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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 08-29-2008CITY OF PLYMOUTH ® COUNCIL INFO MEMO August 29, 2008 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Planning Commission Agenda, 09/03/08............................................................................................. Page 1 Human Rights Commission Agenda, 09/04/08.................................................................................... Page 2 I-94 West NW Suburban Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Meeting, 09/18/08 .........................Page 3 September, October, November 2008 Official City Meeting Calendars ............................................. Page 5 Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ..................................................... Page 8 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc ... Northwest Suburbs to Launch City Meeting Webcasting Services, News Release ............................. Page 9 Battle Builds Over Green in Plymouth, Article, Star & Trib.............................................................. Page 11 Register by Sept. 13 to Qualify for Early Registration Fee for the Plymouth Fire Department's 5KFun Run, News Release.........................................................................................................Page 13 Plymouth Discusses Changing Course on Dial -A -Ride, Article, Star & Trib.................................... Page 14 Exhibiting Tendencies (Public Art), Article, Star & Trib................................................................... Page 16 New Trail Bridge Over Hwy 169 Expected to Open This Fall, News Release ................................... Page 18 STAFF REPORTS Engineering Dept. Active & Pending Public Improvement Projects 08/28/08 ................................. Page 19 Fire Dept. Six Month Report, January -June 2008.............................................................................. Page 25 Fire -Rescue Incident of Interest, 08/23/08 4940 Underwood Lane .................................................... Page 31 CORRESPONDENCE Letter from 494 Commuter Services, RE: Participation in 2008 Commuter Challenge ................... Page 32 Thank You from Wynn Johnson & Elmhurst Gateway Subd............................................................. Page 33 Letter from Hopkins Public Schools, RE: Plymouth#1.....................................................................Page 35 Letter from MPCA, RE: Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program for Plymouth ...........................Page 36 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 WHERE: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Plymouth City Hall 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed on the consent agenda* are considered to be routine by the Planning Commission and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner, citizen or petitioner so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. CONSENT AGENDA* A. Approve the August 6, 2008 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. B. Kraus -Anderson Construction Company. 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. (2008061) C. Brad Hotter. Approve 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. (2008065) D. Eugene Dobkin. Approve shoreland variance to allow two contiguous non- conforming lots under the same ownership for property located at 2635 Nathan Lane North. (2008067) E. Eugene Dobkin. Approve shoreland variance to allow two contiguous non- conforming lots under the same ownership for property located at 2645 Nathan Lane North. (2008068) 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Sunrise Development, Inc. Site plan and conditional use permits for Sunrise Assisted Living of Plymouth, an assisted living community that would contain 75 residential rooms in three one -level buildings for property located at 3855 County Road 101 North. (2008037) (Continued from August 6, 2008.) 7. NEW BUSINESS A. City of Plymouth. City Center Design Book. 8. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 AGENDA Plymouth Human Rights Commission Thursday, September 4, 2008 Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. City Hall Fire Dept. Training Room (Public Safety Entrance, 2nd Floor) 3400 Plymouth Boulevard 1. Call to Order 2. Approve Agenda 3. Approve Minutes A. Minutes of May 1, 2008 4. New Business A. 2009 Student Essay Contest 5. Reports of Commissioners 6. Police Report A. Introduce New Police Liaison B. Bias Crime Report(s) - None 7. Old Business A. Discuss Bremer Foundation Grants 8. Announcements and Articles (for your information) A. Annual LMHRC Conference Information B. Official City Meetings Calendar C. Plymouth Human Rights Commission Roster 9. Adjournment Page 2 "orporale 21st Century Ban, EMBARQ First National Financial Service. Grand Casin Mille Lacs i Hinckley J & B Group North Memorial Health Center The Bank of Elk River Wells Fargo ■ 94 WESI NORTHWEST SUBURBAN jambe mmer Celebratiny 20 years! .Annual Dinner .Reetiny Silent .Aueti0n Page 3 11011 aloe Cordialil� Ifirited September 189 2008 5 pome to 9 pem. Elle Grand Ball Room -jyledina Golf and Country Club 400 Erergreen Road, Medina Cost: S50/1fer person or 5750/table SpollSor Be a Part of the Celebration! RSUt' by September 10, 2008 5:00 P.M. Social Hour 5:00 poll[. Silent auction Opens 7:00 p.m. Special Dinner Enhancements Raffle jUbleside dinner prepared by your own personal rheil 7:00 P.M. Dinner 7:30 P.M. Silent auction Closes 8:.30 P.M. Program Wjip.m. Silent auction Winners announced Complimentary Valet Service will be provided by Farmers State Bank of Hamel table Sponsors Decimet Sales Highland Bank EORA M, Maintenance of Way .Marksman .Metals Riverview Community Bank Page 4 rp) City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life September 2008 Modified on 08/29/08 CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 5 1NEE 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 8:00 M 10 11 12 13 700 PM 7:00 PM 8.00 AM_ STATE PRIMARY ENVIRONMENTAL PARK & REC 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 6:00 PM 7:00 PM Autumn SPECIAL COUNCIL PLANNING Art Fair MEETING COMMISSION Parkers Lake Medicine Lake Room MEETING 2009-2013 Capital Council Chambers Improvements Program 8: Hilde Performance Center 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 08/29/08 CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 5 rp)City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life October 2008 Modified on 08/29/08 Page 6 1 7:00 PM 2 3 �_ 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 ft 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 at Sunset 12 13 _.Begins 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 Roam COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) MEETING Medicine Lake 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 08/29/08 Page 6 rp) Plymouth t Adding Quality to Life November 2008 Page 7 1�9:00AM- - 3:00 PM Absentee Voting 2 3 4_ 5 6 7 _ 8 -- 8:00 AM - 7:00 AM • 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM PLANNING HUMAN RIGHTS Absentee General COMMISSION COMMISSION Voting Election MEETING MEETING Council Chambers Parkers Lake Conference Room 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL PARK & REC MEETING QUALITY ADVISORY COM - Council Chambers VETERANS DAY COMMITTEE MISSION (PRAC) Observed (EQC) MEETING MEETING Medicine Lake Room Council Chambers CITY OFFICES CLOSED 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 7:00 PM 7:00 PM PLANNING HRA MEETING COMMISSION Medicine Lake Room MEETING Council Chambers 24 25 7:OOPM 267:00PM 27 � 28 29 REGULAR COUNCIL PLYMOUTH MEETING ADVISORY Council Chambers COMMITTEE ON THANKSGIVING THANKSGIVING X30 TRANSIT (PACT) HOLIDAY HOLIDAY MEETING Medicine Lake CITY OFFICES CITY OFFICES Room A CLOSED CLOSED YM�IIaA�n /IY/t0/N Page 7 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items September 9, Regular, 8:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Adopt preliminary 2009 budget and tax levy • Approve 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. Brad Holter. (2008065) • Approve site plan amendment for a 21,000 square foot building addition and parking expansion for Zero -Max for property located at 13200 6s' Avenue North. Kraus - Anderson Construction Company. (2008061) • Recognize Peter Larson for KARE-I I's "Eleven Who Care" • Consider 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) (Tabled from August 26) • Review Requests for Proposals for Recycling Contract and provide direction to staff September 16, Special, 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Review Capital Improvements Program 2009-2013 • Discuss plans for Hilde Performance Center 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 • Approve preliminary plat to allow "Gutlovics Addition" for three single family lots located at the northwest corner of the intersection of 26s' Avenue and County Road 101 North. Gartner Engineering, LLC. (200704 1) 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 8 Northwest .Suburbs Cable Communications Commission 6900 Winnetka Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 763-536-8355 www. nwsccc.org For Immediate Release — August 27, 2008 — Brooklyn Park, MN Contact: Tim Gaffron, Manager— Municipal Telecommunications Services Northwest Community Television, 763-533-8196 Northwest suburbs to launch city meeting webcasting services Area residents will soon be able to see many of their local city's meetings live on the internet, and will be able to watch replays of all or part of those meetings at their convenience through a link on their city's web site. The Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission (NWSCCC) has funded and is coordinating this project for its nine member cities: Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, New Hope, Osseo, Plymouth and Robbinsdale. The NWSCCC negotiates, adopts and enforces cable franchise agreements with cable television providers in the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota. In addition, the NWSCCC provides and funds Northwest Community Television and Channel 12. The new on-line service is powered by San Francisco -based Granicus, Inc., the premier provider of government webcasting and public meeting management solutions to nearly 400 government agencies spanning 39 states across the nation. Deployment of the system will be in stages over the next several months, with completion anticipated by the end of December, 2008. The first two cities to go on-line with the service will be Brooklyn Center and Crystal scheduled for early September. Residents should watch their city newsletters, websites and local newspapers for more information on when their city's service will be activated and how to access the on -demand video offerings. NWSCCC's Granicus Solution includes streaming software to capture, manage, store and distribute online video recordings. The video page includes an agenda keyword search so users can simply search for an issue they are interested in watching. The video player window will include the meeting agenda with links to access specific agenda items within the archived meeting. Archived meetings will Page 9 generally be available for viewing by the morning after the meeting takes place. Meetings will be archived and available for viewing for one year. Residents will be able to access the live and on -demand video offerings through a link on their city's website. From there they will be redirected to the host site provided by the Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission at www.nwscec.org. City meetings that are currently cablecast on Channel 16 will still be seen live on that channel and replayed at their regular times. The webcasting service will be in addition to the cablecasting services that have been provided since 1982 by the NWSCCC and Northwest Community Television. 0 About Granicus Founded in 1999, San Francisco -based Granicus® helps government and constituents communicate without barriers. Serving more than 400 governing bodies in 39 states and reaching more than 25% of the American population, Granicus solutions enable vital improvements to public access, civic engagement, government accountability, and efficiency. We manage the world's largest government webcasting network, supporting more than 85,000 public meetings and other government content, securely and reliably bringing vital government information closer to the people. www.granicus.com Contact: Lauren Alexander, Granicus, Inc., 415-357-3618 Page 10 Battle builds over green in Plymouth http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print This Story9sid-27572179 StarTribune.com MINNEAPOLIS -ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA Battle builds over green in Plymouth By JENNA ROSS, Star Tribune August 28, 2008 Plymouth had hoped to go greener with its recycling program. It hadn't counted on the backlash from residents concerned about cost and changes to their recycling routine. The battle began with a letter from Plymouth's current recycler to residents, escalated into more than 1,100 calls and e-mails to city officials, and peaked at a packed four-hour meeting Tuesday night. In the end, the City Council backed away from a new recycling contract with St. Paul -based Eureka Recycling. It will revisit all five proposals it had received from three contractors, including Eureka, at a meeting in September. "I heard you," Council Member Sandy Hewitt told residents Tuesday night. She had voted last month to prepare the contract with Eureka, but on Tuesday she said she would not approve it. The contract would cost about $400,000 more over three years than a proposal from Waste Management -- the city's currently recycler — but would allow more people to recycle more things. On one side, cost and convenience. On the other, the environment. "In my view, in this case, the inconveniences are trumped by doing what's right and responsible," said resident Ted Olson. But at Tuesday's meeting, residents and officials debated whether Eureka's proposal would actually benefit the environment more than Waste Management's — or benefit it enough to justify the price. "People need to understand that none of us who are against the contract are against recycling," said resident Danna Smishek. "But ... I think we're all aware that we need to save money, too." Those who favored Eureka -- which serves several cities, including St. Paul, Roseville and soon St. Louis Park-- pointed to the percentage of materials picked up that actually get recycled. Waste Management has said that it ends up recycling all but 5 to 6 percent. Eureka has said that it recycles all but 1 to 2 percent. Eureka also recycles more things, including juice boxes, milk cartons, clothes and shoes. But some residents said they don't use juice boxes and can give their clothes away. And there was much discussion about when and how often Eureka's trucks, which run on bio -diesel, would make pickups. Eureka would make five days a week, Waste I of 8/28/20 Page 11 Battle builds over green in Plymouth Management three days. http://www.startribune.comhemplates/Print This_Story0sid=27572179 "I don't see this as this great, wonderful thing we're doing for the environment," said Mayor Kelli Slavik, who voted against drawing up the contract with Eureka back in July. Pros and cons Both recycling providers say they'd get a greater number of people to recycle — Eureka by doing education and outreach, Waste Management by not requiring residents to sort materials into two categories. Much of that argument mirrors one within the recycling community at large: To sort or not to sort. Although not truly a "single -stream" system, Waste Management combines all materials in its truck, so about 50 percent of its Plymouth clients have done the same when depositing their recyclables at the curbside, a Waste Management spokeswoman said. If residents are allowed throw it all in one bin, the company argues, more choose to recycle. With Eureka, residents must sort their recyclables into two categories -- paper and containers. The hauler collects them in separate compartments on trucks, and the materials are processed separately. That leads to better -quality materials which fetch higher prices, the company argues. Under the proposed contract, Plymouth would receive 50 percent of those profits. Letters fed opposition Much of the backlash to the contract was fueled by two letters Waste Management sent to residents. They warned that Eureka's proposal would require residents to sort their recyclables and to put them out on a different day than their trash — all while costing more money. City staff have said the letters left out key information. At the meeting, Hewitt admonished Waste Management for sending them, raising her voice and pounding her finger. "If I ... ran government as a business, you'd be fired. On the spot," she said. "It was very inappropriate what you did." Eureka Co -president Tim Brownell, who in the past had chosen not to respond to Waste Management's letters, also had tough words for his competitor on Wednesday: "Over the last four weeks, Waste Management has sent out more information to Plymouth residents that has concerned and confused them than they have in the last four years encouraging them to recycle," he said. "Therein lies the difference." Jenna Ross • 612-673-7168 2 of 3 8/28/20, Page 12 City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release August 27, 2008 Contact: Steve Marti, 763- 546-9220 Register by Sept. 13 to qualify for early registration fee for the Plymouth Fire Department's 5K Fun Run If you register soon, you can still qualify for the early registration fee for the Plymouth Firefighters' 5K Run/Walk on Sat., Sept. 27. Registration fees for the annual event will increase after Sept. 13. Registration fees are $18 for registrations received by Sept. 13, and $23 for registrations received Sept. 14 or later. Race day registration will be accepted from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. Runners and walkers in the 5K will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt. The 5K run/walk will start at 9 a.m. at Plymouth Fire Station H, 12000 Old Rockford Rd. The 5K will be followed by a free kids fun run at 10 a.m. The 3.1 mile course is laid out south of the fire station on neighborhood streets with gently rolling hills. For more information and a registration form, call 763-546-9220 or visit the City of Plymouth web site, www.ci.plymouth.mn.us. Click on the tab for "news/events." Registration forms are also available at area running stores. You can register online at active.com or midwestevents.com. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Plymouth Firefighters Relief Association. This event is sponsored by the City of Plymouth, Plymouth Fire Department and the Medicine Lake Run Group. Page 13 Plymouth discusses changing course on Dial -A -Ride StarTribune.com MINNEAPOLIS -ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA Plymouth discusses changing course on Dial -A -Ride By JENNA ROSS, Star Tribune August 24, 2008 Sure, Plymouth has good housing, nice people and plentiful parks, but Sam Jasmine moved there for the Dial -A -Ride. "I had heard that it was, by far, above and beyond other communities;" she said. Page I of 2 Jasmine is visually impaired and counts on the curb -to -curb bus service. But just months after moving in, she's concerned that her reason for relocating could be slipping away. Plymouth is considering cutting hours and upping fares for its heavily subsidized Dial -A -Ride, which is open to anyone but generally used by the elderly, poor and disabled. At recent City Council work session, some city officials advocated eliminating the program and diverting its funding to the city's busy commuter buses. Getting rid of the service could save about $950,000 a year, according to a staff report. The changes on the table now — including possibly canceling all Saturday rides and increasing fares by $1.50 a trip -- are "like taking a spoonful of water out of the Pacific Ocean," said Council Member Tim Bildsoe. "It doesn't really mean a lot to raise fares because at the end of the day, it's not an efficient service;" he said. "Eventually, I'd like to see these monies allocated to something that's successful." The current $2 fare made up only a small portion of the $17 average cost per ride during 2007, which is rising with higher fuel costs. The remaining $15 came from Plymouth's share of the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, which is lagging. But transportation and elderly advocates warn that senior citizens and others rely upon the rides and that if Plymouth doesn't provide the service, they won't be able to get to work, appointments or social outings. And, the advocates say, only some of the people who use Dial -A -Ride have other transit options, and those services also are raising fares. They include Metro Mobility, an area -wide transit service for people with disabilities and a certification from their doctor. "Most of these people, they're handicapped. Not to the extent that they'd take Metro Mobility, but to the extent that they can't walk a couple blocks to the bus." said Patty Doter, a member of the Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit, or PACT. Alternative plans PACT has recommended eliminating Saturday service, which would save about $42,500 a year, according to a staff report. Increasing the fare from $2 to $3.50 would add $75,000 more in annual revenue. Other transportation providers have considered similar steps. This month, the Metropolitan Council voted to raise fares for Metro Mobility by 50 cents, to $4 during rush hour and $3 at off-peak times. And Maple Grove — which, like Plymouth, runs its own transit service — is in the "very preliminary" stages of discussing whether to raise its fare slightly, said City Administrator At Madsen. At $1.75 per trip, it could be the cheapest government -run program in the metro area. http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_SiOry?sid=27315619 8/25/21 Page 14 Plymouth discusses changing course on Dial -A -Ride Page 2 of 2 The Wayzata -based nonprofit Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners operates a volunteer driver program, offering rides for free to those who need them. In the past, shifts in Plymouth's Dial -A -Ride program have affected the nonprofit's program, said Susan Falterer, director of volunteer services. When Plymouth's Dial -A -Ride program was recently strained and not everyone was able to get a nide, the number of people who called the nonprofit to get to English and GED classes doubled, she said. "Il has had a huge impact on our driver program —just a huge impact," Fetterer said. Weighing the efficiency Last year, Plymouth's Dial -A -Ride gave about 65,000 rides, which users schedule ahead of time. The service's mini -buses travel to anywhere in Plymouth, as well as shopping and medical centers just outside the city, such as Ridgedale in Minnetonka. According to a recent survey of 117 customers, 79 percent used Dial -A -Ride at least once a week, 62 percent to get to work. While 72 to 85 percent of those surveyed got rides on weekdays, only 15 percent used the service on Saturdays. The Metropolitan Council sets standards to evaluate such programs"'productivity and efficiency," and Plymouth's Dial -A -Ride meets one of them. In the first half of this year, it averaged 3.08 to 3.33 passengers per hour, more than the three -passengers -per -hour standard. But its subsidy -per -passenger is high and climbing — in June, it was $16.87 per passenger — and the city hopes to lower it with the fare increase. Meanwhile, there's a "huge demand" for more Metrolink buses, which carry commuters to and from downtown Minneapolis during rush hour, said Sarah Hellekson, the city's transit and solid waste manager. With more funding, that service could be further expanded into the northwest area of the city. Bildsoe said that adding to Metrolink would "get more bang for our tax money ... and maybe even serve more people in the city." "It's not always about the money;" Hellekson responded. "It's also about providing a service. After deciding on fares and service days in the coming months, the City Council likely will look at the general merits and drawbacks of Dial -A -Ride in January. Jenna Ross • 612-673-7168 ® 2008 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print This_Story?sid=27315619 8/25/2( Page 15 REMEE7ONESSCHNFHUEP ren,-.r!anez(>z;ar.:iCu:?ecc Amor+oRzosah,4, and his neighbor Ce-,- Fagen,i_, stopped to playon a bronze rabbitsculpture on Minnehaha Parkway inet�inneare-i5�nMondaymorn - in,,w�ilecutcnai alk re-.,_^i�--=pepuiaxamongmamicl:ildraninthe neighborhood �•holovetoclimband pi;y;,r:ii r"'I'l F- l 4 p`3 v g 617 b P 6 � r q E �n��Y31��gCVP ? 1 ! A H R o Public art be ets more public aft. And more and more suburbs are eaaerto shoin t el artist ��.iC na tui _. s. Bp n4A't' jANE SXICI ANKA Silk i:l!I,C�C:BR^iR10[t::T. lure scene vJ11 be deeicated in Edina next mon' h. "'he ,stainless steel sculpture in Centennial bakes Park is int -in' :c: a Funin, things happen When people are evposed to outd or metaphor for the continuum ofhfe. Bur It almost certBiri` %v:1 e :le sculptures. In Richfield, people put costumes on the life-size bronze of a former mal -or. On t`inn^apolis' Minnehaha Park.vay, kids clam- ber up a bi- bronze bunny. And before three giant bronze bulls ly- ing p...cefully on the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus were anchored to the ground. nighttime pranksters flipped over two o' the 1,400 -pound beasts. Ili: newest addition to the Twin Cities' booming public scull - known simple• as "the big pine con:: " Sculptures are popping up alt c Cities suburbs as well as 1h: c;' ' readyhavcflnemarecreatingpubl. i :oar,_ _; ��" :�.- couragemerd of cities, savvy develo e their proiects as a way m soften sor rx n:•: nj pat'r:!n,_, lots. public art mniii yes. I-. s "Ie5 P, -:till ,`" , . ... Page 16 EXHIBITING TENDEN02 I 4 PUBLIC ART FROM Bi Advocates for public art say it creates a sense ofplace and is just plain fun. "Public art is much less pas- sive than the kind of art you see in a museum," said Jack Becker, executive director of Forecast Public Art in St Paul and a con- sultant on public art projects in the region. "Sculpture ... is like theater," he said. "You move around it, it changes in the light, you're one-on-one with it and it changes with you." Spreading in Richfield It also can be infectious. A hotbed for public sculpture is Richfield a community not known for its wealth But will- ing developers, an arts com- mission, interested city offi- cials and generous donors have made sure sculpture abounds. In one block of Lyndale Av- enue, there's a sculpture that moves in the wind, the bronze of former Mayor Marty Kirsch and a sculpture of Don Quix- ote and Sancho Panza. Nes- tled across the street behind a parking ramp are a dozen sculptures in Kirchbak Sculp- ture Garden, which honors one of the founders of the former Richfield Bank and Trust. "It just kind of got into their blood [in Richfield];" Becker said. "They realize that this is part of the way suburbs develop a unique identity for themselves and make themselves distinct" Wayzata set up a public art committee last fall and is dis- cussing projects for two rede- velopment projects. "We think it adds something special to your downtown ... that special oomph;' said city planner Bry- an Gadow. The fust project for Edi- na's public art committee was an art -glass window for the City Hall that opened in 2004. Sculptures also are displayed in the city's Grandview Park, and sculptures and other art may be added to the Prome- nade, which links Centennial Lakes with the Galleria area. Just south of the Promenade, the pine cone will be dedicat- ed on Sept. 13. It was paid for by John and Jean Hedberg, who owned the gravel business that occupied the land where Cen- tennial Ickes is located. The sculptor is Marcia McEachron, who has other works on dis- play in the Twin Cities. Public art is "the presence of human imagination in pub- lic places," McEachron said. "It says,'We are here."' Fueled by donors, developers Like the pine cone, most of the sculpture erected in pub- lic places in suburbs is paid for by donors or developers. Jan Susee, a Richfield attorney who is one of the city's biggest public art advocates, said a lit- tle bit of public money or a de- cision to honor someone can get fundraising rolling. That's what happened with Kirchbak Sculpture Garden, he said. St. Louis Park asks develop- ers to contribute to a fond to pay for art at their site or for arts projects elsewhere in the city. Two sculptures will go up near the redeveloped comer of 36th Street and Wooddale Av- enue, said City Manager Tom Harmening. In Edina, residents can contribute to a public art fund by adding a donation to their quarterly utility bill. on- ly about 100 families do so now, said Linda Kieffer, chairwoman of Edina's public art committee, but she hopes more will, "It's a painless way to raise money, and the beauty is it's voluntary," she said. The risk to public sculp- ture is that it can be loved too much. The midnight flipping of the U's giant bulls may have been amusing, but "it's a night- mare for the people who have to care for them," Becker said. Said Kieffer, `All you can do is choose pieces that are durable [and] can withstand the ele- ments and rigorous cleaning, should it need it" R1CF,k?ZD S'cNNOTT • rsen ott@startribune.com Artist Marcia McEachron gave a tour of the floor of Linders Special- ties, where the latest in public art is being fabricated. As part of the growing popularity of public art,the city of Edina is having a large stainless steel pine tone installed in its Centennial Lakes Park Richfield's newest sculpture is awhimsicalbronze of a boy in goggles and a cape balancing on a paper airplane with arms out- stretched. It's at a main entrance to Cedar Point Commons, a re- tail development at Hwy. 77 and 66th Street The developer, Ryan Companies, bought the sculpture and has paid for oth- ers at developments in Apple Valley and Maple Grove. Richfield Council Member Sue Sandahl thinks her city may have enough sculptures along the 66th Street corridor i for a"sculpture crawl." She has encouraged a business own- er on the street to think about adding a sculpture on one cor- ner. Later, she said, perhaps a school art department would be interested in doing a sculp- ture. The tour would end with the little-known Kirchbak Sculpture Garden — "the best - kept secret in Richfield," San- dahl said. "I can envision having this all across the city," she said. Mary Jane Smetanka • 612-673-7380 W W Re, Th FM ffoMc Page 17 ThreeRivers PARK DISTRICT August 19, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason McGrew -King Intergovernmental Media Relations Coordinator 763/559-6779 imcgrew-kinq@threeriversparkdistrict.org Tom Knisely Media Relations Specialist 763/694-7617 tkniselv(a)threeriversoarkdistrict.org NEW TRAIL BRIDGE OVER HWY. 169 EXPECTED TO OPEN THIS FALL Construction is taking place on a new bridge that will provide an easier and safer way for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross over U.S. Highway 169 at 36th Avenue N. on the New Hope -Plymouth border. The new bridge is being built slightly south of the 36th Avenue N. bridge that carries vehicular traffic over 169. It will be an integral part of the Bassett Creek Regional Trail, which will run from French Regional Park in Plymouth, through New Hope, Crystal and Golden Valley, and connect to Theodore Wirth Park. With Armstrong High School and Plymouth Middle School located west of Hwy. 169 on 36th Avenue N., the new span will make it easy for students to get to and from school. However, during construction this fall, parents are reminded to make sure their children follow the posted detour to the north side of 36th Avenue N. as they cross over Hwy. 169. Contractors are making good progress on the new bridge, and it is expected to be completed this November. For more information, call 763-559-9000 or visit http://www.ThreeRiversParks.org. About Three Rivers Park District Three Rivers Park District is a natural resources -based park system that manages park reserves, regional parks, regional trails and special -use facilities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Park District offers facilities for every season, including picnicking, swimming, creative play, boating, fishing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, golf, camping and sledding; extensive trails for hiking, biking, in-line skating, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as program sites for nature, recreation, historic and farm education. Three Rivers Park District's mission is to promote environmental stewardship through recreation and education in a natural resources -based park system. The Park District owns and operates over 27,000 acres and serves more than 5 million visitors a vear. Revised: 8/28/08 City of Plymouth Engineering Department Active and Pending Public Improvement Projects Prot. or 'CIL Proj. Estimated No. Type Project Description Manager Consult Total Cost Current Notes Active Public Improvement Projects 1013 S Fernbrook Ln. - 27th to 34th - Design & ROW & DC/BM SRF $5.741.000 Construction started on 7/16/07. Utilility Construction cordination for 2008 held on 3/4/08. Xcel Energy has relocated the two power poles south of Hwy 55 as of April 1. Eureka Construction is antcipating starting the remaining work beginning the week of April 14. all work except for restoration with seed sod and plantings south of Hwy 55 to be complete on or before 6/27/08. All underground work and retaining wall south of hwy 55 completed as of 5/6/08. Sidewalk and trail north of TH 55 completed on 5/23. Base paving south of TH 55 completed on 5/23. All concrete work expected to be completed by 6/18. Final bituminous layer and pavement marking expected to be completed by 6/27. Final paving and striping completed 7/7/08. 8/26/08 Contractor completing punch list items. 3105 WR Plymouth Creek Pond DA Wenck $900,000 Westwood has been hired to do the wetland replacement plan, if necessary, as that was not a - part of Wenck's scope of work. The EAW has been completed. The findings will be sent to those that commented the week of April 21st. The DNR will have wetland jurisdiction over approx. 80% of the site, WCA for the rest. The USACOE will also have wetland mitigation requirements. Westwood is preparing the wetland replacement plan application. There are discussions with BARR Eng regarding a feasability study for the Plymouth Creek stream restoration project which may be able to be used for part of the wetland replacement requirement. Staff has a meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers on July 29th to discuss wetland mitigation. Staff will be meeting with Westwood at the end of August or early September to finalize the wetland replacement plan application. Permit applications are expected to be submitted to the Army Corps, DNR, and Bassett Creek Watershed by the end of September. Page 1 C:\Documents and Settings\Ibaird\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK18l Wclive_Pending_Proj_Rpt_082M Page 19 Revised: 8/28/08 City of Plymouth Engineering Department Active and Pending Public Improvement Projects Proj. or CIP Proj. Proj. Estimated No. Type Project Description Manager Consult Total Cost Current Notes 4135 WR CR 61/CR 9 Erosion Site DC BRA $350,000 Options and estimated costs received 10/27/05. Road 9. Meeting held 7/26/06 to discuss downstream drainage issues with Three Rivers Parks staff. Three Rivers prepared draft agreement for review. The City has received funding through BWSR. Agreement approved by Council on 8/14/07. Final Plans & Specs ordered. 1/1/08 wailing for plan review comments from Three Rivers Park staff. Final plans received by Council on March 25, 2008. Bid opening held on April 29 at 10:00 am. Award bid set for 5/13/08. Low bidder G.F. Jedlicki, Inc. Preconstruction meeting set for 5/29- Contract awarded to G.F.Jedlicki, Inc on 5/13. Preconstruction meeting held on 5/29/08. Clearing and grubbing of trees north of Co. Rd 9 along with installation of silt fence and orange safety fencing. 95% of work including restoration completed noth of Co. Rd 9 by 8/15/08. 4145 S S. Shore Drive Bridge Replacement JR BRA $350,000 Final plans have been approved by MnDOT. Waiting to see when funding becomes available. 5102 S CR 101, CR 6 to CR 24 DC/BM Henn. Co. $17,000,000 Preliminary layout of CR 101 approved by City Council on 10/11/05. The plan is 30% complete. Met with Hennepin County 4/4/06. City staff will do engineering for watermain replacement. E4W comments received and approved by County. The plan is 90% complete. The County has sent out property acquisition letter to affected property owners. City working on watennain replacement plan. Condemnation has been initiated by the County. Current schedule anticipates receiving Bids in May 2008 and starting construction in August, 2008. City Council Orders Improvement of Co. Road 101 on 2/26 and special assessments become pending. County revises schedule to a bid opening on 8/12/08 with construction starting on 10/13/08. Xcel Energy started relocating both its undergroung and overhead lines the end of March. Some clearing of trees was also necessary to facilitate thier work. Environmental assessment public hearing was held on 5/14/08 at Hennepin County Public Works facility in Medina. County staff indicated the project will be bid in December 2008 with construction to begin April 2009. Page 2 C:1Documents and Settings\lbaird\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK181\Aclive_Pending_Proj_Rpt_082( Page 20 Revised: 8/28/08 City of Plymouth Engineering Department Active and Pending Public Improvement Projects Proj. or CIP Prot. Prot. Estimated No. Type Project Description Manager Consult Total Cost Current Notes 5122 S CR 24. Olive Ln. to 32nd Avenue DC/BM Henn. Co. $2,500,000 Preliminary layout approved by City Council 6/14/05. Construction scheduled for 2008. Design in progress. Received Draft Layout 2/21/06. Met with Hennepin County design staff on 5/2/06. City staff will do design engineering for watermain replacement. Met with utility companies on 5/24/06. Received draft plan on 5/23/06. City watermain replacement plan completed and submitted to the County. Project has been put on indefinate hold by Hennepin County. 6103 WR Repair Erosion -Wood Crk. DA/BM Wenck $425,000 Work began on February 6, 2008 and tree clearing is completed. Creek reshaping began during the first week of March. Erosion controls have been placed across the creek, at the staging area and entrance to lake. The project is scheduled for full completion by June 15, 2008, including late spring planting and restoration. Rough grading and pipe work has begun in the upper area, with the bulk of remaining grading anticipated to start around April 21st, after the soil dries out. Temporary erosion control has been placed. The contractor has completed pipe work and is working to complete the final grading at which time restoration can begin. Final grading is underway and restoration on the upper third is completed. Grading, planting, and restoration is completed. The contractor was sent a final punch list last week. This project is substantially complete. Survivability of plantings is largest remaining issue. 6108 S Intersection Imp. - CR 47 & CR 61 DC $1.2 million Curb and gutter is complete and base course paving has been done. Intersection (including the new turn lanes) is open for traffic for the winter. Next spring the concrete islands will be installed, the final lift paved and all restoration completed. Median curbs are scheduled to be placed the week of 5/26. All concrete work expected to be completed by 6/20. Final paving and striping completed 6/28/08. 6113 WR Wickman Erosion Project JR $250,000 Contractor has performed all punchlist items. 7101 S 2007 Street Reconstruction Project - Hawthorne I JR $3,620,000 Project is complete, with the exception of minor Ponds Area. punchlisl items. 7107 S 2007 Street Reconstruction Project - City View JR $4,245,000 Project is complete, with the exception of minor Acres I 1 punchlist items. Page 3 C:\Documents and Sehings\Ibaird\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK181 Wdive_Pending_Proj_Rpt_08, Page 21 Revised: 8/28/08 City of Plymouth Engineering Department Active and Pending Public Improvement Projects Proj or CIP Proj. Proj. Estimated No. Type Project Description Manager Consult Total Cost Current Notes 7111 WR Mooney Lake Pump Project DT/BM Wenck $250,000 Project was included in MCWD CIP for 2007_ A cooperative agreement with MCWD has been executed. Final park planting restoration work was done and bike trail repair will be done by Staff. Construction has been completed except for some minor punchlist items by the contractor. Rocks have been removed from Park grass. Minor electrical corrections are required by City Inspector. 7114 W Well 16 and watermain SN BRA $1,710,000 Wellhouse plans are going to Planning Commission on 5!7/08. Watennain plans are 75% done and in for comment. Wellhouse site plans to be considered by City Council on 5/27. Well plans are completed and construction bids will be considered for approval by Council on 7/8/08. 7135 WR Wild Wings Wetland Cleaning DA $175,000 Project proposes to excavate 2.88 acres of channels to provide for water flow and flood protection to area homes. Project is currently being done in house. Have had several meetings with DNR. EAW is expected to be published in March. ECC reviewed the EAW on April 9th and it is ready for publication. Public hearing on the EAW will be held at the Planning Commission on 7/16/08. The public hearing on the EAW is complete. Comments on the EAW were recieved from the MN DNR, MPCA, and Metropolitan Council. Several residents spoke in favor of the project at the public hearing. Permit applications are ready to be sent this week. Permit applications have been submitted. Staff will respond to comments in early September. Staff anciticpates submitting a resolution declaring no need for an EIS to the first Council meeting in September. 7138 WR TH 55 Culvert Replacement and Wetland DA S.E.H. $485,000 Design is near completion and initial submittal to Cleaning Proejct MnDOT has been done. SEH will be reviewing downstream effects of pipe size increase and recommending channel cleaning parameters downstream. Permits have been submitted to the DNR and USACOE. A permit to the BCWMC is required. 90% Plans have been submitted to Mn/DOT for review. Rights of Entry have been secured from the property owners on the north side of TH 55. Cooperative agreement with Mn/DOT to be considered by City Council on 5/27. Construction plans to be considered for approval by City Council on 7/8/08. Page 4 CiDocuments and Settings\Ibaird\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK181V1ctive_Pending_Proj_Rpt_082f Page 22 Revised: 8/28/08 City of Plymouth Engineering Department Active and Pending Public Improvement Projects Pro] or CIP Proj. Proj. Estimated No. Type Project Description Manager Consult Total Cost Current Notes. - 8101 S 2008 Street Reconstruction Project JP $8,100,000 All underground utility work on the project is scheduled to be completed in the next two weeks. Curb and pavement have been installed on all streets west of Medicine Lake Drive, with the exception of 26th Avenue. Sod has been installed in phases 1 and 2 of the project. The contractor is currently meeting the proposed schedule submitted at the beginning of the project. 8104 S 36th Avenue Street Reconstruction JR $550,000 Project delayed until 2009 due to Library and rivate development construction. 8105 S Hwy. 169 Frontage Road R/R Crossing DC $80,000 Council approves agreement with UP Rail on Replacement 2/12/08. Construction expected to commence in mid-September of 2008. 8106 S 2008 Temporary Overlay Project JR $370,000 Project has been completed by Northwest Asphalt. 8107 WR 26th Avenue Bridge Replacement JR BRA $250,000 Bridge Funds are not available this year. This project will be delayed until next year, when MnDOT funding is expected to be available. 8108 SS 28th Ave. Lift Station Upgrade JR/SN BRA $600,000 Engineering Construction & Innovations, Inc. is the low bidder. Forcemain installation has been completed. Wet well construction to resume on 8/27. 8109 S Niagara Lane Mill & Overlay Project DC $600,000 Plans and specifications approved on 2/12/08. Bid opening is March 20 at 10am. Lowest bidder is ASTECH Corp. Contract awarded on 4/8/08. Construction began 7/17/08. All concrete work completed bv 8/22/08. 8110 S Fire Station #1 Parking Lot Reconstruction JR $145,000 Council has approved plans and specs. Project out to bid with a bid opening on August 27. 8111 SS 2008 Sanitary Sewer Lining Project JR $373,000 Veit has completed the contruction and are televising the lines. 8112 P Old Rockford Road Trail JR $155,000 DMJ has completed the storm sewer, grading and bituminous trail installation. Concrete items and paving to completed during the weeks f $125 and/2 8113 WR 2008 Minor Drainage Improvements DT/DA WSB $200,000 These include 805 Ithaca, Cimarron Ponds, Camelot Overlook, 305 Magnolia, 315 Alvarado, 12th/Harbor LN, 41st & Goldenrod and Chelsea Woods. The 315 Alvarado site is ready to go and the Camelot Overlook site has completed plans andwatershed approval. Bids have been received for the Zanzibar and Goldenrod locations. A site meeting was held on August 14, 2008 with Chelsea Woods residents to discuss design options. Council votes on possible approval on August 26, 2008. Page 5 C:\Documents and Settings\Ibaird\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK181 Wctive_Pending_Proj_Rpt_08� Page 23 Revised: 8/28/08 City of Plymouth Engineering Department Active and Pending Public Improvement Projects Prot or CIP Pro. Pro. Estimated No. Type Project Description Manager Consult Total Cost Current Notes 8115 WR Timber Creek Improvements JR/DA $375,000 Proposals are currently under review by staff. WSB has been selected as the design consultant. A topographic survey of the area is underway. A wetland delination will take place in early May. A neighborhood meeing is anticipated in late May or early June. Staff met with WSB regarding the survey work. WSB suggested a meeting with regulatory agencies prior to meeting with the neighborhood to discuss any issues with different project concepts. Wetland delineation is complete. Staff met with WSB and Joe Yanta from the USACOE. A neighborhood meeting is scheduled for Monday June 16th at bpm in the Council Chambers to hear neighborhood concerns and review the wetland and survey information. Staff had a second neighborhood meeting on August 4th to review draft plans with the residents. Staff will be on-site for the 3rd neighborhood meeting on August 27th to discuss proposed tree removals with residents. Permit applications have been submitted to the Army Corps, MN DNR, and Bassett Creek. Pending PubllitUbtovement Projects W-2 W Watermain - Vicksburg Ln. - CR 47 to Schmidt $750,000 Dependent on development. A portion of the Lake Road water main is anticipated to be installed pending approval of the Wood Crest development. W-3 W Watermain - Cheshire Ln. - Glacier Vista to CR $370,000 Dependent on development. Construction is 47 anticipated be started in 2009. BB Bud Broekema SS Sanitary BM Bob Moberg P Parks DC Dan Campbell W Water DT Dave Taylor WR Water JP Joe Paumen S Street JR Jim Renneberg SN Scott Newberger ' Unassigned Page 6 C:\Documents and Settings\Ibaird\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK181\Active_Pending_Proj_Rpl_OF Page 24 FIRE -RESCUE SIX MONTH REPORT JANUARY -JUNE 2008 During the first six months of 2008, the Department answered 647 calls for service (10.5% less calls than the first six months of 2007 and 0.003% less calls than the same time period in 2006). During the first six months of 2008, the highest call volume occurred between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The busiest day of the week was Thursday. Sixty-three percent of calls for service were received between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Seventy-five percent of all calls were "Duty Crew" calls. Responses were divided between the fire stations as follows: TOTAL CALLS Generally, our call volume gradually increases each year. This chart shows this to be true for the first six months of the years as well. As the City continues to develop, we can expect a corresponding increase in call volume. 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 1 2 3 STATION COMPARISON ■ Jan -June 2006 ■ Jan -June 2007 O Jan -June 2006 This chart shows another look at how the three stations compare in numbers of calls. In the first six months of 2008, 10.8% of these calls were overlapping calls. These calls are received prior to clearing from one or more initial calls. Page 25 Jan -June 2006 Jan -June 2007 Jan -June 2008 Station I (13205 Co. Rd. 6) 225 224 211 Station 11 (12000 Old Rockford Rd.) 223 285 231 Station 111 (3300 Dunkirk Ln.) 201 214 205 649 723 647 TOTAL CALLS Generally, our call volume gradually increases each year. This chart shows this to be true for the first six months of the years as well. As the City continues to develop, we can expect a corresponding increase in call volume. 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 1 2 3 STATION COMPARISON ■ Jan -June 2006 ■ Jan -June 2007 O Jan -June 2006 This chart shows another look at how the three stations compare in numbers of calls. In the first six months of 2008, 10.8% of these calls were overlapping calls. These calls are received prior to clearing from one or more initial calls. Page 25 CALLS BY TIME OF DAY 160 -- — --- ---- — 120 ---- ■ Jan -June 2006 80 --- ❑ Jan -June 2007 i 40 ■ Jan -June 2008 I 0 0800- 0900- 400- 1500- 1800- 21D0- 0000- 0300- 0900 400 1500 1800 2D0 2400 0300 0600 Typically our calls follow a wave-like pattern with calls increasing during the day and then decreasing during the evening and overnight hours. This pattern has been consistent throughout the years. CALLS BY DAY OF WEEK 140 120 160 RIL – Jan June 2006 40 – ❑ Jan. -June 2007 200 ® Jan -June 2008 ae6,81A 0 � aai 2A aaA as y�o foo �JOe acme �r�� e 5 This chart illustrates that call volumes are generally consistent throughout the week, but decrease slightly on the weekends. 2 Page 26 Incident Summary The department responds to several different types of incidents throughout the year. The following graphs provide further details on these incidents, and the amount of fire loss that occurs throughout the first six months. EVENTS BY CATEGORY January - June 2008 Fres False 13% Alarms Relc EMs 35%10%Hazardous Conditions Good 11% 'O1 �15' Service 24% Calls 7% This chart illustrates a breakdown of call event types throughout the first six months of the year. This is fairly consistent from year to year. The percentage of false alarms is relatively steady throughout the years, despite the growing number of alarm systems installed in the City. In -Service and Response Times $2,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $0 FIRE LOSS SUMMARY Jan -June Jan -June Jan -June 2006 2007 2008 A positive correlation exists between response time, staffing levels, and fire loss. Fire growth research and historical fire response statistics indicate reduced property loss associated with quicker response times and adequate staffing levels. One or two large loss fires can significantly raise the property loss for the entire year. hi the first half of 2008, there were more structure fires reported with less dollar loss than in the same time period from 2007. In-service and on -scene (total response) times for emergency events are as follows. Duty Crew and non - Duty Crew times, as well as station responses, are noted. In-service times reflect the time from dispatch to the time the first suppression apparatus goes into service. Increased traffic congestion, additional traffic control devices and an increased emphasis upon firefighter safety contribute to longer in-service times. In-service times are one component when measuring the total response time to an event. M Page 27 Jan -June 2006 Jan -June 2007 Jan -June 2008 DC In -Svc Onscene In -Svc Onscene In -Svc Onscene 1:22 6:50 1:12 6:42 1:16 6:54 Non -DC 6:40 10:44 5:51 10:00 7:16 11:28 Sta.1 7:25 10:48 6:28 9:27 7:41 11:42 Sta.II 6:15 10:55 6:04 10:34 6:45 10:45 Sta.111 6:00 10:07 3:54 8:35 7:41 12:46 In-service times reflect the time from dispatch to the time the first suppression apparatus goes into service. Increased traffic congestion, additional traffic control devices and an increased emphasis upon firefighter safety contribute to longer in-service times. In-service times are one component when measuring the total response time to an event. M Page 27 The times in the previous table measure how the City is protected during the Duty Crew hours of operation versus non -Duty Crew hours of operation. During the Duty Crew hours of operation, both in- service and total response times tend to be increasing. This is due to concurrent calls requiring call-backs when other firefighters from our department or mutual aid companies assist the Duty Crew, traffic congestion, and staffing only one fire station. RESPONSE TIME FOR EMERGENCY CALLS 14:24 — - 10:44 10:0 11:28 9:36 6:5o ■ Jan -June 2006 s:az s:sa � Jan -June 2007 4:48 A I ®Jan -June 2008 0:00 DC Non -DC Response times for emergency calls during both Duty Crew and non -Duty Crew times have increased. This can be attributed to longer in-service times, and may be due, in part, to traffic congestion and additional traffic control devices slowing firefighter response to the stations. Response times may be lowered by staffing more than one station. 76 -- — - 74 72 ' ■ # of Firefighters 70 Left the Dept. 68 1 ■ Firefighter Staffing 66 Lelels 64 l Jan. - Jan. - Jan. - June 2006 June 2007 June 2008 At the end of the reporting period, the total staffing level for paid -on call firefighters are indicated in the blue section of the chart above with the maroon section reflecting how many POC firefighters left the department during the first six months of each year. In 2008, the Department initiated several new marketing strategies focusing upon the recruitment and retention of paid -on-call firefighters. 4 Page 28 Firefighter Time Commitment Paid -on-call firefighters worked a total of over 16,542 hours in the first six months of 2008, which is a 0.9% increase from the same time period in 2007. During the fust six months of 2008, forty-two regularly scheduled in-house training sessions were offered. Additional training opportunities were offered during Rookie Training and Duty Crew. The total number of hours spent on in-house and outside training activities was 4293.5, which is a 5.9% increase from 2007. Duty Crew Proms The Duty Crew Program was in operation Monday thru Saturday during the first six months of 2008. Fifty-four members participated in the program. The program continues to be popular among the paid - on -call firefighters. Over the last six months, more than 77% of department members have chosen to participate in the program. During the first six months of the year, 98% of all shifts were fully staffed with 4 or more firefighters. During our busiest time period (3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.), 98% of the shifts were fully staffed. CALLS FOR SERVICE January -June 2008 Non -Duty Grew ••• 25% ♦iiii� i %' Dub Clew 75% This chart shows that we consistently receive most calls for service during Duty Crew times. This has historically held true for the past nine years. The Duty Crew program was in operation six days a week (Monday thru Saturday) from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the first six months of 2008. DUTY CREW STAFFING January - June 2008 3 Firerighters 5 0 1.5% Firefghtem FirerWers 20% 0.5% 4 Firefl*ers 98% The Fire Department considers a fully staffed truck to be at least four firefighters. Fourteen shifts for the first six months were understaffed, with eight shifts cancelled due to inadequate staffing. Under -staffed shifts result in reduced crew integrity and efficiency. Crews also operate at a greater risk of injury when under -staffed. Page 29 Yy�YMOUTB FIRE-RESCIIE Plymouth Fire Department Prevention and Life Safety Education Report January — June 2008 • 158 Car Seat Checks Provided • 127 Car Seats Sold • 404 Bike Helmets Sold Tvpe of Program Number of Proarams Proeram Hours Station Tours 13 13 Bookmobile(Literac Pre-school Visits 17 17 K-6 Education Events 7 7 Career Talks Bike Helmet Sales 11 41 Car Seat Check-ups 158 158 Assist North Memorial Smokebusters, Seniors and families 30 31 Adopt A Hydrant Program Visits 16 21 Block Parties 1 1 Parades National Night Out Programs 2 5 Fire Department Open Houses Fire Extinguisher Training Sessions 3 3 Business Safety Fairs 2 6 Business Fire Drills 3 3 Public Education Training Sessions 2 4.5 Public Education Meetings 11 17 Literature Drops 1 3 Diversity Outreach Programs 2 4 Misc. Programming 5 10 Special Projects 7 14 Jan. -June 2008 Totals 291 358.5 Average 1.2 Hour Per Program Page 30 FIRE -RESCUE PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 763-509-5120 FIRE -RESCUE INCIDENT OF INTEREST DATE: 08/23/2008 TIME: 3:16 p.m. ADDRESS: 4940 Underwood La. DETAILS: Duty Crew Engine 21 (Luth, Blake, Couser, Duncan) were dispatched to a water flow alarm. Upon arrival, the assignment was upgraded to a General Alarm when the crew discovered a kitchen fire. The fire in the kitchen was contained to the stove and cabinets by the discharge of one (1) fire sprinkler. Without the fire sprinkler system, this fire would have extended into the living areas of the unit. Fire department personnel provided overhaul and salvage for the affected unit. The fire was placed under control eight (8) minutes following fire department arrival. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries. RESPONSE TIME: Five (5) minutes. This call occurred during the staffed station (Duty Crew) program hours of operation. FIRE ORIGIN/CAUSE: Under Investigation. ESTIMATED FIRE LOSS: $20,000. P.F.D. RESPONDING UNITS: Engine Companies: E-21 Ladder Companies: TW -11,A-21 Support Units: Rescue Companies: Chief Officers: C-31, C-21 Mutual Aid: ASSISTING AGENCIES: EMS: Yes Red Cross: No Salvation Army: No Public Works: No State FM: No Henn. Fire Invest. Team: No SECTOR OFFICERS: Command (District Chief Blake), Interior Division (District Chief Luth). Page 31 August 19, 2008 Dear Employer: Thank you for participating in the 2008 Commuter Challenge! You join over 300 Twin City employers who encouraged their workforce to try an alternative to driving alone. This year's campaign was the most successful yet with nearly 15,000 people pledging to carpool, take transit, telework, vanpool, ride their bike, or walk to work. With the high price of gasoline many commuters are indicating they are struggling to afford their commute. We applaud you for assisting your employees by connecting them to our resources. By helping your employees understand their commute options you are providing a valuable benefit. We hear from commuters on a regular basis how much they appreciate when their employer provides resources and incentives for their commute to work. From a follow up survey conducted after the Commuter Challenge, 45% of people who drive alone to work who tried an alternative during the Commuter Challenge now use their alternative 1-2 days per week 38% of people who drive alone to work who tried an alternative during the Commuter Challenge now use their alternative 3 or more days per week. We also want to let you know about an upcoming campaign this fall: Rideshare to Work Week happening October 6-10. Similar to the Commuter Challenge, your employees can win cool prizes including an iPhone for carpooling or vanpooling to work. We will be scheduling on-site Commuter Fairs for late August and September so please let us know if you would like a commuter fair, or if you would like posters or an electronic flier to promote Rideshare to Work Week. Again, thank you for contributing to the great success of this year's Commuter Challenge. Your efforts have a positive impact on your workforce and our shared communities. Sincerely, 494 Commuter Services Melissa Madison kAktW4,141`0, Kate Meredith 5701 Normandale Road, Suite 322, Edina, MN 55424 • 952-848-4947 0 Fax: 952-848-4904 0 www.494c Page 32 Laurie Ahrens From: johnsoncabling@frontiernet.net Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 12:10 PM To: Laurie Ahrens Subject: Russ Hinze 1545 Evergreen Lane From: Wynn Johnson To: Laurie Ahrens City Manager of Plymouth A heartfelt thanks from the citizens of the Elmhurst Gateway Subdivision for your attention to the matter of Russ Hinze 1545 Evergreen Lane. I would like to share with you that on August 15th just two weeks ago, one of our neighbors passed away. The Plymouth police were at the home to give support, advice, and understanding. Afterwards one of the officers spoke with us in the course of conversation someone mentioned that Plymouth was the #1 city to live in the country. To which the officer replied that's what makes a good community is it's citizens. She was right, however, there are lots of other amenities that we enjoy in Plymouth; utilities such as good schools, parks, police and fire, and last but certainly not least, good city government. Please feel free to contact me if ever the city needs help with a project. 1 Page 33 Page 1 of 1 Laurie Ahrens From: Laurie Ahrens Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2008 5:26 PM To: 'wynn1535@gmail.com' Cc: Kelli Slavik Subject: 1545 Evergreen Lane Dear Mr. Johnson and Elmhurst Gateway Subdivision Residents, Mayor Slavik forwarded your memo and petition to me for response. Thank you for providing the related documents. There is no current enforcement action relating to 1545 Evergreen Lane. It is true that Mr. Hinze was asked to remove the aggregate driveway which was located on public park property on July 11. He did so, and that closed the issue. The Park Department has not objected to Mr. Hinze using this segment of trail for limited access to his property in the past, similar to many other locations in the community, as long as the privilege is not abused (damaging the trail, creating a dangerous situation, or changing the nature of the park or trail, etc.) Once the aggregate drive was removed and the grade restored, the issue was resolved. If you have any additional questions, please let me know. Thanks again for writing. Laurie Ahrens, Plymouth City Manager 8/22/2008 Page 34 Education Services Center John W. Schultz, Ph.D. 1001 Highway 7 Superintendent 9Hopkins, MN 52.988. 000 55305-4723 H O P K I N S 952.988.4021 fax: 952.986.4092 hopkinsA 12.mn.us PUBLIC SCFi00L5 john_Schula@hopkins.k 12.mn.us Committed to Equity & Excellence August 27, 2008 The Honorable Kelli Slavik City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 Dear Mayor Slavik, Congratulations on earning the prestigious honor of being named Motley Magazine's "Best Place to Live." This honor is a credit to the City of Plymouth's leadership and its commitment to ensuring that all residents enjoy a high quality of life. The Hopkins School District has always been proud of the richness of the communities that it serves, including the City of Plymouth. We routinely state that our District serves all or parts of seven different communities, and enjoy the diversity that brings. The Hopkins School District is committed to excellence, at every school, for every student, every day. The foundation for our excellence is laid by our staff, students, their families, and our communities. Our Plymouth residents support the Hopkins Public Schools in many different Hays — being strong advocates for the education of their children, working with us to ensure that their students receive the best education possible, and being active volunteers in our schools. The City of Plymouth is an important part of our District. Your being recognized in this capacity makes us proud of all that Plymouth offers its residents, including the families whose children attend Hopkins' schools. It is our privilege to be one of the school districts that serves Plymouth. Again, congratulations! Sincerely, John W. Schultz, Ph.D. Superintendent Serving the communities of: Eden Prairie - Edina Golden Valley Hopkins - Minnetonka - Plymouth St. Louis Party Page 35 An eaual obbortunitv/affirmative action educator and emblover. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 520 Lafayette Road North I St. Paul, MN 55155-4194 1 651-296-6300 1 1-800-657-3864 1 651-282-5332 TTY I www.pca.state.mn.us August 1, 2008 Mr. Ted Hoshal 236 Peninsula Road Medicine Lake, MN 55441 RE: The City of Plymouth's Response to Ted Hoshal's Comment Letter Regarding the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program for the City of Plymouth Dear Mr. Hoshal: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has received a response from the city of Plymouth (City) dated July 27, 2008, that addresses your concerns, with their Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (S WPPP), which were sent to them in your comment letter dated July 3, 2008. The city of Plymouth, in the second paragraph of their letter, points out that "The SWPPP (or Permit) in general does not specifically address a requirement of cities to evaluate groundwater contamination risk from non -point source mitigation structures like stormwater detention and retention ponds". The City is correct on this point in question; the MS4 Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit does not address groundwater contamination. The three (3) -celled wet detention pond being constructed in wetlands along the shoreline of Medicine Lake has a separation of 0-3 feet from the pond's surface to the groundwater table. It appears these wetlands have been there for a period of time and they are growing out of fill material brought in to fill depressions. Most likely this fill was some type of clay that is very tight and not many pollutants will be able to migrate down through them. There have been only a handful of cases where wet detention ponds were discovered as the source of groundwater contamination and all of these drain areas we refer to as "hotspots" such as gas stations and other areas where chemicals are being used that might spill and stormwater could carry the chemicals to wet detention ponds. The positive side of this project is that it will keep approximately 350 pounds of total phosphorus out of Medicine Lake annually. Medicine Lake is currently is listed as impaired for nutrients. To help address your concerns about the private drinking water wells in Medicine Lake I would suggest that you contact the Well Management Section of the Minnesota Department of Health in St. Paul. They can be reached at wells@health.state.mn.us or at 651-201-4600. I realize this letter does not satisfy your concerns, but the city of Plymouth has done all they are bound by statute, rule and permit requirements to do. As an environmental Agency the MPCA St. Paul I Brainerd I Detroit Lakes I Duluth I Mankato I Marshall I Rochester I Willmar I Printed on 100% post -consumer recycled paper Page 36 Mr. Ted Hoshal Page 2 August 1, 2008 does not have the jurisdiction to impose hydrological studies in a case such as the West Medicine Lake Park, Stormwater Retention/Water Quality Improvement Ponds. If I can be of further assistance please free to contact me at 651-296-6945. Sincerely, Keith L. Cherryholmes, PhD Senior Engineering Specialist Stormwater Management Unit Municipal Division cc: Derek Asche, Water Resource Manager Doran Cote, Director of Public Works Robert Moberg, City Engineer Dale Thompson, Supervisor, Stormwater Management Unit, MPCA Page 37