HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 11-15-2012CITY OF PLYMOUTH
rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO
November 15, 2012
EVENTS / MEETINGS
November and December 2012 and January 2013 Official City Meeting Calendars ......................... Page 1
Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ..................................................... Page 4
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from NW Cable commission RE: Grant................................................................................... Page 6
Letter from MN Dept. of Health RE: 2011 Water Fluoridation Quality Award .................................. Page 7
Letter from Hopkins Public School RE: 2012 Report to the Community ........................................... Page 9
Ehlers Market Commentary 11/06/12............................................................................................... Page 26
Storm Water Pond Cleanup Costs to Soar, StarTribune.................................................................... Page 30
REPORTS
GeneralElection Results................................................................................................................... Page 33
MINUTES
Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) 07/26/12.................................................................... Page 38
Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) 09/27/12.................................................................... Page 47
Planning Commission 10/17/12........................................................................................................ Page 48
City of
Plymouth
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November 2012
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Tentative Schedule for
City Council Agenda Items
November 20, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Conference Room
• Minnehaha Creek Watershed AIS Plan
• Franchise fees/financing options for Peony Lane/Vicksburg Lane
• 2013 Budget and Levy
November 27, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Conference Room
• Trail Gap Study
• Trail maintenance
November 27, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
• Announce Old Fashioned Christmas on December 2
• Order Plans and Specifications, Accept Plans and Specifications, and Order Advertisement for
Bids, County Road 101 Water Tower (10034)
• Order Plans and Specifications, Accept Plans and Specifications, and Order Advertisement for
Bids, 45th Avenue and Nathan Drainage Improvement Project (1102 1)
• Approve Final Payment for 2012 Crack Repair Program (12011)
• Adopt Revised Trunk Sewer and Water Area Assessments, Taylor Creek 3rd Addition (2012042)
• Accept Public Improvements for Continual Maintenance, Taylor Creek Ist, Taylor Creek 3rd and
Taylor Creek 4th Addition
• Approve Variance for second freestanding sign at Lucky 13's, 3000 Harbor Lane (2012083)
• Approve Planned Unit Development for updated signage at West Health (2012085)
• Citizen Survey results
• Report on hours of operation for gas stations
December 4, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Conference Room
• Council goals and priorities
December 11, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
• Recognize Police Citizen Academy Graduates
• Announce New Year's Eve Event at Plymouth Ice Center
• Public hearing on the 2013 Budget
• Oath of Office to firefighters
• Approve 2013 Tobacco License renewals
• Approve 2013 Target and Trapshoot License Renewals
• Approve 2013 Amusement License Renewals
• Adopt 2013 Budgets and Tax Levies and 2013-2017 Capital Improvement Program
January 8, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
• Oath of Office to Councilmembers Johnson, Wosje, Stein, and Willis
• Announce "Skate with the Mayor"
• Appoint 2013 Health Officer
• Appoint 2013 City Council Secretary
• Appoint 2013 Official Depositories
• Designate 2013 Official Newspaper
Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. Page 4
January 15, Special, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Conference Room
• Board and Committee Interviews
January 22, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
February 12, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
February 26, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
March 12, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
March 14, Board and Committee Recognition Event, 5:30 p.m., Plymouth Creek Center
March 19, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
Page 5
NORTHWEST SUBURBS CABLE COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
6900 Winnetka Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
763-536-8355
October 31, 2012
Laurie Ahrens
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Enclosed you will find a check for the quarterly payment of the 2012 Cable Capital Grant in the
amount of $13.497.72.
The Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission has increased its capital flat grant to
cities by 5%. The grant, to be paid quarterly, is comprised of a flat grant to each city plus a
proportional grant determined by the number of subscribers within each city. The schedule for these
payments will be January 31st, April 30t", July 3lth and October 31". If the 30"' lands on a weekend
the payment will be sent prior to the 30"'.
Your payment breaks down as follows:
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
2012 Flat Grant $20,321.88
2012 Proportional Grant $33,669.00
Annual Total: 153 990.88
Total divided by 4 = $13,497.72 per quarter
Please note that the actual dollar amounts of these grants change each year depending on the number
of cable subscribers.
If you have any questions, please call me at 763-533-8196.
Sine ely,
Jr N
Greg oore, Ex cut
Director
Nark est Suburbs Cable Communications Commission
cc: Helen LaFave
Brooklyn Center • Brooklyn Park • Crystal • Golden Valley • Maple Grove • New Hope • Osseo • Plymouth • R j@dde
Protecting, maintaining and improving the health of all Minnesotans
November 2, 2012
Plymouth City Council
c/o Ms. Sandy Engdahl, Clerk
Plymouth City Hall
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Ms. Sandy Engdahl:
kEcc/ V,ED
NOV - 7 ?Dlp
The Minnesota Department of Health Oral Health Program and Drinking Water Protection
Section are pleased to present you with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
2011 Water Fluoridation Quality Award. This award recognizes those water systems that
adjust the fluoride concentration in drinking water and achieve a monthly average fluoride level
that is in the optimal range for 12 months of a calendar year, as documented in the Water
Fluoridation Reporting System (WFRS).
The CDC initiated the Water Fluoridation Quality Award in 2002 to recognize outstanding
performance by water systems. For calendar year 2011, Minnesota was one of 29 states using
WFRS to earn this award.
Water utilities and their customers value the ability to demonstrate attainment of quality service.
Awards can be a good tool for promoting water fluoridation and we hope that this award will
provide you with an opportunity to highlight the excellent work being done by your system. To
assist you in promoting this achievement, a press release template that can be tailored for your
community is available upon request.
Congratulations on this outstanding performance and thank you for providing safe, dependable
drinking water for your community. If you have any questions about the award or the press
release, please contact either David Rindal at (651) 201-4660 and (david.rindal@state.mn.us) or
Patti Ulrich at (651) 201-4230 and (patti.ulrich@state.mn.us).
Sincerely,
Y�VAJ $ le.
Merry Jo Thoele, MPH, RDH
Director, Oral Disease Prevention Unit
Minnesota Department of Health
&, &-;/I-c
Randy Ellingboe
Manager, Drinking Water Protection Section.
Minnesota Department of Health
General Information: 651-201-5000 • Toll-free: 888-345-0823 • TTY- 651-201-5797 • wwwhealth.state.P896 7
An equal opportunely employer 5
WFRS
<G Water Fluoridation
Reporting System
2011
mater fluoridation Quality Award
PLYMOUTH
State of Minnesota
Ae Centers for Disease Control and Prevention commends this coater system for its consistent and professional
adjustment of the coater fluoride content to the optimum level for oral health for 12 consistent months. Consistent,
high-quality water fluoridation practice, as demonstrated by this water system, is a safe and effective method to
prevent tooth decay, improving the oral health of community residents of all ages.
Presented by the
Centers for Disease Control and. Prevention
United. Mates Department of Health & Human Services
xrrrkvicgy °r
v
leNational Fluoridation Engineer, Division of Oral Health
National Centex for Chronic Disease Prevention
VIII/Il
°"gym
and Health Promotion
Hopkins Public Schools
1009 Highway 7
Hopkins, MPJ 55305-4723
952.988.4000
www.hopkinsschools.org
HOPKINS
P U B L I C 5 C H 0 0 L 5
Ms. Laurie Ahrens
3400 Plymouth Blvd
Plymouth, MN 55447-1448
November 12, 2012
Dear Ms, Laurie Ahrens,
Excellence.
Every School.
Every Student.
Every Day,
Jolene Goldade
PRI Communications Coordinator
952.988.4024
952.988.4108 fax
Jolene.goldade@hopkinsschools.org
Enclosed you will find a copy of the Hopkins Public Schools "2012 Report to the Community."
This 16 -page document provides a snap shot of the Hopkins district, including information on
leading-edge programs like: STEM, Chinese and Spanish immersion, financial literacy, and
digital curriculum. The report also includes comprehensive assessment results, financial
information and staff and student awards and accomplishments.
If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about Hopkins Schools, please feel free
to contact me.
I look forward to working with you in the future.
Best
J , lene Goldade
PR/Communications Coordinator
952-988-4024
Jolene., oldade f11hopkinsschool s.org
Serving the communities of. Eden Prairie • Edina • Golden Valley • Hopkins , Minnetonka • Plymouth • St. Louis Paris
An equal opportunitylaffIrmative action educator and employer.
Page 9
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--A
Annual Report on Curriculum,
Instruction, and Student Achievement
�r Hopkins Public Schools
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Annual Report on Curriculum,
Instruction, and Student Achievement
�r Hopkins Public Schools
About Us
`* Hopkins School Board
Our Mission: �1(9 � OMiiThe School Board is the governing authority of Hopkins Public
Serving a community rich in culture and diversity, Schools. The Board is focused on three areas: budget adoption, revenue
HOPKI NS Hopkins Public Schools develops in all students the management, and expenditure authorization. It is also responsible for
P U B L I C S C H U o L s skills, knowledge, and passion for lifelong learning.
superintendent selection, contract and evaluation, and District policy.
Hopkins Public Schools brings exceptional education in a real-world
setting to students. We have six elementary schools, one magnet
Chinese immersion school (XinXing Academy), two junior high schools,
and one high school.
Our total enrollment is about 7,200 students. We serve the city of
Hopkins, most of Minnetonka, about half of Golden Valley, and portions
of Eden Prairie, Edina, Plymouth, and St. Louis Park.
Alice Smith Elementary—Jody De St. Hubert principal
952.988.4200.801 Minnetonka Mills Road, Hopkins, MN 55343
Eisenhower Elementary + XinXing Academy
— Terri Siguenza, principal
952.988.4300. 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins, MN 55305
Gatewood Elementary — Donna Montgomery, principal
952.988.5250 . 14900 Gatewood Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Glen Lake Elementary — Beth Potter, principal
952.988.5200.4801 Woodridge Road, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Meadowbrook Elementary — Greta Evans -Becker, principal
952.988.5100.5430 Glenwood Avenue, Golden Valley, MN 55422
L.H. Tanglen Elementary — Gail Lewis -Miller, principal
952.988.4900 . 10901 Hillside Lane, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Hopkins North Junior High — Becky Melville, principal
952.988.4800 . 10700 Cedar Lake Road, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Hopkins West Junior High —Dr. Shirley Gregoire, principal
952.988.4400 - 3830 Baker Road, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Hopkins High School — Patty Johnson, principal
952.988.4500 - 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Harley Hopkins Family Center
—Christine Fehst Early Childhood Coordinator
952.988.5000. 125 Monroe Avenue South, Hopkins, MN 55343
District Office
952.988.4000. 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins, MN 55305
Hopkins Community Education — Katie Williams, Director
952.988.4070. 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins, MN 55305
2
The 2012-13 Hopkins Public Schools
Board of Directors
Chair: Susan Wootten, term expires in December 2013
Vice Chair: Warren Goodroad, term expires in December 2013
Treasurer: Wendy Donovan, term expires in December 2015
Director: Steve Adams, term expires in December 2015
Director: Betsy Anderson, term expires in December 2013
Director: Irma McIntosh Coleman, term expires in December 2015
Director: Kris Newcomer, term expires in December 2015
Board members welcome conversations with the public. Visit
www. HopkinsSchools.org/board for contact information or call 952-988-4021.
Front, left to right: Irma McIntosh
Coleman, Kris Newcomer, Susan
Wootten
Back, left to right: Wendy
Donovan, Warren Goodroad,
Betsy Scheurer, Steve Adams
Hopkins Education Foundation
Since 1995, the Hopkins Education Foundation, has --r-t
been dedicated to providing resources for educational HOPKINS
enhancements and innovations for the success of our students. EDUCATION
FOUNDATION
Thanks to the community's support, it has granted more than
$2 million to Hopkins schools. Hopkins Education Foundation is a
non-profit foundation, independent from the DistriPage 11
From our Superintendent
The 2072 Report to the Community is a showcase of the great
a c h l e v e m e n t s o f o u r s t u d e n t s. You will see these achievements throughout this
report, both in the data presented and in the highlights of the many programs and services offered at
our schools. As we measure the academic growth of our students, it's clear that Hopkins Public Schools
serves a diverse population of students with varied talents, interests, and abilities. Importantly, our
students also excel in many academic and extracurricular programs — such as debate and athletics
that are not measured by the data. All of these components support our mission of Excellence. Every
school. Every student. Every day.
Defined by our outstanding teachers
The 2012-2013 school year will — once again — be shaped by a group of dedicated professionals
teaching and leading children into the dynamic world of learning. Our teaching staff is caring and
child -centered, with a passion for engaging students in wide variety of learning experiences. Every
professional is committed to this great community, and to providing a quality education to every
student who comes through our doors.
Embracing our digital future
We are constantly learning more about the world in which our kids live and how they best learn. Their
world has become digital, which has heightened our students' capacity for information. Knowledge,
which used to be limited to books, is more accessible than ever thanks to a multitude of digital
platforms. Our staff has embraced this transformation and is committed to a vision where curriculum
and instruction will be delivered digitally. Throughout the District, students will be using digital
devices and applications to access curriculum and further engage in learning opportunities. This vision
expands our students' ability to collaborate, think critically, and explore interests.
Get involved
Please feel free to contact me, or any one of our principals, to see what is happening in our schools and
programs. I want to personally extend an invitation to you to get involved, come into our schools and
witness first-hand how our students learn. We would love to see you!
Best wishes for a successful 2012-13 school year!
x�IS �o
Joh chultz, Ph.D., Superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools
Page 12 3
Defining Innovation
■■ Taking our high expectations to the next level
STEM
Leading the way with STEM
••
Hopkins Public Schools has integrated STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) into
its elementary, junior high, and high school core
curriculum. All Hopkins students are exposed
%–K
to STEM concepts starting in kindergarten and
continuing through junior high. In high school,
students can choose from a variety of STEM courses.
Engineering is Elementary
STEM learning begins for all students in kindergarten. In grades 3-6,
our Engineering is Elementary (EiE) curriculum introduces students to
deeper STEM concepts. EiE applies science concepts to an engineering
design challenge. The curriculum was brought to Hopkins in 2009 by a
Cargill grant. This year, the program is fully implemented.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) at the junior high level
Nationwide, PLTW is the leading provider of innovative and rigorous
STEM curriculum for the secondary level of education. Hopkins Public
Schools uses this curriculum at the junior high and high school level. At
Hopkins, the grade 8 Intro to PLTW class is required. A variety of other
PLTW electives are offered starting in grade 9.
STEM at the senior high level
STEM and PLTW classes have been offered at the high school for many
years. Next year, the high school expects to be PLTW certified, which
means students can potentially earn college credit for the pre -engineering
classes that they take. Hopkins High School has an impressive offering
of STEM classes that offer rigor and emphasize the hard sciences, such
as: Energy, Power and Transportation; Principles of Engineering; Astronomy;
Mechanical Engineering; Civil and Architectural Engineering Physics -Motion
and Forces; Anatomy and Physiology; and many more.
In 2011, the Minnesota High Tech
Association recognized Hopkins Public
Schools for its leading-edge STEM
curriculum and programs.
4
Digital Curriculum
Hopkins uses digital content and devices as
a catalyst for transforming learning
The Hopkins Digital Content and Access Plan, a framework for developing
and implementing digital curriculum, was adopted in 2012. The plan
initially focuses on the junior highs, but all program levels benefit.
Starting this 2012-13 school year, every seventh -grade student is
provided an Wad that they will use to access digital content throughout
their junior high experience. Each year, the plan expands until every
junior high student has access to digital content through an Wad. The
focus is on providing students with interactive learning experiences that
reflect the world that they are living in. Digital content transforms the way
teachers teach by allowing them to use a blend of dynamic technology and
traditional teaching methods in their classrooms.
In our elementary schools, students will have access to more Wads. This
allows for instruction that is both personalized and efficient. Teachers can
work with small groups of students while the rest of the class is wired into
digital curriculum, which they explore at their own pace.
At the high school, a variety of digital devices will be introduced
this year, including Chrome books and Macbooks. Students will use
these devices to access digital curriculum. High school teachers are also
experimenting even more with "Flip the Classroom." For example,
with this teaching style, students watch their teachers' video lectures as
homework in the evening, then take a short quiz on the content. The
teacher walks into the classroom the next day with an assessment of
students' understanding of the concepts. This allows teachers to customize
classroom time — revisiting difficult concepts or expanding learning by
delving into a subject of interest.
Nationally known technology leaders
Our teachers are known throughout the nation for their innovative use of
technology to promote learning for students. In the summer of 2012, three
of our Google Certified Teachers — John Unruh -Friesen, Ben Friesen,
and David Freeburg — presented at the Great Plains Google Summit.
Educators selected to present at the conference are leaders in technology.
Page 13
Advanced language options in our junior highs
Juntos: Accelerated Spanish offers real-world opportunities
Juntos I and 2 are accelerated Spanish classes designed for heritage Spanish
speakers and students who have completed an elementary immersion
program. Next year (2013-14), grade 9 students will be able to take Juntos
3, an AP (Advanced Placement) course capable of earning college credit.
Students who stay on the accelerated Spanish
immersion track can earn a wealth of college credits
— the Juntos ninth -grade class alone will earn up
to nine college credits, and three more AP Spanish
classes will be developed for grades 10, 11, and 12.
Spanish Immersion and Chinese Immersion
Hopkins will soon be offering two immersion programs at the secondary
level. Starting in the 2013-14 school year, Spanish immersion will be
offered at North Junior High (Juntos will be a component in Spanish
immersion). Additionally, in the 2014-2015 school year, Chinese
immersion will be offered at West Junior High just as the pioneer XinXing
class is entering junior high.
Both immersion programs will offer at least two content courses (such as
Language Arts, Literature and Culture, or History) in Spanish or Chinese
respectively. Both programs will expand course offerings as they grow at
the secondary level.
Transforming Learning
with Digital Curriculum
Once students have a digital tool in their
hands, it's amazing to see how engaged they
are in their learning. They are digital natives —
this is who they are. They love technology. ')
Justin Ingham, Second Grade Teacher
Today's technology has brought us a unique
opportunity to transform how we teach — digital
content such as videos, images, media, and text can
now be compiled and easily delivered to students
in intuitive, engaging ways.
Digital content expands our ability to customize
and teach our learners real-world critical thinking
skills, including how to access, navigate, and discern
the vast amounts of available digital information.
Hopkins is leading the way with our Digital Content
and Access plan, which includes development and
transformation of curricuIPagrLini4teachers, and
supplying devices.
Cornerstones
■■ Our foundation and accountability
Our Curriculum
Hopkins Public Schools has a clearly -articulated, developmentally -
appropriate curriculum that taps into the potential of all learners and
encourages them to thrive. A multitude of electives, extra -curricular
activities, pilot programs, and initiatives that reflect current trends and
215` century learning are regularly updated and implemented. A blend
of traditional and exploratory learning experiences is designed to inspire
students and invoke their curiosity. Highlights of our curriculum include:
Rigor and Choice
Students at both the junior and senior high levels can choose from a
wide selection of elective classes, allowing them to explore their interests
and talents on a deeper level. The comprehensive program, designed
for students with differing passions and interests, includes Advanced
Placement (AP), College in the Schools, honors classes, FLEX courses,
vocational training opportunities, and foundations classes. In addition
to regular coursework, students may elect to participate in internships,
mentorships, community involvement programs, or independent study.
Comprehensive AP Program
Hopkins High School has one of the strongest AP (Advanced Placement)
programs in Minnesota. Aside from the wide variety of AP classes, all
Hopkins students are encouraged to enroll in AP courses. The AP program
offers students the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement,
or both for successful performance on the AP exams.
Gifted and Talented
Our most gifted learners are served by Hopkins Gifted and Talented
Services (HGTS). These services begin as early as kindergarten and extend
through grade 12. The gifted and talented program offers a variety of
options that are open to students who qualify, and also to students who
want to self-select into more rigorous courses. To guide this process,
Hopkins is one of the few districts in the state to have a hill -time gifted
and talented coordinator at each of its schools.
21% of elementary students
are receiving Hopkins Gifted and Talented
Services programming.
Teachers
Our teachers are our most valuable assets. They
are well educated and hold the skills necessary
to provide a world-class education to all of our
learners — 80 percent of Hopkins teachers have a
Master's degree or higher.
In addition, our teachers have earned state
and national honors for their knowledge and
professionalism. According to a 2012 resident
survey, 86 percent of the community strongly
support the job performance of Hopkins
teachers.
How We Measure
Education of
our Teachers
80% of
Hopkins E-12 teachers
have Master's degrees
or higher.
Standardized tests are given for a variety of reasons, including: reporting
student progress and achievement; evaluating curriculum and instruction;
identifying student strengths and weaknesses; comparing Hopkins Public
Schools students with national, state, and other norms; and identifying
students who may benefit from special programs.
Below is a sampling of the most common tests we use for assessment:
Test
Description
Main Uses
2011-12
MCA
State -mandated to fulfill
• Student and
• Grades 3-8 reading and
(Minnesota
NCLB (No Child Left
school progress
math
Comprehensive
Behind) and measures
reports
.Grade 10 reading
Assessments)
of student progress in
, Accountability
reading, math, science,
• Grade 11 math
and written composition.
GRAD
State -mandated
• Certify students for
• Writing test at grade 9,
(Graduation
measures of graduation
graduation
grade 10 reading, and
Required
standards in reading,
• Accountability
grade 11 math.
Assessment
math, and written
• Retests are given to
for Diploma)
composition.
students who did not
Writing -9th grade
pass in grades 10-12.
MAP (Measures
District -purchased,
To obtain the
• Administered to students
of Academic
computer -adapted tests
national comparison,
up to four times a year.
Progress)
with national measures
instant response
e test given in
District-wide3-6
in reading, math, and
tests, and measure
grades fall for
language arts.
growth overtime.
reading and math.
MCA Science
State -mandated to fulfill
To evaluate
Students in grades 5, 8,
NCLB; computer-based
curriculum and
and 10
with multi -media to
instruction for
measure students'
science.
achievement in science.
6 rage i J
�VA
i' Z ;Y
Graduating a step ahead: Financial Literacy
Financial literacy opens the world to students. It helps them
understand how they can get what they want.
David Braaten, chair of the business department.
Building Life Skills with Financial Literacy,
a Hopkins graduation requirement
Starting last year, Hopkins Public Schools became the first school
district in Minnesota to make Financial Literacy a required course for
graduation. Hopkins students take a Financial Literacy class in grade
9 and again in theirjunior or senior year.
Concepts like budgeting, salary range, online banking, identity theft,
proper uses of credit, and the real cost of living�are covered, giving
students a head start knowledge of financial liteaae 16
Achievement
■■ Elementary & junior high
Our Elementary Schools [PreK-6]
i
Our six elementary schools serve students in preschool
through grade 6. The elementary curriculum is
rigourous and responsive, allowing and inspiring each
student to reach their potential.
Spotlight: MAP Testing
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) tests measure
growth over time. The test uniquely adapts to the
student's ability, accurately measuring both what a
child knows and needs to learn. A growth target is
provided for each child in Reading and in Math to
identify the amount of expected growth a student
should achieve during the school year. MAP tests also
measure academic growth, independent of grade level
or age. Most importantly, the results we receive have
practical applications to teaching and learning — they
allow us to help teachers, students, and families more clearly identify
areas to celebrate, and those that require additional attention and can be
addressed by additional enrichment, remediation, or ongoing high-quality
instruction.
MAP 2011-2012 Student Growth Results
We are pleased to note that Hopkins students have exceeded the national
norm of 50 percent of students in grades 3 through 6 achieving their
growth targets from fall to spring.
Percent of students meeting the growth target
Reading 2011 EReading 2012 Math 2011 Math 2012
00%
76.7 74.8 77.3
75% 70.5 72.5 69.1
67.3
62.8 62.4 6468.2 641 62.5 64.4 fi4.4
59.3
50%
25%
0%
Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6
— growing and excelling
Spotlight: MCA Testing
In 2012 the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments reflected new, more
rigorous standards in Mathematics. We're proud the 2012 Hopkins results
reflected significant growth in every grade level.
MCL Mathematics
Percent of students meeting proficiency in Mathematics
■ Math 2011 M Math 2012
100%'
75% 73.2-A7o.z%
615% 62.9% 64.1°% 6S,7
54� 59.6
50%
25%
0% rade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6
In our Chinese Academy, XinXing
XinXing Academy students continue to lead the way in Minnesota. For
the third consecutive year, every second-grade student passed the YCT3
(Youth Chinese Test), an international standardized Chinese proficiency
test. The test measures three categories — listening, reading and writing.
An impressive 98 percent of grade 3 students passed the proficiency test.
Spotlight Program: Operation Recess
Fostering strong relationships between
police and youth
You may notice some bigger kids on the
playgrounds at Eisen hower+XinXing
Elementary and Alice Smith Elementary. Thanks
to a federal grant from the MetLife Foundation,
Hopkins police officers participate in recess at both schools as part of a
community outreach program designed to build strong relationships
between youth and police. Hopkins is the only district in the nation to
have a program of this type, and it's showing strong signs of success.
Dane 17
Our Junior High Schools [7-9]
Our two junior high schools, North Junior High and West Junior High,
offer a highly personalized program for grades 7-9, and both are recognized
nationally as schools of academic excellence.
Spotlight: GRAD Testing
The GRAD (Graduation Required Assessment for Diploma) is the state -
mandated measure of graduation standards in reading, writing, and math.
The GRAD Test of Written Composition is administered to students in
grade 9. A score of 3 or more is passing and the top score is 6.
Hopkins students did extremely well on the grade 9 Written Composition
test, with 95.9 percent of students passing, an increase of more than 2
percent from 2011.
MHopkins EDistrict similar in size and/or demographics and State 00ther districts
10
95.9 95.9 96
9
93.5
9
T-1—ia
v g
a 8
7
bQa�-
�oJ Popo Pie
Hopkins students maintained the second highest average score of 4 among
the eight surrounding districts. When compared with west metro districts,
the average score of Hopkins students is higher than that of Minnetonka,
Eden Prairie, Bloomington, St. Louis Park, and Robbinsdale.
Average Scores of
GRAD 2012 Written COMDosition Test
0 Hopkins E District similar in size and/or demographics and State MOther districts
Hopkins 4.0
Eden Prairie 3.9
Bloomington 3.7
St. Louis Park 3.7
Robbinsdale 3.5
Edina 4.3
Minnetonka 3.9
Wayzata 4.0
State Average 3.r
1 2 3 4 5 6
Essays are scored between 1 and 6
In-depth: View all of our GRAD test results at www.HopkinsSchools.org/AnnualReport
Increased Rigor at the
Junior High
FLEX classes were implemented into our
junior high program in 2011-12. These
classes are designed to increase rigor,
while remaining respectful of the variable
amount of time for coursework a student
may have over the school year. FLEX
courses are offered in grades 7 and 8 and
are open to any student who wants to
increas
e his or her level of rigor.
Honors classes are offered in grade 9
in Civics and English Language Arts, and are open to all students. They
are designed to prepare junior high students for a wide selection of AP
(Advanced Placement) classes that are available at the high school.
Autonomous Learning Model (ALM) is a year-long course, available in
grades 7-9, for high -potential students. It uses a holistic gifted -curriculum,
which emphasizes how to learn independently. Students must meet scoring
minimums on the CogAT and/or MAP achievement testing to enroll.
Forensics is just
one of many electives
offered tojunior high students.The
class is a big hit among students who
want abehind-the-scenes tour of a
science that has been made popular
by television shows like Criminal
Minds, CSI, and Bones.
In forensics, students learn the steps
involved in collecting evidence
through lectures, hands-on learning
experiments, technology, and a bit of
chemistry.
Through labs, students explore
everything from "blood splatter"and
40
fingerprints, to face -identification
software and mystery powders.
Page 18 �
Achievement
so High School - Ready for life, prepared for the world
Hopkins High School [10-121
Hopkins High School brings all of our students together for grades 10, 11,
and 12. The comprehensive program is designed for students with differing
passions and dreams, including AP (Advanced Placement), College in the
Schools, honors classes, vocational training opportunities, and foundations
classes. In addition to regular coursework, students may elect to participate
in internships, mentorships, community -involvement programs, or
independent study.
Nationally Known High School
In 2012, Hopkins High School was once again named a Silver Medalist
School by U.S. News & World Report due to its high performance on
state assessment tests and its college readiness scores, Hopkins High School
was also named a Silver Medalist School in 2010 and has been named to
Newsweek's "Top 100" list several times, most recently in 2010.
Numerous Opportunities to Learn Broadly
and Think Critically
Hopkins High School offers approximately 250 courses in 15 subject
areas. These courses are either one, two, three, or four terms in length
in an innovative four -block schedule that offers our students maximum
opportunities and choices. It allows:
16 total credit opportunities each year, compared to only 12 in a
traditional six -period schedule.
Students to fit in numerous AP and advanced courses while still
being in one or more music groups, art classes, and other electives.
Students to take two levels of math, science, or world language in
a single year, meaning many students take levels 5 and 6 of world
languages and can also accelerate their math and science.
In addition to an extensive selection of AP courses, Hopkins is one of the
few high schools that offers six levels of world languages.
10
Creativity & Talents
Hopkins is also proud of its award-winning
art and music programs, high -achieving
athletics, and numerous clubs. With all of
the options, Hopkins High School meets
students' special interests, talents, and
passions.
ACT
The ACT is one of the most popular tests used to
Ci o a I -
predict how well a student is prepared for post-
Oriented
secondary life. Hopkins High School administers
c
30
v
this voluntary test four times a year. Students in
1. 2012
Minnesota more commonlytake the ACT test, as7739fHopkin
or high
the scores are frequently required for admission
students
into Midwest colleges and universities.
took the
ACT.
In 2012, 73 percent (438 out of 603) of Hopkins
High School seniors took the ACT tests. The
composite score is 23.7, which is an increase from last year and higher than
the state average.
ACT Composite
0 2012 Hopkins Public Schools Students 2012 State & National Mean
36
c
30
v
28
30
0
Q
25
V
23.7
22
I
1.1
20
Hopkins
Hopkins
Hopkins
State National
All Students
Top 100
Top 50
Average Average
Students
Students
In -Depth Test Results
Full MCA data is available in detail on our website. Of special note
in 2012, Hopkins grade 11 students were the only group among
neighboring districts to show improvement as compared to 2011
results on the new, more rigorous MCA -III Mathematics standards.
All testing data can be found at www.HopkinsSchools.org/annualreport
as soon as the data is released.
Page 19
AP Classes
Hopkins High School has one of the most extensive AP (Advanced
Placement) programs in the state. We offer 16 AP courses to all Hopkins
students. In 2012, 587 Hopkins students took one or more AP exams.
Of the AP exams given, 589 achieved scores high enough to earn college
credit. In addition, 108 students earned AP Scholar honors from the
College Board, of these:
• 55 qualified for AP Scholar Honors.
• 28 qualified for AP Scholars with Honors.
• 25 qualified for AP Scholars with Distinction.
Hopkins currently offers the following AP classes:
• AP Drawing and Painting Portfolio • AP European History
• AP Ceramics Portfolio
• AP World History
• AP Language and Composition
• AP U.S. Government and Politics
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Comparative Government
• AP Calculus BC
and Politics
• AP Statistics
• AP Macroeconomics
• AP Biology
• AP Photography (New!)
• AP Chemistry
• AP Jewelry and Metalsmithing
• AP Environmental Science
Portfolio
• AP U.S. History
• St. Olaf College
70% of taken AP exams
earn potential college credit.
College in the Schools
In cooperation with the University of Minnesota, our College in the
Schools classes allow students to earn University of Minnesota college
credits as well as Hopkins High School graduation credits.
An investment worth $586,000
In the 2011-12 school year, 326 Hopkins students registered for College in
the Schools classes. Together, they earned 1,557 credits. If the students had
to pay the usual University of Minnesota college tuition for these credits,
the cost incurred would have been $586,000.
Hopkins High School
students have more than 250
classes to choose from.
Graduation Rate
Hopkins High School has a graduation rate of 93%, with
86% of our graduates moving on to attend two- or four-year colleges.
Where do our graduates go?
Every year, Hopkins graduates are accepted to top colleges and universities.
Some of our 2012 graduates are currently at:
• Amherst College
• New York University
• Boston College
• Northwestern University
• Brown University
• University of Notre Dame
• University of California at Berkley
• University of Oregon
• University of Chicago
• Purdue University
• University of Colorado at Boulder
• Spelman College
• Colorado School of Mines
• St. Mary's University
• Cornell University
• University of Southern California
• Harvard University
• St. Olaf College
• Howard University
• University of St. Thomas
• University of Illinois
• University of Texas
• Miami University (Oxford)
• University of Virginia
• University of Michigan
• Vanderbilt University
• University of Minnesota
And many more.
Page 20
Financials
In 0
Financial Management
Our accountability is award-winning
To help us meet our educational goals, the Hopkins District is committed
to fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget. This ensures that maximum
resources reach our classrooms, yet doesn't create a structural deficit
requiring a large correction in any given year.
The Hopkins District has invested 90 percent of its General Fund
resources in School -Level Education Services (see graph below), with 6
percent spent on transportation of students and the remaining 4 percent
spent on District -Level Administration.
Budget Stability
During the last five years, the District has built a healthy fund balance,
a reserve that has helped the District weather the state aid and tax shifts
that have affected all Minnesota school districts. Hopkins has not had to
borrow for cash flow purposes in the last five years.
Our Expenses by Program Area
Budgeted Fiscal Year 2012-13
Consolidated Financial Report by Program Area of Expense
Di
Ad i
Transr
Sch
Educati
* School -Level Education Services includes instruction, instructional support,
operations and maintenance, and school -level administration.
12
Our Revenue Streams
Budgeted Fiscal Year 2012-13
General Fund Revenue by Source Code (excluding capital Fund revenue)
Federal
ntaI, Other
4%
Interest
0%
Fees,
Charges
1%
Our Expenses
Budgeted Fiscal Year 2012-13
General Fund Expenses by Object Code (excluding capital Fund expenses)
Other Costs
Equip
0�
Supplies
2%
[Interest
Expense
0%1
Purchase
Services
15%
r
Consistently Recognized for Fiscal Leadership
Hopkins Public Schools has been recognized for its high level of financial
accountability and transparency. Recent awards for fiscal excellence include:
• Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting award from the ASBO
(Association of School Business Officials International): Hopkins
Public Schools received this award for its high-quality Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending 2011. This is the
second consecutive year the District has received the award.
• The Minnesota Department of Education has awarded
Hopkins Public Schools with its School Finance Award for
four consecutive years.
Hopkins has a bond rating of Aa2 from Moody's Investor Services. There
are only a handful of school districts in Minnesota that have higher bond
ratings than Hopkins.
i
Hopkins Public
Schools has a
Aa2 bond rating
from Moody's Investor
Services the second
We're honored by the level of trust
that our parents and taxpayers
have extended to us. We are
committed to keeping this trust
through transparency and frequent
communication.
District residents have given high
ratings to the quality of their schools,
the performance of the school
board, administrators, and especially
teachers.
Residents also strongly believe that
Hopkins Public Schools is a good
investment for their tax dollars.
Parent and community surveys conducted by Decision
Resources. Typically randomly selected households are
contacted in the Hopkins Public Schools attendance area,
surveying both parents and non parents.
highest rating
they offer.
0
Parent/Community Satisfaction
of Hopkins Public Schools
2008 — 2009 —2010 —2012
Quality of
Education
Job Performance:
School Board
Job Performance:
Superintendent
Job Performance:
Teachers
Good value
for investment
0 25% 50% 75% 100%
Community
■■ Building a great place to live
Who we serve
Every year, more than 30,000 people use the services of Hopkins
Community Education, a department of Hopkins Public Schools. From
the tiniest baby and her mother in our Early Childhood classes, to a retiree
sparking a new love of painting in one of our Adult Enrichment classes, we
serve the entire community.
Funding for Community Education programs and services is a
combination of fees for activities, local levies, grants, and state and federal
aid. Programs and services are all self -supported in Community
Education, with no financial support from the District General Fund (K-
12 teachers and programs funding).
Adults
o matter where you are in life – a retiree, a young
rofessional, a parent, an immigrant, or a recent empty
. ester, Hopkins Community Education welcomes you.
e have Adult Enrichment classes where you can learn to
ook, manage finances, explore hobbies and interests, gain
upport for transitional life events, or get healthy with fitness
!41 nd lifestyle classes.
WNFRIPMs and performances open to the public throughout the
year at our facilities, from jazz bands, to beading bazaars, to a Home
Remodeling Fair, to theatre productions.
Interested in volunteering? We have many opportunities throughout the
district — working with youth or adults. Last year, Hopkins' volunteers
contributed an impressive 1,000 hours of service every week to our schools.
Our ABE (adult basic education program), Adult Options In Education,
offers adults English-language learning, GED preparation and testing, and
basic skills classes in math, reading, and writing.
Our 2012 Adult Programming Achievements
• Hopkins Adult Enrichment was the recipient of the MinnSPRA
Star Award in the Publications category.
• We had 684 adults enrolled in Hopkins Adult Options In
Education, with 329 adults earning their GED.
• Empty Bowls 2012 raised over $75,000 for local foodshelves.
14
Hopkins Community Education
Early Childhood
iildhood is a crucial time of development for
ngest community members. We understand
portant the early years are, and support
during this amazing time.
are their child's first and most important
Our affordable ECFE (Early Childhood
Education) classes can help with that role. We
th weekly and special topic classes.
Preschool can be vital in preparation for kindergarten. We offer two
quality preschool options: a full-day, year-round option at Stepping
Stones Preschool and a flexible half-day, part -week option at Kaleidoscope
Preschool. Both options are located at several sites throughout the District.
Our 2012 Early Childhood Achievements
• To accommodate growing demand, we have expanded the
preschool opportunities to all six of our elementary schools, in
addition to Harley Hopkins Family Center.
• We have increased the number of infant ECFE class offerings in
the summer for working parents, along with adding a Beyond SCFE
monthly parent education offering for parents of kindergartners.
• Our ECFE class enrollments are up, and our preschools remain at
capacity with waiting lists.
• We have expanded the Story Time & Dinner events to a fourth site,
and now offer a Latino Story Time & Dinner event.
• We offered new events: Read to Me, which promoted the
importance of pre -literacy skill development for families; and
Daddy and Me, a literacy -focused event done in collaboration with
the Hopkins Police Department and Hopkins Library.
Hopkins Conference & Event
Services, a program of Hopkins
Community Education, arranges
for appropriate usage of the
District's facilities when they
are not in use by Hopkins Public Schools' classes and programs. Usage of
District facilities is open to the community on a sliding -fee basis. During
the 2011-12 school year, there were nearly 3,500 District and community
events and meetings in our facilities. Page 23
Youth
it programs for youth are varied, and
icentrate on ensuring children are supported in
,it learning, engaged during out-of-school time
safe and supportive environments, and able to
velop a myriad of interests.
Enrichment classes offer the chance for
to try out and develop new interests in a fun
nment. Some of our popular before- and
-hool, or summertime classes include art,
chess, sports, drama, music, lego blocks,
ges, dance, STEM, and more.
Kids & Company is Hopkins Public Schools'
qds" premier state -accredited before- and after-school
Company child-care program, operating at each of the
O District's six elementary schools from 6:45 a.m.
to 6 p.m. Also open on school vacation days and
during the summer, the fee-based Kids & Company's daily programs
enhance literacy and language development.
Our 2012 Youth Programming Achievements
• Kids & Company's enrollment continued to increase in our school-
age childcare program.
• Kids & Company developed and opened several youth elementary
clubs, open to all students in the elementary schools.
• We increased enrollment in enrichment classes at the elementary
schools, before and/or after school. The most popular choices
included Curious Minds, Mad Science, Chinese options, Ski Club,
and Drivers Education.
• Grants from the Park Nicollet Foundation, Equity and Integration,
and School & Community in Partnership have supported many
scholarships and programming for the out-of-school time programs.
• A grant from Second Harvest Heartland helped enable Hopkins to
continue two free summer lunch programs and add a third site at
Eisenhower school. This grant also funded the renovation of a truck
to serve lunches in the community.
• The junior high out-of-school time program has grown to include
a variety of clubs and enrichment classes and activities, such as
chess, badminton, ski/snowboard club, and step dancing. Clubs
abounded, with a variety of options such as art, skateboard, Anime,
Altered Book Club, Step Club, and Dance Crew.
• The Be the Change/Helping Hands club implemented a variety of
community service projects.
Ca rd
Hopkins Community Education surveyed residents in 2012 to gauge
effectiveness, programming opportunities, and satisfaction. An impressive
50% of District residents have participated in Hopkins Community
Education programming within the past two years. The results put
Hopkins Community Education in the state's top tier, in both community
participation and satisfaction.
Rating of Community Education Programs
2012 Residential Survev
Rating of Community Education
Customer Service & Online Experience
2012 Residential Survev
15
HOPKINS
P U B L I C S C H O O L S
1001 Highway 7
Hopkins, MN 55305
www.HopkinsSchools.org
Time Value
Residential Postal Patron
ECRWSS
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 161
Hopkins, MN
55343
"I ` "" to none. I� �► < < There are so many classes
"' f
They go above "�.� to choose from at Hopkins High School.
They're very rigourous, but they're really
and beyond
_
good to take because they prepare you
every day to —
challenge we were doing college work my sophomore
every individual, year. It's a really great opportunity
student." just to come here, because of all the
—BethPotter,principal, classes Hopkins has you get a step
Glen Lake Elementary �'
ahead of everyone else."
- Sydney Coffey, student
HOP(0*
PUBLIC SCHOOLS -i
MarketCommentary
November 6, 2012
I'm From the SEC and I'm Here to Help
Access to capital is a crucial element of all local governments' financial well-being. Even if
one is not an annual issuer, at some point there may be a need for debt financing, whether it be
to fund a capital project, take advantage of a refunding opportunity, or filling working capital
gaps (cash flow borrowing).
A key factor in maintaining efficient capital markets is the free flow of information between
issuers and investors, both at the time of the initial offering and continuing over the life of the
obligations. Some of our readers may consider themselves to be "small" or "infrequent"
issuers, and perhaps recall a time when publicly -offered debt could be issued as exempt from
any continuing disclosure obligations. By and large, those times have come and gone. Most
issuers are now subject to some form of continuing disclosure requirements, as long as they
have bonds outstanding. Most underwriters will not show any interest for a transaction unless
there is at least a limited disclosure commitment on the part of the issuer. Even banks or other
institutions that purchase bonds through direct placement typically require a review of audited
financial statements and receipt of annual financials, going forward.
The investor community, primarily through various organizations such as the National
Federation of Municipal Analysts (NFMA), has sought more formal and uniform disclosure
guidelines for municipal issuers over the course of the last decade. The entire matter is
complicated by the fact that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) does not have
direct regulatory authority over issuers of municipal securities. In 1975, the Tower Amendment
to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 was enacted, which actually prohibited the SEC and
Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (or MSRB, which was created the same year and is
overseen by the SEC) from implementing securities registration requirements for state and local
governments. The SEC and MSRB have put in place work -around solutions to these
impediments by requiring dealers transacting in municipal securities to make certain that issuers
are meeting disclosure requirements prior to underwriting an issue of bonds.
This interplay among investors, government agencies, self-regulatory bodies like the MSRB,
and municipal securities issuers has now come to a head based on a number of factors. In the
last six months a number of reports mandated under the Dodd -Frank Act were published. Both
the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the SEC were tasked with examining the
current state of municipal securities disclosure regulations, with an eye towards protecting the
investing public. The GAO published a report in July of this year (found herd), which offered
suggestions to improve both primary and ongoing municipal disclosures including the potential
repeal of the Tower Amendment. The SEC's report identified key discrepancies between its
enforcement regime applicable to corporate issuers (where the SEC does have direct legislative
authority) and the lack thereof with respect to municipal issuers. The SEC's primary objective
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seems to be alerting legislative officials of the lack of clear statutory authority to exert itself
over the municipal market, and specifically with respect to municipal issuers (wound here).
Over the course of the last three weeks, The Bond Buyer has chronicled several occasions where
SEC representatives could be heard "banging the drum" for enhanced enforcement efforts
focused on municipal issuers' primary and secondary disclosure responsibilities.
SEC Commissioner Elisse Walter spoke to a roup at The Bond Buyer's California Public
Finance Conference the week of October 228 . In her remarks, she described municipal
investors as "second class citizens" of the investing community. She also expressed that she is
"ready right now" to implement initiatives that she believes would improve municipal market
disclosures. This included updating the SEC's Rule 15c2-12 to prevent dealers from
underwriting bonds of an issuer that has failed to meet is disclosure requirement three times - a
form of three strikes and you're out.
Approximately one week later, at the National Association of Bond Lawyers' (NA -BL) annual
Bond Attorney's Workshop, two more salvos were lobbed across the municipal market's bow
by SEC officials. Mary Simpkins, senior counsel in the SEC's municipal securities office,
addressed the group on matters relating to the obligations of broker-dealers underwriting
municipal securities. Many of the attorneys in attendance serve in the capacity of underwriter's
counsel or disclosure counsel. Ms. Simpkins made note that the SEC's inspectors and Financial
Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) examiners are "out there... checking for evidence of
compliance" that underwriters are conducting and documenting due diligence efforts with
respect to an issuer meeting its disclosure obligations.
John Cross, the newly appointed head of the SEC's municipal securities office, enhanced the
SEC's not -so -subtle message when later he told those attending the NABL conference that his
office will be hiring additional staff over the coming years.
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) disseminated a public policy statement
in rebuttal to the SEC report on November 1, which stated that any attempt by the SEC to
replace state authority over disclosure and accounting guidelines directly or indirectly will be
"vigorously opposed." GFOA's primary concern is that not all municipal issuers are required to
follow GAAP, and various reporting requirements exist amongst the states.
It is clear that changes in municipal disclosures will occur. More to the point, the question is
when and in what form these obligations will take. As for now, we urge all issuers to stay
current with continuing disclosure requirements, so as not to lose access to the public (or even
private) debt markets. We also recommend that issuers keep in contact with GFOA or similar
organizations to assure all voices are heard when communicating the potential impacts of any
new disclosure requirements, especially for smaller or infrequent issuers. In our day to day
experiences interacting with market participants, we can confirm that dealers are, indeed, quite
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1KVFSFRFNT PARTNERS
€160,7 i 7.9742
BOND TRUST SERVICES
C 0 f. r 0 H i 'I 1 Ct 4
04,
866.685.2533
E ers Mc, Ehlers ImP anent Pannus and Bend Tmst Sangces we suhild0rias or Ehlars Holding C=pany Page 27
MarketCommentary
interested in the disclosures of issuers. We frequently get calls in advance of a competitive
offering regarding updated financial statements or other details concerning an issuer.
Ultimately, interest costs may be higher for certain issuer if bond purchasers do not have access
to reliable and timely information.
Back to Dollars and Cents
For those interested in the gyrations of the interest rate markets, you'll be glad to note that there
is little to comment on. Tax-exempt yields are almost unchanged over the course of the last two
weeks. In fact, tax-exempt yields have been relatively stagnant for the better part of four
months. Yields for Thomson Financial Municipal Market Data at the 10 -year and 30 -year
marks closed on Friday, November 2, at 1.73% and 2.82%, respectively.
Treasuries in the 10 — 30 year portion of the curve have vacillated in a range of about 20 basis
points (0.01% = 1 bp) over this time. The range f6r10-year treasuries has been limited on the
upside to somewhere just north of 1.80% and on the downside just below 1.70%. The U.S. 10 -
year opened Monday, November 2, at approximately 1.69%.
Below is a summary table of tax-exempt yields for the two-week period, ending November 2:
Trends in Municipal Bond Yields
October 19 to November 2, 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.
EHLERS
LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCL
800.552.1171
4&EHLERS
MVESTMENT PARTNERS
800, 717.9742
BOND TRUST SERVICES
r a a r o a'k i a
866,685.2533
Ehlers Inc. Ehfe s 1n estmriri Polners and Bond Tmt 5arvrccs aro mlbsidiprka3 of Ehl[- s Hrtding Cunpany Page 28
October 1`9, 2012
November 2, 201.2
Change
AAA Yields*
5 Years
0.67%
0.67%
0.00%
10 Years
1.74%
1.73%
-0.01%
20 Years
2.46%
2.44%
-0.02%
30 Years
2.86%
2.82%
-0.04%
Bond Buyer 20 Bond I ndek'I
3.68%
1 3.67%
1 -0-01%
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.
EHLERS
LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCL
800.552.1171
4&EHLERS
MVESTMENT PARTNERS
800, 717.9742
BOND TRUST SERVICES
r a a r o a'k i a
866,685.2533
Ehlers Inc. Ehfe s 1n estmriri Polners and Bond Tmt 5arvrccs aro mlbsidiprka3 of Ehl[- s Hrtding Cunpany Page 28
S
It should be noted that last week's trading activity was shortened due to market closures caused
by Sandy, so new issue activity was extremely muted. Volume is scheduled to pick up this
week, with around $7 billion in new issuance. This dollar amount is roughly in line with what
the market has been absorbing from week -to -week with no perceptible problems.
The question then becomes, "what does the future hold." Well, we have typically shied away
from the fool's errand of predicting future interest rates. In this case, our approach seems
especially astute given mixed economic data and the November 6 elections. Most regional Fed
surveys have documented a slow -down in manufacturing and other economic activity, with
many identifying the term "sluggish." However, real sales on a national level are approaching
pre -recession levels, unemployment data seems to be a bit more favorable (yet nothing to
necessarily to cheer about), the housing market seems to be putting in a meaningful bottom, and
gasoline prices are down substantially over the last few weeks. There seems to be a dichotomy
between a stronger consumer economy and a hesitant or retrenching business community.
The election will undoubtedly have some impact on the municipal market, as both Presidential
candidates have set forth policy measures that may limit or reduce the attractiveness of tax-
exempt income. However, the make-up of both houses of Congress is also in question and
plays into any tax reform measures. All players will have a keen ear on any additional tax -
policy discussions emanating from Washington over the course of the rest of the calendar year.
You'll have to tune in to our next installment to gauge market reaction based on Tuesday's
election outcomes...
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EHLERS
LIADEAS IN PU BLIC FINANCE
800.552.1171
*EHLERS
INVESTMENT MIMS
800,7 j 7.9742
BOND TRUST SERVICES
806.085.2583
Ehlers inc, £hiem inve% went Pettners arzd Bond Tn.st SF rNiuos aro sub.sidia-ries of Ei7Eors i io!dilig Company Page 29
StarTribune (south metro
Storm -water pond cleanup costs to soar, maybe to
$1 billion
• Article by: JIM ADAMS, Star Tribune
Metro cities could be on the hook for $1 billion or more in cleanup costs in coming years as they
grapple with contaminated sludge in storm -water ponds that dot the metro area.
The main culprit: carcinogenic compounds known as PAHs, which until recently were found in
common coal tar -based sealants used on driveways and parking lots. Unsafe levels of the
compounds have been found in many of the metro area's 20,000 public collection ponds, which
receive water from streets and parking lots after rainfall.
Testing of a handful of ponds has revealed the tip of the iceberg: Nine of 15 ponds sampled by
the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) a few years ago had unsafe levels of the
compounds.
When the city of Inver Grove Heights tested 10 ponds this year, it found two with unsafe levels.
The cost to clean up just one of them, which had 7,000 cubic yards of tainted sediment, was
estimated at $450,000.
"This is a huge cost to municipalities," said Al Innes, an MPCA pollution prevention specialist,
which oversees storm -water runoff permits required in 233 larger cities statewide. The agency
estimates that even if only 10 percent of the metro area's ponds have unsafe pollutant levels, it
would cost more than $1 billion to clean them up.
Cities won't be able to put it off forever, either. The ponds periodically fill up with sediment and
need to be regularly dredged to continue working properly.
Expensive disposal
Therein lies the problem: Usually, sediment from the ponds can be used as fill or spread on
open ground. But sludge with unsafe levels of PAHs must be trucked to lined landfills, often
tripling the usual cost of disposing of it, officials said.
PAH stands for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. The compounds, which can cause cancer and
kill pond aquatic life, are carried in runoff from driveways or parking lots sealed with coal -tar
products.
About 25 cities -- nearly all in the metro area -- have tried to reduce future pond contamination
by banning coal tar sealant in their cities.
Page 30
As the rainwater collection ponds fill up, cities must sample the sediment before it can be
disposed of under MPCA storm -water permits.
"A lot of cities are getting a nasty surprise" as they find PAH contamination and discover the
cost, said Craig Johnson of the League of Minnesota Cities.
Cities from Inver Grove Heights to White Bear Lake to Waconia have sought state help to pay
for proper disposal. The MPCA has approved $400,000 in disposal grants to those and three
other cities in the past few years, said Don Berger, the agency's municipal division
administrator. Other grants were awarded to Roseville, Circle Pines and Golden Valley.
When Inver Grove Heights discovered that it would cost an estimated $450,000 to dredge one
large pond, then truck sediment to the nearby Pine Bend Landfill and spread it, the city had to
postpone dredging plans, said city Engineer Tom Kaldunski.
"There was no way we could afford $450,000," he said. The pond was nearly full, but the city
had to wait for a $76,000 MPCA grant this year, he said. Combined with $80,000 in city funds,
the total will be enough to remove about a third of the contaminated sediment this winter,
Kaldunski said.
"We can't do it all, but we can at least take a bite out of it," he said. He noted the city has nearly
600 runoff ponds, many of which are natural basins left by Ice Age glaciers. The city has
created a utility fee to raise money for future dredging, he said.
Meanwhile, "a number of cities are putting dredging on hold," said engineer Randy Neprash of
Stantec Co., a consultant for the Minnesota Cities Stormwater Coalition.
A cheaper way?
In the quest for a cheaper way to dispose of the contaminated sediment, many cities are
watching an experiment in White Bear Lake. The city was the first to ban coal -tar sealants in
2009 after finding PAHs in a pond's sediment that would cost $250,000 to dispose of, said City
Engineer Mark Burch.
Burch said the city obtained MPCA permission to use its $85,000 grant in 2011 to test an
alternative disposal plan. The city kicked in $100,000 for the project, in which about 10,000
cubic yards of pond sludge was molded into a berm near the pond and covered with dirt and
grass seed. Burch said pipes and testing equipment were installed to see if the PAHs stay in the
berm or show up in water leaching toward aquifers.
Many cities that can't afford landfill disposal costs are hoping the state will offer more cleanup
grants or that alternative disposal methods, such as White Bear's berm, are found, Neprash
said. The Stormwater Coalition was formed in recent years as many cities became aware of the
enormous disposal costs of contaminated pond sediment.
The Legislature has passed no more pond cleanup grants since 2009, and nothing is on the
horizon in the coming session, said Rep. Bev Scalze, DFL -Little Canada, chief sponsor of the
2009 bill.
Page 31
Jim Adams • 952-746-3283
Page 32
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
November 6, 2012 General Election Results
PCT 1
PCT 2
PCT 3
PCT4
PCT 5
PCT 6
PCT 7
PCT 8
PCT 9
PCT 10
PCT 11
PCT 12
PCT 13
PCT 14
PCT 15
PCT 16
PCT 17
PCT 18
PCT 19
PCT 20
PCT 21
PCT 22
PCT 23
TOTAL
U.S. President and Vice President
Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan
518
1,495
815
1,073
1,060
691
1,603
779
1,093
702
705
734
996
1,397
750
1,055
466
1,032
684
1,089
960
813
791
21,301
Barack Obama and Joe Biden
494
1,306
589
916
891
600
1,279
784
1,512
632
723
685
1,266
1,738
920
1,177
752
989
687
954
1,036
1,186
1,045
22,161
Gary Johnson and Jim Gray
10
32
8
22
9
9
30
17
25
12
9
141
34
401
28
33
32
16
6
19
18
25
39
487
James Harris and Maura Deluca
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
Virgil Goode and Jim Clymer
0
1
1
0
2
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
4
2
2
1
4
1
0
1
3
4
30
Dean Morstad and Josh Franke-Hyland
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
0
9
Jill Stein and Cheri Honkala
1
3
1
7
3
21
7
2
11
2
6
6
2
20
8
0
5
3
7
5
3
8
6
118
Jim Carlson and George McMahon
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
3
0
1
3
1
1
1
1
0
21
2
01
0
2
4
23
Peta Lindsay and Yari Osorio
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
5
Ross C. 'Rocky" Anderson and Luis J. Rodriguez
1
6
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
11
1
11
2
2
3
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
21
Write-In
2
0
2
1
2
2
10
7
9
4
2
5
9
11
5
8
5
0
1
3
5
5
4
102
Totals
1,026
2,844
1,416
2,019
1,967
1,304
2,932
1,595
2,653
1,352
1,448
1,448
2,314
3,214
1,718
2,279
1,262
2,046
1,389
2,072
2,024
2,043
1,894
U.S. Senator
Stephen Williams
16
58
12
24
28
18
32
37
48
14
21
17
62
38
40
35
34
41
20
36
35
37
50
753
Kurt Bills
363
1,109
555
730
700
474
1,140
553
714
495
476
537
681
922
543
760
329
719
433
752
607
561
550
14,703
Amy Klobuchar
604
1,598
824
1,219
1,184
781
1,700
961
1,784
814
9201
840
1,448
2,144
1,065
1,400
827
1,233
893
1,218
1,326
1,361
1,202
27,346
Tim Davis
4
11
3
9
4
3
7
6
15
3
6
9
23
21
15
16
12
10
8
8
10
16
19
238
Michael Cavlan
2
2
0
3
3
0
3
3
5
2
5
1
13
11
8
5
11
6
3
2
4
10
6
108
Write-In
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
1
1
0
0
8
5
0
0
4
0
0
2
3
1
4
34
Totals
9901
2,778
1,3941
1,985
1,919
1,2761
2,884
1,562
2,567
1,329
1,428
1,404
2,235
3,141
1,671
2,216
1,217
2,009
1,357
2,018
1,985
1,986
1,831
U.S. Representative District 3
Erik Paulsen
575
1,700
918
1,208
1,158
777
1,847
918
1,301
7881
798
843
1,120
1,645
857
1,189
559
1,194
801
1,224
1,117
978
951
24,466
Brian Barnes
388
1,013
446
732
719
469
990
609
1,210
504
600
535
1,046
1,422
785
988
624
767
533
749
811
952
836
17,728
Write-In
1
4
1
1
1
1
3
3
3
1
0
1
4
2
3
0
6
3
0
0
3
1
3
45
Totals
964
2,7171
1,365
1,9411
1,878
1,247
2,840
1,530
2,514
1,293
1,398
1,379
2,170
3,069
1,6451
2,177
1,189
1,964
1,334
1,973
1,931
1,931
1,790
State Senator District 44
David Gaither
455
1,350
724
964
924
606
1,476
739
974
631
631
663
867
1,223
942
943
811
14,923
Terri Bonoff
494
1,303
629
982
937
620
1,318
769
1,484
665
737
698
1,2641
1,808
980
1,009
1,089
16,786
Write-In
2
3
3
0
1
2
3
5
3
0
0
2
9
7
5
11
3
49
Totals
1 951
2,656
1,356
1,946
1,862
1,228
2,797
1,513
2,461
1,296
1,368
1,363
21140
31038
1,927
1,953
1,903
State Senator District 45
Blair Tremere
589
727
704
2,020
Ann H. Rest
701
1,141
1,020
2,862
Write-In
0
2
7
9
Totals
1,290
1,870
1,731
State Senator District 46
Paul Scofield
701
1,008
470
2,179
Ron Latz
887
1,099
675
2,661
Write-In
2
0
6
8
Totals
1,590
2,107
1,151
State Representative District 44A
Sarah Anderson
469
1,425
798
1,024
1,008
644
1,531
936
1,356
983
1,018
922
12,114
Audrey Britton
478
1,229
547
888
842
564
1,234
1,197
1,662
936
940
989
11,506
Write-In
1
3
2
2
2
2
0
9
4
2
2
4
33
Totals
948
2,657
1,347
1,914
1,852
1,210
2,765
2,142
3,022
1,921
1,960
1,915
State Representative District 44B
Mark Stefan
1
7581
1,046
6571
649
681
3,791
John H. Benson
1
7221
1,3761
5941
711
663
41066
Write-In
1
71
51
01
0
2
1
1
1
rdgtr
3J
14
PCT 1
PCT 2
PCT 3
PCT4 PCT 5
PCT 6
PCT 7
PCT 8 I
PCT 9 I
PCT 101
PCT 11 I
PCT 121
PCT131
PCT 141
PCT151
PCT 161
PCT171
PCT 181
PCT191
PCT201
PCT211
PCT221
PCT 23
TOTAL
Totals
1,4871
2,427
1,2511
1,360
1,346
State Representative District 45A
Jeff Pauley
659
808
830
2,297
Lyndon R. Carlson
638
1,064
926
2,628
Write -In
_
1
_
2
2
5
Totals
1,298
1,874
1,758
State Representative District 46A
John Swanson
723
1,027
474
ill
2,224
Ryan Winkler
863
1,067
676
2,606
Write -In
1
0
4
5
Totals
1,587
2,094
1,154
Constitutional Amendment Question #1 (Marriage)
Yes
433
1,140
587
825 914
499
1,227
620
940
521
647
607
954
1,172
698
894
449
872
580
822
756
807
808
17,772
No
572
1,675
810
1,170 1,029
784
1,677
960
1,693
816
796
814
1,326
2,014
1,000
1,361
785
1,153
793
1,234
1,246
1,223
1,074
26,005
Constitutional Amendment Question #2 (Voter ID)
Yes
543
1,490
777
1,018 1,0101
631
1,495
750
633
666
698
1,073
1,373
803
1,067
541
1,056
672
1,051
922
870
859
21,142
No
455
1,320
617
983 925
657
1,400
829
700
770
723
1,205
1,813
888
1,188
689
965
702
998
1,074
1,154
1,013
22,542County
Commissioner District 2
j1,474
Blong Yang
286
339
469
708
369
590
324
399
364
451
4,868
Linda Higgins
771
658
1,202
1,572
844
1,078
612
983
1,055
887
10,957
Write -In
8
8
18
4
7
5
9
14
12
9
111
Totals
,
1,065
1,005
1,689
2,284
1,220
1,673
945
1,396
1,431
1,347
County Commissioner District 7
Jeff Johnson
603
1,650
934
1,274 1,289
817
1,831
949
817
1,300
894
1,312
13,670
Write -In
9
19
11
14 10
9
27
14
22
14
3
3
155
Totals
612
1,669
945
1,288 1,299
826
1,858
963
839
1,314
897
1,315
County Park Commissioner District 1
Penny Steele
302
777
513
6991 708
461
897
607
804
413
498
424
766
906
472
713
376
737
578
654
739
675
631
14,350
Sara Wyatt
306
8921
411
578 587
368
979
442
912
436
472
476
780
1,174
639
759
474
619
380
687
599
671
632
14,273
Write -In
6
9
2
3 5
7
6
3
17
8
7
13
19
10
9
9
10
12
1
9
9
12
8
194
Totals
614
1,678
926
1,280 1,300
836
1,882
1,052
1,733
857
977
913
1,565
2,090
1,120
1,481
860
1,368
959
1,350
1,347
1,358
1,271
Soil and Water Supervisor District 1
Jeremy Haefs
292
857
467
597 562
353
767
424
767
359
419
499
778
995
555
657
400
583
409
549
568
667
594
13,118
Eleanore Wesserle
247
618
326
4321 600
3531
840
4661
811
3691
438
308
643
843
446
720
389
564
437
575
574
554
523
12,076
Write -In
7
12
2
51 6
5
8
9
17
7
9
10
14
15
7
11
12
15
2
6
11
12
13
215
Totals
546
1,487
795
1,034 1,168
711
1,615
899
1,595
735
866
817
1,435
1,853
1,008
1,388
801
1,162
848
1,130
1,153
1,233
1,130
Soil and Water Supervisor District 3
Brian T. Peterson
290
771
450
580 600
361
810
473
757
381
476
4311
756
9961
525
7481
389
586
395
583
555
636
610
13,159
Marjorie Holstein
248
704
346
464 561
350
810
418
841
360
390
367
695
857
492
640
406
579
442
564
593
603
507
12,237
Write -In
81
10
2
4 41
6
6
6
121
7
4
4
11
12
5
14
8
141
2
3
8
10
12
172
Totals
546
1,485
798
1,048 1,165
717
1,626
897
1,610
748
870
802
1,462
1,865
1,022
1,402
803
1,179
839
1,150
1,156
1,249
1,129
Soil and Water Supervisor District 4
Andrew K. Moller
266
766
406
528 509
345
739
388
740
351
385
401
688
875
448
649
383
588
386
539
539
594
534
12,047
Richard B. Strong
249
654
349
470 598
333
796
470
759
353
441
3651
704
8981
527
6871
382
521
411
545
565
587
547
12,211
Write -In
7
9
5
5 4
51
6
61
17
51
5
6
17
9
5
10
10
13
2
5
8
12
12
183
Totals
522
1,429
760
1,003 1,111
683
1,541
864
1,516
709
831
772
1,409
1,782
980
1,346
775
1,122
799
1,089
1,112
1,193
1,093
Soil and Water Supervisor District 5
Danny Nadeau
497
1,379
737
931 1,055
635
1,411
791
1,374
652
754
693
1,313
1,635
872
1,216
695
1,063
739
1,020
1,023
1,075
991
22,551
Write -In
11
13
6
6 5
7
12
7
24
8
10
10
21
20
9
13
17
10
6
9
12
17
22
275
Totals
1 5081
1,392
743
937 1,0601
642
1,423
798
1,398
660
764
703
1,334
1,655
8811
1,2291
712
1,073
7451
1,0291
1,035
13
PCT 1
PCT 2
PCT 3
PCT4
PCT 5
PCT 6
PCT 7 1
PCT 8
PCT 9
PCT 10
PCT 11
PCT 12
PCT 13
PCT 14
PCT 15
PCT 16
PCT 17
PCT 18
PCT 19
PCT 20
PCT 21
PCT 22
PCT 23
TOTAL
Council Member At Large
Dan Waltenberg
257
708
341
552
512
290
622
384
676
300
362
456
715
735
380
572
354
470
293
526
439
462
394
10,800
Jim Willis
364
887
594
758
818
543
1,416
735
1,093
613
661
593
846
1,365
703
946
451
788
606
719
836
833
834
18,002
Write-In
8
6
5
8
9
4
7
3
15
12
7
6
15
7
6
10
13
11
4
6
9
16
14
201
Totals
629
1,6011
940
1,3181
1,339
8371
2,0451
1,1221
1,784
9251
1,030
1,0551
1,576
2,1071
1,0891
1,5281
8181
1,2691
9031
1,2511
1,284
1,311
1,242
Council Member Ward 1
Judy Johnson
599
1,583
986
1,271
1,336
828
F
6,603
Write-in
11
12
5
19
21
9
77
Totals
610
1,595
991
1,290
1,357
837
Council Member Ward 2
Ned Carroll
783
446
650
451
377
3,128
Jeff Wosje
1,435
819
1,189
626
721
5,498
Write-In
4
5
17
7
M42
6
43
Totals
Council Member Ward 3
2,222
1,270
1,856
1,084
1,104
Bob Stein
1,390
1,860
997
1,294
745
U M 1
6,286
Write-in
24
29
9
20
22
911
104
Totals
School Board Member (ISD #279) (Elect 3)
1,414
1,889
1,006
1,314
767
Dean Henke
478
658
445
26
115
35
1,757
Robert A. Gerhart
475
508
331
14
116
27
1,471
Jacki L. Giriz
509
611
415
14
112
33
1,694
Linda J. Etim
502
533
441
20
102
34
1,632
Collette Guyott-Hempel
316
4101
305
10
82
26
1,149
Write-in
12
121
3
0
6
0
33
Totals
School Board Member (ISD #281) (Elect 3)
2,292
2,732
1,940
84
533
155
Helen J. Bassett
01M
37
196
504
448
105
0
632
541
609
570
3,642
Peter Vasseur
0
26
111
209
245
68
0
343
259
334
336
1,931
John Vento
0
38
213
513
525
97
0
654
540
572
612
3,764
Ron Stoffel
0
31
122
340
255
70
0
402
374
3641
341
2,299
Sherry Tyrrell
040
200
573
512
125
0
724
649
731
727
4,281
Write-In
0
2
11
7
19
6
0
11
10
17
33
116
Totals
School District Question 1 (ISD #279)
0
174
853
2,146
2,004
471
0
2,766
2,373
2,627
2,619
Yes
887
1,010
678
26
175
47
2,823
No
788
871
616
29
159
66
2,529
Totals
School District Question 2 (ISD #279)
1,675
1,881
1,294
55
334
113
Yes
861
948
653
241
168
42
2,696
No
805
1
927
633
31
166
70
2,632
Totals
1,666
1,875
1,286
55
334
112
Chief Justice - Supreme Court
Lorie Skjerven Gildea
344
1,065
628
884
826
540
1,231
668
1,190
661
655
567
968
1,455
741
881
557
778
613
818
809
869
725
18,473
Dan Griffith
2811
593
293
418
539
295
743
418
562
263
341
379
558
658
415
606
316
569
367
513
516
440
507
10,590
Write-In
2
4
2
4
1
2
3
5
8
3
1
5
9
5
3
4
9
8
2
2
4
7
9
102
Totals
627
1,662
923
1,306
1,366
837
1,977
1,091
1,760
927
997
951
1,535
2,118
1,159
1,491
882
1,355
982
1,333
1,329
1,316
1,241
Associate Justice-Supreme Court 1
Dean Barkley
266
587
286
477
503
3351
7561
4241
6581
2881
3551
3501
6231
8331
4791
5861
366
552
386
496
524
4911
529
11,150
Barry Anderson
1 337
999
629
8211
8391
5121
1,2261
6461
1,0631
6291
6331
5701
8641
1,2741
6701
8821
494
765
566
816
789
800
679
17,503
Write-In
3
4
2
3
3
2
2
3
8
3
1
5
12
5
4
5
11
6
2
1
6
8
107
PCT 1 1
PCT 2 1
PCT 3 1
PCT4 I
PCT 5 1
PCT 6 1
PCT 7 1
PCT 8 1
PCT 9 1
PCT 10 1
PCT 111
PCT 121
PCT 131
PCT 141
PCT 151
PCT 161
PCT 171
PCT 181
PCT 191
PCT 201
PCT 211
PCT 221
PCT 23 1
TOTAL
Totals
6061
1,590
9171
1,301
1,3451
849
1,9841
1,073
1,7291
920
9891
925
1,4991
2,112
1,1531
1,473
8711
1,323
9541
1,313
1,3191
1,299
1,216
Associate Justice -Supreme Court 4
Tim Tingelstad
253
654
341
513
515
314
710
357
660
332
371
437
622
828
483
612
362
509
375
503
479
515
529
11,274
David R.Stras
336
883
517
707
759
471
1,146
655
988
544
560
452
810
1,173
622
789
466
754
562
741
768
715
630
16,048
Write -In
2
5
2
4
2
4
4
3
8
3
1
4
13
4
3
5
10
6
2
1
5
7
9
107
Totals
591
1,5421
860
1,2241
1,276
7891
1,860
1,0151
1,656
8791
932
893
1,445
2,0051
1,108
1,4061
838
1,2691
939
1,2451
1,252
1,2371
1,168
Judge - Court of Appeals 6
Renee L. Worke
496
1,337
722
914
1,065
627
1,473
797
1,404
712
761
683
1,225
1,649
869
1,125
712
1,065
777
1,035
1,026
1,031
944
22,449
Write -In
9
12
5
4
5
6
9
10
22
5
5
8
18
9
10
12
16
11
5
7
9
11
14
222
Totals
505
1,349
727
918
1,070
633
1,482
807
1,426
717
766
691
1,243
1,658
879
1,137
728
1,076
782
1,042
1,035
1,042
958
Judge - Court of Appeals 7
Jill Flaskamp Halbrooks
485
1,309
700
904
1,052
616
1,431
778
1,357
695
743
672
1,200
1,616
844
1,099
694
1,040
750
998
1,000
1,005
921
21,909
Write -In
6
101
2
6
4
3
9
9
20
5
6
10
13
10
11
13
14
10
4
6
9
9
15
204
Totals
491
1,319
702
910
1,056
619
1,440
787
1,377
700
749
682
1,213
1,626
855
1,112
708
1,050
754
1,004
1,009
1,014
936
Judge - 4th District Court 2
Francis Magill
478
1,279
688
876
1,025
596
1,382
775
1,325
677
724
653
1,192
1,583
828
1,083
677
1,028
742
988
988
988
923
21,498
Write -In
5
7
2
51
6
61
9
61
19
61
6
71
18
14
8
9
17
81
2
91
9
8
17
203
Totals
4831
1,286
690
881
1,031
602
1,391
781
1,344
683
730
660
1,210
1,597
836
1,092
694
1,036
744
997
997
996
940
Judge - 4th District Court 6
David Piper
482
1,273
691
872
1,034
603
1,382
771
1,333
676
726
654
1,178
1,577
817
1,077
679
1,018
740
979
984
982
922
21,450
Write -In
5
8
2
8
6
8
11
5
19
8
5
7
18
9
7
10
18
9
3
8
7
12
16
209
Totals
487
1,281
693
880
1,040
611
1,393
776
1,352
684
731
661
1,196
1,586
824
1,087
697
1,027
743
987
991
994
938
Judge - 4th District Court 15
Phil Carruthers
476
1,275
679
874
1,030
595
1,373
766
1,320
666
723
651
1,180
1,575
818
1,076
684
1,024
745
979
974
979
919
21,381
Write -In
61
7
3
4
4
4
9
6
20
5
4
6
18
9
8
11
19
11
2
8
9
12
15
200
Totals
482
1,282
682
878
1,034
599
1,382
772
1,340
671
727
657
1,198
1,584
826
1,087
703
1,035
747
987
983
991
934
Judge - 4th District Court 17
Denise D. Reilly
481
1,264
678
872
1,036
596
1,377
759
1,323
667
718
649
1,184
1,573
810
1,064
686
1,021
738
976
974
978
913
21,337
Write -In
4
5
3
41
4
51
7
71
21
61
6
4
13
10
7
8
17
9
2
6
8
9
18
183
Totals
485
1,269
681
876
1,040
601
1,384
766
1,344
673
724
6531
1,197
1,5831
817
1,0721
703
1,0301
740
9821
982
9871
931
Judge - 4th District Court 22
Steven E.Antolak
185
533
279
378
378
248
531
310
425
258
267
319
431
584
349
421
246
403
272
368
372
379
357
8,293
Elizabeth V. Cutter
341
878
483
683
798
467
1,082
603
1,105
538
561
474
906
1,233
638
891
528
746
561
747
755
762
693
16,473
Write -In
2
91
0
2
4
4
5
4
9
2
2
6
9
5
5
8
13
6
2
3
5
7
112
Totals
528
1,420
762
1,063
1,180
719
1,618
917
1,539
798
830
799
1,346
1,822
992
1,320
787
1,155
835
1,118
1,127
1,146
1,057
Judge - 4th District Court 29
Nancy E. Brasel
479
1,271
684
863
1,032
595
1,356
764
1,321
666
708
652
1,176
1,557
821
1,079
686
1,022
737
967
978
979
919
21,312
Write -In
3
9
0
4
4
7
7
8
17
5
7
6
15
14
7
9
14
10
2
5
10
9
13
185
Totals
482
1,280
684
867
1,036
602
1,363
772
1,338
671
715
658
1,191
1,571
828
1,088
700
1,015
739
972
988
988
932
Judge - 4th District Court 33
M. Jacqueline Regis
472
1,258
679
855
1,020
589
1,345
754
1,304
659
705
647
1,163
1,543
808
1,061
679
1,015
728
955
973
970
912
21,094
Write -In
5
11
1
4
6
5
6
7
17
5
4
41
19
ill
8
12
14
91
4
6
7
7
14
186
Totals
477
1,269
680
859
1,026
594
1,351
761
1,321
664
709
651
1,182
1,554
816
1,073
693
1,024
732
961
980
977
926
Judge - 4th District Court 35
Daniel Mabley
476
1,255
677
861
1,024
600
1,349
758
1,298
660
710
645
1,160
1,547
806
1,064
676
1,010
731
966
970
972
904
21,119
Write -In
2
10
21
31
31
41
81
41
15
6
7
4
16
11
6
11
15
9
2
7
8
10
14
177
Totals
478
1,265
679
864
1,027
604
1,357
7621
1,313
666
7171
649
1,176
1,558
812
1,075
691
1,019
733
973
978
982
918
Judge - 4th District Court 40
Jamie L. Anderson
469
1,262
679
863
1,013
600
1,353
761
1,310
651
7061
6431
1,158
1,539
797
1,055
680
1,010
729
954
974
00
21,070
Page 3 7
PCT 1 1
PCT 2
PCTLJ
PCT4
PCT 5
PCT 6
PCT 7
PCT 8
PCT 9
PCT 10
PCT 11
PCT 12
PCT 13
PCT 14
PCT 15
PCT 16
PCT 17
PCT 18
PCT 19
PCT 201
PCT 21
1 PCT 221
PCT 23 1
TOTAL
Write-In
4
12
0
4
4
2
6
5
18
71
3
4
17
131
10
121
13
101
2
6
7
91
15
183
Totals
473
1,274
679
867
1,017
602
1,359
766
1,328
658
709
647
1,175
1,5521
807
1,067
693
1,020
731
960
981
973
915
Judge - 4th District Court 44
Marc Berris
287
743
394
533
583
318
776
408
623
369
334
392
601
897
549
641
367
533
404
626
637
579
574
12,168
Lois Conroy
250
6741
379
5151
606
3931
859
4991
891
407
486
3821
734
958
472
668
416
614
432
5581
548
585
504
12,830
Write-In
3
71
1
3
3
2
4
4
9
2
1
4
11
6
4
6
12
6
2
2
7
6
9
114
Totals
540
1,424
774
1,051
1,192
713
1,639
911
1,523
7781
821
778
1,346
1,861
1,025
1,315
795
1,153
838
1,186
1,192
1,170
1,087
Judge - 4th District Court 45
Marilyn Brown Rosenbaum
483
1,265
688
864
1,012
595
1,353
760
1,316
662
708
647
1,164
1,562
811
1,062
676
1,012
737
964
983
976
903
21,203
Write-In
4
13
0
2
5
5
8
8
16
7
5
4
15
12
9
9
15
8
2
4
7
7
17
182
Totals
487
1,278
688
866
1,017
600
1,361
768
1,332
669
713
651
1,179
1,574
820
1,071
691
1,020
739
968
990
983
920
Judge - 4th District Court 46
Mary R. Vasaly
476
1,254
676
859
1,011
600
1,349
758
1,313
654
702
648
1,165
1,546
807
1,061
680
1,008
726
961
969
967
902
21,092
Write-In
2
9
0
3
4
2
7
6
15
7
6
4
151
14
7
8
14
8
2
4
9
8
14
168
Totals
478
1,263
676
862
1,015
602
1,356
764
1,328
661
708
652
1,180
1,560
814
1,069
694
1,016
728
965
978
975
916
Judge - 4th District Court 48
John McShane
475
1,249
667
856
1,009
594
1,342
760
1,298
650
696
638
1,153
1,543
798
1,056
671
1,005
7201
951
971
957
897
20,956
Write-In
3
111
3
7
6
3
7
4
17
4
3
6
18
7
71
12
17
8
3
7
6
11
18
188
Totals
478
1,260
670
863
1,015
597
1,349
764
1,315
654
699
644
1,171
1,550
805
1,068
688
1,013
723
958
977
968
915
Judge - 4th District Court 49
Lyonel Norris
468
1,258
672
851
1,003
585
1,334
754
1,295
652
694
640
1,148
1,542
797
1,056
668
1,000
719
955
967
956
898
20,912
Write-In
7
5
1
31
5
41
7
4
16
4
4
4
19
10
8
10
18
8
3
6
6
10
17
179
Totals
475
1,263
673
854
1,008
589
1,341
7581
1,311
6561
698
644
1,167
1,552
805
1,0661
686
1,0081
722
961
973
966
915
Judge - 4th District Court 50
Bruce A. Peterson
475
1,262
672
853
1,009
590
1,352
764
1,306
650
704
644
1,156
1,551
802
1,065
674
1,012
730
960
971
962
903
21,067
Write-In
4
5
4
6
6
5
10
4
15
5
3
5
18
8
9
9
16
6
2
5
6
12
17
180
Totals
479
1,267
6761
859
1,015
595
1,362
768
1,321
655
707
649
1,174
1,559
811
1,074
690
1,018
732
965
977
974
920
Judge - 4th District Court 59
Patrick Robben
465
1,253
661
853
1,004
588
1,339
750
1,302
645
696
635
1,141
1,525
792
1,049
674
999
717
959
966
952
898
20,863
Write-In
4
9
3
5
8
2
8
8
15
4
4
61
20
12
7
13
16
7
3
5
8
14
16
197
Totals
469
1,262
664
858
1,012
590
1,347
758
1,317
649
700
641
1,161
1,537
799
1,062
690
1,006
720
964
974
966
914
REGISTERED VOTERS 7:00A.M.
960
2,554
1,463
2,080
1,987
1,340
3,016
1,600
2,524
1,326
1,483
1,460
2,037
3,132
1,729
2,272
1,197
1,883
1,421
2,083
2,036
1,984
1,817
43,384
NEW REGISTRATIONS - ELECTION DAY
254
673
132
199
224
125
2801
198
5381
208
154
166
693
449
309
342
317
416
1481
253
238
432
446
7,194
TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED VOTERS
1,214
3,227
1,5951
2,2791
2,2111
1,4651
3,2961
1,7981
3,0621
1,5341
1,637
1,626
2,730
3,581
2,0381
2,6141
1,514
2,299
1,5691
2,3361
2,2741
2,4161
2,263
50,578
NUMBER OF BALLOTS COUNTED
1 1,027
2,854
1,4201
2,0221
1,9711
1,3061
2,9371
1,5991
2,6641
1,3571
11455
1,450
2,316
3,223
1,7251
2,2891
1,2651
2,052
1,3891
2,0781
2,0291
2,0591
1,943
44,430
PERCENTAGE VOTING
1 84.6%
88.4%
89.0%1
88.7%1
89.1%1
89.1%1
89.1%1
88.9%1
87.0%1
88.5%1
78.9%1
89.2%1
84.8%1
90.0%1
84.6%1
87.6%1
83.6%1
89.3%
88.5%1
89.0%1
89.2%1
85.2%1
85.9%
87.8%
Page 3 7
APPROVED MINUTES
PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
July 26, 2012
PRESENT: Chairman Jeff Kulaszewicz, Commissioners Bob Stein, Carl Runck and Jim
Willis
ABSENT: Commissioner Paul Caryotakis
STAFF PRESENT: Housing Program Manager Jim Barnes, HRA Executive Director Steve
Juetten, Support Services Manager Denise Whalen, HRA Specialist Kip Berglund and Office
Support Specialist Laurie Lokken
OTHERS PRESENT: Grace Management Representative Jody Boedigheimer
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kulaszewicz called the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting to order
at 7:03 p.m.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve HRA Meeting Minutes from May 24, 2012.
B. Plymouth Towne Square. Accept Monthly Housing Reports.
C. Vicksburg Crossing. Accept Monthly Housing/Marketing Reports.
D. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Accept Consolidated Annual
Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) and Notice of Annual Citizens'
Participation Meetings.
MOTION by Commissioner Willis, seconded by Commissioner Stein, to approve the consent
agenda. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved.
3. NEW BUSINESS
HRA Executive Director Juetten requested item 3. C. to be placed ahead of item 3. A. on the
agenda.
C. Discuss Inquiry About Interest In Vicksburg Crossing.
HRA Executive Director Juetten gave an overview of the staff report.
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Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority
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Grace Management Representative Boedigheimer stated that Holiday Retirement is a middle
market company. She said that they have live-in managers, usually two couples that are onsite
24/7. She said it's a tough job and they have a lot of turn over in that position in their
communities. She said that one of their clients is affiliated with Holiday and the Holiday model.
She questioned whether Holiday understood that Vicksburg Crossing does not have a
commercial kitchen. She said that their interest in Vicksburg Crossing seems odd and this is
probably the last company she would have ever expected to approach the HRA for this property.
She said they have three meals a day all inclusive in their rent. She said they have a travel
program throughout all of their communities where you can go to a Holiday in another state and
stay in its guest room if it's available.
HRA Executive Director Juetten asked if this is the typical size for a Holiday community. Grace
Management Representative Boedigheimer responded their footprint is 100 to 120 and they have
expanded it a little bit in some of their later developments but they don't typically like to go over
120. She stated their units are typically larger than most retirement communities.
Commissioner Stein asked if this could have been a shotgun letter that they sent out to various
apartment buildings to see what responses they get. Executive HRA Director Juetten responded
it sounds like they have gotten some investment money and they are in the acquisition mode. He
said they have one building in White Bear Lake so they are looking to expand in the Twin Cities
market.
Commissioner Runck stated that current cap rates are pretty low in apartment acquisitions and
looking at the Net Operating Income (NOI) on this building, about $300,000 a year is 6 caps that
is a $55,000 unit cost. He said they might be thinking of adding a commercial kitchen or doing
something if they budget for that. He said it would be interesting to know what the mission of
the HRA is with this property and what the real valuation is that could be attached to that
property today. He said it's a lot lower than would be for any other building at that low of an
NOI. He said replacement cost is over $100,000 unit. Executive HRA Director Juetten replied
that staff could look into that if the Board wanted to go in that direction.
Chairman Kulaszewicz stated our mission is to provide housing for our residents and would a
building like that still provide housing for our residents. He stated that it was not our intent,
when either Vicksburg Crossing or Plymouth Towne Square was built, to hold them long enough
to turn for profit and then sell.
Commissioner Stein stated that he doesn't assume that they have any subsidized units. Grace
Management Representative Boedigheimer responded negatively and added that their average
rents would double. Housing Program Manager Barnes stated that Holiday's website indicates
they are charging about $2,600 per month, flat fee for everything that they include. He said that
would be an increase in rent for our current residents based on Vicksburg Crossing current rents
and average living expenses.
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Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority
July 26, 2012
Page 3
Commissioner Runck stated that if he were in their shoes, he would see a value at buying this for
$50,000 unit and put $10,000 into it and then charge more rent. He said that he would be
interested to hear their full proposal but it doesn't sound like it's in line with the mission of the
HRA.
Chairman Kulaszewicz stated that there are other ancillary issues, like bonds. He said when
someone buys municipal bonds, they expect the bonds to remain in place until they mature.
Housing Program Manager Barnes responded that there would be some work to do to be able to
do that. He said he did not know what that would mean for the HRA or the city with regards to
future bond issues.
Housing Program Manager Barnes stated that the HRA mission is to provide a wide range of
housing options in the city and to work with the city and the City Council to provide those
options within our community. He said these buildings serve that purpose.
Commissioner Stein stated that by selling Vicksburg Crossing, we wouldn't be meeting our
mission unless we made enough money off the sale and doubled the number of units we are
providing. He stated that he wouldn't be interested in selling.
Chairman Kulaszewicz stated he wouldn't be interested in pursuing this and wasting their time or
staff's time. He said if we were in the business and our mission was to develop properties and
turn a profit would be one thing but that's not the HRA's mission.
Commissioner Willis stated that he didn't disagree.
MOTION by Chairman Kulaszewicz, seconded by Commissioner Runck, requesting HRA staff
to respond to Holiday Retirement that the HRA is not interested in selling Vicksburg Crossing.
Vote. 4 Ayes. Motion approved.
A. Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section S) Study.
Commissioner Willis stated that administrative reimbursement continues to fall and it's not
likely to be increased. He said the issue is to talk about what to do to cover deficit of the
administrative expenses from this point forward.
HRA Executive Director Juetten stated the unrestricted net assets are the money that we built up
over time and we can use that money to offset a deficit on an annual basis. He said that
assumptions were made in these calculations with no increase from HUD and a 2-1/2% increase
per year on our expenses. He said 2020-2021 would be when we would be in the negative and
that would be when we would have to start taking money from either an HRA levy or something
else to help fund it.
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Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority
July 26, 2012
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HRA Executive Director Juetten went over the four options outlined in the staff report. He
added this is a lot of historical data that we did not have in one place before and since staff spent
a lot of time on this, it is a good document to have.
Chairman Kulaszewicz stated that he found it to be very interesting, informational and the time
was well spent.
Commissioner Willis stated that he recommends continuing as currently doing and monitoring it.
He said other HRAs are going to be pushed to the same point and let's find out what others come
up with, as they may come up with something unique. He said if we can ultimately have the
same housing results for Section 8 run by somebody else, there may be a time when that may be
the best thing for us to do because of cost factors. He said that given the reserves that we have, it
is not necessary to make that decision today.
Commissioner Willis added that he is not interested in running the reserves down to zero because
then you don't have flexibility for anything else. HRA Executive Director Juetten responded
that if we want to get out of the program, we would have to find somebody that wants our
program. He agreed with Commissioner Willis that it would be hard to sell to somebody else
with a zero reserve balance.
Commissioner Stein stated that he assumed every HRA is facing the same shortfall so why
would anybody want to take it over. Commissioner Willis stated that Metropolitan Council
would because they would levy it. HRA Executive Director Juetten stated that certain ones have
different ways of doing it.
Chairman Kulaszewicz asked that if we did turn it over wouldn't that cause cuts in staff. HRA
Executive Director Juetten responded affirmatively. He said there would definitely be two
people that we would eliminate immediately.
Chairman Kulaszewicz asked if the intent, when it was taken over in the first place, was to have
more local control. Commissioner Stein stated it was a good idea. HRA Executive Director
Juetten responded absolutely and there are some real good, solid benefits of us operating the
program. He said the question is just when to decide that we may have to look at using local
dollars to subsidize the program.
Commissioner Stein asked if we make money with port ins. HRA Executive Director Juetten
responded that we get money, we don't make money. Commissioner Stein asked if we ever lose
money on a port in. Support Services Manager Whalen replied that we get 80% of the
administrative fee on a port in and for being a small housing authority, we do very well with our
port ins. She said that is what has sustained us the last few years.
Commissioner Stein stated that if we had more port ins, we could almost make up the deficit and
he asked if there is a way to attract that. Support Services Manager Whalen responded that one
of the issues is that the rental market is very tight right now and if owners opt out or don't accept
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Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority
July 26, 2012
Page 5
Section 8, it hurt us. She said that Westview Estates has helped us because we had, not only our
project -based vouchers there, ten others that ported in from other housing authorities. She said
having a good affordable housing project like that helps us because then people want to come
here.
HRA Executive Director Juetten added that Park Place Apartments only has one Section 8 client
left and they are leaving soon. He said Park Place is not looking for any more. He said they are
raising their rents and putting improvements into the buildings. He said the amount of rent is
capped and if it's over, Section 8 people have to pay the difference and they can't afford to pay a
whole lot.
Commissioner Runck stated that with all the construction going on, vacancies are going to crawl
back up in the next few years and that will help us out. HRA Executive Director Juetten agreed
and stated this is probably a couple -year blip that will probably correct itself in the next few
years.
MOTION by Commissioner Willis, seconded by Chairman Kulaszewicz, to continue on the
current Housing Choice Voucher Program course, monitor the program and update the
spreadsheet on an annual basis. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved.
B. Emergency Repair Assessment/Loan Program.
HRA Specialist Berglund gave an overview of the staff report on the Emergency Repair
Assessment Program.
Commissioner Willis asked if it would be limited to water utility or if it could include sanitary
sewer or connection to the sanitary sewer if their septic system failed and they haven't
previously connected to the city sewer. HRA Specialist Berglund responded that could also be
an assessment. Housing Program Manager Barnes added that staff could look at those items. He
said that we are restricted by statute for what's assessable. He said that staff would add sewer to
the Emergency Repair Assessment Program. He said that staff had considered putting in trees,
as well, if they were damaged in storms or diseased. He said that in talking with the Park staff,
they all ready have the ability to assess residents if needed and they didn't want to wrap that in
with this program at this time.
Commissioner Willis asked if it is strictly limited to sewer and water. Housing Program
Manager Barnes responded that there are other items listed in the statute but a lot of them, such
as sidewalk and street repairs, are all ready being assessed through a normal process. He said
staff felt we would deal with things that come up more in an emergency situation, such as a
water service breaking on the owner's side of the property.
Commissioner Willis asked what assurance staff has that the water fund is going to be
amendable through becoming a piggy bank for this program. Housing Program Manager Barnes
replied that staff has talked with Public Works Director Cote and he was comfortable with this.
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Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority
July 26, 2012
Page 6
He said we would be doing the same thing that Public Works has been doing in the past when
emergencies have come up, with the exception that we are bringing in HRA staff to have a
review of their income and make sure that they meet a certain test before it comes before the City
Council for an assessment. He said it is an extra set of requirements so that the Council knows
that there are guidelines in place.
HRA Executive Director Juetten added that the idea of this policy and the policy itself would
have to go in front of the City Council, too. He stated that the idea is that the HRA staff has the
technical expertise to analyze whether or not somebody needs assistance or not but the city has
the authority to assess, the HRA does not. He said even if there was a program set up with HRA
dollars, some how it would have to still get back to the City Council so that they could approve
the assessment. He said that rather than do it that way, staff discussed that the money would
come from a non -HRA fund (a city fund) but the HRA staff would help Engineering and Public
Works determine eligibility.
Commissioner Runck asked if there is a program like this for seniors already. HRA Executive
Director Juetten responded that there is through the HRA. Housing Program Manager Barnes
added that there is an emergency repair grant program for individuals who are 55 years of age or
older. He said that what we are proposing doesn't have any age restrictions and the income limit
is a little higher than the CDBG program. He said it would potentially help out a broader
spectrum of individuals.
Commissioner Willis stated that when it goes to the City Council, he would be looking for what
the limitations are in terms of what kinds of things are going to be subject to getting a grant and
what kind of work is going to be authorized, such as water service or sanitary sewer.
Housing Program Manager Barnes stated there is not a huge need for this. He said Public Works
Director Cote has said that he has 35 to 40 breaks in a year that are on the homeowner's side. He
said of those 35 to 40, it is literally two or maybe three a year where the homeowner is in a
financial situation where they can't pay for the costs immediately. He said it is a very small
amount but the reason staff proposed this is because it was a more secure way for the city to
protect the funds. Housing Program Manager Barnes stated that assessments do not go away;
whereas, loans could be lost through a foreclosure.
Commissioner Willis stated that if you don't talk about sanitary sewer somebody will bring it up
because if a sewer line collapses or gets plugged up, from a health standpoint, that's probably
more severe of a problem. He asked HRA staff to discuss adding it to the policy with Public
Works Director Cote.
Chairman Kulaszewicz stated that he is also in favor of adding sanitary sewer to the policy.
Commissioner Willis stated that he thought there should be a cap. Housing Program Manager
Barnes responded that staff borrowed this language from the city's policy on assessments.
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Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority
July 26, 2012
Page 7
Commissioner Willis stated it would be how much you would be willing to spend if a sewer or
water line goes out and he doesn't know how much they cost.
HRA Specialist Berglund replied that the estimates are around $2,000 to $3,000. Commissioner
Willis asked if that was from the street valve on the property line to the home meter. HRA
Executive Director Juetten replied affirmatively. He added that they don't always have to go all
the way back to the house.
Housing Program Manager Barnes stated that a cap could be included. He said septic systems
could get costly. He said if they are not hooked up to city services, we would be looking at
abandoning the septic system and trying to get that house connected to the city service.
Housing Programs Manager Barnes said staff thought the maximum eligible income for this
program would be capped at $83,900 for household income, using the median income for a four -
person household.
Commissioner Willis asked if the cap is defined by an annual adjustment. Housing Program
Manger Barnes responded that it would be looked at and adjusted annually. Chairman
Kulaszewicz added it would be adjusted to whatever the median income is.
HRA Specialist Berglund gave an overview of the staff report on the Emergency Repair Loan
Program.
Commissioner Willis asked if this loan program includes windows. HRA Specialist Berglund
responded that this would not include windows because that would not be viewed as an
emergency type repair. He said that would be more suited for either our rehabilitation loan
program or we would direct the resident to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency's Fix -Up
Fund. Housing Program Manager Barnes added that it could be used for windows if it were just
a single window that presented an emergency situation.
Commissioner Willis asked how the loan would be collected or how default would be avoided if
it is capped at $5,000. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded that we would become a
lender, just like any bank, and there would be terms in our document about defaults; such as,
what would be a default, how to cure those defaults and what the repercussions would be.
Chairman Kulaszewicz asked if it would be a second mortgage. Housing Program Manager
Barnes replied affirmatively and that we would be in a second or maybe even a in a third
position, depending the number of loans each homeowner has. He said this is an emergency
situation where something comes up. He said our CDBG program is a grant program for seniors.
He added that there will be more risk in a loan program.
Commissioner Stein asked if the program would start out with $50,000. Housing Program
Manager Barnes confirmed that amount and added that staff's thought is to make this a pilot
program and see if it is successful.
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Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority
July 26, 2012
Page 8
Commissioner Runck asked if the funds would be utilized too quickly. Housing Program
Manager Barnes responded that it has to be an emergency. He said it is not designed to address
just an old furnace, water heater, etc. He said there would have to be an emergency situation or
the furnace would have to be "red tagged" by the utility company.
Commissioner Stein asked if staff has received calls from people that their furnace is broken and
needs to be replaced but then they are not eligible so you can't help them. Housing Program
Manager Barnes responded affirmatively. He said that staff fields about 10 calls per year. HRA
Executive Director Juetten asked if it is typically seniors that just have more income from
investments. Housing Program Manager Barnes replied that there is a wide variety, as some are
under the age limit or over the income limit.
Commissioner Stein asked if $50,000 was the total for the program or if that would be the
amount going into the program each year. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded that
staff proposes to initially fund the program at $50,000 and evaluate the program, either within a
year or as those funds are depleting. He said staff would report back to the Board on the
progress of the program. He said if the program is successful, it would ultimately be funded for
a number of years and eventually it would become self sustaining.
Commissioner Willis asked if these programs have an administrative fee to cover staff time.
Housing Program Manager Barnes replied that we have not proposed any administrative fee for
this but we could. Commissioner Willis stated that he is not suggesting we add a fee at this time.
Chairman Kulaszewicz stated that we put in $50,000 and it is a one time deal. He said we look
at it again in a year or when $50,000 is depleted, whichever comes first. Housing Program
Manager Barnes stated that at a minimum, staff would bring it back in a year even if there were
still funds remaining to keep the Board informed. Commissioner Willis stated that there is not
going to be a deluge of applicants.
Chairman Kulaszewicz stated that he would assume staff will put it out on the city's website and
let residents know the program exists. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded
affirmatively. He said the more you market and advertise programs, the more they get used. He
said we are always cautious when we have limited funds.
Commissioner Stein asked how quickly someone's eligibility can be determined. Housing
Program Manager Barnes replied it depends on how quick they can get us the required
information. He said they are asked to bring in a couple years of tax returns, two months of their
most recent pay stubs and documentation on their current mortgage.
Commissioner Stein asked what happens if the emergency occurs on weekends or holidays.
Housing Program Manager Barnes responded that we do not have anything set up for weekends
or holidays but we certainly could look into it. He said most people understand government and
that we are not open on weekends and certain holidays. Commissioner Stein asked if Public
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Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority
July 26, 2012
Page 9
Works responds. HRA Executive Director Juetten replied that they respond immediately for
water breaks.
Chairman Kulaszewicz stated that he was in favor of both of these programs.
MOTION by Commissioner Stein, seconded by Commissioner Runck, to approve the
Emergency Repair Assessment Program and Emergency Repair Loan Program policies with
HRA Board recommendations to be submitted to the City Council for review and approval.
Vote. 4 Ayes. Motion approved.
6. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Chair Kulaszewicz, without objection, to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m.
Page 46
APPROVED MINUTES
PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
September 27, 2012
PRESENT: Commissioners Bob Stein and Carl Runck
ABSENT: Chairman Jeff Kulaszewicz, Commissioners Paul Caryotakis and Jim Willis
STAFF PRESENT: Housing Program Manager Jim Barnes
OTHERS PRESENT: None
1. CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner Carl Runk called the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting to
order at 7:04 p.m. Due to not having a quorum present to conduct official business,
Commissioner Runk recessed the meeting to October 25, 2012 and closed the meeting.
Meeting closed at 7:05 p.m.
Page 47
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.
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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.
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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.
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