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Council Information Memorandum 02-09-2007
CITY OF PLYMOUTH ((� V� COUNCIL INFO MEMO February 9, 2007 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Housing and Redevelopment Authority February 15 Meeting Agenda ................................. Page 3 February, March, and April 2007 Official City Meeting Calendars ...................................... Page 5 Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ..................................... Page I 1 House and Senate Joint Transit Hearings and Town Hall Meetings .................................... Page 12 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc ... Star Tribune News Stories: Editorial: A Minnesota Worth Paying For; Dave Hage: The Damage is Done; John Foley: If the State Were to Run Like a Business, We'd Insist on Results (Submitted by Councilmember Black)................................................................... Page 13 Communities Seek More Ways to Put a Stop to Speeding ...................................... Page 20 Other Cases Get Plymouth Thinking About Signs .................................................. Page 23 CORRESPONDENCE Human Rights Commission January 4 Meeting Minutes .................................................... Page 24 Fire Department's December 2006 Report .......................................................................... Page 27 Letter to Mayor Re: Historical Information from 1959 on High -Speed Passenger Service Page 34 Information Re: Taxes........................................................................................................ Page 38 Fire -Rescue Incident of Interest........................................................................................... Page 40 Memo Re: Hennepin County Adult Correctional Facility Population Report .................... Page 41 Meuno Re: Car Seat Program Update................................................................................. Page 42 Letter Re: Rezoning and Preliminary Plat for Gonyea Development, LLC (2007002) ..... Page 43 Letter Re: Variances for Scott and Mary Linnell (2007004) ............................................. Page 44 Letter Re: Variance for Skyline Design, Inc. (2007006) ................................................... Page 45 Letter Re: Amlouncement of Bob Reynolds as Eden Prairie's New Police Chief .............. Page 46 Letter Re: Thanks from State Representative Sarah Anderson ........................................... Page 47 LEGISLATIVE ITEMS League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) Friday Fax.................................................................. Page 49 AGENDA MEETING PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2005 - 7:00 p.m. WHERE: Medicine Lake Room City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner, citizen or petitioner so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve HRA Meeting Minutes from January 25, 2007. B. Plymouth Towne Square. Accept Monthly Housing Reports. C. Vicksburg Crossing. Accept Monthly Housing Reports. D. Approve the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) Certification Submission. 3. PUBLIC HEARING A. Community Development Block Grant. Consider 2007 Action Plan. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. HRA Strategic Plan. Discuss update process. B. Election of Chair, Vice -Chair and Secretary for 2007. 5. ADJOURNMENT OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS February 2007 Sunday Monday Tuesday I Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 Jan 2007 Mar 2007 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 600 PM POLICE DEPARTMENT 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 RECOGNITION EVENT, 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 7:00 PIA HUMAN RIGHTS 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 COMMISSION, Parkers Lake Room 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7:00 PM PLANNING6:00 PM SPECIAL COMMISSION, Council COUNCIL MEETING: Chambers DISCUSS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (LAND USE PLAN), Pl~h Creek Center 7:00 Ph1 PARK 8 REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Coureal Chambers 11 12 13 14 15 .16 17 6:30 PM YOUTH I 10:00AM VICKSBURG 7:00 PM HOUSING & ADVISORY COUNCIL,cno"Rrc cRANo oPExlxc' 3155 Vicksbwg Lane REDEVELOPMENT Parkers Lake Room AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room A 5:30 PM SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING: DISCUSS 2W7.- 011 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN, ui _Lake RaamaAdB I- PM REGUTAR COUNGR MEETING,Cw ! Chambers ' 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 PRESIDENTS DAY- 7:00 PM PLANNING City Offices Closed COMMISSION, Council Chambers ASH WEDNESDAY (Fi1sLDay of Lent) 25 26 27 28 11:30AMTWINWEST 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH STATE OF THE CIN. Plymouth Creek Center ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PM REGULAR TRANSIT (PACT). Medicine Lake Room A F...NCIL MEETING, uncil Chambers modified on 2/9/2007 141i OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS March 2007 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 Feb 2007 Apr 2007 S M T W T F .S S M T W T F S 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 COMMISSION, 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 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 2S 26 27 28 2S 26 27 28 29 30 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: LISTENING SESSION 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), ON HOLLYDALE GOLF Council Chambers COURSE, Council Chambers 7tifl8 PA45 �'}i5�fnai 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 ,'r''�j)J{Y(jj,,j-jT a �'1uMIt�C� {�t 4 6:30 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, PARKERS LAKE 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCILMEETING, Council Chambers 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Council Chambers 6:00 PM BOARD & COMMISSION RECOGNITION EVENT - Plymouth Creek Center - 18 19 20 2.1 22 23 24 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 700 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room A 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 M-110EPNI r':.���') ENV(F20NME<�TALX. �a0(1(T1g 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY AIR Roy 't1; COMMITTEE ON r)ternary -,,� �r TRANSIT (PACT) , Medicine Lake Room A 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers modified on 2/9/2007 pw a OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS Aril 2007 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 PASSOVER BEGINS ATSUNSET 3 4 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 5. LPMN ,om 6 GOOD FRIDAY 7 8 EASTER SUNDAY 9 10 5:30 PM BOARD OF EQUALIZATION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 11 7:00 PM Charier Commission Mtg Medicine Lk Rm 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITYCOMMI TEE (EQC), Council Chambers 12 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 13 PRIMAVERA PLYMOUTH ARTS COUNCIL SHOW, Plymouth Creek Center 14 PRIMAVERA PLYMOUTH FINE ARTS COUNCIL SHOW Plymouth Creek Center 15 16 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 HOUSING 8 REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room A�# 20 11 Q,C1f3�z lir, D E N,, AIyM71fe(',g�80M81,�,� 11 ��` ,g6 21 ���"6�iyY tib, .. GARDENiVENpzgn pl fRt BIHY' -' 22 23 24 530 PM BOARD OF EQUALIZATION (RECONVENED).c.—A cnamners 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 25 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT), Medicine Lake Room A 26 27 28 29 30 May 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 31 Mar 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 31 modified on 279/2007 jo Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items 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 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. House & Senate Joint Transit Hearings & Town Hall Meetings Maria Rosenbaum To: Laurie Ahrens Subject: RE: House & Senate Joint Transit Hearings & Town Hall Meetings From: Laurie Ahrens Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2007 12:38 PM To: Maria Rosenbaum Subject: House & Senate Joint Transit Hearings & Town Hall Meetings Page 1 of 1 Maria, The CIM should include the meetings noted below as House & Senate Joint Transit Hearings and Town Hall Meetings: 2) Northwest Suburbs Town Hall Forum Saturday, February 17th from 10:00am to 12:00pm Brooklyn Park City Hall 5200 85th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park 3) Western Suburbs Legislative Field Hearing Wednesday, February 28th from TOOpm to 9:00pm Minnetonka City Hall 14600 Minnetonka Boulevard, Minnetonka 4) Eastern Suburbs Legislative Field Hearing Wednesday, March 7th from TOOpm to 9:00pm Central Park Atrium 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury 2/8/2007 Editorial: A Minnesota worth paying for Page 1 of 3 IStarTribu m i MHOZEAPOLI - ST. PAUL MINf STA Last update: February 03, 2007 — 4:19 PM Editorial: A Minnesota worth paying for Swing the pendulum back halfway. After an invigorating round of victories in November, Democrats arrived at the State Capitol last month with an ambitious program for 2007. They proposed to restore funding that was cut from the state's public schools and preschool programs in 2003. They wanted to jump-start road construction, accelerate the state's timetable for mass transit and reduce highway congestion. They would make sure that more Minnesota kids can afford a college education. And they would cut the number of uninsured Minnesotans -- now 377,000 and rising. This isn't liberal overreach. It's exactly the right agenda for a state that has always prided itself on investing in a healthy population and a competitive economy. Yet before January was out, the DFL majorities ran into a grim reality. There's not enough money in the state's coffers to fund their ideas. The result was "a stunning crash in expectations," Sen. John Marty, DFL -Roseville, told the Star Tribune's Patricia Lopez in a recent story about children's health insurance. A disheartening story How can this be? The deficit years are over. The state is projecting a $2.2 billion surplus in the coming two-year budget cycle. Here are the dreary facts. Half the projected surplus will be consumed by inflation, which the Legislature has pretended did not exist since 2002. The other half is one-time money left over from last year. The same holds true for the $2.9 billion in "new spending" that Gov. Tim Pawlenty proposed in his recent budget: Half will cover ordinary inflation in the price of government goods and services, and half is temporary money. If you don't believe it, turn to the last page of the governor's budget and note that spending in several major categories starts going down again after 2009 -- even before the effects of inflation are factored in. In other words, the $2.2 billion surplus will be gone in one budget cycle, even without restoring the basic public infrastructure_-- schools, roads, parks, health care -- that Minnesotans have long taken for granted. How did this happen? To understand how the Legislature could find itself in this fix, after five years of steady economic growth, you have to reopen a chapter of fiscal history. Between 1997 and 2001 the Legislature adopted five permanent tax cuts, mainly to the income tax and the tax on motor vehicle license plates. Even lion•/Axnxnx7 etnrtril-nmP Pnm/SF.1 html ')/r,/')nn7 Editorial: A Minnesota worth paying for Page 2 of 3 though revenues have climbed steadily since then with a growing economy, receipts at the state level today remain at least $1 billion per year lower than they would have been at 1990s tax rates. This has consequences. If you adjust state general fund spending for inflation and population growth, you find that it is lower today than it was in 2000. But put it another way: If Minnesota merely had the same tax system (revenues as a share of personal income) that prevailed during the tenure of Republican Gov. Arne Carlson -- he of the balanced budget and the ready veto pen -- the Legislature would have an extra $1 billion to spend this year, and next year, and the year after that. Look at the possibilities Of course it's possible that, given such a sum, legislators would waste the money on projects that would blow a taxpayer's gasket. But this is what they might accomplish with it: • Provide subsidized, low-cost health insurance to every one of the state's 70,000 uninsured children. The Children's Defense Fund, in a bill sponsored by Rep. Paul Thissen, DFL -Minneapolis, estimates that would cost about $250 million per year. - Greatly accelerate the pace of new road construction, while breaking ground on new dedicated bus corridors, commuter rail, the next light-rail line, and other projects to get the state's commuters out of traffic. A reasonable cost estimate: $250 million per year. - Fund an ambitious scholarship program for high school students who demonstrate college readiness and need financial aid. The state's Private College Council has detailed such a plan and priced it at $160 million per year. - Guarantee access to high-quality child care or preschool for disadvantaged children, an investment with proven returns in long-term school achievement and economic attainment. Simply restoring the state's child-care and early - childhood education programs -- pioneering and admired ideas 15 years ago -- to pre -2003 levels would cost about $160 million per year. Funding this agenda would cost the average Minnesota household $300 to $400 per year in higher taxes. That would still leave their overall tax burden, as a percentage of their income, lower than it was a decade ago. Back to the future - Of course most Minnesotans have long forgotten the tax cuts of the late 1990s and, as John Foley argues on today's Opinion Exchange cover, they would insist on getting value for money in the taxes they pay today. But then that's exactly what their parents left them: a state with healthy children, high test scores, good roads, rich culture, an envied quality of life, a vibrant l http://www.startribune.con-i/561/v-priiit/stoiy/977775.1-itml 2/6/2007 Editorial: A Minnesota worth paying for rage -i of .� economy and a government that got them better value for every tax dollar spent than virtually every other state in the union. It's the least they can leave to their children. ©2007 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. 15, http://www.startribune.coi-n/561/v-prii-it/story/977775.html 2/6/2007 Dave Hage: The damage done I of 2 http://www.starti-ibune.com/562/v-print/story/977780.litnil IStarTribunewCOM 1 MINNEAPOLIS -ST, PAUL, MINN. StITA Last update: February 03, 2007 — 4:11 PM Dave Hage: The damage done The low -tax experiment has been a flop. It's time to try something new. By Dave Hage, Star Tribune Ten years ago, Minnesota embarked on an unplanned but historic experiment in state government. No, not the sort of social tinkering that once gave the state a reputation for Scandinavian paternalism. This was the opposite: a bet that lower taxes could give Minnesota a leaner, more competitive economy. Between 1997 and 2001, the Legislature passed five major tax cuts -- not just temporary rebates but permanent rate reductions that reduced the state's revenue stream by $1 billion annually and left state government, measured against the Minnesota economy, 10 percent smaller than it was in the mid-1990s. It wasn't long before local experts began to question the results. By 2004 Minnesota's economy had actually slowed down relative to the 1990s, and by 2005 the state's council of economic advisers noted that, for the first time in years, Minnesota's economy was underperforming the nation's. Now an outside study has put Minnesota in a national context and confirmed those doubts about the low -tax experiment. Two analysts at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington identified 16 states that passed major tax cuts during the late 1990s, then studied their economic performance in the 2001-2006 recovery. The results? On key measures such as job creation and unemployment, - virtually all of the 16 lagged behind the 34 states that didn't pass major tax cuts. Minnesota, though its economy picked up steam in 2006, still posted weaker job creation and income growth than the U.S. average over the five-year span. "There's just no evidence that moving to lower tax levels boosts your economic performance," says Nicholas Johnson, one of the study's authors. As the 2007 Legislature gets down to business, lawmakers should pay attention to these results. The DFL majority arrived in St. Paul with an ambitious agenda to improve the state's schools, roads and health care system, then quickly discovered it doesn't have the money to carry it out. Remember, the projected $2.2 billion budget surplus is largely one-time money; even Gov. Tim Pawlenty's budget shows that spending in major categories will go down again after 2009. Yet if legislators mention the dread phrase "tax increase," they're sure to be accused of wrecking the state economy. They shouldn't be buffaloed by that accusation, and they shouldn't let the state's needs be held hostage to what is now a discredited theory. 2/6/2007 11:55 AM Dave Hage: The damage done nRp://W WW.SLarLriourie.cunri-)ozi v-Prurr/Nwr yr7 i r i ov.uLuii Of course, the low -tax argument is intuitive and widely held. Low taxes cultivate a healthy business climate and leave more money in the hands of consumers, or so the theory goes. But what if the theory's wrong? Louisiana, Mississippi and West Virginia have been low -tax jurisdictions for decades -- yet they remain poor year after year. Massachusetts, Illinois and California have had high taxes for years -- yet they rank among the nation's most prosperous states. . Taxes are only half the picture. "Remember that states have to balance their budgets," Johnson points out. "If they cut taxes they have to cut public services, and often these are services that business values, such as schools, transportation and higher education." It should be said that Johnson's think tank is known for its liberal politics. But many other researchers have reached the same conclusion. "While a low tax rate can be important, other things such as investment in education and health care also matter for the long run," says James Nguyen of the Corporation for Enterprise Development, a business -sponsored research group that publishes a respected annual report card on the states. Minnesota routinely wound up on the group's "honor roll," even during its high -tax years. This is precisely where Minnesota has paid a high price for the low -tax experiment. One reason Minnesota produced a surplus last year is simple austerity: General fund outlays. are actually lower today than they were seven years ago, when adjusted for population growth and inflation. State aid to the public schools, adjusted for inflation, has gone down four years in a row. Thousands of families have lost eligibility for subsidized health insurance, and major transportation projects have been put on hold indefinitely. Reversing those trends -- restoring the fine public services and high quality of life that Minnesotans once took for granted -- will require more money and higher taxes. Proposing a tax increase might not be a hit with voters. But who knows? It might be a pro -growth strategy. Dave Hage • dhageAstartribune.com ©2007 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. 13- 2 of 2 2/6/2007 11:55 AM John Foley: If the state were run like a business, we'd insist on results littp://www.startribune.com/562/v-piint/story/977774.litm] t Tfi [ 1 of 2 ine.coml MINNEAPOLIS -ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA! Last update: February 03, 2007 — 4:19 PM John Foley: If the state were run like a business, we'd insist on results John Foley As a parent, business owner and lifelong Minnesotan, I have been the beneficiary of an unsurpassed quality of life. I grew up in a safe neighborhood with good schools and economic opportunities to go as far as my dreams would take me. Sadly, my children and yours aren't as lucky. In the spirit of no new taxes, Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the Legislature have consistently reduced investments in the future. As a result, we have begun to see an erosion in our standard of living and ability to compete. Our schools are suffering, the health care system is overburdened, the elderly are being financially squeezed, our neighborhoods are less safe and our roads are clogged. In other words, the quality of life in Minnesota is beginning to crumble, and our children will bear the brunt. The governor's new spending proposals are a step in the right direction but do not go far enough. After years of cost-cutting and no new investments, a one-time spending increase will not get us back to a leadership position. If Minnesota were run like a competitive business, we would insist on a clear - vision, achievable objectives and measurable results. One of the most common practices in business is for CEOs to come into a company and immediately start cutting costs. They know this is the fastest way to increase shareholder value and make themselves look effective -- but it rarely lasts. Cost-cutting is not a sustainable business strategy. That's one reason the average tenure for a CEO today is three to five years. The governor and Legislature should also be held accountable for delivering a sustainable vision for Minnesota. Consistent investment in good times and bad is the hallmark of strong, competitive companies. How did the whole argument get boiled down to no new taxes? While I don't like paying taxes, I understand that we have an obligation to support our way of life. What makes Minnesota competitive is that we have consistently invested in increasing our standard of living and quality of life. In the new global economy, companies such as 3M and Medtronic understand that they must offer world-class products and services to compete. They also understand that they need a highly trained and educated workforce to create those products and services. Without a world-class education, transportation and health care system to support our business community, these employers will be forced to look elsewhere. Why not tap into the talents of our business, healthcare and education leaders to take on these challenges with innovative and fresh ideas? "Good enough" cannot be the standard in a global economy. US 2/6/2007 11:50 AM John Foley: If the state were run like a business, we'd insist on results littp://www.startribune.com/562/v-PiinVstory/V / / /74.ritml 2 of 2 Minnesota has a long history of nurturing homegrown businesses, including 3M, Medtronic, Best Buy, Target, Mayo Clinic, General Mills, Andersen Windows and many more. These companies have thrived in Minnesota because we have offered educational, economic and quality -of -life opportunities to attract and retain the best and brightest. It's not by accident that we've been blessed with an abundance of entrepreneurs and visionaries. Minnesota has always prided itself on producing responsible philanthropic leaders and a close-knit business community. The political debate must turn away from portraying taxes as government waste. Instead we must ask ourselves and our leaders: Do we have a sustainable vision for our future? Will our children enjoy the same economic and quality -of -life opportunities we had? Today, the answer to these questions is uncertain. It's time to stop acting out of short-term self-interest and start building a better tomorrow. John Foley is the author of "Balanced Brand" and CEO of Level, a brand and reputation firm in Minneapolis. ©2007 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. zi 2/6/2007 11:50 AM Communities seek more ways to put a stop to speeding Page 1 of 3 t Irrr burse oni MINNEAPOLIS -ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA Last update: February 04, 2007 — 9:39 PM Communities seek more ways to put a stop to speeding St. Paul police are writing more tickets, but that's just one of the methods cities are using to calm traffic. By Myron P. _Medcalf, Star Tribune Concerned about speeding motorists on St. Paul's Raymond Avenue, members of a St. Anthony Park neighborhood task force recently prepared a request for the city to address the problem. They were putting the final touches on the request when they got word that a woman and her two children had been hit by a car while crossing Raymond near an elementary school. The accident, which sent the woman to the hospital, was a catalyst for worried residents who plan to meet today with Council Member Jay Benanav to discuss solutions, said Nina Axelson, organizer for the St. Anthony Park Community Council. "There's a sense of helplessness we all get when something like this happens," she said. Those concerns were ratcheted up again last week when an 11 -year-old West St. Paul girl was hit by a van and dragged nearly 500 yards before the driver fled. In St. Paul, some residents believe more motorists are driving faster on city streets, even while authorities point to increased enforcement to slow them down. St. Paul police traffic officers in 2006 handed out more than 40,000 citations -- most of them speeding tickets -- a jump of 5,000 from the previous year. Yet more than a thousand fewer accidents were reported last year -- 6,033 reports -- than in 2005, said St. Paul Police Cmdr. Greg Pye. "In general, citations officers are paying more attention to [speeding]," he said. Traffic -calming strategies As freeway traffic congestion grows, pedestrians will have to deal with more motorists who use streets like Raymond to avoid clogged highways, said Bob Johns, director of the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of http://www.startribune.com/462/v-print/story/980805.html 2/5/2007 Uommunrties seek more ways to put a stop to speeaing rage L o1 j Minnesota. And communities like St. Anthony Park will seek traffic -calming measures, which can be successful depending on how and where they're implemented. Although some studies prove that traffic -calming measures such as roundabouts, speed humps and bump outs -- concrete curbing that narrow streets -- can slow drivers, they might not work in every neighborhood. A 2004 survey by the Minnesota Local Road Research Board counted nearly 6.0 traffic -calming measures that had been put in place in the metro area. Pavement markings and speed humps are common. Doran Cote, Plymouth's public works director, said stop. signs have been ineffective in slowing motorists in that city because drivers stop too late and speed up too quickly after passing the signs. Plymouth employs a neighborhood traffic -calming program, in which residents can report areas of concern. Cote said the city has put down artificial chokers -- plastic markers that form visual barriers -- in the middle of roadways, a strategy that Wayzata is considering. And the Forest Lake City Council recently approved the construction of seven roundabouts, which force traffic to slow down at intersections. Cote, who spent some time in California, said that modifying motorist behavior is a national concern. Cities in 38 of the 50 states have created traffic -calming programs, according to trafficcalming.org. "It's pretty universal, even nationwide," Cote said. "There are a lot of the same issues." Funding for some traffic -calming projects can be scarce, said St. Paul traffic engineer Paul St. Martin. Bump outs can cost thousands to build. St. Paul's budget supplies only about $100,000 every year for traffic -calming and pedestrian safety projects. "There are things that don't get done because of funding," St. Martin said. 'A dangerous street' The community council in St. Anthony Park wants the city to redesign Raymond and use traffic -calming measures such as bump outs to slow things down on the street. David Engwicht, an Australian advocate of traffic calming, told a St. Paul crowd in 2001 that drivers have to change their attitudes, walk more and use their cars less to change things. Benanav, who invited Engwicht to the city, has been i0 1 http:/h;�/ww,startribune.com/462/v-print/story/980805.htm] 2/5/2007 Communities seek more ways to put a stop to speeding Page 3 of 3 working closely with St. Anthony Park to find ways to help people feel safer on city streets. Benanav said a new state law that would allow cities to set speed limits could help. And innovative techniques such as paintings on the street at intersections in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood have sparked interest. Meanwhile, residents along Raymond speak of broken fences and dented cars caused by motorists unable to negotiate the road's sharp curves and blind spots. Andrea Dahms, the principal at St. Anthony Park Elementary, so mistrusted drivers on that stretch that two years ago she removed the school's student crossing guard at Raymond and Gordon Avenues. That's the same intersection where the woman and her children were recently injured. "We think it's a dangerous street," she said. Myron P. Medcalf • 651-298-1546 • mmedcalf@startrib une.co_rn 02007 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. htip://www.startribunc.com/462\,-print/story/980805.himl 2/5/2007 Other cases get Plymouth thinking about signs taffr bunexom MINNEAPOLIS - ST. PAUL. MINNESOTA Last update: February 06, 2007 — 10:25 AM Other cases get Plymouth thinking about signs SIGN ORDINANCES SIGN ORDINANCES Page I of I Minnetonka, Eden Prairie and Hopkins have all been hit with lawsuits over their sign regulations. So Plymouth, like other cities, has returned to its sign ordinance and asked: "How can we word this to better protect ourselves from a suit?" The answer came at a recent City Council meeting. REGULATING CONTENT? An Atlanta attorney who takes cities to court over their sign ordinances sued Eden Prairie in 2005 and Hopkins soon after. The debate centered on the ordinances' wording, which could be seen as regulating not only size and structure, but content. Plymouth discovered a few references in its ordinance that weren't "content -neutral." For example, part of the ordinance regulated "business signs" rather than just "signs." It's a relatively old ordinance and isn't always clear, said Marie Darling, Plymouth's senior planner. ELECTRONIC SIGNS Minnetonka's decision to deny power to electronic billboards with changing images was recently upheld in court. But experts expect the case to appealed. Looking to this example, Plymouth clarified, but did not significantly change, its regulation of electronic signs, The city allows electronic signs in commercial areas, but the electronic portion of the sign cannot exceed 25 percent of the total size. Before, different signs could change their images at different rates, depending on the zoning district where they were located. Now, all signs must not change more than four times an hour. Gas station and lottery signs fit both requirements. SAFETY CONCERNS Plymouth also added phrases that would give the city more discretion in its regulation of signs. And it made the intent of its sign ordinance clear. For example, it defines the city's goal as protecting the public from harm, such as driver distraction. Minnetonka listed driver distraction as one of the reasons it denied power to the electronic billboards. Plymouth plans to watch how Minnetonka's case proceeds, Darling said. If necessary, more changes could come. JENNA ROSS 02007 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. htip:HwNv,Al.startribune.com/106/v-print/story/979614.htmt 2/8/2007 OFFICIAL MINUTES PLYMOUTH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION January 4, 2007 Regular Meeting COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Gwen Adams -Drew, Kapila Bobra, Jackie Fraedrich, Ramona Scaipace, Lois Robbins COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: David Bliss, Art Layton Also present at the meeting were Police Captain Franz and Office Support Representative Olson. 1. Call to Order Chair Adams -Drew called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Approval of Agenda It was motioned by Commissioner Bobra, seconded by Cominissioner Scarpace, to approve the agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. 3. Approval of Minutes It was motioned by Commissioner Scaipace, seconded by Chair Adams -Drew, to approve the minutes of November 2, 2006 as presented. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. 4. Committee Reports There were no conunittee reports. 5. Old Business A. Recap of Human Rights Day Event — Dec. 7, 2006 Chair Adams -Drew liked the speakers and felt they had good topics to appeal to a variety of people. She suggested more active partnering with the conmiunity and senior population. Commissioner Bobra thought both the speakers and the dancers were great though she wondered why there was such low attendance at the event. She thought it could be because the event was held on a weeknight and suggested they try a Saturday again next time but hold the event later in the day. She suggested possibly doing something different with the food accommodations next tune. Plymouth Human Rights Commission Minutes of January 4,.2007 Commissioner Fraedrich inquired what was done to publicize the event. Chair Adains- Drew stated that it was published on the website and city calendars and she distributed flyers as well. Ms. Olson replied that she sent notification to all surrounding local commissions as well as the League of Human Rights Commissions. Commissioner Fraedrich stated that she printed flyers to put in the LMHRC State Conference packets and was told the flyers need to be given ahead of time if they are to be included in next year's packets of infonnation. - Commissioner Fraedrich suggested sending personal invites to the City Council, School Boards and other local policy makers to make sure they are involved. Chair Adams - Drew suggested started the publicity in September. She felt they were on the right track but need to get people involved in the event. 6. New Business A. Student Essay Contest The commission decided that Friday, February 23, 2007 would be the deadline. Ms. Robbins stated she would be able to pick up the essays at each of the three Wayzata middle schools. Commissioner Scarpace stated that the essays need to be read and scored by at least two people. Commissioner Fraedrich suggested that the essays be split among the commissioners and each commissioner rank the top three. Then the top one or three from each commissioner can be read at the next meeting. Captain Franz inquired how many entries they have received in past years. Commissioner Scarpace replied that it usually about 35-50 entries. B. . Bias Crime Reports The commission reviewed the reports. Commissioner Scarpace stated that there looks like a spike occurred during the holidays. Captain Franz replied that is often the case; they will see a rise in domestic, assault and robbery calls. Commissioner Scarpace noted that in the past they have sent out letters to the victims in the reports. After some discussion, the Commission felt that letters were not needed for these incidents. C. Certificates of Appreciation Chair Adams -Drew presented Captain Franz with a certificate of appreciation for his hard work and dedication to the Commission. She asked Ms. Olson to also give Human Resource Manager Sobania her certificate as she was not present at the meeting. She stated that it has been pleasure to work with the Commission and staff members for the Plymouth Human Rights Commission Minutes of January 4, 2007 �, years she has served on the Coininission. She stated that she will attend any future Human Rights Commission events. Commissioner- Scarpace stated that her commission was ending as well. She felt it was a privilege to know the members of the Commission and enjoyed the opportunity to work on the many projects they have done through the years. She wished the Commission the best of luck in future years. 7. Announcements and Articles (for your information) Commissioner Fraedrich gave a brief update on the last two League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions meetings she attended. The Commission briefly discussed several current events that have occurred. S. Adjournment It was motioned by Commissioner Bobra, seconded by Chair Adams -Drew to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Kimberly Olson Office Support Representative Plymouth Human Rights Commission Minutes of January 4; 2007 f PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT DECEMBER 2006 PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT December 2006 Monthly Synopsis Year-to-date (YTD), the Department answered 1352 calls for service. This compares to 1366 calls for service in 2005 (YTD). The highest call volume in December occurred between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Thursday was the busiest day of the week. Sixty-four percent of calls occurring in December were "Duty Crew" calls. Responses were divided between the fire stations as follows: Station I (13205 Co. Rd. 6) 18 Station II (12000 Old Rockford Rd.) 45 Station III (3300 Dunkirk Ln.) 43 December 2006 in-service and on -scene (total response) times for emergency events are as follows. Duty Crew and non -duty crew times, as well as station responses, are noted. Significant or Unusual Events In December, the following responses are notable: December 9 Building Fire (11:00 a.m.) December 13 Ice Rescue (4:33 p.m.) During the month of December, thirteen calls were paged general alarin. The average number of firefighters who arrived on the scene for these calls was eight. Committed Time In December, the 65 active paid -on-call firefighters worked an average of over 31 hours. Training During the month of December, five topics were offered during six regularly scheduled in-house training sessions. These topics included First Responder Refresher, Company Operations, Rescue Equipment Make -Up, Ropes and Knots, and E-21 Foam. Additional training opportunities were offered during Rookie Training and Duty Crew, and for members of the Hazardous Materials Team and RAD Team. 1st Truck 1" Truck 2nd Truck 2nd Truck Number In -Service On -Scene In -Service On -Scene of Calls Duty Crew 1:22 6:50 6:11 9:50 18 Non -Duty Crew 6:08 9:42 6:46 9:23 8 Station I N/A N/A N/A N/A 0 Station II 7:27 10:57 6:53 10:08 5 Station III 3:56 7:37 6:39 8:37 3 Significant or Unusual Events In December, the following responses are notable: December 9 Building Fire (11:00 a.m.) December 13 Ice Rescue (4:33 p.m.) During the month of December, thirteen calls were paged general alarin. The average number of firefighters who arrived on the scene for these calls was eight. Committed Time In December, the 65 active paid -on-call firefighters worked an average of over 31 hours. Training During the month of December, five topics were offered during six regularly scheduled in-house training sessions. These topics included First Responder Refresher, Company Operations, Rescue Equipment Make -Up, Ropes and Knots, and E-21 Foam. Additional training opportunities were offered during Rookie Training and Duty Crew, and for members of the Hazardous Materials Team and RAD Team. Seventy members participated in training activities during the month. The total number of hours Spent on in-house and outside training activities was 291 — an average of over four hours per participating member. Recruitment During the month of December, 67 paid -on-call firefighters served the City of Plymouth. Two members left the department. We conducted psychological and medical examinations on six probationary firefighter candidates. Duty Crew The Duty Crew Program was in operation on every Monday through Saturday during the month of December including the Christmas Day holiday. Forty-three members participated in the program. In December, 93% of all shifts were fully staffed with four operational firefighters. Five percent of available shifts were cancelled due to lack of staffing. A staffing ;summary for the month, b shift, is included below. y StaSin: 5 Firefighters 0600-0900 0% 0900-1200 ° 1200-1500 1500-1800 1800-2100 4 Firefighters 96% Oo ° 1000 0% 0% 0% 3 Firefighters 0% 0 0'/0 92% 85% 90% No Staff 4 °/0 0% 4% 8% 0% 4% 7% 10% M, Plymouth Fire Department Public Education Programming December 2006 Pro rams Hours Station Tours 3 3 Birthday Club Bookmobile/Literacy Preschool Visits 1 1 K-6 Education Career Talk/Nights Bike Helmet Sales Car Seat Check-ups 38 29 Assist North Memorial 1 3 Smokebusters/Seniors 3 3 Smokebusters/Families Ski Helmet Sales Adopt a Hydrant 10 5 Block Parties Parades NNO Open Houses Fire Ext. Training Business Safety Fairs Business Fire Drills Pub. Ed Training 1 3 Pub. Ed Meetings 1 2 Literature Drops Diversity Outreach Misc. Pro ramming Special Projects Totals 58 49' PLYMOUTHF|REDEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT Calls by Time of Day H Dec -06 10 0600-0900 0900-1200 1200-1500 1500-1800 1800-2100 2100-0000 0000-0300 0300-0600 Calls by Day of Week 15 0 Dec -05 law 10 Overpressure/ ��c�ono Good Intent 2/5/2007 �� % cue/EIVIS Hazardous Conditions PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT 2/5/2007 Station Comparison 60 50 45 43 40- 30 , ty� � - 18`$ i_, Dec -06 20- 0 10 10 1 2 3 Response Time for Emergency Calls 16:48 14:24 12:00 9:42 9:36 6:50 ��'.��11 � Dec -06 0 7:12 4:48 fx�4 ���x�� 2:24 0:00 Duty Crew Not Duty Crew Fire Loss Summary Year -to -Date $6,500,000 $4,584,900 $5,000,000 $3,500,000 Its, F 1 3, sc fr t { $1,151,360 $2,000,000 s v $500,000 1/1/05-12/31/05 1/1/06-12/31/06 Total Calls Year -to -Date 1600 1200 24 800 400 0-{x I 1/1/05-12/31/05 1/1/06-12/31/06 2/5/2007 DUTY CREW STAFFING 2 December 2006 % 5% ® 4 Firefighters El 3 Firefighters El 0 Firefighters 93% CALLS FOR SERVICE December 2006 ....,.,,,, f = El Duty Crew �1�r11....... ;% �'i� �•' r 41111111111,11 ......,,,.,..,-.:: ;:. :1 Non -Duty 64% Crew -. Keli Slavik, Mavor 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447-1482 Hello Mayor; I wanted to provide you and the other members of the city council some historical information about a proposal back in 1959 to provide high-speed passenger service to Plymouth. Maybe this idea could be used as a catalyst to re -explore expanding light rail with an East — West link from downtown Minneapolis to Plymouth. As you can see from the article back in 1959, there was a proposal to use the existing Minneapolis Industrial Railroad right -away for high-speed passenger service. The railroad got its start as the Electric Short Line Railway incorporated in 1908 with construction starting in Minneapolis and -completed to Parkers Lake by 1914. We are more familiar with the name Luce Electric Line which it was commonly referred to because the company President was William Luce. By 1914 Plymouth had "light rail" passenger service to and from Minneapolis (just north of the present Target Center at 7a' St. and 2 Ave. N) with stops at all of the major roads crossing the rail line. By 1927 you could go as far west as Gluek, MN with plans to reach Watertown, SD. The company used gas -electric passenger motor cars but planned to electrify with over head power just like the current light rail but apparently the railroad was short of funds and never able to achieve its goals. Passenger service ceased in the,.l 940's and was authorized to be discontinued by the ICC in 1956 and the line was sold several times since then. I could visualize the light rail terminating at the end of the current tracks at Hwy 494 just before the start of the Luce Line Trail. Another option would be to extend the line west of Hwy 494 to the south side of the correctional facility. There probably would be enough space for a parking ramp on the grounds and I would think that could be negotiated if the appropriate government agencies got behind the effort. A bigger obstacle would be the cost of expanding the tunnel under 494 and laying the tracks. I understand how easy it is to visualize a project but very difficult to negotiate with the plethora of government agencies, current railroad owner and obtain funding. This may have already been explored and determined not feasible, but after seeing the article again I had to pass it along. Regards, >, ary Sc ebe 2035 Vagabond Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 763-473-4889 ga yscliicber&jsp.coni cc: City Council Members 3y J U U i C1-( ) UU,UUU,UUU Y ar I ire ustn .Man i ark] r9 � ' j j<<rr([ [o Open Sub- t The tract is situated be --of North American Life & The five saidpl a n s ..al: urban :Idr[i[iun: /'age 11Bhveen Hwy. 12 and Hwy. 55 Casualty. far a million square ieet of Pace ''.':nneapohs businessland will straddle the pro-`. Carl R. Pohlad, president;tt'arehousing,severa]hohe ea exec.!:.es !ad,y announced posed outer belt line (1hvy.°fAllt9Schroederuette �presidendfnal bank.: oreslo�flhmaa,floc 1ednr`•rplaa�s pians [.,. 200 -million -dollar 494), to be constructed'Of the Minneapolis & St.idustry, 160 -acre shop;;ing industrial parr: seen nulesiaround the Twin Cities. 'Louis Railway Co. 1center, luxury shops, p.sy- west of ,\hnneapolis. I Directors of the develop -1 W. R. Stephens, board ground, helicopter 1 a n a : it g The five said they have Ac-!ment corporation, known as chairman of Stephens Buick: Pad and a large terminal for quiied 900 acres of land withiMinneapolis Industrial- Park, Co. ;14inneapolis trucking n;m- two miil;on dollars of theirilric., include: Curtis L. Carlson, presi-ponies. oWn moaec. H. P. Skoglund, presidentident of Gold Bond Stamp Co. Details of the development G A THEAllN\EAPOL1S STAR 4 k Wed., Oct. 14, 1959 t. i %'11 1`t`- � V. Continued Iran: Page One o.` :L,.,:: au r,.,mes. The re- rnamn- e: ra!mland. Skoglund said the eventuali 111%cstnlent over the next 10 AM vears trill be about 200 mil- S lion dollars. 3b ----------- a r I hiS sum WOuld be spent ?y t as s !00 million dol- lags for iedusinal buildings, r 4o :1L•1!:°n doiia!s for ware. hocscs and 50 million dol- i lars f°: the shopping center, 1 it >: " r j si,ops, playground, heii--up',e: pad and, t r u c k I Sr, a4 ,ad Said tine corpora- it w urn 1_ Sell or lease sites to ` nnd!at:!es, or will build plants : >� and ha se them to industries.I -•. • "Ae received more than, 1-I. P. SKOGLUND, CARL R. POHLAD, CURTIS CARLSON 200 inquiries regarding thel Executives study map of proposer[ development industrial park before we even announced it," Skog -1 _ __ _ For sales promotion put-- Freeman said s lun; frit. ; poses, the Minnesota West- apolis Industrial I = "f would say that about` ern Railway Co., which cuts not compete with 14 of these are hot prospects.: through the heart of the in- dustrial park, a s°- :'ill a e from companies now; dustrial park, has changed its ture organized it.. lca:3ted Outside of Minne-I name to the Mirmeapolis In- miles southwest _ dustrial Railway Co. T h e a polis '� sora." railroad is a subsidiary of the Planning of the park, now Nlinneapolis & St. Louis Rail- Freeman said h on the designers' desks, will v:ay Co. the new park as oi, seek to preserve and enhance Electricity and natural gas industry and pre :'i'"r::i- be Skoglund the values of surrounding will available, plants, where the residential property, Skog- ":d, and a joint study of galley park wor se;:age and wailer problemsj� heavier lint said. is being conducted with the types of S, building in t it e suburbs involved. needing river trar nev. acstrial park will be a Possibility of building a Mayor Anderson 2aC.000 - square - foot ware- development will I .. monorail for high-speed pas- Lose, to started in about senger service hetween the nucleus for a st '-•.... base for Plymoutl a;c part: and downtown Minne- essentially a resid• apolis also is being studied, munity. Skoglund said. "I might point c "Our work with thisroup' Wayzata school t:':j �" -y':': Gov; Freeman said, ' is .part cited in both P1 Minnetonka, i sIwst` of the state's continuing ef- !;t�2; fort to attract new indusu this development.--,af other things, it wit Rf 1, yvd "This ark will stimulate i' - p proved transporta, t? further industrial growth and from Minneapolisi provides a plan for orderly in to 1•'Iayor DeGhett, expansion, contrast customary unorganized, flap- new industrial balance our coot, I expansion of indush-v ,-. hich results in spra',v!it l!, provide to' they :au'Li - Story, unattrs::tive gr:,wth of Nimneti c u;:dI ngs." were announced at a conrer- ence in the office of Goc. Freeman, attended by M vor Howard Anderson of I'!.0n- ouch and Mayor Robert De - Ghetto of Minnetonka. The south 200 acres or the industrial park will beloca,ted R".innetonka v:llaaa the remainder in Plymo ttIr. 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Lra a.�0 cd -� - q'q Q "741 cd J. n O +cdO o A O v' td bp—a- O + d 'a o o ��J°.:-0 WW,q —I aW UvId . N bDU� ' n .- - b+ ++ � d qv ' 'U i ^7O -., - Cd The "price of government" in Minnesota — the cost of state taxes, property taxes, special assessments and fees as a percentage of personal income — has gone down in the last decade, and projections indicate that this trend will continue. 18% 17% 16% (Cigarette tax kicks in and tuition increases.) V 195 196 '97 198 199 100 101 '02 103 '04 105 106 '07 108 109 110 '11 Source: Minnesota Department of Finance States that eut taxesthe most during the 1990s gauged fewer jobs, saw unemployrrtent rise faster and posted smaller improvements in personal income during the first half of this decade. .FOBS GAINED, 2001 TO 2006 Thirty-four states that didn't cut 0.90/0 taxes or cut less than 7 percent. Sixteen states with tax cuts greater than 7 percent of revenue. Six states with tax cuts greater than , `./a 10 percent of revenue. INCREASE IN UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, 2001 TO 2006 Thirty-four states that didn't cut 0.3 pts taxes or cut less than 7 percent. Sixteen states with tax cuts greater than 7 percent of revenue. Six states with tax cuts greater than 1.3 pts 10 percent of revenue. ANNUAL CHANGE IN PERSONAL INCOME Thirty-four states that didn't cut taxes or cut less than 7 percent. Sixteen states with tar, cuts greater than 7 percent of revenue. Six states with tax cuts greater than % 10 percent of revenue. The -top Cumulative tax cuts as a percent of prior year's revenue, 1994-2001: New York 24% Pennsylvania 9% New Jersey 17% Arizona 9% Massachusetts 17% Georgia 8% Delaware 14% California 8% Connecticut 13% Washington 8% Colorado 12% Minnesota 8% Iowa 10% Maryland 8% Michigan 10% Maine 7% (Average of all other states with tax cuts: 3.5%) 1.7% To see how the tax -cutting states fared, turn to AA7. 1.7% Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities States that cuts taxes by 10% to 5% of revenue between 1994 and 2001 Colorado 0.2% - 1.9 1.1% Connecticut -0.1% 1.6 0.9% Delaware 0.5% 0.3 2.7% Massachusetts -0.8% 1.6 0.7% New Jersey 0.4% 1.4 1.1% New York -0.2% 0.8 0.9% States that cut taxes by 7% to 0% of revenue between 1994 and 2001 Arizona 3.0% 0.5 3.9% California 0.3% -0.1 1.7% Georgia 0.5% 1.2 1.7% Iowa 0.5% 0.7 1.8% Maine 0.2% 1.7 1.2% Maryland 0.9% 0.7 2.5% Michigan -1.1% 2.3 < 0.1% Minnesota 0.6% 0.3 1.3% Pennsylvania 0.1% 0.4 1.3% Washington 1.1% -0.4 1.3% - - -S-average - 0.7% 0.5 - --- 1.8% Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities ]FLM IVI®UT11 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, Larvik, 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 Army: 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). DATE: February 6, 2007 TO: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager cc: Steve Juetten FROM: Barbara SenneYst Manning Manager SUBJECT: Hennepin County Adult Correctional Facility (HCACF) Population Report Hennepin County Community Corrections staff has submitted their monthly report on average daily population for the month of January, 2007. The average daily population reported for the Plymouth facility was 615, which exceeds the occupancy limit of 601 set by the Conditional Use Permit. Of that number, 69 can be attributed to short term offenders transferred from Department of Corrections' facilities. A 2003 state law requires the County to accept these offenders. The January count is still substantially less than the 677 beds approved by the Department of Corrections, the licensing authority. The chart below shows the average monthly population since we began receiving reports in June of 1998. 700 600 500 n 400 U rn a� 300 ,Q I 200 1 100 HCACF Monthly Population Report 0 rn rn m m m rn o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 .... 0 9 9 0 0 0 0 rn c a iv c n o c w `m � VJ 0 2 u) O � � o. w to d c o. u c a d w O (n 0 to 0 c a (n u c a O 2 u) d c a 0 VJ ti c n b O O Month/Year 1 o COPLirrit 1 s s Average Counl I DATE: February 8, 2007 TO: Department Directors FROM: Fire Chief Richard C. Kline SUBJECT: Car Seat Program Update We have made the following changes to our car seat check-up program: ■ Car seat checks will now be held at the Public Safety Building in the Sally port. ■ Car seat check-ups will be done on an appointment only basis. Residents should call Sara Cwayna to set up an appointment. We do not provide car seat checks for non-residents. Non-residents should contact North Memorial Medical Center at 763-520-4287. ■ Checks will be scheduled primarily during daytime hours, Monday through Friday. ■ A $20 service fee will be charged for every car seat checked/installed. ■ If a resident has come to the Public Safety Department to purchase a car seat, direct them to second floor to see Sara or Heidi. City of P I ymouth Adding Quality to Life February 9, 2007 SUBJECT: REZONING AND PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR GONYEA DEVELOPMENT, LLC (2007002) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by Gonyea Development, LLC, under File No. 2007002, for approval of the following two items for the roughly 5 -acre site located at 3120 Dunkirk Lane: 1) a rezoning from FRD (Future Restricted Development) to RSF-2 (Single Family Detached 2); and 2) a preliminary plat to create 10 single-family lots. Under the plan, the existing church building would be removed from the 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 21, 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, -tj1 VV1-1d7M '5A"i h� �y Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2007002propnotice 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us SMIL Irp)City of p lymouth Adding Quality to Life February 9, 2007 SUBJECT: VARIANCES FOR SCOTT AND MARY LINNELL (2007004) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by Scott and Mary Linnell for variances to 1) allow a detached garage in the front yard and 2) increase the impervious surface coverage from 32.6 percent to 34.6 percent on their property located at 9960 26`h Avenue North. While a formal Public Hearing is not required, it is the City's policy to inform adjacent property owners/occupants of such applications. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 200 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of and cordially invited to attend a meeting to be held .by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 21, 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 the Community Development Department at (763) 509-5400. Sincerely, "Jul f T* , , Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2007004propnotice 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us ,S�i City of p lymouth Adding Quality to Life February 9, 2007 SUBJECT: VARIANCE FOR SKYLINE DESIGN, INC. (2007006) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by Skyline Design, Inc. for a 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. While a formal Public Hearing is not required, it is the City's policy to inform adjacent property owners/occupants of such applications. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 200 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of and cordially invited to attend a meeting to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 21, 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 the Community Development Department at (763) 509-5400. Sincerely, ft�lI/ /' Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2007006propnotice 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tet: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us ,its OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER I February 7, 2007 Laurie Ahrens, City Manager City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Ms. Ahrens: 1 am writing to announce the appointment of Mr. Rob Reynolds as Eden Prairie's new Chief of Police. Chief Reynolds began his new job on Monday, January 26, 2007. Chief Reynolds is no stranger to the Eden Prairie Police Department having served over 21 years in a wide variety of assignments as he rose through the chain of command. Chief Reynolds succeeds former Chief Dan Carlson who retired effective January 25, 2007. We are looking forward to the energy and vision that Chief Reynolds will bring to the leadership of the Eden Prairie Police Department. I know he looks forward to working with his peers in our neighboring communities on matters of mutual benefit and concern. Sincerely, Scott H. Neal City Manager OFC 952 949 8300 FAX 952 949 8390 TDD 952 949 8399 8080 Mitchell Rd Eden Prairie, MN 55344-4485 edenprairie.org Sarah Anderson State Representative District 43A Hennepin County January 24, 2007 Sandy Hewitt Plymouth City Council 9-800 Weston Lane North Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Sandy, Minnesota RepresentativesWAR- 7) House of On January 3, I took the oath of office as the new State Representative for House District 43A. It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve the residents of Plymouth and Medicine Lake in the Minnesota House of Representatives, but that's not why I am writing today. I am writing to extend my sincere appreciation to you for your work as a community leader and to seek your input as the legislative session progresses. During the upcoming session we will face many tough decisions. Fortunately, because of the strong fiscal management by my predecessor Jeff Johnson and Governor Pawlenty over the past few years, we will be working with a $2 billion surplus rather than a budget deficit. This surplus will help as we work on issues of education funding, transportation costs, affordable healthcare, and property tax relief. As a leader in the community, you are in an excellent position to offer me guidance on these issues and on the best way to make our state government more efficient. Your input and first- hand experiences are an essential part of this process and I encourage you to write or call me with your ideas about improving state government. Interaction with community leaders such as you enables me to craft sensible legislation that is workable and practical for residents of 43A. I look forward to working with you on behalf of area residents. Please feel free to contact me anytime. Sincerely, Sarah Anderson State Representative House District 43A 5050 Holly Lane N. #5, Plymouth, Minnesota 55446 (763) 383-9504 State Office Building 100 Rev.Dr.Martln Luther King Jr. Blvd St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-1298 (651) 296-5511 FAX: (651) 296-3949 TTY: (651) 296-9896 Email: rep.sarah.anderson@house.mn a rep. sarah.andersonga housemn 651-2965511 (work) 763-383.9504 (home) 229 State Ofice Building )0 Rev. Dr. 11LK Jr Blvd. St. Paul, MN 551.55 Did you know State Representative Sarah Anderson is already working on ,. A loophole in education funding laws hurt suburban school districts by unfairly limiting theamount of "equity revenue" schools can receive. Representative Anderson is the lead -author of House File 98, which would close this loophole — helping Hopkins schools and saving the Wayzata SchoolDisirict $400,000. Representative Anderson is one of several lawmakers sponsoring HF89 to demand that Congress live up to its pledge to fund special education. The feds promised to pay 40 percent of special ed funding, but have never funded even half that amount in Minnesota.. Congress needs to honor its pledge and relieve schools and property taxpayers. House File 174 would exempt local governments from having to pay state sales tax. Most other government entities — such as school districts, colleges, universities and public libraries — are already exempt. This change in law will save our cities and taxpayers a lot of money. Are you a telecommuter? If you are — or if you employ telecommuters — Representative Anderson is sponsoring a tax credit of which you can take advantage. The credit would cover part of the initial costs to set up a telecommuting office and part of the ongoing costs, such as a high-speed Internet line. More telecommuting means fewer cars on the road, which would improve traffic and reduce pollution. Less pollution, less traffic, lower taxes — HF 330 is a win for everyone! Tax relief was the subject of the first bill of the year in the House. By adopting tax changes passed by Congress at the end of 2006, Minnesota businesses will save as much as $2 million on their 2006 taxes. Individuals will save, too. The tax deduction for higher education expenses is increased, so is the deduction for teachers who purchase classroom supplies. These and other benefits are available on your 2006 taxes, so be sure to check your eligibility at www.taxes.state.mn.us today! A Sa, h N D- E—_=, T4 To DIV, STATE REPRESENTATIVE Ll Feb 02 2007 16:49:01 Via Fax —> 763 509 5060 Admiulistrator Page 001 Of 006 l -Freda Fax- . Lmc F.v.•ef�,�• ,,i AiL..,r...dIaI.r.•.f {•7itF j+t•��Vi•fi4;JO!iY 11;.; A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities February 2, 2007 Page 1 Cities encouraged to adopt The resolution can be modified to address transportation funding resolution specific local transportation projects or concerns. In the weeks since the 2007 Legislative Session began, a number of legislators have told local government advocates that comprehensive transportation fiinding will not become a reality this year V%lithout significant pressure from local leaders. Now is the time to act, by passing a resolution supporting transportation Rinding in Minnesota. At the Capitol, some new legislators are expressing a reluctance to take difficult votes on funding mechanisms such as a gas tax increase; and even the most optimistic legislative leaders acknowledge getting a bill through both the House and Senate may be the easy part. Governor Tim Pawlenty has vowed to veto any transportation measure that contains a tax increase, and no one has predicted `with any certainty «Jhether enough legislators would vote to over -ride. In cities across Minnesota, transportation maintenance and improvement costs are contributing to increasing property taxes; and a lack of state funding has delayed critical improvement projects and repairs needed for both safety and economic vitality. As time passes, the needs and the project costs increase. How you can make a difference? The L,e gt sllatiz-e_A,t*1vo(�a(.-..y p<iEye of the League's v,rebsite, www :linrlc -org, contains a model resolution requesting that the Legislature pass and that Governor Pawlenty sign a comprehensive transportation funding package in 2007. The League is encouraging cities to adopt the transportation fiunding resolution and to communicate directly with legislators on the urgent need for road and transit investments. Also available on the website is a sample news release that can be sent to local news media upon council adoption of the resolution. Note that the news release is a sample and, as With the resolution, it can be modified to reflect unique circumstances or specific transportation challenges. To maximize the impact of this resolution, please send copies of your adopted council resolution to your local legislators who can be found at www.1aG : �;1�.xxzrl.Wra w;) and Governor Tian Pawlenty Office of the Governor 130 State Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155 Lynn Peterson Intergovernmental Relations Assistant League of Minnesota Cities 145 University Ave. W. St. Paul, MN 55103 Or e-mail ri.tr; c-orir Your local news media Questions? ContactAnne Finn at 651.281.1263 or CLYr72�l�lli2i'Zcra1Ni• Renewed interest in local government sales tax exemption? Over the past two weeks, several bills have been introduced to exempt local government purchases from the sales tax. The sales tax was applied to local government purchases in 1991 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 Feb 02 ZHH7 16:49:4Z Via Fax —> 763 5H9 5060 Administrator dn Fa�. y A weekly legislative update from tl?e League ofMinnesota Cities during a state budget crisis. At that time, the sales tax was estimated to raise approximately $60 million from cities, counties and townships. In an estimate prepared in 2002, the cost to local governments was nearly $120 million per year. The League's policies have supported the total elimination of the sales tax on local government purchases. Although many cities have sought project - specific exemptions in the past, the only recent project -specific local government exemption was awarded to Chatfield for materials used in the construction of their wastewater treatment plant. That exemption was included in the 2005 omnibus tax bill. This year's bills include SF 95, which is authored by Senators Dick Dav (R -Owatonna) and t_c.7:ti, I_;a,tw:z(DFL-St. Louis Park) and the House companion bill II:C 283 which is authored by Representatives (; on nie Riitl� (R - Owatonna), :Baan etc:g-son (R -Sauk Rapids), Nlorgi.eL anr:ti.zzg (R -Moorhead), Bob Gun-ther (R -Fairmont), 1<atr:t 1%Itsc_tJ.<ar. (DFL -Dilworth), Carol McFarlane (R -White Bear Lake), gLy la:[:irx (DFL -Lindstrom), 'Nr�il; fi` Beard (R- Shakopee) and ,1-im ,A�bceler (R -Anoka). These bills would exempt goods or services purchased by a city, county, or township, except for items purchased for the provision of goods or services that are generally provided by a private business and the purchases would be taxable if made by a private business engaged in the same activity. The second set of bills, SF' 194/I-11,' 174 are authored by Senators Chris(Jea:l lach (R -Apple Valley), .l?at Pan smu (R -Farmington), 'W arIff-111 LilliMe::�(R-Maple Grove), (R- Jordan),rir (R -Fort Ripley) and Representatives Chris I: el..,al",q e t: (R- Paye 002 Of 006 February 2, 2007 Page 2 Andover), .:tali t;:irrzxlscxc} (R -New York Mills), Bob 7DC tt;me (R -Forest Lake), (R - Wayzata), ` turgh Ancic rscxn (R -Plymouth), -Caa11 (.,:)It 5rl (R -Big Lake) and Le_orn Lill' (DFL -North St. Paul). These bills would exempt all local government purchases effective July, 1, 2007. In the event that other bills might run into opposition clue to the large, immediate impact on the state budget, Rep. Jae a-1tl;ins (DFL - Inver Grove Heights) has approached the League about introducing a third set of bills that would enact an exemption for all city purchases, but with a delayed effective date of July, 1, 2009. The Atkins bill will be introduced in the near Ritare. Questions? Contact Gary Carlson at 651.281.1255 or j;� Smoking ban bill drifts along The House Health and Family Security Committee approved the statewide smoking ban legislation, 1..1F...305, on Thursday on a 12-6 vote. Next stop for this bill will be the Commerce Committee, likely the week of February 12. In his opening remarks, chief author Rep...f.' (DFL -Duluth) amended his bill to remove the local government section that specifically allowed _ cities and counties to be more restrictive with a local ordinance because it was deemed to be unnecessary. As it currently stands, the bill is now silent on its interaction with local ordinances. Other amendments to weaken the bill were defeated, including one aInendmelnt that. Would ban the use of tobacco products all together. The Senate Health and Family Security For more info maticn cn city legislative issues, contact any member of the League ofMinnesota Cities Intergoyernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 Feb 02 2007 16:50:Z9 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Administrator Paye 003 Of 006 mc -Fr daFax y - A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities February 2, 2007 Page 3 Committee will take up the companion bill, .S1:�. related groups interested in the following ' S, Sen. ;11,.a:t_ Ili, _`rh.el�an. (DFL -Mankato) on topics: Monday afternoon at 12:30 PM. Local video franchising Public, Education, Goveriunent ("PEG") Questions? Contact Jennifer O'Rourke at 551.281.1261 orjor•ourke@lmnc.org. Minnesota Property Tat Relief Comment Line Earlier this week Property Tax chair Rep. Paul M:arqu_xrt (DFL -Dilworth) announced the Minnesota Property Tax Comment Hotline which was setup to receive ideas from "real people" on property tax refornl. We believe "real people" includes everyone but lobbyists. The hotline is open at 1-800-551-5520 or 651- 297-8391, or you can submit your thoughts at 1.t:ttv.)-//,vA;wrwhe us,e_rrttrti(i lw"1 tax'lrlt; r - t Ilia - L ct.b-(n1l. Rep. Nlarquart intends to post an "Idea -of -the -day" on the website, and stated that the best ideas would be put together into a Citizens Omnibus Property Tax bill at the end of February. Questions? Contact Jennifer O'Rourke at 651.281.1251 orjorourke@lmnc.org. LMC and MACTA members are invited to a 11summit" for cities and cable commissions A meeting to discuss local cable franchising issues will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm at the League of Minnesota Cities building, 145 University Avenue West, St. Paul. LMC and MACTA members are invited to a "summit" for cities and cable commissions and Programming Municipal broadband projects Other related telecomm issues Purpose of the meeting is three -fold: 1) to invite participation in a coalition to identify common interests and work together when appropriate on state legislation relating to video franchising, PEG programming, municipal broadband projects, and other telecomm -related topics that may arise during the 2007 Minnesota legislative session. (Qwvest is expected to push for legislation eliminating local authority over video franchising.) 2) to share the LMC/Iv1ACTA 2007 Legislative Principles and strategy relating to franchising and telecomm and to encourage and assist attendees to visit their legislators (just across the street from the LMC building) the afternoon of February 6th or in the near future. We will provide handout materials to share with legislators. 3) to educate attendees about the 12/20/06 FCC Order on local franchising (to be released any day now) and its impact on cities, cable commissions, and PEG organizations Agenda (9:00 am) Registration, coffee, rolls, netwrorking (9:30-10:30 am) Presentation by LMC IGR staff and MACTA leadership on 2007 Legislative Session and proposed coalition to work together and communicate to pool resources to support cities and city -related organizations 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 Feb OZ 2007 16:51:10 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Administrator SMC J -Freda Fax - Y A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities (10: 30 am) Break (10:4.5-11:45 am) Presentation by three expert attorneys on what the December 20, 2006, FCC Order says, what its impact may be, and Nvhat cities, cable commissions, and PEG .organizations should do Attorneys: Brian Grogan, Moss & Barnett; Bob Vose, Kennedy Graven; Steve Guzzetta, Bradley & Guzzetta Moderator: Mike Reardon, City of St. Paul, Cable Communications Officer (11:45am-12:30pm) Panelists will be available for Q & A for those who wish to stay RSVP to 651-635-0306 by Adondiay, Februcay 5, 2007 We encourage our members to schedule meetings with your state legislators following this work -shop. Information and materials will be available. Go to�r;.fcw�rse;J€ �Q sYw�tw.rr.�xata :c to make appointments with your state representatives and senators. LMC members should contact Ann Higgins at (651) 281-1257 if you need assistance in setting up meetings with legislators. MACTA members should contact Joe Bagnoli at (6 12) 752-1936 if you need assistance in setting up meetings with legislators. Questions? Contact Ann Higgins at 651.281.1257 or ahiggins@lmnc.org. Committee schedules MONDAY, Febimary 5, 2007 12:30 PM Senate Committee on Health, Housing and Family Security Paye 004 Of 006 February 2, 2007 Page 4 Agenda: SF 238 (Sheran) Freedom to Breathe Act of 2007 2:1.5 PIVI Committee: Taxes Room: 10 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Ann Lenczewski Agenda: HF 496 (Lenczewski) Department of Revenue technical bill. 4:00 PNI Committee: Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Room: Basement State Office Building Chair: Rep. Debra Hilstrom Agenda: Presentations on planning HF 163 (Huntley) Duluth postemployinent benefits accounts authorized to pay benefits to retired employees and to generate revenue dedicated to meet certain city obligations. TUESDAY, February 6, 2007 8:30 AM Serrate Property Tax Division Room 15 Capitol Chair: Sen. Rod Skoe Agenda: County and township state aid presentation 10:00 AM Joint Cor inittee: Taxes and Property Tax Relief and Local Sales Tax Division Room: 10 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Ann Lenczewski Agenda: Joint Tax Committee/Property Tax Relief and Local Sales Tax Division: 2006 assessor reports presented by Department of Revenue. Room 15 Capitol 12:30 PM Chair: Sen. John Marty Transportation Budget and Policy Division For more infesmiation on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 S3 Feb 02 2007 16:51:47 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Administrator Paye 005 0f 006 -FridayF ax - A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities Room 15 Capitol Chair: Senator Steve Murphy Agenda: Govenor's budget presentation by the Dept of Public Safety, and the Driver and Vehicle Services Division of DPS. 4:00 PM Committee: Transportation Finance Division Room: 10 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Bernard Lieder Bill(s) Added Agenda: Subcommittee report on HF147 (Johnson) and HF106 (Thissen) Overview on ports and railroads 6:00 PM Joint Committee: Joint Hearing of House Public Safety Finance Division and Senate Public Safety Budget Division Room: 15 State Capitol Chair: Rep. Michael Paymar Agenda: State of the TINrin Cities. Testimony from St. Paul and Minneapolis mayors and police chiefs WEDNESDAY, February 7, 2007 8:30 AM Senate Taxes Room 15 Capitol Chair: Sen. Tom Bakk Agenda: SF 96 Dille Winstead city hall, community center and police station constriction bond issue SF 191 Skogen Scramber aggregate removal tax imposition authority SF 245 Langseth Border city enterprise zones additional allocations SF 315 Olson, M. Emily sales and use tax imposition 12:30 PM February 2, 2007 Page 5 Committee: Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Room: Basement State Office Building Chair: Rep. Debra Hilstrom Agenda: Credit Card Task Force presentation HF 281 (Moe) Local governmental planning assistance provided, regional development commissions required to submit annual work programs, and money appropriated. 3:00 PM State and Local Government Operations and Oversight Subcommittee on Elections Room 123 Capitol Chair: Sen. Dan Larson Agenda: SF 208 (Sheran) Absentee voting process simplification SF 211 (Higgins) Absentee voting process simplification 7:00 PM Note: Change in meeting time Committee: Transportation and Transit Policy Subcommittee Room: Burnsville City Hall Chair: Rep. Frank Hornstein Agenda: Joint House and Senate field hearing on transit Town Hall Meetings ToNvii 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: Feb. 2 in Verdale (Yesteryear's Cafe, 1pm) with Sen. Dan Skogen and Rep. Dean Simpson Feb. 2 in Nimrod (Nimrod Community Hall, 2:30pin) t�Tith Sen. Dan Skogen and Rep. Dean Simpson 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 Feb 02 2007 16:52:22 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Administrator Paye 006 Of 006 L Freda Fax- �HJ ;„w.,;v A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities February 2, 2007 Page 6 Feb. 2 in Sebeka (J's Family Cafe, 3:30pm) Feb. 10 in LeRoy (Community Center, 10:30 - vVith Sen. Dan Skogen and Rep. Dean Simpson 11:30am) With Sen. Dan Sparks and Rep. Jeanne Poppe Feb. 2 in Menahga (Cottage House Cafe, 4:30pm) 17%Jith Sen. Dan Skogen and Rep. Dean Simpson Feb. 3 in Burnsville (Bumhaven Library 1101 County Road 42 W, 10am) with Rep. Shelley Madore Feb. 3 in Foley (Jax Restaurant, 10:30am) with Sen. Betsy Wergin and Rep. Sondra Erickson Feb. 3 in Gilman (Sclunit Haus, 12:30pm) with Sen. Betsy Wergin and Rep. Sondra Erickson Feb: 3 in Milaca (Embers, 2:30pm) With Sen. Betsy Wergin and Rep. Sondra Erickson Feb. 5 in Biiz-isville (Burnhaven Library 1101 County Road 42 1AT, 7pm) with Rep. Shelley Madore Feb. 7 in St. Patil Park (City Hall, 7pm) with Sen. Katie Sieben and Rep. Karla Bigharn Feb. 10 in Grand Aleadow (Senior Center, 8:30 - 9:30am) with Sen. Dan Sparks and Rep. Jeanne Poppe Feb. 10 in Rochester (Dunn Bros Coffee, 120 Elton Hills Lane NW, 8:30-9:30am) with Rep. Kim Norton Feb. 10 in Cottage Grove (City Hall, 9am) with Rep. Karla Bigham Feb. 10 in Hilhnan (American Legion Club, 10am) with Sen. Betsy Wergin and Rep. Sondra Erickson Feb. 10 in Onainia (Cedarwood Family Restaurant, fpm) With Sen. Betsy Wergin and Rep. Sondra Erickson Feb. 10 in Isle (Dari Vi Restaurant, south of Isle on Highway 47, Spm) with Sen. Betsy Wergin and Rep. Sondra Erickson Feb. 12 in St. Loins Park (Harvest Moon Coffeehouse, 5101 Minnetonka Blvd, 7pm) with Sen. Ron Lata, Rep. Steve Simon, and Rep. Ryan Winkler 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 rtf1:111 r.:tli ` t; mates„ and er-v.htfn Fm more infrnmatim on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122