The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 08-22-2008CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO August 22, 2008 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS PACT Agenda 08/27/08...................................................................................... August, September, October 2008 Official City Meeting Calendars ....................................... Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings .......................................... INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc ... Home Free Services Newsletter Mentioning Pat Hoyt Neils ................. MEETING MINUTES Wayzata Communities in Collaboration Council Minutes 08/13/08..... STAFF REPORTS CORRESPONDENCE Email from Poulsom, RE: Drainage Project — Sycamore Employee Recognition Email from Schwartz, RE: Dallas Gjesvold Resident Assistance ......................... Letter to Property Owners, RE: Variance for Holter (2008065) ..................... Letter to Property Owners, RE: Variance for Dobkin (2008067) ................... Letter to Property Owners, RE: Variance for Dobkin (2008068) ................... Page 1 Page 2 Page 5 ........................ Page 6 ......................... Page 7 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 LEGISLATIVE ITEMS MLC 2008 Legislative Session Update 2008-02............................................................................... Page 15 AGENDA PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT City Council Chambers (upper level of City Hall) Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Note: PACT Members, please RSVP to the Transit Coordinator at 763-509-5535 or bmaciejQa�ci.plytnouth. mn.us. 1. 7:00 Approval of Agenda 2. 7:05 Approval of July 23, 2008 Minutes (attached) 3. 7:10 Dial -a -Ride Service Changes Public Hearing 4. 8:10 Dial -A -Ride Recommendation to City Council 5. 8:30 Cub Foods Park and Ride Improvements Update 6. 8:33 Fleet Update 7. 8:38 Minneapolis (Downtown) Access Plan Update 8. 8:40 Plymouth Transit Performance Measurements for June (see attached) • Ridership information and review of ridership statistics • Customer service quality - discussion 9. 8:50 Identify areas of concern and/or recommendations (July and August complaint logs attached) 10. 9:00 Adjournment Attachments - Dial -A -Ride Riders Riding by Hour by Day, May 2008 - Dial -A -Ride Peer Group Analysis, revised August 12, 2008 - Dial -A -Ride 2007 Monthly Cost Sutnnraty - Dial -A -Ride 2008 Monthly Cost Sumnmty - Dial -A -Ride Expense and Revenue Report - Fare of $3 or $4 - determine effect on budget OATMNSMPACi'0 IPACf S21-08_agen&d. Page 1 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life August 2008 mueprea an oWWS Page 2 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 & REC Medicine Lake Room QUALITY ADVISORY COM - Dial -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 Cancelled 25 26 Fil�`sB 27 2 29 30 gin'- 7:00 PM RA MEETING 5:30 PM PLYMOUTH Cancelled SPECIAL COUNCIL ADVISORY MEETING /31 Medicine Lake Roan COMMITTEE ON 2DD9 Budget TRANSIT (PACT) 7;00 PM MEETING Ft REGULAR COUNCIL HEARING' ' Hearing on Dial -A- ide Services MEETING Chambers Council Chambers City Council Filing, Begin thru September SCouncil Ward I and 3 and At -Large mueprea an oWWS Page 2 rp) Plymouth t Adding Quality to Life September 2008 Modified on 08122108 Page 3 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�eooPPM 10 11 12 13 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Ilff 8:00 AM— STATE PRIMARY ELECTION ENVIRONMENTAL PARK 8 REC ADVI. = 5:00 PM 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 08122108 Page 3 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life October 2008 Modified on 08/11/08 Page 4 1 7:00 PM 2 3 llllll� Absentee 4 1:00 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 Et 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 take Room A 26 27 28 29 30 31 Daylight 7:00 PM 5:30-8:30 PM Savings REGULAR COUNCIL Halloween on Ends MEETING the Creek Set Clocks Back 1 Council Chambers Plymouth Creek Hour Center Modified on 08/11/08 Page 4 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items September 9, Regular, 8:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Adopt preliminary 2009 budget and tax levy • Approve 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. Gartner Engineering, LLC. (2007041) (Tabled from August 12) • Approve site plan amendment for a 21,000 square foot building addition and parking expansion for Zero -Max for property located at 13200 6`h Avenue North. Kraus - Anderson Construction Company. (2008061) • Recognize Peter Larson for KARE-1I's "Eleven Who Care" September 23, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Transmit Comprehensive Plan to Metropolitan Council. City of Plymouth. (2005050) • Recognize Police Explorers on their National Explorer Competition 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 5 SERVICES HOME ]W E ♦ SHELTER 24 hour crisis line with informa- tion and referral. Short term emergency shelter for battered women and their children. Please call (763) 559-4945. 2008 Summer Celebration We're off to see the Wizard! Every July Home Free holds an annual Summer Celebration in our back yard. It is for resi- dents, ex -residents, and com- munity women. This year the Wizard of Oz was the theme for our Celebra- tion. We even had a visit from Dorothy, Toto and the Scare- crow, as well as Ply- mouth Po- lice and Fire Departments. We were lucky to have a beautiful sunny day with a light breeze off the lake. With attendance being about 120 people, it proved to be one of the best turnouts we have ever had for this event. We were fortunate enough to receive help from the Maple Grove Kohl's, along with volun- teers and new stuffed animals to give out as prizes, they also gave us a $500 grant. Thank you to all who helped make it a wonderful day for all the children. UPCOMING EVENTS Two Fundraising Walks for Home Free Walk for Children gram parenting groups and chil- dren's support groups. We need people to sign up for the Prevent Child Abuse MN The Journey Church Walk for Children. The event is Walk -a -Thon Saturday September 13, 2008 at the Midway Stadium in St. Paul. Also in September, The Journey Check it out at www.pcamn.org Church in Maple Grove is holding or to donate please go to a walk-a-thon for Home Free. It www . f i r s t g i v i n g. c o m/ will be on September 6th at the carleincloutier, which is one of Maple Grove Community Center. the links for Team Home The cost is $10 per walker. For Free. Half of what we earn more information please go to comes back to Home Free to www.thejourneymn.com and look help support the Children's Pro- at the events calendar. 2 • COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Legal advocacy and support ser- vices in 16 Northwest Hennepin Communities. (763)545-7080 business hours I Monday —Friday. Home Free and Missions Inc. Remember Pat Hoyt Neils In March Home Free lost one of our founders, Pat Hoyt Neils. Pat was part of the group of women who worked together in the late 1970's to make Home Free a real- ity. Without her forward thinking vision we would not be here to- day, helping to keep women and children safe. She also sat on our Advisory Committee for several years, and helped to start our intervention project in 1984. She then moved on to the Missions, Inc. Board for twelve years. She was the first woman to hold the office of Board President. We express our sympathy to Pat's family and friends, she will always be remembered. Page 6 MINUTES WAYZATA COMMUNITIES IN COLLABORATION COUNCIL August 13, 2008 Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 10 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM Room A 413, Central Middle School PRESENT Brenda Heim, Laurie Ahrens, Dr. Chace Anderson, Charlene Barghini, Fran Beard, Cindy Carlson, Peggy Douglas, Linnea Fonnest, Maggie Frick, Jessica Graanstra, Angela Haseman, LaDonna Hoy, Leah Hughes, Donna Marget, Judi Nelson, Margaret Rookey, Greg Rye, Tom Sexton, Susan Sommerfeld, Bob Wittman and Carol Bergenstal WELCOME Chair Brenda Heim called the meeting to order and welcomed new and returning CICC members. Brenda called members' attention to the information contained in the packets including the CICC schedule for the year, an overview of the CICC, the May 2008 minutes, the article on Wayzata's adequate yearly progress (AYP) results from the state, the Summer 2008 CICC Update, and a review of the history and status of the Local Collaborative Time Study (LCTS). MAY CICC MINUTES The May CICC minutes were accepted as written. CICC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE • A motion was made and seconded to include Donna Marget, LCTS Coordinator and Chair of the LCTS Grant Committee, as a member of the CICC Executive Committee. The motion was unanimously approved. CICC COORDINATOR Brenda explained that Carol Bergenstal's hours will be reduced to one day a week during the coming school year. Kristin Tollison, Assistant Director of Community Education Services, will help cover Carol's duties during this time. INTRODUCTIONS CICC members were asked to introduce themselves and the organization/constituency they represent and share their expectations of the CICC in the coming year. The following comments were shared: • Keep the meetings timely and on -schedule • Continue focus on collaboration • Maintain focus on kids who "need a little boost" to be successful • Expand connections and collaboration with neighboring school districts Page 7 • Continue to provide a forum to focus on emerging needs in the community • Continue to foster relationships among representatives from all aspects of the community • Continue to provide a venue to keep each other informed of events/programs/needs in the community • Be a resource for identification of volunteers • Be a catalyst for increased collaboration • Don't be satisfied with the status quo. Continue efforts to improve the opportunities for all youth in our community • Serve as a venue to disseminate information throughout the community • Keep focused on what we can do --- not the roadblocks STATE OF OUR COMMUNITY LaDonna Hoy, Executive Director of Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners shared an overview of the state of our community, from IOCP's perspective: • IOCP is a community-based outreach organization. • IOCP's goal is to change the odds and help families become self-sufficient by focusing on the five greatest barriers for families: housing, childcare, transportation, employment and lack of connection to the community. • IOCP addresses the housing continuum from emergency housing assistance to supportive housing services (Project Success, CONECT, Employment Services), to long-term solutions (affordable housing developments, education and advocacy). • Housing is not enough, however. • CONECT serves 8 multi -unit housing neighborhoods in Plymouth with a multitude of on-site programs including Camp CONECT, Homework Clubs, community dinners, etc. • The Caring for Kids Initiative is developing a replicable model to provide high quality childcare and education, parent education and family support to ensure all children begin kindergarten ready to learn. • IOCP case managers work with clients to help them re -frame their situations and develop a step-by-step process to reach specific goals. • The need for IOCP's services has grown dramatically. For example, 18 cars were donated to IOCP last year. 60 cars are needed. • The growing number of home foreclosures in our community is also a great concern. • The goal for the 2008 Sleep Out is $1.5 million. The need is closer to $2 million. • The encouraging new is that our community has become a true incubator of future service leaders --- thanks, in large measure, to the help and support from students and staff that IOCP receives through the Wayzata Schools. • LaDonna concluded by stating, "If the sky is falling, let's hold it up" and reminding us that this is "the community that can. If not here, where? If not now, when?" Page 8 FORMAT FOR 2008-09 CICC MEETINGS Brenda asked CICC members to review the suggested format for our meetings this year: • A "community resource table" will be available to share flyers, brochures, invitations, etc. • 20-30 minutes of each meeting will be devoted to an update from one or more LCTS grant recipients and/or key partners including an overview of the program, progress made, needs that may have developed, and the role of collaboration in their program. • 30-45 minutes of each meeting will be devoted to community updates/reflections/hopes and dreams from CICC members and the identification of emerging community needs, with the focus on efforts to reduce barriers to services for families and collaboration across sectors. • The support, resources, and/or connections needed from the CICC will be identified and recorded, including action steps and key person(s) responsible for follow-up. • Progress on previously identified issues will be reported at following meeting. ADJOURN • The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 PM. NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, September 10 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM Room A 413 Central Middle School Respectfully submitted, Carol Bergenstal Page 9 Page I of I Laurie Ahrens Subject: FW: Drainage Project- Sycamore From: Poulsom, Kym [mailto:Kym.Poulsom@adeccona.com] Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 9:01 AM To: Dave Taylor Subject: Drainage Project- Sycamore My husband and I wanted to let you know how impressed we were (are) with the crews involved with the street reconstruction project. We recently moved into the neighborhood and anticipated (and dreaded) the impending project not to mention the added cost we had to incur. The project began within 2 weeks of our move in date and the noise and mess were tremendous. What was surprising to us was the attitude and graciousness of each crew member! Not only were they friendly but they went above and beyond to accommodate the homeowners. There were several times that we were blocked in our driveway by trucks and equipment. Each time, they would halt their operation, move the equipment and allow us to pass. They always did this with a smile and never any indication of inconvenience. I'm sure you've received many calls and/or notes of frustration from some of the homeowners so we thought it important to let you know that we appreciate the attitude and hard work they accomplished. This could have been much more difficult if the attitude of the crew members were anything other than what they were! Thank -you! Kym Poulsom 2740 Sycamore Lane N Plymouth, MN 55441 763/432-9359 Mobile 612/802-6720 f.' 763/432-9361 Project Coordinator Adecco Solutions Implementation y poulsom@adeccona.com w Yadeccousa.com 8/21/2008 Page 10 Page 1 of 1 Laurie Ahrens Subject: FW: Thank you... From: Sandy Schwartz[SMTP:SANDY.SCHWARTZ@CALIX.COM] Sent: Thursday, August 21, 20084:03:57 PM To: Web Contact (General) Subject: Thank you... Auto forwarded by a Rule Hello Plymouth Police Department. I'd like to compliment one of your police officers for so generously helping me in what could have been a very stressful situation. On my way to work Tuesday a.m. I was in the left turn lane of Rockford Road, to head south on Vicksburg when my van made a very loud bang. The van continued running, but wouldn't move — I coasted to the side of the road as best I could. I immediately called 911 and Dallas Gjesvold showed up right away. He helped get my car to the first side -street and assured me that as long as a tow truck was on the way, that my van was OK where it was. Generally my heart starts beating in a bad way when I see the "fuzz" —just because it seems to me the only thing you guys do is bother innocent folks like me by pulling me over for a burned out tail light, or something like that. I think that's the way a lot of people feel — BUT, I now have a brand new outlook. Thanks to Dallas for improving my view of the Police. By the way, I need a new transmission... Sandy Schwartz 11759 Emery Village Drive North Champlin, MN 55316 8/21/2008 Page 11 FP) City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life August 22, 2008 SUBJECT: VARIANCE FOR BRAD HOLTER (2008065) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by Brad Holter, under File No. 2008065, for a variance to construct an 840 - square foot garage addition 10 feet from the side property line where 15 feet is required by ordinance for property located at 14510 Gleason Lake Drive. While a formal Public Hearing is not required, it is the City's policy to inform adjacent property owners/occupants of such applications. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 200 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of and cordially invited to attend a meeting to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 3, 2008 in the Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter, at Plymouth City Hall on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. If you have any questions about the specifics of this proposal, please contact the Community Development Department at (763) 509-5400. Sincerely, Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2008065propnotice ?400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 - Tel: 763-X09-SCi!0 > wnrw.d.plymouth.mr-us Ar -- - page 12 Adding Quality to Life August 22, 2008 SUBJECT: VARIANCE FOR EUGENE DOBKN (2008067) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by Eugene Dobkin, under File No. 2008067, for a shoreland variance to allow two contiguous non -conforming lots under the same ownership for property located at 2635 Nathan Lane North. While a formal Public Hearing is not required, it is the City's policy to inform adjacent property owners/occupants of such applications. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 200 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of and cordially invited to attend a meeting to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 3, 2008 in the Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. NFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter, at Plymouth City Hall on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. If you have any questions about the specifics of this proposal, please contact the Community Development Department at (763) 509-5400. Sincerely, ?J�l^lii �o qe; Barbara G. Senness. AICP Planning Manager 2008067propnotice 3 4GO Plymouth Bbir_, Ptv noutn, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: T-' Page 13 Adding Quality to Life August 22, 2008 SUBJECT: VARIANCE FOR EUGENE DOBKIN (2008068) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by Eugene Dobkin, under File No. 2008068, for a shoreland variance to allow two contiguous non -conforming lots under the same ownership for property located at 2645 Nathan Lane North. While a formal Public Hearing is not required, it is the City's policy to inform adjacent property owners/occupants of such applications. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 200 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of and cordially invited to attend a meeting to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 3, 2008 in the Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter, at Plymouth City Hall on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. If you have any questions about the specifics of this proposal, please contact the Community Development Department at (763) 509-5400. Sincerely, , 1 vv� Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2008068propnotice 3400 Plyrr.0ut Bt'/(! • Phjrro'_irh, Minresota 55447-14K • TeL 763-509-5000 3 s rv.ci.olymouth.mn.us A� Page 14 MUNICIPAL LBSIStAM COMMISSION League of Minnesota Cities Building 145 University Avenue West, Suite 450 St. Paul, MN 55103 Telephone: (651) 228-9757 Facsimile: (651) 228-9787 UPDATE 2008-02 MLC's 2008 Legislative Session Overall, MLC had a successful legislative session given the fiscal challenges the state was facing. The legislature addressed many of our Association's top initiatives, including the following: Directing Property Tax Relief to Individuals • The legislature enhanced the "circuit breaker" (which is an income based property tax refund) by investing $21 million in 2010, $25 million in 2011 and $25 million in each year thereafter Implementing a program that will report property tax paid as a percentage of income • The Department of Revenue will update the "VOSS" database which through technology upgrades will link income information and property taxes paid. This upgrade will assist the legislature in properly determining where property tax relief should be sent. Comprehensive Transportation and Transit Funding • The legislature passed a comprehensive transportation and transit funding package, which was a top priority for our organization. However, due to a lack of state infrastructure investments, growing needs and increasing costs associated with improvements, much more is still needed to be done. No Cuts to Market Value Homestead Credit (MVHC) Program • The MVHC is a state funded program designed to reduce property taxes paid by qualifying homeowners, it is not an aid program with funds going to municipalities. A cut to the MVHC would have negatively impacted our cities ability to provide local services. Member Cities: Apple Valley, Bloomington, Burnsville, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Inver Grove Heights Lakeville, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Shoreview, Woodbury 'rhe MLC Update is prepared by Emily Skidmore and Thomas J. Poul Messedi & Kramer P.A.. 145 University Avenue West.Suite 450, St. Paul, MN 55103 Telephone: 651.228.9757 Fav: 651.228.9787 E-mail: eskidm"re@mandklamcom and tpoul(amtandklaw.. Page 15 Although the legislature addressed many of our top initiatives, our organization was very disappointed in the implementation of levy limits as well as the failure to fund a fiscal disparities study. We are optimistic that both issues will be looked at again in the 2009 legislative session. County Transit Improvement Board The Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) was established during the 2008 legislative session as a Joint Powers Board. The CTIB is responsible for allocating an estimated $100 million annually for bus, light-rail and commuter -rail improvements in the metro area. The CTIB will accept applications for major transit infrastructure projects in Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Washington and Ramsey Counties. These counties levied the 1/4 cent sales tax. CTIB Members: Anoka County: Commissioner Dan Erhart Commissioner Dennis Berg Commissioner Jim Kordiak (alternate) Dakota County: Commissioner Paul Krause (Vice Chair) Commissioner Nancy Schouweiler Commissioner Thomas Egan (alternate) Hennepin County: Commissioner Peter McLaughlin (Chair) Commissioner Mike Opat Commissioner Mark Stenglein (alternate) Ramsey County: Commissioner Jan Parker Commissioner Jim McDonough Commissioner Toni Carter (alternate) Washington County: Commissioner Myra Peterson Commissioner Dennis Hegberg Commissioner Gary Kriesel (alternate) Metropolitan Council: Chairman Peter Bell Peggy Leppik (alternate) -2- Page 16 GEARS The Grant Evaluation and Ranking System Committee (GEARS) consists of eight elected city officials, five county commissioners and the chair of the Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee. The GEARS committee will rank and evaluate eligible transit projects for funding by the CTIB. Metro Cities conducted an election to select the city representation on the GEARS committee. GEARS Committee Members Anoka County Commissioner Dennis Berg Mayor Tim Howe (Coon Rapids) Commissioner Dan Erhart (alternate) Dakota County Commissioner Thomas Egan Councilmember Ruth Grendahl (Apple Valley) Commissioner Paul Krause (alternate) Hennepin County Commissioner Gail Dorfman Mayor Steve Lampi (Brooklyn Park) Commissioner Mark Stenglein (alternate) Mayor Jim Hovland (Edina) Councilmember Robert Lilligren (Minneapolis) Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter Mayor Craig Klausing (Roseville) Commission Janice Rettman Councilmember Russ Stark (St. Paul) Washington County Dick Stafford Mayor Bill Hargis (Woodbury) Bill Pulkrabek (alternate) Metropolitan Council Mary Hill Smith -3- Page 17 MLC Officials Elected to Leadership Positions Burnsville mayor elected to leadership post with U.S. Conference of Mayors Burnsville Mayor Elizabeth Kautz was elected second vice president/advisory board chair for the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) at the organization's annual meeting in Miami, Fla. The post positions Kautz to become president of the national organization in June 2010. The USCM is the official nonpartisan organization of 1,139 cities with populations of 30,000 or more. It promotes the development of effective national policy, provides mayors with leadership and management tools, and creates a forum in which mayors can share ideas and information. As part of the USCM leadership team and eventually as president of the conference, Kautz will help set its agenda, appoint committee and task force chairs, and serve as its national spokesperson. Manny Diaz, Mayor of Miami, Fla., is current USCM president, and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels will lead the organization starting in June 2009. Kautz has served as Burnsville Mayor since 1994, and she has been an active member of the USCM throughout her term of service, serving most recently on the Board of Trustees. She co- founded the Minnesota Regional Council of Mayors in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro region and serves on numerous boards representing the city. Apple Valley Mayor and Lakeville Councilmember provide leadership to LMC Board Based on a slate of candidates recommended by a nominating committee, Apple Valley Mayor Mary Hamman -Roland and Lakeville Councilmember Wendy Wulff were elected to the Board of Directors during the League's Annual Conference in July. Mayor Hamman -Roland was elected president of the Board for 2008-09. She brings much experience to the post after being elected Mayor in 1998 and reelected in 2002 and 2006. In addition to serving as Mayor, she has served six years on the school board. Mayor Hamann - Roland is also involved in numerous national and state municipal organizations, multiple regional policy organizations, a variety of school -related committees, and many other civic committees. Councilmember Wendy Wulff was elected a director of the Board for 2008-09. Taking office as Lakeville Councilmember in 2003, she has spent much of her civic career volunteering and participating on a number of advisory councils. As councilmember, she serves on the -4- Page 18 Metropolitan Legislative Commission Board, Association of Metropolitan Municipalities, Downtown Lakeville Task Force, and High Performance Partnership Committee. The League of Minnesota Cities Board provides stewardship, strategic guidance, and vision to the organization, and acts in the interest of the 831 Minnesota cities and the people they serve. The League Board is made up of elected and appointed member city officials. 21st Century Tac Reform Commission In April, Governor Pawlenty appointed members to the 21s' Century Tax Reform Commission designed to rethink the current tax code. This Commission was created by Executive Order to advise the Governor on reforming the state's tax laws with the goal of making long-term improvements in the revenue system that reflect changes in business practices, demographics, and the economy that have occurred in Minnesota and other states. Tax Commission Members: Philip Albert — Medtronic, Inc. David Beito — Northern State Bank of Thief River Falls William Belanger - former Senator Danielle Buchberger — Eikill and Schilling Ltd. David Carlsen — UMI Company, Inc. Corey Haaland — Target Corporation Mark Haveman — MN Taxpayers Association Joy Lindsay — StarTec Investments, LLC Wendell Maddox — ION Corporation Gerald "Jerry" Morris — General Mills Rebecca Paulson — US Bank Kate Rubin — Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) John Spry — University of St. Thomas Michael Vekich — Vekich Associates David Welliver — Wilkerson Assoc. The Governor's Executive Order constrains the Commission regarding its recommendations - "The combined impact of the Commission's recommendations should be revenue -neutral." The group's interpretation of this mandate is that the Commission's focus will be on the structure of business taxes as opposed to the aggregate level of business taxation in Minnesota. The Commission would like to balance Minnesota's taxes — ideally, 1/3 of revenue should be derived equally from income, sales, and property taxes. Currently 38% of revenue comes from income, 28% from sales, and 33% from property. -5- Page 19 The commission is expected to submit their report by December 1, 2008. The recommendations will be timely for the next two-year budget proposal. To access minutes from all Commission meetings and to download the full presentations go to http://i,vww.taxes.state.mn.us/mntaxreform/iiidex.shtml. Meeting Schedule June 61h— Governor's Executive Order June 201h — Minnesota's Economy July 251h— Demographic presentation by Tom Stinson August 151 — Sales tax August 151h — Property tax September 51" — Personal income tax September 191h — Special topics October 3rd —Targeted tax breaks October 17'h /November Th /November 215' — compilation for final report (due Dec. 151) Plymouth ranked No.1 place to live by Money magazine 7 MLC Cities make list Money magazine has named the City of Plymouth as the nation's No. 1 city — ranking it on the magazine's annual 100 Best Places to Live" list. Other Minnesota cities included on the list are Eagan (No. 17), Apple Valley (No. 24), Lakeville (No. 26), Eden Prairie (No. 40), Maple Grove (No. 41), Burnsville (No. 43), Rochester (No. 70), and Blaine (No. 93). The rankings are based on several factors, including financial data, housing, education, leisure and culture, weather, health, and crime rates. This year, the magazine considered only the 716 U.S. cities with populations in the 50,000 to 300,000 range. In choosing Plymouth as No. 1, the magazine cited the city's quality schools, abundant job opportunities, affordable housing, low crime rate, and active outdoor culture. In Page 20