HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 08-09-2012CITY OF PLYMOUTH
rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO
August 9, 2012
EVENTS / MEETINGS
Planning Commission Agenda 08/15/12.............................................................................................. Page 1
August, September, October and November 2012 Official City Meeting Calendars ......................... Page 2
Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ..................................................... Page 6
Basset Creek Watershed Management Commission Continuation of Public Meeting 09/20/12 ........ Page 7
Metro Cities Thrive MSP 2040 upcoming forums 08/09/12 and 09/06/12 ....................................... Page 12
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from MN Pollution Control Agency RE: Petroleum Tank Leak 18579 .................................. Page 13
Letter from Kennedy & Graven RE: Billing for Electric Load Break Center Box Damage ............. Page 15
Memo from Kennedy & Graven RE: Bassett Creek Watershed Bylaws Proposed Amendment ...... Page 20
Memo RE: Plymouth Creek Center Designated Use........................................................................ Page 42
Domestic partner registry, Star Tribune............................................................................................ Page 44
Data request show cities can't keep email addresses private, MN Public Radio .............................. Page 45
Edina adjusts policy on street assessment fees, Star Tribune............................................................ Page 47
News Release RE: Photo Contest..................................................................................................... Page 49
REPORTS
RecreationReport .............................................................................................................................. Page 50
Ehlers Market Commentary 07/31/12............................................................................................... Page 52
MINUTES
Human Rights Committee, 05/03/12................................................................................................. Page 55
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, August 15, 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 August 1, 2012 Planning Commission meeting minutes.
B. St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church. Approve a variance to allow a
freestanding sign to exceed six feet at 17205 County Road 6. (2012060)
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. NEW BUSINESS
8. ADJOURNMENT
Page 1
r�
Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
August 2012
Modified on 08/09/12
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
PRIMARY
7:00 PM
ELECTION DAY
PLANNING
COMMISSION
8:00 PM
MEETING
REGULAR COUNCIL
Council Chambers
MEETING
Council Chambers
CITY COUNCIL FILINGS
CLOSE 5:00 PM
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
6:00 PM
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 08/09/12
Page 2
r�Plymauth
Adding Quality to Life
September 2012
Modified on 08109112
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
27
28
9:00 AM
29 PLYMOUTH
7:00 PM
PLYMOUTH
7:00 PM
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
/� n
Begins at Sunset
Modified on 08109112
Page 3
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City of
Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
October 2012
Modified on 08109112
Page 4
1
2
3
4
5
6
6:30 PM
7:00 PM
VOLUNTEER
PLANNING
RECOGNITION
COMMISSION
EVENT
MEETING
Plymouth Creek
Council Chambers
Center
7
8jjj�
9 7:00 PM
10 7:00 PM
11 7:00 PM
12
13
REGULAR COUNCIL
ENVIRONMENTAL
PARK It REC
12:00-3:00 PM
MEETING
QUALITY
ADVISORY
FIRE DEPT.
COLUMBUS DAY
Council Chambers
COMMITTEE
COMMISSION
OPEN HOUSE
Observed
(EQC) MEETING
(PRAC) MEETING
Fire Station III
Council Chambers
Council Chambers
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC
WORKS DIVISION
CLOSED
14
15
16
17 7:00 PM
18
19
20
PLANNING
COMMISSION
MEETING
Council Chambers
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
REGULAR COUNCIL
PLYMOUTH
HRA MEETING
MEETING
ADVISORY
Medicine Lake Room
Council Chambers
COMMITTEE ON
TRANSIT (PACT)
STUDY SESSION
Medicine Lake Room
28
29
30
31
6:00-8:00 PM
Halloween on
the Creek
Plymouth Creek
Center
Modified on 08109112
Page 4
r�
City of
Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
November 2012
Modified on 08109112
Page 5
1
2
3
7:00 PM
HUMAN RIGHTS
COMMITTEE
MEETING
Lunch Room
4
5
6 MEE
7
8
9
10
7:00 PM
GENERAL
PLANNING
ELECTION DAY
COMMISSION
MEETING
Council Chambers
Daylight Savings
Time Ends
11
12
13 7:00 PM
14 7:00 PM
15 7:00 PM
16
17
VETERANS DAY
REGULAR COUNCIL.
ENVIRONMENTAL
HRA MEETING
10:00 AM -5 PM
VETERANS DAY
Observed
MEETING
QUALITY
Medicine Lake Room
PLYMOUTH ARTS
CITY OFFICES
Council Chambers
COMMITTEE
FAIR
CLOSED
(EQC) MEETING
Plymouth Creek
Council Chambers
Center
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
CANCELLED
12:00-5 PM
PLANNING
PLYMOUTH ARTS
COMMISSION
THANKSGIVING
THANKSGIVING
FAIR
MEETING
HOLIDAY
HOLIDAY
Plymouth Creek
Center
Council Chambers
CITY OFFICES
CITY OFFICES
CLOSED
CLOSED
25
26
27
28
29
30
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
REGULAR COUNCIL
PLYMOUTH
MEETING
ADVISORY
Council Chambers
COMMITTEE ON
TRANSIT (PACT)
MEETING
Medicine Lake Room
Modified on 08109112
Page 5
Tentative Schedule for
City Council Agenda Items
August 21, Special, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room
• Budget
August 28, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
• Consider Variance for construction of new homes at 12025 and 12015 28th Avenue (Michlitsch
Builders — 2012031) (Tabled from July 10)
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 9, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
• 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
Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. Page 6
Memorandum
Date: August 2, 2012
FAU
IVED
8 2012
nyi
To: Member Cities of the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission
From: The Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC)
Subject: Notice of Public Hearing and Continuation of Public Meeting on September 20, 2012
Attached is a Notice of Public Hearing and Continuation of Public Meeting. The notice informs the
Member Cities of the BCWMC that on September 20, 2012, the BCWMC is continuing its July 19,
2012, Public Meeting about the proposed minor pian amendment to the BCWMC's Watershed
Management Plan and also is holding a public hearing about the construction of two proposed
improvements.
The minor plan amendment proposes the addition of the following project to the Plan's Table 12-2,
Water Quality Management and Flood Control l O -Year Capital Improvements Program (CIP). The
project is one of the two proposed improvements that are part of the public hearing:
BCWMC Capital Improvement Project NL -2, "Four Seasons Mall Area Water Quality
Project" in the City of Plymouth. The estimated cost of this project is $990,000 and the
project is scheduled for 2013. The goal of this project is to reduce phosphorus loadings to
Northwood Lake (an impaired water). The proposed project includes constructing two new
water duality treatment ponds along with restoration of an eroding stream channel. The
combination of ponding and stream restoration would reduce phosphorus loadings by an
estimated 108 pounds per year.
The second proposed improvement was contained in the BCWMC's Resolution 11-08, adopted on
September 15, 2011, approving the major plan amendment. The improvement involves the following:
• BCWMC Capital Improvement Project ML -8, Lakeview Park Pond, in the City of Golden Valley.
The estimated cost of this project is $146,000 and the project is scheduled for 2013. The goal of
this project is to reduce phosphorous loadings to Medicine Lake by 15 pounds per year. The
proposed project includes constructing a pond at Lakeview Park within the Medicine Lake
watershed.
Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission
7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley, MN 55427 1 www.bassettcreekwmo.org I Established 1968
Crystal I Golden Valley I Medicine Lake I Minneapolis I Minnetonka I New Hope I Plymouth I Robbinsdale I St. Louis Park
Page 7
Member Cities of the BCWMC
Au-ust 2. 21712
Page 2
The public hearing and continuation of public meeting will be held on September 20, 2012, at 11:30
a.m. at Golden Valley City Hall (7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427) and all
interested persons are invited to attend.
Please contact BCWMC Chair Ginny Black at ,:innv,bIackLdg.coin or Commission Engineer Karen
Chandlcr at kchandlerL�i barr.com with questions.
Encl.
p: ntpts'23 ntn 27'3'27051 tiNorktiles minor plan amendments 201_"public notices cvnnemo-
"_0sepic mber'_01 _'bearingandpublicmeetinu-doc
Page 8
BASSETT CREEK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING/ CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC MEETING
Public Hearing regarding Proposed Improvements Contained in Proposed and
Adopted Minor Plan Amendments to the Bassett Creek Watershed Management
Commission's Watershed Managentent Plan and Continuation of Public Meeting
regarding Proposed Minor Plan Amendment to the Bassett Creek Watershed
Management Commission's Watershed Management Plan
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Bassett Creek Watershed Management
Commission (BCWMC) will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 20, 2012, at
Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota, to
continue the public meeting of July 19, 2012, and to hold a public hearing. Interested.
persons are invited to attend. The purpose of the continuation of the public meeting is to
offer the opportunity to hear testimony and comments of the public and member cities
regarding the proposed minor plan amendment to the BCWMC's Matershed
Management Plan. The purpose of the public hearing is to hear testimony and comments
of the public and member cities on two proposed improvements, one contained in the
proposed minor plan amendment, which involves the following:
BCWMC Capital Improvement Project NL -2, "Four Seasons Mall Area Water
Quality Project" in the City of Plymouth. The estimated cost of this project is
$990,000 and the project is scheduled for 2013. The goal of this project is to
reduce phosphorus loadings to Northwood Lake (an impaired water). The
proposed project includes constructing two new water quality treatment ponds
along with restoration of an eroding stream channel. The combination of ponding
and stream restoration would reduce phosphorus loadings by an estimated 85
108 pounds per year.
The second proposed improvement was contained in the BC WMC's Resolution 11-08,
adopted on September 15, 2011, approving the major plan amendment. The improvement
involves the following:
Page 9
• BCWMC Capital Improvement Project ML-&, Lakeview Park Pond, in the City of
Golden Valley. The estimated cost of this project is $196,000 and the project is
scheduled for 2013. The goal of this project is to reduce phosphorous loadings to
Medicine Lake by 15 pounds per year. The proposed project includes constructing
a pond at Lakeview Park within the Medicine Lake watershed.
The proposed method by which the costs of the improvements are to be paid is a levy of
an ad valorem property tax by Hennepin County on property within the Bassett Creek
Watershed.
BASSETT CREEK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Ginny Black, Chair
Page 10
Table 12-2 Water Quality Management and Flood Control 10 -Year Capital Improvements Program
Notes:
1. Capital Cost does not Include land acquisition costs, but does include legal, administration, and 25% additional for contingencies. _
2. Constructed by City,
3. Periodically completed by City.
4 This project includes dredging of accumulated sediment and was completed 1n 2006
5. Mn/DOT sound wall construction In New Hope will require reiocalion and resizing of storm sewer in this watershed.
6. Treatment completed by the City of Plymouth in 2005. 2006, and 2008.
7. Complelod in 2006. --
8. Project authorized 1n 2006. Issues regarding participation by Mn/OOT and future maintenance have delayed construction, no current schedule.
9 Project authorized in 2006. Issues regarding site contamination and right-ol-way have delayed construction, no current schedule
10 Project completed in 2006,
11 The City of New Hope constructed NB -35A, B, C but not to the same degree as proposed in the lake and watershed management plan. NB -29 A and B have not been constructed. These improvements will need
to be re-evalualed as part of the feasibility study. Costs shown are for NB -29A and B only. Costs will be added to the CIP to upgrade these ponds if the feasibility study indicates that they should be upgraded
12. The City of New Hope constructed NB -28A and B, NB -36A, NB -37A and NB -38A were completed in 2006.
13. This project was completed as part of the Boone Ave and Brookview Golf Course improvement projects in 2004.
14. Project approved for construction in 2006, to be completed as part of street repaving project
15. Minor Plan Amendment approved April 2007. Project to be completed in 2010
16. Minor Plan Amendment approved September 2007 Project completed in 2009.
17. Minor Plan Amendment approved August 2007. Project completed in 2008,
18. Not feasible per city of Minnetonka ir1 2008.
19. Minor Plan Amendment approved June 2009, Project PC -1 to be completed in 2011.
20 Minor Plan Amendment approved June 2009.
21 . Project construction proposed to start in 2011 using GIP reserve funds.
22. The Four Seasons Mall Area Water Quality Project includes construction of two new water ouality treatment ponds and restoration of an eroding stream channel. One of the ponds will be located on the Four
Seasons Mall site: the other pond will be located southwest of the mall site near the intersection of 40th Ave. N. and Pilgrim Lane. The original proposed project (from the 1996 Northwood Lake Watorsnod and Lake
Managemenl Plan ) was to dredge and enlarge pond NB -07 to provide additional treatment of stormwater runoff The 2012 feasibility study for the Four Seasons Mall Area Water Quality PrLect concluded that it was
not feasible to convert pond NB -07 a wetland to a slormwater pond. The feasibility Study also included two scenarios as alternatives to the proposed dredging The Commission selected Scenario 1 as their Dreferrod
altemative.
P1Mpis123 MM27123270511WotkFl1eslClPtCIP TABLE 12 .2 July 11 2012 Page 11
Capital Cost
A (Actual Project (Cost)
year
Water Quality Improvement
E (Estimated Project Cost
2010 2011 2012 2013 2414 2015 2016 2017 2018
Medicine Lake
Construct wet detention pond for 4ubwaler4hcd
M1__1 z
BC94B1 (Option ✓j in. Medlane Luke Plan)
$D
y
ML-2
Roduon Goose Loatlings by 75% (OPeori 17,n
Mod-.Lake Plan)
Rorouto hews from subwalirmhed BC94 to,,
larger wet deontion pond for BC92 14poon 9;1 in
4
Will-. Lake Plan) 8 dredging of accumulated
ML -3. ML -4
sediment
A $893.000
Medlcmu Lake Easl B. -in wet detvntion pono
for 50wa1015ned BCI W (Option 1 a .n Mumcinc
Lake Plan) 8 dredging ai accumu€atnd :;edimurn
.Construct wet dolanhon pond for suowatersheds
BC98. BC98A and SC9813 {Option 10. 1.
ML
Medic- Lake Plan) 8 dredging of aecumuhdnd
-5'
sediment
SO
C06511110I wet delonllon pond for 4ubwalert,hed
ML -6
SC94132 (Option 6 re Medicine Law Phm)
E $14,000
$14,000
ML -7
In Lake H.rlo-de Troafinent (Option 18 rn
Medicine Lake Plan i
A $132,000
ML -8
Lakeview Park Pond
5196.000
ML -11
Medicine Lake Park Pnnd
E $1,100,000
Plymouth Creek
PC -1
261h Avenue to Medicine Laku
E $965,000
$902,462
PC72
26th Avenue to 37th Avenue
E $559,000
$105.000 $454.000
Parkers Lake
Irnprnvcmenls to lati ator bush m PL -A13
- -
11
PL
near CirOu Park flrom the CIIy of Plyrrloulh'a
-6
Parkers take InVemunhlrion Pian)
E 571000
Wirth Lake
WTH-1 '
0red9mg subwalorshc0 FR*5 detenllod pond
_ _
10 bon 2 in W1Hh I. akp Plant
A $69.000
h
WTH-2
Highway 55 detention pond (pplidn 3ln winh
Law Pl-I
E $215,000
WTH-3 "
In iakc alum treatment (Option 1 in Wirth l.:rk,-
Pians
E 559,000
Modify oullut to prevent back -Naw (Wath L.,k,
•WTH-4
1 MDL implementation Plan}
$180.000
$180.000
Sweeney Lake
Twin Lake
TW_ 1 ''
Pnnd expansion 10pbon 1 in Twrn Lake Plan)
E 182.000
Westwood Lake
1u
WST-1
Flag Avenue detention! skimming M.hty (OPlron
I., W-1-1 Lake Plan)
A $174,000
Bassett Creek Park
Pond
N...,,eTable 2 Pomnwi nw-water quality
Northwood Lake
i t
NL -1
Censw,ct ponds NB -35A. B, C and N8 -29A B
1Omhn4lnNamivpudLakePiani
E $595.000
$595,004
Four Svasnns Mr,ll Amu Weser Quality Prolecl
NL -2 22
E 5990,000
5990,000
Divert Lannnstor Lane storm sewer (Cptlen 3 in
NL -3
Nonnwood Lake Pianp
E 559,000
$59,000
Cnnatrucl pnnds NB 36A, N8 VA. NB 38A and
NL_4 1r
NB 28A, B (option 5.0 Ndrthwuod I aku Puml
A $153.000
NL -7
Construcl pond adjacent to amlk
E $139,000
Bassett Creek Main
Stem
1:1
13C-1
Pond BC 10 3 (Op11on 4.n Bassett Creek Main
-
Slum Plant
50
Crystal Boundary to
Regonl Ave 20
Chan.o wslorntmn
E 5636.000
$34.800 $601,200
Wisconsin Ave to
Crystal Boundary
Ch.irv4el ri:,rrtahmi
E $580.000
S290,000 5290.000
BC3. BC5, BC7
F 1.300.400
$15,800 $984,200 $300,000
BC2. BC4, BC8
E 1.000.000
$15,800 $984,200
Irving Avenue to
Golden Walley Road
cnannvu restoraimri.
E S856,000
$856,000
Sweeney Lake
Branch
ourtlawn Pond to
1r
Turners Crossing
Channel rastormon
A 5386.000
North Branch
351h Ave to Bassett
Ci,amiia m mrahon
Creek Park'"
E 5835,000
$600,000 $235,000
Grimes, North, $
South Rice Ponds
GR -2
Games Pnnd wel detention pond (Option 4 in
Role:uu:GrimasPnndsPianl
E $104,000
$104.000
Crane Lake
CL -1
R.,,r da Inn delenaonl ::kiniming I -lily (Ophan
1 in Crani: Lake Plan)
E S116,000
CL -2
JuY t anti vPet Detenli0e Pond (Ah. 02i
$0
Turtle Lake
None Proposed
Lost Lake
Capital Cost
2010 2011 2012 2013
1 2014
2015 2016 2017 2018
ANNUAL ESTIMATED COST
S937.2621 $1,491.2001 $1,561.0001 $1.201.8001
$1,000,0001
$984,2001 51,000,000 $454,000 $177,000
Notes:
1. Capital Cost does not Include land acquisition costs, but does include legal, administration, and 25% additional for contingencies. _
2. Constructed by City,
3. Periodically completed by City.
4 This project includes dredging of accumulated sediment and was completed 1n 2006
5. Mn/DOT sound wall construction In New Hope will require reiocalion and resizing of storm sewer in this watershed.
6. Treatment completed by the City of Plymouth in 2005. 2006, and 2008.
7. Complelod in 2006. --
8. Project authorized 1n 2006. Issues regarding participation by Mn/OOT and future maintenance have delayed construction, no current schedule.
9 Project authorized in 2006. Issues regarding site contamination and right-ol-way have delayed construction, no current schedule
10 Project completed in 2006,
11 The City of New Hope constructed NB -35A, B, C but not to the same degree as proposed in the lake and watershed management plan. NB -29 A and B have not been constructed. These improvements will need
to be re-evalualed as part of the feasibility study. Costs shown are for NB -29A and B only. Costs will be added to the CIP to upgrade these ponds if the feasibility study indicates that they should be upgraded
12. The City of New Hope constructed NB -28A and B, NB -36A, NB -37A and NB -38A were completed in 2006.
13. This project was completed as part of the Boone Ave and Brookview Golf Course improvement projects in 2004.
14. Project approved for construction in 2006, to be completed as part of street repaving project
15. Minor Plan Amendment approved April 2007. Project to be completed in 2010
16. Minor Plan Amendment approved September 2007 Project completed in 2009.
17. Minor Plan Amendment approved August 2007. Project completed in 2008,
18. Not feasible per city of Minnetonka ir1 2008.
19. Minor Plan Amendment approved June 2009, Project PC -1 to be completed in 2011.
20 Minor Plan Amendment approved June 2009.
21 . Project construction proposed to start in 2011 using GIP reserve funds.
22. The Four Seasons Mall Area Water Quality Project includes construction of two new water ouality treatment ponds and restoration of an eroding stream channel. One of the ponds will be located on the Four
Seasons Mall site: the other pond will be located southwest of the mall site near the intersection of 40th Ave. N. and Pilgrim Lane. The original proposed project (from the 1996 Northwood Lake Watorsnod and Lake
Managemenl Plan ) was to dredge and enlarge pond NB -07 to provide additional treatment of stormwater runoff The 2012 feasibility study for the Four Seasons Mall Area Water Quality PrLect concluded that it was
not feasible to convert pond NB -07 a wetland to a slormwater pond. The feasibility Study also included two scenarios as alternatives to the proposed dredging The Commission selected Scenario 1 as their Dreferrod
altemative.
P1Mpis123 MM27123270511WotkFl1eslClPtCIP TABLE 12 .2 July 11 2012 Page 11
METRO CITIES
.11 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
Please plan to join us....
Dear City Official:
Metro Cities is hosting two upcoming forums to offer city officials an opportunity to hear about
and provide suggestions on the Metropolitan Council's 2040 new metropolitan development
guide, Thrive MSP 2040. Metro Cities is pleased to host two of the first opportunities for
engagement between city officials and the Met Council on the new guide.
The first of the two forums will be a late afternoon session geared towards mayors and council
members on Thursday, August 9th from 3:30 — 5:00 p.m., with Metropolitan Council Chair
Susan Haigh. We'll host a second morning session geared towards city staff on Thursday,
September 6th from 8:30 —10 a.m. Regional Administrator Pat Born will join us, and members
of the Thrive Work Group - Met Council members Gary Van Eyll, Steven Chavez, Jon
Commers, Sandy Rummel, and Lona Schreiber are also invited.
Each session will include an overview and timelines of Thrive MSP 2040. This guide and
subsequent systems plans will provide the basis for the comprehensive plans cities will submit to
the Council in 2018. These forums are an important opportunity to for cities to provide input
into shaping the new guide. What do you see as major issues and challenges facing the region
over the next 30 years and how should these challenges be addressed? What advice do you have
for the Council as it embarks on developing the new metro development guide?
Details for the meetings are as follows:
Thursday, August 9
3:30-5:00 pm
LMC Building (St Croix Room)
145 University Avenue, St Paul
Thursday, September 6
8:30 —10:00 a.m.
LMC Building (St Croix Room)
145 University Avenue, St Paul
We hope you will join us! Please RSVP to Laurie Jennings at lauriegmetrocitiesmn.org or 651-
215-4000.
145 University Ave. W, St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 Phone: 651-215-4000 www.MetroCitiesMN.
Page 12
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Road North I St. Paul, MN 55155-4194 1 651-296-6300 1800-657-3864 1 651-282-5332 TTY I www.pcastate.mn.us
July 30, 2012
Mr. Keith Yocum
Holiday Companies
P.O. Box 1224
Minneapolis, MN 55440
RE:. Petroleum Tank Release Site File Closure
AUG 0 3 2012
BY:
Site: Holiday Station Store 312, 9705 Schmidt Lake Road, Plymouth, Hennepin County 55442
Site lD#: LEAK18579
Dear Mr. Yocum:
We are pleased to let you know that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has determined
that your investigation and/or cleanup have adequately addressed the petroleum tank release at the
site listed above. Based on the information provided, the MPCA has closed the petroleum tank release
site file.
The closure of the petroleum tank release file means that the MPCA does not require any additional
investigation and/or cleanup work at this time or in the foreseeable future. Please be aware that file
closure does not necessarily mean that all petroleum contamination has been removed from this site.
However, the MPCA has concluded that any remaining contamination, if present, does not appear to
pose a threat to public health or the environment under current conditions.
The MPCA reserves the right to reopen this file and to require additional investigation and/or cleanup
work if new information, changing regulatory requirements or changed land use makes additional work
necessary. if you or other parties discover additional contamination (either petroleum or nonpetroleum)
that was not previously reported to the MPCA, Minnesota state law requires that the MPCA be
immediately notified.
You should understand that this letter does not release any party from liability for the petroleum
contamination under Minn. Stat. ch. 115C (2010) or any other applicable state or federal law. In
addition, this letter does not release any party from liability for nonpetroleum contamination, if present,
under Minn. Stat. ch. 1156 (2010), the Minnesota Superfund Law.
Please note that as a result of performing the requested work you may be eligible to apply to the
Petroleum Tank Release Compensation Fund (Petrofund) for partial reimbursement of the costs you
have incurred in investigating and cleaning up this petroleum tank release. The,Petrofund is
administered by the Petroleum Tank Release Compensation Board (Petro Board) and the Minnesota
Department of Commerce. To learn more about who is eligible for reimbursement, the type of work that
is eligible for reimbursement, and the amount of reimbursement available, please contact Petrofund
staff at 651-215-1775 or 1-800-638-0418.
Page 13
Mr. Keith Yocum
Page 2
July 30, 2012
if future development of this property or the surrounding area is planned, it should be assumed that
petroleum,contamination may still be present. If petroleum contamination is encountered during future
development work, the MPCA staff should be notified immediately.
For specific information regarding petroleum contamination that may remain at this leak site, please call
the Petroleum Remediation Program File Request Program at 651-757-2799 or 651-757-2309. The MPCA
fact sheet Request to Bili for Services Performed must be completed prior to arranging a time for file
review.
Thank you for your response to this petroleum tank release and for your cooperation with the MPCA to
protect public health and the environment. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please
contact MPCA project manager Andrew Eddy at 651-757-2331.
Sincerely,
Andr�
%etrolemediation Section
Remediation Division
AJE:csa
cc: Sandy Engdahl, City Clerk, Plymouth
Richard. Kline, Fire Chief, Plymouth
Dave Jaeger, Hennepin County Solid Waste Officer
Matt Hobson, Antea Group
Minnesota Department of Commerce Petrofund Staff
Page 14
C H A R T E R E D
Offices in
4-0 L'.S. Bank 11la4a
200 South Sixrh Strrer
Minneapolis
Minneapolis, 1[N 5540'
Saint Paul
(612) 33--9311#) relephone
(61033'-9''10 its
ST. Cloud
xsti�itkennedr-�ratien. otn
Ahtirmarive Action, Equal Opporrunin Employer
,TAMES M. STROMMEN
Attomey at Law
Direct Dial (612) 337-9233
Email: jstrommencr.,kennedy-graven.com
August 7, 2012
Mr. Scott Johnson
Manager
Xcel Community and Local Gov't Relations
8701 Monticello Lane
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Re; City of Plymouth — Billing for Electric Load Break Center Box Damage
Dear Scott:
This letter is written on behalf of the Suburban Rate Authority and the City of Plymouth as a
member of the SRA. 1 bring this matter to your attention because I understand that Plymouth is
within your community relations territory.
I enclose a copy of a June 6, 201.1 bill sent by Xcel to the City for $4,467.03. Also enclosed is an
August 23, 2011 letter from the League of Minnesota Cities to Robert Italiano, a claims investigator
for Xcel, regarding its claim.
It is my understanding that the matter has been resolved through the claims process reflected by the
August 23, 2011 letter, The objection that the SRA brings to your attention is the billing format
used by Xcel for this damages claim. The attached bill is in substantially the same format as the
energy billing received by cities routinely for energy usage on a monthly basis. The bill references
the $4,467.03 as a "Current Other Charges". It is framed as a "Billing Summary". While the nature
of the charges are identified in reference to the damage repair of labor, materials and equipment, it is
undeniably presented in a format that cities and other customers would initially view as a "bill" or
"charge" rather than a "claim.."
There is a significant difference between the energy charges Xcel customers receive and pay on a
monthly basis, and a claim for reimbursement based on possibly disputed facts and liability. This
"bill" happened to be recognized by the City as a claim and resolved in the normal course. It could,
however, have easily been mistakenly paid as an energy bill --- as another SRA city did with a
similar Xcel "claim" in the format of a billing "charge"
The SRA. brings this to your attention because we trust that you will convey this objection to staff at
Xcel responsible for billing format. The SRA requests that this billing format be immediately
discontinued for any Xcel claim such as reflected in the attached, i.e. where the defendant (city)
may have defenses and contest the allegations of Xcel. As I have requested in similar letters being
sent to Xcel, on matters of the cities of Deephaven and Roseville, we ask that Xcel confirm in
408881v1 JMS SU 160-3
Page 15
August 7, 2012
Page 2 of 2
writing by August 31, 2012 that it will discontinue any use of its standard energy billing format for
damage claims such as this. This is a deceptive practice that can result and has resulted in the
customer mistakenly paying a claire to Xcel under the belief that it is an energy charge.
We trust that you will discuss this matter witb appropriate Xcel staff and respond at your earliest
convenience.
Very truly yours,
�EDYlRAVE , CHARTERED
James M. Strommen
Enclosures
cc: Doran Cote (w/enclosures)
SRA Executive Committee (w/enclosures)
Pat Cline, Director, Community Development Relations (w/enclosures)
Jennifer Thulien-Smith (w/enclosures)
408881vl JMS SUI60-3
Page 16
XXcelEnergy®
RESPON&IBLE BY NATURE^'
Northern States Power Company
Please Retum This Portion With Your Payment
yY
RA
51-0114272-9
07/06/Z011
$4,467.03
Thank You!
AT 01 055729 9899513219 A**SWT
1`Illlllllilllllll„lllylll,li111i,illil,l,jll,lll,�flallll�lll= .
CITY OF PLYMOUTH D11317275 ��Itltlll,,,,l�lllllllllll�=llllr111�11�ill;l�r�llli�ll�illlllf i1
3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD P.O. BOX 9477
PLYMOUTH M N 55447-1448 M PLS, MN 55484-9477
5lU706llriDll42729riDDE1 04467013001)00446703
Detach and Retain This Portion For Your Records
1luestions: Call or write to us at.
Please Call: 000) 4814700 Northern States Power Company roll,
s . � Hearing Impaired: {8� 895-4949 PO BOX 8���
Fax: (800) 311-0050 EAU CIAIRE WI 64702-0008 � � �� tVE,
��;
ol
Previous Balance
No Payment Through 06/06
Balance As Of 06/06
Current other Charges 06/06
Total
Other Charges
Invoice No. 374727687
Bill Period 0610312011 to 06/03/2011
11317275
CAMPUS OR AND XENIUM LN
PLYMOUTH MN
DmgRepairEC Labor
DmgRepairEC.Mat
DmgRepairEC Equip
Uther Charges
CONTRACT 824749 CAMPUS DR &XENIUM IN, PHYMOUTH MN
REPAIR ELECTRIC LOAD BREAK CENTER BOX DAMAGED ON 12/16/10
WORK ORDER 11317275
PLEASE CALLTHE CLAIMS DEPARTMENTAT 612-215-4516, IF YOU
HAVE ANY O.UESTIONS REGARDING THIS INVOICE.
CITY OF PLYMOUTH 011317275
3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD
PLYMOUTH MN 55447-1448
See hack of bill for Account* 51-0114272-9
more information.
Page 1 of I Statement hate: 06/06/11
$0.00
V
,4S7.O:i
Total Amount
$2,248.31
$1,846.02
$372.70
$4,467.03
NextScheduled�WRV��
Meter Reading Date
�;�.n
07IN/Mll
$4,49.03
Phase see the back Of tFiis bill for more information
regarding the late payment charge. Pay on or before the
date due to avoid assessment of a late payment charge.
Statement # 284456978 6
Page 17
I
ro�
LEAGUE of
MINNESOTA
CITIES
August 23, 2011
Robert A. Italiano
Claims Investigator
Xcel Energy
Claims/Collections Department
825 Rice Street, 2°d Floor
Saint Paul, MN 55117
CONNECTING &- INNOVATING
SINCE 1913
RE: LMCIT Claim No.
Dear
P11077369
Trust Member
Cit
y of Plymouth
Xcel Energy Claim
CRS Account 114272
Account Number
51-0114272-9
Date of Repairs
12/1612010
Location of Damages :.
At or Near Campus Drive &. Xenium. Lane, Plymouth, MN,
Amountof Repairs
44G7.Q3 -
$4467.03,-
Dear Mr. Italiano:
You have indicated in correspondence to the City of Plymouth, dated June 16, 2011, that Xcel
Energy believes that a snow plow, operated by the City of Plymouth, was "likely responsible for
damage to an electric load break center box." You further indicate that the box was struck by what
"appeared to be a snow plow with snow piled up all around it," You further indicate that the "box
did not appear to have been struck by a non -plow vehicle."
I also have examined this location and have inspected the location of the equipment replaced by
Xcel Energy. Absent further information, I do not believe that the City of Plymouth is liable for
the damages which have been repaired or that the City was negligent in their street plowing
operations. I do not believe that that the City struck the equipment at that location.
As you may have discovered in your investigation of the location, Campus Drive is a very busy
commercial district on which the Westhealth Clinic building is located as well the Hilton Hotel
and several other large commercial buildings and parking lots. The City of Plymouth does plow
the driving area of Campus Drive, but is not the only plow vehicle which travels in that area. The
commercial buildings and hotels separately contract to have their property and parking lots cleared
of snow. The City. of Plymouth does not engage in these activities. The Electrical Box damaged
LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES
INSURANCE TRUST 145 UNWERS ITY AVE. WEST PRONE: (651) 281-1200 FAX: (651) 281-1297
CLAIMS OBPAItTMENT ST. PAUL, Mtn 55103-2044 TOLL FREE: (800) 925-1122 WEB: WWW.LMc.nRG
Page 18
Page 2
was directly across from a driveway to the Hilton Hotel and could have been struck by any of a
number of vehicles, with or without plow blades.
If you have convincing evidence that shows that only the City of Plymouth could have struck this
equipment, please provide that information.. Without greater proof, we must deny your claim for
the costs of repairs. If you have any questions, please call me at the number below.
Sincerely,
Mark H. Stangler/AIC, SCLA
Adjuster/ (512) 849-2313
LMCIT Claims
145 University Avenue West
St. Paul, MN 55432
CC:' Jennifer Moreen
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447-1448
Page 19
Kennedy
f .
c%
Grave
CHARTERED
Charles L. LeFevere
470 US Bank Plaza
200 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis MN 55402
(612) 337-9215 telephone
(612) 337-9310 fax
clefevere@kennedy-graven.com
http://www.kennedy-Uaven.com
MEMORANDUM
Date: July 25, 2012
To: Clerks of Member Cities of the Bassett Creek
Watershed Management Commission
From: Charlie LeFevere, legal counsel
Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission
IVSD
AUG 0 3 2092
Re: Proposed Amendment to Bassett Creek Watershed Management
Commission Bylaws
Your city is a member of the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission. Under the Joint
Powers Agreement between the members of the Commission, the Board of the Commission is
authorized to adopt and amend bylaws. The bylaws provide that seven days' prior notice of a
proposed amendment to the bylaws must be furnished to each member of the Commission..
Attached is a copy of the proposed, amended bylaws and a redline copy of the bylaws showing the
proposed changes to the current bylaws.
Most of the proposed changes are technical. These changes include corrections to grammar,
consistent use of terminology, change to gender neutral language, and the like.
There are three changes that are more substantive in nature.
The first is a proposed change that would amend Article V, Section 9 by deleting the specified order
of business for Board meetings, which would allow the Board to determine the order of business.
The second is a proposed change that would amend Article VII, Section 7 to delete the requirement
that a roll call vote be taken on the expenditure of any Commission funds. This would allow the
Board to act on routine claims as a part of the consent agenda. The Cormnission is subject to the
requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.01, subd. 4, which requires roll call votes on the
appropriation of money, subject to certain exceptions such as payment of claims. The proposed
amendment would not affect votes subject to that statutory requirement.
408185 CLL BA295-1
Page 20
Memo re: Proposed Amendment to Bassett Creek watershed Management Commission Bylaws Page 2
The third is a proposed change that would amend Article V, Section 5 to allow written notice of
regular and special meetings to be "sent" rather than "mailed", to allow for notices to be sent by
electronic means.
The Bassett Creek Board intends to act on the proposed amendment at its regular meeting of August
16, 2012. You are welcome to attend that meeting if you wish to do so. If you have any questions
or comments about the proposed amendments, please feel free to contact me at the telephone
number or address listed above.
CLL:peb
Attachment
408185 CLL BA295-I
Page 21
BYLAWS
BASSETT CREEK WATERSHED
MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
ARTICLE I
NAME AND MEMBERSHIP
Section I. The name of thisthe Commission shall be the "Bassett Creek Watershed
Management Commission." The members of fl+k-the Commission are the following municipalities:
City of Crystal
City of Golden Valley
City of Medicine Lake
City of Minneapolis
City of Minnetonka.
City of New Hope
City of Robbinsdale
City of Plymouth
City of St. Louis Park
ARTICLE II
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Section 1. For the purposes of these bylaws, the terms defined in this seH+enArticle
shall have the meanings given them.
Sec. ?. ""Commission means the organization created by the Joint and Cooperative
Agreement for Bassett Creek, the full name of which is ""Bassett Creek Watershed Management
Commission."" It shall be a public agency of its members.
Sec. 3. 'Board"" means the Board of Commissioners of the Commission, consisting of one
Commissioner from each of the governmental units
.,,that is it Member or, in absence of the Commissioner, that Memher`s Alternate
Commissioner. The Board shall be the governing body of the Commission.
1101600('1.1.13A-195 r
I Page 22
Sec. 4.
tits "Comrniti.ioner- means the person appointed h�, it Memher to ser%e on the Board of [he
Corill11l5S1011.
Sec. 5. -"Gd FemTi7tal U;Tit"" m I LZT4—RTi CT., SO CIt.. GitQ,T T -AlLcrflale CommNtiioner.
mean; the person appointed hr a "Oemher to act a, a Beard member in the absence of the appointed
Commissigner.
Sec. 6. "`-:„t;iihei""Council" means the �ioxcminL, boo of a oo ernnictital unit Ali
eweFe r ° Affeeli that i, a memher of the Commission.
See. 7. "AgFeemeiit" Fne$'fts the "e'Gl %ernmental .'nit" means anti cita. county or to,� n,
Sec. S. "Memher" means it Go�,emmental Unit that entered into the ALreernent.
Sec. 9. -A-regiment" mean• the "Joint and Cooperative A,-reement— d.. entered into
by thy: nine member- , c-il Nlernher5. creating and establishing the "Bassett Creel: \4'ater,,hed
Mana,,ement Commission."
Sec. 8. "Sec. 10. -Officer:sL- means those Potions designated as officers inwider ,article IV.
Section 1 of these bylaws.
ARTICLE III
Section 1. The EaHiffiksiaiiBoard shall have nine Commissioners, one from each t11' the
Niemhers.
See. ?. The term of'office of each let=Conrmi„ioner shall be three years- 1. ending on
Fcbruar,y 1, or Until lfis or her successor- is selected and Cttlalitled. except as provided in Article 144%.
Section i of the Agreement.
Page 23
Sec. 3. If any Commissioner dies, resigns or is removed in accordance with the provisions
of Article MV, Subdivision 4 of the "Agreement" -1 .-. that Commissioner's office shall be deemed
vacant, and a successor shall be appointed for litithe unexpired term by the ,,.,•,neil ...h iehCouncil
that appointed himthat Commissioner.
Sec. 4. Alternate Commissioners may be appointed to represent a membe ember. The
Alternate mustCoimm..ssioner shall be appointed by the couneilCouncil and may serve in lieu of the
NIcmher's Commissioner if the Commissioner is not present at the meeting. if duly
app —WThe Alternate Commissioner may participate in all discussions and may vote on all
proposals before the "Board" if the Commissioner is not present.
1 f01N1w UI J. BA -29i -I
V
d
3
Page 24
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS AND ENIP1,0YEES
Section 1. The officers of the Board shall be the Chair, 'Vice Chair.
Secretary and Treasurer. The oil -ices Of tilt'. Secretary and Treasurer may be combined and held by
the name Person. A Recording Secretary and ,I Deputy TIeasul-er nlciy lie appointed by the
CammissioffBoard. The Recording Secretary +land the Deputy TreaSUrer need not he a
�Comnli�•i��ners.
Sec. 2. The terin of office for all officer's shall be one year. and they shall he selected and
take office at the first business meeting held after February I .
Sec. 3. The Chair shall be the presiding officer- of the CemmissioiiBoard. He-Or--sheThe
Chair shall Preside at all meetings ofthe tBoard. but shall have all of the same privileges
of'diSCUSSion, making inations and voting! as do other;t -sCommi,.;inners.
Sec. 4. The Vice Chair shall, rn the absence or disability ofthe Chair. perfnrrll the duties and
exercise the powers of the Chair.
See. 5. The TreasLlrer' shall helve the custody of the funds and securines of the Commission
and shall keep full and accurate aCCOLIMS Of I'CCeiptS arld dISbUI-SerllCIlt5 in books belona_,ing to the
Conlnlission and shall deposit all monies and other valuElble effects in the name and to the credit of
the Conlnlission in such dcpository as illav he designated by the Co; issiefi.He OF sheBoard.
Tile Treasurer shall disbul-se the funds of the Conlnlission as ordered by the CanimissionBoard oil
orders shuned by the Chair. Vice Chair. Secretary or TIeLISUI-CI'- takirr;. the Proper VOLIC11CI-s for such
disbLrrsements. and shall render to the CNillti•}issioFiBoard at re�aular nleetirlgs. or- as t tilt Beard
may retlLICSt. an account of all 4iT-transactirins as T-ii-easurei, and of the financial condition of the
Commission. He ej- siie-I-he Shall SLrper-v INC and direct the work of the Deputy Treasurer.
No Conlnrission funds shall be dishursed Without the siLIMI'ure of at least tWo Officers of the
.: t I i Is �'•�=
4 Page 25
Com;iBoard, one of whom shall be the Treasurer or histhe Treasul-el-'s authorized Deputy
Treasurer.
Sec. 6. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the CommissionBoard and shall act as
Clerk at such meetings and shall record all votes and the minutes of all proceedings in a minute
book kept for that purpose. He—af=AeThe Secretary shall give notice of all meetings of the
Commis! Board and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Co.r,, is!iiafl,
He-oF s Board. The Secretary may assign the aforestated duties to a Recording Secretary if
authorized to do so by the CommissionBoard.
Sec. 7. The Deputy Treasurer, if one leis appointed, shall assist the Treasurer and shall
perform ,he Treasurer's administrative duties during the absence or disability of the
Treasurer, but the performance of such duties shall not make him OF heF a ffle be the Dcputy
I reaSUrer a1 COMMiSSlOner.
Sec. 8. The officers and employees of the Commission shall give bond as required by the
CeHim;sSIORBoard, and by the Agreement, with corporate sureties satisfactory to the
C-ommisSiOnBoard for the faithful performance of their duties and for restoration to the
Commission, in case of death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers,
vouchers, money and property of whatever kind coming into their possession or under their control,
belonging to the Commission. The premium on any such bond shall be paid out of Commission
funds.
Sec. 9. Any person engaged to perform any service or hold any office for the Commission,
other than Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, may be engaged on a full-time, part-time or
consulting basis, as deterrrtined by theriet�Board.
Il�elr,YY�a('l.I.13:1�`J� l
ARTICLE V
MEETINGS
1
Page 26
Section 1. Regular monthly mectings of the ComiiiksionBcuru shalt be held at such
Iocaticuis and at such tinges as are specified from time to time by resolution of the Board. The
Secretary shall cause copies of all such resolutions to be provided promptly to each of the Members
and filed in the primary offices of [tic Commission at Golden Valley City Hall. hl the event the
GemmksiaftBoard determines to hold a re-ular meetint_ at a location or time ether than as specified
in such resolution. such meetingshall he dcomed a special meeting for purpose~ of giving notice-,
and notice of' such mectim, shall be given to all me in accordance with Article V,
Subd. 7 of the Agreement. to all Commissioners and Alternate Commissioners in ,accordance with
this Article.. and to the public in accordance with Minnesota Statutes. section 17�1,70r,1 3D.04. as
amended.
Section 2. For purposes of posting notice of meetings as required by -Minnesota Statute;.
section 17T71.70 -5,1'D.04. the: C0111munity bulletin board at Golden Valley City Hall shall be deemed
the principal bulletin hoard ofthe Commission.
Sec. _7. Written notice of all 111ce(i]ILs of the CommissionBoarel shall be sent to all
Cornmissioners. and to duly appointed Altemate Commissioners of all [!HF!ie!Alemher,.
Sec. 4. Special ineetings of the; CommissionBoard may be culled by the Chair or any other
three Coin missieirlei's j()iiltly. Tile purpose of any special niectim, shall he stated in the notice of the
meeting
Sec. i. 'WrittCl notice of rc�Tular nlectin�,s shall he mamled,ent at Iccist fuut• days Prick- to ecich
mecting and written notice of special nlcetin,,tis shall be sent at least two clays prior to each
such Ille:tim_'.
Sec. 6. At any meeting, of the Go;iittiiBoard. live Commissioners oi- their Alternate
Co ill nlissioners shall constitute a eluoruln.
!- :t IIk".._
FL
6 Page 27
Sec. 7. If the Secretary is absent from the meeting, and if a Recording Secretary has not
been selected, the Chair shall appoint a Secretary Pro Tem for each meeting.
Sec. 8. All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order
Revised, except as otherwise provided in the Agreement or these bylaws.
Sec. 9. Tile Commission Board may from time to time determine the order of business for
CC-ar'r'iflws ;n;rBoard meetings. The usual Fde f husiHess t 1 u ll he ll
ARTICLE VI.
POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMISSION
Section 1. The Commission is created and established by the "Agreement." Its powers and
duties shall be those established in said —"Agreement."
Sec. 2. The Board may exercise all powers necessary and incidental to the implementation
of purposes and powers set forth in the =Agreement."
Sec. 3. The Board may establish work committees, which committees shall act in advisory
capacity to the Board. These committees may e i�include persons who are not sliefi,►,ePs- of r W
Commks+enBoard Members.
110 1NK; (11. BA -295-1
7
Page 28
ARTICLE VII.
FINANCIAL MAITERS
Section t. Commission funds may he expended in accordance with procedures established
by lav for the expenditure of funds for statutory cities. Orders, checks and drafts shall be sil-lyned by
the Chair. Vice Chair or Secretary and the Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer. All claims :shall be paid
after audit by the Gammitision. .,\ fell eall vate shall be taken and Commissiaii iieed net sign or
initial n&yard. At least two Officers of the Commission shall S11"n all orders. checks or drafts in
accordance with Article IV.
Sec. '. The fiscal year of the Commission shall be February I to FebFuar)':J.►nuari ► I
Sec, 3. The CamniksiefiBoard shall cause an annual audit to be made of' all its hooks.
report` and records by a certified public: accaurttant.
Sec. 4. A d<po��ane: or more depositories for Commission funds shall he designated by
the C-�emmi Board at its annual nlcetinL, each year. Prior to `uch designation tilt' TIVZISUrer may
recoil MC[ld hih ehOiee Of depO.Silieryoneor more depositories. Commission funds shall be deposited
and imested in accordance with the. Iaws applicable to cities.
ARTICLE VIII.
AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS
Section 1. These bylaws may be amended at any regular- or special meeting, of the
Commissi Board. provided that a seven day prior notice of the proposed amendment has been
furnished to each membe Mk innher.
Sec. 2. A majority vote of Commissioners shall be necessary to adopt any amendment to
these hylaws.
Sec. 3. In any instance where these hylaws are in conflict with the "Joint and Cooperative
Aureemem". the ALreement shall control.
X
8 Page 29
Page 30
ARTICLE IX
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
See;Section 1. There is hereby created a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC.) of the
e*BOdI-!.
Sec- ?. The Council of each meii tyMcn,01 r may appoint 4t TAC member. and one
or more alternate members of the TAC who may act in the absence of the TAC member. The
clerk of each Mertther city shall notify the TSecretarr of the Commission of such
appointments. TAC members may be. but need not be. members of the Board. TAC members
shall serve at the pleasure of the Council that appoints thein and are not required to meet
statutory qualifications for board members.
Sec. 3. The TAC is a committee of the C—of:n ionl3oal'rl and its tnemin-s shall be
subject to the Minnesota Open i'vIcetin`, Law-, :Minn. Stat.. S Ch. -17.0 9 +D'
See. 4. The Board may by resolution delegate to the TAC any duties 01' responsibilities
that may lawfully be so delegated.
Sec. 5. Notice of all 1-e4TLllal- and special tneetlrl�gs of the coli' ni!,ionli,':!rd shall be given
to all TAC member's, and copies of all correspondence. a;cnda materials and ether written
rllatcrialls provided to nicnabers of the r,_^,., iss , Bt,ard shall also be provided to TAC
merrlhers.
Sec. 6. TAC members may attend and participate in Lill meetings of the
Board. TAC members shall not have the authority to make motions or vote oil
matters bef'Ore the C-Offi,.:.:-:eHBo rd but shall ,otherwise have the rights of a
nienihei:C')Illtn1"Moller to question. Lllsctlss. dchate and comment on any matter before the
RMONo t w19J WM
4-0
Page 31
Page 32
Adopted this 15th day ol'Novernher. 1984.
Chair
Attest:
Secretary
Article V. Secs. I and 2 miiended by Res. 96-2. adopted Am nest 15. 1996,
Article V. Secs. I and 2 and Article IV. Sec. 2 affleWed. by Res. 97-6 adopted April 17. 1997.
Articie IX added by Re-,?, _, adopted July 19.'_(,)01.
Page 33
BYLAWS
BASSETT CREEK WATERSHED
MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
ARTICLE I
NAME AND MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. The name of the Commission shall be the 'Bassett Creek Watershed
Management Commission." The members of the Commission are the following municipalities:
City of Crystal
City of Golden Valley
City of Medicine Lake
City of Minneapolis
City of Minnetonka
City of New Hope
City of Robbinsdale
City of Plymouth
City of St. Louis Park
ARTICLE II
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Section 1. For the purposes of these bylaws, the terms defined in this Article shall have
the meanings given them.
Sec. 2. "Commission" means the organization created by the Joint and Cooperative
Agreement for Bassett Creek, the full name of which is "Bassett Creek Watershed Management
Commission." It shall be a public agency of its members.
Sec. 3. 'Board" means the Board of Commissioners of the Commission, consisting of one
Commissioner from each of the governmental units that is a Member or, in absence of the
Commissioner, that Member's Alternate Commissioner. The Board shall be the governing body of
the Commission.
Sec. 4. "Commissioner" means the person appointed by a Member to serve on the Board of
110160 CLL BA295-1 t
Page 34
the Commission.
Sec. 5. "Alternate Commissioner' means the person appointed by a Member to act as a
Board member in the absence of the appointed Commissioner.
Sec. 6. "Council" means the governing body of a governmental unit that is a member of the
Commission.
Sec. 7. "Governmental Unit" means any city, county or town.
See. 8. "Member' means a Governmental Unit that entered into the Agreement.
Sec. 9. "Agreement"means the "Joint and Cooperative Agreement" entered into by the nine
Members, creating and establishing the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission.
Sec. 10, "Officers" means those persons designated as officers under Article IV, Section 1
of these bylaws.
ARTICLE III
BOARD MEMBERS
Section 1. The Board shall have nine Commissioners, one from each of the Members.
See. 2. The term of office of each Commissioner shall be three years, ending on February 1,
or until his or her successor is selected and qualified, except as provided in Article V, Section 3 of
the Agreement.
Sec. 3. If any Commissioner dies, resigns or is removed in accordance with the provisions
of Article V, Subdivision 4 of the Agreement. that Commissioner's office shall be deemed vacant,
and a successor shall be appointed for the unexpired term by the Council that appointed that
Commissioner.
Sec. 4. Alternate Commissioners may be appointed to represent a Member. The Alternate
Commissioner shall be appointed by the Council and may serve in lieu of the Member's
Commissioner if the Commissioner is not present at the meeting. The Alternate Commissioner may
110160 CLL BA -95-1
Page 3 5
participate in all discussions and may vote on all proposals before the Board if the Commissioner is
not present.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
Section 1. The officers of the Board shall be the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and
Treasurer. The offices of the Secretary and Treasurer may be combined and held by the same
person. A Recording Secretary and a Deputy Treasurer may be appointed by the Board. The
Recording Secretary and the Deputy Treasurer need not be Commissioners..
Sec. 2. The term of office for all officers shall be one year, and they shall be selected and
take office at the first business meeting held after February 1.
Sec. 3. The Chair shall be the presiding officer of the Board. The Chair shall preside at all
meetings of the Board, but shall have all of the same privileges of discussion, making motions and
voting as do other Commissioners.
Sec. 4. The Vice Chair shall, in the absence or disability of the Chair, perform the duties and
exercise the powers of the Chair.
Sec. 5. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the funds and securities of the Commission
and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the
Commission and shall deposit all monies and other valuable effects in the narne and to the credit of
the Commission in such depository as may be designated by the Board. The Treasurer shall
disburse the funds of the Commission as ordered by the Board on orders signed by the Chair, Vice
Chair, Secretary or Treasurer, taking the proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to
the Board at regular meetings, or as the Board may request, an account of all transactions and of the
financial condition of the Commission. The Treasurer shall supervise and direct the work of the
Deputy Treasurer. No Commission funds shall be disbursed without the signature of at least two
110160 CLL BA295-1 3
Page 36
Officers of the Board, one of whom shall be the Treasurer or the Treasurer's authorized Deputy
Treasurer.
Sec. 6. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board and shall act as Clerk at such
meetings and shall record all votes and the minutes of all proceedings in a minute book kept for that
purpose. The Secretary shall give notice of all meetings of the Board and shall perform such other
duties as may be prescribed by the Board. The Secretary may assign the aforestated duties to a
Recording Secretary if authorized to do so by the Board.
Sec. 7. The Deputy Treasurer, if one is appointed, shall assist the Treasurer and shall
perform the Treasurer's administrative duties during the absence or disability of the Treasurer, but
the performance of such duties shall not make the Deputy Treasurer a Commissioner.
Sec. 8. The officers and employees of the Commission shall give bond as required by the
Board, and by the Agreement, with corporate sureties satisfactory to the Board for the faithful
performance of their duties and for restoration to the Commission, in case of death, resignation,
retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and property of whatever
kind coming into their possession or under their control, belonging to the Commission. The
premium on any such bond shall be paid out of Commission funds.
See. 9. Any person engaged to perform any service or hold any office for the Commission,
other than Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, may be engaged on a full-time, part-time or
consulting basis, as determined by the Board.
ARTICLE V
MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular monthly meetings of the Board shall be held at such locations and at
such tunes as are specified from time to time by resolution of the Board. The Secretary shall cause
copies of all such resolutions to be provided promptly to each of the Members and filed in the
110160 CLL BA-) -I 4
Page 37
primary offices of the Commission at Golden Valley City Hall. In the event the Board determines
to hold a regular meeting at a location or time other than as specified in such resolution, such
meeting shall be deemed a special meeting for purposes of giving notice, and notice of such meeting
shall be given to all Members in accordance with Article V, Subd. 7 of the Agreement, to all
Commissioners and Alternate Commissioners in accordance with this Article, and to the public in
accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 13D.04, as amended.
Section 2. For purposes of posting notice of meetings as required by Minnesota Statutes
section 13D.04, the community bulletin board at Golden Valley City Hall shall be deemed the
principal bulletin board of the Commission.
Sec. 3. Written notice of all meetings of the Board shall be sent to all Commissioners, and
to duly appointed Alternate Commissioners of all Members.
Sec. 4. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the Chair or any other three
Commissioners jointly. The purpose of any special meeting shall be stated in the notice of the
meeting.
Sec. 5. Written notice of regular meetings shall be sent at least four days prior to each
meeting and written notice of special meetings shall be sent at least two days prior to each such
meeting.
Sec. 6. At any meeting of the Board, five Commissioners or their Alternate Commissioners
shall constitute a quorum.
Sec. 7. If the Secretary is absent from the meeting, and if a Recording Secretary has not
been selected, the Chair shall appoint a Secretary Pro Tem for each meeting.
Sec. 8. All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order
Revised, except as otherwise provided in the Agreement or these bylaws.
See. 9. The Board may from time to time determine the order of business for Board
110160 CLL BA -195-1 5
Page 38
meetings.
ARTICLE VI.
POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMISSION
Section 1. The Commission is created and established by the Agreement. Its powers and
duties shall be those established in said Agreement.
See. 2. The Board may exercise all powers necessary and incidental to the implementation
of purposes and powers set forth in the Agreement.
See. 3. The Board may establish work committees, which committees shall act in advisory
capacity to the Board. These committees may include persons who are not Board Members.
ARTICLE VIL
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Section 1. Commission funds may be expended in accordance with procedures established
by law for the expenditure of funds for statutory cities. Orders, checks and drafts shall be signed by
the Chair, Vice Chair or Secretary and the Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer. All claims shall be paid
after audit by the Board. At least two Officers of the Commission shall sign all orders, checks or
drafts in accordance with Article IV.
Sec. 2. The fiscal year of the Commission shall be February 1 to January 31.
Sec. 3. The Board shall cause an annual audit to be made of all its books, reports and
records by a certified public accountant.
See. 4. One or more depositories for Commission funds shall be designated by the Board at
its annual meeting each year. Prior to such designation the Treasurer may recommend one or more
depositories. Commission funds shall be deposited and invested in accordance with the laws
applicable to cities.
ARTICLE VIII.
110160 CLL BA_195-1 6
Page 39
AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS
Section 1. These bylaws may be amended at any regular or special meeting of the Board,
provided that a seven day prior notice of the proposed amendment has been furnished to each
Member.
Sec. 2. A majority vote of Commissioners shall be necessary to adopt any amendment to
these bylaws.
Sec. 3. In any instance where these bylaws are in conflict with the "Joint and Cooperative
Agreement', the Agreement shall control.
Board.
ARTICLE IX
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Section 1. There is hereby created a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the
See. 2. The Council of each Member may appoint a TAC member, and one or inore
alternate members of the TAC who may act in the absence of the TAC member. The cleric of
each Member city shall notify the Secretary of the Commission of such appointments. TAC
members may be, but need not be, members of the Board. TAC members shall serve at the
pleasure of the Council that appoints them and are not required to meet statutory qualifications
for board members.
Sec. 3. The TAC is a committee of the Board and its meetings shall be subject to the
Minnesota Open Meeting Law, Minn. Stat., Ch. 13D.
Sec. 4. The Board may by resolution delegate to the TAC any duties or responsibilities
that may lawfully be so delegated.
Sec. S. Notice of all regular and special meetings of the Board shall be given to all T.\C
110l6U CLL BA -295-1 7
Page 40
members, and copies of all correspondence, agenda materials and other written materials
provided to members of the Board shall also be provided to TAC members..
Sec. 6. TAC members may attend and participate in all meetings of the Board. TAC
members shall not have the authority to make motions or vote on matters before the Board but
shall otherwise have the rights of a Commissioner to question, discuss, debate and comment on
any matter before the Board.
Adopted this 15th day of November, 1984.
Chair
Attest:
Secretary
Article V, Sees. 1 and 2 amended by Res. 96-2, adopted August 15, 1996.
Article V, Secs. 1 and 2 and Article IV, Sec. 2 amended by Res. 97-6 adopted April 17, 1997.
Article IX added by Res. , adopted July 19, 2001,
114160 CLL BA295-1 8
Page 41
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447
DATE: August 9, 2012
TO: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager; Dave Callister, Director of Administrative Services and
Diane Evans, Director of Parks and Recreation
FROM: Regina Michaud, Recreation Manager
SUBJECT: Plymouth Creek Center Designated Use
RECENT E-MAIL OVERVIEW
On Tuesday, July 31 City Council was sent an e-mail by resident Phyllis Fischer regarding the Plymouth Creek
Center and a senior yoga program that is being relocated to a room on the lower level. Her e-mail stated:
"You can imagine the disappointment I felt when 1 heard recently from a friend of mine, who is retired and
attends the yoga class in the Plymouth Creek Center on Fridays, that they were being shoved to the basement in
a corner because their yoga class was interfering with the event planning for weddings, receptions, etc. in the
main ballroom. If 1 am not mistaken, WE voted for the Plymouth Creek Center to be for SENIORS in a levy
referendum, many years ago. 1 have no problem with the city renting out the ballroom and making some money,
but NOT at the expense of the people for whom it was intended. I realize there are two sides to every story. If 1
am wrong about it being voted for as a senior center, then I stand corrected. I would like one of you to do some
research on this and tell me if that is the case. I look forward to hearing from you."
Communications Manager, Helen LaFave provided the Mayor and City Council with a page from the mailing we
did in 1998 that publicized the bond referendum for the Plymouth Creek Center. The information highlights that
the activity center was to be a multipurpose and multigenerational facility providing space for senior programs,
cultural and fine arts programs, general indoor recreation programs, community events and private rentals. A
snapshot of the mailing information is below.
Activity Center: The activity center will be multipurpose and
multigeneralional. It will include 18,000 square feet of finished
space and 12,000 square feet of unfinished space. This facility
will allow the City of Plymouth to:
■ Consolidate and expand senior programs in fhe. community;
■ Provide space for growing cultural and fine arts programs;
■ Provide space for general indoor City recreation programs; and
■ Provide a large meeting space for community events as well as
private rentals. The large room will have a capacity for 350
people for dining purposes.
The fine arts area of the center will include facilities for crafts,
music and performing arts. It also will include space to display
work of local artists. Initially, the lower level of the activity center
will he only partially finished_ The unfinished area will allow for
future expansion.
Page 42
BACKGROUND AND ROOM USE GUIDELINES AT THE PLYMOUTH CREEK CENTER
In 2000, staff established some general guidelines/policies for room use at the Plymouth Creek Center in order
to provide a framework for scheduling of the numerous recreation programs (all ages), events and rentals that
take place at the activity center. The guidelines/policies designate priorty use of the facility and specific high -
demand rooms that provide scheduling prioritization and structure for staff and balanced use of the facility.
Plymouth Creek Center guidelines/policies include the following:
FULL FACILITY
• The following hierarchy is given to room use with the exception of the Plymouth Room and the Fireside
Room (Monday— Friday) which are stipulated below.
1. Recreation Staff, general indoor recreation/event programming (all ages)
2. City Staff, city sponsored functions/events.
3. Community, private rentals.
PLYMOUTH ROOM (Full Ballroom) —
• Monday — Wednesday, daytime hours (8 a.m. — 4 p.m.), priority use is given to senior programming.
• Thursday—Sunday, full day, priority use is given to community private rentals (i.e,. weddings, corporate
events).
FIRESIDE ROOM
• Monday — Friday, priority use is given to senior programming for the full day (8 a.m. —10 p.m.).
STAFF POSITION ON RELOCATION OF THE YOGA PROGRAM
The yoga program mentioned in Phyllis Fischer's e-mail is a one hour senior yoga program offered on Friday
from 9-10 a.m. The program has previously and is currently scheduled in the Plymouth Room against the general
guidelines established for that room which has created negative issues inregard to community rentals. The
placement of that program in the Plymouth Room at that time creates a block to any two-day, full day and/or
morning rentals requests that received by staff. As there are no other programs scheduled in the Plymouth
Room on Fridays the room generally sits empty the remainder of the morning and early afternoon.
In June, staff identified scheduling alternatives for the yoga program. Staff developed two options that would
allow the yoga program to continue while opening the Plymouth Room up for increased community use as was
originally intended. Both options were presented to and discussed with the program instructor by the program
supervisor to determine the best choice for the program participants. The options were:
Option 1: Relocation of the yoga program to an alternative multipurpose rooms. The program would be
able to continue meeting at the same time/day without interruption of the program. Relocation of the
program would begin with classes scheduled in Fall 2012.
Option 2: Rescheduling of the yoga program to an alternative day (Wednesdays). The program would be
able to continue meeting in the Plymouth Room without interruption of the program. However, the
change in scheduled meeting day would not work for all participants. Rescheduling of the program
would begin with classes in Fall 2012.
Option 1 was determined to be the best choice for the program as it allowed uninterrupted scheduling of the program on a
day/time that has proven to work for current participants. The room the program has been relocated to is Meeting Room 3
which is is our largest multipurpose meeting room; is centerally located on the lower level; is easily accessible via the stairs
or elevator; and has additional time available for scheduling a second class if needed. Meeting Room 3 is used for a variety
of other fitness programs as well including mat pilates and Zumba.
Page 43
St rTr i b n e
Plymouth City Council considers domestic partner
registry
• August 4, 2012 - 4:52 PM
Plymouth is considering starting a domestic partner registry after a human rights
committee recommended it Thursday to the City Council. It would be the 20th city to
establish a registry for unmarried couples -- gay or straight -- to get an official
certification of a committed relationship. Other cities such as Brooklyn Park and
Moorhead have rejected it.
A Plymouth resident requested it more than a year ago. The committee, made up of the
mayor, police chief, a City Council member and four residents, voted 6-1. Mayor Kelli
Slavik cast the no vote, saying it's not one of the city's core services.
Resident Don Untiedt and his partner said they'd use the certificate to apply for life
insurance. Kris Stoffel said she and her longtime partner would be the first to sign up.
"It's so important for all society to acknowledge we have rights," she said.
No one from the public spoke against it. The committee also decided to hold a forum
this fall on state marriage and voter ID amendments.
Page 44
Data requests show cities can't keep email addresses private
by Curtis Gilbert, Minnesota Public Radio
August 9, 2012
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesotans who have signed up for online alerts from their municipal
government might be surprised to learn their email addresses cannot be kept private.
Cities throughout much of Ramsey and Washington counties recently received requests to turn
over all the email addresses they have collected. Experts on Minnesota's Government Data
Practices Act say the addresses are public information, and there is little cities can do to shield
them.
"It's unfortunate and really nothing you can do about it," said Brent Engebretson, a Roseville
resident who recently learned his email address had been disclosed.
Roseville released some 4,000 addresses in response to a data practices request received last
month. The list consisted of residents who had signed up to receive email alerts about city
council meetings, street maintenance and more than a dozen other topics.
"If I had my choice, I would not make this information available," city spokeswoman Carolyn
Curti said.
But Roseville was legally required to hand over the information. In Minnesota, all government
data are presumed public unless they're specifically classified otherwise under state law.
"Generally speaking, if someone were to make a request for email addresses at a government
entity local or state government entity there's nothing that classifies your email address as
anything other than public," said Stacie Christensen, an attorney with the state's Information
Policy Analysis Division, or IPAD, which helps officials understand their obligations under the
1979 Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
Roseville wasn't the only city to be asked for its email lists. MPR News contacted more than half
a dozen cities that received identical inquiries. Each request came from a man named Kevin
Berglund, who did not respond to phone calls and or emails seeking comment.
So far, the other cities have been less cooperative than Roseville. St. Paul has yet to respond.
Woodbury, Stillwater, Falcon Heights and several others told Berglund his request would be
time-consuming to fulfill. Some demanded Berglund pay thousands of dollars to cover the staff
time before they went digging through their computer systems. They have yet to hear back from
him.
But they all acknowledge Berglund has a right to the data, with Maplewood as the one exception.
Berglund is a Maplewood resident and a controversial figure in local politics. A group of city
employees once took out a restraining order against Berglund, though a judge later threw the
Page 45
order out. City Clerk Karen Guilfoile was one of those city employees, but she said that was not
why she rejected Berglund's data request.
She pointed instead to the privacy policy posted on the city's website.
"It says your email address will be kept confidential, and it will not be sold or disclosed to others
or used for unsolicited mass mailings or spam," Guilfoile said.
Under state law, that policy offers little protection.
"You can't have a privacy policy that's in violation of state statute," said Don Gemberling,
secretary of the Minnesota Coalition on Government Information and the former head of IPAD.
"All that does is it's going to put them in a terrible bind because they're in violation of the
statute."
It's unclear what Berglund plans to do with the email addresses. But his requests target cities
throughout Minnesota's 4th Congressional District. Berglund's wife, former Maplewood Mayor
Diana Longrie, is running for the U.S. House in Tuesday's DFL primary. Longrie declined to say
whether the requests are connected to her campaign.
Incumbent DFL Congresswoman Betty McCollum holds the seat Longrie is seeking. McCollum
said regardless of why Berglund wants the email lists, the Minnesota Legislature should change
the law to foil future requests like his.
"If I sign up to get a snow emergency alert or if I sign up with a school district to get the lunch
menu, I certainly didn't sign up for the school district or for the state or for my municipality to
turn around and give my email address to anybody who wants it," McCollum said.
The legislature has routinely amended the Data Practices Act over the last 30 years, usually to
make more government data private.
Page 46
Edina adjusts policy on street assessment fees
• Article by: MARY JANE SMETANKA , Star Tribune
• Updated: August 7, 2012 - 11:28
In the face of increasing complaints, Edina has tweaked its controversial street assessment policy,
which requires property owners to pay the entire cost of road reconstruction.
Starting with projects that got underway this year, homeowners will get 15 years instead of 10 to pay
for projects in their property taxes. Interest rates charged by the city will be cut in half, and the
payment formula will be standardized so homeowners pay the same principal amount each year.
Together, those changes approved Monday by the City Council would save someone with a $10,000
street assessment about $730. Annual payments would drop from $1,375 over 10 years to $868
over 15 years.
The city also will assume the costs of sidewalks, trails and lighting associated with projects, paying
for those improvements with new franchise fees paid by utilities. Depending on the project, that
could save residents money.
"It will be a noticeable impact," Edina City Manager Scott Neal said Tuesday about the overall
changes.
"The purpose of the whole discussion ... was how do we make a special assessment system that
creates as much additional investment in our infrastructure as we do now, but is a little kinder and
gentler to the people who are being assessed."
Edina's policy of billing residents for the entire cost of street reconstruction is very unusual in the
Twin Cities area. Hopkins bills homeowners for 70 percent of costs, but caps that amount to limit the
effect. Minnetonka and St. Louis Park cover the cost, while homeowners in Bloomington and Golden
Valley pay about 25 percent.
For Edina, the trade-off of having residents foot the reconstruction bill has been relatively modest
property tax rates for an upscale suburb. But protests have been growing as, in some cases,
homeowners had to pay as much as $22,900 apiece for new streets.
This year, residents of the relatively modest Richmond Hills neighborhood, populated by retirees,
young homeowners and teachers, swarmed a City Council meeting after they received notice that
they could each be assessed $16,800 for street work.
The new policy does not prohibit residents from paying off street projects all at once or early if they
want.
At the council meeting, city officials said the policy could not be made retroactive because of
conditions that were agreed to when the city bought bonds to cover project costs. Council members
asked whether the drawn-out payments could endanger the city's AAA credit rating, but city officials
said that was not a concern.
Neal said the city will establish utility franchise fees for natural gas and electric suppliers to pay for
sidewalk, trail and lighting projects associated with street reconstruction.
Page 47
When streets are being replaced, Edina inspects sanitary sewer pipes that run from houses to the
city main. If they are deficient, homeowners must replace them, which can cost thousands of dollars.
At council request, the city investigated the possibility of shifting that cost from homeowners to the
city. But the cost was prohibitive and would have resulted in a 50 percent increase in utility rates,
Neal said.
Mary Jane Smetanka • 612-673-7380 Twitter: @smetan
Page 48
City of Plymouth
News Release
For Immediate Release Contact:
August 7, 2012 Helen LaFave
763-509-5090
Photo Contest: Show us what you love about Plymouth
Plymouth, MN — It's time to get your camera out and start snapping pictures of the places,
people and things in Plymouth that you love most. The annual Picture Plymouth Photo Contest got
underway on Aug. 1. Whether it's people at play, a treasured park, a new perspective on a familiar
landmark or your incredibly good looking pet — we want to see it.
The City of Plymouth is co -sponsoring the contest in conjunction with Plymouth Magazine, a
local lifestyle publication. All entries must be submitted digitally via the Plymouth Magazine website
at plymouthmag.com from Aug. 1 to 31.
Categories & Prizes. Photo categories include people, community activities/events, pets,
nature and city landmarks. A grand -prize winner will also be selected. All photos must be taken in
Plymouth.
The grand -prize winner will receive $100. Top picks in each category will receive $50.
National Camera will provide a $100 gift card to the grand prize winner, as well as $50 gift cards to
category winners and the readers' choice winner.
Readers' Choice. After the contest closes, visit the Plymouth Magazine website from Sept. 10
to 30 to cast your vote for the readers' choice winner.
Get Published. If you enter the contest, you may see your work in print — even if you do not
win. Photos submitted to the contest will be used in city publicity, including city publications and the
city website.
For complete contest rules, visit plymouthmag.com.
M
Page 49
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447
DATE: Aug 6, 2012
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Regina Michaud, Recreation Manager through Diane Evans, Director of Parks
&Recreation
SUBJECT: Recreation Update
Summer Recreation Winding Down
Summer recreation programming is in its final month. This summer the Recreation Division offered
1,015 recreation programs/classes, serving a total participation count of over 9000 within the four
month time period (this is program/class numbers only, it does not include numbers for any special
events).
Even though we are nearing the end of the season there is still lots of activities and programs
taking place in our facilities and parks throughout the month.
Entertainment in the Parks (EIP)
EIP final summer event, a concert by 'C Sharp/ will be
held on Thursday, August 23, 7 p.m. at the Hilde
Perfomance Center. In the meantime, there are still
lots of events for the community to attend including
a water ski show (8/8), Prairie Fire Theatre's 'Wizard
of Oz' production (8/17 & 18), and multiple concerts
including the final Kid's Koncert at Parkers Lake
(8/15). A full printable calendar of all EIP events is
available via the City website. The link is
http://www.plymouthmn.gov/modules/showdocument.as
px?documentid=7800.
Movies In the Park — Fighting the Weather
A crowd of 250+ people attended 'Footloose' on June 27, the only movie shown so far this
summer. Part of the EIP series, Movies in the Parks have been fighting the elements all summer
long. Three of the first four scheduled movies have had to be cancelled due to inclement
weather conditions. Fortunately, we will be able to reschedule the movies at a later date
without incurring any additional rental costs. We are hopeful that the two remaining movies
scheduled in August will meet with clear skys. The movies are 'The Karate Kid' (8/15) and
'Charlotte's Web' (8/22).
Page 50
Parks PLUS! Amazing Race
On Friday, Aug 3 staff held its first ever kid's Amazing Race at
Parkers Lake Park for ages 5-12. The event was part of the
summer long Playground Program. Over 30 children
participated while parents and/or guardians stayed to watch
the fun. The race included physical challenges, mental puzzles
and wacky activities such as the Sponge Race, Balloon Letter
Scramble and Cheeto Toss (which also involved whip cream).
Lots of positive feedback and laughter from participants and
parents at the event ensured it will be held again in the
future. The event was planned and conducted by the
Playground Program staff.
Plymouth Farmers Market
The Mayor was onsite to open the market on Wednesday, July 11. The market is off to a great
start again this summer with an average attendance of over 700 people each Wednesday. The
market is open every Wednesday, 2:30 — 6:30 p.m. through October 10 (weather permitting).
This year the market is hosting a monthly activity/theme night including a Nutrition Nite,
Antique Car Show and a Go Green Nite. Market information is available via the City website.
The link is http://www.plymouthmn.gov/farmersmarket.
• Youth Fall Soccer
Recreation staff are currently gearing up for Youth Fall Soccer. The program offers recreational
soccer instruction and officiated games to kids (ages 5-13). Last year, over 800 kids participated
in the program. The eight week program runs August 20 — October 12. The program relys on
approximately 200 volunteers to coach the teams. Volunteers are generally participant parents
and/or guardians but a small percentage are soccer enthusiasts who want to help out and give
back to both the community and the sport they love.
Fall Parks & Rec Activity Guide & Registration
The Fall Activity Guide with its new format was
delivered to residents the week of July 23rd
Registration for fall programs begins Tuesday, Aug 7
for residents and Tuesday, Aug 14 for non-residents.
The guide is viewable and/or downloadable via the
City website. The link is
http://www.plymouthmn.gov/index.aspx?page=104
IIIYMOKH
4PKS'IL
V
Plymouth Beaches - Closing Date
All three Plymouth beaches (East & West Medicine Lake Park and Parkers Lake Park) 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.
Page 51
July 31, 2012
Yields on U.S. Treasuries and municipal bonds hit new record lows last week before rebounding
late Thursday and Friday. While there was no big economic news which sparked this trend of
lower yields, it seemed to be due to general nervousness among investors about stock prices and
economic trends. Whatever the reason, the yield on the 10 year U.S. Treasury note briefly fell
below 1.40% on July 24 and 25, the lowest level since the 1950s. These remarkably low yields
show that many investors were more concerned about preserving their capital than the return on
their investments.
News from Europe was central to economic trends again. Soaring yields on Spanish and Italian
bonds fueled speculation that the European monetary union could fall apart. (Bloomberg News,
July 29, 2012). The yield on the Spanish 10 -year note reached 7.75% on July 25, more than five
times the yield on the 10 year U.S. Treasury note. The Spanish two-year note yield exceeded
5.00% at one point during the week, in stark contrast to the U.S. two-year note at a little less than
0.25%.
Last Thursday, European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi, speaking to an investor
conference at the London Olympics, vowed to "do whatever it takes" to keep the monetary union
intact. (Washington Post, July 26, 2012). Draghi's proposals appear to include Europe's rescue
fund buying European government bonds on the primary market (the time of initial issuance),
while the ECB buys bonds on the secondary market (Bloomberg News, July 29, 2012).
This would be a larger role than the ECB has played in the past, and there is no assurance that the
ECB will actually implement this plan. But Draghi has a lot of credibility, and his statements were
sufficient to spark a global market rally. Yields for European debt declined. Stock prices rose on
Thursday and Friday of last week, and U.S. treasury yields increased, with the 10 year U.S.
Treasury closing at 1.55% on Friday, 15 basis points above the record lows earlier in the week.
The Muni Market
Yields on municipal bonds continued and accelerated their recent downward trend for most of the
past two weeks. The 10 year AAA yield, reported daily by Thomson Reuters Municipal Market
Data, either declined or stayed the same for a remarkable 24 trading days (from June 22 through
July 26), reaching a new record low of 1.60% on July 26. The Bond Buyer's weekly 20 -Bond
Index declined to 3.61% on July 26, just above the low of 3.60% from January, 2012 (the lowest
level since 1967). The table below summarizes the changes in key municipal rates over the last
two weeks.
www.ehiers-inc.eem
Pa0e I
Page 52
Ehlers Market
ry July 31, 2012
are,
Trends in Municipal Bond Yields
June 29, 2012 to July 13, 2012
Source:
* Thomson Reuters Municipal Market Data
*' The Bond Buye Average yield on a portfolio of municipal bonds
maturing in 20 years, with an average rating of AA/Aa2.
Muni yields rose slightly last Friday, with the 10 year AAA yield increasing by .04% from
Thursday's record low, to 1.64%. Munis are always closely linked to Treasuries, and that certainly
was true in the last two weeks. But muni yields declined by more than comparable treasuries from
July 13 to July 25, and did not increase as much as treasury yields at the end of last week. This
appears to be due to a continuing imbalance of supply and demand for munis. There are a lot of
municipal bond redemptions and calls in the summer months, so investors have cash to reinvest.
And the supply of new bonds in the market continues to be relatively moderate ($5.21 billion last
week and an estimated $5.62 billion this week). As a result of these trends, the ratios of muni to
treasury yields declined over the last two weeks (for 10 year AAA bonds, the ratio was 105.5% at
the end of July 27), although they remain higher than historical averages.
It is impossible to know whether rates will stay at these low levels, increase quickly, or drop even
fiirther. But this is clearly an excellent time to issue bonds — either for new projects or for
refundings. The attached summary of sales shows continued strong demand and low interest rates
over the past two weeks. If you are considering plans to issue bonds, we encourage you to stay in
touch with your Ehlers financial advisors.
JS EHLERS
�r�tvv.ehiers�ir�c.cor�
Page 2
LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE
Page 53
Jul 13., 2012
Jul 27, 2012
Change
AAA Yields*
5 Years
0.72%
0.65%
-0.07%
10 Years
1.74%
1.64%
-0.10%
20 Years
2.63%
2.49%
-0.14%
30 Years
2.96%
2.84%
-0.12%
Bond Buyer 20 Bond lndex**l
3.94%
3.61%
-0.33%
Source:
* Thomson Reuters Municipal Market Data
*' The Bond Buye Average yield on a portfolio of municipal bonds
maturing in 20 years, with an average rating of AA/Aa2.
Muni yields rose slightly last Friday, with the 10 year AAA yield increasing by .04% from
Thursday's record low, to 1.64%. Munis are always closely linked to Treasuries, and that certainly
was true in the last two weeks. But muni yields declined by more than comparable treasuries from
July 13 to July 25, and did not increase as much as treasury yields at the end of last week. This
appears to be due to a continuing imbalance of supply and demand for munis. There are a lot of
municipal bond redemptions and calls in the summer months, so investors have cash to reinvest.
And the supply of new bonds in the market continues to be relatively moderate ($5.21 billion last
week and an estimated $5.62 billion this week). As a result of these trends, the ratios of muni to
treasury yields declined over the last two weeks (for 10 year AAA bonds, the ratio was 105.5% at
the end of July 27), although they remain higher than historical averages.
It is impossible to know whether rates will stay at these low levels, increase quickly, or drop even
fiirther. But this is clearly an excellent time to issue bonds — either for new projects or for
refundings. The attached summary of sales shows continued strong demand and low interest rates
over the past two weeks. If you are considering plans to issue bonds, we encourage you to stay in
touch with your Ehlers financial advisors.
JS EHLERS
�r�tvv.ehiers�ir�c.cor�
Page 2
LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE
Page 53
,�
nil
,.� �..M=
Jelly 31, 2012
Municipal Bankruptcy Trend
In our commentary from July 5, we mentioned the disappointing news about the City of Stockton,
CA petitioning for Chapter 9 bankruptcy. In the past month, there are now four California Cities —
Stockton, Mammoth Lakes, Compton, and San Bernardino — that have either filed or indicated
they may file for bankruptcy. There have been other isolated instances of municipal bankruptcies
in the past two years. While the number of bankruptcies is still a minuscule percentage of all
municipalities, this is a trend that municipal market participants are watching closely.
A Wall Street Journal article from July 26 notes another important nuance in some of these recent
bankruptcy filings. In the past, municipalities experiencing financial distress have generally made
payments to bondholders a very high priority. The traditional thinking is that defaulting on bond
payments will make it difficult or impossible for the municipality to borrow money in the future.
But in some recent bankruptcies — including those in Stockton and San Bernardino — local officials
have openly discussed reducing debt service payments. If this trend continues, it could lead to
rating downgrades and higher interest rates for some municipalities and some forms of debt.
EHLERS
LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE
ww.ehiers-inc.com
Page 3
Page 54
ADOPTED MINUTES
PLYMOUTH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting of May 3, 2012
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Guncheon, Qureshi, Slavik, Stein, Trites Rolle
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
CITIZENS PRESENT:
1. Call to Order
Alden, Goldstein
City Manager Ahrens, Office Support
Representative Lanthier
Virginia Klevorn
Chair Trites Rolle called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Introductions
No introductions were necessary.
3. Approve Agenda
It was moved by Member Stein, seconded by Member Slavik, to approve the agenda as
proposed. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
4. Approve Minutes of the February 16, 2012, Regular Meeting
Chair Trites Rolle made note of a typographical error found in the last sentence of Item 6. a.
on page 2. The word advantageous should be replaced by the word advantage.
Chair Trites Rolle also recommended capitalizing the name League throughout the paragraph
under Item 6. a.
It was moved by Member Slavik, seconded by Member Stein, to approve the minutes as
amended. With Members Qureshi, Slavik, Stein and Chair Trites Rolle voting in favor, the
motion carried. Member Guncheon abstained.
Adopted Human Rights Committee Minutes Page 1 of 9 Regular Meeting of May 3, 2012
Page 55
5. Reports of Committee Members
a. League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions (LMHRC)
Member Alden was not in attendance to administer a report from the LMHRC, where she
currently serves as District Director.
b. Events Attended and Actions Related to Human Rights
Chair Trites Rolle reported that she attended the Shariah Law: Myths and Facts event
that was held on April 21, 2012. She stated the speaker, Odeh Muhawesh, introduced
some of the tenets of Islam and Shariah Law that often gets misconstrued by the public
through the media. Chair Trites Rolle stated she obtained the speaker's contact
information and suggested the Committee consider offering this event to the community
as a learning opportunity.
Chair Trites Rolle stated she received a letter from Member Alden, along with some
materials Member Alden received at a meeting of the Northwest Hennepin Human
Services Council (NHHSC). In her letter, Member Alden requested an educational
session to review data compiled by the NHHSC on population census in Plymouth and
early childhood poverty.
Chair Trites Rolle suggested bringing in speakers to educate the public on poverty in
Plymouth and to talk about what services are available to assist them. Member
Guncheon stated he would be interested in inviting an NHHSC representative to make a
presentation to the Plymouth Human Rights Committee.
The Committee then reviewed and discussed the profile reports from the NHHSC.
Chair Trites Rolle commented that she is concerned about the graduation rates of the
school districts located in Plymouth. Wayzata School District ranked third and
Robbinsdale School District ranked ninth out of the ten schools surveyed. She noted that
free or reduced price meals are also on the rise and was surprised to find that the average
unemployment rate for Plymouth and surrounding communities is 9.7 percent -3.1
percent higher than Hennepin County during the same time period.
Foreclosure rates in Plymouth were at 176 in 2009 and 224 in 2010. City Manager
Ahrens commented that the foreclosure rates reported by the NHHSC could be fairly
equal to what foreclosure rates are when there is a good economy. She noted what was
missing on the early childhood poverty numbers was overall population size. She said
the NHHSC indicates in their report that Plymouth has tripled its poverty numbers, yet
Plymouth is four or five times the population since the last census.
Chair Trites Rolle offered to research where some of the source information for the data
was compiled from. Member Stein and Chair Trites Rolle agreed the margin of errors
listed in the NHHSC report look somewhat off.
Adopted Human Rights Committee Minutes Page 2 of 9 Regular Meeting of May 3, 2012
Page 56
City Manager Ahrens explained to the Committee that Plymouth use to be a member of
the NHHSC organization but left in the mid 1990's. The rationality for leaving was
because the dues were significantly high and because the NHHSC is mainly an
organization that collects and analyzes data. The Council felt the money would be better
spent on direct services; therefore, the Council redirected those funds into social service
organizations that cover the Plymouth area, such as PRISM and Interfaith Outreach.
Member Guncheon asked for Chair Trites Rolle's recommendation on what the
Committee should do with the information from the NHHSC. He noted that a request
was made to have an educational session. Chair Trites Rolle replied she would like to
bring it up again when the Committee talks about their work plan and goals. She
explained there are educational sessions built into the work plan and the Committee
needs to select the topics and determine the times and places for those topics.
Member Qureshi questioned what city programs are available to help people with their
poverty issues. He questioned where he would refer them to and whether or not it is
within the Committee's scope to direct people where to go.
Member Slavik commented that the city doesn't have a department that offers social
services. She stated social services are typically funded through the county.
City Manager Ahrens replied that the Committee should respond in the same way as the
city does when they get calls or walk-ins. They refer them to the social service agencies
that operate in the Plymouth area. She explained that they are the agencies that receive
grant dollars and tax dollars. They help with food, clothing, shelter, work force and
transportation. Then, depending on need, those social service agencies will partner with
other agencies to get additional needs met.
Member Stein explained that the City of Plymouth helps fund, from the city directly and
through the HRA and CDBG funds, about a dozen nonprofit organizations. He requested
a list of those organizations be provided to the Committee in their next agenda packet.
He stated the HRA also has a first time homebuyers program. In addition, there are
programs for rehabilitating houses and a Section 8 program, which has about 400
subsidized rental units for the people in the community. City Manager Ahrens stated
there are 225 Section 8 vouchers that are Plymouth issued and another 175 are through
another entity that the city administers for them for housing assistance.
Chair Trites Rolle suggested keeping a list of resources available to the public in a central
location, perhaps on the city's web site. She indicated there are probably a lot of people
out there who don't know who to ask. City Manager Ahrens stated the social service
agencies that the city supports are already listed on the city's web site. Ms. Klevorn
asked that a pamphlet be made for those without computers.
Member Guncheon commented there are plenty of opportunities for people to access this
information unless they are inhibited from going outside their home. He stated that the
Adopted Human Rights Committee Minutes Page 3 of 9 Regular Meeting of May 3, 2012
Page 57
people who do not have computers may visit libraries where computers are freely
accessible to them. Schools also frequently send home materials on meal assistance and
other social service matters. He stated he didn't know what more the Committee could
do other than produce a piece of paper as a feel good gesture, but he didn't think it would
accomplish much.
Member Slavik stated the Doing Good Together organization also provides resources on
their web site and they connect with the schools in Plymouth. They've had
representatives from their agency come into the schools to say what their needs are. The
schools then donate and work with parents and kids to get those needs met.
City Manager Ahrens stated that under forms of government and state laws, county
government is the level of government that is tasked and given the authority to handle
social services. The city government cannot. She explained that there is even a debate
among cities as to how much they should be doing because they are not authorized under
state law, except to very certain and specific things. She said it may seem like the city
isn't doing anything, but it's because the county and social service agencies are doing it
already. The services the city does provide with tax dollars are things like streets and
plowing, sewer and water, parks and recreation—the things social services can't do.
6. Community Concerns and Human Rights Issues
a. Police Bias Crimes Report
Member Goldstein was not in attendance to administer his report.
b. Other Reports
There were no other reports.
7. Old Business
a. Domestic Partner Registration
Chair Trites Rolle opened the discussion by pointing out that this issue has been on the
Committee's agenda under Old Business for quite some time. She expressed an interest
in bringing this issue to closure. She said the citizen who brought this forward, Nicki
Ziegler, did so a year and a half ago. Chair Trites Rolle asked the Committee to decide
whether or not they want to recommend to the City Council that a Domestic Partner
Registration Ordinance be developed with the assistance of city staff and the HRC.
Member Guncheon moved to recommend to the City Council that a Domestic Partner
Registration Ordinance be developed using the language other municipalities have
already created and that the Council consider adopting something similar for the City of
Plymouth.
Adopted Human Rights Committee Minutes Page 4 of 9 Regular Meeting of May 3, 2012
Page 58
Member Stein mentioned that the Committee has had a presentation on the issue, but they
have not yet had a discussion on it.
Member Guncheon stated the purpose of his motion was for a discussion. The discussion
should focus on suggesting to the City Council that they consider a domestic partner
registration. Member Qureshi seconded the motion, but stated he needed more time to
consider the details.
Chair Trites Rolle explained what the Committee has done so far on this issue and
brought the new Committee members up to speed. She provided an overview of other
cities' adopted domestic partner registration ordinances and specifically quoted language
from Edina's ordinance.
Member Stein stated he felt there isn't much of an outcry from Plymouth citizens to have
this ordinance. He said the cities that already have an ordinance in place have very few
people registering. He explained that he hasn't received a single call from a person either
for or against this issue. He stated he's not against it, but he doesn't see the need for it
and felt that it would not serve a purpose. He further stated that if an employer wants to
offer benefits to domestic partners, they don't need anything from the city to do that. He
said it doesn't advance any goal for the city to maintain a list of domestic partners and
issue pieces of paper.
Member Slavik stated she agreed with Member Stein. She said she also has never
received any calls from citizens asking for this. The mayor of Edina told her it's more of
a feel good thing. Member Slavik indicated the city has already made sure that domestic
partners are offered the same city services. Because the city offers household
memberships, not family memberships, no one is excluded from benefiting from the
services the city has to offer. She stated couples needing the benefit of a health care
directive may do so through a lawyer or software application.
Chair Trites Rolle indicated her concern is that the city is looking at this issue too much
from a same sex standpoint. She said that many of the registrants are opposite sex. She
said she sensed that if this issue had nothing to do with same sex couples, there would be
no difference of opinions on the Council. She stated that it would be easy to put an
ordinance in place for those who want to take advantage of it.
Member Guncheon expressed his opinion that a benefit to this ordinance would be for
domestic partners to have visitation rights in an emergency room or health care facility.
Member Slavik responded that health care directives would be much more powerful in
those situations than a piece of paper from the city. Member Stein noted that either
action requires a step be taken to accomplish it, whether it's going to the city or going to
a lawyer. Member Guncheon counterpointed that one action costs more than the other.
Member Guncheon stated a second point in favor of the ordinance would be that it
legitimizes domestic partner relationships, which means something special to them.
Member Stein agreed, but stated that people aren't taking advantage of it in the cities that
Adopted Human Rights Committee Minutes Page 5 of 9 Regular Meeting of May 3, 2012
Page 59
already offer a domestic partner registration. He indicated that he called half a dozen
cities that were on the list and there wasn't one city, with the exception of Minneapolis,
that had more than ten couples who had registered.
Member Slavik said the city has to look at the big picture. She indicated that adopting
this ordinance would not further the city's goals. She felt an ordinance shouldn't be
drafted to take care of the needs of one or two people and suggested an alternative would
be for couples to register in Minneapolis because Minneapolis' ordinance doesn't have
any requirements of having to live or work there.
Ms. Klevorn stated her opinion is that a domestic partner registration says that Plymouth
is a community that welcomes and invites everyone.
Member Stein stated he would like to table this issue until they have a full committee.
Member Qureshi agreed, stating that because this is such a big issue a full committee is
necessary.
Member Guncheon stated he would like to see the issue off the agenda; however, if the
Committee needs more time, he would be willing to go along with tabling it again for
time specific. He stated this issue is important for some people, enough for a citizen to
bring it to the attention of the Committee, and action needs to be taken.
Member Guncheon asked the Committee to invite the individual who brought this forth
initially to the next meeting to talk about it again. Chair Trites Rolle agreed to take on
the task of inviting Nicki Ziegler to the next HRC meeting in August.
It was moved by Member Guncheon, seconded by Member Stein, to table the first motion
until the August 2, 2012, HRC meeting. With Members Guncheon, Qureshi, Stein, and
Chair Trites Rolle voting in favor, the motion carried. Member Slavik voted against the
motion, stating she would have liked to move it forward at tonight's meeting.
8. New Business
a. Accomplishing 2012 Work Plan and Goals
Chair Trites Rolle requested a start in determining how the Committee will accomplish
their work plan and goals that was approved by the City Council.
Goal #2: Chair Trites Rolle stated the Committee would do well to work with the schools
to accomplish the goal of hosting youth training on bullying.
City Manager Ahrens commented that the Wayzata schools already devote an entire day
to bullying. She suggested finding a different audience for the issue.
Ms. Klevorn stated she would approach the bullying issue in an entirely different way.
She suggested changing to the word from "bullying" to "appreciating." City Manager
Adopted Human Rights Committee Minutes Page 6 of 9 Regular Meeting of May 3, 2012
Page 60
Ahrens stated that if it can be tied to a human rights issue within the statute, it is a very
good idea. Ms. Klevorn also suggested letting the students do the presentation, which
may help the Committee gain a youth member as well.
Goal #3: Chair Trites Rolle suggested the Committee entertain the idea of holding a
special meeting to discuss the issue of a Domestic Partner Registration Ordinance.
Goal #4: Chair Trites Rolle suggested the Committee begin registering for the
community events that require an application. City Manager Ahrens explained that a
table has already been reserved for Music in Plymouth. Office Support Representative
Lanthier was tasked with registering the HRC for all other events.
Member Slavik suggested the HRC have a presence at the Farmers Market. She stated
there is a community table available there and suggested rotating a member to the table.
It was tasked for Officer Support Representative Lanthier to determine the availability
dates and times for the Committee to select from for this event.
Chair Trites Rolle asked for volunteers to tend a booth at Music in Plymouth on July 3
and Night to Unite on August 7. She also asked for volunteers to walk in the Plymouth
on Parade event being held on September 29.
Member Guncheon and Chair Trites Rolle volunteered to walk in Plymouth on Parade.
Member Qureshi volunteered to work Night to Unite. Chair Trites Rolle also volunteered
to work Music in Plymouth and asked other members for assistance. Member Slavik
stated she is part of the board and therefore will be unable to assist. Member Guncheon
stated he will be out of town during Music in Plymouth.
Goal #5: Chair Trites Rolle stated she would like for the Committee to be on top of next
year's essay contest. She stated the Committee needs to work on promoting the essay
contest better.
Member Slavik stated going to the schools to present the awards was one of the best
promotional pieces for the essay contest. The award recipients were cheered by their
peers and teachers during the presentations, which may have enticed interest in potential
future participants.
Chair Trites Rolle explained that the essay question normally comes out in late
August/early September. She suggested the Committee start talking with school
administrators and teachers before the end of the school year to give them a heads up.
Chair Trites Rolle also suggested the Committee get the private schools and home
schooled children involved as well.
Member Guncheon agreed that the Committee should approach the schools now when
they are not so busy as opposed to the beginning of a new school year when they are
extremely busy. He suggested they talk with the principals about a good strategy for
introducing it in the fall and volunteered to go to one of the middle schools to do that.
Adopted Human Rights Committee Minutes Page 7 of 9 Regular Meeting of May 3, 2012
Page 61
Member Slavik suggested putting the topic of the essay contest onto a City Council
agenda because the meetings are televised.
Citizen Klevorn stated the LMHRC would welcome Committee members' suggestions
for the next essay question, which the League is starting to work on now.
Chair Trites Rolle volunteered to contact the LMHRC to verify the exact schools that the
HRC can work with. She suggested the Committee decide at their August meeting how
to go about getting out the official information and essay question to each of the schools.
Goal #6: City Manager Ahrens questioned what was in line for this goal. Chair Trites
Rolle stated that a volunteer might be willing to compile historical data on the
Committee. She explained the purpose it would serve is for new Committee members
and/or new citizens to look back and see what's been done, what has been successful,
what hasn't been successful, whether or not there are issues the Committee needs to
revisit and whether or not there are still topics that would serve the city well if the
Committee took action on them or had conversations about them.
Member Stein asked if a volunteer would be willing to work on this goal. City Manager
Ahrens replied yes, but they would need someone to supervise the volunteer. City
Manager Ahrens informed the Committee that there is several boxes worth of
information. Ms. Klevorn stated she believed there was another box located at the
League where information from the Committee in years past has been forwarded to the
League for scanning. She asked if the Committee would like those materials back or
disposed of. City Manager Ahrens suggested returning the materials to keep with the
other boxes of information already in storage.
Chair Trites Rolle tasked the Committee to put some thought into Goals #1 and #2 before
the next HRC meeting. During that meeting, Chair Trites Rolle stated she would like to
see the Committee work on scheduling one or two meetings/trainings where a speaker
comes in for an event that the public may attend. She stated perhaps the Committee
could find a way to partner with Jackson Rains from the YMCA who joined the
Committee at the last meeting in February.
9. Articles and Announcements
Ms. Klevorn commented about the Sun Sailor's articles on prostitution, which has prompted
the City Council to consider requiring every hotel guest to register. She stated she would not
be in favor of that from a human rights perspective because it's a presumption of guilt. She
is also concerned about identity theft. She felt that it would infringe on a citizen's right for
freedom to move about without identification.
Member Slavik suggested Ms. Klevorn wait until the City Council acts on this issue. She
said the media is misrepresenting this issue and explained that the city is not asking anybody
to record the data; they're just asking the clerks to do a visual check.
Adopted Human Rights Committee Minutes Page 8 of 9 Regular Meeting of May 3, 2012
Page 62
Chair Trites Rolle questioned whether or not the City of Plymouth has a practice for
observing religious holidays where the city does not schedule any meetings on those days.
City Manager Ahrens replied that it's the city's practice to avoid Christmas, Good Friday and
the three Jewish holidays.
Member Stein stated he submitted the New York Times article about the Jewish hockey
player because he thought the article was interesting and wanted to share it with Committee.
Chair Trites Rolle notified the Committee of two upcoming webinars that would be good
educational opportunities for Committee members. One is on May 8 titled "5 Factors to
Creating Inclusive Environments" and the next one is on June 12 titled "3Rs of Inclusion:
Relationship, Reciprocity and Reflection." She thought the webinars sounded like interesting
pieces that would give the Committee food for thought.
The Human Rights awards dinner details aren't announced yet, but Chair Trites Rolle wanted
to put it out as a reminder that this is an event that will be coming up later in the year. She
indicated the event is generally very good.
Member Qureshi stated at the last meeting the Committee introduced the concept for a
conference call and asked if that was still something the Committee was contemplating.
Chair Trites Rolle indicated that it is possible to set up; it would just be a matter of whether
or not the Committee members are available and have the capability.
10. Adjournment
It was moved by Member Slavik, seconded by Member Qureshi, to adjourn the meeting.
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Lanthier
Office Support Representative
Adopted Human Rights Committee Minutes Page 9 of 9 Regular Meeting of May 3, 2012
Page 63