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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 11-18-2011CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO November 18, 2011 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS League of MN Human Rights Commission Annual Meeting 12/02/11 ............................................... Page 1 November, December, 2011 and January 2012 Official City Meeting Calendars .............................. Page 3 Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ..................................................... Page 6 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc ... Minnesota Fire Departments Receive Training Grants, MBFTE News Release ................................. Page 8 MEETING MINUTES HRAMinutes 10/27/11.................................................................................... Planning Commission Minutes 11/02/11......................................................... CORRESPONDENCE Letter from MPCA, RE: Petroleum Tank Release Site Closure ................... Final Comments from I-494 Corridor Commission RE: 50 Year Vision ..... Thank you from Robbinsdale Schools......................................................... Letter to Resident, RE: Rezoning of "The Reserve" property 2011091 ...... Page 9 Page 17 ................................. Page 23 ................................. Page 25 ................................. Page 27 ................................. Page 28 League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions Annual Meeting and 40th Anniversary Celebration December 2, 2011 Dear Human Rights Commissions and Advocates: It is with great pleasure that we announce the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions' Annual Meeting and 40th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, December 2, 2011. The events will take place at Oak Ridge Hotel and Conference Center on the western edge of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. The Center is located on the shores of McKnight Lake, on Highway 41 not too far from the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and practically across the highway from Hazeltine National Golf Course Club. It has easy access from Highway 212 and other west and east bound highways. The schedule is as follows: 3:00 PM Guests registered at the Hotel may check-in 4:00 PM Annual Meeting 5:00 PM Social Hour 6:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM Program and the 2011 Human Rights Award Presentation Local Human Rights Commissions that are members of the League should plan to send a delegate from their Commission to the Annual Meeting at 4:00 to conduct League business, at which time new Board Members will be elected. There is no charge to attend the Annual Meeting. All individuals electing to participate in the celebration, dinner and program are required to preregister and pay for their dinner. Spouses or significant others are welcome to join the celebration. Additionally, a block of hotel rooms has been reserved, but only until November 11, at a reduced rate for single or double occupancy and at one's own expense, for participants requiring a hotel room for the evening. Information about registration for the dinner, reservations for the hotel and payment is included later in this message. Page 1 If your Commission has yet to respond to the request for the 2011 Member Update & Verification Form, please contact Thelma McKenzie. If you would like to nominate an individual to the Board of Directors of the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions, please contact Evelyn Staus. Both of the forms were mailed to your city offices a few weeks ago. For more information or to send your completed forms, Thelma or Evelyn may be reached at: thelma_mckenzie@leagueofmnhumanrightscommissions.org evelyn—staus@leagueofrrmhumanrightscommissions.org We have invited many elected officials, as well as individuals who were instrumental in founding the League. We cannot predict who will attend, but we are certain that the evening will be a wonderful, memorable celebration of the League's history and achievements, yet with plans and hopes for the future. The deadlines are tight and we do not want to disappoint, so a quick response to us for the celebration and to the hotel for your evening stay would be much appreciated. We sincerely hope that you will join us for the evening! League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions Event Committee Ada Alden Vice President of the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions District 10, Director at Large Plymouth Human Rights Committee Georgette Gray District 9, Director at Large Robbinsdale Human Rights Commission Molly Koivumaki District 5, Director at Large Chaska Human Rights Commission Libby Fairchild District 5, Director Chaska Human Rights Commission Marion Helland Long-time Board Member and Officer of the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions Honorary Committee Member Page 2 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life November 2011 Modified on 11118111 Page 3 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 Pm 10 11 12 REGULAR 7:00 PM COUNCIL MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL Medicine Lake Room QUALITY VETERANS DAY SPECIAL COMMITTEE Observed COUNCIL MEETING (EQC) MEETING CITY OFFICES Immediately Follow- Council Chambers CLOSED ing Regular Meeting Budget Study Session Medicine Lake Room 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL PLANNING HRA MEETING MEETING COMMISSION Medicine Lake Room Board and Commission MEETING Interviews Council Chambers Medicine Lake Room 23 20 21 22 24 25 26 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL. MEETING Council Chambers 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 11118111 Page 3 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life December 2011 Modified on 11118111 CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 4 1 2 3 4 2:00-5:00 PM 5 6 7 7:00 PM 8 7:00 PM 9 10 OLD FASHIONED PLANNING PARK Et REC CHRISTMAS COMMISSION ADVISORY Plymouth Historical MEETING COMMISSION Society Building Council Chambers (PRAC) MEETING Council Chambers 11 12 13 6:00 PM 14 7:00 PM 15 16 17 SPECIAL COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL MEETING QUALITY City Manager COMMITTEE (EQC) Evaluation MEETING Medicine Lake Room Council Chambers 7:00 PM 7:00 PM CHARTER REGULAR COUNCIL COMMISSION MEETING ANNUAL MEETING Council Chambers Medicine Lake Room 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 7:00 PM HRA MEETING Medicine Lake Room Chanukah CHRISTMAS EVE Begins at Sunset 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 CITY OFFICES NEW YEAR'S EVE CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY Modified on 11118111 CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 4 r�Plymouth Adding Quality to Life January 2012 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 NEW YEAR'S DAY 7:00 PM Observed PLANNING NEW YEAR'S DAY COMMISSION MEETING CITY OFFICES Council Chambers CLOSED 8 9 10 5:30 PM 11 12 13 14 7:00 PM 7:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL PARK Et REC MEETING* QUALITY ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room COMMITTEE COMMISSION 7:00 PM (EQC) MEETING (PRAC) MEETING REGULAR COUNCIL Council Chambers Council Chambers MEETING Council Chambers 15 16 17 6:00 PM 18 19 20 21 7:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL PLANNING MARTIN LUTHER MEETING COMMISSION KING JR. Discuss Council Goals MEETING BIRTHDAYand Legislative Priorities for 2012 Council Chambers Observed Medicine Lake Room CITY OFFICES CLOSED 22 23 24 5:30 PM 25 26 27 28 7.00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL PLYMOUTH 7:00 PM MEETING ADVISORY HRA MEETING Discuss Private Utilities COMMITTEE ON Medicine Lake Room for Silverthorn Medicine Lake Room TRANSIT (PACT) STUDY SESSION 7:00 PM Medicine Lake Room REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers 29 30 31 * Receive update from !the Citv's prosecutor Modified on 11118111 CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 5 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items December 13, Special, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • City Manager evaluation 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 • Approve 2012 Target and Trapshoot License Renewals • Approve 2012 Amusement License Renewals • Announce New Year's Eve Event at the Plymouth Ice Center • Announce Recycling Program changes • Introduce new K-9 Team • Approve park donations to the City from 2011 • Approve amendments to the Policy Regulating the Use of City Facilities, with the Exception of the Ice Center and Plymouth Creek Center, for Meeting Purposes • Adopt Ordinance amending Section 1016 of the City Code regarding park facility fees January 10, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Receive update from City's prosecutor January 10, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Appoint 2012 Health Officer • Appoint 2012 City Council Secretary • Appoint 2012 Official Depositories • Designate 2012 Official Newspaper January 17, Special, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Discuss Council goals and legislative priorities for 2012 January 24, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Discuss private utilities for Silvertborne January 24, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Approve renewal of liquor licenses for 2012 • Announce Fire and Ice Festival, February 4 at Parkers Lake Park February 2, Special, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room and Council Chambers • Board and Commission Recognition Event February 14, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers February 21, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Discuss Fire Study Page 6 February 28, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers March 13, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Announce Environmental Quality Fair on March 22 at Kimberly Lane Elementary School March 27, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers Page 7 NEWS RELEASE Andy Skoogman, Chief Public Information Officer FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Oct. 31, 2011 Doug Neville, 651-201-7562 MINNESOTA FIRE DEPARTMENTS RECEIVE TRAINING GRANTS More than $2 Million Supports Firefighter Response, Improved Public Safety ST. PAUL The Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE) notified Minnesota's 790 fire departments of their 2012 training reimbursement grants. The statewide grant total exceeds $2 million. "These grants benefit the public safety of all Minnesotans," says Bruce West, executive director of MBFTE. "Assuring annual firefighter training is good for departments and their communities. Skill updating makes firefighters better responders and keeps them safer, as well." The Fire Safety Account was created by the Minnesota Legislature in 2006. It is funded by a fire -safety surcharge on all homeowner and certain commercial insurance policies in Minnesota. The Fire Safety Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the commissioner of the state Department of Public Safety on use of the funding. Steve Flaherty, Grand Rapids fire chief and director of Mesabi Range Community and Technical College (MRCTC) Fire Training Program, says that many departments are using this money for basic firefighter training. Others are able to reinforce basic skills with Firefighter 11, auto extrication, water rescue and other high-level classes. The training program at MRCTC serves more than 100 fire departments, from all - volunteer corps in towns of 150 people to full-time departments with their own training budgets. As program director, Flaherty sees the dramatic difference the MBFTE funds make in keeping every fire department capable of providing adequate protection. Grants must be claimed through a reimbursement process by June 30, 2012. The amount of each grant is based on two factors — the amount of money allocated to MBFTE by Minnesota's Fire Safety Account and the number of firefighters in each department. This year, the per -firefighter rate is $101.85. The allotment process helps eliminate the training budget disparity between larger, better - funded departments and those in cities and towns with smaller budgets, notes West. "For the first time, Minnesota fire departments received grants without having to apply. That makes the equalizing factor even greater." Editor's Note: Click here to view grants for each Minnesota Community. Page 8 APPROVED MINUTES PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY October 27, 2011 PRESENT: Chairman Jeff Kulaszewicz, Commissioners Paul Caryotakis, David Miller and Bob Stein ABSENT: Commissioner Jim Willis STAFF PRESENT: Housing Program Manager Jim Barnes, Executive HRA Director Steve Juetten, Support Service Manager Denise Whalen, and Office Support Representative Janice Bergstrom OTHERS PRESENT: Grace Management Representative Jody Boedigheimer 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Kulaszewicz called the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. 2. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve HRA Meeting Minutes from August 25, 2011. B. Plymouth Towne Square. Accept August and September housing reports. C. Vicksburg Crossing. Accept August and September housing reports. MOTION by Commissioner Caryotakis, seconded by Commissioner Miller, to approve the consent agenda. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved. 3. NEW BUSINESS A. Vicksburg Crossing Marketing Reports for August and September. Grace Management Representative Bodigheimer said full occupancy was reached in September, but there is now one vacancy which she expects to be filled quickly from the affordable waiting list. Grace Management Representative Bodigheimer said they have spent approximately $4,500 of the $9,000 which was budgeted for marketing; she said they keep the ads running but have not had big promotional parties. B. Plymouth Towne Square. Review and approve 2012 Operating Budget. Housing Program Manager Barnes gave an overview of the staff report. Page 9 Approved Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority October 27, 2011 Page 2 Housing Program Manager Barnes explained on the revenue side of the 2012 budget for Plymouth Towne Square we are anticipating 97% occupancy and staff is proposing a 2% increase in rental revenue. He said overall revenues are projected to decrease by I%. Chairman Kulaszewicz asked if the 2% increase is across the board, including minimum rents. Housing Program Manager Barnes answered affirmatively and said the rent increase is proposed to lessen the taxpayer subsidy, which is projected to be $216,000 for 2012 as opposed to $240,000 in 2011. Chairman Kulaszewicz said there has been discussion on base minimum rents, and there were years where the base was raised but the other rents did not necessarily increase at the same percentage. He asked if that occurred in 2011. Housing Program Manager Barnes said that occurred in the past and explained that last year the new rent structure policy set everyone at a base amount. Existing tenants start at what their rent was for that year and would be readjusted if an income change of 20% or more occurred. Housing Program Manager Barnes said new tenants would start at 38% of their income and that is their base. Chairman Kulaszewicz asked how our base rents compare to other HRA base rents for similar facilities. Housing Program Manager Barnes said they are very similar. He said Dakota County often uses Section 42 guidelines and their one bedroom rent is around $550 compared to our $380. Housing Program Manager Barnes said the average rent for Plymouth Towne Square is $530 per month which is very competitive in the affordable housing market. He said the Section 8 minimum rent for a one bedroom is $790. Housing Program Manager Barnes added we are significantly lower than what Section 8 allows under their program, and added we give an incredible deal to the residents. Chairman Kulaszewicz recalled historically our minimum rents were significantly below other minimums, and we spent several years moving them up. He said last year we felt our minimum rents were at a sufficient level to be comparative with other HRA's in the community and asked if we would raise rents at a percentage across the board from this point forward. Housing Program Manager Barnes answered affirmatively and said we are trying to create equity among everyone. Commissioner Miller asked if all the tenants are clear on the base rent issue so we don't have a situation like we had two years ago. Housing Program Manager Barnes said there have been some additional meetings to explain the base rent policy and how a rent increase affects their amount of rent. Page 10 Approved Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority October 27, 2011 Page 3 Commissioner Stein asked if tenants are aware of this proposal. Housing Program Manager Barnes said they are aware as any other resident in the city. They know the HRA meetings are open to the public. Chairman Kulaszewicz asked what the overall percent rent increase has been in the metro area in the last year. Grace Management Representative Bodigheimer said the no service apartment communities have gone up 2-3%. She said there are indicators projecting the market will increase next year. Grace Management Representative Bodigheimer said in Grace Management's portfolio they are pushing as high as 3-4% increases in full service properties for 2012. Grace Management Representative Bodigheimer said in Vicksburg Crossing we are closer to the top of the rent structure in competitive properties. She said Plymouth Towne Square is harder for comparisons; she added these increases are fair and tenants should expect an increase every year as there are increased costs every year. Commissioner Stein asked about the replacement reserve. Housing Program Manager Barnes said ten boilers are at the end of their life and are being replaced with three more economical and efficient new boilers at a cost of $126,000. He said other expenditures will be for furniture in the community room, 90 window replacements, miscellaneous exterior repairs, and a carpet cleaning machine to split between Vicksburg Crossing and Plymouth Towne Square. Grace Management Representative Bodigheimer said through July there were nine unit turnovers which required complete turns. The average costs skyrocketed as many were long term tenants and needed paint, flooring replacement, cupboard doors, etc. Grace Management Representative Bodigheimer said they budget for 16 turns in a year which has been historically a good number. Chairman Kulaszewicz asked about the length of contract with Grace Management. Grace Management Representative Bodigheimer said the contract is annual. Chairman Kulaszewicz asked how the management fee is calculated. Grace Management Representative Bodigheimer said it is a fixed fee for these properties. She said they are completing their 10th year at Plymouth Towne Square and fees stayed the same for seven years. She said the Vicksburg Crossing fee is the same as when it was first proposed five years ago which was $4,000 a month. Housing Manager Barnes said 6-7 management companies submitted bids in 2001, and Grace Management is still below the second lowest bid that was submitted. Housing Program Manager Barnes said the Board is happy and staff is pleased from both financial and community development perspectives. Page 11 Approved Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority October 27, 2011 Page 4 Chairman Kulaszewicz concurred and said he is pleased with Grace Management's service, but we would be remiss if we didn't have this conversation about where they sit in the marketplace. Chairman Kulaszewicz asked about the health insurance reduction. Grace Management Representative Bodigheimer said in the past the managers salaries and benefits were split 50150 between the two buildings. This year the costs were separated as the manager at Plymouth Towne Square does not take health care benefits. MOTION by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Caryotakis, to approve the proposed 2012 budget for Plymouth Towne Square. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved. C. Vicksburg Crossing. Review and approve 2012 Operating Budget. Housing Program Manager Barnes gave an overview of the staff report. Commissioner Stein asked if the damage deposit held on a unit can be used for unit turnover. Grace Management Representative Bodigheimer said damage deposits are used, but it is not sufficient all of the time. Commissioner Stein asked if damage deposits would be increased. Housing Program Manager Barnes said we are talking about low income clientele and it is hard to collect $1,000 versus the $500 now collected. He said consideration is being given to asking for $500 up front, and then collect the additional $500 over a few months with the understanding that it is all refundable if the unit is maintained properly showing only normal wear and tear. Grace Management Representative Bodigheimer said they will be cleaning the carpets every three years to help maintain the life of the carpet. Housing Program Manager Barnes stated that in 2022 Vicksburg Crossing will start going negative in the replacement reserve fund if we continue adding $60,000 a year. He added that Plymouth Towne Square bonds will be paid off in 2023 which will free up income generated from Plymouth Towne Square to use for affordable housing projects. He said $400,000 will be coming in annually to assist Vicksburg Crossing and the Board can look at other projects within the affordable housing program. MOTION by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Caryotakis, to approve the proposed 2012 Vicksburg Crossing budget. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved. D. HRA Budgets. Review and approve 2012 HRA Budgets. Housing Manager Barnes gave an overview of the staff report. Page 12 Approved Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority October 27, 2011 Page 5 Chairman Kulaszewicz asked about the $9,422 risk management allocation. Support Service Manager Whalen explained there was a risk management line before which has been moved to a different line item and the cost adjusted. She said her Section 8 budget was changed from $7,800 to $9,400. Support Services Manager Whalen said the Section 8 revenues and expenditures were adjusted based on the current trend of tenants porting in and out. She said we are funded at 83% for the administration fees but don't know what the funding will be for next year. It could be the same, or lowered to 60%. Commissioner Miller asked why the fees might be lowered. Executive HRA Director Juetten said there is no rational reason, other than HUD arbitrarily saying possibly we don't need that much money. Commissioner Stein asked if the funding went down to 60% would we lose money or would we get out of administering this program. Support Service Manager Whalen said if the funding went to 60% we would be okay next year but there would be concern. Executive HRA Director Juetten added that if funding went down to 60% we would be $70-80,000 short and we have approximately $300,000 in Section 8 reserves. He said one positive of having the program in house is we have a knowledge of the clients and we can work better with various departments. If Metro HRA administered the program, that contact goes away. Executive HRA Director Juetten said a complete analysis would be done if the funding went to 60%, the positives and negatives of keeping the program, and would it be advantageous to put in additional HRA levy to keep it in house. Commissioner Stein clarified that having the program in house, we know who is here and where they are. Support Services Manager Whalen added that we have our housing inspectors out in the units, and when there are problems we work hand in hand with the police, which is a huge benefit. Commissioner Stein asked if there was some way Metro HRA could communicate to us who is living here. Support Services Manager Whalen stated this is confidential information. Executive HRA Director Juetten said we may be able to get some inspection reports, but it is helpful for maintenance of facilities to have the extra inspections. He said we do annual inspections of 15% of our rental buildings, but the Section 8 annual inspections get us into more units. He said determining if we have access to Metro's inspection reports could be looked at. Page 13 Approved Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority October 27, 2011 Page 6 Chairman Kulaszewicz asked if there has been discussion on what minimum to keep the Section 8 reserve at. Support Services Manager Whalen said it is mandated that we keep two months of reserve for our rent payments. She said there is a net reserve and an unrestricted reserve which is our administrative fee reserve account which has $550,000. Support Service Manager Whalen said this reserve has never been used except for $80,000 for the house that was built at Fernbrook Lane and Co. Rd. 9. Chairman Kulaszewicz noted that half million has been reserved for a long time. Commissioner Stein asked if this is excess money that was never used. Executive HRA Director Juetten said this was good management of our money. Housing Program Manager Barnes said the HRA general fund budget relies on the levy and we had set aside $320,484 for subsidies but will only need $240,000. That leaves $80,484 available in the HRA budget which could reduce the tax levy by an amount up to $80,484, or the excess funds could be put into Vicksburg Crossing reserve replacement account or the HRA general fund reserve account. Commissioner Stein said he supports putting the excess in the HRA general fund reserves and not reduce the levy as we will need the money eventually for Vicksburg Crossing. Commissioner Caryotakis said if it is in the HRA general fund, it can be reallocated where we need it. Chairman Kulaszewicz said his inclination would be to put half the money toward reducing the levy and half to the HRA reserve fund account. Chairman Kulaszewicz said he is not in favor of a budget that is always at the same point, and if there is an opportunity to reduce it by some amount he is of the opinion we should do that. Commissioner Stein said the city budget was slated to go up 1 % in the last year and now will stay flat. He said for the last 3-4 years, the budget went down .6%, so overall we have been doing a good job for these economic times keeping the levies flat. Commissioner Stein said we are going to need this money at some time, so rather than try to come back in later years and collect the money, he said he prefers to keep the budget flat and put the money in reserves. Chairman Kulaszewicz cited an example of Hennepin County buying a $25 million property for office space but the money was not in the budget anywhere. Then in a week's time they found the money in other budgets. Chairman Kulaszewicz said he has a problem with that. Chairman Kulaszewicz said he is not equating our situation to Hennepin County's, but his personal philosophy is if there is a chance to reduce a little, he would support that. Page 14 Approved Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority October 27, 2011 Page 7 Commissioner Caryotakis said in looking at long term goals of the HRA, we are right to minimize the demand on the community but want to sustain funding available for long term goals. He said if an opportunity develops in the future and we need these funds, raising the levy may not be welcome at that point. Commissioner Miller said he would love to give money back; it is a tough sell to go back and raise it again. He said he supports putting all of it in the HRA general fund reserve. Commissioner Stein said we have done a good job in managing the building and in theory we reduced the HRA levy for Vicksburg Crossing. He said we have squeezed ever nickel we can out of the budgets, have pushed occupancy up, and we are on sound footing with the buildings now. Commissioner Stein said he supports putting it in the building reserve. Chairman Kulaszewicz said he is okay with adopting staff's recommendation to not reduce the tax levy and put it in the Vicksburg Crossing replacement account. He said he is hearing the commissioners preference to put the funds in the HRA general fund reserve account which gives more flexibility, and said he would support that. MOTION by Commissioner Stein, seconded by Commissioner Miller, to place the $80,484 into the HRA general fund reserve account. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved. MOTION by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Stein, to approve the HRA budgets. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved. E. Potential Redevelopment. Ryerson site at 1605 State Highway 169 and adjacent properties. Commissioner Stein asked to table this item until Commissioner Willis is present. Commissioner Stein said the 2010 Comprehensive Plan identified this property as a potential redevelopment site as a mixed use property. Commissioner Stein said staff has talked to one developer who said it would be expensive to redevelop it and did not express interest in it. Commissioner Stein suggested our financial advisor look at it to see if it would be feasible to do a tax increment financing to entice developers. Commissioner Caryotakis asked if the motivation is to realize more economic value and a more appealing use of the property. Commissioner Stein answered affirmatively, and said this is a highly visible piece of property on the lake which is taken up by warehouses. He said there could be a much higher, greater use for the property for the city to see this site developed. Commissioner Stein said this 38 -acre could have a higher density with townhouses, mixed use development, or small commercial resulting in more property taxes, and if it were eligible for tax increment financing he said he believes it would pay for itself. Page 15 Approved Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority October 27, 2011 Page 8 Chairman Kulaszewicz asked if Ryerson is interested in selling. Commissioner Stein said there is no point in talking until we decide if it would be economically feasible. Chairman Kulaszewicz asked if there are any other sites that could be considered for redevelopment. Housing Manager Barnes said there is the water tower site near Co. Rd. 101. He said the Engineering Department is doing a survey on another site the city owns to ensure it would a buildable size. Housing Program Manager Barnes said this would be a great opportunity to partner with a housing non-profit, or Habitat for Humanity and do a for sale product. He said we control the land and could provide some financing and they would take on the risk. Housing Program Manager Barnes said the community college has approached us in the last two years where they would supply labor and material, but the timing has not worked out. Chairman Kulaszewicz said one of our mandates as an HRA is to provide more affordable housing, and we seem to have our current projects under control. He said demographics will make a difference. Chairman Kulaszewicz said with land values where they are now and the city's good credit rating, he would be interested in taking a look at another development. Housing Manager Barnes noted that if the CDBG rehab program continues to grow, we will be out of money in a couple months. He said the Board may want to consider putting some reserve funds in to the owner occupied rehab fund as a way to maintain housing. Commissioner Stein mentioned there are two houses for sale on Kilmer Lane and St. Hwy. 169 which have been on the market for a long time. Housing Program Manager Barnes said he would look into those. 4. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Commissioner Caryotakis, seconded by Commissioner Miller to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 p.m. MOTION approved. Page 16 Approved Minutes City of Plymouth Planning Commission Meeting November 2, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair James Davis, Commissioners Dick Kobussen, Nathan Robinson, Gordon Petrash, Scott Nelson, Bryan Oakley and Marc Anderson MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Planning Manager Barbara Thomson, Senior Planner Shawn Drill, Senior Planner Marie Darling, City Engineer Bob Moberg and Office Support Specialist Laurie Lokken 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Kobussen, to approve the November 2, 2011 Planning Commission Agenda. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 5, 2011 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Robinson, seconded by Commissioner Kobussen, to approve the October 5, 2011 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. EBERT CONSTRUCTION (2011072) Chair Davis introduced the request by Ebert Construction for a PUD amendment for improvements to the Plymouth Station Auto Center for property located at 16825 County Road 24. Senior Planner Darling gave an overview of the staff report. Senior Planner Darling noted that a letter from Mr. Robert Lund at 3275 Olive Lane had been received and added to the public record. She described the three concerns he outlined in his letter. Regarding traffic circulation between the building and the canopy, Senior Planner Darling described the field test that showed traffic circulation was sufficient. Regarding potential Page 17 Approved Planning Commission Minutes November 2, 2011 Page 2 distraction caused by the electronic sign, Senior Planner Darling responded that the zoning ordinance regulates electronic signs to prevent distraction, including maximum lighting levels, a minimum 15 -minute display, and a prohibition of bursts, flashes or scrolling messages. Regarding potential congestion on the west side of the site where the propane and air equipment is located, Senior Planner Darling responded that staff did not include any conditions requiring the tanks to be moved due to the applicant's security concerns and fire code restrictions. Commissioner Nelson asked if there would be any non -fueling, customer parking spots that would be eliminated with the addition to the building. Senior Planner Darling responded that there would not be any parking spaces that would be removed for the addition because the addition would go in front of two service bays. She said that one of those service bays is an equipment room for the carwash. Commissioner Nelson asked if the city had any requirements or rules on square footage of a gas station based on the number of pumps that are on the property. Senior Planner Darling replied that there is no language in the zoning ordinance addressing that and she is not familiar with a limitation in either the building or fire code. Chair Davis introduced the applicant, Liz Nalezny, representing Plymouth Station Holiday. Ms. Nalezny stated that they have been at this location for 10 years. She said that they love the location and love being in Plymouth. She said that they have many, many loyal customers that come every day and some of them even come multiple times a day. She said that over the years, especially the last couple of years as they have grown, many of those customers have stated opinions, comments and ideas to them and they have tried to sum those up into this request. She said they want to do those things for their customers. Chair Davis opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to speak on the item. Chair Davis stated that he uses this location often. He said he is concerned about congestion but if it is within all the guidelines, he would be in support of this request. Commissioner Anderson stated that there are times during the day that there is a lot of congestion around there and around the pumps. He said that adding a pump island would help that. He said that quite a bit of that traffic has tried to squeeze between the easterly pump and the building. He said that the addition to the building would not encroach on that space. He said that if it is too congested, people will just go somewhere else. He said that is for the market to determine and not for us to say. He said it is great that a business in Plymouth is expanding. Planning Manager Thomson commented that staff was also concerned about the congestion and that's why staff worked with the applicant to do a test to make sure that there was sufficient room. MOTION by Commissioner Petrash, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to approve the request by Ebert Construction for a PUD amendment for improvements to the Plymouth Station Page 18 Approved Planning Commission Minutes November 2, 2011 Page 3 Auto Center for property located at 16825 County Road 24. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. B. B & B OF PLYMOUTH, LLC (2011079) Chair Davis introduced the request by B & B of Plymouth, LLC for a conditional use permit to allow a convenience food establishment within an existing commercial building for property located at 4105 Vinewood Lane North. Senior Planner Drill gave an overview of the staff report. Senior Planner Drill presented a revised resolution addressing a few minor changes. Commissioner Anderson asked how many parking spaces would be required for a stand-alone restaurant of this size that is not part of a shopping center. Senior Planner Drill responded that the standard for a convenience restaurant is based on counter space and the number of seats. He said that around 40 parking spaces would be required if this were a stand-alone restaurant and not part of a shopping center. Commissioner Anderson asked if 40 parking spaces, plus the parking requirements for the other tenants in the building, would fit within the site. Senior Planner Drill replied there is generally a lot of appeal when a new restaurant opens. He said that at least during the opening months, there may be parking that overflows into the Target parking lot. He said parking requirements are different in a shopping center setting because there is an overlap in the use of shared parking spaces and different uses have parking needs at different times. He added that parking should not be a problem. Chair Davis asked if street parking is allowed in this area. Senior Planner Drill responded that there is no on -street parking allowed, as the adjacent segment of Vinewood Lane is a collector roadway. Commissioner Kobussen asked if there would be outside seating and if so, would that require installation of a patio. Senior Planner Drill replied there is a new curb island on the south side of the building. He said the proposed plan shows three outside, seasonal tables that would be approved as part of the conditional use permit. Commissioner Kobussen asked how litter would be controlled outside as opposed to inside the building. Senior Planner Drill responded that one of the conditions in the resolution requires that they control litter on and near the site and also specifies that they have a trash receptacle outside as well. Chair Davis introduced the applicant, Scott Lesser, representing B & B of Plymouth, LLC. Commissioner Petrash asked when the business would open. Mr. Lesser responded that they have completed health department review of the plans and upon receiving approval for the Page 19 Approved Planning Commission Minutes November 2, 2011 Page 4 conditional use permit, they would obtain a building permit to begin construction. He said that their goal would be to open the store prior to the end of the year. Chair Davis asked if they would be getting an agreement with Target to use their parking lot for overflow. Mr. Lesser responded that a parking agreement would rest with the property owner and whatever arrangement he has or might be able to obtain with Target. Chair Davis asked if any issues with Target are anticipated. Senior Planner Drill noted that when Blockbuster occupied this site, there was a lot of cross parking between the uses and it was never a problem. Senior Planner Drill deferred to the property owner. John Trautz, property owner, stated there is an agreement with Target that governs how all the shops in this area work together. He said that there is cross parking and cross access but they are not allowed to use parking on another property in their own count to meet city requirements. He said in his experience with owning properties like this, generally 25 to 50 percent of the space is occupied by food operators. He said that once the honeymoon period is over with the restaurant, the parking ratio here should work just fine. He said that Five Guys is popular and there may be some issues initially. He said there are all sorts of ways that landowners deal internally with that and usually you wait to see what happens and then come up with the best ways to address the specific issues. Chair Davis opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to speak on the item. Commissioner Oakley stated that there is a one-way access to the site located on the south side of the building. He said that, in his past experience at the site, invariably at the busiest times, somebody tries to drive the opposite way to get out of the site. He asked if the applicant was aware of this and if the property owner could address the one-way signage located there to prevent traffic issues. He said that it's a great development. Chair Davis asked if it is one-way in or one-way out of the site. Senior Planner Drill responded that it is one-way into the site. He added that he has talked to the landowner about that issue. He said they want to make sure there is good signage from both directions, so as you enter the site, you realize that you can't leave that same way. In addition to a "Do Not Enter" sign, he said they have talked about the potential of putting a painted arrow on the pavement. Chair Davis received confirmation from the applicant that they are in agreement with the resolution as revised. MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Robinson, to approve the request by B & B of Plymouth, LLC for a conditional use permit to allow a convenience food establishment within an existing commercial building for property located at 4105 Vinewood Lane North. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. 7. NEW BUSINESS Page 20 Approved Planning Commission Minutes November 2, 2011 Page 5 8. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Chair Davis, with no objection to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m. Page 21 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 520 Lafayette Road North St, Paul, MN 55155-4194 1 651-296-6300 1800-657-3864 1 651-282-5332 TTY I www.pca.state.mmus November 8, 2011 � Lvov � � z �� NAP. ®11 Mr. Jerry Cornish 4712 McDonald Drive Place Stillwater, MN 55082 RE: Petroleum Tank Release Site File Closure Site: Proposed Westview Estates, 15920 County Road 47, Plymouth, Minnesota 55446 Site 'ID#: LEAK00018450 Dear Mr. Cornish: We are pleased to let you know that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has determined that your investigation and/or cleanup have adequately addressed the petroleum tank release at the site listed above. Based on the information provided, the MPCA has closed the petroleum tank release site file. The closure of the petroleum tank release file means that the MPCA does not require any additional investigation an cleanup work at this time or in the foreseeable future. Please be aware that file closure does not necessarily mean that all petroleum contamination has been removed from this site. However, the MPCA has concluded that any remaining contamination, if present, does not appear to pose a threat to public health or the environment under current conditions. The MPCA reserves the right to reopen this file and to require additional investigation and/or cleanup work if new information, changing regulatory requirements or changed land use makes additional work necessary. If you or other parties discover additional contamination (either petroleum or nonpetroleum) that was not previously reported to the MPGA, Minnesota state law requires that the MPCA be immediately notified. You should understand that this letter does not release any party from liability for the petroleum contamination under Minn. Stat. ch. 115C (2010) or any other applicable state or federal law. In addition, this letter does not release any party from liability for nonpetroleum contamination, if present, under Minn. Stat. ch. 115B (2010), the Minnesota Superfund Law. Please note that as a result of performing the requested work you may be eligible to apply to the Petroleum Tank Release Compensation Fund (Petrofund) for partial reimbursement of the costs you have incurred in investigating and cleaning up this petroleum tank release. The Petrofund is administered by the Petroleum Tank Release Compensation Board (Petro Board) and the Minnesota Department of Commerce. To learn more about who is eligible for reimbursement, the type of work that is eligible for reimbursement, and the amount of reimbursement available, please contact Petrofund staff at 651-215-1775 or 1-800-638-0418. Equal Opportunity Employer Page 22 Mr. Jerry Cornish Page 2 November 8, 2011 If future development of this property or the surrounding area is planned, it should be assumed that petroleum contamination may still be present. If petroleum contamination is encountered during future development work, the MPCA staff should be notified immediately. For specific information regarding petroleum contamination that may remain at this leak site, please call the Petroleum Remediation Program File Request Program at 651-757-2799 or 651-757-2309. The MPCA fact sheet Request to Bill for Services Performed must be completed prior to arranging a time for file review. Thank you for your response to this petroleum tank release and for your cooperation with the MPCA to protect public health and the environment. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact MPCA project manager Jessica Ebertz at 651-757-2328 or MPCA hydrogeologist John Kaehler at 651-757-2480. Sincerely, Jessica Ebertz Planner Principal Petroleum Remediation Section Remediation Division J M E:J K:tf John Kaehler Hydrogeologist Petroleum Remediation Section Remediation Division cc: Plymouth Housing Group. LLC, Plymouth Jamie Thelen, Plymouth West View Estates, LLC, Waite Park Sandy Engdahl, Plymouth City Clerk Richard Kline, Plymouth Fire Chief Dave Jaeger, Hennepin County Solid Waste Officer Jason Lieffring, Braun Intertec Corp., Hibbing Minnesota Department of Commerce Petrofund Staff Page 23 I-494 CORRIDOR COMMISSION BLOOMINGTON * EDEN PRAIRIE * EDINA * MINNETONKA * RICHFIELD 494 Commuter Services 5701 Normandale Road, Suite 322 Edina, MN 55424 Telephone: 952-848-4947 Fax: 952-848-4904 October 18, 2011 Commissioner Sorel Minnesota Department of Transportation Transportation Building 395 John Ireland Boulevard St. Paul, MN 55155 Dear Commissioner Sorel: The I-494 Corridor Commission supports many elements in the draft 50 year vision for transportation, especially as it relates to enhancing quality of life and economic development through strategic expansion and upgrades. Key elements that are missing from the vision are the concepts of ensuring mobility and accessibility. The Commission recommends that an additional Guiding Principle be added, namely: "Ensure Mobility and Accessibility: Transportation systems must further the timely movement of people and goods while providing the ability of people to reach desired destinations." Measuring transportation systems in the I-494 Corridor against the draft Minnesota GO Vision provides an illustrative test: Quality of Life - Our member cities experience a tremendous amount of cut through traffic as residents and commuters seek to avoid sitting in congestion on I-494. Economic Competitiveness - With Minnesota's second largest concentration of employment, I-494 has long functioned as a major economic driver for the State. It has in many ways become Minnesota's Main Street. The congestion along I- 494 is clearly slowing further growth in this important area. Mobility and Accessibility - At present, I-494 is predictably congested and offers unreliable travel time, which dramatically affects business and Minnesotans alike. Appropriately, the draft Minnesota GO Vision clearly supports an expansion of I-494. MnDOT has long planned to implement a major reconstruction of I-494 as documented in the I-494 Final Environmental Impact Statement (I-494 FEIS), providing three lanes in Page 24 I-494 CORRIDOR COMMISSION BLOOMINGTON * EDEN PRAIRIE * EDINA * MINNETONKA * RICHFIELD 494 Commuter Services 5701 Normandale Road, Suite 322 Edina, MN 55424 Telephone: 952-848-4947 Fax: 952-848-4904 each direction from T.H. 100 to the Fish Lake interchange and up to six lanes in each direction east of T. H. 100 to the Minnesota River. This reconstruction was originally intended to commence in 1996. MnDOT representatives have recently indicated the full I-494 FEIS design is unlikely to ever occur due to fiscal constraints. The only I-494 expansion project planned for the near term is the construction of a WB auxiliary lane from 35W to France Avenue. The Corridor Commission finds the current conditions along 1-494 and the lack of progress on addressing those conditions wholly unacceptable and implores MnDOT to aggressively pursue improvements along I-494. Minnesota is missing out on federal funding opportunities because MnDOT has not completed key design elements, most notably for the 1 -494/I -35W Interchange (Minnesota's biggest bottleneck). The I-494 Corridor Commission is steadfastly committed to an expansion of I-494 that aligns with MnDOT's stated vision for quality of life and economic vitality as well as MnDOT's emphasis on a reliable system with predictable travel times. The Commission believes major improvements could be achieved by segmenting the project into smaller pieces and aggressively seeking federal funds. The I-494 Corridor Commission supports leveraging public investment and the utilization of partnerships which is why our member cities invest in staffing a local Transportation Management Organization, Commuter Services (formerly 494 Commuter Services), to work with the business community and residents to promote alternatives to solo driving as a strategy to reduce congestion. Unfortunately, congestion on I-494 is at a level that cannot be mitigated by managing demand alone. The time is long overdue to expand I- 494. Respectfully, Brad Aho Chair, I-494 Corridor Commission Page 25 ROD D I USDA LE area schools November 9, 2011 City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 ROBBINSDALE ARMSTRONG HIGH SCHOOL 10635 36th Avenue North s Plymouth MN 55441 • 763-504-8800 . Fax 763-504-8831 David Dahl, Principal Virginia DeLisi, Assistant Principal Brenda Damiani, Assistant Principal Christopher Meisch, Assistant Principal To Whom It May Concern: FRPCEIVEDJ OV 14 2011: Thank you so much for the donation of $500.00 to be used by the Armstrong High School Band Department. Your generosity is very much appreciated by both our staff and students. David Dahl Principal Date received November 2011 AmoLuZt $500.00 This is your receipt for your tax-deductible contribution. (Iobbinsdalc Area 'School -s o vvvvw,;icjaJc�.org Page 26 �� Plymouth Adding Quality to Life November 14, 2011 Dear Resident/ Land Owner; The city recently received an application from The Reserve, under File No. 2011091, requesting to rezone their property located at 3155 Empire Lane from O (office) to C-3 (highway commercial). The rezoning would allow operation of a restaurant on the site. In addition, the city has initiated a rezoning of the KinderCare Learning Center property located at 3050 Fernbrook Lane from O to C-3 (under File No. 2011092). In conjunction with rezoning, the land use plan designation for both properties would be amended from CO (commercial office) to C (commercial), in order to maintain consistency between the city's zoning map and comprehensive plan. A map showing the location of the subject properties is provided below. This letter is being mailed to all landowners within 750 feet of the site in order to provide notice and information about the proposal — in advance of the official notice that will be sent out prior to the Planning Commission's public hearing on the matter. The city will send out another letter notifying you of the Planning Commission public hearing date, not less than ten days prior to the hearing date. The purpose of the public hearing is to allow neighboring property owners to appear in front of the Planning Commission to ask questions and make comments relating to the proposal. You may also submit comments in writing. All written comments will become part of the public record. If you have any questions or comments concerning this request or the review procedures, please call Shawn Drill, Senior Planner, at (763) 509-5456. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the community development information counter (lower level of City Hall), on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. Sincerely, ?20A r�1 ",W Barbara G. Thomson, AICP Planning Manager O:1P1nn/Notices/PC1201112011091 & 92 -first -notice 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www d.plymouth.mn.us Page 27