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Council Information Memorandum 03-27-2009
CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO March 27, 2009 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Planning Commission Agenda 01/01/09..............................................................................................Page 1 Metro Cities Annual Meeting 04/16/09................................................................................................ Page 2 March, April, May 2009 Official City Meeting Calendars.................................................................. Page 4 Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ..................................................... Page 7 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc ... City of Plymouth Water Crews to Flush Water Mains, News Release ................................................. Page 8 Free Remodeling Fair Set for April 4 at Crystal Community Center, News Release ........................... Page 9 Plymouth Metrolink & Dial -A -Ride Bus Drivers Recognized, News Release ................................... Page 10 Ehlers Market Commentary, 03/23/09................................................................................................ Page 12 League of MN Cities Friday Fax, 03/20/09........................................................................................ Page 14 MEETING MINUTES Human Rights Minutes 11/06/08 Page 20 Human Rights Minutes 02/05/09........................................................................................................Page 22 HRAMinutes 02/26/09...................................................................................................................... Page 26 PRAC Minutes 03/12/09 ............................................. Page 28 STAFF REPORTS Engineering Dept. Active & Pending Public Improvement Projects 03/24/09 ................................. Page 33 CORRESPONDENCE Memo from Engineering, RE: Organized Hauling Consortium History & Explanation ................... Page 36 Memo from Engineering, RE: Appointment of Chairperson on PACT .............................................. Page 38 Letter from US Dept. of Housing & Urban Dev, RE: Funds available from the American Recovery............ AndReinvestment Act of 2009...................................................................................................... Page 39 Memo from Engineering, RE: Eurasian Watermilfoil........................................................................Page 42 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2009 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 March 18, 2009 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. B. Columbus Home Association. Approve variance to maintain an existing non -conforming sign for property located at 10904 South Shore Drive. (2009008) 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Joe Senser's Restaurant. Planned unit development amendment to construct a 40 -foot by 80 -foot volleyball court west of Joe Senser's located at 16605 County Road 24. (2009005) (Applicant requesting continuation to April 15, 2009.) B. Provident/Waterford, LLC. Site plan amendment, conditional use permit, and variance to allow installation of a drive-through service window located at 10200 6th Avenue North. (2009007) 7. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 rMETRO CITIES Association of Metropolitan Municipalities University Club SaintPaul 420 Summit Ave St. Paul, Wi 55102 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Social Hour with light hors d'oeuvres and cash bar Metro Area legislators invited 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Tom Hauser --Chief Political Reporter, 5 Eyewitness News 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. Metro Cities Business Meeting Guest speaker Tom Flauser Tom started at 5 Eyewitness Naves in Septem- ber 1992, after reporting and news anchoring jobs in Austin, Minnesota; Fort Myers, Florida; and Des Moines, Iowa. After covering the law enforcement beat in the Twin Cities for several years, Tom began covering Minnesota politics in 1997. He hosts the 5 Eyewitness News "At Issue" public affairs program on Sunday mornings. In 2002, Tom authored "Inside the Ropes with Jesse Ventura," a book about the remarkable four- year term of Governor Jesse Ventura. Please join us for this opportunity to connect with your peers from other metropolitan cit- ies, get the latest news and information from Metro Cities, and elect those who will guide our organization through the upcoming year. Both elected officials and staff are welcome and encouraged to attend. There is no charge for attending the meeting, but we do ask that you RSVP. 145 University Ave W *St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 * Plione (651) 215-4000 *Fax (651) 281-1299 * www.MetroCitiesMN.orr Page 2 The Nominating Committee recommends the following individuals for election to the Metro Cities Board of Directors: PVP.S idp"i Dave Osberg, City Administrator, City of Hastings 117ce President Mike Maguire, Mayor, City of Eagan Nominated for election to the Board Ulton Duggan, Councilmember, City of Mendota Heights Scott Lund, Mayor, City of Fridley Ed Shukle, City Administrator, City of Jordan Brad Wiersu►n, Councilmember, City of Minnetonka Nominated for Re -Election to the Board Dave Kelso, Councilmember, City of Circle Pines Bob Bruton, Councilmember, City of North St. Paul Page 3 rp) City of Plymouth Addin3 Quality to Life March 2009 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 CANCELLED 6:00 PM 9:00 AM -1:00 PLANNING BOARD AND PM COMMISSION COMMISSION RECYCLING MEETING RECOGNITION TOUR Council Chambers EVENT Waste Management Plymouth Creek Facility Center 8 9 10 5:00 PM 7:30-9:30 AM 11 STATE 12 7:00 PM 13 14 Daylight Savings SPECIAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY PARK & REC ADVI- Commences MEETING MEETING SORY COMMISSION Set Clocks Ahead 'See Agenda Below Medicine Lake Room (PRAC) MEETING 1 Hour Medicine Lake Roam7:00 PM Council Chambers ENVIRONMENTAL 5:30-8:00 PM 7:00 PM QUALITY Environmental REGULAR COUNCIL COMMITTEE (EQC) Quality Fair MEETING MEETING Birchview Council Chambers Council Chambers Elementary School 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 6:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING Parkers Lake Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING MEETING ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room Council Chambers COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) MEETING Medicine Lake Room A 29 30 31 '3/10 Meeting: 1. Discuss Highway 16Corridor 2. Closing of Pilgrim L ne Elementary School Modified on 03/27/09 Page 4 rp) City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life April 2009 Modified on 03/27/09 CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 5 1 2 3 4 7:00 PM 6:00-8:00 PM 9:00 AM— PLANNING Yard & Garden 1:00 PM COMMISSION Expo Yard & Garden MEETING Plymouth Creek Expa Council Chambers Center Fieldhouse Plymouth Creek Center Fieldhouse 5 6 7$ 5:30 PM 8 9 10 11 PEl AL COUNCIL 7:00 PM Cancelled MEETING' ENVIRONMENTAL PARK It REC Medicine lake Room QUALITY ADVISORY COM - 7:00 PM Board of COMMITTEE MISSION (PRAC) Equalization (EQC) MEETING MEETING Council Chambers Council Chambers Council Chambers AFTER B.O.E. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING" 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Primavera Primavera REGULAR COUNCIL PLANNING Plymouth Arts Plymouth Arts MEETING COMMISSION Council Show Council Show Council Chambers MEETING Plymouth Creek Plymouth Creek Council Chambers Center Center 19 20 21 7:00 PM 22 23 24 25 Primavera Primavera Board ofrts 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 AM - A Plymouth A Plymouth Arts Equalization PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING 12:00 PM Council Show Council Show Reconvened ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room City Sampler Plymouth Creek Plymouth Creek COMMITTEE ON Plymouth City Hall Center Center AFTER B.O.E. TRANSIT (PACT) SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MEETING—* Medicine lake Room A 26 27 28 5:Oo PM 29 306:00-7:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL HUMAN RIGHTS MEETING COMMISSION Medicine Lake Room Parkers Lake Room —Agenda Below '4/7 5:30 Discuss I-494 bird Lane 7:00 PM —4/7 After B.O.E.: Updal e with City Manager HUMAN RIGHTS 7:00 PM COMMISSION x"'4/21 Land acquisition for Northwest Greenway REGULAR COUNCIL ESSAY CONTEST µ4/28 Dedication of Ary mrk at Millenium Garde MEETING AWARDS and Preliminary Budget D scussion Council Chambers Council Chambers Modified on 03/27/09 CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 5 rp) City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life May 2009 Modified on 03/27/09 CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 10 11 12 5:30 PM 13 14 15 16 SPECIAL COUNCIL 7:00 PM 7:00 PM MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL PARK & REC Medicine Lake Room QUALITY ADVISORY COM - Review Diat-A-Ride COMMITTEE MISSION (PRAC) (EQC) MEETING MEETING 7:00 PM Medicine Lake Room Council Chambers REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers 17 18 19 20 6:30 PM HUMAN RIGHTS 21 22 23 COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING Parker's Lake Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 24 25 26 5:30PM 27 7:00 PM 28 7:00 PM 29 30 SPECIAL COUNCIL PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING 8:00 AM -3:30 PM MEETING' ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room SPECIAL MEMORIAL Medicine Lake Room COMMITTEE ON RECYCLING DROP X31 DAY TRANSIT (PACT) OFF EVENT Observed MEETING Plymouth 7:00 PM Medicine Lake Maintenance Facility CITY OFFICES REGULAR COUNCIL Room A •5/26 Discuss Homers Associations and CLOSED MEETING Subdivision of Lots Council Chambers Modified on 03/27/09 CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 6 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items April 7, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Conference Room • Discuss 1-494 Third Lane April 7, Board of Equalization, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers April 7, following Board of Equalization, Council Chambers • Update with City Manager April 14, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Proclaim April 18-25 as the "Great Shingle Creek Watershed Cleanup" • Introduction of SAFER (Search and Find Emergency Responders) • Announcement of City Sampler • GFOAAwards • Engineering Bids Review • Approve variance to maintain an existing non -conforming sign for property located at 10904 South Shore Drive. Cohnnbirs Home Association. (2009008) April 21, Board of Equalization Reconvened, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers April 21, following Board of Equalization, Council Chambers • Land acquisition for Northwest Greenway April 28, Special, 5:00 p.m., Millennium Garden and Medicine Lake Conference Room • Dedication of artwork at Millennium Garden • Preliminary budget discussion April 28, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Consider Planned unit development amendment to construct a 40 -foot by 80 -foot volleyball court west of Joe Senser's located at 16605 County Road 24. Joe Senser's Restaurant. (2009005) May 12, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Conference Room • Review Dial -a -Ride May 12, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers May 26, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Conference Room • Discuss homeowners associations • Discuss subdivision of lots May 26, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers Note: Special Heeting topics have been set by Council, all other topics are tentative. Page 7 City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release September 5, 2008 Contact: Greg Cook, 763-509-5997 Scott Newberger, 763-509-5999 City of Plymouth Water Crews to Flush Water Mains City of Plymouth workers will flush water mains on the following schedule: • Industrial areas, both sides of I-494, south of Hwy. 55: April 6 - 8; • Residential areas, west of I-494, except Camelot: April 7 - 24; and. • Residential areas, east of I-494, and Camelot: April 27 - May 8. Your water could be discolored throughout this time, but it is more likely on the day crews flush your area. Please avoid doing laundry on that day. If you have discolored water, let your outdoor water faucet run until the water is clear. To find out which day your area will be flushed, call 763-509-5950 after March 28 or check the City of Plymouth web site at www.ci.plymouth.mn.us. fJ Page 8 City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release March 24. 2009 Contact: Beth Nelson, 651-638-1956 Free Remodeling Fair Set for April 4 at Crystal Community Center Are you contemplating updating your home or do you have a list of maintenance projects that you want to get done? If so, stop by the free Northwest Suburban Remodeling Fair on Sat., April 4, 9 a.m. — 3 p.m., at the Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Dr. N. At the remodeling fair, you can visit with more than 85 contractors and attend do-it-yourself workshops. Workshops will cover everything from how to select a contractor, basement refinishing and kitchen remodeling to landscaping, bathroom projects, window replacement and kitchen cabinet refacing. You can also bring your house plans to a booth hosted by members of the American Institute of Architects to get their thoughts on your ideas. Building inspectors from area cities will be on hand to answer questions about local codes. "Many people are opting to make improvements to their homes rather than move. The fair is perfect for them. It gives them a chance to talk with a variety of contractors and they can attend workshops where they'll learn how to do some projects themselves," said Patty Schaffer, city of Plymouth housing specialist. The fair is sponsored by the cities of Plymouth, Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Crystal, New Hope, Robbinsdale and Osseo. Paye 9 City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release March 25, 2009 Contact: Bernie Maciej, 763.509.5535 Plymouth Metrolink £t Dial -A -Ride Bus Drivers Recognized for Outstanding Service The Plymouth City Council recognized two bus drivers who were voted tops by Plymouth bus riders. Plymouth Dial -A -Ride Driver Dollian (Dolly) Davis and Metrolink Driver Ken Lemon were recognized for their outstanding service at the March 24 City Council meeting. The drivers were selected by Metrolink bus riders in November when riders were asked to name their favorite drivers. Davis has driven Dial -A -Ride buses for five years. Lemon has been a Plymouth Metrolink driver since 2007. In recognizing the drivers, Plymouth Deputy Mayor Jim Willis emphasized the important role that bus drivers play in the success of the city -operated bus system. "Our bus drivers are vital to the continuous success of Metrolink. They are the first level of service to our customers. They are the folks who provide safe and timely trips each day — and who are the face of Plymouth Metrolink and Plymouth Dial -A -Ride," Willis said when making the award. Plymouth Metrolink is a bus service operated by the City of Plymouth. It was established in the mid-1980s as the first of the replacement transit services, better known as opt -out transit. Plymouth Metrolink offers cost-effective, community-based transit, which is tailored to the needs of Plymouth residents and employers, according to Transit Administrator Sarah Hellekson. While specifically addressing the Plymouth community's needs, it also is coordinated with the regional transit system that is operated by Metro Transit. Page 10 Since its inception in 1984, Plymouth Metrolink has seen tremendous ridership growth, according to Hellekson. Last year, Metrolink provided more than 480,000 passenger trips. Plymouth Dial -A -Ride, a shared curb -to -curb service, provided more than 57,000 rides. Ei3 Page 11 Ehlers Market Commentary March 23, 2009 Interest Rates Drop After Surprising Fed Announcement The big financial news of the week was a statement released by the Federal Reserve on Wednesday, following its policy -setting meeting. The Fed announced that it would buy $300 billion of treasuries and an additional $750 billion of agency mortgage-backed securities. This is part of a strategy "to help improve conditions in private credit markets" This announcement was not telegraphed in advance by the Fed, nor was it expected by market experts. It had an almost immediate effect of reducing interest rates for many types of debt. The 10 year treasury yield dropped by 46 basis points on Wednesday afternoon, to 2.59%. Rates on some types of mortgages also dropped to near historic lows. Rates on municipal bonds (munis) reacted a little more slowly, dropping by about 5 basis points on Wednesday and another 15 on Thursday. For the week as a whole, the Bond Buyer 20 -bond index (which measures yields on bonds maturing in 20 years) dropped by 5 basis points, from 5.03% to 4.98%. Rates dropped more on the shorter end of the yield curve, though. The daily "Municipal Market Data" published by Thomson Financial showed declines in yields on AAA bonds of 16 basis points for five year bonds, 14 for ten year bonds, 12 for 15 year bonds, 7 for 20 year bonds, and 4 for 25 year bonds. So the already steep yield curve got a bit steeper last week. In competitive sale activity in our markets, as summarized in the attached table, we continued to see strong and competitive bidding, with the number of bids ranging from 2 to 9. In general, larger numbers of bids were received on higher rated bonds. Large Supply of New Bonds The rate increases that preceded last Wednesday were partly attributed to a large supply of new bonds being sold. That trend continued last week, and will accelerate this week. Nationally, the total supply of new bonds last week was $5.23 billion, one of the highest totals for many weeks. The supply for this week is expected to top $9 billion; this includes a $4 billion issue being sold by the State of California, the largest single municipal bond issue since 2007. Heavy sale volume is expected to continue for at least several more weeks. This could cause muni yields to rise further. On the other hand, munis still appear to be a good buy for many investors, when compared with treasuries and some other forms of debt. Increased Attention on Disclosure and Other Regulations The financial turmoil of the past year has led to an increased focus by federal policy makers on enforcing and strengthening regulation of the financial markets. One area that has been getting increased attention is the SEC's requirements for "continuing disclosure" related to municipal bonds. �EHLERS LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE www.ehlers-inc.com Offices in Minnesota (800)552-1171 Wisconsin (800) 717-9742 Illinois: (800) 417-1119 Page 12 Ehlers Market Commentary March 23, 2009 One of the key requirements of these regulations, which have been in place since the mid -`90s, is that bond issuers file an annual continuing disclosure report with national repositories, providing updated financial and related information. A recent study by DPC data revealed that half of the issuers (cities, states, school districts, etc.) subject to these regulations were more than a year late in filing their required reports. A story in the March 22 New York Times covered this study and discussed the implications for investors. So far, enforcement of the disclosure regulations has been spotty. But we fully expect that, with increased scrutiny of all financial markets, these regulations will be revised to make enforcement more aggressive. We are happy to report that Ehlers has been providing disclosure services, including filing of annual reports, since the SEC regulations were first approved. If you contract with Ehlers to provide these services, you can rest assured that you will be in compliance with the regulations. EHLERS LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE www.ehlers-inc.com Offices in Minnesota (800)552-1171 Wisconsin (800) 717-9742 Illinois: (800) 417-1119 Page 13 Mar 20 2089 17:47:16 Via Fax —> 763 509 5060 Administrator O N/ LEAGUE of MINNESOTA CITIES -FridayFax- A weekly legibdative update from the league gfMinnesoia Cities Governor's supplemental budget— little immediate change for cities On Tuesday afternoon, the governor unveiled the supplement to his January budget recommendations. The supplement accounts for the updated revenue and expenditure projections contained in the state's March budget forecast and a more comprehensive accounting of the impact of the federal stimulus package. The governor uses available federal stimulus finding to provide an even larger K-12 funding increase relative to his January proposal. However, the governor's revised budget retains a school aid shift of more than $1 billion to balance the budget deficit. For the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and University system, he restores }tis hinuary proposed reductions, but at the same time, calls for both higher education systems to freeze tuition increases. The proposal also retains the controversial use of future tobacco settlement funds through a securitization process now referred to as appropriation bonding- The tobacco appropriation bonds would generate approximately $1 billion in revenues that would be used to reduce the current deficit. However, future Legislatures would no longer have that stream of revenue for budgetary purposes. For cities, the supplemental budget does not include any additional 2009 or 2010 cuts in local government aid (LGA) or market value homestead credit (MVHC). However, the supplemental budget recommendations apparently eliminate the restoration of roughly $60 million in LGA beginning with the 2011 distribution that the governor had proposed in his January budget recommendations. Although the governor's recommendations for the next biennium apparently address the longer-term Paye 801 of B06 March 20, 2009 Page 1 deficit, the information released on Tuesday provides few details for the 2012-2013 biennium nor is the governor technically required to balance that longer-term deficit. Interestingly, the supplemental budget documents show an increase of nearly $25 million in state spending for the broad category of "property tax aids and credits." At his press conference, the governor attributed this increase to the cost of the market value homestead credit program. Although the cost of that program has been declining in recent years due to the fact that home values have been increasing (the program phases out entirely when a home reaches roughly $414,000 of value), recent declines and new estimates of further future home value declines will mean that the cost of the program will actually increase. Perhaps the biggest question about the supplemental budget is the long-term deficit. Based upon Chapter 5 (SF 824), a bill signed on March 2, the governor is required to propose a balanced budget for the 2010-2011 biennium as well as the 2012-201:3 biennium. His recommendations apparently assume that health and human service programs along with property tax aids and credits as described above would be capped at the 2010-2011 level. This assumption represents a total reduction of approximately $2.5 billion over the current projected expenditure levels. Questions? C:onraci Gary Carlson al. 651.281.1255 or rcarl on a.hnc.or City aids rally on March 26 On Thursday, March 26, the League will join other municipal associations, along with the cities of Minneapolis and St, Paul, in a rally at the state Capitol to show support for the services and jobs that are supported by city aids. At the rally, For allow inl'oruuuion on city legislntive issues. comact any metnbo, of We la;ague or Nlinuwota citie. Itnergovernmo7ual aetvions tatm. 651281,12(X) or 800,925.1122 and www.lnlc.org Page 14 Mar 20 2009 17:40;22 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Administrator L,AT,Eof MINNESOTA CITIES -FridayFax- A weekly legislative update from the ,League ofMinnawfa C'Ities individuals from around the state will speak on behalf of the service areas they represent including police, fire, libraries, parks and recreation, and city governments. The rally is expected to take place on the south Capitol steps from 12 _. I p.nu. In addition to city officials representing the associations, a number of state legislative leaders have been invited to speak. All member cities are invited to send representatives. Quesdons? Contact 00n lleederat 651.215.4031 01' Breeder a<hnc. ore. House DFL leadership announces budget framework On Thursday, House DFL leadership announced their budget framework to balance the state's $4.6 billion deficit. According to House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL - Minneapolis) the proposal structurally balances the state's budget over the next four years. The budget outlined includes; S1.5 billion in new revenue, spending cuts of $843 million and shifts totaling over $1.7 billion. The plan contained very few details, but House DPL leadership did say that their priority was to hold education harmless; the proposal makes no reductions to early education, K-12 education or higher education programs butt does delay over $ L7 billion in payments to schools. The plan includes a 7.3 percent reduction to tax aids and credits totaling 5250 million in fiscal years 2010/2011. This is slightly higher than the Senate DFL plan announced last week that proposes to make 7 percent cuts across the board. The Senate DFL plan proposes to cut $240 million from tax aids and credits. The plan cuts state spending by $1.6 billion but uses $750 million in federal funds to fill in some of the cuts. The proposal indicated that $1.5 billion in new revenues would be needed. When asked how the Paye 002 Of 006 March 20, 2009 Page 2 Hoose DFL proposes to raise the revenue, Speaker Kelliher would not say, but did say that it would be raised in a profnessive and A it way, and then added that income taxes are the most progressive tax. Speaker Kelliher said that the House Tax Committee would be assembling* a package and could release their plan as early as next week. At this point, the governor, Senaic DFL and House DFL leadership have all released their budget proposals. The Legislature and governor have approximately two months to find a compromise on how to close the state's budget deficit. We expect that more details on the House DFL proposal in the coming weeks. Questions? Contact Flare Nguyen at 651.28L 1260 or linguyeji ilmc.0rv. Proposed Board of Residential Construction advances On Wednesday, the House Labor and Consumer Protection Division heard and passed 1-fF 968 a bill that would create a Board of Residential Construction, to the Commerce and Labor Committee. Authored by Rep. Larry Hosch, (DFL -St Joseph) the bill would transfer the authority for adopting and interpreting the residential building code from the Department of _Labor and Industry (DLI) to a board made up primarily of industry representatives. As written, the board would have the authority to adopt the state residential building code, have authority over licensure and registration of residential building contractors and remodelers, elect officers, appoint members to other advisory councils or boards and recommend fees for licenses and certifications. The board would consist of 13 members, 12 appointed by the governor with the advice and For mwe inromuuion on city Iegislalive saves. comacr any member of arc Wague ol'Minn�rta Cities Inrorgovonunrnl;rl RelaUOnS IoJm. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 and www.11nc.org. Page 15 Mar ZO Z009 17:49138 Via Fax -> 763 589 S060 Administrator \O LEAGUE of MINNESOTA CITIES -FridayFax- weekly legisdauve update from the Lcagne of Minnesota Cities consent of the Senate and the commissioner of Labor and Industry. The 1.2 appointed members consist of eight representatives from the construction industry, two building officials, one fire marshal, and a public member. HF 968 and its companion SF 730 authored by Sen. Kathy Saltr..man (DFL -Woodbury) is sponsored by the Builders Association of Minnesota, who testified in support of the bill. The committee also heard from several organizations that oppose the bill, including the Association of Minnesota Building Officials (AMBO) and Minnesota Fire Chiefs Association. The League supports a coordinated code development process, and believes the creation of boards fragments the code development process. Replacing a consolidated state code development process with a board dominated by residential contractors and building trades interest could overshadow public safety and interests. The League will continue to monitor this bill as it makes its way through the legislative process. Questions" CoPiiaei 11ue Nguyen at 651.281.1260 or hr euven(u>.lmc.m . TIF Day in the House con>ting up The House Tax Committee has slated Friday April 3 as the day that they will hear the individual requests dealing with individual cities' changes to tax increment financing (TIF) law. The committee is supposed to meet at 9 ami. in the State Office Building (room TBD). There are many bills introduced this year. perhaps more than usual. The bills scheduled at this point are: HF 215 (Ren. Terry Morrow, DFL -St. Peter), Noilh Mankato HF 219 (Rep. Kathy Brwuaert, DFL -Mankato), Mankato Paye OB3 Of 006 March 20, 2009 Page 3 HF 294 (Ren. Maria Ruu<l, DFL -Minnetonka), Minnetonka 14F 360 (Ren. Steve Simon, DFL -St. Louis Park), St. Louis Park HF 361 (Rep. Steve, DFL -St. Louis Park), St. Louis Park HF 1492 (Rep. Steve Simon, DFL -St. Louis Park), Hopkins HF 676 (Ren. Carolyn Laine, DFL -Columbia Heights), Columbia Heights HF 870 (Ren. Roeer Reinert, DFL -Duluth), Duluth Seaway Port Authority HF 1291 (Rep. John Lesch, DFL -St. Paul), St. Paul; Central corridor light rail transit project HF 1296 (Rep. ,toe Mullery, DFL -Minneapolis), Brooklyn Park; St. Paul; Fridley; Housing replacement districts HF 1431 (Ren. Melissa Hornnan, DFL -Brooklyn Park), TIF and transit improvement area provisions amended HF 1453 (Rep. Tim Fain, DFL -Hinckley), TIF tourism facility development region eligibility extension HF 1468 (Ren. Kate Knuth, DFL -New Brighton), Arden Hills HF 1613 (Rep. Karla Bigham, DFL -Cottage Grove), South St, Paul HF 1787 (Rer). Leon Lillie, DFL -North St. Pard), North St. Paul HF 1878 (Rep. Steve Smith, DFL -Mound), Medina HF 1879 (Rep. Steve Smith), Mound HF t945 (Reo. Sandra Masin, DFL -Eagan), Eagan HF 1949 (Rep. Denise Dittrich, DFL -Champlin), Coon Rapids Any late TIF bill introductions will likely be included in the hearing, but it is getting very late in the process for bill introductions it) general. When bills of this type come in, submitter,,; are asked to complete some background TIF worksheets for House members to consider. Fur more inronnation oo city legislalive iswos. colo wl any nlelnba oraic League orminnawtn Cilie. Intergovcmnwyual ael:uiuu, 1eun. 651.281.1200 or 800,925.1122 and www.lnic.org Page 16 Mar 20 2009 17:50:37 Via Pax -> 763 599 5060 Administrator LEAGUE of MINNESOTA CITIES -FridayFax- A weekly legislative. update 1t otn the League of Minnesota Citiev Those worksheets were due out the end of February. While the committee hears the bill, there is an informal TIF working group in the House that studies the details of each project and makes recommendations to the full House Tax committee. According to House staff an Friday, those members will be announced on Monday. The Senate has spread the TIF bills over a couple of hearings thus far, and laid over everything for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill. See next week's Cities Bulletin for an article with more detail on those TIF bills, the members of the House TIF working group and other economic development issues. Questions? Contact tenni/er O'Rourke at 651.281.1261 or.loroto•ke &1?nc•.orc. Administrative fine compromise bill advances An administrative fines bill representing an agreement between city, county and law enforcement organizations advanced without opposition on Thursday in the H u e Public Safety Policy and Oversight Committee. HF 1517 (Rosch, DFL -St. Joseph), as amended during the hearing, would allow local units of government and the State Patrol to issue administrative citations for a limited list of traffic offenses. (Note: the version of the bill available on Friday, March 20, is not the compromise language. This bill has been amended with a "delete -everything" amendment. The updated version of the bill will be available in the aftemoon on Monday, March 23)_ Key components of the compromise include the following, • A local unit of government may, by ordinance, authorize its police officers to issue administrative citations. Paye 004 Of 006 March 20, 2009 Page 4 • The ordinance must contain a process for a violator to appeal the citation, and the process must involve a neutral third party such as an administrative hearing officer. • The violations eligible for an administrative citation are 1) speeding less than 10 miles per hour above the posted limit: 2) stop line violations; and 3) equipment violations such as it cracked windshield. • The amount of the administrative fine is $60. • When a local unit of government issues the citation, two-thirds of the fine is retained by the issuing authority and one-third roust be given to the state. • When the State Patrol issues the citation, two- thirds of the fine is retained by the state, and one-third is turned over to the local ,jurisdiction where th.e citation was issued. Noticeably absent in the bill is local control over which violations etre eligible for administrative citations and the amount of the fine. The League sought tlexibi.lity in these areas. However, in the end, the provisions requiring uniformity across the state neutralized opposition. in fact, tong -time critic of administrative fines Rep. Tony Cornish (R -Good Thunder) not only endorsed the bill, but helped present the compromise in the chief author's absence. He also withdrew from the committee agenda his bill that would have prohibited use of administrative citations for traffic enforcement. The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA), which also opposed previous efforts by cities to secure authority to use administrative fines, accepted the compromise. The League and other proponents of administrative fine authority resisted the requirement that a portion of the fines be remitted to time state. Unfortunately, the alternative presented by key legislators was to place a $25 state surcharge on administrative tickets. Since the Legislature has routinely increased surcharge For mere in ruination ou city logishnive issues, const ally mambo, or the i.eugue orMinn�ota cities Relation.. tt3 n, 651.281,1200 or 80(1925.1122 and www.Inic.org Page 17 Mar 20 2889 17:51:51 Via Fax —> 763 509 5060 Administrator -FridayFax- A wcekly legislative upela/e frorn the ,League ofMintz"ota Cities amounts in order to till holes in the general find, stakeholders opposed this option. The current amount of the state surcharge on the uniform traffic ticket is S75. Given the lack of opposition in the House Public Safety and Oversight Committee, supporters are optimistic that the bill will be approved at its next stop in the House Public Safety Finance Division. The League, along with the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association and the Minnesota Sheriffs Association, are working to secure an author for the Senate companion to HF 1517. Questions? C'onlaci Anne Minn at 65/.281.1263 or alinn011me.oix=. Bipartisan support key to success for voter registration and absentee voting reforms City officials, particularly those responsible for conducting voting activities, can help increase chances for enactment this session of major improvements to voter registration and absentee voting. The key ingredient still missing is strong bipartisan support for the measures. As indicated in previous updates, it is vital for city officials to encourage local legislators to support the reforms. Governor Pawlenty has indicated that bipartisan support for the bills is essential. The League strongly urges city officials to discuss the importance of bipartisanship in support of changes designed to reduce errors and increase the security of the voter registration process and the process of accepting, rejecting and counting absentee ballots. Please contact ,your local legislators as soon as possible to urge them to work toward the goal of strong bipartisan support for these measures. City election administrators who serve on the LMC Elections Task Force have been actively involved Paye 005 0f 006 March 20, 2009 Page 5 developing the legislation. Of immediate importance are HF 135IPS 33 1, the absentee voting bill, and 1 I F 1053/ F 660 legislation to make it likely that many more eligible voters will be registered prior to Election Day and that the official voter records maintained in the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS) will be continually up -dated electronically by incorporating voter address, name change and eligibility status information available from state and federal govemrnent databases, including the Social Security Administration, the courts, the Department of Corrections, and the Division of Vehicle Services. For cities, the proposed changes to voter registration will save cities by reducing costs to hire election judges who wil I have fewer voters to register on Election Day. Currently, between 50- 90 percent of voters who register on Election Day use their driver license to verify their residence address and identity. If HF 1053/SF 660 is enacted, the Secretary of State will be able to register them as they obtain, renew or update their driver license and be able to provide cities current and complete voter rosters for use at the Molls. In addition, the lines of voters waiting to cast their ballots at elections where heavy turnouts occur will be smaller since most potential voters will find that they do not need to register at the polls. The new procedures outlined in the bill also give the Secretary of State new tools to make the voter lists more accurate with regard to voters whose status is challenged or who are ineligible to vote because of citizenship or felony status. The absentee voting reforms also include major cost-saving measures for cities as well as changes in procedures that will reduce errors and result in more accurate results in the final tabulation of absentee voting. Cities and counties will have authority to process absentee ballots using an absentee ballot board and no longer be required rot 111m inkrtmaiion on city legislative i,_wc . contact any mon1w of We I..eagoo orMil)=Nota citie" hllorgovcnam11tol Reraaons mtln. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 and www,llllc.org Page 18 Mar 20 2009 17:53:02 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Administrator CJ C� j-,EAGUE of MINNESOTA CITIES -FridayFax- A lveckly legislative update ftoen the League gfMintzesola Cities to distribute absentee ballots to polling places on Election Day. Questions? Conract Ann Higgins at 651.251.1257 or ahi irzs a>lrne.om, House Property Tax announcement Monday morning !louse Property and Local Sales Tax Division Chair Ren, Paul Marauart (DFL -Dilworth) will hold a Monday morning press conference to unveil the outline of what will likely be his property tax division report. On Friday, Rep. Marqunrt confirmed that a bill would be introduced during the Monday floor session. The League will cover the details of this new legislation for the next Cities Bulletin. What might be included based on committee discrtssions thus far: local government aid (LGA) and market value homestead credit (MVHC) funding and formula changes, local option sales tax changes, Green Acres changes, Housing Improvement Area authorization and the House working group efforts such as mandate relief, local perfomrance measurements, and the state property tax benchmark legislation of Ren. Denise Dittrich's (DFL. -Champlin). Owvlions7 Contaei,1ennifer O'Rourke at 651.281.1'61 oriol'rrurke(/nzc.orx. Town hall meetings Paye Bob Of BB6 March 20, 2009 Page Ci Town hall meetings are a great chance to meet with your legislators and tell your city story, sometimes right inside city hall. Upcoming meetings in a city near you include: March 21 in Milaca (Embers Restaurant, 120 10th Ave. SE, 12 noon) with Rep. Gail Kulick Jackson March 21 in Foley (Dewey's Restaurant, 141 4th Ave South, 2 p.m.) with Rep. Gail Kulick Jackson March 21 in Eagan (Board Room, Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, 2 p.m.) with Rep. Mike Obemrueller March 27 in Waite Park (Ultimate Sports Bar & Grill, 1101 Division St., 11:30 a -m.) with Rep. Steve Gottwalt Check your local newspaper or radio station for additional dates. Questions? Contact Brian Str ub at 651281.1256 or bstrub a) me,or . For more inkinalitm on city legislative issues. coluld any mwui)e ol'aw r.eague orwine oia cities lntn•govemmultal 2elatione !Mull_ 651.281,1200 or 800.925.1122 and www.linc.org Page 19 OFFICIAL MINUTES PLYMOUTH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION November 6, 2008 Regular Meeting COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Klevorn, Dockman, Tupa, Pelc, Layton COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Alden, Olsen STAFF PRESENT: Human Resources Manager Sobania, Deputy Police Chief Plekkenpol, Public Safety Education Specialist Cwayna, Officer Haseman, and Deputy City Clerk Olson Call to Order Vice Chair Layton called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. 2. Approve Agenda It was motioned by Commissioner Dockman, seconded by Commissioner Klevorn, to adopt the agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. 3. Presentations A. Operation Youth and Along for the Ride Cable Series Officer Haseman gave an overview of Operation Youth. The program is geared towards middle school -aged students. The program provides after school activities, homework help. game time and Friday night activities. The purpose is to foster better relationships between police and youth. After several attempts in multi -family housing communities with very low participation, the Police Department decided to focus their efforts on working with the middle school after school programs. Officer Haseman showed a clip of "Along for the Ride" that features her and CSO Supervisor Long. The clip was on home invasions and also teen driving. Deputy Chief Plekkenpol stated that the commission could do a similar show or clip to put on the local cable station. B. Diversity Efforts in the Police Dept Public Safety Education Specialist Cwayna explained her work with both the Fire and Police Departments. She gave a report on the Welcome to Plymouth booklet Page 20 that was created for new residents, especially non-English speaking residents. It provides important safety information and resources. The book was translated into Russian, Somali, and Spanish and passed out to the community. She gave the commission information on how to get some their materials translated and the experiences they had when going through this process. 4. Approve Minutes It was motioned by Commissioner Dockman. seconded by Commissioner Pelc, to adopt the minutes of September 4 and September 23, 2008. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. 5. Reports of Commissioners Chair Alden and Vice Chair Layton attended the Annual League of MN Human Rights Commissions Conference in Rochester. They felt it was disorganized in its planning and the speakers were poor. 6. Police Reports A. Bias Crime Reports Deputy Police Chief Plekkenpol reported there was one incident in October involving a resident harassing a neighbor. Charges have been filed. New Business A. 2009 Essay Contest Commissioners briefly discussed the essay contest. They would like to include all private schools and home schooled students and discussed several resources to look into. 8. Adjournment It was motioned by Commissioner Pelc, seconded by Commissioner Dockman to adjourn the meeting. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Kimberly A. Olson, Deputy City Clerk Page 21 UNOFFICIAL MINUTES PLYMOUTH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION February 5, 2009 Regular Meeting COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Alden, Doll, Haag, Klevorn, Trites Rolle COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Dockman, Layton STAFF PRESENT: Human Resources Manager Sobania, Deputy Police Chief Plekkenpol, and Deputy City Clerk Olson SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES: Lois Robbins, ISD 284 1. Call to Order Chair Alden called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. 2. Introduction Commissioners introduced themselves around the table. Human Resources Manager Sobania gave new commissioners a brief orientation on ethics, open meeting law, etc. 3. Election of Officers Chair Alden nominated Commissioner Klevorn for Chair. It was motioned by Commissioner Alden, seconded by Commissioner Doll, to elect Commissioner Klevorn to Chair. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. The nomination of a Vice Chair was tabled to the next meeting. 4. Approve Agenda Commissioner Alden stated she would like to add discussion of Representative Sarah Anderson's letter. Human Resources Manager Sobania added set quarterly meeting dates to the agenda. It was motion by Commission Trites Rolle, seconded by Commissioner Alden, to approve the amended agenda. With all members voting in favor. the motion carried. 5. Approve Minutes Page 22 This item was tabled to the next meeting. 6. Reports of Commissioners Commissioner Alden reported that Plymouth hosted a board meeting for the League of MN Human Rights Commissions. She stated that she and Chair Klevorn also attended a kickoff meeting with commissioners of cities included in the five -city Bremer grant proposal. Those cities were New Hope, Crystal, Robbinsdale, Golden Valley and Plymouth. The next meeting will be held on February 23. Commissioner Alden commented how lucky the Plymouth commission is to have the support of the city and its staff. She stated it is unusual for most human rights commissions to have that support and the Plymouth commission could educate others on how an effective commission works. Chair Klevorn reported that she attended the Human Rights Day Annual Conference in December. She attended the grant -writing workshop and found several good candidates for speakers. Commissioner Alden encouraged the commissioners to attend the Advocates for Human Rights workshops. She felt they are run exceptionally well. The sessions are free and include a lunch meal. Police Report A. Bias Crime Report Deputy Chief Plekkenpol reported that they had one bias crime report- He reported that a city employee notified the police department about a series of bias/hate mail coming through the fax machine. An officer was sent out and filed a report that was then passed along to State agencies. He stated that these faxes appear to come from a 1-800 number and are not traceable. B. Other Deputy Chief Plekkenpol talked about branding to the commission. Branding is about identifying your group and letting the public know who you are. Some examples would be creating a vision or mission statement, participating in some of the citywide events, and inviting members of different cultures to the commission meetings to share information on their culture. 8. Old Business A. Discuss Bremer Grants Page 23 Deputy Clerk Olson gave the new commissioners a brief update on what the Bremer grants are and what has been done so far. Chair Klevorn stated that the YWCA proposal has a cap of 30 people who can participate in the training. It is an interactive training where participants get in small groups and talk about race, diversity and other difficult topics. Commissioner Alden was in favor of choosing the YWCA proposal. Several commissioners questioned the St. Thomas proposal in terms of training format and language regarding additional costs for supplies. It was motioned by Commissioner Alden, seconded by Chair Klevorn, to accept the YWCA proposal. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Chair Klevorn stated that she would follow up with food donations for the event as well as facility arrangements with the school. 9. New Business A. 2009 Essay Contest Deputy Clerk Olson gave a brief overview of the essay contest for the new members. Wayzata Representative Robbins stated that the three middle schools will be participating again this year and she would be collecting the essays at the end of February. She inquired when they will be reviewed. Commissioners agreed to meet and score the essays on Wed., March 18°i at 6:00 p.m. The commission discussed when to hold the award ceremony. They selected Thurs., April 30°i at 7:00 p.m. B. Discuss relationship to League of MN Human Rights Commissions This item was tabled to the next meeting. C. Set Quarterly Meeting Dates The commission set the following meeting dates: • April 30, 2009, 6-7:00 p.m., prior to Essay Awards • September 3, 2009,7:00 p.m. • November 5, 2009,7:00 p.m. • February 4, 2010, 7:00 p.m. Page 24 D. Representative Sarah Anderson's letter Commissioner Alden received a letter from Representative Anderson asking for input regarding the state's budget deficit. Commissioner Alden felt it imperative to express the need to maintain funding for human rights initiatives. 10. Announcements Commissioner Plekkenpol extended an invitation to the commissioners to schedule a police ride -a -long. He stated that it provides a unique perspective. 11. Adjournment It was motioned by Commissioner Doll, seconded by Commissioner Alden, to adjourn the meeting. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Kimberly A. Olson Deputy City Clerk Page 25 MINUTES PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY February 26,2009 PRESENT: Chairman Steve Ludovissic, Commissioners Jeff Kulaszewicz, Paul Caryotakis, and David Miller STAFF PRESENT: Housing Program Manager Jim Barnes and Office Support Representative Chele Kovacevick OTHERS PRESENT: None 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Ludovissie called the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting to order at 7:05 P.M. 2. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve HRA Meeting Minutes from January 22, 2009. B. Plymouth Towne Square. Accept monthly housing reports. C. Vicksburg Crossing. Accept monthly housing reports. MOTION by Chairman Ludovissie, seconded by Commissioner Miller to approve the consent agenda. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. 3. NEW BUSINESS A. Vicksburg Crossing. Marketing Report. After reviewing the marketing report, Housing Program Manager Barnes said it is nice to see that the Board's 2009 projections for the two properties were on track. All the one bedroom units are leased with the marketing now focusing on the two bedroom units. There are still 13 units to be rented. Commissioner Kulaszewicz said that the famished model seems to have been a good idea and has achieved results. Housing Program Manager Barnes remarked that the change of staff at the site has also had a positive impact. Commissioner Kulaszewicz asked what the procedure is for offering vacant affordable units to waiting list persons. Housing Program Manager Bames explained the procedure stating that we start calling interested households that are at the top of the list and if they refuse we continue down the list until we have someone how is ready to move in. If they decline, they remain on the list until another unit opens up which they can either accept or decline. Page 26 Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority February 26, 2009 Page 2 Commissioner Kulaszewicz is interested in the outcome of the two February marketing events done for Valentine's Day. Chairman Ludovissie said that the results of recent tours may not show up for three to four months down the road. He asked if 95% is the pro -forma for a break- even. Housing Program Manager Barnes responded affirmatively. Housing Program Manager Barnes also mentioned that the proposed change in tax status process is taking longer than expected but is still moving forward. Commissioner Miller asked if we are marketing in conjunction with realtors that may be offering a guaranteed sale program in order to sell the house. Housing Program Manager Barnes said they are not currently marketing to this segment of sellers, but he will discuss the idea with Grace Management. B. Election of Chair, Vice -Chair and Secretary for 2009 Chairman Ludovissie asked if there were any volunteers or nominations for officers. There were no volunteers. Housing Manager Barnes explained the job duties of the three positions. Chairman Ludovissie stated that turnover in these positions are good for the Board as it adds new blood and fresh perspectives. Commissioner Kulaszewicz offered to serve as the Chairman and Commissioner Caryotakis offered to serve as the Vice -Chairman. Chairman Ludovissie nominated Commissioner Kulaszewicz for Chairman, seconded by Commissioner Caryotakis. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. Chairman Ludovissie nominated Commissioner Caryotakis for Vice -Chairman, seconded by Commissioner Miller. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. Chairman Ludovissie nominated Commissioner Miller for Secretary, seconded by Commissioner Caryotakis. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. 4. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Chairman Ludovissie, seconded by Commissioner Kulaszewicz, to adjourn. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Page 27 MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING March 12, 2009 PRESENT: Commissioners: M. Smith, G. Anderson, D. Anderson, A. Vanderwall, N. Carroll, J. Nelson, P. Knight Staff: E. Blank, D. Evans, P. Buck, D. Sankey City Council Liaison: B. Stein ABSENT: Planning Commission Liaison D. Korusson 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Smith called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion was made by Commissioner G Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Knight to approve the February minutes with changes noted. Vote: 6 Ayes. Motion carried. Commissioner Carroll arrived after approval of minutes. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations: None b. Staff: Superintendant of Recreation Diane Evans reported on upcoming events. The Healthy Living Fair will be held on Sunday, March 15 from 1-5:00 p.m. It is a free event which includes health screening, education, and fitness samplers. The event is co-sponsored with West Health. The Public Art Banner competition has concluded. PFAC and staff are reviewing the applications and anticipate adding nine banners to the collection. Planning is under way for the Yard & Garden Expo t be held on April 3 & 4. New features include Bobby Jensen from KARE 11 Grow With Care speaking on Friday and Minnesota Market Place featuring fresh and local products. Since this is a fundraiser for the Millennium Garden, there is a $3 admission fee. Primavera is coming up, and PFAC it jurying it today. There are close to 100 pieces. When done, the best of the best will be shown on April 17 - 21 at Plymouth Creek Center. The City Sampler will be held on April 25 from 9:00 to noon at City Hall. This is designed to be in lieu of town meetings. The Twister Sisters will be there again this year with a very impressive show on tornadoes and storms. The summer brochure goes out on Monday. Residents can start registering on March 24 and non-residents on March 31. On April 28, there will be an unveiling of the new sculpture at the Millennium Garden. On Tuesday night, the Arts Policy was approved by the City Council. Director Blank added that PSA did an all-night fundraiser at the dome recently and raised over $17,000. This was the first time this type of event has been tried there. Page 28 PRAC Minutes/March 12, 2009 Page 2 4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION a. Approve Annual Report: Director Blank said the Council accepted the Annual Report at their meeting two weeks ago. PRAC's choices of Chair & Vice Chair were also approved. b. Approve PRAC Work Plan: The Council also approved the PRAC Work Plan. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Update - Art Sculpture: Blank said he recently saw a full-size mock-up of the new sculpture, which is nine feet tall. There will be some challenges in getting it installed on time because of frost in the ground. We are committed to getting it installed before the wedding season begins. We are planning on an April 28 dedication. b. Zachary building - Blank said that the association is planning on a May 2 dedication, and invitations will be coming. They are sheet rocking and mudding right now. They are looking forward to getting it wrapped up and to getting the Health Department permit. The dedication of the building will tie in with the opening of the baseball season celebration. c. Update - Greenway Land Acquisition: Blank reported that he has reached another deal on a parcel just east of Dunkirk Lane. It should close the end of July or early August. The Begin farm is just to the east. Preservation of the trees is the number one thing for this parcel. He hopes to get a couple more purchases done this year. d. Comprehensive Plan Blank said that the Metropolitan Council will approve of the plan on April 8. This will officially open up northwest Plymouth for development. Plans are in place for sewer, water, and streets. It will be ready when economy turns around and development starts up again. 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Review Draft of Open Space Management Plans: Blank explained that we want to create this report to set up implementation steps for open spaces with management plans for each. We want to get the plan done by around June and to have it on our web page for people to read. City Forester Paul Buck said we began the report with what is on each site and what kind of ecosystem it contains. We want to make it work for 20 years out into the future. The plan includes a brief history and overall stewardship scheme. Each site has some inventory, although some are sketchier. He noted some of the problems and recommendations in the plan. Chair Smith asked for a summary of the issues. Buck said the easiest one to work on is buckthorn. The hardest one is reed canary grass which is extremely hard to control. Garlic mustard is another exotic species with no natural enemies. It is best to stop the plants in little patches when possible. It comes down to Page 29 PRAC Minutes/March 12, 2009 Page 3 financially feasible management options. It is most effective to educate the citizens in the neighborhood, helping them to control the weed species too. Commissioner G. Anderson asked about whether there are native plant species that can be introduced to help with the control. Buck said not at this time. A report has come out that angora goats will eat buckthorn, although he is not sure if this is practical. Fire or clear cutting may be the best for some sites. Chair Smith asked about signage, including signs with rules. Buck said there are no rule signs yet. Most of the existing signs establish the boundary lines with neighbors. Commissioner G. Anderson asked whether neighbors are respectful of the boundaries. Buck said putting up signs right away is the best way to establish the perimeters. Equipment is not always able to enter the sites because we are trying to keep them natural. It could be beneficial to put in a path to create an access point. Chair Smith suggested maybe Tree Trust could help with maintenance, and Buck said we have used them in the past. Buck pointed out some details on each Open Space: County Road 73 is located just below LaCompte Playfield. We would like to eventually connect this parcel with LaCompte. It contains a native stand of Tamarac. East Medicine Lake contains a water quality pond and is a created wetland. It is a nice amenity for the neighborhood. Councilmember Stein pointed out that he sees a lot of people fishing there. Elm Creek Woods is located behind the high school and is one of the highest rated pieces of property. It contains a high ropes course, and we worked with the school to minimize impact. Commissioner G. Anderson said they do a lot of testing of the water there. Buck said that some of trees are starting to tip over the creek, and it may require some major work to restore it. Stein wondered if there was an association such Friends of Elm Creek which could help with maintenance. Blank said there is a Friends of Elm Creek group, and their interest is building a regional trail. Commissioner G. Anderson asked about erosion. Buck said that at times, offsite water does cause some wash outs. Fazendin Park is off of Dunkirk and 25`h Avenue and is maintained more than the other open spaces. Parts of it are mowed, although there are recommendations to change it over to a little more natural open space. Commissioner G. Anderson asked how much of it is mowed. Buck said perhaps half. Comissioner G. Anderson asked if residents would get mad if we quit mowing. Buck explained that there is a lower part that can't be mowed in wet weather. Chair Smith commented that he goes through the park land sometimes, and it is a nice space. Ferndale is in the southwest corner of the city just below Hadley Lake. Not a lot can be done with this space, and access is an issue. The residents probably don't want much done there. Commissioner G. Anderson asked if there is buckthorn there. Buck said there is not a lot. Chair Smith asked how we handle the pond - do Page 30 PRAC Minutes/March 12, 2009 Page 4 we do any treating of it? Blank said we don't treat any ponds in the city. Chair Smith asked about the area south of the pond. Buck said the soil must have been disturbed and compacted because there is not much natural generation of trees there. There are some informal paths created by deer. Commissioner Carroll asked about the maintenance schedule. Buck explained that the entrance is trimmed back about every other year and we put down wood chips for an entrance trail that goes in about 30-40 feet. Commissioner Carroll asked whether we would consider doing anything else. Buck would like to put in more wood chip trails which would make better access for maintenance. Commissioner Carroll said he realized it has been a delicate issue, but he would like to see some compatible development to allow the neighborhood to use the area more fully. Blank said that the management plan was set down by the Council. He would hesitate to change it and open up more controversy. Smith asked if the site compares to Woodland Trails. Blank said when the neighborhood was platted, the Council said it would stay open space. About eight years ago, a neighbor wanted to add a playground to the site. The neighborhood did not all agree with this and it caused much controversy. Commissioner Carroll suggested that if the neighborhood wanted to readdress this, they could bring it to the Council. French Ridge is just south of the Cottonwood Plaza area. Buck said that this is a nice site, but he doesn't know if we could ever develop it because of access issues. Commissioner D. Anderson asked about the issue of staying on trails vs. trampling and how much damage could be done. Buck said that by putting in a trail, you encourage people to stay on it. Commissioner D. Anderson asked about using fencing. Buck said he has tried it to keep deer from eating in an area, but it didn't work real well. Hardenbergh is just west of 101 and 12`h Ave. Buck pointed out that we have done pretty extensive buckthorn work in this area, and we continue to do some work there each year. Blank said we bought the property with money from the 1995 bond. Mrs. Hardenbergh donated 4 acres and we paid about $750,000 for the rest. Shadyview is at Highway 101 and 3& Avenue, and it is not a very large piece of property. No neighbors have every requested any development. It has a lot of buckthorn. Blank pointed out that we have we taken out diseased trees. Northwest Greenway from Lake Camelot to near Wayzata High School. We keep adding spaces to this system. Blank said it is a unique open space in that it is designed to have a trail through it and designed for a lot of use. A management plan is yet to be developed. It will be used for people walking, biking, rollerblading, and horseback riding. Buck said the plan will need to be specific to each section because of the variety of ecosystems involved. Commissioner D. Anderson asked about reforestation — planting seedling trees. Buck said it was mentioned in a few spots in the plan. He is hoping to have a planting in the Northwest Greenway this spring. It is hard to get trees to grow where there is a lot of heavy understory. Page 31 PRAC Minutes/March 12, 2009 Page 5 Blank commented that there is still much work to do before the plan is ready to go before the Council for approval. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION: 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION: 9. ADJOURNMENT Chair Smith entertained the motion to adjourn. MOTION was made by Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Commissioner Vanderwall. Vote: 7 Ayes. Motion approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m. The next meeting will be held on May 14, in the Council Chambers. 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D N C m nU D DO O m N C v m � O n E o N O m N m Q C o Z m C D E c m E o 0 m o v m m 3 y C m L N N c o i >0 � > m o m c Q.: U 0 c c m o c m 1E m c o m N O 0 O C O m C O c m d m 0 0 m N O O m R N Oij m ~ in °vi'a��Kin 0 U m U O O r O m p` O m 2r o m m> N m D E.o rK Et v o [f]� 0 2 yUl- m m Zm ❑ Emyam �H'�v m maw. -,n m o K m E$ c U >UJ �<i i70 coca ❑❑❑�� o W m o� -0 a mmo C) F- ( _ M C; 'S -- O z D N th �a� 3 v Y m a Page 35 MEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 DATE: March 25, 2009 TO: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager FROM: Doran Cote, Director of Public Works SUBJECT: Organized Hauling Consortium History and Explanation This memorandum is in response to an email sent to the Mayor and City Council on March 16, 2008. The City Council has discussed organized collection on a number of occasions. Consortiums in cities like Champlin, Ham Lake, Minneapolis, Vadnais Heights and other cities are another example of organized collection. There have not been consortiums organized since the early 1990s (1990-1992). A consortium is the same process as organized collection (hearings, etc.). In the early 1990s, some cities wanted lower garbage collection rates for residents and got together with their licensed haulers. The haulers and the particular city would agree to split the city based upon each hauler's current (at that time) market share. The haulers then formed a group (consortium) in order to legally negotiate with the city. From that point on, the haulers act as a consortium, not as their individual companies. The hauler owns a share of the consortium. If they had 20% of the market share, they now service 20% of the city and own 20% of the consortium. This process worked well in the early 1990s when there were numerous local independent haulers. Since that time, the larger haulers have purchased many of the local independent haulers. Ham Lake has the Ham Lake Haulers Consortium which consists of Waste Management and ACE. The Ham Lake Haulers Consortium used to have 5 haulers. Little Canada used to have 7 haulers and now has only Waste Management, Allied and Red Arrow. Vadnais Heights is another city with a consortium. There are others too. Through acquisitions, most consortiums are down to 2-4 haulers. A consortium hasn't been done since 1991 or 1992 primarily due to the cumbersome, lengthy, contentious and controversial organized collection process. attachment O-E,i.e ., SOLIDWST C9, C9un61'_W9 C....w. Page 36 Madam Mayor and Council members, I would favor the city considering the benefits of having trash haulers being assigned to their own specific areas. I can hear the arguments arising from this concept already, such as I want my own hauler, I don't need the government to tell me which trash service to use etc. etc. etc. and blah, blah, blah, adinfinitum. In spite of that, I am of the opinion that the "designated by area concept" has benefits to everyone including the service providers. The wear and tear on the roadways, and the deleterious effects of vehicle exhaust pollutants were some of the issues discussed during the Recycle Contract Hearings and are likely still fresh in every ones mind and thus do not need to be reiterated here. Suffice it to say that on the narrow lane where I reside there are three (3) separate haulers servicing five (5) homes. I can only imagine the frustration a provider may feel planning routes to accommodate scattered customers. If they were asked if they would like their life simplified by having a designated area to schedule and service they would probably answer in the affirmative. By way of background, I have done some research on this concept and share with you how this system operates in the City of Champlin MN. The haulers were allocated areas commensurate with the number of customers that each had at the start of this program. The area(s) are considered annually to ascertain any need for redistricting based on population changes. The City and the haulers set the rates for five year contracts. The City pays the haulers and the fees are then added to the homeowner's utility bill. I understand that the haulers have organized a consortium known as "Champlin Refuse Inc." The current president of this organization is a gentleman named Tom Chovan who is with Allied Waste. He could be a resource for Plymouth to use going forward with this proposal. It is my understanding this program has been on going in Champlin for ten (10) years and certainly appears quite successful. Thank you for your consideration and best regards, James Caldwell 2347 Jonquil Ln. N. Plymouth Page 37 MEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447 DATE: February 24, 2009 TO: Mayor Slavik, City Manager Ahrens FROM: Sarah Hellekson, Solid Waste/Transit Manager SUBJECT: Appointment of Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit Chairperson and Vice Chairperson On February 18, 2009, the Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit (PACT) elected Sylvia Gustafson as Chair, and Terry Cheng as Vice Chair. These PACT representatives are being forwarded for your approval. Page 38 'N.�FL hIW II II h�S 56�h OFv'EVU ��T, 900 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON, DC 20410-0001 March 6, 2009 The Honorable Kelli Slavik Mayor of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mayor Slavik: I am pleased to inform you that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has allocated $10.1 billion, made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) (Public Law 111-5) signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. This letter provides the allocations from the Recovery Act for the following programs administered by the Department: Community Development Block Grants; Public Housing Capital Fund; Lead Hazard Reduction; Section 8 Project -Based Rental Assistance; Homelessness Prevention Fund; and Tax Credit Assistance. These programs provide funding for housing, community and economic development, and assistance for low- and moderate -income persons and special populations across the country. Table 1 reflects the level of funding directly available for those programs in your community. Table 2 identifies funding available through other partners in your community, and finally, Table 3 identifies the allocation provided to your state for which you may apply: Table 1 — Grants awarded directly to your community Recovery Act of 1009 Pro ram Grant Amount Community Development Block Grant $70,458 Homelessness Prevention Fund $0 Lead Hazard Reduction $0 www.hud.gov espanol.hud.gm Page 39 Table 2 — Grants awarded to partners in your community Recovery Act of 2009 Program Grant Amount Percent of Units in Your Community Public Housing Capital Fund* $0 0% Section 8 Project -Based Rental Assistance** $0 Lead Hazard Reduction Grant $0 *Some housing authorities serve areas larger than the city or county. The Grant Amount reflects the total grant to the housing authority(ies), and Percent of Units in Your Community reflects the percent of its (their) public housing units that are in your community. "The Project -Based Rental Assistance reflects the funding needed to meet the Federal Government's contractual obligation with project -based owner(s). Table 3 — Grants awarded to the state. Partners in your community might be able to apply for these funds. Recovery Act of 2009 Program GrantAmount Tax Credit Assistance $28,434,123 Additional competitive funding will become available in the near future for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, the Public Housing Capital Fund Program (renovation and energy conservation), and the Section 8 Project -Based Rental Assistance Program (energy conservation). Investments made with Recovery Act funds must be efficient, effective, and without waste, fraud, or abuse. To this end, the Recovery Act requires unprecedented levels of transparency, oversight, and accountability — measures that HUD rigorously will enforce. Effective performance measurement and accountability are crucially important in all formula grant programs, and it is essential that HUD have complete performance data to report to President Obama, the Congress, and the American people. Your dedication to complete accurate reporting of performance measurement data will be necessary to demonstrate the effectiveness of your investments specifically, and of HUD formula grant programs and the Recovery Act at large. To ensure transparency and accountability for Recovery Act investments, public reports will be disclosed through a central website, www.Recovery.gov, and through HUD's Recovery website, www.hud.gov/recovery. Local governments nationwide are grappling with effects of the current economic challenge. The timely expenditure of Recovery Act funds being announced in this allocation, in addition to the competitive funds that will be made available in the near future, are targeted to help communities and families recover from the economic situation. Furthermore, many of these Recovery Act funds make it possible for communities to reap the three benefits of energy retrofitting: the creation of local green jobs, utility cost savings, and a reduction in carbon emissions. HUD strongly encourages its grantees to focus on this opportunity. E Page 40 As with all HUD Recovery Act programs, your community has HUD's commitment to be as flexible as possible to help communities such as yours address local needs in the most effective manner. I look forward to establishing a partnership to help strengthen your community for years to come. HUD is always available to help you implement your programs effectively. If you or your staff have any questions, please contact your local HUD Field Office. Sincerely, Shaun Donovan Page 41 rp)City or Agenda N/A Plymouth Number: Adding Quality to Life To: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager ISSUE PAPER Prepared by: Derek Asche, Water Resources Manager March 25, 2009 Review by: Doran Cote, Public Works Director Item: Eurasian Watermilfoil 1. ISSUE DESCRIPTION: The Association of Medicine Lake Area Citizens (AMLAC) has requested that the City Council dedicate $5,000 towards the chemical treatment of Eurasian Watermilfoil in Medicine Lake in 2009. 2. BACKGROUND: Eurasian Watermilfoil in Medicine Lake in 2008 has prompted AMLAC to request the City's participation in aquatic invasive species (AIS) management for milfoil. Currently, the City's Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) addresses AIS management, in part, through Recreation, Fish, and Wildlife Policy 3: "The City shall support programs for controlling exotic and invasive species of plants and animals". Several species in Minnesota would apply to this policy, including Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curlyleaf Pondweed. Typically, these species have been managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), lake improvement districts or associations, or lakeshore property owners by harvesting, herbicide treatment, biological control, and/or education. In support of Recreation, Fish, and Wildlife Policy 3, the City has participated in a Curlyleaf Pondweed control program on Medicine Lake and continues to conduct annual aquatic vegetation surveys on several public waters. The City's Park and Recreation Department has also removed Eurasian Watermilfoil from Parker's Lake beach, boat launch, and fishing pier through herbicide treatments. In addition, the Three Rivers Park District has received permission from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to treat 15 acres of Eurasian Watermilfoil on Medicine Lake and harvesting was also conducted. Historically, AIS management is typically conducted to improve recreation such as boating, fishing or general access to open water and the Minnesota DNR requires aquatic vegetation removal permits for plants in public waters. Currently, AIS management appears favorable for recreational activities provided management is on an annual basis. It is inconclusive, however, that favorable outcomes for ecological systems, such as restoration of a native plant community, will result from AIS management. Additionally, a significant portion of AIS is known to grow in riparian areas of a lake where permission from lakeshore owners must be secured prior to AIS management in these areas. AIS management is currently proposed in the 2009 budget due to Recreation, Fish, and Wildlife Policy 3. Included in the budget is funding for herbicide treatment of Curlyleaf Pondweed and Page 42 mechanical harvesting of Eurasian Watermilfoil. Few municipalities fund AIS management programs. One exception is the City of Eagan where they annually harvest AIS from area lakes. AIS management programs are typically financed by lakeshore owners, lake associations, lake improvement districts, or through grants from the Minnesota DNR. In summary, insufficient scientific evidence exists demonstrating the water quality benefits, including native plant establishment, of whole -lake herbicide treatments for Eurasian Watermilfoil. Consideration in the future for participation in herbicide treatments of Eurasian Watermilfoil may be possible provided scientific evidence supports substantial water quality benefits. 3. BUDGET IMPACT: AMLAC has requested a $5,000 contribution toward chemical treatment of milfoil in Medicine Lake. Funding in the amount of $5,000 will treat approximately 14 acres. 4. ATTACHMENTS: Emails Page 43 Doran Cote From: Derek Asche Sent: Monday, March 23, 2009 3:30 PM To: Laurie Ahrens Cc: Doran Cote; Bob Moberg Subject: FW: Approach to Eurasian watermilfoil on Medicine Lake Last one ... I'll stop sending them now. Derek Asche I Water Resources Manager From: Chip Welling [mailto:Chip.Welling@dnr.state.mn.us] Sent: Monday, March 23, 2009 12:38 PM To: Terrie Christian Cc: Kevin Springob; Brittany Hummel; Tim Ohmann; John Skogerboe; Brian Vlach Subject: Approach to Eurasian watermilfoil on Medicine Lake 23 March 2009 Dear Terrie, I am writing to respond to your email of 19 March. I will check to see whether someone from the DNR might attend the meeting of the City of Medicine Lake on April 6th at 7:00 p.m. to address some of the questions about fisheries and the use of 2,4-D. Regarding your plan to apply to the DNR for a grant to support control of nuisances caused by Eurasian watermilfoil, the DNR would consider such an application according to the usual schedule. The DNR would review any application to control Eurasian watermilfoil in light of the nuisances to be addressed. If you are interested in lake -wide control of Eurasian watermilfoil, then some significant questions would need to be addressed. As I have note in previous emails, the DNR would like to know to what extent might lake -wide control of milfoil reduce the amount of submerged aquatic vegetation in Medicine Lake. To the extent that this is a risk of lake -wide treatment of Eurasian watermilfoil in Medicine Lake, the DNR will be concerned. In your email, your wrote that "Brian Vlach says that treatment of about 100 acres, which is what we had last year will not have a significant impact on water quality." In communications with Brian, he seemed to indicate that the distribution and abundance of the native plant community would need to increase in order for there to be no impacts on water quality due to treatment of Eurasian watermilfoil on a whole lake basis. At this point, I do not think that we have evidence of a substantial increase the distribution and abundance of native plants in Medicine Lake. Consequently, I am not sure that we can 1 Page 44 exclude the possibility that lake -wide treatment of Eurasian watermilfoil could have a negative effect on water quality in Medicine Lake. I would add that the DNR would be concerned if lake -wide treatment of milfoil in addition to curly - leaf pondweed resulted in a lake -wide reduction in aquatic vegetation for another reason. As you know, aquatic vegetation provides habitat and food for fish and wildlife. Unfortunately, in some lakes with low water clarity, native plants are very restricted in distribution and abundance, though invasive plants may be able to grow. In such a situation, the non-native plants may have value as habitat for fish and wildlife, though the DNR would prefer that such habitat be provided by native plants. If you have additional questions or comments related to management of invasive aquatic plants in Medicine Lake, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Chip Welling Coordinator, Aquatic Invasive Species Management Division of Ecological Resources MnDNR 500 Lafayette Road, Box 25 Saint Paul, MN 55155-4025 651-259-5149 651-296-1811 Fax >>> 'Terrie Christian" <terriepc@msn.com> 3/19/2009 2:29 PM >>> Hi Chip, I wonder if you could help me out. I am forwarding a message from the parks guy from the City of Medicine Lake. AMLAC is asking the City of Medicine Lake for S for 3.4-1) in the amount of $3,000. They are approving the money, but there is this contingent that is Fighting against it. As you can see from the message below, their perceptions are a bit off. Several city council people over there need to be educated about what is real. The ones who are for 2,4-D have done some research of their own and are not worried about toxicity when used within approved labeling. We had our AMLAC board meeting last night and the supporters said we really need to tackle fish toxicity. The opponents say they have been fishing in Medicine Lake for over 20 years and since beginning treatment of milfoil with 2.4-1) that they have seen a dramatic drop in fish catches. I thought if we could get someone from DNR to come to their city council meeting April 6th at 7:00 p.m. to address these issues with real facts that it could be very helpful. We have 3 board members from M.L. and one is a council member and one a former council member. They all thought it would be a great idea. Is there someone you would recommend, or would you be available? Perhaps it needs to be someone from Fisheries. Page 45 I plan to apply for the DNR trichlopir grant as well. Is it possible to be approved for it for early treatment? We are interested in the early application that John Skogerboe has been having such good success with. I looked at your formula and it looks like we could get about 55,800 based on our lake size. Brian Vlach says that treatment of about 100 acres, which is what we had last year will not have a significant impact on water quality. Thanks for all your help 1 Terrie Christian 763-546-5266 From: Beebis139@aol.com [mailto:Beebis139@aol.com] Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2009 9:52 AM To: terriepc@msn.com Subject: Re: Science of spread and tenacity of Eurasion water milfoil Terrie, The problem is that 2,4,D is also killing natives as you spray, Yes I know your people say if you do it early the natives aren't growing yet but when the DNR allow permits to spray later in the year when the less hardy natives are growing you are helping milfoil spread, look down a big open hole in the winter like I have done for years and you can see natives above the bottom, check it out for yourself, and how they do the water temp readings are flawed. I have personally went around and when water temps can vary as much as 10 degrees from different spots in the lake the natives will be growing in some areas. Milfoil is so tough it says on the DNR website that eradication by chemical means will never work, you said this your self at the meeting, this is proven by the fact that all the spraying in the lake done by a large percent of the people in the city of medicine lake hasn't made a difference, the milfoil is still alive. So what you have is milfoil that is still alive even after the spraying because including our lake and others, milfoil comes back year after year, and you have AMLAC and the DNR supporting spraying , even mid and late season with 2,4,D when the natives are up and growing giving milfoil and other invasives space to grow? You have a chemical that states is harmful to fish and invertebrates that has to be applied year after year in the zone in the lake where 90 percent or more of the life of the lake grows. (Roughly the top 10' of water). Fish people eat can have poisons that store in tissues and fats. People eat fish in the lake RIGHT AFTER it has been sprayed and no warning at the public access of flyers passed around to home owners have ever been posted, Amlac and the DNR could care less about the lake when you do that wouldn't you agree. Young children eat those fish. 20 years of living with a massive milfoil growth on Lake Minnetonka and what has happened to the fishery? Recognized by leaders in the fishing community nation wide as being one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country north or south. The scare tactics of milfoil choking out a deeper spring fed lake such as ours and others has been a joke in the fishing community for years, the destruction of habitat, native or invasive by chemicals, has a far greater impact on life in the lake. I think we just come from 2 different points of view. I look at the lake as a living thing. You plant non native trees in your yard that wild animals thrive on and depend on and help to improve the enviroment and air quality that aren't native to this area, you plant flowers and shrubs that birds and butterflys use and depend on that are not native but removal will harm the ecosystem as a whole. The lake is no different, you just can't see it because its under water. You have had 15 years, give or take, of trying to use toxic chemicals to try to defeat invasives. Besides milfoil spreading, even in lakes that are being sprayed, what have you gained? Dumping more and more toxic chemicals in the lake every year forever is your answer, I think we look in another direction. Chris Klar 3 Page 46 A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in iust 2 easy steps! Page 47 Doran Cote From: Derek Asche Sent: Monday, March 23, 2009 3:26 PM To: Laurie Ahrens Cc: Doran Cote; Bob Moberg Subject: FW: AMLAC Lake Vegetation Management Plan Eurasion Water Milfoil 2009 Attachments: Gleason sediment R08 - reduced.pdf FYI... Derek Asche I Water Resources Manager From: Steve McComas [mailto:mccomas@pclink.com] Sent: Monday, March 23, 2009 2:23 PM To: Derek Asche Subject: Re: AMLAC Lake Vegetation Management Plan Eurasion Water Milfoil 2009 Hi Derek -- I was meaning to send this Gleason Lake sediment report to you, since Gleason is in the City of Plymouth. The Minnehaha Creek WD is implementing a curlyleaf project similar to Medicine Lake's. We are going into the 3rd year in 2009. So far, we are finding similar results to what we found in Medicine, that is, a big drop in CLP stem density after two years of whole lake herbicide treatments, but we are not sure about long-term control effects ... yet. We did this sediment survey in Gleason last fall. It indicates a potential for future moderate growth of curlyleaf over a good part of the lower basin, but no anticipated big increase in Eurasian watermilfoil growth. In Medicine Lake, I suspect there may be 100 acres of milfoil, but it is not all heavy growth. I would anticipate in the future there would be about 15 to 25 acres of heavy growth that could be managed and it should not be a problem in the other areas. I suspect the widespread heavy growth we are seeing in the last year or two is a blip and not a long term trend. Someday, we could do a sediment survey and pin down the areas of potential heavy growth a bit better. On another note, off the record, Terrie C is using somewhat inflammatory rhetoric in her email. Milfoil does NOT cause harm to fish and native plant populations in every case. In fact, it is very rare. Matted milfoil growth can cause recreational hindrances and that is the more common type of milfoil problem. Get ready, the ice is going to be off in a couple of weeks. Steve McComas ----- Original Message ----- From: AMLAC To: Derek Asche ; counciltg')ci.plvmouth.mn.us Cc: Brian Vlach ; Steve McComas ; Ann Holler; Bill Wixon ; Holly Martin ; iulierumsev(a)comcast.net; Karen Berge; Kevin Christian ; Kip Leonard; Mike Misk ; Spall Graham ; Terrie Christian; Tom Gallagher Sent: Monday, March 23, 2009 1:18 PM Subject: AMLAC Lake Vegetation Management Plan Eurasion Water Milfoil 2009 Dear Plymouth City Council The AMLAC Board finalized our plan for Eurasion Water Milfoil (EWM) for 2009 at our March meeting. The budget from the City of Plymouth for 2009 includes $5,000 for milfoil. Last year this money was used for harvesting. this year, we are asking the city to designate this money be used for chemical treatment. Our board will be formally appearing in your citizen forum at your council meeting on March 24th. Page 48 We will be asking the City of Medicine Lake to designate $8,000 for milfoil treatment at their council meeting on Monday, April 6th, and we are also applying for a grant from the DNR for chemical treatment. We are estimating that AMLAC will have to come up with about $2,000 to have enough funding to treat 100 acres. In 2008, Three Rivers Parks District estimated that Medicine Lake had 100 acres of Eurasion Water Milfoil. In 2004, when the Curly Leaf Pondweed program began, EWM constituted about 8% of the total plant population. There was a concern expressed that EWM could become the dominant plant in Medicine Lake. (Vlach & Barten 2008). We have contacted Chip Welling of the DNR, and Brian Vlach of Three Rivers Parks District for their feedback on treating 100 acres. Approval is likely based on what we have been told. We are including a new study from the University of Minnesota regarding the harm that EWM can do to our lakes. EWM spread by both fragmentation and runners similar to creeping cbarlie. It causes harm to native plant and fish populalations. Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.; hereafter milfoil) is an invasive aquatic macrophyte introduced to North America from Eurasia. It grows quickly, often forming dense mats of vegetation concentrated at the water's surface, enabling it to outcompete many native macrophytes. Its dense growth is associated with reduced native plant and invertebrate abundance and diversity and altered fish communities (Keast 1984, Madsen et al. 1991, Cheruvelil et aL 2002), - and it can make boating, swimming, and other recreational activities difficult. Reproduction is primarily asexual, and plants spread by runners and fragmentation... Based on the Plymouth Comprehensive Plan, the goal is to protect our lakes from such harm to native plants. Since the growth of EWM from 2004 to 2008 has been exponential, AMLAC is concerned that if left untreated, EWM could move into the more than 300 acres of littoral zone formerly occupied by Curly Leaf Pondweed. The original Aquatic Vegetation Plan in 2001 listed harvesting as the recommended method for that year, but also required yearly review and adjustment based on new information. We look forward to working with you to protect this most valuable natural resource in our city. Sincerely, The Association of Medicine Lake Area Citizens Board of Directors Page 49 Doran Cote From: Derek Asche Sent: Monday, March 23, 2009 3:19 PM To: Laurie Ahrens Cc: Doran Cote; Bob Moberg Subject: RE: AMLAC Lake Vegetation Management Plan Eurasion Water Milfoil 2009 Laurie: In 2007, staff, as well as Mayor Slavik, received many complaints regarding milfoil growth from residents on Medicine (and Parkers) Lake. It was anticipated that the Curlyleaf treatments may result in an increase in milfoil growth and this proved to be the case. When we did biannual budgeting in 2007, we included $5000 in both 2008 and 2009 for harvesting of milfoil on Medicine Lake. The funding, however, was specifically designated for harvesting and Terrie Christian (AMLAC) is aware of the designated use of the funds. When we harvested milfoil on Medicine Lake in 2008, we received complaints that the harvesting was ineffective and merely spreading the milfoil. We have made no plans to harvest milfoil in 2009. The excerpt cited below in the e-mail states that dense milfoil growth can enable it to out -compete native plants, reduce macro invertebrate abundance and diversity, and alter fish communities. The original literature that is cited in this excerpt did come to these conclusions in their research; however, there are some additional and complicated considerations for chemical treatment that are not discussed in the e-mail below or the original literature: 1_ The original literature does not discuss chemical treatments of milfoil. 2. There are no conclusions in the original literature that chemical treatments of milfoil would promote the return of native plants. 3. The Three Rivers Park District is estimating 100 acres of milfoil. My understanding of that measurement is that the 100 acres includes every acre on the lake where the Park District found milfoil at the water's surface. This method is a concern because the original literature is specific to the milfoil being dense. The Park District may document milfoil in this way because they are concerned with aesthetics and recreation, as well as water quality, however, a more appropriate way to document the impact (or potential impact) of milfoil growth would be to measure stem densities (# stems/square meter). The literature that is being cited is specific to impacts of dense milfoil, not all milfoil growth. Measuring the milfoil by stem densities would be a more accurate depiction of the impacts (or potential impacts) of milfoil. Therefore it is not likely that there is 100 acres of dense milfoil affecting native plants, macro invertebrate communities, and/or fish populations. 4. 1 am not aware of any studies documenting the return of native plants after chemical treatment of milfoil. It is only theorized that native plants would eventually return but the timeline for this is undocumented. 5. There is no discussion on the impacts of dense milfoil growth on water quality. For instance, milfoil growth may utilize phosphorus in the water column for growth, limiting the uptake of phosphorus by algae, thus promoting water clarity. Essentially, there is research that supports the conclusion that dense milfoil growth can harm lakes by reducing native plants, macro invertebrate communities, and possibly fish communities. There is no research that I am aware of that supports the conclusion that chemical treatment of milfoil is an effective tool for increasing native plant populations, macro invertebrate communities, and/or fish communities. Basically, more research is needed. Derek Asche I Water Resources Manager From: Laurie Ahrens Sent: Monday, March 23, 2009 1:41 PM To: Derek Asche Subject: FW: AMLAC Lake Vegetation Management Plan Eurasion Water Milfoil 2009 Page 50 Is the information that they state below true? Thanks. Laurie Ahrens I City Manager From: AMLAC [mailto:amlac@q.com] Sent: Monday, March 23, 2009 1:18 PM To: Derek Asche; Council Members Cc: Brian Vlach ; Steve McComas ; Ann Holter ; Bill Wixon ; Holly Martin ; julierumsey@comcast.net; Karen Berge ; Kevin Christian ; Kip Leonard ; Mike Misk ; Spall Graham ; Terrie Christian ; Tom Gallagher Subject: AMLAC Lake Vegetation Management Plan Eurasion Water Milfoil 2009 Dear Plymouth City Council The AMLAC Board finalized our plan for Eurasion Water Milfoil (EWM) for 2009 at our March meeting. The budget from the City of Plymouth for 2009 includes $5,000 for milfoil. Last year this money was used for harvesting. this year, we are asking the city to designate this money be used for chemical treatment. Our board will be formally appearing in your citizen forum at your council meeting on March 24th. We will be asking the City of Medicine Lake to designate $8,000 for milfoil treatment at their council meeting on Monday, April 6th, and we are also applying for a grant from the DNR for chemical treatment. We are estimating that AMLAC will have to come up with about $2,000 to have enough funding to treat 100 acres. In 2008, Three Rivers Parks District estimated that Medicine Lake had 100 acres of Eurasion Water Milfoil. In 2004, when the Curly Leaf Pondweed program began, EWM constituted about 8% of the total plant population. There was a concern expressed that EWM could become the dominant plant in Medicine Lake. (Vlach & Barten 2008). We have contacted Chip Welling of the DNR, and Brian Vlach of Three Rivers Parks District for their feedback on treating 100 acres. Approval is likely based on what we have been told. We are including a new study from the University of Minnesota regarding the harm that EWM can do to our lakes. EWM spread by both fragmentation and runners similar to creeping charlie. It causes harm to native plant and fish populalations. Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.; hereafter milfoil) is an invasive aquatic macrophyte introduced to North America from Eurasia. It grows quickly, often forming dense mats of vegetation concentrated at the water's surface, enabling it to outcompete many native macrophytes. Its dense growth is associated with reduced native plant and invertebrate abundance and diversity and altered fish communities (Keast 1984, Madsen et al. 1991, Cheruvelil et aL 2002), and it can make boating, swimming, and other recreational activities difficult. Reproduction is primarily asexual, and plants spread by runners and fragmentation... Based on the Plymouth Comprehensive Plan, the goal is to protect our lakes from such harm to native plants. Since the growth of EWM from 2004 to 2008 has been exponential, AMLAC is concerned that if left untreated, EWM could move into the more than 300 acres of littoral zone formerly occupied by Curly Leaf Pondweed. The original Aquatic Vegetation Plan in 2001 listed harvesting as the recommended method for that year, but also required yearly review and adjustment based on new information. Page 51 We look forward to working with you to protect this most valuable natural resource in our city. Sincerely, The Association of Medicine Lake Area Citizens Board of Directors Page 52 Lr -d 14:361-369.20DX © Cnpynghr byihc Nunh .Amenran L e Manaeemeni Swiay 4003 Predicting Eurasian watermilfoil invasions in Minnesota Sarah S. Roley' and Raymond M. Newman Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA. Abstract Roley, S.S. and R.M. Newman. 2008. Predicting Eurasian watermilfoil invasions in Minnesota. Lake Reserv. Man- age. 24:361-369. Eurasian watermilfoil is an invasive aquatic macrophyte that can be difficult to control once established in a lake. Identifying characteristics of lakes susceptible to Eurasian watermilfoil establishment can aid management by allow- ing managers to focus theireducation and monitoring efforts on susceptible lakes. Using lineardiscriminant function analysis and logistic regression to analyze known occurrences of Eurasian waterrnilfoil, we developed models to predict susceptible lakes in Minnesota. The most reliable predictors of Eurasian watermilfoil invasion were distance to the nearest invaded lake and duration of that invasion, indicating that transport (exposure) is an important variable. However, exposure is not a guarantee of establishment: lake size, alkalinity, Secchi depth, and lake depth were also significant predictors of invasion. Specifically, large deep lakes with moderate to high alkalinity and moderate Secchi depth were more likely to be invaded. Models predicted an additional 2,100 to more than 4,700 of Minnesota's more than 12,000 lakes could be invaded by Eurasian watennilfoil. Key words: Eurasian watermilfoil, invasive species, Minnesota, predictive models Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.; hereafter milfoil) is an invasive aquatic macrophyte introduced to North America from Eurasia. It grows quickly, often forming dense mats of vegetation concentrated at the water's surface, enabling it to outcompete many native macrophytes. Its dense growth is associated with reduced native plant and inverte- brate abundance and diversity and altered fish communities (Keast 1984, Madsen et al. 1991, Cheruvelil et al. 2002), and it can make boating, swimming, and other recreational activities difficult. Reproduction is primarily asexual, and plants spread by runners and fragmentation (Madsen et al. 1988). Milfoil fragments can get caught on boats and boat trailers and be transported to other water bodies (Buchan and Padilla 2000, Invasive Species Program 2005), where the milfoil establishes a new population. It can also spread to connected waterbodies through channels, but its primary mechanism of transport is by boat (Smith and Barko 1990). Current address: Dept. of Biological Sciences, Univ. of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA, sroley@nd.edu. Since its introduction to North America in the 1940s, milfoil has spread to 46 states. It was first found Minnesota in 1987 in Lake Minnetonka and had been observed in 152 water bodies in the state in 2003 (Invasive Species Program 2005; Fig. 1). Once established, milfoil can be difficult to control. Establishment may be prevented by managing for an invasive weed early in the invasion process, such as by preventing introductions or eradicating small populations (Lodge et al. 2006). This may be facilitated through boater education and lake monitoring efforts (Invasive Species Program 2005). Given the large number of lakes in Minnesota, prevention and monitoring efforts may be improved by focusing on lakes susceptible to milfoil invasion. Previous studies have found that milfoil abundance and presence can be explained by lake -specific traits (Madsen 1998, Buchan and Padilla 2000, Van den Berg et al. 2003). Such variables can be used to develop statistical models that predict future invasions (Ramcharan et al. 1992, Buchan and Padilla 2000). The goal of this project was to identify lakes susceptible to milfoil invasion in Minnesota based on simple, broadly available variables. To address both the spread of milfoil and its abil- ity to establish in a given lake, we considered both human transport and physicochemical variables: the likelihood of 361 Page 53 Relay and Newman milfoil introduction (i.e., lake exposure), and its likelihood of establishment. Materials and methods We compiled data for 6,350 Minnesota lakes from the Min- nesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) data ware- house and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) STORET database. These data were collected by state and local agencies as part of regular water quality monitoring, fisheries inventories, or other lake assessment efforts. Lakes known to be invaded were obtained from the MDNR (2005). The list of invaded lakes likely does not include all invasions, because invasions are discovered haphazardly by state agency staff or citizens. Some are discovered while the milfoil popu- lation is still low, and many are discovered after the milfoil has become widespread (Invasive Species Program 2006). Suspected invasions are confirmed by MDNR Invasive Spe- cies Program staff, and hybrid watermilfoil (M. sibiricum x M. spicainon) is recorded as Eurasian watermilfoil. Plants from questionable populations were genetically tested to be sure they were not native watemtilfoils. Exposure variables in the data set included distance to the nearest invaded lake and duration of nearest invasion. Using ArcGIS 9 (ESRI 2004), we calculated the distance from each lake to the nearest invaded lake, and based on MDNR inva- sion records, calculated the length of time since the nearest lake had been invaded. Environmental variables in the data set included take area, Secchi depth, total alkalinity, percent of the lake in the littoral zone as defined in Minnesota regulations (water depth <_ 4.57 m), shoreline development index (ratio of perimeter length to circumference of a circle), maximum depth, and Schupp's lake class (Schupp 1992). Secchi depth and alkalinity were obtained from the MPCA STORET database. Secchi depths were annual averages from the most recent year data were available. Two-thirds of the data were from 2002, and most of the remaining data were from 2001. Secchi depth was measured 1-64 times per year, with most lakes measured at least 5 times. Alkalinity data were the 10 -year average (from 1992-2002) and were measured 1-126 times in 10 years, with more than half of the lakes measured at least 3 times. Physical parameters were obtained from MDNR, and we used the most recent estimate for each lake. Schupp's lake class (from the MDNR database) is based on lake area, alkalinity, trophic state index, maximum depth, percent littoral, Secchi depth, shoreline development factor, and morphoedaphic index, and was developed to provide an ecological classification for fish lakes. It provides a convenient and biologically meaningful way to classify lakes. Only lakes with data for all the variables were included in the analysis, and the final data set included 3,446 lakes, 127 362 Figure l. -Distribution of 127 Minnesota lakes known to be invaded with Eurasian watermilfoil (•) as of 2003. of which were invaded as of 2003. Thirty percent of the lakes had public boat accesses (MDNR 2005). Most lakes excluded from the analysis lacked water quality data such as Secchi depth or alkalinity. Only lakes invaded as of 2003 were used in initial model development; an additional 16 of the 20 lakes found to be invaded in 2004 and 2005 (Invasive Species Program 2005, 2006) were considered uninvaded in the model development data set and were used in model validation. We randomly divided the dataset (both invaded and unin- vaded lakes) into thirds, and used two-thirds of the data for model development and one third for validation, a procedure known as third -sample validation (Olden and Jackson 2000). Normalizing transformations were conducted on the data. In addition, there was a Gaussian relationship between mil - foil presence and Secchi depth and alkalinity, so a squared component of each of these variables was added to the data set. The data were analyzed with linear discriminant func- tion analysis (DFA) using IMP 5.1 (SAS 2002), and logistic regression analysis (LRA) using Arc (Cook and Weisberg 2004). Linear discriminant function analysis is a technique in which data are placed into groups such that maximal separation between groups is achieved (McCune and Grace 2002). Logistic regression is a specialized linear regression technique that can be used on dichotomous (presence -ab- sence) data (Cook and Weisberg 2004). Page 54 Predicting Eurasian watermilfoil invasions in Minnesota Before performing the LRA, we computed an optimal inverse regression (Cook and Ni 2005). Inverse regression predicts X values based on Y (in contrast to classical regression, which predicts Y values based on X). The LRA was completed on the resulting linear combination. For both DFA and LRA, we used backward elimination to determine which variables would be included in the models, and required a P -value < 0.05 for inclusion. The general model for LRA is: P=(exp(a+(3,X,+....+(i„XJ)/ (1) (1+exp((X + S,X, +...+ (3.X.)) where a is a constant, 0 is a coefficient, and X is a predictor variable. The addition of optimal inverse regression results in an additional coefficient: P=(exp(a+X(P,X, (2) (1+exp((x + 7.(O,X, +...+(i X.))) where X is the additional coefficient and a is an intercept determined via logistic regression. The linear combination (PIX, +....+P,X,) is determined through optimal inverse regression. The result of this model is a probability. Lakes with a probability that is greater than the decision threshold are predicted to be invaded, and those with a probability below the decision threshold are predicted to be uninvaded. Often, the decision threshold is set at 0.5, but we adjusted this threshold in each logistic regression model to maximize sensitivity (i.e., the ability of the model to correctly predict invaded lakes) as described by Olden and Jackson (2002). Because the total probability of misclassification is the sum of the probability of misclassifying an invaded lake (Type I error) and the probability of misclassifying an uninvaded lake (Type II error), this threshold adjustment did not affect the overall error. The models were evaluated on the correct classification of lakes in the validation set (1/3 of data) and also on correct classification of new (2004-2005) invasions. The ability of the model to correctly predict invaded lakes (sensitivity) was considered the most important classification criterion. The ability of the model to correctly predict uninvaded lakes (specificity) was also considered, but was not as relevant because these lakes could become invaded. Uninvaded, misclassified lakes were considered susceptible to Eurasian watermilfoil invasion; these lakes had characteristics of invaded lakes, but were not yet recorded or detected as invaded. We also evaluated the model's ability to correctly predict invasions that occurred in 2004 and 2005. Model predictions are relative to a detectable population, and most of the lakes classified as invaded in our dataset have high, easily detected populations of milfoil. Models with similar classification abilities were evaluated for their simplicity: other criteria being similar, the most parsimonious model was selected. These analyses and evaluations were performed on three data subsets: the entire state IN = 3,446 lakes); the metro area, defined as lakes within 50 km of Lake Minnetonka (N = 252); and Greater Minnesota, (the nonmetro area, N = 3,194). The data were divided to reflect differences not captured in the variables: the metro area is highly developed and densely populated, with a relatively high rate of invasion (32%), while Greater Minnesota is largely rural and sparsely populated, with a low level of milfoil invasion (1.5%). Furthermore, metro lakes were invaded earlier, and the ma- jority of Greater Minnesota invasions occurred after 1997. In the metro and Greater Minnesota data sets, the Gaussian relationship between milfoil presence and Secchi depth and alkalinity did not exist, so the squared component was not used for these data sets. Results Compared to uninvaded lakes, those invaded by Eurasian watermilfoil were closer to the nearest invasion, and the nearest invasion had occurred for a longer period of time (Table 1). Invaded lakes also tended to be deeper and larger and had low -to -moderate Secchi depths and high -to -moder- ate alkalinity. In the metro area, invaded lakes generally had a deeper Secchi depth than uninvaded lakes, and in Greater Minnesota, invaded lakes generally had a shallower Secchi depth (Table 1). Invaded lakes had significantly more boat accesses than uninvaded lakes (54% vs. 30%; X2, P = 0.01), but this difference was not significant for Greater Minnesota (X', P = 0.3). In the metro region, there were slightly more boat accesses (45% of invaded vs. 28% of uninvaded; X', P = 0.04) Schupp's lake class was evaluated, but because it is a cat- egorical variable with 43 categories it was not a meaningful predictor in any of our analyses. Analyses within lake class were limited by sample size and did not provide meaningful results. Distance to the nearest invasion was the most significant variable in every analysis, and all the initial best -fit models included distance. After examining maps of predicted inva- sions, distance seemed to drive some of the models, so to determine the importance of the other variables, we also performed all the analyses without distance. The percentage of invaded lakes correctly classified was almost always higher than the percentage of uninvaded lakes correctly classified because we set the decision threshold to maximize classification of invasions. Despite this, correct classification of uninvaded lakes remained reasonable: above 60% for most models (Table 2). Percentages of correct clas- 363 Page 55 Roley and Newman Table I. -Means and standard errors of explanatory variables for Minnesota lakes classified either as being invaded or uninvaded by Eurasian watermilfoil by data subset. ' Distance is Euclidean distance to nearest invasion. " Duration is the number of years the nearest invaded lake has been known to be invaded Shoreline development factor Table 2: Percentages of lakes invaded by Eurasian watermilfoil, uninvaded by Eurasian watermilfoil, and the total (invaded and uninvaded) correctly classified in the best, most parsimonious, models with significant (P < 0.05) predictors. The training set (2/3 of data) was used to develop the models and the validation set (1/3 of data) tested these predictions. The percentage of new (2004-2005) invasions correctly predicted indicates model applicability. Logistic regression analysis models used an adjusted threshold to maximize correct prediction of invaded lakes. Percent Correctly Classified Number Distance Duration Area Secchi Alkalinity Max 2004 Percent of lakes (km)- (years)b (he) (m) (mg/L) depth (m) SDFb littoral Entire Invaded 127 6±0.1 14±1 663±409 2.0±0.1 130±4 13±2 1.8±0.1 62±2 State Uninvaded 3319 62±0.9 7±l 234±44 2.5±0.1 85±1 11±1 1.8±0.1 69±1 Metro Invaded 80 3±0.2 15±1 179±71 1.9±0.1 132±4 13±3 1.7±0.1 61±3 80 Uninvaded 172 5±0.3 10±1 49±4 L5±0.1 128±4 8±1 1.5±0.1 79±2 Greater Invaded 47 12 ± 2.0 12 ± 1 1,657 ± 1,225 2.3 ± 0.2 128 ± 8 12 ± 3 1.8 ± 0.1 61+4 Minnesota Uninvaded 3147 65±0.9 6±1 243±46 2.6±0.1 83±I II±I 1.8±0.1 69±1 Class 24 Average 130 I1±1.7 I0±1 168±13 1.9±0-I 145±4 14± 1.5±0.1 51±1 Class 38 Average 71 23±4.0 8±1 92±9 1.5±0.1 144±6 8±1 L4±0.1 86±I ' Distance is Euclidean distance to nearest invasion. " Duration is the number of years the nearest invaded lake has been known to be invaded Shoreline development factor Table 2: Percentages of lakes invaded by Eurasian watermilfoil, uninvaded by Eurasian watermilfoil, and the total (invaded and uninvaded) correctly classified in the best, most parsimonious, models with significant (P < 0.05) predictors. The training set (2/3 of data) was used to develop the models and the validation set (1/3 of data) tested these predictions. The percentage of new (2004-2005) invasions correctly predicted indicates model applicability. Logistic regression analysis models used an adjusted threshold to maximize correct prediction of invaded lakes. Percent Correctly Classified ' All = entire data set (all datal. Metro = metro region, GM = Greater Minnesota (non -metro). DFA =discriminant function analysis LRA = logistic regression analysis. D =distance included in the model. ND =distance not included in the model. ` D = distance, A = area, L = length (duration) of nearest invasion, S = Secchi depth, M = maximum depth, T= total alkalinity d Threshold = decision threshold. sifications in the training set were comparable to those in the validation set, and in some cases, models in the validation set fit better (Table 2). The percentage of correctly classified new invasions (2004-2005) was generally higher in the LRA models because these models predicted more total invasions (Table 2). 364 Entire state The best model, as determined by DFA, included distance to the nearest invasion, duration of nearest invasion, and lake area (Table 2). This model correctly classified 96% of invaded lakes in the validation set and 63% of new invasions (Table Page 56 2004 Before 2004 and Training set Validation set 2005 Region° Methodb Predictors°Invaded Uninvaded Total Invaded Uninvaded Total Invaded Threshold All DFA - D D,A,L 88 84 85 96 85 86 63 All DFA - ND L,S,M,T 85 80 81 87 81 81 44 Metro DFA - D D,A,L 88 85 86 87 77 81 67 Metro DFA - ND A,L,M 80 77 78 74 77 76 0 GM DFA - D D,A,L 91 83 83 100 83 83 69 GM DFA - ND A,L,T 80 80 80 86 78 78 42 All LRA - D D,L,S,S2 99 63 65 100 63 64 81 0.98 Metro LRA - D D,A,L,S 86 89 88 84 80 81 67 0.00015 GM LRA - D D,A,L 91 82 82 100 83 83 77 0.1 GM LRA - ND A,L,T 100 56 56 100 54 54 92 0.9 ' All = entire data set (all datal. Metro = metro region, GM = Greater Minnesota (non -metro). DFA =discriminant function analysis LRA = logistic regression analysis. D =distance included in the model. ND =distance not included in the model. ` D = distance, A = area, L = length (duration) of nearest invasion, S = Secchi depth, M = maximum depth, T= total alkalinity d Threshold = decision threshold. sifications in the training set were comparable to those in the validation set, and in some cases, models in the validation set fit better (Table 2). The percentage of correctly classified new invasions (2004-2005) was generally higher in the LRA models because these models predicted more total invasions (Table 2). 364 Entire state The best model, as determined by DFA, included distance to the nearest invasion, duration of nearest invasion, and lake area (Table 2). This model correctly classified 96% of invaded lakes in the validation set and 63% of new invasions (Table Page 56 Predicting Eurasian watermilfoil invasions in Minnesota Table 3. -Intercept, coefficient, and parameter estimates for significant variables from logistic regression models for milfoil invasions by data subset (All, Metro and Greater Minnesota) with and without distance. Model Variable •AII - bD Metro - D GM - D GM - ND Intercept —6.015 —1.707 —6.803 —5.298 Coefficient (X) 9.703 —2.74 2.766 2.331 Distance (km) —0.014 0.724 —0.052 INA Duration (years) 0.721 —0.081 0.979 0.952 Area (acres) dNS —0.611 0.199 0.194 Secchi (m) 0.634 —0.308 NS NS Secchi' —0.278 NA NA NA Alkalinity (mg/L) NS NS NS NS Alkalinity' NS NA NA NA Max. Depth (R) NS NS NS NS ' All = entire data set (all data). Metro = metro region, GM = Greater Minnesota (non -metro) " D = best fit model with distance included ND = best tit model without distance included ` NA = not applicable: variable was not included in analysis. ° NS = variable was not statistically significant. 2). The best model, as determined by LRA, included distance, duration of invasion, and Secchi depth (Table 3). This model correctly classified 100% of invaded lakes in the validation set and 81% of new invasions; LRA was thus better than DFA at predicting new invasions, although it had lower specificity than DFA. Maximum depth was also a statistically significant variable, but it was not included in the best models. When applied to the entire data set, DFA predicted 621 lakes are susceptible to invasion and LRA predicted that 1,347 of the 3,446 lakes in the data set (including 126 of the current 127 invasions) are susceptible. Without distance, the best DFA model included duration of nearest invasion, alkalinity, maximum depth, and Secchi depth. This model correctly classified 87% of invaded lakes in the validation data set and 44% of new invasions. It pre- dicted that 760 lakes would become invaded. In the absence of distance, a satisfactory model could not be achieved with LRA. For the entire state, distance to nearest invasion was required for good prediction. Metro area The best models obtained from both DFA and LRA included distance, duration of invasion, and area (Table 2). Secchi depth was also included in the best LRA model (Table 3). Correct classification of invaded lakes in the validation set was 87% for DFA and 84% for LRA. Both analyses correctly Figure 2: Predicted invasions by Eurasian watermilfoil of 252 lakes in the Twin Cities metro area (defined as the area within 50 km of Lake Minnetonka) by Logistic Regression Analysis with distance included. Black squares are predicted invasions (101 lakes) and gray circles are lakes predicted to be uninvaded. classified 67% of new invasions (Table 2). DFA predicted 94 out of 252 lakes (including the 81 current invasions) to be susceptible to invasion, while LRA predicted 101 lakes to be susceptible (Fig. 2). Without distance, the best DFA model included duration of nearest invasion, area, and maximum depth. It correctly classified 74% of invaded lakes in the validation set, but the model did not correctly classify any of the new inva- sions. DFA predicted 102 lakes would become invaded. In the absence of distance, a satisfactory model could not be achieved with LRA. Despite the relatively short distance between metro lakes (Table 1), distance was an important variable for metro models. Greater Minnesota The best models for Greater Minnesota for both DFA and LRA included distance, duration of invasion, and area (Table 2). Secchi depth was also significant in some models but was not included in the best models. Classification of invaded lakes in the validation set was 100% for both analyses, but LRA was slightly better than DFA at classifying the 16 new invasions: 77% versus 69%, respectively; LRA was thus considered the better model. It predicted that 593 of the 3,194 lakes (including all of the current 26 invasions) are susceptible to invasion (Fig. 3A), while DFA predicted 567 invasions. 365 Page 57 W Relay and Newman B. Figure 3. -Predicted invasions by Eurasian watermilfoil of 3,194 lakes in Greater Minnesota (defined as the area more than 50 km from Lake Minnetonka). A = Logistic Regression Analysis, distance included, predicted 593 invasions. B = Linear Discriminant Function Analysis, with distance excluded, predicted 674 invasions. Black squares are predicted invasions and gray circles are lakes predicted to be uninvaded. In the absence of distance, the best model from both DFA analysis and LRA included duration of nearest invasion, area, and total alkalinity (Table 2). DFA correctly classified 86% of invaded lakes in the validation set, and 42% of new invasions. LRA correctly classified 100% of invaded lakes in the validation set, and 92%r of new invasions. DFA pre - WE 60 ---� a m I 50 oNumbx Nvadal _c • Pement hvaC N s 40 J 30 c v u `m 20 a m 10 E 2 0 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 38 3]38 39 48 41 42 43 Lake Class Figure 4. -Number and percent of lakes invaded by Eurasian watermilfoil in each Lake Class, defined by Schupp (1992). None of the lakes in classes 1-19 have been invaded. dicted 674 lakes would become invaded (Fig. 3B), and LRA predicted 1,460 lakes. Our models predict that 18-39% of the lakes in the dataset are susceptible to invasion. Extrapolating to the more than 12,000 lakes in Minnesota, approximately 2,100-4,700 lakes are susceptible to invasion. Lake class Despite its lack of utility in the models, lake classes described by Schupp (1992) were useful in interpretation. None of the 1,165 lakes in classes 1-19, which are primarily soft -water lakes in northeastern Minnesota, are invaded, and the mod- els predicted that few of these lakes would become invaded (generally <2%). Invaded lakes were concentrated in classes 24, 30, and 38 (Fig. 4), which were invaded at significantly higher rates than other classes (x', all P < 0.0001). Lakes in class 30 are mostly located in the metro area, however, and are not invaded at a higher rate than other metro -area lakes. Lakes in class 24 are also primarily located in the metro and are invaded at a higher rate than other lakes in the metro (x2, P <0.0001). Lakes in class 38 are primarily located in Greater Minnesota and were invaded at a significantly higher rate than other lakes in Greater Minnesota (P < 0.0001). Alkalinity Soft water lakes (alkalinity < 100 mg/L; Valley et al. 2004) were invaded at very low rates (<I%). Additional invasions in soft water lakes were predicted, but nearly all models pre- dicted hard water lakes to account for a significantly larger number of invasions. Both soft water and hard water lakes are predicted to have some invasions, but models predict soft water lakes to be invaded at a lower rate than hard water lakes in the Greater Minnesota and entire state data sets (X'-, Page 58 Predicting Eurasian watermiltoil invasions in Minnesota all P <0.0001). When distance was excluded from the model, soft water lakes in the metro area were also predicted to be invaded at a lower rate than hard water lakes (x=, P < 0.05). In the metro, one of 14 soft water lakes is currently invaded, and just one to three additional invasions are predicted. Discussion Milfoil invasions can be predicted by transport and physico- chemical variables (i.e., both exposure and establishment). Specifically, distance to nearest invasion, duration of nearest invasion, lake area, Secchi depth, alkalinity, and maximum depth were significant predictors in some models. Distance to the nearest invaded lake was the most important predictor of milfoil invasions. Without it, the models cor- rectly classified fewer lakes, but most still correctly classi- fied more than 60% of invaded lakes. Duration of nearest invasion was also included in all of the best models, and area was included in most. Distance and duration of nearest invasion address the likelihood of milfoil to be introduced: lakes close to an invaded lake are more likely to be visited by boats or birds that have been on the invaded lake, and lakes that are connected by a stream may be invaded by milfoil fragments on boat traffic or floating downstream. The longer the nearest invasion has been present, the more opportunities for introductions to occur in a nearby lake. One problem with including distance to nearest invasion and duration of nearest invasion is the update of predictions as more lakes become invaded. This could result in further increases in the number of lakes predicted to become invaded. Models that did not include distance all predicted more inva- sions than models that did include distance; in some cases, they predicted more than twice as many invasions. This sug- gests that models without distance may not predict current invasions as accurately as do models with distance. However, predictions of the total number of susceptible lakes based on lake attributes, rather than distance, may better represent the number of lakes potentially invaded. In the metro, the geographic distribution of invaded lakes was similar between models with and without distance. In Greater Minnesota, models with distance predict invasions to cluster around current invasions, whereas models without distance predict a broader, more scattered distribution of invaded lakes (Fig 3). When distance was removed from the analysis, Secchi depth, alkalinity, area, and maximum depth were included in some models. Previous studies have shown that Secchi depth is often higher in uninvaded lakes (Buchan and Padilla 2000) and that milfoil grows best at intermediate turbidity (Van den Berg et al. 2003). At very low Secchi depths (<0.5 m), milfoil is probably inhibited by light, and at high Secchi depths, it may be limited by nutrients (Smith and Barko 1990). We found low rates of invasion, both observed and predicted, in soft water lakes (alkalinity < 100 mg/L), even in the highly invaded metro area. This suggests that even where exposure is high (i.e., there are many invaded lakes and high boat traf- fic in the area), invasion in soft water lakes still occurs at a much lower rate than in hard water lakes. These results are consistent with previous studies, which showed that although milfoil is capable of growing in a wide range of alkalinities, it tends to occur more frequently and grow more profusely in hard water lakes (Nichols 1994, Madsen 1998, Buchan and Padilla 2000), probably because these systems are not carbon -limited (Smith and Barko 1990). In addition, an inva- sion is often not discovered until it reaches nuisance level, which means that lakes supporting low levels of milfoil (e.g., low alkalinity lakes) may not be detected (Invasive Species Program 2006). These results could also be a reflection of trophic state: Secchi depth typically decreases and alkalinity increases with lake fertility (Moyle 1946, Schupp 1992). Milfoil tends to occur in meso- to moderately eutrophic lakes, which would have moderate -to -low Secchi and moderate -to -high alkalinity (Smith and Barko 1990, Madsen 1998). The influences of geography and chemistry are difficult to separate in Minnesota. Lakes that are remote and far from population centers, especially in northeastern Minnesota, also tend to have low alkalinity and high Secchi depth. Fur- thermore, the remote northeastern lakes (classes 1-19) have rocky substrate and generally support low densities of aquatic plants (Moyle 1945) and thus may be less likely to support invasions of milfoil (Nichols and Shaw 1986). Lakes that are generally more accessible and closer to invaded lakes tend to have high alkalinity and low Secchi depth. Lake area and depth were included in several models and may influence introduction and establishment. Large and deeper lakes may have more boat accesses, and thus more boat traffic and potential for introductions. Invasions may also be more likely to be detected in larger lakes due to greater surveillance by the public and agency staff. In addition, clearer water, generally associated with the deeper lakes, may result in more suitable habitat for milfoil establishment and growth. Area may also influence milfoil establishment: large lakes could have more suitable littoral zone or a diversity of habitats for milfoil establishment (Rorslett 1991, Makela et al. 2004). However, percent littoral and shoreline development index were not significant variables in any model. The distribution of invaded and uninvaded lakes was virtually identical for both of these variables, which is consistent with previous studies (Buchan and Padilla 2000). 367 Page 59 Raley and Newman Lakes in classes 24 and 38 are particularly susceptible to invasion; both were invaded at significantly higher rates than other lakes. It is impossible to determine exactly what makes these classes susceptible, but their alkalinity (relatively high) and clarity (intermediate) (Table 1; Schupp 1992) are consistent with characteristics identified by previous studies (Smith and Barko 1990, Nichols 1994, Madsen 1998, Buchan and Padilla 2000). Furthermore, lakes in these classes were invaded without regard to geography, indicating the impor- tance of environmental factors for establishment. Because there is no systematic monitoring process, and because milfoil populations can exist at low, undetectable levels, our list of invaded lakes is likely incomplete. Lakes predicted to be invaded may exclude those that will support small, undetectable populations of milfoil. In addition, inva- sions are not recorded at the moment of establishment, so the actual durations of invasion are likely longer than recorded. This error is present in all lakes, although not necessarily at the same level; we suspect the lag time between establishment and discovery is not consistent. Even so, duration of nearest infestation was a significant predictor in all models. Buchan and Padilla (2000) found that in Wisconsin, water quality factors were more important than milfoil exposure, but our results indicate that exposure is more important. However, their study was located in a highly invaded area and designed to minimize the effects of transport to understand where milfoil could not grow. We used coarser variables to predict the number of lakes that might become invaded over a large geographic area. As more Minnesota lakes become invaded, transport is likely to become less limiting and physicochemical factors, such as alkalinity and clarity, will likely become more important. In addition, boat access and distance to highway (variables used by Buchan and Padilla 2000) may not be good predictors of propagule pressure. Although proportionally more lakes in Minnesota with public boat accesses are invaded (54%) than lakes without access (34%), there was no difference in percentages of invaded lakes between those with and without public boat accesses in Greater Minnesota, and the difference in the metro area was small. Access may be much less important than distance to nearest invasion and the duration of opportunities for in- troduction. Our results also suggest that vectors other than boats and trailers may be important. In the metro area, nearly all susceptible lakes appear to have been invaded by milfoil. Our model predictions suggest that the metro lakes are approaching saturation; only 13-21 new invasions were predicted in the metro area, or an additional 5-8% of available metro lakes. Conversely, 567-1460 of the 3,194 Greater Minnesota lakes analyzed were predicted to become invaded, or an additional 16-14% of available Greater Minnesota lakes. These predictions are consistent with the chronology of invasions in the state: the cumulative 368 120 100 N p 80 .2 m c 60 3 �o 40 20 ♦ metro Cumulative Invasions AGM 0 5 10 15 20 Year Figure 5. -Cumulative number of lakes invaded by Eurasian watermilfoil in the Twin Cities metro area (within 50 km of Lake Minnetonka) and Greater Minnesota (GM; more than 50 km from Lake Minnetonka). Year is the number of years elapsed since the first invasion was discovered (i.e., 0 = 1987). The equation fit to the metro cumulative invasions is y = 3.70 + 7.71x - 0.137x2, with an R2 value of 0.986. Using this model, the number of invasions in the metro peaks at 112 in 2015 (it is currently at 98). The equation fit to the Greater Minnesota cumulative invasions is y = 3.93 + 0.085x + 0.172x , with an M value of 0.981. number of invasions in the metro area has plateaued, while the number of Greater Minnesota invasions is accelerating (Fig. 5). The relative importance of exposure and establishment is unclear: while exposure may be the main limiting factor for invasion, physicochemical conditions do influence establish- ment and are likely to become more important as milfoil becomes more widespread in the state. Other variables, such as diversity of the native plant community, may also be important to the probability of milfoil establishment. The use of more sophisticated modeling techniques, such as gravity modeling and artificial neural networks, may clarify lake susceptibility, although they require additional data (Lodge 1993, Nichols and Buchan 1997). Many Minnesota lakes are susceptible to invasion; our models predict that 18-39% additional lakes, or 2,100-4,700 total lakes may be invaded by milfoil. Furthermore, most future invasions likely will occur in Greater Minnesota. Continued diligence in monitoring and prevention are thus important, especially in susceptible lakes. Acknowledgments Tim Cross, Lynn Bergquist, Ray Valley, and Chip Welling of the MDNR and Bob Murzyn of the MPCA provided data; Dennis Cook, Xuerong (Meggie) Wen, and Sandy Weisberg page 60 Predicting Eurasian watermilfoil invasions in Minnesota provided statistics advice; and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the University of Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station provided funding. Helpful comments on earlier drafts of the manuscript were provided by David Andow, Brace Vondracek, Chip Welling, and two anonymous reviewers. References Buchan, L.A.J. and D.K. Padilla. 2000. 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