Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 10-30-2009CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO October 30, 2009 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Planning Commission Agenda 11/04/09.............................................................................................. Page 1 Human Rights Commission Agenda 11/05/09..................................................................................... Page 2 November, December 2009 & January 2010 Official City Meeting Calendars .................................. Page 3 Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ..................................................... Page 6 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc ... Ehlers Market Commentary, 10/27/09................................................................................................ Page 8 Hickory Fine Homes Awarded "2009" Trillium Award, News Release, Hickory Fine Homes ............ Page 9 Plymouth's Nonin Medical wins big at Tekne Awards, Article, Star & Trib..................................... Page 10 Minnetonka land saved through coincidence, Article, Star & Trib.................................................... Page 11 Nation's hottest housing Market? Twin Cities, Article, Star & Trib.................................................. Page 13 Local Human Rights Commission Project Grant Recipients........................................................... Page 15 Spotlight on Commissions, Plymouth Human Rights Commision, LMNHRC Newsletter ................ Page 16 MEETING MINUTES Suburban Rate Authority Minutes 10/21/09...................................................................................... Page 17 STAFF REPORTS Police Dept. Alert Update, Bass Lake Playfield, shots fired case update ........................................ Page 21 CORRESPONDENCE Letter from resident, RE: Tornado clean-up...................................................................................... Page 22 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 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. I . CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. CONSENT AGENDA* A. Approve the October 7, 2009 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. BKV Group. Site plan amendment, conditional use permit and variance to allow renovation of an existing industrial building located at 13010 County Road 6. (2009059) 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Stone Source. Variance to allow two freestanding signs at Stone Source located at 15821 State Highway 55. (2009058) (Continue to November 18, 2009.) 8. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 Plymouth Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Agenda Thurs., November 5, 7:00 p.m. City Hall, Parkers Lake Room 3400 Plymouth Boulevard I. Call to Order 2. Approve Agenda 3. Approve Minutes a. Minutes of September 3,. 2009 4. Reports of Commissioners 5. Police Reports/Update a. Racial bias 1 hate crime reports - None b. Police Policy on Tasers 6. Old Business a. Mini Grant Award — Jesse Ware to attend b. Supervisor Training on October 27, 2009 c. Jessica Jackson Training on October 10, 2009 d. Human Rights Training (Plymouth Seniors) on October 15, 2009 e. Essay Competition Update f. Human Rights Day on Dec. 4, 2009, Edit Supervisor Training 7. New Business a. Resignation of Commissioner Marty Doll — Communication Responsibilities b. Violence at Wayzata High School, Update from Gabriel Lofton S. Articles and Announcements a. Lakeshore Weekly News Article: Hopkins receii,es Civil Rights.411°ard b. Commission Roster 9. Adjournment Page 2 a 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 Roam 8 9 10 5:30 PM 11 12 7:00 PM 13 14 SPECIAL COUNCIL PARK Et REC MEETING ADVISORY COM - Medicine Lake Room 'See VETERANS DAY MISSION (FRAC) 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 Roam 22 23 24 6:00 PM 25 Cancelled 2 6NIM 27 28 SPECIAL COUNCIL PLYMOUTH MEETING ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room COMMITTEE ON THANKSGIVING THANKSGIVING **See Below TRANSIT (PACT) HOLIDAY HOLIDAY MEETING 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL Medicine Lake Room CITY OFFICES CITY OFFICES MEETING CLOSED CLOSED 29 30 6:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING Medicine Lake Room See Below ' Discuss Leap -Frog De elopment, and Temporary Private Lift Stations ' Update with City Man ger Modified on 10130109 wnuuci oudr❑ ano wummissyon mcernews; ano Joint meeting wt tuL Page 3 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life December 2009 Modified on 10130109 Page 4 1 2 7;00 PM 3 4 5 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISOR COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) MEETING Medicine Lake Room_ C 11 7 8 5:30 PM 9 7:00 PAA _ 10 7:00 PM 11 12 2:00-5:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL PARK & REC Old Fashioned MEETING QUALITY COMM ADVISORY Christmas Medicine Lake Room (EQC) MEETING COMMISSION Plymouth Historical Review Hilde Center(PPAC) Council Chambers MEETING Society Building Plans 7:00 PM Council Chambers 7:00 PM CHARTER 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL COMMISSION ANNUAL CHARTER COMM. CHANUKAH MEETING MEETING Medicine Lake Room MEETING Medicine Lake Room 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 24 25 26 CHRISTMAS EVE CHRISTMAS DAY CITY OFFICES CITY OFFICES CLOSED AT CLOSED NOON 27 28 29 30 31 11:00-9:00 PM New Years Eve Event Plymouth Ice Center Modified on 10130109 Page 4 r� p lymouth Adding quality to Life January 2010 Modified on 10130109 Page 5 1 Ej� 2 NEW YEAR'S DAY CITY OFFICES CLOSED 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL PARK £t REC MEETING QUALITY ADVISORY Council Chambers COMMITTEE COMMISSION (EQC) MEETING (PRAC) MEETING Council Chambers Council Chambers 17 18 19 20 7:00 PM 21 22 23 PLANNING COMMISSION MARTIN LUTHER MEETING KING JR. Council Chambers BIRTHDAY Observed CITY OFFICES CLOSED 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 7:00 PM 7:O0 PM 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL PLYMOUTH NRA MEETING MEETING ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room Council Chambers COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) MEETING Medicine Lake Room Modified on 10130109 Page 5 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items November 10, Special, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers • Discuss Leap -Frog Development and History of Temporary/Private Lift Stations November 10, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Approve 2010 City Council Meeting Schedule • Oath of Office for Office for Firefighters Fischer, Jaeger, Johnson, McCurdy. Moellman, and Olson • Consider denial of Preliminary Plat for "Kingsview Heights 5"' Addition" for one single-family home located at 44`x` Avenue between Harbor Lane and Juneau Lane (2009034) (Review deadline extended to December 9 at the October 13 Council rrreeting) • Approve extension of transit services agreement with Laidlaw Transit Services for 2010 • Order Preliminary Engineering Report for the 2010 Street Reconstruction Project, East Parkers Lake Area (1000 1) • Accept Preliminary Engineering Report and Call a Public Hearing for the 80' Avenue Street Reconstruction Project (10004) • Approve Extension of Transit Services Agreement through December 3, 2011 • Approve leases with Clear Wire Legacy LLC to mount wireless internet service equipment on the water towers located at 14900 23`d Ave. N., 4425 Zachary Lane, 4000 Co. Rd. 101 and 18950 Co. Rd. 6 • Accept Improvements for Continual Maintenance for Taryn Hills 8th Addition • Approve grant agreement with the State of Minnesota's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management November 24, Special, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Update "ith the City Manager 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 1 and Tax Increment Financing District 1- I November 30, Special, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Conduct board and commission interviews • Joint meeting with the Environmental Quality Committee at 7:00 p.m. December 8, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Review plans for Hilde Performance Center improvements 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 sel by Council; all other topics are ter?141111, Page 6 • Adopt an Ordinance Amending Chapter 10 of the City Code regarding Water, Sewer and Surface Water Fees Page 7 Ehlers Market Commentary October 27, 2009 Tax -Exempt Yields Stabilizing After Lows and Increases As you know, several weeks ago, the Bond Buyer Index (a proxy for the tax-exempt bond rates) hit a 42 year low. That was followed a couple of weeks ago with increases in yields. Last week, tax- exempt yields were firmly stable. No new record lows or dramatic rate increases. The yield curve remains relatively steep. While rates are somewhat higher than several weeks ago, it's important to remember that rates are still near historic lows. Retail Investors Demand is Strong — And Driving Current Market Treads Bank of America / Merrill Lynch reports that there is a flow out of money-market funds and into bond funds. Tax-exempt money market funds lost $2.85B last week, while bond funds gained $606M, due primarily to the very low rates in money-market fiends. It could also signal a return to "risk" — the spreads of lower -duality credits have been decreasing over the past year. Citi further reports that FY2009 year-to-date net outflows from money-market funds total $153B. Refundings are Pulled; Heavy New issue Valrinre; Expected volume related to refundings decreased as rates increased two weeks ago from the record lows. However, new issuance remains strong, with nearly $11 B in sales scheduled this week. This is somewhat skewed by the State of California issuance. But combined tax-exempt and BAB issuance is expected to remain strong. if congress were to signal an end to the BAB program, or a reduction in the 35% rebate, there is the potential for BAB volume to spike, taking advantage of its remaining authorization. Maple Grove, MN- IRS Audit The City of Maple Grove has reported that the Internal Revenue Service has initiated an audit of 2005 bonds ($53.8M). The bonds were used to finance renovations and construction to two health care facilities. This serves as another reminder that the IRS has beefed up staffing and will continue to explore new sources of revenue through compliance. Ehlers' arbitrage services can help you manage this risk. EH -LER -S LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE www.elilers-iiic.com Office In Nionnesota (8000 552-1171 Wisconsin (800) 717-9742 III nois- (800) X117-1119 Page 8 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Steve Bob] Main Office: 952.473.2089 Cell Phone: 612.221.8741 Email: Stevera'bohlanddevelopment.com HICKORY FINE HOMES AWARDED "2009 TRILLIUM AWARD FOR BEST INTERIOR" Hickory Fine Homes, of Wayzata, received the award from the Builders Association of the Twin Cities for the `°2009 Trillium Award for Best Interior." This award was given at the Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday night. The home that received this prestigious award is the `Burberry Model' located in the Rusten Wood neighborhood in Plymouth. The award recognizes the interior design and layout, and was selected by judges that compared this home to many other upper bracket homes. The design features a "Traditional Coastal Nautical' Bair set on a private lake. If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Steve Bohl and 612.221.8741 or visit x«N-iN,.hickoryfinehornes.com. Thank you for allowing us to share with you our exciting news! Jen Oberg 8'15 Wayzata Blvd E Wayzata, MN 55391 w: 952.473.2089 C: 651.341.4157 ientc'�.hickoryfinehomes.com Jen Oherg is a licensed real estate agent in the State of Minnesota and is employed with Hickory Fine Homes, Inc_ Page 9 Plymouth's Nonin Medical wins big at Tekne Awards Nonin Medical Inc., a Plymouth -based health care start-up, was the big winner of the annual Tekne Awards on Thursday, earning nods for medical technology and corporate leadership. The company, which is developing a device that allows doctors to remotely monitor a patient's pulse and oxygen saturation levels, received the Medical Technology Award for small and growing companies. Owner and chief technology officer Phil Isaacson was named Technology Executive of the Year. The Tekne Awards, sponsored by the Minnesota High Tech Association in partnership with Life Science Alley and Enterprise Minnesota, honors companies and individuals who demonstrate superior achievement and leadership in developing new technologies. Other notable winners include Minneapolis-based Vast Enterprises LLC, which won the Clean Tech Award, and Minnesota Thermal Sciences LLC of Plymouth, which earned the Advanced Manufacturing Award. Vast Enterprises is developing ways to convert recycled materials into materials to construct green buildings. Minnesota Thermal Sciences created the Credo Cube, a container that can store temperature -sensitive medical and biotech products for as long as a week. For a complete list of this year's Tekne winners, go to the Patent Pending bldg at www.startribune.com/pending. THOMAS LEE Page 10 CleanPrint Preview StarTribune...com Minnetonka land saved through coincidence After a call from the city, a Minnetonka nature lover enters the first tract in the city's open -space conservation program. By LAURIE BLAKE, Star Tribune Last update: October 27: 2009 - 503 PM At a time where Minnetonka is seeing a lot of large properties chopped up for development, 80- vear-old Andrew Fuller has made sure his rolling wooded acreage off McGinty Road will stay in its natural state forever. Fuller is the first Minnetonka resident to voluntarily place land into a city conservation easement pragrani aimed at preserving trees and open space. "All the time we lived here. Nve kept getting calls from developers," said Fuller, who moved to Minnetonka in 196E with his wife. Pepper. and their five children. Both nature lovers. they chose their wooded 7.5 Acres over a location on Lake Minnetonka for the quiet and \wildlife it offered. With deer, wild turkeN s, birds and an occasional fox and Opossum. "it's kind of like a lilde wildlife Advertisement x Alternate Ad Image Text Goes Here! preserve," Fuller said. Page 1 of 2 Point your S. mobile browser to t'ittp!//startribune.corn After his wife died Two years ago, Fuller started looking for a \vay to save the land. "One of the biggest properties in the neighborhood is now under development," Fuller said. In addition to the acre where his Borne stands, "I have 6.5 acres of land, and I didn't want to see that cut up." So Ile talked with nature groups but could not find a way to preserve his property. He was unaware that his homestead was among the top five of 110 tracts of land identified b� Minnetonka as valuable open space containing remnants of the city's original forest of maple• basswood and oak trees. Then one day he trot a call fi-om Jo Colleran. the city's natural resources manager. who was phoning each of the five landowners to explain the conservation progl-atn. She said one woman hung up on her, and the others weren't interested. But when she reached Fuller, he said. "I've been -wanting to do this for years. Where have you. been?" Under the program, Fuller's land remains in his possession. Ultimately. he plans to sell it along with his large Cannily horne. When he does, the conservation easement will go with it, to prevent future development on the protected part of the property. Minnetonka is a fully developed community. but Print Powered By d ;_ µ r r i Dynamics lttip:l/wwtiv.startribune.coni`locaVwest165883357.1ttn�l?eIr=ICArks:DCiUHc3E7 V n1]ay... P� .1009 CleaOrint Preview StarTribune.com it's experiencing a lot of in -fill building iil ih, subdivision of larger tracts of land. Colleran said. Many of thein are parcels that give the city the natural, woodsy feel that residents love. Their loss is what prompted the city to try to protect the open space and trees., she said. Residents approved the purchase and protection of open space in 200 l with the passage of a S 15 Million refers ndum, half of which paid for park renewal and half For open -space preservation, Colleran said, To identify land that might be valuable open space, the city looked at all parcels of more than two acres that contain remnants of tile rig's maple -basswood forest. Colleran said. The cite will work slowly down the list, letting landowners know that if the\, want to save their land the cit4 will pay the S 10,000 to S 15,000 in legal and appraisal fees associated with documenting and recording a permanent conservation easement, she said. "The beauty of the program is they took care of all expenses. including my own attorney's fees," Fuller said. A retired businessman, Fuller is curious to see whether the lock on the land will decrease or increase the value of the property. He said his children backed his decision and are willing to f©rego inherited earnings they might have had by Advertisement '.-1 Alternate Ad Image Text Goes Here! Page 2 of 2 Olo Point your mobile browser to ' http://startribune.com selling the land for development. Itmy father- said to me when I was youn4.'Now Andy. I don't know \%hat I can leave with you, but one thing I am going to lea\ e �% illi you is a love of the outdoors,"' Fuller said. By leaving the open space in the city. Fuller said lie hopes to pass on that legacy, Laurie Blake • 612-673-1711 Pritzt Powered By d , i a I Dynamics ltttp://www.startribune.com/local/wvest/65883357.litml?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7 V nDay... P9w-A-009 Nation's hottest housing market? Twin Cities Page I of 2 StarTribune.Com MINNEAPOLIS -ST. PAUL. MINNESOTA Nation's hottest housing market? Twin Cities By KARA McGUIRE, Star Tribune October 28, 2009 The Twin Cities area was one of the nation's warmer housing markets this summer as home prices rose faster here than in other metro areas, according to a closely watched housing index released Tuesday. But market observers still warn that economic uncertainty could cause prices to start sinking again in a "double dip" scenario. Minneapolis -St. Paul area home prices rose 3.2 percent from July to August, according to the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller national home price index, compared with a 1.2 percent average increase for the 20 cities tracked by the index. Only Cleveland failed to show an improvement in prices. This is the fourth straight month of improvement for Minneapolis -St. Paul and the nation. It is also the second month in a row that the Twin Cities came out on top of the index;. prices here rose 4.6 percent from June to July. Still, home prices have a long way to go before recovering what they've lost. In this market, median home prices are still 13.7 percent below August 2008 levels. That is slightly worse than the 11.3 percent that prices are down nationwide. The Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors reported the August median home price for the metro area was $175,000. Case-Shiller data show August prices in the Twin Cities area are about where they were in August 2001. David Blitzer, chairman of the Index Committee at Standard & Poor's, said the Twin Cities may be on the top of the index for the second month in a row because the area's prices peaked and bottomed earlier than the other areas tracked. The median price peaked in September 2006 at $229,000 and bottomed in April at $153,000. "Plus, the run-up was not as wild as some places, so the recovery is probably easier," he explained in an e-mail. Buying before winter Chris Galler, chief operating officer for the Minnesota Association of Realtors, said he thinks area prices have risen faster because of the area's many cold months. http:+/NN-NN1%,.starti,lJune.com/teiliplatcs/Print_Tliis_StorN ?sid-66728397 "IK- 1009 Nation's hottest housing market? Twin Cities Page 2 of) "Consumers are trying to get into houses before the winter comes," he said, adding he wouldn't be surprised to see prices fall in December and January. The widely reported Case-Shiller numbers aren't seasonally adjusted. When taking seasonal variations into account, home prices here were up 2.3 percent in August, a slightly lower increase than San Francisco, and up 1.0 percent nationwide. Housing experts such as Blitzer and Galler worry that prices may head south again if the unemployment rate continues to rise and the home buyer tax credit is not extended. An extension seemed likely Tuesday afternoon as Senate leaders debated the details. The credit could buoy home prices through the winter, especially if the credit expires before the housing market traditionally heats up in spring. The Conference Board reported Tuesday that consumer confidence fell unexpectedly this month because of the unemployment picture. Home prices are tied to consumer confidence, because housing values make up a large percentage of net worth for many families. Foreclosures still loom Galler worries about a new wave of foreclosures hitting the market in 2010 due to failed loan modifications and more homeowners losing jobs. Foreclosures depress overall home prices, as homeowners hunt for deals. "It's very difficult to see where we're not going to have foreclosures going forward," he said. Data released today by Realty Trac, an online marketplace for foreclosed properties, show foreclosures rising faster locally than nationally. The Minneapolis -St. Paul metro area had 9,767 foreclosure filings in the third quarter, a 13.5 percent increase from the second quarter and nearly double the third-quarter total last year, Realty Trac said. The report found one in every 136 Twin Cities area households received a foreclosure notice during that period, on par with the national figure. Kara McGuire • 612-673-7293 Q 2009 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. http://«T1414',startrlbittie.com/templates/Print_Tllis Sto1-�-?sid=66728;97 P4 _. Moog Local Human Rights Commissions io Proj ect Minrwmakarkwrt".-toi Giant Recipients HUMAN RICHTS �pF WN)v T LV wwoo THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS GRANT REPORT I October 2000 Total number of grants: 6 Total Funding approved: $9,000 LOCAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS RECEIVING GRANT AWARD AMOUNT Brooklyn Park Human Rights Commission $ 1,500 Brooklyn Park, MN For Celebrating Many Faces — venue for community engagement by commissioners Grand Rapids Human Rights Commission $ 1,500 Grand Rapids, MN Creating and sharing a human rights resource collection at local library Isanti County Human Rights Commission $ 1,500 Cambridge, MN For anti -bullying and harassment training Moorhead Human Rights Commission $ 1,500 Moorhead, MN Mediation training for commissioners Plymouth Human Rights Commission $ 1,500 Plymouth, MN For effective listening and communication training Roseville Human Rights Commission $ 1,500 Rose ville, MN For community dialogue and partner engagement Local Human Rights Commission Project A mini -grant program for local human rights commissions Administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights in collaboration with the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions bv�a_—'s_. ' Page 15 E Ilk NOVEMBER 1, 2009 Spotlight on Commissigns The Eden Prairie Hum/attaring is and Diversity Commission ith the Eden Prairie Park aation Department to put on tl International Festival Lark Park, August 9th. The festival promotes tdiversity of cultures backgrounds that exists in Eden Prairie. Music, gam 's, arts, crafts and food all offere in a beautiful park made it a vc wonderful family oriented event. The Commissioh received a grant from the State epartment of Human Rights to provide conflict resolution training for Commissioners and Staff. The Commission hopes to use the training to help residents resolve neighborhdod conflicts which do not rise to theAevel of criminal activity, but do atlect the quality of life in the The Commission has drafted a policy for th City Council to approve that will equire all City Commissions and tall to take steps to avoid scheduling city sponsored events on major religious holidays of Christian and non-Christian faiths. Molly Koivumaki, Liaison he Plymouth Human Rights cT ommission has been involved in over 300 hours of community building, training and outreach this year. Human Rights awareness and civility training have been their primary focus. Outreach and training have taken on many different forms. The most basic level of outreach took place in the distributing of materials such as rulers stating "Civility Rules In Plymouth", human rights booklets, and employee rights pamphlets at two public events: Music in Plymouth and Night to Unite. Based on the number of materials distributed, the Commission estimates it has reached approximately 1000 people at these events. Through its sponsorship of the annual Human Rights Essay Competition, the Commission reached approximately 150 students and teachers. This year, the Commission invited the City Council Human Rights Representative, Mayor, State Senator and State Representatives to be present in awarding Certificates of Participation. The Commission believes the participation of these elected officials at the awards ceremony gave a clear message to students and teachers that Human Rights are at the core of a civil democracy. Utilizing an Otto Bremer Grant, the Commission hosted diversity training at Wayzata High School focusing on holding difficult conversations within the context of race and recognition of one's personal bias. This training reached teachers, administrators and Plymouth staff. The Plymouth Commission is preparing a two-hour employee training for the City of Plymouth in October. The title of this training is Building Community Through Language and Civility. The training will first be given to supervisory staff and then to the general employee population. - Virginia Klevom, Chair Plymouth HRC The St. Louis Park Human Rig., s Commission staffed a booth at �'e Children First Ice Cream Socio"l, St. Louis Park Community Open House, and participated in the Ivlea4 owbrook National Night Out event 'At each event commissioners shed information about the 'RC, distributed and explai ed the Diversity Lens Magr}et, and spoke with interested com�lunity members. The Diversity Le s was developed as a tool to remind eople to incorporate div rsity into their daily work. The m net says WE: Respect — Reflect — I elude — Invite — Value — US,The H C has developed a subcommi ee that recently began work to velop a consistent message and info ation about the Diversity Lens t t we can share with city staff, sidents, businesses, civic and co unity organizations. The group will c developing new marketing ma rials that explain the magnet and wi continue to use it as a tool to r ch out to the community. - Marney Olson, Staff Liaison Ada Alden, District 10 Director Page 16 r MINUTES OF THE QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE SUBURBAN RATE AUTHORITY October 21, 2009 Pursuant to due call and notice, the quarterly meeting of the Suburban Rate Authority was held at the City of Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Boulevard, Minnetonka, Minnesota, comnmencing at 11:30 a.m. taken. 1. CALL TO ORDER: EC Chair McCoy called the meeting to order and roll call was 2. ROLL CALL: Bloomington Columbia Heights Eden Prairie Edina Golden Valley Lauderdale Maple Grove Minnetonka Plymouth Robbinsdale Jim Gates Bruce Nawrocki Gene Dietz John Wallin Jeannine Clancy Heather Butkowski Ken Ashfeld Desyl Peterson Jim Willis Richard McCoy AIso present was legal counsel for the SRA, Jim Strommen, of Kennedy & Graven. It was determined that a quorum of SRA votes was present to transact business. 3. APPROVAL OF JULY QUARTERLY MEETING MINUTES. Having been previously circulated, Mr. Gates moved that the Board approve the July quarterly meeting minutes. Mr. Dietz seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 4. REPORT OF OFFICERS. Mr. Wallin reported on the financial status of the SRA as of September 30, 2009. He noted that all SRA members have paid their assessments, and the financial statement reflects a solid balance. (Financial statements available upon request). Mr. Gates moved to accept the Treasurer's report. Mr. Ashfeld seconded the motion which passed unaniInously. S. COMMUNICATIONS. Mr. Strommen reported that the City Manager of Coon Rapids had approached hirn about possible membership in the SRA. Mr. Strorn nen stated that he followed up on the inquiry and has not heard anything further. He expressed his willingness to provide information and make himself available to explain the benefits of membership in the SRA. The Board noted the interest in adding the City of Coon Rapids as a neve member, as Nvell as adding other members in the northern suburbs. Mr. Strommen stated that he would report on any follow-up Page 17 and urged SRA delegates to contact staff and elected officials at the City of Coon Rapids regarding SRA membership. 6. XCEL ELECTRIC RATE CASE: Mr. Strommen reported that the PUC made a final decision on the general rate case on September 29. The SRA received a favorable decision regarding the addition of a $200 credit for each unexcused outage affecting municipal pumping operations (presently all customers receive $50 after six such outages). Doran Cote of SRA member City of Plymouth provided unrebutted testimony that was necessary to gain this favorable decision from the PUC. As reported in the memorandum, the PUC granted only a $91 million annual increase, or 3.9% overall. Xcel had requested a $156 million increase, 6.9% overall. The SRA had also raised strcetlighting issues in the Xcel rate case, but withdrew them for consideration of a broader resolution to Xcel's streetlighting services and commenced that process. (See streetlighting report below). The PUC decided to require reports every six months from Xcel regarding the progress of the street lighting proceeding. 7. CENTERPOINT ENERGY RATE CASE. Mr. Strommen reported that this case is now under consideration by the administrative law judge. His report is due at the end of October at which point it will go to the PUC for a final decision. The SRA spent considerable time at the hearings and addressed two major issues in the case. The first is the decoupling issue described in the memorandum and in previous Board meetings. The SRA Board authorized opposition to the CenterPoint proposal. The CenterPoint proposal, supported by a certain environmental advocacy intervenors, was also opposed by the Office of Energy Security and Office of the Attorney General. Mr. Strommen reported that nearly the entire hearing was dedicated to the decoupling proposal because it remains strongly contested. The SRA's primary objection related to the "decoupling first, conservation programs later" approach that CenterPoint has taken to the authorizing statute. The SRA, as well as the OES and OAG have argued that it is not a sufficiently - developed proposal to be approved. Mr. Strommen also explained the arguments the SRA brought against CenterPoint's recovery of Midwest Gas replacement costs from the original 1992 purchase of defective gas lines ($23 million) and the $40 million replacement cost after fatal explosions in 2004. CenterPoint's actions in failing to inspect the gas lines and then failing to protect the ratepayers in the transactional documents is imprudent and more of the cost should be shareholder responsibility, rather than the nearly 100% ratepayer cost to date. Mr. Strommen reported that the OAG has supported the SRA's position. While the evidence for the SRA position is strong, there is a state statute that may be an impediment to recovery. If successful, the SRA position will save all ratepayers several million dollars. 8. STREETLIGHTING PROCEEDING. Mr. Strornmen reported that the SRA agreed to sever the streetlighting issues from the Xcel rate case and begin an informal, cooperative process to gain greater clarity to the Xcel streetlighting services. One meeting has been held between Xcel and interested city representatives. Mr. Strorrunen reported that he has also sent a Page 18 letter to Xcel asking for its position on an apparent mistake in modifying contracts for lamp outage response time by tariff and not directly with the cities themselves. It also appears that Xcel has not kept accurate records and properly credited cities when Xcel has not responded timely to lamp outages. Mr. Strommen will be following up on this issue to an appropriate resolution. Mr. Strommen reported that Xcel was to respond to issues raised in the first meeting held in late August. Mr. Strommen will be enlisting the assistance of the knowledgeable streetlighting SRA delegates in drafting some proposed revisions to the tariff that clarify Xcel's scope of services, 9. XCEL FAULTY GAS METER PROCEEDING. Mr, Strommen reported that this matter is completed in a manner favorable to ratepayers. Xcel has appropriately committed not to attempt any recovery from ratepayers of its replacement cost for the faulty gas modules that were discovered back in early 2008. In addition, because of the passage of time. Xcel has also withdrawn its intention to bill those customers who received gas that was not billed because of the faulty gas meters. Xcel will also credit any customers who have been billed for the urunetered gas usage. This totals approximately $2 million that Xcel will simply not be recovering from those ratepayers, or from general ratepayers. 10. QWEST ALTERNATIVE FORM OF REGULATION (AFOR) PLAN. Mr. Stronunen reported on a very recent development in Qwest's latest petition for a new plan commencing January 1, 2010 and continuing through 2013. In it, Qwest seeks to surcharge all of its relocation costs associated with public improvement projects of any type. This is unprecedented and will be vigorously opposed by the SRA. Mr. Stronunen reported that Qwest is also seeking to surcharge on a state-wide basis and include the state directed relocation costs. This creates issues on several levels that are objectionable to cities. Passing through traditional business costs as if they were a tax in this AFOR plan is new and a departure from other plans. (Rate of return utilities do recover their relocation costs in general rates). The Board reaffirmed its opposition to a state-wide surcharge for locally - generated relocation costs. It reduces or eliminates accountability and monitoring of such costs. It is unclear what position, if any. 1,InDOT will take in regards to this issue, Unlike local jurisdictions, MnDOT has no group of ratepayers in which it has a special interest. Mr. Stronunen will continue to be very active in this opposition. The PUC will be making a decision on this Plan in early December. 11. FORM XCEL CONTRACTS FOR UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING. Mr. Stronunen reported that he has received a copy of a form prepared by Xcel and used in a city - directed undergrounding project in the right-of-way. The contract (attached to these minutes) contains several provisions that may not be favorable to a city. The city is not acting as a `'customer" when it is managing utilities in the right-of-way. Cities should not enter into agreements required by Xcel before work in the right-of-way and should contact their city attorney or Mr. Strommen. Page 19 12. FRANCHISE UPDATE. Mr. Strommen also reported on recent discussions in connection with gas and electric franchise negotiations. He stated that when a city is not seeking franchise fees and has passed the comprehensive right-of-way management ordinance that the need for a franchise is diminished. The comprehensive right-of-way management ordinances are sufficient for the management of all utilities in the right-of-way. Franchise process involved give and take between a particular utility and the city and has value when the city seeks to impose revenue raising franclise fees. 13. BRUCE NAWROCKI. The Board noted that Bruce Nawrocki would not be attending future SRA meetings because the City of Columbia Heights has withdrawn effective January 1, 2010. Mr. Navwocki recalled his involvement back to the original formation of the SRA in the early 1960s. He has been a very active and contributing delegate to the SRA throughout its long existence. Ms. Clancy moved that Board recognize Mr. Nawrocki's long service and strong advocacy for the SRA. Mr. Willis seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Mr. Nawrocki will continue to serve on the City of Columbia Heights city council. 14. LOCATION OF ANNUAL MEETING. Mr. McCoy offered to host the annual meeting in the City of Robbinsdale. It will be held on January 20 2010, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Mr. Strommen will check on the availability of a guest who may be of interest to SRA delegates on utility -related matters. 15. CLAIMS. Mr. Wallin circulated claims from Kennedy & Graven for $43.349.62. Mr. Gates moved to approve the claim and Ms. Clancy seconded the motion which passed unanimously. . 16. ADJOURNMENT. There being no further business to transact, the meeting was adjourned at 12:50 p.m. Attest: Attachment Chainnan Secretary Page 20 Plymouth Police Department Alert Update DATE: October 22, 2009 SUBJECT: Bass Lake Playfield shots tired CASE UPDATE CONTACT: Capt. Craig Lindman, 763-509-5190 As you are all aware, we had incidents of shots being fired at the Bass Lake PIayfields on July 27`h and again on September 12`'. Suspects were identified with the September 12`h incident, and one suspect admitted being responsible for both incidents. UPDATE: All charges have been filed in District Court as of October 20"' against several males in connection with this case. All five charged were living at the 12520 52"d Avenue address within the City of Plymouth. Charged were: Marcus Allen Gay (Age:22): Felony — Felon in Possession of a firearm Chris Dewon Bradley (Age: 27): Felony— Reckless Discharge Brian Gregory Fitzgerald (Age:26). Felony — 5,h Degree Narcotics Possession Amalio Cavazos (Age:23): Felony — 5'h Degree Narcotics Possession Daniel John Paquette (Age:25): Misdemeanor (citation) marijuana possession If you have any questions about this or any other safety issues, please contact Plymouth Police at 763- 509-5160. Plymouth Police Department 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, Plymouth, MN 55447 police Ca ci.plyn-iouthmin.us F -ax: 763-5i49-.,167 Page 21 JOHN and LYNNE BRENNAN 2345 Troy Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 763-473-10785 Dffpoint@aol_com October 22. 2009 Plymouth Public Works City ofPlyniouth 14900 23rd Avenue North Plymouth. MN 55447 ATTENTION: Mr. Tons Vetsch Re. Tornado Clean -Up Dear Mr. Vetsch: OCT 2 31 2309 I am belatedly writing to thank your Department for the 1-ine work it performed following the August 8, 2009 tornado. Our home took a direct hit from both the storm and a number of trees. We suffered substantial damage. Your crews appeared wvithin hours following the storm. That night, they cleared the trees and debris from the streets. For the next 2f2 days, they diligently worked to remove whatever trees and brush we were able to drag down to the streets. Since our tree loss was extensive, I cannot imagine how many tons of wood and brush they hauled from our yard alone. Without their help, this ordeal would have been much worse for all of us. The only person I was able to personally thank Naas Kevin Mastey, Utilities Leadperson. When I asked if I could tip his crew, he laughed at the suggestion. When I asked if we could at least leave a cooler of water bottles at the end of the driveway, he politely declined. He made it clear that he and the other employees were simply doing their job. He demonstrated a great attitude which was obviously shared by all of the Plymouth employees on the scene. My wife and I have enjoyed being residents of Plymouth for the last 22 years. It was particularly rewarding to see how our City and its employees came to our assistance during this crisis. I would hope that the members of Vour Department who worked so hard could be given Page 22 Plymouth Public Works October 22, 2009 Page 2 some public recognition for their efforts. If there is an"Ilu ng I can do beyond writing this letter. please let nye lmmv.. Sincerely yours. r' John H. Breiuian ]HBltls cc: The Honorable Kelli Slavik Mr. Kevui Maste), L':'.WP\Docs4BRENNAN' raruado 20090ymouth Public Works_doc Page 23