HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 09-16-2011CITY OF PLYMOUTH
rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO
September 16, 2011
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Planning Commission Agenda September 21, 2011............................................................................ Page 2
Plymouth Donor Center Grand Re -opening September 21, 2011 ........................................................ Page 3
West Metro Water Alliance Workshop September 21, 2011................................................................ Page 6
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Public Hearing September 22, 2011 ......................................... Page 7
Out -of -School -Time Learning Summit October 13, 2011................................................................. Page 10
September, October, November, 2011 Official City Meeting Calendars .......................................... Page 12
Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ................................................... Page 15
INFORMATION
News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc ...
Legislators work to restore homestead credit, Minnesota Public Radio ........................................... Page 17
iWATCH Program, City of Plymouth News Release......................................................................... Page 19
Open House for presentation of Four Seasons Mall Study, City of Plymouth News Release ............ Page 20
MEETING MINUTES
Environmental Quality Committee Minutes..................................................................................... Page 22
STAFF REPORTS
Entertainment in the Parks 2011 Recap............................................................................................ Page 25
Page 1
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, September 21, 2011
WHERE: MEDICINE LAKE ROOM
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 September 7, 2011 Planning Commission meeting minutes.
B. Ultimate Events. Approve a variance to allow outside storage within a portion of a
front year area at 13405 151h Avenue. (2011063)
C. Loucks Associates. Approve a site plan amendment for a building expansion and
related site improvements at TURCK, Inc. at 5000 Fernbrook Lane. (2011064)
D. Skyline Design. Approve a variance for impervious surface coverage to allow a
room addition at 1151 Black Oaks Lane. (2011068)
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Pulte Group. Preliminary plat for The Willows Third Addition. (2011066)
B. Original Pancake House. Conditional use permit for a restaurant in Plymouth Plaza
Shopping Center at 1455 County Road 101. (2011069)
C. Team Definition Fitness. Conditional use permit for a fitness training facility at
3700 Annapolis Lane. (2011070)
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. HGA. Site plan amendment for a building and parking expansion at Hazelden
Center for Youth and Families at 11505 361h Avenue. (2011065)
8. ADJOURNMENT
Page 2
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WEST METRO WATER ALLIANCE
3235 FERNBROOK LANE I PLYMOUTH, MN 55447
763.553.1144 1 judie Diass_biz
he iii '+Y http://tinyurl.com/westmetrowa
West Metro Water Alliance
2011 Workshop Series
Dr. Patrick G. Welle, Bemidji State University, will keynote final WMWA workshop
The West Metro Water Alliance will host the last in its 2011 series of educational workshops on
Wednesday, September 21, 2011. Dr. Patrick G. Welle, Bemidji State University, will be the keynote
speaker. His topic will be, "Sustaining Socio -Economic Values of Lakes: Findings on Water Clarity and
Lakeshore Properties. Dr. Welle's recent research includes economic analysis of values to property
owners of reducing pollution to impaired lakes in selected watersheds in Minnesota.
Entitled, Path to Clean Water — Understanding TMDLs and Watershed Planning, this final forum will
begin with an introduction to Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Studies. Othertopics will include TMDL
Implementation: Moving from Load Reduction to Resource Development; Protecting Non -Impaired
Resources; and Crafting an Effective Environmental Education and Outreach Program.
In partnership with Hennepin County Environmental Services, the Three Rivers Park District, and the
Freshwater Society, the West Metro Water Alliance (WMWA) has targeted these forums to city elected
officials, advisory commission members, and city staff. Previous topics included stormwater volume
management to reduce runoff and nutrient management to improve water quality.
A telephone survey conducted for WMWA found very strong support for protecting and improving
Minnesota's lakes and streams, with 75 percent of respondents believing that clean water is very
important, even considering all the other issues and needs facing their communities. The goal of the
workshops is to help key decision -makers and their advisors make informed decisions that will protect
and improve water quality, sustain property values, and make the most effective use of tax dollars. The
workshops are intended to provide information and management tools as well as an opportunity to
share success stories and learn from peers in other cities and counties.
The workshop will begin at 5:30 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. A light supper will be served at 5:30,
Site of this final workshop will be Brookview Community Center, 200 Brookview Parkway, Golden Valley.
Cost for the workshop is $10.00. To reserve your place, visit www.hennepin.us/waterforums
Z:\West Metro Water Alliance\Workshops 2011\Summary description for website Sept 13 2011.doc
BASSETT CREEK: 'Crystal • Golden Valley • Medicine Lake • Minneapciis • Minnetonka • New Hope • Plymouth • Robbinsdale • St. Louis Park
ELM CREEK: Champlin • Corcoran • Dayton • Hassan a Maple Grove • Medina s Plymouth • Rogers
PIONEER -SARAH CREEK: Greenfield # Independence . Loretto . Maple Plain • Medina • Minnetrista
SHINGLE CREEK: Brooklyn Center . Brooklyn Park . Crystal . Maple Grove • Minneapolis • New Hope + Osseo . Plymouth • Robbinsdale
WEST MISSISSIPPI: Brooklyn Center . Brooklyn Park • Champlin s Maple Grove • Osseo
Page 6
MIN NEHAHA CREEK ('M -IAM) WATERSHED DISTRICT
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QUALITY OF WATER QUALITY OF LIFE
September 13, 2011
To: City Administrators, City Managers, County Administrators
Dear City Administrator/City Manager/County Administrator,
Attached is the formal notice of a public hearing ors September 22, 2011
regarding a proposed purchase of property in Hopkins by the Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District (MCWD). As noted, the hearing will be held at 6:30 pm at
the MCWD offices in Deephaven. In addition to formal notice in newspapers
and on our website, we provide additional notice to all cities within the watershed
district of public hearings on capital improvement projects.
We want to take this opportunity to provide sonic information about the MCWD
Land Conservation and Restoration Program and this transaction in the event
your city or residents have questions.
The MCWD Land Conservation and Restoration Program is an effective
approach to improving water quality and protecting natural resources within the
Twin Cities metro arca. Our effort to improve Minnehaha Creek is one of the
most significant environmental restoration projects being undertaken in the Twin
Cities. A few key principles are guiding our work on this Minnehaha Creek
restoration program:
1. Develop cost-effective projects that can have a measureable impact on
improving water duality, enhancing natural environments along the creek
watershed and providing important storanwater and flood management
benefits.
2. Work in partnership with other local governments, homeowners and
businesses.
3. Implement the projects with a financially responsible approach and
minimize impacts to other parties.
The proposed acquisition in Hopkins meets all of these principles. Specifically,
here are sorne details:
■ The property is 16.9 acres, adjacent to Minnehaha Creek, located at 325
Blake Road, Hopkins. The parcel is an older industrial property with
cold storage buildings currently occupying the site.
■ Our plan is to restore about 1,000 feet of shoreline in one of the most
degraded sections of the creek. The area will become a natural buffer to
lielp clean and slow run-off water before it enters the creek, provide
reasonable public access and improve water quality.
■ The cost of the 16.9 acre acquisition is $14.95M to be financed by
NICWD bond proceeds with repayment through the MCWD watershed
tax levy. Since we will retain the existing businesses on the property
18202 Minnetonka Boulevard, Deephaven, PIN 55391 a Office: (952) 471-0590 s Fax: (952) 471-0682 • www.minreh..ihacreek.org
Page 7
until some future time, the lease payments by the existing storage
businesses will help cover annual financing costs.
Consistent with watershed plans, we will explore opportunities to return
the balance of the property to private development when current leases
expire, which will allow us to recover a good portion of the original
property acquisition costs.
The proposed acquisition by the MCWD is one component of a larger
partnership with the Cities of Hopkins and St. Louis Park aimed at
restoring creek watershed areas between Hwy. 169 and Methodist
Hospital. This purchase supports redevelopment goals for Hopkins while
helping achieve the MCWD's goals. We also have begun discussing this
project with area landowners and feedback to date has generally
supported proceeding with this acquisition and restoration project.
In conclusion, we believe this proposed acquisition is a great opportunity to
improve the MCWD watershed with a financing approach that minimizes costs to
the taxpayer and creates an opportunity for future redevelopment and
enhancement to the tax base in Hopkins,
Please contact us if you have any questions or need more information. Of course,
if any residents in your city have questions, feel free to have them contact the
IViCWD office. Thank you.
Sincerely,
L. Eric Evenson, MCWD Administrator
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PUBLIC NOTICE
MTM-NEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT
Minn. Stat. § 103B.251
4n Thursday, September 22nd 2011, at 6.30 p.m., the Minnehaha Creels Watershed District
(MCWD) Board of Managers will hold a public hearing concerning the purchase of
approximately 16.9 acres located at 325 Blake Road, Hopkins. The cost of the acquisition is
$14,950,000 to be financed by MCWD bond proceeds with repayment through the MCWD's
watershed tax levy. This acquisition is part of the MCWD's Land Conservation and Restoration
Program, which works with other local units of government, private 'business and residents to to
protect water quality and ecological resources within the MCWD.
The hearing will be held at the MCWD Lower Level Meeting_ Room, 18202 Minnetonka
Boulevard, Deephaven, MN 55391.
If you have any questions regarding this meeting, please call Mark Ten Eyck at 952.641.4502.
Page 9
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Join us on October 13
OUT -OF -SCHOOL -TIME
LEARNING SUMMIT
"aur Call to A.ctioll for Out -of -School Time
LC arni116 i11 BXooklL)11 Centex mid Bxookli] 11 Park"
Hosted by Mayor Tim Willson and Mayor Jeff Lunde
Featured Speakers.
Mayor Chris Coleman, City of St. Paul
Jim Cheshire, Chicago Allies for Youth Success
Keith Dixon, Interim Superintendent Centennial Schools
Thursday, October 13, 2011
9 A.M. to 3:301 P.M.
use at
gh USA
nbrook Crossing
lyn Park, MN 55443
LIMITED
SEATING
Continental
breakfast and
lunch provide
at no cost v
reservation before
Page 10
Join us for the Out -of -School -Time Summit focused exclusively
on strategic issues for building capacity in the Brooklyn Park and
Brooklyn Center areas to improve and coordinate programs for youth dur-
ing out of school times.
Learn connect with professionals across disciplines and learn from
each others' experiences.
Lead - capacity building efforts to expand quality learning opportunities.
Grow - perspectives from national and local speakers on timely topics
that will challenge you to think about the issue of the importance
of out -of -school-time learning.
Create - an action plan for the Brooklyn Alliance to put into action.
Gather - new resources and network with other attendees throughout the day.
RSVP today for this summit designed to support you and
your work with young people and create an action plan
for your community.
Reservations required by Sept 30, 2011
RSVP: jan.ficken@brooklynpark.org
or call Jan at 763-493-8340
Thursday, October 13, 9-3:30
The Clubhouse at Edinburgh USA
Complimentary continental breakfast,
lunch and be
Limited seatint
RSVP by 9/30/1
a
City of
Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
September 2011
Modified on 09/16/11
E.HANGt] Axk MAut In KGU
Page 12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
SPECIAL COUNCIL
PLANNING
PARK & REC
MEETING
COMMISSION
ADVISORY
LABOR DAYBudget
Study Session
MEETING
COMMISSION
Medicine Lake Room
Council Chambers
CPRAC) MEETING
CITY OFFICES
Council Chambers
CLOSED
11
12
13
147:00
15
16
17
7:00 PM
PM
REGULAR COUNCILI
ENVIRONMENTAL
MEETING
QUALITY
Council Chambers
COMMITTEE
(EQC) MEETING
Parkers Lake Room
18
19
20
21 7:00 PM
22
23
24 9:ooAM
6:00-9:00 PM
PLYMOUTH
PLANNING
OPEN HOUSE
FIREFIGHTERS 5K
COMMISSION
FOUR SEASONS
Fire Station 112
MEETING
MALL STUDY
Medicine Lake Roam
Plymouth Creek
Center
11:30 AM
PLYMOUTH ON
CANCELLED
PARADE
HRA MEETING
CELEBRATION
Parkers Lake Room
I City Center Area
25
26
27 5:30 PM
28
29
30
SPECIAL COUNCIL
MEETING"
Medicine Lake Room
7:00 PM
REGULAR COUNCIL
MEETING
Medicine Lake Roam
Rash Hashanah
• Joint meeting with PA
to discuss operations
Begins at Sunset
Modified on 09/16/11
E.HANGt] Axk MAut In KGU
Page 12
City of
Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
October 2011
Modified on 09/16/11 Center
Page 13
1
2
3
4 6:30 PM
5 7:00 PM
6
7
8
VOLUNTEER
PLANNING
RECOGNITION
COMMISSION
EVENT
MEETING
Plymouth Creek
Medicine Lake Room
Center
Yom Kippur
Begins at Sunset
9
10 NE�
11
12
13
14
15
5:30 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
SPECIAL COUNCIL
ENVIRONMENTAL
PARK Et REC
12:00-3:00 PM
MEETING*
QUALITY
ADVISORY
FIRE DEPT.
COLUMBUS DAY
Medicine Lake Room
COMMITTEE
COMMISSION
OPEN HOUSE
Observed
(EQC) MEETING
(PRAC) MEETING{'
Fire Station III
7:00 PM
Parkers Lake Room
Plymouth Ice Center
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC
REGULAR COUNCIL
WORKS DIVISION
MEETING
CLOSED
Medicine Lake Room
16
17
18 6:00 PM
19 7:00 PM
20
21
22
SPECIAL COUNCIL
PLANNING
MEETING`*
COMMISSION
Medicine Lake Room
MEETING
Medicine Lake Room
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
REGULAR COUNCIL
HRA MEETING
MEETING
Parkers Lake Room
Medicine Lake Room
6:00-8:00 P
* Review applications for
and 2 Council Position
Halloween o
and U
date with City Manager
the Creek
in
11 Plymouth Creej
"Conduct Interviews for
Ward 2 Council Position
Modified on 09/16/11 Center
Page 13
r� Plymouthr;;�
Adding Quality to Life
November 2011
Modified on 09116111
Page 14
1
2 7:00 PM
3 7:00 PM
4
5
PLANNING
HUMAN RIGHTS
COMMISSION
COMMITTEE
MEETING
MEETING
Medicine Lake Room
Parkers Lake Room
6
7
8 8:00 P"
REGULAR
9 7:00 PM
10
11
12
COUNCIL MEETING
ENVIRONMENTAL
Medicine Lake Room
QUALITY
VETERANS DAY
SPECIAL
COMMITTEE
Observed
COUNCIL MEETING
(EQC) MEETING
CITY OFFICES
Immediately Follow-
Parkers Lake Room
CLOSED
ing Regular Meeting
Budget Study Session
Medicine Lake Room
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
PLANNING
HRA MEETING
COMMISSION
Parkers Lake Room
MEETING
Medicine Lake Room
20
21
22
123
24 jj�
25
26
7:00 PM
REGULAR COUNCI
MEETING
Medicine Lake Roam
THANKSGIVING
THANKSGIVING
HOLIDAY
HOLIDAY
CITY OFFICES
CITY OFFICES
CLOSED
CLOSED
27
28
29
30
7:00 PM
PLYMOUTH
ADVISORY
COMMITTEE ON
TRANSIT (PACT)
MEETING
Medicine Lake Room
Modified on 09116111
Page 14
Tentative Schedule for
City Council Agenda Items
September 27, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Room
• Joint meeting with Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit to discuss operations
September 27, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room
• Approve a Home Occupation License for a window washing business at 15620 9t11 Avenue.
Dai -id Felt. (2011039) (Tabled,fr-om Septembea-13)
• Set public hearing to consider acting as the Host City for a Private Activity Bond Issuance
(Hazelden)
• Approve contract with Check Diversion Program, LLC to provide a Worthless Check Diversion
Program
• Set assessment hearing for delinquent utilities and other charges
• Approve Temporary Liquor License for West Lutheran High School for an event on October 15
• Approve renewal application of Wayzata Youth Hockey Association for lawful gambling at
Broadway Pizza, 13705 27t" Avenue North
• Declare Costs to be Assessed and Set Assessment Hearing, Sun Court Mill and Overlay Project
(11006)
• Approve Grant Agreement with Hennepin County Receiving Waste Abatement Incentive Grant
Funds for Multi -Family Recycling and Waste Abatement
• Accept Streets and Utilities for Continual Maintenance, Elm Creek Highlands (2009046)
• Accept Utilities for Continual Maintenance for Utility Installation Agreement (2010096)
• Establishing 25 mph school speed zones on Old Rockford Road (Kimberly Lane Elementary),
Peony Lane (Wayzata High School) and Schmidt Lake Road (Providence Academy)
• Approve a variance for outside storage within a portion of a front yard area at 13405 15`h
Avenue. Ultimate Events. (2011063)
• Approve a site plan amendment for a building expansion and related site improvements at
TURCK, Inc. at 5000 Fernbrook Lane. Loucks Associates. (2011064)
• Approve a site plan amendment for a building expansion and related site improvements at
Hazelden Center for Youth and Families at 11505 36`' Avenue. HGA. (2011065)
• Approve a conditional use permit for a restaurant at Plymouth Plaza Shopping Center at 1455
County Road 101. Original Pancake Hoarse/Savik Hunter Inc. (2011069)
October 11, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Room
• Quarterly update with City Manager
• Review applications for Ward 2 Council position
October 11, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room
• Public hearing to approve Host City for a Private Activity Bond Issuance (Hazelden)
• Four Seasons Mall study
• Assessment hearing for Annapolis Lane Street Reconstruction Project (11002)
• Assessment hearing for Peony Lane Mill and Overlay Project (11007)
• Hearing on delinquent utilities and other charges
• Announce Fire Department Open House on October 15 at Fire Station III
October 18, Special, 6:00 p.m., ,Medicine Lake Room
• Conduct interviews for Ward 2 Council position
Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council: all other topics are tentatil�c. Page 15
October 25, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room
• Assessment hearing for Lancaster Lane Mill and Overlay Project and Watermain Replacement
(11010)
• Assessment hearing for Suncourt Street Mill and Overlay Project (11006)
• Presentation of donation from the Wayzata Youth Hockey Association for hockey goal lights at
the Plymouth Ice Center
November 8, Regular, 8:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room
• Approve 2012 Regular Council Meeting Schedule
November 8, Special, Immediately following Regular Meeting, Medicine Lake Room
• Discuss 2012 Budget
November 22, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room
• Announce Old Fashioned Christmas on December 4 at Plymouth Historical Society Building
December 13, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
• Adopt the 2012 Budgets and Tax Levies and 2012-2016 Capital Improvement Program
• Recognize Police Citizen Academy Graduates
• Approve 2012 Tobacco License renewals
• Announce New Year's Eve Event at the Plymouth Ice Center
Page 16
Legislators work to restore homestead credit
by Tim Pugmire, Minnesota Public Radio
September 14, 2011
St. Paul, Minn. — Responding to growing frustration by Minnesota homeowners who are angry
that the state will eliminate a longtime tax break, two DFL legislators say they plan to restore the
market value homestead credit.
State Rep. Ann Lenczewski, DFL -Bloomington, unveiled the legislation today, even though the
Legislature won't convene for another four months. She said Minnesotans who are not aware that
the credit has disappeared may find out this week, as local govermnent officials set their
preliminary tax levies for next year.
"This is when Minnesotans will wake up and say'What happened to my homestead credit?' and'I
want my homestead credit back,'" she said.
The homestead credit program provided about S538 million in property tax relief over two years
to about 95 percent of homeowners. The state paid local governments to make up for the loss in
revenue, which this year averaged about $202 per home. The maximum was $304.
To reach the budget deal that erased a $5 billion budget deficit and ended the state -government
shutdown, Gov. Mark Dayton signed the Republican -backed tax bill that eliminated the credit.
The deal replaced the credit with a new program called the homestead market value exclusion,
which will lower the value of a person's home for tax purposes.
Lenczewski isn't buying the substitute.
"The exclusion is a delusion, or at best an illusion," she said.
Lenczewski said the resulting lower tax base will force local governments to increase property
taxes.
"If you have a home that's worth 5200,000, and now for tax purposes you're going to be taxed at
S 180,000 say, you've shrunk the base," she said. "Now the city council has to come in and levy a
higher rate to get the exact same dollar they got the day before, or they could cut."
The bill's co-author, state Rep. Paul Marquart, DFL -Dilworth, said he's already heard an earful
from constituents who are upset by the changes. Marquart said rural Minnesota will be hit
especially hard by the elimination of the homestead credit because it applied to all but the most
expensive homes.
"We don't have a lot of homes [valued at] over $414,000 where the program applies to," he said.
"You're talking about almost every single home losing this homestead credit, which means an
increase in property tares."
Page 17
Marquart and Lenczewski blame Republicans for ending the credit. But they're asking those
same Republicans to now join them in a bipartisan effort to bring it back for the ?01; tax year.
They didn't say how they would pay for it.
Republicans point out that the state fully reimbursed local governments for the market value
homestead credit just once in the last eight years.
State Rep. Jenifer Loon, R -Eden Prairie, said the new exclusion brings certainty to the property
tax system.
"I think where we get into trouble is when cities or local governments are promised certain
amounts of money forthcoming or benefits from the state," said Loon, vice chairwoman of the
House Tax Committee. "And when those monies don't flow as promised, then they are in a
budgeting bind."
The homestead credit flap is just the latest effort by House Democrats to blame local property tax
increases on Republicans, who hold the majority of seats. Democrats also argue that GOP
decisions on education funding are the reason so many school districts will seek voter -approved
tax increases this fall.
Page 18
City of Plymouth
Dews Release
For Immediate Release
September 9, 2011
Contact:
Angela Haseman
763-509-5147
MATCH program helps citizens keep their community safe
Plymouth, NIIN — A new community awareness program, designed to educate the public about
behaviors and activities that may have a connection to terrorism, has been rolled out on the City of
Plymouth's website. The program, called iWATCH, equips citizens to recognize and report suspicious
behavior. The iWATCH program builds on Department of Homeland Security's "See Something, Say
Something" campaign.
iWATCH was developed by the LA Police Department, and is used by cities and counties from
Los Angeles to Miami -Dade and Washington, DC. The Plymouth Police Department adopted it after a
review of public education programs from around the country.
The LAPD material is easily customized for Plymouth, according Officer Angela Haseman.
"The program emphasizes the personal responsibility of each citizen right in its name and its tagline, `I
watch, I report, I keep us safe,"' Haseman said.
The public plays an important role in stopping terrorism and other criminal activity. According
to a recent FBI report, 40 percent of the foiled terrorist attacks in the past few years were stopped as
the result of reports from citizens.
"We are all experts in our daily lives and surroundings," Haseman pointed out. "We are the
ones who can identify behaviors that are out of the ordinary and, possibly, criminal." The iWATCH
web page has fact sheets, tips and videos to help private citizens, business owners and landlords keep
themselves and their community safe.
The program builds on many of the principles of the Neighborhood Watch program. "It's about
behavior and actions," Haseman added. "It's not about how a person looks."
Learn more about how you can keep your home, business and community safe at
plymouthmn.gov/iwatch.
Page 19
City of Plymouth
News Release
For Immediate Release Contact:
September 12, 2011 Steve Juetten
763-509-5401
Sept. 22 open house to highlight Four Seasons Mall study
Plymouth, MN — The second phase of a redevelopment study of the Four Seasons Mall site,
located on the southwest quadrant of County Road 9 and Highway 169, will be presented to the public
on Wed., Sept. 22 at the Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34'x' Ave. N.
The open house will run from 6 to 9 p.m., offering attendees a chance to hear a presentation as
well as informally talk with city staff and consultants. The presentation will be made at 6 p.m. and
repeated at 7:45 p.m.
Phase two of the study focuses on developing guiding principles for redevelopment of the mall
site. The guiding principles address issues such as landscaping, lighting, architectural standards,
building materials, access, storm water management, open space and traffic.
In addition to presenting the draft guiding principles, the city's consultant will also show
concept plans that demonstrate how the principles might help shape future redevelopment of the site,
according to Community Development Director Steve Juetten.
The concept plans are based on a market study for the site that was completed earlier this year
as well as feedback received at public meetings. "The concept plans are merely an attempt to
demonstrate how the guiding principles might help shape future development," Juetten said.
"The concepts will illustrate how the principles might be used to incorporate amenities and
environmental improvements in future redevelopment proposals, and the impact the concept proposals
would have on traffic and water quality," added Juetten.
The overall intent of the redevelopment study is to look at how the site -- currently hoarse to a
1978 vintage mall that is largely vacant -- might redevelop in coming years. Juetten says the study is
affording time for thoughtful analysis of how the gateway site to the corrnnunity might be redeveloped.
Juetten emphasizes that the study will help the city determine how it might balance successful
redevelopment of the site with meeting local needs, addressing water quality issues. incorporating
amenities and fitting with the neighborhood.
Page 20
More than 150 people attended a May open house to hear about phase one of the
redevelopment study, which included the findings of a market study. The market study looked at
current demographic and economic trends, the site's strengths and weaknesses and other area
development. The study also considered potential uses for the site, including senior housing, general
office, medical office. community (larger) retail and neighborhood (smaller) retail.
To allow time to conduct the planning study, the Plymouth City Council passed an interim
ordinance on Dec. 14, 2010. It prohibits redevelopment of the Four Seasons Niall site for one year fi-om
that date.
The City of Plymouth is working with the Bassett Creek Watershed and Hennepin County to
conduct the planning study. The Metropolitan Council, a regional planning agency, provided $100,000
in funding for the study. Hennepin County contributed $18,500.
The draft guiding principles, concept plans and market study are available for review on the
city website. You can also sign up to receive email notifications when new information about the study
is posted on the city website. For more information, visit plymoutlunn.gov/four-seasons.
Page 21
Approved Minutes
Environmental Quality Committee (EQC)
August 10, 2011
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Kathy Osborne, Committee Members Ken Zieska, Tawnia
Johnson, Andy Polzin and Student Members Joanne Kuria and Laura Sater
MEMBERS ABSENT: Committee Members Katie Kendrick and Carlos Gutierrez
STAFF PRESENT: Water Resources Manager Derek Asche and Office Support Specialist Patty
Hillstrom
1. Call to Order - 7:03 P.M.
2. Public Forum
3. Approval of Agenda
Motion by Committee Member Johnson, seconded by Committee Member Zieska,
recommending approval of the August 10, 2011, Environmental Qualit'y Committee mecting
agenda as written. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
4. Public Information Announcements
5. Consent Agenda
A. APPROVAL OF .JUNE 8, 2011, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Motion by Committee Member Polzin, seconded by Committee Member Johnson,
recommending approval of the June 8. 2011, Environmental Quality Committee meeting
minutes. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
6. Public Hearin
7. General Business
A. COMPOSTING GRANT PROGRAM
Committee Member Zieska stated that the Fanners Market was a great experience and noted that
the EQC booth is well located with a nice display that includes an informational booklet and
posters. He explained that there is a huge need for a compost area for vegetative waste at the
Farmers Market.
Page 22
Environmental Quality Committee Minutes
August 10, 2011
Page 2
Committee Member Zieska reported that "Going Green" will be the focus of the September 14
Farmers Market and stated that the Park and Recreation Department requested the EQC provide
reusable totes to hand out at the event. Water Resources Manager Asche will check with
Environmental Education Coordinator Margie Vigoren for availability of the totes.
Water Resources Manager Asche asked the EQC for a review of the composting grant program
and application and suggested that the EQC provide the means for residents to complete the
entire project by subsidizing the cost of a compost bin, a garden and offering free workshops.
Committee Member Zieska suggested providing samples of different types of compost bins.
The EQC reviewed the Composting Grant Program and made edits to the application. The
highlights of the program include.
• The maximum grant amount available for a composting project is $100
• Participants must attend a composting workshop
• Participants would be required to purchase a compost bin. Compost bins would be
available from RAM or could be purchased elsewhere.
• The garden start up is not required for participation in the grant program. if a garden is
desired, the type of garden is the choice of the homeowner.
• Payment will made upon completion of project and submission of payment request and
receipts
Water Resources Manager Asche suggested accepting applications through February 29, 2012,
with review of applications by the EQC at their March 14, 2012, meeting.
Committee Member Johnson suggested a binder with pictures of EQC projects for use at events.
Student Member Kuria asked how the grant program will be advertised. Chair Osborne replied
that information about the grant would be in the City newsletter and on the website. Water
Resources Manager Asche added the possibility of utility bill stuffers and Patch.
Chair Osborne asked Student Member Kuria if Wayzata High School has a school newspaper
that could be used to promote the grant. Student Member Kuria replied that the school does have
a weekly newsletter and that the homecoming parade would also be a good place to advertise.
Committee Member Zieska suggested an interview with Student Member Kuria in the school
newsletter about her role on the EQC and the composting grant program. Student Member Kuria
will coordinate a couple articles in the school newspaper starting in January, 2012, and check
into the possibility of a flyer.
Chair Osborne suggested movie theater advertising.
Water Resources Manager Asche will bring the final draft of the Composting Grant Program
back to the EQC for review at their October meeting.
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Environmental Quality Committee Minutes
August 10, 2011
Page 3
8. Reports and Staff Recommendations
Committee Member Polzin reported that the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Committee
meets on August 11, 2011, to discuss their presentation and soon after will want to set dates to
meet with the EQC. Water Resources Manager Asche noted that there is time available at the
November and December EQC meetings.
9. s=uture Meetings - September 14, 2011, Parkers Lake Room (upper level of City Hall)
10. Adiournment
With no objection, the meeting adjourned at 8:.30 p.m.
Page 24
Entertainment in the Parks 2011 Recap
2011, Plymouth's biggest year ever! Renovations at the Hilde Performance Center and increased
sponsorships created wonderful new opportunities for both new and expanded Entertainment in the
Parks programming this year. Not only did the number of concert events increase, staff also added new
events such as `Movies in the Park'. The Entertainment in the Parks series included Music in Plymouth,
numerous concerts, Water Ski Shows, movies, children's theatre, naturalist programs, a carnival and
more.
EXPANDED EVENTS
Concerts
In 2011, Plymouth Parks & Recreation was able to almost double the concert line-up. The number of
concerts grew from 32 concerts in 2009 to 56 concerts in 2011. Traditionally held at the Hilde's
Amphitheatre Stage (Mondays and Thursdays) and the Parkers Lake Stage (Tuesdays), staff expanded
concerts to include Monday nights and taking advantage of the Hilde's new Small Stage to provide a
more intimate venue for small performance groups. As well, we extended the concert season by
extending performances into early September. Parkers Lake was also host to the Kids Koncerts (three
shows, 775 attendees), Summer Carnival (800 attendees) and Water Ski Shows (two shows, 1925
attendees total).
Weather was a challenge for the Parkers Lake Stage events this year. Seven out of the 18 scheduled
concerts were cancelled due to rain or extreme heat. Regardless of the bad weather, we still had great
success garnering our largest total attendance ever at the Parkers Lake Stage events at 4,057.
Prairie Eire Children's Theatre
This highly successful, established children's theatre program was expanded in 2011. Recognizing the
high demand for this program, staff expanded from one to two productions this summer. The two
productions were Beauty and the Beast (June) and Aladdin and his Magic Lamp (August). Each
production included a cast of 75-80 local youth participants and two free public shows. Together they
entertained a total of 1696 audience members.
Page 25
NEW EVENTS
Naturalist Series
The Hilde Small stage was also the venue for our new Naturalist Series. We partnered
with Three Rivers Park District to offer two interactive naturalist programs. The first
program featured turtles and reptiles and the second featured birds of prey. Attendance
ranged from 80 to 125 audience members.
`Modes in the Park'
A debut program at the Hilde Perfomance Center -in 2011, it provided the community eight free family
movies in the park. The first movie, Despicable Me set a great benchmark for movies with over 800
movie-goers in attendance. The average movie attendance was approximately 200 attendees per
movie. Animated films brought in the larger audiences which we will take into account for the 2012
season. A concessions vendor provided a great selection of movie snacks for purchase on-site.
`Movie at the Fieldhouse'
Megamind will be shown as an expanded feature of our community event Plymouth on Parade. The
movie will be shown in conjunction with the Spaghetti Dinner a senior program fundraiser at the
Plymouth Creek Activity Center on Friday, September 23`x.
THREE YEAR COMPARISON - EVENTS AND ATTENDANCE
*2011: at the time this report was generated, two concert and two movie events had yet to be held so those
attendance numbers are not included in the current totals.
Page 26
ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PARKS
2007
2009
2011*
# of Events Attendance
# of Events Attendance
# of Events Attendance
HILDE AMPHITHEATRE STAGE
17 2,625
15 3,750
26
5,205*
MUSIC INPLYMOUTH
1 16,000
1 13,800
1
15,132
HILDE SMALL STAGE
n/a n/a
n/a n/a
11
813
PARKERs LAKE STAGE
13 1,675
16 2,830
18
4,057
TOTALS
31 20,300
32 20,380
56
25,207*
*2011: at the time this report was generated, two concert and two movie events had yet to be held so those
attendance numbers are not included in the current totals.
Page 26