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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 10-05-1995OCTOBER 5, 1995 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS .... 1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR OCTOBER: OCTOBER 17 6:15 P.M. OCTOBER 24 7:00 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING City Council Chambers REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING City Council Chambers. 2. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 7:30 p.m., Public Safety Training Room. Agenda attached. (M-2) 3. HENNEPIN COUNTY TOWN MEETING, MONDAY OCTOBER 9, 7:00 p.m., Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka. Invitational letter from Commissioner Mary Tambornino attached. (M-3) 4. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 7:00 p.m., Public Safety Training Room. 5. NORTHWEST HENNEPIN TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT ---- Discussion of current transit issues, subtitled "Let's Talk Transit, The Front Seat Perspective". To be held Wednesday, October 11, 7:30 a.m. - noon, Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Dr. N. (M-5) 6. PLANNING COMMISSION, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO October 5, 1995 Page 2 7. PRAC, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers. Agenda attached (M-7) 8. FORUM ON THE IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 7:00 p.m., North Hennepin Community College Fine Arts Building, 85th & W. Broadway, Brooklyn Park. Sponsored by the Domestic Violence Prevention Network of Suburban Hennepin County. Please call Laurie if interested in attending. (M-8) 9. VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION EVENT, 11TESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers 10. PLYMOUTH HRA PUBLIC HEARING ON 1996 CDBG EXPENDITURES -- THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 7:30 P.M., COUNCIL CHAMBERS. This will take place within the regularly scheduled HRA meeting. Attached is the news release for the hearing. (M-10) 11. METRO MEETINGS -- The weekly calendar of meetings for the Metropolitan Council and its advisory commissions is attached. (M-11) 12. MEETING CALENDARS -- October and November meeting calendars are attached. (M-12) FOR 1. DEPARTMENT REPORTS -- Weekly Building Permit Report for Commercial/ Industrial/Public and Use Types. (I-1). 2. PHOSPHORUS -FREE FERTILIZER SALE -- Report from Solid Waste Coordinator Margie Vigoren on the results of the City's fall sale of phosphorus -free fertilizer. (I-2) 3. DEVELOPMENT SIGNAGE REPORT -- On September 29, 1995 2 development signs were placed at the following locations: • South of County Road 6 at Annapolis Lane - (94014). Carlson Real Estate Company is requesting approval for PUD Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, Site Plan, and Conditional Use Permit for a Super America, fast food restaurant and office building. • West of Kirkwood Lane at 18th Avenue North - (95004) New Home Services is requesting approval for a Planned Unit Development Concept Plan and Land Use Guide Plan Amendment to reguide property located at 12300 18th Avenue North from LAl (Low Density Residential) to LA3 (High -Medium Density Residential). The development would consist of 4 single family detached units and 14 single family attached homes. The development is being referred to as Park Woods Townhomes. 4. MINUTES a. Planning Commission, meeting of August 23, 1995. (I -4a) CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO October 5, 1995 Page 3 b. Planning Commission, meeting of September 13, 1995. (I -4b) 5. NEWS ARTICLES. RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC. a. District 281 referendum results from the October 3, 1995 vote. The tabulation is broken down by school district precincts. (I -5a) b.Invitation to Grand Opening of the Country Inn & Suites/Country Kitchen/Italianni's Hospitality Complex, Wednesday, October 18. Dedication: 4:00 p.m. If interested, conn^t Laurie before Monday October 11. (I-5bj 6. CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS POLICY - CORRESPONDENCE a. Letter from David G. Roston, 1048 Trenton Circle with questions about the City's placement of "No Parking" signs in the Trenton Ponds Townhouses neighborhood. Attached is Assistant Manager Lueckert's acknowledgment of receipt. The letter has been forwarded to Anne Hurlburt for a response. (I -6a) A status report on all correspondence is also attached. 7. CORRESPONDENCE a. Letter from Mayor Tierney and Councilmember Edson to James McCleary, CEO of Ameridata, summarizing their September 8, 1995 meeting regarding noise concerns at the 51st Avenue facility. (I -7a) b. Letter from State DNR Commissioner Rod Sando notifying the City that a grant application for development of the West Medicine Lake Park has successfully moved into the final process. (I -7b) c. Thank you letter from Kathy Lueckert to Bill Gavares, 16920 17th Avenue North, acknowledging his comments regarding senior facilities in Plymouth during the Council meeting Forum on October 3. (I -7c) d. Letter from State Department of Employee Relations Acting Commissioner Wayne Simoneau to Personnel Coordinator Jeanette Sobania. The letter is notification that the City has successfully complied with the Local Government Pay Equity Act. (I -7d) Dwight Johnson City Manager Plymouth Human Rights Commission October 5, 1995 7:30 PM Agenda I. Call to Order II. Approval of Minutes III. Approval of Agenda IV. Old Business A. Results of Autumn Arts Fair, September 16, 1995 1. Effectiveness for the HRC 2. Participate next year? B. Educational Conference for trained mediators, September 22, 1995 1. Next training to become a new mediator? C. League of Minnesota Annual Conference, Sept. 23 D. 1995 Work Plan Review 1. Communication Harvey Laurie Ginny Claudelle 2. Process to Mediation Mitzie Gary Jackie Earl 3. Jackie - Proactive approach? 4. Determine Plan for 1995 V. New Business A. 1996 Calender for HRC B. Annual Report C. Second Annual Multiracial Family Conference and Celebraton VI. For Information VII. Adjourn MARY TAMBORNINO COMMISSIONER ��,V1W ��00 'VA E50 BOARD OF HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMIS A-2400 GOVERNMENT CENTER MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55487-0 Mayor Joy Tierney 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mayor Tierney, PHONE 348-7886 FAX 348-8701 r .�. KERS � 0�� O 2 1995 LN � w 3� e� I'm writing to invite you to participate in a Hennepin County Town Meeting to talk about the impact of federal budget cuts on county programs and anything else on your mind. Two meetings will be held: Oct. 9, 7- 8:30 p.m. Minnetonka Community Center & 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka Oct. 16, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Parker Skyview, Community Room 1815 Central Ave, N.E. Minneapolis Town Meetings are an important part of the Hennepin County Board's budget planning process. This year especially, citizen input is doubly important as we budget in the face of proposed changes in federal funding which could create such hard choices as rationing of services for the uninsured, threat to training of future doctors, degradation of the Emergency Medical System, hard choices between emergency care and prevention, and summer youth employment and job training. At the meeting, you will have an opportunity to ask questions of County Board members to help us better determine how to spend tax dollars. After the formal part of the meeting, you're are invited to stay to meet the commissioners and discuss issues with them one-on-one. We'll serve light refreshments. If you have questions, please call 348-7865. Hope to see you there. Sincerely, Commissioner Mary Tambornino, District 6 Hennepin County Board Let's Talk Transit: The Front Seat Perspective Transportation affects most people ving or working in the northwest Hennepin rea. Buses, cars, vans, and other vehicles -avel daily within the 200 -mile region for undreds of different reasons. Where are fey going? Where aren't they going? Where ould they go? And what can be done in a me of shrinking resources to provide the lost efficient and effective services? ome to the Summit to: Learn about the transportation issues king older adults, families, employers and nployees, local municipalities and providers Dialogue with others regarding new )Ilaborations Develop strategies for maximizing !sources his event is free and open to the public. ommunity members, transit providers and anners, city staff, policy makers, business Nners, human resource managers, social rvice providers, and school representatives e encouraged to attend. lroughout the morning, transportation :perts will address several issues such as e MCTO's transit re -design process, the 3nsportation services operating in this area, id the status of transit funding. Event Schedule 7:30 AM Registration and Rolls 8:00 AM Summit Begins Welcome and Introductions Mary Anderson, United Way's Success By 64D Northwest Management Committee, Moderator Featured Speakers Include: Tammy Anderson, Tots to Teens Taxi Frank Boyles, City of Prior Lake Natalio Diaz, Metropolitan Council Carolyn Hawkins, West Metro Coordinated Transportation Brian Lamb, Metropolitan Council Transit Operations (MCTO) Mary Negri, Robbinsdale Area School District #281 Rosie Smith-Pilgram, Success By 60 Northwest Transportation Committee Chair Hans Widmer, The Prudential 11:15 AM Shifting Gears: What's the Next Step? Noon Adjourn [northwest Hennepin Transportation Summit Registration Form The Summit is free, but space is limited and advanced registrations are needed to assist with planning. Please complete and return this form by October 2nd. Name Org./Company, Address Phone Number Aitending Check if appropriate: I need child care I have special needs that require assistance (i.e. interpreter, accessibility, etc.) I need a ride to the event I could provide a ride for someone I can't attend, but I would like to say the following about transit: I can't attend, but keep me informed of future meetings Mail or fax registrations to: Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council 7601 Kentucky Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 Fa simile#: 493-2713 Questions, Call 493-2802 l c� TAXI � Summit sponsors: Camden AdVANtage Community Action far Suburban Hennepin Five Cities Transportation Metropolitan Council Transit Operations North Memorial Health Care Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council CO-OP Northwest Family Services Collaborative Success By 60 Northwest Northwest Community Job Bank Project/HIRED PRISM Tots to Teens Taxi University of Minnesota, Design Center West Metro Coordinated Transportation/ Senior Resources Registration Form TA- iA TA - Questions s3i-oo52 I The Crystal Community Center is served by MCTO's Minneapolis bus routes 14, 19, and 85. For more details on trip times, please call 373-3333. Northwest Hennepin Transportation Summit LET'S TALK TRANSIT THE FRONT SEAT PERSPECTIVE TAXI Am Wednesday, October 11, 1995 7:30 AM to Noon Crystal Community Center 4800 Douglas Drive North Crystal, Minnesota m-7 Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission October 12, 1995, 7 p.m. AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes 3. Visitor Presentations a. Athletic Associations b. Staff c. Others 4. Report on Past Council Action a. Approved purchase of Olson property b. Approved name of park - Elm Creek Playfield c. Approved Mighty Ducks ice arena grant application d. Referred study of senior citizen needs 5. Unfinished Business a. Private swimming pool update/Wayzata School Dist. pool study referred from Council b. West Medicine Lake Park update c. Open spaces update d. Playfield/highschool update e. Study of youth sports facilities - review report f. 1996-2000 CIP update 9. 6. New Business a. Senior citizen needs analysis b. C. d. 7. Commission Presentation 8. Staff Communication 9. Adjourn Next regular meeting - November 9 9,& owwak Vid"wz fflAw fct on .NetW=& 4 SuBua= Aeivaelzin emuav uuhudea aePW"nkW"-a f wmc j;zw4 d eFf incl w,,% SM1" / VJ.aud 17.iumMn.9icagaanz. Xane 3Xee S&ft" d .7wk aWm ffl"i et. .Ceague 4 W(1.amen 21a&T4 4 XWOMW 9',a,&, U`"w, Map& gume- vama of St. ,Cama .TIM& .AN,"& R"Me¢im eammana# ediW- 'VAWUueat xa epk X wnan S wkea eaundL ✓2aaimada& awa Sd ao&, Vautff D"ePaP.rt:ent -T"gum Sawkd .T-r-ae r- SLJaaePA'a. Of .N.eea Rape /-TAunw& S"Id Justice .Mtnlatvk Domestic Uiolence Preuention Suburban Hennepin [ The Honorable Joy Tierney City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 Ticar Mayor Tierney: m - I September 14, 1995 The Domestic Violence Prevention Network of Suburban Hennepin County has organized to confront and eliminate domestic violence in our communities. We, therefore, cordially invite you and members of your staff to attend a forum on Domestic Violence: Its Impact on Children on October 12, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building of North Hennepin Community College. As you know, domestic violence is a serious problem in all of our communities and its effect on children is both devastating and long lasting. As a public official we hope you will make a special effort to attend this forum. We will acknowledge your presence and urge members of the audience to meet with you at the end bf the program. The enclosed flyer includes details about the panelists, the exhibit of artwork by children exposed to violence in the home, and other plans for the evening. If you want more information or flyers, please call one of the persons listed below. We look forward to having you join us in our efforts to prevent violence in our homes. Please return the enclosed response form by October 1. Sincerely, Joan Gendreau 560-6215 Susan C. Pagnac Sr. 424-5645 Q UIE�S PTA PYAI NiE-I.JR I IS T.S_ Eileen Hudon Child Advocacy Coordinator of the MN Coalition for Battered Women Ms Hudon, a coordinator since 1982 and co- founder of Women of Nations, trains and consults for B attered Women's Programs. She will dis- cuss funding for child advocacy and the change in laws for young battered women. Bee Jimpson Advocacy Support Coordinator of the BattereiWomen's Legal Advocacy Project Ms Jimp n's, a seven year veteran to the Bauered Women's Movement,provides support and education to battered women, advocates, law enforcement, attorneys, judges, and systems people. She will discuss the legal advocacy sup- port for judges, law enforcement, and attorneys. Jean Holloway Attorneyfor Childrea's Defense Fond hh. Holloway works as a lobbyist on welfare reform, child support, and child care. She will examine the long-termimpac t DomesticViolence has on children, relative to the community re- sources needed to respond to the aftermaths (the vidence that presents itself in thebehaviorof the children who witness it). F ase c�ll 545 - 7090 u nee a sign laagmage eter. or have otter needs THE DOMESTICVIOLENCE PREVENTION NETWORK OF SUBURBAN HENNEPIN COUNTY presents: A FORUM ON THE IMPACT OF DOMESTICVIOLENCE ON CHILDREN Thursday, Oct. 12, 1995 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. N. Headepis CommuityCollege 85tb & W. Broadway (Fine Arts Building) ME. iY N C) rT ioI: WS P. F. E1 K A? R . c Ms. Raffesberger, a survivor of a violent rel* tionship and board memberof Department of Corrections Battered Women's Advisory Council, will describe the imppact of violence on herself, and her children. A-1 A'Ti i1 ifllf' for Y.ieviri • Artwork of Children who have witnessed Domestic Violence • ,(i L11ES �T F A NiE41. I S.T S Nancy Meyerhoff Behavior Specialist-- Pilgrim Lane / Robbinsdale School District Ms. Meyerhoff, who has worked with special - needs, 4hildren for the lam 18 years, Will address the belamiors exhibited daily, and impact of DomesticViolence on children, in the school set, ting. She is curre dyaliaisonwith Home Free. Phyllis W ilderscheidt Exe utive Director of tie Ambdiocesaa Commisnoa on Women For c,,er 10 years, Ms. Wilderscheidt has been an afocate, and co -facilitator for women and children in an ecumenical support group con- cerned with clergy misconduct. She will review social chane occurring in the church, relative to Domestic Violence. Greg Sicheneder Supervisor 1 Therapist with Family & Ciildrea's Service, Youth Diversion Program Mr. Sicheneder, has worked with children from violent homes for over six years. He willbe the mode". v, and will field questions from the audience at the end of the presentation. Noah Hennepin CommunityCollege gs Handicapped Accessible! �4 Viae " 9neaentian szkU04A of SUbM46an X"mepin eountg &w&dea. up"unta&t" Pwnu lamdd & ehddwt'a szwice j VOLA jr u" cexaian yAogu m, mom sine Sfietteu d S.nteW&d4 an ,TA4kd. Beagi a of Wxmen 2date4e of `ivw0fibin 9,ayk, Vaasa, Ataple 9=W- Xtague of 2U" en ` Ate'ca of Sit.. OU& 9.aA .N,oxEfi. Ramepin eamnuuutg eattege. .Na&mteat Xen,ce J&Wtan Sewieed, eaundL ✓`taffina date Chea SAaala, Vauth 1`%ef� 99"gwm 2" ed :P..E. e F - St, jaae0'a 4 .Nxtu maple /-TAW Social Jualice .Miniata� Domestic Violence Prevention Network of Suburban Hennepin County PUBLIC OFFICIAL RESPONSE FORM Yes, I plan to attend the forum on Domestic Violence: Its Imp,,,ct on Children, on October 12. I will sign in at the Public Officials' table at the forum so I*can be introduced during the forum and will be available to meet with the public at the end of the forum. - My staff members as listed below, plan to attend the forum. No, I am not able to attend, but please keep me informed. Name: Title: Address: Name: Title: Address: Please return this form by October 1, 1995, to: C/O Susan C. Pagnac Sr. League of Women Voter of Brooklyn Park/Osseo/Maple Grove 9792 Hemlock Lane Maple Grove, Minnesota 55369-3666 Name tags will be made from the above information. Attach to this form any extra pages, you need for the additional people who plan to attend the forum. C qA- (0 'I CITY OF PLYMOUTR For Immediate Release Contact: Oct. 4, 1995 Milt Dale, 509-5413 PLYMOUTH HRA TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING ON OCT. 19 The Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) will hold a public hearing on Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m., in the Plymouth City Center, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., to share city staff recommendations and hear public comment about the types of programs the Plymouth HRA may fund in 1996 with federal funds. The HRA expects that Plymouth will receive about $300,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds next year from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), according to HRA Supervisor Ed Goldsmith. Under HUD requirements, Plymouth must bring together the funding for various HUD programs into a Consolidated Plan. The purpose of the public hearing will be consider how CDBG funds should be allocated as part of the Consolidated Plan that is presented to HUD. CDBG money may fund a variety of programs such as child care, job training and housing rehabilitation programs. For more information on the public hearing, call Ed Goldsmith at 509-5412 or Milt Dale at 509-5413. -30- PLYMOUTH A Beau tifuf Place To Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 �� 0 21095 N METRO MEETIN �a A weekly calendar of meetings and agenda items for the Metropolitan Council, its advisory and stanMft-rc fmittees, and three regional commissions: Metropolitan Airports Commission, Metropolitan Parks and Open Spa: a Commission, and Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission. Meedng tirms and agendas are of -v Tonally changed. tw-tions about meetings should be directed to the appropriate organization.11&eUng irdbrmaticn is also available on the Metro ?nformatior? r Ane at 229-3780 and by computer modem, through the 'Twin Cities Computer Network at 337-5400. DATE: September 29, 1995 WEEK OF: October 2 - October 6, 1995 METROPOLITAN COUNCIL Transportation Committee - Monday, Oct. 2, 4 p.m., Chambers. The committee will consider: setting forth a Metropolitan Travel Demand Management (TDM) strategy; Council direction on handling of special assessment on Metropolitan Council property; Transit Capital Improvement Plan; and other business. Public Hearing/To receive public comment on the Proposed Regular Route Bus Fare Increase effective Nov. 1, 1995 - Monday, Oct. 2, 5 p.m., Chambers. Transportation Technical Advisory Committee to the Transportation Advisory Board - Wednesday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m., Room IA. The committee will consider: alternative growth =enarios; overview of Livable Communities Act; requests by city of Roseville and city of Minneapolis; solicitation package; joint comments on the Prospectus; and other business. Regional Issues Community Forum - Thursday, Oct. 5, 8 a.m. - noon, Eden Prairie City Center, 8080 Mitchell Rd, Eden Prairie. Public Hearing/To receive public comment on the Proposed Regular Route Bus Fare Increase on Nov. 1, 1995 - Thursday, Oct. 5, noon, Metropolitan Council Transit Operations Heywood Office Building, 560 6th Av. N., Minneapolis. Finance Committee - Thursday, Oct. 5, 4 p.m., Room 2A. The committee will consider: determination of Minneapolis tax requirement for 1996; adoption of the goal for publiclprivate partnerships; and other business. The next portion of the meeting will be closed to the public pursuant to MN Statutes Section 471.705 subdivision I for discussion of labor negotiations issues. The meeting may be reopened to the public following the labor negotiations discussion. The meeting will be closed again to the public pursuant to MN Statutes Section 471.705 subdivision I to consider pending and imminent litigation and settlement issues relating to personal injury and workers compensation claims. The meeting may be reopened to the public following discussion of litigation and settlement issues. The meeting will be closed again to the public pursuant to MN Statutes Section 471.705 for discussion of litigation and settlement issues relating to consideration of a proposed settlement in Donna Campbell v. Metr�olitan Council Transit Operations. Metropolitan Radio Board - Friday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m., Metropolitan Mosquito Control District Office, 2099 University Ave., St. Paul. The board will hold a public hearing on the 1996 Metropolitan Radio Board budget. Following the public hearing, the board will consider: bylaws of the Metropolitan Radio Board; bylaws of the Technical Operations Committee; reports from the Technical Operations Committee and the Finwice Committee; and other business. Public Hearing/Metropolitan Radio Board 1996 Budget (as part of the Board meeting) - Friday, Oct. 6, 9 am., Metropolitan Mosquito Control District Office, 2099 University Ave., St. Paul. TENTATIVE MEETINGS THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 9 THROUGH OCTOBER 13, 1995 Tour of Southeast Metro Area (for Council members and local officials) - Monday, Oct. 9, 2 p.m., departs from Rosemount Community Center, 13885 S. Robert Trail (Hwy. 3), Rosemount. Southeast Metro Area Community Meeting - Monday, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m. (following tour), Rosemount Community C.entor, 13885 S. Robert Trail (Hwy. 3), Rosemount. Community Development Committee - Tuesday, Oct. 10, 3 p.m , Room IA. Joint Meeting/Community Development Committee and Environment Committees - Tuesday, Oct. 10, 4 p.m., Room IA. Housing and Redevelopment Authority Advisory Committee - Wednesday, Oct. 11, 8:30 a.m., Room IA. Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee - Wednesday, Oct. 11, 1 p.m., Room IA. Executive Committee - Thursday, Oct. 12, 8 a.m., Nicollet Island Inn, 95 Merriam St., Minneapolis. Transit Redesign Leadership Forum: "Improving Community Support" - focus group discussion for transportation groups and Council staff. (Space limited). - Thursday, Oct. 12, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m., Holiday Inn-Metrodome, 1500 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis. Land Transportation Committee - Thursday, Oct. 12, 1:30 p.m., Room IA. Metropolitan Council - Thursday, Oct. 12, 4 p.m., Chambers. Committee of the Whole - Thursday, 5 p.m. or immediately following the Council meeting, 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 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE COMMISSION Commission Meeting - Tuesday, Oct. 3, 4 p.m., Chambers. The commission will consider: video report on 1995 Special Parks District Forum; report on Sept. 26 LCMR tour of residential inholdings; report on Sept. 27 meeting with Minneapolis officials regarding ways to finance final segment of Great River Road; report on tour of Cedar Lake Farms, Scott County as potential regional park; and other business. The Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission offices are located at Mears Park Centre, 230 E. Fifth St., St. Paul, MN 55 10 1. Meeting times and agendas occasionally may be changed. To verify meeting information, please call 291-6363. METROPOLITAN AIRPORTS COMMISSION I I I Planning and Environment Committee - Tuesday, Oct. 3, 1 p.m., Room 301, West Mezzanine, Lindbergh Terminal, Wold -Chamberlain Field. The committee will consider: October ADNE levels; final contract payments for ditch cleaning/obstruction removal at Anoka County -Blaine airport and 1993-95 Part 150 sound insulation program; contract change orders for southwest terminal expansion general/electrical construction and FIS development - structural steel; contracts bids received for primary electrical distribution system -Phase III, Part *150 sound insulation program, and vacuum sweeper glycol collection pilot project; review of upcoming construction projects bids; special Planning and Environment Committee meeting; Crystal Airport long term comprehensive plan; supplement to review of joint Eden Prairie/MAC staff teport on Flying Cloud Airport; Px.n 150 r` ; �, Advisory CommitkeQ r =,,,«-cndation - PA-. .150 sound insulation block eligibility; 1996 - 2002 Capital Improvement Program; terminal art program; and other business, Management and Operations Committee - Wednesday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m., Room 301, West Mezzanine, Lindbergh Terminal, Wold -Chamberlain Field. The committee will consider: August budget variance; approval of purchase of public safety dispatch console; bid approval for outdoor advertising; bid award for MSP automated teller machines; Frontier Airlines request to provide air service; discussion of 1996 insurance renewals, RFP for commercial development at Airlake, St. Paul corporate fueling, and Budget Task Force update; Finance Committee update, Heads Up; and other business. Budget Task Force - Wednesday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m., Room 301, West Mezzanine, Lindbergh Terminal, Wold Chamberlain Field. The task force will consider an update of budget meeting with airlines, the 1996 budget review and approval, and other business. Finance Subcommittee - Wednesday, Oct. 4, noon, Room 301, West Mezzanine, Lindbergh Terminal, Wold Chamberlain Field. The subcommittee will consider a recommendation on debt management. Metropolitan Airports Commission offices are located at 6040 28th Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55450. For more information, call Lynn Sorensen at 726-8186. ® OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS October .1995 Sunday Monday 2 Tuesday Wednesday Thursday S -d—a Saturday 7 1 3 4 y- 6 7:30 PM SUB -COMM. ON 8: M11 Iehk' a __ 7:30 PM HUMAN RIGHTS DOWNTOWN PLYMO- COMMISSION - Pub. Safety UTH, Council Cont. Rm. Training Room 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Columbus Da (Observed) Columbus ( ) 7 PD1 ENVIRONMENTAL 7:00 Pbt PLANNING COMMIS - FRAC -CPublic Works Closed QUALITY COMMITTEE -Pub. SafetyTrngRoom SION - Council Chambers �-Chambers IS 16 17 18 19 20 21 6:15 PNI SPECIAL COUN- 7:00 PM CANDIDATES FORUM 7:00 PM HRA - Counc� CIL MEETING - Public League of Women Voters - C. Chambers Safety Training Room Chambers EVENT - Council Chambers 22 23 24 2.5 26 27 28 7:00 PM COUNCIL I 7:00 PM PACT - Hadley Lake Conf. 7:00 PM BOARD OF ZONING - r R'nCouncil Chambers 7:00 PM PLANNING C_0MMIS- SION - Council Chamber 29 30 31 September November S MT WT F S S M T W T F S 1 2 1 2 3 4 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 10 I1 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 17 1819 20 21 22 23 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 revised 10/5/95 ® OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS November 1995 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 1 2 3 4 ( October S M T W T F S City Center Counter Open for Absentee Voting - 1- 3 p wt. 7:30 PM HUMAN RIGHTS CONSUSSION - Pub. Safety Training Room 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 a, 29 30 31 5 6 7 8 9 HJ yO 11 City Center Counter Open to�7 7p.m. -Absentee Doting Veteran's Day (observed) - City Center Offices Closed CITY ELECTION 7:00 PDI PLANNING CODINA SION -Council Chambers 7:00 PDI PRAC - Council Chambers rf �{ .0 I d 12 13 14 1-5 16 17 18 7:00 PM COUNCIL 7:00 PDI PACT - Pub. Safety 7:00 PDI HRA - Council NIEETING', Library Chambers 7:00 PDI ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE - Pub. Safety Trng Room 19 20 21 22 23n.,��,� f2,, .. , ' �' 25 Thanksgiving - City Offices Thanksgiving Holiday - City Closed Center Offices Closed 30 7:00 PM COUNCIL H r MEETING, 26 27 28 29 7:00 PM Truth in Taxation Budget Hearing - Council Chambers S MIT WbT F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 7:00 PM PLANNING CO- MMISSION - Council Chambers revised 10/5/95 DATE: OCTOBER R-, 1995 TO: DWIGHT JOHNSON, CITY MANAGER FROM: CARLYS SCHANSBERG, DATA CONTROL/INSPECTION CLERK SUBJECT: BUILDING PERMIT ISSUED REPORT FOR COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL/PUBLIC & CHURCH USE TYPES SPETEMBER 28, 1995 THROUGH OCTOBER 4, 1995 There were no permits issued during this time period for the above permit types. DATE: October 3, 1995 TO: Fred Moore, Director of Public Works FROM: Margie Vigoren, Solid Waste Coordinator IT, D SUBJECT: FALL PHOSPHORUS -FREE FERTILIZER SALE The City's fall sale of phosphorus -free fertilizer was held on Saturday, September 23 in conjunction with the Special Recycling Collection at the City's Maintenance Facility. Following are highlights of the event. ♦ Quantity sold: ♦ Proceeds: 318 Bags sold at City event 26 Bags sold through St. Barnabas Lutheran Church 344 Total bags sold 344 bags sold X $12.50 per bag $4,300.00 350 bags purchased @ $7.80 ea. (2,730.00) 3500 informational brochures (414.29) Lunch for volunteers1� 4.00) Proceeds from sale $1,141.71 Proceeds from the sale - - $1,141.71 - are available for the Community Planting Fund as designated by the City Council. ♦ Participation by churches: Members of the St. Barnabas Lutheran Church congregation distributed 2000 'flyers in the church and surrounding area, and 26 bags of fertilizer were ordered through the church's pre -sale. Christ Memorial Church requested 150 informational brochures for distribution to their congregation. FRTSALE.DOC T�Z ♦ Staffing and volunteers: The event was coordinated by the City's Solid Waste Coordinators, and the sale was staffed by volunteers including the City's Water Resources Engineer, two members of the Environmental Quality Committee and a juvenile from Public Safety's PAYS Program. ♦ Promotion: The sale was promoted through the Plymouth News, an article in the Plymouth Sun Sailor and by two churches in the City. ♦ Operations: Fertilizer and volunteers were situated in such a way at the event that customers who were dropping off materials and those who were solely purchasing fertilizer could all be helped from the same location. Several customers wef }polled as they came through the 1 nD to determine if the combiAiarion of the Special Collection and the ferrtilizer sale resulted in an inordinate wait for fertilizer customers. Without exception customers responded that the wait had been short. ♦ Post -sale: A telephone poll of local garden centers reveals that Bachman's in Plymouth and Hennepin Co-op and Seed Exchange in Golden Valley stock phosphorus -free fertilizer on a regular basis. Hennepin Co-op staff claim that requests for the product have increased dramatically since Plymouth's promotion of phosphorus -free fertilizer, and a manager at Bachman's reported that their store -brand of fertilizer will not contain phosphorus next year. She admitted that this was, in large part, due to the efforts of both Plymouth and the city of Minneapolis to promote the use of phosphorus -free fertilizer. Residents calling to request phosphorus -free fertilizer will be given the telephone numbers for these two stores. cc: Kris Hageman FRTSALE.DOC f,- 4z Approved 9/27/95 CITY OF PLYMOUTH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 23, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Mike Stulberg, Commissioners Barb Stimson, Virginia Black, Christian Preus, Allen Ribbe, Linda Oja and Saundra Spigner" MEMBERS ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Manager Kathy Lueckert, Director Anne Hurlburt; City Engineer Dan Faulkner, Planning Supervisor Barbara Senness, Senior Planner John Keho; Planner Shawn Drill, Planning Secretary Susan Vasquez 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. 2. Public Forum: None. 3. Approval of Agenda: Approved unanimously. 4. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Commissioner Oja, seconded by Commissioner Spigner, to approve the Minutes of the July 26, 1995 meeting. VOTE. 6 Ayes, 1 Abstention (Commissioner Stimson). MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Commissioner Black, seconded by Commissioner Oja, to approve the Minutes of the August 9, 1995 meeting. VOTE. 6 Ayes, 1 Abstention (Commissioner Preus). MOTION CARRIED. 5. Consent Agenda: None. . W,' 1 I II, ill ' 11W' 1' Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 172 F.11111WOM 811111121177"T11 13 Chairman Stulberg presented the request of the City of Plymouth to amend the 1995 - 1999 Capital Improvements Program to incorporate the projects and funding approved in the May 23, 1995 Bond Referendum, and to recommend to the City Council that $1,000,000 from the Community Improvement Fund be used to fund trail construction. Assistant City Manager Kathy Lueekert gave a brief overview of the July 28, 1995 Stai f Report which recommends that the Planning Commission approve the Amendment to the 1995 - 1999 Capital Improvements Program and forward it to the City Council for final approval. Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the Public Hearing since no members of the public requested to speak. MOTION by Commissioner Black, seconded by Commissioner Oja, to amend the 1995 - 1999 Capital Improvements Program to incorporate the projects and funding approved in the May 23, 1995 Bond Referendum, and to recommend to the City Council that $1,000,000 from the Community Improvement Fund be used to fund trail construction as recommended by Staff. ROLL CALL VOTE. 7 Ayes. MOTION CARRIED unanimously, and will pass to the City Council for consideration in the meeting of September 5, 1995. Chairman Stulberg presented the petition of Wuollet & Associates to amend the Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan of the Minneapolis Laestadian Lutheran Church to allow for the construction of an addition on the east side of the church. Planner Drill presented an overview of the August 14, 1995 staff report which recommends approval of the amended Conditional Use Permit and amended site plan subject to the five conditions outlined in the resolution. Chairman Stulberg introduced Mr. Ben Wuollet, the petitioner, who noted that he agrees fully with the staff report, and has no objections to the conditions imposed by staff. Commissioner Oja asked if the project would involve any additional landscaping. Mr. Wuollet replied that two planters in keystone block, along with some bushes or trees, will be included as part of the new landscaping. The area to be landscaped will be where members of the congregation can meet and talk outdoors without interrupting the flow of cars entering and leaving the parking lot as now occurs. Commissioner Oja suggested that trees would be a nice complement since the landscaping already includes two planters. Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 173 L'4a Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the Public Hearing since no one present requested to speak. MOTION by Commissioner Oja, seconded by Commissioner Black, to recommend that the City Council approve the amended Conditional Use Permit and site plan subject to the five conditions imposed by staff in the Resolution. ROLL CALL VOTE. 7 Ayes. MOTION CARRIED unanimously, and will pass to the City Council for consideration on September 5, 1995. C. Eden Trace Corporation/Twincup Building (95079): Chairman Stulberg presented the petition of Eden Trace Corporation, acting in representation of Twincorp, for the approval of a PUD Preliminary Plan Amendment and Conditional Use Permit to allow construction of a 26,828 square foot office/warehouse building in the Parkers Lake North Corporate Center (Parkers Lake PUD). Senior Planner Keho presented an overview of the August 14, 1995 staff report which recommends approval of the amended PUD Preliminary Plan and Conditional Use Permit subject to the conditions detailed in the Resolution. Senior Planner Keho emphasized that the project in question is not subject to the City of Plymouth's moratorium on industrial platting since the Preliminary Plan/Plat for the project was approved by the City Council in 1988. Commissioner Preus requested that Planner Keho show him the distance from the nearest residences to the two loading docks planned for the north side of the office/warehouse building. He further inquired why all eight loading docks included in the project could not be built on the south side so as to cause less impact on the nearby residents. Senior Planner Keho stated that the closest residences on the north side were 185 feet away from the loading docks, even though the current setback for such facilities is 300 feet. He deferred to the petitioner for a reply to the latter question. Commissioner Oja asked where the 10 foot barrier wall, as well as the additional landscaping, would be located, and what kind of landscaping would be provided. Senior Planner Keho indicated that the wall would partially cover the six large loading docks on the south side of the building from the view of the residents, while the landscaping would serve a similar purpose for the two small loading docks on the north. Commissioner Spigner asked why the current setback is 300 feet. Senior Planner Keho stated that objections over the past year or so from residents worried about the noise level, the idling of trucks, and additional traffic, as well as the unsightly appearance of loading docks located in other areas of Plymouth led to the determination that a 300 -foot setback would be the minimum allowable to avoid disturbing residential areas. Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 174 Commissioner Spigner asked why, then, would Staff recommend that she vote in favor of project which does not follow the current 300 -foot setback requirement. feet. Commissioner Stimson added a query as to what the setback was before it became 300 Director Hurlburt stated that the first setback was established in 1995. Senior Planner Keho ac id Wat there was no setback before then other than whatever was physically obligated by the size of trucks, etc. Commissioner Spigner asked, when, if ever, does Preliminary Plan approved by the City Council become null and void? Senior Planner Keho stated that if no modification is made in the Preliminary Plan so as to require its presentation once more to the City Council, then Council approval of a Preliminary Plan never becomes null and void. Commissioner Oja asked whether other buildings in the area have loading docks, and, if so, how close are they to residential properties? Senior Planner Keho replied that some other buildings do, in fact, have loading docks, but none is as close to residential properties as the one planned in this project. Chairman Stulberg introduced Mr. Mark Undestad, 'of ' Eden Trace Corporation, representative of Twincorp, the petitioner. Mr. Undestad clarified that the two small loading docks on the north are separated from the six larger loading docks on the south because of their distinct uses. The north loading docks are for small vans and UPS deliveries, while the large docks on the south are to load and unload semi -truck trailers carrying large loads of cargo. Chairman Stulberg asked Mr. Undestad whether, if somebody really wanted to at some future time, and using load levelers, could he not pull a truck into one of the small loading docks on the north and use it for cargo. Mr. Undestad replied that yes, eventually, someone very determined to do so could actually get a large truck into one of the north loading docks. Chairman Stulberg then asked why they did not have all the loading docks on the south side of the building?' Mr. Undestad stated that this possibility had been discussed and discarded, since for safety purposes it was better to not mix large trucks with small delivery vans such as those used by UPS. He added that Twincorp and Eden Trace Corporation had recently been discussing the use of some spruce trees to further screen the loading dock areas. Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 175 �y4-4 Chairman Stulberg asked whether the petitioners had looked at alternate proposals for building the loading docks and, if so, why had the alternatives been rejected. Mr. Undestad noted that the safety issue with trucking is a key factor. Even though Twincorp and Eden Trace Corporation looked at two other sites within the same project area, they did not find them adequate. Commissioner Black asked whether condition 4 imposed in the Resolution, which states: "All waste and waste containers shall be stored within the enclosure structure", refers to in the buildin,., itself of in a separate building. Mr. Undestad clarified that the condition referred to in the building itself, stating that no additional outbuildings were planned. Commissioner Black asked when the central NURP pond, the construction of which would be requisite for this project's completion, is programmed. Director Hurlburt noted that whenever that might occur, it was an absolute prerequisite for finishing this project. Therefore, until the NURP plan goes ahead, the Twincorp office/warehouse building will not be granted a permit to start. Commissioner Oja asked Mr. Undestad how he could be sure that residents close to the Twincorp project would not have trucks there idling all night long and disturbing their sleep. Mr. Undestad stated that Twincorp had planned to operate the loading docks exclusively during the daytime, from about 7:30 a.m. onwards. Commissioner Oja inquired whether any significant trees will be sacrificed in the construction of the Twincorp project. Director Hurlburt observed that the Tree Preservation Ordinance does not apply for this case since the Preliminary Plan/Plat was approved in 1988. Commissioner Preus asked why the smaller loading docks on the north side could not be moved further up toward Polaris and away from the residential area. Mr. Undestad stated that to do so would interfere with the offices to be built on the Polaris Lane side of the building. Commissioner Spigner asked whether the petitioners had considered putting up some sort of a wall on the side closest to the residents. Mr. Undestad stated that the petitioners were most willing to work with Staff on increasing cover if that were considered desirable and necessary. Chairman Stulberg opened the Public Hearing. Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 176 Mr. Mark Geske, of 2240 Ranchview Lane North, Unit 75, asked questions 1 through 3, as follows: 1. Doesn't the Plymouth Noise Ordinance allow trucks to work from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily? 2. In light of the proximity of the residential area to the loading docks, could that Ordinance be revised, or some exception made in this case, so as to limit truck loadir.Q to the hours between, for example, 7:30 a.m. and i:00 p.m. only? 3. Finally, assuming that some kinds of chemicals are to be distributed through the warehouse, occasionally a pallet can get damaged, and something is going to spill, or whatever. Are there going to be hazardous chemicals? If so, what procedures will be in place to avoid that these get into the drinking water, the sewers, and the ground water? Ms. Sarah Gilderhus, of 2230 Ranchview Lane North, Unit 99, asked question 4, as follows: 4. As a resident of the building closest to the loading docks, I am interested in details regarding the landscaping which will shield the loading docks, and how it will help to filter any noise. Ms. Linda Menne, of 2230 Ranchview Lane North, Unit 86, made some comments to be considered by the Commission, as follows: • As a resident of the upper unit which faces the loading dock, I will be seeing the north side of the building all the time. I am concerned about the safety of the neighborhood children. There are several residential developments in close vicinity of the new building. There is also a New Horizon childcare center on the corner of County Road 6 and Niagara Lane North. Mr. Tim Jarding, of 2280 Ranchview Lane North, Unit 25, asked questions 5 and 6, as follows: 5. What was the delay as far as the construction of this project goes? If it was initially approved in 1988, why is it not being constructed until now? 6. Did Rottland (developer of the multifamily residential inhabited by Mr. Jarding and other members of the public whom have spoken) know about this building ahead of time? Were they informed exactly what it's nature would be? Ms. Mary Burgess, of 2250 Ranchview Lane North, asked question 7, as follows: Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 177 7. I am concerned about safety issues, since I have grandchildren who live in the area that will be affected by this project. My concern has to do with the volume of truck traffic, as well as with the removal of trees that will be occasioned by the project. How will this affect the security of the children of the neighborhood? Chairman Stulberg closed the Public Hearing, and requested staff members and the petitioner to proceed with the answers. In response to the gaestions asked by mci,, hers of the public, the responses were as follows: 1. Supervisor Senness ratified that noise restrictions are in effect between 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. However, based on concerns in other parts of the City where loading docks operate, Staff is looking into the possibility of proposing more restrictions for docks in areas adjacent to residential dwellings. 2. Director Hurlburt stated that Staff could include some limits on the work schedule in the conditions specified in the resolution if the Commission so recommended. She added that there are other ways of increasing restrictions on the noise level, such as if the City Council were to amend the Noise Ordinance. 3. Mr. Undestad stated that Twincorp will not be dealing with hazardous materials of any kind. Everything they will handle is biodegradable, nature -friendly, etc. 4. Mr. Undestad stated that landscaping closest to the building on the north side consists mainly in several 6 -foot evergreens, and some three 3-1/2 inch caliper trees (ash and maple). Senior Planner Keho added that Staff has not given final approval to the landscaping plans, and will continue to work with the petitioner on this matter. There is some possibility that further grading would be done on the north side of the building to elevate the level at which the trees are planted to be above the actual pavement of the truck circulation lane. 5. Mr. Undestad noted that Twincorp's business was not good enough in 1988 to warrant the construction of the property at that time. Now, of course, the demand for that kind of property has increased considerably. 6. Chairman Stulberg reiterated that the warehouse/office project had been approved since 1988. Therefore, any developers who presented projects thereafter, and any citizens who had taken the time to investigate, would have learned exactly what the nature of the approved project was. Senior Planner Keho added that Planning personnel had met and discussed this project with Rottland when that developer was seeking approval for the Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 178 i residential units now most affected by this proposed development. 7. Chairman Stulberg requested the petitioner to show the routing of the trucks to and from the loading docks, and discuss how this would affect issues of safety. Mr. Undestad stated that most trucks will leave the facility east on 23rd Avenue North to Niagara, then on toward State Highway 55 and Interstate Highway 494. Chairman Stulberg asked if the design of the fire lane had been modified so as to discourage truck traffic there. Mr. Undestad stated that the fire lane was narrowed down to discourage trucks from going that way. Director Hurlburt asked the exact width of the modified fire lane, to which Mr. Undestad responded that it was 15 feet. Chairman Stulberg inquired which, if any, trees currently on the lot will be disturbed by the new construction. Senior Planner Keho stated that very likely few, if any, significant trees would be touched. Commissioner Oja asked whether the question about the hours of operation of Twincorp had been answered. Mr. Undestad said that he believed the hours to be 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Commissioner Ribbe asked what the volume of truck traffic at the loading docks will be. Mr. Undestad stated that Twincorp management would_ be in a better position to answer that question, but unfortunately they did not attend the meeting. Having answered all the questions asked in the Public Hearing, Chairman Stulberg stated that a motion would be in order. MOTION by Commissioner Stimson, seconded by Commissioner Spigner, to approve a PUD Preliminary Plan Amendment and Conditional Use Permit to allow the construction of a 26,828 square foot office/warehouse building in the Parkers Lake North Corporate Center (Parkers Lake PUD). MOTION by Commissioner Oja, seconded by Commissioner Ribbe, to AMEND the motion providing for additional landscaping, consisting of two or more evergreens of at least 6 feet in length, to provide year-round screening of the loading docks on the north side. Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 179 Commissioner Spigner asked that the AMENDMENT be modified to allow for greater txibility, rather than limiting Staff's options. Commissioner Oja suggested that Commissioner Spigner propose a specific modification, however since that would not be permissible because the motion had already been seconded, Chairman Stulberg suggested that Commissioner Spigner might propose an alternate amendment. MOTION by Commissioner Oja, MODIFIED by Commissioner Spigner, and seconded as modified by Cor:missioner Ribbe, to AMEND the main motion, requiring additioi ul screening for the northern ioa Jing docks of whatever kind Staff determi n.s to be acceptable. ROLL CALL VOTE ON AMENDMENT. 6 Ayes (Black, Preus, Spigner, Oja, Ribbe, Stulberg); 1 Nay (Stimson). AMENDMENT APPROVED 6 to 1. MOTION by Commissioner Spigner, seconded by Commissioner Oja, to AMEND the main motion, limiting hours of operation of the.loading dock to 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Commissioner Preus asked whether the AMENDMENT would apply to both north and south loading docks. Commissioner Spigner responded affirmatively. Commissioner Ribbe spoke against the AMENDMENT, saying that the Commission should live within the standard of the existing noise ordinance rather than trying to limit noise on a case-by-case basis. Chairman Stulberg noted that the AMENDMENT would not have the effect of limiting truck traffic, a possible source of noise, if that were the intention of the Commissioner who made the motion. Commissioner Spigner said that the AMENDMENT was correct as stated. ROLL CALL VOTE ON SECOND AMENDMENT. 2 Ayes (Commissioners Spigner and Oja); 5 Nays (Chairman Stulberg, Commissioners Stimson, Black, Preus, and Ribbe). MOTION FAILED 2 to 5. MOTION by Commissioner Oja to AMEND the main motion, requiring additional landscaping along the 10 -foot wall which will screen the loading docks on the south side. MOTION FAILED for lack of a second. ROLL CALL VOTE ON MAIN MOTION. 6 Ayes (Chairman Stulb--;, Commissioners Stimson, Black, Preus, Oja, and Ribbe); 1 Nay (Commissioner Spigner). MAIN MOTION CARRIED 6 to 1, and will pass to the City Council for consideration on September 5, 1995. Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 180 d Chairman Stulberg called for a ten minute recess in the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Chairman Stulberg reconvened the meeting at 8:45 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room. 7. New Business: Director Hurlburt introduced the PlanningDepartment's project for a comprehensive revision of the existing Zoning Ordinance, for which the City has contracted with Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc.. Supervisor Senness presented an overview of the staff report, stating that the City Council, the Planning Commission and Staff lack the tools necessary to work under the current Zoning Ordinance without a thorough revamping. She emphasized that the staff of Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc. has extensive experience in working with different cities in ordinance development and administration. Chairman Stulberg introduced Mr. David Licht, President of Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc. Mr. Licht stated that his firm was greatly pleased to take on the challenge, in conjunction with the City's Planning Staff, of updating the 15 -year-old Zoning Ordinance, a project which will involve an enormous amount of work. The Ordinance --is ..in -dire need of very serious modifications in order to set parameters and put the proper tools in the hands of the Planning Commission, City Council, and Staff, thus allowing them to work with the new Zoning Ordinance. A stable situation with established rules for all to know what to expect will create an ideal atmosphere for development. As an example of one area that requires very serious changes, Mr. Licht cited the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Section. This concept creates an enormous administrative burden on Staff and has clearly been overused in the City of Plymouth. Mr. Licht stated that he anticipated ' defining many more kinds of zoning districts under the modified Ordinance, so that diversity in development will be feasible while the administrative burden will be reduced. . Mr. Licht anticipated that he and the Planning Staff would be presenting a preliminary outline of their plan in mid to late September. The next step will be to deal with PUD's as a process, defining their future role in the City's planning process. What will make that definition a challenge is reconciling the recognition of established rights and obligations while minimizing the administrative difficulties. Other areas which the City of Plymouth wishes the consultants to deal with, said Mr. Licht, include administrative needs and general processing standards, among others. Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 181 Mr. Licht emphasized the importance of having in -put from the members of the Planning Commission. He asked the Chairman and members of the Commission for any questions or comments regarding this important project. Chairman Stulberg noted that modification of the PUD's was one of the cheaper items on the consultant's proposal. Since the Commission has always found the issue of PUD's to be very complex and problematic, he wondered why the consultants considered the matter less expensive than many others to deal with. Mr. Licht replied that his f rm believes that the parameters for PUD's do not really need fundamental changes; what must be modified is the way PUD's are applied. That should be a fairly simple definition to reach once the variety of conventional zoning districts is widened enough so that the vast majority of residential and commercial districts are so classified under the reformed Zoning Ordinance. Chairman Stulberg asked if it would not be best for the consultants to deal simultaneously with the issue of Northwest Plymouth since it may be interrelated to issues which will be dealt with in revamping the Zoning Ordinance. He mentioned that one big problem he has noted over time is the lack of continuity --of both Staff and Commissioners --which has led to a great deal of hard work going to waste along the wayside. Mr. Licht noted that all the distinct topics are interrelated and must be dealt with simultaneously. The ideal is that the consultants present their total project in one fell swoop, so that Staff can flip from page to page to be sure that all aspects are addressed, if not in one section then in another. Supervisor Senness added that one advantage of the current Planning Commission and Staff is that most members worked on the Wetland Ordinance, taking that complex project from beginning to end. That experience should be invaluable in helping them to deal with this new project expeditiously. Commissioner Spigner commented that, in her opinion, the County Workhouse and the City's Public Works facilities should each be a separate zoning districts unto itself to avoid dealing with special, and very complex, issues of Conditional Use Permits (CUP's). Commissioner Ribbe added that he trusted that consultants would follow their own order of priorities established in their proposal dealing with "Commercial & Industrial (C/I) Planning and Zoning Classifications". In his opinion, that particular matter is critical. Commissioner ' Oja noted that residents have problems with knowing that some commercial development is going to occur near their residence, but not realizing just what KIND of development that will be. Supervisor Senness noted that the Planning Staff has been dealing for over a year with Ameridata residents who have raised issues with loading dock operations in their neighborhood, particularly with what they consider to be noise and visual problems that those operations cause. Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 182 Director Hurlburt stated that many aspects --including, for example, landscaping --are not dealt with in the Zoning Ordinance, but they should be. Mr. Licht agreed, noting that even including such items as conditions in PUD's can be a problem. They could easily be forgotten, and no recourse would remain if that did occur. To facilitate application of the new Zoning Ordinance, stated Mr. Licht, cross-referencing will be done throughout the document so that in reading any given section the reader can see clearly in what other sectio -lis o'=hs. document relate' -11atters die dealt with. Director Hurlburt stated that it was clearly a goal to assure that the Zoning Ordinance be more "user-friendly", carefully indexed, etc. Chairman Stulberg inquired how this process would affect the Downtown Plymouth plan. Director Hurlburt noted, for information of the Commission, that the City was now doing traffic studies to determine if the desired land uses would actually work. It was also looking at public usage information, and transportation issues. Sometime in September, the design standards should be available for Staff and the consultants to consider in defining zoning districts, so that Downtown Plymouth could be designated as one special zoning district. Mr. Licht added that Downtown Plymouth would best be handled as a special zoning district, whether it is called a Commercial Center or Downtown or whatever. Commissioner Black noted that the Planning Commission would probably have to set up several special meetings in September. It would be good to discuss this and decide what day of the week is convenient for most members. The Commission Chairman and members stated that Wednesdays tended to be the best days for meetings. Director Hurlburt requested that the Chairman and members of the Planning Commission tentatively reserve Wednesdays in September and October for special meetings. Commissioner Preus inquired whether some aspects of the Zoning Ordinance reform would be applied immediately, or if implementation of the entire project would be held up until the second quarter of 1996. Director Hurlburt said that the challenge was to see if one or two aspects COULD feasibly be implemented alone at first, and then go on to implement the rest later. Mr. Licht said that the ideal would be to do so, but that the interrelationships of the different aspects, and the possible negative impacts of partial implementation, must be very thoroughly analyzed before recommending any implementation whatsoever. Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 183 He further noted that there could be an important advantage in presenting portions of the project for separate consideration. In attempting to deal with a controversial whole, the entire project could feasibly crumble under the weight of opposition to the miriad of aspects, and it would never lead to anything. One very ambitious city he knew of tried to do that, but was unable to obtain the necessary majority of votes for approval. Chairman Stulberg requested Director Hurlburt to provide some instruction for the Planning Commission regarding the matter under study in this portion of the meeting. Director Hurlburt explained that the Community Development Department would like the members of the Commission, through the use of a "brain -storming" format, to provide planners with: • Preliminary definition of which alternatives could and/or should be applied in the City. • Establishment of parameters reasonably limiting the scope of the study, and within which the Planning Department would continue its activities. Senior Planner Keho initiated the discussion by stating that the information provided for the Commissioners in the August 16, 1995 Staff Report is very broad and may be much more than what is of interest to them . The information was selected to give Commissioners an overview of the broad spectrum of issues and alternative solutions related to street design which are being studied in different areas of the U.S. All City Departments, particularly Engineering, Community Development, and Public Safety, are interested and involved in the issues which must be dealt with when discussing street design. are interested and involved in issues dealt with in discussing street design. • Acceptable traffic calming. Central among the issues to be dealt with is what type of traffic calming people would be willing to accept. The issue must be seen from the perspectives of both pedestrians and residents, on the one hand, and drivers on the other. Pedestrians, and many residents, find quiet, tree -covered streets attractive. Nevertheless, most drivers dislike obstacles and would like to go very quickly from one place to another with as few interruptions as possible. • Minimum street width requirements for Public Safety vehicles. Any changes in Plymouth's street designs will also have to be made keeping in mind that the equipment purchased in recent years by the Fire Department is extremely expensive, and has an anticipated useful life of 20 years. Alternative designs must allow sufficient space for that equipment to go where it must. • Budgetary constraints. A cost/benefit analysis of the different alternatives should be made. • Environmental considerations. The environmental benefits of the alternate designs are part of the equation to be weighed as well. Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 184 Z-4 a In evaluating possible changes in street designs, the City must weigh the different interests and look for a balance. Comments from the Commissioners on what Plymouth residents will be willing to live with are vital in orienting Planning Staff along the right path. Those comments will help them to further develop ideas and come back to the Commission in September. Chairman Stulberg then invited the Commissioners to informally make whatever comments and/or recommendations that they might have. Commissioner Stimson stated that she likes th!z ides: of narrow streets and even of sidewalks, on one side of the street if not on both. Nevertheless, if the streets are narrowed, she does NOT want setbacks reduced. She wants the City to continue giving the sense of openess which one now feels while driving along its streets. Director Hurlburt clarified that the narrowing of streets would not modify setbacks. They would continue to be as they are, and even though streets are narrow there would be a great sense of spaciousness. Commissioner Stimson added that she likes the idea of a hierarchy where streets inside the neighborhoods are a little different from the main roads. She cited some of Minnetonka's older areas as an excellent example: the streets are narrow, meandering and lined by numerous large- trees. That gives a welcoming, peaceful atmosphere in contrast to Plymouth's wide streets. Director Hurlburt agreed that any street -design policy which is set forth must include a hierarchy of residential streets, some of which carry more traffic than others, and of arterial streets, etc. Commissioner Black stated that cul-de-sacs present some special problems. Other Commissioners voiced their agreement, noting that cul-de-sacs are especially prevalent in the City and will have to be dealt with at some time in the street design study. Commissioner Black also noted that she is concerned with parking if streets are narrowed. Supervisor Senness and Director Hurlburt both commented on one possibility which is being given serious consideration: that of making on -street parking much more restricted to go along with the narrower roads. They asked the Commissioners to comment on whether or not residents would be ready to make that sacrifice. Commissioner Oja observed that in her neighborhood, near Armstrong Senior High School, there is no street parking on school days between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.,nevertheless this does not seem to present any problem to local residents. Commissioner Spigner emphasized that narrower roads --and some other traffic calming mechanisms which might lead to one car having to queue up in order to let another by --are a pain. She affirmed that she does NOT want a City of Minneapolis -type atmosphere in Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 185 Plymouth. People have moved here to Plymouth precisely to avoid that. She stated that she seriously doubted whether residents would accept it. Nevertheless, Chairman Stulberg stated, one reason we ARE talking about narrowing streets is to potentially protect the environment, and to reduce land area under impervious cover. Commissioner Oja asserted that sidewalks were unjustified, in her opinion, since people do not even use them. Commissioner Stimson stated that she considered sidewalks to be very important, citing as an example one located on the east side of Northwest Boulevard just north of County Road 9 (Rockford Road). People congregate there and the atmosphere is wonderful. Another Commissioner added that cul-de-sacs may not necessarily need sidewalks, but certainly some busier streets do need them. Director Hurlburt asked whether the commissioners want sidewalks or not, and if so, when and where. One of the Commissioners commented that she understood the City was only contemplating the possibility of installing some sidewalks, in conjunction with narrower streets than those required under the current norms, in select new areas of Plymouth which are yet to be developed. Planning Secretary Vasquez, of 4330 Kirkwood Lane North, requested to be recognized for a comment. She stated that apparently none of the Commissioners who had thus far spoken had taken into consideration the function of sidewalks as a safe area for bus waiting for school - aged children. Many Plymouth residents, herself among them, are deeply concerned about the lack of sidewalks in some established neighborhoods, especially along some of the busier residential streets. There is, she added, particular reason for worry during the winter months when snowbanks along the sides of streets force children to stand in the street waiting for their school buses. To make matters worse, in the months of December through February, middle and high school students wait on the street in the dark during morning rush hour traffic. Councilman Tim Wold, who attended the meeting as an observer, requested to be recognized. That problem (of the need for sidewalks in some older, established neighborhoods, to protect school children) is the motive for 8 out of 10 citizen complaint calls he has received for several months now. There is great demand for some reasonable --and prompt --solution to this situation. Supervisor Senness cited the lack of any communication infrastructure with the school districts --all four of them that cover distinct areas in Plymouth --as the major problem. Even if the City were to set up off-street bus waiting zones for school children based on the 1995-1996 bus routes, there is no guarantee that those routes would not be changed as soon as the student population shifts, or some new development goes in. That change could perhaps occur within Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 186 ti - Aa a matter of months, and the bus waiting zones would no longer be anywhere near the assigned bus routes. All of this must be considered. Commissioner Ribbe said that he had reserved his comments until that moment, since he had long -since made it clear he sees no justification for narrowing street widths. Nevertheless, he felt obligated to inform the Commission that the previous night, in a meeting of homeowners in Harrison Hills where he resides, he had requested to hear the residents' opinions with regard to narriowing street widths and, possibly, installing sidewalks. Although there was no concensus with regard to street widths, the vast majority of home owners affirmed that there is E. reap need for sidewalks so their children could wait for the scb,aol bus safely. Chairman Stulberg observed that many people with school -aged children have decided to buy houses along winding streets --such as those in Harrison Hills --which ,are not necessarily the safest for their kids. Maybe they should have thought about the dangers before buying their homes. One of the Commissioners asserted that other residents might consider that sidewalks themselves --or at least some things that might come along with their construction --could be a danger. Another added that we most certainly would NOT want to turn Plymouth into a "mini - Minneapolis", with poorly -maintained sidewalks, crowding and gangs. Many left that city just to get away from that. Commissioner Spigner added that when you come home from work, you don't want to have to "work" getting there. No hassles --that is what most residents who commute will want. Commissioner Oja intervened to state her concern for " the fact that some of the wonderful ideas presented to the Commission by Mr. Walter Kulash, in his presentation of July 26, 1995, have not been dealt with. She hopes that the Commission will see more of those ideas incorporated into the next presentation by Senior Planner Keho. Director Hurlburt observed that some cities mandate boulevard trees. If the Commission wanted to make that recommendation, it would be important to have Forestry carefully advise on the varieties of trees selected, and to determine setbacks for tree planting. But certainly, if that were the wish of the Commission, it could be so recommended to the City Council. Commissioner Preus stated that his main concern in allowing any alternate street designs would be that Plymouth have greater flexibility for its future development. Having that flexibility, we can make Plymouth a very livable city. One problem, he continued, might be to get residents to accept that they might have to slow down a little bit to get to and from work. Will they be willing to make that sacrifice? Commissioner Preus went on to briefly describe his experience in Adelaide, Australia, where he resided for six months. Adelaide is a city beautifully designed and looking toward the future. In certain areas of the city, there is no vehicular transit, something like the Nicollet Mall, but without buses and public safety vehicles. It was a very nice environment in which to Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 187 reside. Preus added that he considers the Planning Commission should not only deal with the new residential areas which have yet to be created, but also with existing, developed areas of the City. Director Hurlburt stated that Planning Staff would bring the street design issue back to the Planning Commission as a matter for discussion in September. Chaarman Stulberg asked about close relationship between the new Zoning Ordinance and the street design issue and whether the Commission should be considering both at fire same time. Director Hurlburt replied that, in the case of the street design issue, the Community Development Department is being pressured for a decision now. If we wait until the whole zoning revision is ready --a matter of several months --then we will already have some preliminary designs approved which, for better or worse, might not take into account all the design considerations which will form part of the final street design proposal. 7. Old Business: None. MOTION by Commissioner Sprigner, seconded by Commissioner Ribbe, to adjourn. VOTE. 6 Ayes. MOTION CARRIED unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m. Approved 9/27/95 CITY OF PLYMOUTH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 13, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Mike StuIberg, Commissioners Barb Stimson, Christian Preus, Allen Ribbe, Linda Oja and Saundra Spigner MEMBERS ABSENT: Virginia Black STAFF PRESENT: Director Anne Hurlburt; City Engineer Dan Faulkner (arrived at 8:05 p.m.); Planning Supervisor Barbara Senness; HRA Supervisor Ed Goldsmith; Planner Shawn Drill; and Planning Secretary Susan Vasquez 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. 2. Public Forum: None. 3.. Approval of Agenda: Approved unanimously. 4. Approval of Minutes: None. 5. Consent Agenda: None. A. James and Van Thanh Sanders (95085) Chairman Stulberg presented the request of James and Van Thanh Sanders for an Amended PUD Plan and a Conditional Use Permit to build a four -season porch on their residence at 2320 Yuma Lane North. Planner Drill gave an overview of the September 5, 1995 Staff Report, noting that the application was eligible for administrative approval, under the minor variance provision, however, a neighboring landowner objected to the porch. Therefore the application must be referred to the Planning Commission and City Council. Chairman Stulberg introduced the petitioner, Mr. James Sanders. Mr. Sanders explained that the expansion of his home on the main level, rather than in the basement, will assure him read- access to the four season porch despite his physical disability which does not permit him to readily go up and down stairs. He presented Planning Commission Minutes September 13, 1995 Page 188 the Commission with photographs of his home, the pond, the back yard of his home, the homes of neighbors, and the approximate view of the pond taken from the property of the objecting neighbor. Chairman Stulberg opened the Public Hearing, introducing Mr. Marcelo Andrade, 16130 -22nd Place North. Mr. Andrade stated that when he bought his home in Steeple Chase, he was informed by the builder that his view of the pond --then completely uninterrupted --would not be totally blocked by the construu'rtion of homes on the neighboring lots. The proposed porch of the Sanders wculd block that view, which has already been reduced by houses and by a children's play area built after Mr. Andrade's home was constructed. Commissioner Spigner asked Mr. Andrade how he believed the porch would affect his view. Mr. Andrade stated that it would affect the view of the pond from his family room and bedroom. Chairman Stulberg closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Preus asked how large the setback is behind the Sanders' existing deck. Planner Drill responded that it was in excess of the 25 -foot minimum required. Commissioner Ribbe asked if the four -season porch would project any further back than the current deck. Planner Drill responded that it would not. MOTION by Commissioner Stimson, seconded by Commissioner Preus, to recommend approval of the Amended PUD Plan and Conditional Use Permit to allow the construction of a four season porch, subject to the conditions specified in the Resolution. ROLL CALL VOTE. 6 Ayes. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. B. Welsh Companies (95094) Chairman Stulberg' presented the petition of Welsh Companies for an Amendment to the Sign Ordinance in order to allow off-site area identification signage in the I-1 district. Planner Drill presented an overview of the September 6, 1995 Staff Report. Planning Commission Minutes September 13, 1995 Page 189 Commissioner Preus inquired how many new signs would be applied for if the Ordinance were amended, and whether joint signs have been requested in the past. Planner Drill stated that Staff would expect more sharing of signage between adjacent businesses as a result of the Amendment. He also noted that joint signage has been requested by both Commercial and Industrial users in the past. Chairman Stulberg presented Lisa Dongoske, Senior Property Manager for Welsh Companies, in representation of the petitioner. Ms. Dongoske stated that she had read and fully concurred with the Staff Report. She added that all three neighboring tenants enthusiastically support the petition. Chairman Stulberg asked Ms. Dongoske how many signs like this would be put up on properties which she herself manages. Ms. Dongoske stated that there probably would not be very many, since most companies are unwilling to give up their individual monument signs. Chairman Stulberg asked who would be in charge of the maintenance of the sign. Ms: Dongoske replied that an agreement already signed between the three parties. who would would share the joint monument sign, charges Welsh Companies with that responsibility, and all corresponding costs are to be shared. Chairman Stulberg closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Oja stated that she would hate to see the proliferation of joint monument signs, announcing a dozen or more businesses, all over the City. She asked what would limit that from happening? Director Hurlburt stated that regulations on the maximum size allowed under the Sign Ordinance would be the principal limiting factor, and that limitation would not be changed with the proposed amendment. Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the Public Hearing, since no member of the public requested to speak. MOTION by Commissioner Preus, seconded by Commissioner Spigner, to recommend approval of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment to allow off-site business signs in the I- 1 District. ROLL CALL VOTE. 5 Ayes (Chairman Stulberg, Commissioners Stimson, Preus, Planning Commission Minutes / �r September 13, 1995 Page 190 Spigner, and Ribbe). 1 Nay (Commissioner Oja). MOTION CARRIED 5 to 1. C. SMSQ Architects (95094) Chairman Stulberg introduced the petition of SMSQ Architects to Amend the Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan of Plymouth Creek Christian Church, 16000 -41st Avenue North, to build a classroom addition. Planner Drill gave an overview of the September 5, 1995 Staff Report. Chairman Stulberg introduced Mr. Gary Johnson, representing SMSQ Architects of Northfield, the architect who designed the addition to the church. Mr. Johnson noted that matching windows, brick, etc., would assure that the addition matches very well. Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the Public Hearing, since no members of the public requested to speak on the matter. Commissioner Oja added that she hoped the church would plant more trees as part of their landscaping to further beautify -the addition. MOTION by Commissioner Ribbe, Seconded by Commissioner Oja, to recommend approval of the Amended Conditional Use Permit and the Site Plan, subject to the conditions outlined in the Resolution. ROLL CALL VOTE. 6 Ayes. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. D. City of Plymouth (95097) Chairman Stulberg introduced the petition of the City of Plymouth for a Conditional Use Permit to fill portions of the flood plain between 18th and 23rd Avenues North along West Medicine Lake Drive, in order to permit the relocation of that road prior to the redevelopment and improvement of West Medicine Lake Park. Planner Drill gave an overview of the September 7, 1995 Staff Report. Commissioner Preus stated that it was his understanding the project would lead to taking down some homes. Planner Drill noted that those properties have already been acquired by the City. Planning Commission Minutes September 13, 1995 Page 191 Chairman Stulberg opened public hearing, and introduced Mr. Steven Chase, of 11901- 23rd Avenue North, who resides in the affected area. He commented that the neighbors have met many times and agreed on the idea of modifying West Medicine Lake Drive to make it a straight-line road, reducing traffic problems and assuring the safety of both the residents and of vehicular traffic. Nevertheless, he is concerned that by filling the flood plain area the City will put many properties along the lake in danger from flood waters. Water that would normally overflow into the flood plain might affect properties which had riot been touched before; and even lead to some of them being classified as flood plain areas where they never had. been in the past. That would result in increased insurance premiums for the residents. There is the further issue that some of the soil to be dug up in the road construction project is said to be contaminated by hydrocarbons, possibly from an old service station. Mr.Chase noted that even after all those considerations, the consideration of safety is primary. Therefore, he does not understand why all of a sudden the proposed straight road is going to have a large curve. Chairman Stulberg introduced Mr. Tim Flugaur, of 12023 -23rd Avenue North, who stated that the drawing presented by the City to show the new road has some inaccuracies. He is concerned that so much wetland and trees will be destroyed by the project, and that the enormous investment which the City already made to acquire more park land will be for naught. Chairman Stulberg closed the Public Hearing. Chairman Stulberg stated that some residents appear to have seen projects different from the one now proposed being presented in public meetings, and that they appear to dislike the one that we are currently working with. He requested comments from the Staff in that regard. Supervisor Senness stated that this particular project was one of those studied in the neighborhood meetings, and is the one that was formally accepted by the City Council in 1994 as part of the master plan for that area. From a flood standpoint, City Engineer Dan Faulkner stated that this design will have no negative impact on the area. Commissioner Oja asked about Indian burial mounds? Director Hurlburt stated that if any remains are encountered when excavation begins, the appropriate authorities would be contacted, and all appropriate measures taken. Planning Commission Minutes September 13, 1995 Page 192 Commissioner Ribbe asked if the contamination of soil, mentioned by Mr. Chase, was found during the taking of core samples for the road design. City Engineer Faulkner confirmed that none was found. Furthermore, if any were to be found during excavation, that --like the burial mounds --would immediately halt construction until all appropriate clean-up measures had been taken. Commissioner Oja .g'uired if there would be public access to the lake along West Medic.1,ne Lake Drive Planner Drill responded affirmatively. Commissioner Oja expressed her concern about the public access to the lake, and wished that it were not contemplated in the project. Commissioner Spigner stated that she was worried about the project's impact on the Indian burial grounds said to be in the area. Director Hurlburt offered to obtain whatever information is available regarding that aspect with the Parks & Recreation Department and send it to Commissioner Spigner. MOTION by Commissioner Stimson, seconded by Commissioner Spigner, to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit to allow the filling of portions of the flood plain as proposed. ROLL CALL VOTE. 6 Ayes. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Stulberg declared a 10 minute break at 8:25 p.m. Chairman Stulberg reconvened the meeting at 8:35 p.m. 7. New Business• A. HRA Briefing: Affordable and Life -Cycle Housing Issues for the Elm Creek Cluster Planning Process and the Metropolitan Livable Communities Director Hurlburt introduced HRA Supervisor Goldsmith, who has worked for the city for about a year and heads up the HRA Division of the Community Development Department. HRA Supervisor Goldsmith affirmed that Housing costs in Plymouth as well as the rest Planning Commission Minutes Septemb�: 13, 1995 Page 193 of the Nation have increased much more than incomes have in the past few years. He then asked: What is affordable housing? He proceeded to define it according to the Metropolitan Council: It is housing costs (rent, mortgage, taxes, utilities, maintenance) that are no more than 30% of a family's income. For owners, it is for family incomes of no more than 80% of the median metropolitan family income ($40,800 for a family of four). For renters, it is for family incomes of no more than 50% of the median aaaetropolitar, family income ($25,500 for a family of four). Life -cycle housing, he continued, is a variety of housing types at various costs which meets changing needs of the population: small starter homes, affordable rental apartments, townhomes, larger move -up homes and condominiums and apartments for seniors. Currently in Plymouth, due to the demographics of its growing population, there is a big demand for large, upscale housing. But this may not be true in the future, changing demographics could result in a drop in demand for these homes in favor of smaller less expensive housing. Developing suburban areas like Plymouth have a relatively low availability of housing for lower income families. Most new jobs are locating in developing suburbs. This impacts the need for reduced cost housing in these areas (such as Plymouth) in order to assure availability of work force for local industries. Where does Plymouth rank among communities for affordable housing? Among 191 communities in the Metro area, Plymouth ranks 148th (23 percentile). In the lower income categories, an extremely high percentage of families in Plymouth pay more than 30% of their income for housing. Rent levels within the City are relatively high. Housing values within the City are high and tending to get much higher. Most new housing in the City costs anywhere from the upper $100,000's to much, much higher. There is very little new development at a cost of $115,000 or less (the Metropolitan Council threshold for affordable owner housing). In 1996, funds from the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act will be available for the development of affordable life -cycle housing. Cities must choose to participate in this program for 1996 by November 15, 1995, and establish housing goals with the Metropolitan Council by December 8, 1995, and a housing action plan by June 30, 1996. R Planning Commission Minutes September 13, 1995 Page 194 Cities that decide not to participate in Livable Communities will lose access not only to those funds, but also to the Department of Trade and Economic Development polluted site funds from the State of Minnesota. The Metropolitan Council will take such non - participation into consideration when reviewing metropolitan actions that will affect a community. Also, a report on community participation is required to be made to the State Legislature. Director Hurlburt observed that the City Council has not yet approved the City's participation in the Livable Communities Act and it will be looking for input from the Planning Commission. The agreement on the Elm Creek interceptor parallels the agreement required for the Livable Communities Act. B. Reschedule the November 29th Planning Commission meeting to November 28th Chairman Stulberg asked if the proposed rescheduling would be acceptable to the Commissioners, and all concurred. C. Other • Director Hurlburt informed that a City Council Subcommittee on Downtown Plymouth will be holding a meeting on October 2, 1995 to study the proposal, now being modified by consultants taking into account new traffic studies and other additional information that has recently come to light. The Commissioners are welcome to attend that meeting if they so desire. After that meeting, a further effort will be made to hold public meetings seeking support for the final proposal. • Chairman Stulberg asked Mayor Tierney if she wished to address the Commission. She emphasized the importance to the City of assuring that the Downtown Plymouth project continue forward. • Planner Drill informed that the next meeting of the Planning Commission, scheduled for September 27, 1995, would include two Public Hearings and a report by Senior Planner John Keho on Street Design, originally discussed at the August 23, 1995, meeting. • Commissioner Ribbe informed that he will have to miss the next meeting of the Planning Commission. Planning Commission Minutes September 13, 199:) Page 195 7. Old Business: None. 8. Adjournment: MOTION by Commissioner Spigner, seconded by Commissioner Oja, to close the meeting. VOTE. 6 Ayes. MOTION CARRIED UNP NIMOT IS7 .Y. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. OCT -04-1995 11:16 P.01 places - 58 POLL LOCATION —_ _YESJ3.' NO —_ — _ Totals: — — fi895-7212. 3251 _ 1 NORTHPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL —. — — — 2 ABRAHAM LINCOLN SCHOOL _— 229 _ _ _3 EDWARD NEILL SCHOOL — 545 CRYSTAL MUNICIPALBUILDING _• .—, 5485 FOREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 448 THORSON FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER — _� 421 7 NOBLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL i — 8 CARL SANDBURG MIDDLE SCHOOL —— 661F 9 SONNESYN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL -300 10 NEW HOPE; ELEMENTARY SCHOOL _ — __ 303 — — 867 11 MEADOW LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOO' _ 303— Y SCHOOL _ -- 709 — 337 12 PILGRIM LANE ELEMENTAR S — 818 44� 13 ZACHARY LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL —•, — 237 275 14 ROBBINSDALE CITY HALL 434 — 15 LAKEVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL _ — 16 ROBBINSDALE HIGH SCHOOL RESOURCE_ CENT _ 175 — 332 _ 17 MANOR PARK BUILDING 261 272 2 �� renG� UX31 At SG(J�7S �iS-I�►c� �� CTo96-r7 post -It'" brand tax transmittal memo 7671 of P" ► i TO �• Frere TOTAL P.01 1 �r i CARLSON 7A� TAfi=COMPANY C ,; is -D *we. This new addition to the Carlson Center Campus is a prototype for future global development by Carlson Hospitality Worldwide: Directions: Carlson Center Campus 200 Carlson Parkway Located at the intersection of I-494 and Carlson Parkway "in Plymouth, Minnesota A prize drawing will be held. All proceeds to benefit the Make -A -Wish Foundation® of Minnesota. Carlson Real Estate Company and Carlson Hospitality Worldwide` cordially invite you to a Grand Opening Celebration Wednesday, October 18, 1995 to introduce an exciting new hospitality complex at Carlson Center in Plymouth, Minnesota Reception and tours: 3:30 - 7:00 pm Dedication ceremony: 4:00 - 4:30 pm RSVP by October 11: (612)449-1024 or (612) 449-1320 September 29, 1995 David '. Roston Segal & Roston 250 Second Avenue S., Suite 225 Minneapolis, MN 55401 Dear Mr. Roston, Thank you for your September 26 letter to Mayor Tierney regarding your questions on the City's placement of "No Parking" signs in the Trenton Ponds Townhomes neighborhood. Mayor Tierney has asked Anne Hurlburt, Director of Community Development, to respond to your inquiries. You can expect a response from Ms. Hurlburt by October 13. Again, thank you for your letter. Please give me a call on 509-5052 if you have not received a response by October 13. Sincerely, Kathy Lueckert Assistant City Manager cc: Anne Hurlburt, Director of Community Development C/R file 95-42 We Listen • We Solve • We Care SEGAL & ROSTON ATTORNEYS AT LAW COMMERCE AT THE CROSSINGS 250 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH SUITE 225 MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55401 AREA CODE 612 F TELEPHONE 332-3100 ALAN E. SEGAL DAVID G. ROSTON September 26, 1999 Honorable Joy Tierney Mayor of the City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55441 RE: Fire Lane Sign Locations Trenton Ponds Townhomes, Plymouth, Minnesota Dear Mayor Tierney and Members of the City Council: ,9 ScP 2 81895 W; —�2 I enclose a copy of a letter I wrote in November of 1994. 1 also enclose with this letter a copy of the proposed placement of no -parking signs in our development. Our development is approximately two to three blocks in total length and we feel that 22 no parking signs is a good example of overkill. From my window at 1048 Trenton Circle, I would be able to gaze upon 7 "no parking" signs. I enclose the signatures and addresses of about 37 of my neighbors who share my views that there are just too many no parking signs for such a small area. I ask that this number be cut at least in half and I would ask for a formal hearing on this matter before the City Council. Very truly yours, SEGAL & ROSTON .9�— /'4-� David G. Roston DGR/mso SEGAL & ROSTON ATTORNEY'S AT LAW COMMERCE AT THE CROSSINGS 250 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH SUITE 225 MINNEAPOLIS. MINNESOTA 55401 AREA CODE 612 TELEPFIONE 332-3100 A `N E. SEGAL 0 /10 G. ROSTON November 15, 1994 Mr. Nick Granath Councilman, Ward 3 City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55441 RE: Fire Lane Sign Locations Trenton Ponds Townhomes, Plymouth, Minnesota Dear Mr. Granath: My residence address is 1408 Trenton Circle North and my wife and I live in the Trenton Pond Townhomes. } , ZIP t -1 have read Jim Windey's letter directed to you dated November 4, 1994 and I agreed iwith everything that he says. We are aware that there must be a balance between the public 'V safety -and the private enjoyment of our townhomes. As an owner, I definitely see the need for ' fire lanes for emergency vehicles. Thirty-two signs in this relatively small area is just too much. I further object to two signs being. place literally in my front yard about twenty feet apart. 'r at makes no sense whatsoeveg There has to be a way to iron this out so that the City and the homeowners can live in peace and harmony. Page Two November 15, 1994 If this cannot be resolved to everyone's mutual satisfaction, then I will be seeking to place this matter before the appropriate city governing body and then ultimately to the City Council. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at my office at the number above . 3 or at lv-)-ne durmS evenings or weekends at 544 14 -5 Very truly yours, SEGAL & ROSTON David G. Roston DGR/mso cc: Arnie Zachman •ffP \• 'u r 11 • •� - t. P -.N. I F �' r ,•� � i• � v 1p ml rh IIP - 1104 J1no/ n7� C,� �k- /nIG �, r� rp 2 / �p�� T 'M t /o .., ' 1106,IILO�� ("' l� �► rt 1,,, IYA `LI�1_3 ; (I�ri IV- 1t j6 11 GO � ) to 10 � � •.111' \ 1 ..- � p\\r \`� i \ 1+to l6t01 y �\ 1 '�=► n y 1le1 L 11q�i • 1 01 I00f. 1�. 1 too 100` t O do L �1. �•t TJ 3 O \n r 1i 1 � � G N •a\,Z \A t • � � � � 1` llt a O V � c uN 11TH AVENUE NO. -- .E •ffP \• 'u r 11 • •� - t. P -.N. I F �' r ,•� � i• � v 1p ml rh IIP - 1104 J1no/ n7� C,� �k- /nIG �, r� rp 2 / �p�� T 'M t /o .., ' 1106,IILO�� ("' l� �► rt 1,,, IYA `LI�1_3 ; (I�ri IV- 1t j6 11 GO � ) to 10 � � •.111' \ 1 ..- � p\\r \`� i \ 1+to l6t01 y �\ 1 '�=► n y 1le1 L 11q�i • 1 01 I00f. 1�. 1 too 100` t O do L r--� ,d 308 In '4re"Crc/�e. 120. eyl OwA I Mn 5575%y I -ropy etter-L� rToeV Ylno u -i -H, P* 5-5TW XS i h.9L-kueh b of t. '--rrPr4m Curciz Af C -pt �Yho"4) 2U -E- 1-10,Lor4o lo6? 7;FE^frvr,)C;,?,tD -- ?Z-Ymo,knj / SS' IV h/ ,Yd ass' u 00 ,/ "41 A-6 0 IV Awl I ie�,,Ioo, N 'Jo Nk } • ra rT 'Jo Nk 'N YPA-t) i so v v A 'RiwG{cc�,eti, ANA FWA to =i:—:ink" CITIZEN REQUEST TRACKING 95REQ.XLS Page 1 . . tmd.-T ..... .. ....................... .. ... : .... . .... .. ............ ...... ....... .. ..... ..... *8 .......................... WU�: ... MOP. ..... .............. XX- -.0 I Blank Darren A. DeMatthew Civic Center/Ice Arena 12/30/94 1/3/95 1/13/95 1/4/95 2 Gerdes Darren A. DeMatthew Pub. Safety Concerns 12/30/94 1/3/95 1/13/95 1/12/95 3 Moore Darren A. DeMatthew Transportation 12/30/94 1/3/95 1/13/95 1/4/95 4 Blank Gordon Hanson Community garden plots 1/3/95 1/3/95 1/17/95 1/4/95 5 Moore Dr. Robert May 19th Avenue - Traffic speed 1/9/95 1/9/95 1/23/95 1/23/95 6 Blank Vivian Starr Bike path - Lk Camelot/ NW Blvd 1/9/95 1/9/95 1/23/95 1/17/95 7 Hurlburt Mark Denis/DennisHolmquist Wetlands Ord/] 1115 O. Rockfd Road 1/17/95 1/19/95 2/1/95 2/1/95 8 Moore Randy Meyer Fleet vehicles - petro product. /service 1/19/95 1/19/95 2/1/95 2/1/95 8-B Moore — Randy Meyer Additional issues - fleet vehicles 2/27/95 2/27/9� 3/20/95 (r) 3/23/95 10 11 Hurlburt Johnson — Nancy Cree Larry Dowell, TwinWest Chamber Wetlands Ord/NW Plymouth LMC referendum levies 2/6/95 2/9/95 2/8/3: 2/9/S-'- 2/15/95 2/16/95 2/9/95 2/13/95 12 City Attorney Brian Knox Access to Gleason Lake 2/21/95 (PF) 2/21/9'5 3n195 3n195 13 Moore Steven Chase Alley Abandonment 3/1/95 3/1/94 3/15/95 3/17/95 14 Moore Peter Flint/Janice Symchych Peony Lane Alignment 3/22/95 3/23/95 3/29/95 3/29/95 15 Moore William Rademacher Peony Lane Alignment 3/23/95 323195 3/30/95 3/29/95 16 Moore R. D. Taylor Water & Sewer Assessments 4/18/95 4/18/95 4/25/95 5/12/95 17 Hahn R. D. Taylor Asmt Deferral/Green Acres 4/18/95 4/18/95 4/25/95 4/25/95 18 Blank Steve Meyer Tree Removal Assessment----- 4/18/95 4/18/95 4125/95 4/18/95 19 Lueckert Stan Stevens Train Noise/Whistle 4/19/95 4/19/95 4/26/95 4/21/95 20 Blank Kerry Anderson Recreation Center/Community Pool 4/26/95 4/26/95 5/2/95 5/4/95 21 Moore Bradley Kalin Schmidt Lake Road 515195 5/8/95 5/15/95 5/23/95 22 Moore Julie Hoyme Watering restrictions 5/8/95 5115195 5/25/95 5/23/95 23 Blank George Wilson Fertilizer - Parkers Lake 5/15/95 5/15/95 5/22/95 5/17/95 24 Hurlburt H.B. Hayden Letter of Credit requirements 5/15/95 5115195 5/25/95 5/23/95 25 Hahn Mary Jo Asmus Property Market Value Review 5/18/95 5/19/95 1 5/30/95 5/23/95 26 Blank Steven Bernhardt Ice Arena 5/24/95 5/25/95 6/2/95 5/26/95 27 Moore Harry Stark 1994 Sifeet Reconstruction Program 5/29/95 6/2/95 6/12/95 6/6/95 28 Moore Carl Hedber Opening of Xenium Lane 515195 6/6/95 6/16/95 7/3/95 29 Hahn Robert Peterson Sump nim p ordinance 5/29/95 6/6/91J, 6/16/95 6/8/95 30 Gerdes Andrew Mackenzie Speeding violation 7/6/95 7/15/9-, 7/24/95 7/17/95 31 Blank — George Wilson Sidewalk/Trail - Carlson Parkway 8/2/95 8/3/9- 8/14/95 8/15/95 32 Moore — Kerry Anderson Highway 55 access 8/8/95 8/8/95 8/18/85 9/6/95 33 Moore Robert S. Peterson Sealcoating of Streets in Kingswood 8/14/95 8/14/95 8/24/95 9/6/95 34 Moore Wayne Fadden Traffic Signal at Co. Rd 6 & Hwy 101 8/18/95 8/21/95 9/1/95 9/21/95 35 Moore Althea Blornmel French Drain on 44th Avenue N. 8/30/95 8/30/95 9/13/95 9/27/95 36 Blank Patrick McDonald Amberwoods Park 9/6/95 9/6,195 9/20/95 9/14/95 37 Hurlburt Daryl Teach South Shore Drive Trailer Park 9/6/95 9/6/95 9/20/95 9/20/95 38 Moore Ellen Fauling Drainage Problems on Weston La. 8/23/95 8/24/95 9/1/95 927/95 39 Blank Joseph Michaels Open Space par I east of Zachary La. 9/20/95 9/20/95 10/5/95 9/21/95 40 Blank Vincent J. Bonacci Concerns about soccer Referee 9/21/95 9/22/95 1015195 10/3/95 41 Blank Cathy Newsom Concerns about soccer Referee 9/19/95 9/26/95 10/10/95 10/3/95 42 Hurlburt David G. Roston "No Parking" Signs in Trenton Ponds 9/26/95 9/29/95 10/13/95 43 Gerdes George W. Sheets Parking Ticket at Rockford Road Plaza 10/3/95 10/4/95 10/18/95 95REQ.XLS Page 1 September 14, 1995 Mr. James McCleary Chief Executive Officer Ameridala Ir _ e 10200 51st Avenue N. Plymouth, MN 55442 Dear Mr. McCleary: Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on September 8, 1995. As we noted, recent noise testing indicates a violation of State ' noise control statutes. The State is currently willing to defer to the City on this violation to attempt to negotiate a solution. We also noted that the neighbors have contacted an attorney and seem very determined and serious about their noise concerns. As our meeting progressed, we jointly discussed a number of potential solutions to the noise problems. We would like to summarize our understanding of the discussion and the next steps needed to resolve the issue. A chain gate was discussed to control the after hours truck access to the loading dock area. A single chain across the main entrance driveway seemed the most feasible solution. It was noted that any gate should be checked with the relevant City Departments for proper emergency access. The City will review the recommended gate and fax information to you at 551-2300. The operation of the Public Address system during the evening hours was also noted as a complaint of the neighbors. It was agreed that the P.A. system would be shut off at 5:00 p.m. each day. We also discussed that the company would review procedures relating to loud noises between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., and especially those procedures relating to impulse noises. Ameridata will report back to the City on the progress made and the solutions implemented on a regular basis. The issue of building a sound wall as outlined by the City's consultant was not resolved. Ameridata expressed concerns that it is not needed, that it may be unsightly, and would be expensive. It is our understanding that Ameridata would consider this idea further only if the neighbors, the City, and possibly Ryan Construction helped with the cost. S -?a Several other points of discussion concluded the meeting. Ameridata agreed to contact Ryan Construction about their responsibility to help solve some of the issues. Ameridata was not interested in voluntarily reducing the hours of operation of the loading dock area. Finally, the City agreed to get more information on the type and cost of additional plantings and landscaping along the west side of the property. We hope this is an accurate summary of our discussion. Please write or call us if this is not the case. Ameridata may continue to use Planning Supervisor Barbara Senness as a staff contact point at 509-5452. We would like to hear about your progress on tho items noted above by the end of September and vchedule another meeting with you during the second week of October. Please let us knovl If this is not satisfactory, or if we have not accurately summarized our meeting. Sincerely, Joy Tierney, Mayor John Edson, Council Member Minnesota Department of Natural Resources September 20, 1995 OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-4037 Mr. Eric Blank Dir. Park & Rec City Of Plymouth 3,1-10 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 RE: FY 1996 Outdoor Recreation Grant Program Application Grant amount: $40,000 West Medicine Lake Park Dear Mr. Blank: I am pleased to inform you that your application for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program has competed successfully for funding. We anticipate being able to offer you a grant for the amount shown above contingent upon the final processing of your application. Final processing of your grant requires submittal of additional information which must be completed in a timely manner. You will be contacted shortly by a staff member from the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program regarding the final processing requirements for your application. Do not incur any project costs. This notice does not constitute final approval of your project. Any work completed, money spent, or obligations incurred for acquisition or development of your project prior to final approval are ineligible and cannot be paid for with grant funds or used as the local share. The Outdoor Recreation Grant Program staff are looking forward to working with you on this project. If you have any questions, call Wayne Sames at (612) 296-1567. Congratulations. Yours truly, Rodney W.Sando Commissioner DNR Information: 612-296-6157, 1-800-766-6000 • TTY: 612-296-5484, 1-800-657-3929 • FAX: 612-296-4799 An Equal Opportunity Employer Printed on Recycled Paper Who Values Diversity Of Containing 10'x, Post -Consumer Waste CIN OF PLYMOUTR October 4, 1995 Mr. Bill Gavares 16920 -17th Avenue North Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 Dear Mr. Gavares, Thank you for speaking at the Plymouth Forum last evening about the need for senior facilities in the City. The City Council directed that its subcommittee on sports facilities also consider senior facility needs, and report its findings to the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission. Eric Blank, Park and Recreation Director, will be your contact; his telephone number is 509-5201. Thanks again for taking the time to speak to the City Council. Sincerely, 40fAeaat- Kathy Lueckert Assistant City Manager We Listen - We Solve - We Care 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD - PLYMOUTH MINNF:';OTA 4;�;447 - TFI FPHONF (A19� SFn_rnnn Minnesota Department of 3 Employee <, Relations Leadership and partnership in human resource management October 4, 1995 Jeanette Sobania Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Ms. Sobania: OCT 5-= Congratulations! I am very pleased to send you the enclosed notification of compliance with the Local Government Pay Equity Act. Since the law was passed in 1984, jurisdictions throughout Minnesota have been working diligently to meet the requirements of the act, and I commend your hard work and commitment to achieving compliance. As.you know, our department adopted a rule specifying procedures and criteria for measuring compliance, and information about your situation is enclosed. If you have any questions about the materials or about pay equity in general, please contact Pay Equity Coordinator, Faith Zwemke at 612-296-2653. One of the things the rule requires is that our department notify each jurisdiction when the next pay equity report is due. In your case, this date is January 31, 1998, and we will be sending you forms and instructions at a later time. Also, this notice and results of the compliance review are public information and must be supplied upon request to any interested party. Again, congratulations on a job well done! Sincerely, U �- Wayne Simoneau Acting Commissioner Enclosures 200 Centennial Office Building. • 658 Cedar St. • St. Paul, MN 55155-1603 • (612) 297-1184 • TDD (612) 297-2003 An equal opportunity employer Notice qf Pay Equity Compliance presented to City of Plymouth for successfully meeting the requirements of the Local Government Pay Equity Act M.S. 471.991 - 471.999 and Minnesota rules Chapter 3920. This notice is a result of an official review by the Minnesota Department of Employee Relations of your 199-5 pay equity report. Your cooperation in complying with the local government pay equity requirements is greatly appreciated. October 4, 1995 Date Wayne S' oneau, Acting Commissioner CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447 DATE: October 5, 1995 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager SUBJECT: Opt-Out/Metro Mobility Lobbying We have been asked about our interest in joining with other southern and western opt out communities in a joint lobbying effort for the coming session. In effect, another lobbying organization appears to be forming which may include such cities as Apple Valley, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Burnsville, Chanhassen, Chaska, Prior Lake, Savage, and Shakopee. Messerli and Kramer has made a proposal to this group to represent them for lobbying purposes in 1996. The estimated cost to Plymouth to join this lobbying group would be between $8,000 and $12,000, depending on the formula adopted by the group. The purpose of the group would be to lobby the Legislature and the Met Council on measures that would generally protect or enhance our opt -out transit status. It is not clear how much time the group would spend on metro mobility issues, since the other listed cities are not yet directly affected. Also, some of these cities have had difficult relationships with the Met Council on their transit contracts, while Plymouth has not. We cannot yet determine whether or not we would be inheriting some of the "baggage" of these other cities if we join them in a lobbying group. Plymouth is also in the unusual situation of being in negotiations with the Met Council about MUSA line issues and the Elm Creek Sewer project, while the other cities are not. The other cities tentatively agreed to submit the matter of approving a joint powers agreement to their City Councils by October 1. While we may need some lobbying work done in 1996, and while we have a high opinion of Messerli and Kramer as lobbyists, the uncertainties noted above make it unclear at this time whether or not we should join these southwest opt -out cities in a formal lobbying group. My general thought is to let the other cities form a group, determine their legislative priorities, and then we can determine whether or not our interests conform to their interests. Also, I believe that the cost would have to come from our General Fund, rather than our transit fund. For these reasons, I believe we should wait another 4-6 weeks before presenting the matter of membership in the group to the City Council. We will have much more information at that time about the group and its legislative priorities at that time. If any council members have any questions, or would like to place this matter on the agenda sooner, please let me know.