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Council Information Memorandum 10-02-2009
CITY OF PLYMOUTH 4 90 COUNCIL INFO MEMO October 2, 2009 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Planning Commission Agenda 10/07/09..............................................................................................Page 1 Council Meeting Notice to add item to 10/13/09 Agenda....................................................................Page 2 Metropolitan Council District Dialogue 10/23/09................................................................................Page 3 October, November, December 2009 Official City Meeting Calendars .............................................. Page 4 Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ..................................................... Page 7 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc ... Pollution Control Agency seeks public comment on plan for Cedar Island, Pike and Eagle Lakes ............... NewsRelease.............................................................................................................................. Page 9 Taxes: How does your city stack up?, Article, Lakeshore Weekly News ............................................ Page 11 Hilde Center's face-lift on hold, Article, Lakeshore Weekly News.....................................................Page 13 Plymouth talks of buying post office, Article, Lakeshore Weekly News ............................................. Page 15 Minnetonka thinks long-term in budget strategy, Article MN Sun.....................................................Page 17 Cities ponder utility service fees to offset lost state aid, Article Star & Trib..................................... Page 19 Minnesota's mayors want gubernatorial race to highlight local aid, Article Star & Trib................... Page 21 MEETING MINUTES Human Rights Commission Minutes 05/20/09................................................................................. Page 23 Human Rights Commission Minutes 07/14/09................................................................................. Page 26 STAFF REPORTS Engineering Department Active and Pending Public Improvement Projects ................................... Page 28 CORRESPONDENCE Letter from resident, RE: Tornado Cleanup....................................................................................... Page 32 Email from Comfort Inn, RE: Visit Minneapolis North.....................................................................Page 33 Letter from Senator Franken, RE: Post Office Facilities................................................................... Page 34 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2009 WHERE: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Plymouth City Hall 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed on the consent agenda` are considered to be routine by the Planning Commission and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner, citizen or petitioner so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. CONSENT AGENDA* A. Approve the September 16, 2009 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. B. Duke Realty. Approve extension of a site plan, conditional use permits and variances for "Waterford Business Park" for property located at Nathan Lane and 91h Avenue. (2007071) 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Clearview Automobiles, LLC. Zoning Ordinance text amendment to allow limited motor vehicle sales and leasing in the 1-1 and 1-2 districts. (2009053) 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Cancel the October 21, 2009 Planning Commission Meeting. 8. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 October I, 2009 I hereby add the discussion of the Northwest Greenway to the agenda for the Special City Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 13, at 5:30 p.m. in the Medicine Lake Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, Plymouth, MN. 0j)AwV4- Kelli Slavik, Mayor Page 2 An Invitation from Chair Peter Bell Monday, Sept. 28, 2009 To: Northern Hennepin County Elected Officials Subject: Metropolitan Council District Dialogue Meeting Details: Oct. 23, 2009 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Registration/Networking 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Council Remarks 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Q &A Location: Maple Grove Community Center 12951 Weaver Lake Road Banquet Room RSVP: by 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16 Metropolitan Council Regional Data Center data.center@metc.state.mn.us or 651-602-1140 Dear Hennepin County Official, Dial -A -Ride Services. Central Corridor Light Rail. Regional Parks. Policymakers and the public discuss these issues at community events, in city hall, and one-on-one at the local coffee shops. As we weigh in on these issues, members of the Metropolitan Council rely on our partners in state, county, and local community governments to maintain the metro area's renowned quality of life. Council Members Tony Pistilli, Roger Scherer, and I invite you tojoin us at a District Dialogue held at the Maple Grove Community Center on Oct. 23. We are planning a series of these meetings with local officials throughout the region, and hope they will provide an opportunity to meet one another, to speak frankly, to address regional con- cerns, and to strengthen our relationships. At the Oct. 23 District Dialogue, we will outline key regional priorities, as well as pressing local issues of regional significance. In the spirit of creating dialogue, we have reserved time for your questions and observations, so bring your ideas. We have invited your senior staff, in addition to key Council staff members who can answer technical questions, as well. I look forward to a truly interesting discussion. Sincerely, Peter Bell, Chairman 390 Robert Street N, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 TEL: 651-602-1000 /TTY: 651-602-0904 Metropolitan Council www.metrocouncil.org datacenter@metc.state.mn.us it Page 3 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life October 2009 Modified on 10/02/09 Discuss Hilde Performance Center Plans and Northwest Greenway CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 4 1 2 3 7:00 PM 5 -City Human Rights Workshop Council Chambers 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6:30.8:30 PM 7:00 PM Cancelled Volunteer PLANNING PARK 3 REC 12:00-4:00 PM Recognition Event COMMISSION ADVISORY Fire Dept. Plymouth Creek MEETING COMMISSION Open House Center Council Chambers (PRAC) MEETING Fire Station III Council Chambers 11 12 13 5:30 PM 14 15 16 17 SPECIAL COUNCIL 7:00 PM MEETING NMEN ENVIRONMENTAL COLUMBUS DAY Medicine Lake Room QUALITY 'See Below COMMITTEE Observed (EQC) MEETING 7:00 PM Council Chambers PLYMOUTH PUBLIC REGULAR COUNCIL WORKS DIVISION MEETING CLOSED Council Chambers 18 19 20 217.ODPM 22 23 24 PLANNING 7:00 PM co MEETING oN HRA MEETING Council Chambers Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) MEETING Medicine Lake Room 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 5:OOPM 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 10/02/09 Discuss Hilde Performance Center Plans and Northwest Greenway CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 4 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life November 2009 1 Daylight 2 3 4 5 6 7 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Savings Ends PLANNING HUMAN RIGHTS Set Clocks Back COMMISSION COMMISSION 1 Hour MEETING MEETING Council Chambers Parkers Lake Room 8 9 10 5:30 PM 11 jjj� 12 7:00 PM 13 14 SPECIAL COUNCIL PARK Et REC MEETING ADVISORY COM - Medicine Lake Room VETERANS DAY MISSION(PRAC) *See Below Observed MEETING 7:00 PM Plymouth Ice REGULAR COUNCIL CITY OFFICES Center MEETING CLOSED Council Chambers 15 16 17 18 7.00 PM 19 7:00 PM 20 21 PLANNING COMMISSION HRA MEETING MEETING Medicine Lake Room 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 Council Chambers TRANSIT (PACT) THANKSGIVING THANKSGIVING MEETING HOLIDAY HOLIDAY Medicine Lake Room CITY OFFICES CITY OFFICES CLOSED CLOSED 29 30 Discuss Leao-Fran evelaoment. and Temmrary/Privates I ift Satinnc Modifiedon 10/02/09 Page 5 rp) City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life December 2009 Modified on 10/07/09 Page 6 1 2 7:00 PM 3 4 5 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 6 7 8 7:00 PM 9 7:00 PM 10 PM 11 12 2:00-5:00 PM PARR Old Fashioned REGULAR COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY Christmas MEETING QUALITY COMMISSION Plymouth Historical Council Chambers COMMITTEE (PRAC) MEETING Society Building (EQC) MEETING Council Chambers Council Chambers 7:00 PM CHARTER COMM. MEETING CHANUKAH Medicine Lake Roam Begins at Sunset 13 14 15 16 7:00 PM 17 7:00 PM 18 19 PLANNING HRA MEETING COMMISSION Medicine Lake Room MEETING Council Chambers 20 21 22 23 7:00 PM 24 25 26 PLYMOUTH ADVISOR COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) CHRISTMAS EVE CHRISTMAS DAY MEETING Medicine Lake Room CITY OFFICES CITY OFFICES CLOSED AT CLOSED NOON 27 28 29 30 31 6:00-9:00 PM New Years Eve Event Plymouth Ice Center Modified on 10/07/09 Page 6 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items October 13, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Discuss plans and contract for improvements to the Hilde Performance Center • Update on Northwest Greenway 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 5th Addition) for one single family home located at 44th Avenue between Harbor Lane and Juneau Lane. Martin Harstad. (2009034) • Hearing on delinquent utilities and other charges • Set future Study Sessions • Consider plans and contract for improvements to the Hilde Performance Center • Approve extension of site plan, conditional use permits and variances for Waterford Business Park located in the northwest quadrant of Highways 55 and 169. Duke Realty. (20070-071) • Approve zoning ordinance text amendment and changes to the lighting zone map to bring the City's lighting regulations into conformance with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. City of Plymouth. (209045) • Approve zoning ordinance text amendment to allow limited motor vehicle sales and leasing in the I-1 and I-2 districts. Clearview Automobiles, LLC. (2009053) • Approve the Assignment, Assumption and Amendment Agreement between Wells Fargo Brokerage Services, LLC and Wachovia Bank National Association for the Nu Aire, Inc. Bond Project • Approve Payment No. 3 and Final for Well No. 16 Raw Water Main Project (7114) • Approve Feasibility and Cooperative Agreement with the Bassett Creek Watershed Commission and order improvements for Plymouth Creek restoration (8128) • Approve Final Payment for 2009 Seal Coat Program (9110) • Approve the Wetland Replacement Plan Application for Elm Creek Highlands (2009046) • Consider Land Use Guide Plan amendments, Rezoning, Preliminary and Final Plat, PUD General Plan and Development Contract for "Elm Creek Highlands," 70 single family homes to be located at the northeast corner of Schmidt Lake Road and Peony Lane. Centex Homes. (2009046) • Award contract for police ordered towing and impoundment of vehicles 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, Special, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. page 7 • Discuss Leap -Frog Development and History of Temporary/Private Lift Stations 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 Page 8 City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release September 30, 2009 For information contact: Derek Asche, 763-509-5526 Pollution Control Agency seeks public comment on plan for Cedar Island, Pike and Eagle lakes The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking public comment on a draft report that addresses water quality in three lakes in the Shingle Creek watershed. The report focuses on Cedar Island and Eagle Lakes in Maple Grove and Pike Lake which extends into northeast Plymouth. All three lakes that the report concentrates on do not meet water quality standards for recreation. Nutrients like phosphorus that enter the lakes with storm water runoff cause frequent summer algal blooms. The MPCA will accept comments on the draft report, called the Report for the Cedar Island, Pike and Eagle Lakes Nutrient Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), until Oct. 28. Once the TMDL report is finalized, the MPCA will use it as a basis from which to develop strategies to reduce the pollutants entering Cedar Island, Eagle and Pike lakes and improve water quality. A TMDL is a scientific study required by the federal Clean Water Act. It calculates the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and still meet established water quality standards. It also identifies the sources of the pollutant and allocates reductions for each source. It is a multi-year effort that results in a pollution reduction plan and engages stakeholders and the general public. An approved TMDL is followed by implementation activities for achieving the necessary reductions. Page 9 City of Plymouth staff members have an ongoing involvement in the TMDL process, according to Water Resource Manager Derek Asche. "It is important that residents with knowledge or concerns about the lakes and their surrounding watersheds share those with the MPCA and the city," Asche said. The draft report is available for review at www.pea.state.mn.us/water/tmdl/tmdl- draft.html. The public notice, along with contact information for commenting are available in the "News" section on the City of Plymouth website, www.ci.plymouth.mn.us. Page 10 Lakeshore Weekly News I Minnetonka, MN I Taxes: How does your city stack up? d -1h f7 UjCLOSE Lakeshore 1 _ Weeklyl ew Covering The Greater Lake Minnetonka Area Monday, September 28, 2009 Taxes: How does your city stack up? By David Schueller Monday, September 28, 2009 Page 1 of I Cities and other government bodies have once again undergone the annual ritual of setting preliminary lax levies for next year. Now that the preliminary numbers are set, the amounts can be decreased but not increased before becoming final near the end of 2009. Because of a state law change, the public hearing that was called a truth -in -taxation hearing doesn't need its own separate meeting, so cities are holding the public hearing within ordinary council meetings. Even though last year the state put cities with more than 2,500 people and counties under levy limits that cap the property tax increases to 3.9 percent, there are still plenty of special levies that can make for total tax levy increases of more than 3.9 percent. In some cities the spread between the general property tax levy and the total levy is significant and makes a difference to taxpayers. In other cities there isn't much difference. Sometimes cities only have one levy. General levies typically pay for the nuts and bolts of city operations while special levies can help pay off debt or pay for actions of a city's Economic Development Authority. Then there are the challenges faced by cities because of the recession. Cities have faced a decline in development fees and have seen cuts by the state in local government aid and in the Market Value Homestead Credit tax relief. School districts, unlike cities, have until Sept. 30 to set their preliminary levies, though most had arrived at numbers when this edition went to press. Content O 2009 Lakeshore Weekly News Software © 1998-20091 upl Software, All Rights Reserved Page 11 http://ww,,v.weeklynews.comlprint.asp?ArticleID=6596&SectionID=10&SubSectionID=10 9/29/�vuv Preliminary levies set by cities, school districts and Hennepin County Compiled by David Schueller PRELIM. GEN. CHANGEIN TOTAL CHANGE IN PUBLIC FUND LEVY GEN. FUND LEVY PRELIM. LEVY TOTAL LEVY BUDGET MEETING Chanhassen $7,380,000 2.88% $10,213,190 1.39% Dec. 7, 7 p.m. Deephaven $1,725,370 0% 51,885,370 0% Dec. 7,7 p.m. Excelsior S1,291,509 7.5% $1,291,509 7.5% Nov. 30,7 p.m. Greenwood S677,167 -1.44% $677,167 -1.44% Dec. 1, 7 p.m. Hopkins $8,384,010 1.49% S9,925,685 3.9% Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. Independence $2,074,865 -5.6% $2,340,087 -13.1% Dec. 8, 7 p.m. Long Lake $882,046 3% $1,035,383 0.93% Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m. Loretto Not provided Not provided Not provided Not provided Not provided Maple Plain $1,119,416 -4.9% $1,184,059 -2.3% Dec. 7, 6 p.m. Medicine Lake Not provided Not provided Not provided Not provided Not provided Medina $2,606,100 1% $2,756,258 1.15% Dec. 1,7p.m. Minnetonka $20,349,900 -0.03% $29,483,096 2.2% Dec. 7,6:30 p.m. Minnetonka Beach 5686,291 8% 5794,230 Not provided Dec. 7, 7 p.m. Minnetrista 53,577,847 2% 54,469,733 -1.1% Dec. 7, 7 p.m. Mound 53,726,374 0% $5,301,853 2.48% Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. Orono $3,889,710 0.84% S4,665,880 2.22% Dec. 14,6:30 p.m. Plymouth $22,342,677 0.69% 528,743,597 -0.54% Dec. 8,7p.m. Shorewood 54,879,838 2.17% $4,879,838 2.17% Dec 7 and 14, 7 p.m. Spring Park $980,000 0% 5980,000 0% Dec. 7,7:30 p.m. St. Bonifacius $278,944 4.2% $733,611 0% Dec. 2,7 p.m. Tonka Bay $1,024,566 7.2% 51,048,566 7% Dec. 8, 7 p.m. Victoria $3,717,356 -0.5% 54,314,356 -1.1% Dec. 14,6:30 p.m. Wayzata 53,434,574 6.73% $3,663,553 7.74% Dec. 2,7 p.m. Woodland $299,975 3.9% $299,975 3.9% Dec. 14,7 p.m. Hennepin County $676,200,000 4.95% $694,800,000 3.9% Dec. 3, 6 p.m. Hopkins School District $24,059,686 9.43% $39,021,854 8.3% Dec. 17, 6 p.m. Minnetonka School District Not finalized Not finalized Not finalized Not finalized Dec. 3,7p.m. Orono School District $7,029,860 -9.02% S11,265,128 -5.12% Dec. 14, 7 p.m. Wayzata School District $33,839,366 0.66% 545,443,682 2.15% Dec. 14, 7 p.m. Westonka School District $6,179,609 -2.81% $8,179,140 5.4% Dec. 7, 7 p.m. Page 12 Lakeshore Weekly News I Minnetonka, MN I Hilde Center's face-lift on hold NNINI 0 CWSE Lakeshore ' _WeeklyNe S Covering The Greater Lake Minnetonka Area Monday, September 28, 2009 Hilde Center's face-lift on hold By Brett Stursa Monday, September 28, 2009 Hilde Performance Center was scheduled to undergo $2.6 million in improvements next year. PHOTO: Brett Stursa Page 1 of 2 In musical terminology the tempo would be largo. In governmental terminology it's called tabling an item. For the residents of Plymouth, the City Council's vote on Sept. 22 means that improvements to the Hilde Performance Center, which is home to the annual Music in Plymouth, may be delayed again. Back in December of last year, the council postponed park improvements scheduled to lake place this year until 2010 because of concerns about the economy. Nine months later, the concerns linger. City staff had hoped to get approvals at last week's council meeting to begin design work in November so that construction could begin in July of next year. But council members instead scheduled another study session to look at the scope of the project. "I really want the opportunity to learn more about the plan in its entirety," said Council Member Judy Johnson (Ward 1), who said that if a vote took place that night she didn't think she could support it. "It's one of those philosophical moments," said Johnson. The proposed $2.6 million improvements include building a small amphitheater, permanent restrooms and a tiered plaza for site vendors. The entrance on Plymouth Boulevard would be enhanced to improve the park's visibility from the street and grading work would be completed to allow for the additional seating of nearly 3,000 people. "Our crowd [al Music in Plymouth] is growing every year," said Park and Recreation Director Eric Blank. Additional work like fencing is being considered to allow for ticketed events. "The theme of music is what the plan is centered around," said Blank. The musical theme is picked up in a proposed sculpture that would have the opening notes of "Blue Liberty," which is a piece that was commissioned for the opening of the Hilde Center. The city already has enough money set aside in its community improvement fund to build the project. Of the $2.6 million price tag, $2.1 million would come from the community improvement fund and the rest would come from the capital improvement fund. "The funds are in the bank," said Council Member Bob Stein (Ward 3), adding that they're not doing anyone any good sitting there. Blank said this year's park projects were generally 20-30 percent below the engineers' estimates. He's hoping that if bids went out in March of 2010, the city could catch a good break on the cost. http://w,A,Nv.weeklynews.comlprint.asp?ArticlelD=6597&SectionID=10&SubSectionID=10 9/29 Page 13 Lakeshore Weekly News I Minnetonka, MN I Hilde Center's face-lift on hold Page 2 of 2 "Because of the economy, the earlier we get out to bid, the better," Blank stated in a report to council. Nonetheless, some council members said they were reluctant to move forward in light of the economy. Council Member Tim Bildsoe (At Large) said that while things have changed a little bit in the economy since the council initially delayed the project, he would still like to take another look at the scope of the project. "It's difficult for me tonight to move forward on this," said Bildsoe. The council delayed action on the item until at least Oct. 13. The council will meet at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the project in a study session and could vote on it just a few hours later at its council meeting. Blank hopes to secure approvals by Nov. 1 so the construction schedule can proceed as planned. The current construction schedule works around the Music in Plymouth schedule, so that the event shouldn't experience any interruptions. Council Member Jim Willis (At Large), who served as acting mayor during the meeting in Kelli Slavik's absence, encouraged the council to be prepared to take a vote on it at its Oct. 13 meeting. "It's prudent to keep it on track," said Willis. Content ® 2009 Lakeshore Weekly News Software ©1998-2009 1upl Software, All Rights Reserved http://www.weeklynews.com/print.asp?ArticleID=6597&SectionID=10&SubSectionID=10 9/29:: Page 14 Plymouth talks of buying post office Search F -- Advanced Search News Sports Commentary Business Community Events Police Reports Special Sections Legais Classifieds Real Estate Ads Real Estate Form Media Kit Advertising With Us Contact Us Job Opportunities Archives Area Chambers of Commerce Interactive Poll Do you think Plymouth should move forward with the $2.6 million Hilde Performance Center Please select one: r • Yes C - No Vote Yew Results Lakeshore _ WeeklyNews Covering The Greater lake Minnetonka Area Wme: news: news MM009 3:56:00 PM Plymouth talks of buying post office By Brett Stursa Plymouth City Council members want to make sure their voices - and possibly the city's checkbook - play a role in the fate of the city's post office. The post office, at 3300 Plymouth Blvd., is one of several in Minnesota that could be put on the market. October 02, 2009 The Plymouth post once, at 330 Plymouth Blvd., may tle put up for sale. PHOTO: Bret( Stursa Earlier this month, the U.S. Postal Service sent letters to a handful of mayors in Minnesota notifying them of potential sales. "I think it's a landmark site in Plymouth," said Council Member Tim Bildsoe (At Large).' We need to be actively a part of the discussion" The post office is located in Plymouth's city center and is across the street from City Hall. It's near other public buildings as well, like the public safety facility, the city's ice area, Hilde Performance Center, Plymouth Creek Center and the library. "It's such an important corner for the city of Plymouth;" said Council Member Judy Johnson (Ward 1), who referred to the old adage that if you want to control something, you must own it. As talk turned to getting specific information about how the city could purchase the building, including the property's value, one council member objected to the idea. Council Member Bob Stein (Ward 3) said he didn't think the city should play the role of developer. "I would not be supportive of the city buying the property," said Stein. Most of the council's conversation centered around trying to understand the process. The city received a letter Sept. 8 from the U.S. Postal Service notifying it of the possibility of a sale. The notice the city received staled that any sale will be conditioned on the continuation of retail services either remaining in the current building or relocating to a space near the existing facility. "1'm unsure if it's as simple as a land sale and a lease back or if it's more major in terns of redevelopment," said City Manager Laurie Ahrens. Ahrens sent a Sept. 14 letter asking the Postal Service to reconsider its actions 'While we understand the value of analyzing the viability of all post office facilities, we are very surprised that the Plymouth post office at 3300 Plymouth Blvd. is on your list for'disposal,"' Ahrens stated in her letter. She also took issue with the lack of timely notice, as she received the letter on Sept. 8, with a request for response by Sept. 15. As she made more calls on the issue, she said she was told the locations that could be up for sale were chosen for their land, rather than the amount of business being conducted at them. Pagel of 3 wafama Qk 49' F weather Forecast i 1 A suite, new birthing experience. Ridgeview All -Suites Birthing Center Now Open! i/y r / reotcac ccnrea Page 15 http://www.weeklynews.comlmain. asp?SectionID=10&SubSectionlD=10&ArticleID=6594 10/2i Plymouth talks of buying post office Page 2 of 3 While council members wanted to be part of the process, they were unclear what it entailed. They were worried that the only public process would occur after a sale was complete. Ahrens said she would report back to the City Council as soon as there was something to report. 'We need to be proactive about this right now;' said Bildsoe. Wayzata's efforts In Wayzata, efforts are focusing on a petition and a letter drive to elected officials. The petition gained more than 300 signatures during Wayzata's James J. Hill Days, according to Irene Stemmer, chairperson of the city's Heritage Preservation Board. 'We are asking for everything at this point," said Stemmer. The petition is at city hall, 600 Rice St., for anyone to sign. Stemmer said she is also encouraging supporters to write U.S. Sens. At Franken and Amy Klobuchar, as well as U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen to encourage them to support leaving alone Wayzata's post office, at 229 Minnetonka Ave. "This is a significant historical building," said Stemmer, who rattled off facts about the building, like its construction starting in 1941 with Works Progress Administration funds. "Passion is running really high;" said Stemmer. Hopkins appears safe, for now While it was initially reported that the Hopkins post office, 910 First St. S., was also on the list of possible buildings to be sold, city staff say they haven't been notified of it. 'We found out it was off the list;' said Karsten Elverum, Hopkins director of economic development and planning. Elverum said she was told the letter that was going to be sent to Hopkins was pulled at the last minute. Instead, post office officials are looking at other alternatives, like moving employees around, according to Postal Service spokesperson Pete Nowacki. "It's still unclear what their intentions are;" said Elverum. Article Comment Submission Form Please feel free to submit your comments. Article comments are not posted immediately to the Web site. Each submission must be approved by the Web site editor, who may edit content for appropriateness. There may be a delay of 24-48 hours for any submission while the web site editor reviews and approves it. Note: All information on this form is required. Your telephone number is for our use only, and will not be attached to your comment. Name: Telephone: E-mail: Passcode: This form will not send your comment unless you copy exactly the passcoEe seen below into the text Feld. This is an anit-spam device to help reduce the automated email spam coming through Nis farm. Please copy the passcode exactly - it is case sensitive. Page 16 http://www.weeklynews.comlmain.asp?SectionID=10&SubSectionlD=10&ArticleID=6594 10/2/: Sun Newspapers - MNSUN.com - www head: Minnetonka thinks long-term in budget str... Page 1 of 2 MN"- SUN newspapers Print Page www head: Minnetonka thinks long-term in budget strategy r.:atod: Thursday, �<;,'- -t 24, 2009 5:28 AM CDI l Minnetonka thinks long- term in budget strategy Cuts in personnel needed for long-term stability, city says BY MARC INGBER - SUN NEWSPAPERS The city of Minnetonka is facing budget challenges unlike any it has seen in years, but residents will see only moderate city tax increases in 2010. The city recently made a series of maneuvers, including cuts to personnel, which will keep tax increases in the short-term and position its budget for the long-term, administration officials said. The City Council approved a 2.2 percent increase to the city's preliminary property tax levy at its Sept. 14 meeting. This is the maximum increase the city can approve when it adopts the final 2010 budget in December. The 2.2 percent amounts to a $23 tax increase over 2009 for a home valued at $310,000, according to the city. Normal operating budget growth to accommodate service changes and inflation would require a $1.26 million increase to the city budget, but the effect of the recession and state -imposed mandates more than double the city's budget challenge for 2010, Minnetonka city manager John Gunyou told the City Council. "Everybody is undergoing significant challenges nowadays," he said. "We are certainly not immune to that." Revenue from permits and inspections has fallen to an eight-year low, Gunyou said in his report. The city faces even greater challenges due to state budget deficits. It faces the permanent loss of $530,000 in Market Value Homestead Credit tax relief and almost $350,000 in state -mandated Increases in fire -pension contributions. All in all, the city is facing a budget challenge of about $2.6 million for 2010. When looking at next year's budget, Gunyou said the city didn't only want to think of the short-term financial landscape, but the long-term as well. "We're not looking at just patching it together for next year," he said, "but relining our operations so that we've solved it for the long term." With the state no longer a reliable partner, he said, the repositioning will make basic city services less vulnerable to unpredictable future state actions. The city's major expenses are personnel related. In recent moves, seven city employees were laid off, half of whom were managers. Seven vacant positions were also eliminated and the city's total workforce was reduced by 6 percent. The city also renegotiated its largest union contract to limit future base -wage Increases. These moves will result in a 2010 general fund budget that is 2 percent lower than the adopted 2009 budget. Gunyou said the city's goals were to achieve long-term budget balance, sustain direct core services, continue infrastructure investments and moderate property tax growth. He pointed out that the strategies did not simply cut budgets, but involved new ways of doing business. They include cooperative service agreements with other agencies, productivity investments http://www.mnsun.com/articles/2009/09/24/news/ho24mtkalevy.prt 10/2 Page 17 Sun Newspapers - MNSUN.com - www head: Minnetonka thinks long-term in budget str... Page 2 of 2 that help deliver services more efficiently and department reorganizations that will serve the city better in the future, he said. He said the strategy would prevent Minnetonka from having to improvise budget solutions year after year. "We will not see a crisis next year or the year after that," Gunyou said. Minnetonka will hold its public hearing on the budget Monday, Dec. 7, during the regular City Council meeting. The council is scheduled to adopt the final 2010 budget at its Dec. 21 meeting. This site and its contents Copyright @ 2007. Sun Newspapers �� - Main Office: 952-829-0797 suninfo@acnpapers.com - nfc-{w�tw� Page 1S http://www.mnsun.com/articles/2009/09/24/news/ho24mtkalevy.prt 10/2 CleanPrint Preview StarTribune.com Cities ponder utility service fees to offset lost state aid Electric and gas franchise fees are the latest funding idea for cash-strapped municipalities. By ALLIE SHAH, Star Tribune Last update: September 25, 2009 - 2:54 PM Tough budget times are pushing some cities to consider another source of revenue -- the utility franchise fee. Spring Lake Park is the latest to discuss charging utility companies, such as Xcel and CenterPoint, a fee to use its right-of-way for power lines. The companies, in turn, would pass on the increased cost to customers. Spring Lake Park officials say the minimum $200.000 the fee would generate would help make up for declining state aid. Dozens of other cities -- from Minneapolis to Hopkins to Mounds View and Oakdale -- already charge franchise fees for electric or gas service, or sometimes both. In some cases, the fees have been in place for years. Opponents object that, because the costs are passed onto customers, they amount to a hidden tax. The Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce Advertisement ❑x Alternate Ad Image Text Goes Here! Page I of 2 -" Point your mobile browser to http-//startribune.com argues that they add "an undue and unfair burden to the cost of doing business." But as many cities are seeing less money coming from traditional sources, the franchise and other service fees have again become tempting options for them. "Cities are just looking for new ways to do business and when possible, they're looking for ways to tie services to who pays and how much they pay," said Anne Finn, a lobbyist with the League of Minnesota Cities. Edina officials say they plan to discuss franchise fees next year. City manager Gordon Hughes said this alternative is a more appealing option than, say, street light utility fees, because franchise fees are more directly tied to use. If Edina adopts franchise fees for electricity and natural gas -- the city already has one for cable TV -- Hughes said he will recommend that the money go into a new fund to support long -tern capital needs. He said officials know the fees basically are a tax on residents. "We don't lose sight of who's paying." he said. "It could easily be called a franchise tax, because [utility companies] are passing the cost on." Print Powered By ol • _ ri _ : Dynamics Page 19 http://www.startribune.com/local/southl6l329662.html?eft=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU 10/2, CleanPrint Preview StarTribune.com Seeking more stable income In Spring Lake Park. the City Council has directed its city attorney to look into a possible ordinance change to enact franchise fees for gas and electric services. "We're trying to find a more stable form of income because you can't rely on what's coming out of St. Paul anymore," said Barry Brainard, code enforcement director for Spring Lake Park. referring to state aid. In addition, the fee would enable the city to collect money for services from the many tax-exempt properties in town. Spring Lake Park ranks among the top cities in Anoka County with a high percentage of tax- exempt properties, Brainard said. "These tax-exempt properties still use the roads and use taxes just as much as regular property does, but they don't pay a fee," lie said. Staff writer Mary Jane Smetanka contributed to this article. Allie Shah • 612-673-4488 FlAlternate Ad Image Text Goes Here! Page 2 of 2 Point your mobile browser to http://startribune.corn Print Powered By d i Dynamics http://www.startribune.com/local/south/61329662.html?eft—KArksLJUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU 10/2/2 Page 20 C1eanPrint Preview StarTribune.com Minnesota's mayors want gubernatorial race to highlight local aid Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities unveils Web ad that asks candidates to take a stand on the issue. By BOB VON STERNBERG and RACHEL STASSEN- BERGER, Star Tribune staff writers Last update: September 24, 2009 - 8:17 PM Mayors who have been chafing under the loss of financial aid from the state plan to insert themselves into next year's race for governor. The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities on Thursday unveiled a Web ad highlighting the hot - button issue of local government aid (LGA). It features Gov. Tim Pawlenty's words from 2002: "You can't run around the state and say, 'I'm not going to increase taxes,' and then cut LGA in a way that drives up local property taxes. 1 understand that." The ad, which the mayors will show at meetings across the state, then superimposes a graph showing the decrease in LGA and the increase in local property taxes since 2002. Sharing in the state's pain Advertisement ❑x Alternate Ad Image Text Goes Here! Page 1 of 2 Point your �. mobile browser to `. http://startribune.com As governor, Pawlenty, who has supported caps on the amount governments can raise property taxes, has said local governments need not raise property taxes to make up state funding cuts. He has also emphasized that local governments have to share in the state's economic pain. "Cities need to streamline and become more efficient, and not turn reflexively to local property tax increases," Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung said Thursday. "For 2009, Governor Pawlenty capped the cut in LGA payments to cities at 3.3 percent. Cities should be able to find ways to manage a small reduction to their revenues, just like families and businesses are doing, without massively hiking local property taxes." 'A disproportionate share' Mayors and staffers said their cities were \\ illina to take some cuts but have been hurt unfairly. They talked of raising property taxes, laying off staff, cutting library hours and deferring transportation projects. "We took a disproportionate share of the cuts," said Wadena Mayor Wayne Wolden. He said the coalition would support a fair statewide tax, perhaps an income tax hike, to avoid having LGA slashed. Print Powered By i-'d]FormatDynannics'? http://www.startribune.com1politicslstatel6l096372.html?eft—KArksULTUoDEy3LGDi07a... 10/2 Page 21 C1eanPrint Preview StarTribune.com City officials said they want candidates seeking to replace Pawlenty to take a stand on state aid to local governments. The coalition represents more than 70 cities outside the metro area. In the ad, which is online at thanklga.blip. tv/file/2638815/, the coalition urges voters to ask candidates for governor about their specific position on aid. Cities across Minnesota lost an estimated $200 million in aid from the state this year when Pawlenty made unilateral budget cuts to eliminate the state's enormous deficit. Mayors lambasted Pawlenty's move, but he removed himself from next year's race by announcing he won't run for a third tern. Bob von Sternberg • 612-673-7184 Rachel Stassen-Berger • 651-292-0164 Advertisement Fx Alternate Ad Image Text Goes Here! Page 2 of 2 Itmobile browser to ttp://startribune.com Print Powered By CS"d FormatDynamics hup://www.startribune.comlpoliticslstate/61096372.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7a... 10/2/2 Page 22 ADOPTED MINUTES PLYMOUTH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION May 20, 2009 Special Meeting COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Alden, Dockman, Klevorn, Trites Rolle COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Doll, Haag, Layton STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens and Deputy City Clerk Olson 1. Call to Order Chair Klevorn called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. 2. Approve Agenda Commissioner Alden requested two items be added under Articles and Announcements: 8b) Diversity Article and 8c) League District meeting. 3. Approve Minutes It was motioned by Commissioner Alden, seconded by Commissioner Dockman, to approve the minutes of April 30, 2009. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. 4. Supervisor Training Commissioners inquired if City employees receive any diversity or human rights training. City Manager Ahrens reported that both the Fire and Police Departments have mandatory diversity training every year. The commission discussed the following ideas: • Inform employees what the commission's mission and role is • Train employees to include everyone in City activities, citing examples of seeing eye dogs, materials in Braille, handicap accessible bathrooms City Manager Ahrens stated that employees are selling City services and the commission could talk about respecting those you are dealing with. The commission discussed who would present the training to the employees. They decided the commission should lead the training and then discussed several different methods that could be used in the training. Adopted Human Rights Commission Minutes 1 of 3 Special Meeting of May 20, 2009 Page 23 City Manger Ahrens said she would like the training to be for all employees rather than only supervisors. The commission discussed the number of sessions that would be needed and will plan for October 27 as a day for the training. 5. Music in Plymouth Commissioner Alden would like staff to look into purchasing a banner that displays the commission name that could be used at events such as Music in Plymouth and other events. Commissioner Trites-Rolle would like to look at the demographics for Plymouth from 1969 to 2009 and show the changes in a display at the Music in Plymouth. 6. SHRC Update Commissioner Alden reported that the St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission would like to have a joint meeting with the Plymouth commission or have an ice cream social event. Chair Klevorn stated that she will next be meeting with the four other Human Rights Commissions on June 2na Bremer Grants Commissioners discussed meeting in subcommittee to discuss another Bremer Grant application. 8. Articles and Announcements 8a. Lakeshore Weekly Article on Student Essay Contest The commission commented that the article and picture that went into the paper were good publicity for the Commission and their event. 8b. Diversity Article: The Evolving Language of Diversity Commissioner Alden distributed an article titled "Diversity: Evolving Language of Diversity". 8c. MN League of Human Rights Commissions July meeting Commissioner Alden reported that she will be unable to attend the Minnesota League of Human Rights Commissions Executive Board meeting on July 25`h and asked that one of the commissioners attend in her place. Commissioner Haag stated she would look at her calendar and would attend if she had no conflicts. Adopted Human Rights Commission Minutes 2 of 3 Special Meeting of May 20, 2009 Page 24 9. Adjournment It was motioned by Commissioner Dockman, seconded by Commissioner Alden, to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Kimberly A. Olson Deputy City Clerk Adopted Human Rights Commission Minutes 3 of 3 Special Meeting of May 20, 2009 Page 25 Layton ADOPTED MINUTES PLYMOUTH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION July 14, 2009 Special Meeting PRESENT: Alden, Haag, Klevorn, Trites Rolle, Dockman, ABSENT: Doll STAFF PRESENT: Human Resources Manager Sobania 1. Call to Order Chair Klevorn called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. 2. Agenda Addition It was requested by Chair Klevorn that attendance at the July 25 League of MN Human Rights Commissions' meeting in Roseville be added to the agenda. The members concurred. Commissioners Haag and Trites Rolle agreed that one of them would attend the meeting. 3. Night to Unite Commissioner Alden and Dockman will attend the Night to Unite event to represent the Commission. 4. Bremer Grant preparation Commissioners Alden, Dockman and Trites Rolle will get together with Kim to complete the grant proposal for the Bremer Grant. 5. Presentation to City staff/Preparation for December 4 presentation at the MN Dept of Human Rights Conference The commission discussed the content and format of the scheduled presentation to supervisors. They agreed on general outlines and divided up the topic areas for research and thought. Another meeting was set for August 1 I at 6:00 p.m. to further flesh out the presentation. Adopted Human Rights Commission Minutes I of 2 Special Meeting of July 14, 2009 Page 26 The commissioners also discussed how to prepare for the initial review of their presentation to the MN Dept of Human Rights Conference. They agreed that a written evaluation should be solicited from the supervisor's session so that they could revise future presentations. 6. Adjournment With all members voting in favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jeanette Sobania Human Resources Manager Adopted Human Rights Commission Minutes 2 of 2 Special Meeting of July 14, 2009 Page 27 m U N 0 a CD 'C c GN E C-4 0 j OM O L .L fl- CD N E C � 0 a I I.1 Co p U L_ 01 C O a) CL IL O caC U a) Q d a Page 28 N E la 62 L d N 3 m a1 l0 L E d c c aol L >D`ii 3 E 10 0 a D 'n m u c •c �- O c@ p? -o - ¢ n D v 3 > D _ m v d Ocumi o o of m ¢om a; v c Yd. m ami w n m N w$ E m `a E v a m c a 0 v D c y of D E -- om`.2E t0 9 oc @$� v e E E N - N N C m N N E N d U V y N N 6 O L O N J O J N D O @ ` N y E d d C Q C y E Q N U C al O m n N r 'd d U ` cc�o+ d .Y mEoE cJ 0c S w c oU 00 amia z m r 5 m o m d o d - 1 mymv mv �O2nE w 1$Td E L> O OQO D O 0 O d F-NmZ M g 3 o E J C„ o YU O NW> d C O Q Z E L D c 3 m0 T@ ll W a d �+ 0 -O r'- N y C N W V O O C O d n@ C c u n m c E E L OI 3 O N y O O o « N N N >md 0EWdd O O O Uc Ddy O.¢N NdlO N l'=EUQCO` 0 d NNd Old 'm N mF6 @Q Cl Ncc @ �l L '�l 21 d m L m a - .m 3 N v d E E m w o c !- 00 a @ '0 D o z 0:5 a d o E c D m ai c_ N u v m cz c v w v .m MM m a F m w m 3 N v` d LL an d m N o > 2 L E U N n n N O c O Y6 N �> O U N al r L f. 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Jocc m- mU d?c Jii an d E J `lE O N V aEi T a E S U N EO�c > '- d01 w U al CL O 2 J c �- CL w a U)N> j> {Ya 0 T C p U `p_ Op N D W 0 U L N U L n E -O m0 C o w of E N 33 O d O a Y m E E aaUwc�U 0.9 2a33 N�M(o 0' NWCi m dfnf _ U K r[ y a� a3 3 3 3 3 3 ' 3 3 N 3 0 o . Z N vl )n N ul o irl v r M v )n LL U 0-0 Q M V N )O r r r a0 t0 0p N ap N d a Page 28 Y U N c O N a � c f6 N O cE N > O) O a(a) V .0 N O m a W O N O E as 7 d a ige 29 Ld �+ 0 0w R N v a0 m V= d w m n 0 N y C w ° D d 0 W. al N 1 r OO- N' aL+ O d D L c 0 x 6 r O d m d ° E ;y c E y` 0 D d U E d w o L u C r 0 d N m ° m o w D U m m o d 0 N 6 p m U d C w m 0 r L d t C d O u d T W �a C C m •OO U w w w O U 0 D y O 0 D a L1 0 'U L J N O O L T a w N` °' ° °a > °' cm 3 c dU o d a"o N U LL 0-6 d 3 0 d 3 N Q y L L p U C A > C O O udi mca° ¢ uw id°c mo q Nc°d Q c: cN.co. a-oOw '�c°j. 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R o m N 0 U O d _O 16 m N T N O D m N C U O 0 c v n U w as c c c o c E E j E n 'N a a Q a o O o t o M L m m m J m U m o c 'o a a m D = o co o m E C D a > > W a D c m n m n s m a a`=o o a`M o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 o vi o ci o 0 0 0 0 0 u� r fA M fA ro Hi v (fi es M f9 F» r (f3 N Ni r fA ro lH N f9 f» N C C m O 2 U N U d m O U CL C c a Z E c J E @ m _ J O N mcz QoE Q.a iEaoEO 'aoEN E z cDmco E ' Km F om>� Y L" >O2 2 @ ---mc m m mfOn Ya O O m g UUNONO U—��2 Fc O_U mmw E N—�a R d OIN N >N N 3 3 jc� C > > N > o N d 'o m m m rn m o o o m M Page 30 C N E (6 a a� 0) C .0 N N C C W 0 O E T FL 0 O Al C El N U m F 0 U m - d N L -a _O E m e a3i c Q o Q m F d K Z w c m ac 000 �-Oi-, U)M m 2¢ U F a Ir z, m m 0 0 a w e m a ZIPage 31 Dear City of Plymouth September 22, 2009 On August 8"' our house and yard was unfortunately struck by a tornado in Plymouth. We had extensive roof damage and many 150-200 year old trees blown over. We just wanted to thank the city of Plymouth for all of their hard work in helping to clean up our neighborhood. The city trucks and equipment hauled away many loads of tree branches and logs for us. We wanted you to know how much we appreciated their help. Thank you! We are so happy that we live in Plymouth and have the necessary help when severe weather moves in! Sincerely, Greg and Rebecca Kupka aT33s 7 a?;�-- Page 32 Laurie Ahrens From: Kim Fischer [kfischer@timmhotelgroup.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 4:29 PM To: Laurie Ahrens Subject: Visit Minneapolis North Dear Ms. Ahrens - Good afternoon! My name is Kim Fischer and I am the Director of Sales of the Comfort Inn here in Plymouth. On behalf of myself and our General Manager, Dan Sink, I would like to express our interest and support in joining Visit Minneapolis North. We have met with the Executive Director of Visit Minneapolis North (VMN), Dave Looby, a number of times now and he has answered most of the questions that we have about the association. We strongly believe that VMN would greatly increase the hotel's revenue and the amount of business that is brought into the Plymouth area. Our hotel is owned by a small company based out of Eden Prairie and we do not have the ability to spend large amounts of money on marketing and advertising like the larger companies in the Minneapolis area. Visit Minneapolis North would allow the hotel as well as the Plymouth area to be advertised to a large number of tourists and markets that may not think of staying here otherwise. While staying at our property they will more than like eat at a local restaurant, possibly hold a meeting at The Reserve, see a play at the Plymouth Playhouse, and shop at our local grocery stores and gas stations. As far as the 3% lodging tax goes, the Comfort Inn would not oppose the additional tax in regards to what we will be getting back in terms of revenue, marketing, and brand awareness. Most of our main competitors (Maple Grove hotels) are part of VMN and are therefore currently charging the 3% lodging tax. Therefore, most of our clients and customers would not be surprised to see the lodging tax on their bills. Personally, I have approximately 10 years in the hotel business and it is very common for people to pay anywhere from 10% to 16% tax on their hotel room bill. Currently, with our tax rate at 7.28%, that would still put us on the low end of tax percentages. Together with the City Council, we would be extremely interested in discussing the positives and negatives of joining Visit Minneapolis North. Please let myself of Dan know if there is anything that we can do to move forward with this. Thank you, Kim Fischer Director of Sales Comfort Inn Plymouth 3000 Harbor Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 kfischer(c).timmhotela rou p.com Phone: 763-559-1222 Fax: 763-559-7819 Page 33 ALERANKEN MINNESOTA 11111itcd �6tatcs 5cflatc WASHINGTON, DC 20510-2309 October 1, 2009 The Honorable John E. Potter Postmaster General U.S. Postal Service 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW Washington, D.C. 20260-0010 Dear Postmaster General, SUITE SH -320 202-224-51WI1 I am writing today regarding the potential sale and relocation of five post office facilities in Minnesota and to request that the US Postal Service give proper consideration to the concerns of the affected communities before any sale occurs. On September 4, the Northland District office notified me that your office has identified five post offices in Brooklyn Park, Savage, Wayzata, Plymouth and Hopkins for potential sale or redevelopment. This action could have a significant impact on members of these communities. Often the cities have developed their post office location so that it is the most central and effective location to serve its residents. I encourage you to engage the affected cities in your decision-making and solicit their feedback so that it is a transparent and effective process. Your efforts now to wort: with the cities of Brooklyn Park, Savage, Wayzata, Plymouth and Hopkins will help ensure the best possible outcome for both the Postal Service and the citizens it serves. I will follow this matter closely and would welcome updates from your office. I thank you for your consideration. Sincere) At Pranken United Stales Senator CC: Anthony Williams, U.S. Postal Service Northland District Manager Mayor Janet Williams, City of Savage Mayor Ken Wilcox, City of Wayzata Mayor Kelli Slavik, City of Plymouth Mayor Gene Maxwell, City oftopkins Mayor Steve Lampi, City of Brooklyn Park N^NW.FHANKEN.SENATE.GOV Page 34