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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 11-08-2012CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO November 8, 2012 EVENTS / MEETINGS Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) Agenda 11/14/12............................................................ Page 1 November and December 2012 Official City Meeting Calendars...................................................... Page 2 Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ..................................................... Page 4 IOCP Sleepout Kickoff 11/10/12....................................................................................................... Page 5 Hennepin County Forum on Water Governance 12/04/12................................................................. Page 6 CORRESPONDENCE Press Release from Shingle Creek & West Mississippi Watershed Management Commissions RE: 60 day watershed review...................................................................................................... Page 8 Article from DNR RE: Medicine Lake Dam.................................................................................... Page 10 MnDot Chief Tom Sorel steps down, politicsinminnesota.com....................................................... Page 16 Too- bright lights a pain for St. Lois Park residents, StarTribune..................................................... Page 17 Human Rights Committee wrestles internally, Sun Sailor................................................................ Page 20 REPORTS RecreationUpdate............................................................................................................................. Page 22 MINUTES Planning Commission, 10/17/12....................................................................................................... Page 25 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE AGENDA November 14, 2012 WHERE: COUNCIL CHAMBERS Plymouth City Hall 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, NIN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed on the consent agenda* are considered to be routine by the Environmental Quality Committee and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Committee member, or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. 1. 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER 2. 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC FORUM — Individuals nia'v address the Committee about any item not contained in the regular agenda. A maximum of 15 minutes is allotted for the Forum. 3. 7:15 P.M APPROVAL OF AGENDA - EQC members may add items to the agenda, for discussion purposes or staff direction only. The EQC it -ill not normally take official action on items added to the agenda. 4. 7:20 P.M. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENTS 5. 7:25 P.M. CONSENT AGENDA* A. Approve October 10"', 2012, Environmental Quality Committee Meeting Minutes (Asche) 6. 7:30 P.M. GENERAL BUSINESS A. EQC Sponsored Project — Buckthorn Removal (Zieska) B. Draft 2012 Annual Report & 2013 Work Plan (Asche) 7. REPORTS AND STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS 8. FUTURE MEETINGS —December 12, 2012 9. 8.30 P.M. ADJOURNMENT City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life November 2012 Modified on 11/07/12 1 2 3 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE MEETING Medicine Lake 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 15CANCELLED 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 11/07/12 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life December 2012 Modified on 11/07/12 Plymouth Ice 1 2 3 4 5 7:00 PM 6 7 8 PLANNING 2:00-5:00 PM COMMISSION OLD FASHIONED MEETING CHRISTMAS Council Chambers Plymouth Historical Society Building Chanukah Begins at Sunset 9 10 11 12 7:00 PM 13 14 15 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL QUALITY PARK tt REC MEETING COMMITTEE (EQC) ADVISORY Council Chambers MEETING COMMISSION Council Chambers (PRAC) MEETING 7:00 PM Council Chambers CHARTER COMMISSION ANNUAL MEETING Medicine Lake Room 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 23 AS 24 CHRISTEVE 25 26 27 28 29 7:00 PM MEETING CITYHRA / Medicine Lake Room OFFICES CHRISTMAS DAY LOSE AT NEW 12:00 P YEAR'S CITY OFFICES EVE CLOSED 6:00 PM New Years Modified on 11/07/12 Plymouth Ice Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items 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 • Public hearing on the 2013 Budget • Oath of Office to firefighters Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. IOCPSleep Ou t A n n ou n cem en t Come to one, come to all! The kickoff will begin on Saturday, November 10, 6:00 pm at IOCP (1605 Co Rd 101 in Plymouth) with two simultaneous Community Prayer Walks. All are welcome! In Plymouth we will walk from IOCP to a a local church, a business, an apartment neighborhood and end up at St. Philip the Deacon (just 5 blocks in total!). At each stop we will be led in prayer for the people we serve and their strength to overcome the tough barriers they face. The walk will last about 45 minutes. Bus transportation will be provided from St. Philip the Deacon to Klapprich Park in Wayzata (and back). In Wayzata we will walk from the Wayzata Fire Station to a nearby church, an apartment neighborhood, a business and a school, again praying at each stop for the struggles our families are facing. The Wayzata walk will end at Klapprich Park in Wayzata (just 6 blocks in total!) At 7:00 pm we host our traditional Kickoff Rally at Klapprich Park, 340 Park St. E. in Wayzata. Those who drive can park in the Park & Ride, just across Wayzata Blvd from Klapprich park. The Kickoff will include free snacks, dynamic music from the singers of Wayzata Community Church's "Tapestry", a "success maze" (where guests will face roadblocks as they work their way toward success) and a short interactive program to start IOCP's 2012 Sleep Out Campaign. At 8:00 pm IOCP's own case manager Kai Anderson and his band "Bars and Measures" will provide 30 minutes of awesome Hip Hop entertainment. All parts of this event will take place ... rain, snow or shine ...so dress appropriately! IOCP is seeking to raise $1.95 million this year to serve 1700 families who need a hand up to overcome their barriers to success. Kim Vohs Housing Development Director Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners 1605 County Road 101 N Plymouth MN 55447 Direct- 763-489-7530 kvohskiocp.org DONATE ON GIVE TO THE MAX DAY, NOV. 15 http://givemn.razoo.com/stor /y Sleepout20l2 THE SLEEP OUT CAMPAIGN: Helping Families, Creating Hope /�e1NcoG '.�6`�D+�E-DUN �•• �/ HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMISSIONER JEFF JOHNSON A-2400 GOVERNMENT CENTER -_ MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55487-0240 NES��P EWe ties to improve water management in Hennepin County? V expect metropolitan watershed organizations and cities to =3 improve water quality at the same time that they act on tradi- O tional watershed concerns such as flood control. Is our current LL water management system sustainable, or are there opportuni- M a) ties to improve water management in Hennepin County? V Who: Water Governance Stakeholders in Hennepin County District 7 Join Commissioner Jeff Johnson at this Water Governance Stake- holder Forum to identify issues that require further study and provide viewpoints regarding water governance in Hennepin County. A proposal drafted by Commissioner Johnson's office is ^L W ready for review and comment and is the starting point for discus- iscus- / sion. sion. M a) V Who: Water Governance Stakeholders in Hennepin County District 7 When: Tuesday, December 4th at 8:00 am -10:00 am Where: Hennepin County Public Works Facility - 1600 Prairie Drive, Medina ^L W Resources: / O University Study (n Johnson Proposal ^L W For questions, please contact: Danny Nadeau Phone: (612) 348-7887 or danny.nadeau@co.hennepin.mn.us Page 1 Proposed Watershed Organizations in Hennepin County Prop New Entity - Water Organization #1 - Water Organization #2 P"Water Organization #3 Map Creation Date: 3/22/2012 Data Sources: Hennepin County Disclaimer: This map is a compilation of data from various sources and is Hennepin County furnished "AS IS" with no representation or warranty expressed or implied, ��� Miles Department of including fitness for any particular purpose, merchantability, or the accuracy �VN 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Environmentc7r�� and completeness of the information shown. Shin , � � creek Watershed Management Commission Lwow wississf�o ��VNf�Y'SK@d ��GvuF�fN.Pnt 1,C7+w4wr�ti�:� C1 3235 Fernbrook Lane N • Plymouth, MN55447 Tel: 763.553.1 144 • Fax: 763.553.9326 Email: Judie@iass.biz • Website: www.shinglecreek.org NEWS ALERT For More Information Contact For Immediate Release Judie Anderson November S, 2012 3235 Fernbrook Lane N Plymouth, MN55447 763-553-1144 judie(Jass.biz Watershed Organizations Seek Public Input on Management Plan Residents and property owners in ten cities in Hennepin County have a chance to comment on proposals to protect and improve lakes, streams, and wetlands in their communities. The Shingle Creek and West Mississippi Watershed Management Commissions are updating their 10 -year Management Plan for the 67 square mile joint watershed area, which stretches from Plymouth in the west to the Mississippi River to the east, Champlin to the north and Minneapolis to the south. The draft Plan is open for public comment until December 21, 2012. The proposed Plan is available for review at http://shinglecreek.org_/pages/ThirdGenerationPlan/ There are 16 lakes in the watersheds, 26 miles of streams, and about 6,000 acres of wetlands. Many of these lakes and streams have poor water quality. The proposed Third Generation Watershed Management Plan includes an aggressive program to improve water quality through construction projects; more stringent water quality treatment requirements for new development and redevelopment; additional education and outreach; and installation of numerous small practices such as infiltration basins and rain gardens throughout the two watersheds. The Plan also includes an enhanced monitoring program to evaluate progress toward improving water quality. Brooklyn Center • Brooklyn Park • Champlin • Crystal • Maple Grove • Minneapolis • New Hope • Osseo • Plymouth • Robbinsdale Page 2 of 2 The Commissions also provide cost-sharing funds to the ten cities in the watersheds to help them make water quality improvements. In the past these projects have included stream restoration projects on Shingle Creek in Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center; upgrading or building new stormwater treatment ponds in Crystal and New Hope; helping Robbinsdale build a treatment system for Crystal Lake; and linear biofiltration basins in a new green corridor on 37th Avenue North in Minneapolis. The proposed Plan will continue funding projects such as additional stream restoration projects in Brooklyn Park and Minneapolis; additional pond projects in Plymouth and Maple Grove; and wetland restoration projects in Brooklyn Park and Champlin. The two Commissions are governed by boards of citizens appointed by the City Councils in the ten cities, which include: Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Crystal, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, New Hope, Osseo, Plymouth, and Robbinsdale. PAOrganization\CouncihCouncil Information Memorandums\2012\110812\COR - Press Release for 60 Day Watershed Revlew.docX PERMIT REQUIREMENTS TO CHANGE RUNOUT ELEVATIONS The following steps are not all-inclusive but do list essential permit application requirements, under Minnesota Statutes 103C; for changing the runout elevation of a dam. Permit Application. A permit applica- tion must be signed by a majority of riparian owners requesting a permanent change in runout elevation. Flowage Easements. Purchase or donation of flowage easements and consent from all owners of riparian land abutting the lake, as well as any con- nected waters that would also be af- fected, are required. Environmental Assessment. An envi- ronmental assessment must be prepared that documents impacts on wetland habitat, fish spawning areas, waterfowl and songbird nesting areas, as well as strategies to address shore erosion due to wave action and winter ice push. Engineering. Engineering plans must be prepared that show the proposed physical. changes to the dam. HydrologylfIydraulics. A hydrologic/ hydraulic analysis must identify antici- pated changes in lake levels and stream flows. Surveys. Surveys must be prepared that show all shoreland and existing develop- ment that would be affected by the proposed change. These surveys must identify compliance with shoreland ordinance standards for both the existing and proposed runout in terms of lot size, structure and sewer system setback, and structure and sewer system elevations above the highest proposed water eleva- tion. Outlet Darn Maintenance DNR Waters owns and maintains more than 300 lake outlet dams in Minne- sota. The primary goals for dam maintenance are to protect existing shoreland owners' rights and downstream owners' rights to water available within natural precipitation variations. Maintenance involves ensuring that each dam is safe and functional, operates at the authorized runout elevation, and provides free-flowing conditions. Inspections of dams are conducted to ensure that the stop logs are at the authorized setting, to repair or replace damaged or worn equip- ment, and to remove obstructions as necessary. Historical Operation of Outlet Dams Most lake outlet dams, which were built in the 1930s to conserve water, generally feature several 5 -foot -wide openings, called bays, with provisions to add and remove wooden stop logs. The runout level of a darn depended on the number of stop logs placed in each bay. Stop logs were managed by local observer/operators at each lake for 10-I2 years after the dams were built. When precipitation suddenly (and unpredictably) returned to normal and above normal, flooding occurred around many lakes resulting in claims for damages by lakeshore property owners. It became apparent that stop log operation by local observers could not maintain uniform take levels. Thereafter, department engineers inspected each dam, examined the shore of the affected lake, and analyzed all water level records and other avail- able information about each lake. A decision was then made to set an authorized stop log level for each dam. The goal was to set the stop logs at an elevation that would retain as much water as possible yet eliminate complaints of high water and the associated claims of damage from flood- ing. The authorized stop log setting is maintained by DNR Waters as the legal runout elevation. Outlet dam. Page I of 2 QNR maintenance specialist replacing wooden stop logs with steel channels at the Island Lake outlet dam in Crow Wing County (photograph by Ron and Judy Rolfe). Changing a Runout Elevation It is the goal of DNR Waters to maintain existing flows and water level conditions at lakes with outlet dams to the maxi- mum feasible extent. However, shoreland owners on a lake may have varied and differing opinions about "desirable" lake water levels. proposals to change water levels are difficult to accomplish due to legal, environmental, and financial realties (see details in sidebar on page 1). Potentially serious consequences may result from changing a runout elevation, such as navigation problems, shore erosion, water quality degradation, ice damage, and flooding. Chang- ing a runout to solve a problem may create new problems that are unacceptable to other owners or to future owners. Regard- less of the runout elevation of a take, water levels will fluctu- ate because of variations in precipitation, which cannot be controlled. Legal Considerations Unauthorized tampering with set runouts is an ongoing problem at dams in Minnesota. According to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103Q it is unlawful to change the runout elevation of a dam without prior permit authorization from the DNR. Persons found to be responsible for unauthorized changes to a dam are subject to criminal enforcement action. Along with the criminal action is the potential of lawsuits brought by aggrieved shoreland owners for flooding, lack of access, or downstream damages due to flow changes resulting from the illegal tampering. The state cannot legally alter a stop log Elevation in response to individual requests because of high or low water level conditions. To raise a runout would cause water to cover land it did not previously cover, which may be a "taking" of land without compensation. It is unconstitutional for government to take private property without due process. DNR Waters' position and legal obligation is to maintain the authorized stop log setting and allow water levels to fluctuate in response to precipitation that falls within a lake's watershed. A formal permit process exists for those shoreland owners who may wish to pursue a permanent change in runout eleva- tion (see sidebar, page 1). It must be clearly understood that no permit decision by the DNR is required until complete information is provided by the applicant(s). Costs associated with design, engineering, flowage easements, and structural improvements are the responsibility of the applicant(s), or a local governmental unit acting on behalf of the applicant(s). 02004 State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources. Prepared by DNR Waters. DNR Contact Information t DNR Waters website lists Area Hydrologists: wwwAtir.state.nin.us/waters DNR Waters in St. Paul; 500 Lafayette Road 4EPAMNTaF 5t. Paul, MN 551554032 vf1IRMESO NES (651) 2964800 DNR Information Center Twin Cities: (551)296-6157 Minnesota toll free. 1-888-646-5367 Telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD): (651) 246-5484 TDD toll free: 1-500-557-3929 This information is available in an alternative format on request. Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Minne- sota Departhnent ofNaturaI Resources is available regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation., marital status, status with regard to public assistance, age, or disability. Discrimination inquiries should be sent to Minnesota DNR, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4031; or the Equal Opp ortanity OM cc, Department of the Interior; Washington, DC 20240, Page 2 of 2 Ted Hoshal 236 Peninsula ,Road • Medicine Lake, Minnesota 55441 •763-541-1140 November 5, :2012 Mr. Bruce Larson 263 1.12 Peninsula Road Medicine Lake, MN 55441 Dear Bruce: Thank you for attending the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC) meeting of October 18, 2012. I appreciate very much you taking the time to present, on behalf of AMLAC and members of the Medicine Lake City Council, an idea for maintaining higher water levels on Medicine Lake during the late season from mid- August to mid-September. While I cannot speak on behalf of members of the Commission, you probably better understand now after the meeting why there is a great deal of hesitation on the part of Commissioners, Technical Advisory Committee {TAC} members, the Commission's consulting engineers and legal staff to advance a plan that would in effect cause a change in the flood risk dynamic affecting shoreland areas around the lake. In essence, any change to the design of the dam or modification that restricts flow, like adding sand bags temporarily to the dam weir to slow the recession of higher lake waters (as your plan had suggested), will alter the flood zone profile around Medicine Lake and perhaps down stream along Bassett Creek. The BCWMC's long term charge has been to reduce and to mitigate potential flood risks where and to what extent possible. At first glance, it may seem like the addition of a few sand bags over as little as a month's time is a marginal, perhaps even imperceptible, change to that risk. Unfortunately, that small surface change comes with an undercurrent of great expense, requiring watershed hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, flood plain mapping and revisions, possible structural capital improvement projects (eg. flood. proofing homes, expanded water retention area compensation offsets, etc,), to name a few. Add to that the stakeholder approvals and support required and you can quickly see how even a small change may snowball into a really big effort. At the meeting, I mentioned that I had contacted but was awaiting a response from bate Drewry, the MnDNR Area Hydrologist serving northern Hennepin County. I asked Ms. Drewery to provide some guidance on a process for a group interested in making a lake level change_ Ms. Drewery has since replied with two emails regarding the process you might follow if you would like to advance your plan. Her reply includes an information sheet (attached) for lake dam modifications. Ms. Drewry makes clear that any change in structure or flow modification of a lake outlet dam would have to come with approval by the MnDNR. One part of the approval process is very difficult. The MnDNR will require 100% of a lake's riparian (shoreland) property owners to sign approval of a proposed change. I believe this a very large hurdle for any lake association, city, citizen or citizen's group to navigate. But I do think, before the Commission elects to enjoin your efforts, that you or members of AMLAC really need to show some evidence that you have lake shore owners' unanimous support for making a change. That's a big hurdle at this point. I also mentioned at the meeting that I, like you, had taken a photo of the dam at Bassett Creek the morning of the meeting. I went one step further and also gook a picture of the dam at Sweeney Lake in Golden Valley (see attached). That lake continues to shed water over its dam at this time while Medicine Lake's outlet is high and dry. I said before the Commission that perhaps the Commission needs to better understand why one spring fed lake is continuing to receive sufficient ground water recharge to expel] water while another only a few miles away does not when both are experiencing the same persistant drought -like conditions. There may be an underlying cause why Medicine Lake is experiencing less than optimal lake levels, despite the recurring drought periods we have had over many recent summers. The answer may lie in our growing regional thirst for ground waters. That is only a guess on my part, given what we have learned recently at White Bear Lake. The residents of our watershed—and more importantly, lake users—would benefit by shining a light on this dynamic to learn how it may play a part in future ground water use and conservation efforts throughout our watershed. It would certainly help if AMLAC or others could bring evidence to the table supporting the need for such a study. Please review the attached emails and other information I have included for you here. If there is anything else I can provide for you, please let me know. I will share this letter, including the information I received from Ms. Drewry, with the Commission so that they may make some direction on how they wish to respond further to your request. Thank you again for your efforts on behalf of the interested citizens of Medicine Lake! Sincerely, Ted Hoshal MEDICINE LAKE CUMMISSPDNER, BCWMC Enclosures cc Ginny Black, Chairperson, BCWMC Kate Drewry MnDNR Area Hydrologist Julie Rumsey, AMLAC Medicine Lake City Council Low waters on Medicine Lake, 244 Peninsula Road, City of Medicine Lake, October 12, 2012. Note water level was as high as the bottom of this dock (foreground) in early June. Bassett Creeek Dam, October 18, 2012, Note waters have receded again to lakeshore line. No waters present above or below dam. http://politicsinminnesota.com Politics in Minnesota Longtime MnDOT chief Tom Sorel steps down for private sector job by Briana Bierschbach Published: November 1st, 2012 Tom Sorel Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel is leaving the position after four years to take a job leading AAA Minneapolis. Sorel announced his resignation in a news release on Thursday, and will start his new role as president and CEO of AAA Minneapolis on Dec. 1. Gov. Mark Dayton appointed deputy commissioner and chief engineer Bernie Arseneau, who has been with the agency for 30 years, to serve as acting commissioner. Sorel was first tapped for the job by former Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty in April 2008. Sorel was crucial in calming the waters in the department after Senate Democrats voted to boot Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau from the position. Dayton reappointed Sorel to the position in 2010, citing his ability to work with both parties. "MnDOT is a great organization supported by exemplary public servants who I will miss tremendously. My thanks go to Governor Dayton, who reappointed me as Commissioner, and the legislative transportation committees that confirmed me," Sorel said in a statement. "As I move into the next phase of my life's journey, I will always cherish my time serving as MnDOT Commissioner." Complete URL: http://politicsinminnesota.com/2012/11/longtime-mndot-chief-tom-sorel- steps-down-for-private-sector-job/ St rTr i b n e Too -bright lights a pain for St. Louis Park residents • Article by: MARY JANE SMETANKA • Star Tribune • November 6, 2012 - 4:16 PM When Lee Snitzer and his family moved into their St. Louis Park home in 1986, there were woods between the house and Benilde-St. Margaret's School. Today, many of the trees are gone, replaced by a storm water pond and an athletic field with lights that Snitzer says illuminates his backyard and house for much of spring, summer and fall. "The light is so bright that we don't have to turn lights on in our home," he said last week. "It's so bright on my deck that you could read out there." Snitzer's complaints about spillover light have spurred St. Louis Park to take a new look at its outdoor lighting ordinance. As lighting technology changes and demand for night playing time on athletic fields escalates, cities around the country are looking at ways to limit the glare that reaches residential areas. In the west metro, Plymouth has what is considered a model light ordinance, passed about a decade ago after a resident complained about light from a nearby commercial area. Plymouth's rules are based on recommendations from the International Dark Sky Association, a group that was founded in 1988 partly because of concern that light pollution was affecting scientists' ability to observe the night sky. Now Plymouth is divided into three lighting zones: a bright zone for high-density residential and commercial -industrial areas and play fields, a medium light zone for townhouses and single- family homes, and a dark zone for natural areas. "There was a learning curve with the lighting folks, but it is not hard to figure out," said Barb Thomson, Plymouth's planning manager. "It has produced better lighting in the city." One thing that Plymouth discovered, she said, is that "there's a lot of over -lighting out there, and it's not necessarily providing better safety." In St. Louis Park, Snitzer's complaint about Benilde focused attention on the city's outdated 1976 lighting ordinance, which turned out to be impossible for any athletic field to meet, said Meg McMonigal, city planning and zoning supervisor. The ordinance required that lighting not be erected if lights or their reflective image could be viewed directly from off-site. The city is now updating the ordinance by requiring glare -control packages for athletic fields and other updated lighting standards. "You have to be careful because they have to provide enough lighting to have safe athletic play but not have glaring light," McMonigal said. The city rejected a call to require lights to be shut off by 10 p.m., saying that sometimes it takes until 11 for everyone to leave. Lighting would have to be updated to the new standards when it's time for the lights to be replaced. In Plymouth, the city decided not to wait to replace lights on seven of its eight play fields. In 2010, it calculated that there would be significant savings if lights were replaced all at once, said Diane Evans, director of parks and recreation. The 1980 lights on those play fields were "very old sodium fixtures, with a lot of light pollution and light bleed to residential homes," Evans said. The city spent $2.4 million to install metal halide lights that have a 20 -year warranty. They are much less likely to bleed light into residential areas, she said, and they can be remotely controlled. Evans can turn the lights off (or on) from her phone if an event is cancelled or ends early. "We have had nothing but positive comments from residents and users," Evans said. "Everyone is happy. The light just sort of shuts off once it leaves the field. It's a more focused light." Not a problem in winter In St. Louis Park, Benilde's night use of the field behind Snitzer's home has ended for the season. In a written statement, the school said it got all the appropriate permits for the new stadium. "Benilde-St. Margaret's values its neighbors and understands their concerns," the statement said. "By taking steps, including planting trees, painting light shields and complying with light spillover requirements, we have worked hard to address these matters." Snitzer, who testified before the City Council about the light issue, said no one in his neighborhood objects to kids using the field. They have been surprised, though, that it's busy night after night. Benilde's painting of the visors on the lights hasn't made much difference, he said, and it will be years before trees that were planted will block the light he sees from his backyard. Snitzer would like the city's new ordinance to include a deadline for every light on city athletic fields to be modified to limit glare. While the current lights are in use, he would like fixtures painted to limit reflection. "At one point I looked at legal options, but that would just create a lot of animus and not a lot of satisfaction, and for what?" Snitzer said. "I'd rather try to convince the city that this is the right thing to do for its residents." The St. Louis Park City Council is expected to vote on its updated ordinance by year's end. Mary Jane Smetanka • 612-673-7380 Twitter: @smetan © 2011 Star Tribune SUN% AILOR M� --� M J6$ Human Rights Committee wrestles internally By Brian Rosemeyer on November 7, 2012 at 4:00 pm Board function called into question at Nov. 1 meeting Plymouth Human Rights Committee met Nov. 1 to discuss issues within the city. The committee advises the city council on matters pertaining to human rights issues and discrimination in Plymouth. It meets on a quarterly basis at city hall, and meetings are open to the public. Member Kelly Guncheon reopened a conversation that began at the Aug. 2 meeting concerning the function of the committee, specifically toward the purpose of Mayor Kelli Slavik, City Council Member Bob Stein and Police Chief Mike Goldstein's involvement in the committee. "I think that there are three potential citizens who are not allowed to be on the human rights committee because three [city officials] are here," commented committee member Ada Alden. Guncheon raised concern of the potential, and possibly existing, conflicts of interest in having city staff and elected officials as members of the HRC. "For City council members to sit [on the committee] and have a voting role, it doesn't make any sense," said Guncheon. "Because you're essentially just talking to yourselves about issues." Guncheon highlighted recent work completed by the committee and stated that he believed certain efforts by the committee were thwarted by Plymouth. As an example, Guncheon mentioned a recent forum regarding the constitutional amendment votes and how the forum did not receive any help from the city. The HRC has a work plan, which includes what the committee is expected to do. One of the points on the work plan allows the committee to hold educational forums concerning human rights issues. The city took a stance that the proposed forum approached advocacy, rather than being educational after speakers from the "vote yes" position were shaky on attendance. The workload of the amendment forum then fell solely on the three members of the committee who weren't in an official city role, since the city cannot advocate political issues. "It did turn out to almost be an advocacy forum because none of the opposition was planning on showing up," said Stein. Guncheon echoed that it seemed difficult for the citizen members of the committee to achieve anything with the council's presence in voting and the respective member's limited capability in aiding in committee functions. As discussion continued about how the HRC relates to the city and the involvement of city officials, the mayor held fast to the position that she, Stein and Goldstein had the right to be there. "The council takes a lot of ownership in what we do, and we wanted to be involved in all of our commissions," Slavik said. "The council doesn't want control or to be overbearing. We're just trying to figure out the best way to do this." Stein stated that all of the committees in Plymouth have at least one council member, aside from the Planning Commission, which, according to state law, cannot. The mayor resolved to take another look at how the committees function coming into the new year of membership. Committee members are interviewed for boards in January. The meeting concluded with Goldstein resigning from the committee, a decision he said he had made prior to that evening's meeting. "For me personally, and certainly professionally, it's best to step away," said Goldstein. "It's something that I feel is right on a number of different levels. Going forward, I wish the committee success." The first HRC meeting of 2013 will be 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 7 at City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. 105 10405 [�7 CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447 DATE: Nov 6, 2012 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Regina Michaud, Recreation Manager through Diane Evans, Director of Parks &Recreation SUBJECT: Recreation Update SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT — Five Events in Seven Days (October 31— November 7 Recap) Over the past week, Plymouth Parks and Recreation held five special events at the Plymouth Creek Center. Altogether, we provided activities and entertainment for approximately 2,450. Three of those events were held in just two days. On Saturday & Sunday, the Plymouth Creek Activity Center was the home of the Bridal Expo (Saturday), the Kid's Garage Sale (Sunday) and Plymouth first-ever Pet Expo (Saturday & Sunday). Thanks to the hard work and dedication of talented staff members and exceptional volunteers all five events ran smoothly and gained high praise from participants. Special thanks to the Plymouth Creek Center for hosting and supporting the events and to the Plymouth Police K9 Unit. Below are quick facts about each of the special events. Note, these special events are fee-based, self-supporting events that generate revenue. Halloween at the Creek Event Date/Time: Wednesday, October 31, 5:30-8 p.m. Number of Participants: 450 Number of Volunteers: 65 Carnival games and prizes; magic and music Event Activities: shows; huge inflatables; a small meal and bags of treats Working through Interfaith Outreach, PRISM, Special Note: Home Free and our Community Development Department 60 people participated at no cost with our 'free family event passes.'. Event Staff: Recreation Supervisors - Travis Karlen & Alyssa Krumholz Event Net Revenue: $1050.00 Bridal Expo Event Date/Time: Saturday, November 3, 12-3 p.m. Number of Participants: 90 Number of Volunteers: 5 Number of Exhibitors 31 Exhibitors ranging from our exclusive caterers Number of Volunteers: to photographers, DJs, florists, gift registries, Event Activities: event planners and more. As well, attendees were provided with a variety of delicious food and cake samples, chair massages and give- aways. Event Activities: Feedback from exhibitors and participant of Plymouth's popular and successful spring Special Note: Bridal Expo's led to the addition of this first- ever fall Bridal Expo at the Plymouth Creek Center. Event Staff: Rental and Wedding Coordinator - Special Note: Angie Dehn Event Net Revenue: $2600.00 Pet Expo Event Date/Time: Saturday & Sunday, November 3 & 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Number of Participants: 900 Number of Competitors 49 teams = 250 people, 185 dogs Competitions ran both days of the event Number of Volunteers: 43 Number of Exhibitors 25 Exhibitors ranging from animal hospitals to rescue agencies and everything inbetween; two canine competitions — Fly Ball (159 races Event Activities: held) & Disc Dog; Plymouth K9 Police Demos, Rabbit Agility Demos, concessions, parrots, snakes, frogs, lizards, a cat, an inflatable and more. Plymouth's first-ever pet expo. Admissions proceeds from this event will benefit Special Note: Plymouth's Dog Parks. Also, the Fly Ball competition was a NAFA sanctioned event bringing in teams from surrounding states as well as Canada. Event Staff: Recreation Supervisor, Dan Lauer & Recreation Coordinatior Jessica Converse Event Net Revenue: $3700.00 Kid's Garage Sale Event Date/Time: Sunday, November 4, 12-3 p.m. Number of Shoppers: 450 Number of Kid's Selling: 31 Number of Volunteers: 11 Event Activities: A great event for kids (with parent help) to Event Activities: have fun selling their unused "stuff" and for shoppers to find great deals on merchandise. Special Note: At the end of the event, sellers can donate remaining merchandise to a local charity. Special Note: Each year staff coordinates with a different Event Staff: charity for the event. Past charities have included Salvation Army, IOCP and ARC. Event Staff: Recreation Supervisor, Cindy Anderson Event Net Revenue: $250.00 Veteran's Day Breakfast Event Date/Time: Wednesday, November 7, 9:30 —10:30 a.m. Number of Participants: 110 (57 Military Veterans) Number of Volunteers: 14 A special day and breakfast to honor our Event Activities: Veterans. All the veterans attending the event are Special Note: treated to a free breakfast. Senior Program Coordinator, Event Staff: Sara Mittelstaedt Event Net Revenue: TBD Approved Minutes City of Plymouth Planning Commission Meeting October 17, 2012 MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice Chair Dick Kobussen, Commissioners Nathan Robinson, Scott Nelson, Bryan Oakley, Gordon Petrash and Marc Anderson MEMBERS ABSENT: Chair James Davis STAFF PRESENT: Senior Planner Shawn Drill, Public Works Director Doran Cote and Office Support Representative Janice Bergstrom 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Commissioner Petrash, seconded by Commissioner Oakley, to approve the October 17, 2012 Planning Commission Agenda. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Commissioner Anderson referenced Page 3 Paragraph 4 and changed "water main in the paved surface" to "water main in and a paved surface". MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Robinson, to approve the amended September 19, 2012 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. CITY OF PLYMOUTH (2012054) Vice Chair Kobussen introduced the request by the City of Plymouth for the 2013-2017 Capital Improvement Program. Public Works Director Cote gave an overview of the staff report. Commissioner Petrash asked what happens to the fire rescue vehicle which is being replaced. Approved Planning Commission Minutes October 17, 2012 Page 2 Public Works Director Cote said it depends on the type of vehicle being replaced. He said some are auctioned, but fire equipment is hard to auction and does not have a lot of value at auction. Public Works Director Cote said often times they will do an alternative bid on the replacement of the new vehicle and will have a trade in value at that time. Public Works Director Cote said they will compare what the city could get at auction versus what the city can get as a trade in. He added suppliers of the fire apparatus often know people who might need the used equipment and we always work to get the best deal. Vice Chair Kobussen asked why the self-propelled sprayer and water truck were eliminated in 2014 or if they were moved to 2017. Public Works Director Cote explained that the park maintenance staff no longer uses the sprayer, and the water truck was used for freezing outdoor rinks, of which we don't have that many of any more. Commissioner Oakley noted there are seven police squads replaced in 2013, but none are listed for subsequent years. Public Works Director Cote said we budget for five to eight squads every year and they are listed in the All Projects section. Commissioner Petrash asked if the fourth fire station has already been sited. Public Works Director Cote said the pumping station and 6 -million gallon reservoir at the northwest corner of Vicksburg Lane and Schmidt Lake Road were located in anticipation of a fourth fire station also being located at that site, if needed in the future. He added the site could also accommodate a third water treatment plant. Commissioner Anderson asked about funding sources listed as "other" for park and recreation and streets. Public Works Director Cote said for the streets projects we don't know the funding source until direction is given by the City Council. Public Works Director Cote explained the ice center training facility is in its infancy stage. He said there is a $150,000 funding gap and they are seeking another partner - either Acceleration Minnesota or the school district, and are also looking at grants. Commissioner Anderson said developers have been paying for Dunkirk Lane as development occurs. He asked if the cost of infilling Dunkirk Lane would be assessed back to the properties that will benefit when they develop. Public Works Director Cote said they are proposing to assess a portion of the cost. Public Works Director Cote said they have told parties interested in developing properties adjacent to Dunkirk Lane that should they come first, they will have to pay the cost of those improvements. Approved Planning Commission Minutes October 17, 2012 Page 3 Commissioner Anderson asked where the offset would occur when a property owner is charged for the road. Public Works Director Cote said the proposed funding source would be the 70% assessment and the offset would be municipal state aid. Vice Chair Kobussen asked why in some cases, spending would be higher than funding sources identified. Public Works Director Cote stated he will be reconciling both the water resources projects and the street projects as there have been changes to this document since it went to the City Council. Vice Chair Kobussen asked if the portable generator 13-CE-NEW2 would be a new project. Public Works Director Cote said that generator would be a new project with the addition of the well off Vicksburg Lane near Shenandoah Lane. He said the generator is needed in case of a power failure. Vice Chair Kobussen asked if the city hall window replacement 13 -FM -004 is a new project. Public Works Director Cote said that project was initiated in 2011 and is for replacement of city hall windows in the oldest portion of the building. Vice Chair Kobussen opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to speak. MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Petrash, to approve the request by the City of Plymouth for the 2013-2017 Capital Improvement Program. Roll Call Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. 7. NEW BUSINESS 8. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Vice Chair Kobussen, with no objection, to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 p.m.