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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 03-18-2005CITY OF PLYMC rp) COUNCIL INFO A Dummy March 18, 20C _ UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit March 22 meeting agenda ................................. Page 3 March, April, and May Official City Meeting Calendars..................................................... Page 5 Tentative list of agenda items for future City Council meetings ........................................ Page 11 FOR INFORMATION ... News Articles, Releases, Publications, etc. Star Tribune Plymouth—related articles from the Wednesday "West Edition": City of Medicine Lake's opposition to the no—wake proposal ............................... Page 13 The Plymouth Community Foundation request for assistance in completing a gateway arch at the Hilde Performance Center ................................. Page 14 Mayor Johnson's opinion piece regarding the Market Value HomesteadCredit.................................................................................................... Page 15 Lakeshore Weekly News Plymouth—related articles: The Plymouth Community Foundation request for assistance in completing a gateway arch at the Hilde Performance Center ................................. Page 16 Election of officers for the Plymouth Community Foundation .............................. Page 18 MLC Opposes Governor Pawlenty's MVHC Cuts — Update 2005-01 March 16, 2005....... Page 19 Minnesota Cities - Prespectives on Transportation article regarding The Itaska Project, an informal association of the chief executive officers of Minnesota's largest companies prioritizing traffic congestion and highway safety.............................................................. Page 22 Staff Reports Memo from Public Service Manager Pat Qvale regarding Plymouth Metrolink funding and service levels.....................................................................................................Page 24 Minutes Highway 55 Corridor Commission January 14 meeting ..................................................... Page 27 Correspondence Letter from resident Vicki Aune regarding the Hennepin County smoking ban ................ Page 31 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO March 18, 2005 Page 2 Letter from City Manager Laurie Ahrens to Kathleen Carmody, Council member for the City of Brooklyn Center regarding time/location of Shingle Creek Watershed meetings............................................................................................................................... Page 32 Letter from City Manager Ahrens to Maple Grove City Administrator Al Madsen regarding Maple Grove's willingness to provide water to Plymouth in an emergency situation this coming year including an update on Plymouth's significant capacity upgrade.................................................................................................Page 35 Community Conversations to discuss the proposed expansion to the Plymouth Library have been announced. Two sessions will be held: June 9 at 7:00 pm and June 11 at 10:00 am Letter from Roger Scherer, Metropolitan Council, to Mayor Johnson regarding reviewing and commenting on the Metropolitan Council's Draft Water Resources Management Policy Plan......................................................................................................Page 39 Legislative Items League of Minnesota Cities Friday Fax............................................................................. Page 42 LMC 2005 State of the Cities Legislative Conference will be held on March 31, at the St. Paul Four Points Sheraton Hotel, I-94 at Hamline. Cost is $75 (payment upon invoicing) and registration closes Friday, March 25th.................................................Page 47 AGENDA PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT Medicine Lake Room (upper level of City Hall) Wednesday, March 23, 2005 7:00 p.m. 1. Approval of agenda 2. Approval of minutes for the February 23, 2005 PACT meeting 3. Presentation on advertising for Plymouth Metrolink by Jane Norling, KMT Communications 4. Review of the complaint log 5. Update on the Driver Appreciation Award 6. Identification of areas of concern and/or recommendations 7. Status of Station 73 Note: Please call Pat Qvale at 763-509-5052, if you are unable to attend. CADocuments and Settings\slanger\Local Settings\'Temporary Intemet Fi1es\0LK48F0\032305.doc r OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS March 2005 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 Feb 2005 S M T W T F S 6:00 PM POLICE DEPARTMENT RECOGNITION 7:00 PM PLANNING Council Chambers 7:00 PM CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING, Lunch Room 1 2 3 4 5COMMISSION, 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 EVENT, Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 500 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: DOWNTOWN & OTHER DEVELOPMENT ISSUES: Lunchroom 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Council Chambers 2:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 5:30 PM -7:30 PM YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE, 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room Plymouth Creek Center 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 PALM SUNDAY 7:00 PM Good Friday 11:45 AM PLYMOUTH PLYMOUTH BUSINESS COUNCIL, Sheraton Minneapolis West 12201 ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) - Medicine Lake Room Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka 27 EASTER SUNDAY 28 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council 29 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL 30 6:00 PM BOARD & COMMISSION RECOGNITION 31 Apr 2005 S M T W T F S 1 2 Chambers MEETING, Council EVENT - Plymouth 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Chambers Creek Center 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 modified on 3/16/2005 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS April 2005 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Mar 2005 May 2005 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS COMMENCES - set clocks ahead 1 hour 7:00 PM BOARD OF EQUALIZATION, C—il cn.mbers SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (Immediately fon wM Bd. er Equalization): CITY MANAGER QUARTERLY UPDATE, C—il Chambers 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:OOPMHUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL,Council Chambers 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC),Council Chambers 7:00 PM PARK & RED ADVISORY COMMISSION (FRAC), Council Chambers 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 a:oo AM't:ODPMHUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION STUDENT WORKSHOP, PlymaNM1 lw Cantor 700PMaOAROOF 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HOUSING& REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room 9:00 AM CITY AUCTION, City Maintenance Garage, 1490023rd Avenue PASSOVER EOUALRATION (RECONVENED), Council cnammm BEGINS AT (FOLLOWING a0 OF SUNSET ECIALING:TEDPOSAL,ers ME 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council 6:00 PM YOUTH SERVICE AWARDS, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY Chambers COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) - Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers modified on 3/16/2005 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS May 2005 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 5 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room 6 7 8 9 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 10 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 11 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EOC),council chambers 12 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 13 14 15 16 17 18 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 19 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room 20 21 9:00 AM -3:30 PM PLYMOUTH CLEAN-UP DAY, Public Works Maintenance Facility 22 23 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 24 4SAMPLY SM HE55 CWNCIL,L, —:lalon eUSIN Mm».PwrsW..Lu201 Rau.a.I.a .,M�..•w, 5:0011e:1PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING TOWN FORUM, Ply' —1, c.— 700 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, 11-111-1- 25 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT(PACT)- Medicine Lake Room 26 27 28 29 30 MEMORIAL DAY (Observed) - City Offices Closed 31 Jun 2005 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 Apr 2005 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 modified on 3/16/2005 x Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items March 29, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Consider Zoning Ordinance text amendment to change allowable uses the C-1 (Convenience Commercial), C-2 (Neighborhood Commercial), and C-4 (Community Commercial) districts. City of Plymouth. (2004057) (Postponed from February 8) • Consider issuance and sale of G.O. Housing Revenue Bonds and affirm the City's G.O. Pledge for the Plymouth HRA Senior Housing Project • Approve 2005 Garbage Hauler licenses • Authorize payment of the 2005 dues for membership in the I-494 Corridor Commission (postponed from February 22) • Hearing on 2005 Street Reconstruction Project for Districts 73 and 68 • Consider proposal from Plymouth Community Foundation relating to Hilde Center Gateway (postponed from March 8) • Setting public hearing for the issuance of Tax Exempt Bonds for Phase II of Providence Academy • Approve comprehensive plan amendment to reguide property located at 10 Zachary Lane from LA -1 (Living Area 1) to LA -2 (Living Area 2) and sketch plan for 42 dwelling units. Master Civil and Construction Engineering. (2004146) • Approve interim use permit to allow operation of a seasonal market for property located at 1605 County Road 101. Untiedt's Garden Market. (2005004) • Approve site plan amendment, conditional use permit amendment and variances to allow an 18,292 square foot expansion for property located at 15600 Old Rockford Road. St. Barnabas Lutheran Church. (2005005) • Approve rezoning from RMF -2 (Multiple Family 2) to RMF -4 (Multple Family 4), and preliminary plat and site plan to allow an 18 -unit condominium building on property located north of 11th Avenue and west of South Shore Drive. Henry Lazniarz. (2005007) • Approve revisions to final plat resolution for Vicksburg Lane Reservoir. City of Plymouth. (2004108) • Approve site plan amendment to allow construction of an accessory building for property located at 3399 Pilgrim Lane North. Tiburon Homeowners Association. (2005012) • Approve conditional use permit for an oversized garage (2,176 square feet) attached to a new home to be constructed on property located at 5525 Juneau Lane North. Martin Leeper. (2005009) • Approve conditional use permit to exceed 1,000 square feet in gross floor area of attached garage space for property located at 11925 -44th Avenue North. Kenneth Schneeberg. (2005011) • Consider payment to Plymouth Civic League for Music in Plymouth • Presentations: Announcement of Hennepin County Smoking Ban, Police Chief Mike Goldstein • Authorize the project for the Greenwood Elementary School parking lot • Approve 2005 City Council Goals and Issues for Study • Approve a contract with Laidlaw Transit Services, Inc. for Plymouth Metrolink services and Plymouth Dial -A -Ride services from March 27, 2005 through December 31, 2006 • Approve amendment to Highway 55 Corridor Coalition Joint Powers Agreement • Approve 2005 Trail Projects Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. Ii • Approve 2005 Park Projects • Amend Joint Powers Agreement for Highway 55 Corridor Commission • Approve EPA Phase II Annual Permit Application • Accept Proposal for Curly Leaf Treatment in Medicine Lake • Approve Plans and Specifications and Order Advertisement for bids for four designated Flood Control areas (3126) • Approve request for reduction in retainage for the 2004 Street Reconstruction Project (4101) • Approve request for reduction in retainage for the 2004 Street Reconstruction Project (4102) • Authorize "No Parking" restriction on the south side of 37th Avenue between Plymouth Blvd. and 30 feet to the east • Approve update to Engineering Guidelines • Establish and Revoke various Municipal State Aid Streets • Support Electronics Waste Recycling Legislation • Accept Preliminary Engineering Report and set a public hearing on the City Center Street Lighting Project, Vicksburg Lane/36th Ave. (4143) April 12, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Approve rezoning of property from FRD (Future Restricted Development) to RMF -1 (Multiple Family 1), and for a preliminary plat, site plan and conditional use permit to allow a residential development containing 43 townhome units on 11.25 acres located at 3735 & 3855 County Road 101. Perl Development. (2005001) / r; startribune.com Close window Last update: March 15, 2005 at 3:17 PM Boaters can feel free to make waves Ben Steverman Star Tribune Published March 16, 2005 The Medicine Lake City Council has blocked a Plymouth proposal to curb speedboating on Medicine Lake to protect plant life. Instead of setting up four no -wake zones -- an idea Medicine Lake's mayor called "a little heavy-handed" -- the two cities will try to set up a voluntary program that asks boaters to avoid the bulrush and lily pads that scientists say protect water quality and provide habitat for wildlife. Plymouth and the 360 -resident city of Medicine Lake share shoreline on the 936 -acre lake, which is the second largest in Hennepin County after Lake Minnetonka. Therefore, both cities must approve lake regulations. Plymouth's original proposal would have created four zones, marked by buoys, where boats could only travel if they made no wake. Outside the zones, boaters could go as fast as they wanted. Medicine Lake is popular with water skiers, who objected to the ordinance, arguing that the buoys would be confusing. Twenty of the 22 people who spoke at the Medicine Lake City Council meeting last week were opposed to the no -wake rules, according to the city's mayor, Mary Anne Young. The council decided it made more sense to "ask for people's cooperation rather than control it by ordinance." John Barten, the Three Rivers Park District water resource manager and an expert on Medicine Lake, had argued for the no -wake ordinance, saying studies show that fast boat traffic harms plant life in lakes. "Time will tell" whether a voluntary program will adequately protect the vegetation, Barten said. "If the boat user community is supportive of it, it will probably work," he said. Barten and the park district, which owns French Regional Park on the lake's northern end, will continue to study the plant beds to see whether a new program is having any effect. The cities still must develop a plan for how a voluntary program might work. Signs might be posted at the lake's only public boat launch. Buoys still might be placed in the water around the plant beds to warn boaters away, but compliance would be voluntary. The no -wake proposal was the latest of a series of steps that have been taken to try to clean up Medicine Lake, which the state classifies as an "impaired resource," with algae blooms and poor water quality. Contact the writer at 612-673-7168 or bstevermanCt�startribune cont. 00 Copyright 2005 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. startribune.com Last update: March 15, 2005 at 3:17 PM City loan could save Plymouth arch effort Published March 16, 2005 Close window THE GATEWAY: The fledgling Plymouth Community Foundation is likely to need some help from the city of Plymouth if it wants to complete its first major project, a gateway arch to the Hilde Performance Center, in time for a July celebration of the city's 50th anniversary. THE FOUNDATION: The Plymouth Community Foundation was started in 2003 to encourage Plymouth residents to donate money for local needs. The long-term goal is to accumulate a permanent endowment to generate income for local projects. But board members wanted the foundation's first project to be a high-profile effort that would attract attention and donors to the group. FIRST PROJECT: The foundation chose to try to raise funds for a gateway to the city's Hilde Performance Center, off of Plymouth Boulevard, as a way to make an initial, high-profile gift to the community. The foundation asked artists for ideas. THE WINNER: A design by Bonnie West Friedmeyer, a Plymouth artist, was chosen by the foundation and presented to the city, which would need to approve the project on its property. She designed "a metal, semi -circular pergola structure," which ties in architectural details from both the Hilde Performance Center and the Millennium Gardens nearby. THE MONEY: The foundation doesn't yet have enough money raised to fund construction of the gateway, which is expected to cost $50,000 to $55,000. In order to get the gateway built by July 6, when the city's 50th anniversary will be celebrated at the annual Music in Plymouth festival, the foundation is asking the city of Plymouth to front the remaining money for the gateway until the foundation can raise the rest. THE COUNCIL: The Plymouth City Council discussed the foundation's request last week without taking action, and the topic is likely to come up again when the council meets at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. If the city doesn't front the money for the gateway, the foundation probably couldn't afford to build it until the fall or next year. Ben Steverman Copyright 2005 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. startribune.com Last update: March 15, 2005 at 3:17 PM State should honor tax obligation to cities Published March 16, 2005 Close window I am writing to encourage taxpayers in Plymouth and across Minnesota to urge their legislators to reject cutting the Market Value Homestead Credit (MVHC) reimbursement to cities. Since the property tax reforms enacted by the Legislature in 2001, the state instituted a program to help individual homeowners lower their property taxes. The program reduces the annual property tax bill for homeowners by up to $304 based on the market value of their home. Sounds good -- lower taxes. Additionally, the state of Minnesota promised it would reimburse cities for the lower amount of property taxes collected from homeowners because of this program, therefore ensuring the cities receive the full amount of their property tax levy. This is clearly good government -- a city should be able to plan ahead and set its levy to fully fund the budget that provides essential city services. Well, not long after the MVHC program was started, the state suffered deep budget deficits. The state then decided to break its promise to cities and not reimburse the amount lost from the MVHC program. Why is that important to taxpayers and businesses in our city? In 2003, the Legislature voted to cut the reimbursement to Plymouth for the lost revenue to the tune of $737,393. In 2004, an estimated $688,700 was cut from our budget. The full market value credit was supposed to come back to cities in 2005, but now the governor's proposed budget has extended those cuts to 2005 and 2006. This is estimated to amount to approximately $1,363,700 of lost local revenue for the city of Plymouth. Only one year since the inception of the program, 2002, has the state kept its promise to reimburse cities. This totals approximately $2,798,792 in lost Plymouth revenue from the state that must be levied back on city taxpayers or cut from planned services. The total current cuts proposed to the MVHC program, for continued state deficit reduction, amount to about $38 million over the next two years, and affect 103 cities or 1,347,000 Minnesotans. I want to make sure everyone knows this is not state aid to cities. This is lost revenue from our own property tax levy. Cuts to the MVHC program ultimately mandate the city of Plymouth, and cities across the state, to subsidize one set of our own taxpayers (homeowners who receive the credit) at the expense of all of our taxpayers. This makes absolutely no sense and is contrary to the taxation principle of transparency. If the program is worthwhile, then the funding for it should be coming from the state, as promised. Also, keep in mind that only 20 cents of every Plymouth property tax dollar goes to the city. This is a large ongoing reduction in our budget that should be reimbursed to improve roads, public safety and other essential city services. Also, the decision to make these cuts comes halfway through our budget year. With the February forecast coming in with higher revenues than previously estimated, I strongly encourage the governor and Legislature to fulfill their promise to cities and local taxpayers. Regardless of any forecast or future budget cycles, this program needs to be reformed. If the state of Minnesota continues the MVHC property tax reduction program, the city of Plymouth and all Minnesota cities recommend that it be transformed into a program administered directly to the individual and leave our budgets out of the equation. Again, this promotes transparency in taxation and does not penalize cities and, ultimately, our taxpayers. I want to applaud Sen. Gen Olson, who represents a portion of Plymouth and cities in the west metro. Sen. Olson recently expressed an interest in restructuring this program to hold city budgets harmless. I also want to thank the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce for including this issue in its legislative policies and objecting to penalizing cities by the state not reimbursing the lost revenue from Homestead Market Value Credit. The Legislature should promote transparency in taxation, keep its promise to taxpayers and promote stable revenue funding for local governments. Taxes should be simplified and streamlined so people know where their taxes are going and how they are being spent. Please urge the governor and your legislators to keep their promise to reimburse cities and reform the MVHC property tax reduction program into a direct credit from the state to the individual. This keeps your property taxes lower, encourages greater fiscal accountability and improves transparency in taxation. Judy Johnson is mayor of Plymouth. i Copyright 2005 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. /5' PRINT Tuesday, March 15, 2005 Archway plans for Hilde Center still uncertain By Brett Stursa Staff Reporter Tuesday, March 15, 2005 It's still uncertain if the Hilde Performance Center will have a gateway before the city of Plymouth celebrates its 50th anniversary in July. The Plymouth Foundation, which was founded in 2003, hopes to construct the gateway as its inaugural project. But without the funds already available, it would be unlikely that the archway could be constructed in time. Because of that, the foundation approached the city to see if council members would be willing to advance the money. The foundation would pay back the money when the funds were raised. The project is expected to cost $50,000 to $55,000. If the city does not advance the money, the foundation would continue raising funds. It would construct the archway when enough money was raised. At its March 8 meeting, the proposal divided the council. Mayor Judy Johnson and council members Tim Bildsoe and Kelli Slavik opposed fronting the money, while council members Bob Stein, Jim Willis and Ginny Black were OK with the proposal. "I think it's better to fund -raise before it's built," said Johnson. Bildsoe agreed, saying he thought it would be more difficult to raise the money after the structure was built. "The incentive is gone to donate if it is already built," said Bildsoe. On the other hand, the council members supporting the advance said that it was important for the archway to be completed for the 50th anniversary. "The 50th anniversary is a one-time event," said Willis. The city has advanced money to other organizations to complete projects. The city fronted $725,000 to fund the third sheet of ice at the Plymouth Ice Center. The Wayzata Youth Hockey Association has pledged to pay it back. "This is really quite small from what we've done before," said Black. The Plymouth Foundation first approached the city about a year ago to discuss the project. In the fall of last year, the foundation held a design competition for the archway, which city staff then modified. The archway is expected to be a metal semi -circular structure that would be placed at the entrance off of Plymouth Boulevard. Steve Beachler, chairperson of the foundation's board, said that if the city did not advance the money, the foundation would still continue its efforts. It would likely be this fall or next year before construction would begin. Without a significant public appeal, Bleacher said the foundation currently has $2,500 in an endowment fund and $10,000 in its operating fund. The group hopes to raise $1 million in three years. "We have some big ideas on what we want to do," said Bleacher. Whether the foundation will realize its hope of having the archway in time for the city's Music in Plymouth program remains to be known. The council agreed to bring the proposal back at its March 29 meeting, when council member Sandy Hewitt is expected to attend. Hewitt's vote will likely determine the outcome. Related Links Content ® 2005 Lakeshore Weekly News Software ® 1998-2005 1upl Software, All Rights Reserved 17, Plymouth Community Foundation elects board of directors On Jan. 27, the Plymouth Community Foundation elected the 2005 members of its board of directors. Alan Shuler was elected to the board. The returning board members are Steve Beachler, Larry Brauch, Cindy Ackerman, Judie Anderson, Bruce Behm, Tom Davis, Bernie Klein, Melissa Musliner, Bill Nelson, Frank Weir, Barbara Willis and Jim Willis. Laurie Ahrens is an ex -officio member of the board. The trustees of the Plymouth Community Founda- tion include Ginny Black, Dwight Johnson, Judy John- son, Tim Naumann, Carrie Sandberg, Virgil Schneider, Bob Stein, Joy Tierney, Emily Anne Tuttle and Ellen Watson. The purpose of the Plymouth Community Founda- tion is to provide benefit to the residents and friends of Plymouth. For additional information about the foun- dation, write to: Plymouth Community Foundation, P.O. Box 47093, Plymouth, MN 55447. III iiiL(MUNICIPAL CGOIvIMISS O League of Minnesota Cities Building 145 University Avenue West, Suite 450 St. Paul, MN 55103 Telephone: (651) 228-9757 Facsimile: (651) 228-9787 UPDATE 2005-01 March 16, 2005 MLC OPPOSES GOVERNOR PAWLENTYS MVHC CUTS Governor Pawlenty has recommended extending the cuts in Market Value Homestead Credit (MVHC) reimbursement for 103 cities in his biennial budget recommendation. In 2003, the legislature imposed approximately $20 million in annual cuts to the MVHC reimbursement (mainly to those cities that received little or no LGA) for two years. The MVHC reimbursement payments to those 103 cities was scheduled to be restored beginning with taxes payable 2005. The Governor's bill (HF 660 Krinkie/ SF 753 Ortman) proposes an extension of the cuts for two more years, which would save the state approximately $38 million over the biennium. The cut has a significant financial impact to the MLC communities, which stand to loose approximately $20 million out of $38 million in statewide cuts. See chart below for specific MLC city impact: City MVHC cut'04 Apple Valley 1,112,293 Bloomington 1,630,492 Burnsville 1,231,999 Eagan 1,153,562 Eden Prairie 763,466 Edina 452,522 Maple Grove 979,793 Maplewood 268,296 Minnetonka 706,708 Plymouth 689,350 Shoreview 428,437 Woodbury 857,007 Totals 10,273,926 MLC opposes MVHC reimbursement cuts to selected cities. However, if the legislature chooses to implement the Governor's recommendations, at a minimum, we believe that cities should be removed from the administration of the homestead credit. Member Cities: Apple Valley, Bloomington, Burnsville, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Shoreview, Woodbury The MLC Update is prepared by Nilani Jayatilaka and Thomas J. Poul Messerli & Kramer P.A., 145 University Avenue West, Suite 450, St. Paul, MN 55103 Telephone: 651.228.9757 Fax: 651.228.9787 E-mail cjavatilaka«mandklaw_com and tpoul@mandklaw.com MLC SUPPORTS CHANGING THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE MARKET VALUE HOMESTEAD CREDIT The MVHC is a statewide program for homeowner property tax relief. The state pays a portion of each qualifying homeowner's property taxes up to a maximum of $304. The MVHC is not a payment to the homeowner, but a reduction in the taxes paid by the homeowner and the credit amount is actually part of the city's certified levy. The MVHC reimbursement does not reduce a city's levy like the LGA program. When cities establish their budgets, they are unaware of the dollar amount of MVHC for which their city homeowner may qualify. When the County Auditor calculates property tax statements for each homeowner, the city's total levy is spread among all property types, but the homeowner's is reduced by an amount equal to the city's proportional share of the qualifying amount of the homeowner's MVHC. The amount of reduction of the homeowner's property taxes is then paid to the city by the State of Minnesota. When the state fails to reimburse cities for their share of the MVHC, it is a direct loss to the city's budget. The MLC believes that the state should be honest with the property tax payer. As a result, the MLC supports legislation requiring MVHC reductions to a city be reflected on the homeowner's property tax statement. MLC SUPPORTS S.F. 073 (SELANGER),IH.F. 851 (LENCZEWSKI). FISCAL DISPARITIES STUDY Senator Bill Belanger (R -Bloomington) and Representative Ann Lenczewski (DFL -Bloomington) have introduced S.F. 073/H.F. 851 the Metropolitan Area Fiscal Disparities Program Study. The bill would require legislative fiscal staff to conduct a study of the metropolitan revenue distribution (fiscal disparities) program and report to the legislature by February 1, 2006 on findings and recommendations. The study will primarily address the question of whether the program is achieving the purposes for which it was created. Furthermore the study will try to address the following questions: 1) How has the program affected property tax disparities across the Twin Cities metropolitan area? 2) Is the formula for contributing tax base to the area wide pool reasonable? 3) Is the formula for distributing tax base to the area wide pool reasonable? 4) Does the program help promote orderly growth and encourage environmentally sound land use? 5) Does the program reduce competition for commercial -industrial tax base between communities? 6) Do local governments derive sufficient tax revenues from commercial -industrial property to cover the costs of providing services to the property, considering the tax base that must be contributed to the area wide pool? 7) Could improvements be made to the administration of the program? The MLC supports reexamining the fiscal disparities program. Link to S.F. 073: http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.php?bill=SO073.0&session=ls84 Link to H.F. 851: http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbiI1.php?bill=H0851.0&session=ls84 MPILC OPPOSES GOVERNOR RAWL_ENTY'S TURBOCHARGED TRUTH IN TAXATION On Wednesday, March 10th Governor Pawlenty and House Taxes Committee Chairman Phil Krinkie (R - Shoreview) laid out a proposal for "turbocharged truth in taxation" -- a notification mechanism that would make it easier for property owners to block property tax increases by city and county governments. The proposed system (which would require legislative approval) would work like this: attached to the bottom of the annual notices of planned property tax changes -- the truth in taxation notices, mailed in November -- would be a simple new survey designed to determine whether taxpayers are satisfied with the city's and county's proposed tax levy. The detachable form would ask taxpayers two questions (the proposal does not include school districts): 1) Are you satisfied with the proposed property tax levy for the county? 2) Are you satisfied with the proposed property tax levy for the city? If the number of mailed -in "no" responses exceeded 20 percent of the total parcels of property in the jurisdiction, a referendum would be triggered, and voters would be able to choose between two options: the proposed levy, almost always an increase, or freezing it at the prior year's level. Property owners would get a vote on the triggering mechanism for each parcel they own, meaning those with more than one parcel would get more than one vote. Renters would not vote. 1 See details below for how the plan would unfold: Nov. 9-21: Truth in taxation notices with new "taxpayer satisfaction surveys" are sent to taxpayers. Dec. 1: Surveys must be received to be counted. Dec. 8: Results of survey are announced. If "no" responses exceed 20 percent of total parcels of property in the jurisdiction, a referendum would be triggered. Dec. 15: Deadline to recertify levy at previous level to prevent referendum. Dec. 28: Tentative final levy certification. Jan. 31: If triggered, referendum would be held, with voters choosing between proposed levy for 2006 and the actual levy for 2005. Referendum would be open to all qualified voters, not just property taxpayers. Note: The survey would not apply to school districts and townships or cities with a population under 500. Source: Governor's office The proposal has drawn criticism from local government groups. "Leaders of umbrella organizations for city and county government said the proposal contains several procedural problems, one being that the timetable laid out would schedule a referendum one month after cities have certified their annual budgets. It's government by polling, asking for a simplistic response to complex issues," said Jim Mulder, executive director of the Association of Minnesota Counties. "Elected county officials spend months making difficult decisions, and citizens would spend seconds on one small part of the decision." (Star Tribune, Smith, 3.10.05). The MLC opposes Governor Pawlenty's proposal, because it imposes limitations on local decision making. The Turbocharged Truth in Taxation proposal significantly limits the predictability necessary for local governments to plan with financial confidence. 1 Details provided by the Star Tribune "Pawlenty seeks tax -increase blocker" (Smith, 3/10/05). PERSPECTIVES ON TRANSPORTATION Go Minnesota The Itasca Project, an informal association of the chief executive officers of Minnesota's largest companies, is committed to making progress on our state's most critical issues. Among its highest priorities is addressing traffic congestion and highway safety. "As a result of inaction, Minnesota now lags behind many peer regions when it comes to providing suitable transportation options for citizens." By Jay Cowles ccording to the Texas Trans- portation Institute, in 2002, Minnesota drivers spent an average of more than $700 per year in "congestion tax"—wasted gas and time stuck in traffic. In all, Min- nesota drivers spend a full work -week (42 hours) every year sitting in traffic.With one million more people expected to move to Minnesota over the next 25 years, traffic congestion will continue to get worse unless something is done. Furthermore, after two decades of reduced auto crashes and deaths, Minnesota is again reaching record - high road fatalities. Since most fatal accidents occur on two-lane high- ways, investing in highway upgrades will help make our roads safer. The effects of limited transpor- tation options go beyond wasted time and gas money. Congested and unsafe roads create less time for family, hospital ambulances take longer to get to and from accident scenes, truckloads of consumer goods increase in price as commer- cial vehicles take longer to travel, and our public health suffers from increased air pollution. As a result of inaction, Minnesota now lags behind many peer regions when it comes to providing suitable transportation options for citizens. Political gridlock is holding us back from progress against traffic grid- lock. Cities across the country, such as Denver, Dallas, and San Diego, have not only taken the first, but also the second and third, steps in furthering their residents' transpor- tation options. Many states have shown their commitment to pros- perity and quality of life by dedi- cating time and funding to build long-term, stable, state investments to expand transit and highways during the next decade and beyond. The Itasca Project, an informal association of the chief executive officers of our state's largest com- panies, is committed to making progress on our most critical issues. Together, we are dedicated to keep- ing the Twin Cities economy and quality of life competitive with other regions. Among our highest pri- orities is bringing together a broad array of diverse interests to address the problem of traffic congestion and highway safety in Minnesota. Itasca Project transportation agenda Last September, the Itasca Project proposed a long-term, statewide transportation agenda framed by core principles and backed up by a public advocacy campaign. Based on solid research and extensive analysis conducted by countless public and private experts, a solu- tion is clear for our ailing transpor- tation system: ■ Increased investment. Minnesota needs to invest in better transit and roads with predictable, account- able, and long-term funding. ■ Expanded options. Transportation investments must support a variety of options, including expanded transit and improved roads. ■ Innovation and reform. Transpor- tation investments should be led "Last September, the Itasca Project proposed a long -tern, statewide transportation agenda framed by core principles and backed up by a public advocacy campaign." iV1 I N N n a U 1 n I., I t i n a r D D K v A K z 6 v v J "go Minnesota! is a statewide, public -engagement campaign dedicated to accelerating our state into action about the transportation problems we face and giving voice to all Minnesotans who care about improving transportation options in our state." by aggressive reform and innova- tion to ensure that current and future funding is used as effi- ciently as possible. ■ Appropriate revenue. Transporta- tion options should first be funded with dedicated transportation - related and user -supported revenue. ■ Accountability. Future transpor- tation investments should be tied to specific projects to the fullest extent possible, so Minnesotans know what we're paying for. Our considerations. Chief among our considerations is a commitment to encourage innovation and reform of current transportation operations, such as: ■ Aggressive use of transportation - related user fees. ■ Streamlining transportation planning, approval, and project management. ■ Improving highway accident management. Added to efficiency savings, we identified areas for increased long- term, stable, state investment to expanded transit and highways over the next decade and beyond, including: ■ Adding lanes to highways to build capacity where needed most. ■ Relieving bottlenecks, especially at problem interchanges. ■ Creating new transit options linking. key metro centers and in greater Minnesota. go Minnesota! campaign The Itasca Project hopes to help advance a meaningful solution to this vexing regional challenge. We developed our transportation prin- ciples while working with a broad array of organizations and experts who have deep experience with the issue. Although devoted to finding new and innovative solutions to this rising problem, we cannot reverse these trends alone. Therefore, we plan to continue developing partner- ships into a lasting, growing advo- cacy effort called "go Minnesota!" go Minnesota! is a statewide, public -engagement campaign dedi- cated to accelerating our state into action about the transportation problems we face and giving voice to all Minnesotans who care about improving transportation options in our state.The campaign wants Minnesotans to get where they need to go with reliable transpor- tation options that enhance our quality of life and promote future growth and prosperity. go Minnesota! is a coordinated campaign whose leadership includes the Itasca Project, along with the Minnesota Center for Environmen- tal Advocacy, the Minnesota Busi- ness Partnership, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the Min- nesota Transportation Alliance, the Association of Minnesota Counties, the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities, and Transit for Livable Communities. go Minne- sota! is proud to count the League of Minnesota Cities among its doz- ens of organizational sponsors. For too long, the transportation issue has sat on the sidelines looking for action while our roads became more and more congested.While growth is good, out -of -control traffic gridlock and dangerously unsafe roads will only erode our quality of life and cripple our commerce. If Minnesota does not take action to address its transportation problems, gridlock and current transportation options will continue to worsen. As upgrades fall behind, solutions will ultimately cost taxpayers more money and make less of an impact without a long-term, strategic plan that is reliably funded now. What is it going to take to get Minnesota going again? How will we get an honest solution from our state's leaders in 2005? Minnesotans concerned about traffic congestion and road safety need to speak up now Visit gominnesota.org to: 1. Tell us what you think about transportation with our online survey. 2. Tell others what you think about transportation on the web log. 3. Tell your elected officials what you think about transportation with our easy action center. With your help we can acceler- ate our state into action: inform, engage, activate. Ir Jay Cowles is co-chair of the go Minne- sota! campaign and co-chair of the Itasca Project. E-mail: iiifo@,goiiiinnesota.org. Web site: www.gominnesota.org. FEBRUARY 2005 M I N IS -£-5'0 T A"X-- I T I ES "As upgrades fall behind, solutions will ultimately cost taxpayers more money and make less of an impact without a long-term, strategic plan that is reliably funded now." DATE: March 18, 2005 TO: Mayor and Council -� FROM: Pat J. Qvale, Public Services Manager SUBJECT: PLYMOUTH METROLINK FUNDING AND SERVICE LEVELS On March 14, 2005, the transportation committee of the Metropolitan Council released for public consideration a fare increase and service cuts proposal to help address a $60 million funding deficit for the region's public transit system. The fare and service proposal will be considered by the full Metropolitan Council on March 23 and then be discussed at public hearings in April. The Metropolitan Council is scheduled to take final action in mid-May. The fare increase, if approved, would be implemented on July 1, and service adjustments discussed at the public hearings would, if approved, take place in September and in December. For the complete details on the service cuts, fare increase, and public hearing dates, please go to: www.metrocouncil.or Some 70 percent of Metro Transit routes and Metropolitan Council regional routes operating on weekdays would be impacted in some fashion by a proposed 10 percent reduction of regular -route service. Plymouth Metrolink's budget and service plan are separate from Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council. However, both Plymouth Metrolink and Metro Transit rely heavily on revenues from motor vehicle sales taxes (MVST). At this point, Plymouth Metrolink will conduct a review of our existing service. Council will have an opportunity to review any restructuring or alternatively use transit reserve funds to maintain existing service. Due to declining MVST revenues associated with lower than expected automobile sales, Plymouth Metrolink will not be able to implement any significant new service for expansion without allocating transit reserve funds. Our current transit reserve balance is $1.8 million. Plymouth Metrolink would be required to implement any approved increase to the regional fare structure. The proposal calls for a 25 -cent increase to the current peak -express bus fare. In addition to fixed route service, Plymouth Dial -A -Ride service demand would increase to offset the proposed Metro Mobility service area potential reductions. The 2005 Potential PLYMOUTH METROLIN FUNDING AND SERVICE LEVELS PAGE 2 Metro Mobility Service Area map is enclosed. The proposed reduction of service would eliminate Plymouth's Metro Mobility service. Pick-ups and drops would be limited to areas within one mile of a remaining regular bus route that provides, primarily, all -day, fixed route service. Under the proposal, the service area would no longer follow municipal boundaries. The one -mile service areas remains well within the federal guideline, which requires that service be delivered only within 3/4 mile of a regular bus route. Staff is in the process of requesting statistical metro mobility ridership information to determine the impact to Plymouth residents. City staff will inform riders of the proposed fare increases and service cuts to provide them with the opportunity to contact local legislative members, and submit written comments regarding the Metropolitan Council proposed service cuts and fare increases, or attend future public meetings. Enclosure: Metro Mobility Proposed Service Area Map cc: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager L, 0:\Engineering\TRANSIT\MEMOS\2005\CC_Transit_Funding_03_ 18_05.doc 2005 Potential Metro Mobility Service Area (Preliminary Draft) \_ ADA Eligble Routes service area. Changes to Potential Metro Mobility Service Area m will impact to /�oA Current Metro Mobility Service Area a -t Is map, Transit Taxing District �.119.etropolitan Council / HIGHWAY 55 CORRI DOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridor from I-494 to Annandale, Minnesota Highway 55 Corridor Coalition Full Membership Committee Meeting Meeting Minutes Friday, January 14, 2005 9:30 a.m. —11:30 a.m. Hennepin County Public Works Facility 1600 Prairie Drive, Medina Training Room 1. Call to Order — A quorum being present, Jack Russet called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m. 2. Introductions - Jack Russek, Wright County; Wayne Fingalson, Wright County; Arne Hendrickson, Minnegasco; Marvin Johnson, City of Independence; Karla Heeter, Wright County; Penny Steele, Hennepin County; Gary Erickson, Hennepin County; Mark Casey, City of Annandale; Chad Adams, City of Medina; Anne Hurlburt, City of Plymouth; Loren Harff, City of Greenfield; Dennis Peterson, City of Rockford; Willard Vetsch, City of Loretto; Ralph Ordorff, Buffalo Township; Larry Otto, Rockford Township; Dave Montebello, SRF Consulting Group, Inc.; Brad Larson, SRF Consulting Group, Inc.; Rebecca Yao, SRF Consulting Group, Inc. 3. Approve Meeting Minutes from October 15, 2004 and November 19, 2004 —Motion by Marvin Johnson, seconded by Anne Hurlburt to approve the October 15 and November 19, 2004 meeting minutes. Motion passed with all voting in favor. 4. Election of Officers for 2005 • Chairman — Motion by Karla Heeter, second by Penny Steele to nominate Jack Russek. Anne Hurlburt moved that nominations cease and that a unanimous ballot be cast... All approved. Jack thanked the Coalition for their support. Vice Chairman — Penny Steele moved and Karla Heeter seconded the nomination of Marvin Johnson as vice -chair. There being no other nominations, the motion was approved unanimously. Secretary — Penny Steele moved and Karla Heeter seconded the nomination of Anne Hurlburt as secretary. There being no further nominations, the motion was approved unanimously. 5. Consideration of Amendment 2 of Joint Powers Agreement- Brad Larson reviewed the proposed amendments to the Joint Powers Agreement that had been recommended by the sub -committee consisting of Jack Russek, Marvin Johnson, Wayne Fingalson, Gary Erickson and Brad Larson. It was noted that these C:Oocuments and Settings RhofjrnanILocal SettingslTemporaty Internet FilesIOLK211-14-05 Membership Minutes.doc Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Wright County Highway Department 1901 Highway 25 North wavne. frnzalson(dico. wriz/a. ntn. us Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 Phone: 763/682-7383 FAX: 7631682-7313 E-mail: / HIGHWAY 55 CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridor from I-494 to Annandale, Minnesota proposed changes had also been reviewed by the Wright County Attorney who had no issues with the amendments. The proposed changes are as follows: Article 9.5 --Changed definition of a quorum to 25% of members being present. Article 9.8 --Grammatical change to capitalize Coalition Article 10.2 --Changed majority to quorum in first sentence. Changed ten to three in second sentence. Article 12.5 --Removed the word "modify". Removed the last sentence "The Party's financial contribution shall be deemed approved by a Party in the absence of action by December 23." Article 12.6 --Changed last sentence from approval of a majority of the "parties" to majority of "members in attendance at a membership meeting." Article 24 --Removed "registered or certified" mail and replaced with "mail, electronic mail (email) or fax." There was considerable discussion on the wording of Article 12.6 with the Committee agreeing to maintain the proposed amendment language with the exception that the date of December 1 be changed to December 15 which is the date that Counties and Cities must establish their coming year budget. Marvin Johnson moved and Gary Erickson seconded the motion that the proposed amendment to the agreement with the change in Article 12.6 be submitted to all parties for approval. Motion was approved. Both a clean copy and a copy with the tracked changes will be sent to all Joint Powers Members with a cover letter and a sample resolution. 6. Membership Committee Report - Karla Heeter gave an update on the membership committee. Currently, the main focus is on the website — it includes a calendar of events, photos, and contact info. The publicity for the website will be a postcard campaign and possibly some billboards. There will be a booth at the Wright/Hennepin Electric Cooperative customer appreciation dinner on Tuesday, March 22, 2005. The next membership committee meeting is scheduled for February 10. Karla noted the committee's appreciation of Mark Casey's addition to the committee and encouraged other members to take part in the Membership Committee if they are interested. Karla passed around an article in the Annandale paper on Karla's and Wayne's January 3, 2005 presentation to the Annandale City Council about the Coalition. It was recommended that a news release of this meeting and the election of officers be prepared and sent to local newspapers along with photos of the new officers. Penny Steele volunteered her staff to prepare the news release. 7. Financial Report -Wayne Fingalson handed out the Financial Report noting that 2005 membership dues are coming in with a couple of new members already joining. 8. Technical Advisory Committee/MnDOT Report (TH 55 Future Traffic Demand Study Update) Dave Montebello gave an update on the TH 55 Future Traffic Demand Study. The schedule (see attached) has been revised and it shows that the study will be completed by the end of May. The study is looking at 6 scenarios, with year 2000 existing conditions as a basis for comparison: 1) 2030 No Build (No improvements to TH 55, but other local improvements) 2) 2030 6 lanes CR 116 to I-494 3) 2030 4 lanes Rockford to CR 116 4) 2030 6 lanes CR 116 to I-494 with 4 lanes Rockford to CR 116 (combination of 2 and 3) C. -Documents and SettingslkhoffinanV ocal Settingsl Temporary Internet Files I OLK211-14-05 Membership Minutes.doc Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone: 763/682-7383 Wright County Highway Department FAX: 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North E-mail: tigte. in raison u co.w'risTht mn.us Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 Q' �� HIGHWAY 55 CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridor from I-494 to Annandale, Minnesota 5) 2030 4 lanes Buffalo to CR 116 6) 2030 6lanes CR 116 to I-494 with 4lanes Buffalo to CR 116 (combination of 2 and 5) The project has three components: 1) Forecasting, 2) Operations, and 3) I-494/TH 55 Interchange concepts. Forecasting looks at daily traffic volumes along the corridor for each of the scenarios (see attached Average Daily Traffic (ADT) Map). The study team will also be looking at traffic volumes along parallel routes, local streets, and collectors/arterials to see if traffic is diverted to or pulled off of TH 55 with each of the alternatives. The operations part of the project will examine intersections near the I-494/TH 55 interchange to see how they function (see attached preliminary analysis). The study team has performed a preliminary operations analysis for scenarios 1 and 2. The study team has looked at preliminary I-494/TH 55 interchange concepts. The concepts have been discussed with the city of Plymouth, but won't be developed further until an environmental document is needed. Other handouts include a 3 -year crash analysis (2001-2003). The analysis summarizes various segments of the corridor and identifies areas of concern. The segment crash rates are compared to the average crash rate of similar facilities in the district. The study team will also be looking at another alternative that consists of 4 lanes from Buffalo to Rockford only (2 lanes from Rockford to CR 116 and 4 lanes from CR 116 to I-494). Many of the coalition members indicated that this alternative does not make sense (sets up 4 -lane, 2 -lane, 4 -lane scenario). The TH 55 corridor should be considered in its entirety; improvements should go to where they are most needed. This alternative is being looked at because of funding issues that may arise with different jurisdictions. Another alternative that is being investigated is the improvement (upgrade and extension) of Hennepin County CSAH 30 into Wright County CSAH 33. This corridor connects growing areas in Wright County to the developing TH 610 area. Other suggestions by the coalition members – Anne Hurlburt suggested looking at a Schmidt Lake Road interchange and its impact on TH 55/I-494 interchange. 9. Legislative Updates Federal—Gary Erickson gave an overview of the federal activities. He noted that a new submittal requesting authorization in the new Federal Transportation Bill (re -authorization of TEA -21) needs to be submitted to Congressman Kennedy by January 28, 2005. The Coalition will be requesting $5 Million for FY2006 and noting a $25 Million total authorization request. Brad will prepare submittal for review with Wayne submitting to Congressman Kennedy and Gary to forward to C: (Documents and SeuingslkhoffmanlLocal SettingslTentporag Internet FilesIOLK2U-14-05 Membership Minutes.doc Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Wright County Highway Department 1901 Highway 25 North wayne.fingralsonia.co.wri�rhtm in_us Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 Phone: 763/682-7383 FAX: 763/682-7313 E-mail: / HIGHWAY 55 CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the SS Corridor from I-494 to Annandale, Minnesota Hennepin County's Washington lobbyists to follow up and make sure that everything has been addressed properly. State ---Gary Erickson reviewed the Governor's Transportation Proposal. 10. Establish Next Full Membership Meeting Date and Time —The next meeting is March 18, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. at the Hennepin County Public Works Facility, Training Room. 11. Other Business —Brad noted that MnDOT Metro would like to make a presentation on their draft Transportation System Plan (TSP) to the Coalition. Due to a scheduling conflict, they could not present the TSP to the Coalition today, and with a short comment period, it would be too late for the Coalition to review at the March 18, 2005 meeting. Anne Hurlburt moved and Marvin Johnson seconded the motion that the TAC meet with Brian Isakson of MnDOT to review the TSP and prepare comments for the Coalition to submit to MnDOT. All members will be notified of the date and time of the MnDOT presentation should they be interested in attending. Motion carried. Brad handed out a letter from the District 3 Functional Classification Committee recommending that District 3 upgrade the Functional Classification of TH 55 from Buffalo/TH 25 to the Wright/Hennepin County line to a Principal Arterial. 12. Adjourn —The meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Brad Larson, SRF Consulting Group, Inc. C:IDocuments and SettingslkhofnanUocal SettingslTemporaty Internet FilesOLK211-14-05 Membership Minutes.doc Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Wright County Highway Department 1901 Highway 25 North wa yne. ingalson(i4co.wri,_t_mn.us Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 Phone: 7631682-7383 FAX: 7631682-7313 E-mail: March 08, 2005 RE: Smoking Ban Let me introduce myself. My name is Vicki Aune, I have been a resident of Hennepin County my entire life, have owned a number of homes, have raised a family, owned a business for 25 years, been room mother for years, active in PTO, raised money for many organizations in my community, paid personal and corporate taxes. I have worked hard to get where I am today and I am proud of my accomplishments. I am also a smoker! I have always been considerate of others. I don't walk down the streets or stand outside doors smoking and I surely am not going to start, even with the ban. There are other communities that have taken much more common sense approaches to the smoking issue and that is where I will spend my money. This ban needs to be changed! Smokers are not 2°a class citizens or the scum of the earth, as many believe, but are just like me hard working law abiding citizens whose rights should also be protected. It's never to late to admit to and correct mistakes! Show the taxpayers (this group is also our local business) you are a concerned but tolerant Council member that is willing to compromise and let them know "Freedom" applies to everybody and "Discrimination" is not spelled differently when it applies to smokers! March 16, 2005 Kathleen Carmody, Councilmember City of Brooklyn Center 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 Dear Councilmember Carmody, I am responding to your letter on behalf of the Plymouth Mayor and City Council. The issue of time and location of Shingle Creek Watershed meetings has been discussed by the Plymouth Council on several occasions. The noon meeting time has made it difficult for our commissioners, some of our councilmembers, and the public to attend. We would have no objection to a change in meeting time or location. If the Commission decides to use a rotating basis, Plymouth would be willing to hostmeetings. Our individual councilmembers may have more specific comments, but I feel quite confident offering you this response based on their past discussions. Thank you for taking the time to bring this issue forward to the member communities! Sincerely, Laurie Ahrens City Manager R--.— --. — "-" . PLYMOUTH AddiiW Quniity to Life 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 www 6 nlvmrnrth mn us MCity of Brooklyn Center arch 8,204 Millennium Community Dear Mayor and Council Members: City of Plymouth I have been attending the Shingle Creek and West Mississippi Watershed meetings for the last few months. I would like to suggest that we alter the meeting location. I have noticed that not only do I have trouble hearing the various members when they speak, but so do others. The visual aids (i.e. maps,) are difficult to see from the seating arrangement required in the room. Additionally, it seems that the lunch that is required to get the room at Edinburgh is a luxury given the budget constraints that we cities have faced over the past few years. Could we work out a schedule to have them at 8 a.m. or 2 p.m. for instance, at all the city halls on a rotating basis? This would allow for better acoustics due to the smaller seating needed without lunch and allow for a decent Power Point display. It would reduce the cost as well. The 8 a.m. or 2 p.m. time would allow those of us with flexibility the time to attend, if so desired. The current time breaks up the day too much. I discussed this with my own city council and they thought the proposal had merit. Please discuss this with your council and let me know by April 10th. I have included my card with my e-mail and phone number. Kathleen Carmody, Brooklyn Center City Council Member MAR 9 4 1005 Cc: Cities of Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Crystal, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Osseo, Plymouth 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway Recreation and Community Center Phone & TDD Number Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 (763) 569-3400 City Hall & TDD Number (763) 569-3300 FAX (763) 569-3434 FAX (763) 569-3494 aotuw.cityofbrooklyncenter org Ed�n�burg�. USA EVENT AND CONFERENCE CENTER Managed by Lamer at Sdffiburgli, Inc. Client/Organization SC Water Management Event Date 2/10/2005 (Thu) Address 3235 Fernbroolc Lane, Plymouth, MN 55447 9 2 6 IV Telephone Fax Event # (763)553-]144 (763) 553-9326 E03264 Booking Contact Site Contact Guests Diane Draper Diane Draper 20 (Pln) SC Water Management 3235 Fernbrook Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 in vodo ice Event held on Thursdgy, February 10, 2005 Penne Pomodoro-Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce, Garlic, White Wine, @ 12.44 Homemade Beef Stew in Bread Bowl with Small Caesar Salad @ 12.44 Chefs Salad with House Dressing on the Side @ 12.44 Small Garden Salad @ 12.44 Chicken Caesar Salad @ 12.44 Assorted Soda's @ 1.75 Projection Screen + Subtotal Surcharge Taxes Total Paid Balance 8x8@25.00 4 PAYMEi�ITS AIIADE Pavment Date Method 111.96 24.88 74.64 12.44 12.44 28.00 25.00 $289.36 $47.59 $21.91 $358.86 .$0.00 $358:86 Please remit the "Total Balance Due" within 30 days of the Event Date Address all correspondences to Denise Turner, Sales Representative. 2/10/2005 D4:07 pm Lancer at Edinbur h Inc. Page 1 Of 2 6700 Edinbrook Crossing, Brooklyn Park MN 55443 - t: (763) 315-8500 f. (763) 315-8540 www.LancerCatering.com Mr. Al Madsen City Administrator City of Maple Grove 12800 Arbor Lakes Parkway, P.O. Box 1180 Maple Grove, MN 55311-6180 Dear Mr. Madsen: The City of Plymouth appreciates Maple Grove's willingness to consider providing water to our community in an emergency situation in the coming year. Our staff have been in communication about a possible agreement. I am responding to the recent letter from Gerry Butcher dated February 18, 2005. Plymouth is in the process of making significant upgrades to the capacity of our water system. Improvements costing over $30 million, including new and expanded treatment plants, new wells and a new reservoir, are scheduled to be completed before our peak water demand season in 2006. We will then have a treatment capacity of 28 MGD (million gallons/day) which, along with blending, will accommodate our needs for some years to come. We have also taken steps to encourage conservation. A new mid-day sprinkling ban will take effect this year, in addition to our odd -even ban and tiered water rates. At the same time we've been making upgrades, we've had some unexpected repairs to an existing well, which increases the risk that we may be short of capacity in the near term. Therefore, we inquired about the possibility of purchasing water from Maple Grove. We expect that this would occur only on extreme peak demand days. At this time we do not foresee the need to purchase water from Maple Grove on an ongoing basis. Future growth of our community could result in the need for further water system expansions; the possible advantages to both communities of sharing water supply can be evaluated again at that time. Mr. Butcher has proposed two possible rate scenarios for Plymouth's purchase of water from Maple Grove in 2005. Scenario One proposed a base charge of $25,000 per year and a rate of $1.10/1,000 gallons, with an assumption that we would con sect for 60 to 90 days and consume approximately 100 million gallons. Scenario Two proposed a rate of $1.71/1,000 gallons with an assumption that Plymouth would utilize water from Maple Grove on extreme peak days. We understand that the $25,000 base charge proposed in Scenario One is intended to cover some of the additional "fixed cost" of having additional wells available. If Plymouth were to purchase water on an extended basis this might be appropriate, but that is not the case. If, in the future, Maple Grove (due to a failure of part of its system or some other unforeseen emergency) would find it necessary to buy water from Plymouth, Plymouth will be willing to provide water for PLYMOUTI=f A Beau-tif- url'(ace. to Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD - PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 -TELEPHONE (763) 509.5000 Al Madsen March 15, 2005 Page 2 of 2 essential needs without expecting Maple Grove to pay for part of the capital costs of our wells and treatment plants or expecting to make a profit. The rate of $1.71/1,000 gallons in Scenario Two is based on an assumption that all of the water purchased from Maple Grove would be sold by Plymouth at the highest rate of our tiered system, which is $1.71/1,000 gallons. This is an erroneous assumption. Even at peak times, only the largest residential users will pay the top tier rate, and will pay for only a portion of their water at that rate. Most water for residential users, and all water for commercial users, will be sold at the lower tiers of our rate structure ($.80 or $.91/1,000 gallons.) Our records indicate that our average rate for water sold is actually $1.13/1,000 gallons, significantly less than the top tier. Maple Grove's current water rate is $.90/1;000 gallons, plus a•water treatment surcharge of $3.30 per residential customer.' This rate covers all of your water system cost, not just the marginal cost of producing the water. (It is our understanding that the water Plymouth would receive would be coming directly from your wells, not the treatment plant, so the surcharge would not be applicable.) Mr. Butcher's letter indicates that Maple Grove incurs additional electrical costs for pumping when water is supplied to Plymouth. Our own electrical cost for.producing water in 2004 was $.098/1,000 gallons. An additional charge to cover those costs may be appropriate. Based on this information, it would seem to be more reasonable that Plymouth purchase water from Maple Grove on an emergency basis in 2005 at a rate of $1.10/1,000 gallons. This is $.20/1,000 gallons more than charged to Maple Grove customers, more than sufficient to cover the marginal costs of producing the water. Plymouth would not anticipate making a "profit", as we expect to recover an average cost of about $1.13/1,000 gallons. Likewise, if Maple Grove finds it necessary to purchase water from Plymouth some time in the future, we would propose a similar rate. I'd be happy to meet with you and other Maple Grove representatives about this proposal. Please give me a call at 763 509-5051 to discuss it. Sincerely, Laurie Ahrens City Manager cc: Gerry Butcher, Maple' Grove Public Works Director Anne Hurlburt, Plymouth Community Development Director/ Acting Public Works Director Dale Hahn, Plymouth Finance Director Cityof Maple Grove 12800 Arbor Lakes Parkway, P.O. Box 1180, Maple Grove, MN 55311-6180 763-494-6000 February 18, 2005 Ms. Aiu.e Hurlburt 1111 Director of Community Development I FR13 City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Subject: Water Availability for 2005 Dear Ms Hurlburt: CDMM!Jpi..12' DEVELOPS/I'_II�I�I I:I�;�;�I�: The City of Maple Grove is very willing to provide water to the City of Plymouth in 2005 in an emergency situation. The Plymouth and Maple Grove Councils are to be commended for their foresight by establishing substantial intercomzects which allow both Maple Grove and Plymouth to supply each other water in emergency situations or for an ongoing period. The Maple Grove Council has elected to have enough pumping capacity so that the City could provide our citizens water without sprinkling bans, even with 1 or 2 wells out of service. This decision certainly comes with. a.co.st..as two`(2)'additioaal-wells have a.cost ..o.f about $1.5 million. Maple Grove is only in the position of being able to provide water to the City of Plymouth because the City has expended approximately $1.5 million for additional wells. Inasmuch as the City would be utilizing these wells to serve Plymouth, it seems appropriate that Plymouth would share in the "Fixed cost" of having these wells available. The fixed cost is estimated to be.$75,000/yearbased on a 5% rate of return. The City of Plymouth should receive additional revenue if you sell additional water at the rate of $1.71/1,000 gallons. 0:1 1!):) i1..ill.ion Cgallons, the City of Plymouth would receive additional revenue of $171,000. I would therefore propose that water be sold to Plymouth in 2005 under one of two rate scenarios. This, of course, will need to be approved by our City. council if we reach consensus. The rate scenarios are: Scenario One: • Base Charge of $25,000 per year and rate of $1.10 per 1,000 gallons. Under this scenario it is anticipated that Plymouth would connect a portion ofPlyinouth to the Maple Grove system for a period of 60 — 90 days with annual Consl.unption of.approximately 100 million gallons. "Serving Today, Shaping Tomorrow" AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY�NPLOYER ® Printed on Recoled Pal r containing at least 15% Anne Hurlburt February 18, 2005 Page 2 • Plymouth cost - $135,000. • Potential Plymouth revenue $171,000. Scenario Two: • Charge of $1.71 per 1,000. Note — this assumes that Plymouth would only utilize water from Maple Grove on extreme peak days, i.e. 10 days at 4 million gallons per day at $1.71 per 1,000 = $68,400. • Cost to Plymouth - $68,400 • Potential revenue to Plymouth $68,400 The above rates are based on the concept that Maple Grove has invested more money in its infrastructure and it should get a rate of return for monies already spent for additional facilities. At some point in time I'm sure that the City of Plymouth will also have excess facilities while Maple Grove could be short on pumping capacity and we would be open to purchasing water from Plymouth under the same scenario. For your information, Maple Grove's electrical cost per 1,000 gallons increases significantly when we provide water to Plymouth as we hold our water reservoirs at a higher elevation and we, also trigger the $1,500/month +/- demand charge at a couple of additional well locations. In summary, I'd be very happy to meet with you and any other Plymouth representatives to discuss this issue further. Maple Grove has enj oyed it's relationship with the City of Plymouth and certainly wants to provide water under emergency situations with minimal charge. For non emergency situations where Plymouth does not have facilities to meet the water demand, Maple Grove would expect to be compensated at rates commensurate with our investment. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or need further information. GEB:sr Cc: Al Madsen, City Administrator Sincerely, Gerald E. Butcher, P.L. Director of Public Works November 5, 2004 Mr. Gerald E. Butcher, P.E. Director of Public Works City of Maple Grove 12800 Arbor Lakes Parkway Maple Grove, MN 55311-6180 SUBJECT: 2005 WATER USAGE Dear Mr. Butcher: CIiV OF PLVMOUTR Over the past few years, the City of Plymouth has been very appreciative that the City of Maple Grove had made available a portion of its water supply when and if it was needed in the City of Plymouth during periods of extended maximum day usage. One such instance occurred in August 2003, when Plymouth's peak water usage was exceeding its supply for several days. Due to the inter -connections between our cities, it was a relatively easy process to disconnect a portion of Plymouth in the northeast quadrant of our City from Plymouth supply system and open a few valves in order to supply that area with Maple Grove's water. This past summer, weather conditions were somewhat better and we were able to adequately meet our peak demand with our own water supply. The purpose of this letter is to once again request Maple Grove's concurrence in supplying the northeast corner of, Plymouth with Maple Grove water in 2005 if necessary to met our peak demands. It is understood that Plymouth would only make this water supply request if absolutely necessary and your accommodation of this request would be contingent upon excess capacity that Maple Grove has available. The City of Plymouth is currently underway with significant improvements to our water supply system, which should be completed in early 2006 and subsequently, eliminate or significantly reduce Plymouth's need for an auxiliary water source except in emergency situations. These emergency situations could occur in either City and through our partnership, either City could hopefully address the other's emergency needs in the future. For your information, the following is the status of our projects, which should meet our needs into the foreseeable future. Currently Knutson Construction Company has a contract with the City of Plymouth to construct a new 13 MGD water treatment plant, which will replace the existing 13 MGD plant. In addition, our Zachary Water Treatment plant will be upgraded and expanded from its current 7.5 MGD capacity to a 15 MGD plant. Work is PLYMOUTH A LutifuCPCace to Live SUBJECT: 2005 WATER USAGE Page 2 cuiTently underway on the new Central Plant and final completion is required by December 2005. In the interim, the existing Central Plant will continue in operation. Work on the Zachary Plant has recently commenced with an upgrade to the existing facility, which will increase its capacity to 11 MGD. This upgrade necessitates shutting down the plant from November of this year until April 4, 2005. The existing Central Plant should be able to adequately meet our needs during this shut -down period. The Zachary Plant will then become operational at its upgraded capacity of 11 MGD until shut -down occurs again in the fall of 2005. The contractor will then begin the expansion work, which will add three filters to the existing eight at the Zachary Plant and this work is scheduled for completion in March 2006. We will then have a treatment capacity of 28 MGD, which, along with blending, should accommodate our needs for some years to come. In addition, we will be bidding a 6 million gallon reservoir to be located in the northwest quadrant of Vicksburg Lane and Schmidt Lake Road on December 3, 2004 with completion anticipated toward the end of 2005. This will be a pre -cast structure and the pumping station has been designed with accommodation for additional pumping capacity if Plymouth and Maple Grove decide in the future to directly connect our systems. We previously discussed this possibility and sometime this winter we should schedule a meeting to discuss this and other areas of mutual interest. Thank you for your consideration of our request for an emergency supply of water if necessary in 2005 and 2006 if our project has major problems. A confirmation letter along with your anticipated charge per thousand gallons would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, 070, , N"ffl/� Daniel L. Faulkner, P.E. City Engineer enclosure cc: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager Anne Hurlburt, Director of Community Development Tom Vetsch, Public Works Superintendent Brian Young, Sewer and Water Supervisor 0:\Engineering\GENERAL\LTRS\DANF'004\Mapte Gr_Wtr2005.dot ,s 4�� Metropolitan Council March 16, 2005 Mayor Judy Johnson City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447-1482 Dear Mayor Johnson. Thank you for reviewing and commenting on the Metropolitan Council's Draft Water Resources Management Policy Plan. The Council's Environmental Services staff are in the process of compiling the comments, drafting a response and revising the Draft Plan. I understand that staff will be mailing a packet to you this week that includes a copy the 40+ comments, the Council's response and a revised Policy Plan. The Council's Environmental Committee will be reviewing and discussing the revisions at the Tuesday March 22 meeting. The comments and responses will also be posted on the Metropolitan Council's website. http://www.metrocouncil.orgiplanning/franiework/timeline.htin Thank you again for your thoughtful comments. If you have questions or would like to discuss this further, please feel free to contact me at 763.557.9749 or roger. scherer(i�metc. state.mn. us. Sincerely, 4 �4 j4�x�_ Roger Scherer Metropolitan Council, District 1 www.metrocouncil.org it rg Metro Info Line 602-1888 230 East Fifth Street • St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-1626 • (651) 602-1000 • Fax 602-1550 • TTY 291-0904 An Equal Opportunity Employer Mar 11 Z005 16:53:20 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Plymouth Paye 001 Of 005 -Frl F ax - da LC y .,,.,"ic,.,,,, A weekly legislative updatefrom the League of Minnesota Cities March 11, 2005 Page 1 Governor's supplemental budget The governor's overall budget released recommendations continue to rely on an Thursday afternoon, the governor released his supplemental budget recommendations for the upcoming two-year budget. The supplemental recommendations are unveiled shortly after the Department of Finance releases the February budget forecast and therefore reflect the effects of the updated forecast and any reprioritization of the governor's initial budget proposal. The February forecast increased the revenues available for the balance of the current biennium, which ends this June 30, by $175 million. In addition, the projections for revenues available for the 2006-2007 biennium increased by $234 million. Despite these "increases," the state continues to face a deficit for the upcoming biennial budget. However, given that the governor's initial budget was based on lower available revenue projections, the improved budget forecast effectively translates into more available revenue for the governor's budget. The governor's supplemental recommendations would increase K-12 education funding by $108 million, $66 million of which would be used to increase the basic education finance formula. When combined with the governor's earlier budget recommendation, he is now proposing that the basic education funding formula increase by 2.5 percent per year for the upcoming budget cycle. The governor's supplemental budget did not restore funding for the market value homestead credit cuts proposed by the governor in January. assumed $200 million one-time infusion of revenue from a new casino. If that source of revenue is not realized, the governor and Legislature will have to find other revenues or other expenditure reductions before the end of the session. The governor may have provided some protection from the possible loss of the casino revenue and also from the possible loss of federal revenue due to Congressional action that could negatively impact the state. His supplemental recommendations include a set aside of $75 million which he labels as a "federal transition reserve." According to the governor, this reserve would be used to cover potential federal cuts to a wide range of non - entitlement discretionary programs, although it apparently would not be limited only to those uses. The governor's budget recommendations are only a starting point for legislative budget negotiations. The Legislature has two months remaining in this session to craft a final state biennial budget. Questions? Contact Gary Carlson at 651, 281.1255 or at S crr lsc;�rz;'cz>.im.rzc:.cars? What is the proper role of a city council? This week, the Governor's Chief -of -Staff, Dan McElroy, during a discussion on Minnesota Public Radio was asked the question, "Has the governor taken a position yet on whether or not people in the local communities where a casino would be sited --whether they should be For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 Mar 11 2005 16:54:00 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Plymouth Page 082 Of 005 'Frida L M C -Fax- y A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities March 11, 2005 Page 2 allowed to vote on this or just go with whatever in the House Governmental Operations & the city council says?" McElroy replied, "We believe the city council should make that decision. I've looked at how it's been done in other parts of the country and the challenge is if the community were to undertake a referendum, it's likely the current Indian gaming group would spend a ton of money to defeat it. The proponents would have to spend a ton of money to pass it. It gets into a battle that's not particularly constructive...... it still wastes a lot of resources, pits neighbor against neighbor and I don't think it's necessary. We believe a city council resolution would be the right way to go." In a completely unrelated note, Governor Tim Pawlenty and House Tax Committee Chair Phil Krinkie this week unveiled the Taxpayer Satisfaction Survey at a meeting of the Minnesota Association of Realtors. The proposal would allow property owners to petition for a vote on a city council decision to increase the property tax, making it difficult for city councilmembers and mayors to answer the question posed in the title of this article. We hope Chief -of -Staff McElroy will share his views on the role of city councils with others at the state capitol. Questions? Contact Gary Carlson at 651.281.1255 or at �c:ailsr.an'c%im.nc;.ai . Action Alert! House hearing next Tuesday on salary cap proposal Legislation that would give Minnesota cities and counties control over local compensation decisions will be heard on Tuesday, March 15 Veterans Affairs Committee. The bill, I:II? 9_9_5, repeals the statute that limits local government compensation to 95 percent of the governor's salary. This legislation also eliminates the related cap on salary that is counted for pension purposes. Rep. Ron Erhardt (R -Edina) is the chief sponsor of the House bill and Sen. Steve Kelley (DFL - Hopkins) is carrying the Senate companion. The proposal is supported by a bi-partisan group of legislators. HF 995 passed out of the House Local Government Committee last week on a 10-8 roll call vote. We expect that the vote in the Governmental Operations Committee will also be close. Please contact members of the committee before Tuesdav's hearinn to encourage them to reveal the salary cap or to provide a higher limit that includes an annual inflationary adjustment, which will be offered as an amendment if necessary. The members, their phone numbers and e-mail addresses are listed below: Rep. Kathy Tingelstad, (651) 296-5369, rc� .>.kath -.tin ..elst:a.d u-house.rnn Rep. Dan Severson, (651) 296-7808, re .daxt.sc�-ersort��z�house.n:ur Rep. Phyllis Kahn, (651) 296-4257, reypll:vllis_kahxzii".klouse rrin Rep. Michael Beard, (651) 296-8872, re _mik.e.beart:l;e'i�housexnrl Rep. Lloyd Cybart, (651) 296-5506, a=e1.�; .Ilo�rd.l�.�rbar'tci;llCsus c�mn Rep. Randy Demmer, (651) 296-9236, re .rand �_dexrtxru�r�i'z,hc�us<S_rrtrt Rep. Jerry Dempsey, (651) 296-8635, re.. i ex J.derrl se ' C :house.nin Rep. Joe Hoppe, (651) 296-5066, rc� .'oe.lro x c:;�zhoz�,se.xnrt For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League ofMinnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 Mar 11 2005 16:54:44 Via Fax _> 763 589 5060 Plymouth LC -FriYda Fax - A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities Rep. Larry Hosch, (651) 296-4373, rep. .11C)sC.11!Ci'l1C)usC5.rrlrl Rep. Howard Swenson, (651) 296-8634, 1 %)mrirt:lz. C).t1:C1`it)1'1 : ,house_ un Rep. Sheldon Johnson, (651) 296-4201, 1"d5"'}Sl1P.:�(:11)11. ,C).�lrl);Call'['t.?11Cb'tl rd:!.:C11r1 Rep. Tina Liebling, (65 1) 296-0573, 1C..).t:lrt:l..�1e 71:1r15Ytf' hmise.ma Rep. Leon Lillie, (65 1) 296-1188, e.)_le arz lill:iL.4- l()ctsd:�.rll.rz Rep. Diane Loeffler, (651) 296-4219, re )..dlane.lod f11vr&hops(:".:111.:[1 Rep. Tim Mahoney, (651) 296-4277, rep..'tilrimla or1E?'r;!X.kl1:tSd'.1r1i1 Rep. Denny McNamara, (651) 296-3135, r'C'').CjeYl:il. y.:111d'.:rz:irnar;,l�l1%:lld)1xSk?.:111.n Rep. Mark Olson, (651) 296-4237, r�= )_rrl�sr:k:.lson �zshouse_mn ,_.._t`.. o ---- __ _ Rep. Aaron Peterson, (651) 296-4228, rE5�a�1fC)11.)C§td�!rSC)rl'P.'l1'1C)l'AS(:?.YY).1i Rep. Neil Peterson, (651) 296-7803, r e ).Hell.)et:erSU1l(C'r 11d)liS(:'...mn Rep. Marty Seifert, (651) 296-5374, re)_mart y.se7te:rL4 !house.nin Rep. Lynn Wardlow, (651) 296-4128, 1"15'.).1'Y'1:11.'Li"a'fd'1147'�'i"L%l1iJll:Sd?._Trl:[1 Rep. Andy Welti, (651) 296-4378, 1"15 .) . a'n(:1�•. cr elt.1� rx-.tl.aus c5. xrin Questions? Contact Laura Offerdahl at (651) 281-1260 or at lcff'+,rclr..zlzl%f<Imnc,ors:r Street utility bill narrowly clears hurdle in Senate The Senate Transportation Committee took a neutral position on the League's street utility initiative, S ........ ...-......._ Grove), at a Thursday hearing. On a vote of seven to four, the bill was passed without recommendation to the Senate State and Local Government Operations Committee. A prior motion to table the bill was defeated on a vote of five to five. Page 003 Of 005 March 11, 2005 Page 3 The committee heard strong testimony by the bill's author, Senator Sharon Marko, and by city officials, that street utility authority would provide a fair and much-needed tool for street preservation funding. The bill ran into trouble when some key supporting senators left the hearing to attend other committee meetings. Subsequently, cities lost a couple of swing votes on the committee to the bill's opponents. Representatives of the Minnesota Multi -Housing Association, the Minnesota Trucking Association, the Minnesota Grocers Association and the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties used familiar arguments that cities would use the fees to unfairly "tax" businesses and that property taxes should sufficiently cover the cost of street maintenance and reconstruction. They also charged that the mechanism used to calculate the fees—trip generation rates—is obscure. In fact, the trip generation information would be taken from the Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual, which is widely accepted by engineering and planning professionals. The manual is a key source of information used to make decisions about traffic management, safety and development. Some members of the committee noted that they had not heard from city officials in their districts on this initiative and were not inclined to support it without local pressure. The next hearing on SF 366 has not been scheduled. The outcome of this legislation will depend largely on the ability of city officials to make the case that this street funding tool would be useful and would be implemented carefully and fairly at the local level. For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 Mar 11 2005 16:55:30 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Plymouth LC -FridaY Fax - A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities League members have a small remaining window of opportunity to influence this legislation. If your city supports the initiative, now is the time for you to inform or remind your legislators of your interest. To learn more about the street utility initiative, go to the League's Street I.atilitj 4.ctioi:i 'Toolkit on the LMC website vv NN-w.1mric orl ). Questions? Contact Anne Finn at 651.281.1263 or at afin.n!&4m.n.c.or Extracurricular activities to remain in schools for now HF 1090, a bill that would have shifted responsibility for student activities such as sports and arts from school districts to local governments, met its demise this week in the House Education Policy and Reform Committee. The authors, Rep. Mark Buesgens (R -Jordan) and Rep. Mindy Crreiling (DFL -Roseville), said the bill had been introduced in an effort to help facilitate a discussion about the use of education dollars and the appropriate role of schools. The bill was greeted with alarm by educators, students, parents and local government officials. The authors acknowledged the initiative was controversial and, after several committee members and testifiers made it clear there was little appetite for this shift, they agreed to lay the bill on the table. Paye 804 Of 085 March 11, 2005 Page 4 The Senate companion, SF 1381 (Pappas, DFL - St. Paul), has not been scheduled for a hearing. Questions? ContactAnne Finn at 651.281.1263 or afinn@lmnc.org. Liquor law changes discussed this Monday The Senate's Liquor Subcommittee will meet on Monday to take up a number of liquor related bills. Among the bills they will hear that impact cities are: SF 1444 (Anderson, DFL -St Paul) mandating that cities issuing liquor licenses perform two compliance checks a year per license, and setting a minimum administrative penalties for sales to minors. SF 1131 (Ourada, R -Buffalo) prohibits any new municipal liquor stores. SF 1435 (Kleis, R -St. Cloud) requires any city with a municipal liquor operation to issue an off -sale license to any qualifying entity. The committee will take a vote on 51~'._144 , but will not on either of the municipal liquor bills. The wine in grocery stores proposal, SF 1572 (Scheid, DFL -Brooklyn Park) is not scheduled for this hearing, although many of the issues brought forward in these bills are some of the same arguments made for expanding the sale of wine to grocery stores. This bill was introduced this week in the Senate; the companion is FIF 1727 (Beard, R -Shakopee). The House companion committee, the Liquor subcommittee of Regulated Industries, will meet Monday night to hear the non- controversial local bills. The hearing is at 7 pm in the State Office Building, room 500 North. House staff has said they will not be taking up any controversial bills at that hearing. Far more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovemmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 Mar 11 2885 16:56:11 Via Fax -> 763 589 5868 Plymouth L M/-C- -Frid(a.vFax- 4V7 A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities Commerce Subcommittee on Liquor Chair: Sen. Sandra L. Pappas 12 noon Room 15 Capitol Agenda: SF 1280-Skoe: Minors alcoholic beverages purchase, possession or consumption strengthened restriction. SF 1444 -Anderson: Alcoholic beverage sales to minors mandatory civil penalties and compliance checks. >F 155 -Dibble: Authorizing the city of Minneapolis to issue an on -sale license. SF 1072 -Hann: Eden Prairie on -sale intoxicating liquor license. The following bills will be heard for discussion only; no votes will be taken: SF 1130-Kierlin: Wine sales exclusive agreements prohibition. SF 1131-Ourada: Municipal liquor stores establishment prohibition. >:f 132". Dibble: Beer market dual distribution prohibition repeal. SF 1435-Kleis: Municipal liquor store cities off -sale licenses issuance. 'SF 158..5 -McGinn: Modifying law relating to wholesaler - retailer relationships. Questions? Contact Jenn O'Rourke at 651.281.1281 or atiorourke'ct.,lnznc.oEg Committee meetings Committee schedules are changing frequently To get the latest information on committee agendas, check the legislative websites Legislative home 12age Make your city's voice heard at the Capitol—State of the Cities Legislative Conference set for March 31 The State of the Cities Legislative Conference is set for March 31, 2005 and will be held at the Four Points Sheraton, St. Paul. This conference is followed by the City Day at the Capitol—the Page 885 Of 885 March 11, 2005 Page 5 perfect chance to meet with your legislators and tell your city's story. At this conference, you'll: • Learn about key legislative initiatives and issues facing cities this session, including transportation, land use and water quality *. • Hear about the 2005 State of the Cities Report • Learn how Minnesota cities are coping with fiscal pressures and how our cities compare to other states. • Find out about the Financing Local Government Task Force recommendations. • Hear from legislative leaders. • Network with other city officials and learn how to foster closer state -local partnerships. • Stay on for the networking social hour from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Kelly Inn, Sweetwater Bar and Grill. Registration Fee: $75 person Questions? Contact Cathy Dovidio at (65 1) 281-1250 or (800) 925-1122, or e-mail: cdoyldio F4", mric.orga Register online anytime at: Qnline. Registration *Also learn more about impaired waters at legislative update sessions on April 1 or 8. For more information visit Impaired Waters For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 LMC 2005 State of the Cities Legislative Conference Make Your City's Voice Heard Understanding the state of our cities and the impact of upcoming legisla and administrative actions is crucial in these changing times. Mark your calendar to attend the State of the Cities Legislative Conference, to: • Learn how Minnesota cities are coping with fiscal pressures and how our cities compare to other states. Findings of the State of the Cities Report 2005 will illustrate cities' achievements and ongoing challenges. • Review the recommendations of the Financing Local Government Task Force Report. • Get briefed on legislation important to cities in areas such as transportation, land use, and water quality. • Hear from legislative leaders and meet with your legislators to discuss your city's issues during City Day at the Capitol -- opportunities to foster a closer state -local partnership. • Network with your colleagues. View And Print Agenda Date & Location: • March 31 --St. Paul Four Points Sheraton Hotel, I-94 at Hamline Online _Reg_ stratio_n Cost to attend this LMC training event is $75. Once online, registration i; submitted, an invoice will be generated and sent to your city. Please do i send payment until your city has received an invoice. Registration close, Friday, March 25. Cancellation Policy: All cancellation requests must be in writing, faxed postmarked seven days prior to the conference, and are subject to a $35 handling fee. All unpaid registrations not cancelled seven days prior to t conference will be billed at the full registration rate; no refunds will be r Register online today. Q_ueston_s? . Cathy Dovidio. Phone: (651) 281-1250 or (800) 925-1122.