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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 02-16-2007CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO February 16, 2007 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Planning Commission February 21 Meeting Agenda ................................... February, March, and April 2007 Official City Meeting Calendars ............. Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings .............. ISD 279 School Board Work Sessions on February 27 and March 23 ......... 3)v Ifvl nn V - -d' ....................... Page 3 ........I .............. Page 5 ..................... Page 11 ..................... Page 12 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc ... Alternative Approaches from Wall Street Journal (Requested by Councilmember Black).................................................................... Page 13 CORRESPONDENCE Highway 55 Corridor Coalition December 15, 2006 Meeting Minutes .............................. Page 17 Letter Re: Special Thanks from Radisson Hotel and Conference Center ........................... Page 22 Letter Re: Notice of Hearing for Listening Session for Hollydale Golf Course ................ Page 23 Letter Re: Minor Variance for Ken Campbell (2007009) .................................................. Page 24 Letter Re: Notice of Application Request for Land Use Amendment ...................... :......... Page 25 Report on Biennial Budgeting............................................................................................. Page 26 LEGISLATIVE ITEMS League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) Friday Fax.................................................................. Page 30 ATTACHMENTS Fire -Rescue Incident of Interest Report on 2006 Claims Summary Report Compared with 2005 Claims PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2007 WHERE: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Plymouth City Hall 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed on the consent agenda* are considered to be routine by the Planning Commission and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner, citizen or petitioner so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. CONSENT AGENDA* A. Approve the February 7, 2007 Plamling Commission Meeting Minutes. B. Scott and Mary Linnell. Approve variances to allow a detached garage in the front yard and for impervious surface coverage for property located at 9960 26'1' Avenue North. (2007004) C. Skyline Design, Inc. Approve variance to increase impervious surface area coverage from 50 percent to 53 percent to allow construction of a 286 square foot room addition for property located at 959 Zanzibar Lane. (2007006) 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Gonyea Development, LLC. Rezoning from FRD (Future Restricted Development) to RSF-2 (Single Family Detached 2) and preliminary plat to create 10 single-family lots for property located at 3120 Dunkirk Lane. (2007002) 7. NEW BUSINESS S. ADJOURNMENT OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS February 2007 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 ? J Jan 2007 Mar 2007 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 6:00 PM POLICE 1 2 3 DEPARTMENT RECOGNITION EVENT, 1 2 3 4 5 6 Plymouth Creek Center 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 7:OOHUMAN RIGGHTS 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 COMMISSION, Parkers Lake Room 4 S 6 7 8 9 10 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council 6:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING - Chambers DISCUSS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (LAND USE PLANT, Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM PARK B REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRACI. Councl Chambers 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 6:30 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Parkers Lake Room I 10.00AM VICKSBURG caossolGCRANo oPE"111, 3ISSYcke Lane 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), "PM SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING: DISCUSS 2007-]011 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN, Medicine Lake Rooms A L B 790 PM REGULAR COUIrCIL MEETING, Councl CM1amW.rs Medicine Lake Room A 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 PRESIDENTS DAY- 7:00 PM PLANNING City Offices Closed COMMISSION, Council Chambers ASH WEDNESDAY (First Day of Lent) 25 26 27 28 11: 30 AM TWIN WEST 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH STATE OF THE CITY- Plymouth C1eek Center ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON 6.00.�P1}A t6rC0uh ODI TRANSfi CT), Medicine Lake Room A �zoo�zor�zcra 33�' d��j�1e•<�.8�2 "I'll tariff 'R" 7:0OPMREGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers modified on 2/16/2007 may. OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS March 2007 Sunday Monday Tuesday I Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Apr 2007 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, Parkers Lake Room 2 3 , Feb 2007 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 4 S MMM YGUTW r ADV SQ tY CMJ 3C,IL{ @rS Lk 6 6:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: LISTENING SESSION ON HOLLYDALE GOLF COURSE, Council Chambe s 7 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers i 8 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION(PRAC), Council Chambers 7:00 PM Special Human Rights Commission, Parkers Lake 9 10 044, --'W Y 0UT1 I 61F RELY I°tl IOFf. �ib CCK !� ��=�,a� ' 11 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS COMMENCES- Set clocks ahead one hour 12 13 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 14 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC),council Chambers 1.7 6:00 PM BOARD 8 COMMISSION RECOGNITION EVENT -Plymouth Creek Center 16 17 18 19 20 21 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 22 7:00 PM HOUSING.& REDEVELOPMENT I AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine lake Room A 23 24 25 26 27 6:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY FAIR. Pilgrim Elementary 28 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) , Medicine Lake Room A 29 30 31 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers modified on 2/16/2007 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS ADril2007 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 PASSOVER BEGINS AT SUNSET 3 4 7:00PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 5 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, Parkers Lake Room 6 GOOD FRIDAY 7 8 EASTER SUNDAY 9 10 5:30 PM BOARD OF EQUALIZATION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM REGULAR CDUNGILMEETING, CounciChambers 11 7:110 PM Charter Commission Mtg Medicine Lk R. 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Council Chambers 12 7:00 PM PARK 8 REG ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 13 PRIMAVERA PLYMOUTH ARTS COUNCIL SHOW, Plymoulh Creek Center 14 PRIMAVERA PLYMOUTH FINE ARTS COUNCIL SHOW Plymouth Creek Center 15 16 `Y6�30 PM lCH1TH a ADVISOR�'COUI`lC1L 4 h PA(kbrS�Ldkei x- PRIMAVERA PLYMOUTH FINE ARTS COUNCIL SHOW, Plymouth Creek Center 17 PRIMAVERA PLYMOUTH FINE ARTS COUNCIL SHOW, Plymouth Creek Center 18 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 19 7:00 PM HOUSINGS REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room A 20 6:00 PM YARD AND GARDEN EVENT, Plymouth Creek Center 21 8:00AMYARDAND GARDEN EVENT, Plymouth Creek Center 22 23 24 5.30 PM 130ARD OF EQUALIZATIONADVISORY (RECONVENED), Coonan chambers 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 25 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) , Metlicine Lake Room A 26 27 28 29 30 May 2007 S NI T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 NIar 2007 S Nl TW T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 modified on 2/16/2007 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items February 27, Special, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Conference Room • Discuss 2007-2011 Capital Improvement Plan February 27, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Oaths of Office to eight firefighters • Hearing on Wine and 3.2 On Sale Liquor applications from Chin's Asia Fresh d/b/a Chin's Asia Fresh, 3235 Vicksburg Lane North • Approve PUD (Planned Unit Development) amendment and preliminary plat to allow construction of a five -story, 165,500 square foot office building for the CO (Commercial Office) property located north of Highway 55, east of South Shore Drive and west of Revere Lane. Finn Daniels Architects. (2006111) • Approve conditional use permit to extend the hours of operation to 24 hours/day for CVS Pharmacy drive-through located at 4140 County Road 101 North. McClay- Alton, PLLP. (2006122) • Approve home occupation license to operate a residential cleaning service for property located at 14506 County Road 6. Maribel Bercerra. (2006106) • Approve the 2006 Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Annual Report and 2007 Work Plan Items tabled from February 13 Council Meeting: o 2006 Annual Report and 2007 Work Plan for the Enviromnental Quality Committee o Consider resolution requesting comprehensive road and transit funding in 2007 (requested by Councilmember Black) o Consider supporting legislation relating to court civil penalties for tobacco sales violation o Set future Study Sessions o Consideration of 2007 Street Reconstruction Project (7101- west end of Hawthorne Ponds improvement project) • Approve Acquisition Agreements for Fernbrook Lane Irnprovements (1013) • Receive Preliminary Engineering Report and Call for a Public Hearing Fernbrook Lane improvements (1013) • Approve Plans and Specifications for 2007 Sanitary Sewer Lining Project (7106) • Approve Encroachment Agreement for existing retaining walls located on Lot 23, Block 2, Glacier Vista • Hearing on Tobacco compliance check violation for Essex Court Gift Shop, 505 Highway 169 • Approve agreement with Minnesota Department of Transportation and Union Pacific Railroad for West Medicine Lake Drive Railroad Crossing improvements (7122) March 6, Special, 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Listening Session on Hollydale Golf Course March 13, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Project hearing for 2007 Mill and Overlay Project, Vicksburg Lane from 32°a Avenue to Old Rockford Road (7104) • Project hearing for street lighting within Hawthorne Ponds Addition (7119) • Oath of Office to Police Officers Chris Hendrickson and Ryan Peterson Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. F (- 1lil.t 2 7 9 OSSEO AREA SCHOOLS February 13, 2007 Dear Community Leader: SUSAN HINTZ, Ed.S. Superintendent Phone: (763) 391-7003 Fax: (763) 391-7071 You are cordially invited to join the leaders from the eight communities that are served by ISD 279 -Osseo Area Schools for two conversations that we believe hold great interest for all of us. A safe, healthy community is critical to safe, healthy schools. The ISD 279 School Board and administrators will conduct a Work Session on February 27, 2007 from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 11200 93rd Avenue North, Maple Grove, for the purpose of exploring the impact of community and school safety on student learning. Attached is an agenda for this session that articulates our purpose and outcomes. Information will be provided by the Chiefs of Police from Brooklyn Park and Maple Grove, who serve the greatest number of families in ISD 279. Consider joining us and inviting others from your leadership team to join us, too. We want to share our context and the implications for children, families and community, and we would welcome your perspective during our discussion. Also, we have an exciting community project that has the potential of providing a vehicle for us to collectively improve the quality of life for all families in our 66 1/z square miles and beyond. Please join us on March 23rd from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at the Educational Service Center. I will email an agenda by March 16`h to those who accept. Please call me if you have any questions regarding either invitation, and accept or decline for both meetings by calling Barb Bitterman at 763-391-7222 or emailing her at bittermanb(D,district279.org by February 23rd I look forward to connecting with you and working together. Sincerely, Susan Susan Hintz Superintendent ISD 279 -Osseo Area Schools INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 279 Educational Service Center, 11200 93`d Avenue North Maple Grove, MN 55369-6605 lteniative Approaches - WSJ.com http://online.m,sj.conJpublic/article/SB 117088196918801357-wTzF... OTHER FREE 3 t;E JO'V� RN A f =.POFZ : E F .rE P, Y FEATURES Obama Declares Bid for Regulations Presidency Obama announced he's Alternative Approaches running for president and dismissed claims he's more Governments struggle to find policies that will spur style than substance. renewable -energy industries -- without coddling them White House Sees Strong By LEILA ABBOUD Productivity Febritaq 12, 2007, Page R13 Bush's economic team predicts rapid gains in U.S. productivity can continue for . Since the oil shocks of the 1970s, governments around the the foreseeable future, as world have paid plenty of lip service to renewable energies long as rising protectionist sentiment and higher taxes SUCK as wind and solar power. But only a few governments don't get in the way. have been able to engineer policies that have begun to bring alternative energies into wider use. See More Free Features Renewable fuels provided. 18% of the world's total electricity supply in 2004, according to figures from the Go to WSJ.com's International Energy Agency, a Paris -based Home Page intergovernmental organization. BROWSE WS1corrt THE JOURNAL REPORT Almost all of that, �'� SECTION Read the latest or: alternative -energy though, came PAGES { deals from DowJones VenlureWire. from hydropower, paq —_ Plus, get some advice for reducing the thirst for power in your home. a source with • News • See the cbrnplete Energy report. limited growth • Technology potential because • Markets Personal Journal of geographic Opinion constraints. The use of wind and solar power is growing, but Weekend & Leisure they still generated only I% of global electricity production Health in 2004, the latest year for which figures are available. Media & Marketing • Asia h1 Asia, the U.S. and Europe, governments have spent Europe billions on research and development of renewable energies Americas over the years, but finding effective policies to encourage their use has proved just as challenging as developing new Free Dow Jones Sites technologies. Most governments have tried approaches like MarketWatch tax credits, subsidies and mandated targets for CareerJournal renewable -energy production. Although approaches differ, OpinionJournal the overarching goal is the same: to spur companies to build StartupJournal Real EstateJournal large-scale renewable -energy plants, such as wind farms or College -Journal solar installations, so that the costs of clean power come down enough to compete with fossil fuels like oil and coal. Microsofi' C. Windows We Click to. learn °fripre �� 2mf�trsn-3#: TODAY'S MOST POPULAR 1. The Wizards of Buzz 2. Top Lehman Banker Exits in Apparent Rift 3. Is This the Next President of France? 4. Intel Prototype Chip Raises Industry Bar 5. For Cupid's Sake, Put Your Papers in Order MORE of 5 2/12/2007 4:15 PM lterrlative Approaches - WSJ.com lit4)://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB 117088196918801357-wTZ A debate still rages over what kind of government intervention and level of subsidy is appropriate. "Regulators have to try to strike a delicate balance," says Todd Allmendinger of Emerging Energy Research, a research and consulting fine with offices in Cambridge, Mass., and Barcelona, Spain. "They have to provide enough incentive for renewables to grow, but not so much that they coddle the industry and prevent it from becoming more efficient." Countries in Europe that have led in renewable adoption, including Denmark, New York City is trying to merge affordable housing with Germany and Spalls, have pursued environmental stewardship -- and set a national example -- by sponsoring a green housing development. Dow Jones Online's unabashedly interventionist programs that Ed Crane reports. require utility companies to buy electricity generated by clean energies at a premium price set by the government. This policy, known as "feed -in tariffs," pushes the extra cost onto consumers in the form of higher energy prices. In contrast, about two dozen U.S. states, Japan and the United Kingdom have preferred a more market-oriented approach, based on tax credits and "renewable portfolio standards," or RPS. Under this approach, the government sets a target for the percentage of electricity that must come from renewable energy and lets utility companies decide how to meet it. Sometimes financial penalties are imposed if utilities don't meet the targets. In the U.K., utilities that fall short of the targets can fulfill their obligations by buying certificates representing the amount of power they failed to produce from renewable sources. Those funds are then redistributed to companies that met the targets. The Danish Success One notable success with the more interventionist approach has been Denmark. Fifteen years ago the country mounted a push to expand the use of renewable fuels, which accounted for 25% of its electricity generation in 2004, up from 3% in 1992. It's a considerable achievement for a country with no hydropower, the cheapest and most common way of malting clean electricity. "Denmark has what is probably the most ambitious support scheme for renewable -energy technologies ever seen," says Jonathan Coony, who wrote a report on Denmark's energy policies for the International Energy Agency and now works at the World Bank. The Danes established a feed -in tariff that set an above -market rate for electricity made from wind and solar power and from biofuels like wood and straw. The system spurred a wave of investment, mainly in wind, because it gave companies the certainty to proceed with massive investments and construction. The Danish government also established capital grants for companies that built wired turbines, kicking in 15% to 30% of project costs, and spent aggressively on research in wind power. And it required utilities to build plants that burn wood pellets and straw to generate electricity, with � t JOIN THE DISCUSSION Which alternative form of energy will play the biggest role in the U.S. energy j supply in 2030? Participate in the Question of the Day. of S 2/12/2007 4:15 PM lternative Approaches - WSJ.com http://online.wsj.com/pLiblic/article/SB 117088196918501357-wTzF... some of those plants also providing beat for nearby homes and offices. All this has come at a cost: Consumers and businesses in Denmark pay a "public service obligation" or tax on every kilowatt-hour of electricity. According to an analysis by the IEA, the surcharge adds about 3% to the electricity bills of every household and 9% to the cost for businesses. However, higher electricity costs often are more politically palatable in Europe than in the U.S. "People don't really notice the costs of feed -in tariffs in Europe because the cost of electricity [already] is so high," says Robert Dixon, bead of the energy -technology policy division of the IEA. In 1999, the Danish government worried that its subsidies for renewable energies were too generous, says Steffen Nielsen, an energy -supply expert at the Danish Energy Authority. If the government set the price too high for electricity from renewable sources, the producers would have little incentive to refine or improve their technologies to be more cost-effective. "If you had a wind turbine in a good location, you were probably getting overcompensated," says Mr. Nielsen. THE POLICY PUZZLE The Issue: How can governments encourage the building of large-scale a� renewable -energy plants that 'u will make clean power competitive? The Background: A variety of policies have been tried around the world, but progress has been slow. Most involve tax credits, subsidies or mandated targets for renewable -energy production. What's Next: The experiment continues, but one I • I A I; tb ; I t df A decision was made to shift from a fixed feed -in tariff to a formula in which renewable -energy producers would be paid a certain percentage above the market rate, a change that effectively scaled back support. "The policies have become more market-oriented over time," says Mr. Nielsen. Wavering in the U.S. essonis ear. po icy mus a msu a e rom shifting political winds. P slightly Japan has found some success with a htl�' g different mix of policies: It spent heavily on research and development in solar panels and gave grants and subsidies to promote their installation. As a result, Japan has the second-largest installed capacity of solar panels in the world, after Germany, which supports solar energy with feed -in tariffs for producers and with subsidies for the installation of panels. Also, in 2002, Japan passed a law that requires 1.35% of the electricity that utilities supply to the nation's grid to be generated from renewable sources; those that don't comply can buy credits from utilities that are meeting the targets. In the U.S., the federal government instituted feed -in tariffs for wind, solar and other renewable -energy sources after the oil shocks of the 1970s. But implementation was left to the states, which in many cases wrote rules that severely watered down the effect of the federal legislation. Since 1992, federal support for renewable energy has come mostly from the production tax credit, which provides a tax benefit to companies for every kilowatt-hour of electricity a renewable -energy plant produces in its first 10 years of operation. The policy has led to construction of numerous wind farms. But it has a major weakness: The tax credits periodically expire if not reauthorized, an element of unpredictability that hurts investment. Congress has let the credit expire several times since 1999, and each time construction of wind turbines has dropped as a result. In 2004, for instance, newly installed wind -power capacity in the U.S. dropped to 389 megawatts, from 1,687 MW in 2003, according to the American Wind Power Association. It then bounced back up to 2,431 MW in 2005. "It's simple: no [production tax credit], no wind," says Mr. Allmendinger of Emerging Energy Research. At the state level in the U.S., renewable portfolio standards -- targets for the percentage of of 5 2/12/2007 4:15 PM 1temative Approaches - WSJ.com littp://online.wsj.conl/public/article/SB 117088196918801357-wTzF... electricity that must come from renewable energies -- are the favored way to spur investment in renewables. "The states have really been the crucible for experimentation" with policies to encourage renewable energy in the U.S., says the IEA's Mr. Dixon. Texas triggered a burst of investment in wind power with a law passed in 1999 that requires a certain percentage of the electricity sold by utilities in the state to be generated from renewable sources. Those that don't hit the target face financial penalties. But one downside of the Texas experience is that companies have invested almost exclusively in wind power because it's the cheapest alternative -- stunting the development of other promising energy sources, like solar power. As governments continue to experiment with policy alternatives, the key is that whatever policies they employ must be predictable and reliable -- not subject to constant buffeting by political winds -- says Brandon Owens, associate director of global power for Cambridge Energy Research Associates, a research and consulting firm based in Cambridge, Mass. "That's the only way to provide market participants with the certainty required to take financial risks," says Mr. Owens. "Investors need to be confident the rug isn't going to get pulled out from under them in the future." --Ms. Abboud is a staff reporter in The wall Street Journal's Paris bureau. Write to Leila Abboud at leila.abboud 11wsj.com Q EK-1AIl_ THIS Q FGRNIAT FOR DR.IN-FING r<[{ ORDER REPRINTS Sponsored by TOSHIBA Return To Top Subscribe Log In Take a Tour Contact Us Help Email Setup Customer Service: Online I Print Privacy Policy Subscriber Agreernent & Terms of Use Mobile Devices RSS Feeds Flews Licensing Advertising About Dow Jones Copyright O 2007 Dow Jones & Company. Inc. All Rights Reserved jtt_ of 5 2/12/2007 4:15 PM Highway 55 Corridor Coalition Full Membership Committee Meeting Meeting Minutes Friday, December 15, 2006 9:30 a.m. —11:30 a.m. Hennepin County Transportation Facility Medina, MN Training Room 1. Call to Order —A quorum being present, Jack Russek called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m. 2. Introductions —Jack Russek, Wright County; Wayne Fingalson, Wright County; Penny Steele, Hemlepin County; Tom Cossette, City of Corcoran; Jim Grube, Hennepin County; Marvin Johnson, City of Independence; Doran Cote, City of Plymouth; Mark Casey, City of Annandale; Loren Harff, City of Greenfield; Willard Vetsch, City of Loretto; Paul Johnson, City of Buffalo; John Griffith, MnDOT Metro; Claudia Dumont, MnDOT D3; John Dearing, Corinna Township; Nancy Carswell, City of Rockford; Pat Hackman, Safe Communities of Wright County; Elizabeth Weir, City of Medina; Fred Ryan, Ryan Commercial Properties; Carol Reeves, Hennepin County; Rick Brown, SRF Consulting Group, Inc.; Brad Larson, SRF Consulting Group, Inc. 3. Approve Meeting Minutes from October 27, 2006: The minutes were reviewed with no changes noted. Motion by Elizabeth Weir, second by Marvin Johnson to approve the October 27, 2006 meeting minutes. Motion passed with all voting in favor. 4. Election of Officers for 2007: Marvin Johnson moved with Jack Russek seconding the motion to nominate Pemly Steele for Chair. There being no other nominations, the motion passed with all voting in favor. Marvin Johnson moved and Wayne Fingalson seconded a motion to nominate Jack Russek as Vice Chair. There being no further nominations, the motion passed with all voting in favor. Wayne Fingalson moved and Marvin Johnson seconded a motion to nominate Marl-, Casey as Secretary/Treasurer. There being no other nominations, the motion passed with all voting in favor. 5. Membership Committee Report: Wayne Fingalson updated the members on the Membership Committee meeting of December 13, 2006. He noted that much of what has been accomplished by the Committee is due to Karla's energy and effort that she has put into such things as the website, membership recruitment, press releases and special events. It was suggested that maybe the focus should switch, given the Coalition's direction, to more of a marketing committee and that we should try to just retain the existing membership and not try to continue the effort some members have been doing to seek out new members. It probably is time to cut back on the committee's activities and see how things go in 2007. The committee agreed with this approach and decided that the following activities would be the main focus of the committee in the upcoming months: Contact: Wa)nre A. Fingalson Phone: 763/682-7383 Wright County Higlnvay Department FAX: 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North E-mail: wrivnefingalsou(ri;co.ivrihlat_rnn.us Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 • Continue website updates • Continue postcard mailings • Update the Coalition's brochure before the Washington Fly -In • Look at putting flyers in city utility bills • Look at groundbreaking events when Coalition projects get started on construction • Develop a calendar on when Coalition/project events are planned Wayne noted the Committee's recormnendation to the Coalition that the name be changed to the Marketing Committee. The Chair and Coalition members concurred. 6. Financial Report: Wayne Fingalson handed out the Financial Report as of December 13, 2006. He noted the current fund balance of $15,958.32. Motion by Elizabeth Weir, second by Marvin Johnson to approve the Financial Report. Motion was approved. Wayne handed out the proposed 2007 budget and went through the anticipated revenue and expenses. Motion by Marvin Johnson, second by Elizabeth Weir to approve the 2007 budget. Motion was approved. 7. Technical Advisory Committee/MnDOT Report: • TH 55 Environmental Assessment Status: Rick Brown provided a handout outlining the EA status and the scheduling of a Public Information Open House for January 30, 2007 (attached) Federal Funding Eligibility Status: Brad Larson rioted that Congress adjourned without the Senate acting on the Technical Corrections Bill that would have allowed the federal funds for TH 55 to be also used for safety improvement construction. It will now have to be acted on in January when the new Congress convenes. With the changes in leadership in Congress it is not certain when and if a Technical Corrections bill will be acted on. Coalition projects status and funding recommendations: 1. TH 55 rt Fernbrook in Plymouth: Doran Cote noted that the City Council has authorized eminent domain proceedings to start on 6 of 23 properties where right-of-way is needed. A Spring construction letting is planned. 2. TH 55 @ CR 115/Gabler in Rockford: Project has been dropped from Coalition funding. 3. TH 55 @ CR 134/Calder in Buffalo: Plan to let later this winter. Project is to upgrade TH 55 from the previous project on TH 55 through this intersection so no further upgrades of TH 55 would be needed on this segment. Claudia said that estimates for the frill project were $640,000 for R/W and $2.25 Million for construction. The City and Wright County requested $1 Million from the District 3 Local Initiative fiend to help finance the larger project and will receive $500,000 in 2008 and $500,000 in 2009. City will need to carry $500,000 until reimbursed by MnDOT in 2009. The project currently has $75,000 in FY 03 federal funds and $980,000 in SAFETEA-LU funds allocated to the project. Contact: Wayne A. Fingcdson Phone: 763/682-7383 Wright County Highn-vay Department FAX: 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North c E-mail: warne. n ralson'yco.wright_mn its Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 t 4. TH 55 @ CSAH 12 in Buffalo: Environmental work completed. Meeting with property owners on R/W and looking at a Spring, 2007 construction start. This project needs the SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections bill passed in order to use the $380,000 in federal funds allocated to this proj ect. 5. TH 55 @ Autumn Oaks: Federal funding of $500,000 allocated to project in 2008/2009. No project activity at this time. 6. TH 55 @ CR 116 in Medina: Consultant is looking at the traffic data to determine the typical section of TH 55. They are looking at both a 4 -lane and a 6 -lane facility. This project has $1.24 Million in SAFETEA-LU fiends allocated through 2009 with additional funding needed. 7. TH 55 @ CSAH 101 in Medina: Project under study to determine feasibility of the pedestrian bridge. Bridge would be very expensive. A preliminary concept has been developed. No SAFETEA-LU funding has been allocated to this project at this time. 8. TH 55 @ CSAH 19: Project under study but behind the CR 116 project in development. The AUAR for this area shows one option of a 6 -lane TH 55 through the CSAH 19 intersection. Other alternatives are possible. No SAFETEA-LU fiinds are currently allocated to this project. 9. TH 55 @ CSAH 92 in Greenfield: The project is for the TH 55 frontage/backage road on south side of TH 55 connecting to CSAH 92. Project provides for removal of direct access from private property and construction of frontage/backage road to provide required access. Project also provides for relocated roadway connection to TH 55 further west of existing connection. Project will include construction of necessary left and right turn lanes to accommodate the safe movement of traffic. $2.36 Million in federal funds are requested. Project is waiting MnDOT Cooperative Agreement funding. No SAFETEA-LU funding has been allocated to this project at this time. 10. TH 55 from Rolling Hills Road to Pioneer Trail in Corcoran: The project consists of access closures and removals and construction of a frontage road on the north side of TH 55. The City is requesting $446,000 in federal funds for R/W acquisition. Total project cost is estimated to be approximately $3 Million. Right -of -Way Costs on Projects Summary: Jim Grube handed out and reviewed the new Project Right -of -Way Costs Summary for projects on TH 55. This was prepared to provide the Coalition with information on how much federal funds could be expended on just the R/W portion of the projects should the Technical Corrections bill not get passed in Congress and the $4 Million authorized for TH 55 not be allowed to be expended on construction costs. See attached Surmnary. ® Project Allocation/Reallocation Guidelines for Federal Funding: Jim Grube and Wayne Fingalson presented the Committee's discussion on the options and issues involved in allocating new federal Rinds to projects and reallocating funds from projects that carrot use previously allocated fiords. Among the considerations: Contact: Wayne A. Fingnlson Phone: 763/682-7353 Wright County Highiva), Department E FAX: 763/682-7313 190/ Highrvc{7. 25 North r E-mail: ivai iit_ _wri;hi.inn.its Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 ® whether funds should go to new projects or to previously funded projects that still require additional funding. Does a project only get one allocation or can additional allocations be made? ■ If funds go to previous projects should the new funds be limited to an inflation index or to a percentage of the total project cost? ■ Should there be a cap on fitnding to a project? ■ Cost for the same items can be more in one segment of TH 55 than another. Should that be considered in the allocation? ® Project proposers must be able to pay local match to federal fields requested ■ The Coalition should be looking a some limited discretion methodology on allocating the federal Rinds ■ Project or stages in the project must be deliverable over the life of the authorization bill. ■ Once the Coalition allocates the fiends to a project, the City/CountyMriDOT needs to have confidence that that money will be available. The City/County/MnDOT needs to surrender the funds back to the Coalition if the project does not move forward. The Coalition, unilaterally, should not take the finds away. ■ There should be flexibility in when federal funds for projects are used to allow projects ready to use the fields access to hinds of other projects not ready to use the funds. However, this will not increase the amount of funds allocated to a project and no project will receive less than what was allocated. Only the time that they receive the funding would change. ■ To help ensure that the project is moving forward, the Coalition should send a letter to each project sponsor asking for confirination that the project is active. For Cities, the Mayor should sign a response. Counties would be the Board Chair. ■ Allocations/Reallocations should use the previously Coalition adopted guidelines for project funding. • Reallocation of SAFETEA-LU funds Recommendation: $300,000 is currently available from SAFETEA-LU funds m FY08 due to the CR 115 project being dropped. Using the previous guidelines and the considerations listed above the TAC recommends to the Coalition the following reallocation of federal fiends: --TH 55 @ Fernbrook in Plymouth -4200,000 added to their allocation bringing the total of federal finds allocated to the project to $675,000. This project is ready to start in 2007 with R/W costs in excess of the federal Rinds requested. Previous allocation to this project was less than the City had requested but the Coalition did not have the funding available at that time to fund the frill request. --TH 55 from Rolling Hills to Pioneer Trail in Corcoran --$100,000 recommended to be allocated if the City confirms that the funds can be matched and expended. Right-of-way is available to be acquired by the City at this time. To purchase now would save future costs of acquiring this right-of-way. To provide these funds in 2007, the TAC further reconiniends that $300,000 allocated to the CR 116 @ TH 55 project in Medina in FY07 be used to fund these two projects with the FY08 allocation to CRI 15 project reallocated to the CRI 16 project in 2008 to make that project whole. This recommendation reflects the guidance discussed earlier about funding flexibility within the Authorization Bill time period. Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone: 7631682-7383 Wright County Highway Department -= FAX: 763/682 -7313 E -mail. to%crnne. of rcclsorrt�t:co.�rri hLmn.rrs 1901 Highiva), 25 North �� --� -- Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 �`" Marvin Johnson moved and Penny Steele seconded a motion to approve the TAC recommendations on the reallocation of the federal funds. Motion approved. 8. Legislative Updates: • Federal —As noted earlier, the Technical Corrections Bill was not acted on by the Senate. The new Congress will have Congressman Oberstar as Chair of the Transportation Committee and he is committed to having the House pass the bill. On the Senate side, Senator -elect Amy Klobuchar will be on the Environment and Public Works Committee that the previous Senate had referred the House - passed Technical Corrections Bill to in the last session. Penny Steele said she will approach Senator - elect Klobuchar on this. The Coalition should invite both Senator -elect Klobuchar and Representative - elect Michele Bachmann or their staff to firture Coalition meetings. Pemly Steele will also talk to Senator Coleman on the bill. • State — Bernie Lieder will be chair of the House Transportation Committee with Ron Erhardt as vice chair. Both favor a transportation firnding bill. The Constitutional Amendment vote sent a strong message that Transportation is important to the voters. Claudia Dumont noted that the estimates for the amount of the MVST to be transferred to transportation through the passage of the Constitutional Amendment have been reduced because of the slow down in vehicle purchases. 9. Communications: Jim Grube noted a letter both he and Wayne Fingalson received from a City of Medina resident who has a concern over an access request for a proposed cemetery abutting TH 55 and wants the Coalition to oppose it. This is an access and land use issue involving MnDOT and the City of Medina. The property is landlocked so no alternative access is available. This issue is under review by both MnDOT and the City of Medina and the Hwy 55 Coalition's TAC felt that this is a City/MnDOT decision and not the Coalition's. The Coalition members concurred with this recommendation. 10. Establish next full membership meeting date and time: The next meeting is Friday, February 16, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. at the Hennepin County Public Works facility, Training Room in Medina. 11. Other Business: It was noted that Doug Differt, Chief Engineer and Deputy MnDOT Commissioner, has resigned with today being his last day. Mark Casey asked if it was a problem to have a consultant firm as a Coalition Corporate member, noting SRF's $1000 membership dues? It was noted that a number of firms are dues paying members and the only funding that the Coalition directly controls is for the administrative services contract which went through a very rigorous legal process to select the consultant. This had been discussed at previous meetings but everyone agreed that it was good to review the procedure again with members. 12. Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m. Respectfully submitted: Brad Larson, SRF Consulting Group, Inc. Contact: YYcgyne A. Fingalson Wright County Higlnwgy Department 1901 Highway 25 North /3t falo, Minnesota 55313-3306 Phone: 763/682-7383 FAX: 763/682-7313 E-mail: wazrnne. in rralsoi�rLco.t,�ri��ht.nzn_u_s Laurie Ahrens and Staff City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 Dear Laurie, On behalf of the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center I would like to take this time to give my sincere appreciation at your recent handling of revising the law to allow massage therapists to operate in our Radisson Hotel. With our having our 21, 000 square foot fitness center we are always looking to expand our services for both fitness members and our hotel guests. We hope to expand the services as well with offering more of the spa services in our Radisson Fitness Center. The council acted very efficiently and effectively in getting the law revised. The manner in which everyone responded and how quickly it got done was very impressive. Thanks so much for all your efforts in assistance with this issue. Respectfully, Michael W. Serr General Manager Radisson Hotel & Conference Center 3131 Carnpus Drive • Plymouth, Minnesota 55441 PA Telephone: 763-559-6600 • Sales Fax: 763-559-7516 Conference Services Fax: 763-559-1053 www.radisson.com/minneapolismn_plymouth y,. _ 1,20 '. of Plymouth 4...: . M �- Adding Quality to Life February 13, 2007 SUBJECT: Listening Session on the land use guiding of Hollydale Golf Course Dear Resident/Landowner: You are receiving this letter because you live near Hollydale Golf Course. You may be aware that the City of Plymouth is currently in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan as required by state law. As part of this effort, the City must review the land use designations for all land within the city, including golf courses, which are currently guided as public -institutional uses. Many homeowners living near Hollydale Golf Course are aware that the City received a letter from the owners of the golf course in March 2006. In that letter, they stated that they plan to continue operation of the course in the near term, but they would like the City to guide the golf course for residential use in the updated Comprehensive Plan. Prior to undertaking any discussions of the future guiding of Hollydale, the City Council is hosting a listening session for residents to comment. Tuesday, March 6, 2007 6:00 p.m. City Council Chambers, Plymouth City Hall The City will not present any new information to the public at the listening session. The session is solely aimed at garnering public comment about the future land use guiding of Hollydale Golf Course. - Residents, who are not able to attend, are encouraged to submit written comments to the Plymouth City Council. Written comments are welcome throughout the planning process and will be shared with City Council and Planning Commission members. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this matter. My phone number is 763 509-5401 and my e-mail address is sjuettenOci.plymouth.mn us. Steve Juetten Community Development Director 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us A! , / -afx Gity0f Plymouth Adding Quality to Life February 14, 2007 SUBJECT: MINOR VARIANCE FOR KEN CAMPBELL (2007009) Dear Property Owner: This letter is written to inform you that Ken Campbell, under file 2007009, is requesting a minor variance to encroach one foot into the 15 -foot required side yard setback for a kitchen addition for property located at 16910 91h Avenue North. A minor variance may be approved administratively. If you would like to comment on this proposal, please fill out the attached project description page and return it to the City in the enclosed self-addressed envelope no later than February 28, 2007. While a formal Public Hearing is not required, City regulations require that property owners be notified of such applications. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 200 feet of the site of this proposal. Information related to the application as submitted by the petitioner is available for review at the City Center, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesdays, except holidays. If you have any questions you may call the Planning Division at (763) 509-5450. Sincerely, Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2007009Campbell.doc 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us . t 11TH ' / l GLEA50M LAKE .11 ff: • ... A: `p / LA --1 . s ........ }j ::. , 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life February 16, 2007 Dear Resident/Land Owner: The City has recently received an application from LCS Development, under File No. 2007013, requesting approval of a Land Use Guide Plan Amendment from LA -2 to LA -3 and review of a sketch for a continuing care retirement community to be located on property at the southwest corner of the intersection of County Road 47 and a new road to be aligned with Fernbrook Lane, as shown on the map below. Under the plan, the existing buildings would be removed from the site. On the submitted plans, the applicant is currently showing 315 independent senior apartments, villas, and one -level townhouses plus assisted living and skilled nursing care rooms. This letter is being mailed to all landowners within 750 feet of the site in order to provide notice and information about the application — in advance of the official notice that will be sent out prior to the Planning Commission's public hearing on the matter. You may review information relating to this application at City Hall during regular office hours. The application and plans are available for review at City Hall. Office hours at City Hall are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays through Fridays, and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, except holidays. Plymouth City Hall is located at 3400 Plymouth Boulevard The City will send out another letter notifying you of the Planning Commission public hearing date, not less than ten days prior to the hearing date. The purpose of the public hearing is to allow neighboring property owners to appear in front of the Planning Commission to ask questions and make comments related to the application. You may also submit comments in writing. All written comments will become part of the public record. If you have any questions or comments concerning this application or the review procedures, please call Marie Darling, Senior Planner, at (763) 509-5457. Sincerely, I , k J' of 1� " 0 Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager notices/2007/2007013.first-notice. doc 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us MEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447 DATE: February 16, 2007 TO: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager FROM: Mike 4n, Frnanc al Analyst through Jean McGann, Administrative Services Director SUBJECT: Biennial Budgeting Introduction As part of the Council's goal setting process, the Council decided to include for fixture study the concept of "Forecast[ing] ... revenues at least two years beyond the current budget year...." In following through with this concept, staff explored the option of a multi-year budget for revenues and expenditures. The following outlines some of the thought that went into selection of a process for multi-year budgeting. Background Over the past few years, there has been an increased interest in multi-year budgeting. While bieniial budgeting has a longstanding tradition at the state level, counties and cities have increasingly switched from annual to biemial budgeting as well. This is due, in large part, to the realization that it is difficult to think strategically and plan long-term with an annual budget. In addition, the annual budget process is a huge time commitment for staff. Governments have come to the realization that it can be more efficient to put a major effort into developing a two-year budget with only minor updates necessary in the second year. This allows more time for monitoring, evaluation and planning so that more objective "intelligence" can be fed back into the succeeding two-year budget. Alternatives There are alternatives in regard to multi-year budgeting. They are as follows: Alternative 1 — Annual Budget is the status thio. The City currently develops an annual budget as part of the annual budget adoption process. The timeframe is a one year window which is typically 6 to 18 months from the time the budget is created. Use of this method results in an even workload from year-to-year and minimizes the need for budget modifications since the budget horizon is only 6 to 18 months out. Drawbacks of the amlual budget process include the need to put forth a major staff effort each and every year and the short "tactical" timeframe of the budget and budget planning process. Alternative 2 — Multi -Year Financial Plan is a document that provides budgetary information on how the City will tentatively fund its departments, divisions and programs; how it will address revenue collection; and how it will address changes in fiscal position. The multi-year financial plan would create a document that takes a longer timeframe approach to financial planning than the amlual budget process. At a high level it tries to project future revenue and expenditure needs and conditions. However, a multi- year financial plan is not a budget document. If the City were to utilize a multi-year financial plan, the City Council would still have to develop and adopt a budget on an annual basis. One of the advantages of a multi-year financial plan is its flexibility. However, any changes that would affect the actual budget would still have to be formally adopted. Alternative 3 — Rolling Multi -Year Budget is a budget prepared for two or more budgetary periods wherein each year's revenues and appropriations are formally adopted in each subsequent year. The rolling multi-year budget would result in the creation of two or more budget documents — one for each year of the budget package: While two or more years of budgets would be created at one time, they would be adopted annually. An advantage of this alternative is improved long-term planning since the time horizon of the budget process is greater than one year. Also, less frequent budget preparation may result in a reduction in staff time required for the actual budget preparation. This would potentially leave time available for closer management and monitoring of budgets and strategic planning. Instead of diverting attention to the budget process for several months each year, supervisors will be better able to manage their operations and budgets in the off-year. Instead of focusing on development of the budget and associated materials for several months each year, finance staff will be better able to monitor revenues and expenditures and provide better short and long term information to supervisors and the City Council in the off-year as well. On the downside, some revenues and expenditures may be difficult to accurately predict over a multi-year period. This may require more frequent budget adjustments and amendments. Alternative 4 — "Classic" Multi -Year Budget is a document that details revenues and appropriations for a two or more year period with only one budget adoption. This would result in the creation of a single budget covering two or more years. It has the advantages of the rolling multi-year budget with some loss in potential flexibility. State Statute requires that cities adopt a budget and levies on an annual basis. Consequently, utilization of a "classic" multi-year budget is not a realistic option for the City of Plymouth. Findings After reviewing the available alternatives, staff believes the best option would be to implement Alternatives 2 & 3 (Multi -Year Financial Plan and a Rolling Multi -Year Budget). This will result in a biennial budget incorporated into a five-year financial plan. The budget and plan will include revenues, operating expenditures, and capital expenditures. Due to statutory requirements, each year of the budget will have to be adopted annually. The implementation of the biennial budget should provide significant benefits to the City. The following list outlines some of the most significant benefits: • Provides longer-term perspective than annual budget. • Provides an opportunity to incorporate strategic planning into budget process. • Incorporation of biennial budgeting into five-year financial plan gives the ability to model impacts. • Provides understanding of available fielding. • Evaluates financial risk. • Assesses services provided. • Identifies resource needs and future commitments. • Assesses capital needs. • Assesses future staffing needs. • Frees up staff time on off year when only minor updates are necessary. • Allows time for supervisors to monitor, evaluate and plan in off -years. • Will align with Council terms and state budget. • Increase ability to be proactive vs. reactive. • Multi-year budgets and financial plans are a recognized "Best Practice" — GFOA. • Multi-year budgets and financial plans are looked upon favorably by rating agencies. Implementation Per Council concurrence, staff intends to proceed with implementation of a biennial budget. All statutory regulations still apply and the overall timeline remains as in past years. However, there are two changes that the Council should be aware of. They are as follows: The CIP and operating budgets need to be better coordinated blit canlot be done at the same time due to limited resources. Capital decisions logically lead to operating costs. Consequently, updating of the CIP should come first in the process. In order to accomplish this, the 2008-2012 CIP should be prepared between March and May of this. year. This will be right on the heels of the 2007-2011 CIP process. Strategic planning should to be done in an organized fashion prior to budget development. Ideally, the City Council would meet to establish long-term budget goals/priorities and provide guidance relative to funding targets, primarily in regard to property taxes. The second step of the strategic planning process would be an organized discussion at the department director level to best determine how to implement the goals/priorities developed by the Council. If the Council chooses to meet and establish budget goals and priorities this should be done during April or early May. If you or the Council have any questions or concerns regarding this change in budgeting process or implementation please let me luiow. Feb 09 2007 17:54:13 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Administrator Paye 001 of 007 i ,..: ®Freda F ate® L y r v, ,,, .d.A.... .... h, -4 lveekly legislative update fiiom tl2e League ofll%tinnesota Cities J February 9, 2007 Page 1 House committee to consider hearing officer appointed by the conflicting bills dealing with municipality and independent of the laws administrative fines for traffic enforcement agency. violations The House Loc�a.l Govertnnicul and ..-----...-1 ............- ... -- - ........- .._...._........... t:Ml„el_�,f.1Ms�. venin' tce? will take up two administrative penalty bills at 4:00 PM on Monday --one bill would explicitly prohibit cities from using administrative penalties for traffic enforcement, while the other would explicitly permit the practice. � �gglis h (R -Good Thunder) will present 1.11. 656 which adds a provision to Minnesota Statutes (M.S.) 169.022, the uniform traffic code, that states, "Except as otherwise specifically provided by state lawn and no-hNithstanding any contrary charter provision or ordinance, no statutory or home rule charter city, county, or town may impose administrative penalties to enf6rce provisions of this chapter.” The second bill, which will be introduced on Monday by I.:�; Coscl:t (DFL -St. Joseph), will contain language from a bill that had some momentum in the Senate in 2005. S11, 1.024-'(�.<�� r ztA�.=.; R -Fort Ripley), contains the following enabling language: A municipality, by ordinance, may enforce minor traffic offenses through an administrative system separate and distinct from the court system. Administrative penalties may not exceed the maximum penalty established by laws for a petty misdemeanor offense. An administrative penalty may not be imposed unless the offender is given the opportunity for a hearing held before a Both bills attempt to address a dispute that has existed since 2003 wvhen former State Auditor Patricia Ander-son and some legislators criticized cities for using administrative fines for low-level speeding violations. Both former Auditor Anderson and former Attorney General Mike Hatch issued statements essentially stating cities do not have authority to use administrative penalties to enforce state traffic laws. The League's position, LE,,,25, acknowledges ambiguity in the laws and requests that the Legislature give cities some limited authority to use administrative fines for traffic enforcement. The l.-.Iosch bill is consistent with the League's Position. The issue is rooted in legislative actions that have increased surcharges—the amount over and above the fide --on misdemeanor violations in order to bail out the state's general fiend. In 2003, the Legislature increased the surcharge on certain offenses, including petty misdemeanors from $35 to $60. Then, in 2005, the Legislature increased the surcharge on the same category of violations from $60 to $72. The surcharge is deposited into the state's general fund. The measure brings the cost of a traffic ticket to a minimum of about $120, writh just $13 to $20 going back to the jurisdiction that issues the violation. City officials have been increasingly alarmed at the financial impact the surcharge has on residents. At the same time, resentment has grown over the lopsided distribution of the revenues collected for statutory violations enforced at the local level. For more inkamation on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 Feb 09 2007 17:54:56 Via Fax _> 763 509 5060 Administrator '('•if;CF Ju.,J��„li•J.J V.iIJfN„�J -Fri ay F ax - A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities Cities that use administrative fines for traffic enforcement cite a lack of clarity in the existing law and say the practice makes sense from both fiscal and public safety perspectives. They say the surcharges imposed by the state snake the cost of statutory violations excessive for residents and that the cost of prosecuting statutory violations is excessive for taxpayers. Many are liinitirtg the use of administrative fines to first offenses and to what some would describe as less serious offenses such as driving fewer than ten miles per hour above the speed limit. Law enforcement officials say most of these offenses would otherwise result in warnings. City officials who are concerned about this issue are encouraged to attend the hearing or to contact members of the Haase Local Government rend 1vl tiwc c7li }gz #''ral[s Crcrrilzrtittee by Monday to urge committee members to support the _;c)'r,a bill and oppose the t:: o-irusEi bill. The hearing lVill be Monday, February 12, beginning at 4:00 PM in the basement hearing room of the State Office Building. Ouestions? ContactAnne Finn at 551.281.1263 or c�irr.ri[i.lrrenc;,c�rf�. House Property Tax Division hears testimony from businesses On Friday morning, the Tc?nzs T?v;ez r im �C;I, Relief axid Local Sales Tax Di�-islon of the Tax _._._..---.._....._.._... - .... -............ _.._............ ..... __......_._..._.._..... _._... Committee continued their background hearings on property tax issues by receiving testimony from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the Minnesota Business Partnership and the Minnesota Realtors Association. In previous hearings, the Division has received information and ideas from cities, counties, schools and cabin owners. Chair �?zatl:l _\1r�.r�:ttawrt: (DFL -Dilworth) summed up the series of hearings by telling the committee that "spring training” is now over, an indication that the Page 002 Of 007 February 9, 2007 Page 2 committee will begin to process bills in the near future. The business groups testifying at the hearing generally expressed their continuing support for the 2001 tax reforms. Those reforms compressed property classification rates and generally provided property tax relief to businesses. The Minnesota Chamber and the Minnesota Business Partnership groups also argued that the ratio of home taxes to business taxes on a statewide basis remains nearly three to one. These groups also expressed their opposition to increasing the state's property tax, which is spread on businesses and cabins. The Minnesota Chamber also expressed their opposition to extending or expanding the limited market value program. Under limited market value, large increases in a home's assessed market value would be phased -in over time in order to prevent large annual increases in the home's property tax burden. Although the limited market value program is currently being phased -out, a significant amount of homestead, cabin and agricultural homestead property value continues to be excluded from taxation. This exemption effectively shifts property taxes to non -benefited properties or to benefited properties that have little or no property value excluded from taxation. All three groups argued that current market forces are increasing business values -while reducing homestead values and this natural trend will shift property taxes towards businesses over the next several years. Their concern is that the Legislature may make changes to the classification system that will accentuate this trend and ultimately overburden businesses. For more infofmation on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovel=iental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 Feb 09 2007 17:55:41 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Administrator -Fri da F a -XT - A weekly legislative update from the League of_Minnesota Cities The Minnesota Realtors Association also argued that property tax relief should be given directly to property oivners rather than local units of government. They stressed that the current circuit breaker program, which provides a state -paid credit to homeoNvners based on their property tax burden relative to their personal income, is a snore efficient mechanism to provide relief than general aids to local units of government. The committee also heard presentations from House Research staff on the market value homestead credit and local sales taxes. The committee heard a brief history on the state's homestead credit programs and a description of the governor's proposed modifications to the program. Under the governor's proposal, the IvIVHC will be increased by approximately $38 for most qualifying homes. The Division's local sales tax discussion highlighted the fact that the state prohibited local sales taxes in 1972 when the reforms known as the Miiulesota Miracle were being implemented. At that time, the Legislature decided to place a heavy emphasis on property tax base equalization and with the creation of LGA, local taxes, including local sales taxes were explicitly prohibited without legislative authorization. Since that time, individual cities, starting with the city of Duluth, have successfully requested authority to impose a local sales tax. In 1997, the Legislature adopted a set of general rules that cities would have to follow to impose a local sales tax, including a requirement that the voters approve a local sales tax at a general election and requirements that sales taxes be used for specified projects and have a specified expiration date. Page 003 0f 007 February 9, 2007 Page 3 The committee also discussed the policy rationales for local sales taxes, including the benefits of revenue diversification, creating a funding stream more closely related to the beneficiaries of a project and providing cities with a revenue source to offset losses in state aid. The committee did not discuss any specific legislation related to local sales taxes or the market value homestead credit. Questions? Contact Gary Carlson at 651,281.125S or gcar•l son@lmnc, org First Local Sales Tat bill heard On -Wednesday, the S llate1.�ax; t_:,_".o:z arni fee heard several local tax -related bills including a sales tax request from the city of Emily. The Emily proposal would generate revenue to fiend a recently -constructed wastewater treatment facility. Councihmember Kent Rees and Ser�r$t-or Ad:a��-��=:3lsxxt:�. (DFL -Bemidji) presented the bill to the committee. The bill 17%1111 be considered for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill. In the past, requests to impose local sales taxes have generally been sought by larger, regional center cities. The city of Emily is one of the smallest cities to ever request a local sales tax_ The smallest cities that currently impose a sales tax are Two Harbors (pop 3,675) and St. Augusta (pop. 2,726). One smaller city, Garrison (pop. 230) was authorized in 1993 to enact a local sales tax for a wastewater treatment prof ect, but that tax has never imposed because the local referendum was never conducted. The Garrison authorization is also unique in that the legislation contained no expiration. Thus far, we have seen sales tax authorizations for Emily, North Mankato and Cloquet. -V,\Te For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovei=iental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 Feb 09 Z007 17:56:25 Via Fax —> 763 509 5060 Administrator Mc -Frida Fax - y A weekly legislative update from the League oft�dinnesota Cities expect other city -specific sales tax proposals to emerge in the next several weeks. The League has also been contacted by legislator who is interested in crafting a general sales tax authorization bill and that legislation may emerge in the near future. Questions? Contact Gary Carlson at (5.51.281,12.55 or 5)L,5rrrl sc?�z �irizr�„c .car f Rural telecoms tout, commitment to deploy broadband At a meeting Friday of the H u se [ els _c..i.s:Exura)uazlwEc`.i� t1c.3Y2s_h�' t,r..(: t:Ec.9r1 & [rtfi �stxrtxc Ctt c Division. representatives of the Minnesota Association for Rural Telecommunications (MART) outlined the commitment of 80+ independent and co- operative telecommunications companies to deploy broadband technology in communities throughout the state located beyond the Twin Cities metropolitan area. In a formal presentation to the division, MART officials provided a case study of the Hutchinson Telephone Company (HTC), which serves both the cities of Hutchinson and Litchfield, and noted that since 2001, MART member frons, including HTC, have invested more than $300 million in new broadband technology. MART identified the exponential rate of technological change, the increasing competitive marketplace (along with unequal levels of state and federal regulation among competitors), and other regulatory obstacles to serving the market as challenges for the fixture Questions? ContactAnn Higgins at inc.651.281.1257 orclr�_st�cnl : . Page _004 Of 007 February 9, 2007 Page 4 Increase in off -sale liquor license fees A proposal will likely be introduced in the near future that would allow cities to increase their off -sale intoxicating liquor license fees. These license fees are currently regulated in M.S340A.408, subdivision 3. Under existing law, city license fees are capped depending on the size of the city. First class (over 100,000 population) -$1,000, $200 for other cities over 10,000 population, $150 for cities between 5,000-10,000, and $100 for cities less than 5,000 population. Apparently, this law has not been changed since 1985, and these limits are likely out of line With actual city costs. If such a proposal is introduced and receives a hearing, League staff believes that the discussion could expand to include other ancillary issues such as mandatory alcohol compliance checks. And for those who care, there has not been a wine -in -grocery stores bill introduced yet in either body. Has your city calculated what the tike cost of an off -sale license is for the city? If so, please share those numbers with us. Questions? Contact Jennifer O'Rourke at 651, 281.1261 Committee schedules MONDAY 12:30 PM Senate Committee on Business, Industry and Jobs Chair: Sen. James P. Metzen Room 123 Capitol For more infrnmation M city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.251.1200 or 800.925.1122. PLM M®UT1I FIRE -RESCUE PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 763-509-5120 FIRE -RESCUE INCIDENT OF INTEREST DATE: February 12, 2007 TIME: 1:53 p.m. ADDRESS: 11305 52nd Avenue DETAILS: On Monday afternoon, the Department was dispatched to a reported house fire. First arriving Duty Crew Engine 21 (Scherer, W. Hebert, T. Messer, Watt) reported smoke showing from a split level residential dwelling. The crew from Engine 21 established. a water supply and -advanced a 13/4" hoseline into the structure. Second arriving Aerial 21 (Nordby, Peterson, Jurek, Larson) were assigned ventilation and assisted with overhaul. The fire was confined to a second floor bedroom and placed under control seven ' minutes follotiving fire department arrival. RESPONSE TIME: Six minutes. This call occurred during the Duty Crew's hours of operation. FIRE ORIGIN/CAUSE: The origin of the fire was in a second floor bedroom. The cause is a discarded cigarette into a trash receptacle. ESTIMATED FIRE LOSS: $10,000 P.F.D. RESPONDING UNITS: Engine Companies: E-21 Ladder Companies: A-21, L-31 Support Units: U-22 Rescue Companies: Chief Officers: C-1, C-2 Mutual Aid: Maple Grove ASSISTING AGENCIES: EMS: Yes Red Cross: No Salvation Army: No Public Works: State Fire Marshal: No HC. Fire Invest. Team: No SECTOR OFFICERS: Chief Kline (Command), Deputy Chief Hurr, Captain Dreelan (Interior Divisions), FF Magy/Ahrens/Larson (Investigation) DATE: February 13, 2007 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Bobbi Leitner, Risk and Benefit Manager through Jean McGann, Director of Administrative Services SUBJECT: 2006 Claims Summary Report Compared with 2005 Claims Introduction This report is designed to summarize both workers compensation claims and all other City insurance claims that occurred in 2006 and 2005. Insurance coverges are shown for informational purposes and then each type of coverge is analyzed separately. The City of Plymouth self -insures for the workers compensation by using a third party administrator (Berkley Risk) to monitor and pay claims on behalf of the City. The City retains aggregate insurance through the Workers Compensation Reinsurance Association to cover all claims in excess of $780,000. Other City insurances are insured through the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) with various deductibles depending on the type of insurance. Type of Insurance Each Occurrence General Annual Aggregate In Excess of Aggregate Property $ 5,000 $ 30,000 $ 1,000 Mobile Property $ 5,000 $ 30,000 $ 1,000 Auto Physical Damage $ 5,000 $ 30,000 $ 1,000 Crime and Bond $ 5,000 $ 30,000 $ 1,000 General Liability $ 50,000- $ 200,000 $ 1,000 Auto Liability $ 50,000 $ 200,000 $ 1,000 PIP & UM/UIM $ 50,000 $ 200,000 $ 1,000 Equipment Breakdown $ 1,000 As a result of the deductible amounts assumed the City pays more of the direct costs to settle claims. There is a premium savings to be realized by purchasing higher deductibles and the deductibles paid out are an effective tool to review and analyze claims activity throughout the City by departments. Workers Comnenation Claims The chart shows the workers compensation claims paid by dollars and departments for 2006 compared to that of 2005. The 2006 claims show total claims of $214,810.78 compared to $63,478.24 for 2005. There were two large claims paid and reserved in 2006 in the amount of $147,782. These large claims account for 68% of the claim dollars for 2006 compared with large claims accounting for 87% of the claim dollars for 2005. There was a 19% increase in other claims over 2005. There were two large claims in 2006 which were shoulder injuries resulting in surgery and lost time. Worker's Comp Claims - By Department PW O 2005 02006 106 Claim Dollars The claims comparison by departments for 2005 and 2006 is summarized below: Department 2005 Claims 2006 Claims Adm .00 3,43 0.40 CD 11,250.00 3,600.00 Fire .00 27,029.38 Parks 44,530.15 84,501.41 Police 6,493.00 92,678.79 PW 1,205.09 3,570.80 Total $63,478.24 $214,810.78 Initiatives The 2007 safety initatives will include ergonomic assessments and training, job hazard analysis, and ongoing employee training and safety audits. Automobile Claims This chart and table show the 2006 automobile claims compared to the 2005 claims paid by dollars by department. The 2006 claims represent an increase of 9% over the 2005 claims, however, most departments show a decrease in claims paid. The one claim for Community Development is an inspector vehicle which was totaled when another motorist ran a red light. I expect this claim to be paid by the other insurance company. Auto Claims 2006 Compared with 2005 �N ...—... PW 006 Claims Claims Claim Dollars 1912005 Claims S 200 Claims The claims comparison by departments for 2005 and 2006 is summarized below: Department 2005 Claims 2006 Claims Adm $ .00 $ , .00 CD $ 2,100.00 $ 27,781.20 Fire $ 8,237.22 $ 143.23 Parks $ 4,649.42 $ 11,994.52 Police $ 56,613.03 $ 41,255.56 PW $ 14,213.23 $ 12,021.66 Total $ 85,812.90 $ 93,196.17 Initiatives The 2007 safety initiatives will include the review of vehicular and equipment damage by the Safety Committee and accident investigation and recommendations. The Safe Driver program has been replaced with a Safety Acknowledgement Week in the fall of the year. This week is dedicated to safety education and training for all employees and includes a City-wide luncheon to promote and acknowledge safety. This program was new in 2006 and will continue to be reviewed and expanded. Liability Claims The chart and table shows the general liability claims paid by dollars by department for years 2005 and 2006. These are primarily claims which are filed by residents who are seeking reimbursement for damages which they feel resulted from negligence by the City of Plymouth. This would include sewer back-ups, property damages caused by the City, falls resulting in injuries, injuries received at City facilities, etc. As the chart shows, the 2006 claims decreased dramatically from 2005. The claims reported and filed for the year 2006 have all been closed. There were payments made in 2006 for claims made in 2005 and prior years in the amount of $121,677.26 and reserves established for the prior years claims in the amount of $65,763.43. General Liability Claims - By Department PW 006 Claims Claims Claims Cost The 2006 claims compared to 2005 is summarized below by department: Department 2005 Claims 2006 Claims Adm $ .00 $ .00 CD $ .00 $ .00 Fire $ .00 $ 95.00 Parks $ 615.00 $ .00 Police $ 150.00 $ 3,500.00 PW $ 35,501.89 $ 4,662.49 Total $ 36,266.89 $ 8,257.49 Initiatives 102005 Claims ® 2006 Claims General liability claims will be processed in a timely manner for claims investigation. The prompt notification to the LMCIT allows them to communicate quickly with those involved and assists in the claims settlement process. Property Claims The property claim for 2005 was for the flooding at City Hall due to the construction being done on the building. The claim was settled in the amount of $41,055.96 and subrogation of the damages is still in process. A tentative agreement has been made by all parties involved who will share in the cost of the claim. In 2006 there were two claims for damages to the play structures at Timber Shores Park due to vandalism. The City has received reimbursement for damages in the amount of $41,984 which will be used to offset costs to rebuild the park in 2007. The other large claim for 2006 was for damages to the lift station at 28th Avenue North when an unoccupied vehicle rolled down the hill and struck a lift station. Damages were recovered in the amount of $21,880 compared to the repair costs of $23,740. There is one claim pending with a $9,600 reserve established for damages at Fire #3 when lightning hit a back-up generator. When this claim is settled the overall costs for property damages for 2006 will be minimal. Property Claims 2006 Compared with 2005 -V-....... PW 306 Claims Claims Claims Cost M2005 Claims ■ 2006 Claims Conclusion In conclusion, the comparison of claims of 2005 and 2006 indicates a substantial increase in workers compensation claims. Workers compensation claims are very expensive and indicate lower back and shoulder type injuries are prelevant to our employee population. Back and upper extremeties are the largest claim types. For every dollar paid out in workers compensation there is a four dollar hidden cost. Emphasis will need to be placed on additional training and job hazard analysis to ensure that employees are adequately trained. This can be accomplished through fitness and wellness, proper body mechanics, personal protective equipment and job organization. Ongoing review will be done for all claims received. This review may include the assistance of the accident investigation team who is asked to review the details of the accident. Recommendations for future avoidance will be made to the supervisor who is asked to review the recommendations and implement safety processes and procedures as necessary. Our continued emphasis on safety needs everyone's ongoing support.