershed districts and/or joint powers agreement WMOs. The WMOs would have taxing authority. The members would be elected city officials. Once the draft legislation has been completed they will probably schedule a stakeholder meeting. This is all the information I have at this point, however I wanted to inform you promptly of what we know. I have not been able to get further information today which is no surprise given the number of people on vacation. I will forward more information as it becomes available, hopefully early next week. **************************** Jim Haertel Metro Region Supervisor MN Board of Water and Soil Resources 520 Lafayette Road North Saint Paul, MN 55155 Voice: 651-297-2906 FAX: 651-297-5615 Email: jim.haertel(cbstate.mn.us Page 19 Northbound 1-494 will be closed July 13-15 MnDOT Posted Date: 7/11/2012 Motorists will experience delays and weekend full closures on Interstate 494 between 1-394 and Hennepin County Road 6 in Minnetonka and Plymouth as a project to resurface the roadway begins Fri., July 13. The resurfacing work will occur during two directional weekend full closures. Northbound I- 494 resurfacing will occur first, and the roadway is scheduled to close at 10 p.m. Friday, July 13. During the full closure, motorists will be detoured to eastbound I-394, northbound Highway 169 and westbound 1-94/1-694. The roadway will reopen by 5 a.m. Sunday, July 15. Southbound I-494 will be closed for resurfacing over a weekend later in July. Updates will be made in advance of the closure. Possible non -rush hour lane closures may also occur as needed throughout the project for work on the shoulders. All of the work is weather permitting and may be rescheduled in the case of inclement weather. The project will create a smoother ride for motorists and extend the lifespan of the roadway. The entire project is expected to be completed by early August. For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit S11mn.drg or dial 5-1-1. Page 20 Adding Quality to Life July 10, 2012 Mark Smith Plymouth Ward The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 6840 Olde Sturbridge Drive Corcoran, MN 55340 Dear Mark, I want to thank the members of the Plymouth Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for once again giving so generously of their time late at night to pick up after the thousands of people who attended Music in Plymouth's 40'fi anniversary event on July 3. The efforts of all your volunteers really helped to get the Hilde Performance Center looking great again. The City is so very fortunate to have organizations and individuals like you who come forward to help. I know that our Parks maintenance staff truly relies on your help with this clean up. Again, thank you for your service to the community. It is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Kelli Slavik Mayor, City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd a Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 a Tet. 763-509-5000 e www.ci.plymouth.mn.us Page 4 21 MEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447 DATE: July 2, 2012 TO: City Manager FROM: Regina Michaud, Recreation Manager through Diane Evans, Director of Parks & Recreation SUBJECT: Recreation Update Summer Recreation in Full Swing Summer recreation programming is in full swing. Over XXXX programs are being offered throughout Plymouth's facilities and parks. Plymouth's recreation programs offers a wide variety of spportunities to the community — everything from sports to theatre, ice skating to hot yoga, geo- caching to LEGO camps and much more. Below are some of the highlights. Plymouth Skate Park — Grand Opening Staff held a grand opening event for skateboarders to kick-off the newly constructed skate parks first summer on May 19. The event included informal skateboard competitions, a demonstration by the 3rd Lair Skateboard Team, music, give- aways plus snacks and beverages. Approximbately 60 skaters attended the event. • Plymouth Beaches — West & East Medicine Lake and Parkers Lake Beaches opened May 26 and will remain open through August 19, from 9 a.m. — 8 p.m. West Medicine Lake & Parkers Lake beaches are guarded June 2 — August 12, from 10:30 — 6:00 p.m. Entertainment in the Parks The EIP series is providing the community with a wide variety of events including concerts, thearter events, naturalist programs, water ski shows, movies and a kid's parade. This summer staff expanded the thearter events to include Theatre Latte Da and Comedy Sportz along with the traditional Prairie Fire Children's Theatre performances. For a full printable calendar, individuals via the City website (the link is provided below). Owl Prowl, Aug 6, 6:45 p.m. http://www.plymouthmn.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=7800 Page 22 • Happy Birthday America Parade (Kid's Parade) On Friday, June 29 staff held its first ever kid's parade at the Hilde Performance Center. The parade was a free event for children to celebrate Independence Day. Over 200 children and parents/guardians participated in the event and then stayed to watch the Kid's Koncert by Tricia & the Toonies held on the Hilde's small stage. The parade was led by the Hamel VFW Color Guard. Prelude to Music In Plymouth In support of the_Music in Plymouth's 40th Anniversary. Recreation staff conducted 'prelude' activities at Plymouth Creek Park, 2-5 p.m., July 3 just prior to the traditional event at the Hilde Performance Center. Activities included the annual Summer Carnival, Historic Trolley Tours of Plymouth, a Skateboard Demonstration by the 3rd Lair Skateboarding Team and a Twin Cities Unicycle Club performance. Plymouth Farmers Market The market will will be open on Wednesdays, 2:30-6:30 p.m., July 11— October 10. Once again, the market is filled to capacity with MN Grown vendors and will be bursting with summer veggies, fruit and other products. Fall Parks & Rec Activity Guide The guide will have a new look in the fall. The redesign uses a horizontal layout that allowed for better information and photo layout. The activity guide will be sent to the printer on Monday, July 9 and then will be mailed to residents and non-resident subscribers the week of July 23rd Page 23 WHEREAS, a pension is designed to pay a fixed sum regularly to a former employee, or beneficiary thereof, as a perquisite for time and service rendered by the former employee; and WHEREAS, the Plymouth Firefighters Relief Association ("PFRA" or "Association") receives and manages public money and, in concurrence with the City of Plymouth, provides retirement benefits for the City of Plymouth Firefighters ("Firefighters"); WHEREAS, the current defined benefit pension payable to Firefighters, ratified by the City of Plymouth, is, as of January 1, 2007, Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($7,500) per year of service, and the maximum defined benefit pension payable under Minnesota state law is Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) per year of service; and WHEREAS, the PFRA Special Fund ("Special Fund") — used to pay pensions — appreciates with payments of Minnesota State Fire Aid and gains in market value of investments; and WHEREAS, the Minnesota Office of State Auditor oversees the Association by helping ensure financial integrity and accountability and holding the Special Fund to the highest standards of financial accountability; and WHEREAS, to ensure the greatest compliance with these standards of financial reliability and insulate from drastic market changes, among other things, Minnesota state law requires frequent actuarial valuations; and WHEREAS, these actuarial valuations require a highly conservative liability factor to be applied against current assets to determine the Special Fund's funding ratio; and WHEREAS, despite recent economic stagnation, the Special Fund has experienced strong performance against many market indicators demonstrating successful management of the Association's assets; and WHEREAS, the Special Fund has assets currently in excess of Six Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($6,300,000); and WHEREAS, according to the most recent actuarial valuation based on financials as of December 31, 2011, the Special Fund is currently conservatively funded at a ratio of One Hundred Ten Percent (110.4%) for a benefit level of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($7,500) and conservatively funded near a ratio of One Hundred Three Percent (102.9%) for a benefit level of Eight Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($8,300); and WHEREAS, the PFRA has had a strong record of being good stewards with the Association's assets, and the PFRA will continue to work with the City of Plymouth to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of PFRA's Special Fund; NOW THEREFORE, BE 1T RESOLVED, the PFRA respectfully requests the City of Plymouth ratify a pension defined benefit increase bringing the pension defined benefit payable to Eight Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($8,300) per rear of service, effective December 31, 2012. Adopted by the Plymouth Firefighters Relief Association Board of Trustees, on this Monday, June 18'—, 2012. Kevin Werstein President Sue Magy Secretary Page 24 Adopted Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 26, 2012 Mayor Slavik called a Regular Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on June 26, 2012. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Willis, Bildsoe, Stein, Black, and Wosje. ABSENT: Councilmember Johnson. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, City Attorney Knutson, Park and Recreation Director Evans, Engineer Renneberg, Planning Manager Thomson, Police Chief Goldstein, Fire Chief Kline, Administrative Services Director Callister, and City Clerk Engdahl. Plymouth Forum Diane Stueven, 6100 Shenandoah Lane North, stated she is appearing on behalf of residents who reside at Vicksburg Commons. She stated they have an issue with traffic and speed on County Road 47. The posted speed limit is 50 mph and motorists exceed that. She stated her service dog was hit on May 19. There are 118 children who reside in this development so she's grateful that it was her dog that was hit rather than a child. She requested sidewalks/trails, crosswalks, speed humps on Shenandoah Lane, additional signage, and lowering the speed limit on County Road 47. Mayor Slavik stated the City can't raise and lower speed limits. Engineer Renneberg stated the City could request the County to conduct a speed study on County Road 47. Mayor Slavik stated regarding speed humps on Shenandoah Lane, they aren't effective due to emergency vehicles trying to get over them, and the City isn't adding any in the community. She directed staff to look at the possibilities of installing crosswalks in that development and to look at trails in the area. Julie Perrus, representing Kurt and Julia Kvistberg who reside at 316 Lanewood Lane North, stated they appeared at the May 22 Council meeting concerning traffic calming measures in the Circle Park neighborhood in conjunction with the street reconstruction project. At that meeting, they presented a petition from the neighborhood requesting speed humps around Circle Park. She explained the traffic converted from Niagara Lane to Lanewood Lane is a concern. She requested that staff work with the residents in figuring out the implementation of speed humps with the alternative bid. Councilmember Wosje stated prior to this project, he spoke with a lot of residents in the Circle Park neighborhood. There was a strong consensus from Niagara Lane residents for the speed Page 25 humps; however, with the Lanewood Lane residents, there wasn't a consensus. He stated this past weekend he chatted with Lanewood Lane residents, and 25 out of the 27 residents want speed humps. He read correspondence from Brian Weekley, 630 Lanewood Lane, who is opposed to the speed humps. He suggested that once the construction is completed, the City conducts another study to see what the level of traffic and speed is. Therefore, he suggested no action at this time. Councilmember Stein noted that when streets are repaired, speed of traffic tends to increase. Speed humps don't help as they slow down the traffic when approaching them and speeding up of traffic on the other end. Councilmember Black suggested that staff look at the barriers in the middle of Vicksburg Lane at the railroad crossing as a traffic calming measure in this neighborhood. Perhaps this would work near the Circle Park neighborhood. Councilmember Willis stated traffic around Circle Park is one way around the park so those barriers wouldn't serve a function. Councilmember Black stated the barriers could be used to narrow the roadway. Mayor Slavik stated the nature of the roadway around Circle Park is a natural traffic calming measure. She stated that the City will do a follow-up after the road construction is completed. Presentations and Public Information Announcements (4.01) Announcement of 5k Run on June 30 and Music in Plymouth on July 3 Members of the Plymouth Civic League announced this year's Music in Plymouth on July 3 and the 5k run on June 30. (4.02) Acceptance of Donation from Wayzata Youth Hockey Association for Technology at the Plymouth Ice Center Greg Gibson, from the Wayzata Hockey Association, presented a donation in the amount of $9,000 to the City for purchase of multi -media audio visual technology at the Plymouth Ice Center. Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt a Resolution Accepting a Donation from the Wayzata Hockey Association for Technology at the Plymouth Ice Center (Res2012-181). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Approval of Agenda Discussion of the railroad crossing on Vicksburg Lane was added to the agenda as item No. 9.01 under Reports and Staff Recommendations. Page 26 Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Wosje, to approve the amended a eg nda. With all members voting in favor the motion carried. Consent Agenda Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt the Consent Agenda that included the followingi: (6.01) Regular and Special Council Meeting minutes of May 22. (6.02) Resolution Approving Disbursements ending June 16, 2012 (Res2012-182). (6.03) Resolution Approving Encroachment Agreement for a Garage Wall Support Structure within a Drainage and Utility Easement in Lot 4, Block 6, Harrison Hills Second Addition at 5415 Ximines Lane North (Res2012-183). (6.04) Resolution Accepting Utilities for Continual Maintenance for Elm Creek Highlands East (2010048 — Res2012-184). (6.05) Resolution Appointing Financial Concepts, Inc. as the City's Agent of Record/Benefits Consultant for Medical and Dental Insurance (Res2012-185). (6.06) Resolution Extending the Licensed Premises for Old Chicago, 3505 Vicksburg Lane (Res2012-186). (6.07) Resolution Approving Home Occupation License for Maria Finterikou Kirsch to Operate a Personal Fitness Business out of the Home located at 6120 Lanewood lane North (2012006 — Res2012-187). (6.08) Resolution Approving a Conditional Use Permit for Accessory Retail for Bujold Homes dba Hobby Zone for Property located at 3700 Annapolis Lane (2012028- Res2012-188). (6.09) Resolution Approving Variances for Sally Usselman for Property located at 10215 South Shore Drive (2012030 — Res2012-189). (6.10) Resolution Approving a Sign Variance for Imaginality Designs for Park Place Apartments located at 34th Avenue and Fernbrook Lane (2012035 - Res2012-190). (6.11) Resolution Approving a Variance for HGA, Inc. for Hazelden Center located at 11505 36th Avenue (2012040 - Res2012-191). (6.12) Ordinance Amending Section 1016 of the City Code Concerning Park Facilities Fees (Ord2012-19). Page 27 (6.13) Resolution Approving 2012 Trail Improvement Projects (Res2012-192). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Public Hearings There were no public hearings scheduled. General Business (8.01) Financial Review for Year Ending December 31, 2011 Administrative Services Director Callister reported on the financial review for year ending December 31, 2010 and recommended year end budget adjustments. Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt a Resolution Approving Transfer between Funds (Res2012-193) and a Resolution Adopting the Amended 2011 Budgets Res2012-1941. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. (8.01.1) 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Finance Manager Bursheim introduced Aaron Nielsen, MMKR, who discussed the 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Wosje, to adopt a Resolution Accepting the 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Audit (Res2012- 195). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. (8.01.2) Certificate of Achievement for Financial Reporting Administrative Services Director Callister presented to the Council the Certificate of Achievement for Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the City's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. (8.02) Basketball Structures in the Right -of -Way Planning Manager Thomson summarized the staff report on the history of basketball structures in the right-of-way. Councilmember Wosje asked if there has been a history of liability claims/concerns with this issue. City Manager Ahrens replied the City hasn't had any injury claims that she's aware of, but there have been street reconstruction/snowplowing/paving operations that have damaged the basketball structures. Those claims were denied. Page 28 Councilmember Wosje asked what the current process is to remove basketball structures that are in the right-of-way. Planning Manager Thomson replied once a complaint is received, a letter is sent to the property owner to remove the structure. If the structure isn't removed, it's referred to the City Attorney, and ultimately to court. Mayor Slavik stated there are driveways that access directly onto County roads, and if the City permitted them in the right-of-way, could the County say no? Therefore, this wouldn't apply to everyone. Councilmember Willis stated streets serve the purpose of getting in and out the neighborhoods and they shouldn't be play lots. He's not comfortable in encouraging people to play in the street. Mayor Slavik stated her family has a basketball hoop, but it's in their driveway. She acknowledged that it would probably be better in the street as they have a slope to their driveway. It's not fair to allow the structures on cul-de-sacs but not on busier roads. She stated there are neighborhood parks located within one-half mile of every neighborhood. She reiterated the problems that basketball structures cause for snowplowing and emergency vehicle access. She noted that no other city is allowing these structures in the roadways. She also asked about skateboard ramps and eventually allowing them in the right-of-ways. Councilmember Black stated there are other basketball options in the City's neighborhood parks within walking distance for neighborhoods. Councilmember Bildsoe noted there are over 800 cul-de-sacs in the City, and he's looking at all the liability associated with these structures and somebody being hurt. Therefore, he doesn't support allowing these structures in the right-of-way. Councilmember Wosje asked if there is less of a liability issue for the structures that the City doesn't have knowledge of. City Attorney Knutson replied if the City has knowledge about a hazard and ignores it, there is greater liability exposure. Once the City is aware of hazards on a complaint or drive-by basis, the City has greater exposure. Councilmember Wosje asked if the snowplow drivers notice these structures in the streets, does that mean the City knows about them? Planning Manager Thomson replied the snowplow drivers are the ones that issue the complaints to staff. Councilmember Wosje asked if an ordinance could be crafted to allow basketball structures in cul-de-sacs where there is less traffic. City Attorney Knutson cautioned the Council that not all cul-de-sacs are identical. Therefore, the City would essentially be endorsing this activity on cul- de-sacs because the City made a finding that it was safe. In addition, how would the City handle the request of a resident who resides on a short street and the speed limit is less than 20 mph. Therefore, he cautioned creating an ordinance to allow these structures on cul-de-sacs. Councilmember Stein stated this issue was discussed a number of years ago and no action was taken. He stated there are neighborhood parks, driveways for basketball hoops, and the City needs to treat all residents the same in allowing structures in the right-of-way. Page 29 Nancy Trochhi, 10816 50th Place North, questioned the fairness concern as this works for them and it's a gathering place for their neighborhood. She stated this is a very small and quiet cul-de- sac. She stated they are seeking a variance from the City Code which is no different than other requests for variances. Mayor Slavik stated this request is different than planning and building variances. The Council is supporting the ordinance that is in place, and there is no variance for this ordinance. She reiterated that this is a equity and fairness issue for all residents. The Council needs to base their decisions on the interests of the community at large. Larry Trocheil, 10810 50th Place North, noted that staff hasn't recalled any injuries/liability claims that have arisen due to basketball structures in the right-of-way. He asked how many kids have been abducted in City parks the past 30 years. Mayor Slavik replied none. He stated their concern is letting the kids out of their site as they're under 14 years old. Mary Rollins, 10705 50th Avenue North, stated this is a special neighborhood with the number of children who live on the cul-de-sac. She stated if the Council is concerned about safety issues, there are no street lights at Saratoga and Schmidt Lake Road and no crosswalks. Mayor Slavik stated some neighborhoods don't want street lights. There is a petition process for street lights. Sarah Keller, 10820 50th Place North, lives next to Trocheils, stated this is a unique neighborhood. They've considered putting a basketball hoop in the driveway but they have such a slope to the driveway that the kids would have to run in the street to get the ball which could be a more dangerous situation. They use this cul-de-sac space year around. Mayor Slavik thanked the residents for participating in the process, and stated that the Council won't be taking any action on the request. (8.03) Debt Study Administrative Services Director Callister discussed the debt study report. He suggested that the Council consider paying off the 2003B G.O. Street Reconstruction Bonds. Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to a a Resolution Authorizing Pre -Payment of the $1,465,000 General Obligation Street Reconstruction Bonds, Series 2003B (Res2012-196). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Reports and Staff Recommendations (9.01) Report on Vicksburg Rail Crossing Page 30 Councilmember Black stated she has received comments from bikers regarding the narrowness of Vicksburg Lane for bikers since the barriers near the tracks have been put up. She asked if the Council is interested in directing staff to look at fixing that temporarily so there is a safe crossing for bikers. Bikers are essentially in the lanes of traffic. It was suggested that this item be reviewed in conjunction with the Capital Improvement Plan later this year. Park and Recreation Director Evans reported the 10 -year trail study should be ready for the Council in August. Reports and Staff Recommendations There were no reports and staff recommendations. Adiournment Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at 9:13 p.m. Sandra R. Engdahl, City Clerk Adopted Minutes 7 of 7 Regular Meeting of June 26, 2012 Page 31 Adopted Minutes Special Council Meeting June 26, 2012 Mayor Slavik called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Medicine Lake Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on June 26, 2012. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Wosje, Willis, Bildsoe, Stein, and Black. ABSENT: Councilmember Johnson. PACT MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Kedzuf and Member Bliss. ABSENT: Members Gustafson, Scherschligt, and Britton. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Administrative Services Director Callister, Parks and Recreation Director Evans, Transit/Solid Waste Manager Hellekson, Transit Coordinator Maciej, and City Clerk Engdahl. Transit Report from Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit (PACT) City Manager Ahrens stated the Council conducted a joint meeting with PACT on September 27, 2011, and at that meeting, PACT and staff were directed to analyze the current transit system. This review included many areas including defining alternative funding for 2012 and beyond, prioritizing elimination of services, and increasing frequency between park and rides and downtown. PACT Chair Kedzuf stated since the September 27, 2011 meeting, their committee has had monthly study sessions. They prioritized the transit system in order of services to be eliminated: 1. Dial -A -Ride 2. Local shuttle service (neighborhood route, no fare box) 3. Express tails (local route which is complete connected to an express route) 4. Express Service The committee identified six proposed service scenarios: Plan 1: Service elimination Plan 2: Service reduction Plan 3: Dial -A -Ride elimination; modest Express Service expansion Plan 4: Targeted Express Service expansion Plan 5: Express Service expansion Plan 6: Long range service expansion Page 32 She stated PACT voted to recommend Plan 4, and they discussed an option to modify Plan 4 and consider long range service expansion (Plan 6) should the system become more successful in the future. Plan 4 would increase the frequency of service between Station 73 and downtown during peak rush hour service to 15 -minute frequency, which is the minimal regional standard. It also meets the expectation of transit users for minimal frequency of service and could assist to minimize congestion between Plymouth and downtown. This plan would cost an estimated additional $100,000 above the current operating budget annually. The total 2012 current operating budget for fixed route and Dial -A -Ride is $4,460,850 (fixed route is 75% of the operating budget). Paul Buharin of First Transit discussed the transit report in detail, specifically, the six service scenarios noted above. PACT Chair Kedzuf commented the express tails are so valued by the residents. She spoke of the need to market Station 73 and the need for improving its signage. She noted the close proximity of 394/Hopkins Crossroad transit facility that's at capacity. Councilmember Wosje stated one of the real issues is frequency which is causing a lack of ridership. He asked how much ridership is necessary for a break even point. Mr. Buharin replied the City needs to maintain half full buses. Councilmember Stein stated what would be ideal is adding two buses to the Plan 4 option for service at Station 73 for an increase of 10 minute frequency versus 15 minute frequency. Councilmember Willis stated that the City will know the baseline to see what's gained from increased marketing. The question was raised as to the transit fund reserve balance. Transit Coordinator Maciej replied the fund had a balance of approximately $4.5 million at the end of 2011. Mayor Slavik asked if those funds could be used for capital projects such as extending the transit service to Northwest Plymouth. Transit and Solid Waste Coordinator Hellekson replied yes. Mayor Slavik noted that she frequently hears comments from residents that buses are half empty the majority of the time. Mr. Buharin stated it could appear that way at times, but it depends on the time of the day for certain routes. Discussion was held on marketing efforts by utilizing mailers, the City's newsletter and website, and informing Plymouth riders that might be using the 394/Hopkins Crossroad facility how easy and convenient it is to use Station 73. Mayor Slavik stated when the Council met with PACT on September 27, 2011, she didn't think the City was looking to expand transit. She noted that with the recent survey, 98% of the riders are satisfied with the current service. Therefore, she doesn't see a $100,00 solution which is the additional yearly cost of Plan 4. She stated the problem is that Station 73 isn't full. There's no need to add more buses. Page 33 Councilmember Wosje stated PACT isn't looking for a permanent change, but looking to increase frequency at Station 73 which could increase the ridership. Plan 4 is a 18 -month concept and will be reviewed to determine if it's successful in increasing ridership and use of Station 73. Mayor Slavik presented an award to Tim Baldwin from First Transit who is leaving First Transit. She thanked him for his years of service. Motion was made by Councilmember Stein, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to approve Plan 4. Councilmember Willis asked if this plan can be discontinued prior to the end of 18 months if it's not a success. Transit/Solid Waste Manager Hellekson replied this plan would begin January 1, 2013 and the staff would provide quarterly reports to the Council. Staff will begin marketing efforts later this summer. With all members voting in favor but Slavik, the motion carried. The Council thanked PACT for their work on the report. Future Study Sessions No future study sessions were scheduled. Adiournment Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m. Sandra R. Engdahl, City Clerk Adopted Minutes 3 of 3 Special Meeting of June 26, 2012 Page 34