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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 04-10-2009CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO April 10, 2009 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Medina Planning Commission Public Hearing 04/14/09.....................................................................Page 1 Planning Commission Agenda 04/15/09..............................................................................................Page 7 2009 State of the County Address 04/23/09......................................................................................... Page 8 Hennepin Energy Recovery Center Steam Line Presentation & Tour 04/27/09...................................Page 9 April, May, June 2009 Official City Meeting Calendars................................................................... Page 10 Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ................................................... Page 13 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc... Plymouth HRA offers grants, loans for home rehab, News Release .................................................. Page 14 Highway 55 Corridor Coalition Elects Officers for 2009, News Release ........................................... Page 15 Ehlers Market Commentary , 04/06/09.............................................................................................. Page 16 CORRESPONDENCE Letter from Smith, State Rep, RE: Ridgedale-Hennepin Cty Regional Center Page 18 Lettter from Tuszkiewicz, RE: Thank you for assistance w/boulder wall .......................................... Page 19 Letter from MN Board of Firefighter Training, RE: Training Reimbursement Funds ....................... Page 20 Letter from Twin West, RE: Thank you for donation of 3 -hour skating party ................................... Page 21 CITY THE MEDINA PLANNING COMMISSION WILL HOLD THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC HEARINGS STARTING AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT 2052 COUNTY 14, 2009. 1. Holy Name of Jesus Cemetery- (PIDs 24-118-23-14-0011 & 24-118-23-14-000 6— Plan Review, Conditional Use Permit, and Interim Use Permit to expand existing cemetery and construct a wooded pathway for cremation burials. 2. Ordinance Amendment — Chapter 8, Sections 825 and 826 of the City's Code — Regulations related to the Public/Semi-Public zoning district and other regulations related institutional land uses such as municipalbuildings and religious institutions. 3. Zoning Map Amendment — Rezone the following parcels to Public/Semi-Public: a. PID#22-118-23-24-0004 — 2052 County Road 24 (Medina City Hall) b. PID#23-118-23-23-0001 —1500 County Road 24 (Woodridge Church) c. PID#27-118-23-23-0008 —2300 Cox Trail (First Apostolic Lutheran Church) THE PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL BE HELD IN THE ORDER GIVEN ABOVE. ALL PERSONS WISHING TO BE HEARD WILL APPEAR AT THIS TIME. WRITTEN COMMENTS ARE ALSO SOLICITED. PLANS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT CITY HALL. For the City of Medina, Chad M. Adams, City Administrator -Clerk Administration • Planning and Zoning • Public Works Phone: 763.473-4643 • Fax: 763-473-9359 www.ci.medina.mn.us Public Safety Phone: 763-473-9209•Fax: 763-473-6939 Page 1 w P 0 O 1 \ Byu \ € �►oN R�! N4 I ; J — zI s u L i� i E � _ _ 9•lte m � _ :�.ii� ifi i F ,4xse m m D -f"-i a Fg'- A Page 2 / 1 0 C -0 N y O N D Q mo D m I m A Z v� A 0 �N N A m�9i w P 0 O 1 \ Byu \ € �►oN R�! N4 I ; J — zI s u L i� i E � _ _ 9•lte m � _ :�.ii� ifi i F ,4xse m m D -f"-i a Fg'- A Page 2 Narrative: March 5, 2009 REQUESTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF AND IMPROVEMENTS TO HOLY NAME OF JESUS CEMETERY - MEDINA, MN PROJECT OVERVIEW Holy Name of Jesus Cemetery has served the residents of Medina and the surrounding area since the 1860s. The existing 4.71 -acre cemetery has 857 burial lots, of which roughly 411 lots contain burials, roughly 396 lots have been sold for future burials, and roughly 50 lots are available for purchase. The cemetery experiences approximately 20 burials per year. Consequently, there is a strong need to provide additional burial lots. In 1995, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church (the owner of Holy Name of Jesus Cemetery) purchased the 1.82 -acre parcel immediately east of the existing cemetery for future expansion of the cemetery. The proposed cemetery expansion and improvements will occur in two phases. Phase 1 involves the creation of burial lots for conventional burials and the creation of a woodland path for cremation burials. Work on Phase 1 will occur in 2009. Phase 2 involves the creation of a mausoleum, additional conventional burial sites, and several other improvements. Phase 2 would likely not occur for ten or more years. A concept plan for Phase 2 has been included with this application for general reference. However, the Church is asking for approval to proceed with Phase 1 only. The following describes the various requests associated with the proposed Phase 1 development. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A LOT COMBINATION Holy Name of Jesus Church is proposing to combine the 4.71 -acre existing cemetery parcel and the 1.82 -acre residential parcel to the east of the cemetery. The Church is the fee title owner of both parcels. The proposed lot combination will allow logical expansion of the cemetery to occur. This lot combination request also includes the vacation of the existing drainage and utility easement along the common parcel line (to allow for the logical placement of new burial lots) and dedication of new drainage and utility easements. Refer to the Certificate of Survey prepared by Otto Associates and signed by Paul E. Otto on January 19, 2009. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT The subject property is in the Suburban Residential (SR) Zoning District. Cemeteries are a conditional use in the zoning district. The proposed expansion is consistent with the provisions for cemeteries as described in 825.39 of the City Code. The following summarizes key aspects of the proposed cemetery expansion as it relates to the requested conditional use permit: Phasing Plan Holy Name of Jesus Cemetery Expansion — March 5, 2009 Pag Page 3 The Church is asking for approval to proceed with the proposed Phase 1 development only. The Phase 1 development will involve placing flush to the ground identification pins for 344 new conventional burial lots. The Church anticipates roughly 20 burials a year, some of which will occur in the existing part of the cemetery and some of which will occur in the proposed Phase 1 development of the cemetery. As burials occur in the Phase 1 development area, the new burial lots will be marked with flush to the ground grave markers. The proposed Phase 1 development also includes the creation of a woodchip -surfaced path in the existing wooded area in the existing portion of the cemetery. Roughly 100 cremation urns will be integrated in a natural setting in benches, stones, and in -ground vaults along the path as part of the Phase 1 development. All cremation burials will meet the required setbacks. Refer to Sheet xx, dated xxx for a general illustration of the benches and niches. Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church keeps detailed cemetery records (including maps) of the ownership and existing burials in the cemetery. ' Landscaping The proposed cemetery expansion is screened by the existing wooded areas to the north, east, and west. In addition, the Church will provide a significant amount of additional landscape plantings along the north and east property lines adjacent to the proposed expansion (see Sheet 2: Planting Plan, prepared by Sanders Wacker Bergly, Inc., dated 03/02/09). Because the proposed Phase 1 development will involve flush grave markers only, the view of the Phase 1 development will be similar to that which exists today. Soil Borings, Ground Water, and Grading Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church had Stork Twin City Testing Corporation conduct a geotechnical exploration of the site relating to the proposed Phase 1 and Phase 2 development of the cemetery. The soils and water level in the Phase 1 area are suitable for the proposed conventional burials. For additional information, refer to the Geotechnical Exploration Program prepared by Stork Twin City Testing Corporation, dated October 16, 2008. The existing grades associated with the proposed Phase 1 development will not require alteration. Compliance with Minnesota Statute, Chapter 307 The cemetery has been established, is operated, and has sufficient maintenance and perpetual care funds in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 307: Private Cemeteries. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A INTERIM USE PERMIT The existing 1.82 -acre parcel (which will be added to the existing cemetery through the lot combination process) contains a single-family residence that is occupied by the former owner under a life estate. When the former owner chooses to reside elsewhere, the house will continue as a single-family residence for the cemetery caretaker or a priest. The existing garage on the site will remain and may be used for cemetery maintenance equipment and materials. The existing house is intended to remain in use until Holy Name of Jesus Church deems it necessary to proceed with Phase 2 of the proposed cemetery expansion, at which time the Church will remove it. The house will likely remain in use for at least ten (10) years, unless Holy Name of Jesus Cemetery Expansion — March 5, 2009 Page 2 page 4 unanticipated demand hastens the need to commence with the Phase 2 development. The existing doghouse will be removed before, or at the time, the former owner of the house chooses to reside elsewhere. The interim residential use will terminate on the date that the church proceeds with expansion of conventional burial graves associated with the proposed Phase 2 development. Refer to the attached Topographic Survey prepared by Otto Associates, dated December 12, 2008 for the location of the existing house, garage, and doghouse. REQUEST FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL OF PHASE 1 The proposed site improvements for Phase 1 involve the creation of conventional burial lots and the creation of a woodland path for cremation burials. The following describes the Phase 1 improvements in more detail. Conventional and Cremation Burials Pursuant to Section 826.98, Subd. 2, (d) of the City Code, all proposed conventional and cremation burials will be at least twenty (20) feet from the property lines and they will meet or exceed the minimum setback requirements for buildings in the district: 35 -foot front yard, 15 - foot side yard, and 40 -foot rear yard. The burial lots will also be a minimum of 50 feet from the existing well and septic tank associated with the existing house. The conventional burial lots will have flush (as opposed to upright) markers. See the attached sheets for a general illustration of the proposed cremation benches and stones that would be integrated into the existing woodland area. Wetland Delineation In the fall of 2008, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church hired Kjolhaug Environmental Services Company to delineate wetlands on the site. The delineated wetlands are shown on the Topographic Survey prepared by Otto and Associates, dated 12/02/08. The proposed work associated with the Phase 1 development will be outside the required wetland setbacks. Storm Water Because the flush grave markers are the only impervious coverage associated with the proposed Phase 1 development, a complete drainage study and ponding is not required at this time. The proposed Phase 2 development will require a complete drainage study and ponding to meet City and Watershed requirements. Refer to a letter from Paul Otto of Otto Associates, dated January 19, 2009. Tree Preservation The Phase 1 development will preserve the existing trees on the site. ase 1 development wwill maintain the existing drive on the site , e existing drive is inconsistent wi surfa ' requirements of the City Code. Consequently, Holy Na s atholic ur riances from the width, sur setback requirements of the Code to maintain the existing rive a The Holy Name of Jesus Cemetery Expansion — March 5, 2009 Page Page 5 ex drive it and f y as they relate to the proposed Phase 1 d rive is p anned to be impof the Phase ent. CONCEPT PLAN FOR POTENTIAL PHASE 2 DEVELOPMENT OF THE CEMETERY Holy Name of Jesus Church is requesting approval of Phase 1 only. However, for reference purposes, a concept plan for Phase 2 development is included with this application. The Church does not anticipate implementing Phase 2 for ten or more years. When the need arises to implement part or all of the Phase 2 development plan, the Church will request the necessary approvals at that time. Refer to the sheet entitled Master Plan/Phase 2, prepared by Sanders Wacker Bergly, Inc., dated August 21, 2006. The future mausoleum will be part of the Phase 2 development. Holy Name of Jesus Cemetery Expansion — March S, 2009 Page 4 < Page 6 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, April 15, 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 April 1, 2009 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 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) (Continued from the March 18 and April 1 Planning Commission Meetings.) B. City of Plymouth. Annual update of the City Code and Zoning Ordinance. (2008076) 7. ADJOURNMENT Page 7 The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners cordially invites you to the wy LU 2009 State of the County Addres41 MLL Presented by Mike Opat, Chair Thursday, April 23 at S p.m. Reception follows address. University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, 3M Auditorium 321- 19th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN For directions and parking see: www.hennepin.Us/soc The address will be broadcast Friday, April 24 at 8 p.m. on Metro Cable Network / Charnel 6. Hennepin County Public Affairs • 612-348-3848 Hennepin County lip $ 00.324 k1AILEDFP.0r,1 ZIPCOCE 554? 7 LAURIE AHRENS PLYMOUTH CITY MANAGER 3404 PLYMOUTH BLVD PLYMOUTH MN 55447 Page 8 �.—Ci�:i _•\ � v-Cw! I. II i II I I tl 1 1 1 11 II I Please join Hennepin County commissioners and staff to celebrate the commissioning of the steam line connecting the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) to the NRG Energy Center's downtown district heating system. The line was constructed in a joint venture between the county and NRG. Benefits of the steam line include: The production of steam from a renewable resource, which reduces the use of fuel oil and natural gas to heat and cool buildings. The line is designed to supply green power to downtown Minneapolis and the new Twins ballpark. The line will provide the equivalent annual natural gas needs of 1,500 households. Improvement in the efficiency of the energy produced at HERC by diverting some of the steam directly to provide heating and cooling instead of converting it to electricity. Increased reliability and redundancy of the downtown district heating system. This effort contributes to Hennepin's Cool County Initiative. The county is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from county operations by 80 percent by 2050. Monday, April 27 Short presentation at 3 p.m. Tour from 3:30 - 4 p.m. Please RSVP to 6 72-348-4 7 68 Hennepin County Environmental Services Building, Visitor Center 417 N. Fifth St., Minneapolis Page 9 rp) City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life April 2009 Modified on 04110109 Page 10 1 2 3 4 7:00 PM 6:00.8:00 PM 9:00 AM— PLANNING Yard 8: Garden 1:00 PM COMMISSION Expo Yard 8: Garden MEETING Plymouth Creek Expo Council Chambers Center Fieldhouse Plymouth Creek Center Fieldhouse 5 6 75 5:30 PM 8 9 10 11 PECIAL COUNCIL 7:00 PM Cancelled MEETING* ENVIRONMENTAL PARK a REC Medicine Lake Room QUALITY ADVISORY COM - 7:00 PM COMMITTEE MISSION (PRAC) Board of 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 of 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 AM - Plymouth Arts 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 S:oOPM 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 1-494 hird lane 7:00 PM "4/7 After B.O.E.: Updal a with City Manager HUMAN RIGHTS 7:00 PM COMMISSION .„.4721 Land acquisition for Northwest Greenway REGULAR COUNCIL ESSAY CONTEST X4/28 Dedication of Arti mrk at Millenium Garde MEETING AWARDS and Preliminary Budget D scussion Council Chambers Council Chambers Modified on 04110109 Page 10 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life May 2009 Modified on 04110109 Page 11 i 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 Dial -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 6:3OPM HUMAN RIGHTS 21 22 23 COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING Parker's Lake Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 24 25 26 5:30 PM 27 7:00 28 7:00 PM 29 30 SPECIAL COUNCIL PLYMOUTH UT HRA MEETING 8:00 A PM MEETING" Medicine Lake Room ADVISORY Medicine lake Room ECTAL SPECIAL MEMORIAL COMMITTEE ON RECYCLING DROP DAY TRANSIT (PACT) OFF EVENT Observed MEETING Plymouth 7:00 PM Medicine Lake Maintenance Facility 31 CITY OFFICES REGULAR COUNCIL Room A •5/26 Discuss Homers Associations and i CLOSED MEETING Subdivision of Lots Council Chambers Modified on 04110109 Page 11 rp)City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life June 2009 Modlfled on 04/10/09 Page 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL PARK & REC MEETING QUALITY ADVISORY COM - Council Chambers COMMITTEE MISSION (PRAC) (EQC) MEETING MEETING Council Chambers 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION FLAG DAY MEETING Council Chambers 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING MEETING ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room 8:00 AM Council Chambers COMMITTEE ON MUSIC IN TRANSIT (PACT) PLYMOUTH MEETING 5K RUN Medicine Lake Room A 28 29 30 Modlfled on 04/10/09 Page 12 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items 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) • Conduct public hearing to approve new Wine and 3.2 Liquor License for Solo's Pizza Cafe • Conduct public hearing to approve new Wine and 3.2 Liquor License for India Palace Plymouth Inc., D/B/A India Palace Restaurant, 4190 Vinewood Lane N, #120 • Present GFOAAward 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 June 9, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Presentation by County Commissioner Jeff Johnson Note: Special 11ceting topics have been set by Council, all other topics are tentative. page 13 City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release April 9, 2009 Contact: Patty Schaffer, 763-509-5413 Plymouth HRA offers grants, loans for home rehab If your home needs some work, you may qualify for help. The Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) has grants available to help people age 55 plus make repairs to their homes. A second program offers zero -interest loans to moderate and low income households. Rehab Loans: The rehabilitation loan program offers deferred, no -interest loans of up to $20,000 to help make home repairs and improvements. Improvements that make your home safer and more energy efficient qualify for the program. This may include a new roof, siding, windows, electrical.. plumbing, heating and insulation. Other repairs may also be eligible. Small Repair Grant Program: People age 55 plus who meet income eligibility guidelines may qualify for a grant of up to $5.000 to be used for small and emergency repairs such as replacement or repair of a water heater, furnace, doors, door locks, plumbing and other minor repairs. Housing Specialist Patty Schaffer advises residents to apply for the programs sooner rather than later. It typically takes 30 to 60 days for the application and loan approval process. For details on eligibility, call 763-509-5413. Information on both programs, including income limits, is posted on the City of Plymouth website at www.ci.plymouth.mn.us. Page 14 !.0to'HIGHWAY 55 CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridorfrom I-494 to Annandale, Minnesota Contact: Wayne Fingalson Phone: 763-682-7383 Fax: 763-682-7313 E-mail: wayne.fingalson@co.wright.mn.us --- NEWS RELEASE --- Highway 55 Corridor Coalition Elects Officers for 2009 The Highway 55 Corridor Coalition recently elected its officers for 2009. Re-elected Chair was City of Independence Mayor, Marvin Johnson. Marvin Johnson is a long time City of Independence councilman and mayor. He has been involved in the City since 1973 serving on the Planning Commission from 1973 to 1975, then as a councilmember from 1976-1979 and from 1979 to present, 30 years, Marvin has been mayor of Independence. During this time, Mayor Johnson has served on numerous regional, state and national committees and organizations including Vice Chair of the League of Minnesota Cities and member of the Metropolitan Radio Board. Mayor Johnson has been an active member of the Highway 55 Corridor Coalition and welcomes the opportunity to serve as Chair of the Coalition. Elected Vice -Chair was Wright County Commissioner Jack Russek. Jack, who lives and farmed near Delano, has been a Wright County commissioner since 1992. Prior to his election as commissioner, he served 8 years as a Franklin Township Supervisor. Jack serves on many County committees and is a representative of Wright County on three Joint Powers Boards, including the Highway 55 Corridor Coalition board. During his farming career, Jack was a member and delegate on the Mid America Dairymen's Association Liz Weir was re-elected Secretary -Treasurer. Liz Weir is in her second 4 -year term of serving as a Medina city council member. From 1997 to 2004, she was a Planning Commission member, and she chaired the commission from 2001 to 2002. Liz represents Medina at the Highway 55 Corridor Coalition, Healthy Communities Committee and the Lake Independence TMDL Task Force. She trained as a nurse in England, worked as an RN in Cape Town, South Africa and in Minneapolis and has written for weekly newspapers and reviewed theater for Talkinbroadway.com. Photo Caption: Elected Officers of the Highway 55 Corridor Coalition for 2009 are left to right, Jack Russek, Vice -Chair; Liz Weir, Secretary -Treasurer; and, Marvin Johnson, Chair. Contact: {Mayne A. Fingalson Wright County Highway Department 1901 Highway 25 North Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 Phone: 7631682-7383 FAX: 7631682-7313 E-mail: wavne.Rn a¢ lsomn;c Page 15 Ehlers Market Commentary April 6, 2009 Change was the watchword in the municipal bond market in the last month. There were few municipal bond sales in the Midwest during the last week, so this week's commentary focuses on the change represented by several bond indices with respect to length of issues (i.e. maturity), credit rating categories and size (represented by bank -qualification or BQ status). The changes discussed here may represent short term aberration caused by the recent "deluge of paper" - as characterized in the Bond Buyer (primarily the A/A- rated issues by the states of California and Wisconsin) Yields of Short Bonds drop more than Longer Bonds (but only for some) Chart 1 (derived from the Municipal Market Data or MMD gathered by Thomson Financial) shows that for AA and better rated bonds rates on bonds 5 years and shorter in maturity dropped 13 to 27 basis points over the last 30 days. At the same time yields on longer AA bonds fluctuated between 10 lower or higher than 30 days earlier. Similar data compiled by Bloomberg Financial reinforces this trend. This would seem to indicate that investors are willing to accept increasingly lower yields for higher credit quality bonds, but that conviction does not extend to long term investments of 10 years or longer. However Chart 1 also shows that yields of lower rated (A and BAA) bonds actually rose on all maturities longer than 5 years between 14 and 30 basis points. That leads to a comment on credit quality. Higher Rated Bonds more in demand than ever Chart 2 shows that yield premium demanded by buyers of lower rated bonds has widened over the last 30 days. Although Chart 2 specifically compares AA to A bonds, the effect is even more pronounced for AAA bonds compared to A or BAA bonds. This yield premium widened between 17 and 26 basis points over 30 days. Clearly credit quality matters more than ever. Smaller or BQ Bonds seemingly less in demand Previous commentary noted that Bank Qualified or BQ status seems to have been less beneficial than in the past. That trend has continued. (BQ status allows banks to treat bond income effectively as tax- exempt and was once limited to issuers of less than $10 Million annually. Now the limit for BQ status has been raised to $30 Million and means that more bonds qualify for BQ status.) 19 EHLERS LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE www.ehiers-inc.com Offices in Minnesota (800) 552-1171 Wisconsin (800) 717-9742 Illinois: (800)417-1119 Page 16 F. t Ehlers Market Commentary April 6, 2009 Data for BQ vs non-BQ bond yields has been inconsistent, but seems to indicate that due to a relative glut of BQ paper the BQ advantage for small issuers has effectively been eliminated, at least for the time being. Debt Management Implications of the Current Muni Bond Market (With the exception noted in the first bullet these have not changed) • Unless you are AA or higher rated or can use very short debt, don't wait for lower rates if you are otherwise ready to finance projects or refinance debt • Shore up your credit rating if you can (see previous updates or your advisor for some ideas) • Repay new debt more rapidly to take advantage of the lower interest rates (up to 2% or more) available to borrowers who can pay their debt back in 10 years or less • Use "plain vanilla" or G.O. debt when adequate G.O. debt capacity is available • Caveat: these strategies may work against the realities of keeping local tax and utility rates as low as they can be in the short term 10 EHLERS LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE www.ehlers-inc.com Offices in Minnesota (800) 552-1171 Wisconsin (800)717-9742 Illinois: (800) 417-1119 Page 17 Steve Smith State Representative Deputy Minority Leader District 33A Hennepin County Minnesota v'�, Representatives ••y'�1858h,,, COMMITTEES ETHICS, VICE -CHAIR: FINANCE:, PUBLIC SAFETY FINANCE DIVISION LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON PENSIONS & RETIREMENT REPRESENTING. MOUND, MINNESTRISTA, ST. BONIFACIUS, SPRING PARK, INDEPENDENCE, MAPLE PLAIN, MEDINA. LORETTO, HAMEL, PLYMOUTH — WARD/PRECINCTS: V-1 P-5, W-1 P-7, W-2 P-9, W-2 P-10 April 6, 2009 Kelli Slavik, Mayor City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Kelli: Thank you for contacting me to convey your concern for legislation affecting the Hennepin County District Court and the Ridgedale-Hennepin County Regional Center. I appreciate your comments. As you are likely aware, House File 1397 received a public hearing on March 5, 2009, in the House Civil Justice Committee where it was amended, passed on a voice vote and re-referred to the House Public Safety Policy and Oversight Committee. Since I am not a member of either of these committees, I will not have an opportunity to have this bill before me unless it is re- referred to the Public Safety Finance Division or come up for a vote on the House floor. I share your reservations regarding this legislation and the adverse effects that closing the Ridgedale location would have on Plymouth. When this legislation comes before me, I will echo your concerns. Thank you again for contacting me. If I can ever be of help to your family, you can reach me at the Capitol (651) 296-9188 or at my home in Mound (952) 472-7664. Amce,ith State Representative 2710 Clare Lane, Mound. Minnesota 55364 (952) 472-7664 State Office Building, 100 Rev or Martin Luther King Jr Blvd_ St Paul Minnesota 55155-1298 165' Email. rep.steve.smith@house.mn Page 18 3/20/09 Dear Mayor Slavik, Lisa and I would like to express our belated gratitude to the City Of Plymouth for cooperatively working with us to complete our boulder wall combined with a land restoration project. The project is a wonderful example of a common goal of preserving our precious land that was accomplished through the joint partnership with the city and resident. A special thanks to Derrick Ashy and his project team that worked closely with us on a number of issues including easement access, necessary permits, and advocating our desire for this project to the city board. We would also like to thank Peter Moen and his project team for their professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail. In addition, we would also like to express our gratitude to everyone else that was so helpful and supportive behind the scene. As we gaze out our window at the melting snow we are so proud and pleased with the transformation of the land and eagerly wait for the blooming of trees and native plants. We realize that it took the efforts of many and the support of the city to make this possible. The accomplishment of this project is truly stopping traffic in amazement of such a beautiful transformation. We know it takes great leadership, dedication, and commitment at all levels to make Plymouth the number one city to live in country. We are proud to be a part of the community. With sincere gratitude, Lisa and George Tuszkiewicz 12512 Sunset Trail Cc: Derrick Ashy Peter Moen Page 19 April 2, 2009 MINNESOTA BOARD OF FIREFIGHTER TRAINING AND EDUCATION 13065 Orono Pkwy NW Elk River, MN 55330 Email: mbfte@comcast.net Dave Dreelan Plymouth Fire Department 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Dave Dreelan: The Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE) is pleased to notify you that your Fire Department has been awarded the amount of $3,669.50 for the following classes completed by June 30, 2009: Firefighter 1. As stated in the Request for Reimbursement the average RFR is expected to be in the $1,000 to $5,000 range. In order to process your reimbursement payment, you are required to provide copies of receipts and/or documentation which should equal the award amount granted to you. In addition, please have the enclosed form completed and signed. Send proof of training dollars spent together with the Request for Reimbursement Form to: MBFTE 13065 Orono Pkwy NW, Elk River, MN 55330. The funds will be disbursed upon receipt of the completed and signed form along with the proper documentation to substantiate the payments made for the training listed above. All required supporting documentation is required to be sent with the Request for Reimbursement Form, the formed needed are as follows: • Paid invoices for training or books Payroll records for in-house trainers Questions regarding the award should be submitted in writing to the address above or mbfte(@comcast.net. Sincerely, Nancy Franke Wilson Executive Director 763-545-2684 C (fv� Barbara Tuccitto Warren Executive Director 763-717-9671 Page 20 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE April 1, 2009 Laurie Ahrens City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Greetings: On behalf of the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce and the TwinWest Foundation, we would like to express our sincere thanks to you and City of Plymouth for your donation to the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce 24th Annual Gala auction. Your 3 -hour Skating Party donation, valued at $100.00, helped us reach our fundraising goals. Proceeds from the Gala help fund our TwinWest Foundation Scholarship Program as well as support the Chamber's mission. Your donation helps build a brighter future, not only for our area youth, but also for the business community. Be sure to check out the wonderful media coverage we received from the Sun Neurspapers and the Plyntotttit Magazine. With over 650 attendees and great media coverage, the TwinWest Gala definitely proved to be a popular event! Again, thank you for your generosity, and we look forward to your support next year! Sincerely, U Bruce Nustad flf President Q+ TwinWest Chamber of J�Oismerce Victoria Marley Director of Events & Programs TwinWest Chamber of Commerce 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170 • Plymouth, MN 55441 Phone: (763) 450-2220 • Fax: (763) 450-2221 • www.twinwest.com Page 21