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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 06-06-2000 SpecialAgenda City of Plymouth Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 6, 2000 7:00 PM Public Safety Training Room 1. Call to Order 7:00 p.m. 2. Review Water Resources Plan Implementation 7:00 p.m. 3. Explore Options for Open Space Acquisitions 7:45 p.m. 4. Discuss Citizen Education program 8:30 p.m. 5. Discuss E—Government Options 9:00 P.M. 6. Schedule topics and date for next Study Session 9:30 p.m. 7. Adjourn 9:45 p.m. Water Resources Management Plan Cnalc TmnlPmPntatin" Plan Item Table Goals tem Subtotals Cost Comments Q o N d 3 ro z G rp y' d aro aro 0 a ° 4= 3Zj Z G C, N x ? m a o m ci o a 1999 14 E ui menti 25,000 See 1999 Inspection budget - this may be redundant 25,000 2000 21 JEquipment 25,000 See 1999 Inspection budget - this may be redundant 25,000 2001 1.0 JEquipment 25,000 See 1999 Inspection budget - this may be redundant 25,000 2002 30 lEquipment 25,000 See 1999 Inspection budget - this may be redundant 25,000 2003 1 JEquipment 25,000 See 1999 Inspection budget - this may be redundant 25,000 2004 25 1Equipment 25,000 See 1999 Inspection budget - this may be redundant 25,000 2005 34 Equipment 25,000 See 1999 Inspection budget - this may be redundant 25,000 2006 12 Equipment 25,000 See 1999 Inspection budget - this may be redundant 525,000 2007 19 Equipment 25,000 See 1999 Inspection budget - this may be redundant 525,000 2008 25 JEquipment 25,000 See 1999 Inspection budget - this may be redundant 25,000 Funded Activities =__> 250,000 Unfunded Activities =_> 0 Equipment Subtotal==> - 5250,000 , 1999 61 16 Erosion 3 20,000 Annual inspections for erosion control compliance on development 10,000 $10,000 2000 61 16 jErosion 3 20,000 Annual inspections for erosion control compliance on development 10,000 $10,000 2 001 1 16 Erasion 3 20,000 Annual inspections for erosion control compliance on development 10,000 $10,000 2002 4 2002 31 16 Erosion 3 16 Erosion 1 20,000 Annual inspections for erosion control compliance on development 7,000 Update ordinance 10,000 $10,000 5,000 2,000 2002 35 16 Erosion 4 0 See financing action items 2002 41 16 Erosion 2 2,000 Ordinance amendment 2,000 2003 38 16 Erosion 3 20,000 Animal inspections for erosion control compliance on development 10,000 $10,000 2004 23 16 Erosion 3 20,000 Annual inspections for erosion control compliance on development 10,000 $10,000 2005 371 161Erosion 3 20,000 Annual inspections for erosion control compliance on development 10,000 $10,000 2006 11 16 Erosion 3 20,000 Annual ins ection for erosion control compliance on development 10,000 $10,000 2007 171 16 Erosion 3 20,000 Annual inspections for erosion control compliance on development 10,0001$10,000 2008 62 16 Erosion 3 20,000 Annual inspection for erosion control compliance on development 10,000 $10,000 Funded Activities =__> 209,000 Unfunded Activities =_> SO tlrosion Subtotal==> 5 X09;000 ` 1999 7 38 Finance 1 25,000 Report on funding alternatives 25,000 1999 8 38 Finance 2 80,000 Implementing recommendation of funding alternatives report including Lo is costs 80,000 2000 13 38 Finance 2 49,000 System development charge/ storm water fee development/ Utility customer service. 33,000 $8,000 8,000 2001 7 38 Finance 2 10,000 lCustomer service - stormwater financing 10,000 2002 18 38 Finance 2 4,000 Customer service - stormwater financing 4,000 2003 31 38 Finance 2 4,000 Customer service - stonnwater financing 4,000 2004 28 38 Finance 2 4,000 Customer service - stormwater financing 4,000 2005 28 38 Finance 2 4,000 Customer service - stormwater financing 4,000 2006 13 38 Finance 2 4,000 Customer service - stormwater financing 4,000 2007 16 38 Finance 2 4,000 Customer service - stormwater financing 4,000 2008 30 38 Finance 2 4,000 Customer service - stormwateir financing 4,000 Funded Activities =__> 25,000 Unfunded Activities =_> 167,000 Finance Subtot`Al > 192,000' 2005 13 34 Ground Water 1 45,000 Prepare wellhead protection plan 45,000 2005 17 34 Groundwater 5 10,000 Develop landscape design guidelines for developer grading plan packets 0 $10,000 2005 21 34 Groundwater 2 4,000 Update private well and individual sewage treatment system data 1 $4,000 2008 9 34 Ground Water 4 3,000 Inventory area of groundwater discharge 3,000 2008 10 34 Ground Water 1 3 1 $4,000 Develop and implement a private well sampling program 4,000 2008 6 34 Groundwater 1 7 15,000 Revisit water conservation plan implementation 15,000 2008 35 34 Groundwater 1 6 0 Monitor alternative landscape features ( see Water Quantity/Quality activities) Funded Activities =__> 459000 Unfunded Activities =_> 36,000 Groundwater Subtotal==> 81,000 1999 4 28 Inspection 2 26,000 Annual Inspection program 6,000 520,000 1999 9 1.999 20 28 Inspection 1 28 Inspection 3 6,000 Annual inspection program of ponds and drainage systems 25,000 Easement acquisition 6,000 4,000 20,000 $1,000 2000 2 28 Inspection 1 6,000 Annual inspection program of ponds and drainages stems 6,000 2000 3 2000 16 2001 151 28 Inspection 2 28 Inspection 3 28 Ins ection 3 26,000 Annual Inspection program 25,000 Easement acquisition 25,000 jEasement acquisition 6,000 $20,000 4,000 4,000 20,000 $1,000 20,000 1 $1,000 2001 17 28 Inspection 1 6,000 Annual inspection program ofponds and drainage systems 6,000 2001 19 28 Inspection 2 26,000 Annual Inspection program 6,000 $20,000 2002 6 28 Inspection 2 26,000 Annual Inspection program 6,000 1$20,0001 2002 8 28 Inspection 3 25,000 Easement acquisition 4,000 1 1 20,000 $1,000 2002 26 28 Inspection 4 6,000 Develop prioritized street scy eping plan 6,000 2002 33 28 Ins ection 1 6,000 Annual inspection program of onds and drainage systems 6,000 2003 231 28 Ins ection 2 26,000 Annual Inspection program 6,000 $20,000 2003 28 28 Ins ection 3 25,000 Easement acquisition 4,000 20,000 $1,000 2003 351 28 Inspection 1 6,000 Annual inspection program of ponds and drainage systems 6,000 2003 17 122 Medicine Lake 7 1,000 Prioritized street sweeping program 1,000 2004 131 28 his petition 1 6,000 Annual inspection program ofponds and drainage systems 6,000 2004 14 28 Inspection 2 26,000 Annual inspection program 6,000 $20,000 2004 15 28 Inspection 3 25,000 jEasement acquisition 4,000 20,000 $1,000 2005 23 28 Inspection 3 25,000 jEasement acquisition 4,000 20,000 $1,000 2005 26 28 Inspection 1 6,000 1 Annual inspection program of ponds and drainage systems 6,000 2005 27 28 Inspection 2 26,000 Annual Inspection program 1 $6,000 $20,000 2006 8 28 hispection 1 6,000 Annual inspection program of ponds and drainage systems 6,000 2006 151 28 his ection 2 26,000 Annual Inspection program 6,000 1 $20,000 2006 16 28 his pection 3 25,000 Easement acquisition 4,000 20,000 $1,000 2007 20 2007 28 28 hispection 2 28 lInspection 3 26,000 Annual Inspection program 25,000 Easement acquisition 6,000 $20,000 4,000 520,000 $1,000 2007 31 28 Inspection 1 6,000 Annual inspection program of ponds and drainage systems 6,000 2008 17 28 Inspection I 56,000 Annmd ins ection program of ponds and drainage systems 6,000 2008 20 28 Inspection 3 25,000 Easement acquisition 4,000 20,000 $1,000 2008 29 28 hispection 2 1 26,000 Annual Inspection program 6,000 1 $20,000 Funded Activities =__> 320,000 Unfunded Activities =_> 2579000 1nspection Subtotal 7z> 5577,000 1999 151 26 1MottitoririE p 512,000 Monitoring plan and monitoring equipment 5,000 $7,000 1999 261 26 Monitoring 2 7,000 Citizen -assisted monitoring 5,000 $500 $500 1 500 1 $500 2000 7 2000 23 26 Monitoring 1 26 Monitoring 2 35,000 Monitoring plan and monitoring equipment 7,000 Citizen -assisted monitoring 5,000 $500 $500 35,000 500 $500 2001 6 26 Monitoring 1. 35,000 Monitoring plan and monitoring equipment 35,000 2001 8 26 Monitoring 2 7,000 Citizen -assisted monitoring 55,000 $500 $500 500 $500 2002 3 262 7,000 Citizen -assisted monitoring 5,000 $500 $500 500 $500 2002 7 Monitoring 26 Monitoring 1 35,000 Monitoring plan and monitoring a uipment 35,000 2003 24 26 Monitoring 1 35,000 Monitoring plan and monitoring equipment IS35,000 2003 36 26 Monitoring 2 7,000 Citizen -assisted monitoring 5,000 $500 $500 500 $500 2003 12 NE Medicine Lake 6,000 Concept report to address treatment deficiencies 6,000 2003 5 104 Parkers Lake 6 5,000 Evaluate impacts of power boating on water quality 5,000 2003 13 104 Parkers Lake 5 5,000 Eurasian waternilfoil control 5,000 2003 161 Parkers Lake 0 No actions 2003 22 80 Pike Lake 2 5,000 Lake monitoring program 1,000 $1,000 3,000 2003 15 Plymouth Creek SW 10,000 Concept report to address treatment deficiencies especially at 494/16th Avenue area 10,000 2004 18 26 Monitoring 2 7,000 Citizen -assisted monitoring 5,000 $500 $500 500 $500 2004 27 261Monitoring 1 35,000 Monitoring plan and monitoring equipment 35,000 2005 6 26 IMonitoring 4 2,000 Establish process for GIS integrated data storage and retrieval 2,000 2005 71 26 Monitoring 5 0 See financing action items 2005 8 26 Monitoring 3 2,000 Establish GIS data base for monitoring data 2,000 2005 33 26 Monitoring 2 7,000 Citizen -assisted monitoring$5,000 500 $500 500 $500 2005 36 26 Monitoring 1 35,000 Monitoring plan and monitoring equipment 35,000 2006 2 26 Monitoring 2 7,000 Citizen -assisted monitoring$5,000 500 $500 500 $500 2006 9 26 Monitorin 1 35,000 Monitoring plan and monitoring equipment 35,000 2007 23 26 Monitorin 1 35,000 Monitoringplan and monitoringequipment 35,000 2007 24 26 Monitoring 2 7,000 Citizen -assisted monitorin 55,000 $500 $500 500 $500 2008 22 26 Monitoring1 35,000 Monitoringplan and monitoring equi merit 35,000 2008 31 26 Monitoring 2 7,000 Citizen -assisted monitoring 5,000 $500 $500 500 $500 Funded Activities =__> 402,000 Unfunded Activities =_> 30,000 Monitoring: S pat pal=? 5432.000 1999 21 21 Public Information and Ed 5 4,000 Home Page 4,000 1999 22 21 Public Information and Education 3 1,000 Articles and videos regarding water resources management plan 1,000 1999 2 21 Public Information and Education 2 6,000 Public education - lake quality and plan rankings stem. 1,000 $2,500 2,500 2000 1 21 Public Information and Education 5 4,000 Horne Page 4,000 2000 17 21 Public Information and Education 2 6,000 Public education - lake qualityand plan rankingsystem. 1,000 $2,500 2,500 2000 22 21 Public Information and Education 3 1,000 Articles and videos regarding water resources management plan 1,000 2000 25 21 Public Information and Education 4 4,000 Pre are and conduct presentation to civic groups, business, industry, etc. 1,000 $1,500 1,500 2001 2 21 Public Information and Education 3 1,000 Articles and videos regardingwater resources management plan 1,000 2001 21 Public hiformation and Education 5 4,000 Home Page 4,000 2001 18 21 Public Information and Education 4 1,000 Conduct presentation to civic groups, business, industry, etc. 51,000 2001 21 21 Public hiformation and Education 2 6,000 Public education - lake qualityand plan ranking system. 1,000 $2,500 2,500 2001 4 32 Public hiformation Education 3 5,000 Eurasian watermilfoil control 5,(100 2002 9 21 Public Information and Education 2 6,000 Public education - lake qualityand plan ranking system. 1,000 52,500 52,500 2002 20 21 Public Information and Education 4 1,000 Pre are and conduct presentation to civic groups, business, industry, etc. 1,000 2002 23 21 Public hiformation and Education 5 4,000 Home Page 4,000 2002 25 21 Public Information and Education 1 0 See financing action items 2002 37 21 Public Information and Education 9 SO Citizen monitoring program - see Monitoring action items iq 2002 38 21 Public Information and Education 3 1,000 Articles and videos regarding water resources management plan 51,000 2003 3 21 Public Information and Education 7 1,000 Establish annual budget line item 750 $250 2003 21 21 Public hiformation and Education 5 4,000 Home Page 4,000 2003 26 21 Public Information and Education 3 1,000 Articles and videos regarding water resources management plan 1,000 2003 30 21 Public hif irmation and Education 4 1,000 Prepare and conduct presentation to civic groups, business, industry, etc. 1,000 2003 33 21 Public Information and Education 2 6,000 Public education - lake quality and plan ranking system. 1,000 $2,500 2,500 2004 3 21 Public Information and Education 1 50,000 Public Education program to encourage participation in plan implementation 40,000 $5,000 5,000 2004 17 21 Public Information and Education 5 4,000 Home Page 4,000 2004 22 21 Public hiformation and Education 2 6,000 Public education - lake qualityand plan rankingsystem. 1,000 $2,500 2,500 2004 24 21 Public Information and Education 4 1,000 Prepare and conduct presentation to civic groups, business, industry, etc. 1,000 2004 26 21 Public Information and Education 3 1,000 Articles and videos regarding water resources management plan 1,000 2005 24 21 Public Information and Education 4 1,000 Conduct presentation to civic groups, business, industry, etc. 1,000 2005 35 21 Public Information and Education 3 1,000 Articles and videos regardingwater resources management plan 1,000 2005 39 21 Public Information and Education 2 6,000 Public education - lake qualityand plan ranking system. S1,000 $2,500 2,500 2005 42 21 Public Information and Education 5 4,000 Home Page 4,000 2005 19 21 Public hiformation/Education 8 4,000 Pursue education related ants 4,000 2006 5 21 Public hiformation and Education 3 1,000 Articles and videos regarding water resources management plan 1,000 2006 6 21 Public Information and Education 5 4;000 Home Page 4,000 2006 20 21 Public Information and Education 2 6,000 Public education - lake quality and pan rankings stem. 1,000 $2,500 2,500 2006 21 21 Public Information and Education 4 1,000 Conduct presentation to civic groups, business, industry, etc. 1,000 2007 18 21 Public Information and Education 5 4,000 Home Pae 4,000 2007 21 21 Public Information and Education 2 6,000 Public education - lake quality and plan ranking system. 1,000 $2,500 52,500 2007 26 21 Public Information and Education 3 1,000 Articles and videos regardin water resources management plan 1,000 2007 33 21 Public Information and Education 4 1,000 Conduct presentation to civic groups, business, industry, etc. 1,000 420081321PublicInformationandEducation54,000 Home Page 4,000 2008 19 21 Public Information and Education 2 6,000 Public education - lake quality and plan rankings stem. 1,000 $2,500 2,500 2008 27 21 Public Information and Education 3 1,000 Articles and videos regarding water resources management plan 1,000 2008 28 21 Public Information and Education 4 1,000 Conduct presentation to civic groups, business, industry, etc. 1,000 2008 39 21 Public Information and Education 6 3,000 Continue to publicize and Support Environmental Quality Committee 1,500 $500 1,0(1(1 2008 32 21 Public Information and Education- 4 1,000 Conduct presentation to civic groups, business, industry, etc. 1,000 Funded Activities =__> 1009000 Unfunded Activities =_> 86,000 Public Info Subtotal= 186,000 .: 1999 1 32 Recreation Fish and Wildli 4 5,000 Assist. DNR to manage invasive plant and animal species 5,000 1999 18 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 3 5,000 Eurasian watermilfoil control 5,000 1999 23 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 2 5,000 Purple Loosestrife control 5,000 2000 18 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 4 5,000 Assist DNR to manage invasive plant and animal species 5,000 2000 20 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 3 5,000 Eurasian watermnilfoil control 5,000 2000 24 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 2 5,000 Pui le Loosestrife control 5,000 2001 14 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 2 5,000 Purple Loosestrife control 5,000 2001 20 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 4 5,000 Assist DNR to manage invasive plant and animalspecies 5,000 2002 11 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 2 5,000 Purple Loosestrife control 5,000 2002 12 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 3 5,000 Eurasian watermilfoil control 5,000 2002 21 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 4 5,000 Assist DNR to manage invasive lana and animal species 5,000 2003 6 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 2 5,000 Purple Loosestrife control 5,000 2003 25 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 4 5,000 Assist DNR to manage invasive plant and animal species 5,000 2003 29 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 3 5,000 Eurasian waterrmilfoil control 5,000 2004 2 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife I 15,000 Public use/public access study. Also see Schmiddt Lake and Pomerlau Lake. 15,000 2004 9 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 2 5,000 Purple Loosestrife control 5,000 2004 10 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 3 5,000 Eurasian watermilfoil control 5,000 2004 12 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 4 5,000 Assist DNR to manage invasive plant and animal species 5,000 2005 30 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 4 5,000 Assist DNR to manage invasive plant and animal species 5,000 2005 40 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 3 5,000 Eurasianwatermilfoil control 5,000 2005 41 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 2 5,000 Purple Loosestrife control 5,000 2006 3 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 4 5,000 Assist DNR to manage invasive plant and animal species 5,000 2006 10 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 3 5,000 Eurasian watermilfoil control 55,1)00 2006 11 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 2 5,000 Pu le Loosestrife control S5,[000 2007 15 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 3 5,000 Eurasian waternilfoil control 5,100 2007 30 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 4 5,000 Assist DNR to manage invasive plant and animal species 5„100 2007 34 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 2 5,000 Purple Loosestrife control 5,(100 2008 18 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 4 5,000 Assist DNR to manage invasive plant and animal species 5,000 2008 21 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 2 5,000 le Loosestrife control 55,1100 2008 23 32 Recreation, Fish and Wildlife 3 5,000 Eurasianwatermilfoil control 5,000 Funded Activities =__> 10,000 Unfunded Activities =_> 150,000 Recr.'F & Wildlife Subtotal==> 160,000 1999 5 Regulatory 8,000 Petition each Watershed for regulatory authority to be sole responsibility of the City 58,000 2000 5 Regulatory 0 Erosion Control Ordinance - covered elsewhere 2003 7 64 Schmidt Lake 2 84,000 Public use/public access development 54,000 530,000 550.000 2003 9 64 Schmidt Lake 1 16,000 Concept study ($6,000) / feasibility report (SIO.000) on stormwater treatment 16,000 2003 10 64 Schmidt Lake 3 5,000 Evaluate impacts of power boating on water qualit} 5,000 2003 18 - 64 Sch.-nidi Labe ----- - _ n-- _ S2"00 h -element and monitor phosphorus4ree fg kip piaR€ersubevat hed -. _ S42-,040 _.__ ---- - -02,000- 2,000 2003 82003 South Medicine Lake SO No action 2003 19 South Parkers Lake 515,000 Feasibility report for treatment option in PL 15 and PL16 15,000 2004 8 Regulatory 3 58,000 Revision to wetland ordinance 6,000 2,000 2005 12 Regulatory 4 4.000 Establish minimum building elevation criteria within existing and/or new ordinances 2,000 2,000 2008 8 2008 33 Regulatory Regulatory 15,000 Zoning Ordinance review and revision 10,000 Consider water resources management overlay ordinance 5,000 $5,000 5,000 $2,500 5,000 2,500 Funded Activities =__> 31,000 Unfunded Activities =_> 154,000 Regulatory Subtotal==> 5185,000 1999 27 Staffing 100,000 Salary and benefits for staff attributed to Water Resources management 100,000 2000 9 Staffing 100,000 Sala and benefits for statf attributed to Water Resources management 100,000 2001 16 Staffing$100,000 Salary and benefits for staff attributed to Water Resources management 100,000 2002 32 Staffing 100,000 Salary and benefits for staff attributed to Water Resources management 100,000 2003 27 Staffing 100,000 Salary and benefits for staff attributed to Water Resources management 100,000 2004 20 Staffing$100,000 Salary and benefits for staff attributed to Water Resources management 100,000 2005 31 Staffing 100,000 Salary and benefits for staff attributed to Water Resources management 100,000 2006 14 Staffing 100,000 Salary and benefits for staff attributed to Water Resources management 100,000 2007 27 Staffing 100,000 Salary and benefits for staff attributed to Water Resources management 100,000 2008 24 Staffing 100,000 Salary and benefits for staff attributed to Water Resources management 100,000 Funded Activities =-_> 1,000,000 Unfunded Activities =_> 50 Staf#31gSubt+tal - 51;,000,000 199.9 13 14 Water Duality 3 520,000 Document physical characteristics ofponds, including dead storage 10,000 $10,000 1999 10 12 Water Quantity 5 6,000 Monitoringof Model site to evaluate alternative landscape features 6,000 2000 11 14 Water Quality 3 20,000 Document physical characteristics of ponds, includingdead storage 10,000 $10,000 2000 8 12 Water Quantity 5 6,000 Monitoringof Model site to evaluate alternative landscape features 6,000 2001 5 14 Water Quality 3 20,000 Document physical characteristics of ponds, includingdead storage 10,000 $10,000 2001 12 12 Water Quantity 5 6,000 Monitoring of Model site to evaluate alternative landscape features 6,000 2002 27 14 Water Quality 2 20,000 Goose population estimates. Follow-upmonitoringto document goose control 5,000 $15,000 2002 40 14 Water Quality 3 520,000 Document physical characteristics of ponds, including dead storage 10,000 $10,000 2002 2 12 Water Quantity5 6,000 Monitorin of Model site to evaluate alternative landscape features 6,000 2002 36 12 Water Quantity 4 0 See financingaction items 2003 2 14 Water Quality4 0 See financingaction items 2003 37 14 Water Quality 3 20,000 Document physical characteristics ofponds, includingdead storage I0,000 $10,000 2003 4 12 Water Quantit 2 0 See Elm Creek and Pomerlau Lake action items 2003 34 12 Water Quantity5 6,000 Monitoringof Model site to evaluate alternative landscape features 6,000 2004 21 14 Water Quality3 20,000 Document physical characteristics of ponds, including dead storage 10,000 $10,000 2004 11 12 Water Quantity 5 6,000 Monitoringof Model site to evaluate alternative landscape features 6,000 2005 16 14 Water Quality 5 0 See above 2005 29 14 Water Quality 3 20,000 Document physical characteristics of ponds, including dead storage 10,000 $10,000 2005 14 12 Water Quantity 3 8,000 Identify known floodingusing GIS ($5,000 - LOGIS) 5,000 $3,000 2005 15 12 Water Quantity5 130,000 Develo model site to monitor effectiveness of alternative landscapes 20,000 580,000 $30,000 2005 18 12 Water Quantity 1 5,000 Update Ci EngineeringGuidelines 5,000 2005 32 12 Water Quantity 5 6,000 Monitoringof Model site to evaluate alternative landscape features 6,000 2006 18 14 Water Quality 3 20,000 Document physical characteristics of ponds, includingdead storage 10,000 $10,000 2006 4 12 Water Quantity 5 6,000 Monitoring of Model site to evaluate alternative landscape features 6,000 2007 22 14 Water Quality3 20,000 Document physical characteristics ofponds, includingdead storage 10,000 $10,000 2007 32 12 Water Quantity 5 6,000 Monitoring of Model site to evaluate alternative landscape features 6,000 2008 15 14 Water Quality 3 520,000 Document physical characteristics of ponds, includingdead storage 10,000 $10,000 2008 36 14 Water Quality1 4,000 Enhance existingcomposting and yard care education program 4,000 2008 16 12 Water Quantity 5 6,000 Monitoring of Model site to evaluate alternative landscape features 6,0001 1 Funded Activities =__> 260,000 Unfunded Activities =_> 167,000 Water Quality Subtotal=-> 427,000 2002 24 19 Wetland 1 520,000 LGU administration 16,000 $4,000 2002 28 19 Wetland 3 0 See financing action items 2002 39 p9 Wetland 2 50,000 Complete and implement comprehensive wetland management plan 25,000 $25,000 Funded Activities =__> Unfunded Activities =_> wetland Subtotals=?:.:: GRAND TOTAL: Funded Activities =__> Unfunded Activities =_> ALL GOALS =_> 20,000 50,000 70,000 K 6 - 2,672,000 1,097,000 397699000 June 2000 Legg C a Financial Contributlo ti Printing/Graphic dC 0 Stockin tri O C p a d C a O a s O La 0 0 c7 Occo oo Property AC uisitiOpYq o 0 c o c o 0 c o opo C o oCOnStruGtio O a o civ C •" I^ N MaintenanG Equipmen o AG uisitlo o c a o d c o 0 0 Monitoring Eguipmen o Acquisititt y3 bs I&E Material 0 a Intern Labo Do o c o c C 0 C 0 C 0o0 0 o a o c a 0 c o a o o a a o0 0 0 0 0 0 Personnel Lab® u`1 r ' " r1 1 O O O C> a O C C> O 4 1 ,_a Ge• d" SJS - S4 fro b4 FA 64 b4 {f3 5A Et? r J A ff3 cA bA raF3 Ft o c © o 0 0 o c o 0 0 0 0 0 o a o a o c o d o 0 0 0 0 0 o c a 0 0 0 0 a o o c o c a 0 0 0 0 0 o c 0 0 c a o 0 o C 0 0 o c c o 0 o c c d a c o 0 0 0 o a s o 0 0 0 d 0 d D o d d 0 0 0 0 c c? o ocO CccO ac c Oot+aoc c oo C o cam? coo c o0 ooco OO - tr, tin. c} v i Ci inriConsultantContractctri0v to ci t o +ri a of rn o tiro vi Oo - d to oo Pn vi ori N -, w! - 00 fA Edi 4A r¢ - i m V9 ld3 N FA 5/q Ge3 c9 A -. b 3 rn n r i 00 ff J3 N V SL ss aA 3 Gq ff3 ' 5o3 bA f i f bA f 3 fr3 GIs f{3 bA fs F } s9 cJ3 0 W $ Gq i4 U tet Cona'i fa4 1 r it ^o i U v tea., _ s i • - C v v v v v v v v , ;s i. = v o :~ Ts, o 7 , v • o bn to , a?, 4"1 U U J J U U Ll U J J fi a n U c3 's U O ' " 3 fZ U a a, a C3 G L. 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H c — ate- Z 7- G z `" ^ _ y - L G i a i ^ . cr3 cd p p O O; r` 'I r i 'n n to `n v 1 ' a0 00 DD Qa C V7 C r- C^- V t OC 00 00 00 00 00 00CNONNNON0aNNCetetetet •7 'IT'IT'IT tGQ`,`- TC-iri. CCCJ"T71 '+ OCJ^ S+T- T-\ ti, NGC^`T-`"" OC^ oNCr7M'\1 a N. 0OCN.. NaCd, O-' r iCCoN" f"16 N0CQ, C- i MC0N--- i 0NtNao N0NC.-• Nm, N--+ NNh,--' i Nt. e-' r L,-G-1 CNom• t -i -s" CNNT moMNi' vNl mto t4• o- O N orn. 0• Nr-- tPOmNC c[ r— C 0 7 90 00 OO O0CO 0r01•, N N ' tNof INp ttNo7 t• No- ttNoo NNvN1 a CCNNC0aN v Oc 00 dtN^ CC[ N` T . td VNtCa0co00N0000TdOOCC00daC00CCaCOcaCaCC N N N N N 1 1:. Agenda Number: CITY OF PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT DATE: June 2, 2000 for the City Council Meeting of June 6, 2000 TO: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager J FROM: Fred G. Moore, Director of Public Works SUBJECT: WATER RESOURCES PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ACTION REQUESTED: Give staff direction on any items not currently funded that are included in the Water Resources Plan. BACKGROUND: The City Council has adopted the Water Resources Management Plan. The plan contained ten City wide goals and additional goals for each one of the lakes within the four watersheds in the City. The plan includes an implementation schedule and estimated cost to implement these goals. Beginning in 1999, the City Council approved additional funding of approximately S129,000 in the operating budget for activities needed to implement the plan. This was increased to $172,000 in the 2000 budget. The City's adopted Capital Improvement Program includes $1,630,000 to implement capital improvements for Medicine, Parker's and Schmidt lakes as part of the plan. Attached are two summary sheets showing all of the implementation items of the Water Resources Plan. The plan implementation is over a ten year period. Assuming that the City's operating budget will continue the same 2000 funding level for the remaining eight years, the following is an estimate of the implementation funding: Funded 5,597,000 Unfunded 2,197,000 Total 7,794,000 Also, attached is a summary breaking down the items into the funded and unfunded categories with a further designation for capital items and operation items. In summary of the information enclosed, I would make the following comments: The City has made a substantial commitment to the implementation of the Water Resources Plan. SUBJECT: WATER RESOURCES PLAN IMPLEMENTATION Page 2 Although the implementation schedule is for ten years many of the items that would be implemented in that time are studies to determine appropriate places for additional water quality treatment. Once these studies are completed they will identify more capital expenditures that will be necessary to achieve the plan goals. For this reason, the plan will take more than ten years to implement. There are probably several items in the plan which will not be implemented. It is not mandatory that each item in the plan be undertaken. Currently, the City has a fund balance in the Water Resources Fund of approximately $1,500,000. These funds are not committed to any specific programs at this time. N:\pw\Engineering\GENERAL\MEMOS\FRED\2000\WaterResPla Impl.doc SUMMARY Funded Unfunded percent Items Total Capital Operating Capital Operating Funded Bassett Creek 251409000.00 1,600,000.00; $159,000.00 311,000.00; $70,000.00 82% Elm Creek 1 043 000.00 0 ' ---$-1 ----------. 00 --- 00,020,000 0.00i -------------- ------------------ 23,00 $0.00 98/0 Minnehaha Creek 305 000.00-------- 0.001 $9000.00 i---------------- 50,000.00 $165,000.00 30% Shingle Creek 537,000.00 50,000.00, $6,000.00 360 000.00 $121 000.00 10% Equipment 000_00 0 00. 250 000.00 0.00 $0.00 100% Erosion 250 20 9,000.00 0.00, $209,000.00 0.00; $0.00 o100 /o Finance 192,000.00 2 --------- 0.00, $5,R 0.00, $167 000.00 o13 /o Groundwater 81,000.00 0.00: $45,000.00 0.001 $36000.00 o55 /o Inspection 000.00 I----------------------------6i000 $320 000.00 I--------------- 250 000.00 $7 000.00 55% Monitoring 577 432,000.00 a------------------ 0.00 $40200.00 0.00 30,000.00 93% Public Info. Edu. 186,000.00 0.00; $100,000.00 0.00; $86,000.00 54% Rec., Fish, &Wildlife 160,000.00 0.00: $10,000.00 I---------------- 0.001' $150,000.00 6% Regulatory 1---------- 85,000.00 I------------------ 31,000.00; $0.00 0.00; $154,000.00 17% Staffing 1,000,000.00 I------------------ 0.00 $1,000,000.00 r---------------- 0.00; $0.00 100% Water Quality 427,000.00 0.001' $2601000.00 0.00 $167000.00 61 % Wetland 70,000.00 0.00 $20,000.00 0.00; $5011000.00 28% Subtotals -> 1,681,000.00: $3,916,000.00 994,000.001 $1,203,000.00 GRAND TOTALS==> 797949000.001$595979000.00 291979000.00 72% DATE: June 2, 2000 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Dwight Johnson, City Manager Eric Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Consideration of Open Space acquisition Background. The Council has made the consideration of acquisition of additional open space one its primary goals for this year. This report and the presentation and discussion on June 6h are intended to help the Council determine a course of action regarding additional open space acquisition in the next several years. In 1994, the City appointed a committee of ten members and employed SEH consultants to identify and review 30 potential open space sites throughout the community. Four criteria were used to rank the sites with the maximum points for each factor as shown: 1. Biological review, 70 points 2. Threat of loss, 15 points 3. Estimated cost per acre, 5 points 4. Degree of protection under existing law, 10 points. The committee ultimately recommended four sites for acquisition. The Council reviewed a number of financial alternatives and called for a bond referendum. The measure, which provided $2,235,000 in bonds for open space and trails to be matched by $1.0 million of existing City funds, passed by a large margin. The City was ultimately successful in acquiring three of the four parcels and a portion of the fourth. Current situation. Earlier this year, the Council reviewed the Parks and Open Space elements of the Comprehensive Plan update, which included much of the earlier work on open space as well as a new proposal for a Northwest Greenway. At the same time, the Council reviewed and approved a Capital Improvements Plan for the next five years which allocated a total of $750,000 in existing capital funds for Open Space acquisition. The plan notes that this money could be used either to match a possible second open space bond issue or as independent funding for the Northwest Greenway, particularly the areas coming within the MUSA line this year. The 1994 study continues to be the best analysis available of possible open space r acquisitions. Eric Blank will present a summary of the biological findings for the remaining sites, and discuss an updated analysis of the threat of loss as well as any legal protections currently in place. Discussion. A multi -departmental staff team met several months ago and went through a similar exercise. After reviewing each of the sites, the staff team came to the conclusion that while a reasonable argument can be made for another bond referendum initiative, it is not necessary and the case for doing so is neither urgent nor compelling. The remaining available properties are often biologically compromised, seem likely to be too expensive for the benefit, or are protected by existing laws. The fact that significant internal funding has been identified for the proposed Greenway and possible other areas is also a consideration. The City can acquire important open space areas over the next five years without a bond referendum or a tax increase. The 1999 Citizen Survey appears to support this outcome. By a margin of 60% to 25%, residents favored spending City funds to acquire open space. But when asked this question in the context of a tax increase to support it, the margin was only 41% to 36% with nearly a quarter of all respondents undecided or not answering. Bond issues with less than 50% initial support often fail. Finally, the Council should consider the total community context in deciding whether to seek a bond issue, including the presence of several school bond referenda this year as well as the City's own history of three elections in the last five years for bonding or capital spending projects. Recommendation. Staff recommends that a program to acquire the Northwest Greenway and possibly other open space to be determined by Council be initiated using existing capital funds over the next several years, beginning with those portions of the Northwest Greenway that will soon be included within the MUSA line. Staff is not recommending a bond referendum at this time. Summary Report Evaluation and Ranking of Natural Areas SEH No. A-PLYMO9404.00 June 20, 1994 Prepared For City of Plymouth Parks and Recreation Department Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. 200 SEH Center 3535 Vadnais Center Drive St. Paul, MN 55110 June 15, 1994 Summary Report Evaluation and Ranking of Natural Areas Plymouth, Minnesota Introduction Thirty sites were evaluated for the presence of natural communities and their ecological characteristics. Sites ranged from completely disturbed or developed land to relatively high quality natural communities. In addition to describing the ecology of each site, this report discusses ways to protect and manage the natural communities at each site. Each site summary report is divided into three sections called Ecological Assessment, Protection and Stewardship. This approach is modeled after the preserve acquisition approach taken by the Nature Conservancy. Summary reports are separated into two groups: high priority sites and low priority sites. Within each group, they are ordered alphanumerically, beginning with Ward 1 and ending with Ward 4. Aerial photos are provided to show the location of natural communities within and surrounding each site. The photos are presented after the written text and ordered identical to the site summary reports. Table 1 lists the high and low priority sites, their significant acreage and ecological grade and rank. The grade and rank follow criteria developed by the Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Program and are the primary factors used in prioritizing the sites from an ecological viewpoint. The grade takes into consideration issues such as degree of disturbance, size of the site, linkage to other natural areas and presence of exotic or nonnative species. Sites were evaluated on May 19, 24 and 26, 1994. This allowed for identification of ephemeral spring flora, not evident at other times of the year. The list of plants, therefore, includes spring ephemerals, woody species (identifiable all year) and a variety of herbaceous species (particularly of open areas). There still remains 9404.00 Page 1 a variety of late blooming species which will not be identifiable because conspicuous remains or new vegetative parts are absent. The flora for all sites is listed in Table 2. The following sections on prioritizing sites, protection and stewardship define the concepts and present the main concerns for the City of Plymouth. A priority number was assigned to each of the high priority sites and is shown in Table 1. Each of the site summaries will identify the specific protection and stewardship issues mentioned here. Detailed protection and stewardship plans are not given at this time, but should be developed at a future time for the select number of sites that the City chooses to preserve. Prioritizing Sites The goal of the evaluation is to identify high priority sites worthy of perservation by the City of Plymouth. Sites were prioritized based upon ecological considerations of grade, rank, size, linkage and sometimes practicality of management. Priority does not consider that wetland laws could be used for preservation or the numerous political, planning and financial issues that require consideration in determining which sites to finally target for preservation. Sites were first divided into high and low priority groups. Fifteen sites are in each group. The high priority sites were then given a site priority number, with one (1) being the highest priority. Overview of Protection Measures Protection measures for natural areas include site acquisition, conservation easement, regulatory land use restrictions, such as wetland laws and ordinances, and restrictions on development in sensitive areas (i.e. steep slopes). City ordinances can be written to classify the wetlands into high priority and low priority areas. High priority sites may be given additional protection not afforded by existing wetland laws. Protection stringency can be varied for different categories of natural area lands. For example, classifying natural areas and adjacent lands as core preserves and buffer zones distinguishes the higher quality natural areas from surrounding land that could be restored or otherwise managed as a core buffer area. Uses permitted (i.e. extent and type of trails, use of trails, picnicking, domestic pet rules, horses, etc.) in the buffer zone and core preserve will then vary with respect to their different levels of protection. Wetland protection at the local level can vary according to differences in perceived value. For example, wetland areas which Summary Report - 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 2 contribute to a larger wetland complex or wetland/upland complex can be given more stringent local protection. In addition, wetland protection often includes maintaining a natural area around the wetland called the transition zone. At the local level, protection can also include developing an understanding with the residents of landscaping practices which are compatible with maintaining quality natural areas. For example, the City can work with residents in buffer zones and core preserves to learn about and provide assistance for natural habitat landscaping. For forested tracts, buffer zones can be areas which have been planted to regenerate the forest edge, in contrast to the core preserve which is an existing, higher quality natural community. A primary function of forests is the shade -tolerant habitat. Forests tracts with elongated rather than compact shapes have a much larger edge, and thus less shade -tolerant interior. These tracts are unstable in that they can become a woodland edge community as sun -loving species invade along the edges. To protect these tracts buffer zones may need to be established to fill in circuitous edges and lead ultimately to more shade -tolerant interior. Overview of Stewardship Measures Stewardship measures include maintaining preserve area boundary fences, trails, shelters, signs and so on. Fencing and signage can be chosen according to the adjacent land use and type of natural community. For example, natural areas adjacent to residential development may need continuous fencing to restrict dumping or other inappropriate uses. Stewardship also includes maintaining and enhancing the ecological value of the preserve. These issues are restrictions for erodible slopes, pets and picking wildflowers; management of exotic species; restoring native vegetation; and prescribed burn management. One of the main concerns arising out of this study is deer browsing in forest tracts, not only on herbaceous vegetation by the tree seedlings. It is recommended that deer exclosures be designed and placed in appropriate locations in natural areas managed by the City of Plymouth. The size can be determined individually for each site and should take into consideration the ability to enclose areas with high density seedling production. In addition, sites with the potential for forming large canopy gaps i.e., large, old trees could be enclosed. Exclosures could be moved to different locations after serving the function of sapling establishment. Species are called exotics when they are growing in an ecosystem different from the one they naturally evolved in. Because of their Summary Report A-PLYM09404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 3 invasive and profligate growth, due to lack of natural checks and balances, they are disruptive to natural communities. Managing exotic species in natural communities can often be critical to maintaining their existing structure and composition. The Nature Conservancy has available upon request abstracts for controlling several woody and herbaceous exotic species found in Minnesota woodlands and prairies. It is recommended that the Nature Conservancy abstracts be reviewed for developing appropriate stewardship plans for City of Plymouth natural areas. Restoring native plant communities typically consists of reintroducing or increasing the abundance of characteristic species and removing exotic or nonnative species. The rarest communities in Minnesota are fire -maintained. Plymouth has several wooded communities which at one time were maintained by fire as savannas (scattered trees with about 70% open shrub and herb layer), but now are woodland or forests. Restoring the savanna community would be impractical. However, steps should be taken to maintain or restore the structure and composition of these woodland or forest tracts. In Plymouth, disturbance is primarily from exotic species establishing and disrupting the characteristics species composition and structure. These communities can be restored such that the succession towards high quality forest tracts is favored over domination by stands of exotic species that provide little biodiversity or habitat for the native flora and fauna. Many sites evaluated have agricultural land. Restoring native prairie (herbaceous) species to fields is practical and would be recommended to increase diversity adjacent to the existing natural areas on the site. Prairie areas are typically maintained by prescribed burning. Additionally, native trees can be planted into fields adjacent to existing forest tracts. The Department of Natural Resources Scientific and Natural Areas Program can provide guidelines for learning how to develop a prescribed burn program. Summary Report - 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 4 Site Summary Reports Section 1- High Priority Sites Site 1C Ecological Assessment This site contains oak forest, lowland hardwood forest, willow swamp and emergent marsh communities. Parts of the site are in agricultural use. The varied topography provides for site diversity. Although the entire site is about 50 acres, it is still only about half of the entire complex of upland and wetland (see Figure 1C). The entire element is fragmented by roads, driveways and residential landscaping. The easternmost stand (Figure 1C) has east -facing slopes of 12-18% and greater. The stand is relatively young, but has a good distribution of age classes, including an abundance of seedlings. The herb layer is prominent and varied (see Table 2). Buckthorn is occasional in the interior and uncommon along the edge. Unfortunately, this stand is somewhat isolated from the other natural elements .on the site. The road, road edge and private residence fragment the area, and the stand continues on south of the site. The eastern stand of oak forest slopes west at 12-18%. The age class distribution is good with seedlings of all common species present. The understory commonly has box elder, which has invaded from the adjacent lowland forest tract. Although it was not possible to visit the western portions of this site, the oak forest clearly continues in the other upland locations of the site. The lowland hardwood forest is succeeding to box elder from elm and cottonwood. The wetland areas consist of willow swamp community with reed canary grass and emergent marsh dominated by reed canary grass. The oak forest tracts are small and young, but have good structure and composition, therefore, a grade of BC is given. Adequate protection, including adjacent natural communities, and development of buffer zones surrounding the core area should allow for these areas to be maintained. The willow swamp community is heavily invaded by reed canary grass. The emergent marsh community is dominated by reed canary grass. This species was introduced as a hay crop in low- lying areas and has taken over the majority of these areas in the state. Although these communities are degraded, they are part of a larger forest -wetland complex and provide habitat value. For this reason, these areas are given a grade of C. Summary Report A-PLYM09404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 5 Protection Clearly, the most critical issue is the need to protect the entire element, including those portions not on this site. The land use indicates that large lots (perhaps 5 -acres each) encompass the majority of the site. Conservation easements with the landowners may be the way to protect this part of the natural community. Awareness and education of these landowners about how to protect the element will prevent further fragmentation of the area. Portions of the forest tracts are steeply sloping and, therefore, would be protected by ordinances restricting development of highly erodible slopes. The wetland areas, which comprise about half of the site, can be protected through wetland laws. Stewardship Forest sites are mostly sloping and will require well-maintained trails to prevent erosion. Treefalls across the trails should be moved to prevent users from going off the trails and trampling the herb layer. Encroachment of exotic species along the edges and into interior gaps will need to be managed by cutting and removal. Removal of reed canary grass from wetland communities is not practical, nor are adequate methods available. Site 1D Ecological Assessment A small tract of maple -basswood forest is the only significant native plant community on this site. Only a small part of the element is on this site. The remaining tract extends south and eventually is contiguous with Site 1L. The characteristic species are sugar maple, basswood, and red oak. In a 100 -foot transect of the largest canopy trees, half were red oak and half were sugar maple. The predominant understory trees are sugar maple. White oak, ironwood, and hickory are found occasionally. Disturbance has occurred over the last 100 years in this forest. Selective cutting occurred randomly throughout the forest. Dead wood, an important component of forest ecosystems, is lacking. The exotic shrubs, prickly ash and currants, established in small areas throughout but are not increasing since the canopy has closed in to shade the ground again. Since major past disturbance, the ground cover has not recovered. The variety and abundance of spring wildflowers is poor. The few that are found are native to this community and no exotic ground cover species were observed. Seedlings particularly of sugar maple are not common, probably due to deer browsing. Along the eastern boundary the ratio of edge to interior forest is high. This increases the chance of Summary Reporl - 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 6 sun loving exotic species entering the forest and creating further ^ disturbance. Although this site represents some of the original nature of the Big Woods, the present forest structure indicates that the forest will eventually succeed to a sugar maple stand. Without intervention to exclude deer browsing the forest structure will include fewer and fewer understory maples. As sunny gaps open, the exotic prickly ash will be spurred on to increase and other species common to edges and hedgerows will establish. Due to the previous disturbance, exotic shrubs, small size of the forest on this site and lack of many tree seedlings the tract is given a Grade C. With management and proper protection this site could be graded B. Protection Protection of the entire element is necessary to maintain the forest tract. The land use includes residential estate lots, pasturing, and the railroad have fragmented the site. Conservation easements with landowners and education about protecting the element should be adequate to protect areas outside the site. Protecting the interior by reducing the edge areas can be accomplished by replanting to create buffer zones. This would be particularly important along the eastern edge where cutting and grazing have cut up much of the forest. Stewardship Management of the exotic shrubs is highly recommended. The Nature Conservancy maintains abstracts for management of several exotic species. Prickly ash should also be removed from the forest, as it is not a typical species of this community. Dead wood should be retained, either standing or fallen. This will restore the habitat for many bird species to the forest, and continue to maintain the forest duff. Walking should be limited to defined paths. This should allow tree seedlings and wildflowers to have a chance to recover. Saplings of red oak and other native species that are available should be planted in places where the canopy opens. Deer exclosures should be used to allow for seedling survival to increase. The surrounding land use is primarily pasture. As this would change to residential development, pets should be leashed to minimize predation of forest wildlife. Summary Report A- 94o4m Plymouth, Minnesota Page 7 Site 1G Ecological Assessment This site contains a large area of oak and maple -basswood forest. A large part of the element is found outside of this site on large residential lots (Figure 1G). Large wetland areas grade into the site to the west. Diversity is provided by the variation in slope and exposure. Mature red oak (average 14dbh) is a canopy dominant, followed by sugar maple. Basswood, ironwood, hickory and occasionally white oak, ash and bigtooth aspen are present. Recent, occasional logging of these same age trees has occurred in some areas. Tree seedlings are common. Rarely prickly ash and currant shrubs are present. The herb layer is well developed with a variety of spring ephemerals (Table 2). Given the good distribution of tree size classes, lack of disturbance to the herb layer and size, this site is given a grade B. The potential to develop into old growth exists if the entire element is protected, giving the community a grade A. Protection Critical for this community is protection of the entire element, not just those tracts on this site. This seems practically feasible, because the land use suggests that the established private residences value the wooded character of their property. Education and conservation easements could be used to include the residents in a whole element protection plan. Other protection measures include the items discussed previously such as adequate trails, use restrictions and protection of steep slopes. A creek passes through the forest with relatively high slopes. These areas are particularly sensitive to off -trail trampling, compaction, of soils, and erosion. Visitors and residents must keep domestic pets leashed. Picking of woodland wildflowers should be prohibited. Stewardship Trails must be adequately maintained. Fallen snags should stay in the forest, but be moved off of trails to allow users to stay on trails. Signs regarding the requirements for protection should be maintained and replaced regularly. Deer enclosures should be used to maintain a supply of tree seedlings where necessary. Summary Report A-PLYM09404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 8 Site 1I Ecological Assessment This site contains a large tract (about 53 acres) of maple -basswood forest. The community continues unbroken to the west and south to make up a total of 100+ acres. The land to the west if the proposed site of a new high school. If the remainder of the community is similar in structure and composition to the site evaluated, then preservation of the school forest tract would link together the two sites to make up more than 100+ acres of high quality maple -basswood big woods forest. The site is nearly level with both silty and rather heavy clay loam soils, low marshy areas and Elm Creek passing through the center. The shape is compact with a relatively low edge to interior ratio. The site shows very little recent disturbance. Selective cutting, probably of oak, occurred in the distant past, but red oak has regenerated nicely. Sugar maple is the most abundant tree. Red oak is common (20%) and comprises almost all of the canopy. Basswood, ironwood, red maple and ash are present. Standing and fallen deadwood is common. Saplings of sugar maple, hickory and ironwood are typical. Seedlings of sugar maple are highly browsed. The red oaks range in size from 11-27 diameter. The sugar maples are on average 8 inches diameter. This forest has a good distribution of all age classes, except for the lack of young sugar maple seedlings. Along Elm Creek semi -sunny areas support box elder as the common understory tree. There is low probability of it spreading into the highly shaded forest interior. The marshy areas are sedge meadows and the fringes support most of the herb layer. The herb layer covers about 30% area and is mostly in patches. The edges are mostly shaded throughout, but in some places where there are breaks in the canopy buckthorn is occasional. The size, lack of disturbance, and structure of this tract make it a grade A forest. Protection The forest to the west and south should be preserved along with this site. Although development of the offsite forest would not immediately jeopardize the quality of the site, it would place it closer to the minimum size for an A grade (40 acres). In addition, due to the high number of red oaks, development could raise the probability that oak wilt could invade into the tract. This community should perpetuate itself indefinitely, and no protection from exotic species in necessary at this time.. However, deer enclosures are recommended to increase survival of sugar maple seedlings. Summary Report A- 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 9 Stewardship Protection of potential forest songbirds should be taken into consideration. Cats from adjacent development are the biggest problem for maintaining the habitat for these birds. Although the area is nearly level, trails should be well maintained to ensure that walkers do not trample and compact the ground away from trails. The banks of Elm Creek could be disturbed from random use of walkers also. Crossings should be maintained and signs posted to ensure that people do not erode the banks. The site also contains land cleared for agricultural practice. Some of this land could be used as open picnic area and some of it could be managed as a buffer zone around the core preserve. Tree planting in the buffer zone could be done to increase the size of forest interior. Site 1K Ecological Assessment This site contains a maple -basswood forest tract. Almost all of the community is contained on the site. The Soo Line fragments it through the center. Agricultural land and Hollydale golf course surround it. The site is linked to the large Gun Club wetland to the northeast. There is potential to create a significant acreage of natural area by preserving this site, site 1G, and the Gun Club wetland. South of the tracks is disturbed by roads and recent cutting. The forest has been recovering from a crown fire that spread through this tract in the past. A sugar maple -basswood stand with elm and green ash has canopy sugar maples on average 16 inches diameter and 8 inch diameter green ash. Buckthorn is common in patches throughout. The stand is wet-mesic in spots so that logging roads crisscrossing the stand, are creating gullies and compacting the ground throughout. The herb layer is dense and dominated by impatiens or Virginia waterleaf. Seedlings of sugar maple are rare. North of the tracks the topography is rolling with high -sided ravines leading north. The potential for erosion is highest here of any forest tracts visited in this study. The forest structure varies from young even -age stands (2-6 inch diameter trees) to older stands of more diverse age structure. Old white oak is widely spaced in the canopy. In the older stands, the canopy sugar maples are 13 inch diameter. There is a strong component of sugar maple saplings (<2 dbh) and young basswood are quite common. Buckthorn is common throughout in patches, but honeysuckle is rare. Sugar maple seedlings are rare. Summary Report - 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 10 This site barely meets the size requirement for grade A forest tracts. The degree of disturbance in the southern section from roads and patches of buckthorn throughout also downgrades this site. This community is young to middle age second growth forest with a present grade of B, but with protection and management could become grade A. Protection This community could be preserved intact by purchasing this site alone. A broader protection plan would be to link together this community with the wetland to the northeast and site 1G. The adjoining property owners could be involved in a multi -faceted protection plan that includes conservation easements, wetland protection, and City acquisition. The northern section is sensitive to trail placement. Ravines need to be crossed and trails need to be well maintained and prohibit off trail walking. The southeast corner is presently used as a parking lot and wood chip site. The overstory has been maintained and the roads lead in from here. Picnicking areas could be established in this location. Stewardship Buckthorn needs to be removed from most parts of the forest. It still just exists in patches, rather than continuously and is, therefore, practical to remove. Points for invasion of exotic species along the railroad line need to be watched closely. Site 1L Ecological Assessment The natural community on this site is an oak forest succeeding to a maple -basswood forest. The site is rolling, and a low, steep - sided creek ravine passes through the center. The community has a compact shape but other than that is small (about 26 acres), thereby lower the probability of it maintaining itself. The community continues off the site to the north and eventually is connected to Site 1D. The Soo Line fragments the forest to some degree where it passes as the north boundary of this site. Red oak is the dominant canopy tree in some patches and sugar maple is more common in others. The oaks are large with an average diameter of 21 inches. An individual red oak was found with a 38.5 inch diameter (not included in the average). Mostly sugar maple is replacing as the canopy dominant. There is a variety of age and size classes present. Sugar maple seedlings are uncommon due to browsing. In broken spots towards the Soo Summary Report A-PLYM09404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 11 Line shrubs occur. Buckthorn and prickly ash are occasional and raspberries are common in these areas. The herb layer covers about 60% of the ground, and sedges are the most common species. This tract is high quality with the red oaks being old growth. Due to the small size the highest attainable grade is B. Protection The entire community, including the area off-site could develop into a grade A forest tract. To do this would require developing various ways to protect the whole community all the way to Site 1D. Residents within the forest community would need to be part of the protection plan. Developing compatible uses and landscaping for the properties would be essential to protecting the community. Stewardship Managing the interior for invasion of sun -loving species is the main concern. The edges of the forest are broken in places. Edge species are beginning to invade these sites. In addition, if the entire community were considered as one, edges created by private residences would need to be managed. Additional tree planting should be done to increase the forest interior in these places. Established exotic species should be removed. This is practical because exotics are not common, at least on this site. As you recall from Site 1D, prickly ash is common in the understory there. Site 2D Ecological Assessment This site is part of an oak forest. Although the forest continues outside the boundaries to adjacent wooded residential lots, it is probably too small to maintain itself indefinitely. The topography is rolling and the low areas are marshy. Soils are rather heavy and drain poorly. Very old white oak (average 25 inches diameter) comprise much of the canopy. Aspen, green ash and sugar maple are occasionally in the canopy. The understory consists of ash, elm, maple, cherry and buckthorn. These species are competing for dominance in canopy gaps. Buckthorn is the primary tree seedling and appears to have caused approximately an 80% decline in the herb layer. The open areas are ow marshes dominated by reed canary grass. The structure of this forest has been highly disturbed by the invasion of buckthorn. This species will probably effectively compete against the native understory for gaps opened by senescence of canopy oaks. Due to the small size and high presence of buckthorn, this tract is given a C grade. Summary Report - 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 12 Protection The small site of this forest tract requires that measures to maintain the existing size and increase it be taken. The residential lots on all sides are wooded and should be maintained to help protect this site as a natural area. Site 2F is linked to this site via a block of lowland and wooded property (Figure 2D/e/F). Protecting site 2D, 2F and the connecting block of land would maintain the existing 40+ acre forest tract. This site, along with the Site 2F should be protected from further development of edges in the interior. Edges are conduits for further spread of nonnative and exotic species. Currently, homes are on both sites, but the nature of the landscaping is compatible with the surrounding forest. Stewardship Buckthorn removal and control is the primary management objective for this site. A management plan should be developed to tackle this formidable problem. Cutting and removal of the largest trees should be initiated first to remove the primary seed source. The Nature Conservancy abstracts on buckthorn control should be consulted. Awareness and educational signs should be developed to teach the local residences about the value of the site, the reason for significant cutting that is occurring and need to keep on the trails. Site 2F Ecological Assessment All oak forest tract is the natural community on this site. It links to Site 2D and presumably has similar characteristics as that site. This site was not available for a field visit, but based on the connectivity to Site 2D, probably has the same issues and characteristics. The additional topography of the shoreline provides microhabitat unique to this site, compared to Site 2D. Given the protection of the Hadley Lake shoreline, potential diversity from the topography and relatively greater size, the site would most likely be graded BC. Protection Protection measures for this site are similar to Site 2D. The best option would be to protect this site along with Site 2D. The topography of the shoreline requires protection from erosion. Use of the shore for docking must be limited to the nearly level and most disturbed sites. Trails along the top of. steep slopes must ummary Heport A-PLYMU9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 13 be well maintained and marked to prevent erosion and deterioration of the herb layer Stewardship The issues discussed for Site 2D apply to this site. Site 3A Ecological Assessment This is a diverse site of forest tracts, marshes and open fields edge. The ecological value of each plant community in and of itself is not outstanding. However, it is well linked to French Regional Park. This site is an outstanding example of the value of maintaining large or connected undeveloped tracts of land. The diversity of wildlife documented on this site by the residents of Plymouth is probably almost entirely due to the linkage to the regional park. The wildlife value and ability to maintain quality natural plant communities is significantly undermined by fragmenting landscapes into small pieces. The majority of living things have life history requirements that necessitate more than one isolated habitat type. Maintaining size and variety contributes to biodiversity. This is demonstrated by the nationally renowned forest preserves in the northern counties of Illinois and the smaller regional parks in the Twin Cities. The site has small tracts _of oak forest along the east boundary Figure 3A). The canopy dominants are red and white oak and basswood. Understory elements are green ash, basswood, choke cherry and elm. Snags are occasional. The structure somewhat resembles an oak woodland with the prominence of the shrub layer. Pagoda dogwood is common, and honeysuckle, buckthorn and prickly ash are occasional. The herb layer is well developed. Most of the tract is edge due to the long narrow shape. It will be extremely_ difficult to maintain this forest tract because of the small size and minimal interior space. As gaps form the native understory should compete effectively for the canopy, but the multiple points for invasion of sun -loving edge species will eventually overcome the native tree replacement. For these reasons, this community is given a grade BC. The wetland plant communities are either cattail marsh or canary grass. The cattail marsh is given a grade B because of the good edge cover and adjacent forest and advantageous woodland. The other marshes are given a grade C only because of the connectivity to other undeveloped areas, including French Park. The remaining area of the site is old field. These areas provide opportunity for expansion of the adjacent forest and restoration of native plant species. Summary Report - 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 14 Protection The primary protection for this site is the adjacent regional park, which will exist indefinitely. A protection and management geared to preserve the existing natural value and enhance it should be developed. Wetland ordinances which protect high priority wetlands could be used to protect much of the site. The oak forest can be included as wetland edge critical to maintaining the habitat value of the wetlands. The open water is currently DNR -protected. Protecting the potential songbird habitat from domestic cats should be addressed in park rules and regulations. Fencing of the perimeter to minimize inappropriate use of the forest tract along the east boundary is recommended. Stewardship The forest tract should be managed to control exotic shrubs and edge species from establishing in the small shaded interior. Old fields are recommended as restoration sites for mesic and wet prairie herbs. Site 3H Ecological Assessment The majority of the peninsula is lowlands. The soils are organics except for a small area of sandy loam at the point. A maple basswood stand is on the point and has been highly disturbed in the past by the homestead. The original understory and herb layer was altered to create a lawn and shade trees. Adventative and landscaping trees, shrubs and herbs are now prominent. Because the original forest trees are still present, this tract is given a grade C. The hardwood swamp is dominated by willow, box elder and green ash. Much of the understory in the middle section is buckthorn (Figure 3H). Red -osier dogwood is common towards the southern end. The herb layer is well developed and without weed species. This community is degraded by the invasion of buckthorn. The grade is C. The shrub carr consists of red -osier dogwood and willow. The emergent vegetation is dominated by canary grass; however, several native marsh elements are still present. Due to the continued presence of many herbaceous species and adjoining upland habitat, this community is graded B. Summary Report 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 15 The cattail marsh is part of the larger marsh surrounding the Bassett Creek headwaters. The relatively large size of the entire community gives this tract a grade B. The main value of this site is communities and habitat types complex to the south. Protection being the complex of different and linkage to a larger wetland The ideal protection for this site is linking it to a large protected wetland complex that includes the marsh to the south (Figure 3H), Site 3I and Site 3M. This could be accomplished by establishing the lower Medicine Lake wetland area as a high priority wetland preservation area. The reasons for establishing large and diverse protected areas are discussed under Site 3A. Stewardship Buckthorn in the hardwood swamp should be removed and controlled from further establishment. This is the only significant management issue for the site. Site 3I Ecological Assessment This site has hardwood forest and willow swamp communities underlain by muck. Stands of trees characterize most of the site, but they are interspersed with stands of willow to the east (Figure 3I,M). The vegetation in the herb layer is highly degraded. Roads crisscross the site and have compacted the soil such that nonnative plants such as creeping charley, Kentucky blue grass and dandelions dominate. Cottonwood is outstanding on this site and it is interspersed with elm, box elder and green ash. The wooded edges are dominated by sumac and buckthorn. Dogwoods are common throughout. A 29 inch diameter bur oak specimen was observed. The site is degraded; however, it is linked to the larger willow swamp to the east and on site M and the large cattail marsh on Bassett Creek. Within this larger area complex, the towering cottonwoods provide a unique component of the wetland habitat. For this reason, the community is given a grade BC. Protection This site could be protected by wetland laws and a local ordinance which prohibits development of portions of large wetland complexes. Summary Report -----A--PLYM09404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 16 Stewardship Any of the degraded open areas could be used for picnicking areas. Removing exotic buckthorn and sumac would be very difficult, but since access is easy, it is not impractical to consider. Garbage dumping is common. This includes pieces of concrete. All of this should be removed. Site 3L Ecological Assessment This site consists primarily of wetland communities. The wetland continues offsite to the south (Figure 3L). The edges in the southern segment have been developed. A willow swamp occupies the majority of the basin. Reed canary grass has dominated open marshy areas. Dead ash is common, indicating the hydrology has a history of fluctuation. The edges are not developed, probably since they are relatively steep -sloping woods. The complex of wetland cover and woodland transition zone provides good wetland habitat. Given the variety of wetland vegetation types and extent of upland edge, this community is given a grade B. The adjacent upland is sloping oak forest and lowland hardwood. The east boundary area is dominated by white oak that are 18 inches diameter on average. Basswood and ironwood are common understory trees, and along the edge box elder, choke cherry, green ash and aspen are common. Buckthorn and honeysuckle are the two exotic shrubs along the edge, but they die out under the shaded canopy. The herb layer is scattered and covers about 20% of the ground. Protection This site can be protected with wetland ordinances. The entire community, not just the part on this site, should be protected equally. The sloping woods could be protected with steep slope ordinances or a wetland ordinance which restricts development of the adjacent transition area. Stewardship Developing and maintaining trails will be the major issue for this site. Trails will have to be raised boardwalks. Along the steep - sloping areas no trails should be developed, due to the difficult terrain and potential for erosion. Summary Report - 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 17 Site 3M Ecological Assessment This site contains lowland hardwoods and willow swamp communities. The lowland hardwoods continues to the north Figure 3I,M). Cutting of very large trees occurred in the distant past. Green ash, box elder, basswood, hackberry and cottonwood are typical tree species. Buckthorn covers 25% of the understory. The herb layer has been disturbed by frequent dumping. The linkage of this site with adjacent wetland communities increases its value. Due to the disturbance of the herb layer from dumping and the extent of buckthorn, this site is given a grade C. With management and protection, the grade could be raised to at least a B. The northwestern area of the site contains a shrub swamp community. Sandbar willow and red osier dogwood are interspersed with common reed grass. Marsh marigold are occasionally found. This community appears to be in good condition with little disturbance. Due to the linkage of this community with lowland hardwood forest, cattail marsh to the east and site 3I, a grade of B has been assigned. Blanding's turtle has been reported crossing the road in this area within the last five years. This species is ranked as state threatened. Protection Wetland laws protect the shrub swamp community. As identified above under Site 3I, a wetland ordinance which protects larger wetland complexes from fragmentation would adequately protect much of this site. Additional protection via acquisition or wetland ordinance to protect upland transition zones would be necessary for the lowland hardwood forest. Stewardship A field is in the southeast part of this site. This could be managed as a picnic area. Trails will be difficult to develop and maintain. Raised boardwalks are necessary to prevent compaction in some places and to allow passage over standing water. Buckthorn removal is critical to maintain the structure and composition of the lowland hardwoods. Site 3N Ecological Assessment This site contains a complex of wetland communities. The unique element here is the presence of tamarack. It appears that the community is a shrub swamp with tamarack making up about 30% of the wooded areas. Tamarack is located in a circular zone Summary Report A- 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 18 centrally located in the site. The wooded area located to the south central is weedy in nature and covers a long path of road rubble large old blocks of concrete). The wooded area on the east boundary is lowland hardwood forest. The southeastern area is mostly covered by a cattail marsh. Scattered stands of reed grass and sedges are along the edges. The north central area is dominated by reed canary grass. The shrub swamp is invaded by reed canary grass, but many native herbs are still present. Due to the presence of tamarack in this community, the shrub swamp is given a AB grade. Tamarack are sensitive to poor water quality and thus are an indicator of higher quality areas. Also, they are rare in this part of the state. The southwestern open area is an old field. This area would be useful as a picnic area. Protection Wetland ordinances should be used to restrict development on this site. It is recommended that the site be specially investigated to see what conditions should be maintained to sustain the tamarack. The lowland hardwoods should be protected as wetland transition zone. Stewardship The old field should either be managed as a picnic area or restored with native flora. The old concrete blocks should be removed. This practical with heavy equipment crossing the old field. Site 4A Ecological Assessment This site contains a complex of several wetland and upland plant communities. The uplands range from closed canopy forest to open, brushy areas. All the upland sites have been considerably disturbed by roads and paths. Fortunately, erosion is not severe in most places, because the topography is gently sloping. The site is bordered by the Soo line to the south, and residential and commercial development. Because of its size, complexity and potential for restoration, the site is still worthy of protection. The original upland plant communities were mostly fire - maintained oak savanna and prairie. Large (24 inch diameter), low spreading and widely spaced individuals of bur oak are present in the south-central part of the site (Figure 4A). A few of the prairie herbs are still evident and indicate that the site supported mesic prairie. All of the open areas along the south end of the site are Summary Report A-PLYM09404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 19 disturbed prairie remnants, containing weedy herbs and stands of aspen and sumac. The grade is D because of the poor representation of the characteristic prairie species. The oak forest is an upland lobe surrounded by several different wetland communities. The structure indicates that this area was most likely a savanna community. Red oak has succeeded since fire suppression. Maple and elm saplings are prominent in the understory. Woodland edge species are not found in the interior. With appropriate management, this tract can develop into a high quality oak forest. For these reasons, the community is given a grade of BC. The lowland hardwood forest is dominated by green ash and aspen, with scattered bur oak, cottonwood and paper birch. Sumac occupies 60% of the edge along the oak forest and is located in patches throughout the more open areas. The hardwoods occupy many small knolls scattered among the marshy, wetland areas. Wetland transition zones leading to the hardwood stands were originally dominated by sedges and low prairie species. Now these areas are primarily occupied by scattered stands of aspen and sumac, paths and roads, weedy herbs and a few isolated pockets of original .native vegetation. Although the lowland hardwood stands are still representative of this community, the small size makes them mostly edge. A grade of C has been assigned to this community. Shrub swamp and cattail marsh occupy areas surrounding open water. Silky and red osier dogwood and willows are the characteristic shrubs. Canary grass is a common herb surrounding these communities. These communities are graded B. Their value for wildlife is good because of the existence of surrounding upland habitat. Protection Several open water and wetland areas on this site are currently protected by the Department of Natural Resources. This site is the only one in this study that contains a relatively large landscape of wetlands interspersed with upland transition area. Protecting the upland would not only provide an opportunity to restore both mesic and low prairie, but is critical to maintaining the habitat value of the wetlands. Protection could be accomplished by local ordinances protecting upland interspersed in wetland complexes. The oak forest should be acquired. Stewardship The open cover areas and prairie can be restored. Cutting of sumac stands and burning out young woody material should be performed and then reintroduction of native species should be Summary Report A- 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 20 undertaken. Restoration will also reduce the spread of weedy herbs into the lowland hard,.voods, thereby maintaining or improving the quality of this community. Roads and paths should be reseeded and otherwise covered to prevent wash out and decrease the acreage of highly disturbed ground. Section 2 - Low Priority Sites Site 1A Ecological Assessment This site contains a hardwood forest. The whole site is upland with loam/ silt loam soils. A steep, north -facing slope provides for diversity. Although access to this site was not possible, the community is most likely comparable to the oak forest found on site 1C. A plant species listing is unavailable. Because of the small size, the highest grade possible for this community is B. Protection Acquisition of this site will protect the entire element. A wooded buffer zone surrounding the element is necessary to prevent loss of area along edges as gaps form. As with other forested sites, establishing deer exclosures would be appropriate to maintain a supply of tree seedlings. Use should be restricted to foot travel and domestic pets should be leashed. Stewardship Maintaining the site will require removal of edge species in the interior where gaps occur, removal of existing exotics species, and replacing signs, trails, and fences. Site 1B Ecological Assessment This site contains a small hardwood forest stand. Most likely, much of the site was hardwood forest originally, as was much of Hennepin County. The rolling terrain and stream drainage provide for site diversity. The site contains about two thirds of the forest element, with the remainder to the north (Figure 1B). Erosion is notable in the center of the site. There is little interior space, most of it being edge. Lower sites are lowland hardwood with green ash and elms dominant. A very small higher part is a maple -basswood forest stand. The structure of the .forest was significantly altered in past. A few very old low branching sugar maples are present (suggesting a park -like area at one time) along with younger red oak, basswood, and sugar maple. Saplings of sugar maple are common but deer browsing has removed most of the seedlings. In places large stands of sumac and hawthorn Summary -Report A-PLYM09404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 21 occur along the edges and into the interior. The interior edge of these stands is being shaded out. Grading towards the lowland, a large stand of box elder dominates. Grazing was probably heavy and destroyed virtually all of the herb layer. Logging opened the area to sunlight and along with grazing allowed prickly ash to invade into the interior, but shading should minimize establishment now. Although the site is small and highly disturbed, it still has value as a natural area corridor in the landscape. A grade of C has been assigned to this element. Protection Acquiring this site will protect only part of the element. The remaining area to the north is important to the element as a wildlife corridor. Perhaps conservation easements could be used to protect the northern part. A large, broken edge along the south and east should be planted with trees. This would buffer the core area and decrease the amount of edge. The size of the community can be increased by removal of exotic stands. Stewardship Removal of exotic shrubs will allow for tree seedlings to establish. Deer exclosures are needed to maintain survival of sugar maple seedlings. Fencing, trails, and signs are necessary to indicate allowable uses. Site 1E Ecological Assessment This site includes a small tract of hardwood forest and lake beach. Only about half of the element is on the site, with the remainder extending to the north (Figure IA/E). The loamy soils and proximity to Site C indicate that the site is probably oak forest. Diversity is provided by the steep, north -facing slope. Since access to this site was not possible, a plant species list is not available. The very small size (about 12 acres) makes this community very difficult to maintain. This may be possible with additional area as a buffer zone, protecting the entire element, and the lakeshore as protection. For this reason the site is given a grade C. Further inspection of the site may improve this grade to BC or B. Protection The entire element needs to be protected. An conservation easement with the landowner might be used for this. Other protection includes restriction of uses and development of a buffer zone of newly planted trees. Summary Report - 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 22 Stewardship Trails on steep slopes would need to be maintained to prevent erosion. Replanting into gaps with the common tree species and removing undesirable edge species would help to retain the existing structure. Site 1F Ecological Assessment This site contains lowland hardwood and maple -basswood forest tracts and small areas of marshland. Much of the site is in agricultural use, and the forest follows a stream corridor. The shape of the forest area is such that most of it is edge. The size class distribution and species indicate that most of the tract is recovering from logging of very large oaks. Oaks, maples, basswood, and ashes make up the overstory to the west. Young stands of box elder, prickly ash, and choke cherry are competing along the edges. A small area of old-growth maple -basswood occupies the highest elevation to the east. The canopy maples average 23dbh (diameter breast height) and basswoods average 20dbh. This stand continues along the creek and also includes more ash, red oak, and box elder. Hickory is occasional. Tree seedlings are common and the herb layer although undisturbed is not well developed on the high ground, but abundant towards the creek. The north tip of the community is dominated by box elder with an understory of prickly ash. The marshland is dominated by reed canary grass and also cattails. Sections of the ground are highly disturbed with dumps of old appliances and equipment. Erosion occurs along slopes of the stream. The forest communities are recovering from logging in certain places and being invaded by edge species in gaps. Although the element is small without a well -protected core area this community is given a rank of BC because of the example of old-growth forest structure (lowlands grade C and maple -basswood grade B). If this example is lost then the grade would decrease to C, being valuable mainly as a wildlife corridor in an agricultural area. Protection The edges need to be protected from encroachment of edge species. Replanting of forest tree species in gaps and development of buffer areas on all sides can protect the core area. Stands of edge species and exotics can be removed and replanted with forest species. Summary Report A-PLYM09404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 23 Trails should be developed so as not to create further erosion of creek slopes. Deer exclosures should be used to protect seedling trees in some locations. Stewardship Dump sites must be cleaned up. Invading exotic species should be cleared, especially on the northern tip and south boundary. Fencing and trails need to be maintained regularly. Site 1H Ecological Assessment This site contains hardwood forest tracts, swamp, and marshland. The natural communities are extend beyond the site boundaries to the south, southeast, and southwest (Figure 1H). Much of the site is in agricultural use. Along the northeast edge of the site is a narrow tract of oak forest. Very large, spreading bur oaks are scattered throughout the site, suggesting that the original vegetation of the tract was an oak savanna. Red oak occasionally are part of the canopy. Aspen, basswood, green ash, red oak, choke cherry, and elms are understory and sapling species. Approximately 40% of the shrub layer is buckthorn. The herb layer is common throughout but not diverse. The original vegetation of this tract has been altered probably due to fire suppression. A second growth oak forest has taken its place and has the potential to develop into an older, shade -tolerant forest tract. However, it is heavily disturbed by the exotic species buckthorn, which has the ability to disrupt the development of a diverse forest structure. Due to the small size and large presence of buckthorn this tract is given a grade C. The lower wooded tracts consist primarily of widely spaced bur oak and aspen groves. The willow swamp is in the southern arm of the site. Reed canary grass is interspersed with willow and dogwood. The marsh area is primarily to the west of the site and consists mainly of cattails and reed canary grass. Although reed canary grass is a strong component of the cattail marsh and willow swamp, the entire element is of a good size, therefore these communities are given a grade B. The fields in the north half of the site are amenable to forest regeneration or prairie restoration. This would add greatly to the ecological diversity of the site. Summary Report 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 24 Protection The oak forest will change significantly in the future with buckthorn as a prominent component. Survival of saplings and diversity of tree species native to this community will diminish. Removal of buckthorn is therefore necessary. Developing a wooded buffer area surrounding the core area will help to reduce the amount of edge for encroachment of sun -loving edge species including buckthorn. For the wetland communities to be viable, the entire element, including the areas outside of this site require protection. Wetland protection can be accomplished through existing laws and protective city ordinances. Stewardship Buckthorn removal is the main requirement at this time in the forest tract. There is a trail through the oak forest which should be maintained, additional boardwalk type trails could be placed into the wetland. The site provides a variety of communities and signs posting the types and previous history of the site would be valuable for educational purposes. Site 1N Ecological Assessment This site has only parts of an emergent marsh and cattail marsh. The remainder of the community is off-site and unprotected. The emergent marsh is dominated by reed canary grass. Cottonwoods are along the edge. The community has been disturbed by alterations in its watershed. The habitat value is relatively low since much of the surrounding upland has been highly developed. These communities are given a grade C. The upland area (Figure 1N) is all disturbed from alteration of the herb and shrub layer. The trees are shade trees from former agricultural area and now residential landscaping. The herb layer is mostly weedy old field or mowed. A small area sloping to the marsh is degraded oak woodland with honeysuckle comprising 20% of the shrub layer. Box elder and choke cherry are the common interspersed trees. This community is given a grade D. Protection The wetland community has been disturbed by in -filling for development and flow diversion. There is no practical way to protect the segment of the community which is on this site. ummary Report A- 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 25 Stewardship This site should be managed as a picnic area but not for the value of its natural communities. Site 1S Ecological Assessment This site contains a maple -basswood forest tract. The entire natural community is mostly on this site. Commercial development is spreading around the site, except for I-494 which is along the east side. A path goes through the interior but causes only minor disturbance of the herb layer. The forest tract is old, of high quality, and with a good age class distribution of sugar maple. The average diameter of sugar maples, which now dominate the canopy, is 16.5 inches. Red oak is found occasionally. Saplings are abundant but seedlings are poorly represented. The herb layer is common in patches. One small population of trillium was found. This herb was not observed in any other forest tracts of this study, most likely because it has been browsed by deer. This tract could be graded A if it were not for the small size. There are only 14 acres remaining. Although the compact shape minimizes the edge, as trees senesce along the boundaries, gaps will allow exotic shrubs or sun -loving species to reduce the size of the tract even further. Due to the small size, this community is given a grade B. Protection The only way to protect this community is through acquisition. There does not appear to be much space available for creating a buffer zone of newly planted trees. Stewardship Managing the edges to prevent any invasion of exotic species is the primary concern for this community. Site 2A Ecological Assessment This site contains no natural communities with original structure and composition. A few remaining trees of a pine plantation, old field, escapes from cultivation, and young woodland of exotic or lowland hardwood tree species make up the site. Kentucky blue grass comprises much of the open herb layer. The land borders on a small lake or pond (Kraetz Lake) along the south boundary of the site (Figure 2A). Summary Report A-PLYM09404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 26 Protection The site has no natural features worthy of protection as examples of native plant communities. Stewardship This site would be best managed as a park. There is waterfront, open area for active sports, and enough trees to provide shade for picnicking. Site 2E Ecological Assessment This site is a small (3 acre) tract of remnant pine plantation. This is not a natural plant community; therefore, no grade or rank is given. The site value is for buffering Site 2F and linking it to existing City park land. Protection No significant natural values warrant protection on this site. Stewardship To maintain this site as a buffer for and link to Site 2F, this site should be observed for signs of insect or disease that could wipe out the entire plot. Site 3B Ecological Assessment This is a small forest tract (15 acres) of highly varied topography. An open water marsh is along the south boundary (Figure 313). West of this marsh is a lowland hardwood tract with an even -aged stand of young box elder (average 8 inches diameter). Sapling of buckthorns are abundant in the understory. Due to the monodominant box elder and presence of buckthorn this tract is graded D. The marshes are along a creek drainage. Canary grass is dominant and sumac and willow are along the woodland edges. These areas are degraded, but due to the connectively to forest habitat are graded C. The oak forest tract is along steeply sloping ridges. The characteristics species and forest structure is of high ecological value. Due to the small size, it probably will be difficult to maintain this tract indefinitely in the future. Some very large red oak, green ash and basswood (18 to 20 inches diameter) are canopy dominants. There is a well developed understory of several species (Table 2), but most commonly red oak and basswood. Summary Heport A- 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 27 Evidence for past selective logging is rare. Black and pin cherry are common shrubs. The herb layer is intact on the steep slopes; however, large parts of the ridgetop have been disturbed by trails and campfires. No significant erosion is present. This site is an excellent example of a mesic to wet-mesic oak forest. Due to the small size, the tract is graded B. Protection This site is worthy of protection even though the natural elements are small. The wetlands on this site can be protected by wetland laws. Steep faces can be protected by strict steep slope limitations of development. This would protect the oak forest tract. Stewardship Preserving and maintaining the oak forest is the primary objective for this site. The lowland hardwoods could be a formidable sources of buckthorn seeds if left unchecked. These could invade the oak forest and deteriorate the value similar to Sites 2D and 2F. Trails should be strictly limited to the existing ones. Trash and other dump materials should be removed. Restoration of the lowland hardwoods would greatly enhance the other forest tract. This is an almost impractical task given the monodominant natural of the box elder. Site 3C Ecological Assessment This site is primarily wetland. The predominant community is wet meadow dominated by reed canary grass. No original native plant species are evident in the meadow. The site has been disturbed by grazing in the past and motor vehicle use has rutted parts of it. Surrounding the meadow is lowland hardwood characterized primarily by cottonwood. The upland edge along the northwest boundary of the site contains vestiges of the former oak woodland. This includes widely spaced bur oak, young red oak, and basswood. Part of the upland woodland was removed in the distant past and now contains a young woodland of green ash grading down a slope to cottonwood. The understory and herb layers are 30% prickly ash and 50% Kentucky blue grass, respectively. The unlogged portion is almost solely on the adjoining lots. Summary Report A- 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 28 The wet meadow community is given a grade D due to repeated disturbance and obliteration of any original plant species. Protection The site is surrounded by residential development to the east and west. The north boundary is the junior high school. The south boundary is existing city parkland, which is a continuation of the wet meadow. The site is worthy of protection for the wetland functions of water retention in the watershed and increasing the size the existing city park, but not for its existing ecological value. Protection currently exists through wetland protection laws. Development of the site and mitigation of the wetland values elsewhere would decrease the function and value of the adjoining city park wetland. Stewardship Restoring the site to the original composition of wet meadow and woodland is impractical. Removal of reed canary grass would be a formidable task, and restoring the woodland community necessitates replanting trees and clearing the majority of the exotic shrub layer. Site 3J Ecological Assessment One small marsh in the only native plant community on the site. The remaining land is old field and highly disturbed woodland. Due to the small size and lack of connectivity to other natural areas, this community is graded C/D. Protection Protection of this site can be accomplished through local wetland ordinance. Edges should be maintained in an undeveloped state to prevent significant deterioration of any existing habitat value. Stewardship The disturbed areas could be used for active sports and picnicking. Native plant species can be reintroduced to the site to enhance the biodiversity. Site 3K Ecological Assessment The west part of the site appears to be a vegetated landfill. The natural communities are small, but together form a diverse wetland complex. Large cottonwood trees provide habitat for nesting adjacent to the open water. The herb layer is mostly native Summary Report - 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 29 lowland, but in sunnier spots, weedy species are common. The shrub swamp consist of red -osier dogwood, willow and canary grass. The small size and lack of connectivity to other natural areas gives this site a grade C. Protection Local wetland ordinances can be used to protect this site. Adjacent landowners should be provided with information on how to assist in maintaining the value of the site. Stewardship There are many small trail loops on the higher ground. These should be eliminated except for one loop. Site 4B Ecological Assessment This site is a small remnant of maple -basswood forest. In a typical transect the canopy trees were 40% sugar maple, 15% basswood, and the remainder red oak, bur oak, and hickory. The size of indicates that the forest is middle age (50-90 years old). The young trees and saplings are predominantly sugar maple. Sugar maple seedlings are not as common as expected, probably due to browsing by deer. The forest has been selectively logged of middle aged trees and mainly sugar maple has taken their place. The only exotic species in the interior is currant, and it is rare, probably arising when sunny gaps occurred after logging. The forest edge has been recently disturbed on all sides. Buckthorn is common in these places. The ground cover is plentiful and includes a good variety of spring wildflowers. Trillium is lacking as a characteristic wildflower in undisturbed sites. This is due to browsing by deer which are evident on the site. This native plant community element is graded B because of its small size (23 acres) and age. Protection, maintenance of the characteristic tree species, and restoration of the edges could eventually allow this site to be graded B. Protection The site is surrounded by roads or residential development. The residential lots adjoining to the north are wooded adjacent to the site. Protection should include rallying the residents to maintain the woodland on their lots. The edges along the roadside have been disturbed. These areas need to be managed to prevent further loss of forest size. As with all forested sites, pets should be leashed and walking should be restricted to paths. Summary Report A-PLYM09404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 30 Stewardship Minimizing the formation of sunny gaps in the forest interior is the major objective for this small of a site. The forest age is such that large gaps in the canopy will not be occurring soon due to death of old trees. Increasing the number of seed trees surrounding the oldest trees by excluding deer may help to increase diversity in the age of trees in the predicted gaps. Windthrow from natural storms could create large gaps also. In a site of this small size, it would be very difficult to prevent significant alteration of the forest ecosystem from occurring after this type of natural event. Site 4C Ecological Assessment The value of this site is the linkage to the existing park. Otherwise, the small size undermines its value. Much of the area is edge. The oak forest stand is dominated by bur oak averaging 10 inches diameter. Red maple, sugar maple, ash, aspen and hackberry are understory species. The tract is relatively young, having formed in the gaps of a few very large canopy trees (the dead wood is not 'identifiable). Buckthorn is found occasionally. The herb layer is intact and few shrubs are present on the upland knoll. The lowland hardwoods bordering the marsh have a strongly developed shrub layer. Because of the small size, these tracts are graded BC. The marsh is canary grass and connects to the larger cattail marsh to the north. Protection This site is protected to the north by the existing natural area. This south boundary (barely visible in Figure 4C) is a new road. The lowlands can be protected by wetland ordinance. The upland is worthy of protection for habitat diversity of the adjacent wetland. Stewardship The high amount of forest edge should be managed to prevent invasion of the shaded forest interior. With this management, lack of a major windthrow and no disease problems, the young forest should maintain itself for a long time. SummaryRe-port A- 9404.00 Plymouth, Minnesota Page 31 Tables TABLE 1 SITE GRADE, RANK' AND PRIORITY Site Community Grade Rank Size' Priority' High Prioritv Sites 1C Oak Forest BC THR Lowland Hardwood C SPC 48.9 6 Willow Swamp/Marsh C SPC/SEC 1D Maple -Basswood Forest C END 29.1 13 IG Oak Forest B THR 78.8 2 Willow Swamp/Marsh B SPC lI Maple -Basswood Forest A END 53.3 1 lK Maple -Basswood Forest B END 39.6 3 IL Oak Forest B THR 26.1 8 2D Oak Forest C THR 13.4 15 2F Oak Forest N/A THR 24.3 14 3A Oak Forest BC THR Cattail Marsh B SEC 35.7 7 Emergent Marsh C SPC 3H Hardwood Swamp C SPC Willow Swamp B SPC 12.4 11 Maple -Basswood C END Cattail Marsh B SEC 31 Lowland Hardwood Forest BC SPC 13.7 12 3L Oak Forest B THR 30.1 10 Willow Swamp C SPC 3M Hardwood Swamp C SPC 10.5 9 Willow Shrub Swamp B SPC 3N Tamarack Swamp AB SPC Cattail Marsh B SEC 46.2 5 Emergent Marsh C SPC 4A Oak Forest BC THR Willow Swamp B SPC 53.5 4 Lowland Hardwood Forest C SPC Cattail Marsh B SEC Prairie, mesic D END Site Community Grade Rank Size2 Priori Low Priority Sites (no priority assigned) lA Oak Forest N/A THR 15.3 1B Maple-Basswood Forest C END 57.9 IE Oak Forest C THR Emergent Marsh SPC 12 1F Lowland Hardwoods Forest C SPC 16.3 Maple-Basswood Forest B END Cattail and Emergent Marsh C SEC 1H Willow Swamp B SPC 33.9 Oak Forest C THR 1N Cattail Marsh D SEC 11.7 Emergent Marsh D SPC is Maple-Basswood Forest B END 14.2 2A Old Field N/A 17.6 2E Pine Plantation N/A 3.1 3B Lowland Hardwoods D SPC Oak Forest B THR 15.3 Emergent Marsh C SPC 3C Lowland Hardwood Forest D SPC 18.5 Emergent Marsh D SPC 3J Cattail Marsh CD SEC 12.2 3K Emergent Marsh C SPC Shrub Swamp C SPC 10 Lowland Hardwood Forest C SPC 4B Maple-Basswood Forest B END 23.3 4C Lowland Hardwood Forest BC SPC Oak Forest BC THR 8.8 Cattail Marsh BC SEC Minnesota state ranks determined for natural communities by the Natural Heritage Program and Minnesota County Biological Survey ecologist; END=endangered, THR=threatened, SPC=special concern, SEC=secure. 2 Significant acres. Most sites include additional acreage with developed acreage. 3 Priority for preserving site with respect to ecological character. Only sites in the high priority group were given a priority rating. Site Community High Priority Sites 1C Forest Wetland 1D Forest 1G Forest 1I Forest TABLE 2 LIST OF PLANTS IDENTIFIABLE IN MAY' Trees white oak hickory choke cherry big tooth aspen red oak basswood green ash elm quaking aspen box elder box elder elm sugar maple red oak white oak hickory iron wood red oak sugar maple basswood elm hickory ironwood big tooth aspen green ash white oak choke cherry red oak sugar maple basswood red maple green ash ironwood hickory box elder Shrubs current serviceberry buckthorn sandbar willow prickly ash, c currant buckthorn, r prickly ash,r current Vegetation Layer Herbs bedstraw virginia creeper meadow rue spring beauty woodbine baneberry twisted stalk bloodroot yellow violet blue cohosh reed canary grass bedstraw jack in the pulpit penn. sedge virginia creeper impatiens spring beauty virginia waterleaf spring beauty meadow rue osmorhiza wood violet groundnut wild ginger meadow rue virginia creeper ferns wood nettle blue cohosh bedstraw twisted stalk moonbeam geranium wood nettle impatiens ferns jack in the pulpit impatiens burdock wood nettle bloodroot geranium bedstraw ferns twisted stalk perfoliate bellwort virginia waterleaf jack in the pulpit wild geranium r red osier dogwood equisetum meadow rue Vegetation Layer Site Community Trees Shrubs penn. sedge Herbs 1K Forest sugar maple buckthorn, c. virginia creeper bedstraw jack in the pulpit giant golden rod golden alex. basswood buckthorn, o virginia waterleaf wood nettle round lobe hepatica wood nettle elm choke cherry impatiens twisted stalk Shrub swamp red -osier dogwood green ash wood violet penis. sedge willow white oak ferns moonbeam ironwood 1L Forest sugar maple buckthorn, o spring beauty virginia creeper birch prickly ash, o prenanthes geranium big tooth aspen penn. sedge jack in the pulpit hickory strawberry blood root choke cherry violet basswood buttercup red oak bedstraw quaking aspen fern 2D Forest red oak prickly ash, c peen. sedge white oak amelanchier jack in the pulpit quaking aspen wood nettle green ash spring beauty sugar maple columbine choke cherry buckthorn, a Wetland reed canary grass iris 3A Forest white oak honeysuckle, o virginia creeper, c ground nut red oak pagoda dogwood peen. sedge, c meadow rue basswood buckthorn, o chenopodium, o twisted stalk green ash prickly ash, o wood bine spring beauty choke cherry moon beam false solomon seal hawthome bedstraw asters Wetland cattail reed canary grass 3H Lowland Hardwoods sandbar willow red osier dogwood equisetum meadow rue impatiens box elder raspberry burdock ferns penn. sedge green ash y. stem dogwood virginia waterleaf golden rod yellow violet elm honeysuckle, o giant golden rod golden alex. purple violet buckthorn, o buckthorn, c strawberry wood nettle cottonwood choke cherry false solomons seal cattail Shrub swamp red -osier dogwood canary grass willow a Vegetation Layer Site Community Trees Shrubs Herbs Forest sugar maple lily of the valley basswood day lilies ironwood iris box elder meadow rue green ash virginia waterleaf quaking aspen kentucky blue grass 3I Wetland cottonwood sandbar willow creeping charley elm buckthorn, c kentucky blue grass box elder silky dogwood dandelion green ash sumac canada thistle bur oak burdock 3L Forest basswood buckthorn, c impatiens white oak serviceberry false solomons seal elm honeysuckle virginia creeper ironwood prickly ash, o canary grass green ash 3M Wetland sandbar willow reed grass red osier dogwood marsh marigold Lowland basswood currant bedstraw kentucky blue grass hackberry solomons seal box elder jack in the pulpit cottonwood nettles elm 3N Wetland tamarack red osier dogwood marsh golden alexanders marigold cattails cottonwood willow impatiens bedstraw box elder joe pyeweed reed canary grass green ash buckthorn, c impatiens 4A Forest red oak bur oak elm Wetland red osier dogwood sandbar willow Lowland cottonwood sumac, c goldenrods poison ivy sedge aspen serviceberry big bluestem violet brome green ash silky dogwood bee balm kentucky blue grass bur oak pussy willow round head bushclover dandelion paper birch white spirea strawberry spring beauty Site Community Trees Shrubs Low Priority Sites 1 1B Old field green ash Wetland 1N Old Field white oak aspen basswood choke cherry prickly ash, a hawthorne sumac, c choke cherry prickly ash, c currant prickly ash, o Vegetation Layer Herbs brome grass burdock kentucky blue grass dandelions wood nettle bedstraw jack in the pulpit meadow rue wild ginger virginia waterleaf blue cohosh blood root penn. sedge ferns twisted stalk virginia creeper penn. sedge asters meadow rue bedstraw sandbar willow canary grass red osier dogwood prickly ash, c canada goldenrod Wetland canary grass cattail numex box elder Forest sugar maple basswood red oak white oak basswood ironwood green ash f box elder, c 1F Forest snags, c sugar maple green ash hickory red oak white oak basswood ironwood box elder buckthorn, c willow 1H Forest bur oak red oak aspen basswood elm green ash buckthorn, a choke cherry Wetland 1N Old Field white oak aspen basswood choke cherry prickly ash, a hawthorne sumac, c choke cherry prickly ash, c currant prickly ash, o Vegetation Layer Herbs brome grass burdock kentucky blue grass dandelions wood nettle bedstraw jack in the pulpit meadow rue wild ginger virginia waterleaf blue cohosh blood root penn. sedge ferns twisted stalk virginia creeper penn. sedge asters meadow rue bedstraw sandbar willow canary grass red osier dogwood prickly ash, c canada goldenrod Wetland canary grass cattail numex Vegetation Layer Site Community Trees Shrubs Herbs Lowland box elder honeysuckle, a virginia creeper Hardwoods choke cherry amelanchier golden rod green ash prickly ash, a kentucky blue grass white oak buckthorn, o bedstraw aspen raspberry cottonwood is Forest sugar maple jack in the pulpit blood root hickory prenanthes meadow rue red oak blue cohosh choke cherry bedstraw green ash twisted stalk basswood peen. sedge 2A Lowland box elder lilacs kentucky blue grass and Field weeping willow sumac old field herbs elm green ash blue spruce buckthorn russian olive juniper 2E Pine Pine Plantation 3B Forest tree shrub herbs Lowland box elder, a buckthorn, c impatiens green ash prickly ash, o virginia creeper elm honeysuckle, o geranium sumac baneberry jack in the pulpit penn. sedge Oak basswood blood root columbine red oak buckthorn,o penn. sedge moonwort ferns elm blackcherry geranium bedstraw purple violet green ash pin cherry twisted stalk blue cohosh box elder, r bellwort bane berry hackberry jack in the pulpit meadow rue 3C Wetland cottonwood current canary grass yellow violet Lowland green ash silky dogwood canada goldenrod virginia creeper ' elm choke cherry purple violet geranium sumac, c equisetum false solomons seal prickly ash, c dandelion columbine cleavers perfoliate bellwort kentucky blue grass, c Site Community 3J Old field Wetland 3K Lowland Wetland 4B Forest 4C Forest Wetland hackberry green ash bur oak red oak sugar maple ironwood basswood white pine green ash elm aspen red maple hackberry canary grass cattail current buckthorn, r dogwood elderberry buckthorn, o blackcherry choke cherry herb spring beauty jack in the pulpit geranium twisted stalk impatiens penn. sedge false solomons seal osmorhiza virginia creeper impatiens baneberry meadow rue fern jack in the pulpit geranium geranium osmorhiza virginia creeper bedstraw blood root prenanthes jack in the pulpit bedstraw perm. sedge poison ivy goldenrod wild grape The exotic shrubs are buckthomrnandhoneysuckle. These species are a nuisance and disrupt natural comunities. Prickly ash and box elder have spread from their native communities into many plant communities and are considered a nuisance also. These species are given the rating c = common, r = rare and o = occasionally or a = abundant. Vegetation Layer Trees Shrubs Herbs box elder sumac goldenrod sandbar willow kentucky blue grass cottonwood winter cress aspen thistle alfalfa canary grass cattail cottonwood buckthorn, c virginia creeper burdock box elder red -osier dogwood strawberry impatiens elm honeysuckle, o stinging nettle mint willow rose kentucky blue grass meadow rue red -osier dogwood canary grass sandbar willow hackberry green ash bur oak red oak sugar maple ironwood basswood white pine green ash elm aspen red maple hackberry canary grass cattail current buckthorn, r dogwood elderberry buckthorn, o blackcherry choke cherry herb spring beauty jack in the pulpit geranium twisted stalk impatiens penn. sedge false solomons seal osmorhiza virginia creeper impatiens baneberry meadow rue fern jack in the pulpit geranium geranium osmorhiza virginia creeper bedstraw blood root prenanthes jack in the pulpit bedstraw perm. sedge poison ivy goldenrod wild grape The exotic shrubs are buckthomrnandhoneysuckle. These species are a nuisance and disrupt natural comunities. Prickly ash and box elder have spread from their native communities into many plant communities and are considered a nuisance also. These species are given the rating c = common, r = rare and o = occasionally or a = abundant. Figures v Agenda Number: TO: Dwight Johnson, City Manager f' FROM: Eric Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: SPECIAL ELECTION FOR OPEN SPACE AND TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS DATE: March 16, 1995, for Council Meeting of March 21 1. ACTION REQUESTED: The City Council shall move the attached resolution calling for a special election relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds in the amount of 2,235,000 on Tuesday, May 23, 1995. 2. BACKGROUND: Early in 1994, the City Council appointed ten members of the community to form an open space task force. The committee was set up as a subcommittee of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission. Members consisted of four members of the Park Commission, four citizens, one from each ward, one Planning Commissioner, and one Council member. The committee has met 15 times, including one on-site tour of the open space properties. During the course of their work, the committee used the consultant services of Barton Aschman to have a biologist review and rank the quality of the open space properties. The committee initially looked at 30 sites throughout the community and quickly narrowed it down to 15. The committee issued an interim report on November 21, 1994 to the Council. See attached memo. On November 21, 1994, the City Council directed the committee to narrow the field down to the preferred sites and come up with a funding proposal for the program. On January 17, 1995, the committee reported back to the Council with their recommendation (see attached report). The committee recommended that four sites (approximately 120 acres), geographically spread throughout the community, be pursued with the preferred funding source being general obligation bonds. On January 17, 1995, the Council authorized the City attorney and staff to pursue purchase options on the four sites recommended by the open space committee. On Monday, March 13, the City Council held a special work session to review the information with regard to open space and trail improvements. At that meeting, Council reviewed three major options for financing the acquisition and improvements of open space and trails. Based on the discussion that evening, the finance director has prepared a resolution pursuant to the charter, authorizing a bond referendum to be held in the amount of $2,235,000 on May 23rd. This bond sale, coupled with the final payment of the 1980 park bonds, would result in a net zero increase to a $150,000 property in the City. Council also discussed using $1,000,000 in community improvement funds (CIF) to facilitate the improvement of approximately 10 miles of trail throughout the city. 3. BUDGET EMPACT: The proposed funding for these improvements is a combination of general obligation bonds and community improvement funds. The net effect of the improvements would be a zero dollar increase to a $150,000 property with the completion of payments on the 1980 park bonds. The estimated yearly maintenance cost on a mile of trail is $350. The estimated cost for the election and associated materials is approximately 25,000. 4. RECOMMENDATION: I recommend the City Council approve the attached resolution calling for a general obligation election for the acquisition of open space and improvements to trails in the amount of $2,235,000 on May 23, 1995. I also recommend that staff be authorized to proceed with the schedule of activities as outlined in a March 2nd memorandum from Kathy Lueckert, Assistant City Manager, to the Mayor and Council, with regard to the scheduling and notification of the bond election. The open space committee met on Tuesday, March 14, to review the materials the Council had gone over on Monday evening. The committee was unanimous in their recommendation to bond for the improvements, but favors a bond of $3,000,000, and no use of CIF funds. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission will review this matter at their March 16 meeting. We will report any recommendation the Park Commission may pass. EB/np Attachment STATE OF MINNESOTA CITY OF PLYMOUTH RESOLUTION NO. CALLING FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS WHEREAS, the City Council (the "Council") of the City of Plymouth, Minnesota (the "City") has determined it is in the best interest of the City to issue its certain general obligation bonds (the "Bonds") in order to finance the acquisition of land for open space and trails within the City (the "Project"); and WHEREAS, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 475, as amended, prior to the issuance of the Bonds, the City must obtain approval for the issuance of the Bonds from a majority of the electors voting on the question of issuing the Bonds; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the City's Home Rule Charter and Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 205, as amended ("Chapter 205"), the City may call a special election for the purpose of voting on this matter. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH MINNESOTA AS FOLLOWS: 1. The Council proposes to issue the Bonds in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $2,235,000 to undertake the acquisition of land for open space and trails, including the acquisition of approximately 120 acres of land for open space, and the acquisition of approximately 1I miles of trails. 2. The Council hereby calls for a special election to be held pursuant to the City's Home Rule Charter and Chapter 205, as amended, on Tuesday, May 23, 1995, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. relating to the authorization by the electors to issue the Bonds. 3. The question to be voted on shall read as follows: SHALL THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA, BE AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE ITS GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,23.5,000 TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS, INCLUDING THE ACQUISITION OF APPROXIMATELY 120 ACRES OF LAND FOR OPEN SPACE AND THE ACQUISITION OF APPROXIMATELY 11 MILES OF TRAILS? 4. The City is hereby directed to (i) publish and post the notice of election, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A; (ii) post the sample ballot; and (iii) provide written notice of the election to the County Auditor of the County of Hennepin, all as provided by Chapter 20.5. Attest: Clerk Adopted this 21 st day of March, 1995. CITY OF PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 2- Mayor EXHIBIT A FORM OF NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION CITY OF PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a special election has been called and will be held in and for the CITY OF PLYMOUTH, State of Minnesota, on Tuesday, the 23rd day of May, 1995, for the purpose of voting on the following question: SHALL THE CITY COUNCIL BE AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE ITS GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,235,000 TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS, YES INCLUDING THE ACQUISITION OF APPROXIMATELY 120 ACRES OF LAND FOR OPEN SPACE AND THE ACQUISITION OF APPROXIMATELY 11 MILES OF TRAILS? El NO BY VOTING "YES" ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE. The maximum amount of increased levy as a percentage of market value is .00586 %. The amount that will be raised by the new referendum tax rate in the first year it is to be levied is $ 193,126, INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: Voters desiring to vote in favor of the above proposition place a cross mark (X) in the square opposite the word "YES" next to that proposition. Voters desiring to vote against the above proposition place a cross mark (X) in the square opposite the word "NO" next to that proposition. The combined precincts and the polling places for this election will be as follows: DATE: March 16, 1995 TO: Eric Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation FROM: Dale E. Hahn, Finance Directo SUBJECT: FINANCING FOR OPEN SPACE LAND ACQUISITION AND TRAILS Springsted has been running different scenarios for bond sales that will provide 2,000,000 for project funding without increasing the tax burden on the average 150,000 home. Attached is an exhibit for a $2,235,000 bond issue. This issue will provide $177,189 of capitalized interest within the sale to cover the interest payments on the new issue until the 1980 Park Bonds are paid off in 1996. It will also provide net proceeds for the project of $2,009,226. The far right column (11) of the exhibit shows that the impact on the $150,000 home ranges from $8.22 to $8.38 per year, or an average of $8.30. The current 1980 Park Bond issue is costing the $150,000 home $8.31. The printout as shown assumes a 3% annual inflation factor on the overall market valuation of the City. This 3 % inflation factor is based upon past years experience including the early 1990s when inflation was between 1 and 2 % and current inflation and growth rates of approximately 8 %. I believe this scenario will provide funding for the open space and trails without increasing the tax burden on the average home. Also attached is an exhibit which includes the mandatory 105 % tax levy to be included as part of the authorization for General Obligation bond issuance. This is a cushion built into the tax levy to cover any potential delinquent taxes. The first exhibit does not have this included and shows what most likely will be levied. Plymouth has never levied this additional 5 % because we have always had adequate funds on hand to cover any delinquencies. The bond resolution will reflect the 105 % numbers, even though the City will not levy for it. This means that the levy will still be less than $8.31 on the $150,000 homeowner. 03/15/95 17:08 FAX 612 223 3002 SPRINGSTED INC. U002/002 City of Plymouth. Minnesota 23,492.50 Annual Interest: Avg. Maturity: 10.51 Plus Discount: Avg. Annual Rate: 5.363% Not Interest: G.O. Open space Bonds, Series 1995 24,000 Capitalized interest (1 st Levy) 177,189 Underwriter's Discount 24,585 Total Bonds M 3 5. 00 15 -Year Issue, 3% Annual Inflation Factor) Dated: 8-t-1995 SCHEDULE E Matura: 2- 1 First Interest: 8 -1-1996 Total Less: Net Estimated Impact on Year of Year of Principal Capitalized Levy Market Value Tax 150,000 Levy Mat. Principal Rates Interest Interest Interest Required 396 Inflation) Rate Property 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) ti) 1995 1997 0 4,65% 177,188 177,189 177,189 0 3,404,963,400 0.00000% 0.000 1996 1988 75,000 4.80% 11$,126 193,126 193,126 3,507,112,302 0,^0551% 8.26 1987 1999 85,000 4.90% 114,526 199,526 199,526 3,612,325,671 0.00552% 8,29 1998 2000 95,000 4.95% 110,361 205,351 205,361 5,720,695,441 0.00552% 8.28 1999 2001 105,000 5.00% 105,858 210,658 210,658 3,832,316,304 0.00550% 8.25 2000 2002 120,000 5.05% 100,408 220,408 220,408 3,947,285,794 0.00558% 8.38 2001 2003 130,000 5.10% 94,348 224,346 224,348 4,065,704,367 0.0055296 8.28 2002 2004 145,000 5.20% 87,718 232,718 232,716 4,187,875,498 0.00556% 8.34 2003 2005 150,D00 6.25% 80,178 240,178 240,178 4,313,305,763 0.00557% 8.35 2004 2006 175,000 5.30% 71,778 246,778 246,778 4,442,704,936 0.00555% 8.33 2005 2007 190,000 5.35% 62,503 252,503 252,508 4,575,986,084 0.00552% 8.28 2006 2008 210,000 5.40% 52,338 262,338 282,338 4,715,265,667 0.00557% 8.35 2007 2009 225,000 5.45% 40,998 265,998 205,998 4,854,863,697 0.00548% 8.22 2008 2010 250,D00 5.50% 28,735 278,735 278,735 5,000,303,546 0.00557% 8.36 2009 2011 270,000 5.55% 14,9M 284,985 284,985 5,150,312,652 0.00553% 8.30 2010 2012 0 5.60% 0 0 0 0 0 2011 2013 0 5.85% 0 0 0 0 0 2012 2014 0 5.70% 0 0 0 0 0 2013 2015 0 5.75% 0 0 0 0 0 2014 2016 0 5.75% 0 0 0 0 0 TOTALS: 2,235,000 1,259,849 3,494,849 177,189 3,317,660 Bond Years: 23,492.50 Annual Interest: Avg. Maturity: 10.51 Plus Discount: Avg. Annual Rate: 5.363% Not Interest: T.I.C. Rate: 5.48396 N.I.C. Rate: Average Tax Rate: Column 10) 0.00554% Average Impact on 150,000 Property: Column 11) $8.30 1,259,849 24,585 1,284,434 5.467% Comvoeltion of Issue: Net Proceeds for Project 2,009,226 Costs of Issuance 24,000 Capitalized interest (1 st Levy) 177,189 Underwriter's Discount 24,585 Total Bonds M 3 5. 00 Notes: (a) Interest rates are esffmates based on current tares: changes may cause signlflcantalteratlona of this schedule. Interest rates must be reviewed and/or revised prior to submission on election ballot. b) The actual underwriter's discount bid may also very. c) The first levy may be funded from bond proceeds (reducing amount available for projecO or from available City funds. d) The above schedule and impact does not include the statutorllyrequlred S% overlevy. Prepared by SPRINGSTED Incorporated (15 -Mw -05) Week of May 8 or May 15 Hold Community Meeting with Ward break-out sessions May 23 Referendum Election Estimated Costs of Election The estimated cost to hold a "regular" election (all twenty precincts voting) is estimated at $18,500. This figure includes the costs of election judges, ballots, printing, and polling place charges. In addition, costs for informational materials and a mailing are projected at between $5,000 - $6,000. Thus the total estimated cost for a referendum is around $25,000. We considered other types of elections, such as a mail ballot or reducing the number of polling places. A mail ballot election is more expensive (over $44,000) than a regular election. Reducing the number of polling places requires mailing a change notice to voters prior to the election, and mailing a change notice after the election. Depending on how many precincts are involved, the postage alone may cost as much as conducting a regular election. I hope this information is helpful in your discussions. 03/02/95 10:19 FAX 612 223 3002 SPRINGSTED INC. City of Plymouth, Minnesota General Obligation Open Space Bonds Composition of Issues Net Proceeds for Project Costs of Issuance (a) Underwriter's Discount (b) Total Bonds 2.000,000 Issue 1,956,000 22,000 22,000 2,000,000 3,000,000 Issue 2,940,350 26,650 33,000 3,000,000 0002/002 a) Costs of issuance include Financial Advisor fee, Bond Counsel fee, Oficial Statement printing, Moody's rating and misosllaneous costs. b) Underwriter's discount is $11 per$1,000 bond, bssed on a 15—year issue rated'Aaa.' Prepared by, SPRINGSTBD Incorporated (02—Mar-95 ) V DATE: March 3, 1995 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Dwight D. Johnson and Dale Hahn SUBJECT: FINANCING SCENARIOS FOR TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE We have identified the following principal scenarios for financing the acquisition of open space areas and the acceleration of trail construction. Each of them assumes an overall need of $3 million to accomplish the desired objectives and that any bond issue will extend for 15 years at an interest rate of 5.35 percent. OPTION 1: Issue General Obligation Bonds for $3,000,000. Annual principal and interest payment: $317,700 Percentage increase in City taxes: 3.5 percent Percentage increase in total taxes: 0.5 percent Dollar increase for $150,000 home: $15.03 per year Net increase for $150,000 home after repayment of old park bonds: $6.94 per year Election required: yes Comment: Increases taxes. Conserves all existing Community Improvement Funds for future purposes. OPTION IA: Issue General Obligation Bonds for $3,000,000 and have $1,000,000 of principal repaid from park dedication funds over 15 years. Annual principal and interest payment: $317,700 Percentage increase in City taxes: 2.31 percent Percentage increase in total taxes: 0.31 percent Dollar increase for $150,000 home: $10.02 per year Net increase for $150,000 home after repayment of old park bonds: $1.71 per year Election required: yes Comment: Minimal tax increase. Will place a burden of about $100,000 on parks capital improvements plan, exacerbating park dedication cash flow problem in five year Capital Improvements Plan. Page 2 OPTION 2: Spend $3,000,001 from the Community Improvement Fund. No bond payments No taxes used No tax increase for average homeowner Net tax decrease for $150,000 home after repayment of old park bonds: 8.31 decrease per year Election required: yes Comment: No tax increase, but leaves significantly fewer funds in the Capital Improvement Fund for long-term future projects. OPTION 2A: Spend $2,000,001 from the Capital Improvement Fund and borrow an additional $1,000,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund to be repaid from park dedication funds over 15 years. No bond payments No taxes used No tax increase for average homeowner Net tax decrease for $150,000 home after repayment of old park bonds: 8.31 decrease per year Election required: yes, if open spaces and trail programs are considered one project Comment: No tax increase, but decreases funds available for both general long-term project list and five-year park capital improvements planned from the park dedication fund. OPTION 2B: Borrow $3,000,001 from the Community Improvement Fund and repay it with $2,000,000 from tax levy increases and $1,000,000 from future park dedication funds over 15 years. No bond payments Percentage increase in City taxes: 2.30 percent Percentage increase of total taxes: 0.30 percent Dollar increase for $150,000 home: $9.79 per year Net increase for $150,000 home after repayment of old park bonds: $1.48 per year Election required: yes, if open space and trail expenditures are considered one project Comment: Minimal tax increase. However, taxes allocated to repayment of Capital Improvement Fund could be subject to future property tax freezes or levy limits. Burdens park dedication fund as in options IA and 2A. Page 3 OPTION 3: Combine issuance of $2,000,000 in General Obligation bonds with spending $1,000,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund. Annual principal and interest payment: $211,800 Percentage increase in City taxes: 2.31 percent Percentage increase of total taxes: 0.31 percent Dollar increase for $150,000 home: $10.02 per year Net increase for $150,000 home after repayment of old park bonds: $1.71 per year Election required: yes Comment: Minimal tax increase. No impact on park dedication funds. Impact on future projects from Capital Improvement Fund is comparatively modest. Conclusions: All scenarios require an election. Option 1 provides a net tax increase. Options 2 and 2A use significant sums from the Capital Improvement Fund without future repayment. Options 1A, 2A, and 2B significantly burden the park dedication fund and ongoing park improvement projects such as our playfield development or the new West Medicine Lake Park. Option 3 provides the best funding balance with the minimal net new burden to the taxpayer or the park dedication fund, and little burden on the Capital Improvement Fund. In effect, we can buy open spaces in a timely manner and accelerate our trail construction program by about five years without raising taxes, without impacting the existing park development program, and with little impact on our ability to fund other possible community projects from the Capital Improvement Fund. Agenda Number: TO: Dwight Johnson, City Manager FROM: Eric Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: OPEN SPACE - AUTHORIZATION TO SECURE PURCHASE AGREEMENTS DATE: January 9, 1995 for Council Meeting of January 17 1. ACTION REQUESTED: The Council should make a motion authorizing the Director of Parks and Recreation and the City Attorney's office to negotiate purchase options on four parcels of property for approximately seven months. 2. BACKGROUND: The Open Space Committee met on Thursday, January 5, to begin working on the work program as outlined by the City Council. The Council charged the committee with first, determining the number of sites they think need to be acquired and, second, to suggest a funding mechanism for acquisition. The Committee unanimously recommended that the City pursue purchase options on sites #1, #5, #6 and #12 as shown on the attached graphic. The Committee was also unanimous in recommending that a public bond referendum be the preferred funding mechanism for open space. However, until purchase options have been developed which outline the cost of each parcel, the committee cannot make a recommendation with regard to the amount of the general obligation bond referendum. Staff feels that purchase options should be secured for a six to nine month period allowing the City ample time to develop and conduct a public vote on this issue. If the vote is unsuccessful, the purchase options could be exercised using other funding sources, or they would expire. Because all of these properties are currently for sale, and development is pressuring the owners of each site, timing is of the essence on this proposal. 3. BUDGET IMPACT: The cost of securing purchase options on each parcel will probably require minimal expense, which I recommend be charged to park dedication funds. 4. RECONEY[ENDATION: Staff concurs with the recommendation of the open space Committee that staff be directed, along with the City attorney's office, to negotiate purchase options on four potential open space sites at this time. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission will review this matter at their January 12 Commission meeting and their verbal report will be available at the City Council meeting. EB/np Attachment t RESOLUTION NO. 95 - AUTHORIZING PURCHASE AGREEMENTS WHEREAS, the Open Space Committee has recommended that purchase agreements be secured on four parcels of property, and WHEREAS, the Director of Parks and Recreation concurs with this recommendation, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA, that the Director of Parks and Recreation along with the City Attorney's office are authorized to negotiate purchase agreements on four parcels of property as part of the City's open space program, and further, that costs involved in securing the purchase agreements and appraisals shall be paid for by park dedication account 218-218. Adopted by the City Council on ROMup grip ko. MMOR Tw. al Agenda Number: TO: Dwight Johnson, City Manager tFROM: Eric Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation Ci SUBJECT: OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE - INTERIM REPORT DATE: November 16, 1994, for Council Meeting of November 21 1. ACTION REQUESTED: Recommend the City Council make a motion directing the Open Space Committee proceed with Item a as listed below, and report back to the City Council before proceeding with Items b through e. A representative of the Open Space Committee will be at the November 21 Council meeting to provide the Council with an interim report on the Open Space Committee's work to date. 2. BACKGROUND: Attached for Council review is the interim report dated November 7, 1994, from the Open Space Committee. The report highlights the history of the Committee, the initial site selection, site evaluation, ranking of open spaces and future considerations for the City to review. The Committee would like to achieve two goals with this interim report. Educate the public on the work of the Committee to date, and Receive further direction and clarification from the Council on the scope of work they wish the Committee to undertake. I would suggest the Council consider at a minimum the following items be directed to the Open Space Committee, PRAC and the Planning Department: a. The Committee should be charged with the responsibility of determining the land acquisition costs associated with the sites the Committee thinks are worth pursuing, and further, a recommendation on a funding method for any proposed acquisition. b. PRAC should hold a public information meeting to solicit comments on the Open Space Committee's recommendations. c. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission should be directed to incorporate the proposed expenditures into the overall park and recreation capital improvements program for the next five years. d. The Planning Department should determine whether or not the official maps of the City of Plymouth should be amended to reflect a component called open space. e. The Open Space Committee should further develop flexible guidelines on usage, maintenance and restoration of future open space acquisition. Open Space Interim Report (draft -11/7/94) Background History The Open Space Committee has been meeting regularly from March 10, 1994, to present. This has included 17 full meetings and 3 sub -committee meetings. The committee consists of four (4) citizen ward representatives, three (3) PRAC members, one (1) Planning commission member, and one (1) Council Coordinating Representative, along with three (3) City Staff Liaisons. The Committee has established a mission statement, goals and objectives, and a definition of open space to focus and guide us in our tasks (see attachment). The initial project was to assess what and where Plymouth had open space, apartfrom existing parks, trails, schools, golf courses, etc. Site Selection Initial site selection was done by staff using aerial photographs and their knowledge of the community. This first phase resulted in approximately 80 sites and 1,500 acres'being identified as open space. The committee established the following set of criteria to narrow the number of sites to a manageable number near 35: Current protection possible through City ordinances, DNR, Corps of Engineers, or other state or federal regulations? Can the area be protected by other means, such as scenic or preservation easements, overviews, etc.? Historical significance, such as Indian burial mounds, State historical sites, etc.? Regional distribution throughout the community. Size, 10 acres or greater and/or next to existing open space. Site Evaluation After paring down our list of potentially significant sites to 30, Beth Nixon of Short -Elliott - Hendrickson was hired to evaluate the sites based on very specific biological information she collected on each site. The grade and rank follow criteria developed by the DNR Natural Heritage program and are the primary factors used in prioritizing the sites from an ecological viewpoint (see Table 1 of Summary of Report). Sites were prioritized based upon: ecological considerations grade rank size linkage to other natural areas, and sometimes practicality of management. Ranking The committee took the results from the biological review and established weighted criteria to further refine the list of high priority sites (see Open Space Ranking). Primary criteria included: Biological review Perceived threat of loss Estimated cost per acre (inside the MUSA vs. outside the MUSA) Protection by existing City ordinance This final ranking provided for a clearer picture of which sites were deemed most important with a definite break occurring between the sixth (6th) and seventh (7th) sites. These criteria reflected the committee's desire to establish clear objectives vs. subjective criteria for ranking the highest priority sites. Future Considerations 1. Usage Guidelines The committee has discussed establishing guidelines for the public use of property eventually designated as open space. The concern is to make this designation different from our park property (high impact usage) and restrict public usage to low impact on the site to preserve as well as possible the existing ecosystem. 2. Maintenance and Restoration Efforts Many of the sites will need some type of management or restoration efforts into the future to ensure their unique existence throughout the encroachment of development. The type and costs of such practices must be a consideration in designating areas as open space. Many of these practices are included in the Summary Report prepared by Beth Nixon. 3. Impact of Proposed Wetland Ordinance and GIS Information a. Wetland Ordinance The proposed Wetland ordinance may very well impact many of the potential fifteen (15) high priority sites. Some of the sites may not need much protection as open space as much may be protected by the new ordinance. Other sites may become more fragile and ecosystems fragmented due to development limited to upland areas. b. GIS Information As the City adds GIS capabilities to its current technology, site specific accuracy will increase. This will allow for better details of the existing ecosystems and the impact of different uses. 4. Designation and Acquisition of Open Space The committee has not focused on this aspect. There is a need to protect the designated sites, but through which means is a tough question. Some ideas used by other cities include: Acquisition Easements Ordinances The Open Space Committee has not at this time considered methods of financing the cost of open Space acquisition. The committee felt that an interim report to the Park Commission and City Council should precede financial planning. The Open Space committee would like further clarification and direction from the City Council and Park Commission on what additional work the Committee will be responsible for. The Open Space Committee is willing to meet in joint session with the City Council and PRAC if the Council would like a work session on this subject. Plymouth Open Space Committee Mission Statement To identify key open undeveloped spaces for preservation to assure that the City of Plymouth retains its unique character, diverse ecological' balance and quality of life. 5/11/94 Y Plymouth Open Space Committee Open Space Open Space is defined as undeveloped lands or natural landscape features with scenic, esthetic, or conservation value that justifies their preservation in their natural undeveloped state. Open Space includes woodlands, wetlands and adjacent property that is a critical part of the ecosystem of the site. 5/11/94 JP Ll Plymouth Open Space Committee Goals and Objectives Identify all open spaces to consider for preservation based on unique features, diversity of features and adequate size Establish criteria for purpose of recommending sites to be preserved Determine method to evaluate ecological and environmental features of sites and conduct a physical inventory of potential sites. Prioritize sites and determine recommended number of sites to preserve Identify methods to preserve sites Determine appropriate public communication, participation and input Develop usage guidelines Identify potential funding sources Make recommendation to the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission and City Council regarding sites to be preserved TABLE 1 SITE GRADE, RANK' AND PRIORITY Site Community Grade Rank Size2 Priori High Priority Sites 1C Oak Forest BC THR Lowland Hardwood C SPC 48.9 6 Willow Swamp/Marsh C SPC/SEC ID Maple -Basswood Forest C END 29.1 13 1G Oak Forest B THR 78.8 2 Willow Swamp/Marsh B SPC lI Maple -Basswood Forest A END 53.3 1 lK Maple -Basswood Forest B END 39.6 3 IL Oak Forest B THR 26.1 8 2D Oak Forest C THR 13.4 15 2F Oak Forest N/A THR 24.3 14 3A Oak Forest BC THR Cattail Marsh B SEC 35.7 7 Emergent Marsh C SPC 3H Hardwood Swamp C SPC Willow Swamp B SPC 12.4 11 Maple -Basswood C END Cattail Marsh B SEC 31 Lowland Hardwood Forest BC SPC 13.7 12 3L Oak Forest B THR 30.1 10 Willow Swamp C SPC 3M Hardwood Swamp C SPC 10.5 9 Willow Shrub Swamp B SPC 3N Tamarack Swamp AB SPC Cattail Marsh B SEC 46.2 5 Emergent Marsh C SPC 4A Oak Forest BC THR Willow Swamp B SPC 53.5 4 Lowland Hardwood Forest C SPC Cattail Marsh B SEC Prairie, mesic D END Site Community Grade Rank size Priori Low Priority Sites (no priority assigned) IA Oak Forest N/A THR 15.3 IB Maple -Basswood Forest C END 57.9 IE Oak Forest C THR Emergent Marsh SPC 12 IF Lowland Hardwoods Forest C SPC 16.3 Maple -Basswood Forest B END Cattail and Emergent Marsh C SEC 1H Willow Swamp B SPC 33.9 Oak Forest C THR 1N Cattail Marsh D SEC 11.7 Emergent Marsh D SPC is Maple -Basswood Forest B END 14.2 2A Old Field NIA 17.6 2E Pine Plantation N/A 3.1 3B Lowland Hardwoods D SPC Oak Forest B THR 15.3 Emergent Marsh C SPC 3C Lowland Hardwood Forest D SPC 18.5 Emergent Marsh D SPC 3] Cattail Marsh CD SEC 12.2 3K Emergent Marsh C SPC Shrub Swamp C SPC 10 Lowland Hardwood Forest C SPC 4B Maple -Basswood Forest B END 23.3 4C Lowland Hardwood Forest BC SPC Oak Forest BC THR 8.8 Cattail Marsh BC SEC I Minnesota state ranks determined for natural communities by the Natural Heritage Program and Minnesota County Biological Survey ecologist; END=endangered, THR--threatened, SPC --special concern, SEC=secure. 2 Significant acres. Most sites include additional acreage with developed acreage. l Priority for preserving site with respect to ecological character. Only sites in the high priority group were given a priority rating. SCORING CRITERIA BIOLOGICAL REVIEW 1 =70 6=60 11 =50 2=68 7=58 12=48 3=66 8=56 13=46 4 = 64 9 = 54 14 = 44 5 = 62 10 = 52 15 r 42 THREAT OF LOSS 1 year 15 points 2-4 years 10 points 5 or more years 5 points points ESTIMATED COST PER ACRE 0-$30,000/acre 5 points over $30,000/acre 0 points PROTECTED BY EXISTING CITY ORDINANCE 0-25% 10 points 26-75% 6 points over 76% 2 points OPEN SPACE SCORE RANKING EXAMPLI, r These are the examples which the subcommittee asked me to prepare. I will be contacting you regarding an upcoming subcommittee meeting. Eric Blank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Biological Review 70 68 66 64 62 60 58 Threat of Loss 5 5 10 15 15 5 15 Estimated Cost Per Acre 5 5 0 0 0 5 0 Protected by Existing City Ordinance 10 10 10 6 6 6 6 TOTAL 90 88 86 85 83 76 79 These are the examples which the subcommittee asked me to prepare. I will be contacting you regarding an upcoming subcommittee meeting. Eric Blank r f t r< zti f' 0 t t t ti t t t tolMni'1 tlla i9 0! l0 I m9 M OL 91 t n trf 9• 49 q 06 IVIO1 Z 9 M OL w 9 9 0 OL 0 0 0 M M 04 OMMLIPJO AROoupsmlAQA 0 9 i 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 9 0 0 4 9 Ad OM PO>rJJIMi 4 9 9 SL QL 41 OL 9 ot aal P TMU zg os Laz 00 09 z0 Q9 ro 90 40 Ot oa Is 1t Hr La' jZ Ic WT 0t 1L c VT yr1 4I It 3419 DN[MNV'd 33VdS H3d0 DATE: March 3, 1995 TO: Dwight Johnson FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director, Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: TRAE S Attached for City Council review is a printout of the estimated cost for completing all of the trails proposed within the MUSA area of the City. $1.2 million would fund all of the projects down through item No. 22, with the exception of a bridge over 494 at County Road 9. We have submitted a federal grant application for a bridge over 494 and if we are successful, our share of the cost of the bridge would be about $150,000. On the attached trail plan, I have highlighted in green the 11 miles of trail we could build for 1.2 million. The blue highlighted trails are MSA funded projects scheduled for 1995/96. If we invest approximately $1.2 million in the trail program, we will add approximately 11 miles of trail. We estimate that it currently costs approximately $350 per mile per year toaimaintaintrails. Our increased annual operating cost would be approximately $4,000 additional each year then. We currently have two sidewalk clearing machines in our fleet. At some time in the future, it will be necessary to acquire a third machine, which runs approximately65,000. EB/np 5: TRAIL PROJECTS March 2, 1995 On -Off Class I or $201foot Map No. Project Location Length Road II Cost Est. CIF TIF MSA Park Ded Year 1 Xenium Ln, Mntnka to Luce Line 1.00 1 105,000 95 both sides 2 Vicksburg, Old Rckfrd Rd to Sch Lk Rd 1.60 I 169,000 95 3 19th Ave, Holly Ln to T.H. 101 0.30 I 32,000 95 4 Co Rd 61, Plym Crk to Co Rd 9, west side 1.00 I 105,000 95 5 Fernbrook, Co Rd 9 to 34th, east side 0.50 I 53,000 95 6 Vinewood Ln, Co Rd 9 to Northwest Blvd 0.50 1 50,000 7 Schmidt Lk Rd, Fernbrook to Vicksburg 1.10 1 116,000 X 95 95 8 Xenium Ln, 32nd Ave to Co Rd 9 0.75 I 74,000 95 9 Turtle lake trail south to Old Co Rd 9 0.40 Off I 42,000 95 10 Dunkirk Ln, 24th Ave to 33rd Ave 0.75 I 63,000 95 11 West Med RR track to T.H. 55 0.30 II 32,000 95 12 34th Ave to Lanewood Ln, south side 0.30 Off I 32,000 95 study done '94 13 Co Rd 47, Annapolis to Northwest Blvd 0.60 II 173,000 95 study done '94 14 EastfWest trail-Vicksburg/Fernbrook 0.50 Off I 73,000 95 study done '94 15 Northwest Blvd, 42nd to 43rd 0.15 I 34,000 95 study done '94 16 Northwest Blvd, 54th to 56th 0.37 I 72,000 95 17 St. Mary's Park to East Jr. High 0.25 1 20,000 95 18 Hemlock, Co. Rd. 10 to 62nd Ave 0.37 Off II 60,000 95 19 Bridge, Co. Rd. 9 & 494 300,000 X 95 County road project 20 Co. Rd. 9, Minnesota to 494 X 95 County road project 21 Co. Rd. 9, Vicksburg to Hwy. 55 95 22 Medina Rd, Co Rd 24 to Co Rd 101 0.70 70,000 X 95 & 96 23 Zachary Ln, 42nd Ave to Co Rd 47 2.10 1 222,000 96 24 Lancaster Ln, Pilgrim Ln to 36th Ave 0.50 I 60,000 96 25 Dunkirk Ln to Maple Creek Park 0.60 Off I 65,000 26 Nathan Ln1 Old Co 15, Mntnka to Revere 0.60 I 63,000 96 27 Ferndale Rd, Co Rd 6 to Luce Line 0.80 I 84,000 X 96 96 add land cost 28 Plymouth Creek trail remaining segments 1.70 Off I 180,000 29 Carlson Pkwy, Cheshire to Xenium Ln 0.25 I 25,000 96. 96 both sides 30 Zachary Ln, Ridgemount to T.H. 55 1.60 I 169,000 31 Plymouth Creek, east side of KL School Off I 60,000 96 32 Bridge 4941Plymouth Creek trail 400,000 96 33 Bridge, RR to Cardinal Ridge Park 50,000 96 96 upgrade existing tunnel 34 Fernbrook Lane/P.C. Tunnel 70,000 96_ Park Dist. 35 East Medicine Regional Trail (loan) 96 floating trail & stairs 36 Parkers Lake Short Cut 75,000 10 `, I TRAIL PROJECTS March 2, 1995 Map No. Project Location Length On -Off Class I or $201foot Road II Cost Est CIF TIF MSA Park Bed Year 37 Vicksburg, Co Rd 6 to 18th Ave, east side 0.25 1 26,000 97 38 Co Rd 6, Dunkirk to Vicksburg, south side 0.50 I 50,000 97 39 Vicksburg, 18th Ave to T.H. 55, east side 1.25 I 132,000 97 40 Xenium Ln, Luce Line/Hwy 55 1.00 106,000 97 41 Xenium Ln, Hwy 55132nd Ave 0.40 44,000 97 42 Co Rd 6, Fernbrooklenium 0.40 44,000 97 43 Old Co Rd 9, PolarisNicksburg 0.40 42,000 97 44 Plymouth Creek Park 1.00 100,000 97 45 Co Rd 24, 551101 0.80 85,000 97 46 6th Ave, Xenium to Sycamore 0.30 30,000 97 47 T.H. 101, 26th Ave to Co Rd 24 0.40 1 42,000 coordinate with County 48 26th Ave, Med Ridge Rd to T.H. 169 0.30 1 32,000 on hold 49 Co Rd 47, Annapolis to Vicksburg 400,000 hold 50 Vicksburg Ln, Sch Lk Rd to Co Rd 47 280,000 hold TOTAL 4,611,000 Agenda Number: TO: Dwight Johnson, City Manager FROM: Helen LaFave, Communications Supervisor, and Laurieens, Assistant City Manager SUBJECT: Citizen Education Inventory DATE: May 30, 2000 for June 6, 2000 Study Session 1. ACTION REQUESTED: The City Council should review the attached citizen education inventory and provide direction to staff if additional emphasis is desired in particular areas. 2. BACKGROUND: One of the City Council's priorities for 2000 is citizen education. Attached is an inventory that was compiled by city staff members. Representatives of all divisions were involved in developing this list. Each division was asked to list its citizen education efforts, the contact person for that topic and the methods used to communicate the topic. In many cases, the contact person works with the City's communications division to develop and share information via the Plymouth News, cable television, Web site, brochures, posters, display advertisements and news releases. In other cases, the department develops its own handouts, open houses or newsletters/updates . We have organized the list by methods of communication. They include brochures/mailed notices, video/cable TV (this represents city -produced programs, segments on Northwest Cities, Community Journal, and/or videotext on channel 37), Plymouth News (our bimonthly city newsletter), newspaper (news releases mailed to local and/or area media outlets), speakers, city guide (the guide to city services which the City publishes and distributes to all residents every two years and is included in new resident packets), and paid advertisements. The category of "other" is a catch-all for special publications, events, special activities and other items not falling neatly into another category. This is our best effort at identifying formal citizen education activities which are in addition to the many legally required public hearings and notices that are done for planning applications, street improvements, and other issues. It is important to note that while this list is extensive, it is not exhaustive. Citizen education takes many forms, some formal and some informal. This list focuses largely on staff efforts. It does not include the countless and important contacts that City Council members and board and commission members have with citizens at informational meetings, on the telephone, at community events or at informal one-on-one meetings. It also may not include items such as booths hosted by the City at special events or the many ways that the elected and appointed city officials facilitate citizen education as part of local government - public hearings, presentations at meetings, etc. 3. DISCUSSION: In reviewing the list, you will note that the City's education programs are quite extensive and diverse. Each department dedicates a considerable amount of staff time to educating citizens about an array of topics. Often a few key people are responsible for developing citizen education programs for their department. Not surprisingly, the departments with the most extensive citizen education efforts are those which have staff members whose primary job functions include citizen education. A notable example is the Public Safety Education Specialist. Another area where the City's outreach efforts tend to be aggressive are those where program success is linked to public participation such as recycling, transit and recreation activities. The City also dedicates a considerable amount of its citizen education resources to areas where prevention is important. Environmental issues such as pollution prevention, waste reduction and sound lawn care practices are examples of this, as is crime and fire prevention. When issues of interest to a narrower segment of the population arise, City departments provide targeted citizen education and updates. A recent example of this was the Comprehensive Plan update. City staff kept the general public up-to-date using the Plymouth News, cable television and Web site. In addition, the Community Development Division maintained a mailing list of people who wanted more detailed information. These people were regularly mailed a special newsletter and notices of meetings. A second example of this type of targeted effort is the communication that occurs with residents affected by street reconstruction. To communicate the overall role of local government/services, the City largely relies on the City Guide, City Web site and Plymouth News. These are augmented by the efforts of individual City Councilmembers who devote time to making presentations on local government to groups. The Public Safety Department also hosts an annual citizens' academy. The academy provides an in-depth look at police and fire functions for interested residents. In a less direct, but nonetheless effective, way, the City's volunteer program gives citizens first hand contact with City government. In many cases, volunteers work side-by-side with city staff members. Citywide communications, such as the Plymouth News, are distributed to businesses as well as single-family residences through apartments. However, the content is largely targeted to residents rather than businesses. In the future, we will be looking for ways to more specifically target our audiences. The exercise of developing this inventory was useful. The Communications Supervisor will update the list periodically so it can continue to be used as a resource guide for staff and Council. This inventory and any direction provided by the Council will be shared with all divisions and used to track and enhance our existing citizen education programs. 4. RECOMAMNDATION:After reviewing the attached inventory, the City Council should provide further direction to staff if additional emphasis is desired in particular areas. Citizen Education Efforts Topic Contact Audience Brochure/ Video/ P News- Web Speakers City Paid Other Mailed Cable News paper Guide Ads describe) Notices TV Environmental Issues Noise Ordinance Scott W. Residents X X Wetland Buffers Barb Residents X X X X Environmental Shane Extra Eurasian Water Milfoil Helen Residents X X X Tree Preservation Paul Residents X X Water Restrictions Helen Residents X X X X X X Environmental resources for Kris & Margie Businesses X X Advantage businesses newsletter Solid Waste management Kris & Margie Businesses Advantage newsletter Hazardous waste Kris & Margie Businesses Advantage management newsletter Household Hazardous Waste Kris & Margie Residents X X Displays and crafts management, reduction and at Autumn Arts disposal Fair Environmental Management Kris & Margie Businesses Forums, Advantage newsletter Business water use and Kris & Margie Businesses Focus groups, conservation PBEP Advantage newsletter General recycling/disposal Kris & Margie Residents X X X X Recyclopedia guide info. Environmental Extra Reusable/recycled building Kris & Margie Residents Exhibit at materials remodeling fair Environmental awareness Kris & Margie Residents, X Environmental and stewardship elementary Quality Fair students Citizen Education Efforts Topic Contact Audience Brochure/ Video/ P News- Web Speakers City Paid Other Mailed Cable News paper Guide Ads describe) Notices TV Event promotion: EQFair, Kris & Margie Residents, X X X X Demonstrations Pollution Prevention Week Elementary at EQ Fair students Environmental awareness Kris & Margie Third grade Presentations at and stewardship — Overview students schools of City environmental programs Special collections Kris & Margie Residents X X X X X Environmental Extra Pollution prevention Kris & Margie Residents X X Craft activities/ Businesses X X X handouts at Autumn Arts Fair;Environmental Extra Business Workshops Advantage newsletter Buy Recycled" Kris & Margie Residents X X Displays at City Hall and the library for America Recycles Day Environmentally preferable Kris & Margie Residents X X X Environmental lawn care practices Extra Yard waste program Kris & Margie Residents X X X X X X Recycling Info. information Line; Environmental Extra Phosphorus -Free Fertilizer Shane Residents X X X X X X Environmental Ordinance Retail Stores X Extra Bus. Environ. Partnership Erosion Control Darrell J. Developers X Residents X X X Environmental Extra Native Planting Shane Residents X X X Demo. on model site Citizen Education Efforts Topic Contact Audience Brochure/ Video/ P News- Web Speakers City Paid Other Mailed Cable News paper Guide Ads describe) Notices TV Small Grant: Alternative Shane Residents X X X X Landscaping Earth Day Kris & Margie Students X X Residents X X Environmental Extra Water Quality Shane Students Watershed Model Plymouth Business Kris & Margie Businesses, X X X X X Advantage Environmental Partnership Residents X X X X X Newsletter Environmental Extra Forestry Arbor Day Paul 3` graders, X Other X All school planting Students, Residents X X X X Environmental Extra Tire & Trowel Bike Tour Paul/Stewards Residents X X X X Garden tour of Plymouth) Fall gardening program Paul/Stewards Residents X X X Topical programs for gardeners & environment) Planting Plymouth Proud Paul / Stewards Residents X X X X Gardening award program to stimulate and acknowledge gardens in Plymouth) Beat the Heat program Paul Residents X X Biannual tree purchasing program for new neighborhoods) Tree Care Paul Residents X X X Environmental Extra Citizen Education Efforts Topic Contact Audience Brochure/ Video/ P News- Web Speakers City Paid Other Mailed Cable News paper Guide Ads describe) Notices TV General Government Info. City Council Goals Helen Residents X X Plymouth History Helen Residents X X X X X History Fest Mary Comprehensive Plan Anne Residents future X X X X X Local Government — Helen Residents X X General Info. re: Structure Opportunities to Serve on Helen, Sandy Residents X X X X Boards/Commissions City Web Site is Available Helen Residents X X X X X X Environmental Extra Listed on Letterhead Council Agendas/Actions Sandy, Kurt Residents X X X X X Opportunities for Youth Helen Youth X X X X X Youth Award Involvement Youth Jam Planning Commission Denise Residents X X X X Agendas/Actions Public Safety Firefighter Recruiting Helen, Rick Kline Residents X X X X Animal Control Chris W. Residents X X X X X Events i.e. Animal Licensing License Month Pet Owners X X X Mailings Citizens Academy Mike G. Residents X X X X X X Neighborhood Watch Sara Residents X X X X X X X Citizen Education Efforts Topic Contact Audience Brochure/ Video/ P News- Web Speakers City Paid Other Mailed Cable News paper Guide Ads describe) Notices TV Business Safety Fairs Sara Businesses/ Employee brown Employees bag talks or booth National Night Out Sara X X X X X Both Police & Fire Traveling Alone" program Scot Residents X X on travel safety Child Safety Talks Sara Parents X X X X X Many subjects in this classification including babysitter safety, preschoolers, Bike safety Music in Plymouth — "Fatal Sara Residents Special program on Vision' program youth alcohol impaired driving includes goggles and wheelchair course Apartment Managers Group Scott Apartment X Training and managers/ information sharing owners Apartment Tenant Safety Scott Apartment X Also do special Talks tenants talks to high school seniors on renting Students X your first apartment DARE/GREAT Susan G. Students X X X X X X X McGruff Truck and McGruff Sara Residents X X X X X X X House programs Emergency Management Mike G. Residents X X Goose Overpopulation Scott W. Residents X X X X X Provide Project information to anyone who requests it Citizen Education Efforts Topic Contact Audience Brochure/ Mailed Notices Video/ Cable TV P News News- paper Web Speakers City Guide Paid Ads Other describe) Tours Sara Residents X X Tours of police department or fire station Birthday Parties at Fire Stations Sar Youth X Lester the Smoke Detector Sara Residents X X X X X Safe Escape House Sara Residents X Fire escape plan Fire Safety Sara Residents Youth X X X X X X Several programs including K-6 safety, poster contest, visits in the park Bike Helmet safety Sara Residents X X X X X Sell helmets low cost and rewards for wearing Bike Safety Sara Youth X X X X Internet Safety Sara Youth X Laws for Juveniles Sara Youth X Personal Safety Sara Adult & Juvenile X X Operation Identification Sara Residents X X Senior Citizen Rights Sara Seniors X Mail & Telephone Fraud Sara Residents X Bullies Sara Youth X Crime -free Multi -housing Sara Renters X Baby-sitting Sara Youth X Poison Safety Sara Residents X Domestic Assault Sara Residents X 911 Use Sara Residents X Seat Belts Sara Residents X Water Safety Sara Residents X Impaired Driving Sara Residents X RR" Crossing Sara Residents X Citizen Education Efforts Topic Contact Audience Brochure/ Mailed Notices Video/ Cable TV P News News- Web Speakers paper City Paid Other Guide Ads (describe) Sexual Assault Sara Residents X Latch Key Kids Sara Residents X Rural Crime Sara Residents X Commercial Security Sara Businesses X Burglary Alarms Sara Residents X X X X Crime Prevention for Auto- theft Sara Residents X X X Crime Prevention for homes Sara Residents X Inhalant abuse information Sara Youth X X Landlord & Tenant rights Sara Renters/ Owners X Eviction Process: How to file Sara Apartment Owners X Watch your Car" program Sara Car Owners X X X X X Feet in Street" program Sara Motorists X X X X Gun Safety Information Sara Residents X Security Lighting Sara Residents X Smoking Sara Youth X Securing your home Sara Residents X Securing your apartment Sara Renters X Senior Crime Sara Seniors X Telemarket fraud Sara Seniors X Missing Children Sara Residents X Dealing with Diversity Sara Residents X Tree Care at Holidays Sara Residents X Fire Safety — Detectors Sara Residents X X X Park & Recreation Recreation: Citizen Education Efforts Topic Contact Audience Brochure/ Video/ P News- Web Speakers City Paid Other Mailed Cable News paper Guide Ads describe) Notices TV Special Events Mary/Karol Residents & X X X X X X X Community sign non-residents board, posters, school fliers, paid advertising, Explore MN, State Arts Directory, Leisure Times Senior Programs Sara M. Seniors X X X X X Newsletter, fliers, Leisure Times Recreation Programs All residents X X X X Direct mail, school fliers, Leisure Times Collaborative Programs Karol Youth in Dist. X School fliers 281 Regulatory: Maps Park and Trail Regulations Helen Residents X Park & Trail Map Development Review Mary Developers Direct meetings, Committee reports Gun Safety Mary 12+ years DNR, Leisure Times Boat Safety Mary 12+ years Mtka. Power Squadron, Leisure Times Personal Safety Mary Women and Leisure Times youth Aquatic Instruction Cindy All Ages Fliers, direct mail, Leisure Times Educational: McGruff/Puppet Wagon Mary Youth X Leisure Times Recycling Opportunities at Mary/Karol Residents X X X Posters, Special Events community sign board, fliers, Leisure Times Citizen Education Efforts Topic Contact Audience Brochure/ Video/ P News- Web Speakers City Paid Other Mailed Cable News paper Guide Ads describe) Notices TV Parks and Recreation Programs/Facilities City Volunteer Program Nancy A. Residents X X X X X X X Employees X Rock Report Events/Programs of Helen Residents X X X Agencies receiving City info. originates funding from news releases issued by agencies) Skating Programs Jean, Residents X X X X X X Ice Center Bill Figure skating club Bill Residents X Design & print posters/ ads for Leisure Times Ice Center & Hockey Bill, Jean Hockey/ X X X X X X X Let's Play program Residents Hockey" newsmagazine, Leisure Times Life Time Fitness Helen Residents X X X X X Collaboration Plymouth Creek Center Helen, Residents X X X X X Rick Millennium Garden Helen, Eric Residents X X X X X X Display Businesses Rock Report Personal visits Community Gyms Helen Residents X X Voting Voting Sandy Residents X X X X X Voting Map Information/Elections Citizen Education Efforts Topic Contact Audience Brochure/ Video/ P News- Web Speakers City Paid Other Mailed Cable News paper Guide Ads describe) Notices TV Housing Division First Time Homebuyer Rebecca Public X X X X X Classes Referrals Education and Programs Residents offered through referrals Housing Rehab Programs Rebecca Public X X X X X Classes Referrals offered through referrals Rehab Advisory Services Rebecca Public X X X X Referrals Lead Based Paint Info. Rebecca Public X Referrals Social Services Rebecca Public Referrals Community Development Rebecca Public, X Info usually Block Grants (CDBG) agencies provided by phone or letters City housing statistics and Ed Public Housing Plan, reports other reports Remodeling Fair Ed Public X X X X Available at X Larry Fair Fair Housing Melissa Public, X Referrals renters, landlords, Section 8 program Melissa Public, X X X X X Plus newsletter to renters, landlords landlords Apartment info. Barb P. Public X Barb P. Public X Referrals Resources for Senior Services and Housing. 10 Citizen Education Efforts Topic Contact Audience Brochure/ Video/ P News- Web Speakers City Paid Other Mailed Cable News paper Guide Ads describe) Notices TV Career counseling/job Debra R. Section 8 X Individual seeking clients only counseling TRAILS sessions, referrals program) Building Deck Construction Bob R. Residents X Builders Finish Basement Bob R. Residents X Construction Builders Porch Construction Bob R. Residents X Builders Room Additions Bob R. Residents X Builders Fence/Wall Bob R. Residents X Builders Accessory Buildings Bob R. Residents X Builders Permits — Info for Residents Bob R. Residents X Builders Erosion Control Bob R. Residents X Requirements Builders Various Application Forms Bob R. Residents X Checklists Builders Development Review Larry F Developers X Committee Builders Pre -Construction Meetings Larry F Developers X Builders Plymouth Builder Joe Builders Newsletter Rental Dwelling Warren Rental X Owners Apartment Manager Warren Apartment X Meetings Stan Managers 11 Citizen Education Efforts Topic Contact Audience Brochure/ Video/ P News- Web Speakers City Paid Other Mailed Cable News paper Guide Ads describe) Notices TV Transit Plymouth Flyer George Seniors X X X X X X Seniors newsletter, Residents information card, Bus Riders insert for Plymouth on Parade and also handouts Total Ridership George Residents X X News Release, and also ad on three millionth rider, newsletter distributed to all bus riders Dial -A -Ride George Public, All X X X X Get Up and GO!, Metro Editorial, information card Daily Commuter George Residents X X X X Reverse Commute & Job George Residents/ X X X X X X Community Fair Bus riders Calendars in newspaper, TV, Radio, update route schedules, live interviews on Good Day MN 2" & 3'a Shifts George Residents, X X X Editorials local businesses, job applicants, dignitaries, bus riders 12 Citizen Education Efforts Topic Contact Audience Brochure/ Video/ P News- Web Speakers City Paid Other Mailed Cable News paper Guide Ads describe) Notices TV General Metrolink Services George Residents, X X X X X X X Yellow pages, Bus riders, Residents Guide, Residents Remax Neighborhood Guide, promo item: pocket calendar, newsletter, flyer Street Reconstruction Street Reconstruction Steve B. Affected X Monthly Updates Areas New Sod Steve B. Affected X Areas Street Snow & Ice Removal/ Gary S. All Residents X X X X X Parking Restrictions Scott N. McGruff Truck Gary S., All Residents X X X X X Daycares, Schools, Scott N., Sara Special Events Sewer & Water Consumer Confidence Greg All water X X Report (WATER) users in City Watermain Flushing Greg All water X X X X Water bills — users in City letters, telephone Water Plant Tours Greg C. Small groups Tours Snow removal for fire Greg C. All users X X X X hydrants Planning Accessory Buildings Barb S. Residents X Future 13 Citizen Education Efforts Topic Contact Audience Brochure/ Video/ P News- Web Speakers City Paid Other Mailed Cable News paper Guide Ads describe) Notices TV Home Occupations Barb S. Residents X Future Vehicle Parking and Storage Barb S. Residents X Future Development Application Barb S. Residents, X Handouts at Checklists Developers counter Comprehensive Plan Barb S. All Future Summary Wetland information Builders, Future Developers Information for new Barb S. New Future X X X X X homeowners homeowners Assessing Homestead Cindy B. General X X X X X X Residents Market Value Jan, Nancy General X X X Residents This Old House Jan General X X X Residents Board of Review Nancy General X X X Posted Public Residents Notices Appraisal Process Jan, Nancy General X Residents Quarterly Review Jan General Letters Residents Finance Tier Water Rates Dale Residents X X X X Utility Billing Stuffer Rate Increases Larry Residents X Printed on utility bill Auto Pay Plan Larry Residents X X X Utility Billing Stuffer Senior Sewer Discount Larr Residents X X Utility Billing Stuffer 14 Citizen Education Efforts Topic Contact Audience Brochure/ Video/ P News- Web Speakers City Paid Other Mailed Cable News paper Guide Ads describe) Notices TV Senior Special Assmt. Bobbi Residents X Special assessment Deferral notification to affected parties Budget Dale Residents X X X X Truth in Taxation Notice Budget Publication Annual Report Larry Residents X Publication of Report Miscellaneous Info. for Residents Post Offices Serving Helen Residents X Plymouth School Districts Serving Helen Residents X X Plymouth Snowplowing safety Bob, Residents X Helen Sump Pumps Mike Residents X X X X X Opportunities with Helen, Residents X X Include NWCT Northwest Community NW Comm. TV brochures in new Television resident packet when available Drivers License/Car Helen Residents X X Registration Places of Worship in Helen Residents X Plymouth Public Utilities Serving Helen Residents X Plymouth Mailbox damage Bob Residents X X X 15 Citizen Education Efforts 16 Topic Contact Audience Brochure/ Video/ P News- Web Speakers City Paid Other Mailed Cable News paper Guide Ads describe) Notices TV The Human Rights Sandy Residents X X X Student Conference Commission as a Resource for addressing human rights issues Employment Opportunities Sheila Public X X X Job Line Flyers Broadcast Fax (to 60 cities) Recreation Booklet New Resident Packets Contain the following: City Guide Helen Residents Brochure Plymouth Parks & Street Helen Residents Flyer Map Sue A. Plymouth News Helen Residents X Recycling in Plymouth Residents Flyer Utility Auto Payment Plan Helen Residents Flyer Millennium Garden Helen Residents Flyer Upcoming Events Helen Residents Flyer Market Value Nancy B. Residents Flyer Homestead Credit Nancy B. Residents Flyer Water Restrictions Helen Residents Flyer Alarm Permits Tammy Residents Flyer Clubs and Organizations Sheila Residents Flyer Volunteer Program Nancy A. Residents Flyer Garbage Haulers Sandy Residents Flyer Annual Water Report Greg C. Residents Flyer Recyclopedia Kris/Margie Residents Flyer Information desk info. — Maintain lists and Information for hundreds of referrals & services TOTALS 1 1 102 1 71 1 91 1 70 1 89 1 35 50 9 16 Agenda Number: 15 TO: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager FROM: Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City Ma er, and Dale Hahn, Finance and Information Technology Director; Jeff Hohenstein, Information Technology Manager; Helen LaFave, Communications Supervisor SUBJECT: E -Government DATE: May 30, 2000, for City Council Study Session of June 6, 2000 1. ACTION REQUESTED: Review this status report on e -government and provide direction to staff. 2. BACKGROUND: The City Council included "e -government" on its list of 2000 goals and priorities. While "e -government" is often narrowly defined as "e-commerce" for government, we have chosen to broadly examine "e -government" as a means of putting City services and information online. The 1999 Citizen Survey indicated that 72 percent of Plymouth residents have access to the internet either at home or at work, which compares to 55 percent of Minnesota residents. By 2003, it is estimated that up to 85 percent of households will have internet access, and 75 percent of cellular phones will be web -enabled "mobile commerce. " The City of Plymouth Web site went online in July 1996. The site has grown substantially during the past four years and is in need of redesign and reorganization. This work is proposed for completion in 2001. The Plymouth Web site is very deep with respect to the amount of information that can be accessed online in comparison to other local government sites. Today a citizen can use the search feature on the Plymouth Web site and, within minutes, retrieve information from several years of council minutes or the Zoning Ordinance. This same search could have taken days of manual searching through paper documents at City Hall only a year ago. City records that have been historically inaccessible, for all practical purposes, are becoming significantly more accessible. We've had a number of additional successes. Our job posting page on the Web site is well visited, as are common forms such as absentee ballot applications and voter registration forms during election times. In late 1999, Plymouth was among the first cities in the nation to have complete agenda packets available online. We have several Page 2 past years of Council agendas and minutes online, as well as several major City documents (City Code, City Charter, Zoning Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan). Our e- mail contact on the Web site generates daily comments and questions from residents and allows for quick staff response. Many of our successes were possible due to development of a conversion shortcut so that end users can, with the click of a mouse and selection of a file, convert word processing documents into both HTML and PDF files and place them on the Web site. Search capability was added to the Web site in 1999, and City e-mail accounts were established for all council members in early 2000. Residents can now e-mail members of the Council individually or as a group from the Web site. Initiatives currently under development include a recreation registration system which will allow residents to register and pay for recreation classes online. Efforts are also underway to implement an imaging system in the police department. In addition to many in-house efficiencies this technology will provide, it will allow inter -agency sharing of police information. Both of these projects are anticipated for early 2001 completion. 3. DISCUSSION: We believe that an effective City Web site can assist with the following: Meet increasing citizen expectations. Help citizens (and the City) conduct business more efficiently. Communicate more effectively (timely and targeted) with residents. Build connections and involvement between residents and the City. Give more citizens access to greater amounts of information. Educate our customers. Build community identity. Provide around-the-clock access to City information and services. All computer users in the City were invited to offer e -government suggestions for this report, and follow-up meetings were held with each department. We solicited suggestions from members of the City Council, Boards and Commissions, and residents through our Web site. Some responses were very brief and didn't offer specific suggestions. Most commented that the Web site needed a "facelift." Several responses directed us to other Web sites as examples, and we have retained that list to pursue specific ideas. Attached are several interesting responses for your review. Through this process, we identified the following categories and ideas for moving ahead with e -government. These are not in order of priority, and in depth study or cost analysis has not yet been done: 1. Redesign, restructure, and remarket our existing Web site. 2. Develop a closer relationship with Plymouth businesses through the Web site. Web site restructuring could include adding an area of the site that Page 3 would be of special interest for Plymouth businesses and/or developing an electronic business newsletter. Add content to our Web site (agendas and minutes from all boards and commissions, campaign financial disclosure information, council member photos and biographies, Water Resources Management Plan, City Hall Help Desk", etc.) 4. Introduce "e-commerce" transactions (building permits, auction used equipment, solicit quotes, pay utility bills, permits, licenses, register for recreation programs, book rooms and facilities, etc.) 5. Provide issue forums on the Web site. Allow opportunities for the public to comment on specific issues and to respond to electronic surveys. 6. Initiate Listserve functions. Allow users to subscribe and unsubscribe to information of interest (council and planning commission agendas, soccer/baseball game cancellations, crime alerts, recreation events, street reconstruction, etc.) 7. Web cast council meetings for convenience of viewing at any time and past meetings would be available for viewing. 8. Establish virtual office to allow telecommuting and employees to work from vehicles. 9. Provide employees ability to fax from the computer. 10. Develop an "extranet" with certain government agencies to facilitate communication and exchange information, 'such as police agencies, city attorney, insurance agent, HUD, MnDOT. 11. Expand site areas to cater to specific interest, such as seniors, arts group, youth, boards and commissions, lake associations. 12. Expand the number of printable forms and add interactive forms to the Web site. 13. Allow data retrieval from databases (permit and inspection status, special assessments, utility account balance, appraisal information, crime statistics, fire incident statistics.) 14. Allow customers to pay invoices. 15. Expand the Intranet to facilitate exchange of information and communication among departments to better serve customers. Page 4 16. Provide various City maps on the Web site, such as polling places, school district boundaries, location of street repair projects, location of planning proposals in the City to complement the on-site development signage, location of special events, parks, trails, legislative districts, etc. 17. Develop a link policy and allow additional community links. Our current practice is to link to organizations that receive city funding, have a city - appointed representative on their board, co-sponsor events, other government agencies, and area media. 18. Develop city-wide internal complaint/issues tracking system. Pilot program is underway in Community Development. A recent article in the April 2000 issue of www.govtech.net magazine indicates that the internet can drastically change how government operates, just as it has changed almost everything in business. But whereas business often panders to customer wants and desires, government should be concerned with citizen needs and rights." There are a number of challenges that make e -government unique from e-commerce, and we need to move ahead carefully to analyze and implement new services. All suggestions should be considered with an eye toward data practices, records retention, and open meeting laws, which are specific to government. Unlike private business, government has a responsibility to provide services to all residents, and the internet cannot become the sole method of providing a specific service. We must find ways to address residents without computer access or without language or skill to use the system. We need to consider whether the computers available at the public libraries are adequate or whether the City should consider kiosks to provide service. Thought and attention must be given to design of our site to avoid advanced graphics and to focus on high volume, low complexity tasks in order to reach the highest number of people. Our existing major systems software vendors, such as utility billing and building permits, have not yet developed e-commerce capability. They will likely offer this in the next two to three years, but if we move ahead with e- commerce now, the cost will be substantial. The exception to this is our recreation registration which will be on line by early 2001. We must find ways to decentralize our internet services, which are currently handled by a few individuals in Administration and Information Technology, while maintaining internal Web publishing and technology standards. Employees must support an e - government strategy. Finally, we need to balance the resources of IT and Communications, recognizing that they provide many services in addition to e - government. Page 5 4. NEXT STEP: Our next step will be to establish a committee responsible for initiating and reviewing potential business process changes and for evaluating the feasibility of options in this report. All departments would be represented on this committee, and the committee recommendations would be forwarded to department directors and the City Manager. This committee would also be responsible for communications between the committee and the departments and for monitoring the Web site to keep information current. That review will include an analysis of the effectiveness of providing each service electronically, analyzing the budget impact, and recommending whether fees for service should be increased or lowered for specific services. The budget impacts vary from minimal to very significant for the various options included in this report. A written status report will be provided to the City Council in six months. 5. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Prior to moving ahead on this project, we would like Council direction on the following: 1) Are there any ideas mentioned in this memo that councilmembers absolutely don't want to pursue at this time? Or, anything we missed that should be studied? 2) Our next step is to convene an e -government committee to analyze Web redesign, potential new initiatives, and associated costs, with a written status report provided to the City Council in six months. Do you concur with this approach? Laurie Ahrens From: Susan L Henderson [SLHend@worldnet.att.net] Sent: Friday, May 19, 2000 8:36 AM To: Laurie Ahrens Subject: Re: e -government Laurie - Thanks for asking! One of my frustrations is trying to find email addresses, phone numbers, etc. of city officials, commissioners, etc. on the site. Also, I'd like to see our site have a bit more zip and friendliness. I like the way the Minneapolis site looks (http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/). I think we have the same information available on our site — it could use a little graphic fun". I know we use the "Plymouth Blue" wherever we can, but it looks cold and uninviting. It would be terrific if one could register for classes on the web - or at least see the listing of what's available. That's all I can think of for now. Looking forward to seeing our new site! Susan HRA Commissioner Laurie Ahrens From: DavidWl741@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2000 9:49 PM To: LAhrens@ci.plymouth.mn.us Subject: Re: Ideas For Improving City of Plymouth Web Site Have you seen the web site www.govworks.com? I paid my property taxes by VISA card to Hennepin County this month thru this web site. Perhaps you could connect the City to their service and enable the residents to pay via credit card thru them? David Wick Laurie Ahrens From: Internet Contact Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2000 8:39 AM To: Laurie Ahrens Subject: FW: Ideas For Improving City of Plymouth Web Site Laurie - This arrived via our Web site. Jean Original Message ----- From: DavidWl741@aol.com [mailto: DavidW1741 @aol.com] Sent: Monday, May 29, 2000 6:12 AM To: contact@ci.plymouth.mn.us Subject: Ideas For Improving City of Plymouth Web Site Some suggestions for you: establish a process where residents can pay water bills with credit cards thru your web site - to eliminate writing checks and mailing them, and you having to manually open the checks, process them, etc. post a map or maps showing the neighborhoods where residential street repairs or construction is being done, and the schedule for when it will happen enable hotlinks to the web sites for the school districts in Plymouth establish a process for online registration for ice skating programs, including payment by credit card, at the Plymouth Ice Center establish a process for online reservation of meeting space at the Plymouth Creek Center, including payment by credit card establish a registration page where residents, or potential residents, can submit their name, address, email and have the City send out these items by email: City Newsletter Citizen Survey Welcome brochure to prospective or brand new residents(you could do this once you know someone has purchased a home if you had their email) Water bill statements (save the City postage, handling and paper costs) items of interest to that household (soccer program info, ice skating info, etc) Call if you have questions on any idea. David Wick 2365 Yuma Lane North Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 763-449-0156 davidwl741@aol.com Laurie Ahrens From: Internet Contact Sent: Monday, May 22, 2000 9:17 AM To: Laurie Ahrens Subject: FW: City web site improvements Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged FYI - Original Message ----- From: David Thomas [mailto:dtmpls@worldnet.att.net] Sent: Sunday, May 21, 2000 12:46 PM To: contact@ci.plymouth.mn.us Subject: City web site improvements ello, How about a online map of the City including the 80 miles of bike trails and parks we brag about? Page 1 of 1 Laurie Ahrens From: Internet Contact Sent: Friday, June 02, 2000 8:37 AM To: Laurie Ahrens Subject: FW: website help Original Message ----- From: Bruce Gordon [mailto:bgordon@tcintemet.net] Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2000 1:08 PM To: contact@ci.plymouth.mn.us Subject: website help for starters-- take the "jerky" scrolling banner off.. or make it easy to read ... thanks. bruce 6/2/00 May 10, 2000 ROUTE TO: IMPORTANT EVENTS -- MARK YOUR CALENDAR! 3CMA Mini -Conferences: Skokie, IL May 12, 2000 Estes Park, CO June 2, 2000 Lawrence, KS November 9-10, 2000 In This Issue: Listserves High -Speed Cable Environmental Report Coffee and Books San Diego Conference Help, Please Keeping Addresses Current Newcomers Packets Employee Newsletters Access Channel Promo Council Meetings Internet Policies Job Opportunities New Rochelle, NY Aurora, CO T_ . . • . . . . • t* • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IMMEDIATE NEWS OFTHE CITY -COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING ASSOCIATION Listserves Can Expedite News and Information to Media/Residents By Susan Overbay Communications Assistant Overland Park, KS Here is an idea we've tried in Overland Park that you might want to consider. Our Communications Division has acquired an Internet application that allows city staff members to send email messages to lists of subscribers. This application makes it possible to expedite information to the media and has many other uses. Creating Communications Groups The new communication feature, basically a listserve, allows us to communicate expeditiously with organizations or individuals who have a shared interest in receiving particular kinds of information. For example, Leisure Services can use it to market specific types of programs and activities to all persons who want and request it. Disseminating News Our pilot materials for dissemination on our listserve are our weekly news brief, City Source, and news releases. Members of the press, any anyone else, can receive these materials by signing up on the City Source or News Release pages on our website, www.opkansas.org, or by sending us an email. z W.w.xk F+ 3CMA Annual Conference San Diego, California September 6-9,2000 In every posting that subscribers receive after they have signed up, there is an unsubscribe option if the recipient no longer wishes to receive the materials. We have received only positive responses from users of this service. Media professionals can have news releases immediately available on their PCs instead of waiting for a fax or mail delivery, and the materials can remain on their PCs as long as the information is wanted and needed. Multiple users can receive the materials simultaneously, eliminating delays that can occur when hard copy is passed from desk to desk and hand to hand. The same information is simultaneously available to other parties, both in the media and the community, who may want or need it. By using this system, we reduce paper usage and mailing cost. We can also take the initiative in sending information to residents, media, and organizations instead of waiting for them to visit our website. P.O. Box 20278, Washington -Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C. 20041 Tel: (703)707-0830 or (202)488-7100 FAX (703)707-0867 or (202)488-7665 E-mail: C3MA@aol.com a, _ . _ .. - . .. -- — . J _ -, ,, - — . --- — — — I .......— .. -- —1 ! l I l 1 a6t.:; 1 V 1 G ADT/News GartnerGroup: e -Government to be 6.2 billion IT business by 2005 Week of April 17, 2000 SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Just as some of the bloom is going off the rose of e -Business, where the Darwinian weeding out process has begun amid the realization that consumers can only browse through so many online bookstores, GartnerGroup analysts say they have identified the next big Internet trend — e -Government. Local, state and federal government agencies are quickly moving to provide traditional services, including issuing building permits and accepting tax payments, over the Web, according to analysts who spoke at GartnerGroup's Spring Symposium/ITxpo 2000 Conference in San Diego. While eclipsed by the public relations and advertising barrage that has accompanied the e -Business boom, e -Government represents a significant opportunity for application developers and IT consulting firms, according to French Caldwell, research director for GartnerGroup. Caldwell forecast that the market for e - Government hardware, software and IT consulting services will grow from $1 billion this year to $6.2 billion in 2005. There will be an intense and increasing demand for consultants to do the development and maintenance of e - Government applications because even federal agencies have trouble competing with private industry for programming talent, Caldwell said. Consultants working in e -Government practices will have to develop some specialized expertise because while the underlying programming may be similar, e - Government applications are not the same as those for e -Business. For example, Caldwell said, there is very little marketing involved in e -Government. A citizen can't shop around for another government," he quipped. http://www.adtmag.com/Pub/news/n000417-I.shtml 05/26/2000 a a..ar. va Julluul' 1:<, /-VVV/<1V1 Ll<I.JVlr 11 l1L.11J vv1:1, 1Jt11ti rage L. 01 L If you are going to build a house in Los Angeles, the only government that can issue a permit is the one in downtown L.A. If you are going to operate a business in Massachusetts, you have to pay taxes to that commonwealth. You can't go out on the Web and see if Arizona will give you a better deal, unless you are planning to relocate there. In GartnerGroup's view, applications for e - Government fall into three basic categories: transactions between government and citizens; transactions between government and businesses, and transactions between government and its employees. Caldwell forecasts that as soon as 2003, 60 percent of local government business will be conducted as e -transactions. Initially, the two types of applications that will dominate e -Government development will be in the areas of issuing permits and paying taxes, according to Bill Malik, a GartnerGroup analyst covering security issues. E -Government is so new that as yet no agency has developed anything like best practices for e -Government application development, Malik said. However, he did point to the IRS, the State of Kentucky and Orange County, Calif., as places where solid groundbreaking work is being done. Rich Seeley Subscribe News I Current Issue I Special Topics Search Industry Events I About ADT I Home @1999-2000 101 communications 600 Worcester Rd., Suite 301, Framingham, MA 01702 Phone: 508-875-6644, e-mail:general@adtmag.com http://www.adtmag.com/Pub/news/n0O0417- l .shtml 05/26/2000 Agenda Number: 0 TO: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager FROM: Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City Manager SUBJECT: Set Future Study Session Date and Topics DATE: June 1, 2000, for City Council meeting of June 6, 2000 1. ACTION REQUESTED: Make a motion establishing a date and topics for the next study session. 2. DISCUSSION: Attached are City calendars for June through September. Possible dates for the next study session are Tuesday, August 1, or Tuesday, August 15. The following items remain on the pending study session list: Expand citizen involvement process for capital projects (Councilmember Black) Photo Speed Radar System (Councilmember Harstad) Environmental Quality Committee membership composition/appointments to watershed management organizations (Councilmember Black) Consider Plymouth history book for 50' anniversary on 5/18/05 (Mayor Tierney) Reduce hardness of water (Councilmember Harstad) County Road 101 (with 2 -week notice to residents) Joint meeting with School District 279 Osseo (school district staff has suggested a fall meeting) Discuss plan to rapidly respond to opportunities to purchase properties Councilmembers Johnson and Harstad) Consider whether to amend Comprehensive Plan to consider study areas designation and duration Interview applicants for Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit Presentation by Messerli & Kramer representing the Suburban Transit Association 3. ALTERNATIVES: The City Council could take no action to schedule a study session at this time, but rather wait until after the budget study sessions. Budget study sessions are scheduled for August 21 and August 29. 4. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the City Council schedule a date and establish topics for the next Council study session. OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS June 2000 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room 2 3 May 2000 S M T W T F S 102000 S M T W T F S 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM PLYMOUTH CRLEK CENTER GRAND QPFNING 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 a 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 6:00 PM YOUTH JAM 2000, Plymouth Amphitheater 4 5 7:00 PM YOUTH DVISORY COUNCIL, Medicine Lake Room 6 7:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING, Public Safety Training ROOM 7 8 l7:00 PM PRAC - Council Chambers 9 10 7:00 PM EQC, Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 11 12 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 13 14 15 7:00 PM HRA - Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD Public Safety training Room 16 17 18 19 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Medicine Lake Room 20 21 7'00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 22 23 24 MUSIC IN PLYMOUTH Sk RUN 25 26 27 28 adley LakeR*'o" 00 PM PACT - om 29 30 7:30 AM LOCAL BUSINESSCOUNCIL, Radisson Hotel 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers Modified on 5/16/2000 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS July 2000 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Jun 2000 S M T W T F S Aug 2000 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9: Il 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 I l 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 l9 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 2 3 7100 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Medicine Lake Room 4 Independence Day City Offices Closed 5 6 5:15 PM MUSIC IN PLYMOUTH, City Center mphitheater 7 8 7:00 PM EQC, Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 9 10 11 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 12 13 14 15 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PRAC - Council Chambers 16 17 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Medicine Lake Room 18 19 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 20 21 22 7 00 PM HRA - Medicine Lake Room 7 00 PM PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD Public Safety Training Room 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 7:30 AM LOCAL BUSINESSCOUNCIL, Radisson Hotel 4:30 PM CITY EMPLOYEE SUMMER EVENT, Parkers Lake Park7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PACT - Hadley Lake Room 30 31 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Medicine Lake Room Modified on 5/16/2000 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS August 2000 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 312000 7:00 PM HUMAN7:00 PM EQC, S M T w T F S Medicine Lake Room RIGHTS COMMISSION - 1 Medicine Lake 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISION, Council ChSambers2345678 Room 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 7:00 PM YOUTH DVISORY 7:00 PM PRAC - Council Chambers 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL, Medicine Lake COUNCIL MEETING, Room Council Chambers 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HRA - Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD Public Safety draining Room 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 7:00 PM PACT - Hadley Lake Room 7:00 PM Council Budget Study Session, Public SafetyTraining Room 7:30 AM LOCAL BUSINESSCOUNCIL, Radisson Hotel 7:00 PM REGULAR 7:00 PM YOUTH COUNCIL ADVISORY MEETING, COUNCIL, Council Chambers Medicine Lake Room 27 28 29 30 31 Sep 20008:00 AM COUNCIL SEATING S M T W T F S 1 2FILINGSOPEN 3 4 5 6 7 s 97:00 PM COUNCIL BUDGET 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 STUDY 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 SESSION, Public Safety Training 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Room Modified on 5/16/2000 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS September 2000 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Aug 2000 S M T W T F S Oct 2000 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Il 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 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 3 4 5 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 6 7 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room 8 9 Labor Day - City Offices Closed 7:00 PM EQC, Medicine Lake Room 7'00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 10 11 12 5:00 PM COUNCIL SEAT FILINGS CLOSE 13 14 7:00 PM PRAC - Council Chambers 15 16 PRIMARY ELECTION DAY 17 18 7:00 PM YOUTH DVISORY COUNCIL, Medicine Lake Room 19 20 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 21 22 23 7:00 PM HRA - Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD Public Safety Training Room 24 25 26 27 7:00 IPM PACT - Hadley Lake Room 28 29 RoOsh Hashanah be Ins at sunset 30 7:30 AM LOCAL BUSINESSCOUNCIL, Radisson Hotel 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers Modified on 5/16/2000