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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 05-13-2011CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO May 13, 2011 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Planning Commission Agenda 05/18/11 ........................................ Minnesota Go Workshops May 16 — June 8 ................................... May, June, July 2011 Official City Meeting Calendars ................. Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ............................................ Page 1 ............................................ Page 2 ........................................... Page 3 ........................................... Page 6 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc ... Citizens Invited to Apply to Serve on Plymouth Charter Commission, News Release ....................... Page 8 Appeals court rules largely for Minneapolis in developer's claim that rights were denied ............................ Article, Star Tribune...................................................................................................................... Page 9 Commentary responding to WATCH study on domestic violence .................................................... Page 11 Notice of Address Change for Minnesota Land Division of US Home Corporation ........................ Page 14 Plymouth study foresees mixed-use possibility at Four Seasons, Article, Sun Sailor ...................... Page 15 The Mosaic Company Feeds the World, Combats Hunger in its Local Community, Press Release. Page 19 MEETING MINUTES Human Rights Commission 03/23/11 Meeting Minutes....... EQC 04/13/11 Meeting Minutes ........................................... STAFF REPORTS Community Partnership of Suburban Hennepin, Plymouth Community Report CORRESPONDENCE Page 21 Page 27 Page 30 Letter from AMLAC, RE: AIS in Medicine Lake............................................................................. Page 32 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, May 18, 2011 WHERE: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Plymouth City Hall 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed on the consent agenda are considered to be routine by the Planning Commission and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner, citizen or petitioner so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve the April 20, 2011 Planning Commission meeting minutes. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Bauer Design Build, LLC. Site plan amendment and conditional use permits for Twin City Fan Companies located at 5959 Trenton Lane North. (2011015) B. City of Plymouth. Conditional use permits to allow playfield lighting at Elm Creek Playfield (west of the Wayzata High School) Zachary Playfield (north of Rockford Road and west of Zachary Lane). (2011021) 7. NEW BUSINESS A. City of Plymouth. Four Seasons Market Study. (2010101) 8. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 &"@ PH CI E; How will we get from here (and back) in the future? aw Your ideas will help Omm-&- ...A answer that question. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) and its partners want your help in a neve initiative to shape a long-range transportation vision for the state. WHAT Known as Minnesota GO, the visioning process includes a series of highly interactive public workshops throughout the state, where citizens can share their ideas and thoughts about the future of transportation. HOW The Citizens League will facilitate each workshop. Just plan to come — no advanced reservation is necessary. As the workshops include a series of small group discussions, participants are encouraged to stay throughout the workshop. Coffee, tea, and cookies will be served. Translation or other accommodations are available if requested at least three business days in advance. Workshops will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 PM on the following tlate(s) and location(s(: May 16: Atwood Conference Center, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud May 17: Bigwood Event Center, Fergus Falls May 18: Crying Wolf Room, Bemidji State University Bemitlll . May 19: The Depot, Duluth FMX, 1W A May 23: Como Conservatory, St. Paul* ' ��$'x� y ry »' r a :i May 26: Mankato Civic Center, Mankato June 7: Ridgewater College Outreach Room, Willmar June 8: Rochester Community and Technical College, Rochester A remote online participation option will be available for those unable to attend in person Details online = WHY The ideas from the workshops and other forms of public involvement will serve as the foundation for the development of a transportation vision for the next 50 years, which ultimately will help agencies prioritize resources now and for generations to come. Every comment is welcome and will be heard. To request translation services or other accommodations, contact Janet Rae Miller at janet.rae.miller@state.mn.us or (651) 366-4720 at least 3 business days in advance. For information about Minnesota GO, visit www.minnesotago.org G af.;r; n Transpartition Visian for Generations Page 2 r� Plymouth Adding Quality to Life May 2011 1 2 3 7:00 PM 4 Cancelled 5 6:00-9:00 PM 6 7 HUMAN RIGHTS PLANNING OPEN HOUSE COMMITTEE COMMISSION FOUR SEASONS MEETING MEETING MALL MARKET Medicine Lake Room Council Chambers STUDY Plymouth Creek Center 8 9 10 5:00 PM 11 7:00 PM 12 5:30-8:00 PM 13 14 SPECIAL COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL MEETING QUALITY QUALITY FAIR Medicine Lake Roam COMMITTEE Zachary Lane Discuss Future of (EQC) MEETING Elementary School Park System Council Chambers 7.00 PM 7:00 PM PARK 8 REC REGULAR COUNCIL ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING (PRAC) MEETING Councit Chambers 15 16 6:00 PM 17 18 7:00 PM 19 20 21 WALK PLANNING 7:30 AM -2:00 PM WITH THE MAYOR COMMISSION SPECIAL Plymouth MEETING DROP OFF DAY Creek Center Council Chambers Plymouth Maintenance Facility 22 23 24 25 7:00 PM 25 CANCELLED 27 28 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING REGULAR COUNCIL ADVISORY Parkers Lake Room MEETING COMMITTEE ON Council Chambers TRANSIT (PACT) MEETING Medicine Lake Room 29 30 31 MEMORIAL DAY Observed CITY OFFICES CLOSED modi f lea on uw T!i i i CHANGES NOTED IN RED Page 3 r uCity of 9)p lymouth Adding Quality to Life June 2011 Modified on 051131 It CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 4 1 2 3 4 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Medicine Lake Room 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 7;00 PM 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL PARK & REG QUALITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMMISSION (EQC) MEETING (PRAC) MEETING Parkers Lake Room Plymouth Creek Center 12 13 14 15 7;00 PM 16 17 18 5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL PLANNING MEETING' COMMISSION Medicine Lake Room MEETING Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Medicine Lake Room 19 20 21 22 23 24 2 5 7:00 PM 8:00 AM HRA MEETING MUSIC IN Parkers Lake Room PLYMOUTH 5K RUN Hilde Performance Center 26 27 28 29 30 7:00 PM 5:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MUSIC IN MEETING PLYMOUTH Medicine Lake Room Hilde Performance Center Review Budge, Council Expectations and Up ate with City Manager Modified on 051131 It CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 4 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life July 2011 Modified on 05113111 CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7:00 PM 7 8 9 PLANNING COMMISSION INDEPENDENCE INDEPENDENCE DAY MEETING DAY OBSERVED Medicine Lake Room CITY OFFICES CLOSED 10 11 12 7:00 PM 13 7:00 PM 14 15 16 REGULAR ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL MEETING QUALITY Medicine Lake Room COMMITTEE (EQC) MEETING Parkers Lake Room 17 18 19 20 7:00 PM 21 22 23 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Medicine Lake Room 25 26 5:00 PM 27 7:00 PM 28 7:00 PM 29 30 SPECIAL COUNCIL PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING MEETING ADVISORY Parkers Lake Room Budget Study Session COMMITTEE ON /31 Medicine Lake Room TRANSIT (PACT) MEETING 7:00 PM Parkers Lake Room REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Medicine Lake Room Modified on 05113111 CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 5 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items May 24, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Approve purchase of Remote Chemical Capture Equipment • Declaring Costs and Setting Assessment Hearing, CSAH 101 Reconstruction Project from 13th Avenue to 30th Place (5102) • Award Contract, 2011 Mill and Overlay, Peony Lane (11007) • Order Preliminary Engineering Report, Accept Preliminary Engineering Report, Order Plans and Specifications, Call for a Public Hearing, Order Advertisement for Bids, Declare Costs to be Assessed and Set Assessment Hearing for the Edge Mill and Overlay Project (11012) • Approve the Filling of Wetlands and the Wetland Replacement Plan Application for Wood Crest 2nd Addition (2010094) • Approve the Filling of Wetlands and the Wetland Replacement Plan Application for Hampton Hills 3d Addition (2011002) • Designate the Environmental Quality Committee to Review and Comment on the Draft 3r1 Generation Watershed Management Plan for the Shingle Creek Watershed • Approve Agreement for Transit Services • Authorize vacation of street, drainage and utility easements, Wood Crest and Taylor Creek June 14, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Review 2012/2013 Budget and Council Expectations • Update with City Manager June 14, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Announce 5K Run on June 25 and Music in Plymouth on June 29 • Receive 2010 Unaudited Financial Report and consider transfers • Assessment hearing for 2010 Street Reconstruction Project (10001) June 28, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Receive and accept the 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report July 12, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers July 26, Special, 5:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Discuss 2012/2013 Budget July 26, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Announce Night to Unite, Tuesday, August 2, Plymouth Creek Center, 2:30 p.m. -5:00 p.m. August 2, Special, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Discuss 2012-2016 Capital Improvement Program August 9, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers August 16, Special, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Discuss 2012/2013 Budget Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. Page 6 August 23, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers September 6, Special, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Discuss 2012/2013 Budget (if needed) September 13, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Approve 2012/2013 proposed budgets, preliminary tax levies and budget hearing date Page 7 City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release May 9, 2011 Contact: Sandy Engdahl, 763-509-5080 Citizens Invited to Apply to Serve on Plymouth Charter Commission Plymouth residents with an interest in local government -- including its structure and operations -- are invited to apply to serve on the Plymouth Charter Commission. Due to expiring terms, the Charter Commission will have several vacancies in June. Letters of application will be accepted until June 1. The chief judge of the Fourth Judicial District makes appointments to the Plymouth Charter Commission. To be considered to serve on the Plymouth Charter Commission, please submit a letter and/or resume to District Court Chief Judge James T. Swenson, Fourth Judicial District, Hennepin County Government Center, Minneapolis, MN 55487-0422. The Charter Commission is an independent body that works on issues related to Plymouth's City Charter. The Charter defines City government structure and operations. Plymouth voters adopted the City Charter in 1992. If you have questions about the role of the Charter Commission, call City Clerk Sandy Engdahl at 763-509-5080. M LU Page 8 Format Dynamics:: CleanPrint :: 1-ittp://www.startribune.com/locaI/ininneapolis/1211679... Page 1 of 2 StarTribune Appeals court rules largely for Minneapolis in developer's claim that rights were denied Article by: , Star Tribune Updated: May 3, 2011 - 12:29 PM The Minneapolis City Council acted arbitrarily and capriciously in how it denied a developer's proposal to erect a Loring Hill residential tower and must rehear the matter, an appeals court ruled Tuesday. But the Minnesota Court of Appeals decision otherwise agreed with the city's arguments in the case, eliminating the chances that the city will pay millions of dollars in damages to developer Brad Hoyt, absent a further appeal. Nevertheless, the decision poses a political embarrassment for Council Member Lisa Goodman, in whose ward Hoyt proposed his project. The three-judge panel agreed with a trial court that Goodman not only improperly showed a closed mind on the proposal but lobbied her colleagues against Advertisement This Page Cannot Be Displayed The panel found that the council was within its legal right to deny a conditional -use permit and variances for the 21 -story project because they fall within the council's discretion. But because the council gave weight to Goodman's advocacy against the project as the area's council member and relied on factors that it wasn't allowed to consider, the panel ordered the council to hear Hoyt's proposal again. The court said that Hoyt's Continental Property Group isn't due attorney fees and out of pocket costs for wrongful denial of a land use permit, reversing the lower court ruling that he was due $523,000, or less than the $700,000 the city had sunk into fighting the case when the appeal was filed. But it upheld the lower court ruling by now - retired Hennepin County District Judge Stephen Aldrich that Hoyt wasn't due $11 million in lost profits he claimed. The appeals panel found that the council wouldn't have been arbitrary in its quasi- judicial consideration of Hoyt's applications "had it not allowed a biased councilmember to participate in the decision." It rejected arguments by attorney William Skolnick that Hoyt's substantive and procedural due Based on your corporate access policies, access to this web site ( http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/minnesota —startribune—dp_print/NEWS_;FD_PAGE_NUMBER=1;dcopt= has been blocked because the web category "Advertisements & Popups" is not: allowed. If you have questions, please contact IT Helpdesk at ext. 5380 ( helpdesk d.plymouth.mn.us ) and provide the codes shown below. Print Powered By Fun ,iE�tDynamics pin/ e12011 Format Dynamics :: C1eanPrint :: http://www.startrihune.com/local/minneapolis/1211679... Page 2 of 2 StarTrolbune process and equal protection rights were denied. Neither the city attorney's office, Goodman nor Skolick returned Star Tribune calls immediately. Steve Brandt • 612-673-4438 Advertisement This Page Cannot Be Displayed Based on your corporate access policies, access to this web site ( http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/minnesota_star_tribune_dp_print/NEWS_;FD_PAGE_NUMBER=2;dcopt=lst; has been blocked because the web category "Advertisements & Popups" is not allowed. If you have questions, please contact IT Helpdesk at ext. 5380 ( helpdesk@ci.plymouth.mn.us. ) and provide the codes shown below. Print Powered By 1. �c�rrn�� tDynamiTcs '' http://www.startribune.com/templates/fdcp?unique-1304455749924 Pa9 3/211 Study only tells part of the story of Plymouth's response to domestic violence By Mike Goldstein and Laura Landis A recent study by WATCH, a court monitoring organization, looked at how communities respond to misdemeanor domestic violence. While we salute the laudable goals of WATCH, the study's conclusion that suburban communities were not as aggressive in their pursuit of domestic violence cases did not accurately reflect our work in Plymouth. The study's findings were reported and interpreted by several media outlets, including the online news site, MinnPost.com. While the report looked at statistics, it did not put the statistics in context nor did it take into account that a community that is aggressive in making arrests and prosecuting domestic violence cases could, in fact, turn out to have a lower conviction rate and more negotiated case outcomes. The Plymouth Police Department, its city attorney's office and Home Free/Missions, Inc. have worked closely for 27 years to ensure aggressive enforcement of domestic violence laws, thoughtful and vigorous prosecution of cases, and comprehensive support for domestic violence victims. In making its case, the WATCH report cited a higher conviction rate in Minneapolis for domestic abuse cases than in suburban communities — 66 percent in Minneapolis compared to 56 percent in the suburbs overall. In citing this statistic as well as others in the report, only part of the story was told. It overlooked the fact that there are differences in how aggressive cities are in making arrests and filing charges in domestic violence -related police calls. In effect, the study did not compare apples to apples. Casting a Wider Net In Plymouth, we emphasize intervention when the police respond to domestic violence calls. That means if our officers see any evidence that domestic violence has occurred, they make an arrest and take the suspected perpetrator to jail. Responding officers are not making a judgment call as to whether an incident meets a certain threshold of violence before making an arrest. We err on the side of safety. We cast a wide net. Our overriding goal is to intervene in the cycle of violence -- and keep victims and their children safe. Page 11 Because Plymouth casts a wide net, we do have cases that are not easily winnable in court. Still, our city prosecutor generally charges those cases. Again, we do this to achieve our goal of intervening in the domestic violence cycle. By charging these cases, we provide consequences for the perpetrator. In some cases, our prosecutor will agree to a continuance for dismissal, something that the WATCH report faulted. A continuance for dismissal allows the prosecutor and defendant to make an agreement without the intervention of a judge. For example, the defendant may agree to pay a fee and complete chemical dependency treatment or anger management training. While the "win -loss" statistics may not look as good for a community that comes to these agreements, what matters is that a perpetrator pays consequences and gets needed help. Again, our goal is to intervene and prevent future violence. Supporting the Victim Finally, the study did not address a third and vital component of Plymouth's response to domestic violence — the support and care that is provided to the victim. Plymouth is committed to providing comprehensive support — from the time of the incident throughout the legal process. The Plymouth Police Department works hand in hand with Home Free/Missions, Inc. In all domestic violence calls, Plymouth police officers notify Home Free immediately after making an arrest or if the suspect is "gone on arrival" when police arrive. Within four hours of the incident, a Home Free/Missions Inc. advocate contacts the victim. At the time of the contact, the advocate helps the victim develop a safety plan, find shelter and directs the victim to appropriate outreach programs. An advocate from Home Free/Mission Inc. follows the case throughout the criminal court process. The advocate also plays an important role by helping the victim navigate the court system, serving as a liaison to the prosecutor and attending all court dates so that the victim has support or has someone there in her place so that she can be at work, school or handle other responsibilities. Additionally, the advocate helps the victim reconnect in the community, ensuring that she gets support from her family, friends, faith community and/or domestic violence support groups. Page 12 The strength of Plymouth's response to domestic violence lies in our three pronged approach. Police focus on the victim's safety. The prosecutor focuses on the legal aspects of the case. Home Free/Missions Inc. ensures that the victim has an advocate in the court system, a plan to keep herself and her children safe and support following the case disposition. Unfortunately, the statistics cited in the WATCH and MinnPost.com reports did not reflect all aspects related to domestic violence intervention and how one community's approach cannot be simply or accurately compared to others. Mike Goldstein is the Police Chief in Plymouth. Laura Landis is the Program Coordinator for Home Free/Missions Inc. Page 13 NOTICE OF ADDRESS CHANGE FOR U.S. HOME CORPORATION To Whom It May Concern: Effective May 15, 2011, the Minnesota Land Division of U.S. Home Corporation will be changing its address from: 935 East Wayzata Boulevard Wayzata, MN 55391 to the following address: U.S. Home Corporation 16305 36th Avenue North, Suite 600 Plymouth, MN 55446 After May 15, 2011, please use the Plymouth address for all correspondence and notices to U.S. Home Corporation's Minnesota Land Division. If you have any-qu�stions, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. Carole Toohey Land Development Manager U.S. Home Corporation Office Phone: 952-249-3012 76G1785vie nnar Minnesota • 935 Wayzata Blvd. F., Wayzata, MN 55391 • Phone: 952-249-3000 • Fax: 952-249-307$age 14 1J LEN NAR.CQM tP.oMM Page 1 of 4 Plymouth > News Plymouth study foresees mixed-use possibility at PrinfPage Four Seasons Published Wednesday, May 11, 2011 4:15 PM CDT Senior living, neighborhood retail among suggestions BY Seth Rowe • SUN NEWSPAPERS A mixed-use development is among ideas suggested by consultants working on a Plymouth market study regarding the future of the Four Seasons Mall in Plymouth. The analysis by consulting firm Bonestroo Services recommended steering clear of community retail, including big -box stores, and focusing on neighborhood retail, senior housing and retail medical office space, the Bonestroo researchers and city staff revealed May 5 at the Plymouth Creek Center. A questionnaire for audience members requested their thoughts on mixed-use development ideas including a mix of senior housing, neighborhood - oriented retail, medical office or small office space. Wal-Mart now owns the Four Seasons Mall, and consultants for the prominent chain a#tended the first of two presentations on the market shady but did not weigh in. The consultants have been monitoring the process and requested city documents, said Steve Juetten, Plymouth's community development director. "From my point of view, they've taken a back seat to see how this goes," Juetten said. "They understand we have the right to do what we're doing." Lisa Nelson, a senior manager of public affairs for Wal-Mart, said representatives for the retailer planned a conference call with company officials to discuss the study. "We 3ust haven't had the chance to digest it yet," she said. "We want to work with the city, and we want to work with the neighbors so we can be part of a development that meets everyone's needs." The Plymouth City Council has approved a moratorium preventing building on the site while the city conducts a study process. The Bonestroo consultants steered clear of recommending community retail during presentations. "This site is not all that large for community retail," said Paul Bilotta, president and senior planner at Bonestroo. Additionally he noted shopping centers like Ridgedale Mall to the south and The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes to the north have a wide draw, while nearer shopping areas like the Crystal Town Center and Rockford Road Plaza would also provide competition for similar uses on the Four Seasons Mall site. While the area does have high visibility given its location at Highway 169 and Rockford Road, Bilotta said access issues on Lancaster Lane would limit traffic. http://,,A,ww.innsun.coiydarticles/2011/05/12/plymoutIVnews/pl 12 fourse asons.prt Pa4I27I11 Page 2 of 4 Neighborhood retail, a category including strip malls, restaurants, drug stores, coffee shops, dry-cleaning businesses or niche -concept grocery stores serving the immediate area, makes more sense, Bilotta suggested. "There are very few neighborhood centers in the trade area, partly because there's so much community retail on the edges," lie said. "There are not a lot of places for 5-10 minute shopping." Access is not as important for such uses because they draw less traffic and it is more scattered throughout the day, Bilotta said. Additionally, because the shops in neighborhood retail developments focus on providing service for neighbors, shoppers often use local roads rather than the regional system to access them. The consultants also said senior housing makes sense given the area's aging population. The trade area's population that is age 55 and over is forecast to increase by 3,750 by 2020 while the population that is younger than 55 is predicted to decrease by a nearly equal amount. The housing trade area includes eastern Plymouth, New Hope, Golden Valley and parts of Crystal and Robbinsdale. Thousands of senior housing units exist in the trade area, but the average age of existing facilities that provide independent living for seniors is almost 30 years old and may not include as rnany amenities as desired by today's seniors, the study's findings state. The site and market conditions are good for senior housing, especially assisted living and memory care, the study states. However, it advises delaying development of new independent living units for at least five years because of the large existing supply, unless the units are part of "a continuum of care facility." The consultants' review of demand for office space varied. The market for large offices intended for corporate -type uses that dominates some corridors in the Plymouth area has fared better than other office markets, they said. However, the small office space that dominates Maple Grove has the highest vacancy rate in the metro. While office space in the western suburbs of the metro has traditionally fared well, demand for office space fell during the recession. Additionally, the space per employee has dwindled as cubicles take the place of offices and more people work remotely. Office space also generates high volumes of traffic at peak times, noted .lay Demma, a planner at Bonestroo. However, Demrna said space relating to health care could be an opportunity. More health care is moving to retail locations and federal health care legislation will Iikely create higher demand for health-related services as more people carry insurance. The area's aging population could help drive demand, and the medical office submarket has vacancy rates substantially below overall office vacancy rates. Neighbors of the Four Seasons Mall at the market study meeting reacted positively to the recommendations. P http://www.mnsun.corn/articles/2011105/12/plymoutl-/news/Pll2fotrseasons.prt 12/26011 Page 3 of 4 "We're for just about anything they want do except a Wal-Mart," said Plymouth resident Bill Broze. "We like the concept of mixed -retail and a small business area." Like other neighbors, Broze said he opposed a big -box store because he anticipates traffic rates would increase dramatically. "I think it's much more suited to what's there, but updated to be modern," Broze said. "We want to keep it our neighborhood," added his wife, Jacki Broze. A big -box store on the site would equate to trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, said Plymouth resident Jeff LaSota. "It just doesn't blend with the neighborhood," LaSota said. Plymouth resident Bruce Rader said the presentation helped dispel worries by neighbors about a large-scale shopping development at the site. He said he already often has to wait three or four light cycles to cross Rockford Road due to traffic congestion. Asked what he preferred, Rader said, "In an ideal world, some kind of mixed-use residential and retail, and if office offers synergies in there, that would be great." Plymouth resident Jaci Horton said she liked the idea of including senior housing, a medical use or small-scale retail. She said she was disappointed consultants did not directly address the potential for a Wal-Mart. "My concerns are that there would be a lot of traffic that isn't good for a quiet neighborhood and good for raising babies," said Horton, mother of a 2 -year-old child. Wal-Mart paid for a traffic study considering the impact of an approximately 148,500 - square -foot Wal-Mart store on the site. The traffic study by SRF Consulting estimates that such a store would generate nearly 7,900 trips on a daily basis, with close to 248 trips coming during the morning rush hour and 685 trips coming during the evening rush hour. The traffic study found that the intersection of Rockford Road, Lancaster Lane and Nathan Lane would not operate at an acceptable level during peak hours with existing signal timing and in its current configuration. Nelson said Wal-Mart has not had an opportunity to work with neighbors yet because of the moratorium. "Because a study is underway, we haven't been able to engage in that conversation yet," she said. "We're looking to serve our customers there and we know that would be a wonderful site for a retail development to serve the customer's needs in that part of the metro." The Plymouth Planning Cornmission will review the market study 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, at Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. The Plymouth City Council will review the study 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at City Hall. Pa Fr l2fourseasons.prt s/ 12/2011 Page 4 of 4 As the market study comes to a close, a design process will commence. Overall results are expected to be available next fall. Copyright OO 2011 -Sun Newspapers (x] Close Window http://www.nuisun.corn/articles/2011/05/121plymouth/news/p 112fourseasons.prt P4�A I I THE MOSAIC COMPANY I MaS®iC FOUNDATION For Immediate Release For more information, please contact: Rob Litt The Mosaic Company 763-577-6187 Rob.Litt(abmosaicco.com The Mosaic Company Foundation 3033 Campus Drive Suite E490 Plymouth, Minnesota 55441 890-918-8270 www,mosaicco.com Jessica Stevens The Mosaic Company 763-577-8271 Jessica.Stevens C4mosaicco.com The Mosaic Company Feeds the World, Combats Hunger in its Local Community Plymouth, Minn., May 4, 2011 -- The Mosaic Company helps the world grow the food it needs, and now its Plymouth -based volunteer committee is taking a local approach to their mission by growing a community giving garden to benefit the hungry. The goal of the community giving garden is to grow and donate over 1,000 pounds of fresh produce to feed the hungry in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities through Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (TOCP), a direct service provider that operates a food shelf serving 4,000 families each year. "We are thrilled to be a part of this initiative. It will allow us to provide the families we serve fresh produce which is critical for proper nutrition and childhood development" said Lynn Vettel, community engagement director at TOCP. To bring the garden to a large scale, Mosaic volunteers have nurtured strategic partnerships among local business to leverage in-kind donations and resources. Partners of the project include healthcare provider WestHealth and landscaping company Greenside, Inc. "This is a great example of real collaboration, each company is providing services that relate to their business to make this possible," said Chris Lambe, Executive Director, The Mosaic Company Foundation. The giving garden initiative has a close fit with the missions of WestHealth and Greenside, Inc., who are providing the land and services required for the garden. The Mosaic Company is providing funding and employee volunteers who will plant, cultivate and deliver the produce. `�A special ribbon cutting event with the partners will take place on WestHealth`s property located at �l the corner of Campus Drive and Annapolis Circle, in Plymouth, on May 9, at 10:30 a.m. Attendees to the event include Ginny Black, City of Plymouth Deputy Mayor; Jim Prokopanko, President and CEO, The Mosaic Company; Kurt Neil, Executive Director, WestHealth, Inc.; Patrick Remick, President, Greenside Inc. and Lynn Vettel, Director of Community Engagement, Interfaith Outreach Community Partners. About IOCP: Since 1979, Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners has been making an impact in 8 west suburban Hennepin communities. IOCP provides both emergency and long-term solutions around food and clothing, housing, employment, child care, transportation, and connections to other resources. Leaming and service opportunities engage individuals, businesses, schools, faith communities, civic groups, and foundations. Together, IOCP and its partners create opportunities for all to thrive. About WestHealth: WestHealth located in Plymouth, MN has been providing quality, convenient and trusted outpatient health care services to the Twin Cities community since 1994. Our urgent care, same-day surgery center, imaging services, breast center, lab and pharmacy have a well-eamed reputation for excellence and extraordinary service. WestHealth also offers more than 50 family and specialty physician clinics to choose from. For more information, please visit our website at www.westhealth.com . About The Mosaic Company: The Mosaic Company is one of the world's leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. Mosaic is a single source provider of phosphate and potash fertilizers and feed ingredients for the global agriculture industry. More information on the company is available at www.mosaicco.com. ADOPTED MINUTES PLYMOUTH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Special Meeting of March 23, 2011 COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Dockman, Garber, Alden, Stein, Trites Rolle COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Slavik, Goldstein STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens Chairperson Garber called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. He explained that the purpose of the special meeting is to discuss members' perceptions regarding problems between the City Council and the Human Rights Commission and to determine how the Commission should move forward with their work. Chair Garber stated that he is a retired labor attorney with over 38 years of experience investigating human rights issues. The enabling ordinance enacted by the City Council allows a local Human Rights Commission (HRC) under M.S. 363A.07 and defines its powers and duties. He said that because the HRC derives its authority from the statute, the Commission has different powers and authority than other city advisory commissions. Chair Garber stated the statute directs that a local HRC can be accessed by a charging party as an alternate to the State Department of Human Rights. If a case charging some problem that occurs in the City comes to the HRC, it is the responsibility of the HRC to investigate, make findings, hold hearings, and make final decisions. The City Council created the HRC consistent with the provisions of the statute, giving the HRC authority under state law. The local ordinance also states that the HRC will obtain work from the City Council, and in that regard the HRC is advisory to the Council. Therefore, the HRC has some independent jurisdiction granted by statute, as well as an advisory function when making recommendations to the City Council. Chair Garber said that he believes this was the City Council's intent when the enabling ordinance was established, and the language is clear. He stated that the ordinance also indicates the HRC has the authority to assign itself work where the HRC deems fit. Chair Garber said that he has been proud of the work of the HRC in the year that he has been a commissioner. Commissioner Alden said the HRC dealt with a family who felt stressed because of a neighborhood issue. They had a need to be heard. She doesn't believe the family would have gone to the state, but connecting to the HRC in their own community made them feel valued. Commissioner Alden said she cares about human rights and worries that people will no longer feel the HRC is a place to be heard. Commissioner Dockman shared that the Golden Valley Human Rights Commission heard concerns. That commission also did training and education for the schools and public. Adopted Human Rights Commission Minutes Page 1 of 6 Special Meeting of March 23, 2011 Page 21 Chair Garber said that the ordinance indicates that the HRC has the right to investigate and hold hearings. City Manager Ahrens stated that a distinction can be drawn between hearing concerns and handling formal grievances. The HRC has always listened to human rights concerns and provided resources and referrals. The Plymouth HRC has never heard formal grievances, done investigations, held hearings, or resolved grievances. She said the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are the only communities which have established local policies/rules and conduct a formal human rights grievance process. Commissioner Alden said that St. Cloud also hears grievances. Chair Garber said that Plymouth can be the fourth community to do so. Commissioner Stein stated that there is a difference between hearing human rights concerns (which could include listening, supporting, and providing resources to work out a problem) and a formal, quasi-judicial complaint process (which could include formal hearings, investigations, a verdict, remedy/fine, etc.). He said that the City Council believes a quasi-judicial process is inappropriate at the local level, and the City Council has never envisioned that the HRC would serve this purpose. The infrastructure to ensure an appropriate legal process is not currently in place. The City Council did not appoint commissioners with this purpose in mind, and the City Attorney has indicated that this activity would expose the City to additional liability. Virginia Klevorn, 4755 Kingsview Lane, stated that the HRC was not engaged in investigations or grievances during the past three years. Commissioners noted that the past Council Coordinating Representatives didn't offer information on the issue, nor sufficient communication. Also, some staff members did not do so. Commissioner Alden asked under what criteria was the past chair not reappointed in 2011. She said that when she inquired about this with the Administrative Services Director, he said the Mayor had asked him not to respond. Commissioner Alden said that Mayor Slavik had suggested a meeting between the HRC and City Council, and Mayor Slavik indicated that she would be responsible for making it happen. The Mayor has not set up a meeting. Commissioner Alden is concerned about the lack of communication between the HRC and Council, and she wants to know why the previous chair was not reappointed. She feels that the HRC isn't valued, and now the mayor, police chief, and a councilmember have been appointed as HRC members. She believes that the HRC has made Plymouth look good. Commissioner Dockman said that any time the HRC has done something with other commissions, they are aware of the activities of the Plymouth HRC. The group is well respected. Ms. Klevorn said that one communication she received from Cal Portner sated, "There you go again down a path..." She said that words matter. She doesn't understand why that was said, or how things got strained between the HRC and Council. She believes it originated from the domestic partner registration training. Adopted Human Rights Commission Minutes Page 2 of 6 Specia[ Meeting of March 23, 2011 Page 22 Commissioner Stein said there was confusion by the Council of what type of event was intended by the HRC with regard to domestic partner registration. It didn't appear to be a discussion/education among the HRC, as invitations were going to be sent to the community, news releases, etc. He said that an issue like domestic partner registration can be controversial in the community, and the City Council wants to know what issues are being considered by its advisory commissions. Manager Ahrens stated that the City Council unanimously approved the item on the HRC work plan, once it was understood that the HRC intended to do an education event for the commission. Commissioner Stein said the City Council does not want the HRC to do formal dispute resolution or hear grievances. Commissioner Trites Rolle said she has been excited to attend HRC meetings. It is important that people recognize the HRC provides a listening ear. She suggested that the HRC and City Council need a collective understanding of what that means. Ms. Klevorn's recollection was that the City Council didn't seem to have concerns with the HRC until the domestic partner registration issue came along. Ms. Kevorn stated, "I believe I was being retaliated against." She said the Mayor made a statement on February 17 that we want to be careful what trainings are planned because the commissions shouldn't create expectations in the community if the City Council is not ready to provide full support. Ms. Klevorn said that the Administrative Services Director left an HRC meeting before discussion of whether the domestic partner registration meeting should be a forum, press release, etc. She said that the Mayor has indicated that the HRC did not submit a work plan. However, the HRC was not given direction to do a work plan and was unaware of it until recently. City Manager Ahrens sent an email to the chair in June indicating that the most recent HRC work plan was done in 2007. Ms. Klevorn said that they believed staff did the work plan. Commissioner Alden said that she had received a phone call from a woman who asked, "Are you the HRC?" It was not a human rights issue, but it is important that citizens can call the HRC with concerns. She believes a conversation between the HRC and City Council would be helpful. Ms. Klevorn said that the City Council has been invited to every HRC training, but she didn't recall a councilmember attending. She said that many trainings the HRC has done have not been on the approved work plan, such as civility training, fair housing training, and building open communication. Commissioner Stein said that some issues would fall under the normal scope of education and training included in the HRC work plan. Other human rights issues such as domestic partner registration can become controversial. If the HRC wants to delve into controversial issues, then the City Council needs to be aware of it and have the opportunity to say "yea" or "nay". He said that the work plan is required of each commission, and the City Council did not have one from the HRC. Adopted Human Rights Commission Minutes Page 3 of 6 Special Meeting of March 23, 2011 Page 23 Ms. Klevorn said that there was no intent to make the domestic partner registration meetings public, beyond the open meeting law requirements. The training was intended for the commission with speakers from Project 515.org and Out Front Minnesota. The discussion of a news release was held earlier in the conversation at the meeting. She doesn't know why the Administrative Services Director had the HRC work on its bylaws. Commissioner Alden said that during the meeting, the Administrative Services Director was texting and checking email. Commissioner Stein said that it is an age -based behavior. Commissioner Alden said that texting during a meeting is rude. Commissioner Trites Rolle asked what changed that caused a strained relationship between the Council and HRC. Manager Ahrens said there were a number of issues this year that may have created concern— the oncernthe HRC continuing work on the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) rent issue after the City Attorney indicated it was not a human rights issue, the HRC not submitting a work plan to the Council, and recently the discovery that the HRC believed it had authority to hear formal grievances like the State Department of Human Rights. She added that the tone of communications has not always been positive and that some conversations should take place in formats other than emails going back and forth, and asking the same questions. Ms. Klevorn said that she was seeking clarification through the emails. She said that 29 citizens asked the HRC to work on the HRA rent issue. She said the HRC did not know it was supposed to do a work plan. Chair Garber said the HRA did not do anything unlawful. Ms. Klevorn said that she had indicated that even if there is no violation on the rent issue, the optics were bad. She wanted to make sure that citizens' voices were heard. The citizens were not getting the answers they wanted so the HRC had to get involved in the issue. She asked if it was okay for the HRC to come to the HRA meeting. Commissioner Stein said that he didn't want to discuss the HRA rent issues again. He would prefer the HRC focus its work on what it is has done the past ten years ---education and referrals. The HRC has not heard grievances, done investigations, or held hearings. Commissioner Alden stated that she doesn't believe the HRC and HRA agree on whether there is a human rights issue involved in the rent structure issue. She asked why Commissioner Stein doesn't want to discuss the HRA issue. Commissioner Stein said that he doesn't think it would be appropriate for him to speak on behalf of the HRA. He said that if there are issues, the need for a meeting between the HRA and HRC could be discussed. Adopted Human Rights Commission Minutes Page 4 of 6 Special Meeting of March 23, 2011 Page 24 Commissioner Alden said that it would be more helpful to have a joint meeting between the HRC and the City Council. She said that the concern expressed in her letter was that the HRC is an advisor to the City Council. She believes it is a conflict of interest for someone to serve on both the Council and HRC. Commissioner Stein said that it is not a legal conflict of interest. The HRC could send an issue to the Council, and if there is a conflict, he would abstain. A conflict of interest could occur with any HRC member. Commissioner Alden said that the HRC could not discuss a complaint of racial profiling with the Police Chief on the commission. She said that if she were a concerned citizen, she would not come to a commission which has the mayor and police chief as members. Commissioner Stein said that if there was a conflict of interest or if a person felt uncomfortable, he would abstain or be excused from the discussion. This could happen with any commissioner. Commissioner Alden said there is a difference in power and fiduciary responsibility of paid, elected officials and volunteer commissioners. Commissioner Alden asked if Cormnissioner Stein felt there was confusion between the roles of HRC and Council when serving in both capacities. Commissioner Stein said he has no confusion about serving in both roles. He said the HRC is an advisory body and since it is not rendering decisions, there is no conflict. Commissioner Stein explained that during his service on the Council, he has received two concerns about racial profiling. Both situations were referred to the Police Chief, who investigated and resolved them. The residents in both situations were satisfied with the outcome. Chair Garber said that if an action against the City is brought to the HRC, there is an inherent conflict. If someone brings a racial profiling case, there would be a conflict with a councilmember also serving as a commissioner. Commissioner Stein said that he would excuse himself from discussion if there was a conflict. Commissioner Alden asked the basis for the decision to appoint three city officials to the HRC, since there were five citizen applicants. She said that city officials have taken citizen places. She wants to know the appointment guidelines that are considered. She previously was told that attendance, participation, and longevity are considered. Commissioner Stein responded that he volunteered to serve because he was interested in the HRC. Discussion continued about the HRA rent issue. Ms. Klevorn stated that at the October 28 HRA meeting, everyone in the room knew she was with the HRC. She stated at the meeting that she was there because the citizens asked that she use her voice due to the fact that they had language difficulties and were elderly and disabled. She lived in two different countries and therefore felt able to assist intellectually. She does not Adopted Human Rights Commission Minutes Page 5 of b Special Meeting of March 23, 2011 Page 25 represent them, but was allowing her voice to be used to convey their thoughts. Ms. Klevorn said she was concerned that the issue dealt with the largest population in Plymouth that is foreign born. She said that coming into City Hall is difficult, and speaking to the Police Chief is difficult for this group. Manager Ahrens said that the HRC continued working on the HRA rent issue even after the City Attorney indicated it was not a human rights issue. Ms. Klevorn said that was not communicated. Commissioner Stein said that everyone within certain income categories were treated the same. No rents were established based on protected classes. Ms. Klevorn said it came forward as an equity issue because the rents differently affected income percentages. She suggested that Commissioner Stein read the latest Plymouth News which indicates that everyone will be charged no more than 37% of income. Commissioner Alden said that she didn't believe this meeting had accomplished anything. Her concerns are not shared by the City Council. She is opposed to three public officials serving on the HRC. Commissioner Stein said that he has no concerns and the City Attorney indicated it is not a conflict of interest. Commissioner Alden said that how commissioners are selected is problematic because citizens were not included. Three city officials took the place of citizens on the HRC. She is disappointed in the process, and the unwillingness of anyone to explain why the previous HRC chair was not reappointed. Ms. Klevorn stated that she also is disappointed that the City Council held the discussion about appointments at a secret meeting, and there are no detailed minutes. Manager Ahrens said the special Council meeting was not secret. It was noticed as a special meeting with a published agenda, and held in this room—identical to the special HRC meeting this evening. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Laurie Ahrens City Manager Adopted Human Rights Commission Minutes Page 6 of 6 Special Meeting of March 23, 2011 Page 26 Approved Minutes Environmental Quality Committee (EQC) April 13, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Kathy Osborne, Committee Members Carlos Gutierrez, Katie Kendrick, Ken Zieska, Andy Polzin, Tawnia Johnson and Student Member Joanne Kuria STAFF PRESENT: Water Resources Manager Derek Asche OTHERS PRESENT: Councilmember Tim Bildsoe 1. Call to Order - 7:00 P.M. 2. Public Forum 3. Approval of Agenda The agenda for the April 13, 2011, EQC meeting was approved as written. 4. Public Information Announcements 5. Consent Agenda A. APPROVAL OF MARCH 9, 2011, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MINUTES Motion by Committee Member Kendrick, seconded by Committee Member Zieska, recommending Mproval of the March 9, 2011, Environmental Quality Committee meeting minutes. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. 6. Public Hearing 7. General Business A. ELM CREEK WATERSHED WIDE TMDL Water Resources Manager Asche introduced Rich Brasch of the Three Rivers Park District and stated that Mr. Brasch will be providing a presentation on the progress of the Elm Creek Watershed Wide Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study. Mr. Brasch provided an overview of the study for the EQC. Chair Osborne inquired about the accuracy of monitoring data. Water Resources Manager Asche replied that in the past there was a problem with backwash from Medicine Lake when the lake is Page 27 Environmental Quality Committee Minutes April 13, 2011 Page 2 at high level. He said the park district is on top of the problem and felt that the monitoring data collected is excellent. Chair Osborne asked if the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) could require more watershed -wide TMDL's in the future. Water Resources Manager Asche explained that watershed wide TMDL's can be beneficial and said that the MPCA is considering the possibility. Chair Osborne asked if the City contributes funding. Water Resources Manager Asche replied that the City funds a portion of the Elm Creek Watershed Commission's operational budget that includes the development of TMDL's, education and the review of plans for developments in the watershed. He said the cost will not be known until the study is complete and the reductions are known. B. CONSIDER EQC PARTICIPATION IN THE ADOPT -A -STREET PROGRAM Water Resources Manager Asche informed the EQC of an opportunity to take part in the City's Adopt -a -Street program. He explained that the program is a vehicle for local groups, organizations and individuals to adopt a city street in Plymouth and pledge to clean up and maintain the area for two years. He said the City would provide safety vests, trash bags, bags for recyclables, bag pick-up and disposal and also signage indicating that the EQC has adopted the street. Committee Member Zieska asked if there are drain grates in the area and would the EQC be responsible for them. Water Resources Manager Asche replied that there are catchbasins and drain grates and the EQC would only be responsible for cleaning the outside of them. Chair Osborne suggested storm drain stickers be placed on the catchbasins. Motion by Committee Member Zieska, seconded by Committee Member Johnson, recommending approval of participation by the EQC in the City of Plymouth Adopt -a -Street program by adopting Dunkirk Lane between County Road 6 and County Road 24 with assistance from the volunteer group at Wayzata High School. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Councilmember Bildsoc suggested that the event be placed on the June and September EQC agendas in order to schedule the cleanup dates for July and October. Chair Osborne requested an event reminder from Water Resources Manager Asche. He will also prepare the registration, provide waiver forms for members and volunteers and order signage. Student Member Kuria will recruit five to 10 volunteers from Wayzata High School. Page 28 Environmental Quality Committee Minutes April 13, 2011 Page 3 A motion was made recommending that the EQC meet at Fire Station No. 3 on May 1, 2011 at 12:00 p.m, for the first Adopt -a -Street cleanup event. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. It was decided that the event would be held in rain or shine. 8. Reports and Staff Recommendations A. FOLLOW-UP ON OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2011 FARMERS MARKET Committee Member Gutierrez suggested EQC representation at the Farmer's Market in Plymouth. He stated that information could be provided to residents about composting and stated that his wife is willing to man the booth. Water Resources Manager Asche stated that the Park & Recreation Dept. has space available at the Farmers Market. Since there are two EQC meetings before the market begins, he suggested that the EQC discuss the details at the next EQC meeting. 9. Future Meetings - May 11, 2011 10. Adiournment With no objection, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Page 29 Helping People. Changing Lives. community Ply►tout% Community Report fictiolial) Individuals Served by CAPSH in P A R T N E R S H I P RM Or OF SUBURBAN HENNEPIN Plymouth and Suburban AMERICA's POVERTY 11CHFING NETWORK Hennepin County in 2010 (below data represents only a CA,PSH is a community action agency portion of services offered by working in all of Suburban Hennepin CAPSH): County to improve the lives of low-income people. We offer services to individuals through outreach, energy assistance programs, homeownership services and financial counseling in the 45 communities that make up Hennepin County. Suburban Hennepin makes up 66% of the County's population and 20% of the state of Minnesota, or just over 750,000 residents. Together with over 100 partners and collaborations CAPSHstrives to meet its mission: Helphig people become self=sr.� f ficient utid strengthening coimm.mities thror.Igh sen ce, o education and collaboration. Plymouth Energy Assistance *Suburban Hennepin • Plymouth Food Support *Suburban Hennepin �r Plymouth Foreclosure Prevention *Suburban Hennepin Plymouth Homeowners Workshop *Suburban Hennepin 959 36,603 8 128 55 2840 19 633 F• OryLar Ilrryi r,. }.� Tarnrliip .�.__ _ Champlin Gr4oWhid Corzorm MMOOGMWO Brooklyn Pak t� J"kyn .�• f••Cy_�CQItI Plow ' I11Q�MldMld • Mr�r P1r1110Hi1! r6dM M ro �• Ono ,y l L Minnerpoll; to r illarllki riuk�,kr rN,,,,W ,. � Mir•r•roiie - � Edna jRlthHdE�'Altpar� !M As a non,profit apfency, Comnitinity Action Partnership of SlIbUrhan Hennepin relics on the generosity of individuals and the communities it serves. Please consider: • Volunteering • Donating For more information please call 952-697.1311 va M W "_-.+I.^.?+..' - - CAPSH has adopted and operates un- der the Six National Goals set by the Of fice of Con-imunity Services (part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). The Six National / CAPSH Goals are: => Low-income people become more self sufficient. The conditions in which low-income people live are improved. Low-income people own a stake in their community. Partnerships among supporters and pro- viders of services to low-income people are achieved. => Agencies increase their capacity to achieve results. Low-income people, especially vulner- able populations, achieve their potential by strengthening family and other suppor- tive systerns. Poverty Information for Plymouth and Sub- urban Hennepin County Plymouth and Minnesota unemployment Rates March 2011: Plymouth: 2.4 % MN: 6.6 • Combined value of all Plymouth properties foreclosed since January 2010: $52�336�741.09 • The average cost of a Plymouth foreclosed property: $21$,069.75 Community Acl; on Partnership 3800 HighwIlY 7 Suite 401 St. Louis Park MN 55426 Picone: 952-933-9639 tivww.capsh.org i AIS LAC Association of Medicine Lake Area Citizens May 10, 2011 Dear Ms. Wyatt, We applaud TRPD's efforts in going after money to fund inspectors and its support of the DNB's bills in the House and Senate. But AMLAC is so disappointed in your response, and we urge TRPD to make a more assertive effort in preventing the spread of AIS to Medicine Lake. We believe that your reasons for refusing to close the public access to Medicine Lake can all be overcome with a little effort by all of us: In response to the points in your letter, we say: ■ Just because other lakes in the county such as Parkers Lake MAY become infested with zebra mussels is NOT a reason to refuse to close the public launch site on Medicine Lake when inspectors are not available. It is relying on this kind of reasoning that has led to the infestation in many lakes of other invasive species. It is imperative that we take aggressive action to stop invasive species from spreading; sitting idly by because something MAY happen elsewhere is NOT a prevention strategy. There are no private boat launches on the lake. Harty's launches its own rental boats. AMLAC is very willing to work with Harty's on a prevention plan. In fact, AMLAC has already been in touch with Joe Harty about this issue, and we will continue to talk with him. Harty's has a vested interest in keeping the lake in good health as do the private property owners. An infested lake is not a good selling point. AMLAC agrees there are many private property owners on the lake, but relatively few launch their boats from their homes. AMLAC already has in place several ways to educate property owners as to the dangers of AIS. Why not "an AIS program unique to Medicine Lake"? Lake associations across the state are working on numerous and varied prevention plans. A prevention plan tailored for a specific lake ("unique") -- such as closing the public launch site when inspectors are unavailable — may be the key to stopping this infestation in THIS lake. If drastic measures are not taken, ZM will cause irreparable harm to the ecosystem of the lake, and we'll all lose this wonderful resource. Remember, the very first infestation of EWM in the state was in 1987 in Lake Minnetonka. Two years later, we had it in Medicine Lake. With ZM now found in Lake Minnetonka, Medicine Lake is at very high risk. Lake Tahoe, one of the most well known lakes in the country and larger by far than Lake Minnetonka, has in place an extremely successful AIS prevention program that includes closing public launch sites (of which there are many) when inspectors aren't available. We can learn and should from successful AIS preventions from around the Page 32 country. If such a large lake can do this, so can we. http://www.trpa.orWdefault.aspx?tabid=351 AMLAC urges TRPD to take stronger action than the current programs listed in your letter. There is no remedy for ZM infestation! This summer is a critical time — perhaps our ONLY opportunity — to institute a prevention program. AMLAC is willing to contact its members to ask for volunteers to be trained by the DNR as boat inspectors for Medicine Lake's boat launch. TRPD could buy or rent an I -LIDS system or similar electronic device to monitor the boat launch. See info at http_/_/www. environmental sentrv.con-1Jfag.htm. TRPD could use the temporary closings as a PR campaign to heighten awareness of the zebra mussel problem. Sincerely, AMLAC Board of Directors: Terrie Christian president Karen Berge Tom Gallagher Gary Holter Holly Martin Julie Rumsey, vice president Kevin Christian Teri Haberman Kip Leonard Bill Wixon CC: City of Plymouth City of Medicine Lake Bassett Creek Watershed management Organization Hennepin County Commissioners Metropolitan Council Minnesota DNR Senator Terri Bonoff Representative Sarah Anderson Three Rivers Board of Commissioners Cris Gears, Superintendent, TRPD Page 33