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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 12-15-1994a Y DECEMBER 15, 1994 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS .... 1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER: DECEMBER 19 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL STUDY SESSION Public Safety Training Room TOPIC: Housing Issues 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING City Council Chambers ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -- 2. FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE -- TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 6:00 P.M., Public Safety Library. (M -2) 3. MIX MEETING -- The MLC Board of Directors meeting and legislative dinner has been changed from Wednesday, January 18 to Wednesday, January 25 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Decathlon Athletic Club: Invitations from the MLC will be mailed out in the near future. 4. METRO MEETINGS - - -- The weekly calendar of meetings for the Metropolitan Council and its advisory commissions is attached. (M -4) 5. MEETING CALENDAR - The December meeting calendar is attached. (M -5) ................................................................................... ............................... 1. DEPARTMENT REPORTS 1 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO December 15, 1994 Page 2 a. Weekly Building Permit Report for Commercial/Industrial/Public and Use Types. (I- b. Volunteer Program Update. (I -lb) 2. M[NUTES: a. Financial Advisory Committee, November 22, 1994. (I -2a) 1 3. NEWSLETTER, PUBLICATIONS, ETC. a. News articles from the December 6 and December 7 Star Tribune on Representative Bill Schreiber and the proposed Highway 610 and Ehn Creek interceptor. (I -3a) ` b. Editorial from the November 21 Star Tribune on the MUSA line extension. (I -3b) 1 4. MEMOS & CORRESPONDENCE: a. Letter from New Hope Mayor Ed Erickson concerning a proposed storm sewer improvement project for the Northwood Lake area in New Hope. The City of New Hope is requesting Plymouth to participate in the cost of the improvement because of storm water runoff accepted from Plymouth west of T.H. 169. Mayor Erickson requests our City staff to review the proposal and then hold a joint meeting to discuss a cost sharing agreement. This will be placed on a future Council agenda for discussion. (I -4a) j b. Response from George Battina, 12500 58th Avenue North, to a letter from Dale- Hahn, regarding 1995 City taxes. (I -4b) c. Letter to Kathy Lueckert from Laura Tubbs Booth resigning from the Human Rights Commission. (I -4c) } ; d. Letter from Jim Dahle, Robbinsdale Schools Superintendent, advising of the District's action to hold odd -year school elections. (I -4d) i e. Letter from Bob Mueller, 4612 Rosewood Lane, urging restrictions on snowmobile 10 use in the city. (I -4e) Letter to Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Henkemeyer, 4205 Wedgewood Lane, from Paige Rickert, CB Commercial, regarding the construction of a TCF Bank adjacent to Target. (I -4f) Dwight Johnson City Manager rI Z The Financial Advisory Committee is an advisory body to the City Council. The mission of the Financial Advisory Committee is to review, analyze and inform the City Council and the public with respect to City financial matters, and to provide innovative, proactive ideas for effective and efficient use of City resources. CITY OF PLYMOUTH FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1994 6:00 P.M. A. Call to order 1. Review of November 22nd minutes B. Information 1. Update on Financial Analyst 2. Update on Design Engineering C. Review and Comments 1. Review memo from Member Bartling RE: Property Tax System 2. 1994 Committee accomplishments and 1995 work plan 3. Investment Management Services - Request for Proposal 4. Review annual meetings calendar r 5. Discussion of meeting time and dates D. Other 1. Next month's Agenda 2. Adjournment Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 24, 1995 6:00 P.M. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE CONTACT DALE HAHN AT 550 -5101 OR BO BOCK AT 331 -5571 BEFORE 3 P.M. ON THE DAY OF THE MEETING. THIS WILL HELP ASSURE PROMPT STARTING AND ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING. METRO MEETINGS =, A weekly calendar of meetings and agenda items for the Metropolitan Council, its a1h4sory and standing committees, and three regional commissions: Metropolitan Airports CAli &ion, 1. Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission, and Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission. Meeting times and agendas are occasionally changed Questions about meetings should be directed to the appropriate organization. Meeting information is also available on the Metro Information Line at 229 -3780. DATE: December 9, 1994 1 WEEK OF: December 12 -December 16, 1994 METROPOLITAN COUNCIL Community Development Committee - Monday, Dec. 12, Noon, Room IA. The committee will consider. Rum River Regional Park master plan; summary of discussions and response to $150 million trust fund for public lands initiative; a request for $221,000 reimbursement consideration for municipal sewer system hook -ups of Holland and Jensen Lake picnic areas in Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Dakota County; North Mississippi Regional Park development $27,000 grant 4-- increase to. Anoka County, rock slide closure of West River Road Parkway, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board; local planning assistance guidelines, amendments and extensions; public hearing to consider regional recreation open space policy plan amendment regarding contaminated soils in the regional recreation open space system and amendment to regional recreation open space capital improvement program fiscal years 1990 -1991; an analysis of the public meetings on the library report; Metropolitan Council Housing Bond Credit Enhancement Program; legislative position papers, HRA joint powers agreement; Metropolitan Land Planning Act, and Metropolitan Radio Systems Project; Regional Blueprint progress report; Metropolitan rivers; and other business. i Public Hearing for Parks Policy Plan Amendment on Contaminated Soils - Monday, Dec. 12, Noon, Room IA. Transportation Committee - Monday, Dec. 12, 4 p.m, Chambers. The committee will consider. final application to the right -of -way acquisition loan fund for Maple Grove, hardship acquisition of -11300 97th Ave. North; preliminary right -of -way acquisition loan fund applications for Brooklyn Park, parcels 8; 12, 41 and 48; a request to award a contract for additions to the money Counting room and Fred T. Heywood garage transportation offices; 1994 contract amendments with Minnesota Valley Authority and city of Plymouth; MCTO drug and alcohol policy required by the Federal Transit Administration; 1995 legislative position on transportation; reminder of ADA Paratransit Plan public hearing; and other business. Public Haring On High Subsidy Route Reductions /routes s10 and sll - Tuesday, Dec. 13, 10 am., Chambers. 1 Public Hearing on High Subsidy Route Reductions /routes s35ABE, s35G, s35n, s35RS, •s50 - Tuesday, IDec. 13, 10 a.m., Chambers. Public Hearing On Updated Draft of the "Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit Plan" - Wednesday, Dec. 14, 5 p.m., Chambers. Public Hearing On High Subsidy Route Reduction/routes s10, sll, s35G, s35ABE - Wednesday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Maplewood City Hall, 1830•. Co. Rd. B, Council Chambers, Maplewood k Public Hearing On High Subsidy Route Reduction/routes m61, 63, 66, 67, 71, 74, 75: - Wednesday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Wayzata City Hall, 600 Rice St., Council Chambers, Maplewood Public Hearing On High Subsidy Route Reduction/routes ml, m3, m38, m94M, 95MU - Thursday, Dec. 15, Noon, Minneapolis Public Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Room 310, Minneapolis. i Audit Committee - Thursday, Dec. 15, 2:30 p.m., Room IA. The committee will consider. status of manager of internal audit selection process; Metropolitan Council reorganization finance transition team activity/issues update; internal auditor activity report -(planning and administration) 3rd and 4th quarters; 1995 Consolidated Internal Audit Work Plan; and other business. Chair's Informal Meeting with Council Members - Thursday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m., Chair's Office. Finance•Committee - Thursday, Dec. 15, 3:30 p.m., Room 2A. The committee will consider approval of a Human Resources information system. Metropolitan Council - Thursday, Dec. 15, 4 p.m., Chambers. • The Council will consider 1995 work program and budget (see below); MCTO drug and alcohol policy required by'the Federal Transit Administration; 1995 legislative position on transportation; 1994 contract amendments with Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and city of Plymoutii proposed amendment to procurement policy for construction change orders; a resolution authorizing a deficiency tax levy for the cities of Shorewood and Wayzata for amounts due in 1994 for sewer service; approval of personnel code and non - represented plan; a request for approval to enter into a contract with Part Nicollet Medical Center for provision of occupational health provider services; approval to enter into a. contract to purchase new human resources software; a request to approve Dakota County park grant increases financed with excess interest; Cottage Grove Comprehensive Plan amendment, MUSA expansion request and comprehensive sewer policy plan; Metropolitan Council Housing bond credit enhancement program; legislative position papers on HRA joint powers agreement, Metropolitan -Land Planning Act, and Metropolitan Radio Systems Project;' 1995 Council capital budget and capital improvement program; Target Center financing; and other business. Continuation of Public Hearing for 1995 Metropolitan Council Work Program and Budget - Thursday, Dec, 15, 4:05 p.m. (as part of the Council meeting), Chambers. The Council will adopt its •1995 planning and administration, and regional transit budgets and tax levies. Chair's Holiday Event for Council Members - Thursday, Dec. 15, immediately following the Council meeting, St. Louis Park, Public Hearing On High Subsidy Route Reduction/routes ml, m3, m3% m94M, s35N, s35RS - Thursday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m., Apache Plaza, 3800 Silver Lake Rd., Community Room. Executive Committee - Friday, Dec. 16, 730 a m., Kelly Inn, Benjamin's Restaurant, I -94 at Marion, St. Paul. Airport Contingency Planning Committee - Friday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m., Room 2A. Legislative Coordinating Group - Friday, Dec. 16, Noon, Room 1A. Public Hearing On High Subsidy Route Reduction/routes m61, 63, 66, 67, 71, 74, 75 - Friday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m., St. Thomas College, Downtown Minneapolis Campus, 1000 LaSalle, Auditorium, Minneapolis. TENTATIVE MEETINGS THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 19 - DECEMBER 23, 1994 'Blueprint Information Session for Metropolitan Staff - Tuesday, Dec. 20, 3-4 p.m., Heywood Offices, 560 6th Ave. N., Minneapolis. Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission - Tuesday, Dec. 20, 4 p.m., Room IA. Chair's Informal Small Group Meeting with Council Members - Wednesday, Dec. 21, 7:30 a.m., Sheraton Park Place, Dover Restaurant, 1500 Park Place Blvd., St. Louis Park. Transportation Advisory Board - Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m., Chambers. Special Meeting: Metropolitan Council - Wednesday, Dec. 21, 4 p.m., Chambers. (NOTE: TIME CHANGE) Environment Committee - Wednesday, Dec. 21, immediately following the Council meeting, Chambers. Blueprint Information Session for Metropolitan Council Staff - Thursday, Dec. 22, 930 am., Chambers. Legislative Coordinating Group - Friday, Dec. 23, Noon, Room IA. The Metropolitan Council is located at Mears Park Centre, 230 E- Fifth St., St. Paul. Meeting times and agenda are subject to change. For more information or confirmation of meetings, call 291 -6447, (TDD 291 - 0904). Call the Metro Information Line at 229 -3780 for news of Council actions and coming meetings. METROPOLITAN SPORTS FACILITIES COMNIISSION Personnel Committee - Tuesday, Dec. 13, 930 am., Commission office conference room. The t committee will discuss 1995 salary adjustments. The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission office is located at 900 South 5th St., Minneapolis, MN 55415. All meetings are held in the Commission office conference room, unless noted otherwise. Meeting times and agendas occasionally must be changed. To verify meeting schedules and agenda items, please call Tamra Sharp, 335 -3310. OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS December 1994 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday November 94 January 95 1 2 3 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2.3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6 7 8 '9 10 11 12 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 8 - - - - 9 10__ - _ :00 P I COUNCIL MEET= ING - Council Chambers •, " "., 7:00 PM WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE -Pub. 7:00 PM PRAC - Pub. Safety Trng Rm 7:00 PM CHARTER COMMISSION - Pub. Safety Training Room Safety Library 7:30 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Pub. Safety Library 11 12 13 14 .15 16 17 6:Ob'PR2 SPECIAL °COUN fi •+t> jC' • CIL'" NIEI'rfINGi4_,e ; •k, 4;�„ 7:00 PM BOARD OF ZONING - Cou ncil Chambers 7:00 PM PLANNING COM2M- SION - Council Chambers 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 $':30`PM'06t$(IL -` + ' ?'STUDY�SFSSION� =.:. ,a; 7:00 �f'M COULVCILMEE•C =.�,, "' 11VG`= „Council,Chaftihers?$�; 6:00 PM FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE -Pub. Safety Library Winter begins 25 26 27 28 29 30 31. l' Christmas City Offices Closed 12/14/94 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS January 1995 Sunday New Year's Day Monday City Offices Closed Tuesday 3 :00 PM COUNCIL MEET ING - Council Chambers Wednesday 4 Thursday 5 Friday 6 Saturday 7 7:30 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 7:00 PM WATER QUAL- ITY COMMITTEE 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6:00 PM SPECIAI. CO_ UN- CIL MEETING ' 7:00 PM BOARD OF ZONING 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION - Council Chambers 7:00 PM PRAC 15 `y¢ �v ' 6 ;�f� � 'I 17 18 19 20 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. - City Offices Closed 7o00.P11LCOUNCIL 1VIEET ING - Council Chambers 7:00 PM HRA 7 :00 PM PACT t I' 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 6:0,0 PM SPECIPiL COUN- CIL MEETING 6:00 PM FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION - Council Chambers 29 30 31 December 94 February 95 ' S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 5 6 7 8 9 10 I1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 12 13 14 15 16 17 I8 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 26 27 28 Y 12/14/94 1 DATE: DECEMBER 15, 1994 I TO: DWIGHT JOHNSON, CITY MANAGER FROM: CARLYS SCHANSBERG; DATA INSPECTION /CONTROL CLERK { { SUBJECT: BUILDING PERMIT ISSUED REPORT FOR COMMERCLUJINDUSTRIAL /PUBLIC & CHURCH USE TYPES THERE WERE NO PERMITS ISSUED DURING THIS TIME PERIOD FOR THE ABOVE PERMIT TYPES.1 DATE: December 9, 1994 TO: Dwight Johnson FROM: Nancy Anderson SUBJECT: Volunteer Program Update Attached is a report on the Volunteer Program that I wanted you to have. There are some portions you may wish to share with the Council. • Each department has successfully worked with volunteers. • Thirty -seven staff people have supervised volunteers. } • Staff members have been very creative in designing volunteer opportunities which benefit the City. The volunteer jobs are so varied that they are hard to categorize. • Volunteer positions range from one hour shifts at one day special events to hundreds of hours volunteered for ongoing weekly assignments. �db DATE: December 8, 1994 TO: Department Beads FROM: Nancy Anderson, Volunteer Coordinator SUBJECT: Update of the Volunteer Program and Future Space Needs I have attached a report which' shows the numbers of volunteers in each department and lists the staff who have served as supervisors of volunteers. The Volunteer Program has now been in existence for one and one -half years. Please use this data in planning for your department's physical needs in the new building, and be sure to include appropriate work areas and equipment for current and projected volunteers. Thank you! / I L1 Volunteer Program Report Volunteer Job # Vol. Placed Staff Supervisors Administration Dent. Assemble New Resident Packets 4 Val Krisko Historical News Clippings Scrapbook 1 Helen LaFave Video on Volunteerism 2 Helen LaFave Totals 7 2 Community Development Dept. Desktop Publishing 1 Bill Tonn Survey 1 Anne Hurlburt Senior Housing Project 2 Milt Dale Filing for Building Inspectors 1 Don Munson General Help in Planning 1 Barb Senness Filing Lot Surveys 1 Jackie Watson File Organizer 2 Jackie Watson Totals 9 16 Engineering Dept. Data Entry 1 Margie Vigoren Data Analysis 1 Margie Vigoren Special Recycling Days 14 Margie Vigoren Kris Ha eman Recycling Survey and Focus Groups 2 Margie Vigoren Kris Hag an Committee Secretary 2 Dan Faulkner John Sweeney Career Day 1 Margie Vigoren Totals 21 4 Finance Clerical Clerk 2 Kelly Pudlick Assessing Aides 5 Jan Olsson Paul Kin sbury G.I.S. 1 Jeff Hohenstein Dog Licensing 3 Christine Corcoran Storeroom Organizer 2 Larry Jacobson Special Mailings 1 Kelly Pudlick Bursting Machine 1 Kelly Pudlick Totals 15 6 ti im 1 Volunteer Job Park and Recreation # Vol.Placed Staff Supervisors Goblin Walk 25 Cindy Anderson Soccer Coaches 110 Cindy Anderson Grea Finn Autumn Art Fair 15 Karol Greu ner Fire and Ice 103 Mary Bisek . Video on Volunteering j 2 Nancy Anderson Swim Registration } 1 Mary Bisek Job Exchange Coordinator for Seniors 1 Sara Mittelstaedt Desktop Publishing j 1 Nancy Anderson Interpreter j 1 Nancy Anderson Special Mailings 2 Nancy Pederson Summer Recreation Aides{ 13 Cindy Anderson Rick Busch JoAnne Shore Analyst for Computer Programs 1 Nancy Anderson Equipment Turn-in 1 Greg Finn Totals 276 9 Pnhlic Maintenance I Volunteer Gardeners j 11 Dan Heitke Volunteers in the Park 30 Mark Peterson Sharon Mohr YES Students 1 3 Paul Buck Dan Heitke Cemetary Upkeep ( 1 Dan Heitke Handyman ( 1 Mark Jones Odd Jobs j 3 Dan Heitke Greening of Plymouth's Parkways 75 Paul Buck Totals j 124 15 Pnhlic Safety Crime Prevention 2 Sara Cwa na Data Entry 1 Barb Cox General Office and CSO Aide 1 Barb Cox Desktop Publishing j 1 Sara Cwa na Emergency Management Team 3 Tom Saba McGruff House Program Coordinators 2 Sara Cwayna Ted Larson Data Entry for Fire Department j 1 Barb Cox Rick Kline Totals j 11 15 December, 1994 1 Vol \wksht \rep.doc MINUTES FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 22,1994 The Financial Advisory Committee was called to order by Chairperson Bock at 6:10 P.M. in the Public Safety Library. PRESENT: Bock, Stene, Guddal, Sullivan, Bartling ABSENT: Treptow, Ricci OTHERS PRESENT: Financial Analyst Helgeson. REVIEW OF THE OCTOBER 18TH MINUTES The October 18th minutes were reviewed and approved as presented. UPDATE ON CITY CENTER EXPANSION Financial Analyst Helgeson briefly reviewed the cash flow impact and timing of the City Center Expansion project and the calendar of construction activities. The question was raised as to where the money to fund construction was coming from. Construction of the project is funded from Public Improvement Revolving Fund ($1,000,000), Project Ad- ministration Fund ($811,000), Public Facilities ($1,000,000), Water ($500,000) and Sewer ($200,000) for a total of $3,511,000. l UPDATE ON THE FINANCIAL ANALYST Financial Analyst Helgeson updated the Committee on several projects in progress or completed including: Long Range Cash Flow, Short Term Construction Projects, Build- ing Replacement Fund Outlook, Park Dedication Fees, Budget Assistance, and the Utility Billing recommendation - -which was presented and approved by City Council on 11/21/94, and will save the City $71,000 annually. Member Bartling recommended that the position of Financial Analyst be reviewed annually. and justified. based on projected expenditure savings to the City. UPDATE ON DESIGN ENGINEERING A request was made to for Director Hahn to summarize the Design Engineering funding philosophy and current fiscal status. EXPANSION OF MISSION OF FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Member Bartling asked that the committee consider spearheading an effort to clarify and define the medium and long term strategy for financing the City, what should the TIF funding strategy be and how to re- engineer government. Member Bartling also circulated a memorandum requesting that a City staff person be assigned to research the history of property taxes and alternatives to property tax financing philosophies. i COMMUNICATION TO COUNCIL ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE FI NANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Chairman Bock suggested that the Committee take steps to communicate to the City Council the past year's achievements of the Committee including: Dedication Fee Rec- ommendation, Audit Report Comments, Replacement Fund Outlook, Long Range Cash Flow, Mission Statement and recommendation of creating a Financial Analyst position. Chairman Bock also recommended that the Committee report its accomplishments to Council once a year. NEED TO CONDUCT PILOT STUDIES Member Bartling recommended that the Committee should conduct pilot studies to test various ways of improving City services and reducing the cost of City government. DISCUSSION ON INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES REQUEST PRO- POSAL The timetable for recommending an external management service to manage a portion of the City's investment portfolio was agreed upon. Next month the final form of the RFP will be agreed on and subsequently sent to interested management services. Proposals will be evaluated based on the amended Investment Management Services Objectives and a recommendation will be made'to Council by the end of February. f NEXT MONTH'S AGEN +DI A Review of the year's Committee achievements and review of salient financial events of the City. y Meeting adjourned at 8:00 P.M. ScHreiber's activities Bill Schreiber: "Do 1 have. a conflict of interest on' this issue? I can't see why." Some see conflict:in, his By Mike Kaszuba and Steve Brandt Staff Writers When earthmovers begin clearing the way for Hwy. 610 and a new Elm Creek sewer line, opening the Twin Cities' northern suburbs to a ' new :rush of development, former House Minority Leidei Bill Schreiber will be among'those who will benefit. He and his family own land that sits alongside the two projects, and critics have suggested that he has a conflict of interest. • Nonetheless, Schreiber has ag- gressively played key'roles on both projects. In Brooklyn Park, where Schreiber's family has farmed for more than a century and still owns 143 acres, he volunteered to serve on a committee that considered whether the city should speed up the timetable for'development — including that for his questi d . involvement in 2 projects... own land —once Hwy- 610 is built. The Schreibers'; property is estimated by the tax assessor to be worth ` . more than $1 million, and even Schreiber acknowl- edged that the highway will probably increase . th6 i property's value. f , On the Metropolitan Council, Schreiber has been at forceful booster at public meetings for the Elm, Creek interceptor, a long- awaited sewer line that will speed development in the northern suburbs. His actions appear to conflict with the Met Council's; code of ethics, which bars members from participat -, ing in a decision "if that member ... has a financial; interest in the matier under consideration." Schreiber denies any conflict. "Do I have a conflict' of interest on this issue? I can't see why," he said. Land continued on page 7B nW` W :j Star Tribune %Tuesday /Detxmber 6%1994 Land/ Schreiber discounts plan's effect on farm'' Continued from page 1B He did list the land on an economic - disclosure form after he joined the Met Council but didn't tell other members that his land was near the interceptor until Thursday, after re- porters questioned him and after council members had discussed the project twice. "It really has no impact on the Schreiber farm;" he said ofthe public investments. He said that Brooklyn Park has staged its development care- fully and that current plans call for his property to be. among the last segments developed, in 15 years or more. "The mere fact that there's a sanitary sewer does not mean that you're able to hook up," he said. With the Met Council scheduled to take a final vote next week on design money for the Elm Creek intefceptor,- the' agency's top administrators said they have questioned Schreiber pri- vately about his land holdings and said they trust him to make the right decision. "They're on Their own about making judgments about conflicts of inter- est; said James Solem, the agency's regional administrator, referring to Met Council members. "I'm assum- ing ... that Schreiber is honest." Others see problems. "Any matter that they have a financial interest in is a matter they are supposed to ex- cuse themselves from;' said Ron Krieteme er, director of the social justice office of the Archdiocese of St. 'Paul and Minneapolis. Kriete- meyer has testified against the inter- ceptor, arguing before the Met Coun- cil that it will promote urban sprawl. Because of the Met Council's deci- sion, he said, "[Schreiber's] land is going to go up in value, maybe a little, maybe a lot." . Schreiber, 53, is a familiar figure in local politics, having served on Brooklyn Park's City Council from 1968 to 1972 before moving to the Legislature. He served as House mi- nority -leader from 1987 through 1990. He now works as an assistant to the state transportation commis- sioner. His family once owned more than 300 acres in Brooklyn Park, but he quit potato farming in 1991 and now rents out the land. Opponents of the sewer line com- tion is scheduled to start in 1997, and plain that Schreiber not only failed to work on the portion nearest excuse himself from the debate but Schreiber's land is slated for 1999. that he also harshly rebuked resi- dents arguing against the project in a The Met Council approved the pro - recently concluded series of public • ject in September. Schreiber voted. hearings. with the majority. "Some of the council members were not only rude, but abusive," said Lee Ronning of the Minnesota Land. Stewardship Project Schrieber and Roger Scherer, another -Met Council' member and owner of Scherer Broth- ers Lumber Co., "were the main ones that were speaking out," she said. The Hwy. 610 project has been sought ardently for years by officials in northern Hennepin County who argue that their area has been short- changed on freeways. Plans call for the limited - access, four -lane freeway to eventually extend 10 miles across northern Brooklyn Park and Maple Grove and to divert some traffic .from Interstate Hwy. 94. Construc- The S44 million Elm Creek intercep- tor is designed to drain sewage from undeveloped parts of the northwest- em suburbs. The first portions of the pipe would be buried in the Hwy. 610 right of way before the freeway is constructed. Brooklyn Park officials said the inter- ceptor would benefit western suburbs such as Maple Grove the most and added that Schreibees land eventual- ly would receive sewer service even if the Elm Creek interceptor were never built. "The Elm Creek interceptor will not benefit the city hugely," said Gary Brown, Brooklyn Park's city engineer. But Brown also said that the inter- ceptor and the new Hwy. 610 could shorten the city's timetable for devel- oping its remaining vacant land. "I think the timeliness of the Elm Creek ,[interceptor] and the interchange ... together will have an impact;' he said. Schreibees involvement with the Hwy. 610 corridor committee, which was appointed by Brooklyn Park s City Council, also led to complaints about a possible confect of interest. The 14- member committee was formed to determine how land sur- rounding the highway should be de- veloped. Schreiber took one of the four slots on the committee set.aside for owners of property near the Hwy. 610 corridor. In February, the group recommended that the city conduct a study to deter- mine whether to open its remaining vacant land, including Schreibees, to development earlier than originally planned because of pressures that are sure to result from the new .highway. City officials said they plan to act on the recommendation and will hire consultants to determine the high- way's effect on development. Committee co -chair Debra Yerigan said she argued with Schreiber about what she called his conflict of inter- est. "I frequently brought the subject up;' she said. "Mr. Schreiber and I had rather some unfriendly ex- changes about it. I don't think he liked me bringing it up. - "I never said ... 'Shouldn't you step downT [I asked), 'Don't you think your view is a little skewed hereT " she said. Yerigan also said she believed Schreiber focused mainly on issues concerning his own land "as opposed to the corridor as a general study area." At one point, she said, she and Schreiber sparred over wording in the committee's final report that Yer- igan said was an attempt by Schreiber to target his property for a public golf course. Schreiber denied he did.anything im- proper. Some committee members supported ..�79 Schreiber and said.they. saw- no.con: flict F'dkl "In my opinion, he was looking out for what was best for Brooklyn Park,' said Kevin Romano. "He didn't appear like he was trying to skew it toward his best interests." Todd Passenheim, who also was on the committee, said Schreibees land holdings were brought up during the meetings. He, likewise,- said he didn't see a conflict. But added Penny Corcoran;another committee member. "I was surprised that he was actually put on the com- mittee. ".She called Schreiber "an ac- tive participant" at the meetings, but added, "... he goes over the line. . "I don't trust him because I think he's out for his best interest," she _ said. . Schreiber volunteered to be on the committee and appeared before the City Council in July 1992 to state why he should be selected. He was chosen from among 15 applicants for one of-four at -large slots for people who own land close to the proposed highway corridor. Schreiber was the only at -large member who owns land in the corri- dor apart from his homestead "I did not participate in a self-serving position;" said Schreiber. "I would hope that a person that has lived in the community as long as I have would not be precluded from serving because he owns something great- er than a 100•by- 135 -foot lot." Corcoran, who also was an at -large member, said that. unlike Schreiber, she and the other affected property owners were only trying to protect their homes from the aethestic effects of development of land near the highway. "He owned ... undevel- oped property," she said "He has a financial gain." Schreiber acknowledged that the committee recommended having the city determine whether to speed up the timetable for developing vacant property, including his own. B t he ta said the Impetus me from the U. planning staff. "I didn't promote that," he said. Schreiber &`� A perceived conflict of interest Conflicts of interest can sometimes be tricky things for public officials to avoid. But avoid them they must if government is to retain public trust and respect — even when the conflict may be more perceived than real. Such appears to be the case with Metro- politan Council Member Bill Schreiber and the proposed Elm Creek intercep- tor, the subject of a pending council vote. Because the sewer line would run past a 143 -acre farm that has been in Schreiber's family 'for 130 years, and because Schreiber has favored construc- tion of both the interceptor and the proposed new Hwy. 610 nearby, the former Minnesota House minority lead- er has been accused of having a conflict of interest on the issue. Schreiber denies it. He points out that the family farm, in Brooklyn Park, has long been inside the Metropolitan Ur- ban Service Area (MUSA), where urban density development is already permit- ted. The land will be developed, he argues, not when the interceptor is built but when the city amends its growth plan to include the farm and then ex- tends an existing sewer line to serve it. Building the interceptor past his proper- ty, says Schreiber, will neither accelerate its development nor enhance its value. He's probably. right — at least about the timing of development. As for enhance- ment of his property value, nothing in Schreiber's long record of public service suggests that he's ever been in .it for his own financial gain. While. in the Ugis- lature, he even refused to negotiate over the taking of some of his farmland for a power line, opting instead to accept whatever the power company agreed to pay adjacent land owners. . Still, for the sake of the Met Council's reputation, if not his own; Schreiber should step aside from further delibera- tions or votes on the Elm Creek inter- ceptor. The .issue is controversial enough without being further clouded by a conflict of interest, .even just a perceived one. Schreiber worries that to recuse himself now might only encourage similar chal- lenges on other growth issues facing the Met Council. But with possible conflicts of interest, it's better for public officials to err on the side of caution than to risk tainting the public's perception of an otherwise legitimate and objective gov- ernmental decision. Since that's the case here, Council Member Schreiber should bow out of any further involvement in the Elm Creek interceptor issue. December 6, 1994 Mayor Joy Tierney City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mayor Tierney: FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Edward J. Erickson f• i The City of New Hope recently received a grant (apprximately $1,000,000) from MN /DOT to reconstruct the existing railroad bridge over 36th Avenue east of Winnetka Avenue. As part of this project we have been investigating through our staff and Bassett Creek Watershed; the ability to upgrade the existing storm sewer system through the Northwood Lake area in New Hope and the City of Crystal. The result of this investigation has indicated improvements can happen without impacting downstream facilities in the City of Crystal. " X Last spring and summer our staff met with your staff to review the improvements proposed by New Hope in the Northwood Lake area. We provided your staff with two feasibility reports entitled "36th Avenue Street Improvements - Project 437" and "Northwood Lake Drainage Improvements - Project 498 ", which identify the improvements, estimated 'project costs, and revenue sources. The estimated project cost for storm sewer improvements for both projects is $1,334,000. We have identified approximately $300,000 as the City of Plymouth's responsibility. i We feel very strongly that the. City of Plymouth should participate in the cost of these improvements because of the developed storm water runoff we accept from Plymouth west of T.H. 169. In general, we must accept Plymouth's storm water through a 66" diameter pipe (200 cfs) under T.H. 169, while we are restricted to a 42" diameter pipe (50 cfs) which discharges into the City of Crystal. Therefore, we are required to temporarily retain storm W' ater in the Northwood Lake area for the City of Plymouth before discharging into Crystal. Northwood Lake is surrounded by 60 + homes and in recent years has experienced more flooding over its banks. The flooding occurs not only during large, intense 'storms, but also during typical 1 " to '2" rainfall events. The flooding will exist for a period of days (3 -6) until storage volumes from upstream ponding areas in Plymouth have receded. Home owners in New Hope abutting Northwood Lake are very concerned when Northwood Lake is in a flooded condition for many days. 4401 Xylon Avenue North New Hope, Minesota 55428 Phone: 531 -5100 Fax: 531 -5136 Mayor Joy Tierney Page 2 December 6, 1994 We recently received bids for the railroad bridge reconstruction project which includes the first phase of the storm sewer improvements for the Northwood Lake area. Therefore, we are anxious to discuss and determine a cost sharing agreement which is reasonable and fair for all parties. It would be appreciated if your staff could review our proposal and that we could meet before the first of the year to resolve any differences. Please contact me at ,533- 9766.or Daniel Donahue (531 -5112) at the City of New Hope offices. I look forward to hearing from you. Very truly yours, Edwarel Erickson Mayor of New Hope cc: Dwight Johnson, City Manager -: if :f�. '.): - �•t43,,1rr't`,i•: „!•'_IfUw_ nR: -.} rrw.. i N„� ( • �s••G•T4 y� i C �•V }i;��v .S`y. - >'..''' {'113 '� {. t',h :,•�'u .4 ,. �.: .Tiv': :: at,,r' •.- h•ii4t,',_f: " :z.: ^wn•:Ftt• '{ ^'•, ; ^2 j�c �•,.n -• 7� •F 5\_ ui - �i�•L•• ;3: ., `�'.y+{ {4• .?�F' it- - /.I Cr e:} .k _a e •,YS �g a' a.: •ii. �: e�, ',yam -+ :°�= � �. -a i:y'• _ ?:: ;iaR ;.t. .�7:'�`: `•' k;•'�{� � ::i`.:•a•J'�'. y :YIr� �(('{I;'':•' � . :i R :x.'n i iJ.�a/ F• .i � ..y.. �./ : - •s•;, � _ �':1' #7: = • ,. � •� : r �?5"•Y ..J ii, .� r l �. 'f•Z Y :Y .. ,.., � f '� t• p� ate' �..�.H 1 ;izi ,.�•_ b _ ',c, .rf ;% a�tt••r' �$`;^% :`ate•• v:• }4>r,.`: a;� � ¢;' :�: `stt. {5 �r _ ? 12500+58th Avenue.North': -' 4• - _ ": . y'_ � +3. �,i.` '•�): �:c .`l` }:s .`� : ;4 -� -': f.v..lt•. , ,.a,� s : -s: •� {•' „- t.•:.•, .;L.Y� r• -t- ?. -1,,., s: ;:fix }',l.•. :, PI�• mouth ' MN •55442. I sY L1 .X. •:mss t�: 'Y h, •Q- q •a• ,C. • i:- . i• •J•:yr: r:r rr _t B 'tti� a: •� a _ IDear-'1VSr: a n s: aa' ti :;:+.i:'.ii ata..i•..•:tJ:�• :ly'..,,t.ts. 'iY�� = �'".�s�••s '.•l!'C:,. ♦ C:a;' - :ve.:•;:�.:- - ,(..i,:y:yar. `.�4:.. ,5:i :�' f.r _ ..y,,;l�:?.f ": te.., ..L %. =' .. :,�:: f. ..^;�t�• .Gtr �,I�} r note where in you n'.th6 City's p p rop• o. sd tales am.resporig .o you <};`r going up 3:2 %' which is much; : but why:riot a 0 % 'increase? :The:primary >ieason:fhat wc. your .t are going up is because the valuation on your home has increased by: over ,6.8 % "from January 1, 1993 to January 1;' 1994. -.The January:-1,-1994 valuation is the=. . basisiised for calculating the 1995. property taxes. This increase in valuation is on your ,. land value which is lakeshore property m the;City:': Lakeshore property in the C' has : ` become a veryihigh demand commodity; and has: resulted in above average_valaation ' increases for the past several years. The:average home iii•Plymouth•omy.-mcreased approximately 4 %•- duiriug this period,:.: and the City has taken that into: account in setting the tax levy* ratefor taxes collectible ' in 1995. For example, the 1994 City tax rate is 16.67 and the proposed tax rate for 1995 is 15.84. This tax rate decrease would provide no increase to the average home owner in the City of Plymouth if their home.value had increased only' 4 %:';: While this explanation may not give you much comfort 'or property tax relief, I think .you'll be pleased to know that your property has 'continued to improve in value while many communities throughout the United States have seen decreasing values.: " 1. . • •:• .� -.. � - , ,: .:. Please feel free to call nib' 550 =510T if you'wish'to discuss this further:' Sincerely, Dale Hahn Finance Director cc: Dwight D. Johnson,. City Manager 1 ' DH:jk i 'We Listen We Solve • We Care Henn ni X/eer\{ rrU ❑rNI II c\ /Amn . DI VAArII ITN AAIAIIXIFCOTA 1;1;447 i TR FPH()NF (61 2) 550 -5000 T F Iowa December 1, 1994 Kathy Lueckert CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Ms.. Lueckert: M Laura Tubbs 'Booth Executive Director Human Resource Services (612) 476-3104 This is to advise you that effective January 1, 1995, I will be leaving the employ of the Wayzata Public Schools to continue my legal career with the Rider, Bennett, Egan & Arundel law firm in Minneapolis. It is our hope that a new Human Resource Director will be in place in January. That person will continue in the role'of the District Liaison on the Human Rights Commission. It was a pleasure meeting you and I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this capacity. Ve truly yours, aura Tubbs oth Executive Director Human Resource Services LTB:bgs 50 -02 y District Administrative Offices 210 County Road 101 North P.O. Box 660 Wayzata, MN 55391 -9990 FAX 476 -3214 ._ ezWv INDEPENDENTSCHOOL DISTRICT 281 Ro6hinsdale Area Schools Learning for a lifetime of growing I December 7, 1994 Laurie Ravenhorst City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth MN 55447 t Dear Laurie: I i . As you may know, the 1994 Legislature approved a law that requires school district elections to be conducted in November on an odd- or even -year schedule. In accordance with the law, the District 281 school board has opted to conduct -odd -year elections. Along with the new election schedule, the district will also make a transition to four -year terms for school board directors. I have attached a copy of the election schedule that the district will follow. While the district's next election is not scheduled until November 1995, we wanted you to know the district's plans. We look lforward to working with you in planning and coordinating joint elections. t Sincerely, - cl, Jim Dahle Superintendent 4148 Winnetka Avenue North New Hope, Minnesota 55427 (612) 533 -2781 ■ FAX 1 (612) 537 -0947 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER Transition schedule for odd -year elections If the school board selects odd -year elections, the following transition schedule would apply: Number of Year of election members elected Members elected Term expires Next election 1994 Three (three -year Member A December. 31, 1997 November 1997 terms) Member B Member C 1995 Two (four -year terms) Member D December 31, 1999 November 1999 Member E 1996 Two (one three -year Member F December 31, 1999, November 1999 for term and one five -year Member G for three -year term; three -year term and term) and December 31, November 2001 for 2001, for five -year five -year term term 1997 Three (four -year Member A December 31, 2001 November 2001 terms) Member B Member C 1999 Three (four -year Member D December 31, 2003 November 2003 terms) Member E Member F 2001 Four (four -year terms) Member G December 31, 2005 November 2005 Member A Member B Member C December 13, 1994 Joy Tierney Mayor Tim Wold Ward 2 Council Member Carole Helliwell At -Large Council Member Bob Mueller 4.612 Rosewood Lane North Plymouth, Minnesota 55442 Craig Gerdes Chief of Police Nicholas Granath Ward 3 Council Member Chuck Lymangood At -Large Council Member "S i E 'V. David Anderson Ward 1 Council Member John Edson Ward 4 Council Member I am aware that you will soon receive a recommendation to modify the recently enacted snowmobile ordinance. I am writing this letter now because it is likely I will not be able to attend personally the council meeting when you will act on any proposed changes. The proposed change(s)-will probably identify certain streets (or adjacent pathways) that snowmobile advocates suggest be'made available for their use. I oppose any-such changes. In my opinion, expanded use of snowmobiles within Plymouth is contrary to the current and future best interests of the majority of citizens of Plymouth. If the next ten years brings the same level of neighborhood growth and development the past ten years have seen - which is a very reasonable expectation - then there will be an increasing demand for general neighborhood quiet and privacy. Greater use of snowmobiles within the city even on designated trails flies in the face of that probable demand. I urge the Council to join other neighboring communities like Brooklyn Center, Golden Valley, Edina, Hopkins and St. Louis Park - to name just a few - and continue to restrict, if not totally ban, snowmobile use within the city. Sincerely, cc: Mark Peterson Parks & Recreation Lt. John Ward Police Department - Public Safety CB COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE GROUP, INC. BROKERAGE AND MANAGEMENT BROKERAGE SERVICES LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER December 14, 1994 Mr. and Mrs. Patrick P. Henkemeyer 4205 Wedgewood Lane North Plymouth, MN 55442 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Henkemeyer: Y— C FICB COMMERCIAL On Friday, December 9, I had personally delivered a letter from Bill McHale of Ryan Construction. The goal is to open a dialog between yourself and Ryan Construction regarding the construction of a TCF Bank adjacent to Target. Since that time, I have been able to talk with Mr. Micheals regarding his feelings on what we could do to modify the proposed bank to meet the neighborhood's needs. One idea has been the construction of a wall to prevent headlights and reduce traffic noise. We are hoping to have a conversation with you and other interested neighbors to get your l' feedback and ideas. Please call either Bill McHale at 336 -1204 or myself at 924 -4658. Thank you in advance for your consideration. ncerely, Paige S Rickert Associate cbL118.psr cc: Mayor Tierney Council Member Edson Judy McDonald 7760 FRANCE AVENUE SOUTH. SUITE 770. MINNEAPOLIS. MINNESOTA 55435 -5282 Local Perspective ll'orldwide $,UNDED 1906 u:' On Friday, December 9, I had personally delivered a letter from Bill McHale of Ryan Construction. The goal is to open a dialog between yourself and Ryan Construction regarding the construction of a TCF Bank adjacent to Target. Since that time, I have been able to talk with Mr. Micheals regarding his feelings on what we could do to modify the proposed bank to meet the neighborhood's needs. One idea has been the construction of a wall to prevent headlights and reduce traffic noise. We are hoping to have a conversation with you and other interested neighbors to get your l' feedback and ideas. Please call either Bill McHale at 336 -1204 or myself at 924 -4658. Thank you in advance for your consideration. ncerely, Paige S Rickert Associate cbL118.psr cc: Mayor Tierney Council Member Edson Judy McDonald 7760 FRANCE AVENUE SOUTH. SUITE 770. MINNEAPOLIS. MINNESOTA 55435 -5282