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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 12-21-2007Agenda Packet (Dummy) CITY OF PLYMOU'l COUNCIL INFO MEMO December 21, 2007 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS League of Minnesota Cities Leadership Conference, January 18-19, 2008 ........................... Page 1 State of the Cities Event, January 22, 2008............................................................................ Page 5 December 2007, and January & February 2008, Official City Meeting Calendars .............. Page 7 Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ..................................... Page 13 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc ... "Watershed District Now Sees Storm Water as Liquid Asset", Star & Trib........................ Page 15 "St. Louis Park Plans to Drop Wireless Contractor", Star & Trib........................................ Page 18 MEETING MINUTES Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, December 5, 2007 .............................................. Page 20 CORRESPONDENCE Letter to Property Owner, RE: Ryan Companies US, Inc. (2007092) ................................. Page 33 Letter from League of Minnesota Cities, RE: 2007 Property/Casualty Dividend ................ Page 34 P-30ditig Public Co# Nnce_. Everyday Ethics Minnesota ublic Ofici Li If ethics guide the way to good government, is it ethical to: ® Expand your city hospital to better serve residents if doing so requires demolishing two historic structures critical to the identity of the community? ■ Impose special assessments for needed street repairs knowing that seniors on fixed incomes might face significant hardship? ■ Grant permission for a new big -box store that would add jobs and attract economic development if it means that local, family-owned businesses might go under? Expert help with questions like these will be provided by Judy Nadler— former mayor of Santa Clara, CA and senior fellow at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. She'll guide you in exploring the fundamentals of government ethics and learning ways to navigate a sea of tough, ethical dilemmas through interactive exercises with your peers. As you and your city team explore the concept of ethics, you will also develop a strong sense of camaraderie, gaining a firm foundation on which to build, strengthen, and maintain a culture of ethics. Make plans today to attend this important conference. It's a decision that will serve you well, every day you serve your city. Register online anytime: www.imc.org OD LEAGUE of MINNESOTA c I" Page 1 CONFERENCE AGENDA FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 2 p.m. Check -In 2:45 p.m. Welcome/Announcements 3 p.m. Building relationships Fine tuning your listening skills through a group activity. Building knowledge Review of government ethics and introduction to a framework for ethical decision-making using examples of unavoidable ethical dilemmas. Building dialogue Case -study discussion in breakout groups. 5:30 p.m. Social Hour Network, share stories, and learn from your colleagues. 6:30 p.m. Dinner 8:30 p.m. Adjourn SATURDAY, JANUARY 19 7 a.m. Continental Breakfast 8 a.m. "Ripped from the Headlines" Create your own headline related to ethics in your city. Building a successful ethics program: The City of Santa Clara story In-depth analysis of how the City of Santa Clara engages key stakeholders in developing a Code of Ethics and Values. 10 a.m. Break 10:15 a.m. Creating, strengthening, and maintaining a culture of ethics Presentation of the key ingredients of an ethical city government. 11 a.m. Building momentum: next steps for implementation_ Practical next steps for implementation in your city. 12 p.m. Adjourn Page 2 Judy Nadler is a former Santa Clara, CA rnayor and senior fellow at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, with responsibility for programs in government ethics and ethical leadership. Nadler's presentation focuses on the values city officials should consider when making tough decisions, including: a Consequences—what will produce the most overall good and do the least harm. ® Individual rights—how can we best respect the rights and dignity of all parties. ® Common good— what will promote the common good and help all share in the good we have as a society. e Virtues—how can we deepen and develop the charac- ter traits we all value, e.g., integrity, honesty, etc. 0-V 7014 RP T / HOTEUNFO Registration Fee: $210 (includes materials and meals— it does not include lodging) As mayor, Nadler worked with the Ethics Center to develop a Code of Ethics and Values for Santa Clara. In 2002, the city received the Helen Putnam Award from the League of California Cities for its program "Infusing Political Campaigns with Community Ethics and Values." Before her two terms as mayor, Nadler served on the Santa Clara city council. A popular speaker on issues such as public contracting and city ethics, Nadler has addressed the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the League of California Cities, the National Fire Academy, and the San Jose Blue Ribbon Task Force on Ethics. She serves on the Steering Committee for the Voices of Reform Project, an initiative of the Commonwealth Club of California. Nadler is a graduate of George Washington University and the Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government. How to Register: Register online anytime at www.imc.org (online registrations will be billed). Online registration closes January 11. No Internet access? Please contact Rebecca Erickson at (651) 281-1222 or (800) 925-1122. Cancellation Policy: All cancellation requests must be in writing, e-mailed or faxed 7 days prior to the conference and are subject to a $50 handling fee. All unpaid registrations not cancelled 7 days in advance will be billed at the full conference rate; no refunds will be made. Hotel Reservations: Lodging is not included in the conference registration fee. To make reservations for overnight accommodations, call the hotel directly and ask for the League of Minnesota Cities room block. Per night rates are listed below. Sofitel 5601 West 78th Street Bloomington MN 55439 Phone: (952) 656-5910 Executive Deluxe King—$109 Lodging reservation deadline: Dec. 27, 2007 Conference registration deadline: Jan. 11, 2008 r* 'A Page 3 I I1 JL./JL L NGIy 3 UL Building Pubiie�'L`aEH'o Everyday Ethics for FOinnesota PUb-11 : OffCeaiS, your city team will: • Gain a framework for ethical decision-making • Work interactively in groups to create your own ethical solutions • Learn from real-life ethical case studies • Build carnaraderie with your city colleagues • Leave with a concrete plan for creating, strengthening, and maintaining a culture of ethics in your city Bring your city manager, administrator, or clerk to this important training. See inside to learn more about this conference! nG2UELE MINNESOTA CITIES SZZE 'ON ilW83d NW 'Ined IS C31Vd 39Visod 's'n IIVIN SSVIO-islild Register online anytime: www.lmc.org -seuauiallp leorLll-a_`Ll�nol 10 eas e ale�ineu of S�eM uaeal pue sOlula tuauauaano� ;o sletuauaepunj 9LIJ aaoldx] slepy jo 3elgnd g0Sauu1w a01 s3e413 ABPA OA3 :aouapyuoj o►fgnd u►psln8 S'IVIDId30 CIADNIRIddX'3 _dOd ADNA2IMNOD dIHSHJGV3'I saiiiD. V-LOSINNIW 10 _D210 __)VV IMAAAA bOZ £OISS NN if VJ '.LS 1111 LSdM 3hb 1.1IS2J�/AI[�Ifl Sal Page 4 dl - 94 WEST VChamber T '—ommerc Albertville December 14, 2007 Dayton Hanover Laurie Ahrens City Manager ZC 1 �00� Hassan City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd Otsego Plymouth MN 55447 Rogers Dear Laurie: St. Michael Every year, in January, the NWS Chamber of Commerce hosts the `State of the Cities' event in which the Mayor and City Administrator from each of the communities (Corcoran, Greenfield, Hamel, Loretto, Medina, Plymouth and Rockford) are invited to review of the past year's events and a look at the upcoming year. NORAWEST Recently the NWS Chamber merged with the I-94 West Chamber and both groups :Z41 SUBURBAN would like to continue this very important event. Each city will have an opportunity Chamber of Commerce to give a 5 to 10 minute overview with a Question and Answer session to will follow. This is a great way to kick off the new year and a way to elevate the key issues that are Corcoran of concern for elected officials and businesses. Greenfield In order to make this event a success we need your participation. We also encourage the participation of any Council members that are available. This year's `State of the Hamel Cities' event will be at the Medina Entertainment Center (500 Hwy 55, Medina) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on January 22, 2008. Lunch will be served. Loretto Please RSVP by calling Sharon at 763.428.2921 or by email Medina sericksonAi94westchamber.org Plymouth Thank you for you time and we look forward to seeing you January 22. If you have any questions, please contact me at 763.428.2921. Rockf ord Sincerely, Kathl 6n4 o t&resident I-94 West Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 95 Rogers, MN 55374 Phone: 763.428.2921 Fax: 763.428.9068 Page 5 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS December 2007 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Jan 2008 1 1 Nov 2007 S M T W T F S S NI T W T F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 25 26 27 28 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2:00 PM -5:00 PM OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS - Plymouth Historical Society Building Truth in Taxation Hearing 700 p.m. Council Chambers CHANNUKAH BEGINS AT SUNSET 7OCOMMI SON G MEETING, Council Chambers CHARTER COMMISSION ANNUAL MEETING 7:00 PM, Medicine Lake Room 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 zoo PM TRUTH IN I'TION MEETING CONTINUED (IF NECESSARY), Counca Chambers 5:30 pm Council Study Session Multiple Animal Licenses, TIF, OL1t10t5 Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Medicine Lake Rooms A & B REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Gouncll Chamhan 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, Council Chambers 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 CHRISTMAS EVE, City Offices closed CHRISTMAS DAY, City Offices closed 30 31 New Years Eve Event Plymouth Ice Center 6-9pm modified on 12/21/2007 Page 7 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS January 2008 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 S Dec 2007 S M T W T F S NEW YEAR'S DAY (City Offices closed) 7; 00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, Council Chambers 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 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCILMEETING- Update wm CAy Manager - Medicine Lake Room 7.00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Cuwrcil Chambers 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Medicine Lake Rooms A & B 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Board & Commission Inlennews 630 pm Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, Council Chambers 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BIRTHDAY (Observed) - Cdy Offices Closed 700 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Counol Chambers 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) , Medicine Lake Room A 7:00 PM HRA MEETING Medicine Lake Room 27 28 29 6:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING- 30 31 Feb 2008 S NI T W T F S Goals & Priorities- Medicine Lake 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 29 modified on 12/21/2007 Page 9 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS February 2008 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Mar 2008 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 208 CEFESTNALIRE Pa kers Lake Jan 2008 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 3 4 S 6 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, Ccuncil Chambers 7 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, Parkers Lake Room 8 9 10 11 12 7'00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, council chambers 13 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Medicine Lake Rooms A & B 14 7:00 PM PARK 8 REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 15 16 17 18 PRESIDENTS DAY -6:00 City Offices Closed 19 20 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, Council Chambers 21 PM BOARD OF COMMISSION RECOGNITION EVENT, Plymouth Creek Center 22 23 24 25 26 5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING- Rental Licensing - Medicine Lake Room 27 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PAC -n, Medicine Lake Room A 28 7:00 PM HRA MEETING Medicine Lake Room 29 Zoo PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Cou_c chambers 7:30 AM STATE OF THE CITY MEETING Plymouth Creek Center modified on 12/21/2007 Page 11 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items January 8, Special, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Update with City Manager January 8, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Appoint 2008 Deputy Mayor • Appoint 2008 City Council Secretary • Designate 2008 Official Newspaper • Appoint 2008 Official Depositories • Public Hearing on Amending Park Dedication Fees • Approve request of Plymouth Lions Club to conduct lawful gambling at Broadway Bar and Pizza, 13705 27`h Avenue North • Award 2008-2009 public tree and stump removal contract • Hearing on applications for On Sale Liquor and Sunday Liquor Licenses from Applebee's Restaurants North LLC d/b/a Applebee's Restaurant, 3500 Vicksburg Lane, #100 • Hearing on applications for Wine and On -Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor Licenses from Pizza Three Brothers LLC d/b/a Umbria La Cucina Italiana, 3195 Vicksburg Lane N. #103 • Approve preliminary plat and final plat for "Medicine Lake Business Park" for property located at 975 Nathan Lane North. Duke Realty, L.P. (2007107-F) • Approve site plan amendment and variance to allow a detached accessory building for Pirtek located at 11350 State Highway 55. H & G Management Services. - (2007005) • Approve variances to allow a porch addition at 5445 Ximines Lane North. Janese Evans. (2007108) • Approve issuance of revenue bonds in conjunction with the City of Golden Valley for Hammer Residences • Receive final payment for third ice sheet from Wayzata Hockey Association • Approve letter of agreement with AFSCME regarding standby pay January 15, Special, 6:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Board and Commission interviews January 22, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Project hearing on 2008 Street Reconstruction Project for West Medicine Lake Area (8101) • Project hearing on 2008 Mill and Overlay Project for Niagara Lane between Highway 55 and County Road 6 (8109) • Oath of Office to Firefighters • Announcement of Fire and Ice Festival on February 2 • Approve appointments to City boards and commissions January 29, Special, 6:00 p.m. Medicine Lake Room Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. page 13 • Discuss 2008 Goals and Priorities February 12, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Consider restructuring of bus routes February 26, Special, 5:30 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Discuss Rental Licensing Ordinance and Point of Sale Inspection February 26, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers Page 14 Minneapolis - St. Pahl, Minnesota Ga PRINTI Powered by f;Qckabi14 JIM Click to Print I SAVE THIS i EMAIL THIS i Close Watershed district now sees storm water as a liquid asset The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, which once saw runoff as a soggy problem, now says it's a resource to be harnessed. By LAURIE BLAKE, Star Tribune Last update: December 17, 2007 - 3:20 PM That storm water running off the roof, down the street, across the parking lot and into a sewer grate must be stopped, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District has decided. After decades of viewing storm water as a problem to pipe away, the district now sees it as a resource that should be put to good use right where it lands. "The water that falls from the sky and lands on your property -- you own that water, you are responsible for that water," said Eric Evenson, watershed district administrator. This new direction comes from the quiet governing body that regulates the level and quality of water in Lake Minnetonka, Minnehaha Creek and the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. With policymaking and taxing power in 29 cities and townships, including Minneapolis, Edina, Minnetonka and Hopkins, the watershed district, one of the largest in the metro area, is carving out a bigger role in protecting the environment. This year, 40 years after it was created to end flooding on Minnehaha Creek, the district has turned its focus to water quality, with an ambitious, $86 million, 10 -year plan. Its goal is to clean the water in the district's lakes and streams by relieving them of pollutants swept in by storm water. To show cities, developers and homeowners how to do this, the watershed district invested $1.5 million in the redevelopment of downtown Mound to make it a model of the latest landscaping and storm water management techniques. There, every drop of water from a new transit station, condos, townhouses and parking lots will be filtered into the ground or through sand before it reaches Lake Minnetonka, Mike Wyatt, planner for the Watershed district, said. At the townhouses, underground storm water pipes were replaced by a "dry creek" ditch that catches runoff and lets it flow along the surface as part of creative landscaping. Page 15 I of 3 12/18/2007 8:58 AM "We wanted to use it as an asset -- an aesthetic feature," Wyatt said. At the nearby transit station, rain filters directly into the ground through porous pavement or into a box of sand and finally to a storm water holding pond, where pollutants settle out before the water reaches Lake Minnetonka. The result is cleaner water going into the lake, Wyatt said. "Before, all that runoff would have gone directly into a storm sewer which outletted directly into the lake." Thinking of storm water as an asset to be captured and used for creative landscaping and watering is a significant shift in Minnesota, where water is considered almost a liability and "storm sewers are all sized to get the water out of town," said Mike Panzer, vice president of Wenck Associates, the consulting engineer for the district. The district arrived at this strategy after several years of discussion about what it should be doing for the next decade and beyond, said board chair Jim Calkins, a horticultural scientist at the University of Minnesota. "We have done a lot of research and we have come to the conclusion that this is the best way to preserve the resource that we have," he said. The district has succeeded in slowing down storm water drainage to stop flooding. The next challenge is reducing its volume. If that is accomplished, the new plan "will lead to true improvement in the water bodies within. -the district," Calkins said. The strategies can be costly. The district plans to use its $86 million capital budget to restore wetlands that are natural filters for storm water, to rebuild stream banks, and to buy key parcels of land near lakes and streams to keep them in their natural state as water cleaners. It began moving in that direction two years ago when it spent $800,000 to pay for easements to protect wetlands on the 56 -acre Big Island in Lake Minnetonka, plus another $750,000 to buy 36 acres near Painter Creek in Minnetrista. After tearing down the house on the Minnetrista site, the district plans to subdivide the land into three lots and sell them with an easement requiring that 30 he remain in a natural state to filter water going into the creek. The creek empties into Lake Minnetonka in Jennings Bay, which has some of the worst water quality on the lake, Wyatt said. The watershed district's new direction will show up next in updated community development guidelines. Developers and property owners who want to make major property changes will feel the new riles first, officials say. Education campaigns will be aimed at homeowners to help them learn to manage their own storm water just as they learned to recycle their own yard waste, Wyatt said. On the heels of a summer marked by drought, sprinkling bans and water shortages, it's easy to see the benefits in capturing the water, Wyatt said. "This stuff comes from the sky and it comes for free. You Page 16 2 of 3 12/18/ shouldn't have to take water from municipal water supply and use that to water your trees." It may be helpful for homeowners to think of storm water as they think of snow, Wyatt said. "You have to shovel your sidewalk when it snows, and you don't take your snow and throw it over on your neighbor's side." Minneapolis is already offering a credit on the annual storm sewer fee for homeowners who put in rain gardens or use porous pavers or rain barrels to hold the water on their property, Wyatt said. "I see that as something that will eventually permeate through the metro area and likely the state, especially in the urban areas," Wyatt said. Laurie Blake • 612-673-1711 Continue to next 1177-1 a�7e Get the Star Tribune delivered tv your each day! <x 4k hire t;, surastri4o. >'"sxna, Find this article at: http://ww\N.startribune.com/local/west/12534406.html?pt=y Click to Print I SAVE THIS I EMAIL THIS I Close r Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. Page 17 3 of 3 12/18/2007 8:58 AM StarTribune.com Ga PRINT�HI IS Minneapolis - St, Paul, Minni�.,�t Powered by �ii�litjj St. Louis Park plans to drop wireless contractor St. Louis Park has split with the company building its Wi-Fi service because of delays and other problems. ByJ_ENNA_ROSS__, Star Tribune Last update: December 19, 2007 - 12:51 AM St. Louis Park is dropping the contractor that was supposed to build the nation's first solar -powered citywide wireless Internet service. It will soon look for a new partner. The City Council voted Monday to find Maryland-based Arinc in default of its contract with the city. It's the first step in dissolving the contract entirely. "As my father said before he ended his marriage: Never remain loyal to a bad idea," said Mayor Jeff Jacobs. Although the city has pledged to continue talks with the company, a fight is likely over who gets what and who owes whom. That battle could include a lawsuit. In a meeting with Arinc last week, city staff members said they would reconsider recommending the council find the company in default if Arinc proposes a compromise that includes monetary damages for the project's repeated delays and technical failures, among other things. The city estimates the delays have cost it $300,000 in lost revenue. Arinc's Ruth Hough, vice president of network solutions, responded in a letter Monday saying: "We believe that the City's default is premature." She said the company would be able to deliver citywide service by August 2008, and that Arinc has not been the sole cause of months of delays. Hough's letter noted that the city paused setup last spring after residents complained about the look and location of the 16 -foot -tall wi-fi poles. Thus, "damages for current delays are not appropriate," she wrote. Also, the company proposed that damages to the city be set at $1,000 a day capped at $100,000. And it offered to pay $955,000 of an additional $1.5 million needed in hardware if the city paid $545,000. The company's proposal is "very lacking" and "significantly short" of the city's expectations, City Manager Tom Harmening said. The city's contract with Arinc is performance-based, and the city believes the company has not delivered the speed and capacity of service promised. Over the weekend, the city tested three of four segments of one section of service, in the northeast part of the city. Staffers sat directly underneath the radios and used calibrated laptops to find out if they could get http://www.printthis.clickability.comlpticpt?action=cpt&title=St.+Louis+Park+plans+to+dro... 12 Page 18 service at three megabytes per second. In the smallest segment, they found 100 percent of the radios -- which work much like the network's modems -- to be functioning. In the second segment, 91 percent were functioning. In the third, 72 percent were functioning. The city expects that 100 percent of the radios should function in this first phase of testing, and an average of 83 percent is unacceptable, said Clint Pires, the city's chief information officer. "We have evidence that the technology they're using should and can work," Pires said. "This is a question of 'how Arinc has chosen to implement that technology." But Arinc, in its letter to the city, disputed the testing methods and said it believes it is "delivering the performance required." "What we require is that Arinc not be held accountable for network interference that is outside, of Arinc's control," the letter reads. The technical problems are unrelated to solar power, Harmening said. The solar panels are properly charging batteries powering the system's radios. The council's vote was unanimous, with Council Member Paul Omodt abstaining, as he has on all wi-fi service issues because of a conflict of interest. For now, the city is telling the more than 4,000 residents who have pre -registered for the city's Internet service to find another provider, Pires said. "It's only honest to tell them to look elsewhere," Pires said. Unplugged Cities, the company contracted to run the network once it's built, is offering DSL or dial-up service for those residents at discounted rates --.no long-term contract required. Jenna Ross • 612-673-7168 Get the Star Tribune delivery to your borneeach days Click hore to siJt'Yscritm. Find this article at: http://www.startribune.com/local/wesVl2614736.html?pt=y Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. Page 19 http://www.printthis.clickability.com/pticpt?action=cpt&title=St.+Louis+Park+plans+to+dro... 12/19/2007 Approved Minutes City of Plymouth Planning Commission Meeting December 5, 2007 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair James Holmes, Commissioners Terry Jaffoni, James Davis, Erik Aamoth, and John Cooney (Commissioner Cooney arrived at 7:10 P.M.). MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioners Frank Weir and Karl Neset. STAFF PRESENT: Planning Manager Barbara Senness, Community Development Director Steve Juetten, Senior Planner Shawn Drill, Planner Joshua Doty, Senior Planner Marie Darling, Associate Planner Kip Berglund, Associate Planner Jared Noelting, Housing Program Manager James Barnes, Park and Recreation Director Eric Blank, Public Works Director Doran Cote, Water Resources Technician Derek Asche, City Engineer Bob Moberg and Office Support Representative Janice Bergstrom 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Commissioner Jaffoni, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to approve the December 5, 2007 Planning Commission Agenda. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 7, 2007 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Aamoth, to approve the November 7, 2007 Planning Commission Minutes. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. RYAN COMPANIES US, INC. (2007092) Chair Holmes introduced the request by the Ryan Companies US, Inc. for a site plan, conditional use permit, and variance to allow construction of a pharmacy within the Taryn Hills commercial site located in the northeast quadrant of County Road 47 and Vicksburg Lane North. Page 20 Approved Planning Commission Minutes December 5, 2007 Page 2 Senior Planner Drill advised that the public hearing would be continued to January 2, 2008. He said the applicant would like additional time to further develop the site plan and building elevations, and asked for further continuance. Motion by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Jaffoni to continue the public hearing to January 2, 2008. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved. B. MESSIAH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (2005099) Chair Holmes introduced the request by the Messiah United Methodist Church for a site plan amendment, conditional use permit amendment, and variances to allow a church expansion for Messiah United Methodist Church located at 17805 County Road 6. Planner Doty gave an overview of the November 27, 2007 staff report. Commissioner Jaffoni said the number of parking spaces is in excess of what the Zoning Ordinance requires. She asked the reason for additional spaces. Planner Doty said the applicant was able to add additional parking through re -striping. Two parking spaces were also added in the northeast corner due to the access that would be closed. Planning Manager Senness added that other uses utilize the parking lot during the week, such as the park and ride, day care and the Minnesota School of Business. Commissioner Davis asked what would happen to the former entrance area. Planner Doty said the current access to the parking lot would be removed and converted to sod, except for a sidewalk. Chair Holmes opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to speak on the item. Commissioner Davis said this looks like a good plan. MOTION by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Cooney, to approve request by the Messiah United Methodist Church for a site plan amendment, conditional use permit amendment, and variances to allow a church expansion for Messiah United Methodist Church located at 17805 County Road 6. Roll Call Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved. C. DUKE REALTY, L.P. (2007107) Chair Holmes introduced the request by Duke Realty for a preliminary plat for "Medicine Lake Business Park" for property located at 975 Nathan Lane. Senior Planner Drill gave an overview of the November 27, 2007 staff report. Page 21 Approved Planning Commission Minutes December 5, 2007 Page 3 Commissioner Davis asked if there is any downside in doing this. Senior Planner Drill responded he could not think of any. Chair Holmes introduced David Bade of Duke Realty. Mr. Bade said he concurs with the staff recommendation. He said approval of the plat would provide flexibility as they proceed with development of their neighboring Waterford Business Park office site— whether speculative or tenant driven. Platting of the site would allow for the potential future lot line adjustment and subsequent use of a presently unused area of the 975 Nathan site. That roughly 2 -acre area potentially could be used for additional parking for the office site, allowing a little more density by possibly adding one story to one of the office buildings. Commissioner Davis asked if the approved site plan for the office site would need to be amended. Senior Planner Drill said a site plan amendment could be submitted in the future if any changes are proposed to the approved site plan for the office development. Chair Holmes stated that the plat would better define the boundaries of the site, and that the roughly two acres in the southeast area may or may not come before the Commission in the future—depending on how the office site ultimately develops. Chair Holmes opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to speak on the item. MOTION by Commissioner Jaffoni, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to approve the request by Duke Realty for a preliminary plat for "Medicine Lake Business Park" for property located at 975 Nathan Lane N. Roll Call Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved. D. RJM CONSTRUCTION (2007106) Chair Holmes introduced the request by RJM Construction for a site plan amendment and interim use permit amendment for a parking expansion at RJM Construction located at 5455 State Highway 169 and off site parking for Liberty Properties located at 9600 – 50 Avenue North. Planner Doty gave an overview of the November 27, 2007 staff report. Commissioner Jaffoni asked if ev3 is no longer located there, would ownership and use revert back to RJM. Page 22 Approved Planning Commission Minutes December 5, 2007 Page 4 Planner Doty said the cross access easements that would be created would allow both property owners to use that space. He said perpetual use of the parking lot would be available to either owner of the property. Commissioner Davis asked if ev3 meets the parking lot requirements with the addition of the proposed lot. Planner Doty advised ev3 was short 40 spaces; he said with the offsite shared parking they do meet the parking space requirement. Chair Holmes asked about pedestrian traffic on the driveway to get from one lot to another to get to the ev3 building. Planner Doty stated the 26 -foot drive aisle is wide enough for pedestrian travel to occur. He said a sidewalk connection could be a recommendation by the Planning Commission. Planner Doty added that the parking lot is isolated and would not. have much traffic. Planning Manager Senness added that the parking is for employees and would occur in the morning and at night, which is different than if it were a public visitor lot. Chair Holmes opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to speak on the item. MOTION by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Cooney, to approve the request by RJM Construction for a site plan amendment and interim use permit amendment for a parking expansion at RJM Construction located at 5455 State Highway 169 and off site parking for Liberty Properties located at 9600 — 50 Avenue North. Roll Call Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved E. CITY OF PLYMOUTH (2005050) Chair Holmes introduced the request by the City of Plymouth for the Comprehensive Plan Update. Planning Manager Senness gave an overview of the November 29, 2007 staff report. She said additional e-mail correspondence from the Hollydale neighborhood would be included as part of the public record. Chair Holmes asked why the reclassification for the three properties is requested now versus the LA -RT guiding we put in place. Planning Manager Senness said the property owners gave background as to why they think the property should be looked at now. She said the Weld's (5605 Juneau Lane) made this request in June, 2006 when the northwest plan was considered by City Council. She said staff is not bringing a recommendation, rather presenting the request. . Page 23 Approved Planning Commission Minutes December 5, 2007 Page 5 Chair Holmes opened the public hearing. Chair Holmes introduced Stephen Weld, 5605 Juneau Lane N. Mr. Weld said the requested change would be consistent with the two properties west of him. He said the change to LA -R2 would increase the likelihood of selling their property and it would be better management of the property. Mr. Weld said he seeks the Planning Commission's support and approval. Chair Holmes introduced Peter Hwang, 6015 Troy Lane, who said he and Lee and Jody Brandel, 5945 Troy Lane, are requesting their properties be reclassified to LA -R2. He said the LA -R2 would be consistent with the proposed 3-5 acre land parcels north of their property. Mr. Hwang said he has 5 acres and the Brandel property is 10 acres. He said the change would be beneficial for the proposed plan because the properties to the north are shallow in depth. He said there is not enough depth to allow access to Troy Lane. He said you would have to build a- road to Co. Rd. 47. Mr. Hwang said you could plan for affordable housing as it is flat land. Mr. Hwang said the age of their homes is similar to the LA -R2 homes to the north. Mr. Hwang said in a conversation with Lee Brandel he did request this change when the plan was developed a year or two ago. Chair Holmes introduced Felix Hsu, 4485 Garland Lane North. Mr. Hsu introduced the petition on behalf of the neighborhoods around the Hollydale Golf Course. Mr. Hsu said a year ago there were meetings with many people and petitions. He said the reason for the petitions now a year later is there is a feeling or discomfort level with the people about what they see happening right now. Mr. Hsu said if you have managed people before, you know people will listen to what you say and then they will take a look at what you do. He said the City says it is committed to an 18 -hole golf course and committed to Hollydale but what they are seeing is the Comprehensive Plan going from 8 pages on golf courses to one paragraph. Mr. Hsu said the Elm Creek Golf Course and Hampton Hills are gone. He said they are seeing spray parks, equestrian park, and water parks. He said the reason for the emotion and petitioner language is because there is no action behind what is said and that is why so many of the same people are back now one year later. Chair Holmes introduced Brad Olson, 16825 491h Pl. N. who echoed Mr. Shu's comments. He said the City should maintain Hollydale as a golf course. He said he is fearful when driving out on to Schmidt Lake Road now with the high school traffic, and the idea of potentially adding homes on the golf course makes him nervous about the density of that area. Mr. Olson said he likes to golf, and likes to think Plymouth could maintain one full public 18 -hole golf course. Mr. Olson said there is an issue of maintaining the values of the homes. Mr. Olson asked to put in language consistent with maintaining a golf course. Chair Holmes introduced Steve Lindo, 16705 49t' Pl. N. Mr. Lindo said he commended the planners for having made an adjustment in language. He said the additional language is in response to the efforts of many people who have voiced concerns about lack of Page 24 Approved Planning Commission Minutes December 5, 2007 Page 6 specificity on golf courses in the plan. Mr. Lindo said he echoed the words of others. He said the value to live close to Hollydale is not just recreational features, but the natural beauty and greenery. He said to echo a statement in the plan it is demographically the opinion of planners that this population is aging and more diverse. A golf course would be a prominent feature of Plymouth parks with these changes. Chair Holmes introduced Greg Anderson, 15307 60`x' Avenue North. Mr. Anderson discussed Chapter 6 of the transportation plan, and said he is happy to see the on -road bicycle routes. He cited many reasons for riding including exercise, transportation, stress reduction and less environmental impact. Mr. Anderson said Plymouth is fortunate to have one of the best trail systems in the metro area. He said to better serve the growing number of on -road cyclists, Plymouth can improve the safety for on -road cyclists; he said every on - road cyclist represents one less car. Mr. Anderson encouraged the City to give more consideration in the Comprehensive Plan to be consistent with policy and guidelines from the Metropolitan Council, Mn/DOT, and Complete Street wording which would help put Plymouth more in line with neighboring suburbs. He said a map would be useful as well. Mr. Anderson displayed an overview of the trail systems for St. Louis Park, Edina and Richfield. Mr. Anderson said there are legitimate safety reasons for on road cyclists, which are outlined in the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials guide. Chair Holmes introduced Greg Modrack, 4950 Comstock Lane N. Mr. Modrack echoed Mr. Hsu and said this room was full at a City Council listening session regarding Hollydale. Knowing that so many people are interested in this subject, Mr. Modrack said he finds it odd that the language is so diluted from what was previously in the plan. Mr. Modrack said at the very least strengthen not weaken the language, and asked that language similar to what was recommended by their committee be used. Chair Holmes introduced Bob Burk, 4962 Comstock Lane N. Mr. Burk thanked the Planning Commission for adopting the language on the golf courses the last time the subject was before them. He said unfortunately the City Council trashed their proposal with new language which is not acceptable to the homeowners and is the reason for the petition to bring back some of the language. Mr. Burk said we are basically back to the drawing board after the City Council changed the language and raised a number of concerns that had been recommended. He said the petition put back more language to help strengthen what is in the comprehensive plan for golf courses. Mr. Burk said the Minnesota Supreme Court has said the comprehensive plan is critical, as a city has a right to develop the land as it sets forth in the comprehensive plan. Mr. Burk said when condensing 7-8 pages to 4 bullet points, it is not sticking with the true intent of what the City is saying to us. Mr. Burk stated he wants to maintain Hollydale and doesn't think the City is doing that. Chair Holmes introduced Becky Hsu. Ms. Hsu said in addition to earlier statements and the petition, she wanted to point out it feels like the change in the Comprehensive Plan is Page 25 Approved Planning Commission Minutes December 5, 2007 Page 7 inconsistent with a number of things the City wants. She said demographically, the City seems to be getting older, and seniors seem to enjoy golf courses. Ms. Hsu said the equestrian park and water park seem to be inconsistent in the minds of homeowners. She said it seems inconsistent that the City wants green space and then remove green space and add homes. Ms. Hsu thanked staff and the Planning Commission for their hard work. Chair Holmes said the emails received are part of the public record. Chair Holmes closed the public hearing. LAND USE PLAN Commissioner Aamoth asked about the request in 2006 to reclassify the three properties from LA -RT to LA -R2. Planning Manager Senness said she didn't recall that the Planning Commission reviewed this, but the City Council chose to not make a change in the classification at that time. Mr. Weld offered some background from 2006. He said various parcels were presented to the City Council for LA -R2 guiding. Mr. Weld said that his property did not go through the Planning Commission so it was not on their records when the City Council reviewed it. When it went before City Council a second time, a neighbor who was ill and interested in selling her property submitted an LA -R2 request the day before the meeting. Because there was no opportunity to review it, one of the council members did not want to consider either request for change. Chair Holmes asked if LA -RT is a holding zone until an owner or developer requests a change. Planning Manager Senness explained LA -RT is the lowest density remaining within the City, but is not a holding zone like FRD is. She said when the Council and Planning Commission looked at northwest Plymouth, there were some areas that they did not want to see a lot of additional development and were maintained as LA -RT. Commissioner Jaffoni asked if staff is recommending this change. Planning Manager Senness stated staff is not making a recommendation. Commissioner Jaffoni asked if the LA -RT zoning is because the vision for these parcels was to be as little developed as possible. Planning Manager Senness said many property owners wanted the LA -RT designation. Commissioner Davis asked how long the LA -RT guiding would be in place if a recommendation to change to LA -R2 is not made. Page 26 Approved Planning Commission Minutes December 5, 2007 Page 8 Planning Manager Senness stated the plan would not go into effect for probably one year from now. She said once that occurs, anyone can bring forward a request for a change. Planning Manager Senness added that anytime a formal request is made, the City must consider it. She said if the plan is preliminarily adopted with a different guiding, it is unlikely it would get a favorable response. Chair Holmes said he thinks it is premature to change these three properties today. Planning Manager Senness said with the current guiding and zoning very little can be done with those properties. The property owners are asking for consideration that LA -RT be changed to LA -R2 in the new plan and be considered now as opposed to some time in the future. Commissioner Aamoth asked for clarification of the guiding of surrounding properties. Senior Planner Drill displayed a map indicating LA -R2 to the west and south of the Weld property; the Hwang and Brandel properties have LA -R2 immediately to the north and east. Commissioner Aamoth said there had been a preference to keep the properties rural, but surrounding properties are LA -R2. Commissioner Davis said based on the fact that properties beside them are LA -R2 he recommended that the City Council should consider reclassifying the three properties to LA -R2. Commissioner Jaffoni reviewed the guiding of the adjacent properties, and asked what were they were thinking to keep this little area LA -RT. She said this was not random, and said it is hard to make an opinion when she does not know, the original rationale. Planning Manager Senness explained that property owner considerations played a role. She said most of the LA -R2 property to the south is controlled by Tradition Development, who hopes to develop one master plan. Planning Manager Senness said other property owners strongly wished to remain LA -RT. Commissioner Jaffoni asked how those property owners would feel if these three were changed to LA -R2. Senior Planner Drill noted that properties to the east and south have severe grade issues that may limit development regardless of guiding. He said there is also a shoreland overlay district on the property to the south and east. Housing Plan No discussion. Page 27 Approved Planning Commission Minutes December 5, 2007 Page 9 Surface Water Management Plan Commissioner Jaffoni asked for clarification on the treatment plan for Schmidt Lake. Water Resources Technician Asche said that Schmidt Lake is listed as an impaired water body and would closely follow the treatment plan of the total maximum daily load (TMDL) plan which is in its infancy stages of development. Water Resources Technician Asche said Schmidt Lake, Pomerleau, and several lakes outside of the city limit, are all in the Shingle Creek Watershed.' Commissioner Jaffoni asked if Schmidt Lake is handled differently since it is a headwater feeding into another lake. Water Resources Technician Asche said Schmidt Lake is unique as it is at the top of the watershed and is completely developed with residential use. He said Schmidt Lake has a similar nutrient loading issue as other lakes in the watershed which are completely developed. Commissioner Jaffoni asked if the TMDL plan has strategy for chemical treatment of algae removal and weeds, or if it mainly addresses storm drains and inputs to the lake. Water Resources Technician Asche said the TMDL plan would address surface water at catch basins through to the pipes. He added that City has staff representatives on that watershed. Water Resources Technician Asche said the City also provides other programs such as water resource grants which are above and beyond the TMDL plan. Transportation Plan Commissioner Davis referenced Mr. Anderson's comments that the bike plan for Plymouth is not as mature as other cities, but the fact that we have it at this time is a step in the right direction. Parks Trails Open Spaces No discussion. Water Supply Distribution Plan No discussion. Sanitary Sewer Plan No discussion. Public Facilities Plan No discussion. Page 28 Approved Planning Commission Minutes December 5, 2007 Page 10 Golf Course Discussion Planning Manager Senness said that Council Member Black had submitted a revision to the draft text of the neighbors' petition. Commissioner Davis said he received many e-mails and citizens have been working with their elected officials to revise wording on the Comprehensive Plan, and now another elected official has edited wording. Chair Holmes said one of the goals of the Comprehensive Plan process was to reduce the "fluff' wording in the plan to be more precise whereas the last plan had a lot of verbiage. Chair Holmes said one key observation is that the plan still shows Hollydale as a P -I zoning, and a request to change guiding and zoning would have to come before the Planning Commission and be approved by City Council. He said looking to the Year 2030, it is still a P-1 use. Chair Holmes said to think of this being developed into a housing complex is pretty far out there. Chair Holmes said this is private property and the City does not have control beyond guiding. He said P -I guiding is broader than a golf course but does not change the status of Hollydale. Chair Holmes said in reviewing the 2000 Comprehensive Plan with the current proposal, he is having a tough time not seeing where the interests of the citizens are protected without the City coming out and saying we are going to go in the golf business, and you won't get that. Chair Holmes said three bullet points and a powerful paragraph succinctly puts the City's position in place to do what we can to move forward without overstepping the boundaries of the property owners. He asked Park and Recreation Director Blank to explain what would happen if the City did try to preserve Hollydale as a golf course. Park and Recreation Director Blank responded the City would do a complete study on the economics, such as capital and operating costs, of the golf course. He said historically determination for an expenditure of that kind would go to voters for a referendum. In order to do that the City would present the facts about what it would cost to enter into the golf business. Commissioner Aamoth said the term "peace in the valley" was used to find a way to compromise when he worked in the legislature. Commissioner Aamoth said he had no objection to most of the first page, but the language "...Hollydale Golf Course would be the most suitable for conversion to a publicly -owned facility." is confusing to him because Council Member Black's edited version then states "The City will conduct an economic evaluation of the financial viability of public ownership of a golf course." Commissioner Aamoth said he would have more comfort with this item with the City Council language if it's the right thing to do after an economic analysis. Commissioner Davis said the third bullet on the petition troubles him because it singles out Hollydale Golf Course to be preserved. He said Council Member Black submitted three points, but the re -wording focus is away from Hollydale and on just a golf course. Page 29 Approved Planning Commission Minutes December 5, 2007 Page 11 Commissioner Davis said Council Member Black has tightened up the language on golf and hasn't changed the intent — it just narrows it down. Commissioner Davis suggested the Planning Commission adopt Council Member Black's text. Commissioner Aamoth asked if Council Member Black's text clarifies between 18 -hole and 9 -hole golf courses. Commissioner Davis agreed that the text in Bullet #2 strikes out the 18 -hole golf course term, and he would like it to specify 18 holes. Commissioner Jaffoni said everyone is very motivated and very concerned, which is important to what it says about the City of Plymouth and our priorities. She said at the last meeting she supported the original language or keeping a part of it, more than what was in the current draft. Commissioner Jaffoni said she does think we should have more to say than originally presented in the draft. She said she likes the language in Council Member Black's petition that golf is important for three reasons. Commissioner Jaffoni said Council Member Black's version doesn't appear to include a quality of life reason. Commissioner Jaffoni said she would keep language about golf courses being important for three reasons and would strike the types of golf section. She said she supported the policies agreed with earlier and the comment about needing one publicly accessible 18 -hole. golf course. Commissioner Jaffoni said she preferred Council Member Black's language for the third bullet which was not specific to Hollydale. Chair Holmes said he has an issue with Council Member Black's third point directing the City conduct an economic evaluation now. Commissioner Davis reviewed that 1) the Planning Commission didn't like the petitioners' third bullet, 2) Council Member Black said the City will conduct an economic evaluation now, and 3) the Comprehensive Plan says if need determined to preserve public golf in Plymouth we will then consider our economic options. Commissioner Jaffoni agreed with Commissioner Davis, that the three bullets in current draft are very appropriate. She said she likes the three reasons in the petition why golf courses are important and would include those in addition to the three policies. Chair Holmes agreed. Commissioner Davis said there should be an introductory paragraph to policies related to golf courses and recommended that Council Member Black's introductory paragraph be included. Commissioner Cooney agreed that Council Member Black's introductory paragraph be included. Page 30 Approved, Planning Commission Minutes December 5, 2007 Page 12 Commissioner Aamoth asked if an economic evaluation is typical for the City for a more comprehensive evaluation, and asked what encompasses financial viability. Park and Recreation Director Blank said an economic study includes information on number of rounds, revenue projections, and expenditures. The bottom line is can we break even which is typically what the City tries to do with public facilities. He said the City would address the issue of the capital expense of acquiring the commodity. Planning Manager Senness summarized the rewording of the petition. MOTION by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Aamoth, to recommend approval of the draft Comprehensive Plan Update, subject to review by adjacent communities and agencies and the Metropolitan Council. Amendment by Commissioner Davis, seconded Commissioner Aamoth, recommending the land use classification for property at 5605 Juneau Lane North be changed from LA -RT to LA -R2. Vote. 4 Ayes. Amendment approved. Commissioner Jaffoni voting Nay. Amendment by Commissioner Davis, seconded Commissioner Cooney, recommending the land use classification for property at 5945 Troy Lane North be changed from LA -RT to LA -R2. Vote. 4 Ayes. Amendment approved. Commissioner Jaffoni voting Nay. Amendment by Commissioner Davis, seconded Commissioner Cooney, recommending the land use classification for property at 6015 Troy Lane North be changed from LA -RT to LA -R2. Vote. 4 Ayes. Amendment approved. Commissioner Jaffoni voting Nay. Amendment by Commissioner Davis seconded Commissioner Jaffoni, recommending that the Comprehensive Plan update for Book 2, Section 7A on golf courses be revised as discussed and agreed upon. Vote. 5 ayes. Amendment approved. Roll Call Vote on Main Motion. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved. Community Development Director Juetten reviewed the amount of work involved in the Comprehensive Plan update. He said many people worked hard on it, but special recognition and thanks go to Planning Manager Senness for her time and effort. 7. NEW BUSINESS A. APPROVE 2008 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE MOTION by Chair Holmes, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to approve the 2008 Planning Commission Meeting Schedule. Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved. Page 31 Approved Planning Commission Minutes December 5, 2007 Page 13 8. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Chair Holmes, without objection, to adjourn the meeting at 9:29 P.M. Page 32 Pup, City of ymouth Adding Quolity to Life December 21, 2007 SUBJECT: SITE PLAN, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, INTERIM USE PERMIT AND VARIANCE FOR RYAN COMPANIES US, INC. (2007092) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by Ryan Companies US, Inc., under File No. 2007092, for a site plan, conditional use permit, interim use permit and variance for a pharmacy within the Taryn Hills commercial site located at the northeast corner of County Road 447 and Vicksburg Lane. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 500 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 2, 2008, in the Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the City Planning Department at (763) 509-5450 for more information. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter (lower level), on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. Sincerely, �A�V/71A �Cflryl �6 Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2007092propnotice2 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • TeL 763-509-5000+• www.ci.ptymouth.mn.us e, Page 33 MEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447 DATE: December 21, 2007 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager SUBJECT: League of Minnesota Cities, 2007 Property/Casulaty Dividend Attached is information on our League of Minnesota Cities 2007 Property/Casualty Dividend. We received $44,549 on December 10, 2007, compared to $25,000 in 2006. Page 34 %GU' of MINNESOTA CIT1 ES December 13, 2007 CONNECTING & INNOVATING SINCE 1913 To: Mayors and council members of LMCIT member cities From: LMCIT Board of Trustees Les Heitke, Mayor, Willmar Sherry Butcher, City Council, Eden Prairie Joel Hanson, City Administrator, Little Canada Jim Miller, Executive Director, LMC Mark Sievert, City Administrator, Fergus Falls Todd Prance, City Administrator, St. Peter Desyl Peterson, City Attorney, Minnetonka. Re: 2007 Properly/Casualty Dividend We are very pleased to alnlounce our community of city efforts has resulted in another successful year for LMCIT members. The LMCIT property/casualty program is returning a $7 million dividend this year to member cities. This amount brings the sum of dividends returned to $198 million since 1987. L MC.'IT Dividends $1911 I'dillion Since 1987 $25,000,000 ——~ ~-°- $20,000,000 - - - $15,000,000 --- - - - $10,000,000rn - ----- n, $5,000,000� — — °— . l P-111, rig I '87 '88 '89 '90 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 '00 '01 '02 '03 '04'05 '06 '07 1 ElPi operty/casualty D Work Comp The reason LIv1CIT is able to return a dividend is simple: Member cities have controlled losses. City and LN,1C1T loss control efforts have been focused primarily on liability concerns, and it's easy to see the payoff. LMCIT liability premium rates are about 30 percent lower than they were LEAGUE OF 1AINNESOTA CITIES 145U141VLRSr1YAVE. WEST rliuwE:(651)281-1200 iAx:(651)281-1298 INSURANCE TRUST Si. PAUL. MN 55103-2044 TOLL (REL (800) 925-1122 WEB: WW%V.LP Page 35 ten years ago. Our program is a tremendous success story, and as Minnesota city officials you Should all be very proud of what you've accomplished by working together through LMCiT. Enclosed is a chart showing your city's share of the 2007 LMCiT property/casualty dividend, how the dividend amount compares with your premiums, and what your past premiums and dividends have been. Each city's share of the total dividend depends on the city's total premiums and losses for all the years the city has been a member of LMCIT. The longer your city has been a member and the more sllccessfiul you've been in avoiding losses, the greater your dividend. What's behind the 2007 dividend? If you look at the graph of dividends on the First page of this memo, you'll notice there have been some ups and downs. This is a pattern worth paying attention to, because we think it's likely that i,MCiT members will see more variability in future dividends. Seven or eight years ago, LMCIT's projected property loss costs were about half of projected liability loss costs. This year, projected property losses are about three-quarters of projected liability losses. In addition, the total value of city property LMCiT is covering has roughly doubled since 2000. 'These shifts in the property/casualty program could have implications for future member dividends. The inherent variability in property loss costs means that the dollars available to be returned as dividends are going to vary from year to year — probably more so than they have in the past. in addition to recognizing the increasing importance of property losses and their inherent variability in the scheme of LMCIT dividends, it's also important to note how working with claim projections call impact the dividend amount. it takes several years until claims are settled and we knov,, for sure what the actual loss costs were for any given under\vriting year. For this reason, we have to wort: with estimates, which are continually revised and updated. The program's results and the amount of dividend we call return ill any one year don't just depend on what happened during that year; the year's financial results are also affected by changes in our estimates of what prior year losses will ultimately cost. 'file main factor behind this year's dividend is a generally positive outlook on average losses in the last five or six years. Although we've incurred losses at a slighily higher level than projected in a couple recent years, the overall picture of projected losses looks pretty good. Loss estimates for the 2006 underwriting year appear a bit better than v hat we'd projected; and early indications for 2007 losses look to he about what we'd expect. Again. the loss picture can shift pretty significantly from one year to the next, so we'll be continuing to \,,,atch these josses develop. Finally, the LMCIT Board used a small part of this year's net income to further strengthen the program's fund balance. 'rhe Hoard concluded that this was appropriate in light of the continued growth in the property/casualty program's premium voltlnle and the increased amount of risk LMCiT is now retaining. LMCIT will continue to return to nlc iiih! rs any funds that aren't needed For iosses, expenses, or reserves. Bill Nve can't guarantee 01:11 tier(. X -+-ill alw,11's he a si:,able dividend or any dividend at all. It's important to jeep this in mind when you're doing your iinancial planning. 2 Page 36 Why doesn't LMOT reduce premiums instead of returning dividends? Dividends are a by-product of LMCIT's conservative financial approach. LMCIT's premium rates are designed with a safety margin, so they'll cover losses and expenses even if the losses turn out to be greater than projected. This approach helps keep member premiums stable over time. if losses turn out to be at or below projections, the safety margin isn't needed and can be returned to members. In addition to the safety margin, LMCIT also operates with a fund balance should losses turn out to be greater than even the margin is designed to fund. Unlike a private insurance company, LIv1CIT is owned and controlled by its member cities. Because it's a non-profit cooperative organization, if LMC1T has funds that aren't needed for losses, expenses, or reserves, the only place those funds can go is back to the member cities. What about 20013? Liability premium rates will decrease modestly for the Coming year and property rates will remain stable. Through our collective efforts, we have been successful in keeping loss costs relatively stable over the years. It's important to renienrber, though, that liability and property losses are variable and it's always possible losses could turn out to be higher than our projections. We've also been increasing the amount of risk LMCIT retains. '[his should save money in the long run by reducing our reinsurance costs, but it could also result in more variability in LMCIT's loss costs – which would have a corresponding impact on the variability of dividend amounts. 6Vork comp premium rates will increase 5%. Rates,for the Volunteerfirefighter class will increase by an additional 4%. The overall frequency of employee injuries is down a bit in recent years and the percentage of injuries that result in lost time has stayed pretty constant. The average cost of wage replacement benefits for LMCIT Work Comp Injuries Average Medical Cost per Claim $8,000 LNICH'Pruperty anti Liability Nell1l Ul11) f?ate s - ---- $20.00 ----._...- ._..__._.__...._._... _...- _._..._... ----.�--.._...------- $0.20 $6,000 1 $16.00 $0 '15 m y' 4;12.00 ea,_ $4,000 $3,000 ♦ . i --♦--a-'+ , :: w.. �.. �_. _ ._. ..— t�.�--�__m $0.10 C �• $8.00 LiLi 2 $4.00 $0.05 1. a t-- $0.00 —I --+—I –;—,—--T—T—I $0.00 t - L '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '90 '99 '00 '01 02 '03 '04 '05 '06 '07 08 a- '97 '98 '99 �- '01 --�---Liability --+--Property tom.! Incurred have been successful in keeping loss costs relatively stable over the years. It's important to renienrber, though, that liability and property losses are variable and it's always possible losses could turn out to be higher than our projections. We've also been increasing the amount of risk LMCIT retains. '[his should save money in the long run by reducing our reinsurance costs, but it could also result in more variability in LMCIT's loss costs – which would have a corresponding impact on the variability of dividend amounts. 6Vork comp premium rates will increase 5%. Rates,for the Volunteerfirefighter class will increase by an additional 4%. The overall frequency of employee injuries is down a bit in recent years and the percentage of injuries that result in lost time has stayed pretty constant. The average cost of wage replacement benefits for LMCIT Work Comp Injuries Average Medical Cost per Claim $8,000 - ---- $6,000 1 $5,000 $4,000 $3,000 + ♦ ♦ + - $2,000 $1,000 LiLi F' 1. '97 '98 '99 00 '01 02 '03 '04 '05 '06 '07 tom.! Incurred at 6107 + Projected Ultimate K, Page 37 injuries that result in lost iime has essentially been tracking wage increases, which is what we'd expect to see. But rising medical costs continue to be a problem and are still the driving factor in work comp rates. The rate at which medical costs are increasing has grown — these costs are now expected to increase about 10 percent per year. (questions At the end of the day, premium rates and dividends depend on how many losses we have and how big they are. ']'here is very real value to be Found in working earnestly to prevent and control losses. Effective loss control requires the Support of the city's elected officials and the conscientious daily efforts of your city staff. The rate and dividend outlook this year demonstrates how LMCiT member cities have been actively controlling losses. Keep up the good work! if you have any questions about your city's share of' LMCIT dividends or our premium rates for 2008, please call Pete Tritz, L.MC FF Administrator, at 651-281-1265, or any of the members of the LWIT L3oard. Page 38