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Council Information Memorandum 08-08-2008
CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO August 8, 2008 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS EQCAgenda 08/13/08 ..........................................................................................................................Page 1 PRACAgenda 08/14/08.......................................................................................................................Page 2 August, September, October 2008 Official City Meeting Calendars .................................................. Page 3 Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ..................................................... Page 6 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc... In the Suburbs, Population Growth Sees a Diverse Shift, Article Star & Trib.................................... Page 7 PACT to Hold Public Hearing on Dial -A -Ride, News Release............................................................ Page 9 Plymouth: A Best Place to Live, Plymouth Community Foundation .................................................. Page 11 Opting Out of Annual Night Out, Article Star & Trib........................................................................Page 12 Roundabouts Take Off But Leave Drivers a Little Loopy, Article Star & Trib.................................. Page 15 Recycle: To Sort or Not to Sort?, Article Star & Trib......................................................................... Page 18 Judge Turns Billboard Off and a New Debate On, Article Star & Trib.............................................. Page 21 Aging Four Seasons Mall, on Strategic Plymouth Site, Available for $12.5M, Finance & Commerce ... Page 23 MEETING MINUTES Wayzata Communities in Collaboration Council Minutes 05/08/08 .................................................. Page 24 PACT Committee Minutes 06/25/08.................................................................................................. Page 27 Highway 55 Corridor Coalition Committee Meeting 06/27/08......................................................... Page 31 Planning Commission Meeting 07/16/08...........................................................................................Page 35 CORRESPONDENCE Letter from Hennepin County District Court, RE: Court Update ...................................................... Page 56 Email from Evanson, RE: Troop Support ...........................................................................................Page 57 Letter from Lam, RE: Bike Paths/Lanes............................................................................................Page 58 Letter from Eureka, RE: Change of Directors.................................................................................... Page 60 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE AGENDA Wednesday August 13, 2008 WHERE: MEDICINE LAKE ROOM 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 Environmental Quality Committee and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Committee member, or citizen 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. PUBLIC FORUM —Individuals may address the Committee about any item not contained in the regular agenda. A maximum of 15 minutes is allotted for the Forum. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - EQCMembers may add items to the agenda including items contained in the EQC Info Memo for discussion purposes or staff direction only. The EQC will not normally take official action on items added to the agenda. 4. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENTS 5. CONSENT AGENDA* A. Approve the June 11, 2008 Environmental Quality Committee Minutes 6. PUBLIC HEARING 7. GENERAL BUSINESS A. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) discussion 8. REPORTS AND STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS 9. FUTURE MEETINGS — September 10, 2008 10. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission August 14, 2008, 7 p.m. AGENDA * REMEMBER THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT PLYMOUTH CREEK 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes 3. Visitor Presentations a. Athletic Associations b. Guest c. Staff - Plymouth Creek Activity Center- Rick Busch Senior Programs -Sara Mittlestaedt 4. Report on Past Council Action a. 5. Unfinished Business a. Update - Bocce Ball b. Update- West Medicine Lake c. Update- Electric Signs d. C.I.P. 6. New Business a. Millennium Garden Art 7. Commission Presentation S. Staff Communication 9. Adjourn Next regular meeting - September 11, 2008 Page 2 rp) City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life August 2008 Modified on 08/08/08 Page 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 2:30-5:00 PM 7:00 PM � Absentee National Night PLANNING = Out Kick -Off COMMISSION Voting Station III MEETING Begins for State Council Chambers Primary Election 6:30.9:30 PM NATIONAL NIGHT OUT 10 11 12 5:30 PM 13 14 15 16 SPECIAL COUNCIL 7:00 PM 7:00 PM MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL PARK a REC Medicine Lake Room QUALITY ADVISORY COM- Diat-A-Ride Services COMMITTEE MISSION (PRAC) (EQC) MEETING MEETING 7:00 PM Medicine Lake Room Council Chambers REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 6:30 PM 7:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL PLANNING MEETING COMMISSION Medicine Lake Room MEETING 2009 Budget Council Chambers 24 25 City Council 26 27 28 29 30 Filings Begin— 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 5:30 PM PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room Medicine Lake Rowe COMMITTEE ON 2009 Budget TRANSIT (PACT) 7:00 PM MEETING Et 31 REGULAR COUNCIL HEARING` • Hearing on Dial -A -R de Services MEETING Council Chambers Council Chambers •• City Council Filing Begin thru September S Modified on 08/08/08 Page 3 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life September 2008 Modified on 08/08/08 Page 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7:00 PM 7:00 PM PLANNING HUMAN RIGHTS 10:00 AM— COMMISSION COMMISSION 3:00 PM LABOR DAY MEETING MEETING Absentee Voting Council Chambers Parkers Lake CITY OFFICES Conference Room CLOSED 7 8 9 � e:ooM 10 11 12 13 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 111111- 8:00 AM— STATE PRIMARY ENVIRONMENTAL PARK Ft REG ADVI. = 5:00 PM ELECTION QUALITY SORY COMMISSION Absentee Voting 5:00 PM City Council COMMITTEE (PRAC) MEETING Filings Close (EQC) MEETING Council Chambers 8:00 PM 5:00 PM Medicine Lake Room REGULAR COUNCIL Deadline to MEETING Withdraw for Council Chambers Council Filings 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 7:00 PM Autumn PLANNING Art Fair COMMISSION Parkers Lake MEETING Council Chambers 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING MEETING ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room Council Chambers COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) MEETING Medicine Lake Room A 28 29 30 — -- ROSH HASHANAH Begins at Sunset Modified on 08/08/08 Page 4 ®City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life October 2008 Modified on 08/08/08 Page 5 1 7:00 PM 2 3 �_ Absentee 4 1:o0 PM PLANNING — Voting Plymouth COMMISSION Begins for On Parade MEETING General Election Celebration Council Chambers City Center Area 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 6:30-8:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Volunteer ENVIRONMENTAL PARK 8: REC 12:00-4:00 PM Recognition Event QUALITY ADVISORY COM- Fire Dept. Plymouth Creek COMMITTEE MISSION (PRAC) Open House Center (EQC) MEETING MEETING Fire Station III Medicine Lake Room Council Chambers YOM KIPPUR ins at Sunset 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 — 7:00 PM 7;00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL PLANNING COLUMBUS DAY MEETING COMMISSION Observed Council Chambers MEETING Council Chambers PLYMOUTH PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION CLOSED 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 7:00 PM 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) MEETING Medicine Lake Room A 26 27 28 29 30 31 Daylight 7:00 PM 5:30-8:3013M Savings REGULAR COUNCIL Halloween on Ends MEETING the Creek Set Clocks Back t Council Chambers Plymouth Creek Hour Center Modified on 08/08/08 Page 5 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items August 19, Special, 6:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Discuss 2009 Budget August 26, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Discuss 2009 Budget August 26, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Deny variance to allow construction of a 625 square foot detached garage in the front yard for property located at 5755 Juneau Lane. James Claseman. (2008047) • Update on West Medicine Lake Park building • Approve purchase of radios for emergency equipment • Approve planned unit development (PUD) amendment for additional signage at M & I Bank located at 3245 Vicksburg Lane North. M & I Banks Minnesota. (2008044) • Approve zoning ordinance text amendment that would allow a delicatessen/coffee house without drive-thru service as a permitted use in the C-1 (Convenience Commercial) Zoning District. City of Plymouth. (2008059) • Approve final plat for Taryn Hills 8`h Addition for 47 lots and 15 outlots for property located south of County Road 47 and east of Vicksburg Lane. U.S. Home Corporation. (2008058) September 9, Regular, 8:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Adopt preliminary 2009 budget and tax levy September 23, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Transmit Comprehensive Plan to Metropolitan Council. City of Plymouth. (2005050) October 14, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers October 28, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers November 10, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers November 25, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. page 6 In the suburbs, population growth sees a diverse shift http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_ This Story?s id=26362599 StarTribune.com MINNEAPOLIS -ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA In the suburbs, population growth sees a diverse shift By DAVID PETERSON, Star Tribune August 6, 2008 Arriving in the Twin Cities 20 years ago, Vietnamese immigrant Tracy Tran remembers standing out as the rare Asian at Apple Valley High School. These days, the clientele at Tran's new Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar in downtown Apple Valley can be almost entirely Asian, and the employees include Asians and Latinos. "People are so used to the idea that'Apple Valley is where all the white people are,"' she said. "But Apple Valley is actually very diverse. You see more different types of skin in every neighborhood now." New census numbers emerging today suggest that all of the three big suburban counties in the Twin Cities area have undergone a decisive shift in this decade, compared with the 1990s. People of color now account for more of their population growth than whites. Even experienced demographic analysts blinked when they saw the new numbers for Dakota, Anoka and Washington counties. But they stressed that the reasons behind the numbers are subtle. Plenty of white people are still settling in fast-growing suburbs such as Woodbury, Lakeville and Blaine. Dakota County is almost 90 percent white. But that type of growth is slowing. In older suburbs, meanwhile, an aging white population is passing from the scene. And across these counties, vast numbers of white households are emptying out, as baby boomer parents see their grown kids off to colleges and apartments. Meanwhile, a single immigrant decision to move into a city like Eagan can bring multiple generations. "My neighborhood in Eagan looks a lot different than it did when we arrived in 1991;" said Jane Vanderpoel, an analyst for Dakota County. "Two doors down there's an Asian household with two elderly women who take care of several kids while Mom and Dad work. Down the street there's a Somali family with teens, Mom, Dad -- and what looks like grandparents." Although influenced locally by the particular blend of a large number of Southeast Asians and African refugees, the trend is national, said Hazel Reinhardt, an Edina -based demographer. "The pattern in many large metros is that cities are becoming more white, while losing minorities to suburban areas," she said. "And that's what we're seeing here very Page 7 I of 2 8/7/2008 729 AM In the suburbs, population growth sees a diverse shift http://www.startribune.coin/templates/Print_ This_Story?sid=26362599 dramatically." The reasons for that are many, said Katherine Fennelly, a University of Minnesota immigration expert who co -wrote a chapter on the Twin Cities' experience in a new book on suburban diversity nationwide. Perhaps most fundamentally, she said, minorities today are much likelier than whites to be at that phase of life at which the suburbs are most attractive: parents of young kids, seeking safe neighborhoods and quality schools. "Nationally the Hispanic population in 2006 had a median age of 27, compared with 36 among the population as a whole," she said. "About a third of the Hispanic population was younger than 18, compared with a quarter of the total population." Today's census data are just by county, and don't separate Minneapolis or St. Paul from their suburbs in Hennepin and Ramsey counties. But the same things are happening in those counties, Fennelly said. For example, her book reports, nearly 7,000 refugees entered Minnesota between January 2005 and May 2006. Over a third were resettled in the suburbs of the Twin Cities. The largest groupings: Liberians in Brooklyn Park, Hmong in Brooklyn Center and Somalis in Eden Prairie. In Dakota County, meanwhile, Tracy Tran's kids are living a childhood much like her own. For the past four to five years she and her Chinese-American husband have been in Lakeville, where things for her 9 -year-old son are a bit like they were for her, closer in, decades ago. "He goes to school in Farmington, which is still not the area a lot of [minorities] like to move to yet. I see the school yearbook" and there are very few Asians. David Peterson • 612-673-4440 © 2008 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. Page 8 2 of 2 8/7/21 City of Plymouth News Release For hnmediate Release Contact: August 1, 2008 Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Reductions to Plymouth Dial -A -Ride Bus Service and Dial -A -Ride Fare Increase The Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit (PACT) will hear public comment on a proposal to increase Dial -A -Ride fares and eliminate Saturday service for the shared, curb -to -curb bus service. The hearing is set for Wed., Aug. 27, 7 p.m., at Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. The proposed changes are being considered to offset the effect of rising gas prices. The current cost to use the shared ride, curb -to -curb bus service is $2 per ride. Under the proposal being considered, fares would increase to $3.50 per ride. "Currently it costs the City of Plymouth about $17 for each Dial -A -Ride passenger. The rider pays $2 so the City pays an average of $15 per passenger from the Transit Fund, which is funded through Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes. This cost increases as the cost of fuel increases. This proposed increase in fare is aimed at offsetting the rising cost of fuel," said Sarah Hellekson, transit manager. The proposal would also affect service hours. Currently, Dial -A -Ride operates Monday through Friday 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The proposal would eliminate Saturday service. Eliminating the Saturday service is a program savings of over $800 per Saturday or $42,500 per year. These savings could be reallocated to other Plymouth transit services, including Plymouth Metrolink. Considering a reduction in passengers, and an increase in fares, it is estimated that a fare increase beginning October 1, 2008 would create an additional $75,000 annually in revenue, according to Hellekson. Page 9 Written comments will be received through August 19 and can be directed to the Transit Coordinator at the City of Plymouth, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, Plymouth, 55447, by fax at 763-509- 5510,ortransit@ci.plymouth.mn.us. If assistance will be needed at the meeting, please contact the Transit Coordinator at transit@ci.plymouth.mn.us, 763-509-5535 or on the TDD line at 763-509-5065. Page 10 July zoos P,,,,,UTH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION rl mouth: A be5t Pace to LIVe For Now and the Future The City of Plymouth was recently ranked as the number one city to live in among the top 100 cities in the nation, according to CNN Money.com. Cited in the story are the city's top-notch schools, good jobs, affordable housing, low crime and active outdoor culture. As a Board, we want to congratulate the city on this deserving award! The Plymouth Community Foun- dation's mission directly aligns with the attributes of the city that were recognized so highly. The PCF diligently works to provide grants to non-profit organizations in the areas of arts and culture, parks and open spaces, social needs and education. The article points out that these are areas valued by Plymouth citizens. It recognizes the city's main school district as ranking among the top three in the state. As for culture, Plymouth's open - air amphitheater — the Hilde Performance Center— hosts numerous summer concerts, perhaps most notably, the Music In Plymouth celebration hosted yearly by the Plymouth Civic League and the City of Plymouth (PCF is an annual contributor to this event). In addition, Plymouth residents can enjoy the city's eight lakes and many parks and open spaces. Keeping Plymouth Strong As a Community Foundation, with your ongoing support, we pledge to continue working to keep Plymouth a strong com- munity. The funds we raise will go directly back to this great community to help keep it strong and vibrant. rounding F)oard Member Remembered The Plymouth Community Foundation lost one of its founding board members when Frank H. Weir recently passed away after a courageous fight with cancer. Frank was an in- spiring and dedicated Ply- mouth citizen who practiced the Rotary motto of Service Above Self. Frank had served in numerous capacities in the community including President of the Ro- tary Club of Plymouth, a mem- ber of the Plymouth Planning Commission, an active mem- ber and President of Peace Lutheran Church and Board member of Treehouse. Prior to this. he served over 20 years on New Jersey school boards and was Vice President of the NJ State School Board Association. His affable demeanor, wry wit, and keen interest in commu- nity service will be missed. Frank leaves behind his wife of over 50 years, Anne, and two daughters, five siblings, and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The Plymouth Community Foundation PI ymouth Facts* Financial: • Median family income (per year) is $111,631 • Job growth is 7.89% Housing: Median home price is $288,950 Number of colleges, universities and professional schools (within 30 miles) is 27 % of students attending public/ private schools is 88% Quality of Life: Air quality index is 70.1% Median commute time is 21.0 minutes Weather: Annual rainfall is 29.81 inches Meet the Neighbors: • Median age is 37.8 • Completed at least some college: 83.3% 'From Mmoney.com Page 11 Opting out of annual Night Out http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_ This Story?sid=26226844 StarTribune,cont MINNEAPOLIS-ST.PAUL, MINNESOTA Opting out of annual Night Out By JOY POWELL, Star Tribune August 4, 2008 Thousands of Minnesotans will take to their porches and lawns Tuesday in the annual celebration that unites neighbors as a way to keep communities safe. But several communities are not participating in the National Night Out event this year because of a controversy over how much the group's national leader, Matt Peskin, takes in -- $322,000 in salary and benefits. In Golden Valley, officials have dubbed their new locally focused Tuesday event "Night to Unite" Minnetonka and Dakota County are launching their own efforts, and Blaine and South St. Paul plan to do so next year. The Minnesota Crime Prevention Association is meeting Aug. 8 to talk about whether to start a new state -based effort next year. "It's all about fiscal irresponsibility," Deb Griffith, chairwoman of the Tuesday night event for the Minnesota association, said about Peskin's compensation, which is a third of the National Night Out organization's $1 million budget. But Peskin said National Night Out participation is up this year in Minnesota and nationwide. Peskin also said that his compensation is fair. Many communities, including Minneapolis, St. Paul and Burnsville, are sticking with his program. "What on Earth does Matt Peskin's salary have to do with anything?" asked John Baumann, who manages Night Out activities for Minneapolis. He said 1,100 Minneapolis blocks are registered this year. "The story here is lots and lots of people getting to know their neighbors better.... It's about what are you going to do at the local level to get crime under control, and this is one of the pieces you can do," he said. Comparing take home But Dakota County Attorney Jim Backstrom said Peskin's pay shouldn't be triple the salary of most county sheriffs or district attorneys. Backstrom said he and Sheriff Don Gudmundson decided, because of Peskin's pay and other issues, that their county wouldn't register this year with National Night Out and would instead opt for a weeklong local effort coinciding with the County Fair. "Celebrating Safe Communities in Dakota County" will be promoted at the fair Aug. 4-10 and at libraries. Cities within the county still can opt to sign on with the National Night Out program. Page 12 1 of 3 8/5/2008 8:02 AM Opting out of annual Night Out http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print This Story?sid=26226844 Griffith, in her role as community affairs liaison for South St. Paul, said she has had only positive comments from residents about the city's plan to opt out of National Night Out next year. "From what I am hearing from my community members -- residents in town, block party captains and just the general public -- is that they applaud the decision that we made for the change." Minnetonka Police Chief Mark Raquet is among the law enforcement leaders who took note of Peskin's pay, as well as makeup of the board of directors, which until recently included Peskin's friends and relatives. "We just felt that we are philosophically different than what they're doing now," Raquet said, adding that Minnetonka may go back to Peskin's nonprofit if changes are made. Defending the outlay As executive director of National Night Out's umbrella organization-- National Association of Town Watch -- Peskin said this week that he earns $280,000, with $42,000 in benefits. He defended his compensation, saying he worked 30 years to develop the anti-crime program and earned little in the early years. His nonprofit owns the trademark name National Night Out and sells an array of products for block parties, from balloons to banners. "My compensation is just one measure of NATW," Peskin said from Wynnewood, Pa., where the organization is based. "The real measure is what National Night Out accomplishes. This year, National Night Out will bring together 36 million Americans, in 12,000 communities, including the 1,243 Minnesota communities, who will be participating this year. It's one night when people across the country celebrate being neighbors." He said his organization works all year to help community organizers and police departments prepare for their Night Out, as well as with yearlong, community-based crime prevention efforts. But Kim Kiley, the Night Out liaison for Blaine, is among those who question Peskin's numbers, and how he defines a "community." Peskin responded that a community "is defined by the coordinator that signs up for a specified area, which can equate to one or multiple blocks, streets, neighborhoods or cities." Sheriff Gudmundson noted his unease knowing that the National Association of Town Watch board included some of Peskin's friends and relatives. "When you see that, it sends up a red flag," the sheriff said. Last week, Peskin said that no family members now serve on the board and that he has been working with a consultant recommended by a sponsor, Target Corp., to assess the governance and related issues involved with the National Association of Town Watch. For at least some, though, Peskin's compensation can't be overlooked. Page 13 2 of 3 8/51200 Opting out of annual Night Out http://www.startribtine.com/templates/Print_This Story?sid-26226844 "When he's making over $300,000 a year, that's a lot of money for a nonprofit organization," said Griffith, of the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, a statewide nonprofit organization of citizens, law enforcement officers and crime -prevention specialists. When the group meets this week, she said, it will talk about creating a new package of information for coordinators of such night -out programs in Minnesota communities, much like the packet Peskin's group now mails out free. Monica Jensen, spokeswoman for the Dakota County attorney's office and former vice president of the association, said that the bottom line is Peskin's income. " I look at this as one night -- or one time frame of an activity -- versus the chiefs of police, the cops, the deputies, who are out there day in and day out, and who make a fraction of that;' she said. "We're done with National Association of Town Watch, so I wish him well." Joy Powell • 952-882-9017 © 2008 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. 3 of 3 8/5/2008 Page 14 Roundabouts take off but leave drivers a little loopy http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story9sid=26264309 StarTribune,corn MINNEAPOLIS-ST.PAUL, MINNESOTA Roundabouts take off but leave drivers a little loopy By MARY JANE SMETANKA, Star Tribune August 4, 2008 Judy King of Stillwater is no neophyte driver. But she didn't like the intersection she encountered when she drove to a soccer field in Woodbury. It was a roundabout, one of the circular intersections that are popping up in Minnesota as an alternative to traditional intersections with stop signs or traffic lights. "I've been driving for 30 years, and I don't really know how I'm supposed to go through it," King said. "I think a lot of people are confused." The chance to be confused is growing, because Minnesota road officials have fallen in love with roundabouts. As of March, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, 86 roundabouts had been built, were under construction or were planned in the state. That was up 39 percent from a tally made just eight months before. Blaine, Burnsville, Rochester, Brooklyn Park, Rosemount and Cottage Grove all have roundabouts. Last year, Edina opened three roundabouts within half a mile on a retail strip of W. 70th Street between York and France Avenues. One of the most ambitious recent projects is in Richfield, where a two-lane roundabout is replacing the city's most dangerous intersection, at Portland Avenue and 66th Street. The old intersection had traffic lights but no left -turn lanes. It was made riskier by a hill that prevented some drivers from seeing approaching traffic. There have been about 30 crashes there each year, some of them severe. A roundabout should be "a tremendous improvement," said Richfield transportation engineer Tom Foley. "We have no worry about people zipping through a yellow light like they do at an intersection." Seeing fewer crashes National data indicate crash rates drop 35 percent and severe injuries decrease by 76 percent when four-way intersections are converted to roundabouts. MnDOT's analysis of a roundabout built at the intersection of Hwy. 13 and County Road 2 in Scott County shows a similar reduction in crashes. In the five years before the roundabout was built, the intersection had two fatal accidents, 26 crashes with injuries to 50 people, and nine accidents that resulted in property damage. Since the roundabout opened in 2005, four crashes have been reported, with three resulting in injury and none in fatalities. Near Edina's three single -lane roundabouts, Police Chief Mike Siitari said, there have Page 15 1 of 3 8/5/2008 8:03 AM Roundabouts take off but leave drivers a little loopy http://www.startribune.conVtemplates/Print_This_Story?sid=26264309 been eight minor accidents in nine months. "There does not appear to be a significant problem with accidents there," he said. "It slows the traffic significantly." Therein lies the attraction for traffic engineers: Ideally, traffic never stops moving in roundabouts, but they're quite safe because drivers must slow to 15 to 20 miles per hour to enter the circles. Accidents usually are fender benders. In Maple Grove, where three roundabouts opened on busy roads in 2005, there haven't been any serious accidents, said city traffic engineer Marc Culver. "Every once in a while we would see a piece of a turn signal [lying in the road]," he said. "We did have an initial negative reaction, but there haven't been any big complaints in 18 months. They've been working very well." But drivers are still getting used to them, Culver said. "Sometimes at peak hours we'll see a car stop and two or three cars stop behind them," he said. "Generally, it clears out very quickly. But for some people, the comfort level's not there yet." Education on the round In Richfield, a two-lane roundabout on 66th Street opened in October outside the new Cedar Point Commons retail development. Foley estimated six accidents have happened there. The biggest problem for drivers, he said, is understanding that cars on the inside lane have the right of way when exiting. Many drivers seem go out of their way to be considerate, he said. He's seen some drivers who have the right of way encourage timid drivers by stopping and tooting their horn to get them to enter the circle. "It's kind of a community education program," Foley said. King wants more than courtesy from other drivers. She thinks a public service campaign is needed to explain how roundabouts work. She was impressed when she saw drivers in Australia smoothly navigating two-way roundabouts. "Everyone knew what that inside lane was used for," King said. "Here, it's very, very new. Everyone is just a little puzzled." Cities have started to use "fishhook signs" that illustrate how traffic is supposed to flow in two-lane roundabouts. In Washington County, where a two-lane roundabout opened last year at Radio Drive and Bailey Road in Woodbury, the county has changed pavement striping and signs to help people understand how to approach the roundabout. They've run "Roundabout U" sessions and are doing newsletters on the subject, too. While there have been 22 crashes in the roundabout, they've been "minor fender benders," said Cory Slagle, county engineering and construction manager. At the old 2 of 8/5/20 Page 16 Roundabouts take off but leave drivers a little loopy http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_ This Story?sid=26264309 intersection, drivers going at least 50 miles per hour on both roads ran the risk of T-bone crashes if someone ran a stop sign. Slagle said the rules in a two-lane roundabout are simple: Yield to drivers already in the circle. If you're going straight or making a right turn, stay in the right lane. If you're making a left turn, you should be in the center lane. You can also go straight. "There is a learning curve here," he said. "But crashes should go down." Mary Jane Smetanka • 612-673-7380 © 2008 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. 3 of 8/5/20( Page V Recycle: To sort or not to sort? http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print ThisStory?sid=26264604 StarTribune+Coal MINNEAPOLIS -ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA Recycle: To sort or not to sort? By H.J. CUMMINS, Star Tribune August 4, 2008 The thought is a natural one for those going through the chore of sorting their recyclables: Do I have to do this? It's a question that even recycling haulers can't agree on. And as recycled materials fetch higher prices, the stakes are rising as they compete for contracts. The big national haulers, No. 1 Waste Management and No. 2 Allied Waste Industries, which handle collections for about 300,000 households in the metro Twin Cities, are promoting a "single stream" system where customers put all recyclables -- paper, glass, plastic and metals -- into one cart. People prefer the convenience, so they recycle more, these companies argue. Some Minnesota recycling haulers, including Eureka Recycling in St. Paul and Randy's Environmental Services out of Delano, advocate sticking with the traditional "double -stream" system, where households sort their recyclables into two groups: separating the paper from containers of glass, plastic and metal. Maybe the big carts increase collections, but all those materials gets smashed together inside, making them unusable, they argue. The disagreement resurfaces periodically, as local governments bidding out the pickup contracts get hit with both sales pitches. And last month, Allied Waste said it's sweetening the pot by offering store coupons as customer rewards, which it's testing in three markets across the country, including the Twin Cities. The more a household recycles, the more coupons it wins, redeemable at scores of retailers as varied as grocery stores, Ikea and Target.com. Looking for advice, cities went to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency as long as two years ago. The agency commissioned a report, by Tim Goodman & Associates in St. Louis Park, but by citing pros and cons for each it resolves little. "Right now, personally, I would have to give the edge to two -sort, in terms of the quality of the actual recycled materials," Goodman said. "But people still have disagreements, and they feel very strongly one way or the other." Americans produce an average of 4.6 pounds of trash per person per day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Minnesota is near the top of the states in recycling its trash -- at 43.2 percent of its solid waste, it is second only to Oregon. Market forces may start bumping up rates everywhere, however. Commodities prices for the materials bailed or binned out of recycling centers -- to be remade into new water bottles, cans, and more -- are climbing steeply, with analysts citing once again voracious demand out of China. A ton of recycled newsprint in the New Page 18 I of 3 8/5/2008 931 AM Recycle: To sort or not to sort? http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print This_Story?sid-26264604 York market rose from $120 in January to $200 this month, said Mark Arzoumanian, editor of industry publication Official Board Markets. Comparable increases on the recyclables spot markets have aluminum priced at $2,000 a ton and plastics at $440 a ton. That has haulers working to increase their emphasis on recycling, and the payoff is already showing up. At Allied Waste, for example, revenue from sales of recyclables rose 21 percent last year from 2006 to $257 million, according to its annual report. Collecting coupons One sign of Phoenix -based Allied Waste's growing interest in the recycling business is the new RecycleBank partnership that it's now marketing to metro -area communities. RecycleBank weighs the recyclables collections and awards store coupons to customers based on how much they recycle. Popular coupons among customers include local grocery stores, saving families as much as $20 a month on their food bills, said Ron Gonen, CEO of the Pennsylvania -based company. Maple Grove is one community Allied Waste and RecycleBank have approached, because its current recycling contract expires at the end of this year, City Manager Al Madsen said. Madsen believes both the convenience of no sorting and the incentive program might appeal to city residents, and encourage recycling. And at least one resident agrees. "The easier you make it, the more people will do it," said Kristin Archer. And the coupons? "I totally think that when I'm considering whether to walk that tin can to the street, this would give me that little more incentive," Archer said. Keeping it clean Randy's Environmental Services just bet $8 million on double -stream recycling with a trash hauling and recycling facility it opened last summer. "The value of the commodities is better protected with the two streams," said Jim Wollschlager, operations director. "We just feel it's the better way of recycling." The customers in Goodman's report agreed -- the paper mills and glass companies, for example, that buy the materials from recycling facilities. They told Goodman they're seeing a dramatic increase in contamination -- glass shards in paper and metal flecks in plastics -- that makes the materials worth less, or even worthless, he said. On average, the report said, two -stream operations lost 6.4 percent of their materials to contamination, compared with 27.7 percent for single -stream operations. However, the buyers also told Goodman a lot depends on the facility, with some single -sort processors just as clean as the two -sorters. Wollschlager estimated Randy's at 3 to 4 percent. In an interview, Waste Management spokeswoman Julie Ketchum put contamination rates at its two Minnesota facilities at about 6 percent. Still, many see a future of not less sorting, but more. One Burnsville household prefers more sorting. David and Mindy Limberg said they question how well their current single -source service really works. "It's easy for us, but I have less confidence all of it is 2 o1`3 8/5/20 Page 19 Recycle: To sort or not to sort? http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print This_Story?sid=26264604 getting recycled," David said. In Wayzata, a Randy's Services client, residents sort "organics" -- such as food scraps, pizza boxes and full vacuum cleaner bags -- from their regular trash. City recycling coordinator Sonny Clark said Wayzata saves on dumping fees: $15 a ton for organics, compared with $50 for trash. Minneapolis, which has residents sort their own recyclables into at least four groups -- paper, plastic, glass and metals -- earned $1.6 million on its recycling program last year, said recycling director Susan Young. "We were able to cover increased costs in fuel and personnel for 2008," Young said. "Water went up, sewer went up, and the storm -water fee went up, but the solid -waste fee stayed the same." H.J. Cummins • 612-673-4671 © 2008 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. 3 o1`3 8/5/20 Page 20 Judge turns billboard off and a new debate on Page I of 2 StarTribune.com MINNEAPOLIS -ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA Judge turns billboard off and a new debate on By DAVID PETERSON, Star Tribune August 4, 2008 In the first court decision of its kind in Minnesota, a judge in Ramsey County has ordered Clear Channel Outdoor Inc. to shut off a flashing electronic billboard it installed in Arden Hills nearly two years ago without the city's permission. The billboard -- one of a new generation that critics say threatens to turn American freeways into mini -Las Vegas strips -- was one of eight the company installed throughout the Twin Cities area, setting off a host of repercussions. Attorneys for the city say that the ruling of J. Thomas Mott, a district judge in Ramsey County, is a major signal from the courts that these billboards do in fact represent a fundamental change and one that cities have the power to stop. "The practical effect," said attorney John Baker, of the Minneapolis firm Greene Espel and representing Arden Hills, "is that it prevents a billboard company from unilaterally putting up a dynamic sign and saying it has a right to disregard local laws. To the contrary, it is an expansion of what they had before, and they've got to obey the laws as written." Clear Channel attorneys could not be reached for comment. Late in 2006, the company installed eight such billboards in the Twin Cities area, from Minnetonka in the west to Maplewood and Eagan in the east. Minnetonka took the early lead in fighting back, describing the two installed there as an attempted end run around the objections that the company knew the city would have if it fully understood what was going on. In the end a deal was reached: The city agreed to let them operate, provided the company tore down others within the city limits. Arden Hills was different, said Baker, who represented both cities. "There are only two billboards in the entire city, about 100 feet apart from one another," near the intersection of Interstates 35W and 694. Arden Hills chose to press its case before the courts. In his ruling, signed on Friday, Mott dismissed the company's claim that switching from a static, conventional billboard to a digital one, similar to a television set, is an "improvement." Rather, he wrote, the change must be seen as "an enlargement and an expansion," which makes it illegal under local and state laws unless permission is granted. He Page 21 http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print This_Story?sid=26265529 8/5/2008 Judge turns billboard off and a new debate on ordered the company to shut the electricity down within seven days and remove the billboard from the site within 90 days. If the company lost the case, however, Baker said, it achieved its aims for quite some time. "This ruling is a complete rejection of their original complaint" against the city," he said, "but I suspect if you drive by today, you'd see still it operating. In that respect, it's not a complete loss for Clear Channel," which got many months of use out of it and can now move it to another spot. David Peterson • 612-673-4440 © 2005 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story?sid=26265529 Page 2 of 2 Page 22 Finance and Commerce - Aging Four Seasons Mall, on strategic Plymouth site, available ... Page 1 of 1 FiNANCEANDCOMMERCE Real Estate August 7. 2008 Aging Four Seasons Mall, on strategic Plymouth site, available for $12.5M by Burl Gilyard Staff Writer It's only 30 years old, but Plymouth's Four Seasons Mall is clearly showing signs of old age. The drab strip center is nearly half empty and regarded by neighbors as an eyesore. But the property's owners and city planners are hoping that a new owner sees a fresh redevelopment opportunity. The Four Seasons Mall hit the market a few weeks ago: the 17.3 acre site is listed for $12.5 million. Presumably, a new buyer would raze the site and start fresh. "We're looking for somebody who looks at the site and says'I have a vision'," said Bob Pounds, senior vice president with Minnetonka - based Welsh Cos., which is listing the property for sale. "The property is just functionally obsolete." One of the property's key assets is its location at 4200 Lancaster Lane N., at the southwest corner of the highly -traveled intersection Highway 169/Rockford Road intersection. Another draw is the size of the site. "We believe it to be one of the largest tracts of available line inside the (Interstate 494/694) Beltway," Pounds said. The 101,000 square foot center is currently 53 percent occupied. Two tenants, Fresh & Natural Foods and Kaplan Business Schools, both have leases in place through 2015. Those businesses are located next to each other on the north end of the project. That could allow the rest of the site to be redeveloped while they remain in their current locations. The other tenants in the mall — including a Thai restaurant, a liquor store, a hair salon and quilt shop — are either on month-to-month leases or have leases that allow the landlord to terminate the lease in exchange for a fee. A Snyders Drug Store in the mall closed at the end of December. The property is owned by Four Seasons II LLC, which paid about $2.74 million for the property in July 1996. Robert Rappaport of Hopkins -based Consolidated Investment Properties is the managing partner of the LLC. The property currently has an assessed value of $7.2 million, according to Hennepin County records. The city's comprehensive plan for the area calls for mixed-use development on the site. "The bottom line is we're pretty Flexible," said Steve Juetten. community development director for the city of Plymouth. "Traffic is going to be the biggest hurdle and it will probably ultimately control to a certain extent the uses that can go there. I honestly do think the best is some type of mixed use: some retail, some office." Juetten said that the city previously had a deal to lease a "park and ride" lot on a section of the Four Seasons Mall parking lot, but that the deal ended earlier this year. "We'd love to bring it back and have it be part of a redevelopment," Juetten said. Pounds said that the site is large enough to offer developers some options, but he does not expect that it will draw a big -box retailer. "It's not going to be a giant box: the city is not going to be welcoming to that kind of use, I think it's going to be kind of medium -scale retail; Pounds said. "It may be one building, it could be a series of buildings on the site. It's by all measures under -developed. Whatever ends up there is going to have a very prominent, strategic location." Copyright 2008 Finance and Commerce All Rights Reserved U.S. Trust Building Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55402 (612) 333-0244 Page 23 http://www.finance-commerce.com/print.cfm?recID=8408 8/7/2008 MINUTES WAYZATA COMMUNITIES IN COLLABORATION COUNCIL May 8, 2008 No Meeting in June or July Next Meeting: Wednesday, AUGUST 13 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM Site To Be Determined PRESENT Brenda Heim, Susan Sommerfeld, Peggy Douglas, Donna Marget, Linnea Lind, Fran Beard, Becca Fink, Lynn Zemlin, Jim Brandl, Bob Ostlund, Angela Haseman, Kristin Tollison, Cheryl Lubinski and Carol Bergenstal OVERVIEW OF CICC AND LOCAL COLLABORATIVE TIME STUDY (LCTS) • A quick history of the start of the Communities in Collaboration Council in the Wayzata School District was presented. • Jim Brandi reminded the group that the driving force that impacted the formation of the CICC in 1993 was the growing need for space in the district --- and the need to collaborate with community partners to access that space. • The mission of the CICC is improve the social, emotional, educational, and economic outcomes of all children and families by mitigating risk factors and enhancing protective factors through the creation of an integrated service delivery system. • LCTS funds became available in 1998. LCTS is funded through two federal funding streams: 1. Title IV E (Foster Care) of the Social Security Act - to prevent out -of - home placement 2. Medicaid funds — to address the needs of low-income children • To determine LCTS reimbursement levels in each school district, Random Moment Surveys of school staff take place periodically throughout the year to determine how much time is spent in reimbursable activities with high risk students. • The school district receives LCTS income based on the Random Moment Surveys and based on the cost to the District of employing the staff who work with high risk students. • Due to federal administrative changes in Title IV E and Medicaid in recent years, the eligibility requirements to access LCTS funds have been tightened and, as a result, LCTS income has declined. • In addition, based on a Federal audit of LCTS income received in the State of Minnesota in 2004, it has been determined that $8.3 million of that income was disallowed and must be paid back. • Efforts are underway at the MN State Legislature to provide funding to school districts that are impacted by the disallowance. Page 24 • In addition, the US Congress is considering legislation that would put a moratorium on changes to Medicaid programs (including LCTS), and thus postpone the reduction in LCTS funding for one year. SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS ON FUTURE FOCUS OF CICC The following areas of focus were presented: Group I: o Continue focus on after school programs and summer programs, with emphasis on collaboration with CONECT programs. o Improve the effectiveness and integration of the connections made at the CICC. o Reduce barriers to services through scholarships, stronger home-school communications, etc. o Continue focus on mental health. Group II: o Focus programs on lower-income kids. o Focus on big -impact programs that draw crowds and will then "finger out' into the broader community. o Use creative ideas to increase impact of programs such as distribution of DVDs to families in multi -unit apartment neighborhoods who may not be able to attend actual events. o Clarify who is receiving funding and identify duplication of effort. Group III: o Maintain a balance between district and community services --- and seek funding from a variety of sources. o Analyze effectiveness of programs and continue funding based on successful outcomes. o Maintain focus on programs that directly impact the needs of families and kids. o Caring for Kids Initiative is a good example of system -wide change and is the type of initiative we should cultivate and foster. o With the significant cuts currently faced by the County, it is more important than ever to improve our connections to the County. Group IV: o Maintain focus on early childhood education, with particular emphasis on parent education. o Continue middle school focus with after school programs, Y Nights. o Incorporate diversity in all programs. o Work with other community organizations (Rotary, Chamber) to determine areas of shared priority and potential shared support. Fran Beard offered the following additional suggestions: o Work on ways to empower kids in different ways, such as formal internships for youth who volunteer to help with CONECT projects like Camp CONECT. Page 25 o Encourage kids to mentor other kids, especially in mental health and special education. o Develop a transition plan for all kids. o Encourage all kids to serve as mentors for younger kids, not just the "perfect' kids. In summary, Brenda explained that the CICC Executive Committee will meet over the summer to review and analyze the suggestions put forward and use the information to develop the CICC focus for 2008-09. ELECTION OF 2008-09 CICC OFFICERS Jim Brandt presented the follow slate of candidates for CICC 2008-09 Officers: • Brenda Heim, Chair • Fran Beard, First Vice Chair • Becca Fink, Second Vice Chair A motion was moved 47, Linnea Lind to accept the slate of officers, as presented. The motion was seconded by Angel Haseman. Motion approved. COMMUNITY NEWS TO SHARE • The Wayzata Chamber of Commerce will honor Superintendent Bob Ostlund at its luncheon at Wayzata Country Club on Thursday, May 29. Call 952-473-9595 for reservations. • The last Y Night of the school year on April 25 was a success. The dates for the Y Nights in the 2008-09 school year are: October 24, 2008, February 6, 2009 and April 17, 2009. • YMCA Camp Christmas Tree will celebrate its 50`h anniversary on Sunday, May 18, 3-5 PM. RSVP to chrismastreeCa)ymcampls.or or call 952-582-8268. • Linnea announced that the Plymouth Library WILL close on May 30th. Check the website (www.hclib.orr) for updates and information on the array of programs available at other libraries. • The Caring for Kids Initiative Breakfast to raise awareness and support for CfKI will take place on Thursday, June 26, 7:30 to 8:30 AM, Wayzata Country Club. Duane Benson of the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation and Wayzata Superintendent Bob Ostlund will be the featured speakers. There is no charge, but reservations are requested. Call or e-mail Jan Hale at 952-470-0746 or j.hale@mchsi.com THANK YOU In appreciation for their steadfast support and guidance, gifts and cards were presented to Bob Ostlund and Jim Brandt who will both retire in June. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, August 14, 2008 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM Site to be Determined Page 26 MINUTES PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT Medicine Lake Room Wednesday, June 25, 2008 7:00 p.m. Present: Chair Person, Sylvia Gustafson; Commissioners, Terry Bliss, Terry Cheng, Patty Doten, Vivian Honer, Mary Paprocki, Carmen Pehler Staff: Transit/Solid Waste Manager, Sarah Hellekson; Transit Coordinator, Bernie Maciej; Committee Reporter, Diane Tiegs; and First Transit Representative, Tom Knier. Absent: Council Member Sandy Hewitt Meeting called to order at 6:58 p.m. by Chairperson Gustafson Approval of Agenda Motion made by Commissioner Honer and seconded by Commissioner Paprocki to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried. 2. Approval of minutes for the April 23, 2008 PACT meeting Motion made by Commissioner Doten and seconded by Commissioner Paprocki to approve the minutes as amended. 3. City Council Update The Plymouth City Council approved the request for $73,000 to improve the Cub Foods Park -n -Ride lot. Chairperson Gustafson inquired about the crosswalk and light at the Messiah Church site. Manager Hellekson responded that the light was in process but was not aware a crosswalk was included in the request. Chairperson Gustafson stated that crosswalks for the Messiah Church and 45th/Nathan Lane were discussed along with a light at the Messiah location during the February meeting discussion. Action Item: Manager Hellekson will review and report back to the PACT Committee regarding crosswalks. 4. Fleet Update and Financials A request was made for $5,075,000 to purchase 15 forty -foot buses and $210,000 for 3 small buses during 2008-2009. The CIP plan includes future plans to build a bus storage garage on Hwy 55/Rockford Road so buses do not have to travel back to downtown. Commissioner Cheng commended Manager Hellekson and Coordinator Maciej for their hard work and tenacity in Promoting the City of Plymouth transit funding. Property Management Hempel Properties at the Cub Foods lot has approved the patching and overlay of the park and ride area. First Transit representative Knier noted to make sure crosswalks are placed in correct locations in reference to loading June 25, 2008 PACT Minutes Page 27 zones. Most of the repair work at the Cub Foods location will take place during weekends. The Plymouth Sun Sailor and Rider Alert will contain information regarding MET Council proposed fare increases. On July 9 there will be a hearing at Minneapolis City Hall. The Met Council proposes a $0.25 increase in October of 2008 and another $0.50 increase during 2009 for a total increase of $0.75. The MET Council has not defined criteria for the fare increases. A concern regarding Route 776 which is a 34 - passenger bus was carrying 54 passengers. Commissioner Cheng spoke to the issue and suggested having a smaller follow-up bus for routes with overloads to alleviate the crowding especially at Co. Rd 6/101. Tom Knier stated that this could be explored. 5. Federal Transit Authority Title VI Compliance Audit Federal funding law requires funding recipients to communicate with riders and potential riders in languages in which they are fluent. There are guidelines to follow involving signage and other information ensuring riders with different abilities have access to our transit and understand what is available to them. The Compliance Auditor will check files, ride buses, and talk with passengers. The audit dates are June 24 through 26, 2008. It is not known at this time if there were violations or penalties. 6. Minneapolis Downtown Access Plan Update Beginning in August buses will begin using the 4th St/Marquette Avenue transit stops. Marquette north of Washington Avenue will be closed. The plan is on September 8 transit stops will move to Hennepin Avenue. Once this portion of the construction phase is completed which is projected for mid-November, transit stops will move back to 4th St/Marquette Avenue and 2nd Ave S until construction begins in spring of 2009. Rider Alerts will be distributed in July/August 2008 and throughout the project. The transit riders requested the publication date of the Rider Alert issue appear on the publication. 7. Dial -a -Ride Survey Results — July 8, 2008 A recommendation for the new Dial -A -Ride brochure is to print the correct Ridership Policy so it is the Council approved policy. Currently the policy printed on the brochure does not match the approved policy. The Plymouth City Attorney recommends they be the same. Young parents with children may have a seat -belt issue because car seats cannot be used if seatbelts are not available. Currently there are no seatbelts on the bus. A question was raised on the rider denial rate during mid-day. First Transit Representative Knier stated the denial rate was low and not a problem. Currently residents of West Ridge in Minnetonka are using the Dial -A -Ride to travel to the Plymouth Creek Center for a card game. Discussion on whether this service should discontinue as a cost savings effort. Manager Hellekson will consult with our Communications Manager regarding this discussion. A recommendation by Commissioner Honer was proposed to present to the City Council to eliminate Saturday service and end service at 9 p.m. on weekdays. Discussion: June 25, 2008 2 PACT Minutes Page 28 First Transit Representative Knier stated currently there is one bus in service after 6:00 pm. Service can not be shortened in the morning. Commissioner Paprocki is concerned about shortening evening hours because it would cause a daily hardship for residents. Eliminating Saturday service would affect one day of the week. Chairperson Gustafson states economics is the issue and by eliminating Saturday service there would be cost savings. The subsidy is $15 per Dial -A -Ride. Transit Representative Knier stated that 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. is a quiet period. Perhaps a split shift is an option. The drivers currently work 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. shifts. This could possibly cut 9 to 11 hours per week. The recommendation to Plymouth City Council was amended by Commissioner Pehler to eliminate Saturday Dial -A -Ride service. Commissioner Doten seconded the amended recommendation. Recommendation was approved with one nay vote by Commissioner Cheng. The fare Increase recommendation is a fare of $3 per rider. Commissioner Honer made a motion to increase one-way Dial -A -Ride fare to $3.50. Discussion: The rationale for the increase at this time is because of the proposed express bus fare increase to $3.25 or possibly higher. The Metro mobility fare is expected to increase to $4. Coordinator Maciej stated that due to economic reasons there is a need for the fare increase. The recommendation to increase the Dial -A -Ride fare to $3.50 was passed unanimously. A Review of midday hours will be done by Manager Hellekson after data is received from First Transit Representative Knier. 8. Plymouth Transit Performance Measurements for April/May June Year to Date Dial -A -Ride 4,577 29,674 Metrolink 41,814 244,523 System Total 46,391 274,197 Drivers must practice consistency when counting passengers manually because the fare boxes are not accurate. Transit routes have full capacity but it is not reflected in the rider counts. First Transit Representative Knier will investigate passenger counting by drivers. Action Item: Coordinator Maciej will add a capacity data to monthly graph. 9. Complaint Log, Review Service Delivery, Program Issues, Resolutions An abusive passenger on route 776 should be dealt with by calling 911 then the police can serve a trespassing notice which would take away privileges to ride the bus. June 25, 2008 3 PACT Minutes Page 29 Commissioner Paprocki — no comments Commissioner Honer - Extended a thank you for installing bus number signs. Commissioner Honer would also like to see the removal of old flyers that are hanging in the buses. There were issues with the 771 route not following the set path of travel. A complaint was made and the route is now followed with no deviations. Cell phone usage signs need to be posted in the buses as this has become an issue. Commissioner Doten — no comments Commissioner Pehler — Noted there are less mechanical issues with the buses. The issue of bus staging at Schmidt Lake Road has been resolved. Chairperson Gustafson was concerned about the lack of a RiderAlert when the change in staging on Schmidt Lake Road took place; however, Commissioner Gustafson will investigate complaints concerning the change. Commissioner Cheng spoke to concerns regarding bus drivers not charging fare. The buses are warm and bus maintenance should check the air conditioners. Commissioner Bliss — Noted that the 791 shuttle bus air conditioning is not functioning. He also commended First Transit Representative Knier on the great job the shuttle drivers do. 10.Adjournment Commissioner Honer made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Paprocki. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Next meeting is July 23, 2008, at 7 p.m. in the Medicine Lake Room at Plymouth City Hall. Respectfully Submitted Diane Tiegs Committee Reporter June 25, 2008 4 PACT Minutes Page 30 -I' HIGHWAY 55 www.highway55.org CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridor from I-494 to Annandale, Minnesota Highway 55 Corridor Coalition Full Membership Committee Meeting Meeting Minutes Friday, June 27, 2008 9:30 a.m. —11:30 a.m. Hennepin County Transportation Facility Medina, MN Training Room 1. Call to Order— A quorum being present, Marvin Johnson called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. 2. Introductions — Wayne Fingalson, Wright County; Penny Steele, Hennepin County; Marthand Nookala, Hennepin County; Marvin Johnson, City of Independence; Jack Russek, Wright County; Loren Harff, City of Greenfield; Mark Casey, City of Annandale; Liz Weir, City of Medina; Claudia Dumont, MnDOT D3; Doran Cote, City of Plymouth; Brent Morningstar, Wright Hennepin Electric & Security; Jim Grube, Hennepin County; Nancy Carswell, City of Rockford; Fred Ryan, Ryan Commercial Properties, Inc.; Laurie Karnes, Land for Sale, Inc.; Herman Quass; Brad Larson, SRF Consulting Group, Inc. 3. Approve Meeting Minutes from April 18, 2008: The minutes were reviewed with no changes noted. Motion by Jack Russek, second by Marthand Nookala to approve the April 18, 2008 meeting minutes. Motion passed with all voting in favor. 4. Marketing Committee Report: • Website Update — Brad Larson said that the Hwy 55 Coalition website is being updated with current information including a link to the Hwy 55 Coalition's new brochure. Brad handed out copies of how often people are visiting the Coalition's website and how long they were on the website. It was noted that during the week of June 12 to June 18, 2008, 224 hits daily were made to the website with an average length per session of over 3 minutes. This information clearly indicates that many people are interested in what is happening on Hwy 55. Public Awareness -Expanded Email list & Newsletter -- Laurie Karnes reviewed with the Coalition her experience in getting email addresses and putting together a weekly one page newsletter to send out to interested parties. Her newsletters usually are stories and for the Coalition could be stories on businesses along the corridor or motorists accounts of travelling on Hwy 55, etc. The text only newsletter is on the email and not sent as an attachment or with pictures since many computers will label it spam and block it. She also suggested that we invite subscribers to send in their stories for future newsletters. The major steps in setting this up would be: 1. Collecting email addresses through website searches of local agencies, businesses, schools, etc. Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone. 763/682-7383 Wright County Highway Department FAX.' 7631682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North E-mail- marne.ingalsonimco.i Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 Page 31 ��/ HIGHWAY 55 www.highway55.org CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridor from 1-494 to Annandale, Minnesota 2. People, who would be willing to write a set schedule newsletter, say monthly. Laurie handed out a sample newsletter. Claudia Dumont noted that the newsletter should be fact -based not opinion -based. 3. There needs to be an "Editor" to review the content of the newsletter before it is sent. The Marketing Committee plus representatives from the major entities such as MnDOT would review all newsletters. 4. Need wording on the email to allow people to unsubscribe. 5. If approved by the Coalition the Coalition's website should be updated to allow people to subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Brad will check with website vendor to see what if any changes to the Coalition's current contract are needed if the website was updated on a monthly basis. 6. Need an email provider for identifying the sender i.e. Stuck in Traffic The reason to develop this email newsletter is to increase the public awareness of the Coalition and its activities, educate people and increase the grassroots support for the Coalition's goals. It was decided that the Marketing Committee should review the newsletter concept some more and report back to the Coalition. 5. Financial Report: Wayne handed out the Financial Report as of June 17, 2008. He noted the current fund balance of $37,641.27. Wayne also noted that membership and dues are down from previous years in part because the Coalition/Marketing Committee are not emphasizing membership as much as they use to. It was recommended that a second 2008 Dues Invoice be sent to previous members who have not paid the 2008 dues. Penny Steele stated that the Financial Report should be consistent on what is shown for the Membership Name on the dues paid. If a business pays dues at the individual rate then only an individual name, not business name should be shown for the name. Wayne will contact the Wright County Auditor to update the Financial Report to make information consistent. Wayne reported back to the Coalition on the audit of Wright County's financial records including those of the Hwy 55 Corridor Coalition by reading the following statement by the County Auditor "Wright County was audited for the year 2006 by Larson Allen. We received an unqualified opinion (best opinion to be given) on the presentation of our financial data, and did not receive any comments regarding major weaknesses in accounting practices and procedures. While the audit covered all aspects of accounting, including trust and agency activity (Hwy 55) for accounting controls, the opinion was limited to the basic financial statements of the County". Motion by Jack Russek, second by Liz Weir to approve the Financial Report and to include the Auditor's statement in the minutes. Motion was approved. 6. Technical Advisory Committee/MnDOT Report: • TH 55 Environmental Assessment Status: Claudia Dumont said that the EA from Rockford to Buffalo is a high priority in District 3 and they will hopefully get started in the near future. They met with FHWA on the EA from Rockford to Buffalo. The FHWA's recommendation is to wait until the Metro EA is done. They don't want any conflicts between D3's EA and Metro's EA. Also, right now the St. Cloud Bridge that was recently closed is the top priority for environmental work for D3 but the Hwy 55 EA will be started right after the St Cloud Bridge EA is completed. Claudia said that they want to keep the work in-house as they will have staff available after the St. Cloud bridge work is done. Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone: 763/682-7383 Wright County Highway Department FAX. 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North E-mail.- wayne frnealson(mco. Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 Page 32 HIGHWAY 55 www.highway55.org CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridor from I-494 to Annandale, Minnesota Jim Grube reported that the Open House/Public Hearing on the EA from Plymouth to Rockford was held on April 29, 2008 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Hennepin County, Medina facility with approximately 50 people in attendance. There were some emotional rather than technical issues noted that dealt with the property owners uncertainty of when the project would be built. Property owners question what they should do—sell, develop, etc. Also concern with loss of access, but many realize that access will not be taken now but in the future. Responses to comments received have been made and they have been sent to MnDOT for their review, then to FHWA. The hope is to have a Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI) declared in September, 2008. This would then allow for right-of-way acquisition along Hwy 55 from Plymouth to Rockford. Federal Funding Eligibility Status: Brad Larson noted that the SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections bill was signed by the President thereby making the Coalition's federal funds eligible for use on safety improvement construction projects such as Hwy 55 @ CR 134 and Hwy 55 @ CSAH 12. Mark Casey asked what the process would be for selecting projects for federal funding by the Coalition in the future. Jack Russek noted that the Coalition has approved guidelines to be used in funding projects that would result over time that the funds be divided evenly between projects in the two Counties. Maturity of the project and the ability to use the funding now rather than later is also a key factor in the selection of projects. Brad noted that the TAC will be soliciting for future projects this summer in preparation for showing needs on Hwy 55 that would justify requesting project authorizations in next year's Federal Transportation bill. Coalition Projects Status and Funding Recommendations: --CR 134: Claudia Dumont said that the project is ready to go to construction now that the funding was made available through the passage of the SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections bill. Contract letting is anticipated in August, 2008 --CSAH 12: Wayne Fingalson stated that the project is also ready to go to construction now that the Technical Corrections bill was passed. Contract letting is anticipated in August, 2008. --Fernbrook Lane: Jim Grube noted that this project is substantially completed. 7. Legislative Updates. • Federal -Brad Larson reported that over 80 people attended the Minnesota Transportation Alliance's Washington Fly -In June 11-13, 2008 with the main goal of letting their Congressional delegation know of projects they would like to have included in next year's new Transportation Authorization bill. Mark Casey asked what is the reason for the Fly -In? Brad stated that this provides various coalitions or agencies an opportunity to meet with their Congressional delegation to discuss projects in need of federal funding and also to hear from all of the Minnesota delegation on federal transportation issues and future bills that could impact them. This still should not replace contacting and meeting with the Congressional delegation throughout the year when they are back in Minnesota to keep them updated on your projects. • State - No update to report. Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone: 763/682-7383 Wright County Highway Depornnem FAX 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North E-mail. wmone. m a� 1sonCMcon Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 Page 33 Is www.highway55.org HIGHWAY 55 CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridor from 1-494 to Annandale, Minnesota 8. Transit Options on TH 55: Laurie Karnes passed out a handout which she had listed questions concerning transit options for the Hwy 55 corridor. Jim Grube noted that many of the answers for the questions are provided in the SRF transportation study of traffic patterns on Hwy 55. In response to establishing transit service on Hwy 55, Jack Russek noted that there has been two previous tries to provide transit services between Buffalo and the Metro area but neither survived due to low ridership. There followed general discussion on transit and why certain areas work for transit mainly due to high population density (ridership) and subsidies. Marvin Johnson stated that the main emphasis at this time is highway improvements to Hwy 55 and Penny Steele noted that the Coalition's mission included transit but the density is not there to realistically approach transit service now. It was further noted that the Metropolitan Council has long range transit plans but it is not believed that Hwy 55 is targeted for transit or rail service other than local transit operations in the Plymouth area. 9. Communications: There was no communications to the Coalition since its last meeting. 10. Establish next full membership meeting date and time: The next meeting will be on Friday, August 15, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. at the Hennepin County Public Works facility, Training Room in Medina. This will be the annual Federal and State Legislators meeting with the Coalition. 11. Other Business: There was no other business to come before the Coalition 12. Adjourn: On a motion by Liz Weir, second by Penny Steele the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m. Respectfully submitted: Brad Larson, SRF Consulting Group, Inc. Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone: 763/682-7383 Wright County Highway Department FAX. 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North E -nail: tvavneftnealson(mco Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 Page 34 Approved Minutes City of Plymouth Planning Commission Meeting July 16, 2008 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair James Holmes, Commissioners Terry Jaffoni, Scott Nelson and James Davis MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioners Eric Aamoth and Karl Neset STAFF PRESENT: Planning Manager Barbara Senness, Senior Planner Shawn Drill, Senior Planner Marie Darling, Planner Joshua Doty, City Engineer Moberg, Water Resources Manager Derek Asche and Office Support Representative Janice Bergstrom 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:09 P.M. (Commissioner Jaffoni arrived at 7:08) 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to approve the July 16, 2008 Planning Commission Agenda. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved. 4.1 RECOGNITION OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF FRANK WEIR TO THE PLYMOUTH PLANNING COMMISSION Chair Holmes said we lost a dear friend and fellow commissioner whose contributions to the City of Plymouth and greater community were invaluable. On behalf of the Planning Commission, Chair Holmes presented Anne Weir and family an inscribed brick which will be placed in the Millennium Garden in memory of Frank Weir for his outstanding contributions to the City of Plymouth. Anne Weir thanked the Planning Commissioners, and said that Frank was proudest of serving on this commission as he loved serving on it and loved serving this City. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 18, 2008 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the June 18, 2008 Planning Commission Minutes. Vote. 3 Ayes. MOTION approved. Commissioner Jaffoni abstained from voting. Page 35 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 2 B. DAMIEN AND KRISTEN WOLF (2005046) MOTION by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the extension of previously approved variances for a detached garage in the front yard and impervious surface coverage for property located at 10610 South Shore Drive. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved. C. SKYLINE DEVELOPMENT (2008049) MOTION by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the request by Skyline Design to approve variances to front yard setback and impervious surface area coverage to allow construction of a room addition for property located at 1895 Juneau Lane N. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved. 6. PUBLIC HEARING A. GARTNER ENGINEERING, LLC. (2007042) Chair Holmes introduced the request by Gartner Engineering, LLC. for a preliminary plat to allow "Gutlovics Addition" for three single family lots located at the northwest comer of the intersection of 26`h Avenue and County Road 101 North. Senior Planner Darling gave an overview of the staff report and said a letter was received from John Miller, 18100 26`h Avenue N. citing concern with the drainage issue referenced in the staff report. Chair Holmes asked where the street access would be for the newly created lot. Senior Planner Darling said 26`h Avenue would provide access. Commissioner Jaffoni said Items h. and i. in the resolution (regarding drainage) seem conflicting, and asked what the applicant will be required to comply with. Senior Planner Darling said that maintaining the current situation would be the minimum requirement. She said hopefully the swale in the back yard would be an improvement. City Engineer Moberg said the two conditions apply because there are two pieces of property. He said Item h. regards drainage on the property being developed. Item i. applies to adjacent properties which are not part of the development and would ensure their drainage is maintained or improved. Commissioner Jaffoni referenced Mr. Miller's question about the house constructed on a creek. Page 36 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 3 Senior Planner Darling said technically it is a drainage way, not a protected creek or wetland. City Engineer Moberg said upon receipt of Mr. Miller's letter, Engineering staff contacted him and explained in detail conditions being placed on the proposed development. He said Mr. Miller was satisfied his concerns were being addressed. Commissioner Davis asked how the drainage ditch would handle the water in a rain event. Senior Planner Darling said the applicant has shown a revised grading plan between Lots 2 and 3. She said the drainage pipe at 26`h Avenue would be lowered so water doesn't pool before it enters the pipe. Commissioner Davis asked how water would get to the drainage pipe without going to the house. City Engineer Moberg said with the existing culvert under 26`h Avenue is at a fixed elevation and there is poor drainage across the property. He said reconstruction of Co. Rd. 101 will give more grade. The proposed drainage swale would be on the west side of the house (Lot 3). He said the issue is the area is too flat. Lowering the culvert under 20h Avenue gives more flexibility to grade out the property, to be a better reliever for water to pond further to the west and north. City Engineer Moberg said you can't require property owners to do significant grading on other properties to improve their drainage. Commissioner Nelson said the driveway on Lot 2 will eventually be eliminated, and asked if there are any impervious surface issues with the current configuration. Senior Planner Darling responded no. Commissioner Jaffoni asked why there is no sidewalk proposed on 26`h Avenue. Senior Planner Darling said the sidewalk requirement is a relatively new and most of the streets in older Plymouth won't have sidewalks. She said the inclusion of one short segment would not be beneficial. Commissioner Davis asked if the proposed plat takes into account Co. Rd. 101 reconstruction. Senior Planner Darling said the applicant has not included all improvements at this point for the Co. Rd. 101 project, and has been asked to revise plans which would include a right turn lane and the lowered invert elevation. Chair Holmes opened the public hearing. Page 37 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 4 Chair Holmes introduced Terry Brandt, 18000 26'h Avenue north. Mr. Brandt said he lives west of the proposed development where all the water goes. He said he is not entirely comfortable with the explanations of the water drainage. Mr. Brandt said he can get up to two feet of water, and the Swale through his property is compromised and now filled. He reviewed problems with keeping the culvert cleaned by the City and County. He said the elevation is not right because water flows into his yard rather than south. He said he has months of wet ground in his back yard, and is concerned with the swale being able to take care of the drainage. Mr. Brandt said he doesn't even know if he can sell his property with the water problem. Chair Holmes closed the public hearing. Chair Holmes asked who is responsible for the maintenance of swales. City Engineer Moberg displayed drawings of the proposed Co. Rd. 101 reconstruction plans. The drawings showed removal plans and the proposed improvements for the area which included a culvert and the locations of two catch basis in the street section. He said the water will drain out of the ditch Mr. Brandt referenced to the catch basins. City Engineer Moberg said the City requested the County lower the culvert so grading on site could dovetail into it. City Engineer Moberg said there is public interest in proper maintenance of drainage ways. However, governmental entities do not have unlimited rights to go on to private properties without proper easements. City Engineer Moberg stated that Hennepin County would maintain anything within Co. Rd. 101, and the City would maintain the 26'h Avenue right of way. Commissioner Nelson said he has experienced water problems, and agreed it can be an issue for a homeowner for property value, drainage, and mosquito problems from standing water. Commissioner Nelson said he wants the resolution approved stating water has to be managed by the landowner or government, and whoever is responsible has to do the right thing and make sure the water drainage issues are taken care of for all involved. Planning Manager Senness said prior to the applicant being able to file a plat, all conditions would have to be met including plan revisions. MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Jaffoni, to recommend the request by Gartner Engineering, LLC. for a preliminary plat to allow "Gutlovics Addition" for three single family lots located at the northwest corner of the intersection of 26'h Avenue and County Road 101 North. Chair Holmes said when the driveway is removed that would be a perfect time to review the southwest corner of the new lot to make every assurance possible that the water will be managed appropriately. Page 38 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 5 Commissioner Davis concurred with Chair Holmes' sentiments. He said there are water issues and the City should work aggressively to eliminate storm water problems. Commissioner Davis said attention should be paid to Items h. and i. and not make a bad situation worse. Commissioner Jaffoni concurred with all earlier comments. Roll Call Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. B. SUNRISE DEVELOPMENT, INC. (2008037) Chair Holmes introduced the request by Sunrise Development, Inc. for a site plan for an assisted -living nursing care facility, conditional use permits to allow a nursing care in the RMF -1 district and more than one principal building on the lot. Senior Planner Drill said the developer is making revisions to the proposed plans and asked that the public hearing be continued to the August 6, 2008 Planning Commission meeting. Chair Holmes opened the public hearing. Chair Holmes moved to continue the public hearing to August 6, 2008 Planning Commission meeting. Roll Call Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. C. QUANTUM DEVELOPMENT, INC. (2008052) Chair Holmes introduced the request by Quantum Development, Inc. for a site plan amendment to allow a 10,378 -square foot building addition and parking expansion, a conditional use permit to expand the school use, and an interim use permit to allow a temporary detached classroom building for Beacon Academy located at 12325 State Highway 55. Planner Doty gave an overview of the staff report. Planner Doty said a letter from Brian Busch, 12409 St. Highway 55, has been added to the public record. Chair Holmes asked where pedestrian traffic patterns would occur between the proposed temporary building and existing building. Planner Doty said there would be a sidewalk from the temporary building across the drive aisle to the back of the existing building. He added that the temporary building would be required to meet all building code requirements. Chair Holmes introduced the applicant, Clint Carlson, Quantum Development. Mr. Carlson said a big advantage is creating an additional flow of traffic in the back so busing Page 39 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 6 and drop off of children is easier. He said there would be more busing and less parents dropping off kids in the front of the school. Chair Holmes opened the public hearing. Chair Holmes introduced John Caye, 18015 3151 Avenue N. Mr. Caye said his son attends Beacon School which is a breath of fresh air for his family. He said Beacon is a great addition to the community and education system. Mr. Caye said the parking lot expansion is very important, and the school success is why it is growing. He said the buses using the back will ease traffic from the front and there would be a more orderly flow of traffic which would benefit Beacon and the area. Mr. Caye said he speaks for his family and many others who support this project. Chair Holmes introduced Bob Zarrielo, 3210 Walnut Grove Lane N., who said he is part of the founding families of the school. Mr. Zarrielo said he is on the school board and his wife is a teacher. He said he is excited about this proposal, and said the school has grown from 100 students to the upper 300's. He said the two additional classrooms in the portable classroom will make logistics easier for the school. Mr. Zarrielo referenced test scores and said this is one of the top schools in the state. Mr. Zarrielo encouraged support of the proposals on the table. Chair Holmes introduced Jordan Ford, 1100 Sycamore Lane, Principal of Beacon Academy. Mr. Ford said he has been a neighbor of the school for 24 years, and now as principal, said they produce a quality program which is a valuable asset to Plymouth and the neighboring area. He said the student number has increased from 90 to 400 in three years' time. He said there are about 200 on the waiting list now. Mr. Ford said he believes the requests proposed will continue to make the school thrive. Mr. Ford said the additional traffic patterns and parking will provide greater safety for students. Chair Holmes introduced Candace Newman, 2230 Ranchview Lane #95, teacher at Beacon Academy. Ms. Newman reaffirmed earlier statements and said there is a community feel in the school, and wants safety within and outside the building. She concurred that it is congested in front. Ms. Newman said tons of parents want their kids to go to Beacon Academy for their strong values and some parents have an hour drive. She said because the school enrollment has quadrupled, the portable classroom is a necessity. Chair Holmes introduced Donald Lamere, 1235 Oakview Lane. Mr. Lamere said his residence is 500 feet from the school and he is dead set against expanding the school. He said he is not against education, but if there is no stop sign outside the school, half the students will be killed as it is a dangerous crossing. He said there are cars in the area all winter and summer, making it difficult to take a left on to the highway. Mr. Lamere said with 300 to 400 students the buses will get in accidents. Mr. Lamere said noise is an issue and traffic is a serious problem. He mentioned his neighbor's grandparents were killed at this intersection many years ago. Page 40 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 7 Chair Holmes introduced Delwood Rasmussen, 12405 State Highway 55. Mr. Rasmussen said he lives next door to the school and sees problems every day. Mr. Rasmussen stated that they park on his lawn when there is an evening event, and dual park on the street both morning and afternoon. He said access to Highway 55 is difficult and both vehicles coming off Highway 55 and people coming from the school don't stop at the stop sign. He said buses turn around in his driveway. Mr. Rasmussen said there is a problem with the owner of the school and concurred with Mr. Lamere that parking is terrible. Mr. Rasmussen said his house is 75 feet from the gymnasium and the owner put in a berm but has not maintained it. He said he has spent money for the last 10-12 years to get grass to grow but the drainage from the school parking lot washes out his back yard. Mr. Rasmussen supplied pictures. Mr. Rasmussen said he has talked to the owner several times. He said he is not mad at the school, and added that two of his grandchildren went there for Pre -K school. Mr. Rasmussen said he has noticed kids on his fence, his lot, and the kids tease his dogs. Mr. Rasmussen said he has asked once a year for the last ten years to fix the runoff problem. Chair Holmes introduced Derek Droen, 12405 St. Highway 55. Mr. Droen concurred that the drainage is definitely an issue. He asked where the playground area will move as he didn't think water runoff control will be sufficient enough to draw water away from the west with the increased parking lot. Mr. Droen said the front of the school is an offset parking for 15-20 cars and wraps around with 6 stalls. He said if 10% carpool, this is not nearly enough parking, and said more than 10% of the parents drop kids off. Mr. Droen said consider looking into more sufficient traffic control at the entrance and exit, which has a stop sign nobody stops at. He said cars will double park, or will make a one -lane road because they are parked out in the street. Mr. Droen said a car parked into a shrub which is 4 feet into his property and his driveway is used as a turn -around due to congestion by buses and individuals from the school. Chair Holmes introduced Bent Paulsen, 1305 Oakview Lane N., who said he sympathizes with the drainage problem, but his main concern is to address the traffic problem that will occur at the entrance of the school from Highway 55 and for the service drive to Highway 55 on the southwest side. He said there needs to be dialog between the city, owner and the state regarding how traffic could be handled at this situation. He concurred with Mr. Lamere and said everyone is concerned about it. Mr. Lamere asked how many students fit on a bus and how will busing for 400 students get into the school. He said if they are all going to be bused in and the street is three cars wide in the morning and afternoon, it is definitely not safe. Mr. Lamere said if the school increases to 400 students he hopes he can sell his house before they all get there. Mr. Lamere said if Mr. Carlson was requesting a semaphore he would applaud Mr. Carlson. Chair Holmes closed the public hearing. Page 41 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 8 Chair Holmes asked for discussion on the drainage, parking, traffic, playground, and enrollment. City Engineer Moberg reviewed the current drainage. He said the proposed parking lot area will drain across the existing ballfield and the flat area would be taken out so all drainage slopes toward the wooded area to the south and west. He said the applicant is proposing to extend the berm. He said there are no drainage changes to the rest of the site. Chair Holmes asked if drainage improvements could be done on the western edge along the driveway and berm to ensure water is funneling properly. Commissioner Jaffoni asked where the playfield is relocated if water is draining to that location. Mr. Carlson said a lot of effort has been given to drainage planning to send more water to the south. He said there is a dedicated public drainage lot where the whole neighborhood drains. Mr. Carlson said this proposal was purposely designed to send much more water in that direction. He said that some of the water that is near Mr. Rasmussen's property would travel north rather than south. He said north falls under MnDOT and south would go to the Basset Creek Watershed. Mr. Carlson said he has worked with Mr. Rasmussen for a long time and they differ on some of the results. He said the berm was built in 1991 with a site plan amendment and much of the design was Mr. Rasmussen's design. In 1991 his design had a fence that should have been at the top of the berm, to give more buffering. The fence could be moved. He said a swale between a two -headed berm attempts to send water to either over the asphalt to follow curbing to the north or between the two heads of the berm to the north. Mr. Carlson agreed that 8 to 10 feet of land between the top of the berm and the property are draining on to Mr. Rasmussen's land. He said the water problems are related to topography behind Mr. Rasmussen's property as there is a large hill. Mr. Carlson added that grass does not grow because the entire area is wooded. He added that he is prepared to make whatever changes are necessary and he does not want their water to go on to any one else's property. Chair Holmes said that it would be included in the resolution that the applicant will control the water on their property to the best of their ability. Commissioner Davis said the enrollment is germane to the traffic issue. Mr. Ford said this past year there were 330 students K-7. He said there were 393 planned but that dwindled down. He stated the maximum will be 400 students. Commissioner Nelson asked if any students are currently bused. Page 42 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 9 Mr. Ford said half of the students are bused, and the buses hold 30-50 students. He said they may add one more bus. Mr. Ford said there is one mid-day bus which assists 10 students. Commissioner Jaffoni asked about control issues raised by residents. Mr. Ford said he appreciates bringing these issues forward and recognizes that the school grew fast and presented challenges they didn't anticipate. He said there are several large evening events to create this community feel, and this does impinge on neighbors' yards. He said a parking and shuttle arrangement with Fourth Baptist is in place to reduce the number of cars parking on the frontage road. The additional parking space in back will take pressure off the general parking. He said the morning traffic is not as challenging because parents do not all arrive at once; the turnaround in back will help better utilize space for afternoon pickup. Mr. Ford said they direct parents down to the W. Medicine Lake Drive intersection. Commissioner Jaffoni asked how long they have had the agreement for parking in the Fourth Baptist church, and if it is being used. Mr. Ford responded they have had the arrangement for one year plus. He said this has been popular and 30 — 40 families park and shuttle. Commissioner Jaffoni asked about enrollment for the last three years. Mr. Ford said there were 90 in 2004, 169 in 2005, 250 in 2006, and 330 this year. He said children are always in the visibility of outside supervisors. Mr. Ford said teasing neighborhood dogs is not appropriate and he will take care of that. Planning Manager Senness said people must be discouraged from parking on neighborhood property and asked if someone is monitoring this during events. Mr. Ford said they do encourage parents to carpool, and will heighten that awareness. He said the upcoming "back to school" night has been broken into two sessions to lessen parking. Chair Holmes asked about the playground that is being moved. Mr. Ford said most of the kids used the east side of the building. The area in question is a small soccer field, which be reconfigured 90 degrees. He said there is no structure in this playground area. Chair Holmes asked if parking on the frontage road could be signed. Page 43 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 10 City Engineer Moberg said they would need to look at the existing roadway to determine if parking could be allowed on one side. He cautioned that a challenge of signing is that the "no parking" affects everybody — neighbors, parents, and school staff. Chair Holmes asked what could be done about the traffic situation on State Highway 55. City Engineer Moberg reviewed that State Highway 55 has a volume of 37,000 vehicles per day. He estimated that trips for Beacon Academy would be roughly 800 per day which would not be an issue for MnDOT. City Engineer Moberg said there would not be enough space for adequate stacking for a traffic signal so the State would not support that. If the frontage road were moved, that would remove the school and neighboring properties. If the access to Highway 55 were closed, traffic would shift to the W. Medicine Lake Drive intersection. City Engineer Moberg said the State would be receptive to closing that access, but again cautioned that we be careful what we wish for as more traffic would go into the neighborhood. City Engineer Moberg concluded that there are no published plans by the State for upgrading Highway 55, and it is not a good situation but one that we are learning to live with. Commissioner Nelson asked if there state guidelines for a school to be within a certain proximity for a state highway and traffic flow. City Engineer Moberg said he was not aware of such guidelines, and said it is difficult for the State to guide land use. Chair Holmes asked if parents would access the circular drive in front of the school if the new development goes forward. Mr. Ford said they would like to split the access areas to the school. He said there are crossing guards in the afternoon. Mr. Ford said with the additional parking, the buses would be in back which would reduce the use of the frontage road for children pickup by parents. Commissioner Nelson said his children attend a K-8 school that uses staggered start times within a 45 -minute window. He said the younger children are in the gym, while the older kids start school. Commissioner Nelson asked if that is an option. Mr. Ford said they have looked at this option, and haven't ruled it out. He said they share buses with another school to save costs which affects the bus times. He added that extracurricular programs have more kids staying in the building later which helps with some congestion. Mr. Ford said it is difficult for carpoolers who take children from different grades. Mr. Lamere said some school drivers go through the neighborhood to get to I-394. Mr. Lamere referenced Mr. Carlson's statement that water drains into a dedicated drain. Mr. Page 44 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 11 Lamere said this property is owned by the O'Fallon family, and is not a dedicated drain. The water goes to it but there is no outlet. City Engineer Moberg said there is no outlet, but was unaware of any historical issues of flooding. Mr. Carlson said the O'Fallon family is the fee simple owner of the lot, but dedicated to all of us using that lot exclusively for public drainage. Mr. Carlson said he assumed there was something underground, but never physically walked over to view that. Commissioner Jaffoni asked for clarification regarding the operation of the daycare facility. Mr. Carlson said there are two daycares in the facility. He said prior to Beacon Academy there were 250 daycare students with parents picking each up, but now have only 40-50 daycare students. He said the elementary school is a better package for physical attributes of the school and for traffic. Mr. Carlson said the daycare is an excellent feeder system to the school and part of why Beacon grew as quickly and solidly as it did. Commissioner Jaffoni asked if the daycare is included in the projected enrollment of 400. Mr. Carlson said there are 40-50 daycare students in addition to 400 students. He said there has been diminished traffic in the last 4 years and the circular loop will be a better way to handle traffic. Commissioner Jaffoni reviewed that the daycare facility had 250 but is now 40 — 50, and at the same time K-8 has increased. She said no wonder cars are parked all over. Mr. Carlson said the current enrollment was 370 last year including daycare. He said 390 is a relatively stable number, and we have had less daycare with less traffic and parking requirements. Many neighbors indicate they would rather have more busing and less individual trips from parents. Commissioner Jaffoni asked how many classrooms the school has currently. Mr. Carlson responded that there are 17 including the daycare, plus two temporary classrooms would total 19. Chair Holmes reviewed that if all of the items meet or exceed zoning, we need to approve. He said they have heard about neighborhood inconveniences and these would need to be watched as the project moves forward. Chair Holmes concurred that Hwy. 55 is bad, and the three crossways from W. Medicine Lake Drive to Co. Rd. 6 is a tough area but we don't control those. He said we need to move ahead and come to a conclusion. Chair Holmes said if there is parking on the yard, neighbors need to call public safety. Page 45 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 12 Commissioner Davis said he has an issue with the interim use permit for the temporary classroom. He said he is not in favor of a temporary trailer being used for a classroom for up to three years. Planning Manager Senness noted that several other schools in the city have had trailers during construction. Commissioner Davis said construction doesn't start until next year and the request is for a temporary trailer this year. Planner Doty confirmed that request. Planner Doty said the applicant's narrative indicated 17 listed classrooms. He said the fact that the additional two would total 19 classrooms is new information to staff at this time. Planner Doty said he is not confident this would meet the parking requirement. Chair Holmes recommended continuation as the planning commission wants to act on factual information. He reviewed the options with the applicant. Planning Manager Senness asked how many actual classrooms there would be with the addition. Mr. Carlson stated it would be 19 classrooms with the addition. Chair Holmes introduced Bert Heglund, TSP Architects, who said the application provided a floor plan with all rooms labeled. He said with the addition, there will be 17 classrooms. At that time, the two temporary classrooms will be taken off site. Mr. Heglund clarified that there are currently 15 plus two with the temporary; with the addition there would be another two and the net effect at end would be 17 classrooms. Planner Doty confirmed that the analysis in the staff report is correct. Commissioner Davis questioned the 17 rooms identified under the current plan, plus 4 additional totals 21. He asked for further explanation. Mr. Carlson said there are two classrooms created from a small auditorium in the lower level on the east end of the building. He said the definition of a classroom is difficult to nail down as a gymnasium could be called a classroom. He said Rooms 103 and 104 are activity rooms converted to make better use of the facility. Mr. Carlson stated that he believes 17 is the right number. Planner Doty confirmed 17 existing classrooms with the proposed addition. Commissioner Jaffoni said the situation is more complex than she anticipated. She urged the school to work with the residences to every extent possible to eliminate problems of Page 46 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 13 unnecessary noise and parking on private property which is unacceptable. Commissioner Jaffoni said the parking and shuttle arrangement with the church should be enforced and effectively communicated to parents. She said this is a good school, a learning institution that plopped itself on a major highway, with congestion and stop sign problems. Commissioner Jaffoni said she would hate to sign off and then God forbid something happens at that intersection. She said she questioned the student numbers over the years because it indicates a fluid situation and difficult for both the school and neighbors to deal with. Commissioner Jaffoni said she feels some positive progress has been made regarding the parking problem, and stressed that the drainage from the school does not run toward other properties. She said staggering start times could alleviate congestion. Commissioner Jaffoni said she is undecided. Commissioner Davis said the school is a good addition to the community and would support the addition. He said he cannot approve because of the parking issues, and he is counting the classrooms differently than staff. Commissioner Davis said he would not support the interim use permit because he is not a fan of trailers and would rather see the temporary trailer placed when the project starts. Chair Holmes said the conditional use permit is based on findings that the proposed use won't be injurious to surrounding neighbors. He said he is willing to move forward with the proposed change with the caveat that this is not a permanent situation. Chair Holmes said if neighbors complain because of traffic and parking on yards. Chair Holmes highly encouraged the school to work with the neighbors and the parents, and figure out how to get the neighborhood support. He said he understands the traffic problems with Highway 55. Chair Holmes said he will support the proposal. Commissioner Nelson said he is concurrent with Chair Holmes' recommendation for the school and neighborhood to work together. He said growing schools is a great thing, and he is involved in his kids' school. Commissioner Nelson said he knows the challenges with these issues, but suggested getting creative such as staggering start times. Commissioner Nelson reiterated this a residential, not an industrial neighborhood, and the school needs to be a good neighbor. Commissioner Nelson said he will support under those caveats. MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Davis, for approval of the request by Quantum Development, Inc. for a site plan amendment to allow a 10,378 - square foot building addition and parking expansion and a conditional use permit to expand the school use for Beacon Academy located at 12325 State Highway 55. Commissioner Davis said he will be voting against this Motion only because the parking spaces are incorrect. He said he wished it could be taken back and fixed, but will vote against at this time. Roll Call Vote. 3 Ayes. MOTION approved. Commissioner Davis voted Nay. Page 47 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 14 MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Jaffoni, for approval of the request by Quantum Development, Inc. an interim use permit to allow a temporary detached classroom building for Beacon Academy located at 12325 State Highway 55. Motion to amend by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Jaffoni, that placement of the temporary classroom cannot occur until construction of the addition has started. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION on amendment approved. Roll Call Vote on MAIN MOTION. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. Chair Holmes called for a ten minute recess at 9:34 p.m. D. CITY OF PLYMOUTH (2005050) Chair Holmes introduced the request by the City of Plymouth for the draft surface water management plan. Water Resources Manager Asche gave an overview of the staff report. Commissioner Jaffoni asked if the riparian buffer area is a new addition to the policy. Water Resources Manager Asche said we have a wetland buffer policy which becomes enforced when an applicant plats an area. He said we previously did not have a policy for streams. Commissioner Jaffoni asked if this change affects all bodies of water, such as creeks or streams. Water Resources Manager Asche stated drainage areas such as creeks or streams would fall under this policy. Chair Holmes opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to speak on the item. Commissioner Jaffoni discussed the application of road salt and asked if additional wording would be more proactive because the salt denigrates water quality in runoff. Commissioner Jaffoni said there are a number of best management practices that could be implemented to mitigate the effects of salt, and asked if those had been considered for this document. Water Resources Manager Asche said staff has reviewed this issue. He said Shingle Creek had a chloride impairment and completed a total maximum daily load (TMDL) plan. This is included as an appendix and it addresses practices of chloride loading into Shingle Page 48 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 15 Creek. The goal of the TMDL is to eliminate the impairment and have the creek de -listed. Water Resources Manager Asche said chloride has been addressed thoroughly in our draft plan. Commissioner Jaffoni said the most obvious way to limit the amount of chloride is through the use of road salt. Water Resources Manager Asche said staff recommends different chloride products, reductions in the amount of chloride, and providing education materials. He said the City monitors both public and private de-icer stock piles to comply with new storm water pollution prevention program requirements. City Engineer Moberg said it is important to recognize that a number of years ago the City eliminated the use of sand for snow and ice control because it was considered a sediment, contaminating storm water ponds and wetlands. Salt was determined to be a more effective means for snow and ice control. City Engineer Moberg said the City is not interested in using sand in lieu of salt, but will try to be smarter about how we utilize salt. Commissioner Jaffoni asked how the banking of wetland credits is discouraged. She asked if developers are going outside the City limits to use those credits. Water Resources Manager Asche said the City has a non -degradation plan as required by the MPCA. One pollutant identified is the volume export of surface water from the City. He said the theory behind discouraging wetland impacts outside the city comes from that non -degradation plan. Water Resources Manager Asche explained that filling a wetland costs the City water volume capacity and creates a problem when we have identified that as a pollutant. He said the non -degradation plan would discourage taking that loss of volume outside of the city. Commissioner Jaffoni asked how developers would be discouraged from filling a wetland. Water Resources Manager Asche said if an applicant were to have an impact on a wetland and went through the proper process, it is not easy to discourage. He said the applicant could mitigate elsewhere in the city so we don't increase our total volume discharge. Water Resources Manager Asche explained that the entire process would start with mitigation on site, then within our sub -watersheds. He reiterated that ideally we want to keep wetland mitigation areas on the project site so the site is managing its own water. Commissioner Jaffoni said insisting on keeping volume within the City limits presents challenges and limitations for developers, and asked how the City compares to other communities. Water Resources Engineer Derek Asche said he did not know if other cities do this, but having it in the plan helps staff with maintaining the volume that we have now. He said Page 49 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 16 there are limited opportunities to reduce volume, and this provision would help us maintain where we are at and not make things worse. Commissioner Jaffoni asked if this becomes restrictive for developers. City Engineer Moberg clarified we currently don't have a policy that discourages wetland banking outside the city. This is implementing a mechanism to discourage developers from doing that. Planning Manager Senness added that this has not been a major issue, and recalled only two examples of such situations. Commissioner Davis suggested that Commissioner Nelson be added to the listing of planning commissioners on Page iii. MOTION by Commissioner Jaffoni, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to move the draft surface water management plan to the City Council for approval. Roll Call Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. 7. NEW BUSINESS A. CITY OF PLYMOUTH (CP 7135) Chair Holmes introduced the Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Wild Wings Flood Protection Project. Water Resources Manager Asche gave an overview of the staff report. Commissioner Jaffoni asked about impact to the wildlife and fish as a result of this project. Water Resources Manager Asche said channels 15 feet wide and 4 feet deep are proposed. He said it would provide more water habitat for wildlife, but the intent is to provide for flood protection and water flow. The expectation is for communities to rebound as time goes on. Commissioner Jaffoni asked if it would help wildlife in the long run, while causing some disruption short term. Water Resources Manager Asche said it is hard to predict a long term benefit. City Engineer Moberg added that historically these three wetland basins had more open water. He said water directly discharges into these, but water travels around the perimeter because it is blocked by vegetation. When the project is complete, the waterfowl will be in the center of the pond, not in backyards. Page 50 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 17 Commissioner Jaffoni asked about the additional enhancements providing more diversity. Water Resources Manager Asche said originally the intent was to have larger open waters typical to 1984 prior to development in this area. He explained that the EAW referenced enhancement but the DNR suggested not to pursue that option as it may lead to large hurdles down the road. Commissioner Nelson asked about the proximity of the proposed channels to nearby residential areas. Water Resources Manager Asche reviewed the locations of the proposed channels which would connect to 12-24 existing storm sewers in this area coming from roads into open water sections. Water Resources Manager Asche showed the storm sewer connections which would give water some place to go rather than flooding yards and streets. Chair Holmes introduced Alan Deglemann, 5130 Saratoga Lane N., who asked how the dredging equipment would get access. He said previous dredging caused some problems in the area. Mr. Deglemann said sizeable equipment would be used and would impact the area; he questioned where the material would go that is removed. Water Resources Manager Asche said the equipment is proposed to be taken into the wetland during frozen ground conditions. He said the City typically holds a 20 -foot easement over storm pipes. Water Resources Manager Asche said they recognize landscaping issues such as trees, fences, etc. and choose the route which would least impact residents' yards. He said access can come from Schmidt Lake Rd. Water Resources Manager Asche said a State -issued dredge materials permit requires testing to make sure dredged materials are acceptable and any contamination would go to a landfill. He added that the Wetland Conservation Act Rules prevent putting any materials back into the wetland. Mr. Deglemann said his yard has never been flooded and asked if there has been flooding in this area. Water Resources Manager Asche responded affirmatively. Chair Holmes introduced Jeff Bipes, 10605 52nd Avenue N. Mr. Bipes reiterated that eight years ago the City did dredge in this area. Mr. Bipes showed one of the access points, where storm sewer is. There is some construction going on there now. Xcel Energy dug up property to tap into property lines along Schmidt Lake Road, north by the railroad tracks. Mr. Bipes questioned where the access would be and how this would impact his property. He said there are still gouges in the road from equipment used the last time dredging was done. Mr. Bipes said he understands the need for this dredging as the wetland is filled with cattails. He said he wants the City to work with the neighborhoods to mitigate damage and to give proper notice to the neighbors. Page 51 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 18 Chair Holmes introduced Steve Roalstad, 5080 Trenton Lane M. Mr. Roalstad said he was disappointed the DNR does not want to restore the wetlands to the original state. Mr. Roalstad said his property shares a drainage inlet into the wetland, and backyards are limited, only 15 feet away from beginning of the wetland. He said there is some settling of his property and fears the dredging so close to the inlet may exacerbate erosion of his limited back yard. Mr. Roalstad suggested constructing a structure to contain a solid, such as rocks, to prevent erosion. He added that anytime there is increased water flow, materials such as branches, bottles, paper, etc. flow through. Mr. Roalstad said he cleans this area but is concerned as water flows in the new situation trash may flow into the wetland and contaminate the wetland. Mr. Roalstad suggested placement of a small holding pond 30 feet out, so materials would settle there. Mr. Roalstad said he supports the project and said it is a worthwhile endeavor. Chair Holmes introduced Thomas Ona, 5070 Trenton Lane N., who said he supports the project. Mr. Ona echoed Mr. Roalstad's questions, and said he planted a tree so the roots could solidify his sinking ground. He said this dredging process needs to be repeated every 10-15 years on either side of storm drain to protect properties from sinking. Mr. Ona asked about results of similar type projects in Plymouth and how the property fares close to storm drains after trenching is done. He asked how close the trench can be dug in proximity to the storm drain. Water Resources Manager Asche said erosion and sinking may occur at the end of the storm pipe because the water velocity is greatest at that point. The City would like to ensure that the integrity of the pipe is good. Water Resources Manager Asche said the DNR would consider some settling basin at the end of the pipes to prevent channels from filling in. He said this would limit maintenance. Water Resources Manager Asche added that staff currently removes material in front of pipes every one to two years. City Engineer Moberg said one contributing factor is that because the water runoff cannot get out to the wetland basins, we are now seeing more of the yard areas staying in a saturated condition. He said removing the water may stabilize that condition and improve it. MOTION by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Jaffoni, to recommend approval of the Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Wild Wings Flood Protection Project. Roll Call Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. B. JAMES CLASEMAN. (2008047) Chair Holmes introduced the request by James Claseman for a variance to allow construction of a 625 -square foot detached garage in the front yard for property located at 5755 Juneau Lane N. Page 52 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 19 Senior Planner Darling gave an overview of the staff report. Commissioner Davis said the garage would be eight feet from the property line, but it does not appear to be eight feet on the drawing. Senior Planner Darling advised that the scale on the plan is incorrect. Commissioner Davis asked if Mr. Claseman would be able to place the garage in this area without affecting the well. Senior Planner Darling said if this is approved, a survey would be required showing the proposed garage and the distance to property lines and the well. Commissioner Jaffoni questioned if the current garage could be expanded. Senior Planner Darling said there is a deck in the area that would need to be removed, and a variance would still be required. Commissioner Nelson noted the severe slope and grade of the lot, and asked if the applicant were willing to spend the money, if a detached garage could be located in any other location on the lot. Senior Planner Darling said the slopes are steep and not usable. She said a variance would be required for any location in the front yard. She said that she saw that the garage could be placed south of the home, but vehicles or a drive would have to wind over the drain field to access the location. Chair Holmes introduce the applicant James Claseman. Mr. Claseman said he has lived here 22 years. He watched the Lake Camelot are develop with nice homes having 3 or 4 car garages. Mr. Claseman said he could add another garage 10 feet off the west side of his house, but the vast majority is wetland. He said the well sits in the way and he doesn't know an alternative to that. Mr. Claseman said his house sits 30 feet above the wetland, and added his insurance has questioned if he is in a flood zone. Chair Holmes asked when Juneau Lane is slated to be rebuilt. Senior Planner Darling said that this segment is not scheduled to be rebuilt. Other parts of Juneau Lane would be removed and traffic rerouted east to Cheshire Lane with the Trillium Woods proposal. Chair Holmes suggested extending the back of the existing garage. Page 53 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 20 Mr. Claseman stated that the neighbor to the north does not object to the proposal. Mr. Claseman added that the proposed garage would match the aesthetics of the house and have cedar siding. City Engineer Moberg asked if Mr. Claseman could identify placement of the garage if the well and septic were eliminated. Mr. Claseman said he would pivot the garage and eliminate the need for variances. Senior Planner Darling stated that accessory buildings are not allowed between primary structures and the street so the location would still require a variance, but that scenario would pull garage further from the right of way. Commissioner Jaffoni asked if it is possible to do anything about the well. City Engineer Moberg said the water main will be extended to Juneau Lane with the Trillium Woods project. He said once the water main is extended, it is not far-fetched to extend a bit further north to Juneau Lane. Commissioner Davis asked if the well could be moved. City Engineer Moberg said the property owner could investigate this option. It would need to be determined if drilling a new well is feasible, especially when city water is being extended into the area. Planning Manager Senness added that the Trillium Woods project appears to moving forward next year with their first phase of construction. Chair Holmes said this proposal is between a rock and hard place. He said there is no space to put the garage on the property with the lot configuration. Chair Holmes said if the well weren't there this would be a different story, but it is too close to the front right-of- way and he supports denial. Commissioner Nelson said he sympathizes with the applicant wanting more space. Commissioner Nelson said he already has a garage, and doesn't meet the hardship criteria we are bound by. Commissioner Nelson said he concurs with Chair Holmes. MOTION by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to deny the request by James Claseman for a variance to allow construction of a 625 -square foot detached garage in the front yard for property located at 5755 Juneau Lane N. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. Page 54 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 16, 2008 Page 21 8. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Chair Holmes, without objection, to adjoum the meeting at 10:46 p.m. Page 55 STATE OF MINNESOTA FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT JAMES T. SWENSON CHIEF JUDGE HENNEPIN COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55487-0422 (612) 346-2122 FAX (612) 596-9144 August 6, 2008 Dear Mayors, City Council Members and City Managers, Maintaining public safety is on the minds of all public officials. Providing that safety requires a concerted effort by police, prosecutors, elected officials, the courts and others. All three Minnesota branches of government — including the Fourth Judicial District / Hennepin County District Court — are struggling with significant budget reductions. Several community leaders — including city managers, mayors, city council members, and city attorneys — have expressed interest in receiving an update regarding the manner in which these budget difficulties are impacting the court. We appreciate this concern. The Hennepin County bench already has regular contact with the city of Minneapolis and Hennepin County, which gives those justice partners an opportunity to discuss court issues of import to them. The bench is interested in expanding that dialogue to include our suburban justice partners. As part of its strategic plan, the Minnesota Judicial Branch wants to enhance public understanding of our courts and what we are doing on behalf of your citizens. With those goals in mind, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you at your earliest convenience, bring you up to date regarding what's happening in the courts, and respond to your questions on topics affecting your community, such as crime rates, DWIs, kids in trouble, home foreclosures and loan defaults. I will make every effort to accommodate your day or evening meeting preference. To schedule a meeting, contact my executive assistant Jenna Hernandez, 612-348-2192 or iennafer.hernandez@courts.state.mn.us. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, J es T. Swenson Chief Judge Hennepin County District Court / Fourth Judicial District Page 56 From: Tom Evenson Sent: Friday, August 01, 2008 11:11 AM To: Rick Sheldon; Dave Dreelan; Walter Messer; Henry Ahrens; Blaine Duncan; Sean Watson Cc: Rick Kline Subject: Last night I got a call from Doug Bley from the Minnesota Patriot Guard who wanted to express his appreciation for what the PFD and PPD did when the Military men and women passed through Plymouth on their way to the airport to be deployed to Iraq. It was more than just a thank you. He said that many of the soldiers made comments when they arrived at the airport about the support Plymouth showed. In his words "You guys made a difference in the lives of 170 soldiers today." No other City showed the support the way the PFD and PPD did. 365 days from now he would like us to be there when these soldiers come home. Thanks for all you do. Page 57 City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447-1482 July 3 V 2008 Dear Kelli Slavik and members of the city council, Congratulations for Plymouth being selected the #1 place to live by Money Magazine! This area does indeed have a lot to offer and a lot to be proud of. There are many wonderful and attractive things that our city possesses and yet we still have the space and potential to become even better. Plymouth has put forth some impressive numbers in achieving its number one ranking. We did well in categories like finance, health, education and many others. Unfortunately, I see that there is one category that could impede our progress to sustaining this title as we proceed into the future. I am addressing you all in my efforts to advocate a need for appropriate and adequate bike lanes on our streets and roadways in Plymouth. When looking at the numbers posted in the article I saw that only 1.8% of our population bikes or walks to work. It's not the distances we commute that is the problem. When taking a bicycle to work you are placed up close and personal with all the problems of our roadways and it only takes a single trip across town to discover the reason for this low number. Today bicycle commuting is a growing method of travel for multiple political, economic and environmental reasons and their use on our roads should be of concern to you all as greater numbers of Plymouth residents look to the bike for an alternative means of transportation. In choosing to ride a bicycle on our streets cyclists are confronted with many forms of adversity. On a daily basis they are subjected to the ignorance and harassment of motorists, the ill designed auto -centric roadways throughout the city, and poorly maintained shoulders of the roads that might otherwise be adequate. The characteristics of our current transportation system are unsafe to bicycle commuters and are not conducive to continuing and developing this clean and sustainable method of transportation. Our roads are designed to accommodate the automobile as the only viable means of transportation and this will only work to impair our community into the future. The City of Plymouth roadways accommodate the automobile as the one convenient form of transportation and several things must change in order to safely integrate bicycle traffic into our system of roads. I see that many roads in Plymouth have adjacent "multi -use" paths and this is a great system for walkers and joggers but unfortunately they are not safe for bicycles nor are they adequate for bike commuting. In 1996 ShareTheRoadMN.org did study of accidents per million kilometers of a given facility type. They found that sidewalks are the most dangerous place for cyclists to be as they are 25 times more likely to experience an accident when riding on a sidewalk than Page 58 riding on a major street. Sidewalks and similar "multi -use" paths are the only thing we have here in Plymouth and this presents a huge problem in the versatility of our roadways to accommodate future transportation solutions. We need designated bike lanes on our roads to make it clear where bikes belong. We need bikes lanes to provide a sustainable alternative to our current options for transportation. It is imperative that these lanes are included into the planning and construction of every new road and retrofit into every existing road in Plymouth. Many drivers are ignorant to the established bicycle laws and I strongly believe that identifiable and distinguishable bike lanes will clear up any confusion about who goes where. Motorists will know where on the road they can expect to see bicycles and there will be no more disputes over who is invading whose territory on the road. Cyclists and bicycle commuters will have a designated lane and will be at a safe distance from automobile traffic. Established bike lanes will create a safer environment on our roads and because of this certainly more people will choose to ride. Whether its riding to work, to the store or riding just for fun the rates of obesity and heart disease will drop; air quality will improve, and our community will grow in a way that's healthy and environmentally sustainable. Looking at the trends of energy use, fuel prices, and the condition of the environment it is plain to see that the demand of bike lanes will continue to increase. To stay ahead of this demand our city must be as dynamic as the time in which we live. We must start developing these projects now so we can start to construct them sooner then later. Let's plan for accommodating alternative means of transportation; let's plan for a more closely knit cycling community, let's plan for a more sustainable future, and let's focus on this as one means to preserving our title as #1. To stay ahead of tomorrow we must start today. We have a long way to go. Sincerely, Carles Lamb 2620 Zanzibar Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 charies.m-lamb@amall.com Page 59 July 30, 2008 Our mission is to reduce waste today through innovative resource management and to reach a waste -free tomorrow by demonstrating that waste is preventable, not inevitable. Sarah Hellekson City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Sarah: RECEIVED AUG 1 2008 After more than ten years at Eureka Recycling, I'm leaving Minnesota to move to upstate New York and will be leaving my position at Eureka Recycling at the end of the summer. It's been an honor and joy to work with all of our partners at Eureka Recycling. I have been truly inspired by the dedication and passion for the environment I have experienced through our work together. There is an amazing team of people already in place to ensure that you experience a smooth transition in my departure. Over the last several years, my duties have already begun to shift to additional staff as Eureka Recycling has continued to grow and you may have already worked with some of these people. • Bryan Ukena is taking over most of my responsibilities as Director of Business Development and will supervise the business development staff at Eureka Recycling, including Emily Anderson. Bryan has 20 years of experience in recycling and has been with Eureka Recycling for over a year. He has extensive knowledge of recycling markets, composting, and Eureka Recycling's entrepreneurial endeavors. • Emily Anderson, our Business Development Manager, has been here since October. She manages our resource management contracts, event services, and our newest commercial composting program. • Christopher Goodwin has been with Eureka Recycling since October as our Director of Customer Relations. He and his team have been charged with taking impeccable care of our customers, including our cities and other key customers. You can continue reach me at Eureka Recycling through August 15th. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me directly or speak with Bryan, Emily, or Christopher. Vv e can all be reached at (651) 222-7678. As always, if you would like to speak with Susan Hubbard, our CEO, you can call her anytime. I wish you all the best of luck and look forward to hearing about all the accomplishments to come. Here's to a waste -free tomorrow! Sincerely, Alex Danovitch Director of Business Development Apf 63 c �ra(11 k4iu \P 2828 Kennedy Street NE \ Minneapolis, MN 55413 \ (651) 222-7678 Nk+O6"A'f Fax (612) 623-3277 \ www.eurekarecycling.org Eureka Recycling is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to hire without discrimination based on race, creed, religion, sex, color, national origin, sexual or affectional orientation, ancestry, familial status, age, disability, marital status or status with regard to public assistance. ® Printed with soy -based ink by a Minnesota Great Printer on 100% postconsumer recycled paper that was processed without the use of chlorine. Page 60