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Council Information Memorandum 01-26-2007
CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO January 26, 2007 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Human Rights Commission February 1 Meeting Agenda ..................................................... Page 3 January, February, March, and April 2007 Official City Meeting Calendars ......................... Page 4 Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ...................................... Page 12 Senators Gen Olson, Aim Rest, and Terri Bonoff Town Meeting on January 29 ................ Page 13 Public Information Open House for Highway 55 Project January on 30 ............................ Page 14 Northwest Suburban Chamber Networking Event on January 31 ....................................... Page 16 Metropolitan Council 2007 State of the Region on February 5 ........................................... Page 17 Vicksburg Crossing Opening February on 13...................................................................... Page 18 Metro Cities Transportation Forum in February.................................................................. Page 20 Northwest Suburban Chamber January — March Upcoming Events ................................... Page 21 League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conference and Marketplace in June ......................... Page 22 Suburban Rate Authority Meeting Minutes from January 17 .............................................. Page 23 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc ... Star Tribune News Stories: Boomer Wave Will Require New Priorities............................................................. Page 27 As McMansions Spring Up Next Door, So Do Questions ...................................... Page 30 State Pensions May be $4 Billion Short .................................................................. Page 33 News Release Re: Plymouth Police Officer is Named Top Traffic Officer ........................ Page 36 News Release Re: City Council to Hold Workshop on Land Use on February 8 .............. Page 38 CORRESPONDENCE Letter from Mayor Re: Needed hriprovements to Highway 169 ........................................ Page 39 Letter Re: I-494 Cable Median Barriers............................................................................. Page 40 Letter Re: Home Occupation License for Maribel Becerra ................................................ Page 45 Letter Re: PUD Amendment and Preliminary Plat for Finn Daniels Architects ................ Page 46 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO Janam7, 26, 2007 Page 2 Letter Re: Conditional Use Permit for McClay-Alton, PLLP............................................ Page 47 Market Value Homestead Credit Reductions for MLC Cities ............................................. Page 48 Police Quarterly Reports October 1- December 31, 2006 ................................................... Page 49 Fire -Rescue Incident of Interest........................................................................................... Page 50 LEGISLATIVE ITEMS League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) Friday FAX................................................................ Page 51 ra" - 1 •1 Plymouth Human Rights Commission Thursday, February 1, 2007 Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. City .' Parkers Lake Room 3400 Plymouth Boulevard 1. Call to Order 2. Approve Agenda 3. Approve Minutes A. Minutes of January 4, 2007 4. Presentation A. Laurie Ahrens, City Manager 5. New Business A. New Commissioner Orientation B. Information Consent and Code of Ethics Forms C. Election of Officers, Chairperson and Vice Chairperson D. Confirm Meeting Dates E. Topics for Presentations F. Conmrunity Outreach G. 2006 Annual Report and 2007 Work Plan H. Approve Holocaust Day of Remembrance Proclamation — April 15, 2007 6. Old Business A. 2007 Student Essay Contest 7. Announcements and Articles (for your information) A. Golden Valley Human Rights Commission Minutes of December 14, 2006 B. Roster 8. Adjourn Next Meetings: May 3, 2007 September 6, 2007 November 1, 2007 February 7, 2008 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS January 2007 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 NEW YEAR'S DAY (City Offices closed T00PMPLANNING cOMMISS ..rsouncil 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -Parkers Lake Room 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 6:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING- 2007 GOALS & LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES;. Medicine Lake Rooms A&8 5.00 PM 5PECIAL COUNCIL ecEEnxc wnR xENeEPI" 0. & MNoor oFFICIALs. IAmirino Lake Raoma A G e TOC-PIAREGULAflcouNcIL IAEETING, Council Chambers (IM1IMEOIATELY FOLLOWING REGULAR MEETING) CIN MANAGER REVIEW. Methane Lake flaoms A 8 8 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BIRTHDAY (Observed) - City Offices Closed 6:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM. Medkme Lake Rooms A & 8 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 730 AM -9:0e AM MLC LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST, Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 3131 Campus Owe 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 6:30 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Parkers Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) , Medicine Lake Room A 6:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION (EQC) Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room A 28 29 30 31 Dec 2006 Feb 2007 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 31 modified on 1/25/2007 a OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS February 2007 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Mar 2007 1 2 ? J Jan 2007 S M T W T F S S NI T W T F S 6:00 PM POLICE DEPARTMENT 2:00 PM -7:00 PM FIRE 8 ICE FESTIVAL, 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 RECOGNITION EVENT.1 Plymouth Creek Center Parkers Lake 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 7:ao PM HUMAN RIGHTS 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 6:00 PM SPECIAL COMMISSION, Council Chambers COUNCIL MEETING - Discuss COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (LAND USE PLAN), Plymouth Craek Center 7:oo PM PARK 8 "EC ADVISORY .01,1111.11I..(PRAC), Cou,,el Chambers 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 6:30 PM YOUTH 10:00 PJd VlcKsauac i 7:00 PM HOUSING 8 ADVISORY COUNCIL,caossG Parkers Lake Room caA110 OPEOING, 31ssvw«c�s L— REDEVELOPMENT REDEVELOPMENT Medicine Lake Room A 5:30 PM sPECIAL CITY COUNGIL MEETING: DISCUSS 1007-2011 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN, Medicine Lake R.—A d B 7:00 PM REGULAR COUIICIL MEETING, Council ch. - 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 PRESIDENTS DAY- 7:00 PM PLANNING City Offices ClosedCOMMISSION, Council Chambers ASH WEDNESDAY (First Day of Lent) 25 26 27 28 1130 Ant TWIN WEST 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH STATE OF THE CITY- Plymouth Creek Center ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON 7:00 PM REGULAR TRANSIT .PAOn , Medicine Lake Room A COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers modified on 1/25/2007 =F OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS March 2007 Sunday Monday Tuesday I Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Apr 2007 S M T W T F S 1 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS 2 ? J Feb 2007 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 COMMISSION -Parkers Lake Room 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 4 S 6 7 8 9 10 6:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: LISTENING SESSION ON HOLLYDALE GOLF COURSE, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PARK & REG ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Council Chambers 6:00 PM BOARD & COMMISSION RECOGNITION EVENT - Plymouth Creek Center 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 11 45 AM PLYMDUIH BUSINESS COUNCIL, 12zo1 Riageaale oma, Minnetonka 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) , Medicine Lake Room A 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers modified on 1/25/2007 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS April 2007 Sunday* Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS COMMENCES- set clocks ahead 1 PASSOVER BEGINS AT SUNSET 7:00 PM PN CLANING OMMISSION,Councit Chambe s 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -Parkers Lake Room GOOD FRIDAY hour 8 9 10 11ss 12 13 14 EASTER SUNDAY 5:30 PM BOARD OF EQUALIZATION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers i g U PF Gha�" "rm� ss r 1, to A u � ��yyT; �� � i4)1(i'Ir(Oaf.k Rn1 . 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE '—QC), Council Chambers 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers PRIMAVERA PLYMOUTH ARTS COUNCIL SHOW, Plymouth Creek Center PRIMAVERA PLYMOUTH FINE ARTS COUNCIL SHOW Plymouth Creek Center 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 PRIMAVERA PLYMOUTH FINE ARTS COUNCIL SHOW, Plymouth Creek Center PRIMAVERA PLYMOUTH FINE ARTS COUNCIL SHOW, Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM PLANNING7:00 COMMISSION, Council Chambers PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room A 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 F 11:45 AM PLYMOUTH BUSINESS COUNCIL, 12201 Ridyedale Dd Minnetonka 5:30 PM BOARD OF 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) , Medicine Lake Room A EQUALIZATION (RECONVENED), C-1 Chambers 700 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 29 30 May 2007 Mar 2007 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 it 12 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 27 28 29 30 31 modified on 1/25/2007 In Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items February 8, Special, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Conference Room • Discuss Comprehensive Plan Update (Land Use Plan) February 13, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Conference Room • Discussion on the 2007-2011 Capital Improvement Plan February 13, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Project hearings for 2007 Street Reconstruction Projects — City View Acres (7107) and Hawthorne Ponds (710 1) • Project hearing for Black Oaks Lane street reconstruction project (6102) • Approve annual update of the Zoning Ordinance. City of Plymouth. (2006093) • Announcement of Hennepin County's Officer, of the Year Award to Police Officer Dave Anderson • Proclamation declaring "2007 the Year to Get Ready" (American Red Cross) • Approve agreement with the Federal Government for the Equitable Sharing -Program (officer working with the DEA) • Approve summary of publication for annual update of the Zoning Ordinance. City of Plymouth. (2006093) • Approve conditional use permit to allow a sports training center in the I-2 (General Industrial) Zoning District for property located at 2530 Xenium Lane North. Acceleration Northwest & Orthopedic Fitness. (2006116) • Approve conditional use permit to allow retail sales in the I-2 (General Industrial) Zoning District for property located at 2530 Xenium Lane North. Fastenal. (2006117) • Approve final plat and development contract for "Pearl of Plymouth" for 36 townhomes located northwest of Medina Road and County Road 101 North. Pearl of Plymouth, LLC. 2005001-F February 27, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Oaths of Office to eight firefighters March 6, Special, 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Listening Session on Hollydale Golf Course Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. Page 1 of 1 Maria Rosenbaum From: Laurie Ahrens Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 12:23 PM To: Maria Rosenbaum Subject: For paragraph in CIM Senator Gen Olson, Senator Ann Rest, and Senator Terri Bonoff are hosting a Town Meeting at the Plymouth Library on Monday, January 29, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 1/24/2007 i3 SRF Consulting Group, Inc. One Carlson Parkway North, Suite 150 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55447-4443 Tel: 763-475-0010 • Fax: 763-475-2429 c. r G v q�js-. U O� O 4"p bA r 05 v CJ 45 U CZ bA p u v i bn '� bn .rte U °: 'J O ci bn r U •,�, p ,d or) o o-2 C7 O W r p 73 i. O O ci •� �, o cd 3 b �v d � 'v v o 3 C! . cid O C6 _ cd CC3 'b .� U bn .... Qj •--• Gi �. bn rd as cC Q G 7:5 rU Uco 3 y o ++ 3, o Mv G. 'd cr! cd 0 0 zi a� cd I G y N x > QJ — b C) h C) Iz- ^ � � y m n n O O _ C� O N O N z ti o O Cd Cd N cd Wj G • � c�G � v � � N `Z N d tnQ-' r A'u-, m 13 O V Mv G. 'd cr! cd 0 0 zi a� cd I G y N x > QJ — b •+-� R7 cd G • � c�G � v � � N `Z N tnQ-' r A'u-, m cJ O V � O i bA t - n r! y y Q r O �-+ O fC Cd O 00 cGcf ^, • � cid �-, �. � �--� Northwest Suburban Chamber of Commerce YOU ARE INVITED TO BE OUR GUEST Networking Event M & I Bank, Wednesday, January 31, 2007 The Northwest Suburban Chamber of Commerce changed the Networking event to: DATE: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 TIME: 4:00 P.M. — 6:00 P.M. PLACE: M & I Bank Vicksburg Lane North, Plymouth 55447 (Off Highway 55 and Vicksburg Lane) For directions, call 763-383-9839 Served by Metro Transit Routes 21 and 65 Bus information: 612-373-3333 www.metrotransit.org Ample parking available. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m., with refreshments following the speech. Minnesota History Center is located at the junction of 1-35E and 1-94 on the western edge of downtown St. Paul at the corner of Kellogg and John Ireland Boulevards. To kifnriei I:_ � .t� Minnesota i� History Center g 1 J.,i !aLf FIWSCL 1 Monday, February 5, 2007 10:00 i innesota History Center k,5 Kellogg Blvd., W. Maul MN 55102-1903 lease RSVP by January 26 cis seating is limited. 651-602-1$44 or a®® Metropolitan Council AA 340 N. Robert Street St, Pavl, MN 55101 FIRST CLASS J.S. PoSlape PAID Pc mit No.At 31 SI. Poul, "AFI 4 a% t�UR,� 5 .... 4 af .3 1967-2007 A Metropolitan Council Served by Metro Transit Routes 21 and 65 Bus information: 612-373-3333 www.metrotransit.org Ample parking available. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m., with refreshments following the speech. Minnesota History Center is located at the junction of 1-35E and 1-94 on the western edge of downtown St. Paul at the corner of Kellogg and John Ireland Boulevards. To kifnriei I:_ � .t� Minnesota i� History Center g 1 J.,i !aLf FIWSCL 1 Monday, February 5, 2007 10:00 i innesota History Center k,5 Kellogg Blvd., W. Maul MN 55102-1903 lease RSVP by January 26 cis seating is limited. 651-602-1$44 or a®® Metropolitan Council AA 340 N. Robert Street St, Pavl, MN 55101 FIRST CLASS J.S. PoSlape PAID Pc mit No.At 31 SI. Poul, "AFI Please Join the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the City of Plymouth to Celebrate the Opening of Vicksburg Crossini.,t Tuesdcaty, February 13, 12007 10:00 a.m. 3155 Vicksburg Lane (Southwest Corner of Highway 55 and Vicksburg Lane) Vicksburg Crossing is a new property of the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) that offers affordable and market rate senior apartment living. Vicksburg Crossing is conveniently located near commercial centers, parks and trails. 1l p-. Ej„d. i'aMz3wi9m�ki Siad ��CiIS��y-Y°�5S'.�'/i��id5?PN'�(�: eYtY 5%F i�i � METRO CITIES Association of Metropolitan Monielpolsties Minnesota Inter -County Association rr al-tie; 1nF" s. r x + i Metro Cities and MN Inter-Countv Association: Would Like to Invite You to Participate in a Metro Area Transportation Forum February 8th, 2007 7:30-9:00 a.m. Southview Country Club 239 E. Mendota Rd West St. Paul, MN 55118 (651) 451-6856 Dates February 15, 2007 7:30-9:30 a.m. Savage City Hall 6000 McColl Dr. Savage, MN 55378 (952) 882-2660 February 22, 2007 7:30 — 9:00 a.m. New Brighton Family Service Center. 400 10th Street, N.W. New Brighton, MN 55112 (651) 638-2130 Selection of Speakers Include: • Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL - Red Wing) — Chair of Senate Transportation Finance Cttm. • Sen. Scott Dibble (DFL — Minneapolis) — Chair of Transit Sub-Cttm. • Rep. Bennie Leider (DFL — Crookston) — Chair of House Transp. Policy/Finance Cttm. • Rep. Ron Erhardt (R — Edina) — Vice Chair of House Transp. Policy/Finance Cttm. • Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL — Minneapolis) — Chair Transit Sub-Cttm. • Bob McFarlin — Asst. to Commissioner on Transportation Policy Invitees • Local City Officials • Local County Officials • Local Chambers and Business Owners • Both House and Senate Delegation in corresponding Districts Metro Cities 145 University Ave W. St. Paul, MN 55103- 2044 (651) 215-4000 Minnesota Inter-Cottnty Association 161 St. Anthony Ave Suite 850 St. Paul, MN 55103 (651) 222-8737 NORTHWEST SUBURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Upcoming Events January - February - March 2007 The Northwest Suburban Chamber of Commerce is focused on our members' needs and utilizing the knowledge and skills of the Chamber Board of Directors, task forces and volunteers to make 2007 a successful year. In 2007, the Chamber will have new task forces, roundtables, programs and events to assist members in growing their businesses. Wednesday, January 31, 2007, M & I BANK, Networking Event 3245 Vicksburg Lane North, Plymouth, MN 55447 (off Highway 55 & Vicksburg Lane) For directions, call M & I Bank 763-383-9839 RSVP by Friday, January 26. 4:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m. Yes, can attend No, cannot attend Tuesday, February 6, 2007, State of the City Meeting. Meet and hear from your local mayors on issues affecting your business. 7:30 a.m. — 9:00 a.m., Medina Golf & Country Club (formerly Rolling Green Country Club) 400 Evergreen Road, Medina, MN 55340 RSVP by Thurs., Feb. 1 for food guarantee Yes, can attend No, cannot attend Wednesday, February 28, 2007 Networking Event 4:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m. Office Max, 302 Clydesdale Trail, Medina, 55340 Next to new Target off Highway 55 by the Medina Entertainment Center. RSVP by Fri., Feb. 16 Yes, can attend No, cannot attend Wednesday, March 21. 2007 Networking Event 4:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m. (location to be determined) Yes, can attend No, cannot attend Thursday, March 29, 2007 State of the State Meeting Hear from the local legislators on the latest issues affecting your business and community. 7:30 a.m. — 9:00 a.m. (location to be determined) _Yes, can attend No, cannot attend FAX 763-420-5965 TO CHAMBER BEFORE DEADLINES ABOVE Please call the Chamber 763-420-3242 for SPONSORING one of the above events. You will receive additional promotion of your business on emails, faxes and the web site. Name/Names Address Telephone Company _City Fax �I State Zip League of Minnesota Cities L7� f/ I 145 University Ave. West L a1�` C St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 (651) 281-1200 Join the League for the 2007 Annual Conference and Marketplace! • Choose from 24 concurrent sessions packed with information that can make your job of running city government easier. • Exchange ideas and network with colleagues and vendors. • Take advantage of a great Duluth summer getaway and go back home reenergized. Register online after Feb. 12 at: www.Imnc.org KELLI SLAVIK Plymouth Mayor 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD PLYMOUTH MN 55447-1445 FIRST CLASS U.S. POSTAGE PAID St. Paul, MN PERMIT NO. 3223 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SUBURBAN RATE AUTHORITY January 17, 2007 Pursuant to due call and notice, the annual meeting of the Suburban Rate Authority was held at the Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota on January 17, 2007 commencing at 11:30 a.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER: Executive Committee Chair, Gene Dietz, called the meeting to order and roll call was taken. 2. ROLL CALL: Bloomington Brooklyn Park Burnsville Circle Pines Columbia Heights Eden Prairie Edina Fridley Golden Valley Hopkins Lauderdale Maple Grove Maple Plain Minnetonka Oakdale Plymouth Robbinsdale Roseville Bob Cockriel Kevin Larson Charlie Crichton Jim Keinath Bruce Nawrocki Gene Dietz John Wallin Jon Haukaas Jeannine Clancy John Bradford Brian Heck Ken Ashfeld John Sweeney Gene Couser Desyl Peterson Lee Gustafson Brian Bachmeier Jim Willis Doran Cote Richard McCoy Duane Schwartz Also present were guests of the SRA, Pat Cline, Director of Government Relations for Xcel Energy and Xcel Gas; Al Srock, Director of Design and Construction, Xcel Metro West; and Tom Cascalenda, Director of Design and Constriction, Xcel Metro East. Jim Strommen of Kennedy and Graven was also present. It was determined that a quorum of SRA votes was present to transact business. 304664v1 JMS SU160-3 3. GUEST SPEAKER COMMENTS: The Xcel representatives introduced themselves and their roles in the areas of governmental relations and in the design and crew scheduling of the electric and gas facilities relocation on public improvement projects. The subject of discussion focused on establishing communication lines and working towards a better performance record in the execution of utility relocation in public improvement projects. Mr. Cline admitted that there had been performance deficiencies in recent years when compared to earlier standards established by Xcel. Messers. Cline, Srock, and Cascalenda all noted change in corporate organization that allows more local control in decision making on matters of crew availability and timeliness. They noted that the first duty of the utility is to serve customers and restore power after weather emergencies; as a result, crews are often pulled to address those needs. Board members noted, however, that some delays experienced on public projects have not necessarily followed weather emergencies. The issue of excessive tree trimming was also raised. The Xcel representatives pledged to establish better communication and to strive for timeliness that would not delay public projects. All recognized that this was a subject warranting more time than was available for this meeting but that this was a good start. (The SRA Board continued the discussion of this topic in item no. 11 below). 4. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER MEETING MINUTES: Ms. Peterson moved to approve the minutes of the October SRA meeting. Mr. Cockriel seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 5. REPORT OF OFFICERS. Mr. Wallin reported on the financial status of the SRA as of December 31, 2006. He circulated the financial statement, reported a small reserve at the end of the year, and noted that all member cities were current on their assessments. He also circulated claims and a proposal of audit services by MMKR for approval. Mr. Cockriel moved to accept the report. Mr. Bachmeier seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 6. ELECTION OF 2007 OFFICERS: Mr. Dietz opened the floor for nominations for the 2007 SRA Executive Committee. While he stated that he enjoyed serving as Executive Committee Chair, he nominated Desyl Peterson to serve as Chair. There were no other nominations, and the remainder of the 2006 Executive Committee agreed to continue service. Therefore, the following slate was moved for approval by Mr. Dietz: Desyl Peterson — Chair Bob Cockriel — Vice Chair Jolm Wallin — Treasurer Gary Brown Richard McCoy Brian Bachrneier Bruce Nawrocki The motion was seconded by Mr. Crichton and passed -unanimously. 304664v1 JMS SU160-3 7. COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Strommen had no communications to report. S. CENTERPOINT ENERGY RATE CASE: Mr. Strommen reported that the PUC issued its decision on the CenterPoint Energy case. The outcome was positive on the two issues the SRA addressed. The customer charge remained at $6.50 per month for residential customers, as supported by the SRA. The PUC withheld $4 million of the $40 million requested by CenterPoint for the faulty line repair from the Midwest Gas acquisition. This was at least some acknowledgement of the problem with giving CenterPoint recovery of the funds used to replace lines first, putting the ratepayers at risk that CenterPoint will not be able to recover from MidAmerican Energy, the seller of the faulty lines. 9. MUNICIPAL PUMPING — XCEL MEETING. Mr. Strommen reported that the agreed-upon meetings between Xcel and SRA representatives on cost-saving potential for municipal customers continued. A meeting was held on December 12 and attended by several Xcel representatives and Messers. Strommen, Dietz, and Cockriel. The focus of the meeting was the conservation rebate and cost incentives offered by Xcel. All who attended agreed that cities making energy-related purchases on their municipal pumping operations or on other equipment or buildings may save substantial amounts by contacting Xcel to determine rebates or audits that may be available. Mr. Strommen noted that the next meeting will focus solely on the rate design and incentives and disincentives that municipal pumpers have found in electric charges. The intent of the SRA representatives will be to seek rate design accommodations or the elimination of disincentives in the operation of the pumping stations. These meetings are scheduled to continue until Xcel's next rate case. 10. NOTICE TO CITIES OF UTILITY SHUT-OFF. Mr. Strommen reported that meetings were held between city representatives and CenterPoint Energy regarding notice to cities when utilities are shut off. St. Paul is identified as implementing a notice requirement through its ordinance. Utilities that have shut off power or energy to a customer for more than 30 days are required to notify the city. This information will allow the city to take whatever action it deems appropriate to rectify the situation or assist the occupants. St. Paul has aggressive ordinance regarding occupancy requirements, and this program has been found to reduce situations where people continue to live in the margins and use inadequate and unsafe methods of heating or cooking. A copy of the St. Paul ordinance was attached in the materials sent to cities. Individual cities interested in pursuing this may do so. Mr. Strommen noted that no apparent PUC approval was necessary to adopt ordinances similar to those utilized by St. Paul. 11. REDUCING DELAYS IN UTILITY RELOCATION ON PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS. The subject of the Xcel-SRA dialogue early in the meeting was renewed in coinfection with the memorandum prepared by Mr. Strommen on options available to a city to reduce delay and delay claims by contractors against cities. Mr. Strommen referred the Board to the memorandum and the basis for a city's authority over the utility in the right-of-way. Mr. Strommen offered two suggestions contained in the memorandum: 1. expanding right-of-way management ordinances to allow the public works director to require the utility to relocate in accordance with a schedule that would be deemed "prompt" relocation; and 2. including a waiver 304664v1 .TMS SU160-3P� of rights by the contractor in a public improvement project to sue the city for delay damages arising out of untimely utility delay. Board members expressed a preference for mutual and effective communication throughout the project. Mr. Strommen agreed that good working relationships are the ideal way to prevent delays and promote timely project completion. The problem arises, however, when either the ideal communication is not achieved, or the utility or contractor to do not cooperate despite best city efforts. The above approaches would be controversial, but ultimately may provide needed additional legal protection to cities when faced with litigation. 12. 2006 XCEL GAS CASE. Mr. Strommen reported that Xcel Gas is seeking a rate increase. The prehearing conference with the appointed Administrative Law Judge will be held on February 2, 2007. Parties interested in the case must intervene within the following few weeks, depending on the schedule adopted by the judge. The SRA has members in the St. Paul area served by Xcel Gas. The SRA has traditionally intervened iii these cases, even if only to monitor. Mr. Strom -nen noted an issue of potentially significant impact to residential ratepayers proposed by Xcel known as "decoupling." He explained the concept as allowing the utility to recover its costs from residential ratepayers whether tied to usage or conservation or not, in the interests of rate stability. Ms. Peterson moved to authorize SRA intervention. Mr. Schwartz seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 13. LOCATION OF NEXT MEETING: Minnetonka offered to host the April meeting on April 18. It will begin at 11:30 a.m. and be held at the City Hall. 14. CLAIMS: Kennedy & Graven presented a claim in the amount of $5,392.64 and to authorize MMKR to perform auditing services. The motion was brought by Mr. McCoy to approve both items and was seconded by Mr. Keinath. The motion passed unanimously. 15. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m. Attest: Chairman Secretary 304664v1 JMS SU160-3 roomer wave will require new prionues rage i ei 3 IStaffribune..com - MINNE,A.POLIS -ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA Last update: January 21, 2007 — 11:37 PM Boomer wave will require new priorities Minnesota must plan now for the day when retirees outnumber schoolchildren, experts said. By Patricia._ Lopez, Star Tribune Minnesota is on the verge of a big social change: Next year, the number of workers turning 62, the average retirement age, will jump 30 percent -- the first crest of an aging wave that eventually will force the state to rethink everything from how it collects taxes to how it pays for health care. "That's a huge jump," said Tom Gillaspy, the state demographer. "You just don't see that kind of movement in demographics very often." As Gov. Tim Pawlenty prepares to announce his budget priorities for the next two years today, Gillaspy and state economist Tom Stinson are sounding alarms about the next two decades and laying out a portrait of Minnesota 15 years from now that some will find unrecognizable. Pawlenty's budget is unlikely to deal with those issues, in part because there's not enough detailed data yet. But there's a growing recognition among lawmakers that the window for making preparations will start closing soon. Nearly three dozen DFL and GOP legislators have already formed a caucus focused on potential solutions to the dilemmas an aging population will present: What happens to a society when it has more retirees than schoolchildren? When tax revenue is still based on earned wages rather than accumulated wealth? When the biggest cost driver is no longer education, but long-term health care? The same questions are arising across the country. By 2011, the millions of Americans born in the years following World War II will start turning 65, bringing workforce growth to historic lows as they become fully eligible for public and private pensions, Social Security, Medicare and other programs. Three years after that, Medicaid spending -- much of which goes to seniors for long term care -- will start to significantly outpace state revenues, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Seniority list By 2020, Minnesota will have more senior citizens than children. Foreign -born immigrants will be the fastest growing part of the labor force, while the number of native-born workers will shrink. That last point is particularly important for keeping the state's workforce strong, 1-ittp://vAvw.startribune.com/587/v-prii-it/story/950967.litml 1/22/2007 tsoomer wave win require new prieriues rage /_ ui J Stinson and Gillaspy say, because Minnesota schools now have some of the widest achievement gaps in the country between white students and those of color. Already the number of white K-12 students in Minnesota has fallen by 51,000 in the past five years, partly replaced by 36,000 Hispanic, black and Asian students. The Legislature's 2020 caucus was born at a breakfast last spring shared by Sen. Geoff Michel, R -Edina and Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL -South St. Paul. "We want to shine a light on the out years," Michel said. "The Legislature tends to focus on nothing but the next election, on what's two, maybe four years out. We don't have the luxury of looking at things in two-year increments. If we don't put some reforms in place now, we'll either tax the next generation to death or cut benefits." Michel and others in the 2020 group have zeroed in on a few big items: education, health care, pensions and a tax system that may be unsustainable in its current form. A tax system that relies on wages can work -- but not when a majority of the population is living off accumulated wealth instead of weekly paychecks. After retirement, Stinson said, income falls by about one third. But because of the progressivity of Minnesota's income tax and other special tax breaks for seniors, post-retirement tax liability can fall by as much as 70 percent. "We're going to need a transparent system that counts income and wealth and makes it fair," said Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL -Minneapolis, who previously chaired the Senate tax committee. Pogemiller said he's "very concerned" about Stinson and Gillaspy's findings. "You look at it and think ... 'It's gut check time for baby boomers. Are we going to be selfish or are we going to leave this community better than we found it?' " Workforce issues Stinson said several key elements for Minnesota will be increasing productivity, attracting new workers and keeping at least some older citizens in the workforce. That means closing the achievement gap in schools, more flexible working arrangements and possibly rethinking the higher tuition charged to out-of-state students. "If we slow migration, our workforce will peak even earlier," Stinson said. As for tuition, he said, "We need to recruit high talent, not penalize them for choosing Minnesota." p p Y htt//www.starh-ibune.com/587/v- tint/stor /950967.html 1/22/2007 tjoomer wave will require new priorities _rags.) e1 Art Rolnick, senior vice president and director of research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, said that while he agrees with the Stinson and Gillaspy demographic findings, he has a slightly more optimistic outlook. Sharp competition for fewer workers is likely to result in higher wages, he said, and will also serve to entice seniors back into the workplace. The market may well respond in other favorable ways, he said. Gillaspy said he is more concerned about the distribution of that wealth in a generation known for its buy -first, save -later mindset. A 2006 U.S. General Accounting Office study shows that the top 5 percent of boomers hold 52 percent of the wealth, he said. The bottom 50 percent control about 3percent. Half the population, Gillaspy said, has virtually no retirement savings. Michel said his group has no "magic answers" for anything yet. "I just know that in 2020 my 5 -year-old will be in college. She's going to look at me and say 'Dad, you knew this was coming. What did you do about it?'" Patricia Lopez • 651-222-1288 • plopez@startribune.com ©2007 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. littl)://www.startribune.com/587/v-print/story/950967.1-itini 1/22/2007 As 1v emansions spring up next aoor, so ao questions rage 1 Ul to rTribulne.coim MINNEAPOLIS -ST. PAUL. MINNESOTA Last update: January 21, 2007 — 10:04 PM As McMansions spring up next door, so do questions Some metro cities are grappling with how to regulate "monster houses" that rise from the debris of torn -down ramblers. By David Peterson, Star Tribune Teresa Elsbernd, attending a recent public hearing at Minnetonka City Hall, didn't seem quite sure what to think about the increasing number of supersized homes being built in the city's established neighborhoods. On her first trip to the microphone, the homebuilder described the city's so-called "McMansion" policy - - which restricts the ratio of house size to lot size -- as unnecessary. After listening to other speakers, however, she returned to the podium to say there are "a lot of bad builders" out there -- and that Minnetonka's new rules won't help as much as worried residents might hope. Just months after Minneapolis and three cities in the southwest metro responded to citizen concern over tear -downs of existing houses to build much bigger ones, Elsbernd's ambivalence is telling. Communities such as Minnetonka are feeling the same shifts in sentiment as they struggle with how to regulate what are known as "monster homes," which often tower over others and change the character of neighborhoods with new architectural styles. Supporters of supersized houses say newer houses with more bedrooms bring more families and improve neighborhoods by replacing deteriorating houses that are eyesores. Meanwhile, residents are peppering city officials with complaints about size and looks, and concerns about intrusions on property lines and the loss of affordable homes. "There's a lot of alarm from neighbors when they see such dramatic changes," Kevin Staunton, of Edina's planning commission, reminded colleagues during a recent meeting. "One day the rambler next door disappears and this enormous house goes up next door, blotting out the sun. It changes the character of the area. This issue has a lot of emotional touchstones." In Minneapolis, Edina, Bloomington and Minnetonka, city officials ponder what can or should be done to keep people from flattening small older houses in modest neighborhoods and replacing them with buildings that tower over their neighbors: • In Minneapolis, the council member whose ward is most affected by a shift to supersized homes is hoping to fast-track a proposal to limit a house's size in relation to its lot. • Edina, uncertain how bad the trend really is, decided to delay a decision on how to approach it but was met with criticism for doing so. http://www. startribune.com/462/v-print/story/95 0743 .litm1 1 1/22/2007 tis ivlciviansons spring up next uoor, so uo quesuUlis rdgu G U1 3 • Minnetonka is moving toward what it calls a new "policy" on the issue rather than an ordinance. Unlike Minneapolis, it proposes to control housing sizes based on the sizes of existing houses in the neighborhood. • Bloomington, the pioneer in the region, last year enacted a citywide formula that limits a home's height, with special emphasis on those parts of it that come nearest a neighbor's lot. But, in a sign of how tricky the issue turns out to be in real life, Bloomington is already being tempted to make its first exception. "We have received our first request for a variance," said senior planner Glen Markegard. "It's a very large lot, with woods between it and its neighbors. The neighbors have submitted affidavits supporting it. It's kind of a special circumstance. "But it gets at the whole issue of context, which is very hard to do in the ordinance. Bloomington has both small lots on a grid and estate lots, and it's hard to craft an ordinance that works equally well for both." The same dilemma is bedeviling Edina. An extensive study of national precedents seemed to point to the wisdom of creating differing rules according to the neighborhood. But legal questions are arising over whether that can be done. Officials are talking about putting off decisions until the city's next long- range comprehensive plan, which will take shape over the next two years. In Minneapolis, Council Member Betsy Hodges, representing the 13th Ward in the southwest corner of the city, hosted a town meeting last summer that drew scores of unhappy neighbors. "Part of our challenge is that most projects don't need approval," she said. "You can build all kinds of things that people would consider overlarge, and you don't need a variance. And that's the problem we're trying to address." Hodges hopes to persuade her council colleagues to discuss how to restrain supersized homes. As a starting point, she formally introduced on Friday a draft proposal that suggests a ratio between a home's total living space and the size of the lot -- or limit the house's total square footage. In Minnetonka, city officials suggest some new houses denounced by neighbors as tasteless McMansions are in fact major upgrades to aging pockets of the city. One house that helped inspire the city's so-called "McMansion" rules is across the street from a place that looks as if the next big snowstorm will cave in its roof. Later this month, Minnetonka's City Council could take up a planning commission proposal that limits the ratio of living space to lot size. Generally the ratio could be no greater than the highest ratio in the immediate area -- meaning a 100 -foot radius around it, or 1,000 feet up and down the street. Homebuilder Elsbernd cautioned, at Thursday night's planning commission meeting, that the e.� http://www.startribune_com/462/v-print/story/950743.html 1/22/2007 As iv1c1v1ansions spring tip next aoor, so ao questions rage .� or proposal might leaded to unintended results, such as a huge home on a bigger lot. But Minnetonka officials said they favor a more flexible "policy" rather than a stricter ordinance to see what happens in real-life situations. Said Sandal Hart, who chairs the planning commission: "We will be trying it on." The first few cities to take up the issue will learn lessons that benefit others, said Minnetonka's planning consultant, Geoff Olson. As cities age, and builders eye small homes on large lots, he said, "We're on the cutting edge of an issue that is bound to crop up all around the metro area." David Peterson • 612-673-4440 • dapeterson@startribune.com ©2007 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. http://www.startribune. coin/462/v-print/story/95 074'1 .html 1/22/2007 State pensions may be $4 billion short http://www.startribune.com/58.//v-prinUstory/953355.h.tml tarTrib'unexom i I INNEAFOLIS - ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA Last update: January 22, 2007 — 11:57 PM State pensions may be $4 billion short The state's large public pension funds face more funding challenges than they have reported, a report from the legislative auditor says. It also raised concerns about retiree health coverage. By Pat Doyle, Star Tribune The state has painted too rosy a picture of the condition of large government pension funds by not accounting for a $4 billion deficit in a fund used to pay benefits to retirees, the Minnesota legislative auditor said Monday. The auditor blamed large benefit increases pegged to unusual bull -market investment returns for helping create the deficit and recommended that the Legislature end such increases. In challenging longstanding assumptions about the health of state and local pensions, the auditor's report raises warning flags about funds that hundreds of thousands of current or former government workers rely on for retirement income. It also provided a new and critical assessment of the potential effect of retiree health insurance obligations, saying most local governments are not setting aside enough money to cover them. The findings reinforce earlier warnings in Duluth that health insurance for city employees could lead to higher taxes, reduced services or even bankruptcy. Population trends lend urgency to taking action to correct the shortfall, an author of the report told the bipartisan Legislative Audit Commission. "We have a bubble here of people who are nearing retirement age in five to 10 years, and that's when this hits home," said Jody Hauer, project manager for the evaluation. The report recommended that the Legislature eliminate benefit increases that retirees of some plans get when the investments of their funds rise. The funds do not reduce benefits when investment returns fall. However, leaders of three major state pension plans and a union representing government workers denied that the funds were in significant trouble. They said Monday that the governments and their employees have increased contributions to the funds and taken other steps to rein in benefit increases. "I think we have a solution waiting for a problem," said Eliot Seide, executive director of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. 3 13 1 of 3 1/23/2007 4:18 PM State pensions may be $4 billion short http://www.startribune.com/bz5 //v-prtnvstoryiyoss�-).ntmt Obligations underestimated The review comes amid growing concern nationally about how governments will deal with looming public pension obligations. The Minneapolis teachers pension fund last year had only about half the money it needed to meet future obligations when it merged with the healthier statewide Teachers Retirement Association fund. Now the St. Paul teachers pension fund -- which has only about 70 percent of the money it needs -- is most at risk among local government funds, the report said. It urged the Legislature to consider increasing employee or government contributions to it. The three statewide funds -- the Teachers Retirement Association, the Minnesota State Retirement System and the Public Employees Retirement Association -- have underestimated their funding deficit because they use an accounting system that doesn't fully report future obligations, the report said. "We believe it has the effect of masking a significant deficit ... possibly to be as much as $4 billion," Legislative Auditor James Nobles said. In particular, the long-term effect of the benefit increases paid out when stock market gains are good wasn't fully considered, Nobles said. Those investment -driven increases will continue for those already retired. From 1996 to 2001, retiree benefit raises averaged 9.2 percent a year. Those benefit increases remained on the scales after the market slumped and earnings fell, increasing the fund deficits. When those benefits are considered, the three funds have significantly less money to meet their obligations than they previously reported. The Teachers Retirement Association's funding level drops from 92 percent to 82 percent. The Public Employees Retirement Plan -- which represents local government employees --declines from 75 percent funded to 68 percent. And the Minnesota State Retirement System drops from 96 percent to 90 percent. The three pension funds noted Monday that the Legislature last year capped future benefit increases for retirees at 5 percent in an effort to deal with the funding gap. But the audit report said that restriction, which goes into effect in 2010, and increases in contributions from employees and government, will not reduce the $4 billion deficit, though they could reduce the risk of future deficits. The report recommends adjusting future benefits for inflation rather than for investment returns. Volunteer fire funds In another report released Monday, the legislative auditor had good and bad news for the state's 700 pension plans for 20,000 volunteer firefighters. On the upside, most of the plans are adequately funded. On the downside, they could -311 2 of 3 1 1/23/2007 4:18 PM State pensions may be $4 billion short http://www.startribune.com/bb"//v-print/story/9533J5.html make more money on investments if they let the state do it. While the State Board of Investment, which invests for major pension funds, got an average annual return of 8 percent from 1997 through 2004, firefighter pension funds earned 4.8 percent. 3 of 3 They often didn't turn money over to the board because "they thought they could beat them," said audit project manager Jo Vos. Pat Doyle • 651-222-1210 • pdoyle ,startribune.com ©2007 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. 1/23/2007 4:18 PM City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release Contact: January 22, 2007 Barb Cox 763-509-5165 Plymouth Police Officer is Named Top Traffic Officer Plymouth is home to Minnesota's top traffic officer. The Hennepin County Chiefs of Police Association will recognize Plymouth Police Officer David Anderson with an award at the association's meeting on Feb. 1, 11 a.m., at the Golden Valley Country Club, 7001 Golden Valley Rd. The Hennepin County Traffic Advisory Committee, a subcommittee of the chiefs association, annually recognizes officers from across the State of Minnesota for their contributions to the overall safety of their communities in the area of traffic safety. Officer Anderson has been a member of Plymouth's Traffic Unit for three years. He was nominated not only for his day-to-day work as part of the unit, but also for his participation in numerous community education projects, which included speaking at the annual Plymouth Public Safety Citizens' Academy. Anderson coordinated Plymouth's Teens Driving Safe program. He was also responsible for spearheading an extensive research project for the department detailing proper procedures for officers at fatal and serious personal injury accidents. The Plymouth Police Department was proud to learn that one of their traffic unit officers was selected for this year's award, according to Police Chief Mike Goldstein. The Plymouth City Council will also recognize Anderson for this achievement at its meeting on Feb. 13, 7 p.m., at Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release Contact: January 22, 2007 Barb Senness, 763.509.5452. City Council to Hold Workshop on Land Use on Feb. 8 Now that the new year is underway, the Plymouth City Council is resuming work on Plymouth's Comprehensive Plan update. With a preliminary land use plan for Northwest Plymouth adopted, the City Council will now focus on updating the land use plan for the rest of Plymouth. The City Council will hold a workshop on Thurs., Feb. 8, 6 p.m., at the Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Ave. N. At the workshop, the City Council will discuss land use within Plymouth's urban service area -- the area in which the City provides sewer and water service. The workshop will not include discussion of golf courses. The City Council will hold a separate listening session on March 6 to discuss land use issues related to Hollydale Golf Course. The Comprehensive Plan provides a long-range plan for community growth and change. It includes detailed plans for: land use; housing; surface water; transportation; parks, trails and open spaces; water supply and distribution; sanitary sewer; and public facilities. In Minnesota, state law requires municipalities in the seven -county metropolitan area to review, and if necessary, revise their plans every ten years. Stay Informed The City web site, www.ci.plymouth.mn.us, features periodic updates on Comprehensive Plan news and meetings. An email subscription is also available via the web site. Subscribers receive email notices about meetings and news. To subscribe, go to the web site and click on the My Subscriptions link on the home page. Select subscription option "City Government — Comp Plan Update." Adding Quality to Life January 18, 2007 SUBJECT: Needed Improvements to Highway 169 Dear Local Official: As community leaders, transportation is on all of our minds. It's also on the minds of commuters, business people and state lawmakers. Because transportation was a major issue in the last election, there is a good chance that we could see state lawmakers approve a transportation package this session. As transportation takes center stage, it's important that local leaders look at the future of transportation in our communities — and raise pertinent issues with decision makers at the regional and state levels. We particularly need to raise issues related to Highway 169 as transportation projects are discussed. This is a regional issue that affects safety, congestion, business and quality of life in all of our communities. We need to work together to promote a regional solution. Unfortunately, the Metropolitan Council's 2030 Plan does not include plans for improving Highway 169. The City of Plymouth is interested in changing that, and we want to enlist affected cities, counties and businesses in that effort. By working collaboratively, we can more effectively raise awareness of the needs related to Highway 169. It is important to each of our communities that Highway 169 is part of the discussion as transportation projects are considered, planned, prioritized and funded. We can best accomplish that by working together to create a common vision for this major roadway. This will put us in a better position to raise the issue and have a meaningful dialogue with regional and state leaders. Because the state has already pushed back the schedule for improving the so-called Devil's Triangle of Highway 169, Co. Rd. 81 and 85t" Avenue in Brooklyn Park, it is especially important that we collaboratively step up our advocacy for improving Highway 169. If you are interested in discussing this further, please indicate your interest by contacting Councihmmber Sandy Hewitt at 763-509-5001. Sincerely Uul Ujk`�_ Kelli Slavik, Mayor 3400 Plymouth Blvd o Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 - Tel: 763-509-5000 ® www.ci.ptymouth.mn.us EMIL FR) Plymouth Adding Quality to Life January 22, 2007 Senator Terri Bonoff 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Capitol Building, Room 325 St. Paul, MN 55155-1606 RE: I-494 Cable Median Barriers Dear Senator Bonoff: Police Department Tel: 763-509-5160 • Fax: 763-509-5167 Last week, Plymouth City Councilmember Tim Bildsoe advised that he had talked with you about securing funding for the rest of the cable median barrier project along I-494. Per Councilmember Bildsoe's request, I am forwarding this letter to your attention to outline the history behind this critical project. Approximately three years ago, I asked for a study to be completed in an attempt to determine the number of crashes, specifically including cross -through -the -median traffic crashes that our organization has responded to over a 10 -year period along both I-494 and Highway 169. In reviewing our records, and in using data that was provided to us by the Minnesota of Department of Public Safety, I was deeply concerned by our findings. While there were approximately 1,600 crashes, dozens were classified as cross -through - the -median. Of which, 11 cross -through -the -median crashes resulted in 14 life- threatening injuries and 10 deaths (based on data from 1993-2002 for I-494 only). The statistics do not include the many cross -through crashes involving minor injuries and property damage. The traffic volume in this area is unprecedented as our community, and other northwest metropolitan communities, continue to grow. To further exacerbate this problem, motorists continue to speed excessively, follow others too closely, drive while impaired and fail to pay attention while driving. Along these roadways, vehicles routinely travel over 70 mph and with such narrow medians with no barriers, a minor driving error can easily result in a disaster. In most of the other metropolitan area's traffic corridors, the medians are wider and/or have either concrete or cable median barriers in place. MnDOT has listened to our plea and has erected cable median barriers along the previously unprotected sections of Highway 169 and on part of the unprotected segments 3400 Plymouth Blvd e Plymouth, Minnesota 5 5447-1 482 s www.ci.plymouth.mn.us Zo -2- January 22, 2007 along I-494. When the proposal went forward, the intent was to have the barriers run from Maple Grove, south through Plymouth, and into Minnetonka along I-494. Unfortunately, much to my disappointment, the project fell short. Currently, the barriers begin at Bass Lake Road in Plymouth and run south to Highway 55. The segment of I- 494 running north to the East Fish Lake interchange was left unprotected as was the southern segment between Highway 55 and I-394. In order to achieve our vision, and to keep the traveling public safe, these remaining segments need to be properly completed in a timely manner. Since the barriers were erected, we have averted three cross -though crashes — the barriers prevented cars from crossing through the median to create a head-on collision. Instead, the cars bounced off of the barriers and stayed within their proper lanes resulting in less severe crashes. However, one victim, a mother of four children, in her early 30's, was killed on October 31, 2006, by a driver who lost control of his vehicle and crossed through the median in the unprotected section of I-494 on the Minnetonka/Plymouth border. If this crash would have occurred just two miles further to the north, the cross -through could have been prevented. The cost to complete this project is approximately $100,000 per mile and there are about 3 remaining miles to complete along I-494 between Maple Grove and Minnetonka. As you can see from the attached data, the cost to complete this project is a tenth of what one fatal crash costs the system (certainly not taking the cost of one's life into account). Your support and interest on this matter greatly appreciated. I look forward to working with you and your staff to secure funding so that MnDOT can complete this important project. If you have any questions or other concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience. Sincerely, Michael S`Goldstein Chief of Police cc: Kelli Slavik, Mayor Sandy Hewitt, Councilmember Kathleen Murdock, Councilmember Bob Stein, Councilmember Ginny Black, Councilmember Tim Bildsoe, Councilmember Jim Willis, Councilmember Laurie Ahrens, City Manager Attch: Accident Data for I-494 Memorandum to Plymouth City Council MEMO PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447-1482 DATE: January 22, 2004 TO: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager THROUGH: Craig C. Gerdes, Chief of Police FROM: Mike Goldstein, Captain SUBJECT: Accident Data on I-494 After the most recent fatal traffic crash on I-494 and Rockford Road on December 30, 2003, Councilmember Bildsoe has requested information regarding serious median cross-over traffic crashes on I-494 from I-394 to the I-94 interchange. In order to capture the data, our department contacted Ms. Jolene Servatius from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Attached below, you will find her response to our inquiry along with a table that offers statistics on both Fatal and Class A median cross-over crashes from 1993 to 2002. In total, the information includes data from the following State classified crashes: Fatal Crashes; Class A — Life -Threatening Injuries; Class B — Visible Injuries; Class C — Minor or Possible Injuries; and Class D — Property Damage Crashes. It is important to note that the State compiles this data from State Accident Reports that are completed by the responding officers. Also, the State made an estimation when they listed cross-over median crashes on the matrix. There is no code on the State Accident Report to specifically highlight a cross-over median crash. The State looked at other crash factors e.g. head-on collisions, opposite side swipes, etc., to make this determination; in that, in order for the crash to occur in the listed fashion, one car had to cross over the median to create the collision. As per your request, we have compiled ten years of crash data on I-494 from I-394 to I-94. We do not yet have access to 2003 data, so we looked at the years 1993 through 2002. In the ten years 1993 - 2002, there were a total of 1614 crashes on I-494 from I-394 to I-94. Of the 1614, seven were fatal crashes (with 8 people killed); 10 were "A" injury crashes, 123 were "B" injury crashes, 234 were "C" injury crashes, and 1240 were property damage only crashes. Because the number of fatal crashes is so small, we looked at both fatal and "A" injury crashes to try to determine if there is a trend. In ten years, there were a total of 17 fatal and "A" injury crashes, with a total of 21 people killed or seriously injured. Please see the attached chart. We included a column titled "Median x -over crashes". This is the number of crashes that involved a vehicle crossing the median. Just a couple of observations: In looking at ten years of data, there does not appear to be an upward trend in the total number of fatal and "A" injury crashes, or in the number of median cross-over crashes. However, it is interesting to note that almost half of fatal and serious injury crashes involved a vehicle crossing the median. Another interesting point I noted when I was reading the crash reports: Alcohol was involved in at least six of the 17 crashes, and potentially could have been involved in an additional eight crashes that we don't have alcohol information for. Fatal and "A" Injury Crashes 1-494 from 1-394 to 1-94 Year Total crashes by year Median x -over crashes # ofTotal people killed # of ies injuries Afatalities plus injuries 1993 2 2 0 2 2 1994 1 0 0 1 1 1995 2 0 1 1 2 1996 2 0 0 2 2 1997 2 1 1 2 3 1998 3 3 2 2 4 1999 1 0 0 1 1 2000 0 0 0 0 0 2001 1 0 1 1 2 2002 3 2 3 1 3 Totals 17 8 8 13 21 While I am concerned about the thought behind the statement, "Because the number of fatal accidents is so small..." it is evident that between 1993 and 2002, a number of lives have been lost and/or dramatically impacted by the listed crashes. Clearly, the ability for vehicles to cross the median at high speeds is an aggravating factor that contributes to the severity of crashes on I- 494. During the week of December 29, 2003, our department responded to three cross-over crashes alone, resulting in one fatality. Also, the noted statistics do not capture how many vehicles actually cross-over the median without causing a crash into on -coming traffic. During the winter months, we respond to dozens of traffic incidents where drivers do cross-over the median, and by sheer luck, do not hit any other vehicles. As a point of interest, I have also included a set of figures that the DOT uses to determine the costs associated with a single motor vehicle crash: Crash Type Associated Costs Fatal $3,400,000 Class A $270,000 Class B $58,000 Class C $29,000 Class D $4,200 In 2002, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the costs associated to fatal and injury crashes throughout the City of'Plymouth were $8,335,400 and $1.3 billion statewide. This figure does not include cost estimates for property damage crashes, which were $430,553,500 statewide. If I can offer any other information or supporting documentation, please advise at your convenience. City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life January 26, 2007 SUBJECT: HOME OCCUPATION LICENSE FOR MARIBEL BECERRA (2006106) Dear Property Owner: This letter is to inforin you that the request by Maribel Becerra for a home occupation license to operate a residential cleaning service for property located at 14506 County Road 6 has been rescheduled. The request will be heard at a public meeting to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 7, 2007 in the Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter, at Plymouth_ City Hall on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. If you have any questions about the specifics of this proposal, please contact Marie Darling, the principal reviewer, at (763) 509-5457. Sincerely, Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2006106propnotice2 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us ,ih#'Ar City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life January 26, 2007 SUBJECT: PUD AMENDMENT AND PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR FINN DANIELS ARCHITECTS (2006111) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by Finn Daniels Architects, under File No. 2006111, for approval of a 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 and west of 6th Avenue. The proposal includes a number of transportation improvements, including 1) the westerly extension of 6th Avenue to tie into the existing Highway 55 frontage road; and 2) removal of the Highway 55 slip ramp located west of the development site. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 750 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, February 7, 2007, in the Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the City Planning Department at (763) 509-5450 for more information. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter, at Plymouth City Hall on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. If you have any questions about the specifics of this proposal, please contact the Community Development Department at (763) 509-5400. Sincerely, WV271k Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2006111propnotice 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us `��� City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life January 26, 2007 SUBJECT: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR MCCLAY-ALTON, PLLP (2006122) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by McClay-Alton, PLLP, under File No. 2006122, for approval of a conditional use permit to extend the hours of operation to 24 hours per day for CVS Pharmacy drive-through located at 4140 County Road 101 North. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 500 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, February 7, 2007, in the Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the City Planning Department at (763) 509-5450 for more information. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter, at Plymouth City Hall on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. If you have any questions about the specifics of this proposal, please contact the Community Development Department at (763) 509-5400. Sincerely, Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2006122propnotice 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tet: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.ptymouth.mn.us ,,'� MA Apple Valley Bloomington Burnsville Eagan Eden Prairie Edina Lakeville Maple Grove Maplewood Minnetonka Plymouth Shoreview Woodbury MLC Cities Total State-wide totals 1,112,293 1,112,293 995,786 927,277 4,147,649 1,696,959 1,630,492 1,488,406 1,457,082 6,272,939 1,305,009 1,231,999 1,149,237 1,117,746 4,803,991 1,223,402 1,153,562 1,036,072 950,135 4,363,171 843,982 763,466 629,029 544,939 2,781,416 528,756 452,522 372,664 366,784 1,720,726 656,230 656,230 656,230 620,167 2,588,857 988,270 979,793 854,734 782,234 3,605,031 268,296 268,296 268,296 268,296 1,073,184 787,036 706,708 621,952 574,855 2,690,551 737,392 689,350 634,691 569,134 2,630,567 480,123 428,437 372,956 352,546 1,634,062 902,448 857,007 793,349 720,423 3,273,227 11,530,196 10,930,155 9,873,402 9,251,618 41,585,371 20, 032, 915 19,011,465 17, 549, 411 16,645,066 73, 238, 857 MLC Cities % of State-wide Totals: 57.6% 57.5% 56.3% 55.6% 56.8% 0 I r I- m i d' L() I T` (D I , d' I (.D N I N tet' MIT L() M O }p Ir I�,N IN i CY) N T m O MLo V I'IT N iN I CD OT CD O ? CD ; r, O I ti ^ T N I r- D) T I- 00 MD i-- I- I- �- 0 Lo } 0 CD ~I ! �iN N,T; jNi � r (D T O 00 q ( DD N ! i I Q' NMNIM:CDLn;OIOiCDN00ItN I M 'IT 000OId F- CD o N N T r M I` (� N ! Nd L1�LDTI` NNTCD 0' Lo N LMiI— NICDN!N� �~I -LC)Nr00 r r !TC)O 1 I I to F- CD ! , Cl) C,4 (Y) L0 L() ; 0 10 O M O co N Co L() r-- N <- CO �/� cn IY LnTLf)010.'�:NIOIOi(DONNM NM00 CDLf)d' O o F- G IN CO; I I T r d CL LU N 1 O Lf� j; I� CD N N d O D co O O N O (T Wm N M CD cy Z I �w ' I i a U N I j `MiT CT AD,mjN T (A r c1 CD T T N O MNN00 00 d LC) w Lry F- MIN o Cl 04 IN ! I 11 N I _ CD Q O Z N 0T N c iTT�T!MI`:LniNd _ d Tc�NN MNMcN�6�i(NO w N _J 0° U) a I U- 0 U w Lo !I-- co - it In co r-- LD CD ' M CD CO , Loi CO CO N p F- CD � r i `co I M N M NI(T CD r N ! r T U cn T ! I 1 I C C I ; pl 01 0 i I (D (u 0. � I n`. I ! w (zl = (1) iU) v c c� '•aid I C m -0 (u -a w � U)E co v ' a) a /.v !•N '> '� C (lll70 U), U) U) TIO Q,a- L QZ O!NIC!a.C'?� ti I•— icn I �' C a) (U s c a);O OI'a_ a) cel O CD cnl IQI Oi ! I>,I� C'C1� t6i0I� CJI— O Q Cl�js=l�I(ll a) 1(D!a) L I jU i�!(U �` (6 a) '> (U a) . i>(D'E C OjQI-j -.�j.EI(4i Icy I ; Q (n i— IE!miLL� (n . (n (n (n (n (nl�,.— (n Q i O u�I�1 �: j l (J l ; O .0 N c�nIQ;>= (u co!� °'a.a.� ill C' �, v 4 !4-!� O Q�IC E LL LL (B (6 -� 000 =�ILLfU'I—IiJik!kk;kk LL, mI O co �! O Z O! O O' O �v C a) a ,= PLM MOUTH FIRE -RESCUE PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 763-509-5120 FIRE -RESCUE INCIDENT OF INTEREST DATE: January 19, 2007 TIME: 6:43 p.m. ADDRESS: 1215 Kingsview Lane DETAILS: On Friday evening, January 19, 2007, the Department was dispatched to a house fire at 1215 Kingsview Lane. Upon arrival, Duty Crew Engine 21 (Stotts, Scherer, Jurek, Lindquist, Smith) reported a two-story single family dwelling with smoke showing from the front of the structure. All occupants had been evacuated from the home. Engine 21 established a water supply, forced entry through the front door, advanced a handline inside for an interior fire attack, and advanced a second handline to the rear of the home for an exterior attack. Tower 11 (Carlson, Sheldon, D. Fasching) and Aerial 21 (Spencer, Friske, Lanik, Morris) assisted with interior operations. Ladder 31 (Rasmus, Berg, Rausch, Couser) established ventilation and assisted with a search. The fire was declared under control 18 minutes following fire department arrival. Twenty-three Plymouth fire personnel responded to the scene of this incident. RESPONSE TIME: Eight minutes. This call occurred during the Duty Crew's hours of operation. FIRE ORIGIN/CAUSE: The origin and cause of the fire were determined to involve combustibles too close to an operating fireplace. ESTIMATED FIRE LOSS: $150,000. P.F.D. RESPONDING UNITS: Engine Companies: E-21, E-31 Ladder Companies: TW -11, A-21, L-31 Support Units: U-21 Rescue Companies: R-21 Chief Officers: C-2 Mutual Aid: Wayzata ASSISTING AGENCIES: EMS: Yes Red Cross: No Salvation Anny: No Public Works: Yes State Fire Marshal: No Henn. Fire Invest. Team: No SECTOR OFFICERS: Deputy Chief Hurr (Command), Lieutenant Carlson (Interior), Firefighter Stotts (Relief). Jan 19 2007 17:00:54 Via Fax –> 763 509 5060 Administrator Page 001 Of 005 Lmc -FridayF".%_� r.w..,,,., .,f att,.........1.,- r.rr,.•. �.,r,.F.,...,,,.,,,, ,v,;,.ac,,, A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities January 19, 2007 Page 1 State Auditor addresses • State restrictions on local budgets—LMC League Board of Directors State Auditor Rebecca Otto spoke at the LMC Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, Jan. IS. Otto shared her vision for the office, talked about the need for open communications between her office and local governments, and took questions from Board members. "It's critical to work together," said Otto. "I see the office as a bridge between state and local government." Those interested in receiving regular e-mail updates from the State Auditor, including newsletters, reports, and notifications about technical issues, can register online at Ouestions? Contact Jenn O'Rourke at 651.281.1261 or or:rrlr !culrrtnr:.carrT. League Board of Directors adopts 2007 legislative priorities At Thursday's meeting of the League's Board of Directors, the Board identified legislative priorities to guide the work of the Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Department during the 2007 Legislative Session. The priorities were identified in a work plan presented to the Board by the IGR staff. The priorities represent individual 2007 C:,�ih, .Policies thatgenerate a high level of member interest and appear ripe for potential legislative action. Legislative priorities selected for 2007 include the following: supports local decision-making, and will oppose efforts to impose state restrictions on local taxes and local budgets. • Adequate funding for transportation— LMC supports increased investments in Minnesota's transportation infrastructure. • Local transportation funding tools—LMC supports funding options, like street utilities and wheelage taxes, that give cities additional fiinding tools for local street Maintenance and reconstruction. • Economic development—LMC will defend tax increment finance laws, and work to restore funding for various statewide economic development and redevelopment programs that facilitate city development efforts. • Affordable housing—LMC supports the Housing Solutions Act and alternative sources of revenue like the Housing Account for Leveraged Opportunities to finance additional state resources that cities can snatch to develop housing that meets critical local needs. Impaired waters—LMC will work to secure long-term funding, for the Clean Water Action, and to keep programs in place to cover city needs. Regulatory takings—LMC opposes legislation that creates an automatic cause of action for damages whenever a local regulatory action impacts the use of, or reduces the value of, private property. Elections—LMC supports measures to make the voting process more straight- forward with regard to voter registration and absentee voting, and supports measures to allow some election judges who are not affiliated with any major political party to serve at the polls. For more infoimation on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 Jan 19 2007 17:09:35 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Administrator -FridaYF ax - A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities Franchising competitive cable service providers—LMC supports principles that uphold local authority to franchise competitive cable/video service providers Funding state aid programs—LMC supports Rill restoration of the 2003 and 2004 local government aid (LGA) cuts and the scheduled restoration of market value homestead credits (MVHC). LMC also supports reinstating the annual inflationary increase to LGA. Local Government Aid reform—LMC supports addressing shortcomings in the current LGA formula. Wine in grocery stores—LMC opposes wine -in -grocery -store legislation on the basis that it would increase youth access to alcohol LMC also recognizes that a number of cities depend on the revenues generated by municipal liquor stores. Annexation—LMC will work to prevent statutory changes to annexation law, to extend the sunset date on the annexation working group, to make the new 120 -acre limit to annexations by ordinance permanent, and to clarify recent changes to the statutes regarding reimburseiment schedules_ Although the IGR staff VVIll give considerable attention to the priority policies, staff will also seek ways to advance non-priority initiatives and will reference numerous policies when opposing legislation that would hinder effective and efficient city services. The Board did not specify an order to priorities. Questions? ContactAnne Finn at 651.281.1253 or afir�n:'r%lmn.<;.car .._,._..............�....-.__..........__.......... t Paye 002 Of 005 January 19, 2007 Page 2 Levy restrictions & incentives offered This week during his state -of -the -state speech, Governor Pawlenty outlined his plan to impose levy restrictions on cities and counties. The House Republican caucus offered a proposal that would create an incentive for city councils and county boards to propose lower property tax increases for 2008. These proposals, and vastly different Senate and House DFL plans to provide LGA, county and school aid increases, are all in response to concerns about rising property taxes across the state. Although we do not yet have a bill draft of the Governor's proposal that would fiully describe the specifics, the basic proposal vrould require cities and counties that receive more than one- third of their general fund revenues from the state, to receive voter approval if their levy increase exceeds a yet -to -be -specified threshold—presumably based on inflation or some similar measure. We are not sure which state aid programs would be considered but almost certainly LGA and possibly municipal state aid (road aid) payments would be a part of the equation. Other programs such as market value homestead credit and taconite aids might also be considered. The House Republican Caucus proposal would create a strong incentive for cities and counties to hold property tax increases to less than an inflation measure. Under that plan homeowners and commercial property ov niers would be eligible to have their second half 2007 tax bill reduced by an amount equal to 15 percent of their total 2007 tax bill if the city and the county propose a 2008 property tax levy that is lower than an increase equal to an inflation measure known as the implicitprice deflator For more infix-mation on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Iatergovenmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 C Jan 19 2007 17;10:17 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Administrator Page 003 Of 005 LMC „f;it.......... h,c;r. C=trtF jil •,�V„� � v�,Vl4viv -Frida Fax- A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities for government goods and services and population growth. Under the House Republican plan, cities and counties would be required to certify their preliminary 2008 property tax levies by Sept. 1, 2007. If the commissioner of revenue determines that the city and county levy increases are lower than the allowable inflation and population growth, the county would be directed to re -compute a new second half tax statement reflecting the tax rebate and new net tax. Cities and counties would be reimbursed by the state for the value of the credit. Although House and Senate DFL proposals do not currently contain levy restrictions, conversations between League staff and many key legislators suggest that they are very interested in translating at least a portion of their proposed higher city, county and school aids into property tax relief. At this time, it is not clear if the final DFL plans will include a state -imposed mechanism such as levy limits or if they will opt to rely on a strong suggestion to local city councils, county boards and school boards to hold down levy increases. This latter option might include a threat of future levy limits if 2008 tax increases are higher than desired by legislators. Questions? Contact Gar; Carlson at 6.51.281.1255 or gr_«r lsurz:i;lrrzrtc.orsf. Committee Schedules January 19, 2007 Page 3 to turn to the budget next week with the release of the Governor's budget proposal on Tuesday, Jan. 23. Below are some of the hearings of interest to local governments. For timely updates, visit the legislative website at v,R7%,w Jeg.mn. MONDAY, Jan. 22, 2007 8:45 AM House Ways and Means Chair: Rep. Loren Solberg Room 200 SOB Agenda: Guest speakers on budgeting: John Ganyou, city manager of Minnetonka and former MN Commissioner of Finance, and Peter Hutchinson, Public Strategies Group and former MN Commissioner of Finance. 12:30 PM Senate State Government Budget Division Chair: Sen. Don Betzold Room 112 Capitol Agenda: SF 103 (Higgins) Help America Vote act administrative costs appropriations transfer authority. Overview of Dept. of Revenue Expanded Tax compliance initiatives 2:15 PM House Taxes Chair: Rep. Ann Lenczewski Agenda: House briefing on tax issues 4:00 PM House Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Although more than 200 bills have been Chair: Rep. Deb Histrom introduced during the first two weeks of the Agenda: Presentations by local government session, House and Senate committees spent associations, including the League of MN much of the past week on overview hearings Cities. involving state agencies, organizations and interest groups. We expect the committee focus For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 5 Jan 19 Z007 17:10:56 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Administrator -Frida Fax - y A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities TUESDAY, Jan. 23, 2007 8:30 AM Senate Property Tax Division Chair: Sen. Rod Skoe Room 15 Capitol Agenda: SF 1 (Bakk) Property tax relief 10:00 AM House Joint Tax and Property Tax committees Chairs: Rep. Ann Lenczewski and Rep. Paul Marquart Room 10 SOB Agenda: Joint meeting for property tax overview by House Research staff 12:30 PM Senate Transportation Budget/Policy Division Chair: Senator Steve Murphy Roorn 15 Capitol Agenda: Overviews of Dept. of Public Safety and Driver and Vehicle Services Division of DPS. WEDNESDAY, Jai. 24, 2007 8:30 AM Senate Tax committee Chair: Senator Tom Bakk Roorn 15 Capitol Agenda: Briefing on Governor's budget recommendations; November forecast briefing 10:00 ANI House Taxes and Property Tax Relief and Local Sales Tax Division Chairs: Rep. Ann Lenczewski and Rep. Paul Marquart 10 SOB Agenda: Governor's budget presented by Department of Revenue Paye 004 Of 005 January 19, 2007 Page 4 12:30 PM House Local Government Committee Chair: Rep. Deb Hilstrorn Basement room of SOB Agenda: Presentations of MN State Auditor, State Legislative Auditor. 3:00 PM Senate State and Local Govermnent Operations and Oversight Chair.- Senator Ann Rest Roorn 123 Capitol Agenda: F 60 (Prettner Solon) Duluth PERA post employment benefits accounts establishment. FRIDAY, Jan. 26, 2007 8:00 ANI House Property Tax Relief and Local Sales Tax Division Roorn 10 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Paul Marquart Agenda.- Continuation of House Research briefing on property taxes. Torn Hall Meetings - Town hall meetings are a great chance to meet with your legislators and tell your city story close to home. Upcoming meetings in a city near you include: Jan. 19 in Malmoinen (Mahnomen High School Library, 1-2:30pm) with Sen. Rod Skoe, Rep. Kent Ek -en and Rep. Brita Sailer Jan. 19 in Wa` ubLui (Waubun High School Media Center, 3-4:30pm) with Sen. Rod Skoe, Rep. Kent Ek -en and Rep. Brita Sailer For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 Jan 19 2007 17:11:29 Via Fax -> 763 509 5®6® Administrator Paye 005 Of 005 LFrldq F�,;.,.,,,; A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities January 19, 2007 Page 5 Jan_ 20 in Sliakopee (Jackson Town Hall, 1091 Jan. 20 in Fertile (Duane Knutson CC Senior 130th St W, 8:30am) with Rep. Paul Kohls Citizen Room, 2:15-4:15pm) with Sen. Rod Skoe, Rep. Kent Eken and Rep. Brita Sailer Jan. 20 in Halstad (Halstad Phone Company Community Room, 8:30-10am) with Sen. Rod Skoe, Rep. Kent Eken and Rep. Brita Sailer Jan. 20 in Oakdale (Oakdale City Hall Hadley Room, 1584 Hadley Avenue North, gam) with Sen. Chuck Wiger, Rep. Nora Slavvik, and Rep Leon Lillie Jan. 20 In Miiu-ietonka (City Hall, Council Chambers, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, 10:30am) with Sen. Terri Bonoff, Sen. David Hann, Rep. John Benson, and Rep. Maria Ruud Jan 20 in Crystal (Crystal City Hall, 4141 N. Douglas Drive, 10:30am) with area legislators Jan. 20 in Twhi Valley (Twin Valley Municipal Center, 10:45-12:15pin) with Sen. Rod Skoe, Rep. Kent Eken and Rep. Brita Sailer Jan. 20 in Ada (Ada Community Center Room, 12:30-2pm) 17%rith Sen. Rod Skoe, Rep. Kent Eken and Rep. Brita Sailer Jan. 20 In 11Tlllger (Winger Co minunity Center, 4:45-6:15pm) with Sen. Rod Skoe, Rep. Kent Eken and Rep. Brita Sailer Jan. 29 in Plymouth (Plymouth Library, 15700 36th Av. N., 7:OOpm) with Sen. Terri Bonoff, Sen. Gen Olson, and Sen. Ann Rest Check your local newspaper or radio station for additional dates. To receive e-mail notice of upcoming town hall meetings near you, subscribe online at �ki.?.1.!7;use.lexr.'��il'{f;.I.M...usiI:F1ailli.sth:nr�:[.�1. .. _ ,_._. _,.�,.....,...,. and erv_lrtrri StayuZg Infoizned To keep informed on news from the House of Representatives, subscribe to the nonpartisan Session Weekly newsmagazine at W�,lEcaii�e..,tewt= M1�ttA'P:;,.rlr.t�. w::lr1C1C)!>tY�7icll taeSw_asp or call (651) 296-2146 or (800) 657- 3550. ## END FF ## For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122