HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 11-07-2008CITY OF PLYMOUTH
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COUNCIL INFO MEMO
November 7, 2008
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS
I-94 West Corridor Coalition's Kickoff Meeting, 11/10/08..................................................................Page 1
EQCAgenda 11/12/08...:...................................................................................................................... Page 3
PRACAgenda 11/13/08.......................................................................................................................Page 4
Community Mediation Services Mediator Workshops & Community Open House 11/20/08 ............. Page 5
November & December 2008, & January 2009 Official City Meeting Calendars .............................. Page 7
Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ................................................... Page 10
INFORMATION
News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc...
5'h Grade Greenwood Student Earns Grand Prize, News Release ..................................................... Page 11
Tower Co -Location Faces Big Changes, Article, IFirelessWeek.com.................................................Page 13
FEMA Falls Into Array, Article, Governing....................................................................................... Page 16
MEETING MINUTES
Planning Commission Minutes 10/15/08.......................................................................................... Page 17
STAFF REPORTS
Ehlers & Associates, Inc. Bond Market Commentary, l0/31/08........................................................ Page 24
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter to Land Owner, RE: McDonald's PUD (2008106)................................................................. Page 26
Letter from NW Suburbs Cable, RE: 2008 Cable Capital Grant ........................................................ Page 27
Letter from Woody's Grille, RE: TIPS Training Program..................................................................Page 28
Letter from Plymouth Creek Christian Church, RE: New Pastor ....................................................... Page 29
Letter to Property Owners, RE: Registered Land Survey and Variance for The City (2008030)....... Page 30
Letter to Property Owners, RE: Site Plan Amendment for Three Rivers Park Dist (2008073) ........ Page 31
Letter from LOGIS, RE: the LOGIS Vision....................................................................................... Page 32
Letter to Metropolitan Council, RE: Proposed Regional Fleet Policies ............................................. Page 33
Letter from 1-494 Corridor Commission, RE: Draft 2030 Transportation Policy Plan ...................... Page 36
Letter from Carlson Marketing, RE: Plant Closing at Xenium Lane ................................................. Page 41
I.94 WEST
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Dear
October 31, 2008
Hope all is well. 1 have attached a press release and invitation to the
1-94 West Corridor Coalition's kickoff meeting on November 10th at 4:00 PM at Cabala's in Rogers. The 1-94 Coalition is
a group of stakeholders, including cities, counties, and the business community, who have come together to address a
common concern.
Increased levels of congestion along the 1-94 West corridor has become a growing concern for businesses, motorists and
community leaders. Crawling along the Corridor at a snail's pace has become the nomr and this costs business and
wastes resources. Businesses that depend on it as a corridor for transporting goods, services, and tourists, are
finding that it is increasingly impacting business.
Please take a moment to review the attached information and please join us on Nov 10th
Kathleen Poate, President
I-94 West Chamber of Commerce
1-94 West Corridor Coalition: Linking the Metro to Greater Minnesota
Local Communities and Businesses Team up to Reduce Traffic Congestion for Minnesota's Economic Growth
Of the thousands of miles of highway throughout the state of Minnesota, few have as large and as diverse of a population
of commuters as the 1-94 West Corridor. Stretching from Maple Grove to Monticello, the Corridor connects the Twin
Cities Metro Area to Greater Minnesota which translates into thousands of motorists utilizing this stretch of highway each
day including commuters who work in the twin cities; truck drivers hauling supplies to, through and from Greater
Minnesota and vacationing families who make up a significant portion of the state's $10 billion tourism industry.
Unfortunately, the infrastructure required to accommodate the volume of motorists has not been adequately maintained.
Motorists repeatedly find themselves crawling along the Corridor at a snail's pace resulting in families spending less time
on vacation; employees spending less time at work and business owners spending more time waiting for supplies. To
address these ongoing economic challenges, local communities, local businesses and the 1-94 West Chamber of
Commerce are forming the Minnesota 1-94 West Corridor Coalition.
The Minnesota 1-94 West Corridor Coalition is hosting a rally on Monday, November 10h', 2008, 4:00 PM at Cabala's
in Rogers, Minnesota to kick-off the Coalition's "Infrastructure Investment Campaign." The Coalition has extended an
invitation to Congressman Jim Oberstar to speak at its kick-off event.
There is no individual better suited to address this regionally focused group than the Dean of the Minnesota
Congressional Delegation and the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Mr. Oberstar's
presence at this event would be an honor and serve to reinforce the urgent need for increased investment in Minnesota's
critical transportation corridors.
The Minnesota 1-94 West Corridor Coalition is a coalition of local governments, private businesses, local Chambers of
Commerce and other stakeholders affected by the aforementioned transportation challenges that have joined together to
advance to effort to expand capacity on one of Minnesota's most important transportation corridors — "The 1-94 West
Corridor — Linking the Metro to Greater Minnesota." The Coalition has joined together to organize a campaign to support
a concerted effort to raise public awareness and advance the cause for much-needed increased investment in
Minnesota's and America's aging infrastructure.
RSVP REQUIRED
For further information or to join the Coalition,
Kathleen Poate, 194 West Chamber, 763.428.2921
or krioate(W i94westchamber.om
Page 1
I-94 West Corridor Coalition Kick Off Event
November 10, 2008
4:00 PM
Cabela's
20200 Rogers Drive
Rogers, MN 55374
AGENDA
1. Welcome Remarks and Introduction of Congressman Paulsen: Michael Altimari,
I-94 West Chamber Board Chair
2. Introduction of Sen. Klobuchar's staff: Kathleen Poate
3. Reading of letter from Senator Klobuchar
4. Introduction of Melissa Jabas with Congressman Oberstar's staff
5. Remarks: Melissa Jabas
6. Introduction of other Congressional Staff: Kathleen Poate
7. Recognition of state and local elected officials
8. Overview of need for Infrastructure improvements along I-94 West Corridor:
Kathleen Poate and representative from WSB
9. Business Community Perspective: I-94 West Chamber board chair
10. Question and Answer Session: Kathleen Poate
11. Closing Remarks: Michael Altimari, I-94 West Chamber Board Chair I-94 West
Chamber board chair
Page 2
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
AGENDA
Wednesday November 12, 2008
WHERE: MEDICINE LAKE ROOM
Plymouth City Hall
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
CONSENT AGENDA
All items listed on the consent agenda* are considered to be routine by the Environmental
Quality Committee and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of
these items unless a Committee member, or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be
removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda.
1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M.
2. PUBLIC FORUM —Individuals may address the Committee about any item not contained
in the regular agenda. A maximum of 15 minutes is allotted for the Forum.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - EQC Members may add items to the agenda including items
contained in the EQC Info Memo for discussion purposes or staff direction only. The EQC
will not normally take official action on items added to the agenda.
4. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. 2008 Salt Applicators Workshop
B. 2009 Environmental Quality Fair
5. CONSENT AGENDA*
A. Approve the September 10, 2008 Environmental Quality Committee Minutes
6. PUBLIC HEARING
7. GENERAL BUSINESS
A. Surface Water Management Plan Update
8. REPORTS AND STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
9. FUTURE MEETINGS — December 10, 2008
10. ADJOURNMENT
CA\Docurnents and SettingsUbaird\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\0LKI81\1 11208.doc
Page 3
Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
November 13, 2008, 7 p.m.
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Visitor Presentations
a. Athletic Associations
b. Diane - Regina - Erica
c. Other
4. Report on Past Council Action
a. Approved name for park - Legacy Greenway
b. Accepted Outdoor Rink report
S. Unfinished Business
a. Update - Zachary Park Building
b. Update - West Medicine Lake Park Building
c. Update - Hilde Plans
6. New Business
a. Receive comments on Zachary Park tennis courts relocation proposal
b. Approve $10/hour increase in ice rental rates effective April 1, 2009
7. Commission Presentation
S. Staff Communication
9. Adjourn
Next regular meeting - December 11, 2008
Page 4
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City of
Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
November 2008
Page 7
1�6:00AM-
- 3:00 PM
Absentee
Voting
2
3 !!9
4 0�7:00
5
6
7
8
Daylight
8:00 AM -
AM •
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
Savings
6:00 PM
8:00 PM
PLANNING
HUMAN RIGHTS
Ends
Absentee
General
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
Set Clocks Back
Voting
Election
MEETING
MEETING
1 Hour
Council Chambers
Parkers Lake
Conference Room
9
10 5:30 PM
11
12
13
14
15
SPECIAL COUNCIL
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
MEETING
ENVIRONMENTAL
PARK Et REC
"See Agenda Below
VETERANS DAY
QUALITY
ADVISORY COM -
Medicine Lake Room
COMMITTEE
MISSION (PRAC)
Observed
(EQC) MEETING
MEETING
7:00 PM
Medicine lake Room
Council Chambers
REGULAR COUNCIL
CITY OFFICES
MEETING
CLOSED
Council Chambers
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
PLANNING
HRA MEETING
COMMISSION
Medicine Lake Room
MEETING
Council Chambers
23
24
25
26
27 jj�
28
29
5:30 PM
7:00 PM
SPECIAL COUNCIL
PLYMOUTH
MEETING
ADVISORY
Utility Rate Study
COMMITTEE ON
THANKSGIVING
THANKSGIVING
Medicine Lake Room
TRANSIT (PACT)
HOLIDAY
HOLIDAY
MEETING
7:00 PM
Medicine Lake
CITY OFFICES
CITY OFFICES
30
REGULAR COUNCIL
Room
CLOSED
CLOSED
MEETING
Council Chambers
"Canvass
esults of General Election,
Transportation Issues,
a U
ate with City Manager
Modifiedon 1117108
411 Plymouth
Boulevard
OFFICIAL CALENDAR
Phone: 763-509-5000
Plymouth, MN 55447
763-509-5060
Page 7
City of
Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
December 2008
Modi/tedon 11/7/08
Page 8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
SPECIAL COUNCIL
PLANNING
MEETING
COMMISSION
Council Chambers
MEETING
Truth in Taxation
Council Chambers
Hearing
7
8
9 5:30 PM
10
11
12
13
2:00-5:00 PM
SPECIAL COUNCIL
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
Old Fashioned
MEETING
ENVIRONMENTAL
PARK Ft REC
Christmas
2009-2013 Capital
QUALITY
ADVISORY COM -
Plymouth Historical
Improvements Program
COMMITTEE
MISSION (PRAC)
Society Building
Medicine Lake Room
(EQC) MEETING
MEETING
7:00 PM
Medicine Lake Room
Council Chambers
REGULAR COUNCIL
MEETING
_—Council_
.._
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
PLANNING
HRA MEETING
COMMISSION
Medicine Lake Room
MEETING
Council Chambers
21
22
23
24
25 is�
26
27
CHRISTMAS EVE
CHRISTMAS DAY
CITY OFFICES
CITY OFFICES
CHANUKAH
CLOSED AT
CLOSED
Begins at Sunset
NOON
28
29
30
31
6:00-9:00 PM
New Years Eve
Event
Plymouth Ice
Center
Modi/tedon 11/7/08
Page 8
rp) City of
Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
January 2009
Modlfledon 11/7/08
Page 9
1 E�
2
3
NEW YEAR'S DAY
CITY OFFICES
CLOSED
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
PLANNING
PARK Et REC
COMMISSION
ADVISORY COM -
MEETING
MISSION (PRAC)
Council Chambers
MEETING
Council Chambers
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
REGULAR COUNCIL
ENVIRONMENTAL
MEETING
QUALITY
Council Chambers
COMMITTEE
(EQC) MEETING
Medicine Lake Ronin
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
PLANNING
HRA MEETING
MARTIN LUTHER
COMMISSION
Medicine Lake Room
KING JR.
MEETING
BIRTHDAY
Council Chambers
Observed
CITY OFFICES
CLOSED
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
REGULAR COUNCIL
PLYMOUTH
MEETING
ADVISORY
Council Chambers
COMMITTEE ON
TRANSIT (PACT)
MEETING
Medicine Lake
Room A
Modlfledon 11/7/08
Page 9
Tentative Schedule for
City Council Agenda Items
November 25, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Conference Room
• Discuss Utility Rate Study
November 25, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
• Hearing to Approve Wine & 3.2 Liquor License for Qdoba Mexican Restaurant
• Consideration of preliminary and final plat for "GutIOViCs Addition" to November 25,
2008 (2007041) (Tabled from October 14, 2008)
• Approve hourly rate increase for Plymouth Ice Center
December 1, Truth in Taxation Hearing, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
December 8, Truth in Taxation Hearing Continuation, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
December 9, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Room
• Discuss 2009-2013 Capital Improvements Program
December 9, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
• Adopt the 2009 Budget and Tax Levy
Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. Page 10
City of Plymouth
News Release
For Immediate Release Contact: Sara Lynn Cwayna
November 5, 2008 763-509-5198
Fifth Grade Greenwood Student Carlie Toland
Earns Grand Prize in Plymouth Fire Department's Annual Poster Contest
Carlie Toland, fifth grade student at Greenwood Elementary School, won the grand prize
in the Plymouth Fire Department's annual fire prevention poster contest. Toland's poster was
chosen out of more than 200 posters from ten different elementary schools. Her poster, "When
It's Smokey, Don't Be Pokey," will go on to compete at the regional level.
Toland's poster won her a ride to school in a fire truck and a $25 cash prize from the
Plymouth Crime and Fire Prevention Fund. In November, Plymouth firefighters will escort
Toland, her family and teacher Ms. Arvig, to the regional poster contest banquet in Minneapolis.
At the banquet, local winners from Hennepin and Anoka counties will be recognized for their
work. One regional winner will be selected from the city winners and his or her poster will go on
to compete at the state level.
In addition to the grand prize award, one first place winner was selected from each
Plymouth elementary school that participated in the contest. These first place winners received a
$15 check from the Plymouth Crime and Fire Prevention Fund. In addition, Plymouth firefighters
will visit their classrooms with Popsicle treats for their classmates. You can view this year's
winning posters at www.ci.plymouth.mn.us.
The first place school winners are as follows:
Page 11
Student's Name
Grade Level
School
Carlie Toland
5th Grade
Greenwood Elementary
Edmund Hoes
4` Grade
Providence Academy
Maggie Franke
5 Grade
Plymouth Creek Elementary
Jasmine
Chaleunphone
511, rade
Zachary Lane Elementary
Brian Gusek
5" Grade
Fourth Baptist Christian School
Micah Schulte
4 Grade
Beacon Academy
Shannon Werstein
4` Grade
Oakwood Elementary
Ishani Pant
4` grade
Birchview Elementary School
Nick Tiemens
4" Grade
Pilgrim Lane Elementary
Dee Dee Sperry
4` Grade
Kimberly Lane Elementary
Page 12
Tower Co -Location Faces Big Changes
Tower Co -Location Faces Big Changes
By Evan Koblentz
WirelessWeek - October 01, 2008
The economics and technologies of sharing cellular tower space are
about to undergo major changes. Is your company prepared?
Until the 1990s, an operator could install a wireless tower almost wherever it
pleased and with minimal objection from local communities. It didn't take many
towers to support an entire region because there weren't many customers in the first
place and most of the data was simple voice. Then towers grew taller, bringing
concerns about everything from aesthetics to radiation. Now, with data services
proliferating and citizens more astute than ever, there are new trends emerging in
tower equipment co -location.
Electronic interference and tower design are among the major issues, both being
consequences of other technology evolutions. There's also cost, an issue that never
goes away.
Despite a regular stream of government agencies worldwide reassigning spectrum
bands, problems with interference per se are not getting any better or worse than a
few decades ago because physics doesn't change, noted Kevin Linehan, chief
technology officer for base station antenna systems at CommScope's Andrew
Wireless Solutions division.
"There's nothing really new in the antenna technology that's changing the coupling
between the antennas. It's still based on the coupling you expect between a linear
array of dipoles," he said.
Page 1 of 3
Hidden inside this
fake tree is a cell
tower from Glen
Martin.
What does change is the horizontal and vertical separation between equipment, which in turn requires tuning. "It's
generally not something you can measure directly in the field unless you have a lot of equipment," Linehan explained.
"For horizontal spacing, the electrical isolation is greater than 35 dB, as little as 12 inches. For vertical separation, the
isolation is up to 50 dB with as little as 6 inches of separation."
MIMO & RET
The numbers change when multiple -in, multiple -out (MIMO) technology enters the equation. Andrew conducted
research with the University of Texas at Austin and found that dipole antennas (two arrays inside one radome) using
2x2 MIMO need separation of 3 lambda or more to get correlation in the channels. That means less cost for operators
and less resistance being required against wind load. That, in turn, makes life easier for co -location purposes.
Diplexing the physical cables that enter a tower also can help, and Andrew is currently developing that technology for
modern bands such as 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz, he said.
Something else that can simplify co -location is remote electrical tilt (RET). A technician can
disturb his own company's antenna or a competitor's antenna any time he climbs a tower.
Although networked remote control technology lets many routine tasks such as safety
checks and position adjustments happen from a ground service center far away, some tasks
must be done in person.
In addition to safety, the cost savings are clear— no need for a large fleet of trucks and
lesser needs for insurance — all being factors that make tower -top neighbors happy. The
technology can be used for ordinary tuning and for disaster recovery, he said.
Self -optimizing networks is something Linehan said Andrew is working toward. Some forms
of RET are in the market today, but mainstream acceptance is 2 to 4 years out, he said.
Linehan:
Interference is a
DESIGN major concern.
Co -location is also a factor in designing the physical towers. Chris Martin, director of
engineering at GlenMartin Engineering, said his company's short-term emphasis is to design towers that satisfy
municipal rules. Often, that means "monopine" systems, which look similar to real pine trees. Demand is increasing
http://www.wirelessweek.com/Article-Tower-Co-Location-Changes.aspx 10/31/ Page 13
Tower Co -Location Faces Big Changes
Page 2 of 3
because zoning boards are not allowing new traditional towers. In some cases, carriers actually have had to replace
old towers with new visually pleasing designs, he said.
Martin:
Construction
matters to co-
Monopine towers do not use steel, so special considerations exist for strength. "We
understand where they're coming from and are glad to supply those systems to our clients.
Our endeavor has been to streamline the materials that we utilize. There's a lot of education
that has to go on in the industry in the next year or two," Martin said. He's referring to carrier
infrastructure budgets which in many cases are developed using cost estimates from
obsolete simple metal towers.
Martin also said geography is a huge concern. Pine -style towers work well in Florida, but
what about Minnesota? "The difficulty in all this has been that we have to serve a very, very
diverse geographical area here in the United States. It's not so much that the clients
themselves want anything different; it's actual geographic location that makes things
difficult," he said. It's not just appearance, but also subjects like ground faults, rain levels
and wind loads that differ across a country as large as the United States, he added. Carriers
are just beginning to adhere to Telecommunications Industry Association standards
developed in the past few years, he said.
locators.
As with the interference issues, tower construction affects co -location because each carrier
must deal with limitations to how much equipment can fit in a single space. To help, GlenMartin is researching so-
called "smart" systems, using new materials other than steel and that can actually adjust themselves based on
sensing the real-time environmental conditions, Martin said.
Nsight, a small carrier in the Wisconsin area, participates in renting space from other
carriers and from tower companies, along with renting out its own spare tower space. "One
trend is 'more.'There's more of everything. They want more antennas on the tower, they
want more cable to hook to the antenna," along with more footprint and more backup power,
said Bob Sobieck, director of engineering. "The last couple years I've been seeing this to be
a trend."
With upcoming technologies such as Long -Term Evolution, "I see people already hedging to
make lease arrangements, to get assurance that they can operate these services in the
future. And we're guilty of doing it too, because if you don't plan it now, you're in trouble
later." he said.
Sobieck likens co -location to a cautious dance because you must play well with your
competitors. How you treat a company co -locating on your tower could affect your future.
You may need to use their towers tomorrow, Sobieck noted. With typical co -location lease
prices of $1,200 to $3,000 per month, and with so many traditional towers soon to need
upgrades, technicians do not have a choice. "We're trying to balance cost vs. aesthetics. You can really throw a lot of
money at that stuff."
Sobieck: You
scratch my back,
I'll scratch yours.
DAS /S NIMBLE
When traditional cellular towers can't be used because of site or zoning problems, an
alternate option is distributed antenna systems (DAS).
The idea behind DAS is to install antennas on common structures such as telephone
poles and street lamps, powered by remote base stations and connected with fiber
optics. ExteNet Systems, NextG Networks and NewPath Networks are some of the big
names in this field.
"Initially, it was a solution in areas where the carriers had a hard
time being able to build towers. Instead of building a 200 -foot
tower, you utilize existing locations," said Tormod Larsen, vice
president and chief technology officer at ExteNet.
http://www.wirelessweek.com/Article-Tower-Co-Location-Changes.aspx 10/31/2 Page 14
forcer Co -Location Faces Bit, Chances
The tradeoff is cost. Carriers must pay to install the fiber and
more nodes are needed to cover the same territory as a
traditional tower. Also, some zoning boards or land owners
demand custom installations to blend in with existing scenery.
However, sometimes carriers can save money by integrating a
DAS system for outdoor and indoor coverage with just one set
of base stations, Larsen noted.
"It's more a mentality shift than really a technical tradeoff," he
said.
Page 3 of 3
However, co -location with the smaller nodes does become a
technical challenge, because smaller structures can't hold as much equipment as full
towers. So companies such as ExteNet are constantly encouraging network equipment
makers to design products that are small and reconfigurable, Larsen said. Even when
several competitors' antennas do fit in a single DAS node, there can still be issues
related to electronic interference and spacing.
Looking ahead for DAS, "it's not replacing the towers, but it's definitely a complement
and you will see it become a tool in capacity planning from the get -go rather than
being an afterthought," Larsen said. "With that infrastructure in place, we could do
other stuff as well that supports wireless networks," such as backhaul services.
"That's definitely a path that we are going to and it's a very natural thing for us to do."
http://hvww.wirelessweek.com/Article-Tower-Co-Location-Clianges.aspx 10/31/2 Page 15
Observer
POTOMAC CHRONICLE
FEMA Falls Into Array
We haven't heard a lot about botched disaster response this year.
There's a reason for that.
There was one small but notable fact
aboutthe two serious naturaldisasters
that hit the country this summer: The
Federal Emergency Management
Agency scarcely received any media
coverage as events unfolded and recov-
ery was organized and executed.
That's not because FEMA was ab-
sent. It's because the agency was qui-
etlydoing its job. The floods thatdevas-
tated parts of the upper Midwest in
June were FEMA's first really big test
since Hurricane Katrina, and byall ac-
counts, the agencyacquitteditself well.
There was some local grumbling
after Hurricane Ike struck the Texas
coast in September—Houston Mayor
Bill White complained about a lack of
ice and water—but that died down as
Homeland Security czar Michael
Chertoff went to Texas to assure state
and local officials that his top people
were on the case.
And they were. Shortly after Ike
hit, FEMA joined the U.S. Depart-
mentof Housing and Urban Develop-
ment, andTexas Governor Rick Perry,
in announang an 18 -month, $118 mil-
lion housing assistance program for
those displaced by the storm.
What's gotten better? The simplest
analysis—and the one we've heard
most—is that the federal agency states
and localities love to hate finally is being
run by people who know something
about responding to major disasters.
But it's not quite that simple. Trac-
ing the improvement solely to changes
in the FEMA bureaucracy lets state
and local officials off the hook a little
too easily when it comes to their own
part in emergency preparedness.
Bill Leighty, an emergency -re-
sponse specialist who was called into
Louisiana when Katrina struck, says
many of the problems of that storm
response stemmed from the state's
uncertainty about just what it needed
to ask the federal government to pro-
vide. FEMA is very literal in its re-
sponse to. requests. "When you ask
for goo cots," says Leighty, "you get
Soo cots. No blankets, no pillows and
no tents, but you'll getthe cots" When
then Governor Kathleen Blanco called
on FEMA to "send everything," it was
only a little more helpful than telling
the feds to send nothing.
In other words, working with
FEMA is a two-wav street. The most
is
that's done, intergovernmental com-
munication is less likely to be garbled
andthe players are more likelyto know
precisely what their role, large or small,
needs to be.
That sort of planning and those re-
lationships were onfid] display during
a different disaster last year—one that
also brought little public attention to
FEMA, even though the agency played
a positive role in the response.
Within hours after the I -35W high-
waybridge collapsedin Minneapolis,
virtually the entire country knew
about it. What hardly anyone knew
was that the remarkably adept gov-
ernmental response resulted in large
part from a FEMA -sponsored readi-
ness exercise held a few months ear-
lier in its training center at Mt.
Weather, Virginia. That exercise
spedfically included dealing with col-
lapsed structures.
As Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak
points out, the bridge failure was a
complex intergovernmental event. A
federally owned bridge maintained
by the state fell into a river that was
partially under county jurisdiction
but located within a single city. The
fundamental elements were all in
place, in other words, for a disas-
trously disjointed response. That
didn't happen. The first call for help
came in at 6:o5 p.m. BY 7:55 P•m• all
the survivors—scores of them—had
been rescued.
The lesson here isn't that FEMA
came sweeping in to assist the locals
during their time of need. The lesson
is that everybody concerned did their
jobs. Unless state and local officials ex-
press their needs dearly, and unless
they are willing to put in the time and
effort to work with FEMA onpreplan-
ning, they shouldn't complain quite so
loudly in the wake of a disaster when
FEMA appears to be out to lunch.
Jonathan Walters
Jonathan Waiters can be reached at
jowaz220gmaiixom
20 NOVEMBER2008 GOVERNING Page 16
Approved Minutes
City of Plymouth
Planning Commission Meeting
October 15, 2008
MEMBERS PRESENT: Acting Chair James Davis, Commissioners Terry Jaffoni, Erik
Aamoth, Karl Neset, Scott Nelson and Gordon Petrash
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Planning Manager Barbara Senness, Senior Planner Shawn Drill,
Planner Joshua Doty, Public Works Director Doran Cote, Park and Recreation Director
Eric Blank and Office Support Specialist Laurie Lokken
1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. PUBLIC FORUM
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Commissioner Neset, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the
October 15, 2008 Planning Commission Agenda. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 1, 2008 PLANNING
MINUTES
MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Neset, to approve the
October 1, 2008 Planning Commission Minutes. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved.
6. PUBLIC HEARING
A. SCHUETT REAL ESTATE GROUP (2008077)
Acting Chair Davis introduced the request by Schuett Real Estate Group for rezoning from
B -C (Business Campus) to O (Office) and a site plan amendment for four small additions
to convert two existing town -office buildings to a senior memory care facility with 45
rooms for property located southeast of Old Rockford Road and 45th Avenue North.
Senior Planner Drill gave an overview of the staff report.
Page 17
Approved
Planning Commission Minutes
October 15, 2008
Page 2
Acting Chair Davis introduced the applicant, Tom Schuett, Schuett Real Estate Group. Mr.
Schuett said that he did not have any additional comments and that he was available for
any questions.
Acting Chair Davis opened the public hearing.
Acting Chair Davis introduced Pat Rupar, 18140 State Highway 55. Ms. Rupar said that
they are objecting to rezoning the property. She said that back in 2004 when rezoning was
previously done, they had agreed that it was a good transition going with businesses into
the residential areas. She said the businesses would have set hours that would be normal
Monday through Friday and occasionally a Saturday, but not changing shifts at midnight
like they would be doing at a memory care facility.
Ms. Rupar said that the light at night would be a lot different. She said that there would be
a lot more traffic, as far as deliveries and garbage, than a normal business would have. She
said that she is concerned about the number of ambulances. She said that they are moving
the sewer line and she would like to know why.
Ms. Rupar said that rezoning would make it harder to sell that third building, plus
developing their property when the time comes to do that. She asked that the Planning
Commission take all of this into consideration.
Acting Chair Davis closed the public hearing.
Mr. Schuett said that they have heard the concerns stated previously and that they feel this
use for this particular property is very appropriate and a good use. He said that there is a
demand in the community, as evidenced by other requests in the City of Plymouth. He said
that they estimate current demand to be between 80-100 units for memory care for seniors.
Mr. Schuett said that as far as there being additional traffic, there would be substantially
less traffic generated from this facility. He said that there may be more frequent garbage
pickup and that deliveries could be scheduled around the neighbors' concerns. He said that
they want to be sensitive to traffic and that the amount of traffic will be less than average
because the residents won't be driving. He said that the residents would have an enclosed,
outdoor area. He said that this will be a 24-hour facility.
Mr. Schuett said that in terms of affecting other office uses, the current owner of the
facility also owns the third building west of 45`h Avenue and that the owner has a purchase
agreement on one of those units already. He said that this will not affect the uses of the
property as you would find many memory care facilities around the Twin Cities that are
located next to office buildings.
Page 18
Approved
Planning Commission Minutes
October 15, 2008
Page 3
Commissioner Neset asked how many employees would be working at the facility and
what time there would be a scheduled shift change. Mr. Schuett said that a professional
company would be hired to manage the care facility and that during the peak period, 15-20
employees would be scheduled to work during the day and that at night there would be one
staff person scheduled to work on each floor. He said that from midnight to 8:00 a.m.,
there would be roughly two to three employees.
Commissioner Nelson asked if the outdoor lighting for a facility such as this would be any
different than for an office complex. Senior Planner Drill said that the existing lighting
that is in the parking lot would not change.
Mr. Schuett said that as far as signage, there would not be any illuminated signage. He said
that a monument sign at the entrance to the facility is the extent of signage that they
anticipate. He said that there would be a sign announcing the initial opening but that it
would not disturb adjacent properties.
Acting Chair Davis introduced Chris Remus, James R. Hill Engineering. Mr. Remus said
they would relocate a segment of the sanitary sewer line lying north of the building. He
said that the sewer line would be moved slightly north of its present location so that it does
not conflict with the proposed northwest additions.
Commissioner Jaffoni asked what the frequency would be for emergency vehicles and
where the vehicles would enter the property. Mr. Schuett said that due to the age and
frailty of the residents, there would be transportation required but that the frequency would
be a difficult question and he did not have a good answer for that. He said that there would
be traffic back and forth, not frequently, but that people do need medical care at times and
do need to be transported.
Mr. Schuett said that access to the property by emergency vehicles would be coming off of
45"' Avenue and that the main entrance would be the most likely pick up point as that is
where the elevator would be located in the building.
Acting Chair Davis asked where the dining hall would be located. Mr. Schuett said that to
accommodate people with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, they would be creating four
distinct neighborhoods — each would have a kitchen, living room and dining area. He said
that the kitchen area is really a warming kitchen. He said that there would be a centralized,
commercial type kitchen for food preparation. He said that they would be trying to create a
residential home feeling, so each resident would have their own bedroom and there would
be a living room area and room for group activities. He said that each wing would
essentially be like a house. He said that when too many people with this type of disability
get together, they can get agitated and act poorly and that they try to keep them within their
own surroundings.
Page 19
Approved
Planning Commission Minutes
October 15, 2008
Page 4
Commissioner Jaffoni said that she liked this idea of taking these buildings and doing
something with them that fits this area and for this project.
Commissioner Nelson said that he agrees with Commissioner Jaffoni. He said that since
he has been on the Planning Commission, they have seen several senior plans brought
before them. He said that this is a growing industry and that to find uses for property,
especially ones that have already been developed, is a good thing and is good for the
community. He said that he would be in support of this request as well.
MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Jaffoni, to approve the
request by Schuett Real Estate Group for rezoning from B -C (Business Campus) to O
(Office) and a site plan amendment for four small additions to convert two existing town -
office buildings to a senior memory care facility with 45 rooms for property located
southeast of Old Rockford Road and 45`h Avenue North. Roll Call Vote. 6 Ayes.
MOTION approved unanimously.
B. JGM PROPERTIES, INC. (2008084)
Acting Chair Davis introduced the request by JGM Properties, Inc. for site plan
amendments, interim use permit and variances to allow a parking expansion on two
properties located at 9909 South Shore Drive and 1605 State Highway 169 North.
Planner Doty gave an overview of the staff report. He noted that a letter was received by a
neighboring property owner and is added to the public record. Planner Doty added that the
applicant is requesting additional time to address drainage concerns that were raised in the
letter. He said that staff recommends that the Planning Commission open the public
hearing, take any testimony from anyone who wishes to speak on the item and then
continue the hearing to the November 5, 2008 Planning Commission meeting.
Acting Chair Davis opened the public hearing.
Acting Chair Davis introduced Don Smith, 10000 South Shore Drive. Mr. Smith said that
they have worked and been involved with staff over the years regarding truck noise and
parking at this property. He said that it is his understanding that the applicant is now
asking for more parking. He said that there are lots of businesses over there that have little
offices and that they park semi trucks there. Mr. Smith said that the trucking company has
a storage POD unit there. He asked if this is the appropriate thing to have in a parking lot.
He said that they also have bundles of shingles sitting next to it. He said that he is against
them being allowed to expand their parking facility at this point as they are not
overcrowded and that this would be setting the stage to do more and more.
Page 20
Approved
Planning Commission Minutes
October 15, 2008
Page 5
MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Petrash, to continue the
public hearing to the November 5, 2008 Planning Commission meeting. Vote. 6 Ayes.
MOTION approved.
C. CITY OF PLYMOUTH (2008093)
Acting Chair Davis introduced the request by the City of Plymouth for a comprehensive
plan amendment to adopt the 2009-2013 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Public Works Director Cote gave an overview of the staff report. He summarized the
projects by category.
Commissioner Nelson asked how the cost of the projects is calculated for two to five years
down the road. He asked if inflationary or today's dollars are used. Public Works Director
Cote said that costs are based on inflationary dollars, estimated today and projected out five
years.
Commissioner Nelson asked for the trend in costs, plus or minus or percentage each year.
Public Works Director Cote said that for 2008, they found that project costs were
significantly less because of favorable bidding. He said that when the items go to City
Council, they do a more detailed estimate. He said that in all cases, except one, in 2008,
projects were under the CIP estimate and in almost every case, were under the detailed
estimate as well.
Commissioner Jaffoni said that in the current environment we are in, one has to wonder
how much will really be there, especially for local governments. She asked about the
biggest funding sources currently used and how they are viewed in light of the recent
economic development. Public Works Director Cote said that in the report, under funding
sources, the report details each fund and the fund balance analysis is found after that. He
said that City Council takes that into consideration as projects are moved around in years.
He said that they do have to defer projects and that they take that into account. He said that
it is a competitive process to get that funding. Public Works Director Cote said that
economic trends do play a part in when projects are completed; for example, a number of
projects funded by the general fund did have to be deferred simply because the City does
not have the ability to raise taxes to do those projects. He said that the City Council has the
discretion to do projects out of department funds. He said that a number of projects are in
enterprise funds, funded by users and not by tax dollars. He added that the City Council
did direct staff to do a detailed analysis of every fund.
Commissioner Jaffoni said that at the last Planning Commission meeting, the West
Medicine Lake Park building project was talked about quite a bit and asked for clarification
of the total amount of this project. Park and Recreation Director Blank said that he did not
have the documents with him but that the project total has been 2.5 to 2.7 million dollars
Page 21
Approved
Planning Commission Minutes
October 15, 2008
Page 6
from day one. He confirmed for Commissioner Jaffoni that these figures are for just the
building.
Commissioner Aamoth asked about prioritization of projects with the uncertainty of
funding. He asked if each project is looked at each year and that as new funds become
available, if projects can climb back up. Public Works Director Cote said that the first two
years of the CIP are fairly steadfast. He said that as needs and funds change, the City
Council has the authority to move and change projects. He said that projects are looked at
each year. He said that some priorities can change and that projects do not bump other
projects.
Acting Chair Davis opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to
speak on the item.
MOTION by Commissioner Neset, seconded by Commissioner Petrash, recommending
that the comprehensive plan amendment to adopt the 2009-2013 Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) go to City Council with approval by the Planning Commission. Roll Call
Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
D. CITY OF PLYMOUTH (2008098)
Acting Chair Davis introduced the request by the City of Plymouth for a zoning ordinance
text amendment to allow outside storage of inoperable vehicles awaiting repair in the C-3
(Highway Commercial), C-4 (Community Commercial), C-5 (Commercial/Industrial), I-1
(Light Industrial), I-2 (General Industrial) and I-3 (Heavy Industrial) zoning districts.
Senior Planner Drill gave an overview of the staff report.
Commissioner Neset asked how long a vehicle can be stored outside while waiting for
repair. Senior Planner Drill said that there are two answers to that question. He said that if
a vehicle is operable, the ordinance would state that the vehicle can remain outside for 96
hours. He said that if the vehicle is in an enclosed storage area, there would not be a time
limit for how long the vehicle could be there, provided it is awaiting repair.
Commissioner Neset said that essentially, they have a storage limit of three vehicles.
Senior Planner Drill stated that the limit of three vehicles per service bay would require
turnover to keep cycling cars through.
Commissioner Jaffoni asked if the language would be for an auto repair facility only or if it
would allow inoperable vehicles to sit on any business property. Senior Planner Drill said
that the ordinance would be specific to auto repair facilities.
Page 22
Approved
Planning Commission Minutes
October 15, 2008
Page 7
Acting Chair Davis asked if auto repair businesses are not in compliance with the current
ordinance. Senior Planner Drill stated that was determined and that was why this text
amendment was being brought forward.
Commissioner Petrash asked how the noncompliance was discovered. Senior Planner Drill
said that there was an instance where a business along Highway 169 had some vehicles in
their storage yard. He said that current ordinance language prohibits that storage and that
was how it was noticed.
Acting Chair Davis opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to
speak on the item.
MOTION by Commissioner Neset, seconded by Commissioner Jaffoni, to approve the
request by the City of Plymouth for a zoning ordinance text amendment to allow outside
storage of inoperable vehicles awaiting repair in the C-3 (Highway Commercial), C-4
(Community Commercial), C-5 (Commercial/Industrial), I-1 (Light Industrial), I-2
(General Industrial) and I-3 (Heavy Industrial) zoning districts. Roll Call Vote. 6 Ayes.
MOTION approved unanimously.
7. NEW BUSINESS
8. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Acting Chair Davis, without objection, to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Page 23
Ehlers & Associates, Inc. — Bond Market Commentary — October 31, 2008
A Calmer Week
After five weeks of turmoil and wide swings in interest rates, the past week was relatively
calm for the bond market. During the course of the week, the Municipal Market Data
(MMD) "AAA" scale — the benchmark which industry professionals use to track bond
yields — showed slightly lower yields for bonds maturing in 11 years or less, modest
increases (1 to 10 basis points) from 12 to 20 years, and larger increases (up to 19 basis
points) for longer maturities. (1 basis point = .01 percent). These broad market trends,
however, may mask variations based on the type of bond issued. For example:
• Smaller, "bank qualified" issues continue to garner lower rates than larger issues
• Credit quality and bond rating continue to matter; the difference in rates between
high -rated and lower -rated issues is much larger than a few months ago
• The market for taxable municipal bonds is very volatile, with large increases in
rates seen at the end of the week
Results from Last Week
The attached table details regional competitive sales (and some other noteworthy sales)
for the week of October 27 — October 31. Three things to highlight:
• issuers are still seeing attractive long-term interest rates with 10 year issues in the
3.9% - 4.20% range and 20 year issues in the 4.50% - 4.75% range
• The number of issues sold was higher than in recent weeks. Several issues that
were postponed in earlier weeks due to market conditions were sold this week.
• Bidders for competitive sales are generally more limited than they were a few
months ago, but multiple bids were received for all sales.
Underwriting desks continue to be selective, preferring bonds for which they have ready
buyers and/or bonds with strong ratings.
In previous updates we warned that, once interest rates declined, there may be a large
backlog of new bond issues being sold, which would tend to drive yields back up. That
happened to some extent this week. The Bond Buyer reported a large increase in the
volume of new sales last week over prior weeks. Yet demand for bonds was able to
absorb this increased supply without large increases in yields. Much of the demand is
coming from "retail" buyers, but large institutions were also more active in buying bonds
than they had been since early September.
Looking Forward
While it is impossible (and foolhardy) to predict what will happen with rates in the
coming weeks, there are some hopeful signs. The ratios of tax-exempt municipal bond
yields to treasury yields remain very high. And the massive selling of bonds by hedge
funds and other financial institutions seems to have slowed considerably. These factors
would seem to suggest more downward pressure on rates than upward pressure. But rates
will be affected by many other unpredictable factors, and trying to "time the market' can
be very dangerous. Rates are higher than they were two months ago, but still relatively
low by historical standards. Each situation is unique, but we are generally advising our
clients to proceed with plans to issue bonds, while we watch the market closely.
Page 24
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Page 25
City of
ymou$h
Adding Quality to Life
November 7, 2008
Dear Land Owner:
The City has recently received an application from McDonald's USA, LLC, under File No.
2008106, requesting approval of a PUD (Planned Unit Development) amendment to allow
changes to their parking lot to accommodate a second order station for drive-through service, for
the property located at 2705 Annapolis Circle. The changes would help to maintain vehicle
stacking on the site by improving the efficiency of the drive-through operation. A map showing
the location of the subject property is provided below.
This letter is being mailed to all landowners within 750 feet of the site in order to provide notice
and information about the application — in advance of the official notice that will be sent out
prior to the Planning Commission's public hearing on the matter. The City will send out another
letter notifying you of the Planning Commission public hearing date, not less than ten days prior
to the hearing date. The purpose of the public hearing is to allow neighboring property owners to
appear in front of the Planning Commission to ask questions and make comments relating to the
application. You may also submit comments in writing. All written comments will become part
of the public record.
If you have any questions or comments concerning this application or the review procedures,
please call Shawn Drill, Senior Planner, at (763) 509-5456.
INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development
Information Counter (lower level), 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.
Sincerely,
NI L;P SWI �f � 1
Barbara G. Senness, AICP
Planning Manager
notices/2008/2008106-first-notice.doc
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3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 - Tet: 763-509-5000 , www.ci.plymruth.mn.us �q+r
Page 26
NORTHWEST SUBURBS CABLE COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
6900 Winnetka Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
763-536-8355
October 30, 2008
LAURIE AHRENS
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD
PLYMOUTH, MN 55447
Enclosed you will find a check for the quarterly payment of the 2008 Cable Capital Grant in the
amount of $11,543.28.
The Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission has increased its capital flat grant
to cities by 4%. The grant, to be paid quarterly, is comprised of a flat grant to each city plus a
proportional grant determined by the number of subscribers within each city. The schedule for
these payments will be January 30"', April 301h, July 30"' and October 30th. If the 30th lands on
a weekend the payment will be sent prior to the 30"i.
Your payment breaks down as follows:
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
2008 FLAT GRANT $17,404.11
2008 PROPORTIONAL GRANT $28,769.00
ANNUAL TOTAL: $46,173.11
TOTAL DIVIDED BY 4 = $11,543.28 PER QTR.
Cities are to spend the money on cable television related purposes however, you do
not have to justify your expenses to the Cable Commission. We would suggest however, that
you consult with the staff of Northwest Community Television before you actually purchase
equipment. Please note that the actual dollar amounts of these grants may change each year
depending on the number of cable subscribers.
If you have any questions, please call me at 763-533-8196.
Sincerely,
Greg Moore, Executive Director
Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission
cc: Helen LaFave
Brooklyn Center • Brooklyn Park • Crystal • Golden Valley • Maple Grove • New Hope • Osseo • Plymouth • Robbinsd Paye 27
C�i,\1\1
LZt••
October 30, 2008
Michael S. Goldstein
Plymouth Chief of Police
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MNT 55447
Dear Chief Goldstein:
Woody's Grille committed to the Plymouth City Council on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 the
continuation for one year of the TIPS Training Program open to all Plymouth liquor
establishments. We agreed to do this for a fee of $40 which covers the printed materials, testing
forms, instructional fee and lunch.
It is my intent for this letter to report the 2008 TIPS Training activity. To date, two sessions with
24 participants have been held. The third session is planned for November 15 and 35 have
already enrolled and we are anticipating another 35 attendees in the December session. This
compares to 66 participants in 2007 which is a 42% increase. It is encouraging to us to see this
kind of interest in developing safe practices.
Woody's Grille is committing to another year of training; four quarterly scheduled sessions with
a fee of $50 to cover the increase in the booklets and food costs. We believe in the TIPS
Program and feel this shows our commitment to the programs and community.
We hope this meets with the Plymouth City Councils continued support. If there are further
questions or other ways that I can be of help, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Robert W, Carlson, Jr.
Page 28
220 carlson parkway, plymouth, mn. 55441
Phone 763.476.1011 Fax 763.473.3033
'Jumoatth Crcek Cliriitiax Ckxrck, 7�i�c flu o� Ckri�t
To the Plymouth City Council and the Mayor of Plymouth,
Greetings to you all, and thank you for your service to our community. My name is
Shane Isaac, the new pastor at Plymouth Creek Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
and this letter is much too late in coming. Please forgive my tardy introduction.
I am writing today for the sole purpose of introducing myself to the Mayor and City
Council of my new residence and place of employment, with hopes of beginning a
fruitful and mutually enjoyable relationship for the years ahead. I moved to Plymouth
nearly three months ago, having spent the last two years as a minister on staff of a
large congregation in Lexington, KY. During these past months, I have learned about
some of the wonderful resources and support that exist in this community, as well as
the thorough attention the city government pays to the well-being of its residents. I, for
one, appreciate your diligence in communicating your priorities to your residents, and
the evident care that goes into crafting those priorities. Particularly, I must commend
the newsletters you send, and the frequent posters my church receives (and displays)
that advertise upcoming community events.
It is my hope as Plymouth Creek Christian's new pastor that our church will continue to
play a positive and helpful role in the public life of our neighborhood and city, identifying
and meeting needs as they arise, while respecting and celebrating Plymouth's growing
diversity. I feel confident the church shares this viewpoint. Indeed, as a community of
active and responsible citizens, we value developing and maintaining good relationships
with surrounding institutions, be they fellow houses of worship, non-profit service
providers, small businesses, local government, etc. From what I understand, our church
has worked well in the past with the City of Plymouth and our neighboring school to
provide for each other's needs and care for each other's people. We anticipate,
therefore, an ongoing and positive relationship with our local government, and are eager
to listen to concerns you may have, or consider further avenues we can partner with
you in serving this community. Our door is always open to you and your colleagues.
So again, thank you for your work, and your attention to this small, faithful group of
worshippers. As their new pastor, I am excited by their eagerness to serve others, and
by the compassion and warmth I see in the community of which we are a part. May you
share that excitement, and may it increase for us all in the years ahead. In your work
on our behalf, and in all things I wish you,
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Shane Isaac
- 4c":
l60004fX ,Strrnrc NaN.l TlvmmK4. Jvt\ 53446-1500 ?gene7635S9-f469 • ?%v763JW #S40 • hhkel, -
,W Solace to Beliezve, Belot fr Becoxe
Page 29
City
rp)
Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
November 7, 2008
SUBJECT: REGISTERED LAND SURVEY AND VARIANCES FOR THE CITY OF
PLYMOUTH (2008030)
Dear Property Owner:
Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a
request by the City of Plymouth, under File No. 2008030, for a registered land survey and
variances to subdivide a property at 5755 Juneau Lane North to incorporate 1.1 acres of the
property into the City's Northwest Greenway trail corridor.
Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 750 feet of the site of this proposal.
You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the
Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 19, 2008, in the
Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be
invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to
call the City Planning Department at (763) 509-5450 for more information.
INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development
Information Counter (lower level), 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.
Sincerely,
Barbara G. Senness, AICP
Planning Manager
2008030propnotice
3400 Plymouth Blvd • Ptymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tet: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us
•: llw . i \
Page 30
rp)City of
Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
November 7, 2008
SUBJECT: SITE PLAN AMENDMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
AMENDMENT FOR THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT (2008073)
Dear Property Owner:
Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a
request by Three Rivers Park District, under File No. 2008073, for a site plan amendment and
conditional use permit amendment for a miniature golf course at Eagle Lake Regional Park
located at 11000 County Road 10.
Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 500 feet of the site of this proposal.
You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the
Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 19, 2008, in the
Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be
invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to
call the City Planning Department at (763) 509-5450 for more information.
INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development
Information Counter (lower level), 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.
Sincerely,
b/mtl/r 5W1V1Vr
Barbara G. Senness, AICP
Planning Manager
2008073propnotice
3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us 16
Page 31
November 3, 2008
Dear LOGIS Member:
Local Government Information Systems Association
The LOGIS Advantage
Since June, the LOGIS board and member cities have participated in surveys and focus groups,
a first step in refining the LOGIS vision and strategic priorities as part of a larger strategic
positioning effort. The LOGIS board and its executive committee, as well as its consultant on
this strategic positioning effort, Virchow Krause, very much appreciate the time and effort so
many of you have put forth to provide your input.
While a final report is expected in late November, here's a quick preview of the overall themes
we have heard throughout the surveys and focus groups:
• LOGIS network services and support infrastructure are a critical backbone for all
members.
• In general, members feel that LOGIS is dedicated to serving members needs.
• Application functionality in some areas and user friendliness in many areas needs
improvement.
• Internal coordination within LOGIS could be improved
• Communication with members on key initiatives, future application plans and
feedback for desired functionality needs improvement
• Value for members cost relative to applications is not always apparent
Your comments, ideas and concerns are all a critical component of the process. The Executive
Committee has considered your feedback carefully and will continue to work with Virchow
Krause to develop initiatives and action steps to help meet your stated expectations.
While many steps in the project have been accomplished, there is still more to be done before
the final report is completed and distributed to Board members. As a member -driven
organization, we rely on your representatives on the Board to provide policy direction and make
key decisions. As such, the LOGIS Board will review the recommendations of this strategic
positioning effort and decide on implementation steps. We encourage you to continue to provide
feedback throughout the process by contacting your Board representative, user groups and/or
Executive Committee and Executive Director.
Please let us know if you have questions or concerns. We look forward to continuing to work
with you on this exciting project.
Sincerely,
Mike Garris
Executive Director
Anne Norris
Board President
5750 Duluth Street • Golden Valley, Minnesota 55422-4036 Page 32
Voice: (763) 543-2600 • Fax: (763) 543-2699 • Internet: www.logis.org
City of
Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
November 5, 2008
Mr. Peter Bell, Chair
Metropolitan Council
390 Robert St. N.
St. Paul, MN 55101
RE: Proposed Regional Fleet Policies
Dear Chair Bell:
The City of Plymouth submits the following comments regarding the August 2008 draft of
the Vehicle Fleet Policy from Metropolitan Council staff.
While the City of Plymouth does not agree with state centralization of ownership,
management, maintenance and standards, it does generally agree with the centralization of
information, ideas, and opportunities.
It is not stated within this document the duration of the policy, the means of amending the
policy nor the means of requesting a change to the policy. As the document is somewhat
specific as to the type of buses, and the allowable configurations on each type of bus, down
to the graphics, and costs of certain items, the process of amending the policy is important
to the suburban transit providers operating and maintaining the buses.
Another issue that is not stated in this policy is how the Metropolitan Council determines
which provider receives the vehicles (funding) in what priority.
Policy 1: Section of Vehicle Type — As other vehicles become more available and more
affordable, it may be shortsighted to limit the region, for example, to Metropolitan
Council/Metro Transit only using hybrid buses on local routes for the duration of this
policy.
Policy 2: New Vehicle Purchase - Since Metropolitan Council/Metro Transit operates the
largest portion of the Metropolitan Council fleet, one has to assume that we will be
required to standardize our fleet to Metropolitan Council/Metro Transit specifications. For
example, Plymouth has never had rear doors on the buses, but in the specifications we are
to negotiate soon, we are being required by Metropolitan Council to specify rear doors on
the 40 foot buses. This will change our operations as well as other issues.
3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us ,Af
Page 33
Policy 3: Vehicle Ownership — There is nothing in state law that declares Metropolitan
Council must hold title to vehicles. The City of Plymouth owns, manages and properly
maintains a fleet of 420 vehicles and equipment ranging from squad cars and ladder trucks,
to snow plows and dump trucks. As a public entity, we agree with the sentiment that
public resources must be properly managed and agencies held accountable. This is
performed best by the public organization actually operating, managing and maintaining
these same vehicles.
Policy 6: Preventative Maintenance Schedule — Tbis process of requesting permission
for repairs from the Metropolitan Council in writing, waiting for a meeting of the
Metropolitan Council, a subsequent decision, the communication of that decision to staff
and then to the City of Plymouth to go ahead and repair the bus is very time-consuming
and prohibitive. At what point does the Metropolitan Council's expertise override the
expertise of the mechanics who actually maintain the vehicles? Should it not be the
collective decision of the Metropolitan Council staff and provider staff (as it has been in
the past), rather than the Metropolitan Council, to decide that a particular vehicle, or a
particular make and/or model is not operating as it should and any (or further) maintenance
is futile? If distrust of the expertise of suburban transit providers or Metropolitan Council
staff expertise is the issue, it should be dealt with in a different manner, not by adding
weeks of waiting time to the request for permission to continue responsible maintenance of
a vehicle.
Policy 14: Vehicle Graphics — The City of Plymouth developed the Plymouth Metrolink
and Dial -A -Ride logos to provide Plymouth transit provider identification for the Plymouth
fleet. We have these graphics on the transit station, signs, cards, passes, brochures, posters
and other media. Passengers on the Plymouth Metrolink buses associate the Plymouth
Metrolink logo with the City of Plymouth and this transit system. This policy restricts the
providers to sizes and types of graphics only described and approved by the Metropolitan
Council. This needs to specifically exempt the suburban transit providers, or be much less
prescriptive, restrictive and detrimental to the City of Plymouth transit system.
Policy 15: Spare Vehicle Ratio — The City of Plymouth has a fleet of 40 buses (not all
operational unfortunately). Currently we have no spare buses. We typically have no spare
buses as many of our buses are past their replacement date. Per this new policy, the
appropriate number of spare buses for our fleet is seven or eight buses. Is it Metropolitan
Council's responsibility under this policy to provide us with eight additional buses to be
used as spare buses, or must we reduce the number of routes we currently provide in an
attempt to create eight spare buses?
Policy 17: Fare Collection Equipment — The City of Plymouth would be satisfied if we
only had fare collection equipment that actually functioned on a daily basis. Many of the
fare boxes must be repaired weekly.
As the new staff person with the City of Plymouth, I appreciate the assistance and
information several of your staff have provided me.
Page 34
The City of Plymouth appreciates the time it took staff to gather the information to develop
the plan and the request of Metropolitan Council staff to the suburban transit providers to
provide input last spring. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments. I look
forward to discussing this prior to its presentation to the Metropolitan Council. If you have
questions, please contact me at 763-509-5052 or shelleksonrci.plymouth.mn.us.
Sincerely,
Sarah H' elleks� �—
Transit % Solid Waste Manager
City of Plymouth
Cc: Sandy Hewitt, Councilmember
Laurie Ahrens, City Manager
Doran Cote, Public Works Director
Page 35
I-494 CORRIDOR COMMISSION 2008
BLOOMINGTON * EDEN PRAIRIE * EDINA * MINNETONKA * PLYMOUTH * RICHFIELD
494 Cornmuter Services
5701 Nomtandale Road, Suite 322
Edina, MN 55424
Telephone: 952-848-4947
Fax: 952-848-4904
November 4, 2008
Chairman Peter Bell
Metropolitan Council
390 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55101
Re: Draft 2030 Transportation Policy Plan
Dear Chairman Bell:
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the draft 2030 Transportation Policy Plan. The I-
494 Corridor Commission consists of the cities of Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina,
Minnetonka, Plymouth and Richfield representing over 350,000 residents and over 300,000 jobs
in our member cities. Our primary effort is to act as a TMO in our member cities by reaching out
to our employers and their employees to promote ride sharing, public transit and bicycling as an
alternative to single -occupant vehicular commuting. We acknowledge TMO's as a very useful
tool for managing congestion, but also advocate for needed highway and transit alternatives for
our member cities.
We offer the following comments on your draft 2030 Transportation Policy Plan:
Chapter 2 — Policies and Strategies
Policies
In general, we are in agreement with the transportation investment policies found in Chapter 2
with exception to the language in policy 5 where the Metropolitan Council appears to be playing
a minor role in interregional connections. We believe regional economic competition is
extremely important, and the Council should consider a leadership coordination role among other
agencies.
Strateeies
We are surprised bottleneck identification and mitigation is not listed as a strategy under the
Highway systems policies 9 or 11. The public identifies with highway bottlenecks, and has a
positive response to any improvements. We believe there needs to be a more action -oriented
strategy for bottleneck removal. For example, a strategy could be to identify the 10 worst
highway bottlenecks in the region. The public would then have a benchmark upon which to
judge progress on bottleneck mitigation.
Chapter 5 — Regional Mobility
We support the use of person through -put as a measure of highway system performance. It is a
measure that can better reflect success in our effort to encourage ride -sharing, car pooling and
Page 36
I-494 CORRIDOR COMMISSION
BLOOMINGTON * EDEN PRAIRIE * EDINA * MINNETONKA * PLYMOUTH * RICHFIELD
494 Commuter Services
5701 Normandale Road, Suite 322
Edina, MN 55424
Telephone: 952-848-4947
Fax: 952-848-4904
transit. However, we also believe it must include a travel -tune component if the measurement is
to reflect regional mobility.
We support the plan's strategy to utilize TDM and TMO's to increase the use of alternative
transportation modes. We look forward to partnering with the Metropolitan Council as it drafts
the Congestion Management Plan in 2009 to describe the issues. challenges and effects TDM can
have on congestion and relief during peak periods. along with the scope of activities and
evaluation measures to undertake in order to achieve TDM's goals. Furthermore, we suggest the
results of TMO activities such as TDM plan implementation. evaluation and success should be
annually entered into a regional data bank for communities to reference and draw upon best
practice strategies.
We also suggest the Metropolitan Council partner with TMO's to offer and promote model TDM
ordinances/requirements for communities to follow. The implementation of these ordinances will
result in effective strategies to reduce peak period trips.
We believe a strategy omission in this chapter is the failure to mention public/private
partnerships. Numerous examples exist of regional transportation improvements resulting from
local and private funding. Public collaboration with the private sector should be encouraged and
supported. providing that the outcomes are consistent with Metropolitan Council land use and
transportation policies.
Chapter 6 — Highways
The first part of this chapter does a good job identif}-ing significant improvement projects
completed or under construction since the last transportation pohc}- plan. It is an impressive list.
However. there is no graph indicating if the region is better or worse than five years ago. We
have heard anecdotal statements by motorists that their daily commute time was reduced by 20-30
minutes as a result of some of the listed improvements. Instinctively. we would say we are better
off. at least in some corridors. but there are no charts to illustrate this improvement.
The policy strategies on system optimization (SOS) and re-examination of major highway
projects are so intertwined it is difficult to understand how a specific project fits within the plan.
Needless to say, the I494 Corridor Commission is shocked at the removal of the I-494/169
interchange reconstruction project from the 2030 TPP. This interchange was included in the
Governor Pawlentv/Lt. Governor Molnau bond accelerated project proposal in 2003. At that
time. $1253 million was allocated for three interchanges: Pioneer Tmil/169. Bloomington Ferry
Road/Anderson Lakes Parkway/169, and 169/494. The first two of the listed interchanges were
built in 2005 and 2006. The remaining $80 million was inadequate to fund the 169/494
interchange that could have been approved by FHWA. Since the Crosstown -I -35W project
needed approximately $50 million to start construction_ the Met Council approved a $50 million
loan from the remaining funds for 169/494. with the prerequisite that the 169/494 Interchange
project be placed back in MnDOVs TIP for the Metro Area. as stated by Khani Sahebjam's
December 19. 2007 letter to Don Wiski. TAB Chair. It is our understanding the remaining funds
2
Page 37
I-494 CORRIDOR COMMISSION
BLOOMINGTON ° EDEN PRAIRIE - EDINA " MINNETONKA ' PLYMOUTH ° RICHFIELD
494 Commuter Services
5701 Nonnandale Road, Suite 322
Edina, MN 55424
Telephone: 952-848-4947
Fax: 952-848-4904
went towards projects that were underestimated in the list of bond accelerated projects by,
MnDOT. The project has not been reprogrammed.
This interchange is a critical bottleneck in our region's transportation system and construction
must not be left until after 2030.
Now the plan, except for a brief reference on page 74, disregards previous commitments. This
leaves one to believe that the interchange is relegated to many more unproductive years of
planning, or will not be built within the 2030 time frame. Either of those alternatives is
unacceptable.
To be specific, on page 85. the draft plan says corridors "must be looked at holistically rather than
in segments." We don't need years of holistic studies on I494 and Hvw 169 to determine that
traffic signals at this high traffic -count intersection create a huge bottleneck and the only solution
is a grade separated interchange.
On page 87. the plan proposes a $30 million cap on re -scoped highway- projects. Those
exceeding the $30 million threshold would not be included in the 2010 TPP amendment. We find
this an unacceptable threshold if regional needs are going to be addressed. The cities of
Bloomington. Edina and Eden Prairie have been meeting with MnDOT to rework the design and
scope of the I494/169 interchange. Our officials believe the re -scoped project could now be
completed for $70 million. a significant reduction from MnDOT's original estimate of $130
million. However. the $30 million arbitrary threshold would seem to exclude this worthy project
from the TPP, despite the good re -scoping efforts by the engineers at MnDOT and our cities.
We specifically request a re-examination of the dollar amount threshold. In reality, a dollar
threshold makes little sense. It says a project in a low volume corridor can effectively compete
with a project in a high volume corridor. If the Metropolitan Council feels compelled to have a
project cost threshold. we then recommend it be on a per -person through-put/travel time saved
criteria. not on an arbitrary construction cost.
Furthermore we are disappointed the expansion project to add a third lane on I-494 between TH
55 and I-94 has been placed on hold until a 2010 policy plan amendment. We request the
opportunity to participate in discussions with regard to the list of expansion projects in table 6-32
as we want to ensure there is local involvement.
We have two other big -picture observations in this chapter:
1) Tier I and Tier II bridges appear to be exempt from any re -scoping process. That rnav be
appropriate for the Hastings, Lafayette or Cayuga bridges. which are structurally deficient.
However. the TH 36 Stillwater bridge is at a neiv location and estimated to cost $350-400 million.
If highway improvements are required to re -scope. why- shouldn't a bridge design? If
constructing a hyo -lane bridge with provision to add additional lanes at a future time would save
$150 million_ why shouldn't it be considered?
Page 38
I-494 CORRIDOR COMMISSION
BLOOMINGTON = EDEN PRAH2IE ° EDINA f MINNETONKA " PLYMOUTH * RICHFIELD
494 Conunuter Services
5701 Normandale Road, Suite 322
Edina, MN 55424
Telephone: 952-848-4947
Fax: 952-848-4904
2) It seems there is so much focus on system optimization through low-cost highway
improvements that the region could be at risk of not being able to maximize a new infusion of
federal highway dollars. Looking for low budget, cost effective improvements is worthy, but we
all need to acknowledge that some projects will be expensive. MnDOT should always have a few
major projects at a high level of readiness to quickly respond to new highway funding
opportunities.
Chapter 7 — Transit
The I-494 Corridor Commission strongly endorses TPP Policy 15, which calls for creating a
"regional network of transitways" We like table 7-13 featuring ridership growth since the last
policy plan. We take pride in being a part of a 40% increase in bus ridership among suburban
providers and a 71% ridership increase in VanGo van pools as 23 of the region's 68 vanpools
serve employers along the I-494 Corridor.
We are concerned, however, that the new transit plan does not make a clear distinction from the
previous plan. The old plan, as described on page 97, identified Tier I and Tier H transitway
projects. The new plan for transitways, beginning on page 123, does not create a Tier I and Tier
lI distinction. If it is the intent of the new transit plan to abandon the tier system, it ought to be
plainly stated and provide the reason for the policy change. If it is the intent to maintain a tiered
system, then we believe the Southwest Transitway is clearly a Tier I project. Hennepin County
and the communities within the Southwest Transitway have worked methodically and diligently
to advance the planning process over the past four years. Due to this work, Southwest Transitway
is now poised to follow Central Corridor as the next light rail project ready for construction.
We do not fault the recommendation for a systematic transitway corridor analysis. What we do
fault is the anemic goal of implementing only two additional light rail or dedicated busways by
2020 (page 126). Hiawatha light rail is a demonstrated quality transit service success. We
believe the demand exists for a regional system of quality transit service. 2008 marked a
turnaround for regional transitway funding. Rather than transitway engineering waiting for
funding commitments, the funding commitments are now waiting on the planning and
engineering. We believe the 2030 plan needs to establish an aggressive timetable for
implementing a regional system of transitways.
The I-494 Corridor Commission believes the I-494 Corridor/American Boulevard corridor will be
a vital component and is worthy of a full alternatives analysis study. The draft TPP assumes
transit on the "Bloomington Strip" will be BRT on the ring routes and we do not think the Met
Council ought to make that assumption before undertaking a full study of all of the options,
including the cities as participants in the analysis.
The I-494 Corridor Commission also requests that a transit center be depicted in the Normandale
Lake District in Figures 7-20 and 7-21.
Page 39
I-494 CORRIDOR COMMISSION
BLOOMINGTON ' EDEN PRAHZIE ' EDINA = MINNETONKA ° PLYMOUTH = RICHFIELD
494 Commuter Services
5701 Nonnandale Road, Suite 322
Edina, MN 55424
Telephone: 952-848-4947
Fax: 952-848-4904
Finally. on page 101. the draft plan seems to bemoan the increased complexity of transit
governance. almost as though single purpose monopolies were good and competition was bad.
We respectfully disagree. We believe each additional governing body at the transit table has
brought energy, new ideas. innovation and public advocacy for transit improvements. Transit in
this region would lag far behind current levels but for the active engagement of the opt -out
communities and the regional rail authorities. We believe the coordination of the various entities
is ver. manageable. There may be some regional competition, but we believe it is healthy and
results in advancing better transit service for the residents of the region.
In closing, Ave recognize the region will not be able to build its way out of traffic congestion_ and
must be prudent in selecting projects that expand our transportation system but we believe the
policy plan needs to acknowledge the necessity of some large scale transportation investments for
highways and transit if the region is to grow in economic vitality. We greatly appreciate your
consideration of our recommendations and concerns.
Sincerely.
Sandy Hewitt
Chair
Copy: Roger Scherer, Metropolitan Council Member — Sector 1
Mary Hill Smith, Metropolitan Council Member — Sector 3
Polly Bowles, Metropolitan Council Member — Sector 5
Kelly Slavik, Mayor of Plymouth
Jan Callison, Mayor of Minnetonka
Phil Young, Mayor of Eden Prairie
Jim Hovland, Mayor of Edina
Gene Winstead, Mayor of Bloomington
Debbie Goettel, Mayor of Richfield
Page 40
November 6, 2008
Mayor Kelli Slavik
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447-1482
Dear Mayor Slavik:
IYiI 8
marketing
This letter is to inform you that there is an update in regards to the letter that was sent on
July 10, 2008 in regards to a plant closing at Carlson Marketing, located at 1405 Xenium
Lane (see attached copy). Employee terminations at this Contact Center facility began in
July and will continue through January, 2009, instead of December 2008 as originally
planned.
If you require additional information, please contact Debra Steinkraus (Director of
Contact Center) who can be reached at 763-212-5752 or me at 763-212-1689. Our
mailing address is:
1405 Xenium Lane
Plymouth, MN 55441
Sincerely,
Ka -f �Us cJ,,
Kay Kisch
HR Generalist
cc: Filiberto (Fil) Chairez (Rapid Response Coordinator)
Page 41
marketing
July 10, 2008
Mayor Kelli Slavik
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447-1482
Dear Mayor Slavik:
It is unfortunate that I must confirm to you, in accordance with the Worker Adjustment and
Retraining Notification Act ("WARN'), that the Carlson Marketing Worldwide, Inc. Contact
Center located at 1405 Xenium Lane will experience a plant closing.
A total of approximately 111 employees in the Contact Center at this facility will be affected by
this action. Employee terminations at this facility will begin in July and will continue through
December. The following number of individuals in the following classifications will be affected
by the closing: Administrative Assistant (1), Customer Relations Advisor (25), Customer
Relations Lead (13), Customer Relations Specialist (31), Customer Relations Sr. Advisor (5),
Customer Relations Manager (1), Operations Manager (1), Operations Specialist (7), Processing
Advisor (13), Scheduling Analyst (2), Sr. Processing Advisor (1), Sr. Training Specialist (1),
Customer Relations Supervisor (7), Systems Administrator (1), and Training Coordinator (2).
Because the entire Contact Center will be closed, no bumping rights exist. None of the affected
employees are represented by a union.
If you require additional information, please contact Debra Steinkraus who can be reached at
763-212-5752 or me at 763-212-1689. Our mailing address is:
1405 Xenium Lane
Plymouth, MN 55441
Sincerely,
Kay Kisch
HR Generalist
cc: Filiberto (Fil) Chairez (Rapid Response Coordinator)
Page 42