Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Home
My WebLink
About
Council Information Memorandum 09-18-2009
CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO September 18, 2009 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS PACTAgenda 09/23/09........................................................................................................................Page I HRAAgenda 09/24/09......................................................................................................................... Page 2 Plymouth corporate Center Renovation Grand Opening 10/08/09....................................................... Page 3 New Hope Community Mayor's Prayer Breakfast 10/14/09................................................................Page 4 September, October, November 2009 Official City Meeting Calendars ............................................. Page 5 Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ..................................................... Page 8 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc ... Building Community in the Midst of Diversity Workshop Slated for Oct. 1, News Release .............. Page 9 Editorial: Looking at all they can do to save, Article, Star & Trib.....................................................Page 10 Mounds View businesses won't have to register, council decides, Article, Star & Trib .................... Page 12 Cities pare back for future, Article, Star & Trib.................................................................................Page 13 Sublime to slime, Article, Star & Trib................................................................................................ Page 16 Maple Gove's sort -free recycling program takes off, Article, Star & Trib......................................... Page 19 Lakeville is raising taxes, adding fee for utilities, Article, Star & Trib.............................................. Page 21 Henn. County Resolution No. 09-0345RI..........................................................................................Page 23 Council seeks applicants for Regional Parks Commission, Metrocouncil News ................................ Page 26 MEETING MINUTES Planning Commission Minutes 09/02/09.......................................................................................... Page 27 Wayzata Communities in Collaboration Council Minutes 09/09/09..................................................Page 33 STAFF REPORTS Hennepin County Adult Correctional Facility Population Report 09/15/09.......................................Page 36 Fire Dept. Six Month Report, January -June 2009..............................................................................Page 37 Fire Dept. Monthly Report, July 2009................................................................................................Page 45 CORRESPONDENCE Letter to Regatta Chairman, RE: Sailboat Races on Medicine Lake 06/2010 ................................... Page 51 Letter to Minnehaha Creek WSD, RE: Draft Rule G......................................................................... Page 52 AGENDA PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT Medicine Lake Room (upper level of City Hall) Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. 1. 7:00 Approval of Agenda 2. 7:05 Approval of July 22, 2009 Minutes (See attached) 3. 7:10 Review Action Items 4. 7:20 Discuss expiration of terms (Work Plan) 5. 7:30 Review Fleet Status (Work Plan) 6. 7:40 Review communication, customer service, Station 73 (Work Plan) 7. 8:00 Hennepin County Dial -A -Ride Program Update 8. 8:10 System Changes Update 9. 8:15 Brainstorming session: Redistribution of Shuttle Routes 5-10 Year Plan (Gustafson/Kedzuf) 10. 8:35 Public Safety 11. 8:45 Review Plymouth Transit Performance Measurements (January - July) 12. 8:50 Measurement Plan — Review Annual Data (2008-2009) 13. 8:55 Review Plymouth Metrolink Customer Service Log (See attached July — August) 14. 8:56 Identify areas of concern and/or recommendations from PACT members, staff 15. 8:59 Other Business 16. 9:00 Adjourn Action Items.- 1. tems.1. Four Seasons name change: Too late for early Sept deadline. (Sept) Next set of route maps deadline March 2009 for distribution June. Reviewed at Jan meeting. December 5, 2009 2. Metrolink Customer Info Signs: Signs should be posted listing contact information such as phone number, email address, and city website address so ridership have a point of contact and access to information. (March) Page 1 MXa91,[el_141:1.IH_1 PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2009 - 7:00 p.m. WHERE: Medicine Lake Room City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 All items listed with an asterisk (') are considered to be routine by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority 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. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve HRA Meeting Minutes from July 23, 2009. B. Plymouth Towne Square. Accept Monthly Housing Reports for July and August, 2009. C. Vicksburg Crossing. Accept Monthly Housing Reports for July and August, 2009. 3. PUBLIC HEARING A. Section 8 Program. Proposed changes to the PHA Administrative Plan. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. HRA Budgets. Review and aoprove 2010/2011 HRA Budgets. B. Tax Increment Financing. Request the City Council call for a public hearing relating to the modification to Redevelopment Plan for the Redevelopment Project Area number 1 and the modification to TIF District number 1-1. C. Vicksburg Crossing, Market Reports for July and August, 2009. 5. ADJOURNMENT Page 2 VIP PASS Please join us to celebrate the Grand Opening of the newly renovated Plymouth Corporate Center. When: October 8th from 4:30-7:00pm Location: Plymouth Corporate Center 1405 Xenium Lane Plymouth, MN 55441 (Vallet Available) RSVP: By September 28"' bmoleskzi@carlson.com CARLSON REAL ESTATE � COMPANY - §n 4(5 _ Eo k\ � » 2 E%\ \\\ � 3CD k \ - \ff0 �\ \& \$ 0\E !a ( \ [} © ®£ £ � 3 3 =#� \ z \ f /\3 [± �\ 2 k) it \ � ®t S z (�� �§d ZZ rz � \\\ z \ � \ �(� � )k ) \\ r rJ Page 4(5 _ Eo \ � » 2 E%\ \\\ � 3CD k \ - \ff0 \& \$ 0\E !a ( 6 , [} © ®£ £ !\ 3 3 =#� \ �\k\/ \ f /\3 [± 2 it \ � ®t S z (�� ZZ rz � \\\ z \ � \ �(� � \\ Page 4(5 _ Eo E%\ }/ 3CD k \ +/ \ff0 \& \$ 0\E !a ( 6 , [} © ®£ £ !\ 3 §m§ ?a \ \ f /\3 [± 2 it \� ®t } z /FT Page City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life September 2009 Modified on 09/18/09 Page 5 1 2 7:00 PM 3 7:00 PM 4 5 PLANNING HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION COMMISSION MEETING MEETING Council Chambers Parkers Lake Room 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Autumn REGULAR COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL PARK ft REC Art Fair MEETING QUALITY ADVISORY COM- Parkers Lake LABOR DAY Council Chambers COMMITTEE MISSION (PRAC) (EQC) MEETING MEETING CITY OFFICES Council Chambers Plymouth Creek CLOSED Center 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers ROSH HASHANAH Begins at Sunset 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING 1:00 PM MEETING ADVISORY Council Chambers Plymouth On Council Chambers COMMITTEE ON Parade Celebration City Center Area TRANSIT (PACT) MEETING Medicine Lake Room 27 28 29 30 - YOM KIPPUR Begins at Sunset Modified on 09/18/09 Page 5 rp) City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life October 2009 Modified on 09118109 Page 6 1 2 3 5 -City Human Rights Event Time/Place TBD 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6:30-8:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Volunteer PLANNING PARK it REC 12:00-4:00 PM Recognition Event COMMISSION ADVISORY Fire Dept. Plymouth Creek MEETING COMMISSION Open House Center Council Chambers (FRAC) MEETING Fire Station III Council Chambers 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 7:00 PM 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL COLUMBUS DAY MEETING QUALITY Observed Council Chambers COMMITTEE (EQC) MEETING Council Chambers PLYMOUTH PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION CLOSED 18 19 20 7:00 PM 21 22 23 24 PLANNING 7:00 PM COMMISSION HRA MEETING MEETING Council Chambers Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) MEETING Medicine lake Room 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 5:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL 5:30-8:30 PM MEETING Halloween on Medicine Lake Room the Creek 2010/2011 Budget Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers Modified on 09118109 Page 6 rp) City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life November 2009 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Daylight 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Savings PLANNING HUMAN RIGHTS Ends Set Clacks Back COMMISSION COMMISSION 1 Hwr MEETING MEETING Council Chambers Parkers Lake Room 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 7:00 PM 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL PARK $ REC MEETING ADVISORY COM - Council Chambers VETERANS DAY MISSION (PRAC) Observed MEETING Plymouth Ice CITY OFFICES Center CLOSED 15 16 17 18 7:00 PM 19 7:00 PM 20 21 PLANNING COMMISSION HRA MEETING MEETING Council Chambers Council Chambers 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC) MEETING Medicine Lake Room 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 — 7:00 PM 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL PLYMOUTH ADVISOR MEETING COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) THANKSGIVING THANKSGIVING Council Chambers MEETING HOLIDAY HOLIDAY Medicine Lake Room CITY OFFICES CITY OFFICES CLOSED CLOSED 29 30 Modified on 09/18/09 Page 7 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items October 13, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Set public hearing relating to the modifications of Development Program for Development District Number 7 and Tax Increment Financing District 7-6 and Redevelopment Plan for Redevelopment Project Area Number 1 and Tax Increment Financing District 1-1. • Deny Preliminary Plat for "Kingsview Heights 5`h Addition) for one single family home located at 44'h Avenue between Harbor Lane and Juneau Lane. Martin Harstad. (2009034) • Hearing on delinquent utilities and other charges • Approve the subordination and extending of the maturity date for the City of Plymouth's $225,000 loan in conjunction with the HUD refinancing. Shenandoah Woods Apartments. October 27, Special, 5:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Discuss 2010/2011 Budget October 27, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers November 10, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers November 24, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Approve 2010 City Council Meeting Schedule • Public hearing on modifications of Development Program for Development District Number 7 and Tax Increment Financing District 7-6 and Redevelopment Plan for Redevelopment Project Area Number I and Tax Increment Financing District 1-1. December 8, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Approve 2010 Target and Trap Shoot license renewal • Approve 2010 Amusement License renewals • Approve 2010 Gasoline Service Station License renewals • Approve 2010 Tobacco License renewals • Adopt the 2010 Budget and Tax Levy Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. page 8 City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release September 11, 2009 Contact: Jeanette Sobania, 763.509.5070 Building Community in the Midst of Diversity Workshop Slated for Oct. 1 Plymouth, MN — A free Oct. 1 workshop will focus on building community in the face of increasing diversity. The public is invited to `Building Community in the Midst of Diversity: Contact, Culture, Complexity and Conflict' from 7 to 9 p.m., at Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. The workshop, sponsored by area human rights commissions, will look at how the nation, state and communities have become more diverse as well as explore the intersection of diversity and community. Led by Juan C. Moreno, diversity and inclusion specialist with the University of Minnesota Extension Service, the session will examine obstacles to creating relationships across differences as well as how to overcome those obstacles to build community. While the workshop is free, registration is required. If you have questions or to register, please call 763-504-4981. The workshop is a joint effort of the Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Plymouth and Robbinsdale Human Rights Commissions. It is made possible through a grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation. EI Page 9 C1eanPrint Preview StarTribunexom Editorial: Looking at all they can do to save Cities across the state looking 'at everything they can do.' Last update: September 17, 2009 - 11:05 AM The League of Minnesota Cities list goes on for pages and reads like a municipal version of frugal homemaker tips. To balance ailing budgets in this era of declining property values, rising employee health care costs and state aid cuts, cities across Minnesota are increasingly taking a welcome, tough-minded approach to reducing expenses and maximizing efficiency. The league's vast spreadsheet keeps a running tally of the difficult yet often creative choices made: "Working with county and school district to purchase diesel fuel" in volume, reads one entry from northwestern Minnesota. A community just west of the Twin Cities is using existing city staff to deliver Meals on Wheels instead of hiring a coordinator. Two small southern Minnesota towns will share one city administrator. A nearby city is launching an Adopt -A -Park program instead of paying employees to clean up beaches and picnic shelters. Such resourcefulness is a distinctly Minnesota Advertisement Page 1 of 2 Point your ;;.`. mobile browser to http://startribune.com trait, one that sustained our pioneer forebears and enabled generations of civic leaders to turn a cold, art -of -the -way state into one perennially lauded in national quality -of -life, education and health care rankings. Cities are admirably carrying on that tradition as they grapple with some of the most challenging economic times they've ever faced. From Brainerd to Byron to Burnsville, Minnesota's elected local officials and their staffs are typically greeting tough times with pragmatic ingenuity aimed at maintaining critical services while minimizing pressure on taxpayers. Especially when spendthrift bureaucrats are so often scapegoated, these hardworking officials deserve praise for helping their communities weather the current crisis and prepare for uncertainties ahead. "What stands out is how many different things cities are trying" said Rachel Walker, policy analysis manager for the Lea -tie. "In the past, they may have been able just to cut back on parks or mowing or the ice rinks. Now they're doing all those things, and looking at [staff] wages ... layoffs, cutting snow plowing and asking for unpaid furloughs. They're really looking across the board at everything they can do." The reality is that these officials have little choice in the matter. Cutbacks in state aid (which can comprise a third or more of some cities' budgets) are significant. At the same time, the housing Print Powered By I ,d Fo.: i i i I _Dynamics http://www.stailribune.com/opinion/editorials/59552377.html 9/17/2 Page 10 C1eanPrint Preview StarTribune.com crash dealt a blow to cities' other key sources of income -- property taxes, building permits -- while costs for fuel, health care and pensions are rising. Hitting taxpayers with massive property tax hikes isn't fair or realistic. Their household budgets are also squeezed. The impact of the strong budget medicine shouldn't be sugarcoated. In a downturn like this, painless operational efficiencies likely won't be enough. That's evident in the League's list, where initiatives such as putting a city newsletter online are joined by measures such as staff cuts, reduced library hours, less snowplowing or even reduced training for police officers. Where painful cuts are necessary, Minnesota city officials are working to manage them intelligently. Burnsville in particular deserves praise for how it recently found $3.5 million in cuts -- which allowed the southern suburb to provide for a zero percent levy increase in 2010 while absorbing the loss of state aid. City manager Craig Ebeling and his staff prepared a list of cost-saving measures for the City Council and provided a sense of how the various choices would affect a previously decided vision and set of goals for the city. That helped council members focus their discussion, set priorities and make the cuts least damaging to the city's future -- a model process for other cities. Said Ebeling: "Everybody knows that these are difficult times for everybody in society. There's no Advertisement OAlternate Ad Image Text Goes Here! Page 2 of 2 Point your y mobile browser to http://startribune.com reason cities should be sheltered from this. There's no antagonism here, no bitterness. This is just what we have to do." Print Powered By F,_i' Dynamics http://www.startribune.com/opinion/editorials/59552377.html 9/17/: Page 11 C1eanPrint Preview StarTribunexom Mounds View businesses won't have to register, council decides Mounds View was one of several cities in the metro area to consider requiring local businesses to formally register their contact information, but the council unanimously rejected the proposal. By Allie Shah, Star Tribune Last update: September 14, 2009 - 11:16 PM Mounds View businesses won't have to register with the city after all, the City Council decided Monday night. Mounds View was one of several cities in the metro area to consider requiring local businesses to formally register their contact information, but the council unanimously rejected the proposal. Cities that already have mandated business registration include New Brighton, Maplewood, New Hope, Ramsey, Vadnais Heights and Fridley. Mounds View city officials argued that having a central database with information about local businesses would be useful for law enforcement. For example, it would help them locate the business owner if there were a fire or a code violation. Page 1 of 1 - PO'0 int our mobile browser to http://startribune.com Under the proposed registration program, businesses also would have been required to list any materials, including hazardous chemicals, stored at their site. Some business owners opposed the plan, objecting to what they viewed as more government intrusion into private business. They also spoke out against possibly being charged a registration fee. Print Powered By iii l Fo; n atDynamics http://www.startribune.com/local/north/59288432.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU 9/18/: Page 12 C1eanPrint Preview StarTribune.com Cities pare back for future Budget pains are pushing cities to consider fundamental shifts. By MARIA ELENA BACA, Star Tribune Last update: September 14, 2009 - 6:19 AM As Minnesota cities complete their preliminary 2010 tax plans, there are rumblings of a fundamental shift: More and more, cities are looking beyond nips and tucks toward structural changes in how they operate -- sharing services with other cities, perhaps, or tapping new revenue sources -- that will allow them to weather the present and prepare for an uncertain future. "Initially, people probably thought, we'll just get through this recession, then things are going to right themselves," said Jim Miller, executive director of the League of Minnesota Cities. "I think increasingly that is a minority view." So while cities' initial levy requests -- which must be sent to the counties by Tuesday -- reflect short-term shifts and freezes, they also point to longer-term considerations, as well. For example: - In Burnsville, the city eschewed furloughs in favor of permanent staffing cuts. Advertisement Page I of 3 Point your mobile browser to http.F//startribune.com - Coon Rapids is looking for new non -tax revenue sources to "make the pie larger." - Blaine is seeking opportunities to share staff with neighboring cities. • St. Cloud has set up a points system to rank city programs for preservation or removal. The city-state financial relationship has been evolving for at least a decade, Miller said. But this year municipalities are reeling from state aid reductions that were made in December and July as the state dealt with its own fiscal crisis. Relief from the State Capitol appears unlikely over the next few years with continuing big budget deficits projected. Thinking long-term Add those woes to a smaller property tax base and diminished municipal revenue from building permits and fees, and cities have had to think hard, not just about putting off extras, but about long-term operations. "I don't think anybody believes that there's this untapped revenue source out there that has yet to be discovered and that will allow everything to continue as normal," Miller said. Burnsville found $3.5 million in cuts to hold its levy request at 2009 levels despite reductions in state aid, interest income and delinquent property OLifeLock. Til In Identity Theft Protection' 1-888-896-1878 Print Powered By Dynamics http://www.startribune.com/local/59187902.btml?elr=KArksUUUU 9/14/2 Page 13 C1eanPrint Preview StarTribune.com taxes. The effort included eliminating 20 positions, through attrition, voluntary departures and layoffs. "Voluntary furloughs may provide some short- term assistance in replenishing reserve funds, but furloughs are not a long-term solution," City Manager Craig Ebeling wrote in a memo to City Council members. "In Burnsville, we are not assuming we will have the revenue in the future to retain our current number of employees." The action, part of a plan for 2010 approved by the council last week, represents more than a million dollars a year in long-term wage savings for the city, Ebeling said. In Coon Rapids, city staff has paired cuts with new revenue sources. Its Citizen Awareness Program allows speeders and other minor offenders to pay their penalty to the city rather than the county, sometimes at a lower cost, if they take part in an educational program and promise not toreoffend. The program has brought in $112,000 since it was inaugurated in February, although participation is down since the state added a $75 surcharge over the summer. Fulton also wants to continue to look at funding certain fire department operations by getting reimbursements from users' insurance policies. Advertisement QuickLawn Gardeners' Choice Page 2 of 3 Point your mobile browser to http://startribune.com That proposal met with tierce opposition last winter. "These are tough topics to get on because they require people to look at things differently," Fulton said. "But from an economic perspective, communities are going forward, and they do need to continue to explore new and different ways of delivering public services that have the impact of reducing pressure on property taxes." In Blaine, development revenue is down about a million dollars from last year, although City Manager Clark Arneson sees hope in a new flurry of building. The city has made staffing cuts to maintain its levy at the 2009 level. Another cost- saving measure is a plan to share a building inspector with neighboring Mounds View. "Shared services among cities is a going -forward model," Arneson said. "Whether it's building inspectors or engineering techs, or whatever.... One thing we hear is that people don't necessarily want to cut services. They just don't want to continue to be taxed more to pay for them. Until we get to the point of cutting services, we have to look at all alternatives." 'Budgeting for Results' For about a year, St. Cloud has been guided by a framework it calls "Budgeting for Results," to rank each city program according to its relevance to a set of community values. That made it easier to An Evergreen Lawn all four seasons of the year www.quicklawnsale.com/deal Print Powered By i dlF'rrnatDynamics http://www.starnibune.com/tocol/59187902.htm1?elr=KArksUUUU 9/14, Page 14 CleanPrint Preview StarTribune.com determine what qualified as basic services, said City Administrator Michael Williams. A $45,000 arts grant was scuttled, as were $20,000 for ice rink supervision and other expenditures that didn't garner the points to survive. Some cuts are for the long term, he said, adding that he hopes for some relief eventually. "I don't think this is a new reality," he said. "But I do think some of the changes we've made and are making now are ;oing to be the reality in the future. We may never give money to the symphony orchestra again, but we can't put off buying squad cars forever." Cities must finalize their levies and property owners' tax bills by Dec. 15. Each city's final levy could go down between now and then. but it won't go up. (The city levy is separate from those for counties and school districts.) Change is hard, and sometimes difficult to grasp. In St. Francis, City Administrator Matt Hylen felt that an idea to sell off undeveloped park land for short-term sales revenue and long-term maintenance savings was unfairly scuttled this summer after reports in the Star Tribune and the Anoka Union featured photos of kids playing in parks that were never on the chopping block. Page 3 of 3 `•� Poi ntyour mobile browser to ".� http://startribune.coni "I tried to explain, but it unnecessarily consumed a tremendous amount of staff time," he said. "I wish it was never brought up. It was never intended to be a big cash influx or huge savings. It was another idea, one of a multitude things we are glancing at." Maria Elena Baca • 612-673-4409 Send flowers for any occasion Bouquets 99,40,7, A hfrom19-x'V Order ONLY at ProFlowers• F'r" cath1-1--877 Print Powered By lid FormatDynamics Page 15 http://www.startribune.com/local/59187902.html?elr=KArksUUUU 9/141 CleanPrint Preview StarTribunexom Sublime to slime Jeff Wheeler, Star Tribune Buffer plants growing along the shore of Tyler McIntosh's home on Round Pond in Bloomington Wednesday evening. Algae -choked storm water ponds across the metro are a real sore spot for shoreline homeowners who see the water quality getting worse every year. By MARY JANE SMETANKA, Star Tribune Last update: September 15, 2009 -12:48 AM As storm water ponds go, Round Pond is gorgeous. Surrounded by mature oaks and maples and populated by quacking mallards, the Advertisement ❑x Point your jmobile browser to Ittp://startribuFie.com pond is a tranquil centerpiece for 13 Bloomington homes that ring its banks. But beyond the scarlet maples and yellow goldenrod that line the shoreline, the ducks leave trails in their wake as they paddle through lime - green muck that covers the pond surface. "It looks like you could walk across it," said Tyler McIntosh, a Briar Lane homeowner who is the residents' liaison to the city. "I want to live on a pond, not a swamp." Round Pond is infested with watenneal, a native plant that runs wild every summer. The tiny plant proliferates even though I 1 of 13 homeowners on the pond have established buffers of native plants between lawns and the pond to prevent grass clippings, fertilizer and debris, such as dog droppings, from getting into the water. Homeowners feel they have done their part to protect water quality. But they say Round Pond looks worse than ever. Jack Gleason, the state Department of Natural Resources' area hydrologist for Bloomington, said the pond's appearance doesn't mean plant buffers aren't working. What's not known, he said, "is how much worse it would be without the buffer." For the past decade, the state and cities have pushed Minnesotans to plant vegetative buffers between yards and lakes and creeks to prevent Print Powered By d ^ Dynamics Pagel of 3 Page 16 http://www.startribune.comllocallsouth/59286802.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU 9/16/2009 C1eanPrint Preview StarTribune.com phosphorus and pollutants from washing into the water. Buffers trap sediments and can curb nutrients from reaching phosphorus -loving pests such as algae. Last year, the city of Minnetonka considered requiring its landowners on lakes and creeks to plant buffers, but backed away when residents protested. Cities such as Bloomington offer financial incentives to encourage residents to plant natural plant buffers around water; it will cut or eliminate charges for the city's chemical treatments to limit pesky algae or other invasive plants when property owners set up protective zones. Around Bloomington's storm water ponds, acceptable buffer zones generally range from 5 to 10 feet from the water's edge. But what happens when residents plant buffers and conditions still don't improve? While buffers clearly benefit lakes, where much of the drainage comes off surrounding properties, the payoff is less evident for storm water ponds, which during a heavy rain may take in large amounts of water through storm sewers from yards and streets far from their shore. "If the area upstream is contributing phosphorus and sediment, you are going to have water quality issues," Gleason said. Concern is about appearance For homeowners, the issue is less about water Fx Alternate Ad Image Text Goes Here! y�ttp.//startribune.com Point your mobile browser to quality than water appearance. Storm water ponds clogged with plants may be doing exactly what they were intended to do: hold back and filter water before it flows into larger lakes, creeks and rivers. But residents who live around those ponds usually want water that has a reflective surface just like a lake. People who live around Round Pond paid as much as $700,000 for their homes. McIntosh said he considered the view of the 2 1/2 -acre pond from his deck "worth 50 grand" when he moved to the neighborhood in 2004. Then watermeal took over. "We all want to be as eco -friendly as we can.... We don't expect it to be pristine," he said. "I'm willing to tolerate a few weeds. But if it's all green, it's ugly." For years, Bloomington tried to control the watenneal with chemicals. But some studies indicate the tiny floating plant -- its leaves are about the size of a grain of cornmeal -- may develop herbicide resistance, said Bryan Graidl, Bloomington water resources specialist. This year, the city tried a new tack, using mechanical skimmers to remove watermeal and dunking bales of barley straw in the pond to retard algae and phosphorus. The pond looked better for a couple of days after the skimming, but watermeal rapidly took over again. Print Powered By d Dynamics" Page 2 of 3 Page 17 http://www.startribune.com/locallsoutbl59286802.html?eft—KArksULUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU w1O//uu9 C1eanPrint Preview StarTribune.cvm "I think the jury's still out, to be fair," McIntosh said. "This may take more than one season to be effective. We're happy to give it a shot." Round Pond was a naturally occurring pond before it was linked to the city storm system in the 1970s. Ray Anderson, who bought his home on what was a dirt road in 1962, said the pond was spring -fed. Back then, his kids caught turtles, painted their shells in bright colors and released them into the pond, where Anderson said the water was clear enough that they could easily be seen on the bottom 6 feet down. Residents own the pond The pond is owned by surrounding residents, whose lots extend like pie slices into the pond's center. Anderson said that in the 1970s, the city "assured us they would maintain it in clean condition if we granted them permission" to join it to the storm sewer system. He regrets that they ever said "yes." "The last three years have been awful," he said. "This summer, unless there's a strong wind, there is little or no water showing." Watershed maps show that while 13 houses ring the pond, water from about 40 more homes drains into it. Anderson thinks that those Advertisement -1 Alternate Ad Image Text Goes Here! Point your j' mobile browser to http:/Atartr!bune.com homeowners should bear some responsibility for the pond's condition. "Their lawns are pristine, which means lots of chemicals," he said. "What goes into the street ultimately goes into our pond. And they are not charged for maintenance, and their use of fertilizer is not curtailed." Bloomington senior civil engineer Scott Anderson, who works with water resources, said people who don't live on the pond pay for storm water treatment through their storm water utility fee. The treatment program at Round Pond is designed for aesthetics only, he said, and homeowners around the pond split the cost with the city because they are the ones who benefit. This year the cost is about $60 per household. The city has hired a consultant to evaluate water quality in the city's ponds and propose new ways to deal with them. Keeping a pond like Round Pond clear "is to some extent a losing battle," Scott Anderson said. "That's partially why we brought in a consultant -- to give us a more expert opinion, so we can meet people's expectations better in the future." Mary Jane Smetanka • 612-673-7380 ePONDS FROM BI Print Powered By ±A s=' -Dynamics http://www.startribune.comAocallsoutbl59286802.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU Page 3 of 3 Page 18 CleanPrint Preview StarTribune.com Maple Grove's sort -free recycling program takes off Maple Grove's sort -free program pulls in tons more. By LAURIE BLAKE, Star Tribune Last update: September 13, 2009 - 7:55 AM When it comes to recycling, the easier it is, the more people will do it. That's the upshot of Maple Grove's experiment with a new sort -free recycling service. After the city abandoned a pre-sorting system in favor of all -in -one rollable recycling bins, residents put out an extra 355 tons of residential recyclables from February through June -- 71 more tons per month than they did last year. More households were recycling, too: up from 60 percent in 2008 to 80 percent during the first half of 2009. The results show that mixed recycling in one big cart, started in Maple Grove by Allied Waste in February under a five-year contract with the city, is a hit with residents, said Maple Grove recycling coordinator Frank Kampel. "The response from residents mainly is they like the convenience of being able to roll the cart out Advertisement Page 1 of 2 Pointyour mobilebrowserto http://startribune.com to the curb as opposed to carrying a small container out to the curb," Kampel said, "and they can put all the recyclables in the container and not have to separate anything." While recyclers traditionally require people to separate glass, plastic and paper, Allied Waste, Waste Management, Ace Solid Waste and Walters Recycling and Refuse, among others, now pick up recyclables in many metro cities in the same way haulers pick up trash -- all mixed together in a full-size cart on wheels. Because the convenience promotes more recycling, it's a trend that Hennepin County will evaluate during the next few months as it sets new goals and looks for new strategies to move the county up from the 40 percent recycling rate where it's been stuck for years, said Carl Michaud, director of environmental services for the county. For a report to the County Board by Dec. 1, the environmental services division will look at whether sort -free recycling "is something we want to require rather than just recommend to the cities," he said. 'Massive' boost in tonnage For Allied Waste, the new bins and a coupon reward program it offers through Recycle Bank have prompted even more recycling than it anticipated, said Rich Hirstein, Allied's area OLifeLock. #1 In Identity Theft Protection' 1-888-896-1878 Print Powered By Page 19 http://wwwstartribune.com/lifestyle/59082592.htm1 9'1- CleanPrint Preview StarTribunexom recycling manager. The 355 extra tons "is massive, honestly," he said. "That would have been in the garbage stream before." In Eden Prairie, a similar program prompted 97 percent of Allied's customers in that city to recycle in the month of June -- up from 75 percent before the program began, Hirstein said. That compares with an average participation rate of 60 percent in the metro area, he said. Maple Grove resident Greg Hegedus said he and his wife, Debbie, have doubled what they recycle, "just because of the convenience of the container. It's bigger, and you can get your cardboard and everything in it. You wheel it out just like you would your garbage." Hegedus said they recycle more cardboard because they don't have to bundle it, more bottles because they don't have to rinse them, and more paper because they no longer have to worry about it blowing out of the small bin they once used and littering the street. "I used to find it easierjust to pun it in the garbage;' Hegedus said. Cashing in the coupons The couple also likes the rewards coupons and regularly redeems them at Cub Foods for $6 off their grocery bill. Another Maple Grove resident, Angie Solle, said her family, too, has at least doubled its recycling Page 2 of 2 Y %` Point your j, mobile browser to �i http://startribune.com with the new bin. "Just to have the space really helps," she said. "With the little blue bin we didn't have the capacity to recycle as much as we do now. We would fill the bin and we would basically stop recycling for the week." Not having to sort also helps her encourage her small kids to recycle, Solle said. "You don't have to worry about putting it in the right bag." She said she likes the reward coupons and uses them but considers them a bonus rather than the reason she is recycling more. The reward coupons are awarded by volume recycled by each neighborhood. Recycling trucks read a radio chip in the recycling cart of each household to record the house address as eligible for the rewards, Kampel said. Residents check their accounts on-line and choose the coupons they prefer, which then are mailed to them. To handle the increase in recyclables. Allied has expanded the recycling center in north Minneapolis where it separates materials for resale. The next step will be to offer the program to businesses and schools, Hirstein said. Laurie Blake • 612-673-1711 QuickLawn An Evergreen Lawn Gardeners' Choice all four seasons of the year! www.quicklawnsale.com/deal A Print Powered By (611Fo-i ria tDynamic! Page 20 http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/59082592.html 9/14/: CleanPrint Preview StarTribunexom Lakeville is raising taxes, adding fee for utilities By DEAN SPIROS, Star Tribune Last update: September 16, 2009 - 12:10 AM Believing it already has reached the limit on budget cuts, the city of Lakeville has turned to tax increases, including its first imposed franchise fee on the use of gas and electricity, in preparation of establishing its 2010 budget. The Lakeville City Council approved on Monday a maximum tax levy of 2.9 percent to counter lost revenue. The amount of the additional fee each residence would see on its monthly utility bills will be set at a later date. The moves follow sizable budget cuts the city made in April. "We did a hefty decrease in spending earlier this year, $ L4 million," Lakeville City Administrator Steve Mielke said, "and now our operating budget is being proposed to go down another $100,000. So it's a continuation of reducing expenses. "We looked at what is the least amount we do to maintain services at the level we established this spring. So if this [budget] is adopted in its entirety and we accomplished all the objectives on spending we would be able to maintain those service levels." Advertisement ❑x Page 1 of 2 Pointyour j mobile browser to http://startribune.com The city will hold a public hearing on Dec. 14 before finalizing the 2010 budget. Lakeville Finance Director Dennis Feller, who referred to the country's economic woes as the "Great Recession." said the city has lost $160,000 because of delinquent taxes. Lakeville also will have to do without the $600,000 the state no longer contributes through the Market Value Homestead Credit. Lakeville businesses will absorb most of the tax increases. Lakeville home values have decreased a total of $J.5 million, which decreases the residential tax dollars the city collects. Commercial property owners are looking at a tax increase of 9 percent to help offset that loss. Homeowners would not see more than a minimal increase. Mielke said the business community already has expressed its displeasure. "They would prefer for us to do something to reduce that burden;" Mielke said. "But we're already proposing a reduction in spending. A lot our increase in the levy is due to debt; road improvements, bridges, facilities." Mielke said the city will be looking for concessions from the three labor unions who represent city workers. All three contracts run through 2010. Print Powered By (d; F,' -ii> iLi_LDynamics littp://www.startribune.com/locaUsouth/59415577.html?elr=KArks:DCiUocOaL_nDaycUi... 9/16, Page 21 C1eanPrint Preview StarTribune.com "We want to talk to [the unions] about options," Mielke said. "It doesn't necessarily mean opening up the contract. It could be increased furloughs, reductions in positions. We need to balance the money available with what the contracts call for." Should the unions elect not to change their agreements the City Council would have to decide how the shortfall would be made up. Approximately two-thirds of the city's workers are in a union. Dean Spiros • 952-882-9238 Advertisement xj Alternate Ad Image Text Goes Here! Page 2 of 2 Point your mobile browser to http://sta rtrib un e,com Print Powered By [d Dynamics http://www.startribune.com/local/south/59415577.html?elr=KArks:DCiUocOaL_nDaycUi... 9/1t Page 22 Hennepin County, Minnesota RESOLUTION NO. 09-0345R1 [2009] www.hennepin.us The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner McLaughlin and seconded by Commissioner Stenglein: WHEREAS, since 1980 Hennepin County has been a leader nationwide in the creation and implementation of environmentally -responsible programs to manage solid waste and since 1985 Hennepin County has provided technical assistance and financial support to municipalities for the establishment of curbside programs for the collection of recyclable materials and continues to distribute $2.9 million annually in grants to municipalities for curbside recycling programs resulting in increasing the recycling rate in the County from 22% in 1984 to 48% in 2008; and WHEREAS, in October 1986, Hennepin County adopted Ordinance 13, Solid Waste Source Separation, which required municipalities to separate recyclable materials from waste resulting in the County having one of the highest recycling and composting rates for large metropolitan areas in the U.S.; and WHEREAS, Hennepin County provides $200,000 annually in grants to cities, schools, and other public organizations to begin pilot and innovative reuse, recycling, and composting programs and has awarded $1.742 million for this purpose since 2000, including $1.244 million to support collection of organic waste for recycling into compost since 2002; and WHEREAS, Hennepin County is a leader in developing organics recycling programs, working with nine cities, 60 schools and numerous businesses to collect food and non -recyclable papers for organics recycling, is making a financial investment in the Linden Hills Power & Light, and has distributed over 22,000 compost bins to residents to recycle food waste into compost at their homes to reduce the amount of waste that must be collected and disposed; and WHEREAS, Hennepin County has provided $50,000 annually to Second Harvest since 1998 for food collections from whole -sale produce suppliers for distribution to food shelves, and provided leadership and technical assistance and financial support to support collection of organic waste for recycling into compost; and WHEREAS, Hennepin County has provided support and financial assistance over the past decade to a variety of organizations to separate and recycle wood, household goods, building materials, shingles, and recyclables from airline waste; and WHEREAS, Hennepin County, in partnership with PPL Industries, developed one of the first mattress recycling programs in the United States; and WHEREAS, in 1992 Hennepin County established an electronic waste recycling program to manage televisions, computers, and other electronic waste in an environmentally responsible manner which includes all the electronic waste collected by the City of Minneapolis in its residential waste collection program, and recently the County has provided leadership at the state legislature which established the law requiring manufacturers to recycle the electronic products sold in the state: and WHEREAS, Hennepin County has established two permanent recycling facilities and conducts three to five events each year at various locations to collect and properly dispose of household Generated 8/26/2009 12:31:16 PM Page 23 hazardous waste including paint, herbicides and pesticides, oil, batteries, and other materials containing toxic compounds often found in households; and WHEREAS, Hennepin County provides information and financial assistance to 22 community organizations to educate their members about the proper methods to manage and dispose of waste and the County has provided $221,665 over the last five years for this effort; and WHEREAS, the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (NERC) produces enough electricity to power 25,000 homes each year and provides steam to downtown Minneapolis' district heating and cooling system, and producing energy at HERC reduces greenhouse gas emissions by preventing methane gas emissions from the decomposition of organic material in landfills and offsetting the emissions from consuming fossil fuels to produce energy, thereby helping to meet the state's goal of producing 25 percent of energy from renewable sources by 2025; and WHEREAS, Hennepin County has been an active participant in the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board, a joint powers board of six metro counties whose mission is to increase the efficiency and environmental effectiveness of the Twin City metro region's solid waste management system, since its inception; and WHEREAS, Hennepin County's agreement with Resource Recovery Technologies terminates on August 19 and Hennepin County will no longer be sending waste to the Elk River Resource Recovery Project to produce refuse derived fuel for combustion at Great River Energy; and WHEREAS since HERC's construction, the County has continuously upgraded and updated HERC's environmental technology and emission controls to insure that HERC's air emissions are well within regulatory standards and requirements; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of United Haulers Association v. Oneida - Herkimer Solid Waste Management Authority et al. recently found waste designation or flow control by local governments to be constitutionally permissible under certain conditions; and WHEREAS, expiring contracts, changes in technology, growing interest in organics composting, other recent court decisions and other changes provide an ideal opportunity for the County to transform its solid waste system and reallocate resources to encourage even more recycling and composting of waste; therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that staff be directed to: 1. Review current waste abatement goals and recommend new increased 10 -year targets for waste reduction, recycling and composting; 2. Develop strategies to increase the recycling of materials by County residents and businesses; 3. Review and identify potential revisions to the County's Solid Waste Source Separation Ordinance to support increased recycling and composting; 4. Develop strategies to implement collection of organic waste from all residences in the county and expand capacity to compost collected organics; 5. Evaluate the feasibility, benefits, and costs to manage organic waste by anaerobic digestion and collaborate with the University of Minnesota through the Hennepin -University Partnership; 6. Proceed with the engineering design needed to further reduce nitrogen oxide emissions at HERC; 7. Review and evaluate the County's options to control the management of collected waste through designation, consistent with the recent Oneida -Herkimer decision; 8. Review the various solid waste fees imposed by Hennepin County and make recommendations for changes consistent with the county's new solid waste goals; 9. Develop proposed strategies for attainment of the County's new solid waste goals in conjunction with the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board; Generated 8/26/2009 12:31:16 PM Page 24 10. Pursue opportunities to create new green jobs, especially for low skill, high risk members of our community. Efforts in this realm will include vigorously pursuing relevant funding opportunities through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and other federal sources and partnering with employment and training providers. 11. Report back to the Hennepin County Board with strategies and options regarding these initiatives by December 1, 2009. Commissioner Callison offered an amendment to renumber item 11 to read Item 12 and to insert the following as Item 11: 11. Identify means of financing the above revised targets, strategies, and opportunities without the use of property tax dollars. The motion was seconded by Commissioner McLaughlin and approved unanimously. The question was on the adoption of the resolution as amended and there were 7 YEAS and 0 NAYS, as follows: County of Hennepin Board of County Commissioners YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT Mike Opat X Mark Stenglein X Gail Dorfman X Peter McLaughlin X Randy Johnson X Jan Callison X Jeff Johnson X RESOLUTION ADOPTED ON 8/25/2009 ATTEST: Clerk to the County Board Generated 8/26/2009 12:31:16 PM Page 25 Council seeks applicants for Regional Parks Commission; applications for north/northwes... Page 1 of 1 Council seeks applicants for Regional Parks Commission Applications for north/northwest metro opening due Sept. 29 ST. PAUL — Sept. 9, 2009 — The Metropolitan Council is seeking applicants for a vacancy on the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission (MPOSC), which helps the Council develop long-range plans for the Twin Cities' renowned system of regional parks, park reserves and trails. The MPOSC includes eight citizen members who represent geographic districts across the seven -county metro area, and a chair who serves at large. The regional parks system includes 49 regional parks and park reserves, more than 230 miles of trails currently open to the public and six special recreation areas, including the Como Zoo and Conservatory. The vacancy is in District A in the north and northwest metro. The district is composed of Metro Council Districts 1 and 2, including the Hennepin County cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Corcoran, Dayton, Greenfield, Independence, Loretto, Maple Grove, Maple Plain, Medicine Lake, Medina, Osseo, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Rogers and the town of Hassan, and the Anoka County cities of Columbia Heights, Fridley, Hilltop and Spring Lake Park. Candidates must live in the district and would complete a four-year term ending January 2011. Members of the commission do not receive pay, but may be reimbursed for parking. The commission meets once a month. Members of the MPOSC may not hold the office of Metropolitan Council member or be a member of any metropolitan agency or any judicial office. Interested applicants should contact the Secretary of State's Office at 651.297.5845 or visit the Secretary of State's website. Applications must be returned to the Secretary of State by the end of the business day on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. For more information on the MPOSC or regional parks call Ann Beckman at the Council at 651.602.1669, or visit the Council's parks web pages. See a map of MPOSC districts (pdf). The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven -county Twin Cities area. The Council runs the regional bus and light rail system, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate -income individuals and families. The Council board is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor. -30- Page 26 http://www.metrocouncil.org/news/2009/news_652.htm 9/16/2009 Approved Minutes City of Plymouth Planning Commission Meeting September 2, 2009 MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice Chair Terry Jaffoni, Commissioners Dick Kobussen, Gordon Petrash, Erik Aamoth and Marc Anderson MEMBERS ABSENT: Chair James Davis and Commissioner Scott Nelson STAFF PRESENT: Planning Manager Barbara Senness, Senior Planner Marie Darling, Senior Planner Josh Doty, Public Works Director Doran Cote, Park and Recreation Director Eric Blank and Office Support Specialist Laurie Lokken 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Petrash, to approve the September 2, 2009 Planning Commission Agenda. Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 19, 2009 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Kobussen, seconded by Commissioner Petrash, to approve the August 19, 2009 Planning Commission Minutes. Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. STONE SOURCE (2009040) Vice Chair Jaffoni introduced the request by Stone Source for a conditional use permit and variance to allow accessory retail sales in a wholesale showroom in excess of 5,000 square feet for property located at 15831 State Highway 55. Senior Planner Darling gave an overview of the staff report. She added that following the action on a recent rezoning request initiated by the City as part of the zoning ordinance/comprehensive plan reconciliation, the City Council would consider rezoning this subject property to C2. She said that under C2 zoning, this particular applicant would not be able to expand their business. She said that staff is forwarding this item for action in advance of that rezoning so that the Page 27 Approved Planning Commission Minutes September 2, 2009 Page 2 property owner and the tenant may continue their business as a legally nonconforming use until such time as redevelopment occurs. Vice Chair Jaffoni introduced the applicant, Lenny Lane, representing Stone Source. Mr. Lane stated that he did not have anything further to add to the staff report. Vice Chair Jaffoni continued the public hearing from the August 19, 2009 Planning Commission meeting and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to speak on the item. Commissioner Aamoth asked what the original purpose of the ordinance was to limit the amount of retail space allowed in industrial areas. Senior Planner Darling said that retail space is limited in industrial areas to keep industrial areas for industrial purposes. She said that industrial areas are frequently an attractive location for retail uses because rents are typically lower. She said that once a retail use moves in to the industrial district, it tends to increase the price of properties and that tends to price out the very businesses and opportunities that were originally guided and zoned for. She added that parking becomes an issue in industrial areas as well. Mr. Lane responded to Vice Chair Jaffoni that they are currently doing some fabrication work on site and that they would like to expand that activity. Vice Chair Jaffoni asked if there is any dust or noise associated with that activity. Mr. Lane said that there is both dust and noise and that the dust is controlled by using water. He said that they have taken classes with OSHA to learn how to minimize and control the dust as well. Vice Chair Jaffoni asked if there would be an increase in the number of employees as part of the expansion and how many more employees would be required initially. Mr. Lane said that they would employ two or three people to do fabricating during the day and that number would increase, based on the amount of production generated. MOTION by Commissioner Petrash, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to approve the request by Stone Source for a conditional use permit and variance to allow accessory retail sales in a wholesale showroom in excess of 5,000 square feet for property located at 15831 State Highway 55. Roll Call Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. B. CITY OF PLYMOUTH (2009042) Vice Chair Jaffoni introduced the request by the City of Plymouth to adopt the 2010-2014 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Public Works Director Cote gave an overview of the staff report. He summarized the projects and funding by department. Commissioner Petrash asked if increases in funding are due primarily to changes in scope or refinements of estimates. Public Works Director Cote said that most of those are changes in scope. Page 28 Approved Planning Commission Minutes September 2, 2009 Page 3 Commissioner Anderson said that there are numerous funding sources (federal, state, county, etc.). He asked how much of the $172 million total would come out of the City's budget and how much would be paid by taxpayers. Public Works Director Cote said that the general fund items, which come from the tax levy, total $257,000. He said that traditional funding sources for capital improvements are out of City funds, which includes internal funds, and are about $17 million. He added that park funds are about $12 million; utility funds are about $26 million (including the water resources fund) and street replacement fund, which is a dedicated fund, would be another $23 million. Commissioner Aamoth asked where funding for the central equipment fund comes from. Public Works Director Cote said that the central equipment fund is an internal service fund that is charged back to other departments. Public Works Director Cote responded to Commissioner Aamoth that most of the items in place in the CIP have been extended because of current economic conditions, so funding would be less as compared to past years. Vice Chair Jaffoni opened the public hearing. Vice Chair Jaffoni introduced Brooke Kent, 545 Niagara Lane North. Ms. Kent said that she is concerned about CIP project number 11 -ST -001, 2011 Street Reconstruction. She said that her neighborhood would be affected by the proposed Circle Park road reconstruction project. She said that this project was originally tabled by the City Council this past April. She said that as a neighborhood, they continue to be concerned about the economic feasibility, scope and timing of this project. She said that 88 percent of the residents in the neighborhood were against the project in April given the proposed cost and scope as put before them then. She said that the bids, as they came back in the spring, represented only a 3.8% decrease from the initial range quoted by the City before the economy declined. She said that she knows all of the items in the CIP are not written in stone and will go before a public process before any firm action is taken but that she wanted the Planning Commission to note the concerns about the cost and feasibility of this project. Vice Chair Jaffoni closed the public hearing. Commissioner Anderson asked if the cost for this project is based on bids received or on anticipated bids. Public Works Director Cote said that the estimates in the CIP are engineering estimates and are not based on the bids received. He added that there had been some irregularities in the bids that were received last April and that's the reason City Council rejected bids at that time. Public Works Director Cote responded to Commissioner Anderson that this project would be rebid in 2011 if the City Council goes forward with it. He said that this is a project that would be specially assessed and there is a process that has to be gone through before the City Council Page 29 Approved Planning Commission Minutes September 2, 2009 Page 4 decides whether or not to go out for bids. He said that there would be neighborhood meetings and that the City Council would hold a formal public hearing. Public Works Director Cote responded to Commissioner Aamoth that if an estimate for a project were to be too high, the funding would go back to the source. He said that if funding was from an outside source, the funds would simply not be sent to us. MOTION by Commissioner Petrash, seconded by Commissioner Kobussen, recommending that the 2010-2014 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) go to City Council with approval by the Planning Commission. Roll Call Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. 7. NEW BUSINESS A. JAMES AND JEANNE ROLFS (2009043) Vice Chair Jaffoni introduced the request by James and Jeanne Rolfs for a variance to allow a three -season porch addition for property located at 18920 37`h Place North. Senior Planner Doty gave an overview of the staff report. He noted the receipt of additional correspondence that has been added to the public record. Commissioner Anderson asked if the aerial photo or the survey represents the accurate setbacks. Senior Planner Doty said that the aerial photo does not reflect accurate property lines. He said that the survey would be the accurate document to follow for looking at setbacks. Commissioner Anderson stated that the deck stairs on the site plan do not appear to match the deck stairs on the survey and asked if the stairs need to meet a setback. Senior Planner Doty said that the deck stairway would extend out further than the deck and that the deck stairway would have to meet the same setback as a deck, which is minimum of six feet from the side or rear property line. He added that in the proposed resolution, there is a condition that the applicant would have to prove that the deck and related stairway meet the six-foot required setback before they could proceed with the deck. Senior Planner Doty confirmed for Commissioner Kobussen that the rear setback stated in the staff report should read 25 feet and not 35 feet. Commissioner Kobussen asked who owns and maintains the pathway and if the utilities are located in the front or in the rear of the home. Senior Planner Doty said that the Homeowners Association owns and maintains the path as part of the development. He said that the applicant stated that the utilities are located in the front of their home. Commissioner Aamoth asked if the correspondence received had expressed concerns or if they were in support of the proposal. Senior Planner Doty said that the staff report included a letter stating reservations about issuing a variance but recognizing that some variance might be appropriate. He said that the second letter received was in support of the variance request. Page 30 Approved Planning Commission Minutes September 2, 2009 Page 5 Commissioner Petrash asked if the Homeowners Association would have to approve the proposed addition. Senior Planner Doty said that approval was required and that the approval documentation had been received. Vice Chair Jaffoni asked if this would set precedent or if there were other homes in the neighborhood that have porches. Senior Planner Doty said that no variance approval is precedent setting. He said that there are unique situations within the development and within the city, and that each variance request would be looked at on its own merit. Vice Chair Jaffoni introduced the applicant, James Rolfs. Mr. Rolfs said that rear setbacks are specific to create a buffer between living areas. He said that the staff report stated that the closest living area would be 148 feet away, so that's not an issue. He said that the issue seems to be whether or not the proximity to the path is reasonable. He said that the stairway drawings were given to him by the contractor for use with the variance application but that they would not be the final plans. He said that they would make sure that the six-foot setback would be met. He said that the stairway would be closer to the edge of the deck and not jut out as far as shown. He provided aerial views showing setbacks around the neighborhood. He said that given the other scenarios of paths in their neighborhood, he feels that 16 feet to the path is reasonable. He said that he understands his neighbor's concern and is trying to address that as best he can. Mr. Rolfs said that they have looked at two alternative porch plans off the back of their garage; however, those options only provide natural light to two sides of the porch. He said that without the variance, they could still build a deck of that size because of the setbacks for decks. He asked why the setbacks in proximity of paths would be treated differently for side lots than rear lots. Commissioner Anderson asked where the location of the path is in relationship to the rear property line. Mr. Rolfs said that he measured and found that the path is approximately two to two and one-half feet from the property line. He said that the path would be roughly 16 to 18 feet from the corner. Senior Planner Doty added that the estimate in the staff report was slightly conservative and was measured based on the aerial photo. Commissioner Kobussen said that the issue is the 25 -foot setback. He said that he had been through the neighborhood and noticed that many homes have porches. He said that the other homes did not come close to the 25 -foot setback because their lots are bigger. He said that since this is one of the smallest lots in the neighborhood, there wouldn't be much of a back yard after building an addition. He said that it concerns him that they would be building out to the end of the lot and that it would not be reasonable along the path compared to how other homes in the neighborhood are set. Senior Planner Doty confirmed for Commissioner Kobussen that any roofed addition would be considered part of the house and that is why the side setback is 10 feet for the porch. He added that decks are the exception. Vice Chair Jaffoni said that since the porch and deck addition stick out quite far into the yard, if it would be possible to build a smaller porch that would require a variance for something less. Mr. Rolfs said that he would consider a 12 -foot deep porch. He said that rooms smaller than that are hard to furnish. Page 31 Approved Planning Commission Minutes September 2, 2009 Page 6 Commissioner Anderson said that this is a small lot with a very strange location of the home on the lot. He said that if it had been a vacant lot with new construction, the home would be located closer to the road and rotated. He said that this is a hardship situation because of the location of the home. MOTION by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Petrash, to approve the request by James and Jeanne Rolfs for a variance to allow a three -season porch addition for property located at 18920 37`h Place North. Commissioner Kobussen said that his concern is putting a porch that far alongside the path would destroy the whole appearance of the neighborhood. He said that the current owner may not do anything but we don't know what the next owner would do. He said that a lot of homes in the neighborhood have built a porch and deck and then have enclosed the area underneath and that really sticks out and becomes an eyesore. Commissioner Aamoth said that since the Homeowners Association had approved the addition and that it's a good reflection of where the neighborhood is coming from, he would vote in support of this request. Vice Chair Jaffoni asked if it had been the Homeowners Association who had approved the addition or if it had been approved by the architectural committee. Mr. Rolfs said that the Homeowners Association board appoints an architectural control committee. He said that to enclose the bottom of the porch would require additional approval. He added that since the path is not part of a city trail system, there is not a lot of traffic back there. Vice Chair Jaffoni said that when this neighborhood was developed, it had a 35 -foot setback in the front yard and that's why the home was placed there originally. She said that when Mr. Rolfs purchased the home in 2002, he would have understood the limitations of what could be done on the property given the zoning regulations as far as required setbacks, etc. She said that she agreed with Commissioner Kobussen that it would be out of character to have that size porch sticking out, so she would vote against this request. Roll Call Vote. 3 Ayes (Vice Chair Jaffoni and Commissioner Kobussen voted Nay). MOTION approved. E:NEEKf17f111711007u 1 D1►Y Y MOTION by Vice Chair Jaffoni, without objection, to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Page 32 MINUTES WAYZATA COMMUNITIES IN COLLABORATION COUNCIL September 9, 2009 Next Meeting: October 14, 2009 PRESENT Brenda Heim, Kristin Tollison, Linnea Fonnest, Jessica Cardwell, Angela Haseman, Alex Olmanson, Katie Dunford, Mary Kay Williams, Donna Marget, Marcia Treno, Wendy Geving, Cheryl Lubinski, Sheryl Kasdan, Kris Korsmo, Dr. Gabriel Lofton, Lois Robbins, Charlene Barghini, Susan Sommerfeld, Susan Bongaarts, Margaret Rookey, Dr. Chase Anderson, Greg Rye, Laurie Ahrens, LaDonna Hoy and Carol Bergenstal WELCOME Immediate Past CICC Chair Brenda Heim, substituting for CICC Chair Becca Fink, called the meeting to order and welcomed guest speakers Hennepin County Commissioner Jan Callison and IOCP Executive Director LaDonna Hoy. She also welcomed Dr. Gabriel Lofton, Director of Excellence in Equity; Lois Robbins, Director of Assessment and Evaluation; and Susan Bongaarts, Hennepin County Outreach Director. MAY CICC MINUTES • May CICC minutes were accepted as written. CICC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP • Brenda explained that Fran Beard has resigned from her position as Vice Chair of CICC due to other commitments and that the CICC Executive Committee recommends Jessica Cardwell, CONECT Coordinator, for the position of Vice Chair. • Greg Rye moved that Jessica Cardwell be approved as Vice Chair of the CICC. • Linnea Fonnest seconded the motion. • The motion was passed unanimously. STATE OF THE COUNTY Hennepin County Commissioner Jan Callison presented her assessment of the state of Hennepin County. Commissioner Callison was elected to the County Board in November 2008 and previously served as Mayor of Minnetonka. • The Commissioner reported that the state of the county is "challenged". • Hennepin is unique among the 87 counties in Minnesota. It contains one quarter of the population in the state and one third of the jobs. • County functions include: police, county attorney, jail system, medical examiner, roads, libraries, recycling, and social services. • Social services include child welfare, food support, senior services, welfare and the shelter system. Page 33 • The Commissioner believes the challenge facing the county is the relationship between the State of Minnesota and the county and the willingness of the State to reimburse the county for services rendered. • The county's economic fortunes are tied to the state, and significant budget cuts are now underway in the county. • The impact of budget cuts for Hennepin County Medical Center, and HCMC's ability to provide medical care to citizens in need in Minnesota, is of particular concern. • Homelessness in Hennepin is again on the increase. • The current wait list for child care assistance for low-income families is likely to continue for two years. • The Commissioner expressed her hope that the State policy of "maintenance of effort" that requires all counties to provide similar services, currently judged by the amount of funds expended for those services, will instead be replaced with a system were the state will set standards and allow counties to determine how those standards will be met. • The county currently contracts for services with 700 non -profits. This system needs to be streamlined. • The county is currently reorganizing their delivery of services and will judge employees by the level of their outputs, allowing employees latitude when and how those outputs are delivered --- which could include working from home. STATE OF THE COMMUNITY LaDorma Hoy, Executive Director of Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners, presented her assessment of the State of the Community. LaDonna is the founding director of IOCP, which is the social service agency that has served this community for over 30 years. • The five barriers to self sufficiency for families are housing, transportation, employment, childcare and connections to the community. • This community can be proud of the partnerships with businesses, employers, foundations, communities of faith, the Caring for Kids Initiative, the Wayzata Community Clinic, the Wayzata Public Schools that work collectively to address the needs families and kids. • The economic downturn has taken a toll on families and on the capacity of IOCP to respond to the need. • IOCP sees 40 new clients each month. • Multiple stressors bring people into IOCP, and people are in need help for longer periods of time. • The average monthly assist for housing is $675, which is up $100 from a year ago. Due to the increased cost of each assist, IOCP is able to help fewer people this year. • 20 requests for assistance with housing are turned away each month. • 70,000 pounds of food are distributed each month. • Stability in housing is core to staying on track with other issues facing families. • There is not nearly enough affordable housing to meet the need in our community. 2 Page 34 • The kick-off for the 2009 Sleep Out will be November 14 at Klapprich Field. • The goal for the 2009 Sleep Out is $2 million. • This level of funding is needed to serve 1,000 families through IOCP's Housing Continuum. This Continuum provides the additional services that are critical to a family's ability to become self-sufficient, including intensive case management, services through CONECT, employment services, etc. • IOCP is seeking volunteers to host House Parties during the Sleep Out to help spread the word about the increasing need for housing support. Contact Jill Kohler at ikohler iocp.org or 952-473-2436 for more information. • Sheryl Kasdan emphasized the importance of informing students in the district of the resources in our community that are available to address the needs of the homeless or near homeless • Greg Rye urged us to maintain our optimism during these difficult times. CICC GOVERNANCE AGREEMENT Brenda asked CICC members to review the updated CICC Governance Agreement that has been distributed electronically. LCTSUPDATE In the interest of time, this Update was postponed until the October CICC meeting. CICC 2009-10 FOCUS AND FORMAT Discussion of the focus and format for CICC meetings this year was also postponed until October. CLOSING Brenda asked everyone to share their hopes for the community this year. Many comments focused on the great capacity of this community to address the challenges we face if we all work together, leverage the power of relationships --- and continue to think in new and creative ways. The meeting was adjourned at 4:38 PM. Respectfully submitted, Carol Bergenstal Page 35 700 r 600 500 a 400 U 0 000 Q 200 100 0 TNIEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447 DATE: September 15, 2009 TO: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager cc: Steve Juetten FROM: Barbara Sennesss,Planning Manager SUBJECT: Hennepin County Adult Correctional Facility (HCACF) Population Report Hennepin County Community Corrections staff has submitted their monthly report on average daily population for the month of August, 2009. The average daily population reported for the Plymouth facility was 534, less than the occupancy limit of 601 set by the Conditional Use Permit. The chart below shows the average monthly population since August of 2002 HCACF Monthly Population Report i I S 8 8 2 8 8 8 $ € $ S = Monetlria, Page 36 fpl&yoljlpltMM FIRE -RESCUE SIX MONTH REPORT January 2009 - June 2009 Page 37 pLM MOUTB q9 FIRE -RESCUE SIX MONTH REPORT JANUARY -JUNE 2009 During the first six months of 2009, the Department answered 606 calls for service (6.3% less calls than the first six months of 2008 and 16.2% less calls than the same time period in 2007). During the first six months of 2009, the highest call volume occurred between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The busiest day of the week was Thursday. Sixty-three percent of calls for service were received between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Seventy-two percent of all calls were "Duty Crew" calls. Responses were divided between the fire stations as follows: TOTAL CALLS 900 - ---- 723 647 606 600 300 0 Jan -June 2007 JanJune 2008 Jan -June 2009 Generally, our call volume gradually increases each year, but due to low storm calls in 2008 and 2009, we experienced lower call volumes. STATION COMPARISON 300 — 250 200 Wan -June 2007 150 NJan-June 2008 100 Wan -June 2009 50 — 0 1 2 3 This chart shows another look at how the three stations compare in numbers of calls. In the first six months of 2009, 8.3% of these calls were overlapping calls. These calls are received prior to clearing from one or more initial calls. Page 38 Jan -June 2007 Jan -June 2008 Jan -June 2009 Station I (13205 Co. Rd. 6) 224 211 179 Station II (12000 Old Rockford Rd.) 285 231 230 Station III (3300 Dunkirk Ln.) 214 205 197 723 647 606 TOTAL CALLS 900 - ---- 723 647 606 600 300 0 Jan -June 2007 JanJune 2008 Jan -June 2009 Generally, our call volume gradually increases each year, but due to low storm calls in 2008 and 2009, we experienced lower call volumes. STATION COMPARISON 300 — 250 200 Wan -June 2007 150 NJan-June 2008 100 Wan -June 2009 50 — 0 1 2 3 This chart shows another look at how the three stations compare in numbers of calls. In the first six months of 2009, 8.3% of these calls were overlapping calls. These calls are received prior to clearing from one or more initial calls. Page 38 160 120 80 40 0 CALLS BY TIME OF DAY 0600- 0900- 1200- 1500- 1800- 2100- 0000- 0300- 0900 1200 1500 1800 2100 2400 0300 0600 ■Jan -June 2007 []Jan -June 2008 ❑ Jan -June 2009 Typically our calls follow a wave-like pattern with calls increasing during the day and then decreasing during the evening and overnight hours. This pattern has been consistent throughout the years. CALLS BY DAY OF WEEK 120— - 180 - ■Jan -June 2007 40 - aJan-June 2008 20 ® Jan -June 2009 Jc0 oc60 �y0 0yaa1 h0 raaA J`0 5 �J -e 0,3 �rJ Q yam This chart illustrates that call volumes are generally consistent throughout the week, but decrease slightly on the weekends. Incident Summary The department responds to several different types of incidents throughout the year. The following graphs provide further details on these incidents, and the amount of fire loss that occurs throughout the first six months. `A Page 39 Calls By Event Type False AlarmsF12 28% Good Intent Calls% Fires Rescue/EMSHazardous ConditionsService CallsOverpressure/Explos... 0% 20% 40% This chart illustrates a breakdown of call event types throughout the first six months of the year. The percentage of false alarms is relatively steady throughout the years, despite the growing number of alarm systems installed in the City. In -Service and Response Times FIRE LOSS SUMMARY $4,000,000 $3.720.370 $3;500,000 $3,000,000 $2,500,000 $1,606,000 $2,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $0 $757770 Jan -June Jan -June Jan -June 2007 2008 2009 A positive correlation exists between response time, staffing levels, and fire loss. Fire growth research and historical fire response statistics indicate reduced property loss associated with quicker response times and adequate staffing levels. One or two large loss fires can significantly raise the property loss for the entire year. hi the first half of 2009, there were more structure fires reported and more dollar loss than in the same time period from 2008. ht -service and on -scene (total response) times for emergency events are as follows. Duty Crew and non - Duty Crew times, as well as station responses, are noted. hi -service times reflect the time from dispatch to the time the first suppression apparatus goes into service. Increased traffic congestion, additional traffic control devices and an increased emphasis upon firefighter safety contribute to longer in-service times. h1 -service times are one component when measuring the total response time to an event. The times in the previous table measure how the City is protected during the Duty Crew hours of operation versus non -Duty Crew hours of operation. During the Duty Crew hours of operation, both in- service and total response times tend to be increasing. This is due to concurrent calls requiring call-backs when other firefighters from our department or mutual aid companies assist the Duty Crew, traffic congestion, and staffing only one fire station. 3 Page 40 Jan -June 2007 Jan -June 2008 Jan -June 2009 DC In -Svc Onscene In -Svc Onscene In -Svc Onscene 1:12 6:42 1:16 6:54 1:05 6:25 Non -DC 5:51 10:00 7:16 11:28 7:49 11:52 Sta.1 6:28 9:27 7:41 11:42 8:00 11:12 Sta. R 6:04 10:34 6:45 10:45 7:45 12:19 Sta.111 3:54 8:35 7:41 12:46 7:37 13:10 hi -service times reflect the time from dispatch to the time the first suppression apparatus goes into service. Increased traffic congestion, additional traffic control devices and an increased emphasis upon firefighter safety contribute to longer in-service times. h1 -service times are one component when measuring the total response time to an event. The times in the previous table measure how the City is protected during the Duty Crew hours of operation versus non -Duty Crew hours of operation. During the Duty Crew hours of operation, both in- service and total response times tend to be increasing. This is due to concurrent calls requiring call-backs when other firefighters from our department or mutual aid companies assist the Duty Crew, traffic congestion, and staffing only one fire station. 3 Page 40 Events By Property Use Residential Outside or Special Property Mercantile, Business Assembly Manufacturing, Processing Educational Health Care, Detention & Correction Storage Industrial, Utility Defense,.. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Residential properties continue to "constitute" a majority of our calls for service. Seventy-three percent of the city is defined as residential. Call Volume By Month Jan -June 2009 25% 53 17% v% 20% tai 15% 10% 23% 5% 0% Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June 10% 5 3% 2% 2% 1% 1% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Residential properties continue to "constitute" a majority of our calls for service. Seventy-three percent of the city is defined as residential. Call volume by month. Warm weather months tend to generate a larger variety of call types. FI u Page 41 Call Volume By Month Jan -June 2009 25% 21% 17% v% 20% tai 15% 10% [lil 5% 0% Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June Call volume by month. Warm weather months tend to generate a larger variety of call types. FI u Page 41 RESPONSE TIME FOR EMERGENCY CALLS 14:24 — 12:00 i:za iiaz 9:36------ ®Jan -June 2007 6.42 6:54 6:25 7:12 — ❑Jan -June 2008 4:48 2:24 ®Jan June 2009 0:00 DC Non -DC Response times for emergency calls during both Duty Crew and non -Duty Crew times have increased. This can be attributed to longer in-service times, and may be due, in part, to traffic congestion and additional traffic control devices slowing firefighter response to the stations. Response times may be lowered by staffing more than one station. 75 — - 0 73 71 ■# of Firefighters Left 69 the Dept. 87 73 0Firefighter Staffiing 65 68 69 I Levels 63 Jan.- Jan.- Jan. - June 2007 June 2008 June 2009 At the end of the reporting period, the total staffing level for paid -on call firefighters are indicated in the blue section of the chart above with the maroon section reflecting how many POC firefighters left the department during the first six months of each year. For the 2009 hiring, the Department initiated new recruitment strategies focusing upon informational meetings and more personal contact for paid -on- call firefighter candidates. 5 Page 42 Firefighter Time Commitment Paid -on-call firefighters worked a total of over 17,269 hours in the first six months of 2009, which is a 4.3% increase from the same time period in 2008. During the first six months of 2009, forty-six regularly scheduled in-house training sessions were offered. Additional training opportunities were offered during Rookie Training and Duty Crew. The total number of hours spent on in-house and outside training activities was 4377.5, which is a 2% increase from 2008. Duty Crew Program The Duty Crew Program was in operation Monday thru Saturday during the first six months of 2009. Fifty-nine members participated in the program. The program continues to be popular among the paid - on -call firefighters. Over the last six months, more than 81% of department members have chosen to participate in the program. During the first six months of the year, 99% of all shifts were fully staffed with 4 or more firefighters. During our busiest time period (3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.), 100% of the shifts were fully staffed. CALLS FOR SERVICE January - June 2009 Non -Duty Crew ♦�♦ 28% „. Duty Crew 72% This chart shows that we consistently receive most calls for service during Duty Crew times. This has historically held true for the past ten years. The Duty Crew program was in operation six days a week (Monday thru Saturday) from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the first six months of 2009. DUTY CREW STAFFING BY SHIFT January - June 2009 Under- No Staff, 2 staffed, 7 Full Staffed, 766 The Fire Department considers a fully staffed truck to be at least four firefighters. Seven shifts for the first six months were under -staffed and two shifts cancelled due to inadequate staffing. Under -staffed shifts result in reduced crew integrity and efficiency. Crews also operate at a greater risk of injury when under -staffed. 6 Page 43 pyM MOUTH FIRE -RESCUE Plymouth Fire Department Prevention and Life Safety Education Report January — June 2009 • 326 Bike Helmets Sold 218 Car Seats Sold • Approximately 900 CO Detectors Sold Type of Program Number of Programs Program Hours Station Tours 4 4 Bookmobile/Literacy Pre-school Visits 16 16 K-6 Education Events 12 12 Career Talks ECFE Classes 16 13 Bike Helmet Sales 12 46 Car Seat Check-ups 101 101 Assist North Memorial 13 13 Smokebusters/Seniors 23 23 Smokebusters/Families 16 21 Adopt A Hydrant Program Visits 10 9 Block Parties 6 6 Parades 3 3 Night to Unite Programs 2 4 Fire Department Open Houses Home Alone Classes 4 11 Apartment Programming 2 4 CO Detector Initiative 8 3 Fire Extinguisher Training Sessions 9 9 Business Safety Fairs 3 8 Business Fire Drills 6 7 PC&FPF 2 4 Public Education Training Sessions 2 5 Public Education Meetings 5 9 Literature Drops Diversity Outreach Programs 1 8 Misc. Programming 4 6 Special Projects 4 1 CERT 19 41 Jan. -June 2008 Totals 291 358.5 Average 1.2 Hour Per Program Page 44 fpLYMOTIT11M FIRE -RESCUE MONTHLY REPORT JULY 2009 Page 45 PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT July 2009 Monthly Synopsis Year-to-date (YTD), the Department answered 723 calls for service. This compares to 776 calls for service in 2008 (YTD). The highest call volume in July occurred between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Thursday was the busiest day of the week. Seventy-one percent of calls occurring in July were "Duty Crew" calls. Total Calls Year -to -Date 1000 - — 800 776 723 600 400 200 0 1/1/08-7/31/08 1/1/09-7/31/09 Calls By Event Type Good Intent Calls31% 1 False AlarmsF9%% 19% Fires18% Hazardous Conditions15% Rescue/EMS Service Calls j 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% Calls by Time of Day 0600- 0900- 1200- 1500- 1800- 2100- 0000- 0300- 0900 1200 1500 1800 2100 0000 0300 0600 Calls by Day of Week 30 - -- — 28 - 15 10 8 ,caa� ocaa� 0yaa� eyaal `yaaa ca�A J`aaA Page 46 Responses were divided between the fire stations as follows: Station I (13205 Co. Rd. 6) 33 Station II (12000 Old Rockford Rd.) 48 Station III (3300 Dunkirk Ln.) 36 Station Comparison 60 48 50 33 36 40 30 uJul-09 20 10 0 1 2 3 July 2009 in-service and on -scene (total response) times for emergency events are as follows. These calls represent a breakdown of staffed station (including Duty Crew) response times and non -staffed station response times. A further breakdown of each station's non -staffed station response times are noted. SiQnirtcant or Unusual Events In July, the following response is notable: July 1 Building Fire (5:05 a.m.) July 1 Building Fire (11:04 a.m.) July 12 Water Rescue (6:48 a.m.) July 28 Building Fire (6:25 p.m.) Page 47 1st Truck 1st Truck 2nd Truck 2°d Truck Number In -Service On -Scene In -Service On -Scene of Calls Staffed Station 1:12 7:02 6:32 13:55 20 Non -Staffed Station 6:21 11:03 8:00 13:11 7 Station I 5:48 10:23 8:37 14:13 4 Station II 8:15 12:37 N/A N/A 2 Station III 4:46 10:33 6:48 11:08 1 SiQnirtcant or Unusual Events In July, the following response is notable: July 1 Building Fire (5:05 a.m.) July 1 Building Fire (11:04 a.m.) July 12 Water Rescue (6:48 a.m.) July 28 Building Fire (6:25 p.m.) Page 47 Response Time for Emergency Calls 16:48 14:24 12:00 11:03 9:36 7:12 7:02 ®Jul -09 4:48 2:24 0:00 Duty Crew Not Duty Crew SiQnirtcant or Unusual Events In July, the following response is notable: July 1 Building Fire (5:05 a.m.) July 1 Building Fire (11:04 a.m.) July 12 Water Rescue (6:48 a.m.) July 28 Building Fire (6:25 p.m.) Page 47 During the month of July, twenty-two calls were paged general alarm (all department personnel were alerted). Twelve of these calls occurred in the City, with an average of fourteen firefighters arriving on the scene. There were ten calls for mutual aid to partnering cities. Calls By Property Use Residential Outside or Special Property Merchantile, Business Educational Assembly Manufacturing Health Care, Detention & Correction Storage Industrial 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Residential properties continue to make up the majority of our calls for service. Seventy-three percent of the city is defined as residential. Fire Loss Summary Year -to -Date $6,000,000 $5,000,000 $4,123,470 - $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $760,070-- $1,000,000 $0 1/1/08-7/31/08 1 /1 /09-7/31 /09 Committed Time In July, paid -on-call firefighters worked an average of over 37 hours. Training During the month of July, four topics were offered during eight regularly scheduled in-house training sessions. These topics included Boat, Hazardous Materials, Rescue Equipment, and Rescue 31. Additional training opportunities were offered during Rookie Training and Duty Crew. Both the Rope Rescue Team and the RAD Team were off for the month. Seventy-four members participated in training activities during the month. The total number of hours spent on in-house and outside training activities was 453 — an average of over six hours per participating member. Page 48 20% 649/ 1 6% r,2% 1% 1% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Residential properties continue to make up the majority of our calls for service. Seventy-three percent of the city is defined as residential. Fire Loss Summary Year -to -Date $6,000,000 $5,000,000 $4,123,470 - $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $760,070-- $1,000,000 $0 1/1/08-7/31/08 1 /1 /09-7/31 /09 Committed Time In July, paid -on-call firefighters worked an average of over 37 hours. Training During the month of July, four topics were offered during eight regularly scheduled in-house training sessions. These topics included Boat, Hazardous Materials, Rescue Equipment, and Rescue 31. Additional training opportunities were offered during Rookie Training and Duty Crew. Both the Rope Rescue Team and the RAD Team were off for the month. Seventy-four members participated in training activities during the month. The total number of hours spent on in-house and outside training activities was 453 — an average of over six hours per participating member. Page 48 Recruitment During the month of July, 73 paid -on-call firefighters served the City of Plymouth. No members left the department. The department extended conditional job offers and began background checks for firefighter candidates during the month. Duty Crew Program The Duty Crew Program was in operation on all weekdays during the month of July including Saturdays. A total of three shifts were canceled due to lack of staffing. Fifty-three members participated in the program. STAFFING SUMMARY FOR THE MONTH BY SHIFT Staffine: 0600-0900 0900-1200 1200-1500 1500-1800 1800-2100 6 Firefighters 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 5 Firefighters 4% 0% 0% 0% 0% 4 Firefighters 96% 96% 93% 89% 85% 3 Firefighters 0% 4% 7% 7% 7% No Staff 0% 0% 0% 4% 8% DUTY CREW STAFFING July 2009 29% 05 Firefighters 04 Firefighters ❑ 3 Firefighters ® 0 Firefi hters CALLS FOR SERVICE July 2009 71% []Duty Crew © Non -Duty Crew Page 49 Plymouth Fire Department Public Education Programming July 2009 Page 50 Programs Hours Station Tours 3 3 Bookmobile/Literacy Preschool Visits 2 2 K-6 Education 1 1 Career Talk/Nights ECFE Classes Bike Helmet Program 5 15 Car Seat Check-ups 27 27 Assist North Memorial Smokebusters/Seniors 8 8 Smokebusters/Families 7 7 Adopt a Hydrant Block Parties Parades 3 5 NTU 1 3 Oen Houses Home Alone Classes Apartment Programming CO Detector Initiative Fire Ext. Training Business Safety Fairs Business Fire Drills PC&FPF Pub. Ed Training Pub. Ed Meetings Literature Drops Diversity Outreach 1 2 Misc. Programming 4 8 Special Projects CERT 1 4 Totals 63 85 Page 50 rp)City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life September 9, 2009 Larry Klick Regatta Chairman 10705 57a Avenue N. Plymouth, MN 55442 Dear Lary: This letter is in response to your request to hold sailboat races on Medicine Lake on June 25, 26, and 27, 2010. The City of Plymouth has no objection to your use of the lake for this purpose. Please contact us about a month before the races so we can go over the details. We appreciate your commitment to conducting your training sessions and races in a safe manner, and your willingness to assist others on the lake who may be in trouble. Keep up the great work and have a successful, safe, and fun season! Sincerely, git" Eric J. Blank, Director Parks and Recreation EB/ds cc: City Manager Director of Public Safety Mark Peterson Lowell Luebeck 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us'►0 Page 51 September 18, 2009 MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT Attn: Mr. James Wisker, Planner 18202 Minnetonka Blvd. Deephaven, MN 55391 SUBJECT: CITY OF PLYMOUTH COMMENTS DRAFT RULE G Dear Mr. Wisker: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) draft Rule G. Pursuant to direction in the Statement of Need and Reasonableness (SONAR), Plymouth City staff has offered suggested language and/or alternative approaches for each comment. Please accept the following comments and alternative approaches for your consideration on the proposed draft revisions to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Rule G: 1. The draft, dated August 2009, contains a substantial amount of additional technical language since the previous version (October 2007) that has not been provided to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for review and discussion. City staff suggests the current proposed draft be presented to both the TAC and Rulemaking Task Force for review and discussion prior to adoption by the MCWD. 2. The first paragraph includes a definition for a watercourse but there are no instances within draft Rule G where the term "watercourse' is utilized. The term "waterbody", however, is used throughout the document and is undefined. The City suggests the MCWD clarify the usage between watercourse and waterbody by determining which term is more appropriate for draft Rule G, defining the term, and then using only that term. 3. Paragraph #2: Proposed regulation as described in draft Rule G will be extremely restrictive and will create an unnecessary hardship for municipalities responsible for routine maintenance of the drainage system, where such maintenance does not place roads, highways, utilities, or impervious surface adjacent to surface waters. The City recommends a cooperative effort of review and discussion between municipalities and the MCWD and that the MCWD demonstrate their understanding of these constraints by including the following language: "Municipalities whose projects do not place roads, 0\13ocuments and Settings\lbairftocal Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Co ntent.Outlook\400 W HAS8\M C W D_R u IeG_co m m e nts.docx Page 52 highways, utilities, or impervious surface adjacent to surface waters or which are less than 5000 square feet in disturbance are exempt from Rule G." 4. Paragraph #3a: The term public benefit should be defined by reference to state statute or per a specific definition placed within Rule G. For example, the definition could read "Public benefit can include, but is not limited to, safety, flood protection, emergency vehicle access, etc..." Additionally, the SONAR should have indicated the TAC agreed that circumstances exist where the demonstration of public benefit is not necessary such as if the wetland is isolated on private property and is not a public water. 5. Paragraph #3b: Assurances of no net increase in the flood stage of the pertinent waterbody is inconsistent with DNR Public Waters Work General Permit 2001-6009. City staff agrees with the MCWD that there needs to be careful consideration of projects impacting the flood stage of waterbodies, however, it is possible for there to be instances or opportunities where the flood stage of the pertinent waterbody could be increased with no danger to public or private infrastructure and may in fact provide for environmental improvements. For example, as recently as April 2008, the MCWD was reviewing options in Plymouth for installing flow restrictors to increase detention capacities of wetlands upstream of Gleason Lake. 6. Paragraph #3c: Adequate navigational capacity should be defined by reference to state statute, General Permit 2009-6009, or per a specific definition placed within Rule G. Additionally, the SONAR indicates the MCWD proposed that navigational capacity be maintained in conformity with the navigational capacity classification of a particular waterbody by the MCWD. City staff suggests the MCWD indicate if any issues with conformity to the MCWC navigational capacity classification have been resolved and/or remain unresolved. 7. Paragraph 3d(i): A potential conflict exists between "graded to connect to the streambank on both the upstream and downstream ends" and paragraph 3.b. For example, placement of fill may be required resulting in impacts to the flood stage of the pertinent waterbody. City staff recommends the MCWD review this potential conflict and develop language not in conflict with paragraph 3.b. 8. Paragraph 3g: The term minimal impact should be defined by reference to state statute, General Permit 2009-6009, or per a specific definition placed within Rule G. 9. Paragraph 3h: The SONAR does not include any information on the need for secondary or redundant pipes. Previous draft language for Rule G did not include requirements for secondary or redundant pipes. Presumably, secondary and/or redundant piping is in conflict with the MCWD's requirements for meeting minimal impact standards to a waterbody crossing or wetland. City staff recommends this paragraph be removed in it's entirety from Rule G. C:\Documents and Settings\Ibaird\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\400WHAS8\MCWD RuleG comments.docx Page 53 10. Paragraph 5: The sentence, "In lieu of recordation, a public permittee or a permittee without a property interest sufficient for recordation may assume the maintenance obligation by means of a written agreement with the District" should be replaced with "In lieu of recordation, a public permittee without a property interest sufficient for recordation may assume the maintenance obligation by means of a written agreement with the permitting authority." Thank you for your consideration and attention to these comments, recommended language, and/or alternative approaches. Sincerely, Derek Asche Water Resources Manager cc: Bob Moberg, City Engineer C:\Documents and Settings\lbaird\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\400WHAS8\MCWD RuleG comments.docx Page 54