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Council Information Memorandum 12-12-2008
CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO December 12, 2008 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS City of Maple Grove Councilmember Campbell Reception 12/15/08 ................................................. Page 1 Robbinsdale District Public Meetings 12/16/08 & 12/18/08................................................................Page 2 Notice of Fire Sprinkler Town Hall Meeting 12/18/08......................................................................... Page 4 HRA Agenda 12/18/08 6:00 PM.........................................................................................................Page 5 I-94 W Chamber of Commerce State of the Cities Event 01/15/09 ..................................................... Page 6 December 2008, January & February 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 ... Plymouth Builder Newsletter, Publication........................................................................................ Page 1 l State, city officials learn just how bad it is, Article, Star & Trib........................................................ Page 14 Plymouth City Council Approved Fare Increase, Rider Alert............................................................ Page 17 Edina City Council paves way for city-wide organic recycling, Article, AN Sun ............................. Page 18 Cuts to city, county aid coming fast, Article, Star & Trib..................................................................Page 19 Holidays affect bus schedules, Rider Alert.........................................................................................Page 21 Back at Junk Value, Recyclables Are Piling Up, Article, New York Times ......................................... Page 22 MEETING MINUTES PRACMinutes 11/13/08.................................................................................................................... Page 25 Highway 55 corridor Coalition Minutes 10/17/08.............................................................................. Page 31 STAFF REPORTS Engineering Dept. Active & Pending Public Improvement Projects 12/09/08 ................................. Page 36 Fire -Rescue Incident of Interest, 950 Minnesota Lane, 12/12/08....................................................... Page 40 CORRESPONDENCE Letter RE: Robbinsdale Potential School Closings........................................................................... Page 42 Letter to I-94 West Chamber, RE: Withdraw from Membership ........................................................Page 43 Letter to resident, RE: Cattail in Pond at 12725 13th Avenue N .........................................................Page 44 ap , 0 0 You are cordially invited to a reception for City of Maple Grove Councilmember David Campbell Monday, December 15, 2008 6:30 p.m. Maple Grove Government Center 12800 Arbor Lakes Parkway Cookies and coffee will be served. Please stop by to thank Councilmember Campbell for his service to Maple Grove. Eq ER Eq Eq Eq Z Ed E ap , Facilities study shows up to 3 schools could be closed Robbinsdale district to hold public meetings Dec. 16 & 18 A study of Robbinsdale Area Schools' facilities by a team led by Wold Architects and Engineers indicates the district has enough excess capacity to consider closing up to two elementary schools and potentially one middle school due to projected lower enrollment. The study was presented to the Robbinsdale Area School Board at a work session on Saturday, Dec. 6. " I do not see an increase in enrollment in the next 10 years," said demographer Hazel Reinhardt, a partner in the study. "The district is doing a good job of retaining students from year to year, but there are simply fewer children entering kindergarten each year primarily due to lower birthrates which will lead to a continuing decline in enrollment." Wold says its study shows the district currently has excess capacity of 1,450 students at the elementary level and 800 at the district's middle schools. "We will come back in early January to provide [the school board] with alternatives to right -size your facilities. These alternatives could include closing up to three schools," said Scott McQueen, project manager of the study. "We knew we had to right -size, but we didn't know at what level we had excess capacity, or exactly how much excess capacity would continue into the foreseeable future," said School Board Chair Patsy Green. "The information provided by this study and the alternatives that Wold will present in January to the school board along with input from our community will ensure that we continue to use the dollars entrusted to us in the very best possible manner." The study was identified by the community as an important goal in the district's 2008 five-year Strategic Plan. "in budget projections and planning for next year we knew we would have to find a minimum of $800,000 that would be cut from our facilities budget," said Superintendent Stan F. Mack II. "This cut, coupled with increased revenue from the property tax levy, allows us to dedicate funds to the priorities of the community, including lower class sizes and partially restored after-school activities." "Closing schools and the ensuing boundary changes are always difficult for all involved," continued Mack. "However, we need to be realistic and look for new and different ways to ensure all our students receive the best possible education." Page 2 The public is invited to meetings later this month to hear a presentation by the Wold team on the excess capacity issue, to ask questions and provide input before the team begins to develop alternatives. Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 7 p.m. Plymouth Middle School 10011 36th Ave N, Plymouth Thursday, December 18, 2008, 7 p.m. Robbinsdale Middle School 3730 Toledo Ave N, Robbinsdale The Wold team is scheduled to present the school board with various options at the January 5, 2009 School Board meeting. The board will makes its decision on which plan to implement at its January 20 meeting after holding an additional public meeting either January 12 or 13. Updated information will be posted to the district's website at www.Rdale.org. School closing history Robbinsdale Area Schools' peak enrollment was 28,101 students in 1971. Since then, the school -aged population has declined, and the district's enrollment has dropped. In 2005-2006, enrollment was 13,087. This year's enrollment is 12,349, a drop of nearly 750 students since 05-06 when the district last closed a facility (New Hope Elementary). Since 1971, the district has continuously evaluated its facilities needs and closed facilities when necessary. In 1972, prior to the inception of the community education and special education programs, 31 buildings were open. Currently, 15 buildings are used as schools; five are used by community education, special education and administration; four have been leased to other organizations; and seven have been closed and sold. Robbinsdale Area Schools operates 11 elementary schools (K-5), three middle schools (6-8), two high schools (9-12) and an alternative high school in the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis, including all or parts of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Plymouth and Robbinsdale. Page 3 NOTICE OF FIRE SPRINKLER TOWN HALL MEETING Builders Association of the Twin Cities 2960 Centre Pointe Drive, Roseville, MN 55113 MN Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) Commissioner Steve Swiggum has arranged for a town hall meeting to discuss fire sprinkler requirements in all new single family residences. Please make plans to attend the Fire Sprinkler Town Hall Meeting. Date: Thursday, December 18, 2008 Time: 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Location: Metro State University in the Auditorium, Saint Paul, MN The town hall meeting will be attended by builders, fire services industry representatives, legislators, and representatives from the State Department of Labor and Industry. You'll probably be hearing a lot about the issue of mandated fire sprinklers in new homes. This hot button issue has come to the forefront after the Intemational Code Council (ICC) passed a measure in September to add Fre sprinkler requirements in all new single family and multi family residences in 2009. Minnesota, like most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt residential building codes, choose the International Codes developed by the ICC. Why is this of concern? While fire sprinklers do have a place in homes and businesses, mandating them in every new home may create more problems than they solve. While builders are happy to add fire sprinklers to their new homes when requested by a client, requiring that they do so will have a serious affect on housing affordability and home maintenance into the future. The minimal cost for installing sprinklers is estimated at about $2.00 to $3.66 per square foot, that's almost $9,000 added to the cost of a 2,400 square foot home. For larger homes or homes in areas where water pressure is low or without a community water supply, the price can be considerably higher. Homeowners must be prepared to perform the maintenance required to ensure that the sprinklers remain operational. And, there may be additional costs related to accidental discharge, adequate water supply and water pressure, as well as other installation and maintenance problems. Fire officials have cited zero cases of residential fire fatalities in homes built to the 2000 or 2006 IRC standards in Minnesota. Why? Because the current Minnesota State Building Code requires all new single homes to have smoke alarms that are hardwired, interconnected, and equipped with battery back-ups. Sensibly balancing protection against costs is emotionally charged and demands thoughtful examination. It is our belief that this costly mandate comes with a plethora of unanswered questions and unintended consequences that need to be more thoroughly vetted. In the end, we believe that the home -buying public is in the best position to decide what is the right solution for their homes and their families. The cost of mandatory sprinkler provisions will price homeowners out of the safest housing stock ever built. Page 4 PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2008 - 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Medicine Lake Room City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority 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 - 6:00 P.M. 2. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve HRA Meeting Minutes from October 23, 2008. B. Plymouth Towne Square. Accept Monthly Housing Reports. C. Vicksburg Crossing. Accept Monthly Housing Reports. 3. NEW BUSINESS A. Vicksburg Crossing. Marketing Report. B. HRA Reserve Accounts. 5. ADJOURNMENT Page 5 I.94 WEST NOL,.: diWEST SUBURBAN Chamber .�ommerc December 4, 2008 Laurie Ahrens City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth MN 55447 Dear Laurie: Every year, in January, the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce hosts the `State of the Cities' event in which the Mayor and City Administrator from each of the communities (Corcoran, Greenfield, Hanover, Loretto, Medina, Plymouth and Rockford) are invited to review the past year's events and take a look at the upcoming year. Each city will have an opportunity to give a 5 to 10 minute overview with a Question and Answer session to follow. This is a great way to kick off the new year and a way to elevate the key issues that are of concern for elected officials and businesses. In order to make this event a success we need your participation. We also encourage the participation of any Council members that are available. This year's `State of the Cities' event will be at the Medina Entertainment Center (500 Hwy 55, Medina) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on January 15, 2009. Lunch will be served. Please RSVP by calling Sharon at 763.428.2921 or by email serickson@i94westchamber.org Thank you for your time, and we look forward to seeing you January 15. If you have any questions, please contact me at 763.428.2921. Zrr President, I-94 West Chamber kpoate@i94westchamber.org rp)City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life December 2008 Modified on 12/12/08 CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 7 1 2 3 7:00 PM 4 5 6 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISOR S SPECIAL COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON MEETING TRANSIT (PACT) Council Chambers MEETING Truth in Taxation Medicine lake Room Hearing 7:00 PM PLANNING COMM. MEETING Council Chambers 7 8 9 5:30 PM 10 11 Cancelled 12 13 2:00-5:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVI- Old Fashioned MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL SORY COMMISSION Christmas 20092013 Capital QUALITY (PRAC) MEETING Plymouth Historical Improvements Program COMMITTEE Council Chambers Society Building Medicine Lake Room MEETING (EQC) 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Medicine Lake Room CHARTER COM - REGULAR COUNCIL MISSION MEETING MEETING Council Chamiurm Medicine Lake Room 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Cancelled 6:00 PM PLANNING HRA MEETING COMMISSION Medicine lake Room MEETING Council Chambers 21 22 23 24 25 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 Modified on 12/12/08 CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 7 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life January 2009 Modified on 12112108 Page 8 1 N� 2 3 NEW YEAR'S DAY CITY OFFICES CLOSED 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7:00 PM 7:00 PM PLANNING PARK a REC COMMISSION ADVISORY COM - MEETING MISSION (PRAC) Council Chambers MEETING Council Chambers 11 12 13 5:30 PM 14 15 16 17 SPECIAL COUNCIL 7:00 PM MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL Medicine Lake Room QUALITY Board B Commission COMMITTEE Interviews (EQC) MEETING Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers 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 Modified on 12112108 Page 8 rp) Plymouth t Adding Quality to Life February 2009 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 2:00-7:00 PM PLANNING HUMAN RIGHTS Fire and Ice COMMISSION COMMISSION Festival MEETING MEETING Parkers Lake Council Chambers Parker's Lake Conference Room 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL PARK & REC MEETING QUALITY ADVISORY COM- CouncilChambers COMMITTEE MISSION (PRAC) (EQC) MEETING MEETING Medicine Lake Room Council Chambers 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 7:00 PM PLANNING PRESIDENTS COMMISSION DAY MEETING Council Chambers CITY OFFICES CLOSED 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 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 Modified on 12/12/08 Page 9 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items January 13, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Board & Commission Interviews • Designate official newspaper • Appoint health officer • Oath of Office, Ward 1, Judy Johnson January 13, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Hearing for Cowboy Jacks Liquor License • Appoint board and commission members January 27, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers February 10, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers February 24, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers March 10, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers March 24, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers Note. Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. page 10 J'p) Plymouth Builder A newsletter from the Plymouth Inspection Division, December 2008 Contractors Need ICEC Certification As of Jan. 1, 2009, a new state law will require that individuals working as in- dependent contractors in the residential and commercial construction indus- try obtain an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) from the Department of Labor and Industry. For purposes of the state workers' com- pensation, unemployment insurance, wage and hour, and occupational safety and health laws, anyone doing residen- tial and commercial construction work without an ICEC will be considered an employee of the ICEC contractor for whom they are working. The ICEC requirement does not apply to business entities such as corpora- tions, LLCs or partnerships, nor does the requirement apply to construction sales, most types of landscaping (see Minnesota Statutes 181.723, sub. 2), construction cleaning or cleanup. Apply for a certificate To obtain an ICEC, individuals must complete and submit an application that establishes they meet the criteria to operate as an independent contrac- tor. To operate as independent contrac- tors, individuals must be able to meet the conditions set out in the law's nine - factor test. Applications for the ICEC are available online at www.doli.state. mn.us/ic_apply. The application and renewal fee for the certificate is S150. Independent con- tractors will be required to renew their exemption certificate every two years. National Recognition: Money Magazine Names Plymouth Best Place to Live For years, lots of people have thought life is good in Plymouth - and now a lot more people are in on the secret. When Money magazine unveiled its annual Best Places to Live list in its August 2008 issue, Plymouth was ranked number one among the top 100 cities of communities with populations of 50,000 to 300,000. Money annually ranks communities based on several factors, including financial data, housing, safety, quality of life and educa- tion. The magazine singled out Plymouth's topnotch schools, good jobs, housing, low crime rate and active outdoor culture. Contractors Must Verify Workers' ICEC Contractors will be obligated to verify the workers with whom they enter into agreements as independent contractors have a current ICEC. The Department of Labor and Industry will maintain a list of certificate holders on its web site and certificates for those individuals will be available to download and print. Under the new law, contractors will be required to maintain a copy of these certificates for five years. Individuals and contractors who fail to comply with the law are subject to a penalty of up to $5,000 for each viola- tion and will be reported to workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and revenue regulation agencies for further action. For questions or more information, please contact the Department of Labor and Industri at: 651-284-5074. According to the CNN Money web site, which posted the rankings, "A sense of home, parks and award-winning schools" help put this Minnesota city at the top of Money's Best Places to Live list... Plymouth could have becomejust another Twin Cities suburb, but much more than 50,000 jobs keep residents working there. Home prices are within reason... The city's main school district is ranked among the top three in the state, and for culture Plymouth's open air amphitheater, the Hilde Performance Cen- ter, hosts numerous summer concerts." Thanks for helping build America's number one best place to live. State Adopts New Electrical Code Effective Sept. 15, 2008, the State of Minnesota :idopted the 2008 National Electrical Code. No amendments were made to the code during the adoption process. Met Council to Increase SAC Charge The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) Division has approved the Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) rates for 2009. The base SAC unit will increase from $1,825 to $2,000 begin- ning Jan. 1, 21109, permits issued after the close of business on Dec. 31, 2008 will be subject to the increased rate. While the City of Plymouth collects the charge for MCES, it is not a City charge. t Page 11 New Provisions for Wall Bracing The 2006 International Residential Code contains new provisions that affect new homes and other residential structures. These code provisions are known as the wall bracing provisions, contained in Section R602.10 of the 2006 Internation- al Residential Code. The requirements have changed dramati- cally over the years and can be very diffi- cult to understand. Several organizations have web sites designed to help assist individuals better understand these basic requirements. For more information, visit these web sites: http://www nalibir.org/docs/NewHwneBnt- tons/ConjerencesaiidSeminarsla822_Mall- Bracing-_'0061BS.pdj http: //wwwxpsa. coni/tech/code.htm! wnneiccsaje.oig wwwwallbracing.oig Store Generated Plans Not Accepted The Building Division continues to receive many applications for deck and porch permits that include construction drawings developed from rental hardware stores that use a computer program for estimating purposes. Due to the incom- pleteness and lack of detailed infonria- tion on these plans, the City of Plymouth no longer accepts computer generated plans from retail home centers. Informa- tion required for deck and porch plans is detailed in handouts available at the building service counter. New Code Provision For Roof Installation The 2006 International Residential Code prohibits the installation of new asphalt shingles over existing roof coverings. Since the City of Plymouth is located in an area that is subject to moderate hail damage, all previously installed roof coverings must be removed prior to the installation of any new asphalt shingles. Check Your Jobs Before Calling Recently the Building Division has received calls from contractors asking of- fice staff to verify whether an inspection has been made or seeking information about a correction notice posted on the job site. If the inspector has not returned from the field, office staff members have no way of knowing whether the inspection was made or what types of corrections were needed. Please keep in mind it is the contrac- tor's responsibility to check his/her jobs. The approved job site plan, inspection requirement form, and permit inspection record cards need to be posted on the job site. If you have specific questions, con- tact the appropriate inspector between the hours of 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit the Web Site to Check Permit Status When you want to check the status of a permit, visit the City's web site at www. ci.plymouth.mn.us. Click on eService and then or My Property Information. Enter the house number, then the street and click search. Click on the address when it appears. Click on Permits under the property navigation menu. All permits associated with the address will display. You can click on a particular permit to find out specific details, such as when the permit was issued and the inspection results, including final inspection approval. Plan Ahead for Inspection Requests Planning ahead when scheduling in- spections will keep your construction plans on track. Here's what the Building Code says about inspections. It is the duty of the person doing the work authorized by a permit to notify the building official once the work is ready for inspection. It is up to the permit holder to make arrangements to provide access to an inspector to examine the work. Please request an inspection only after the work is completed and available for inspection. Requests for building framing and final inspections should not to be made until after all other required inspections have been approved (electrical, plumb- ing, mechanical, fire protection, etc.). City inspectors need your help to pro- vide the best service possible. Please call to schedule an inspection only after the work is completed. Prema- turely scheduling a building inspec- tion, results in wasted inspector time and makes it difficult to provide all customers with effective and efficient inspection services. We appreciate your cooperation. Inspection requests for specific times will be honored when it is possible. 2 Page 12 Carbon Monoxide Alarms Required in Dwelling Units In 2006, state lawmakers passed a new carbon monoxide (CO) law (Minn. Stat. § 299F.50) requiring CO alarms in all single-family homes and multifamily apartment units. Every single-family dwelling and every multifamily dwell- ing unit must be provided with an approved and fully operational carbon monoxide alarm. Effective Dates • Effective Jan. 1, 2007, all newly constructed single family homes and multifamily dwelling units for which building permits were issued on or after Jan. 1, 2007, must be provided with an approved carbon monoxide alarm. • Effective Aug. 1, 2008, all existing single-family homes must be equipped with an approved carbon monoxide alarm meeting U/L specifications. • Effective Aug. 1, 2009, all other multifamily or apartment -dwelling units must have an approved CO alarm. General Location Requirements • Within ten feet of each room law- fully used for sleeping purposes. Listing or Certification of Detectors • All CO alarms shall be certified by a nationally recognized testing labora- tory to conform to the latest Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Stan- dards (also known as UL2034 Stan- dards). Power • CO alarms must be either hardwired Seasons Greetings From All Of Us into the electrical wiring, directly plugged into an electrical outlet with- out a switch, or battery powered. If you have additional questions or more information on CO requirements, call the State Fire Marshal Division at 651-201-7200 or visit www.fire.state. mn.us Plymouth Builder is published by the City of Plymouth to share information with contractors and developers working in Plymouth. Let us hear from you. If you have any questions, comments, issues or concerns, call Building Official Joe Ryan at (763) 509-5431 or drop us a note at the City of Plymouth, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, Plym- outh, MN 55447. Joe Ryan, Building Official 763-509-5431 Larry Farris, Assistant Building Official 763-509-5436 Bob Rood, Commercial Plan Review 753-509-5442 Greg Metz, Commercial Plan Review 763-509-5434 Jessica Archer, Residential Plan Review 763-509-5432 Chris Land, Building Inspector 763-509-5439 Erik Noraas, Building Inspector 763-509-5438 Annie Rasmusson, Building Inspector 763-509-5437 Bill Torn, Building Inspector 763-509-5441 Todd Sandell, Electrical Inspector 763-509-5447 Stan Scofield, Fire Inspector 763-509-5443 Randy Kurtz, Fire Inspector 763-509-5444 Warren Kulesa, Housing Inspector 763-509-5445 Willie Williams, Housing Inspector 763-509-5417 Rick Van Der Griff, Part -Time Electrical Inspector Support Staff Denise Whalen, Support Services Manager 763-509-5408 Laurie Lokken, Office Support Specialist 763-509-5430 Janice Bergstrom, Office Support Rep. 763-509-5430 Chele Kovacevick, Office Support Rep. 763-509-5430 Tina Beckfeld, Office Support Rep. 763-509-5430 3 Page 13 State, city officials leam just how bad it is StarTribune.com MINNEAPOLIS -ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA State, city officials learn just how bad it is By MARK BRUNSWICK, Star Tribune December 10, 2008 Even as they descended on the State Capitol to plead their case for being spared from looming budget cuts, local government officials got some bad news Wednesday: Things are likely to get worse, and the targets on their back may get larger. State economist Tom Stinson told legislators that the $426 million deficit projected through the end of the current fiscal year, concluding June 30, could increase by $30 million to $70 million in light of new, higher national unemployment numbers. At a pair of hearings, mayors and other officials described the potential cuts they are facing as "an economic crisis," particularly as they may come with only weeks left in their own budget years, leaving them little time to adjust. Page] of 3 In dire scenarios, local leaders lined up to document the potential repercussions: Rochester would have to take down its police gang unit and use the six to eight officers to fill other duties. The 100 residents of Arco on the South Dakota border could lose their fire department. Maple Plain might be unable to make debt payments on a new water treatment plant. Without its expected $2.1 million state aid December payment, Brainerd will have $5,329 in such aid left in the bank. Williams, population 270 in northern Minnesota, might have to lock the doors on its City Hall if a $22,000 payment doesn't come through. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has strongly suggested he will slice into aid programs to local government to wipe out the short-term $426 million deficit. Later this month, cities are scheduled to receive $280 million in state aid. Counties are expecting $165 million. Those revenues, which come twice a year, are used for everything from sewer improvements to putting cops on the street. They account for about one-half to two-thirds of most cities' total budgets, according to the Minnesota House Research Department. And for many cities and counties, the money has already been committed. Future none too rosey In addition to the immediate shortfall, the state faces an even more daunting $4.8 billion deficit projected for the two-year period from July 2009 to June 2011, and cities and counties are in the cross-hairs there as well. Doing the math, local officials fear they will be forced to absorb all of the near-term cuts, which Pawlenty can make unilaterally in a process known as http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print This_Story?sid=35872344 I � Page 14 State, city officials learnjust how bad it is Page 2 of 3 unallotment. The governor's office and legislative leaders met Wednesday to discuss how the process might work and when it might begin, possibly before Christmas. At Wednesday's hearings, local officials made the pitch to be held harmless in the short run. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, whose city is expecting $29.8 million in state aid this month, said at a news conference: "If I shut down the entire city of St. Paul tomorrow, there is no way I can make up for the kind of cuts we are talking about here." Mary Hamann -Roland, mayor of Apple Valley, told legislators that cities will have no choice but to cut core services because officials will have little time to react. She said cities were left reeling from local aid cuts in 2003 that resulted in a 6 percent statewide reduction in city employment since then. In addition, she said, new limits on what cities can levy in property taxes further reduce their ability to cope with the cuts. "Cities simply don't have the flexibility they once had to roll with the punches," Hamann -Roland said. In his committee appearance, state economist Stinson said that, given last Friday's national unemployment numbers, the recession could be worse than forecast in November and that the December baseline calls for a 1.8 percent decline in the gross domestic product for 2009. It has already been projected that Minnesota could stand to lose 58,000 jobs in 2009, and Stinson said the number could be higher, although his office has not yet done an estimate. Pawlenty, legislators weigh in Wednesday morning, Pawlenty said local officials should expect to be part of the short-term budget solution, saying the magnitude of the potential cuts is "quite modest" for most cities compared with what they levy. He also cautioned about presenting sky -is -falling scenarios. "If they try to say the first thing they are going to do is lay off cops and firefighters, I would say that's ridiculous. The city manager or city official who says that's the first place they are going to turn to, I'd severely question their priorities," Pawlenty said. Local leaders did appear to find some sympathetic ears. Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL - Cook, chairman of the Senate Tax Committee, called local leaders to his panel's hearing because he thought it was important to document what he said was their dependence on commitments the state has made to them. Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL -Minneapolis, and others have suggested an across-the-board 1.6 percent cut from state programs to help http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print This Story?sid=35872344 12/11/; Page 15 State, city officials learn just how bad it is Page 3 of 3 fix the short-term deficit. That would result in $271.3 million in cuts, according to Senate fiscal staff. "I think it's reasonable that we spread this pain across the board; that everybody takes a proportionate share of it. The best message to the public is everybody is going to share in this. Nobody is going to be held harmless here. This problem is just too big," Bakk said. Staff writer Pat Doyle contributed to this report. Mark Brunswick • 651-222-1636 © 2008 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print This_Story?sid=35872344 12/1 Page 16 riae(YALERrl A transit system Plymouth City Council Approved Fare Increase operated by the for Plymouth Metrolink's Dial -A -Ride Service Starting January 1, Plymouth Metrolink fares will increase from $2 to $3 per ride City of Plymouth for Plymouth residents. The Plymouth City Council approved the increase last fall. Service hours will remain the same. Location Punch Cards Plymouth City Hall Riders may still use their yellow Dial -A -Ride punch cards, but they will need to pay an additional $1 to the fare box. Each punch on the yellow punch cards is 3400 Plymouth Blvd. worth $2. Plymouth, MN New blue Dial -A -Ride punch cards, worth $3 per punch, may be purchased from Dial -A -Ride drivers. The Plymouth City Hall Cashier, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., also 55447-1482 sells the new $3 blue punch cards. City Hall is open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. Web Site Dial -A -Ride Service Hours www.ci.plymouth.mn.us Monday through Friday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. click on "Services" Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. then "Transit' Customers can make a Dial -A -Ride reservation Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by calling 763-559-5057. Customer Service If you have any questions, please contact the Plymouth Metrolink Transit Monday - Friday Coordinator at transit@ci.plymouth.mn.us, 763-509-5535 or on the TDD line at 763-509-5065. 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. P:rG(is6ed December 10, 2008 Voice: 763-509-5535 TDD: 763-509-5065 Fax: 763-509-5510 transit@ci.plymouth.mn.us Page 17 Sun Newspapers - MNSUN.com - Edina City Council paves way for city-wide organic re... Page 1 of 2 MN SUN 44 community newspaper: Print Page Edina City Council paves way for city-wide organic recycling BY Jason Kroeker - SUN NEWSPAPERS Banana peel, used paper towels and leftover pizza crusts might soon fertilize your yard The Edina City Council recently approved an ordinance amendment to allow organic materials and yard waste to be collected and turned into compost. The biodegradable materials would be taken to a facility to undergo controlled microbial degradation to yield a humus -like product. "A large portion of our solid waste landfills are organic matter that could be composted and recycled as opposed to keep building more of these landfills which are very costly to build," said Dianne Plunkett Latham, vice chairperson of the Edina Energy and Environment Commission. The Morningside neighborhood began participating in an organic recycling pilot project in July. Veerkant Disposal is collecting compostable materials from about 1,000 households in the neighborhood and delivering it to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Current state regulations do not allow comingling of yard waste and organics. The arboretum received an exemption. However, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is preparing to change its regulations to allow comingling of yard waste and organics, said Plunkett Latham. Within one to three years she expects all local haulers to be collecting source -separated compostable materials. Solvei Wilmot, Edina recycling coordinator, said MPCA changing its regulations was a formality. Organic recycling will begin throughout the city as soon as the MPCA revises its regulations. "The beauty of doing it this way is that you utilize the existing infrastructure," Plunkett Latham said. "The solid waste haulers are already driving about picking up yard waste." The organic waste that is collected at the arboretum is turned into compost and RW Farms in Carver bags it up and sells it. The organic materials collection will be separate from regular recycling, which the city handles. About 15,000 households in Edina participate in recycling. "It will be handled by waste haulers, it's something they'll offer," Wilmot said. Organic waste could be collected every week by private haulers, Wilmot said, and perhaps every two weeks during the winter when there isn't yard waste. The amended city ordinance requires pickup at least every 14 days. "This is the way of the future," Plunkett Latham said. "The other haulers, if they want to stay competitive, will have to stay in the game, too." Cost is expected to be the same as what people are charged for yard waste. Other items that can be collected for organic recycling include pizza boxes, tissues and kitchen scraps. Any paper that has food waste on it cannot be put in regular recycling, but it can be used in organic recycling. Participation in organic recycling will be voluntary http://www.rnnsun.com/articles/2008/12/09/news/edO4compost.prt 12/9/: Page 18 Cuts to city, county aid coming fast http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print This_Story?s i d=3 5 824084 StarTribune.com MINNEAPOLIS -ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA Cuts to city, county aid coming fast By MARK BRUNSWICK, Star Tribune December 9. 2008 Minnesota's city and county governments are going to be hit hard by projected state budget deficits — and the pain could be felt sooner rather than later. Gov. Tim Pawlenty and legislative leaders said Tuesday that aid to cities and counties is likely be one of the first items on the chopping block as the state struggles first with a short-term $426 million budget deficit for the budget period that ends next summer and then with a looming $4.8 billion projected deficit for the two years beginning July 1. Asked Tuesday whether there was any way cities and counties would be spared from the cuts, Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL -Minneapolis, was short and definitive: "No," he said. Pawlenty, a Republican, said it is too early to outline how the cuts might be made to the cities and counties but strongly suggested that they should brace for significant reductions and that the cuts could come quickly. "We would expect the cities and the counties to be part of the solution here," he said. Local Government Aid (LGA) is provided to cities as a way to equalize property taxes. Cities use it to fund everything from cops on the street to street repairs. Cities eligible to receive the aid get payments from the state twice a year, with the second payment due Dec. 15. The aid to cities and counties is part of the property tax aids and credits (along with aid to homeowners and renters) that make up a little more than 9 percent of the state budget. Later this month the state is scheduled to distribute $242 million in city LGA and counties are scheduled to receive $102 million in county program aid. Pawlenty is likely to use a process known as unallotment for the short-term budget fix and has been working with legislative leaders to set up a framework for making the cuts, which will probably happen before the legislative session begins on Jan. 6. He said he has the authority to delay cutting the checks to the cities but will work with legislative leaders to determine what an unallotment of LGA and county aid might look like. Two tax committees will meet today, and House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL -Minneapolis, said legislative leaders will take recommendations on how to address the cuts. Representatives from as many as 40 Minnesota cities plan on attending the committee hearings today to make their concerns known. Pawlenty and the legislative leaders also addressed plans for dealing with the larger I of 12/10/: Page 19 Cuts to city, county aid coming fast http://www.startribune.co"templates/Print Ibis_Story?sid=35824084 projected deficit for 2010-11. He reiterated that he would be focusing on making cuts in spending as opposed to raising taxes. While agreeing that cuts would come first, Kelliher said she would not rule out reconfiguring tax policies, including potentially broadening the state's sales tax to include such things as clothing and Internet sales. Besides a previously announced state hiring freeze, Pawlenty said he has ordered a freeze on performance bonuses and urged local governments and school districts to follow suit. He also suggested that exploring some options on privatizing some state functions such as the lottery and a portion of Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport should still be considered. Mark Brunswick • 651-222-1636 © 2008 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. 2of2 12/10/2t Page 20 A transit system operated by the City of Plymouth Location Plymouth City Hall riaeYA�ERrl Holidays affect bus schedules: No service on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1; limited bus service on Dec. 24 and Dec. 26 The Christmas and New Year's holidays will affect Plymouth Metrolink service. Metrolink will not operate on Thurs., Dec. 25 or Thurs., Jan. 1. Limited bus service will be available on Wed., Dee.24 and Fri., Dec. 26. Service will not be affected on Wed.. Dec. 31 or Fri.. Jan 2. Limited Service Hours for Dec. 24 and Dec. 26 3400 Plymouth Blvd. • Route 772 - Trips to downtown from Hwy. 55 & Co. Rd. 73 (Plymouth Station 73) will leave at 6:45, 7:15 and 7:45 a.m. and return from downtown Plymouth, MN (Marquette & Washington) at 3:35, 4:40 and 5:10 p.m. 55447-1482 • Route 774 - Trips to Hwy. 55 & Co. Rd. 73 (Plymouth Station 73) return from downtown (Marquette & Washington) at 12:10 and 2:10 p.m. Web Site • Route 776 - Trips to downtown will leave Messiah United Methodist www.ci.plymouth.mn.us Church, Olive Lane and Co. Rd. 6, at 6:27, 7:12 and 7:37 a.m. and return from downtown (Marquette & Washington) at 3:40, 4:40 and 5:15 p.m. click on "Services" • Route 790 - Trips to downtown will leave Cub Foods Park & Ride at 6:35, then "Transif 7:05 and 7:40 a.m. and return from downtown (Marquette & 4°i St.) at 3:40, 4:35 and 5:10 p.m. Customer Service • Route 795 - Trips to Cub Foods Park & Ride return fi-om downtown Monday- Friday (Marquette & 4a' St.) at 12:10 and 2:10 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. • All express services will originate and terminate at Park & Ride lots. All commuter services will be express to/from the Park & Ride lots and Voice: 763-509-5535 downtown Minneapolis with no intermediate stops in Plymouth. TDD: 763-509-5065 • Dial -A -Ride will run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fax: 763-509-5510 • Reverse commute passengers can take Metro Transit Route 675 to the Plymouth Road Transit Center and then take Dial -A -Ride from there. (Dial- transit@ei.plymouth.mn.us A -Ride will require advance reservations — 763-559-5057). Published Deceinber 9. 2006 Page 21 Back at Junk Value, Recyclables Are Piling Up - NYTimes.com Ghc �Nctu flork Ginter) (7Vt.fi - COM http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/08/business/08recycle.html?—r= I ... December 8, 2008 Back at Junk Value, Recyclables Are Piling Up By MATT RICHT EL and RATE GALBRAITH Trash has crashed. ?i1XieF.=RIENOIY wRMAi swXzoxFv xr The economic downturn has decimated the market for recycled materials like cardboard, plastic, newspaper and metals. Across the country, this junk is accumulating by the ton in the yards and warehouses of recycling contractors, which are unable to find buyers or are unwilling to sell at rock -bottom prices. Ordinarily the material would be turned into products like car parts, book covers and boxes for electronics. But with the slump in the scrap market, a trickle is starting to head for landfills instead of a second life. "It's awful," said Briana Sternberg, education and outreach coordinator for Sedona Recycles, a nonprofit group in Arizona that recently stopped taking certain types of cardboard, like old cereal, rice and pasta boxes. There is no market for these, and the organization's quarter -acre yard is already packed fence to fence. "Either it goes to landfill or it begins to cost us money," Ms. Sternberg said. In West Virginia, an official of Kanawha County, which includes Charleston, the state capital, has called on residents to stockpile their own plastic and metals, which the county mostly stopped taking on Friday. In eastern Pennsylvania, the small town of Frackville recently suspended its recycling program when it became cheaper to dump than to recycle. In Montana, a recycler near Yellowstone National Park no longer takes anything but cardboard. There are no signs yet of a nationwide abandonment of recycling programs. But industry executives say that after years of growth, the whole system is facing an abrupt slowdown. Many large recyclers now say they are accumulating tons of material, either because they have contracts with big cities to continue to take the scrap or because they are banking on a price rebound in the next six months to a year. "We're warehousing it and warehousing it and warehousing it," said Johnny Gold, senior vice president at the Newark Group, a company that has 13 recycling plants across the country. Mr. Gold said the industry had seen downturns before but not like this. "We never saw this coming." The precipitous drop in prices for recyclables makes the stock market's performance seem almost enviable. On the West Coast, for example, mixed paper is selling for $20 to $25 a ton, down from $105 in October, according to Official Board Markets, a newsletter that tracks paper prices. And recyclers say tin is worth about $5 a ton, down from $327 earlier this year. There is greater domestic demand for glass, so its price has not fallen as much. I of3 12/8 Page 22 Back at Junk Value, Recyclables Are Piling Up - NYTimes.com http://www.nytimes.corj2008/12/08/business/08recycle.html?_r=1... This is a cyclical industry that has seen price swings before. The scrap market in general is closely tied to economic conditions because demand for some recyclables tracks closely with markets for new products. Cardboard, for instance, turns into the boxes that package electronics, rubber goes to shoe soles, and metal is made into auto parts. One reason prices slid so rapidly this time is that demand from China, the biggest export market for recyclables from the United States, quickly dried up as the global economy slowed. China's influence is so great that in recent years recyclables have been worth much less in areas of the United States that lack easy access to ports that can ship there. The downturn offers some insight into the forces behind the recycling boom of recent years. Environmentally conscious consumers have been able to pat themselves on the back and feel good about sorting their recycling and putting it on the curb. But most recycling programs have been driven as much by raw economics as by activism. Cities and their contractors made recycling easy in part because there was money to be made. Businesses, too — like grocery chains and other retailers — have profited by recycling thousands of tons of materials like cardboard each month. But the drop in prices has made the profits shrink, or even disappear, undermining one rationale for recycling programs and their costly infrastructure. "Before, you could be green by being greedy," said Jim Wilcox, a professor at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. "Now you've really got to rely more on your notions of civic participation." The impact of the downturn on individual recycling efforts varies. Most cities are keeping their recycling programs, in some cases because they are required by law, but also because the economics, while they have soured, still favor recycling over landfills. In New York City, for instance, the city is getting paid $to for a ton of paper, down from $50 or more before October, but it has no plans to cease recycling, said Robert Lange, the city's recycling director. In Boston, one of the hardest-hit markets, prices are down to S5 a ton, and the city expects it will soon have to pay to unload its paper. But city officials said that would still be better than paying $8o a ton to put it in a landfill. Some small towns are refusing to recycle some material, particularly the less lucrative plastics and metals, and experts say more are likely to do so if the price slump persists. Businesses and institutions face their own challenges and decisions. Harvard, for instance, sends mixed recyclables — including soda bottles and student newspapers — to a nearby recycling center that used to pay $io a ton. In November, Harvard received two letters from the recycler, the first saying it would begin charging $to a ton and the second saying the price had risen to $20. "I haven't checked my mail today, but I hope there isn't another one in there," said Rob Gogan, the recycling and waste manager for the university's facilities division. He said he did not mind paying as long as the price was less than $87 a ton, the cost for trash disposal. The collapse of the market is slowing the momentum of recycling overall, said Mark Arzoumanian, editor in 2of3 1� 8 Page 23 Back at Junk Value, Recyclables Are Piling Up - NYTimes.com http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/08/business/08recycle.html?_r=1... chief of Official Board Markets. He said the problem would hurt individual recycling businesses, but also major retailers, like Wal-Mart Stores, that profit by selling refuse. Mr. Arzoumanian said paper mills in China and the United States that had signed contracts requiring them to buy recycled paper were seeking wiggle room, invoking clauses that cover extraordinary circumstances. "They are declaring `force majeure,' which is a phrase I'd never thought I'd hear in paper recycling," he said. Mr. Arzoumanian and others said mills were also starting to become pickier about what they take in, rejecting cardboard and other products that they say are "contaminated" by plastic ties or other material. The situation has also been rough on junk poachers — people who made a profitable trade of picking off cardboard and other refuse from bins before the recycling trucks could get to it. Those poachers have shut their operations, said Michael Sangiacomo, chief executive of Norcal Waste Systems, a recycling and garbage company that serves Northern California. "I knew it was really bad a few weeks ago when our guys showed up and the corrugated cardboard was still there," he said. "People started calling, saying `You didn't pick up our cardboard,' and I said, We haven't picked up your cardboard for years."' The recycling slump has even provoked a protest of sorts. At Ruthlawn Elementary School in South Charleston, W.V., second -graders who began recycling at the school in September were told that the program might be discontinued. They chose to forgo recess and instead use the time to write letters to the governor and mayor, imploring them to keep recycling, Rachel Fisk, their teacher, said. The students' pleas seem to have been heard; the city plans to start trucking the recyclables to Kentucky. "They were telling them, `We really don't care what you say about the economy. If you don't recycle, our planet will be dirty," " Ms. Fisk said. Copyright 2008 The Nm York Times Cwm Privacy Policy I Search I CorrectionsI RSS Fast Look I Flelo I Contact Us I Work far Us sde (v13o 3 of3 12/8/, Page 24 MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING November 13, 2008 PRESENT: Commissioners: E. Singer, M. Smith, G. Anderson, D. Anderson, P. Knight, N. Carroll, A. Vanderwall, Staff: E. Blank, B. Abel, D. Sankey, R Michaud, E. Anderson Planning Commission Liaison: J. Davis City Council Liaison: B. Stein ABSENT: 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Singer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion was made by Commissioner Carroll and seconded by Commissioner G. Anderson to approve the October minutes with revision noted. Vote: 6 Ayes. Motion carried. Commissioner Vanderwall arrived after approval of minutes. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. None b. Staff Regina Michaud provided information on her area of responsibility and current programs. She works with preschool through adults, including martial arts, youth recreation, and special events such as Plymouth on Parade, Yard & Garden Expo, Summer Carnival and Halloween at the Creek. She also works with health and wellness. Regina Announced a new Program - Health Fair. Hennepin County is coordinating a Step it Up Challenge, a fitness challenge among cities, and Plymouth will participate. Chair Singer asked if the Health Fair would be using the Plymouth Creek Center and dome. Regina said it will be held in the Plymouth Creek Center, but not the dome. Commissioner Smith asked if the City hosts race events like a 5K. Michaud said Park & Recreation does not, but the Fire Department has a 5K, and there is also a 5K with Music in Plymouth. Director Blank said Lifetime Fitness hosts a triathlon. Erica Anderson provided information on her area of responsibility and current programs. She works with preschool, youth and adult education such as dog obedience classes, science explorers and foreign languages, including Spanish and German. She also works on special events like Plymouth on Parade. Anderson also works with the Yard & Garden Expo with Regina Michaud and Fall Soccer with Dan Lauer. Erica is also responsible for the adaptive/inclusion program which helps accommodate special needs participants. We helped 253 kids in 456 programs so far this year, helping to serve people who might not otherwise be able to take part in our programs. Commissioner Carroll asked about accommodating allergies. Page 25 PRAC Minutes/November 13, 2008 Page 2 Anderson said the main one is peanut allergies. Some people are so sensitive that even air born is dangerous. When we have a participant with a peanut allergy, we notify parents of children in the program to avoid using peanut products during or before the class. Chair Singer said soccer coaches are given information on allergic reactions and the use of epi pens. Commissioner Carroll pointed out that there are other food allergies of concern, such as eggs. Chair Singer mentioned that the Yard & Garden Expo is a fundraiser, and all proceeds go towards the Millennium Garden. She also asked about lawn bowling. Anderson said Dan Lauer is looking into it. This could be a good activity for adaptive services. Diane Evans provided an overview of past and upcoming activities. Evans informed the Commission that the dome is up, although it took a couple of days because of windy conditions. Evans gave a brief history of the catering contract at the Plymouth Creek Center. We were working with Suzanne's until November 2007, when they went out of business. By the end of November, food testing and tasting had settled on Medina Ballroom, Mintahoe, and Town and Country. The relationships have gone wonderfully. Rentals have gone up, revenue has gone up, and complaints have gone down. We have recommended to the City Council to roll over the contracts for another three years. We will look at it again at that time. Commissioner Carroll asked what zumba fitness is. Chair Singer said it is exercise to Latin music. c. Other: 4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION a. Approved name of Legacy Greenway Park. Director Blank reported that the Council approved the name, and signage is being developed. b. Accepted Outdoor Rink report. Blank said that our current number of nine outdoor hockey rinks eventually will go to six. The first phase is to close one at Zachary and one at Plymouth Middle School. These rinks will be flooded as pleasure rinks. We will evaluate each year and keep track of attendance. Planning Commissioner Davis asked about the difference between pleasure and hockey rinks. Blank said hockey rinks have boards, and pleasure rinks use an earth berm. Davis asked if there is any less maintenance. Blank said no, they are both broom cleaned, shoveled and flooded. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Update — Zachary Park Building: Blank reported that Armstrong Little League is continuing to work on this project. They hope to have it enclosed by Thanksgiving. A lot of volunteer work has gone into it, and so far, they are a little under budget. They have gotten good bids and many things donated. By the time baseball gets started, the concession stand should be up and running. b. Update — West Medicine Lake Park Building: Blank said that the Council looked at all of the capital improvement items for the next 5 years. Because of the economy, Page 26 PRAC Minutes/November 13, 2008 Page 3 they thought it would be appropriate to delay the project until 2012. They will examine this further at their study session on December 9. c. Update— Hilde Plans Blank said that he anticipates that this project will also be put on hold, possibly until 2010. Chair Singer asked if Council study sessions are open to the public and whether people can make comments. Blank said people are allowed to attend the sessions, and it is up to the mayor whether they will take comments. Singer asked the commissioners for comments. Smith asked about the sunscreen project for Parkers Lake. Blank said that would cost about $40,000. D. Anderson asked if Park & Recreation projects were the only ones put on hold. Blank answered that no, others were also delayed. G. Anderson suggested that it may be a more advantageous to build now. Blank said the market has actually gotten worse in the last 90 days. Council will have to decide on an appropriate course of action. Councilmember Stein said that Councilmember Bildsoe thought the projects should be postponed. He felt there were $5.5 million worth of projects that could be postponed. 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Receive comments on Zachary Park tennis courts relocation proposal. Director Blank said the Commission does an annual tour in August to see first hand what is going on in the park system and to discuss potential projects to recommend to Council. The Zachary tennis courts were built in 1981. Tennis courts usually last about 25 years, so it is time for refurbishment, which is scheduled for 2009. We will probably start in August 2009, in order to work around the Armstrong tennis program and our tennis lesson program. The courts can be replaced in their current location. We could also slide the courts 100 feet north to a grassy area, which would leave room for a future parking lot expansion. We get many complaints on parking issues. We need to make the decision by March of 2009. David Bateman, 4525 Arrowood Lane, pointed out his house on the map. He explained that he had researched the issue. There are seven lit tennis courts in Plymouth, but only one is close to a home. The rest are far away from homes. Bass Lake is somewhat close, but the courts are near the garage end of the home. His property is surrounded on two sides by park. The proposal means moving the tennis courts from 110 feet away from the back wall of his house to 45 feet away. They can hear noise from it now, but this will increase by a factor of four - like having people in his living room. The plan also provides a secluded parking area, which officers will have to drive into in order to patrol, adding more lights. The courts will block access to Frisbee golf. His yard already gets a lot of traffic from the Frisbee golfers. During soccer season, people do congregate in this grassy area. His yard receives a lot of light from the current tennis courts. Even with the new light technology, because of the closeness, it will still be a lot of light. It looks like his pine trees will be right near the tennis court fence. The fence will be rather unsightly from their deck. People play tennis as early as 7:30 am until at least 10:30 p.m. He also feels that the configuration of the parking lot will cause a lot of confusion. The park has been a good neighbor through the years, but he did not expect to have a tennis court this close. Mr. Bateman presented two proposals: Page 27 PRAC Minutes/November 13, 2008 Page 4 Proposal 1. Leave tennis courts where they are. Extend the parking lot to the west. Move the pavilion. This solution would not impact traffic flow, and there would be little loss of trees. Proposal 2. Leave tennis courts where they are. Extend the parking lot to the north. This would not impact traffic flow. There would be some loss of trees. The lot would be very visible for police patrol. Commissioner Smith asked about the feasibility of the first proposal. Mr. Bateman said changes to grade would be needed, although it would be no worse than the original proposal. Director Blank said the lot would superimpose over the current lot and could preserve some trees. Smith expressed concern about removing trees and thanked Mr. Bateman for bringing in proposals. Blank said they had considered adding parking into the trees when they added the little league fields. They wanted to wait until they saw the impact of running the park at full capacity. Commissioner Knight thanked Mr. Bateman for offering solutions. Maybe a combination of the parking lot alternatives could be done by adding a smaller strip north and a smaller strip west. He asked if planting more trees would be of help for the original proposal. Mr. Bateman said the land strip is very narrow for putting in a buffer zone. He prefers it open, however. Commissioner Knight asked if it would help if the basketball court were at the other end. Mr. Bateman said basketball is even noisier than tennis. It is hard to remediate something that is that close. Chair Singer thanked him for his comments. Gina Bateman, 4525 Arrowood Lane, expressed that she did not like the idea of being on her deck and looking out and seeing tennis courts so close. She will hear the tennis players' conversations and they will hear hers. How will it affect her property value? She does not want a fence. Planting more trees is not a good option for preventing hearing everything and having no privacy. She would like to invite the commissioners all over to her deck to experience what this would be like. Eric Olson, 4555 Arrowood Lane, reiterated the point of the parking lot. If it were moved down, how close would it be to the playground? This almost gives people a chance to drive up and approach children. Other parks have parking that is further from the playground. There is a lot of activity at the basketball court, which would be more difficult for the police to monitor. The park is crowded in the summer time. There is a lot of light emission. Brendan Garrity, 4520 Arrowood Lane, stated that he has a great view of the park. He has two small children, and they go to the play area quite often. The more things are pulled into the park, the more traffic there will be. People drive into their cul-de- sac to drop off kids for soccer. Moving the tennis courts will bring more people into their cul-de-sac to drop off for tennis. Mr. Garrity said he likes the park and living close to it. He wants to continue to like living close to it. Chair Singer confessed that she had dropped her kids off on this cul-de-sac at times. Joe Stein, 4535 Arrowood Lane, said that he is greatly concerned about moving the courts closer to their homes. People now run across their yard instead of using the Page 28 PRAC Minutes/November 13, 2008 Page 5 trail. He is concerned about his 10 year old daughter playing in the cul-de-sac because of the traffic. Having people run through their yard feels invasive. Chair Singer thanked them all for their comments and for coming to the meeting. Director Blank said that all of the comments would go into the minutes. The minutes go to the City Council who will have the final decision. Blank asked if there was anything the commissioners would like staff to work on. D. Anderson would like to see some other options at the meeting in January. b. Approve $10 per hour increase in ice rental rates. Director Blank explained that the Ice Center is an enterprise fund, and it must cover its expenses. They have looked at the budget to see what can be done to accomplish what is needed and have decided on a $10 per hour increase beginning April 1. We will not break a contract with the associations and schools. This increase would bring in $70,000 for a full year, and will be about $35,000 to $40,000 for 2009. Other budget moves include not replacing a full time employee who has left. We had budgeted for a cooling tower replacement, but it will probably work through 2009. We have budgeted to pay off $150,000 toward the loan on the third sheet. Blank said he has met with Wayzata Hockey regarding the increase, and they have a full year warning. Organizations who benefit from it pay a $5 per hour surcharge to help pay off the third sheet loan. Commissioner Carroll asked about the amount of the reserve. Director Blank said i' is $450,000. Carroll asked it we could consider more than a $10 per hour increase. Blank said we could, but we would incur the wrath of our customers. Everyone seems comfortable with $180 per hour. Commissioner D. Anderson said we must be comfortable with this. Commissioner D. Anderson move to approve the $10 per hour increase in rates for the Ice Center. Commissioner Vanderwall seconded. 7 Ayes. Motion approved. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION: Commissioner Smith announced the Oakwood Elementary 50th Anniversary Open house on Sunday, November 16, from 1-4:00 p.m. 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION: Director Blank announced we will have a December meeting only if we find we have an important item to discuss, otherwise it will be cancelled. 9. ADJOURNMENT Chair Singer entertained the motion to adjourn. MOTION was made by Commissioner Vanderwall and seconded by Commissioner Smith. Vote: 7 Ayes. Motion approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m. If needed, the next meeting will be held on December 11, 2008, in the Council Chambers. Otherwise, the next meeting will be on January 8, 2009. Page 29 PRAC Minutes/November 13, 2008 Page 6 Donna Sankey — PRAC recorder Page 30 YON /�� www.highway55.org HIGHWAY 55 CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridorfrom 1-494 to Annandale, Minnesota Highway 55 Corridor Coalition Full Membership Committee Meeting Meeting Minutes Friday, October 17, 2008 9:30 a.m. —11:30 a.m. Hennepin County Transportation Facility Medina, MN Training Room 1. Call to Order— A quorum being present, Marvin Johnson called the meeting to order at 9:40 a.m. 2. Introductions — Marvin Johnson, City of Independence; Wayne Fingalson, Wright County; Jim Grube, Hennepin County; Jack Russek, Wright County; Loren Harff, City of Greenfield; Liz Weir, City of Medina; Claudia Dumont, MnDOT D3; Doran Cote, City of Plymouth; Dennis Beise, Rockford Township; Laurie Karnes, Land for Sale, Inc.; Herman Quass; Deb Steiskal, Representative Michele Bachmann's Office; Brad Larson, SRF Consulting Group, Inc. 3. Approve Meeting Minutes from August 15, 2008: The minutes were reviewed with no changes noted. Motion by Liz Weir, second by Jack Russek to approve the August 15, 2008 meeting minutes. Motion passed with all voting in favor. 4. Marketing Committee Report: Public Awareness -Expanded Email list & Newsletter — Wayne Fingalson and Laurie Karnes reviewed with the Coalition the Marketing Committee's recommendation in putting together a monthly one page newsletter to send out to interested parties. The text only newsletter is on the email and not sent as an attachment or with pictures since many computers will label it spam and block it. The major steps in setting this up would be: 1. Collecting email addresses through website searches of local agencies, businesses, schools, etc. or as Laurie noted having other agencies such as chambers or business associations include our newsletter in their email mailings. 2. Laurie has volunteered to write the newsletters 3 to 4 newsletters written in advance so as to not get caught in a short time schedule. Wayne handed out a sample newsletter that Laurie had done. 3. The "Editor" to review the content of the newsletter before it is sent would be representatives from Hennepin and Wright Counties and MnDOT. The first 4 newsletters will be written and Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone: 763/682-7383 Wright County Highway Department FAX 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North E-mail: waynefineatsonnaco.x page 31 Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 www.highway55.org HIGHWAY 55 C ORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridor from 1-494 to Annandale, Minnesota edited prior to the December Coalition meeting. They will be shown at the December meeting and then be sent out once a month starting in January, 2009. 4. The Marketing Committee has identified a number of topics for the newsletter and those that are not time -sensitive will be done in advance. Should there not be a time -sensitive topic for the monthly mailing, these would be used. 5. Need wording on the email to allow people to unsubscribe. 6. The Coalition's website would be updated to allow people to subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 7. An email provider for identifying the sender has been chosen to be "Stuck in Traffic on Hwy 55". The reason to develop this email newsletter is to increase the public awareness of the Coalition and its activities, educate people and increase the grassroots support for the Coalition's goals. On a motion by Liz Weir, second by Jack Russek for the Marketing Committee to move forward with the newsletter with the first mailing in January, 2009 and that the initial 4 newsletters would be presented at the December Coalition meeting for information prior to the mailings. Motion was approved. Wayne noted that the Marketing Committee is looking for new members if anyone is interested. Marvin Johnson requested that this request for new members be included in the December meeting notice. 5. Financial Report: Wayne handed out the Financial Report as of October 15, 2008. He noted the current fund balance of $47,258.33. Wayne pointed out that Rockford Township is back with the Coalition and he welcomed Dennis Beise to the meeting. Wayne also noted that the Financial Report is now consistent on what is shown for the Membership Name on the dues paid. If a business pays dues at the individual rate then only an individual name, not business name is shown. Motion by Jack Russek, second by Liz Weir to approve the Financial Report. Motion was approved. 6. Technical Advisory Committee/MnDOT Report: • Hwy 55 Environmental Assessment Status: Claudia Dumont said that preliminary work on the EA from Rockford to Buffalo is underway. Ed Idzorek said that the final finding of facts are being prepared by SRF Consulting Group, Inc. and should be sent to MnDOT for their review by Thanksgiving and then to FHWA. The hope is to have a Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI) declared by the end of the year. This would then allow for right-of-way acquisition along Hwy 55 from Plymouth to Rockford. Coalition Projects Status and Funding Recommendations: --CR 134: Claudia Dumont said that the project is under construction now with completion in 2009. --CSAH 12: Claudia said and Wayne Fingalson confirmed that the project will be let on December 2, 2008 with construction in 2009. -- Claudia also noted that the draft District 3 program has Hwy 55 included for construction after 2020. It is the only expansion project put back in. The draft now goes to the MnDOT Central Office for review. Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone: 763/682-7383 Wright County Highway Department FAX. 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North E-mail. wavne.Rnealson&o.x Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 Page 32 b..:m HIGHWAY 55 www.highway55.org CORRIDOR COALITIONPreserving the 55 Corridor from I-494 to Annandale, Minnesota -- Claudia said that MnDOT has worked on the concerns with the Wright County Surveyor on the Official Map, so that should be finalized soon. Future Federal Funding Recommendations: Jim Grube said that the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) had sent out a request to all the communities along the Hwy 55 corridor soliciting future projects that would need federal funds. Four projects were submitted, 2 from the City of Plymouth and 2 from Wright County. Doran Cote explained to the Coalition the City of Plymouth's two projects. ■ Plymouth Boulevard/Niagara Lane @ Hwy 55 in Plymouth: Project proposes to add a left turn lane, southbound on Plymouth Boulevard onto Highway 55 to ease the congestion and reduce crashes involving southbound left tum vehicles. This intersection is high on the MnDOT Crash list. While this intersection will be grade -separated in the future, this project is needed until then to address safety. Total project cost is estimated at $890,000 with $712,000 in federal funds requested. Funding could be used in 2013. ■ CR 101/Peony Lane @ Hwy 55 in Plymouth: Project is to acquire right-of-way from properties adjacent to Hwy 55 and CR 101 in the southwest quadrant of the intersection prior to development of the properties. Total project cost estimated at $755,000 and $604,000 in federal funds has been requested to be used in 2011. This project is eligible for federal funds and is consistent with the Coalition's goal of preserving right-of-way along the Hwy 55 corridor. Wayne Fingalson explained to the Coalition the two projects submitted by Wright County and approved by the Wright County Board. ■ CSAH 32 @ Hwy 55 in Rockford Township—Wright County: Project will realign intersection and provide right and left turn lanes on Hwy 55. CSAH 32 is the former CR 115 and this is a revision to the earlier CR 115/Gabler Avenue project that was previously approved by the Coalition for federal funding. The previous project was tied to developers work/funding which didn't fully come about and was then dropped from the Coalition's funded projects at the request of the City of Rockford. This new project is planned in conjunction with continuing development work but is independent of that work. The request is for $1,584,000 in federal funds for the $1,980,000 project. Funds could be used starting in 2011 through 2013. ■ CR 147 @ Hwy 55 & CR 134 in Buffalo—Wright County: Project would realign existing CR 147 to become the south leg of the intersection of Hwy 55 @ CR 134 which is a current Coalition project that is now under construction. The existing CR 147 @ Hwy 55 intersection would be closed on the south approach. The intersection has a high crash rate and is used by students to get to Buffalo High School. This realignment conforms to the long range Wright County Transportation Plan. Total project cost is estimated to be $1,659,080 with federal funds requested of $1,327,270. Funds requested for the years 2011 through 2013 but it is possible that work could start in 2010 if funding becomes available. This project would eliminate a very unsafe intersection. Question was asked if these projects would still be done if there was funding now to upgrade Hwy 55? Jim Grube said that 3 of the 4 projects would still be done as part of the Hwy 55 upgrade and the 4a' (Niagara Lane) needs to be done now to reduce the crash problem given realistically that funding for all of Hwy 55 is a number of years away. Therefore, these projects, if funded, are a good investment. Jim noted that with these projects and those previously selected, there is over an $11 Million shortfall in funding to complete these projects. Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone: 763/682-7383 Wright County Highway Department FAX..- 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North E-mail. wavne./in alson&o.n Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 Page 33 ONE www.highway55.org HIGHWAY 55 CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridor from 1-494 to Annandale, Minnesota Motion by Jack Russek, second by Dennis Beise to approve the four projects for future federal funding requests in addition to those projects previously approved by the Coalition. Motion approved. It was recommended that after the election, congratulatory letters be sent those elected to federal and state offices whose districts include Hwy 55 and include the need for additional funding as illustrated by these new projects and those that have been previously approved but lack the funding. Motion by Jack Russek, second by Dennis Beise to send the letters. Motion approved. Recommended comments on Met Council's draft Transportation Policy Plan (TPP): Jim Grube handed out the draft letter of comments from the Coalition on the Met Council's draft TPP that was recommended by the Coalition's TAC. Marvin Johnson noted that he had attended one of the open house/hearings on the TPP. The main comment is that Hwy 55 is recommended in the draft TPP to be upgraded from a Minor Arterial to a Principal Arterial. This has been the Coalition's goal for a long time so the letter strongly supports this recommendation which would also make it consistent with the Wright County Long Range Transportation Plan. The Principal Arterial classification would enhance the eligibility for more funding for Hwy 55. Claudia Dumont recommended that a copy of this letter be also sent to Robert Busch, MnDOT District 3 Engineer. Motion by Jack Russek, second by Jim Grube to approve the letter with a copy to also be sent to Robert Busch. Motion approved. Wayne noted that Wright County has also sent a letter to the Met Council supporting the Principal Arterial classification of Hwy 55. Washington Fly -In: Wayne said that the Wright County Board has approved a commissioner and Wayne to attend next year's Washington Fly -In from March 31- April 3, 2009. He said that next year will be a key time in Washington with the new re -authorization bill and while there are concerns on earmarks, the Coalition needs to work with whatever process Congress goes with. Wayne said that others from the Coalition have indicated interest in attending the Fly -In. Brent Morningstar, Wright Hennepin Electric & Security, has included the trip in his budget request. Laurie Karnes, Land for Sale, is interested as is Mark Johanneck, Buffalo Ford. Wayne suggested, given the Coalition's budget, that maybe the Coalition could send someone or reduce their expenses. Marvin Johnson asked that this item be on the December agenda for more discussion. 7. Legislative Updates. • Federal —Deb Steiskal said that no fiscal year 2009 Appropriation bills have been passed in Congress. Continued Resolutions on all appropriation bills have been passed pushing action on the bills into the congressional session in 2009. She noted that the bailout funding is not newly found money. No new money is available for this. As to where things are going in Washington will be dependent on the elections. Deb thought that it would be good for Justin Taylor of Representative Bachmann's Washington office to meet with Coalition representatives and get briefed of the Coalition's activities the next time he is back in Minnesota. • Minnesota Transportation Alliance's Transportation Authorization Bill Committee — Wayne attended the latest meeting of the MTA's Transportation Authorization Bill Committee and reported on the meeting and the purpose of the Committee. About 25 people were in attendance representing Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone: 763/682-7383 Wright County Highway Department FAX..- 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North E-mail: wavne.fingalson@co.wr Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 Page 34 /��� www.highway55.org HIGH WAY 55 CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridor from I-494 to Annandale, Minnesota both public and private transportation interests. The Committee is putting together a proposal to our Congressional delegation on what Minnesota would like to see included in the new Transportation Authorization bill which will replace the existing bill that will expire the end of September, 2009. At this meeting the Committee heard from Congressman Ellison on his proposal to have a infrastructure bank created for funding mega -projects. Infrastructure projects are essentially done by U. S. companies and this would create new U. S. jobs. Wayne will continue to attend these meetings representing the Coalition and Wright County and report back. • State — No update to report. 8. Communications: Jim Grube said that there is another coalition that has formed. It is the Hwy 169 Coalition which includes communities and counties along Hwy 169 from Mankato/Blue Earth County up to Hennepin County. They are leaning toward the Hwy 55 Coalition model. 9. Establish next full membership meeting date and time: The next meeting will be on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. at the Hennepin County Public Works facility, Training Room in Medina. This will be the annual election of officers and approval of the 2009 budget. 10. Other Business: Wayne said he has been in contact with MnDOT officials on the current SRF contract and they said that the contract can be extended until June 8, 2009. Prior to that time, the Coalition would see what MnDOT says should be done on a consultant contract. Motion by Liz Weir, seconded by Wayne Fingalson to extend the SRF contract until June 8, 2009. Motion approved with Doran Cote abstaining. Wayne will work with SRF on the extension contract and with MnDOT on future action needed and report back at the December meeting. 11. Adjourn: On a motion by Doran Cote, second by Jack Russek the meeting was adjourned at 10:50 a.m. Respectfully submitted: Brad Larson, SRF Consulting Group, Inc. Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone: 7631682-7383 Wright County Highway Department FAX.- 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North E-mail., wavne.fingalson co. Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 Page 35 Revised: 12/9/08 City of Plymouth Engineering Department Active and Pending Public Improvement Projects Prof. or CIP Prof. Prof. Estimated No. Type Project Description Manager Consult Total Cost Current Notes Active Public Improvement Projects 1013 S Fernbrook Ln. - 27th to 34th - DC/BM SRF S5,741,000 Construction started on 7/16/07. utildity coordination for 2008 held Design & ROW & Construction on 3/4/08. Xcel Energy has relocated the two power poles south of Hwy 55 as of April 1. Eureka Construction is antapating 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. As of 11/18/08 Contractor still completing punch list items. 3105 WR Plymouth Creek Pond DA Wenck $900,000 The Medicine Lake Implementation Plan (2004) proposes water quality ponding at the discharge of Plymouth Creek into Medicine Lake. Water quality ponding at this site would also potentially help to meet goals of a TMDL Implentation plan which is a result of Medicine Lake's status as a state listed impaired water. Wenck Associates has completed a 95% construction plan set for water quality ponding at West Medicine Lake Park area. The wetland replacement plan application has been submitted to various federal, state, and local regulatory agencies. The permitting review process is expected to take several months. 4135 WR CR 61/CR 9 Erosion Site DC BRA $350,000 Contract awarded to G.F.Jedlicki, Inc. on 5/13. Precwnstruction 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. As of 8/15/06, 95% of work including restoration completed north of Co. Rd 9. All pipe work, pond dredging and riprap drainways compleded as of 9/12/08 south of Co Rd 9. Live stake plantings installed as of 11/18. Temporary sediment basin removed and final channel grading completed. 4145 S S. Shore Drive Bridge JR BRA $350,000 Final plans have been approved by MnDOT. Waiting to see when Replacement 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 County has sent out property acquisition letter to affected property owners. Condemnation has been initiated by the County. City Council orders improvement of Co. Road 101 on 2/26 and special assessments become pending. 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. Bids to be opened 1/13/09.. 5115 WR Circle Park Pond DA $70,000 The City has a cooperative agreement with Bassett Creek to Improvements increase the capacity and install a outlet control structure for the Circle Park Pond. This project is anticipated to be proposed with the 2009 Street Reconstruction Project. Page 1 C,\Documents and Settings\Ibaird\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK181 Wctive_Pending_Proj_Rpt_1209, Page 36 Revised: 12/9/08 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 5122 S CR 24, Olive Ln. to 32nd Ave. 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 Project is complete, with the exception of minor punchlist items. 6108 S Intersection Imp. - CR 47 & CR DC $1.2 million Curb and gutter is complete and base course paving has been 61 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. Minor punch list items expected to be completed by 10/17. All items completed as of 10/27. Working on resolution of final quantities. 7111 WR Mooney Lake Pump Project DT/BM Wenck $250,000 Project was included in MCWD CIP for 2007 and a cooperative agreement with MCWD was executed. Construction has been completed including final electrical power connections from Excel Energy. Final payment has been made to the contractor. Reimbursement request submitted to MCWD 12/3/08. 7114 W Well 16 and Watermain SN BRA $1,710,000 Well construction contract was awarded 7/8/08 and construction is underway. Raw watermain contract is out for bids and is scheduled for opening of bids on 10/1/08. Award of water main contract to be considered by City Council on 10/14. Well drilling continues. Raw watermain has been tested and is ready for service. Bid opening for well house scheduled for 1/6/09. 7135 WR Wild Wings Welland Cleaning DA $175,000 Comments on the FAW were recieved from the MN DNR, MPGA, and Metropolitan Council. Several residents spoke in favor of the project at the public hearing. Permit applications have been submitted. Staff has drafted responses to comments for consideration at the September 23, 2008 City Council meeting. Council adopted a declaration of "No Need" for an Environmental Impact Statement based on the EAW, therefore the 30 day permit review by the DNR is initiated. Waiting on permits. 7138 WR TH 55 Culvert Replacement DA S.E.H. $485,000 Permits have been submitted to the DNR and USACOE. Rights of and Wetland Cleaning Proejct Entry have been secured from the property owners on the north side of TH 55. Construction contract awarded 8/26/08 with Change Order No.1 to be considered by Council on 9/9/08. We are waiting on a permit from Bassett Creek for the channel clearing. Bassett Creek Watershed permit has been obtained for the culvert replacement. Culvert replacement to begin 10/16 and will be completed 10/20, weather permitting. Highway 55 to be closed the weekend of 10/18-19. Construction complete except for minor punchlist items. Payment from Mn/DOT has been received. Page 2 C:\Documents and Seltings\Ibaird\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK181 Wctive_Pending_Proj_Rpt_120901 Page 37 Revised: 1219108 City of Plymouth Engineering Department Active and Pending Public Improvement Projects Proj. orCIP Proj. Proj. Estimated No. Type Project Description Manager Consult Total Cost Current Notes 8101 S 2008 Street Reconstruction JP $8,100,000 The final lift of asphalt has been placed on all streets west of West Project Medicine Lake Drive. On the east side of the project, curb replacement, sodding, and miscellaneous base course repairs will be done 10/27 and 10/28, with the final lift of asphalt scheduled for 10/31. Miscellaneous punch list items will be all that is left on the project following the final lift of asphalt. 8104 S 36th Avenue Street J R $550,000 Project delayed until 2009 due to Library and private development 1 Reconstruction construction. 8107 WR 26th Avenue Bridge JR BRA $250,000 Bridge Funds are not available this year. This project will be Replacement 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. Construction is substantially complete. Punchlist has been prepared and the contractor is working on completing these items. 8109 S Niagara Lane Mill & Overlay DC $600,000 Plans and specifications approved on 2/12/08. Bid opening is Project March 20 at 10am. Lowest bidder is ASTECH Corp. Contract awarded on 4/8/08. Construction began 7/17/08. All concrete work completed by 8/22/08. Project is complete except for pavement markings and sodding of boulevard areas. All items complete except for 25% of boulevard restoration and minor cleanup. As of 11/18 all items completed. Final payment to Council on 11/25. 8110 S Fire Station #1 Parking Lot JR $145,000 Due to the cold weather, the wear course will not be paved by Reconstruction Hardrives until spring/summer of 2009. 8111 SS 2008 Sanitary Sewer Lining JR $373,000 Veit has completed the punchlist items and has submitted a second televising report, which staff is currently reviewing. 8112 P Old Rockford Road Trail JR $155,000 DMJ has completed the project. Staff has prepared a punchlist, most of which has been addressed by the contractor. 8113 WR 2008 Minor Drainage Impr. DT/DA WSB $200,000 Sites include 805 Ithaca, Cimarron Ponds, Camelot Overlook, 305 Magnolia, 315 Alvarado, 12th/Harbor LN, 41st & Goldenrod and Chelsea Woods. The 315 Alvarado site is completed, including site restoration. The Cimarron Ponds site work was begun by Sunram Construction and is about 50% complete. The Camelot work is expected to commence in late -winter. Completed projects include 805 Ithaca and 305 Magnolia. On September 9, 2008 the City Council rejected all bids on the Chelsea Woods and Mission View sites. The 12th/Harbor LN site will be done concurrently with a 2010 street recon project. Page 3 C:\Documents and Settings\Ibaird\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK181\Nclive_Pending_Proj_Rpt_12091 Page 38 Revised: 12/9/08 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 8115 WR Timber Creek Improvements JRIDA $375,000 A neighborhood meeting is scheduled for Monday June 16th at 6pm 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 was 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. Final plan sets have been recieved from WSB. Plans and specifications have been approved and this project will be advertised until January 6th at which time there will be a bid opening. Perittiitg p'ubllc.fmprovetnent Projects W-2 W Watermain -Vicksburg Ln. - $750,000 Dependent on development. A portion of the water main is CR 47 to Schmidt Lake Road anticipated to be installed pending approval of the Wood Crest development. Construction of the Wood Crest portion will begin in September. Wood Crest portion completed in November. W-3 W Walermain - Cheshire Ln. - $370,000 Dependent on development. Construction is anticipated to be Glacier Vista to CR 47 started in 2009. BB Bud Broekema j SS jSanitary BM Bob Moberg P Parks DA Derek Asche W Water DC Dan Campbell WR Water DT 1 Dave Taylor S Street JP Joe Paumen JR JJim Renneberg SN Scott Newber er Unassi ned Page 4 C'\Documents and Settings\lbaird\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK181VActive_Pending_Proj_Rpt_1209C Page 39 FIRE -RESCUE PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 763-509-5120 FIRE -RESCUE INCIDENT OF INTEREST DATE: December 12, 2008 TIME: 02:29 a.m. ADDRESS: 950 Minnesota Lane DETAILS: The Department was dispatched to a reported house fire. Upon arrival Chief 1 (Kline) reported a two-story residential dwelling with heavy smoke showing from the attic and roof. First arriving Tower 11 (Specken, Evenson, Korsmo, Jurek, McCurdy, Andersen) advanced a 1- %" attack line to the second floor and began opening the ceiling and suppressing the fire. TW -11 operator Specken raised the main aerial to the roof. Second arriving Engine 31 (Etzel, Ferro, Foley, Kaufinann, Morns) established a water supply for the Tower and advanced a 2" handline to the second floor. Crews assisted the truck crew in fire suppression. Minnetonka Engine 5 ventilated the roof. A second alarm was struck to bring additional resources due to the extent of fire and to rotate crews in the -5 degree weather. Thirty-three Plymouth fire personnel responded to the scene of this incident. RESPONSE TIME: Fourteen (14) minutes. This call occurred outside of the Duty Crew's hours of operation. FIRE ORIGIN/CAUSE: The origin of the fire was above the ceiling and is electrical in nature (cause). The fire was placed under control 48 minutes following fire department arrival. ESTIMATED FIRE LOSS: $400,000. P.F.D. RESPONDING UNITS: ASSISTING AGENCIES: Engine Companies: E-21, E-31 EMS: Yes Ladder Companies: TW -11, A-21, L-31 Red Cross: No Support Units: Salvation Army: No Rescue Companies: Public Works: Yes Chief Officers: C-1 State Fire Marshal: No Automatic Mutual Aid: Minnetonka HCFIT: Yes Mutual Aid: West Metro, Wayzata, St. Louis Park, Hopkins. SECTOR OFFICERS: Chief Kline (Command), Captain Evenson, Captain Dreelan, Chief Wallin (Interior), Chief Fox (On-Deck/Accountability), Wayzata (RIT). Page 40 IdS'Yr;4r; F�yq� s4. ary 7 Letter regarding Robbinsdale potential school closings From: joanettas@aol.com [mailto:joanettas@aol.com] Sent: Sun 12/7/2008 9:57 AM To: Tim Bildsoe; Jim Willis; Kathleen Murdock; Bob Stein; Kelli Slavik; Ginny Black; Sandy Hewitt Subject: Robbinsdale potential school closings Dear Mayor Slavik and Council members, With the Robbinsdale district likely to close 3 schools: 2 elementary and 1 middle, the likelyhood of Pilgrim Lane Elementary closing rises. I am a realist in these tough economic times, the district MUST cut costs in order to better serve their students. I do not however, wish to see an empty building in our wonderful city. I just would like to be assured that our city government is acutely aware of the situation. Thank you. Joanie Sauer 3805 Quaker Lane Plymouth 55441 Page 42 av City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life December 5, 2008 I-94 West Chamber P.O. Box 95 Rogers, MN 55374 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to inform you of the City of Plymouth's intention to withdraw, effective December 31, 2008, as a member of the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce. On behalf of the City of Plymouth, I'd like to express our appreciation for all of your good work for the businesses and communities in our area. Unfortunately, state - mandated levy limits, a tightening budget and worsening economic conditions has necessitated a number difficult decisions, including the re-evaluation of organizational memberships and the reduction of nine positions in the 2009 budget. Again, thanks for all you have done for the City of Plymouth and residents in our area. Sincerely, Calvin P. Portner Administrative Services Director cc: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us ,1'r Page 43 rp)Plymouth Adding Quality to Life December 9, 2008 Mr. Darrell Liebrenz 12725 13th Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55441 SUBJECT: CATTAIL IN POND AT 12725 13T"AVENUE NORTH Dear Mr. Liebrenz: Based your concerns, I have reviewed historical aerial photography, topography, and storm sewer "as -built' data regarding the characteristics of the pond in the rear of your property. Regarding the portion of the pond adjacent to your property, aerial photos taken in 1971 show a substantial amount of cattail present while photos taken in 1984, show very little evidence of cattail in the same area. Subsequent year photos leading up to today show varying amounts of cattail, the current condition being the most severe since 1984. Additionally 1960 topography documents the elevation of the water in the pond at 918.4. Around 1981, a new outlet was provided for the pond near the cul-de-sac. The elevation of the new outlet is set at 918.96, raising the water level in the pond 0.56 feet from 1960 conditions. Removing the cattail adjacent to your property to return the area to 1984 conditions (open water) will be challenging. City records to not indicate any storm sewer in this area that could contribute to sedimentation and accelerate the growth of cattail. Without the presence of storm sewer, the City is unable to dredge the cattail out of this area. Additionally, this pond is under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) as #106W. Any work in this area will require a permit from the MN DNR. You may contact Kate Drewry, Area Hydrologist (651-259-5753) to discuss your options for managing the area that would be acceptable to the MN DNR. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me directly at 763-509- 5526. Sincerely, Derek Asche Water Resources Manager cc: Councilmember Bob Stein Doran Cote, Director of Public Works 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us C:\Dmun�nts and Settings\lbaird\Local SettingsUemponry Internet Files\0LK181\1ieb 4 Page 44